MTV to Deliver GTL-Palooza With 12-Hour 'Jersey Shore' Marathon

MTV to Deliver GTL-Palooza With 12-Hour 'Jersey Shore' Marathon

Start warming up your fists now, "Jersey Shore" fans, because they're going to be doing a lot of pumping on Thursday.

Prior to the premiere of the fifth season of its runaway well-tanned hit reality series on Jan. 5, MTV will air an all-day "Jersey Shore" marathon, starting at 9:30 a.m. Given that "Jersey Shore" doesn't make its bow until 10 p.m., that's a whole lot of GTL for viewers to immerse themselves in like so much fake-bake and hair gel.

Also read: "Jersey Shore"'s Snooki Sued for Allegedly Cheating on Her Business Partner

In addition to episodes from previous seasons, the marathon will include sneak peeks of Season Five -- which sees Snooki and the gang returning to Seaside Heights, N.J., after their diplomatic sojourn to Florence, Italy -- throughout the day. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., the "Jersey Shore" crew will host a series of "wraps," reminiscing about their favorite moments while hanging out at the Beachcomber Bar & Grill. (Fans of reality TV carnage will recall the Beachcomber as the site of Snooki's beatdown by rage-addled schoolteacher Brad Ferro.)

As for what to expect from the Season Five premiere, MTV promises (or is that threatens?), "a drama storm brews due to their unresolved issues left over from their time overseas. Mike threatens to destroy Snooki’s newly rekindled relationship with her boyfriend Jionni and the roommates worry about Vinny as he starts to withdraw."

And speaking of combative situations, at 12:05 a.m., MTV will air a sneak preview of its documentary series "Caged," which follows the knock-down drag-out lives of amateur mixed-martial arts fighters. "Caged" will premiere on Jan. 9 at 10 p.m.

Famed M*A*S*H Hot Dog Diner Sale Falls Through

Famed M*A*S*H Hot Dog Diner Sale Falls Through

Ohio's Tony Packo's diner, which was featured on multiple episodes the popular television series, was set to be sold for $5.5 million.

The sale of a iconic hot dog diner that gained worldwide notoriety after being featured multiple times on M*A*S*H was halted on its closing day because of a bank-required change.

Tony Packo's, whose original store is based in Toledo, Ohio was set to be sold for $5.5 million, but the potential buyer, restauranteur Bob Bennett backed out when the bank holding the loan to the chain of diners increased its requirements for the transaction, according to Ohio news station WNWO.

The news came as Tony Packo's Inc. executive vice president Tony Packo III and another company official pleaded not guilty to stealing from the company, reports the Associated Press.

Actor Jamie Farr, who played Corporal Max Klinger on CBS' M*A*S*H and is a Toledo native, called out the diner in a 1976 episode, saying "If you're ever in Toledo, Ohio, on the Hungarian side of town, Tony Packo's got the greatest Hungarian hot dogs."

The restaurant then became something of a staple on the show, with one episode featuring a storyline that had Packo's shipping sausage casings to the mobile hospital unit. It was also mentioned in the series finale.

TiVo Shares Soar on Legal Settlement With AT&T

TiVo Shares Soar on Legal Settlement With AT&T

News that the DVR company will collect at least $215 million from telco giant has its stock surging 18 percent in after-hours trading.

Shares of TiVo were soaring 18 percent in after-hours trading after the pioneering DVR company said it has settled a patent-infringement lawsuit with AT&T that includes a guaranteed $215 million plus a cut of monthly fees through 2018 should AT&T exceed certain subscriber levels.

The arrangement also calls for the companies to dismiss legal challenges they had filed against each other.

TiVo previously won a similar lawsuit against Dish Network and has one pending against Verizon Communications.

TiVo CEO Tom Rogers said the settlement "represents hard-earned compensation for our IP enforcement efforts."

The company's shares were off a nickel to $8.92 during the regular session Tuesday but jumped to nearly $11 after the closing bell.

Simon Cowell returning full-time to 'Britain's Got Talent'

Simon Cowell returning full-time to 'Britain's Got Talent'

British viewers will be getting a bigger dose of Simon Cowell this spring when he returns in full capacity for the sixth season of "Britain's Got Talent." The reality competition show kingpin had taken time away from season five since he was busy launching the U.S. version of "The X Factor."

"I miss Britain and I miss the British public and I miss judging them," says Cowell in a release. "I want to find the next generation of talent in 2012. Different and new acts, younger and better talent. You want someone who can be a star all over the world and by coming back in 2012, it's the year of the Olympics, it's a big year for Britain, we are going to be in the world's spotlight and I want this show to be back in the world spotlight."

In fact, reports EW, Cowell will be contributing a tidy bundly of his own cash -- about $400,000 to this year's prize.

"Even though they are both my shows, I would like to find a better winner on Britain's Got Talent than The X Factor. To me it's a challenge," he says.

"What I really, really passionately believe when I do these shows is that you have to find someone who can be known all over the world from appearing on the show. That's what happened with Paul Potts and that's what happened with Susan Boyle."

Sneak Peek of the New MTV Docu-Series "Caged"

Sneak Peek of the New MTV Docu-Series "Caged"

MTV is revisiting all of the Italian adventures of Season Four in an all-day marathon beginning on Thursday, January 5 at 9:30a.m. ET/PT, leading up to the premiere of season five at 10p.m. ET/PT. Viewers will get sneak peeks at the several scenes from Season Five throughout the marathon. Then, as part of the celebration, the full cast will be on-hand making their big return to Seaside Heights, NJ by hosting a series of wraps starting at 7:30p.m. ET/PT and continuing throughout the Season Five premiere. Throwing down in their favorite beach town, America's most recognizable housemates will spend the night at their usual boardwalk restaurant Beachcombers with their friends, families and fans to share their personal stories and preview new footage from the upcoming season.

Following the "Jersey Shore" premiere night extravaganza, at 12:05a.m. ET/PT MTV will also treat viewers to a sneak peek of the first episode of its newest documentary series "CAGED," which premieres on Monday, January 9 at 10p.m. ET/PT. The show will provide an honest look into the lives of young amateur MMA fighters, both inside and outside of the cage.

In the Season Five premiere episode, the cast says "arrivederci" to their international jaunt to Florence, Italy and "yeah, buddy" to their old stomping ground and true home of Seaside Heights. As they hit the boardwalk running to resume their "G.T.L." regimens, a drama storm brews due to their unresolved issues leftover from their time overseas. Mike threatens to destroy Snooki's newly rekindled relationship with her boyfriend Jionni and the roommates worry about Vinny as he starts to withdraw. For a sneak peek at the Season Five premiere, click here.

A true pop culture phenomenon, "Jersey Shore" is MTV's #1 series of all time. The fourth season averaged a 6.96 P12-34 rating and ranked as TV's #1 series among viewers 12-34. Including all DVR playback, the fourth season averaged an 8.75 rating and 9.3 million total viewers each week.

Die-hard viewers can catch up on the cast's European adventures by purchasing the "Jersey Shore Uncensored: Season Four" DVD in stores now. Retailing in the US for $26.99, this four-disc set has all 12 uncensored episodes and is packed with must-see bonus features that include deleted scenes, confessionals, "After Hours" specials and the "Jersey Shore Season 4 Reunion" and more! Superfans can log onto shop.mtv.com to purchase DVD's, apparel, accessories and other series related merchandise.

The Bright Side Of Work It: It Doesn't Just Offend Women -- It Offends Everyone!

The Bright Side Of Work It: It Doesn't Just Offend Women -- It Offends Everyone!

When a show is as bad as "Work It," and you truly have nothing nice to say about it, it often feels like you should just follow that old adage and not say anything at all. But that's not my job. (Sorry, Mom!)

If you somehow haven't heard about this horrific new show, the fine folks at HitFix, IGN TV, Variety, Zap2it and Entertainment Weekly, among many others, have all tried to articulate exactly how bad it is to great success; Gawker even claimed that "Work It" could be the worst television show in history.

"Work It" also won worst of the worst in our TV Preview videos last fall, and it was the only new show that we all unanimously said to skip. Like I said, it's easy to pile on when's something is this unwatchable, but no one's taken the opposite approach ... until now.

So I set out to find a positive spin on this show that's far too easy to be negative about. Though it was nearly impossible, here's my attempt at seeing the bright side of the sexist, anti-feminist, everything-bashing sitcom called "Work It" (premieres Tues., Jan. 3, 8:30 p.m. EST on ABC). Please only continue reading with your sarcasm-detecting glasses on ...

1. It Ain't No "Bosom Buddies"
If you thought those two guys from "Bosom Buddies" were just too believable as women, you're in luck -- the linebacker builds of "Work It's" Lee and Angel, Ben Koldyke and Amaury Nolasco respectively, ensure that the walk, talk and physical appearance of these career cross-dressers will never confuse you. These are men, baby! They're just dressing like women. You know, because women have it so great.

2. It Gives Hope In This Horrible Economy
Don't give up if you're out of work and can't find a job -- you'll still be able to go out drinking with your friends every night of the week to vent about all of your financial woes over some over-priced beers. And when push comes to shove, there's always a) working in the fast food industry, or b) cross-dressing. Options!

3. The Men Are Women-Bashing For A Reason
When out-of-work Lee overhears that the drug business is doing well from a female pharmaceutical rep in his doctor's office, he's intrigued. But she quickly shoots him down, saying they're just looking for "girls." Why? "We've had some guys, but the doctors seem to want to nail them less." Oh ... so girls are getting all the good jobs because they're sluts? Well, there you have it. Hate away, guys!

4. It Has Timely References
Don't listen to those who say this show is dated -- they're slipping in hilarious pop culture references all over the place. Like this gem: "Most of the girls who interview here think 'clinical trials' are the things Lindsay Lohan keeps having to go to."

5. And It's Got Current Jams
If you love the Black Eyed Peas, then you're in luck. "Work It" has a zany montage showing how Lee first gets girly, set to the oh-so-appropriate 2005 hit "My Humps." (And yes, we see Lee dealing with all his humps, God-given and otherwise.)

6. It Teaches Us A Cultural Lesson
Did you know Puerto Ricans love selling drugs and hate cross-dressers? According to "Work It," it's true! When newly-employed Lee tells his pal Angel that he's found work, Angel quickly reminds him of their pact to get each other jobs, insisting he'd be a natural selling pharmaceuticals: "I'm Puerto Rican -- I'll be great at selling drugs!" Later, when confronted with his cross-dressing friend, he dismisses the idea that he could try the same tactics with pure Puerto Rican disgust: "This ... kinda thing doesn't really fly in my culture." Machismo is alive and well.

7. It Clearly Defines The Strict Gender Divide
Just a quick recap of the pilot's deeply researched gender lessons: Women like cuddling, book clubs, giving back-handed compliments, talking about marriage, lending each other tampons and only eating a piece of lettuce or two for lunch. Men like drinking beer. Oh, and they're good with cars.

8. It Ends On A Positive Note
Dressing up in drag isn't just good for business -- at the end of the pilot, married Lee now understands that women have it rough, too! This experience might even help him with his marriage and dealing with his teenage daughter. And single guy Angel isn't all about hitting on ladies anymore -- now, he's using them for tips on getting rid of visible panty lines. Win, win!

If these reasons have inspired you to watch this show, I apologize -- that clearly wasn't my intent. But if morbid curiosity does win out, don't say we didn't warn you.

"Work It" premieres Tues., Jan. 3, 8:30 p.m. EST on ABC

ION Renews 'Flashpoint' Drama For Season 5

ION Renews 'Flashpoint' Drama For Season 5

ION Television has renewed its original police drama "Flashpoint" for a fifth season. The network is picking up 13 more episodes, set to begin filming in February 2012.

"Flashpoint" joined ION's primetime schedule in October 2011 after the network acquired all episodes from Seasons 1-3, along with all 11 original episodes in Season 4.

Since its debut on ION, the procedural drama's December 27 episode received its highest ratings ever among the network’s key demos, including the 25 to 54 (869,000), women 25 to 54 (566,000) and total viewers (2.1 million).

"We are delighted with how Flashpoint continues to resonate with fans in the U.S. and we look forward to creating another season of compelling and engaging episodes for them to enjoy," the show's executive producers Anne Marie La Traverse and Bill Mustos said in a press statement.

The drama, which follows an elite force in Toronto that deals with hostage standoffs and other crisis situations, stars Hugh Dillon, Enrico Colantoni, Amy Jo Johnson, David Paetkau, Sergio Di Zio and Clé Bennett.