'X Factor' USA lineup change was 'natural reassessment', says Fox exec

'X Factor' USA lineup change was 'natural reassessment', says Fox exec

Fox alternative entertainment president Mike Darnell has spoken out about the decision to refresh the X Factor USA judging lineup.

Nicole Scherzinger, Paula Abdul and host Steve Jones were let go from the show in light of lower ratings than had been expected.

Producer Simon Cowell and LA Reid, who recently signed on for season two, will be the only original cast members returning.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Darnell stated: "Season one was basically an audition act. Simon got one big new star out of it - LA Reid, and that was great casting. There's going to be a natural reassessment."

Of Abdul's departure, the exec said: "Paula was an interesting call. She and Simon are great friends, so it was just a dynamic conversation about what's the nature of the group going to be. And I think we decided to pull the Band-Aid off as quickly as possible."

Fox reportedly hopes that new faces will bolster the viewership, with the network expected to make modifications to the spinoff's format and content in addition to the judging alterations.

"There definitely will be lots of different changes in the show," Darnell confirmed.

Fox will be on the search for new judges in the coming months. Mariah Carey was recently suggested as a possible candidate.

'Dark Knight Rises' Tom Hardy: 'Jonathan Ross didn't upset me'

'Dark Knight Rises' Tom Hardy: 'Jonathan Ross didn't upset me'

The Dark Knight Rises' Tom Hardy has shrugged off suggestions that he became unhappy on Jonathan Ross's chat show.

The BAFTA-award winning actor said that he hopes viewers are not confused by his behaviour on The Jonathan Ross Show this weekend.

Hardy told The Sun: "I heard that someone thinks I was really genuinely upset with Jonathan Ross. Not at all.

"It was funny as hell and embarrassing yes, but I was in on the gag and winding Jonathan up to put him in an awkward seat for a laugh."

Meanwhile, the star also refuted a source's claim that he was irked by being unable to discuss his upcoming movie role as Bane in Christopher Nolan's Batman sequel.

"No-one on the Batman unit can utter a word about the film. Me and Jonny were messing around," he went on.

Finally, poking fun at his appearance in 2006 horror film Minotaur, Hardy added: "I'm sorry if people got the wrong impression and feel that I was an asshole. If people want a good laugh at me desperately trying to get up the ladder, tell them to watch Minotaur. That's a pile of s**t."

The Jonathan Ross Show's Tom Hardy interview airs this Saturday at 9pm on ITV1.

'The Voice' continues big ratings for NBC on Monday

'The Voice' continues big ratings for NBC on Monday

NBC continued where it left off on Sunday by winning last night's ratings battle.

Following its massive Super Bowl numbers, The Voice's second episode this season scored a still impressive 19.3 million viewers and a 7.3 adults 18-49 demo rating at its peak at 8-10pm. The season premiere of Smash brought in a high 11.5m (3.8) at 10pm.

CBS finished second for the night, with How I Met Your Mother dipping slightly to 9.99m (4.0) at 8pm. 2 Broke Girls also saw a small fall to 11.42m (4.3) at 8.30pm, while Two and a Half Men fell to 12.9m at 9pm. Mike & Molly dropped to a season low of 11.02m (3.4) at 9.30pm, while Hawaii Five-0 also fell to 9.8m (2.7) at 10pm.

ABC's The Bachelor levelled with last week, attracting 8.43m (2.6) at 8-10pm. Castle dropped to a season low of 8.72m (2.0) at 10pm.

Finally, House fell 17% to 7.16m (2.4) at 8pm for Fox, while Alcatraz dropped 21% to 6.78m (2.2) at 9pm.

'Smash' Katharine McPhee: 'All actresses can relate to Karen'

'Smash' Katharine McPhee: 'All actresses can relate to Karen'

Katharine McPhee has stated that all actresses are able to relate to her Smash character.

The former American Idol star portrays Karen on the new ABC musical drama, an aspiring Broadway actress who goes through gruelling rounds of auditions in order to be cast in a new production based on the life of Marilyn Monroe.

McPhee claimed that the acting world is full of people who are in constant competition for roles, regardless of the amount of success that they may have achieved in the past.

"I think you're always in that place, no matter what level you're at. Even the biggest of actresses, unless you get the direct offer, whenever there's a hot project, all the top actresses go in for the part. Everyone in this business can relate," she told People.

"It's always about trying to prove yourself, to get people to see you in a different light, and in my case it rang more true, because I've come close to getting movies and not getting them - having it be between me and two other girls... and not getting it. It's just the name of the game."

McPhee added: "You keep plugging ahead if you believe in yourself, and you have people around who believe in you."

Jessica Lange will return to 'American Horror Story', says Ryan Murphy

Jessica Lange will return to 'American Horror Story', says Ryan Murphy

Jessica Lange has been confirmed for a return to the FX horror show American Horror Story.

Lange recently hinted that she was "seriously thinking" about coming back to the hit programme because of its "great writing".

When asked in an interview on Bravo's Watch What Happens whether the actress will be back, showrunner Ryan Murphy answered: "Yes!"

Lange, who played the mysterious Constance Langdon on the first season of the hit, recently won Golden Globe and SAG awards for the role. She will be starring as an entirely new character in the next season.

There is no word yet on which other cast members will also be signing on.

American Horror Story returns to FX later this year.

'Dancing on Ice' Louie Spence has no animosity with Jason Gardiner

'Dancing on Ice' Louie Spence has no animosity with Jason Gardiner

Dancing on Ice judge Louie Spence has insisted that he's still good friends with Jason Gardiner, who he replaced on the ITV1 talent show.

Gardiner was axed from the series last year and Pineapple Dance Studios performer Spence, who is close friends with Gardiner, was called up to stand in on the panel.

However, the dancer and entertainer denied rumours that his new job had damaged his friendship with Spence.

"[Jason and I] had lunch yesterday and he's been having a great time, he's absolutely fine - I mean our friendship is so much stronger than any TV show," Spence told This Morning.

"We are great friends and there is no animosity between us, and that's showbusiness - jobs come and go.

"That's been the same; I was in Cats, Jason was in Cats... you know, it's the same kind of thing.

"We're used to this, you know, especially in TV. You're flavour of the month and then you're gone. I could be out next year, darling - I'm making the most of it and I'm having as much fun as I can because I know these things may not last."

Dancing on Ice continues on Sundays on ITV1.

Daniel Radcliffe 'shocked by David Yates Doctor Who movie speculation'

Daniel Radcliffe 'shocked by David Yates Doctor Who movie speculation'

Daniel Radcliffe has distanced himself from taking on the lead role in director David Yates's Doctor Who movie.

Yates - who directed Radcliffe in his final four Harry Potter outings - confirmed the project late last year, revealing that he planned to spend "two to three years" working on taking the BBC series to a "bigger arena".

When asked if he would be interested in playing the iconic role, the Woman in Black star sought reassurance from his team that the news was "out there".

"I don't know if I could play him," Radcliffe told Digital Spy. "Matt Smith plays Doctor Who and does a wonderful job. They don't need me!"

He continued: "I would never presume to jump into somebody else's franchise, not at all."

However, the 22-year-old said that he is confident Yates will "do a wonderful job" with the film, adding: "I'm sure whoever he casts will have a very good time with him."

Radcliffe next stars in The Woman in Black, which opens in cinemas on February 10.

Karen Hardy should be new 'Strictly' judge

Karen Hardy should be new 'Strictly' judge

Karen Hardy is Digital Spy readers' pick to be the new Strictly Come Dancing judge.

Following Alesha Dixon's exit from the BBC One talent show at the start of the year, Digital Spy's readers have been voting for who they believe should replace the pop singer on the panel.

Hardy, a former pro dancer on the ballroom dance contest, picked up over 40% of the vote. Over 11,000 people voted in the poll in total.

Ex-judge Arlene Phillips, who was controversially replaced by Dixon, has 23.4% of readers backing her for a surprise return.

Other possibilities include ex-Strictly champion Kara Tointon (6.8%), pro Camilla Dallerup (4.3%) and ballet star Darcey Bussell (3.1%).

Girls Aloud star and former X Factor judge Cheryl Cole is a surprise outsider with 4.7% of the votes.

The BBC is not expected to reveal the details of Dixon's replacement until the summer.

David A Gregory to star in 'Gossip Girl'

David A Gregory to star in 'Gossip Girl'

David A Gregory has confirmed that he will have a guest role in an upcoming episode of Gossip Girl.

The actor announced the news in a post on his Facebook page.

"A little update for you: I just spend this last week shooting a guest star role on Gossip Girl," he said. "It's slated to air late March/early April. I'll keep you posted."

Gregory, who is best known for his role in One Life To Live, will be playing a friend of the real Charlotte Rhodes, who is also known as Lola, TV Line reports.

Ella Rae Pack recently made her debut as Lola.

Gossip Girl airs on Mondays at 8/7c on The CW.

Allison Janney & Tony Shalhoub To Star In Greg Daniels’ NBC Pilot ‘Friday Night Dinner’

Allison Janney & Tony Shalhoub To Star In Greg Daniels’ NBC Pilot ‘Friday Night Dinner’

Emmy winners Allison Janney and Tony Shalhoub are finalizing deals to star in Greg Daniels’ NBC comedy pilot Friday Night Dinner. The single-camera project, based on the British format, centers on a quirky family that has dinner together every Friday night. Janney will play Barbara and Shalhoub will play Gene, the matriarch and patriarch of the family. On the British series the roles are played by Tamsin Greig and Paul Ritter. Daniels is executive producing the pilot with Howard Klein and the original series’ creator Robert Popper and producer Big Talk TV.

Ken Kwapis, who helmed the pilot for Daniels’ NBC adaptation of another British comedy, The Office, is on board to direct. The casting brings together Janney, four-time Emmy winner for The West Wing; Shalhoub, 3-time Emmy winner for Monk; and Greg Daniels, five-time Emmy winner for SNL, The Simpsons, King Of The Hill and The Office. WME-repped Janney is coming off an ensemble SAG Award win for The Help. ICM-repped Shalhoub co-stars in the upcoming HBO movie Hemingway & Gellhorn.

'Glee' Jonathan Groff joins 'Boss' cast

'Glee' Jonathan Groff joins 'Boss' cast

Jonathan Groff has signed up to join the cast of Boss.

The Glee star will be a series regular in the second season of the Starz show, Deadline reports.

His character, Ian Todd, is described as intelligent and ambitious.

Following the exit of Ezra (Martin Donovan), Ian begins to offer advice to mayor Tom Kane (Kelsey Grammer).

Groff appears on Glee on a recurring basis as Jesse St James and recently signed up for a guest role in The Good Wife.

News of his casting in Boss comes shortly after it emerged that Sanaa Lathan has joined the show as Alderman Ross's chief of staff.

Boss, which recently won Grammer a Golden Globe, will return to Starz later this year.

Sendhil Ramamurthy to guest in 'The Office'

Sendhil Ramamurthy to guest in 'The Office'

Sendhil Ramamurthy has signed up for a guest role in The Office.

The actor will play an Indian doctor who comes between Ryan (BJ Novak) and Kelly (Mindy Kaling) in an upcoming episode of the comedy, TV Guide reports.

Novak explained that the arrival of Ramamurthy's character causes Ryan and Kelly to "go through a heart-wrenching break-up".

"Ryan and Kelly end up becoming bitter enemies in the office when she falls in love with an Indian doctor," he said. "He's very handsome and a much, much better match for Kelly than Ryan is."

Ramamurthy previously starred as Mohinder in Heroes and now appears in Covert Affairs as Jai.

Rumours of an Office spinoff starring Rainn Wilson emerged earlier this year but Novak has claimed that the new show is "just an idea".

Music Reality Series Aims To Create Supergroup, Barry Josephson Producing

Music Reality Series Aims To Create Supergroup, Barry Josephson Producing

A new music competition reality series produced by Barry Josephson (Bones) is looking to assemble the next American Supergroup. Created by Nashville veterans Gary Bridges and Kevin Wayne, the potential series, which is being pitched to networks, will have rock and country musicians compete to become members of a new group. Veteran music manager and record executive Glen Parrish of Azoff, Geary, Paul, Smith Management is on board to manage the group, while concert giant Live Nation is in talks to handle its inaugural tour. “Having been around such great acts as the Eagles, Chicago, Journey, and Fleetwood Mac over the years, I am thrilled to be involved with American Supergroup and to be on the road to what could be the formation of the next great American band,” Parrish said.

Through nationwide auditions and online submissions, 48 candidates for six band positions will be selected. After a series of eliminations, the remaining contestants will live together, rehearse together and compete for spots in the group whose final makeup will be determined by TV audience voting. Josephson produces American Supergroup though his Josephson Entertainment. Bridges and Wayne, who had developed the project for several years, will also serve as producers, along with Doug Falconer. Also on board is casting director Randy Bernstein of Casting Duo (The Glee Project). CAA is packaging the project, with Jonathan Swaden handling the TV component and Rod Essig the music. There have been reality series dedicated to the assembling of music groups. Popstars, the precursor to Pop Idol/American Idol, has aired versions in almost 40 countries, including a brief run in the U.S. on WB Network. Among the female pop groups it spawned was the UK’s Girls Aloud toplined by Cheryl Cole. Mark Burnett was behind the 2005 CBS series Rock Star, which ran for two seasons, searching for a new frontman of INXS and a lead singer of Supernova, a new band made of rock veterans.

‘American Idol’ EP Nigel Lythgoe Defends Slipping Ratings, Rules Out Changes, Takes Swipes At Rivals ‘The Voice’ & ‘X Factor’

‘American Idol’ EP Nigel Lythgoe Defends Slipping Ratings, Rules Out Changes, Takes Swipes At Rivals ‘The Voice’ & ‘X Factor’

With American Idol’s ratings down well into double-digits year-to-year this season, executive producer Nigel Lythgoe claimed not to be surprised by the drop and even grew somewhat defensive with journalists during a conference call this morning. “You’re asking me how I feel about the 11th season ratings when I originally thought we’d be going off the air after three weeks (of season 1)?” he said. “Let’s be honest about this: We’re constantly compared against ourselves and our own ratings. Of course you’re going to see some sort of deterioration in the numbers.” Lythgoe sees the reason for the slippage as stemming from a combination of factors, chiefly the increased competition and resultant music reality series fatigue. “We’ve got The Voice and X Factor going now, and we’re all feeding from the same talent pool and of course the same ratings pool. …We’d always said we would never two Idols in a single year, and this is why. Now we have X Factor sitting there, and it feels just like Fox is doing two Idols a season. Add to that The Voice and of course there’s going to be viewer fatigue, as much you see when you have too many science fiction dramas or too many hospital dramas on television.” Lythgoe was quick to note that “we’ve still got the No. 1 show on TV in our 11th year. That’s pretty incredible. And after 11 years, I don’t think we should have to be defending ourselves. … Whatever bad press we’re getting about the ratings, I mean, my God the rest of the world would kill for these kinds of ratings.”

Supporting Lythgoe’s claim that slipping ratings are not sounding the alarm, there are no changes planned in the short term save for a new Las Vegas location, he said. “Otherwise I don’t see any need for changes at this time.”

Lythgoe also took the opportunity to take a few swipes at The Voice and X Factor, finding that The Voice “is fed by talent that hasn’t quite made it or is trying to come back. X Factor didn’t really know what it wanted to do I think.” As for Idol, Lythgoe defiantly maintained that his show remains the gold standard. “If what you want is bloody good talent on that stage without gimmicks, then you watch American Idol, because that’s what you’re going to get.” Lythgoe acknowledged that judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler are sometimes caught struggling to be honest while at the same time satisfying their fans and supporting the artist — and inadvertently took a shot at former Idol judge Simon Cowell in the process. “It’s easier for someone like Simon Cowell,” he said “because all the time he’s just thinking, ‘Can you make me money?’ ”

As for host Ryan Seacrest’s unresolved status with Idol beyond this season, Lythgoe called him “probably the best host in the business” and “the glue that holds (the show) together and moves it along.” He admitted he’d hate to see Seacrest go. “I don’t have anything bad to say against Ryan other than that he’s too good-looking and has too much money. … I just hope he doesn’t leave to be frank. They should try to sort out a deal.”

Jessica Lucas Set As Lead of CW Pilot ‘Cult’, Noureen DeWulf Joins ‘Anger Management’

Jessica Lucas Set As Lead of CW Pilot ‘Cult’, Noureen DeWulf Joins ‘Anger Management’

Jessica Lucas has been tapped as the lead in the CW drama pilot Cult. The project, from writer Rockne S. O’Bannon, Warner Bros. TV and Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage’s Fake Empire, centers on Skye (Lucas), an inquisitive, young female production assistant on a wildly popular television show called Cult who, after a rash of disappearances and a likely murder, joins a journalist blogger in investigating the rabid fans of the series who might be re-creating crimes seen on the program in real life. This marks Lucas’ return to the CW where she co-starred on Melrose Place and recurred on 90210. Her feature credits include Cloverfield and last year’s Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son.

Noureen DeWulf (Hawthorne) has landed a regular role on Charlie Sheen’s comedy series Anger Management. On the Lionsgate TV-produced series, which has an initial 10-episode order from FX, Sheen portrays Charlie, a former baseball player with anger issues who winds up as an unconventional anger management therapist. DeWulf will play one of the members of his therapy group, a spoiled rich girl who was sent to a court-appointed anger management classes after shooting her boyfriend who cheated on her.

Syfy Renews Hit Competition Series "Face Off" for a Third Season

Syfy Renews Hit Competition Series "Face Off" for a Third Season

Second Season Premiere of Face Off Shattered Series Records With 2.5 Million Total Viewers, 1.5 Million Adults 18-49 and 1.3 Million Adults 25-54

LeVar Burton Appears in an All-New Episode of the Hit Reality Competition Series, Airing Wednesday, February 22 at 10 p.m. ET/PT

Syfy announces that its critically acclaimed reality competition series Face Off will return for a 10-episode third season of special effects competition, offering a new group of rising SFX make-up artists with the opportunity to showcase their imagination and creativity. Production on season three will commence this Spring for a Summer 2012 premiere.

Season two of Face Off currently airs Wednesdays at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT and broke series records with its debut on January 11, transforming 2.5 million total viewers, 1.52 million Adults 18-49 and 1.31 million Adults 25-54 based on Live +7 data. Last week's episode on February 1, including only Live + Same Day playback, delivered 1.175 million Adults 18-49 and a series-high of over two million total viewers. In its first two episodes with Live + 7 viewing, Face Off has earned its most watched episodes to-date, currently topping the first season average by 51 percent among viewers 18-49 and 56 percent among total viewers.

Dwight D. Smith and Michael Agbabian of Mission Control will return as executive producers for the third season. Casting for trained and self-taught special effects make-up artists is underway. Interested applicants can go to http://www.syfy.com/faceoff/casting to download the online application form.

Actress Vivica A. Fox (Independence Day, Kill Bill) and Being Human's Sam Huntington will make a special appearance in this Wednesday's all-new episode at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Syfy also announces that LeVar Burton (Star Trek: The Next Generation) will guest judge in an all-new episode airing Wednesday, February 22 at 10 PM ET/PT. In the episode, the contestants learn that for their Spotlight Challenge they will be working with a client, none other than creature designer, director and series judge, Patrick Tatopoulos. Each of the artists must select one of Patrick's sketches to serve as the inspiration for an original alien creation. On the Face Off reveal stage, the contestants are elated to see guest judge Burton but quickly grow concerned when they learn that two artists will be sent packing this week.

'Bunheads' picked up to series by ABC Family

'Bunheads' picked up to series by ABC Family

ABC Family has ordered new drama Bunheads to series.

The project stars Sutton Foster as a Las Vegas showgirl, Michelle, who ends up moving to a small town after getting married impulsively.

After moving, Michelle begins working in the town's dance school, which is owned by her new mother-in-law.

The project has now been picked up to series, Deadline reports.

Foster has previously appeared in episodes of Flight of the Conchords and guest starred in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Meanwhile, Bunheads is being penned by Amy Sherman-Palladino, who previously created Gilmore Girls and worked on Roseanne.

ABC Family had also been developing two other pilots, a Jennie Garth comedy called Village People and a drama about college students solving crimes. However, the network has reportedly passed on both of them.

TV Tonight 8th of February 2012

TV Tonight 8th of February 2012

The daily list in alphabetical order, of all the new episodes airing.

    10 O'Clock Live S02E01: "Series 2, Episode 1"
    1000 Ways to Die S03E38: "Star Death: The Last Generation"
    112 - på liv och död S05E12: "Del 12 av 36"
    Amazing Eats S01E06: "Saucy"
    American Idol S11E08: "Hollywood Round (1)"
    American Restoration S02E10: "Top Dog"
    American Restoration S02E09: "The Big Bang"
    Anno 1790 S01E06: "A Toast to the Scaffold"
    Are You There, Chelsea? S01E05: "The Gynecologist"
    Bomb Girls S01E06: "Elements of Surprise"
    Chihayafuru S01E18: "Episode 18"
    Coach Trip S09E08: "Series 9, Day 8"
    Come Dine With Me S18E21: "Series 18, Episode 18"
    Conan S02E47: "Martin Short, Dr. Dog"
    Criminal Minds S07E13: "Snake Eyes"
    CSI: Crime Scene Investigation S12E13: "Tressed to Kill"
    Dark Minds S01E03: "The Babysitter Killer"
    Days of our Lives S47E65: "Ep. #11775"
    Deal Or No Deal (UK) S07E154: "Episode 1834"
    Dickinson's Real Deal S08E47: "Series 8, Episode 47"
    Doctors S13E194: "Static"
    Dog the Bounty Hunter S08E12: "TBA"
    Dog the Bounty Hunter S08E11: "TBA"
    Dragons' Den (CA) S06E16: "Season 6, Episode 16"
    Dumbest Stuff on Wheels S02E03: "Smash Hits & Crashed Bits"
    Efterlyst S44E05: "8/2-12"
    Emmerdale S41E33: "February 8, 2012"
    Escape To The Country S12E27: "Lincolnshire"
    Face Off S02E05: "TBA"
    Film 2012 with Claudia Winkleman S01E05: "Episode 5"
    General Hospital (US) S49E217: "#12491"
    Ghost Hunters S08E05: "Moonshine & Madness"
    Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden S22E113: "Season 22, Episode 113"
    Got to Dance S03E40: "Series 3, Episode 40"
    Greatest Tank Battles S02E05: "The Battle of Italy"
    Halv åtta hos mig S08E11: "Linköping - Roine"
    Happy Endings S02E13: "The St. Valentine’s Day Maxssacre"
    Hellstrøm Inviterer S01E11: "Nicklas Källner"
    Hollyoaks S18E28: "February 8, 2012"
    Home and Away (AU) S25E13: "Episode 5448"
    Hot In Cleveland S03E11: "I'm With the Band"
    Hotel cæsar S28E148: "Season 28, Episode 148"
    How to Cook Like Heston S01E06: "Episode 6"
    Inside Nature's Giants (US) S01E04: "Big Cat"
    Inside the NFL S35E23: "23 11-12"
    Jeopardy! S28E103: "Show #6308"
    Jimmy Kimmel Live S09E202
    Kiekens S01E11: "Season 1, Episode 11"
    Last Call with Carson Daly S10E10
    Late Night with Jimmy Fallon S02E216
    Late Show with David Letterman S19E22
    Law & Order: Special Victims Unit S13E13: "Father’s Shadow"
    LEGO NinjaGo: Masters of Spinjitzu S02E05: "Can of Worms"
    Lilyhammer S01E03: "Guantanamo Blues"
    Live with Regis and Kelly S29E117
    Masterchef (UK) S16E08: "Series 16, Episode 8"
    Mobbed S01E06: "Episode 1235"
    Modern Family S03E14: "Me? Jealous?"
    Nature S30E07: "Raccoon Nation"
    Neighbours S28E23: "Episode 6333"
    NOVA S39E14: "Separating Twins"
    One Born Every Minute S03E06: "Series 3, Episode 6"
    One Tree Hill S09E05: "The Killing Moon"
    Only in America with Larry the Cable Guy S02E05: "American Guns"
    Papa no Iukoto o Kikinasai! S01E05: "Episode 5"
    Pointless S05E112: "Series 5, Episode 112"
    Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is S05E28: "Series 5, Episode 28"
    Recorder to Randoseru S01E06: "Episode 6"
    ReModeled S01E04: "3 Men and a Little Agency"
    Republic of Doyle S03E05: "Dead Man Talking"
    Revenge S01E14: "Perception"
    Roger And Val Have Just Got In S02E01: "The Shock"
    Royal Pains S03E14: "Bottoms Up"
    Suburgatory S01E13: "Sex and the Suburbs"
    Sun, Sex and Suspicious Parents S02E03: "Kavos"
    Supah Ninjas S01E28: "TBA"
    Sveriges mästerkock S02E08
    The Bold and the Beautiful S25E227: "Ep. #6256"
    The Chase (2009) S05E27: "Series 5, Episode 27"
    The Ellen DeGeneres Show S09E96
    The Fabulous Baker Brothers S01E06: "Series 1, Episode 6"
    The Jeremy Kyle Show S07E103: "February 8, 2012"
    The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson S08E23
    The Middle S03E15: "Valentine's Day III"
    The Only Way Is Essex S04E04: "Series 4, Episode 4"
    The Real World/Road Rules Challenge S22E04: "Where Did Our Love Go?"
    The Revolution (2012) S01E18: "Season 1, Episode 18"
    The Rosie Show S01E67: "Chelsea Handler"
    The Tonight Show with Jay Leno S19E237
    The View S15E101: "Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Andie MacDowell"
    The Young and the Restless S39E224: "Ep. #9839"
    Thuis S17E118: "Season 17, Episode 118"
    Top Chef S09E14: "Mentors"
    Tunnelbanan S01E03: "Del 3"
    Wanted Down Under S06E28: "Series 6, Episode 28"
    Watch What Happens: Live S06E23
    Whitney S01E15: "Lance!"

Simon Cowell Calls Beyonce 'X Factor' Rumors 'Complete Nonsense'

Simon Cowell Calls Beyonce 'X Factor' Rumors 'Complete Nonsense'

Time will tell who will fill the recently vacated judge's chairs on "The X Factor," but one thing's for sure -- it won't be Beyonce Knowles. At least, if Simon Cowell is to be believed.

Fox's recently minted competition series had a major shakeup last week, with judges Nicole Scherzinger and Paul Abdul -- along with host Steve Jones -- getting the heave-ho. And while the rumor mill swirled with scuttlebutt about Cowell offering "Single Ladies" singer Knowles an astronomical sum to come aboard, the famously cantankerous Brit says it's not happening.

"I have no idea where this rumor came from," Cowell said in an interview with "Extra." "I read it online that I offered her $100 million a year. It's complete nonsense."

Cowell also revealed that executives at Fox began talking to him about a shakeup "[a]t the beginning of the year-- and we were told it had to happen straight away."

He also took responsibility for the perception that "X Factor" has been a lukewarm success, admitting that his declaration that the show would be bigger than his last gig, "American Idol," set the bar too high.

"It's only because I opened my big mouth and said we were going to get 20 million [viewers]," Cowell said. "If I hadn't said that, everybody would be saying the show was a huge success."

Christina Aguilera Re-Ups for 'The Voice,' New Season May Air in Fall

Christina Aguilera Re-Ups for 'The Voice,' New Season May Air in Fall

"The Voice" has signed Christina Aguilera for a third season as NBC considers launching that season in the fall instead of waiting until 2013.

That scheduling decision would have the show, now a midseason hit, airing at the same time of year as Fox's "X Factor."

Aguilera is the first of the four "Voice" judges to re-up her contract, which TheWrap last week reported amounted to a pricey $10 million, far more than "X Factor" judges earn on Fox.

But one insider close to the show said Aguilera's contract was for under $10 million.

Aguilera has been signed to tape the shows from September through December, according to a person close to the negotiations.

An NBC spokesman said no decision has been made about whether the show would air in the fall. But NBC insiders said the network was "considering" airing "The Voice" then.

One insider said NBC hopes to bring back the entire judges' panel -- Aguilera, Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green and Blake Shelton.

"We're really pleased with the entire cast," the person said. "You look at [the] ratings and it's no accident."

The show was a breakout hit for NBC in April when it hurried it to air and got the jump on the debut of Fox's fall singing show, "X Factor." NBC considered airing the current, second season of "The Voice" at the start of the 2011-12 season, but decided the turnaround time would be too fast.

"The Voice" has become NBC's highest-rated show besides NFL broadcasts.

In its season two premiere Sunday, following the Super Bowl, it earned NBC's strongest ratings for an entertainment show in six years. Monday's episode earned the network's best ratings in its timeslot in nearly eight years, excluding the Olympics.

In its first season,"X Factor" scored a 4.3 rating/12 share in the advertiser-sought 18-49 demographic and averaged 12.6 million total viewers, compared to an 8.5/23 and 25.2 million for "Idol" last year.

After just two episodes, "The Voice" actually has higher average ratings than "Idol" this season -- but its ratings are severely skewed by its post-Super Bowl premiere. Monday's episode of "The Voice" scored a 6.6 rating in the demo and 17.7 million viewers; Sunday's scored a 16.3 rating and 36.7 million.

John Legend And Showtime Team For Potential Music Series

John Legend And Showtime Team For Potential Music Series

John Legend is behind a music special, which is in series consideration at Showtime. The nine-time Grammy Award winner hosts and executive produces the project, which had a private taping recently at the historic EastWest Studios in Los Angeles. The untitled show features top artists from different genres who discuss their careers and perform an original musical collaboration before live studio audience. The first taping, directed by Jesse Dylan (Kicking & Screaming), son of music icon Bob Dylan, included a live performance from country star Faith Hill singing her new single “You’re The One Whose Waiting”, which was co-written by Legend, and a solo performance by rapper B.o.B of the single “Ghost in the Machine.” The show wrapped with a live rendition of “Son of a Preacher Man” with Legend on piano, Hill on lead vocals, and an original rap written and performed by B.o.B. Producers are already working on a second installment of the program, eyed to shoot before next week’s Grammy Awards. Executive producing with Legend are his Get Lifted Film Co. partner Mike Jackson; Mike Tolin of Tolin Prods.; RD Robb and Tom Carter of Station3; and Priscilla Cohen of Wondros.

'The River': What the Critics Are Saying

'The River': What the Critics Are Saying

Television critics were mixed in their reviews of the ABC horror drama from "Paranormal Activity's" Oren Peli, premiering Tuesday night.

ABC is hoping The River, co-created by Paranormal Activity writer-director Oren Peli and executive produced by Steven Spielberg, will spook viewers.

Premiering Tuesday night with back-to-back episodes beginning at 9 p.m., The River centers on Dr. Emmet Cole (Bruce Greenwood), who stars in a real-life television adventure series and suddenly goes missing in the Amazon, prompting his son Lincoln (Joe Anderson), his mother Tess (Leslie Hope) and a camera crew to go search for him.

The Hollywood Reporter's chief television critic Tim Goodman commended the midseason entry, concluding, "Finally, a successor to Lost with potential." But Goodman had some reservation with the season-long mystery being able to sustain itself over the course of a season. "Quick camera cuts, people in peril, freaky and scary happenings — what’s not to like? Put them together, and you have a series that cobbles together a pretty strong rooting interest. We all need a show like this on the small screen again. But is there really a weekly series here?," he asks.

The Los Angeles Times' Robert Lloyd ventured to say that the adventure drama "in its early hours doesn't ask to be taken more seriously than as the long-form B-movie it is," concentrating "more on the buildup than the payoff, the fear more than the fright." Nevertheless, The River "seems poised to offer a series of discrete encounters with the otherworldly, written with a copy of The Big Book of Amazonian Folk Tales open nearby, as it goes along its long-arc way," Lloyd writes.

The New York Times' Mike Hale wrote that the way The River was shot -- "grainy video, jumpy editing and action filmed so darkly" -- is the is similar to the found-footage films before it. He adds: "Through the two episodes being shown on Tuesday night, the mixture of Lost storytelling and Paranormal style is neither intriguing nor particularly scary, and it doesn’t help that there’s hardly a glimmer of humor."

Meanwhile, New York Magazine's Matt Zoller Seitz wasn't too forgiving of the horror drama, saying that "it's what the show doesn't do with" the format of the show that "may prove a dealbreaker." Shot in a mockumentary style, Seitz notes that the the format "feels more gimmicky than revelatory," saying that instead of showing viewers "things that you wouldn't normally see," what appears "onscreen looks like a stylistically tricked-out Lost," an observation other reviewers also emphasized.

San Francisco Chronicle's David Wiegand remained lukewarm on the show, pointing out the visual logic issues that arise: "The concept seems to be that, since the expedition is being filmed, much of the action can be captured in herky-jerky, Blair Witch-y style, which, of course, makes things even scarier because we never get a clear picture of what's wreaking havoc. But at other times, we get aerial shots and other camera angles that couldn't have been shot by the search team's photographer." He noted that if viewers are honing in on aspects like he just described, "The River isn't really holding your interest very effectivey."

RTL's Gerhard Zeiler Named President of Turner Broadcasting System International

RTL's Gerhard Zeiler Named President of Turner Broadcasting System International

RTL Group CEO Gerhard Zeiler has been named president of Turner Broadcasting System International, which operates international and regional-specific versions of TBS networks.

Zeiler has served since 2003 as CEO of RTL, which is a division of Bertelsmann AG and Europe’s largest television production and broadcast company.

Turner Broadcasting operates more than 130 channels in more than 30 languages in about 200 countries.

Here's the release:

International television executive Gerhard Zeiler will join Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. (TBS, Inc.) as president of Turner Broadcasting System International, the company’s global portfolio of branded television networks and related businesses, it was announced today by Phil Kent, chairman and CEO of TBS, Inc.  Presently CEO of RTL Group, a division of Bertelsmann AG and Europe’s largest television production and broadcast company, Zeiler will lead the international division’s continuing effort to strengthen its established interests and develop new business.

“We are delighted that Gerhard is joining us and look forward to the leadership, perspective and wealth of international television experience he will bring to one of the most successful and most strategically important areas of our company,” said Kent.  “His programming success; entrepreneurial experience within a big company; ability to run multiple lines of business; deep understanding of the digital landscape and opportunity; relationships across the media landscape; and passion for the television business combine in a great international partner for me, an exciting leader for the division and a strong addition to our executive committee and the company overall.  We all look forward to working with him to extend our core brands, target and develop new markets and build scale around the world.”

“As a longtime observer of Turner’s networks, I am keenly aware of their strength with consumers and the company’s profile in the international business community,” said Zeiler.  “This move is an opportunity to help grow some of the most valuable media brands in the world and develop new businesses alongside people I admire, like Phil and colleagues across Time Warner I have known and worked with over the years.  This is an exciting time for our industry and for Turner Broadcasting, and I believe in our ability to lead and succeed.”

Turner Broadcasting System International operates versions of core TBS, Inc. brands including CNN, TNT, Cartoon Network and Turner Classic Movies, as well as country- and region-specific networks and businesses.  In recent years, Turner Broadcasting has doubled its scale in Latin America, forged strategic media partnerships in Japan and Korea, expanded in the Nordic region and Chile and teamed with Warner Bros. and HBO to leverage Time Warner’s global reach.  Currently, Turner Broadcasting operates more than 130 channels in more than 30 languages in some 200 countries around the world.

As president of Turner Broadcasting System International, Zeiler will have executive oversight for all entertainment and kids networks and media services offered outside of North America; the distribution and commercial operations of CNN’s international services; all of Turner Broadcasting’s international joint ventures; and all licensing and merchandising activity.

Zeiler, who will report to Kent, will lead a 3,800-person division across Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin America.

Zeiler most recently was CEO of RTL Group, a position he assumed in March 2003, and was a member of the executive board of Bertelsmann AG.  Under his leadership, RTL expanded its international television footprint across Western Europe and into Croatia; brought the hit shows American Idol and America’s Got Talent to the U.S. market; and grew its holdings to 41 channels and 34 radio stations in 10 countries.  He started his career as a journalist and later spokesman for two Austrian Chancellors.  After serving as secretary general of Austria’s public broadcaster, ORF, he became CEO of Tele 5 and then RTL II in Germany.  He returned to his native Austria to lead the ORF as Director General.  In 1998 Zeiler was named CEO of RTL, Germany’s biggest TV channel.

Among his many professional honors, Zeiler is the first non-American to receive the prestigious Brandon Tartikoff Legacy Award from NATPE.  In 2004, he was named Media Personality of the Year at MIPCOM in Cannes.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news; entertainment; animation and young adult; and sports media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.  Turner brands and businesses include CNN/U.S., CNN International, CNN.com and HLN; TBS, TNT, truTV and Turner Classic Movies; Cartoon Network, Boomerang and Adult Swim; and Turner Sports.

Roseanne Barr Added to California Primary Ballot

Roseanne Barr Added to California Primary Ballot

Roseanne Barr's bid to become the President of the United States has taken a step forward.

"Roseanne" star Barr is among the candidates who will be added to the California primary ballot, said Secretary of State Debra Bowen. She announced last week she is seeking the Green Party's nomination.

Barr joins 23 other candidates on the list; the last California presidential primary, in 2008, included 51 names.

The California primary will take place June 5.

It's unclear how Barr's presidential aspirations will gel will her comedic ones. Her sitcom pilot, "Downwardly Mobile," was picked up by NBC last month.

Claiming to be neither left- nor right-wing in her disgust with politics as usual, Barr said in a statement, "The Democrats and Republicans have proven that they are servants -- bought and paid for by the 1 percent -- who are not doing what's in the best interest of the American people."

The Green Party will choose its candidate at its convention in Baltimore, which takes place July 12-15.

Nicole Scherzinger Opens Up About 'X Factor' Firing: 'I Gave 110% to That Show'

Nicole Scherzinger Opens Up About 'X Factor' Firing: 'I Gave 110% to That Show'

After the blood bath that left both female judges and host Steve Jones out for Season 2, the ousted pop singer says she has no regrets.

Nicole Scherzinger won’t be joining The X Factor's second season along with judge and executive producer Simon Cowell and judge L.A. Reid, but she seems to be taking the development in stride.

“I had a wonderful experience on the show,” Nicole tells Access Hollywood. “I loved being a part of my X Factor family. Nothing could obviously prepare me for everything I had to go through, all the emotions and stuff, but I have no regrets. I’ve always believed in never looking back and just moving forward and I’ve got an amazing year to look forward to.”

The news trickled out early last week when Steve Jones tweeted he wouldn’t be returning. That was soon followed by Nicole’s dismissal and Fox’s confirmation of the firings. And as if that wasn’t enough, the news that former American Idol judge Paula Abdul had also gotten the boot broke later that day.

THR’s sources revealed that Simon and his producers were having some major come to Jesus moments during an off-site meeting on the first season. And the three were sacrificed to find bigger talent that would translate into higher ratings for Season 2.

But when Scherzinger was asked what caused the Fox series to drop her, she decided to focus on the good aspects of her time with the competition.

“What happened? Well, all I know is that I gave 110% to that show,” she answers. “I know everybody’s talking about it, they’re saying good, bad, they love me or hate me, but the one thing you can’t say is that I didn’t give it my all.”

Well, Nicole may be wrong about the last part. Scherzinger’s former Over-30s team member Stacy Francis told THR a different story. She said that Scherzinger's music commitments, be it tour dates, hours spent in the recording studio, or UK appearances, limited the amount of time she was able to spend with the contestants.

"She would call us and she'd Skype,” Stacy recalled. “But it wasn't the same as sitting in rehearsal with us." And she said that didn’t go unnoticed by Simon.

"[One time], Simon came over to me and said 'Stacy, this is Nicole; Nicole, this is Stacy.'  I think that was his way of saying that he wanted her spending more time there,” the singer said. “Don't get me wrong, I love Nicole and had a great time working with her, I just didn't always agree with her mentoring decisions."

Nicole, who’s appearing in the upcoming Men In Black 3, says she’s moving on to a European tour in a few days, though the former Pussycat Doll’s first solo album has been marred by several delays and has been pushed to release sometime this year. And now, Scherzinger says she also has her eye on entering the musical theatre world.

“Last year I sang Phantom of the Opera for the royal family and for Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber,” she says. “So that reignited me to want to be back in the theater again, so I think I’m gonna do some more theater work this year.”

What was your take on how Nicole did on X-Factor? Tell us in the comments section below.

What we know about Russell T Davies' and Phil Ford’s Aliens Vs Wizards

What we know about Russell T Davies' and Phil Ford’s Aliens Vs Wizards

Russell T Davies and Phil Ford are teaming up for a brand new action adventure drama, Aliens Vs Wizards. And here’s what we know about it to date…

You’ve probably caught, over the past week or so, news arising of a brand new show that’s heading to CBBC in the autumn. It’s entitled Aliens Vs Wizards, and the reason why it’s probably on your radar, and certainly on ours, is just who’s behind it. The brains behind the show belong, after all, to Russell T Davies and Phil Ford, the creative forces behind the terrific The Sarah Jane Adventures.

Described as an “action adventure drama” by the BBC, Aliens Vs Wizards is set to centre around the character of Tom Clarke, a 16-year old who lives with his dad and grandmother, and someone who hides a bit of a secret.

That secret? That his family are wizards, and, more to the point, wizards who have a problem on their hands. For when aliens by the name of the Nekross arrive, it turns out that Tom’s family is under significant threat.

So sets the scene for a mash-up that very rarely happens. As Russell T Davies has said, “Wizards have never met aliens before”, adding that “when they do, the result is spectacular! The mysterious Nekross know exactly what to do with magicians. Eat them! Let battle be joined!”

The work on Aliens Vs Wizards apparently began towards the beginning of 2011, at the point when it was clear that The Sarah Jane Adventures would be ending, due to the illness and eventual tragic death of its star, the much-missed Elisabeth Sladen.

Davies conceived the show over dinner in Los Angeles with Phil Ford, and it’s now set to head into production this coming March. Twelve 30 minute episodes are to be produced for the show’s first series, and another The Sarah Jane Adventures alumni, Gareth Roberts, has already been recruited to the writing team (his agency webpage, here, lists him as writing a pair of 30 minute episodes).

Furthermore, a second series has reportedly already been commissioned, too, set for transmission in 2013.

The official synopsis, released as part of the BBC’s press announcement, reads thus:

“From the dark side of the moon, aliens are scanning the Earth searching for magic and are prepared to destroy everything in their path to get it. All that stands in the way of Earth’s imminent destruction are two 16-year old schoolboys, Tom and Benny. It’s Ray Guns vs Wands; Science vs Magic and Aliens vs Wizards.”

It’s massively encouraging that CBBC is continuing its commitment to such genre television, and given the rich and deserved praise heaped on The Sarah Jane Adventures, it’s warming to see that the team behind it are getting to channel their talents into such a new show.

None of us wanted The Sarah Jane Adventures to come to an end in the circumstances that it did, but it’s perhaps the most fitting legacy of all to it that its spirit and impact will live on in Aliens Vs Wizards.

Chris Brown to Perform at the Grammys

Chris Brown to Perform at the Grammys

Chris Brown will perform at this year's Grammy Awards, three years after he nearly destroyed his career by battering Rihanna over Grammy weekend.

The Grammy organization announced that the "I Can Transform Ya" singer will take the stage at the 54th annual awards. Brown is up for three Grammy Awards this year -- Best R&B Album for "F.A.M.E.," Best Rap Performance (with Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes) and Best Rap Song for "Look At Me Now."

Also read: Chris Brown Explodes Into Rage at "GMA," Breaks Window, Security Called

Tony Bennett and Carrie Underwood will also perform together at this year's ceremony, as will Alicia Keys and Bonnie Raitt, who will pay musical tribute to recently deceased soul singer Etta James.

Brown, 22, saw his career and reputation nosedive in 2009, after he viciously beat then-girlfriend Rihanna following record executive Clive Davis' pre-Grammy party. Both Brown and Rihanna subsequently canceled their appearances at that year's awards ceremony.

Brown pleaded guilty to a felony assault charge, and was sentenced to community labor and five years' probation in a plea deal.

Rihanna is up for three Grammy Awards this year, with her album "Loud" nominated for Album of the Year and Best Pop Album, and her duet with Drake, "What's My Name?" up for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.

The 54th Annual Grammy Awards will air on CBS on Feb. 12.

Tim Tebow Passes on 'DWTS' -- Sorry, J.R. Martinez

Tim Tebow Passes on 'DWTS' -- Sorry, J.R. Martinez

The Denver Broncos say there will be no Tebow-ing anytime soon on "Dancing With the Stars," despite current champ J.R. Martinez's report that quarterback Tim Tebow might want to compete.

"Tim does not have any interest in participating in the show," Broncos spokesman Patrick Smyth tells TheWrap. "He is focused on preparing for the 2012 season with the Denver Broncos."

War veteran and "DWTS" season 13 champion Martinez told Celebuzz.com he met Tebow in Indianapolis during Super Bowl weekend and talked to him about the ABC reality series.

"I actually did come across Tim Tebow, and we chatted about (DWTS) for a second," Martinez said. "I thought he'd do pretty well on the show!

"He said, 'Maybe in a year' … That's pretty much what he said."

Jimmy Kimmel Hosting 7th Live Post-Oscar Show

Jimmy Kimmel Hosting 7th Live Post-Oscar Show

Jimmy Kimmel will host his seventh consecutive post-Oscar "Jimmy Kimmel Live" special on Feb. 26, and his booked guests include George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Helen Mirren, Martin Scorsese, Don Cheadle and Charlize Theron.

"Jimmy Kimmel Live: After the Academy Awards," will also include an introduction by Oscar telecast host Billy Crystal and a show-ending performance by Coldplay.

But the late-night host hasn't revealed which stars will be featured in his annual comedy collaboration with guests, which in past "After the Academy Awards" specials have included "I'm F---ing Ben Affleck," the "Handsome Men's Club" and Hanks' "Toddlers & Tiaras" spoof.