Breaking Bad Series Finale Delivers 10.3 Million Viewers, Including 6.7 Million Adults 18-49, a Record For The Iconic Series

[AMC Networks Press Release]

Final Episode Up 300% Over Last Year’s Breaking Bad Finale Among Adults 18-49, Capping a Historic Run on AMC Expanded One-Hour Edition of Talking Bad Delivers 4.4 Million Viewers, 2.9 Million Adults 18-49

New York, NY – Sept. 30, 2013 –AMC’s Breaking Bad capped its historic run last night, delivering a series-record 10.3 million viewers, including 6.7 million adults 18-49. Ratings for the final episode were up 300% over last year’s finale, demonstrating the remarkable growth of this iconic series. An expanded one-hour Talking Bad aftershow delivered 4.4 million viewers, including 2.9 million adults 18-49.

“Breaking Bad is simply unique,” said Charlie Collier, AMC president. “It all starts with Vince Gilligan who really only ever asked for one thing – the opportunity to end the show on his own terms. That is exactly what Vince did last night and, as always, brilliantly so. Congratulations to Vince and to every single person involved in this remarkable journey. We’re proud that AMC will forever be known as the birthplace and home of this iconic show and, at the same time, we tip our Heisenberg hat to the fans who made this a truly shared experience.”

Key Nielsen Highlights for the Breaking Bad series finale 9 pm airing – 6.5 HH rating with 10.3 million viewers 9 pm airing – 6.7 million Adults 18-49 9 pm airing – 5.6 million Adults 25-54

Key Nielsen Highlights  for the Talking Bad finale 10:15 pm airing – 2.9 HH rating with 4.4 million viewers 10:15 pm airing – 2.9 million Adults 18-49 10:15 pm airing – 2.4 million Adults 25-54

Source: Nielsen Media Research fast nationals, L+SD 9/29/13.
The Breaking Bad series finale set new records for the show on Twitter, with 1.24 million Tweets from 601,370 unique users during the live broadcast window of both the EST and PST telecasts. The show hit a peak of 22,373 Tweets-per-minute just as the final episode began in the East, and a Bryan Cranston Tweet, “Well, this is it… Thank you for sharing this ride with me…” has generated more than 51,000 Retweets and nearly 34,000 Favorites so far. Over the course of the night, Worldwide and United States trending topics on Twitter related to the show included #GoodbyeBreakingBad, #AMC, #BreakingBad, #BreakingBadFinale, #Heisenberg, #HelloGretchen and #GoodbyeLydia.

From acclaimed writer, producer, director Vince Gilligan, Breaking Bad is produced by Sony Pictures Television with Mark Johnson (Gran Via) and Michelle MacLaren serving as executive producers. Breaking Bad first premiered on AMC in January 2008 and follows protagonist Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a milquetoast high school chemistry teacher who lives in New Mexico with his wife, teenage son who has cerebral palsy and a new baby girl. White is diagnosed with Stage III cancer and given a prognosis of two years left to live. 

With a new sense of fearlessness based on his medical prognosis, and a desire to gain financial security for his family, White chooses to enter a dangerous world of drugs and crime and ascends to power in this world. The series explores how a fatal diagnosis such as White’s releases a typical man from the daily concerns and constraints of normal society and follows his transformation from mild-mannered family man to a kingpin of the drug trade.

Breaking Bad has garnered ten Emmy® Award wins – including the 2013 Emmy® Award for Outstanding Drama Series – and a Peabody, and been named to the American Film Institute’s (AFI) list of the “Top 10 Programs of the Year” (2008, 2010, 2011, 2012). 

The explosive series that The Hollywood Reporter called “one of the greatest dramas in TV history,” returned to AMC for the first of its final eight episodes on August 11, 2013 with 5.9 million viewers, up 102 percent over its season five premiere on July 15, 2012. Breaking Bad stars three-time Emmy® Award-winner Bryan Cranston; two-time Emmy® winner Aaron Paul; Emmy® Award-winner Anna Gunn; Dean Norris; Betsy Brandt; RJ Mitte and Bob Odenkirk.

Talking Bad is a weekly, half-hour live after-show and companion piece for its Emmy® Award-winning series, Breaking Bad. Hosted by Chris Hardwick, the series analyzes and examines every detail of Breaking Bad’s final eight episodes. 

Talking Bad features Hardwick spending time with fans, actors, producers and tv enthusiasts, recapping that most recent Breaking Bad episode, and taking questions and comments from viewers. Fans may continue to engage with the after-show following the on-air conclusion, online, at amc.com for more videos, weekly polls and photo galleries of the guests featured on the series. The series is produced by Michael Davies’ Embassy Row with Sony Pictures Television serving as the studio partner.

About AMC
Whether commemorating favorite films from every genre and decade or creating acclaimed original programming, AMC brings to its audience something deeper, something richer, Something More. 

The network reigns as the only cable network in history ever to win the Emmy® Award for Outstanding Drama Series four years in a row, and boasts the most-watched drama series in basic cable history with The Walking Dead. AMC’s original drama series include Mad Men, Breaking Bad, Hell on Wheels and Low Winter Sun. 

The network recently greenlit two new drama series, working titles Halt & Catch Fire and Turn, both of which will be premiering in 2014. AMC also explores authentic worlds with bold characters through its slate of unscripted original series like Comic Book Men, Small Town Security, Talking Dead, Talking Bad and Freakshow. AMC is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc. and its sister networks include IFC, Sundance Channel, and WE tv. 

AMC is available across all platforms, including on-air, online, on demand and mobile. AMC: Something More.

Contact: Marnie Black Marnie.Black@amc.com 917-524-6361

Jim Maiella Jim.Maiella@amcnetworks.com 646.273.7911

HBO's Eastbound & Down Returns For 4th and Final Season Starting Sunday September 29, 2013 @ 10PM ET/PT

[HBO Press Release]

The Danny McBride-led half-hour is back for eight final episodes.

Hit HBO Comedy Series "Eastbound & Down" Returns For Fourth Season Sept. 29

On the previous season of Eastbound & Down, Kenny Powers finally made it back to the majors and recaptured his former glory, only to fake his own death and run back home to his beloved April. 

Fast-forward several years later, and Kenny's living the American Dream with his family in North Carolina. What could spoil their suburban paradise?

From creators Danny McBride and Jody Hill, Eastbound & Down returns for its eight-episode fourth and final season Sunday, Sept. 29 (10:00-10:30 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO, followed by other episodes on subsequent Sundays at the same time. 

McBride stars as the irrepressible Kenny Powers, a former major league pitcher trying to balance family and awesomeness. The new comedy series "Hello Ladies," starring Stephen Merchant, debuts immediately following the season debut.

Eastbound & Down also stars Steve Little as Stevie, Kenny's faithful sidekick; Katy Mixon as Kenny's wife, April, the mother of their two kids; John Hawkes as Kenny's brother, Dustin; and Elizabeth De Razzo as Maria, Stevie's wife. Guest stars on the fourth season include Tim Heidecker as Gene and Ken Marino as talk-show host Guy Young.

September's episode: Episode #22: "Chapter 22" Debut: Sunday, Sept. 29 (10:00-10:30 p.m. ET/PT) Other HBO playdates: Sept. 29 (midnight) and 30 (11:15 p.m.), and Oct. 1 (10:30 p.m.), 2 (12:30 a.m.) and 4 (midnight) HBO2 playdates: Oct. 3 (11:15 p.m.) and 5 (9:00 p.m., 1:00 a.m.)

Bored with his dead-end job and suburban lifestyle, Kenny Powers - now married to April and the father of two - ponders a career move after partying with Guy Young, a former teammate and current host of a raucous TV talk show.

Written by Hayes Davenport, Jody Hill & Danny McBride; directed by Jody Hill.

The third season of Eastbound & Down inspired raves, with People calling it "Terrific. The jokes take off on all sorts of unexpected trajectories - foul balls that score...Four out of four stars," while Entertainment Weekly said, "You should make time to get down with 'Down'," giving the show an A-.

For more on the series, visit Facebook.com/EastboundandDown and Twitter #Eastbound.

Eastbound & Down is executive produced by Jody Hill, Danny McBride, David Gordon Green, Will Ferrell, Chris Henchy, Adam McKay and Stephanie Laing.

Showtime Series Masters Of Sex Based on The Real-Life Pioneers of the Science of Human Sexuality Masters and Johnson Premieres 10PM Sunday 9~29~2013

[Showtime Press Release]

Masters of Sex (Season 1 – NEW SERIES) 1 hour, 12 episodes Premieres: Sunday, September 29th at 10pm (ET/PT)

Masters Of Sex stars Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan, who will portray the real-life pioneers of the science of human sexuality, William Masters and Virginia Johnson.

The series chronicles the unusual lives, romance and pop culture trajectory of Masters and Johnson. Their research touched off the sexual revolution and took them from a mid-western teaching hospital in St. Louis to the cover of Time magazine.

The series is an adaptation of Thomas Maier's book Masters of Sex: The Life and Times of William Masters and Virginia Johnson, The Couple Who Taught America How To Love. The pilot episode was directed and executive produced by Academy Award® nominee John Madden (Shakespeare in Love, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel), and also stars Caitlin Fitzgerald (It's Complicated), in the role of Masters' wife, Nicholas D'Agosto (Heroes) and Teddy Sears (American Horror Story). Emmy and Golden Globe® award-winning actor Beau Bridges and Margo Martindale also appear.

Masters Of Sex was created and executive produced by Michelle Ashford (The Pacific). The series will also be executive produced by Sarah Timberman, Carl Beverly and Judith Verno. Michael Sheen, Tammy Rosen and Thomas Maier will serve as producers. Masters Of Sex is produced by Sony Pictures Television.

Prior to the premiere of Showtime's Masters of Sex an art exhibit is being presented at Open House Gallery located at 168 Bowery NYC This pop-up installation is free and open to the public from noon-10PM through Sunday 9~29~2013 Gallery visitors will be gifted with a free DVD of the premiere episode of Showtime's Masters of Sex. On the day that In A Lather visited free tins of peppermints were also being given. Here's some of the pics we got.

Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Premieres on ABC Tuesday 9~24~2013 8PM

ABC PRESS RELEASE - ENTERTAINMENT - MARVEL'S AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D.: Pilot -- PREMIERE

AGENT PHIL COULSON IS BACK IN ACTION! THIS FALL HE ASSEMBLES A DEDICATED, HIGHLY SELECT GROUP OF AGENTS FOR THE WORLDWIDE LAW-ENFORCEMENT AGENCY KNOWN AS S.H.I.E.L.D., WITH THEIR FIRST ASSIGNMENT TO TRACK DOWN AN ORDINARY MAN WITH EXTRAORDINARY POWERS - POWERS WHICH COULD HAVE DEVASTATING CONSEQUENCES -- ON THE PREMIERE OF ABC'S "MARVEL'S AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D."

Joss Whedon, the creative genius behind the feature film "Marvel's The Avengers," one of the highest grossing films of all time, and of the iconic television series "Buffy The Vampire Slayer," has co-created "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.," a dynamic, action-packed one-hour drama that brings back Agent Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg) to lead a team of highly skilled agents to investigate extra-normal and super human people and events worldwide. The series premieres TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 (8:00-9:01 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

These agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. have a mission: To investigate the new, the strange and the unknown around the globe, protecting the ordinary from the extraordinary.

In the premiere episode, "Pilot," it's just after the battle of New York, and now that the existence of super heroes and aliens has become public knowledge, the world is trying to come to grips with this new reality. Agent Phil Coulson is back in action and has his eye on a mysterious group called The Rising Tide. 

In order to track this unseen, unknown enemy, he has assembled a small, highly select group of Agents from the worldwide law-enforcement organization known as S.H.I.E.L.D. (Strategic Homeland Intervention Enforcement and Logistics Division). The group's first assignment together as a team finds them trying to track down an ordinary man who has gained extraordinary powers. Powers that could have devastating consequences.

"Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." stars Clark Gregg as Agent Phil Coulson, Ming-Na Wen as Agent Melinda May, Brett Dalton as Agent Grant Ward, Chloe Bennet as Skye, Iain De Caestecker as Agent Leo Fitz and Elizabeth Henstridge as Agent Jemma Simmons.

Guest starring are J. August Richards as Mike, Shannon Lucio as Debbie, Ron Glass as Dr. Streiten and Bob Stephenson as Gary, with special guest star Cobie Smulders as Agent Maria Hill.

"Pilot" was written by Joss Whedon & Jed Whedon & Maurissa Tancharoen and directed by Joss Whedon.

"Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.," Marvel's first television series, was co-created by Joss Whedon, Jed Whedon & Maurissa Tancharoen ("Dollhouse," "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog"), who also serve as executive producers along with Jeph Loeb ("Smallville," "Lost," "Heroes") and Jeffrey Bell ("Angel," "Alias"). "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." is produced by ABC Studios and Marvel Television.

"Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format with a 5.1 channel surround sound. This program carries a TV-PG,V parental guideline.

For more information on "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.," visit ABC.com

Photography and video available at www.abcmedianet.com. Photo request line (818) 460-6611.

Follow us on: Facebook www.facebook.com/AgentsofSHIELD
Twitter @AgentsofSHIELD @ABC_Publicity

ABC Media Relations:
Janet Daily (818) 460-6456 janet.k.daily@abc.com
Jeff Fordis (818) 460-6676, jeffrey.a.fordis@abc.com

Showtime's Homeland Season 3 Starts Sunday 9~29~2013 9PM

HOMELAND (SHOWTIME)

Returns Sunday,  September 29 BROADCAST HISTORY: 10/2/11 - ???

STATUS: Returning fall (YR 2013)

TIME SLOT: Sundays from 9:00 PM-10:00 PM EST CURRENT SEASON: 3 (12 episodes)

DESCRIPTION:
(from Showtime's press release, August 2013) HOMELAND Season 3 opens during the aftermath of the horrific terror attack that decimated the U.S. intelligence apparatus, and prompted a global manhunt for the world's most wanted terrorist - Nick Brody (Damian Lewis). As Carrie (Claire Danes) and Saul (Mandy Patinkin) begin to pick up the pieces of their shattered professional and personal lives, they are swept up in the political and media firestorm surrounding the terror attack and the subsequent search for Brody's whereabouts. The series also stars Morena Baccarin, Rupert Friend, Sarita Choudhoury, Morgan Saylor, Tracy Letts, Jackson Pace and F. Murray Abraham. 

One of Showtime's top-two rated series (along with DEXTER), HOMELAND tied for the most wins of any program at the 2012 Emmy Awards, honored with six wins including Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series, and Outstanding Lead Actress and Actor in a Drama Series; and has garnered 11 Emmy Nominations in 2013. Additionally, HOMELAND has been awarded Golden Globe Awards, SAG, Peabody, Television Critics Association, AFI and Critics' Choice Awards.


PRINCIPAL CAST INFORMATION:

· Claire Danes as Carrie  Anderson · Damian Lewis as Scott Brody · David Harewood as David Estes · David Marciano · Diego Klattenhoff as Mike  Faber

· Jamey Sheridan · Mandy Patinkin as Saul  Berenson · Morena Baccarin as Jessica  Brody · Navid Negahban · Rupert Friend

CREW INFORMATION:

GENRE(S): Drama

· Alex Gansa as  CRTR/EP · Avi Nir as EP · Gideon Raff as CRTR/EP

· Howard Gordon as CRTR/EP · Michael Cuesta as DIR (Pilot) · Ron Telem as EP

STUDIO INFORMATION: Fox 21 · Keshet Broadcasting

Being Mike Tyson 6 Part Series Premieres Sunday 9~22~2013 On FOX Then Moves To Regular Slot On FOX Sports1 On Tuesday 9~24~2013

[FOX Sports1 Press Release]
EMMY-NOMINATED ‘BEING’ SERIES TAKES THE GLOVES OFF FOR SIX-PART BEING: MIKE TYSON

Enigmatic Former Heavyweight Champ Takes Unprecedented Look Inward and Forward Series Premieres on FOX; Continues on FOX Sports 1

New York – In BEING: MIKE TYSON, FOX Sports’ original Emmy Award-nominated all-access documentary series, the enigmatic former heavyweight champ opens his life and very soul, allowing audiences to experience his amazing transformation from world renowned sports superstar to Mr. John Q. Public. The original six-part series premieres Sunday, Sept. 22 on FOX either before (3:30 - 4:00 PM ET) or after (4:30 - 5:00 PM ET) local NFL on FOX coverage before moving to its regular time slot on Tuesday, Sept, 24 (10:30 PM ET) on FOX Sports 1, America’s new sports network. Check local listings for time of premiere.

“We all know Iron Mike, we all know the stories, but very few people know Michael Gerard Tyson,” offers Michael Bloom, Senior Vice President, Original Programming, FOX Sports. “The honesty and access Mike gave us allowed BEING: to paint a complete picture of an icon that you’ve never seen before. After watching all six episodes, viewers will know a whole new Mike Tyson, and one they never imagined.”

As one of the most feared men ever to step into a boxing ring, Tyson was once the embodiment of a modern-day gladiator. Despite his well-documented rise and fall and the tales of his infamous tantrums in and out of the boxing ring, the public’s fascination with him has endured.

"I'm very glad to be a part of the FOX Sports 1 family, premiering my first ever docu-series,” said Tyson. “Although I have lived my life on the world stage since I got into boxing, I was still apprehensive about doing such an intimate portrayal of myself. It turned out to be an amazingly personal experience for me looking back at the life I once led via the life that I am so proud to be living now."

BEING: cameras follow Tyson traveling the country on a national tour of his one-man stage show, where he reflects on his past and seeks personal closure. He visits the prison in Indianapolis where he was incarcerated and spends unprecedented time with one-time rival Evander Holyfield discussing their true feelings about each other and their memories of “the ear” incident. Cameras roll during a very special and moving meeting with “The Greatest,” Muhammad Ali, and also while Tyson discusses parenthood and life with his personal hero and mentor Jim Brown. Documented are his visits to his old neighborhoods in Brooklyn and the Catskills and the time he spends playing with his children. Over the three hours, viewers see this emotional and revelatory journey first hand. FOX Sports cameras are with Mike as he re-connects with the public, who has both loved and vilified him, and shares this truly unique experience through his own eyes and voice. Unlike any portrait that has ever before been captured, BEING: MIKE TYSON is not a look back, but instead, a look inward and forward.

Early in the series, Tyson talks about not living in the past: “I don’t have any delusions of glory or grandeur for anything I do these days. People have to realize that ‘Iron Mike’ is dead and I’m doing something else now and that’s just what it is.”

He opens up about getting control of his inner demons. “I was pretty dark and troubled back then,” says Tyson. “I’m dark and trouble now, but not like back then. I’m cool now.”

And Tyson discusses how he’s gotten past some of the pivotal moments in his life, such as biting Holyfield’s ear: “We’re taking something that at one time in life was such a negative, now we look at it as a joke. I think that’s the way we should look at it as two adults. I made a mistake.”

FOX Sports Originals’ BEING: series sets the tone for FOX Sports 1 original programming with a number of other high-profile, unprecedented, all-access projects in different stages of development and production, including BEING: MARIANO RIVERA and BEING: THE FINEST. Last year’s BEING: LIVERPOOL was the first in the series.

BEING: MIKE TYSON is co-produced by Asylum Entertainment and FOX Sports, with executive producers Steve Michaels, Jonathan Koch, Alex Piper and Andrew Fried.

For series updates, follow BEING: MIKE TYSON and the BEING: franchise on Twitter at @BEINGonFOX.

BEING: MIKE TYSON Air Dates / Times:

Date 9/22/13 9/24/13 9/24/13 10/01/13 10/08/13 10/15/13 10/22/13

Time * 3:30 PM ET or 4:30 PM ET (check local listings) **10:00 PM ET 10:30 PM ET 10:30 PM ET 10:30 PM ET 10:30 PM ET 10:30 PM ET

Network FOX FOX Sports 1 FOX Sports 1 FOX Sports 1 FOX Sports 1 FOX Sports 1 FOX Sports 1

*airs either before or after NFL on FOX singleheader coverage
**premiere episode encore

BEING OVERVIEW:

FOX Sports Originals’ BEING: franchise gives fans a deep, thoughtful look at today’s teams and players from an insider’s point of view. It is an all-access invitation into the personal and professional lives of some of the iconic people and institutions in sports today. The first installment of FOX Sports Originals’ BEING: series, BEING: LIVERPOOL, was nominated for a Sports Emmy Award and won Cynopsis Sports Media Awards in the categories of Documentary Series and New Sports Show.

About FOX Sports 1

FOX Sports 1 is a new national 24-hour multi-sport channel launching on August 17 in over 90 million homes, marking the largest sports network launch in history. FOX Sports 1, boasting nearly 5,000 hours of live event, news and original programming annually, has seven pillar sports: college basketball and football, MLB (in 2014), NASCAR, NFL (ancillary programs), soccer and UFC. College football is highlighted by regular season coverage of Big 12, Pac-12 and Conference USA games, while the college basketball spotlight shines on the Big East, Big 12, Pac-12 and Conference USA and the Big East men’s basketball tournament. Starting in 2014, select MLB League Championship Series and Division Series games as well as regular season games are coming to the channel.

FOX Sports 1 also carries select NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events beginning in 2015; NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races; the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race; and all Speedweeks coverage, including Daytona 500 Qualifying, Sprint Unlimited at Daytona, (2014, 2017-22) the Budweiser Duel, and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NCWTS Practice and Qualifying sessions. Additionally, FOX Sports 1 carries NASCAR RaceDay, NASCAR Victory Lane and Race Hub shows. The channel also carries the world’s most prolific club soccer competitions, like UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and CONCACAF Champions League, along with the world’s oldest soccer competition, the FA Cup; plus CONCACAF Gold Cup; CONCACAF Qualifiers, EURO 2016 Qualifiers; 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers; FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015 and 2019; FIFA Men’s World Cup in 2018 and 2022.

In addition to Saturday pay-per-view preliminary cards, Wednesday nights are home to the UFC with UFC TONIGHT, live events and THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER. FOX SPORTS LIVE is FOX Sports 1’s flagship 24/7 news, opinion and highlights program, providing around the clock coverage through regularly scheduled programs, hourly updates and an information rich ticker. Original programs include: FOX FOOTBALL DAILY, CROWD GOES WILD, a new live sports entertainment talk show hosted by Regis Philbin; and the groundbreaking BEING: documentary franchise. FOX Sports GO, a groundbreaking authenticated mobile sports experience for iPhone, iPad, Android devices and the web, serves as the channel’s digital extension. The app offers more than 1,100 live games and events from cross FOX Sports, FOX Sports 1 and FOX Sports’ 22 regional sports networks, as well as scores, highlights, news, stats and analysis. For more information visit FOXSports.com/

Asylum Entertainment

Emmy Award winning Asylum Entertainment was established with the idea of producing diverse projects that are both creatively distinctive and commercially rewarding. From gritty documentaries and highly original reality series to scripted television and feature films, Asylum has produced over 700 hours of television in its 11 year history. Asylum Entertainment's most notable productions, include the epic 8-part mini-series "THE KENNEDYS" for which they received 10 Emmy nominations and won four. Additionally, Asylum's scripted division was recently nominated for 4 Emmy Awards on the television film, RING OF FIRE starring Jewel.

Asylum's life blood is unscripted television. Their notable unscripted projects include the 10-time Emmy nominated BEYOND THE GLORY, ESPN’s 30 FOR 30, THE LOCATOR, ADDICTED, AMERICAN GANGSTER, BEVERLY HILLS PAWN and many more. Additionally, Asylum Entertainment is eagerly anticipating the Spring 2014 release of its' first theatrical feature film SMALL TIME, directed and produced by 24 creator, Joel Surnow. Currently, Asylum Entertainment is in production on the much anticipated feature documentary HAPPY VALLEY, that focuses on the gripping scandal that has rocked Penn State University.

-- FOX SPORTS 1 --

Neil Patrick Harris Producer/Host of 2013 Emmy® Awards on CBS Live From NOKIA Theater L.A. Sunday September 22 8:00PM ET/5:00PM PT

[via CBS Press Release]

Neil Patrick Harris has been named host and producer of THE 65TH PRIMETIME EMMY® AWARDS, to be broadcast from NOKIA Theater L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles, Sunday, Sept. 22 on the CBS Television Network. This will be the multi-talented television, film and stage actor's second time hosting the Emmy Awards, which he emceed to critical acclaim when the program last aired on CBS in 2009. As previously announced, Ken Ehrlich will serve as Executive Producer of this year's Emmy broadcast.

"Neil is the quintessential host ‐ engaging, entertaining and a true showman ‐ with a passion for celebrating the medium we all love. We're thrilled for him to return for CBS's broadcast of the Emmy Awards," said Nina Tassler, President, CBS Entertainment.

"Four years ago, Neil was an amazing Emmy host and we are excited to have him back," said Television Academy Chairman and CEO Bruce Rosenblum. "Neil is an extremely gifted and inventive performer, and we look forward to seeing what he has in store this year."

"I couldn't be more honored and excited to be hosting this year's Emmy Awards," said Neil Patrick Harris. "And what perfect timing ‐ I'll just do the exact same script I'm about to use for the Tonys. 'And the Emmy for Best Revival of a Musical goes to 'Breaking Bad!' See, told you it works."

"Neil is one of the most versatile artists currently working in television. It's going to be great fun to utilize his acting, hosting, musical and producing talents on the Emmys, an event designed to showcase all of the elements that combine to make great television," said Ken Ehrlich, Executive Producer of THE 65th PRIMETIME EMMY® AWARDS. "We've had the pleasure of working together on other award shows in the past, and to have him bring all of that versatility to this year's Emmy telecast again is very exciting for all of us working on the production."

Equally successful on stage and screen, Neil Patrick Harris currently stars as Barney Stinson in the hit CBS television series, "How I Met Your Mother," a role which has garnered him multiple Emmy and Golden Globe Award nominations.

Harris is a three-time Emmy Award winner for his guest-starring role on "Glee" and as host of the 2009 and 2011 Tony Awards. His talents extend beyond being a "triple threat" performer; he has produced numerous live and televised special entertainment events. His celebrated television hosting career began with the Television Academy's 2008 Primetime Creative Arts Emmys, and he later went onto host the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards in 2009, the 63rd, 65th and 66th Annual Tony Awards and will also host the 67th Annual Tony Awards on June 9.

From his film debut opposite Whoopi Goldberg in "Clara's Heart" and his seminal role as the beloved titular character in "Doogie Howser, M.D.," to his roles in the "Harold & Kumar" and "The Smurfs" films, Harris has enjoyed a successful career spanning more than 25 years in the industry.

In addition to his numerous film and television credits, Harris has also enjoyed success in the theater. His many theatrical credits include the dual role of The Balladeer/Lee Harvey Oswald in the Tony Award-winning production of "Assassins," as well as noteworthy performances in the Broadway productions of "Cabaret" and "Proof." He made his musical directorial debut with a production of "Rent" at the Hollywood.

Emmy® Nominees
Emmy® Winners
Fans Connect With Emmy® Fan Polls/Live Chats

Syfy Channel's Defiance Returns June 2014 Announces Cast Additions For Season 2 Now In Production In Toronto Canada

[via NBC/Universal Press Release September 2013]

William Atherton is High-Ranking Earth Republic Official Viceroy Mercado and Anna Hopkins is Earth Republic Soldier Jessica “Berlin” Rai Slated for a June 2014 Launch, from Universal Cable Productions, Season Two Production Underway in Toronto.

NEW YORK – September 5, 2013 – Syfy announces additional casting for Season 2 of its highly-rated and groundbreaking drama series, Defiance. William Atherton signs on to portray high-ranking Earth Republic official Viceroy Mercado and Anna Hopkins has inked the role of Earth Republic soldier and documentarian Jessica “Berlin” Rai. Slated for a June 2014 launch, production is currently underway in Toronto, ON for the 13-episode second season of the ambitious series, which delivered an average of 1.5 million viewers 18-49 and 3.2 million total viewers in its first season, based on Live +7 data. Live + 7 = Households tuning or persons viewing to a program, quarter-hour or time period to a specific station or cable channel, including VCR record, and any DVR playback tuning/viewing within 7 days. Defiance is produced by Universal Cable Productions.

Atherton steps into the supporting role of the jaded, Earth Republic official Viceroy Mercado, Major Pottinger’s (James Murray) commanding officer. Mercado is ruthless, quick tongued and sarcastic, fond of peppering his sentences with obscure old Earth cultural references and mocking younger subordinates for being too young to understand. He sees Pottinger for the manipulative person he is, but grudgingly admits the man gets results. Mercado also has a dark secret that would shock his colleagues and the townspeople of Defiance.

Atherton attended the Drama School at Carnegie Tech and began his career on the New York stage working with many of the country’s leading playwrights including David Rabe, John Guare and Arthur Miller. He got his big break playing hapless fugitive Clovis Poplin in Steven Spielberg’s The Sugarland Express. After this, he garnered major roles in dark drams such as The Day of the Locust and Looking for Mr. Goodbar, as well as the big-budget disaster film The Hindenburg. He also starred as cowboy Jim Lloyd in the groundbreaking 1978 miniseries Centennial. Atherton’s other film credits include Ghostbusters, Real Genius, Die Hard, No Mercy, The Pelican Brief and The Last Samurai. He has also made guest appearances on numerous TV shows including Desperate Housewives, Law & Order, Boston Legal and Monk.

Hopkins joins the cast as the sexy, tough and fearless Jessica “Berlin” Rai, an Earth Republic soldier and documentarian who makes propaganda films that shine a positive light on the Earth Republic occupation of Defiance. Berlin believes in her films’ messages having grown up during the lawless and volatile years of the Pale Wars, and now seeing the government as a means to protect and unite by any means necessary.  Sexy and confident, Berlin becomes the center of a passionate love triangle. Hopkins is a Montreal native and holds a Communications degree from Concordia University. She jumped into the acting scene in 2005 with a role in the film Barney’s Version alongside Dustin Hoffman and Paul Giamatti. She has also had appearances in television’s Nikita, Law & Order and Stephen King’s Dead Zone, as well as in the TV movies Human Trafficking, Too Young to Marry and Circle of Friends.

Atherton and Hopkins join the previously announced James Murray as new cast additions to season two of the series. Murray will portray the integral role of Pottinger, the new mayor of Defiance.

Grant Bowler will return as Nolan, along with Julie Benz as Amanda Rosewater, Stephanie Leonidas as Irisa Nolan, Tony Curran as Datak Tarr, Jaime Murray as Stahma Tarr, Graham Greene as Rafe McCawley and Jesse Rath as Alak Tarr. The cast also features Dewshane Williams as Tommy, Trenna Keating as Doc Yewll, Justin Rain as Quentin McCawley and Nicole Munoz as Christie McCawley.

As the story of Defiance resumes, the lives of the townspeople are in drastic turmoil. The Earth Republic has assumed control of the town, with far-reaching consequences including a new mayor. Nolan traverses the badlands to find a lost Irisa, Amanda has an unexpected new role in the town as she searches for Kenya and the Tarr family desperately tries to keep control of their criminal empire in the midst of dramatic changes.

Kevin Murphy (Desperate Housewives, Caprica) resumes his role as executive producer and showrunner. Smallville’s Darren Swimmer and Todd Slavkin return as executive producers for season two and Michael Taylor serves as consulting producer. Michael Nankin (co-executive producer) is set to direct the season two opener.

Defiance is an unprecedented partnership between Syfy and Trion Worlds and the first-ever convergence of television and online gaming, featuring an interconnected world and storylines that co-exist on both platforms.

About Universal Cable Productions

Universal Cable Productions creates innovative and critically acclaimed original scripted and digital content across multiple media platforms and outlets for domestic and international distribution. UCP produces “Covert Affairs,” “Psych,” “Royal Pains” and “Suits” for USA; “Defiance,” and “Warehouse 13” for Syfy and “Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome” for distribution on Machinima Prime/YouTube, Syfy and DVD/Blu-Ray. Universal Cable Productions is a division of NBCUniversal.

About Syfy

Syfy is a media destination for imagination-based entertainment. With year round acclaimed original series, events, blockbuster movies, classic science fiction and fantasy programming, a dynamic Web site (www.Syfy.com (http://www.syfy.com/)), and a portfolio of adjacent business (Syfy Ventures), Syfy is a passport to limitless possibilities. Originally launched in 1992 as SCI FI Channel, and currently in more than 98 million homes, Syfy is a network of NBCUniversal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. (Syfy. Imagine greater.)


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Contacts:

Maureen Granados Syfy Publicity 212-664-4143 Maureen.Granados@nbcuni.com

Brenda Lowry Syfy Publicity 818-777-6176 Brenda.Lowry@nbcuni.com

Sharon Liggins UCP Publicity 818.777.1458 Sharon.Liggins@nbcuni.com