James Wolk joins USA's 'Political Animals'

James Wolk joins USA's 'Political Animals'

James Wolk has landed a role in USA's new drama Political Animals.

The six-part series, due to premiere this summer, focuses on a divorced former First Lady who becomes the Secretary of State.

Wolk has now signed up to play the lead character's son Doug, Deadline reports.

Doug, who works as his mother's chief of staff, is considered a future star in the political world.

Wolk previously starred in Fox's Lone Star, which was critically acclaimed but cancelled after two episodes due to low ratings.

Since the end of Lone Star, Wolk has appeared in Happy Endings and Shameless.

Political Animals has been created by Greg Berlanti, whose previous credits include Brothers & Sisters, Eli Stone, Everwood and Dawson's Creek.

Berlanti is also developing a number of pilots, with a CBS cop drama starring Ryan Phillippe, superhero show Arrow for The CW and a JoAnna Garcia comedy for CBS all in contention.

'Dancing on Ice' slips to lowest ever audience

'Dancing on Ice' slips to lowest ever audience

Dancing on Ice slid to its lowest ever ratings last night, according to early overnight data.

The Sunday reality show pulled in just 6.99m (26.1%) for its two-hour main show from 6.30pm, which saw contestant Jennifer Ellison require medical assistance after cutting her head open with a skate during her routine. 246k (0.9%) watched on ITV1 +1.

Only 5.7m (21.7%) returned to see Rosemary Conley's exit in The Skate Off at 9.30pm (+1: 262k/1.4%), despite a lead-in of 6.24m (21.9%) from family drama Wild at Heart.

Down nearly 2 million on the equivalent episode last year, Dancing on Ice was given a revamp by ITV this year, with Louie Spence and Katarina Witt replacing Jason Gardiner and Emma Bunton on the judging panel, as well as Christine Bleakley stepping in for Holly Willoughby.

Adrian Chiles chat show That Sunday Night Show rounded off an underwhelming evening for ITV1 with 1.98m (9.8%)

Leading a strong night for BBC One, the penultimate Call The Midwife averaged 8.5m (28.2%) in the 8pm hour, prior to which Countryfile interested 7.14m (27.1%).

Coverage of the BAFTA Film Awards from 9pm, which featured Meryl Streep winning 'Best Actress', attracted 5.32m (22.4%) between 9pm and 11pm, exactly the same figure as the year before.

Predictably, Top Gear commanded BBC Two's best audience of the night with 4.93m (16.4%) at 8pm, then factual offering Toughest Place to be a Train Driver logged 2.8m (10.5%), before Match of the Day 2 scored 2.19m (10.7%) at 10pm.

Movie Ghost Rider (1.55m/6.6%) helped Channel 5 overtake Channel 4, the latter grabbing just 1.11m (3.7%) for its most-watched programme of the night, The Hotel at 8pm (+1: 156k/0.6%).

BBC One recorded another convincing primetime victory with 25.2% over ITV1's 21.2% (+1: 1.1%), while BBC Two claimed third place with 10%. In fourth place, Channel 5 had 4.6%, ahead of Channel 4's 3.2% (+1: 0.4%).

Over on the digital channels, BBC Three's Being Human (815k/3.1%), ITV2's The Only Way Is Essex (765k/3.4%) and Sky1's Got To Dance (748k/3.1%) all lost viewers week-on-week.

'Project Runway's Tim Gunn, Nina Garcia for ABC's Oscars 2012 pre-show

'Project Runway's Tim Gunn, Nina Garcia for ABC's Oscars 2012 pre-show

Tim Gunn and Nina Garcia have been announced as the hosts for ABC's Oscars Red Carpet Live at the 84th Academy Awards.

The show will be the only broadcast from the red carpet in the hour immediately prior to the awards ceremony.

The Project Runway judges will be joined by Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts, Glamour magazine's editor-at-large Louise Rose and Entertainment Weekly's Jess Cagle.

It will be Garcia and Rose's first time hosting the red carpet pre-show, while Gunn, Roberts and Cagle have been hosts three times.

Celebrities who are expected to walk the red carpet include Oscar presenters Angelina Jolie, Halle Berry and Tom Hanks, along with Oscar nominees Brad Pitt, Rooney Mara and Meryl Streep.

The 84th Academy Awards will be aired on February 26 on ABC in the US and on Sky Movies in the UK.

Controversial 'Take Me Out' star Aaron Withers wants to do Big Brother

Controversial 'Take Me Out' star Aaron Withers wants to do Big Brother

Controversial Take Me Out contestant Aaron Withers has auditioned for this summer's Big Brother.

Withers was kicked off the ITV1 dating show after it was revealed that he had worked as a £50-an-hour escort and that he had been convicted for assault.

According to the Daily Star, Withers was at Big Brother's Cardiff auditions earlier this month and the 32-year-old wants a chance to redeem himself with the public.

Withers apparently told the newspaper that he wants to become the next Frankie Cocozza and showcase to the public that he's not as bad as he's been portrayed in the media.

"I felt I got a rough ride on ITV and was treated badly," he told the paper.

Big Brother returns to Channel 5 in the summer. The auditions arrive in Wembley Stadium, London this weekend (February 18-20), before finishing in Glasgow on February 25 and 26.

'Walking Dead' exec: 'Things just keep getting worse'

'Walking Dead' exec: 'Things just keep getting worse'

The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman has hinted that things will "keep getting worse" for the show's characters.

In last night's (February 12) midseason premiere 'Nebraska', Rick (Andrew Lincoln) was forced to shoot threatening newcomers Dave (Michael Raymond James) and Tony (Aaron Munoz).

"I think this was a particularly good episode coming back because the two guys in the bar represent new threats," Kirkman told Entertainment Weekly. "And they are really just the tip of the iceberg."

He added: "It's really good to come back and be off of the farm and see that there are more dangerous things out there than the zombies. Things just keep getting worse from here."

Last month, Walking Dead showrunner Glen Mazzara claimed that the latter half of the show's second season "accelerates the storytelling".

"I think if the whole season had run concurrently week-after-week, you would have been able to see that the slow episodes actually build up pay-off for the fast episodes," explained Kirkman.

"But, as it stands right now because of the break, it's like, slow episodes in the fall and fast episodes in the spring."

The writer also confirmed that pre-production continues on the 16-part third season of The Walking Dead, which was confirmed in October.

"Right now we're finishing up our third week of writing," he said. "We're constantly shocking ourselves. I can say right now the third season is going to be insane."

The Walking Dead continues on Sundays at 9/8c on AMC. The show resumes on FX in the UK on February 17.

Oprah's Promotional Tweet Lands Her in Hot Water With Nielsen

Oprah's Promotional Tweet Lands Her in Hot Water With Nielsen

The talk show maven later apologized for her rule-violating comment, but the ratings service may add an asterisk to OWN ratings for Sunday evening.

It was Oprah Winfrey’s turn to learn a lesson Sunday night.

Winfrey, with her show Oprah’s Next Chapter about to air on her OWN network and facing competition from the Grammys, tweeted “Every 1 who can please turn to OWN especially if u have a Nielsen box.”

Aside from making her sound a bit desperate, the tweet violated the rules of the powerful Nielsen Media Research organization that dominates the TV ratings business by mentioning she wanted to especially reach those with electronic boxes in their homes that are used to measure viewership. That is not permitted.

Of the more than 100 million U.S. TV homes, some 25,000 get such boxes. Results are then used to project out what everyone is watching. Those numbers are used to set advertising rates and can make or break a show, a personality or a career — so they are taken very seriously.

When notified of her violation, Winfrey immediately pulled back and her spokesperson issued the following statement: "I removed the tweet at the request of Nielsen. I intended no harm and apologize for the reference. — Oprah Winfrey."

It is unclear what action Nielsen will take as a result of the tweet. The ratings service put out a statement as well: “In accordance with our policies and procedures, Nielsen is reviewing this incident with our clients and we may withhold, break out and/or make a note in the ratings. We take any violation of our policy seriously and will work with clients to resolve the situation.”

“A. Falsified Reporting or Attempts to Coerce Nielsen Panel Members. In the event that Nielsen receives evidence of attempts to single out panel members either to change their viewing habits or to falsify or otherwise influence or affect their reporting, Nielsen reserves the right to withhold a suspect report, or any part thereof, and/or to so note the occurrence in the published portions of a report.”

A Nielsen spokesperson told the New York Times that “an asterisk will be attached to OWN’s ratings at the time of day Ms. Winfrey’s message was sent, noting a ‘possible biasing effect.’ ”

An OWN spokesperson said she was not personally aware that Nielsen was going to put an asterisk next to the OWN ratings for that time period.

BBC Four goes disco for 10-year anniversary

BBC Four goes disco for 10-year anniversary

BBC Four is going disco to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the corporation's "gold card channel for arts, music and culture" next month.

The channel's 10-year anniversary on March 2 will be marked with a "lively" lineup of programmes on the impact of disco music, said the BBC.

The Joy Of Disco looks at how a style of music that was originally mocked by the world went on to help define a generation, while Disco At The BBC showcases a range of great performances by artists.

Since BBC Four replaced the BBC Knowledge channel in 2002 as a "culturally enriching" network, the channel has covered subjects ranging from Doris Day to the A303.

The digital channel was rumoured to be facing the axe last year under the BBC's cost cutting drive, but instead it was announced that the network will be "refocused" to play more of a "supporting role" to parent network BBC Two.

BBC Four reaches 9.8m viewers each week, and crucially has the highest audience appreciation levels of any BBC channel. Last year, BBC Four's audience share rose by 18% to an average of 1.3%, while the share has increased further to an average of 1.7% so far in 2012.

The network enjoyed its best ever spell at Christmas 2011, averaging a 2% audience share. This was largely down to "heavyweight" programmes, including the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures, which was watched by more than 1m viewers, and performances of The Nutcracker and Cinderella.

Last year, BBC Four scooped Broadcast Digital's 'Factual Channel of the Year' and won a string of industry awards for programmes such as Secret Life Of The National Grid, The Road To Coronation Street, Getting On, The Killing and Zimbabwe's Forgotten Children.

BBC Four controller Richard Klein said: "It is an honour and a delight to be looking after BBC Four on its 10th birthday and I can think of no better way to celebrate this than with mirror balls, platform shoes and the Bee Gees. Blow-dried hair is optional."

Also celebrating its tenth anniversary this spring is digital radio station BBC 6 Music, which will stage a series of special concerts featuring artists such as Super Furry Animals frontman Gruff Rhys, folk singer Laura Marling and John Lydon's Public Image Limited.

'Big Fat Gypsy Weddings' pineapple and palm tree dresses

'Big Fat Gypsy Weddings' pineapple and palm tree dresses

Channel 4's record-breaking ratings hit Big Fat Gypsy Weddings returns this week and has even more jaw-dropping outfits than before.

The first episode of the third series includes bride Dolores who attempts to stand out from the crowd with a Spanish-themed palm tree costume.

The only problem for Dolores and her friend, who is dressed as a pineapple, is that getting into a limousine while dressed as a tree is quite tricky.

TV Tonight 14th of February 2012

TV Tonight 14th of February 2012

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

    112 - på liv och död S05E14: "Del 14 av 36"
    19 Kids and Counting S06E01: "TBA"
    Alex Polizzi - The Fixer S01E03: "Kettley's"
    Ano Natsu de Matteru S01E06: "Senpai Has a Rival."
    Another S01E06: "Face to Face"
    Arctic Air S01E06: "C-TVAK"
    Big Fat Gypsy Weddings S03E03: "Diamantes are Forever"
    Bleach (JP) S16E18: "Ichigo vs. Uryū?! Who is the Traitor!"
    Body Of Proof S02E14: "Cold Blooded"
    Bondi Vet S04E03: "Season 4, Episode 3"
    Campus PD S04E07: "A drinking game may have lead to property damage"
    Chopped S10E08: "Chewing the Caul Fat"
    Coach Trip S09E12: "Series 9, Day 12"
    Come Dine With Me S18E26: "Series 18, Series 22"
    Conan S02E50: "Reese Witherspoon, the Intergalactic Nemesis"
    Cougar Town S03E01: "Ain’t Love Strange"
    Dance Moms S02E06: "Wardrobe Malfunction (FKA The Dance Detectives)"
    Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou S01E06: "Episode 6"
    Days of our Lives S47E68: "Ep. #11778"
    Deal Or No Deal (UK) S07E159: "Episode 1839"
    Dickinson's Real Deal S08E51: "Series 8, Episode 51"
    Dirty Jobs S08E10: "Onion Processor"
    Doctors S13E198: "It Had to Be You"
    Doomsday Preppers S01E04: "Back to the Stone Age"
    EastEnders S28E27: "February 14, 2012"
    Emmerdale S41E38: "February 14, 2012"
    Escape To The Country S12E31: "North Yorkshire"
    Frontline (US) S30E07: "The Interrupters"
    General Hospital (US) S49E221: "#12495"
    Glee S03E13: "Heart"
    Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden S22E117: "Season 22, Episode 117"
    Gokujo S01E04: "Episode 4"
    Got to Dance S03E45: "Series 3, Episode 45"
    Halv åtta hos mig S08E14: "Stockholm - Karina"
    Hardcore Pawn S05E13: "TBA"
    Hellstrøm Inviterer S01E14: "Stella Mwangi"
    Hidden City S01E11
    Holby City S14E18: "Awarded"
    Hollyoaks S18E32: "February 14, 2012"
    Home and Away (AU) S25E17: "Episode 5452"
    Hotel cæsar S28E151: "Season 28, Episode 151"
    House Hunters S48E31
    House Hunters International S25E34: "From California to Cork, Ireland"
    House of Anubis S02E54: "House of Alibis"
    House of Anubis S02E53: "House of Heists"
    How to Grow a Planet S01E02: "The Power of Flowers"
    Ink Master S01E05: "Game On"
    Jane By Design S01E07: "The Teen Model"
    Jeopardy! S28E107: "Show #6312"
    Jersey Couture S02E04: "It’s A Man, Baby"
    Jersey Couture S02E03: "Style Rivals"
    Jimmy Kimmel Live S09E205: "John Goodman, Kevin Nealon, Robin Thicke"
    Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best? S02E04: "Joan on the Range"
    Junior Doctors – Your Life In Their Hands S02E04: "Series 2, Episode 4"
    Justified S03E05: "Thick as Mud"
    Key & Peele S01E03: "Season 1, Episode 3"
    Last Call with Carson Daly S10E14
    Last Man Standing S01E17: "Adrenaline"
    Late Night with Jimmy Fallon S02E220
    Late Show with David Letterman S19E26
    Let's Stay Together S02E07: "Puppy Love"
    Level Up S01E05: "Bicyclops"
    Live with Regis and Kelly S29E121
    My First Place S21E09: "Credit Crunches Dream"
    Natsume Yūjin-Chō S04E07: "Episode 7"
    NCIS S09E15: "Secrets"
    NCIS: Los Angeles S03E15: "Crimeleon"
    Neighbours S28E27: "Episode 6337"
    New Girl S01E13: "Valentine's Day"
    NFL Films Presents S45E23: "Super Bowl Recap"
    Packed To The Rafters S04E17: "Small World"
    Packed To The Rafters S04E16: "Second Chance"
    Parenthood (2010) S03E16: "Tough Love"
    Pointless S05E116: "Series 5, Episode 116"
    Prisoners' Wives S01E03: "Episode 3"
    Property Virgins S11E06: "Beauty In The Bronx"
    Raising Hope S02E14: "Jimmy's Fake Girlfriend"
    Ringer S01E13: "It's Easy To Cry, When This Much Cash Is Involved"
    River City S10E23: "Episode 767"
    Shameless S09E07: "Series 9, Episode 7"
    Southland S04E05: "Legacy"
    Storage Hunters S01E21: "TBA"
    Switched at Birth S01E17: "Protect Me From What I Want"
    Tabatha Takes Over S04E06: "TBA"
    Teen Mom 2 S02E12: "Love Will Tear Us Apart"
    The Amazing World of Gumball S01E32: "The Curse"
    The Biggest Loser S13E07: "Season 13, Episode 7"
    The Biggest Loser (2009) S03E07: "Series 3, Episode 7"
    The Bold and the Beautiful S25E231: "Ep. #6260"
    The Chase (2009) S05E31: "Series 5, Episode 31"
    The Colbert Report S08E21: "William Broad"
    The Daily Show S17E57: "Ricky Gervais"
    The Ellen DeGeneres Show S09E100: "Kris Jenner, Bruce Jenner"
    The Exit List S01E06: "Episode 6"
    The Game S05E06: "The Tricks Episode"
    The Jeremy Kyle Show S07E107: "February 14, 2012"
    The L.A. Complex S01E06: "Burn It Down"
    The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson S08E27
    The Real Housewives Of Orange County S07E02: "Southern Hospitality"
    The Revolution (2012) S01E22: "Season 1, Episode 22"
    The River S01E03: "Los Ciegos (The Blind)"
    The Tonight Show with Jay Leno S19E241
    The View S15E105
    The Young and the Restless S39E228: "Ep. #9843"
    Thuis S17E122: "Season 17, Episode 122"
    Top Shot S04E01: "Sweating Bullets"
    Tosh.0 S04E03: "Season 4, Episode 3"
    Unforgettable S01E15: "The Following Sea"
    Veckans brott S04E05: "Det olösta polismordet i Högdalen 1992"
    Wanted Down Under S06E32: "Series 6, Episode 32"
    Watch What Happens: Live S06E27

'Dancing on Ice' Conley: 'I've never stroked so many beautiful men'

'Dancing on Ice' Conley: 'I've never stroked so many beautiful men'

An emotional Rosemary Conley talked about her sadness at having to depart Dancing on Ice during an interview on This Morning.

Conley and pro partner Mark Henretty were voted off the ITV1 reality show last night and the fitness guru claimed that she had "loved every second" of her time on the programme.

"I tried so, so hard not to get upset, but it's such a beautiful programme and I have loved every second of it. Three and a half months of complete enjoyment and learning a new skill with the best teacher in the world as far as I'm concerned," Conley told hosts Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford.

Joking about her show highlight, she said: "It's a very tactile sport and everyone is hugging each other - and I have never hugged and stroked so many beautiful male bodies in my life!"

Conley claimed that her stint on the programme was the "cherry on the icing" of her "wonderful life".

"My big message to anybody out there, as you get older - get your weight down, eat well, do fitness so that as you go into older age you can do anything," she added.

Dancing on Ice continues next Sunday on ITV1.

'Lost' star Henry Ian Cusick lands 'Fringe' role

'Lost' star Henry Ian Cusick lands 'Fringe' role

Henry Ian Cusick has won a guest role on Fox's Fringe.

The former Lost star will play an FBI agent in the 19th episode of the sci-fi drama's fourth season, according to TVLine.

Cusick is best known for playing Desmond Hume on ABC's Lost from 2005 to 2010 and has since played a recurring role on Law & Order: SVU.

He will also appear opposite Kerry Washington in Shonda Rhimes's new ABC drama Scandal, which premieres on April 5.

Michael Massee also recently signed up to appear in the fourth season of Fringe. The Se7en actor will play a "memorable guest bad guy" in the 15th episode, expected to air in March.

The series continues on Fridays at 9/8c on Fox. In the UK, the fourth season will resume on Wednesday, February 8 at 10pm on Sky1.

'Real Housewives': From Cape Town Cattiness to Heart-Rending Orphanage Visit

'Real Housewives': From Cape Town Cattiness to Heart-Rending Orphanage Visit

The South African branch of Central Casting assembled the prettiest of people for the dinner party hosted by Sheree’s friend, Kevin. And we opened last night’s episode with Marlo still going on a tirade because she didn’t get a call back.

Surprisingly, NeNe was the peacemaker, dragging Marlo up the stairs with still no invite in hand and none forthcoming. In turn, Sheree shook off the barbs launched at her bank account, rounded up Kandi and Phaedra, and strutted off to be greeted by African drummers and fire dancers.

Models-slash-Actors-slash-Music Producers-slash-Bartenders-slash-the Handsomely Unemployed gathered to dine and convince the accomplished at the table they were up-and-coming, full of potential and ab-hardening funny.

One flirtatious man in particular didn’t persuade Kandi. She dismissed his come-ons, announcing him as jobless to an amused Phaedra.

The amusement continued when the dinner party entourage met up with Marlo, Cynthia, and NeNe at a nightclub. Marlo welcomed Sheree with her middle finger.

Sheree didn’t entertain the childish antics and even managed not to pick up any of the free-flowing cash as Marlo made it rain. Phaedra and Kandi had no qualms about picking up the Rands and stuffing them in their bras, with Phaedra declaring she could buy some souvenirs, shoes, and Pampers with that money.

Sheree’s pride wouldn’t let her go near it, but she must know from experience that "pride goeth before repossession, and a greedy spirit wears it and takes it back to the mall.” That's from Proverbs 16:18 -- the Rick James Version.

Finally making it to Shamwari Game Reserve for a safari, the women fed insufferable Marlo to the lions.

If only.

Even wild animals wanted no part of the woman who insisted she stay in the modern portion of their lodging, demanded photo shoot hair and makeup for a hike through the bush, requested to be carried to the Jeep to spare her Manolo Blahniks, and turned a zebra sighting into bluster about her pricey zebra rug at home.

Marlo Hampton is the "Real Housewives of Atlanta’s" version of Dana “Did you know, $25,000?” Wilkey. Annoying gangrened appendages that need to fall away from their respective franchises, they hang on nonetheless, touting designer price tags in transparent attempts to be noticed.

Overpriced sunglasses, ridiculous glitter pants and impractical Jimmy Choos aside, the Atlanta housewives opened their expensive handbags and hearts to the children of South Africa.

On their way to Charity Trust Orphanage they stopped at a local store to stock up on necessities and treats for the under-privileged they were about to visit -- so refreshing to see the spendthrifts buying out a store that wasn’t Barneys.

Unexpectedly, they ran into dancing and singing South African students on a lunch break that encouraged the prima donnas to shed their pretension and delightfully shimmy with them.

As talented and entertaining as the teenagers were, the ladies had to leave with toiletries in tow, to present children touched by HIV/AIDS with much needed staples. Along the way, they passed out shoes, food, toys and other gifts to grateful villagers.

It was poignant, heartwarming, inspiring -- a nice contrast to the cattiness in Cape Town.

Tears were shed and Phaedra noted they were lucky to live such privileged lives upon leaving their visit with the appreciative youth in South Africa.

But just as the sappy music lulled us into a peaceful reverie, we were reminded the pettiness returns next week.

Kim phones in the drama, a witch doctor has no cure for bitch, and an arrogant sense of

entitlement rears its wretched name-dropping head. The neck turning it belongs to Marlo.

'Walking Dead' Sets Basic Cable Drama Record in Key Demo

'Walking Dead' Sets Basic Cable Drama Record in Key Demo

Sunday's midseason return of "The Walking Dead" earned the highest viewership for a drama in basic cable history in the 18-49 demographic most valued by advertisers.

Although the Grammys telecast on CBS was the second-most-viewed Grammys ever, plenty of viewers eschewed at least part of the ceremony to watch survivors of a zombie apocalypse on AMC instead.

The 9 p.m. show earned 5.4 million viewers in the 18-49 demo, up 12 percent from the season two premiere Oct. 16, which previously held the viewing record.

Sunday's episode, entitled "Nebraska," delivered 8.1 million total viewers for its 9 p.m. premiere and 10.1 million total viewers including repeats at 11 p.m. and 12:30 a.m.

The 9 p.m. episode beat every network primetime show in total viewers except for the Grammys, the "60 Minutes" episode that led into the telecast, and ABC's "Once Upon a Time."

It also set a record for basic cable dramas in 25-54-year-old viewers, earning 4.4 million viewers in that demo.

It scored a 5.2 household rating. October's 90-minute episode program had earned a 4.8 household rating, and 7.3 million total viewers.

At 10 p.m., AMC also premiered its new unscripted series, “Comic Book Men,” executive produced by Kevin Smith. The show, centered around a comics shop owned by Smith, received 2 million total viewers.

It had a 1.3 household rating.

'Simpsons' fans watch over 86 hrs of episodes to break Guinness Record

'Simpsons' fans watch over 86 hrs of episodes to break Guinness Record

Two Simpsons fans have broken the Guinness World Record for continuous television viewing at a Fox Marathon Challenge.

Californians Jeremiah Franco and Carin Shreve were the last fans standing in the Simpsons Ultimate Fan Marathon, which was held at Hollywood & Highland at the weekend.

The event celebrated The Simpsons' 500th episode 'At Long Last Leave', which will air on Sunday, February 18 on Fox.

Franco and Shreve watched over 86 hours and 37 minutes of Simpsons episodes, breaking the previous record for 86 hours, 6 minutes and 41 seconds.

The winners each took home exclusive Simpsons 500th episode merchandise and a $10,500 grand prize.

Grammys Draw Second-Largest Audience Ever

Grammys Draw Second-Largest Audience Ever

Tributes to Whitney Houston helped Sunday's 54th Annual Grammy Awards draw more than 39 million viewers, the second-largest audience ever for the show, according to preliminary numbers.

The show, which aired on CBS, was the most-watched since 1984, when Michael Jackson won a record-setting eight awards.

It was up more than 40 percent over last year's ceremony in the ratings, scoring a 14.1 in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic, according to the preliminary numbers.

That would match the highest rating since the 14.2 in 1990, when Bonnie Raitt led with four awards. (1990 was also the year Milli Vanilli won the Best New Artist Award, which was revoked when it was revealed that the duo had not sung on their album.)

The Grammys also had a 14.1 in 1993, when Eric Clapton dominated with six awards.

Before the Grammys, "60 Minutes" at 7 p.m. aired an interview with Adele (who went on to receive six Grammys) that scored a 2.9/8 and 14.5 million total viewers. It was up 93 percent in the demo from the last "60 Minutes" original airing two weeks ago. CBS was easily the highest-rated and most-watched network, averaging an 11.5/27 in the demo and 34.5 million viewers.

ABC drew the second-highest ratings of the night, but dropped off dramatically from CBS's numbers. "America's Funniest Home Videos" at 7 enjoyed a modest boost with a 2.0/5 in the demo and 7.7 million total viewers, while "Once Upon a Tim" was down 14 percent from its most recent original airing two weeks ago with a 3.0/7 in the demo and 8.6 million total viewers. "Desperate Housewives" at 9 slid to a series low, dropping 31 percent to a 1.8/4 in the demo and drawing 6.3 million total viewers, while "Pan Am" closed out the night at 10 with a 42 percent nosedive from its last original airing three weeks ago, dropping to a series low of 0.7/2 in the demo and 2.6 million total viewers. Overall, ABC averaged a 1.9/4 in the demo and 6.4 million total viewers.

Fox ran a "Bob's Burgers" repeat at 7, followed by "The Cleveland Show" at 7:30, which posted a 1.2/3 in the demo and 2.7 million total viewers. "The Simpsons" at 8 drew a 2.0/5 in the demo and 4.3 million total viewers, while "Napoleon Dynamite" at 8:30 received a 1.7/4 in the demo and 3.8 million total viewers. "Family Guy" at 9 took a 2.5/6 in the demo and 4.9 million total viewers, while "American Dad" finished the night at 9:30 with a 1.7/4 in the demo and 3.5 million total viewers. The network was third in ratings and fourth in viewers, averaging a 1.7/4 and 3.6 million.

On NBC, "Dateline" from 7 to 9 grew 33 percent from its last original airing five weeks ago, posting a 1.6/4 in the demo and 6.7 million total viewers, while "Fear Factor" from 9 to 11 dropped 35 percent from its most recent telecast on Jan.

9, hitting a series low in the demo with a 1.5/3, with 3.7 million total viewers. NBC was fourth in ratings and third in viewers with a 1.5/4 and 5.3 million.