Syfy's Hit Series "Face Off" Debuts Season Three on August 21 at 9 PM ET/PT

Guest judges this season include Brian Grazer, Kevin Smith, Gale Anne Hurd, Sean Astin, Matthew Wood, Paul WS Anderson, Laila Ali and Barney Burman.

A New Group of Talented Special Effects Make-Up Artists Join Host McKenzie Westmore for an Exciting Season of Movie Make-up Magic

Returning as Judges are Ve Neill and Glenn Hetrick, Joined by New Judge Neville Page

Guest Judge Appearances Include Brian Grazer, Kevin Smith, Gale Anne Hurd, Sean Astin, Matthew Wood, Paul WS Anderson, Laila Ali and Barney Burman

NEW YORK - June 27, 2012 - A new season of infinite imagination and fantastic make-up magic ignites with the third season of Syfy's most popular unscripted series, Face Off, premiering on a new night and time, Tuesday, August 21 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The season will introduce a talented group of special effects make-up artists who will meet face to face in Los Angeles to compete in a series of elaborate challenges that will ultimately determine just who has the skillful hand to win Face Off.

Face Off is an authentic depiction of the high creative standards necessary for a special effects make-up artist to succeed in their craft. The series debuted in January 2011 as a new reality competition program to critical and ratings success. The second season finale of Face Off became the most watched unscripted telecast in Syfy's nearly 20-year history, transforming 3.58 million total viewers, based on Live +7 data. This also established a Syfy original series record - for scripted and unscripted programs - for most Adults 18-34 viewers with 1.01 million.

Returning to the lab for the new season is actress and host McKenzie Westmore, along with judges Ve Neill (The Hunger Games, Pirates of the Caribbean) and Glenn Hetrick (Mad Men, Heroes). Patrick Tatopolous will sit on the judges' panel for the premiere episode, before he starts production design on his latest project, 300: Battle of Artemisia.

Joining the series as the new judge is Neville Page, Lead Creature Designer on the highest grossing movie of all time Avatar, Character Designer on Ridley Scott's recent blockbuster Prometheus, Lead Creature and Character Designer on J.J. Abram's Star Trek, Lead Concept Designer on Tron: Legacy and Creature Designer on Super 8. Page's upcoming films include Creature Designer on The Amazing Spider-Man and his most recent work on J.J. Abram's highly anticipated next installment of the Star Trek film-franchise.

The season also boasts an array of prominent guest judge appearances including Academy-Award winning producer Brian Grazer (How The Grinch Stole Christmas, A Beautiful Mind), Kevin Smith (Red State), Gale Anne Hurd (Aliens, The Walking Dead), Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings), LucasFilm collaborator and actor Matthew Wood (Star Wars prequels), Paul WS Anderson (Alien vs. Predator, Resident Evil: Afterlife), boxer Laila Ali and Oscar-nominated makeup artist Barney Burman (Star Trek, Mission Impossible III).

The challenges featured will be some of the most difficult, creative and inventive yet: the contestants will create eye-popping new creatures inspired by the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss, an original alien character inspired by the classic cantina scene from Star Wars: A New Hope, as well as creations for a challenge inspired by the NBC series Grimm. The challenges will be set against the backdrop of Southern California, from the high seas off the coast of San Diego to the WhoVille set at the Universal Studios Hollywood backlot.

The Face Off contestants will be whittled down week by week as they compete to outshine their competition. The winning artist will receive $100,000 and will also be given the opportunity to become a guest lecturer at the MAKE UP FOR EVER Academies in New York and Paris.

To meet the cast of season three, see photo galleries and video, visit www.syfy.com/faceoff. Photography and bios are also available at www.nbcumv.com. Following are the season three Face Off contestants:

· Carpucine Childs, 30 - Marietta, GA

· Nicole Chilelli, 28 - Sacramento, CA

· Derek Garcia, 32 - Pembroke Pines, FL

· Eric Garcia, 32 - Kissimmee, FL

· Rod Maxwell, 47 - West Hollywood, CA

· Jason Milani, 25 - Hopewell Jct, NY

· Sarah Miller, 29 - Vancouver, BC

· Thomas Pietch, 27 - Columbus, OH

· Alana Schiro, 36 - Northridge, CA

· Laura Tyler, 28 - Orlando, FL

· Roy Wooley, 46 - Tucker, GA

HGTV Announces Third Quarter Programming Line-Up

HGTV's exciting summer programming continues with six all-new series and 13 specials premiering throughout July, August and September. The network has fresh offerings for every fan of the home, including those who enjoy peeking inside other people's houses, travel enthusiasts and reality competition addicts. Highly anticipated new series include Buying and Selling, hosted by the Property Brothers, Drew and Jonathan Scott, and Living Abroad, where host Chi-Lan Lieu visits Americans adapting to their new lives outside the United States. New specials include the HGTV Green Home Giveaway 2012 and HGTV Urban Oasis Tour 2012.

"The Property Brothers are big stars on HGTV so we've created an exciting second series featuring twins Drew and Jonathan. HGTV viewers passionately tune in to programs about family run real estate businesses, they love the dynamics and drama that comes with running a real family business," said Kathleen Finch, general manager, HGTV. "So we're excited to introduce Natural Born Sellers featuring Marissa and Julianna Stoap, identical twins who along with their dynamic Realtor parents, are in the top one percent of real estate agents in country."

In addition to the entertaining lineup, HGTV fans who want more information can find inspirational expert advice on HGTV.com, including the latest in designer portfolios, craft ideas, seasonal decorating tips, games, expert blogs and series information. Fans also will have even more opportunities to interact with fellow HGTV junkies and network design experts via HGTV Facebook, HGTV Twitter and HGTV's page on Pinterest.

JULY 2012

NEW SERIES

Natural Born Sellers
Premiere: Thursday, July 12, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Expert Host: Rick and Glorie Lee Beyenhof and Marissa and Julianna Stoap HGTV's Natural Born Sellers follows a successful California family of real estate agents in their quest to remain in the elite top one percent of agents in the country. Rick and Glorie Lee Beyenhof, along with their identical twin daughters, Marissa and Julianna Stoap, tackle the competitive world of realty and dedicate themselves to finding the perfect home for their clients. Their warm, quirky "all in the family" style, around the clock service to clients and fearless negotiation skills make them some of California's most sought-after and beloved agents.

HGTV Design Star All Stars Premiere: Tuesday, July 31, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Expert Host: David Bromstad In HGTV Design Star All Stars, six of the most memorable finalists from seasons' past battle it out for a second chance in the spotlight. Celebrity guest judges include Emily Procter of CSI: Miami and Mindy Cohn from the 1980s TV series The Facts of Life, along with HGTV hosts Carter Oosterhouse and Monica Pedersen. The former finalists compete in exciting challenges, including redesigning the condo of two Dancing with the Stars celebrities and a classic TV challenge that involves creating a new design for the original The Facts of Life set. The winning designer will receive an appearance on an HGTV show, $25,000 and the first All Star champion title.

NEW SPECIALS

Outrageous RVs
Premiere: Friday, July 6, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
HGTV's Outrageous RVs showcases the most impressive and unique RVs around. Opulent features include state-of-the-art audio equipment, a built-in driving range, a gourmet kitchen and even a marble bathroom. One multi-million dollar RV is designed to make the open road comfortable for the family cats. From the RVs of celebrities to RVs owned by regular Joes, this one-hour special features some of the coolest, hippest and most outrageous RVs on the planet.

Outrageous Backyards
Premiere: Friday, July 13, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
These homeowners have gone to great lengths to create their own idea of paradise right outside their back doors. From amazing pools and replica ballparks to a model of a town from the good ole days, HGTV's Outrageous Backyards is full of fantastic and creative outdoor spaces.

House Hunters World Tour: Best of Europe
Premiere: Friday, July 20, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Expert Host: Monica Pedersen House Hunters World Tour follows three couples as they search for the best homes in Europe. In Normandy, France, a family of eight combs the countryside for a house that has some historic charm and enough space for the kids. In the Netherlands, a couple has their heart set on the ultimate Amsterdam experience: living in a houseboat. And in Italy, husband and wife educators want to get out of the city and raise their young son in the more rural setting of the hills outside Bologna.

You Live In What?
Premiere: Friday, July 27, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
A missile silo. An old schoolhouse. A corset factory. With imagination, tenacity and a few bucks, people have turned the most unlikely places into personal palaces. Meet gutsy visionaries who found beauty in dilapidated commercial spaces, turning them into wonderful one-of-a-kind homes.

AUGUST 2012

NEW SERIES/RETURNING SERIES

Home By Novogratz Season
Premiere: Saturday, August 4, at 7 p.m. ET/PT
Expert Hosts: Robert and Cortney Novogratz Robert and Cortney Novogratz, the husband and wife design team who juggle seven children and dozens of clients, return for a new season of Home By Novogratz. In each episode, the couple creates wildly original spaces that showcase a funky, downtown-chic aesthetic and unpretentious design sensibility. In the premiere episode, the Novogratz visit the Oklahoma ranch home of Food Network's Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, and transform an attic storage room into a unique bedroom for her teenage daughters.

Dina's Party Season premiere: Saturday, August 4, at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT
Expert Host: Dina Manzo Dina Manzo returns in a new season of Dina's Party where she brings her lavish and sumptuous style to HGTV. During the series, Dina and the staff of her company, Designer Affair, will create magnificent events in their clients' homes, including a special military-themed 40th birthday party for a West Point graduate and a romantic and elegant wedding anniversary event.

All American Handyman Premiere: Sunday, August 19, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Expert Host: Mike Holmes, Scott McGillivray, Anitra Mecadon, All American Handyman, HGTV's competition to prove who is the best non-professional handyman or woman in the nation, returns for a third season. DIY Network's Anitra Mecadon hosts the six-episode series in which the contestants do their best to show judges Mike Holmes (HGTV's Holmes on Homes) and Scott McGillivray (HGTV's Income Property) that they have what it takes to repair and build just about anything - from odd jobs to serious construction. In the end, only one competitor will nail the title of All American Handyman, walk away with a $10,000 Sears shopping spree and win an HGTV development deal.

Donna Decorates Dallas Season premiere: Saturday, August 25, at 5:30 p.m. ET/PT
When Dallas homeowners feel the need to pimp-out their lavish houses, they count on season one HGTV Design Star finalist Donna Moss to bring the bling. With makeovers ranging from a surprise bedroom redesign to a complete kitchen overhaul, Donna and her two daughters, Tiffany and Ashley, create high design in the land of high drama.

House Hunters Renovation
Premiere: Saturday, August 25, at 8 p.m. ET/PT
In this new weekly series, HGTV's House Hunters Renovation follows potential home buyers as they tour three for-sale homes and choose the one that is the perfect fixer-upper. In a House Hunters first, HGTV cameras also capture what happens after the home is purchased and the renovation project begins. Each episode features the new homeowners as they renovate and then reveal their new space.

Buying and Selling Premiere: Saturday, August 25, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Expert Hosts: Drew and Jonathan Scott Join the Property Brothers, Drew and Jonathan Scott, as they help homeowners sell their current home and buy a new property in HGTV's new series, Buying and Selling (w.t.). Jonathan renovates the family's current home for a successful sale, while Drew checks out the best options for the family's new property. Drew then oversees the selling of the renovated home and the buying of a new house.

Property Virgins
Premiere: Tuesday, August 28, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Expert Host: Egypt Sherrod Property Virgins provides an inside look at the intense world of house hunting through the eyes of first-time buyers. In this series, hosted by real estate expert and radio personality Egypt Sherrod, new buyers struggle to see the difference between their hopes of acquiring the out-of-reach dream home and the hard reality of what it takes to find the right property.

Living Abroad
Premiere: Tuesday, August 28, at 11 p.m. ET/PT
Expert Host: Chi-Lan Lieu HGTV's Living Abroad picks up where House Hunters International leaves off, revealing how Americans adapt to life in a foreign country. Host Chi-Lan Lieu, who travels to Dubai, Amsterdam, Paris and Madrid, gets to know each family and uncovers what it takes to make the move and adjust to everyday life in a foreign land.

The White Room Challenge
Premiere: Friday, August 31, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Expert Host: David Bromstad It's everyone's favorite episode of HGTV Design Star and now The White Room Challenge is a series all its own. Hosted by HGTV Design Star champion and Color Splash star David Bromstad, the new season of The White Room Challenge features some of the country's most successful designers and artists as they design 10' by 10' white rooms using unusual elements such as items from a pet store, an Army Navy Surplus store and finds from Los Angeles' Little Tokyo district.

NEW SPECIALS

HGTV Green Home Giveaway 2012
Premiere: Friday, August 17, at 8 p.m. ET/PT
Expert Host: Monica Pedersen A beautiful, custom-built "green" home located just outside Atlanta in Serenbe, a community in Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia, is the cornerstone of the fifth annual HGTV Green Home Giveaway(R). In this half-hour special, host Monica Pedersen surprises a lucky viewer with the keys to the fully furnished 2,300-square-foot home, $100,000 and a 2012 GMC(R) Terrain(R).

Extreme Homes
Premiere: Friday, August 17, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Watch as these homeowners push the envelope as far as possible with the design of their extreme homes. From construction to completion, take an up-close look at some of the world's most spectacular houses ever built, including a home carved into a red rock canyon to one that is concrete from the floors to the furniture, a home built completely underground and a house that is suspended in mid-air.

Extreme Homes
Premiere: Friday, August 24, at 8 p.m. ET/PT
The word extreme means different things to different people, and to these homeowners it means expressing their style with a one-of-a-kind home. This one-hour special visits some of the world's most spectacular houses, such as a cliff-side home perched on top of a waterfall, a home built out of cargo containers, a residence in the middle of a Brazilian rain forest and a house that looks like a whale.

HGTV Urban Oasis Tour 2012
Premiere: Friday, August 24, at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Expert Host: John Gidding Cosmopolitan, cool and colorful, Miami is the home of the 2012 HGTV Urban Oasis. In this one-hour special, HGTV's John Gidding gives an extensive tour of this custom-designed 1,700 square-foot paradise located on the 20th floor of the Paramount Bay, the city's newest resident hot spot. The incredible ocean front condo is the centerpiece of a grand-prize package that will be awarded in fall 2012.

House Hunters World Tour: Vacation Homes
Premiere: August 2012 Expert Host: Monica Pedersen House Hunters World Tour tags along with four couples as they search for beautiful vacation homes in four countries. Chicago professionals Nicole and Matt are looking for a getaway in Roatan that features both amazing tropical views and modern amenities. In Italy, Londoners Peter and Beverly want a relaxing million-dollar retreat that's near the mountains and the beach. Meanwhile, Tony and Heather want to get away from their busy lives in Pennsylvania, so they're searching for the perfect vintage beach bungalow on the New Jersey shore.

House Hunters World Tour: Million Dollar Homes Premiere: August 2012 Expert Host: Monica Pedersen House Hunters World Tour follows three sets of potential buyers as they search for luxury homes in the million-dollar range. Former Olympic athlete Cary Mullen and wife Christina are leaving chilly Canada to start a new life with their family in sunny Puerto Escondido, Mexico. Chicago business partners Jason and Tony are looking for the ultimate high-rise property where they can entertain clients and friends. Colin and Alisabeth of Denver hope their budget of $1.6 million will afford them a spacious family home with character, stunning landscaping and top-of-the-line details and finishes.

SEPTEMBER 2012

NEW SPECIALS

House Hunters World Tour: The Caribbean Premiere: September 2012 Expert Host: Monica Pedersen House Hunters World Tour follows three potential buyers as they search for beautiful homes in the sunny Caribbean. A London couple takes a big leap of faith by moving the whole family to the natural paradise of Dominica. A couple who spends most of their time working on a cruise ship wants to find a perfect getaway in St. Maarten. In the Dominican Republic, a New Jersey pair looks at both modern condos and cute bungalows in search of a vacation home that they'll enjoy for years to come.

TV Tonight 5th of July 2012

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

    Anger Management S01E03: "Charlie Tries Sleep Deprivation"
    Art Mann Presents S08E13: "A Massive Meat Party in Memphis"
    Auction Kings S03E16: "Ms. Pac-Man Arcade Game/Military Short Sword"
    Avondetappe, De S08E06: "Season 8, Episode 6"
    Awkward S02E02: "Sex, Lies and the Sanctuary"
    Battle of the Brides S01E08: "Series 1, Episode 8"
    Behind Mansion Walls S02E05: "Hidden Desires"
    Big Brother (UK) S14E32: "BB 13, Episode 32"
    Big Brother's Bit on the Side S04E31: "Series 4, Show 31"
    Binbo-gami ga! S01E01: "Episode 1"
    Blockbusters (2012) S01E39: "Series 1, Show 39"
    Blood Relatives S01E05: "The Deep End"
    Brand X With Russell Brand S01E02: "Season 1, Episode 2"
    Breaking Pointe S01E06: "Curtain Call"
    Cajun Justice S01E08: "Poached"
    Cajun Justice S01E07: "Bone in my Swamp"
    Cherry Healey: How to Get a Life S01E03: "Can Your Looks Change Your Life?"
    Come Dine With Me S19E17: "Series 19, Episode 14"
    Coronation Street S53E128: "Thu July 5, 2012"
    Country House Rescue S05E04: "Great Fulford"
    D.U.I. S01E10: "Jason & Curtis"
    D.U.I. S01E09: "Jesse & Haley"
    Days of our Lives S47E168: "Ep. #11878"
    Dead Boss S01E05: "Episode 5"
    Deal Or No Deal (UK) S07E281: "Episode 1961"
    Dickinson's Real Deal S08E122: "Series 8, Episode 122"
    Duets S01E07: "Favorite Standards"
    Dynamo: Magician Impossible S02E01: "Series 2, Episode 1"
    EastEnders S28E105: "July 5, 2012"
    Emmerdale S41E155: "July 5, 2012 [Episode 2]"
    Emmerdale S41E154: "July 5, 2012"
    Eureka Seven: AO S01E12: "TBA"
    Figure It Out S04E19: "Featuring Daniella Monet"
    Final Offer S01E06: "Stoned"
    Four In A Bed S03E44: "Winder Hall Country House"
    General Hospital (US) S50E67: "#12595"
    Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden S22E219: "Season 22, Episode 219"
    Hamish & Andys Gap Year S02E04: "Season 2, Episode 4"
    Hollyoaks S18E134: "July 5, 2012"
    Hollywood Heights S01E14: "Chloe Finally Gets What She Wants"
    Home and Away (AU) S25E119: "Episode 5554"
    House Hunters S50E09: "Couple Wants a Backyard Big Enough for Baseball"
    House Hunters International S34E04: "From Florida to the Andes"
    Impact Wrestling S08E92: "Season 8, Episode 92"
    Jeopardy! S28E209: "Show #6414"
    Kathy S01E12: "Jimmy Kimmel, Nick Rizzo, John Oliviera"
    LA Hair S01E06: "China Wages War"
    Lab Rats (2012) S01E13: "Drone Alone"
    Live at the Electric S01E06: "Episode 6"
    Live with Kelly S29E222: "Salma Hayek, Rhys Ifans, guest co-host Carrie Ann Inaba"
    Louie S03E02: "Telling Jokes/Set Up"
    Marco Pierre White's Kitchen Wars S01E05: "Episode 5"
    Masterchef Australia S04E53: "Elimination Challenge: Double Elimination"
    Men at Work S01E08: "Wake and Bake"
    Mock The Week S11E04: "Milton Jones, Ava Vidal, Mark Watson"
    Motorcity S01E09: "Ride of the Fantasy Vans"
    Mountain Men S01E06: "Show Me the Money"
    Naruto: Shippuuden S11E27: "Taboo Word!!!"
    Neighbours S28E129: "Episode 6439"
    On the Fly S01E12: "Wake Up Dude"
    P.O.V. S25E03: "The City Dark"
    Question Time S32E38: "July 5, 2012"
    Real Rescues S08E19: "Series 8, Episode 19"
    Rock Center with Brian Williams S01E32: "Season 1, Episode 32"
    Rookie Blue S03E05: "Messy Houses"
    Saving Hope S01E05: "Out Of Sight"
    Selling New York S05E04
    Shaun the Sheep Championsheeps S01E08: "Archery"
    Shaun the Sheep Championsheeps S01E07: "Gymnastics"
    Snooki and JWoww vs. The World S01E03: "It Looks Like a Little Meatball"
    Swamp People S03E21: "Stick and Move"
    Take Me Out (US) S01E05: "Season 1, Episode 5"
    The Bold and the Beautiful S26E74: "Ep. #6358"
    The Chase (2009) S05E88: "Series 5, Episode 88"
    The Choice S01E05
    The Hotel Inspector S09E01: "The Clover"
    The Jeremy Kyle Show S07E202: "July 5, 2012"
    The Project S04E159: "Season 4, Episode 159"
    The Revolution (2012) S01E104: "Season 1, Episode 104"
    The View S15E196: "Troy Dunn"
    The Young and the Restless S40E73: "Ep. #9942"
    This Week (2003) S10E33: "July 5, 2012"
    Tipping Point S01E04: "Episode 4"
    Tonight S14E23: "Who Wants To Live Forever?"
    Traffic Cops S13E04: "Killer On The Loose"
    Tron: Uprising S01E06: "Isolated"
    Wilfred (US) S02E03: "Dignity"
    Wipeout (US) S05E10: "Wipeout Salutes the Armed Forces"

'Homeland' exec reveals Carrie, Brody season two details

Homeland's executive producer Alex Gansa has revealed the fate of Carrie and Brody at the start of season two.

During season one's climax 'Marine One', CIA analyst Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes) was given electroshock therapy in an attempt to deal with her severe bipolar disorder.

"Carrie has had, for the first time in her life, the benefit of professional help for her disease," Gansa told The Huffington Post. "She will have been in the psych ward for a while.

"She will have been in the care of a psychiatrist for six months. She will have undergone a series of these ECT therapies. [The treatment] is not just a one-off.

"So when we find her as the second season picks up, she will be in a place where she is centred and quiet and together in a way that we haven't seen her before."

Damian Lewis's character Brody, meanwhile, will be a congressman when the new season begins.

"His seat is vacated through a scandal, and he was appointed by the governor into that seat for a temporary period of time until the election," Gansa teased.

"He's not running. Well, he will be running, but he will be a sitting congressman serving in the House of Representatives when we open the season."

Revealing the on-screen time period between the seasons, Gansa added: "I can definitely tell you where the season starts - it's around half a year after the first season. We pick up the second season six months later."

Homeland returns to Showtime on September 30.

Dawn French on 'Superstar's Andrew Lloyd Webber: 'He is a tiptop gent'

Dawn French has described her Superstar colleague Andrew Lloyd Webber as a "tiptop gent".

French, Jason Donovan and Mel C have joined Webber on his search for a new theatre star to lead the cast of his Jesus Christ Superstar rock opera revival.

Commenting on what it was like to work alongside Webber, French said: "I am far too over excited about my involvement on Superstar. I am counting the days to it, like you do at Christmas when you're a child.

"I haven't worked with Andrew before, but I have actually portrayed him when we did a parody on French and Saunders.

"I have met him a few times and he is a tiptop gent and I'm looking forward to getting to know him better."

Joking about what she was looking for from contestants on the show, she said: "A splendid voice and a twenty six-pack - if indeed there is such a thing! If there was, I reckon Jesus would have it.

"I will be looking out for someone who can blow your socks off each night on stage. Plenty of people are very good on stage and very few are remarkable or beyond fantastic and I am hoping we will find someone like that."

Hosted by Amanda Holden, the auditions for Superstar launch this Saturday (July 7) at 7.25pm on ITV1.

'Only Way Is Essex's Joey Essex, Sam Faiers for 'Million Pound Drop'

Only Way Is Essex stars Joey Essex and Sam Faiers will compete on The Million Pound Drop Live.

The reality TV stars will play for charity on the Channel 4 gameshow's final edition of the current series later this month.

The star couple will join the last pairs of ordinary contestants as they aim to win big for their chosen charities.

The Million Pound Drop Live has aired for the last month on Channel 4, scoring solid ratings for the broadcaster.

Hosted by Davina McCall, it was announced last month that eight special episodes featuring famous athletes would be screened in celebration of the London 2012 Olympics.

The Million Pound Drop Live continues to air on Fridays and Saturdays on Channel 4 from 9pm.

'Falling Skies' Noah Wyle: 'Second season stronger than the first'

Noah Wyle has promised that the second season of Falling Skies will be stronger than the first.

The 41-year-old actor plays alien fighter Tom Mason on the sci-fi drama, which returned to UK screens on FX last night.

"I think, in a lot of ways, we have a much stronger season than last year," Wyle told SciFiNow. "First and foremost because we don't have to dedicate so much time to the exposition of what the world is and what's happened and who these characters are.

"We are able to start off right where we left off, and that's made it a lot more efficient storytelling - we've got into deeper character issues and more interesting conflict."

It was recently reported that TNT was close to picking up Falling Skies for a third season.

Wyle recently spoke to Digital Spy about Lost star Terry O'Quinn's upcoming role on the show.

"Terry comes in [to the show] towards the end of the season," he explained. "It comes to pass that he and Tom have quite a significant backstory together, so it's a meeting up of two old friends."

Falling Skies airs on FX in the UK and on TNT in the US.

'Smash' Katharine McPhee on season two: Karen will undergo transition

Katharine McPhee has revealed that her Smash character Karen will undergo a "transition" in the show's second season.

In an interview with Parade, the actress said that Karen will change to become a stronger person as a result of the events of season one, but promised that the Broadway star will still be the same at heart.

"There is definitely going to be a transition in Karen. I don't think it will change the essence of who she is. I was actually in bed last night thinking about who Karen is now after everything she's been through," McPhee explained.

"I think she's going to be that much smarter, that much quicker. You really saw Karen change in that last episode. She's not edgy in a bad way, but how she reacts to people is different. Even in her interaction with Ivy. She knows someone did her wrong and that changes things."

McPhee added that while she does not yet know what Smash's second season has in store, she's looking forward to finding out, adding: "I don't know where the writing is going but I'm excited to explore a little more of that."

It was recently announced that Jennifer Hudson will join the cast of the NBC show next season as a Tony winning Broadway star.

Bill Murray, Mark Malkoff Really Wants to Meet You

Attention Bill Murray: comedian Mark Malkoff would really like you to come over for dinner. And saying yes would be the best and worst thing you could do for him.

The best, because Malkoff is such a fan that he's created a new web series, "The Bill Murray Show Starring Mark Malkoff," to convince you, the star of "Moonrise Kingdom" and "Lost in Translation," to have dinner at his Queens apartment with him and his wife.

But it would be the worst, Mr. Murray, because once you say yes, well, there goes the premise for Malkoff's show. So maybe don't say yes too soon.

"The Bill Murray Show," one of more than 30 new comedy series premiering this year on MyDamnChannel, will debut next month. A new five-minute episode will air each week, featuring Malkoff performing for his one-woman studio audience -- wife Christine Peel-Malkoff -- and talking with celebrities and Bill Murray fans about, well, who else.

This is only Malkoff's latest high-concept stunt in the name of comedy. The former "Colbert Report" writer has previously visited 171 Starbucks locations in Manhattan in less than 24 hours, moved into a Paramus, N.J., IKEA for a week, and convinced New Yorkers to carry him 9.4 miles.

But seriously, reaching out to Bill Murray? Addressing him directly like you're friends or something? What is it about Bill Murray that makes us crave his recognition and approval, and try to capture his attention for a few fleeting seconds, using whatever means are available?

I mean seriously, Bill Murray, who does that?

Big Brother's Ashleigh Hughes: 'I hate Lauren Carre with a passion'

Ashleigh Hughes and Shievonne Robinson have been bitching about Lauren Carre in the Big Brother house, with Ashleigh admitting that she hates the 20-year-old Jersey girl with "a passion".

Ashleigh and Lauren have had long-standing tension in the house, with the Essex barmaid seemingly believing Lauren is a threat to her relationship in the house with Luke Scrase.

Ashleigh and Shievonne's latest rant was based around a belief that Lauren is not sharing her cigarettes.

"The selfishness is unbelievable. I just can't take no more. Double personality," said Shievonne

"She better keep my name out of her mouth."

Later, Ashleigh said: "I'm so pissed off right now that they are smoking and not giving us any... I hate [Lauren] with a passion."

Looking at Lauren and others in the garden, Shievonne said: "They are blatantly lying. They are mugging us off right now. They are actually laughing rolling!"

Lauren appeared aware of their issues, claiming that the duo were "double teaming" her and describing the pair as "pathetic".

Karl Pilkington, Warwick Davis in Bollywood film for 'Short Way Round'

Karl Pilkington and Warwick Davis have made their Bollywood debut.

The pair filmed cameo roles while visiting Mumbai for their upcoming An Idiot Abroad spinoff The Short Way Round for Sky1.

Pilkington was seen wearing a blue string vest and later a beige shirt and tie for the part, while Davis sported a colourful neon shirt.

They filmed scenes for a new movie Bhojpuri movie titled Chingari, reports The Sun.

Producer Shrey Shrivastav said of Davis's performance in the film: "He received a standing ovation from the crew."

However, the filmmaker did not mention how well Pilkington fared.

The Short Way Round will comprise two 60-minute specials, where Pilkington and Davis attempt to recreate the journey of famous explorer Marco Polo.

The mini-series will air in December on Sky1.

Richard Madeley to present ITV squatter programme

Richard Madeley has signed up to present a new ITV1 documentary show about squatters.

The former This Morning host will front a new series that will see him confront squatters and find out why they live in homes that they do not own.

He may also stay overnight in one of the squatters' dwellings for the project, reports The Sun.

A source said: "Richard is the perfect person to get involved with this show – he's not afraid of getting his hands dirty.

"He will be interviewing landlords as well as the squatters themselves.

"Richard does have pre-conceived ideas about squatters but I wouldn't be surprised if that changes.

"Some of the people he will talk to during filming have unexpected stories to tell."

The programme is scheduled to air on ITV1 in the autumn.

Steve Coogan recently said that he finds Richard Madeley "fascinating", but that he isn't the inspiration for his Alan Partridge character.

'Britain's Got Talent' Ashleigh and Pudsey make £1 million

Britain's Got Talent winners Ashleigh Butler and dog Pudsey have officially become millionaires.

The dog and trainer, who won this year's competition in May, have made more than £1 million after securing prize money and signing several lucrative deals.

In addition to the £500,000 Britain's Got Talent prize money, the animal has gone on to secure a book deal that, while originally estimated to be worth £100,000, is now reportedly estimated at £350,000.

The duo have also signed on to appear in a Christmas panto which will earn them more than £150,000, reports The Mirror.

"Ashleigh and Pudsey are now millionaires thanks to this book deal and hopefully it is just the beginning. The book will be an autobiography, or an autobidography, as it is being dubbed. It will be out in December for Christmas and will tell the story of how Pudsey became such an amazing performing dog," a source told the publication.

"The pair also have a panto deal and are heading out to America this month for chat show appearances, including a slot on the hugely popular Jay Leno show that could make them global stars."

Butler was recently rumoured to be joining the next season of Strictly Come Dancing.

Sky to air Elementary in the UK

CBS’ modern-day Sherlock series, Elementary, is coming to the UK in the autumn courtesy of Sky Living

Amongst a job-lot of US shows Sky has just announced having bought the UK rights to is CBS’ Sherlock modernisation, Elementary, starring Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu as Holmes and Watson.

Also in Sky’s shopping basket is fellow CBS series Vegas, and two new shows that piqued our attention when announced earlier in the year: Kevin Williamson-executive-produced thriller The Following, and DC Comics adaptation Arrow, the first two of which are headed to Sky Atlantic, and the third to Sky1.

New York-set Elementary, due to air on Sky Living this autumn, has gone so far as giving Watson a gender-swap to differentiate itself from the BBC’s Sherlock. Jonny Lee Miller plays Holmes as an ex-pat Brit with a history of drug abuse whose father employs Lucy Liu’s live-in assistant Dr Watson to aid his recovery. Romantic complications, we’re told, ensue.

Without appearing to be a naysayer so early on, we’re not sure the BBC Sherlock should exactly be quaking in its boots at the news.

Looking back at Mystery Science Theatre 3000

It was the series that celebrated the trashiest of B-movies, while bringing obscure genre fare to new audiences. Pete takes a look back at Mystery Science Theatre...

Here at Den of Geek, we love a good movie. From the biggest Hollywood blockbusters to the best arthouse flicks (via, of course, the Collected Works of Statham), we savour them in the same way that normal people would a succulent sirloin, or the finest bottle of red that Lidl has to offer. But what of the awful movies; the cinematic atrocities for whom the phrase ‘straight-to-video’ is a kindness at best? Is it possible to strip any enjoyment from their decaying celluloid carcasses?

In 1988, American comedian Joel Hodgson was pondering the same question. He had been asked by Jim Mallon - then production manager at independent Minneapolis TV station KTMA - to help come up with a format that could fill a two-hour slot on a Sunday evening.

Hodgson pitched to Mallon what would eventually become Mystery Science Theatre 3000, or MST3K for short; a weekly show in which a human and his two robot companions were trapped in an orbiting space station by a pair of mad scientists, who would force them to watch a different terrible film each week. The trio would try to make the movie more bearable by cracking wise over them from the bottom of the screen, where they could be seen in silhouette. Each episode would be held together by a handful of short comedy sketches featuring Joel and the ‘Bots, with skits inspired both by that week’s movie and by Hodgson’s own stand-up routines.

Fortunately for Hodgson and co, KTMA had no shortage of bad movies to choose from. When most people think of an awful film, they think of something like The Phantom Menace, or Gulliver’s Travels, starring Jack Black. However, thanks to the station’s super-low budget and the fact that neither of those films had been made yet, Joel was able to plumb lower depths, choosing such gems as The Green Slime, Star Force: Fugitive Alien 2, and a whole host of Gamera movies (Think Godzilla, but with a giant flying turtle instead of a fearsome fire-breathing lizard).

Reaction to the first episode was not overwhelmingly positive; KTMA’s switchboards lit up with people complaining about the fact that someone was talking over the movie, and that they couldn’t see part of the screen because of the silhouettes. Luckily, the station also received calls and letters from people who had actually understood the show’s premise, and loved it. The team set up a fan club address, and were surprised when fans - or ‘MSTies’ - sent in letters by the sackload.

The following year, Jim and Joel pitched MST3K to new cable network The Comedy Channel (later to become Comedy Central), where they were commissioned for a 13-episode season. The budget was raised and the riffs over the film were now scripted rather than improvised, but the show’s objective remained the same: Find the worst that cinema has to offer, and make it funny.

And the rest, as they say, is history. Six more seasons on the network followed, with head writer Michael J Nelson taking the on-screen reins five years in; three seasons on the Sci-Fi Channel followed. In 1996, Mallon and Hodgson’s production company Best Brains Inc teamed up with Gramercy to release Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie, which took on 1955’s This Island Earth and introduced Mike Nelson, the evil Doctor Forrester and the Bots to a whole new audience of film fans. From humble beginnings in Minnesota, MST3K blossomed into an 11-year national institution, with references in shows including Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, The Powerpuff Girls and Futurama.

It’s not hard to understand why MST3K struck a chord with audiences; watching an episode is much like sitting through a bad film with a group of friends, but really funny friends who have gone through the film a dozen or so times beforehand and written 600 or more jokes about it. And they rarely just go for the easy laughs; there are entire websites dedicated to explaining some of MST3K’s more obscure gags.

And yet, even with so many jokes per episode, the programme is surprisingly respectful to the films it riffs; many of the jokes slot between gaps in the dialogue, so it’s still entirely possible to enjoy the film on its own merits, should it have any. This makes it a great way to discover movies that would otherwise have languished in the bargain bin. Films such as 1966’s Manos: The Hands Of Fate and 1988’s Hobgoblins have gained whole new fanbases because of their presence on MST3K, with the latter even receiving a sequel as a direct result.

As you might expect, not everyone has been pleased with receiving the MST3K treatment; many of the IMDb’s Bottom 100 movies are only on that list because they were featured on the programme. Indeed, actor Joe Don Baker threatened the team with physical violence should he ever run into them following their lambasting of 1975’s Mitchell. Others viewed being on MST3K as a badge of honour, however; the cast and crew of 1994 sci-fi film Time Chasers, for instance, actually held a reunion party to celebrate the airing of their episode.

As fun as the film riffing was, some of the series’ enduring appeal has to go to its own cast of characters. Both Joel and Mike injected much of their own personality into the show, proving (mostly) lovable film-watching companions. Trace Beaulieu excelled as mad scientist Dr Clayton Forrester, whose delusions of grandeur and mistreatment of not only the Satellite of Love crew but also his assistant, TV’s Frank, were a joy to behold. And of course, robot puppets Tom Servo (voiced for most of the run by Kevin Murphy) and Crow T Robot (voiced first by Beaulieu, and then by Bill Corbett for the Sci-Fi era) were classic comic creations, with their gloriously silly antics meaning they often proved as much of a foil for Joel and Mike as they did the movie itself.

MST3K was put to bed in 1999, but the programme’s legacy continues with not one, but two similar projects. In 2006, Mike Nelson founded Rifftrax, a company which provided downloadable film commentary tracks, and he was soon joined in the venture by fellow riffers Murphy and Corbett. Not content with just covering celluloid turkeys such as 1977’s Planet Of The Dinosaurs or the 2003 classic The Room, Rifftrax breaks with MST3K tradition by covering both newer movies and movies which aren’t necessarily bad to begin with (As well as the Twilight saga); the results, however, are no less entertaining.

Joel Hodgson returned to the riffing world after a long absence in late 2007, with Cinematic Titanic, a collaboration with former MST3K co-stars Trace Beaulieu, Mary Jo Pehl, Frank Conniff and J Elvis Weinstein. Theirs is more traditional fare, with their silhouettes on the screen and returning very much to B-movie territory, with releases such as The Oozing Skull, The Wasp Woman and MST3K favourite Santa Claus Conquers The Martians.

MST3K has never had much exposure in the UK, barring a short run on the Sci-Fi channel and some late night airings of MST3K: The Movie on ITV, but with the movie having just been released on DVD and Blu-ray in the UK, and with a large number of classic episodes available to buy through Shout Factory in the US, there has never been a better time to turn down your lights (Where applicable) and enjoy some truly terrible movies with a comedy twist.

A starter guide to Haven

Back in 2005, Stephen King published a novel called The Colorado Kid. A few years later Syfy aired Haven, loosely based on the story.  Almost impossibly, the show managed to be even better than the book, and two seasons later, Haven has become one of the best but most underrated supernatural shows on TV.

Let me give you a little bit of background to get you started. The idyllic town of Haven is on the rocky coast of Maine because, as I said, this is based on a Stephen King story and the man loves writing about his home state more than any author since William Faulkner. The setting has the added bonus of giving the show some truly gorgeous scenery.

Haven is just like any other small town except for the fact that it's subject to the sort of creepy craziness which puts it squarely in the lead for the title of America's Next Hellmouth. This is because some of the citizens are plagued with supernatural powers passed down through family lines known by the locals as the Troubles. The Troubles are many and varied and can range from things like a useful ability to read minds to deadly poison sweat (no, seriously, his sweat kills people). In addition, we discover that the entire town has been touched by the Colorado Kid murder, an event that took place twenty-three years before the pilot with no resolution.

New to Haven is Audrey Parker, played by the gorgeous and talented Emily Rose. She's direct, strong, capable, funny, and self-sufficient (if a little isolated). First introduced as a former orphaned foster child and current FBI agent, Audrey's a true believer and soon is sucked into the town mysteries. When she finds clues to her unknown past in Haven, Audrey leaves her big city life to investigate her history. While she chases her past, she also devotes herself to helping the people of Haven, to whose Troubles she is strangely immune. Audrey does this by joining the Haven PD as a detective where she kicks butt and pulls no punches with her partner Detective Nathan Wuornos.

Nathan is played by Lucas Bryant and is the son the (deceased as of the finale of season one) police chief. We meet Nathan when he snarks at Audrey and then pulls her out of a rental car poised to go over a cliff. That pretty much sets the tone of their relationship for the rest of the show.

Nathan is tall, dark, handsome, and well liked by the community where he's lived most of his life. He has an acerbic wit and is broody but with good reason. Nathan has a Trouble of his own: a total lack of tactile sensation misdiagnosed as "idiopathic neuropathy". This sounds cool as he can't feel pain but means he can't feel anything else either – heat, cold, sharp, soft, or pleasure. To quote Nathan in one of my favorite episodes, "I can't feel my skin." This is both an asset as a cop – since he can't feel getting shot, for example – and detrimental as a human being. Since he can't feel pain he is at risk to severe injury and can't experience so many of the things we take for granted. One of the very best things about Nathan's Trouble is that the show treats it like it would any other disability. They show how he compensates with his other senses – having Audrey taste his coffee for him to check if its too hot, for example.

In addition to this, Nathan is also fiercely loyal to Audrey and trusts her implicitly. Where other shows might play up the believer/non-believer angle, Nathan and Audrey make up a solid and affectionate unit and their dynamic is the better for it. Audrey's immunity makes her touch the only thing that Nathan can feel which adds an element of intensity to their growing romantic chemistry.

Helping the pair in less than conventional ways is the morally questionable Duke Crocker played by Eric Balfour whose previous work includes the Buffy pilot and Six Feet Under. Duke is Nathan's former childhood friend and a smuggler-turned-restaurateur as of halfway through season one. As a person, Duke is sarcastic, morally ambiguous, charming, but a really good guy deep down. He also lives on a boat, knows how to network with a criminal element and can use a gun – all of which come in handy from time to time.

Along the way we meet people like Vince and Dave Teagues. The two are a pair of friendly, geriatric brothers who are the historians and secret keepers that run the Haven Herald newspaper. They sometimes call in Dwight Hendrickson who cleans up after Troubled messes. Season 2 also introduced us to Duke's estranged wife Evi Ryan, a con-woman with cloudy motives and bad luck. Spewing vicious rhetoric against anyone with the Troubles is Reverend Driscoll. He makes destroying them his person mission, setting himself squarely against Audrey and her allies. Meanwhile, other townsfolk weave their way into Audrey, Duke, and Nathan's spheres in a freak-of-the-week style. Underneath it all are the mysteries of Haven that only drag the characters deeper as time goes on.

In season 1 the background and basics of Haven were established but in season 2 the mythos kicked into high gear. From the season premiere onwards we're hit with a one-two punch with the introduction of Audrey 2, a woman with all the same memories and experiences as our Audrey. From there, even more questions are raised. Who is Audrey really? What is her past and why is she immune to the Troubles? What causes the Troubles in the first place? Can they be stopped and how?

All the relationships of all our characters grew and changed as well, driving the story even more than the plot twists. Audrey and Nathan's relationship shifted from partners to something more complicated. Nathan and Duke stumbled back into friendship. Reverend Driscoll rose as an enemy, and the Teagues' motives have become divided and cloudy. The season finale left all of our characters in a place that was far from where they started.

The effects aren’t always the best. The CGI can be kitschy because, after all, this is a Syfy production. Yet the greatest thing about Haven is that, unlike many shows, the drama doesn’t depend on its characters lying to each other – either with falsehoods or by omission. Duke, Audrey, and Nathan all talk to each other. Trust, understanding, and connection is what makes the show work. The drama comes from good writing and when the plot hits a place where any savvy viewer would raise an eyebrow, the show almost always acknowledges it. Haven is a show with a lot of heart and enough twists and turns to keep you guessing.

Christine Lahti Lands Recurring 'Hawaii Five-0' Role

Christine Lahti is saying "aloha" to CBS' "Hawaii Five-0 revamp.

"Chicago Hope" alum Lahti has booked a recurring role on the series, playing Doris McGarrett, the thought-to-be-deceased mother of Steve McGarrett.

"The mysterious character of Doris McGarrett is a pivotal one to the mythology of our show," "Hawaii Five-0" executive producer Peter Lenkov said of the casting, "and we are thrilled to have a seasoned and beloved actress such as Christine to portray her.  She's a wonderful addition to the H50 family and the fans will certainly enjoy what we have in store for her.  Let's just say that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree."

Lahti recently had a recurring role on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" as executive A.D.A. Sonya Paxton.

The third season of "Hawaii Five-0" will premiere in the fall.

Andy Griffith: He Had the Good Sense Not to Fight the Role That Defined Him for Generations

"I fit in a real peculiar slot," wrote Andy Griffith in 1959.  At the time, he might have been right: He was a North Carolina-bred actor and occasional musician and comic who'd studied to be a preacher and made his film debut in "A Face in the Crowd," a tough Elia Kazan satire about a scheming country boy who becomes a TV star.

But before long, Griffith's slot didn't seem peculiar at all. The following year, "The Andy Griffith Show" debuted on CBS, and the next eight years presented an Andy Griffith that would come to be an indelible part of the television and pop culture of the era: slow-talkin', easygoin', good-hearted, folksy Andy.

Griffith had the sense not to fight the role that defined him for generations; he occasionally ventured into darker waters in his work, but he knew that he would forever be Sheriff Andy from Mayberry.

And to all appearances he was fine with that from the time the show debuted until Griffith's death this week at the age of 86.

The accolades, for the most part, went elsewhere: Co-star Don Knotts won most of the Emmys for "The Andy Griffith Show" (the series' namesake was never even nominated), while Griffith's onscreen son Ron Howard went on to become a Hollywood heavyweight.

Griffith was likewise ignored when the legal drama "Matlock" had a long and successful run on ABC; the series only landed four Emmy nominations over nine years, none for its star.

Griffith was certainly a star – but in a way he was the ultimate example of the way television doesn't raise stars up, it makes them our friends by putting them in our homes every week. And to all appearances, he rarely fought that.

In fact, he embraced the folksiness even before he became known for it. In 1959, Griffith recorded a blues album on which he performed versions of songs like "The House of the Rising Sun" and "Midnight Special"; it was not his finest moment, but he was modest enough to give it an honest title: "Andy Griffith Shouts the Blues and Old Timey Songs."

And in the bio he provided for the disc's liner notes, he laid out his history with the same kind of aw-shucks charm he would later show on television. In a section titled "About the Artist," he grudgingly accepted the title:

"Used to be just people who could draw a picture were called artists. But now there are so many record companies, and TV shows and movies and all, that anybody who is fooling around with them and not doing any actual work is called an artist. So since they've loosened the requirements, I guess I'm one, too."

As for the bio he provided for the album, it was succinct (though the marriage he mentions ended in divorce after 23 years):

"I was born and raised in North Carolina -- graduated from college in 1949 (by mistake), taught high school for three years (the students claim that was also by mistake), got married to Barbara Bray Edwards in 1949 (I did that on purpose and she has worked out so fine I expect I'll keep her on). And as I said before, to avoid having to work to work, in 1953 we moved to New York and I went into the field of entertainment."

That field did all right by him, and he by it.