Astrid (Jasika Nicole) and Walter (John Noble).

UPDATE: According to Hitfix, the third season is go!

EW.com is reporting J.J Abrams’ sci-fi drama ‘Fringe’ has been picked up for a third season by Fox.

Since its move to the brutal Thursday timeslot the ratings have taken a hit but the sci-fi drama has performed well against repeats and with timeshifted viewers.

And in a further vote of confidence, when queried about the future of scripted programming on Thursdays, Kevin Reilly, president of entertainment at Fox, told The Hollywood Reporter:

“Yes, absolutely. I’m really looking at the back half of the year when we’ll bring the combo back on again. “Bones” hit highs in January. People haven’t abandoned “Fringe”; it’s just the only scripted four-way race, and frankly we’ve heard from fans it’s not they don’t want to watch it anymore, it just may have moved to their second choice; they’re picking it up on their DVRs or Hulu. When there’s wiggle room in time period, they come back.”

Source: Entertainment Weekly

‘Weekend Sunrise’
As reported last week in the media, a Saturday edition of ‘Weekend Sunrise’ begins this weekend (Feb 13th) at 7am.

‘Saturday Disney’ will move to a new regular timeslot of 9am.

‘CSI: New York’
Channel Nine had scheduled a new episode at 9:30pm this week (Feb 11th) and a repeat at 10:30pm.

Instead they will air a repeat of ‘The Mentalist’ at 9:30pm with the new episode of ‘CSI: New York’ at 10:30pm. Only the repeat is out.

Don’t look at this as a trend as the Winter Olympics begin next week and ‘The Footy Show’ NRL and AFL editions should return in March.

‘Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles’
The first season aired on Channel Nine some time ago and then was repeated on GO! late last year.

The second and final season will make its FTA debut after ‘Fringe’ each week beginning on Wednesday 24th February at 9:30pm.

A full 22 episode season aired in America and was completed in April 2009.

INTERVIEW: “FRINGE” CO-CREATOR J.J. ABRAMS

By Brian Ford Sullivan

When “Fringe” premiered in September of 2008, co-creator J.J. Abrams said the fun of the show “was taking the kinds of things we loved growing up and combining them and sort of playing with them and making them into something that is hopefully brand new while being in the spirit of things that inspired us.” Fast forward to 2010 and Abrams hasn’t lost his enthusiasm for the show. The prolific writer, director and producer was on hand at the TCA Winter Press Tour last month where he chatted with reporters about what’s in store for the show, his new pilot at NBC and his boundless love of the television medium.

Question: What can you tell me about where the second half of the season is going?

J.J. Abrams: I will say that there are… the story that [we established] at the very beginning of the season is going to play out. There were some adjustments we made along the way… but what I think is fun about where it’s going is on the one hand there’s this inevitable thing that will happen but I think there’s going to be a huge surprise too. I’m really excited about it… The fun of [the conflict with alternate universe] is there’s this growing problem and that there is something brewing sort of between these two places. To me it’s just a fascinating kind of premise. It’s so big! And the key is how do you make it specific and how do you make it personal and I think some of the stuff you’ll be getting to with all three of our characters [will be fantastic].

Question: Any plans for Leonard Nimoy?

J.J. Abrams: I have tons of plans for him. Whether he’ll be part of them is another question but there are plans aplenty… I would love to return to that character, I know there’s a chance that will occur.

Question: Are you satisfied with the ratio of standalone to arc episodes? And will that change going forward?

J.J. Abrams: I think it will be somewhat consistent with where it’s been but I think I always like a great standalone but I’m also a sucker for that like ongoing serialized story. We’re sort of in a place where I’d be thrilled with more serialized stuff but I also know that’s an increasingly difficult way of doing television.

Question: Will the same apply to your NBC pilot “Undercovers?”

J.J. Abrams: This show does have ongoing stories as well but they are much more personal based and character based. But I’m trying to do a show that has a more fun energy and a little more comedic than ["Fringe"]… There won’t be any of [the Rambaldi-type mythology, i.e. "Alias"]. I think that there will be, again, something that will give the story a sense of inevitability and yet, you’re right, it won’t be going into that place of like crazy, mythology heavy stuff.

Question: Why did you decide to direct the pilot?

J.J. Abrams: I just enjoyed the idea of it. I enjoy the script… I enjoyed the chemistry of these two people and it became clear as we were working on it, rather than be sitting on the set every day with someone else directing it, being annoying, I’d rather just take the burden on myself.

Brian Ford Sullivan: I talked to [executive producer] Jeff Pinkner and he said [tonight's episode] is your best one yet and the one coming back [after the hiatus] is even better. [Abrams laughs.] What’s so great about them?

J.J. Abrams: The great thing about Jeff is he knows how to lower expectations. [Laughs.] I would just say that it’s always wonderful to get director’s cuts of episodes that make me smile. And it’s nice when they are on important dates, and it’s nice when they are consecutive so I will just say we’re on a nice internal run right now where things are, you know, when a story’s entertaining and fun and has that weird combination – which is the goal of “Fringe” to be scary as hell and funny in one show, it’s a weird thing to do – when that works, it’s just, you know, you just thank God.

“Fringe” airs its winter finale tonight at 9:00/8:00c. Look for the second season to resume on Thursday, April 1 at 9:00/8:00c.

Source: The Futon Critic

Alex O'Loughlin

According to Entertainment Weekly, Australia’s Alex O’Loughlin is the front runner to star in CBS’ revamped ‘Hawaii 5-O’ pilot.

The network have been looking to find a new project for O’Loughlin, after ‘Three Rivers’ was cancelled due to low ratings late last year.

“We love him,” said CBS president Nina Tassler during a press tour last week. “[We] want him to stay around a long time.”

‘Hawaii 5-O’ will mark O’Loughlin’s third drama project with the network, which began with the short lived vampire series ‘Moonlight’ in 2007.

‘Fringe’ co-creators Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci will write and produce the upcoming pilot, which will shoot on location in Oahu in the coming months.

The original series of ‘Hawaii 5-O’ ran for 12 seasons on CBS from the late 60’s. It starred Jack Lord as Steve McGarrett, a Hawaii State Police detective who answered only to the governor.

Source: Entertainment Weekly

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

J.J. Abrams has found his female lead for ‘Undercovers’, British actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw.

Mbatha-Raw will play Samantha Bloom, a former CIA agent who’s drawn back into the field along with her husband and fellow agent Steven (Boris Kodjoe).

While having appeared on several hit UK dramas including ‘Spooks’ and ‘Doctor Who’, Mbatha-Raw is new to US television scene.

Her casting in ‘Undercovers’ follows the trend with other J.J. Abrams produced projects. The writer/director/producer is know for casting relatively unknown female leads in his projects, including Keri Russell in ‘Felicity’, Jennifer Garner in ‘Alias’, Evangeline Lilly in ‘Lost’ and Australian actress Anna Torv in ‘Fringe’.

‘Undercovers’, was co-written by Abrams and fellow ‘Felicity’ writer Josh Reims.

Abrams also will direct the pilot, marking the first directorial television project since the $10 million 2-hour ‘Lost’ pilot in 2004.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

Gossip Girl – Season 3

The Vampire Diaries – Season 1

The Mentalist – Season 2

The Big Bang Theory – Season 3

Fringe – Season 1

Supernatural – Season 3

Friends – Season 10

Brendan Hines, Tim Roth, Monica Raymund, Mekhi Phifer and Kelli Williams star in FOX's 'Lie to Me'.

FOX have ordered the back-nine episodes of the Tim Roth drama, ‘Lie to Me’.

The pick-up comes just a month after the network ordered three additional scripts of the second year drama.

Under the hand of the new showrunner, Shawn Ryan, ‘Lie to Me’ has become as solid performer for FOX in the post-’House’ time slot.

This past week, ‘Lie to Me’ averaged 7.3 million viewers overall, with a 2.7 rating in adults 18-49. A 60% retention of its ‘House’ demo lead-in.

Other dramas less fortunate include Joss Whedon’s ‘Dollhouse’ — which has already been cancelled — and J.J. Abrams’ ‘Fringe’ — which will go on a 7-week hiatus in February.

Source: Fox Broadcasting Company

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

‘Fringe’ exclusive: J.J. Abrams on ‘bad’ ratings, good vibes, and the show’s future

by Michael Ausiello

'Fringe' stars Joshua Jackson and Aussies Anna Torv and John Noble.

It’s hardly a secret that Fringe is having a tough go of it on Thursday night this season. Last week, the sophomore drama’s audience shrunk to just 5 million viewers — an all-time low. Sure, two weeks of pre-emptions due to baseball didn’t help, but the fact remains: Fringe is struggling.

On the bright side, everyone seems to be in agreement that Fringe has never been better creatively. And inside sources say Fox, although not thrilled with the ratings, remains committed to the show — a fact corroborated by the drama’s boss, J.J. Abrams.

“The mood on set and in the writer’s room is as good as the ratings are bad, which is to say, wonderful,” Abrams tells me. “Luckily, Fox has been insanely supportive, for which we are deeply grateful.”

Abrams is encouraged by the show’s “strong” DVR numbers as well as the glowing reviews from critics. “But given that we’re on one of the hardest [nights] on television, we’re just focusing on making the best show we possibly can,” he says. “What else can we do?”

Bottom line: Fringe is in no immediate danger of going “over there” (a.k.a. TV graveyard). The key word there being immediate.

What do you think? Worried about Fringe’s future? Got a theory why more people aren’t watching? Should Fox move it to a less-crowded night — and, if so, which one? Sound off below!

Source: Entertainment Weekly

Sebastian Roché

Sebastian Roché has joined the cast of ‘Fringe’ in a recurring role, as the sci-fi series’ new villain.

Thomas Kretschmann was originally cast in the role and actually appeared in the October 8 episode, however scheduling conflicts prevented the actor from taking on the role in a recurring manner.

Roché will now take over the villainous role — a soldier from another dimension who is not quite human/not quite machine, trying to gather information for opening a stable door to the other side.

His casting on ‘Fringe’ re-teams him with television creator J.J. Abrams, who previously collaborated with the actor on the spy series ‘Alias’.

Roché most recent appearance was on The CW’s cancelled modelling series ‘The Beautiful Life’.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

J.J. Abrams

On whether he’s in for shepherding the “Star Trek” franchise for the long haul, or planning a movie-by-movie involvement:

J.J. Abrams: That’s a wonderfully optimistic question and I appreciate that, but the answer is that it’s obviously just movie-to-movie. The fact that we are now actively discussing the second film is surreal and very nice, and I’m thrilled. I hope that that results in something worthy of your time. But it’s one of those things that you just don’t know. And so I cannot presume it’s gonna be a series that goes beyond those. Do we have ideas for a few movies and have we discussed them? Of course. You can’t help but go “Oh, it would be really cool if we could do this or if we can set that up there!” You throw those things around. But we can’t presume it’s going to be anything more than now another film that we’re lucky enough to do.

On whether he plans to bring further elements of established “Star Trek” lore into the re-imagined franchise:

Abrams: Going forward, the fun of this movie series is that we will have the opportunity – given its alternate timeline – to cross paths with any of the experiences, places and characters that existed in the original series. We have to be really careful, obviously, doing that. I don’t want to do something that is so inside that only die-hard fans will appreciate. We’re just now working on the script and just beginning the process of story-breaking, but I guarantee you whatever the story is and whatever the final movie ends up being, I know it will be something that will work on its own terms and be something that you don’t need to know and study “Star Trek” to get. But if you are a fan, there will hopefully be gift after gift of connections, references, characters that you hold near and dear. At least, that’s the intent.

On the possibility of shooting the “Star Trek” sequel in 3-D:

Abrams: Paramount talked to me about doing the first one in 3-D and, having it only be my second film, I was petrified just at the addition of it. I thought it would be another dimension of pain-in-the-ass. I was just like, “I want to make a decent 2-D movie.” I was so worried that instead of being a decent 2-D movie it would have been a bad 3-D one. I’m open to looking at it because now I feel a little bit more comfortable. And, if I, in fact, direct the “Star Trek” sequel, 3-D could be really fun, so I’m open to it. What I’ve seen of “Avatar” makes me want to do it because it’s so crazy-cool looking.

On revisiting the notion of including William Shatner in the sequel:

Abrams: The Shatner thing comes up quite a bit. As someone who was a William Shatner fan, in a huge way, just because of “The Twilight Zone” episodes he did, and then completely appreciating what he did in “Star Trek,” but not really becoming a fan until I started working on this movie, it was a foregone conclusion that we wanted Shatner in the movie. The problem was that his character died on screen in one of the “Trek” films, and because we decided very early on, that we wanted to adhere to “Trek” canon as best we could – which was a huge challenge, because even the original series in many ways didn’t always adhere to “Trek” canon – the required machinations to get Shatner into the movie would have been very difficult to do, given the story we wanted to tell, and also to give him the kind of part that he would be happy with. It was this thing where it would have felt like a gimmick, in order to get Shatner in the movie, which would have honestly, to me, been distracting. Having said that, would it have been fun to have him in the movie? Of course. Would it be great to work with him? No doubt. I was as excited to work with him as I was Mr. Nimoy, who we luckily did have in the film… In terms of moving forward, I am open to anything. I would love to figure out something, given the challenge of introducing these new characters and given the burden of having to cast these people. I feel like the first movie did some of the heavy lifting that needed to be done, in order to free us to continue, going forward. Maybe there’s less of a burden and there’s going to be more opportunity to work with him again. I would love to work with him. We speak. We actually have a lunch date planned. I’m a fan. I’m a friend of his. Or, he’s at least a friend of mine. He may say otherwise on his blog today. I have no idea. But, I really couldn’t like him more and would love to work with him.

On the potential for incorporating “Star Trek’s” tradition of current events allegories and philosophical metaphors into the storyline of the sequel:

Abrams: It’s hard to give a blanket answer to that question. I do think that, whether it’s “Star Trek” or anything – whatever is being investigated, created or produced now, in movies or TV needs to consider the context in which it is being distributed. It’s not a vacuum. There are certain universal themes of love, conflict, loyalty or family that are everlasting and that need to be presented in a way that makes it feel relevant, even if it’s a period piece. You need to consider what context that film, that story and those characters are being seen in. But having said that, with “Star Trek” it’s not like we’re looking to make the second movie some kind of heavy political allegory. I think that it’s important that there is metaphor to what we know and that there is relevance, and I think allegory is the thing that made shows like “The Twilight Zone” and “Star Trek” resonate and still be vital today. But because the first movie was so much about introducing these people and it was very much a premise movie about how to bring these people together, it made it difficult to also have the film go as deep as it could, about certain conflict, certain relationships and the heart of who some of these characters are. I think it was successful in what it needed to do to introduce these people, but I feel like now that we’ve done that, it is the job of the next film to go a little bit deeper. It shouldn’t be any less fun or take itself too seriously, but consider who these people are now and grow with them, and just examine them a little more closer, now that we’ve gotten through the pleasantries and introductions.

On Leonard Nimoy’s recent suggestion that future “Star Trek” films just might not need him anymore:

Abrams: I can’t imagine a “Star Trek” movie not needing him. I’m sure that what he’s saying is a combination of modesty and honesty. He may actually feel that way. But, the truth is, we could never have made this movie without him, and working with him again would be a joy. It is clearly too early, given that we are just now talking story, to conclude whether or not Spock Prime is in the film or not. Do I want to work with him again? Of course, one hundred percent. I’d love to.

On what to expect from Nimoy in his role on the Abrams-produced TV series “Fringe”:

Abrams: In terms of his role as William Bell, none of us could believe our luck that we convinced him to say yes to being on the show. He is wonderful on the show. And, I will say that this is not the last you will see of his character… I don’t want to give anything away, but this is not the last you’ll see of him. He is so good and so wonderful to work with that I wouldn’t limit the possibilities of what he’ll get to do.

On the notion of having Nimoy reprise his ’60s TV role of Paris in a fourth “Mission: Impossible” film – and possibly other original cast members as well:

Abrams: How cool would that be? I just got a call that Peter Graves is in great shape, which would be a very bizarre bend in the space-time continuum, for obvious reasons. I almost feel like you could make him serious again and bring him back. Whether it’s Nimoy, who I have an incredible affinity for, or Graves or anyone, we’ll see. I actually tried to get Martin Landau in “Mission 3,” in a very small little moment just for fun, and was told that he had no interest in doing it. But then, when I met him, after the movie came out, it was the greatest thing. We were at this restaurant in New York for one of the TV Upfront parties, and someone introduced me to Landau. They took me over and Martin Landau came over to me, extended his hand, and [pretended to lift a false face off]. That was the greatest thing I’d ever seen!

On the rest of his future plans in film and TV:

Abrams: Jeff Pinkner and Joel Wyman are running “Fringe” very well. We’re still very involved in that, but they’re running that. We have a new series that we just sold to NBC that we’re going to be producing. It’s a pilot. And there’s a movie that I’m writing that I would love to direct, early next year, so we’ll see if that comes to fruition. There’s a movie [I'm producing] called “Morning Glory” that’s coming out next year – with Harrison Ford, Rachel McAdams and Diane Keaton – that’s being edited now. Roger Michell directed that. And we’re obviously hard at work on “Star Trek 2″ and “Mission: Impossible 4.” There’s a LOT that we’re working on.

Source: ComingSoon.net

So, I’m not really sure what this new promo is all about, but who am I to take issue with it?

Why can’t FOX hit the club, strip off some clothes and bust some sexy moves? The CW does it every other week.

Watch the promo:

Perhaps FOX should try a new tag line. “Just as sexy as The CW, but with Emmys!”

Oh no I didn’t!

Walter chows down on some super tasty intestines twizzlers and celebrates what looks like Gene the Cow’s birthday. Just another day at the office…

The new season of ‘Fringe’ is set to premiere Thursday, September 17th on FOX. Check out the new promotional poster for the show’s second season.

“New Cases. Endless Impossibilities.”

Over at fringebloggers.com, they’ve noticed a couple of interesting things in the new poster. Including several of the show’s trademark symbols.

• A: The leaf
• B: The 6 fingered handprint
• C: Possibly the seahorse?
• D: The smoke face

Some other interesting things ‘Fringe’ fans might recognise are:

• The trademark “yellow orbs” floating about the place.
• Peter and Olivia appear to be wearing “blacks and grays” (mythology reference from ep. 1.17), whilst Walter is wearing a white coat.
• Walter also appears to be drinking a Slusho, as many people may know from the Abrams’ produced ‘Cloverfield’ film, which has also appear in ‘Alias’ and in ‘Fringe’ itself.

UPDATE: More clues thanks to fringetelevision.com

If you notice anything else, let us know in the comments.

'The Vampire Diaries' coming soon to The CW and GO!

The season will kick-off with The CW’s sophomore drama ‘90210’. You might remember that ‘90210’ premiered to The CW’s biggest numbers in history (4.65M, A18-49: 2.6/7) but those viewers abandoned it in droves with the finale only mustering a little more than half that audience (2.49M, A18-49: 1.3/3). This is a make or break season for the remake and if it continues to shed viewers it will not only damage The CW’s brand but will have a detrimental effect on the heavily promoted freshman drama ‘Melrose Place’ 2.0. The CW is pinning their hopes on ‘Melrose Place’ and their other fall freshman ‘The Vampire Diaries’, which was inexplicably added to their Thursday line-up at the expense of The CW’s highest rating drama ‘Smallville,’ which has now been bumped to Fridays. If both ‘Melrose’ and ‘Vampire’ fail, it may well be the final year for the struggling network as CBS and WB cannot continue to run a network at a loss in this sort of climate. Elsewhere, Tuesdays will be a little dull with procedurals occupying CBS and reality on ABC, NBC and Fox. However, recently the alphabet made a late change noticing a chance to pounce in that timeslot, by pushing mid season sci-fi drama ‘V’ forward for a November 3 start.

The following night sees the fall premiere of summer reality show, ‘So You Think You Can Dance.’  Fox’s decision to air a second cycle of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ was quite bizarre, the show captures a solid but not spectacular audience during the summer and who’s to say airing it twice a year won’t damage the franchise? Fall has always been the achilles heel for the News Corp. Network and no doubt ‘Dance’ will improve on past year offerings, but will viewers return for future seasons? The decision to move ‘Dance’ to fall was to provide some lead-in support for freshman drama ‘Glee,’ which squandered its ‘Idol’ lead in when Fox aired a sample episode behind one of Idol’s final 2009 episodes, in the ended it averaged only 9.62M, A18-49: 4.4/11.

The aforementioned ‘The Vampire Diaries’ has its series premiere on Thursday, September 10 and it will be partnered with The CW’s other sci-fi drama ‘Supernatural’. The CW greenlighting ‘Diaries’ was no surprise as they wanted to capitalise on the ‘Twilight’ and ‘True Blood’ hype. Even though ‘Diaries’ has generated a lot of negative press, initial sampling will be large but the million dollar question is how long will the audience give it? The following Thursday sees the return of JJ Abram’s latest demo hit ‘Fringe’. ‘Fringe’ will have its work cut out going up against heavyweights, ‘CSI’ and ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ which both return on September 24. ‘Fringe’s’ departure from a solid lead in indicates the confidence Fox has in the sophomore drama, however in comparison to Abram’s previous projects, ‘Fringe’ focuses less on mythology and more on individual episodes which should make it easier to follow but less intriguing to the dedicated fans. Another huge Thursday development is the movement of last year’s freshman hit ‘The Mentalist’ to 10/9c following CSI. CBS is grooming it as the next CSI, which I might add has lost a lot of steam since the departure of William Petersen, however the timeslot is somewhat of a bogey one for CBS as nothing has remained there for more than one year.

Thursdays also see the return of ‘Survivor’ for its 19th season, the 6th season of the Office, the 2nd season of ‘Parks and Recreation’ and the debut of critical darling ‘Community’ which all premiere on September 17. For those waiting for ’30 Rock’ it returns on October 15. The biggest premiere to Thursdays is ‘Flash Forward’, which is being promoted by ABC as the new ‘Lost.’  ‘Flash Forward’ looks to be the biggest show to come out of the states since ‘Lost’ and ‘Desperate Housewives’ and it comes with a lot of buzz. Just recently, the directors noted, they will need at least three seasons to complete the arc they have planned. In a nutshell, ‘Flash Forward’ follows the life of an FBI agent who investigates the reason for a mysterious event, which sees everyone blackout for two minutes and seventeen seconds, travelling six months into the future.

The following two Mondays see the return of ‘WTF’ (No, not What The Beep, but Watch This Fall) drama ‘Gossip Girl’ and veteran ‘One Tree Hill’. This fall, Dawn has decided to do a switcheroo with the two, moving her baby ‘Gossip’ to a higher household viewing time and avoiding direction competition with ‘House’. The aforementioned ‘House’ and the trouble ridden ‘Heroes’ both return with two hour premieres on September 21. It has been quite a steep fall for ‘Heroes’, if Kring can’t stop the bleeding, this might be the end of the one season wonder. The following Monday sees NBC launch their new high-octane medical drama ‘Trauma,’ a number of photos/clips for this show have being doing the rounds on the internet, so expect a large initial sampling. ‘Lie to Me’ will occupate the post ‘House’ slot as Fox tries to groom this as a replacement for ‘House’. Over at CBS, ‘How I Met Your Mother’ has been moved to 8/7c providing some lead in support for the dead on arrival ‘Accidently on Purpose’. ‘Two and a Half Men’ remains, but ‘The Big Bang Theory’ moves to the post ‘Men’ slot. ‘Bang’ was trialled in the slot late last year or early this year and maintained close to 100% retention, so look for ‘Bang’ to reach series highs again.

Wednesdays will be interesting for a number of reasons, ABC has a completely new line up with critical darlings ‘Modern Family’ and ‘Cougar Town’ occupying the key 9/8c and 9:30/8:30c timeslots. ‘Cougar Town’ follows Jules (Courtney Cox), a recently divorced single mother exploring honest truths about dating and aging in our beauty and youth obsessed culture, while ‘Modern Family’ explores the complications that come with being in a family in this day and age. The entrees ‘Hank’ and ‘The Middle’ debut the following week. ‘Eastwick’ a cross between ‘Valentine’ and ‘Sex and the City’ also debuts in the same week as ‘Modern Family’ and ‘Cougar Town’, but things don’t look good for the romantic drama.

The landscape for Fridays has completely changed; networks are finally getting aggressive with their programming. There is less reality from the other three networks which might finally give CBS’ combo of Ghost Whisperer, Cold Case and Numb3rs some headaches. Fox kicks off with a comedy hour with waiting to be cancelled ‘’Til Death’ and ‘Brothers’ followed by the ever improving and surprise renewal ‘Dollhouse’ which all premiere on September 25. The CW veteran ‘Smallville’ has been yanked to Thursdays along with the ever fading ‘Ugly Betty’.

Nothing much has changed on Sundays, with ABC’s ‘Desperate Housewives’ and ‘Brothers and Sisters’ starting on September 27. Fox has shuffled their line up knocking out the every reliable – ‘King of the Hill’, for Seth McFarland’s new, albeit belated project ‘The Cleveland Show’. ‘The Simpsons’, ‘Family Guy’ and ‘American Dad’ all return for their 21st, 8th and 5th season respectively. ‘The Cleveland Show’s’ pilot has been leaked for a while and it doesn’t look too different to ‘Family Guy’ or ‘American Dad’.

Finally, the biggest news this fall is Jay Leno moving to primetime, which begins daily from September 14, 10/9c. All eyes will be on the ratings for ‘The Jay Leno Show,’ but NBC isn’t expecting much, as long as it remains profitable, NBC will be satisfied. Jay Leno recently said he doesn’t expect his show to beat first run CSI, but hopes to push CSI repeats to the limit. The format of the show is: Leno will begin with a 10 second opening sequence which leads into a monologue. He will have at least one special guest a night and music will come from multiple acts. Jaywalking and newspaper headlines will be held until the end of the show to give News affiliates a strong lead in. Leno also gave us a snippet of the ‘Green Car Challenge’ where you can see, as Leno puts it, “who is faster, Shaquille O’Neal or Cameron Diaz.” There will be pre-recorded segments from D.L Hughley and Rachel Harris.As always, this is will be an interesting fall, with networks trying something different.

I hope everyone enjoys the fall TV season and wish for everyone’s favourite TV show to survive.

Premiere Dates

• ‘90210’ 2nd Season Premiere September 8
• ‘Melrose Place’ Series Premiere September 8
• ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ Fall Premiere September 9
• ‘Glee’ Series Premiere September 9
• ‘The Vampire Diaries’ Series Premiere September 10
• ‘Supernatural’ 5th Season Premiere September 10
• ‘One Tree Hill’ 7th Season Premiere September 14
• ‘Gossip Girl’ 3rd Season Premiere September 14
• ‘The Jay Leno Show’ Series Premiere September 14
• ‘The Beautiful Life’ Series Premiere September 16
• ‘Bones’ 5th Season Premiere September 17
• ‘Survivor’ 19th Season Premiere September 17
• ‘Parks and Recreation’ 2nd Season Premiere September 17
• ‘Fringe’ 2nd Season Premiere September 17
• ‘The Office’ 6th Season Premiere September 17
• ‘Community’ Series Premiere September 17
• ‘Heroes’ 4th Season Premiere September 21
• ‘House’ 6th Season Premiere September 21
• ‘How I Met Your Mother’ 5th Season Premiere September 21
• ‘Accidently on Purpose’ Series Premiere September 21
• ‘Two and a Half Men’ 7th Season Premiere September 21
• ‘The Big Bang Theory’ 3rd Season Premiere September 21
• ‘Castle’ 2nd Season Premiere September 21
• ‘CSI: Miami’ 8th Season Premiere September 21
• ‘NCIS’ 7th Season Premiere September 22
• ‘The Goode Wife’ Series Premiere September 22
• ‘The Forgotten Series’ Premiere September 22
• ‘Mercy’ Series Premiere September 23
• ‘Criminal Minds’ 5th Season Premiere September 23
• ‘Modern Family’ Series Premiere September 23
• ‘Cougar Town’ Series Premiere September 23
• ‘Eastwick’ Series Premiere September 23
• ‘Flash Forward’ Series Premiere September 24
• ‘The Mentalist’ 2nd Season Premiere September 24
• ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ 6th Season Premiere September 24
• ‘Brothers’ Series Premiere September 25
• ‘Smallville’ 9th Season Premiere September 25
• ‘Dollhouse’ 2nd Season Premiere September 25
• ‘The Amazing Race’ 15th Season Premiere September 27
• ‘The Simpsons’ 21st Season Premiere September 27
• ‘The Cleveland Show’ Series Premiere September 27
• ‘Desperate Housewives’ 6th Season Premiere September 27
• ‘Brothers and Sisters’ 4th Season Premiere September 27
• ‘Family Guy’ 8th Season Premiere September 27
• ‘American Dad’ 5th Season Premiere September 27
• ‘Lie to Me’ 2nd Season Premiere September 28
• ‘Trauma’ Series Premiere September 28
• ‘Hank’ Series Premiere September 30
• ‘The Middle’ Series Premiere September 30
• ‘Private Practice’ 3rd Season Premiere October 1
• ‘Ugly Betty’ 4th Season Premiere October 9
• ‘30 Rock’ 4th Season Premiere October 15
• ‘V’ Series Premiere November 3
• Cable Premiere Dates
• ‘Dexter’ 4th Season Premiere September 27
• ‘Californication’ 3rd Season Premiere September 27
• ‘Stargate Universe’ Series Premiere October 2
• ‘Sanctuary’ 2nd Season Premiere October 9

J.J. Abram's 'Fringe' airs Wednesdays on GO!

What is GO!?

GO! is a new digital channel from the Nine Network, which will be bring the young, and young at heart, more choice and entertainment than ever before.

How do I get GO! on my TV?

GO! is available on digital channel 99 for Nine Network viewers. It’s available on digital channel 88 for WIN and NBN regional viewers.

As a result of the introduction of GO!, some viewers may experience a small disruption to their Nine/WIN/NBN service on their digital TV, digital set-top-box or PVR.

If you can’t see GO! or any of the afore mention shows, it’s recommended that you “rescan” your channels using your remote. This can be done via the automatic tuning option on most digital TVs, digital set-top-boxes and PVRs.

What’s playing?

Popular programs set to air on GO! include: ‘Gossip Girl’, ‘The Hills’, ‘Fringe’, ‘Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles’, ‘Weeds’, ‘The Wire’, ‘Survivor’, ‘The Bachelor’, ‘The Bachelorette’, ‘Hell’s Kitchen’, ‘Kitchen Nightmares’, ‘CSI’, ‘Seinfeld’ and ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’.

The upcoming drama ‘The Vampire Diaries’, from Kevin Williamson (‘Dawson’s Creek’ and ‘Scream’) is set to make its Australian debut later this year.

GO! launches 6.30pm Sunday, August 9th.

The initial prime time schedule for GO! will be as follows:

Sunday: GO NUTS!

6:00 Seinfeld
6:30 Wipeout
7:30 The Big Bang Theory (4 episode marathon)
9:30 Aliens in America*
10:00 The New Adventures of Old Christine
10:30 Movie of the Week

Monday: GO GET’EM

6:00 Australia’s Funniest Home Video Show
7:00 Entertainment Tonight
7:30 TMZ*
8:00 Seinfeld
8:30 Dog The Bounty Hunter (Double Episode)
9:30 Neighbours at War (Double Episode)*
10:30 Bad Lad’s Army

Tuesday: GO FIRST

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*
10:30 The Bachelorette*

Wednesday: GO BEYOND

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: GO GIRL

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: GO INVESTIGATE

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: GO INVESTIGATE

6:00 Seinfeld (Triple Episodes)
7:30 Dance Your Ass Off*
8:30 CSI
9:30 CSI: Miami
10:30 CSI: NY
11:30 Movie of the week

* notes that these are Australian Premiere Episodes.

Take a look at some promos for GO! here.

Have Questions?

If you need help or have any enquiries, you can contact the GO! help line on 1300 152 231.

Source: NineMSN

'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

FOX unveiled their 2009-2010 schedule with new series including musical comedy 'Glee'.

FOX today announced their plans for the 2009/2010 television season with 4 new comedies, 2 dramas and the renewal of 16 returning series.

Anticipated new shows include: ‘The Cleveland Show’, ‘Glee’ and ‘Human Target’. Top returning series include: ‘24′, ‘Dollhouse’, ‘Fringe’ and ‘So You Think You Can Dance’.

Also announced, but set to bow over the summer, is an domestic pick up for ‘Mental’, starring Australian actress Jacqueline McKenzie (‘The 4400′) and adopted Aussie Chris Vance (‘All Saints’, ‘Prison Break’).

Check out the fall and mid season schedules below:

FOX PRIMETIME SCHEDULE: FALL 2009 (All Times ET/PT)

MONDAY
8:00-9:00 PM HOUSE
9:00-10:00 PM LIE TO ME

TUESDAY
8:00-10:00 PM SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Performance Show

WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Results Show
9:00-10:00 PM GLEE

THURSDAY
8:00-9:00 PM BONES
9:00-10:00 PM FRINGE

FRIDAY
8:00-8:30 PM BROTHERS
8:30-9:00 PM ‘TIL DEATH
9:00-10:00 PM DOLLHOUSE

SATURDAY
8:00-8:30 PM COPS
8:30-9:00 PM COPS
9:00-10:00 PM AMERICA’S MOST WANTED
11:00 PM-Midnight THE WANDA SYKES SHOW (working title)
Midnight-12:30 AM ANIMATION DOMINATION ENCORES

SUNDAY
7:00-8:00 PM THE OT (NFL post-game)
8:00-8:30 PM THE SIMPSONS
8:30-9:00 PM THE CLEVELAND SHOW
9:00-9:30 PM FAMILY GUY
9:30-10:00 PM AMERICAN DAD

FOX PRIMETIME SCHEDULE: MIDSEASON 2010 (All Times ET/PT)

MONDAY
8:00-9:00 PM HOUSE
9:00-10:00 PM 24

TUESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM AMERICAN IDOL Performance Show
9:00-10:00 PM PAST LIFE

WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM AMERICAN IDOL Results Show
9:00-10:00 PM HUMAN TARGET (January) / GLEE (spring)

THURSDAY
8:00-9:00 PM BONES
9:00-10:00 PM FRINGE

FRIDAY
8:00-8:30 PM BROTHERS
8:30-9:00 PM ‘TIL DEATH
9:00-10:00 PM DOLLHOUSE

SATURDAY
8:00-8:30 PM COPS
8:30-9:00 PM COPS
9:00-10:00 PM AMERICA’S MOST WANTED
11:00 PM-Midnight THE WANDA SYKES SHOW (working title)
Midnight-12:30 AM ANIMATION DOMINATION ENCORES

SUNDAY
7:00-7:30 PM ANIMATION DOMINATION ENCORES
7:30-8:00 PM AMERICAN DAD
8:00-8:30 PM THE SIMPSONS
8:30-9:00 PM SONS OF TUCSON
9:00-9:30 PM FAMILY GUY
9:30-10:00 PM THE CLEVELAND SHOW

Visit our special coverage section for more upfront announcements, video trailers and press releases.

24

Returning for a remarkable eighth season, 24 is one of the most innovative, addictive and acclaimed dramas on television. The suspenseful series has been nominated for a total of 57 Emmy awards, winning for Outstanding Drama Series (2006) and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for star Kiefer Sutherland (2006). For each season, Sutherland has garnered an Emmy nomination and the Season Seven prequel, “24: Redemption,” earned him Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations.

Season Eight of 24 promises to combine the show’s unique and trend-setting format with compelling new elements. Each episode will again cover one hour of real time, as viewers follow JACK BAUER (Sutherland) through another astonishing day.

Amidst the shadows of the Statue of Liberty and the United Nations, Bauer will endure another unthinkable, nail-biting day in New York City. Steadfast PRESIDENT ALLISON TAYLOR (Cherry Jones) navigates the uncertain waters of foreign and domestic policy while quirky CHLOE O’BRIAN (Mary Lynn Rajskub) and FBI agent RENEE WALKER (Annie Wersching) return. Additionally, Bollywood icon Anil Kapoor (“Slumdog Millionaire”) will make his American TV debut as ARMAN HASHEMI, a Middle Eastern leader who comes to the U.S. on a peacemaking mission.

24, created by Joel Surnow and Robert Cochran, is a production of 20th Century Fox Television in association with Imagine Television. Howard Gordon, Evan Katz, David Fury, Manny Coto, Brannon Braga, Brad Turner, Alex Ganza, Kiefer Sutherland and Brian Grazer are executive producers, while Chip Johannessen and Patrick Harbinson serve as co-executive producers.

American Dad

AMERICAN DAD, the animated series that follows die-hard Republican and card-carrying NRA member STAN SMITH (Seth MacFarlane) and his hilariously odd family in Langley Falls, VA, is back to salute a fifth season of laughs.

Stan’s not-so-smart wife FRANCINE (Wendy Schaal) has an unfaltering loyalty that allows her to turn a blind eye toward Stan’s unabashed arrogance. Stan constantly butts heads with his 18-year-old daughter HAYLEY (Rachael MacFarlane), who knows just how to push her father’s buttons by being liberal in both her beliefs and in the amount of hippie boyfriends she chooses to date. Hayley’s 14-year-old brother is the geeky yet cocky STEVE (Scott Grimes), a kid who seems to be on the constant verge of puberty but can’t quite make sense of the opposite sex.

The Smith household is rounded out by two rather unconventional members. There’s the selfish and sarcastic space alien, ROGER (Seth MacFarlane), who lives in the attic and drinks like it’s always happy hour; and KLAUS (Dee Bradley Baker), an attention-starved goldfish with the brain of a German guy who is always willing to vocalize his opinions whether anyone is listening or not.

This eccentric family full of radically different personalities is just trying to find a way to love and trust each other during these increasingly unpredictable times. And with a guy like Stan in charge of our national security, it’s a hilarious ride.

The comedy continues this season as the series celebrates its 100th episode milestone, Steve accidentally launches a secret military drone, Roger impersonates the dictator of a tropical island and Francine and Stan renew their wedding vows.

AMERICAN DAD is a 20th Century Fox Television production. Seth MacFarlane, Mike Barker and Matt Weitzman serve as co-creators and executive producers, while Rick Wiener and Kenny Schwartz serve as executive producers.

American Idol

AMERICAN IDOL returns for its much-anticipated ninth season in January 2010. Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, television’s No. 1 hit series empowers contestants and viewers to share their voice in deciding who will be America’s next singing superstar. This new season promises to deliver amazing, undiscovered talent with plenty of surprises along the way.

Every year, tens of thousands of hopefuls from across the nation audition for a shot at stardom. The show’s judges – Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi – travel across the country in search of the next American Idol. They winnow down the competitors to a select group of semifinalists who sing their hearts out each week for a studio audience and television viewers.

The judges have their say after every performance, but it’s the viewing public that determines who will advance to the next round of competition and who will go home. Voting via telephone and text-messaging begins immediately after each performance show, and the results are announced during the following night’s broadcast.

Eventually the competition is narrowed down to two finalists who compete for a major recording contract and the AMERICAN IDOL title.

Past winners Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks and David Cook have become household names and have risen to the top of the recording industry.

Emmy Award-winning AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, founder of 19 Entertainment, Ltd. The series is executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America; and Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America.

America’s Most Wanted

Approaching its 23rd season and 1000th milestone episode this fall, AMERICA’S MOST WANTED is one of network television’s longest-running series and continues to be the No. 1 show on Saturday nights. Lauded by law enforcement organizations nationwide and internationally, this hour hosted by John Walsh has changed the lives of thousands of crime victims – and has put more than 1,000 perpetrators behind bars. The show is a powerful voice for crime victims everywhere.

Among its many accomplishments, AMERICA’S MOST WANTED has helped capture more than 1,060 criminals, including 17 on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list. The series has also reunited 55 missing children with their families, which is Walsh’s proudest achievement.

In 2003, AMERICA’S MOST WANTED and John Walsh made national headlines for their determined efforts leading to the recovery of kidnapped teen Elizabeth Smart. Later that year, Walsh joined President George W. Bush in a Rose Garden ceremony at the White House as the PROTECT Act of 2003, which expanded the use of Amber Alerts, was signed into law. AMW again broadcast from the White House on July 29, 2006, two days after another Rose Garden ceremony at which President Bush signed into law the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act. The result of years of lobbying by Walsh and others, the new law – signed on the 25th anniversary of the abduction and murder of Walsh’s 6-year-old son, Adam – expands the National Sex Offender Registry and strengthens federal penalties for crimes against children. Additionally, Walsh continues his lobbying efforts pushing states to pass laws requiring the collection of a DNA sample from those arrested. So far, 18 states have passed such laws helping to populate the newly created National DNA Database.

Since its premiere in 1988, AMERICA’S MOST WANTED’s primary focus has been to profile dangerous fugitives, and with the help of viewers, assist law enforcement with their relentless pursuit of justice.

AMERICA’S MOST WANTED is produced by STF Productions, Inc. and 20th Century Fox Television. Lance Heflin serves as executive producer, and Steve Katz serves as co-executive producer.

Bones

From executive producers Hart Hanson, Barry Josephson and Stephen Nathan comes the fifth exciting season of BONES, a darkly amusing procedural with humor, heart and character, inspired by real-life forensic anthropologist and novelist Kathy Reichs.

DR. TEMPERANCE BRENNAN (Emily Deschanel) is a highly skilled forensic anthropologist who works at the Jeffersonian Institute in Washington, DC, and writes novels as a sideline. When the standard methods of identifying a body are useless – when the remains are so badly decomposed, burned or destroyed – law enforcement calls in Brennan for her uncanny ability to read clues left behind in the victim’s bones.

Most law enforcement can’t handle Brennan’s intelligence, her drive for the truth, or the way she flings herself headlong into every investigation. SPECIAL AGENT SEELEY BOOTH (David Boreanaz) of the FBI’s Homicide Investigations Unit is the exception. A former Army sniper, Booth mistrusts science and scientists – the “squints,” as he calls them – who pore over the physical evidence of a crime. But even he cannot deny that the combination of his people-smarts and Brennan’s scientific acumen makes them a formidable team.

Aside from Booth, Brennan is most comfortable with her equally brilliant colleagues at the Jeffersonian’s Medico-Legal Lab. ANGELA MONTENEGRO (Michaela Conlin), an artist who specializes in reconstructing facial features and crime scenes, is Brennan’s earthy and bawdy best friend; “the bug guy,” conspiracy theorist DR. JACK HODGINS (TJ Thyne), is an expert on insects, spores and minerals; and DR. CAMILLE “CAM” SAROYAN (Tamara Taylor), the street-smart and centered coroner, must wrangle all the geniuses under her purview. Lending his professional expertise to Brennan and Booth is DR. LANCE SWEETS (John Francis Daley), a brilliant young FBI psychologist who is equally adept at profiling murderers and providing “couples therapy” to Booth and Brennan.

As Season Five of BONES begins, Booth and Brennan contend with the emotional fallout resulting from the sea-change in their relationship brought about by events at the end of Season Four. This includes Brennan’s request to have Booth father her child and the strange, profound, almost psychic link they shared during Booth’s coma, which left both of them wondering what thoughts and emotions the other is experiencing. While Booth endeavors to come to grips with these unleashed emotions, Brennan insists that, with the aid of her “squints” in the lab, the two of them focus their attention and energy on their main job – catching murderers that no one else can catch.

BONES is from Far Field Productions and Josephson Entertainment in association with 20th Century Fox Television. Hart Hanson, Barry Josephson and Stephen Nathan are executive producers.

Cops

Entering an amazing 22nd season, the groundbreaking series COPS – which was instrumental in launching the reality genre with its video vérité style – has penetrated the American psyche unlike any other show in television history.

Next season, the four-time Emmy Award-nominated program celebrates a remarkable milestone 800th episode, making it one of the longest-running primetime series currently airing on broadcast television. COPS continues to rank No. 1 in its time period among Adults 18-49 and key demographics.

COPS has profiled law enforcement agencies in over 140 United States cities and has also filmed in Hong Kong, London, Central and South America, Moscow and St. Petersburg. It was the first American television program to follow the police in the former Soviet Union. Next season, COPS will cover the U.S. from coast to coast, filming police activity in California, Florida, Texas, Ohio and Las Vegas.

John Langley is the creator and executive producer of COPS for Langley Productions, Inc. in association with Fox Television Studios. Doug Waterman serves as supervising producer, while Jimmy Langley and Morgan Langley serve as producers.

Dollhouse

CAROLINE (Dushku) – code name “Echo” – is an “Active,” a member of a highly illegal and underground group of individuals who have had their personalities wiped clean so they can be imprinted with any number of new personas. Hired by the wealthy, powerful and connected, the Actives don’t just perform their hired roles, they wholly become – with mind, personality and physiology – whomever the client wants or needs them to be. Whether imprinted to be a lover, an assassin, a corporate negotiator or a best friend, the Actives know no other life than the specific engagements they are in at that time.

Confined between missions to a secret facility known as the “Dollhouse,” Echo and the other Actives, including SIERRA (Dichen Lachman) and VICTOR (Enver Gjokaj), are assigned engagements by ADELLE DEWITT (Olivia Williams), one of the Dollhouse’s leaders. After each scenario, Echo, always under the watchful eye of her handler, turned head-of security, BOYD LANGTON (Harry Lennix), returns to the mysterious Dollhouse where her thoughts, feelings, experiences and knowledge are erased by TOPHER BRINK (Fran Kranz), the Dollhouse’s genius programmer. Echo enters the next scenario with no memory of before – or does she? – as she seemingly begins to remember her original memories and slowly pieces together her mysterious past.

Former FBI Agent PAUL BALLARD (Tahmoh Penikett) determined to solve the mystery of the DOLLHOUSE and find the missing Caroline, accomplished his goal in the first season finale and was convinced (or was it coerced?) to become Echo’s new handler. DOLLHOUSE revolves around Echo’s blossoming self-awareness and her desire to discover her true identity. But with each new engagement, comes a new memory and increased danger inside and outside the Dollhouse.

DOLLHOUSE is produced by 20th Century Fox Television. The series was created by Joss Whedon, who directed the pilot and serves as executive producer and writer. Liz Craft, Sarah Fain and David Solomon are co-executive producers, and Eliza Dushku serves as a producer.

Family Guy

Since its debut in 1999, the Emmy-nominated animated series FAMILY GUY has attracted an impressively loyal following of devoted fans and has sold over 18 million combined DVD units, making it the largest-selling TV series ever.

The show follows the adventures of lovable oaf PETER GRIFFIN (Seth MacFarlane) and his hilariously odd family of middle-class New Englanders. LOIS (Alex Borstein) is Peter’s loving wife, a former Miss Teen Rhode Island who rules the roost but is one step away from a nervous breakdown. Then there are their kids: frumpy, 16-year-old MEG (Mila Kunis), the family’s punching bag; 13-year-old CHRIS (Seth Green), a kid who doesn’t understand girls, much less the evil monkey hiding in his closet; and 1-year-old STEWIE (MacFarlane), a diabolically clever baby whose heterosexuality is hanging by a thread. Rounding out the Griffin household is BRIAN (MacFarlane), the family dog, a member of Mensa with a penchant for dry martinis and dumb blondes.

During the upcoming seventh season, Stewie and Brian travel through alternate universes in an homage to “Sliders,” spies Dan Aykroyd and Chevy Chase (guest-voicing as themselves) move into Cleveland’s old house and Stewie scores tickets to a Hannah Montana concert. Finally, the Griffin family will enter the “Star Wars” universe again with a parody of “The Empire Strikes Back.”

In addition to the regular cast, FAMILY GUY has featured guest voice appearances by a wide range of notables, including Drew Barrymore, Lauren Conrad, Robert Downey Jr., Rob Lowe, Hugh Hefner, Will Ferrell, Jay Leno, Jimmy Kimmel, Kiefer Sutherland, James Woods, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and the legendary rock group KISS.

FAMILY GUY is a 20th Century Fox Television production. Seth MacFarlane is creator/executive producer, Mark Hentemann and Steve Callaghan are executive producers/show-runners and David A. Goodman, Chris Sheridan and Danny Smith are executive producers.

Fringe

Currently the No. 1 new series among Adults 18-49, FRINGE returns for a second thrilling season and will continue to explore the unexplained phenomena and terrifying occurrences linked throughout the world – known simply as “The Pattern” – in pursuit of a larger, more shocking truth.

Set in Boston, FRINGE formed when Special Agent OLIVIA DUNHAM (Anna Torv) enlisted the help of institutionalized “fringe” scientist WALTER BISHOP (John Noble) and his son, PETER (Joshua Jackson), to save her partner and lover from a mind-bending death. Proving that only they could conjure anomalous answers, the unlikely trio would be called upon as unbelievable events evolved, macabre crimes occurred and non-empirical mysteries threatened humanity. Through unconventional and unorthodox methods, the FRINGE team imagined and tested the impossibilities while investigating mystifying cases involving teleportation, reanimation, genetic mutation, precognition and artificial intelligence.

Agent PHILLIP BROYLES (Lance Reddick) guided the group, while by-the-book Agent CHARLIE FRANCIS (Kirk Acevedo) and Junior Agent ASTRID FARNSWORTH (Jasika Nicole) provided support and depth to the team. Underscoring the unfolding mysteries, enigmatic Massive Dynamic executive NINA SHARP (Blair Brown) proved the advancement of technology was changing the world of science, and conversely, the science of the world.

Season Two moves to uncover more about the larger threat of Z.F.T., a nontraditional terrorist cell, and the intensity accelerates as Olivia, now aware that as a child she was a test subject of Walter and Massive Dynamic founder WILLIAM BELL (guest star Leonard Nimoy), pursues information about her forgotten and perplexing past. While some questions will be answered, new ones will surface. Were Olivia, Walter and Peter brought together deliberately? By whom – and for what purpose? Meanwhile, will Walter continue to hide Peter’s otherworldly origins? As for The Observer – where and why will he (or they) appear again?

Created by J.J. Abrams & Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci, FRINGE is produced by Bad Robot Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television. Abrams, Bryan Burk, J.H. Wyman and Jeff Pinkner serve as executive producers, while Kurtzman and Orci are consulting producers. Additionally, Pinkner and Wyman serve as the series’ show-runners.

Hell’s Kitchen

World-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay is back for a sixth course of the sizzling unscripted series HELL’S KITCHEN. The show puts the chefs through a rigorous culinary boot camp as Ramsay searches for the one chef worthy of a life-changing grand prize.

The competing chefs have varying degrees of culinary experience, but all are incredibly passionate about food and cooking. Each week, they slice and dice for Ramsay’s attention. Demanding absolute perfection, Ramsay puts the chefs through various culinary challenges, testing them to see who will boil under the intense pressure. The competition begins when Ramsay splits the chefs into two teams that compete against each other in various dinner service challenges. These challenges test the chefs’ knowledge and experience in the kitchen, as they are asked to perform tasks such as prepare a signature dish in 30 minutes, compete in blind taste tests, feed a room of hungry firemen and sauté shrimp to perfection. While the challenges are grueling, the rewards are sweet as some winning teams enjoy seafood dinners on yachts, helicopter rides and trips to gourmet restaurants. The challenge losers do not go unpunished and are left behind to perform the mundane tasks of cleaning the dining room, ironing the linens, polishing the silver or prepping that night’s dinner service.

As the competition heats up, Ramsay winnows down the contestants and ultimately combines the teams into one. In this phase of the competition, the “steaks” are high as the chefs compete head-to-head for Ramsay’s approval. Both his sharp tongue and the contestants’ inexperience are often recipes for disaster in this pressure-cooker environment. Only one thing is certain: If the chefs can’t stand the heat, they’ll have to get out of HELL’S KITCHEN.

HELL’S KITCHEN is produced by Granada America in association with A. Smith & Co. Arthur Smith and Kent Weed serve as executive producers.

House

HOUSE, an innovative take on the medical drama, solves mysteries where the villain is a medical malady and the hero is an irreverent, controversial doctor who trusts no one, least of all his patients.

HOUSE, which celebrated its 100th episode milestone in February 2009, has been honored with three Emmy Awards and 17 Emmy Award nominations, including three for Outstanding Drama Series and three for Hugh Laurie; the 2006 Humanitas Prize and three Humanitas finalist honors; two Golden Globe Awards and two Screen Actors Guild Awards for Laurie; a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series; two Golden Globe Award nominations for Best Television Series, Drama; a Peabody Award; two People’s Choice Awards for Favorite TV Drama; a People’s Choice Award for Hugh Laurie; the Writers Guild Award for Episodic Drama and an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Drama Series. In addition, the show has been honored by the American Film Institute as one of the TV Programs of the Year.

DR. GREGORY HOUSE (Hugh Laurie), devoid of bedside manner and dealing with his own constant physical pain, uses a cane that seems to punctuate his acerbic, brutally honest demeanor. House shepherds an elite team of experts who help him unravel diagnostic mysteries including plastic surgeon DR. CHRIS TAUB (Peter Jacobson) and enigmatic “contestant” number Thirteen, DR. REMY HADLEY (Olivia Wilde). He has a good friend and confidant in oncology specialist DR. JAMES WILSON (Robert Sean Leonard), and maintains a somewhat volatile and undefined relationship with DR. LISA CUDDY (Lisa Edelstein), the Dean of Medicine and hospital administrator. Though the two are engaged in constant conflict over House’s duties and unconventional behavior, even she would admit that his brilliance is worth the trouble. Neurologist DR. ERIC FOREMAN (Omar Epps) serves as Cuddy’s eyes and ears on House while former team members and newlyweds, DR. ALLISON CAMERON (Jennifer Morrison) and DR. ROBERT CHASE (Jesse Spencer) no longer have to answer to House as Cameron heads up Emergency Medicine and Chase is working in Surgery.

In Season Five, after the shocking death of team member Dr. Lawrence Kutner, House’s life began to spin out of control, causing him to suffer from hallucinations and to lose faith in his own mental abilities. After a challenging and brief engagement, Cameron and Chase celebrated their wedding, Thirteen and Foreman continue their romantic relationship and new mother Cuddy is unaware that House hallucinated a physical relationship with her. When the season concluded, House was finally forced to admit that he had lost his grip on reality and could no longer practice medicine. Out of options, he finally checked himself into a psychiatric hospital.

HOUSE is from Heel and Toe Films, Shore Z Productions and Bad Hat Harry Productions in association with Universal Media Studios. Katie Jacobs, David Shore, Paul Attanasio, Bryan Singer, Russel Friend, Garrett Lerner and Thomas L. Moran are executive producers.

Kitchen Nightmares

Famed chef and Michelin Star winner Gordon Ramsay steps out of his own five-star establishments and into some of the country’s most unsanitary and unsuccessful restaurants to help them turn their businesses around or close their doors forever.

Each week, Chef Ramsay will attempt to turn one ordinary and empty restaurant into the most popular, sought-after venue in town. He reveals the behind-the-scenes realities of running a restaurant and wastes no time getting down to business – implementing signature menu items, modernizing décor and making the restaurant run as smoothly as possible. With his reputation on the line, Ramsay accepts nothing less than the best when it comes to the food, staff and customer service. While still prone to the explosive outbursts and spectacular confrontations familiar to fans, Ramsay reveals a sensitive and nurturing side as he coaches, cheers and challenges the restaurant staff, all the way from appetizers through dessert.

Will the restaurants follow Ramsay’s rules, or will they continue to stumble toward closure?

The second season of KITCHEN NIGHTMARES is a co-production of Granada America and Optomen in association with A. Smith & Co. Arthur Smith, Kent Weed and Patricia Llewellyn serve as executive producers.

Lie to Me

Entering its intriguing second season, LIE TO ME is the compelling drama series inspired by the scientific discoveries of Dr. Paul Ekman, a real-life specialist who can read clues embedded in the human face, body and voice to expose the truth and lies in criminal investigations.

DR. CAL LIGHTMAN (Tim Roth) is the world’s leading deception expert. If you lie to Lightman, he’ll know it. He’ll see it in your face, in your posture or hear it in your voice. If you shrug your shoulder, rotate your hand or even just slightly raise your lower lip, Lightman will know you’re lying. By analyzing facial expressions and involuntary body language, he can read feelings ranging from hidden resentment to sexual attraction to jealousy. But as Lightman well knows, his scientific ability is both a blessing and a curse in his personal life, where family and friends deceive each other as readily as criminals and strangers do.

Lightman heads a team of experts at The Lightman Group who assist federal law enforcement, government agencies and local police with their most difficult cases. DR. GILLIAN FOSTER (Kelli Williams) is a gifted psychologist and Lightman’s professional partner who brings balance to the partnership by looking at the bigger picture while Lightman focuses on the details. He needs her guidance and insight into human behavior, whether he knows it or not. ELI LOKER (Brendan Hines) is Lightman’s lead researcher. He is so uncomfortable with the human tendency to lie that he’s decided to practice what he calls “radical honesty.” He says everything on his mind and often pays the price. RIA TORRES (Monica Raymund) is the newest member of the agency, and one of the few “naturals” in the field of deception detection. Her raw, untrained ability to read people makes her a force to be reckoned with.

In the series’ first season, The Lightman Group worked on multiple cases from determining fault in a building collapse to solving the murder of a powerful judge’s teenage daughter to uncovering money hidden in a Ponzi scheme. An arson investigation reconnected Lightman and his ex-wife, Assistant U.S. Attorney ZOE LANDAU (guest star Jennifer Beals), while FBI Agent BEN REYNOLDS (guest star Mekhi Phifer) partnered with the team to track down an elusive serial rapist and to determine who was behind a rash of terrorist bombings in the Washington, DC area.

Brian Grazer, David Nevins, Sam Baum and Shawn Ryan serve as executive producers on the series, which is produced by Imagine Television in association with 20th Century Fox Television.

The Simpsons

Now the longest-running comedy in television history, THE SIMPSONS immediately struck a chord with viewers across the country as it poked fun of itself and everything in its wake. With its subversive humor and delightful wit, the series has made an indelible imprint on American pop culture, and the family members have become television icons.

January 14, 2009 kicked off “Best. 20 Years. Ever.,” a year-long global 20th anniversary celebration culminating on January 14, 2010, exactly 20 years to the date from the original series premiere. In May 2009, THE SIMPSONS were commemorated on 44-cent First-Class Mail stamps. Featuring images of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie, the stamps were personally designed by creator and executive producer, Matt Groening.

The critically praised series has been bestowed with numerous honors, including a Peabody Award, 24 Emmy Awards, 23 Annie Awards, five Genesis Awards, nine International Monitor Awards and seven Environmental Media Awards. THE SIMPSONS holds the Guinness Book of World Records titles for Longest-Running Primetime Animated Television Series and Most Guest Stars Featured in a Television Series. Recognized as a pop culture icon, Homer Simpson’s annoyed grunt – “D’oh!” – is an official word in the Oxford English Dictionary, and THE SIMPSONS has a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. With record-breaking retail sales, THE SIMPSONS reigns as one the best-selling TV DVD properties of all time.

During the upcoming 21st season, HOMER (Dan Castellaneta) is cast as the lead in a new comic book feature film adaptation and hires fitness trainer LYLE MCCARTHY (guest voice Seth Rogen) to whip him into shape for the part, while BART (Nancy Cartwright) learns there is a better prankster in school and vows to take him down. In the annual “Treehouse of Horror” trilogy, the family fights to survive a zombie outbreak, Bart and LISA (Yeardley Smith) become entangled in a murder scheme and Homer’s blood becomes the secret ingredient in MOE’s (Hank Azaria) new beer.

Guest stars paying Springfield a visit next season include Seth Rogen (who also co-wrote the episode to which he lends his voice), Jonah Hill, Neve Campbell and Anne Hathaway. Additionally, Jackie Mason returns as RABBI KRUSTOFSKY, KRUSTY THE CLOWN’s (Castellaneta) father.

THE SIMPSONS is a Gracie Films production in association with 20th Century Fox Television. James L. Brooks, Matt Groening and Al Jean are the executive producers. Film Roman is the animation house.

So You Think You Can Dance

Celebrating its 100th episode milestone this summer, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE continues to keep viewers amazed and inspired as talented dancers compete in everything from Hip-Hop, Krumping and Popping to Salsa, Jookin’ and Jive to be named America’s Favorite Dancer.

As revealed by host Cat Deeley, the Season Four champion, Joshua Allen, was voted America’s Favorite Dancer and danced off with the cash prize of $250,000. Following the season finale, the finalists from the past season embarked on a cross-country, 40-city performance tour.

For Seasons Five and Six, producers travel across the country in search of dancers who represent the rhythm of America. Those who spark the interest of judges Nigel Lythgoe and Mary Murphy are invited to call-backs, where they will work with top choreographers, including Adam Shankman, Tyce Diorio, Mia Michaels, Tabitha Dumo and Napoleon Dumo, to learn and then be judged on a particular style of dance. During the call-back week, the judges choose the Top 20 dancers who will continue in the competition.

In the performance round, the 20 finalists dance for America’s votes, and each week the six contestants comprising the bottom three couples are given a chance to perform solo routines to encourage the judges to keep them on the show. The judges then decide which dancers stay in the competition and which male and female are eliminated. If a couple is split apart, the two individual dancers who remain become a couple the following week.

Once the series is down to the Top 10 finalists, the dancers switch partners and it’s solely up to America to decide who remains in the competition. Following the performance shows, viewers can vote for their favorite couples. The live results shows reveal who keeps dancing and who goes home.

Choreographers Mia Michaels and Wade Robson were honored with Emmy Awards in 2007 for their work on Season Two. Robson won the Emmy for Outstanding Choreography again the following year for his work on Season Three, while Shane Sparks and Mandy Moore earned nominations in the same category. In 2008, the make-up team was nominated for Outstanding Makeup for a Multi-Camera Series or Special (Non-Prosthetic).

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE was created by Simon Fuller and Nigel Lythgoe and comes from 19 Entertainment, Ltd. and Dick Clark Productions, Inc. The Emmy-nominated series is executive-produced by Simon Fuller, Nigel Lythgoe and Barry Adelman.

‘Til Death

‘TIL DEATH ‘TIL DEATH is a comedy about the triumphs and tribulations of marriage and friendship from very different perspectives. It’s about the funny – and annoying – things that happen between husbands, wives, parents, children, neighbors and friends day after day after day… EDDIE (Brad Garrett) and JOY STARK (Joely Fisher) are your typical long-time married couple: Eddie is the unemotional, cynical and tell-it-like-it-is husband while Joy is the caring, loving wife who on a daily basis has to put up with all things Eddie.

You could say Joy is the yin to Eddie’s yang. They’ve been through it all together – and actually survived. Joy and Eddie are the perfect fit, and as much as they gripe about their marriage, Eddie really does love Joy, and Joy, despite it all, loves Eddie for all his shortcomings.

Living in suburban Philadelphia, Eddie and Joy live somewhat idyllic lives – Eddie is a high school history teacher and Joy works in a travel agency. Their daughter, ALI, is in a long-term relationship with DOUG (Timm Sharp), whom Eddie and Joy consider unworthy of their princess. This season, Ali and Doug return from their trek in the Ecuadorian rainforest and set up camp in the Stark’s backyard.

Meanwhile, Eddie decides to write a book about the Hindenburg, and Joy comes to terms with the job market in the current economy. ‘TIL DEATH is executive-produced by Don Reo, Dean Lorey, Brad Garrett, Glenn Robbins and Doug Wald for Sony Pictures Television. The series was created by real-life husband-and-wife team Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa.

Australia's Anna Torv stars in FOX's sci-fi drama 'Fringe'.

FOX have given an early second-season renewal to sci-fi drama ‘Fringe’.

The Warner Bros. series, which wraps its first season on May 12, has become a household name on Tuesday nights, becoming the top new series in all major demographics.

It’s also this season’s No. 1 new drama among adults 18-49.

“‘Fringe’ proved to be a notable addition to our schedule all season,” said Fox Entertainment prexy Kevin Reilly.

“J.J. and the whole Bad Robot team have been phenomenal partners, and we look forward to years of making great television with them.”

Source: TVShowsonDVD.com

"The Observer" spotted during 'Idol', during the 'NFL' and in a scene on 'Fringe'.

FOX have started airing a new viral cross promotion campaign for J.J. Abrams’ sci-fi drama ‘Fringe’.

‘American Idol’ audiences were haunted by a mysterious bald man in a suit sitting among the audience during this week’s live performance show.

‘Fringe’ fans were quick to identify the mystery man as “The Observer” from the hit sci-fi show.

The character was never mentioned by anyone on the talent show, but instead remained seated eerily among the crowd.

This isn’t the first time “The Observer” has appeared on live television, the ‘Fringe’ character has been spotted during NFL and Yankees games; as well as during a NASCAR broadcast.

An ‘Idol’ clip has been posted on YouTube.

‘Star Trek’ may not even be out yet, but that’s not stopping Paramount Pictures from moving forward with a sequel.

Variety reports that J.J. Abrams, who directed and produced the new film, will be back to produce the follow-up alongside fellow Bad Robot producer Bryan Burk. No decision has been made yet on whether Abrams will direct the sequel.

The studio has also brought back Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lindelof to pen the screenplay.

The story is still in early stages, but the trio are aiming to deliver their script to Paramount by Christmas for a likely June-July 2011 release.

“Obviously we discussed ideas, but we are waiting to see how audiences respond next month,” Kurtzman said. “With a franchise rebirth, the first movie has to be about origin. But with a second, you have the opportunity to explore incredibly exciting things. We’ll be ambitious about what we’ll do.”

Orci and Kurtzman have worked closely with J.J. Abrams ever since their writing stint on ‘Alias’, the three penned the Abrams’ directed ‘Mission Impossible III’ and co-created FOX’s ‘Fringe’.

Abrams and Lindelof co-created ‘Lost’ with fellow show-runner Carlton Cuse, all three currently server as executive producers on the ABC drama.

The world premiere for ‘Star Trek’ will be held April 7 at the Sydney Opera House, with the theatrical release set for a month later on May 7 in Australia.

J.J. Abrams attends the 'Star Trek: The Beginning' press conference at Apgujeon CGV in Seoul, South Korea.

Paramount Pictures have extended their first-look deal with J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions through 2013. The original 5-year deal was made back in July, 2006.

Bad Robot and Paramount’s first release ‘Cloverfield’, grossed over $170 million worldwide. Abrams’ upcoming ‘Star Trek’ reboot is expected to see even greater fanfare at the box office come May.

“Bad Robot has had an incredibly fun and productive collaboration with Paramount,” said Abrams. “We are all so grateful for their amazing support and creative team, and feel like we’re just getting started.”

“Today’s announcement is meaningful to me in many ways,” said Brad Grey, chairman and CEO, Paramount Pictures. “Bad Robot was one of the first deals we made to help rebuild the studio. J.J. has since become part of the fabric of Paramount and we look forward to continuing our fruitful creative collaboration for many years to come.”

The two companies will begin production on the Harrison Ford and Rachel McAdams comedy ’Morning Glory’ in June  for a 2010 release.

Abrams’ also signed first look 6-year deal with Warner Bros. TV back in 2006 which is expected to see a similar extension.

Bad Robot wasformed in 2001 by Abrams and producer Bryan Burk, and is behind TV’s ‘Fringe’, ‘Lost’ and ‘Alias’.

• The winter premiere of House netted season high figures with 14.87M, A18-49: 5.5/13 and A18-34: 4.8/13. This led into 24, which didn’t bleed many viewers from its premiere numbers, 12.04M, A18-49: 4.1/9 and A18-34: 3.3/9.

• Aided by a mammoth Idol lead in, Tuesday’s airing of Fringe received its highest viewership since its third episode (The premiere had no House lead in) with 12.093M, A18-49: 4.7/11 and A18-34: 4/10

• Lost’s season 5 premiere on Wednesday managed a healthy 11.66M, A18-49: 5.2/12 A18-34: 4.9/13 with the second hour pulling in 11.08M, A18-49: 5.0/13 A18-34: 4.6/12. The other big premiere was Fox’s Lie to Me, 13.19M, A18-49: 5.2/13 and A18-34: 5.1/13. However, the final numbers tell a different story with Lost winning in the key demos by .1 of a point.

• On Thursday, the long running battle between CSI and Grey’s Anatomy saw split leadership:
  CSI: 17.526M, A18-49: 5.0/12, A18-34: 3.2/8  
  Grey’s Anatomy: 14.251M, A18-49: 5.6/14, A18-34: 5.9/15
  But the real winner was Private Practice which continues to do a great job leading out of its sister show, 9.635M, A18-49: 3.6/10 and A18-34: 3.7/11. This is the only thing ABC has done well in the 2008/09 season.

• Finally, underrated cable show Burn Notice managed 5.1M and a 1.9 rating in the 18-49 demo. Perhaps NBC should consider moving it to their broadcast network

Source: Nielsen TV Ratings

We’re live in the new primetime! Just like Prison Break, Heroes and Gossip Girl! However, like our friends in the same timeslot, we struggle to find an audience from the start. As the numbers grow, we dive into deep discussions on Freeview, Thank God You’re Here, This Is Your Laugh, Packed to the Rafters, Eli Stone, Pushing Daisies, Dirty Sexy Money, Prison Break, Gossip GIrl, How I Met Your Mother, Fringe, Dance Machine, American Gladiators, Rush and Don’t Forget The Lyrics. We also play three rounds of Mystery Voice and a challenging segment of Cameron’s Sixth Sense.

• TiVo Australia announces free online movie downloads (via Blockbuster) and online interactive features.

• Showtime renews Californication for a 12-episode third season.

• ABC announces mid-season replacements Cupid, Castle and The Unusuals.

• CBS announces mid-season replacements Harper’s Island and Game Show in My Head.

• Reaper returns March 17 on The CW.

• The Office scores post-Super Bowl slot on NBC.

• The Mentalist (3.8/9) beats Fringe (3.7/9) in target demo for the third week in a row.

Sources: Variety, The Australian

What an interesting fall it has been, with a number of good performances from The Mentalist, Smallville, Supernatural and Gossip Girl to name a few and many casualties in My Own Worst Enemy, Dirty Sexy Money, Eli Stone, Pushing Daisies, Do Not Disturb, Lipstick Jungle, The Ex-List, Easy Money, Valentine, In Harm’s Way and Til Death. Here is how I rate each show.

Winners

The Simpsons: Back for its 20th season, The Simpsons has been Fox’s Sunday night stable mate pulling in an average of ~9M viewers this season. Couple this with the highest rating Treehouse of Horror episode in five years. Simpsons is definitely a winner for Fox even though the jokes seem to be recycled over and over again.

Family Guy: Has not dropped out of the weekly top 10 in the 18-49 bracket and dominates the 18-34 demo against the likes of Desperate Housewives and NFL. Has a number of years left in it.

Desperate Housewives: Now into its fifth season, the housewives seem to never age. Viewership has diminished due to a lacklustre third season (?), nevertheless it is Sunday’s night top scripted drama in total viewers and 18-49 demo.

Chuck: Against some tough opposition, Chuck managed to remain around the 6.5M mark and over the 2 rating in key demos in the fall.

Big Bang Theory and How I Met Your Mother: Continually defies the critics, occasionally winning the timeslot in the key demos and has slowly built an audience over the fall season.

Two and a Half Men: Veteran CBS comedy which defies logic and reaps in excess of 14M viewers every week.

CSI: Miami and CSI: NY: The two spin-offs constantly pull in the masses and in Miami’s case building on its lead in.

Gossip Girl: Season 2 has been somewhat of a break through season for the teen drama, hitting series high numbers and providing a suitable and beneficial lead in for One Tree Hill.

One Tree Hill: After falling below the 3M mark during its 3rd, 4th and 5th seasons, One Tree Hill has bounced back nicely, regularly rating in the mid to low 3M range.

House: The move to 8/7c hasn’t helped its numbers, but it is taking one for the team as Fox continue to develop Fringe. Still pulls in massive demos for the news corp. network.

The Mentalist and NCIS: Against the House and Dancing juggernauts these two dramas have performed admirably, especially The Mentalist which does particularly well for the eye in the demos.

90210: Was off to a flying start, but numbers have settled around the 3M mark. Occasionally out-rates CW’s other teen dramas in One Tree Hill and Gossip Girl.

Criminal Minds: Behind the CSI franchise, it is CBS’s best rating demographic show amongst all the crime procedurals.

30 Rock: Has been nurtured nicely and off the back of the US election and Tina Fey’s extra exposure, numbers have soared to series highs.

The Office: The peacock’s best rating show in the fall, challenges the likes of Grey’s Anatomy, House and Desperate Housewives for the 18-49 crown.

ER: In its final season and still pulling in the viewers left, right and centre. Also defeats the likes of lead in assisted shows Life on Mars and Eleventh Hour in the key demos. One of NBC’s top rating shows of the fall.

CSI: Still pulling in the masses in its ninth season, also stays competitive in the demos against the demo king Grey’s Anatomy.

Grey’s Anatomy: Numbers have died down for the once ratings juggernaut, but it is still the week’s top rating demo show.

Supernatural and Smallville: Are up year-on-year and ratings can not be better with Supernatural soaring to series highs. Well deserved winners.

On the Bubble

King of the Hill: The recently cancelled animated comedy just misses out on the winners list. Regularly winning its timeslot in the 18-34 demo and hovering around the 6-7M mark week in week out. What were the execs at Fox smoking when they swung the axe?

American Dad: My favourite animated comedy of them all, does well in the demos but poor retention out of Family Guy has it a bee’s d**k away from a winner.

Amazing Race: Has slipped significantly in the demo, sometimes even dropping below the 2 rating in the 18-34 demo.

Cold Case: Solid numbers for veteran CBS, but its demos aren’t what CBS are looking for. If not for NFL overrun, CBS would be dead last in the demos on Sundays.

Brothers and Sisters: Averages 10M every week and a 4 rating in the demos, but losing a third of a compatible lead in is not good enough. Anymore it would’ve been a loser.

Heroes: Has lost a lot of steam, in previous seasons in has dominated the demos with nothing coming close to it, but this season Two and a Half Men constantly beats it in the key demos.

Prison Break: Has been stable across the fall season and regularly clears the 2 rating in the demos.

Old Christine and Gary Unmarried: Numbers for a relatively easy timeslot are soft, but CBS haven’t had another comedy block outside of Mondays, so this deserves a little credit, only just.

Samantha Who?: Just makes it into this list, retention out of Dancing with the Stars is a paltry 50 odd percent, but nothing else has done better out of Dancing. My judgement on Samantha Who? might change when the ratings for last night are released early tomorrow morning our time.

Boston Legal: After surviving the culling last year, Boston Legal continues to out perform a number of the alphabet’s other shows even though it is in its final season.

Fringe: Still a work in progress and if it weren’t for a House lead-in would be in the trash by now. Nevertheless, does well in the demos and is Fox’s best rating drama since House itself.

Law and Order SVU: Has tumbled to series low numbers, but still a consistent performer for an otherwise struggling network.

The Biggest Loser: Constantly slides under the radar for NBC, it is one of NBC’s best performers in demos.

America’s Next Top Model: Initially numbers were soft but has built as the season progressed, with the finale pulling in 4.8M and was the night’s top rating program amongst the 18-34 demo.

Private Practice: Best of a bad bunch on a Wednesday night, numbers will improve once it proceeds its sister show, Grey’s Anatomy.

Ugly Betty: Hasn’t reached the highs of its inaugural season, but still one of ABC’s better shows.

Life on Mars and Eleventh Hour: Poor retention out of lead in, but numbers have been acceptable.

Survivor: The reality veteran continues to kick off CBS’s Thursday night with a bang.

Ghost Whisperer and Numb3rs: Solid but not spectacular Friday night performers.

Everybody Hates Chris and The Game: Numbers are down on Smackdown, but approx 1.5-2M isn’t a bad effort for The CW.

Losers

The Unit: Moving it from Tuesday night to Sundays has sugar coated some flaws but retention out of Cold Case is good, however demos are a worry.

In Harm’s Way, Easy Money and Valentine: all lasted less than 6 weeks, could only muster 1M or so viewers and couldn’t even crack a point in the demo.

My Own Worst Enemy: The recently cancelled drama had a lot of potential, but numbers just didn’t stack up.

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles: Continues to bleed viewers from its series premiere, with its last airing netting less than 5M viewers. It might have a core fan base, but that is where it ends.

Privileged: Even though its one of my favourites of the new fall season, numbers have been poor out of a compatible 90210.

Eli Stone: Poor retention out of Dancing which eventually led to its cancellation.

Without A Trace: No longer appeals to the masses, but averages reasonable numbers for procedural kings CBS.

Pushing Daisies: Struggled in a relatively easy slot, with figures slipping below the 5.5M mark and 2 rating in the demo.

Dirty Sexy Money: Another sophomore drama culled due to ABC’s stupidity, however ratings were poor and cancellation was justified.

Stylista: What were The CW thinking here? Project Runway, Shear Genius to name a few.

Knight Rider: Exciting show which hasn’t caught on to the masses.

Life: Has lost its oomph factor from its freshman season and even with the shift to a more viewer friendly timeslot, numbers have been poor.

Lipstick Jungle: Numbers have headed south since its season two premiere.

Do Not Disturb and Til Death: Should have never green lit these two shows.

Deal or No Deal: Viewer fatigue has finally set in for this once stable performer.

My Name is Earl: Novelty is wearing off this once funny comedy.

Kath and Kim: Hasn’t worked out for NBC, but has the potential to be a good comedy.

Kitchen Nightmares and Hole in the Wall: Down year-on-year in that timeslot.

The Ex-List, Crusoe, Are you Smarter than a 5th Grader and Don’t Forget the Lyrics: Crusoe and Ex-List both couldn’t crack it on Friday, averaging ordinary numbers. The shift to Fridays for 5th Grader and Lyrics hasn’t worked out with both pulling less than its Thursday numbers.

Worst Week: Poor retention out of Two and a Half Men.

Tuesday night saw ABC dominate with the finale of Dancing with the Stars and the umpteenth repeat of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, 20.58M; A18-49: 5.1 (rating)/14 (share); A18-34: 3.4/10 and 11.1M; A18-49: 3.5/9; A18-34: 2.6/8 respectively. What will the alphabet do now that Dancing with the Stars is finished? Their Mondays and Tuesdays will certainly collapse.

Fox were a close second in the 18-49 demo but took the crown in the 18-34 demo with House and Fringe (more House than Fringe). House finished with 12.49M; A18-49: 5.0/14 and A18-34: 4.9/15. While Fringe may be a work in progress, its numbers aren’t promising (8.73M; A18-49: 3.9/10; A18-34: 3.6/10) and loosing nearly 3M from its first half hour (first five minutes of the first half hour includes the last 5 minutes of House).

Over at CBS, NCIS managed 18.16M; A18-49: 3.7/10; A18-34: 2.1/6. The Mentalist which followed continues to be the highest rating freshman drama (15.91M; A18-49: 3.6; A18-34: 2.3/6) with Without a Trace completing the night, 10.37M; A18-49: 2.5; A18-34: 1.6/5. CBS’s Tuesday line-up has held up well against the Dancing with the Stars juggernaut and ratings are sure to improve once Dancing is out of the way.

Capping off the night, NBC had a two hour special of The Biggest Loser netting an unusually low 6.77M; A18-49: 2.6/7; A18-34: 2.2/7. Numbers might have been down last night but it deserves more credit for its 2008 performances given NBC’s troubles this year. However, Law and Order: SVU is loosing steam with a series low rating in the demos (8.55M, A18-49: 3.2/9; A18-34: 2.9/8)

Meanwhile on Cable:

Star Wars: Clone Wars (Cartoon Network, 9pm Friday) 2.775M
Sons of Anarchy (FX, 10pm Wednesday) 2.457M
Mythbusters (Discovery, 9pm Wednesday) 2.348M
South Park (Comedy Central, 10pm Thursday) 2.255M
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX, 10pm Thursday) 1.297M
True Blood (HBO, 9pm Sunday) 2.4M
Entourage (HBO, 10pm Sunday) 2M

Sorry no Summer Heights High numbers

Source: Nielsen TV Ratings

The silly season is almost here and it’s the time of the year where networks air shows which have failed during the official ratings period. Here is a list for each network (If I have left out your favourite show, just leave me a comment).

Note: I have only included new content and excluded factual shows.

Nine

ER: returns Wednesday 3rd December 9:30pm
Fringe: returns Monday 1st December 9:30pm
Gossip Girl – Season 1: premieres Wednesday 3rd December 10:30pm
McLeod’s Daughters: returns Saturday 6th December 8:30pm
Monster House: returns Friday 5th December 10:45pm
Pushing Daisies: Some time during the summer
Survivor – Micronesia: continues Monday 1st December 9:30pm and Tuesday 2nd December 10:35pm
Temptation: 7pm Weeknights
The Big Bang Theory: Sunday and Monday 30th November and 1st December 8:00pm
The Closer: returns Thursday 4th December 9:30pm
The Hills: Premieres on Saturday, December 6 at 12.30pm
Wife Swap USA: Saturday 6th December 7:30pm

SBS

Carla Cametti PD (New Aussie Drama): starts Thursday 8 January at 8:30pm
Food Safari: begins Wednesday 3rd December 8:30pm
Inspector Rex – Rex in Rome: starts Thursday 4 December at 7:35pm
Iron Chef: series returns Saturday 14 February at 8:30pm.
Long Way Down (Documentary Series): begins Wednesday 3rd December 8:30pm
Mad Men: late summer 2009
Top Gear Season 11: begins Monday 24th November 7:30pm
Wall Street Warriors (Documentary Series): begins Friday 5th December 7:30pm

Seven

24: Redemption: premieres Friday December 5th 9:30pm
Dance Machine: premieres Saturday December 6th 7:30pm
Dirty Sexy Money: begins Tuesday December 2nd 9:30pm
Eli Stone: premieres Tuesday December 2nd 8:30pm and continues on Thursday
Heroes: continues Thursday December 4th 10:30pm
Holby Blue: premieres Sunday November 30th 8:30pm
Kath & Kim (US): returns Monday December 1st 11:00pm
Las Vegas: returns Wednesday December 3rd 8:30pm
Prison Break: returns Tuesday December 2nd 10:30pm and continues on Wednesday
Scrubs: continues Monday December 1st 10:30pm
The Amazing Race: continues Thursday December 4th 9:30pm
The Unit: continues Wednesday December 3rd 9:30pm
Ugly Betty: returns Tuesday December 2nd 7:30pm and continues on Thursday

Ten

90210: returns Sunday 30th November 7:30pm Monday 24th November 7:30pm
America’s Next Top Model – Season 8: premieres Sunday 30th November 6:30pm
Army Wives – Season 1: premieres Monday 1st December 8:30pm
Don’t Forget The Lyrics - Season 2 episode 15: begins Wednesday 3rd December 7:30pm
How to Look Good Naked – Season 2: begins Wednesday 4th December 7:30pm
In Plain Sight - Season 1: premieres Tuesday 9th December 9:30pm
Out of the Blue: continues Weeknights 10:30pm
The Bold & The Beautiful: continues Weeknights 6:00pm
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart: continues Sunday 30th November 10:40pm
The Ex-List: premieres Monday 1st December 9:30pm
The Office – Season 3 episode 20: continues Sunday 30th November 10:30pm

The trailer for the new “Star Trek” movie hits theatres this weekend in the US, infront of the new James Bond flick, “Quantum of Solace”.

It’s marks the eleventh feature film based on 60’s sci-fi series, but that’s not the only TV connection. The upcoming reboot for the “Star Trek” franchise was written and directed by TV mastermind J.J Abrams (Felicity, Alias, Lost, Fringe), and fellow scribes, Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci (Alias, Fringe).

It stars TV’s Zachary Quinto (Heroes), Simon Pegg (Spaced), Jennifer Morrison (House), Rachel Nichols (Alias),  John Cho (Ugly Betty, Kitchen Confidential), Anton Yelchin (Huff) and Australia’s Chris Hemsworth (Home and Away). Along with Chris Pine, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, Winona Ryder, Australia’s Eric Bana and Star Trek’s original Spock, Leonard Nimoy.

“Star Trek” lands in theatres May 7, 2009 in Australia. Keep an eye out for the new trailer when it hits the web next Tuesday. We’ll post a link on our blog.

Friday, February 13th. No it’s not just black Friday, but it will be FOX’s Sci-Fi Friday. Tell your friends and family, jot it in your diary, do whatever you can to remember this date as this is the date FOX is set to premiere it’s much talked about sci-fi drama, Dollhouse. Given Dollhouse was supposed to be FOX’s silver bullet in terms of dramas, with the news corporation network having little success with dramas since Prison Break. The move to a usually low rating night is sure to anger fans of the show and Whedon who saw his previous project, Firefly fade away on the same night.

Also, recently renewed, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, has been bumped to Fridays providing the lead in to Dollhouse.

As previously reported, 24 will premiere on January 5th and from the 12th House will move into the 8pm slot with 24 proceeding. Does 24 really need the House lead in? Now I understand why FOX have little success with dramas, they just make one dumb decision after another.

FOX’s other new midseason drama Lie to Me, starring Tim Roth as a “human lie detector”, is set to lead out of American Idol on Wednesdays. Anyone else smell a Psych spin-off?

Still no news on Prison Break and the airdate for Seth McFarland’s new animated comedy The Cleveland Show. Watch this space for up to the date news for both shows.

Full FOX midseason schedule and premiere dates after the break.

MONDAY
Monday, Jan. 5:
7:30 PM-CC ET TOSTITOS FIESTA BOWL (LIVE)

Monday, Jan. 12:
8:00-10:00 PM 24 (Season Premiere, Part 2)

Mondays, beginning Jan. 19:
8:00-9:00 PM HOUSE (Time Period Premiere)
9:00-10:00 PM 24 (Time Period Premiere)

TUESDAY
Tuesday, Jan. 13:
8:00-10:00 PM AMERICAN IDOL (Season Premiere, Part 1)

Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 20:
8:00-9:00 PM AMERICAN IDOL (Time Period Premiere)
9:00-10:00 PM FRINGE

WEDNESDAY

Wednesday, Jan. 14:
8:00-10:00 PM AMERICAN IDOL (Season Premiere, Part 2)

Wednesdays, beginning Jan. 21:
8:00-9:00 PM AMERICAN IDOL (Time Period Premiere)
9:00-10:00 PM LIE TO ME (Series Premiere)

THURSDAY
Thursday, Jan. 1:
7:30 PM-CC ET FEDEX ORANGE BOWL (LIVE)

Thursday, Jan. 8:
7:30 PM-CC ET FEDEX BCS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME (LIVE)

Thursdays, beginning Jan. 15:
8:00-9:00 PM BONES (Time Period Premiere)
9:00-10:00 PM KITCHEN NIGHTMARES

Thursdays, beginning Jan. 29:
8:00-9:00 PM BONES
9:00-10:00 PM HELL’S KITCHEN (Season Premiere)

FRIDAY
Friday, Jan. 2:
7:30 PM-CC ET ALLSTATE SUGAR BOWL (LIVE)

Friday, Jan. 9:
8:00-10:00 PM FOX MOVIE SPECIAL: BRUCE ALMIGHTY

Fridays, beginning Jan. 16 (no change to lineup):
8:00-9:00 PM ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5th GRADER?
9:00-10:00 PM DON’T FORGET THE LYRICS!

Fridays, beginning Feb. 13:
8:00-9:00 PM TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES
(Time Period Premiere)
9:00-10:00 PM DOLLHOUSE (Series Premiere)

SATURDAY
Saturdays, beginning Jan. 3 (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: AMERICA FIGHTS BACK
11:00 PM-Midnight MADtv
Midnight-12:30 AM TALKSHOW WITH SPIKE FERESTEN

SUNDAY
Sunday, Jan. 11:
8:00-10:00 PM 24 (Season Premiere, Part 1)

Sundays, beginning Jan. 18:
7:00-7:30 PM HOLE IN THE WALL (Time Period Premiere)
7:30-8:00 PM HOLE IN THE WALL (Time Period Premiere)
8:00-10:00 PM ANIMATION DOMINATION
(THE SIMPSONS, KING OF THE HILL, FAMILY GUY and AMERICAN DAD)

Source: Hollywood Reporter

So by now you’ve probably already noticed that a few of those fast-tracked shows that you were watching have been already yanked off the air. You’re probably wondering, ‘what the frack?’

90210
Gone! Returning later this year (apparently). Lasted 4 episodes.

Fringe
Gone! MIA. Lasted 5 episodes.

Kath & Kim: The American Series
Replaced with the Aussie version. Lasted 2 episodes.

And you wonder why people turn to illegal downloads, if not just to avoid the headache of dodgy scheduling practices. How about not totally screwing us over for once, networks?

Episode 16 gets off to a false start, but we recover quickly and begin in depth discussions on the American Kath & Kim, Bogan Pride, The Mentalist, Heroes, Fringe, Prison Break and Psych. Plus we also brainstorm ideas for faltering network’s Ten and The CW. We wrap up with a broadband update and the future of the TVAus forum.

The Mentalist Gets Back-Nine

CBS crime drama, The Mentalist, which stars Australia’s Simon Baker, has been given a full season order. It’s the first new CBS series to be given a back-nine order.

Locally, the Nine Network can finally rejoice, it looks like this season wont be a complete bust. After several years of picking up US series which were cancelled within the first 13 episodes, they finally have a couple in the bag which ought to gain a second season, provided the US ratings stay strong.

The Mentalist joins fellow Nine Network drama, Fringe and The CW’s 90210 on the freshman full season order conveyer belt.

Gossip Girl Extended

Meanwhile, The CW’s Gossip Girl has been given a two-episode extension to it’s full season order, bringing the total to 24 episodes. The additional episodes are to make up for the shortened previous season, due to the writers strike. The extension comes as the teen drama continues to reach series highs for the green network.

FOX has given the new J.J. Abrams sci-fi drama Fringe a full season pick up after scoring the number one spot among adults aged 18-49.

The series debut to less victorious results, but has since gained some serious momentum during its four episodes on screen, averaging 4.2/11 and 10.7 million viewers overall.

The full season pick up brings the total number of episodes to 22, after the original 13 episode order. It becomes the second new fall season series to be given a back-9 order, after The CW’s 90210, which has held up strongly with 1.7/5 in 18-49, 3.25 million overall.

Source: Variety

Week Three of the US television season has seen the turbulence of last week’s ratings begin to settle.

FOX’s hit medical drama House, returned with 14.77 million viewers, creating a strong lead in for the J.J. Abrams’ new sci-fi drama Fringe (up 59% to 13.27 million). Both shows dominated their time-slots and scored strong results in their key demographics.

Over at The CW Gossip Girl saw its highest ratings ever with 3.73 million, 22% increase in its target demographic. One Tree Hill saw its best figures since season four with 3.37 million viewers. Both 90210 and Privileged retained last weeks figures despite the heavy competition from House and Fringe.

We’re back again with another great episode of TVAUSCAST. This week we discuss the new 90210, Privileged, Fringe, Packed to the Rafters, The Strip, Rush, Taken Out, Australian Idol, Make Me A Supermodel and more. We also go into a long winded discussion on tech and other forum topics. We wrap up with some self congratulatory praise.

Last night saw the second episode of The CW’s 90210 and series premieres of Privileged and FOX’s new sci-fi drama Fringe. We’re only into the second week of the US ratings period, but already signs of declining viewership is starting to show. 

Fringe, which was one of the most anticipated new FOX dramas, may have won the night, but it failed to make a big impact on the ratings figures with just 9.13 million viewers. Considering J.J. Abrams’ other series, Lost scored a massive 18.6 million viewers during its premiere, it was a rather underwhelming result for the News Corp broadcaster. Although there is still a chance for the Abrams’ series to pick up extra eyeballs next week when House returns and becomes a solid lead in for sci-fi drama.

The CW’s figures also underwhelmed with 90210 dropping to just 3 million viewers. This is equal to the figures which were seen by the Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill combo on Monday night. 90210 lost the top spot once again in its core demographic to The Secret Life of the American Teenager on ABC Family.

Privileged started solidly with 2.64 million viewers, holding on to most of 90210’s audience but it failed to pick up any extra viewers.

Both Fringe and Privileged will be re-broadcast on Sunday night in the US.

Every so often a show comes along that seems to have it all. A great concept, great writers, great producers, great cast, great pilot, great everything. But what’s really great is when a show’s on-air cool factor spills over into other mediums, including print advertising.

J.J. Abrams’ upcoming sci-fi drama Fringe has to have one of the coolest advertising campaigns I’ve seen in some time (apart from 90210’s digit shaped pool). When a show has such an intrinsically perfect campaign to go along side the series, it just scream success. Especially on a cult show level.

See the official FOX website for even more poster ads.

Fringe premieres 8/7c Tuesday, September 9 on FOX. 8:30pm Wednesday, September 17 on Nine.

Okay, so I’m probably a little biased because I’m a huge J.J. Abrams fan, but seriously, Fringe is one of the best new shows you’ll see on television this year. It’ll be the next big thing. You’ll get addicted to it just like Lost.

Fringe is a fantastical thriller from acclaimed writer/producer J.J. Abrams (Alias, Lost), Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman (Alias, Transformers).  It stars Australia’s Anna Torv (Mistresses) and John Noble (The Lord of the Rings, Home and Away), along with Joshua Jackson (Dawson’s Creek). The trio uncover a deadly mystery involving a series of unbelievable events and soon realise they may be a part of a larger, more disturbing pattern that blurs the line between science fiction and technology.

Check out Nine’s promo below.

See the FOX promo below.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWlsXtsQ6CQ

Fringe premieres September 9 on FOX and is coming soon to Nine.