The announcement: Multiple Emmy® award-winning television host, celebrated performer, renowned philanthropist, and all-around talent, Rosie O’Donnell will make her return to daytime television exclusively on OWN: THE OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK. From 1996 to 2002, Ms. O’Donnell delighted audiences as the host of the highly successful daytime talk show “The Rosie O’Donnell Show.” For OWN, she…
"Hard Knocks" Ready for Another Season
This is of local interest because the Jets now include Jason Taylor, formerly of the University of Akron (and "Dancing With the Stars"). From HBO: HBO Sports, in association with NFL Films and the New York Jets, provides an all-access look at what it takes to make it in the National Football League in HARD…
Lythgoe "Idol" Return Official
From Fox this morning: Nigel Lythgoe will return as an executive producer of AMERICAN IDOL, television’s No. 1 series. Lythgoe joins executive producers Simon Fuller, Cecile Frot-Coutaz and Ken Warwick for the milestone 10th anniversary season of AMERICAN IDOL, premiering January 2011 on FOX. “Since we launched the original ‘Pop Idol’ in England, I’ve remained…
Disney/ABC to drop SOAPnet
NBC Tweaks Fall Rollout
The official word: NBC announced updates to its new fall schedule including an early premiere for “Parenthood,” which will follow the penultimate episode of summer’s top-rated “America’s Got Talent” on Tuesday, September 14 (10-11 p.m. ET). Likewise, NBC will preview its new drama series “Outlaw” — starring Jimmy Smits — right after the climactic season…
Obscure Ken Burns Films To Be Televised
The official word: Two rarely seen Ken Burns films, WILLIAM SEGAL and IN THE MARKETPLACE, will be broadcast as part of special fundraising programming in July-August 2010 (check local listings) on PBS stations, PBS announced today. The two films, airing together on PBS as “Seeing, Searching, Being,” are part of a trilogy which also includes…
Charlie Sheen pleads guilty in Aspen wife assault
NBC to air live episode of Tina Fey’s ’30 Rock’
Source: J-Lo close to deal for ‘American Idol’
“So You Think You Can Dance” Notes
Ellen out at ‘American Idol’
Although she seemed to get more comfortable as the season went along, Ellen DeGeneres has decided to leave “American Idol.” Sure, she had some rough spots, trying to be nice but not too much, trying to be funny but affectionately. She might have continued to get better. Instead, this adds to the sense of a show in trouble — with Simon Cowell already needing replacement, and Nigel Lythgoe reportedly coming back as an executive producer.
New ’30 for 30′ lineup
I love this series of documentaries, and more are coming. From ESPN: ESPN Films has announced the fall schedule for its critically acclaimed film series 30 for 30 Presented by Cadillac. The series’ remaining films will begin airing Tuesday, Aug. 24, at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN HD, and will be aired Tuesday nights throughout…
Abrupt resignation of ABC Entertainment Group president suggests that something hit the fan
How’s this for saying little and seeming to say a lot? From ABC: Steve McPherson today submitted his resignation as President, ABC Entertainment Group, and the Company accepted. Mr. McPherson said, “I want to thank the wonderful team of individuals who have worked with me throughout my time here and wish them nothing but the…
