MTV wants 'Real World' and 'Challenge' for 4 More Seasons

MTV is ordering four more seasons of its veteran reality hit 'The Real World.'

The order extends the 17-year-old docudrama from Bunim-Murray Prods. to an incredible 26 cycles. MTV also is ordering another four rounds of Bunim-Murray's 'The Real World/Road Rules Challenge,' bringing the competition series to 21 cycles.

The current season of 'The Real World: Brooklyn' will air its finale Wednesday, and producers are shooting the next round, 'The Real World: Cancun.'

'Angel' Star Dies

Andy Hallett, who played Lorne on 4 seasons of 'Angel' died of heart failure on Sunday at the age of 33.

The actor passed away, after a 5 year battle with heart disease, at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles.

Hallett appeared on more than 70 episodes of the 'Buffy' spin-off between 2000 and 2004. He was also an accomplished musician, singing two songs on the 'Angel' soundtrack that was released on 2005.

A private service will be held in Hallett's hometown of Osterville, MA on Cape Cod this weekend.

'Friday Night Lights' Finally Officially Renewed

After months of rumors, NBC and Direct TV have finally come to terms on a 2 season renewal of 'Friday Night Lights'.

The deal is for two seasons, the 4th and 5th seasons of the show. Each season will consist of 13 episodes. The new deal will bring the shows episode total to 76, enhancing its syndication chances.

Questions About Lost

With this season of Lost there have been many questions. But a few have hit me in recent weeks....

• On their return to the island why did Sun and Ben crash instead of flashing like the others?
• In 1977, what has become of Daniel Faraday?
• Is 1977 Ben dead? The actor that plays young Ben, Sterling Beaumon, said he is in 2 more episodes, and that the shooting of Ben could end up being the most significant scene in the show's history.
• Will Desmond return to the island?
  

Speaking of Desmond, Is it just me or are the Desmond-centric episodes always the best and most interesting ones?

Feel free to post your thoughts on these and any other questions you may have.

'Heroes' Hits All-Time Ratings Low

A record low number of viewers tuned in this past Monday night to watch a new episode of 'Heroes'. It was watched by 6.5 million viewers. This is the second time in the past 3 episodes where ratings have hit an all time low.

NBC has already unofficially said that they plan to bring back Heroes in the fall. However these things have a tendency to change. Especially with the Jay Leno move to 10pm, there will be 5 less prime time slots open next season.

Stay Tuned!

Sutherland Confirms that Jack Bauer Will Be Back for Another Day

Despite reports that 24 would possibly continue without Jack Bauer next season, Kiefer Sutherland has confirmed that he will return for another season of the hit Fox show.

Sutherland told the Associated Press that his decision to return for season 8 was out of respect for the show that revived his career.

Sutherland also said that the show's future really hinges on the writers ability to come up with a good story.

"The real pressure is placed on the writers. It's a real question about how much they feel they can give and what they can do," he said.

Tonight's TV Pick

Chuck - 8:00pm - NBC-TV

'Chuck Versus the Predator' - Chuck locates the scientist who created the Intersect computer that's embedded in his mind. Soon, Chuck experiences a monumental crisis of faith, not knowing whether to put his trust in Sarah and Casey or the mysterious creator. Meanwhile, antagonism builds between the Buy More branch and its stuffy Beverly Hills counterpart.

'Chuck' is one of the so called 'bubble' shows, meaning it's undecided whether it will be renewed for next season or not. With 'House' being a rerun, tonight's a good chance to watch this show if you haven't already. It's an excellent show and needs some new viewers.

If you're already a 'Chuck' fan, head over and sign this petition and show support for bringing this show back for another season.

Fox renews 'Kitchen Nightmares'

Fox has ordered another season of Gordon Ramsay's 'Kitchen Nightmares' . The Hollywood Reporter says the network is also expected to announce that it will be airing another season of Ramsay's 'Hell's Kitchen' this summer, making it the first time Fox has aired cycles of that popularity reality show back-to-back.

Huge House shocker!

E Online is reporting that the death of a major character will hit 'House' later this season.

The death is being described as so shocking not just because who it happens to, but how it happens.

With the way the show has been going, just about every character has been through a lot recently, so it really could be anyone.

Any guesses?

American Idol - Who got the boot last night?

It's not too often that I disagree with the 'Idol' results show each week. However, last night's results is one of those times.

The bottom 2 consisted of Alexis and Michael.

Find out who went home after the jump.

Michael performed 'Ain't Going Down Til the Sun Comes Up' on Tuesday. Alexis performed 'Jolene'.

Once the final two is revealed, Simon says that the judges have discussed saving one of them.

The results are revealed, and after 31 million votes, Alexis has been voted off.

Simon says they are considering saving her, but they want her to perform one more time. Although her performance was good, Simon says it wasn't good enough.

This is really a shocker to me. A couple of weeks ago, I considered Alexis one of the favorites to be there on finale night.

With the recent story coming out about the final 4 already being decided, I can't help but think the judges chose not to save her to avoid the appearance of the show being rigged.

I think the voters got this one wrong. If you're basing your vote on this weeks performances, then Adam should have been the one to go. But that's just my opinion.

Actress Natasha Richardson dies at 45

Tony award winning actress Natasha Richardson died Wednesday from injuries suffered after a fall on a Canadian ski slope Monday. She was 45.

Her husband, actor Liam Neeson, and her two sons, Michael, 13 and Daniel, 12, were by her side.

Ms. Richardson initially appeared uninjured by the fall, but an hour later complained of a headache. She was eventually flown to a hospital in New York City as her condition worsened.

She was the daughter of Academy Award-winning actress and human rights activist Vanessa Redgrave and the Oscar-winning director and producer Tony Richardson.

She won a Tony Award for a 1998 revival of the musical "Cabaret," in which she played the bohemian showgirl Sally Bowles, and starred in a variety of film, television and stage productions, ranging from Blanche Du Bois in Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire" (2005) on Broadway to a Disney remake of "The Parent Trap" (1998) in Hollywood.

'Two and A Half Men' and 'Big Bang Theory' renewed

CBS has renewed 'Two and a Half Men' and 'The Big Bang Theory for multiple seasons.

'Men' will be around at least until the 2011-2012 season, while 'Big Bang' will be here until at least the end of the 2011 season.

'Men' averages 15 million viewers weekly, now in it' 6th season. 'Bang" in it's 2nd season averages 10 million viewers a week.

Who was Dancing with the Stars first castoff?

Dancing With The Stars had it's first ever dance-off last night to determine who would be the couple to go. This dance off would allow the 2 lowest scoring couples to earn extra points from the judges. Viewers votes still count for 50 percent of each couples final score.

Steve Wozniak and his partner Karina Smirnoff came into the night with a low score of 30 points out of a possible 60, while Belinda Carlisle and her partner Jonathan Roberts had a score of 35.

You can find out who went home after the jump.

Belinda and Jonathan performed the Salsa, they scored a 17, previously scoring an 18.

Steve and Karina did the Quickstep and also scored a 17, they had previously scored 17 as well.

After totaling the scores, the announcment was made and Belinda & Jonathan were the couple going home.

The stars will try the Samba and the Foxtrot next week. Should be fun!

'Lost' finale will not compete with 'Idol'

ABC has made the wise decision not to send the 'Lost' finale up against the 'American Idol' finale. Lost will end it's season with a 2 hour episode on May 13th. The first hour will still compete with an Idol results show. However, it will not be competing with the crowning of a new Idol on May 20th.

Idol Scandal! Are the Final 4 already decided?

A scandal is brewing at 'American Idol'!

A female Idol staff member is telling people that the last 4 contestants will be Danny Gokey, Alexis Grace, Lil Rounds, and Adam Lambert.

Asked if this was opinion or actual fact, the staffer vehemently retorted, “Those ARE the people,” saying it wasn’t mere speculation.

But the girl took it a step further, claiming that the PTB (Powers That Be) at the hit Fox show are having a problem with two of the top contenders.

“Adam Lambert and Lil Rounds are better singers and musicians than Gokey and Grace, but they’re too much like past winners and Idol successes,” the woman said. “Adam’s too close in style and sound to Chris Daughtry, while Lil Rounds is a dead ringer for Fantasia. Even their background stories are similar!"

“The producers really want it to be Danny or Alexis. They think they’re very commercially viable, have a good image and a great story.”

Danny’s sad story of the death of his wife, Sophia, during heart surgery a month before his audition is “a huge reason viewers are tuning in,” said the staffer. “Fox likes the attention that he’s getting, and they’ve taken to giving Danny much more airtime as a result.”

While Fox’s reps had no comment on the allegations, another TV insider told us, “It’d be very hard to manipulate the entire final four. Sure, the judges get one vote to save someone, but that’s before the top five, so theoretically, it’s just delaying the inevitable."

'Sons of Anarchy' welcomes new cast member

FX announced today that Henry Rollins will join the cast of 'Sons of Anarchy' for a six episode arc in the upcoming second season. Rollins looks like a perfect fit for this show about an outlaw motorcycle gang. Filming for the 2nd season starts in April.

Actor Ron Silver dies at 62

Actor Ron Silver died Sunday after a two year battle with esophageal cancer. Silver, 62, best known to TV audiences for his role as Bruno Gianelli on 'The West Wing', also won a Tony Award for Best Actor in 1988 for his performance in 'Speed the Plow'. Credits include 'Reversal of Fortune' and 'Ali' on the big screen and 'Wiseguy', 'Chicago Hope', and 'The Practice' on the small screen. A private service is being arranged by his family.

24 Movie to film in Europe??

There is still talk of a 24 movie. Kiefer Sutherland told Digital Spy that London and Prague are two possible locations for a big screen Jack Bauer adventure. "It's something that we've always talked about because I think the fantastic thing about Europe, for something like 24, is that it's very feasible to get from Prague to London in the course of a day," he commented.

News and Notes

Here are some interesting things in the world of TV happening today....

• A petition to get a 3rd season of 'Chuck' has been started. Go and sign it and help save this excellent show.
• E! online is reporting that a MAJOR character will be killed off of 'Lost' before this season ends.
• Heidi Klum wants fans to help get 'Project Runway' back on the air.
• John Stamos will be getting his 'ER' character spun off into his own show.
  

'How I Met Your Mother' gets new script order

CBS has ordered 4 additional scripts for 'How I Met Your Mother'. While it's technically not a renewal, the order makes the show a virtual lock to return in the fall.

The show has really earned this. Viewership is up 33% over last season and is now the 3rd most watched comedy on TV behind 'Two and a Half Men' and 'The Office'.

George Clooney Returns to ER tonight?

TV Squad is reporting that tonight may be the night the George Clooney makes his return to ER.

ER Producer John Wells is telling everyone he can to make sure they watch ER tonight. He says something special will happen. We know that Julianna Margulies is returning tonight as well as Eriq LaSalle. We also know the Margulies has filmed scenes with Clooney because she has said so.

So it would appear that tonight's episode entitled "Old Times" may feature Clooney's appearance.

Stay Tuned!

Questions about TV?

Any questions about your favorite TV show? Is it cancelled or is it coming back? Want some scoop? email us at tvnewsandnotes@gmail.com and ask away. We will answer your questions in an upcoming Mailbag post.

Friday Night Lights close to renewal

Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello is reporting that NBC is actively in talks with DirectTV to extend their shared ownereship of Friday Night Lights. The catch is the deal is hinging on a 2 season renewal instead of just one. We'll keep you posted.

2 clear front-runners emerge on American Idol

For what it's worth, last nights Michael Jackson themed American Idol was important for this reason: 2 clear front-runners have emerged.

Danny Gokey and Alexis Grace.

Many of you may have thought they were the front runners already, but last night sealed it.

Alexis sang Dirty Diana. She has pure star power and great stage presence, not to mention an incredible voice. Judges were split. Simon and Randy thought she was good, but not great. Paula and Kara loved it.

One thing that may hurt her is the number to vote for her. She was the final performer and had the last number. Everyone else was IDOLS 1 through 12, she was 36. In case you didn't hear they couldn't use 13 because it was an adult entertainment phone service. We'll see how smart the voters are to actually use the right number.

Danny's performance of PYT was his best so far. Yes his dancing was silly and even he admitted it. The judges were unanimous in their praise of Danny. They criticized the dancing, which of course was true. Simon compared him to Michael McDonald.

In my opinion, Danny will be one of the final two on finale night.

Ratings for Sunday March 8th.

Here are the overnight ratings for last night, Sunday March 8th.




1. Desperate Housewives - ABC - 13.5o million viewers
2. 60 Minutes - CBS - 13.13 million
3. Cold Case - CBS - 12.56 million
4. Brothers and Sisters - ABC - 10.50 million
5. The Amazing Race - CBS - 10.22 million

Bachelor's Melissa Rycroft replacing Nancy O' Dell on DWTS

Sources are reporting that jilted 'Bachelor' contestant Melissa Rycroft will replace Nancy O'Dell on Dancing With The Stars.

Rycroft, 25, is expected to perform live on Mondays DWTS premiere after having only days to rehearse.

Weekend Notes

• American Idol will feature a Michael Jackson theme next week, as well as performances by Kelly Clarkson and Kanye West.
• a CSI and Battlestar Galactica crossover episode?
• A sneak peak at Season 4 of Heroes

Tonight's TV Pick

Friday Night Lights - 9:00pm - NBC-TV

Jason pursues a sports-agent job in New York with assistance from Riggins; Tami wants Eric to consider buying a new home; Matt asks Eric to let him play in a new position; and Tyra's college interviews coincide with Cash's departure from Dillon.

Who will die in next weeks 24?

Rumors are abound that a main character will be killed in next weeks episode of 24. I have my own personal guess, but I want to hear what you think. How do you think this season has been ?

Jewel, Nancy O'Dell drop out of DWTS

Singer-songwriter Jewel and Access Hollywood host Nancy O'Dell will not compete in season 8 of ABC's Dancing With the Stars. Jewel suffered tibia fractures in both of her legs, while O'Dell's torn meniscus will require knee surgery. Both women will appear Monday night on DWTS' season premiere, during which replacement cast members will be announced.

'Seinfeld' cast to reunite on 'Curb Your Enthusiasm'

Entertainment Weekly is reporting that Jerry Seinfeld, Jason Alexander, Julia-Louis Dreyfus, and Michael Richards will be featured in a multi-episode arc on HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm this fall. It will be the first time that all four actors have appeared together since the series ended in 1998.

Tonight's TV Pick

30 Rock - 9:30pm - NBC-TV

Liz befriends a pregnant teen in hopes of adopting her baby. Jenna tries to get more attention from the staff as her birthday approaches. Jack and Frank bond over their daddy issues. John Lithgow and Patti LuPone guest star.

Fox adds 2 additonal hours to the final season of Prison Break

Fox has announced that there will be 2 episodes added to the final season of Prison Break. The 2 bonus episodes are entitled, "The Old Ball and Chain" and "Free" and will take place a few days after the events of the season finale.

The 2 episodes are reported to be a self-contained adventure that will feature the entire cast.

No word on when the episodes will air.

"Curb" returns for a 7th season

The NY Post is reporting that Larry David's HBO series 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' is set to begin production next week in Los Angeles for a September premiere. This will make 'Curb' the longest running HBO series ever, topping 'Sex and the City' and 'The Sopranos.' Each of those series had 6 seasons.

March Sweeps are here! Here's what to watch for....

Sweeps are in March this year for the first time because of the digital switchover. Just a few highlights for this years sweeps period, not as big of a deal as May sweeps, but some interesting stuff just the same....

FOX - 'House' returns with 4 all new episodes in March featuring guest stars like Mos Def and Meat Loaf. Fox also has 4 new episodes of 'Bones' and 'Lie to Me.'

NBC - 'ER' will feature the return of Eriq LaSalle and Julianna Marguilies, as well as a guest appearance by Oscar winner Susan Sarandon all on March 12th. John Lithgow will appear on an episode of '30 Rock' tonight, March 5th. NBC also has the premieres of 'Kings' on the 15th and 'The Chopping Block' on the 11th. 'The Office' also goes rerun free all month long.

ABC - 4 all new episodes of 'Desperate Housewives' including a shocking death in the March 22nd episode, as well as the return of 'Dancing with the Stars' and the premieres of 'Castle' and 'Cupid.'

CBS - CSI has special guest star Taylor Swift in the first of 4 new CSI episodes this month.

Heroes will return in the fall

NBC plans to bring back “Heroes” for another season, said entertainment president Angela Bromstad.

The action-drama’s ratings decline has caused some media reports to speculate as to whether the show will return next fall. As part of Hollywood Reporter’s annual Q&As with the five broadcast network chiefs, Bromstad was asked if “Heroes” could be considered “on the bubble” for a renewal.

“No,” she said, and added that the network plans to order 18-20 episodes of the show for next season.

Tonight's TV Pick

Lost - 9:00 pm ABC-TV

"LaFleur" - Sawyer and other island survivors perpetuate a lie to protect themselves from mistakes of the past. The main focus in tonight's episode is on Sawyer and Juliet.

ABC cancels "Life on Mars"

According to Entertainment Weekly's resident scoopmaster Michael Ausiello, ABC has cancelled the critically acclaimed but ratings challenged series "Life on Mars"

Tom Brady on Entourage?

JustJared.com is reporting that New England Patriots QB Tom Brady will be guest starring on the upcoming season of Entourage.