Image Credit: Vivian Zink/NBCNBC has scaled back its full-season order on the U.S. Marshal drama Chase from 22 to 18 episodes, EW has confirmed. An insider stressed that the reduction does not mean the drama has been canceled, though the series isn’t exactly raking in the big audiences: The freshman show has only posted a 1.9 rating in adults 18-49 and 6.5 million viewers. (Each 18-49 point represents 1.3 million people). It is still considered a full-season order for Chase, which will move to Wednesdays beginning Jan. 12.
The drama stars Kelli Giddish, Cole Hauser and Jesse Metcalfe and is from Warner Bros. TV.
Image Credit: JPI StudiosIn a special stand-along episode of The Young and the Restless on Dec. 23, Victor (Eric Braeden) will face his darkest demons when he is paid a visit from certain characters from Christmas past. In this exclusive first look, Victor’s late wife Hope (Signy Coleman) gets a little face time with the mustache. Genoa City’s own version of Scrooge also encounters his other late wife Sabrina (Raya Meddine), who has previously appeared in ghostly form on the CBS sudser after she died from injuries sustained during a car crash in 2008.
My least favorite part of American Idol — aside from the wonky song lists, the aggressive product placement, and the judges’ bouts of blatant favoritism, of course — are the “bad auditions.” Seriously, after nine years of watching the sad, the deluded, and the emotionally damaged have the tar taken out of ‘em by Simon Cowell (while Randy Jackson & Co. hide behind their hands and snicker with laughter), I can’t say I’d be unhappy if the show took a less point-and-laugh approach to the opening rounds for the show’s upcoming tenth season. And a couple of new Idol promos (embedded after the jump) that focus on big, booming voices and the smiling reactions of Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler, and Randy Jackson indicate that the show may indeed be accentuating the positive when it returns to the airwaves in 2011.
My only caveat about a “kinder, gentler Idol“? While everything will be Kool & the Gang in my book if we see fewer William Hungs, “bird ladies,” and “bush babies” in season 10, I don’t want the new judging panel to adopt a “gold stars for everyone” approach to critiquing the next crop of Idol wannabes. There’s nothing cruel about telling a kid with no natural vocal ability that he or she needs to give up on dreams of a singing career and instead apply to college or learn a trade. But it’s absolutely sadistic to tell a kid with middling musical ability that she has a chance to be the next Carrie Underwood.
Here’s hoping Nigel Lythgoe & Co. remember that if they’re planning to send, say, 200 Idol wannabes to Hollywood, it might be nice to see solid footage from, oh, 10 or 12 Golden Ticket holders per hour during the audition rounds. That’s a ratio that’s rarely been met in previous Idol seasons, but it would also provide exactly the right dosage of sweet to balance out the bitter. What do you think, Idoloonies? Sound off in the comments — and take our poll below — to tell us if you’d be happier with fewer train wrecks in season 10. And for all my Idol scoops and opinion, follow me on Twitter @EWMichaelSlezak.
p.s. That kid singing “You Don’t Know Me” sounds pretty darn good, eh?
Congratulations, The Soup! You’ve now been bringing us a weekly dose of Joel McHale for 300 episodes, and for that we thank you. (We also thank you for Community, which might not have happened if not for McHale, and which is on a highly underrated roll this season.) Only five more years before you catch up with your predecessor, Talk Soup! But still, we’re here to toast you.
And Friday night’s on-the-air celebration was appropriately heavy on cameos from The Soup‘s frequent targets — a game Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa, wine-swilling Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb, soft-lit Martha Stewart — congratulating McHale. It was a bit of a shock to see the real Sanjaya breeze through — it’s easy to forget he’s an actual person and not a figment of our collective imagination, and when I do imagine him, it’s usually with that faux-hawk he had that one time. It’s hard to believe Ma from Ma’s Roadhouse is real, too — in fact, the only way I know of her show is from The Soup — and I’m still not convinced she had any idea to whom she was croaking her congratulations or why.
The Top 3 Soup moments, as voted on by viewers, were a mixed bag: Loved the surreal pantsless Bruno Tonioli bit; the “don’t ask, don’t spell” Harry Potter trailer wasn’t especially original, though; and the Rainbow Brite: The Movie clip was only funny because it involved McHale dressed as the title character. McHale’s just better when he’s just being himself, rather than doing bits — that’s what makes The Soup fun. Here’s to another 300!
What did you think, PopWatchers? Are there other Soup moments you remember fondly? Are you hoping for another 300 weeks of McHale and company?
Modern Family has something to be very gleeful about in week 9 of the television season. After DVR ratings were factored in, the ABC comedy surpassed Glee‘s ratings among viewers 18-49 during the week ending Nov. 21, making it the No. 1 scripted show in that demographic with 6.3 million. Glee, meanwhile, stood strong with 6.2 million viewers in the demo, and Grey’s Anatomy rounded out the top three with 5.8 million.
Here’s a look at the top ten in overall DVR viewers:
1) Hawaii Five-0 (CBS): 3.21 million gained from DVRs* 2) Modern Family (ABC): 3.14 million 3) Grey’s Anatomy (ABC): 2.94 million 4) The Mentalist (CBS): 2.83 million 5) Glee (FOX): 2.68 million 6) NCIS (CBS): 2.54 million 7) Castle (ABC): 2.51 million 8 ) Criminal Minds (CBS): 2.44 million 9) The Good Wife (CBS): 2.37 million 10) House (FOX): 2.35 million
* DVR playback is measured by the number of viewers who watch their recordings within seven days of the show’s airing
Related: ‘Hawaii Five-0' tops list of most DVR’d shows in week 8
6 December 2010 Last updated at 02:44 ET By Tim Masters Entertainment correspondent, BBC News The King's Speech was the toast of this year's awardsColin Firth's latest film, The King's Speech, has won five prizes at the British Independent Film Awards.
The period drama, which earned him the best actor prize for his role as the stammering King George VI, also won best British independent film.
Carey Mulligan won the award for best actress for her role in the big-screen adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro's best-seller, Never Let Me Go.
Both films will be released in the UK early next year.
Firth called The King's Speech "an improbable story about people who could have been consigned to the footnotes of history, and nobody's told it before.
"It was taken as a risk - somebody found the money - and I think it will pay off."
The film also took best supporting actor honours for Helena Bonham Carter and Geoffrey Rush, with an additional prize going to screenwriter David Seidler.
Yet Firth, who is attracting Oscar buzz for his role, refused to speculate on its chances during awards season.
"It could end tonight," he said. "It's already punched above its weight.
"It already got noticed at the festivals, it's funnier than we thought, it has the capacity to make people cry.
"I can't project myself into glories that aren't in place yet."
Best supporting actress Helena Bonham Carter attended the awards with her mother, Elena
Bonham Carter admitted she was "slightly apprehensive" about the attention surrounding the film.
"There's so much hype, I just hope people don't get immensely disappointed and resent it deeply when they see it," she told the BBC.
The awards, known as the Bifas, were hosted by actor James Nesbitt and took place at Old Billingsgate Market in London.
Bonham Carter was also presented with the Richard Harris award for outstanding contribution by an actor to British film.
Elsewhere actor Liam Neeson received an award from variety magazine for his part in focusing the international spotlight on Britain.
Monster success
Carey Mulligan, Oscar nominated for last year's An Education, said she hadn't expected to win for Never Let Me Go.
She admitted she had told her mother to stay at home instead of joining her at the ceremony, as she had done last year.
Continue reading the main story
I feel embarrassed... we made this small little film and these guys are going to go and win Oscars”
End Quote Monsters director Gareth Edwards "Now I regret that," Mulligan said.
"But it's at home in London where I grew up, and to have a platform to talk about our small independent films is amazing."
Newcomer Gareth Edwards beat veteran Mike Leigh in the best director category for his low-budget film Monsters, which opened in UK cinemas this weekend.
Monsters also won awards for best achievement in production and best visual effects, created by Edwards on a computer in his bedroom.
"I always wanted to make a monster movie," said Edwards.
"With my background in digital effects, I felt like an alien invasion and giant monsters weren't out of the question."
Yet he admitted feeling uncomfortable about beating the likes of Leigh, The King's Speech director Tom Hooper and Kick-Ass director Matthew Vaughn.
"I didn't want to make eye contact with anyone when I walked up there," he said.
In Our Name was best newcomer Joanne Froggatt's first film role
"I feel embarrassed because they are heroes of mine We made this small little film and these guys are going to go and win Oscars."
Joanne Froggatt, seen recently in ITV1's period drama Downton Abbey, picked up most promising newcomer for her debut film role in In Our Name.
The film tells of a female soldier who returns from a tour of duty in Iraq with post-traumatic stress disorder.
"It means so much to me, but so much to our film as well," she said.
"We were on such a micro-budget and everybody worked so hard and became really passionate about the subject matter.
"I've been a professional actress for 14 years but this my first role in a film and it's also my first award for my acting," the former Coronation Street star added.
"So to have the two together is an absolute dream come true. With the success of Downton Abbey too this year has just been phenomenal."
The Douglas Hickox award for best first-time director went to Clio Barnard for The Arbor.
French crime thriller A Prophet, meanwhile, was named best foreign film.
'Walking Dead' writer Robert Kirkman talks about last night's explosive finale: 'I wish we had killed more people this season' | Inside TV | EW.com /* */ Entertainment WeeklyHomeTVMoviesMusicBooksTV RecapsDecember EventsFamily EntertainmentHoliday Gift GuideMust ListBlogs PopWatchKen Tucker's TVInside TVInside MoviesThe Music MixShelf LifeNews Briefs EW Home // TV // Inside TV BlogInside TV Exclusive TV News and Scoop See CategoriesSee ArchiveRSS Dec 6201008:00 AM ETPermalinkComments (44) 'Walking Dead' writer Robert Kirkman talks about last night's explosive finale: 'I wish we had killed more people this season' by Clark CollisCategories: Books, Comic-Con, Fall TV, Film, Horror Movies, News, Sci-Fi, Television, The Walking Dead
The Walking Dead has stopped walking (and shambling, and lying about going “Uuurgh!”), at least for now. Last night’s first season finale of AMC’s zombie show ended with a bang, literally, as the CDC blew itself up, incinerating both Jeryl Prescott’s Jacqui and Noah Emmerich’s Dr. Jenner. But what did Jenner whisper to Rick? Could Rick and his fellow survivors be heading to France (home of fine wine, foul cigarettes and, it seems, top notch zombie experts)? Will Michael Rooker’s Merle return in season two? And is my heterosexual man-crush on Norman Reedus’ Daryl getting way out of hand?
We put all these questions, and so many more, to Robert Kirkman, writer of the Walking Dead comic book and an executive producer of the show.
Entertainment Weekly: Obviously you guys plotted the finale, and the whole season, not knowing whether the show was coming back. What was that like? Robert Kirkman: It’s something that Frank [Darabont, Walking Dead executive producer and finale co-writer] was very mindful of. He did a really good job of putting a button on the sixth episode, just in case things went horribly awry. At the same time, there’s a lot of questions and he leaves you with a sense of, “Where are they going down this road and what is going to happen next?” So there’s a lot of room for continuation. But if it had been a disaster we wouldn’t have looked like a–holes.
The season did leave a lot of questions unanswered. Like what happened to Merle? Michael Rooker has to return at some point, right? We will definitely see Michael Rooker again.
Or what’s left him. Yeah, we probably won’t see every little piece of him. There’s all kinds of cool stuff we can do. I definitely want to see Morgan and Duane come back at some point and find out what happened to them. There’s lots of little threads in there to keep people interested for next season.
Image Credit: AMCNot least the tantalizing whispered message that Dr Jenner gave to Rick towards the end of the episode. Would you mind telling us what he said? [Laughs hysterically]
Come on, it’s just the two of us. It’s not like I’m going to go and blog about this—he said, with fingers crossed behind his back. I don’t want to give anything away! Look, it could have been just like, “Hey, watch out for those zombies out there, dude!” But it wasn’t. It’ll probably be revealed in season two, what he said. And it’s pretty monumental.
I think it’s the same thing that Bill Murray says to Scarlett Johansson at the end of Lost In Translation. We’re not going to keep in that ambiguous, I promise.
The episode featured undoubtedly my favorite exchange of the whole season, when Dr Jenner said, “Those doors are designed to withstand a rocket launcher,” to which Daryl replied, “Well, your head ain’t!” [Laughs] That was a good one.
I am happy to admit that I have something of a crush on Norman Reedus in this show. Will you join me in that? I will totally do that. Which is going to make it awkward when I see him on the set for season two. I mean, I don’t want to make out with the dude, or anything. But he’s awesome. I’m totally jealous of how bad–s that guy is. He literally is my favorite character in the show. He’s not my favorite actor on the show. [Laughs] But he is my favorite character.
Image Credit: AMCI appreciate that going to the CDC was Frank’s idea. But as a zombie fan, the finale couldn’t help but bring to mind the below ground-set Day of the Dead, which I know is your favorite zombie movie. Absolutely. When Frank was pitching the idea to me, saying he wanted to bring them to the CDC and telling me all the different things that he felt would come out of that story, the science of it all and the being trapped in the small location, I was very much picturing a lot of Day of the Dead stuff. That’s one of the reasons I was so on board with the idea.
Is that whole business about the CDC eventually blowing itself up in the event of some total catastrophe accurate? I’m going to say, “Yes.” Because that sounds awesome to me.
Is that what the inside of the CDC looks like? That was actually shot inside the CDC.
No, it wasn’t. Yeah, that’s a lie. [Laughs] I don’t think it looked anything like the real CDC. The CDC is very secure and locked down and I don’t think we were even allowed to get reference photos of what the inside of the CDC looks like. For all I know, they have actual real zombies in the CDC, so they’ve already prevented that whole thing. Who knows?
Would it be fair to assume Dr Jenner was named after my fellow Brit, Edward Jenner, who developed the smallpox vaccine. I would imagine so. I guess you’d have to get confirmation from Frank on that. He originally…
I’m sorry, but are you not familiar with the history of the smallpox vaccine? RK: Uh, no, I am sadly not. Although thanks for making me admit that. [Laughs]. But a fun little bit of information: Dr Jenner originally had a different name, but because Rubicon had already used that name we had to change it.
And I think we all know what happened to Rubicon. I wasn’t trying to go there. I was really upset about that. I think Rubicon was an awesome show and I wish they would make more. AMC? What a bunch of a—holes!
At one point in the finale, Dr Jenner said the French had gotten the farthest in working out what the hell is going on. I find it hard to believe they would have gotten farther than the British. We developed the smallpox vaccine! You’ve kind of embarrassed yourself and your family there. Listen, if you want to talk about hating the French, I think [we] could give you guys a run for your money. But you’ve got to throw them a bone every now and then right?
Image Credit: AMCSeriously, though, Rick and the gang can’t go to France can they? I mean, I know they wander around a lot in the comic book. But they never go as far as France. A couple of seasons ago you probably didn’t think the bikers from Sons of Anarchy were going to go to Ireland. But that happened. Who knows, man?
It’s been a couple of weeks now since the show got renewed. How do things stand at the moment in terms of writing season two? There’s been a little bit of behind the scenes stuff going on between the producers on the show and AMC, just figuring out when we’re going to get started and how we are going to do things and what our overall plan for season two is. That kind of stuff has been going on. But I don’t think any actual heavy work will be happening until after Christmas.
Were you tempted not to kill anyone in the finale, given that it could have been the last show and how much the characters had already suffered? No, I think everybody’s pretty committed to killing people on this show. It’ll be a while before we start thinking, “Well, we might as well let some people live, we’ve put these guys through some horrible things.” If anything, if I were to criticize the first season at all—which I think went great—I would say, “I wish we had killed more people.”
And that’s that! Well, not quite. At a couple of points in our conversation, Mr Kirkman referred to crucial, nay seismic, events which have happened in the Walking Dead comic but not yet on the show. Indeed, they may never occur on the show. But as they do fall under the general heading of “spoiler,” I thought it would be best to post them in a different item which I’m going to put up tomorrow. Enjoy! Or not. The choice is yours.
More about The Walking Dead: ‘Walking Dead’ exclusive: Exec producer Gale Anne Hurd denies Frank Darabont fired writers ‘The Walking Dead’ finale recap: Zombie life sucks. Deal with it ‘The Walking Dead’: Let’s meet our zombie cover stars! ‘The Walking Dead’: This week’s EW cover story goes behind the scenes on TV’s best new show ‘Night of the Living Dead’: How a 42-year-old zombie movie refuses to die
And you can also listen to this week’s zombie-tastic EW’s TV Insiders Podcast.
Previous Post 'Dexter' producer drops clues about Sunday's 'Hop a Freighter,' plus two exclusive clips from the episode!Next Post 'Dexter' renewed for sixth seasonEW.com HomeInside TV MainComments (44 total)Add your comment Page: 12Next »majamababe Mon 12/06/10 8:31 AM
Mr. Kirkman:
I’m not much of a flesh-eating ghoul fan; my son is – but after watching the previews and then watching the whole 1st season – I am hooked and was sad when the first season ended. I am so hooked, that for Christmas, I bought my son the first six books of the graphic novel! I realize there are things in the comic that are not in the movie and vice-versa, but the characters are very compelling and I want to know more about them. I enjoy reading your insights into the making of the series and can see why the first series ended the way it did – just in case FOX didn’t order a second. Hopefully, the second and subsequent seasons (if the FOX gods allow it) will be just as good as this one was. Thanks again!
A New Dedicated Zombie Fan
Reply Redvector Mon 12/06/10 8:48 AM
The show is on AMC not Fox.
Reply majamababe Mon 12/06/10 9:46 AM
Yes – I know. I had just read another article about FOX and said FOX when I should have said AMC. Thank you.
ruth gallagher Mon 12/06/10 10:21 AM
maybe it should have been Fox…AMC allowed me a preview of their channel, and wouldn’t ya know it, and i watched all episodes….then THEY discontinued this perk right at the last episode ….thanks AMC now i will never upgrade since you were ever so rude!! cudda given us that last episode..i might have upgraded since i do like your channel but cannot afford all the other junk that goes along with an upgrade! regards and disappointed
Michael Sacal Mon 12/06/10 10:47 AM
Fox airs the show outside the US.
AT Mon 12/06/10 11:54 AM
Ruth, if you got a free preview, that was because your cable/satellite provider gave it to you, hoping you would upgrade your programming package. Don’t blame AMC.
Bob Mon 12/06/10 12:07 PM
Ruth, time to change your service provider. I don’t know of too many that don’t have AMC on their basic service. I’m guessing you have a cable company as a provider. They’re the cheapest providers around.
Hutchy Mon 12/06/10 8:56 AM
How old is your son? Any younger then 16, and I’m not sure you wanna expose him to all that, and thats coming from someone who is FAR from a social conservative. The Governor storyline aint for kids.
Reply majamababe Mon 12/06/10 9:47 AM
He is 37 and a PhD candidate, thank you.
Brandon Mon 12/06/10 10:10 AM
Are you kidding me? Worry about your own kids.
rerun Mon 12/06/10 11:41 AM
What about the children?!?!?! Won’t someone think of the children?!?!?!
Lincoln Mon 12/06/10 8:38 AM
Robert Kirkman kinda sounds like a douche.
Reply Redvector Mon 12/06/10 8:48 AM
No more than you do.
Reply Richard Whitman Mon 12/06/10 9:26 AM
He’s actually a great guy.
Reply RaRa Mon 12/06/10 10:58 AM
I didn’t see anything particularly douche-like in Mr. Kirkman’s interview.
Reply Fatima Mon 12/06/10 11:53 AM
He’s definitely a bit douchey in the mailbag of the comic books but it’s always sorta charming.
Reply darclyte Mon 12/06/10 1:01 PM
Over the weekend, I heard an interview with Kirkman where he implied that the first season DVD box set may include all 6 episodes in black & white (like the comics) as a bonus. I’d rewatch the first season in B&W.
Reply J-P Mon 12/06/10 8:49 AM
I think they should definitely go to France. But I’m only saying that because I’m French.
Reply kdog Mon 12/06/10 9:29 AM
I think the whisper was that Lori (his wife) was pregnant. Rick knows its not his cause he was in a coma when the baby was conceived.
Reply RCB Mon 12/06/10 10:28 AM
Makes sense. I was thinking that the doctor saw the conversation between the wife and the friend through a security camera, but yours makes better sense. Lol…
Reply LexLuthor Mon 12/06/10 10:32 AM
THIS. +1
Reply Dawn Mon 12/06/10 10:54 AM
This is what he probably whispered. I kind of wish that it turns out to be something else though.
Reply Ally Mon 12/06/10 12:42 PM
WHy would he necessarily need to whisper this to Rick though? He would find out when her belly starts to grow. Seems like kind of a waste to make it that.
Reply Redvector Mon 12/06/10 9:36 AM
That’s the same notion that I had too.
Reply Fan of Murphy Mon 12/06/10 9:40 AM
I am a HUGE Norman Reedus fan and am hoping that he becomes a somewhat regular in season 2. Finally to see him on tv is awesome!!!!
Reply melissa Mon 12/06/10 10:28 AM
I know Right….. I’ll be pissed if they kill him off next season.
Reply Dawn Mon 12/06/10 10:48 AM
I was surprised and happy that Daryl made it out of the season finale alive. He’s not in the comics, so I was worried he’d be dead by the end of the season.
Reply Bulloch Mon 12/06/10 9:41 AM
For my $’s worth, I think Dr. Jenner told Rick that Shane’s scratches came from his wife, just because he’s probably got the place wired with cameras AND because in the comic, that’s pretty much the first thing Dale said to Rick when he meets him.
Reply Mike Mon 12/06/10 10:08 AM
Dude, SPOILER alert please. I couldn’t stop reading your comment, but if there was a “***SPOILER ALERT**” I wouldn’t have been sucked in!
Reply majamababe Mon 12/06/10 9:47 AM
For folks who may be wondering – my son is 37 and a PhD candidate. Thank you.
Reply Flyer Mon 12/06/10 11:23 AM
I can tell you’re very proud of your son – and rightfully so! A PhD is a significant accomplishment!
Reply Survivor Mon 12/06/10 9:58 AM
This is prediction to the next season although its not in the book. I think Shayne is gonna be Rick’s pain in the ass. What are your thoughts folks?
Reply Cylon Mon 12/06/10 10:57 AM
Im surprised he survived the first 6 episodes considering…..
Reply Fatima Mon 12/06/10 11:55 AM
Yep. Now I’m wondering if they’ll ever go there. Didn’t much like the CDC business. I know the show is carving a different path than the comic books but that felt like a completely different sort of zombie story at its core.
Zedhead Mon 12/06/10 10:06 AM
Walking dead is great!!Love Norman Reedus in Boondock Saints.Total badass in this too!!
Reply shane crawford Mon 12/06/10 10:19 AM
Dr. Jenner told Rick that Lori is pregnant. He took blood from all of them, remember?
Reply Cylon Mon 12/06/10 10:56 AM
Anybody else think that Merle might turn out to be the “Governor”?
Reply mia Mon 12/06/10 11:58 AM
And here I thought I was the only one with a bit of a crush on Daryl. I think he has big potential to be a Sawyer-esque hero.
Reply wino Mon 12/06/10 12:43 PM
nope. you’re not alone. by far, he’s my favorite character….rough, rude and totally bad a$$.
Reply Blanca Mon 12/06/10 1:10 PM
I’m with both of you! His character makes the show for me. He is why I watch.
Reply majamababe Mon 12/06/10 12:06 PM
Just to update everyone who hasn’t read the entire thread, my son is 37 and a PhD candidate. Thank you.
Reply Capt Spoiler Mon 12/06/10 12:26 PM
Dr. Jenner did blood tests on everyone, EVERYONE. Rick’s wife is pregnant… that’s what he whispered. AND I’ll bet 1000 bucks that it’s Shane’s.
I’d be shocked if this ISNT the case.
Reply Page: 12Next »Add your commentClick here to cancel reply.The rules: Keep it clean, and stay on the subject - or we may delete your comment. If you see inappropriate language, e-mail us. An asterisk (*) indicates a required field.
Your Name *
Your E-mail Address *
Your Comment *When you click on the "Post Comment" button above to submit your comments, you are indicating your acceptance of and are agreeing to the Terms of Service. You can also read our Privacy Policy.Blog RollFancastHitFixHuluKorbi TVPop CandyPopeaterStaying InTelevision Without PityThe WatcherTV by the NumbersTV GuideTV.comWatch With Kristin Inside TVMost Talked-About Posts'Glee' exclusive video: Chris Colfer and ... (452)Fall winners and losers: 'NCIS' reigns ... (139)'Bones' star Emily Deschanel on next week's ... (117)'Fringe' shines creatively but falters in ... (114)'Terriers': FX cancels freshman series (79)See Full Blog MenuAdvertisementEW.comLatest Headlines'Terriers' canceled by FXBristol Palin: Not 'forced' to do 'DWTS''Tangled' rules box office: $21.5MDon Meredith, 'MNF' announcer, diesAmber Heard comes out at GLAAD eventReturn to EW.com homeToday's Most Popular Photo Gallery10 one-season TV wonders Inside MoviesBox office report: 'Tangled' wins slow weekend with $21.5 mil TV Recap'The Walking Dead' recap: Zombie Life Sucks. Deal With It. Inside TV'Walking Dead' writer Robert Kirkman talks about last night's explosive finale: 'I wish we had killed more people this season' Ken Tucker's TV'Sarah Palin's Alaska': Palin shoots the caribou, and the bull, with her fatherTV: Today's PickMonday, December 6th 8-10PM | NBC | SEASON PREMIEREThe Sing-Off
Lovable judge Ben Folds returns alongside Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger and Boyz II Men's Shawn Stockman.
John Travolta, Julia Roberts and (inset) Oprah WinfreyMeet The Famous; INF; inset: AbacaShe's a Good Samaritan – and a good sport.
Oprah Winfrey endured some good-natured jokes about her wealth, influence and humanitarian work from the likes of Chris Rock, John Travolta and others at Sunday night's Kennedy Center Honors gala.
Travolta told the audience that he'd been "used" by the talk-show queen, 56, in a nefarious plot to help victims of Hurricane Katrina – telling him to fill his private plane with food and medicine and meet her in New Orleans. Immediately.
"Take note, world – that's how you use people," Travolta said. "You do the right thing. You do the Oprah thing."
Chris Rock delivered some zingers, saying he first met Winfrey "about 30 years ago in a strip club in Mississippi. Okay, I'm lying, it was Buffalo."
Motioning to the VIP section, where the guests included President Obama, Rock added: "It's amazing to look up and see the most powerful person in the world – and next to her, Barack Obama. Hey, he didn't get her a job, she got him a job."
Meanwhile, Barbara Walters told Winfrey, "I am totally responsible for your career," but then conceded: "She is the best interviewer ever. No one comes close. Not even me. Those of you who know me, know how painful it was for me to say that."
Julia Roberts added: "I think she's pretty damn close to perfect ... fabulous, shining, Margarita-drinking perfect."
The Kennedy Center Honors is an annual gala recognizing those in the performing arts for their lifetime contributions to American culture. This year's gala will air on CBS on Dec. 28.
“Let It Be” is obviously a great song, but who knew it had the power to wrangle up some Hollywood’s most forgotten beloved celebrities? In this video for a Norwegian talk show (embedded below), watch a puzzling assortment of ’80s and ’90s sitcom stars (Alfonso Ribeiro, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Jason Alexander), esteemed actors (Kathleen Turner, Glenn Close, and the late Leslie Nielsen), and former figure skater turned convicted felon Tonya Harding lip sync in front of a digitized beach backdrop. One — or many — of these things is not like the other? Props to Carlton Banks for really going for those high notes. Here’s hoping they got paid well?
Update: While the video is a promotion for Norwegian talk show Gylne Tider (“Golden Times”), former Married With Children star David Faustino tells The Hollywood Reporter he was under the impression that it would be used for charity. “They were, like, ‘We’re putting this video together and it’s for charity,’ ” Faustino said. “At least I remember I THOUGHT I was doing something good for somebody.” Despite being lured under false pretenses, Faustino has no hard feelings about the video. “Oh well. Live and learn. F– it. Let it Be,” he said.
Next week is Community‘s Christmas special, which — in perhaps the greatest idea ever — has been lovingly rendered with stop-motion animation (a.k.a. claymation). EW has the exclusive first look at three clips from the episode, plus three behind-the-scene vignettes depicting how the animation was produced. The answer: Very slowly. In the episode, Abed (Danny Pudi) wakes up in stop-motion animation, realizes he’s stuck in a Christmas special, and thereby resolves to discover the true meaning of the holiday. Meanwhile, Jeff (Joel McHale) and Britta (Gillian Jacobs) worry about Abed’s fixation on Christmas, and the entire study group subsequently undergoes hypnosis to enter Abed’s “Winter Wonderland.”
Yeah, makes no sense to me either, but I’m jazzed about seeing stop-motion animation — a dying art form — showcased on primetime television. And just look at how adorable the gang’s claymation doppelgangers are! (Although Britta appears to have stepped straight out of Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride.) After the jump, check out two exclusive clips from the episode, one bonus clip that hopefully explains what the heck is going on, and three featurettes on the episode with actors Danny Pudi (“I’m looking at a drawer of my mouth!”), Joel McHale (who provides a sample of his singing talents), and Chevy Chase (who seems to believe that stop-motion animation involves drawing). Community‘s Christmas special airs Dec. 9 on NBC.
We learned a couple of things during this week’s Sarah Palin’s Alaska. Palin can bag a caribou with a rifle, give or take five shots or so, and she’s got a cute, doughty father.
Seventy-two year old Chuck Heath, a genial turtle of a fellow, took his daughter and a family friend out hunting when it was discovered that, in rummaging through the Palin family freezer, the Palins were down to “five packages of moose and three [packages] of caribou” meat. Oh my gosh — they might starve! This bit of false suspense was a set-up for what proved to be a fun hour: Scenes from a two-day, father-daughter trip to a remote area of Alaska, settin’ up camp and eatin’ “Spam out of a can” while waiting for a caribou to present itself.
“That rifle in your hand can mean food on your table,” said Palin in a more realistic moment, referring not to her own, well-off circumstances, but those of more ordinary Alaskans. Once again, this show presented a version of Palin that was, um, disarming: The plucky gal with the brown hunting cap whose pink stitching read, “Girls and Guns,” scrambling over hills and high brush with her father, toting what her dad called “a varmint gun” and helping to skin and gut the caribou that the hunting party collected. You don’t see that sort of thing on any of the Real Housewives franchises, unless it’s Camille Grammer using her razor-tongue to verbally slice up Kelsey.
While Palin’s straight-at-the-camera bragging was to be both expected and ignored (“This is what has given me a desire to be tough and independent”), it was difficult to resist the charms of her father as he said proudly, “I’m glad I raised her that way.”
But here’s a warning. Get ready. Batten down the hatches. Next week on this series, it’s the reality-show version of Godzilla Vs. King Kong: Palin meets Kate Gosselin.
Image Credit: TLCTLC’s newest reality series, Bama Belles, premieres Sunday night. I said a few weeks ago that I wasn’t so sure I wanted to watch a “relatable show” about a group of women from Dothan, Ala. But then the Belles sent me a screener of the premiere and called me up to chat about the new show. ”We’re going to bust the stereotypes,” said Amie, one of the show’s stars. “I’m really tired of the south being portrayed as ignorant, uneducated people. I think they need to watch Bama Belles because, honestly, we’re just the opposite of that. It’s all about living life and enjoying life and genuinely loving your circle of friends and family.”
Confession time: I think I found another addition for my DVR. The five Belles Amie, Dakota, Jana, Melissa, and Val talked about what you can expect in the first season.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: How do you all know each other?
Amie: I’m kind of like the cog in this whole thing. Imagine that! They are all in my circle of friends. A couple of them kind of knew each other as acquaintances, but our circle just kind of came together through my relationship with each girl.
So how are the five of you getting along?
Melissa: We’re definitely learning each other’s personalities.
Dakota: Our friendships are like any other relationships. I think we’ve learned how to complement one another. And when one has fallen short, we pick them up and carry them for a while and wait for them to be OK so they can walk on their own again.
Val, you’re from New York. Did you have any culture shock moving from NYC to Alabama?
Val: I miss my friends and family. That’s the first culture shock. You’re out here all alone. The other thing was that I lived in a house with a farm, a lake, and animals all around. In New York City I live in an apartment, and there’s cement around me. It was definitely challenging, but that’s part of it. And I also learned that you can never have a good hair day. Your makeup just melts right off! [Laughs]
Tell our readers a little about Dothan, Ala.
Amie: It’s about 65,000 people. It’s funny because the Dothanites like to consider Dothan a big city. We consider this metropolitan because we have our rural areas where we have the farms and all this. It’s just crazy because we don’t like to think of ourselves as a small town, but really we are.
Dakota: Here in San Antonio I know I passed at least 65,000 going to work today and that was only 10 miles.
Jana: And we’re the peanut capital of the world, hello!
What makes this show different from other shows like the Real Housewives franchises?
Amie: First of all, there’s nothing that’s not real about this show. We don’t have nine nannies, and we don’t throw multi-thousand dollar birthday parties for our children. We’re just every day women who are independent, goal-oriented, career women. We just happen to be living our lives in front of the camera. There’s nothing fake about what you will see on Bama Belles.
Jana: People are going to sit back and say, “Oh my god, she’s just like me!” or “They’re just like us. I thought we were the only ones who did that.” I think it’s just more relatable in the sense of family, friends, and how we do things.
Dakota: I am not from the south. I was born and raised in North Dakota. I love back home, but I fell in love with the south. For the first time since I left North Dakota I felt like I was back home. I just don’t have to deal with the below zero temperatures or the snow. When I was growing up, it was a big deal if you got a new Ford pickup truck, and it was a diesel power stroke, and it had hemis on it. You were stylin’. Same thing in Dothan. There’s not an Aston Martin just on the street corner because we’re not rollin’ like that. That’s OK with us!
Any behind-the-scenes stories you can share with the viewers?
Val: Amie introduced me to some little hole-in-the-wall fried chicken. Amie what was that place, was it a gas station?
Amie: Oh, when we left Booger Bottom? Yeah, we made Val try things that she’s never tried before. You’re probably not going to see a lot of that on camera but it’s hilarious just to see her reactions to some of the things that we eat and do. Unfortunately, there’s only so much time per episode, and I think the viewers are going to miss a lot of that.
What did you eat?
Jana: Boiled peanuts!
Val: Fried Chicken and grits that looked like it came from a back of a gas station!
Amie: Don’t be slamming on the gas stations, Val. That’s where you get the best food! [Laughs]
Image Credit: Michael Yarish/A&EThere’s no script for being a dad, an older, wiser David Hasselhoff explained on last night’s premiere of his new A&E series The Hasselhoffs. That might be true, but there is clearly a script for this so-called reality show, where the painfully cheesy voiceover distracts from important things like caffeine addiction, animal psychology, and The Hoff’s multitude of eponymous tees, including “Drop It Like It’s Hoff.” (Actually, that was pretty hard to miss.)
Call him what you will — he’s partial to Knight Rider or “The German Elvis” — but deep down The Hoff is just a regular ol’ dad trying to run a household full of aspiring starlets and zoo animals. Hasselhoff’s two daughters Hayley and Taylor-Ann (or “Hay” and “Tay”) have the showbiz bug, and younger sister Taylor fears she’ll become haggard by 21 if she stays in school, instead of going for her dream to be a singer, like right. Now. Luckily, dad’s (failed) attempt to convince his daughter to stay in school (if only for two or three years of undergraduate education) can double as a speaking opportunity, as he took the stage at Arizona State University to warn Taylor’s peers about the perils of stardom. One ballsy coed hassled The Hoff with a question about “negative press” resulting from the now infamous “cheeseburger incident.” Luckily, Hasselhoff kept his cool, (and perhaps created another winning t-shirt slogan?) and referred to the low point as a teaching moment. Watch the video below.
Yes, “Sometimes life gives you a wake-up call. It’s how fast you get up, not how hard you fall,” The Hoff says. If the cheeseburger incident was a wake-up call for Hasselhoff, is this new venture his way of asserting his sobriety and promoting a new-found outlook on the rest of America? After two episodes, I’m still unsure of whether this is supposed to be a “serious” peek into his life — with these over-enunciated, over-acted voiceovers mere attempts at humor — or, a complete meta farce that pokes fun at the image and idea of The Hoff that many have come to know (and at times appreciate? Don’t be shy).
Did any of you watch The Hasselhoffs last night, PopWatchers? And instead of a family-focused reality show, do you wish The Hoff had gone with our idea of America’s Next Top Retired Lifeguard?
Image Credit: Vivian Zink/NBCNBC has scaled back its full-season order on the U.S. Marshal drama Chase from 22 to 18 episodes, EW has confirmed. An insider stressed that the reduction does not mean the drama has been canceled, though the series isn’t exactly raking in the big audiences: The freshman show has only posted a 1.9 rating in adults 18-49 and 6.5 million viewers. (Each 18-49 point represents 1.3 million people). It is still considered a full-season order for Chase, which will move to Wednesdays beginning Jan. 12. 
Image Credit: JPI StudiosIn a special stand-along episode of The Young and the Restless on Dec. 23, Victor (Eric Braeden) will face his darkest demons when he is paid a visit from certain characters from Christmas past. In this exclusive first look, Victor’s late wife Hope (Signy Coleman) gets a little face time with the mustache. Genoa City’s own version of Scrooge also encounters his other late wife Sabrina (Raya Meddine), who has previously appeared in ghostly form on the CBS sudser after she died from injuries sustained during a car crash in 2008.
Image Credit: FoxThe Simpsons would like to wish you a very Perry Christmas: The animated Fox comedy’s holiday episode on Dec. 5 includes a special live-action segment that features pop star Katy Perry hamming it up with Simpsons characters that have been transformed into puppets. Can’t wait until Sunday to get a peek at Perry and the puppets? You may open this present early: Two exclusive clips from the episode! But first, let’s hear about the plot that brings Perry into the world of Homer & Co. “Maggie has a Muppet-type DVD that no one will let her watch, so she has this puppet dream with the Simpsons, and Katy Perry shows up the way Elton John would on The Muppet Show,” Simpsons executive producer Al Jean tells EW. Clad in a flashy red dress that would have stressed out the folks at Sesame Street, Perry sings “The 39 Days of Christmas” with the Simpsons, Mr. Burns, and Moe, who, believe it or not, is her boyfriend. “Moe can’t actually reach her — he’s too short — so there’s a slightly risqué joke at the end of the show,” hints Jean. “Don’t tune out during the credits.” The episode, which is titled “The Fight Before Christmas,” also boasts an appearance by (an animated) Martha Stewart.
Best supporting actress Helena Bonham Carter attended the awards with her mother, Elena 
In Our Name was best newcomer Joanne Froggatt's first film role 
The Walking Dead has stopped walking (and shambling, and lying about going “Uuurgh!”), at least for now. Last night’s first season finale of AMC’s zombie show ended with a bang, literally, as the CDC blew itself up, incinerating both Jeryl Prescott’s Jacqui and Noah Emmerich’s Dr. Jenner. But what did Jenner whisper to Rick? Could Rick and his fellow survivors be heading to France (home of fine wine, foul cigarettes and, it seems, top notch zombie experts)? Will Michael Rooker’s Merle return in season two? And is my heterosexual man-crush on Norman Reedus’ Daryl getting way out of hand?
Image Credit: AMCNot least the tantalizing whispered message that Dr Jenner gave to Rick towards the end of the episode. Would you mind telling us what he said?
Image Credit: AMCI appreciate that going to the CDC was Frank’s idea. But as a zombie fan, the finale couldn’t help but bring to mind the below ground-set Day of the Dead, which I know is your favorite zombie movie.
Image Credit: AMCSeriously, though, Rick and the gang can’t go to France can they? I mean, I know they wander around a lot in the comic book. But they never go as far as France.
Photo Gallery10 one-season TV wonders 
Inside MoviesBox office report: 'Tangled' wins slow weekend with $21.5 mil 
TV Recap'The Walking Dead' recap: Zombie Life Sucks. Deal With It. 
Inside TV'Walking Dead' writer Robert Kirkman talks about last night's explosive finale: 'I wish we had killed more people this season' 
Ken Tucker's TV'Sarah Palin's Alaska': Palin shoots the caribou, and the bull, with her fatherTV: Today's PickMonday, December 6th
8-10PM | NBC | SEASON PREMIEREThe Sing-Off
'Walking Dead': Kirkman on finaleMovies
'Tangled' is No. 1 movie: $21.5MMusic
T.I.: Exclusive peek at 'Storytellers'Books
Best books of '10? Lists ariseGive a Gift
About usStaffContributorsSite MapPromotionsPrivacy PolicyTerms of ServiceEntertainment Weekly MagazineSubscribeGive a GiftCustomer ServiceSubmit a Letter to the EditorArchivesTry 4 FREE PREVIEW IssuesAdvertisingEW ShowcaseMedia KitPromotionsAd SpecsContact usGeneral inquiriesJobs at Time Inc.InternshipsEW to goMobile siteRSSNewslettersEW on TwitterEW on FacebookDownload the Must List app for iPhone & for iPadIn partnership with CNNCopyright © 2010 Entertainment Weekly. All rights reserved. 
John Travolta, Julia Roberts and (inset) Oprah WinfreyMeet The Famous; INF; inset: AbacaShe's a Good Samaritan – and a good sport. 
“Let It Be” is obviously a great song, but who knew it had the power to wrangle up some Hollywood’s most forgotten beloved celebrities? In this video for a Norwegian talk show (embedded below), watch a puzzling assortment of ’80s and ’90s sitcom stars (Alfonso Ribeiro, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Jason Alexander), esteemed actors (Kathleen Turner, Glenn Close, and the late Leslie Nielsen), and former figure skater turned convicted felon Tonya Harding lip sync in front of a digitized beach backdrop. One — or many — of these things is not like the other? Props to Carlton Banks for really going for those high notes. Here’s hoping they got paid well?
Next week is Community‘s Christmas special, which — in perhaps the greatest idea ever — has been lovingly rendered with stop-motion animation (a.k.a. claymation). EW has the exclusive first look at three clips from the episode, plus three behind-the-scene vignettes depicting how the animation was produced. The answer: Very slowly. In the episode, Abed (Danny Pudi) wakes up in stop-motion animation, realizes he’s stuck in a Christmas special, and thereby resolves to discover the true meaning of the holiday. Meanwhile, Jeff (Joel McHale) and Britta (Gillian Jacobs) worry about Abed’s fixation on Christmas, and the entire study group subsequently undergoes hypnosis to enter Abed’s “Winter Wonderland.”
Image Credit: TLCTLC’s newest reality series, Bama Belles, premieres Sunday night. I said a few weeks ago that I wasn’t so sure I wanted to watch a “relatable show” about a group of women from Dothan, Ala. But then the Belles sent me a screener of the premiere and called me up to chat about the new show. ”We’re going to bust the stereotypes,” said Amie, one of the show’s stars. “I’m really tired of the south being portrayed as ignorant, uneducated people. I think they need to watch Bama Belles because, honestly, we’re just the opposite of that. It’s all about living life and enjoying life and genuinely loving your circle of friends and family.”
Image Credit: Michael Yarish/A&EThere’s no script for being a dad, an older, wiser David Hasselhoff explained on last night’s premiere of his new A&E series The Hasselhoffs. That might be true, but there is clearly a script for this so-called reality show, where the painfully cheesy voiceover distracts from important things like caffeine addiction, animal psychology, and The Hoff’s multitude of eponymous tees, including “Drop It Like It’s Hoff.” (Actually, that was pretty hard to miss.)