'Elementary' star Jonny Lee Miller on 'Sherlock' comparisons

'Elementary' star Jonny Lee Miller on 'Sherlock' comparisons

Jonny Lee Miller has defended his CBS Sherlock Holmes pilot Elementary.

The project, which will follow a contemporary Holmes (Miller) in modern-day New York, has been compared to BBC drama Sherlock.

Lucy Liu and Johnny Lee Miller filming on set for 'Elementary' pilot series in New York

Miller told Vulture that he is aware of the comparisons, saying: "You obviously look at it and say, 'Wait a second ... ' - but I feel there's enough differences there. I thought I could do something with it; otherwise, there'd be no point."

The 39-year-old English actor described Elementary - which will also star Lucy Liu as Watson - as "a great project" and "a good opportunity".

"We just shot the pilot," he confirmed. "We're still waiting to hear what happens with it. We're not sure yet, we're taking it slowly."

Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch recently insisted that he is not "bitter" about Elementary.

"[Their show will] be different and I don't think it'll take away the love for ours, and there's no reason to be churlish or bitter about them or what they're trying to do," he argued.

A third series of Sherlock is expected to begin filming in early 2013, while Elementary is a strong contender for the CBS 2012-13 television season.

'Jersey Shore' Stars The Situation, DJ Pauly D Among 'The Choice' Bachelors

'Jersey Shore' Stars The Situation, DJ Pauly D Among 'The Choice' Bachelors

Want to score a date with "Jersey Shore" sensations Mike "the Situation" Sorrentino and/or Paul "DJ Pauly D" DelVecchio?

First off: You might want to re-examine your priorities in life. Secondly: You might soon gave your chance!

Sorrentino and DelVecchio will be among the participants in Fox's upcoming dating competition series "The Choice," where celebrities will vie for love or something like it.

"Keeping Up With the Kardashians" star Rob Kardashian, Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers and "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks will also be among the notable men participating. On the female end of the celebrity spectrum, former "Baywatch" babe Carmen Electra and "Click" actress Sophie Monk will be among those choosing a suitor from the pool of contestants.

In a similar setup to NBC's hit singing competition "The Voice," "The Choice" features celebrities choosing potential suitors using only the sounds of their voices as they describe their lives and passions. When one of the famous bachelors or bachelorettes hears something they like, they pull their "love handle" (yes, really), which sends the famous love-seeker spinning to face the suitor.

If more than one celebrity expresses interest, they must vie for the contestant's affection until she chooses whose dating pool he or she wants to join.

The rounds progress, with the celebrity eventually choosing one lucky lady or dude for a dream date.

"The Choice," which will be hosted by Cat Deeley, premieres June 7 at 9 p.m.

A full list of celebrity participants follows.

MEN
Tyson Beckford
Jeremy Bloom
Dean Cain
Mike Catherwood
Jason Cook
DJ Pauly D
Rocco DiSpirito
Rob Gronkowski
Taylor Hicks
Joe Jonas
Rob Karashian
Finesse Mitchell
Dr. Robert Nettles
Romeo
Warren Sapp
Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino
Ndamukong Suh
Seth Wescott
Parker Young

WOMEN
Hope Dworaczyk
Carmen Electra
Rima Fakih
Sophie Monk

'Britain's Got Talent' dips in ratings for third semi-final

'Britain's Got Talent' dips in ratings for third semi-final

Britain's Got Talent fell in the ratings for last night's semi-final but was still dominant, according to overnight data.

The reality show managed 7.8m (33.5%) on ITV1 from 7.30pm (+1: 365k/1.5%). An average of 9.4m had tuned in live on Monday (May 8).

Britain's Got Talent's results show attracted 6.86m (27.8%) with an additional 317k (2.2%) on timeshift.

BBC One's Britain's Biggest Hoarders grabbed 4.11m (16.6%) in the 9pm hour.

Elsewhere, BBC Two aired Great British Menu (1.84m/8.2%), The Town Taking on China (992k/4.2%) and Great Ormond Street (1.28m/5.2%).

Foxes Live: Wild in the City continued for Channel 4 with 1.09m (4.6%) from 8pm (+1: 112k/0.5%) before Hidden Talent took 580k (2.3%) an hour later (+1: 125k/0.7%). More Sex Please, We're British wrapped up the channel's primetime programming with 1.01m (6%) in the 10pm hour (+1: 185k/2.2%).

Channel 5's CSI appealed to 1.47m (5.9%) from 9pm with 179k (1%) on timeshift. A repeat of CSI: NY afterwards impressed with 1.07m (6.2%), and War Hero in My Family was watched by 780k (3.3%) earlier in the night.

Overall, ITV1 comfortably won primetime with 27.9% (+1: 1.2%) ahead of BBC One's 18.6%. BBC Two came third with 5.4%, while Channel 5's 4.3% (+1: 0.3%) beat Channel 4's 3.8% (+1: 0.6%).

On the multichannels, Sky Atlantic's Friday Night Lights enjoyed an unusual week-on-week increase of more than 600%, taking 46k (0.2%) compared to the 7k last week. Mad Men dropped to 38k (0.2%) from 9pm.

The Vampire Diaries episode 'Do Not Go Gentle' drew 288k (1.2%) on ITV2 (+1: 113k/0.7%) and the latest Alcatraz earned 376k (1.5%) on Watch.

Kevin Smith's 'Comic Book Men,' 'Talking Dead' Renewed by AMC

Kevin Smith's 'Comic Book Men,' 'Talking Dead' Renewed by AMC

Kevin Smith's reality series "Comic Book Men" and the "Walking Dead" after-show "Talking Dead" have been renewed by AMC, the network said Wednesday. Both series will go into their second seasons with the renewals and will air 16-episode seasons.

"Pinch my fat ass, 'cause I must be dreaming!" Smith said of the renewal. "A thousand thank you's wouldn't cover the gratitude I'm feeling right now. And as you might imagine, everyone at SModcast Pictures is in love with everyone at AMC today!"

"Comic Book Men" follows the fanboy exploits that occur at Smith's New Jersey comic-book shop, Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash. The series is executive-produced by Smith, Charlie Corwin's Original Media and Elyse Seiden.

"Talking Dead," meanwhile, follows AMC's zombie hit "The Walking Dead" for a robust discussion of the series hosted by Nerdist and G4's Chris Hardwick.

“‘Talking Dead’ has been an amazing experience and I cannot pile enough hugs and thanks onto AMC for renewing it," Hardwick enthused. "I CAN'T WAIT for Season 3 of 'Walking Dead,' so that we can finally talk about Rick meeting [SPOILER] and [SPOILER]-ing him with a heavy-duty [SPOILER] at the [SPOILER]. And let's not forget all the rest of the [SPOILER]s getting in on the action! [EXPLETIVE] me! It's going to be great..."

Development Update: Series Pick Up the 10th of May

Development Update: Series Pick Up the 10th of May

THE NEW NORMAL (NBC) - Ryan Murphy and Ali Adler's single-camera comedy, about a gay couple - Bryan (Andrew Rannells) and Andrew (Justin Bartha) - and Goldie (Georgia King), the woman who becomes a surrogate to help them start a family, is the latest half-hour to be ordered to series by the network. Murphy directed the 20th Century Fox Television-based pilot from a script he co-wrote with Adler. Ellen Barkin and Bebe Wood also star as Jane, Goldie's outrageous grandmother, and Shania, Goldie's eight-year-old daughter whom she had in her teens, respectively. Also guest starring are Jayson Blair as Goldie's cheating husband Clay and NeNe Leakes as Bryan's no-nonsense assistant Rocky. (Deadline.com)

REVOLUTION (NBC) - The Eric Kripke-penned, Jon Favreau-helmed pilot - about a group of characters struggling to survive and reunite with loved ones in a world where all forms of energy have mysteriously ceased to exist - has snagged as series commitment from the Peacock. The Warner Bros. Television-based Bad Robot Productions is behind the hour, which Bryan Burk and J.J. Abrams are executive producing alongside Kripke. Billy Burke stars as Miles Matheson, a former Marine who reluctantly finds himself aiding his niece Charlie (Tracy Spiradakos) in her quest to rescue her brother Danny (Graham Rogers) from the dangerous Captain Tom Neville (Giancarlo Esposito). Andrea Roth and Tim Guinee also star as Charlie and Danny's parents, Rachel and Ben; with David Lyons as Miles's old Marine pal; and Anna Lise Phillips, Zak Orth, J.D. Pardo and Maria Howell as various residents who aid the group in their quest. (Deadline.com)

1600 PENN (NBC) - The Peacock has ordered the single-camera comedy, about a dysfunctional First Family, to series. Jon Lovett, Josh Gad and Jason Winer co-created the half-hour, which Winer also directed for 20th Century Fox Television. Bill Pullman stars as President Dale Gilchrist with Jenna Elfman as his wife and stepmom to his four kids: gregarious, clumsy Skip (Josh Gad); overachiever, perfectionist Becca (Martha MacIsaac); sensitive, scrawny Xander (Benjamin Stockham); and direct, tough Marigold (Amara Miller). Andre Holland also stars as Marshall Malloy, Dale's Press Secretary and surrogate son. (Deadline.com)

ANIMAL PRACTICE (A.K.A. ANIMAL KINGDOM) (NBC) - The Justin Kirk-led comedy - about George Coleman, a veterinarian who loves animals but usually hates their owners - is the latest single-camera project to land a series commitment at the Peacock. Brian Gatewood and Alessandro Tanaka co-created the pilot, which is set up at the Universal Television-based American Work, while Anthony and Joe Russo directed and executive produced. Amy Huberman also stars as his ex-girlfriend Dorothy, who returns to his life as his new boss; with Bobby Lee and Tyler Labine as fellow vets Doug and Kim; and Kym Whitley as a nurse. (Deadline.com)

CHICAGO FIRE (NBC) - The Dick Wolf-produced drama pilot - about the heroic men and women of the Chicago Fire Department's Firehouse 55 - has been ordered to series as part of a new overall deal with Universal Television. Said pact includes a 14th season of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" as well as the Mark Burnett co-production "Stars Earn Stripes." Derek Haas and Michael Brandt penned the pilot, which was helmed by Jeffrey Nachmanoff. The show's ensemble includes Jesse Spencer, Charlie Barnett, David Eigenberg and Taylor Kinney as the principal firefighters; with Eamonn Walker as their Battalion Chief; Merle Dandridge as the Deputy District Commissioner; Lauren German and Monica Raymund as EMTs who regularly interact with the group; and Teri Reeves as the estranged doctor wife of Spencer's character. Danielle Gelber and Peter Jankowski also serve as executive producers. (Deadline.com)

THE GOODWIN GAMES (FOX) - The single-camera comedy - about three siblings who must heed to the idiosyncratic terms of their father's will to inherit his fortune - is the one of three pilots that were ordered to series this afternoon. "How I Met Your Mother's" Carter Bays, Craig Thomas and Chris Harris are all behind the project, which is set up at 20th Century Fox Television. Scott Foley plays the eldest son Henry, a dedicated surgeon; with Becki Newton as middle child Coney, an aging shot girl in Las Vegas; and Jake Lacy as youngest Jimmy, a scruffy petty thief. Felisha Terrell also stars as the attractive minister of the church who used to date - and was dumped by - Henry; while Melissa Tang plays their late father's estate attorney. Peyton Reed directed the pilot. (Deadline.com)

MINDY (A.K.A. UNTITLED MINDY KALING PROJECT) (FOX) - The Mindy Kaling-led single-camera comedy - about Mira Kaviraya, a young doctor trying to navigate both her personal and professional lives - has likewise landed a series commitment from the network. Chris Messina, Ed Weeks and Richard Schiff co-star as her partners at Shulman Womens Health Associates with Zoe Jarman as their receptionist and Anna Camp as Mira's best friend. Ed Helms and Bill Hader also guest starred in the Universal Television-based half-hour, which was directed by Charles McDougall. Kaling, who likewise penned the script, presumably won't return to "The Office" as a full-time cast member due to the pickup. (Deadline.com)

NED FOX IS MY MANNY (FOX) - The Dana Fox-penned half-hour - about Kate (Dakota Johnson), an uptight single mom whose aimless brother Ned (Nat Faxon) moves in to help her raise her five-year-old daughter, Maddie (Maggie Jones) - is also heading to series at the network. The 20th Century Fox Television-based single-camera pilot, which was directed by Jake Kasdan, also features Echo Kellum and Lucy Punch as Kate and Ned's respective best friends as well as Austin Stowell as Kate's high school crush with whom she reunites for a disastrous date. Katherine Pope and Peter Chernin also serve as executive producers. (Deadline.com)

TV Land Unveils New Logo, Second Night of Original Programming

TV Land Unveils New Logo, Second Night of Original Programming

TV Land revealed a new logo designed to appeal to its evolving demographic Wednesday.

The logo, which includes the network's recently added tagline "Laugh More," is intended to reflect the channel's shift from repeats to original programming -- and also its key 25-54 demo's shift from the Baby Boomers generation to Generation X.

The channel also added a second night of original programming, Tuesday nights.

“TV Land has evolved significantly over the past few years," the network's president Larry W. Jones said in a statement. "It became clear that the overall look and feel of the channel needed to sync up better with our programming line-up."

“This fresh design signals to our viewers that TV Land is delivering a deeply engaging experience; it’s a place where they know they can come for a laugh and enjoy high quality original and timeless sitcoms,” he added.

The redesign initiative was spearheaded by TV Land executive vice president, creative and marketing Kim Rosenblum, who worked with Trollback + Company and CORD Worldwide.

The network's commitment to original programming extends to its upcoming schedule, which sees the network expanding to a second night of originals.

Starting June 20, the network's regular Wednesday night block of originals will comprise the newly launched Cedric the Entertainer/Niecy Nash offering "The Soul Man" and the second season of "The Exes," both of which will run for 12 episodes.

On June 26 the network launches its Tuesday night lineup of "Retired at 35"'s second season and repeats of its flagship series "Hot in Cleveland."

'The Voice UK' ratings not a concern, says BBC One boss Danny Cohen

'The Voice UK' ratings not a concern, says BBC One boss Danny Cohen

BBC One controller Danny Cohen has insisted that he is unconcerned about the ratings for The Voice UK.

The talent contest's viewing figures have fallen from a high of 10.7m to 6.6m.

"I don't get massively engaged week by week in whether we are up or down," Cohen told The Daily Telegraph.

"The way I look at it, we have launched the most successful BBC One entertainment show in over a decade. We didn't expect such high ratings at the start - shows like X Factor started on around five million."

Cohen insisted that he "couldn't be happier" with the reaction to The Voice UK.

"There are always moments when the competition is strong - sometimes that helps us, sometimes it doesn't," he suggested. "But... it is a quality series and audiences are responding to it."

The Voice UK coach Jessie J was recently rumoured to have angered producers after describing elements of the show as "lame".

'Blockbusters' host Simon Mayo: 'We want to do Bob Holness proud'

'Blockbusters' host Simon Mayo: 'We want to do Bob Holness proud'

Blockbusters host Simon Mayo has said that he hopes to make a show that Bob Holness would have been "proud" of.

The classic game show is being rebooted next week on Challenge with the BBC Radio 2 DJ as its new host.

The revival, consisting of 40 new episodes, was officially announced in January, shortly after the death of original host Holness, aged 83.

"We want to do a show that Bob would have been proud of," Mayo told BBC Breakfast. "Everyone feels warm towards it because of what Bob did to it. We wanted to make a classic format that Bob would have liked. Hopefully people will think it's nice to see it back."

The DJ said that contestants still delight in saying the show's infamous catchphrase "Can I have a 'P' please?".

"It's one of those things that in every single show, if someone asks [that question], it gets a round of applause and laughter. They're itching to say it," he revealed.

The presenter also explained that the new series will feature contestants of all ages, commenting: "If you limit yourself to just schoolchildren and sixth-formers it also limits the questions. We still have sixth-formers but we have everyone."

The show has previously had incarnations featuring presenters Michael Aspel, Liza Tarbuck and Vernon Kay.

Blockbusters will begin on Monday, May 14 on Challenge.

TV Tonight 10th of May 2012

TV Tonight 10th of May 2012

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

    30 Rock S06E21: "The Return of Avery Jessup"
    60 Minute Makeover S09E31: "Series 9, Episode 31"
    American Idol S11E36: "1 of 4 Voted Off"
    Art Mann Presents S08E09: "The Stagecoach Music Fest"
    Awake S01E11: "Say Hello to My Little Friend"
    Big Brother Sverige S08E71: "Del 71"
    Bikini Barbershop S01E13: "Party Crasher"
    Britain's Got More Talent S06E12: "Season 6, Episode 12"
    Britain's Got Talent S06E15: "Series 6, Semi Final - 5"
    Britain's Got Talent S06E16: "Series 6, Semi Final - 5 (Result)"
    Burlacul S03E11: "Season 3, Episode 11"
    Cash In The Attic S18E65: "Series 18, Show 65"
    Chelsea Lately S06E79
    Community S03E19: "Curriculum Unavailable"
    Conan S02E90: "Episode 90"
    Coronation Street S53E94: "Thur May 10, 2012"
    Danni Lowinski VTM S01E11: "Season 1, Episode 11"
    Days of our Lives S47E129: "Ep. #11839"
    Deal Or No Deal (UK) S07E233: "Episode 1913"
    Dickinson's Real Deal S08E106: "Series 8, Episode 106"
    Doctors S14E26: "Black Bag"
    Don't Be Tardy for the Wedding S01E04: "At the Fifty Yard Line"
    Eagleheart S02E05: "Little Dude"
    EastEnders S28E76: "May 10, 2012"
    Éden Hotel S02E40: "Season 2, Episode 40"
    Emmerdale S41E111: "May 10, 2012"
    Escape To The Country S12E53: "Nottinghamshire"
    General Hospital (US) S50E29: "#12557"
    Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden S22E179: "Season 22, Episode 179"
    Golden Goal S12E13: "Season 12, Episode 13"
    Grand Designs Australia S02E06: "Gladysdale Dry Stone House"
    Grandma's House S02E04
    Great British Menu S07E24: "The Olympic Feast - 24"
    Grey's Anatomy S08E23: "Migration"
    Halv åtta hos mig S08E52: "Stockholm - Jan"
    Heir Hunters (UK) S06E19: "Series 6, Episode 19"
    Hellstrøms Mesterkokk S01E09: "Season 1, Episode 9"
    Hollyoaks S18E94: "May 10, 2012"
    Home and Away (AU) S25E79: "Episode 5514"
    Hotel 52 S05E11: "Season 5, Episode 11"
    Hotel cæsar S29E12: "Season 29, Episode 12"
    House Hunters S48E93
    House Hunters International S25E96: "Making Headlines in Madrid"
    House of Bryan - On The Rocks S01E06: "Hit The Deck"
    Impact Wrestling S08E84: "Season 8, Episode 84"
    Income Property S06E05: "Susan & Jeff"
    Income Property S06E06: "Rob & Tricia"
    Independent Lens S13E19: "Summer Pasture"
    Jeopardy! S28E169: "Show #6374"
    Jimmy Kimmel Live S09E253: "Dr. Phil McGraw, Carrie Underwood"
    Kathy S01E04: "TBA"
    Kore wa Zombie desuka? S02E06: "Hell No! I shoulda Won!"
    Last Call with Carson Daly S10E53
    Late Night with Jimmy Fallon S02E267
    Late Show with David Letterman S19E71
    Live with Regis and Kelly S29E182
    Los protegidos S03E09: "TBA"
    Masterchef Australia S04E06: "Season 4, Episode 6"
    Missing (2012) S01E09: "Promise"
    Nårje S01E09: "Season 1, Episode 9"
    Naruto: Shippuuden S11E20: "War Begins"
    Neighbours S28E89: "Episode 6399"
    Ojciec Mateusz S07E10: "Małolata"
    Parks and Recreation S04E22: "Win, Lose or Draw"
    Person of Interest S01E22: "No Good Deed"
    Phil Spencer: Secret Agent S02E01: "Series 2, Episode 1"
    Planet Earth Live S01E03: "Episode 3"
    Pointless S06E47: "Series 6, Episode 47"
    Punk'd S09E07: "Dax Shepard"
    Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is S06E28: "Series 6, Episode 28"
    Question Time S32E30: "May 10, 2012"
    Reguły gry S01E12: "Stary dobry grzech"
    Rehab Addict S02E12: "Living Room Revamp"
    Rules of Engagement S06E14: "Goodbye Dolly"
    Russell Howard's Good News S06E05: "Series 6, Episode 5"
    Sankarea S01E06: "TBA"
    Scandal S01E06: "The Trail"
    Sket Dance S02E06: "Episode 6"
    Swamp People S03E13: "Scorched"
    Sweet Genius S02E09: "Genie Genius"
    Szpilki na Giewoncie S04E11: "Season 4, Episode 11"
    The Big Bang Theory S05E24: "The Countdown Reflection"
    The Block S05E23: "Day 23"
    The Bold and the Beautiful S26E35: "Ep. #6319"
    The Celebrity Apprentice (AU) S02E08: "Charity Song"
    The Chase (2009) S05E68: "Series 5, Episode 68"
    The Colbert Report S08E65: "Dr. Francis Collins"
    The Conversation S01E03: "Facing What's Next"
    The Conversation' with Amanda de Cadenet S01E03
    The Daily Show S17E103: "Robert Caro"
    The Dr. Phil Show S10E156
    The Ellen DeGeneres Show S09E157: "Nicki Minaj"
    The Great American Manhunt S01E03: "Enigma Man"
    The Hoarder Next Door S01E02: "Episode 2"
    The Jeremy Kyle Show S07E167
    The Jeremy Kyle Show (US) S01E157: "Best of Deadbeat Dads!"
    The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson S08E77
    The Mentalist S04E23: "Red Rover, Red Rover"
    The Office (US) S08E24: "Free Family Portrait Studio"
    The Pauly D Project S01E07: "Spirits & Angels"
    The Project S04E111: "Season 4, Episode 111"
    The Restaurant Inspector S02E02: "Series 2, Episode 2"
    The Revolution (2012) S01E74: "Season 1, Episode 74"
    The Secret Circle S01E22: "Family"
    The Talk S02E164: "Season 2, Episode 164"
    The Tonight Show with Jay Leno S19E298
    The Vampire Diaries S03E22: "The Departed"
    The View S15E157: "Howard Stern"
    The Young and the Restless S40E34: "Ep. #9903"
    This Week (2003) S10E28: "May 10, 2012"
    Thuis S17E184: "Season 17, Episode 184"
    Torsdag kveld fra Nydalen S07E09: "Mat-Wenche og Blomster-Finn"
    Touch S01E09: "Music of the Spheres"
    Tsuritama S01E05: "Episode 5"
    Two Greedy Italians S02E03: "The Alps and Arrangiarsi"
    Watch What Happens: Live S06E83: "TBA"
    Интерны S07E05: "Разбитый мотоцикл"

Simon Fuller, Lionsgate Team for Musical TV Drama

Simon Fuller, Lionsgate Team for Musical TV Drama

Lionsgate will team with "Amerian Idol" producer Simon Fuller to develop a scripted musical TV drama series that will follow "the lives and loves of a young California rock 'n' roll band," the partners announced Wednesday.

Showrunner meetings are underway, and the series is being shaped for both broadcast and cable outlets.

Lionsgate and Fuller have launched a nationwide search for four young actors who are also skilled musicians to portray the band members. 

Here's the press release:

LIONSGATE PARTNERS WITH TV AND MUSIC ENTREPRENEUR SIMON FULLER ON TV DRAMA SERIES ABOUT YOUNG, NEXT GEN ROCK 'N' ROLL BAND

SANTA MONICA, Calif., May 9, 2012 -- Continuing the diversification of its highly successful television business, Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), a leading global entertainment company, is partnering with television and music entrepreneur and producer Simon Fuller to develop a contemporary television musical drama chronicling the lives and loves of a young California rock 'n' roll band, the two partners announced today.

Fuller's 25-year entertainment career has been highlighted by innovation and number one hits in TV, film, music, sports and fashion, and he has gained global renown for creating and producing the world's biggest TV franchise, AMERICAN IDOL, developing the Beckhams into one of the world's most recognizable talent brands and guiding the careers of some of the most successful music stars, such as Annie Lennox, Kelly Clarkson, The Spice Girls, Amy Winehouse, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry, David Cook, Adam Lambert and hit songwriter Cathy Dennis. He currently serves as Executive Producer on "American Idol," "So You Think You Can Dance," and "Q'Viva!: The Chosen."

"Lionsgate's growth has been built on our partnerships with some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the entertainment industry, and Simon Fuller is an entrepreneurial icon whose success in TV, film and music sets him in a class by himself," said Lionsgate Chief Executive Officer Jon Feltheimer and Vice Chairman Michael Burns.  "He has pioneered new brands with almost unique replicability around the world, and we're thrilled to partner with him on a show that represents the latest and one of the most exciting chapters in the ongoing diversification of our television business."

"Simon Fuller has created some of the most successful and enduring franchises in entertainment today," said Lionsgate Television Group President Kevin Beggs and Lionsgate Television COO Sandra Stern.  "We believe that this musical drama about a young rock 'n' roll band will have global resonance with the same young audiences that have fueled the success of other Lionsgate franchises.  From AMERICAN IDOL to Spice Girls, Simon has consistently demonstrated the ability to generate brands and formats with enormous worldwide appeal."

"I am full of positive anticipation for this new collaboration and delighted to partner with Jon Feltheimer, Kevin Beggs and the rest of the team at Lionsgate, one of the most dynamic and innovative companies in the entertainment industry," said Fuller.

"From MAD MEN and WEEDS to THE HUNGER GAMES, Lionsgate has demonstrated the global perspective, creative instincts and marketing prowess to build successful franchises for the future. Our combined powers and vision promise to make for an exciting new entertainment property."

Ricky Gervais's 'Derek' given full series by Channel 4

Ricky Gervais's 'Derek' given full series by Channel 4

Ricky Gervais's controversial comedy Derek has been given a full series commission by Channel 4.

Based around the character of Derek Noakes (Gervais), the sitcom follows a "group of outsiders" who work at a retirement home. It stars Gervais's friend and Idiot Abroad star Karl Pilkington as the home's caretaker Dougie.

Noakes is a middle-aged "tender, innocent man", who has a passion for YouTube, Deal or No Deal and animals. The pilot episode focussed on Noake's relationship with care home worker Hannah (Kerry Godliman) and the death of one of the home's residents.

Derek will air a full series in 2013.

The series was considered controversial by some viewers, who claimed that despite Gervais's insistence otherwise, the Noakes character was mocking the disabled.

Ricky Gervais said: "David Brent was an egotistical, failed musician and the most annoying man in the world. Derek is a 50-year-old man with bad hair and clothes, whose best friend is a whinging bald Manc twonk. Where do I get my ideas from?"

Channel 4's head of comedy Shane Allen commented: "Ricky is a leading voice in British comedy and through Derek he captures and reflects something of the spirit of modern society. A kind-hearted character in a world which TV normally shies away from, it feels like a perfect new direction for Ricky.

"The pilot triggered an amazing response and Derek's story had only just begun, so it's brilliant that we can explore this world and its beautifully-drawn characters across a series."

The sitcom's pilot pulled in an impressive consolidated audience of 3.2m earlier this year.

Stephen Mangan: 'Episodes has very dark humour'

Stephen Mangan: 'Episodes has very dark humour'

Stephen Mangan has said that the upcoming second series of Episodes contains very "dark" humour.

The British actor returns as sitcom writer Sean Lincoln in the BBC Two comedy opposite Tamsin Greig and Matt LeBlanc later this week.

The sitcom follows British writer-producers Beverly and Sean Lincoln, who move to Hollywood to remake their hit television series for an American audience, only to discover that Hollywood life is not what they had expected.

When asked what former Friends actor Matt LeBlanc is like to work with, Mangan told BBC Breakfast: "Disappointingly he's really nice.

"I half expected him to be a monster, he's so rich from that show. How does someone retain their head and normality [after that]?".

Talking about the show's second series, he explained: "It's not for my vast army of aunts and uncles who insist on tuning in. It is for adults, it has rather dark stuff on there.

"That's why it's on at 10pm. I don't know whether that's selling it or not! It's very clever too, it's not just rude. It's very smart and funny."

Mangan also spoke about cult Channel 4 series Green Wing, hinting that a further series may be made in a decade's time.

"I get asked about it all the time, and the DVDs sell well. We felt it went as far as it could go at the time, but maybe give it ten years!"

The actor also briefly spoke about the filming of Ron Howard's upcoming Formula 1 movie Rush, joking that it has been the first time he was asked to wear more hair than he already has.

Episodes's second series has been sold to 150 countries including France, Spain and Japan.

The show will return to BBC Two on Friday, May 11 in the UK and July 1, 2012 on Showtime in the US.

NBC Orders Dick Wolf's 'Chicago Fire' to Series, Renews 'Law & Order: SVU'

NBC Orders Dick Wolf's 'Chicago Fire' to Series, Renews 'Law & Order: SVU'

NBC has ordered a double dose of Dick Wolf.

The network has given Wolf's new drama "Chicago Fire" a full season order, and renewed Wolf's long-running police procedural "Law & Order: SVU" for a 14th season.

"Chicago Fire," which Wolf is producing, stars Taylor Kinney, Monica Raymund and Charlie Barnett, is an "action-driven drama exploring the complex and heroic men and women of the Chicago Fire Department." Derek Haas and Michael Brandt ("3:10 to Yuma") wrote the pilot and also produce, along with Danielle Gelber, Peter Jankowski and Jeffrey Nachmanoff, who directed the pilot.

"Law & Order," meanwhile, saw a shakeup last year that included the departure of long-standing star Chris Meloni. The current season of the series has struggled in the ratings.

Both series are from Wolf Films and Universal Television.

A&E Orders 'Southie Rules' Reality Series

A&E Orders 'Southie Rules' Reality Series

The network behind "Storage Wars" is bringing another reality show battle to its airwaves, as A&E has ordered "Southie Rules," about members of a South Boston family who stubbornly eschew the Starbucks and sushi restaurants that continue to pop up in their gentrified neighborhood.

"Southie Rules," which will begin production immediately, will revolve around a South Boston family in which multiple generations live in one three-story house. The 3.3-square-mile South Boston neighborhood has been portrayed in movies like "Gone Baby Gone," "Mystic River" and "What Doesn’t Kill You" and is the hometown of celebs like Mark and Donnie Wahlberg.

Mom Camille and dad Walter are divorced, but they still live together (and sleep in the same bed) on the top floor of the triple-decker house. Walter is still in love with Camille, but she continues to date other men.

The couple's son Matty lives on the middle floor with Jen, the mother of his nine-month-old child, and drama sparks from the ongoing question of whether or not they'll get married.

Camille and Walter's oldest daughter, Leah, lives with her husband and two-year-old child on the house's ground floor.

"Despite their family differences, they rally together for their daily turf war against the yuppies that are overrunning their territory," a network release describes. "These 'Southies' will stop at nothing to protect their way of life from the occupation, that is, if they don't kill each other first."

"Southie Rules" is produced by Powderhouse Productions and Magilla Entertainment for A&E. Executive producers for Powderhouse Productions are Seanbaker Carter, Joel Olicker and Tug Yourgrau. Executive producers for Magilla Entertainment are Brian Flanagan, Matt Ostrom and Laura Palumbo Johnson. David McKillop, Elaine Frontain Bryant, Drew Tappon and Fred Grinstein serve as executive producers for A&E.

Meanwhile, TLC is producing another South Boston-set reality series -- "Southie Pride" -- that's produced by 495 Productions, the company behind "Jersey Shore."

Jessie J: 'I should have waited to see The Voice lineup'

Jessie J: 'I should have waited to see The Voice lineup'

Jessie J has said that she should have possibly waited for the rest of the Voice UK coaching panel to be confirmed before joining the show.

The singer was recently reported to have angered producers of the talent competition by allegedly describing elements of the programme as "lame" while filming The Graham Norton Show.

"I was first to sign up because I was totally up for it," Jessie J told Company.

"But when Tom [Jones] said he waited until he knew the lineup, I thought I should have too."

Jones and Jessie J are joined on the show's panel by Black Eyed Peas star will.i.am and The Script's Danny O'Donoghue.

Quizzed about her stint on the show, she added: "It's been scary at times but it's one thing in my life, not the only thing. My second album is my focus."

Of whether she would consider applying as a contestant should her career as a singer wind down, Jessie J said: "I wouldn't enter myself in 20 years' time.

"I feel like I've worked hard enough to stay here, even if I end up behind closed doors doing make-up. I'll always be around."

Ratings: 'The Voice' Finale Boost Gives NBC a Win; 'New Girl' Also Up for Finale

Ratings: 'The Voice' Finale Boost Gives NBC a Win; 'New Girl' Also Up for Finale

"The Voice" finale Tuesday improved on last season's finale and pushed NBC to an overall ratings win for the night, while Fox's "New Girl" also got a considerable boost from its season-ender, according to preliminary numbers.

NBC came in first in ratings with an average 3.3 rating/9 share in the advertiser-cherished 18-49 demographic and second in total viewers with an average 9.2 million. A "Fashion Star" special at 8 p.m. dropped 13 percent in the demo from last week's 10 p.m. airing, hitting a series low of 1.3/4, and had 4.4 million total viewers, which represented a slight increase in total viewership over last week. "The Voice" finale at 9 was up 16 percent in the demo from last summer's finale, taking a 4.3/11 -- the night's best ratings performance -- and 11.6 million total viewers.

CBS took second place in ratings and first in total viewers with an average 2.7/7 in the demo and 14.4 million. "NCIS" at 8 slipped slightly from last week, hitting a season low of 3.0/9 in the demo. It was the night's most-watched show with 17.8 million total viewers. "NCIS: LA" the following hour ran even in the demo with last week for a 3.0/8 and had 14.5 million total viewers. "Unforgettable" at 10 was up 11 percent in the demo for a 2.0/5, and posted 10.7 million total viewers.

Fox was third in the demo and fourth in total viewers with an average 2.4/7 and 5.5 million. "Glee" at 8 was up slightly in the demo with a 2.6/8 and 6.5 million total viewers. The season finale of "New Girl" the following hour climbed 27 percent in the demo versus last week, taking a 2.8/7 with 5.5 million total viewers. A "New Girl" repeat followed at 9:30.

ABC took fourth place in the demo and third in total viewers with an average 1.8/5 and 8.4 million. The season finale of "Last Man Standing" grew 13 percent in the demo from last week's series low with a 1.7/5 and 6.6 million total viewers. "Cougar Town" at 8:30, which also hit a series low last week, similarly rebounded with a 15 percent boost  in the demo for a 1.5/4 and 4.7 million total viewers. "Dancing With the Stars" at 9 inched down to a 2.3/6 in the demo -- a series low for results shows -- and 13.3 million total viewers. "Private Practice" the following hour, meanwhile, dropped 29 percent in the demo, hitting a series low of 1.5/4 with 6 million total viewers.

'General Hospital' Leads Daytime Emmy Nominations With 23

'General Hospital' Leads Daytime Emmy Nominations With 23

ABC's enduring "General Hospital" leads all shows in the Daytime Emmy Awards nominations announced Wednesday, while ABC leads all networks with 56.

The nominations -- the complete list is here -- added more validation to ABC's decision last month to continue the 49-year-old soap, the longest running that is still in production. Its fate was uncertain after the network canceled the decades-old "One Life to Live" and "All My Children" last year.

Both "All My Children" and "General Hospital" were nominated for Outstanding Drama Series, along with NBC's "Days of Our Lives" and CBS's "The Young and the Restless."

The winner in the category for the last three years, NBC's "The Bold and The Beautiful," wasn't nominated.

"General Hospital" had been competing for increasingly tight daytime real estate with "The Revolution" and another new lifestyle show, "The Chew." ABC cut "The Revolution" last month.

After ABC, the most nominated networks were PBS (with 51), Nickelodeon, (40), CBS (33), and NBC (24). Syndicated shows received 46 nominations.

The most nominated shows after "General Hospital" were "Sesame Street" (16), "The Young and the Restless" (16), "Days of Our Lives" (15) and "The Ellen Degeneres Show" (12). "The Bold and The Beautiful" landed 11, along with the canceled "One Life to Live" and "All My Children."

Here are the nominees in the top categories:

OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES

All My Children (ABC)
Days of Our Lives (NBC)
General Hospital (ABC)
The Young and the Restless (CBS)

OUTSTANDING CHILDREN'S ANIMATED PROGRAM

Curious George (PBS)
Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness (Nickelodeon)
Peep & The Big Wide World (PBS)
Penguins of Madagascar (Nickelodeon)
Sid the Science Kid (PBS)
SpongeBob SquarePants (Nickelodeon)

OUTSTANDING CHILDREN'S SERIES

Biz Kid$ (PBS)
Born To Explore (ABC)
The Electric Company (PBS)
Everyday Health (Syndicated)
Jack Hanna's Into the Wild (Syndicated)

OUTSTANDING MORNING PROGRAM

Good Morning America (ABC)
Today (NBC)

OUTSTANDING TALK SHOW/ENTERTAINMENT

The Ellen DeGeneres Show
Live With Regis and Kelly
The Talk
The View

OUTSTANDING TALK SHOW/INFORMATIVE

Anderson
The Dr. Oz Show
The Doctors

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES

CRYSTAL CHAPPELL, as Dr. Carly Manning
Days of our Lives, NBC

DEBBIE MORGAN, as Angie Hubbard
All My Children, ABC

ERIKA SLEZAK, as Viki Lord
One Life to Live, ABC

HEATHER TOM, as Katie Logan Spencer
The Bold and the Beautiful, CBS

LAURA WRIGHT, as Carly Corinthos Jax
General Hospital, ABC

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES

MAURICE BERNARD, as Michael "Sonny" Corinthos, Jr.
General Hospital, ABC

ANTHONY GEARY, as Luke Spencer
General Hospital, ABC

JOHN MCCOOK, as Eric Forrester
The Bold and the Beautiful, CBS

DARNELL WILLIAMS, as Jesse Hubbard
All My Children, ABC

ROBERT S. WOODS, as Bo Buchanan
One Life to Live, ABC

BGT finalist Jonathan Antoine's mum: Bullies turned son into a recluse

BGT finalist Jonathan Antoine's mum: Bullies turned son into a recluse

Britain's Got Talent star Jonathan Antoine reportedly became a recluse at home after being bullied at school.

The 17-year-old opera singer's mother explained that he quit his A-level studies in October before his audition with singing partner Charlotte Jaconelli.

Tracy Antoine said that her son's run in the competition so far has vastly improved his confidence and happiness.

"He's a different person since that first audition," she told The Mirror. "We've met some lovely people and it has helped him enormously.

"Before this, he'd hide under a big jumper and hardly go out. Now he's putting on a Superman T-shirt and going off to shopping centres.

"It's wonderful to see him so happy" she continued. "It's made him realise there are lots of nice people out there. I know his career could take off with this, but I don't think he'll ever change. He'll still be walking along the street with a plastic carrier bag. That's just the sort of person he is."

Antoine's mother also praised his singing partner Charlotte Jaconelli for helping her son, adding: "He'd never have managed to sing for Simon Cowell if he hadn't had Charlotte by his side."

Jaconelli's mother Lisa added: "We're so thrilled. We knew Charlotte had an amazing voice, but it's great that Simon now thinks so, too."

Antoine and Jaconelli were voted through to Saturday's live final during Monday's episode.

Cowell praised the pair for their performance, saying that it was one of his favourite ever Britain's Got Talent moments. He added that Antoine's decision to keep his friend with him as a duo was the "best" one he will ever make.

'Voice' UK coach Danny O'Donoghue to host chatshow?

'Voice' UK coach Danny O'Donoghue to host chatshow?

Danny O'Donoghue is reportedly being tapped up for a number of television shows.

The Script frontman is said to have had discussions with production bosses about different programme ideas, including hosting his own chatshow.

The Irish singer is being described as the "new Terry Wogan" after his profile rise since becoming a coach on The Voice UK on BBC One.

"Danny has proved a hit with the BBC1 audience. He's a very likeable guy who talks a lot of sense," a source told The Sun.

"Producers are always clamouring to find that kind of character as they draw in women viewers especially.

"He's keen to do a talkshow because, quite frankly, he loves gassing. He could easily be the new Wogan."

O'Donoghue recently said that the BBC were not expecting The Voice UK to be as successful as it turned out to be.

Lorne Michaels: 'SNL' Didn't Cut Sketch to Support Obama

Lorne Michaels: 'SNL' Didn't Cut Sketch to Support Obama

"Saturday Night Live" producer Lorne Michaels says there was no political motivation behind his decision to cut a Barack Obama sketch from Saturday's show, adding that the show's planned opening was replaced "for comedy" and because the show ran too long.

The original opening sketch, which the show used in its Saturday dress rehearsal, featured Fred Armisen as Obama, bragging about his order to kill Osama bin Laden. The show went to air instead with a sketch that mocked "Fox and Friends."

"It wasn't its politics. It was about the comedy," Michaels told the New York Post, adding that the show ran 27 minutes too long in rehearsal. "The show's many things, but partisan it is not."

The show routinely cuts and replaces sketches at the last minute.

The script of the scrapped Obama skit appeared on the Daily Caller website on Sunday. Mediaite said its writer, "SNL" veteran Jim Downey, gave a copy of it to his friend Tucker Carlson, the site's founder. Downey told Mediaite he often sends skits to friends, including MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell, for feedback.

The conservative National Review accused "SNL" of having a "liberal taboo against mocking Obama in an election year."

Michaels denied that.

"Obviously, I thought it was funny or I wouldn't have led dress (rehearsal) with it," he told the Post.

Downey, meanwhile, told Mediate he didn't think the decision to swap the skits was politically motivated.

"I don't think there was a conspiracy, or anything, they just preferred the other piece," Downey said. "Comedy is so subjective. I'm sure the people who made the decision will say the piece they ran was funnier."

NBC Strikes New Deals With 'Bachelor,' 'Voice,' 'Fear Factor' Producers

NBC Strikes New Deals With 'Bachelor,' 'Voice,' 'Fear Factor' Producers

In a big push for reality programming, NBC announced new overall development deals with top producers from shows including "The Bachelor," "Fear Factor," "The Biggest Loser," and "The Voice."

Jason Ehrlich (ABC's "The Bachelor," and "The Bachelorette"), David A. Hurwitz (NBC's "Fear Factor"), Alex Katz (NBC's "The Biggest Loser") and Lee Metzger (NBC's "The Voice") will join previously signed NBC producers.

Those producers include Howie Mandel, a judge on NBC's "America's Got Talent," and his Alvey Productions (Fox's "Mobbed"). They also include Tom Shelly (NBC's "Love in the Wild," CBS's "Survivor"), Craig Plestis (NBC's "Minute to Win It") and Jason Raff ( "America's Got Talent").

"These progressive development deals allow us to partner with an array of stellar producers, such as Jason Ehrlich, David Hurwitz, Alex Katz and Lee Metzger, who are proven leaders in alternative programming and provide NBC with tremendous creative resources," said Paul Telegdy, NBC's president of alternative and late night programming. "We also are thrilled to celebrate our current relationships with Howie Mandel, Tom Shelly, Craig Plestis and Jason Raff.  We have stacked the deck and look forward to continuing to work with all of these incredibly talented individuals."

Reality programming has been a bright spot in NBC's lineup as it tries to rise from fourth-place in the ratings. Its hit "The Voice" has vied with Fox's "American Idol" for the top-rated show of the season. ("Idol" recently retook the top ratings spot.) Metzger is an executive producer of "The Voice."

Ehrlich, previously a co-executive producer for "The Bachelor," "The Bachelorette" and "Bachelor Pad," will be the executive producer of NBC's upcoming relationship show "Ready for Love," with executive producer Eva Longoria ("Desperate Housewives"). Katz, a co-executive producer for "The Biggest Loser" and veteran of Fox's "Hell's Kitchen," ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette," will also executive produce "Ready for Love."

Hurwitz recently served as executive producer for the return of "Fear Factor" to NBC, and is executive producing the network's "Stars Earn Strips" with Mark Burnett and Dick Wolf.

As for the previosuly signed producers, Mandel's Alevy Productions will produce the new NBC game show "Howie Mandel's White Elephant," in which six contestants will select one package from a collection of wrapped gifts containing millions of dollars in prizes.

Shelly, meanwhile, serves as executive producer on NBC's "Love in the Wild."

Plestis is the president and CEO of Smart Dog Media, which has an in-house deal with Universal Television, working with NBC and the cable networks Bravo, Oxygen, Syfy, and USA Network.

Raff helped launch the top-rated summer series "America's Got Talent" in 2006 and has been with the show for all seven seasons. His other shows have included the 2008 dating show "Momma's Boys."