‘Doctor Who’ fans rejoice – the new series will air here within a couple of week’s of its UK broadcast. Here is exactly what ABC has to say:

DOCTOR WHO AUSTRALIAN LAUNCH ON ABC IVIEW

In a first for ABC TV, the new series of Doctor Who will launch on ABC iView – the ABC’s internet broadcasting service – two days prior to its broadcast on ABC1.

Less than two weeks after the first episode airs on the BBC in the UK, Australian viewers will be able to stream it on iView from midnight on Friday 16 April at abc.net.au/iview. The episode will then be shown on ABC1 on Sunday 18 April at 7.30pm.

The new series stars Matt Smith (Party Animals) as the 11th Doctor –introduced to viewers at the end of the recent two-part special ‘The End Of Time’ – and Karen Gillan as his companion Amy Pond. Bafta-winning writer Steven Moffat (Coupling, Jekyll) is replacing Russell T Davies as lead writer and executive producer.

The first three episodes have been confirmed as ‘The Eleventh Hour’ and ‘The Beast Below’ by Steven Moffat, and ‘Victory of the Daleks’ by Mark Gatiss.

Director of Television, Kim Dalton, said: “iView is a fantastic offering, an additional way for Australian audiences to watch ABC TV’s content – generally after, but in this special case before, its television broadcast.

“We hope the lure of Doctor Who – and what a fun and exciting lure it is – will provide incentive for more viewers to discover iView, and experience how convenient and easy-to-use it is.”

Doctor Who was ABC TV’s highest rating program on iView in April to December last year – with 378,000 views during that period. The next highest program was Four Corners, with 260,600 views. In February 2010, ABC iView recorded 411,000 visitors, its highest number of visitors to date.

Media Release

IT’S A RUDDY GOOD NEWS WEEK

PM Kevin Rudd took time out of his busy schedule over the weekend to record a special guest appearance on tonight’s (Monday 22nd February) Good News Week.

With a renowned combination of razor sharp satire and rude words, the team at TEN’S really quite good current affairs show were really quite thrilled to welcome the top mover and sauce bottle shaker of Australian politics.

Chivalrously appearing as GNW panellist Claire Hooper’s political champion, the PM was part of a game called “Political Mastermind.” The PM tested his knowledge of the extraordinary people, history and facial hair that make Australian politics great, against the resident GNW political pundit Mikey Robins.

Taking his place opposite master of proceedings Paul McDermott to thunderous applause from the surprised studio audience, the PM said: “I’m pretty nervous to be here, my country beckons.”

“Don’t stuff it up for your team,” was the immediate response of fellow team-mate Corrine Grant. The PM faced a set of cheeky multiple choice questions, one of which was: Which Australian PM famously said, “Life wasn’t meant to be easy?

a) Malcolm Fraser, in a lecture, 1971
b) Harold Holt, underwater, 1967
c) KevinRudd, to a flight attendant, 2009

Revealing his answers would spoil all the fun, but with conversation touching on John Howard’s green and gold tracky dax, confirmation of gossip about a split in the Australian Labor Party, and conjecture about Prime Ministerial appendages, it’s a show not to be missed.

David Mott, Chief Programming Officer TEN said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Kevin Rudd back to TEN as a guest on Good News Week. This promises to be the most unusual Question Time the Prime Minister has ever faced.”

Other guests on the show were the tall funny bloke Tom Gleeson; comedian and Triple J breakfast host Tom Ballard; Canadian stand-up star Stewart Francis; and to keep all that strange testosterone in check, the improvised explosive device, Corinne Grant.

Hosted by the inimitable acid tongued altar boy Paul McDermott, Good News Week transmits tonight (Monday 22nd February) at 8.30pm on TEN.

Source: Network Ten

Media Release

ALL WILL BE REVEALED: FINAL SEASON OF LOST PREMIERES ON 7TWO

What is the ultimate fate of the LOST castaways? What is their destiny? These are the questions the survivors of Oceanic Air Flight 815 face as LOST begins its sixth and final season on 7TWO . . .

7TWO today announced it will premiere the sixth and final season of LOST on WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10 beginning with the one-hour special Lost: Final Chapter at 8.30pm followed by a two-hour premiere of season 6 at 9.30pm.

A 2008 recipient of the prestigious Peabody Award and awarded the 2005 Emmy and 2006 Golden Globe for Best Drama Series, the final season of LOST starring Matthew Fox is set to deliver more of its signature action-packed mystery and adventure.

The global phenomenon that is LOST centres on Oceanic Air flight 815 and its crash landing on a Pacific island, leaving 48 passengers alive and stranded. The survivors included a diverse group of people from different walks of life – a doctor, an escaped fugitive, a con man, an Iraqi interrogator, a married Korean couple and a man formerly confined to a wheelchair who is now inexplicably healed. As the castaways attempted to get home, flashbacks (and forwards) illuminated their troubled lives before and after the crash, when the island they find themselves stranded on begins to slowly reveal its mysterious nature. Faith, reason, destiny and free will all clashed as the island offered opportunities for both corruption and redemption… but as to its true purpose? That’s the greatest mystery of all.

Taking viewers through the story so far, Lost: Final Chapter (8.30pm on 7TWO) will retrace the steps of the survivors from the moment they board flight 815. The crash, their bid for survival and numerous attempts to get off the island will be relived along with special character re-caps of the survivors’ lives before and after the crash.
With only 18 original hours left until the final episode airs, the countdown begins with LOST season 6 premiere at 9.30pm on 7TWO.

The island’s violent shifts through time were ended by Locke when he travelled off-island in an attempt to persuade the Oceanic 6 to return. Back on the island, the survivors’ stay in late ‘70s Dharmaville was over when their covers were blown and they were accused of aiding “The Others,” and Sayid was gravely wounded. In addition, Ben killed Jacob at Locke’s request. But since Locke’s body was found to still be inside the coffin, exactly who – or what – is John Locke? And if Juliet was successful in detonating the hydrogen bomb, was she able to reset time, allowing flight 815 to land safely in Los Angeles, or was the island destroyed along with all of its inhabitants?

**The LOST season 6 premiere will also screen on Channel Seven at 11.30pm on February 10**

Source: Seven Network

'The Biggest Loser' moves to 7.30pm weeknights on Ten.

TV Tonight has your first look at Ten’s programming schedule for the first week of the rating season.

One the biggest changes over previous years include the shift to 7.30pm for ‘The Biggest Loser’, which will air weeknights following ‘The 7PM Project’. As a result some tent pole series will commence at 8pm while others at 8.30pm.

‘So You Think You Can Dance Australia’ will move to Wednesday night after its season premiere audition episode on Sunday, January 31.

‘Bondi Rescue’ rides into 8pm Tuesday, followed by an all new episode of ‘NCSI’ and a re-run of ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’.

‘Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation’ now slots into the new Sunday night line up, followed by ‘The Good Wife’ and the season premiere of ‘House’.

Finally, ‘The Simpsons’ has officially been dropped from the 6pm weeknight slot, replaced by summer comedy ‘Malcolm in the Middle’.

Here a full look at Ten’s week one schedule:

Sunday, February 7

8:00am Meet the Press. New Series
6:00pm The Simpsons Special: Access All Areas
6:30pm The Biggest Loser
7:30pm Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation. New Series.
8:30pm The Good Wife. Premiere
9:30pm House
10:30pm Avatar special
11:00pm Movie: The Thin Red Line

Monday, February 8

9:00am TEN News
10:00am NFL SuperBowl XLIV Live. (4.5 hrs)

6:00pm Malcolm in the Middle rpt
6:30pm Neighbours
7:00pm The 7PM Project.
7:30pm The Biggest Loser
8:30pm Good News Week
10:00pm Ross Noble’s Australian Trip

Tuesday, February 9

10:00am The Circle. Live. Premiere 2hrs

7:30pm The Biggest Loser
8:00pm Bondi Rescue. New Series
8:30pm NCIS. New Series
9:30pm NCIS: LA rpt
10:30pm TEN Late News with Sports Tonight
11:15pm The 7PM Project rpt
11:45pm The Late Show with David Letterman
12:30am Army Wives

Wednesday, February 10

7:30pm The Biggest Loser
8:00pm So You Think You Can Dance Australia. Top 20
10:00pm Burn Notice
11:00pm TEN Late News with Sports Tonight
11:45pm The 7PM Project rpt
12:15am The Late Show with David Letterman

Thursday, February 11

7:30pm The Biggest Loser
8:30pm Law and Orer: SVU. New Series
9:30pm Medium

Friday, February 12

7:30pm The Biggest Loser
9:00pm NCIS rpt
10:00pm The Good Wife rpt
11:00pm TEN Late News
11:30pm Sports Tonight
12:00am The 7PM Project rpt
12:30am The Late Show with David Letterman

Saturday, February 13

MEL:
6:00pm The Simpsons rpt (Mel)
6:30pm Malcolm in the Middle rpt (2 eps Mel / Ade / Per; one ep Syd / Bris)
7:30pm AFL: Haw v Richmond. NAB Cup. Live / Ade Live / Per) airs 10:45pm Syd / Bris
10:00pm Movie: The Fast and the Furious rpt
12:10am Hell’s Kitchen UK

ADE:
6:00pm Malcolm in the Middle rpt (2 eps)
7:00pm AFL: Haw v Richmond. NAB Cup. Live
9:30pm Movie: The Fast and the Furious rpt
11:40pm Hell’s Kitchen UK

PER:
6:00pm Malcolm in the Middle rpt
6:30pm AFL: Haw v Richmond. NAB Cup.
9:00pm Movie: The Fast and the Furious rpt
11:10pm Movie: Event Horizon rpt
1:05am Hell’s Kitchen UK

SYD / BRIS
6:00pm Malcolm in the Middle rpt
6:30pm Movie: Evolution rpt
8:30pm Movie: The Fast and the Furious
10:45pm AFL: Haw v Richmond. NAB Cup.
12:45am Hell’s Kitchen UK

Subject to change.

Source: TV Tonight

I apologize for being a bit late to the party with this, I was intending to post this last week but for some reason it just flew by me. Anyway, unless you have been asleep for half a month, NBC has decide to end their primetime talkshow experiment by axing ‘The Jay Leno Show’. Hopefully, I will have a bit more on that in the coming days.

So now NBC has released their 10pm replacements and for those scripted fanbois, there is more scripted programming than previous rumours suggest. A few weeks ago, new NBC chairman Jeff Gaspin claimed a current affairs program ‘Dateline,’ will be occupying the majority of the 10pm timeslots, this has now changed but it doesn’t get any better with Law and Order occupying two of the five free slots.

NBC scheduling chief Mitch Metcalf said, “This is a schedule that, given the situation we’re in, we’re really proud of, It has a nice balance of scripted, unscripted, new and returning. No schedule is perfect, but this will serve the needs of our affiliates really well.” And I whole heartedly agree, given the short notice, they have managed to shift ‘Parenthood’ and ‘The Marriage Ref’ to the weekday slots, maximising their potential by providing both with the best lead in possible. The former will lead out of NBC’s biggest show ‘The Biggest Loser’ with the later proceeding NBC’s Thursday comedy block. ‘Law and Order: SVU’ has been moved back to 10pm and the original ‘Law and Order’ will move to Mondays.

Here’s the press release via NBC:

NBC PRESENTS POST-WINTER OLYMPICS PRIMETIME SCHEDULE BEGINNING MARCH 1

New Premiere Dates Set for “Parenthood” (March 2) and “The Marriage Ref” (March 4); New Series Join the Lineup Including “Who Do You Think You Are?” (March 5) and “Minute to Win It” (March 14); “Friday Night Lights” Returns April 30

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – January 14, 2010 – NBC unveiled its new post-Winter Olympics primetime program schedule today. The new drama series “Parenthood” will premiere on Tuesday, March 2 (10-11 p.m. ET) and the comedy panel series “The Marriage Ref” from Jerry Seinfeld will premiere Thursday, March 4 (10-11 p.m. ET) after its sneak preview on Sunday, February 28 (10:30-11 p.m. ET) following NBC’s coverage of the Closing Ceremony of the Winter Olympics.

In addition, the new alternative series “Who Do You Think You Are?” from Lisa Kudrow will premiere Friday, March 5 (8-9 p.m. ET) and the new game show “Minute to Win It” joins the lineup on Sunday, March 14 (8-9 p.m. ET). Also, “Friday Night Lights” will begin a new broadcast season on NBC on Fridays (8-9 p.m. ET) starting April 30 after “Who Do You Think You Are?” concludes its run.

The long-running series “Law & Order” continues its 20th season debuting on a new night with a two-hour telecast (9-11 p.m. ET) on Monday, March 1 before settling into its regular time period the following week, Monday, March 8 (10-11 p.m. ET). “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” will move to Wednesdays at 10-11 p.m. (ET) beginning March 3. Encore episodes will air at 9-10 p.m. (ET) followed by original episodes (10-11 p.m. ET). “Trauma” returns to the schedule Monday, March 8 (9-10 p.m. ET).

“Parenthood” is a one-hour drama inspired by the box-office comedy hit of the same name that debuts Tuesday, March 2 (10-11 p.m. ET). The re-imagined and updated production introduces audiences to the large and colorful yet imperfect Braverman family and features an all-star cast that includes Lauren Graham, Peter Krause, Craig T. Nelson, Erika Christensen, and Bonnie Bedelia among others. Serving as executive producers are Oscar winners Ron Howard and Brian Grazer (“A Beautiful Mind,” “Frost/Nixon”), Jason Katims (“Friday Night Lights”) – who wrote the pilot episode – and David Nevins (“Friday Night Lights,” “Arrested Development”). Emmy Award winner Thomas Schlamme (“The West Wing”) is the director and executive producer of the pilot. “Parenthood” is from Imagine Television and Universal Media Studios.

“The Marriage Ref” – which has a special sneak preview following the Closing Ceremony of the Winter Olympics on February 28 – is NBC’s new comedy panel series about the unpredictable and hilarious institution commonly known as marriage. It features comedian/actor Tom Papa, who was personally selected by executive producer Jerry Seinfeld to host and serve as the “marriage ref.” The show will premiere in its regular slot on Thursdays (10-11 p.m. ET) beginning March 4.

“The Marriage Ref” is produced by Seinfeld’s Columbus 81 Productions and Ellen Rakieten Entertainment. Seinfeld, Ellen Rakieten (“The Oprah Winfrey Show”), Shed Media’s Nick Emmerson (“Supernanny”) and Jennifer O’Connell (“Supernanny”), Al Berman (“The Biggest Loser Live Finale,” “The Celebrity Apprentice Live Finale”), Howard West (“Seinfeld”) and George Shapiro (“Seinfeld”) serve as executive producers. International distribution is by Endemol.

“Who Do You Think You Are?” premieres Friday, March 5 (8-9 p.m. ET) and gives viewers an up-close and personal look inside the family history of some of today’s most beloved and iconic celebrities. Among the celebrities featured are Matthew Broderick, Lisa Kudrow, Spike Lee, Sarah Jessica Parker, Susan Sarandon, Brooke Shields and Emmitt Smith. Ancestry.com is NBC’s official partner on the series. From executive producer Kudrow (“Friends,” “The Comeback”) – in conjunction with her production company Is or Isn’t Entertainment and the U.K.’s Wall to Wall productions – “Who Do You Think You Are?” is an adaptation of the hit BBC television documentary series created and executive-produced by Alex Graham.

“Who Do You Think You Are?” is produced by Wall to Wall productions (a Shed Media Company) in association with Is or Isn’t Entertainment. Alex Graham and Lucy Carter from Wall to Wall and Lisa Kudrow, Dan Bucatinsky and Don Roos from Is or Isn’t Entertainment are the executive producers. Bryn Freedman is the co-executive producer.

All-American chef and television personality Guy Fieri (“Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”) will host NBC’s new game show “Minute to Win It” as it debuts on Sunday, March 14 (8-9 p.m. ET). Fieri will serve as master of ceremonies and will lead competitors through a series of simple, yet nerve-wracking games that can reward them a $1 million prize. Over eight one-hour episodes, competitors will face 10 challenges that escalate in level of difficulty using everyday household items. Each game has a 60-second time limit and failure to finish the task on time will eliminate the contestant. At various points throughout the game, the contestant can walk away with the money earned up to that point – but it’ll take nerves of steel to complete all 10 tasks to win $1 million.

“Minute to Win It” is produced by Universal Media Studios with Friday Television. Craig Plestis, Tim Puntillo (NBC’s “Identity”), Mattias Olsson and Jock Millgardh serve as executive producers.

The new post-Olympics program schedule grid follows (all times ET); new series are in upper case.

MONDAYS
8-9 p.m. – “Chuck”
9-10 p.m. – “Trauma” (beginning March 8 )
10-11 p.m. -”Law & Order” (returns March 1 with two-hour episode, 9-11 p.m. (ET); resumes in regular time slot March 8 )

TUESDAYS
8-10 p.m. – “The Biggest Loser”
10-11 p.m. – “PARENTHOOD” (premieres March 2)

WEDNESDAYS
8-9 p.m. – “Mercy”
9-10 p.m. – “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (encores beginning March 3)
10-11 p.m. – “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (originals beginning March 3)

THURSDAYS
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 MARRIAGE REF” (premieres March 4; sneak preview February 28 )

FRIDAYS
8-9 p.m. – “WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?” (premieres March 5; “Friday Night Lights” returns on April 30)
9-11 p.m. – “Dateline NBC” (begins March 5)

SATURDAYS (all beginning March 6)
8-9 p.m. – “The Biggest Loser” (encore episode)
9-10 p.m. – “Law & Order” (encore episode)
10-11 p.m. – “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (encore episode)

SUNDAYS (all beginning March 14)
7-8 p.m. – “Dateline NBC”
8-9 p.m. – “MINUTE TO WIN IT” (premieres March 14)
9-11 p.m. – “The Celebrity Apprentice” (season premiere March 14)

'The Circle' premieres 10am Tuesday, February 9 on Network Ten.

The ladies of ‘The View’ are about to get some Aussie competition.

Network Ten’s new morning panel show will bring together four diverse women, who aren’t afraid to voice their opinions. Denise Drysdale, Chrissie Swan, Yumi Stynes and Gorgi Coghlan will host the new show, which is set to premiere 10am Tuesday, February 9.

Lets hope the series doesn’t go the way of Nine’s failed attempt at a ‘View’-type program — ‘The Catch Up’.

Media Release

TEN ANNOUNCES NEW MORNING SHOW – THE CIRCLE

Network Ten is pleased to announce the launch of The Circle, an exciting new morning program premiering on Tuesday, February 9th at 10am.

Entertaining, informing and inspiring, The Circle will be hosted by a very talented panel of four diverse women – Denise Drysdale, Chrissie Swan, Yumi Stynes and Gorgi Coghlan – who will be joined by a special guest panellist each day.

Filmed in front of a live studio audience, The Circle will air from 10am till 12noon weekdays, following TEN’s one hour morning news bulletin at the new time of 9am.

Network Ten’s chief programming officer, David Mott said: “I’m delighted to welcome Chrissie, Yumi, Gorgi and Denise to the TEN stable. Smart and bold, each of these women bring a unique set of experiences to The Circle and I’m certain Australian audiences will embrace their warmth and vibrant sense of fun”.

Producer Pam Barnes said: “I’m thrilled to be a part of this exciting new show. All the issues that affect our busy lifestyles will be addressed daily on The Circle by four great women who will share what’s going on in their lives and yours”.

TV veteran Denise “Ding Dong” Drysdale has been making us laugh for decades following her debut on The Happy Hammond Show as a 10-year-old. Since the 1960’s, she’s been a magazine pin-up, entertained the troops in Vietnam and worked with legends of entertainment like Graham Kennedy, Ernie Sigley and Daryl Somers. She’s hosted her own television shows and guested on countless others including a regular role on Hey Hey It’s Saturday.

Former copywriter and new mum, Chrissie Swan was Australia’s first female Big Brother runner-up, impressing the nation with her intelligence, wit, integrity and intriguing sense of humour. Clearly the only person in the country who actually enjoys getting out of bed before dawn, this self confessed pop culture addict spent four successful years on breakfast radio as well as taking out second place on Australia’s Brainiest.

Noted for her meticulous research and great sense of humour, the multi-talented Yumi Stynes has interviewed actors, comedians, directors and musicians all over the world as well as presenting on numerous awards shows. She’s in a band herself and has unparalleled access to the Australian and international music scene. With her continued role on MAX plus juggling being a single mum to two beautiful girls, Yumi is one of the busiest women in television and film.

With her background in news, current affairs, science, education and professional singing, Gorgi Coghlan has covered just about every area of entertainment. She was hand picked by Queen for the Ben Elton musical We Will Rock You, and has regularly pumped out the national anthem at major sporting events. She has worked as a travel, sports and lifestyle reporter, a television news journalist and is a qualified secondary school teacher. Recently married, Gorgi and her husband are enjoying putting the finishing touches to their new home.

Inclusive in nature, The Circle will actively interact with its audience through email, Skype, live crosses and old fashioned phone calls. The studio audience are also welcome to contribute as the hosts will be inviting their comments throughout each show.

The Circle is you and your four friends – Denise, Chrissie, Gorgi and Yumi – who listen to you, respond to you and react to what’s capturing your interest today.

Source: Network Ten

7TWO comes to Prime 9am tomorrow.

More than six weeks after 7TWO launched across metropolitan markets, Seven’s new digital channel will finally arrive for Prime regional viewers from tomorrow.

“Over the last few weeks, Prime has finalised massive infrastructure changes that not only make possible the launch of 7TWO on Prime but also prepare us to deliver even more services to regional Australia,” said Prime CEO Doug Edwards.

7TWO Prime will kick off at 9am for regional viewers in NSW, ACT, Victoria and the Gold Coast on digital channel 62.

Source: TV Tonight

US cable network Syfy will begin airing eight ‘Chuck’ episodes from the second season, hand picked by producer Josh Schwartz and co-creator Chris Fedak, starting Thursday January 7. Episodes include ‘Chuck vs.’ The First Date, The Seduction, The Break-Up, The Santa Claus, The Predator, The Dream Job, The Colonel and The Ring.

Reminder: Chuck season 3 returns on Sunday, January 10.

Of course, the real reason for this post is to reveal the season three poster NBC released yesterday, click for a larger view.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

MONDAYS

8-9 p.m. — ‘Chuck’ (begins Jan. 11; two back-to-back season-premiere episodes on Jan. 10 from 9-11 p.m.)

9-10 p.m. — ‘Parenthood’ (premieres March 1)

10-11 p.m. – ‘The Jay Leno Show’

TUESDAYS

8-10 p.m. – ‘The Biggest Loser’ (its new season premieres on Jan. 5)

10-11 p.m. – ‘The Jay Leno Show’

WEDNESDAYS

8-9 p.m. – ‘Mercy’

9-10 p.m. – ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’

10-11 p.m. – ‘The Jay Leno Show’

THURSDAYS

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’

FRIDAYS

8-9 p.m. — ‘Law & Order’

9-10 p.m. — ‘Dateline NBC’

10-11 p.m. – ‘The Jay Leno Show’

SATURDAYS

8-11 p.m. — encores of dramas

SUNDAYS

7-9 p.m. — ‘Dateline NBC’ (through March 7, then moves to 7-8 p.m. beginning March 14)

8-9 p.m. – ‘The Marriage Ref’ (debuts March 14)

9-11 p.m. — ‘The Celebrity Apprentice’ (premieres March 14)

Media Release

NBC ANNOUNCES NEW MID-SEASON PREMIERES FOLLOWING THE WINTER OLYMPICS AS ‘PARENTHOOD’ AND ‘THE MARRIAGE REF’ DEBUT WHILE ‘THE CELEBRITY APPRENTICE’ AND ‘THE BIGGEST LOSER’ RETURN

“Parenthood” Debuts Monday, March 1 (9-10 p.m. ET) While “The Marriage Ref” Premieres on Sunday, March 14 (8-9 p.m. ET)

“The Celebrity Apprentice” Premieres Sunday, March 14 (9-11 p.m. ET) and “The Biggest Loser” Begins a New Season on Tuesday, January 5 (8-10 p.m. ET)

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – December 14, 2009 — NBC revealed its mid-season and post-Winter Olympics schedule today as the new drama “Parenthood” debuts Monday, March 1 (9-10 p.m. ET) while “The Marriage Ref,” a hilarious comedy panel series from Jerry Seinfeld about marriage, premieres on Sundays (8-9 p.m. ET) beginning March 14.

In addition, “The Celebrity Apprentice” returns in its third installment with an all-star lineup of celebrity candidates on Sunday, March 14 (9-11 p.m. ET). Likewise, the ninth edition of the popular “The Biggest Loser” kicks off on Tuesday, January 5 (8-10 p.m. ET) with 11 family teams of two ready to transform their bodies, their health and ultimately their lives. Other January programming includes “The 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards” hosted by Ricky Gervais on Sunday, January 17 (8-11 p.m. ET) and “The AT&T U.S. Figure Skating Championships” on Saturday and Sunday, January 23-24 (9-11 p.m. ET).

“Parenthood,” from Oscar winners Ron Howard and Brian Grazer along with fellow executive producers Jason Katims (”Friday Night Lights”) and David Nevins, is inspired by the box-office hit of the same name and features a star-studded cast. The series assumes the Monday (9-10 p.m. ET) time slot beginning March 1 following the season finale of “Heroes” on Monday, February 8 and NBC Universal’s exclusive coverage of the Winter Olympics from February 12-28. “Chuck,” as previously announced, will return with a two-hour premiere on Sunday, January 10 (9-11 p.m. ET) before moving to its regular day and time Monday, January 11 (8-9 p.m. ET).

The new mid-season additions to NBC’s program schedule grid follows (all times ET).

A couple of notes, ‘Heroes’ ends its run on February 8 and there is no news on the extra episodes of ‘Trauma’ NBC ordered.

‘Friday Night Lights’ which is currently airing on DirecTV is scheduled for summer.

Source: NBC

'MasterChef' runner up Poh Ling Yeow hosts 'Poh's Kitchen' on ABC in 2010.

New Local Drama

• Dance Academy (ABC3)
• Dead Gorgeous (ABC3)
• I Rock (ABC2)
• Rake (ABC1)
• Sisters of War (Telemovie – ABC1)
• The Slap (ABC1)
• X-Ray (Telemovie – ABC1)

New Local Comedy

• Angry Boys (ABC1)
• Like A Virgin (ABC1)
• Lowdown (ABC1)
• Outland (ABC1)

New Local Productions

• art + soul – Hetti Perkins (ABC1)
• Art Nation (ABC1)
• BTN Extra (ABC3)
• dirtgirlworld (ABC2 – ABC for Kids)
• The Extraordinary Tale of William Buckley (Docudrama)
• Giggle and Hoot (ABC2 – ABC for Kids)
• Good Game SP (ABC3)
• I, Spry (Documentary)
• Jolly Rabbit (ABC2 – ABC for Kids)
• The Making of Modern Australia (ABC1)
• Making Australia Happy (ABC1)
• Outback Kids (ABC1)
• Life at 5 (ABC1)
• Poh’s Kitchen (ABC1)
• Strictly Speaking (ABC1)
• Sleuth 101 (ABC1)
• Voyage to the Planets (ABC1)
• The Wiggly Waffle (ABC2 – ABC for Kids)

Special Events

• Winter Paralympics (ABC1)

New International Series

• Breaking Bad (ABC2)
• The Colbert Report (ABC2)
• Kevin McCloud’s Grand Tour (ABC1)
• Life (BBC Documentary Series – ABC1)
• Miranda (ABC2)
• Psychoville (ABC1)
• Sanctuary (ABC2)
• South Pacific (BBC Documentary Series – ABC1)
• Whitechapel (ABC1)

Returning Local Series

• ABC2 Live Presents (ABC2)
• Artscape (ABC1)
• Asia Pacific Focus (ABC1)
• At The Movies (ABC1)
• Australian Story (ABC1)
• Bed of Roses (ABC1)
• Behind the News (ABC1)
• Can We Help? (ABC2)
• Catalyst (ABC1)
• Collectors (ABC1)
• Compass (ABC1)
• First Tuesday Book Club (ABC1)
• Foreign Correspondent (ABC1)
• Four Corners (ABC1)
• Gardening Australia (ABC1)
• Good Game (ABC2)
• The Gruen Transfer (ABC1)
• Hungry Beast (ABC1)
• Insiders (ABC1)
• Inside Business (ABC1)
• Lateline (ABC1)
• Landline (ABC1)
• Media Watch (ABC1)
• Message Stick (ABC1)
• The Midday Report (ABC1)
• National Press Club (ABC1)
• The New Inventors (ABC1)
• News Breakfast (ABC2)
• Offsiders (ABC1)
• Q&A (ABC1)
• Rage (ABC1)
• Review with Myles Barlow (ABC2)
• Spicks & Specks (ABC1)
• Stateline (ABC1)
• Talking Heads (ABC)
• The 7:30 Report (ABC1)
• 7pm News (ABC1)

Program Descriptions

Strictly Speaking

(13 x 30’) ABC1, iView

Andrew Hansen, The Chaser’s very own singing comic, will be at the helm of this new, 13-episode series that puts public speaking centre-stage. Speakers from across Australia were chosen from more than 1500 applicants. Three contestants each episode go mouth-to-mouth in a speechifying spitfest to win the crown of ‘Australia’s Best Public Speaker’.

Sleuth 101

(8 x 30’) ABC1, iView

Sleuth 101 is an exciting new murder mystery game show with a comedic twist. Host Cal Wilson will be joined each week by a celebrity guest comedian who will strive to solve the crime before a live studio audience. This is risky stuff, the high wire act of the comedy world, with no script – just witness statements, footage flashback and forensic evidence – to piece together the mystery.

Poh’s Kitchen

(40 x 30’) ABC1, ABC2, iView

Poh Ling Yeow, the cook who won the hearts of the nation as runner-up on Masterchef, joins ABC TV with her own cooking program, Poh’s Kitchen. As an artist, Poh approaches food with a unique sensibility and a natural curiosity. Her intuitive cooking style and sense of fun draws Australia’s leading cooks and chefs to Poh’s Kitchen. Thai ‘cooking guru’ David Thompson, one of Australia’s best chefs Neil Perry, and French-trained chef Emmanuel Mollois are the first guests to the Kitchen, exchanging techniques and recipes and sharing Poh’s family cooking secrets.

Lowdown

(8 x 26’) ABC1, iView

Lowdown is a fast-paced, deadpan comedy about a tabloid columnist’s quest to get a shock-and-awe story each week to save his embattled newspaper. With former Sunday Herald Sun celebrity columnist Adam Zwar as co-creator and star, Lowdown is not just a TV comedy – t’s a funny, fly-on-the-wall view of the tricks of a tabloid journalist’s trade.

Outland

(6 x 26’) ABC1, iView

Where do you go if you grew up unpopular and pimply, having unrequited crushes on boys in the rugby team and wishing to be transported to the exotic yet often papiermache worlds of English science fiction serials? How do you cope if you are both a geek, and gay? Outland is a situation comedy from the producers of Summer Heights High and John Safran’s Race Relations that revolves around a gay science-fiction club. It is a comedy about belonging, and how everyone searches to find a place where they fit in.

Like A Virgin

(6 x 26’) ABC1, iView

This black comedy, written by Marieke Hardy, follows the trials and tribulations of Roo McVie – a 29-year-old market researcher and good time girl-about-town who shares a flat with her best friend EJ, and whose former lovers start dying in strange and unexpected circumstances. Completely freaked out by the fact that so many of her ex-boyfriends are suddenly dying, Roo and EJ embark on an investigation inspired by gritty American police dramas. They assemble a chart of headshots of the victims, noting names, sexual practices and other forensic details in a quest to find a pattern and stop the litany of deaths.

Bed of Roses (Series 2)

(8 x 55’ drama series) ABC1, iView

When Louisa Atherton decided to stay in Rainbow’s End she thought things were going to be simpler, but she didn’t count on how difficult it was going to be to work out what to do with her life. When charming, sophisticated Tim Price takes over the management of local newspaper, The Rainbow Echo, he recognises Louisa’s talents and offers her a key position.

Bed of Roses (Series 3)

(12 x 55’ drama series) ABC1, iView

In series 3 Louisa navigates the joys and pitfalls of starting a new relationship in your 50’s (when how you do the washing up and whether it is appropriate to fix an engine in the lounge room becomes a major point of negotiation), and tackles the day to day demands of running a busy local paper.

I Rock

(8 x 26’ drama series) ABC2 Premiere

Take a share house, the pub band scene and some twentysomethings who think they’re the next big thing, add a dash of satire and you have I Rock. This new eight-part, half-hour series, written by Josh Mapleston in association with producers David Fedirchuk and Rob Macdonald, is a comedy drama about an indie rock band trying to make it big on the Australian music scene. Leader of the band and the series’ central character, Nash Taylor (Josh Mapleston), is an engaging mix of swagger and arrogance hiding a nerdish vulnerability as he attempts to claw his way to the top of the rock and roll heap.

X-Ray

(1 x 90’ telemovie) ABC1, iView

X-Ray is the story of Australian Terry Hicks’ battle for justice on behalf of his son David, who was held for more than five years in detention without trial at Guantanamo Bay. Thanks to the rigorous campaigning by his father, David Hicks finally had his day in court in March 2007. Based on Chris Tugwell’s acclaimed stage play Camp X-Ray, this main-event telemovie will take audiences behind the headlines that captivated Australia for years, into the emotional heart of a story about the torturous road that a father took on behalf of a troubled son.

Sisters of War

(1 x 90’ telemovie) ABC1, iView

In January 1942, the Japanese war machine thundered across South East Asia. In its path lay a tiny Papuan mission station, Vunapope. Here a handful of Australian nurses took refuge along with 84 wounded Australian soldiers. Abandoned by their commanding officers, they were left to face the Japanese alone. Sisters of War is inspired by the true story of two extraordinary Australian women: Lorna Whyte, an army nurse, and Sister Berenice Twohill, a Roman Catholic nun from country New South Wales who was stationed at Vunapope.

Rake

(8 x 55’ drama series) ABC1, iView

Starring and co-produced by Richard Roxburgh, with Sydney barrister Charles Waterstreet as story consultant, this drama series tells the story of a criminal defence barrister as he defends the indefensible. From bigamists to cannibals and everything in between, there is no criminal this barrister won’t represent.

Art Nation

(42 x 26’) ABC1

Complementing abc.net.au/arts is the new weekly magazine program, Art Nation. This new half-hour program will contain news, reviews, performance, features and interviews. A key component of the program will be to showcase the work that has premiered on the Arts Gateway sent in by artists from around the country.

I, Spry

(1 x 55’) ABC1, iView

Enigmatic Australian spymaster, Charles Spry, and ASIO’s intriguing early history are brought to life in this dramatised documentary by the award-winning filmmaker of Who Killed Dr Bogle and Mrs Chandler? and The Prime Minister is Missing.

Outback Kids

(3 x 55’) ABC1, iView

Ten teenagers on the brink of personal destruction and permanent family breakdown are rescued from their circumstances and taken to a remote and isolated Northern Territory facility 250 kilometres south of Darwin in Outback Kids, Australia’s answer to Brat Camp.

art + soul – Hetti Perkins

(3 x 55’) ABC1, iView

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Warwick Thornton (Samson & Delilah) and co-produced by Jo-Anne McGowan and Bridget Ikin (Look Both Ways, An Angel at My Table), art + soul is a major three-part series about contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.

The Extraordinary Tale of William Buckley

(1 x 55’) ABC1, iView

During the first, abortive attempt to settle Port Phillip Bay, convict William Buckley escapes. Near death from starvation, he picks up a spear from the grave of a Wathaurong man.

The Making of Modern Australia

(4 x 55’) ABC1

Through rich family histories and personal archives, The Making of Modern Australia charts the massive shifts in Australian life since World War 2. Online and on television, this living social history project interweaves intimate personal dramas with the best social history research to create a surprising portrait of the nation since 1945.

Making Australia Happy

(3 x 55’) ABC1, iView

What is happiness? How do we become happier? And why should we even bother? To answer these questions, we head to the heart of Australia’s misery. It’s here, in the innerwestern suburbs of Sydney, that eight ordinary Australians will undertake a most extraordinary journey.

Life at 5

(2 x 55’) ABC1, iView

The next instalment of the Life Series, Life at 5, will update us on how these 11 kids we’ve known since birth have been shaped by their very different life circumstances in modern Australia. Based on the first ever Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) currently being undertaken by the Institute of Family Studies, the subjects chosen for the Life Series parallel – in microcosm – those diverse families involved in the study.

Voyage to the Planets

(6 x 55’) ABC1, iView

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to leave Earth? To gaze back at the receding blue gem that is our home planet and set out to go where no human has gone before? What strange sights await you, what dangers must you avoid?

Dead Gorgeous

(13 x 30’) iView

Three beautiful, strong-willed teenage sisters – Rebecca, Sophie and Hazel – are given a second chance at life 150 years after their deaths. Thrust into the 21st century, these refined but spirited Victorian girls must try to fit into a society completely alien to them, without anyone discovering they are really ghosts.

Dance Academy

(26 x 30’) iView

While growing up on a farm in outback Australia, all Tara Webster ever dreamt of was becoming a dancer. So when she makes it into the National Academy of Dance, she realises her life is about to change forever. Fortunately, Tara is not alone in her journey and is joined by the boys and girls who have also won their place in the school.

Good Game SP

(42 x 15’)

This is the teen sibling to ABC2’s Good Game – the show for gamers, by gamers. Join Stephanie Bendixsen, or ‘Hex’ as she is better known in the gaming world, and Good Game’s Steven ‘Bajo’ O’Donnell for the latest gaming news and events, top gaming tips, reviews and more.

dirtgirlworld

(52 x 11’) iView

dirtgirl grows awesome tomatoes, knows cloud names and drives a big orange tractor. Her world – dirtgirlworld – is brought vividly to life in this all-new animation series which mixes live action, animation and photo-montage to make its larger-than-life characters come alive for 3-7 year olds.

The Wiggly Waffle

(52 x 60’)

A special hosted block by the fab four of fun, The Wiggles. Join Anthony, Murray, Sam and Jeff as they present a special hour of singing, dancing, music and games, intermixed with classic series and animations, including Bob The Builder, Baby Antonio’s Circus, Postman Pat and Franny’s Feet.

Jolly Rabbit

(52 x 11’)

Life was all carrots and clover for Jolly Rabbit in his peaceful burrow, until one night an evil pirate named

Captain Squid stole his rabbit’s foot…and the leg attached to it. Now Jolly’s hopping mad and sailing the seven seas with his motley crew of Punk Rockers to find who stole his leg.

Giggle and Hoot

Jimmy Giggle and his best buddy Hoot the owl live in a place where their neighbours are the best anyone could wish for! They never know who’s going to drop in and say hello. The Wiggles, dirtgirl, and the Play School gang all love to visit for a chat, song or a bit of silliness. It’s a world where curiosity and imagination rule!

Source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Missed the launch? Watch the countdown – here

ABC3, the all-new kids TV channel, launched 6.00pm Friday, December 4 on digital channel 23.

The new channel kicked off with:

6:00pm – Prank Patrol
6:30pm – CJ The DJ
6:55pm – News On 3
7:05pm – Richard Hammond’s Blast Lab
7:35pm – Jeopardy
8:00pm – My Place
8:30pm – Heartbreak High

Full list of programs include:

• 6Teen
• A World Of Wonders
• Aisling’s Diary
• Barney’s Barrier Reef
• Be The Creature
• Best Ed
• Best Of Rollercoaster
• Blue Water High
• Carl Squared
• Casper’s Scare School
• CJ the DJ
• Class Of The Titans
• Dex Hamilton: Alien Entomologist
• Dragon Booster
• Edgar and Ellen
• Escape from Scorpion Island
• Figaro Pho
• Flipper And Lopaka
• Freaky
• Gawayn
• Get Outta Town
• Good Game SP
• Grossology
• Growing Up Creepie
• Heartbreak High
• How To Be Indie
• Iron Man: Armored Adventures
• Jane And The Dragon
• Jeopardy
• Jibber Jabber
• Kid Vs Kat
• Leon
• Letterbox
• Lizzie McGuire
• Lost And Found
• M.I. High
• Michaela’s Wildlife Challenge
• My Goldfish Is Evil
• My Place
• Naturally Sadie
• News On 3
• Old Tom
• Planet Rock
• Prank Patrol
• Prank Patrol International
• Richard Hammond’s Blast Lab
• Rollercoaster
• Round The Twist
• Rush TV
• Shaun The Sheep
• Skyland
• Spellbinder
• Spliced!
• Street Monsters
• Studio 3
• Super Hero Squad
• The Fugitives
• The Latest Buzz
• The Pinky And Perky Show
• The Sleepover Club
• The Tribe
• Those Scurvy Rascals
• Total Drama Island
• Tracey McBean
• Twisted Whiskers
• Wolverine And The X-Men
• Worst Best Friends
• Yakkity Yak

Welcome Home to Nine

More on Nine’s 2010 programming line up – here

Today in Melbourne, David Gyngell presented the Nine GO! Network’s 2010 line up at the final of three “Welcome Home to Nine” Christmas lunch presentations for the industry that have taken place this week.

At the end of what has been a challenging but successful year, Nine has maintained its winning share of the 25-54 audience demographic, and launched the Number 1 multi channel in Australia – GO!.

Mr Gyngell said, “GO! has given us a unique opportunity to strategically extend audiences and attract an all new younger audience to build our demographic profile. It’s a strategy that provides certainty to advertisers with more targeted choice that will continue to provide audience growth in 2010. We aim to become even more competitive, and combine Nine’s experience with youthful vigour and take the network to Number 1.”

“I believe we are going into 2010 with the best line up in years. Nine’s Summer of Cricket, followed immediately by the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games is the ideal way to kick off what’s going to be a big year for the network with a powerful mix of exciting new programs both local and overseas, together with returning favourites. Our focus is on variety and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy, with shows like Hey Hey, The Politically Incorrect Parenting Show and Top Gear to name just a few.”

Nine’s Line Up For 2010

Underbelly – The Golden Mile

The real story of how Australia’s most infamous playground turned into a deadly battlefield.

Top Gear UK & Top Gear Australia

The show that holds the crown of the world’s most popular television program comes to Channel Nine in 2010. Seen in more than 100 countries with over 350 million viewers, Top Gear is the network’s number 1 acquisition and rightly so. Work is also underway on an exciting series of Australian made specials.

The Real Hustle

There are a thousand ways you can be hustled. Using hidden cameras and a team of Aussie con artists, we expose Hustlers’ clever scams and tricks so you can beat them at their own game. Presented by Gyton Grantley.

Hey Hey It’s Saturday

The Aussie television institution is reborn after the two reunion specials rewrote the history books in 2009. Now with over 300,000 members on Facebook, the entertainment juggernaut hasrecaptured the hearts and minds of viewers all around Australia. Bouncing into the new millennium with a series of exciting new shows, this year’s number one live entertainment show will return in 2010.

V

The visitors are coming to every major city on earth, including ours. The new drama that attracted 14 million U.S. viewers.

AFP (Australian Federal Police)

For the first time ever, the AFP reveals it’s most heavily guarded secrets and investigations in a compelling new series. Across 30 countries and forty series, on guard against crime in Australia and across the world, see the work of our national police force unfold before your eyes. .

Wicked Love – The Maria Korp Story – starring Rebecca Gibney & Vince Colosimo

For the first time, the gripping suburban thriller comes to television starring two of Australia’s leading actors. Behind the shocking headlines, the true story of how an explosive love triangle got out of control and became one of our most notorious criminal cases.

The Middle – Hit US Sitcom starring Patricia Heaton

Average rules! Everybody Loves Raymond’s Patricia Heaton brings her outrageously hilarious new family to television in a wickedly different observational series about modern life.

Human Target – thrilling new US series

A mysterious security agent for hire assumes different identities, at times literally becoming a human target on behalf of his clients. Using the popular DC Comics title as a springboard for riveting and intelligent action and adventure, this is a thrill ride with no clear boundaries.

Past Life – new US drama

A groundbreaking new drama that takes us into the lives of people flooded with memories of the past, memories that can’t be explained and are not their own.

The Forgotten – new US drama starring Christian Slater

Every year, there are countless unidentified victims of murder. When the authorities have all but given up, a team of ordinary citizens take up the cause to find the truth. Follow their fascinating journey in a new series where unsolved murders will not be laid to rest.

Who Do You Think You Are Hollywood’s

A list delve into their family history and discover the fascinating lives of their forebears. Who Do You Think You Are will feature Sarah Jessica Parker, Susan Sarandon and Lisa Kudrow with more big names still to come.

The Politically Incorrect Parenting Show

Bringing up kids has never seemed more difficult with all the rules, regulations and judgments modern society places on parenting. Now, clinical psychologist Nigel Latter brings his unique brand of humour to Australia, to lead us through the maze of tactics to keep the little tackers atbay. Presented with tongue firmly in cheek, this is a series that will debunk the myths and have Mums and Dads rediscover that tried and true methods are often the best.

Survivor – Heroes Vs Villains

The original reality juggernaut is gathering the most memorable Survivors from past series for a special event series.

Who Wants to Be A Millionaire

One of our most successful gameshows returns with a new multigenerational twist. Kids, can they rise to the top and claim a win for their school? Big cash is on offer as their family watches on. All the lifelines are back as we send kids into the hot seat in the first of a series of Millionaire Special Events.

Send in the Dogs

A new factual series that follows trained canines at the forefront of crime.

Community – US comedy starring Chevy Chase

A failed college graduate returns to school and joins a study group of misfits with very different priorities. From the producers of Scrubs and Arrested Development comes a new comedy that challenges the traditional sitcom values with a unique take on lighthearted humour.

Romantically Challenged

New series about dating in the modern age, starring Alyssa Milano and Australia’s Josh Lawson.

You’re Nicked

The most incredible real crimes ever caught on camera. From police chases to CCTV and security dramas, You’re Nicked gathers sensational footage showcasing the most compelling situations that unfold in daily life.

Gordon’s Great Escapes

Experience the lighter side of the world’s most famous chef as he travels abroad to experience the culinary delights of different cultures. A worldwide tour of gastronomic discovery, this is Gordon unplugged and reborn.

Extraordinary Stories

You won’t believe how bizarre people can be. We discover the craziest and most unbelievable stories on earth.

Big Trouble in Tourist Thailand

Aussies caught with no help in a foreign land. Follow their journeys as it happens as they try to escape from a world they can’t understand.

Big

Share intimate stories as clinically obese and overweight people seek to reinvent themselves and regain their former selves. With help from doctors, dieticians and fitness experts, this is not a reality competition, but a journey over months to take charge and slim down.

Arranged Marriage

Where loved ones help lonely people find the perfect match for the partnership of a lifetime.

Returning Shows

• Sea Patrol 4
• Rescue Special Ops 2
• Farmer Wants a Wife 5
• The Big Bang Theory
• CSI
• RPA
• CUSTOMS
• Random Acts of Kindness
• Amazing Medical Stories
• CSI Miami
• Whose Line is it Anyway
• CSI NY
• Money for Jam
• What’s Good for You
• Flashpoint
• Kitchen Nightmares
• Test Australia – The National IQ Test

Special Events

• Twenty20
• Winter Olympic Games Vancouver 2010
• Oscars
• 2010 TV Week Logie Awards
• NRL State of Origin
• Wimbledon
• Rugby League Four Nations
• EJ Whitten Legends Game
• Australian Masters Golf
• AFI Awards
• 2011 Rugby Union World Cup
• NRL Finals Series
• 2010 Ashes Series
• Summer of Cricket
• 2012 London Olympics

Returning Favourites

• Today
• 60 Minutes
• A Current Affair
• Nine News
• Hot Seat
• 20 to One
• Getaway
• Domestic Blitz
• This is Your Life
• Australia’s Funniest Home Videos
• Mornings with Kerri-Anne
• The Ellen DeGeneres Show
• The View
• The AFL Footy Show
• The NRL Footy Show
• NRL
• Wide World of Sports

Source: Nine Network

John Cho and Joseph Fiennes in 'FlashForward'

ABC has decided to delay the remaining episodes of freshman drama ‘FlashForward.’

Following the conclusion of the fall finale, ABC annouced ‘FlashForward’ will be returning in March as opposed to its scheduled January return.

The promo mentioned it will return on March 4 which will result in less repeats between episodes and avoids it running against the Winter Olympics.

The ratings and quality of ‘FlashForward’ has been on a downward spiral since its premiere, so this will give the writers and producers some time to work things out, the 25 episode order remains.

How ‘FlashForward’s’ delay will affect Seven’s local schedule, remains to be seen. However, following last week’s advanced episode screening in Australia and subsequent leak online — we suspect Seven will also be forced to delay the series’ return until March.

It is unclear of what will occupy ABC’s Thursday 8/7c timeslot, but the network has a number of options in ‘Happy Town’ and legal drama ‘The Deep End’.

Also, ‘V’ is set to return to ABC on March 30, Tuesday 10/9c.

Source: The Wrap

The cast of 'Three Rivers'.

It took longer than everyone thought but medical drama ‘Three Rivers’ starring our own Alex O’Loughlin has been pulled from CBS’s schedule, effective immediately.

‘Three Rivers’ was plagued with criticism from critics and production retooling and it was inevitable the freshman drama would see the axe. The show premiered to below par numbers and despite stabilizing numbers, figures were not up to CBS’s standards.

CBS will air repeats in its place and the remainder of the episodes which are currently in production will air, according to CBS. You might remember something similar happened to’The Ex-List’ last year, CBS promised it would return but we haven’t seen it since.

‘Three Rivers’ was shortlived here as well with Ten axing it after one episode.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Monday

Monday, Jan. 4:
7:30 pm-CC ET – TOSTITOS FIESTA BOWL (LIVE)

Monday, Jan. 18:
8:00-10:00 pm – 24 (2-Night / 4-Hour Season Premiere, Part 2)

Mondays, beginning Jan. 25:
8:00-9:00 pm – HOUSE
9:00-10:00 pm – 24 (Time Period Premiere)

Tuesday

Tuesday, Jan. 5:
7:30 pm-CC ET – FEDEX ORANGE BOWL (LIVE)

Tuesday, Jan. 12:
8:00-10:00 pm – AMERICAN IDOL (Season Premiere, Part 1)

Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 19:
8:00-9:00 pm – AMERICAN IDOL (Time Period Premiere)
9:00-10:00 pm – OUR LITTLE GENIUS (Time Period Premiere)

Tuesdays, beginning April 13:
8:00-9:00 pm – AMERICAN IDOL
9:00-10:00 pm – GLEE (Time Period Premiere)

Wednesday

Wednesday, Jan. 13:
8:00-9:00 pm – AMERICAN IDOL (Season Premiere, Part 2)
9:00-10:00 pm – OUR LITTLE GENIUS (Series Premiere)

Wednesdays, beginning Jan. 20:
8:00-9:00 pm – AMERICAN IDOL
9:00-10:00 pm – HUMAN TARGET (Series Premiere)

Thursday

Thursdays, beginning Jan. 14 (no change to lineup):
8:00-9:00 pm – BONES (All-New Episodes)
9:00-10:00 pm – FRINGE (All-New Episodes)

Thursday, Feb. 4:
8:00-9:00 pm – BONES
9:00-10:00 pm – FRINGE (Winter Finale)

Thursday, Feb. 11:
8:00-10:00 pm – PAST LIFE (Two-Hour Series Premiere)

Thursdays, beginning Feb. 18:
8:00-9:00 pm – BONES
9:00-10:00 pm – PAST LIFE (Time Period Premiere)

Thursdays, beginning April 1:
8:00-9:00 pm – BONES
9:00-10:00 pm – FRINGE (Time Period Premiere)

Friday

Friday, Jan. 1:
8:00 pm-CC ET – ALLSTATE SUGAR BOWL (LIVE)

Fridays, beginning Jan. 8:
8:00-9:00 pm – BONES (Encore Episodes)
9:00-10:00 pm – DOLLHOUSE (All-New Episodes)

Friday, Jan. 22:
8:00-9:00 pm – BONES (Encore Episode)
9:00-10:00 pm – DOLLHOUSE (Series Finale)

Fridays, beginning Jan. 29:
8:00-9:00 pm – HOUSE (Encore Episodes)
9:00-10:00 pm – KITCHEN NIGHTMARES (Season Premiere)

Saturday

Saturdays (no change to lineup):
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
Midnight-12:30 am – SIT DOWN, SHUT UP

Sunday

Sunday, Jan. 10:
8:00-8:30 pm – THE SIMPSONS (450^th Milestone Episode)
8:30-9:30 pm – THE SIMPSONS 20^TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL: IN 3-D! ON ICE!
9:30-10:00 pm – THE CLEVELAND SHOW

Sunday, Jan. 17:
4:00 pm-CC ET – NFC DIVISIONAL PLAYOFF (LIVE)
8:00-9:00 pm – HUMAN TARGET (Series Preview)
9:00-11:00 pm – 24 (2-Night / 4-Hour Season Premiere, Part 1)

Sunday, Jan. 24:
6:00 pm-CC ET – NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GamE (LIVE)

Sundays, beginning Jan. 31 (no change to lineup):
8:00-8:30 pm – THE SIMPSONS (All-New Episodes)
8:30-9:00 pm – THE CLEVELAND SHOW (All-New Episodes)
9:00-9:30 pm – FAMILY GUY (All-New Episodes)
9:30-10:00 pm – AMERICAN DAD (All-New Episodes)

Sunday, March 14:
8:00-8:30 pm – THE SIMPSONS
8:30-9:00 pm – SONS OF TUCSON (Series Premiere)
9:00-9:30 pm – FamILY GUY
9:30-10:00 pm – THE CLEVELAND SHOW (Time Period Premiere)

* All times ET/PT except as noted

Media Release

FOX ANNOUNCES 2009-2010 MIDSEASON SCHEDULE

FOX is announcing premiere dates of new and returning series as well as revisions to its 2009-2010 midseason schedule. FOX also has ordered a full season of the sophomore drama LIE TO ME.

January starts off on a high note when the ninth season of AMERICAN IDOL, television’s No. 1 series, begins with a two-night premiere Tuesday, Jan. 12 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Wednesday, Jan. 13 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). Immediately following AMERICAN IDOL on Jan. 13 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), FOX unveils the not-to-be-missed series debut of OUR LITTLE GENIUS, a new unscripted series that features America’s most gifted kids as they are tested with some of the most challenging and difficult questions that only a remarkable little genius could answer.

A special extended primetime event on Sunday, Jan. 17 kicks off with the NFC DIVISIONAL PLAYOFF (4:00 PM-CC ET live/1:00 PM-CC PT live), which leads into the explosive series preview of HUMAN TARGET (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), the new full-throttle, action-packed drama about a unique private contractor (Mark Valley) who will stop at nothing – even if it means becoming a human target – to save his clients. The special primetime event concludes with the first installment of the pulse-pounding two-night, four-hour premiere of 24 (9:00-11:00 PM ET/PT). The season premiere of 24 clocks in for two more hours of action Monday, Jan. 18 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), and the season premiere of HUMAN TARGET airs Wednesday, Jan. 20 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) following AMERICAN IDOL (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT).

On Sunday, Jan. 10, FOX presents a special SIMPSONS event beginning with the animated series’ milestone 450^th The Simpsons 20^th Anniversary Special: in 3-D! on Ice! (8:30-9:30 PM ET/PT). The documentary special examines the global phenomenon that is THE SIMPSONS and serves as the momentous conclusion to the “Best. 20 Years. Ever.,” a year-long global celebration of THE SIMPSONS that launched in January 2009. episode, “Once Upon a Time in Springfield” (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT), in which BART (Nancy Cartwright) and MILHOUSE (Pamela Hayden) try to help KRUSTY (Dan Castellaneta) regain his popularity after network executives force him to restructure the format of his television show by hiring a female sidekick, PRINCESS PENELOPE (guest voice Anne Hathaway). Then, Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Morgan Spurlock (“Super Size Me,” “30 Days”) will present

Chef Gordon Ramsay steps out of his own kitchen to serve up a new season of KITCHEN NIGHTMARES on Friday, Jan. 29 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). Each week, Chef Ramsay will try to help turn around some of the most unsanitary and unsuccessful restaurants in New York, New Jersey, Florida and California on the verge of closing their doors forever.

PAST LIFE, a new drama series inspired by the book “The Reincarnationist” about detectives who investigate the world of the unexplained, will bow with a two-hour series premiere Thursday, Feb. 11 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and will make its time period premiere Thursday, Feb. 18 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).

SONS OF TUCSON, the new family comedy from Emmy Award winner Todd Holland (“Wonderfalls”) about three young brothers who hire a charming, wayward schemer to stand in as their father when their real one goes to prison, debuts Sunday, March 14 (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT).

AMERICAN IDOL sings on Tuesdays (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) when it makes its time period premiere Jan. 19 followed by the time period premiere of OUR LITTLE GENIUS (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), and 24 syncs up for its time period premiere Monday, Jan. 25 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).

After its fall finale Wednesday, Dec. 9 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), GLEE returns from its interlude with a score of all-new episodes on a new night beginning Tuesday, April 13 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). FRINGE delves into its winter finale Thursday, Feb. 4 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and then resurfaces with new cases beginning Thursday, April 1 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). Joss Whedon’s DOLLHOUSE goes out with a bang with its series finale Friday, Jan. 22 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).

Note: ‘Lie to Me’ and ”Til Death’will return return in Spring with return dates yet to be released. ‘The Cleveland Show’ will occupy the post ‘Family Guy’ slot.

Source: Fox Broadcasting Company

The highly anticipated mini-series 'The Pacific' premieres in 2010 on Seven. From Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg and Gary Goetzman, producers of 'Band of Brothers'.

Seven will announce their complete 2010 programming line-up later in the coming weeks.

New Local Drama

• The Pacific (Miniseries) - Co-production with HBO, Playtone, Dreamworks

New Local Series

• Damage Control
• The Marriage Ref
• My Kitchen Rules

New International Series

• 100 Questions
• Cougar Town
• Day One
• Happy Town
• Hung
• The Marriage Ref (US)
• Parenthood

Sporting Events

• Australian Open
• AFL Grand Final

Returning Local Series

• Better Homes and Gardens
• City Homicide
• Deal or No Deal
• Double Take
• Home and Away
• The Morning Show
• New Idea TV
• Packed to the Rafters
• Sunrise
• Saturday Disney
• Thank God You’re Here

Returning International Series

• Bones
• Brothers and Sisters
• Castle
• Criminal Minds
• Desperate Housewives
• Family Guy
• FlashForward
• Grey’s Anatomy
• Private Practice

*Incomplete/subject to change

The Olympics move to Nine in 2010, after several consecutive games on rival Seven.

The Nine Network have announce their official 2010 programming line up, here’s what you can expect to see next year on the Nine Network.

New Local Drama

• Cops L.A.C
• Wicked Love – The Maria Korp Story (Telemovie)

New Local Series

• AFP (Australian Federal Police)
• Big Trouble in Tourist Thailand
• First and Last
• The Real Hustle: Australia

New International Series

• Community
• The Forgotten
• Gordon’s Great Escapes
• Human Target
• The Middle
• Past Life
• The Politically Incorrect Parenting Show
• Romantically Challenged
• Untitled Jo Frost Project (Supernanny)
• Send in the Dogs
• You’re Nicked
• V
• Who Do You Think You Are?

Special Events

• 2010 Ashes Series
• 2010 TV Week Logie Awards
• 2011 Rugby Union World Cup
• AFI Awards
• Australian Masters Golf
• EJ Whitten Legends Game
• NRL Grand Final
• NRL State of Origin
• Oscars
• Rugby League Four Nations
• Summer of Cricket
• Twenty20
• Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games
• Wimbledon

Returning Local Series

• 20 to 1
• 60 Minutes
• A Current Affair
• Australia’s Funniest Home Videos
• The Apprentice: Australia
• CUSTOMS
• Domestic Blitz
• Farmer Wants a Wife
• Getaway
• Hey Hey It’s Saturday (Specials)
• Money for Jam
• Random Acts of Kindness
• Rescue: Special Ops
• RPA
• Sea Patrol
• Test Australia – The National IQ Test
• Today
• Top Gear Australia
• Underbelly: The Golden Mile
• Wide World of Sports
• What’s Good For Yuu
• Who Wants to be a Millionaire

Returning International Series

• The Big Bang Theory
• Cold Case
• CSI
• CSI: Miami
• CSI: NY
• Ladette to Lady
• The Mentalist
• Survivor
• Top Gear
• Two and a Half Men

*Incomplete/subject to change

Zachary Levi and Adam Baldwin from 'Chuck'.

The wait is almost over as the adventures of special agent Charles Carmichael returns on January 10.

The third season of spy drama ‘Chuck’ will premiere with a special double episode on Sunday January 10 9/8c, before moving to its regular timeslot the following night (Monday) at 8/7c.

This follows the news that NBC has ordered an additional six episodes.

As usual, it is not ‘Chuck’ without the guest stars, which include Angie Harmon, Brandon Routh, Kristin Kreuk, Armand Assante, Steve Austin, Robert Patrick and Vinnie Jones this season.

A scene from last season.

The sixth and final season of ‘Lost’ will be returning February 2, 2010 on ABC.

The move sees ‘Lost’ in its sixth timeslot in as many years.

As usual, a one hour clip show will precede the two-hour season premiere, finally moving to permanently to 9/8c the following week.

Returning as series regulars are Naveen Andrews (Sayid), Nestor Carbonell (Richard), Emilie de Ravin (Claire), Michael Emerson (Ben), Jeff Fahey (Frank) Matthew Fox (Jack), Jorge Garcia (Hurley), Josh Holloway (Sawyer), Daniel Dae Kim (Jin), Yunjin Kim (Sun), Ken Leung (Miles), Evangeline Lilly (Kate), Terry O’Quinn (Locke) and Zuleikha Robinson (Ilana).

Also confirmed to be returning in recurring and guest starring roles are Elizabeth Mitchell (Juliet), Ian Somerhalder (Boone), Rebecca Mader (Charlotte), Dominic Monaghan (Charlie), Henry Ian Cusick (Desmond) and Katey Sagal (Helen).

The new season will premiere early next year on 7TWO locally.

ABC ANNOUNCES THE PREMIERE OF THE SIXTH AND FINAL SEASON OF “LOST,”

WITH A SPECIAL ALL-NIGHT EVENT ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2

ABC announces the premiere of the sixth and final season of “Lost,” with a special all-night event on Tuesday, February 2. A recap special will kick off the night from 8:00-9:00 p.m., ET, followed by the much anticipated two-hour premiere from 9:00-11:00 p.m.

The series will then air in its regular time period – Tuesday nights from 9:00-10:00 p.m., ET – beginning the following week, on February 9.

“Lost” stars Naveen Andrews as Sayid, Nestor Carbonell as Richard Alpert, Emilie de Ravin as Claire, Michael Emerson as Ben, Jeff Fahey as Frank Lapidus, Matthew Fox as Jack, Jorge Garcia as Hurley, Josh Holloway as Sawyer, Daniel Dae Kim as Jin, Yunjin Kim as Sun, Ken Leung as Miles, Evangeline Lilly as Kate, Terry O’Quinn as Locke and Zuleikha Robinson as Ilana.

“Lost” was created by Jeffrey Lieber and J.J. Abrams & Damon Lindelof. Abrams, Lindelof, Bryan Burk, Jack Bender, Edward Kitsis, Adam Horowitz, Jean Higgins and Carlton Cuse serve as executive producers. “Lost,” which is filmed entirely on location in Hawaii and premiered on September 22, 2004, is from ABC Studios.

Source: ABC

Kerr Smith, Britt Robertson, Shiri Appleby and Kristoffer Polaha star in The CW's 'Life Unexpected'.

The CW has finally found a timeslot for its most highly regarded new series of the season.

‘Life Unexpected’, is set to air on Monday nights starting January 18.

The series follows 15-year-old Lux (Britt Robertson), who’s looking to get out of foster care by becoming an emancipated minor. However, a judge instead places her in the care of her biological parents Cate (Shiri Appleby) and Baze (Kristoffer Polaha) — who had given her up for adoption as a baby.

The series has already received strong positive nods from the critics.

‘Life’ is expected to fill the 9pm ‘Gossip Girl’ timelslot — which is set to go on hiatus for several weeks, before returning in March to complete its 24-episode order.

‘Life’ will then shift forward to 8pm, filling the ‘One Tree Hill’ slot — which will also go on hiatus for several weeks.

The CW hope to have a Monday night full of all original episodes, from January through to the end of the 09/10 season. Further midseason plans are due shortly.

‘Life Unexpected’ is from Mojo Films, CBS Television Studios and Warner Bros. Television. Liz Tigelaar (‘Brothers and Sisters’, ‘What About Brian’), Janet Leahy (‘Boston Legal’, ‘Gilmore Girls’) and Gary Fleder (‘October Road’) serve as are executive producers.

Source: Variety

SERIES PREMIERE: WHAT’S GOOD FOR YOU THIS SUMMER

Wednesday, November 11 at 8.00pm

The 'What's Good For You This Summer' team.

Over the years, What’s Good For You have tested theories of every day medicine and remedies, and presented you with fascinating facts that will have a positive impact on your body and lifestyle.

And now, with summer fast approaching, we’ve compiled the best survival tips and tricks for getting through the warmer months!

What’s Good For You This Summer will answer all your summer worries and concerns like What’s the best way to treat a bluebottle sting? Double dipping – is it dangerous? What happens when eating and swimming are combined? Detox diets – do they work? Why do mosquitoes like some people more than others? How to lost the man boobs and get perfect pecs, Is dry skin the main cause of wrinkles? Does mixing your festive drinks give you a worse hangover?

With the help of Dr Andrew Rochford, Lyndsey Rodrigues, Michael Slater, Grant Hackett and Janella Purcell, What’s Good For You This Summer will have you ready and raring to go for a healthy, enjoyable summer.

What’s Good For You This Summer will air Wednesday, November 11 at 8.00pm.

The cast of 'Scrubs'.

ABC has announced the return of veteran comedy series ‘Scrubs.’

‘Scrubs’ will return with a double episode at 9/8c on Tuesday December 1, moving permanently to 9/8c the following week. That week also sees the return of under-rated comedy ‘Better off Ted’ at 9:30/8:30c.

After being on ‘the bubble’ last year, ABC brought back both struggling comedies. As widely reported, ‘Scrubs’ has undergone a major facelift this season, it has ditched the hospital setting and will largely follow the new cast who joined last year.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Ten hopes it'll be a good year, with 'The Good Wife' and 'Junior MasterChef'.

12 months paints quite a different picture for Network Ten, who this time last year boldly cancelled ‘Big Brother’ and announced plans to replace the reality series with a local version of UK cooking format ‘MasterChef’.

Just 9 months later, ‘MasterChef Australia’ is breaking records, becoming the highest rated non-sporting program on television.

But despite the success Ten saw earlier this year, as we head into 2010 it seems that the network’s brave risk taking attitude is no more.

Ten have revealed their plans for next year, with much of the same programming we saw in 2009.

What’s new in 2010? Just 3 new US series, 2 new local mini/tele dramas and 1 new local series.

Of course theres always the possibility that Ten might add additional programs to this list, but for now, here’s what you can expect to see next year.

New Local Series

• Junior MasterChef

New Local Drama

• Hawke (Telemovie)
• Offspring (Miniseries) – Potential series

New International Series

• The Cleveland Show
• The Good Wife
• Modern Family

Sporting Events

• 2010 Commonwealth Games

Returning Local Programs

• Australian Idol (TBC – See post)
• The Biggest Loser Australia
• Bondi Rescue
• Bondi Vet
• Good News Week
• MasterChef Australia
• Neighbours
• The Recruits
• Rove (See post)
• Rush
• So You Think You Can Dance Australia
• Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation
• Ten News
• The 7PM Project

Returning International Programs

• Burn Notice
• Californication
• Dexter
• Glee
• House
• Lie to Me
• Law and Order: SVU
• Law and Order: Criminal Intent
• Medium
• Merlin
• NCIS
• NCIS: Los Angeles
• Numb3rs
• The Simpsons
• Untitled Jamie Oliver Project

The network also have announced plans to launch a third digital channel in 2010, replacing their standard definition lineup One Digital on channel 12. No details on what this new channel will offer as of yet, as the network are still assessing their options.

MORE: Read about the launch of Seven’s new free-to-air digital channel – 7TWO

'Ugly Betty' headlines the new channel, launching November 1 on channel 72.

7TWO launch week schedule

Sunday, November 1

6.00pm Scrubs
7.30pm Movie: McHales Navy
9.30pm Movie: The Ringer (Premiere)

Monday, November 2

6.00pm The New Jay Leno Show
7.00pm Mel Cup Movie Special: Seabiscuit
9.30pm Movie Special: Master Spy. The Robert Hanssen Story

Tuesday, November 3

6.00pm The New Jay Leno Show
7.00pm That 70s Show
7.30pm Ugly Betty (Season 3 Premiere)
8.30pm Reaper (Premiere Double)
10.30pm Strike Force
11.00pm Last Comic Standing

Wednesday, November 4

6.00pm The New Jay Leno Show
7.00pm That 70s Show
7.30pm American Gladiators (Premiere)
8.30pm Heroes (Season 4 Premiere Double)
10.30pm What About Brian
11.30pm Commander in Chief

Thursday, November 5

6.00pm The New Jay Leno Show
7.00pm That 70s Show
7.30pm Fifth Gear (Series Premiere)
8.30pm Stargate Atlantis (Season 4)
10.00pm Strikeforce Fight Night
11.30pm Monster Garage

Friday, November 6

6.00pm The New Jay Leno Show
7.00pm That 70s Show
7.30pm Scrubs
8.30pm Lifestyle Friday: The F Word
9.30pm Fight For Life
10.30pm Lifestyle Friday: Escape To The Country
11.30pm Last Comic Standing

Saturday, November 7

6.00pm Destroyed in Seconds
6.30pm Air Crash Investigations
7.30pm Egypt
8.30pm Jamie’s Outdoor Room
9.30pm 60 Minute Makeover
10.30pm How Not To Decorate
11.30pm Last Comic Standing

Sunday, November 8

6.00pm Scrubs
7.30pm Family Movie: Kate and Leopold
9.30pm Movie: Kill Bill
11.30pm Last Comic Standing

Official show descriptions for 7TWO

Ugly Betty

7TWO presents premiere episodes of Ugly Betty. Start spreading the news! The fashion world’s beloved and terminally style-challenged not “it” girl, Betty Suarez (America Ferrera), is back and she’s packing her bags for the Big Apple! With a little help from her trusting co-worker and pregnant friend, Christina, Betty must prove to her family and the catty ego-centric fashionistas who await her every misstep that she’s all grown up and not the naive young girl from Queens any more.

Heroes

Created by Tim Kring, sci-fi drama Heroes tells the story of ordinary people who discover they have superhuman abilities. This brand new season debuts with a special two-hour episode introducing a mysterious carnival clan whose intensions are unknown, while familiar faces adjust to the new stages of their lives that will challenge their perceptions of the world and their abilities. Stars Hayden Panettiere, Adrian Pasdar and Ali Larter.

LOST

It’s been five years since Oceanic Flight 815 crashed on a deserted Pacific island enroute to Los Angeles from Sydney. In the forthcoming sixth and final season “Destiny Found”, the fate of Jack Shephard (Matthew Fox) and his fellow survivors will be revealed once and for all. See premiere episodes only on 7TWO.

24

Kiefer Sutherland stars in this Emmy award- winning drama in which the entire season takes place in one day, with each of the 24 pulse-pounding episodes covering one hour and presented in real time. “Day 8” will be framed around a peace agreement between an unnamed Middle Eastern country and the US with much of the action centred around the United Nations, which sees Jack Bauer relocate to New York for Season 8.

The Sopranos

7TWO presents the Emmy award-winning, HBO hit, The Sopranos. James Gandolfini stars as Tony Soprano, your average, middle-aged businessman. Tony’s got a dutiful wife, a not-so-dutiful daughter, a son named Anthony Jr, a pill of a mother, a hot- headed uncle, a not-too-secret mistress- and a shrink to whom he tells all his secrets, except the one she already knows: Tony’s a mob boss. These days, it’s getting tougher and tougher to make a killing in the killing business.

Six Feet Under

This hour-long series starring Rachel Griffiths takes a darkly comic look at members of a dysfunctional Los Angeles family who run an independent funeral home. With the prodigal elder son returning home for the holidays to shattering news, the family must learn to deal with the death of one of their own, while figuring out how to go ahead with the business of living. What emerges is a quirky, funny, emotional, life-affirming look at the enlightenment of a grieving American family… that happens to be in the grief-management business.

Fifth Gear

Fifth Gear is an exciting and informative motoring program presenting what’s hot and what’s not in the automotive world. Topics include the best of new car reviews, second- hand bargains and industry news with a different feature piece in every episode. Join presenters Quentin Wilson, Tiff Needell, Vicki Butler-Henderson and Adrian Simpson for an inside look at the latest offerings about to hit the road.

The Jay Leno Show

7TWO presents The Jay Leno Show hot off the satellite for the very best in comedy and celebrity guests. Recently named America’s Favourite TV Personality (2009 Harris Poll), Jay Leno made television history when The Jay Leno Show became the first-ever entertainment program stripped across primetime on US network television. Tune into see why Leno is the king of laughs.

Heartbeat

7TWO presents premiere episodes of this much loved police series which evokes the mood of the swinging 60’s in a peaceful English countryside setting. The series premiere introduces Jonathan Kerrigan, as PC Rob Walker, a new recruit at Ashfordly police station. Walker was brought up in Aidensfield but his family life was far from perfect and his father dabbled on the wrong side of the law.

A Touch of Frost

A detective with little time for red tape, Detective Inspector Frost (David Jason) solves crimes his own way. He’s grumpy, shy and difficult to work with. But at heart, Frost is a man from the old school – a street detective who prefers rolling up his sleeves and solving crimes through his copper’s instinct rather than by following procedure.

Prime Suspect

Emmy award-winning star Helen Mirren (The Queen, Elizabeth I, Calendar Girls, Gosford Park) stars as high-ranking detective Jane Tennison in this iconic and internationally successful crime series. Battling personal demons that could destroy everything she has worked so hard to achieve, she strives to solve murders in a male dominated world.

Not Going Out

This hit British comedy features flat-mates, Lee (Lee Mack) and Kate (Megan Dodds). Their easy-going, comfortable friendship is steadily moving into uncharted waters – a situation complicated by the fact that Lee’s best mate, Tim (Tim Vine), is Kate’s ex- boyfriend!

Benidorm

It’s sun and fun all the way in Benidorm, a comedy series featuring some of the finest comedic talent in the UK.

Set in the Solana all-inclusive Resort, Benidorm follows regulars and first-time holiday makers on their journeys abroad. Benidorm regulars for twenty years Jacqueline and Donald are enthusiastic middle-ages swingers who rarely leave the hotel. Known as ‘The Oracle’ because of his computer-like knowledge of trivial facts and figures, Geoff Maltby is on holiday with his mother, or PA as he calls her, but keen to hide the fact. Gavin and Troy are on their first break away together after setting up a successful hair salon.

Holby Blue

Drugs, gangs and the threat of terrorism all combine to prove that modern-day policing isn’t just about robberies and anti-social orders in this British police drama series. Holby Blue is a snapshot of policing post- 9/11; the intrepid team of officers not only have to deal with hard-nosed criminals but are also expected to help fight the war on terror on home soil.

Britain’s Best Dish

Whether a sumptuous starter, a mouth- watering main course or a perfect pudding, there is one great dish inside everyone. Britain’s Best Dish… is a dramatic and highly emotional national cooking competition, showcasing amazing amateur chefs and their delicious original dishes.

My Own Worst Enemy

Starring Christian Slater as both Henry Spivey and Edward Albright, US drama My Own Worst Enemy explores the duality of a man who is literally pitted against himself. Henry (Slater) is a middle-class efficiency expert living a humdrum life in the suburbs. Edward (Slater) is an operative who speaks 13 languages, runs a four-minute mile,
and is trained to kill. When the carefully constructed wall between them breaks down, Henry and Edward are thrust into unfamiliar territory where each man is dangerously out of his element.

Reaper

Sam Oliver’s (Bret Harrison) parents were always easy on him, letting him skate through life as a slacker. He found out why on his 21st birthday. His parents sold his soul to the Devil!

Before Sam was born, his father was stricken with a fatal illness. Satan approached Sam’s parents with a deal. He would heal his father if they sold him their first-born child’s soul. On his 21st birthday that child would have to work for him.
Now Sam must become the new Reaper, collecting escaped souls and returning them back to Hell. Also stars Tyler Labine and Missy Peregrym.

Shark

James Wood stars as Sebastian Stark, a charismatic, supremely self-confident defense attorney who, after a shocking outcome in one of his cases and a personal epiphany, brings his cutthroat tactics to the prosecutor’s office. At the end of last season Stark broke every rule in the book trying to convict a serial killer. In season two, ex-DA Jessica Devlin (Jerry Ryan) joins Stark’s team.

Tin Man

Get ready to follow a whole new yellow brick road with Hollywood stars Zooey Deschanel, Alan Cumming and Richard Dreyfuss in Tin Man, a knock-out mini-series update of the The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Tune in for hordes of winged monkey-bats, a shape- shifting dog, a cyber-punk sorceress, and a vast hidden underworld.

Rome

ROME is the saga of two ordinary Roman soldiers who unwittingly become entwined in the historical events of ancient Rome. A serialized drama of love and betrayal, masters and slaves, husbands and wives, it chronicles a turbulent era that saw the death of a republic and the birth of an empire. The series begins in 52 BC, as Gaius Julius Caesar completes his conquest of Gaul after eight years of war, and prepares to return to Rome.

Make Me a Supermodel USA

It’s time to make a supermodel in the only competition that pits the guys against the girls for a shot at modeling fame. Make Me A Supermodel follows a group of beautiful and talented men and women who will compete for $100,000 and a contract with New York Model Management.

American Gladiators

Hosted by legendary Hulk Hogan, eight competitors go head-to-head against the next generation of gladiators and each other, vying for a chance to win $100,000!

Monster Garage

Presented by motorbike customiser Jesse James, Monster Garage takes the phrase “thinking outside the box”, turns it upside down, then throws away the box. What is left is an exploration of radical design and engineering, where freethinking mechanics and engineers turn run-of-the-mill automobiles into extraordinary
utility vehicles.

Source: Seven Network

Rove McManus

According to the Herald Sun, Rove McManus has decided to delay the return of his show next year.

The reason behind this delay is unclear, however it has been speculated that the Logie award winner will not return until the second half of the year, so he can focus on improving the struggling panel show, ‘The 7PM Project’.

This year, ‘Rove’ will air a total of 36 episodes, with the final episode airing on November 15.

Next year, the total number of episodes will likely be far less.

‘Rove’ has struggled in the ratings ever since cooking comp ‘MasterChef’ went off the air. The show dipped to a mere 851,000 viewers this past Sunday, well below the favoured one million viewer mark.

Surprisingly, ‘Australian Idol’, which has also struggled in the ratings, finally managed to crack one million viewers on  Sunday, when Kim Cooper was sent packing.

Source: Herald Sun

'Three Rivers' premieres 8.30pm tonight on Ten.

According to TV Tonight, Network Ten have decided to switch the series premiere of ‘Three Rivers’ with its second episode.

Apparently the network sought permission to start with episode 2 “Ryan’s First Day” instead of “Place of Life”, which aired first in the US.

The actual reason behind Ten’s last minute programming change is unclear, however its believed that the second episode makes vast improvement on the first whilst creating far a better introduction for Alex O’Loughlin’s character.

The original pilot was recast and reshot following its pickup to series by CBS.

‘Three Rivers’ premieres 8.30pm tonight on Network Ten.

Source: TV Tonight

'The Vampire Diaries' premieres September 28 on GO!

As the major launch of GO! rolls closer, the channel have started lining up a number of new programs set to air on the youth targeted channel.

‘The Vampire Diaries’, which made its US debut on The CW last week, will bow 8.30pm Monday, September 28 on GO!, while ‘Weeds’, ‘South Park’ and ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ are all set for an October 4 launch.

An air date for ‘The Wire’ is yet to be announced.

The channel announced the acquisition of ‘South Park’ on its official Twitter and Facebook feeds, saying ”GO! Goes off in October! The hit series #Southpark has just been added to the schedule.”

SBS currently hold the rights the most recent episodes of the animated comedy, so its likely that GO! will begin broadcasting from  earlier seasons.

‘Weeds’, ‘Curb’ and ‘The Wire’ will begin screening from Season 3, Season 6 and Season 5 respectively.

Source: TV Tonight, Facebook

'Australian Idol' returns to its former 7.30pm time slot starting this Sunday.

‘Australian Idol’ will return to its later time slot of 7.30pm Sunday, following another week below the 1 million viewer threshold.

Ian “Dicko” Dickson announced the change tonight, during ‘The 7PM Project’.

The show has struggled to find a foothold this season amongst tough competition from rival networks. The show dipped below 1 million viewers this past Sunday for the third consecutive week, drawing in 990,000 viewers.

“In television we have the benefit of daily feedback on what audiences want, and it’s clear by the data that the earlier timeslot wasn’t working for Idol, the switch on at 7:30pm was quite distinct,” said Beverley McGarvey, Network Ten’s Head of Programming.

“We gave the timeslot change a good go but in this business, you can make a quick change to get back on track and that’s what we’re doing here…the audience spoke and we listened.”

Meanwhile, several media outlets have begun to speculate that the music competition could be on its final legs, following the dramatic slump in ratings.

The Herald Sun ran with the headline “Does ratings slump mean Australian Idol is at an end?”, going on to say “that is the question being asked in media circles after Channel 10 declined to confirm that an eighth season of its talent show will screen next year.”

So will reverting to the former 7.30pm time slot help ‘Idol’ boost its dwindling ratings? Or are the public really just losing interest in the long running format? It seems only time will tell.

Source: TV Tonight, Herald Sun

John Cho and Joseph Fiennes in Seven's 'FlashForward'.

Just days after the series makes its US debut, the Seven Network will fast track the highly anticipated new show to our screens, making its premiere 8.30pm Monday, September 28.

The series, based on the novel by award-winning author Robert J. Sawyer, follows a mysterious event causing every person on Earth to black out for exactly 2-minutes and 17-seconds during which time they see a series of events from their own future.

The series stars Joseph Fiennes (‘Shakespeare in Love’), John Cho (‘Star Trek’), Courtney B. Vance (‘Law & Order: Criminal Intent’), Sonya Walger (‘Lost’) and Dominic Monaghan (‘Lost’).

David S. Goyer (co-writer of ‘Batman Begins’ and ‘The Dark Knight’), directed the pilot. He serves as an executive producer along side Brannon Braga (‘24′, ‘Star Trek’), Marc Guggenheim (‘Brothers & Sisters’, ‘Eli Stone’) and Jessika Borsiczky (‘Revelations’).

MEDIA RELEASE

FAST TRACKED FROM THE US

AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE – MONDAY SEPTEMBER 28 AT 8.30PM

Tuesday, September 15 2009: Channel Seven announced today that it’s hotly anticipated new US drama FlashForward will premiere on Monday, September 28 at 8.30pm – just days after the series debuts in the US.

FlashForward is one of the most buzzed about new shows of the US Fall – in his latest pre-season report, Madison Avenue research veteran, Steve Sternberg, named the series his top pick of the new broadcast shows most likely to succeed. FlashForward was also the only new show to feature in the top five most anticipated lists for both men and women in the Youth Trends Fall Television Preview Report.

In FlashForward, a mysterious event causes every person on Earth to black out for 2- minutes and 17-seconds during which time they see a series of events from their own future. For some the future will be joyous and hopeful; for others, shockingly unexpected; and for a few, it simply doesn’t seem to exist. Knowing their fate will alter each person’s life as they come to grips with whether their destinies can be fulfilled or avoided.

FlashForward stars Joseph Fiennes (“Shakespeare in Love”), John Cho (“Star Trek,” the “Harold & Kumar” film series), Courtney B. Vance (“Law & Order: Criminal Intent”), Sonya Walger (“Lost”), Dominic Monaghan (“Lost”, the “Lord of the Rings” film series), Jack Davenport (“Coupling”, “This Life”), Brían F. O’Byrne (“The International”), Peyton List (“Mad Men”), Christine Woods and Zachary Knighton,
Adapting award-winning author Robert J. Sawyer’s revolutionary novel for television are series executive producers David S. Goyer (co-writer of “Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight”), Brannon Braga (“24,” “Star Trek”), Marc Guggenheim (“Brothers & Sisters,” “Eli Stone”) and Jessika Borsiczky (“Revelations”).

FlashForward is from ABC Studios.

Source: Seven Network

Benjamin McKenzie

The second year drama will now premiere on October 23 instead of the previously announced September 25 launch date.

The move will give the struggling character-driven police drama a stronger launch, away from the hype surrounding the returns of CBS newcomer ‘Medium’ and FOX’s ‘Dollhouse’.

‘Southland’ premiered to strong numbers last season on NBC, but saw its audience fall over the following weeks.

The new season is said to be moving away from its ensemble cast and will follow the characters of Officer Ben Sherman (Benjamin McKenzie) and Detective Lydia Adams (Regina King) in more detail.

Source: Variety, Entertainment Weekly, Wikipedia

Jay Mohn as Gary and Jaime King as Vanessa in 'Garry Unmarried'.

Renowned comedian Jay Mohr leads Seven’s new comedy Gary Unmarried

One-hour premiere – Thursday September 3 at 7.30pm

Tuesday, August 25, 2009: He got to fire Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire, is renowned for his spot-on impression of Christopher Walken and chased ghosts with Jennifer Love Hewitt in Ghost Whisperer. Now, multi-talented comedian Jay Mohr returns to our screens in Seven’s new U.S. comedy GARY UNMARRIED.

Mohr first received accolades with his dead-on impressions of Christopher Walken and Sean Penn on Saturday Night Live. Soon after that, he landed his breakthrough film role as a sports agent in the blockbuster hit Jerry Maguire, and followed that up with a good-guy turn opposite Jennifer Aniston in Picture Perfect. On television, Mohr created, executive produced and hosted Last Comic Standing and was most recently seen as Professor Rick
Payne on Seven’s Ghost Whisperer.

In GARY UNMARRIED, Mohr stars as newly divorced dad, Gary Brooks, who faces post-divorce mayhem after 15 years of marriage to his controlling ex-wife, Allison (Paula Marshall, Californication). He’s the fun parent and she’s the strict one. Together, they share custody of their two children – Louise, a politically correct and environmentally conscious 11-year-old, and Tom, their socially awkward 14-year-old son. In pursuit of post-marriage
happiness, Gary must juggle his eclectic world of an ex-wife, their two kids, their shrink, all while trying to find the perfect mate.

Earlier this year, GARY UNMARRIED was awarded the People’s Choice Award for Favourite New TV Comedy. The second season premieres in the U.S. next month.

The one-hour Australian premiere of GARY UNMARRIED is on Thursday September 3 at 7.30pm on Seven.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Seven Publicity
Kate Amphlett
Ph 02 8777 7257

Source: Seven Corporate

The judges of TV's 'True Beauty'.

The Seven Network will air the final four episodes of ‘True Beauty’ as double back-to-back episodes over the next two weeks.

After last night’s disappointing ratings figure of 613,000 viewers, the show will now air as 2 two-hour episodes at 9:30pm on August 13 and  20th.

This means ‘Family Guy’ and ‘American Dad’ will no longer be airing twice a week — now only on Wednesdays at 10:30pm.

Nine axes 'Drop Dead Diva' from Monday Nights.

The Nine Network has axed the new drama series ‘Drop Dead Diva’ from its Monday night schedule.

With only one episode played in Sydney and Brisbane, none yet in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, Nine have decided to axe the show after losing by more than six percent to channel Seven in the ratings on Monday night.

The Monday 9:30 time slot is now replaced with repeats of ‘The Mentalist’ staring Australian actor Simon Baker from August 10th on Nine.

 Update: Nine decide now not to axe ‘Drop Dead Diva’, leaving in Monday 9:30pm after ‘The Farmer Wants a Wife’.

Ten is set to mix things up on Thursdays, with two new premiere specials.

Network Ten is set to premiere two new specials on Thursday nights.

‘Jon & Kate Plus 8: Surviving Sextuplets & Twins’ premieres Thursday August 13th at 7:30pm.

This one hour premiere special  follows the lives and challenges of two Pennsylvanian parents who fell pregnant with sextuplets after already having 3-year old twin girls. This special was followed by a reality cable series in the US.

The week after at 7:30, Ten airs the premiere special ‘The 45 Stone Virgin’. This one-hour special presents the journey of a 31 year old man who lost 29 stone.

These two new specials take over repeats of Rules of Engagement, with Network Ten’s aim of providing a  larger lead in to ‘Rush’.

'NCIS: Los Angeles' will be fastracked from the US.

TV Tonight have revealed some major details for several new shows set to launch on Network Ten over the coming weeks.

• A new local pop-culture quiz show, ‘The Spearman Experiment’, will likely replace ‘Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation’ on Tuesday nights. The show will launch in September with “an iconic host” - UPDATE: It’s Magda.

• The celebrity edition of Ten’s monster hit ‘MasterChef’ will air on Wednesday nights, over 10 weeks.

• ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ will be fastracked from the US, also on Wednesday nights.

• ‘Glee’, which saw it’s advanced screening last month, will also be fastracked from the US, airing on Thursday nights.

• The new Showtime drama ‘Nurse Jackie’ will air on Sunday nights.

• ‘Little Britain: USA’ will see its free-to-air premiere on Ten, also on Sunday nights.

TV Tonight notes that, as the network did at the start of the year, Ten’s strategy appears to be to “claim” the nights early and make other networks work around their schedule.

Not a bad move, considering how successful the network’s year has been so far.

Source: TV Tonight

Bradley Walsh and Jamie Bamber star in 'Law & Order: UK', coming soon to Ten.

‘Law & Order: UK’ is the latest series in the American television franchise. It’s also the first American series to be adapted for British television.

The series follows the same format as the US ‘Law & Order’, with the first 13-episodes based on scripts from the original series.

It stars Bradley Walsh, Jamie Bamber, Harriet Walter, Ben Daniels, Freema Agyeman and Bill Paterson.

Andrew Woodhead and Stephen Garrett serve as executive producers along with showrunner Chris Chibnall, best know for his work on ‘Torchwood’ and the original ‘Life on Mars’.

The series is produced by Wolf Films, NBC Universal and Kudos Film and Television for ITV.

‘Law & Order: UK’ is set to premiere 9.30pm Wednesday, August 12th on Network Ten.

The new season of 'Skins', returning August 31st on SBS.

‘Entourage’ makes its free-to-air premiere on SBS from 10.00pm Monday, August 31st.

The Emmy nominated HBO dramedy follows young A-list movie star Vincent Chase, played by Adrian Grenier, and his group of friends living in Hollywood.

The series premiere is followed by the season return of ‘Skins’ at 10.30pm.

The hit UK drama focuses on the story of a group of young British teens living in Bristol, South West England.

The season three premiere reigns in an almost entirely new cast, lead by Tony’s younger sister Effy, played by Kaya Scodelario.

The new season of 'Australian Idol' returns Sunday, August 9th on Ten.

The new season of ‘Australian Idol’ premieres on Network Ten at the earlier time of 6:30pm Sundays from August 9th.

The hit reality series, now in its seventh year, will return with a 130 minute audition special.  This year Network Ten have removed the Monday night elimination show to compress the performance and result all in the single weekly show.

In a new twist, it is understood the show will start with the elimination each week. This new move places ‘Idol’ directly against Seven’s ‘Dancing with the Stars’ on Sunday nights.

'Drop Dead Diva' premieres August 3rd on Nine.

Sometimes Life Throws You Curves

Series premiere Monday, August 3 at 9.30pm

DROP DEAD DIVA, a spirited new comedy-drama series that puts a uniquely compelling twist on the age-old battle between brains and beauty, premieres on Channel Nine in August.

A spirited new comedy-drama series that puts a uniquely compelling twist on the age-old battle between brains and beauty, premieres August 3rd on the Nine Network.

Created by executive producer Josh Berman (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Bones), DROP DEAD DIVA follows the adventures of a beautiful model-in-training who dies, only to come back in the form of an overweight, ugly female attorney.

The story begins when vapid but loveable, perfect-sized and gorgeous model wannabe Deb (Brooke D’Orsay) has a fatal car accident and finds herself in front of heaven’s gatekeeper, Fred (Ben Feldman), who declares her a self-centred “zero”. Outraged, she attempts to persuade Fred to return her to her shallow existence but is accidentally relegated to the body of the also recently deceased Jane Bingum (Brooke Elliott), a brilliant, thoughtful and plus-size attorney with a loyal assistant, Teri (Margaret Cho).

While workaholic Jane has always lived in the shadow of her more comely colleagues, Deb has always relied on her external beauty and now, by a twist of fate and a bolt of divine intervention, must come to terms with inhabiting Jane’s curvier frame in the ultimate showdown between brains and beauty.

Guest stars include Rosie O’Donnell, Liza Minnelli, Paula Abdul, Tim Gunn, Kathy Najimy, Elliott Gould and Diedrich Bader.

DROP DEAD DIVA premiered recently in the USA on Lifetime and achieved the network’s highest premiere ratings across key demographics since 2007.

For further information, please contact:
Channel Nine Publicity
(02) 9965 2727

Friday, July 24, 2009

Source: Nine Network

Natalie Gruzlewski (pictured) hosts the new season of 'The Farmer Wants a Wife'

‘The Farmer Wants a Wife’ returns 8:30pm Monday, August 3rd on the Nine Network.

Now in its fourth season, the hit series hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski (pictured) features several farmers looking for love.

Following the premiere, Nine will air the new drama series ‘Drop Dead Diva’ at 9:30pm.

This new series stars Brooke Elliot and Deb Dobson. The series recently premiered in the US on the Lifetime channel.

'Dexter' returns to Network Ten.

The third season of ‘Dexter’ returns 9:40pm Monday, August 10th on Network Ten, following ‘Good News Week’.

This suprising return date comes after Ten moved the show from Mondays primetime to a later Sunday timeslot earlier this year due to low ratings.

Meanwhile, the forth season of ‘Dexter’, staring Michael C. Hall (pictured), premieres in the US on September 27th.

'Medical Emergency' returns 8pm Sunday, August 2nd on Seven.

Seven Network’s hit factual series ‘Medical Emergency’ returns 8pm Sunday, August 2nd.

The new season, narrated by Christopher Gabardi (pictured), focuses on the staff and patients in The Alfred Hospital Emergency department and Trauma Centre in Melbourne.

This places the show between ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and ’Bones’ on Sunday nights.

Update: Network Seven have removed ‘Medical Emergency’  before if even airs on Sunday August 2nd and extends Dancing With The Stars to 8:30.

The cast of 'Rescue: Special Ops'. Coming Sunday, August 2nd on Nine.

RESCUE Special Ops – Series debut: Sunday, August 2 at 8.30pm

Channel Nine will take audiences on a thrilling ride in the high adventure new drama series RESCUE Special Ops.

Premiering Sunday, August 2 at 8.30pm, RESCUE Special Ops stars an acclaimed ensemble cast including Les Hill, Peter Phelps, Libby Tanner, Gigi Edgley, Daniel Amalm, Andrew Lees and Katherine Hicks.

They are the elite of the elite. Experienced paramedics in peak physical condition, the team at RESCUE Special Ops are called in for complex search and rescue operations. With the latest in tools and training, they can access anyone, anywhere, under any conditions.

Dean (Les Hill) and Chase Gallagher (Andrew Lees) are brothers. Highly competitive, they argue over everything, agree on nothing, but defend each other from outsiders no matter what.

Their boss Michelle (Libby Tanner) and logistics manager Vince (Peter Phelps) are the best in the business, highly professional and cool under pressure. The rest of the elite unit includes Lara (Gigi Edgley), Jordan (Daniel Amalm), and Heidi (Katherine Hicks)

The job brings them face to face with life and death situations every day, which they endure with their training and a fair dose of humour. Deep down they’re just like anyone else, juggling love, life and career.

Jo Horsburgh, Head of Drama for the Nine Network said:

“With the series about to make its debut, it’s been exciting and rewarding to receive such positive feedback on RESCUE Special Ops, confirming what we always believed about the series, it has great stories, a talented cast and is a terrific Aussie drama that audiences will enjoy.”

RESCUE Special Ops will also feature outstanding guest stars including Sacha Horler, Damian Walshe Howling, Gyton Grantley, Emma Lung, Wil Traval, Gary Sweet, Simmone Jade Mackinnon, Martin Dingle Wall, Tim McCunn, Jessica Tovey and Jeremy Lindsay Taylor.

Join these heroes who risk their lives to rescue others when RESCUE Special Ops debuts Sunday, August 2 at 8.30pm on Channel Nine.

For further information:
Nine Network Publicity
02 9965 2727

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Source: Nine Network

'Gossip Girl' gets a second chance on GO!

TV Tonight have posted Nine’s initial prime time schedule for GO! set to launch on August 9th.

The new youth oriented entertainment channel will screen a number of US shows which saw short lived runs on Nine’s standard channel. Many of these titles will start airing from their pilot episode, including ‘Fringe’, ‘Gossip Girl’, ‘Moonlight’, ‘The Big Bang Theory’, ‘Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles’ and ‘Eleventh Hour’.

The prime time schedule is as follows:

SUNDAY
6.00 Seinfeld
6.30 Wipeout Australia
7.30 The Big Bang Theory (4 eps)
9.30 Aliens in America
10.00 The New Adventures of Old Christine
10.30 Movie: National Lampoon’s Vacation

MONDAY
6.00 Australia’s Funniest Home Video Show
7.00 Entertainment Tonight
7.30 TMZ
8.00 Seinfeld
8.30 Dog The Bounty Hunter (2 eps)
9.30 Neighbours at War (2 eps)
10.30 Bad Lad’s Army

TUESDAY
6.00 Australia’s Funniest Home Video Show
7.00 Entertainment Tonight
7.30 TMZ
8.00 Seinfeld
8.30 Survivor: Gabon
9.30 The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman
10.30 The Bachelorette

WEDNESDAY
6.00 Australia’s Funniest Home Video Show
7.00 Entertainment Tonight
7.30 TMZ
8.00 Seinfeld
8.30 Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
9.30 Fringe
10.30 Eleventh Hour

THURSDAY
6.00 Australia’s Funniest Home Video Show
7.00 Entertainment Tonight
7.30 TMZ
8.00 Seinfeld
8.30 Gossip Girl
9.30 Moonlight
10.30 The Hills

FRIDAY
6.00 Australia’s Funniest Home Video Show
7.00 Entertainment Tonight
7.30 TMZ
8.00 Seinfeld
8.30 CSI
9.30 CSI: Miami
10.30 CSI: NY

SATURDAY
6pm Seinfeld (3 eps)
7:30 Dance Your Ass Off
8:30 CSI
9:30 CSI: Miami
10:30 CSI: NY
11:30 Movie: American Outlaws

The daytime schedule includes repeats of the GO!’s prime time programs, plus a number of classic sitcoms, comedies and animations including ‘Bewitched’, ‘I Dream of Jeannie’, ‘The Nanny’, ‘Just Shoot Me’, ‘Teen Titans’, ‘Xiaolin Showdown’, ‘The Jetsons’, ‘Starsky & Hutch’, ‘Charlie’s Angels’, ‘Marine Boy’, ‘Thunderbirds’ and ‘Scooby Doo’.

A couple of new programs which hadn’t officially been announced until now are ‘TMZ’, the US tabloid entertainment/gossip show and ‘The ARIA Music Show’ which comes to fruition from Nine’s recent acquisition of the ARIA Awards contract.

The channel will launch on digital channel 99 from 7am Sunday, August 9th. WIN and NBN can access the new channel on digital channel 80 88.

For a full programming guide, download TV Tonight’s Advance Guide.

Source: TV Tonight

Lindsey Shaw, Ethan Peck and Meaghan Jette Martin star in ABC Family's new series ‘10 Things I Hate About You’.

Based on the hit movie ‘10 Things I Hate About You’ comes the new ABC Family series by the same name.

The series is based around sisters Kat and Bianca Stratford. While trying to adjust to their newfound social lives at Padua High, they must also learn to deal with their over protective father, especially when it comes to boys.

Like in the movie, Kat is strong-willed and all about feminist power, while Bianca is more concerned with her appearance and popularity.

The series is set to premiere on July 7th, 2009 on ABC Family.

Gil Junger, who directed the film, also directed the pilot; which was written and produced by Carter Covington.

The series stars Lindsey Shaw (‘Aliens in America’) as Kat Stratford, Meaghan Jette Martin (‘Camp Rock’) as Bianca Stratford and Larry Miller as Dr. Walter Stratford, a role which reprises from the original film.

The cast also includes Ethan Peck, Nicholas Braun, Kyle Kaplan, Dana Davis and Chris Zylka.

Watch a preview for the series below.

Roger Corser

Network Ten’s action drama ‘Rush’ is returning to our screens for it’s second season.

The high octane police drama will premiere in a new time slot at 8.30pm Thursdays, beginning July 16th on Network Ten.

The move will shift the series out last season’s ‘Packed to the Rafters’/'All Saints’ Tuesday night warpath.

The new season will unfold over of 22 episodes, up from the 13 episodes which aired last year.

‘Rush’ stars Rodger Corser, Callan Mulvey, Samuel Johnson and Catherine McClements. Joining the cast this season is Jolene Anderson (‘All Saints’), who plays specialist negotiator Senior Constable Shannon Henry.

‘Rush’ is produced by Souther Star Entertainment under John Edwards, Mimi Butler and executive producers Rick Maier and Hugh Marks.

Sources: TV Tonight, Screen Australia

The CW have announced their fall premiere dates, beginning Tuesday, September 8 with the season premiere of ‘90210′ and the series premiere of ‘Melrose Place’.

The fall premiere dates are as follows:

Tuesday, September 8
8:00-9:00 p.m. 90210 (Season Premiere)
9:00-10:00 p.m. Melrose Place (Series Premiere)

Wednesday, September 9
8:00-10:00 p.m. America’s Next Top Model (2-Hour Season Premiere)

Thursday, September 10
8:00-9:00 p.m. The Vampire Diaires (Series Premiere)
9:00-10:00 p.m. Supernatural (Season Premiere)

Monday, September 14
8:00-9:00 p.m. One Tree Hill (Season Premiere)
9:00-10:00 p.m. Gossip Girl (Season Premiere)

Wednesday, September 16
8:00-9:00 p.m. America’s Next Top Model
9:00-10:00 p.m. The Beautiful Life (Series Premiere)

Friday, September 25
8:00-9:00 p.m. Smallville (Season Premiere)
9:00-10:00 p.m. America’s Next Top Model (Encore Episodes)

Network Ten's environmental initiative "Marking Your Mark".

MEDIA RELEASE

Network Ten marks World Environment Day with “Green” programming line-up

4 June 2009 - Network Ten today announced plans for its second annual Making Your Mark long weekend of environmental programming, kicking off with World Environment Day celebrations on Friday June 5.

Starting on Friday, and continuing over the June long weekend, Network Ten will support World Environment Day with a green-themed programming line-up. It will feature environmental segments in 9am With David and Kim, TEN News At Five, Ready Steady Cook, Toasted TV, Good News Week, Video Hits and Test Drive, as well as environmental story-lines in Neighbours and The Simpsons.

Network Ten chief executive officer, Grant Blackley said: “Network Ten has a significant opportunity and, we think, responsibility to educate, influence and inform people about one of the most important issues facing Australians.”

“On average the Network reaches six million Australians every day. If we inspire even a fraction of our viewers to make a small change in their daily lives, we will have made an enormously positive impact on the environment,” Mr Blackley said. The long weekend of programming kicks off with an environmentally themed episode of 9am with

David and Kim on Friday, featuring a live cross to the Australian launch of World Environment Day at Melbourne Zoo.

Viewers will also have the chance to see TEN’s new on-air environmental education campaign. Featuring environmental campaigners Ian Kiernan and Aaron Wood, musicians Diesel and Old Man River, Network Ten personalities and members of the community who are each making their own environmental mark, the campaign will be broadcast on the Network’s channels TEN and ONE-HD over the next 12 months.

On Saturday, TEN will broadcast the first-run screening of the Australian Conservation Foundation’s environmental documentary, Telling The Truth. This follow-up to the Academy Award-winning An Inconvenient Truth tells the story of seven Australians who joined Al Gore’s Climate Project and embarked on a mission to educate communities about climate change.

The long weekend of environmental programming is part of Making Your Mark, TEN’s broader environmental initiative. Making Your Mark is based on the principle that everyone can make a difference to the environment and that, as a media entity, Network Ten can positively influence others to take action on climate change.

“Network Ten is committed to reducing its energy consumption, minimising water usage and significantly cutting waste sent to landfill, as well as educating viewers to do their bit. Since announcing our environmental goals in April 2008, Network Ten has set an industry-first milestone by reducing its carbon footprint by 18 per cent in the first year, more than any other commercial free-to-air television network,” Mr Blackley said.

“Network Ten has positioned itself as an industry leader on environmental issues. This year, the Network is again included in the FTSE4Good Index, the leading global responsibility investment index and our News Unit’s environmental reporter, Emily Rice, is a finalist in the media category of the United Nations’ World Environment Day Awards,” Mr Blackley said.

Viewers who want to take action on climate change can visit www.ten.com.au/makingyourmark for more information.

Gabrielle Crittenden
Corporate Communications
02 9650 1471

Catherine Donovan
TEN publicity
02 9650 1254

SBS TWO launches Monday, June 1 on digital channel 32.

The launch of SBS TWO is just around the corner.

So here’s your day one programming guide to give you a hint on what’s to come on SBS TWO.

Monday, June 1

6.00pm – SBS TWO Launch

What is SBS TWO?

6.05pm – SBS 2 Launch: Harvie Krumpet

Winner of more than 12 awards internationally, including an Oscar at the 2004 Academy Awards, this acclaimed clay-mated Australian short film is written, directed and animated by Adam Elliot and narrated by Geoffrey Rush. Harvie Krumpet is the hilarious tale of an ordinary man seemingly cursed with perpetual bad luck. Born in a Polish forest and suffering from Tourette’s Syndrome, Harvie is marginalised from the rest of the village. When he is 18 his parents are found frozen to death on their bicycles, just as the Germans invade, and Harvie is forced to flee to Australia. Bad luck follows him and his misfortunes seem unending.

(From Australia, in English) (Claymation) 2003 (Rpt) PG CC WS

6.30pm – World News Australia

Up-to-date reports and analysis of the major national and international news stories of the day in Australia’s only world news service. Simulcast with SBS ONE.

An SBS Production | News | CC WS

7.30pm – Dateline

Hosted by George Negus. Encore presentation of Sunday night’s current affairs analysis program.

An SBS Production | News | Repeat | CC WS

8.30pm – 112 Emergency (112 – Sie retten Dein Leben)

A daily action drama following the professional and personal lives of Germany’s first combined emergency response unit (police officers, paramedics and fire-fighters). In this premiere episode, a young mother’s car drives off the road and threatens to crash down a steep slope. Stars Joséphine Thiel, Max Alberti, Simona Brokmann, Philip Koestring and Mariam Kurth.

From Germany, in German, English subtitles | Drama Series | Series Premiere | PG WS

9.00pm – Film: Ninth Day (2004)

In February 1942, the Luxembourgian priest, Henri Kremer, is surprised to be released from Dachau concentration camp and sent home to visit his ailing mother. However, she is already dead and he soon realises that the Nazis want to use him to influence the vote of the Archbishopric of Luxembourg in support of its religious policy against the Vatican. Kremer is only given nine days’ leave from the concentration camp to convince the bishop to change his tune. Will Kremer play Judas and save his family and fellow members of the clergy from persecution or follow his faith? Based on the diary of Jean Bernard, Number 25487 in the clergymen block of Dachau concentration camp. Directed by Volker Schlödorff and stars Ulrich Matthes August Diehl.

From Germany, in German with English subtitles | Drama | Repeat | M WS

11.40pm – Film: Sorry For Kung Fu (2004)

Mirjana returns from Germany heavily pregnant. Her xenophobic parents are concerned that their daughter is an unwed single mother and that Mira’s condition could bring shame on their family in their small community. Mira’s father decides to marry her off as a war widow. The first suitor is a crazy war veteran, the second a Muslim, so both prove unsuitable. They finally agree on the third suitor who although slightly retarded, is at least a Croat. However, wedding plans turn to mud when Mira’s decidedly Asian child is born and Mira is forced to move away to save the family name. Written and directed by Ognjen Svilcic and stars Daria Lorenci, Filip Rados, Vera Zima and Luka Petrusic.

From Croatia, in Croatian, English subtitles | Comedy | Repeat | M (L,S) WS

12.00am – Weatherwatch Overnight

A continuously updated weather report, bringing viewers the latest weather conditions from around Australia, and featuring a selection of quality music.

Rachel Friend will host 'New Idea', premiering June 1 on the Seven Network.

MEDIA RELEASE

Monday 25th May 2009 – Australia’s first magazine for women, New Idea, is now first with its own weekday television show – New Idea TV, premiering nationally on the Seven Network and regional affiliates at 3pm from Monday June 1.

Mr Nick Chan, CEO, Pacific Magazines comments, “New Idea TV is a powerful marriage between  Pacific Magazines and Seven, the country’s leading television network. The show is backed by strong investment and the leading experience of its partners to extend the reach and relevance of the masthead in a compelling format.”

Executive producer of the series is Craig Walsh, also in charge of high-rating, long-running lifestyle Friday night series Better Homes & Gardens. Series producer is Robyn Wade.

Craig Walsh, said “New Idea TV confirms the Seven Media Group’s commitment to innovation with a show that unites a premium brand, a well-respected cast and an engaging mix of content.”

Hosted by award-winning actor / journalist Rachel Friend, the half-hour program will bring the pages of New Idea to life, with a strong focus on food and lifestyle topics to include fashion, beauty, relationships, craft, celebrity gossip, pets, astrology and health.

Ms Mirella Cestaro, Editor-in-Chief, New Idea, said “New Idea TV upholds the key editorial pillars of the magazine and extends our reach in an entertaining, engaging format. We look forward to evolving the New Idea brand with this national, daily opportunity to interact with our readers.”

New Idea Food Director Barbara Northwood will appear daily – with some help from ‘Fast Ed’ Halmagyi. Other key presenters include New Idea team members – Editor-in-Chief Mirella Cestaro, Travel Editor Andrea Black and Lifestyle Editor Chelsea Clark.

Other regulars include ‘man about the house’ Tom Williams, parenting expert Holly Elsworth and Lea Wilson, who will cover beauty and fashion.  Magazine regulars who will also be seen on air include respected astrologer Karen Moregold, numerologist Milton Black and TV’s favourite medico, Dr John D’Arcy.

New Idea TV is the first major project from SMG Red, the Seven Media Group’s integrated media division, in developing content-based communication solutions for clients. Masterfoods and Johnson & Johnson are major partners in the launch programme, along with Target.

About the host

Rachel Friend is a Logie Award-winning actress who starred in Neighbours and was voted Australia’s most popular actress. She’s also a journalist, TV reporter and producer who has worked in public affairs and lifestyle programs. She’s married to Australian cricketer Stuart Macgill and the couple live in Sydney with their two young children. Rachel hosted a season of the popular weekend program New Idea Saturday Kitchen.

Source: Seven Corporate