Boardwalk Empire renewed for a 3rd season

HBO has renewed 'Boardwalk Empire' for a 3rd season.

'Boardwalk Empire' most recent episode gathered 2.85 million viewers and a 1.2 rating in the adult demo. The drama about Atlantic City during Prohibition won the Emmy for best directing this year, and racked up seven more statues for technical achievements, but some thought it had a chance at more prestigious wins.

"Following a triumphant first season, I was eager to see what Terry Winter, Martin Scorsese and the rest of their stellar team had in store, and they continue to surpass our highest expectations," said HBO president of programming Michael Lombardo. "The response from the media and our viewers has been extremely gratifying."

The renewal follows a series of recent drama series pickups, including for "True Blood," "Game of Thrones" and "Treme," as well as commitments to the new shows "Luck," "Veep," "Girls," "Life’s Too Short" and Aaron Sorkin’s as-yet untitled project.

The show's first season won eight Emmys, including Scorsese's for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series.
 

Dexter's future in doubt?

Deadline is reporting that even as Sunday’s sixth-season premiere of 'Dexter' set a ratings record for Showtime, negotiations between the cable network and star Michael C. Hall have reached an impasse that leaves the future of the hit drama in doubt.

The day after the serial killer drama's sixth season premiere became Showtime's most-watched season opener in 14 years contract talks between the shows star and the network broke down.   Hall, who also serves as an executive producer on the show, is reportedly asking for $24 million over the next two seasons; the cable network offered $20 million.

Showtime is still hopeful about striking a deal either for two seasons or one, according to Deadline. Reps for Showtime and Hall had no comment on the report.

Hall, 40, won Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild awards for his performance in 2009. Before 'Dexter', he starred on HBO's 'Six Feet Under' for five seasons.

NBC's 'Free Agents' joins 'The Playboy Club' as this seasons 2nd canceled show

Coming just 2 days after NBC announced the cancellation of 'The Playboy Club,' the peacock announced today that another series has been cancelled.

'Free Agents', the workplace comedy starring Hank Azaria was cancelled on Thursday after just  four low-rated episodes, the last of which mustered a measly 1.0 demo rating, while drawing just 3.28 million total viewers.

On Tuesday, 'The Playboy Club' became the first official casualty of the fall season when NBC pulled the plug after 3 episodes.

Todays TV News and Notes

Here's a quick look at whats up in the world of TV today.

• Cheryl Ladd joins the cast of 'Chuck' for it's final season. 
• 'Perry Mason' is headed to the big screen with Robert Downey, Jr. in the title role.
• The October 21st episode of 'Supernatural' will feature a 'Buffy' reunion.
• Cinemax renews 'Strike Back' for a 2nd season.
• 'Blues Brothers' and 'Rambo' actor Charles Napier dies at 75.
• Wednesday nights TV Ratings:  Modern Family dominates.

Kutcher's Two and A Half Men debuts to monster ratings

Two and a Half Men" had its most-watched episode ever Monday -- without Charlie Sheen.

The sitcom drew 27.8 million total viewers to its Season 9 premiere, which introduced Ashton Kutcher as Sheen's replacement, according to early data from Nielsen.

It was the best number ever for "Men," which suffered a shortened eighth season earlier this year after producers fired Sheen, who had engaged in a public war of words with his bosses. In fact, viewing was so high for "Men," it put a noticeable dent in the ratings for ABC's season premiere of "Dancing With the Stars," which averaged 18.6 million for the night. The two-hour "Dancing" was strong enough to power ABC to a win for the night in viewers, however, thanks in no small part to curiosity over the introduction of Chaz Bono, the series' first transgender contestant.

Kutcher was introduced mid-episode in "Men" as Walden Schmidt, a lovelorn Internet billionaire who had tried to commit suicide by walking into the ocean near the Malibu beach house once owned by Charlie Harper (Sheen). The episode's opening revealed that Harper had died after a girlfriend had learned of his infidelity and, it was assumed, pushed him in front of an oncoming train.

Monday's "Men" outing wasn't just the best-rated in the sitcom's history. It was also the highest-rated season premiere for a scripted series since "Desperate Housewives" premiered six years ago, according to ew.com.

In the adults-age-18-to-49 demographic often sought by advertisers, "Men" delivered a gigantic 10.3 rating/24 share.

Emmy Winners!

The winners at Sunday’s 63rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards presented by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences:

 

Drama Series: “Mad Men,” AMC.

Actress, Drama Series: Julianna Margulies, “The Good Wife,” CBS.
Actor, Drama Series: Kyle Chandler, “Friday Night Lights,” DirecTV/NBC.
Supporting Actor, Drama Series: Peter Dinklage, “Game of Thrones,” HBO.
Supporting Actress, Drama Series: Margo Martindale, “Justified,” FX.
Writing, Drama Series: Jason Katims, “Friday Night Lights,” NBC.
Directing, Drama Series: Martin Scorsese, “Boardwalk Empire,” HBO.
Comedy Series: “Modern Family,” ABC.
Actor, Comedy Series: Jim Parsons, “The Big Bang Theory,” CBS.
Actress, Comedy Series: Melissa McCarthy, “Mike & Molly,” CBS.
Supporting Actress, Comedy Series: Julie Bowen, “Modern Family,” ABC.
Supporting Actor, Comedy Series: Ty Burrell, “Modern Family,” ABC.
Writing, Comedy Series: Steven Levitan and Jeffrey Richman, “Modern Family,” ABC.
Directing, Comedy Series: Michael Spiller, “Modern Family,” ABC.
Miniseries or Movie: “Downton Abbey” (“Masterpiece”), PBS.
Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Kate Winslet, “Mildred Pierce,” HBO.
Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Barry Pepper, “The Kennedys,” ReelzChannel.
Supporting Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Maggie Smith, “Downton Abbey” (“Masterpiece”), PBS.
Supporting Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Guy Pearce, “Mildred Pierce,” HBO.
Directing, Miniseries, Movie or Dramatic Special: Brian Percival, “Downton Abbey” (“Masterpiece”), PBS.
Writing, Miniseries, Movie or Dramatic Special: Julian Fellowes, “Downton Abbey” (“Masterpiece”), PBS.
Reality-Competition Program: “The Amazing Race,” CBS.
Variety, Music or Comedy Series: “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart,” Comedy Central.
Directing, Variety, Music or Comedy Series: Don Roy King, “Saturday Night Live,” NBC.
Writing, Variety, Music or Comedy Series: “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart,” Comedy Central.

My Emmy Predictions!

The 63rd Annual Emmy Primetime Emmy's are tomorrow night, so I'm weighing in on my predictions on who will be taking home the gold.

First let's look at the comedy categories.

Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

This is going to be a "Modern Family" category, no doubt.  Eric Stonestreet won it last year for his performance as Cameron.  Much was made of Ed O'Neill being snubbed last season, this year he received a nomination. Although I think that Ty Burrell's performance as Phil is much more Emmy worthy,  O'Neill will be the winner.


Best Support Actress in a Comedy Series

This category could also be a "Modern Family" category.    We have Sophia Vergara and Julie Bowen both being nominated.  Both of these actresses are Emmy worthy, Bowen perhaps a little more so.  But I think they may split the votes and Emmy host Jane Lynch will win her second consecutive Emmy for her role as Sue Sylvester on "Glee."    Honestly, any one of these 3 could win, but I think it's going to be Lynch.


Best Actor in a Comedy Series

This is going to be a very tough category.  We have the two leads from 'Big Bang Theory," Johnny Galecki and Jim Parsons being nominated.  The very underrated Matt Leblanc for "Episodes." We also have Steve Carrell as Michael Scott in "The Office."  While Parsons is the most deserving here, this will be the voters last chance to recognize Carrell for his work on "The Office" and I think he wins it.

Best Actress in a Comedy Series 

This category, in my opinion, is a complete toss-up.  Any one of the actresses nominated are worthy.  Edie Falco is always an Emmy favorite and first time nominee Martha Plimpton is generating lots of buzz for her role on "Raising Hope."  However I'm going with Amy Poehler for her role on "Parks and Recreation."  Just a gut feeling.


Best Comedy Series

For me, there is only one nominated show worthy of being called the best and that's "Modern Family."  It delivers the laughs week after week and is the most consistently funny show on TV.  Not to mention it boasts the best ensemble cast of any comedy currently on the air.  This is a no-brainer.


Now let's take a look at the Drama Categories.


Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Another tough category.  Although with last years winner, Aaron Paul from 'Breaking Bad' being ineligible this year (the show didn't air during the required time period), the category is wide open.  Walton Goggins is very much deserving of a win here for his role as Boyd on "Justified," but I think the winner here will be John Slattery as Roger Sterling from "Mad Men."  Again, this is a very tough category, but Slattery is overdue for a win as well and should take home the prize.


Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

 I would love to see Christina Hendricks win for her role as Joan on "Mad Men," but i just don't think its going to happen.   Last years winner in this category, Archie Panjabi from "The Good Wife" is nominated again and is probably the favorite to win.  But the buzz has been building for Margo Martindale for her role as Mags on "Justified."   I will be rooting for Hendricks to pull off the upset, but I think Martindale will be the winner.


Best Actor in a Drama Series

Bryan Cranston of "Breaking Bad" has won this award for the last 3 years.  However, "Breaking Bad" was ineligible for Emmy consideration this year.  That makes this a very interesting category.  Kyle Chandler from "Friday Night Lights" is the sentimental favorite here.  Fans of the show have begged and pleaded every year for the series to get some recognition.  This will be their final chance.  Unfortunately, I don't think it's going to happen.  Steve Buscemi is another fan favorite here for "Boardwalk Empire,"  But this year, this category belongs to one person.  With In my opinion, this award is Jon Hamm's to lose.  His performance as Don Draper on "Mad Men" was the best on TV this past season.  He should and will win on Sunday night. 


Best Actress in a Drama Series

As with the lead actor category, "Friday Night Lights" fans are hoping for the upset here.  Hoping that Connie Britton can pull it off and win.  She will have a tough task.  Elizabeth Moss from "Mad Men," Mariska Hargitay from "Law and Order: SVU," and newcomber Mirielle Enos from "The Killing" are all worthy nominees and all could win.  Kathy Bates, in my opinion, is a long shot, "Harry's Law" is just not a very good show.  I think Julianna Margulies pulls of the win here among very tough competition for "The Good Wife."


Best Drama Series

"Friday Night Lights" has been getting lots of whispers lately that it could pull off the upset here.  It would be nice to see, and very well deserved.  "The Good Wife"  is also a critical favorite and would surprise no one if it won.   However, I think the award here is going to be between "Boardwalk Empire" and "Mad Men."    Both had very strong seasons.  "Boardwalk Empire" in it's first season garnered much critical acclaim and was last years Golden Globe winner for Best Drama Series. "Mad Men" is a past winner and has always been a favorite of the voters.  I think the past season of "Mad Men" was stronger, but I think "Boardwalk Empire" pulls it off and wins this category.  I hope i'm wrong because "Mad Men" deserves to win.


That's it.    Those are my picks.  I think "Mad Men' and "Boardwalk Empire" will be the big winners. Let's see who the winners will be on Sunday night.  The show is on Fox at 8 pm.  Enjoy the show!

Rachel Reilly wins Big Brother 13

After being locked away from the outside world for 75 days, "Big Brother" veteran Rachel Reilly emerged Wednesday as the winner of CBS' voyeuristic reality TV competition. The show's seven-person jury selected the 26-year-old cocktail waitress from Los Angeles to win the $500,000 grand prize over 23-year-old newbie contestant Porsche Briggs from Miami.

At the beginning of the 13th season, the flame-haired Reilly entered the "Big Brother" abode with fiance Brendon Villegas, a 31-year-old graduate student. The pair met last summer as competitors on the show's 12th edition. The ups and downs of their relationship - and the game - resulted in frequent emotional outbursts from Reilly throughout the summer.

"Oh, it's going to be a very hard decision," Villegas joked as he cast his vote for his fiance.

Reilly, who secured four of the seven-person jury's votes, dominated the 13th season by winning several competitions with her veteran alliance and openly targeting the batch of newbie players. She was never able to keep Villegas safe though. He was voted off the show twice after a game-changing twist allowed him to return during the fifth week of competition.

Lopez Tonight canceled by TBS

A surprising move from TBS today.

The cable channel said Wednesday it was cancelling 'Lopez Tonight' after just two seasons. The program, which airs right after Conan O'Brien's show on the  network, has seen its audience dwindle this season. An average of 546,000 viewers tuned into "Lopez Tonight" each night this year, compared with 1.14 million people who watched "Conan," according to Nielsen Co.

The network issued a statement about the two-year show coming to an end:

“TBS has reached the difficult decision not to order a third season of Lopez Tonight. Thursday will be the final episode of the show. We are proud to have partnered with George Lopez, who is an immensely talented comedian and entertainer. TBS has valued its partnership with George and appreciates all of his work on behalf of the network, both on and off the air.”

TNT Cancels Men of a Certain Age

TNT has decided to cancel 'Men of a Certain Age' after 2 seasons.

A statement from the network reads: “TNT has been proud to be a part of 'Men of a Certain Age' for two seasons. While the show has featured great storytelling and impeccable performances, the audience simply hasn’t built to the point where we can continue the series. This was an extremely difficult decision for us. We wish Ray Romano, [series creator] Mike Royce and the terrific cast and crew … the very best and look forward to exploring new programming possibilities in the future.”

The news comes a day after co-star Andre Braugher scored an Emmy nomination for the show.

The Peabody-winning series failed to attract the type of viewership that other TNT shows regularly garner. The show wrapped its split second season run earlier this month with the latter half averaging only a 0.4 in the coveted 18-49 demographic.

2011 Primetime Emmy Nominations announced!

The nominations for the 63rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards were announced this morning.  As usual there were surprises, both good and bad.    Honestly, the fact that 'Southland' and 'Parenthood' were completely shut out of the major categories, while the same old names continue to get nominated year after year,  is an absolute joke and shows how out of touch the academy is.  

While there were some very well deserved nominations, Ed O'Neill, Timothy Olyphant, Andre Braugher, Mireille Enos among them.  The snubs are much more glaring. 


Here are the nominations:


Best drama series: Boardwalk Empire, Friday Night Lights, Dexter, Game of Thrones, The Good Wife, Mad Men.

Best comedy series: Modern Family, 30 Rock, Glee, The Office, The Big Bang Theory, Parks and Recreation.

Drama actress: Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife; Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men; Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: SVU; Kathy Bates, Harry’s Law; Connie Britton, Friday Night Lights and Mireille Enos, The Killing.

Comedy actor: Steve Carell, The Office; Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock; Jim Parsons, Big Bang Theory;  Matt LeBlanc, Episodes, Louis C.K., Louie; Johnny Galecki, Big Bang Theory. 

Drama actor: Jon Hamm, Mad Men; Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire; Kyle Chandler, Friday Night Lights; Michael C. Hall, Dexter; Hugh Laurie, House; Timothy Olyphant, Justified.

Comedy actress: Tina Fey, 30 Rock; Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie; Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation; Laura Linney, The Big C; Martha Plimpton, Raising Hope; Melissa McCarthy, Mike & Molly.

Supporting drama actor: Andre Braugher, Men of a Certain Age; John Slattery, Mad Men; Alan Cumming, The Good Wife; Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones; Josh Charlies, The Good Wife; Walton Goggins, Justified.

Supporting comedy actor: Ty Burrell, Modern Family; Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Modern Family; Ed O’Neill, Modern Family; Eric Stonestreet, Modern Family; Jon Cryer, Two and a Half Men; Chris Colfer, Glee.

Supporting comedy actress: Julie Bowen, Modern Family; Sofia Vergara, Modern Family; Jane Lynch, Glee; Betty White, Hot in Cleveland; Kristen Wiig, Saturday Night Live; Jane Krakowski, 30 Rock.

Reality competition: So You Think You Can Dance, Top Chef, The Amazing Race, American Idol, Dancing With the Stars, Project Runway.

The 63rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards will be presented on Sunday, September 18th, 2011 on Fox.

My Emmy Wish List

With the Emmy Nominations coming out tomorrow, I wanted to weigh in on a few performers and shows that I feel should get recognized when the nominations are read.  Naturally, we expect the usual suspects to get nominations such as Dexter, Mad Men, House, 30 Rock, etc.

This list is people that you may or may not think will be remembered.  This is who I really would like to see get nominated.

Incidentally, the best show on TV right now, 'Breaking Bad', is ineligible for nominations this time around since it aired it's last episode outside of this years nomination window.  Otherwise, it would and should be sweeping the awards.  It continues to be TV's best and most riveting show.

So here we go with my Emmy Wish List:

Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series - In this category, I would love to see Alyson Hannigan recognized for her work on 'How I Met Your Mother.'  Hannigan has long been an underrated comedic actress and her performance as Lilly really shines among a great ensemble. 


Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series -   Jason Segel's performance on 'How I Met Your Mother' this season just continued to get better as his character dealt with the death of his father.  Touching and funny at the same time, Segel deserves to be recognized.  My other choice in this category is Adam Baldwin.  Week after week, his low-key performance as John Casey on 'Chuck' never failed to deliver smiles.  He is clearly the best part of 'Chuck' these days.  I also can't forget Kunal Nayyar from 'The Big Bang Theory.'  His turn as Rajesh Koothrappali last season was consistently one of the funniest on TV.

Supporting Actress in a Drama Series -  2 clear choices for me here.  The first one is Regina King from 'Southland.'  Her performance as Detective Lydia Adams this season deserves to be rewarded.   My other choice is Mae Whitman from 'Parenthood.'  By the end of last season, her performance as Amber Holt, had run the gambit of emotions, dealing with an estranged father, a protective mother, and a near death experience.  She more than held her own among a very strong cast.  

Supporting Actor in a Drama Series - This is a very strong category this year, but I think it should belong to 'Southland.'  First and foremost, Shawn Hatosy from 'Southland.'  Not since Andy Sipowicz has a character been through so much in such a short period of time.  His character of Detective Sammy Bryant dealt with the breakup of his marriage, his ex having a child that may or may not be his, the violent death of his partner, and his struggles with exacting revenge on his partners killer.  The other actor from 'Southland' that should get a nomination here is Michael Cudlitz. His characters slow decline into a dependency on pain medication, and finally his realization that he needed help was painful to watch.  He made us feel Officer John Cooper's pain.  I did mention this is a very strong category this year.  The amount of strong actors that should be recognized here is proof.  Joel Kinnaman portrayal as junkie turned homicide detective, Stephen Holder on 'The Killing' just got better and better as the season went along, a true breakout performance for him.  Finally, Michael Shannon's ever so creepy performance as Federal Agent Van Nelson on 'Boardwalk Empire' deserves to be mention here as well.


Lead Actor in a Comedy Series - Believe it or not, Steve Carrell has never won for his portrayal of Michael Scott on 'The Office.'  Since this is his last chance to be nominated for this iconic character, I would love to see him get a nod here.  Another hopeful here is Zachary Levi from 'Chuck.'  His performance as the super nerd turned super spy has always been strong.  However with NBC announcing that next season will be the shows last, his chances are dwindling.  I'm hoping he gets recognized this year.  Finally, it would be a crime if Ed O'Neill was snubbed for a second year in a row.  'Modern Family' is the best comedy on TV these days and he is the glue that holds it together. 


Lead Actress in a Comedy Series - I've always felt that Kaley Cuoco was very underrated as Penny on 'The Big Bang Theory' but this year she really came into her own and shined.    An Emmy nomination is long overdue.  My other choice here is Yvonne Strahovski from 'Chuck.'  Even though I thought she was more worthy of a nomination last season, she still deserves to be recognized for her stellar work as Sarah.

Lead Actress in a Drama Series -  Mireille Enos of AMC's 'The Killing' gave an amazing, yet understated performance as homicide detective Sarah Linden.  She may not be well known enough to academy voters to get recognized but the series was very much talked about, so hopefully she will get a nomination here.  My other choice here is Lauren Graham from 'Parenthood.'  Week after week her work as Sarah Braverman never failed to impress.  The goodbye scenes between her and her ex played by John Corbett were some of this TV seasons best scenes.  Lastly, I also would like to see Kelly MacDonald from 'Boardwalk Empire' be nominated.  Just a great performance as Margaret Schroeder in the midst of a powerhouse cast.  Her amazing transition from a meek and abused housewife to a knowing and willing participant in Nucky’s various endeavors was enjoyable to watch.

Lead Actor in a Drama Series - The first actor I'd really like to see recognized in this category is Ray Romano from 'Men of a Certain Age.'  He is well known to everyone as a comedic actor and he has been recognized by the academy for his comedy.  But he more than holds his own on the drama side of things as well.  He has been delivering a dark performance, fighting his addiction to gambling and going through a divorce and hopefully the academy gives him some recognition.  Next on my wish list is Tom Selleck for his work on 'Blue Bloods.'  He has been nominated 7 times before, but he hasn't won since his days on 'Magnum, PI.'  His role as the patriarch of the Reagan family is one of Selleck's best roles.  Finally, the academy really needs to recognize the great work that Peter Krause is doing on NBC's 'Parenthood.'  His turn this year as father struggling with his son's autism and his daughter's sex life showed how great an actor Krause is.  He hasn't been nominated since 'Six Feet Under.'  It's been too long, and it's about time the academy nominated not only him but also gave some recognition to this fine drama series.

Best Comedy Series - With as popular as 'The Big Bang Theory' is, you would think that it has been nominated in this category before.  You would be wrong.    While the show has lost a little steam over the last season, it is still among TV's best comedies and hopefully will get a nomination here.  Another show i'm hoping gets nominated is 'Chuck.'  The show has been forever "on the bubble" and I think that has really taken some attention away at how good this show really is.  Yes, I agree, it isn't quite as good as it has been, but still some high quality television.   Lastly, 'How I Met Your Mother' need to start getting some recognition outside of Neil Patrick Harris.  Aside from 'Modern Family' no other show makes me laugh on a regular basis like this one does.  Hopefully we'll see a nomination for it.

Best Drama Series - With the best drama series on TV in 'Breaking Bad' being ineligible this year, this category should be wide open.    Lets start with 'Boardwalk Empire.'   This show should be a shoo-in to be nominated and it deserves it.  My next choice is 'Parenthood.'  I have been touting this show since it premiered and it hasn't disappointed me yet.  It keeps getting better and better and hopefully an Emmy nomination will get more people watching this ratings-challenged gem.  Next is 'Southland.'  Once cancelled by NBC, TNT quickly scooped it up and I'm so glad they did.  It is TV's best police drama hands down. I would also like to see CBS 'Blue Blood's' grab a nod here.   'The Killing,' while I liked it very much and boasted great acting performances needs to be just a bit better to garner a nomination here.


Thats it.  The nominations will be read tomorrow morning at 8 am Eastern Time.  Let's hope most, if not all, of my wishes come true.

Peter Falk dead at 83

Actor Peter Falk, best known for his role as the legendary TV detective "Columbo," has died, according to a statement released by his family. He was 83.

The statement said that Falk "died peacefully at his Beverly Hills home in the evening of June 23, 2011."

Few actors were ever identified with a single character as much as Falk was with Lt. Columbo, the slow-moving, sharp-witted detective he played in more than five dozen TV movies, beginning with 1968’s "Prescription: Murder."

Falk won four Emmys as Lt. Columbo on the long-running series, his disheveled, seemingly absent-minded character matching wits each week with a foe who never failed to underestimate the detective.

Peter Michael Falk was born Sept. 16, 1927, in New York City and grew up in Ossining, N.Y., where his parents ran a clothing store. At 3 he had one eye removed because of cancer. "When something like that happens early," he said in a 1963 Associated Press interview, "you learn to live with it. It became the joke of the neighborhood. If the umpire ruled me out on a bad call, I'd take the fake eye out and hand it to him."

When Falk was starting as an actor in New York, an agent told him, "Of course, you won't be able to work in movies or TV because of your eye." Falk would later win two Oscar nominations ("Murder, Inc.," 1960; "Pocketful of Miracles," 1961) and collect five Emmys.

After serving as a cook in the merchant marine and receiving a master's degree in public administration from Syracuse University, he worked as an efficiency expert for the budget bureau of the state of Connecticut. He also acted in amateur theater and was encouraged to become a professional by actress-teacher Eva La Gallienne.

An appearance in "The Iceman Cometh" off-Broadway led to other classical parts, notably as Joseph Stalin in "The Passion of Joseph D." In 1971 Falk scored a hit in Neil Simon's "The Prisoner of Second Avenue."

Falk made his film debut in 1958 with "Wind Across the Everglades" and established himself as a talented character actor with his performance as the vicious killer Abe Reles in "Murder, Inc." Among his other movies: "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World," ''Robin and the Seven Hoods," ''The Great Race," ''Luv," ''Castle Keep," ''The Cheap Detective," ''The Brinks Job," ''The In-Laws," ''The Princess Bride."

He was married to pianist Alyce Mayo in 1960; they had two daughters, Jackie and Catherine, and divorced in 1976. The following year he married actress Shera Danese. They filed for divorce twice and reconciled each time.

Falk is survived by his wife Shera and his two daughters.

'Gunsmoke' star James Arness dies at 88

James Arness, the actor best known for playing Marshall Matt Dillon on 'Gunsmoke' for 20 years has died at the age of 88.

According to the LA Times, the actor passed away from natural causes.  He reportedly died in his sleep at his home in Brentwood, California.

His death comes a little more than a year after his brother, actor Peter Graves, died.

As U.S. Marshal Dillon in the 1955-75 CBS Western series, Arness created an indelible portrait of a quiet, heroic man with an unbending dedication to justice and the town he protected.

The wealth and fame Arness gained from "Gunsmoke" could not protect him from tragedy in his personal life: His daughter and his former wife, Virginia, both died of drug overdoses.

The actor was 32 when friend John Wayne declined the lead role in "Gunsmoke" and recommended Arness instead. Afraid of being typecast, Arness initially rejected it.

"Go ahead and take it, Jim," Wayne urged him. "You're too big for pictures. Guys like Gregory Peck and I don't want a big lug like you towering over us. Make your mark in television."

"Gunsmoke" went on to become the longest-running dramatic series in network history until NBC's "Law & Order" tied in 2010. Arness' 20-year prime-time run as the marshal was tied only in recent times, by Kelsey Grammer's 20 years as Frasier Crane from 1984 to 2004 on "Cheers" and then on "Frasier."

Arness married Janet Surtees in 1978. Besides his wife, Arness is survived by two sons and six grandchildren. A private memorial service will be held.

'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."