Thursday, January 28, 2010

ABC gives 'Castle' an extension this season

'Castle' fans, you just got more to watch this season.

The ABC series has received an order for two additional episodes, bringing its Season 2 tally to 24.

This good news comes two days after the romantic dramedy delivered its best ratings to date, with an impressive 10.5 million total viewers.

Although the show hasn't yet been renewed for another season, ABC announced a second book written by Richard Castle, the fictional protagonist of that series, played by Nathan Fillion. The book will be released in September, which almost certainly must be planned to coincide with a third season for 'Castle.'

The real identity of the author of the 'Castle' books has not yet been announced.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

ABC Cancels 'Ugly Betty'

Entertainment Weekly is reporting that ABC has said that this season of 'Ugly Betty' will be its last. Not only that, the network has cut the season order of 22 episodes down to 20.

Considering the following that 'Betty' has, this was a bit of a surprise to me. Sure the ratings haven't been good, but the network has always been behind this show in the past.

The news comes soon enough to 'Betty' producers that they should be able to create a satisfying ending to the series.
Exec producer Silvio Horta and ABC president Steve McPherson confirmed as much in this joint statement: “We’ve mutually come to the difficult decision to make this 'Ugly Betty's' final season, and are announcing now as we want to allow the show ample time to write a satisfying conclusion. We are extremely proud of this groundbreaking series, and felt it was important to give the fans a proper farewell.”

Monday, January 25, 2010

'Survivor' renewed, but will Jeff Probst return?

CBS announced today that they have renewed 'Survivor' for two more cycles. Survivor will celebrate its 20th edition Feb. 11 with the much-anticipated Heroes vs. Villains.

The pickup isn't exactly a surprise. 'Survivor's' fall edition, 'Survivor: Samoa,' led its Thursday night 8 p.m. time slot, averaging a 4.3 rating/12 share among adults 18-49.

What's not clear is whether host Jeff Probst will also return. Probst is currently signed through the upcoming edition. Probst has previously indicated some hesitation at returning to the series, which he has helmed since its inception in 2000. But while 'Survivor' no longer commands the same figures it did in its early seasons -- last fall's 'Survivor: Samoa' finale brought in 13.97 million viewers compared to the first year's 51.69 million -- the show still remains a perennial top 20 hit, meaning that whether or not Probst returns, the show is too valuable for the network to let go.

In my opinion, no other reality host is as important to his show as Jeff Probst is. He is an integral part of the show and 'Survivor' being hosted by someone else just wouldn't be the same.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Rob Lowe leaving 'Brothers & Sisters'

ABC announced yesterday that Rob Lowe will be leaving 'Brothers & Sisters' at the end of this season.

Lowe has worked out an amicable exit strategy with ABC's Steve McPherson, who brought him in when the series stumbled out of the gate. The ratings rebounded at the time, and then Lowe’s character, U.S. Sen. Robert McCallister, became a regular cast member.

Insiders said that, since then, the show has been through at least 4 different show runners, and he felt under-utilized in the family drama storyline. McPherson confirmed Lowe’s exit. "We would like to keep Rob at ABC; we feel he should be anchoring his own franchise. We are in talks now.” Lowe previously exited 'The West Wing' also in the middle of its series run.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

CBS Reveals 'Amazing Race 16' contestants. BB11's Jeff and Jordan among them

CBS revealed the cast of 'Amazing Race 16' today. As was rumored, Big Brother 11 winner Jordan Lloyd and her BB11 boyfriend Jeff Schroeder will be competing.

The season kicks off Feb. 14 at 8 p.m. Here's the rest of the cast in no particular order:



Team # 1


Caite Upton
Age: 20
Hometown: Lexington, S.C.
Occupation: model/actress

Brent Horne
Age: 28
Hometown: Columbia, S.C.
Occupation: model/advertising

Relationship: dating/models

Team #2

Louis Stravato
Age: 47
Hometown: Providence, R.I.
Occupation: undercover detective

Michael Naylor

Age: 45
Hometown: Providence, R.I.
Occupation: undercover detective

Relationship: detectives

Team #3

Steve Smith
Age: 57
Hometown: Encinitas, Calif.
Occupation: Professional baseball coach/World Series champion coach

Allie Smith
Age: 23
Hometown: Encinitas, Calif.
Occupation: marketing

Relationship: father/daughter

Team #4

Jeff Schroeder
Age: 31
Hometown: Norridge, Ill
Occupation: salesman

Jordan Lloyd
Age: 22
Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.
Occupation: receptionist

Relationship: newly dating

Team #5

Monique Pryor
Age: 39
Hometown: West Orange, N.J.
Occupation: attorney

Shawne Morgan
Age: 39
Hometown: Bowie, Md.
Occupation: attorney

Relationship: moms/attorneys

Team #6

Jet McCoy
Age: 30
Hometown: Ada, Okla.
Occupation: cowboy

Cord McCoy
Age: 29
Hometown: Tupelo, Okla.
Occupation: pro bull rider

Relationship: brothers/cowboys

Team #7

Adrian Davis
Age: 40
Hometown: Arlington, Texas
Occupation: medical sales

Dana Davis
Age: 39
Hometown: Arlington, Texas
Occupation: market manager

Relationship: high school sweethearts/married

Team #8

Jody Kelly
Age: 71
Hometown: Round Rock, Texas
Occupation: personal trainer

Shannon Foster
Age: 22
Hometown: Georgetown, Texas
Occupation: healthcare outreach contract analyst

Relationship: grandmother/granddaughter

Team #9

Carol Rosenfeld
Age: 47
Hometown: Los Angeles
Occupation: consultant


Brandy Snow
Age: 40
Hometown: Los Angeles
Occupation: actress and voice-over artist

Relationship: dating

Team #10

Dan Pious
Age: 24
Hometown: Barrington, R.I.
Occupation: financial advisor


Jordan Pious
Age: 22
Hometown: Barrington, R.I.
Occupation: strategic consultant

Relationship: brothers

Team #11


Joe Wang

Age: 42
Hometown: El Segundo
Occupation: software salesman

Heidi Wang
Age: 37
Hometown: El Segundo
Occupation: stay-at-home mom

Relationship: married


The Late Night Saga is over... for now. Conan reaches agreement with NBC

NBC and Conan O'Brien have reached a settlement.

The final deal includes a payout of approximately $32.5 million for Mr. O'Brien and roughly $12 million for his staff, according a person familiar with the matter. The agreement will allow Mr. O'Brien to appear on another network beginning Sept. 1, the person said.

"NBC confirms a deal is signed and an official announcement will be made this morning," an NBC spokeswoman said Thursday. An announcement of Mr. Leno's move back to "The Tonight Show" is also expected Thursday.

Statement from NBC:

"NBC confirmed today that popular late-night host Jay Leno will return to host 'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno' from 11:35 p.m.-12:35 a.m. (ET) beginning March 1, 2010 and that 'Late Night with Jimmy Fallon' will continue to be broadcast from 12:35-1:35 a.m. (ET). The announcements were made by Jeff Gaspin, Chairman, NBC Universal Television Entertainment.

'We're pleased that Jay is returning to host the franchise that he helmed brilliantly and successfully for many years,' said Gaspin. 'He is an enormous talent, a consummate professional and one of the hardest-working performers on television.'

Leno previously hosted 'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno' from May 1992-May 2009. The program will continue to showcase many of the features that made Leno America's late-night leader for more than a dozen years."

And the joint statement from NBC and Conan O'Brien:

"NBC and Conan O'Brien have reached a resolution of the issues surrounding O'Brien's contract to host 'The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien.'

Under terms of an agreement that was signed earlier today, NBC and O'Brien will settle their contractual obligations and the network will release O'Brien from his contract, freeing him to pursue other opportunities after September 1, 2010.

O'Brien will make his final appearance as host of 'The Tonight Show' on January 22.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Survivor contestant Jennifer Lyon dies at 37

Jennifer Lyon, a contestant on 'Survivor: Palau,' has died at the age of 37. Lyon finished in fourth place in the reality competition's tenth season, which aired in 2005.

Lyon, who was billed as a nanny and graduate student from Encino, CA when she competed on Survivor: Palau -- had finished fourth on the Survivor tenth edition but was perhaps best remembered for her island romance with fellow castaway Gregg Carey.

The former nanny was diagnosed with stage-three breast cancer two months after the tenth season of 'Survivor' wrapped in 2005. "In the summer of 2004, I felt something in my right breast that didn't feel normal," Lyon said. "I thought it was probably scar tissue related to my breast implants. So I let it go -- for a long time."

"She had beaten it into remission once, but then it came back and was in her bones," 'Survivor: Micronesia' star Eliza Orlins told TV Guide.

"The whole time she maintained a positive attitude. She was truly an amazing girl and I was lucky to know her," Orlins said. "Even just last week when I saw her at the 10-year reunion, we were all laughing and she had her same glowing smile on her face."

Austin Carty, 'Survivor: Panam' alum who briefly dated Lyon in 2006, called Lyon a "genuinely selfless, sweet-natured person."

Carty last saw his friend at a breast cancer charity event in New York in November 2008, where she received a standing ovation after giving a speech. "She was engaged in the greatest fight of her life, but she had every intention to fight and spread her positive messages,” Carty said. "This has really rocked the Survivor community. It's just so sad."

Monday, January 18, 2010

Golden Globes TV Winners

The Golden Globes were held last night in Beverly Hills, 'Avatar' walked away with the big prize for Best Film (Drama), but since this is a TV site, lets take a look at the winners on the TV side, shall we....

Best Actress in a Made for TV Movie - Drew Barrymore 'Grey Gardens'

Best Actor in a Made for TV Movie - Kevin Bacon 'Taking Chance'

Best Made for TV Movie - 'Grey Gardens'

Best Supporting Actress in a TV Series - Chloe Sevigny 'Big Love'

Best Support Actor in a TV Series - John Lithgow 'Dexter'

Best Actress in a Comedy Series - Toni Collette 'United States of Tara'

Best Actor in a Comedy Series - Alec Baldwin '30 Rock'

Best Actor in a Drama Series - Michael C. Hall 'Dexter'

Best Actress in a Drama Series - Julianna Margulies 'The Good Wife'

Best Comedy or Musical Series - 'Glee'

Best Drama Series - 'Mad Men'

No huge surprises to me this year. Glad to see 'Glee,' and Julianna Margulies recognized. 2 new shows that got well deserved recognition.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

More Late Night News!!


The Late Night fiasco at NBC continues to dominate the TV News business these days. Here are links to some of the new developments:

  • Most people are on Conan's side in this whole mess including most celebrities.
  • Conan can leave NBC, but he won't be allowed to take any of his bits with him.
  • O'Brien's staff will be taken care of with nice severance packages.
  • Has Jay lost his appeal? Celebrities are starting to cancel their appearances on Jay.
  • NBC has begun to piece together a lineup to fill the 10 pm timeslot.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Today's Late Night TV Update

The news continues to come in fast and furious. The backlash against Jay Leno has been getting worse, so here are today's links:




  • The smear campaign has begun as NBC execs throw Conan under the bus.
  • Jimmy Kimmel appears on Leno and takes a few shots at Jay in the process.
  • Reports are coming out that NBC will let Conan go and not make him wait.
  • Rosie O'Donnell has weighed in on the whole fiasco and she's not on Jay's side either.
  • Conan's last day will most likely be January 22nd.
  • Big names are being thrown around for Conan's final days including known Leno basher, Howard Stern.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

TNT Renews 'Men of a Certain Age'

TNT announced today that they have given a second season order to 'Men of a Certain Age' for 10 episodes. The amount of episodes could possibly be increased at a later time.

The show, starring Ray Romano, Scott Bakula, and Andre Braugher as 3 middle aged friends, has been getting good ratings, averaging 4.5 million viewers a week.

"'Men of a Certain Again' has been embraced by viewers and critics alike, making our decision to renew an easy one," states Michael Wright, executive vice president, head of programming for TNT, TBS and TCM.

TNT offered no time-table for the second season of 'Men of a Certain Age,' which was created by Romano and Mike Royce, who also executive produce along with Rory Rosegarten and Cary Hoffman.

Late Night Wars Coverage

So much is happening with Late Night TV and the news is coming so fast that it's hard to keep up with it all.

Here are some links to some stories around the web to keep you up-to-date:

  • Amid rumors that Jay Leno will now leave NBC, Craig Ferguson has weighed in and said he refuses to follow Jay Leno.
  • NBC has become the laughing stock of late night TV.
  • Letterman has invited Conan to be on his show.
  • Jimmy Kimmel weighs in on the issue by mocking Jay Leno.
  • Team Conan has set up Facebook pages to gather supporters and are using the slogan, "I'm with Coco"
  • As far as what side are people taking? It's become clear that Jay Leno has made a lot of enemies in the industry and Conan has made a lot of friends.
We will continue to keep you up to date with the latest happenings.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

ABC renews Modern Family, The Middle, and Cougar Town

ABC has announced that they are giving second seasons to 3 comedies. 'Modern Family,' 'Cougar Town,' and 'The Middle' have all been renewed by the network.

No surprise at all here, all 3 shows have performed well for ABC and have garnered critical acclaim as well.

ABC also said that they will make a decision on 'Better Off Ted' and 'Scrubs' after the shows wrap in January.

Will there be more 24? Kiefer Sutherland is open to it.

Kiefer Sutherland told a panel of TV Critics yesterday that he is open to bringing Jack Bauer back for more '24.' Sutherland and executive producer Howard Gordon said that they will keep doing the show as long as Fox wants them.

"This is one of the greatest gifts of my life, doing 24. So I'm open to it," said Sutherland. "Right now, my focus is on finishing season eight."

"It's certainly a possibility," said Gordon, who explained that it's always been FOX's option whether to continue or not, even when Sutherland had years left on his contract.

Season 8 gets underway this Sunday, January 17th with a 2 night, 4 hour premiere on Fox.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Simon Cowell makes it official. Says this is his last year on 'Idol.'

Simon Cowell made it official today, telling the TV critics at the TCA Press Tour that he is leaving 'American Idol' after this season.

Cowell signed a contract with Fox today to judge 'The X Factor' beginning next year. "I didn't think it was right for me to do two shows in America," Cowell said. He also said he felt it would be impossible to do both shows.

Now things could change here. 'X Factor' and 'Idol' are scheduled to run at different times during the year and since they are both on Fox, there's no reason that Cowell couldn't do both. This could just be part of a negotiating ploy.

Fox execs said that they wouldn't speculate on a replacement for Simon.

'Glee' renewed for 2nd Season

Fox announced today that 'Glee' has been renewed for another season. This really is no big surprise. The show has been a breakout hit for the network and expects to be a nice companion piece to 'American Idol.'

Fox made the announcement today at the TCA Winter Press Tour. "The show is a true and rare gem in television," said FOX entertainment president Kevin Reilly in the release. "We couldn't be more proud of what Ryan Murphy and the Glee team have created so far, and can't wait to see what they come up with for season two."

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Tonight's TV Pick

'Chuck' - NBC 9 pm

Against long odds, 'Chuck' made it to another season thanks to the support of it's fans. Season 3 opens with Chuck possessing new Intersect abilities. He trains to be an ace spy---but he flunks spy school and his relationship with Sarah shatters. Later, Chuck takes on a mission when Sarah's gal pal and her fiancé (Vinnie Jones) arrive, with Chuck also trying to repair his relationship troubles with Sarah. Meanwhile, a fib puts Morgan in a corner. Do yourself a favor and watch 'Chuck.' You won't be disappointed.

NBC confirms it. Leno is moving to 11:35.

It's Official. During the TV Critics Association Winter Press Tour, NBC confirmed that 'The Jay Leno Show' will be moving to 11:35 following the Winter Olympics.

"It has been performing at acceptable levels for networks, but it did not meet all the affiliate needs," Jeff Gaspin, chairman of NBC Universal Television Entertainment told a packed room at the TV critics winter press tour.

Gaspin said he is determined to keep both Conan O'Brien, who took over Leno's slot on "The Tonight Show" -- which will now move to 12:05 a.m. -- and Jimmy Fallon, who took O'Brien's spot on "Late Night" an hour later.

Conan O'Brien has yet to decide what he is going to do. He has the option of keeping the 'Tonight' show, but moving to 12:05, or he could choose to leave the network for greener pastures. Fox has already indicated that they would be interested in Conan is he left NBC.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Mailbag: Your TV questions answered! 24, Chuck, Big Love, Castle, and HIMYM scoop!

I'm a huge fan of 'Big Love,' can you tell me when it's coming back? - Paula L., Sacramento, CA.

'Big Love' returns to the airwaves this Sunday, January 10th, at 9 pm on HBO. Unfortunately, this season will only be 9 episodes long, so enjoy it while it lasts!

I can't wait for 'Chuck' to come back, do you have any scoop on the upcoming season? - Steve, Lansing, MI

I do Steve! Things get started this Sunday at 9 on NBC, and recurring character will die in the very first episode. Also coming this season, more people are going to find out about Chuck's secret life. Also look for guest appearances by Angie Harmon (Law & Order) and Brandon Routh (Superman Returns) this season. Should be fun!

'Castle' is a favorite of mine. Do you have any little tidbits about what's coming up? - Kelly, Albany, NY

Look for a shocking twist coming up in the January 18th episode. The twist involves the murder of Beckett's Mom.

I need some '24' news! Can you help me out? - Sean, Watertown, MA

Among the new faces at CTU this season is a character named Jenny. Now, I'm not going to tell you who’s playing her because that would spoil the surprise, but it's a pretty neat twist. Also look for Gregory Itzin to reprise his role as disgraced former President Logan late in the season. The Jack Bauer Power Hour returns for its 2 night, 4 hour premiere on January 17th!

Any 'How I Met Your Mother' news? - Sandy, Orlando, FL

I can tell you that in the upcoming 100th episode, we'll finally get to see the "Mother," sort of. I'll leave it at that.

Have a question about your favorite TV show? Send your questions to tvnewsandnotes@gmail.com. Questions will be answered in a future Mailbag post.

You can also check out my Twitter and Facebook pages! Thanks for reading!

Leno back to 11:35? What happens to Conan?

Multiple reports are circulating this morning that NBC has decided to move 'The Jay Leno Show' to the 11:35 pm timeslot after the Olympics. The show has suffered mightily in it's 10:00 timeslot and has caused huge headaches for NBC affiliates leading into their 11 pm newscasts.

Now what does this mean to 'The Tonight Show' and Conan O'Brien? He took over 'Tonight' and the 11:35 timeslot after Leno moved to 10:00. What we're hearing is that Conan has been offered a 12:05 start time for his show. “We remain committed to keeping Conan O’Brien on NBC,” the network said in a statement Thursday evening. “He is a valued part of our late-night lineup, as he has been for more than 16 years, and is one of the most respected entertainers on television.”

We're also hearing reports that O'Brien is not happy and that the network has given him the option of taking the 12:05 slot or leaving the network. If he choose to leave, presumably Leno would get a full hour at 11:35 and the 'Tonight' title back. Even though NBC has the option of blocking any other network offers to Conan, word is that they will not do so and will allow him to go. If they choose to prevent him from leaving it could end up costing them $25 Million dollars. That is what O'Brien is owed for the next two years. If Conan chooses to leave the network, most likely his release would be negotiated in such a way that he gets a lesser payout.

My guess here is that Leno eventually gets 'The Tonight Show' back and Conan moves to another network, possibly Fox. Fox has not had a weeknight late show since 'The Chevy Chase Show' in 1993. This would be their chance to make a name in late night.

There is also a possibility of Conan jumping to ABC at 11:35 for a half hour show before 'Jimmy Kimmel Live.' These changes could happen as soon as March, following the Olympics. However, given this news, O'Brien could choose to accelerate things and get out now. Why would he want to stick around in a place where he has clearly been mistreated.

NBC has also said that if Conan accepts the 12:05 slot, then 'Late Night with Jimmy Fallon' will move to 1:05.

As always, we will keep you posted. Stay Tuned!

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Could the end be near for 'Scrubs?'

It looks like the end could be near for 'Scrubs.'

According to Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello, no further episodes will be ordered after episode 13. Not a good sign. When asked about the future of 'Scrubs,' here's what he said...

I’m afraid I’ve only got bad news here. No back-nine episodes, and no closure in episode 13. “It’s just a routine episode,” says an insider of what could turn out to be the show’s series finale. “There’s no special moment or anything.”

The show returned this year in a revamped format with new cast members and a new location. The new version of 'Scrubs' hasn't gone over too well with fans and the ratings have not been very good. Last year's season finale would have served much better as a series finale.

We'll probably have to wait until the spring to find out about the future of 'Scrubs' for sure, but the signs are there.

People's Choice Award Winners

The People's Choice Awards were held last night. This is the award show that the fans vote on. It awards favorites in TV, Movies, and Music.

Here are the winners from the world of TV:

Favorite New TV Drama: The Vampire Diaries

Favorite New TV Comedy: Glee

Favorite TV Drama: House

Favorite TV Comedy: The Big Bang Theory

Favorite TV Actor - Drama: Hugh Laurie - House

Favorite TV Actress - Drama: Katherine Heigl - Grey's Anatomy

Favorite TV Actor - Comedy: Steve Carrell - The Office

Favorite TV Actress - Comedy: Alyson Hannigan - How I Met Your Mother

Favorite Competition Show: American Idol

Favorite Animal Show: Dog Whisperer

Favorite Obsession: True Blood

Favorite Sci-Fi/Fantasy Show: Supernatural

Favorite Talk Show: The Ellen DeGeneres Show

I don't take too much stock in the People's Choice Awards, they're kind of a fun night and it's a chance for the fans to have a say. But award season is now underway. The Golden Globes are in 10 days followed closely by the SAG Awards. Come back here to find out who won!


Wednesday, January 6, 2010

'Biggest Loser' has biggest premiere yet


NBC's 'The Biggest Loser' posted the biggest premiere ratings in the show's history.

The two-hour "Couples" edition of 'Loser' was unfazed by Fox's Orange Bowl coverage, drawing 11.7 million viewers and a healthy 4.6 preliminary adults 18-49 rating, up a tenth from last year. 'Loser' and it's ratings powered the 'Jay Leno Show' (6.4 million, 2.2) to its best rating since, well, since the 'Biggest Loser' fall finale.

Monday, January 4, 2010

Survivor 20 Cast Confirmed!


Multiple sites have confirmed the all star cast for the upcoming much anticipated 20th edition of Survivor, titled Heroes vs. Villains.

Here they are...

First the Heroes tribe:

Rupert Boneham - Rupert, 45, finished 8th in Pearl Islands, Season 7, and 4th on All-Stars (Season 8.)

James 'J.T.' Thomas - JT, 25, was the winner of Tocantins, Season 18.

Tom Westman - Tom, 45, winner of Palau, Season 10.

Colby Donaldson - Colby, 36, was the runner up in Season 2 in the Australian Outback, and finished 12th in Season 8's All-Stars.

James Clement - James, 25, finished 7th in China in Season 15, and was forced to leave the game due to injury in Season 16 in Micronesia.

Stephenie LaGrossa - Stephenie, 30, was a 7th place finisher in Palau in Season 10, but was the runner up in Season 11 in Guatemala.

Amanda Kimmell - Amanda, 25, was a 3rd place finisher in China Season 7, and a 2nd place finisher in Micronesia, Season 16.

Jessica 'Sugar' Kiper - Sugar, 30, was 3rd place in Season 17, Gabon.

Cirie Fields - Cirie, 39, finished 4th in Panama, Season 12, and 3rd in Micronesia, Season 16.

Candice Woodcock - Candice, 27, finished 8th place in Season 13, Cook Islands.

Now for the Villains...

'Boston Rob' Mariano - Boston Rob, 34, was a 10th place finisher in Marquesas in Season 4, and the runner-up in All-Stars, Season 8.

Randy Bailey - Randy, 50, finished 8th place in Season 17, Gabon.

Tyson Apostol - Tyson, 29, 8th place in Tocantins, Season 18.

Ben 'Coach' Wade - Coach, 38, finished 5th place in Season 18, Tocantins.

Russell Hantz - Russell, 36, the much talked about runner up in the just finished Season 19, Samoa.

Jerri Manthey - Jerri, 38, finished 8th place in Season 2, Outback, and 10th place in Season 8's All-Stars.

Parvati Shallow - Parvati, 27, 6th place in Cook Islands Season 13, and the winner of Micronesia, Season 16.

Sandra Diaz-Twine - Sandra, 37, winner of Pearl Islands, Season 7.

Courtney Yates - Courtney, 28, was the runner up of Season 15, China.

Danielle DiLorenzo - Danielle, 28, runner up of Season 12, Panama.

Some interesting choices here. Russell and Boston Rob should be very interesting together. Cirie, Sandra, and Candice seem to be a little out of their leagues here, but with Survivor, you never know.

I would have liked to have seen Jonathan Penner get another shot. He was in Cook Island and finished 7th, then he appeared in Micronesia. In my opinion, he was on his way to winning in Micronesia before he had to be evacuated due to injury.

Also very interesting was there are no players from Season 1 here. We all know Richard Hatch wasn't allowed to play due to his legal problems. Colleen Haskell on the Heroes would have been nice, and Kelly Wiglesworth on the Villains would have fit.

Keep in mind, CBS has not yet made any statements regarding this cast and are saying that this list is unconfirmed.

Either way, it should be an amazing season. Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains premieres on CBS on February 11th.