Warner Bros. Pictures' Terminator Salvation opened to $13.3 million from 3,530 theaters on Thursday. About $3 million of that came from midnight screenings. The last film in the franchise, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, had a preview night on July 1, 2003 during which it earned $4 million and then it made $12.4 million the next full day in 3,355 theaters.
The McG-directed film may get close to adding another $60 million over the four-day Friday-to-Monday Memorial Day frame for a total of over $70 million for its first five days.
Starting today, Terminator Salvation is going head-to-head with two more wide releases - Fox's Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian and Paramount's Dance Flick.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
The CW Announces 2009-2010 Schedule
The CW has announced its schedule for the 2009-2010 season, which includes news shows "Melrose Place," "The Beautiful Life" and "The Vampire Diaries":
The CW Network unveiled the schedule for its 2009-2010 season today at a presentation for advertisers, affiliates and national media in the Theater at Madison Square Garden. The announcement was made by Dawn Ostroff, President of Entertainment, The CW.
“In just three years, The CW has become TV to talk about, with culturally current, quality programming,” said Ostroff. “Next fall, we will have great flow from Monday through Friday, starting with the Monday pairing of ‘Gossip Girl’ and ‘One Tree Hill,’ which made The CW one of the top destinations for young women this season. Tuesday night gives us a perfect match with ‘90210’ and ‘Melrose Place.’ And what could be better than our Wednesday night shows from Tyra Banks and Ashton Kutcher – the all-model lineup of ‘America’s Next Top Model’ and ‘The Beautiful Life.’ On Thursdays, ‘The Vampire Diaries’ taps into the continuing fascination young women have with all things vampire, and makes the perfect lead-in for ‘Supernatural,’ which is coming off its strongest year ever. Moving ‘Smallville’ to Fridays gives us a major player with a loyal fan base to kick off the night. Top all that off with our heartwarming and humorous midseason drama ‘Parental Discretion Advised,’ from writer/producer Liz Tigelaar, and we have a full slate of great programming to keep our viewers watching, chatting, texting and tweeting all next season.”
On Monday, the powerhouse combination of GOSSIP GIRL and ONE TREE HILL will remain in place. Last fall, this winning team made The CW the Number One network with women, and sent Monday night ratings up 118 percent in women 18-34. GOSSIP GIRL, which continues to be one of the most talked-about shows on television, will return to its 8:00-9:00 p.m. slot, followed by ONE TREE HILL from 9:00-10:00 p.m.
On Tuesday, 90210 returns for its sophomore season in the 8:00-9:00 p.m. timeslot. Last season, 90210 gave The CW its highest-rated series premiere ever and improved the 8:00 p.m. time period by 35 percent in women 18-34. The highly anticipated, updated version of the 1990s monster-hit drama MELROSE PLACE will premiere in the 9:00-10:00 p.m. timeslot. The new MELROSE PLACE features a dynamic ensemble of up-and-coming stars, along with two original cast members reprising the roles they made famous: Laura Leighton as Sydney Andrews and Thomas Calabro as Dr. Michael Mancini. MELROSE PLACE promises to deliver all the backstabbing and sizzle of the original series. And, as they did once before, 90210 and MELROSE PLACE will combine for a great night of television.
On Wednesday, AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL returns in its successful 8:00-9:00 p.m. timeslot, followed by the glamorous new drama THE BEAUTIFUL LIFE. Last season, AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL ranked second in its time period with young women. Tyra Banks is one of the few women who is seen regularly on both daytime and primetime television. Beginning this fall, The CW’s daytime block will feature two hours of THE TYRA BANKS SHOW, with an encore episode from 3:00-4:00 p.m. and an original episode from 4:00-5:00 p.m. AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL and THE TYRA BANKS SHOW provide perfect symmetry and a natural fit for The CW brand by targeting the same audience in both primetime and daytime.
New drama THE BEAUTIFUL LIFE joins TOP MODEL on Wednesdays. From producers Ashton Kutcher, Jason Goldberg, Karey Burke, Mike Kelley and Carol Barbee, the fashion-based series gives viewers an exciting, behind-the-scenes glimpse at the cutthroat world of a group of young, beautiful and very sexy models living together in a models’ residence in New York City. The show features a stunning ensemble cast, featuring Sara Paxton (“Last House on the Left”), Mischa Barton (“The O.C.”) and supermodel Elle Macpherson (“Friends”). Together, AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL and THE BEAUTIFUL LIFE will be television’s most fashionable night.
Thursdays go Goth with the new teaming of THE VAMPIRE DIARIES from 8:00-9:00 p.m., followed by SUPERNATURAL in the 9:00-10:00 p.m. hour. Based on the best-selling series of books, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES is the story of two vampire brothers obsessed with the same beautiful girl, and battling to control the fate of an entire town. Starring Nina Dobrev (“DeGrassi: The Next Generation”), Paul Wesley (“Mad Men”), Ian Somerhalder (“Lost”) and Steven R. McQueen (“Everwood”), THE VAMPIRE DIARIES makes the perfect new lead-in to SUPERNATURAL. Last season, SUPERNATURAL’s Winchester brothers gave the network ratings growth across key young demos, despite the highly competitive timeslot.
Big changes are in store on Fridays when SMALLVILLE relocates to the 8:00-9:00 p.m. hour, bringing young viewers from Thursday into Friday nights. With non-stop action and classic DC Comics characters from Lois Lane to Doomsday, SMALLVILLE continues to give loyal viewers the stories and characters they love.
The heartwarming and humorous drama PARENTAL DISCRETION ADVISED will premiere midseason. From writer/producer Liz Tigelaar, (“Brothers and Sisters”), PARENTAL DISCRETION ADVISED is the story of a young girl who finds her biological parents and how that discovery changes all their lives. The show stars Britt Robertson (“Swingtown”), Kristoffer Polaha (“Mad Men”), Shiri Appleby (“E.R.”) and Kerr Smith (“Eli Stone”).
Following is The CW’s 2009-2010 primetime schedule, a night-by-night breakdown and accompanying details on all the programs.
THE CW’s 2009-2010 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE
MONDAY
8:00-9:00 PM GOSSIP GIRL
9:00-10:00 PM ONE TREE HILL
TUESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM 90210
9:00-10:00 PM MELROSE PLACE (New Series)
WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL
9:00-10:00 PM THE BEAUTIFUL LIFE (New Series)
THURSDAY
8:00-9:00 PM THE VAMPIRE DIARIES (New Series)
9:00-10:00 PM SUPERNATURAL
FRIDAY
8:00-9:00 PM SMALLVILLE (New night)
9:00-10:00 PM AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL (Encore Presentation)
The CW Network unveiled the schedule for its 2009-2010 season today at a presentation for advertisers, affiliates and national media in the Theater at Madison Square Garden. The announcement was made by Dawn Ostroff, President of Entertainment, The CW.
“In just three years, The CW has become TV to talk about, with culturally current, quality programming,” said Ostroff. “Next fall, we will have great flow from Monday through Friday, starting with the Monday pairing of ‘Gossip Girl’ and ‘One Tree Hill,’ which made The CW one of the top destinations for young women this season. Tuesday night gives us a perfect match with ‘90210’ and ‘Melrose Place.’ And what could be better than our Wednesday night shows from Tyra Banks and Ashton Kutcher – the all-model lineup of ‘America’s Next Top Model’ and ‘The Beautiful Life.’ On Thursdays, ‘The Vampire Diaries’ taps into the continuing fascination young women have with all things vampire, and makes the perfect lead-in for ‘Supernatural,’ which is coming off its strongest year ever. Moving ‘Smallville’ to Fridays gives us a major player with a loyal fan base to kick off the night. Top all that off with our heartwarming and humorous midseason drama ‘Parental Discretion Advised,’ from writer/producer Liz Tigelaar, and we have a full slate of great programming to keep our viewers watching, chatting, texting and tweeting all next season.”
On Monday, the powerhouse combination of GOSSIP GIRL and ONE TREE HILL will remain in place. Last fall, this winning team made The CW the Number One network with women, and sent Monday night ratings up 118 percent in women 18-34. GOSSIP GIRL, which continues to be one of the most talked-about shows on television, will return to its 8:00-9:00 p.m. slot, followed by ONE TREE HILL from 9:00-10:00 p.m.
On Tuesday, 90210 returns for its sophomore season in the 8:00-9:00 p.m. timeslot. Last season, 90210 gave The CW its highest-rated series premiere ever and improved the 8:00 p.m. time period by 35 percent in women 18-34. The highly anticipated, updated version of the 1990s monster-hit drama MELROSE PLACE will premiere in the 9:00-10:00 p.m. timeslot. The new MELROSE PLACE features a dynamic ensemble of up-and-coming stars, along with two original cast members reprising the roles they made famous: Laura Leighton as Sydney Andrews and Thomas Calabro as Dr. Michael Mancini. MELROSE PLACE promises to deliver all the backstabbing and sizzle of the original series. And, as they did once before, 90210 and MELROSE PLACE will combine for a great night of television.
On Wednesday, AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL returns in its successful 8:00-9:00 p.m. timeslot, followed by the glamorous new drama THE BEAUTIFUL LIFE. Last season, AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL ranked second in its time period with young women. Tyra Banks is one of the few women who is seen regularly on both daytime and primetime television. Beginning this fall, The CW’s daytime block will feature two hours of THE TYRA BANKS SHOW, with an encore episode from 3:00-4:00 p.m. and an original episode from 4:00-5:00 p.m. AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL and THE TYRA BANKS SHOW provide perfect symmetry and a natural fit for The CW brand by targeting the same audience in both primetime and daytime.
New drama THE BEAUTIFUL LIFE joins TOP MODEL on Wednesdays. From producers Ashton Kutcher, Jason Goldberg, Karey Burke, Mike Kelley and Carol Barbee, the fashion-based series gives viewers an exciting, behind-the-scenes glimpse at the cutthroat world of a group of young, beautiful and very sexy models living together in a models’ residence in New York City. The show features a stunning ensemble cast, featuring Sara Paxton (“Last House on the Left”), Mischa Barton (“The O.C.”) and supermodel Elle Macpherson (“Friends”). Together, AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL and THE BEAUTIFUL LIFE will be television’s most fashionable night.
Thursdays go Goth with the new teaming of THE VAMPIRE DIARIES from 8:00-9:00 p.m., followed by SUPERNATURAL in the 9:00-10:00 p.m. hour. Based on the best-selling series of books, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES is the story of two vampire brothers obsessed with the same beautiful girl, and battling to control the fate of an entire town. Starring Nina Dobrev (“DeGrassi: The Next Generation”), Paul Wesley (“Mad Men”), Ian Somerhalder (“Lost”) and Steven R. McQueen (“Everwood”), THE VAMPIRE DIARIES makes the perfect new lead-in to SUPERNATURAL. Last season, SUPERNATURAL’s Winchester brothers gave the network ratings growth across key young demos, despite the highly competitive timeslot.
Big changes are in store on Fridays when SMALLVILLE relocates to the 8:00-9:00 p.m. hour, bringing young viewers from Thursday into Friday nights. With non-stop action and classic DC Comics characters from Lois Lane to Doomsday, SMALLVILLE continues to give loyal viewers the stories and characters they love.
The heartwarming and humorous drama PARENTAL DISCRETION ADVISED will premiere midseason. From writer/producer Liz Tigelaar, (“Brothers and Sisters”), PARENTAL DISCRETION ADVISED is the story of a young girl who finds her biological parents and how that discovery changes all their lives. The show stars Britt Robertson (“Swingtown”), Kristoffer Polaha (“Mad Men”), Shiri Appleby (“E.R.”) and Kerr Smith (“Eli Stone”).
Following is The CW’s 2009-2010 primetime schedule, a night-by-night breakdown and accompanying details on all the programs.
THE CW’s 2009-2010 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE
MONDAY
8:00-9:00 PM GOSSIP GIRL
9:00-10:00 PM ONE TREE HILL
TUESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM 90210
9:00-10:00 PM MELROSE PLACE (New Series)
WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL
9:00-10:00 PM THE BEAUTIFUL LIFE (New Series)
THURSDAY
8:00-9:00 PM THE VAMPIRE DIARIES (New Series)
9:00-10:00 PM SUPERNATURAL
FRIDAY
8:00-9:00 PM SMALLVILLE (New night)
9:00-10:00 PM AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL (Encore Presentation)
Zach Braff to Direct and Star in Swingles
Zach Braff ("Scrubs," Garden State) is in negotiations to direct, rewrite and co-star in the comedy Swingles for Paramount Pictures, reports Variety.
Cameron Diaz has already signed on to star.
The story, which is based on a Duncan Birmingham spec script, centers on a bachelor who is dumped by his wingman and teams up with a sharp-tongued woman he can't stand in order to meet singles. Jeff Roda wrote a draft as well.
Cameron Diaz has already signed on to star.
The story, which is based on a Duncan Birmingham spec script, centers on a bachelor who is dumped by his wingman and teams up with a sharp-tongued woman he can't stand in order to meet singles. Jeff Roda wrote a draft as well.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
CBS Announces 2009-2010 Primetime Schedule
CBS has announced its 2009-2010 schedule which includes eight new series, and moves "The Mentalist" to Thursdays and "The Big Bang Theory" to Mondays:
CBS, the only major broadcast network to grow its audience in all key ratings measures this season, announced today the addition of four new series to strengthen its already top rated primetime lineup for the Fall 2009-2010 season.
The new series include three dramas and one comedy. Chris O'Donnell and LL COOL J star in NCIS: LOS ANGELES, a spinoff from the hit drama NCIS; THE GOOD WIFE stars Emmy® Award winner Julianna Margulies in a legal drama about a steadfast wife and mother who boldly returns to work as a lawyer when her husband is imprisoned for a high profile political scandal; THREE RIVERS, a medical drama that stars Alex O'Loughlin as the head of a renowned transplant surgery team, and ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE stars Golden Globe Award winner Jenna Elfman in an ensemble comedy about a successful, single journalist who accidentally gets pregnant by a much younger man.
The freshmen series will join 18 returning series on the current CBS schedule.
CBS will return the season's #1 drama/scripted program - CSI; #1 comedy - TWO AND A HALF MEN; #1 new series - THE MENTALIST and the #1 news magazine - 60 MINUTES, along with two franchise reality series - SURVIVOR and the six-time Emmy Award winner THE AMAZING RACE.
The other returning series include: THE BIG BANG THEORY, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, CSI: MIAMI, NCIS, THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE; GARY UNMARRIED, CRIMINAL MINDS, CSI: NY, GHOST WHISPERER, NUMB3RS, 48 HOURS MYSTERY and COLD CASE.
Ordered for midseason is a new fast-paced medical drama, MIAMI TRAUMA, from executive producer Jerry Bruckheimer; the new police drama THE BRIDGE; the returning comedy RULES OF ENGAGEMENT; and the new alternative series ARRANGED MARRIAGE and UNDERCOVER BOSS.
On the strength of its scripted series, and the success of its two reality franchises, CBS will win the 2008-2009 television season in viewers, its sixth victory in the past seven years, and in adults 25-54 (projected tie with Fox). CBS is the ONLY network to post ratings gains over the last season in all key measures: +12% in viewers, + 3% in adults 18-49, and +8% in adults 25-54.
This top-rated schedule will serve as the springboard to introduce four new series - all of which have established franchises as a lead-in.
Following is the 2009-2010 CBS Television Network primetime schedule:
CBS TELEVISON NETWORK
2009-2010 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE
(N=New, NT=New Time, all times ET/PT)
MONDAY
8:00-8:30 PM HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER (NT)
8:30-9:00 PM ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE (N)
9:00-9:30 PM TWO AND A HALF MEN
9:30-10:00 PM THE BIG BANG THEORY (NT)
10:00-11:00 PM CSI: MIAMI
TUESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM NCIS
9:00-10:00 PM NCIS: LOS ANGELES (N)
10:00-11:00 PM THE GOOD WIFE (N)
WEDNESDAY
8:00-8:30 PM THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE
8:30-9:00 PM GARY UNMARRIED
9:00-10:00 PM CRIMINAL MINDS
10:00-11:00 PM CSI: NY
THURSDAY
8:00-9:00 PM SURVIVOR
9:00-10:00 PM CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION
10:00-11:00 PM THE MENTALIST (NT)
FRIDAY
8:00-9:00 PM GHOST WHISPERER
9:00-10:00 PM MEDIUM
10:00-11:00 PM NUMB3RS
SATURDAY
8:00-9:00 PM CRIMETIME SATURDAY
9:00-10:00 PM CRIMETIME SATURDAY
10:00-11:00 PM 48 HOURS MYSTERY
SUNDAY
7:00-8:00 PM 60 MINUTES
8:00-9:00 PM THE AMAZING RACE
9:00-10:00 PM THREE RIVERS (N)
10:00-11:00 PM COLD CASE (NT)
CBS, the only major broadcast network to grow its audience in all key ratings measures this season, announced today the addition of four new series to strengthen its already top rated primetime lineup for the Fall 2009-2010 season.
The new series include three dramas and one comedy. Chris O'Donnell and LL COOL J star in NCIS: LOS ANGELES, a spinoff from the hit drama NCIS; THE GOOD WIFE stars Emmy® Award winner Julianna Margulies in a legal drama about a steadfast wife and mother who boldly returns to work as a lawyer when her husband is imprisoned for a high profile political scandal; THREE RIVERS, a medical drama that stars Alex O'Loughlin as the head of a renowned transplant surgery team, and ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE stars Golden Globe Award winner Jenna Elfman in an ensemble comedy about a successful, single journalist who accidentally gets pregnant by a much younger man.
The freshmen series will join 18 returning series on the current CBS schedule.
CBS will return the season's #1 drama/scripted program - CSI; #1 comedy - TWO AND A HALF MEN; #1 new series - THE MENTALIST and the #1 news magazine - 60 MINUTES, along with two franchise reality series - SURVIVOR and the six-time Emmy Award winner THE AMAZING RACE.
The other returning series include: THE BIG BANG THEORY, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, CSI: MIAMI, NCIS, THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE; GARY UNMARRIED, CRIMINAL MINDS, CSI: NY, GHOST WHISPERER, NUMB3RS, 48 HOURS MYSTERY and COLD CASE.
Ordered for midseason is a new fast-paced medical drama, MIAMI TRAUMA, from executive producer Jerry Bruckheimer; the new police drama THE BRIDGE; the returning comedy RULES OF ENGAGEMENT; and the new alternative series ARRANGED MARRIAGE and UNDERCOVER BOSS.
On the strength of its scripted series, and the success of its two reality franchises, CBS will win the 2008-2009 television season in viewers, its sixth victory in the past seven years, and in adults 25-54 (projected tie with Fox). CBS is the ONLY network to post ratings gains over the last season in all key measures: +12% in viewers, + 3% in adults 18-49, and +8% in adults 25-54.
This top-rated schedule will serve as the springboard to introduce four new series - all of which have established franchises as a lead-in.
Following is the 2009-2010 CBS Television Network primetime schedule:
CBS TELEVISON NETWORK
2009-2010 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE
(N=New, NT=New Time, all times ET/PT)
MONDAY
8:00-8:30 PM HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER (NT)
8:30-9:00 PM ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE (N)
9:00-9:30 PM TWO AND A HALF MEN
9:30-10:00 PM THE BIG BANG THEORY (NT)
10:00-11:00 PM CSI: MIAMI
TUESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM NCIS
9:00-10:00 PM NCIS: LOS ANGELES (N)
10:00-11:00 PM THE GOOD WIFE (N)
WEDNESDAY
8:00-8:30 PM THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE
8:30-9:00 PM GARY UNMARRIED
9:00-10:00 PM CRIMINAL MINDS
10:00-11:00 PM CSI: NY
THURSDAY
8:00-9:00 PM SURVIVOR
9:00-10:00 PM CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION
10:00-11:00 PM THE MENTALIST (NT)
FRIDAY
8:00-9:00 PM GHOST WHISPERER
9:00-10:00 PM MEDIUM
10:00-11:00 PM NUMB3RS
SATURDAY
8:00-9:00 PM CRIMETIME SATURDAY
9:00-10:00 PM CRIMETIME SATURDAY
10:00-11:00 PM 48 HOURS MYSTERY
SUNDAY
7:00-8:00 PM 60 MINUTES
8:00-9:00 PM THE AMAZING RACE
9:00-10:00 PM THREE RIVERS (N)
10:00-11:00 PM COLD CASE (NT)
Monsters vs. Aliens Headed for the Tube
Nickelodeon has ordered a pilot from DreamWorks Animation for a series based on the company's recent Monsters vs. Aliens, says The Hollywood Reporter.
DWA and Nick last week announced a deal on the co-production of "Kung Fu Panda: The Series" based on last year's DWA hit. The two also collaborate on the successful "The Penguins of Madagascar," for which the partners will launch an aggressive licensing campaign early next year.
In 2010, DWA is also teaming up with NBC for a "Scared Shrekless" Halloween special and a Kung Fu Panda holiday special.
DWA and Nick last week announced a deal on the co-production of "Kung Fu Panda: The Series" based on last year's DWA hit. The two also collaborate on the successful "The Penguins of Madagascar," for which the partners will launch an aggressive licensing campaign early next year.
In 2010, DWA is also teaming up with NBC for a "Scared Shrekless" Halloween special and a Kung Fu Panda holiday special.
SNL to Make MacGruber Movie?
Saturday Night Live hasn’t produced a big screen movie in almost ten years (unless you somehow count Mean Girls, Hot Rod or Baby Mama, which were produced by Lorne Michaels). And probably for good reason. SNL hasn’t been relevant for nearly a decade, but in recent years has gotten a new life thanks to among other things, the addition of The Lonely Island crew.
And there was a short period of time when a Saturday Night Live movie wasn’t a bad thing. It’s hard to look beyond all the Ladies Mans, Superstars, Coneheads and Night at the Roxburys to see the one good film like Wayne’s World. And with a track record like that, should Saturday Night Live return to the motion picture business? Lorne Michaels tells The Hollywood Reporter that a feature film based on MacGruber is being considered.
"It would have to be in the summer because we are back in production in the fall,” Loren he told THR when asked about the possible production timing. “We’re still in discussions"
MacGruber, of course, is the multi-part MacGyver parody that SNL has aired in the Digital Shorts portion of the show, and in a series of television commercials the aired during the Superbowl. The shorts are written by Will Forte, John Solomon, and Jorma Taccone, who is also credited with creating the character and directing the majority of the spots. The sketch stars Will Forte and Kristen Wiig. Richard Dean Anderson (who played the title role in the MacGyver series) has also made appearances.
The skit usually sets MacGruber, and another assistant (typically played by the SNL host of the week) in a life or death situation. They always find themselves in a control room, with MacGruber trying to disarm a bomb with everyday objects, while he’s dealing and becomes distracted with some personal issue. You can watch the entire set of digital shorts below.
My problem with many of the SNL movies is that they were good skits but not much more. There was definitely not enough material to stretch something like Night at The Roxbury into an entire feature film. And I think MacGruber would likely be the same thing. It works as a sketch, which almost always ends with the bomb exploding. But could it work as a 95 minute comedy? I think I would rather see The Lonely Island guys develop an original comedic project.
And there was a short period of time when a Saturday Night Live movie wasn’t a bad thing. It’s hard to look beyond all the Ladies Mans, Superstars, Coneheads and Night at the Roxburys to see the one good film like Wayne’s World. And with a track record like that, should Saturday Night Live return to the motion picture business? Lorne Michaels tells The Hollywood Reporter that a feature film based on MacGruber is being considered.
"It would have to be in the summer because we are back in production in the fall,” Loren he told THR when asked about the possible production timing. “We’re still in discussions"
MacGruber, of course, is the multi-part MacGyver parody that SNL has aired in the Digital Shorts portion of the show, and in a series of television commercials the aired during the Superbowl. The shorts are written by Will Forte, John Solomon, and Jorma Taccone, who is also credited with creating the character and directing the majority of the spots. The sketch stars Will Forte and Kristen Wiig. Richard Dean Anderson (who played the title role in the MacGyver series) has also made appearances.
The skit usually sets MacGruber, and another assistant (typically played by the SNL host of the week) in a life or death situation. They always find themselves in a control room, with MacGruber trying to disarm a bomb with everyday objects, while he’s dealing and becomes distracted with some personal issue. You can watch the entire set of digital shorts below.
My problem with many of the SNL movies is that they were good skits but not much more. There was definitely not enough material to stretch something like Night at The Roxbury into an entire feature film. And I think MacGruber would likely be the same thing. It works as a sketch, which almost always ends with the bomb exploding. But could it work as a 95 minute comedy? I think I would rather see The Lonely Island guys develop an original comedic project.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Scrubs Boss Ponders New Cast, New Setting
ABC's Scrubs might be scrubbing much of its original cast and setting, as series creator Bill Lawrence ponders ways to bring back the renewed series.
At a press conference announcing the network's lineup for the 2009-10 season, ABC Entertainment president Steve McPherson could only confirm that Zach Braff would be back — and only for a half-dozen episodes, to be sprinkled across the new season's first 13.
Sarah Chalke had yet to ink a deal when TVGuide.com spoke to her on Friday, and Neil Flynn (aka The Janitor) just saw his new sitcom The Middle (where he plays husband to Patricia Heaton) picked up by ABC. The participation of other Scrubs originals is up in the air as well.
But Scrubs' Season 9 might look different in ways besides its cast. McPherson said that Lawrence is considering two scenarios for what he calls the series "next generation," one of which is "a complete rethink" that would move the setting away from Sacred Heart Hospital.
McPherson, though, shot down talk that Scrubs would switch from being a single-camera comedy to a more traditional multi-camera series as being not true.
At a press conference announcing the network's lineup for the 2009-10 season, ABC Entertainment president Steve McPherson could only confirm that Zach Braff would be back — and only for a half-dozen episodes, to be sprinkled across the new season's first 13.
Sarah Chalke had yet to ink a deal when TVGuide.com spoke to her on Friday, and Neil Flynn (aka The Janitor) just saw his new sitcom The Middle (where he plays husband to Patricia Heaton) picked up by ABC. The participation of other Scrubs originals is up in the air as well.
But Scrubs' Season 9 might look different in ways besides its cast. McPherson said that Lawrence is considering two scenarios for what he calls the series "next generation," one of which is "a complete rethink" that would move the setting away from Sacred Heart Hospital.
McPherson, though, shot down talk that Scrubs would switch from being a single-camera comedy to a more traditional multi-camera series as being not true.
ABC Unveils 2009-2010 Primetime Schedule
ABC unveiled its 2009-2010 primetime schedule this morning and here is the full press release:
Stephen McPherson, president, ABC Entertainment Group, today outlined ABC's plans for next season and unveiled the network's 2009-10 fall schedule before the advertising and media communities at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall.
New fall and midseason series include "Cougar Town," "The Deep End," "Eastwick," "Flash Forward," "The Forgotten," "Hank," "Happy Town," "The Middle," "Modern Family," "Shark Tank" and "V."
"Better Off Ted," "Castle," "Scrubs" and "True Beauty" join previously announced returning series "America's Funniest Home Videos," "The Bachelor," "Brothers & Sisters," "Dancing with the Stars," "Desperate Housewives," "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," "Grey's Anatomy," "Lost," "Private Practice," "Supernanny," "Ugly Betty," "Wife Swap" and "20/20." "Saturday Night College Football" will also return.
"Our focus is always on delivering the best stories with the most memorable characters on TV, whether that's established audience favorites or innovative new shows," said McPherson. "This year we've got the best of both. We're headed into the season with a strong slate of returning series as well as great new shows from one of our best development seasons ever."
For the 2008-09 TV season, ABC claims four of the top 10 highest-rated TV series in Adults 18-49, including the top two scripted shows with "Desperate Housewives" and "Grey's Anatomy." For the fourth straight season, the Network remains a top destination for upscale viewers, delivering five of the top 15 highest-rated TV series and three of the top four scripted shows among Adults 18-49 in homes w/$100K+ annual income. During the fall, the Net finished No. 1 in the November Sweep among Adults 18-49 for the fourth year in a row. ABC's audience is growing in 2009, delivering across-the-board gains over the same point last year: Total Viewers +2%, Adults 18-34 +14%, Adults 18-49 +4% and Adults 25-54 +3%.
Fall premiere dates will be announced at a later time. However "Shark Tank" will premiere over the summer following the special 10th anniversary primetime return of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire," and will then move to Tuesday nights at 8:00 p.m. Please note shows picked up but not listed on the schedule will debut later in the 2009-10 season.
ABC's fall primetime schedule is as follows (all times listed are Eastern):
DAY TIME SERIES
MONDAY: 8:00 p.m. "Dancing with the Stars" (two-hours)
10:00 p.m. "Castle"
TUESDAY: 8:00 p.m. "Shark Tank"
9:00 p.m. "Dancing with the Stars the Results Show"
10:00 p.m. "The Forgotten"
WEDNESDAY: 8:00 p.m. "Hank"
8:30 p.m. "The Middle"
9:00 p.m. "Modern Family"
9:30 p.m. "Cougar Town"
10:00 p.m. "Eastwick"
THURSDAY: 8:00 p.m. "Flash Forward"
9:00 p.m. "Grey's Anatomy"
10:00 p.m. "Private Practice"
FRIDAY: 8:00 p.m. "Supernanny"
9:00 p.m. "Ugly Betty"
10:00 p.m. "20/20"
SATURDAY: 8:00 p.m. "Saturday Night College Football"
SUNDAY: 7:00 p.m. "America's Funniest Home Videos"
8:00 p.m. "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"
9:00 p.m. "Desperate Housewives"
10:00 p.m. "Brothers & Sisters"
"The Bachelor" will air Monday nights from 8:00-10:00 p.m. following the run of "Dancing with the Stars," and "Scrubs" and "Better Off Ted" will air at 9:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., respectively, following the run of "Dancing with the Stars The Results Show."
Stephen McPherson, president, ABC Entertainment Group, today outlined ABC's plans for next season and unveiled the network's 2009-10 fall schedule before the advertising and media communities at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall.
New fall and midseason series include "Cougar Town," "The Deep End," "Eastwick," "Flash Forward," "The Forgotten," "Hank," "Happy Town," "The Middle," "Modern Family," "Shark Tank" and "V."
"Better Off Ted," "Castle," "Scrubs" and "True Beauty" join previously announced returning series "America's Funniest Home Videos," "The Bachelor," "Brothers & Sisters," "Dancing with the Stars," "Desperate Housewives," "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," "Grey's Anatomy," "Lost," "Private Practice," "Supernanny," "Ugly Betty," "Wife Swap" and "20/20." "Saturday Night College Football" will also return.
"Our focus is always on delivering the best stories with the most memorable characters on TV, whether that's established audience favorites or innovative new shows," said McPherson. "This year we've got the best of both. We're headed into the season with a strong slate of returning series as well as great new shows from one of our best development seasons ever."
For the 2008-09 TV season, ABC claims four of the top 10 highest-rated TV series in Adults 18-49, including the top two scripted shows with "Desperate Housewives" and "Grey's Anatomy." For the fourth straight season, the Network remains a top destination for upscale viewers, delivering five of the top 15 highest-rated TV series and three of the top four scripted shows among Adults 18-49 in homes w/$100K+ annual income. During the fall, the Net finished No. 1 in the November Sweep among Adults 18-49 for the fourth year in a row. ABC's audience is growing in 2009, delivering across-the-board gains over the same point last year: Total Viewers +2%, Adults 18-34 +14%, Adults 18-49 +4% and Adults 25-54 +3%.
Fall premiere dates will be announced at a later time. However "Shark Tank" will premiere over the summer following the special 10th anniversary primetime return of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire," and will then move to Tuesday nights at 8:00 p.m. Please note shows picked up but not listed on the schedule will debut later in the 2009-10 season.
ABC's fall primetime schedule is as follows (all times listed are Eastern):
DAY TIME SERIES
MONDAY: 8:00 p.m. "Dancing with the Stars" (two-hours)
10:00 p.m. "Castle"
TUESDAY: 8:00 p.m. "Shark Tank"
9:00 p.m. "Dancing with the Stars the Results Show"
10:00 p.m. "The Forgotten"
WEDNESDAY: 8:00 p.m. "Hank"
8:30 p.m. "The Middle"
9:00 p.m. "Modern Family"
9:30 p.m. "Cougar Town"
10:00 p.m. "Eastwick"
THURSDAY: 8:00 p.m. "Flash Forward"
9:00 p.m. "Grey's Anatomy"
10:00 p.m. "Private Practice"
FRIDAY: 8:00 p.m. "Supernanny"
9:00 p.m. "Ugly Betty"
10:00 p.m. "20/20"
SATURDAY: 8:00 p.m. "Saturday Night College Football"
SUNDAY: 7:00 p.m. "America's Funniest Home Videos"
8:00 p.m. "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"
9:00 p.m. "Desperate Housewives"
10:00 p.m. "Brothers & Sisters"
"The Bachelor" will air Monday nights from 8:00-10:00 p.m. following the run of "Dancing with the Stars," and "Scrubs" and "Better Off Ted" will air at 9:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., respectively, following the run of "Dancing with the Stars The Results Show."
NBC Announces Its 2009-2010 Schedule
NBC announced its schedule for the 2009-2010 season today, which includes Jay Leno at 10pm Mondays through Fridays:
NBC announced today its 2009-2010 schedule featuring more original programming than ever before and a shared time-period strategy around NBC’s Olympics platform that, along with "The Jay Leno Show" (Mondays-Fridays 10-11 p.m. ET), allows the network to broadcast all-new content year-round.
In addition, NBC issued renewals to "Law & Order" and "Chuck" as part of its strong slate of new and returning shows announced recently at the network’s highly successful Infront.
"NBC has picked up more scripted shows than last season even with 'The Jay Leno Show' at 10 p.m.," said Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios. "We’re incredibly excited about our new and returning series and have more comedy programming than anyone else, as well as two of the most buzzed about new shows, 'Community’ and ‘Parenthood.’ We can’t wait for the fall."
"We are extremely proud to introduce these strong new series to NBC's schedule next season in strategic timeslots that position them for success," said Angela Bromstad, President, Primetime Entertainment, NBC and Universal Media Studios. "They join some of the highest quality returning shows on television, which will serve as a strong foundation to the new schedule. I think viewers are going to be happy to see this lineup of great new shows that will truly fit the NBC legacy of quality, culturally defining shows."
NBC’s shared time period strategy will kick off this fall on Mondays with the premiere of "Heroes" (8-9 p.m. ET) continuing with all originals before "Chuck" assumes the time period after the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, which will be a powerful launching platform with its broad, female appeal and strong ratings as the most-watched event of the year. Using "NBC Sunday Night Football's" potent promotional platform, the new high-octane drama "Trauma" will debut Mondays (9-10 p.m. ET) with the epic event series "Day One" taking over the time period following the Olympics.
NBC’s successful "The Biggest Loser" series continues Tuesdays (8-10 p.m.) and will help launch the new Wednesday lineup this fall, with the new family drama "Parenthood" debuting (8-9 p.m. ET) and the new hospital drama "Mercy" assuming the time period post-Olympics. "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" will air 9-10 p.m. ET following ‘Parenthood.’
NBC’s Thursday marquee comedy night will begin with the only live comedy between 8-10 p.m. on any network, "Saturday Night Live Weekend Update Thursday" (8-8:30 p.m. ET), followed by "Parks and Recreation" (8:30-9 p.m. ET), "The Office" (9-9:30 p.m. ET) and the new comedy "Community" (9:30-10 p.m. ET). After "Saturday Night Live Weekend Update Thursday" completes its multi-week run, "Community" will move to 8 p.m. and "30 Rock" will debut at 9:30 p.m., enabling NBC to feature more original comedy than ever before.
On Fridays in the fall, the enduring drama "Law & Order" will return for its record 20th season (tying "Gunsmoke" as the longest running drama series in primetime) and will lead off at 8-9 p.m. (ET) while "Southland" follows at 9-10 p.m. (ET), building a great crime block.
Saturdays will be a showcase for "Dateline NBC" (8-9 p.m. ET) and encore episodes of "Trauma" (9-10 p.m. ET) and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (10-11 p.m. ET).
"Football Night in America" (7-8:20 p.m. ET) and "NBC Sunday Night Football" (8:20-11 p.m. ET) – the number one show of the fall -- will return on Sundays in the fall with a fan-pleasing schedule of games to round out the fall season.
Utilizing the compatible demographics provided by the Olympics, NBC will launch the premieres of "The Marriage Ref" from executive producers Jerry Seinfeld and Ellen Rakieten ("Oprah") on Sundays (8-9 p.m. ET) and the third season premiere of "The Celebrity Apprentice" on Sundays with two-hour editions (9-11 p.m. ET). In addition, the new comedy "100 Questions" will debut on Tuesdays (9:30-10 p.m. ET) following a 90-minute edition of "The Biggest Loser" (8-9:30 p.m. ET).
And coming in the summer, NBC will telecast all original episodes of “The Jay Leno Show,” "Friday Night Lights," "America's Got Talent," "Breakthrough with Tony Robbins," "Dateline NBC," with additional programs to be announced later.
To catch up on season finales, watch new "Heroes" and "The Office" web series, and more, please log onto NBC.com.
NBC FALL 2009 SCHEDULE
*New programs in UPPER CASE
MONDAY
8-9 p.m. – "Heroes"
9-10 p.m. - "TRAUMA"
10-11 p.m. – "THE JAY LENO SHOW"
TUESDAY
8-10 p.m. – "The Biggest Loser" (two-hour edition)
10-11 p.m. – "THE JAY LENO SHOW"
WEDNESDAY
8-9 p.m. – "PARENTHOOD"
9-10 p.m. – "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"
10-11 p.m. – "THE JAY LENO SHOW"
THURSDAY
8- 8:30 p.m. – "SNL WEEKEND UPDATE THURSDAY" (multi-episode run)
8:30-9 p.m. – "Parks and Recreation"
9- 9:30 p.m. – "The Office"
9:30-10 p.m. – "COMMUNITY" (moves to Thursdays 8-8:30 p.m. after multi-episode run "30 Rock" returns)
10-11 p.m. – "THE JAY LENO SHOW"
FRIDAY
8-9 p.m. – "Law & Order"
9-10 p.m. – "Southland"
10-11 p.m. – "THE JAY LENO SHOW"
SATURDAY
8-9 p.m. – "Dateline NBC"
9-10 p.m. – "TRAUMA" (encore broadcast)
10-11 p.m. – "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (encore broadcast)
SUNDAY
7- 8:20 p.m. "Football Night in America"
8:20-11 p.m. "NBC Sunday Night Football"
NBC MID-SEASON 2010 SCHEDULE
(2010 WINTER OLYMPICS preempt regularly scheduled programming from February 12-28, 2010)
*New programs in UPPER CASE
MONDAY
8-9 p.m. – "Chuck" (season premiere)
9-10 p.m. - "DAY ONE"
10-11 p.m. – "THE JAY LENO SHOW"
TUESDAY
8-9:30 p.m. – "The Biggest Loser" (90-minute edition)
9:30-10 p.m. – "100 QUESTIONS"
10-11 p.m. – "THE JAY LENO SHOW"
WEDNESDAY
8-9 p.m. – "MERCY"
9-10 p.m. – "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"
10-11 p.m. – "THE JAY LENO SHOW"
THURSDAY
8- 8:30 p.m. – "COMMUNITY"
8:30-9 p.m. – "Parks and Recreation"
9- 9:30 p.m. – "The Office"
9:30-10 p.m. – "30 Rock"
10-11 p.m. – "THE JAY LENO SHOW"
FRIDAY
8-9 p.m. – "Law & Order"
9-10 p.m. – "Southland"
10-11 p.m. – "THE JAY LENO SHOW"
SATURDAY
8-9 p.m. – "Dateline NBC"
9-10 p.m. – "Southland" (encore broadcast)
10-11 p.m. – "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (encore broadcast)
SUNDAY
7-8 p.m. – "Dateline NBC"
8-9 p.m. – "THE MARRIAGE REF"
9-11 p.m. – "The Celebrity Apprentice" (season premiere; two-hour edition)
NBC announced today its 2009-2010 schedule featuring more original programming than ever before and a shared time-period strategy around NBC’s Olympics platform that, along with "The Jay Leno Show" (Mondays-Fridays 10-11 p.m. ET), allows the network to broadcast all-new content year-round.
In addition, NBC issued renewals to "Law & Order" and "Chuck" as part of its strong slate of new and returning shows announced recently at the network’s highly successful Infront.
"NBC has picked up more scripted shows than last season even with 'The Jay Leno Show' at 10 p.m.," said Ben Silverman, Co-Chairman, NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios. "We’re incredibly excited about our new and returning series and have more comedy programming than anyone else, as well as two of the most buzzed about new shows, 'Community’ and ‘Parenthood.’ We can’t wait for the fall."
"We are extremely proud to introduce these strong new series to NBC's schedule next season in strategic timeslots that position them for success," said Angela Bromstad, President, Primetime Entertainment, NBC and Universal Media Studios. "They join some of the highest quality returning shows on television, which will serve as a strong foundation to the new schedule. I think viewers are going to be happy to see this lineup of great new shows that will truly fit the NBC legacy of quality, culturally defining shows."
NBC’s shared time period strategy will kick off this fall on Mondays with the premiere of "Heroes" (8-9 p.m. ET) continuing with all originals before "Chuck" assumes the time period after the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, which will be a powerful launching platform with its broad, female appeal and strong ratings as the most-watched event of the year. Using "NBC Sunday Night Football's" potent promotional platform, the new high-octane drama "Trauma" will debut Mondays (9-10 p.m. ET) with the epic event series "Day One" taking over the time period following the Olympics.
NBC’s successful "The Biggest Loser" series continues Tuesdays (8-10 p.m.) and will help launch the new Wednesday lineup this fall, with the new family drama "Parenthood" debuting (8-9 p.m. ET) and the new hospital drama "Mercy" assuming the time period post-Olympics. "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" will air 9-10 p.m. ET following ‘Parenthood.’
NBC’s Thursday marquee comedy night will begin with the only live comedy between 8-10 p.m. on any network, "Saturday Night Live Weekend Update Thursday" (8-8:30 p.m. ET), followed by "Parks and Recreation" (8:30-9 p.m. ET), "The Office" (9-9:30 p.m. ET) and the new comedy "Community" (9:30-10 p.m. ET). After "Saturday Night Live Weekend Update Thursday" completes its multi-week run, "Community" will move to 8 p.m. and "30 Rock" will debut at 9:30 p.m., enabling NBC to feature more original comedy than ever before.
On Fridays in the fall, the enduring drama "Law & Order" will return for its record 20th season (tying "Gunsmoke" as the longest running drama series in primetime) and will lead off at 8-9 p.m. (ET) while "Southland" follows at 9-10 p.m. (ET), building a great crime block.
Saturdays will be a showcase for "Dateline NBC" (8-9 p.m. ET) and encore episodes of "Trauma" (9-10 p.m. ET) and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (10-11 p.m. ET).
"Football Night in America" (7-8:20 p.m. ET) and "NBC Sunday Night Football" (8:20-11 p.m. ET) – the number one show of the fall -- will return on Sundays in the fall with a fan-pleasing schedule of games to round out the fall season.
Utilizing the compatible demographics provided by the Olympics, NBC will launch the premieres of "The Marriage Ref" from executive producers Jerry Seinfeld and Ellen Rakieten ("Oprah") on Sundays (8-9 p.m. ET) and the third season premiere of "The Celebrity Apprentice" on Sundays with two-hour editions (9-11 p.m. ET). In addition, the new comedy "100 Questions" will debut on Tuesdays (9:30-10 p.m. ET) following a 90-minute edition of "The Biggest Loser" (8-9:30 p.m. ET).
And coming in the summer, NBC will telecast all original episodes of “The Jay Leno Show,” "Friday Night Lights," "America's Got Talent," "Breakthrough with Tony Robbins," "Dateline NBC," with additional programs to be announced later.
To catch up on season finales, watch new "Heroes" and "The Office" web series, and more, please log onto NBC.com.
NBC FALL 2009 SCHEDULE
*New programs in UPPER CASE
MONDAY
8-9 p.m. – "Heroes"
9-10 p.m. - "TRAUMA"
10-11 p.m. – "THE JAY LENO SHOW"
TUESDAY
8-10 p.m. – "The Biggest Loser" (two-hour edition)
10-11 p.m. – "THE JAY LENO SHOW"
WEDNESDAY
8-9 p.m. – "PARENTHOOD"
9-10 p.m. – "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"
10-11 p.m. – "THE JAY LENO SHOW"
THURSDAY
8- 8:30 p.m. – "SNL WEEKEND UPDATE THURSDAY" (multi-episode run)
8:30-9 p.m. – "Parks and Recreation"
9- 9:30 p.m. – "The Office"
9:30-10 p.m. – "COMMUNITY" (moves to Thursdays 8-8:30 p.m. after multi-episode run "30 Rock" returns)
10-11 p.m. – "THE JAY LENO SHOW"
FRIDAY
8-9 p.m. – "Law & Order"
9-10 p.m. – "Southland"
10-11 p.m. – "THE JAY LENO SHOW"
SATURDAY
8-9 p.m. – "Dateline NBC"
9-10 p.m. – "TRAUMA" (encore broadcast)
10-11 p.m. – "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (encore broadcast)
SUNDAY
7- 8:20 p.m. "Football Night in America"
8:20-11 p.m. "NBC Sunday Night Football"
NBC MID-SEASON 2010 SCHEDULE
(2010 WINTER OLYMPICS preempt regularly scheduled programming from February 12-28, 2010)
*New programs in UPPER CASE
MONDAY
8-9 p.m. – "Chuck" (season premiere)
9-10 p.m. - "DAY ONE"
10-11 p.m. – "THE JAY LENO SHOW"
TUESDAY
8-9:30 p.m. – "The Biggest Loser" (90-minute edition)
9:30-10 p.m. – "100 QUESTIONS"
10-11 p.m. – "THE JAY LENO SHOW"
WEDNESDAY
8-9 p.m. – "MERCY"
9-10 p.m. – "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"
10-11 p.m. – "THE JAY LENO SHOW"
THURSDAY
8- 8:30 p.m. – "COMMUNITY"
8:30-9 p.m. – "Parks and Recreation"
9- 9:30 p.m. – "The Office"
9:30-10 p.m. – "30 Rock"
10-11 p.m. – "THE JAY LENO SHOW"
FRIDAY
8-9 p.m. – "Law & Order"
9-10 p.m. – "Southland"
10-11 p.m. – "THE JAY LENO SHOW"
SATURDAY
8-9 p.m. – "Dateline NBC"
9-10 p.m. – "Southland" (encore broadcast)
10-11 p.m. – "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (encore broadcast)
SUNDAY
7-8 p.m. – "Dateline NBC"
8-9 p.m. – "THE MARRIAGE REF"
9-11 p.m. – "The Celebrity Apprentice" (season premiere; two-hour edition)
Monday, May 18, 2009
Fox Announces 2009-2010 Primetime Slate
Fox is the first out of the gate to announce its primetime slate for the 2009-2010 season. It includes four new comedies, two new dramas and one late-night show. Here is the full press release:
Peter Rice, Chairman, Entertainment; and Kevin Reilly, President, Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company, today unveiled the FOX primetime schedule for the 2009-2010 television season to the national advertising community during its annual Programming Presentation at New York City Center.
"As the No.1 network for the last five years, FOX is the first place viewers go to connect with the stories and characters they love," said Rice. "With next year's slate of distinctive shows, we're continuing to invest in creativity to give viewers the rich, emotional experience they can only get on television."
Reilly added, "The strategic moves we made last year to build off of our biggest assets are paying off. We've created stability and consistently strong performance across the week. Next season, we're bringing back two top-rated sophomore dramas and using our hits to introduce a broad and compelling slate of new shows that will make our air even more vibrant and alive."
After a special preview event airing Tuesday, May 19 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), GLEE, the distinctive new comedy from Ryan Murphy ("Nip/Tuck") starring Jane Lynch ("The 40 Year Old Virgin") and newcomers Matthew Morrison (Broadway's "Hairspray"), Lea Michele ("Spring Awakening") and Cory Monteith ("Kyle XY"), will enter its freshman year this fall. Combining biting humor with a soundtrack of hit music from past to present, the inventive series follows an optimistic high school teacher who against all odds attempts to restore McKinley High's fading Glee Club to its former glory, while helping a group of underdogs realize their true star potential.
Two additional new comedies will premiere this fall. From the producers of FAMILY GUY, comes THE CLEVELAND SHOW. The new Sunday night animated comedy follows everyone's favorite soft-spoken FAMILY GUY neighbor, CLEVELAND BROWN (Mike Henry), who moves with his son back to his hometown in Virginia and settles down with his high school sweetheart and her unruly kids. BROTHERS, starring Michael Strahan ("FOX NFL Sunday") and Daryl "Chill" Mitchell ("Ed," "Veronica's Closet"), is a new half-hour comedy about a former big-city NFL hot shot who returns home to his family and his mother's house to get his life back on track.
On Saturday, Nov. 7 (11:00 PM-Midnight ET/PT), late night will never be the same when Emmy Award winner Wanda Sykes returns to FOX to host THE WANDA SYKES SHOW (working title). The irreverent Saturday late-night series will feature Sykes' outspoken comedic perspective on current events along with topical, high-energy roundtable discussions.
The new event drama, HUMAN TARGET, premieres with a special preview Sunday, Jan. 17 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) following the NFC Divisional Playoff game. HUMAN TARGET is a full-throttle, action-packed thrill ride from executive producers McG ("Terminator Salvation") and Simon West ("Con Air," "Tomb Raider"). Based on the popular DC Comics graphic novel and starring Mark Valley (FRINGE), Chi McBride ("Pushing Daisies") and Academy Award nominee Jackie Earle Haley ("Watchmen"), the series follows CHRISTOPHER CHANCE (Valley), a unique private contractor who will stop at nothing even if it means becoming a human target to keep his clients alive.
The other drama for midseason is PAST LIFE, a fast-paced emotional thriller inspired by the book "The Reincarnationist." The series stars Kelli Giddish ("All My Children") as a gifted psychologist and Nicholas Bishop ("Home and Away") as a former NYPD detective who work together to explore and unravel mysteries that must be solved in both the past and the present.
One new comedy is scheduled to premiere in midseason. From three-time Emmy Award winner Todd Holland ("Malcolm in the Middle"), the non-traditional family comedy SONS OF TUCSON stars Tyler Labine ("Reaper") as a charming but wayward schemer hired by three young brothers whose father is in prison.
Summer sensation SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE moves to the fall with its sixth season. Hosted by Cat Deeley and featuring renowned judges Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy, the original dance competition series will continue to inspire and amaze viewers as dancers skilled in styles ranging from hip-hop to ballroom compete to be named America's Favorite Dancer.
It was also announced that the eighth season of 24 will return to the FOX schedule with a two-night, four-hour premiere as part of a special extended primetime on Sunday, Jan. 17 (9:00-11:00 PM ET/PT), immediately following the premiere of HUMAN TARGET. The next installment of the Emmy Award-winning series starring Kiefer Sutherland will unfold in New York City, amidst the shadows of the Statue of Liberty and the United Nations.
Other FOX series returning in 2009-2010 include: AMERICAN DAD, AMERICAN IDOL, AMERICA'S MOST WANTED, BONES, COPS, DOLLHOUSE, FAMILY GUY, FRINGE, HELL'S KITCHEN, HOUSE, KITCHEN NIGHTMARES, LIE TO ME, THE SIMPSONS and 'TIL DEATH. Specials returning to the FOX schedule include: THE 41st NAACP IMAGE AWARDS, NEW YEAR'S EVE LIVE and TEEN CHOICE 2009.
Following are the FOX primetime schedule for 2009-2010 and synopses of the new series:
FOX PRIMETIME SCHEDULE: FALL 2009 (All Times ET/PT)
MONDAY
8:00-9:00 PM HOUSE
9:00-10:00 PM LIE TO ME
TUESDAY
8:00-10:00 PM SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Performance Show
WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Results Show
9:00-10:00 PM GLEE
THURSDAY
8:00-9:00 PM BONES
9:00-10:00 PM FRINGE
FRIDAY
8:00-8:30 PM BROTHERS
8:30-9:00 PM 'TIL DEATH
9:00-10:00 PM DOLLHOUSE
SATURDAY
8:00-8:30 PM COPS
8:30-9:00 PM COPS
9:00-10:00 PM AMERICA'S MOST WANTED
11:00 PM-Midnight THE WANDA SYKES SHOW (working title)
Midnight-12:30 AM ANIMATION DOMINATION ENCORES
SUNDAY
7:00-8:00 PM THE OT (NFL post-game)
8:00-8:30 PM THE SIMPSONS
8:30-9:00 PM THE CLEVELAND SHOW
9:00-9:30 PM FAMILY GUY
9:30-10:00 PM AMERICAN DAD
FOX PRIMETIME SCHEDULE: MIDSEASON 2010 (All Times ET/PT)
MONDAY
8:00-9:00 PM HOUSE
9:00-10:00 PM 24
TUESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM AMERICAN IDOL Performance Show
9:00-10:00 PM PAST LIFE
WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM AMERICAN IDOL Results Show
9:00-10:00 PM HUMAN TARGET (January) / GLEE (spring)
THURSDAY
8:00-9:00 PM BONES
9:00-10:00 PM FRINGE
FRIDAY
8:00-8:30 PM BROTHERS
8:30-9:00 PM 'TIL DEATH
9:00-10:00 PM DOLLHOUSE
SATURDAY
8:00-8:30 PM COPS
8:30-9:00 PM COPS
9:00-10:00 PM AMERICA'S MOST WANTED
11:00 PM-Midnight THE WANDA SYKES SHOW (working title)
Midnight-12:30 AM ANIMATION DOMINATION ENCORES
SUNDAY
7:00-7:30 PM ANIMATION DOMINATION ENCORES
7:30-8:00 PM AMERICAN DAD
8:00-8:30 PM THE SIMPSONS
8:30-9:00 PM SONS OF TUCSON
9:00-9:30 PM FAMILY GUY
9:30-10:00 PM THE CLEVELAND SHOW
Peter Rice, Chairman, Entertainment; and Kevin Reilly, President, Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company, today unveiled the FOX primetime schedule for the 2009-2010 television season to the national advertising community during its annual Programming Presentation at New York City Center.
"As the No.1 network for the last five years, FOX is the first place viewers go to connect with the stories and characters they love," said Rice. "With next year's slate of distinctive shows, we're continuing to invest in creativity to give viewers the rich, emotional experience they can only get on television."
Reilly added, "The strategic moves we made last year to build off of our biggest assets are paying off. We've created stability and consistently strong performance across the week. Next season, we're bringing back two top-rated sophomore dramas and using our hits to introduce a broad and compelling slate of new shows that will make our air even more vibrant and alive."
After a special preview event airing Tuesday, May 19 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), GLEE, the distinctive new comedy from Ryan Murphy ("Nip/Tuck") starring Jane Lynch ("The 40 Year Old Virgin") and newcomers Matthew Morrison (Broadway's "Hairspray"), Lea Michele ("Spring Awakening") and Cory Monteith ("Kyle XY"), will enter its freshman year this fall. Combining biting humor with a soundtrack of hit music from past to present, the inventive series follows an optimistic high school teacher who against all odds attempts to restore McKinley High's fading Glee Club to its former glory, while helping a group of underdogs realize their true star potential.
Two additional new comedies will premiere this fall. From the producers of FAMILY GUY, comes THE CLEVELAND SHOW. The new Sunday night animated comedy follows everyone's favorite soft-spoken FAMILY GUY neighbor, CLEVELAND BROWN (Mike Henry), who moves with his son back to his hometown in Virginia and settles down with his high school sweetheart and her unruly kids. BROTHERS, starring Michael Strahan ("FOX NFL Sunday") and Daryl "Chill" Mitchell ("Ed," "Veronica's Closet"), is a new half-hour comedy about a former big-city NFL hot shot who returns home to his family and his mother's house to get his life back on track.
On Saturday, Nov. 7 (11:00 PM-Midnight ET/PT), late night will never be the same when Emmy Award winner Wanda Sykes returns to FOX to host THE WANDA SYKES SHOW (working title). The irreverent Saturday late-night series will feature Sykes' outspoken comedic perspective on current events along with topical, high-energy roundtable discussions.
The new event drama, HUMAN TARGET, premieres with a special preview Sunday, Jan. 17 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) following the NFC Divisional Playoff game. HUMAN TARGET is a full-throttle, action-packed thrill ride from executive producers McG ("Terminator Salvation") and Simon West ("Con Air," "Tomb Raider"). Based on the popular DC Comics graphic novel and starring Mark Valley (FRINGE), Chi McBride ("Pushing Daisies") and Academy Award nominee Jackie Earle Haley ("Watchmen"), the series follows CHRISTOPHER CHANCE (Valley), a unique private contractor who will stop at nothing even if it means becoming a human target to keep his clients alive.
The other drama for midseason is PAST LIFE, a fast-paced emotional thriller inspired by the book "The Reincarnationist." The series stars Kelli Giddish ("All My Children") as a gifted psychologist and Nicholas Bishop ("Home and Away") as a former NYPD detective who work together to explore and unravel mysteries that must be solved in both the past and the present.
One new comedy is scheduled to premiere in midseason. From three-time Emmy Award winner Todd Holland ("Malcolm in the Middle"), the non-traditional family comedy SONS OF TUCSON stars Tyler Labine ("Reaper") as a charming but wayward schemer hired by three young brothers whose father is in prison.
Summer sensation SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE moves to the fall with its sixth season. Hosted by Cat Deeley and featuring renowned judges Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy, the original dance competition series will continue to inspire and amaze viewers as dancers skilled in styles ranging from hip-hop to ballroom compete to be named America's Favorite Dancer.
It was also announced that the eighth season of 24 will return to the FOX schedule with a two-night, four-hour premiere as part of a special extended primetime on Sunday, Jan. 17 (9:00-11:00 PM ET/PT), immediately following the premiere of HUMAN TARGET. The next installment of the Emmy Award-winning series starring Kiefer Sutherland will unfold in New York City, amidst the shadows of the Statue of Liberty and the United Nations.
Other FOX series returning in 2009-2010 include: AMERICAN DAD, AMERICAN IDOL, AMERICA'S MOST WANTED, BONES, COPS, DOLLHOUSE, FAMILY GUY, FRINGE, HELL'S KITCHEN, HOUSE, KITCHEN NIGHTMARES, LIE TO ME, THE SIMPSONS and 'TIL DEATH. Specials returning to the FOX schedule include: THE 41st NAACP IMAGE AWARDS, NEW YEAR'S EVE LIVE and TEEN CHOICE 2009.
Following are the FOX primetime schedule for 2009-2010 and synopses of the new series:
FOX PRIMETIME SCHEDULE: FALL 2009 (All Times ET/PT)
MONDAY
8:00-9:00 PM HOUSE
9:00-10:00 PM LIE TO ME
TUESDAY
8:00-10:00 PM SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Performance Show
WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Results Show
9:00-10:00 PM GLEE
THURSDAY
8:00-9:00 PM BONES
9:00-10:00 PM FRINGE
FRIDAY
8:00-8:30 PM BROTHERS
8:30-9:00 PM 'TIL DEATH
9:00-10:00 PM DOLLHOUSE
SATURDAY
8:00-8:30 PM COPS
8:30-9:00 PM COPS
9:00-10:00 PM AMERICA'S MOST WANTED
11:00 PM-Midnight THE WANDA SYKES SHOW (working title)
Midnight-12:30 AM ANIMATION DOMINATION ENCORES
SUNDAY
7:00-8:00 PM THE OT (NFL post-game)
8:00-8:30 PM THE SIMPSONS
8:30-9:00 PM THE CLEVELAND SHOW
9:00-9:30 PM FAMILY GUY
9:30-10:00 PM AMERICAN DAD
FOX PRIMETIME SCHEDULE: MIDSEASON 2010 (All Times ET/PT)
MONDAY
8:00-9:00 PM HOUSE
9:00-10:00 PM 24
TUESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM AMERICAN IDOL Performance Show
9:00-10:00 PM PAST LIFE
WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM AMERICAN IDOL Results Show
9:00-10:00 PM HUMAN TARGET (January) / GLEE (spring)
THURSDAY
8:00-9:00 PM BONES
9:00-10:00 PM FRINGE
FRIDAY
8:00-8:30 PM BROTHERS
8:30-9:00 PM 'TIL DEATH
9:00-10:00 PM DOLLHOUSE
SATURDAY
8:00-8:30 PM COPS
8:30-9:00 PM COPS
9:00-10:00 PM AMERICA'S MOST WANTED
11:00 PM-Midnight THE WANDA SYKES SHOW (working title)
Midnight-12:30 AM ANIMATION DOMINATION ENCORES
SUNDAY
7:00-7:30 PM ANIMATION DOMINATION ENCORES
7:30-8:00 PM AMERICAN DAD
8:00-8:30 PM THE SIMPSONS
8:30-9:00 PM SONS OF TUCSON
9:00-9:30 PM FAMILY GUY
9:30-10:00 PM THE CLEVELAND SHOW
NBC Renews Chuck for 13 Episodes
NBC and Warner Bros. have hammered out a deal that will bring back Chuck, Sarah et al for a third season of at least 13 episodes, sources tell TVGuide.com.
As reported on Sunday, this new life does come with a price, however. Or, specifically a lower one. Chuck, which had already trimmed its production budget going into Season 2, will now need to be even leaner and meaner for its next cycle. That could result in a scenario similar to the one seen on ABC's Scrubs this spring, where certain cast members "went missing" for a week at a time.
One factor perhaps playing into Chuck's pick-up was NBC's decision to take a pass on David E. Kelley's Legally Mad. That incurred a financial penalty from Warner Bros. TV, and there was talk that to "make good" on the amount due, NBC would grant a renewal to Chuck, which is also a WB production.
NBC is not confirming any new pick-ups until its upfront "comedy showcase" event on May 19.
As reported on Sunday, this new life does come with a price, however. Or, specifically a lower one. Chuck, which had already trimmed its production budget going into Season 2, will now need to be even leaner and meaner for its next cycle. That could result in a scenario similar to the one seen on ABC's Scrubs this spring, where certain cast members "went missing" for a week at a time.
One factor perhaps playing into Chuck's pick-up was NBC's decision to take a pass on David E. Kelley's Legally Mad. That incurred a financial penalty from Warner Bros. TV, and there was talk that to "make good" on the amount due, NBC would grant a renewal to Chuck, which is also a WB production.
NBC is not confirming any new pick-ups until its upfront "comedy showcase" event on May 19.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Weekly Ratings: 5/10 – 5/16
Sunday Ratings: Apprentice Finale Trumps The Unit and Brothers & Sisters
8 pm/ET
An audience of 10.43 million total viewers looked on as The Amazing Race crossed its latest finish line. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition followed with 8.2 mil (slipping 11 percent week-to-week). The three(!)-hour Celebrity Apprentice finale averaged 8.73 mil (on par with last week) but surged in the 10 o'clock hour to... well, you'll see what it accomplished a few seconds later in this story.
9 pm
Desperate Housewives' penultimate episode of the season drew 12.13 mil, plunging 10 percent from last week. In second, Cold Case concluded its sixth cycle before an audience of 11.78 mil, dipping 680K.
10 pm
The final hour of the Apprentice finale played to 10.24 million viewers, besting the season enders for both The Unit (9.66 mil, down 300K) and Brothers & Sisters (8.84 mil, down 270K). That hissing sound you hear is the Donald's ego re-inflating.
Monday Ratings for the House and Big Bang Finales, and More
8 pm/ET
Dancing with the Stars averaged 18.3 million total viewers over its two-hour run, down 10 percent week-to-week. The House season finale placed second in the hour with 12.33 million, gaining 200K. Or so we think. (Who can be sure of anything anymore?) CBS' Big Bang Theory wrapped up its second season with 9.8 mil (its biggest audience since April 13), while lead-out How I Met Your Mother (8.7 mil) slipped 200 thou. Gossip Girl (2.33 mil) inched up 100K.
9 pm
CBS' Two and a Half Men (12.9 mil) and Rules of Engagement (10.13 mil) dropped 8 and 10 percent, respectively, while 24 held steady at 10 mil. Medium's back-to-back episodes this time around averaged 6.77 mil, down 450K. One Tree Hill matched last week's 2.28 mil. (An aside: OTH recapper Robyn Ross, who is screening the season finale today, just IM'd me to say, "It rocks!" Crave elaboration? Email Mega Buzz.)
10 pm
CSI: Miami topped the hour with an audience of 13.37 million (down 360K), while ABC's Castle closed the book on its freshman run with another increase — 550K — to deliver 10.55 mil. Does anyone else smell a renewal...?
Tuesday Ratings: Here's the Skinny on the Biggest Loser Finale
8 pm/ET
American Idol's Top 3 performed for 21.79 million total viewers, dipping 7 percent week-to-week. NCIS netted second for the hour, with 15.78 mil (down 6 percent). The Biggest Loser packed 'em in, averaging 11.76 mil over its bloated three-hour finale. That's a 29 percent surge from last week, and NBC's best Tuesday-night demo delivery, excluding the Olympics, since Dec. 6, 2005. Trailing ABC's According to Jims, Reaper inched up a bit to flirt with 2 mil.
9 pm
The Mentalist topped the hour with 16.11 mil, down 570K, followed by Dancing with the Stars' results show (13.75 mil, down 810 thou). Boosted by some (seemingly unavoidable) Idol overrun, the Fringe finale drew 11.22 mil (up 21 percent week-to-week). But to keep things in perspective, Fringe finished the hour with an audience of 8.9 mil. 90210 dialed up 2.05 mil, up 210K.
10 pm
Without a Trace (13.43 mil) was No. 1 in total viewers, surging 14 percent, while Biggest Loser (13.18 mil for the hour) dominated the demos. ABC's Cupid closer targeted 5.5 mil, up 7 percent. Maybe we'll get a second reboot in another 10 years?
Wednesday Ratings: Lost Finale Fires Up a Six-Week High
8 pm/ET
The recently renewed Lie to Me's season finale led the hour with 8.36 million total viewers, dipping 320K week-to-week. CBS' sitcombo of Rules of Engagement (6.38 mil) and Old Christine (6.54 mil) placed second. Trailing the Lost clip show and Law & Order: CI, the America's Next Top Model finale drew 4.23 mil, up 410 thou.
9 pm
American Idol's reveal of the Top 2 drew 23.99 mil, inching up 420K. Criminal Minds copped second with 13.03 mil, down 8 percent. Lost's penultimate (sigh...) season finale averaged 9.31 million viewers over its two-hour run, marking a gain of 600K week-to-week and the series' best numbers since April 1.
10 pm
CSI: NY was No. 1 with an audience of 12.18 mil, down 9 percent. (Reminder: The season finale airs tonight at 10!) Law & Order lagged behind Lost with 7.82 mil, slipping 320K.
Thursday Ratings: Which of 11 Finales Delivered the Biggest Bang?
8 pm/ET
Survivor topped the hour with an audience of 12 million total viewers, on par with last week. Bones' surreal season-ender scored 8.7 mil, up a tick. Ugly Betty dropped 9 percent to claim third with 6.83 mil. While NBC's Earl (4.8 mil) wrapped up its season with a 370K gain, Parks & Recreation (4.25 mil) concluded its freshman run with another (8 percent) drop. Smallville saw 3.16 mil (down 180 thou) pull up a chair for the [cough] "epic" clash.
9 pm
Grey's Anatomy's two-hour, two-jaw-dropper season finale drew 16.35 million viewers — marking the serial's largest audience since the Sept. 25 opener and a week-to-week gain of a mil. CSI's finale followed with 14.42 mil. Trailing the Hell's Kitchen closer (7.4 mil), NBC's The Office welcomed 6.72 mil to the company picnic (down 13 percent), while 30 Rock (5.66 mil) dropped 8 percent. Supernatural's Dean and Sam had 2.9 mil (up 100K) at their side as they braved an apocalyptic finale
10 pm
Placing second behind Grey's, CSI: NY's wacky little Thursday season-ender copped 12.84 mil, up 600 thou from its Wednesday outing. Facing outrageously stiff competition, NBC's Southland plummeted 29 percent, to 4.64 mil.
Friday Ratings for Friday's Finales, Farrah, and SNL's Season-Ender
8 pm/ET
Ghost Whisperer's season finale scared up 8.93 million total viewers, dipping 5 percent week-to-week. America's Funniest Home Videos' own season-ender placed second with 5.64 mil, followed by Dateline. Prison Break's final farewell drew 3.33 mil, up 10 percent, while The Game blew the whistle on its own season with 1.86 mil. (And yes, that episode was a taste of how the show would work as a single-camera, hour-long dramedy.)
9 pm
NBC's Farrah's Story doc averaged 8.94 million viewers over its two-hour run, and topped the 9 o'clock hour. Flashpoint followed with 8.42 mil.
10 pm
Numbers was the night's most watched program, scoring 9.6 million viewers for its season finale.
Saturday
Saturday Night Live, hosted by Will Ferrell and featuring musical guest Green Day, matched the show's year-ago closer to equal its best overnight rating for a season finale in four years. The last SNL finale to rate higher was the May 21, 2005 telecast hosted by Lindsay Lohan.
8 pm/ET
An audience of 10.43 million total viewers looked on as The Amazing Race crossed its latest finish line. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition followed with 8.2 mil (slipping 11 percent week-to-week). The three(!)-hour Celebrity Apprentice finale averaged 8.73 mil (on par with last week) but surged in the 10 o'clock hour to... well, you'll see what it accomplished a few seconds later in this story.
9 pm
Desperate Housewives' penultimate episode of the season drew 12.13 mil, plunging 10 percent from last week. In second, Cold Case concluded its sixth cycle before an audience of 11.78 mil, dipping 680K.
10 pm
The final hour of the Apprentice finale played to 10.24 million viewers, besting the season enders for both The Unit (9.66 mil, down 300K) and Brothers & Sisters (8.84 mil, down 270K). That hissing sound you hear is the Donald's ego re-inflating.
Monday Ratings for the House and Big Bang Finales, and More
8 pm/ET
Dancing with the Stars averaged 18.3 million total viewers over its two-hour run, down 10 percent week-to-week. The House season finale placed second in the hour with 12.33 million, gaining 200K. Or so we think. (Who can be sure of anything anymore?) CBS' Big Bang Theory wrapped up its second season with 9.8 mil (its biggest audience since April 13), while lead-out How I Met Your Mother (8.7 mil) slipped 200 thou. Gossip Girl (2.33 mil) inched up 100K.
9 pm
CBS' Two and a Half Men (12.9 mil) and Rules of Engagement (10.13 mil) dropped 8 and 10 percent, respectively, while 24 held steady at 10 mil. Medium's back-to-back episodes this time around averaged 6.77 mil, down 450K. One Tree Hill matched last week's 2.28 mil. (An aside: OTH recapper Robyn Ross, who is screening the season finale today, just IM'd me to say, "It rocks!" Crave elaboration? Email Mega Buzz.)
10 pm
CSI: Miami topped the hour with an audience of 13.37 million (down 360K), while ABC's Castle closed the book on its freshman run with another increase — 550K — to deliver 10.55 mil. Does anyone else smell a renewal...?
Tuesday Ratings: Here's the Skinny on the Biggest Loser Finale
8 pm/ET
American Idol's Top 3 performed for 21.79 million total viewers, dipping 7 percent week-to-week. NCIS netted second for the hour, with 15.78 mil (down 6 percent). The Biggest Loser packed 'em in, averaging 11.76 mil over its bloated three-hour finale. That's a 29 percent surge from last week, and NBC's best Tuesday-night demo delivery, excluding the Olympics, since Dec. 6, 2005. Trailing ABC's According to Jims, Reaper inched up a bit to flirt with 2 mil.
9 pm
The Mentalist topped the hour with 16.11 mil, down 570K, followed by Dancing with the Stars' results show (13.75 mil, down 810 thou). Boosted by some (seemingly unavoidable) Idol overrun, the Fringe finale drew 11.22 mil (up 21 percent week-to-week). But to keep things in perspective, Fringe finished the hour with an audience of 8.9 mil. 90210 dialed up 2.05 mil, up 210K.
10 pm
Without a Trace (13.43 mil) was No. 1 in total viewers, surging 14 percent, while Biggest Loser (13.18 mil for the hour) dominated the demos. ABC's Cupid closer targeted 5.5 mil, up 7 percent. Maybe we'll get a second reboot in another 10 years?
Wednesday Ratings: Lost Finale Fires Up a Six-Week High
8 pm/ET
The recently renewed Lie to Me's season finale led the hour with 8.36 million total viewers, dipping 320K week-to-week. CBS' sitcombo of Rules of Engagement (6.38 mil) and Old Christine (6.54 mil) placed second. Trailing the Lost clip show and Law & Order: CI, the America's Next Top Model finale drew 4.23 mil, up 410 thou.
9 pm
American Idol's reveal of the Top 2 drew 23.99 mil, inching up 420K. Criminal Minds copped second with 13.03 mil, down 8 percent. Lost's penultimate (sigh...) season finale averaged 9.31 million viewers over its two-hour run, marking a gain of 600K week-to-week and the series' best numbers since April 1.
10 pm
CSI: NY was No. 1 with an audience of 12.18 mil, down 9 percent. (Reminder: The season finale airs tonight at 10!) Law & Order lagged behind Lost with 7.82 mil, slipping 320K.
Thursday Ratings: Which of 11 Finales Delivered the Biggest Bang?
8 pm/ET
Survivor topped the hour with an audience of 12 million total viewers, on par with last week. Bones' surreal season-ender scored 8.7 mil, up a tick. Ugly Betty dropped 9 percent to claim third with 6.83 mil. While NBC's Earl (4.8 mil) wrapped up its season with a 370K gain, Parks & Recreation (4.25 mil) concluded its freshman run with another (8 percent) drop. Smallville saw 3.16 mil (down 180 thou) pull up a chair for the [cough] "epic" clash.
9 pm
Grey's Anatomy's two-hour, two-jaw-dropper season finale drew 16.35 million viewers — marking the serial's largest audience since the Sept. 25 opener and a week-to-week gain of a mil. CSI's finale followed with 14.42 mil. Trailing the Hell's Kitchen closer (7.4 mil), NBC's The Office welcomed 6.72 mil to the company picnic (down 13 percent), while 30 Rock (5.66 mil) dropped 8 percent. Supernatural's Dean and Sam had 2.9 mil (up 100K) at their side as they braved an apocalyptic finale
10 pm
Placing second behind Grey's, CSI: NY's wacky little Thursday season-ender copped 12.84 mil, up 600 thou from its Wednesday outing. Facing outrageously stiff competition, NBC's Southland plummeted 29 percent, to 4.64 mil.
Friday Ratings for Friday's Finales, Farrah, and SNL's Season-Ender
8 pm/ET
Ghost Whisperer's season finale scared up 8.93 million total viewers, dipping 5 percent week-to-week. America's Funniest Home Videos' own season-ender placed second with 5.64 mil, followed by Dateline. Prison Break's final farewell drew 3.33 mil, up 10 percent, while The Game blew the whistle on its own season with 1.86 mil. (And yes, that episode was a taste of how the show would work as a single-camera, hour-long dramedy.)
9 pm
NBC's Farrah's Story doc averaged 8.94 million viewers over its two-hour run, and topped the 9 o'clock hour. Flashpoint followed with 8.42 mil.
10 pm
Numbers was the night's most watched program, scoring 9.6 million viewers for its season finale.
Saturday
Saturday Night Live, hosted by Will Ferrell and featuring musical guest Green Day, matched the show's year-ago closer to equal its best overnight rating for a season finale in four years. The last SNL finale to rate higher was the May 21, 2005 telecast hosted by Lindsay Lohan.
Good Luck, Chuck! Renewal News May Come Soon
Chuck fans' consumption of all those Subway foot longs may pay off before NBC is slated to announce the rest of its fall season lineup.
A Season 3 pick-up could come as early as Sunday evening, as NBC and Warner Bros. attempt to hammer out the final details of a deal that would further whittle down Chuck's overhead, sources tell the Hollywood Reporter. Chuck's production bucks already had been trimmed some going into its sophomore run.
Even before spying the game-changing twist uncorked in the final moment of the Season 2 finale, Chuck fans had lobbied hard for a renewal by throwing their support to Subway, one of the series' cross-promotional partners.
Speaking with TVGuide.com earlier this month at NBC's "infront" presentation, network boss Ben Silverman deemed the Subway Save Chuck effort as no less than "amazing," while series creator Josh Schwartz assured us that the Peacock has "always loved" the action-comedy.
One factor perhaps playing in Chuck's favor was NBC's decision to take a pass on David E. Kelley's Legally Mad, thus incurring a financial penalty from Warner Bros. TV. One school of thought is that to "make good" on the amount due, NBC might renew Chuck, which is also a WB production.
A Season 3 pick-up could come as early as Sunday evening, as NBC and Warner Bros. attempt to hammer out the final details of a deal that would further whittle down Chuck's overhead, sources tell the Hollywood Reporter. Chuck's production bucks already had been trimmed some going into its sophomore run.
Even before spying the game-changing twist uncorked in the final moment of the Season 2 finale, Chuck fans had lobbied hard for a renewal by throwing their support to Subway, one of the series' cross-promotional partners.
Speaking with TVGuide.com earlier this month at NBC's "infront" presentation, network boss Ben Silverman deemed the Subway Save Chuck effort as no less than "amazing," while series creator Josh Schwartz assured us that the Peacock has "always loved" the action-comedy.
One factor perhaps playing in Chuck's favor was NBC's decision to take a pass on David E. Kelley's Legally Mad, thus incurring a financial penalty from Warner Bros. TV. One school of thought is that to "make good" on the amount due, NBC might renew Chuck, which is also a WB production.
Angels & Demons & Trekkers Rule the Box Office
The ComingSoon.net Box Office Report has been updated with studio estimates for the weekend.
Angels & Demons (Sony), Ron Howard and Tom Hanks' adaptation of Dan Brown's novel that acts as a sequel to their 2006 hit The Da Vinci Code, opened with an estimated $48 million in roughly 3,500 theatres, averaging $13.6 million per site. That opening was 38% softer than Da Vinci opened on the same weekend three years ago, which could be due to the fact that Dan Brown's original novel sold only half as many copies as its bestselling follow-up, while also lacking the controversy swirling around it. Even so, $48 million is nothing to be scoffed at, especially when you consider that it grossed more than twice that amount internationally, taking in $104 million from 96 other countries. Word-of-mouth has generally been better due to the sequel's action-driven plot, which could help Angels get to $150 million domestically. Considering that The Da Vinci Code grossed $540 million internationally compared to the $217 million made in domestic grosses, so it's still very likely that Angels & Demons will be a profitable summer hit for Sony.
Meanwhile, J.J. Abrams' relaunch of Star Trek (Paramount) had a fantastic second weekend, dropping just 43% to second place with an estimated $43 million and a total gross of $148 million, well ahead of even the highest grossing movie in the franchise to date. Incidentally, Star Trek will not completely lose all IMAX screens when Fox's Night at the Museum: Battle for the Smithsonian opens this weekend, as theaters will be allowed to continue to play Trek after midnight over Memorial Day weekend and one can expect that it may be able to get more screening times in June if demand continues.
Dropping to third, the 20th Century Fox superhero prequel X-Men Origins: Wolverine, starring Hugh Jackman, also had a smaller drop than last weekend, adding another $14.8 million to its total gross of $151 million.
In fourth place, Matthew McConaughey's romantic comedy Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (New Line/WB) grossed $6.9 million in its third weekend bring its total to $40 million.
The Screen Gems thriller Obsessed took fifth place with $4.5 million and a total of just under $63 million, while Zac Efron's age-switching comedy 17 Again (New Line/WB) dropped to sixth with $3.4 million and a total of $58 million.
The only movie up a notch from last weekend was DreamWorks Animation's 3D hit Monsters vs. Aliens, adding another $3 million to its gross of $190.5 million, which keeps it in the top spot as the highest grossing movie of 2009. (Expect Star Trek to pass it sometime in the next two weeks.)
The Top 10 grossed roughly $130 million, up 4% from the same weekend last year when Disney's sequel The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian also had a disappointing opening following the huge success of its predecessor.
In limited release, the Jennifer Aniston indie comedy Management (Samuel Goldwyn) opened with $378 thousand in 212 theaters, a weak per-theater average of under $2 thousand per venue. Rian Johnson's second movie The Brothers Bloom (Summit) opened decently in four theaters in New York and L.A. with $82,000; it will expand into Top 10 markets on Friday, May 22.
Angels & Demons (Sony), Ron Howard and Tom Hanks' adaptation of Dan Brown's novel that acts as a sequel to their 2006 hit The Da Vinci Code, opened with an estimated $48 million in roughly 3,500 theatres, averaging $13.6 million per site. That opening was 38% softer than Da Vinci opened on the same weekend three years ago, which could be due to the fact that Dan Brown's original novel sold only half as many copies as its bestselling follow-up, while also lacking the controversy swirling around it. Even so, $48 million is nothing to be scoffed at, especially when you consider that it grossed more than twice that amount internationally, taking in $104 million from 96 other countries. Word-of-mouth has generally been better due to the sequel's action-driven plot, which could help Angels get to $150 million domestically. Considering that The Da Vinci Code grossed $540 million internationally compared to the $217 million made in domestic grosses, so it's still very likely that Angels & Demons will be a profitable summer hit for Sony.
Meanwhile, J.J. Abrams' relaunch of Star Trek (Paramount) had a fantastic second weekend, dropping just 43% to second place with an estimated $43 million and a total gross of $148 million, well ahead of even the highest grossing movie in the franchise to date. Incidentally, Star Trek will not completely lose all IMAX screens when Fox's Night at the Museum: Battle for the Smithsonian opens this weekend, as theaters will be allowed to continue to play Trek after midnight over Memorial Day weekend and one can expect that it may be able to get more screening times in June if demand continues.
Dropping to third, the 20th Century Fox superhero prequel X-Men Origins: Wolverine, starring Hugh Jackman, also had a smaller drop than last weekend, adding another $14.8 million to its total gross of $151 million.
In fourth place, Matthew McConaughey's romantic comedy Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (New Line/WB) grossed $6.9 million in its third weekend bring its total to $40 million.
The Screen Gems thriller Obsessed took fifth place with $4.5 million and a total of just under $63 million, while Zac Efron's age-switching comedy 17 Again (New Line/WB) dropped to sixth with $3.4 million and a total of $58 million.
The only movie up a notch from last weekend was DreamWorks Animation's 3D hit Monsters vs. Aliens, adding another $3 million to its gross of $190.5 million, which keeps it in the top spot as the highest grossing movie of 2009. (Expect Star Trek to pass it sometime in the next two weeks.)
The Top 10 grossed roughly $130 million, up 4% from the same weekend last year when Disney's sequel The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian also had a disappointing opening following the huge success of its predecessor.
In limited release, the Jennifer Aniston indie comedy Management (Samuel Goldwyn) opened with $378 thousand in 212 theaters, a weak per-theater average of under $2 thousand per venue. Rian Johnson's second movie The Brothers Bloom (Summit) opened decently in four theaters in New York and L.A. with $82,000; it will expand into Top 10 markets on Friday, May 22.
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