BREAKING UPFRONTS NEWS: CW Shifts Returning Faves

The last of the broadcast networks presented its new fall schedule today, and like CBS yesterday, The CW decided to shake things up a bit.  Since today is the last day for the big networks big schedule announcements, we can all commence our sighs of relief for our faves that were renewed and/or our cursing the networks for those that were not.  But first, here's a wrap-up of The CW's presentation.  Teen dramas 90210 and Gossip Girl will team up on Mondays while returning series One Tree Hill and Life Unexpected will both move to Tuesdays.  Fan favorite Supernatural returns and will join Smallville on Fridays.  The net will also add two new series, the college cheerleading drama Hellcats and the action-packed Nikita.  See what The CW's new fall schedule looks like after the jump.

BREAKING UPFRONTS NEWS: CBS Shuffles Schedule, Leaves 'Case' in the Cold

CBS stepped up to the podium today and broke my TV-loving heart.   THEY CANCELED COLD CASE!!!  OK, so technically we found out about it yesterday, but today it was official and I'm officially bummed.  Thankfully, the show went out on a high note and there was a sense of closure in the final episode, but it still stings.  When I have more time, I'll write-up a tribute post to the show.  But right now, we're moving on because CBS sure shook things up today!  Chances are, if you watch a CBS show, it has moved to either a new night, time or both.  Mega hit The Big Bang Theory moves to Thursdays, CSI: Miami relocates to Sundays (in Cold Case's old slot -- sniffle, sniffle.  CSI: Miami fans -- welcome to the fun world of your show starting late week after week due to sports) while sister show CSI: NY gets relegated to Fridays, and Survivor moves to Wednesdays.  That's a lot of shuffling!  Take a closer look at CBS's new fall schedule after the jump.

BREAKING UPFRONTS NEWS: ABC Announces Schedule

It's day 2 of Network Upfronts week and ABC's turn to reveal its new Lost-less schedule.  As we learned late last week, the alien thriller V will return (albeit later in the season) while fellow intrigue drama Flashforward will not.  Staples Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice will return to Thursdays and Desperate Housewives and Brothers & Sisters will remain on Sundays. Take a closer look at ABC's new fall schedule after the jump (NOTE: while V will return next season, it does not appear on the fall schedule indicating that it will premiere sometime later in the season).

BREAKING UPFRONTS NEWS: FOX, NBC Set Schedules

These things are becoming a bit anti-climatic with networks announcing renewals/cancellations ahead of time and, in the case of NBC, releasing the entire fall schedule before the announcement, but nonetheless, it's that nail-biting time we call Network Upfronts Week where our faves get a second chance or an early retirement.  Fox was up first and there weren't too many shake-ups.  PTR faves Bones and Fringe will retain their Thursday night slots while fellow PTR fave Glee will stay on Tuesdays, but move to an earlier slot (8 p.m.).  Glee will also get the coveted post-Super Bowl slot in February.  Meanwhile, bubble series Human Target got picked-up, but moves to Friday nights.

Over at NBC, "new" is the buzzword as the network will roll out five new comedies and seven new dramas this fall.  On the returning favorites side, Law & Order: SVU will move back to the 9 p.m. slot on Wednesdays where it was earlier this season, PTR fave Chuck will return to Mondays at 8 p.m., and one of TV's best character dramas, Parenthood, returns to Tuesday nights.

Get a closer look at both Fox and NBC's fall schedules after the jump.

'Bones' News: Keepin' it in the Family

BIG BONES NEWS!! According to E! Online's Watch with Kristin, star Emily Deschanel's real-life little sis Zooey will be making a long-awaited guest appearance this season. The site caught up with co-star David Boreanez at Cirque du Soleil's Kooza Santa Monica premiere on Friday night and he gave them the official word.

'I do know that Emily's sister is going to be on the next episode, which is exciting,' he told us exclusively. 'I think she's going to play Emily's cousin. It's a whole relationship thing that's going on now with us and it continues to grow and grow and get crazy.'

Seriously, how awesome is it that the Deschanel sisters are going to share the screen on Bones?! Can't wait for this episode later this season.

Meanwhile, the older Deschanel was out in Hollywood over the weekend for a cause near and dear to her heart (she's a huge animal lover). She attended the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society's ship unveiling. Here are a few photos courtesy of Emily Deschanel Fan:



More photos HERE. Bones returns next month with all new episodes.

Mark Burnett Goes Scripted for CBS; Roma Downey to Co-Exec Produce

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

Since we here at PTR like to keep tabs on our faves, we'll file this under: Total.Coolness.

(Or: Please, CBS, take this from "script commitment" to pilot order to full blown series to a reason to put Roma Downey back in primetime).

News yesterday from the Hollywood Reporter (and elsewhere) that CBS has given a script commitment for a drama project teaming reality show kingpin Mark Burnett with Dirty Sexy Money creator Craig Wright.

HOWEVER, the best part (as far as we're concerned) is that PTR Fave Roma Downey (who is married to Burnett) will co-executive produce the project.

Niiiice!

The premise of the show?

It's not a procedural.

Thank.God.For.That.

Like we need another one.

Rather, the untitled project, to be produced by Sony Pictures TV, is set to be about a lawyer who, after a near-fatal car crash, is offered a second chance at life by the ghost of his ex-wife.

Am I the only one thinking dearest Roma SHOULD BE the ghostly ex-wife?

(Pipe dream on my part, I know. She already told us here at PTR how much she prefers being out of the limelight these days; we don't blame her).

But alas, one can dream. And so, too, can CBS given that little show she used to do called Touched By An Angel is a legend - and still watched in droves in syndication over on the Hallmark Channel.

Angel. Spirit. Ghost. Apparition. It all works for me when Roma's involved.

And kudos to Mark for getting his wish to delve deeper into the scripted drama realm.

We'll be watching hoping to see if it gets picked up for actual pilot-hood.

'Saving Grace' Done After Three Seasons

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

It looks like Grace won't be saved after all.

Darn.

Just when it was starting to get really good, too.

TNT announced this week that the Saving Grace will end its three season run next summer (2010).

While TNT wanted to continue with the adventures of all-things Grace Hanadarko, Fox (which actually produces the show) decided to end production after disappointing overseas and DVD sales.

As part of the decision, TNT will not air the winter run of the remaining six episodes on tap for the third season until next summer; and, Fox will film an extra three episodes to tie up all loose end so as to give the series a proper send off.

So look for the final nine episodes of the series' third installment to all air next summer.

Guess Angel Earl is going to have to find another assignment, eh?

Sources: TNT Publicity; LA Times.

'Pitchmen' Billy Mays Found Dead

Some sad news today (and even sadder, this is the latest in a string of high-profile tragic deaths this week including Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson). From Discovery Communications:

It is with incredible sadness that we have to report that
Billy Mays died in his sleep last night. Everyone that knows him was aware of his larger -than- life personality, generosity and warmth. Billy was a pioneer in his field and helped many people fulfill their dreams. He will be greatly missed as a loyal and compassionate friend. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family at
this time of incredible loss.

According to Fox News, Mays' wife found him unresponsive this morning in their Tampa, Florida home. There was no sign of forced entry and foul play is not suspected according to the Tampa police department. Billy Mays was 50 years old.

While I hadn't been writing about it here at PTR, I have been watching Billy and Anthony "Sully" Sullivan on their Discovery Channel reality show Pitchmen, so the news of his death is extra sad for me. I felt like I'd come to know both Billy and Sully through the show and I was so impressed by Billy's dedication and determination to the products he pitched and the people he pitched them for. I will miss his crazy pitches, blue shirt, back and forth with Sully and the excitement that he brought to inventors who risked everything they had for an idea. The pitching world will not be the same without Billy.

Win a Piece of Hamptons Heaven with a 'Royal Pains' Prize Pack

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

Lots of us wish we could indeed spend summer in the Hamptons.

And now we can - vicariously, anyway - watching the new USA Network original series, Royal Pains.

But we here at PTR have the opportunity to give away not one ... not two ... but THREE different prize packs for Royal Pains watchers (and anyone else who wants some cool show swag) thanks to our good friends at USA Network and EA.

Yes, it's a record for us here in our little corner of the blogosphere.

So what are ya' waiting for? Enter to win!

One (1) Grand Prize Winner will receive a Royal Pains Summer tote filled with all the essentials for a lazy summer weekend:

- First Aid Kit
- Travel Scrabble
- “Cure Your Royal Pains” T-Shirt
- Prescription “Candy” Bottle
- Hamptons Magazine
- Oversized Beach Blanket
- Royal Pains Red Band-Aid Box with Custom Band-Aids
- The Hamptons Dictionary
- Tate’s Cookie Carton
- Kiehl’s Summer Lotions Kit
- Playing Cards
- Inflatable Inner Tub


One (1) First Place Winner will receive:

- Royal Pains First Aid Kit
- Royal Pains Playing Cards
- The Hamptons Dictionary
- Royal Pains Notepad


One Runner-Up Winner:

- Royal Pains First Aid Kit (which, I'm told, is awfully handy for those summer camping trips)


**IMPORTANT NOTE: Pictured below is the FULL Grand Prize winner's tote, with a sampling of the items on display. Not all items pictured will be included in the First Place or Runner's Up packs; only the specified items listed above.



Looks awfully good, eh? Before you enter to grab the gear, read the scoop on the series:

USA will launch the 75-minute limited commercial premiere of ROYAL PAINS, the network’s newest original scripted series, on Thursday, June 4 at 10/9c immediately following the Season 3 premiere of BURN NOTICE at its new timeslot 9/8c.

ROYAL PAINS stars Mark Feuerstein as Hank Lawson, a young E.R. doctor who, after being wrongly blamed for a patient's death, moves to the Hamptons and becomes the reluctant "doctor for hire" to the rich and famous. When the attractive administrator of the local hospital asks him to treat the town’s less fortunate, he finds himself walking the line between doing well for himself and doing good for others. The series also stars Paulo Costanzo, Jill Flint and Reshma Shetty.

To enter to win PTR's Royal Pains swag:

- Send an e-mail to: lilly_of_philly(at)hotmail.com with the following:

** Subject line: Royal Pains Prize Pack
** Message Body: MUST contain your FULL NAME.

- Entry rules are as follows:

** Entries must be received by July 2, 2009.
** The winner(s) will be drawn at random on or after July 3, 2009.
** The winner(s) will be notified by e-mail
** You must be a U.S. resident to enter and over the age of 18.

And if ALL that still doesn't do it for you, or you just want to enter as many giveaway contests as you can, head on over to USA Network's official Royal Pains Web site to enter for your OWN chance to win a summer getaway to the Hamptons.

Royal Pains premieres Thursday, June 4th at 10 p.m. (9 p.m. Central) on USA Network. You can join other fans on Facebook; follow Royal Pains on Twitter, or visit the official Royal Pains Web site.

Join the 'Expedition' and Win a Prize Pack

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

So what kind of grades did you get in history?

Hopefully ones good enough to enjoy Mark Burnett's newest - and dare we say innovative - offering Expedition Africa, an action-adventure, docu-reality series that follows four modern day explorers on the same path blazed by adventure-journalist Henry Morton Stanley in 1871 as he trekked through Tanzania to find the infamous Dr. David Livingstone.

Yes, that'd be Dr. Livingstone you presume.

As the series gets ready to premiere on History Channel on May 31st, we here at PTR are giving away one awesome prize pack that includes:

* History Channel Laptop Backpack

* Expedition Branded 35mm Disposable Camera & Photo Album

* Trek Kit including Binoculars, Flashlight, Compass, Swiss Army Knife and more!



Looks awfully good, eh? Like you might want to go expeditioning yourself?

Before you enter to grab the gear, read the scoop on the series:

HISTORY™ presents the television event of the summer: EXPEDITION AFRICA: STANLEY & LIVINGSTON.

Watch the series premiere May 31 at 10pm/9c.

Twenty miles off the coast of eastern Africa, four modern-day explorers are sailing toward the unknown, the deep interior of Tanzania. They'll travel over 900 miles through African terrain that is as stunning as it is fraught with danger. Using only a compass and basic maps, they will attempt to recapture the spirit of one of the world’s most remarkable adventures—journalist Henry Morton Stanley’s perilous 1871 journey to find Dr. David Livingstone. Their historic exploration has been captured by one of the premiere storytellers of our time, Mark Burnett. This is not a competition or a game. It's a real-life adventure.

To enter to win PTR's Expedition Africa swag:

- Send an e-mail to: lilly_of_philly(at)hotmail.com with the following:

** Subject line: Expedition Africa Prize Pack
** Message Body: MUST contain your FULL NAME.

- Entry rules are as follows:

** Entries must be received by June 13, 2009.
** The winner will be drawn at random on or after June 14, 2009.
** The winner will be notified by e-mail
** You must be a U.S. resident to enter and over the age of 18.

And while you count it down to see if YOU are the lucky winner, check out this two-minute sneak peak of the series:



Expedition Africa premieres Sunday, May 31st at 10 p.m. (9 p.m. Central) on History Channel. You can join other fans on Facebook; follow History on Twitter, or visit the official Expedition Africa site.

Where Have the Angels Gone, Hallmark Channel?

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

Oh, my beloved Hallmark Channel.

What have you done?

You've REMOVED Touched By An Angel from your daily programming schedule?!?!?!?

And I'm now inundated with e-mails asking what I can do about it?!?!?!?!

I can, obviously, do nothing except give this open letter to you (and everyone else):

Hi Hallmark,

I'm a senior staff writer for the indy television blog, Pass the Remote. We cover quite a bit of Hallmark programming. I decided to write today because I myself received several e-mails this morning with regards to the recent programming decision to remove Touched By An Angel from your daily schedule. I was under the impression the show had consistently been one of your more popular airings and/or has remained slotted at 12 p.m. for almost a year and half. Additionally, its airing on Hallmark is promoted on the Touched.com site and elsewhere as a place where TBAA fans can still go to get their fix of all-things Monica, Tess, Andrea and Gloria.

As I've looked at the schedule today, it seems to now be tipped almost exclusively in the comedy direction. I had read on your forums and elsewhere that the I Love Lucy folks were feeling a bit shortchanged with so few offerings of their show, but it now seems that TBAA has lost out completely. I understand you recently did a similar experiment with Little House on the Prairie - sort of removing it unexpectedly only to have concern expressed by those who love the show, and thus, it was able to find its way back onto the schedule.

I know you experiment with scheduling from time to time, but in my very humble opinion, this seems somewhat of an unfair decision to TBAA fans. It also seems even more ill-timed given the fact Roma Downey stars in the upcoming Come Dance at My Wedding and on one of the current behind the scenes clips out on the consumer side of the Hallmark site, she discusses how fortunate it is to have TBAA have found a home on Hallmark Channel.

As I had the pleasure of speaking with Roma recently, and we were able to discuss the continuing legacy of the show - its timeless quality that resonates between generations - on behalf of TBAA fans across the globe, might it not be possible to remove one hour of one of those comedy blocks to put this beloved show back on the air?

Thanks very much for your time.

If you want to let Hallmark Channel know what you feel, write them: viewers@hallmarkchannel.com; call them (888) 390-7474 or fill out their online feedback form.

('Cause really, folks, I love you guys think I have THAT much power, but alas, I don't. Perhaps we should send for Monica?)

EDITED TO ADD: I love that Marilyn Beck & Stacy Jenel say today how TBAA "is having another life in repeats on the channel as well." Oops! Not anymore, eh?

EDITED TO ADD #2: Looks as though Hallmark plans to resume airings of TBAA on June 29, 2009. One of our readers (thanks, John) found this with new DVR program data, and Hallmark has indicated this on the June page of the monthly calendar on the TBAA portion of their Web site. Standard disclaimer is I will believe it when I see it, but ... yay!

EDITED TO ADD #3: Effective June 1st, Hallmark is airing TBAA at 8 p.m. daily. The TBAA portion of their Web site has been updated accordingly. Yay!

BREAKING UPFRONTS NEWS: CW Ups the 'Gossip,' Cancels 'Privileged'

Well, another Network Upfronts season is in the history books, which means we can all commence our sighs of relief for our faves that were renewed and/or our cursing the networks for those that were not. But first, The CW took its turn at the plate and made a few tweaks. Watercooler shows Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill and 90210 will return, but Privileged, it seems, is not quite as well, privileged. The freshman drama did not earn a place on the new line-up. Meanwhile, fan favorite Smallville is moving to Friday. Here's a closer look at The CW's Fall 2009 schedule courtesy of The Futon Critic:

HE CW's 2009-2010 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE

MONDAY

8:00-9:00 PM GOSSIP GIRL

9:00-10:00 PM ONE TREE HILL

TUESDAY

8:00-9:00 PM 90210

9:00-10:00 PM MELROSE PLACE (New Series)

WEDNESDAY

8:00-9:00 PM AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL

9:00-10:00 PM THE BEAUTIFUL LIFE (New Series)

THURSDAY

8:00-9:00 PM THE VAMPIRE DIARIES (New Series)

9:00-10:00 PM SUPERNATURAL

FRIDAY

8:00-9:00 PM SMALLVILLE (New night)

For more on the new schedule, visit The Futon Critic.

BREAKING UPFRONTS NEWS: CBS Moves 'Case;' Cancels 'Trace,' 'Unit'

CBS stepped up to the podium today on Day 3 of Network Upfronts week and made some high profile cancellations. Both Without a Trace and The Unit are gone from the line-up while the network picked up former NBC series Medium and paired it with the well-matched Ghost Whisperer on Friday nights. As previously reported, PTR Fave Cold Case will return for a seventh season, but the show is moving to a later slot: 10 p.m. on Sundays (which means late nights in the fall thanks to the NFL overruns). TV's best comedy, How I Met Your Mother, will also return. Here's a look at CBS's complete Fall 2009 schedule courtesy of USA Today:

CBS Fall 2009 Schedule

Monday
8 p.m.: How I Met Your Mother
8:30 p.m.: Accidentally on Purpose (new Jenna Elfman comedy)
9 p.m.: Two and a Half Men
9:30 p.m.: The Big Bang Theory
10 p.m.: CSI: Miami

Tuesday
8 p.m.: NCIS
9 p.m.: NCIS: Los Angeles (new spinoff)
10 p.m.: The Good Wife (new Julianna Margulies legal drama).

Wednesday
8 p.m.: The New Adventures of Old Christine
8:30 p.m.: Gary Unmarried
9 p.m.: Criminal Minds
10 p.m.: CSI: NY

Thursday
8 p.m.: Survivor: Samoa
9 p.m.: CSI
10 p.m.: The Mentalist

Friday
8 p.m.: Ghost Whisperer
9 p.m.: Medium
10 p.m.: Numb3rs

Saturday
8 p.m.: Crime drama repeats
10 p.m.: 48 Hours Mystery

Sunday
7 p.m.: 60 Minutes
8 p.m.: The Amazing Race
9 p.m.: Three Rivers (new medical drama)
10 p.m.: Cold Case

For more on CBS's new schedule, visit USA Today.

BREAKING UPFRONTS NEWS: ABC Moves 'Betty;' NBC Cancels 'Earl'

Today it was both ABC and NBC's turns to step up to the upfronts plate. First, we'll take a look at ABC's announcement. As previously reported, Scrubs will return (at midseason) along with the final season of Lost. But the big news from the alphabet's presentation is the decision to move Ugly Betty from its prime Thursday slot to the less desirable Friday night. Here is ABC's complete Fall 2009 schedule courtesy of The Futon Critic:

ABC FALL 2009 SCHEDULE

MONDAY:
8:00 p.m. "Dancing with the Stars" (two-hours)
10:00 p.m. "Castle"

TUESDAY: 8:00 p.m.
"Shark Tank"
9:00 p.m. "Dancing with the Stars the Results Show"
10:00 p.m. "The Forgotten"

WEDNESDAY:
8:00 p.m. "Hank"
8:30 p.m. "The Middle"
9:00 p.m. "Modern Family"
9:30 p.m. "Cougar Town"
10:00 p.m. "Eastwick"

THURSDAY:
8:00 p.m. "Flash Forward"
9:00 p.m. "Grey's Anatomy"
10:00 p.m. "Private Practice"

FRIDAY:
8:00 p.m. "Supernanny"
9:00 p.m. "Ugly Betty"
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. "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"
9:00 p.m. "Desperate Housewives"
10:00 p.m. "Brothers & Sisters"

"The Bachelor" will air Monday nights from 8:00-10:00 p.m. following the run of "Dancing with the Stars," and "Scrubs" and "Better Off Ted" will air at 9:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., respectively, following the run of "Dancing with the Stars The Results Show."

Over at NBC, PTR Fave Chuck will move to midseason (but retain its same Monday slot) while fellow "bubble show" My Name is Earl was not as fortunate. The comedy will not return next season. Meanwhile, Law & Order will return for a record 20th season. The network is losing an hour of primetime each night (due to the new Jay Leno vehicle) and will carry the 2010 Winter Olympics, but did manage to pack a lot of returning and new series into its combined Fall 2009 and Winter 2010 schedules. Here's a look at both courtesy of The Futon Critic:

NBC FALL 2009 SCHEDULE
*New programs in UPPER CASE

MONDAY
8-9 p.m. "Heroes"
9-10 p.m. - "TRAUMA"
10-11 p.m. "THE JAY LENO SHOW"

TUESDAY
8-10 p.m. "The Biggest Loser" (two-hour edition)
10-11 p.m. "THE JAY LENO SHOW"

WEDNESDAY
8-9 p.m. "PARENTHOOD"
9-10 p.m. "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"
10-11 p.m. "THE JAY LENO SHOW"

THURSDAY
8- 8:30 p.m. "SNL WEEKEND UPDATE THURSDAY" (multi-episode run)
8:30-9 p.m. "Parks and Recreation"
9- 9:30 p.m. "The Office"
9:30-10 p.m. "COMMUNITY" (moves to Thursdays 8-8:30 p.m. after multi-episode run "30 Rock" returns)
10-11 p.m. "THE JAY LENO SHOW"

FRIDAY
8-9 p.m. "Law & Order"
9-10 p.m. "Southland"
10-11 p.m. "THE JAY LENO SHOW"

SATURDAY
8-9 p.m. "Dateline NBC"
9-10 p.m. "TRAUMA" (encore broadcast)
10-11 p.m. "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (encore broadcast)

SUNDAY
7- 8:20 p.m. "Football Night in America"
8:20-11 p.m. "NBC Sunday Night Football"

NBC MID-SEASON 2010 SCHEDULE
(2010 WINTER OLYMPICS preempt regularly scheduled programming from February 12-28)
*New programs in UPPER CASE

MONDAY
8-9 p.m. "Chuck" (season premiere)
9-10 p.m. - "DAY ONE"
10-11 p.m. "THE JAY LENO SHOW"

TUESDAY
8-9:30 p.m. "The Biggest Loser" (90-minute edition) 9:30-10 p.m. "100 QUESTIONS"
10-11 p.m. "THE JAY LENO SHOW"

WEDNESDAY
8-9 p.m. "MERCY"
9-10 p.m. "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"
10-11 p.m. "THE JAY LENO SHOW"

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. "30 Rock"
10-11 p.m. "THE JAY LENO SHOW"

FRIDAY
8-9 p.m. "Law & Order"
9-10 p.m. "Southland"
10-11 p.m. "THE JAY LENO SHOW"

SATURDAY
8-9 p.m. "Dateline NBC"
9-10 p.m. "Southland" (encore broadcast)
10-11 p.m. "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (encore broadcast)

SUNDAY
7-8 p.m. "Dateline NBC"
8-9 p.m. THE MARRIAGE REF
9-11 p.m. "The Celebrity Apprentice" (season premiere; two-hour edition)

For more on both schedules, visit The Futon Critic.

Two More PTR Faves Get Pick-Ups; Fox Announces Schedule

Today is another glorious day in the TV Upfront world because both Cold Case and Chuck, yet two other "bubble shows," have both been picked up for another season by their respective networks. Cold Case will kick off its 7th season this fall on CBS according to Entertainment Weekly's Mike Ausiello who delivered the "official" news in his Ausiello Files online column. Meanwhile, Chuck will begins its 3rd season on NBC albeit with only 13 episodes and huge budget cuts (and the possible departure of a character in a cost-cutting move) according to Ausiello. (h/t to RichE for alerting me of the CC news in the comments section)

However, today was Fox's day to step up to the plate with the announcement of its official Fall 2009 schedule. As previously announced here at PTR, Bones will return for a fifth season and (surprise, surprise) it's keeping its current timeslot on Thursday night! But wait, there's more! The network is moving fellow PTR show Fringe to Thursdays after Bones, so we're going to have a Fox block on Thursday nights! Two of my faves on one night! Plus, we're getting an additional season of So You Think You Can Dance (season 5 premieres this Thursday and season 6 kicks off this fall) -- seriously, this is THE best upfronts week EVER!! Here's Fox's full fall schedule courtesy of The Futon Critic:

FOX PRIMETIME SCHEDULE: FALL 2009 (All Times ET/PT)

MONDAY
8:00-9:00 PM HOUSE
9:00-10:00 PM LIE TO ME

TUESDAY
8:00-10:00 PM SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Performance Show

WEDNESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Results Show
9:00-10:00 PM GLEE

THURSDAY
8:00-9:00 PM BONES
9:00-10:00 PM FRINGE

FRIDAY
8:00-8:30 PM BROTHERS
8:30-9:00 PM 'TIL DEATH
9:00-10:00 PM DOLLHOUSE

SATURDAY
8:00-8:30 PM COPS
8:30-9:00 PM COPS
9:00-10:00 PM AMERICA'S MOST WANTED
11:00 PM-Midnight THE WANDA SYKES SHOW (working title)
Midnight-12:30 AM ANIMATION DOMINATION ENCORES

SUNDAY
7:00-8:00 PM THE OT (NFL post-game)
8:00-8:30 PM THE SIMPSONS
8:30-9:00 PM THE CLEVELAND SHOW
9:00-9:30 PM FAMILY GUY
9:30-10:00 PM AMERICAN DAD

For more on Fox's schedule (including details on new series), visit The Futon Critic.

Fox Orders More 'Bones'

This coming week is the beginning of the nail-biting time we TV fans know as Network Upfronts Week. Essentially, it's the week where the nets announce their fall schedules and in the process, let us know which of our favorites are in for another season and which are out for good. But fellow Bones fans do not have to cross their fingers, wish on a shooting star or sweat it out any more this season -- or next! -- because Fox just officially renewed the show for not one, but two more seasons!!! I am literally jumping for joy right now. From Creator Hart Hanson (via his Twitter account):

Who am I to argue with Ausiello? Two seasons pick-up it must be!

First Friday Night Lights gets the green light on two more seasons and now Bones! Best. Pre-Upfronts. EVER!!! Now, we just need CBS to renew Cold Case and NBC to renew Chuck. Yay for Bones, though! Here's more on the pick-up from TV Guide:

Capping one of the upfront season's most prolonged back-and-forths over the licensing fee paid by the network to the studio, Fox has decided to renew Bones — for a fifth and sixth season.

Executive producer Hart Hanson announced the pick-up on Saturday, via his Twitter account. Later, Hanson confirmed that Fox had ordered not just one but two more seasons.

Bones likely will be paired on Thursday nights with So You Think You Can Dance, which this year will be launching a fall season veritably on the heels of this summer's cycle.

Bones joins Lie to Me, Fringe, Dollhouse and 24 as Fox's officially announced returning dramas for the 2009-10 TV season.

OMG, and it's being paired with the fall edition of SYTYCD!!!! I am one happy TV fan tonight.

TV's Best Duos

When fellow TV blogger and friend Scooter McGavin from Scooter McGavin's 9th Green asked me to take part in his quest to find the best duos on TV, I excitedly and carefully poured over my list. He collected mine and the lists of several other bloggers and came up with a final collection of the top 25. Here is the final list:

The 25 Best Duos on Television

(My Picks are in bold)

1. Coach Eric and Tami Taylor (Friday Night Lights)

2. Liz Lemon and Jack Donagy (30 Rock)
3. Sheldon Cooper Ph.D. and Penny (The Big Bang Theory)
4. Jim Halpert and Dwight Shrute (The Office)
5. Patty Hewes and Ellen Parsons (Damages)
6. Dr. Temperance “Bones” Brennan and Special Agent Seeley Booth (Bones)
7. Emerson Cod and Olive Snook (Pushing Daisies)
8. Blair Waldolf and Chuck Bass (Gossip Girl)
9. Shawn Spencer and Burton “Gus” Guster (Psych)
10. Chuck Bartowski and Special Agent Sarah Walker (Chuck)
11. Sam and Dean Winchester (Supernatural)
12. Marc St. James and Amanda Tannen (Ugly Betty)
13. Barney Stinson and Ted Mosbey (How I Met Your Mother)
14. Bill Adama and Laura Roslin (Battlestar Galactica)
15. Landry Clark and Tyra Colette (Friday Night Lights)
16. Ben Linus and John Locke (Lost)
17. John “J.D.” Dorian M.D. and Dr. Christopher Turk (Scrubs)
18. Sookie Stackhouse and Bill Compton (True Blood)
19. Jeff Patel and Lester Barnes aka Jeffster (Chuck)
20. James “Sawyer” Ford and Juliet Burke (Lost)
21. Homer and Marge Simpson (The Simpsons)
22. Bill Adama and Saul Tigh (Battlestar Galactica)
23. Richard Cypher and Kahlan Amnell (Legend of the Seeker)
24. Earl and Randy Hickey (My Name Is Earl)
25. Michael Westen and Fiona Glenanne (Burn Notice)

Voters: Dan, Ducky, Kath, Matt, Sandie, Scooter McGavin, TVFan, Vance

For the record, I also included Olivia Benson & Elliot Stabler (Law & Order: SVU), Allison & Joe DuBois (Medium), and Brenda Leigh Johnson and Agent Fritz Howard (The Closer)

Special thanks to Scooter for putting together the list. So, what do you think? Who makes your list? Leave us a comment with your picks.

Gail O'Grady Lives 'Out Loud' on Hallmark

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

Confession: I came to know and love Gail O'Grady as Donna Abandando on NYPD Blue.

Three Emmy® nominations later, clearly I wasn't the only one who enjoyed watching her opposite Gordon Clapp's Detective Greg Medavoy. (Yes, okay, so their relationship was adulterous, but whatever. It was genuine sweetness, genuine goodness, genuine fun to watch, and it provided a much needed balance to the grittiness that was Blue).

“It was an amazing piece of good fortune to land NYPD because, well, it gave me a career rather than just a series of jobs,” says Gail. “You work for years to get noticed, and then when it finally happens it’s almost hard to believe. It’s about luck and timing and tenacity, you know? And talent too, of course. But you have to appreciate it when it’s happening because it can all be gone faster than you blink.”

Gail hits our television screens once again this weekend starring in the inspirational Hallmark Original Movie, Living Out Loud (premieres May 2 at 9 p.m.). And, she's taking on a gritty subject in its own right: a wife and mother battling breast cancer. Portraying Emily Marshall, a high school chorus teacher who suddenly faces a diagnosis of invasive malignancy, she must immediately start a brutal chemotherapy regimen as her husband (Michael Shanks, Stargate) and two kids do their best to lend support through the trauma.

“It isn’t your typical warm and fuzzy Hallmark project, that’s for sure,” Gail says. “What was so inspiring about working [on the project] is how much knowledge I was able to absorb about the disease, the treatment, what the victims and their families have to endure. I learned just how painful it is emotionally for everyone in the breast cancer sufferer’s life. It’s such a huge drain, like a bomb that’s been dropped on everyone’s life.”

And yet, Living Out Loud strives NOT to be about giving up, but instead, persevering through adversity. And The Big C (cancer) doesn't have to mean the end of living life - it can mark a new beginning, as Gail's character discovers in between the chemotherapy treatments. She reconnects with the musical life she had abandoned, which provides her with a strength and fortitude Emily never knew she had.

That said, Gail was surprised at how ultimately uplifting a film with a breast cancer storyline can be. She had worked with Hallmark Channel once before in the 2007 holiday-themed All I Want For Christmas, so “the first thing I thought of when they approached me again was the quality they put into everything."

“Because it’s Hallmark," Gail says, "I knew there would be some sort of silver lining in the story. I like that they aim their stuff to families. God knows we have more than enough downer stuff on the other networks.”

While Living Out Loud represents something of a departure for Gail, she has long been thought of as the go-to actress for made-for-TV star turns, albeit more often as the racy ingénue. She most recently had a recurring role on Desperate Housewives as a married woman having an affair with the teenage son of Felicity Huffman's character. And on Boston Legal, her multi-episode arc as the sexy and beautiful Judge Gloria Weldon, James Spader's love interest and sometime nemesis, garnered much praise.

“People remember me most from NYPD Blue, of course, which was the great miracle in my life,” Gail says. “[But] I’d already been at this acting gig for a long time when I caught on with the show in 1993, yet a lot of people thought I was an overnight success. Even now, sometimes people still think they’re discovering me. It’s OK because I’ve never cared about being the biggest star on the planet, just someone who got to do good work.”

As long as there’s quality behind it, Gail isn't all that particular where or for whom she works. And she doesn't rest on her laurels, either.

“I love working ... [but] there is never a time where I feel like I can sit back and take it easy,” she admits. “There’s always somebody else nearby ready to step right into your shoes. But I’ll tell you what: I don’t have the fear anymore that this may be my last job. I’m a respected working actor, and I feel confident that it’s going to stay that way for a long time.”

Living Out Loud premieres Saturday, May 2 at 9 p.m. on Hallmark Channel. Visit Hallmarkchanel.com for the inside scoop on the film.

Source: Hallmark Syndicate

Hallmark's Tribute Golden Girl Bea Arthur

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

Yes, Virginia, networks sometimes actually do what the fans want them to do.

And when that happens, they should be commended for it.

So, bravo Hallmark Channel for aptly responding to the large outpouring of support from Golden Girls fans who asked the network for an even more significant tribute to beloved actress Bea Arthur, who portrayed Dorothy Zbornak on the legendary sitcom and of whom passed away this weekend at the age of 86.

Hallmark was already Johnny-on-the-spot-on-it when they announced - shortly after news broke of the actress' death - they would run Dorothy-centric episodes all day Memorial Day in a tribute to Arthur.

But in response to overwhelming support for the classic comedy, which flooded the network’s viewer services department on Monday with appreciation for the channel’s Memorial Day tribute announcement, Hallmark expanded its tribute to Arthur by hand-selecting the “Best of the Dorothy Zbornak Episodes" and will begin airing them Tuesday, April 28 (7 p.m. - 9 p.m.), continuing Wednesday, April 29 (7 p.m. - 9 p.m.), Thursday, April 30 (7 p.m.-9 p.m.), and Sunday, May 3 (6 a.m.- 3 a.m.).

Nicely done fans.

Way to go Hallmark Channel.

R.I.P. Dorothy.

Thanks for the memories, Bea.

PTR Exclusive: It's Me and Victoria Stilwell

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

Confession: I'm now following AP.

No, not the Associated Press.

Animal Planet.

True, Damages and The Closer it is not.

But Victoria Stilwell and It's Me or the Dog it is.

And I'm hooked.

It gives me a much needed break from my usual coverings of homicide detectives, serial killers, conniving high-powered attorneys conjuring up murder plots, Bering Sea fishermen dancing with death and Skynet machines out to destroy mankind (yes, I've said this before, but it's worth saying again).

It's Me or the Dog just wrapped up airing its first full season here in the US and has begun filming its second season. If you haven't watched the show, you should - and this is coming from a cat person. I confess Victoria makes me feel as if I could become a dog person, and she recently took time out of her rather busy schedule to chat with me about the show, the differences in training methods available to dog owners today, and what she hopes viewers are able to get from the program.


How’s the show going for you thus far? You’re now filming the second season, correct?

Yes. What’s happened in the last two years [on Animal Planet] is you've actually seen four seasons of programs that were filmed in England [and were the English versions of the show]. Now, we’ve finished the first season here in the United States and just started filming the second season. There’s going to be 25 episodes in the second season, with five clip shows that are sort of the “Best Of.” I think it’s going to be a very exciting season. We’ve got some great families lined up, some great dogs, some very interesting problems. We’re filming pretty much until the new year, but the new season should start airing in June.

Do you have additional celebrities coming in for this season, or do you know as yet?

Yeah, we might have. I’m not allowed to say at the moment who they are, though.

Ah, got it. And you film the show in both Los Angeles and Atlanta?

Yes. So we film, like, 10 episodes in LA and 10 in Atlanta. And if there is a third series, we might travel a bit. But with family commitments, it’s sort of important to keep it simple.

Do you get back to England much these days?

I used to. This year I haven’t; last year I didn’t. But we are going in a couple of week’s time. It's pretty tough being away from mum, my sister and my family over there. So when we do go, it’s extra special.

What’s the biggest difference between the US and UK versions – or is there a difference? Is it the people? The pets?

The British programs were half an hour, and the American programs are an hour long. So, you see more of the training process. And, some of the comments I’ve received is that the British program seemed to be a bit edgier. I think the only real reason for that is because things had to be crammed into a shorter amount of time.

With regards to dog owners in both places, there are very few differences, more similarities. Both Britain and the United States are passionate, dog-loving nations, but I think dog owners in Britain enjoy a big freedom with their dogs because most parks and green spaces in Britain are “off leash.” So, you don’t have to take your dog to a dog park, for example, like you have to do here in the States. So, in a way, there’s less leash aggression. Dogs are able to greet each other under their own terms, and have the space to increase distance if they want to while not being tied to their owner at the other end of the leash – which can cause problems, especially if the dog is uncomfortable in another dog’s presence. The leash laws are tough here [in the States]. I'd say that is probably one of the [biggest] differences.

I would also say that in Britain, British dog owners have embraced the positive reward training methods more than American dog owners have, and I think that is because the information has been available for longer [in Britain]. They seem to understand that the positive, reward-based training is the better way, now. I was actually quite shocked when I first came over to the states to see how traditional the training still was. And, unfortunately, the dominance-based training is based on highly flawed research that was done in the 1970s and has now been debunked by not just the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) but also top behaviorists and methodologists in the world. So, we’re moving into a new era of training our dogs.

What do find the most challenging aspect of what you do – both as a trainer and what you do on the show?

I would say motivating owners to work at the training after I've left is the biggest wall I have to climb.

The follow-up visits always show us how the owners are doing after you’ve left. You can see whether they’ve stuck with what you’ve told them to do, or gone back to their old habits. Are you disappointed when they do take a few steps backwards?

Yes, of course. But, as soon as I go into a house that very first time – within the first hour – I know whether these people are going to work at it or not.

Is it just a vibe – a feeling that you sense?

Absolutely. It’s a feeling. When you train to become a trainer, you have to be a really keen observer of human behavior, and I don’t believe you can be a good trainer without loving people as well. So, I’m a keen observer, and I’ve studied human behavior. I feel like a detective when I go in [to some of the homes] because I pickup clues from the environment at all times. On the show, it might just look like I come in and chat [with the family], but I’m actually scanning [the environment]. I get a lot of information very quickly from people’s body language, what they tell me, their attitude, so I pretty much know who is going to work and who is not.

At the same time, I always try to work so hard to motivate people, and it is disheartening when I do go back and some people haven’t tried. Sometimes, I’ll be a little tough on them. Other times, I’ll be like, ‘Alright. Let’s do it again. Let’s try it again.’ At the end of the day, it’s up to owners whether they want to continue. I just don’t ever like leaving knowing somebody is just not going to do the work because their animals are really worth it - and they’re going to have an easier life because of it.

Do you find that some of your celebrity clients, like actors, are more suited to work at the training – given that in their profession they are used to being directed on what to do – as compared to the regular family off the street? Or is there much of a difference?

I really don’t see too much of a difference. It comes down to personality. Now, the differences that I have seen are, for example, when I was training in Manhattan, and I would go to the Upper East Side into these incredibly wealthy family homes where the maid [or housekeeper] was in charge of the dog, not the owner. Even though my consultation was with the owner, I would always say that we need to have the housekeeper or whomever [is going to handle the dog] along [for the training]. In those circumstances, I would get less success than going to the Bronx or Harlem or the Lower East side with people who were working with the dogs themselves. In that respect, I did see a difference.

But every problem is unique, and there are totally different techniques within one behavior methodology. It’s not just about rewarding with treats, for example. There’s so much [to explore] with the reward-based training methods, so many different techniques people can use. That’s why I like it. Every single consult is tailored differently so that every single dog is successful. That’s why I think it’s a really great [method] for people because there are so many different things they can try. And it's all positive.

What has been the most rewarding or favorite part of doing the show?

It really is seeing the dogs and the owners blossom, and the massive improvement in behavior problems. The success of that is fantastic for me – not just on television but in my private consultations as well. The biggest success is keeping the dogs in their homes, and improving the lives of the dogs and their families. That’s why I do this job. I believe we have domesticated these animals, and we have a responsibility to treat them with dignity and respect and do what we can as owners to keep them in our homes rather than see them as disposable property to chuck into a shelter if things go wrong. That’s what I like about my program – it’s information that anybody can use with their dog. It’s like people training for dogs. Anybody can watch the show, pick up a technique, go back to their dog and use it. It’s great take home information.

What are your inspirations – either in your work or in life in general?

My inspirations … I just want to provide people with the right kind of education so that there’s less animals given up to shelters. I want there to be a resource that can help people. I think that’s a massive inspiration for me.

But I suppose personally-wise, I’m a mother, and the biggest thing in my life is to make my child’s life the best it can possibly be. My daughter is my true inspiration. My husband as well is the most amazing man – we’ve been together now for 12 years. I think [my inspiration] is my family – there’s nothing better than family.

I know the show keeps you awfully busy, but is there anything else you’re working on?

Yes, I am actually working on another book. I’m very excited about it because you basically follow me through a whole bunch of case studies. It's my experience, and you can get a lot of great information about how to tackle a particular behavior problem. So, that’s in the works. It’s tentatively called “Positively" and should be out next year.

We're also starting the Victoria Stilwell Think Dog Foundation in June. We want to raise money for the smaller rescue shelters. The larger rescues always get considerable funding, and it's always the smaller shelters that [tend to] lose out. But, not only that, we [also] want to raise money for various foundations that work with dogs and disabled children, for example, or hearing dogs for hearing-impaired people – that kind of thing. So, we're going to be raising money for assistance dogs and their organizations as well as the rescues.

We here at PTR look forward to the second season of It's Me or the Dog and thank Victoria for taking the time to chat. Tune in Saturdays at 9 p.m. to Animal Planet for It's Me or the Dog. And be sure to visit Victoria's official Web site, VictoriaStilwell.com to catch up on all-things Victoria. For more of Victoria's insights from this Q&A, you can also visit BlogTails by Love Da Pawz.