Lady GaGa debuts new song 'Little Monsters' on 'The Simpsons'

Lady GaGa debuts new song 'Little Monsters' on 'The Simpsons'

Lady GaGa performed a new song during her appearance on The Simpsons season finale.

The track - titled 'Little Monsters' - was written especially for the episode and is a parody of her relationship with her dedicated fanbase.

The star refers to a number of Simpsons characters in the track, including Disco Stu, Professor Frink and Grandpa Simpson.

Lyrics in the song include: "When they're young, all little monsters learn that they are scary, ugly, stupid, shunned by cupid, overweight, and hairy.

"But every monster needs to find that secret deep inside, that transforms Dr Jekyll into sexy Mr Hyde."

Lady GaGa previously confessed that appearing on The Simpsons was the most nervous she has ever been in her career.

Matt Cardle 'leaves record label'

Matt Cardle 'leaves record label'

Matt Cardle has reportedly parted ways with his record label.

The X Factor winner signed a contract with Columbia after emerging victorious in the seventh series of the show in 2010.

According to The People, however, Cardle has now decided not to renew his deal with the label after choosing to take his career in a different direction.

A source close to the 29-year-old said: "Everyone wishes him well."

Cardle is currently recording the follow-up to his 2011 debut Letters in Los Angeles, which he has said that he would like to release "ASAP".

The 'Run for Your Life' singer's upcoming concert at Boston Town Football Club has been put in jeopardy after the event was refused a licence.

Gabriel Byrne Signs on for History's 'Vikings'

Gabriel Byrne Signs on for History's 'Vikings'

Gabriel Byrne is in a plundering mood.

"In Treatment" actor Byrne has signed on for "Vikings," History Channel's maiden voyage into scripted programming.

Byrne will play Earl Haraldson, who surfaces as a challenger to Viking king Ragnar Lothbrok.

The series, which will be produced by MGM Studios and hails from "The Tudors" and "Camelot" producer, will center on Lothbrok, a real-life Viking king who, according to lore, was a direct descendant of warrior god Odin.

"Vikings" will film in Byrne's native Ireland, and will debut next year.

'Dog the Bounty Hunter' Canceled by A&E

'Dog the Bounty Hunter' Canceled by A&E

"Dog the Bounty Hunter" has been put to sleep.

A&E has cancelled the reality series -- which followed Duane "Dog" Chapman and his family-run bounty-hunter business -- after eight seasons.

No reason was given for the cancellation, but the series has generated its share of controversy and headaches for A&E. Last year, Hoang Minh Phung Nguyen -- who was presented as a fugitive on the show -- sued Chapman and his crew for defamation. According to the suit, Chapman's crew accused Nguyen of firing a gun at them, leading to his arrest for suspicion of attempted murder and menacing. Prosecutors decided not to file charges, Nguyen said, but he still lost his job and was forced to relocate over the incident.

The show also recently saw the defection of cast members Leland and Duane Lee Chapman, who departed the show and severed ties with their family.

Last week, A&E also cancelled its scripted drama "Breakout Kings" after two seasons.

'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' Grows 16 Percent With Premiere

'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' Grows 16 Percent With Premiere

Despite a seemingly complete oversaturation of all things Kardashian, the "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" juggernaut shows no signs of losing momentum.

The seventh season premiere of E!'s hit reality series climbed in double digits over last season's premiere, in both total viewers and the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic.

Sunday's premiere -- and debut in its new 9 p.m. time slot -- drew in nearly 3 million viewers, growing 16 percent over the season six premiere. In the key demo, the show attracted almost 2 million viewers for a 30 percent boost over last season's premiere.

The show grew most dramatically in the women 18-49 demo, where it drew in more than 1.5 million viewers for a 23 percent improvement over last season's debut.

The show did, however, underperform in the Horsemen of the Apocalypse demo, as they were busy saddling up while the premiere was airing.

HBO Developing Comedy Series Starring Catherine Keener And Written & Directed By Charlie Kaufman

HBO Developing Comedy Series Starring Catherine Keener And Written & Directed By Charlie Kaufman

Frequent feature collaborators Charlie Kaufman and Catherine Keener are teaming for a TV series project. In a competitive situation, a half-hour comedy starring Oscar nominee Keener and to be written and directed by Oscar winner Kaufman has landed at HBO, which has put it on fast-track development. The untitled comedy is described as an exploration of one day in a woman’s life and how the events leading up to it can affect, or not, the reality in which she lives. Kaufman is executive producing; Keener serves as producer.

Over the last decade, Keener had been frequently pursued to do TV series, something she had declined to do until now. For her first series starring vehicle, she opted to team with a writer-director whom she has worked with before and who knows her well. Keener starred in Kaufman’s feature directorial debut Synecdoche, New York. She appeared in two movies written by him – Synecdoche and Being John Malkovich – and also did a cameo in the Kaufman-penned Adaptation. Keener also is set to co-star in Kaufman’s next movie, Frank Or Francis, opposite Steve Carell and Jack Black. Both Keener and Kaufman earned Oscar nominations for Being John Malkovich. Gersh-repped Keener also was nominated for Capote; WME-repped Kaufman was nominated for Adaptation and won a best screenplay Oscar for Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind. Following a stint on the short-lived drama series Ohara early in her career, Keener has been focused on features for the past 25 years. She is filming Sony’s Captain Phillips opposite Tom Hanks for director Paul Greengrass and will next be seen in Peace, Love & Misunderstanding.

'Glee's' Grant Gustin to Star in Lifetime Movie

'Glee's' Grant Gustin to Star in Lifetime Movie

Annabeth Gish and Jessica Lowndes round out the cast in "A Mother's Nightmare."

The actor, who plays bad boy Sebastian on the Fox musical dramedy, has been tapped to star in the Lifetime telefilm A Mother's Nightmare, opposite Annabeth Gish and Jessica Lowndes, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

Shelley Gillen penned the pic, which revolves around Chris Stewart (Gustin), a handsome and athletic 16-year-old depressed over his parents' breakup and cheerleader girlfriend's defection. When a new girl, Vanessa (90210's Lowndes) arrives, she works her seductive wiles on Chris, accusing him of assault when he tries to pull back from their relationship. Gish will play his mother.

Larry Gershman and Meyer Shwarzstein executive produce. The film is set to begin production next week in West Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. An air date has not yet been determined.

For Gustin, the role marks his latest small-screen credit for the actor, who could potentially end up series regular on the fourth season of Glee.

BET Network 2012 Upfront

BET Network 2012 Upfront

During its annual Upfront presentation to the advertising community, BET Networks, the leading provider of content to black consumers globally, will reveal its new programming content including scripted programs and original movies for both BET and CENTRIC as well as new web series for BET.com. During the presentation, BET will announce new late night series DON’T SLEEP!, new scripted series SECOND GENERATION WAYANS, HOUSE HUSBANDS, and new reality series THE MATHIS PROJECT. BET is also launching a new film offering, BET PREMIERE CINEMA, which will give its viewers a first look at never-before-seen films on TV such THE MINDLESS BEHAVIOR PROJECT and critically acclaimed Sundance hits MIDDLE OF NOWHERE and LUV, after their theatrical run, as well as BET original films BEING MARY JANE and GUN HILL.

The Network also plans to announce the new BET AWARDS EXPERIENCE that includes an interactive multi-platform Hollywood takeover of the L.A. Live Complex during BET AWARDS Week in 2013.  CENTRIC will unveil its plans to expand SOUL TRAIN AWARDS into a three-day experience including a Comedy Showcase and Concert as well as launch a new talent competition series APOLLO LIVE.  BET will reinforce its position as the #1 provider of content for consumers of black culture globally with unprecedented reach to all types of African American consumers across all demographics and genres.

Coming off of its best year ever, BET continues to rank among the top 20 cable networks among all adults 18-49, outperforming its cable industry peers for four consecutive years.  According to the Nielsen Company, BET continues to be the number one ad-supported cable network among blacks 18-49 for 12 consecutive years. CENTRIC also continues to make strides and is now one of the top 10 growth networks on cable television.

“We’ve had an incredible year and in 2012 will continue our reign as the #1 media brand among African Americans and a top cable network among all viewers,” said Debra L. Lee, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BET Networks. “We have a diverse roster of new programming that respects our audience and reflects their lives.”

“We continue to be the #1 network targeting and reaching African Americans because we understand the incredible power of our audience,” said Louis Carr, President of Advertising Sales at BET Networks. “Our precise understanding of the African American consumer allows us to program with the needs and wants of Black America and to provide unique partnership opportunities across every platform and channel.”

At the Upfront, BET will also unveil the new late night series starring former CNN anchor T. J. Holmes, DON’T SLEEP!, which tackles social issues and current events important to BET’s audience. Additionally, the Network will launch two additional scripted series SECOND GENERATION WAYANS starring Craig Wayans, Damien Dante Wayans and George O. Gore II alongside Tatyana Ali, and the insanely funny sketch comedy HOUSE HUSBANDS starring Kevin Hart, Nelly, Bobby Brown, Anthony Anderson and Nick Cannon as well as THE MATHIS PROJECT is a powerful new crime investigative series featuring Judge Greg Mathis that aims to empower neighborhoods plagued by unsolved homicides.

NEW PROGRAMMING ON BET:

DON’T SLEEP! - Award-winning journalist T. J. Holmes gives viewers a great reason to stay up with his new original late night series DON'T SLEEP!, Holmes delivers smart, biting social commentary on significant issues important to African Americans. Guaranteed to shake up late night, DON'T SLEEP! presents and tackles current headlines that affect our community while also creating awareness about vital stories mainstream media tends to disregard. Airing four nights a week, DON'T SLEEP! is also infused with numerous in-studio and on-location correspondents injecting perspective, humor, and commentary about a wide range of topics. The witty late-night series  is keenly focused on keeping Black America engaged, awake and in the know. Follow us on Twitter: @BETDontSleep; like us on Facebook: http://bet.us/HFjqzY

HOUSE HUSBANDS – An insanely funny sketch from the 2011 BET Awards (which quickly became a phenomenon) is coming to primetime. HOUSE HUSBANDS will be a semi-scripted, reality-TV satire sure to skewer all things “Housewives”-like. This half-hour comedy is executive produced by and stars Kevin Hart. Prepare for weekly hilarity. Follow us on Twitter: @BETHousHusbands; like us on Facebook: http://bet.us/Iq1rkb.

THE MATHIS PROJECT – This powerful new crime investigative series aims to empower neighborhoods plagued by unsolved homicides. JUDGE GREG MATHIS unites local volunteers and law enforcement to gather information that has the potential to solve the case – and get community members to do what, for some, is unthinkable: reveal what they know. Mathis’ investigative skills will bring these cases to a close by exposing the truth that witnesses, anonymous tipsters and “word on the street” sources have kept hidden for years.  The crime investigative series stars and is executive produced by Judge Greg Mathis and is produced by ITV Studios America. Follow us on Twitter: @BETMathisPrjct; like us on Facebook: http://bet.us/Iq1rkb

SECOND GENERATION WAYANS is a hilarious new scripted comedy based on the lives of the members of the next generation of the Wayans family. However, as it turns out, being a Wayans isn’t all fun and games. Viewers see the good, the funny and the ugly as the young trio emerges from the long shadows of their uncles to carve out their own paths to stardom in Hollywood. Executive produced by Marlon Wayans, Rick Alvarez and Devon Shepard. The series stars Craig Wayans, Damien Dante Wayans and George O. Gore II, who also serve as executive producers, and also features Tatyana Ali. Follow us on Twitter: @BET2ndGenWayans; like us on Facebook: http://bet.us/IIbkf5

BET NEW MOVIES FOR “BET PREMIERE CINEMA”:

BEING MARY JANE – From the producers of the award-winning, record breaking BET comedy THE GAME and #1 box-office romantic comedy “Jumping the Broom” comes an original movie starring the gorgeous and talented Gabrielle Union. This is a story to which millions of modern women will both relate and respond. Mary Jane Paul has it all: she’s a successful TV news anchor, entirely self-sufficient – an all-around powerhouse who remains devoted to a family that doesn’t share her motivation. As Mary Jane juggles her life, her work and her commitment to her family, we find out how far she’s willing to go to find the puzzle pieces that she, and society, insist are missing from her life as a single Black female. Starring Gabrielle Union, Richard Roundtree, Margaret Avery, Lisa Vidal, Richard Brooks, Omari Hardwick, Tika Sumpter, Raven Goodwin, B.J. Britt, Aaron Spears, Latarsha Rose and Robinne Lee. Follow us on Twitter: @BETBeMaryJane; like us on Facebook: http://bet.us/IjdkFa

GUN HILL –From the producers of NEW YORK UNDERCOVER, this high-powered cop drama is about identical twins on opposite sides of life: Trane, a cop, and Bird, a con. On one fateful night, Trane is killed. Bird assumes his identity and begins his own search for redemption. Set in the mean streets of New York, this smart, gritty two-hour movie event features an ensemble cast of characters operating on all sides of the law, where no one is quite what they seem. Executive produced by Reggie Rock Bythewood and Don Kurt. Written and directed by Reggie Rock Bythewood.  Starring Larenz Tate, Emayatzy E. Corinealdi, Tawny Cypress, Aisha Hinds, Michael Aronov and Phyllis Yvonne Stickney. Follow us on Twitter: @BETGunHill; like us on Facebook: http://bet.us/HDYQk8

LUV– Fresh from being critically acclaimed at Sundance 2012, BET presents the worldwide television premiere (after its theatrical run) of LUV, starring hip hop and Hollywood star Common. The distinguished Danny Glover and Charles S. Dutton and Dennis Haysbert also illuminate this future classic. A world of hope, violence and self-determination comes to life in this dramatic thriller. Woody Watson is a timid, orphaned eleven-year old boy from Baltimore who dreams of a better life. He sees his uncle Vincent — recently released from prison – as the father he never had. But Vincent’s former life and criminal past soon comes back to haunt them both. Coming of age, all too soon, Woody has to decide where he stands and who he wants to be. This film is written and directed by Sheldon Candis and produced by Jason Michael Berman, Joel Newton, Common, Derek Dudley, Datari Turner and Gordon Bijelonic; and co-written by Justin Wilson. Starring Common, Michael Rainey Jr., Danny Glover, Charles S. Dutton, Dennis Haysbert, Lonette McKee and Meagan Good. Follow us on Twitter: @BET_Luv; like us on Facebook: http://bet.us/Ije8dl

MIDDLE OF NOWHERE – BET is proud to present the worldwide premiere (after its theatrical run) of the historic Sundance 2012 award-winning film MIDDLE OF NOWHERE. In this elegant and emotional drama, a woman named Ruby changes her life during her husband’s incarceration. It follows Ruby’s journey to maintain both her marriage and her own identity. This hauntingly beautiful story is at once simple and infinitely complicated. Written and directed by Ava DuVernay.  Starring Omari Hardwick and Emayatzy E. Corinealdi. Follow us on Twitter: @BETMidofNowhere; like us on Facebook: http://bet.us/HFkrYY

THE MINDLESS BEHAVIOR PROJECT – Making its premiere on BET after its theatrical run, this film chronicles the tribulations of blazing-hot boy band Mindless Behavior, following the tour life of four teens struggling to balance their personal lives and burgeoning careers. An homage to the Beatles’ “A Hard Day’s Night,” these young men learn valuable lessons about friendship, loyalty and ultimately their places within the group. Mindless Behavior is a social media phenomenon, with more than 110 million collective hits on YouTube, 1.3 million “likes” on Facebook, 530,000 Twitter followers, and more than a half million subscribers to their official mobile hotline. THE MINDLESS BEHAVIOR PROJECT is a Reuben Cannon Entertainment (RCE) production in conjunction with BET. Produced by Reuben Cannon, Cory Tynan, Vincent Herbert, Walter Millsap, Kenneth Crear, Jason Essex with choreography by Dave Scott.  Starring Princeton, Prodigy, Ray Ray and Roc Royal. Follow us on Twitter: @BETMBProject

RETURNING HITS ON BET:

106 & PARK - 106 & PARK is the #1 video countdown show anywhere on television. Now in its 12th year, BET’s flagship program is a destination for the A-list of music, film, television, style and sports, from Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber to Idris Elba and Nicki Minaj. With innovative inclusion of social media and social movements, 106 & PARK engages millions of audience members beyond TV via the 106 & PARK mobile app, winner of the Best App Ever Award 2011 for Best Big Brand App, the talent competition “Wild Out Wednesday” and the infamous newcomer rap battle “Freestyle Friday,” 106 & PARK continues to lead in delivering what’s hot and what’s next in pop culture. Hosted by Terrence and Rosci.

BOBBY JONES GOSPEL - GRAMMY® winner Dr. Bobby Jones, Jr., the "Ambassador of Gospel" and host of the longest continuously running original series on cable television, delivers his ministry and praise on the network's flagship gospel program and the longest-running gospel program on cable. This weekly standout features joyous performances and riveting interviews from gospel music's most talented entertainers, choirs, evangelists, and others.

LET’S STAY TOGETHER – When two independently minded sisters take the step toward marriage, life puts their love to the test. This sophisticated romantic comedy series keeps its sense of humor as it tackles the intricacies of sex, intimacy, and communication.  Created and executive produced by Jacque Edmonds Cofer and executive produced by Flavor Unit Entertainment. 

REED BETWEEN THE LINES - A new season of this refreshing family comedy series navigating the ups and downs of love, work and family. This contemporary blended Black family uses wit, warmth and humor to keep life’s challenges in perspective, remembering to always make room for love.

SUNDAY BEST - The NAACP Image Award-winning smash hit gospel competition show promises to inspire like never before! BET's search for the world's most faithful voices will deliver the most competitive season yet. Hosted by Kirk Franklin with celebrity judges Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Yolanda Adams and Cece Winans, gospel hopefuls compete for a major recording contract and incredible prizes.

THE GAME – New episodes of THE GAME will be produced by and air exclusively on BET. After enjoying record ratings in syndication, THE GAME, created by Mara Brock Akil and executive produced by Kelsey Grammer, Salim Akil and Kenny Smith, will follow the lives of the fictitious San Diego Sabres – and the women who love them.

RETURNING MEGA-SPECIALS ON BET:

A VERY BET CHRISTMAS - This holiday music special is the ideal way to gather the family together and get them in the Christmas spirit. Viewers' favorite R&B and pop recording stars perform Yuletide classics. Santa may even make an appearance!

BET AWARDS - The BET AWARDS is the most watched awards program among African American viewers in cable history, and #1 with African American viewers 18-34 year after year. After an unparalleled 11 years of excitement and surprises, the BET AWARDS will continue to deliver unforgettable moments, tributes, and performances in 2012.

BET HIP HOP AWARDS - The BET HIP HOP AWARDS pays tribute to a culture that changed the world. With style, substance, and swagger like no other, the BET HIP HOP AWARDS 2011 was the #1 hip hop-themed telecast on television for the sixth consecutive year.

BLACK GIRLS ROCK – African American women are leading in the White House and the Fortune 500, dominating professional sports, driving political discourse, and winning Hollywood’s top awards. A celebration is in order. Expect one without equal from BET.

CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL - CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL rings in each new year with awe-inspiring power and anointed, electrifying performances. Always a star-studded gathering of gospel and R&B greats, CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL holds the crown as the highest-rated gospel program anywhere on television for eleven years running.

RIP THE RUNWAY - RIP THE RUNWAY sets the best of Black fashion to music. Electric performances, bold designers and sexy models melt the winter chill. No wonder it's the #1 fashion-themed telecast on television three years running!

THE BET HONORS - The BET HONORS celebrates our best and brightest: entrepreneurs, corporate citizens, educators, public servants and entertainers are lauded with moving musical tributes. Hailed by The Washington Post as an event that "favored achievement with honor over gaudy success," The BET HONORS is the bridge between generations.

Brenda Blethyn's 'Vera' records its highest ever audience for ITV

Brenda Blethyn's 'Vera' records its highest ever audience for ITV

Brenda Blethyn drama Vera pulled in its best ever audience of 6.1m last night (Sunday, May 20) for its series two finale.

The Tyneside detective show, which began last month with 4.8m, won its slot with 5.68m (24.1%) between 8pm and 10pm, adding 368k on ITV1 +1.

This comes despite its run being interrupted by a Britain's Got Talent semi-final and last week's Afghanistan-themed episode being pulled following the death of two British servicemen.

BBC One's Planet Earth Live (3.92m/16.7%) and a repeat of Death in Paradise (2.16m/9.1%) struggled opposite Vera, while Indian Ocean with Simon Reeve (2.12m/9%) and Coast (2.68m/11.4%) aired to commendable audiences on BBC Two.

Back on BBC One, the latest Voice UK results show picked up 5.8m (26.2%) at 7.30pm, prior to which 5.7m (29.2%) caught Countryfile, while Who Wants to be a Millionaire? attracted 3.14m (14.7%) to ITV1 at 7pm (+1: 103k).

Katie Price's stint on Deal or No Deal was seen by 1.33m (5.6%) on Channel 4 at 8pm (+1: 226k), then the broadcaster's Comedy Gala entertained 1.76m (9.3%) from 9pm until 11.30pm and 214k on timeshift.

Returning to its 8pm slot, Once Upon a Time anchored Channel 5's schedule with 1.1m (4.7%), adding 124k on +1. A documentary on the 2011 Norway massacre, The Survivors, interested just 542k (2.3%) in the 9pm hour.

Overall, ITV1 edged BBC One in primetime with 18.4% (+1: 1.1%) versus 17.6%. BBC Two claimed third place with 8.4%, while Channel 4 finished fourth with a decent 6.5% (+1: 0.8%). BBC Three overtook Channel 5 with 3.9% against the latter's 3.4% (+1: 0.5%).

'SNL': Lorne Michaels and Fred Armisen on Who's Staying and Who's Leaving the Cast

'SNL': Lorne Michaels and Fred Armisen on Who's Staying and Who's Leaving the Cast

Lorne Michaels says he hasn't had to bid goodbye to anyone in the current "Saturday Night Live" cast except for Kristen Wiig -- "so far."

But in an interview with TheWrap on Monday, he was noncommital about who's staying and going. The show often waits until late summer to make such decisions.

Wiig left the show with a tearful sketch Saturday in which she hugged her castmates goodbye. Although many have speculated that Andy Samberg and Jason Sudeikis would also leave after this season, neither received a similar goodbye.

We spoke to Michaels at the Peabody Awards on Monday, where he was honored for executive producing the IFC comedy "Portlandia," which was created by and stars Carrie Brownstein and "SNL" vet Fred Armisen.

We noted the lack of an "SNL" sendoff for anyone but Wiig.

"Not so far, yeah," Michaels said.

Did the lack of a goodbye mean Sudeikis and Samberg are staying?

"You never know," Michaels said. "I think everyone gets through the season and just the level of fatigue by the end is just overwhelming, and it's a very emotional time. I've had a rule since the second season, which is to not make any decisions in June. We'll see in July."

Some have speculated that a line in Samberg's "Lazy Sunday 2" digital short on Saturday suggested that he, too, was on the way out. "Lazy Sunday" was his breakthrough sketch on the show in 2005. Saturday's sequel ended with the lines, "On these New York streets I honed my fake rap penmanship/That’s how it began, and that’s how I’m-a finish it."

One cast member with no immediate plans to exit "SNL" is Armisen. He said he hopes to continue with both "SNL and "Portlandia," as he has done for the first two seasons of the IFC show.

"I hope things keep going," he said. "I don't take anything for granted."

Armisen, who has been on "SNL" for a decade, said he isn't worried about burning out.

"I want to burn out," he joked. "I want it to kill me." 

Armisen, who called Wiig's goodbye episode "emotional," said he wasn't fazed by one of his biggest moments of the night. In one skit, he played a karaoke singer who does a dead-on Mick Jagger impression. He did it as the real Jagger, the show's host, watched.

"You know what's crazy about 'SNL'? It's like hyper-reality," Armisen said. "There's so much happening. And you're thinking of camera angles -- you can't even think of anything. You just go, 'Gotta do Mick Jagger' now. And then later you go, 'Oh my God, he was right there.' But it was a thrill."

"Meeting Mick Jagger -- he's an exceptional human being," Armisen added. "He's a person of the ages. An intellectual, just British, brilliant guy. Who's head-to-toe DNA: rock star."

Syfy Cancels "Sanctuary" After Four Seasons

Syfy Cancels "Sanctuary" After Four Seasons

Syfy has canceled its veteran drama "Sanctuary" after four seasons.

Craig Engler (Senior Vice President and General Manager, Syfy Digital, Syfy) confirmed the news via his Twitter account this afternoon.

The show's fourth season (10/7/11-12/30/11) averaged 1.262 million viewers and a 0.4 rating among adults 18-49 this past fall, posting solid gains from its spring run (997,000 viewers, 0.3 rating among adults 18-49; 4/15/11-6/20/11) but was down slightly from its year-ago fall berth (1.458 million viewers, 0.4 rating among adults 18-49; 10/15/10-12/17/10).

"Sanctuary" and fellow departee "Stargate Universe" (0.958 million, 0.4 in 18-49) nevertheless were Syfy's least-watched scripted offerings in 2011, behind "Warehouse 13" (2.133 million, 0.8 in 18-49), "Eureka" (2.052 million, 0.7 in 18-49), "Haven" (1.846 million, 0.5 in 18-49), "Alphas" (1.845 million, 0.7 in 18-49), "Being Human" (1.489 million, 0.6 in 18-49) and "Merlin" (1.493 million, 0.4 in 18-49).

'Rules of Engagement' Renewed by CBS

'Rules of Engagement' Renewed by CBS

The CBS sitcom "Rules of Engagement" has been picked up for a seventh season.

The series, which stars Patrick Warburton and Megyn Price, averaged a solid 3.3 rating/9 share in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic for its most recent season.

The "Rules of Engagement" renewal comes at the 11th hour, following "Two and a Half Men"'s renewal earlier this month, and the earlier renewal of 18 of CBS' series, including "How I Met Your Mother," "2 Broke Girls" and "The Big Bang Theory."

Geri Halliwell to be 'X Factor' guest judge in Liverpool?

Geri Halliwell to be 'X Factor' guest judge in Liverpool?

Geri Halliwell is to join the X Factor panel as a guest judge this week.

The former Spice Girls singer will sit alongside Gary Barlow, Louis Walsh and Tulisa Contostavlos when filmed auditions begin later this week, according to The Mirror.

Geri Halliwell at the Marie Curie Cancer Care Fundraiser at Claridge's Hotel London

"Geri certainly isn't afraid to speak her mind and that's exactly what the show needs," a source told the paper. "She was in the Spice Girls, one of the biggest bands in pop history, so she knows exactly what it takes to succeed in this industry.

"She's a tough cookie and has dealt with everything the music business has thrown at her, so she's well qualified to spot contestants who have the talent and the personality to make it... no doubt her feisty personality will make for some brilliant television."

X Factor bosses are currently seeking a fourth permanent judge to complete the panel after Dannii Minogue reportedly declined an offer to return to the show last week.

Rod Stewart, Robbie Williams and No Doubt musician Gwen Stefani have also been linked with X Factor guest judging slots.

Halliwell previously stood in as a guest panellist two years ago when Minogue was pregnant with son Ethan, and was reportedly booed by audience members in Glasgow.

Filmed auditions for The X Factor begin on Wednesday (May 23) in Liverpool.

TV Tonight 22nd of May 2012

TV Tonight 22nd of May 2012

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

    16 & Pregnant S04E11: "Devon"
    60 Minute Makeover S09E39: "Series 9, Episode 39"
    Allerslechtste Chauffeur Van Nederland, De S02E07
    America's Got Talent S07E04: "Season 7, Episode 4"
    American Idol S11E39: "2 Finalists Compete"
    Amish: Out of Order S01E06: "Mending Fences"
    Ancient X-Files S02E04: "Sodom And Gomorrah"
    Big Brother Sverige S08E81: "Del 81"
    Bikie Wars: Brothers in Arms S01E02: "Season 1, Episode 2"
    Blockbusters (2012) S01E07: "Series 1, Show 7"
    Call of the Wildman S02E00: "The "Beast" of Special"
    Cash In The Attic S18E72: "Series 18, Show 72"
    Chasing Classic Cars S05E09: "Amelia Island: Ponies"
    Chelsea Lately S06E85
    Conan S02E95: "Ep 95"
    Dance Moms: Miami S01E07: "No one Likes a Quitter"
    Dancing With the Stars (US) S14E19: "Season 14 Finale"
    Dateline NBC S21E49: "20th Anniversary Special"
    Dating In The Dark Australia S02E07: "Season 2, Episode 7"
    Days of our Lives S47E137: "Ep. #11847"
    Deadliest Catch S08E07: "I Don't Wanna Die"
    Deal Or No Deal (UK) S07E243: "Episode 1923"
    Den store skoledugnaden S01E10
    Diagnosis Live From the Clinic S02E02: "Series 2, Episode 2"
    Doctors S14E34: "Venom"
    EastEnders S28E83: "May 22, 2012"
    Éden Hotel S02E46: "Season 2, Episode 46"
    Emmerdale S41E121: "May 22, 2012"
    Euro 2012 S01E04: "Preview Show - 4"
    Eurovision Song Contest S01E63
    Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files S02E18
    Frontline (US) S30E08: "Cell Tower Deaths"
    General Hospital (US) S50E37: "#12565"
    Giuliana & Bill S05E08: "Mama Depandi's Big Night"
    Glee S03E22: "Goodbye"
    Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden S22E187: "Season 22, Episode 187"
    Great British Menu S07E32: "The Olympic Feast - 32"
    Haiyore! Nyaruko-san S01E07: "TBA"
    Halv åtta hos mig S08E58: "Helsingborg - Marcus"
    Hardcore Pawn S05E22: "Devil in Detroit"
    Hidden Talent S01E05: "Episode 5"
    Hit & Miss S01E01: "Season 1, Episode 1"
    Holby City S14E32: "Double Bubble"
    Hollyoaks S18E102: "May 22, 2012"
    Hollywood Treasure S02E01: "Riddler Rudy And The Ruby Slippers"
    Home and Away (AU) S25E87: "Episode 5522"
    Hotel cæsar S29E18: "Season 29, Episode 18"
    House Hunters S48E101: "Multi-generational Home in Nashville"
    House Hunters International S25E104
    Jeopardy! S28E177: "Show #6382"
    Jimmy Kimmel Live S09E258
    Killer Trials: Judgment Day S01E25: "The Outback Killer"
    Kuba Wojewódzki S18E12
    Last Call with Carson Daly S10E59
    Late Night with Jimmy Fallon S02E275
    Late Show with David Letterman S19E79: "Will Smith, Gossip"
    Later Live - With Jools Holland S09E06: "Series 9, Show 6"
    Let's Stay Together S02E20: "No Wedding and a Funeral"
    Live with Regis and Kelly S29E190
    Luna, el misterio de Calenda S01E07: "TBA"
    Masterchef Australia S04E15: "Tuesday - Week 3"
    Million Dollar Rooms S02E05
    My Ride Rules S02E13: "Boxer Meets Box"
    Mysteries at the Museum S03E09
    Neighbours S28E97: "Episode 6407"
    No Kitchen Required S01E08: "New Mexico"
    Off Limits S02E06
    Packed To The Rafters S05E06: "Secret Fears"
    Pregnant in Heels S02E02: "Taming the Tiger and the Terror"
    Queen's Blade: Rurou no Senshi S03E08: "Episode 8"
    Quiz Me Quick S01E04: "De Prins en de Professor"
    Repo Games S02E10: "Feminem Loves to Dance"
    River City S10E37: "Episode 781"
    River Monsters S04E09: "Killer Weapons"
    Salatut elämät S14E167: "Lasse evää anniskeluluvan"
    Savage U S01E08: "Oregon"
    Silk S02E02: "Series 2, Episode 2"
    The Block S05E33: "Day 33"
    The Bold and the Beautiful S26E43: "Ep. #6327"
    The Chase (2009) S05E76: "Series 5, Episode 76"
    The Devils Ride S01E03: "Battle for Brotherhood"
    The Ellen DeGeneres Show S09E165
    The Force: Behind the Line S09E02: "Season 9, Episode 2"
    The Jeremy Kyle Show S07E175: "May 22, 2012"
    The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson S08E85
    The Matt Lucas Awards S01E07: "The Best Bits"
    The Murdoch Mysteries (2008) S05E13
    The Project S04E121: "Season 4, Episode 121"
    The Real Housewives Of Orange County S07E15
    The Tonight Show with Jay Leno S19E306
    The View S15E165: "Colin Powell"
    The Young and the Restless S40E42: "Ep. #9911"
    Thuis S17E192: "Season 17, Episode 192"
    United Stats of America S01E03: "Size Matters"
    Watch What Happens: Live S06E86

BBC Three's new 'Family Guy' outings draw big ratings

BBC Three's new 'Family Guy' outings draw big ratings

BBC Three was the most-watched digital channel on Sunday night (May 21) and overtook Channel 5 in primetime, overnight data has revealed.

Family Guy returned for brand new episodes with 1.55m (7.5%) and 1.6m (8.9%) from 10pm, then viewers stuck around for old episodes of fellow Seth MacFarlane sitcom American Dad, which amused 1.12m (7.5%) and 895k (8.2%).

With classic Family Guy also performing with 877k (3.7%) and 1.08m (4.6%) in the 9pm hour, BBC Three enjoyed its best night of 2012 so far with an average primetime share of 3.9%.

The Only Way Is Essex anchored ITV2's schedule with 913k (4.8%) at 10pm, adding a further 220k on +1. A Benidorm repeat logged 725k (3.1%) at 9pm (+1: 135k), helping ITV2 to an impressive primetime share of 3.3% (+1: 0.4%).

Desperate Housewives grabbed 699k (3.9%) on E4 for its latest edition - 'Lost My Power' - at 10pm.

Steve Coogan-produced Sky1 sitcom Starlings stayed steady with 462k (2%) at 8pm, after which 561k (2.4%) tuned in for another instalment of Hawaii Five-0.

'Today' Host Amy Robach Moving to ABC News

'Today' Host Amy Robach Moving to ABC News

Amy Robach, the weekend co-host of NBC's "Today" show, is jumping ship to join ABC News as a national correspondent, ABC News president Ben Sherwood told employees in a note Monday morning.

Robach, who has co-anchored "Weekend Today" since 2007, will be based in New York. In addition to her "Today" duties, Robach spent several years anchoring morning news programming for MSNBC.

At ABC News, Robach will contribute to all broadcasts and platforms, Sherwood said.

Robach's career highlights include landing the first interview with disgraced Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich following his arrest on corruption charges in 2009.

'X Factor' slammed for 'unfair' invite-only auditions

'X Factor' slammed for 'unfair' invite-only auditions

Simon Cowell has been accused of 'making a mockery' out of The X Factor by inviting acts to private audition days.

The Syco boss has reportedly allowed singers a chance to "bypass the huge crowds" at open auditions, a move that some have said is unfair to hopefuls at the notoriously long and strenuous try-outs.

"It makes a mockery of the ordinary people," a source said to The Sun. "It's unfair that they queue in the rain for hours and others get invited to cosy auditions. They're encouraging established acts to use the show as a marketing tool."

The publication alleges that 20 acts turned up to an invite-only audition at the offices of X Factor production company FremantleMedia on May 13. Meanwhile, the first filmed audition in front of the judges is taking place on Wednesday (May 23) in Liverpool.

A spokesperson for The X Factor responded: "To ensure we find the best talent we have been exploring all avenues. All contestants are auditioned on merit and everyone has the same number of auditions."

Fast-track auditions are speculated to have been part of past X Factor series and it previously emerged that Britain's Got Talent finalists The Loveable Rogues were asked to audition after being spotted by producers on YouTube.

A BGT representative dismissed the invite as a "normal" part of the selection process, explaining: "We let people know about auditions in lots of ways, from ads in local papers to fliers distributed at festivals."

Ratings: 'Billboard Music Awards' Drops; 'Celebrity Apprentice' Finale Up

Ratings: 'Billboard Music Awards' Drops; 'Celebrity Apprentice' Finale Up

The 2012 Billboard Music Awards slipped to tie its lowest ratings performance Sunday night but still drove ABC to a ratings win, while the season finale of "Celebrity Apprentice" grew from last week, according to preliminary numbers.

ABC took first place in ratings and second in total viewers with an average 2.4 rating/7 share in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic and 7 million total viewers. "America's Funniest Home Videos" at 7 p.m. drew a 1.5/5 in the demo and received 5.8 million total viewers. "The 2012 Billboard Music Awards" the following hour dipped 10 percent in the demo from last year's ceremony for a 2.7/7, tying 2006's low but still earning the highest performance of the night in the demo, and drew 7.4 million total viewers.

Fox came in second in ratings and fourth in total viewers with an average 1.9/6 and 4 million. Following a "Simpsons" repeat at 7, the season finale of "The Cleveland Show" at 7:30 drew even with last week for a 1.3/4 and took 3 million total viewers. "The Simpsons" season finale at 8 grew 11 percent from last week for a 2.1/7 and grabbed 4.8 million total viewers, while the "Bob's Burgers" season finale at 8:30 dipped slightly to a 1.7/5 and had 3.6 million total viewers. The "Family Guy" season finale at 9 inched up from last week for a 2.5/6 and received 5.3 million total viewers.

NBC took third place in ratings and total viewers with an average 1.6/5 and 5.5 million. Following an "America's Got Talent" repeat at 8, the season finale of "Celebrity Apprentice" grew 22 percent from last week for a 2.2/6, with 6.8 million total viewers. ("Celebrity Apprentice" was, however, down 27 percent in the demo from last year's finale.)

CBS took fourth place in ratings and first in total viewers with an average 1.3/4 in the demo and 11.3 million. "60 Minutes" at 7 grew 17 percent from last week for a 1.4/5 and received 9.6 million total viewers. A special episode of "60 Minutes" at 8 posted a 1.5/4 and drew 10.1 million total viewers. The movie "Jesse Stone: Benefit of the Doubt" at 9 dipped from last year's "Jesse Stone" movie for a 1.2/3 and 12/8 million total viewers, the night's most-watched program.

'The Voice' UK tour - full lineup officially confirmed

'The Voice' UK tour - full lineup officially confirmed

The full lineup for The Voice UK tour has been confirmed.

All eight finalists - Ruth Brown, Tyler James, Leanne Mitchell, Vince Kidd, Becky Hill, Jaz Ellington, Bo Bruce and Max Milner - will perform on the jaunt, which kicks off on September 12 at Bournemouth's International Centre.

Other cities visited on the tour are Cardiff, London, Brighton, Birmingham, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester and Sheffield.

Tickets are on sale now via Live Nation and are priced at £35.

All shows will begin at 8pm.

The full live dates were confirmed earlier this month.

"You've watched them in the blind auditions, seen them sing their hearts out in the battles, supported them, tweeted them, now it's your chance to see for yourself the singer who is eventually crowned champion of the show and the seven fellow finalists - a group of the most talented singers in the UK, live on stage," organisers said.

ITV2 keen to add comedy to US imports

ITV2 keen to add comedy to US imports

ITV has set out its intention to buy rights to a new US comedy for digital channel ITV2.

Digital channels director Angela Jain, who already has Gossip Girl and The Vampire Diaries on ITV2's slate, signalled her desire to add a sitcom to the schedules for the autumn.

She told C21 Media: "Honestly, we're looking for anything. It could be comedy, sitcom or drama. Because it's for a younger audience, it's less likely to be procedural, more likely to be a young-skewing drama and because there seems to be a lot more comedies this year, maybe we could pick one or two of those.

"We missed out last year so I feel quite keenly it would be nice to come away with something this year. It really depends on what you see. One drama would be nice, maybe one or two comedies. It really depends on the strength of what you see, but I would like to buy something.

"The comedy thing is the most interesting theme this year and one I'm quite keen to be able to follow up. Just reading the synopses, there definitely feels like there are more comedies this year and it will be interesting to see them.

"The comedy theme also chimes with broadcasters in the UK commissioning more original British comedy so it seems to be a global trend."

The US networks have unveiled a variety of comedy pilots in the upfronts, such as Bill Pullman president show 1600 Penn on NBC and ABC's How To Live With Your Parents (For The Rest Of Your Life).

Steven Moffat slams "fairly stupid" 'Doctor Who', 'Sherlock' cynics

Steven Moffat slams "fairly stupid" 'Doctor Who', 'Sherlock' cynics

Steven Moffat has blasted people who claim Doctor Who and Sherlock are "too clever".

The BAFTA-winning writer encouraged disgruntled viewers to "pay attention" and "think about" his dramas.

"There's been a weird backlash among, I presume, fairly stupid people about the fact the shows are complicated and clever, but they're both huge international hits," the 50-year-old told BAFTA Guru.

"We make no apology. Don't expect to do the ironing; sit down, pay attention and think about it. Audiences like complexity.

"They follow intricately plotted soap operas all the time. It depresses me when people say, 'It's all far too clever'."

On not having any plans to move on from the two programmes, he added: "The moment it's time to stop on a show is not an ambiguous feeling - you just suddenly think, 'I can't do it anymore; I've had enough'."

Ex-This Morning presenter Fern Britton spoke out against Doctor Who earlier this year, claiming it was "dreary".

'Lost' Star Harold Perrineau Cast as New 'Sons of Anarchy' Enemy

'Lost' Star Harold Perrineau Cast as New 'Sons of Anarchy' Enemy

"Lost" and "Oz" alum Harold Perrineau has joined the cast of FX's "Sons of Anarchy," where he'll be one of the SAMCRO gang's major enemies in season five.

Perrineau will play former drug ring leader Damon Pope, whose daughter was killed by SAMCRO member Tig (Kim Coates) in the season four finale. That leaves newly-installed SAMCRO leader Jax (Charlie Hunnam) with problems galore as the season begins.

"We have our Damon Pope," "Sons of Anarchy" creator Kurt Sutter tweeted last week, before the announcement. "That news will break soon. Couldn't be more thrilled with the choice. Top notch actor. And a very unique choice."

Sutter confirmed Perrineau as Pope with a tweet pointing to a story at TVLine.com, and added, "Initially we looking (sic) into the rap world to cast Damon Pope. Ultimately it all felt like bad stunt casting and I realized I needed an ACTOR."

Perrineau is one of at least three new cast members for the fifth season of "SOA." Real-life biker Chuck Zito and "NYPD Blue" and "Dexter" alum Jimmy Smits will also spend time in Charming, with Smits playing Latino gangster Nero Padilla, a new mentor for Jax.

Upfronts Wrap: Will Networks' Highest Hopes Fly With Advertisers?

Upfronts Wrap: Will Networks' Highest Hopes Fly With Advertisers?

ABC has high hopes for the aliens-next-door comedy "Neighbors." Fox is banking on new Tuesday night comedies and the Kevin Bacon drama "The Following." NBC is giving a big rollout to J.J. Abrams' "Revolution," and CBS looks very confident in the new sitcom "Partners," about gay and straight best friends.

The CW, after a rough season, is going a little wild. In a good way.

As they unveiled their 2012-13 schedules to advertisers at upfront presentations last week, the networks revealed what they see as their most likely hits. Nothing signals big expectations for a show like scheduling it after "The Voice," as NBC is doing with "Revolution," or after "Modern Family," as ABC is doing with "Neighbors."

Billions of dollars in ad buys are at stake. Advertisers spent $9.2 billion on primetime network ads last season and are expected to spend that much or slightly more this time around.

At the parties that follow the upfronts, where networks try to wine and dine advertisers into shifting some of that money their way, TheWrap talked with two dozen buyers, planners, and researchers out of the hundreds that attended the presentations.

We asked what shows, at this early stage, looked good or bad, and let them speak anonymously so they wouldn't have to risk offending the networks with which they do business. Their opinions, which by no means amount to a scientific survey, helped inform our impressions about the new season as we try to gauge which networks' bets will pay off.


ABC

It's unclear whether "Neighbors" deserves its prime-time real estate after "Modern Family," ABC's biggest hit and TV's most successful scripted show.

Among the advertisers we spoke to, no show received as many unfavorable comments as "Neighbors." A fourth of our small, ad hoc focus group expressed negative opinions of it, based on the short clip they were shown during ABC's presentation. One person said it seemed like a wannabe "3rd Rock From the Sun." Another said it seemed gimmicky, like ABC's disastrous "Cavemen."

ABC Entertainment President Paul Lee's sense of humor doesn't always jibe with those of critics or audiences: He proudly defended the 2011-12 season's fast-canceled cross-dressing comedy "Work It."

Upfronts veteran Brad Adgate, vice president of research for Horizon Media, cautioned against judging any show too harshly at this stage. He said network executives didn't take lightly the decision to give "Neighbors" the post-"Modern Family" time slot on Wednesdays.

"They’ve looked at the pilot, they’ve tested the show, so I think you have to say these guys know what they're doing," he said. "Otherwise, they wouldn’t be in that position."

The new Connie Britton-Hayden Panettiere drama "Nashville" will follow "Neighbors" on Wednesdays. It should get some positive media buzz from Britton's casting: "Friday Night Lights" made her a favorite of many TV critics. ABC also hopes to tap the large country music audience rarely courted by network shows.

It hopes to draw the same audience with the Friday comedy "Malibu Country," starring Reba McEntire.

ABC's new nuclear submarine drama "Last Resort" also stood out for advertisers for its ambitious concept, but ABC is putting it in a tough time slot, on Thursdays at 8 p.m., against Fox's top-rated "American Idol" and two hit CBS comedies, "Big Bang Theory" and "Two and a Half Men." Its subject matter is a little heavy for the hour – and perhaps any hour. It's about a submarine crew that goes rogue after it gets a sketchy-sounding order to attack Pakistan.


CBS

CBS's upfront presentation seems to have been the most warmly received, perhaps because it had the simplest message: We're No. 1.

The most-watched network was able to promise advertisers that every show on its schedule will be either a returning success story, or a new series in a comfortable time slot, cushioned by past hits.

CBS made a very confident move by shifting "Two and a Half Men," which anchored its Monday hit comedies this season, to Thursday, where it will be paired with the network's other top-rated sitcom, "Big Bang Theory." Together they will challenge "Idol," the top-rated non-sports series on TV.

Replacing "Men" on Mondays will be "Partners," a buddy show about homosexual and heterosexual best friends who also work together. It received a very enthusiastic reception at the upfront, and was among the most popular shows among the advertisers with whom we spoke. A quarter of them liked it.

Expectations are high for CBS shows – the network has little tolerance for underperformers. But the show from "Will & Grace" creators David Kohan and Max Mutchick looks like it will hold its own.

CBS's "Elementary," a Sherlock Holmes update with Jonny Lee Miller playing the investigator as a recovering addict and Lucy Liu as his watchful Watson, also has good early buzz. It benefits from a character everyone knows (at least from the Robert Downey, Jr. movies, if not from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's books) and something networks can't resist: a familiar concept with a modern twist.


Fox

"The Following" can't help but grab attention. It's a scary-looking serial-killer drama with Kevin Bacon in the lead. Fox entertainment president Kevin Reilly called it "the casting coup of the year," though a case could also be made for Dennis Quaid agreeing to star in CBS's "Vegas." Advertisers are intrigued by "The Following" – about a quarter of the ones we spoke to liked it – though one woman said it might be too scary.

Fox is moving its Tuesday hit "Glee" to Thursdays, leaving "The New Girl" to anchor two hours of sitcoms. One of them will be the new "Ben & Kate," which got a positive reception from several of the advertisers with whom we spoke.

The new "Mindy," starring "Office" vet Mindy Kaling, got a mixed reception. One person said its awkward heroine seemed a good match with Zooey Deschanel's Jess on "The New Girl," which looks to be Fox's thinking as well. A buyer expressed hope the show would work, but wondered if Kaling could carry a show on her own.


NBC

NBC, the fourth-place network, had the most to prove to advertisers and didn't make a lot of strong impressions. Adgate, for whom NBC is a former client, found its upfront the least impressive of those by the four biggest networks. Its presentation, including Katharine McPhee and Megan Hilty from "Smash," three of the four "Voice" judges, and a cute capuchin monkey, was as varied as CBS's was straightforward

The monkey came courtesy of the new veterinary comedy "Animal Practice."

NBC Entertainment President Jennifer Salke joked that the capuchin monkey, Crystal, was the network's highest-testing new character, narrowly beating the show's human star, Justin Kirk. That set NBC up for some easy punch lines.

Jimmy Kimmel said at the ABC upfront, referring to "Animal Practice" and the judges' rotating seats on "The Voice": "Spinning chairs and a monkey – this truly is the golden age of television."

A Washington Post columnist was also harsh, comparing NBC's upfront to Fox's with the headline: "Fox has Britney Spears, Demi Lovato; NBC has a monkey."

NBC also has "Revolution," a high-concept show that is one of the most ambitious of the fall. The network is giving it its most-desired time slot, the hour after "The Voice" on Monday nights. The show grabbed advertisers' attention with its high-concept: What if all the energy sources in the world disappeared at once? NBC was also sure to flash the name of executive producer J.J. Abrams across the screen.

But since Abrams' "Lost" became a hit for ABC nearly eight years ago, several other high-concept, sci-fi-tinged shows have come and gone, including ABC's "FlashForward" and NBC's "The Event." Advertisers are well aware of that fact.

NBC also generated some advertiser interest in "Chicago Fire," from "Law & Order" maestro Dick Wolf, because of its focus on the innate drama and emotion of firefighting, as well as its pedigree.


The CW

The CW is coming off a season of ratings slides, so it wasn't surprising that network president Mark Pedowitz said next season could be "transformative." That sounds like another way of saying next season will about rebuilding.

Which is great. TV networks can be at their best when they don't have much to lose, and the CW is going big with changes. Every night features a new show, a returning show at a new time, or both.

The network is giving its best launching pad to "Beauty and the Beast," which will air after the network's top-rated "Vampire Diaries" on Thursday nights. It got a positive reception during the upfront Thursday, though none of the people with whom we spoke specifically singled out CW shows among their best bets for 2012-13.

CW may have two aces in the hole for mid-season, however: "The Cult," about a TV show with a violent and dangerous fan base, should at least get some sampling from lovers of dark, cult shows. It's based on them, after all.

And "The Carrie Diaries," which imagines "Sex and the City" protagonist Carrie Bradshaw in her early years, seems to have several built-in audiences. It should draw curious "Sex in the City" fans, as well as anyone with '80s nostalgia. Its soundtrack is a pop-rock dream.

'Breaking Bad' Gets Season Premiere Date

'Breaking Bad' Gets Season Premiere Date

"Breaking Bad" has received a season premiere date.

AMC announced that the Bryan Cranston series will return for its fifth and final season on July 15 at 10 p.m.

The final season will consist of 16 episodes, with the second eight episodes of the season to run in summer 2013.

July 15 will also see the series premiere of the network's new reality series "Small Town Security," which will bow at 11 p.m. "Small Town Security" will focus on a small, family-owned private security company located in rural Georgia.

The network also said that its western drama "Hell on Wheels" will return for a second season on Aug. 12 at 9 p.m.