'Boston Rob' Mariano wins Survivor: Redemption Island

After 117 days, spread across 10 years, and 4 seasons, Rob Mariano affectionately known to Survivor fans as Boston Rob, finally took the title of Sole Survivor, and in my opinion should be considered the best Survivor player ever.

Rob was in complete control of the game from beginning to end, maneuvering and manipulating his way all the way through to the end.  Nobody has ever dominated the game as thoroughly and consistently throughout a season as Mariano did this year.  Only the gameplay of Russell Hantz in 'Survivor: Samoa' comes close, Hantz was the runner up that season, and readers of this blog know my feelings on that.

The 35 year old Boston native overcame the 52-year-old former federal agent Phillip Sheppard and 19-year-old dancer Natalie Tenerelli to take home the $1 million grand prize on Sunday's finale of "Survivor: Redemption Island."  It was an easy victory: Mariano earned eight of nine votes cast.   Rob also took home the top prize of $1 million and was also awarded a bonus prize of $100,000 from viewers in the Sprint-sponsored “fan favorite award.”

"I played my heart out," Rob told the Associated Press. He competed (and lost) on previous seasons Marquesas, All-Stars and Heroes vs. Villains. "I love this game, but you've got to get lucky along the way, too. I know what it takes. It's really, really difficult. I'm really, really happy things happened the way they did this time."

Filmed in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, the show's main attraction was the returns of rivals Mariano and Russell Hantz. Things didn't go as smoothly for Hantz, as he was the third player voted out. Mariano, once the leader of the Villains tribe in "Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains," made friends quickly and catapulted himself to the top.

The Survivor finale also drew big ratings for CBS, winning the night.  12.5 million people watched.  Though it easily topped the night in both categories, the 22nd season finale was down slightly compared to the previous season, set in Nicaragua (13.6 million).

At the end it was announced that the 23rd edition, 'Survivor : South Pacific' will feature the Redemption Island twist again and once again will also feature 2 former contestants returning to play with 16 new players.  

A very satisfying end to good Survivor season.  A very well deserved champion was crowned.  As host Jeff Probst said during the finale, “For my money, in 22 seasons, that’s as close to a perfect game as anyone has played on Survivor."

NBC cancels 'The Event'

More details continue to trickle out about NBC's fall schedule, unfortunately for fans of 'The Event,' the news is not good.  NBC has decided to cancel the sci-fi series after just one season.

The series, about aliens covertly living among us started strongly for the network, but faded gradually in the ratings.

There may be hope for fans however, Rumor is that the producers are shopping the show to other outlets, including Netflix and that there has been interest from several cable and digital entities.

'Two and a Half Men' has found its new star: Ashton Kutcher

Many names were mentioned to replace Charlie Sheen on 'Two and a Half Men.'  John Stamos, Rob Lowe, Jeremy Piven, and most recently, Hugh Grant.  But today CBS has made it official, announcing that Ashton Kutcher will be Sheen's replacement next season.

“We are so lucky to have someone as talented, joyful and just plain remarkable as Ashton joining our family," said Chuck Lorre, creator and executive producer of “Two and a Half Men.” "If I was any happier, it'd be illegal."

Reports surfaced Thursday night that the actor was the likely replacement. Kutcher even kind of confirmed the reports via his Twitter account, tweeting: “What’s the square root of 6.25? " (The answer being 2.5). 

Today came his official statement:  “I can't wait to get to work with this ridiculously talented 2.5 team and I believe we can fill the stage with laughter that will echo in viewers' homes. I can't replace Charlie Sheen but I'm going to work my ass off to entertain the hell out of people!"

'Two and a Half Men' insiders told the Hollywood Reporter Thursday CBS execs responded well to Lorre’s plan for Kutcher’s character.

“It’s really funny,” said a source. “People are going to love it.

Kutcher will reportedly receive between $900,000 and $1,000,000 per episode.

Production on the 9th season of  'Two and a Half Men' is scheduled to begin this summer.

'Chuck' will return for a 5th season

Critically acclaimed, but ratings challenged 'Chuck' will be returning for a 5th season.

NBC will make the announcement official on Sunday, but multiple outlets are reporting that the show will get a 13 episode, 5th season.  It is likely, however, that episodes will be added to that order as they have in the past 2 seasons.  

Good news for 'Chuck' fans.

UPDATE:  NBC has announced that season 5 of' 'Chuck' will be it's final season.

Fox cancels 5 series, including 'Human Target' and 'Lie To Me'

Fox has cancelled 5 series today:  'Human Target,' Lie to Me,' 'The Chicago Code,' 'Traffic Light' and 'Breaking In.'

Angry fans turned to Twitter to vent as the news broke late Tuesday, with 'Human Target' fans being among the most vocal. In fact, according to The Hollywood Reporter, they tweeted so ferociously that the show became a Top 10 trending topic.

After a promising start in its debut season 'Human Target' faltered, and it had seemed ripe for cancellation last year. However, it was instead given a radical overhaul with the addition of new central characters, together with a new showrunner and a change of direction. It wasn't enough: Season 2 never really caught fire and it steadily shed viewers as it progressed.

The announcement will not be officially made until Fox formally unveils its fall schedule on Monday.

Meanwhile, the network has made series orders for 'The New Girl,' with Zooey Deschanel as a lovelorn teacher, and 'I Hate My Teenage Daughter,' with Jaime Pressly. Also, the JJ Abrams time-travel drama "'Alcatraz' looks headed for the schedule, as does the 'Bones' spin-off 'Finder.'

Fox renews 'House' for an 8th season

After a long negotiation, Fox has finally announced that 'House' will return for an 8th season.   It is expected that the 8th season of the medical mystery series will be its last.

"Over the past seven seasons, 'House' has redefined the medical drama and has given us one of television's most compelling and iconic characters," said Fox President of Entertainment Kevin Reilly in a press release.

"From the producers to the incredible writers to the unbelievably talented cast and crew, the 'House' team is fearless in its creativity and I can't wait to see what they have in store next year."

'Bones' renewed for a 7th season

No surprise here that Fox has given 'Bones' a 7th season.

“ ‘Bones’ is creatively fresh, it’s a rock-solid player every time it airs and this season it has helped us win on Thursday nights for the first time in our history,” said Fox Entertainment President Kevin Reilly.

'Bones' star David Boreanaz was the first to break the news, tweeting to his followers.  The star tweeted: "Season 7 is GO for Bones."

The Fox drama will hit 150 episodes next season.  Along with 'House,' 'Bones' has anchored Fox's dramatic lineup. The series recently featured a backdoor pilot for a possible spinoff, 'The Finder,' starring Geoff Stults and Michael Clarke Duncan.