Steve Guttenberg told The Sun over the weekend that a screenplay is being written for an eighth Police Academy movie with all the available original stars set to return.
“So far it is really great, everyone from the original movies who is still around will return,” says” Guttenberg. “I know Kim and Sharon have been asked but they haven’t said yes yet. It would be really great to have them onboard.”
But didn’t Mission to Moscow say everything that needed to be said? Do we really need another Police Academy sequel? And who is the audience for this film? Would people return to the theaters just for a pop culture flashback? I think not. And if that doesn’t scare you, how about a third Three Men and a Baby film?
“Tom Selleck, Ted Danson and I are looking to make another Three Men And A Baby movie,” says Steve. “It’s called Three Men and A Bride. The script is pretty much written and we are really keen to get that made. We’re very hopeful.”
Hopeful isn’t the first word that comes into my mind. But then again, I’m not Steve Guttenberg.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
NBC Announces January 2009 Schedule
NBC has announced its lineup for January 2009. The full press release follows:
NBC announced today the January 2009 schedule that features the series premieres of "Superstars of Dance" (debuting January 4) and "Howie Do It" (January 9), the returns of "The Biggest Loser: Couples" (January 6) and "Friday Night Lights" (January 16).
Likewise, NBC will broadcast the original movie event "The Last Templar" Sunday and Monday, January 25-26, 9-11 p.m. ET both nights).
NBC also showcases the new specials "Saturday Night Live Sports Extra" on Sunday, January 4 (7-9 p.m. ET) and "Saturday Night Live Film Festival" on Sunday, January 18 (9-11 p.m. ET). "Dateline NBC" also will broadcast a Presidential Inauguration Day Special on Tuesday, January 20 (10-11 p.m. ET).
Among the new night-by-night lineup changes are:
The two-hour premiere of "Superstars of Dance" - from the producers of "So You Think You Can Dance?" -- will be broadcast on Sunday, January 4 (9-11 p.m. ET) before the series resumes in its regular day and time on Monday, January 5 through January 19 (8-10 p.m. ET). The new competition series -- showcasing the world's best and most varied dancers -- will be followed on Mondays by "Momma's Boys" (10-11 p.m. ET), the new alternative series from executive producer Ryan Seacrest.
The season finale of "Superstars of Dance" will wrap on Monday, January 26 (8-9 p.m. ET).
On Tuesdays -- from January 6 -- NBC will telecast "The Biggest Loser: Couples" (8-10 p.m. ET) followed by "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (10-11 p.m. ET).
Fridays will see the debut of "Howie Do It" -- starring Howie Mandel of NBC's "Deal or No Deal" (8-9 p.m. ET) -- beginning January 9.
The critically acclaimed "Friday Night Lights" will then return to NBC's Friday-night lineup on January 16 (9-10 p.m. ET).
NBC announced today the January 2009 schedule that features the series premieres of "Superstars of Dance" (debuting January 4) and "Howie Do It" (January 9), the returns of "The Biggest Loser: Couples" (January 6) and "Friday Night Lights" (January 16).
Likewise, NBC will broadcast the original movie event "The Last Templar" Sunday and Monday, January 25-26, 9-11 p.m. ET both nights).
NBC also showcases the new specials "Saturday Night Live Sports Extra" on Sunday, January 4 (7-9 p.m. ET) and "Saturday Night Live Film Festival" on Sunday, January 18 (9-11 p.m. ET). "Dateline NBC" also will broadcast a Presidential Inauguration Day Special on Tuesday, January 20 (10-11 p.m. ET).
Among the new night-by-night lineup changes are:
The two-hour premiere of "Superstars of Dance" - from the producers of "So You Think You Can Dance?" -- will be broadcast on Sunday, January 4 (9-11 p.m. ET) before the series resumes in its regular day and time on Monday, January 5 through January 19 (8-10 p.m. ET). The new competition series -- showcasing the world's best and most varied dancers -- will be followed on Mondays by "Momma's Boys" (10-11 p.m. ET), the new alternative series from executive producer Ryan Seacrest.
The season finale of "Superstars of Dance" will wrap on Monday, January 26 (8-9 p.m. ET).
On Tuesdays -- from January 6 -- NBC will telecast "The Biggest Loser: Couples" (8-10 p.m. ET) followed by "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (10-11 p.m. ET).
Fridays will see the debut of "Howie Do It" -- starring Howie Mandel of NBC's "Deal or No Deal" (8-9 p.m. ET) -- beginning January 9.
The critically acclaimed "Friday Night Lights" will then return to NBC's Friday-night lineup on January 16 (9-10 p.m. ET).
Will Iron Man’s Realism Clash with The Avengers Universe?
Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr addresses his concerns about the announced superhero team-up movie The Avengers in a new interview with MTV:
“If we don’t get it right, it’s really going to suck. It has to be the crowning blow of Marvel’s best and brightest, because it’s the hardest thing to get right. It’s tough to spin all the plates for one of these characters,” Downey tells MTV, later adding: “The danger you run with colliding all these worlds is that Jon was very certain that “Iron Man” should be set in a very realistic way. Nothing that happened in Iron Man is really outside the realm of possibility. Once you start talking about Valhalla and supersized super soldiers and jolly green giants, it warrants much further discussion.”
It’s good to see that Robert has a good grasp on the material. The concerns he has mentioned are the same things that have worried me since the ultimate Marvel team-up movie was first announced. And before comic book fans comment — yes, I am well aware that The Avengers has worked in comic book form for years. I’m currently reading The Ultimates, and it works tremendously. But I think the world that Favreau set-up in the first Iron Man film has very different rules than say the world of The Fantastic Four, or the world that might be introduced in Thor. While the Iron Monger may have been somewhat fantastical, he was still rooted in reality, as is the entire film. It will be interesting to see how Marvel will work this out.
“If we don’t get it right, it’s really going to suck. It has to be the crowning blow of Marvel’s best and brightest, because it’s the hardest thing to get right. It’s tough to spin all the plates for one of these characters,” Downey tells MTV, later adding: “The danger you run with colliding all these worlds is that Jon was very certain that “Iron Man” should be set in a very realistic way. Nothing that happened in Iron Man is really outside the realm of possibility. Once you start talking about Valhalla and supersized super soldiers and jolly green giants, it warrants much further discussion.”
It’s good to see that Robert has a good grasp on the material. The concerns he has mentioned are the same things that have worried me since the ultimate Marvel team-up movie was first announced. And before comic book fans comment — yes, I am well aware that The Avengers has worked in comic book form for years. I’m currently reading The Ultimates, and it works tremendously. But I think the world that Favreau set-up in the first Iron Man film has very different rules than say the world of The Fantastic Four, or the world that might be introduced in Thor. While the Iron Monger may have been somewhat fantastical, he was still rooted in reality, as is the entire film. It will be interesting to see how Marvel will work this out.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Chris Brown, Kanye West Rule American Music Awards
Chris Brown was the big winner, but it was Kanye West's night at the American Music Awards. Instead of his typical tantrum -- a trend West started four years ago when he lost the favorite new artist prize -- the rapper claimed two trophies last night (Nov. 23) and called on his colleagues to up their game.
"It's our responsibility as musicians to keep pushing each other," West said. "We will be the new Beatles, the new (Jimi) Hendrix. I want to be Elvis."
West was named favorite male rap/hip-hop artist and his latest effort, "Graduation," won favorite rap/hip-hop album.
Brown took the night's top honors -- artist of the year -- as well as favorite male artist in both the pop/rock and soul/R&B categories. "I was shocked," the 19-year-old crooner said backstage. "I'm so thankful and grateful. I thought Coldplay should have won the award, but I'll take it."
Brown's gal pal, Rihanna -- who wore chains and a leather corset to perform her love ballad, "Rehab" -- was named favorite female artist in both the pop/rock and soul/R&B categories. Alicia Keys was another double winner: Her CD, "As I Am," was both pop/rock and soul/R&B album winner.
The American Music Awards traditionally centers on its performances, and Sunday was no exception. The show featured high-energy sets from Miley Cyrus, Ne-Yo and Beyonce, though a pair of lackluster medleys opened the program at the Nokia Theatre. Christina Aguilera channeled Madonna and the New Kids on the Block channeled an earlier version of themselves as each sang their latest singles and greatest hits.
Pink's new track, "Sober," was awkwardly introduced by slurring rocker Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots. Also performing were The Jonas Brothers, the Pussycat Dolls, Coldplay and Annie Lennox, who won the Award of Merit.
"I never thought I would live to see the day that I could be 53 years old standing on a stage," Lennox said as she accepted the trophy from Justin Timberlake. "It's been an incredible journey. Music: my friend, my accompaniment through life."
Other winners included Brad Paisley for favorite country artist, Taylor Swift for favorite female country act, and Rascal Flatts for favorite country favorite band, duo or group.
"I didn't really think that I had a chance at winning," Swift confessed backstage. "I thought, yes, it's good to be nominated, but I honestly didn't think I was going to win this award. I can't believe that I did. I can't believe that the fans did that for me. Everybody on MySpace, they're the reason I am holding this award right now."
Fans chose the winners through online votes.
"It's our responsibility as musicians to keep pushing each other," West said. "We will be the new Beatles, the new (Jimi) Hendrix. I want to be Elvis."
West was named favorite male rap/hip-hop artist and his latest effort, "Graduation," won favorite rap/hip-hop album.
Brown took the night's top honors -- artist of the year -- as well as favorite male artist in both the pop/rock and soul/R&B categories. "I was shocked," the 19-year-old crooner said backstage. "I'm so thankful and grateful. I thought Coldplay should have won the award, but I'll take it."
Brown's gal pal, Rihanna -- who wore chains and a leather corset to perform her love ballad, "Rehab" -- was named favorite female artist in both the pop/rock and soul/R&B categories. Alicia Keys was another double winner: Her CD, "As I Am," was both pop/rock and soul/R&B album winner.
The American Music Awards traditionally centers on its performances, and Sunday was no exception. The show featured high-energy sets from Miley Cyrus, Ne-Yo and Beyonce, though a pair of lackluster medleys opened the program at the Nokia Theatre. Christina Aguilera channeled Madonna and the New Kids on the Block channeled an earlier version of themselves as each sang their latest singles and greatest hits.
Pink's new track, "Sober," was awkwardly introduced by slurring rocker Scott Weiland of Stone Temple Pilots. Also performing were The Jonas Brothers, the Pussycat Dolls, Coldplay and Annie Lennox, who won the Award of Merit.
"I never thought I would live to see the day that I could be 53 years old standing on a stage," Lennox said as she accepted the trophy from Justin Timberlake. "It's been an incredible journey. Music: my friend, my accompaniment through life."
Other winners included Brad Paisley for favorite country artist, Taylor Swift for favorite female country act, and Rascal Flatts for favorite country favorite band, duo or group.
"I didn't really think that I had a chance at winning," Swift confessed backstage. "I thought, yes, it's good to be nominated, but I honestly didn't think I was going to win this award. I can't believe that I did. I can't believe that the fans did that for me. Everybody on MySpace, they're the reason I am holding this award right now."
Fans chose the winners through online votes.
T-Pain Says It's Time 'For Everybody Else' To Stop Using Auto-Tune
'Diddy actually gave me royalties,' says Pain, who wants similar compensation from other artists using the effect.
At the end of the "Can't Believe It" remix, T-Pain says that Auto-Tune is almost up. What? Why would Pain, whose Thr33 Ringz debuts at #4 on next week's Billboard albums sales chart, extinguish his signature sound now?
"Not for me," Pain clarified, "for everybody else." The singer — who told DJ Skee in a separate interview that artists such as Ron Browz have used the Auto-Tune effect poorly — told MTV News that his biters need to pay up. Hey, if Diddy can collaborate with Pain and pay him for using the Auto-Tune, so can you other guys.
"I gave T-Pain one point on my [upcoming] album for using the Auto-Tune," Diddy revealed on Sunday night during "Total Finale Live."
"Sign the papers," advised Pain, who also worked on his friend Kanye West's 808's & Heartbreak. "Diddy actually gave me royalties on this album just for using Auto-Tune. He signed the contract and everything. If I can do that with Diddy, somebody else better be signing something. It's Diddy. He didn't have to involve me at all. ... I'm writing and producing on his album, and he gave me extra royalties on top of that for using something I just brought back."
Pain said that Diddy's new material is in the lane of his singing-heavy hit "Last Night."
"I gave him eight tracks," Pain said. "Eight songs. I don't how many he's gonna use, but I'll tell you how many I gave him. He's doing a little more singing. He's more like the Euro style. He's keeping it hip-hop but bringing some Euro in it. Very electronica."
Probably the biggest collabo Pain has coming up is more time with Justin Timberlake. JT surprised Pain by sending over vocals for the "Can't Believe It" remix a couple of weeks back.
"He sent it to me, I added what I did to it, and we got a remix now," Pain explained, adding with a gold-toothed grin, "I think that's what he did it for. I think he figured, 'If I do a remix, I can get him on my album.' That's how I got everybody on my album."
"Freeze," with Chris Brown, is the next single from Thr33 Ringz, and while Pain claimed to have beaten C. Breezy a couple of times during in-studio dance battles, he said Ciara — who appears on "Blowing Up" — didn't step into the ring with him.
"She don't dance too much in the studio," the Florida native said, adding that his sessions with CiCi were quick. "We did that song at the same time we did [Ciara's] 'Go Girl,' " Pain said. "She works fast. I work fast. We were working in two separate rooms and met right in the middle. I said, 'I'm done. Here you go.' She said, 'I'm done. Here you go.' "
In December, Pain kicks off the I Am Music Tour with Keyshia Cole, Gym Class Heroes and his pal Lil Wayne.
"It's weird because both of us got that [I Am Music] tattoo without knowing we was gonna get it," Pain said. "He's got it on his forehead; I just got it on my arm. I call it the T-Wayne Tour 'cause it's gonna be a highlight. People been waiting to see that."
At the end of the "Can't Believe It" remix, T-Pain says that Auto-Tune is almost up. What? Why would Pain, whose Thr33 Ringz debuts at #4 on next week's Billboard albums sales chart, extinguish his signature sound now?
"Not for me," Pain clarified, "for everybody else." The singer — who told DJ Skee in a separate interview that artists such as Ron Browz have used the Auto-Tune effect poorly — told MTV News that his biters need to pay up. Hey, if Diddy can collaborate with Pain and pay him for using the Auto-Tune, so can you other guys.
"I gave T-Pain one point on my [upcoming] album for using the Auto-Tune," Diddy revealed on Sunday night during "Total Finale Live."
"Sign the papers," advised Pain, who also worked on his friend Kanye West's 808's & Heartbreak. "Diddy actually gave me royalties on this album just for using Auto-Tune. He signed the contract and everything. If I can do that with Diddy, somebody else better be signing something. It's Diddy. He didn't have to involve me at all. ... I'm writing and producing on his album, and he gave me extra royalties on top of that for using something I just brought back."
Pain said that Diddy's new material is in the lane of his singing-heavy hit "Last Night."
"I gave him eight tracks," Pain said. "Eight songs. I don't how many he's gonna use, but I'll tell you how many I gave him. He's doing a little more singing. He's more like the Euro style. He's keeping it hip-hop but bringing some Euro in it. Very electronica."
Probably the biggest collabo Pain has coming up is more time with Justin Timberlake. JT surprised Pain by sending over vocals for the "Can't Believe It" remix a couple of weeks back.
"He sent it to me, I added what I did to it, and we got a remix now," Pain explained, adding with a gold-toothed grin, "I think that's what he did it for. I think he figured, 'If I do a remix, I can get him on my album.' That's how I got everybody on my album."
"Freeze," with Chris Brown, is the next single from Thr33 Ringz, and while Pain claimed to have beaten C. Breezy a couple of times during in-studio dance battles, he said Ciara — who appears on "Blowing Up" — didn't step into the ring with him.
"She don't dance too much in the studio," the Florida native said, adding that his sessions with CiCi were quick. "We did that song at the same time we did [Ciara's] 'Go Girl,' " Pain said. "She works fast. I work fast. We were working in two separate rooms and met right in the middle. I said, 'I'm done. Here you go.' She said, 'I'm done. Here you go.' "
In December, Pain kicks off the I Am Music Tour with Keyshia Cole, Gym Class Heroes and his pal Lil Wayne.
"It's weird because both of us got that [I Am Music] tattoo without knowing we was gonna get it," Pain said. "He's got it on his forehead; I just got it on my arm. I call it the T-Wayne Tour 'cause it's gonna be a highlight. People been waiting to see that."
Eminem's Relapse: Producer Swizz Beatz Talks About 'Stan, Part 2'; Collaboration With 50 Cent, Dr. Dre
'It's the Eminem that you missed, that you loved, that you need,' producer says of long-awaited album.
Eminem mentioned during the "TRL" finale earlier this month that he's hard at work on his upcoming album Relapse — but he wasn't giving up many details.
However, when we caught up with producer Swizz Beatz, at the Black Ball, Keep a Child Alive's annual fundraiser, in New York earlier this month, he filled in a few blanks for us.
Swizz said he's submitted five songs to Eminem, including one featuring both Dr. Dre and 50 Cent. "I don't know the title yet, but it's classic," he said. "It's sounding big."
Another song Swizz worked on with Em is a track they're referring to as a "Stan Part 2." "You know how 'Stan' ... was the big [song]?" Swizz asked, referring to the obsessed-fan track which sampled Dido's "Thank You." "So I worked on part 2, and I think it was, like, totally genius."
Swizz said that while Eminem has apparently been away from the mic for a long time, he's in good form on Relapse. which, Em said on "TRL," will be out next year, in "probably January, February."
"It's different," Swizz said. "Different sound, different mindframe. He's clear. But it's the Eminem that you missed, that you loved, that you need, especially right now in the industry, going into '09. He's coming back to take the cake."
Swizz said that politically minded songs like "Mosh" are "not really" on the agenda as much as "a lot of personal stuff."
Asked whether that subject matter involved Eminem's rehab stint, the death of his close friend/ D12 member Proof, his second divorce from Kim Scott, or his mom's recent memoir, Swizz laughed and said, "I can't give it away!"
Making a key difference in Em's new mindset, however, is that he has "a lot of people supporting him this time," Swizz said. "I just think you can hear a new energy in him. And, you know, the producers, everyone's bringing forth their best on that level."
On "TRL," Eminem also mentioned that he'd "done probably a hundred songs in the last couple of years," and Swizz said that it's still being decided which tracks will make the final cut.
"How it works: They get a whole bunch of songs," the producer explained, "and it's not over until the budget is closed and the artwork is done. It's just an ongoing thing."
Eminem mentioned during the "TRL" finale earlier this month that he's hard at work on his upcoming album Relapse — but he wasn't giving up many details.
However, when we caught up with producer Swizz Beatz, at the Black Ball, Keep a Child Alive's annual fundraiser, in New York earlier this month, he filled in a few blanks for us.
Swizz said he's submitted five songs to Eminem, including one featuring both Dr. Dre and 50 Cent. "I don't know the title yet, but it's classic," he said. "It's sounding big."
Another song Swizz worked on with Em is a track they're referring to as a "Stan Part 2." "You know how 'Stan' ... was the big [song]?" Swizz asked, referring to the obsessed-fan track which sampled Dido's "Thank You." "So I worked on part 2, and I think it was, like, totally genius."
Swizz said that while Eminem has apparently been away from the mic for a long time, he's in good form on Relapse. which, Em said on "TRL," will be out next year, in "probably January, February."
"It's different," Swizz said. "Different sound, different mindframe. He's clear. But it's the Eminem that you missed, that you loved, that you need, especially right now in the industry, going into '09. He's coming back to take the cake."
Swizz said that politically minded songs like "Mosh" are "not really" on the agenda as much as "a lot of personal stuff."
Asked whether that subject matter involved Eminem's rehab stint, the death of his close friend/ D12 member Proof, his second divorce from Kim Scott, or his mom's recent memoir, Swizz laughed and said, "I can't give it away!"
Making a key difference in Em's new mindset, however, is that he has "a lot of people supporting him this time," Swizz said. "I just think you can hear a new energy in him. And, you know, the producers, everyone's bringing forth their best on that level."
On "TRL," Eminem also mentioned that he'd "done probably a hundred songs in the last couple of years," and Swizz said that it's still being decided which tracks will make the final cut.
"How it works: They get a whole bunch of songs," the producer explained, "and it's not over until the budget is closed and the artwork is done. It's just an ongoing thing."
Fountains Of Wayne Get Busy On New Album
It's been a busy year for Fountains Of Wayne's Adam Schlesinger. After nabbing a nomination for best original score for the songs he co-wrote for the Broadway adaptation of Cry-Baby, he was asked by writing partner David Javerbaum to help pen the lyrics for "A Colbert Christmas Special," which began airing this week on Comedy Central.
Now, things are back in motion for Fountains Of Wayne's next record, which Schlesinger hopes to have out in 2009.
"We still have a ways to go, but we have eight songs that are relatively close to complete now. We're looking to regroup after the New Year and do the second batch," Schlesinger tells Billboard.com. "I think we're trying some different things on this record, but we're still the same band, to me. It's kind of too early to say what direction it's going to as a whole."
Schlesinger's also in the midst of recording with Ivy, originally his main band but overshadowed in recent years by the success of Fountains Of Wayne. "That one's been slow going for many reasons," he reports. "But we have a record that is halfway done as well. Two other members had babies recently."
Fountains Of Wayne will take to the road this winter for a short acoustic tour, which Schlesinger promises will showcase a handful of new tunes.
Now, things are back in motion for Fountains Of Wayne's next record, which Schlesinger hopes to have out in 2009.
"We still have a ways to go, but we have eight songs that are relatively close to complete now. We're looking to regroup after the New Year and do the second batch," Schlesinger tells Billboard.com. "I think we're trying some different things on this record, but we're still the same band, to me. It's kind of too early to say what direction it's going to as a whole."
Schlesinger's also in the midst of recording with Ivy, originally his main band but overshadowed in recent years by the success of Fountains Of Wayne. "That one's been slow going for many reasons," he reports. "But we have a record that is halfway done as well. Two other members had babies recently."
Fountains Of Wayne will take to the road this winter for a short acoustic tour, which Schlesinger promises will showcase a handful of new tunes.
Steven Seagal's New Show: He's a Shooting Sheriff
Steven Seagal the action-movie star will now be seen as Steven Seagal: Lawman.
A&E has announced production on a new reality series that will focus the mega-action star's 20 years working as a fully-commissioned deputy with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office in Louisiana.
If his under-the-radar law enforcement background was a surprise, know that he's also considered an expert marksman who has worked with Jefferson's SWAT team and has instructed their officers in firearms and hand-to-hand combat. Noted: Reason #1098 not to mess with Steven Seagal.
The show will allow viewers to ride along with Seagal as he and his hand-selected deputies respond to crimes as they happen. We will also be treated to a softer side of Seagal as he goes off-duty. The cameras will continue following him as he pursues his other interests, including musical performances and philanthropic efforts — all within Jefferson Parish and New Orleans.
Senior Vice President of A&E Robert Sharenow says Seagal is a hero both on and off screen and that, "It's such an amazing revelation that this larger-than-life star has been doing real police work for nearly 20 years."
The Under Seige star decided to work with A&E because he wants to shine a positive light on Louisiana. "I believe it's important to show the nation all the positive work being accomplished here in Louisiana — to see the passion and commitment that comes from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office in this post-Katrina environment."
No word on when Steven Seagal: Lawman will premiere.
A&E has announced production on a new reality series that will focus the mega-action star's 20 years working as a fully-commissioned deputy with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office in Louisiana.
If his under-the-radar law enforcement background was a surprise, know that he's also considered an expert marksman who has worked with Jefferson's SWAT team and has instructed their officers in firearms and hand-to-hand combat. Noted: Reason #1098 not to mess with Steven Seagal.
The show will allow viewers to ride along with Seagal as he and his hand-selected deputies respond to crimes as they happen. We will also be treated to a softer side of Seagal as he goes off-duty. The cameras will continue following him as he pursues his other interests, including musical performances and philanthropic efforts — all within Jefferson Parish and New Orleans.
Senior Vice President of A&E Robert Sharenow says Seagal is a hero both on and off screen and that, "It's such an amazing revelation that this larger-than-life star has been doing real police work for nearly 20 years."
The Under Seige star decided to work with A&E because he wants to shine a positive light on Louisiana. "I believe it's important to show the nation all the positive work being accomplished here in Louisiana — to see the passion and commitment that comes from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office in this post-Katrina environment."
No word on when Steven Seagal: Lawman will premiere.
Lionsgate Scores LeBron James Documentary
Variety reports that More Than a Game, a documentary about NBA star LeBron James' high school days in Akron, Ohio, has been sold to Lionsgate in an unusual deal.
The studio, teaming with music notables Harvey Mason Jr. and Interscope Records, plans a fall 2009 release. Lionsgate has world rights.
After a well-received world premiere in Toronto, where James received a five-minute standing ovation and presided over a spirited latenight party and a street dunk contest, the film had been chased by several buyers.
"Game" is being positioned not merely as a record of James' achievements but as a feel-good story of overcoming adversity. It follows the five starters on the varsity team at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, who travel a winding road from a rundown gymnasium to national glory and NBA riches, seeking to remain a tight-knit quintet even as James becomes a megamillionaire.
The film mixes newly unearthed archival footage and family memorabilia with fresh interviews.
Director Kristopher Belman, an Akron native, began the film nine years ago as a thesis project at Loyola Marymount U. He co-wrote (with Brad Hogan) and produced the film along with Mason (producer of the Dreamgirls soundtrack), Matthew Perniciaro and Kevin Mann.
The studio, teaming with music notables Harvey Mason Jr. and Interscope Records, plans a fall 2009 release. Lionsgate has world rights.
After a well-received world premiere in Toronto, where James received a five-minute standing ovation and presided over a spirited latenight party and a street dunk contest, the film had been chased by several buyers.
"Game" is being positioned not merely as a record of James' achievements but as a feel-good story of overcoming adversity. It follows the five starters on the varsity team at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, who travel a winding road from a rundown gymnasium to national glory and NBA riches, seeking to remain a tight-knit quintet even as James becomes a megamillionaire.
The film mixes newly unearthed archival footage and family memorabilia with fresh interviews.
Director Kristopher Belman, an Akron native, began the film nine years ago as a thesis project at Loyola Marymount U. He co-wrote (with Brad Hogan) and produced the film along with Mason (producer of the Dreamgirls soundtrack), Matthew Perniciaro and Kevin Mann.
Monday, November 24, 2008
I Am Legend Prequel is Now a Sequel?
According to a scooper at AICN, the I Am Legend prequel might no longer be a prequel. The original idea was for the film to take place “several years before the original film” and follow Will Smith’s character Robert Neville as he fails to save a small pocket of survivors. I’ll admit, I was never a huge fan of the prequel idea, because we know where it will eventually end up. But Warner Bros was insistent in making the movie with Will Smith, and that was the idea he developed. But now rumor has it that the film will be a direct follow-up to the original film. Problem is, [possible spoiler alert] Smith’s character is killed at the end of the first film. So how would this be possible?
Agent: McDyess will re-sign with Pistons next month
Antonio McDyess is coming back to play for the Detroit Pistons.
Andy Miller, McDyess' agent, confirmed Sunday the former All-Star and Olympian will re-sign with the Pistons next month.
Detroit dealt McDyess, Chauncey Billups and project Cheikh Samb to Denver for Allen Iverson on Nov. 3.
The cost-cutting Nuggets waived McDyess a week after obtaining him and he has to wait until 30 days have passed since the trade to rejoin the Pistons.
McDyess has averaged 13.4 points and 7.7 rebounds in 12 seasons. The 34-year-old power forward averaged seven points and four rebounds in two games as a key reserve for Detroit before the trade.
Andy Miller, McDyess' agent, confirmed Sunday the former All-Star and Olympian will re-sign with the Pistons next month.
Detroit dealt McDyess, Chauncey Billups and project Cheikh Samb to Denver for Allen Iverson on Nov. 3.
The cost-cutting Nuggets waived McDyess a week after obtaining him and he has to wait until 30 days have passed since the trade to rejoin the Pistons.
McDyess has averaged 13.4 points and 7.7 rebounds in 12 seasons. The 34-year-old power forward averaged seven points and four rebounds in two games as a key reserve for Detroit before the trade.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
No Doubt Regrouping For Tour, Album
No Doubt will return to the road in 2009 while it finishes its first studio album in seven years. The group made the announcement via an instant message transcript posted on its official Web site, but did not provide specific details.
"I have cabin fever. Maybe we should play some shows or something," guitarist Tom Dumont wrote. Vocalist Gwen Stefani answered, "I think we should go out now. I don't think we should wait. Pack up the babies and get a bunch of nannies. So fun! Would be so inspiring to get out there and play all those songs again."
The group then discusses how continuing to write new music on the road would be inspiring, and vows to alert management to its plans.
No Doubt has been in the studio on and off throughout 2008. But Stefani's participation has been limited of late, having given birth to her second son in late August.
The group hasn't played live since mid-2004, and its last studio album was 2001's "Rock Steady." Since then, Stefani has released two critically acclaimed solo albums, while the other group members have pursued solo and session work as well as producing. Most recently, they appear on Stone Temple Pilots frontman Scott Weiland's solo album, "'Happy' in Galoshes."
"I have cabin fever. Maybe we should play some shows or something," guitarist Tom Dumont wrote. Vocalist Gwen Stefani answered, "I think we should go out now. I don't think we should wait. Pack up the babies and get a bunch of nannies. So fun! Would be so inspiring to get out there and play all those songs again."
The group then discusses how continuing to write new music on the road would be inspiring, and vows to alert management to its plans.
No Doubt has been in the studio on and off throughout 2008. But Stefani's participation has been limited of late, having given birth to her second son in late August.
The group hasn't played live since mid-2004, and its last studio album was 2001's "Rock Steady." Since then, Stefani has released two critically acclaimed solo albums, while the other group members have pursued solo and session work as well as producing. Most recently, they appear on Stone Temple Pilots frontman Scott Weiland's solo album, "'Happy' in Galoshes."
OneRepublic Writing For New Album
To celebrate the platinum success of its 2007 debut "Dreaming Out Loud," OneRepublic was originally planning to reissue the album with bonus content in time for the holidays.
But guitarist Zach Filkins tells Billboard.com the Colorado band is shifting gears and instead focusing on its sophomore effort.
"Initially we were going to add a new song to a deluxe album, but then instead of doing that we decided to maybe just work on the second album," Filkins says. "We're extremely excited to get going with something new because we've been playing a lot of these songs for five years now. So we're definitely ready and inspired for the new album, which is part of the reason why we got off the road. We were supposed to tour into next year."
While on tour earlier this year, the band "kind of got inspired by a couple of songs" and wound up tracking new tunes in Germany and Japan. "In listening to what was coming out, we decided maybe we should stop and take advantage of this and write the second album," Filkins says. "The new stuff is a real blend of rock mixed with pop and some of the songs are clearly like top 40 and other stuff is going to be a little more obscure."
While new track "All the Right Moves," which is upbeat and pop based, has been getting stage time, Filkins says another new song is the tentatively titled dance/keyboard-heavy "The Other Side."
Current plans call for OneRepublic to finish touring in early January, with the band convening a month later in a Denver-area house or perhaps an old church to record its second Mosley/Interscope album. The band is hoping to have the record out by summer or fall 2009.
Filkins says there’s one thing fans shouldn't expect to hear on the new CD: "No goth," he laughs. "Maybe the fourth album will get a little bit more dark."
But guitarist Zach Filkins tells Billboard.com the Colorado band is shifting gears and instead focusing on its sophomore effort.
"Initially we were going to add a new song to a deluxe album, but then instead of doing that we decided to maybe just work on the second album," Filkins says. "We're extremely excited to get going with something new because we've been playing a lot of these songs for five years now. So we're definitely ready and inspired for the new album, which is part of the reason why we got off the road. We were supposed to tour into next year."
While on tour earlier this year, the band "kind of got inspired by a couple of songs" and wound up tracking new tunes in Germany and Japan. "In listening to what was coming out, we decided maybe we should stop and take advantage of this and write the second album," Filkins says. "The new stuff is a real blend of rock mixed with pop and some of the songs are clearly like top 40 and other stuff is going to be a little more obscure."
While new track "All the Right Moves," which is upbeat and pop based, has been getting stage time, Filkins says another new song is the tentatively titled dance/keyboard-heavy "The Other Side."
Current plans call for OneRepublic to finish touring in early January, with the band convening a month later in a Denver-area house or perhaps an old church to record its second Mosley/Interscope album. The band is hoping to have the record out by summer or fall 2009.
Filkins says there’s one thing fans shouldn't expect to hear on the new CD: "No goth," he laughs. "Maybe the fourth album will get a little bit more dark."
Twilight Dominates with $70.5 Million
The ComingSoon.net Box Office Report has been updated with studio estimates for the weekend.
Summit Entertainment's Twilight, an adaptation of Stephenie Meyer's novel, dominated the box office earning an estimated $70.5 million from 3,419 theaters. The opening marks the fourth-biggest ever for the month of November, surpassing this month's earlier releases Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa ($63.1 million) and Quantum of Solace ($67.5 million), plus 2004's The Incredibles ($70.467 million), and trailing only the three "Harry Potter" movies that opened this month - "Chamber of Secrets" ($88.4 million), "Sorcerer's Stone" ($90.3 million) and "Goblet of Fire" ($102.7 million). Directed by Catherine Hardwicke from a script by Melissa Rosenberg, the love story between a teenage girl and a vampire averaged an impressive $20,636 per location. The film, starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Billy Burke, Peter Facinelli, Elizabeth Reaser, Cam Cigandet, Nikki Reed, Jackson Rathbone and Ashley Greene, was made for just $37 million.
Women accounted for three-quarters of the audience and 55 percent of viewers were under the age of 25, the studio said. With the strong opening of Twilight, Summit this morning officially announced the sequel, New Moon.
Sony/MGM's Quantum of Solace dropped 59.4% from its first weekend to second place, making $27.4 million for a total of $109.5 million. The James Bond film stayed dominant overseas for a fourth straight weekend, earning $40.6 million in 72 markets. "Solace" has reached $309 million overseas and among Bond movies trails only 2006's Casino Royale, which grossed $430 million internationally. The 22nd James Bond film has earned $418.5 million worldwide compared to its budget of $200 million.
In third place, Walt Disney Pictures' new animated comedy adventure Bolt earned $27 million from 3,651 theaters, an average of $7,395. The film features the voices of John Travolta, Miley Cyrus, Susie Essman, Mark Walton, Diedrich Bader, Malcolm McDowell and Nick Swardson.
DreamWorks Animation's Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa added $16 million in the fourth spot to push its total to $137.4 million after three weeks. The sequel cost about $150 million to make.
Universal Pictures' Role Models rounded out the top five with $7.2 million in its third weeked for a total of $48 million. The Seann William Scott and Paul Rudd comedy cost only $28 million to make.
Summit Entertainment's Twilight, an adaptation of Stephenie Meyer's novel, dominated the box office earning an estimated $70.5 million from 3,419 theaters. The opening marks the fourth-biggest ever for the month of November, surpassing this month's earlier releases Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa ($63.1 million) and Quantum of Solace ($67.5 million), plus 2004's The Incredibles ($70.467 million), and trailing only the three "Harry Potter" movies that opened this month - "Chamber of Secrets" ($88.4 million), "Sorcerer's Stone" ($90.3 million) and "Goblet of Fire" ($102.7 million). Directed by Catherine Hardwicke from a script by Melissa Rosenberg, the love story between a teenage girl and a vampire averaged an impressive $20,636 per location. The film, starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Billy Burke, Peter Facinelli, Elizabeth Reaser, Cam Cigandet, Nikki Reed, Jackson Rathbone and Ashley Greene, was made for just $37 million.
Women accounted for three-quarters of the audience and 55 percent of viewers were under the age of 25, the studio said. With the strong opening of Twilight, Summit this morning officially announced the sequel, New Moon.
Sony/MGM's Quantum of Solace dropped 59.4% from its first weekend to second place, making $27.4 million for a total of $109.5 million. The James Bond film stayed dominant overseas for a fourth straight weekend, earning $40.6 million in 72 markets. "Solace" has reached $309 million overseas and among Bond movies trails only 2006's Casino Royale, which grossed $430 million internationally. The 22nd James Bond film has earned $418.5 million worldwide compared to its budget of $200 million.
In third place, Walt Disney Pictures' new animated comedy adventure Bolt earned $27 million from 3,651 theaters, an average of $7,395. The film features the voices of John Travolta, Miley Cyrus, Susie Essman, Mark Walton, Diedrich Bader, Malcolm McDowell and Nick Swardson.
DreamWorks Animation's Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa added $16 million in the fourth spot to push its total to $137.4 million after three weeks. The sequel cost about $150 million to make.
Universal Pictures' Role Models rounded out the top five with $7.2 million in its third weeked for a total of $48 million. The Seann William Scott and Paul Rudd comedy cost only $28 million to make.
Thunder fire Carlesimo; Brooks named interim coach
The Oklahoma City Thunder fired coach P.J. Carlesimo, with the team off to an NBA-worst 1-12 start in its new city.
Assistant Scott Brooks was appointed interim coach Saturday, hours after the Thunder lost their 10th straight game.
"This was a very difficult decision to make," general manager Sam Presti said in a statement. "It is one that I felt was necessary at this time. I am very appreciative of the hard work and effort that P.J. gave to this team and we wish him the best in his future endeavors."
The firing -- the first of an NBA coach this season -- followed a 105-80 defeat to the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night. The Hornets played for two seasons in Oklahoma City and rebuilt themselves into a playoff contender. A similar scenario hardly seemed in the making following the relocation of the Seattle SuperSonics to Oklahoma City.
Brooks' debut was to come Saturday night in a rematch against the Hornets in New Orleans.
The Thunder also let go assistant coach Paul Westhead, who led the Phoenix Mercury to the 2007 WNBA title. He had successful stay at Loyola Marymount in a coaching career spanning more than 30 years.
Brooks, an 11-year NBA veteran, played on the Houston Rockets' 1994 NBA championship team and bounced around with seven teams before becoming a Denver Nuggets assistant in 2003. Brooks also worked for the Sacramento Kings and joined Carlesimo's staff last season in Seattle.
Carlesimo had questioned his team in recent games for failing to give full effort, performances resulting in a string of blowouts.
The last six losses were by double-digits, and most of those were even more out of hand before the Thunder rallied. The Hornets were up 32 in the opening minute of the fourth quarter, and stars Chris Paul and David West joined the rest of the starters on the bench.
Many fans also called it an early night, leaving the stands mostly empty by the time the final horn sounded. Despite the team's full allotment of season tickets selling out in five days, only three of the eight home games have sold out so far -- opening night, a visit from the NBA champion Boston Celtics and the return of the beloved Hornets.
This marks the second time Carlesimo has been fired early in a season. He took the Portland Trail Blazers to three straight playoff appearances in the 1990s before moving to Golden State. His time there was marked by the Latrell Sprewell choking episode during his first season with the team. He was fired after a 6-21 start in 2000, his third season.
He got another chance after serving as an assistant on three NBA championship teams with the San Antonio Spurs, whom Thunder owner Clay Bennett once represented on the Board of Governors.
In Oklahoma City, this was expected to be another season of rebuilding around Rookie of the Year Kevin Durant and fellow All-Rookie Team selection Jeff Green. Veterans Desmond Mason and Joe Smith were brought in to provide leadership, and salary flexibility following this season, and the team added No. 4 overall pick Russell Westbrook as another potential building block.
But the result was an even slower start than last season, when the SuperSonics lost their first eight games before winning two straight. That season, which featured all the wrangling about a potential move to Oklahoma City, ended with a franchise-worst 20 wins.
Presti stuck with Carlesimo after that season, but it didn't last long. Carlesimo finished with a 21-74 record in just more than one season with the franchise.
Assistant Scott Brooks was appointed interim coach Saturday, hours after the Thunder lost their 10th straight game.
"This was a very difficult decision to make," general manager Sam Presti said in a statement. "It is one that I felt was necessary at this time. I am very appreciative of the hard work and effort that P.J. gave to this team and we wish him the best in his future endeavors."
The firing -- the first of an NBA coach this season -- followed a 105-80 defeat to the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night. The Hornets played for two seasons in Oklahoma City and rebuilt themselves into a playoff contender. A similar scenario hardly seemed in the making following the relocation of the Seattle SuperSonics to Oklahoma City.
Brooks' debut was to come Saturday night in a rematch against the Hornets in New Orleans.
The Thunder also let go assistant coach Paul Westhead, who led the Phoenix Mercury to the 2007 WNBA title. He had successful stay at Loyola Marymount in a coaching career spanning more than 30 years.
Brooks, an 11-year NBA veteran, played on the Houston Rockets' 1994 NBA championship team and bounced around with seven teams before becoming a Denver Nuggets assistant in 2003. Brooks also worked for the Sacramento Kings and joined Carlesimo's staff last season in Seattle.
Carlesimo had questioned his team in recent games for failing to give full effort, performances resulting in a string of blowouts.
The last six losses were by double-digits, and most of those were even more out of hand before the Thunder rallied. The Hornets were up 32 in the opening minute of the fourth quarter, and stars Chris Paul and David West joined the rest of the starters on the bench.
Many fans also called it an early night, leaving the stands mostly empty by the time the final horn sounded. Despite the team's full allotment of season tickets selling out in five days, only three of the eight home games have sold out so far -- opening night, a visit from the NBA champion Boston Celtics and the return of the beloved Hornets.
This marks the second time Carlesimo has been fired early in a season. He took the Portland Trail Blazers to three straight playoff appearances in the 1990s before moving to Golden State. His time there was marked by the Latrell Sprewell choking episode during his first season with the team. He was fired after a 6-21 start in 2000, his third season.
He got another chance after serving as an assistant on three NBA championship teams with the San Antonio Spurs, whom Thunder owner Clay Bennett once represented on the Board of Governors.
In Oklahoma City, this was expected to be another season of rebuilding around Rookie of the Year Kevin Durant and fellow All-Rookie Team selection Jeff Green. Veterans Desmond Mason and Joe Smith were brought in to provide leadership, and salary flexibility following this season, and the team added No. 4 overall pick Russell Westbrook as another potential building block.
But the result was an even slower start than last season, when the SuperSonics lost their first eight games before winning two straight. That season, which featured all the wrangling about a potential move to Oklahoma City, ended with a franchise-worst 20 wins.
Presti stuck with Carlesimo after that season, but it didn't last long. Carlesimo finished with a 21-74 record in just more than one season with the franchise.
Weekly Ratings: 11/16 – 11/21
Sunday Ratings: Obama Is a Winner for 60 Minutes
• Leading out of CBS' late-running Chargers-Steelers game coverage, Steve Kroft's sit-down with president-elect Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, gave 60 Minutes its largest audience since at least 1999 — 24.5 million total viewers. That number could swell once the markets which broke in at 8 pm/ET with The Amazing Race are factored out.
• NBC won the night with its coverage of the Cowboys-'Skins game, which averaged 17 mil.
• CBS placed second for the night with Amazing Race (12.25 million), Cold Case (12 mil) and The Unit (9.8 mil).
• While ABC's Desperate Housewives (16.5 mi) enjoyed a week-to-week gain of 840 thou, Extreme Makeover (10.2 million viewers) and Brothers & Sisters (10.07 mil) each dipped.
• Fox's The Simpsons (8.52 mil, +360K), King of the Hill (seven mil, +250K) and American Dad (6.78 mil, +170K) all saw increases, while Family Guy held steady at 8.52 mil.
Monday Ratings: CSI: Miami Es en Fuego!
8 pm/ET
Entering its penultimate week, Dancing with the Stars averaged 19.73 million total viewers over its 90-minute run. Combining for second place, CBS' Big Bang Theory (9.7 mil) dropped 300K from last week's series high, while How I Met Your Mother scored a season-high 9.84 mil. At 6.8 mil, Chuck was up nine percent, while Terminator tacked on 120 thou to hit 5.3 mil. Gossip Girl dipped 112K to hit a new series low of 2.88 mil.
9 pm
Two and a Half Men delivered a season's best 15.23 million, while lead-out Worst Week (10.37 mil) gained 650K. Samantha Who? (11.12 mil) was up a hair. Heroes slipped 240K to redefine its series low: 7.59 mil. It was followed by Prison Break (5.89 mil, up nine percent) and Tree Hill (2.73 mil, a measly audience in any era).
10 pm
CSI: Miami marked 150 episodes by surging 13 percent week-to-week to hit 15.39 million, its largest audience since the season opener. Boston Legal dropped 370K, to 8.43 mil, while the recently cancelled Worst Enemy spied a new worst: 3.99 mil.
Tuesday Ratings: House Parties, Stone Sinks
8 pm/ET
NCIS dropped 10 percent from last week's all-time high to win the hour with 17.98 million total viewers. Though House placed second in the time slot in viewers (drawing thirteen million ... Thirteen, heh), the medical drama dominated all Tuesday programming in the demos. Dancing with the Stars' recap show delivered 11.8 mil, enjoying 13 percent growth week-to-week. Behind Biggest Loser (7.84 mil), 90210 saw a gain of 210 thousand, hitting 2.94 mil.
9 pm
Dancing with the Stars' penultimate results show drew 17.5 million viewers, a surge of 1.1 mil. The Mentalist placed second with 15.83 mil, dipping 630K from last week's series high. Fringe claimed third with 9.36 mil (up 480K), but topped the hour in the demos. Poor Privileged shed 290 thou, dropping to 1.58 mil.
10 pm
Without a Trace lost 340,000 heads but still bested SVU, 11.86 mil to 10.18 mil. (Stabler & Co., however, copped the best demos.) Eli Stone not only dropped again (to 6.87 mil), but for a consecutive week was stymied by significant audience erosion over the course of the hour, to the tune of 31 percent.
Wednesday Ratings: Christine and Gary Fly High, Daisies Disappoints
8 pm/ET
Bones won the hour and topped the demos, delivering 10.73 million total viewers (dipping 150K from last week's season high). Securing second was CBS' sitcombo of Old Christine (8.09 mil, +18 percent) and Gary Unmarried (8.14 mil, +21 percent), both of which surged to season highs. Knight Rider rode third with 5.12 mil.
Here's where it gets sad. Despite a wave of well-wishes from its fans, Pushing Daisies mustered a mere 4.86 mil, fumbling 27 percent of its most recent audience — which, yes, was inflated by the Obamamercial — but also plunging 14 percent from the outing prior to that. Sources had been saying that the series is kaput; sources would now seem to be right.
Top Model's season-ender delivered the series' best audience in nearly a year — 4.8 million viewers.
9 pm
Criminal Minds soared 11 percent to win the hour with 16.38 million viewers. Private Practice (7.14 mil) dropped wildly from its last outing — which, mind you, had a DWTS results show for a lead-in — while Life (5.32 mil) slid 510 thousand. Stylista (2.16 mil) gained 430K.
10 pm
CSI: NY's big Mac attack flirted with 14 million viewers (up 20 percent week-to-week), while Law & Order (7.58 mil) dipped 320K. ABC's other Wednesday bubble show, Dirty Sexy Money (5.63 mil), dipped 10 percent.
Thursday Ratings: Big Turnout for Smallville Wedding
8 pm/ET
Survivor topped the hour with 12.6 million total viewers, slipping 400K week-to-week. Ugly Betty followed with 8.3 mil (dropping 10 percent). NBC's Earl (6.75 mil) dipped 250 thou, but Kath & Kim (5.47 mil) claimed 470K extra heads. Stealing fourth place from Kitchen Nightmares, Smallville's thoroughly crashed wedding saw 4.77 million people RSVP, quite possibly setting a new season high. (This Thursday's CW ratings "asterisk"comes to us courtesy of the Cincinnati-Pittsburgh NFL game.)
9 pm
Business as usual: CSI (18.4 million viewers, down 570 thou) drew the biggest audience, Grey's Anatomy (15.74 mil, its best numbers since the season-opener) dominated the demos. In third, The Office (8.4) inched up 220K from last week's season low, while 30 Rock (7.3 mil) lost another 210 thou. Supernatural, at 4.03 mil, appears to be up a bit over last week. Reminder: No new Smallville or Supe' until Jan. 15.
10 pm
Eleventh Hour dropped nine percent but still bested ER for the No. 1 spot — 10.67 mil to 9.15 mil. Life on Mars, which just got an additional episode order and is moving to Wednesdays in 2009, fell 11 percent, to a smidge under eight mil.
Friday Ratings: 20/20 Feels the Love, Ghost Story Still Strong
8 pm/ET
The unspooling saga of Ghost Whisperer's Jim had 11.36 million viewers enrapt, dipping just 300K from last week's season high. 5th Grader (six mil) placed second, up 11 percent week-to-week, followed by Deal or No Deal (5.7 mil) and Wife Swap (4.78 mil). Both the CW's Chris (1.78 mil) and The Game (1.62 mil) slipped a hair.
9 pm
Taking a cue from NCIS, a repeat of The Mentalist was a warmed-over force to be reckoned with, topping the whole night with 11.6 million viewers. NBC's Crusoe, which is due to set sail for Saturdays soon (say that 10 times fast!), plunged 16 percent, to 3.5 mil.
10 pm
Regaining a strong lead-in, Numbers notched a 21-percent surge, winning its time slot with 11.23 million viewers. Placing second was 20/20's sit-down with "Spitzer girl" Ashley Dupre, which at 8.24 mil represented a season high for the ABC news mag. (Just leave a twenty on the dresser, thanks.) Lipstick Jungle (3.33 mil), which is on its way to a Fridays-at-9 slot, dipped seven percent.
• Leading out of CBS' late-running Chargers-Steelers game coverage, Steve Kroft's sit-down with president-elect Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, gave 60 Minutes its largest audience since at least 1999 — 24.5 million total viewers. That number could swell once the markets which broke in at 8 pm/ET with The Amazing Race are factored out.
• NBC won the night with its coverage of the Cowboys-'Skins game, which averaged 17 mil.
• CBS placed second for the night with Amazing Race (12.25 million), Cold Case (12 mil) and The Unit (9.8 mil).
• While ABC's Desperate Housewives (16.5 mi) enjoyed a week-to-week gain of 840 thou, Extreme Makeover (10.2 million viewers) and Brothers & Sisters (10.07 mil) each dipped.
• Fox's The Simpsons (8.52 mil, +360K), King of the Hill (seven mil, +250K) and American Dad (6.78 mil, +170K) all saw increases, while Family Guy held steady at 8.52 mil.
Monday Ratings: CSI: Miami Es en Fuego!
8 pm/ET
Entering its penultimate week, Dancing with the Stars averaged 19.73 million total viewers over its 90-minute run. Combining for second place, CBS' Big Bang Theory (9.7 mil) dropped 300K from last week's series high, while How I Met Your Mother scored a season-high 9.84 mil. At 6.8 mil, Chuck was up nine percent, while Terminator tacked on 120 thou to hit 5.3 mil. Gossip Girl dipped 112K to hit a new series low of 2.88 mil.
9 pm
Two and a Half Men delivered a season's best 15.23 million, while lead-out Worst Week (10.37 mil) gained 650K. Samantha Who? (11.12 mil) was up a hair. Heroes slipped 240K to redefine its series low: 7.59 mil. It was followed by Prison Break (5.89 mil, up nine percent) and Tree Hill (2.73 mil, a measly audience in any era).
10 pm
CSI: Miami marked 150 episodes by surging 13 percent week-to-week to hit 15.39 million, its largest audience since the season opener. Boston Legal dropped 370K, to 8.43 mil, while the recently cancelled Worst Enemy spied a new worst: 3.99 mil.
Tuesday Ratings: House Parties, Stone Sinks
8 pm/ET
NCIS dropped 10 percent from last week's all-time high to win the hour with 17.98 million total viewers. Though House placed second in the time slot in viewers (drawing thirteen million ... Thirteen, heh), the medical drama dominated all Tuesday programming in the demos. Dancing with the Stars' recap show delivered 11.8 mil, enjoying 13 percent growth week-to-week. Behind Biggest Loser (7.84 mil), 90210 saw a gain of 210 thousand, hitting 2.94 mil.
9 pm
Dancing with the Stars' penultimate results show drew 17.5 million viewers, a surge of 1.1 mil. The Mentalist placed second with 15.83 mil, dipping 630K from last week's series high. Fringe claimed third with 9.36 mil (up 480K), but topped the hour in the demos. Poor Privileged shed 290 thou, dropping to 1.58 mil.
10 pm
Without a Trace lost 340,000 heads but still bested SVU, 11.86 mil to 10.18 mil. (Stabler & Co., however, copped the best demos.) Eli Stone not only dropped again (to 6.87 mil), but for a consecutive week was stymied by significant audience erosion over the course of the hour, to the tune of 31 percent.
Wednesday Ratings: Christine and Gary Fly High, Daisies Disappoints
8 pm/ET
Bones won the hour and topped the demos, delivering 10.73 million total viewers (dipping 150K from last week's season high). Securing second was CBS' sitcombo of Old Christine (8.09 mil, +18 percent) and Gary Unmarried (8.14 mil, +21 percent), both of which surged to season highs. Knight Rider rode third with 5.12 mil.
Here's where it gets sad. Despite a wave of well-wishes from its fans, Pushing Daisies mustered a mere 4.86 mil, fumbling 27 percent of its most recent audience — which, yes, was inflated by the Obamamercial — but also plunging 14 percent from the outing prior to that. Sources had been saying that the series is kaput; sources would now seem to be right.
Top Model's season-ender delivered the series' best audience in nearly a year — 4.8 million viewers.
9 pm
Criminal Minds soared 11 percent to win the hour with 16.38 million viewers. Private Practice (7.14 mil) dropped wildly from its last outing — which, mind you, had a DWTS results show for a lead-in — while Life (5.32 mil) slid 510 thousand. Stylista (2.16 mil) gained 430K.
10 pm
CSI: NY's big Mac attack flirted with 14 million viewers (up 20 percent week-to-week), while Law & Order (7.58 mil) dipped 320K. ABC's other Wednesday bubble show, Dirty Sexy Money (5.63 mil), dipped 10 percent.
Thursday Ratings: Big Turnout for Smallville Wedding
8 pm/ET
Survivor topped the hour with 12.6 million total viewers, slipping 400K week-to-week. Ugly Betty followed with 8.3 mil (dropping 10 percent). NBC's Earl (6.75 mil) dipped 250 thou, but Kath & Kim (5.47 mil) claimed 470K extra heads. Stealing fourth place from Kitchen Nightmares, Smallville's thoroughly crashed wedding saw 4.77 million people RSVP, quite possibly setting a new season high. (This Thursday's CW ratings "asterisk"comes to us courtesy of the Cincinnati-Pittsburgh NFL game.)
9 pm
Business as usual: CSI (18.4 million viewers, down 570 thou) drew the biggest audience, Grey's Anatomy (15.74 mil, its best numbers since the season-opener) dominated the demos. In third, The Office (8.4) inched up 220K from last week's season low, while 30 Rock (7.3 mil) lost another 210 thou. Supernatural, at 4.03 mil, appears to be up a bit over last week. Reminder: No new Smallville or Supe' until Jan. 15.
10 pm
Eleventh Hour dropped nine percent but still bested ER for the No. 1 spot — 10.67 mil to 9.15 mil. Life on Mars, which just got an additional episode order and is moving to Wednesdays in 2009, fell 11 percent, to a smidge under eight mil.
Friday Ratings: 20/20 Feels the Love, Ghost Story Still Strong
8 pm/ET
The unspooling saga of Ghost Whisperer's Jim had 11.36 million viewers enrapt, dipping just 300K from last week's season high. 5th Grader (six mil) placed second, up 11 percent week-to-week, followed by Deal or No Deal (5.7 mil) and Wife Swap (4.78 mil). Both the CW's Chris (1.78 mil) and The Game (1.62 mil) slipped a hair.
9 pm
Taking a cue from NCIS, a repeat of The Mentalist was a warmed-over force to be reckoned with, topping the whole night with 11.6 million viewers. NBC's Crusoe, which is due to set sail for Saturdays soon (say that 10 times fast!), plunged 16 percent, to 3.5 mil.
10 pm
Regaining a strong lead-in, Numbers notched a 21-percent surge, winning its time slot with 11.23 million viewers. Placing second was 20/20's sit-down with "Spitzer girl" Ashley Dupre, which at 8.24 mil represented a season high for the ABC news mag. (Just leave a twenty on the dresser, thanks.) Lipstick Jungle (3.33 mil), which is on its way to a Fridays-at-9 slot, dipped seven percent.
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