Midnight

[imgleft]http://series.nu/news/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Ugly-Betty-150x150.jpg[/imgleft] This is definitely the last season of ABC’s Ugly Betty. Today, ABC and the production team made the following statement. At least fans will get their closure! “We’ve mutually come to the difficult decision to make this Ugly Betty’s final season, and are announcing now as we want to allow the show ample time to write a satisfying conclusion. We are extremely proud of this groundbreaking series, and felt it was important to give the fans a proper farewell.” Source: http://series.nu/new...ncelled-by-abc/

[imgleft]http://series.nu/news/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/JLO-300x225.jpg[/imgleft] Jennifer Lopez will guest star on CBS’ comedy “How I Met Your Mother,” which was recently renewed for a sixth season. In an episode slated to air in March, she will play Anita Appleby, a no-nonsense author of self-help books that teach women how to train men into relationship machines through the power of denial. When Robin tells Anita how Barney acts toward women, she makes it her mission to “break” him. It was the guest appearance of another pop star/actress two years ago, Britney Spears, that spurred the show’s ascend in the ratings. Lopez has been in talks with “HIMYM” producer 20th TV for a guest-starring gig on another series, Fox’s “Glee.” (THR) Source: http://series.nu/news/cbs/jennifer-lopez-to-guest-star-on-how-i-met-your-mother/

Billie Piper has ruled out a return to Doctor Who. Speaking exclusively to DS, the former companion said that she would not go back to the programme she first joined in 2005. "I think it's done now, isn't it? I think that ship has sailed. That old, wooden ship! "I really loved doing it, but Doctor Who has moved on - it's different people, different crew, different production team and I can't keep going back. It's ridiculous! It's time to move on..." The 27-year-old actress also said that she hates the fact that David Tennant has left the series, but added that Matt Smith is "capable" of filling the role.

[imgleft]http://series.nu/news/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/spartacus.jpg[/imgleft]Starz new original series “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” got off to an fairly impressive start Friday evening. The gory drama pulled 553,000 viewers on Starz, then gathered another 460,000 on Encore, according to Nielsen figures provided to the network. Those are modest overall numbers, but in Starz’ brief history as a player in the original series game, it’s easily their most-watched debut yet. It also handily beats the performance of “Crash,” whose most recent and final season debuted to 185,000. The folks at Starz expects once all sources of viewership are tallied, such as DVR and repeats this week, the “Spartacus” premiere will clear 2 million viewers. (THR) Source: http://series.nu/new...t-starz-record/

[imgleft] [/imgleft] Greg Grunberg has promised that the fourth season finale of Heroes will be "dark". The 43-year-old actor, who plays Matt Parkman on the NBC series, told DS that his alter-ego will once again do battle with Zachary Quinto's Sylar. "The remaining episodes this season, Matt gets very dark," he said. "He tries once and for all to take care of Sylar. Some would say he does succeed. "It's really dark, and he almost gets possessed in his obsession with ending this chapter of his life. I hope it's gonna scare people and they see a side of Matt Parkman they've never seen." He added that when he read the scripts for the remaining episodes, he found them "disturbing". Heroes continues Mondays at 9pm on NBC.

[imgleft] [/imgleft] "The Vampire Diaries" could have a super-scary vampire visiting, one that looks eerily like Blair Waldorf. That's right, "Vampire Diaries" and "Gossip Girl" executive producer Bob Levy says that he's going to "work on" having real-life friends Nina Dobrev and Leighton Meester make guest appearances on each other's shows, says E!. We think this is a fantastic idea. Think about it: Dobrev could visit the Upper East Side and either try to out-bitch the Queen B or worse yet, put her in an uncomfortable situation like have her visit a garage sale. Eww! Used and dirty! Of course, if Meester visits Mystic Falls, she would make a damn fine vampire with very Blair Waldorfian qualities like man-stealing or a Dorota-esque handmaiden. "Vampire Diaries" shoots down in Atlanta, and "Gossip Girl" shoots in New York, so there may be a little juggling going on with schedules, but c'mon, CW, we know you can work it out. What do you think? Would you like to see such a crossover? Follow Zap2itHanh on Twitter, Zap2it on Twitter and Facebook for the latest movies, TV and celeb news Related: 'Vampire Diaries': More of the dead and dying to come ... and come back 'Gossip Girl' finds Serena's dad: William Baldwin Photo credit: Getty

[imgleft] [/imgleft] Irony of the week: NBC, which just very publicly parted ways with "Tonight Show" host Conan O'Brien, is back in business with him via his production company. The network has given the go-ahead to a pilot called "Justice" from former "Alias" and "K-Ville" writer-producer John Eisendrath. It's being produced by O'Brien's company Conaco, which as part of his exit deal from NBC will stay based at NBC Universal through this pilot season, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "Justice" will center on a former Supreme Court justice who returns to private practice after leaving the bench. Eisendrath will executive produce with O'Brien, Jeff Ross and David Kissinger. So, uh, no hard feelings? Other pilot news: - CBS has given the green light to three comedy pilots, including one from the "How I Met Your Mother" brain trust and one from "Chuck" co-creator Josh Schwartz. "Livin' on a Prayer" comes from "HIMYM" creators Carter Bays and Craig Thomas and two of the just-renewed show's writers, Kourtney Kang and Joe Kelly. It will focus on a young couple and their friends in what Bays and Thomas call "the next stage of adulthood," per the showbiz trades. Schwartz and fellow "Chuck" scribe Matt Miller are behind "Hitched," about newlyweds who are still getting to know one another and their respective families and friends. - Also at CBS: A comedy about a widower with a 12-year-old son from writer Tad Quill ("Scrubs"); "Chaos," a drama about CIA agents written by Tom Spezialy ("Reaper," "Desperate Housewives"); and an untitled drama about an NYPD detective with a prodigious memory from Ed Redlich ("Without a Trace") and John Bellucci. - ABC has ordered pilots for a drama called "No Ordinary Family" and a pair of comedies. "No Ordinary Family" is about a family that develops superpowers. Greg Berlanti ("Brothers & Sisters," "Eli Stone") and Jon Harmon Feldman ("Dirty Sexy Money") co-wrote the script. The comedies are "Freshmen," about three new members of Congress who share a Washington house, from writer Greg Malins ("Friends") and exec producer Arianna Huffington; and an untitled show from Joe Port and Joe Wiseman ("Just Shoot Me") about siblings coming to terms with their parents' divorce. Follow Zap2it on Twitter and Facebook for the latest TV, movie and celebrity news. Photo credit: NBC

[imgleft] [/imgleft] Is "Glee" star Lea Michele's youthful-geriatric look as Rachel Berry worthy of an award? The Costume Designers Guild thinks it might be. The guild announced their nominees for their 12th annual awards, and "Glee" was among the nominated TV shows. Other shows nominated for their contemporary costuming include "Big Love," "Dancing With the Stars," "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" and "Ugly Betty." The awards -- which honor contemporary, period and fantasy costume design in films, TV and commercials -- will be held on Thursday, Feb. 25 at the Beverly Hilton. The full list of nominees: Excellence in Contemporary Film: "(500) Days of Summer" - Hope Hanafin "Bruno" - Jason Alper "Crazy Heart" - Doug Hall "Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire" - Marina Draghici "Up in the Air" - Danny Glicker Excellence in Period Film: "Coco Before Chanel" - Catherine Leterrier "Julie & Julia" - Ann Roth "Nine" - Colleen Atwood "Sherlock Holmes" - Jenny Beavan "The Young Victoria" - Sandy Powell Excellence in Fantasy Film: "Avatar" - Mayes C. Rubeo & Deborah Lynn Scott "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus" - Monique Prudhomme "Star Trek" - Michael Kaplan Outstanding Made for Television Movie or Miniseries: "Georgia O'Keeffe" - Michael Dennison "Grey Gardens" - Catherine Marie Thomas "Little Dorrit" - Barbara Kidd Outstanding Contemporary Television Series: "Big Love" - Chrisi Karvonides-Dushenko "Glee" - Lou Eyrich "Dancing with the Stars" - Randall Christensen "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" - Jo Katsaras "Ugly Betty" - Patricia Field Outstanding Period/Fantasy Television Series: "Mad Men" - Janie Bryant "True Blood" - Audrey Fisher "The Tudors" - Joan Bergin Excellence in Commercial Costume Design: "Milk: 'Milkquarious'" - Casey Storm Do you agree with the picks? Who do you think was overlooked? Follow Zap2itHanh on Twitter, Zap2it on Twitter and Facebook for the latest movies, TV and celeb news Related: 'Glee,' please call Justin Timberlake 'Mad Men' costume designer may launch a clothing line Photo credit: FOX

[imgleft] [/imgleft] Oscar winner Forest Whitaker is likely headed back into series TV with the lead role in CBS' planned "Criminal Minds" spinoff. Whitaker is close to signing a deal to star in the spinoff, which will focus on a new group of FBI profilers. The "Last King of Scotland" star will also get a producer credit on the show, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The spinoff will be introduced during a "Criminal Minds" episode set to air in the spring, in keeping with how CBS has launched the newer iterations of "CSI" and "NCIS: Los Angeles." Whitaker will play a former top FBI profiler who has been out of the spotlight for several years when he takes over as leader of the new team. "Minds" writer/executive producer Chris Mundy is writing the spinoff script, which he conceived with fellow exec producer Ed Bernero. Whitaker's most recent on-screen TV credits are a guest arc on "ER," which earned him an Emmy nomination, and a season-long stint on "The Shield." Follow Zap2it on Twitter and Facebook for the latest TV, movie and celebrity news. Related: 'Criminal Minds' gets creepy with 'Uncanny Valley' pics 'Criminal Minds' may (finally) get a spinoff Photo credit: WireImage

[imgleft] [/imgleft] The cast and producers of "Damages" will be doing weekly conference calls this season, offering their thoughts on the previous episode and what's to come. Zap2it is on the case with them. (A rather large spoiler is coming in a couple sentences' time, so if you haven't watched the season premiere yet, best to click away now.) "Damages" kicked off its third season Monday (Jan. 25) with a doozy of a "six months later" revelation. Police investigating a car that rammed into Patty Hewes (Glenn Close) uncover a body in a trash bin -- none other than that of Tom Shayes (Tate Donovan). From the earliest evidence, it looks like his death may tie into the case Patty is litigating in the present day: a Bernie Madoff-like Ponzi scheme that lost billions of dollars of investors' money -- but this being "Damages," there are a lot of layers of story to be unpeeled before the concrete connection gets made. Co-creator Todd Kessler and star Rose Byrne talked about the implications of Tom's death and what it means for the rest of the season. How does killing Tom set up the rest of the season? Kessler: We really had the idea when we were formulating the pilot and the series. With the theme of "what price success?," at some point one of the main characters should lose his or her life based on a case. ... Tom has been a character, as played by Tate Donovan, that we've just been thrilled with, and Tate's performance has been so strong, we felt like this was a great time to take this step and in a way take the risk of killing off a character. It also seems like this incident sets a more clear path to point to in the "six months later" segments. Kessler: I think that's an accurate depiction. The first season, at the end of the pilot, there was the reveal that Ellen's fiance, David, was dead in a bathtub, and Ellen was in an interrogation room being asked what happened and saying, "Get me a lawyer." ... In the second season, the endpoint wasn't as clear, except that Ellen was shooting a gun, and we didn't know who she was shooting at. I think in this third season -- we're trying to do something different each season and trying to create a thriller on television, which has its challenges. That's partly why we work in two different time frames. But having this endpoint of Tom being dead is very clear, and we feel like it's organic to our storytelling. The device of going with two different time frames allows for bigger moments to land at the beginning, then hopefully it's a great ride for the audience to get from the beginning of the season to six months later. How did Tate Donovan take the news? Kessler: I called Tate pesonally and told him that we were going to be pursuing this storyline and talked him through it, and his first response was it sounds like an amazing story and a great season, it just sucks that it has to be his character. He gets it -- he's been around and been on different series, and he understands that our desire is to give him great material and put his character at a center of the flash-forwards. So I think it is bittersweet, because it's going to be a great season for Tate. What keeps Ellen going back into Patty's world? She doesn't quite seem able to make a clean break. Byrne: It's something we're always exploring. It's very complicated, I think. They've been through so much together that Patty can understand Ellen in a way that nobody else can in her life. And I think it's vice versa too. Patty has revealed so many sides to Ellen that she probably hasn't to the closest people in her life. But what really brings them back together this season is the work [Ellen is now working with the Manhattan district attorney's office] and trying to get justice. ... They kind of reunite this season through work. Kessler: There's also some more thematic stuff that we're going to explore this season in terms of what attracts Ellen to Patty. ... For Ellen, to be around someone like Patty, who does not follow rules and really responds to things emotionally, is something we'll continue to explore this season, about why that affects Ellen. Not following the rules and not putting up with bullies are things that will come to resonate for Ellen. Rose, have you gotten to work with the new cast members [Campbell Scott, Lily Tomlin, Len Cariou and Martin Short] much? Byrne: So far I haven't. I've had just one scene with Martin Short and one scene with Campbell Scott. Most of my stuff has been in the district attorney's office, working with Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Ben Shenkman, who plays my boss. But in the second half I have a feeling I might be interacting with them a little more. I would like to -- Todd, can you write that in? I love Lily Tomlin, I'm such a fan of her and of Martin. What can you tell us about the role the homeless man [Michael Laurence] plays in the season? Kessler: Without giving away too much, clues are kind of set in the first episode and followed up in the second episode. The homeless man does play an integral role. In some ways it may be [a case of] the wrong place at the wrong time, or the right place at the right time, depending on who's looking at it. But the relationship between the homeless man and Tom is something that will continue to develop over the season, and eventually other characters get pulled into it. ... Tom and Patty start to pull at this thread, and in the flash-forwards the detectives are interviewing him, so his presence will become central as the season progresses. Follow Zap2it on Twitter and Facebook for the latest TV, movie and celebrity news. Photo credit: FX

[imgleft] [/imgleft] Fast National ratings for Monday, Jan. 25, 2010 "House" led FOX to the top of Monday's ratings pile, while "The Bachelor" also scored pretty well for ABC. The CW's "Life Unexpected," meanwhile, fell a bit from its premiere. FOX finished the night with 12.4 million viewers and a 7.4 rating/11 share in households, beating out ABC's 11.1 million and 7.3/11. CBS (9.1 million, 5.9/9) came in third, followed by NBC (5.2 million, 3.2/5). The CW trailed with 2.2 million viewers and a 1.4/2. FOX also led among adults 18-49 with a 4.3 rating. ABC's 3.6 was good for second. CBS, 2.8, finished third, followed by NBC, 1.9, and The CW, 1.0. Monday hour by hour: 8 p.m. FOX: "House" (14.2 million viewers, 8.5/13 households) ABC: "The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love" (10.9 million, 7.1/11) NBC: "Chuck" (6.9 million, 4.1/6) CBS: "How I Met Your Mother" rerun (6.1 million, 4.1/6)/"Accidentally on Purpose" rerun (5.6 million, 3.7/5) The CW: "One Tree Hill" (2.2 million, 1.5/2) 18-49 leader: "House" (5.2) 9 p.m. ABC: "The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love" (12 million, 7.8/12) CBS: "Two and a Half Men" rerun (12.1 million, 7.7/11)/"The Big Bang Theory" rerun (11.5 million, 7.1/11) FOX: "24" (10.7 million, 6.4/10) NBC: "Heroes" (4.3 million, 2.9/4) The CW: "Life Unexpected" (2.1 million, 1.4/2) 18-49 leader: "The Bachelor" (4.3) 10 p.m. ABC: "Castle" (10.5 million, 6.9/12) CBS: "CSI: Miami" rerun (9.55 million, 6.3/11) NBC: "The Jay Leno Show" (4.3 million, 2.8/5) 18-49 leader: "Castle" (3.1) Ratings information includes live and same-day DVR viewing. All numbers are preliminary and subject to change. Source: The Nielsen Company. More ratings at Zap2it: Daily, weekly and cable Photo credit: FOX

[imgleft] [/imgleft] Ted's story of "How I Met Your Mother" will continue for at least another year. CBS has given the comedy an early pickup for the 2010-11 season, the network confirms to Zap2it. The news comes on the heels of series creators Carter Bays and Craig Thomas signing a new deal with "HIMYM" producer 20th Century Fox TV, which secures their services for three more years and includes new development as well as the current show. The early renewal is something of a changeup for "How I Met Your Mother," whose renewal has been left to the last minute more than once in its five-season life. The show, however, has earned solid ratings so far this season as the lead-off to CBS' Monday comedy block. It averages 8.9 million viewers (including repeats) and a 3.6 rating among adults 18-49; the latter number is among the top 40 shows on television for 2009-10. The renewal also locks three of the Monday block's pieces into place for next season. "Two and a Half Men" and "The Big Bang Theory" are each in the midst of multi-year commitments. "How I Met Your Mother" reached the 100-episode milestone earlier this month. In the episode, Ted (Josh Radnor) catching the first glimpse of his future mate -- he saw her foot as she disappeared into the bedroom of an apartment she shares with the woman Ted was dating (guest star Rachel Bilson). Follow Zap2it on Twitter and Facebook for the latest TV, movie and celebrity news. Related: Could 'How I Met Your Mother' suit up for eight seasons? Carrie Underwood flies the 'HIMYM' friendly skies 'HIMYM' recaps Photo credit: CBS E-mail DiggFacebookFarkYahoo BuzzStumbleuponShareThis

[imgleft] [/imgleft] Last week, "How I Met Your Mother" star Neil Patrick Harris tweeted a photo of "American Idol" Carrie Underwood all dressed up as a retro stewardess for an upcoming episode of "How I Met Your Mother" and we could almost hear her saying, "What would you like? Coffee, tea or me?" Now, CBS has posted official photos from the upcoming episode and Underwood is '60s flight attendant perfection. The episode, "Hooked" has not been scheduled yet, although the show's creators Carter Bays and Craig Thomas said earlier this month that is will likely air in March. Underwood's character, Tiffany, strikes Barney's (Harris) fancy. [imgleft] [/imgleft] "What makes her even more intriguing," the creators say, "is the fact that she's a pharmaceutical rep, or Pharma Girl, which according to Barney [Neil Patrick Harris] has replaced nurses and stewardesses to become the Official New Profession of Hot Chicks." Follow Zap2it on Twitter and Facebook for the latest movies, TV and celebrity news. Related: 'How I Met Your Mother': Carrie Underwood first look Carrie Underwood engaged to NHL player Mike Fisher 'How I Met Your Mother' meets Carrie Underwood 'HIMYM' 100th episode pictures Photo credits: CBS

[imgleft] [/imgleft] "Psych" stars James Roday and Dule Hill were scheduled to guest host "WWE Monday Night RAW" on Monday (Jan. 25), but only Hill was actually on hand. Turns out Roday had an appendectomy on Saturday and was unable to make the hosting gig. News that he would be missing the "WWE" show was broken during a promotional chat with Hill and wrestler John Cena earlier in the day. What does an appendectomy get you from a bunch of wrestlers? A Get Well Soon card or a lot of teasing? The new season of "Psych" premieres this Wednesday on USA and will feature Cena. Good thing it was filmed months ago, or there may have been some payback. Follow Zap2it on Twitter and Facebook for the latest movies, TV and celeb news. Photo credit: USA

[imgleft] [/imgleft] Heard of the failcock? No? Well it seems web designers are now jumping on the NBC-bashing bandwagon. Media savvy web designer Mitch Canter posted a twitpic of a not too flattering NBC logo he had created. It's a hybrid of the NBC peacock logo and the Twitter "fail whale" image that appears when Twitter is over capacity. The original fail whale image -- a flock of Twitter birds attempting to haul a whale -- was designed by Yiying Lu and has become a pop culture icon, generally representing unsuccessful or struggling projects. "I just finished designing NBC's new logo. I call it the #failcock #conan #nbcfail," Canter, a concierge web designer who advertises he's available for freelance work on his website, tweeted on Jan. 20. Canter has been a vocal Team Conan supporter during the whole late night "Tonight Show" fiasco on his Twitter feed and a critic of NBC's bad programming/employment choices. A couple days later, Internet news blog Mashable posted the image, assuring that it would go viral. What do you think? Does NBC deserve this treatment? Follow Zap2itHanh on Twitter, Zap2it on Twitter and Facebook for the latest movies, TV and celeb news Related: Conan O'Brien's last 'Tonight Show' grabs big ratings Will Ferrell and wife Viveca Paulin send off Conan O'Brien on 'Tonight Show' Conan O'Brien's last 'Tonight Show' live blog Photo credit: Studio Nash Vegas

[imgleft] [/imgleft] Will Barney Stinson get to suit up for three more seasons? The "How I Met Your Mother" creators Carter Bays and Craig Thomas have signed a three-year, eight-figure deal with the sitcom's studio 20th Century Fox, according to the trades. This means that their popular CBS sitcom, which is currently in its fifth season, could possibly go to Season 8. Bays and Thomas will also be developing as part of the deal. On their plate first is executive producing a spec script about a dating couple from "HIMYM" writers Kourtney Kang and Joe Kelly. In other TV news: - Joanna Garcia of The CW's short-lived "Privileged" has been cast in ABC/WBTV's comedy by Shana Goldberg-Meehan about two sisters, says The Hollywood Reporter. One sister (Garcia) falls pregnant and ends up marrying her baby daddy, while the other is in a longterm romantic relationship, but has yet to take the plunge into matrimony. Garcia was last seen guest starring on The CW's "Gossip Girl" and an episode of "HIMYM." - Showtime's adaptation of the British series "Shameless" is filling out its cast with Steve Hawey, Shanola Hampton and Jeremy White. The show centers on an oft-drunk patriarch (Macy) who relies on his eldest daughter Fiona (Rossum) to take care of the family when his wife abandons them. - NBC has ordered two pilots: "This Little Piggy," produced by ABC Studios, revolves around two adult siblings who are feeling the economic slowdown and must move into the home of their eldest brother and his family; and "Nathan vs. Nurture" centers on a successful heart surgeon who was given up for adoption as a child and reconnects with his birth parents, only to find that his biological siblings aren't all that ambitious. - FOX has ordered the pilot to legal drama "Pleading Guilty," which is based on Scott Turow's novel and center son an ex-cop Mack Malloy who becomes a lawyer in a big Chicago firm. FOX also ordered pilots for drama "Breakout Kings" and comedies "Traffic Light" and "Most Likely to Succeed." Follow Zap2itHanh on Twitter, Zap2it on Twitter and Facebook for the latest movies, TV and celeb news Related: TV Bites: 'Chuck' marathon, Oscars producer, 'The Freshman' redux Casting call: William H. Macy is 'Shameless,' Krysten Ritter feels 'Gravity's' pull Photo credit: CBS

[imgleft] [/imgleft] Conan O'Brien left "The Tonight Show" on a high note -- in more ways than one. Not only did Conan welcome three great guests to his show in Steve Carell, Tom Hanks and Neil Young, but he got Will Ferrellto send him off with an off-tune but very fun rendition of "Freebird." Who knew Conan could wail on the guitar like that? But in addition to all the fanfare and heartfelt speeches, the show brought in monster ratings and the monster ratings carried over into "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon." Late Night Show Ratings: NBC: "The Tonight Show" 7.0 rating/16 share NBC: "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" 3.3/10 CBS: "Late Show with David Letterman" 2.5/5 CBS: "Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson" 1.5/4 ABC: "Jimmy Kimmel Live" 1.3/4 A ratings point represents about 1.15 million households, or 1% of the estimated 115 million TV homes in the U.S. This means that approximately 8 million viewers tuned in to watch Conan's last broadcast, beating the high-water mark of 7.1 million viewers Conan garnered for his "Tonight Show" premiere. Conan also won the coveted 18-49 demographic with a 4.8 rating among viewers in that age range. In contrast, Letterman scored a 0.6 in the 18-49 demo. These numbers are all preliminary. The final numbers for last night will be available. Jan. 28. Ratings information includes live and same-day DVR viewing. All numbers are preliminary and subject to change. Source: The Nielsen Company. Follow Zap2it Andrea on Twitter and follow Zap2it on Twitter and Facebook for the latest movies, TV and celeb news Related More ratings at Zap2it: Daily, weekly and cable Will Ferrell, wife Viveca Paulin send off Conan Conan O'Brien's final 'Tonight Show' live blog Photo credit: NBC

[imgleft]http://blog.zap2it.com/thedishrag/andy-dick-mugshot.jpg[/imgleft] Comedian Andy Dick has been arrested again? Must be Saturday! Andy Dick was arrested after performing at The Funny Bone, a comedy club in Huntington, West Virginia. The charges came after "things at a Huntington bar allegedly went too far," according to WSAZ out of West Virginia. Dick was arrested around 4:00 a.m. Saturday morning (Jan. 23) and when he was being escorted off in cuffs, WSAZ asked him why he was being arrested and he responded, "People grabbing on me." Dick will be detained at the Western Regional Jail until he is arraigned later Saturday morning in magistrate court. This is not the first time Andy Dick has been arrested. He seems to have a real problem keeping himself out of trouble Follow Zap2it's Dish Rag on Twitter and Facebook and follow Zap2it Andrea on Twitter for the latest celebrity news and buzz More Andy Dick dish More problems for Andy Dick -- another arrest Andy Dick charges dropped from sexual battery to assault Andy Dick is a trisexual? Photo credit: Western Regional Jail

[imgleft] [/imgleft] "American Idol's" Simon Cowell is the next in a long line of celebrities helping to raise money for Haiti relief in the wake of the devastating earthquake. Cowell told the Associated Press that he was asked by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown to aid in the Haiti relief effort, so he will be producing a single within the next 10 days and all the proceeds will go to the Haiti earthquake victims. "I don't know who's available, but I will get a record out within seven to 10 days," said Cowell, adding that the British government may forgo tax revenues on the single so that as much money as possible can be sent to Haiti. Some of the names already being considered are British stars Leona Lewis, Susan Boyle and Cheryl Cole, added Cowell. If you'd like to get involved in the Haiti relief efffort, the "Hope for Haiti Now" telethon airs in the U.S. Friday, Jan. 22 on just about every network. Check your local listings for times. Follow Zap2it Andrea on Twitter and follow Zap2it on Twitter and Facebook for the latest movies, TV and celebrity news Related Simon Cowell signs new sony deal - 'X Factor' just the beginning Should 'Idol' go on without Simon Cowell? Simon in talks with possible 'X Factor' judges Photo credit: FOX

[imgleft] [/imgleft] NBC's late-nightmare is over. The network announced Thursday (Jan. 21) that Conan O'Brien will leave "The Tonight Show" and NBC. O'Brien is expected to tape his last "Tonight" on Friday (Jan. 22). NBC and O'Brien agreed to a $45 million deal wherein Conan receives $33 million under the condition that he not return to television for eight months. There is also no provision that says his $33 million will go down by the amount of his new television deal, as was previously speculated. The rest of the $45 million will go towards the severance package for his "Tonight Show" staff members. Jay Leno will return to hosting "The Tonight Show" after the Winter Olympics. The official deal comes after almost two weeks of sturm und drang about the future of O'Brien and Leno, and to at least some degree of the network as a whole. NBC said Sunday, Jan. 10 that the prime-time "Jay Leno Show," which had pulled weak ratings and damaged affiliates' local news numbers, would end, and network chairman Jeff Gaspin floated a plan to give Leno a half-hour show at 11:35 p.m., pushing "The Tonight Show" to just after midnight and "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" to 1 a.m. Two days later, however, O'Brien released a statement saying he didn't want to move to midnight. "I sincerely believe that delaying 'The Tonight Show' into the next day to accommodate another comedy program will seriously damage what I consider to be the greatest franchise in the history of broadcasting," he said. "'The Tonight Show' at 12:05 simply isn't 'The Tonight Show.'" That kicked off a round of sniping that played out in the two hosts' monologues -- as well as those of David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel and Craig Ferguson -- intense negotiations and lots of reports about when O'Brien would be doing his last show. Negotiations dragged on as NBC and O'Brien's camp hammered out details, with reports of "it'll be done tomorrow" trickling out for almost a week. Now it's done and Conan O'Brien will receive $33 million for seven months' work. Not a bad deal, though we'd wager he still feels pretty raw about the whole thing. Follow Zap2it on Twitter and Facebook for the latest TV, movie and celebrity news. Related Conan O'Brien is Zap2it readers' favorite late night host 'Jay Leno Show' leaving primetime in February Photo credit: NBC

[imgleft] [/imgleft] The young lawyers of "The Deep End" are bright, ambitious, attractive, neurotic, scared, prone to sleeping with co-workers and in awe of/deeply afraid of their bosses. In other words, they're almost exactly like the doctors of "Grey's Anatomy" circa season one, but with suits instead of scrubs. And that's the chief issue with "The Deep End," which premieres at 8 p.m. ET Thursday (Jan. 21), just before "Grey's": Despite being populated with likable actors giving mostly solid performances, it's hard to escape the feeling that you've seen this before. I'm hopeful that will change in the future, that the show will find a more specific voice and set itself apart. Creator David Hemingson is an ex-lawyer, and he's said a good portion of the show is based on his own experience. But the premiere is all ABC gave us to go on, and that specificity isn't there yet. The series follows five young associates (played by Matt Long, Tina Majorino, Leah Pipes, Ben Lawson and Mehcad Brooks) at a prestigious L.A. firm. Dylan Hewitt (Long, "Jack & Bobby") arrives early for his first day at work -- only to find out he's actually 10 days late, thanks to a little trick the partners like to play to keep the first-years off balance. Fellow newbies Addy (Majorino, "Big Love" and "Veronica Mars"), Beth (Pipes, "Sorority Row") and Liam (Lawson) are similarly floundering, though Beth and Liam have already taken refuge in each other's beds. While the young associates are earnest (if caddish, in Liam's case) and eager to please, the firm's partners are meant to supply the edge -- but we have to take everyone's word for that, because their actions don't offer much proof. Cliff Huddle (Billy Zane, enjoying another bad-guy turn) is nicknamed the Prince of Darkness, but he's less pure evil than just kind of intimidatingly direct. He's married (but not especially solidly) to Susan (Nicole Ari Parker), the tough-but-encouraging head of litigation, and battling over the direction of the firm with senior partner Hart Sterling (Clancy Brown), who's returning to action with a different vision. Brooks ("True Blood") plays Malcolm, another new associate whom Hart brings in to join the other four over Cliff's strenuous objections. He gets the least screen time of the newbies in the pilot, and as such he's a little more intriguing -- Malcolm doesn't quite seem to know what to make of the situation, and thus we don't quite know what to make of him. That's less true of the other associates, who are prone to confessional gatherings where they all discuss how overwhelmed they are. In between there's a little bit of actual legal work, with Dylan taking on a pro bono custody work (in court in his first week? Really?) and Addy rushing to complete a motion and get it filed with the court in time. The closest thing they have to a mentor is Rowdy (Norbert Leo Butz, who steals a couple of scenes), the partner who recruited them and occasionally joins them for an after-work shot. But he flits in and out so quickly, it's hard to get a good read on him. The actors all do a good enough job with the material they're given; there are no real false notes that get played in the ensemble. But they also don't really elevate the material -- there's no performance, save possibly for a few brief moments from Butz, that demands your attention. So we're left with what's basically a pleasant-enough, mildly entertaining show that, it must be said, is at least a good match in tone for the rest of ABC's Thursday lineup, "Grey's" and "Private Practice." But it lacks the ability to command attention the way those other shows do, a problem that will need to get fixed if "The Deep End" is to stay afloat. Follow Zap2it on Twitter and Facebook for the latest TV, movie and celebrity news. Photo credit: ABC

[imgleft] [/imgleft]NBC is patching the Jay Leno-shaped hole in its prime-time schedule by adding to the orders of several of its series. Both "Law & Order" and "Law & Order: SVU," which will move back to 10 p.m. in March, have been extended. So have "Trauma," the once-believed-dead show that will return to Mondays since "Parenthood" is moving to 10 p.m. Tuesdays, and comedies "Community" and "Parks and Recreation." "L&O" classic will get three extra episodes this season, pushing its total to 22, while "SVU" is doing two more hours for a total of 25, the Live Feed reports. "Trauma" will get four more shows, going from 16 to 20 and taking the show into early May. "Community" gets three more episodes and "Parks and Rec" two. NBC is trying to populate the schedule with as many original episodes as it can after the Olympics. The additional episodes will allow most of its series to stay in originals from March until the end of the season. Follow Zap2it on Twitter and Facebook for the latest TV, movie and celebrity news. Related: NBC sets post-Leno prime-time schedule Photo credits: NBC

[imgleft] [/imgleft] The last-minute shelving of FOX's game show "Our Little Genius" and next week's State of the Union address could end up being a good thing for "Human Target." The president's annual address to Congress and the country will air at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Jan. 27. All of the big four broadcast networks (along with PBS and the cable news channels) will air it live, resulting in the usual schedule tweaking on the nets' part. FOX had scheduled "Human Target" for 8 o'clock on the 27th, followed by an "American Idol's" Los Angeles auditions episode. Instead, though, both shows will move to Tuesday, Jan. 26, with "Idol" at 8 leading into "Human Target" at 9. ("Idol's" Dallas auditions will air at 8 p.m. on the 27th.) That's good news for the "Human Target," which will get one more airing with an "Idol" lead-in feeing it viewers. The show premiered Sunday to a decent-sized audience of just over 10 million people. A repeat of the pilot on Tuesday night post-"Idol" did almost as well in viewers (9.2 million) and actually improved on the premiere's adults 18-49 rating. The Tuesday "Human Target" replaces the season premiere of "Kitchen Nightmares," which will move to Friday, Jan. 29. That was scheduled to be the show's home all along -- it moved to Tuesday to replace "Our Little Genius," the game show FOX pulled at the last minute over concerns about potential improper communications with contestants. The other networks' plans for Jan. 27 are as follows: ABC: "Modern Family" and "The Middle" reruns at 8, State of the Union at 9, "Cougar Town" rerun at 10:30. CBS: "Old Christine" and "Gary Unmarried" reruns at 8, State of the Union 9, "Two and a Half Men" rerun at 10:30. NBC: "Mercy" rerun at 8, State of the Union coverage from 9 to 11. Follow Zap2it on Twitter and Facebook for the latest TV, movie and celebrity news. Photo credit: FOX

[imgleft] [/imgleft] FOX is in the process of developing a U.S. version of the British sci-fi hit "Torchwood." And while that sentence might normally strike fear into our hearts, the apprehension level is somewhat lower in this case. That's because in addition to securing the remake rights from the BBC, FOX is also hiring "Torchwood" creator Russell T. Davies to write a pilot script, according to The Hollywood Reporter. There's even a chance that some of the current show's cast would cross over to the new series; the HR mentions John Barrowman by name. Two seasons of "Torchwood" -- an offshoot of "Doctor Who" about a government agency that tracks and captures aliens -- and the miniseries "Children of Earth" have aired in this country on BBC America. "Children of Earth," which aired last summer, set ratings records for the channel, and the show has been a big success in its home country as well. Davies' producing partner, Julie Gardner, will be an executive producer on the FOX project, as will former BBC executive Jane Tranter. The U.S. version of "Torchwood" is still in its infancy; FOX hasn't yet decided whether to order a pilot episode. Davies is also gearing up for a fourth season of "Torchwood" on the BBC. Follow Zap2it on Twitter and Facebook for the latest TV, movie and celebrity news. Related: John Barrowman does 'Single Ladies' 'Torchwood' and 'Being Human' at Comic-Con Photo credit: BBC America

[imgleft] [/imgleft] NBC still hasn't officially said anything about the resolution to its late-night situation, but the man who's in all likelihood headed back to "The Tonight Show" has decided to speak up. On "The Jay Leno Show" Monday night (Jan. 18), Leno went beyond cracking jokes about the network's late-night mess -- though he did some of those too -- to give his assessment of the situation. He devoted much of the show's second segment to it. Here's what he said: "Let's start in 2004 -- 2004 I'm sitting in my office, an NBC executive comes in and says to me, listen, Conan O'Brien has gotten offers from other networks. We don't want him to go, so we're going to give him 'The Tonight Show.' I said, 'Well, I've been number one for 12 years.' They said, 'We know that, but we don't think you can sustain that.' I said, 'Okay. How about until I fall to number two, then you fire me?' 'No, we made this decision.' I said, 'That's fine.' Don't blame Conan O'Brien. Nice guy, good family guy, great guy. He and I have talked and not a problem since then. That's what managers and people do, they try to get something for their clients. I said, 'I'll retire just to avoid what happened the last time.' Okay. "So time goes by and we stay number one up until the day we leave. ... Okay, but I'm leaving before my contract is out. About six to eight months early. So before I could go anywhere else, I would be at least a year or 18 months before I could go and do a show somewhere else. I said to NBC, 'Would you release me from my contract?' They said, 'We want to keep you here.' Okay. What are your ideas? They said, 'How about primetime?' I said, 'That will never work.' 'No, no, we want to put you on at 10:00. We have done focus groups. People will love you at 10:00. Look at these studies showing Jay's chin at 10:00. People will go crazy.' Didn't seem like a good idea at the time. I said, 'All right, can I keep my staff?' There are 175 people that work here. I said, 'Can I keep my staff?' Yes, you can. Let's try it. We guarantee you two years on the air, guaranteed. Now for the first four or five months against original shows like 'CSI' you'll get killed, but in the spring and summer when the reruns come, that's when you'll pick up. Okay, great. I agree to that. "Four months go by, we don't make it. Meanwhile, Conan's show during the summer, we're not on, was not doing well. The great hope was that we would help him. Well, we didn't help him any, okay. They come and go, 'This show isn't working. We want to let you go.' Can you let me out of my contract? No, you're still a valuable asset to this company. How valuable can I be? You fired me twice. How valuable can I be? Okay. So then, the affiliates are not happy. The affiliates are the ones that own the TV stations. They're the ones that sort of makes the decisions, they're not happy with your performance and Conan is not doing well at 11:30. I said, 'What's your idea?' They said, 'Well, look, how about you do a half-hour show at 11:30?' Now, where I come from, when your boss gives you a job and you don't do it well -- I think we did a good job here, but we didn't get the ratings -- so you get humbled. I said, 'Okay, I'm not crazy about doing a half-hour, but okay. What do you want to do with Conan?' We'll put him on at midnight, or 12:05, keeps 'The Tonight Show,' does all that, he gets the whole hour. I said, okay. You think Conan will go for that? Yes, yes. [laughter] Almost guarantee you. I said okay. Shake hands, that's it. I don't have a manager, I don't have an agent, that's my handshake deal. "Next thing I see Conan has a story in the paper saying he doesn't want to do that. They come back to me and they say if he decides to walk and doesn't want to do it, do you want the show back? I go, 'Yeah, I'll take the show back. If that's what he wants to do. This way, we keep our people working, fine.' So that's pretty much where we are. It looks like we might be back at 11:30, I'm not sure. I don't know. [applause] I don't know. But through all of this -- through all of this, Conan O'Brien has been a gentleman. He's a good guy. I have no animosity toward him. This is all business. If you don't get the ratings, they take you off the air. I think, you know this town, you can do almost anything. You get ratings, they keep you. I don't get ratings. ... That was NBC's solution. It didn't work, so we might have an answer for you tomorrow. So, we'll see. That's basically where it is." What do you think? Stand-up move by Leno or damage control? Follow Zap2it on Twitter and Facebook for the latest TV, movie and celebrity news. Related: NBC reportedly paying Conan O'Brien $30 million Late-night wars: Jay-vs-Conan jokes Conan gets 'Sons of Anarchy' job offer Photo credit: NBC