Germany’s ‘The Voice’ Ratings Soar to New Record

Germany’s ‘The Voice’ Ratings Soar to New Record

The new singing format closes in on “Idol” and “Got Talent."

The noise around The Voice in Germany shows no sign of quieting down. The spinning chairs singing format continues to gain audience share in Europe’s leading television market, with 5.21 million tuning in to the fifth episode of The Voice this week, more than a million more than watched the show’s debut.

And most of those are younger viewers. The Voice of Germany scored a sensational 30.9 percent share in the key 14-49 demographic, with nearly 4 million tuning in. If The Voice continues to rise, the show will challenge Germany’s versions of Idol and Got Talent for the local ratings crown. Both Idol and Got Talent air on RTL Television, The Voice alternates between RTL competitors Pro7 and Sat.1.

Spartacus: Vengeance First Look: Watch The Bloody Spectacular Trailer and Behind the Scenes Footage

Spartacus: Vengeance First Look: Watch The Bloody Spectacular Trailer and Behind the Scenes Footage

Spartacus: Vengeance doesn’t premiere for another month, but Starz is whetting fans’ appetites by releasing the trailer and some behind the scene looks.

Trailer

Behind the scenes

Behind the scenes

'Law & Order: SVU' Occupy Wall Street Set Overtaken by Real OWS Protestors

'Law & Order: SVU' Occupy Wall Street Set Overtaken by Real OWS Protestors

The show famous for ripping storylines from the headlines became one, as a "Law & Order: SVU" set mocked up to look like the Occupy Wall Street camp at Zuccotti Park was infiltrated by real OWS-ers Friday morning.

The NBC legal drama -- the last one standing from the once-thriving "Law & Order" franchise -- was scheduled to film on the "Mockupy" Wall Street set that had been created in downtown New York City, near the State Supreme Court building where "L&O" shows have frequently filmed.

But around midnight, actual Occupy Wall Street protestors popped up at the recreation of their old stomping (and sleeping, eating, reading, and drum circle-ing) grounds and began to walk through the set, poking fun at what they saw as an attempt by the TV show to capitalize on their protests.

Protestors danced, waved flags, poked through the library and kitchen elements of the set and, the New York Times reports, even crawled inside tents, despite objections from people guarding the "L&O" production.

"We thought we would bring some extras down and add some reality to this show," Brooklyn protestor Aaron Black told the Times. "Why should they be able to put tents up in a public park when we are unable to do that?"

NYPD officers were called to the scene, and a police commander announced the show's set permit had been rescinded.

After a brief stand-off with NYPD, the protestors disbursed to a nearby fountain and held a meeting, while "Law & Order" production company employees broke down the faux Zuccotti Park.

Matt Smith: 'Doctor Who Confidential axe was a pity'

Matt Smith: 'Doctor Who Confidential axe was a pity'

Matt Smith has expressed his disappointment at the cancellation of Doctor Who Confidential.

The behind-the-scenes show was axed by BBC Three controller Zai Bennett in late September.

"[I was] really sorry," Smith told What's On TV. "It's a pity as I think it's a show which can reinvent itself year on year and it's one of the biggest shows on BBC Three."

Bennett previously defended his decision, explaining that BBC Three is focusing investment on original commissions in the future.

"I guess people come in and have new ideas and want to have their own fresh take on it," said Smith. "But, hey, some you win, some you lose."

Following the Confidential cancellation, Doctor Who fans began a campaign on Twitter to resurrect the show.

The final Doctor Who Confidential instalment, 'When Time Froze', aired on October 1 on BBC Three.

Paul O'Grady: 'I'd definitely be up for Britain's Got Talent'

Paul O'Grady: 'I'd definitely be up for Britain's Got Talent'

Paul O'Grady has revealed that he would "definitely consider" a judging role on Britain's Got Talent.

The 56-year-old, who previously turned down an offer to join the ITV contest, said he would be open to replacing outgoing stars Michael McIntyre and David Hasselhoff on the panel, though he admitted that he would find it "tough" to end the dreams of contestants.

"I'd consider it most definitely, but if they did ask me I'd have to have a good think," he told The Mirror. "You have to sit through all those bum acts at the auditions - some of them are dreadful. And I really hate the ones that say they're burlesque artistes. No you're not, you've got a bit of tinsel wrapped round your bra.

"I'd be very worried that I'd say too much. It's a tough job. You've got to be honest with people, but you can end up [being] 'Mr Nasty' or bland.

"I'd be honest, but I couldn't tell kids they were rubbish - I wouldn't be able to sleep when I got home if I reduced somebody to tears. I'd hate it. Who wants to earn a living doing that?"

O'Grady added that he is not a fan of Britain's Got Talent's sister show The X Factor, which he believes has become "too cynical" in recent years.

"I'm not that keen on Saturday night telly anyway, I never have been," he said. "I'll watch Strictly if it's on - I wouldn't rush in to put it on - and I never watch X Factor. It's too cynical for me, plus most years the finalists don't seem to have the X Factor."

In September, O'Grady was named by Digital Spy readers as their dream Britain's Got Talent judge.

Simon Cowell was confirmed this week to be returning to Britain's Got Talent alongside veteran judge Amanda Holden.

Simon Cowell to make satellite appearance on 'X Factor' final

Simon Cowell to make satellite appearance on 'X Factor' final

The show's creator and Syco boss left the UK X Factor last year and has not featured in the 2011 live shows at all, due to commitments to the new US series on Fox.

Simon Cowell - The X Factor boss and record executive celebrates his 52nd birthday on Friday.

Cowell is holding a party in LA at the weekend, which will be streaming footage of the four-hour UK show's finale for guests. He has also apparently been lined up to speak via satellite on The Xtra Factor.

The music and TV mogul is still a producer on the ITV1 programme and has spoken to the UK contestants via Skype during the series, offering constructive criticism and advice on their performances.

At yesterday's X Factor finalists' press conference at Wembley Arena, Louis Walsh and Gary Barlow seemed unaware that Cowell would have any involvement in the final, suggesting that he was too busy with the US version.

The X Factor final kicks off on Saturday (December 10) at 8pm on ITV1. Marcus Collins, Amelia Lily and Little Mix are fighting it out for the chance to land a Syco record contract and a Christmas single.

Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock game confirmed by BBC

Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock game confirmed by BBC

BBC Worldwide has today released the first details about Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock, the first in a series of new console games featuring the Timelord.

Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock is being developed by Supermassive Games for digital download platforms and is set for release in early 2012, initially on PlayStation 3, the new PlayStation Vita handheld and PC platforms.

This will be the first in a series of new Doctor Who video games, with two more console titles planned for release in 2012 as the BBC looks to leverage the lucrative Doctor Who brand.

Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock, which was teased yesterday on the BBC's YouTube channel, will allow gamers to take on the role of Matt Smith's Doctor and Alex Kingston's River Song as they travel across time and space to save the Earth.

BBC Worldwide, the BBC's commercial arm, said that the game will feature "time-based gameplay" involving changes made in one time creating multiple possibilities elsewhere, along with general puzzle solving across the centuries.

Featuring a wholly new storyline written in collaboration with the BBC Wales team, the game will feature "photo-real graphics, television-quality scenes and highly realistic characters" filmed in motion capture, along with full voice acting from Smith and Kingston.

BBC Worldwide executive vice president of digital entertainment Robert Nashak said: "We're creating these new games for PlayStation 3 and Vita with adaptations that will bring the wonder, adventure and madness of Doctor Who to each platform.

"Working with a top-tier UK development partner like Supermassive Games demonstrates BBC Worldwide's commitment to create world-class Doctor Who games for fans of the show and gamers alike."

Doctor Who is among the BBC's most valuable brands, helping Worldwide generate revenue of £1.16 billion in the 12 months to March 31, 2011, delivering a record profit of £160.2m, up 10.3% year-on-year.

Morena Baccarin: 'Mentalist return is juicy'

Morena Baccarin: 'Mentalist return is juicy'

Morena Baccarin has dropped hints about her upcoming return to The Mentalist.

The actress first played the murderous Erica Flynn in April 2011 episode, 'Every Rose Has Its Thorn'.

"She was apprehended and going to go to trial," Baccarin told TVLine. "But you don't know if she actually made it to prison. After all, she covered her tracks pretty well, and nobody could really prove anything."

Baccarin, who currently appears in Showtime's hit drama Homeland, went on to describe Flynn's reunion with Patrick Jane (Simon Baker) as "really juicy".

"It'll be fun to do something completely different," she suggested. "[I can] get back to my evil roots a little bit!"

Damages actor Craig Bierko has also filmed a role on The Mentalist. His guest stint will air tonight (Thursday) at 10/9c on CBS.

In October, series star Simon Baker revealed that he is contracted up to a potential seventh season of the CBS drama.

Will Young misses out on 'The Voice UK': 'They wanted to go more rock'

Will Young misses out on 'The Voice UK': 'They wanted to go more rock'

Will Young has confirmed that he missed out on joining The Voice UK.

The 'Jealousy' star was widely expected to join Jessie J and will.i.am as a coach on the BBC's new singing competition.

Jessie J herself appeared to confirm his involvement, telling a tabloid newspaper that she is pleased to be a fan of who she will work with.

Earlier today, the BBC announced that Tom Jones and The Script singer Danny O'Donoghue will judge alongside Jessie J and will.i.am.

Following his fans' disappointed reaction, Young tweeted that he lost the role due to the decision to hire someone "more rock" than himself.

"The voice came, the voice went. They wanted to go more rock... Should have dusted off my Leather jacket! Hey ho, (sic)" he said, before adding: "Hang on... Just got jimmy page on the Line. I'm commiserating him."

In what could be a tweet related to the news, Young last night lamented: "Words escape me. Life is sometimes a bitch."

The Voice UK is expected to air in the spring.

MTV's 'FCU: Fact Checkers Unit' starring Moby

MTV's 'FCU: Fact Checkers Unit' starring Moby

Brian Sacca and Peter Karinen have returned as the stars of web comedy series FCU: Fact Checkers Unit.

After an award-winning first season with NBC, the show has a new home at MTV.co.uk and a fresh selection of guest stars including Moby, T-Pain, Kyle Gass, Run DMC, Mark McGrath and TJ Miller.

The Fact Checkers have a new workplace - magazine SWAG - and bonkers boss Jordache, whose first request for the FCU is to find out whether popstar Moby's bones are breakable.

Frankie Cocozza plotting to gatecrash 'X Factor' final?

Frankie Cocozza plotting to gatecrash 'X Factor' final?

Frankie Cocozza is allegedly planning to gatecrash the X Factor final this weekend.

The teenage singer, who was axed from the ITV contest in November for boasting about his drug use, sparked speculation that he will make an unplanned appearance at the Wembley Arena show after he cancelled a viewing party in London.

West End venue Café De Paris confirmed to the Daily Star that Cocozza's 'Rehab Party' this weekend had been scrapped at the last minute yesterday (December 8).

"Frankie's X Factor party here has sadly now been cancelled," a spokesperson said. "His management team called us and said he needed to pull out of the event.

"They declined to say why but obviously we have got our own theories as to where he will be.

According to a friend, Cocozza has reached out to X Factor judge Gary Barlow for help making the final.

"He's been cheekily texting his old mentor Gary asking for a ticket," the source said. "If he doesn't get one that way, he'll find another way in."

An X Factor representative said: "There are no plans to include Frankie in our final. [He will appear] only if he gets a ticket in the audience."

Cocozza has reportedly signed a £30,000 deal to star in the next series of Celebrity Big Brother.

Amy Childs to star in Channel 5's 'The Bachelorette'?

Amy Childs to star in Channel 5's 'The Bachelorette'?

Amy Childs will reportedly take part in Channel 5's The Bachelorette.

The former Only Way Is Essex star, whose new reality show It's All About Amy debuted on Channel 5 earlier this month, will choose from 25 potential candidates on the dating show, according to The Sun.

"Amy has been picked to be the temptress because she's pretty easy on the eye," a production insider told the paper. "It's not going to be hard to find 25 blokes who fancy becoming her boyfriend.

"Who knows, she may even settle down with one of them. They could set up home in a nice mock Tudor place in Essex."

The Only Way Is Essex cast member Kirk Norcross was linked with a role on a potential second series of The Bachelor last month.

Channel 5's first series of The Bachelor, which is based on a long-running American format, featured rugby player Gavin Henson.

As seen on Glee: Fun - We Are Young

As seen on Glee: Fun - We Are Young

Don't know about you guys, but this song made me go nuts when I heard it on the last Episode of Glee. Is from a band called fun, and damn how much fun is this amazing song.

Hear and see the original videoclip below and compare it with the Glee version.

TV Tonight 9th of December 2011: Europe, the USA, Canada and Australia.

TV Tonight 9th 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 S34E15: "Season 34, Episode 15"
    8 out of 10 cats S12E00: "Best Bits"
    A.N.T. Farm S01E19: "SANTa's Little Helpers"
    All on the Line S02E03
    America's Most Wanted S25E02: "Season 25, Episode 2"
    Anderson S01E63: "Look Your Best for Less With Heidi Klum"
    Ben 10: Ultimate Alien S02E23: "Solitary Alignment"
    Best Dish - The Chefs S01E30: "Episode 30"
    Blik op de weg S26E00: "20 jaar blik op de weg"
    Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai S01E10: "Noone Sleeps at Training Camp"
    Boss S01E08: "Choose"
    Chuck S05E05: "Chuck Versus The Hack Off"
    Come Date with Me S01E05: "Series 1, Episode 5"
    Come Dine With Me S17E90: "Series 17, Come Dine With Me"
    Come Dine With Me S17E89: "Series 17, Episode 75"
    Coronation Street S52E249: "Fri 9 Dec 2011 [Episode 1]"
    Coronation Street S52E250: "Fri 9 Dec 2011 [Episode 2]"
    Countdown with Keith Olbermann S09E125: "Season 9, Episode 125"
    Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team S06E08: "Finale"
    Dateline NBC S21E11: "FR2111"
    Days of our Lives S47E22: "Ep. #11732"
    Deadly Women S05E14: "Lethal Love"
    Deal Or No Deal (UK) S07E89: "Episode 1769"
    Dickinson's Real Deal S08E15: "Series 8, Episode 15"
    Doctors S13E162: "You Have the Right to Remain Silent"
    Drop Down Menu S01E25: "Episode 25"
    EastEnders S27E196: "December 9, 2011"
    Emmerdale S40E289: "December 9, 2011"
    Extreme Makeover: Home Edition S09E16
    Extreme Makeover: Home Edition S09E17
    Facing Evil S02E04: "Homicidal Honeymooner"
    Fatal Attractions S03E05: "Venom: Life or Death?"
    Fifth Gear S20E08: "Series 20, Episode 8"
    Flying Wild Alaska S02E07: "Guts and Glory"
    For Better or Worse (2011) S01E06: "To Lie Or Not To Lie"
    For Better or Worse (2011) S01E05: "Forsaking All Others"
    Gardeners' World S44E28: "Christmas Special"
    General Hospital (US) S49E176: "#12450"
    Generator Rex S02E22: "Phantom of the Soap Opera"
    Ghost Adventures S05E09: "Rose Hall"
    Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden S22E70: "Season 22, Episode 70"
    Gold Rush: Alaska S02E07: "Gold At Last"
    Grimm S01E06: "The Three Bad Wolves"
    Guilty Crown S01E09: "Prey"
    Have I Got News for You S42E08
    Hollyoaks S17E245: "December 9, 2011"
    I'm In The Band S02E22: "Raiders of the Lost Dad"
    Idol (Norway) S06E21: "Finalerunde 8"
    Jeopardy! S28E60: "Show #6265"
    Jessie (2011) S01E08: "Christmas Story"
    Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness S01E18: "Po Fans Out"
    Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness S01E19: "My Favorite Yao"
    Last Call with Carson Daly S08E307: "Nick Waterhouse, M83"
    Late Night with Jimmy Fallon S02E190
    Late Show with David Letterman S18E173
    Lingo (NL) S23E29: "Season 23, Episode 29"
    Live At The Apollo S07E05: "Rich Hall, Andrew Maxwell, Mark Watson"
    Masterchef - The Professionals S04E21: "Michel's Classics"
    Mastermind (UK) S40E06: "Series 40, Show 6"
    Mawaru Penguin Drum S01E22: "Beautiful Casket"
    Neighbours S27E240: "Episode 6310"
    Nissene over skog og hei S01E09: "Episode 9"
    Nytt På Nytt S25E13: "Season 25, Episode 13"
    One Life to Live S44E103: "Ep. #11082"
    Onion News Network S02E10: "Year in Review"
    Pauw & Witteman S06E65: "Season 6, Episode 65"
    Persona 4 The Animation S01E10: "Real Me Doesn`t Exist"
    Pete Versus Life S02E06: "Does Pete Dream of Electric Sheep"
    Pointless S05E75: "Series 5, Episode 75"
    Prosto w serce S02E70: "Season 2, Episode 188"
    QI S09E14: "Idleness"
    Ranking the cars S01E09: "Season 1, Episode 9"
    RTL Boulevard S12E70: "Season 12, Episode 70"
    Sanctuary (US) S04E10: "Acolyte"
    Say Yes To The Dress S07E15: "Same Dress, Different Girl"
    Say Yes to the Dress: Big Bliss S03E03: "Big Bridal Bumps in the Road"
    SpangaS S05E70: "Season 5, Episode 70"
    Stand Up for the Week S03E06: "Series 3, Episode 6"
    Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two S08E50: "Series 8, Episode 50"
    Sweet Home Alabama S02E08: "The Finale"
    The Bold and the Beautiful S25E184: "Ep. #6213"
    The Dr. Phil Show S10E64: "Murder of a Preacher's Wife"
    The Ellen DeGeneres Show S09E64: "Lady Gaga"
    The Graham Norton Show S10E07
    The Idolmaster S01E23: "Episode 23"
    The Jeremy Kyle Show S07E66: "December 9, 2011"
    The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson S07E210
    The Million Pound Drop Live S07E05: "Series 7, Episode 5"
    The Rosie Show S01E35: "Dog the Bounty Hunter"
    The Tonight Show with Jay Leno S19E206: "Bill O'Reilly, Jackie Evancho"
    The View S15E68: "Ralph Fiennes, Ivanka Trump"
    The Voice ... (RO) S01E12: "Live #2 - Moga & Loredana"
    The Voice of Holland S02E20: "Live show 2"
    The Voice of Holland S02E21: "The Results 2"
    The Young and the Restless S39E181: "Ep. #9796"
    Thuis S17E75: "Season 17, Episode 75"
    TV Kantine, De S04E02: "Season 4, Episode 2"
    Un-Go S01E09: "Episode 9"
    Vermist S15E07: "Season 15, Episode 7"
    Voetbal International S04E37: "Season 4, Episode 37"
    Waan van de dag, De S01E06: "Season 1, Episode 6"
    Wereld draait door, De S07E80: "Season 7, Episode 80"
    Wild Britain with Ray Mears S02E09: "Highlands of Scotland"
    Winx Club S05E19: "Dragon Quest"
    WWE Friday Night SmackDown! S12E63: "Season 12, Episode 63"
    X-Men (2011) S01E08: "Lost"

'Touch': Watch the first trailer for Kiefer Sutherland's new show

'Touch': Watch the first trailer for Kiefer Sutherland's new show

Although the "Touch" pilot wasn't made in time for FOX's upfront presentation in the spring, our first look at the new series has finally arrived. "Touch" stars Kiefer Sutherland as a man with a possibly prophetic autistic son who can communicate solely through numbers and help change the future.

We will say that the first trailer for the FOX show, which premieres Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 9 p.m., looks quite intriguing. With "Heroes" boss Tim Kring at the helm, we're sure to get at least one good season before it goes completely off the rails.

"Touch" will premiere its first episode in January after an installment of "American Idol," but the rest of the series won't air until it settles into its regular Monday night time slot in March.

Touch Trailer

Queen Latifah, Charles Murray Sell Female Cop Project to CBS

Queen Latifah, Charles Murray Sell Female Cop Project to CBS

The "Criminal Minds" producer will pen the female-lead procedural set in Philadelphia.

CBS has nabbed a police procedural from the Queen.

The network has made a script deal for an untitled cop show from Queen Latifah. The project, about a street savvy Philadelphia woman who realizes her calling as a homicide detective after a defining moment, hails from Flavor Unit Entertainment and CBS Studios.

Charles Murray (V, Castle, Criminal Minds) will pen and executive produce the drama, with Latifah (Single Ladies, Let's Stay Together) set to executive produce through her production banner Flavor Unit Entertainment. Flavor Unit's Shakim Compere and Shelby Stone along with production company Rocklin/Faust's Nicole Rocklin, Blye Faust and Renata Adamidov are attached as executive producers.

If it ultimately makes it to air, the project will join other Latifah-produced entries, including VH1's Single Ladies and BET's Let's Stay Together. Latifah is also prepping a daytime talk show with Sony Pictures Television.

Murray, who is writing and directing indie drama Things Never Said, is repped by UTA, Industry Entertainment and Morris-Yorn; Latifah is repped by WME and Eisenberg, Tanchum & Levy.

'19 Kids and Counting' Mother Has Miscarriage

'19 Kids and Counting' Mother Has Miscarriage

Michelle Duggar, who stars of TLC’s reality show 19 Kids and Counting, has suffered a miscarriage after announcing she was expecting her 20th child.

Michelle’s husband, Jim Bob, said in a statement that he and his wife were told at a doctor's appointment Thursday that she had miscarried. He asked for privacy and said that Michelle was resting at home.

Duggar is the matriarch of the oversized family that has starred on the TLC show since 2008.

In November, the family went on the Today show to announce that they were expecting their 20th child.

The couple welcomed their 19th child, Josie, in 2009. During the pregnancy, Michelle suffered gall-bladder problems and preeclampsia, giving birth to Josie three and a half months prematurely.

ABC Extends Episode Order for 'Castle'

ABC Extends Episode Order for 'Castle'

The network has picked up an additional hour of the Nathan Fillion-Stana Katic crime procedural.

Good news for Castle fans: ABC has ordered an additional episode.

That means the episode count for the Monday night procedural, starring Nathan Fillion as a mystery novelist and Stana Katic as a New York detective, will go up to 23 for the fourth season.

Castle recently wrapped the first half of its current run with the episode "Cuffed," which found Castle (Fillion) and Beckett (Katic) handcuffed together with no recollection of how they got there. The crime drama returns with the second half of season 4 on Jan. 9.

When Katic spoke to THR in early November, she teased that in an upcoming episode of the show, viewers would finally "see Ryan finally get married" to Jenny.

Castle airs Mondays at 10 p.m. on ABC.

Casting News: Ed Asner Reprising Original 'Hawaii Five-0' Role, 'Glee' Casting Rachel's Dads

Casting News: Ed Asner Reprising Original 'Hawaii Five-0' Role, 'Glee' Casting Rachel's Dads

Ed Asner will reprise the 'Hawaii Five-0' role he first played more than 30 years ago.

According to CBS, the 'Mary Tyler Moore Show' veteran will once again play August March in an early 2012 episode. Asner first played the role in the 1975 episode of the original 'Hawaii Five-0' titled 'Wooden Model of a Rat.'

"It is thrilling to, for the first time, merge the original 'Hawaii Five-0' and our new show by having the classic, versatile and award-winning actor Ed Asner reprise his role of August March, a character Mr. Asner first played 36 years ago. There is no better way to form a bridge between our reboot and the original series," Peter Lenkov, 'Hawaii Five-0' executive producer, said in a statement.

For the first time, footage from the original series featuring Asner will be used. The archive footage will show his character in his smuggler days. When Asner's character appears in the new series, he'll be a reformed man after serving 30 years in prison for murder. The Five-0 team approach him for help on a smuggling case.

In other casting news ...

'Glee' is casting Rachel Berry's dads. Her fathers will be seen by the end of the season. Rapper Pitbull is also being courted to play Santana's brother. [EW]

Lauren Ambrose, Steven Pasquale, Richard Dreyfuss, Ellen Burstyn, James Woods and Geena Davis will star in 'Coma.' Ambrose and Pasquale will lead the ensemble cast in A&E's reboot of the Michael Crichton medical drama about a doctor who begins to suspect something is wrong when healthy people start to fall into comas. [THR]

'Parks and Recreation' stars Aziz Ansari and Nick Offerman will visit 'Bob's Burgers.' The NBC stars will lend voices to two different episodes. Ansari will voice a geeky teen who helps Bob in an online game and Offerman will voice a character alongside real-life wife Megan Mullally as aging hippie farmers. [EW]

Kevin Pollak will guest on 'Law & Order: SVU.' Pollak will play a judge who ends up on the wrong side of the law. Fisher Stevens and Grant Shaud will also appear in the episode set to air Jan. 11. [TV Guide]

Robin Givens is moving to 'Suburgatory.' Givens will play the longtime rival of Cheryl Hines' character Dallas. [EW]

Mindy Kaling, one of the only reasons to watch 'The Office' this season, is at work on a new animated series with 'The Office' and 'King of the Hill' executive producer Greg Daniels.

According to Deadline, she'll write, executive produce and voice a character on the series about a girls high school volleyball team.

'Parks and Recreation' producer Alan Yang is also working on a new animated project with Daniels. Yang's series is about a group of Los Angeles twentysomething guys who share a house in Hancock Park.

'Modern Family' is introducing Fizbo's former partner. Bobby Cannavale will play Louis, Cam's ex-sidekick, in an early 2012 episode. [TVLine]

Ellen Barkin is coming for Phil Dunphy. Barkin will guest star on 'Modern Family' as Vera, Phil's real estate nemesis. [TVLine]

Roger Bart is heading to 'CSI.' The 'Desperate Housewives' actor will play a wig maker who makes hair pieces for women. [EW]'

'All My Children' veteran Cameron Mathison will guest star on 'Desperate Housewives.' Mathison will play Bree's lover. [TVLine]

'Lost' and 'Dexter' veteran Mark Pellegrino is traveling back in time with 'Castle.' Pellegrino will guest star in the noir-themed episode. [TVLine]

Soap Fans: 'All My Children,' 'One Life to Live' Not Dead Yet at Prospect Park

Soap Fans: 'All My Children,' 'One Life to Live' Not Dead Yet at Prospect Park

The saga of Prospect Park's attempts to relaunch "All My Children" and "One Life to Live" as web series has turned into something of a soap opera itself.

First, the two shows, were canceled as TV series by ABC. Then Prospect Park, the production company behind hit primetime series "Wilfred" and "Royal Pains," secured the rights to take the shows to the Internet, and at least some of the TV casts signed on for the Web adaptations.

Then, at the end of November, Prospect Park announced it had "suspended" plans for the online versions of "AMC" and "OLTL," which were to anchor the company's new online network, called The Online Network.

And now, like many a soap opera hero and heroine who has returned from the dead, Prospect Park's "ABC" and "OLTL" may not be so dead, after all.

The company has continued to hold meetings to explore any options for keeping the soaps alive and kicking online, Variety reports.

A Prospect Park representative issued a "no comment" in response to TheWrap's request for confirmation, but the trade says the avenues Prospect Park is pursuing include partnering with a foreign company to co-produce online versions of the shows.

Such a move might allow Prospect Park to sidestep negotiations with cast and crew unions, which is reportedly the glitch that sparked Prospect Park's decision to suspend the online plans.

Prospect Park will hold the digital rights ABC licensed to them until September 2012 for "All My Children," and January 2012 for "One Life to Live."

"AMC" ended its 41-year run on ABC on Sept. 23 with a cliffhanger fans assumed would be resolved when the show resumed online.

"One Life to Live" will end its 43-year-run on ABC with its Jan. 13 series finale.

Dianna Agron to Launch 'Art-Based' Website; Reveals That Her 'Glee' Character Was Nearly 'Scrapped'

Dianna Agron to Launch 'Art-Based' Website; Reveals That Her 'Glee' Character Was Nearly 'Scrapped'

The actress celebrated her Nylon January cover with '90210-ers' Shenae Grimes and Trevor Donovan on Wednesday at L.A.'s The Writers Room.

Dianna Agron, known for her role as Glee’s resident Queen Bee and cheerleader Quinn Fabray, graces the cover of Nylon’s latest issue draped in bubblegum pink and white lace, courtesy of Christopher Kane.

The actress’ cover story coincides with her latest project -- a new website titled “You, Me and Charlie” -- set to launch early next week.

“It’s mainly arts-based, but it’s also a forum for people to love and support each other,” she tells the mag. “I realized that just by posting something, I can really influence someone’s day.”

Agron was joined by 90210 stars Shenae Grimes, Gillian Zinser and Trevor Donovan, as well as Nylon editor-in-chief Marvin Scott Jarrett and publisher Jaclynn Jarrett, as she celebrated the January cover at L.A.’s The Writers Room. The Glee star was feted with a pink cake -- decorated with her cover image -- which she served to guests, including Twilight Breaking Dawn’s Casey LaBow, Awkward’s Ashley Rickards, and associate publisher at Nylon, Karim Abay.

Agron was photographed wearing an Express faux fur jacket. The clothing retailer served as a party sponsor, as well as Svedka vodka.

In the cover story, Agron also addresses her Glee future, saying, “Essentially, I'm a senior, so, I’ll probably graduate this year.” As for her history, the actress reveals that the character of Quinn almost didn't exist.

“They were going to scrap the character,” she says. “But Robert [Ulrich, the casting director] asked for one more chance. I went in and read, and they called me back two days later, and he told me to come back and straighten my hair and wear something sexy. I was like, ‘First of all, what is… ‘sexy’? …I went to like, a CVS and bought a straightener and straightened it at Starbucks.”

To read the full story, pick up a copy of Nylon magazine on stands now. For more photos from the party, click through to the next page.

'Man Up' Yanked From ABC Schedule

'Man Up' Yanked From ABC Schedule

"Man Up" has been shot down by ABC.

The network has pulled the freshman comedy from its schedule, the network confirms to TheWrap. Repeats of "Last Man Standing," which has been preceding the show, will now occupy the Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m. timeslot.

Five episodes of the series remain unaired, and while the network plans to air them at a later date, there are no specifics as of yet.

The series, which premiered to a soft 2.4 rating/6 share in the adults 18-49 demographic in October, has declined since then -- the most recent episode this week posted just a 1.6/4 in the demo, with 4.7 million total viewers.

The writing was pretty much on the wall for the show in mid-November, when ABC released a midseason schedule with the new series "Work It" premiering in its timeslot on Jan. 3. Production on the season had already wrapped.

The series, which was created by Christopher Moynihan, starred Moynihan, Dan Fogler and Mather Zickel. The series focused on three grown men struggling to shed their immaturity.

Uma Thurman to Get 'Smash'-ed on NBC

Uma Thurman to Get 'Smash'-ed on NBC

"Kill Bill" star Uma Thurman is coming to the small screen -- at least for a temporary stay.

Thurman has signed on for NBC's upcoming musical drama "Smash," in a five-episode arc, the network announced Thursday. Thurman will play "a famous and somewhat difficult movie star who flirts with the idea of starring in 'Marilyn,' the musical within the musical."

"Smash," which debuts Feb. 6 at 10 p.m. ET, stars Debra Messing, Christian Borle and Brian d'Arcy James and revolves around the production of a Broadway musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe. Katharine McPhee, Anjelica Huston and Megan Hilty also star.

Thurman's upcoming big-screen projects include "Eloise in Paris," based on Kay Thompson's children's book.

'Glee' Ratings Plunge: Why Audiences Are Tuning Out

'Glee' Ratings Plunge: Why Audiences Are Tuning Out

"Glee" has lost nearly a quarter of its audience this season -- more than any other show with such high ratings. Is it burning out, like so many series shows that become near-instant cultural phenomena? Or just finding its real audience after years of hype?

In its current, third season, the cultural phenomenon has tried to return to its roots after second-season gimmicks tested even some die-hard Gleeks. It's unclear whether cutting down on special guests and thematic episodes has reduced viewership this season, if some fans have given up, or if something else is at play.

The show, which centers around a high school glee club, has fallen 23.9 percent in the coveted 18-49 demographic, making it No. 10 on TheWrap's list of fall's biggest ratings losers (See chart, left). We looked at returning network shows from the start of the fall through the week of Nov. 13, compared to the same period in the previous season.

Most of the other shows on the list are on the struggling CW or Friday night, a ratings dead zone. One, "Desperate Housewives," is in its last season, and another, "Community," has been pulled from NBC's schedule.

"Glee" is doing better than any of them -- and better than most shows on television, in spite of its ratings drop. It has still averaged a 3.4 rating in the demo and 8.1 million total viewers.

Preston Beckman, Fox's executive vice president of strategic program planning and research, says "Glee" is settling into a "more realistic number" in its third season after two seasons fueled by intense media attention. Unique, unusual shows often benefit from such initial coverage, he said.

"Like any red-hot show, it becomes yesterday's news, and I don't mean that in a critical way. Press people are always running toward the flame," he said. "It's in its third season, and unlike ... procedurals or more conventional shows, these types of shows are always going to start big. And then there's the question of whether there's an audience that's going to stay with the show for four or five years."

Many risk-taking shows that capture TV critics' hearts -- from "Twin Peaks" to "Heroes" -- burn out fast in ratings. Beckman, who is certain "Glee" will return next season, says its continuing popularity proves it hasn't fizzled out.

But it may be suffering from overexposure, said Horizon Media senior vice president of research Brad Adgate. It has already spawned a live concert tour, a filmed version of that tour, an Oxygen network reality competition, and endless singles.

"'Glee' is down I think alarmingly for a third-year show," he said. "I think one reason is kind of the inconsistent writing and storylines.