Dr. Who Movie: Moffat exterminates rumours

Dr. Who Movie: Moffat exterminates rumours

Revelations that a Doctor Who movie is in the pipeline may be premature. And if it does happen, don't expect a Hollywood A-lister to be shoehorned into the role, says showrunner Steven Moffat. "It's an incredibly exciting idea ... but if and when the movie happens it will need to star television's Doctor Who – and there's only ever one of those at a time," says Moffat in the Sun. Moffat said Harry Potter director David Yates – who revealed plans for the big-screen Who – was "talking off the cuff and a little prematurely". Clearly got the present mixed up with the future. Easily done.

Britain's Got Talent: Who should be the next judges of the ITV talent show?

Britain's Got Talent: Who should be the next judges of the ITV talent show?

Amanda Holden, Dannii Minogue, Louis Walsh and the return of Simon Cowell have all been mentioned to replace Michael McIntyre and David Hasselhoff

This year's X Factor revamp might not have gone completely according to plan, but that hasn't deterred Britain's Got Talent from following suit. After Michael McIntyre resigned his role as a judge in September, it emerged earlier this week that David Hasselhoff has now also been relieved of his position. To his credit, he took the news gracefully – if a little loudly – but it means that Amanda Holden is now the sole remaining judge on Britain's Got Talent 2012.

And since nature abhors a vacuum – especially in the world of vaguely low-rent Opportunity Knocks rip-offs – the topic of replacements has inevitably arisen. Although it seems slightly absurd to refer to anything that featured Piers Morgan as a golden age, it's undeniable that Britain's Got Talent has lost its sheen since he and Simon Cowell packed up and ventured stateside before this year's series.

Neither McIntyre or Hasselhoff were particularly good fits for the show – not least Hasselhoff, who seemed to mistake "saying the word Hoff a lot" and "pretending that people still care about Knight Rider" for anything even approaching constructive criticism – and the show suffered as a result. Their replacements, whoever they are, are bound to be an improvement.

But who could they be? Inevitably, a number of Cowell associates have found themselves emerging as frontrunners. Dannii Minogue's name has been flung around a little, although there's a chance that she might be a bit too similar to Amanda Holden in that they'd both be there to keep the dads happy. Much better would be Louis Walsh – he was a stand-in judge on one episode of this year's show, and he did a wonderful job. In fact, it's fair to say that nodding at breakdancing dogs might even be his calling.

Also, let's not ignore Sharon Osbourne, either. As a judge on America's Got Talent she's been unstoppable – as noisy and scabrous and troublesome as she ever was on the X Factor. Provided she's not on them for too long, she'd be a welcome presence on our screens.

Another option would be to draft in old contestants to judge the new series. The X Factor dipped its toe into these waters a little when it hired former Popstars: The Rivals winner Cheryl Cole. Would Britain's Got Talent be wise to book Susan Boyle or Ashley Banjo or that weird piano lady from this year as a judge? Obviously not, no, but they'd still probably be a step up from David Hasselhoff.

Then, of course, there's Simon Cowell himself. ITV insiders seem to think that he'll return for next year's show – although that isn't saying a lot given how much he messed ITV around over his participation in this year's the X Factor. But his return would undoubtedly boost audience figures, however harrowing he finds the idea of sitting through endless street dance and singing toddler auditions.

The source that tipped Cowell to make a comeback also suggested that Barbara Windsor is currently his favoured co-judge. She's less of a sure bet. She might be a national treasure, but anyone who can remember Jane McDonald's Star For A Night will know how toothless Windsor can be as a judge. She loved everybody on Star For A Night. Everybody. Her judging technique basically involved a shouting a handful of the blandest platitudes imaginable and then giggling. That approach might be a bit too one-note, even for something like Britain's Got Talent.

So who would you like to see judge the next series of Britain's Got Talent. Leave your comments below, and remember that I'll judge anyone who says Piers Morgan quite heavily.

UK TV Picks for 2nd of December

UK TV Picks for 2nd of December

Wild Britain With Ray Mears
8pm, ITV1

Ray Mears's easygoing wildlife tour of the UK continues in the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads, a vast low-lying wetland dominated by water features and reed beds. Here, in his hunt for interesting wildlife, he has the problem of seeing through the dense growth, but with local expert help he manages to come up with some rare and remarkable creatures, including Britain's tallest bird (the common crane, recently returned to the area after 400 years), the beautiful British swallowtail butterfly, hard-to-spot Chinese water deer and one of the country's biggest spiders. Martin Skegg

Unreported World
7.30pm, Channel 4

Even after umpty-five series, Unreported World continues to serve as a) a good thing in its own right, and b) a standing rebuke to

Channel 4 for its lamentable lack of current affairs programming elsewhere in its schedule. This episode sees reporter Jenny Kleeman visit the lobster divers of Honduras's Mosquito Coast, men who risk their own health daily to deliver the prized crustaceans to restaurants in richer countries than theirs. Kleeman and director Daniel Bogado do everything but dive themselves, hunkering on a boat crowded with desperate (and often drunk and stoned) divers. Exemplary reportage, as ever. Andrew Mueller

God's Composer
8pm, BBC4

Stage star Simon Russell Beale is in Spain for the latest in his sacred music investigations. He's there to celebrate the life and work of Tomás Luis de Victoria on the 400th anniversary of the death of the Renaissance composer. A musician, priest and mystic, Victoria was born in the ancient city of Avila and studied in Rome, which was by

then the musical and cultural centre of the Renaissance. He spent 30 years as the choirmaster in the convent of Las Descalzas Reales, producing remarkable devotional music. As ever, Harry Christophers' The Sixteen choir bring the music to life, this time in a stunning baroque church in Madrid. MS

Peter Kay Night
From 9pm, Channel 4

The rotund northern success story presents his "43 Greatest Comedy Moments", some of which he modestly awards to other comedians. We're also promised outtakes and previously unseen footage, followed by his homecoming show at Bolton's town hall, a performance that became the bestselling standup DVD in UK history, although Phoenix Nights, absent from this lineup, remains his best work. Julia Raeside

Lionel Richie – Dancing On
The Ceiling
9pm, BBC4

The BBC America season continues to throw up odd documentaries on musicians you may well have been curious about, like Prince, and ones you've never given a second thought, like Lionel Richie. An ambitious chap, Lionel's membership of the Commodores gave him the equipment to deal with success, but nothing could quite have prepared him for the drama of the Hello video, and the popularity among the people of Iraq it inexplicably brought him.

'The Office': Do as I say, not as I say

'The Office': Do as I say, not as I say

"The Office" has gone to the Andy-Robert well numerous times this season, with varying results. But the addition of a third party to the mix -- Maura Tierney as episode title character "Mrs. California" -- made this trip down CEO-manager lane pretty satisfying.

What made it work was not the fact that Robert was being his usual inscrutable self, but that he was entirely scrutable: He announced what he wanted pretty emphatically when he burst into the office and told Andy not to hire Susan. He then spent the rest of the time trying to look like the good guy to her.

We knew that, and Andy knew that too. But because he's still terribly uncomfortable around Robert, he could never find the line to walk where he could appear to (finally) stand up to Robert and send everyone away happy.

Susan California also knew what was going on, which piled on the discomfort even more, giving us a half-hour of cringy comedy that the show has done brilliantly in the past but hasn't really approached this season. The winces came from a different place than they did with Michael Scott, but they worked just about as well.

The fact that Tierney played Susan as both a pretty nice person and someone who can totally see through her husband helped a lot. Yes, she played Andy too at the end of the episode, holding him to his small-talk "you should totally come back" patter. But she managed to come out as the sympathetic one of the Californias here, and I'm kind of hoping she's available to return later in the season.

Susan California also brought out a side of Robert that we hadn't previously seen -- it's the first time we've seen him not in control of a situation. It's never explicitly said why Robert doesn't want his wife working at the company, but if he's that flustered around her, it's not hard to guess why. And the lengths he (and Jim) went to to prove his point (or get out of the argument) only ratcheted up the squirm. Well played.

So, OK -- it would be nice to see Andy grow a spine in Robert's presence sometime between now and the end of time. But it took Michael years to have a grown-up conversation with a superior, so I'm willing to be patient. Particularly if his path to being a better manager produces more episodes like this.

'Hot in Cleveland' Opens Third Season to Lowest Premiere Ratings

'Hot in Cleveland' Opens Third Season to Lowest Premiere Ratings

New TV Land comedy "The Exes" debuts with 1.4 million viewers following the Betty White sitcom.

Turns out, the third time isn't the charm for TV Land sitcom Hot in Cleveland.

TV Land's 'The Exes' Stars Donald Faison, Kristen Johnston Reveal Their Casting Stories (Exclusive Video)

The third season premiere of the half-hour sitcom led by Betty White, which launched to huge numbers in summer 2010, averaged just 1.9 million total viewers at 10 p.m. on Wednesday for the cable network. That's down nearly 1 million viewers from the previous year (3 million) and a loss of more than 2.5 million viewers from its series opener (4.8 million).

However, the Season 3 premiere topped four episodes from the sophomore season in total tune-in. For the night (including two additional encores), Cleveland averaged 3.7 million.

Cleveland has had a unique launch schedule. Instead of sticking with the same part of the year to begin a new season, the comedy has launched in June, January and now November, right on the cusp of the holiday lull.

Cleveland's lower ratings performance didn't exactly provide new comedy The Exes with a strong launching-off point. The Donald Faison series debuted to 1.4 million viewers at 10:30 p.m. Overall, the sitcom averaged 2.9 million when encores are counted.

Power X-Treme!: The Centurions Come To DVD

Power X-Treme!: The Centurions Come To DVD

Cult 80s animated series The Centurions is finally coming to DVD. Warner Bros Home Video will release the first five episodes of the series on exclusive Made-On-Demand DVDs from their online store. Each episode has been mastered in 2K.

Canal Plus Acquires Bollore Group’s Free TV Channels

Canal Plus Acquires Bollore Group’s Free TV Channels

The Vivendi-owned company is to buy Direct 8 and Direct Star and its ad sales division.

French pay TV group Canal Plus officially expanded its media empire into digital territory on Friday with the acquisition of the Bollore Group’s free-to-air channels.

The Vivendi-owned Canal Plus signed a definitive agreement to buy and run Bollore’s Direct 8 and Direct Star and its ad sales division. The move is part of a two-step agreement that also gives Canal Plus the option to acquire everything at one time in exchange for 22.4 million Vivendi shares.

France is now completely digital after the country finalized its analog to digital switchover earlier in the week. The deal will give Canal Plus total control of Direct 8 and Direct Star, both of which have niche audiences already and will reach even more people now that the analog signal has been turned off nationwide.

The deal is part of Canal Plus’ attempt to defend its company against the arrival of internet companies like Netflix, Apple and Google.

The agreement values the channels at €465 million ($645 million). The deal still needs to be approved by French competition and media authorities.

Traditional terrestrial TV companies like TF1 and M6 haven't been pleased with Canal Plus' foray into the free DDT world urging that the moves gives Canal Plus an unfair monopoly over the sector.

Vincent Bollore is also the largest shareholder in advertising group Havas and media group Aegis.

Canadian TV Movie Spares Grieving Community By Downplaying Tragedy

Canadian TV Movie Spares Grieving Community By Downplaying Tragedy

The CBC telefilm "The Phantoms" plays up a high school basketball team winning the provincial championship a year after a highway accident took the lives of seven players and an adult.

Unlike the U.S. market where the major networks churn out salacious fact-based TV movies, a Canadian TV industry sustained by government subsidies and protections compels local players to behave and act ethically when portraying real-life Canadians.

So they don't cast archetypical villians or misfits in homegrown TV shows, except when made for the U.S. market, or tolerate preening narcissists or crass self-promoters as primetime stars to avoid leaving audiences wincing and cringing at their on-screen antics.

Instead, Canadian TV cultivates a brand of positivity that nurtures rather than degrades the popular culture.

A case in point is The Phantoms, a CBC telefilm about the aftermath of a tragic 2008 highway crash that cost the lives of seven high school basketball players and an adult in Bathurst, New Brunswick.

Indie producer Rick LeGuerrier recalled not wanting to further disrupt a tight-knit community devastated by the highway accident by focusing on tragedy.

The Phantoms, which recently completed production in Bathurst, puts the focus on events one year after the crash when a resilient Bathurst High School boys basketball team won the provincial basketball championship.

“The story we’re telling, of an inspiring victory, in it’s own way has helped in the healing process for this community,” LeGuerrier explained.

His tact was useful.

The Phantoms production in Bathurst, while dredging up tragic memories for some, also gave a welcome economic injection to the Atlantic Canada community.

Sudz Sutherland, who directed The Phantoms, insists it's all about doing right by Bathurst.

“I wanted the people involved to say, they did a good thing here, they did the right thing. This story would have been told anyways, but I thought if we told the story right, if they believed what we were saying and they thought we told the truth, then I thought it would be a good thing,” Sutherland explained.

To be sure, there’s tension in The Phantoms.

Andrew Wreggit, the screenwriter on the made-for-TV movie, added composite characters from outside Bathurst to contrast young high school basketball players that did grow up in the town.

“It’s the kind of thing I do in any real life movie --you consolidate and compress a big story with a lot of people into a smaller story with central characters,” Wreggit explained.

Director Sutherland concedes it’s a balancing act to pay respect to Bathurst, while engaging and entertaining Canadians.

“I think as Canadians we sometimes want to play safe with our characters, but I like to get the cat up a tree,” he said.

The collision of fact and fiction in the Canadian TV movie came full circle in the final championship game scene, where a Phantoms team made up of actors went up against an opposing high school team filled with former members of the real-life Phantoms squad, most of whom came home from college for the emotional shoot.

“That was a beautiful moment, where we had the fictional phantoms playing against real-life phantoms. It was a real show of support,” Sutherland said.

The Phantoms is expected to air on the CBC in 2012.

Some random TV news.....

Some random TV news.....

ABC's new one-hour comedy, 'GCB' -- starring Kristin Chenoweth and Annie Potts -- has lined up two superstar guest appearances that will surely get people talking.

Singer-song writer Sheryl Crow will guest star as herself in the series' fifth episode, reports TV Guide. "Sheryl is great," 'GCB' creator, Robert Harling, told TV Guide. "She is the guest star at the church fundraiser. It was fantastic working with her. She's a great actress."

Funny lady Sandra Bernhard will also make a guest appearance in the show, but for now, the details are top secret. "It's a big surprise," Harling reveals.

In other TV news ...

CBS announces new morning broadcast, 'CBS This Morning': CBS' replacement for 'The Early Show' has a name. Say hello to 'CBS This Morning.' The broadcast, hosted by Charlie Rose, Gayle King and Erica Hill, will premiere on Monday, Jan. 9 at 7AM ET. [CBS News]

Jason Biggs is going to court ... on 'The Good Wife.' The 'American Pie' star will play a client of Lockhart/Gardner, a lawyer being sued after refusing to reveal the identity of one of his clients. [TVLine]

'Battlestar Galactica' veteran Michael Hogan is joining the cast of 'Teen Wolf.' Stephen Lunsford and Daniel Sharman will also be a part of Season 2. [MTV]

More than 9 million people tuned in to 'Live! With Regis and Kelly' to say goodbye to Regis Philbin. Not as many viewers as Oprah's send off, but still big for Reeg. [THR]

Watercooler: The League Drinks Up a Big Ol' Forte

Watercooler: The League Drinks Up a Big Ol' Forte

You gotta love a show that's never met a line it wasn't afraid to cross.

Having covered everything from public defecation to janitor racism to the sexual allure of sports bra ads, FX's The League served up another patently crass and hilarious episode last night that may have been enough to drive Dr. Drew to drink. God knows it did a number on the gang's newly sober pal!

Guest starring SNL's Will Forte as Chuck, Andre and Company's out-of-town fantasy football bud who had transformed himself from junk-flashing playboy to recovering goody-goody, the episode had some pounder-sized fun at the expense of overly uptight ex-drinkers. We probably should have started reciting the Serenity Prayer for the poor, straight-laced dude the second Ruxin started popping ill-gotten painkillers and Kevin wound up with a bag of blow the size of a baby's head (don't ask). But why bother? This crew knows nothing about moderation — as evidenced in their riotous reverse-intervention of Chuck — and it's always been the show's refusal to hold anything sacred, even recovery, that makes it so addictive.

Of course Forte's character fell off the wagon and back into his old ways, which means we could see him again...if he survived that mixology party at Andre's. But even if Chuck decides to steer clear of Chicago and the booze-fueled friends, we'll always have the memory of his laugh-out-loud last night in town. And that final image of him "sitting in gum" on Ruxin's head.

50 Cent Signs 'Jersey Shore' Star Pauly D

50 Cent Signs 'Jersey Shore' Star Pauly D

As Vinny Guadagnino deals with the fallout from his recent foray into the world of rap, the AP reports that his fellow 'Jersey Shore' guido, Pauly D (yes, the one with that hair) has hooked up with rapper 50 Cent.

The reality star and DJ said months ago that the pair were working together, and now he has officially signed to 50 Cent's dance and pop music label, G-Note.

Calling Pauly D smart and creative, 50 Cent said he's a "great addition to G-Note and [the] G-Unit family."

Before he hit paydirt as one of the macaroni rascals on 'Jersey Shore,' Pauly D worked the clubs as a DJ. He's currently working a residency at the Palms Casino Resort in Las vegas, and recently opened for Britney Spears on some dates in her recent "Femme Fatal" tour.

Pauly D's also the first 'Jersey Shore' star to get his own spin-off show, which will chronicle his life as a celebrity DJ. MTV ordered a full 12-episode season of the show back in April, and it's slated to air in 2012.

Meanwhile, Pauly's erstwhile housemate Vinny has issued an apology after the lyrics in his new rap video, 'Rack City Mix.' After the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) accused him of "trivialising" rape, Vinny took down the video and posted this message on his blog: "I'd like to apologize for the rap. Was meant to be a funny take on an already 'dirty' song -- funny since I'm known as the 'good boy'."

He added: "I am, and I am 100 percent against violence of any kind. I work with many organizations to stop violence and bullying, and will continue to. It's something I strongly believe in. Very sorry to anyone I've offended."

Will.I.Am Joins The Voice U.K.

Will.I.Am Joins The Voice U.K.

Will.I.Am will join Jessie J as a coach on the U.K. edition of The Voice, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

"I'm proud to be doing The Voice U.K. because the U.K. was the first place I saw success," the Black Eyed Peas front man said. "It's the place I'm the most creative outside of home."

Watch performances from Will.I.Am in our Online Video Guide

As an artist and a producer, Will.I.Am has won seven Grammys, sold more than 58 million singles worldwide and worked such musicians as Michael Jackson, Rihanna and Usher.

The Voice U.K., which has two more coach seats to fill, debuts on BBC1 next spring. The second season of the stateside version premieres Sunday, Feb. 5 after the Super Bowl.

Piers Morgan Calls Herman Cain's Lawyer 'Shockingly Naive'

Piers Morgan Calls Herman Cain's Lawyer 'Shockingly Naive'

It's been a week of ups and downs for Piers Morgan. First, he mistook late comedian Patrice O'Neal for a woman (for which he has now apologized.)

Then he's observed with obvious glee as his former nemesis, 'Top Gear' host Jeremy Clarkson, has been vilified in the UK for saying on live television that striking workers should be executed.

Now Morgan has called Herman Cain's lawyer, Lin Wood, "shockingly naive." On last night's 'Piers Morgan Tonight' he quizzed Wood about whether, given the number of accusations against him recently, Cain is fit to be President of the United States.

Wood countered by saying that Cain's private life should be off-limits to the media, and that no accusations have yet been proven true. "Five lies do not make one truth. ... Don't judge someone's character based on accusations made in the media that have not been proven with facts."

Morgan challenged Wood's claim that Cain's alleged affair with Ginger White was irrelevant, pointing to the danger of a US President being blackmailed, and that Cain has been talking about it publicly. But Woods stuck by his idea that Cain's private life is his own business: "I'm not here to talk about the private matters of Mr. Cain."

Top Chef's Chuy: I Knew I Was Screwed

Top Chef's Chuy: I Knew I Was Screwed

Chuy Valencia won the first two elimination challenges on Top Chef, but he couldn't make it a three-peat. Instead, the Chicago-based chef got the boot after overcooking his salmon with goat cheese dish. "I knew I was screwed so I was expecting it," he tells TVGuide.com. "It's hard to forgive overcooking something." Find out when he realized it all had gone wrong and why he's happy he got eliminated.

Top Chef's Richie: I wasn't thinking clearly

The judges usually punish the overcooked dish, but they seemed to be pretty harsh on all of you guys. Did it feel like it close between the four of you or did you think it was going to be you?
Chuy: Before the episode [aired], I thought it would be so apparent that it would be me, but when I watched it, it did seem like they were evenly grilling the four of us. I don't know. Standing up there, they critiqued all of us, but I wasn't surprised it was me. I knew I f---ed up, so whatever. [Laughs] It is what it is.

How did you end up overcooking the salmon?
Chuy: Well, I think I should've just picked a dish [that required] less attention to detail, something easier to execute in that amount of time. I had to make filling and do a lot of butchering, plating these little pouches. It was definitely a down-to-the-last-minute type of thing for me and at the end you just sort of start panicking. I left it way too long in the oven, so instead of it being at a medium temperature, it was overcooked. I totally understand why I went home. The dish was overcooked. There's no getting around that. It's not a big deal, but it's something, of course, I learned from. It was still fun to be part of the whole thing at the end.

Top Chef's Keith: I knew Sarah and Lindsay would throw me under the bus

When did you realize it was overcooked?
Chuy: I knew it was overcooked when I got them out, but I think it was more after [the service] that I realized how bad it might be. When we were cleaning up and packing our knives and getting ready for elimination, I remember seeing the pouches on the dinner table and it looked like no one really ate much of it, so I kind of figured I might be on the way out.

Tom sounded incredulous that you make this dish at your restaurant.
Chuy: [Laughs] Yeah, we make versions of it with sockeye salmon or trout. They usually sell very well, but obviously in a restaurant you have more time to pay attention and do things as opposed to when you're in a competition of this nature.

Did you pick this dish because you knew it?
Chuy: Sort of. It was something I was comfortable with. But also, since the party was kind of family style, I felt like everyone could have their own individual pouch instead of picking stuff up off the main plate. It would be less work for the guests.

How bummed were you that your bromance with Chris C. ended this early?
Chuy: I wish I [had] stayed longer, but it's cool. I love Chris and Chris Jones from Chicago and Ty-Lor. They're all really cool guys. I didn't want any of those guys to go home. They're awesome. I mean, you might think Chris C. might be one of those stuck-up, good-looking California guys or whatever, but he's a really cool, down-to-earth individual. I'm glad I met everyone. I kind of was happy that it was me leaving instead of them because I love them and I want them to do well. It was like being part of a fraternity almost.

Is bigger better? 5 things to know about Top Chef: Texas

I'm bummed you left because I wanted to hear more stories about your dad making stuff.
Chuy: [Laughs] Oh, there are lots more stories! Maybe I'll tweet one out each week. ... My dad's just one of those guys that just does everything himself. He never bought anything. He was that guy. He did all the gardening, made cabinets, furniture, painted and roofed the house. He worked crazy hours at his job. He's retired now, but he's still making stuff and doing the hardwood in the house. He's an all-around handyman.

Does he still have that handlebar mustache?
Chuy: Oh, totally! Well, it doesn't have the handle anymore, but it's still a cool mustache.

What are you up to now?
Chuy: I'm still at Chilam Balam. It's definitely been busier here. I'm trying to figure what the next thing is, maybe expand with a new restaurant or bar or a food truck. Just seeing what else I can do with my time.

'Glee': 'Hold on to Sixteen' Song Previews and Performances

'Glee': 'Hold on to Sixteen' Song Previews and Performances

It's New Directions v. the Troubletones in next week's all new 'Glee' (Tues., 8PM ET on Fox). In 'Hold on to Sixteen,' it's Sectionals time, but without Rachel to rely on, the New Directions need a little extra help from an old friend -- Sam Evans!

Trouty Mouth -- and his guitar -- return just in time to help the New Directions take down the Troubletones at Sectionals, but Santana and Mercedes aren't going down without a fight. And judging by the recently released video of the Troubletones diva-licious Sectionals mash-up, 'Survivor/I Will Survive,' the New Directions are going to have quite a challenge on their hands.

But how can you go wrong with a Jackson family medley? Not to mention that Sam must have some crazy dance skills now that he's spent some time as White Chocolate.

Watch the show promo and the song previews here:

Episode Preview

ABC

We Are Young

Control

Man in the Mirror

Mega Buzz: Handcuffs on Castle, 2 Broke Hookers, and Marshall's HIMYM Tribute

Mega Buzz: Handcuffs on Castle, 2 Broke Hookers, and Marshall's HIMYM Tribute

I am so excited for the "Cuffed" episode of Castle. What can you tell me? —Erin
ADAM: Castle and Beckett, handcuffed on a bed together, with no recollection of how they got there — what could possibly go right wrong? As you might imagine, the duo finds themselves in a number of awkward — and suggestive —positions as they try to escape. At one point, Beckett even asks Castle to lift up her shirt. Rawr! (That sexist sound is also a hint.)

Will Max and Caroline ever hit their goal on 2 Broke Girls? — Jen
NATALIE: I know, right? These girls need some quick cash. What could they do, what could they...? No! Not that! They wouldn't possibly consider... prostitution, would they? Yep, in a story line straight out of every 13-year-old boy's imagination, they would.

Got any good How I Met Your Mother scoop? — David
ADAM: Marshall will honor the memory of his dearly departed dad by continuing their tradition of tailgating at a Minnesota Vikings football game. Well, not exactly at. Instead, he and his brothers will want to watch the game "with" their dad (and some beers and bratwurst, of course). Suffice it to say that their tribute will go from touching to all-out creepy when some uninvited guests join the party.

When will the curse be broken on Once Upon a Time? — James
NATALIE: Well, first of all, it's not going to be like — poof! — and all of the sudden everyone knows they are beloved fairy tale characters. In fact, they're definitely not going to find out all at the same time. But one person will, and soon. But this knowledge might end up being more of a curse than a blessing. "Even if you do know who you are, that doesn't mean everything immediately comes back to you and you get your happy ending," executive producer Adam Horowitz says. Adds executive producer Edward Kitsis: "In a lot of ways, it might just make it worse."

I need intel on the Sons of Anarchy finale.  — Jon
ADAM: Tara's actions will remind you of Gemma more than ever. Potter will surprisingly go above and beyond to help SAMCRO. And by the season's end, someone new is holding the gavel while someone else is conspicuously absent from the chapel.

Are Pete and Violet really breaking up on Private Practice? — Leo
NATALIE: It sure looks that way. A new paramedic (Stephen Amell) is joining the crew as a potential love interest for one of the Seaside Wellness docs. By process of elimination — Addison has too many men, Amelia just lost her fiancé and Charlotte already has a husband — it seems like Violet will be moving on to new prospects very soon.

Please tell me there's hope for Annie and Liam on 90210? — Lacey
ADAM: Alas, it looks like there is another man waiting in the wings for Annie, a twentysomething playboy who is the heir to his family fortune and therefore completely oblivious to the concept of work. Although Annie encourages him to give up yacht racing and jet-setting in favor of doing something important with his life, he simply becomes a slightly more grounded version of himself — the type of guy Naomi would fall for. Hmm, maybe there is hope for Annie and Liam after all!

I can't stand thinking of Jason Dohring as a rapist on Ringer. Please tell me that it didn't really happen! — Jessica
NATALIE: It didn't really happen... or did it? You'll find out for sure after the New Year, but let's just say things aren't exactly what they seem between Juliet and her teacher. In fact, there's actually a third party involved.

Is it just me, or is CSI: Miami pitting Natalia against the new girl in the lab? — Beth
ADAM: It's not just you. In fact, producer Barry O'Brien tells me that the bad blood brewing between Natalia and Taylor Cole's Samantha will become more important as the season goes on. "We're going to put the two of them in the field, where they have to rely on each other in a life-or-death situation," he says. "We're having some fun with that rivalry, but we're soon going to drive to a very powerful, emotional place with them."

Are there anymore Saturday Night Live stars heading to Up All Night? — Heather
NATALIE: We're going to immediately start lobbying the Up All Night casting peeps to cast Kristen Wiig for the upcoming role of Amanda, a glamorous old friend of Ava's who's an over-the-top former girl band singer. They can use this as the audition tape.

So glad Leverage is back. What can you tell me about the new episodes? — Todd
ADAM: Look for Hardison to take more of a leadership role. "We've addressed Hardison's interest in running his own team," Aldis Hodge tells us. "[He's] taking a shot at it and... it's a very interesting turn for him because he's never had that kind of responsibility." Don't worry, Hardison's not leaving the team. In fact, the experience may serve as an attitude adjustment. "I think he's still learning," Hodge says. "I think he's ready in ways that he still doesn't understand, but he still has a few tactics that he needs to get comfortable with."

What do you know about the new season of Pretty Little Liars. — Meg
NATALIE: Remember when Pretty Little Liars star Ian Harding told us that Ezra was going to have a "tumultuous" interaction with a certain someone's parents that involved a stunt coordinator? That violent confrontation takes place in the premiere. And if you're anything like us, you'll be quite surprised by who throws the first punch.

Natalie's Mega Rave: After a slow start to the season, Terra Nova finally got some much-needed momentum by not only revealing who the mole is, but why she's betraying the people of the colony... in the same episode!

Adam's Mini Rant: I can't believe Showtime execs still agreed to renew Dexter for two more seasons after seeing Sunday's painfully obvious "twist."

TV Tonight 2nd of December 2011: Europe, the USA, Canada and Australia.

TV Tonight 2nd of December 2011: Europe, the USA, Canada and Australia.

The daily list in alphabetical order, of all the new episodes airing in Europe, the USA, Canada and Australia.

    20/20 S34E14: "Season 34, Episode 14"
    A Gifted Man S01E09: "In Case of Abnormal Rhythm"
    All on the Line S02E02: "Qristyl Frazier: Plus-Sexy"
    America's Most Wanted S25E01: "Season 25, Episode 1"
    Anderson S01E58: Michael Pear
    Ben 10: Ultimate Alien S02E22: "A Knight to Remember"
    Best Dish - The Chefs S01E25: "Episode 25"
    Blik op de weg S26E11: "Season 26, Episode 11"
    Blue Bloods S02E09: "Moonlighting"
    Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai S01E09
    Boss S01E07: "Stasis"
    Come Dine With Me S17E83: "Series 17, Episode 70"
    Come Dine With Me S17E84: "Series 17, Come Dine With Me"
    Coronation Street S52E245: "Fri 2 Dec 2011 [Episode 2]"
    Coronation Street S52E244: "Fri 2 Dec 2011 [Episode 1]"
    Countdown with Keith Olbermann S09E120: "Season 9, Episode 120"
    CSI: NY S08E09: "Means to an End"
    Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team S06E07: "Field Rehearsal"
    Dateline NBC S21E10: "FR2111"
    Days of our Lives S47E17: "Ep. #11727"
    DC Cupcakes S02E14: "Nutcracker Sweet"
    Deadly Women S05E14: "Pleasure from Pain"
    Deal Or No Deal (UK) S07E83: "Episode 1763"
    Dickinson's Real Deal S08E10: "Series 8, Episode 10"
    Doctors S13E157: "A Tangled Web"
    Drop Down Menu S01E20: "Episode 20"
    EastEnders S27E192: "December 2, 2011"
    Emmerdale S40E283: "December 2, 2011"
    Extreme Makeover: Home Edition S09E15: "Walker Family"
    Facing Evil S02E04: "Love Before Life"
    Facing Evil S02E03: "A Nail in the Coffin"
    Fatal Attractions S03E04: "My Croc and Me"
    Fifth Gear S20E07: "Series 20, Episode 7"
    Fish Hooks S02E05: "Merry Fishmas, Milo"
    Flying Wild Alaska S02E06: "Blizzard BBQ"
    For Better or Worse (2011) S01E04: "Deceiving Eyes"
    For Better or Worse (2011) S01E03: "The One I Want"
    Four In A Bed S03E30: "Series 3, Episode 30"
    General Hospital (US) S49E171: "#12445"
    Ghost Adventures S05E08: "Rocky Point Manor"
    Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden S22E65: "Season 22, Episode 65"
    Gold Rush: Alaska S02E06: "Lovestruck"
    Good Luck Charlie S02E00: "Good Luck Charlie, It's Christmas!"
    Guilty Crown S01E08: "Courtship Behavior"
    Hairy Bikers S01E12: "Maine Course"
    Have I Got News for You S42E07: "Boris Becker, Marcus Brigstocke"
    Hollyoaks S17E240: "December 2, 2011"
    I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! (UK) S11E18: "Series 11, Episode 18"
    Idol (Norway) S06E20: "Finalerunde 7"
    Ik vertrek S11E03: "Season 11, Episode 3"
    Jeopardy! S28E55: "Show #6260"
    Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness S01E17: "Big Bro Po"
    Late Night with Jimmy Fallon S02E185
    Live At The Apollo S07E04: "Andy Parsons, Andrew Lawrence, Milton Jones"
    Mastermind (UK) S40E05: "Series 40, Show 5"
    Mawaru Penguin Drum S01E21: "The Door of Fate We Choose"
    Neighbours S27E235: "Episode 6305"
    Nikita S02E10: "Guardians"
    Nytt På Nytt S25E12: "Season 25, Episode 12"
    One Life to Live S44E98: "Ep. #11077"
    Onion News Network S02E09: "Brooke vs. O'Brady"
    Pauw & Witteman S06E60: "Season 6, Episode 60"
    Persona 4 The Animation S01E09: "No one sees the real me"
    Pointless S05E70: "Series 5, Episode 70"
    Profiel S10E10: "Rita Verdonk"
    Prosto w serce S02E65: "Season 2, Episode 183"
    QI S09E13: "Idleness"
    Ranking the cars S01E08: "Season 1, Episode 8"
    RTL Boulevard S12E65: "Season 12, Episode 65"
    Say Yes To The Dress S07E14: "That Special Someone"
    Say Yes to the Dress: Big Bliss S03E02: "The Vision in Your Head"
    SpangaS S05E65: "Season 5, Episode 65"
    Stand Up for the Week S03E05: "Series 3, Episode 5"
    Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008) S04E12: "Slaves of the Republic"
    Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two S08E45: "Series 8, Episode 45"
    Supernatural S07E10: "Death’s Door"
    Sweet Home Alabama S02E07: "Oak Hollow"
    The 7pm Project S03E240: "Season 3, Episode 240"
    The Bold and the Beautiful S25E179: "Ep. #6208"
    The Dr. Phil Show S10E59: "Chore Wars"
    The Ellen DeGeneres Show S09E59: "Sting"
    The Graham Norton Show S10E06
    The Idolmaster S01E22: "Episode 22"
    The Jeremy Kyle Show S07E61: "December 2, 2011"
    The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson S07E205
    The Tonight Show with Jay Leno S19E201:
    The View S15E63: "Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer"
    The Voice of Holland S02E18: "The Results 1"
    The Voice of Holland S02E17: "Live show 1"
    The Young and the Restless S39E176: "Ep. #9791"
    Thuis S17E70: "Season 17, Episode 70"
    TV Kantine, De S04E01: "Season 4, Episode 1"
    Tyler Perry's House of Payne S07E34: "Roommate Paynes"
    Tyler Perry's House of Payne S07E33: "Mentoring Paynes"
    Un-Go S01E08: "Episode 8"
    Voetbal International S04E35: "Season 4, Episode 35"
    Waan van de dag, De S01E05: "Season 1, Episode 5"
    Wild Britain with Ray Mears S02E08: "Broadland: East Anglia"
    Winx Club S05E14: "Taking Over Cloudtower"
    X-Men (2011) S01E07: "Betrayal"

Grammys: Tina Fey vs. Betty White!?

Grammys: Tina Fey vs. Betty White!?

The Grammys have always put some of our favorite artists up against one another, but the latest batch of nominations is giving us one very epic battle: Tina Fey vs. Betty White. Say what!?

Both funny women have been nominated for Best Spoken Word Album, Fey for her reading of 'Bossypants' and White for 'If You Ask Me (And Of Course You Won't).' We can't wait for the (hopefully) hilarious split-screen reactions from the actual ceremony.

White and Fey aren't the only TV stars to pick up nominations.

Seth MacFarlane picked up a few noms, one for the 'Family Guy' original song 'Christmastime Is Killing Us' and another Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. Over in the Best Comedy Album category, Kathy Griffin, Louis C.K. and Lonely Island are up against one another.

'The Voice' judges, Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green, and Blake Shelton, picked up some Grammy nominations.

Shelton scored a nomination for Best Country Solo Performance. Levine, with Maroon 5, and Aguilera picked up a nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for 'Moves Like Jagger.' Meanwhile, Green was nominated in the Best Traditional R&B Performance category for 'Fool For You.'

Other TV nominees include 'Glee' for 'Glee: The Music, Volume 4,' 'Boardwalk Empire' for 'Boardwalk Empire: Volume 1' and 'True Blood' for 'True Blood: Volume 3,' all in the Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media category.

Comedy Central Midseason Schedule: 'South Park,' 'Tosh.0' Returns

Comedy Central Midseason Schedule: 'South Park,' 'Tosh.0' Returns

Plus, "Indecision 2012" with "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" and "The Colbert Report."

Comedy Central announces the returns of some of its most popular shows with Thursday’s release of its midseason schedule.

School is back in session with South Park’s Season 16 return. And back with his take on the most viral of viral web video, Daniel Tosh’s Tosh.0 returns for a fourth season. Plus, election season wouldn’t be the same without The Daily Show With Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report’s take on the candidates with “Indecision 2012.”

Comedy Central also premieres its new sketch comedy show starring funny guys, Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele – Key & Peele. And January is “Stand-Up Month” on the network with the debuts of new specials featuring Tom Papa, Kevin Hart, JB Smoove, and John Mulaney. The network is also planning a special tribute to Bernie Mac.

The Comedy Central midseason schedule is below.

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, The Colbert Report -- Tuesday, January 3

Stand-Up Month: Tom Papa (January 8), Kevin Hart (January 15), JB Smoove (January 21) And John Mulaney (January 28)

Tosh.0 -- Tuesday, January 31 At 10:00 P.M.

Key & Peele -- Tuesday, January 31 At 10:30 P.M.

Russell Simmons Presents The Ruckus -- Thursday, January 26 At 10:00 P.M.

South Park -- Wednesday, March 14 At 10:00 P.M.

The Comedy Awards -- May 6

'General Hospital' Showrunner Replaced With 'One Life to Live' Vet ... Sign of Soapocalypse?

'General Hospital' Showrunner Replaced With 'One Life to Live' Vet ... Sign of Soapocalypse?

It's been a rough couple of months for soap fans. First 'One Life to Live' and 'All My Children' saw their plans to move online collapse, and now, according to a report from Vulture, Jill Farren Phelps, the longtime showrunner for 'General Hospital,' is leaving the series. Phelps is being replaced by 'One Life to Live' veteran Frank Valenti.

ABC confirmed the news. Valenti will be joined on the soap by Ron Carlivati as head writer, both appointments are effective Jan. 9, 2012.

"Frank and Ron's creativity, passion and outstanding leadership will be a welcome addition to the cast and crew, as well as viewers and longtime fans," Brian Frons, president of ABC Daytime, said in a statement. "As creative leaders in the industry, I am very excited for their arrival to 'General Hospital,' and their dedication to the genre will certainly invigorate the daytime drama that has been part of pop culture and the TV landscape for many years."

Valenti was signed to move online with 'One Life to Live,' but after Prospect Park halted plans to bring the soap back to life, Valenti became available again. Vulture reports Valenti has been known to bring his soaps in under budget and helped 'One Life to Live' maintain steady ratings as almost all other soaps dropped.

"I look forward to this next exciting chapter working with the wonderful cast and crew of 'General Hospital,'" Valentini said in a statement. "This is an incredible opportunity for me to extend my passion and expertise for daytime television as I continue my relationship with DATG and become part of an extraordinary team in 2012."

The future of 'General Hospital' is in question. Katie Couric's talk show, 'Katie,' is coming to ABC in fall 2012, set for the 3PM ET hour in key markets, bumping 'GH.' Why change showrunners with such an uncertain future? That's the million dollar question.

Phelps joined 'General Hospital' in 2001. Prior to her time in Port Charles, Phelps served as executive producer on 'One Life to Live,' 'Another World,' 'Guiding Light' and 'Santa Barbara.' She's been nominated for 14 Daytime Emmy Awards and won six times. Additionally, Phelps is credited with bringing James Franco to the soap.

Starting January, 'General Hospital' will be the only soap on ABC. 'All My Children' has already been replaced by 'The Chew' and 'One Life to Live' will end on Fri., Jan. 13. 'The Revolution' starts Mon., Jan. 16.

'Teen Wolf' Adds Trio for Season 2

'Teen Wolf' Adds Trio for Season 2

"Battlestar Galactica's" Michael Hogan, "The Nine Lives of Chloe King's" Daniel Sharman and "Private Practice's" Stephen Lunsford will join MTV's werewolf series.

MTV's supernatural series Teen Wolf is bulking up its cast ahead of its second season.

Battlestar Galactica's Michael Hogan, Private Practice's Stephen Lunsford and The Nine Lives of Chloe King's Daniel Sharman have been added to the cast for the series sophomore season, the network announced Thursday.

Hogan will play Allison's (Crystal Reed) grandfather, Gerard, a lethal werewolf hunter who attempts to convince her to join the family business.

Lunsford will play Matt, a teenager with an eye for photography who will compete with Scott for Allison's affections.

Sharman will play Isaac, a troubled student and member of the lacrosse team who will be given a "unique gift" by new Alpha, Derek.

The series, which averaged 1.7 million viewers, will also add a yet-to-be-cast female character.

The trio joins returning regulars Tyler Posey, Reed, Dylan O'Brien, Tyler Hoechlin, Holland Roden and Colton Haynes in the series based on the 1980s features that starred Michael J. Fox and developed by Criminal Minds creator Jeff Davis.

Production on Season 2 began Thursday in Atlanta.

Chord Overstreet's 'Glee' Return

Chord Overstreet's 'Glee' Return

Welcome back, Trouty Mouth.

Chord Overstreet makes his triumphant return to 'Glee' (Tues., Dec. 13, 8PM ET on Fox) after a sudden departure.

News of Overstreet's exit broke this summer after the actor wasn't offered a series regular gig on the teen musical show. Series co-creator Ryan Murphy said Overstreet was welcome to return as a recurring guest star, but Overstreet decided to pursue his music and other acting gigs. Since leaving 'Glee' he guest starred on ABC's 'The Middle.' However, he's taken up the recurring offer and his character Sam Evans will return to help New Directions perform at Sectionals.

"We love Chord and have always said that we wanted him back," Murphy said in a statement in October. "So here's an early Christmas present for all the Gleeks -- Sam is coming back to McKinley, and just in time for sectionals!"

Fox Announces 2012 Midseason Schedule: 'Alcatraz,' 'Touch' Premiere Dates

Fox Announces 2012 Midseason Schedule: 'Alcatraz,' 'Touch' Premiere Dates

Fox announced its 2012 midseason schedule with premiere dates set for returning favorites 'American Idol' and 'House,' as well as the network's new scripted lineup, including 'The Finder,' 'Alcatraz' and 'Touch.'

The anticipated 'Bones' spin-off, 'The Finder,' will kick off the network's new scripted lineup on Thurs., Jan. 12.

Meanwhile, J.J. Abrams' new mystery drama 'Alcatraz' -- the high-concept series that halted production in November in order to re-shoot a few scenes in the first seven episodes -- will premiere Mon., Jan. 16.

Kiefer Sutherland's new series, 'Touch,' is getting an 'American Idol' lead-in for a series premiere preview on Wed., Jan. 25, before heading to Sutherland's old '24' slot on Monday nights in March for its official premiere.

'American Idol' opens Season 11 with a two-night premiere starting on Wed, Jan. 18. Teen musical dramedy 'Glee' will take a hiatus beginning Tues., March 6; Fox will then debut a two-hour sitcom block on Tuesday nights with critical darling 'New Girl' in the 9PM slot.

The critically panned sitcom 'I Hate My Teenage Daughter' will return will all-new episodes following 'American Idol' in the schedule.

Read the full schedule below.

FOX 2011-2012 MIDSEASON SCHEDULE

MONDAY
Monday, Jan. 16:
8:00-10:00 PM ALCATRAZ (Series Premiere)

Mondays, beginning Jan. 23:
8:00-9:00 PM HOUSE (Time Period Premiere)
9:00-10:00 PM ALCATRAZ (Time Period Premiere)

Monday, March 12:
8:00-10:00 PM ALCATRAZ (Two-Hour Episode)

Mondays, beginning March 19:
8:00-9:00 PM HOUSE
9:00-10:00 PM TOUCH (Series Premiere)

TUESDAY
Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 17:
8:00-9:00 PM GLEE
9:00-9:30 PM NEW GIRL
9:30-10:00 PM RAISING HOPE

Tuesdays, beginning March 6:
8:00-8:30 PM NEW GIRL (encore)
8:30-9:00 PM BREAKING IN (Season Premiere)
9:00-9:30 PM NEW GIRL
9:30-10:00 PM RAISING HOPE

WEDNESDAY
Wednesday, Jan. 4:
8:00-9:00 PM GLEE (encore)
9:00-10:00 PM MOBBED

Wednesday, Jan. 11:
8:00-9:00 PM MOBBED (encore)
9:00-10:00 PM MOBBED

Wednesday, Jan. 18:
8:00-10:00 PM AMERICAN IDOL (Season Premiere, Part One)

Wednesday, Jan. 25:
8:00-9:00 PM AMERICAN IDOL
9:00-10:00 PM TOUCH (Special Preview)

Wednesdays, beginning Feb. 1:
8:00-9:00 PM AMERICAN IDOL
9:00-10:00 PM MOBBED

Wednesdays, beginning Feb. 15:
8:00-10:00 PM AMERICAN IDOL (Two-Hour Episodes)

THURSDAY
Thursday, Jan. 12:
8:00-9:00 PM BONES (encore)
9:00-10:00 PM THE FINDER (Series Premiere)

Thursdays, beginning Jan. 19:
8:00-9:00 PM AMERICAN IDOL (Season Premiere, Part Two)
9:00-10:00 PM THE FINDER

FRIDAY
Friday, Jan. 6:
8:00 PM-CC ET FOX SPORTS SPECIAL: 2012 AT&T COTTON BOWL CLASSIC (Live)

Fridays, beginning Jan. 13:
8:00-9:00 PM KITCHEN NIGHTMARES
9:00-10:00 PM FRINGE

SATURDAY
Saturdays, beginning Jan. 7:
8:00-8:30 PM COPS
8:30-9:00 PM COPS
9:00-10:00 PM DRAMA ENCORES
11:00 PM-Midnight ENCORES
Midnight-12:30 AM ENCORES

Saturday, Feb. 11:
8:00-10:00 PM AMERICA'S MOST WANTED SPECIAL EDITION
11:00 PM-Midnight ENCORES
Midnight-12:30 AM ENCORES

SUNDAY
Sunday, Jan. 8:
7:00-7:30 PM BOB'S BURGERS (encore)
7:30-8:00 PM THE CLEVELAND SHOW (encore)
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

Sunday, Jan. 15:
8:00-8:30 PM THE SIMPSONS
8:30-9:00 PM NAPOLEON DYNAMITE (Series Premiere)
9:00-9:30 PM FAMILY GUY
9:30-10:00 PM NAPOLEON DYNAMITE (Special Time)

Sunday, Jan. 22:
6:00 PM-CC ET FOX SPORTS SPECIAL: NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME (Live)
10:00 PM ET/ AMERICAN IDOL (Special Broadcast; Approximate Start Time)

Sundays, beginning Jan. 29:
7:00-7:30 PM BOB'S BURGERS (encore)
7:30-8:00 PM THE CLEVELAND SHOW
8:00-8:30 PM THE SIMPSONS
8:30-9:00 PM NAPOLEON DYNAMITE
9:00-9:30 PM FAMILY GUY
9:30-10:00 PM AMERICAN DAD

Sundays, beginning March 11:
7:00-7:30 PM ANIMATION DOMINATION ENCORES
7:30-8:00 PM THE CLEVELAND SHOW
8:00-8:30 PM THE SIMPSONS
8:30-9:00 PM BOB'S BURGERS (Season Premiere)
9:00-9:30 PM FAMILY GUY
9:30-10:00 PM AMERICAN DAD

Parents of West Memphis Three Victim Protest 'Paradise Lost' Doc's Oscar Consideration

Parents of West Memphis Three Victim Protest 'Paradise Lost' Doc's Oscar Consideration

Todd and Dana Moore, parents of murdered 8-year-old Michael Moore, claim doc creators Bruce Sinofsky and Joe Berlinger "profited from one of the greatest frauds ever perpetrated under the guise of a documentary film." The directors respond.

The West Memphis Three have garnered an extraordinary amount of attention since being convicted of a triple homicide in 1994 -- a crime many believe Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley (18-, 16- and 17-years-old in 1993, respectively) didn't commit.

Directors Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky certainly felt that way and they presented their findings in a series of HBO documentaries, starting with 1996's Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills. After gaining the support of rock stars such as Eddie Vedder and members of Metallica (Dixie Chicks' Natalie Maines and director Peter Jackson later jumped on board), the film was followed by a sequel, Paradise Lost: Revelations in 2000, and in January 2012, the network will premiere Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory, which includes footage shot as recently as August, when the three offered an Alfrod plea (where each defendant admits that sufficient evidence exists with which he could be found guilty, but can assert his innocence) and were released from an Arkansas prison (Echols, who got painted as the Satanic ringleader of the murders, was on death row).

The docs made such a tremendous impact on the general public that Oscar buzz began as Part 3 was still making its way around to film festivals, among them Toronto and September's New York Film Festival. Indeed, Paradise Lost 3 is already on the short list of contenders, along with 14 other documentaries.

But now comes word that Todd and Dana Moore, parents of Michael Moore, one of the three children killed, have pleaded with the Academy not to consider the movie for any award. Their position, put forth in a letter to the Academy, is that the filmmakers "profited from one of the greatest frauds ever perpetrated under the guise of a documentary film." The couple contends that public pressure and "gross misrepresentations exploded" after the first two films and that their son's alleged killers "were unjustly able to enter into a plea agreement, were released from prison and now pose additional threats to society."

In a statement issued by Sinofsky and Berlinger, the two directors, responded by restating their case. It reads: "We cannot imagine the pain that the parents of Michael Moore, Steven Branch and Christopher Byers have endured as a result of their children being murdered on May 5, 1993. Therefore, despite the many incorrect statements contained in Todd and Dana Moore's letter to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, we wish to express our deep sympathy for their loss.  We also respect their right to disagree with the evidence that has been uncovered over the last 17 years, including exculpatory DNA and other forensic evidence, as well as allegations of juror misconduct. Although members of two of the three families of the victims have come to believe that the West Memphis Three are innocent of killing their children and have been extremely supportive of our films, the Moore family, as is their right, continues to believe in the Three's guilt, so we understand their frustration with a series of documentaries that have helped lead to the release of The West Memphis Three.  We stand behind the integrity of our journalistic process and the information contained in our films which demonstrates the innocence of Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley. We also suggest that the State of Arkansas honor the memory of Michael Moore, Steven Branch and Christopher Byers by finding the real killer or killers responsible for this horrific crime."

So what happens next? To remove Paradise Lost from Oscar consideration would require the directors to pull it. Suffice it to say, the likelihood of that happening is just about nil. In fact, all the chatter about Paradise Lost's chances may very well lock in a contender's spot for the little doc that could. We'll find out soon enough as nominations are scheduled to be announced in January.

But even beyond awards season, the story isn't looking like it will get much of a rest. According to Sheila Nevins, president of HBO Documentary Films and the woman who spearheaded the Paradise Lost series from the very beginning, there will "definitely" be a part four. She tells The Hollywood Reporter: "They had to pay the price for 18 years because there's a lot of people walking around who know those guys didn't do it and they're still out there."

'Celebrity Wife Swap' Pairs Revealed

'Celebrity Wife Swap' Pairs Revealed

The day you dreamed of is almost here: Celebrities will swap spouses on national TV beginning Tues., Jan. 3 at 9PM ET.

ABC's 'Celebrity Wife Swap,' the new 2012 reality show most likely to feature trainwrecks, will feature many reality mainstays swapping spouses in true 'Wife Swap' tradition. Wives in two celebrity families -- sometimes the celebrity is the wife -- switch lives for two weeks. During the first week the women must live by the rules of their host family, but during the second week the visiting wives take control.

The celebrity swappers include:
• Gary Busey and evangelical pastor Ted Haggard
• 'Growing Pains' star Tracey Gold and Wilson Phillips singer Carnie Wilson
• Flavor Flav and Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider
• Pro wrestler Mick Foley and Antonio Sabato Jr.
• Niecy Nash and 'Family Ties' actress Tina Yothers.

No specific airdates have been announced.

Roger Ebert's Movie-Review Show Going on Hiatus After Running Out of Money

Roger Ebert's Movie-Review Show Going on Hiatus After Running Out of Money

The film critic and his wife have been footing the bill for "At the Movies" with the help of a $25,000 contribution since it debuted on public television stations Jan. 21.

Less than a month after making a plea for investors to help keep his movie-review show going, Roger Ebert announced that Ebert Presents: At the Movies will go on hiatus at the end of the year.

"This move is necessary to allow the public television stations that carry our show to plan their programs for the beginning of the new year," the film critic wrote on his Chicago Sun-Times blog. "We held off as long as possible but we had to give notice today."

Ebert said he and his wife, Chaz, who produces alongside her husband, are still exploring other ways to raise the funds to get the show back on the air. The two have been footing the bill -- alongside a $25,000 contribution from the Kanbar Charitable Trust -- for the show since it debuted Jan. 21.

He wrote that they are still speaking to "the top executives of several channels and film distributors, charitable foundations, Web delivery services, potential corporate sponsors and crowd-funding sources," the latter of which could include a Kickstarter campaign, which was suggested by Ebert's fans.

Ebert remains hopeful the show will come back, saying he hopes the hiatus will be "brief."

"We really believe in this show and its mission to provide an intelligent place for the discussion of movies in a forum accessible to the public and in a manner that is easily understood yet that feeds the thirst for both entertainment and knowledge," he wrote.

At the Movies, hosted by Christy Lemire and Ignatiy Vishnevetsky, features the same format that made Ebert a household name when he reviewed movies alongside the late Gene Siskel: two film critics giving their thumbs-up or thumbs-down opinions on upcoming releases.

Ebert, who was left unable to speak after losing his lower jaw to thyroid and salivary gland cancer. also has appeared on multiple episodes.

Early last month, he took to his blog to ask for donations to keep the show going.

"Unless we find an angel, our television program will go off the air at the end of its current season," he wrote. "There. I've said it. Usually in television, people use evasive language. Not me. We'll be gone. I want to be honest about why this is. We can't afford to finance it any longer."

He and Chaz paid for the screen test, pilot, titles, set, lighting, office space, design and maintenance of the website and salaries of all those who work on the show, though he and his wife do not take a salary. He said that he wasn't quite clear that would be the case when he first sold the show.

Some more random show news.....

Some more random show news.....

ABC's new one-hour comedy, 'GCB' -- starring Kristin Chenoweth and Annie Potts -- has lined up two superstar guest appearances that will surely get people talking.

Singer-song writer Sheryl Crow will guest star as herself in the series' fifth episode, reports TV Guide. "Sheryl is great," 'GCB' creator, Robert Harling, told TV Guide. "She is the guest star at the church fundraiser. It was fantastic working with her. She's a great actress."

Funny lady Sandra Bernhard will also make a guest appearance in the show, but for now, the details are top secret. "It's a big surprise," Harling reveals.

In other TV news ...

CBS announces new morning broadcast, 'CBS This Morning': CBS' replacement for 'The Early Show' has a name. Say hello to 'CBS This Morning.' The broadcast, hosted by Charlie Rose, Gayle King and Erica Hill, will premiere on Monday, Jan. 9 at 7AM ET. [CBS News]

Jason Biggs is going to court ... on 'The Good Wife.' The 'American Pie' star will play a client of Lockhart/Gardner, a lawyer being sued after refusing to reveal the identity of one of his clients. [TVLine]

'Battlestar Galactica' veteran Michael Hogan is joining the cast of 'Teen Wolf.' Stephen Lunsford and Daniel Sharman will also be a part of Season 2. [MTV]

More than 9 million people tuned in to 'Live! With Regis and Kelly' to say goodbye to Regis Philbin. Not as many viewers as Oprah's send off, but still big for Reeg. [THR]