Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Names for the two Hobbit films released
I am a huge fan of "The Lord of the Rings". I am a huge fan of "Lord of the Rings" to such a degree where it isn't even funny anymore. I've seen all the extended cuts, the special features, and commentaries. It's become so bad that my friends won't even play The Lord of the Rings Trivial Pursuit with me because it "isn't fun anymore". I've become that guy who owns a certain video game and kicks everyone's asses at it. I'm sorry, I just really love "The Lord of the Rings".
Despite my love for Tolkien and Jackson's amazing trilogy, I was never really a fan of Tolkien's earliest Middle-Earth release, "The Hobbit". I don't know what it is, but after ten years of Tolkein fanboy-ism, I still haven't gotten around to reading it. I have tried a couple times, or perhaps more than a couple times to read that darn book, but just can't urge myself to read any more. There's a Hobbit and a wizard and thirteen dwarves. . .and. . .whatever.
Although I don't neccesarily like "The Hobbit" book, I am very stoked for the film and am excited it is finally being produced after years of Hollywood squablings. If you don't know this already, the approximately 310 page book is getting the two-movie treatment, which is curious, considering that each LOTR book got one movie, even though they are about the same length, if not longer. The justification for this is becau$e there'$ apparently a lot more $tory in the background of the book. Just because a story has subplots, however, does not mean you should actually show them and flesh them out, but this is a discussion for another time.
The names of the two parts have been released today. The first part, which is to come out December 14, 2012, is called "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey". The second film is to be called "The Hobbit: There and Back Again." While these names are Tolkien-esque and nice, I would just prefer it if they would go by their real names: Part one could be "The Hobbit" and part two could be "The Hobbit: You're paying us another ten dollars."
All cynicism aside, I'm excited to see what Jackson does with his new Middle-Earth tales. Hopefully he doesn't pull a Lucas.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Box Office Analysis: May 26-30
The Hangover Part II breaks down like this, Thursday $31.6M, Friday $29.8M, Saturday $30M, Sunday $26M, Three-day Weekend $85M Four-day Memorial Holiday $103, Five-Day Cume $135M, International Cume $59M, Global Cume $194M. Pretty impressive eh! In fact Thursday's $31.6M beat the total opening weekend of the first one several years ago. WOW! This sequel is the biggest 3-day weekend comedy debut ever, beating The Simpsons Movie's $74M. And Hangover II shattering all R-rated comedy records. The previous largest first weekend for an R-rated comedy was Sex And The City. Internationally, Hangover 2 opened in 40 countries to the sum of a not that great $59m. The UK debuted to a massive £10.2m (US $16.4M), making this the all-time biggest opening weekend for a U.S. comedy (all ratings) and the biggest opening weekend to date in 2011 (ahead of Pirates 4). All in all expect the official Hangover III greenlight to come sooner, rather than later.
Despite facing massive competition from the rat pack, Kung Fu Panda 2 had a very solid weekend, probably as good as most industry insiders were predicting. Panda's weekend went as follows: Thursday $5.8M, Friday $13.1M, Saturday $18.6M, Sunday $16.3M, Three-Day Weekend $48M Four-Day Memorial Holiday $60M, Five-Day Cume $66M, International Cume $57M, Global Cume $123M Internationally, Kung Fu Panda 2 opened in 11 international locations this weekend to a massive $57M (only 2M lower than The Hangover's international cume, and Panda had a hell of a lot less screens). Consider this a very successful opening for the animated sequel - I am also predicting a solid second weekend.
In third place at the US domestic box office was Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. Captain Jack had a better than expected international launch last weekend but a under performing one at the US box office. This is how Pirates 4 fared this weekend: Friday $10.8M, Saturday $15.1M, Sunday $13.3M, Three-Day Weekend $40M (-45%) Four-Day Memorial Holiday $51M, Cume $164.6M, International Cume $483M, Global Cume $647M. This weekend Pirates Of The Caribbean 4 crossed the $645M global threshhold in only 12 days after releasing into 100% of its international markets, which the studio says matched the industry speed record set by Pirates Of The Caribbean 3 back in 2007. It's the #1 release of 2011 globally and now stands as the 6th biggest overseas release ever for Disney. Its international tally is now $483M and global cume $647M as of through Monday. Expect this to be the highest grossing Pirates movie to date, and similar to the Hangover, expect Pirates 5 to be greenlit sooner rather than later. And a 45% drop week to week is very respectable, given Hangover and Panda are all competing for the same audience. Pirates will take a bigger fall next weekend when X-Men: First Class is unleashed.
In fourth place domestically is the sleeper hit, Bridesmaids. Now in its third week, the female fronted comedy has saw great week to week holds and is expected to crash through the $100M barrier next weekend. Take a look at this weekends results: Friday $4.6M, Saturday $6M, Sunday $6.4M, Three-Day Weekend $17M Four-Day Memorial Holiday $21.4M, Cume $90M. Note though that Bridesmaids has yet to open in several major markets (the UK being the biggest it has yet to open in). I predict a final worldwide cume of close to $150M. Fifth place went to Thor and co. The Thunder God has proved popular with critics and audiences alike and has done solid to good business at the domestic and global box office: Friday $2.4M, Saturday $3.5M, Sunday $3.6M, Three-Day Weekend $9.5M Four-Day Memorial Holiday $12M, Cume $162.3M - add in the international cume and Thor is estimated to be close to the $480M mark. Which represents a higher gross than Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk.
The rest of the North American Box Office looks like this:
6. Fast Five, Friday $1.8M, Saturday $2.4M, Sunday $2.3M, Three-Day Weekend $6.5M Four-Day Memorial Holiday $8.2M, Cume $197.6M Overseas, Fast Five grossed an estimated $13.3M and raised its international total to $346M this weekend. Combined with the domestic estimate, the worldwide cume will reach nearly $545M on Monday - time for my second WOW!
7. Midnight In Paris, Friday $474K, Saturday $775K, Sunday $472K, Three-Day Weekend $2M Four-Day Memorial Holiday $2.6M, Cume $3.5M
8. Something Borrowed, Friday $550K, Saturday $700K, Sunday $750K, Three-Day Weekend $2M Four-Day Memorial Holiday $2.4M, Cume $35.3M
9. Jumping The Broom, Friday $475K, Saturday $800K, Sunday $680K, Three-Day Weekend $1.8M Four-Day Memorial Holiday $2.2M, Cume $35.1M
10. Rio, Friday $420K, Saturday $720K, Sunday $640K, Three-Day Weekend $1.7M Four-Day Memorial Holiday $2.2M, Cume $135.1M, International Cume $321.9M
Sunday, May 29, 2011
The Battle of Friday Night; What Will You Watch?
The way the schedule is set out, at 8pm we have Chuck, Nikita and A Gifted Man, while an hour later, Fringe, Grimm and Supernatural are being shown. There is reason to believe each show will succeed and fail in equal measure. Supernatural, which many believed would end at the conclusion of its fifth season with the exit of their show runner Eric Kripke, came back stronger than ever in their Friday slot with a new show runner in place. The sixth season held up well, making it one of the most watched shows on the CW, and proved to be a perfect partner with Smallville. With the show averaging 2.2 million viewers for its sixth season, and that was with Fringe in the same timeslot, I believe the Winchester-brothers audience will stay as solid as it has been. However, saying all that, an eighth season is very doubtful given the wishes of its primary actors to move on to bigger but not necessarily better things.
Nikita on the other hand I am not too sure about. Being shipped off to Fridays at 8 in its second year does not indicate the CW has that much confidence in the Maggie Q action series. After a positive start leading out of the Vampire Diaries on Thursdays, the show took a tumble and averaged a little under 2 million viewers for its last 8 episodes. A worrying trend indeed. And now Nikita is being asked to anchor the night for the CW on Fridays! And going against Chuck in particular, which is fighting for the same audience may prove too much for Nikita. For me the shows only chance is that people were put off the show due to its Thursday time slot which is very competitive. Having it on a quieter night might actually do some good. All in all though I predict Nikita will lose a chunk of the Smallville audience numbers for that slot and will average about 1.8 million viewers. That could still be enough for an eventual third season though, all depending on the overall health of the CW schedule next May.
Fringe, which is keeping its 9pm slot is living on borrowed time! Considering Fox canned their five bubble shows (Human Target, Lie To Me, Chicago Code, Traffic Lights, Breaking In) which were all delivering more viewers than Fringe, suggest the season 4 renewal was more of a kind gesture to the fans than a smart business decision. The one thing Fringe has going for it, is that it has gave Fox a boost in their target demographics on Fridays. That alone though will not be enough to grant it a fifth season. The show began its Friday night life earlier this year with 4.5 million viewers but quickly fell to around the 3 and a half. And given the fact Fringe is still going up against Supernatural and now Grimm in the mix, I'm predicting that the show will only do an average of 3.3 million viewers, and will conclude for good after its fourth season. Luckily for Fringe fans, the Josh Jackson led show was granted 22 episodes, which I firmly believe the network will honor. Look for Fringe to air its series finale next May. Consider Fringe lucky, I'm sure everyone remembers the way Fox canned Firefly after only 13 episodes and that was doing better than Fringe on Friday nights.
Chuck is leaving its Monday home, which it has had for the past four years, for the charming Friday night slot of 8pm. Everyone is under the impression that Chucks fifth season will be its final one. It has only been granted a 13 episode order and no one expects NBC to cave in this time to fan pressure and extend the order past 13, which it has done in previous years. For its fourth season, the Zachary Levi led spy dramedy averaged 5.3 million viewers. It has lost viewers every season the show has been on the air. Not only is Chuck expected to follow that trend again, but expect the show to lose followers due to the timeslot change. I am predicting that for Chuck's fifth and final season, an average audience of 4.5 million viewers is likely.
Following on from Chuck on the peacock network is Grimm. Straight away, one massive plus is that the fairytale drama is being executive produced by David Greenwalt, who worked on Buffy and Angel. This seems right up his street, in the realm of fantasy and the supernatural. This is going to be quite an episodic show, a detective/investigator solving crimes that involve the Grimm fairytales. Now this I am interested in. From the early trailers, its looks good, dark, gothic in tone and has a nice style to it. NBC chiefs also said at the upfronts recently that they really liked this show and hope it does well - me too. However, the Friday 9pm slot already features Fringe and Supernatural - and all three will be competing for the same audience. And leading out of Chuck, which wont exactly have a huge audience to pass on, my fear is Grimm may be an early casualty. One thing that could be in its favor though is DVR (digital video recorder) numbers. Friday night shows are among the most DVR'd and networks are looking at those figures more and more closely. If Grimm can average a solid 6 million viewers on the night and does good DVR numbers, then we could be seeing -- hopefully, alot of the Grimm fairytales brought to life for several seasons to come....... don't hold your breath though.
A Gifted Man is being broadcast by CBS, Friday at 8pm and stars Julie Benz and Patrick Wilson. The eye network has had mild success in the 8pm hour with supernatural-type shows, Ghost Whisperer and Medium being the obvious ones. And A Gifted Man seems to fit that mold too. These CBS shows normally go after an older audience than the others mentioned above, so competition for the Chuck and Nikita audience wont be that cut throat. However, seeing that CBS have cancelled 4 shows (Ghost Whisperer, Medium, Chaos and The Defenders) in this 8pm slot in less than two years, certainly puts a hell if alot of pressure on this Patrick Wilson led show. Early buzz and footage have brought positive feedback from critics and test audiences alike. CBS will be hoping for a 9 million viewer plus average. My prediction is that wont quite happen. I'm expecting the ghostly drama to bring in 8 million viewers (not including DVR numbers). All in all, Friday nights are going to get alot more attention than ever before.
There will be alot of competition for the 18-35 year old audience and DVR useage will be working overtime. I am looking forward to seeing those first night numbers in September. There will be winners and losers and no doubt not everyone will be happy. But the real question here is -- what will YOU be watching?
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Love & Other Drugs
Movie: Love & Other Drugs
Year: 2010
Director: Edward Zwick
Cast: Anne Hathaway, Jake Gyllenhaal, Oliver Platt, Hank Azaria, Judy Greer
Love, sex, drugs, and a little bit of Rock & Roll. Not a bad combination when it comes to a movie and this one has it all.
Jamie Randle (Gyllenhaal) is a self-professed slacker and true ladies man. Hailing from a family of overachievers, he’s dropped out of medical school and has bounced from job to job, until he lands a high-energy, super competitive position as a salesman with pharmaceutical giant, Pfizer. Using his witty charm, he meets Maggie Murdock (Anne Hathaway) a young artist struggling with a cruel and debilitating disease, Parkinson’s, but determined not to let it rule her world. What begins as no strings attached sex, soon blossoms into a relationship both are reluctant to start.
This movie was a pleasant surprise. I love Anne Hathaway, but this was far from her role as Mia Thermopolis in the Princess Diaries. You won’t see the good girl, refined to become a princess, but a good girl evolved into a woman who is truly aware of her sexuality. I was impressed with the movie, not because of the saucy sex scenes between Hathaway and Gyllenhaal, but because of the ability of the writers to bring awareness of a disease many still have no clue about without standing atop a soap box and being overly preachy.
Hathaway’s portrayal of Maggie, a young woman coming to grips with how her life will be and then having someone enter her world and show her there is another way to live is inspiring. You’ll see Gyllenhaal’s character, Jamie, evolve from a self-obsessed player into a one woman man with a purpose and determination to put someone else’s needs above his own. Love & Other Drugs is a love story that pushes the limits and makes you wonder just how much you would be willing to sacrifice for the person you love.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Weekend Box Office Analysis: May 20-22
Nevertheless there was still reason to celebrate for other reasons because the action pic made it up overseas where sequels still rule and 3D is still king. It finished the weekend with the #1 biggest 5-day international opening with $256.3M (beating Harry Potter 6's $236M) and the #4 biggest global opening of all time with $346.4M (behind Harry Potter 6, Spidey 3, and Pirates 3). Early reports are suggesting that 3D take-up was under expectations which gives the impression the 3D bubble is close to bursting already. And as a comparison, Pirates 3 managed $114M in 2007 for the first 3 days of the Memorial long weekend. Pirates 4 cost in the neighborhood of $250 million to make and another $170M to market worldwide. But a derivative and lackluster promotional campaign didn't help. However, CinemaScore was a B, indicating moviegoers liked the movie, but didnt love it. But with a $350M plus total already in the bag, Disney are confident that this one will overtake the total for Pirates 3. Who knows, but given the tough road ahead, my guess would be not.
In second place this weekend is week two of Universal's female-heavy comedy Bridesmaids. After a better than expected first week which really did shock the industry, would the movie simply crash and burn in week two? The answer was a resounding No! Dropping only 20%, the R rated comedy is expected to bring in $21M for the weekend and an overall total of $59.5M altogether, which is twice as much as the studio was expecting. And with many international locations still to open in, this could turn into the suprise hit of 2011, similar to the way The Hangover went a few years back.
In third place was the diposed God of Thunder, Thor. Dropping from first to third, the Marvel actioneer dropped a good 55% bringing in roughly $15.4M for the weekend, and is now just under the $150M mark domestically, but is close to the $400M mark at the worldwide box office. Questions still remain though if Thor can muscle past the $200M mark domestically. Universal's Fast Five moved down to fourth, now in its fourth week of release, the Furious sequel is expected to do $10.6M this weekend, bringing its North American box office total to $186M, on course to break down the $200M barrier and should pass the half a billion dollar mark by Monday worldwide - a huge achievement.
The rest of the top 10 look like this:
5. Rio 3D Weekend $4.6M, Cume $131.6M
6. Priest 3D Weekend $4.6M (-69%), Cume $23.7M
7. Jumping The Broom Weekend $3.7M, Cume $31.3M
8. Something Borrowed Weekend $3.4M, Cume $31.4M
9. Water For Elephants Weekend $2.1M, Cume $52.4M
10. Madea's Big Happy Family Weekend $1, Cume $51.7M.
So as a final thought. A few things to take from this: 3D does not equel massive earnings. Pirates 3 was only in 2D and that brought in about $25M more than Pirates 4. This is an issue the studios should be looking at. Also the worldwide box office is now starting to become just as important as the US domestic box office. No longer can a film be classed as a success or failure based on U.S. opening weekends alone. Pirates 4 opening higher worldwide is a prime example. Look for the international box office to feature heavily for the rest of this blockbuster season.
Music Review: So Beautiful or So What, Legend Paul Simon Dazzles Audience in Nashville Show
My journey began several hours before the concert when I left my central Indiana home and made the trip south to tourist nightmare, Nashville. I’d never been to the Ryman before, but had been told ahead of time that the acoustics were excellent, it would be one of many observations of excellence I would make through out the night. Having bought the tickets months prior; which weren’t cheep, upon entering the theater, it was clear that the early purchase and expense were necessary. The theater is small, surprisingly small. It was more like a high school auditorium, a tiny arc with a balcony, and from my seat, I could see nearly every other one in the place. It only took moments to be lead to the seats, which were so close, that had I reached to my right, I could have been leaning on the stage.
Shortly thereafter, I started scanning my ticket, wondering if there was going to be some obnoxious opening act, and how late from the start time the show would actually begin. I looked over the crowd, there were people of all ages present, from teens to senior citizens, and many of them were snacking on hotdogs and drinking out of glass beer bottles, something I can’t help but notice as odd after some of the experiences in pure chaos dubbed ‘concerts’ I’ve been to in my life.
The unusual setting took some getting used to, I was surprised to find the seating was actually pew-style benches. I’m not what you would call “a people person”, and I’m really not for having my personal space invaded, but I decided to suck-it-up, and not let anyone else distract me from the show, regardless of how close they were to my person. Which is why I should mention, I am a particularly vicious concertgoer, I don’t let anything interrupt my musical experience. I elbow, step on toes, and dance with abandonment, blocking the view of anyone behind me. Unfortunately though, there was almost no room for my regular antics. As seems to be the norm at Simon’s concerts, the crowd tends to stay seated through out the show—which is like murder to me. Luckily, I’m a professional car dancer, so I managed to polish my bench seat by bouncing around in it, and drumming along on my now bruised legs, through the majority of the show.
Just as I was getting used to the close quarters, the lights dimmed, and right on time, Paul and his band took the stage. After an enthusiastic welcome from the crowd, the show got off to a mellow, thought-provoking start, with “Crazy Love Vol II”, and “Slip Slidin’ Away”, I wondered if this was going to be the tone of the evening, a very intimate gathering, perhaps catering to an older crowd. Which, turned out to be the exact opposite of how the show proceeded. The subtle start seemed to be a clever way to test the crowd, to see if we were paying attention, before busting out the fan-favorites and hits of his illustrious career.
The energy started to build with a cover of Jimmy Cliff’s “Vietnam”, and from then on, each song was reflective of a different location, culture, or type of music, making for an around-the-world-in-80-days-in-a-matter-of-hours, event. As the excitement rose with “That Was Your Mother”, “Rewrite”, “Diamonds on The Soles of Her Shoes”, and “Gumboots”, so did the vigor of the audience. It was like the entire place had taken on a surreal, hypnotic, feeling, vibrating with the combined display of musical genius, and thrilled fans. As the show went on, it appeared that most of the fervent audience members had begun to have unique spiritual experiences, and midway through, I had my own spiritual confrontation.
Typical of Simon’s live performances, the arrangements of the songs, and lead-ins are different than what you would hear on the records, which makes for an interesting, textural live experience. After a distracting lead in, the first few notes of “The Obvious Child” kicked off, and the crowd surged with excitement, while I, stunned, didn’t even realize at first it was happening. As far as I knew, this was not a song that got much live play, and as it is my all-time, number one favorite song, it didn’t occur to me that it would actually be part of the setlist! Nevertheless, I found myself in a surreal moment of sitting stage-side, watching my favorite song be preformed by the man who created it, and drumming the best drum solo in the world on my legs as it was happening in real life.
I was still reeling for next couple of songs, but by the time “Gone At Last” came up, a lesser-known, rock-gospel piece, the entire tone shifted again, and everyone was finally on their feet, driving the devil out, and pulling the spirit in. From the subdued start to this, the first encore, the crowd had been whipped up into a frenzy, everyone in sight dancing, singing, reaching their hands up in the air, and clapping along, moved by the experience. It was something that I’ve never seen before, but hope to again.
The performance was visually impressive as well, the array of instruments both on and off stage, ranged from unique worldly pieces, to an extensive and varied collection of guitars. Band members would frequently change instruments, sometimes during a song, or even play two at once. All of this coupled with a near-constant stream of stage hands running on and off, providing the band with even more guitars, was all almost Vaudevillian, an incredible weaving of skill and craftsmanship.
After almost two and a half hours, and two encores, the evening turned sentimental, with a stirring rendition of “The Sounds of Silence”, then “Here Comes The Sun”, with Paul’s sage reminder to think of George from time to time. These were mixed with other upbeat hits like “Late in The Evening”, and a version of “Bye, Bye Love” (The Everly Brothers), which brought on a surprise accompaniment by Don Everly. Another guest, Jerry Douglas, joined Simon on stage for a moving performance of “The Boxer”, and by now, everyone seemed contented in the knowledge that they had been privy to something rare and beautiful. A permi-grin as wide as the theater seemed to stretch across everyone’s faces. A young man standing near me, around the age of 19, danced in an isle and enthusiastically sang along with all of the songs, and with the end of “The Boxer”, I saw another man wipe away a tear. I may have reacted similarly, were I not already feeling the effects of total sensory-overload.
For the third and final encore, Simon played “The Boy in The Bubble”, and until proven otherwise, I will maintain that this song was written for me. It seemed the perfect way to close, leaving on a positive, and hopeful note. Overall, the show transcended the label of concert and entered into magical experience territory, and made for a once-in-a-lifetime event. When it was finally over, and dazzled fans made their way to the exits, it was clear that everyone left that night, having got to hear their favorite song.
♥ ♥ ♥
Friday, May 20, 2011
Full TV Lineups For The 2011-12 Season
NBC FALL 2011-12 SCHEDULE
(New programs are HIGHLIGHTED; all times EST)
MONDAY
8-10 p.m. - "The Sing-Off"
10-11 p.m. - "THE PLAYBOY CLUB"
TUESDAY
8-10 p.m. - "The Biggest Loser"
10-11 p.m. - "Parenthood"
WEDNESDAY
8-8:30 p.m. - "UP ALL NIGHT"
8:30-9 p.m. - "FREE AGENTS"
9-10 p.m. -- "Harry's Law"
10-11 p.m. -- "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"
THURSDAY
8-8:30 p.m. - "Community"
8:30-9 p.m. -- "Parks and Recreation"
9-9:30 p.m. - "The Office"
9:30-10 p.m. - "WHITNEY"
10-11 p.m. - "PRIME SUSPECT"
FRIDAY
8-9 p.m. - "Chuck"
9-10 p.m. - "GRIMM"
10-11 p.m. - "Dateline NBC"
SATURDAY
Encore programming
SUNDAY
7- 8:15 p.m. -- "Football Night in America"
8:15-11:30 p.m. -- "NBC Sunday Night Football"
NBC 2012 MID-SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
(New programs are HIGHLIGHTED; all times EST)
SUNDAY
7-8 p.m. - "Dateline NBC"
8-10 p.m. - "The Celebrity Apprentice"
10-11 p.m. - "THE FIRM"
MONDAY
8-10 p.m. - "The Voice"
10-11 p.m. - "SMASH"
2011-12 NEW SERIES DESCRIPTIONS
New Dramas
'PRIME SUSPECT' -- Based on the critically acclaimed British television series of the same name, "Prime Suspect" has been redeveloped for American audiences by writer Alexandra Cunningham ("Desperate Housewives," "NYPD Blue"), director Peter Berg (NBC's "Friday Night Lights") -- and stars Maria Bello ("A History of Violence") as tough-as-nails Detective Jane Timoney. Timoney finds that being a homicide detective in New York City is tough enough and having to contend with a male-dominated police department to get respect makes it that much tougher. She's an outsider who has just transferred to a new precinct dominated by an impenetrable clique of a boys' club. Timoney has her own vices too -- with a questionable past -- and she tends to be forceful, rude and reckless. But she's also a brilliant cop who keeps her eye on one thing: the prime suspect. Also starring are Aidan Quinn ("Unknown"), Brian O'Byrne ("Flash Forward"), Tim Griffin ("Star Trek"), Kirk Acevedo ("Fringe"), Joe Nieves ("How I Met Your Mother"), Damon Gupton ("The Last Airbender") and Peter Gerety ("Blue Bloods"). "Prime Suspect" is produced by Universal Media Studios, ITV and Film 44. Cunningham is the executive producer/writer along with executive producer/director Berg and executive producers Sarah Aubrey, Julie Meldal-Johnson, Paul Buccieri and Lynda LaPlante.
'THE PLAYBOY CLUB' -- From Academy Award-winning executive producer Brian Grazer, "The Playboy Club" is a provocative new drama about a time and place that challenged the social mores, where a visionary entrepreneur created an empire and an icon changed American culture. It's the early '60s, and the legendary Playboy Club in Chicago is the door to all of your fantasies -- and the key is the most sought-after status symbol of its kind. Inside the seductive world of the bunny, the epitome of beauty and service, the clientele rubs shoulders with the decade's biggest mobsters, politicos and entertainers. Nick Dalton (Eddie Cibrian, "CSI: Miami") is one of the city's top attorneys and the ultimate playboy, rubbing elbows with everyone in the city's power structure. With mysterious ties to the mob, Nick comes to the aid of Maureen (Amber Heard, "Zombieland"), the stunning and innocent new bunny who accidentally kills the leader of the Bianchi crime family. Dating Nick is Carol-Lynne (Laura Benanti, "Take the Lead"), a bombshell and established star at the club who knows her days as a bunny are numbered and finds herself continually at odds with Billy (David Krumholtz, "Numb3rs"), the club's general manager. Adding to the charm of the Playboy club is Janie (Jenna Dewan Tatum, "American Virgin"), the carefree life of the party who is dating Max (Wes Ramsey, "CSI: Miami"), an overly protective bartender. Also starring are Naturi Naughton ("Fame") and Leah Renee ("True Confessions of a Hollywood Starlet"). In addition to Grazer ("A Beautiful Mind," "American Gangster"), the executive producers on "The Playboy Club" include Chad Hodge ("Tru Calling"), Francie Calfo ("Scoundrels"), Jason Burns ("The House Bunny") and Dick Rosenzweig ("Kendra"). Hodge also wrote the pilot, which was directed by Alan Taylor ("Mad Men," "The Sopranos"). The series is produced by 20th Century Fox Television and Imagine Television.
'SMASH' -- "Smash" is a musical drama that celebrates the beauty and heartbreak of the Broadway theater as it follows a cross-section of dreamers and schemers who all have one common desire -- to be a "Smash." The series centers on a desire to create a Broadway musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe -- written by the successful songwriting duo of Tom (Tony Award nominee Christian Borle, "Legally Blonde: The Musical") and Julia (Emmy Award winner Debra Messing, "Will & Grace"). Julia recently began the process of adopting a child with her husband of many years, but her focus is torn when she has the opportunity to write another Broadway hit. A rivalry soon forms for the lead role between a youthful, inexperienced Midwestern beauty (Katharine McPhee, "American Idol") -- who is trying to find fame in the big city against all odds -- and stage veteran (Megan Hilty, "9 to 5: The Musical"), who's determined to leave the chorus line and finally get her big break. A tenacious producer Eileen (Oscar winner, Anjelica Huston, "Prizzi's Honor") discovers the "Marilyn" project and jumps on board with a brilliant director (Jack Davenport, "Pirates of the Caribbean" films) -- whose talent is matched by his cunning and egocentric amorality. The series stemmed from an idea of executive producer and multiple Emmy and Oscar winner Steven Spielberg ("ER," "Schindler's List"). The pilot was written by acclaimed playwright/screenwriter Theresa Rebeck ("Mauritius," "NYPD Blue"). Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (Oscar-winning "Chicago," "Hairspray") and Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey ("United States of Tara," "The Borgias") will also serve as executive producers. Original songs are written by Tony and Grammy Award winners Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman ("Hairspray," "Catch Me If You Can"), who also serve as executive producers. "Smash" is a production of Universal Media Studios in association with DreamWorks. The pilot was directed by Tony Award winner Michael Mayer ("Spring Awakening," "American Idiot").
'GRIMM' -- "Grimm" is a new drama series inspired by the classic Grimm's Fairy Tales. Remember the fairy tales your parents used to tell you before bedtime? Those weren't stories -- they were warnings. Nick Burkhardt (David Guintoli "Turn The Beat Around") thought he prepared himself for the realities of working as a homicide detective until he started seeing things he couldn't quite explain. When his ailing Aunt Marie (guest star Kate Burton, "Grey's Anatomy") arrives, Nick's life turns upside down when she reveals they are descendants of an elite group of hunters, also known as "Grimms," who fight to keep the balance of humanity safe from the supernatural creatures of the world. As Nick digs deeper into her past, he realizes that he will have to shoulder the responsibility of his ancestors -- and contend with a larger-than-life mythology of the Brothers Grimm that is now all too real. Russell Hornsby ("Lincoln Heights"), Bitsie Tulloch ("Quarterlife"), Silas Weir Mitchell ("Prison Break"), Reggie Lee ("Persons Unknown") and Sasha Roiz ("Caprica") also star. "Grimm" is a production of Universal Media Studios and Hazy Mills Productions. Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner ("Hot in Cleveland") serve as executive producers, Jim Kouf ("National Treasure," "Angel") and David Greenwalt ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Angel") are the creators/executive producers and Marc Buckland ("My Name Is Earl") is the director.
'AWAKE' -- "Awake" is an intriguing drama about a detective (Jason Isaacs, "Harry Potter," "Brotherhood") who finds he is leading an arduous double life that defies reality. When Detective Michael Britten (Isaacs) regains consciousness following his family's car accident, he is told that his wife Hannah (Laura Allen, "Terriers") perished but that his teen son, Rex (Dylan Minnette, "Saving Grace"), has survived. As he tries to put the pieces of his life back together, he awakens again in a parallel reality in which his wife is very much alive -- but his son Rex died in the accident. In order to keep both of his loved ones alive at one time, he begins living two dueling realities in parallel worlds, which churns up confusion -- in one moment, Michael and his wife debate about having another child to replace their son, while in the other reality, he is attracted to his son's tennis coach, Tara (Michaela McManus, "The Vampire Diaries"), to fill the void from the loss of his wife. Trying to regain some normalcy, Michael returns to police work and solves crimes in both worlds with the help of two different partners -- Detective Isaiah "Bird" Freeman (Steve Harris, "The Practice") and Detective Efrem Vega (Wilmer Valderrama, "That '70s Show"). Also starring are Emmy Award winner Cherry Jones ("24") and BD Wong (NBC's "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit") as therapists in each respective world. The series is produced by 20th Century Fox Television. Kyle Killen ("Lone Star") and Howard Gordon ("24") are executive producers. David Slade ("Twilight: Eclipse," "30 Days of Night") also serves as executive producer and directed the pilot written by Killen.
'THE FIRM' -- Based on the blockbuster feature film and best-selling novel by world-renowned author John Grisham ("The Pelican Brief," "The Client"), "The Firm" continues the story of attorney Mitchell McDeere and his family 10 years after the events of the film and novel. As a young associate, McDeere brought down the prestigious Memphis law firm of Bendini, Lambert & Locke, which operated as a front for the Chicago mob -- and his life was never the same. After a difficult decade, which included a stay in the Federal Witness Protection program, Mitch and his family now emerge from isolation to reclaim their lives and their future -- only to find that past dangers are still lurking and new threats are everywhere. "The Firm" is produced by Entertainment One in association with Sony Pictures Television and Paramount Pictures. The executive producers are Grisham, Lukas Reiter ("Law & Order," "Boston Legal"), John Morayniss ("Haven," "Hung"), Michael Rosenberg ("Hung," "Skins") and Noreen Halpern ("Rookie Blue," "Hung").
New Comedies
'WHITNEY' -- A hilarious look at modern love, "Whitney" is a new multi-camera comedy series about Whitney (Whitney Cummings, "Chelsea Lately") and Alex (Chris D'Elia, "Glory Daze"), a happily unmarried couple. Together for five years, the duo is in no rush to get hitched. However, after attending yet another one of their friends' weddings, Whitney realizes that she and Alex are dangerously close to relationship boredom. Determined not to let that happen, Whitney consults her close circle of opinionated girlfriends -- including Lily (Zoe Lister-Jones, "The Other Guys") and Roxanne (Rhea Seehorn, "The Starter Wife") -- and then snaps into action. A few awkward sexy costumes and one botched seductive evening later, the couple ends up in the emergency room. Even so, Whitney and Alex realize that while their relationship might not be perfect on paper, they really do love each other -- and that works for them. Also starring are Maulik Pancholy (NBC's "30 Rock") as Lily's perfect boyfriend, and Dan O'Brien ("How I Met Your Mother") as an eternal bachelor. "Whitney" is produced by Universal Media Studios and Scott Stuber Productions. Stuber ("The Break Up"), Quan Phung, Betsy Thomas ("My Boys") and Barry Katz ("Last Comic Standing") are executive producers. Cummings also serves as executive producer/writer. Andy Ackerman ("Seinfeld," "The New Adventures of Old Christine") is an executive producer and directed the pilot.
'UP ALL NIGHT' -- From Emily Spivey (NBC's "Parks and Recreation," NBC's "Saturday Night Live") and legendary Emmy Award-winning producer Lorne Michaels, comes "Up All Night," a modern take on parenthood that shows the challenges of balancing a career, marriage and a new baby. Christina Applegate ("Samantha Who?") stars as Reagan, a successful public relations executive, and Will Arnett ("Arrested Development") plays Chris, Reagan's supportive, stay-at-home husband. The two have just become parents - a surprise that has set their lives on a new path as responsible adults -- for the most part. Maya Rudolph ("Saturday Night Live," "Bridesmaids") stars as Ava, Reagan's outlandish boss and best friend, whose whirlwind social escapades serve as constant reminders of Reagan's former carefree life. James Pumphrey ("High Road") portrays Brian, Reagan's socially awkward hipster assistant. "Up All Night" is a production of Universal Media Studios and Broadway Video. Spivey is the creator and serves as executive producer along with Michaels and Jon Pollack (NBC's "30 Rock").
'FREE AGENTS' - "Free Agents" is a crooked workplace/romantic new comedy from creator John Enbom ("Party Down") and Emmy Award-winning director Todd Holland ("Malcolm in the Middle") based on the cult U.K. series of the same name that explores the trials and tribulations of two public relations executives on the rebound. Alex (Hank Azaria, "The Simpsons," "Huff") is newly divorced and can barely keep himself together while his co-worker Helen (Kathryn Hahn, "Hung") thinks she has it together but is obsessed with her deceased fiancé and actually is falling apart. Then a drunken Alex and Helen end up in bed together, and in the resulting sober confusion, Helen decides that they should only be friends. Meanwhile Alex's co-workers, Dan (Mo Mandel, "Love Bites," "Modern Family") and Gregg (Al Madrigal, "Wizards of Waverly Place," "Gary, Unmarried"), and Stephen (Anthony Head, "Merlin," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer") fail in their attempts to help him get back out on the dating scene. When Alex finally agrees to a date, Helen gets a little jealous, and he gets cold feet, so they end up back where they started -- in a casual, intimate and beautifully awkward relationship. Also starring is Joe Lo Truglio ("Backwash," "Mad Love") and Natasha Leggero ("Ugly Americans," "'Til Death"). "Free Agents" is a production of Universal Media Studios in association with Dark Toy and Big Talk Productions. Enbom is executive producer/creator along with executive producer/director Holland. Karey Burke ("Miss/Guided") executive-produces, along with Big Talk Productions' Kenton Allen ("Free Agents," BBC Network) and Nira Park, as well as Chris Niel.
'ARE YOU THERE VODKA? IT'S ME, CHELSEA' -- Inspired by the best-selling book from comedienne/talk show host Chelsea Handler ("Chelsea Lately"), the new comedy "Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea," follows the exploits of twentysomething bartender Chelsea (Laura Prepon, "That '70s Show") a strong-willed force of nature who is determined to live life to the fullest and make no apologies. Her friends are along for the ride but they all know it is Chelsea's way or the highway. Mark (Jo Koy, "Chelsea Lately") is a charming bartender whose wit makes him the perfect foil for Chelsea while Shoniqua (Angel Laketa Moore, "ER") is a smart and sassy fellow waitress who looks out for Chelsea's best interests. Close friend and fellow bartender Todd (Mark Povinelli, "Water for Elephants") has a wry sense of humor that keeps her in check. Also starring are Natalie Morales (NBC's "Parks and Recreation") as Ivory, Chelsea's feisty best friend; Lauren Lapkus ("The Middle") as Dee Dee, Chelsea's sheltered, shy roommate, and Lenny Clarke ("Rescue Me") as Chelsea's dad, Melvin. Handler has a recurring role as Chelsea's sister Sloan, a happily married new mom who has little in common with her carefree sister. "Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea" is a production of Warner Bros. Television in association with Werner Entertainment and Borderline Amazing Productions. Dottie Dartland Zicklin ("Dharma & Greg") and Julie Larson ("The Drew Carey Show") are creators and executive producers. Handler serves as executive producer along with Tom Werner ("That '70s Show"), Mike Clements ("The Life & Times of Tim") and Tom Brunelle ("Chelsea Lately").
'BEST FRIENDS FOREVER' -- "Best Friends Forever" is a single-camera comedy that takes a look at what happens when best friends promise to support each other -- no matter what the cost or circumstances. When Jessica's (Jessica St. Clair, "In the Motherhood") husband files for divorce, she immediately seeks comfort and flies across the country to move back in with her best friend, Lennon (Lennon Parham, "Accidentally on Purpose"). Unfortunately, Lennon's boyfriend, Joe (Adam Pally, "Happy Endings"), has just moved into the apartment and has turned Jessica's old room into his perfect home office. As Lennon and Jessica fall into their old routines -- beloved traditions, Steel Magnolia marathons and epic girl-talk sessions -- Joe begins to feel as if he's the odd man out. While Lennon struggles to find balance between her previous life with Jessica and her new life with Joe, Jessica's reentry to single life is complicated by the unresolved feelings that an old friend, Rav (Stephen Schneider, "The Funniest Movie Ever...Just Kidding"), has for her and the fact that pleated khakis aren't the most flattering single girl look. "Best Friends Forever" is produced by Universal Media Studios and American Work. St. Clair, Parham, Scot Armstrong ("Old School," "The Hangover Part II") and Ravi Nandan ("Off Duty") are the executive producers. Fred Savage ("Party Down") directed the pilot.
'BENT' -- "Bent" is a new romantic comedy about two people who suddenly find themselves attracted to the qualities that typically repel them. On the surface, Alex (Amanda Peet, "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip") and Pete (David Walton, "Perfect Couples") could not be more different. The recently divorced Alex is a resilient and tough lawyer who now is raising her eight-year-old daughter, Charlie (Joey King, "Ramona and Beezus"), as a single mom. Unwilling to let anything get in her way, she downsizes into a smaller house, and she hires Pete, a recovering gambling addict and unapologetic womanizer, as the contractor to re-do her kitchen. The remodeling job is Pete's last chance to prove that he is no longer a screw-up -- but he doesn't know what's about to hit him when he encounters the force of nature that is Alex -- nor does she realize that she's met her match in Pete, a man unafraid to call out her flaws. Jeffrey Tambor ("Arrested Development") also stars as Pete's father, Walt, an out-of-work actor, while Margo Harshman ("Sorority Row") stars as Alex's wild younger sister Screwsie. This romantic comedy from writer and executive producer Tad Quill ("Scrubs," "Spin City") and director Craig Zisk ("Nurse Jackie," "Weeds") will prove that these resilient characters are "bent, not broken." The series is produced by Universal.
'BETTY WHITE'S OFF THEIR ROCKERS' -- Ahhh senior citizens: blue-haired, discount card-holding pensioners slowly winding down through their golden years. So sweet, so kind, so... out of control and outrageous?! In the vein of Jackass and Punk'd, comedic sensation Betty White orchestrates a band of fearless senior citizens as they roam the streets pulling shockingly hilarious pranks on the naive younger generation. Delivering comedy in carefully crafted stunts, the results are jaw-droppingly funny candid moments and priceless reactions captured by cameras hidden in strategic locations. And with a fresh and edgy look, there's nothing old-fashioned about this series. The original Belgium version is the winner of the International Rose d'Or Best Program Award. Taking the world by storm, this ratings sensation finally arrives in America and proves that no matter how old you are, you should never act your age. Cast - Betty White: Host; Credits - Executive Producers: Betty White, Chris Coelen (Secret Millionaire, Don't Forget the Lyrics), Matilda Zoltowski (Dancing with the Stars), Tim van Aelst (Benidorm Bastards); Production Company: Kinetic Content
'BRIAN WILLIAMS NEWSMAGAZINE' -- Starting this fall Brian Williams, anchor and managing editor of America's leading evening newscast NBC Nightly News, whose outstanding journalism has earned the program the highly esteemed Peabody Award and who was named one of Time Magazine's "100 Most Influential People in The World", will spearhead an eye-opening new primetime newsmagazine. Drawing on the unparalleled strength of America's premier news organization, the program will be an exciting showcase for journalistic excellence. Top correspondents and trusted anchors from NBC News, MSNBC and CNBC will all be tapped to contribute their formidable talents. The live broadcast will be built around the day's biggest and most interesting events, meaningful and in-depth stories, and timely newsmaker interviews. In addition to the innovative primetime television program, there will be a groundbreaking, constantly evolving on-line edition of the magazine. Provocative, illuminating and agenda-setting - the hour will not only focus on who and what America is talking about, but will also introduce them to the people and the topics that they will be talking about. Cast - Brian Williams: Host
'FASHION STAR' -- Elle Macpherson is bringing the glitz and glam of fashion to primetime television. All across America, students, soccer moms, accountants, and people from all walks of life are sewing in their basements, selling jewelry at small town conventions and creating incredible works of fashion. And even though they all may come from different walks of life, they all share the same burning desire... to be discovered and expose their designs and creations on a national level, and most importantly, to see their dreams become a reality. This show will inspire them to do just that. In this serialized competition, Elle Macpherson - model, successful businesswoman, and an icon in the fashion world - is searching for the next big fashion star. In every episode, designers will be faced with challenges specifically crafted to further develop their fashion lines. With the help and guidance of Elle, they will present their new creations to a team of buyers and expert designers who will ultimately decide who stays and who goes each week. In the final episode, only one designer will be crowned the winner and their collection will be showcased in several major department stores across the nation for all of America to buy. Cast - Elle Macpherson: Host; Credits - Executive Producers: Ben Silverman (The Biggest Loser, The Office), Dan Cutforth & Jane Lipsitz (Top Chef, America's Next Great Restaurant), Rick Ringback (Treasure Hunters); Studio: Realand Productions/Electus/The Magical Elves.
FOX FALL 2011 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE
(New shows are HIGHLIGHTED; All Times EST)
MONDAY
8:00-9:00 PM TERRA NOVA
9:00-10:00 PM HOUSE
TUESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM GLEE
9:00-9:30 PM NEW GIRL
9:30-10:00 PM RAISING HOPE
WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:30 PM THE X FACTOR Performance Show
9:30-10:00 PM I HATE MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER
THURSDAY
8:00-9:00 PM THE X FACTOR Results Show
9:00-10:00 PM BONES
FRIDAY
8:00-9:00 PM KITCHEN NIGHTMARES
9:00-10:00 PM FRINGE
SATURDAY
8:00-8:30 PM COPS
8:30-9:00 PM COPS
9:00-10:00 PM ENCORES / AMERICA’S MOST WANTED (specials)
SUNDAY
7:00-7:30 PM THE OT (NFL post-game)
7:30-8:00 PM THE CLEVELAND SHOW
8:00-8:30 PM THE SIMPSONS
8:30-9:00 PM ALLEN GREGORY
9:00-9:30 PM FAMILY GUY
9:30-10:00 PM AMERICAN DAD
FOX MIDSEASON 2012 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE
(New shows are HIGHLIGHTED; All Times ET/PT)
MONDAY
8:00-9:00 PM HOUSE
9:00-10:00 PM ALCATRAZ
TUESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM GLEE
9:00-9:30 PM NEW GIRL
9:30-10:00 PM RAISING HOPE
WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:30 PM AMERICAN IDOL Performance Show
9:30-10:00 PM I HATE MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER
THURSDAY
8:00-9:00 PM AMERICAN IDOL Results Show
9:00-10:00 PM THE FINDER / BONES (spring)
FRIDAY
8:00-9:00 PM KITCHEN NIGHTMARES
9:00-10:00 PM FRINGE
SATURDAY
8:00-8:30 PM COPS
8:30-9:00 PM COPS
9:00-10:00 PM ENCORES / AMERICA’S MOST WANTED (specials)
SUNDAY
7:00-7:30 PM ANIMATION DOMINATION (encores)
7:30-8:00 PM THE CLEVELAND SHOW
8:00-8:30 PM THE SIMPSONS
8:30-9:00 PM NAPOLEON DYNAMITE
9:00-9:30 PM FAMILY GUY
9:30-10:00 PM BOB’S BURGERS
NEW SERIES SYNOPSES
THE X FACTOR: Simon Cowell returns to FOX in the award-winning international phenomenon THE X FACTOR. This new competition series, hosted by Nicole Scherzinger and Steve Jones, gives viewers the opportunity to help choose the next global superstar or breakout music group. THE X FACTOR judges will travel the nation searching for undiscovered talent 12 years old or over – both solo artists and vocal groups – who are willing to brave the panel for a chance to make their dreams come true. Auditions for THE X FACTOR were held this spring in Los Angeles, CA; Miami, FL; Newark, NJ; Seattle, WA; Chicago, IL; and Dallas, TX. In a departure from other singing competition series, the first time a contestant auditions for judges Simon Cowell, Antonio “L.A.” Reid, Cheryl Cole and Paula Abdul, he/she will do so in front of an audience of thousands – raising the stakes and increasing the pressure to impress not only the judges, but also a potential legion of fans. This will be the ultimate test to prove they have the vocal ability, charisma and stage presence it takes to become a global superstar or breakout music act and win a $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music. Those contestants who survive the first auditions graduate to “boot camp” and will be divided into four categories. Each category will be mentored by one of the show’s judges. Not only is it a competition between the hopefuls to stake their claim for the coveted win, but it’s also a showdown among the judges as to whose acts will dominate the competition and make it to the finals. The judges may have their say in how the competition progresses, but it will be up to America to decide who ultimately has THE X FACTOR.
PRODUCTION COMPANIES: Syco Television, FremantleMedia North America
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Simon Cowell, Rob Wade, Siobhan Greene, Cecile Frot-Coutaz, Richard Holloway, Andrew Llinares
JUDGES: Simon Cowell, Antonio “L.A.” Reid, Cheryl Cole, Paula Abdul
HOSTS: Nicole Scherzinger, Steve Jones
I HATE MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER (working title) is a new multi-camera comedy about two best friends who are single moms struggling to raise their difficult and over-privileged teenage daughters. ANNIE (Emmy Award winner Jaime Pressly, “My Name Is Earl”) and NIKKI (Tony Award winner Katie Finneran, “Wonderfalls”) are former high school outcasts whose pasts inform their current parenting styles. Annie, who was raised in an ultra-strict, über-religious household where she had little-to-no freedom, pretty much allows her daughter, SOPHIE (Kristi Lauren, “You”), to do whatever she wants. Nikki, once an unpopular, overweight social pariah, has reinvented herself as a pretty Southern belle whose top priority is providing her daughter, MACKENZIE (Aisha Dee, “Dead Gorgeous”), with the childhood she never had. Sophie and Mackenzie are also best friends, which leads to a lot of co-parenting for Annie and Nikki. They have given the girls everything they asked for and everything they never had: clothes, money and self-esteem. The unintended consequence is they have created two mean girls just like the ones who tortured them years ago. Sophie finds her mother embarrassing and mocks her at every opportunity, but she secretly needs her mom and knows that her behavior is not always appropriate. Mackenzie, on the other hand, is the more manipulative of the daughters – she knows how to work her mother’s insecurities to her benefit. Annie’s ex-husband, MATT (Eric Sheffer Stevens, “As The World Turns”), wants to be a good parent, but is too clueless to know what that even means. That leaves his brother, JACK (Kevin Rahm, “Desperate Housewives,” “Judging Amy”), an attractive, high-powered attorney, to serve as more of a father figure for Sophie. Jack’s meddling would annoy Annie more if she didn’t have such a crush on him. GARY (Chad Coleman, “The Wire”), Nikki’s ex, also tries to help raise his challenging daughter, but the couple’s complicated relationship often makes his involvement more difficult. As their daughters begin to experience their first high school dances and other life-changing teen events, Annie and Nikki are often reminded of their own tortured adolescent years. But when Sophie and Mackenzie’s mean-girl antics cross the line, the moms quickly realize that they must, for the first time, dole out some real punishment and fix what is broken. They have no idea how to do that, but they do know one thing: They can’t do it without each other.
PRODUCTION COMPANIES: Warner Bros. Television, Bonanza Productions Inc.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Sherry Bilsing-Graham, Ellen Kreamer, Andy Ackerman
WRITERS: Sherry Bilsing-Graham, Ellen Kreamer
DIRECTOR: Andy Ackerman
CAST: Jaime Pressly as Annie Watson, Katie Finneran as Nikki Miller, Kristi Lauren as Sophie, Aisha Dee as Mackenzie, Eric Sheffer Stevens as Matt, Kevin Rahm as Jack, Chad Coleman as Gary
NEW GIRL (working title) is a new single-camera comedy from Liz Meriwether (“No Strings Attached”) that features a young ensemble cast and takes a fresh and outrageous look at modern male/female relationships. JESS DAY (Zooey Deschanel, “(500) Days of Summer”) is an offbeat and adorable girl in her late 20s who, after a bad breakup, moves in with three single guys. Goofy, positive, vulnerable and honest to a fault, Jess has faith in people, even when she shouldn’t. Although she’s dorky and awkward, she’s comfortable in her own skin. More prone to friendships with women, she’s not used to hanging with the boys – especially at home. Of the three male roommates, NICK (Jake Johnson, “No Strings Attached”) is the most grounded. He had big plans for life, but somewhere along the way, he stopped caring and became a bartender. Usually the smartest guy in the room, he has an uncanny knack for reading people and uses humor to deflect everyone and everything. SCHMIDT (Max Greenfield, “Ugly Betty”) is a hustling young professional who fancies himself a modern-day Casanova. Though his heart is usually in the right place, he’s always scheming ways to climb the social ladder and is driven by an immature and almost obsessive urge to be on “the scene.” Viewing Jess as a gateway into the elusive female mind, as well as a personal project, Schmidt encourages the guys to bring Jess into the apartment. The third roommate, COACH (Damon Wayans Jr., “The Underground”), is a former high school athlete who currently makes his living as a personal trainer. Set in his ways and with a take-it-or-leave-it attitude to dating, Coach is most comfortable when he’s in the gym. Though he’ll never admit it, Coach’s macho athletic exterior is actually a cover for his shyness around women, and he struggles to translate his personal confidence into conversation, preferring to speak in sports metaphors – or not at all. Rounding out this group is Jess’ childhood best friend, CECE (Hannah Simone, “Beautiful People”), a deadpan, somewhat cynical model who blossomed after outgrowing her promiscuous adolescent years. She has the street smarts Jess lacks and spends a lot of time doling out no-nonsense relationship advice that only a professional model could give. She and Jess balance each other well and accept each other despite their faults, making Cece the perfect complement to Jess. As their relationships progress, the five friends come to realize they need each other more than they ever thought they would and end up forming a charmingly dysfunctional family.
PRODUCTION COMPANIES: 20th Century Fox Television, Chernin Entertainment
CREATOR/WRITER: Liz Meriwether
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Liz Meriwether, Jake Kasdan, Peter Chernin, Katherine Pope, Dave Finkel, Brett Baer
DIRECTOR: Jake Kasdan
CAST: Zooey Deschanel as Jess, Max Greenfield as Schmidt, Jake Johnson as Nick, Hannah Simone as Cece, Damon Wayans Jr. as Coach
The new animated comedy joining the FOX schedule this fall is:
ALLEN GREGORY is a new animated comedy series that tells the story of one of the most pretentious 7-year-olds of our time. When he looks in the mirror, ALLEN GREGORY DE LONGPRE (Jonah Hill, “Superbad,” “Get Him to the Greek”) doesn’t see a child. He sees a young man who is intelligent, sophisticated, worldly, artistic and romantic – characteristics he inherited from his doting father, RICHARD (French Stewart, “Private Practice,” “3rd Rock from the Sun”). The pair share an extraordinary father-son bond – a bond that is sometimes annoyingly interrupted by Richard’s life partner, JEREMY (Nat Faxon, THE CLEVELAND SHOW, “Reno 911!”), for whom Allen Gregory has minimal respect, if any at all. They live together in a stunning architectural loft, along with JULIE (Joy Osmanski, “Grey’s Anatomy”), Allen Gregory’s adopted Cambodian sister. Although Allen Gregory has allegedly composed operas, written novels and dated Chloë Sevigny, he’s about to embark on his greatest challenge yet: leaving the safety of his father’s homeschooling and attending elementary school with children his own age. His journey will be a struggle, not only with the other kids at school, but with the faculty as well. Whether it’s the all-out rivalry with GINA WINTHROP (guest voice Leslie Mann, “Funny People”), his by-the-book second grade teacher; his unique relationship with JUDITH GOTTLIEB (guest voice Renée Taylor, “How I Met Your Mother”), his 68-year-old principal; or his desperate desire to be best friends with JOEL ZADAK (guest voice Jake Johnson, “Get Him to the Greek”), the school’s popular stud, Allen Gregory has his work cut out for him. With the help of his trusty friend and assistant, PATRICK VANDERWEEL (Cristina Pucelli, “Finley the Fire Engine”); and the support of SUPERINTENDENT STEWART ROSSMYRE (Will Forte, “Saturday Night Live”), who believes the De Longpres are a tremendous asset to the school, Allen Gregory won’t have to get his hands too dirty. ALLEN GREGORY is about an outsider. And while he may put on a tough exterior, deep down, all Allen Gregory wants is to fit in. Well, that, and for Julie to run away and never be seen or heard from again. And Jeremy too.
PRODUCTION COMPANIES: 20th Century Fox Television, Chernin Entertainment
CREATORS: Jonah Hill, Andrew Mogel, Jarrad Paul
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Jonah Hill, Andrew Mogel, Jarrad Paul, Peter Chernin, Katherine Pope, David A. Goodman
VOICE CAST: Jonah Hill as Allen Gregory De Longpre, Nat Faxon as Jeremy, French Stewart as Richard, Joy Osmanski as Julie, Cristina Pucelli as Patrick, Will Forte as Superintendent Rossmyre
GUEST VOICE CAST: Leslie Mann as Ms. Winthrop, Jake Johnson as Joel, Renée Taylor as Principal Gottlieb
The following new drama will debut this fall on FOX:
TERRA NOVA: From executive producers Steven Spielberg (“Saving Private Ryan,” “Jurassic Park”), Peter Chernin, René Echevarria (“Castle,” “The 4400”) and Brannon Braga (“24”) comes an epic family adventure 85 million years in the making. TERRA NOVA follows an ordinary family on an incredible journey back in time to prehistoric Earth as a small part of a daring experiment to save the human race. In the year 2149, the world is dying. The planet is overdeveloped and overcrowded, with the majority of plant and animal life extinct. The future of mankind is in jeopardy, and its only hope for survival is in the distant past. When scientists at the FERMI Particle Accelerator unexpectedly discovered a fracture in time that made it possible to construct a portal into primeval history, the bold notion was born to resettle humanity in the past – a second chance to rebuild civilization and get it right this time. The series centers on the Shannon family as they join the Tenth Pilgrimage of settlers to Terra Nova, the first colony established in this beautiful yet foreboding land. JIM SHANNON (Jason O’Mara, “Life on Mars”), a devoted father with a checkered past, guides his family through this new world of limitless beauty, mystery and terror. Jim’s wife, ELISABETH (Shelley Conn, “Mistresses”), is a trauma surgeon and the newest addition to Terra Nova’s medical team. JOSH (Landon Liboiron, “Degrassi: The Next Generation”) is their 17-year-old son who is angry to leave life as he knows it behind; upon arriving at the settlement, he finds himself instantly drawn to the beautiful and rule-breaking SKYE (Allison Miller, “Kings”). MADDY (Naomi Scott, “Life Bites”), Josh’s endearingly awkward 15-year-old sister, hopes Terra Nova will give her a chance to reinvent herself. Although Elisabeth’s medical training secured the family a spot on the pilgrimage, a secret involving their five-year-old daughter, ZOE (newcomer Alana Mansour), soon endangers their place in this utopia. Upon the Shannons’ arrival, they are introduced to COMMANDER NATHANIEL TAYLOR (Stephen Lang, “Avatar”), the charismatic and heroic first pioneer and leader of the settlement. Taylor warns the travelers that while Terra Nova is a place of new opportunities and fresh beginnings, all is not as idyllic as it initially appears. Along with blue skies, towering waterfalls and lush vegetation, the surrounding terrain is teeming with danger – and not just of the man-eating dinosaur variety. There is also a splinter colony of renegades led by the battle-hardened MIRA (Christine Adams, “TRON: Legacy”), who is vehemently opposed to Taylor and his leadership. Even more threatening than what lies outside the protective walls of the colony is the chilling possibility that something sinister is happening inside Terra Nova. The Shannons will come to suspect that not everyone on this mission has the same idea of how to best save mankind; in fact, there may be forces intent on destroying this new world before it even begins.
PRODUCTION COMPANIES: 20th Century Fox Television, Chernin Entertainment, DreamWorks Television, Kapital Entertainment
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Steven Spielberg, Peter Chernin, René Echevarria, Brannon Braga, Alex Graves (pilot), Jon Cassar, Aaron Kaplan, Katherine Pope, Justin Falvey, Darryl Frank, Craig Silverstein, Kelly Marcel
DIRECTOR: Alex Graves
CAST: Jason O’Mara as Jim Shannon, Stephen Lang as Nathaniel Taylor, Shelley Conn as Elisabeth Shannon, Landon Liboiron as Josh Shannon, Naomi Scott as Maddy Shannon, Alana Mansour as Zoe Shannon, Christine Adams as Mira, Allison Miller as Skye
THE FINDER: Iraq war veteran WALTER SHERMAN (Geoff Stults, “She’s Out of My League”) gained a reputation while serving in the Army Military Police as someone who was very good at tracking down insurgents, deserters and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Unfortunately, Walter found one IED just moments before it found him. Two months later, when Walter woke from his coma, he earned an honorable discharge and returned home. His resulting brain damage from the explosion transformed him from someone skilled at recovering people and things into something much more extraordinary: a Finder. From the creator of the hit series BONES comes THE FINDER, the new one-hour procedural centering on a remarkable man who uses his unique gift to help others recover what they’ve lost. Walter may have left the military, but his reputation as a discreet professional who can unearth anything and anyone has been passed on to generals, politicians and other powerful figures. His first post-military assignment was to find the CIA head honcho’s missing daughter and bring her home. Walter did both, and since then has never been without an assignment. After settling in Key West, Walter met the beautiful and worldly IKE LATULIPPE (Saffron Burrows, “Law & Order: Criminal Intent”), a woman with a mysterious past and many hidden skills. She tends bar at The Ends of the Earth, which also serves as a makeshift office and home base for Walter. Walter helped Ike escape a dangerous life, and for that, she is eternally grateful. Another island denizen dedicated to Walter is LEO KNOX (Michael Clarke Duncan, “The Green Mile”), once an obese lawyer who, after the deaths of his wife and children, completely reinvented himself into a gentle giant, philosopher and Walter’s legal advisor. Because of his skills, Walter is often asked to find a person or a thing that law enforcement either will not or cannot find. With the help of Ike and Leo, as well as a patchwork of indebted connections, he and his team ultimately find meaning in their own lives by finding something or someone other people have lost.
PRODUCTION COMPANY: 20th Century Fox Television
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Hart Hanson, Dan Sackheim, Barry Josephson
WRITER: Hart Hanson
DIRECTOR: Dan Sackheim
CAST: Geoff Stults as Walter Sherman, Michael Clarke Duncan as Leo Knox, Saffron Burrows as Ike Latulippe
ALCATRAZ: From executive producer J.J. Abrams (FRINGE, “Lost,” “Star Trek” and the upcoming “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” and “Super 8”) and writer and executive producer Elizabeth Sarnoff (“Lost,” “Deadwood”) comes ALCATRAZ, the chilling new thriller centered on America’s most infamous prison and one-time home to the nation’s most notorious murderers, rapists, kidnappers, thieves and arsonists. When San Francisco Police Department DET. REBECCA MADSEN (Sarah Jones, “Sons of Anarchy”) is assigned to a grisly homicide case, a fingerprint leads her to a shocking suspect: JACK SYLVANE (guest star Jeffrey Pierce, “The Nine”), a former Alcatraz inmate who died decades ago. Given her family history – both her grandfather and surrogate uncle, RAY ARCHER (Robert Forster, “Jackie Brown”), were guards at the prison – Madsen’s interest is immediately piqued, and once the enigmatic, knows-everything-but-tells-nothing government agent EMERSON HAUSER (Sam Neill, “Jurassic Park”) tries to impede her investigation, she’s doggedly committed. Madsen turns to Alcatraz expert and comic book enthusiast, DR. DIEGO “DOC” SOTO (Jorge Garcia, “Lost”), to piece together the inexplicable sequence of events. The twosome discovers that Sylvane is not only alive, but he’s loose on the streets of San Francisco, leaving bodies in his wake. And strangely, he hasn’t aged a day since he was in Alcatraz, when the prison was ruled by the iron-fisted WARDEN EDWIN JAMES (Jonny Coyne, “Undercovers”) and the merciless ASSOCIATE WARDEN E.B. TILLER (Jason Butler Harner, “The Changeling”). Madsen and Soto reluctantly team with Agent Hauser and his technician, LUCY BANERJEE (Parminder Nagra, “ER”), to stop Sylvane’s vengeful killing spree. By delving into Alcatraz history, government cover-ups and Rebecca’s own heritage, the team will ultimately discover that Sylvane is only a small part of a much larger, more sinister present-day threat. For while he may be the first, it quickly becomes clear that Sylvane won’t be the last prisoner to reappear from Alcatraz. Through the course of the investigation, Madsen and Soto will learn that Agent Hauser has known about the prison’s secret history and has been awaiting the prisoners’ return. Soto will witness his life’s work – the history of Alcatraz – come alive. Madsen will be forced to keep her supportive San Francisco cop fiancé, JIMMY DICKENS (Santiago Cabrera, “Heroes”), at arm’s length from the highly classified assignment as she sees everything she thought she knew about her family’s past shattered, all while fighting to keep the country safe from history’s most dangerous criminals.
PRODUCTION COMPANIES: Bad Robot Productions, Warner Bros. Television, Bonanza Productions Inc.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk, Elizabeth Sarnoff, Danny Cannon (pilot)
WRITERS: Elizabeth Sarnoff, Steven Lilien, Bryan Wynbrandt
DIRECTOR: Danny Cannon
CAST: Sarah Jones as Det. Rebecca Madsen, Jorge Garcia as Dr. Diego “Doc” Soto, Sam Neill as Emerson Hauser, Parminder Nagra as Lucy Banerjee, Robert Forster as Ray Archer, Santiago Cabrera as Jimmy Dickens, Jonny Coyne as Warden Edwin James, Jason Butler Harner as Associate Warden E.B. Tiller
GUEST CAST: Jeffrey Pierce as Jack Sylvane
The following new animated comedy will premiere in midseason on FOX:
NAPOLEON DYNAMITE: Based on the hit film, NAPOLEON DYNAMITE is an animated series that follows the continuing adventures of America’s most awesome awkward teenager and his quirky family and friends as they struggle to navigate small-town life in rural Idaho. The original cast from the film – Jon Heder, Aaron Ruell, Efren Ramirez, Tina Majorino, Sandy Martin, Jon Gries and Diedrich Bader – will voice their characters in the series, and many new characters will be added along the way. NAPOLEON DYNAMITE (Heder) is a 16-year-old boy convinced – for no apparent reason – that he is destined for greatness and blessed with unlimited “sweet abilities.” He spends his days practicing ninja moves, drawing ligers, soul dancing and bragging about his “girlfriend in Oklahoma” whom nobody has ever seen. Napoleon’s brother, KIP (Ruell), is an unemployed 32-year-old who lives at home and believes he would be an amazing catch for any girl who would respond to his online come-ons. The Dynamite brothers live with GRANDMA (Martin), a crusty woman who can often be found four-wheeling with her lady friends at the local sand dunes. Napoleon’s allies include PEDRO (Ramirez), his unflappable best friend who has recently been elected class president; and DEB (Majorino), an incredibly sweet girl who sees the good in Napoleon and dreams of someday being his wife. Napoleon’s UNCLE RICO (Gries) lives out of an orange custom van, where he obsesses over his botched high school football career and dreams up ways to become rich and famous. Then there’s REX KWON DO (Bader), a self-proclaimed martial-arts master who runs the local dojo. Guest voices in the debut season include Jennifer Coolidge (“American Pie,” “Legally Blonde”), Sam Rockwell (“Choke”) and Jemaine Clement (“Flight of the Conchords”).
PRODUCTION COMPANY: 20th Century Fox Television
CREATORS/EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Jared Hess, Jerusha Hess, Mike Scully
VOICE CAST: Jon Heder as Napoleon Dynamite, Jon Gries as Uncle Rico, Aaron Ruell as Kip, Efren Ramirez as Pedro, Diedrich Bader as Rex, Tina Majorino as Deb, Sandy Martin as Grandma
TOUCH: From writer/creator Tim Kring (“Heroes,” “Crossing Jordan”) and executive producers Peter Chernin and Katherine Pope comes TOUCH, a preternatural drama in which science and spirituality intersect with the hopeful premise that we are all interconnected, tied in invisible ways to those whose lives we are destined to alter and impact. Through masterful storytelling, the series follows a group of seemingly unrelated characters – beginning with a former firefighter tormented by his inability to save a dying woman, an Iraqi teenager who will go to great risks to help his family, a gifted singer whose actions at a karaoke bar save lives thousands of miles away and a British businessman desperately trying to retrieve a key piece of information from his lost mobile phone – who affect each other in ways seen and unseen. At the center is MARTIN BOHM (Kiefer Sutherland, “24”), a widower and single father, haunted by an inability to connect to his mute, severely autistic 10-year-old son, JAKE. Caring, intelligent and thoughtful, Martin has tried everything to reach his son who shows little emotion and never allows himself to be touched by anyone, including Martin. Jake busies himself with cast-off cell phones, disassembling them and manipulating the parts, allowing him to see the world in his own special way. After multiple failed attempts at keeping Jake in school, Martin is visited by social worker CLEA HOPKINS, who insists on doing an evaluation of the Bohms’ living situation. Although new at her job, Clea sees a man whose life has become dominated by a child he can no longer control. She believes his attempts to communicate with Jake are just wish fulfillment, and determines that it’s time for the state to intervene. But everything changes when Martin discovers that Jake possesses a gift of staggering genius – the ability to see things that no one else can, the patterns that connect everything. Jake is indeed communicating after all. But it’s not with words, it’s with numbers. And now he needs Martin to decipher their meaning and connect these numbers to the cast of seemingly unrelated characters whose lives they affect. Along the way, Martin will be guided by BORIS PODOLSKY, a discredited aging professor who offers Martin a compelling but unorthodox theory about Jake and his rare ability. Whether it be chance, coincidence, timing, synergy or fate, there are events that touch us all, as part of an interconnected, dazzlingly precise universe.
PRODUCTION COMPANIES: 20th Century Fox Television, Tailwind Productions, Chernin Entertainment
CREATOR/WRITER: Tim Kring
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Tim Kring, Francis Lawrence, Peter Chernin, Katherine Pope, Kiefer Sutherland, Suzan Bymel
DIRECTOR: Francis Lawrence
CAST: Kiefer Sutherland as Martin Bohm
ABC's FALL PRIMETIME SCHEDULE 2011-12
(all times listed are Eastern); new shows are HIGHLIGHTED:
MONDAY:
8:00 p.m. "Dancing with the Stars"
10:00 p.m. "Castle"
TUESDAY:
8:00 p.m. "Last Man Standing"
8:30 p.m. "Man Up"
9:00 p.m. "Dancing with the Stars the Results Show"
10:00 p.m. "Body of Proof"
WEDNESDAY:
8:00 p.m. "The Middle"
8:30 p.m. "Suburgatory"
9:00 p.m. "Modern Family"
9:30 p.m. "Happy Endings"
10:00 p.m. "Revenge"
THURSDAY:
8:00 p.m. "Charlie's Angels"
9:00 p.m. "Grey's Anatomy"
10:00 p.m. "Private Practice"
FRIDAY:
8:00 p.m. "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"
9:00 p.m. "Shark Tank"
10:00 p.m. "20/20"
SATURDAY:
8:00 p.m. "Saturday Night College Football"
SUNDAY:
7:00 p.m. "America's Funniest Home Videos"
8:00 p.m. "Once Upon a Time"
9:00 p.m. "Desperate Housewives"
10:00 p.m. "Pan Am"
NEW FALL AND MIDSEASON SERIES:
DRAMA
"CHARLIE'S ANGELS"
Everyone deserves a second chance -- even a thief, a street racer and a cop who got in a little too deep. After all, the three women who solve cases for their elusive boss, Charlie Townsend, are no saints. They're angels... Charlie's Angels. Set in Miami, this fun, glamorous, action-packed take on the 1970s smash hit series introduces us to three new angels, all fearless detectives, head-turning beauties and close friends. There's Abby (Rachael Taylor), a Park Avenue princess who became a world-class thief. Then there's Kate (Annie Ilonzeh), a Miami cop who fell from grace, losing both her career and her fiancé. Finally there's Gloria, a disgraced army lieutenant who has a way with explosives. When one of the angels' missions ends in Gloria's tragic death, Charlie persuades them to partner with Gloria's childhood friend, Eve (Minka Kelly), a street racer with a mysterious past. They may not know each other yet, but one thing's for sure -- Abby, Kate and Eve will always have each others' backs. "Charlie's Angels" stars Annie Ilonzeh ("General Hospital") as Kate Prince, Minka Kelly ("Parenthood," "Friday Night Lights") as Eve, Rachael Taylor ("Grey's Anatomy") as Abby Sampson and Ramon Rodriguez ("The Wire," "Daybreak") as Bosley. Written and executive-produced by Alfred Gough & Miles Millar ("Smallville"), "Charlie's Angels" is also executive-produced by Drew Barrymore ("Charlie's Angels" movies), Leonard Goldberg (the original "Charlie's Angels") and Nancy Juvonen ("Charlie's Angels" movies). It's directed and executive-produced by Marcos Siega ("Vampire Diaries," "Dexter"). "Charlie's Angels" is produced by Millar/Gough Ink, Flower Films and Panda Productions in association with Sony Pictures Television.
"GOOD CHRISTIAN BELLES"
The soap returns to Dallas in this wicked new drama that shows that you can go home again... but only if you're ready to face the sins of your past. Amanda Vaughn (Leslie Bibb), once the ultimate high school "mean girl," is forced to return home in disgrace after her marriage ends in scandal. Amanda is nothing like the girl she was 20 years ago, but as her old classmates reacquaint themselves with the new Amanda, will her home town welcome her with open arms or seek revenge? No one in this town is a saint, but that doesn't mean they can't have a heart. As Amanda and her teenage kids try to adjust to their new lives, the ladies from her past alternate between sympathy and scheming. "Good Christian Belles" stars Leslie Bibb ("Iron Man") as Amanda Vaughn, Kristin Chenoweth ("Pushing Daisies") as Carlene Cockburn, Annie Potts ("Law and Order: Special Victims Unit," "Joan of Arcadia") as Gigi Stopper, Jennifer Aspen ("Rodney") as Sharon Peacham, Miriam Shor ("Swingtown" "Damages") as Cricket Caruth-Reilly, Marisol Nichols ("24") as Heather Cruz, Brad Beyer ("Jericho") as Zack Peacham, Mark Deklin ("Lone Star") as Blake Reilly and David James Elliott ("JAG") as Ripp Cockburn. Based on Kim Gatlin's hit book, Good Christian Bitches, "Good Christian Belles" is executive-produced by Darren Star ("Sex and the City"), Robert Harling ("Steel Magnolias") and Aaron Kaplan. The pilot is written by Robert Harling and executive-produced and directed by Alan Poul. "Good Christian Belles" is produced by ABC Studios.
"MISSING"
Becca Winstone (Ashley Judd) learns that her son, Michael, disappears while studying abroad, and it's a race against time when she travels to Europe to track him down. A surprising turn of events reveals just how far one mother will go to protect her family. Exotic locations and thrilling twists will keep you riveted in "Missing." How far would you go to save the only thing you have left in the world? At 8 years old, Michael watched as his father, CIA Agent Paul Winstone, was murdered. Now 10 years later, Paul's wife, Becca, is faced with the reality of her son growing up. When Michael is afforded the opportunity to study abroad, his mother reluctantly agrees it's time to let him go. Just a few weeks into his trip Michael disappears, and Becca immediately suspects foul play. When she arrives in Rome, she begins piecing together the clues left behind. It isn't long before the kidnappers realize they've picked a fight with the wrong woman. Becca Winstone has a secret of her own -- before Paul's death, she was also a lethal CIA Agent. But if she wants to find her son alive, Becca will have to rely on old friends and reopen old wounds. Her resourcefulness, skill and determination will be put to the test - but a mother's love knows no limits. "Missing" stars Ashley Judd ("Double Jeopardy," "Kiss the Girls") as Becca Winstone, Sean Bean ("Game of Thrones") as Paul Winstone, Cliff Curtis ("Trauma") as Dax, Adriano Giannini ("Oceans Twelve") as Giancarlo, Nick Eversman ("Cinema Verite") as Michael Winstone and Tereza Voriskova ("Borgia") as Oksana. "Missing" comes from writer Gregory Poirier ("National Treasure: Book of Secrets") and executive producers Gina Matthews, Grant Scharbo ("The Gates"), Steve Shill (Emmy winner for directing "Dexter" who will direct episodes of "Missing") and James Parriott ("Sons of Anarchy"). "Missing" is produced by Stillking Films.
"ONCE UPON A TIME"
From the inventive minds of "Lost" executive producers Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis comes a bold new imagining of the world, where fairy tales and the modern-day are about to collide. And they all lived happily ever after - or so everyone was led to believe. Emma Swan knows how to take care of herself. She's a 28-year-old bail bonds collector who's been on her own ever since she was abandoned as a baby. But when the son she gave up years ago finds her, everything starts to change. Henry is now 10 years old and in desperate need of Emma's help. He believes that Emma actually comes from an alternate world and is Snow White and Prince Charming's missing daughter. According to his book of fairytales, they sent her away to protect her from the Evil Queen's curse, which trapped the fairytale world forever, frozen in time, and brought them into our modern world. Of course Emma doesn't believe a word, but when she brings Henry back to Storybrooke, she finds herself drawn to this unusual boy and his strange New England town. Concerned for Henry, she decides to stay for a while, but she soon suspects that Storybrooke is more than it seems. It's a place where magic has been forgotten, but is still powerfully close... where fairytale characters are alive, even though they don't remember who they once were. The epic battle for the future of all worlds is beginning, but for good to win, Emma will have to accept her destiny and fight like hell. "Once Upon a Time" stars Ginnifer Goodwin ("Big Love") as Snow White/Sister Mary Margaret, Jennifer Morrison ("House MD") as Emma Swan, Robert Carlyle ("The Full Monty," "Trainspotting," "SGU Stargate Universe") as Rumplestiltskin/Mr. Gold, Lana Parrilla as Evil Queen/Regina, Jamie Dornan as Sheriff Graham, Jared Gilmore ("Mad Men") as Henry, Josh Dallas as Prince Charming/John Doe and Raphael Sbarge as Jiminy Cricket/Archie. "Once Upon a Time" was written by Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, who are also executive producers, along with Steve Pearlman (ABC's "V"). The pilot is directed and executive-produced by Mark Mylod ("Entourage"). "Once Upon a Time" is from ABC Studios.
"PAN AM"
Passion, jealousy and espionage... They do it all - and they do it at 30,000 feet. The style of the 1960s, the energy and excitement of the Jet Age and a drama full of sexy entanglements deliciously mesh in this thrilling and highly-original new series. In this modern world, air travel represents the height of luxury and Pan Am is the biggest name in the business. The planes are glamorous, the pilots are rock stars and the stewardesses are the most desirable women in the world. Not only are these flyboys and girls young and good looking, but to represent Pan Am they also have to be educated, cultured and refined. They're trained to handle everything from in-air emergencies to unwanted advances - all without rumpling their pristine uniforms or mussing their hair. There's Dean (Jonah Lotan) - a cocky, charismatic and ambitious new pilot - the first of a new breed not trained in the war. On the sly against company policy, he's dating Bridget, a stunning beauty with a mysterious past. A rebellious bohemian, Maggie (Christina Ricci) turns into a buttoned up professional for work so she can see the world. Rounding out the crew are flirtatious Collette (Karine Vanasse), the adventurous Kate (Kelli Garner) and, finally, Laura (Margot Robbie) - Kate's beauty queen younger sister, a runaway bride, who recently fled a life of domestic boredom to take to the skies. "Pan Am" stars Christina Ricci ("Penelope") as Maggie, Kelli Garner ("Going the Distance") as Kate, Karine Vanasse ("Polytechnique") as Colette, Margot Robbie ("Neighbours") as Laura, Jonah Lotan ("24") as Dean and Michael Mosley ("Justified") as Ted. Jack Orman ("ER," "Men of a Certain Age,"), Tommy Schlamme ("The West Wing," "Parenthood," "Mr. Sunshine") and Nancy Hult Ganis ("Akleeh and the Bee") are the executive producers of "Pan Am." Orman is also the writer, with Schlamme directing. "Pan Am" is produced by Jack Orman Productions, Out of the Blue Entertainment and Shoe Money Productions in association with Sony Pictures Television.
"REVENGE"
Wealth, beauty and status define the people in this town, but one woman is willing to destroy everyone for the sake of revenge. Emily Thorne (Emily Van Camp) is new to the Hamptons. She's met some of her wealthy neighbors, has made a few new friends and seemingly blends into the town. But something is a little odd about a young girl living in a wealthy town all on her own, and the truth is that Emily isn't exactly new to the neighborhood. In fact, this was once her old neighborhood, until something bad happened that ruined her family and their reputation. Now Emily is back, and she's returned to right some of those wrongs in the best way she knows how - with a vengeance. "Revenge" stars Madeleine Stowe ("We Were Soldiers," "The Last of the Mohicans") as Victoria Grayson, Emily Van Camp ("Brothers & Sisters," "Everwood") as Emily Thorne, Gabriel Mann ("The Bourne Identity") as Nolan Ross, Henry Czerny ("Mission: Impossible," "Clear and Present Danger") as Conrad Grayson, Ashley Madekwe ("Secret Diary of a Call Girl") as Ashley Davenport, Nick Wechsler ("Roswell") as Jack Porter, Josh Bowman ("Prowl") as Daniel Grayson, Christa B. Allen ("13 Going on 30") as Charlotte Grayson and Connor Paolo ("Gossip Girl") as Declan Porter. "Revenge" is written and executive-produced by Mike Kelley ("Swingtown"), along with executive producers Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey ("Twilight"). The pilot is directed and executive-produced by Phillip Noyce ("Salt"). "Revenge" is produced by ABC Studios.
"THE RIVER"
"The River" follows the story of wildlife expert and TV personality Emmet Cole. Emmet set course around the world with his wife, Tess, and son, Lincoln, while filming what would become one of the most popular shows in television. After he goes missing deep in the Amazon, his family, friends and crew set out on a mysterious and deadly journey to find him. Famed explorer Dr. Emmet Cole (Bruce Greenwood) went looking for magic deep in the uncharted Amazon and never returned. The shocking truth about his disappearance is out there, somewhere, just waiting to be discovered. To the millions of kids who grew up watching his nature show, Dr. Cole was a hero. To his own son, Lincoln (Joe Anderson), he was more of an enigma. Now, six months after he vanished, Lincoln is finally ready to bury the past when Dr. Cole's emergency beacon suddenly goes off. At the urging of his mother, Tess (Leslie Hope), Lincoln reluctantly joins her on a search for his father. To fund the rescue, they agree to let Dr. Cole's cagey ex-producer, Clark (Paul Blackthorne), film the mission documentary-style. The mixed crew of old friends and new acquaintances includes the sexy and resourceful Lena (Eloise Mumford), loyal mechanic Emilio (Daniel Zacapa) and lethal bodyguard Captain Kurt Brynildson (Thomas Kretschmann). "The River" stars Bruce Greenwood ("Star Trek") as Emmet Cole, Joe Anderson ("The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Parts 1 and 2") as Lincoln Cole, Paul Blackthorne ("Lipstick Jungle") as Clark, Paulina Gaitan as Jahel, Leslie Hope ("24") as Tess Cole, Eloise Mumford ("Lone Star") as Lena, Shaun Parkes ("The Mummy Returns") as Adjay, Thomas Kretschmann ("King Kong") as Captain Kurt Brynildson and Daniel Zacapa ("Resurrection Blvd.") as Emilio. "The River," from Amblin's Steven Spielberg, Daryl Frank and Justin Falvey, showrunner/executive producer Michael Green ("Heroes," "Kings"), is also executive-produced by Oren Peli (creator of "Paranormal Activity"), Zack Estrin, Jason Blum and Steven Schneider. Teleplay by Michael R. Perry and Michael Green, story by Oren Peli & Michael R. Perry and Michael Green. The pilot is directed by Jaume Collet-Serra and produced by ABC Studios.
"SCANDAL"
From the creator and executive producers of "Grey's Anatomy" and "Private Practice" comes a drama revolving around the life and work of a professional crisis manager and her dysfunctional staff. A former media relations consultant to the President, Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) dedicates her life to protecting and defending the public images of our nation's elite. After leaving the White House, the power consultant opened her own firm, hoping to start a new chapter -- both professionally and personally -- but she can't seem to completely cut ties with her past. Slowly it becomes apparent that her staff, who specialize in fixing the lives of other people, can't quite fix the ones closest at hand -- their own. "Scandal" stars Kerry Washington ("Ray") as Olivia Pope, Henry Ian Cusick ("Lost") as Stephen Finch, Columbus Short ("Stomp the Yard") as Harrison Wright, Guillermo Diaz ("Half-Baked") as Huck, Darby Stanchfield as Abby Whelan, Katie Lowes as Quinn Perkins, Tony Goldwyn ("Ghost") as President Fitzgerald Grant and Jeff Perry ("Grey's Anatomy") as Cyrus. "Scandal" was written by Shonda Rhimes ("Grey's Anatomy," "Private Practice"). Rhimes and Betsy Beers ("Grey's Anatomy," "Private Practice") are executive producers. Paul McGuigan is the director. "Scandal" is produced by ABC Studios.
COMEDY
"APARTMENT 23"
After a naive Midwestern girl's big city dreams are dashed her first week in New York, she finds herself living with her worst nightmare in this hilarious, contemporary comedy about a female odd couple who are surrounded by an outrageous cast of characters. June (Dreama Walker) moves to Manhattan for a dream job and the perfect company apartment, only to have them disappear in a puff of reality, thanks to a CEO from the Bernie Madoff school of embezzlement. Deep in debt and out on the streets, June scrambles to land a job and place to live. It seems her luck has turned around when she gets hired at a coffee shop and finds Chloe (Krysten Ritter), a charming, vivacious roommate... with the morals of a pirate. She swindles June out of all her savings, but she and her snarky friend, James Van Der Beek (playing himself), soon learn that, just because June's naive, she isn't stupid. June ingeniously turns the tables on Chloe, who is so shocked about being scammed herself that she decides to pull June into her colorful band of friends. Sure, it's all dysfunctional, bizarre and overwhelming, but so is New York City. And with the help of Chloe and the other oddballs around her, June might just learn the survival secrets she needs to make it there. "Apartment 23" stars Krysten Ritter ("Breaking Bad," "Gilmore Girls") as Chloe, Dreama Walker ("The Good Wife," "Gossip Girl") as June, Eric André as Mark, Michael Blaiklock as Eli and James Van Der Beek ("Varsity Blues," "Dawson's Creek") as James Van Der Beek. Created and written by Nahnatchka Kahn ("American Dad"), "Apartment 23" is executive-produced by Kahn, Jason Winer ("Modern Family"), Dave Hemingson ("American Dad," "How I Met Your Mother") and Jeff Morton ("Modern Family"). Winer is also the director. "Apartment 23" is a production of 20th Century Fox Television.
"LAST MAN STANDING"
Today it's a woman's world, and this man's man is on a mission to get men back to their rightful place in society. Tim Allen returns to ABC in this new comedy from Jack Burditt ("30 Rock"). Men may have built civilizations, invented the locomotive and created ESPN, but they're about to find out that it's not a man's world anymore. You can't get manlier than Mike Baxter. He's the marketing director for an iconic outdoor sporting goods store, he loves to have adventures while he's traveling for work and, of course, he drives a pick-up truck. While Mike is king of the hill at work, he's the odd man out in a home that is dominated by women -- namely his wife, Vanessa, and their three daughters, 22- year-old Kristin, 17-year-old Mandy and 14-year-old Eve. After being a stay-at-home mom for years, Vanessa recently returned to the workplace and was quickly promoted (much to the dismay of her primarily male co-workers). As a result of Vanessa's increased work load, Mike is pulled into more hands-on parenting than ever before. The show stars Tim Allen ("Home Improvement") as Mike, Nancy Travis ("So I Married an Axe Murderer," "Three Men and a Baby") as Vanessa, Molly Ephraim as Mandy, Alexandra Krosney as Kristin, Kaitlyn Dever as Eve and Hector Elizondo ("Chicago Hope") as Ed. "Last Man Standing" was written by Jack Burditt ("30 Rock"), who also serves as executive producer with Tim Allen, Becky Clements, Marty Adelstein ("Prison Break"), Shawn Levy ("Night at the Museum"), Richard Baker ("The Santa Clause," The Santa Clause 2") and Rick Messina ("The Santa Clause," The Santa Clause 2"). John Pasquin ("Home Improvement," "The Santa Clause") directed. "Last Man Standing" is from Twentieth Century Fox Television.
"MAN UP"
Three modern men try to get in touch with their inner tough guys and redefine what it means to be a "real man" in this funny and relatable comedy. Will's grandfather fought in WWII. Will's father fought in Vietnam. Will plays Call of Duty on his PS3 and drinks non-dairy hazelnut creamer. So what happened to all the real men? They're still here -- they just smell like pomegranate body wash now. Meet Will (Mather Zickel). His evolved, sensitive nature is why his awesome wife, Theresa (Teri Polo), married him. But Will and his friends find themselves wondering -- in a world of Axe ads and manscaping -- what does it really mean to be a guy anymore? Will is more interested in finding the perfect gift for his son Nathan's (Jake Johnson) 13th birthday than in doing his job selling insurance; sensitive soul Craig (Christopher Moynihan) still pines for his college ex, Lisa; and Kenny (Dan Fogler) clamps down on his anger and asks himself, "What would Tobey Maguire do?," when his ex, Brenda (Amanda Detmer), starts seeing a guy (Henry Simmons) who is everything he's not and much better looking. After Craig crashes Lisa's wedding to try to win her back, they are all faced with an opportunity to Man Up and be like their forefathers. The show stars Christopher Moynihan as Craig, Mather Zickel ("The Cape") as Will, Dan Fogler ("Balls of Fury") as Kenny, Teri Polo ("Meet the Fockers") as Theresa, Amanda Detmer ("What About Brian") as Brenda and Henry Simmons ("Shark") as Grant. "Man Up" comes from writer/executive producer/actor Christopher Moynihan ("100 Questions"), executive producer Victor Fresco ("Better off Ted"), Ron West and Kelly Kulchak of Tagline Television (Psych) and director Beth McCarthy-Miller ("SNL," "30 Rock"). "Man Up" is produced by ABC Studios.
"SUBURGATORY"
Single father George only wants the best for his 16-year-old daughter, Tessa. So when he finds a box of condoms on her nightstand, he moves them out of their apartment in New York City to a house in the suburbs. But all Tessa sees is the horror of over-manicured lawns and plastic Franken-moms. Being in the 'burbs can be hell, but it also may just bring Tessa and George closer than they've ever been. Tessa (Jane Levy) and George (Jeremy Sisto) have been on their own ever since Tessa's mom pulled a "Kramer vs. Kramer" before she was even potty trained. So far, George has done a pretty good job of raising Tessa without a maternal figure in their lives, but suddenly he's feeling a little out of his league. So it's goodbye New York City and hello suburbs. At first Tessa is horrified by the big-haired, fake-boobed mothers and their sugar-free Red Bull-chugging kids. But little by little she and her dad begin finding a way to survive on the clean streets of the 'burbs. Sure, the neighbors might smother you with love while their kids stare daggers at your back, but underneath all that plastic and caffeine, they're really not half bad. And they do make a tasty pot roast. The show stars Jeremy Sisto ("Law & Order") as George Altman, Jane Levy ("Shameless") as Tessa Altman, Carly Chaikin ("The Last Song") as Dalia Royce, Allie Grant ("Weeds") as Lisa, Alan Tudyk ("V") as Noah Lerner and Cheryl Hines ("Curb Your Enthusiasm") as Dallas Royce. Ana Gasteyer ("Saturday Night Live") guest stars. Emily Kapnek ("Hung") writes and executive-produces this bitingly ironic single-camera comedy. "Suburgatory" was directed by Michael Fresco ("Raising Hope"), who also executive-produced the pilot. It is produced by Warner Bros. Television.
"WORK IT"
This high-concept comedy centers on two unrepentant guy's guys who, unable to find work, dress as women to get jobs as pharmaceutical reps. Not only do they pull it off, but they might just learn to be better men in the process. With unemployment an ongoing issue and women now outnumbering men in the workforce, the new comedy series "Work It" follows two alpha males who realize the only way to beat the current "mancession" and land a job in pharmaceutical sales is to pass themselves off as women. Combining all the best elements of the workplace comedy, the buddy comedy and the family comedy, "Work It" centers on Lee Standish (Ben Koldyke) -- a quick-witted and likable family man who used to be a top car salesman until he got laid off -- and Angel Ortiz (Amaury Nolasco) -- a single, hot-headed ladies' man with no filter -- who quickly learn there are fundamental differences in the worlds of men and women that go beyond teetering in high heels and tightening up with Spanx. Lee and Angel are determined to keep their ruse going for as long as they can -- and keep their newly found jobs - in this smart, funny and relevant look at male and female relationships at work, at home and socially. Being a better man sometimes means having to be a better woman. The show stars Ben Koldyke ("How I Met Your Mother") as Lee, Amaury Nolasco ("Prison Break") as Angel, Beth Lacke ("Happy Hour") as Connie, John Caparulo ("Chelsea Lately") as Brian, Rebecca Mader ("Lost") as Grace, Rochelle Aytes ("Detroit 1-8-7") as Vanessa, Kate Reinders ("Sherrie") as Kelly, Kirstin Eggers ("Aussie and Ted's Great Adventure") as Kristin and Kacie Lynch ("Barney and Friends") as Kat. "Work It" was written by Andrew Reich & Ted Cohen ("Friends," "Rules of Engagement"). Reich and Cohen are the executive producers. Beth McCarthy Miller ("Saturday Night Live," "30 Rock") is the director. "Work It" is produced by Bonanza Productions, Inc. in association with Summer School Productions and Warner Bros. Television.
RETURNING SERIES
DRAMA
"BODY OF PROOF"
When the brilliant and driven neurosurgeon Dr. Megan Hunt (Dana Delany) suffered a car accident resulting in a unique condition where she could no longer perform surgery, her life as a neurosurgeon was over. But a new one began as a Medical Examiner for the City of Philadelphia. Megan applied her vast medical knowledge and her personal tenacity to the art of solving murders. These cases challenged her not just professionally but personally, as on more than one occasion she came face to face with her past, and in one case in particular she was compelled to perform life saving emergency surgery. Along the way, she earned if not the affection, at least the grudging respect of her colleagues both inside the Medical Examiner's Office as well as the Police Department. She did all this while at the same time attempting to mend her relationship with her 12-year-old daughter and manage an at times contentious relationship with her ex-husband. "Body of Proof" stars Dana Delany stars as Dr. Megan Hunt, Jeri Ryan as Dr. Kate Murphey, John Carroll Lynch as Detective Bud Morris, Nicholas Bishop as Peter Dunlop, Sonja Sohn as Detective Samantha Baker, Geoffrey Arend as Dr. Ethan Gross and Windell D. Middlebrooks as Dr. Curtis Brumfield. The series is created by Christopher Murphey and executive-produced by Murphey, Matthew Gross, and Sunil Nayar. "Body of Proof" is produced by Gross Entertainment and ABC Studio
"CASTLE"
When viewers first met Richard Castle -- a famous mystery novelist and divorced father raising his teenage daughter, while being kept grounded by his Broadway diva mother -- he was creatively blocked. But when the NYPD questioned him in connection with a series of murders staged to imitate crime scenes from his books, Castle found inspiration in NYPD Detective Kate Beckett, a bright and aggressive homicide detective with a fascination for odd and offbeat cases stemming from the years-old unsolved murder of her own mother. Though they instantly clashed, sparks of another sort began to fly, leading both to danger and a hint of romance as Castle stepped in to help find the copycat killer. Once that initial case was solved, Castle and Beckett continued to investigate strange homicides in New York, combining Castle's writer intuition and Beckett's creative detective work. Now after three seasons, Castle and Beckett's relationship has grown even stronger as they've dodged bullets, captured killers, and solved countless murder cases due to their unorthodox partnership. But in the explosive Season 3 finale, which saw the killing of NYPD Captain Roy Montgomery - who was revealed to have a connection to the unsolved murder of Beckett's mother -- Castle witnessed the shooting of Beckett and, as she lay on the ground with life fading out of her, it's unknown if she'll survive... The series stars Nathan Fillion as Richard Castle, Stana Katic as Detective Kate Beckett, Tamala Jones as Medical Examiner Lanie Parish, Jon Huertas as NYPD Detective Javier Esposito, Seamus Dever as NYPD Detective Kevin Ryan, Molly Quinn as Alexis Castle, with Susan Sullivan as Martha Rodgers. "Castle" is produced by ABC Studios. Andrew Marlowe is the show's creator/executive producer, along with executive producers Rob Bowman, David Amann, Laurie Zaks and Armyan Bernstein.
"DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES"
Winner of both the 2005 and 2006 Golden Globe(R) Award for Best Television Series -- Musical or Comedy - "Desperate Housewives" is a primetime soap with a truly contemporary take on "happily ever after." The series, which takes a darkly comedic look at suburbia -- where the secret lives of housewives aren't always what they seem -- began with Mary Alice Young (Brenda Strong) inside her perfect house, in the loveliest of suburbs, taking her own life. Commenting from her elevated point of view, she took us into the lives of her family, friends and neighbors. "Desperate Housewives" stars Teri Hatcher as Susan Mayer, Felicity Huffman as Lynette Scavo, Marcia Cross as Bree Hodge, Eva Longoria as Gabrielle Solis, Vanessa Williams as Renee Perry, Ricardo Antonio Chavira as Carlos Solis, Doug Savant as Tom Scavo, Kathryn Joosten as Karen McCluskey, Kevin Rahm as Lee McDermott, Tuc Watkins as Bob Hunter, with Brenda Strong as Mary Alice Young and James Denton as Mike Delfino. Also starring Charlie Carver as Porter Scavo, Joshua Logan Moore as Parker Scavo, Darcy Rose Byrnes as Penny Scavo, Madison de la Garza as Juanita Solis and Mason Vale Cotton as MJ Delfino. Marc Cherry created the series. Cherry is executive producer, along with George W. Perkins, Bob Daily, Sabrina Wind, Larry Shaw, David Grossman, Matt Berry, Jeff Greenstein and Marco Pennette. "Desperate Housewives" is produced by ABC Studios.
"GREY'S ANATOMY"
"Grey's Anatomy" is the recipient of the 2007 Golden Globe(R) Award for Best Television Series - Drama, and multiple Emmy nominations, including two for Outstanding Drama Series. The doctors of Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital deal with life-or-death consequences on a daily basis -- it's in one another that they find comfort, friendship and, at times, more than friendship. Together they're discovering that neither medicine nor relationships can be defined in black and white. Real life only comes in shades of grey. "Grey's Anatomy" stars Ellen Pompeo as Meredith Grey, Patrick Dempsey as Derek Shepherd, Sandra Oh as Cristina Yang, Justin Chambers as Alex Karev, Chandra Wilson as Miranda Bailey, James Pickens, Jr. as Richard Webber, Sara Ramirez as Callie Torres, Eric Dane as Mark Sloan, Chyler Leigh as Lexie Grey, Kevin McKidd as Owen Hunt, Jessica Capshaw as Arizona Robbins, Kim Raver as Teddy Altman, Jesse Williams as Jackson Avery and Sarah Drew as April Kepner. "Grey's Anatomy" was created and is executive-produced by Shonda Rhimes. Betsy Beers, Mark Gordon, Krista Vernoff, Rob Corn, Mark Wilding, Tony Phelan, Joan Rater are executive producers. "Grey's Anatomy" is an ABC Studios production.
"PRIVATE PRACTICE"
From Shonda Rhimes, the Golden Globe(R)-winning creator of "Grey's Anatomy," comes the story of a team of gifted doctors working together to change the lives of their patients for the better as they look to one another for friendship and love. The doctors of Oceanside Wellness and Pacific Wellcare work on the most difficult cases, patients whose medical needs often pose moral and ethical dilemmas. Though they may heatedly disagree at work, and though their personal lives may complicate matters, at the end of the day, they are the best of friends, always ready to be there for one another. "Private Practice" stars Kate Walsh as Dr. Addison Forbes Montgomery, Tim Daly as Dr. Pete Wilder, Audra McDonald as Dr. Naomi Bennett, Paul Adelstein as Dr. Cooper Freedman, KaDee Strickland as Dr. Charlotte King, Brian Benben as Dr. Sheldon Wallace and Caterina Scorsone as Dr. Amelia Shepherd, with Taye Diggs as Dr. Sam Bennett and Amy Brenneman as Dr. Violet Turner. "Private Practice" was created and is executive produced by Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers, Mark Gordon, Mark Tinker, Steve Blackman and Craig Turk. "Private Practice" is an ABC Studios Production.
COMEDY
"COUGAR TOWN"
In her Golden Globe(R) nominated role as Jules Cobb, Courteney Cox stars in an ensemble comedy about life, family and friends in the critically acclaimed series, "Cougar Town." Jules' inner circle includes next door neighbor Ellie (Christa Miller), her sarcastic, unapologetic confidante; Ellie's average, but loveable husband, Andy (Ian Gomez); Grayson (Josh Hopkins), her boyfriend/neighbor from across the street; Laurie (Busy Philipps), her younger, feisty protege; ex-husband Bobby (Brian Van Holt), a classic under-achiever, but full of heart; and Travis (Dan Byrd), her dry and witty son who more often than not is the adult observer amongst the group. Together, they make up "the cul-de-sac crew," a dysfunctional, but supportive and caring extended family... even if they have a funny way of showing it sometimes. "Cougar Town" stars Courteney Cox as Jules, Christa Miller as Ellie, Busy Philipps as Laurie, Dan Byrd as Travis, Josh Hopkins as Grayson, Ian Gomez as Andy and Brian Van Holt as Bobby. Bill Lawrence serves as executive producer/writer/director, Kevin Biegel as executive producer/writer and Courteney Cox and David Arquette are executive producers. "Cougar Town" was co-created by Bill Lawrence and Kevin Biegel and is produced by ABC Studios.
"HAPPY ENDINGS"
Forget who gets to keep the ring - when a couple splits, the real question is, who gets to keep the friends? Alex and Dave's wedding was supposed to be the happiest day of their lives, for them and their long-time friends... until Alex leaves groom-to-be Dave at the altar. The breakup, in the words of one pal, is a "huge game changer" that will complicate everyone's lives and make everyone question their own choices. "Happy Endings" stars Eliza Coupe as Jane, Elisha Cuthbert as Alex, Zachary Knighton as Dave, Adam Pally as Max, Damon Wayans, Jr. as Brad and Casey Wilson as Penny. Created by co-executive producer David Caspe, "Happy Endings" is executive produced by Jamie Tarses, Jonathan Groff, and Anthony & Joe Russo. It is from Sony Pictures Television and ABC Studios.
"THE MIDDLE"
Two-time Emmy winner Patricia Heaton stars in this warm and witty single-camera comedy about raising a family and lowering your expectations. Middle-aged, middle class and living in the middle of the country in Orson, Indiana, Frankie Heck is a harried wife and working mother of three who uses her wry wit and sense of humor in an attempt to get her family through each day intact. Her work life's no easier. With her friend and co-worker, Bob, she struggles day to day as the least successful sales woman at the town's only surviving car dealer. "The Middle" stars Patricia Heaton as Frankie, Neil Flynn as Mike, Charlie McDermott as Axl, Eden Sher as Sue, Atticus Shaffer as Brick and Chris Kattan as Bob. "The Middle" was created and is executive produced by Eileen Heisler and DeAnn Heline. The series is from Warner Bros. Television.
"MODERN FAMILY"
ABC's Emmy Award-winning hit comedy, "Modern Family," takes a modern and often hilarious look at the complications that come with being a family today. Jay Pritchett, with his much younger wife, Gloria, and her son, Manny, sits as the patriarch of a large blended family that includes his grown daughter Claire, who has three kids of her own with her husband Phil, and a grown son Mitchell, who adopted a Vietnamese baby with his gay life partner Cameron. These three families are unique unto themselves, and together they give us a window into the sometimes warm, sometimes twisted embrace of the modern family. "Modern Family" stars Ed O'Neill as Jay, Sofia Vergara as Gloria, Julie Bowen as Claire, Ty Burrell as Phil, Eric Stonestreet as Cameron, Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Mitchell, Sarah Hyland as Haley, Ariel Winter as Alex, Nolan Gould as Luke and Rico Rodriguez as Manny. The series is produced by Twentieth Century Fox Television in association with Levitan Lloyd Productions. Steven Levitan and Christopher Lloyd are executive producers/creators.
ALTERNATIVE
"AMERICA'S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS"
"America's Funniest Home Videos" begins its 22nd season with all-new footage of what happens when adults, children and animals are at their spontaneous best. Hosted by Tom Bergeron, "America's Funniest Home Videos" is the longest-running primetime entertainment show in ABC history. Vin Di Bona is executive producer, with Todd Thicke and Michele Nasraway serving as co-executive producers.
"THE BACHELOR"
ABC's "The Bachelor" is the original primetime romance reality series that offers one lucky man and 25 lucky women the unique opportunity to find true love. This season the hit series will feature its 16th edition with the new Bachelor getting to know 25 women via a series of social gatherings and exotic, romantic dates - some in groups, some individually. He will introduce some of the women to his family and will visit their hometowns for a slice of their lives in an effort to determine the woman with whom he is most compatible. At the end of the journey, filled with drama and surprises against the backdrop of spectacular international settings, the Bachelor may quite possibly have found true love. But the big question is: After all of this, will he pop the question, and will she say yes? "The Bachelor" is hosted by Chris Harrison and produced by Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television. Mike Fleiss and Martin Hilton are executive producers.
"DANCING WITH THE STARS"
Hosted by Tom Bergeron ("America's Funniest Home Videos") and Brooke Burke ("Dancing with the Stars" Season Seven Champion), the celebrities perform choreographed dance routines which will be judged by renowned Ballroom judge Len Goodman, dancer/choreographers Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba. "Dancing with the Stars" is the U.S. version of the international smash hit series, "Strictly Come Dancing." This version is produced by BBC Worldwide Productions. Conrad Green serves as executive producer and Ashley Edens-Shaffer and Joe Sungkur are co-executive producers. Alex Rudzinski directs. "Dancing with the Stars" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound. This program carries a TV-PG, L parental guideline.
"EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION"
The iconic "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" returns for a ninth season, making dreams come true for deserving families in need of a newly rebuilt and decorated home, as well as whole communities and organizations. "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" continues to unite the people selected with their favorite entertainers, athletes, politicians and role models. Last season, participants included (alphabetically) Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey, professional dancers from "Dancing with the Stars," Paula Deen, Cedric the Entertainer, Christie Brinkley, Kristen Chenoweth, Derek Jeter, the kids from "Modern Family," Shaquille O'Neal, Katy Perry, Atticus Shaffer, Raven-Symoné, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and Shaun White. The designers include team leader Ty Pennington, with Paul DiMeo, Paige Hemmis, Michael Moloney, Ed Sanders, Tracy Hutson, John Littlefield, Leigh Anne Tuohy, Xzibit and Jillian Harris. "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" is produced by Endemol USA, of Endemol Holding, and executive-produced by Brady Connell & George Verschoor. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America.
"SECRET MILLIONAIRE"
"Secret Millionaire" is a one-hour alternative series that follows America's most successful business people as they spend a week in the country's poorest areas and ultimately gift deserving members of the community with hundreds of thousands of dollars of their own money. "Secret Millionaire" is produced by Zodiak USA. Executive producers include Grant Mansfield, Natalka Znak, Claire O'Donohoe and Leslie Garvin. Paul Osborne serves as co-executive producer.
"SHARK TANK"
The critically acclaimed "Shark Tank" gives budding entrepreneurs the chance to make their dreams come true and possibly make a deal that will make them millionaires. Entrepreneurs who dare to enter the "Shark Tank" must try to convince the "Sharks" -- tough, self-made, multi-millionaire tycoons -- to part with their own hard-earned cash and give them the funding they desperately need to jumpstart their business ideas. But the Sharks have a goal, too -- to get a return on their investment and own a piece of the next big business idea. The "Sharks" are real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran, infomercial industry pioneer Kevin Harrington, technology innovator Robert Herjavec, fashion icon Daymond John and financial expert Kevin O'Leary. Last season, hi-tech billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban and successful comedian and businessman Jeff Foxworthy participated on the panel as guest "Shark" investors. Mark Burnett, Clay Newbill and Phil Gurin are the executive producers of "Shark Tank," based on the Japanese "Dragons' Den" format created by Nippon Television Network Corporation. The series is from Sony Pictures Television.
"20/20"
The ABC News primetime news magazine "20/20" has distinguished itself as one of the most esteemed programs in broadcast journalism. Celebrating its 32nd anniversary this season, "20/20" continues to combine hard-hitting investigative reports, newsmaker interviews and compelling human interest and feature stories. The program is anchored by award-winning journalists Elizabeth Vargas and Chris Cuomo. For over three decades "20/20" has offered viewers reports and stories that have changes lives. Featured contributors to the program include ABC News correspondents Jim Avila, Ashleigh Banfield, Juju Chang, Bill Ritter, John Quiñones, Jay Schadler, Deborah Roberts and Brian Ross, as well as contributing correspondent Chris Connelly. Barbara Walters, Diane Sawyer and Cynthia McFadden also contribute reports. David Sloan is executive producer of "20/20."
CBS TELEVISION NETWORK
2011-2012 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE
(HIGHLIGHTED=New, NT=New Time, all times ET/PT)
MONDAY
8:00-8:30 PM HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER
8:30-9:00 PM 2 BROKE GIRLS
9:00-9:30 PM TWO AND A HALF MEN
9:30-10:00 PM MIKE & MOLLY
10:00-11:00 PM HAWAII FIVE-0
TUESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM NCIS
9:00-10:00 PM NCIS: LOS ANGELES
10:00-11:00 PM UNFORGETTABLE
WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM SURVIVOR: SOUTH PACIFIC
9:00-10:00 PM CRIMINAL MINDS
10:00-11:00 PM CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION (NT)
THURSDAY
8:00-8:30 PM THE BIG BANG THEORY
8:30-9:00 PM HOW TO BE A GENTLEMAN
9:00-10:00 PM PERSON OF INTEREST
10:00-11:00 PM THE MENTALIST
FRIDAY
8:00-9:00 PM A GIFTED MAN
9:00-10:00 PM CSI: NY
10:00-11:00 PM BLUE BLOODS
SATURDAY
8:00-8:30 PM RULES OF ENGAGEMENT (NT)
8:30-9:00 PM COMEDYTIME SATURDAY
9:00-10:00 PM CRIMETIME SATURDAY
10:00-11:00 PM 48 HOURS MYSTERY
SUNDAY
7:00-8:00 PM 60 MINUTES
8:00-9:00 PM THE AMAZING RACE
9:00-10:00 PM THE GOOD WIFE (NT)
10:00-11:00 PM CSI: MIAMI
The New Dramas are:
UNFORGETTABLE stars Poppy Montgomery as Carrie Wells, an enigmatic former police detective with a rare condition that makes her memory so flawless that every place, every conversation, every moment of joy and every heartbreak is forever embedded in her mind. It's not just that she doesn't forget anything - she can't; except for one thing: the details that would help solve her sister's long-ago murder. Carrie has tried to put her past behind her, but she's unexpectedly reunited with her ex-boyfriend and partner, NYPD Detective Al Burns (Dylan Walsh), when she consults on a homicide case. His squad includes Det. Mike Costello (Michael Gaston), Al's right-hand man; Detective Roe Saunders (Kevin Rankin), the junior member of the team; and Detective Nina Inara (Daya Vaidya), a sassy, street-smart cop. Being back on the job after a break feels surprisingly right for Carrie. Despite her conflicted feelings for Al, she decides to permanently join his unit as a detective solving homicides - most notably, the unsolved murder of her sister. All she needs to do is remember. Ed Redlich, John Bellucci, Sarah Timberman and Carl Beverly are executive producers for Sony Television Studios in association with CBS Television Studios.
PERSON OF INTEREST stars Jim Caviezel, Emmy Award winner Michael Emerson and Academy Award nominee Taraji P. Henson in a crime thriller about a presumed dead former-CIA agent who teams up with a mysterious billionaire to prevent violent crimes by using their own brand of vigilante justice. Reese's (Caviezel) special training in covert operations appeals to Finch (Emerson), a software genius who invented a program that uses pattern recognition to identify people about to be involved in violent crimes. Using state-of-the-art surveillance technology, the two work outside of the law using Reese's adept skills and Finch's unlimited wealth to unravel the mystery of the person of interest and stop the crime before it happens. Reese's actions catch the attention of the NYPD, including homicide detective Carter (Henson), and Fusco (Kevin Chapman), a cop who Reese uses to his advantage. With infinite crimes to investigate, Reese and Finch find that the right person, with the right information, at the right time, can change everything. Emmy Award winners J.J. Abrams and Bryan Burk ("Lost"), Academy Award nominee Jonathan Nolan ("Memento"), David Semel ("Heroes") and Greg Plageman ("Cold Case") are the executive producers for Warner Bros. Television.
A GIFTED MAN is a drama about a brilliant, charismatic surgeon whose life changes forever when his deceased ex-wife begins teaching him the meaning of life from the "hereafter." Michael Holt (Patrick Wilson) is an exceptional doctor who lives a materialistic life of luxury thanks to his work-obsessed career and powerful and wealthy patients; however, Michael's ordered world is rocked when his ex-wife, Anna (Jennifer Ehle), an idealistic free-clinic doctor and the love of his life, mysteriously appears to him. Michael's off-beat sister, Christina (Julie Benz), a single mom to her teenaged son, Milo (Liam Aiken), is thrilled that Anna's back in her brother's life, even as an "illusion," because Michael was always a better person with her. Curious about Michael's sudden change in behavior is his efficient assistant, Rita (Margo Martindale). When Anna asks Michael to go to her clinic to help keep it running, he meets Autumn (Afton Williamson), a volunteer carrying on Anna's work with the underprivileged. Touched by those in need and accepting of Anna's compassionate "presence," Michael's attitude toward serving the rich and poor is turned upside down, and he begins to see that there's room in his life for everyone. Academy Award nominee Susannah Grant ("Erin Brockovich"), Academy Award winner Jonathan Demme ("The Silence of the Lambs"), Sarah Timberman, Carl Beverly and Neal Baer ("ER") are executive producers for CBS Television Studios.
The New Comedies are:
2 BROKE GIRLS is a comedy about two young women waitressing at a greasy spoon diner who strike up an unlikely friendship in the hopes of launching a successful business - if only they can raise the cash. Sassy, streetwise Max (Kat Dennings) works two jobs just to get by, one of which is waiting tables during the night shift at the retro-hip Williamsburg Diner. Sophisticated Caroline (Beth Behrs) is an uptown trust fund princess who's having a run of bad luck that forces her to reluctantly give waitressing a shot. At first, Max sees Caroline as yet another in a long line of inept servers she must cover for, but she's surprised to find that Caroline has as much substance as she does style. When Caroline discovers Max's knack for baking amazing cupcakes, she sees a lucrative future for them, but they first need to raise the start-up money. While they save their tips, they'll stay at the restaurant, working with Oleg (Jonathan Kite), an overly flirtatious Russian cook; Earl (Garrett Morris), a 75-year-old kool-kat cashier; and Han Lee (Matthew Moy), the new, eager-to-please owner of the diner. Working together, these two broke girls living in one expensive city might just find the perfect recipe for their big break. Michael Patrick King ("Sex and the City") and writer-comedian Whitney Cummings ("Chelsea Lately") are executive producers for Warner Bros. Television.
HOW TO BE A GENTLEMAN, inspired by the book of the same name, is a comedy about the unlikely friendship between a traditional, refined writer and an unrefined personal trainer. Andrew Carlson (David Hornsby) is an etiquette columnist whose devotion to ideals from a more civilized time has lead to a life detached from modern society. Infectiously optimistic, Bert Lansing (Kevin Dillon) is a reformed "bad boy" from Andrew's past who inherited a fitness center, but can still be rude, loud and sloppy. When Andrew's editor, Jerry (Dave Foley), tells him to put a modern, sexy twist on his column or be fired, he hires Bert as a life coach in the hopes of learning to be less "gentle man" and more "real man." Andrew's mom, Diane (Nancy Lenehan), and his bossy sister, Janet (Mary Lynn Rajskub), support the plan, as would Janet's husband, Mike (Rhys Darby), if he was allowed to have an opinion. Though Andrew and Bert's views may be centuries apart, they may find they're each other's missing link. David Hornsby ("It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia"), Adam Chase ("Friends"), Ted Schachter ("The Invention of Lying"), Joe Hipps and Modi Wiczyk are executive producers for CBS Television Studios.
The New Midseason Series:
2-2, from Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal comes THE 2-2, which follows six diverse NYPD rookies as they patrol the gritty streets of upper Manhattan. The new trainees include Jennifer "White House" Perry (Leelee Sobieski), a former college volleyball star and Marine MP in Iraq with a take-charge attitude; Ray "Lazarus" Harper (Adam Goldberg), the oldest rookie and a former police news reporter with better sources than many seasoned cops; Tonya Sanchez (Judy Marte), who comes from a family with a criminal history and has a very personal connection inside the force; Ahmad "Kiterunner" Kahn (Tom Reed), an Afghani native who fought his way to freedom; Kenny McClaren (Stark Sands), a fourth-generation police officer with great instincts but qualms about joining the force; and Jayson Toney (Harold House Moore), a young basketball legend who squandered his opportunity in the NBA. Their demanding Field Training Officer, Daniel "Yoda" Dean (Terry Kinney), is a case-hardened, unsentimental veteran of the force who emphasizes basics and holds each cop accountable for their actions. With unique backgrounds, personalities and reasons for being on the force, the new cops will make their share of rookie mistakes while they figure out how to relate to their boss, each other and to the people they swore to protect. Two-time Academy Award winner Robert De Niro ("The Godfather: Part II," "Raging Bull"), Jane Rosenthal ("Meet the Parents"), Academy Award nominee Richard Price ("The Color of Money"), Ken Sanzel ("Numb3rs") and James Mangold ("Walk the Line") are executive producers for CBS Television Studios in association with Tribeca Productions. The pilot was directed by James Mangold.
THE CW’s 2011-2012 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE
(All times EST, New shows are HIGHLIGHTED)
MONDAY
8:00-9:00 PM GOSSIP GIRL (New Time)
9:00-10:00 PM HART OF DIXIE
TUESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM 90210 (New Night)
9:00-10:00 PM RINGER
WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM H8R
9:00-10:00 PM AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL
THURSDAY
8:00-9:00 PM THE VAMPIRE DIARIES
9:00-10:00 PM THE SECRET CIRCLE
FRIDAY
8:00-9:00 PM NIKITA (New Night)
9:00-10:00 PM SUPERNATURAL
MONDAY
8:00-9:00 P.M. “GOSSIP GIRL”
Season Four ended with Chuck Bass’s (Ed Westwick) heartbreaking decision to step aside and let Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester) begin her new life as a Princess-to-be with her fiancé, Prince Louis (Hugo Becker). Meanwhile, Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively), in sunny Los Angeles, was offered a fantastic summer job working for an A-List Hollywood director just as we discovered that Serena’s cousin, Charlie (Kaylee Defer), was the real actress in the family! Back in New York, a newly single Nate Archibald (Chace Crawford) convinced Chuck to go on a hedonistic summer trip around the globe while Dan Humphrey’s (Penn Badgley) oldest friend went behind his back and found an editor to anonymously publish his autobiographical novel, “Inside.” Season Five will open in the City of Angels when a reenergized Chuck and Nate decide to pay Serena a visit. Back home, Blair learns that planning a royal wedding can be a royal pain, and Dan discovers the ramifications of writing candidly about his closest friends. Finally, the surprise return of cousin Charlie will threaten to destroy the van der Woodsen family from within. Watch out Upper East Siders, this season nobody’s safe, and everybody’s going to be sorry….XOXO, Gossip Girl. The series stars Blake Lively as Serena van der Woodsen, Leighton Meester as Blair Waldorf, Penn Badgley as Dan Humphrey, Chace Crawford as Nate Archibald, Ed Westwick as Chuck Bass, Kaylee DeFer as Charlie Rhodes, Kelly Rutherford as Lily van der Woodsen and Matthew Settle as Rufus Humphrey. Filmed in New York and based on the popular series of young-adult novels by Cecily von Ziegesar, GOSSIP GIRL is from Fake Empire and Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios with executive producers Josh Schwartz (“Chuck,” “The O.C.”), Stephanie Savage (“The O.C.”), Leslie Morgenstein (“The Vampire Diaries”), Bob Levy (“The Vampire Diaries”) and Joshua Safran.
9:00-10:00 P.M. “HART OF DIXIE”
Fast-talking New Yorker and brand new doctor Zoe Hart has it all figured out – after graduating top of her class from medical school, she’ll follow in her father’s footsteps and become a cardio-thoracic surgeon. But when her dreams fall apart, Zoe decides to accept an offer from a stranger, Dr. Harley Wilkes, to work with him at his small practice in Bluebell, Alabama. Zoe arrives in this small Gulf Coast town only to find that Harley has passed away and left his half of the medical practice to her in his will. She quickly finds that Southern hospitality isn’t always so hospitable – the other doctor in town, Brick Breeland, is less than pleased to be sharing the practice with this young outsider, and his daughter, Lemon, is a Southern belle whose sweet disposition turns sour when she meets Zoe. Zoe’s only allies are the mayor, former football star Lavon Hayes, her bad-boy neighbor Wade Kinsella, and handsome lawyer George Tucker – who just happens to be Lemon’s fiancé. Zoe is out of her element and ready to pack her bags, but a surprise visit by her snobby New York mother leads to Zoe’s decision to stay in Bluebell for a while, discovering small-town life and a side of herself she hadn’t known was there. The series stars Rachel Bilson as Dr. Zoe Hart, Jaime King as Lemon Breeland, Wilson Bethel as Wade Kinsella, Cress Williams as Lavon Hayes, McKaley Miller as Rose and Scott Porter as George Tucker. HART OF DIXIE is from Bonanza Productions Inc., in association with Fake Empire, Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios, with executive producers Leila Gerstein (“Gossip Girl,” “Eli Stone”), Josh Schwartz (“Gossip Girl,” “Chuck,” “The O.C.”), Stephanie Savage (“Gossip Girl,” “The O.C.”), Len Goldstein and Jason Ensler (“Gossip Girl,” “Chuck”). The pilot was directed by Jason Ensler.
TUESDAY
8:00-9:00 P.M. “90210”
The fourth season of 90210 follows the group from West Beverly as they navigate life after high school. Their journey into adulthood will find them heading in different directions while trying to keep the same closeness that worked so well for them in high school. This tight-knit circle of friends will meet new people, resulting in friendships, relationships and loyalties being tested. Some will attend college, while others will start their careers. It’s a new and different time for them, as the stakes are much higher and there is a lot more to lose. Coming from a world of glamour and privilege, with endless possibilities in front of them, anything can happen. All in all, it’s just another day in the world’s most famous zip code. The series stars Shenae Grimes as Annie Wilson, Tristan Wilds as Dixon Wilson, AnnaLynne McCord as Naomi Clark, Jessica Stroup as Silver, Michael Steger as Navid Shirazi, Jessica Lowndes as Adrianna Tate-Duncan, Matt Lanter as Liam Court, Trevor Donovan as Teddy Montgomery and Gillian Zinser as Ivy. 90210 is produced by CBS Television Studios with executive producers Patti Carr (“Life Unexpected,” “Private Practice”) and Lara Olsen (“Life Unexpected,” “Private Practice”).
9:00-10:00 P.M. “RINGER”
Sarah Michelle Gellar stars as a woman who, after witnessing a murder, goes on the run, hiding out by assuming the life of her wealthy identical twin sister – only to learn that her sister’s seemingly idyllic life is just as complicated and dangerous as the one she’s trying to leave behind. Bridget is six months sober and starting to turn her life around when she is the sole witness to a professional hit. Despite the assurances of her FBI protector, Agent Victor Machado, Bridget knows her life is on the line. She flees to New York, telling no one, not even her Narcotics Anonymous sponsor, Malcolm. In New York, Bridget reunites with her estranged twin, Siobhan. Wealthy, pampered and married to the strikingly handsome Andrew Martin, Siobhan lives what appears to be a fairy tale life – a life where no one knows that Bridget exists. The sisters seem to be mending their frayed relationship, until Siobhan disappears mysteriously, and Bridget makes the split decision to take on her sister’s identity. She discovers shocking secrets, not only about her sister and her marriage, but also about Siobhan’s best friend, Gemma, and Gemma’s husband, Henry. And when someone tries to kill Bridget in her sister’s penthouse, she realizes she is no safer as Siobhan than she is as herself. The series stars Sarah Michelle Gellar as Bridget and Siobhan, Kristoffer Polaha as Henry, Ioan Gruffudd as Andrew Martin, Nestor Carbonell as Agent Victor Machado and Tara Summers as Gemma. RINGER is produced by CBS Television Studios and Warner Bros. Television in association with ABC Television Studios and Brillstein Entertainment with executive producers Pam Veasey (“CSI, NY,” “The District”), Peter Traugott (“Samantha Who?”) and Emmy Award-winner Richard Shepard (“Ugly Betty”). The pilot was directed by Richard Shepard.
WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:00 P.M. “H8R”
Celebrities go head-to-head with civilians who hate them to win their “haters” over. Hosted by Mario Lopez, H8R is from Horizon Alternative Television with executive producers Lisa Gregorisch-Dempsey (“Extra”), Jeremy Spiegel (“Extra”) and Mario Lopez.
9:00-10:00 P.M. “AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL”
AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL returns for another season, with Tyra Banks kicking off cycle seventeen by bringing back an all-star cast of fan favorites and outrageous characters from previous cycles of the show. These women of various backgrounds, shapes and sizes return to prove that they can make it in the high-stress, high-stakes world of modeling and celebrity, featuring an exciting line-up of special guest judges. There is a lot at stake with these seasoned veterans, poised to earn the prestigious title of “America’s Next Top Model,” that previously eluded them. Time has passed and these models have changed…for better and for worse. In addition to exposure to prolific fashion-industry gurus and successful entrepreneurs, the finalists will compete in complicated catwalks, ambitious fashion photo shoots and work to carefully craft their public personas, all under 24-hour-a-day surveillance of the cameras that chronicle every move. The executive producers are Ken Mok ("Making the Band"), Tyra Banks and Laura Fuest. The series was created by Tyra Banks and developed by Mok and Kenya Barris. AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL is produced by 10 by 10 Entertainment in association with Bankable Productions.
THURSDAY
8:00-9:00 P.M. “THE VAMPIRE DIARIES”
Based on the best-selling book series, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES is the story of two vampire brothers, obsessed with the same gorgeous girl, who are battling to control the fate of an entire town. In season one, Stefan and Damon Salvatore returned to their hometown of Mystic Falls, Virginia, for very different reasons. Stefan was determined to get to know Elena Gilbert, who bears a striking resemblance to Katherine Pierce, the beautiful but ruthless vampire the brothers knew and loved — in 1864. Damon, on the other hand, was intent on releasing Katherine from the tomb where he believed she was trapped by a witch's spell all those years ago. In the explosive season finale, Elena's uncle set a plan in motion that saw the return of the vengeful Katherine Pierce. In season two, Katherine's appearance and her precise manipulation threw a wrench into the love triangle between Stefan, Elena and Damon, and the other residents of Mystic Falls were forced to choose sides as they fell victim to a new breed of danger. Stefan and Damon were later met with their greatest challenge yet — the arrivals of Elijah and Klaus, two of the “original” vampires. As Klaus goes head to head with Damon and takes a special interest in Stefan, he is also seemingly focused on breaking the “Sun and Moon” curse by sacrificing Elena. Yet no matter what action the brothers take to protect Elena, Klaus won’t be swayed from his mission, proving to be the most powerful vampire in existence. Season three opens the door to learn more about Klaus and The Original Family as his motives for wanting Stefan on his side are finally revealed. As Stefan sinks deeper into the dark side, Damon and Elena struggle with the guilt of their growing bond even as they work together to bring Stefan back from the edge. The ghosts from Jeremy’s past have a powerful message they’re trying to deliver to him, not to mention the impact they’re having on his relationship with Bonnie. And as Caroline and Tyler grow closer, a war erupts between their families. The series stars Nina Dobrev as Elena Gilbert, Paul Wesley as Stefan Salvatore, Ian Somerhalder as Damon Salvatore, Steven R. McQueen as Jeremy Gilbert, Kat Graham as Bonnie Bennett, Candice Accola as Caroline Forbes, Zach Roerig as Matt Donovan, Michael Trevino as Tyler Lockwood, Matt Davis as Alaric Saltzman and Joseph Morgan as Klaus. Based on the series of books by L. J. Smith, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES is from Bonanza Productions Inc., Outerbanks Entertainment and Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios with executive producers Kevin Williamson (“Scream,” “Dawson’s Creek”), Julie Plec (“Kyle XY,” “Wasteland”), Leslie Morgenstein (“Gossip Girl,” “Private”) and Bob Levy (“Gossip Girl,” “Privileged”).
9:00-10:00 P.M. “THE SECRET CIRCLE”
Cassie Blake was a happy, normal teenage girl – until her mother Amelia dies in what appears to be a tragic accidental fire. Orphaned and deeply saddened, Cassie moves in with her warm and loving grandmother Jane in the beautiful small town of Chance Harbor, Washington – the town her mother left so many years before – where the residents seem to know more about Cassie than she does about herself. As Cassie gets to know her high school classmates, including sweet-natured Diana and her handsome boyfriend Adam, brooding loner Nick, mean-girl Faye and her sidekick Melissa, strange and frightening things begin to happen. When her new friends explain that they are all descended from powerful witches, and they’ve been waiting for Cassie to join them and complete a new generation of the Secret Circle, Cassie refuses to believe them – until Adam shows her how to unlock her incredible magical powers. But it’s not until Cassie discovers a message from her mother in an old leather-bound book of spells hidden in her mother’s childhood bedroom, that she understands her true and dangerous destiny. What Cassie and the others don’t yet know is that darker powers are at play, powers that might be linked to the adults in the town, including Diana’s father and Faye’s mother – and that Cassie’s mother’s death might not have been an accident. The series stars Britt Robertson as Cassie Blake, Thomas Dekker as Adam Conant, Gale Harold as Charles Meade, Phoebe Tonkin as Fay Chamberlain, Jessica Parker Kennedy as Melissa, Shelley Hennig as Diana Meade, Louis Hunter as Nick, Ashley Crow as Jane Blake and Natasha Henstridge as Dawn Chamberlain. Based upon the book series by L.J. Smith (author of “The Vampire Diaries” book series), THE SECRET CIRCLE is from Outerbanks Entertainment and Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios with executive producers Kevin Williamson (“The Vampire Diaries,” “Scream,” “Dawson’s Creek”), Andrew Miller (“Imaginary Bitches”), Leslie Morgenstein (“The Vampire Diaries,” “Gossip Girl”) and Gina Girolamo. Elizabeth Craft (“The Vampire Diaries,” “Lie to Me”) & Sarah Fain (“The Vampire Diaries,” “Lie to Me”) were executive producers on the pilot which was directed by Liz Friedlander (“The Vampire Diaries,” “90210”).
FRIDAY
8:00-9:00 P.M. “NIKITA”
In season one of this sexy and suspenseful series featuring international action star Maggie Q in the title role, the charming and deadly Nikita waged a war against Division, the agency that created her. Michael — the man who trained her, a man she trusted — was hunting her. But Nikita had an ace up her sleeve: Alex, a girl she trained to infiltrate this secret unit of the government. At the end of season one, Nikita and Alex's relationship had been shattered, and Nikita and Michael’s relationship was restored. Now, Nikita and Michael are on the run with a hard drive containing the government’s darkest secrets and conspiracies. Together, they are going to right the wrongs that Division has committed over the years, one mission at a time. But leading the hunt for them this time is Alex...and she knows all of Nikita’s tricks. The series stars Maggie Q as Nikita, Lyndsy Fonseca as Alex, Shane West as Michael, Aaron Stanford as Birkhoff, with Melinda Clarke as Amanda and Xander Berkeley as Percy. NIKITA is from Warner Bros. Television in association with Wonderland Sound and Vision, with executive producers Craig Silverstein (“Bones,” “K-Ville”), David Levinson (“The Commish”), Danny Cannon (“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “Chuck”), McG (“Supernatural,” “Chuck,” “The O.C.,” “Charlie’s Angels”) and Peter Johnson (“Supernatural,” “Chuck”).
9:00-10:00 P.M. “SUPERNATURAL”
Returning for its seventh season, this haunting series follows Sam and Dean Winchester, two brothers bound by tragedy and blood to the one thing that runs through both their veins − hunting monsters. This past season, Dean and Sam faced insurmountable obstacles: Sam returned from Hell without his soul, and Dean risked everything to get it back for him. The power struggle between good and evil raged on, with the new King of Hell, Crowley, ultimately emerging as their adversary. Shockingly, Crowley had made a secret deal with Sam and Dean’s closest friend, the angel Castiel, who is now a desperate freedom fighter on the losing side of a post-Apocalyptic civil war in Heaven; together, the uneasy allies sought to open a door to Purgatory, where a great untapped well of souls lie waiting to be used as the ultimate form of military power. Sam and Dean reeled from the betrayal by their friend — and raced to stop the angel and demon before they opened that dangerous, otherworldly door. Now, in season seven, the Winchesters will find themselves in an increasingly sinister, changing landscape, up against a new foe unlike anything they’ve ever fought. They’ll find their old tricks, weapons and hiding places all rendered useless. All they’ll have is each other. And the certainty that, like the last of the cowboy outlaws, whatever they face, they’re not going down without a fight. The series stars Jared Padalecki as Sam Winchester, Jensen Ackles as Dean Winchester and Misha Collins as Castiel. SUPERNATURAL is from Warner Bros. Television in association with Wonderland Sound and Vision, with executive producers McG (“Charlie’s Angels,” “The O.C.”), Robert Singer (“Midnight Caller”), Sera Gamble and Phil Sgriccia.
MIDSEASON
“ONE TREE HILL”
Season eight of ONE TREE HILL saw the characters moving away from glamour, fame and wealth and instead dealing with the delicate balance that contemporary twenty-somethings face as they endeavor to build and define what their lives will be. Fashion designer Brooke Davis lost her company but found love with Julian Baker, was married and gave birth to twins. Haley James Scott supported her husband Nathan as he lost his NBA career to an injury, but she also won a personal battle with depression and ultimately gave birth to a daughter to compliment their son Jamie. Nathan’s friend and business partner Clay Evans survived an attack by the psychotic Katie to find love and happiness with Quinn James, who not only survived the same attack, but also vanquished the threat of Katie in a harrowing confrontation. Alex Dupré began a promising singing career and also a promising relationship with Chase Evans, who joined the Air Force and returned with a newfound maturity and perspective. And Millicent Huxtable began a broadcasting career, ultimately launching a morning show with her boyfriend Mouth McFadden. In season nine, how will Brooke and Julian juggle parenthood and their very young careers? With Nathan traveling more as an agent, how will Haley’s life change with a second child, an increasingly independent Jamie, and a busy café to run? Is a wedding in store for Quinn and Clay? Or Mouth and Millicent? And what’s to become of Alex and Chase and their burgeoning romance? Following a fictional four year jump in time, “One Tree Hill” has now spent four seasons exploring the experiences of twenty-somethings. Season nine will continue to grow and break new ground, as the show approaches the rarified air of 200 episodes. The series stars Sophia Bush as Brooke Davis, Bethany Joy Galeotti as Haley James Scott, James Lafferty as Nathan Scott, Robert Buckley as Clay Evans, Austin Nichols as Julian Baker, Shantel VanSanten as Quinn James and Jackson Brundage as Jamie Scott. ONE TREE HILL was created by Mark Schwahn and is executive produced by Schwahn, Joe Davola, Greg Prange, Mike Tollin and Brian Robbins. The series is produced by Mastermind Laboratories and Tollin/Robbins Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.
“RE-MODELED”
Modeling industry veteran Paul Fisher is planning to bring together hundreds of small agencies around the world in a new venture called The Network. The Network will give Paul the leverage to change the industry from the inside out. He has two missions: to make sure agents in small towns no longer get screwed, and to empower models to take control of their careers and lead healthier lives. RE-MODELED is from Fly on the Wall Entertainment and Sony Pictures Television with executive producers Allison Grodner (“Big Brother,” “You’re Cut Off,” “She’s Got The Look,” “Plain Jane”), Rich Meehan (“Big Brother,” “You’re Cut Off,” “She’s Got The Look,” “Plain Jane”), Amy Palmer (“You’re Cut Off,” “Plain Jane”), Paul Fisher (“I Want To Be A Hilton”), Greg Seuss (“What's Wrong with Virginia,” “Tug”) and Erik Stone (“Aisha Tyler Is Lit: Live at the Fillmore”).
“THE FRAME”
What happens when your whole life is reduced to one Frame? There’s only one rule: if you’re out of the Frame, you’re out of the game. Ten teams of two, chosen for their dynamic personalities and their existing deep-rooted relationships, are selected to compete in this wild social experiment. These teams will each live in one Frame – a stripped down version of their home living space – for up to 8 weeks, with the entire world watching their inter-personal soap operas play out atop a highly formatted game. Couples cannot physically see one another, but each “frame” is rigged with plasma screens & communication devices that allow for visual and verbal interaction. The teams will face outrageous challenges, punishments, head-to-head competitions, and eliminations, all while isolated from the outside world. With 24/7 web cams streaming content live, and a bi-weekly television show, audiences will vote for – and have control over – many elements of the show, from rewards to punishments to eliminations. The last couple standing will be America’s favorite pair, and walk away with a cash prize. THE FRAME is from Shed Media and Armoza International Media with executive producers Nick Emmerson (“Bethenny Ever After,” “Supernanny,” “Who Do You Think You Are,” “The Real Housewives of New York City”) and Jen O’Connell (“Bethenny Ever After,” “Supernanny,” “Who Do You Think You Are,” “The Real Housewives of New York City”).