Tom Hanks' New HBO Miniseries Blows the Lid off Pop-Tarts

Tom Hanks' New HBO Miniseries Blows the Lid off Pop-Tarts

The actor and producer gave David Letterman a first look at his next project.

Tom Hanks is tackling a new project for HBO. It’s a historical miniseries that he expects can live up to the level of drama he established with other projects for the network like Band of Brothers and The Pacific.

“I discovered this story a couple years ago,” Hanks says on Thursday’s Late Show with David Letterman on CBS. “And I thought no one has ever, ever said this. And I think it’s an amazing aspect of what daily life in America has become, because of this man.”

The series chronicles Bert Loomis, the creator of the amazing Pop-Tarts. OK, of course it’s a parody, but I love when celebrities can make fun of themselves and I love Pop-Tarts. Who doesn’t? Winning.

In reality, Hanks is back in business with the cable channel. He’s currently producing a college athlete comedy for HBO.

History Channel's "Pawn Stars" begets "Cajun Pawn Stars"

History Channel's "Pawn Stars" begets "Cajun Pawn Stars"

Been wondering where you can hock that spare cow you have sitting around? Look no further than the Silver Dollar Pawn & Jewelry Center in Alexandria, La., the setting for the History Channel's spin-off of its most popular series, "Pawn Stars."

"Cajun Pawn Stars," which premieres on History on January 8, will revolve around Silver Dollar Pawn, a shop that, in addition to dealing in jewelry and collectibles, also trades in livestock. One transaction involves donkeys.

Silver Dollar is operated by Jimmie "Big Daddy" DeRamus, along with DeRamus' daughter Tammie and his younger brother Johnnie. The 20,000-square-foot store houses more than 100,000 items, and is an attraction for school and tourist bus tours. History Channel's release on the show notes that the shop's customers will include a daily stream of "quirky local characters."

DeRamus has been in the pawn business for nearly three decades, and is described as a "walking encyclopedia" of knowledge about valuable and historic collectibles. He likes to make bold moves in acquiring rare artifacts, and in the premiere episode, makes a $500,000 offer to obtain rare bank notes.

History Renews Six Series, Orders "Cajun Pawn Stars" Spin-Off

History Renews Six Series, Orders "Cajun Pawn Stars" Spin-Off

History has ordered new seasons of "Only in America with Larry the Cable Guy," "American Restoration," "Top Gear," "Top Shot," "Ax Men" and "Swamp People," a network spokesperson has confirmed to the site.

In addition, the cable channel has commissioned "Cajun Pawn Stars," a spin-off of its top draw "Pawn Stars." The series, premiering Sunday, January 8 at 10:00/9:00c*, follows Jimmie DeRamus and his team at Alexandria, Louisiana's famed Silver Dollar Pawn and Jewelry Center.

As for its returning class, "Only in America" and "American Restoration" will kick off new cycles on Wednesday, January 11 at 9:00/8:00c and 10:00/9:00c, respectively.

"Top Gear," "Top Shot," "Ax Men" and "Swamp People" then will return with new episodes in February alongside the previously announced newcomer "Full Metal Jousting."

Matt Smith admits: Karen Gillan’s Doctor Who exit is disappointing

Matt Smith admits: Karen Gillan’s Doctor Who exit is disappointing

Matt Smith has called the exit of Karen Gillan and Arthur Darvill from Doctor Who 'disappointing', after Steven Moffat announced Amy Pond and Rory Williams will be leaving next year.

Matt Smith, who plays the Eleventh Doctor, said he would miss the Ponds but praised the show's 'ability to change'.

'It is very disappointing,' he admitted. 'We took over the show and had to hold hands and help each other.

'But this show is about change and regeneration and that is very galvanising and pushes it forward.'

Speaking at the Doctor Who press screening in London, executive producer Moffat said the pair will be leaving the show at some point during next series, before hinting at the return on River Song.

He said: 'The final days of the Ponds are coming during the next series. Then the Doctor will meet a new friend.'

Karen Gillan has starred as the Doctor's companion since Matt Smith took over the role in 2010, with husband Rory later becoming the first full-time male companion.

The Ponds are set to leave 'heartbreakingly', with the BBC insisting that the decision for Karen to leave the show was a mutual one.

I myself think it's a shame, she is one of the most gorgeous companions ever.

Harry Judd says Strictly Come Dancing success is down to fake tan

Harry Judd says Strictly Come Dancing success is down to fake tan

McFly star Harry Judd, who faces Chelsee Healey and Jason Donovan in this weekend's Strictly Come Dancing final, has put some of his success on the show down to applying fake tan before he performs on the programme.

McFly drummer Harry has become hooked on spray tans since starring on Strictly Come Dancing, whose final features Judd, Chelsee Healey and Jason Donovan.

Harry admitted previous contestant Robbie Savage – who is known for his fake tans – made it 'much easier' for him to apply the beauty treatment.

He told The Sun: 'I must admit I'm a big fan of fake tan. It doesn't smell nice but when you've got it on with your costume it puts you in the mood and gets you prepared. I've really embraced that and having Robbie Savage on the show made it much easier for me to get involved.'

Harry and his professional partner Aliona Vilani are set to take on Waterloo Road actress Chelsee Healey and ex-Neighbours star Jason Donovan and their respective partners Pasha Kovalev and Kristina Rihanoff in this weekend's Strictly Come Dancing final.

The McFly drummer has praised Aliona for helping him get so far in the competition, but he still doesn’t think he could dance well alone.
He added: 'Without her I'm nothing on the dancefloor.'

However, Harry's female fans may be disappointed as he is not planning to reveal all of his ripped body in this weekend's final.

The 25-year-old stickman explained: 'Maybe I'll undo a few buttons but I won't go topless.'

TV Tonight 16th of December 2011: Europe, the USA, Canada and Australia.

TV Tonight 16th 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 S34E16: "The Million Moms Challenge on Maternal Health"
    A League of Their Own (UK) S04E08: "Series 4, Episode 8"
    A.N.T. Farm S01E20: "Some EnchANTed Evening"
    All on the Line S02E04: "Nicole Miller: Fashion Week"
    America's Most Wanted S25E03: "Season 25, Episode 3"
    Best Dish - The Chefs S01E35: "Episode 35"
    Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai S01E11
    Chris Moyles Quiz Night S05E05
    Chuck S05E06: "Chuck Versus The Curse"
    Coach Trip S08E05: "Series 8, Day 5"
    Come Dine With Me S17E91: "Series 17, Come Dine With Me"
    Coronation Street S52E254: "Fri 16 Dec 2011 [Episode 1]"
    Coronation Street S52E255: "Fri 16 Dec 2011 [Episode 2]"
    Countdown with Keith Olbermann S09E130: "Season 9, Episode 130"
    Dateline NBC S21E12: "FR2112"
    Days of our Lives S47E27: "Ep. #11737"
    Deadly Women S05E15: "Baby-Faced Killers"
    Deal Or No Deal (UK) S07E95: "Episode 1775"
    Dickinson's Real Deal S08E20: "Series 8, Episode 20"
    Doctors S13E167: "Lebkucken v Papparkakor"
    Drop Down Menu S01E30: "Episode 30"
    EastEnders S27E200: "December 16, 2011"
    Emmerdale S40E295: "December 16, 2011"
    Extreme Makeover: Home Edition S09E12: "Rhodes Family"
    Facing Evil S02E05: "The Black Widow Bride"
    Fatal Attractions S03E06: "Pet Hyena: No Laughing Matter"
    Fifth Gear S20E09: "Series 20, Episode 9"
    Flying Wild Alaska S02E08: "Top of the World"
    For Better or Worse (2011) S01E08: "Speak Now"
    For Better or Worse (2011) S01E07: "For Baby Mama Drama"
    General Hospital (US) S49E181: "#12455"
    Generator Rex S02E23: "Riddle of the Sphinx"
    Ghost Adventures S05E10: "Old Charleston Jail"
    Gold Rush: Alaska S02E08: "On the Gold"
    Grimm S01E07: "Let Your Hair Down"
    Guilty Crown S01E10: "Retraction"
    Have I Got News for You S42E09: "Nick Hewer, Jack Whitehall"
    Hollyoaks S17E250: "December 16, 2011"
    Idol (Norway) S06E22: "FINALE"
    Invention USA S01E04: "Helter-Shelter"
    Invention USA S01E03: "Scraping By"
    Jeopardy! S28E65: "Show #6270"
    Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness S01E19: "Challenge Day"
    Late Show with David Letterman S18E178
    Live At The Apollo S07E06
    Masterchef - The Professionals S04E26: "Michel's Classics"
    Mastermind (UK) S40E07: "Series 40, Show 7"
    Mawaru Penguin Drum S01E23: "Episode 23"
    Nissene over skog og hei S01E16: "Season 1, Episode 16"
    Nytt På Nytt S25E14: "Season 25, Episode 14"
    One Life to Live S44E108: "Ep. #11087"
    Persona 4 The Animation S01E11: "Episode 11"
    Pointless S05E80: "Series 5, Episode 80"
    Prosto w serce S02E75: "Season 2, Episode 193"
    QI S09E14: "VG Part 1"
    Sanctuary (US) S04E11: "The Depths"
    Say Yes To The Dress S07E16: "Princess for a Day"
    Say Yes to the Dress: Big Bliss S03E04: "To Mom with Love"
    Strictly Come Dancing - It Takes Two S08E55: "Series 8, Episode 55"
    The Bold and the Beautiful S25E189: "Ep. #6218"
    The Culture Show S15E20: "The Best Of"
    The Dr. Phil Show S10E69: "Grudges, Gripes and Grievances"
    The Ellen DeGeneres Show S09E69: "Amy Poehler"
    The Graham Norton Show S10E08
    The Idolmaster S01E24: "Dream"
    The Jeremy Kyle Show S07E71: "December 16, 2011"
    The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson S07E215: "Mindy Kaling, Pau Gasol"
    The Life and Times of Tim S03E01
    The Rosie Show S01E40: "It's a Crafty Christmas!"
    The Tonight Show with Jay Leno S19E211: "Rep. Ron Paul, Chris Cornell"
    The View S15E73: "Claire Danes, Lisa Lillien"
    The Voice ... (RO) S01E14: "The Semi-Final"
    The Xtra Factor S08E36: "Best and Worst 2011 - 5"
    The Young and the Restless S39E186: "Ep. #9801"
    Thuis S17E80: "Season 17, Episode 80"
    Un-Go S01E10: "Episode 10"
    Wild Britain with Ray Mears S02E10: "The Best of Wild Britain"
    Winx Club S05E24: "Little Big Shots"
    WWE Friday Night SmackDown! S12E64: "Season 12, Episode 64"
    X-Men (2011) S01E09: "Revelations"

Piers Morgan Summoned to Give Evidence to Leveson Inquiry Next Week

Piers Morgan Summoned to Give Evidence to Leveson Inquiry Next Week

The former News of the World editor faces questions about his knowledge of phone-hacking.

Piers Morgan  will face questions about phone-hacking next week when he is summoned to give evidence under oath to the Leveson Inquiry next week.

The Inquiry has not yet announced the final date.

The CNN Tonight presenter is expected to be questioned about an interview he gave in 2007 when he appeared to have extensive knowledge about phone-hacking.

In an interview with GQ magazine he said the practice had been “very widespread.”

The CNN Tonight presenter edited the News of the World at 28 and spent another 10 years editing another tabloid paper, The Mirror before switching to a TV career.

Oprah Winfrey's Canadian Network Challenges 100 Families to Raise $1 Million

Oprah Winfrey's Canadian Network Challenges 100 Families to Raise $1 Million

The OWN Canada reality show has battling neighbors collecting money through challenges to escape crippling debt and unemployment.

This captures the zeitgeist of hard times: OWN Canada has picked up a homegrown reality TV series that teaches competing families to raise money to get out of debt or unemployment.

Canada’s version of the Oprah Winfrey Network has ordered 13 episodes of Million Dollar Neighborhood, which challenges 100 families in suburban Vancouver to jointly save or earn $1 million in 10 weeks.

And here’s the kicker: should the community reach their $1 million goal to escape crushing debt or out-of-control spending patterns, one family will be chosen to receive a life-changing $100,000 pay-out.

Million Dollar Neighborhood is produced by indie producer Force Four Entertainment.

The debut episode features co-hosts Bruce Sellery and clinical psychologist Dr. Joti Samra drive into the bedroom community of Aldergrove in the back of an armoured truck to challenge neighbours to surrender their credit cards and turn their homes over to find hidden money, whether loose change of unrecovered tax rebates.

The brothers-keeper-themed TV show sees neighbors then compete over another nine one-hour episodes to collectively earn or save $100,000 a week through a series of challenges.

These include emptying basements for a giant garage sale, finding jobs for neighbors that are out of work or changing careers, or selling cars and finding cheaper ways to get around.

The overall aim: to boost the net worth of individual families, and Aldergrove's overall financial health.

Martha Stewart in 'Active Discussions' on New Hallmark Deal

Martha Stewart in 'Active Discussions' on New Hallmark Deal

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO) is in "active discussions" on a new deal with Hallmark Channel, according to the network. Hallmark is home to five hours of Martha Stewart-branded daytime programming, including The Martha Stewart Show and Emeril's Table, featuring Emeril Lagasse.

The network has had a deal since 2010 with Stewart's publicly traded company, which has weathered financial challenges, including a loss of $9.7 million in the most recent quarter. But analysts are bullish on J.C. Penney's ten-year, 16.6 percent stake in Martha Stewart Living announced Dec. 7, that could earn MSLO more than $200 million.

The current season of Stewart's daytime show will wrap in May but will continue to air in reruns on Hallmark through the summer, along with Emeril's Table and other shows. So far this season, The Martha Stewart Show is 18 percent year-over-year among its target demographic of women 25 to 54. However, Hallmark already has jettisoned late-night shows featuring Stewart's daughter, Alexis Stewart, and Jennifer Koppelman Hutt, daughter of MSLO non-executive chairman Charles Koppelman.

The Martha-branded programming block launched in September 2010 at a hefty eight hours but was downsized only a month later in the face of underwhelming ratings. And while the shorter block has improved its performance in the target demo, there is still room for improvement. Speaking Dec. 7 at the UBS media conference, MSLO president and COO Lisa Gersh reiterated the company's intention to stay with Hallmark, as well as broaden the Stewart brand to more networks and platforms, saying Stewart and Lagasse "can easily attract great audiences on broadcast."

An MSLO spokesperson said: "We love our partnership with Hallmark and are talking about opportunities for daytime programming."

'Suburgatory' casts Alicia Silverstone, stages 'Clueless' reunion

'Suburgatory' casts Alicia Silverstone, stages 'Clueless' reunion

As if.

"Suburgatory" is staging a "Clueless" reunion! Alicia Silverstone is joining her one-time costar Jeremy Sisto on the hilarious and underrated sitcom. We hope not sporadically.

According to TVLine, Silverstone plays Eden, a potential love interest for Sisto's George. Apparently, Eden's "unusual" line of work even comes between George and Noah -- and it's got to be some pretty powerful stuff to break up that bromance.

No word yet on whether Eden and George actually hook up -- after all, you've seen how picky she is about her shoes and they only go on her feet -- but we've got our fingers crossed that they'll do a little rollin' with the homies for old times' sake.

Doctor Who: The Doctor, The Widow And The Wardrobe spoiler-free review

Doctor Who: The Doctor, The Widow And The Wardrobe spoiler-free review

The Doctor, The Widow And The Wardrobe, though, the reason you're actually here, is lovely. An enchanting hour of television, anchored by a tremendous turn from Claire Skinner. She’s not a million miles away from her work in Outnumbered here, but as Madge Arwell, a Second World War widower facing her first Christmas away from her husband, her performance is one of conviction, and measure.

The only bits of the story I’ll tell you are the ones you’re likely to already know. The Doctor arrives into Madge’s life, she does him a good turn, and he promises that he’ll return the favour. As she faces a lonely Christmas, the Doctor returns as The Caretaker, and things evolve from there.

Opening with a few welcome tips of the hat to Star Wars pre-credits, what immediately shines through here is the comedy. There’s an abundance of it, much of it derived from Steven Moffat’s very witty script. But he also gives Matt Smith a platform to showcase his enviable comedic talents, and the first twenty minutes or so is an absolute Christmassy blast. It's very, very funny.

The tone begins, inevitably, to evolve throughout the episode, and the Narnia elements that were hinted come through loud and clear. This is enhanced by some quite wonderful production design, and a delicate score from Murray Gold, too.

It’s very Christmassy in feel, and, as always, there’s a serious core to it. There is a Doctor Who story in the midst of it all, and it’s a pretty standalone one. Furthermore, it’s certainly an episode that you can, and will, enjoy, without requiring quite the levels of concentration demanded come the end of series six.

I also love the fact that Steven Moffat’s writing takes children so seriously. That beneath the jokes and the jabs at the abilities or otherwise of grown-ups, there’s a rock solid heart to what the characters are going through. The Doctor, The Widow And The Wardrobe contains its cast list quite a lot, and that means that there’s genuinely time to focus on what Madge and her family are going through. Real credit and to both Holly Earl and Maurice Cole for making their particularly young characters so believable, and easy to root for.

I was disappointed we didn’t get more of Bill Bailey and Arabella Weir, who were clearly having fun with their roles here, as well as their emotional companion, which again, we won’t spoil for you. Furthermore, the strength of the characters, which made spending time with them a pleasure, meant things dropped just a little when it came time to heavily press on with the story.

But crikey, this was good. It’s a very different episode from last year’s A Christmas Carol, effortlessly blending drama and comedy, whilst also feeling just a bit more relaxed than Who has been for a while. It feels separate enough from the last series, but savvy enough to keep the odd tie in place.

It’s, for me, the best Christmas special since The Christmas Invasion (and I say that having loved last year’s, too), and it’s pitched quite brilliantly, given the day and time it’s going out.

Homeland, New Girl and New Shows Lead Golden Globe Nominations

Homeland, New Girl and New Shows Lead Golden Globe Nominations

New blood was the toast of the Golden Globe Awards nominations Thursday as Homeland, American Horror Story, Game of Thrones, The Killing, Boss, Revenge, Episodes, Enlightened and New Girl all scored nods.

A day after getting shut out of the Screen Actors Guild nominations, Homeland nabbed three mentions, including Best Drama Series and acting nominations for Claire Danes and Damian Lewis.

SAGs surprises and snubs: Patrick J. Adams makes the cut, but where's Homeland?

Homeland's competition includes defending champ Boardwalk Empire and three other new shows, American Horror Story, Boss and Game of Thrones.

Danes will vie for drama actress honors against former champ Julianna Margulies (The Good Wife), Mireille Enos (The Killing), Madeleine Stowe (Revenge) and Callie Thorne (Necessary Roughness). Lewis will face off against reigning champ Steve Buscemi (Boardwalk Empire), Bryan Cranston, (Breaking Bad), Kelsey Grammer and Jeremy Irons (The Borgias) for drama actor.

In comedy, the series race features Enlightened, Episodes, Modern Family, New Girl and two-time defending champ Glee.

New Girl's Zooey Deschanel is up for comedy actress against Laura Dern (Englightened), Tina Fey (30 Rock), Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation) and last year's winner Laura Linney (The Big C).

Modern Family dominates SAG nominations

On the men's side, reigning champ Jim Parsons was snubbed in favor of his The Big Bang Theory co-star Johnny Galecki. He's nominated against Alec Baldwin (30 Rock), David Duchovny (Californication), Thomas Jane (Hung) and Matt LeBlanc (Episodes).

In film, The Artist led with six nods, including in Comedy/Musical Film, where it will compete alongside 50/50, Bridesmaids, Midnight in Paris and My Week with Marilyn.

The drama film race features six contenders: The Descendants, The Help, Hugo, The Ides of March, Moneyball and War Horse.

The 69th Golden Globes ceremony, hosted by Ricky Gervais, airs live Sunday, Jan. 15 at 8/7c on NBC.

Lifetime's The Client List Adds Colin Egglesfield, Rebecca Field

Lifetime's The Client List Adds Colin Egglesfield, Rebecca Field

Don't worry, Colin Egglesfield and Rebecca Field are on the list. The Client List, that is.

The former Melrose Place 2.0 and October Road residents, respectively, have joined the Lifetime series, according to Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter. The show stars Jennifer Love Hewitt as a single mom in Texas who winds up co-running a prostitution business.

Lifetime turning The Client List into a TV series

The upcoming series, which Lifetime ordered in August, is based on the 2010 Lifetime TV movie of the same name. Egglesfield, 38, would play a new character — the brother-in-law of Hewitt's character, Riley. Field will play her longtime best friend.

Egglesfield currently recurs on Rizzoli & Isles as the brother of Detective Jane Rizzoli (Angie Harmon). Field most recently recurred on the now-canceled Hawthorne and will guest-star in an episode of Castle early next year.

Amy Winehouse to Be Honored by 'VH1 Divas'

Amy Winehouse to Be Honored by 'VH1 Divas'

Beehived "Rehab" chanteuse Amy Winehouse, who died in July, will be honored with a special tribute on the upcoming "VH1 Divas Celebrate Soul.

During the episode -- which airs Dec. 19 at 9 p.m. -- Florence Welch (of Florence + the Machine) and rockabilly legend Wanda Jackson will duet on Winehouse's "Back to Black," the title song of her 2006 breakthrough album.

Meanwhile, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings -- who served as Winehouse's backup band on "Back to Black" -- will perform "You Know I'm No Good."

The episode will also feature performances by Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, Boyz II Men, Travie McCoy and Mavis Staples, among others.

Winehouse died on July 23 at her London home at the age of 27, following a very public battle with substance rises. In October, a British coroner said that Winehouse died of alcohol poisoning.

In Other Random News.... Dexter Star Drops In on Justified, Psych Sets Return Date and More!

In Other Random News.... Dexter Star Drops In on Justified, Psych Sets Return Date and More!

Imagine our surprise when we popped in the upcoming Justified Season 3 premiere (not-so-subtle brag intended) and Desmond Harrington appeared on the screen.

It turns out the Dexter star has a (formerly) top-secret guest spot on the FX drama’s season opener, and while we can’t say much, we can tell you this: Harrington’s character is a total badass boasting a deep Southern accent and ties to Jere Burns’ Wynn Duffy (who is back in a big way this winter).

For now, the role is a one-off gig, but this is Justified, so you never know when someone might resurface.

Ready for more of today’s TV dish? Well…

• Psych, which just aired its fall finale this week, now has a return date: Season 6.5 is set to premiere Wednesday, Feb. 29, per E! Online.

• Melrose Place alum Colin Egglesfield will co-star on Lifetime’s upcoming series adaptation of The Client List, Deadline reports, playing Jennifer Love Hewitt’s brother-in-law.

• Sopranos/Entourage alumna Jamie-Lynn Sigler will guest-star on an upcoming episode of ABC’s Last Man Standing, TV Guide Magazine reports, playing Hector Elizondo’s businesswoman daughter.

• Beverly Hills, 90210 alumna Jennie Garth and Bachelor also-ran Melissa Rycroft have nabbed reality shows on CMT, respectively. I Love Jennie follows Garth’s move from Los Angeles to a farm in Central California, while Melissa and Tye: A New Reality examines Rycroft’s pursuit of a career in Hollywood.

• MTV has ordered 20-episode second seasons of the reality series FriendZone and The Substitute, per The Hollywood Reporter.

• CBS News will revive Person to Person, the ground-breaking interview series created by news legend Edward R. Murrow, on Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 8/7c. CBS This Morning‘s Charlie Rose and 60 Minutes Correspondent Lara Logan have been named co-hosts.

Russell Brand Lands FX Series: Actor Heads To Late Night

Russell Brand Lands FX Series: Actor Heads To Late Night

Russell Brand is heading to FX, and no, he isn't entering the reality TV foray with wife Katy Perry. Instead, he's signed on for a new untitled half-hour late night series, reports Variety. FX ordered six episodes of the series, which will make its debut in Spring 2012.

The late night show will shoot in front of a live audience, and according to FX, it will feature "Brand's unfiltered take on current events, politics and pop culture." While Brand may be known for making people laugh, the British comedian often adds his insight on culture via his blog.

In August Brand posted an essay, titled "Big Brother Isn't Watching You," commenting on the violence and riots that burned through London's suburbs last summer.

CBS 2012 Midseason Schedule Changes: Network Moves 'A Gifted Man'

CBS 2012 Midseason Schedule Changes: Network Moves 'A Gifted Man'

CBS is shaking up its midseason schedule, moving freshman drama "A Gifted Man" to 9 p.m. on Fridays to make room for the return of "Undercover Boss."

The reality show will premiere its first three episodes in the Sundays at 8 p.m. slot until moving to Fridays at 8 p.m. on Feb. 17. CSI: NY will not return to the network's primetime Friday night schedule until March 30, after a six-week hiatus.

Meanwhile, Season 20 of "The Amazing Race" will premiere Sun., Feb. 19 at 9 p.m. ET.

See the full list of midseason changes below.

THURSDAYS (Effective Jan. 12)
8-8:30 p.m. "The Big Bang Theory"
9:30-9 p.m. "¡Rob!"
9-10 p.m. "Person of Interest"
10-11 p.m. "The Mentalist"

SUNDAYS (Effective Jan. 15)
7-8 p.m. "60 Minutes"
8-9 p.m. "Undercover Boss"
9-10 p.m. "The Good Wife"
10-11 p.m. "CSI Miami"

FRIDAYS (Effective Feb. 17)
8-9 p.m. "Undercover Boss"
9-10 p.m. "A Gifted Boss"
10-11 p.m. "Blue Bloods"

FRIDAYS (Effective March 30)
8-9 p.m. "Undercover Boss"
9-10 p.m. "CSI: NY"
10-11 p.m. "Blue Bloods"

Steven Moffat on Doctor Who series 7

Steven Moffat on Doctor Who series 7

With the incoming Doctor Who Christmas special set to be the last episode of the show until the autumn of 2012, Steven Moffat has given a new interview to Doctor Who Magazine, in which he offers some hints and teases as to what to expect from the next series of the show.

Firstly, he’s revealed that “nothing in the next run is starting out as a two-parter”, which potentially moves away from the formula set out when the show returned to our screens in 2005.

“At this stage, everything is a single episode, and the only reason anything will become a two-parter is if we think it needs to be”. Revealing that two-part episodes don’t, as has been suggested, save money for the show, he asks, “so what’s the point in them?”.

Instead? Well, “This year, we used a lot of cliffhangers and mysteries to pull people through, but then I remember the moment, at the end of A Good Man Goes to War, when we put up the title Let’s Kill Hitler. That was so exciting. I’m thinking, ‘Can we do that every week?’ You can sod off with poetic understatement.”

For series seven, therefore, “I want slutty titles and movie poster plots. I want big pictures and straplines”, hinting that the first episode for it that he’s writing will “feel a bit like Die Hard”.

Matt Smith in a dirty vest, then?

'Doctor Who' Cast Shakeup: Amy And Rory To Leave The TARDIS

'Doctor Who' Cast Shakeup: Amy And Rory To Leave The TARDIS

Is the departure of Amy Pond and her husband a signal that a new "Doctor Who" era is approaching?

On Thursday, Steven Moffat, the executive producer of "Doctor Who," told an audience at a London press screening that the Doctor's current companions will exit the show at the end of the next season. The "final days of the Ponds are coming," said Moffat, who added that when Amy and Rory leave, "the Doctor will meet a new friend."

According to the official "Doctor Who" Twitter feed, Matt Smith, who currently plays the Doctor on the long-running show, said the couple and the actors who play them "brilliantly" will be missed, "but the great thing about 'Doctor Who' is its ability to change."

But just how much change is coming to the show? Amy (Karen Gillan) and Rory's (Arthur Darvill) departure had been rumored for months, although we'll have to wait a long time for the couple's swan song. New episodes of "Doctor Who" won't begin airing on either side of the Atlantic until the fall of 2012. (Thankfully, there is a one-off special that will air on Christmas Day on BBC America.)

The BBC and its U.S. offshoot, BBC America have not officially announced the schedule for the next season yet (beyond saying that the TARDIS will return in the fall), but many "Doctor Who" observers speculate that the season will be split into two halves again, as was the case with the most recent season. If that happens, we'd likely see a half-dozen or so "Doctor Who" episodes next fall, and another six or seven hours some time in 2013 -- which is, as it happens, the 50th anniversary of the storied sci-fi franchise.

No doubt the BBC and BBC America will want to take full advantage of the hoopla surrounding that major anniversary. This is pure speculation, but my guess is that some time during 2013, we will see a new Doctor take control of the TARDIS and a new executive producer/head writer begin running the TV franchise.

Why am I guessing there will be a changing of the TARDIS guard around then? As I said, the show will be getting maximum press coverage in 2013, and the BBC, which has gone through serious cutbacks in the U.K., appears to want to wring maximum revenue from one of its best-known franchises. "Harry Potter" director David Yates has been brought on board to develop a feature film alongside BBC executive Jane Tranter, and though any potential movie is years away, it just shows how serious the Beeb is about expanding the pop culture influence of the TARDIS.

Whether or not the movie happens any time soon, introducing a new Doctor to the Comic-Con faithful in 2013 would undoubtedly whip the show's fans into a huge frenzy.

But only time will tell if the departure of "the Ponds" is the beginning of the end of the current Smith-Moffat era. The actor and executive producer are only signed for the next season, which goes into production early next year. After that? At the risk of getting too punny about it, who knows? Though it's worth noting that rumors of Smith's possible departure sent the nerdier precincts of the Internet into a tizzy recently.

When I interviewed Smith at a Los Angeles hotel in August, he talked about enjoying the "Doctor Who" gig but wanting, at some point, to do films and get back into theater.

"I'm gonna shoot the next season and then see where I end up after that," Smith said at the time. Around the same time, Moffat told me in an interview: "I haven't got any kind of plans to leave. I take it one [season] at a time."

The thing is, Moffat currently has a heavy workload -- he is also an executive producer and writer of the PBS series "Sherlock," and before he took the reins of the "Doctor Who" franchise, he had a busy feature-writing career (he is one of the writers of "The Adventures of Tintin").

Here's a possible bit of geek heresy: Though I've generally quite enjoyed the Moffat era, which is marked by clever storytelling, cheeky humor and dizzyingly complex plots, I wouldn't mind if Smith were to stick around if Moffat does indeed depart the franchise. The most recent most recent "Doctor Who" season finale is a good example of what can sometimes go wrong in the occasionally over-caffeinated Moffat era. "The Wedding of River Song" had its moments, but, as I wrote in my review of it, it was superficial in all the areas in which I'd hoped it would go deep.

As I said in a recent piece, I'd love to see the actor explore different sides of the Doctor's character. Though Moffat increased the complexity of the adult relationships inside the TARDIS, he seems less than willing to take on intensely emotional stories in a direct way. As I wrote, I'm "quite intrigued by the idea of seeing Smith execute another writer's vision for the character." And it might be interesting to see him with another companion as well.

But that's just my two cents. As for what happens next in the "Doctor Who" universe, well, only time will tell.

Guild criticizes OWS, NYPD over "Law & Order" set snaffu

Guild criticizes OWS, NYPD over "Law & Order" set snaffu

The Writers Guild of America-East has written an open letter to the Occupy Wall Street movement and New York Police Department criticizing protesters who dismantled a "Law and Order: SVU" set designed to replicate the occupation, and police who then halted shooting on the show.

Yes, that's the WGAE complaining about OWS and the NYPD over "L&O: SVU." Not since the WPA have so many enjoyed so much alphabet soup.

The eastern branch of the union, an affiliate of the AFL-CIO, says it has "strongly and actively supported the Occupy Wall Street movement from its inception," and that it was frustrated that protesters dismantled a set last week, given that the show is written by union writers and that union crews work on it.

"The demonstrators' actions were as misguided and inappropriate as the City of New York's response -- revoking 'Law & Order''s permit for the shoot and directing the dismantling of its set," the union wrote. "Presumably the protesters and police did not set out to achieve a common end but together they prevented the scene from being filmed and the story from being told."

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 early Friday. It was created in downtown Manhattan, near the State Supreme Court building where "L&O" shows have frequently filmed.

Protestors danced, waved flags, poked through the library and kitchen elements of the set and even crawled inside tents, despite objections from people guarding the "L&O" production. One protester carried a sign that said, "We are a movement, not a TV plot."

(Don't most movements end up being both?)

Added the WGAE: "We continue to support Occupy Wall Street's aims and in the tradition of a city with a long history of upholding the right of free, peaceful speech for all, urge both the members of OWS and the police to treat last week's occurrence as an isolated incident, vowing that it not be repeated."

Univsion unveils midseason lineup

Univsion unveils midseason lineup

Univision's midseason lineup includes a new weight loss show, "Dale con Ganas," co-produced by the creator of the "Biggest Loser," as well as "El Gran Show de los Peques," a new variety show showcasing childrens' talents.

The Spanish-language network, which aims to beat the English-language broadcasters in total viewers within the next five years, often tops at least one of them in the nightly ratings.

The network is also bringing back the reality/beauty show "Nuestra Belleza Latina"for a sixth season, beginning March 4. Next year will also mark the 50th anniversary of the returning Saturday night show "Sabado Gigante," hosted by Don Francisco.

"Extreme Makeover" cancelled by ABC after nine seasons

"Extreme Makeover" cancelled by ABC after nine seasons

Sorry, fans of inspirational home-renovation stories: "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" is coming to an end.

ABC has decided to end the series' run after its ninth season wraps up in January. The show debuted in 2003 as a spin-off of "Extreme Makeover."

Its final episode -- the series' 200th -- will air on January 13, and will feature the team building seven homes in seven days for tornado victims in Joplin, Mo.

Luckily for the show's followers, the network will air special episodes of the series following the cancellation, though the network has announced no specific dates.

The handwriting had been on the tastefully-remodeled wall for some time. The show lost more than a third of its audience this season, thanks in part to a move to Friday. Between the start of the season and mid-November, it averaged a 1.5 rating in the adults 18-49 demographic. The 34.9 percent audience loss -- since the same period in 2010 -- made it No. 4 on TheWrap's list of the biggest ratings losers of the fall.

Meanwhile, host Ty Pennington has joined the cast of ABC's daytime talk offering "The Revolution," which premieres January 16.

ESPN, NCAA extend deal through 2023-24

ESPN, NCAA extend deal through 2023-24

ESPN and the NCAA have extended their TV rights deal through 2023-24, giving the network worldwide multi-media rights to 24 NCAA championships for various sports and exclusive international rights for men's basketball's "March Madness" tournament.

The new deal, which takes effect immediately, includes more than 600 hours of live telecasts across myriad ESPN platforms, from its flagship network to ESPN 3 to ESPN Deportes.

ABC News has reported that the deal is worth $500 million.

As it has before, ESPN will have exclusive coverage of the National Collegiate Athletic Association women's basketball championship and "broad" rights to the Division I football championship, and both the men's and women's College World Series.

To reach the total of 24 championships, ESPN has added seven more sports -- women's gymnastics, men's and women's fencing, Division I women's lacrosse, Division I men's and women's outdoor track, and women's bowling.

"We have enjoyed a great relationship with the NCAA that has spanned the history of ESPN," George Bodenheimer, president, ESPN and ABC Sports, and Co-Chairman, Disney Media Networks, said in a statement. "This is our most comprehensive agreement yet and ensures sports fans will have access to top-level NCAA athletics across ESPN networks and platforms."

The NCAA helped put ESPN on the map back in the 1980s with its coverage of men's college basketball. While domestic coverage of March Madness remains a joint venture between CBS and Turner with the Final Four airing on CBS, ESPN has the exclusive international rights. It also provides comprehensive coverage of the National Invitational Tournament, the second-tier year-end championship.

ESPN has "exclusive final round coverage" of everything from Division I soccer to wrestling to lacrosse. It will also air more early round coverage in several sports.