'Cougar Town' to move from ABC to TBS?

'Cougar Town' to move from ABC to TBS?

Cougar Town may move networks for its fourth season according to reports.

The Courteney Cox-led comedy eventually began airing its current third season in February, and it is yet to be confirmed that it is returning for a fourth run on ABC.

TBS has reportedly held talks with ABC for a possible purchase if the network were not to renew it, reports Deadline.

"Should the show become available, TEN looks at all opportunities presented to us that fit our brand," said a representative for TBS's parent company Turner Entertainment Networks.

Cougar Town saw its post-Modern Family slot taken away this season, before being placed on Tuesdays at 8.30pm after Work It was cancelled. The third season's order of episodes was also reduced.

Creator Bill Lawrence previously saw his show Scrubs moved from NBC to ABC for its final two seasons.

The show's Dan Byrd recently signed up for Louis CK's upcoming CBS pilot.

Family Guy: Back to the Multiverse has been confirmed by Activision and Twentieth Century Fox.

'Family Guy: Back to the Multiverse' game confirmed by Activision

Family Guy: Back to the Multiverse has been confirmed by Activision and Twentieth Century Fox.

A listing for the PS3 and Xbox 360 game appeared on Amazon last week, alongside an autumn release date.

Activision has since confirmed the title, revealing that it will feature members of the voice cast and writing team and will take its cue from popular Family Guy episode 'Road to the Multiverse'.

"Family Guy: Back to the Multiverse will utilise the source material, including the voice cast and writers, authentic humour and subversive spirit of the series, giving fans a whole new way to interact with their favourite show," explained Twentieth Century Fox president Jeffrey Godsick.

Meanwhile, Activision's David Oxford said: "Fans of Family Guy will love that we've taken some of the series' most iconic and memorable moments and built them into an impressive and uncensored video game.

"Anyone who watches the show will appreciate how much we have adhered to its rich and twisted universe and characters."

'Road to the Multiverse' first aired in 2009, and saw Stewie and Brian travel to a number of parallel universes, including a Disney-inspired version of Quahog.

Officially licensed Family Guy games include 2K's PlayStation 2, PSP and Xbox release Family Guy Video Game! and upcoming massively-multiplayer online title Family Guy Online.

The show's creator Seth MacFarlane, meanwhile, will soon make his directorial movie debut with Ted, in which he also stars as a voice actor alongside Mark Wahlberg.

He is also developing documentary Cosmos: A Space-Time Odyssey, although his upcoming reboot of The Flintstones, which would have provided a fresh take on the original formula, has been put on hold.

James Stewart to leave 'Packed to the Rafters'?

James Stewart to leave 'Packed to the Rafters'?

James Stewart's future as a regular cast member on Packed to the Rafters is uncertain, according to reports.

The actor is though to be planning a permanent move to the US as he prepares to welcome his first child with fiancée and former co-star Jessica Marais, reports the Australian Daily Telegraph.

Stewart has played Jake Barton on the show since its second series, becoming a cast regular in series three.

"The production is about to wind up for two to three months," a Seven Network spokesperson told the paper. "We don't know whether he'll be back at this stage. That's still being worked out. This show is like any family. The kids will come and go.

"When young people are at a certain stage of their careers, you have to be flexible. Rafters is performing superbly - especially when you consider it's up against a phenomenon [in The Voice Australia]. It's like Ayers Rock. It's strong and it's got heart."

Hugh Sheridan recently reassured viewers that although he has signed a talent agreement with Channel Ten, the door has been left open for his Packed to the Rafters character Ben Rafter.

Seven bosses were forced to deny reports last month suggesting that series stars Rebecca Gibney and Erik Thomson had asked to leave the show.

'Episodes' star Tamsin Greig: 'Matt LeBlanc is just a bloke'

'Episodes' star Tamsin Greig: 'Matt LeBlanc is just a bloke'

Episodes's Tamsin Greig has described co-star Matt LeBlanc as "just a bloke".

"I'm sure no-one said to Matt, 'What was it like kissing Tamsin Greig? That must have been a real highlight of your career'," PA quotes her as saying.

"He's just a bloke and actually kissing is so technical. It's about being at the right angle and having the mouth in a certain position because a real kiss doesn't look very good on camera."

Greig, 45, added that she has no plans to follow in the footsteps of her Episodes character and move to LA.

"I don't care what shape I am, I don't care how old I look, but Hollywood does, so it would be a tricky relationship," she said.

"I'm not stupid - I'm not young and I'm not beautiful and maybe people are drawn to people who are ordinary. Maybe I'm standing up for the common woman."

The second series of Episodes begins on BBC Two on Friday, May 11.

Development Update: the 8th of May

Development Update: the 8th of May

BOUNCE (VH1) - Charlotte Ross ("NYPD Blue") has joined the cast of the pilot, a drama set in the world of professional basketball dancers about a sheltered young woman (Taylour Paige) who joins a squad against the wishes of her mother (Kimberly Elise). She'll play Olivia, a former dancer-turned-basketball wife who oversees the squad. Dean Cain, Katherine Bailess and Valery Ortiz also star in the hour, from writer James LaRosa and director Sanaa Hamri. LaRosa, Maggie Malina and VH1's Jill Holmes and Jeff Olde are among the executive producers. (THR.com)

L.A. NOIR (TNT) - Haley Strode ("The Gangster Squad") will guest star on the drama pilot, about the epic battle between Los Angeles Police Chief William Parker (Neal McDonough) and mobster Mickey Cohen (yet to be cast) in the 1950s. She'll play Cohen's first victim, who appears in flashback, in the hour, from writer/director Frank Darabont and producer Michael De Luca. Alexa Davalos, Jeremy Strong, Jon Bernthal, Milo Ventimiglia, Simon Pegg, Jeffrey DeMunn and Andrew Rothenberg also star. (THR.com)

MR. BOX OFFICE (Syndication) - Bill Bellamy, Tim Meadows, Vivica A. Fox, Rick Fox, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Jon Lovitz and Gary Busey have been tapped to star in the Entertainment Studios-produced comedy, about Marcus Jackson (Bellamy), the biggest movie star in the world who is sentenced to community service teaching English at the toughest high school in America. Rick Fox will play the P.E. teacher at the school while Vivica A. Fox is set as a cougar history teacher. No details were given about the other roles. Byron Allen and Scott Satin are behind the project, which they'll executive produce alongside Bellamy, Barry Katz and Carolyn Folks. "Box Office" is being targeted for a fall launch alongside fellow entry "The First Family." (Deadline.com)

SAVE ME (NBC) - The Anne Heche-led comedy - about Beth Harper, a woman who lets herself go while in a broken marriage goes through a transformation where she becomes the best version of herself and creates miracles along the way - has been ordered to series by the Peacock. John Scott Shepherd penned the Sony Pictures Television-based pilot, which was directed by Scott Winant with Original Film's Neal Moritz and Vivian Cannon also serving as executive producers. Michael Landes also stars as Beth's cheating husband Tom, the manager at an upscale hotel; with Madison Davenport as Emily, their rebellions teen daughter; Heather Burns as Beth's friend Jane; Lamon Rucker as Tom's doctor pal John; and Alexandra Breckenridge as Carly, Tom's mistress, a concierge at his hotel. In addition, Alexa Junge, most recently a co-executive producer on "Free Agents," is in negotiations to serve as showrunner. (Deadline.com)

The Graham Norton Show rallied to a series high on Friday night (May 4) of nearly 4 million viewers.

Graham Norton nearly matches Piers Morgan in Friday night ratings

The Graham Norton Show rallied to a series high on Friday night (May 4) of nearly 4 million viewers.

Featuring Jessie J, Simon Amstell and Didier Drogba, the chat show managed an impressive 3.92m (25.9%) for BBC One in its late slot of 10.35pm - a climb of over 600k week-on-week.

With Jason Donovan as guest, Piers Morgan's Life Stories recorded 4.06m (17.6%) in the more popular 9pm slot, adding 289k an hour later on ITV1 +1.

Meanwhile, Alan Carr: Chatty Man mustered 1.5m (8.4%) for Channel 4 in the 10pm hour, logging a further 182k on timeshift.

Elsewhere, BBC One's comedy night blossomed as Would I Lie To You?Have I Got News For You (4.32m/19%) and Not Going Out (4.32m/19%) all grew between 8.30pm and 10pm.

The Mentalist was by far Channel 5's best-rated programme with 1.53m (6.6%), putting the network ahead of BBC Two and Channel 4 in the 9pm slot.

New impressions show Very Important People slipped to 844k (3.7%) at 9.30pm (+1: 138k), prior to which 8 Out of 10 Cats amused 1.1m (4.7%) and 233k an hour later.

Over on BBC Two, Maestro at the Opera unveiled itself with 1.03m (4.4%) at 9pm, then the channel's audience soared to 2.37m (12%) for 10pm's QI.

Boosted by the soaps, ITV1 led primetime with 21.8% (+1: 0.7%) against BBC One's 20.7%. BBC Two was third with 6.6%, while Channel 4 averaged 4.9% (+1: 0.8%), and Channel 5 had 3.8% (+1: 0.1%).

A League of Their Own crept up to 483k (2.1%) for Sky1 at 9pm, but was pipped by BBC Four's 577k (2.5%) for a repeat of music documentary Fleetwood Mac: Don't Stop.

Ryan Murphy's 'The New Normal,' J.J. Abrams' 'Revolution' Ordered to Series by NBC

Ryan Murphy's 'The New Normal,' J.J. Abrams' 'Revolution' Ordered to Series by NBC

NBC gave series orders Monday to the comedy pilot "The New Normal," from "Glee" co-creator Ryan Murphy and co-executive producer Allison Adler, and the J.J. Abrams-produced drama "Revolution."

The comedy focuses on a blended family created by a gay couple and a surrogate mother. The single-camera series, from 20th Century Fox TV and Ryan Murphy Productions, is executive produced by Murphy, Adler, and Dante Di Loreto.

It stars Andrew Rannells, Justin Bartha, Georgia King, Bebe Wood, and Ellen Barkin. Jayson Blair will recur.

"Revolution," from Warner Bros. Television and Bad Robot, takes place in a world where characters struggle to survive and find their loved ones after all forms of energy mysteriously cease to exist. It is written by "Supernatural" creator Eric Kripke and is executive produced by Abrams, Kripke, Bryan Burk and Jon Favreau. The "Iron Man" director will also helm the first episode.

The cast includes Anna Lise Phillips, Graham Rogers, former "Breaking Bad" star Giancarlo Esposito (pictured), Tracy Spiradakos, Billy Burke, Zak Orth, Tim Guinee, Andrea Roth, JD Pardo and

Earlier Monday, NBC announced a series order for the pilot Anne Heche pilot, "Save Me," in which she will play a woman in a broken marriage who becomes her best self and performs miracles. NBC has also ordered the Matthew Perry pilot "Go On" and the drama "Hannibal," about the early years of "Silence of the Lamb" villain Hannibal Lecter.

NBC will announce the rest of its drama and comedy slate on Sunday, the day before its upfront presentation to advertisers.

'Homeland' first season bows out in style with nearly 3m for C4

'Homeland' first season bows out in style with nearly 3m for C4

Damian Lewis's hit US drama Homeland pulled in nearly 3 million viewers for its season finale on Channel 4 last night (Sunday).

Sgt Walker's fate in 'Marine One' was discovered by 2.4m (9.9%) in the 9pm hour, and 458k an hour later on Channel 4 +1 - surpassing its previous high of 2.6m in mid-April.

Even more impressively, Homeland has never once dipped below the 2m mark since premiering in February, bucking the trend for recent US dramas on the broadcaster.

The show's high comes despite its clash with the opening semi-final of Britain's Got Talent, which grabbed 9.05m (35.5%) between 8pm and 10pm, adding 475k on ITV1 +1.

The Voice UK took a dive at 7.15pm, with its latest results show attracting 6.53m (30.3%). Countryfile interested 4.98m (25.6%) before The Voice.

BBC One's highly-promoted nature show Planet Earth Live, hosted by Richard Hammond, launched with a commendable 5.43m (22.1%) from 7.50pm, then Silent Witness's ratings crashed to 2.85m (10.9%).

All Star Family Fortunes (3.32m/17.3%) and Who Wants to be a Millionaire? (3.4m/13.7%) were screened before Got Talent in ITV1's early evening schedule. Each added 158k and 116k respectively on +1.

Elsewhere, BBC Two's coverage of the World Championship Snooker final pocketed 2.13m (9.1%) between 7pm and 11pm, 1.5m (6.5%) watched Men in Black on Channel 4 (+1: 371k), and Once Upon a Time retained a respectable 1.21m (6.5%) on Channel 5 at the early time of 6pm.

Overall, ITV1 thrashed BBC One in primetime with 26.1% (+1: 1.3%) against 19.3%. BBC Two claimed third place with 8.6%, ahead of Channel 4's 7.6% (+1: 1.4%), and Channel 5's 2.7%.

'Louis C.K. Live at the Beacon Theater' Airing on FX

'Louis C.K. Live at the Beacon Theater' Airing on FX

You haven't bought Louis C.K.'s new special online? First: Aw, you should. It's great, and he gave some of the money to charity. But also: It's okay, because it will be on FX Saturday.

The network that airs his show, "Louie," will air the special, "Louis C.K. Live at the Beacon Theater," at 10/9c, six months after he made it available as a $5 download on his website. The comedian split the first million dollars he made from it between his employees, several charities, and himself. At the time, he reserved the right to sell it to someone else to air on TV, which is exactly what he's done with FX.

C.K.'s business model with the special has inspired other comedians, including Jim Gaffigan and Aziz Ansarri, to sell their latest specials online as well.

The third season of "Louie" will premiere June 28.

Howard Stern's 'America's Got Talent' Gig Slammed by Parents' Group

Howard Stern's 'America's Got Talent' Gig Slammed by Parents' Group

Howard Stern hasn't even begun his judging stint on "America's Got Talent," and already he has at least one conservative group frothing with outrage.

The professional moralizers in the Parents Television Council issued a strongly worded letter to 91 companies that have advertised on "America's Got Talent," cautioning that they might not want to advertise on the NBC series again once Stern joins the judges' panel for the May 14 season premiere of the show.

As PTC president Tim Winter sees it, the inclusion of shock jock Stern will dirty the waters of the talent competition shows, which heretofore have served as a squeaky-clean oasis of family-friendly viewing.

"Programs like 'AGT' have offered millions of American families a brief respite from the otherwise-ubiquitous stream of violent, profane and sexually-explicit content on primetime broadcast television," Winter's letter says. "Talent/performance competitions like 'American Idol,' 'Dancing with the Stars,' 'The Voice' and 'AGT' are among the highest-rated programs on the air. A key reason is that these programs have been relatively safe for family viewing. NBC’s decision to add Mr. Stern to 'AGT' will likely result in a sharp increase in explicit content, and we urge you to be mindful when considering a media buy."

Winter goes on to chronicle Stern's "reputation for sleaze and misogyny," including a critique of former "American Idol" contestant Fantasia Barrino that lamented that she's "not getting little boys hard … Little boys want boners.”

Winter adds that, beyond a penchant for salty language, Stern might be unqualified for the "America's Got Talent" job: "[T]o our knowledge his only previous judging experience consisted of looking at insecure, naked young women and telling them whether or not they were hot enough to pose for 'Playboy.'"

Though Winter, like everyone else, has no idea how Stern will conduct himself on "America's Got Talent," he assumes the worst anyway and stops an inch short of calling for a boycott of the show.

"Unless and until his conduct consistently reflects and respects the time, place and manner of an 8:00 p.m. broadcast television program, we would urge you and your advertising agency to consider alternate network television programming for your media dollars," Winter writes. "The risk of associating your hard-earned corporate brand image with such “shock” is not worth the cost involved – a cost not just in terms of wasted media dollars, but also in terms of countless millions of dollars in customer goodwill."

A reliable player in the culture wars, the Parents Television Council has waged campaigns against NBC's "The Playboy Club," Fox's "Glee," MTV's adaptation of the British series "Skins," the Billboard Music Awards and many, many others.

Amy Childs backs Cheryl Fergison for Celebrity Big Brother 2012

Amy Childs backs Cheryl Fergison for Celebrity Big Brother 2012

Former Celebrity Big Brother housemate Amy Childs reckons Cheryl Fergison will provide the comedy in the new series.

Eastenders star Cheryl has been widely tipped to appear on the show this summer, with tabloids claiming she’s agreed to a £175,000 deal.

will hit screens in May, and Amy reckons Cheryl will make a great housemate.

“I was so happy to hear Cheryl Fergison is going on Celebrity Big Brother,” she said. “I loved her when I met her on Loose Women. She’s going to provide the comedy in the house, without a doubt!”

A source told The Sun previously: “Her character of downtrodden Heather is so different from the actual actress.

“Cheryl is hilarious. She’s got a really great sense of humour and producers wanted to sign her up the minute she was written out of EastEnders.”

The show is set to air this August.

TV Tonight 8th of May 2012

TV Tonight 8th of May 2012

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

    16 & Pregnant S04E08: "Hope"
    60 Minute Makeover S09E29: "Series 9, Episode 29"
    90210 S04E23: "A Tale of Two Parties"
    Allerslechtste Chauffeur Van Nederland, De S02E05: "Season 2, Episode 5"
    Ancient X-Files S02E02: "Crown of Thorns"
    Battleground S01E13: "TBA"
    Best Ink S01E07: "The King of Ink"
    Big Brother Sverige S08E69: "Del 69"
    Border Security S12E13: "Season 12, Episode 13"
    Britain Unzipped S01E03: "Series 1, Episode 3"
    Britain's Got More Talent S06E10: "Season 6, Episode 10"
    Britain's Got Talent S06E12: "Series 6, Semi Final - 3 (Result)"
    Britain's Got Talent S06E11: "Series 6, Semi Final - 3"
    Cash In The Attic S18E64: "Series 18, Show 64"
    Chasing Classic Cars S05E07: "TBA"
    Chelsea Lately S06E77
    Chopped S11E16: "Reversal of Fortune"
    Conan S02E88: "Episode 88"
    Coronation Street S53E92: "Tue May 8, 2012"
    Cougar Town S03E11: "Down South"
    Dance Moms: Miami S01E05: "Don't Take That Tone With Me!"
    Dancing With the Stars (US) S14E15: "Season 14, Episode 15"
    Dating In The Dark Australia S02E05: "Season 2, Episode 5"
    Days of our Lives S47E127: "Ep. #11837"
    Deadliest Catch S08E05: "Alien Abduction"
    Deal Or No Deal (UK) S07E231: "Episode 1911"
    Dickinson's Real Deal S08E104: "Series 8, Episode 104"
    Doctors S14E24: "Fragile Strength"
    Dream Machines S01E05: "John Cena's Incenarator"
    EastEnders S28E75: "May 8, 2012"
    Éden Hotel S02E38: "Season 2, Episode 38"
    Emmerdale S41E109: "May 8, 2012"
    Escape To The Country S12E51: "Hampshire"
    Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files S02E16
    Fashion Star S01E09: "Buyer's Choice"
    Frontline (US) S30E14: "TBA"
    General Hospital (US) S50E27: "#12555"
    Giuliana & Bill S05E07: "New House Hunters"
    Glee S03E19: "Prom-asaurus"
    Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden S22E177: "Season 22, Episode 177"
    Great British Menu S07E22: "The Olympic Feast - 22"
    Haiyore! Nyaruko-san S01E05: "Let's Go Great Conspiracy X"
    Halv åtta hos mig S08E50: "Stockholm - Mikael"
    Hardcore Pawn S05E21: "Ashley's Aftermath"
    Heir Hunters (UK) S06E17: "Series 6, Episode 17"
    Hidden Talent S01E03: "Episode 3"
    Holby City S14E30: "A Woman's Work"
    Holliston S01E06: "Weekend Of Horrors"
    Hollyoaks S18E92: "May 8, 2012"
    Home and Away (AU) S25E77: "Episode 5512"
    Hotel cæsar S29E10: "Season 29, Episode 10"
    House Hunters S48E91
    House Hunters International S25E94
    Jeopardy! S28E167: "Show #6372"
    Jimmy Kimmel Live S09E251
    Killer Trials: Judgment Day S01E23
    Kuba Wojewódzki S18E10
    Last Call with Carson Daly S10E51
    Last Man Standing S01E24: "Found Money"
    Late Night with Jimmy Fallon S02E265
    Late Show with David Letterman S19E69
    Later Live - With Jools Holland S09E04: "Series 9, Show 4"
    Let's Stay Together S02E18: "Beauty and the Birthday"
    Live with Regis and Kelly S29E180
    Luna, el misterio de Calenda S01E05: "TBA"
    Masterchef Australia S04E03: "Season 4, Episode 3"
    Million Dollar Rooms S02E03
    My Ride Rules S02E11: "TBA"
    Mysteries at the Museum S03E07: "TBA"
    Naruto SD: Rock Lee no Seishun Full-Power Ninden S01E06
    NCIS S09E23: "Up in Smoke"
    NCIS: Los Angeles S03E22: "Neighborhood Watch"
    Neighbours S28E87: "Episode 6397"
    New Girl S01E24: "See Ya"
    Nitro Circus S03E07: "Season 3, Episode 7"
    No Kitchen Required S01E06: "TBA"
    Packed To The Rafters S05E04: "The Things We Do for Love"
    Pointless S06E45: "Series 6, Episode 45"
    Private Practice S05E21: "Drifting"
    Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is S06E26
    Queen's Blade: Rurou no Senshi S03E06: "Episode 6"
    River City S10E35: "Episode 779"
    Savage U S01E06: "TBA"
    The Biggest Loser (AU) S07E72: "Season 7 Finale"
    The Block S05E21: "Day 21"
    The Bold and the Beautiful S26E33: "Ep. #6317"
    The Chase (2009) S05E66: "Series 5, Episode 66"
    The Colbert Report S08E63: "Michelle Alexander"
    The Daily Show S17E101: "Amb. Ivo Daalder"
    The Dr. Phil Show S10E154: "A Football Star's Daddy Drama"
    The Ellen DeGeneres Show S09E155
    The Estate S01E07: "Episode 7"
    The Force: Behind the Line S09E01: "Season 9, Episode 1"
    The Jeremy Kyle Show S07E165
    The Jeremy Kyle Show (US) S01E155
    The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson S08E75
    The Matt Lucas Awards S01E05: "Episode 5"
    The Murdoch Mysteries (2008) S05E11: "Murdoch in Toyland"
    The Project S04E109: "Season 4, Episode 109"
    The Real Housewives Of Orange County S07E13: "Whine & Cheese"
    The Revolution (2012) S01E72: "Season 1, Episode 72"
    The Talk S02E162: "Season 2, Episode 162"
    The Tonight Show with Jay Leno S19E296
    The View S15E155
    The Voice (US) S02E21: "Live Finale: WINNER is announced!"
    The Young and the Restless S40E32: "Ep. #9901"
    Thuis S17E182: "Season 17, Episode 182"
    Unforgettable S01E22: "The Man in the Woods"
    Watch What Happens: Live S06E81: "Cat Cora and Alexis Bellino"

'Dark Shadows' Complete Series DVD: The Original 'Twilight'

'Dark Shadows' Complete Series DVD: The Original 'Twilight'

It's taken "Twilight" through four movies (five when "Breaking Dawn Part 2" is released in November), but the complicated love story between a reluctant vampire and the young woman who must make sacrifices (be sacrificed?) to be with him carried "Dark Shadows" through 1,225 TV episodes, and now, a 131-DVD box set.

"Dark Shadows: The Complete Original Series,"  is being released Tuesday to give viewers a glimpse back at the soap opera that had teens glued to its vampire love story long before "Twilight" or "The Vampire Diaries" drew fans to the big and small screens.

The show, which sparked director Tim Burton and star Johnny Depp's eighth movie collaboration with Friday's "Dark Shadows" movie, is collected in a massive, coffin-shaped box. In addition to the 1,225 episodes, the limited-edition set also includes a commemorative booklet with photos and episode summaries, a series documentary and cast reunion, bloopers (of which there were, famously, many), more than 100 interviews with the series cast and crew and a postcard autographed by the late Jonathan Frid.

"We were way ahead of the curve," says original "Dark Shadows" series star Kathryn Leigh Scott, who played Maggie Evans. "One of my favorite scenes in the television series is the first encounter between Barnabas Collins and Maggie Evans, when she's a waitress in a diner. He comes in, and it's closing time. She's reluctant to let this stranger in. But he comes in, and the two of them bond. He sees her as the embodiment of his long‑lost love, Josette DuPres, which is (another) role that I also played.

"The 'Twilight' saga is really nothing more than what we were playing 46 years ago, which was the longing of Maggie, who comes under the spell of Barnabas, and his realization. We always called him 'The Reluctant Vampire,' because he despised himself and the curse that made him rely on other people's blood for survival, and that, in order to realize the marriage with Josette, it meant that he was dooming Maggie Evans to the same eternal curse that he lived under. It's essentially 'Twilight.'"

The 1966-71 TV series, which aired as a half-hour drama in the afternoons, took off after creator Dan Curtis added the show's trademark supernatural elements and star Frid, who joined the show in its 211th episode, as 200-year-old vampire Barnabas Collins.

Witches, werewolves and ghosts were intertwined with traditional soap plots like romance and family drama, and attempts to pull off "special effects" -- like "a prop man holding a fishing pole with a string with a bat hanging on the end and we'd shake the stick," Scott recalls -- only grew a young audience's affection for and devotion to the show.

Both Burton and Depp have counted themselves among the kids who ran home to catch the show every day.

"The show came on at four o'clock, and that's when little kids were waking up from naps. It was when mothers already had the dinner in the oven, and they were welcoming the other kids home from school," Scott says. "It was a time to sit around the television set. Very often I get letters now … 'Thanks to "Dark Shadows." You saw me through a terrible, terrible childhood. My best memory is sitting with my grandmother watching "Dark Shadows" when I got home from school.' The show was pure escapism."

As for the "Dark Shadows" movie, the tone is decidedly a little more humorous than the TV series, or, as Scott says, a little more intentionally humorous.

"It's humiliating to watch (the bloopers) now, but it's part of the charm of that show," says Scott of the oopsies, like actors forgetting their lines, camera equipment visible in scenes and sets falling apart. Because the show was produced live with no retakes, the bloopers aired, and became another aspect that endeared the cult Gothic series to viewers.

The "Dark Shadows" movie, meanwhile, isn't the first attempt to revive the citizens of Collinsport, Maine. NBC attempted a 1991 series redo that featured a pre-"3rd Rock From the Sun" Joseph Gordon-Levitt among the cast, while the CW shot a 2004 pilot for another attempt at a series revival that starred Matt Czuchry ("The Good Wife"), Blair Brown and "Weeds" star Alexander Gould.

The Burton/Depp movie is the first "Dark Shadows" project that reunited the original series stars, as Scott, Frid -- who died last month at age 87 -- and co-stars David Selby and Lara Parker are featured in the movie's ball scene (along with rocker, and "Dark Shadows" series fan, Alice Cooper).

"The most poignant moment for me came when (Jonathan) saw Johnny Depp in character as Barnabas for the first time," says Scott, the author of the photo and anecdote-packed "Dark Shadows: Return to Collinwood" book. "Jonathan just stood there gazing at Johnny Depp, just scrutinizing the makeup. Finally he said, 'I see you've done the hair with a few more spikes.' Johnny looked at him, and in perfect Barnabas character, just said, 'Well, we're doing things a little differently.'

"Tim Burton was standing right behind him and the two of them looked at Jonathan and said, 'We wouldn't be here without you,' which was a wonderfully gratifying thing for all of us to hear, but certainly Jonathan."

'The Client List' Gets Second Season From Lifetime

'The Client List' Gets Second Season From Lifetime

"The Client List" has apparently rubbed Lifetime the right way.

The series, which stars former "Party of Five" star Jennifer Love Hewitt as an abandoned wife and mother who takes a job at a masseuse to pay the bills and discovers that the her place of employment offers illicit services, has been picked up for a second season, the network said Monday. The 15-episode season will premiere next year.

The show, which emerged from a Lifetime movie that also starred Hewitt, has been a solid attraction for Lifetime since its April 8 premiere, drawing 2.8 million total viewers with its maiden episode. To date the series has averaged 2.7 million total viewers.

In addition to the numbers, the series reflects the ambitions for lifetime as a whole, Lifetime Networks' president and general manager Nancy Dubuc said while announcing the renewal.

"'The Client List' represents everything we want to be -- fresh, exciting and original with attitude," Dubuc said.

'Britain's Got Talent': Kai 'kicks dance partner Natalia in head'

'Britain's Got Talent': Kai 'kicks dance partner Natalia in head'

Britain's Got Talent semi-finalists Kai and Natalia have been involved in a rehearsal accident.

The dance duo were in rehearsals for tonight's show (May 7) when Kai Widdrington accidentally kicked his partner Natalia Jeved in the head.

"Natalia has had an ice pack on her head for the last hour and is hoping to be okay for tonight's show," a source told Digital Spy.

The insider added that Widdrington was "mortified" about the accident.

Producers are reportedly concerned that she may have suffered a concussion during the accident.

Kai and Natalia will perform their routine during tonight's second live semi-final alongside the likes of 14-year-old singer Paige Turley and street dancers Karizma Krew.

Ashleigh & Pudsey and Only Boys Aloud were the first acts to make it through to the final last night.

The Britain's Got Talent semi-finals continue tonight at 7.30pm on ITV1.

Big Brother's new eye unveiled by Channel 5

Big Brother's new eye unveiled by Channel 5

Big Brother has been given a new version of its iconic eye by Channel 5.

Returning for a new series this summer, the reality show's new logo was unveiled during Home and Away this evening (May 7) at around 6.10pm.

The multicoloured image is a facelifted version of the shiny 2011 eye, which marked the network's first year broadcasting the show after it moved from Channel 4.

Channel 5's director of programmes Jeff Ford said: "The Big Brother eye logo is one of TV's most iconic symbols, and this fresh new look reflects how the show itself is constantly evolving and reinventing itself. It will be front and centre of the new campaign as we ramp up the excitement ahead of the show returning to Channel 5 this summer."

Big Brother's executive producer Susy Price added: "We are delighted with this year's confident and playful re-versioning of the Big Brother eye. The multi-faceted concept reflects the ever-evolving personality of the programme and moves the brand forward for this exciting new series."

Big Brother returns for a marathon run this year, with January's celebrity version being followed by a ten-week classic series, and then a second celebrity edition for 2012.

The eye will be used for both ordinary and Celebrity Big Brother runs.

NBC Orders Anne Heche Comedy 'Save Me' to Series

NBC Orders Anne Heche Comedy 'Save Me' to Series

NBC has ordered 13 episodes of the Anne Heche comedy "Save Me" as it continues to announce its upcoming lineup for next season.

The single-camera comedy from writer and excecutive producer John Scott Shepherd finds Heche playing Beth, a woman who lets herself go while in a broken marriage. She goes through a transformation in which she becomes the best version of herself and creates miracles.

It also stars Michael Landes, Alex Breckenridge (recently of "American Horror Story,") Heather Burns, Madison Davenport, and Lamman Rucker.

The production from Sony and Original Film & Television is also executive produced by Scott Winant, Neal Moritz, and Vivian Cannon.

NBC announced last month that it has ordered the Matthew Perry pilot "Go On" to series. It had previously committed to the drama "Hannibal."

The network will announce the rest of its lineup for next season on Sunday, ahead of its upfront presentation to advertisers Monday.

Sen. Franken Wants Obama Administration to Investigate Comcast

Sen. Franken Wants Obama Administration to Investigate Comcast

Sen. Al Franken wants the FCC and Justice Department to investigate Comcast for what he says is possible anticompetitive conduct by the company that could raise customer rates.

The Minnesota Democrat, an opponent of Comcast's acquisition of NBC Universal last year, noted that Comcast agreed to certain conditions set by the Federal Communications Commission when the agency approved the deal.

Franken said Comcast seems to be dragging its feet on some of those conditions, designed to ensure that Comcast allows competitors access to its airwaves and does not promote NBCU-owned content over that of other companies.

In a statement, Comcast said it has met or exceeded the merger conditions.

To argue that Comcast has engaged in anticompetitive behavior, Franken cited its recent dispute with Bloomberg TV. The FCC ruled last week that Bloomberg, which sought locations on the dial close to those of major cable networks like MSNBC, Fox News and CNN, must be given more desirable locations. Comcast has said it will appeal.

Franken chided the FCC for taking 10 months to rule for Bloomberg.

"Such a delay is unacceptable if the merger conditions are to be effectively enforced," he said.

He also said he had heard from several independent channels that they "fear retaliation if they file a complaint against Comcast," and said at least one online video distributor has "encountered problems negotiating programming deals with Comcast." He did not name the distributor.

Franken asked the FCC and Justice Department to look into Comcast's announcement that it would exempt its "Xfinity on Demand" service from broadband data caps, a decision that he said could violate net neutrality rules.

Comcast said in its statement that the only complaint about its compliance with the merger conditions has come from "another very large media company, Bloomberg LLP -- and it has been preliminarily adjudicated."

The company also said its XFinity app for the Xbox did not stream content over the open Internet and was not subject to the FCC's rules.

Franken worked for NBC for years prior to its acquisition by Comcast as a writer and occasional performer on "Saturday Night Live."

'Britain's Got Talent' third semi-final lineup revealed

'Britain's Got Talent' third semi-final lineup revealed

The acts for the third semi-final of Britain's Got Talent have been revealed.

Essex band Loveable Rogues, elderly singing group The Zimmers and German impersonator Dennis Egel are among the list of acts to perform on Tuesday (May 8) night.

Contortionist Lucky, dance groups Area 51 and Twist & Pulse Dance Company and singer Honey Shazad will also perform.

Finally, 11-year-old singer Molly Rainford and xylophonist Ashley Elliott complete the lineup.

Ashleigh & Pudsey and Only Boys Aloud were the first acts to make it through to Saturday's live final on Sunday (May 6).

The Britain's Got Talent semi-finals continue tomorrow (May 8) at 7.30pm on ITV1.

Ratings: 'Desperate Housewives' Up as ABC Wins Night

Ratings: 'Desperate Housewives' Up as ABC Wins Night

ABC took an overall ratings win Sunday thanks to the the top-rated "Once Upon a Time" and "Desperate Housewives," which is growing as it draws to its final episode, according to preliminary numbers.

ABC took first place in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demo with an average 2.4 rating/7 share  and second place in total viewers with 7.6 million. "America's Funniest Home Videos" at 7 p.m. was up 33 percent in the demo with a 2.0/7 and 6.6 million total viewers. "Once Upon a Time" at 8 was flat with last week but won in the demo with a 3.0/8, and 8.9 million total viewers. "Desperate Housewives" at 9 grew 12 percent in the demo over last week with a 2.8/7 and 9.3 million, while "G.C.B." closed out its season even with last week, taking a 1.8/5 in the demo and 5.7 million.

CBS was second in the demo and first in total viewers with an average 2.0/6 and 9.3 million. "60 Minutes" at 7 was up 33 percent in the demo from last week and was the night's most-watched show with a 1.6/5 and 11.4 million total viewers. The season finale of "Amazing Race" the following hour ran even with last spring's finale, posting a 2.6/7 and 9.4 million. At 10, "NYC 22," which has been languishing since its April 15 premiere, increased 8 percent in the demo with a 1.3/3 and 6.9 million total viewers.

Fox took third in the demo and fourth in total viewers with an average 1.9/5 and 4 million. Following a "Simpsons" repeat at 7, "The Cleveland Show" at 7:30 took a minor dip in the demo for a 1.4/4 and had 3.1 million total viewers. "The Simpsons" at 8 was also down slightly in the demo for a 2.1/6 and had 4.7 million total viewers. "Bob's Burgers" at 8 dipped slightly to a 1.8.5, and had 3.7 million total viewers. "Family Guy" at 9 was also down slightly in the demo with a 2.7/7. It had 5.5 million total viewers. "American Dad" at 9:30 climbed 15 percent in the demo compared to its last original episode five weeks ago. It had a 2.3/5 and 4.8 million total viewers.

NBC came in fourth in ratings and third in total viewers with an average 1.3/4 in the demo and 5.8 million. "Dateline" at 7 was down 13 percent in the demo for a 0.7/2 and 3.3 million total viewers, while "Harry's Law" the following hour also dropped 13 percent to a series low of 0.7/2, and posted 7.5 million total viewers. "Celebrity Apprentice" at 9 had a small drop in the demo from last week  for a 1.9/5, and had 6.2 million total viewers.

Simon Cowell: 'BGT ballroom dancers Kai, Natalia look like winners'

Simon Cowell: 'BGT ballroom dancers Kai, Natalia look like winners'

Simon Cowell has proclaimed that Britain's Got Talent finalists Kai and Natalia "look like winners".

The ballroom dancing duo, who progressed with Jonathan and Charlotte in tonight's semi-final, wowed all four judges with their Latin routine.

Cowell gushed: "I loved the music, I loved the choreography, I loved the routine. You two look like winners. You put the work in."

Alesha Dixon, previously a champion and judge on Strictly Come Dancing, commented: "You're making Latin ballroom dancing look cool. I think you really do deserve to go through."

Amanda Holden added that she would "love to see" the pair in Saturday's grand finale.

After being sent through, Natalia admitted her shock to hosts Ant and Dec, saying: "It's amazing. I didn't expect it."

Meanwhile, Kai reacted: "I'm completely speechless - fantastic! I'm sure we won't let you [the judges] down."

'Primeval' star Douglas Henshall for BBC One drama 'Shetland'

'Primeval' star Douglas Henshall for BBC One drama 'Shetland'

Douglas Henshall will play the lead role in new BBC One drama Shetland.

The two-part crime thriller has been adapted by David Kane (Taggart), from the series of books by award-winning writer Ann Cleeves.

Set against the Scottish backdrop of the Shetland Isles, the drama follows Detective Jimmy Perez (Henshall), a native who returns home after a long time away.

The uncovering of human remains and the accidental shooting death of an elderly woman soon leads to trouble for Perez, as he and his team find themselves at the centre of a family feud threatening to tear the community apart.

"I am very much looking forward to working with David Kane, filming in Scotland and being back on BBC One," said Henshall.

The 46-year-old actor's recent credits include BBC One's The Silence and South Riding. He is currently filming period ghost drama The Secret of Crickley Hall for the channel.

"Shetland has a fantastic combination of writing, acting, directing and producing talent," said BBC Scotland's head of drama Christopher Aird.

"It is a hugely exciting story and part of a project to bring the very best drama to BBC Scotland in the coming years."

Shetland will film on location in Scotland and will air later in 2012.

Earnings: Dish Profits Fall 34% in Q1

Earnings: Dish Profits Fall 34% in Q1

Dish Network profit fell 34 percent in the first quarter to $360 million from the same quarter in 2011, according to earnings released Monday.

The company reported total revenue of $3.58 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, an 11 percent increase from the $3.22 billion for the same quarter in the previous year. Analysts had expectated $3.6 billion, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

It gained about 104,000 net subscribers, beating analysts' average estimate of 62,000, according to StreetAccount data. In the previous first quarter, it gained 58,000 subsribers. It ended the latest quarter with 14.071 million subscribers.

As of 11:55 a.m. ET Monday, shares of the stock had fallen 2.61 percent to $30.49.

Dish, the second-largest satellite TV company behind DirecTV, is being sued for $2.5 billion by AMC Networks. AMC contends that Dish improperly terminated a 15-year contract with one of its subsidiaries, VOOM HD.

Alex Trebek 'Thinking About Retiring' From Jeopardy

Alex Trebek 'Thinking About Retiring' From Jeopardy

What is, "Two"?

This is the number of years Alex Trebek may have left as the host of "Jeopardy," he told Fox News' Chris Wallace. Trebek, 71, says he has been "thinking about retiring" after 28 years with the game show phenomenon.

Trebek said he may spend his remaining years on charity work. He is active with the humanitarian group World Vision and has embarked on several U.S.O. tour to support troops overseas.

"But I'm torn because I enjoy doing the show so much," he told Wallace. "A lot of people have been telling me, Alex, you've got to go for at least 30. You've just done 28. Now, at least do two more. So that has a nice ring to it. Put in your 30 and go help people."

One answer Trebek wouldn't provide? Whether "Jeopardy" dumbs down questions for celebrity contestants.

ABC News, Univision Launch English-Language News Venture

ABC News, Univision Launch English-Language News Venture

ABC News and Univision announced Monday their collaboration on an English-language news, entertainment and lifestyle venture that will cater to the country's 50 million Hispanics viewers.

Plans for the venture first came to light in February. A website, as well as mobile and social media content, are expected to debut this summer. A yet-to-be named, 24/7 television channel is expected to launch next year.

The two companies will share newsgathering and production resources, and networks and anchors will be based in major cities across the U.S. A management team is expected to be announced this summer.

“This exciting joint venture represents the latest example of our long-term strategy to broaden the reach of ABC.  Our powerful premier news brand, combined with the world’s leading Hispanic media company, will create the nation’s first news and lifestyle channel targeted to this quickly expanding and important community,” said Anne Sweeney, co-chair of Disney Media Networks and president, Disney/ABC Television Group. Cesar Conde, president, Univision Networks.

“This alliance combines the expertise and brand strength of Univision News with ABC News’ leadership and is another example of Univision’s commitment to serving and empowering Hispanic America while connecting all audiences to Latino issues,” said Cesar Conde, president of Univision Networks.

It is the second major partnership for ABC News announced in the past six months. In October, the company began an online alliance with Yahoo! that made them more unique viewers than any other news site. (Yahoo already held the distinction, but the ABC News traffic padded the lead.) The two announced last month that nearly half a billion of their videos were streamed in March.