"24" Renewed Through 2009

MAY 16, 2007: FOX has issued an unusually late renewal for its Monday night thriller "24" for two more seasons. The producers have promised to completely re-invent the struggling drama.

The show star Kiefer Sutherland is already on board through 2009 as part of last year's 3-year 8-figure deal.

The drama will return with a new cast (some favorites may return) and a new non-Los Angeles location.

Following a successful Emmy-winning 5th season, the drama drew a lot of criticism this year.

Executive producer/showrunner Howard Gordon believes it was unfair: "On balance, it was a very successful season," he said.

FOX has already renewed "House," "Prison Break," "Bones," " 'Till Death" as well as the network's Sunday animated comedy block.

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ABC President Praises "Pushing Daisies"

MAY 15, 2007: ABC President Steve McPherson has praised the network's new Wednesday night series "Pushing Daisies," acknowledged problems with the "Private Practice" pilot and, responding to NBC's 30-episode "bulk-up"strategy, said ABC will not inflate episode orders at the expense of quality.

Steve McPherson has spoken with the reporters defending ABC's decision to develop 30 new pilots saying, "I think it's comical when I hear other people saying we're spending too much on television; we're not spending $600 million on football. We'll continue to spend on R&D."

ABC President also underlined that sometimes extra episodes can degrade the quality of a show. "If we could do 47 episodes of 'Desperate Housewives,' we would," he said. "I think you have to be careful not to push it too much. … There's a limited number of shows you can get done and keep the quality up."

McPherson also spoke about the new male ensemble drama "Big Shots" about a quartet of CEOs which got the coveted post-'Grey's' slot: "We've been wanting to do a male ensemble for a while with truthful male relationships, and we feel it's a great pairing with 'Grey's' on Thursday."

"LOST" will return in early 2007 and the network now believes the show works much better in an earlier timeslot at 8 or 9 p.m.

McPherson acknowledged that "Private Practice" backdoor pilot could have been better executed:

"It spent lot of time introducing the characters but not enough time with the stories," he said, something he assured would be remedied.

Finally, McPherson praised the new series "Pushing Daisies" which will be leading into "Private Practice" saying:

"The vision for this world is extraordinary," he said. "It's like nothing you ever seen on television. This is one you have to see to understand."

According to early buzz - he may be right. TV Guide has already called the show "ABC's New 'LOST'" worth obsessing about.

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ABC Premiere Dates

You may have noticed I am nuts about ABC shows. The network has mastered the prime-time soap opera genre and it has been more gay friendly than any other network, so no surprise there. That is why this quick look at its premiere week beginning September 24 and all premiere dates beyond that week is a must.



Three years since its reversal of fortunes began with the arrival of "LOST" and "Desperate Housewives," ABC has managed to build a strong portfolio of quality hit shows that click with the 18-49 crowd including "Grey's Anatomy," "Ugly Betty" and "Brothers & Sisters."

And now that the reality hit "Dancing with the Stars" is entering its 5th cycle and there's an entire night of all-new, buzzworthy and much-anticipated programming ("Pushing Daisies," "Private Practice" and "Dirty Sexy Money" on Wednesdays), ABC may have its best schedule yet.

MONDAY, 9/24

It all begins with the three-night premiere of "Dancing with the Stars" (8:00-9:30 p.m. Monday & Tuesday; 8:00-9:00 p.m. Wednesday). Dr. Quinn, 90210's Kelly and Mel B will spice things up. Of course my vote goes to that yummy model Albert Reed (pictured below). The 90-minute premiere will be followed by the 90-minute 11th season premiere of "The Bachelor."



TUESDAY, 9/25

"Boston Legal" begins with a 90-minute season premiere episode. John Larroquette plays a new senior partner at the firm, Carl Sack, who transfers to Boston from the firm's New York office. Mark Valley, Constance Zimmer, Julie Bowen and Rene Auberjonois have all left the show.



WEDNESDAY, 9/26

This is the night I'll be waiting for. Following the first "Dancing" results, ABC premieres Kate Walsh's "Grey's" spin-off "Private Practice" (9:00-10:00 p.m.) and Greg Berlanti's take on "Dynasty," this season's guilty pleasure "Dirty Sexy Money" (10:00-11:00 p.m.) Now that's a great title.



THURSDAY, 9/27

Another great night. Golden Globe winner "Ugly Betty" wraps up last May's zillion cliffhangers. This year Freddie Rodriguez plays Betty's new love interest, Marc gets a boyfriend, and Wilhelmina gets married. James Van Der Beek and Victoria Beckham guest star (8:00-9:00 p.m.)


TV's greatest hit "Grey's Anatomy" (9:00-10:00 p.m.) tries to shed off negative publicity following the departure of Isaiah Washington. Chyler Leigh and a bunch of new interns, plus a lighter tone in storytelling may be just what McDoctor ordered. Followed by Michael Vartan's new series "Big Shots" (10:00-11:00 p.m.)


SUNDAY, 9/28

Save the best for last. Dana Delany and a gay couple may be the shot in the arm "Desperate Housewives" (9:00-10:00 p.m.) needs to remain a hit in its fourth year. Those nutty Walkers from Ojai stay put at 10/9c ("Brothers & Sisters"). This year Justin returns from Iraq as an invalid, uncle Saul comes to terms with his homosexuality, and Senator McCallister (Rob Lowe) runs for President. Plus, Wentworth Miller's good buddy Luke MacFarlane returns as Scotty. Now that's what I call Must-See TV.

ALSO THIS FALL:

Back-to-back comedies "Cavemen" and "Carpoolers" (starring Jerry O'Connell, wife Rebecca Romijn guest stars) premiere October 2nd at 8/7c.


This season's most anticipated new show "Pushing Daisies" opens up the gate into its fantasy world Wednesday, October 3 at 8/7c. Whatever you do, don't miss that one.



Female-friendly procedural "Women's Murder Club" (9/8c) followed by a new season of "Men In Trees" (10/9c) begins Friday, October 12.



Christina Applegate returns to prime-time with her new sitcom "Samantha Be Good" (Monday, October 15, 9:30/8:30c).



Darren Star's ("Melrose Place") new soap "Cashmere Mafia" is previewed Tuesday, November 27 at 10/9c, before moving to its regular timeslot 9/8c the following week.

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"Bionic Woman" Gets Top Buzz

NBC's re-imagined version of the classic 1970s series "The Bionic Woman" and ABC's critically-blasted comedy "Cavemen" received the highest score in viewer buzz, awareness and intent to watch, according to a new study by TV Dailies.

Last year many had believed NBC's series about ordinary people with extraordinary powers entitled "Heroes" would flop, but the rookie drama quickly became one of last season's biggest success stories, and buzz-meters accurately predicted that.

This year, the spotlight is on the Michelle Ryan-fronted sci-fi drama "The Bionic Woman," ABC's silly comedy "Cavemen" and, get this - CBS' new reality series "Kid Nation" that took Jericho's spot on Wednesday nights.



ABC's quirky drama "Pushing Daisies" was fourth on the awareness list, followed by CBS drama "Cane," Fox reality show "Next Great American Band," Fox drama "K-Ville," NBC drama "Journeyman," and CBS sitcom, "The Big Bang Theory."

As many as 3 shows tied for the last place on the chart - CW dramedy "Reaper," CW drama "Gossip Girl," and NBC comedy "Chuck," keeping new ABC shows such as "Private Practice," "Dirty Sexy Money" and "Cashmere Mafia" off the list.

The buzz and the intent to watch lists are very similar with "Private Practice" appearing at the fifth place on the buzz chart and FOX's new reality show from Gordon Ramsay "Kitchen Nightmares" on the 4th place of the intent to watch list.



Many of these shows have been panned by the critics including ABC 's highly-positioned "Cavemen" which some industry analysts even expect to be the first fall show to get canceled.

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"Gossip Girl" Premieres September 19

The show dubbed "The CW's Hottest New Series" will premiere a week earlier than originally announced to avoid debuting against series premieres of "Private Practice" (ABC) and "The Bionic Woman" (NBC). Check out the preview and promo stills after the jump.

The sudser created by Josh Schwartz ("The O.C.") will also benefit from America's Next Top Model lead-in. The show about privileged teenagers at an elite private school in New York is based on the bestselling series of novels by Cecily von Ziegesar.

The series is narrated by a mysterious character, "Gossip Girl" (voiced by "Veronica Mars" Kristen Bell), who runs a website blogging about her fellow Upper East Siders. Former "Melrose Place" hooker Kelly Rutherford also stars.

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Entertainment Exposed

Heroes Season 2 Promo Stills

NBC has released stills promoting the second season of its hit drama "Heroes" the filming of which had begun over a month ago. The cast and crew are already working on episode #3. The new season premieres Monday, September 24.

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"Pushing Daisies" Premieres October 3

ABC's highly anticipated new "forensic fairytale" starring Kristin Chenoweth (pictured above at yesterday's TCA event) will premiere Wednesday October 3, while Kate Walsh-fronted "Grey's" spin-off "Private Practice" and Dynasty-on-crack "Dirty Sexy Money" arrive a week earlier. Take a look at all ABC fall premiere dates plus the latest "Pushing Daisies" trailer after the jump.



Monday, Sept. 24

8 p.m. "Dancing with the Stars" (90 minutes)
9:30 p.m. "The Bachelor" (90 minutes)

Tuesday, Sept. 25

8 p.m. "Dancing with the Stars" (performance show)

Wednesday, Sept. 26

8 p.m. "Dancing with the Stars" results show (special day and time)
9 p.m. "Private Practice"
10 p.m. "Dirty Sexy Money"

Thursday, Sept. 27

8 p.m. "Ugly Betty"
9 p.m. "Grey's Anatomy"
10 p.m. "Big Shots"

Sunday, Sept. 30

7 p.m. "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" (two hours)
9 p.m. "Desperate Housewives"
10 p.m. "Brothers & Sisters"

Tuesday, Oct. 2

8 p.m. "Cavemen"
8:30 p.m. "Carpoolers"
9 p.m. "Dancing with the Stars" results (regular day and time)

Wednesday, Oct. 3

8 p.m. "Pushing Daisies"

Sunday, Oct. 7

7 p.m. "America's Funniest Home Videos"

Friday, Oct. 12

8 p.m. "20/20" (new timeslot)
9 p.m. "Women's Murder Club"
10 p.m. "Men in Trees" (new timeslot)

Monday, Oct. 15

9:30 p.m. "Samantha Who?"

Tuesday, Nov. 27

10 p.m. "Cashmere Mafia" (moves to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 4)

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FOX's "Prison Break" Premieres September 17

Unlike the first two seasons of Wentworth Miller-fronted drama "Prison Break" which launched in late August, FOX will unveil the show's third season on Monday, September 17, a day after its Emmy Awards telecast. "Family Guy" begins with a one-hour "Star Wars"-themed episode. Take a look at all scripted FOX fall premiere dates after the jump.

Variety reports this morning the FOX television network will use the awards show to launch its new season a week before the official start which was set by Nielsen to September 24.

"Prison Break" will be followed by the new drama "K-Ville" at 9 p.m. the same night. Two days later (September 19), the highly anticipated new laugher "Back to You" starring Kelsey Grammer and Patricia Heaton premieres at 8 p.m. Season premieres of "Till Death" and "Bones" air the same night.

FOX's animated block of "The Simpsons," "King of the Hill" and "Family Guy" will launch the same week, on Sunday, September 23. The latter will open its season with a one-hour retelling of Star Wars Episode IV. "American Dad" begins a week later.

Blockbuster "House" will be held off till the official premiere week - the new season of the Hugh Laurie-fronted medical drama begins on Tuesday, September 25. It will be preceded by the rookie series "New Amsterdam." The remaining nights will be filled with reality programming.

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VIDEO: "Sam I Am" Trailer (ABC)

Does having a big sitcom star lead the cast and "Dancing with the Stars" provide a lead-in guarantee success in the Nielsens? Not at all. Just ask Ted Danson about his failed fall 2006 sitcom "Help Me Help You." Now the network tries again with Christina Applegate of FOX's legendary "Married with Children" playing titular character in "Sam I Am."


Barry Watson and Jean Smart star along Applegate in this half-hour comedy (airs on ABC Mondays at 9:30 p.m. this fall) that begins with a terrible accident that leaves Samantha "Sam" Newly in a coma for eight days.


When Sam wakes up she has no recollection of any past experiences, memories or events. Faced with amnesia, Sam must start over. To her dismay she discovers that she wasn't a particularly honest, good-hearted or loving person.


In fact she was self-involved, narcissistic and devoid of real relationships - essentially a bitch. Sam must now struggle with her desire to be good and her temptation to be...not so good. Finding the line between good and evil is never easy.

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VIDEO: New "Dirty Sexy Money" Trailer (ABC)

What happens when you ask the writers of "Brothers & Sisters" and "Six Feet Under" to come up with a soap-opera and then the director of "Grey's Anatomy" takes over and puts the pilot together? Why, "Dirty Sexy Money," of course.

I have always been a sucker for "Dynasty-esque" dramas. Call me old-fashioned, but I am still trying to get over the abrupt 1989 cancellation of ABC's "Dynasty." Good lord, how old am I?

Unfortunately, the genre has produces a lot of unwatchable garbage such as the late "Dynasty" producer Aaron Spelling's own attempt to revive the catfights and caviar extravaganza with NBC's "Titans" in 2000.

This one is obviously different. But haven't we already seen a dark soap with twisted storylines and a cynical tone?

FOX unsuccessfully tried to launch Mike White's "Pasadena" in 2001, but perhaps that was the wrong time for it, given the hunger for optimism following 9/11. After all, "Pasadena" did reach cult status in its second run across the globe.

The people of "Dirty Sexy Money" are obviously willing to kill for money. And I just can't help but look forward to seeing what they do for good ratings.

"Dirty Sexy Money" premieres in late September on Wednesday nights at 10 p.m. (after Kate Walsh's "Private Practice") on ABC.

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VIDEO: "Lipstick Jungle" Battles "Cashmere Mafia" (NEW Trailers)

Former "Sex and the City" producers Darren Star and Candace Bushnell (the HBO comedy was set upon Bushnell's book, Star developed it into a TV series) are about to battle it out in the prime-time arena as their separate "Sex"-themed projects go head-to-head (albeit on different nights).

Will Lucy Liu beat Brooke Shields? Both NBC's "Lipstick Jungle" and ABC's "Cashmere Mafia" appear incredibly similar, so casualties are imminent. The question is, will one of these shows survive or will they both fail? Surely they can;t both succeed, can they? Take a sneak peek.

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