Grant Wilson Exiting 'Ghost Hunters'

Grant Wilson Exiting 'Ghost Hunters'

Ghosts are haunting a little more casually today: Grant Wilson, co-lead investigator of SyFy's "Ghost Hunters," is leaving the show.

Wilson (pictured), who has hunted ghosts with Jason Hawes for eight seasons -- and founded The Atlantic Paranormal Society with him nearly two decades ago -- will wrap production next month. His last episode will air Wednesday, May 16.

"It is with mixed emotion that I am announcing my departure from the cast of 'Ghost Hunters,'" said Wilson, whose exit was announced on Wednesday's episode. "While paranormal investigating has always been and will remain a passion for me, after enjoying nearly eight successful seasons on television, I have made the decision to leave the series in order to focus on other aspects of my personal life."

SyFy President of original content Mark Stern  supported and respected Wilson's decision, and said that the show would "find a way to reshape itself as it moves forward."

NBC orders 13 episode Hannibal series

NBC orders 13 episode Hannibal series

Based on Thomas Harris’ novel Red Dragon, NBC hopes for a Dexter-like hit with new series, Hannibal…

The last time Hannibal Lecter turned up on screen was in 2006’s Hannibal Rising, a prequel starring pretty boy Gaspard Ulliel as a kind of Gossip Girl version of the titular antihero. Now comes news that NBC has ordered a thirteen episode series, named simply Hannibal, which will retell the story of Thomas Harris’ 1981 Red Dragon novel.

The show has skipped the pilot stage and gone straight to a 13-part series order based on the strength of its script. We expect brand recognition, the two words that seem to define much film and TV commissioning at the moment, also played a part in Bryan Fuller’s script being green lit.

Fuller’s CV includes writing and executive producing credits for a number of genre shows, from Heroes to Pushing Daisies, Dead Like Me, Star Trek: Voyager and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, with Hannibal as the first TV thriller adapted by the writer.

Now begins the casting speculation. Wish lists have already begun to pop up online featuring the likes of Cillian Murphy, Michael Shannon and John Hawkes in the role Anthony Hopkins made famous, but who would you like to see in the lead? As it’s Red Dragon, there’s also FBI agent Will Graham to find…

'Mad Men' Jon Hamm: 'Season five explores Don, Joan relationship'

'Mad Men' Jon Hamm: 'Season five explores Don, Joan relationship'

Jon Hamm has dropped the first hints about season five of Mad Men, promising fans that the latest run of the '60s-based drama will explore Don Draper's relationship with Joan Harris.

Draper (Hamm) and Harris's (Christina Hendricks) past will be referenced in the upcoming season and Hamm joked that the pair may already have had a sexual relationship.

When asked why the womanising Draper has never had a romantic relationship with Hendrick's character, Hamm laughed: "Who says he hasn't?

"The Don/Joan dynamic is something that we do explore, and don't take this the wrong way, but we do explore as the show goes on. They have worked together for a long time, they know one another very well and I'll leave it at that."

He also spoke about the possible future between Don and Megan Calvet (Jessica Paré), arguing that the death of Ann Draper (Melinda Page Hamilton) may have caused a change in the character's love life.

"[Anna's death] may have caused some tectonic shift in Don and it may be one of the reasons we saw the proposal. It's not a mistake that he gives Megan Anna's ring, he did not give that to Betty, but I think that there is hope," he said.

Hamm was speaking at a BAFTA Q&A event at the Curzon Mayfair.

Season five of Mad Men starts on AMC on March 25. It premieres in the UK on Sky Atlantic on March 27.

'X Factor' USA Steve Jones: 'No hard feelings over axing'

'X Factor' USA Steve Jones: 'No hard feelings over axing'

Steve Jones has said that he has "no hard feelings" towards Simon Cowell over his X Factor USA axe.

The former T4 presenter confirmed last month that he will not be returning to host the Fox talent contest for a second season, having struggled to win over critics with his debut outing.

Speaking about his exit for the first time, Jones insisted that he accepted the "tough" nature of showbusiness and declared that he would have no reservations about working with Cowell again.

"I have no hard feelings whatsoever towards Simon," he told The Sun. "It's a tough business and anyone trying to get into it should always keep in mind that it can go t**s up in a heartbeat.

"I'd work with Simon on the moon if given the chance."

Jones added that although he was disappointed by his firing, he felt privileged to have worked on The X Factor at all.

"I loved working in LA. The best bit was working, the worst bit was not working," he said. "I have made some great American friends and I have learned that America/Los Angeles is wicked."

Jones will return to UK TV on Saturday (February 18), once again joining Alex Jones to host Let's Dance For Sport Relief.

"I am really looking forward to working with the Let's Dance team again," he said. "They are such a fun bunch.

"As for which celebrity partnership will be the funniest on Let's Dance For Sport Relief, Tony Blackburn and David Hamilton will make you question your sanity! It's gonna be awesome!"

Let's Dance For Sport Relief airs Saturday at 7pm on BBC One.

Latest 'Only Way Is Essex' grabs nearly 950k on ITV2

Latest 'Only Way Is Essex' grabs nearly 950k on ITV2

The Only Way Is Essex averaged nearly 950k last night on ITV2, according to overnight data.

The latest instalment of the reality series took 948k (5%) in the 10pm hour with a further 153k (1.4%) tuning in on +1.

BBC Three's Sun, Sex and Suspicious Parents was the most-watched multichannels show with 1.15m (4.7%) from 9pm.

On the terrestrials, ITV1's Champions League football coverage (5.15m/22%) beat BBC One's Britain's Favourite Supermarket Foods (4.75m/20.4%) and MasterChef (4.55m/18.6%).

One Born Every Minute once again impressed for Channel 4, pulling in 3.17m (12.9%) and 642k (3.6%) on timeshift. Daddy Daycare preceded it from 8pm with 992k (4.3%) and 105k (0.4%) on +1.

A new episode of NCIS produced strong numbers for Channel 5, averaging 2.01m (8.2%). Law and Order: Criminal Intent followed with 1.14m (6.2%) from 10pm. Benidorm ER earlier had 1.36m (5.8%) from 8pm.

On BBC Two, Bees, Butterflies and Blooms was watched by 1.16m (5%) and Versailles ended up with 1.29m (5.2%).

Overall, ITV1 won primetime with 20.4% (+1: 0.3%), edging out BBC One (20.1%). Channel 4 took third place with 6.6% (+1: 1.2%) while Channel 5 (5.9%) beat BBC Two (5.2%) to fourth.

'Lost's Terry O'Quinn lands starring role in ABC's '666 Park Avenue'

'Lost's Terry O'Quinn lands starring role in ABC's '666 Park Avenue'

Lost star Terry O'Quinn has landed a starring role in ABC's new drama 666 Park Avenue.

The 59-year-old actor, who won an Emmy Award in 2007 for his role as John Locke in the ABC show, will take on the role of Gavin in the supernatural drama based on Gabriella Pierce's book series.

666 Park Avenue tells the story of a young couple who accept an offer to manage one of the most historic apartment buildings in New York City, but soon begin to witness supernatural events. According to Deadline, O'Quinn will play the building's owner.

666 Park Avenue is being directed by The West Wing's Alex Graves and produced by David Wilcox, who has also worked on Fringe.

It was recently revealed that O'Quinn has also won a guest starring role in TNT's Falling Skies.

He will appear in the final two episodes of the drama's second season, playing a former history professor and mentor to Tom (Noah Wyle).

Since Lost ended, O'Quinn has had roles in Hawaii Five-0 and Marc Cherry's Hallelujah.

Two and a Half Men execs angry at Charlie Sheen Anger Management promo

Two and a Half Men execs angry at Charlie Sheen Anger Management promo

Charlie Sheen's upcoming comedy Anger Management has reportedly angered Warner Bros over its recent promotion tactics.

Warner Bros has allegedly sent a cease and desist order to Sheen and producers of the FX series, after they used Two and a Half Men material at a recent TV convention.

Sheen was fired from CBS sitcom Two and a Half Men in March last year after a public row with creator Chuck Lorre. He later signed up for a TV adaptation of 2003 movie Anger Management.

The TV convention in question is intended to sell upcoming shows, but Warner Bros was reportedly angry upon discovering that Two and a Half Men photos were used while promoting Sheen's new series, reports TMZ.

Lorre recently stated that he had "no intention" to watch Anger Management.

Anger Management is due to premiere on FX in June.

Alec Baldwin, Lucy Liu, Neil Patrick Harris to co-host 'Live! With Kelly'

Alec Baldwin, Lucy Liu, Neil Patrick Harris to co-host 'Live! With Kelly'

Alec Baldwin, Lucy Liu and Neil Patrick Harris have been announced as co-hosts for Kelly Ripa's Live! With Kelly.

The three stars along with ABC News contributor Dan Abrams will co-host the morning talk show on the week of February 27-March 2.

Harris will co-host the show's post-Oscars special on February 27. The episode will feature interviews with Oscar winners and presenters and a red carpet recap.

The 84th Academy Awards will air on February 26 on ABC.

Liu will co-host on February 28 to interview ex-Without a Trace actress Poppy Montgomery, while Baldwin will sit on the hosting chair the following day with guests Larry the Cable Guy and John Carter's Taylor Kitsch.

Abrams will co-host the show twice - on March 1 with guests Don Cheadle and Kristin Chenoweth and on March 2 with guests Anjelica Huston and Donnie Wahlberg.

Paget Brewster Leaving 'Criminal Minds' (Again)

Paget Brewster Leaving 'Criminal Minds' (Again)

Paget Brewster's calling it a day at "Criminal Minds" … again. For the second time during her stint on the CBS crime drama, the actress is leaving the series.

"After six wonderful years playing Emily Prentiss, I have decided it's time for me to move on," Brewster said in a statement. "As much as I will miss my 'CM' family, I am excited about the future and other opportunities."

"Criminal Minds" executive producer Erica Messer said in her own statement, "We were all sad to hear the news, but we respect and support any decision Paget wants to make. Personally, I'm a huge fan and will continue to be one wherever she goes."

CBS has not yet announced a date for Brewster's final episode.

Brewster, who joined the series in its second season, left briefly during season six, but returned when it was revealed that Prentiss had faked her death. The show is now in its seventh season.

Brewster's departure is the latest in a string of cast change-ups throughout "Criminal Minds'" history. Original star Mandy Patinkin left the series in the third season, and was replaced by Joe Mantegna; original cast member Lola Glaudini left after two seasons; and AJ Cook, another original cast member, was let go for budgetary reasons during season six, but returned for the current season.

Brewster, who filmed an NBC comedy pilot with Donald Sutherland -- "My Life As an Experiment" -- that failed to make the network's schedule last year, is also known for her role as the girl who briefly came between BFFs Joey and Chandler on "Friends," as well as for her voice work on animated series like "American Dad!" and "Dan Vs."

'The Royal Bodyguard' to be axed by BBC?

'The Royal Bodyguard' to be axed by BBC?

The Royal Bodyguard will reportedly not be returning for a second series.

The Sir David Jason comedy has been dropped by BBC One after poor ratings, The Sun claims.

The show premiered on Boxing Day to around 7m viewers but the audience dropped to 2.8m for its final episode.

"Unfortunately the show just did not work out," a source said. "Ratings fell and it got a mauling in the press. It is highly unlikely that it will return."

Jason has previously confessed that the team behind the show "didn't quite bring it off", while comedian Dave Spikey recently told Digital Spy: "Everyone in the country is saying, 'How on earth did The Royal Bodyguard get on television?'"

A BBC spokesperson insisted that no decision about The Royal Bodyguard's future has been made.

TV Tonight 16th of February 2012

TV Tonight 16th of February 2012

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

    24 Hour Catwalk S01E07: "Sex Appeal"
    30 Rock S06E08: "The Tuxedo Begins"
    American Idol S11E11: "Hollywood Round, Part 3"
    Anderson S01E99: "Making Money Off of Murder; Public Shaming"
    Archer (2009) S03E05: "Lo Scandalo"
    Art Mann Presents S08E03: "A Total Train Wreck"
    Biggest loser Sverige S01E07: "Avsnitt 7"
    Braxton Family Values S02E14: "Stir Crazy"
    Celebrity Juice S07E02: "Matt Cardle"
    Coach Trip S09E14: "Series 9, Day 14"
    Come Dine With Me S18E28: "Series 18, Series 24"
    Conan S02E52: "Steve Martin, Cake"
    Days of our Lives S47E70: "Ep. #11780"
    Deal Or No Deal (UK) S07E161: "Episode 1841"
    Delocated S03E03: "Midnight Munchingtons"
    Dickinson's Real Deal S08E53: "Series 8, Episode 53"
    Doctors S13E200: "Naqam"
    EastEnders S28E28: "February 16, 2012"
    Emmerdale S41E40: "February 16, 2012"
    Escape To The Country S12E33: "North Devon"
    Fat Chef S01E04: "Dimitri / Chelsie"
    General Hospital (US) S49E223: "#12497"
    Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden S22E119
    Golden Goal S12E02: "Season 12, Episode 2"
    Got to Dance S03E47: "Series 3, Episode 47"
    Grey's Anatomy S08E15: "Have You Seen Me Lately?"
    Halv åtta hos mig S08E16: "Stockholm - Bengt"
    Hellstrøm Inviterer S01E16: "Lise Fjeldstad"
    Hollyoaks S18E34: "February 16, 2012"
    Home and Away (AU) S25E19: "Episode 5454"
    Hotel cæsar S28E153: "Season 28, Episode 153"
    House Hunters S48E33
    House Hunters International S25E36
    House of Anubis S02E58: "House of Stooges"
    House of Anubis S02E57: "House of Reflections"
    I Just Want My Pants Back S01E04: "Pecker Necklace"
    Impact Wrestling S08E72: "Season 8, Episode 72"
    Impractical Jokers S01E10: "A Loser Presents"
    Independent Lens S13E12: "More Than a Month"
    Inside Comedy S01E04: "Billy Crystal / Martin Short / Brad Garrett"
    Inside Men S01E03: "Episode 3"
    Jeopardy! S28E109: "Show #6314"
    Jersey Shore S05E07: "Love at the Jersey Shore"
    Jimmy Kimmel Live S09E207: "Chris Pine, Khloe Kardashian Odom, Puscifer"
    Last Call with Carson Daly S10E16: "Jodi Kantor, Oren Peli, Dr. Dog"
    Late Night with Jimmy Fallon S02E222
    Late Show with David Letterman S19E28
    Leave It To Bryan S01E10: "Deal or No Deal"
    Live with Regis and Kelly S29E123
    Location Location Location S14E07: "Series 14, Episode 7"
    Naruto: Shippuuden S11E08
    Neighbours S28E29: "Episode 6339"
    New Prince of Tennis S01E07: "Episode 7"
    Noel Fielding's Luxury Comedy S01E04: "King Tutta"
    NY Ink S02E08: "Living the Dream"
    Parks and Recreation S04E15: "Dave Returns"
    Person of Interest S01E15: "Blue Code"
    Pointless S05E118: "Series 5, Episode 118"
    Private Practice S05E15: "You Break My Heart"
    Project Runway All-Stars S01E07: "Puttin' on the Glitz"
    Question Time S32E20: "February 16, 2012"
    Raymond Blanc: The Hungry Frenchman S01E03: "Lyon"
    Selling New York S04E17
    Sket Dance S01E45: "Episode 45"
    Strictly Soulmates S01E04: "Jewish"
    Swamp People S03E02: "No Guts, No Gator"
    The Big Bang Theory S05E17: "The Rothman Disintegration"
    The Bold and the Beautiful S25E233: "Ep. #6262"
    The Chase (2009) S05E33: "Series 5, Episode 33"
    The Colbert Report S08E23: "Susan Cain"
    The Daily Show S17E59: "Arne Duncan"
    The Ellen DeGeneres Show S09E102
    The Jeremy Kyle Show S07E109: "February 16, 2012"
    The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson S08E29
    The Mentalist S04E15: "War of the Roses"
    The Office (US) S08E15: "Tallahassee"
    The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills S02E24: "The Lost Footage"
    The Restoration Man S02E07: "Series 2, Episode 7"
    The Revolution (2012) S01E24: "Season 1, Episode 24"
    The Secret Circle S01E15: "Return"
    The Straits S01E04: "The Hunt for Vlad"
    The Tonight Show with Jay Leno S19E243
    The Vampire Diaries S03E15: "All My Children"
    The View S15E107: "James Denton, Doug Savant, Ricardo Chavira"
    The Young and the Restless S39E230: "Ep. #9845"
    This Week (2003) S10E19: "February 16, 2012"
    Thuis S17E124: "Season 17, Episode 124"
    truTV Presents: World's Dumbest... S12E15
    Unsupervised S01E05: "Stupid Idiots"
    Up All Night (2011) S01E16: "Travel Day"
    Wanted Down Under S06E34: "Series 6, Episode 34"
    Watch What Happens: Live S06E29: "TBA"
    Wie is... de Mol? S12E07: "Season 12, Episode 7"
    Wipeout (US) S05E07
    Wonderland (UK) S05E03: "A Dad is Born"
    ¡Rob! S01E06: "The Baby Bug"

CBS Promises Realistic Reality Dating Show

CBS Promises Realistic Reality Dating Show

Did someone at CBS not get any Valentines?

The network announced a new reality dating show Wednesday -- the day after Valentine's Day -- that will offer more reality than typical dating shows that thrive on hot-air balloon rides, champagne toasts, safaris on the backs of elepphants, and all that other fake-romantic crap. It's called "3" and will premiere this summer.

"'3' is a relationship show that won’t perpetuate a fairy tale myth about dating," said Jennifer Bresnan, executive vice president of alternative programming for CBS Entertainment. "Without any typical game play, it intimately documents the search for love and the reality of dating -- the anticipation, the excitement, the rejection. Along the way, we'll see personalities who are real, and flawed and simply human."

Right on, sister.

The show follows an original format by Keshet Broadcasting Ltd., based on a program originally produced by Kastina Productions that had Israel's biggest new reality show launch in four years when it premiered there last summer.

"3" is co-produced by Magical Elves, 1492 Television and Keshet Broadcasting. Jane Lipsitz, Dan Cutforth, Chris Columbus, Avi Nir and Ami Glam are the executive producers.

Single men and women can apply online at www.cbs.com/casting. Please don't apply if you have a secret significant other because "The Bachelor" kind of has that market cornered.

Jenny McCarthy Lands Talk Show With VH1

Jenny McCarthy Lands Talk Show With VH1

Jenny McCarthy, who broke through with the 1990s MTV series "Singled Out," is coming to MTV's sister channel VH1 for a new talk show, VH1 said Wednesday.

"The Jenny McCarthy Show," which is still in "early development stages," will "celebrate as well as skewer everyone and everything in pop culture, news, fashion, TV, movies and the web," according to VH1. McCarthy will be joined by guest panelists and celebrity interviewees.

"Our viewers connect with smart, funny, and outspoken women and Jenny certainly represents all of those elements wrapped up in a style that makes people smile,” Jeff Olde, VH1's executive vice president of original programming and production, said.

The series is slated for a summer/fall 2012 premiere.

McCarthy will also serve as executive producer, along with Michael Davies for Embassy Row. Shelly Tatro, Karla Hidalgo and Olde will executive-produce for VH1.

"The Jenny McCarthy Show" will join a crowded field of talk shows, with Jeff Probst, Ricki Lake, Katie Couric and Steve Harvey all throwing their hats into the ring in the fall.

Jennifer Lopez-Marc Anthony Talent Show 'Q'Viva!' Lands at Fox

Jennifer Lopez-Marc Anthony Talent Show 'Q'Viva!' Lands at Fox

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony's international talent competition "Q'Viva! The Chosen" has been picked up by Fox, the network said Wednesday.

The "docu-journey series," which features Lopez, Anthony and concert director Jamie King scouring 20 countries in search of undiscovered Latin performers, will premiere on March 3 at 8 p.m., running in two-hour episodes for five weeks up to its April 7 finale.

"Q'Viva! The Chosen," which is produced by Simon Fuller's XIX Entertainment, is filmed in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Under previous agreements, the series will also run on Univision in the United States, on Televisa in Mexico, and in Colombia on Caracol TV.

“'Q'Viva!' is a passion project on so many levels,” Lopez -- also a judge on Fox's "American Idol" -- said in a statement. “It’s really our dream to see it come together. This is about creating a live visual experience about Latin culture, rhythm and dance.”

Observing that talent and artistry transcend language, King promised that, "just as I’ve experienced, despite not speaking Spanish or Portuguese, their stories will resonate with everyone.”

Development Update.....

Development Update.....

ANGER MANAGEMENT (FX) - Michael Arden and Daniela Bobadilla have booked the remaining roles on the upcoming Charlie Sheen-led comedy, about a former baseball player with anger issues who winds up as an unconventional anger management therapist. He's on board as Patrick, one of the members of his therapy group, while she's set as Charlie's 13-year-old daughter. Selma Blair, Shawnee Smith and Noureen DeWulf also star in the project, which has a 10-episode order. (Deadline.com)

ANTICHRIST (ABC) - Yaya DaCosta ("Ugly Betty") has been cast in the drama pilot, about Carter (Max Thieriot), "an astrophysics grad student in NYC who learns that he is the chosen one to destroy the forces of evil." She's on board as a member of "The Council of the Third AntiChrist" who befriends Carter, well aware of his unique calling. Gabriella Wilde also stars in the ABC Studios-based hour, from co-creators Harald Kloser and Roland Emmerich. (Deadline.com)

ARROW (The CW) - Susanna Thompson ("Kings") has joined the cast of the drama pilot, which stars Stephen Amell as DC Comics hero Oliver Queen a.k.a. Green Arrow. She'll play his mother, Moira, whom Oliver returns home to find married to his late father's friend Walter Steele. David Ramsey also stars in the Warner Bros. Television-based hour, to be directed by David Nutter. Andrew Kreisberg, Greg Berlanti and Marc Guggenheim co-wrote the script and executive produce alongside Nutter. (Deadline.com)

BE THE BOSS (UNTITLED STUDIO LAMBERT PROJECT) (A&E) - The reality project, which features a weekly competition between two employees of a franchise-based company, has found a home at the cable channel, which has commissioned seven episodes. CBS originally ordered a pilot from Studio Lambert back in August of 2010, envisioning it as a thematic spin-off of "Undercover Boss." Stephen Lambert and Eli Holzman are executive producing the hour, which has the "employees think they're vying for a promotion, but in fact the winner will be handed the keys to a franchise or new branch of their own." David McKillop, Drew Tappon and Nicole Reed will oversee the project for A&E. (Variety.com)

BEN FOX IS MY MANNY (FOX) - Newcomer Echo Kellum has scored a role on the comedy pilot, about Kate, a single mother whose brother Ben moves in with her to help raise her young daughter (Maggie Jones). He's on board as Tommy, "Ben's longtime friend and partner in crime in all things ridiculous who has fallen hard for Kate but she doesn't return the sentiment." 20th Century Fox Television is behind the single-camera project, from director Jake Kasdan and writer Dana Fox. (Deadline.com)

COUNTY (NBC) - Jess Weixler ("Lumpy") and Agam Darshi ("Sanctuary") have booked two of the remaining principal roles on the drama pilot, about the lives of young doctors, nurses, and administrators in a frenetic underfunded and morally compromising Los Angeles County Hospital. They'll play fellow interns Erica ("too pretty for this place, she tends to let her emotions guide her, for better or worse") and Talaikha ("Indian, 95 pounds, stoic, and maddeningly unemotional under any circumstance"), respectively, alongside the previously cast Aimee Garcia, Jason Ritter and Michael B. Jordan. Universal Television is producing the Jason Katims-penned hour. (Deadline.com)

ELEMENTARY (CBS) - Jonny Lee Miller ("Eli Stone") has booked the lead role on the drama pilot, a modern day take on Arthur Conan Doyle's literary hero Sherlock Holmes, now a former Scotland Yard consultant who solves crimes for the NYPD alongside Joan Watson, his personal recovery assistant. He'll play said role in the CBS Television Studios-based hour, from director Michael Cuesta and writer Robert Doherty. (Deadline.com)

HANNIBAL (NBC) - Bryan Fuller's small screen take on Hannibal Lecter has been given a 13-episode order by the Peacock. Gaumont International Television is behind the project, which Martha DeLaurentiis will executive produce alongside Fuller. Said hour, based on the classic characters from Thomas Harris' novel "Red Dragon," tracks the relationship between FBI agent Will Graham and his mentor Dr. Hannibal Lecter. (Deadline.com)

LITTLE BROTHER (FOX) - Gillian Vigman ("New Girl") has been cast in the comedy pilot, about Tim (John Stamos) - a former rocker now running a music store with his wife - who is stunned to learn that he's got a half-brother (T.J. Miller) who happens to be a career criminal out on parole and ready to move in. She'll play Tim's wife, Katie ("an optimistic sort who has possibly worked here one day too many") in the 20th Century Fox Television-based project, which also stars Rosa Salazar. Shawn Levy is directing from a script by Mike Royce. (Deadline.com)

NASHVILLE (ABC) - British actor Sam Palladio ("The Hour") is the first to be cast in the drama pilot, "a family soap set against the backdrop of the Nashville music scene revolving around one star at her peak and another on the rise." He'll presumably play either Avery Davis ("a dead sexy East Nashville hipster who patterns himself after Kings of Leon") or Gunnar Scott ("handsome in a clean cut way"). R.J. Cutler is directing the project from a script by Callie Khouri for ABC Studios and Lionsgate Television. (Deadline.com)

NOTORIOUS (NBC, New!) - Liz Heldens ("Prime Suspect") has booked a new drama at the Peacock about "a female detective returns undercover to the wealthy family she grew up in - as the maid's daughter - to solve the murder of the notorious heiress who was once her closest friend." Universal Television is behind the hour, which has a pilot commitment. BermanBraun's Gail Berman, Lloyd Braun and Gene Stein will executive produce alongside Heldens. (Deadline.com)

PARTNERS (CBS) - Sophia Bush ("One Tree Hill") has booked the female lead on the comedy pilot, about two male architects - one straight, Charlie; one gay, Louis - whose relationship itself resembles a marriage. She'll play Ali Landau, Charlie's girlfriend, the owner of a small jewelry boutique. David Kohan and Max Mutchnick are behind the Warner Bros. Television-based project, to be directed by James Burrows. (Variety.com)

PRAIRIE DOGS (ABC) - Michaela Watkins ("Saturday Night Live") is the first to be cast in the comedy pilot, about Neil, "an uncool cubicle worker who, after becoming the victim of identity theft, discovers that the thief has created a much more fulfilling life with his identity than he ever has and engages the charismatic conman to help him change his life." She's set as Imogene ("late thirties and trying hard to pull off the whole powerful female executive vibe"), Neil's supervisor who rules his department with an iron fist. Jackie and Jeff Filgo are behind the half-hour, which is set up at ABC Studios. (Deadline.com)

SCRUPLES (ABC) - Feature helmer Michael Sucsy ("The Vow") has been tapped to direct the drama pilot, based on Judith Krantz's novel about a rich and powerful clothing designer in a world of sex, revenge and scandal. He'll work from a script by Bob Brush and Mel Harris, who are executive producing alongside Tony Krantz, Natalie Portman and Annette Savitch for Warner Bros. Television. (Deadline.com)

THE SMART ONE (ABC) - Michael Fresco ("Better Off Ted") has been tapped to direct the Portia de Rossi-led comedy, about "a brilliant and successful woman (de Rossi) who begrudgingly goes to work for her less-brainy but more popular sister -- a former beauty queen, weather girl and now big-city mayor." He'll work from a script by Don Todd, who's executive producing alongside Ellen DeGeneres and Lauren Corrao for Warner Bros. Television. (THR.com)

NBA Rules Limit Cablers, Networks on Jeremy Lin Telecasts

NBA Rules Limit Cablers, Networks on Jeremy Lin Telecasts

"Lin-sanity" is sweeping the sports world, but the NBA and its national cable and broadcast TV partners will be limited on just how much of a spotlight they can shine on Jeremy Lin and his New York Knicks.

There's a good reason they'd want to get more of the 23-year-old Lin -- who has exploded into the nation's cultural and social media consciousness -- in front of the nation's viewers.

Tuesday night's Knicks game -- in which Lin scored 27 points and hit the game-winning shoot with a second left -- delivered the best numbers of the season for the hometown MSG Network, a 7.84 Nielsen household rating.

That continues an eye-popping trend: MSG's ratings have jumped 87 percent in the five games since the 23-year-old Asian-American bench-warmer from Harvard was inserted into the starting lineup. And the Knicks have won them all.

The NBA limits the number of times teams can appear on national broadcasts. When ABC broadcasts Sunday's Knicks game against the Dallas Mavericks (1 p.m. ET) it will be the first time New York has appeared this season. The NBA limit is five, so ABC has four Knicks games left.

The Knicks are slated to be on nine games on ESPN (they've been on three times so far) and eight on TNT (four so far); the cable networks are limited to airing any team 10 times per season.

The NBA has declined to address the issue, but Turner Sports Exec Producer Jeff Behnke told Michael Hiestand of USA Today that TNT will have talks with the league about Knicks games "after the All-Star Game," which is Sunday, Feb. 26. ESPN's director of communications Nate Smeltz acknowledged his network would like more Lin and told USA Today that "we're constantly looking at our schedule.”

Of course, if the Knicks make the playoffs --their record will be 15-15 if they win Wednesday night against Sacramento-- it will mean at least four more chances to watch the Asian-American sensation on TV.

Those NBA limits aren't standing in the way of the networks' morning shows, however, and they wasted little time jumping on the Lin bandwagon Tuesday.

ABC's "GMA" aired a segment called “Lin-sanity: From Benchwarmer to Star” Tuesday. CBS' "This Morning" went with "Linderfella Story" and NBC's "Today Show" went with "The Legend of Lin" and a report on jerseys selling out in China and the U.S.

Steps return to Sky Living for second reunion show

Steps return to Sky Living for second reunion show

'90s pop icons Steps have landed a second Reunion series on Sky Living.

Steps - Claire Richards, Faye Tozer, H, Lee Latchford-Evans and Lisa Scott-Lee - reunited for the first time in a decade last year and the Sky Living documentary about their feuds, fall-outs and reconciliation was a ratings and critical hit.

The band also benefited from the show's success, announcing a UK arena tour and hitting the No.1 spot in the album charts with their Ultimate Collection.

Steps Reunion returns in the spring and the second run will follow them at dance and vocal classes, costume fittings and on the road as they deal with the pressure of touring the country again as a band.

Sky Living director Jane Johnson said: "We were all hooked on Steps Reunion as we watched the band talk candidly about one of the biggest pop fall-outs in recent history. So we're thrilled to be giving our customers the opportunity to follow them on the next leg of their journey - their huge comeback tour.

"The twists and turns as they balance intense rehearsals with their busy family lives promise to be equally compelling. The most exciting pop comeback of the decade will be played out this spring on Sky Living!"

Kal Penn Snags Lead in ABC's 'Prairie Dogs' Pilot

Kal Penn Snags Lead in ABC's 'Prairie Dogs' Pilot

Kal Penn is moving from the White House to a considerably less glamorous gig.

"Harold & Kumar" star Penn, who's held on-again, off-again positions with the Obama administration since 2009, has landed the lead role in ABC's upcoming pilot "Prairie Dogs."

Penn will play Neil, an uncool cubicle worker toiling at one of the coolest companies in the world. After being victimized by identity theft and discovering that the thief has created a much better life for himself than Neil has, he engages the thief to help him turn his life around.

Penn also has a recurring role on CBS' "How I Met Your Mother," as Kevin.

Moonves: CBS May Produce a Show for Netflix

Moonves: CBS May Produce a Show for Netflix

Les Moonves sees Netflix as a buyer, not a threat.

On Wednesday, the CBS chief executive officer told analysts that the network is in talks to produce an original series for the subscription service.

"Until they are doing 22 hours a week of premium content, we do not look at them as a competitor, but rather another place to put our content," Moonves said on a conference call following CBS' fourth quarter earnings announcement.

His attitude contrasts with other entertainment honchos that view Netflix's entry into original programming as a direct threat.

Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes, for instance, pejoratively labeled Netflix a “200-pound chimp" and the "Albanian Army.”

Certain TV execs fear that Netflix might encourage viewers and particularly cable subscribers to shun television for streaming services.

Netflix launched its first original series, "Lilyhammer," two weeks ago. It also has "House of Cards," a political series starring Kevin Spacey, and new episodes of the cult series "Arrested Development" in the pipeline.

Perhaps Moonves' bonhomie is attributable to a strong earnings report. Profits at CBS surged 17 percent to $384 million in the fourth quarter of 2011, capping off a year in which its net income nearly doubled.

Brass Ring Co-Founder Wins $8M in 'Surreal Life' Case Against Former Partners

Brass Ring Co-Founder Wins $8M in 'Surreal Life' Case Against Former Partners

Rick Telles, co-founder of Brass Ring Entertainment, has won an arbitration award of approximately $8 million against his former partners, Cristobal Abrego and Mark Cronin.

The ruling brings, brings to an end a bitter, years-long arbitration battle over "The Surreal Life" and the numerous reality TV series that sprang from it.

As part of the award, Telles will also receive a percentage of the profits from a host of reality offerings, including "The Surreal Life," "Flavor of Love," "Rock of Love," "I Love New York," "For the Love of Ray J," "Charm School" and "My Fair Brady."

An arbitrator found that Abrego and Cronin committed breach of contract, fraud and breach of fiduciary duty against Telles, according to court papers obtained by TheWrap.

Also read: Christopher Knight Files for Divorce From Adrianne Curry

The trouble began in 2002, when Telles and his Brass Ring Entertainment partner Abrego met with Cronin, of the production company Mindless Entertainment. The three combined to form a new venture, Mindring Productions, which would go on to create and produce the reality series "The Surreal Life," which originally ran on the WB but moved to VH1 in 2004.

Telles alleged that he returned to Mindring after a long illness in May 2004 to begin work on the third season of "The Surreal Life," only to be told by Abrego and Cronin that they wanted to sever business ties with him.

Abrego and Cronin then went on to form 51 Minds Entertainment -- producers of the aforementioned shows. According to Telles, the pair "secretly deleted" Mindring from an agreement for the "Surreal Life" spinoff "Strange Love" and replaced it with 51 Minds.

According to Telles, the three crafted an agreement by which Telles would receive 25 percent of the profits from "Surreal Life" and "Strange Love," along with executive-producer fees, but after Cronin and Abrego "refused to pay," Telles and Brass Ring filed suit against his former partners in 2007. The suit was subsequently stayed, pending arbitration.

Telles' lawyers argued that the slew of reality shows mentioned above, in one way another, originated from "The Surreal Life."

In addition to Abrego, Cronin, Mindring Productions, Mindless Entertainment, 51 Pictures and 51 Minds Entertainment, Telles' attorneys sought on Wednesday to add a number of other entities to the list of judgment debtors, including Endemol 51 Holdings Inc. Reality TV giant Endemol acquired a controlling stake in 51 Minds in a deal that was reportedly worth upward of $200 million in 2008.

"We're very pleased with this outcome and Rick Telles is very pleased with this outcome," Telles' attorneys, Stephen Fraser and Todd Croutch, told TheWrap. "This is an example of the system working."

Abrego and Cronin's attorney, Patricia Glaser, has not yet responded to TheWrap's request for comment.