A Very Gaga Thanksgiving: Tonight on ABC

A Very Gaga Thanksgiving: Tonight on ABC

Lady Gaga performs eight songs, including "Marry the Night," "You and I," "The Edge of Glory," the holiday classic "White Christmas" and "The Lady Is a Tramp," a duet with Tony Bennett. She also discusses her music and her life in a conversation with Katie Couric taped at her high-school alma mater, the Convent of the Sacred Heart in Manhattan; and she joins chef Art Smith to prepare a Thanksgiving dinner of deep-fried turkey and waffles.

Coldplay and Michael Buble for X Factor final

Coldplay and Michael Buble for X Factor final

Coldplay and Michael Buble have been lined up to appear in the 'X Factor' final.

While it is not yet known who will be battling it out in the hope of being crowned winner of the ITV1 series, it is thought Irish teen Janet Devlin's voice would be most suited to the 'Fix You' hitmakers and the Canadian crooner could complement Marcus Collins' style.

An insider told the Daily Star newspaper: "There isn't anyone left in the show who would suit Coldplay's music apart from Janet.

"She wowed everyone when she sang 'Fix You'. It shows how confident everyone is that Janet will make the final."

Although the third act has not yet been confirmed, if girl band Little Mix reach the two-part final on December 10 and 11 they are keen to sing alongside 'Price Tag' hitmaker Jessie J, who helped their mentor Tulisa Contostavlos select her finalists at the Judges' House stage of the competition.

Jesy Nelson said: "It would be so cool to duet with her in the final if we make it."

Despite Janet having potentially bagged a slot alongside Coldplay in the 'X Factor' final, she and fellow acts Misha B and Amelia Lily are said to feel "deserted" after mentor Kelly Rowland jetted off to Paris to promote her new single.

Peter Andre returns to I'm A Celeb

Peter Andre returns to I'm A Celeb

Peter Andre has made an "emotional" return to 'I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here!'

The 38-year-old singer - who met ex-wife Katie Price when they both competed on the ITV1 show in 2004 - jetted in to the Australian city of Brisbane this morning (24.11.11) to work on ITV2 spin-off series 'I'm A Celebrity . Get Me Out Of Here Now!' and potentially take part in a Bushtucker Trial.

He said: "It's been emotional to return here. I had some mixed feeling yesterday. I've been back to Australia since the jungle, but never back there.

"I'm on the ITV2 panel for three days, but I'm here for four days. They are not telling me what's happening on the other day. They've blocked one day out and they've told me, 'You'll see what happens'. I don't know what they're doing.

"I'm looking forward to it, though. I wouldn't mind going in there, as long as I'm not competing. I'd definitely drop in there for a day or two to have some fun."

However, Peter has warned he won't be finding love in the jungle this time around, and even if he wanted to, he couldn't compete with 24-year-old hunk Mark Wright for the affections of Australian model Emily Scott.

He added: "The last time I came here single, I ended up walking out and getting married. This time I'm going to try and stay single.

Dancing with the Stars Season 14 premiere date is announced!

Dancing with the Stars Season 14 premiere date is announced!

Dancing with the Stars Season 14 is set to premiere on 19 March 2012. The series concluded its thirteenth season on November 22, 2011. In addition, it has been renewed for a fourteenth season, scheduled to begin on March 19, 2012. Also on November 22, 2011, GSN picked up rerun rights to seasons 4-13.

More Random TV News.......

More Random TV News.......

RANDOM NOTES

… If it sounded like an unlikely scenario when you first heard that canceled ABC soaps One Life to Live and All My Children would live on as web-only series, then congratulations: Your instincts were correct and you may have an illustrious career ahead of you as a TV programming executive. The numbers just didn’t add up, and the projects are dead. Sorry, fans. It’s time to begin the grieving process. (Though I think a return to their origins, as radio serials, might be an interesting idea. Satellite radio dramas: The hot new thing! Anyone? Anyone?) [THR]

… In happier soap news, J.R. Martinez, former star of All My Children, won Dancing with the Stars on Tuesday. The Iraq war vet will also co-host a series of specials on CNN about heroes. Martinez is my hero, simply for making sure a Kardashian did not take home the DWTS Disco Ball. [eurweb]

… The hand-wringing prisses of the Parents Television Council have released their annual list of “best and worst advertisers,” i.e. companies that bought ad time during shows the PTC feels are were far too prurient for children’s eyes. Shield your eyes, children! American Express, General Motors, and Target top the Worst list. We wish the PTC the best of luck in its ongoing censorship efforts, and encourage you to boycott all the products on their Best list. Wait, we mean Worst list? Oh, screw it—just ban and block everything. That will definitely turn our children into model American citizens! [THR]

… Michele Bachmann would like an apology from NBC, because The Roots played “Lyin’ Ass Bitch” as her intro music on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. First of all, Questlove, what the hell were you thinking? Secondly, Bachmann (and I'm gagging a bit as I say this) is right. She does deserve an apology. Questlove, I blame you for making me sympathize with Michele “Gays Are Part of Satan” Bachmann. [EW]

… The Bachelor/Bachelorette shows have produced two lasting couples. Out of 22 seasons. Compared to internet dating, though, those are pretty good odds. [toofab via tvtattle]


DEAL TIME

… Howard Stern is reportedly serious about taking Piers Morgan’s place on NBC’s America’s Got Talent. His conditions are steep: A $20 million paycheck and moving the show to New York. Would NBC actually consider disturbing the delicate, L.A.-based chemistry of this beloved franchise just to please Stern? Hopefully! He’d almost make it a show worth watching. [NY Post]

… Melanie Griffiths’ triumphant return to acting will come courtesy of Lifetime, where she’ll star opposite 24’s Jeffrey Nording on American Housewife. The show, executive produced by Griffiths and Antonio Banderas (those two make it work, against all odds!), is about “a seemingly perfect housewife living the American dream in an affluent neighborhood, married to a wealthy, up-and-coming politician.” Ah, but all is not what it appears on its surface; right, Lifetime: Television for Secretly Battered or Murderous Women? [Deadline]

… ABC has purchased a pitch from Tom Sherak, president of the Motion Picture Academy (the Oscars people), based on his own life. We’ll Be Out By Christmas is about a couple whose adult daughter, husband, and three kids move back in with them as the son-in-law studies for his MBA. [Deadline]


CAST AWAY

… Actor/comedian T.J. Miller, who viral-video’d himself to a role in the Yogi Bear movie, will play the lead in Little Brother, a Fox pilot from SNL vet and Men of a Certain Age creator Mike Royce. It’s about “a man who finds out that he has a half-brother (Miller) he never knew about who also happens to be an ex-con.” [Deadline]

… Dana Delany, Kyle MacLachlan, and Andrea Bowen will all return to Desperate Housewives to reprise their roles in the show’s final season. [TVLine]

… There is no shortage of male celebs ready to step in for Regis Philbin: Jerry O'Connell and Josh Groban will both return for guest engagements, while Dancing With the Stars dancer Derek Hough and Jonah Hill will make their debuts. As if you needed more reasons to sleep in. [THR]

TV Stars Join Kirk Douglas to Serve Thanksgiving Dinner to the Homeless

TV Stars Join Kirk Douglas to Serve Thanksgiving Dinner to the Homeless

TV stars joined screen legend Kirk Douglas and his wife Anne Wednesday to serve an early Thanksgiving Dinner to thousands of homeless people in Los Angeles. The 95 year-old Douglas -- who lived in poverty as a child -- hosted the event for the seventh year in a row on behalf of the Los Angeles Mission, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary.

The Douglases, who have supported the nonprofit for decades, were joined at the event by LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck and celebrities including Jennifer Love Hewitt, Kim Kardashian, Blair Underwood and Zoe Saldana.

Organizers told the AP they served an estimated 3,000 lbs of turkey, 700 lbs of mashed potatoes, 800 lbs of green beans, 80 gallons of gravy and 600 pies. "What goes into this meal? A lot of love," Chef Dave Thomas told CBS Local News.

According to 'The Daily Telegraph,' over the years the Douglases have been generous benefactors, paying for numerous programs including renovations and a women's center. LA Mission President, Herb Smith, said "Mr Douglas, his father was a ragman, he knows what it's like to be on the street and to be hungry. When he first came to LA, he actually got meals at the Los Angeles Mission, before he was famous. And so, they understand the population that we work with, they have the heart for that."

After the event, Kardashian tweeted "Just left the LA Mission. Met so many kind hearted people! They're [sic] goal is to feed 120,000 people by the end of the yr! We fed so many today."

Love Hewitt agreed, tweeting "The Los angeles mission is a magical place! @kimkardashian is more beautiful inside and out! So fun."

'Game of Turkeys': Thanksgiving Twitter Fun for 'Game of Thrones' Fans

'Game of Turkeys': Thanksgiving Twitter Fun for 'Game of Thrones' Fans

"Thanksgiving is coming" ... 'Game of Thrones' fans have been getting into the Thanksgiving spirit on Twitter this week by creating a world of puns known as 'Game of Turkeys.'

Sadly, 'Game of Thrones' creator George R.R. Martin hasn't joined the fun as he is rather Twitter-averse, but his original words have given rise to some truly hilarious, clever and, at times, just plain weird word play.

From Ned Stark's "If you would take a turkey's life, you owe it to him to look into his eyes and hear his final words," through Tyrion Lanister's "A Butterball ALWAYS pays his debts," to Jon Snow's "You baste them with the pointy end," homage is paid to all the classic 'Game of Thrones' lines. Enjoy!

Here's a selection of our favorites so far:

"You know stuffing, Jon Snow!"

"The turkey is of the North. It deserves better than a butcher."

"Mummy, I want to see the bad turkey fly."

"As soon as you've had your blood I'll put a chicken in you. And maybe a duck. Mother says that shouldn't be long."

"When you play the Game of Turkeys, you win or you brine. There is no middle ground."

"And what do we say to the god of death? Not today. Gobble Gobble!"

"Enough, Ned, I'll hear no more. A turkey is a savage beast. Get her a dog, she'll be happier for it."

"Tell Lord Tywin winter is coming for him. Twenty thousand northerners marching south to find out if he really does sh*t gravy."

Check out the full selection at #GameofTurkeys.

Fall TV Report Card: How Is the New Class Doing?

Fall TV Report Card: How Is the New Class Doing?

So many new shows, so little time! With a handful of fall TV casualties already — RIP Charlie's Angels, Playboy Club, Free Agents, How to Be a Gentleman and H8R (and it's not looking too good for Prime Suspect or Man Up either) — it's time to assess what's worth keeping on your DVR, and what you can safely skip.

For now, we're high on American Horror Story, a spooky mash-up unlike anything else on TV, and Homeland, a twisty thriller anchored by two riveting performances. We're cautiously optimistic about Suburgatory, for those who miss Gilmore Girls, but then there are the shows we're thisclose to ditching...

Is your favorite show in danger? Check out our list of 10 "bubble" shows

Read on to see how we see fall TV's freshman class thus far.

2 Broke Girls (CBS)
The Good: Beth Behrs' Caroline is endearing, and Kat Dennings' Max is vulnerable, hiding behind barbs. Both are damaged; together, they're great friends and a great team. Their chemistry results in a fun — and funny — rapport and repartee. Plus: The show acknowledges the current economic climate, unlike just about every other TV show.
The Bad: It's an old Odd Couple trope; and the guys at the diner are too often nothing more than borderline offensive ethnic stereotypes.
Grade: B+

Allen Gregory (Fox)
The Good: Sunday nights on Fox is the place for prime-time animated comedy, and the show features some pretty funny folks, including executive producer/star Jonah Hill, Leslie Mann, French Stewart and Family Guy alum David Goodman.
The Bad: This show isn't nearly as funny as the other "Animation Domination" shows that surround it. And while we get that the premise involves an uncharacteristically mature and insufferably rude 7-year-old, we don't like how the show makes us hate a little kid.
Grade: C-

American Horror Story (FX)
The Good: All due respect to the other bone-chilling ghost stories of the last decade (The Others, The Sixth Sense) but we're really digging Ryan Murphy's hyper-sexual, revenge-bent house of horrors. It's a ghoulish scary movie mash-up with awards-worthy performances by cursed grand dames Jessica Lange, Frances Conroy and Connie Britton, not to mention Kate Mara as a mistress scorned who's prepared to boil more than bunnies.
The Bad: Less is not more here. But they could nix the true-crime stuff — the murders in "Open House," Eric Stonestreet's turn in "Piggy Piggy" — and not miss a beat.
Grade: A-

Enlightened (HBO)
The Good: We all want to be good people. But when someone like Amy (Laura Dern) actually tries — after a workplace meltdown and a subsequent stint at a New Age rehab program in Hawaii — it's painful, heart-breaking, uncomfortable and uplifting all at the same time. Which means, it's pretty funny, compelling stuff.
The Bad: That said, her struggle is so relatable it can also be kind of a downer.
Grade: A-

A Gifted Man (CBS)
The Good: The show's supernatural premise — hotshot neurosurgeon Michael is encouraged by the ghost of his dead ex-wife to tend to those who can't afford him — became an easy, even compelling sell as deftly performed by Patrick Wilson and Jennifer Ehle.
The Bad: Michael's progress to date is best summed up by Paula Abdul: two steps forward, two steps back. Will he become even a little less selfish before year's end? Also, it's still more or less a medical procedural, and it's hard to stick with it when Michael's cases are a lot less interesting than, say, the mysteries House gets to solve.
Grade: B-

Grimm (NBC)
The Good: As the hilarious Big Bad Wolf Eddie Monroe, Silas Weir Mitchell steals the show from former reality star-turned-leading man David Giuntoli. We also appreciate the series' less whimsical approach to childhood fairy tales.
The Bad: There's just no escaping the show's tired procedural format. We know the show is supposed to be dark tonally, but the show is literally really dark. We've had to strain our eyes in more than a few scenes to see what's going on.
Grade: C

Hart of Dixie (CW)
The Good: Rachel Bilson sure is cute! And we're always happy to see Friday Night Lights alums like Scott Porter on our TV screens. Plus: The show feels like a bit of a throwback to the days when shows with heart (get it?) ruled the airwaves at CW's predecessor The WB.
The Bad: Summer Roberts as a hot-shot heart surgeon? Not so much. Almost as unbelievable is the show's nearly cartoonish Southern stereotyping: The town is called Bluebell, gators named Burt Reynolds run loose, and twangy town folk gawk at the new Yankee in their presence.
Grade: C

Homeland (Showtime)
The Good: In a cast that is solid from top to bottom, stars Claire Danes and Damian Lewis give outstanding performances as two very different damaged characters. The intricate plotting is full of twists and surprises that keep us engaged (and guessing), but the character study of Carrie and Brody is such that some weeks, the show's central question — is Brody a terrorist? — doesn't even matter.
The Bad: Not much, though we'd hoped the producers would resist the urge to have Carrie and Brody hook up so soon.
Grade: A+

Last Man Standing (ABC)
The Good: The show brought Tim Allen back to series television, and the supporting cast of women surrounding him (Nancy Travis, Alexandra Krosney, Molly Ephraim, and Justified standout Kaitlyn Dever) are all likable enough.
The Bad: Allen's an old dog that hasn't learned any new tricks. He's playing a less likable version of Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor. But it's not all his fault: Creator Jack Burditt found the funny on 30 Rock and New Adventures of Old Christine. The problem here is everyone seems to be on auto-pilot.
Grade: C-

New Girl (Fox)
The Good: Jess only looks like indie hipster queen Zooey Deschanel. Jess is actually a nerd, albeit an adorable one, who has trouble saying "penis" and cries to Dirty Dancing. So enough with (500) Days of Summer comparisons already!
The Bad: We're big believers in Nick and Schmidt, but the show doesn't seem to know what to do with Winston (Lamorne Morris), Jess' personality-free third roommate.
Grade: A-

Once Upon A Time (ABC)
The Good: The ambitious creators of this show have crafted two fully realized worlds with big story ideas. Fortunately, they have a talented, compelling cast (Jennifer Morrison, Ginnifer Goodwin, Lana Parilla, Robert Carlyle) with which to convey them.
The Bad: The show's split universe can be confusing. The "real-world" versions of the fairy tale characters aren't nearly as interesting as their whimsical counterparts, and there are moments when the fairytale world looks cheap and silly. (But as created by two veterans of the Lost writing staff, the show clearly prefers questions to answers.)
Grade: B-

Person of Interest (CBS)
The Good: We would watch Michael Emerson read the phone book. Even though the show is more procedural than we'd originally hoped, its use of technology and vigilante heroes offer a freshness to the genre. Plus: The cat-and-mouse game between Caviezel's Reese and Taraji P. Henson's Detective Carter evokes the best of The Fugitive.
The Bad: Caviezel borders on charisma-free. Also: The dialogue can be, much like the opening credits sequence, annoyingly expositional.
Grade: B

Revenge (ABC)
The Good: You thought one girl plotting revenge against well-to-do Hamptonites might get tedious week after week? Not so! Especially not with Tyler and the real Emily Thorne coming to town to turn Amanda's master plan upside-down.
The Bad: Daniel (eventually) won us over, but we know he will soon be gone for good. Will the trial for his murder be as suspenseful and surprising as everything that led up to it
Grade: B

Ringer (CW)
The Good: Campy, soapy, murder-mystery fun with Sarah Michelle Gellar playing estranged twin sisters separately on the run — what's not to like? (Did we mention that one of the sisters is a former junkie stripper? And the other is a murderous socialite with no qualms about ensnaring sis in her nefarious plans?)
The Bad: If you're not into cheese, and plenty of it...
Grade: B

The Secret Circle (CW)
The Good: The show shares a source-material author and an executive producer with our TV obsession The Vampire Diaries: But instead of blood-sucking, there's crazy magic!
The Bad: The story can sometimes be a bit slow and disconnected, only sometimes leaving us ravenous for the next episode. Plus: We're not 100 percent invested in certain characters (ahem, Diana), who don't seem to have much reason for being.
Grade: C+

Suburgatory (ABC)
The Good: It's like the half-hour Gilmore Girls, with Jeremy Sisto as a less hyper Lorelai and Jane Levy as a prickly (but still lovable) Rory. Yes, please!
The Bad: Sometimes the suburbanites of Chatswin are painted a little too stupid, as in "Charity Case," where Tessa discovered that her classmates — and guidance counselor -- have no idea what "needy" means, let alone how to spell it.
Grade: B+

Terra Nova (Fox)
The Good: So the villains of our story turn out to be the folks from the future who want to strip Terra Nova of its natural resources to take back to save miserable, depleted 2149. Commander Taylor and Jim want to stop them and protect their untouched paradise. Huh. That could be interesting...
The Bad: But we were also promised dinosaur action! Unfortunately, there's nothing close to Jurassic Park money here -- and it shows. Prehistoric swordfish, really? In the end, the dinosaurs aren't much of a threat, and that means there is nothing to distract us from the boring Shannon family at the show's center.
Grade: C-

Unforgettable (CBS)
The Good: We've missed Poppy Montgomery's charms since Without a Trace was canceled. She has excellent chemistry with co-star Dylan Walsh and, even though they're usually in the background, we're big fans of supporting players Michael Gaston and Kevin Rankin.
The Bad: It's a totally run-of-the-mill "procedural with a twist." (Carrie remembers everything! Well, except for who killed her sister.) And even though solving crimes is a tough job, the show could really stand to lighten up a bit.
Grade: C+

Up All Night (NBC)
The Good: Reagan and Chris are a hip young couple trying to adjust to life with a new baby. It's a welcome spin on the new parents yarn, and it's mostly held up by proven funny people Christina Applegate, Will Arnett and Maya Rudolph.
The Bad: But none of it is terribly, you know, funny. Also: The workplace antics of Rudolph's Ava, a self-obsessed talk show host who is Reagan's boss and best friend, feel uncomfortably wedged into the misadventures of parenting.
Grade: C+

Whitney (NBC)
The Good: Stars Whitney Cummings and Chris D'Elia, who come from stand-up, are able performers, and their chemistry is one of the show's few bright spots. And, hey, Jane Kaczmarek is Whitney's mom!
The Bad: The show is a bad translation of Cummings' stand-up. She's spouting punch lines rather than dialogue. Most of the supporting characters are one-note ciphers and the show simply feels out of place with the other NBC comedies surrounding it.
Grade: D


The X Factor (Fox)
The Good: Simon Cowell is as unforgiving as ever. Paula Abdul's, er, erratic ways continue to surprise. And of all the music competition shows, X Factor's got the most diverse group of contestants, from a seriously good 14-year-old rapper to an all-girl country pop group to a soulful (and good-looking) 60-year-old singer-songwriter.
The Bad: Nicole Scherzinger is the poor, nay, broke man's replacement for Cheryl Cole, the original fourth judge ripped so suddenly from our already won-over hearts earlier in the season.
Grade: B+

Power Rangers Samurai Float on Hand For Tournament of Roses Parade

Power Rangers Samurai Float on Hand For Tournament of Roses Parade

To celebrate the release of POWER RANGERS SAMURAI: THE VIDEO GAME, NAMCO BANDAI, developers of the game, have announced that there will be a Power Rangers-themed float gracing the 123rd Annual Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California on January 2nd 2012. The float will feature the Samurai Rangers as well as their colossal Megazord, which will stand at 35 feet

Howard Stern, 'America's Got Talent' still talking, but he wants a big payday

Howard Stern, 'America's Got Talent' still talking, but he wants a big payday

If Howard Stern does come to "America's Got Talent," it will be with a sizable price tag. And it might be more accurate to say that "America's Got Talent" will come to Stern.

The King of All Media and NBC are in "advanced talks" about Stern taking Piers Morgan's place as an "AGT" judge next summer, Page Six reports. But he has some serious demands, including a $20 million salary for the show, which is NBC's top summer franchise.

That's a lot of money, but an even bigger stumbling block may be his demand that the show move to New York after six seasons based in Los Angeles. Stern wants to continue doing his New York-based satellite radio show while working on "AGT."

Executive producer Simon Cowell is reportedly very interested in landing Stern. Page Six quotes a pair of insiders who say conflicting things about whether the other judges, Sharon Osbourne and Howie Mandel, are up for a move to the East Coast. One of the sources adds that the option of having Stern as a part-time presence on the show has also been discussed.

'Fringe' Season 5: Still a possibility, despite ratings dip

'Fringe' Season 5: Still a possibility, despite ratings dip

"Fringe" fans who are dedicated enough to check the show's ratings every week may have gotten a bit of a scare last week, when the mid-season finale delivered the show's lowest ratings ever, dipping below 3 million viewers. It's particularly worrisome given that in Season 1, "Fringe" drew an average of 10 million viewers.

(Shame on 7 million of you. Shame!)

The good news is that Season 4 has already been picked up for a full, 22-episode run, so we don't need to worry about this season being abbreviated.

As for a potential Season 5, TVLine did some digging into the future of the show, speaking to WB TV president Peter Roth about whether it's still realistic to hope for, at the very least, a 13-episode farewell season.

Roth assures fans that things may not be as dire as they seem. "This is a show on Friday nights that audiences love to DVR, and as such we shoot up anywhere from 40 to 63 percent, when you calculate the Live+7," he tells TVLine. "Hopefully that will be good enough for us to continue."

A short Season 5 would push the series over the requisite 100 episodes for potential syndication, which is normally a good incentive for a network to pick up extra episodes. Unfortunately, with a show as serialized as "Fringe," syndication isn't quite so lucrative. Even Joshua Jackson told us last season that at this point, they're making the show for the true fans -- not for those who can catch an episode here and there.

"It feels like we're making the show for people who are into the show now," he said. "We've moved away from trying to branch it out and make it easier for people to sort of dip into. Now it's just red meat for the fans, the purest form of 'Fringe' it can be. As all the actors will tell you, we enjoy so much more shooting the mythology episodes than the freak of the week episodes, because it gives you much more interesting stuff to do."

Weigh in below, "Fringe" fans. Are you hoping that the show gets another season, or do you think it's time to wrap it up this year?

'Justified': Season 3 teasers star Raylan, Boyd and shooting

'Justified': Season 3 teasers star Raylan, Boyd and shooting

One more reason to be thankful this week: The return of "Justified" is only a couple months away, and FX has offered up a pair of teasers for the coming season.

They won't give you much insight into what actually will happen in Season 3, but they do offer three of the things that make the show so good: Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant), Boyd Crowder (Walton Goggins) and guns.

The first teaser centers on Boyd, who's tracking something through the woods and comes across Raylan's signature cowboy hat lying against a tree trunk. The second is full of tight closeups on Raylan and Boyd, until they both come out shooting -- not at each other, but side-by-side at a common target.

Both of them, though, have us pretty excited for the new season, which arrives in January. Take a look:

'Area 51': Gale Anne Hurd's next big thing?

'Area 51': Gale Anne Hurd's next big thing?

Producer Gale Anne Hurd, who has a massive hit on her hands with AMC's "The Walking Dead," is turning her attention to under-the-radar government operations. According to Deadline, Hurd has optioned the Annie Jacobsen book, "Area 51: An Uncensored History of America's Top Secret Military Base" for development into a TV series.

Area 51, a military base in the Nevada desert, has long been mythologized as a government repository of alien carcasses and UFOs. In the book, Jacobsen talks to 19 former employees of the base who fill her in on some of the covert activities that took place there, allegedly including nuclear-weapons testing, secret supersonic jet development and secret fronts in the War on Terror.

Karl Gajdusek has been tapped as showrunner and the show will reportedly follow "two men working on the base who are thrust into danger when they uncover secrets that the government will protect at any cost."

2011 Thanksgiving TV programming: Macy's, marathons, movies and football

2011 Thanksgiving TV programming: Macy's, marathons, movies and football

Thanksgiving is definitely the perfect time of year to stuff yourself silly with good food and then veg out on the couch watching your favorite movies, TV shows and football games. Plus, the National Dog Show and the Macy's parade! Zap2it's got you covered for all your Thanksgiving weekend TV programming needs.

All times Eastern, check your local listings for times and channels.

Thursday, Nov. 24

A&E: "The First 48" marathon, 8 a.m. to midnight

ABC: "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving," 8 p.m., "A Very Gaga Thanksgiving," 9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

AMC: "The Godfather," "The Godfather Part II," all day

BBC America: "Star Trek: The Next Generation" marathon, 8 a.m. to

CBS: Thanksgiving Day Parade, 9 a.m. to Noon, NFL football Dolphins at Cowboys, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Chiller: "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" marathon, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Discovery: "American Guns" marathon, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., "Punkin Chunkin 2011," 8 p.m to 10 p.m.

DIY: "Cool Tools" marathon, 7 a.m. to 4 a.m. the next day

ESPN: College football, Texas at Texas A&M, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

ESPN2: College basketball, Old Spice Classic, 76 Classic, noon to 1:30 a.m. the next day

FOX: NFL football, Packers at Lions, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., "Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas," 8 p.m.

History: "Swamp People" marathon, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

IFC: "Arrested Development" marathon, 6 a.m. to midnight

NBC: Thanksgiving Day Parade, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., The National Dog Show, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Oxygen: "Roseanne" marathon, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

SCI: "How It's Made" marathon, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Style: "Supernanny" marathon, 6 a.m. to 3 a.m. the next day

Syfy: James Bond movie marathon, 8 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. the next day

TLC: "Cake Boss" marathon, 6 a.m. to 3 a.m. the next day

Travel: "Man vs. Food" marathon, 9 a.m. to midnight

TNT: "Bones" marathon, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

USA: "NCIS" marathon, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.



Friday, Nov. 25

A&E: "Storage Wars" marathon, 7 a.m. to midnight

ABC: College football, Iowa at Nebraska, noon, Boston College at Miami, 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

BBC America: "Top Gear" marathon, 8 a.m. to midnight

BET: "The Parks" marathon, 8 a.m. to midnight

BIO: "Paranormal State" marathon, 6 p.m. to midnight

Bravo: "Millionaire Matchmaker" marathon, 11 a.m. to midnight

CBS: "Best of College Football 2011," 1:30 p.m., Arkansas at LSU, 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., "Hoops & Yoyo Ruin Christmas" and "The Elf on the Shelf," 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Chiller: Stephen King's "The Stand," 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The CW: "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer," 8 p.m., "Olive, the Other Reindeer," 9 p.m.

Discovery: "Gold Rush: Alaska" marathon, 9 a.m. to midnight

DIY: "Cool Tools" marathon, 7 a.m. to midnight

ESPN: College basketball, Old Spice Classic, 76 classic, NIT season kick-off, noon to 7 p.m., college football, Pitt at West Virginia, Cal at Arizona State, 7 p.m. to midnight

ESPN2: College football, Louisville at South Florida, 11 a.m., college basketball, 2:30 p.m. to midnight

Food: "Restaurant: Impossible" marathon, noon to 11 p.m.

G4: "Ninja Warrior" marathon, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

HGTV: "House Hunters" marathon, 12:30 p.m. to midnight

History: "American Restoration" marathon 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

MTV: "Awkward" marathon, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

NBC: NHL hockey, Detroit at Boston, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Oxygen: "The Glee Project" marathon, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Sci: "Through the Wormhole" marathon, 6 a.m. to noon, "How the Universe Works," noon to midnight

Spike TV: "Auction Hunters" marathon, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Style: "Project Runway" marathon, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Syfy: James Bond movie marathon, 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

TLC: "Say Yes to the Dress" marathon, 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.,



Saturday, Nov. 26

ABC: College football, Ohio State at Michigan, noon, teams TBA, 3:30 p.m., Notre Dame at Stanford, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

BBC America: "Battlestar Galactica" marathon, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

BET: "Everybody Hates Chris" marathon, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Bravo: "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" marathon, 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

CBS: College football, Alabama at Auburn, 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Discovery: "Deadliest Catch" marathon, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

ESPN: College football, Georgia at Georgia Tech, noon, Penn State at Wisconsin, 3:30 p.m., Clemson at South Carolina, 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

ESPN2: English Premier League soccer, Man U at Newcastle, 9:30 a.m. to noon, college football, Rutgers at UConn, noon, college football teams TBA 3:30 p.m. Florida State at Florida, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

FX: College football, Iowa State at Oklahoma, noon

History: "Pawn Stars" marathon, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

ID: "Wicked Attraction" marathon, 8 a.m. to midnight

NBC: College football, Grambling State at Southern, 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Sci: "Firefly" marathon, 9 a.m. 8 p.m.

Spike TV: "Star Wars" movie marathon, 9 a.m. to midnight

Syfy: Natural disaster movie marathon, 9 a.m. to midnight

USA: Indiana Jones movie marathon, noon to 8 p.m.

Versus: College basketball Battle 4 Atlantis, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., college football, Washington State at Washington, 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.



Sunday, Nov. 27

ABC: New "Once Upon a Time," 8 p.m.

AMC: "The Walking Dead" marathon, 2:30 p.m., new "Walking Dead" episode, 9 p.m.

BBC America: "Kitchen Nightmares" marathon, 6 a.m. to midnight

Bravo: "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" marathon, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., followed by new "Atlanta" episode and "What What Happens Live."

CBS: NFL football, Bills at Jets, Broncos at Chargers, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., new "60 Minutes," 7 p.m., new "Amazing Race," 8 p.m.

E!: "Kourtney and Kim Take New York" premiere, 10 p.m., "After Lately" premiere, 11 p.m.

FOX: NFL football, Bears at Raiders, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., new Animation Domination episodes, 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

History: "American Pickers" marathon, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

NBC: Figure skating, ISU Grand Prix, Pandora's Unforgettable Holiday Moments on Ice, 2 p.m to 6 p.m., NFL football, Steelers at Chiefs, 8 p.m. TO 11 p.m.

OWN: "Being Chaz" premiere, 8 p.m.

Sci: "How It's Made" marathon, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Spike TV: "Star Wars" movie marathon, 9 a.m. to midnight

Style: "Tia & Tamera" marathon, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

TLC: "Sister Wives" marathon, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., new "Sister Wives" episodes, 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Casting News

Casting News

Dana Delany is returning to Wisteria Lane.

The 'Body of Proof' star will reprise her 'Desperate Housewives' role before the series finale. According to TVLine, Andrea Bowen and Kyle MacLachlan will also return to the nighttime soap.

No episode counts have been given for any of the stars.

When viewers last saw Delany's Katherine, she was leaving town with her girlfriend (Julie Benz).

"Had dinner w/ Marc Cherry and YES hope to return to @DesperateABC this spring," Delany tweeted.

In other casting news ...

Hilarie Burton is going to channel her inner Kardashian for a 'Castle' guest role. The 'White Collar' star will play Kay Cappuccio, a reality TV star and tabloid fixture in episode 13. It's set to air in 2012. [EW]

Jeffrey Nording will co-star opposite Melanie Griffth in 'American Housewife.' The '24' star will play an up-and-coming politician and husband to Griffith's character. Kacey Rohl will play one of couple's kids. [Deadline]

TJ Miller has been tapped to star in Mike Royce's 'Little Brother.' Miller will star in the Fox pilot as the half-brother and ex-con to a young man. [Deadline]

Jay Malone and David Neher will star in Conan O'Brien's TBS sitcom. Malone will play Mark, a man who quits his job and returns to his childhood home and reunites with his buddy, Roland, played by Neher. [Deadline]

'Person of Interest' Exclusive: A Thanksgiving Treat From the Show's Producers

'Person of Interest' Exclusive: A Thanksgiving Treat From the Show's Producers

Michael Emerson fans, we may have something of 'Interest' for you.

On Sunday, CBS will rebroadcast two episodes of 'Person of Interest,' the pilot and the Oct. 27 episode, 'The Fix.' But for fans of the Emerson-Jim Caviezel drama, the real treat will arrive online, a bit later that night.

Jonathan Nolan and Greg Plageman, two of the show's executive producers, have recorded a special audio track with thoughts and memories on the making the 'Person of Interest' pilot.

Yvette Nicole Brown: Movement to Save 'Community' Has Friend at NBC

Yvette Nicole Brown: Movement to Save 'Community' Has Friend at NBC

The "Save 'Community'" movement has friends in high places at NBC, according to series star Yvette Nicole Brown.

In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Brown said an executive -- Edwin Chung, the senior vice president of primetime at NBC -- came to a 'Community' table read wearing his homemade T-shirt two days after NBC announced its plans to shelve the series.

"This is someone who's kind of in the process with us and knows that it's not ideal that we're not on the air," she said.

Need proof? Brown tweeted a photo of Chung in his 'Community' gear. "Witness @NBC exec Edwin Chung's support of #Community! #TheyLoveUsToo #ipromise," she tweeted.

Since NBC announced its midseason schedule that sees '30 Rock' moving to the 'Community' timeslot, 8PM ET on Thursdays, fans have rallied around the struggling series. Many fan campaigns have taken off -- like the We Love 'Community' Tumblr, Occupy NBC Twitter and the 'Community' Twibbon -- and we here at AOL TV have thrown our support behind the show with a goatee graphic and Maureen Ryan's passionate open letter to NBC.

Brown said she was floored by the support the series has gotten on social media platforms.

"I was more struck by how much the fans loved us. I never went to 'Wow, what does this mean?' It was just 'Wow, people really love this show.' It's a shame they don't have Nielsen boxes," Brown said.

Despite the midseason hold, Brown seemed to remain optimistic about the future of 'Community.'

"What's great is that we do get to finish the season," she said. "If they had cut back our order, I would say that may be the nail in the coffin. But, we get to finish. So, there's always a chance we'll come back next year."