'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.

TNT Renews 'Southland'

TNT announced today that they have renewed the critically-acclaimed police drama 'Southland' for a 4th season.

The show, which received a 10 episode order, had been averaging 2.9 million viewers during it's recently concluded 3rd season.
 
'Southland' was rescued by TNT between Seasons 1 and 2, when NBC dropped the drama as it shuffled its primetime schedule to make room for its 'Jay Leno Show' at 10 p.m.

"Southland has been acknowledged by many critics as one of the sharpest, most entertaining and most authentic dramas on television today," said Michael Wright, executive vp, head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies.

Under NBC, Seasons 1 and 2 featured seven and six episodes, respectively, while TNT more fully committed to the drama with a 10-episode third season.  'Southland' hit a season high this month, collecting 2.3 million for its Season 3 finale.

Kiefer Sutherland eyes new TV drama

Kiefer Sutherland is considering a return to primetime TV with another Fox drama. The '24' star is in negotiations to star in the drama pilot 'Touch', from 'Heroes' creator Tim Kring. Like '24', 'Touch' is produced by 20th Century Fox TV. Co-produced by Chernin Entertainment, 'Touch' centers on a father (the role Sutherland has been offered) who discovers that his autistic, mute son can predict events before they happen.  

Complicating things are Sutherland's duties on Broadway where he currently stars in a revival of the Jason Miller's 'That Championship Season'. The play, which marks Sutherland's Broadway debut, opened last week. In order for Sutherland to be able to do 'Touch', its production may have to be pushed.

Sutherland spent 8 years playing special agent Jack Bauer on Fox's '24' which earned him 6 Golden Globe nominations and a win for Best Actor in a Drama Series in 2002, and 7 Best Actor in a Drama Series Emmy nominations and a win in 2006.

Golden Globes TV Winners!

The 68th Annual Golden Globes were handed out last night and there were some surprises on the TV side.  'Glee' walked away the big winner, while Katey Sagal won a much deserved prize.  Here are the complete list of winners from the TV side of things:


Best Television Series - Drama
Boardwalk Empire (HBO)

Best Performance by an Actress In A Television Series - Drama
Katey Sagal - Sons Of Anarchy (FX)

Best Performance by an Actor In A Television Series - Drama
Steve Buscemi - Boardwalk Empire (HBO)

Best Television Series - Comedy Or Musical
Glee (FOX)

Best Performance by an Actress In A Television Series - Comedy Or Musical
Laura Linney - The Big C (Showtime)

Best Performance by an Actor In A Television Series - Comedy Or Musical 
Jim Parsons - The Big Bang Theory (CBS)

Best Mini-Series Or Motion Picture Made for Television
Carlos (Sundance)

Best Performance by an Actress In A Mini-series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Claire Danes - Temple Grandin (HBO)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Al Pacino - You Don't Know Jack (HBO)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Jane Lynch - Glee (FOX)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Chris Colfer - Glee (FOX)

'Touched By An Angel' star dies at 47

John Dye, who starred as the Angel of Death in the long-running CBS show 'Touched By An Angel', passed away Monday at the age of the 47.

According to medical examiners, while no cause of death has yet been declared, they believe heart failure was to blame.

One of Dye's younger brothers, Jerre, said that John suffered a heart attack at his San Francisco home, and that the family had waited to make the death public until they figured out memorial plans.

Relatives also told authorities that Dye suffered from congestive heart failure, meaning his heart was unable to pump enough blood to the rest of his body. The condition often causes organ damage and fluid buildup.

"Dear, sweet John Dye, rest in peace," costar Valerie Bertinelli tweeted.

Dye joined Roma Downey and Della Reese on 'Touched' -- in which heavenly messengers helped people get through tough patches in life -- as a sort of angel of death, though his role evolved. He was on the CBS series from its second season in 1995 until it ended in 2003.

Besides his brother Jerre, Dye is survived by his other brother Jamey; his father, James; and his grandmother, Irene Duvall.

A memorial service is planned for Jan. 22 at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church,in Amory, Miss., Dye's hometown.

Casting News! HIMYM and Charlie's Angels

There's some interesting casting news in the TV world today. 

'How I Met your Mother' is about to cast John Lithgow as Barney's real long lost father.

In other news, the forthcoming TV reboot of 'Charlie's Angels' has found it's Charlie.  Robert Wagner has been cast as the man behind the voice.  So far it isn't clear whether or not Charlie will actually be seen as opposed to just being heard in the original series.

What do you think of the casting choices?

ABC gives early renewals to 6 shows

ABC announced today that it has given early renewals to 6 series.

'Grey's Anatomy,' 'Castle,' 'Modern Family,' 'Private Practice,' 'Cougar Town,' and 'The Middle' were all given the good news today.
  
'Grey's' and 'Modern Family' should come as no surprise to anyone.  The 2 shows have been solid performers for the network.

The other shows were mild surprises that the renewals came so early.  All do fairly well for the network, but an early renewal is normally reserved for ratings champs.
 
Conspicuously missing from the list was 'Desperate Housewives.'  The show has consistently performed well for ABC on a tough night against the NFL.  Speculation is that due to some contracts for the actresses being up this year, that the renewal will need to wait until it's all ironed out.

'Barney Miller' star Steve Landesberg dies at 65

Steve Landesberg, best known as Detective Arthur Dietrich on the classic TV series 'Barney Miller' has died at the age of 65 after battling cancer.

"It is with great sadness to report the loss of my friend and client Steve Landesberg," Jeffrey Leavitt of Leavitt Talent Group said in a statement.  "Working with Steve was an honor both personally and professionally. My heart goes out to his family. He will be missed," Leavitt said.

Born Nov. 23, 1945 in New York City, Landesberg began his career as a stand-up comedian and was a contemporary of top 1970s draws such as Freddie Prinze and Jimmy Walker.

He landed the role of Det. Arthur Dietrich on "Barney Miller" in 1975, and stayed with the show about New York cops until it ended in 1982.

Landesberg went on to work in a variety of TV and movie roles, including the series "Cosby" and "The Ghost Whisperer," and the hit 2008 movie "Forgetting Sarah Marshall."

Landesberg passed away in New York. He is survived by his wife Nancy and his daughter.

Golden Globe Nominations announced!

The Golden Globe nominations were announced yesterday, 'Glee' led the TV nominations with 5.

Here is the complete list of TV nominations:

BEST TV SERIES - DRAMA

• Boardwalk Empire
• Dexter
• The Good Wife
• Mad Men
• The Walking Dead

BEST ACTRESS - TV DRAMA SERIES

• Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife
• Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men
• Piper Perabo, Covert Affairs
• Katey Sagal, Sons of Anarchy
• Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer

BEST ACTOR - TV DRAMA SERIES

• Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire
• Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad
• Michael C. Hall, Dexter
• Jon Hamm, Mad Men
• Hugh Laurie, House

BEST COMEDY SERIES

• 30 Rock
• The Big Bang Theory
• The Big C
• Glee
• Modern Family
• Nurse Jackie

BEST ACTRESS - TV COMEDY

• Toni Collette, United States of Tara
• Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie
• Tina Fey, 30 Rock
• Laura Linney, The Big C
• Lea Michele, Glee

BEST ACTOR - TV COMEDY

• Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
• Steve Carell, The Office
• Thomas Jane, Hung
• Matthew Morrison, Glee
• Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory

BEST MINI-SERIES OR MADE-FOR-TV MOVIE

• Carlos
• The Pacific
• Pillars of the Earth
• Temple Grandin
• You Don’t Know Jack

BEST ACTRESS - MINI-SERIES OR MADE-FOR-TV MOVIE

• Hayley Atwell, Pillars of the Earth
• Claire Danes, Temple Grandin
• Judi Dench, Return to Cranford
• Romola Garai, Emma
• Jennifer Love Hewitt, The Client List

BEST ACTOR - MINI-SERIES OR MADE-FOR-TV MOVIE

• Idris Elba, Luther
• Ian McShane, Pillars of the Earth
• Al Pacino, You Don’t Know Jack
• Dennis Quaid, The Special Relationship
• Edgar Ramirez, Carlos

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS - SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MADE-FOR-TV MOVIE

• Hope Davis, The Special Relationship
• Jane Lynch, Glee
• Kelly MacDonald, Boardwalk Empire
• Julia Stiles, Dexter
• Sofia Vergara, Modern Family

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR - SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MADE-FOR-TV MOVIE

• Scott Caan, Hawaii Five-0
• Chris Colfer, Glee
• Chris Noth, The Good Wife
• Eric Stonestreet, Modern Family
• David Strathairn, Temple Grandin

The 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards, hosted again by Ricky Gervais, will air Jan. 16 on NBC.

TNT Cancels 'Dark Blue'

TNT has cancelled the police drama 'Dark Blue' after just 2 seasons.

The show about an undercover group of cops ended its second season Sept. 10.

The series averaged 2.2 million viewers per episode during the second season.

These numbers were significantly lower than TNT's hit shows 'The Closer' (7.21 million), and 'Rizzoli & Isles' (6.89 million).

Good news for Castle fans! Season gets extended by 2 episodes.

'Castle' fans have something to be happy about today.  The show has done so well for ABC that the network has decided to order 2 more episodes.  This brings the season total to 24.

On average, 'Castle' ranks a strong No. 2 in its Monday timeslot in total viewers (12.8 million) and adults 18-49 (3.2 rating/8 share). Over the last four weeks, 'Castle' -  which is getting a big boost from 'Dancing With The Stars' -  has drawn more viewers than 'Hawaii Five-0'. This has been the show’s best season ever, ratings wise.

The show is also TV’s No. 1 show at 10 p.m. in the highly coveted adults 18-49 demographic.

ABC Cancels 'The Whole Truth'

ABC announced that they would not be ordering any further episodes of the Rob Morrow-Maura Tierney series, 'The Whole Truth.' 

The network had originally ordered 13 episodes, and will air the entire 13, but that will be all. 

A new episode of the drama,  is still scheduled to air Wednesday, but it's unclear when exactly the remaining new episodes will air beyond that. Work on the show's initial 13-episode order will continue until mid-December,

'Truth' becomes the 4th series this fall to be cancelled joining 'Lone Star,' 'My Generation,' and 'Outlaw.'

In addition to the cancellation news, ABC announced that it given full season orders to 'No Ordinary Family,'  'Better With You,' and 'Brothers & Sisters.'  They also ordered 5 more episodes of 'Detroit 1-8-7.'

Mr. Cunningham, Tom Bosley, dies at 83

Tom Bosley, best known as the beloved Mr. Cunningham on TV's iconic series 'Happy Days', has died at the age of 83.

The family says Bosley died of heart failure at 4 a.m. Tuesday at a hospital near his Palm Springs home.  TMZ reported that the actor died of a staph infection.

Bosley's agent, Sheryl Abrams, says he was also battling lung cancer.

Actor/Director Ron Howard said, "I'm so saddened by the loss of our wonderful Tom Bosley. Remarkable on so many levels, Tom's insight, talent, strength of character and comic timing made him a vital central figure in the Happy Days experience.   A great father and husband, and a wonderful artist, Tom lead by example, and made us all laugh while he was doing it.   My last conversations with Tom reflected the love of life and peace of mind that he always maintained throughout his full and rewarding life.  I miss him already."

Actor Henry Winkler, who played Arthur Fonzarelli on 'Happy Days' says he's shocked to hear the news.

"I'm just in shock, I really am," Winkler told KNX 1070 News Radio.   "I spoke to him just a few weeks ago and he seemed to be getting his strength back," he said.

Scott Baio, who played Chachi said,  "He was a good man who taught me a lot about the business and business itself. He was a professional guy ... I'm sad."

He's survived by his wife, actress Patricia Carr, daughter Amy and three grandchildren.

Barbara Billingsley, Beaver's Mom, dies at 94.

One of TV's greatest mom's has died.  Barbara Billingsley, best known for playing June Cleaver, Beaver's mom on Leave It To Beaver, died at 94.

Billingsley died early Saturday at her Santa Monica, Calif., home, family spokeswoman Judy Twersky said. The actress had suffered from a rheumatoid disease.

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend and lifetime mentor Barbara Billingsley. She will live in the hearts of her fans as a wonderful actress and be remembered by her friends as a gracious lady."  Beaver co-star Jerry Mathers who played Billingsley's mischievous son, Theodore "Beaver" Cleaver,  told TMZ.   "She will be deeply missed by all of her family, friends, fans and most especially by me."

"America's favorite mother is now gone. I feel very fortunate to have been her 'son' for 11 years," said Tony Dow, who played Wally Cleaver. "We were wonderful friends and I will miss her very much."

Billingsley, who began her career as a model before venturing into acting, was married three times and leaves behind two sons, Drew and Glenn.