HBO's Luck ~ Pilot Episode

From the opening credits song "Splitting The Atom" by Massive Attack, to the final moments of the last scene in the pilot episode, HBO's Luck goes the distance.

Luck stars Dustin Hoffman [who is also one of the show's producers] as Chester 'Ace' Bernstein; a 'G' who did a 3 year bid at Victorville to cover his associates asses. Now he's out, showing signs of possible onset of Alzheimer's. His limo driver Gus 'the Greek' Demitriou [Dennis Farina] is fronting for him as the owner of a promising thoroughbred. [As a convicted felon Ace cannot legally own the horse].

Nick Nolte as Mr.Walter 'the old man' Smith is heartbreaking as a trainer who knows equines like he knows the back of his hand, but has seen too much and is holding a secret about a past scandal. Richard Kind, Jason Gedrick, John Ortiz, Tom Payne, Jill Hennessy, Kevin Dunn, Ian Hart, Richie Coster, Kerry Condon, and retired real life jockey Gary Stevens round out an outstanding cast.

Not surprisingly Hoffman effortlessly commands every scene he embodies while simultaneously being generous to his co-stars. The delivery of the dialog is so natural, particularly the moments with Farina and guest star Alan Rosenberg, it's difficult to discern whether or not some of the scenes are improvised in part or in whole. No matter. It truly is a pleasure to watch every frame whichever the case.

Retired real-life jockey Stevens turns in a stellar performance. It has long been my contention that athletes more than hold their own when in the acting arena and in Luck, Gary Stevens does nothing to sway me from that belief.

The show's camera work of the racing scenes is excellent. Slightly less gritty than the real thing [jockey's silks are as pristine at the end of the race as they are straight out of the gate] but the positioning of the horses and the point of view from the rider's perspective gives just the right flavor.

Don't want to spoil with specifics for those who haven't seen the pilot ep, but there is a scene that shows the hard side of what occurs when a horse is injured.

If you're not a railbird or don't know a bug from a tout, no worries---HBO has a glossary to get you up to speed on the vernacular of the racetrack.

Luck airs Sundays at 9:00pm on HBO with multiple repeats during the week. Please check your local listings. And for HBO subscribers on the go who don't want to miss their favorite HBO shows check out HBOGO

Hey Railbirds HBO's Luck Premieres Sunday January 29, 2012

1~13~2012 HBO Press Release

NEW HBO DRAMA SERIES "LUCK," A DAVID MILCH/MICHAEL MANN COLLABORATION STARRING DUSTIN HOFFMAN AND NICK NOLTE, DEBUTS SUNDAY, JAN. 29

From acclaimed director Michael Mann and "Deadwood" creator David Milch, the nine-episode season of LUCK, starring Oscar(R) winner Dustin Hoffman and Oscar(R) nominee Nick Nolte, debuts SUNDAY, JAN. 29 (9:00-10:00 pm ET/PT), with other episodes debuting on subsequent Sundays at the same time.

LUCK is a behind-the-track look at the world of horse racing and gambling's denizens - owners, trainers, jockeys and gamblers. Michael Mann assembled a brilliant cast led by Hoffman and Nolte when he directed the pilot, written by series creator David Milch. In making the episodes as executive producers, they work collaboratively together, with Milch masterfully overseeing the writing for the series and Mann supervising every aspect of the filmmaking. LUCK was filmed at Santa Anita Park and other Los Angeles locations.

As the series opens, Chester "Ace" Bernstein (Dustin Hoffman) is released from three years in federal prison. He's met by his driver and bodyguard, Gus Demitriou (Dennis Farina), who fronts as the owner of the $2 million Irish Horse that Ace just bought. A brilliant but disreputable trainer, the Peruvian Turo Escalante (John Ortiz), introduces us to their prized Irish thoroughbred, who is being examined by his girlfriend, track veterinarian Jo (Jill Hennessy).


Meanwhile, veteran trainer-turned-owner Walter Smith (Nick Nolte) contains his optimism pinned on his promising "Big Horse" because he's wary. Of what, we're unsure, but we learn there's a dark history and a shadow of scandal behind the horse.

Four degenerate gamblers, Marcus (Kevin Dunn), Renzo (Ritchie Coster), Jerry (Jason Gedrick), and Lonnie (Ian Hart), meanwhile, are pooling their meager resources to bet Jerry's hunch on the day's long shot, a high-stakes Pick Six winners contest.

LUCK also stars Richard Kind as jockey agent Joey Rathburn; Tom Payne as a beginner jockey Leon, a.k.a. "Bug Boy"; Kerry Condon as Rosie, an exercise girl with jockey ambitions; and real-life racing Hall of Famer Gary Stevens as Ronnie Jenkins, a talented but boozy veteran jockey.

Continuing guest stars on the series include Patrick J. Adams, Joan Allen, W. Earl Brown, Bruce Davison, Spencer Garrett, Barry Shabaka Henley, Ted Levine, Jurgen Prochnow, Alan Rosenberg, Mercedes Ruehl, Chantal Sutherland and Sir Michael Gambon.

January's episode:

Episode #1: "Pilot"

Debut: SUNDAY, JAN. 29 (9:00-10:00 pm ET/PT)

Other HBO playdates: Jan. 29 (10:00 p.m., 11:00 p.m.), 30 (9:00 p.m.) and 31 (11:00 p.m.), and Feb. 1 (10:00 p.m.), 4 (12:45 a.m. ET/9:45 p.m. PT), 7 (10:00 p.m.), 8 (9:00 p.m.) and 11 (10:00 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Jan. 30 (8:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m.) and Feb. 2 (midnight), 3 (9:00 p.m.), 5 (2:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m.) and 16 (8:00 p.m.)

Released from prison after three years, "Ace" Bernstein (Dustin Hoffman) plots revenge against the colleagues who betrayed him. With his trusted aide/chauffeur Gus Demitriou (Dennis Farina) acting as a front for his race horse investment, Ace seeks to reverse the sagging fortunes of a famous racetrack. Meanwhile, four dissolute gamblers at the race track - Jerry (Jason Gedrick), Marcus (Kevin Dunn), Renzo (Ritchie Coster) and Lonnie (Ian Hart) - pool their meager resources to make a Pick Six bet that could be worth millions. A key to their fortunes is a long-shot horse trained by Turo Escalante (John Ortiz), a self-made success story with loads of talent and few scruples, who's also training Gus/Ace's colt. Walter Smith (Nick Nolte), another more grizzled trainer, sees classic potential in an untested thoroughbred with impressive bloodlines.

Written by David Milch; directed by Michael Mann.

Episode two is directed by Terry George and written by John R. Perrotta; episode three is directed by Allen Coulter and written by Bill Barich; episode four is directed by Phillip Noyce and written by Jay Hovdey; episode five is directed by Brian Kirk and written by Scott Willson; episode six is directed by Henry Bronchtein and written by Robin Shushan; episode seven is directed by Brian Kirk and written by Amanda Ferguson; episode eight is directed by Allen Coulter and written by John R. Perrotta & Jay Hovdey; and episode nine is directed by Mimi Leder and written by Eric Roth.

The executive producers of LUCK are David Milch, Michael Mann and Carolyn Strauss; co-executive producers are Henry Bronchtein and Eric Roth; Dustin Hoffman serves as producer.

Castle Fans ABC's Club Castle Wants To Reward You For Your Loyalty

ABC Entertainment and Fanscape want to help Castle fans tell the world of their devotion and reward them for their loyalty.

This news from Fanscape Inc Social Media Marketing Senior Manager, Bianca Chan:

"Now when you watch videos online, view galleries, answer trivia and more, you’ll be handsomely rewarded with exclusive content, points, badges and other attractive prizing! You’ll also have the opportunity to prove that you’re the biggest fan of the show by checking the leaderboard."

Are you the biggest fan of Castle? Then don't be shy and don't wait to brag and get your Castle swag by joining Club Castle today. It's fun and it's free.

About the Show:

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.
Over the past three seasons, Castle and Beckett's relationship has grown even stronger as they've dodged bullets, captured killers, and solved countless murder cases with their unorthodox partnership. But in the explosive Season 3 finale this past May, NYPD Captain Roy Montgomery, who we learned had a connection to the unsolved murder of Beckett's mother, was shot and killed by a man tied to that years-old crime. As the episode came to a close, Beckett, who was speaking about her Captain at his funeral, took a bullet from a sniper's rifle and was last seen on the ground with life fading out of her...

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.

Stars Michael Douglas, Matt Damon And Director Steven Soderbergh To Begin Shooting Liberace Biopic "Behind The Candelabra" Summer 2012 For HBO

Good things come in small packages and to those who wait. After being in development for a little over two years, and originally scheduled for release as a feature film, Liberace biopic, Behind The Candelabra, begins shooting for HBO in Summer 2012. Based on the book by Liberace paramour Scott Thorson , the movie will be directed by Steven Soderbergh and star Michael Douglas as Liberace and Matt Damon as Thorson.

HBO Press Release [10~11~2011]

"Academy Award winner Steven Soderbergh ("Contagion," "Traffic," "Ocean's Eleven, Twelve, Thirteen") and Emmy Award-winning producer Jerry Weintraub ("Ocean's Eleven, Twelve, Thirteen," "The Karate Kid" series, HBO's Emmy-nominated "His Way") will bring the film BEHIND THE CANDELABRA, starring Academy Award winners Michael Douglas ("Wall Street," "Traffic," "Solitary Man") and Matt Damon ("Contagion," "Ocean's Eleven, Twelve, Thirteen," "Invictus") to HBO Films, it was announced today by Len Amato, president, HBO Films."

"Executive produced by Weintraub and produced by Gregory Jacobs ("Contagion," "The Informant!") and Susan Ekins ("Ocean's Eleven, Twelve, Thirteen," "The Karate Kid" series), BEHIND THE CANDELABRA takes a behind-the-scenes look at the tempestuous relationship between legendary entertainer Liberace and Scott Thorson, his younger live-in lover. Directed by Soderbergh from a script by Oscar nominee Richard LaGravenese ("Water for Elephants," "The Fisher King"), the film stars Douglas as Liberace and Damon as Thorson."

"This is a story that's going to surprise a lot of people," said Amato. "It's funny, heartbreaking and always fascinating, and we are delighted that Jerry and Steven brought the film to HBO. With Steven at the helm, directing such accomplished actors as Michael Douglas and Matt Damon, this is a dream project for us."

"Says Weintraub, "I've wanted to make a film about Liberace for a very long time, and after the amazing experience I had with HBO on 'His Way,' I knew that they were absolutely the right place for this movie. I am thrilled that we have the incomparable Michael Douglas to inhabit the role of Liberace, as well as the exceptional Matt Damon to play the pivotal part of Scott Thorson."

"I am thrilled that we have the incomparable Michael Douglas to inhabit the role of Liberace, as well as the exceptional Matt Damon to play the pivotal part of Scott Thorson. Putting these two fine actors in the creative hands of Steven Soderbergh - it doesn't get better than that!"

"From the inception of this project, we've had two priorities: getting it right creatively, and getting as many people as possible to see it," says Soderbergh. "HBO's fearless approach to original programming and their unparalleled ability to pull in viewers make them the perfect fit for us. Apart from my hair growing back, I couldn't be happier."

"Richard Plepler and I developed an enormous respect and affection for Jerry when we worked with him on his HBO documentary, and we hoped that it would be the beginning of a long and productive relationship," says Michael Lombardo, president, HBO Programming. "We are extremely excited that he is returning to HBO with this riveting film and sensational array of talent."

"BEHIND THE CANDELABRA will start production in summer 2012, with locations in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Palm Springs. Tara Grace, vice president, development and production, HBO Films, will serve as production executive on the project."

Kiefer Sutherland Returns To Series Television In New FOX Drama,Touch

FOX Primetime Press Release:
"FOX is announcing 2011-2012 midseason premiere dates for new and returning series"

"J.J. Abrams’ (“Super 8,” “Star Trek,” “Lost”) chilling new thriller ALCATRAZ will debut Monday, Jan. 16 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) with a special two-hour premiere event. The series then makes its time period premiere on Monday, Jan. 23 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), following all-new episodes of HOUSE (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). The mysterious drama stars Sarah Jones (“Sons of Anarchy”), Jorge Garcia (“Lost”) and Sam Neill (“Jurassic Park”) as a unique team investigating the shocking reappearance of Alcatraz’s most notorious prisoners, 50 years after they vanished."

"Beginning March 6, the Tuesday laughs keep coming with a new block of four half-hour comedies led by encores of NEW GIRL (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT), followed by the Season Two return of BREAKING IN (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT), the workplace comedy starring Christian Slater, Bret Harrison and new series regular Megan Mullally (“Will & Grace”). The Tuesday night of comedy continues with all-new episodes of NEW GIRL (9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT), followed by the all-new misadventures of the Chance family on RAISING HOPE (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT)."

Kiefer Sutherland returns to FOX as Martin Bohm, a widower and single dad, for a new series titled Touch. Mr. Sutherland recently interviewed by the FOX network expressed how he feels about returning to series television. "I simply couldn't pass the opportunity to do the show..." "For me, Touch is about a father's effort to communicate with his son..." "I'm very excited to be doing a TV show again; getting back to the routine, and developing a new character..."

"TOUCH, the distinctive new drama created by Tim Kring (“Heroes”) and starring Kiefer Sutherland (“24”) will debut with a special preview Wednesday, Jan. 25 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), immediately following AMERICAN IDOL (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). The uplifting drama, which makes its series premiere Monday, March 19 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), features Sutherland as a widower and single father haunted by an inability to connect to his mute 11-year-old son. But everything changes when he discovers that his son possesses the gift of staggering genius – the ability to see things that no one else can and the patterns that connect seemingly unrelated events."

[FOX PRESS RELEASE EDITOR’S NOTE 1: I HATE MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER will return with all-new episodes following AMERICAN IDOL in the spring.]

[FOX PRESS RELEASE EDITOR’S NOTE 2: After its winter finale, GLEE will return with all-new episodes in the spring.]

[FOX PRESS RELEASE EDITOR’S NOTE 3: BONES will return to the schedule with all-new episodes in the spring.]

TNT Original Productions' New Pilot, Based On The Book, L .A. Noir, Brings The Grit And The Glamour Of '40's And '50's Los Angeles

Press Release Date: 1/9/2012
TNT Orders Pilot for New Drama Series L.A. Noir, From Executive Producers Frank Darabont, Michael De Luca and Elliot Webb

TNT has ordered a pilot for L.A. Noir, a new drama series from executive producers Frank Darabont (The Walking Dead, The Shawshank Redemption), Michael De Luca (The Social Network, Moneyball) and Elliot Webb (Tall Time Tales). The project from TNT Original Productions is based on John Buntin’s critically acclaimed book

L.A. Noir: The Struggle for the Soul of America’s Most Seductive City

which chronicles the epic battle between Los Angeles Police Chief William Parker and mobster Mickey Cohen. Alissa Phillips (Moneyball) of Michael De Luca Productions serves as co-executive producer. Darabont is set to write and direct the pilot.

“The story of L.A. Noir is inspired by an incredibly dramatic period in the history of Los Angeles," said Michael Wright, executive vice president, head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies (TCM). "This project is a sweeping tale of the battle for the soul of the city that was waged between the forces of the LAPD and the West Coast mob. We’re thrilled to be working with Frank Darabont and Michael De Luca, two award-winning storytellers behind some of the most entertaining films of the past two decades, as they to bring this intense and exciting crime-drama to TNT.”

“Noir is a passion of mine, so I feel blessed to delve into a project that speaks in the hardboiled vernacular,” said Darabont. “John Buntin’s superb book, though non-fiction, is our touchstone and inspiration for the stories we’ll be telling, weaving fiction throughout the facts and facts throughout the fiction. The book provides elements that are irresistible, a big canvas with endless possibilities. The goal is to deliver on the tone that the title L.A. Noir promises: a smart, gritty, authentic, period noir drama. Also a blessing is the warm welcome we’ve gotten from Michael Wright and TNT, a great bunch of folks with huge enthusiasm for the source material. The best bonus of all is getting to work with my friend Mike De Luca. He’s terrific, a tremendously smart and talented producer, a gem. Partnering with him on this marvelous project after knowing him for so many years is an absolute treat for me.”

“It has been a personal dream of mine to work with Frank Darabont since he was kind of enough to become my friend when we met in the late 1980s," said De Luca. "He’s been an inspiration to me ever since. There is no one working at his level today who puts more integrity and humanity into their efforts to create lasting and original entertainment. This rich source material is a perfect fit for his talents, and we’re grateful to Michael Wright and TNT for this amazing opportunity.”

L.A. Noir is the true story of a decades-long conflict between the Los Angeles Police Department, under the determined leadership of Police Chief William Parker, and ruthless criminal elements led by Mickey Cohen, a one-time boxer who rose to the top of L.A.’s criminal world. The series is a fast-paced crime drama set in Los Angeles during the 1940s and '50s. It's a world of glamorous movie stars, powerful studio heads, returning war heroes, a powerful and corrupt police force and an even more dangerous criminal network determined to make L.A. its West Coast base.

Darabont’s extraordinary career includes three Oscar nominations – one for writing the sleeper hit The Shawshank Redemption and two for writing and producing The Green Mile. Darabont also has the distinction of being one of only six directors in the history of the Oscars to have his first two movies each receive Best Picture nominations. He recently earned his third Directors Guild of America Award nomination for directing the pilot of the series The Walking Dead, for which he also served as executive producer.

De Luca’s extensive big-screen credits as executive producer include such high-profile films as Boogie Nights, Wag the Dog, Dark City, Pleasantville, American History X, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, Magnolia and Hedwig and the Angry Inch. As a producer, he earned an Oscar nomination for The Social Network and produced the acclaimed 2011 film Moneyball.

L.A. Noir is the latest project to join TNT's rapidly expanding development slate.

Untouchable The Drew Peterson Story On Lifetime

From Lifetime: About "Drew Peterson: Untouchable"

Golden Globe and Emmy Award nominee Rob Lowe (“Parks and Recreation”) and Kaley Cuoco (“The Big Bang Theory”) star in the riveting Lifetime Original Movie “Drew Peterson: Untouchable,” premiering Saturday, January 21, 2012, at 8 pm et/pt.

Based on a true story, the film follows the fascinating tale of police officer Drew Peterson’s fall from grace after the mysterious disappearance of his fourth wife.

Charming Chicago-area officer Drew Peterson (Lowe) seemed virtually “untouchable” in more ways than one when it came to his womanizing ways, having been married three times before landing the eye and affection of Stacy Cales (Cuoco), a woman half his age.

As Peterson’s relationship with Stacy blossoms, his relationship with third wife Kathleen Savio (Cara Buono, “Mad Men”) unravels in a bitter divorce — until Kathleen is inexplicably found dead in an empty bathtub. Soon after Peterson makes Stacy his fourth wife and they have their first child, his jealousy and controlling ways begin to strain their marriage.

Suddenly Stacy disappears, leaving her two children and Peterson’s older children behind. Peterson insists that Stacy left him for another man, but in the wake of her disappearance, new questions are raised about Kathleen’s death and her case is reopened, drawing national media attention to Peterson and the strange cases of Kathleen and Stacy.

Peterson seems to bask in the media attention, professing his innocence and announcing his engagement to yet another younger woman. But when authorities take a closer look at the circumstances surrounding both cases, a different kind of spotlight is placed on him as more questions arise.

Are Kathleen’s death and Stacy’s still-unknown whereabouts just a tragic coincidence? Or is there more there than meets the eye?

Monday 1~23~2012 @roblowe tweeted: "Thanks for making #DrewPeterson:Untouchable the highest rated movie on all of cable in the last 2 years!" [Ratings totals for Drew Peterson: Untouchable at THR]

Filmed in Los Angeles by Sony Pictures Television. Executive producer, Judith Verno; producers, Kyle Clark, Lina Wrong; director, Mikael Salomon; writer, Teena Booth; based on the book "Fatal Vows" by Joseph Hosey.

Source: Wikipedia ~ "Drew Walter Peterson (born January 5, 1954) is a former Bolingbrook, Illinois, police sergeant who is suspected of killing his third and fourth wives. The story has received national media attention in the United States."

"Peterson has repeatedly denied involvement in both cases. On May 7, 2009, Peterson was indicted by a Will County, Illinois, grand jury and charged with the murder of his third wife, Kathleen Savio. Peterson currently resides in the Will County Adult Detention Center, Joliet IL, awaiting trial."

Get Your Tuxes & Gowns Ready For The Antoinette Perry Awards Or As They're Better Known, The Tonys Sunday June 10 2012 Live From NYC's Beacon Theatre

01.17.2012 CBS Press Release

"THE 66th ANNUAL TONY AWARDS®" TO BE BROADCAST IN A THREE-HOUR CEREMONY, LIVE FROM THE BEACON THEATRE IN NEW YORK CITY, SUNDAY, JUNE 10 ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK

THE 66TH ANNUAL TONY® AWARDS will be broadcast live from the Beacon Theatre in New York City, Sunday, June 10, 2012 (8:00-11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network. The awards show, which honors theater professionals for distinguished achievement on Broadway, has been a part of the CBS family since 1978. This will be the second year that the show will be broadcast live from the Beacon Theatre.

Next year marks the 66th anniversary of the TONY Awards, which were first held on April 6, 1947 at the Waldorf Astoria's Grand Ballroom. The ceremonies are presented by TONY Award Productions, which is a joint venture of the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing, which founded the Tonys in 1947.

The Tonys were founded in memorial to Antoinette ("Tony") Perry, the American Theatre Wing's World War II chairperson. The winners are selected by the governing board of Actors Equity, the Dramatists Guild, the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, the United Scenic Artists, the Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers, the Casting Society of America, the New York Drama Critics Circle, the American Theatre Wing and members of the Broadway League.

THE 64th ANNUAL TONY AWARDS received two Primetime Emmy® Awards: Outstanding Special Class Programs and Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Special.

Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss of White Cherry Entertainment will return as executive producers. Also, Weiss will serve as director for the 13th consecutive year.


Press Release American Theatre Wing 1~16~2012

Date Set for 2012 Tony Awards: Sunday, June 10!

By Ben Pesner

It’s the night of nights for Broadway fans everywhere.

The 2012 edition of the American Theatre Wing's Tony Awards® will be broadcast on the CBS Television Network on Sunday, June 10, 2012. The live telecast of “The 66th Annual Tony Awards” will begin at 8:00 ET/7:00 CT (delayed PT).

The awards, which honor theatre professionals for distinguished achievement on Broadway, will be handed out at the landmark Beacon Theatre in New York City for the second year.

The 2012 ceremony will mark the 35th consecutive year the Tony Awards have been telecast on CBS, a remarkable entertainment industry partnership.
The Shows

The 2011-2012 Tony Awards season began last spring. Shows that open on Broadway in the 2011-2012 season on or before the eligibility cutoff date (April 26 this season) and meet various other requirements will be eligible for nominations in 2012.

The winter/spring season is underway with lots of exciting productions coming – make sure to keep an eye on our list of shows opening this spring to catch up on any last-minute entries.

Also, check out our rundown of the fall season, including the plays, musicals, new shows and revivals.

We’ll be providing lots of updated coverage of 2012 Tony Awards events, including the nominations and awards, all spring.

Until then, see you at the theatre!

Posted January 16, 2012
Revised January 17, 2012

The 54th Annual Grammy Awards Sunday February 12, 2012 8:00pm on CBS

On February 12, 2012, which of these performers will take home the coveted golden gramophone statuettes: Nicki "Super Bass" Minaj, Kelly "Stronger" Clarkson. Maybe Foo Fighters "Walk" away with the prize. Or perhaps all of the above. For a list of all the nominees head over to TheGrammys

01.12.2012 CBS Entertainment Press Release: GRAMMY® NOMINEES JASON ALDEAN AND KELLY CLARKSON, FOO FIGHTERS, BRUNO MARS, NICKI MINAJ AND TAYLOR SWIFT TO PERFORM ON “THE 54TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS®,” ON SUNDAY, FEB. 12 ON CBS

Current GRAMMY® nominees Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson, Foo Fighters, Bruno Mars, Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift are the first performers announced for the THE 54th ANNUAL GRAMMY® AWARDS. Jason Aldean and Nicki Minaj will perform on the GRAMMY broadcast for the first time, while Kelly Clarkson, Foo Fighters, Bruno Mars and Taylor Swift are returning to the GRAMMY stage. The music industry's premier event will take place live from the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012 (8:00-11:30 PM, ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network. Additional performers, presenters and special segments will be announced soon.

Foo Fighters and Bruno Mars each have six nominations. Six-time GRAMMY-winning Foo Fighters are nominated for Album of the Year and Best Rock Album for Wasting Light, Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song for “Walk,” Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance for “White Limo” and Best Long Form Music Video for Foo Fighters: Back And Forth. GRAMMY winner Bruno Mars is up for Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance for “Grenade,” Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album for Doo-Wops & Hooligans and Producer of the Year (as a member of The Smeezingtons, along with Philip Lawrence and Ari Levine).

Nicki Minaj has four nods: Best New Artist, Best Rap Performance for “Moment 4 Life” (with Drake), Best Rap Album for Pink Friday and Album of the Year (as a featured artist on Rihanna's Loud).

Jason Aldean and Taylor Swift each are up for three awards. Jason Aldean has nominations in Best Country Solo Performance for “Dirt Road Anthem,” Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Don't You Wanna Stay” (with Kelly Clarkson) and Best Country Album for My Kinda Party. Four-time GRAMMY winner Taylor Swift has nods in Best Country Solo Performance and Best Country Song for “Mean” and Best Country Album for Speak Now.

Two-time GRAMMY winner Kelly Clarkson is nominated for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Don't You Wanna Stay” (with Jason Aldean).

THE 54th ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS are produced by John Cossette Productions and AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director and David Wild and Ken Ehrlich are the writers.

About The Recording Academy

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs.

The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @TheGRAMMYs on Twitter, like “The GRAMMYs” on Facebook, and join The GRAMMYs' social communities on YouTube, Tumblr, Foursquare, GetGlue and Instagram.

He's Baaack! Ricky Gervais Returns For A Third Time To Host The 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards Sunday January 15, 2012

Bravo to the Hollywood Foreign Press. After first vowing to never have him return as host, they have listened to the voice of the people and invited Ricky Gervais back for a third time to host the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards.

Nominees: Best Motion Picture, Drama ~ The Descendants, The Help, Hugo, The Ides of March, Moneyball, War Horse. Best Motion Picture, Comedy Or Musical ~ 50/50, The Artist, Bridesmaids, Midnight in Paris, My Week with Marilyn. Best Television Series, Drama ~ American Horror Story, Boardwalk Empire, Boss, Game of Thrones, Homeland. Best Television Series, Comedy or Musical ~ Enlightened, Episodes, Glee, Modern Family, New Girl. Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television ~ Cinema Verite, Downtown Abbey, The Hour, Mildred Pierce, Too Big to Fail.

More Nominees Here: 69th Annual Golden Globe Nominees

See if your picks match those of the official voters---Get a download of the ballot for the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards.

NBC Entertainment Press Release: The Golden Globe Awards
Sunday, January 15 (broadcast live 5-8 p.m. ET and 8-11 p.m. ET)

Multi-talented Golden Globe and Emmy Award winner Ricky Gervais ("The Office," "The Ricky Gervais Show") returns for the third time as host of NBC's "The 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards" on Sunday, January 15, 2012. This year’s show will again be broadcast live coast-to-coast from 5-8 p.m. (PT) and 8-11 p.m. (ET) from the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills.

Creator and star of "The Office" and "Extras," Gervais has won three Golden Globes, two primetime Emmys, and seven BAFTAS. "The Office" is the most successful British comedy of all time, shown in more than 90 countries with seven remakes. The NBC version is the most successful U.S. remake of a British show in more than 30 years.

The 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards will be seen in more than 160 countries worldwide and is one of the few awards ceremonies that span both television and motion picture achievements. The special will be produced by dick clark productions in association with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

Dr. Aida Takla O’Reilly is President of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Orly Adelson, president of dick clark productions and Barry Adelman will executive-produce the special. Bob Bardo is the executive in charge of production.

For more information on "The 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards" please visit: The 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards

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You'd Have To Be Off Your Rocker To Miss This Star Studded Birthday Bash ~ BETTY WHITE'S 90TH BIRTHDAY: A TRIBUTE TO AMERICA'S GOLDEN GIRL

"NBC SPECIALS" "BETTY WHITE'S 90TH BIRTHDAY: A TRIBUTE TO AMERICA'S GOLDEN GIRL"

01/16/2012 (08:00PM - 09:30PM) (Monday) : MARY TYLER MOORE, HUGH JACKMAN, JAY LENO, AMY POEHLER, JOEL MCHALE, CAROL BURNETT AND MORE SALUTE AMERICA’S COMEDY SWEETHEART -- Some of Hollywood’s biggest stars -- including Mary Tyler Moore, Hugh Jackman, Jay Leno, Amy Poehler, Joel McHale and Carol Burnett – will be on hand to pay tribute to Betty White, one of the world’s most beloved entertainers, as she celebrates her 90th birthday.

White’s "Hot in Cleveland" co-stars Valerie Bertinelli, Wendie Malick and Jane Leeves, along with her "Mary Tyler Moore" co-stars Ed Asner, Valerie Harper and Gavin MacLeod, will also be there to deliver birthday wishes, as will Joel McHale, William Shatner and many more. The special will include special musical performances, surprise appearances and comedy, featuring the irreverent tone, spirit and energy that is the hallmark of Betty’s six-decade career in show business. White will take the stage to share some memories and give thanks to those who've come to honor her.

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ELLEN DEGENERES, MORGAN FREEMAN, TINA FEY, RAY ROMANO, SETH MEYERS AND TRACY MORGAN JOIN STAR-STUDDED LINEUP OF THOSE HONORING AMERICA’S COMEDY SWEETHEART IN NBC'S 'BETTY WHITE'S 90TH BIRTHDAY: A TRIBUTE TO AMERICA'S GOLDEN GIRL' AIRING JANUARY 16
CARL REINER, JENNIFER LOVE HEWITT, VICKI LAWRENCE AND JOHN O’HURLEY ALSO PAY TRIBUTE TO WHITE ALONG WITH PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED GUESTS, INCLUDING WHITE’S ‘MARY TYLER MOORE’ AND ‘HOT IN CLEVELAND’ CO-STARS

Also Included Is Sneak Preview of the TV Icon’s New NBC “Hidden Camera” Series “Betty White’s Off Their Rockers” to Follow 90th Birthday Salute from 9:30-10 p.m. (ET)

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. -- January 6, 2012 -- Ellen DeGeneres, Morgan Freeman, Tina Fey, Ray Romano, Seth Meyers and Tracy Morgan have joined the star-studded line-up paying tribute to one of the world’s most beloved entertainers in “Betty White’s 90th Birthday: A Tribute to America’s Golden Girl” on Monday, January 16 (8-9:30 p.m. ET). Also saluting White will be Carl Reiner, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Vicki Lawrence and John O’Hurley.

Previously announced stars paying tribute to the seven-time Emmy winner include Mary Tyler Moore and White’s “Mary Tyler Moore” co-stars Ed Asner, Valerie Harper and Gavin MacLeod, as well as Hugh Jackman, Carol Burnett, Jay Leno and Amy Poehler. White’s “Hot in Cleveland” co-stars Valerie Bertinelli, Wendie Malick and Jane Leeves will also be on hand to deliver birthday wishes along with Joel McHale and William Shatner.

Immediately following the birthday special will be a sneak preview of NBC’s “Betty White’s Off Their Rockers” (9:30-10 p.m.), an outrageously funny hidden-camera season unlike anything viewers have ever seen. The show takes senior stereotypes and blows them out of the water as fearless senior citizens take to the streets to pull shocking, unexpected and hilarious pranks on the younger generation.

The birthday special, taping at the Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, will include special musical performances, surprise appearances and comedy, and will feature the irreverent tone, spirit and energy that is the hallmark of White’s six-decade career in show business. White will take the stage to share some memories and give thanks to those who've come to honor her.

From her first words on radio in 1947, to her current TV series “Hot in Cleveland,” viewers will be taken on an unprecedented journey through White’s storied career. Her work on game shows, talk shows, “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “The Golden Girls” will be featured, along with her performances in movies and commercials. And most importantly, White will be saluted for her favorite role: making the world a better place for animals.

The special is produced by Brad Lachman Productions and Universal Television, with Brad Lachman, Jon Macks and Steve Ridgeway serving as executive producers.

For embeddable clips and full episodes from "Betty White's Off Their Rockers," please visit NBC.com's official show site: Betty White's Off Their Rockers

Source: Wikipedia ~ "Betty White Ludden (born January 17, 1922), better known as Betty White, is an American actress, comedienne, singer, author, and television personality. With a career spanning seven decades, she is best known to modern audiences for her television roles as Sue Ann Nivens on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Rose Nylund on The Golden Girls. She currently stars as Elka Ostrovsky in the TV Land sitcom Hot in Cleveland."

"White has won seven Emmy Awards (six for acting) and has received 20 Emmy nominations[2] over the course of her career, including being the first woman ever to receive an Emmy for game show hosting (for the short-lived Just Men!) and is the only female to have an Emmy in all female performing comedic categories. In May 2010, White became the oldest person to guest-host Saturday Night Live, for which she also received a Primetime Emmy Award."

"White also holds the record for longest span between Emmy nominations for performances – her first was in 1951 and her most recent was in 2011, a span of 60 years – and has become the oldest nominee as of 2011, aged 89. She has made regular appearances on the game shows Password and Match Game and played recurring roles on Mama's Family, Boston Legal, The Bold and the Beautiful and Community."

Image Credit: WikimediaCommons

Are You The Ultimate Fan Of The Simpsons? Prove It By Breaking The Guinness World Record And You Could Win $10,500

FOX Press Release: Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012
“THE SIMPSONS” CHALLENGES ULTIMATE FANS TO BREAK
GUINNESS WORLD RECORD FOR LONGEST CONTINUOUS TELEVISION VIEWING

Contest Kicks Off at Hollywood & Highland in Los Angeles on February 8 and Will Award Winner with $10,500 Prize

The Simpsons 500th Episode Airs Sunday, February 19, 2012 on FOX

In celebration of THE SIMPSONS’ historic 500th episode milestone, FOX invites fans of the iconic animated series to participate in THE SIMPSONS Ultimate Fan Marathon Challenge at Hollywood & Highland in Los Angeles. Beginning on Wednesday, Feb. 8, fans will come together to watch up to 500 continuous episodes of THE SIMPSONS in an attempt to break the current Guinness World Record of 86 hours, 6 minutes and 41 seconds for the longest continuous television viewing. The contest winner will take home a $10,500 prize and an array of THE SIMPSONS merchandise, including products exclusively designed to commemorate the 500th episode.

Fans interested in participating in the marathon event are encouraged to “like” THE SIMPSONS on Facebook or visit TheSimpsons.com to receive news updates including the exact date and time for open registration.

Members of THE SIMPSONS will kick off the Ultimate Fan Marathon Challenge event at Hollywood & Highland on Wednesday, Feb. 8. Fans and spectators, meanwhile, will be able to watch the marathon and visit THE SIMPSONS fanfare area equipped with interactive elements and animation cells. Fans living outside Los Angeles can stay up-to-date with the marathon challenge by visiting THE SIMPSONS’ official Facebook page for event updates, video and photos from the event.

THE SIMPSONS strides into its 500th episode, “At Long Last Leave,” on Sunday, Feb. 19 (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT) on FOX. In the episode, the Simpsons are evicted from Springfield and join an off-the-grid community outside of town.

But when Homer (voice of Dan Castellaneta) and Marge (voice of Julie Kavner) try to sneak back into Springfield, they are welcomed with hostility from their former friends and neighbors and begin to appreciate their new and more accepting home.

On Blu-ray and DVD, fans can enjoy and experience more from THE SIMPSONS with never-before-seen footage and extras. Start your collection today with THE SIMPSONS Season One and relive every moment of the longest-running scripted television show in history completely uninterrupted. Fans can also visit www.TheSimpsonsShop.com to get their hands on all of the latest THE SIMPSONS merchandise, and beginning in February, a special selection of products created exclusively to celebrate the 500th episode milestone.

In the all-new episode, “Politically Inept with Homer Simpson,” [*In A Lather Editor's note: This first run episode aired Sunday 1~8~2012 (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT)] Homer lands his own political talk show after a video featuring his impassioned rant on poor treatment at the airport goes viral. As his talk show quickly gains popularity nationwide, Homer becomes the spokesperson for the Gravy Movement and the voice of America’s newest political party. But when ill-informed Homer is asked to select the next Republican nominee and officially endorses right-wing rock star Ted Nugent (guest-voicing as himself), Marge and Lisa (voice of Yeardley Smith) worry that Homer’s opinion and influence might be more powerful than he realizes.

THE SIMPSONS serves up a feast of guest voices this spring, including Lady Gaga who, in the season finale, teaches Lisa to love herself; contemporary artist and graphic designer Shepard Fairey; Bryan Cranston (“Breaking Bad”) who plays a fictional movie spy and teaches Homer to be a better husband; and Glenn Close reprising her role as MONA SIMPSON. Also, Lisa falls in love with actor/comedian Michael Cera (“Scott Pilgrim vs. The World”) on Valentine’s Day; actor Jeremy Irons (“Die Hard with a Vengeance”) plays MOE’s (Hank Azaria) only friend, a bar rag; and actor Armie Hammer (“The Social Network”) lends his voice to “The D’oh-cial Network.”

THE SIMPSONS is a Gracie Films Production in association with 20th Century Fox Television. James L. Brooks, Matt Groening and Al Jean are the executive producers. Film Roman, a Starz Media Company, is the animation house.

Visit THE SIMPSONS website at TheSimpsons.com Become a fan of the series on Facebook and follow the series on Twitter @TheSimpsonsTV and Homer Simpson @HomerJSimpson. Shop THE SIMPSONS at TheSimpsonsShop

Lisa Kudrow Of Showtime's Web Therapy Will Have Meryl Streep, Conan O'Brien, Minnie Driver, Rosie O’Donnell On The Couch In 2012

SHOWTIME SIGNS IN FOR MORE "WEB THERAPY" SESSIONS

Meryl Streep, Conan O'Brien, Minnie Driver, Rosie O’Donnell And Others To Guest Star in Season Two, Premiering on Network in 2012

LOS ANGELES, CA (December 05, 2011)– SHOWTIME has ordered up a second season of WEB THERAPY, the network’s online-turned-television comedy series starring Emmy® Award winner Lisa Kudrow, it was announced today by SHOWTIME President of Entertainment David Nevins.

Kudrow stars as “Fiona Wallice,” the self-professed and self-serving psychotherapist who treats patients for three minutes via webcam. Season two will be comprised of at least ten, half-hour episodes and will air on the network in 2012.

“We are thrilled that SHOWTIME will air more of the half-hour format of WEB THERAPY, we really love this version of the show,” says Kudrow. “Of course, we are over the moon that Meryl Streep will be in this coming season. She was effortlessly hilarious and it's a great story. We have Lily Tomlin back who is ALWAYS fantastically funny. Conan O'Brien is beyond, fantastic, he's a perfect improviser. We're honestly giddy over the people we have for this season.”

Among the many guest stars who will seek Fiona’s advice this season are: Meryl Streep, Rosie O’Donnell, Conan O’Brien, Molly Shannon, Minnie Driver, and Selma Blair. Lily Tomlin returns as Fiona’s judgmental mother; Dan Bucatinsky will continue his role as Fiona's assistant turned ghost-writer; and Victor Garber returns as her husband Kip, whose double life proves quite challenging to Fiona.

Season two finds Fiona playing the woman-behind-the-man in Kip’s political campaign while juggling her burgeoning career as an author and continuing to advise the hapless clients who have wandered into her web.

Web Therapy is created by Kudrow, Don Roos & Dan Bucatinsky for Is or Isn’t Entertainment. Bucatinsky, Kudrow, Diane Charles and Ron Qurashi serve as executive producers, with Roos also serving as director. The original online WEB THERAPY episodes are sponsored by Lexus and can be seen on lstudio.com

ABC's One Life To Live Ends Friday 1~13~2012

Friday the 13th has always been a lucky day for me. But for fans of the ABC soap One Life To Live it will not feel lucky at all. It was announced months ago that One Life To Live would be breathing it's last on the ABC network as of January 2012. But there was a glimmer of hope the show would continue online and be saved by production company Prospect Park.

But it was not meant to be. Purportedly in order for Prospect Park to rescue OLTL they would need union cooperation and $80 million. Unable to secure contracts or financing the plans were scrapped. According to NYT Media Decoder column "one of the people involved in the plan suggested that Prospect Park had misjudged Hollywood’s willingness to try a new business and distribution model. “We thought we were going to get so much support from the community,” the person said, “but that support wasn’t there.”

Searching for ABC press releases for One Life To Live, i had the same luck as Prospect Park did with their efforts to get financial backing. i was only able to locate a one sentence statement about former All My Children heart throb and Good Morning America contributor Cameron Mathison. " "GMA" contributor Cameron Mathison reflects on the end of "One Life to Live" " slated for Monday 1~9~2012.

Full disclosure: i have not watched OLTL for about 3 years but it was due to real life responsibilities taking priority to One Life fantasy and not because of a lack of interest in the program. Now as the show is concluding i find it a bit sad that a program that ran for 43 years and was a critical as well as commercial success is in it's final days, save for some remembrances from current and former cast members being given only a perfunctory acknowledgement and farewell by the network.

For a nostalgic look through the years Amanda Lee's The World According To Mandy gives a 4 decade recap of the citizens of Llanview. Also Michael Fairman's site gives a retrospective on the daytime drama that was One Life To Live

On Monday January 16 2012 The Revolution a "lifestyle" program will debut in the 2-3pm timeslot previously occupied by One Life To Live.

Seamus Dever aka Kevin Ryan of ABC's Castle To Tweet Deets Of Season 4 Ep 11 "Till Death Do Us Part"

A little birdie tells fans of ABC's Castle that Seamus Dever aka homicide detective Kevin Ryan will tweet behind the scenes deets of Season 4 Episode 11 "Till Death Do Us Part". Dever's real-life Mrs. Juliana Dever guest stars as his bride to be Jenny Duffy-O'Malley.

LIVE TWITTER CHAT WITH CASTLE STAR SEAMUS DEVER (1/9)
LIVE TWITTER CHAT WITH "CASTLE" STAR
SEAMUS DEVER SET TO TAKE PLACE ON MONDAY, JANUARY 9

Fans of ABC's hit drama series "Castle" will be able to submit questions and receive real-time responses from actor Seamus Dever (Kevin Ryan), who will be up on Twitter at @seamusdever, during the West Coast broadcast of the show on MONDAY, JANUARY 9 from 10:00-11:00 p.m., PT. Seamus will also offer commentary and behind-the-scenes anecdotes about working on the show.

In that night's episode, "'Till Death Do Us Part," after a lothario is killed, Castle and Beckett suspect that the victim's mysterious double-life holds the key to his murder. Their investigation leads to a shocking twist that threatens to disrupt Kevin's wedding with Jenny (Dever's real-life wife, Juliana Dever, guest stars). For more on their upcoming wedding:
http://www.duffyomalleyandryan.ourwedding.com

"Castle" stars Nathan Fillion as Richard Castle, Stana Katic as NYPD Detective Kate Beckett, Susan Sullivan as Martha Rodgers, Molly Quinn as Alexis Castle, Penny Johnson Jerald as NYPD Captain Victoria Gates, Tamala Jones as Medical Examiner Lanie Parish, Jon Huertas as NYPD Detective Javier Esposito, and Seamus Dever as NYPD Detective Kevin Ryan.

Guest Cast: Juliana Dever as Jenny Duffy-O'Malley, Sam Hennings as Seth Harris, Jaime Ray Newman as Holly Franklin, Daniel Romer as Cute Young Guy, Haley Strode as Hot Young Woman.

"'Till Death Do Us Part" was written by David Grae and directed by Jeff Bleckner.

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