Looks like viewers will get to see more of Walter White's transition from meek chemistry teacher to meth kingpin: Breaking Bad has been renewed for a third season.
The Peabody Award-winning AMC drama, which earned lead actor Bryan Cranston an Emmy for best actor, is four episodes into its second season. Production is expected to begin later this year on the third season, slated to air in 2010.
In an interview with TVGuide.com, Cranston said creator Vince Gilligan plans to tell the story of White's complete transformation from timid family man to ruthless drug dealer. Viewers have already seen Walt cook meth and kill, and his attempts to provide for his family before he succumbs to cancer will only take him to darker territory.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Harold Ramis Dishes On Groundhog Day Musical
Groundhog Day is one of those films that just gets better every time I watch it, but I can honestly say that I’ve never imagined the time-skipping antics of Phil Connors as a musical. Apparently, acclaimed Broadway composer Stephen Sondheim (Sweeney Todd) fancied the idea a few years ago, but nothing came of that. Now the MTV Movies blog is reporting that the musical is actually closer to reality than we think.
In a conversation with the film’s co-writer/director Harold Ramis, he mentioned that Danny Rubin, co-writer of Groundhog Day, is working on a book for a musical. On Sondheim’s potential involvement, he says the following:
"Stephen Sondheim was asked what film he would turn into a musical and he said ‘Groundhog Day… And I said, ‘Wow, that’s pretty cool.’ James Lapine, who directed a lot of Sondheim, actually contacted me and asked if I’d thought about a ‘Groundhog Day’ musical."
Ramis goes on to say that he’s just glad Sondheim took the idea seriously. He has no clue if he’ll actually get involved with the musical.
My biggest concern with this project is Rubin, whose initial Groundhog Day script was heavily rewritten by Ramis. Rubin’s other screenwriting endeavours were far from successful, and at this point it looks like he’s just attempting to revisit his past glory. Like MTV, I’d feel a helluva lot better if Ramis was involved in this production as well.
Even if this project doesn’t end up happening (or ends up being terrible), it’s still worthwhile to consider what a good Groundhog Day musical would be like. I’d be very interested to see the film’s themes and iconic scenes translated to the stage, I just hope that this doesn’t give anyone the idea that it’s ripe for a modern film remake as well. As we’ve learned these past few years, nothing is sacred when it comes to remakes.
In a conversation with the film’s co-writer/director Harold Ramis, he mentioned that Danny Rubin, co-writer of Groundhog Day, is working on a book for a musical. On Sondheim’s potential involvement, he says the following:
"Stephen Sondheim was asked what film he would turn into a musical and he said ‘Groundhog Day… And I said, ‘Wow, that’s pretty cool.’ James Lapine, who directed a lot of Sondheim, actually contacted me and asked if I’d thought about a ‘Groundhog Day’ musical."
Ramis goes on to say that he’s just glad Sondheim took the idea seriously. He has no clue if he’ll actually get involved with the musical.
My biggest concern with this project is Rubin, whose initial Groundhog Day script was heavily rewritten by Ramis. Rubin’s other screenwriting endeavours were far from successful, and at this point it looks like he’s just attempting to revisit his past glory. Like MTV, I’d feel a helluva lot better if Ramis was involved in this production as well.
Even if this project doesn’t end up happening (or ends up being terrible), it’s still worthwhile to consider what a good Groundhog Day musical would be like. I’d be very interested to see the film’s themes and iconic scenes translated to the stage, I just hope that this doesn’t give anyone the idea that it’s ripe for a modern film remake as well. As we’ve learned these past few years, nothing is sacred when it comes to remakes.
Exclusive: Truth Is, Mekhi Phifer's Joining Lie to Me
Just as ER prepares to tee up its series finale, one of its alumni has booked a meaty new gig.
Mekhi Phifer, who for six seasons walked the halls of County General as Dr. Gregory Pratt, has booked a multiple-episode appointment on Fox's Lie to Me, TVGuide.com has learned exclusively.
Phifer will appear on the freshman drama series as Ben Reynolds, an FBI agent who partners with Dr. Lightman (Tim Roth) to track a serial rapist terrorizing the D.C. area.
Reynolds serves as The Lightman Group's government liaison on the case, as he has spent six months pursuing the elusive criminal.
Phifer's arc kicks off Wednesday, May 6.
Mekhi Phifer, who for six seasons walked the halls of County General as Dr. Gregory Pratt, has booked a multiple-episode appointment on Fox's Lie to Me, TVGuide.com has learned exclusively.
Phifer will appear on the freshman drama series as Ben Reynolds, an FBI agent who partners with Dr. Lightman (Tim Roth) to track a serial rapist terrorizing the D.C. area.
Reynolds serves as The Lightman Group's government liaison on the case, as he has spent six months pursuing the elusive criminal.
Phifer's arc kicks off Wednesday, May 6.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Third Men in Black in Development!
At the Sony Pictures presentation of their upcoming summer line-up, Sony President of Worldwide Distribution Rory Bruer introduced the footage to be shown and said how excited they were about their upcoming line-up for the summer, but also how they are looking forward to 2010 and 2011.
On the latter half of that timeline, he mentioned in passing the previously announced Spider-Man 4 from Sam Raimi and the long-rumored Ghostbusters 3, but the biggest surprise was that Sony plans to go back to the well and make a third "Men in Black" movie as well.
This was the first announcement that Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones might be back together again, although no further details were given in terms of how far along they are in development, whether there's a script in the works or whether indeed, it will be joining Spider-Man 4 in Sony's summer of 2011.
We expect to hear more on this soon!
On the latter half of that timeline, he mentioned in passing the previously announced Spider-Man 4 from Sam Raimi and the long-rumored Ghostbusters 3, but the biggest surprise was that Sony plans to go back to the well and make a third "Men in Black" movie as well.
This was the first announcement that Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones might be back together again, although no further details were given in terms of how far along they are in development, whether there's a script in the works or whether indeed, it will be joining Spider-Man 4 in Sony's summer of 2011.
We expect to hear more on this soon!
Franco and McBride Reteaming in Your Highness
James Franco is joining Danny McBride in Your Highness, the Universal Pictures comedy to be directed by David Gordon Green, says Variety.
Written by McBride and Ben Best, the comedy follows two spoiled and arrogant princes in a medieval fantasy setting. When an evil wizard casts a spell on their father and kidnaps the older prince's fiance, they're forced to go on a quest to save their family and the kingdom.
The film begins production July 20 in Belfast.
Franco starred for Green in Columbia Pictures comedy Pineapple Express, which also starred McBride.
Written by McBride and Ben Best, the comedy follows two spoiled and arrogant princes in a medieval fantasy setting. When an evil wizard casts a spell on their father and kidnaps the older prince's fiance, they're forced to go on a quest to save their family and the kingdom.
The film begins production July 20 in Belfast.
Franco starred for Green in Columbia Pictures comedy Pineapple Express, which also starred McBride.
Schwartz Helming Bright Lights, Big City
MGM has set Josh Schwartz to write and make his feature directorial debut with a fresh take on the 1984 Jay McInerney novel "Bright Lights, Big City."
Variety says that Schwartz, co-creator-executive producer of NBC's "Chuck" and The CW's "Gossip Girl," will produce the film with Stephanie Savage.
The novel revolves around a disillusioned magazine writer who numbs the pain of a failed marriage and writer's block with drugs, alcohol and nightly carousing. It was made into a film in 1988 starring Michael J. Fox and Kiefer Sutherland.
Schwartz begins writing after he completes the script for X-Men: First Class. He's also working on "Lily," a "Gossip Girl" spin-off series that will star Brittany Snow.
Variety says that Schwartz, co-creator-executive producer of NBC's "Chuck" and The CW's "Gossip Girl," will produce the film with Stephanie Savage.
The novel revolves around a disillusioned magazine writer who numbs the pain of a failed marriage and writer's block with drugs, alcohol and nightly carousing. It was made into a film in 1988 starring Michael J. Fox and Kiefer Sutherland.
Schwartz begins writing after he completes the script for X-Men: First Class. He's also working on "Lily," a "Gossip Girl" spin-off series that will star Brittany Snow.
Kevin Spacey is the Father of Invention
Kevin Spacey will star in and produce the indie comedy Father of Invention, reports Variety.
Trent Cooper (Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector) will direct from a script he wrote with Jonathan Krane and Nichole Beattie.
The story centers on a humble inventor-turned-egomaniacal billionaire who loses it all when one of his inventions goes horribly awry. After eight years in federal prison, he returns bankrupt, homeless and determined to rebuild his reputation and fortune.
Trigger Street Productions' Spacey and Dana Brunetti are producing alongside Krane (Swordfish) and Ken Barbet. Scott Lumpkin executive produces.
Trent Cooper (Larry the Cable Guy: Health Inspector) will direct from a script he wrote with Jonathan Krane and Nichole Beattie.
The story centers on a humble inventor-turned-egomaniacal billionaire who loses it all when one of his inventions goes horribly awry. After eight years in federal prison, he returns bankrupt, homeless and determined to rebuild his reputation and fortune.
Trigger Street Productions' Spacey and Dana Brunetti are producing alongside Krane (Swordfish) and Ken Barbet. Scott Lumpkin executive produces.
Steve Carell Gets Dumped
Warner Bros. Pictures has acquired Dumped, a comedy Vic Levin will adapt as a star vehicle for Steve Carell based on a novel by Andrew Gottlieb, reports Variety.
Carell would play a man searching for new meaning in his life after his wife abruptly files for divorce.
Carell and his Carousel Production partners Vance DeGeneres and Charlie Hartsock would produce.
Carell next stars with Tina Fey in the Shawn Levy-directed Fox comedy Date Night, and he is expected to next reprise his Maxwell Smart role in a Pete Segal-directed Get Smart sequel for WB next spring.
Carell would play a man searching for new meaning in his life after his wife abruptly files for divorce.
Carell and his Carousel Production partners Vance DeGeneres and Charlie Hartsock would produce.
Carell next stars with Tina Fey in the Shawn Levy-directed Fox comedy Date Night, and he is expected to next reprise his Maxwell Smart role in a Pete Segal-directed Get Smart sequel for WB next spring.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Friday Night Lights Renewed for Two Seasons
NBC and DirecTV have renewed "Friday Night Lights" for two season. The new deal covers the show's fourth and fifth seasons, which will consist of 13 episodes each.
It continues the innovative partnership between the NBC and the DirectTV that saved "FNL" from cancellation this season, the third for the Peabody-winning series revolving around a high school football team in a small Texas town. Series hails from Brian Grazer's Imagine TV, Peter Berg's Film 44 shingle and Universal Media Studios.
DirecTV will get the first window on the episodes, to run commercial-free as the marquee property on its 101 Network channel.
The additional two seasons will bring "FNL's" episode tally to 76. Universal and Imagine were eager to continue producing episodes to enhance the prospects for a syndication sale.
It continues the innovative partnership between the NBC and the DirectTV that saved "FNL" from cancellation this season, the third for the Peabody-winning series revolving around a high school football team in a small Texas town. Series hails from Brian Grazer's Imagine TV, Peter Berg's Film 44 shingle and Universal Media Studios.
DirecTV will get the first window on the episodes, to run commercial-free as the marquee property on its 101 Network channel.
The additional two seasons will bring "FNL's" episode tally to 76. Universal and Imagine were eager to continue producing episodes to enhance the prospects for a syndication sale.
Ice Cube Invites You on Ride Along
Ice Cube will next star in Ride Along, an action-comedy that New Line Cinema will put into production this summer, reports Variety.
Cube has come aboard with his Cube Vision partner Matt Alvarez to produce, and he will do a quick rewrite while New Line sets a director and co-star.
Cube will play a rogue cop with a soft spot for his sister. When she reveals she's engaged to an upper-crust white psychiatrist, the cop sets out to destroy the relationship by inviting his future brother-in-law on a ride-along.
Chris Bender and JC Spink will be executive producers, and Larry Brezner also will be involved in a producing capacity. Greg Coolidge wrote the script, and Steve Faber and Bob Fisher did a rewrite.
Cube has come aboard with his Cube Vision partner Matt Alvarez to produce, and he will do a quick rewrite while New Line sets a director and co-star.
Cube will play a rogue cop with a soft spot for his sister. When she reveals she's engaged to an upper-crust white psychiatrist, the cop sets out to destroy the relationship by inviting his future brother-in-law on a ride-along.
Chris Bender and JC Spink will be executive producers, and Larry Brezner also will be involved in a producing capacity. Greg Coolidge wrote the script, and Steve Faber and Bob Fisher did a rewrite.
Star Trek Sequel on the Fast Track
As Paramount Pictures is moving forward with a sequel to its May 8 release, Star Trek, and has hired Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lindelof to write the screenplay.
Variety says J.J. Abrams, who directed and produced the new film, is on board to produce the follow-up alongside his Bad Robot partner Bryan Burk. No decision has been made yet on whether Abrams will direct the sequel.
Orci, Kurtzman and Lindelof also are receiving producing credit on the sequel.
The story is still in the embryonic stage, but the trio are aiming to deliver their script to the Melrose studio by Christmas for what would likely be a summer 2011 release.
"Obviously we discussed ideas, but we are waiting to see how audiences respond next month," Kurtzman said. "With a franchise rebirth, the first movie has to be about origin. But with a second, you have the opportunity to explore incredibly exciting things. We'll be ambitious about what we'll do."
Though Orci and Kurtzman have worked together as a writing team for more than 12 years, the duo has worked with Lindelof on only one screenplay - DreamWorks' Cowboys & Aliens, which they are currently writing together.
Variety says J.J. Abrams, who directed and produced the new film, is on board to produce the follow-up alongside his Bad Robot partner Bryan Burk. No decision has been made yet on whether Abrams will direct the sequel.
Orci, Kurtzman and Lindelof also are receiving producing credit on the sequel.
The story is still in the embryonic stage, but the trio are aiming to deliver their script to the Melrose studio by Christmas for what would likely be a summer 2011 release.
"Obviously we discussed ideas, but we are waiting to see how audiences respond next month," Kurtzman said. "With a franchise rebirth, the first movie has to be about origin. But with a second, you have the opportunity to explore incredibly exciting things. We'll be ambitious about what we'll do."
Though Orci and Kurtzman have worked together as a writing team for more than 12 years, the duo has worked with Lindelof on only one screenplay - DreamWorks' Cowboys & Aliens, which they are currently writing together.
Paul Bettany is Priest!
The Hollywood Reporter says Paul Bettany is in negotiations to star in Priest, a horror Western that Michael De Luca and Stars Road Entertainment's Josh Donen are producing for Screen Gems. Mitchell Peck also will produce.
The move would reunite Bettany with director Scott Stewart, for whom he just finished starring in Legion, an upcoming Screen Gems supernatural thriller.
An adaptation of the TokyoPop comic book, Priest is set in a world ravaged by centuries of war between man and vampire and follows a warrior priest (Bettany) who turns against the church to track down a murderous band of vampires who have kidnapped his niece.
Cory Goodman (The Brood) wrote the screenplay.
"I knew the moment I saw Stewart's first cut of 'Legion' that Bettany was Priest and so I mentioned it to him immediately," Screen Gems president Clint Culpepper said.
The move would reunite Bettany with director Scott Stewart, for whom he just finished starring in Legion, an upcoming Screen Gems supernatural thriller.
An adaptation of the TokyoPop comic book, Priest is set in a world ravaged by centuries of war between man and vampire and follows a warrior priest (Bettany) who turns against the church to track down a murderous band of vampires who have kidnapped his niece.
Cory Goodman (The Brood) wrote the screenplay.
"I knew the moment I saw Stewart's first cut of 'Legion' that Bettany was Priest and so I mentioned it to him immediately," Screen Gems president Clint Culpepper said.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Weekly Ratings: 3/23 – 3/27
Sunday Ratings: How Many Were Shocked by Housewives?
Sunday's ratings summary minus specifics for CBS (which, due to NCAA tourney coverage, experienced overruns and overlaps that frankly make my number-crunching head hurt):
8 pm/ET
Extreme Makeover placed second behind CBS with 9.77 million total viewers, a week-to-week-gain of 290K. Fox's The Simpsons (6.15 mil) and King of the Hill (5.49 mil) combined for third, each inching up a bit. NBC's Kings got crowned in its second week, dropping 24 percent to 4.58 mil.
9 pm
Housewives topped the hour with 14.66 million viewers, up 230K. Fox's Family Guy (7.45 mil) was up a hair, but American Dad (5.85 mil) was flat. Celebrity Apprentice saw 7.3 mil (up 600K) tune in for Dennis Rodman's meltdown.
10 pm
Brothers & Sisters placed second behind CBS with 10.4 mil, dipping 180 thou.
Monday Ratings: Mother Makes Smaller Bang, Heroes Hits Low
8 pm/ET
Dancing with the Stars averaged 20.16 million total viewers over its two-hour run, dipping just 4 percent week-to-week. Trailing a House repeat, How I Met Your Mother (7.4 mil) didn't deliver a very big bang in Sheldon and Leonard's time slot, dropping 20 percent from its last regularly-scheduled episode. Chuck came in fourth with 6.05 mil (up 6 percent), followed by Gossip Girl (dipping to 2.2 mil).
9 pm
Weakened by a Two and a Half Men repeat, Rules of Engagement plunged 17 percent, to 9.43 mil. 24 hit its first skid in a while, slipping 9 percent, while Heroes (6.48 mil) sank to a new series low. One Tree Hill held steady at 2.26 mil.
10 pm
CSI: Miami topped the hour with 13.46 million viewers, followed by Castle, which at 9.8 mil crumbled some 15 percent. Medium (6.56 mil), like its lead-in, hit an all-time low.
Tuesday Ratings: Reaper Reaps Season High Opposite Obama
8 pm/ET
President Barack Obama's news conference spoke to 31.12 million total viewers across the Big Four networks, a 5 percent dip from his previous prime-time address. Though perhaps falling under the category of Too Little, Too Late, the CW's Reaper seized the opportunity to score a season-high 2.48 million viewers, up 32 percent from its week-ago outing.
9 pm
Airing an hour later than usual, NCIS stepped on Dancing with the Stars' toes, placing first with 17.54 million viewers. (Think Ducky will ever cough up McGee's vintage LP?) The DWTS results show nonetheless built on last Tuesday's numbers, delivering 15.7 mil. The Biggest Loser averaged 9.78 mil, up 24 percent from St. Patrick's Day.
10 pm
The Mentalist closed out CBS' night with an audience of 17.53 million viewers, up 13 percent week-to-week. The second hour of Biggest Loser bested ABC's Primetime: What Would You Do? (8.47 mil).
Wednesday Ratings: American Idol Is Red Hot
8 pm/ET
American Idol's Motown Week kick-off averaged 25.6 million total viewers over its two-hour run, up 19 percent from last week's (Tuesday) sing-off and a 3 percent increase from the comparable night a year ago. A Survivor clip show placed a distant second with 8.15 mil. ABC's Scrubs (5.33 mil, -470K) and Better Off Ted (4.7 mil, down 16 percent) both dropped. Top Model (2.85 mil) plunged 21 percent but still beat out NBC's Chopping Block (which chopped off another 26 percent, hitting 2.6 mil).
9 pm
Criminal Minds came in second with 14 million viewers, gaining 520K week-to-week. Lost lost another 260 thou to set a new low of 8.82 mil. Life inched up a hair, to 4.32 mil.
10 pm
CSI: NY topped the hour with 12.6 million viewers, followed by Law & Order (7.25 mil, up 180K). The penultimate episode of Life on Mars (5.67 mil) gained 400 thou.
Thursday Ratings: How Did Samantha Who Do?
8 pm/ET
American Idol played to a special Thursday audience of 22.35 million total viewers, down 650K from last week's results show. CBS' NCAA tourney coverage placed second in every prime-time hour, averaging 10.12 million viewers across the night. ABC's brand-new In the Motherhood (6.72 mil) and returning Samantha Who? (6.53 mil, down 270 thou from Dec. 1, its last fresh outing) combined for third, but averaged 13 percent less than Ugly Betty's most recent numbers. Trailing NBC's pairing of Earl (5.87 mil) with an Office repeat, Smallville scored 3.74 mil, surging 14 percent week-to-week.
9 pm
Grey's Anatomy enjoyed CSI's latest bye, topping the hour with 15.8 million viewers, up 10 percent. Hell's Kitchen nipped at basketball's heels, placing third with 10.95 mil. Both NBC's The Office (8.45 mil, +500K) and 30 Rock (7.17 mil, +150K) saw gains, while Supernatural (3.17 mil) was flat. (Be sure to check out next week's high-sterical promo!)
10 pm
With CBS' Eleventh Hour still shot-clock-blocked, Private Practice again claimed No. 1 with an audience of 10.48 mil, up 470 thou. ER gained 700K but still trailed hoops, delivering 10.16 mil.
Friday Ratings: Terminator Shows Some Life, Dollhouse Dips
8 pm/ET
CBS' NCAA tourney coverage topped all time slots, averaging 10.3 million total viewers across the night. Wife Swap placed second at 8 o'clock, surging 14 percent to hit 5.54 mil. Sarah Connor (3.83 mil) this week targeted third, gaining 180K. Howie Do It dropped 7 percent, to 3.6 mil.
9 pm
Supernanny babysat an audience of 6.52 million, up 21 percent week-to-week. Friday Night Lights saw 3.95 mil turn out for the Panthers' state qualifying game, up 100K. Despite coming off its strongest episode to date, Dollhouse fell 250 thou, to 3.88 mil.
10 pm
Basketball, 20/20 (8.05 mil) and Dateline (5.39 mil).
Sunday's ratings summary minus specifics for CBS (which, due to NCAA tourney coverage, experienced overruns and overlaps that frankly make my number-crunching head hurt):
8 pm/ET
Extreme Makeover placed second behind CBS with 9.77 million total viewers, a week-to-week-gain of 290K. Fox's The Simpsons (6.15 mil) and King of the Hill (5.49 mil) combined for third, each inching up a bit. NBC's Kings got crowned in its second week, dropping 24 percent to 4.58 mil.
9 pm
Housewives topped the hour with 14.66 million viewers, up 230K. Fox's Family Guy (7.45 mil) was up a hair, but American Dad (5.85 mil) was flat. Celebrity Apprentice saw 7.3 mil (up 600K) tune in for Dennis Rodman's meltdown.
10 pm
Brothers & Sisters placed second behind CBS with 10.4 mil, dipping 180 thou.
Monday Ratings: Mother Makes Smaller Bang, Heroes Hits Low
8 pm/ET
Dancing with the Stars averaged 20.16 million total viewers over its two-hour run, dipping just 4 percent week-to-week. Trailing a House repeat, How I Met Your Mother (7.4 mil) didn't deliver a very big bang in Sheldon and Leonard's time slot, dropping 20 percent from its last regularly-scheduled episode. Chuck came in fourth with 6.05 mil (up 6 percent), followed by Gossip Girl (dipping to 2.2 mil).
9 pm
Weakened by a Two and a Half Men repeat, Rules of Engagement plunged 17 percent, to 9.43 mil. 24 hit its first skid in a while, slipping 9 percent, while Heroes (6.48 mil) sank to a new series low. One Tree Hill held steady at 2.26 mil.
10 pm
CSI: Miami topped the hour with 13.46 million viewers, followed by Castle, which at 9.8 mil crumbled some 15 percent. Medium (6.56 mil), like its lead-in, hit an all-time low.
Tuesday Ratings: Reaper Reaps Season High Opposite Obama
8 pm/ET
President Barack Obama's news conference spoke to 31.12 million total viewers across the Big Four networks, a 5 percent dip from his previous prime-time address. Though perhaps falling under the category of Too Little, Too Late, the CW's Reaper seized the opportunity to score a season-high 2.48 million viewers, up 32 percent from its week-ago outing.
9 pm
Airing an hour later than usual, NCIS stepped on Dancing with the Stars' toes, placing first with 17.54 million viewers. (Think Ducky will ever cough up McGee's vintage LP?) The DWTS results show nonetheless built on last Tuesday's numbers, delivering 15.7 mil. The Biggest Loser averaged 9.78 mil, up 24 percent from St. Patrick's Day.
10 pm
The Mentalist closed out CBS' night with an audience of 17.53 million viewers, up 13 percent week-to-week. The second hour of Biggest Loser bested ABC's Primetime: What Would You Do? (8.47 mil).
Wednesday Ratings: American Idol Is Red Hot
8 pm/ET
American Idol's Motown Week kick-off averaged 25.6 million total viewers over its two-hour run, up 19 percent from last week's (Tuesday) sing-off and a 3 percent increase from the comparable night a year ago. A Survivor clip show placed a distant second with 8.15 mil. ABC's Scrubs (5.33 mil, -470K) and Better Off Ted (4.7 mil, down 16 percent) both dropped. Top Model (2.85 mil) plunged 21 percent but still beat out NBC's Chopping Block (which chopped off another 26 percent, hitting 2.6 mil).
9 pm
Criminal Minds came in second with 14 million viewers, gaining 520K week-to-week. Lost lost another 260 thou to set a new low of 8.82 mil. Life inched up a hair, to 4.32 mil.
10 pm
CSI: NY topped the hour with 12.6 million viewers, followed by Law & Order (7.25 mil, up 180K). The penultimate episode of Life on Mars (5.67 mil) gained 400 thou.
Thursday Ratings: How Did Samantha Who Do?
8 pm/ET
American Idol played to a special Thursday audience of 22.35 million total viewers, down 650K from last week's results show. CBS' NCAA tourney coverage placed second in every prime-time hour, averaging 10.12 million viewers across the night. ABC's brand-new In the Motherhood (6.72 mil) and returning Samantha Who? (6.53 mil, down 270 thou from Dec. 1, its last fresh outing) combined for third, but averaged 13 percent less than Ugly Betty's most recent numbers. Trailing NBC's pairing of Earl (5.87 mil) with an Office repeat, Smallville scored 3.74 mil, surging 14 percent week-to-week.
9 pm
Grey's Anatomy enjoyed CSI's latest bye, topping the hour with 15.8 million viewers, up 10 percent. Hell's Kitchen nipped at basketball's heels, placing third with 10.95 mil. Both NBC's The Office (8.45 mil, +500K) and 30 Rock (7.17 mil, +150K) saw gains, while Supernatural (3.17 mil) was flat. (Be sure to check out next week's high-sterical promo!)
10 pm
With CBS' Eleventh Hour still shot-clock-blocked, Private Practice again claimed No. 1 with an audience of 10.48 mil, up 470 thou. ER gained 700K but still trailed hoops, delivering 10.16 mil.
Friday Ratings: Terminator Shows Some Life, Dollhouse Dips
8 pm/ET
CBS' NCAA tourney coverage topped all time slots, averaging 10.3 million total viewers across the night. Wife Swap placed second at 8 o'clock, surging 14 percent to hit 5.54 mil. Sarah Connor (3.83 mil) this week targeted third, gaining 180K. Howie Do It dropped 7 percent, to 3.6 mil.
9 pm
Supernanny babysat an audience of 6.52 million, up 21 percent week-to-week. Friday Night Lights saw 3.95 mil turn out for the Panthers' state qualifying game, up 100K. Despite coming off its strongest episode to date, Dollhouse fell 250 thou, to 3.88 mil.
10 pm
Basketball, 20/20 (8.05 mil) and Dateline (5.39 mil).
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Monsters vs. Aliens Dominates Box Office
The ComingSoon.net Box Office Report has been updated with studio estimates for the weekend.
DreamWorks Animation's Monsters vs. Aliens dominated the weekend box office with an estimated $58.2 million from 4,104 theaters for an average of $14,181 per theater. It was the biggest debut so far in 2009, topping the $55.2 million first weekend of Watchmen in early March. The opening also marks the third-biggest ever for the month of March, trailing just 300 ($70.9 million) and Ice Age: The Meltdown ($68 million). The 1,550 3-D screens playing the animated film made up 58% of the entire gross, although those runs made up just 28% of the total theater count. The 143 IMAX theaters showing the movie in 3-D accounted for $5.2 million of the movie's overall gross. The film features the voices of Reese Witherspoon, Hugh Laurie, Will Arnett, Seth Rogen, Rainn Wilson, Stephen Colbert, Kiefer Sutherland and Paul Rudd.
Lionsgate's new horror-thriller The Haunting in Connecticut opened in second place to an impressive $23 million from 2,732 theaters. Directed by Peter Cornwell, the movie stars Virginia Madsen, Kyle Gallner, Martin Donovan, Elias Koteas and Amanda Crew.
Last week's champ, Alex Proyas' sci-fi thriller Knowing, dipped a moderate 40.2% in ticket sales and dropped to third with another $14.7 million, raising the total for the Nicolas Cage-starrer to $46.2 million after two weeks.
The Paul Rudd and Jason Segel comedy I Love You, Man added $12.6 million in fourth and has earned $37 million in two weeks.
Tony Gilroy's Duplicity, starring Julia Roberts and Clive Owen, rounded out the top five with $7.6 million. The spy comedy has collected $25.6 million in two weeks.
Disney's Race to Witch Mountain, starring Dwayne Johnson, came in at No. 6 with $5.6 million in its third weekend. The film has grossed $53.3 million so far.
20th Century Fox's newcomer 12 Rounds, directed by Renny Harlin and starring John Cena, made $5.3 million in 2,331 theaters, averaging $2,274 per site.
DreamWorks Animation's Monsters vs. Aliens dominated the weekend box office with an estimated $58.2 million from 4,104 theaters for an average of $14,181 per theater. It was the biggest debut so far in 2009, topping the $55.2 million first weekend of Watchmen in early March. The opening also marks the third-biggest ever for the month of March, trailing just 300 ($70.9 million) and Ice Age: The Meltdown ($68 million). The 1,550 3-D screens playing the animated film made up 58% of the entire gross, although those runs made up just 28% of the total theater count. The 143 IMAX theaters showing the movie in 3-D accounted for $5.2 million of the movie's overall gross. The film features the voices of Reese Witherspoon, Hugh Laurie, Will Arnett, Seth Rogen, Rainn Wilson, Stephen Colbert, Kiefer Sutherland and Paul Rudd.
Lionsgate's new horror-thriller The Haunting in Connecticut opened in second place to an impressive $23 million from 2,732 theaters. Directed by Peter Cornwell, the movie stars Virginia Madsen, Kyle Gallner, Martin Donovan, Elias Koteas and Amanda Crew.
Last week's champ, Alex Proyas' sci-fi thriller Knowing, dipped a moderate 40.2% in ticket sales and dropped to third with another $14.7 million, raising the total for the Nicolas Cage-starrer to $46.2 million after two weeks.
The Paul Rudd and Jason Segel comedy I Love You, Man added $12.6 million in fourth and has earned $37 million in two weeks.
Tony Gilroy's Duplicity, starring Julia Roberts and Clive Owen, rounded out the top five with $7.6 million. The spy comedy has collected $25.6 million in two weeks.
Disney's Race to Witch Mountain, starring Dwayne Johnson, came in at No. 6 with $5.6 million in its third weekend. The film has grossed $53.3 million so far.
20th Century Fox's newcomer 12 Rounds, directed by Renny Harlin and starring John Cena, made $5.3 million in 2,331 theaters, averaging $2,274 per site.
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