ABC Family Renews PRETTY LITTLE LIARS For Third Season

ABC Family has announced that it has picked up its teen mystery drama "Pretty Little Liars" for a third season.

The new season, which will launch next summer, will have 24 episodes in total.

The show is still awaiting the premiere of the second half of season two, which will launch on Monday, January 2.

ABC Grounds PAN AM - But Not For Good

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Several sources are reporting today that ABC has made a decision about the imminent future of its freshman drama "Pan Am".

The show, which launched to a promising start but has since lost a lot of its momentum in the ratings, will produce one additional episode beyond its initial 13-episode order. That's only one of the five additional scripts that were ordered a few weeks back that will be produced.

After that, "Pan Am" will make way for ABC's midseason drama "GCB" aka "Good Christian Belles". But this won't mean that the show is actually canceled, as the network keeps it in contention for next season.

The news originated after a tweet from series star Karine Vanasse.

"Well, we received THE call, #PanAm is only coming back for one more episode after Christmas. But up to the end, we'll give it our all !"

FX Sets Midseason Schedule - JUSTIFIED Returns January 17, ARCHER Back January 19

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FX has just announced its midseason schedule, and with it come the return dates of several original series.

The third season of "Justified" will launch on Tuesday, January 17, at 10 PM ET/PT

"Archer" also premiers its third season, which will happen two days later, on Thursday, January 19, at 10 PM ET/PT. And a half hour later, new animated comedy "Unsupervised" makes it's debut, at 10.30 PM ET/PT.

Here's the log line for "Unsupervised", including its voice cast.

Unsupervised is a comedy about optimistic best friends "Gary" and "Joel" navigating the harsh landscape of teenage life and trying to do what's right without any parental guidance whatsoever. The series was created by and is executive produced by Rob Rosell, Scott Marder and David Hornsby, all who currently serve as writer/producers on FX's hit comedy series It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. It features an outstanding voice cast including Justin Long, Kristen Bell, Fred Armisen, Romany Malco, Kaitlin Olson and Alexa Vega, along with Rosell and Hornsby.

NBC Gives Full Season Order To GRIMM

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NBC has announced that it has picked up its freshman drama "Grimm" for a full season.

The back nine order lifts the show's episode count for its first season to 22.

“We are very pleased to be making a full-season commitment for Grimm,” said NBC Chairman Robert Greenblatt in a statement. “This series is turning the traditional procedural drama on its head and is attracting a loyal following for us on Friday nights. We love where it’s going creatively and we’re excited to deliver more episodes to our audience.”

NBC is also trying to get "Grimm" a little more exposure by airing a new episode on Thursday, December 8 at 10 PM.

NBC Ups Order For UP ALL NIGHT By Two Episodes

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EW's James Hibberd reports today that NBC has ordered two additional episodes of its freshman comedy "Up All Night".

The show has already received a full-season order, but now the Peacock has added two episodes, bringing the season's total to 24.

The move is a bit surprising, as the show has been a critics darling, yet its ratings performance has been rather modest.

ABC Cuts Down Order For COUGAR TOWN

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Per EW's James Hibberd reports, and it has been confirmed by my own reliable source, that ABC has decided to cut down the order of its upcoming third season of "Cougar Town" - whenever than will actually launch.

The show, which has been suspiciously missing from ABC's midseason lineup last week, will only air 15 episodes when it eventually returns, down 7 from its initial 22-episode order.

But while this sounds rather unpleasant, don't write off the show just yet. Insiders say ABC is just adjusting its needs for the season. If the ratings for those 15 episodes are satisfying, the network would be very inclined to renew the comedy series.

ABC Announces Midseason Premiere Dates

ABC has announced its midseason plans today, and what many fans of "Cougar Town" hoped to get, they didn't - a premiere date for the show's third season.

But here's what was announced:

Tuesday, January 3
8:30-9:00 p.m. “Work It” (Premiere)
9:00 -10:00 p.m. “Celebrity Wife Swap” (Premiere)


Thursday, January 5
8:00-9:00 p.m. “Wipeout” – Winter Wipeout (Season Premiere)


Friday, February 3
8:00-9:00 p.m. “Shark Tank” (Season Premiere)


Tuesday, February 7
9:00-10:00 p.m. “The River” (Premiere)


Sunday, March 4
10:00-11:00 p.m. “GCB” (Premiere)


Thursday, March 15
8:00-9:00 p.m. “Missing” (Premiere)


Monday, March 19
8:00-10:00 p.m. “Dancing with the Stars” (Season Premiere)


Tuesday, March 27
9:00-10:00 p.m. “Dancing with the Stars the Results Show” (Season Premiere)

So, this begs to repeat the question, where is "Cougar Town"? The answer probably lies in the fact that new comedy "Apartment 23" has yet to be announced as well. And since those two shows are said to be paired on a night, I suspect with one announcement will come the other. I'll keep you posted.

ABC Orders Three More Episodes Of BODY OF PROOF

Deadline's Nellie Andreeva reports today that ABC has ordered an additional three episodes for the second season of its Dana Delany crime drama "Body of Proof".

Together with 5 leftover episodes from last season, this brings the current second season total to 18.

Elisabeth Shue Joins CSI To Replace Marg Helgenberger

CBS has just announced in a press release that Marg Helgenberger will definitely be leaving "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" pretty soon - and be replaced by none other than Oscar-nominated actress Elisabeth Shue.

Shue will join the veteran procedural in the episode airing February 15 as a new CSI coming fresh off an anger management course, and amid rumors that she was once fired by D.B. Russell (Ted Danson) back in Seattle.

“While it’s difficult to say goodbye to a beloved character like Catherine Willows, it’s exciting to start a journey with a new CSI, especially when that character is played by Elisabeth Shue,” said executive producer Carol Mendelsohn.  “The new CSI also struggles with ‘brutal honesty issues’ and suffers no fools.”

“Elisabeth’s character will share a past, in another crime lab, with Ted Danson’s character (D.B. Russell),” said executive producer Don McGill. “The first time things didn’t go so well between the two of them.  Maybe the second time’s the charm, or not.”

Helgenberger will mike her final appearance (at least as a regular) in January.

So, what do you think? Is Elisabeth Shue a good replacement fit?

Showtime Renews DEXTER For Two More Seasons

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Showtime has just announced in a press release that it has ordered two more seasons of its very successful drama "Dexter".

Production on season seven will begin next year. Both new season will consist of 12 episodes.

"DEXTER's enormous success is a real tribute to the great achievements of its cast, producers, and the powerhouse performance of Michael C. Hall," said Showtime Entertainment president David Nevins in a statement. "The series is bigger than it's ever been in its sixth season, both in terms of audience and its impact on the cultural landscape. Together with Michael, the creative team on the show has a very clear sense of where they intend to take the show over the next two seasons and, as a huge fan, I'm excited to watch the story of Dexter Morgan play out."

Michael C. Hall added, "On behalf of the entire DEXTER family, we relish the invitation to delve ever deeper into Dexter's world."

Amy Acker To Go GRIMM

According to TVLine's Andy Patrick, Amy Acker ("Dollhouse", "Angel") has just boarded another supernatural TV series.

Acker is set to guest star in an early  2012 episode of NBC's freshman drama "Grimm", playing the Black Widow.
Well, for the most time, she's just ordinary happy housewife Lena, but every five years, because of rapid-aging syndrome, she has to suck out the life of three men in three days to keep her good looks.

ABC Family Announces Premiere Date For JANE BY DESIGN

On Tuesday, January 3 at 9 PM ET/PT, ABC Family is going to roll out its latest new original series, "Jane by Design".

From the press release:

The show  follows Jane Quimby (Erica Dasher), a quirky teen with an eclectic chic fashion sense, who lands a job at a hip fashion house when they mistake her for an adult. Torn between her love of fashion and the need to finish high school, Jane conceals her true age to assist the demanding, but talented Gray Chandler Murray (Andie MacDowell), who travels the world in search of the next big style trend. Jane quickly learns that working for a successful executive in the cutthroat world of fashion brings on adversaries like India Jourdain (India De Beaufort), an associate designer and Gray’s former assistant, who is now gunning for Gray’s job. Fortunately, Jane has the charming and handsome senior designer Jeremy Jones (Rowly Dennis) on her side -- and peaking her interest -- although she still harbors feelings for long-time crush, Nick Fadden (Matthew Atkinson), at school.

Jane’s best friend, Billy Nutter (Nicholas Roux), helps Jane keep up appearances as she toggles between two lives and loyally guards her secret from her older brother, Ben (David Clayton Rogers). However, Billy has a secret of his own, hiding a relationship with Jane’s high school nemesis, Lulu Pope (Meagan Tandy). Even with Billy’s support, will Jane’s ruse be a passing fad, or will she be able to fashion a career in the design business?

CBS Renews SURVIVOR For Two More Cycles

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CBS has announced today that it has ordered two more cycles of its successful reality competition series "Survivor".

This puts the show through the 2012-2013 season. Jeff Probst will stay on as host and executive producer.

The show's next edition starts Wednesday, February 15.

"SURVIVOR is an outstanding franchise," said Jennifer Bresnan, Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming, CBS Entertainment. "Its format guarantees fresh characters, exotic places and fascinating social dynamics every season. And, the show is backed by an A-plus production team that is as passionate as the diehard 'SURVIVOR' fans. All of us at CBS are incredibly proud of SURVIVOR's ongoing success."

"I am extremely proud of the continuing success of SURVIVOR, which is due to the immense loyalty of our millions of fans," said executive producer Mark Burnett. "We are excited to offer two more seasons of SURVIVOR and look forward to entertaining audiences for years to come."

"I am thrilled to continue working on the longest-running reality competition show with the world's greatest adventure crew for two more seasons," said host and executive producer Jeff Probst. "We are so thankful for the supportive fans who remain with us every season, and we promise to deliver another year of quality television."

Ricky Gervais Back As GOLDEN GLOBES Host, Comedy Central Orders Three More Years Of SOUTH PARK

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has announced that Ricky Gervais, despite his controversial stint this year, will be back to host the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards.

It will be his third year hosting the festivities.

"The association voted  overwhelmingly for the controversial British comedian’s return and NBC’s senior vice president of special events and late night programming, Doug Vaughan, said: “Ricky is delighted to be coming back.  He said the Golden Globes show is the most fun he has ever had.”"

The 69th Golden Globes will be broadcast worldwide on January 15.

Meanwhile, Comedy Central has announced that it has ordered an additional three seasons of its long-running animated series "South Park". This brings the show, which began its successful run back in 1997 at least to season 20.
Trey Parker and Matt Stone will continue to write, direct and edit every episode.

CBS Orders Three More Episodes Of A GIFTED MAN, GRIMM Gets Order For Two More Scripts

Hello Folks

Two promising news items from Deadline:

- CBS has ordered three additional episodes of its Friday freshman drama "A Gifted Man". This brings the season's current episode total to 16.

- NBC has ordered two additional scripts of "Grimm". The new drama, which also airs on Fridays, has been added to the previously announced midseason schedule, which is a very good sign of the show going for more than just its initial 13 episodes. This script order is another step in that direction.

NBC Shuts Down Production For PRIME SUSPECT For The Season

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Per Deadline's Nellie Andreeva, NBC will officially shut down production on its police drama "Prime Suspect" after the show has finished episode 13.

The network, who has opted not to put "Prime Suspect" on its midseason schedule, insists it is still "considering its options", and that a final decision has yet to be made. So, it's hypothetically still possible that the show might be back for a second season.

All together now: NOT!

CBS Sets Midseason Dates For ¡ROB!, UNDERCOVER BOSS, Cuts RULES Order

CBS has announced two midseason premiere dates today, which will give viewers a different Thursday and Sunday night come January.

In conjunction with these schedule changes, the Eye has cut the episode order of its veteran comedy "Rules of Engagement" from 18 episodes to 13. With the two leftover episodes from last season, the current sixth season will be 15 episodes long.

Here's the list:

CBS Thursday, Effective Jan. 12


8:00-8:30 PM  THE BIG BANG THEORY


8:30-9:00 PM  ¡ROB! (Series Premiere)


9:00-10:00 PM PERSON OF INTEREST


10:00-11:00 PM THE MENTALIST






CBS Sunday, Effective Jan. 15


7:00-8:00 PM  60 MINUTES


8:00-9:00 PM  UNDERCOVER BOSS (3rd Season Premiere)


9:00-10:00 PM THE GOOD WIFE


10:00-11:00 PM CSI: MIAMI

"¡ROB!" stars Rob Schneider as a lifelong bachelor who just married into a tight-knit Mexican-American family.

NBC Shakes Up Schedule For Midseason

Hello Folks

NBC has announced its midseason schedule, and has made quite the few moves after a rather unsatisfying fall season.

Special note deserves struggling freshman drama "Prime Suspect", which is not featured in the Peacock's midseason lineup. But the network insists that a final decision on the show's fate has yet to be made.

"Harry's Law", which was only renewed for 13 episodes back in May, is most probably getting a full season, as it will continue in the new year. Same goes for new drama "Grimm". A back order there is a foregone conclusion as well.

The premiere date for new drama "Awake", as well as a return date for "Community" has yet to be announced.

Here is the full lineup. Note that several shows have found new homes:

MONDAYS


8-10 p.m. -- “The Voice” (season premiere Sunday, February 5; series resumes February 6) 


10-11 p.m. – “SMASH” (beginning February 6)


TUESDAYS


8-10 p.m. -- “The Biggest Loser” (beginning January 3)


10-11 p.m. – “Parenthood” (through February 28)


10-11 p.m. – “FASHION STAR” (beginning Tuesday, March 13, 9-11 p.m. ET with two-hour premiere; one-hour broadcasts resume March 20)


WEDNESDAYS


8-8:30 p.m. – “Whitney” (beginning January 11)


8:30-9 p.m. – “ARE YOU THERE, CHELSEA?” (beginning January 11)


9-10 p.m. – “Rock Center with Brian Williams” (beginning February 8)


10-11 p.m. – “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” 


THURSDAYS


8-8:30 p.m. – “30 Rock” (beginning January 12)


8:30-9 p.m. – “Parks and Recreation” 


9-9:30 p.m. – “The Office”


9:30-10 p.m. – “Up All Night” (beginning January 12)


10-11 p.m. – “THE FIRM” (two-hour premiere Sunday January 8; Thursday time period premiere January 12) 


FRIDAYS


8-9 p.m. – “Who Do You Think You Are?” (beginning February 3) 


9-10 p.m. – “Grimm”


10-11 p.m. – “Dateline NBC” 


SATURDAYS


8-9 p.m. – “Harry’s Law” (encore broadcasts)


9-10 -- “THE FIRM” (encore broadcasts)


10-11 p.m. – “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (encore broadcasts)


SUNDAYS


7-9 p.m. – “Dateline NBC” (beginning January 8)


8-9 p.m. – “Harry’s Law” (beginning March 4)


9-11 p.m. – “The Celebrity Apprentice” (beginning February 12)

Ashley Greene Boards PAN AM, Salli Richardson-Whitfield Seeks THE FINDER

Hello Folks

I'm slowly moving back into casting news again after taking a hiatus from them because of time constraints.

Per EW's Lynette Rice, "Twilight" star Ashley Greene has booked a three-episode stint on ABC's "Pan Am". Starting on episode 9, which airs December 4, Greene plays a debutante with a past connection to Ted (Michael Mosley).

Additionally, TVLine's Michael Ausiello reports today that Salli Richardson-Whitfield ("Eureka") has boarded FOX' "Bones" spinoff "The Finder" for the same February episode that also features rapper 50 Cent.
50 plays Big Glade, a music mogul who tries to track down the lost tracks of a deceased rap artist on his label. Richardson-Whitfield plays his lawyer.

Showtime Renews WEEDS For Season Eight

Showtime has just announced that it has decided to order an eighth season of its long-running drama "Weeds".

Thus, the show will return in 2012 with 13 new episodes. If it is the final season remains to be seen.

Billy Crystal To Host OSCARS 2012

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Well, I guess one word you can put in next year's Oscar telecast is "class".

Billy Crystal has just tweeted, and the Academy has since confirmed it, that he will be hosting next year's Oscars, taking over from Eddie Murphy, who chose to step down yesterday following Brett Ratner's resignation as a producer.

Brian Grazer has been brought in as Ratner's replacement, and from the looks of it, he didn't really have to look far for a new host.

Eddie Murphy Exits Oscar Hosting Gig

Hello Folks

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced today that after Brett Ratner resigned (for well-known reasons) as a producer of the Oscars 2012 telecast, host Eddie Murphy has followed suit.

The comedian has decided not to host the next Oscar after his creative partner has exited, the press release reads.

Commented Murphy, "First and foremost I want to say that I completely understand and support each party's decision with regard to a change of producers for this year's Academy Awards ceremony. I was truly looking forward to being a part of the show that our production team and writers were just starting to develop, but I'm sure that the new production team and host will do an equally great job."

Academy president Tom Sherak said, "I appreciate how Eddie feels about losing his creative partner, Brett Ratner, and we all wish him well."

The search for a replacement for both Ratner and Murphy is underway.

FX Extends Fourth Season OF SONS OF ANARCHY

FX has issued a press release today announcing that it has extended the current season of it drama "Sons of Anarchy" by one episode.

This 14th episode means that the season finale will now air a week later, on Tuesday, December 6, at 10 PM ET/PT.

"Creatively, this has been Sons' best and biggest season ever," said Nick Grad, FX Executive Vice President of Original Programming. "Kurt asked us to consider adding an extra episode to fully close this current chapter of the Sons saga. By adding the extra episode, it wraps up a magnificent season in extraordinary fashion. This is a real bonus for fans of the series."

Starz Renews SPARTACUS For Third Season

Hello Folks

Start has announced today that it has ordered a third season of its "Spartacus" saga - more than two months before the second season launches.

Production on the new, as-of-yet untitled season is set to begin Early next year.

“There is no denying the impact Spartacus has had in the marketplace with fans across the globe thirsting for the continuation of the epic tale,” Starz’ managing director Carmi Zlotnik said in a statement. “Vengeance brings unparalleled action and drama to Starz viewers in January. We are thrilled to come to an early agreement that allows the writers and talent to get right back to work in preparing for season three.”

ONCE UPON A TIME, HAPPY ENDINGS, LAST MAN STANDING Get Full Seasons

ABC has announced that it has handed out the much-anticipated back nine order for a full season to three of its freshman shows.

After only two episodes aired, fairy tale drama "Once Upon A Time" has proven itself the number 1 drama of the new season, which has now already earned it a full season order.

Also getting the back nine episodes are Tim Allen comedy "Last Man Standing", and sophomore comedy "Happy Endings".

This leaves new drama "Pan Am" out in the cold for a moment, but the show has at least gotten an order for 5 additional scripts, so not all hope is lost - yet.

Starz Announces Premiere Date For SPARTACUS: VENGEANCE

According to TVLine's Vlada Gelman, Starz has set a premiere date for "Spartacus: Vengeance".

The second full cycle of the "Spartacus" saga, with new lead Liam McIntyre taking over from the late, great Andy Whitfield, will premiere on Friday, January 27, at 10 PM.

Mark your calendars!

ABC Family Sets Midseason Dates For PRETTY LITTLE LIARS, SWITCHED AT BIRTH, THE LYING GAME

Hello Folks

ABC Family has just issued a press release, announcing its premiere dates for midseason.

And things start pretty early in the new year.

"Pretty Little Liars" returns January 2 for the second half of season 2 in the new time slot of Monday at 2 at  8 PM ET/PT, with "The Lying Game" premiering the same night at 9 PM ET/PT.

"Switched at Birth" is also switching nights. The show is back for season 1.5 on Tuesday, January 3 at 8 PM ET/PT.

And then there's the cable network's newest entry, "Jane By Design", which will be premiering at 9 PM ET/PT.

“Jane By Design” follows Jane Quimby (Erica Dasher), a quirky teen with an eclectic chic fashion sense, who lands a job at a hip fashion house when they mistake her for an adult. Torn between her love of fashion and the need to finish high school, Jane conceals her true age to assist the demanding, but talented Gray Chandler Murray (Andie MacDowell), who travels the world in search of the next big style trend. Jane quickly learns that working for a successful executive in the cutthroat world of fashion is not as glamorous as she once thought. But with help from her best friend Billy Nutter (Nicholas Roux), Jane tries to keep up appearances as she toggles between two lives and guard her secret. Even with Billy’s support, will Jane’s ruse be a passing fad, or will she be able to fashion a career in the design business?

ABC Family's other two shows, "Make It Or Break It" and "Secret Life of the American Teenager", will return in early spring 2012.

Excited for the return of your faves? And how about "Jane"? Looking forward to it?

The CW Announces Midseason Premiere Dates - ONE TREE HILL Returns For Final Season On January 11

Hello Folks

The CW has announced its midseason premiere dates, which not only tells us when the midseason shows start, but also when the first episode in the new year of currently running series can be expected.

Here's the list.

All times ET

Thursday, January 5

8:00-9:00 p.m. The Vampire Diaries (original episodes return)

9:00-10:00 p.m. The Secret Circle (original episodes return)

Friday, January 6

8:00-9:00 p.m. Nikita (original episodes return)

9:00-10:00 p.m. Supernatural (original episodes return)

Tuesday, January 10

8:00-9:00 p.m. 90210 (original episodes return)

9:00-10:00 p.m. Ringer (original episodes return)

Wednesday, January 11

8:00-9:00 p.m. One Tree Hill (season premiere)

9:00-10:00 p.m. One Tree Hill (season premiere encore)

Monday, January 16

8:00-9:00 p.m. Gossip Girl (original episodes return)

9:00-10:00 p.m. Hart of Dixie (encore episode)

Wednesday, January 18

8:00-9:00pm. One Tree Hill

9:00-10:00 p.m. Remodeled (series premiere)

Monday, January 23

8:00-9:00 p.m. Gossip Girl

9:00-10:00 p.m. Hart of Dixie (original episodes return)