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Jeff Lewis, Everyone's Favorite Obsessive Compulsive Houseflipper, Is Back On Bravo's "FLIPPING OUT," Returns Tuesday, June 17 AT 10 PM ET/PT

2008-06-13T13:30:00.000-05:00

"My Goal Is To Cut Down My 'Flip Outs' From 15 A Day To A Maximum Of Five," Says Lewis

he second season of Bravo's popular docu-series "Flipping Out" returns on Tuesday, June 17 at 10 p.m. ET/PT with everyone's favorite obsessive-compulsive house-flipper, Jeff Lewis. It takes a special kind of personality to handle flipping a number of multimillion-dollar houses at one time, but Lewis, one of Los Angeles' most colorful creative renovators and real estate speculators, pulls it off and turns a six-figure profit on every property.

With the soft market teaching flippers new lessons as home sales decline, there's never a dull moment for Lewis and his intriguing cast of characters. Lewis makes his living with the help of a group of diverse and often disgruntled employees he counts as friends. These include an assistant who moonlights doing voiceover work, a house assistant, a housekeeper, and his former "trash man," who has been promoted to house manager. Add to the mix his business partner and former boyfriend, his various therapists and Lewis' visits to a shaman, and it's clear that this intriguing cast of characters lives as one big dysfunctional family.

Like most families, Lewis' extended family has its share of issues, which results in the occasional confrontation and even a firing or two. Aware of his "Flipping Out" tendencies, Lewis is trying to turn over a new leaf, exercise patience and treat his staff with dignity, but each day comes with a new barrage of problems - including dealing with suspicions of his staff, that leads him to install a nanny cam on site. As Jenni says "it's a long process." Lewis also must contend with market fluctuations, since three of his projects have yet to flip, driving him to expand his business and pick up property renovations instead. Lewis is forced to work for others (which he hates), but in his own inimitable style takes on massive multimillion remodeling jobs.

The Staff:

JEFF LEWIS - "Watching season one really opened my eyes and forced me to do a lot of self-reflection. I'm seeing a therapist now, every Wednesday at 10 a.m. and not by court order. It's helping. My goal is to cut down my 'flip outs' from 15 a day to a maximum of five."

JENNI (Executive Assistant) - On Lewis: "He's crazy, but a lot of geniuses are crazy." Jenni is usually seen wide-eyed with disbelief. Ever the optimist, she tries to protect her co-workers from Lewis' rants.

CHRIS (House Manager) - Lewis' former trash man and Jenni's husband has been promoted to House Manager. On his relationship with Lewis: "I think I've been fired five or six times, but I think I'm capable."

ZOILA (Housekeeper) - Zoila proves to be the rock in Lewis' crazy world. Never fazed by his rants, she is there for his every need. Lewis commissions an original abstract portrait for Zoila as a special birthday gift, but not being an art connoisseur, the gift doesn't go over well.

RYAN (former boyfriend and current business partner) - Ryan tries to be the calm one in most situations, but Lewis seems to find something to disagree with him about.

SURVIVOR: FIJI To Be Revealed Live From The Ed Sullivan Theater In New York City On Sunday, May 13

2007-04-09T21:00:00.000-05:00

The Winner Of CBS’ SURVIVOR: FIJI To Be Revealed Live From The Ed Sullivan Theater In New York City On Sunday, May 13

The Sunday Night Finale Will Be Followed by a LIVE Reveal of the Winner And a One-Hour Reunion Show From New York City Featuring the 19 Castaways Together for the First Time Since Being In Fiji

The finale of SURVIVOR: FIJI will be broadcast Sunday, May 13 (8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. The finale will culminate in the LIVE reveal of the winner from The Ed Sullivan Theater in New York City.

After the reveal, Jeff Probst will host a LIVE reunion show (10:00-11:00, ET, tape delayed PT) featuring the 19 castaways who will come together for the first time since being in Fiji.

SURVIVOR: FIJI began with a diverse cast of Americans who started as one tribe with plenty of supplies and resources to make an exceptionally comfortable camp. On Day Three, the castaways were split into two tribes to compete in the first combination Reward/Immunity Challenge. Moto, the winning tribe, returned to the camp of copious resources while Ravu, the losing tribe, was sent to a new island with only a pot, a machete and a water source. The castaways soon learned that there was a Hidden Immunity Idol somewhere at each tribe camp and new clues to its whereabouts could be found on Exile Island. If found, these Immunity Idols might save individuals from being voted out at a future Tribal Council.

ORIGINAL CASTAWAYS:

MOTO TRIBE (Comfortable Camp): Alex Angarita, Kenward "Boo" Bernis, Cassandra Franklin, Liliana Gomez (4th Voted Out), Andre "Dreamz" Herd, Stacy Kimball, Lisi Lisette (8th Voted Out), Edgardo Rivera, Gary Stritesky (forced to leave the game in episode four due to illness)

RAVU TRIBE (Sparse Camp): Yau-Man Chan, Earl Cole, Jessica deBen (1st Voted Out), Erica Durousseau (2nd Voted Out), Sylvia Kwan (3rd Voted Out), Mookie Lee, James "Rocky" Reid (7th Voted Out), Anthony Robinson (6th Voted Out), Rita Verreos (5th Voted Out), Michelle Yi

TO DATE ON SURVIVOR: FIJI:

The Moto Tribe, with all their luxuries, has dominated almost all of the challenges.

Gary Stritesky was forced to leave the game in Episode Four due to illness.

A tribe switch allowed Earl, Yau-Man and Michelle to move to the comfortable camp with Cassandra, Boo and Stacy.

Dreamz, Edguardo and Alex are presently at the sparse camp of Ravu with original member Mookie, the only one left that has never enjoyed any of Moto’s camp luxuries since the tribes split on Day Three.

Yau-Man and Earl have joined forces at Moto and have found their camp’s Hidden Immunity Idols but have decided not to tell the rest of their tribe.

Alex, Edguardo and Mookie have also created an alliance at Ravu and just found the second Hidden Immunity Idol at their camp. Now that they’ve found it, who gets to use it?

DEAL OR NO DEAL Casting Call Heads Across the Country

2007-04-04T15:20:00.002-05:00

DEAL OR NO DEAL Casting Calls to be Held by NBC Affiliates Across the Country Starting April 7

NBC’s hit game show DEAL OR NO DEAL, hosted by Howie Mandel, is getting some local help from its affiliate stations for a nationwide search for America’s next hopeful millionaire. The Deal-on-Wheels casting bus will be hitting the road this spring, the first casting call will be held on April 7 in San Diego, California, and the five-week journey will conclude in Detroit, Michigan on May 5.

DEAL OR NO DEAL is looking for energetic, charismatic and outgoing individuals who can think quickly on their feet. Candidates should be at least 18 years of age, and a legal resident of the 50 United States and/or Washington, D.C. No special skills are required except for an engaging personality and excitement for the show.

Casting calls will be held in the following locations, for more information, please contact the local NBC affiliate, or go to www.nbc.com/dond

APRIL 7
SAN DIEGO, CA
Viejas Outlet Center
10 am 2 pm
5005 Willows Road
Alpine, CA 91901
Contact: KSND 619-231-3939

APRIL 10
PHOENIX, AZ
Fort McDowell Casino
10424 N Fort McDowell Road and Highway 87
Fountain Hills, AZ
1 pm- 5 pm
Contact: KPNX 602-257-1212

APRIL 14
DALLAS, TX
Time and location: tba (please check www.nbc.com/dond)
Contact: KXAS 429-5555

APRIL 17
SAN ANTONIO, TX
Sunset Station
1 pm 5 pm
1174 E Commerce Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
Contact: WOAI 210-226-4444

APRIL 21
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
AT&T Bricktown Ballpark (Redhawk Stadium)
10 am - 1 pm
2 S Mickey Mantle Road
Oklahoma City, OK 73104
Contact: KFOR 405-424-4444

APRIL 24
KANSAS CITY, MO
Nebraska Furniture Mart
1 pm 5 pm
1601 Village West Parkway
Kansas City, KS 66111
Contact: KSHB 816-753-4141

APRIL 28
NASHVILLE, TN
Time and location: tba (please check www.nbc.com/dond)
Contact: WSMV 615- 353-2231

APRIL 30
INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Time and location: tba (please check www.nbc.com/dond)
Contact: WTHR 317-655-5740

MAY 5
DETROIT, MI
Time and location: tba (please check www.nbc.com/dond)
Contact: WDIV 313-222-0444

Hosted by Howie Mandel, DEAL OR NO DEAL is an international hit game show from Endemol USA, the producers of NBC’s "Fear Factor" and "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." Contestants play for a large cash prize in a high-energy match of nerves, instincts and raw intuition. Each night, the game of odds and chance unfolds when a contestant faces 26 sealed briefcases containing anything from a measly penny to one million dollars. Without knowing the amount in each briefcase, the contestant picks one -- his to keep, if he chooses, until its unsealing at game’s end.

"God Warrior" Marguerite Perrin Is Back When TRADING SPOUSES: MEET YOUR NEW MOMMY Returns

2007-04-04T15:20:00.001-05:00

Two Moms Mix It Up When TRADING SPOUSES: MEET YOUR NEW MOMMY Returns With All-New Episodes Thursdays, April 26 And May 3, On FOX

"God Warrior" Marguerite Perrin Returns in 2-Part Episode To Air Thursday, April 12, and Thursday, April 19

Two moms switch houses and spouses when TRADING SPOUSES: MEET YOUR NEW MOMMY returns on a new day and time Thursday, April 12 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

In an encore two-part episode, Marguerite Perrin, the self-proclaimed "God Warrior," trades places with LaToya Brown of St. Petersburg, FL, Thursday, April 12 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Thursday, April 19 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).

The season continues with an all-new two-part episode in which Cheri Naudin, a successful, competitive mom from Orange County, CA, trades places with Laurie Allen, a belly-dancing massage therapist from Santa Rosa, CA, Thursday, April 26 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Thursday, May 3 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). In the dramatic conclusion, each mom leaves behind a letter distributing the $50,000 prize that could change the family’s life forever.

DEADLIEST CATCH Returns For A Third Season Tonight For Discovery Channel

2007-04-03T17:25:00.000-05:00

Discovery Channel’s Emmy-Nominated Series DEADLIEST CATCH Returns for a Third Season Premiering Tonight

Gripping Series Follows Crab Fishermen as They Risk Their Lives in Search of Fortune

The fleet of crab-fishing boats that captivated nearly three million viewers each week on Discovery Channel’s Emmy(R)-nominated series DEADLIEST CATCH returns tonight (Tuesday, April 3), at 9 PM (ET/PT) for a third season of life-or-death adventures on the high seas. Viewers once again voyage to the Bering Sea and follow the brave captains and crews of eight crab-fishing vessels as they struggle against treacherous weather conditions doing one of the deadliest -- and most lucrative -- jobs in the world.

Filming of the new season of DEADLIEST CATCH -- Discovery Channel’s highest-rated series of 2006 -- is currently under way. With red king crab season completed, captains and crews are on the Bering Sea tempting fate in the hunt for opilio crab. Fishermen are enduring subzero arctic weather, 60- mph winds and turbulent seas with waves the size of four-story buildings -- all on three to four hours of sleep each night. To add to the weather nightmare, a thousand gallons of water crashes on the deck every 30 seconds, freezing as it hits the boat. To prevent the boat from becoming too top-heavy and capsizing at sea, deckhands are continuously forced to stop fishing and spend hours clearing the ice with sledgehammers.

In conditions like this, it’s not uncommon for deckhands to experience stage one hypothermia, whose symptoms include shivering, poor coordination, slurred speech and poor judgement -- all factors that contribute to the danger associated with crab fishing on the Bering Sea.

This season, viewers will get a more in-depth look at the men who put their lives on the line in search of modern-day buried treasure -- Alaskan crab.

Returning to DEADLIEST CATCH this year are the men of the Northwestern, led by Captain Sig Hansen; Captain Phil Harris and his crew of the Cornelia Marie, including sons Jake and greenhorn Josh; Captain Johnathan Hillstrand (king crab season) and Captain Andy Hillstrand (opilio crab season) of the Time Bandit; and greenhorn Captain Blake Painter (king crab season) of the Maverick and his new hand-picked crew, along with Rick Quashnick (opilio crab season) with his wife Donna.

New to DEADLIEST CATCH this season are the men of the Wizard, led by Captain Keith Colburn; Captain Greg Moncrief of the Farwest Leader, who is joined on board by his wife Ragnhild; Captain Allen Oakley of the Early Dawn and his crew, including greenhorn Bryan Mezich; and the crew of the Aleutian Ballad, with Captain Corky Tilley at the helm and son Matthew and daughter Nicole on deck.

In addition to exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and online chats, this year’s DEADLIEST CATCH fansite offers viewers a chance to put their own crab- fishing skills to the test -- in the comfort of their own homes. To coincide with the season premiere on April 3, Discovery Channel will launch an online game at discovery.com/DeadliestCatch where people can compete with other virtual skippers to find out who has what it takes to bring their crews home safely and with money in their pockets. Players select their boat and crew and navigate to fishing spots in hopes of pulling in a big haul and an even bigger payday. Prizes will be awarded to the top skippers.

Cartoonist Berkeley Breathed Helps AMERICA’S MOST WANTED

2007-04-03T17:24:00.000-05:00

What’s The Connection Between The Sunday Comics - And A Killer?

Sketches by Pulitzer Prize-Winning Cartoonist Berkeley Breathed to Help AMERICA’S MOST WANTED Solve Murder Mystery Saturday, April 7, on FOX

Sunday morning, millions of newspaper readers will eagerly open the comics section to read the latest adventures of "Opus" by Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Berkeley Breathed. But Breathed hopes that a lot of people take a look at another drawing he recently created, a picture of a crime scene drawn exclusively for the Saturday, April 7 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) edition of FOX’s AMERICA’S MOST WANTED. The drawing is part of AMW’s effort to help solve a cold-blooded murder in Austin, TX - a murder that hit close to home for Breathed.

In the late 1970s, Breathed was part of a vibrant community of young artists in Austin who contributed photographs to a calendar project known as "The Book of Days." The community was rocked by tragedy in April 1979, when a talented musician named Michael Cahill was murdered during a burglary. On the same night, someone also broke into the apartment of a "Book of Days" contributor who lived in Cahill’s building. When members of the community began comparing notes, they realized that many contributors to the calendar had recently been burglary victims, among them Breathed. Someone had turned "The Book of Days" into a list of targets. Police believe the same person killed Cahill.

No suspect was ever identified, but Breathed and the other artists touched by this crime have never given up hope that Cahill’s murder will be solved. Now, they’ve turned to AMERICA’S MOST WANTED, in an effort to breathe new life into the 28-year investigation. "I haven’t been involved in many crimes or touched by many crimes," Breathed tells AMW. "When it happens, there is definitely a desire for closure. Nothing is more annoying than murderers getting away with it."

Breathed took a break from preparing for the April 2007 publication of his latest book, "Mars Needs Moms!," to create a drawing for AMW producers of the scene at his Austin apartment the night he became a burglary victim. He hopes it will help jog someone’s memory, and lead police in a new direction. "I don’t have any pictures from that period, but I do have the mental images," Breathed says. "I thought the best way to do it was to put a sketch down. It’s how I do everything now. Give me enough time, I’ll turn it into a photo-realistic rendering and give it to the police."

Student Diana Eliminated On AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL Leaving 8 Models Left

2007-04-02T13:37:00.001-05:00

Diana, a student from Garfield, New Jersey, was the fifth girl eliminated during the eighth cycle of The CW’s hit reality series AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL, reducing the pool from 9 girls to 8.

The girls met with director of Elite Model Management Cathy Gould and Elite Model Claudia Mason, who taught them all about personal style and how to dress appropriately. The girls then met with the Zarian brothers, who presented them with the challenge of creating their own ad display. After splitting them into groups of three, the teams had to use the available clothes, accessories and materials provided by Sears to create a unified box display. The challenge was working together to create an overall image that sold their line of clothing.

The next day the girls met with Jay who introduced them to a group of male models that they would be posing with in a couple shoot. However, the girls were shocked to find out they were posing as men in their photos, and the men would be transformed into women. Diana struggled with her "red carpet couple" shoot and Jay commented, "I know you are trying, but it looks like you are bored with it." Jay was also disappointed in Diana when he asked her why she wanted to be AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL and her only response was "Just ’cuz."

During the elimination panel, the judges were not impressed with Diana’s photo and felt that she was lacking passion. "She’s a great looking girl with incredible potential, but she doesn’t have any oomph, no fire," Nigel said. "You are so strong, so beautiful, but for some reason the judges don’t feel that fire and that passion" Tyra said to Diana, before eliminating her from the race to become AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL.

In addition to a $100,000 contract with cosmetics giant CoverGirl, this year’s prize package for the winner of The CW’s AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL will include a contract with Elite Model Management and a cover and six-page fashion spread in Seventeen magazine.

The eighth cycle of the hit series AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL on The CW follows 13 young women as they attempt to prove they have what it takes to make it in the high-stress world of modeling. Banks, who created the show, also serves as executive producer along with Ken Mok ("Making the Band") and Anthony Dominici ("The Amazing Race").

Tony Bennett To Perform On Next AMERICAN IDOL

2007-04-02T13:36:00.001-05:00

Legendary Artist Tony Bennett To Mentor Top 9 And Perform On AMERICAN IDOL Tuesday, April 3, And Wednesday, April 4, On FOX

Legendary artist Tony Bennett will work with the Top 9 finalists next week as they prepare to sing "American Classics" on AMERICAN IDOL Tuesday, April 3 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), and he will perform on the results show Wednesday, April 4 (9:00-9:30 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX.

Bennett is one of a handful of artists to have new albums charting in the 1950s, ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and beyond. Signed to Columbia Records in 1950, he has a string of hits, including such chart-toppers as "Because of You," "Rags to Riches" "Cold, Cold Heart" and his signature song, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco." He has released over 100 albums and has sold over 50 million records worldwide. Bennett has won 14 Grammy Awards, received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and is a Kennedy Center Honoree. His latest CD, "Tony Bennett Duets: An American Classic," recently won three Grammys. The highest-charting CD of Bennett’s career, "Duets" was certified Platinum just three months after its release.

Officer And A Gentleman Is The New THE BACHELOR - Premieres April 2nd

2007-03-20T19:36:00.000-05:00

Andy Baldwin - A Real-Life "Officer And A Gentleman," Plus A Doctor And An Accomplished Triathlete - Challenges Himself To Find True Love When THE BACHELOR: OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN Premieres, Monday, April 2 On ABC

The Tenth Edition of ABC’s Popular Romance Reality Series Begins With a Special Rose Guaranteed to Bring the Claws Out: U.S. Navy Lieutenant Andy Baldwin, M.D., 30, an undersea medical officer for a special operations dive unit stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii - a real-life "officer and a gentleman" - faces the most exciting mission of his life -- finding true love -- when the tenth edition of ABC’s popular romance reality series, THE BACHELOR: OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN, premieres Monday, April 2 (9:45-11:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

Andy, an accomplished triathlete and winner of recent humanitarian awards for his work in Laos last summer -- on a military mission where he treated over 600 Laotians in remote mountain villages -- grew up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he was valedictorian in high school and a competitive swimmer who made All-American. He was even named ESPN’s National Scholar Athlete of the Year in 1995. The Navy offered him a full ROTC scholarship, which he took and went to Duke University, where he was a varsity letter winner on the men’s swim team and began training for marathons, all while taking a pre-med course load and earning a degree in biology, with a concentration in genetics. After graduating Duke with honors, he enrolled in the University of California-San Francisco School of Medicine and was a surgical intern at Naval Hospital San Diego, where he graduated in 2003.

In this premiere episode, "1001," a yacht anchored off Los Angeles becomes Andy’s private refuge, while the women take over their own house. And so the handsome doctor begins his marathon run to find the woman of his dreams. When the bachelorettes arrive to party and meet Andy, they are quick to find out that the competition starts immediately - right as they get out of their cars. This time it really is a "first impression" rose that Andy must deliver to one lucky lady as she arrives, and it’s enough to send daggers flying between the 25 new bachelorettes.

As the party begins, Andy lets slip that it’s his birthday and the news spreads like wildfire around the room. One woman shares a special bonding moment with the Bachelor when she reveals it’s also her birthday. What will two other bachelorettes cook up when they sneak off to the kitchen to whip up something for Andy’s special 30th birthday?

The bachelorettes pull out all the stops to impress Andy: One female body-builder challenges Andy to a push-up contest, an acrobatic bachelorette is so taken by the Bachelor she literally does back flips for him in her evening dress in a must-see demonstration, and yet another woman treats Lieutenant Baldwin to a patriotic serenade of "The Star Spangled Banner."

The pressure mounts as the evening goes on and sparks fly between two tipsy bachelorettes when one falls down. Andy must eliminate ten of the 25 women the first night, leaving 15 to compete for his affections. In the end, one woman explodes in a tirade when she misses out on the last rose.

A list of the bachelorettes will be released shortly.

In bringing the iconic romantic movie "An Officer and a Gentleman" to real life, the women during the course of this season’s "Bachelor" must be prepared to participate in a high energy "boot camp," complete with a "drill sergeant," plus triathlon events (swimming, biking and running) and race car driving. With Andy’s true humanitarian spirit a large factor in his life, the bachelorettes will also participate in a charity event for an inner city school in Los Angeles. Many other adventurous dates will test the ladies’ perseverance in pursuing their romantic objective, along with fun, exciting and exotic dates that will elicit real and raw emotions.

As in the past, women will continue to be eliminated each week, but if, at any point along the way, a woman should decide that she’s no longer interested in the Bachelor, she can reject his invitation to continue dating. Some lucky women will meet his family, and he will visit their hometowns for a slice of their life in an effort to determine the woman with whom he is most compatible.

At the end of the journey, the Bachelor may quite possibly have found true love. But the big question is: After all of this, will he pop the question, and will she say yes?

Mark Burnett And Steven Spielberg′s ON THE LOT Premieres May 22nd

2007-03-19T18:05:00.000-05:00

Mark Burnett And Steven Spielberg′s ON THE LOT Makes Its Special Two-Night Series Premiere Tuesday, May 22, After AMERICAN IDOL And Thursday, May 24, Following SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE On FOX

Series Moves to Mondays and Tuesdays Starting May 28 and May 29

Record-Setting 12,000 Aspiring Filmmakers Submitted Films to thelot.com

After receiving a record-setting 12,000 video submissions from aspiring filmmakers on thelot.com, FOX has officially entered the summer movie blockbuster race with the new filmmaking competition series ON THE LOT from Mark Burnett, Steven Spielberg and DreamWorks Television. ON THE LOT will now premiere with one-hour audition episodes: on Tuesday, May 22 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) following AMERICAN IDOL (8:00-9:00 PM, ET live/PT tape-delayed), and Thursday, May 24 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) following the third-season premiere of the hit series SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

"Steven and I are enormously thrilled with the response we’ve had to the call for film submissions via our website thelot.com," said ON THE LOT creator and executive producer Mark Burnett. "This confirms our notion that there is an incredible amount of talented filmmakers in the world looking for their big breaks. We are very excited that our partners at FOX have scheduled the launch of this series with the powerhouse AMERICAN IDOL finale and the premiere of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE. Coming off of the success of ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER?, launching out of AMERICAN IDOL is a terrific move."

A special two-hour "Film Premiere" episode, featuring the first films produced by the finalists, will air Monday, May 28 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. The initial group of finalists to be eliminated from the competition will be announced the following night on the expanded first "Box Office" results show Tuesday, May 29 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). ON THE LOT’s weekly "Film Premiere" episodes air in their regular time period beginning Monday, June 4 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), and the weekly "Box Office" results shows will air on Tuesdays (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT) starting Tuesday, June 5.

ON THE LOT affords aspiring filmmakers the opportunity of a lifetime: the chance to win a $1-million DreamWorks development deal. Each week, the hopeful filmmaker finalists will produce short films from a chosen genre, running the gamut from comedies to thrillers, personal dramas to romance, sci-fi to horror. They′ll have access to the best resources the industry has to offer - professional writers, actors and crew - to help create their films.

After the teams have battled time frames, budgets and all the usual chaos that goes along with filmmaking, their films will debut and be critiqued in front of a live audience during the "Film Premiere" episodes.

But the filmmakers ultimately will be judged by the harshest critics of all ... the public. It will be America whose votes determine which films should be left on the cutting-room floor. On each "Box Office" results show, the director whose feature garners the fewest votes will be sent home.

ON THE LOT is produced by Mark Burnett Productions, DreamWorks Television and Amblin Television. Mark Burnett and Steven Spielberg are creators and executive producers. David Goffin serves as executive producer with Darryl Frank, Justin Falvey and Conrad Riggs co-executive producers.

LITTLE PEOPLE BIG WORLD Returns To TLC With New Episodes April 9th

2007-03-19T18:02:00.001-05:00

TLC Announces that LITTLE PEOPLE, BIG WORLD is back with all-new episodes, starting Monday, April 9 at 8 PM (ET/PT)!

In the most in-depth television documentation of the lives of little people, TLC cameras follow the Roloff family- an extraordinary family comprised of both little and average size people- presenting an intimate view of life as a little person.

Major Shake-up On Next SURVIVOR FIJI With A Special Episode This Wednesday Night

2007-03-16T21:01:00.000-05:00

The Castaways Face A Major Shake-Up When New Tribes Are Formed On SURVIVOR: FIJI, Wednesday, March 21, 8:00-9:00 Pm ET/PT

"I’ve Strength Now To Carry The Flag" - When two all-new tribes are formed, some of the castaways experience true hardship while other newfound luxury and strategy changes when one Survivor realizes their old alliance no longer has the majority in their new tribe on SURVIVOR: FIJI, Wednesday, March 21 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

CASTAWAYS:

MOTO TRIBE: Alex Angarita, Kenward "Boo" Bernis, Cassandra Franklin, Liliana Gomez (4th Voted Out, 5th member to leave the island), Andre "Dreamz" Herd, Stacy Kimball, Lisi Lisette, Edgardo Rivera, Gary Stritesky (forced out of game due to illness)

RAVU TRIBE: Yau-Man Chan, Earl Cole, Jessica deBen (1st Voted Off), Erica Durousseau (2nd Voted Off), Sylvia Kwan (3rd Voted Off), Mookie Lee, James "Rocky" Reid, Anthony Robinson, Rita Verreos (5th Voted Out, 6th member to leave the island), Michelle Yi

SURVIVOR: FIJI is hosted by Jeff Probst and produced by SEG, Inc. Mark Burnett and Tom Shelly are the executive producers. Doug McCallie and Kevin Greene are co-executive producers. For more detailed information on SURVIVOR: FIJI and the 19 new castaways, visit http://www.cbs.com/.

Brandon Rogers Is Next To Be Eliminated From The AMERICAN IDOL

2007-03-16T20:59:00.000-05:00

Brandon Rogers Is Eliminated From The AMERICAN IDOL Competition

Top 11 Finalists Will Compete On "1960s British Pop Invasion"-Themed Performance Show Tuesday, March 20, On Fox

Lulu and Peter Noone to Perform on Results Show Next Wednesday, March 21

The incredible sixth season of AMERICAN IDOL reigned supreme this week, when the Top 12 finalists on Tuesday performed songs made famous by the legendary Diana Ross. Wednesday night, Ross performed "More Today Than Yesterday" from her new album "I Love You." Approximately 28 million votes were cast after Tuesday’s performance show, ending the quest of one of the Top 12 finalists to become the next American Idol. It was revealed that the journey ended for Brandon Rogers after he received the fewest votes. Rogers, 28, from North Hollywood, CA, sang the Diana Ross & the Supremes hit "You Can’t Hurry Love."

So far this season, AMERICAN IDOL 6 is outperforming the same nights last year by +3% among Total Viewers. AMERICAN IDOL is also up compared to last week’s telecast by +6% among Adults 18-49 and +5% in Total Viewers.

Next week, the competition on television’s hottest show heats up when the Top 11 finalists (Melinda Doolittle, Stephanie Edwards, Gina Glocksen, LaKisha Jones, Blake Lewis, Sanjaya Malakar, Chris Richardson, Haley Scarnato, Chris Sligh, Jordin Sparks and Phil Stacey) compete head-to-head again on Tuesday, March 20 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed). The theme for the performance show will be hit songs from the 1960s British pop invasion, with special appearances by British music icons Lulu and Peter Noone. Tune in the following night to see Lulu and Noone perform and find out who receives enough votes to stay in the competition and who must go home on the live results show Wednesday, March 21 (9:00-9:30 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX.

AMERICAN IDOL Charity Benefit Show Coming In April On FOX

2007-03-13T23:17:00.000-05:00

"Idol Gives Back" Two-Night Special To Benefit Children And Young People In Need In America And Africa Tuesday, April 24, And Wednesday, April 25, On FOX

Gwen Stefani, Josh Groban, Pink, Michael Buble, Annie Lennox, Il Divo And Borat Sagdiyev Among Many World-Renowned Artists to Appear

Ford Motor Company Leads Corporate Sponsors

During Thursday’s live broadcast of AMERICAN IDOL, it will be announced that FOX, AMERICAN IDOL and the Charity Projects Entertainment Fund (CPEF) have partnered on an historic television event - IDOL GIVES BACK - a two-night special raising awareness and funds for organizations that provide relief programs to help children and young people in extreme poverty in America and Africa.

The AMERICAN IDOL performance show airs Tuesday, April 24 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) and the expanded results show airs Wednesday, April 25 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX.

On Tuesday, April 24 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), the Top 6 finalists will sing songs that can be considered "Life Anthems." In keeping with the IDOL GIVES BACK theme, all the songs performed will be about compassion and hope. After the performance show, viewers will vote for their favorite contestants via toll-free numbers and text messages, as usual. On this special night, however, viewers will also help change the lives of the truly needy. For every vote cast, AMERICAN IDOL sponsors Coca-Cola and AT&T, along with a range of additional partners, will donate money to the charity.

The Ford Motor Company will also contribute to the cause in connection with its weekly music video, details of which will be announced soon.

The special two-hour results show on Wednesday, April 25 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) will be a star-studded evening featuring world-renowned artists and celebrities, including Gwen Stefani, Josh Groban, Pink, Michael Buble, Annie Lennox, Il Divo and popular Kazakhstan journalist Borat Sagdiyev (Sacha Baron Cohen) among many others who will take the AMERICAN IDOL stage.

During the Wednesday event, adding to the corporate contributions, viewers will be able to make their own donations via toll-free lines and the Internet.

The money raised by the two shows will equally benefit the U.S. and Africa. In the U.S., the money will be distributed via CPEF to Save the Children and other U.S. organizations working to deliver programs to children living in extreme conditions in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the country. To find out more about poverty here in America, please visit www.savethechildren.org. In Africa, the money will be dedicated to delivering health and education programs and will be distributed via CPEF to a number of organizations, including U.S. Fund for UNICEF, The Global Fund, Save the Children, Nothing but Nets and Malaria No More. For viewers interested in learning more about how to get involved in efforts to fight AIDS and extreme poverty around the world, IDOL GIVES BACK is also providing a link on its website (www.americanidol.com/idolgivesback) to ONE: The Campaign to Make Poverty History (www.one.org).

"Richard Curtis is a remarkable man and the Red Nose Day charity on BBC TV is an amazing humanitarian effort. Richard approached me a couple of years ago and asked how we could work together to launch a major new televised charity initiative in the U.S. following on from the $820 million that he has raised in the UK with Red Nose Day," stated Simon Fuller, creator and executive producer of AMERICAN IDOL. "After lengthy discussions it occurred to me that we should use AMERICAN IDOL as an existing platform to premiere this idea. Thanks to the huge support of FOX and the enthusiasm and energy of Nigel Lythgoe, Ken Warwick, Cecile Frot-Coutaz and Simon, Ryan, Paula and Randy, it has finally become a reality. Red Nose Day is an extraordinary institution and I am hoping that IDOL GIVES BACK is an enormous success, raising awareness and huge amounts of money for all these wonderfully deserving causes, and allowing us to continue to make these important, world-changing shows for many years to come."

"When we were approached by Richard Curtis, Simon Fuller, Simon Cowell and CPEF about this project, we felt it was a natural fit," said Peter Chernin, president and chief operating officer, News Corporation. "For the past five seasons, viewers have fulfilled the dreams of the contestants. Now they have the chance to help us change the lives of children and young people in need and at risk, here in the U.S. as well as in Africa."

"We are thrilled to have this unique opportunity to work with AMERICAN IDOL to bring the issue of extreme poverty in Africa and in America into the hearts, minds and homes of millions of Americans," said Richard Curtis, co-founder of the UK’s Red Nose Day charity and renowned writer/director of such films as "Love Actually," "Notting Hill" and "Four Weddings and a Funeral." Curtis was a founding member of the Make Poverty History coalition and worked throughout 2004 and 2005 on the campaign and "Live 8" with Bono and Bob Geldof.

U2’s Bono, co-founder of the One Campaign to Make Poverty History, said, "We’ll see worlds collide when Africa appears on America’s most-watched TV show. This is a big deal, a little bit of pop history ... I wouldn’t underestimate the reach of this show or the impact its audience can have."

"The IDOL GIVES BACK premiere provides an excellent opportunity for AMERICAN IDOL viewers to engage with the issues of poverty and health in Africa. People all across Africa are fighting back against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, and there is optimism and hope everywhere. AMERICAN IDOL viewers will be able to learn more about these successes and contribute directly to them. It is a wonderfully exciting opportunity, and I thank Richard Curtis, Simon Fuller, Peter Chernin and the many others who are launching IDOL GIVES BACK," said Sir Richard Feachem, executive director of the Global Fund.

"Using the power of the worlds most popular television event, AMERICAN IDOL, to benefit millions of needy children around the globe, is a remarkable and extraordinary achievement. On behalf of 25 million children in Save the Children’s programs worldwide, we are all deeply excited and appreciative," said Bill Haber, board trustee of Save the Children.

"AMERICAN IDOL has given so much to this network and we don’t take that for granted," said Peter Liguori, president of entertainment for Fox Broadcasting Company. "To quote a famous superhero, ’with the gift of power comes great responsibility,’ which is why we feel so fortunate to partner in this special television event, giving back."

Executive Producers Nigel Lythgoe, Ken Warwick and Cecile Frot-Coutaz added: "This is going to be a television event unlike any other. We are planning two nights of amazing, star-studded entertainment, and we’re using the power of AMERICAN IDOL to raise needed awareness and funds. Our fans can give directly if they want, but they can also impact the lives of people in this country and in Africa just by voting as they do every week. It’s that easy and it’s that important."

Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest traveled to Africa and personally witnessed the poverty and disease there, as well as the extensive programs that are underway to fight them.

"Having witnessed some of the appalling conditions in Africa firsthand, I’m especially proud that our show is offering Americans the chance to help those most in need," said Cowell. "Ensuring that American charities will equally benefit from these efforts was one of my priorities, and I’d like to thank our sponsors for their support and generosity in making this possible."

Seacrest added: "I thought I was prepared for what I would see in Africa, but the level of poverty was beyond anything I could have imagined. You see it, you smell it, you taste it. However, despite the extreme conditions, you feel an incredible sense of hope from the people ... especially the children."

Additionally, Cowell and Seacrest will be joined by Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, visiting areas such as Kentucky and parts of Mississippi and Louisiana devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Although it has been over a year since the hurricane hit, many people’s lives are still in turmoil despite the efforts being made.

"Children and children’s charities have always played such an important part of my life and career," said Abdul. "I am extremely excited to be a part of this new project, which I believe can truly make a difference. Visiting the sites of these tragedies will certainly bring a renewed awareness to these children’s plight and I look forward to meeting so many of them in the coming weeks."

Jackson added: "I’m so happy and proud that we are part of trying to get all of America back on its feet and tend to the problems here at home, in addition to those abroad. I grew up in the proud state of Louisiana and it breaks my heart every time I think about the devastation to both Mississippi and Louisiana. I’m looking forward to taking part in making a difference and helping to create awareness for the devastated areas."

These trips will be highlighted in the specials, demonstrating what can be achieved by communities working together and how even small donations can make a life-changing difference.

A website for teachers and students created by Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company, will be available at www.scholastic.com/idolgivesback. It was designed to inspire students about the importance of global citizenship. The tools provided will help young people understand how they can take action in small and big ways to help make the world a better place for everyone.

Exclusive Interview With Samantha Francis - Second Model Voted Off On AMERICAS NEXT TOP MODEL 8

2007-03-09T11:02:00.000-06:00

Last Wednesday night, Samantha Francis, a sales associate from Pinson, Ala., was the second girl eliminated during the eighth cycle of The CW’s hit reality series AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL, reducing the pool from 12 girls to 11.

During the judging, Tyra expressed her concern about Samantha’s lack of confidence and comfort level. "I saw your film and you did some more sexy stuff; you just seem so unsure." The judges all noticed Samantha’s lack of personality, noting that while she had potential, she needed more time to develop. "You take beautiful pictures, but a lot of the judges look at you and say, she seems 15, maybe in three years she’ll be ready," Tyra said to Samantha, before eliminating her from the race to become AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL.

Our own RealityTVWebsite.com Elaine James caught up with Samantha in this exclusive one-on-one interview.

Elaine James: How did you try out for the show?

Samantha Francis: I watching an episode with my boyfriend and he basically told me that I could do it and that I needed to try out. So we figured out that there was a casting in Atlanta and so I drove to Atlanta and tried out.

Elaine James: You seemed like you came to a realization that you weren’t ready for the model life. What were your expectations coming into the show?

Samantha Francis: I knew it was a reality show and that sometimes they edit you to make you look a certain way and that it’s all for TV. I tried to be myself and I was myself and they didn’t show a lot of that. They showed me being very quite and very reserved. They didn’t show me being with the other girls and that it looked like I didn’t belong there. It wasn’t true at all. I was outgoing and I talked all of them.

Elaine James: So you weren’t happy with how you were edited?

Samantha Francis: No, not really. Maybe I wasn’t supposed to be in the reality TV show setting. Obviously I can model because my pictures were great. Tyra saw something in me since I made it into the house. It hurt to hear her say that they saw something beautiful inside of Natasha and but they didn’t see something beautiful inside of me. But yet, I can translate it to film and she can’t. This is supposed to be a modeling competition. I just wasn’t meant to be AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL, but that doesn’t mean that I wasn’t meant to be on the cover of a magazine.

Elaine James: What are your plans for the future? Will you try to go back into modeling?

Samantha Francis: I’m definitely going to continue modeling. I’m going to work on my portfolio and go up to New York and try to meet with some of the agencies and see if they want me.

Elaine James: What did you think about the prom fashion show?

Samantha Francis: The prom fashion show was fun, it just really seamed like something you would do in high school. Most of the girls were really worried about trying to get the routine down. We were all practicing in the back while we were changing outfits. My shoes were too big and that was the worst part.

Elaine James: You stated that you weren’t the right type to play "The girl with the bad reputation." Which class cliche do you think you should have played?

Samantha Francis: I think they should have had one called "Girl who skipped school too much." That would have fit me perfectly. I used to skip school all the time in high school. I would have loved to do Renee’s just because I’m pretty silly.

Elaine James: That’s funny because during the show, she said she wished she had gotten to do yours.

Samantha Francis: We had talked about that. We both wished we could switch.

Elaine James: What did you think about the other girls in the house?

Samantha Francis: They were all great girls. They were all beautiful and had good personalities. For me Jaselene didn’t care about the other girls. She was only there to compete.

Elaine James: Who are you rooting for to win?

Samantha Francis: Renee or Brittany. Either one would be good.

Four More Are Eliminated From The AMERICAN IDOL Last Night - Including Antonella Barba

2007-03-09T11:01:00.000-06:00

Jared Cotter, Sundance Head, Antonella Barba And Sabrina Sloan Are Eliminated From The AMERICAN IDOL Competition On The Show’s Milestone 200th Episode

Top 12 Finalists To Take The Stage Tuesday, March 13; One More Goes Home On The Next Results Show Wednesday, March 14, On Fox

On last night’s suspenseful AMERICAN IDOL results show, the Top 12 finalists for the record-breaking sixth season were revealed as four semifinalists - two guys and two girls - were eliminated from the competition. Nearly 37 million votes were cast this week following Tuesday and Wednesday’s performance shows. The semifinalists who went home after receiving the fewest votes were Jared Cotter, Sundance Head, Antonella Barba and Sabrina Sloan. Cotter, who sang "If You Really Love Me," hails from Kew Gardens, NY, and currently lives in West Orange, NJ. Head, from Porter, TX, performed "Jeremy." Barba, of Point Pleasant, NJ, sang "Put Your Records On," and Sloan, a resident of Studio City, CA, entertained the audience with "Don’t Let Go (Love)." Also on last night’s show, which marked AMERICAN IDOL’s milestone 200th episode, Season Four winner Carrie Underwood performed her new single, "Wasted."

Next week, AMERICAN IDOL will celebrate the music of Diana Ross. After being coached by Ross herself, the Top 12 finalists will perform songs from the Diana Ross songbook Tuesday, March 13 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. The following night, Ross will perform and one finalist will be eliminated from the competition on the live results show Wednesday, March 14 (9:00-9:30 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed).

In a remarkable career spanning over 40 years, Ross has proven to be the consummate music artist, as well as one of the iconic female singers of all time. Beginning in the 1960s as lead singer of the world-renowned group The Supremes, and later as a solo performer, Ross achieved the unprecedented feat of 18 No. 1 singles in the U.S., rivaled only by The Beatles for the position of the biggest hit group of that generation. Other accomplishments include an Oscar nomination for her first film role, an extraordinary performance as Billie Holiday in "Lady Sings the Blues." She recently returned to the U.S. charts with her highest-debuting album in two decades, "I Love You."

TOP 12 FINALISTS:

Melinda Doolittle (29) - Currently lives in Brentwood, TN. Doolittle is a graduate of Belmont University in Nashville and has a bachelor’s degree in Commercial Music. She is a backup singer on stage and in the studio.

Stephanie Edwards (19) - Currently lives in Savannah, GA. Edwards sang at the famed Apollo Theater when she appeared on "It’s Showtime at the Apollo." She has won every singing contest she has ever entered.

Gina Glocksen (22) - Currently lives in Naperville, IL, and works as a dental assistant. Glocksen also performs in a cover band. She tried out for AMERICAN IDOL last season and made it to Day 4 of the Hollywood Round.

Lakisha Jones (27) - Grew up in Flint, MI, and began singing at age 5. Gospel is her Jones’ favorite type of music but she has trained formally in classical music.

Blake Lewis (25) - Currently lives in Bothell, WA, and began "beat boxing" in his senior year of high school. Lewis was a member of a youth choir group that traveled to Europe.

Sanjaya Malakar (17) - Currently lives in Federal Way, WA, and comes from a family of singers. He spent four years in Hawaii performing with the Hawaii Children’s Theater.

Chris Richardson (22) - Currently lives in Chesapeake, VA, and is a supervisor at a restaurant. He was born in Belgium into a military family and performs at local clubs.

Brandon Rogers (29) - From North Hollywood, CA, but spent six years in Dallas. Rogers has been singing for as long as he can remember. He works as a voice coach, wedding singer and background singer. His mother is a published songwriter.

Haley Scarnato (24) - Currently lives in San Antonio, TX. Scarnato, who recently became engaged, has been performing as a freelance singer since she was 15 years old and considers Celine Dion her hero.

Chris Sligh (28) - Currently lives in Greenville, SC, and is the son of missionaries. Sligh spent 10 years with his family in Germany. Since attending Bob Jones University, he has traveled and performed with a band.

Jordin Sparks (17) - Currently lives in Glendale, AZ. Sparks began singing when she was only 18 months old. She won the "Arizona Idol" contest. Her favorite band is Something Corporate.

Phil Stacey (29) - Currently lives in Jacksonville, FL; however, he grew up in Cincinnati. Stacy has a degree in vocal performance and is a singer in the Navy. He is married with two children.

New Episodes Of National Geographic Channel’s THE FINAL REPORT Announced

2007-03-08T13:03:00.000-06:00

New Episodes Of National Geographic Channel’s THE FINAL REPORT Offer Fresh Insight On Headline Events Of Our Time

Go Beyond the Initial Media Glare of Iconic Events Including Watergate, the O. J. Simpson Trial, Columbine Massacre, Ruby Ridge Standoff, Bombing Over Lockerbie and Clinton’s Impeachment

They are front-page news events that still conjure stark memories and incite consuming debate. But after the initial glare of media attention has faded, stories continue to unfold with ongoing investigations, trials and fresh testimony, new reasoning and even final clearing of consciences. National Geographic Channel’s (NGC) critically acclaimed series THE FINAL REPORT returns with new episodes, answering some of the most pressing questions behind these headline-grabbing events of our lifetime. Drawing from a wide range of sources, including interviews with experts, investigators, eyewitnesses and survivors, THE FINAL REPORT presents a comprehensive and compelling perspective.

New world premiere episodes include the following:

The Final Report: Standoff at Ruby Ridge
Tuesday, March 13, at 9:00 PM ET/PT
August 1992. On a remote ridge in northern Idaho, federal agents surround Randy Weaver and his family in their rural, mountaintop cabin. After U.S. marshals attempt to arrest Weaver and incur a casualty, the FBI launches a military-like siege of the cabin and institutes a controversial shoot-on-sight policy. Weaver, a father of four and a former Green Beret, refuses to surrender. After an 11-day standoff, three people are dead: U.S. Marshal William Degan; Weaver's wife, Vicki; and their 14-year-old son, Sam. The incident led to one of the most intensive reviews of the FBI. Who fired first? And how did events at Ruby Ridge spiral out of control? Go inside the sequence of events with varying perspectives from Randy Weaver and his daughter, U.S. marshals, FBI snipers and the negotiator on the scene.

The Final Report: O. J. Simpson Trial
Tuesday, March 13, at 10:00 PM ET/PT
Following the recent cancellation of O. J. Simpson’s controversial book and related television special, The Final Report takes viewers back to the night Simpson’s ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and Ron Goldman were murdered, and re-examines the case as it unfolds. From the infamous white Bronco chase to the criminal trial and acquittal, this episode of THE FINAL REPORT goes beyond the Hollywood media circus by examining the criminal justice system, legal strategies, racial politics and the Los Angeles Police Department’s methods. What did the crime scene indicate about the killings? Why wasn’t evidence from the Bronco chase presented in court? Did the jury and television viewers see the same trial? Get insight from reporters following the story, the LAPD, law professors and the L.A. district attorney’s office.

The Final Report: Bombing Over Lockerbie
Tuesday, March 27, at 10:00 PM ET/PT
December 21, 1988: Pan Am Flight 103 explodes over Lockerbie, Scotland, killing everyone on board. Investigators suspect terrorism and are soon following a trail of clues recovered from a debris field spread over 845 square miles. Minuscule pieces of evidence lead detectives across the globe and ultimately, to the African nation of Libya. Why would Libyans want to bomb an American airliner? And why did the United States choose diplomacy over a military response? The FBI, Scottish investigators, reporters on the case and family members of those killed add insight nearly two decades later. THE FINAL REPORT looks at the amazing detective work and political maneuvering that produced two indictments in the case and a conviction.

The Final Report: Columbine
Tuesday, April 3, at 10:00 PM ET/PT
It was one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history: the Columbine High School massacre. On April 20, 1999, two teenage students, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, carried out a shooting rampage at Columbine High School in Jefferson County, Colorado killing 12 students and a teacher, and wounding 24 others before committing suicide. Did they have a methodical plan? What warning signs were missed? As the eighth anniversary of this tragic day approaches, THE FINAL REPORT investigates the full story with the help of former students, journalists, FBI special agents, the district attorney and the killers’ own diaries and home videos.

The Final Report: Watergate
Tuesday, April 10, at 10:00 PM ET/PT
On May 28, 1972, five burglars many of them ex-CIA agents broke into the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C., to plant listening devices. It was the beginning of a political scandal that led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. THE FINAL REPORT peels back the layers of the Nixon administration’s two-year struggle to contain the scandal at any cost. The show also reveals how Woodward and Bernstein, two young and tenacious Washington Post reporters, unraveled the tangled trail of illegal tactics and the president’s own involvement. First-person insights include G. Gordon Liddy, who oversaw the burglary; former Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee; CBS News reporter Leslie Stahl; and former members of the Nixon administration.

The Final Report: Clinton Impeachment
Tuesday, May 1, at 10:00 PM ET/PT
As former First Lady Hillary Clinton continues her quest for the White House and looks to put her husband’s impeachment behind her, THE FINAL REPORT looks back at the most troubling days of his presidency. THE FINAL REPORT answers some of the most pressing questions about the time in 1998 when President Clinton was accused of lying under oath about a sexual relationship with 22-year-old intern Monica Lewinsky. After an independent counsel investigation, President Clinton became the second president in American history to be impeached. Were his actions criminal, and did they warrant the series of events they unleashed? Now, with the perspective only time can offer, hear from White House staff and members of Congress on this front-page scandal and its impact years later.

Season Finale Of THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ORANGE COUNTY Next Tuesday Night

2007-03-08T13:02:00.000-06:00

Expect No Less Than Dramatic Perfection On The Spectacular Season Finale Of Bravo’s THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ORANGE COUNTY, Tuesday, March 13 At 10 P.M. ET/PT

"I’ve been doing a lot of wondering if my relationship between myself and Jo (De La Rosa) was worth it," says Slade Smiley. "The toll that it has on me emotionally, it’s not a good thing." Will the relationship between Slade and Jo survive? Find out on the dramatic season finale of Bravo’s THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ORANGE COUNTY airing Tuesday, March 15 at 10 P.M. ET/PT.

In the emotional season finale, Jo and Slade go to therapy to discuss their tumultuous five-year relationship. Says Jo to the therapist, "I just found myself becoming and molding into this other person, a housewife in training if you will. I lost who I was." Meanwhile, Lauri Waring and fiance George Peterson throw a joint birthday bash for her daughter Sophie and his daughter Bree, and both girls make out nicely. "Sophie had a great birthday," says Lauri. "What nine-year-old gets a cell phone and a horse?" And all hell breaks loose at Vicki Gunvalson’s backyard barbeque when an unexpected guest shows up on Slade’s arm prompting juicy gossip amongst the ladies. "He thrives on drama," says Lauri. "I mean Slade thinks he’s the next Real Housewife." So, how does Jo handle his sexy date? "I didn’t know they were there until I heard all the gasps," she says.

Exclusive Interview With Kathleen DuJour - First Model Voted Off On AMERICAS NEXT TOP MODEL 8

2007-03-07T18:53:00.001-06:00

Last Wednesday night, Kathleen DuJour, a hairstylist from Brooklyn, NY, was the first girl eliminated during the eighth cycle premiere of The CW’s hit reality series AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL, reducing the pool from 13 girls to 12.

During the judging, Tyra expressed her overall disappointment with the results of the shoot. The judges were concerned the most with Kathleen and were not sure she would be able to handle the intensity of the modeling world. "The girl with a bright spirit and hair to match that just lost the map," Tyra said to Kathleen, before eliminating her from the race to become AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL.

Our own RealityTVWebsite.com Elaine James caught up with Kathleen in this exclusive one-on-one interview.

Elaine James: Was it like when Tyra called your name as a finalist?

Kathleen DuJour: Oh my god! I thought I could actually win this thing. I thought that I had made it already.

Elaine James: During the political photo shoot, you had a hard time grasping the concept of "anti-fur." Tell me what that was like.

Kathleen DuJour: I understood the whole political issue, what I didn’t understand was what type of facial expression they wanted me to give them. I wish they had been more specific with me.

Elaine James: When you arrived at the house, were you inspired by the photos and quotes on the walls from past winners?

Kathleen DuJour: Oh definitely, it motivate you even more to watch these girls. You know that if she can make it, you can make it.

Elaine James: Tell me about the dynamics in the house. How did everyone get along?

Kathleen DuJour: First, we got there and it was early on and everyone was being nice to each other. Everyone was trying their best to get along with each other.

Elaine James: You rocked the thrift shop challenge! What kinds of items were you looking for in your three minutes?

Kathleen DuJour: I had no plan. I was just grabbing. I was looking more for colors.

Elaine James: When Tyra stated that she was disappointed in everyone’s photos, what was going through your head?

Kathleen DuJour: I knew that they didn’t get out of me what they wanted, so I knew that she wasn’t happy about our photo shoot. I knew that I could be going home today.

Elaine James: Was there anything that you had wished you had done differently?

Kathleen DuJour: I have no regrets at all.

Elaine James: So what have you taken from the experience?

Kathleen DuJour: I just learned that it’s not easy to be a model. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication. It is more than just taking pictures. It is an art.

Elaine James: So what have you been doing since the show?

Kathleen DuJour: Now that I am back home, I will be working with my photographer to take more pictures. I’m going to pursue that.

Elaine James: Who are you rooting for to win?

Kathleen DuJour: I’m rooting for Cassandra. I just love her attitude.

Carrie Underwood To Perfom On AMERICAN IDOL This Thursday

2007-03-07T11:40:00.001-06:00

Carrie Underwood Returns To AMERICAN IDOL To Perform Her New Hit "Wasted" Thursday, March 8, On Fox

Two-time Grammy Award winning Carrie Underwood returns to the AMERICAN IDOL stage this week, performing her new hit "Wasted" on the results show Thursday, March 8 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed).

Carrie Underwood returns to the Idol stage where she was crowned AMERICAN IDOL in 2005. Underwood′s debut album SOME HEARTS has sold over 5 million copies and contains four #1 singles. Since winning AMERICAN IDOL, Underwood has taken home 2 Country Music Association Awards, 2 Academy of Country Music Awards, 2 CMT Awards, 2 People’s Choice Awards, 1 American Music Award and 8 Billboard Awards. She also claimed a most coveted trophy in 2006 by receiving her college degree after graduating Magna Cum Laude with high honors in mass communications with an emphasis in journalism from Northeastern State University.

Tune in Wednesday, March 7 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) for performances by the Top 8 girls. On the results show airing Thursday, March 8 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), Underwood will perform her new hit "Wasted" and four more contestants will go home, ending their quest to become the next American Idol.

Second Season Of DRIVING FORCE With NHRA John Force Returns March 27th

2007-03-07T11:39:00.001-06:00

The A&E Network Real-Life Series DRIVING FORCE Returns For A Second Season On Tuesday, March 27, 2007 New Season Focuses On John Force’s Pursuit Of An Unprecedented 15th NHRA Championship

As Well As Ashley Force’s Headlines-Making Announcement As First Female In Funny Car Competition Since 2000

Get set for more heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat action! DRIVING FORCE, A&E’s high-velocity real-life series starring racing legend John Force, his wife Laurie, and their three beautiful drag racing daughters, returns for a second season of high stakes drama on Tuesday, March 27 at 10:00pm EST/PST.

A dominant figure in drag racing for both his winning reputation and charismatic personality, John Force has shattered every major record on the drag strip, exhibited extraordinary skill as a team owner and businessman and is now gearing up for his greatest challenge - raising three daughters, Ashley, 24; Brittany, 20; and Courtney, 18; who are following in his footsteps and competing in the male-dominated field of high-speed drag racing.

The July 17, 2006 series premiere of DRIVING FORCE attracted 1.2 million A18-49 and 1.1 million A25-54 viewers, making it at the time the best series premiere performance on A&E since Dog the Bounty Hunter.

In the first season we watched as John, whose career kept him on the road throughout most of the girls’ childhoods, worked at rekindling his relationship with them by bringing them into the family business.

This season focuses on John’s pursuit of an unprecedented 15th NHRA Championship, as well as Ashley Force’s long awaited move up in ranks to compete with and against her father in the Funny Car division.

The Forces made headlines last month when it was announced that second oldest daughter, Ashley, would move up in classification this season to drive a fourth Ford Mustang Funny Car for John Force Racing, Inc, Castrol and Automobile Club of Southern California.

* There are four different professional categories (Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle) in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA).

* With Ashley’s addition to the Funny Car ranks there are now women competing simultaneously in all four professional categories for the first time in NHRA history.

* Ashley is the first woman to compete in the Funny Car division since Cristen Powell in 2000.

* A woman has never reached the final round in the Funny Car division. Ashley is expected to achieve this feat in 2007.

* A woman has never finished in the top 10 in points in the Funny Car division. Ashley is expected to finish in the top 10 this season.

* Ashley and John Force would be the first ever father - daughter match in the history of the NHRA if and when they meet in eliminations.

Many experts and pundits believe that Ashley’s move to the Funny Car division will have a profound impact on the sport of drag racing and will be the biggest story in the NHRA’s 50 year history. A&E′s cameras are there to capture it all as the drama and excitement surrounding drag racing′s premier family unfolds on the new season of DRIVING FORCE.

DOG WHISPERER Begins New Nationwide Search For Problem Pooches

2007-03-02T18:03:00.001-06:00

National Geographic Channel’s DOG WHISPERER Begins New Nationwide Search For Problem Pooches And Their Frustrated Owners

NGC’s Popular Series Seeks Troubled Dogs from New York to Miami to Los Angeles and Other Select Cities Across the U.S. for Upcoming Episodes

Does your dog take you for a walk? Is your dog possessive, aggressive or obsessive? Does your dog have quirky phobias or unusual problems? Are you at your wit’s end with your loveable pooch? Well, the answer to your canine crisis is coming to a city near you! National Geographic Channel’s (NGC) Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan the man Patti LaBelle called "a miracle worker" is currently looking for show submissions in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Minneapolis, New York, Washington, D.C., and Miami for filming later this year.

The Emmy-nominated series Dog Whisperer currently in its third season on NGC is the hugely popular series that follows Cesar as he goes directly into the homes of dog owners without any prior information about the dog’s case and documents the remarkable transformations that take place under Cesar’s calm, assertive guidance. After traveling to Texas, Nebraska, New York and Ohio this season, the show is expanding its nationwide search as it continues to look for dogs to rehabilitate and owners to train.

"One of the best parts of the show is helping owners and their dogs with an even wider range of problems," comments the Dog Whisperer himself, Cesar Millan. "Now we are looking to showcase more people, more places and more dogs than ever before."

With more than 20 years of experience working with canines, Millan has been called "Dr. Phil for dogs," and for good reason. He has a unique gift of rehabilitating dogs and training their owners. A favorite of "Oprah Winfrey," Cesar was also parodied on "South Park" and "Saturday Night Live," and his book "Cesar′s Way" (Harmony Books, 2006) has been a fixture on the New York Times best-seller list. The second season of Dog Whisperer received a nomination for a Primetime Emmy award. Millan was recently made an honorary member of the International Association of Canine Professionals.

The series is now scouting the country looking for new and exciting stories!

Directions to submit your problem pooch:

If you would like to be considered for the show, please send a five- to seven-minute video featuring you and your dog. Please state your name, age and occupation, as well as the dog′s name, age and breed. Tell us the problems your dog is having and how these issues are affecting your life. Also, let us know what you love about your dog.

We would like the video to capture at least three instances of your dog′s bad behavior, but please do not take any risks, for you or your dog, while trying to film the behavior.

When sending in your video, you must include a bio sheet and release forms (personal release and materials release), available for download at: http://dogpsychologycenter.com/submissions.php. Everyone seen in the video must sign a personal release form to be considered for the show. Video footage can be submitted in all formats except for files from digital still cameras and cell phones. Videotapes will not be returned.

Tips

Tips to keep in mind when making the video:

* Keep the cameras as still as possible.

* Avoid having the date and time on the screen.

* Don′t zoom in too close to the dog; we want to see as much of the environment as possible.

* Avoid backlighting on subjects around doors and windows.

Submissions

Please send your videos and submission materials to:

MPH ENTERTAINMENT
Attn: Dog Whisperer Submissions (name of city)
1033 North Hollywood Way
Suite C
Burbank, CA 91505.

NOTE: Only videotape submissions will be accepted. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Dog Whisperer is produced by MPH Entertainment and Emery/Sumner Productions for the National Geographic Channel. Executive producers for MPH Entertainment are Jim Milio, Melissa Jo Peltier and Mark Hufnail. Sheila Possner Emery and Kay Bachman Sumner are producers. For the National Geographic Channel, senior executive producer for season three is Char Serwa; senior vice president of special programming is Michael Cascio and executive-in-charge of production is John Ford.

For more information, visit www.ngcdogwhisperer.com.

Four Are Eliminated From The AMERICAN IDOL Competition Last Night

2007-03-02T18:02:00.000-06:00

Alaina Alexander, Leslie Hunt, Nick Pedro And A.J. Tabaldo Are Eliminated From The AMERICAN IDOL Competition

Top Eight Guys Take The Stage Next Tuesday, March 6, Followed By The Top Eight Girls On Wednesday, March 7; Top 12 Revealed On The Thursday Results Show, March 8 On FOX

The second week of audience voting produced yet another highlight for the record-breaking sixth season of AMERICAN IDOL. Last night, on the results show, the four semifinalists - two girls and two guys - who received the fewest votes were eliminated from the competition. It was revealed that the AMERICAN IDOL journey has ended for Alaina Alexander, Leslie Hunt, Nick Pedro and A.J. Tabaldo.

Alexander, from West Hollywood, CA, sang "Not Ready To Make Nice," while Hunt, of Chicago, IL, sang "Feelin’ Good." Pedro, who currently lives in Taunton, MA, entertained the audience with "Fever," and Tabaldo, from Santa Maria, CA, also sang "Feelin’ Good." Also last night, Season Five finalist Kellie Pickler had the audience on its feet with her new song "I Wonder."

Next week, the Top Eight guys (Jared Cotter, Sundance Head, Blake Lewis, Sanjaya Malakar, Chris Richardson, Brandon Rogers, Chris Sligh, Phil Stacey) will take the stage once again, singing for America on Tuesday, March 6 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). Then it’s the ladies’ turn, as the Top Eight girls (Antonella Barba, Melinda Doolittle, Stephanie Edwards, Gina Glocksen, LaKisha Jones, Haley Scarnato, Sabrina Sloan, Jordin Sparks) perform in hopes of winning America’s vote on Wednesday, March 7 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). Tune in the following night to see who receives enough votes to stay in the competition, and who goes home. Another two guys and two girls will be eliminated on the live results show Thursday, March 8 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX.

Hairstylist Kathleen Eliminated During Two-Hour Premiere Of AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL

2007-03-01T21:02:00.000-06:00

Kathleen Eliminated During Two-Hour Premiere Of AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL On The CW

Kathleen, a hairstylist from Brooklyn, NY, was the first girl eliminated during the eighth cycle premiere of The CW’s hit reality series AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL, reducing the pool from 13 girls to 12. Catch an exclusive interview on www.cwtv.com with Kathleen on "America’s Next Top Model Close Up" presented by CoverGirl on Friday, March 2.

After the field was narrowed down to 13 finalists, the girls were sent to their first photo shoot with Nigel Barker as their photographer. Jay Manuel assigned each of them a different political view, and while several of the girls struggled with their shoots, Kathleen had an especially difficult time as she attempted to portray "anti-fur." Though Jay and Nigel offered numerous suggestions, they felt that Kathleen was falling short. "I think Kathleen was confused by the whole anti-fur concept. She didn’t embrace that it was a political view," Nigel said.

The next day, the girls were sent to a runway challenge and charity fashion show for Goodwill Southern California, where they were met by J. Alexander. After choosing their own outfits, they walked the runway to auction off their clothes to the highest bid. Kathleen felt very comfortable during the whole challenge. "I rock at thrift shops. I felt like I rocked on that runway. The crowd was loving me," said Kathleen. "She was straight up Brooklyn hoochie with a twist. The twist is that she has a great personality," J. said. At the end of the runway challenge, Jael received the highest bid, and won a style make-over with fashion stylist Phillip Bloch.

During the judging, Tyra expressed her overall disappointment with the results of the shoot. The judges were concerned the most with Kathleen and were not sure she would be able to handle the intensity of the modeling world. "The girl with a bright spirit and hair to match that just lost the map," Tyra said to Kathleen, before eliminating her from the race to become AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL.

In addition to a $100,000 contract with cosmetics giant CoverGirl, this year’s prize package for the winner of The CW’s AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL will include a contract with Elite Model Management and a cover and six-page fashion spread in Seventeen magazine.

The eighth cycle of the hit series AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL on The CW follows 13 young women as they attempt to prove they have what it takes to make it in the high-stress world of modeling. Banks, who created the show, also serves as executive producer along with Ken Mok ("Making the Band") and Anthony Dominici ("The Amazing Race").

VH1 Bringing AUSTRALIA’S NEXT TOP MODEL To America

2007-02-27T20:00:00.000-06:00

Top Models Know No Borders - VH1 Brings Australia’s Next Top Model Exclusively To U.S.

Based On The Wildly Successful AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL

AUSTRALIA’S NEXT TOP MODEL Premieres Monday March 5 At 10 PM (EST)

"America’s Next Top Model" is not only a watercooler show in the United States, but also an international sensation. The highly rated versions of the American franchise air in 17 countries around the world. Beginning Monday, March 5 at 10PM (EST), VH1 will premiere the Australian version of this popular franchise for the first time in America. "Australia’s Next Top Model" is ’Down Under’s spin on the franchise, which was created and co-produced by Tyra Banks.

Hosted by model/presenter Erika Heynatz, the eight episode series will chart the sometimes staggering and always eye-catching transformation of 10 hopefuls into potential working models. The 10 finalists spent two months living together in a penthouse in the exclusive Sydney suburb of Darling Point while filming the series.

In each episode, the program’s panel of judges -- including leading fashion designer and former model booker Alex Perry, celebrity fashion stylist Ken Thompson and former U.S. Harper’s Bazaar Managing Editor Marguerite Kramer -- assess task performance and potential. After each critique, one girl is sent home until only one remains.

Aside from the stress of learning the ropes of the business, the finalists also have to deal with the ups and downs of ’model house’ life: tears and tantrums, accusations of fake breasts and theft. Then there are the cheating claims, the ’you’re too skinny’ taunts and all the high drama you’d expect when you put 10 competitive and hugely ambitious girls under one roof! The winner takes home a prize package including a trip to fashion capital Milan, where she will meet with the renowned Fashion agency, an eight-page spread in Cleo magazine, a Napoleon cosmetics campaign and representation from CHIC Model Management.

Visit http://www.vh1.com/shows/ for more information on "Australia’s Next Top Model." VSPOT, VH1’s broadband channel (http://vspot.vh1.com) will offer weekly sneak peek clips leading up to each on-air premiere.

MTV Announces Contest For Viewer Appearance On MTV Road Rules 2007

2007-02-27T19:58:00.000-06:00

MTV And Ask.Com Want You On MTV Road Rules 2007 Viewer’s Revenge

’You In The Crew’ Sweepstakes Offers Viewers The Chance To Grab A Seat On The Road Rules RV

"Road Rules 2007 Viewer’s Revenge" Airs Tuesdays On MTV At 9:00 P.M. ET/PT

Ever dream of touring the country in an RV and hanging out with the Road Rules crew? MTV and Ask.com(R), the official search engine of MTV Road Rules, are making it happen with the ’You in the Crew’ sweepstakes introduced this week at ask.mtv.com. ’You in the Crew’ gives viewers the chance to be a member of the Road Rules 2007 Viewer’s Revenge Pit Crew and possibly win a coveted seat in the RV with the rest of the Road Rules team. ’Road Rules 2007 Viewer’s Revenge’ airs Tuesdays on MTV at 9 p.m. Eastern/Pacific.

To play, visit ask.mtv.com and complete the weekly Ask.com Search Mission. Keyword hints make it a snap to find the information you need on Ask.com (http://www.ask.com/). Get the Search Mission correct and you are automatically entered for a chance to be a part of the Pit Crew. It’s that easy, and it’s the only possible way to join this year’s Road Rulers!

"We’re thrilled to partner with Ask.com in a way that truly reflects the interactive spirit of ’Road Rules’," said Tim Rosta, senior vice president, Integrated Marketing, MTV. "The ’You in the Crew’ sweepstakes is another example of how we’re responding to our viewers’ love of reality and their simultaneous use of the Web, putting a whole new meaning to Viewers Revenge."

The Ask.com Search Mission will be featured each week for the next five weeks. That gives fans up to six chances to win their spot on the Road Rules Pit Crew.

"How cool is it to get a chance to travel the country with the crew?" said Serin Silva, director of marketing for Ask.com. "Ask.com is thrilled to partner with MTV to offer this new take on Road Rules, and give viewers access to the best search results online. The open road, voting rights, bringing it all online -- what more could Ask.com want?"

About Road Rules

"Road Rules" returns, and for the first time ever, the audience is in control of the game. With a real-time shoot schedule, viewers rule this new season as they call the shots to determine who ends up in the elimination round at the end of each episode and who replaces the loser.

The new season kicked off with six "Road Rules" veterans as they hit the road and face-off in a series of adventures and competitions. At the end of each mission, the cast members will nominate one male and one female cast member for possible elimination. Viewers can then log on to roadrules.mtv.com where they vote which of the two will enter the elimination round against a replacement cast member, also selected by fans on mtv.com from a roster of possible competitors. With the match up in place, the elimination round is then played out for fans to see only on mtv.com. "Road Rules" is Executive Produced by Jonathan Murray and Joey Carson. Jacquelyn French and Drew Tappon are Executives in Charge for MTV.

FOX Announces Performers For AMERICAN IDOL - Includes Jennifer Lopez, Martina McBride And Gwen Stefani

2007-02-26T15:55:00.000-06:00

Tony Bennett, Bon Jovi, Barry Gibb, Jennifer Lopez, Lulu, Martina McBride, Peter Noone, Diana Ross And Gwen Stefani To Appear On AMERICAN IDOL On FOX

Former Idols Carrie Underwood and Kellie Pickler Return to IDOL Stage

AMERICAN IDOL’s sixth season continues to shine, with nine new celebrity coaches and guests scheduled to appear on the show. On last week’s results show, Ryan Seacrest announced that Tony Bennett, Bon Jovi, Barry Gibb, Jennifer Lopez, Lulu, Martina McBride, Peter Noone, Diana Ross and Gwen Stefani will join the list of top musical talents who have made appearances on AMERICAN IDOL. In addition, Season Four winner Carrie Underwood and Season Five finalist Kellie Pickler will perform on the show this season. Last Thursday night, Season Three winner Fantasia had the audience on its feet with her rendition of "I’m Here" from the musical "The Color Purple," in which she will be starring on Broadway.

Celebrities in Alphabetical Order:

Tony Bennett is one of a handful of artists to have new albums charting in the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and beyond. Signed to Columbia Records in 1950 he has a string of hits such including such chart-toppers as "Because of You," "Rags to Riches" "Cold, Cold Heart," and his signature song, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco." He has released over 100 albums and has sold over 50 million records worldwide. Bennett has won 14 Grammy Awards, is a recipient of the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and is a Kennedy Center Honoree. His latest CD, TONY BENNETT DUETS: AN AMERICAN CLASSIC recently won three Grammys awards has become Bennett’s highest charting CD of his career and has been certified platinum in just three months since its release.

Bon Jovi, over the past two decades, has earned the loyalty of legions of fans around the globe. They have sold over 100 million albums worldwide and, since forming in 1984, Bon Jovi has performed more than 2500 concerts in 50 countries before more than 32 million people. Bon Jovis last album, the multi platinum-selling "Have A Nice Day", was the band’s ninth studio album. Released in September 2005, the album produced the hit songs, "Have A Nice Day" and the Grammy winning "Who Says You Can′t Go Home". The "Have A Nice Day World Tour" that followed the release of the album was one of the top-grossing tours of last year. Most recently, Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, David Bryan, and Tico Torres have been in and out of New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville, hard at work on a brand new Bon Jovi album slated for release this year.

Barry Gibb is an eight-time Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and producer who along with his brothers formed the Bee Gees, the most successful brother group in history. Their incredible career has spanned five decades and yielded more than 19 No. 1 records in North America. As an individual writer, Gibb became the second-most successful songwriter after Paul McCartney and John Lennon.

The three brothers wrote the feature songs for "Saturday Night Fever," which is still rated as the No. 1 soundtrack of all time. Five of their songs were in the Top 10 and three in the Top 5 during 1978. They were the only group apart from the Beatles to achieve six No. 1s in a row in the U.S. Their greatest honors include induction in the International Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the British Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award and the Ivor Novello Fellowship Award, bringing the fellowship group to 11.

Jennifer Lopez, platinum-selling vocalist, movie star, movie producer and entrepreneur, gets respect wherever she goes. On March 27, Lopez will begin a new phase in her career with the release of her first all-Spanish album, "Como Ama Una Mujer" (How a Woman Loves). An electrifying concept album of state-of-the-art Latin pop, it shows Lopez growing into a new musical maturity with lyrics telling a dramatic story of love and separation, and the courage necessary to find hope and new beginnings. The first single is the propulsive opening song, "Que Hiciste" (What Did You Do?), composed by Julio Reyes.

Lulu is a Scottish singer, songwriter, actor, model and television personality who has been successful in the entertainment business since the 1960s. In 1981, Lulu returned to the U.S. charts with "I Could Never Miss You (More Than I Do)," a Top-20 hit that also reached No. 2 on the Adult Contemporary chart despite stalling at No. 62 in the UK. She won the Rear of the Year award in 1983 and re-recorded a number of her songs. These included "Shout," which reached the Top 10 in 1986 in the UK, securing her a performance spot on the popular BBC music program "Top of the Pops." Lulu made her debut as a film actress in "To Sir, with Love," a British vehicle for Sidney Poitier. She also had a major hit with the title song "To Sir, with Love," which shot to number one in the United States. 2003 autobiography is called Don′t Wanna Fight No More after a hit song she and her brother wrote for Tina Turner, which is a song that Lulu later released in 2003, along with her The Greatest Hits album.

Martina McBride, whose powerhouse voice has earned her 23 career nominations and four Country Music Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year, tying her with Reba McEntire for the most wins in this category, was the only solo female in the Top 10 Country Tours of 2006. With over 16 million albums sold and 22 Top-10 hits, McBride has earned her place as the top female country artist. Her current Top-10 hit "Anyway" is her first co-writing credit, the fastest-rising single of her career and the first single from her self-produced album "Waking Up Laughing," which will be released on RCA Records April 3.

Peter Noone is an English singer, songwriter, guitarist, pianist and actor. He became a pop music star in the 1960s, at the height of the British Invasion spearheaded by the phenomenal success of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Herman’s Hermits. Noone was lead singer, spokesperson and front man of the now-legendary 1960s rock group Herman’s Hermits, which sold over 65 million records and had 11 Top-10 hits. As "Herman," the photogenic Noone graced the cover of nearly every international publication, including TIME magazine. More recently, he was the host of VH1’s "My Generation" from 1989 to 1993, and in 2001 he was voted VH1’s Sexiest Artist.

Diana Ross, in a remarkable career spanning over 40 years, has proven to be the consummate music artist, as well as one of the iconic female singers of all time. Beginning in the 1960s as lead singer of the world-renowned group The Supremes, and as a solo performer, Ross achieved the unprecedented feat of 12 No. 1 singles in the U.S., rivaled only by The Beatles for the position of the biggest hit group of that generation. Other accomplishments include an Oscar® nomination for her first film role, an extraordinary performance as Billie Holiday in "Lady Sings The Blues." She recently returned to the U.S. charts with her highest-debuting album in two decades, "I Love You."

Gwen Stefani is a Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and fashion designer. She joined Orange County, CA, ska band No Doubt in 1988. The group’s third album, "Tragic Kingdom" (1995), propelled them to stardom and sold more than 15 million copies worldwide. It spawned the singles "Just a Girl," "Spiderwebs" and the No. 1 smash "Don’t Speak." Stefani recorded her first solo album, the three-times-platinum "Love. Angel. Music. Baby.", in 2004. Its massive single "Hollaback Girl" became the first U.S. digital download to exceed sales of 1 million copies, and "Rich Girl" and "Cool" were two of 2005’s most popular radio singles. "The Sweet Escape" (2006), Stefani’s follow-up album, includes the hit "Wind It Up" and the title track "The Sweet Escape" (featuring Akon), which is currently No. 3 on Billboards Hot 100. Stefani is also known as a fashion trendsetter. She debuted her signature clothing line L.A.M.B. in 2003; a second line of accessories called Harajuku Lovers followed in 2005.

BIZARRE FOODS WITH ANDREW ZIMMERN Premieres Tonight On The Travel Channel

2007-02-26T15:54:00.000-06:00

Packing an open and curious mind, a strong stomach, and a healthy appetite for travel, internationally renowned chef and food writer, Andrew Zimmern knows all about the global pantry, and is prepared to share that knowledge with viewers. On BIZARRE FOODS WITH ANDREW ZIMMERN, premiering February 26 at 9 PM (ET/PT), he sets out to taste local delicacies from around the globe - even when the delicacies are goat’s head, tongue salad, and pigeon pie.

Through his own extensive travel background, Andrew has determined that one of the best ways to understand a culture fully is by learning about the traditional fare that has fed the native population for centuries. He knows that what seems foreign, unusual, and even highly unappetizing on one side of the planet may be a sacred dish on the other. Partaking in such experiences often proves the best way to appreciate a new culture and see the country.

Holding tight to the mantra, "If it looks good, eat it, and if it tastes good have seconds", Andrew tastes his way around the world eating lamb’s eyes, boiled cow hooves, fried crickets, snail porridge, and even jellied moose nose. Exposing the beauty of both the locations and the traditions behind the foods he consumes, he broadens the viewers’ culinary horizons, and encourages their palates to venture outside grilled cheese sandwiches and hamburgers and take a chance to taste the world!

BIZARRE FOODS WITH ANDREW ZIMMERN takes Andrew to the kitchens, open markets and cafes of Morocco, Spain, the Philippines, Ecuador, New York City, the United Kingdom, Scotland, the Gulf Coast, Papua New Guinea, Australia, Alaska, China, Tibet, and Mongolia, sampling an eclectic array of local cuisine.

AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL Returns Next Wednesday - Episodes Also Available On iTunes

2007-02-22T13:41:00.001-06:00

AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL returns next Wednesday night (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET) for a brand new season with a two hour premiere entitled "The Girl Who Won’t Stop Talking"

Tyra Banks flies 32 aspiring models to Los Angeles, and they are immediately thrown into model boot-camp led by glam squad captains Jay Manuel and J. Alexander. Tyra surprises the girls with a military-style pep talk, and the competition gets rough as strong personalities rise and the catfights begin. The final 13 move into their extravagant Hollywood Hills mansion and are whisked away to their first photo shoot with Nigel Barker. The shoot proves to be controversial and has one model very confused. Special guests include designer Marc Ecko, music producer Jermaine Dupri, photographer Nigel Barker and stylist Phillip Bloch.

Episodes of the hit dramality series AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL featuring Tyra Banks will be available on iTunes in early March, after premiere of the show’s new season. AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL gives real people an opportunity to prove that they can make it in the high-stress, high-stakes world of supermodeling. The series follows a group of young women of various backgrounds, shapes and sizes, who live together and vie for a modeling contract.

Episodes on iTunes will be priced at $1.99 each.

Tonight on SURVIVOR: FIJI- The Ravu Tribe Attempts To Make Fire With A Pair Of Eyeglasses

2007-02-22T13:40:00.001-06:00

"This Isn’t Survival...It’s Thrival" - Although the Moto Tribe is thriving at their camp, one member begins to experience serious health problems. The Ravu Tribe attempts to make fire with a pair of eyeglasses. The third person is voted off the island, on SURVIVOR: FIJI, this evening (Feb. 22 - 8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

CASTAWAYS:

MOTO TRIBE: Alex Angarita, Kenward "Boo" Bernis, Cassandra Franklin, Liliana Gomez, Andre "Dreamz" Herd, Stacy Kimball, Lisi Lisette, Edgardo Rivera, Gary Stritesky

RAVU TRIBE: Yau-Man Chan, Earl Cole, Jessica deBen (1st Voted Off), Erica Durousseau (2nd Voted Out), Sylvia Kwan, Mookie Lee, James "Rocky" Reid, Anthony Robinson, Rita Verreos, Michelle Yi

SURVIVOR: FIJI is hosted by Jeff Probst and produced by SEG, Inc. Mark Burnett and Tom Shelly are the executive producers. Doug McCallie and Kevin Greene are co-executive producers. For more detailed information on SURVIVOR: FIJI and the 19 new castaways, log on to http://www.cbs.com/.

Top 24 AMERICAN IDOL SEMIFINALISTS Revealed - Performances Begin Tonight

2007-02-20T10:17:00.002-06:00

Top 24 AMERICAN IDOL Semifinalists Revealed!
America Begins Voting For Favorite Contestants Tonight
Guys Compete Tuesday, February 20 And Girls Compete Wednesday, February 21
First Live Results Show Airs Thursday, February 22, On Fox

Last week, auditions ended for the sixth season of AMERICAN IDOL and the judges’ Top 24 semifinalists were revealed. Starting tonight, the 24 contestants will be split into two groups - 12 males and 12 females - who will each perform a song of his or her choice for America. The fate of these 24 contestants - one of whom will be the next American Idol - now rests in the viewers’ hands. See what happens when the competition heats up, nerves rattle and contestants shine or fizzle out on the season’s first performance shows Tuesday, Feb. 20 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Wednesday, Feb. 21 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. Then tune in to see who America chooses to continue in the competition when two males and two females are eliminated on the first results show of Season Six Thursday, Feb. 22 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed).

The Top 12 male singers will perform Tuesday, Feb. 20 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. At the end of the show, the phone lines will open for two hours and AMERICAN IDOL viewers will vote for their favorite male contestant(s). Fans can use the branded toll-free telephone numbers (1-866-IDOLS-01, -02, etc.) until 12:00 AM ET/PT (11:00 PM CT/MT), subject to time zone restrictions, or vote via text messaging from their Cingular Wireless phones. Cingular Wireless customers can send the word "vote" to the four-digit short number (5701, 5702, etc.) representing the contestant of their choice.

The Top 12 female singers will perform Wednesday, Feb. 21 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. At the end of the show, the phone lines will again open for two hours and AMERICAN IDOL viewers will vote for their favorite female contestant(s) from Wednesday′s episode. As on Tuesday, fans can call the branded toll-free telephone numbers (1-866-IDOLS-01, -02, etc.) until 12:00 AM ET/PT (11:00 PM CT/MT), subject to time zone restrictions, or vote via text messaging from their Cingular Wireless phones. Cingular Wireless customers can send the word "vote" to the four-digit short number (5701, 5702, etc.) representing the contestant of their choice.

On Thursday’s LIVE results show, the semifinalists will take the stage to find out their fate. The two lowest vote-getters from Tuesday and Wednesday’s shows will be eliminated from the competition live Thursday, Feb. 22 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX.

Meet Your 24 Semifinalists:

Male singers scheduled to perform Tuesday, Feb. 20 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) include:

Rudy Cardenas (28) - Currently lives in North Hollywood, CA, but grew up in Denver, CO. Cardenas was born in Venezuela and has a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Northern Colorado.

Jared Cotter (25) - Grew up in Kew Gardens, NY, and currently lives in West Orange, NJ. He has a degree in business management from Five Towns College, Long Island.

Sundance Head (28) - Currently lives in Porter, TX, and is the son of Roy Head (who had a No. 1 song in 1965, "Treat Her Right"). His life has been centered around music and he can play five instruments.

Paul Kim (25) - Currently lives in Saratoga, CA, and is working as a pool maintenance technician. He grew up with a love of soul music and enjoys gardening.

Blake Lewis (25) - Currently lives in Bothell, WA, and began "beat boxing" in his senior year of high school. Lewis was a member of a youth choir group that traveled to Europe.

Sanjaya Malakar (17) - Currently lives in Federal Way, WA, and comes from a family of singers. He spent four years in Hawaii performing with the Hawaii Children’s Theater.

Chris Richardson (22) - Currently lives in Chesapeake, VA, and is a supervisor at a restaurant. He was born in Belgium into a military family and performs at local clubs.

Nick Pedro (25) - Currently lives in Taunton, MA, and made it to Hollywood last season. Pedro has performed at talent shows and is an account executive.

Brandon Rogers (29) - From North Hollywood, CA, but spent six years in Dallas. Rogers has been singing for as long as he can remember. He works as a voice coach, wedding singer and background singer. His mother is a published songwriter.

Phil Stacey (29) - Currently lives in Jacksonville, FL; however, he grew up in Cincinnati. Stacy has a degree in vocal performance and is a singer in the Navy. He is married with two children.

Chris Sligh (28) - Currently lives in Greenville, SC, and is the son of missionaries. Sligh spent 10 years with his family in Germany. Since attending Bob Jones University, he has traveled and performed with a band.

AJ Tabaldo (22) - Currently lives in Santa Maria, CA, and has been singing since the age of 5. He is a supervisor for a shipping service.

Female singers scheduled to perform Wednesday, Feb. 21 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) include:

Alaina Alexander (24) - Currently lives in West Hollywood, CA, and has been singing all her life. Her favorite artist is Mariah Carey. She has been pursuing a career in music but almost gave up her dream until she made it on AMERICAN IDOL.

Antonella Barba (20) - From Point Pleasant, NJ, Barba attends Catholic University in Washington, DC, pursuing an architecture degree. She began singing in sixth grade and once toured with the Monmouth Conservatory of Music in England.

Melinda Doolittle (29) - Currently lives in Brentwood, TN. Doolittle is a graduate of Belmont University in Nashville and has a bachelor’s degree in Commercial Music. She is a backup singer on stage and in the studio.

Stephanie Edwards (19) - Currently lives in Savannah, GA. Edwards sang at the famed Apollo Theater when she appeared on ÒItÕs Showtime at the Apollo.Ó She has won every singing contest she has ever entered.

Gina Glocksen (22) - Currently lives in Naperville, IL, and works as a dental assistant. Glocksen also performs in a cover band. She tried out for AMERICAN IDOL last season and made it to Day 4 of the Hollywood Round.

Leslie Hunt (24) - Currently lives in Chicago, IL. Hunt is a dog walker who is studying to become a dog trainer. She also plays the piano.

Lakisha Jones (27) - Grew up in Flint, MI, and began singing at age 5. Gospel is her Jones’ favorite type of music but she has trained formally in classical music.

Amy Krebs (22) - Currently lives in Federal Way, WA. Krebs has been singing since she was a small child and attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. She is fluent in German and lived in Germany for three years.

Haley Scarnato (24) - Currently lives in San Antonio, TX. Scarnato, who recently became engaged, has been performing as a freelance singer since she was 15 years old and considers Celine Dion her hero.

Jordin Sparks (17) - Currently lives in Glendale, AZ. Sparks began singing when she was only 18 months old. She won the "Arizona Idol" contest. Her favorite band is Something Corporate.

Sabrina Sloan (27) - Currently lives in Studio City, CA. Sloan attended the Northwestern University music and theater program and has performed across the country with the touring production of "Hairspray."

Nicole Tranquillo (20) - Currently lives in Philadelphia, PA, where she is a vocal major at the University of the Arts. Tranquillo began taking voice lessons when she was 12 years old.

The Harsh Reality Of Modeling Industry In THE AGENCY - Premieres On VH1 Tonight

2007-02-20T10:17:00.001-06:00

Top Models Are Perfection. Sometimes The Industry Can Be Anything But.

VH1 Goes Inside The Wilhelmina Modeling Agency To Reveal The Pressure Behind The Posing

Infiltrating the modeling industry like no other television series has, THE AGENCY takes a stark look at the men and women who search for, mold, scold and comfort raw, young beauties -- all in an effort to groom the world’s most marketable people. The series is not just about glamour. It’s about the harsh realities of a business in which millions of dollars are at stake daily, and the competition for landing high-end models and campaigns can lead to both euphoric victories and bitter defeats.

Taking a rare look at client meetings, casting calls, and backstage at fashion shows, THE AGENCY casts an unblinking eye on the super-high-stress jobs of the people who are completely hooked on the business of brokering beauty. It explores the complex, up-and-down relationships between the agents and their models--who are sometimes na•ve, insecure, vulnerable women and men who must be parented and then delivered on time and looking fabulous to demanding clients.

Catch the first episode of the THE AGENCY on VSPOT, VH1’s broadband channel (http://vspot.vh1.com). Subsequent episodes will be available on VSPOT each Saturday following the show’s Tuesday night premiere on VH1.

Additionally, the premiere episode of THE AGENCY has been offered as a free download on the iTunes Store (www.itunes.com). The rest of the season will be available for purchase and download on iTunes for $1.99 per episode the day following each week’s on-air broadcast.

In conjunction with the premiere of THE AGENCY, VH1.com is launching a "Win a Day in the Life of a Model" contest. From February 12 - April 30 visit http://win.vh1.com for your chance to win a 3 day/2 night trip to New York City for a consultation and $1,000 shopping trip with a Style.com stylist, a Wilhelmina agency walk-through and photo opportunity with models and the show’s cast, and a night out on the town for dinner and drinks at the hot New York nightclub Nikki Beach Midtown.

TV Guide Channel Announces Casting Call For AMERICA’S NEXT PRODUCER

2007-02-20T10:16:00.001-06:00

TV Guide Channel Announces New Reality Competition Series from the Executive Producers of Project Runway and Top Chef

AMERICA’S NEXT PRODUCER on TV Guide Channel Seeks Hollywood’s Most Talented TV Producer in 10 Episode Series

TV Guide Channel, a leading television entertainment network providing original programming to more than 80 million homes, and Magical Elves, executive producers of "Project Runway," "Top Chef" and "Project Greenlight," today announced AMERICA’S NEXT PRODUCER, a 10 episode reality competition series that will give a group of television and video producers the chance to prove they have what it takes to create the next generation of TV hits. Contestants will be judged on their abilities to create and execute compelling TV concepts in a variety of genres from scripted to reality. Contestants will have varying levels of TV production experience and will compete each week to survive elimination rounds. The winner of the new TV Guide Channel series will receive the ultimate TV producer prize package: $100,000 cash, a production office in Hollywood, and a first-look deal with TV Guide Channel. The host and judges for AMERICA’S NEXT PRODUCER will include a mix of celebrities, accomplished TV producers and industry deal-makers who are stars of the TV business today.

"AMERICA’S NEXT PRODUCER is TV Guide Channel’s biggest original television production to date and a brand defining show for our network as we evolve into a programming destination for TV fans," said Ryan O’Hara, President of TV Guide Channel. "Magical Elves has proven that they are TV hit-makers and we are excited to partner with them on our first reality competition TV series AMERICA’S NEXT PRODUCER."

"We know from our own experience what a dramatic, creative, varied and entertaining world exists behind the camera, but a lot of people don’t know what a producer really does," said Dan Cutforth, Co-Founder of Magical Elves and Executive Producer of AMERICA’S NEXT PRODUCER. "We’re excited to give some talented producers a chance to show the world what they can do, and what it takes to create television."

A nationwide search for contestants on AMERICA’S NEXT PRODUCER has already begun. Eligible parties may enter through traditional means, or by participating in a user-generated video contest hosted by TV Guide Channel in partnership with Jumpcut, a Yahoo! company. Entry options are as follows:

OPTION 1
Submit An Application: Download an application at www.tvguidechannel.com and submit it along with a bio video and reel.

OPTION 2
Attend an Open Call: Attend a casting call in Chicago (February 24), Los Angeles (March 10) or New York (March 16 and 18). For specific times and locations, please visit www.tvguidechannel.com.

OPTION 3
AMERICA’S NEXT PRODUCER Search Contest: In partnership with Jumpcut, TV Guide Channel is sponsoring a user-generated video contest. Starting February 22, contestants can submit a short personal bio video online at www.tvguidechannel.com. The top three videos will be selected and posted online on March 19, and consumers will have one week to vote on their favorite. The video that receives the most votes will be announced on March 30 and its creator will be offered a contestant spot on AMERICA’S NEXT PRODUCER.

Cast Announced PUSSYCAT DOLLS PRESENT: THE SEARCH FOR THE NEXT DOLL - Premieres March 6th

2007-02-16T16:43:00.000-06:00

Don′t Cha Wish Your Girlfriend Was Hot Like The Nine Finalists Of PUSSYCAT DOLLS PRESENT: THE SEARCH FOR THE NEXT DOLL On The CW

Nine finalists will attempt to unleash their inner Pussycat Doll as they sing, dance and compete to become the newest member of the chart-topping, multi-platinum group in PUSSYCAT DOLLS PRESENT: THE SEARCH FOR THE NEXT DOLL, premiering Tuesday, March 6 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET) on The CW.

PUSSYCAT DOLLS PRESENT: THE SEARCH FOR THE NEXT DOLL participants are:

Name: Anastacia
Age: 23
Hometown: San Francisco, California
Current Location: West Hollywood, California
Occupation: Make-up Artist/Choreographer/Dancer/Lyricist

Name: Asia
Age: 18
Hometown & Current Location: Mt. Vernon, New York
Occupation: Knick City Dancer

Name: Brittany
Age: 20
Hometown: Chesapeake, Virginia
Current Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Occupation: Manager of a night club/Singer/Dancer/Model

Name: Chelsea
Age: 20
Hometown & Current Location: Cooper City, Florida
Occupation: Waitress/Singer/Dancer

Name: Jaime
Age: 21
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Current Location: New York City, New York
Occupation: Production Assistant/Singer/Dancer

Name: Mariela
Age: 24
Hometown: Coconut Grove, Florida
Current Location: Miami, Florida
Occupation: Dancer

Name: Melissa R.
Age: 18
Hometown & Current Location: Cypress, California
Occupation: Performer

Name: Melissa S.
Age: 24
Hometown: Auburn Hills, Michigan and Toronto, Canada
Current Location: Los Angeles, California
Occupation: Singer/Dancer/Actress

Name: Sisely
Age: 25
Hometown: Long Beach, California
Current Location: Los Angeles, California
Occupation: Singer/Dancer/Actress/Dance Instructor

PUSSYCAT DOLLS PRESENT: THE SEARCH FOR THE NEXT DOLL is a behind-the-scenes look at the process of selecting a beautiful and talented singer/dancer who has what it takes to join one of the world′s most successful performing and recording acts. Some of the gorgeous and gifted participants are great singers, some are great dancers, some have a creative style all their own, but the winner of the competition will be the one who combines all these talents to unleash her inner Pussycat Doll. Out of the thousands of gifted hopefuls who audition, only one of these young women will make it through the challenges and undergo a total transformation to win her place in the spotlight as the newest member of the Pussycat Dolls.

Judges on the series include the group′s founder and choreographer, Robin Antin, along with Ron Fair, Chairman of Geffen Records, and Grammy Award-winning performing artist Lil′ Kim. As they guide the young contestants through auditions and challenges, the judges′ personal styles sometimes clash, but their brutally honest critiques are intended to bring out the best in each performer. The Pussycat Dolls′ lead singer and spokesperson, Nicole Scherzinger, is an inspiring role model to the participants. New dance routines in the Dolls′ unmistakable style are created by Antin and co-choreographer Mikey Minden, who teach the girls one demanding number after another. In addition, Antin is on hand to take the participants through each challenge and demonstrate what it takes to become a Pussycat Doll. Antin′s brother, hairstylist Jonathan Antin of "Blowout" fame, is on board for sexy hairstyle makeovers. Another important member of the team is singer/songwriter Mark McGrath ("Extra" and Sugar Ray), who serves as the show′s host.

After a nationwide audition process, the judges narrowed the dancers down to the final diverse group of nine young women, who move into a loft in Los Angeles during the competition. Each episode has a specific theme confidence, creativity and style are just a few of the themes addressed. Challenges include ballet dancing in toe shoes, designing an original Pussycat Doll-style outfit and learning a dance routine with male partners.

In addition to Nicole, other members of the Pussycat Dolls provide advice and empower the girls to give their all during each challenge. Along the way, there are plenty of surprises, including celebrity guests and unexpected trips.

ABC Announces THE NEXT BEST THING: WHO IS THE GREATEST CELEBRITY IMPERSONATOR? (FKA THE IMPOSTER)

2007-02-15T18:40:00.000-06:00

Production Begins March 5 On THE NEXT BEST THING: WHO IS THE GREATEST CELEBRITY IMPERSONATOR? (FKA "THE IMPOSTER"), An Hour-Long Weekly Alternative Series Slated For Summer 2007 On ABC

From producers Peter Engel and Barry Katz (both of "Last Comic Standing"), "The Next Best Thing: Who is the Greatest Celebrity Impersonator?" (fka "The Imposter") begins production March 5, 2007, with auditions in Los Angeles, CA. The hour-long alternative series on the search to find the best celebrity impersonator is scheduled to air this summer on the ABC Television Network.

Auditions will be held in four cities - Los Angeles (March 5-6), Las Vegas (March 11-12), New York (March 20-21) and Orlando (March 28-29). Contestants advancing from the regional auditions will move on to the semifinals. Ten contestants will emerge from the semis, and America will vote to crown The Next Best Thing. Locations of semis and finals TBD.

Audition Locations:

Los Angeles, March 5-6: Tribune Studios
5800 Sunset Blvd., Studio 9C
Los Angeles, CA 90028

Las Vegas, March 11-12: Rain Nightclub
Palms Casino Resort
4321 W. Flamingo Road
Las Vegas, NV 89103

New York, March 20-21: Caroline′s on Broadway
1626 Broadway
New York, NY 10019

Orlando, March 28-29: Disney MGM Studios
Sounds Dangerous Theater
3111 World Drive
Orlando, FL 32830

Michele Merkin ("Food Call," "Extreme Dodgeball") will host. Actress-comedian Lisa Ann Walters has been signed as a judge. The other two judges will be named at a later date.

DEADLIEST CATCH Returns For A Third Season In April For Discovery Channel

2007-02-14T19:22:00.000-06:00

Discovery Channel’s Emmy-Nominated Series DEADLIEST CATCH Returns for a Third Season in April

Gripping Series Follows Crab Fishermen as They Risk Their Lives in Search of Fortune

The fleet of crab-fishing boats that captivated nearly three million viewers each week on Discovery Channel’s Emmy(R)-nominated series DEADLIEST CATCH returns on Tuesday, April 3, at 9 PM (ET/PT) for a third season of life-or-death adventures on the high seas. Viewers once again voyage to the Bering Sea and follow the brave captains and crews of eight crab-fishing vessels as they struggle against treacherous weather conditions doing one of the deadliest -- and most lucrative -- jobs in the world.

Filming of the new season of DEADLIEST CATCH -- Discovery Channel’s highest-rated series of 2006 -- is currently under way. With red king crab season completed, captains and crews are on the Bering Sea tempting fate in the hunt for opilio crab. Fishermen are enduring subzero arctic weather, 60- mph winds and turbulent seas with waves the size of four-story buildings -- all on three to four hours of sleep each night. To add to the weather nightmare, a thousand gallons of water crashes on the deck every 30 seconds, freezing as it hits the boat. To prevent the boat from becoming too top-heavy and capsizing at sea, deckhands are continuously forced to stop fishing and spend hours clearing the ice with sledgehammers.

In conditions like this, it’s not uncommon for deckhands to experience stage one hypothermia, whose symptoms include shivering, poor coordination, slurred speech and poor judgement -- all factors that contribute to the danger associated with crab fishing on the Bering Sea.

This season, viewers will get a more in-depth look at the men who put their lives on the line in search of modern-day buried treasure -- Alaskan crab.

Returning to DEADLIEST CATCH this year are the men of the Northwestern, led by Captain Sig Hansen; Captain Phil Harris and his crew of the Cornelia Marie, including sons Jake and greenhorn Josh; Captain Johnathan Hillstrand (king crab season) and Captain Andy Hillstrand (opilio crab season) of the Time Bandit; and greenhorn Captain Blake Painter (king crab season) of the Maverick and his new hand-picked crew, along with Rick Quashnick (opilio crab season) with his wife Donna.

New to DEADLIEST CATCH this season are the men of the Wizard, led by Captain Keith Colburn; Captain Greg Moncrief of the Farwest Leader, who is joined on board by his wife Ragnhild; Captain Allen Oakley of the Early Dawn and his crew, including greenhorn Bryan Mezich; and the crew of the Aleutian Ballad, with Captain Corky Tilley at the helm and son Matthew and daughter Nicole on deck.

In addition to exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and online chats, this year’s DEADLIEST CATCH fansite offers viewers a chance to put their own crab- fishing skills to the test -- in the comfort of their own homes. To coincide with the season premiere on April 3, Discovery Channel will launch an online game at discovery.com/DeadliestCatch where people can compete with other virtual skippers to find out who has what it takes to bring their crews home safely and with money in their pockets. Players select their boat and crew and navigate to fishing spots in hopes of pulling in a big haul and an even bigger payday. Prizes will be awarded to the top skippers.

INTERVENTION Returns For A Third Season Beginning Friday, March 16th

2007-02-14T19:21:00.000-06:00

A&E Network′s Documentary Series INTERVENTION - Returns For A Third Season Beginning Friday, March 16th

A&E Network’s acclaimed documentary series INTERVENTION, which profiles people who are struggling with addictions and the friends and family members who are seeking to help them, returns for a third season in a new timeslot, Fridays at 10:00pm EST/PST beginning March 16th.

INTERVENTION is a powerful and gripping series in which people confront their darkest demons and seek a route to redemption. The series profiles people whose dependence on drugs and alcohol or other compulsive behavior has brought them to a point of personal crisis and estranged them from their friends and loved ones. Each episode ends with a surprise intervention that is staged by the family and friends of the addict, and which is conducted by one of four specialists: Jeff VanVonderen, Candy Finningan, Ken Seeley and Tara Fields.

INTERVENTION raises awareness about the alternatives and treatment options available to those who suffer from an addiction, and gives hope to families who have nowhere left to turn. Out of the 61 interventions featured since the series premiere in March of 2004, 59 individuals have successfully entered treatment. Last year, INTERVENTION ranked as A&E’s #2 series after Dog The Bounty Hunter in Adults 18-49 (1.0 million) and Adults 25-54 (952,000).

Robert Sharenow and Colleen Conway are the executive producers for A&E Network. INTERVENTION is produced for A&E Network by GRB. Bryn Freedman is executive producer and Sam Mettler is creator and executive producer for GRB.

VH1 Announces New Reality Series ROCK OF LOVE WITH BRET MICHAELS

2007-02-13T19:49:00.001-06:00

Poison Front Man Bret Michaels Administers a Dose of Love to a Bevy of Beauties in the New Reality Series ROCK OF LOVE WITH BRET MICHAELS

The Ten Episode Series Premieres in July

Hot on the heels of VH1’s record breaking hits, "Flavor of Love" and "I Love New York," comes a fresh new take on this wildly exciting relationship show. Known as the bandana-clad, blue- eyed lead singer/songwriter from one of today’s legendary rock bands, Bret Michaels has been handpicked by VH1 and producers Mark Cronin & Cris Abrego to take this series to all new heights of rock-n-roll insanity! The hard-rockin’ Poison front man is looking for a woman who can truly keep up with his rock-n- roll lifestyle and not become jealous of his one true passion -- performing which has been the reason for and destruction of most of his relationships. As VH1’s hottest eligible bachelor, a bevy of beauties will vie to win his heart in the new series "Rock of Love with Bret Michaels" premiering in July.

With twenty years of continuous multi-platinum success, sold-out tours and a couple of high-profile relationships that never led to the altar, Michaels is ready to wear his heart on his sleeve. The series will focus on the never- before-revealed private side of Michaels. With that said, the casting executives have received an overwhelming response from female fans of all ages. Residing with Michaels in his Los Angeles rock palace, these women will be tested on their devotion to him and their love and understanding of all that is rock-n-roll. To help narrow the field, Michaels will put these women through various challenges. The ladies who win these challenges will join Michaels on some wild and exclusive excursions, while those who can't hang like true backstage VIPs will be escorted out in bona fide rock star fashion.

Whether it’s partying on the tour bus, jetting-off to a sun-kissed beach, or hanging with Michaels’ celebrity friends, this 10-part series follows these lucky ladies on the rollercoaster ride of their lives. They’ll all get a taste of living the rock star life, but in the end, only one lucky lady will win an all access pass to his heart.

Supermodel Petra Nemcova To Host New Reality Modeling Series for TLC

2007-02-09T16:41:00.000-06:00

TLC Green Lights Series Hosted by Supermodel and Activist Petra Nemcova

TLC has given a green light to an eight-part series starring international supermodel and activist Petra Nemcova. THE PETRA NEMCOVA PROJECT (wt) is being produced for TLC by 25/7 Productions in association with The Mottola Company. Dave Broome is the executive producer for 25/7, Tommy Mottola and Jeb Brien are executive producers for The Mottola Company and Sara Kozak is executive producer for TLC.

The series travels the globe in search of undiscovered model talent, who will be brought to New York to audition for potential contracts with NEXT Model Management. Petra Nemcova will serve as a mentor and friend to the prospective models, as they learn the business of fashion and modeling. Using her own life experiences, Petra will advise the models on how to succeed in the fashion industry, and will also underscore the importance of having a well-rounded life, including giving back to communities important to each of them. NEXT will ultimately determine how many of the models deserve a contract with the agency.

"In a television environment flooded with competition-based reality shows, we wanted to create a series that goes behind the scenes of the real modeling industry and showcases how real women become models," said Christian Drobnyk, senior vice president, programming and development, TLC. "We’re delighted to work with Petra Nemcova, who is not only a supermodel, but is also an amazing role model."

"This is a series about hopes, dreams and aspirations and overcoming the real life obstacles of the modeling industry. I’m excited to show the audience the true competitiveness and often gritty side of becoming successful in this industry," said Dave Broome, executive producer.

"As a model and humanitarian, Petra is constantly raising the bar. I am confident that this new endeavor will achieve the same results," said Tommy Mottola, legendary record executive and executive producer.

Stunning supermodel, Petra Nemcova has taken the fashion industry by storm since she was crowned cover girl of the highly anticipated Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue in 2003. She has appeared in advertising campaigns for high-end brands such as Pantene, Lancaster, Graff, La Perla, Max Factor, Clarins, Cartier, Rampage and most recently, Fortunoff. Petra’s sultry looks have been featured in Vogue, Vanity Fair, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Ocean Drive and Marie Claire to name a few. A survivor of the 2004 Asian Tsunami, Nemcova founded the Happy Hearts Fund (http://www.happyheartsfund.org/) in 2005 to aid children in need who have suffered loss or hardship as a result of natural, economic or health-related disasters. Happy Hearts has raised over $1.5 million to help children in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Pakistan live healthy, happier lives filled with hope instead of fear.

NBC Announces Casting Call For Returning Hit Reality Show IDENTITY

2007-02-09T16:40:00.000-06:00

Open Casting Calls For Individuals with Keen Perception and Instincts Willing to Test Their Impulses for the Chance to Win $500,000 as IDENTITY Contestants

The returning hit game show IDENTITY is in search of contestants willing to take on the ultimate game of "who’s who" for the chance to win $500,000 as casting calls have been set for Chicago, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Phoenix and Dallas between February 9 and 24. IDENTITY, which is hosted by Emmy Award-winning comedian-magician Penn Jillette, will return to the NBC schedule in the Spring.

IDENTITY is an intense game of impulse and reasoning where keen perception and instincts can lead to big money. Each contestant faces 12 new strangers and a list of 12 new identities. The game unfolds as the contestant picks an identity -- ranging anywhere from a profession to a shoe size -- and tries to match it with one of the 12 strangers. The amount of money the contestant accumulates increases with each correctly identified stranger. If all 12 are matched up correctly, the player is rewarded with the top prize of $500,000.

The series’ casting producers are in search of intuitive and enthusiastic individuals who possess an uncanny ability to read people. Those wishing to face the IDENTITY challenge may obtain applications by visiting www.nbc.com. Candidates may begin lining up one-hour prior to the start time and should arrive with their applications completed. Casting producers will interview candidates on a first-come, first-served basis and some candidates may be asked to play a condensed version of IDENTITY.

The casting calls will be held at the following times and locations:

CHICAGO
(February 9-10)
Hard Rock Cafe
63. W. Ontario Street
Chicago, Illinois 60610
Friday, February 9
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, February 10
12 noon to 5 p.m.

LAS VEGAS
(February 12-13)
Doubletree Club - Las Vegas Airport Hotel
7250 Pollock Drive
Las Vegas, Nevada 89119
Monday, February 12
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tuesday, February 13
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

ATLANTA
(February 16-17)
Gordon Biersch Brewery
848 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30308
Friday, February 16
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, February 17
Noon to 5 p.m.

PHOENIX
(February 19-20)
Marriott Phoenix Airport Hotel
1101 North 44th Street
Phoenix, Arizona 85008
Monday, February 19
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tuesday, February 20
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

DALLAS
(February 23-24)
The Westin DFW Airport Hotel
4545 W. John Carpenter Freeway
Irving, Texas 75063
Friday, February 23
4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday, February 24
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

TV Guide Channel Announces Their First Reality Show - MAKING NEWS: TEXAS STYLE

2007-02-08T18:41:00.000-06:00

TV Guide Channel Greenlights Production of New Original Series MAKING NEWS: TEXAS STYLE

Continuing an aggressive original series production slate, TV Guide Channel, a leading entertainment network providing original programming to over 80 million homes, has started production on a new original weekly series, MAKING NEWS: TEXAS STYLE which will give viewers an inside look at the inner-workings of a local news station in Midland-Odessa, Texas. The 13 episode series began filming in January entirely on location in Midland-Odessa, and is executive produced by Nick Davis Productions. The announcement was made by Ryan O’Hara, President, TV Guide Channel.

"MAKING NEWS: TEXAS STYLE is TV Guide Channel’s first original reality series and as such, we are looking forward to bringing our viewers inside the world of what it takes to produce and broadcast such an important piece of television on a daily basis."

Executive producer Nick Davis says, "When we watch the local news, we all kind of instinctively know that a lot of hard work and effort went into making it, but I don’t think most of us know how incredibly frantic, funny, and improvised the making of a local news broadcast can be." Davis continues, "With KOSA-TV allowing us to be here with our cameras, now we’ll be able to show viewers that process from start to finish, and get to know a really incredible group of people who devote their lives to this phenomenon of the local newscast"

Centered around CBS affiliate KOSA-TV Channel 7, MAKING NEWS: TEXAS STYLE will go inside the dramatic and fascinating world of local news and follow the daily struggles of a diverse cast, as they will do anything to get their story and produce their nightly newscasts. Taking an in-depth look at what it takes to run a local news station and the drama that ensues behind-the-scenes which sometimes translates on-screen, the series will focus on the people who put the news together including the anchors, reporters, trainees, and producers.

Open Casting Calls Announced For LAST COMIC STANDING on NBC

2007-02-07T13:39:00.000-06:00

The hit reality show LAST COMIC STANDING has announced open casting calls for their next season.

Bring your best 2 minutes!

LAST COMIC STANDING is holding open calls in the following cities. Doors open at 9:00 am.

February 26, 2007
The Hollywood Improv
8162 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90046

March 21, 2007
Gotham Comedy Club
208 W. 23rd St.
New York, NY 10011

March 27, 2007
Acme Comedy Club
708 N. First St.
Minneapolis, MN 55401

March 30, 2007
River Center Comedy Club
849 E. Commerce St., Suite 893
San Antonio, TX 78205

April 3, 2007
The Tempe Improv
930 E. University Dr.
Tempe, AZ 85281

They will also be holding auditions in:
Sydney, Australia
London, England
Montreal, Canada
Dates and times to be announced.

Cast Announced For Season Four Of COLLEGE HILL On BET

2007-02-07T13:37:00.000-06:00

School’s back in session on COLLEGE HILL 4, TV’s most addictive black reality show. The highly-anticipated fourth season features a new cast of eight students from the University of Virgin Islands St. Thomas. COLLEGE HILL is HBCU college life uncensored and completely unrestricted: from the classroom to chaos -- cultural clashes to crazy sexual escapades, pranks to strict consequences -- the network’s cameras are there 24/7 to catch all of the action.

On this season of COLLEGE HILL, four Virgin Islanders live in a tricked-out pad with a group of California transfer students and it’s not too long before the cultural tension crescendos! This season brings a new combination of saucy, volatile and eclectic personalities with more of the on- and off-campus escapades that have marked its ratings success for the last three seasons. Reality TV reaches new heights as BET’s COLLEGE HILL exposes real student life -- drama and all -- in the quest for higher education!

SHOW PREMIERE: Tuesday, March 6, 2007 @ 10 p.m. ET/PT (special one-hour premiere)

SHOW SCHEDULE: Half hour, 13-episode series

THE CAST:
Willie - 22, Los Angeles, CA, International Marketing
Krystal - 23, Laguna Hills, CA, Broadcast Communications
Jaron "JT" - 20, Los Angeles, CA, Music
Fallon - 21, Inglewood, CA, Communications
Devon "Chicky" - 21, St. Thomas, V.I., Business Administration/CIS
Idesha - 21, St. Thomas, V.I., Biology
Andres - 21, St. Croix, V.I., Business
Vanessa - 22, St. Croix, V.I., Psychology

PRIMETIME: THE OUTSIDERS Returns Tonight - Examines Unusual People With Unimaginable Lives

2007-02-06T12:41:00.002-06:00

PRIMETIME: THE OUTSIDERS, An ABC News Series, Examines Unusual People With Unimaginable Lives

Seven-Part Series Begins Tonight, February 6 at 9:00 p.m., ET.

PRIMETIME: THE OUTSIDERS returns to ABC tonight to examine people who live by their own rules and in their own worlds -- worlds that the average person may find unimaginable. Featuring reports from an ensemble of ABC News anchors and correspondents, the limited series takes viewers behind closed doors and into the lives of people outside the bounds of conventional society. PRIMETIME: THE OUTSIDERS will premiere tonight (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network, and will continue to air on Tuesday nights (9:00-10:00 p.m.) through March 20.

The premiere hour follows the story of a successful couple from the Sacramento, California area who seemed to have it all -- until life started to unravel in a baffling way. Richard and Susan Hamlin met in law school and, as he explains it, from then on had a "very blessed life." Richard was a star defense attorney and Susan a corporate lawyer who left her career to become a stay at home mom of their four children. They were part of Sacramento society, consistently on the A-list party circuit of the local social scene. As time went on, however, things started to shift and their marriage began to crumble. And that was just the beginning. Chris Cuomo reports on how their story took a drastic turn the day Susan went into a police precinct to confess to planning the murder of her own husband and to molesting her children. But did it ever happen?

PRIMETIME: THE OUTSIDERS examines this compelling story to find out whether Susan’s confessions were real, or if she was in fact being brainwashed by her husband. During the hour, the program follows the trial of Richard Hamlin, who is the defendant here -- not Susan -- charged with torture. Cuomo interviews him, Susan Hamlin, their children and police to get answers. Richard tells Cuomo that Susan’s father is part of a satanic cult -- a cult that police and prosecutors say never existed - and that he is to blame. But ultimately the question remains whether Susan’s husband was capable of physically beating and emotionally brainwashing his wife to believe the unthinkable... and how?

BIG BROTHER 8 Officially Announced By CBS - Coming This Summer

2007-02-06T12:41:00.001-06:00

CBS Picks Up The Hit Summer Series BIG BROTHER For Its Eighth Edition

CBS has picked up the reality series BIG BROTHER, hosted by Julie Chen, for an eighth installment to be broadcast this summer.

Last season’s BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS started with 20 All-Star Houseguests and after 71 days and 1,704 hours, Mike "Boogie" Malin, a 35-year-old restaurateur originally from Concord, N.H., was crowned the winner of BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS and claimed the $500,000 prize.

BIG BROTHER 8 will follow the relationships and conflicts of players who live together in a house outfitted with dozens of cameras and microphones recording their every move 24 hours a day. One by one, the Houseguests will vote each other out of the house. At the end of three months, the last remaining Houseguest will receive the grand prize of $500,000.

BIG BROTHER premiered in July 2000 and has been a key component of CBS’ summer programming ever since.

BIG BROTHER 8 will be executive produced by Emmy Award winner Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan, in association with Endemol U.S.A. Academy Award and Emmy Award winner Arnold Shapiro will serve as an executive consultant on the series.

Oxygen Summer 07 Programming Filled With Surefire Hits And Over-The-Top Women

2007-02-05T09:16:00.001-06:00

Oxygen Network Announces Summer Schedule - Includes MO’NIQUE’S F.A.T. CHANCE And FIGHT GIRLS
The Hit Reality Specials MO’NIQUE’S F.A.T. CHANCE And FIGHT GIRLS Turn Into Series

Network Also To Air Of THE 50 FUNNIEST WOMEN ALIVE - Hosted by Kelly Ripa

Oxygen’s tradition of over-the-top women continues as the network announces a summer programming slate filled with surefire hits. TV’s only plus-sized reality beauty competition MO’NIQUE’S F.A.T. CHANCE and the hit reality special FIGHT GIRLS both return and will expand from two-hour specials to a series format. In addition, Oxygen will air 50 FUNNIEST WOMEN ALIVE, a countdown special hosted by actress Kelly Ripa (Live With Regis & Kelly, All My Children). The special will pay tribute to 50 of the greatest comedic female performers alive.

"We love that MO’NIQUE’S F.A.T. CHANCE and Fight Girls speak to women who aren’t often catered to on television. Our audience has been so supportive of both shows, turning them into series was a no-brainer," said Debby Beece, President of Programming and Marketing. "Humor is a huge part of our identity, so what better way to celebrate comedy than by honoring THE 50 FUNNIEST WOMEN ALIVE."

Oxygen will partner once more with actress-comedienne and plus-size icon Mo’Nique (Phat Girlz, The Parkers) for a third season of MO’NIQUE’S F.A.T. CHANCE, television’s only full-figured reality beauty competition that follows 10 women as they vie for the title of Miss F.A.T. and a $50,000 cash prize. The series will expand from a two-hour special to seven one-hour episodes with the 10 aspiring beauty queens competing for the crown in Paris, France.

As they live together in the "capital of thin," they will face a new series of boot camp challenges and in the process challenge a world fashion capital to change its idea of beauty. Culminating in a beauty pageant fashion show, the Paris runways will usher in a new era of models. Mo’Nique serves as creator, executive producer and host of the series. Also executive producing is Don Weiner of Don Weiner Enterprises and Jeff Kopp serves as co-executive producer for the series.

FIGHT GIRLS, Oxygen’s first reality movie that follows female fighters as they train in the martial art of Muay Thai kickboxing, will become its first sports reality competition series premiering in June with eight one-hour episodes. This season’s competitors will train and live together in Las Vegas under the tutelage of former Muay Thai world champion and Thai kickboxing guru Master Toddy, and the winner will travel to Thailand to compete with the top female Muay Thai fighters in the world. Fight Girls is executive produced by Scott Messick and Tom Weber of Mess Media.

A tribute to some of the funniest living women in comedy by some of their funniest female peers, 50 FUNNIEST WOMEN ALIVE is a two-hour special hosted by actress Kelly Ripa. Through candid interviews from their peers and gut-busting video clips, the special offers a unique and humorous portrait of 50 of the most side-splitting sitcom stars, stand-ups, sketch comediennes, TV personalities and movie actresses. The series is executive produced by Chris Stout for City Lights Television

TOP DESIGN And TOP CHEF Have Ratings Records for Bravo

2007-02-05T09:15:00.000-06:00

TOP DESIGN Premiere Becomes Highest Rated Series Premiere In Network History

Bravo devoured the competition Wednesday night with 3.896 million total viewers and 2.879 Adults 18-49 tuning in to see the bespectacled New Yorker Ilan Hall win the second season finale of TOP CHEF at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT, making the show the #1 telecast on cable for the night and besting ABC’s "Primetime" in head-to-head competition in viewers 18-49 (2.879 vs. 2.705), according to Nielsen Media Research. Additionally, 1.768 million total viewers showed their good taste by tuning in to the season premiere of TOP DESIGN at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT, making it Bravo’s highest rated series premiere in network history.

The third installment of Watch What Happens, BravoTV.com’s weekly broadband series hosted by Andy Cohen, which immediately followed TOP CHEF’s conclusion at 11:01P, posted strong increases for a second straight week. There were 29,639 reported hits from Akamai from 11:00P-11:40P, +82% above last week reported hits from 11:15P-11:35P.

"After 12 months of consecutive year-over-year growth, Wednesday night is another fantastic achievement for Bravo because viewers continue to come to us on air and on line for acclaimed and dramatic entertainment content," said Lauren Zalaznick, President, Bravo. "TOP CHEF came into its own this season as one of cable’s biggest and most talked about hits, and TOP DESIGN takes the reigns by debuting to both historic numbers and critical acclaim."

TOP CHEF season two finale outpaced the season two finale of PROJECT RUNWAY on March 8, 2006 by 16 percent among Adults 18-49 (2.879 vs. 2.472), and 14 percent among total viewers (3.896 vs. 3.409). Additionally, TOP CHEF season two finale bested the inaugraial season one finale on May 24, 2006 by 185 % in Adults 18-49 (2.879 vs. 1.010) and by 157 percent in total viewers (3.896 vs. 1.515). And, compared to its season to date average (excluding the finale), Wednesday’s nights finales was up +108% among P18-49, +85% among P25-54, and +100% among total viewers.

TOP DESIGN, which premiered after the finale of TOP CHEF and moves into its regular 10 PM timeslot next Wednesday, garnered a 1.49 HH coverage rating, 1.768 million total viewers, and 1.319 million Adults 18-49, making it Bravo’s biggest series premiere in network history.

The CW Announces Models For Next AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL

2007-02-01T15:29:00.000-06:00

The Catwalk Heats Up As The CW Network Reveals The 13 Finalists Who Hope To Become AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL

The competition intensifies for the eighth cycle of The CW’s hit series AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL, as the 13 finalists fight to turn their dreams of becoming a top model into reality. This season, an incredible transformation takes place as the finalists face tougher challenges and photo shoots ranging from the very glamorous to high-tech to controversial, all while living under one roof in a posh Los Angeles mansion. See the drama unfold in the two-hour, eighth-cycle premiere of AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL on Wednesday, February 28 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on The CW.

AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL participants are:

Name: Brittany
Occupation: Bartender
Age: 21
Hometown: Savannah, Georgia

Name: Cassandra
Occupation: College Student
Age: 24
Hometown: Seattle, Washington

Name: Diana
Occupation: College Student
Age: 21
Hometown: Garfield, New Jersey

Name: Dionne
Occupation: College Student
Age: 20
Hometown: Montgomery, Alabama

Name: Felicia
Occupation: Sales Associate
Age: 19
Hometown: Houston, Texas

Name: Jael
Occupation: Band Manager
Age: 22
Hometown: Detroit, Michigan

Name: Jaslene
Occupation: Online College Admissions Advisor
Age: 20
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

Name: Kathleen
Occupation: Hairstylist
Age: 20
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York

Name: Natasha
Occupation: College Student
Age: 21
Hometown: Dallas, Texas

Name: Renee
Occupation: Stay-At-Home-Mom
Age: 20
Hometown: Maui, Hawaii

Name: Samantha
Occupation: Sales Associate
Age: 19
Hometown: Pinson, Alabama

Name: Sarah
Occupation: Photographer
Age: 20
Hometown: Lake Zurich, Illinois

Name: Whitney
Occupation: College Student
Age: 21
Hometown: West Palm Beach, Florida

During this cycle, the 13 participants live together and ferociously vie for the grand prize, competing in a highly accelerated modeling boot camp. The participants’ abilities are tested each week as they strive to master the runway and fashion photo shoots, perfect publicity skills and learn the business aspects of becoming a supermodel, all under 24-hour-a-day surveillance of the AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL cameras. Throughout the series, supermodel Tyra Banks, art director of photo shoots Jay Manuel, and runway guru J. Alexander mentor the participants.

Banks leads the panel of AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL judges, comprised of leading fashion industry experts, including supermodel Twiggy, photographer Nigel Barker and runway expert J. Alexander, who closely evaluate the progress of the models to narrow the field each week. In addition, special guest judges appear to critique within his or her area of expertise.

The winner of The CW’s AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL will be managed by Elite Model Management. She also receives a $100,000 contract with cosmetics giant CoverGirl. Finally, the winner will appear on the cover and six-page fashion spread in Seventeen magazine.

FOX Announces New Game Show ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER

2007-02-01T15:28:00.000-06:00

"ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER?"

Find Out Thursday Nights On FOX

New Game Show from Mark Burnett Debuts with Half-Hour Previews Feb. 27 and Feb. 28 after AMERICAN IDOL And Graduates to One-Hour Episodes on Thursdays Beginning March 1

Class is in session for a six-episode run of ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5th GRADER?, a new quiz show from Mark Burnett. The series commences with preview episodes over three consecutive nights following AMERICAN IDOL. Special half-hour episodes will air Tuesday, Feb. 27 (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Wednesday, Feb. 28 (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT), and full one-hour episodes will air after AMERICAN IDOL on Thursdays, March 1 and 8 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). The show will lead off the night on Thursdays, March 15 and 22 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

Unlike the typical game show that measures intelligence, ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5th GRADER? tests adults’ lack of knowledge - as revealed by how much they’ve forgotten since elementary school. Grownups will again find themselves in a classroom setting, revisiting their youth, as they tackle subjects they’ve already been taught, ranging from art to geography and math to social studies. For example, test questions, which are taken from actual textbooks from 1st grade through 5th grade, could be similar to, and as simple as, the following:

* In what state is Mount Rushmore located?

* What are the colors of a rainbow?

* What are the names of the five Great Lakes?

Have you forgotten? Are you stuck? Well, in ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5th GRADER?, the players are not alone. There is a way for contestants to "cheat" in this classroom. The adults will have the opportunity to get some help from real grade-schoolers, who will offer what they think is the correct a-n-s-w-e-r.

TOP DESIGN Premieres And TOP CHEF Season Finale Tonight On Bravo

2007-01-31T14:13:00.002-06:00

Bravo Double Dips With A Tasty TOP CHEF Season Finale And TOP DESIGN Series Premieres Tonight

TOP DESIGN Premieres Immediately Following TOP CHEF Finale At 11 P.M. ET/PT

Bravo celebrates the senses with a pinch of spice and a dash of style on tonight, (January 31) beginning at 10 P.M. ET/PT with the season 2 finale of TOP CHEF, followed by the series premiere of TOP DESIGN. Watch what happens as Ilan Hall and Marcel Vigneron vie for the title of TOP CHEF in beautiful Hawaii. Stay tuned at 11 pm ET/PT as 12 of the country’s hottest new interior designers, artists and architects draw upon their creativity and expertise and compete to create the TOP DESIGN.

Popular designer and personality Todd Oldham hosts, and is joined by renowned designer Jonathan Adler, as lead judge, and series judges Margaret Russell, editor-in-chief of ELLE DECOR Magazine and interior designer Kelly Wearstler. TOP DESIGN premieres on tonight, (January 31) at 11 PM ET/PT, and moves to its regular 10 PM timeslot on Wednesday, February 7.

"I’m excited to get in the kitchen...I’ve shown tremendous skill throughout the entire journey. I’ve won more challenges than Marcel, I’m ready to take this home and finish it up" said finalist Hall. The heat is on and the stakes are high in Hawaii as Hall and Vigneron cook the "meal of their lives" using local flavors and serve it up to the toughest table of judges they’ve ever faced. "In five years there’s no doubt in my mind that they will both be extremely successful," said judge Gail Simmons. In the end, only one chef will make it through the spectacular final competition to take the top culinary title, winning $100,000 in seed money to help encourage their culinary career, be featured in Food & Wine magazine, appear at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen in June 2007, and most importantly, earn the prestigious title of TOP CHEF. Their home will also be outfitted with a complete gourmet kitchen courtesy of Sears Kenmore. Who will win and who will get burned? Says Chef Tom Colicchio to the two finalists, "You’re both worthy of this title, but only one of you will have it."

Host Padma Lakshmi and judges Chef Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons are joined by guest judges Michelle Bernstein of Michy’s restaurant in Miami, Wylie Dufresne of New York’s WD50, Scott Conant of New York’s L’Impero and Alto, Hubert Keller of San Francisco’s Fleur de Lys and Honolulu’s Roy Yamaguchi.

Following the season finale of TOP CHEF is the anticipated series premiere of TOP DESIGN at 11 P.M. ET/PT. In this first kick-off challenge, both teams must design an inner sanctum for a mystery celebrity. Joining host Oldham (TOP DESIGN host, designer) are judges Adler (TOP DESIGN lead judge, interior designer), Russell (TOP DESIGN judge, editor-in-chief of ELLE DECOR Magazine) and Wearstler (TOP DESIGN judge, interior designer), who - along with a special mystery guest client - will decide who has created the TOP DESIGN, and who will be sent home.

DIY Network Searches For Next Reality TV Host In STUD FINDER

2007-01-31T14:13:00.001-06:00

Ever Wonder How Home Improvement Hosts Get Their Gig?

Are They Really Handy Or Are They Actors Who Just Make It Look Easy?

DIY Network Takes Viewers Behind-the-Scenes on STUD FINDER - Premiering February 25 at 9 p.m. ET/PT

Admit it. You’re a closet home improvement show watcher. Television viewers are riveted to the small screen as the hosts of these fast-paced and often moving programs oversee the demolition and reconstruction of a new room, or in some cases, an entire home, all while making the "nice-nice" to the camera! So who are these home improvement geniuses? And what goes into a search for the ultimate how-to contractor? On Sunday, Feb. 25 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, DIY Network, the go-to television and online resource for any type of do-it-yourself project, will answer those questions and many more with the premiere of STUD FINDER, an hour-long special hosted by DIY Network host and contractor extraordinaire Amy Matthews.

When DIY Network made a decision to search nationwide for their newest on-air talent and next home improvement host, they took their cameras on the road to capture all the excitement. From on-site auditions across the country to hundreds of video entries, viewers will see what it takes to make a dent in this very popular genre in STUD FINDER.

"Not everyone can host a do-it-yourself program," said Freddy James, DIY Network’s vice president of programming. "It requires an intense knowledge of how-to and a level of enthusiasm which is difficult to master." He added: "Luckily, we were successful in finding our ultimate STUD FINDER and we think America will agree that we made the perfect choice."

In the end, three passionate DIY viewers are selected to go "hammer-to-hammer" for the chance to host their own DIY Network show later this year: Full-time firefighter Darla Pitts, a 31-year-old from Chicago who enjoys rehabbing old homes and flipping them for profit; Matt Blashaw, a 30-year-old self-employed handyman who resides in Brea, Calif.; and Gionni Thompson, a 35-year-old father of three and a science teacher at Aurora, Colorado′s Hinkley High School. DIY′s STUD FINDER special documents the challenges these finalists face and shows how the winner received the surprise announcement and appeared on NBC′s Today Show. In addition, the program goes behind-the-scenes of DIY′s popular programs to reveal what really happens in a home makeover show.

For more information on STUD FINDER, DIY Network, experts, tips, and additional home improvement programs, visit www.DIYnetwork.com. Viewers can also logon to DIY′s companion Web site and keyword search "Stud Finder" to test their home improvement skills, and watch the try-out videos of the STUD FINDER finalists and contestants.

A&E Network Announces New Reality Series SONS OF HOLLYWOOD

2007-01-30T11:08:00.000-06:00

A&E’S New Real-Life Series SONS OF HOLLYWOOD Explores The Lives Of Three Best Friends Living And Working In The Shadows Of Their Famous Parents Premieres Sunday, April 1 @ 10 PM ET/PT

A&E Network delves inside the lives of Tinseltown’s well-heeled offspring with SONS OF HOLLYWOOD, a new half-hour original real-life series.

Set to premiere with two back-to-back episodes on Sunday, April 1 @ 10 PM ET, the 12-episode weekly series follows the daily lives of three childhood friends as they attempt to conquer the entertainment business by day and the Hollywood scene by night.

"A perfect addition to A&E′s signature real-life brand - SONS OF HOLLYWOOD offers an unflinching and compelling look at three childhood friends who face the typical triumphs and tragedies of young adulthood in an atypical world that is complicated not only by their location but by their lineage," said Bob DeBitetto, Executive Vice President and General Manager, A&E Network.

SONS OF HOLLYWOOD is a real-life series that tracks the daily lives of three scions of Hollywood: Randy Spelling, son of the prolific television producer, the late Aaron Spelling; Sean Stewart, son of music legend Rod Stewart; and rising talent manager David Weintraub. At first glance these friends are living the dream - they boast impressive pedigrees, inside connections and outrageous social lives. But scratch under the surface and all that glitters is not necessarily gold.

The series follows the trio as they attempt to step out from the imposing shadows of their parents and forge their own identities. SONS OF HOLLYWOOD kicks off with the three friends moving out of their family mansions and in together for the summer. Viewers are given unprecedented access to the raw drama and moments of true comedy the trio experiences as they try to carve their paths in the world. The warts-and-all series exposes the intimate relationship dynamics between the sons and their famous fathers, reveals day-to-day drama with friends and family, unmasks career pressures, takes a look at a personal struggle with sobriety and witnesses the tragedy that befalls Randy Spelling when his father passes away in the midst of filming the show.

MTV Announces LIFE AFTER JUVIES - Inside Indiana’s Juvenile Justice System

2007-01-30T11:07:00.000-06:00

MTV News and Docs gets an exclusive look inside Indiana’s juvenile justice system in the new documentary series MTV JUVIES, premiering Thursday, February 8th at 10:00 PM ET/PT. Set in the Superior Court of Lake County, Juvenile Division and the Juvenile Justice Complex, the eight-part series depicts what happens to juvenile offenders during their stay at the detention center and offers an unprecedented look inside the courtroom where the lives and futures of young offenders are at the hands of a sole judge. From dealing with runaways to underage drinking, MTV JUVIES addresses many issues that affect young people today.

Also on February 8th, immediately following the premiere, MTV.com debuts LIFE AFTER JUVIES, where viewers catch up with the kids from the series after they come out of detention. The weekly series looks at the lives of the subjects today - months after their detention, as they discuss their experiences at the detention center and how it changed their lives and their relationship with their families.

Featured in this MTV documentary series:

Judge Mary Beth Bonaventura As Senior Judge of the Lake County Superior Court, Juvenile Division since April 1993, Judge Bonaventura has been recognized for her dedication and outstanding service to children since the start of her career in the Juvenile Court. It’s her job to help these kids, who are currently at a crossroads in their lives, to get back on the right path.

Cordell, 17 - With solid grades, lots of friends and a great relationship with his family, it comes as a surprise when Cordell is arrested for auto theft. Can this good kid convince Judge Bonaventura of his innocence?

Sara, 16 - Willful Sara packed up her things and drove down to Texas with some friends in pursuit of a better life. However, before reaching her destination she’s pulled over by police and arrested as a runaway.

Ryan, 17 - A self-proclaimed "pothead," Ryan isn’t necessarily a bad kid. He just doesn’t think much past the party he’ll be at on Friday night. While cruising with friends one night, Ryan gets into a car accident and flees the scene, landing him in the Lake County Juvenile Center.

Sierra, 16 - Having spent the morning in school, Sierra is stunned to be picked up by police on her walk home. She later finds out that her mother, who disapproves of her daughter dating a 19-year-old alleged drug dealer, has called police and reported her as a runaway.

Steve, 17 - This jock is arrested after running from the cops when he and his friends are busted for drinking. Steve ends up in juvie and soon learns that his football scholarships and dreams of playing in the pros could be shattered.

Karissa, 17 - After a two-week drug-hazed "vacation" to escape the pressures of school and high standards of her foster family, Karissa is brought into the Lake County Juvenile Detention Center as a runaway.

Jasmine, 17 and Jacinta, 16 - These sisters, always have each others backs. But now their loyalty has led them to a violent brawl with a group of bullies that escalated into a stabbing. After serving time together at LCJC, how will the sisters deal with the possibility that Jasmine may be released while Jacinta remains detained for attempted murder?

Dale, 15 - When his mother reports him as a runaway, aspiring rocker Dale arrives home from a weekend band practice to find two police officers in his living room. Can Dale convince the judge his problems would be solved if he could live with his father instead?

Francesca, 13 - Francesca has a problem with stealing, but now she’s been caught and has been given a sentence of five consecutive weekends in this detention facility. Will a weekend without TV, friends, cell phone and internet, finally make her change her ways?

Javier, 17 - He comes from a strong, hardworking immigrant family, but when Javier reverses his family’s teachings and is arrested for burglary, will the judge be lenient or will she be forced to teach him a lifelong lesson the harsh way?

Jeff, 17 - He rarely gets into trouble and receives good grades at school, but after he and some friends get caught firing a BB gun into a neighbor’s backyard, Jeff is forced to learn just how stern Judge Bonaventura can be.

Kashmiere, 17 - She’s a fiery spirit who likes to test the limits of authority even though she hopes for a bright future. Will Judge Bonaventura believe that she is sincerely remorseful for shoplifting, or will she put a damper on Kashmiere’s dreams in order to teach her a lesson?

Larico, 13 - A victim of Hurricane Katrina who has recently relocated to Indiana, Larico ends up in LCJC after retaliating against a school bully. After another confrontation inside the detention center, will Larico realize that his temper is only exacerbating the grief of his hurricane-stricken family?

Nathan, 17 - After Nathan lands in juvenile detention for allegedly burglarizing a home, he’s faced with a very scary reality. With his 18th birthday fast-approaching, Nathan learns he could be moved to adult court, where sentences are numbered in years instead of months.

Rashad, 13 - Troublemaking Rashad ends up in LCJC after putting a "Kick Me" sign on a peer and then fighting him. He enters LCJC like he owns the place but after a scary incident in the boys’ pod, Rashad realizes that this isn’t the place for himis his realization too late?

RJ, 16 - RJ has endured the overwhelming reality of being born without a right arm in a family in chronic poverty and having a mother with ill-health. Things come to a halt for him when a Xanax binge leaves him unable to remember a crime spree involving burglary, auto theft and criminal mischief.

Stephen, 17 - As a LCJC "weekender," Stephen is sentenced to five consecutive weekends for stealing a $16 pair of earrings. He soon learns his attempts at pushing his luck were definitely not worth the time he’s serving.

ABC Renews AMERICA’S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS, SUPERNANNY And WIFE SWAP

2007-01-30T11:06:00.001-06:00

ABC Announces Early Series Pick-Ups Of AMERICA’S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS, SUPERNANNY And WIFE SWAP

The ABC Television Network announced early pick-up’s of AMERICA’S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS, SUPERNANNNY, and WIFE SWAP. AFHV was picked up for a record breaking 18th season, while both SUPERNANNY and WIFE SWAP were picked-up for fourth seasons.

The longest running primetime entertainment show in ABC history, AMERICA’S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS has kept America laughing for 17 seasons with animal antics, practical jokes and hilarious footage of what happens when adults, children and even inanimate objects are at their spontaneous best. In its 17 seasons to date, AMERICA’S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS has given away over $9 million in prize money and evaluated more than half a million videotapes from home viewers.

Vin Di Bona is executive producer, with Todd Thicke and Michele Nasraway serving as co-executive producers. AMERICA’S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS, which premiered on January 14, 1990 and is from Vin Di Bona Productions.

Now in its third hit season, SUPERNANNY continues to save America, one harried family at a time. Jo Frost, as Supernanny, can tame the wildest toddler, soothe the savage six-year-old and get the most difficult child to overcome problems with behavior, sleep, mealtime, potty training and other challenges that have vexed parents around the world for centuries. After just three episodes of the show aired in the U.K. in summer 2004, Jo Frost became Britain’s hottest new TV star and godsend to desperate parents who were dazzled by her amazing results with unruly children. She debuted in America in early 2005 and captivated Americans as well with her practical, no-nonsense style, honed over 17 years of nannying. Hailed by the New York Times as "fascinating" and "required viewing;" praised by Oprah Winfrey, David Letterman and Kelly Ripa; acclaimed by such publications as Newsweek, Hollywood Reporter and The New Yorker; and lauded by parents and nannies across America, SUPERNANNY is phenomenon. It airs in 47 territories, almost all of them with Frost as Supernanny.

Nick Powell is the creator and executive producer of both the American and British versions of the show. Craig Armstrong and Nick Emmerson are executive producers of the American version. SUPERNANNY is produced by Ricochet, Ltd.

WIFE SWAP, the critically-acclaimed unscripted reality show that takes us into the intimate heart of the American family home, reveals the extraordinarily different ways families live their lives. Each week from across the country, two families with very different values are chosen to take part in a two-week long challenge. The wives from these two families exchange husbands, children and lives (but not bedrooms) to discover just what it’s like to live another woman’s life. It’s a mind-blowing experiment that often ends up changing their lives forever, with explosive, enlightening and often very funny results.

When WIFE SWAP premiered in 2003 in the United Kingdom, it was an instant television phenomenon. The program has won numerous awards, most recently the prestigious BAFTA (British Academy of Film & Television Arts) Award for best reality show and the Golden Rose for best reality program at the International Rose D’Or Festival, Europe’s top entertainment television awards. WIFE SWAP currently airs from France to Australia and Germany to New Zealand. It has been sold as an acquisition or a format to over 100 international territories.

WIFE SWAP is an RDF USA production. It was created by Stephen Lambert and is executive-produced by Wendy Roth and Stephen Lambert of RDF Media ("Faking It" and "Junkyard Wars") and Michael Davies of Embassy Row ("Who Wants to be a Millionaire"). Cristin Cricco, Stephanie Schwam Adams and Mike Gamson are the co-executive producers.

Sneak Peek Of KING OF CARS - Chop Returns For Second Season On A&E

2007-01-29T14:38:00.001-06:00

Hop into the driver’s seat... have we got a deal for you! A&E Network’s new real-life series, KING OF CARS, premieres for a second season on Tuesday, January 30th with back to back half hour episodes beginning at 11:00 pm EST/PST.

KING OF CARS follows the personal and professional life of 31-year old Chop, aka "The King of Cars," a hip-hopping car dynasty magnate, whose wacky infomercials have made him a cult sensation in his hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Part Boiler Room, part "The Office," KING OF CARS offers a real life peek into the wheeling and dealing that goes on behind the scenes at Chop’s shop, Towbin Dodge, the number one single point used car dealership in the nation. In addition to managing his hugely successful auto empire, Chop also juggles several other real-life roles as father, rap impresario, Vegas player and TV infomercial star and producer.

The series follows Chop’s loyal sales team as they furiously struggle to seal their deals, giving viewers a rare glimpse into the secret techniques of car salesmen. The series also showcases the production of "The Chop Show", a madcap, weekly improvised infomercial that has become a Vegas cult phenomenon, responsible for a whopping 80 percent of the dealership’s sales. Part commercial, part variety show, these one-of-a-kind infomercials feature hilarious shenanigans with the actual salesmen sporting outlandish costumes and portraying characters with unique names like Chilly Willy and the Blue Genie, with Chop at the helm, delivering his special brand of high voltage hosting. For more information about Chop visit his website at www.chopcars.com.

RealityTVWebsite.com is posting a sneak peek and episode summaries of the second season of KING OF CARS.

Revised January 30th

January 30 at 11:00 pm/3:00 am ET and PT
HOPPY BIRTHDAY.
It’s Chop's birthday and he’s celebrating Low Rider style, with a massive hop-off competition at the dealership. But as Chop crowns the "King of the Streets", his fiancee Venus is frantically preparing a royal surprise party. With rappers, dancing girls, and mini-Elvis, can Venus really keep her big party a secret from Chop?

January 30 at 11:30 pm/3:30 am ET and PT
OIL CRISIS!
Top team leaders Deeter and Tino are again in a slump and Chop has the perfect inspirational tool: a rematch of the Showgirl Showdown sales contest. Only this time instead of appearing on The Chop Show in sequins, the loser will have to oil wrestle a 350-pound man while being sprayed with baby oil by the entire staff. Deeter and Tino pull out all the stops to close the most car deals and avoid "glistening in the light on a Monday night."

February 6 - 11:00 pm/3:00 am ET and PT
CALENDAR GUYS
When Chop buys a bunch of famous rides--cars originally customized for the likes of Snoop and Missy Elliott--he decides to use them as hot backdrops for the first ever King of Cars calendar. But to spice up the day’s sales Chop throws in a twist--Shane "Big Thunda" and Yoshah must compete to be the first to sell a car. The winner will pose with a cool ride and hot girls, the loser will be shot in a Speedo flanked by the dealership’s mechanics!

February 6 - 11:30 pm/3:30 am ET and PT
THE CONTENDERS
When Chop notices that Salesman of the Month Gabe is getting complacent, he challenges him to a selling match against top sales contender James. The contest quickly becomes a contrast in styles with James "Golden Spaghetti" as the patient, methodical tortoise and Gabe "El Supa" as the energetic hare with attitude. The loser must face the ultimate car salesman’s humiliation - wash the winner’s car by hand.

February 13 - 11:00 pm/3:00 am ET and PT
UGLY TRUCKLING:
Chop poses with his personal fleet of custom cars for a photo spread for DUB magazine on the same day as the dealership’s Ugly Truckling Contest, created to boost business. The contest goes like this: the customer that brings in the ugliest truck will walk away with a $1,000 - but not before the Auto Marshall and Big Thunder try to persuade them to trade in their old eyesores for some stylin’ rides.

February 13 - 11:30 pm/3:30 am ET and PT
WOMEN DRIVERS
Two women, Sunny and Christina, join Chop’s sales force and help drive their team to the top. But Chop fears that their friendship is dulling their competitive edge, and to shake things up pits them against each other in a competition for a high dollar designer purse. When the Blue Genie teams up with Christina and Golden Spaghetti joins Sunny, it’s all eyes on the prize and a fight down to the wire.

February 20 - 11:00 pm/3:00 am ET and PT
GREEN PEAS
Chop expands his sales force for the summer season with a fresh crop of what he calls green peas, new recruits hoping to make it as car salesmen. There’s Gary who needs to make big money to pay off his debts, and Philip who wants to prove to his dad that he can hold down a job. After shadowing their veteran salesmen like the Auto Marshall and El Supa, the peas are thrown into the deep end of their first big Saturday to sell cars solo. It’s sink or swim time for the newbies because only a few will make enough sales to survive.

February 20 - 11:30 pm/3:30 am ET and PT
MAGIC BLUE ROOM
Chop’s most recognizable salesman Prem, a.k.a. "The Sexy Blue Genie," creates a special Blue Room in the dealership, part of his plan to market his image and increase his sales. He recruits Allen, another salesman who needs to boost his numbers, to be his partner. Chop, skeptical of the notoriously lazy Genie’s commitment, gives the Blue team just one day to prove that the Blue Room can produce.

February 27 - 11:00 pm/3:00 am ET and PT
HOOP DREAMZ
Chop surprises team leader and rising star Tino with a promotion, but who will now run the A-Team? Chop pits by-the-book salesman Andy against street-styled ex-boxer Gabe. Whoever closes the most deals takes the team and the big raise. But the one-on-one gets so heated up Chop moves it from the sales floor to the basketball court.

February 27 - 11:30 pm/3:30 am ET and PT
FIRED UP!
Chop’s newest sales recruits, Joshua and Philip, are hanging on by a thread. Their low numbers after almost a week on the job are costing the dealership money. Chop and his right-hand man, Chilly Willy, give them one last shot to prove themselves. With their jobs on the line, Joshua and Philip struggle to show they have what it takes.

Exclusive Interview With Drew Sawa - The Geek Voted Off On BEAUTY AND THE GEEK

2007-01-29T10:12:00.000-06:00

Last Wednesday night, Andrew (Drew) Sawa, the 21-year old trekkie who studies at Marquette University, who with Erin Gibson (the Beauty) was eliminated during the during hit reality TV series, BEAUTY AND THE GEEK.

Our own RealityTVWebsite.com Elaine James caught up with Drew in this exclusive one-on-one interview.

Elaine James: Tell me what made you want to try out for the show?

Drew Sawa: I saw Season 1 and Season 2 and I loved them. The show really has heart. I thought I would be perfect for the show. I asked all of my fraternity members what they thought. They thought I would be perfect. I found the casting call on their web site. I created an audition tape and filled out the application. I then passed the application on to my fraternity for their look over. They really helped me out on the application. One of the questions was, "What are some of your quirks?" I came up with 2 or 3, the next day they had come up with 50 of them. So that was interesting.

Elaine James: So you get to the taping and see all of the beauties. What was going through your mind?

Drew Sawa: I was kind of like, "Wow!" There must have been thousands of people that wanted to be here and was surprised that I actually made it. I was very honored and wanted to make the most of it. I was very nervous the first week that I was there. When I was introducing myself to the women, I was looking at the back of their heads and all I was thinking was that everything was so shiny. I was very nervous.

Elaine James: So what did you think about your partner Erin?

Drew Sawa: She is awesome. I’m saying that in hindsight though. When you are on the show it is very stressful and I do regret not giving her more compliments. She is awesome as a partner and is a real person. When I first saw her, I was still in shock, but she was very comfortable in front of the cameras and she did really well.

Elaine James: Several times during the course of the show, she kept repeating how proud of you she was? Did this give you confidence in yourself?

Drew Sawa: She never told me that directly, as it was done in the confessionals and in the interviews. That is why I wish I had complimented her more. She really was a very good partner.

Elaine James: Have you talked since the show? Will you remain friends?

Drew Sawa: Absolutely! We still keep in contact with each other, it’s fun. I haven’t seen her since the Third, we’ve been talking on the phone and emailing. We were on WGN (television station) on the Third and that was the last time I saw any of the cast. I’ve just been busy here in Milwaukee, and haven’t made it down to Chicago.

Elaine James: Did you form any good friendships with the guys?

Drew Sawa: On the show, Scooter was a very good friend of mine. After the show, I talked more with Nate. Nate and I are really very similar. He goes to Harvard, I go to Marquette. We are both still in college, so there is a lot for us to talk about. I talk to both Nate and Pi a lot, and to some degree Mario and Scooter. But I do consider everyone my friend.

Elaine James: What did you take away from the show?

Drew Sawa: I gained a lot more confidence. I also gained a new appreciation for modeling and models. The whole walking the catwalk and getting my strut going was hard, but Erin helped me a lot with that. So that was awesome. It gave me a completely different perspective on how much work is involved with modeling.

Elaine James: At any point on the show did you every regret trying out?

Drew Sawa: There were some regrets here and there. After realizing how much study material there was, there were some regrets. But I kept pushing through. Being around some of the drama that was going on with some of the girls, I tried to avoid at all costs. Other than that, I had a blast. Even in hindsight, I’m glad that I did it.

Elaine James: What have you been doing since you’ve been home?

Drew Sawa: School, the organizations that I’m involved with, work, publicity for the show.

Elaine James: What is next for you?

Drew Sawa: Well, after the show, if I’m discovered I might try it out. I’m not going to pursue a career in acting, but if the chance is there I’ll gladly try it out. It’s very stressful doing the reality show. The true miracle workers are the production team. Working long hours, carrying heavy equipment, having to pay attention to people’s conversations and listen to the director. There is a lot of work involved in producing a show. For me in the future, I graduate in May. So I’m looking for a job in finance. I prefer derivatives, options, investing. Mostly alternative investments are my forte. Within 15 years, I would like to start my own business. I’ve always had the heart of an entrepreneur.

Fox Casting For Third Season Of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE

2007-01-26T10:53:00.000-06:00

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, Last Summer’s No. 1 Show, Begins Talent Search For Season Three

Casting Calls in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Atlanta Start Another Search for America’s Favorite Dancer

Fresh off its sold-out, cross-country performance tour, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, last summer’s No.1 hit, begins another search for America’s favorite dancer Thursday, March 1, in New York City. Entering its third season this summer on FOX, the hot series from the producers of AMERICAN IDOL and "American Bandstand" is hosted by Cat Deeley, one of the UK’s top television personalities and a correspondent for "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and "Good Morning America." Once again SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE promises to keep America moving to a different beat, as dancers skilled in everything from the "street" styles of hip-hop, krumping and popping to "the best of ballroom" - salsa, quickstep, jive and more - compete to be named America’s favorite.

Producers will travel to New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Atlanta in search of dancers who best represent the rhythm of America. Talented dancers who spark the judges’ interest during auditions will be invited to call-backs, where they will work with top choreographers. During the call-back week, the judges will choose the Top 20 dancers who will continue in the competition.

The series became a phenomenon in its second season, in which Benji Schwimmer was voted America’s Favorite Dancer and received $100,000, a new car and a contract to appear in Celine Dion’s "A New Day" show at The Colosseum, Caesars Palace, Las Vegas.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE will hold casting calls in New York beginning Thursday, March 1; in Chicago on Thursday, March 8; in Los Angeles on Thursday, March 22; and in Atlanta on Thursday, April 5. Casting is open to persons between the ages of 18 and 30 at the time of the audition who are either U.S. citizens, permanent residents of the U.S., or possess a current legal visa allowing them to seek employment in the U.S. without restriction as to employer.

March 1 - 3, 2007:
The Manhattan Center Theatre
311 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10001

March 8 - 10, 2007:
The Legendary Chicago Theatre
175 North State St.
Chicago, IL 60601

March 22 - 24, 2007:
The Orpheum Theatre
842 South Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90014

April 5 - 7, 2007:
The Fox Theatre
660 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta, GA 30308

More information will be available at fox.com/dance.

Travel Channel Announces 1,000 PLACES TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE

2007-01-26T10:52:00.000-06:00

Inspired by Patricia Schultz’s best-selling travel book, the Travel Channel is launching a new series of the same name, 1,000 PLACES TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE. Premiering Thursday, March 29, at 9PM and 10 PM (ET/PT) and continuing every Thursday at 9 PM with premiere episodes through June, the show chronicles the journey of a young couple who put their lives on hold to travel the world utilizing Schultz’s book as their primary guide.

Selected from over 900 couples, Albin and Melanie Ulle, newlyweds from Colorado, were chosen to plan a fourteen-week, whirlwind journey to more than thirteen countries worldwide. Making the trip at a point in their lives when they can dedicate ample time and focus on this life-changing experience, they agreed to leave their jobs and day-to-day life to travel the world experiencing its vast beauty and diverse cultures.

Each hour-long episode of 1,000 PLACES TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE takes viewers to one of thirteen amazing locations including: Peru, Alaska, Vancouver, Mexico, Brazil, South Africa, France, Italy, India, Nepal, Cambodia, Australia, and Hawaii. The series is shot completely in HD high-definition to capture the true beauty of these unique locations. Traveling to approximately 100 of the "1,000 Places", they visit well-known tourist sites like Machu Picchu, climb the Eiffel Tower, tour the Taj Mahal at sunset, view Venice from the canals, visit Robben Island in South Africa, and travel the Alaskan railroad.

Hit Reality Show SOLITARY Returning to Fox Reality For A Second Season

2007-01-26T10:51:00.000-06:00

Fox Reality Orders Second Season of Its Controversial First Original Series SOLITARY

SOLITARY is the Only Reality Show Where the ONLY Way to Lose is to Quit!

Casting Begins Now!

Show Debuts in August 2007

Fox Reality, the only all-reality, all-the-time television network, brings back a second season of controversy with SOLITARY, the only reality show where the only way to lose is to quit. Fox Reality is currently in pre-production with an all-new version of the series SOLITARY 2.0, which promises ground-breaking tests and treatments that will keep viewers talking!

The initial season of SOLITARY, which debuted June 5, 2006, received praise from viewers and critics alike, by pushing participants to their mental and physical limits with intense tests and treatments. Without a doubt, the concept of SOLITARY stepped above and beyond the traditional reality-show-box and was one of the ten-most-downloaded series in terms of both season purchases and individual episode purchases during its first week in the iTunes store.

Fox Reality is definitely elevating the endurance level this season with SOLITARY 2.0. Nine subjects will endure far more grueling psychological tests that will require extreme tolerance and the physical treatments will become even tougher. When the experiment ends, the last person standing walks away with bragging rights and the cash prize of $50,000.

David Lyle, COO and General Manager of Fox Reality, says, "SOLITARY entered into uncharted territory in the reality world. SOLITARY 2.0 will push the limits of human tolerance even further and allow our viewers to go along for the ride while, luckily for them, watching comfortably from their homes."

SOLITARY 2.0 subjects never meet or have interaction with any other human beings. They will only know the voice of their omniscient "friend" Val. Their sarcastic taskmaster and worst nightmare, Val will again taunt the subject by ruling every action in their laboratory pods. The voice of Val controls all elements taking place in their pods including sleep, sound, temperature, and light. They’re even stripped of their conventional names, which are replaced with numbers. No reality show puts mental and physical stamina to the test like SOLITARY 2.0.

SOLITARY 2.0 is executive produced and co-created by Andrew Golder ("Identity," "World Series of Blackjack," "Win Ben Stein’s Money", Emmy®-Award Recipient) and Lincoln Hiatt ("Unan1mous").

Fox Reality is holding a two-week national casting call for SOLITARY 2.0, seeking nine fearless people to take on the greatest mental and physical challenge of their lives. For casting information, visit http://www.foxreality.com/casting/.

THE AMAZING RACE: ALL-STARS Cast Announced By CBS - Premieres February 18

2007-01-25T14:49:00.000-06:00

Eleven Former Teams Return For A Second Chance To Compete In A Race Around The World When THE AMAZING RACE: ALL-STARS Premieres Sunday, February 18 On CBS

28 Days, Five Continents, More than 45,000 miles

CBS has announced that eleven former teams will return to compete in a Race around the world on THE AMAZING RACE: ALL-STARS. The 11th installment of the four-time Emmy Award-winning series hosted by Phil Keoghan, will premiere Sunday, Feb. 18 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

THE AMAZING RACE: ALL-STARS will reunite some of the most memorable, entertaining and controversial Teams from previous seasons, who will travel more than 45,000 miles, spanning five continents in 28 days, with stops in such locations as Argentina, Mozambique and Chile, to name a few. These former teams will pair up for one final trek around the globe as they battle the best of the best in a Race to the Finish Line for their second attempt at the million dollar prize.

These fierce competitors are no longer strangers to the game or to each other and relationships will be tested at every point along the way. Teams will be forced to choose between pre-existing relationships and the spirit of competition. Will new alliances form and will old bonds be broken?

Meet the Teams for THE AMAZING RACE: ALL-STARS (listed in no particular order):

Kevin O'Connor and Drew Feinberg (SEASON 1)
Relationship: Lifelong Friends
Hometown: Kevin (Bayonne, N.J.); Drew (Staten Island, N.Y.)
Age: Kevin (40); Drew (41)
Occupation: Kevin (Forensic Accountant); Drew (Senior Court Officer)
Results from Season 1: 4th Place
America’s favorite fraternity brothers are all grown up and married. They fell just short of the million dollars the first time around and are eager for another shot.

Ozwald Mendez and Danilo Jimenez (Danny) (SEASON 2)
Relationships: Best Friends
Hometown: Ozwald (New York, N.Y.); Danny (Miami, Fla.)
Age: Ozwald (36); Danny (41)
Occupation: Ozwald (Advertising); Danny (Paralegal)
Results from Season 2: 4th Place
These best friends from Season 2 had a falling out several years ago, but have since mended their relationship and claim to be better friends now than they’ve ever been during their previous 12 years of friendship.

John Vito Pietanza and Jill Aquilino (SEASON 3)
Relationship: Formerly Dating
Hometown: John (New York, N.Y.); Jill (New York, N.Y.)
Age: John (32); Jill (29)
Occupation: John (Trader); Jill (Product Controller)
Results from Season 3: 5th Place
Season 3’s John Vito and Jill are back for another chance at winning the $1 million prize. What’s different this time around? These former lovebirds are no longer romantically involved.

Uchenna Agu and Joyce Agu (SEASON 7)
Relationship: Married
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Age: Uchenna (42); Joyce (46)
Occupation: Uchenna (Land Developer); Joyce (Sales)
Results from Season 7: Winners
Uchenna and Joyce are one of the most beloved teams from any season of Race. The winners of Season 7, Uchenna and Joyce were relentless and stopped at nothing to win the $1 million prize... including shaving their heads.

David Conley, Jr. and Mary Conley (SEASON 10)
Relationship: Coal Miner and Wife
Hometown: Stone, Ky.
Age: David (33); Mary (32)
Occupation: David (Coal Miner); Mary (Homemaker)
Results from Season 10: 6th Place
Everybody’s favorite coal miner and his wife are back for another trek around the world. David and Mary, the lovable, wide-eyed couple from Stone, Ky. are ready to compete and believe they have what it takes to bring home the $1 million prize for their children.

Charla Baklayan Faddoul and Mirna Hindoyan (SEASON 5)
Relationship: Cousins
Hometown: Towson, Md.
Age: Charla (30); Mirna (30)
Occupation: Charla (Real Estate Investor); Mirna (Attorney)
Results from Season 5: 6th Place
Charla and Mirna captured America’s hearts the first time around. They are proud of the way they played the game and look forward to another trip around the world together.

Rob Mariano and Amber Mariano (SEASON 7)
Relationship: Married
Hometown: Pensacola, Fla.
Age: Rob (30); Amber (28)
Occupation: Rob (TV personality/host/pursuing a career in TV); Amber (TV personality)
Results from Season 7: 2nd Place
America’s Sweethearts met, fell in love and got married...all in front of the cameras, beginning with the filming of Survivor: All-Stars, where Rob finished in second place to Amber. They finished as the runners-up to Joyce and Uchenna in Season 7. To what lengths will Rob and Amber go to avoid finishing as the runner-up yet again?

Teri Pollack and Ian Pollack (SEASON 3)
Relationship: Married Parents
Hometown: Palm City, Fla.
Age: Teri (53); Ian (54)
Occupation: Teri (Homemaker); Ian (Private Investigator/Retired Police Lt.)
Results from Season 3: 2nd Place
Second place in Season 3 just wasn’t good enough for this dynamic duo. Teri and Ian are still the oldest players to ever finish in second place in the Amazing Race and they are back to show that they haven’t lost a step.

Eric Sanchez and Danielle Turner (Dee) (SEASON 9 - Separate Teams)
Relationship: Dating
Hometown: Eric (Deerfield Beach, Fla.); Danielle (Staten Island, N.Y.)
Age: Eric (28); Danielle (23)
Occupation: Eric (Waiter); Danielle (Bartender)
Results from Season 9: Eric (2nd Place), Danielle (7th Place)
This unique duo met while racing against each other during Season 9. During their travels, they developed a bond which evolved into a romance and the two have been dating for the past year. Will the combination of big-city girl and self-proclaimed "beach bum" be a force to reckon with or will the other Teams discount this new pair who has never raced together as Team?

Joe Baldassare and Bill Bartek (SEASON 1)
Relationship: Life Partners
Hometown: Laguna Niguel, Calif.
Age: Joe (56); Bill (53)
Occupation: Joe (Owns his own Minerals Trading Company); Bill (Realtor)
Results in Season 1: 3rd Place
"Team Guido" from Season 1 returns for another attempt at the $1 million prize. Claiming they’ve had their bags packed since they returned home from the first season, they are ready to go!

Dustin Seltzer and Kandice Pelletier (SEASON 10)
Relationship: Beauty Queens
Hometown: Dustin (Seattle, Wash.); Kandice (New York, N.Y)
Age: Dustin (25); Kandice (25)
Occupation: Dustin (Grad Student); Kandice (Student at NYU)
Results from Season 10: 4th Place
These former Beauty Queens are back for a second chance and are more determined than ever to prove to the world that they aren’t just pretty faces. Proven to be fierce competitors during the 10th installment of Race, Dustin and Kandice are focused and have their sights set on becoming the first all-female team to win the $1 million prize.

THE AMAZING RACE: ALL-STARS features 11 Teams of two on a trek around the world for approximately 30 days. At every destination, each Team will compete in a series of challenges -- some mental and some physical -- and only when the tasks have been completed will they learn their next destination. Teams who are farthest behind will gradually be eliminated as the contest progresses, with the first Team to arrive at the final destination winning $1 million.

Reality Series LISA WILLIAMS: LIFE AMONG THE DEAD Returns For Second Season On Lifetime

2007-01-25T14:48:00.000-06:00

The Captivating Reality Series LISA WILLIAMS: LIFE AMONG THE DEAD - Young British Psychic Medium Lisa Williams Returns This Summer

Lifetime Television’s popular reality series LISA WILLIAMS: LIFE AMONG THE DEAD has been renewed for a second season, it was announced by Susanne Daniels, President, Entertainment, Lifetime Entertainment Services. The show will return this summer.

LISA WILLIAMS: LIFE AMONG THE DEAD explores Williams’ claim of her abilities to see and speak with the dead and in some cases possibly transform the lives of the people she meets who are seeking to connect with their dearly departed. Throughout the series, Williams shares stories of people wanting to be reunited with someone from their past, while offering personal observations and insights.

"The outpouring of letters and emails we have received from fans of Lisa, and the show, has been overwhelming," said Daniels. Adding, "We are thrilled that her vibrant and fun-loving personality has connected with our viewers."

Lisa Williams’ success comes as no surprise to producer Merv Griffin, whose ability to recognize star quality is legendary. "I just knew the camera would love Lisa’s face and that people would be amazed and entertained by her abilities," said Griffin. Adding, "Our office, too, has received a huge number of queries asking when she would be back on the air. We couldn’t be happier that the show has performed so well for Lifetime and we look forward to an even more remarkable second season."

Merv Griffin, Raymond J. Brune, Andrew Yani and Yann Debonne serve as executive producers of the series, produced by Merv Griffin Entertainment in association with Kimo Jagger Productions for Lifetime Television.

In each episode of LISA WILLIAMS: LIFE AMONG THE DEAD, cameras follow a typical day in the life of the young clairvoyant. When Williams removes her hat, revealing her signature multi-colored spiky hair, it’s her way of showing the spirit world that she is available for contact. Lisa gives readings in her office to scheduled clients and oftentimes to people she randomly meets while about town in Los Angeles. In these meetings, Lisa relays messages that she believes are from the dead to their relatives and friends. The series also observes Lisa at home, with her husband, Kevin, and her six-year-old son, Charlie, who already shows an interest in natural healing and talking with spirits.

Online, viewers can log onto Lifetimetv.com and see exclusive video coverage of Lisa Williams giving readings to strangers on the street and footage from the show. Site visitors will also be able to learn more about Lisa personally through exclusive interviews and family photos. During the first season of LISA WILLIAMS: LIFE AMONG THE DEAD,Lifetimetv.com hosted four live chats whereviewers e-mailed Lisa questions directly, which generated more than three times the amount of traffic to the site than usual.

Cast Announced For SURVIVOR FIJI On CBS - Premieres February 8th

2007-01-24T20:06:00.000-06:00

CBS has announced the 19 new castaways who will compete in SURVIVOR: FIJI when the 14th installment of the Emmy Award-winning series premieres Thursday, Feb. 8 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

SURVIVOR: FIJI will feature a diverse cast of Americans who will begin the series as one tribe with plenty of supplies and resources on their island to make an exceptionally comfortable camp. On Day Three, the castaways will be split into two tribes, selected by one of their own as a result of events to take place prior to the first Immunity Challenge. The tribe that wins the first Immunity Challenge will return to the camp of copious resources while the losing tribe must relocate to a new island with only a pot, a machete and a water source.

In addition, throughout the series, at least one castaway in each episode will be banished to a separate island (Exile Island) miles away from camp. The castaways will learn that there is a Hidden Immunity Idol located somewhere at each tribe camp and that a new clue to their whereabouts will be waiting for the latest person sent to Exile Island. Such a twist offers the opportunity for more than one individual to be in possession of a Hidden Immunity Idol at the same time. These Hidden Immunity Idols may be played at future Tribal Councils if the possessor feels they are in danger of being voted off the island.

Castaways competing in SURVIVOR: FIJI (in alphabetical order) are:

ALEX ANGARITA
28
Los Angeles (originally from Colombia)
Attorney

KENWARD "BOO" BERNIS
34
Lafayette, LA
Construction Worker

YAU-MAN CHAN
54
Martinez, CA (born in Hong Kong, raised in Borneo, Malaysia)
Computer Engineer

EARL COLE
35
Santa Monica, CA (originally from Kansas City, KS)
Advertising Executive

JESSICA deBEN
27
Los Angeles (originally from New Orleans)
Fashion Stylist

ERICA DUROUSSEAU
27
Lake Charles, LA
Non-Profit Fundraiser

CASSANDRA FRANKLIN
42
Los Angeles
Civil Engineer Manager

LILIANA GOMEZ
25
Oxnard, CA
Loan Officer

ANDRIA "DRE" HERD
25
Wilmington, NC
Cheerleading Coach

STACY KIMBALL
27
Boulder, CO (originally from Montpelier, VT)
Interactive Internet Producer

SYLVIA KWAN
52
Ross, CA (born in Hong Kong)
Architect

MOOKIE LEE
25
Wheeling, IL (born in Seoul, Korea)
Loan Manager

LISETTE "LISI" LINARES
36
Los Angeles (originally from Miami)
Customer Service Representative

JAMES REID
28
Los Angeles (originally from Boston)
Bartender

EDGARDO RIVERA
28
Miami Beach, FL (originally from Puerto Rico)
Advertising Executive

ANTHONY ROBINSON
32
Compton, CA
Expert Witness Locator

GARY STRITESKY
55
Ramsey, MN
School Bus Driver

RITA VERREOS
38
San Antonio, TX (originally from Venezuela)
Single Mom

MICHELLE YI
23
Cincinnati, OH
Student

SURVIVOR: FIJI is hosted by Jeff Probst and produced by SEG, Inc. Mark Burnett and Tom Shelly are the executive producers. Doug McCallie and Kevin Greene are co-executive producers.

Prison Life Is Back As LOCKDOWN Returns To National Geographic Channel

2007-01-24T20:05:00.000-06:00

National Geographic Channel GoesOn Lockdown Revealing Covert Rules, Violent Clashes And Secret Codes Of Justice Within America’s Prisons

Go Inside Three Maximum-Security Prisons, Including a Violent Women’s Penitentiary and a New High-Tech Penal Complex, for a Glimpse Into Life Behind Bars

"It is possible that any man that walks in [the prison]... could be murdered... it just depends on who he crosses." Maximum-security officer

A cement-and-barbed wire door slams behind you. You are stripped of your possessions and clothes. Officers search your entire body, inside and out, for weapons. You are thrown in with thousands of violent inmates who have been locked up for years for unthinkable acts. Welcome to one of the most frightening and secret cultures in America our prisons.

LOCKDOWN, one of the highest rated miniseries for the National Geographic Channel (NGC), returns for a new three-hour installment on Sunday, February 11, 2007, beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT. This special night takes viewers inside the closed world of three maximum-security U.S. prisons to observe violent clashes, covert rules and secret codes of justice.

Starting with a special encore presentation of LOCKDOWN: GANG WAR at 8 p.m. ET/PT, hear firsthand accounts from inmates and correctional officers in a prison where gang leaders have the upper hand and call the shots. At 9 p.m. ET/PT with LOCKDOWN: WOMEN BEHIND BARS, NGC takes viewers inside a penal complex that has all the hallmarks of a maximum-security prison violent inmates, overcrowding and a drug trade but a unique population: It houses all women. Finally, at 10 p.m. ET/PT with LOCKDOWN: TOTAL CONTROL, go inside a new high-tech maximum-security prison that houses men so dangerous that they must be locked down 23 hours a day, and see how the entire facility has been specially designed to be "escape free" by building the same security fence Israel put up in the West Bank.

The three-hour special Lockdown night includes the following one-hour episodes:

LOCKDOWN: GANG WAR
Sunday, February 11, at 8 p.m. ET/PT (Special Encore Presentation)
NGC takes you inside one of the United States most violent and dangerous maximum-security prisons Salinas Valley State Prison in Soledad, Calif. With nearly 200 gang-related attacks each year, overcrowded conditions have increased tensions for both officers and inmates. Hear firsthand how fights, stabbings and murders are organized by gang leaders and how outnumbered officers can easily be at the mercy of a gang war. "We have control of everything that happens in the prison," says a former gang member who currently is serving life for murder. Gang War also explores how officers deploy precautionary tactics ranging from unannounced middle-of-the-night raids to searching each inmate by hand for weapons in the outdoor yard.

LOCKDOWN: WOMEN BEHIND BARS
Sunday, February 11, at 9 p.m. ET/PT (World Premiere)
With 3,900 violent female offenders, Valley State Prison for Women in Chowchilla, Calif., is one of the largest and most dangerous women’s prisons in the nation. Last year, the prison recorded its first inmate murder, demonstrating that women can be every bit as violent as men. With female inmates becoming one of the fastest growing segments of California’s prison population, officers are searching for ways to stop the drug trade and reduce violence. With violent incidents on the rise, officials and inmates have taken proactive precautions, including staff constantly wearing stab-proof vests and Kevlar gloves and carrying pepper spray cans and batons; and inmates becoming creative when arming themselves for possible attacks by crafting homemade weapons from materials like screws and lighters. Hear firsthand accounts of pregnant inmates, murderers and drug addicts as they navigate through this dangerous world.

LOCKDOWN: TOTAL CONTROL
Sunday, February 11, at 10 p.m. ET/PT (World Premiere)
Go inside one of the newest high-tech maximum-security prisons in the United States Alexander Correctional Institution in Taylorsville, N.C. In this prison, which has earned the nickname "hell" from inmates, see how officers use sophisticated technology and unconventional methods to keep a "choke hold" on its violent prisoners. NGC uncovers the secrets behind this penitentiary by showing viewers how this correctional institution has been specifically built to prevent any kind of inmate escape attempts, from heavily armed guards who circle the prison 24 hours a day in perimeter patrol vehicles (PPVs) to computers and cameras that can pinpoint within seconds the exact location of an escapee. Learn how officials uncover a drug ring that threatens to undermine prison security and could possibly tip the balance of control between officers and inmates. And see how officers try to prevent rapes, stabbings and prison riots by using a range of disciplinary actions, including creating a rating scale for each inmate based on their gang affiliation and issuing fines for the smallest infractions.

For more information, visit http://www.ngclockdown.com/

ROB AND BIG Renewed For Second Season On MTV Networks

2007-01-23T16:24:00.002-06:00

MTV’s Breakout Hit, ROB & BIG, Greenlit for Second Season on MTV and MTV2

Dynamic Duo Helps MTV2 Achieve Its Highest Rated Day Ever in Channel History

After helping MTV2 achieve its highest rated day in channel history on Monday, January 15th, ROB AND BIG, MTV’s breakout hit series, was picked up for a second season for MTV and MTV2 beginning in Q2 2007 for 8 new episodes. Created by Jeff Tremaine, one of the creators of MTV’s "Jackass" and "Wildboyz" series, this reality comedy series stars professional DC Shoes skateboarder, Rob Dyrdek and his bodyguard and best friend, Christopher "Big Black" Boykin. The show premiered on MTV and MTV2 in November 2006 and documented the hysterical daily domestic antics of this unlikely dynamic duo living together in Rob’s Hollywood Hills home.

The first full season of ROB & BIG reached over 70 million total viewers (P2+) and ranked #1 in its time period (Thu 10:30-11p) among P12-34 versus cable competition. Additionally it ranked #1 in its time period among Teens across all of television as well as generated nearly 5.5 million streams of Rob and Big content on MTV.com since its premiere. After offering the premiere episode as a free download on iTunes, Rob & Big quickly established a digital fanbase, becoming one of MTV’s fastest and best selling shows on the service. On MTV2, Rob and Big has reached 27.7 million viewers (P2+) to date. Three of the airings of ROB AND BIG from Monday, January 15th, were the top ranked telecasts for the day, garnering its highest P12-34 ratings ever on the channel and helping MTV2 achieve its highest rated day in channel history. Season 2 of ROB AND BIG will also be available on iTunes, AOL and Amazon’s UNBOX service as they air.

"Our approach to Rob and Big was to deliver their hilarious brand of reality buddy comedy across all our channels and multiple platforms," said Lois Curren, EVP Series Development, MTV. "Our audience absolutely fell in love with the charming duo’s bizarre daily escapades and now, we’re thrilled to bring Rob and Big back for a second season to MTV and MTV2 for more of their lovable, non-stop, comic adventures."

The story of ROB & BIG is simple: After years of being hassled by cops for street skateboarding, Rob hired Big Black as his own personal bodyguard with one goal in mind -- to ride whenever and wherever he wanted. From that point on, this unusual twosome became instant buddies who were always by each other’s side. The first season of this breakout hit on MTV and MTV2 featured Rob and Big as they adopted their lovable bulldog Meaty, threw their first house party, attempted to get in shape and even joined a dating service together.

For more information about ROB & BIG visit http://www.mtv.com/.

IN STYLE CELEBRITY WEDDINGS Heading For Special Presentation On ABC

2007-01-23T16:24:00.001-06:00

IN STYLE CELEBRITY WEDDINGS Invites You To Celebrate The Greatest Hollywood Nuptials Of 2006

IN STYLE, the popular magazine known for its unprecedented access to celebrities, invites viewers to the year’s most talked-about A-list weddings. With exclusive wedding videos, photographs and personal interviews, IN STYLE CELEBRITY WEDDINGS shares moving love stories and lush style details, from the most intricate wedding gowns to the most exotic wedding locations. The one-hour special airs Monday, February 5 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

Highlights include:

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes -- In his first TV interview, designer Giorgio Armani, Tom and Katie’s style godfather, speaks about the wedding of the year and creating Holmes’ two gowns, Cruise’s navy tuxedo and the bridal party’s attire. The couple’s three-day fairytale wedding in Italy included a kick-off welcome dinner, rehearsal dinner and an extravagant ceremony at the medieval Odescalchi Castle. Celebrity guests included Brooke Shields and Chris Henchy; Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony; Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith, as well as Jim Carrey, Jenny McCarthy and Jenna Elfman, and David and Victoria Beckham, who all jetted to Italy for the couple’s "I Do’s."

Marcia Cross and Tom Mahoney - "Desperate Housewives" Marcia Cross wed Tom Mahoney and shared their never-before-seen wedding video with IN STYLE. The couple′s celebration included a reception at the Huntington Ritz-Carlton Pasadena, where the ballroom was transformed into an all-white "flower shop," plus 232 guests that included Cross′s costars, Eva Longoria with fianci Tony Parker, Felicity Huffman with husband Williams H. Macy, Doug Savant and "Housewives" creator Marc Cherry.

Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott -- Tori and Dean share their private wedding video exclusively with IN STYLE. When the couple decided to elope, they turned to L.A. event planner Jo Gartin to orchestrate a Fijian wedding for two at the island’s Wakaya Club. They took along an old-fashioned Super-8 camera to capture their beach ceremony, and enjoyed their first dance at the water’s edge.

Avril Lavigne and Deryck Whibley - Wedding planner Mindy Weiss takes viewers inside the wedding of rock star Avril Lavigne and Sum 41 frontman Deryck Whibley. Despite the couple’s traditional all-white ceremony, their vivid red reception honored their punk-rock roots with a medieval monogram designed by artist Sonia D’Aloisio, guitar picks inscribed with "Deryck picked Avril" and "Avril picked Deryck," and a black lacquer dance floor.

Supermodel Niki Taylor and Burney Lamar -- Niki Taylor is the cover girl whose life became a series of front-page headlines. First came the tragic death of her sister from a rare heart condition, and then five years ago she was the victim of a horrifying car crash that left her clinging to life. But Niki made an amazing recovery, and this mother of eleven-year-old twin boys got a second chance at love when she wed NASCAR driver Burney Lamar before 60 guests at the Grande Colonial Hotel in San Diego, California this past December.

Rascal Flatts′ Joe Don Rooney and Tiffany Fallon -- When Rascal Flatts′ lead guitarist, Joe Don Rooney, wed "Playmate of the Year" Tiffany Fallon last April, the couple invited 50 close friends and family members for a three day party at the Palmilla Resort in Cabo San Lucas. A friend of the band, R&B superstar Brian McKnight, was there to jump-start the musical part of the evening, and for the couple’s first dance, Joe Don surprised his bride with a custom recording of "Moon Over Georgia."

Ali Landry and Alejandro Monteverde -- Ali Landry became an overnight sensation when she set off the fire sprinklers in a Doritos ad, but while this former Miss USA may have sizzled in public, she grieved privately when her marriage to Mario Lopez was annulled after just two weeks. Four months later, Ali′s fortunes would turn once again. She met film director Alejandro Monteverde and, 18 monthslater, they were engaged. The couple planned an old world wedding in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where Alejandro had proposed.

Sean Patrick Thomas and Aonika Laurent -- After Hurricane Katrina, "Save the Last Dance′s" Sean Patrick Thomas and his bride-to-be, Aonika Laurent, briefly considered moving their nuptials from Laurent′s native New Orleans to Los Angeles. But the Big Easy came through in spirited form, playing gracious host to the couple′s 300 guests at a lavish affair just eight months after the storm hit. For their traditional Catholic ceremony in the city′s historic St. Louis Cathedral, Thomas paired a Hugo Boss tuxedo and shirt with Gucci shoes to complement his bride′s ivory gown, Jimmy Choo heels and cathedral veil.

The special will also spotlight Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban′s romantic honeymoon getaway and will showcase "IN STYLE’s Honeymoon Like a Star Sweepstakes" (two lucky contestants will win business class flights on Air Tahiti Nui and six nights at the St. Regis Resort in Bora Bora). Plus, Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance share their secrets to a long-lasting Hollywood marriage.

BET Premieres Tonight ONE NIGHT ONLY - New Orleans High School Play Of Dreamgirls

2007-01-23T16:23:00.001-06:00

BET Premieres New Original Series ONE NIGHT ONLY Tuesday, January 23 at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT

BET will be premiring tonight a reality docu-soap that follows a group of high school kids and their drama teacher in New Orleans as they race to mount the Dreamgirls play.

Within the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, these kids are rebuilding their homes, school, and community while also trying to enjoy their teenage years.

Features guest appearances from Golden Globe Award winning star of hit film Dreamgirls - Jennifer Hudson, actor Blair Underwood, celebrity couple Dwayne Martin and Tisha Campbell Martin, Tony Award-winning choreographer George Faison and TLC host and celebrity makeup artist Damone Roberts.

The CW Network Announces New Reality Series CROWNED

2007-01-21T16:28:00.000-06:00

The CW announced its new reality series CROWNED, an eight-episode competition that features multiple mother-daughter teams working together as pairs to win a beauty pageant competition, it was announced by Dawn Ostroff, President, Entertainment, The CW during the network’s Winter Press Tour session at the Ritz-Carlton Huntington Hotel in Pasadena, California.

"Our new series CROWNED takes a close look at one of the most emotional and volatile of all relationships -- mothers and daughters -- in a highly competitive and stressful situation," said Ostroff. "Each team’s mother and daughter will have to work hard not to let the other down in order to win the ultimate beauty pageant show in the finale."

Featuring mothers and daughters from all walks of life, the teams and their relationships will be put to the test as they face challenges that focus on preparing them for the pageant show finale, including expressing a ’style’ for the mother-daughter via clothing and swimwear, creative ways of expressing a point of view about issues in the world, and participating in the big pageant show dance number. Each week, three judges will oversee the competition, including a celebrity mother-daughter pair to be announced.

In the end, one mother-daughter team will be "crowned" the winner and will receive a valuable prize package, including a $100,000 cash award, representation to appear at charity events across the country, and, of course, a fabulous pair of tiaras.

FOX Announces WHEN WOMEN RULE THE WORLD

2007-01-21T16:27:00.000-06:00

WHEN WOMEN RULE THE WORLD Begins Production For FOX

Unscripted Series Exposes What Happens When Women Are Given Ultimate Power

This spring, FOX, the home of genre-twisting hits "Joe Millionaire," "My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance" and "Temptation Island," will expose the battle of the sexes, turning traditional gender roles upside-down and giving women all the power on WHEN WOMEN RULE THE WORLD (working title).

What if it was "a woman’s world"? What if women made ALL the decisions? If men were their subjects? These questions and more will be explored when a group of strong, educated and independent women, tired of living in a man’s world and each with a personal axe to grind, rule over a group of unsuspecting men used to calling the shots on WHEN WOMEN RULE THE WORLD.

The unscripted series will reveal how women and men react in a world where women are in charge and men are subservient, and each gender’s ability to adapt to a new social order will be put to the test.

The participants will be brought to a remote, primitive location where the women will have the opportunity to "rule" as they build a newly formed society - one where there is no glass ceiling and no need to dress to impress. For the men, their worlds of power and prestige are turned inside-out and upside-down. And for these women, turnabout is fair play!

In order to win, the men must accede to the women’s every command, 24/7, while building a new world. Here, women command and men obey. Over the series’ duration, the men will be eliminated by the women until one last man is standing.

How will the men react? How will the women treat the men? Can women effectively rule society? Will the men learn what life is like for some women in today’s world? Will this new society be a Utopia or a hell on earth? And in the end, who will be man enough to succeed in the new social order?

The premiere date, host and additional show details will be announced at a later date.

AMERICAN IDOL Returns Tonight With Two Hour Premiere - Continues Tomorrow Night

2007-01-16T08:35:00.001-06:00

AMERICAN IDOL, The Number 1 Show Of Last Season, Returns January 16 And 17 On Fox

Two-Night, Four-Hour Season Premiere Features Auditions in Minneapolis and Seattle

Top 24 Singers Revealed on Wednesday, February 14
Top 12 Male Singers Perform on Tuesday, February 20
Top 12 Female Singers Perform on Wednesday, February 21
First LIVE Results Show on Thursday, February 22
Top 12 Finalists Perform for the First Time on Tuesday, March 13

AMERICAN IDOL, television’s No. 1 show for the past three seasons, returns with a two-night, four-hour premiere featuring outrageous new auditions and unbelievable talent. The search for the next singing superstar begins Tuesday, Jan. 16 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX with auditions from Minneapolis and Wednesday, Jan. 17 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) with auditions from Seattle.

The search continues in upcoming weeks as AMERICAN IDOL travels to Los Angeles, San Antonio, Birmingham, Memphis and New York City. Episodes featuring the audition cities will air on four consecutive Tuesdays: Jan. 16 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) from Minneapolis, MN; Jan. 23 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) from Memphis, TN; Jan. 30 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) from Birmingham, AL; and Feb. 6 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) from Los Angeles, CA; and three Wednesdays: Jan. 17 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) from Seattle, WA; Jan. 24 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) from New York City, NY; and Jan. 31 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) from San Antonio, TX. For viewers craving still more of this season’s unforgettable auditions, a special "Rest of the Best" show will air Wednesday, Feb. 7 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

The lucky few who get the judges’ approval move on to the Hollywood Round, which will air Tuesday, Feb. 13 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) and Wednesday, Feb. 14 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). On Wednesday, Feb. 14, the Top 24 semifinalists - 12 males and 12 females - will be announced.

Then it will be up to America to decide who moves forward in the competition. The first performance show featuring the Top 12 male singers will air Tuesday, Feb. 20 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).

The following night, Wednesday, Feb. 21 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), the Top 12 female singers will perform. A LIVE results show revealing America’s first vote of the season will air Thursday, Feb. 22 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), when the two male and two female contestants with the fewest votes will be sent home.

For the next two weeks, the males will perform on Tuesdays, the females on Wednesdays and the LIVE results show will air on Thursday nights. Thus, the Top 10 male singers will perform on Tuesday, Feb. 27 (8:00-9:30 PM ET/PT) and the Top 8 male singers on Tuesday, March 6 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). The Top 10 female singers will perform on Wednesday, Feb. 28 (8:00-9:30 PM ET/PT) and the Top 8 female singers battle it out on Wednesday, March 7 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). Four contestants, two males and two females, will be eliminated from the competition on the LIVE results shows airing Thursday, March 1 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) and Thursday, March 8 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed). The Top 12 Finalists will be revealed on Thursday, March 8.

The competition heats up as the Top 12 Finalists take the stage for the first time together on Tuesday, March 13 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). One contestant’s journey will end as America’s vote is revealed on Wednesday, March 14 (9:00-9:30 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed).

RECAP (All times ET/PT)

Tuesday, Jan. 16 (8:00-10:00 PM) Season Premiere, Part 1 - Minneapolis Auditions

Wednesday, Jan. 17 (8:00-10:00 PM) Season Premiere, Part 2 - Seattle Auditions

Tuesday, Jan. 23 (8:00-9:00 PM) Memphis Auditions

Wednesday, Jan. 24 (9:00-10:00 PM) New York City Auditions

Tuesday, Jan. 30 (8:00-9:00 PM) Birmingham Auditions

Wednesday, Jan. 31 (9:00-10:00 PM) San Antonio Auditions

Tuesday, Feb. 6 (8:00-9:00 PM) Los Angeles Auditions

Wednesday, Feb. 7 (9:00-10:00 PM) "Rest of the Best" Auditions

Tuesday, Feb. 13 (8:00-9:00 PM) Hollywood Round, Part 1

Wednesday, Feb. 14 (9:00-10:00 PM) Hollywood Round, Part 2 - Top 24 Semifinalists Announced

Tuesday, Feb. 20 (8:00-10:00 PM) Top 12 Male Singers Perform

Wednesday, Feb. 21 (8:00-10:00 PM) Top 12 Female Singers Perform

Thursday, Feb. 22 (8:00-9:00 PM) First Results Show (Live ET/Tape-Delayed PT) - Two Male and Two Female Contestants Voted Off

Tuesday, Feb. 27 (8:00-9:30 PM) Top 10 Male Singers Perform

Wednesday, Feb. 28 (8:00-9:30 PM) Top 10 Female Singers Perform

Thursday, March 1 (8:00-9:00 PM) Results Show (Live ET/Tape-Delayed PT) - Two Male and Two Female Contestants Voted Off

Tuesday, March 6 (8:00-9:00 PM) Top 8 Male Singers Perform

Wednesday, March 7 (8:00-9:00 PM) Top 8 Female Singers Perform

Thursday, March 8 (8:00-9:00 PM) Results Show (Live ET/Tape-Delayed PT) - Two Male and Two Female Contestants Voted Off; - Top 12 Finalists Revealed

Tuesday, March 13 (8:00-10:00 PM) Top 12 Finalists Perform

Wednesday, March 14 (9:00-9:30 PM) Results Show (Live ET/Tape-Delayed PT) - One Contestant Voted Off

Twenty-two-time Emmy-nominated AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, founder of 19 Entertainment; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Nigel Lythgoe, President, 19 Television; and Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.

DANCING WITH THE STARS Returns To ABC On March 26th

2007-01-16T08:35:00.000-06:00

ABC Announces The Return Of The Hit Series DANCING WITH THE STARS, Monday, March 19

The First Two Episodes, Airing March 19 and the Following Monday, March 26, Will Be Special Two-Hour Performance Shows

Performance Shows Will Air Every Monday, with Results Shows on Tuesdays

The ABC Television Network announces the return of hit series DANCING WITH THE STARS with a two-hour premiere on Monday, March 19 (8:00-10:00 p.m., ET). To offer viewers two weeks to see the performers in action before voting, the first results show will air on week two. The second performance show, airing Monday, March 26, will also be two hours in length (8:00-10:00 p.m.), and the first results show will air Tuesday, March 27 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET).

Beginning April 2, DANCING WITH THE STARS will air Mondays from 8:00-9:30 p.m, and DANCING WITH THE STARS THE RESULTS SHOW on Tuesdays from 9:00-10:00 p.m.

"The great thing about this air schedule is that fans won’t have to choose between the two reality hits this Spring," said Stephen McPherson, president, ABC Entertainment.

The new cast will be announced on "Good Morning America" closer to premiere.

Growing its audience among viewers and young adults each season since its debut in Summer 2005, ABC’s DANCING WITH THE STARS has established itself as one of television’s most popular series. The program has consistently improved its time periods and been a top competitor in those slots. This season DANCING WITH THE STARS stands as the second-most-watched program on television, while qualifying as the No. 1 unscripted TV series in Total Viewers (20.7 million) and Adults 18-49 (5.8/15). DANCING WITH THE STARS attracts a highly desirable upscale young adult audience, ranking among the highest-rated shows on TV with Adults 18-49 in homes earning $100K+ annual income (No. 6 = 5.9 rating). It’s the No. 1 unscripted series with high-income young adults. On its third season finale during the 2006 November Sweep (11/15/06), DANCING WITH THE STARS achieved the series’ most-watched telecast ever, with an average audience of 27.7 million viewers.

DANCING WITH THE STARS is the U.S. version of the international smash hit series, "Strictly Come Dancing." This version is produced in America by BBC Worldwide. Conrad Green and Richard Hopkins are executive producers and Izzie Pick is co-executive producer. Rob Wade and Matilda Zoltowski are supervising producers. Alex Rudzinski directs.

DANCING WITH THE STARS Returns To ABC On March 26th

2007-01-16T08:33:00.000-06:00

Beauty Queens Heading To PAGEANT SCHOOL: BECOMING MISS AMERICA On CMT And VH1

2006-12-22T11:08:00.000-06:00

Miss America 2007 Contestants Enroll In Pre-Pageant Training For CMT′s PAGEANT SCHOOL: BECOMING MISS AMERICA Premiering Friday, January 26 At 9:00 P.M. EST

Two-Hour Special Also Premieres On MTV Sunday, January 28 At 9:00 A.M. On VH1 Monday, January 29 At 6:00 P.M. And Logo Monday, January 29 At 3:00 P.M. And Tuesday, January 30 At 7:00 A.M.

For the first time in the history of the Miss America Pageant, all 52 contestants will meet in one location, Los Angeles, for a crash course in all things pageantry in PAGEANT SCHOOL: BECOMING MISS AMERICA, premiering Friday, January 26 at 9:00 - 11:00 p.m. on CMT. The two-hour special will also premiere on CMT sister networks, MTV on Sunday, January 28 at 9:00 a.m., VH1 on Monday, January 29 at 6:00 p.m. and Logo on Monday, January 29 at 3:00 p.m. and Tuesday, January 30 at 7:00 a.m.

PAGEANT SCHOOL: BECOMING MISS AMERICA levels the competitive playing field by helping each contestant refine their look, sharpen their skills and bring them all one step closer to the crown. Led by pageant coach and former Miss America runner-up Erika Schwartz Wright and Miss America 2006 Jennifer Berry, the show employs a distinguished panel of experts, including Miss America 1971 Phyllis George, Miss America 2001 Angela Perez Baraquio and famed pageant coach Dale Smith Thomas, who critique the contestants and provide essential instruction for their success in the pageant. Official pageant judges Delta Burke, Michael Feinstein and Debbie Allen also drop by for a special contestant Question & Answer session.

The PAGEANT SCHOOL week consists of individual preparatory events, including pageant walk training, swimsuit and beauty competitions and a unique fitness lesson designed to build physical confidence. At the end of their training, contestants nominate three hopefuls for the title of "Miss Congeniality 2007." Immediately following the telecast, viewers will be able to vote online at www.missamerica.cmt.com to award this title to one lucky contestant, with the winner being revealed live at the 2007 MISS AMERICA PAGEANT. The 2007 MISS AMERICA PAGEANT premieres on CMT Monday, January 29 at 8:00 p.m. from The Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

CMT offers fans an insider′s look at www.missamerica.cmt.com/, where they can learn more about each of the competitors. The CMT website features highlights of all 52 contestants with personal photos, videos, bios and more. In January, the network′s broadband channel CMT Loaded will feature exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews and video, including excerpts from the popular talent competition.

PAGEANT SCHOOL: BECOMING MISS AMERICA is produced by Julie Pizzi and Patty Ivins at PB&J Television, with Paul Villadolid and Nicole Zien serving as executive producers for CMT. CMT will also air PAGEANT SCHOOL on Saturday, January 27 at 6:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. as well as Sunday, January 28 at 2:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

The 2006 MISS AMERICA PAGEANT premiered on CMT last January and ranks as the most-watched telecast in CMT′s history. Since its premiere, re-airings of the Pageant have been seen by more than 27 million different viewers.

BET Announces Festive Star-Studded Programming Lineup To Ring In the New Years

2006-12-22T11:07:00.000-06:00

BET J Rolls Out a Festive Star-Studded Programming Lineup to Celebrate the Holidays and Ring In the New Year!

BET J unveils its special Holiday programming lineup to celebrate the 2006 Holiday season as it wraps up a successful year of televising exceptional, quality programming for the mature viewing audience. This joyful season, the Cool Like That channel delivers a contemporary menu of adult programming favorites, including classic Jazz favorites, star-studded music specials and hot original programming for viewers to enjoy.

Viewers can expect a full array of festive programming to get them into the holiday spirit. Viewers will enjoy some memorable BET J favorites like THE CHRISTIES: COMMITTED and MY MODEL LOOKS BETTER THAN YOUR MODEL to eye- catching music specials such as the exclusive NAJEE: SAX IN SOUTH AFRICA which will take viewers on an unforgettable music journey from the exotic location of South Africa to the GERALD LEVERT SPECIAL, which takes an intimate look back at the phenomenal life and career of the late Gerald Levert, who made a historic mark in the music industry. BET J pulls out all the stops to provide viewers with a taste of its unmatched "Grown & Sexy" programming lineup guaranteed to heat up households this holiday season!

The following is a snapshot of BET J specials and original programming to look forward to this holiday season (All times are ET/PT):

BET J SPECIALS:

* BET J: THE COOLEST MOMENTS OF 2006
BET J rings in the New Year with this up-close look back at all the "Coolest Moments" of 2006! Here′s a chance for viewers to catch up on all they may have missed in this special archival footage showcasing the coolest 2006 highlights. Sunday, December 31 at 7:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m.; Monday, January 1 at 7:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m.

* LAST CALL 2006! TOP 50 COUNTDOWN
The mega-music countdown of the year happens on BET J with this special LAST CALL 2006! TOP 50 COUNTDOWN music program featuring the top 50 of the hottest "Grown & Sexy" music videos to help viewers undoubtedly ring in the New Year the right way! Sunday, December 31 at 8:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m.; Monday, January 1 at 8:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m.

* A SOUL SESSIONS CHRISTMAS
A festive hour filled with holiday-themed music videos from both today′s hottest artists and music legends. Sunday, December 24 at 10:00 p.m.

* NAJEE: SAX IN SOUTH AFRICA
The soulful sounds of jazz legend Najee are highlighted in this exclusive one-hour BET J program featuring the Grammy-nominated musician performing from the beautiful country of South Africa. Produced by veteran actress Kim Fields, viewers will enjoy this unique travel diary complete with musical performances, a visit to a youth music workshop, and an intimate visit with the Mandela family during the 10-day exotic tour throughout Johannesburg, Pretoria and Bloomfountain, South Africa. Sunday, December 24 at 8:00 p.m.

* GERALD LEVERT SPECIAL
BET mourns the lost of legendary singer Gerald Levert, a personal friend and a regular performer among many BET programs, including BOBBY JONES GOSPEL and WALK OF FAME, in this introspective tribute. Don′t miss this intimate look back on the dynamic life of one of R&B music′s most talented performers, including personal reflections from family and friends, as well as a profile of many of the music videos that touched all our hearts. Sunday, December 24 at 9:00 p.m.

BET J ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING:

* MY MODEL LOOKS BETTER THAN YOUR MODEL
Tune in for 6 episodes of BET J′s fashion bonanza featuring former America′s Top Model winner Eva Marcel. This fashion-forward show highlights three contestants who are assigned and judged on executing their own personal fashion theme on professional models in hopes of winning an opportunity to style host Eva in a TRACE magazine pictorial. At the end of each challenge, panel of celebrity and fashion judges analyze the final product. Judges include industry experts: photographer Ezequiel De La Rosa, Trace fashion editor Daphne Devallie, former Vibe fashion editor-at-large Beverly Smith, stylists Alexander Allen, Phillip Bloch and Misa Hylton-Brimm, former Suede and Honey beauty editor Mia Stokes, and best-selling author Lloyd Boston. Monday, December 25 at 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

* THE CHRISTIES: COMMITTED
BET J′s THE CHRISTIES is unlike any reality series you′ve ever seen. As cameras follow the life of NBA star Doug Christie and his all-too- controlling wife Jackie, the twosome can′t help but to captivate audiences with their unconventional style of marriage, commitment and unbreakable love. Here′s an opportunity to catch up on any episodes you may have missed when the Cool Like That network rolls out 8 episodes featuring Doug and Jackie in all their matrimonial glory! Monday, December 25 at 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

* MY TWO CENTS
BET J rolls out a sizzling marathon of original programming that is sure to satisfy viewers′ palates for the holidays. MY TWO CENTS, BET J′s engaging roundtable talk-show jumps off the special marathon with 5 hot episodes featuring host Keith Boykin and an array of diverse guest panelists, including April Silver and Crystal McCrary Anthony to discuss everything from politics to healthcare. Monday, December 25 at 6:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

* REAL LIVE DIVAS

Don't miss 2 fresh episodes of the sexy new series REAL LIVE DIVAS that showcases today′s most formidable African-American women such as Sheryl Lee Ralph, Veronica Webb, Tracey Reese and many more, making remarkable career moves and evoking social change. Whether their efforts and impact on communities were artistic, social or political, this intimate look highlights all of these dynamic contributions and influences on today′s women! Monday, December 25 at 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

* SOUL SESSIONS
It′s more than a show -- it′s the many different elements of soul. This eclectic music program brings the finest live performances as well as classic music videos. SOUL SESSIONS offers the best of Neo-Soul and classic hits, and features music videos from both today′s hottest artists and music legends. Sunday, December 24 at 10:00 p.m.

* THE BEST SHORTS
A film fest of colossal proportions rounds out the Christmas marathon with 8 hours filled with non-stop drama, comedy, horror, suspense and the African-American experience from the best and brightest emerging filmmakers. Don′t miss the best in "Black Cinema" with this exclusive marathon of Black film shorts from some of today′s most talented Black movie makers. Monday, December 25 at 10:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m.

* IN VIDE
Check out which artist BET J′s music video vault showcases in this special program featuring artists in their urban classics or today′s hottest hits. Monday, January 1 at 9:00 a.m.

* TIMELESS
TIMELESS chronicles the lives and careers of iconic artists and musicians and documents their success through an in-depth timeline of their albums, music videos and legendary performances. Monday, January 1 at 1:00 p.m.

* INFLUENCES
INFLUENCES brings the intimate chat with viewers′ favorite contemporary Soul and R&B artists as they reveal who their personal influences from traditional Jazz are and how these icons have impacted their music. Monday, January 1 at 4:00 p.m.

PBS Brings Three New Science Pilots To TV - Premieres News Years Day

2006-12-22T11:06:00.000-06:00

PBS ′Experiments′ With Three New Science Pilots Starting New Year′s Day

Viewers Invited to Help Select Next New Weekly PBS Science Series Targeted to Premiere Fall 2007

In search of the next new science series, PBS will premiere three pilots on New Year′s Day via streaming video on pbs.org, with the television broadcasts kicking off January 3 at 8:00 p.m. ET on PBS member stations. Audiences nationwide will be invited to weigh in on their favorite, and the ultimate choice will move on to become a new 10-week series projected to debut in fall 2007.

This is the first time PBS has introduced full specials online in advance of the television broadcast, offering a unique interactive dialogue with viewers about the programs they are seeking from their public television stations. The announcement was made by John Boland, Chief Content Officer, PBS.

"Technology is not only allowing PBS member stations more opportunities to provide viewers even greater access to the best content available, but also new ways to interact with our audiences, delivering a level of value and engagement that only a public service media environment can,"said Mr. Boland.

The three new pilots include WIRED SCIENCE, a production of KCET Los Angeles in association with Wired magazine; SCIENCE INVESTIGATORS, from WGBH Boston and Lion TV; and 22ND CENTURY, produced by Tower Productions in collaboration with Boston Science Communications and Twin Cities Public Television. Each special will be available via free streaming video on pbs.org and as free video podcasts on Apple′s iTunes player. The PBS television broadcasts begin January 3 for three consecutive Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. (check local listings); on-air promos will invite the audiences to submit reviews of the shows online at each of the program sites accessible through pbs.org/science. Viewer feedback, as well as additional audience-based research, will help inform PBS′ decision to greenlight one pilot as the next new science series slated to premiere with an initial 10-week run in fall 2007.

"Popular, long-running shows like NOVA and specials such as THE ELEGANT UNIVERSE have proven that the American public has a rich appetite for science- related programming, and research has told us that they are looking for more high-quality choices from PBS," added John F. Wilson, Senior Vice President & Chief TV Programming Executive, PBS.

The science pilots were funded by a special grant co-managed by CPB (Corporation for Public Broadcasting) and PBS. The initiative was inspired by the results of a CPB primetime research study that indicated strong viewer interest in PBS science-related programming. From an initial request for proposals that yielded more than 19 submissions, PBS winnowed the field to the three finalists below:

WIRED SCIENCE
Wednesday, January 3, 2007, 8:00-9:00 p.m. ET

WIRED SCIENCE is a one-hour program that translates Wired magazine′s award-winning journalism into a fast-paced television show. WIRED SCIENCE brings Wired magazine′s cutting-edge vision, stylish design and irreverent attitude to the screen with breakout ideas, recent discoveries and the latest innovations. The pilot episode takes the viewer into the world of meteorite hunters, where space, commerce and art intersect; travels to Yellowstone National Park to harvest viruses that may hold the key to a technology revolution; and dives underwater to explore NEEMO, NASA′s extreme astronaut training facility. Viewers will meet rocket-belt inventors, stem cell explorers and the developer of an electric car that goes from zero-to-60 in under four seconds. As a series, WIRED SCIENCE hopes to span the globe to uncover novel developments in biomedicine, space exploration, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, robotics and military technology. January 1 Website launch: pbs.org/wired science

The hosts and personalities of WIRED SCIENCE include Brian Unger, a contributor to NPR′s "Day to Day," frequent guest host on MSNBC′s "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" and former correspondent for the "Daily Show"; Aomawa Shields, a graduate of MIT and author of the essay "Universe: The Sequel," which is included in She′s Such a Geek: Women Write About Science, Technology, and Other Nerdy Stuff (Seal Press); and Ziya Tong, who hosted the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation′s Emmy-nominated interactive series "Zed," a pioneer of "open source" television. In addition, Wired senior editor Adam Rogers and roving reporters, such as Pulitzer Prize winner Dan Neil, will bring a fresh, youthful, and diverse perspective to the topics. (Adam Rogers is available for interviews.)

WIRED SCIENCE is a co-production of KCET/Los Angeles, the West Coast flagship station of PBS, and Wired, the pre-eminent science and technology magazine. WIRED SCIENCE is a production of executive producer Tod Mesirow ("MythBusters," "Monster Garage"), senior producer David Axelrod (Emmy winner for the NOVA special "Galileo′s Battle for the Heavens") and production designer Grant Major (Lord of the Rings trilogy, King Kong). David Byrne, Grammy- and Oscar-winning composer (The Last Emperor) and co-founder of the Talking Heads, produced the theme music for the show. Executive producer for KCET is Karen Hunte; executive in charge of production for KCET is Mary Mazur. Executive producer for Wired magazine is Melanie Cornwell; Chris Anderson is Wired′s editor in chief.

SCIENCE INVESTIGATORS
Wednesday, January 10, 2007, 8:00-9:00 p.m. ET

SCIENCE INVESTIGATORS is a new and groundbreaking television program that takes a 21st century, cutting-edge approach to the subject of science. The show will provide solutions to a series of scientific mysteries in a fresh, captivating way. Full of information told through compelling stories, the pilot series is presented by four young, lively hosts, armed with the latest gadgets and technology, who make this a science show with attitude for the blog generation. In the first episode, SCIENCE INVESTIGATORS asks: What can DNA from a more than 30,000-year-old Neanderthal man tell us about ourselves? Are vanishing frogs an early warning sign of hazards to come? Why is the knuckleball one of the most mind-boggling pitches in baseball? Will bacteria be used to power iPods in the future? SI also tells the moving story of an injured Iraq war veteran searching for a better bionic arm. Finally, are NASCAR drivers ready for a new kind of racecar -- one that′s all electric? January 1 Website launch: pbs.org/si

SCIENCE INVESTIGATORS is a Lion Television and WGBH Science Unit Production. Executive producers are Chris Bryson, Nick Catliff (British Academy Award winner), Tony Tackaberry (HISTORY DETECTIVES, a top-rated PBS summer series) and Susanne Simpson, Academy Award nominee and Emmy winner. Hosts are Basil Singer, physicist and robotics expert; Victoria Bruce, geologist, author of the best-seller No Apparent Danger; Kevin Hand, astrobiologist at Stanford and Princeton Universities; and Bahareh Azizi, biochemist and lecturer at Georgia Institute of Technology. Executive-in- charge is Paula S. Apsell, senior executive producer of NOVA, the most-watched science documentary series in the world.

22ND CENTURY
Wednesday, January 17, 2007, 8:00-9:00 p.m. ET

What is the world going to be like 30 years from now? Will human life spans increase to 250 years or more? Will personal computers be smarter than the humans who use them? Will machines shrink to a micro-level so small that they can make repairs inside a human cell? This series is about dramatic changes being made by scientific and technological research conducted in laboratories across the globe today. The pilot episode, called "World Wide Mind," is about a new theory that suggests that in the coming decades all our brains will be wired together just as computers were wired together via the World Wide Web during the 1990s. Each episode will be driven by three characters viewing these scientific advances from a different perspective. One will be an actor portraying Aldous Huxley, late author of Brave New World, who worried about the dehumanizing consequences of new technology. The second will be an impartial observer from the present, an everyday person who, like our viewers, is affected by the changes taking place. The third will be a character from the future, who presents an optimistic view of all the possibilities these technologies offer. January 1 Website launch: pbs.org/22ndcentury

22ND CENTURY is a collaboration of Towers Productions, Boston Science Communications and Twin Cities Public Television. The director and executive producer of 22ND CENTURY is Gino Del Guercio (RED GOLD, TRANSISTORIZED, NERDS 2.0.1); production executive is John Lindsay (winner of six Emmy Awards); the composer is Charles Denler; animation is produced by Xvivo; the producers are Tresha Mabile and Scott Alexander; the host is Robin Robinson; the two characters are played by Mindy Bell and John Cunningham.

PBS is a media enterprise that serves 354 public noncommercial television stations and reaches almost 90 million people each week through on-air and online content. Bringing diverse viewpoints to television and the Internet, PBS provides high-quality documentary and dramatic entertainment, and consistently dominates the most prestigious award competitions. PBS is a leading provider of educational materials for K-12 teachers, and offers a broad array of other educational services. PBS′ premier kids′ TV programming and Web site, PBS KIDS Online (pbskids.org), continue to be parents′ and teachers′ most trusted learning environments for children. More information about PBS is available at pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org Web sites on the Internet.

THE ROB & AMBER PROJECT (Of SURVIVOR Fame) Coming To Fox Reality

2006-12-21T10:11:00.000-06:00

THE ROB & AMBER PROJECT Comes to Fox Reality

New Original Series Scheduled to Premiere Thursday, January 11

Reality darlings Rob and Amber Mariano [of SURVIVOR: MARQUESAS (Season 4), SURVIVOR ALL-STARS (Season 8) and THE AMAZING RACE (Season 7) fame] are set to enter the most challenging phase of their young marriage: Rob′s desire to risk their earnings by becoming a professional gambler.

Fox Reality, the only all reality, all the time channel, will track the ups and downs of this charismatic couple in a brand new original series for cable and satellite television. The new Fox Reality Original, THE ROB & AMBER PROJECT is a series of ten, half-hour shows slated to air on the US cable and satellite network beginning on Thursday, January 11.

Having wed on national television in 2005, Rob now wants to take the couples SURVIVOR and AMAZING RACE winnings and parlay them into millions more by moving to Vegas and becoming a professional poker player. Amber, his ever-supportive wife, is not so sure about this.

THE ROB AND AMBER PROJECT will allow viewers to peek into their private life. From the confines of their master bedroom to super-secret poker dens, audiences will see this newly-married couple live glamorously on the edge. And ultimately, will Rob and Amber be able to withstand the pressures of their new life, celebrity friends and poker elite...without destroying their loving domestic relationship?

David Lyle, Fox Reality COO & General Manager, said, "We pride ourselves on bringing original, unpredictable and exciting programming to reality fans who just can′t get enough. The show, like Rob and Amber themselves, will embrace the spirit of our network. We are proud they chose Fox Reality for their first reality show outside the broadcast world."

MSNBC Takes A Behind The Scenes Look At The World Of Mixed Martial Arts In WARRIOR NATION

2006-12-21T10:10:00.000-06:00

MSNBC Takes A Behind The Scenes Look At The World Of Mixed Martial Arts In WARRIOR NATION, Series Beginning January 9th

MSNBC′s WARRIOR NATION, takes viewers inside the world of MMA, mixed martial arts, beginning January 9th at 10 p.m. ET. MMA, one of the fastest-growing sports in the nation, combines various fighting styles including wrestling, boxing, Tai Kwon Do, Karate and submission grappling. It′s a "no-holds-barred" combat sport that has become a successful enterprise throughout the world and has been called "the next NASCAR." Each episode opens the door to the lives of fighters and the struggles that they endure in this popular sport. Veteran fighters, such as Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz, fans favorites, including Urijah Faber, as well as up-and-coming fighters, are portrayed. The four-part series airs each week on consecutive Tuesdays, beginning January 9th at 10 p.m. ET. WARRIOR NATION is the first of two documentary series produced by 29 Stories LLC for MSNBC.

"WARRIOR NATION is not just about fighting," says Long-Form Programming Vice President Michael Rubin, "it′s about a quickly growing American phenomenon; the millions of fans and tens of thousands of young athletes who gravitate to this new sport, hoping to springboard from obscurity to celebrity, using the most basic of tools--their bodies and fists."

Episode One, which airs January 9th at 10 and 11 p.m. ET, follows Urijah Faber and Enoch Wilson. 27-year-old Faber is the number one MMA fighter in his weight class in the nation and one of the best in the world. A college graduate, he fights and trains full-time, has 14 career wins and over $100,000 in prize money. Wilson, a 26-year-old high school drop-out and single dad with 8 career wins, works at a plastics factory to support his training and his 14-month-old daughter.

The Following Tuesday evening, January 16th, in episode two we meet Erin Toughill. At 29-years-old, she is one of the top women fighters in the world. Toughill′s husband, Clark Bevans, a 32-year-old gym owner, also participates in MMA fighting. Together, they hope to become the first couple in the world to fight on the same night - and win.

Episode Three, airing January 23rd, unites two rivals for their second head-to-head fight. Gina Carrano and Elaina Maxwell meet at Strikeforce in San Jose, California. Carrano, the underdog, plans on repeating her previous win over Maxwell, but Maxwell, who has been training under Cung Le, the World Kickboxing Champion, expects to even the score. Nonetheless, both women won′t take this fight lying down.

Airing January 30th, episode four dives deep into the organization of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The episode features two up-and-coming fighters, Steve Byrnes and Logan Clark, who have recently earned their first shot at fighting, as well as two celebrity veterans of the UFC, Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz. UFC President Dana White also explains his struggles and plans to Make MMA legal in all 50 states.

SURREAL LIFE ALL-STARS Coming To VH1 January 7th

2006-12-21T10:09:00.000-06:00

SURREAL LIFE ALL-STARS Return To Compete In VH1′S First Ever THE SURREAL LIFE FAME GAMES

With Brigitte Nielsen, Ron Jeremy, Chyna Doll, Vanilla Ice, Traci Bingham, Verne Troyer, Jordan Knight, Pepa, Emmanuel Lewis, Andrea Lowell and C.C. Deville

Hosted by Robin Leach

Audience favorites from all six seasons of Surreal Life kick-off 2007 in a new competition series. VH1′s first ever "The Surreal Life Fame Games" hosted by the certified bearer of champagne wishes and caviar dreams, Mr. Robin Leach himself (Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous), determines who is an A-list celebrity and who is a B-list wanna be.

Premiering Sunday, January 7 at 9PM ET/PT on VH1, THE SURREAL LIFE FAME GAMES is a competitive twist on Celebreality. This time, eleven of the most memorable cast members from Surreal Life will come together in Las Vegas to compete in a series of "fame games" which will whittle them down to just one winner of a $100,000 grand prize.

THE SURREAL LIFE FAME GAMES is a ten episode elimination featuring tongue-in-cheek competitions that parody the trappings, costs, conceits and drama of being famous. The Surreal celebrities will have their Hollywood survival skills challenged, their popularity measured and their ability to navigate through the treacherous world of tabloid stardom put to the test. From the very first episode the celebrities will have to struggle to remain on the comfortable "A List" side of the house by winning competitions. The losing players will be banished to the humiliating "B-list" quarters where tension builds as the A-listers enjoy gourmet meals prepared by a renowned Vegas chef and the B-listers are forced to make their own ham sandwiches. The contestants are reminded of the volatility of fame as the A-list drinks champagne and get pro-tennis lessons while the B-list is left to play ping-pong and eat crackers.

The hour long show will be hosted by Las Vegas local Robin Leach and feature many Vegas locations, events and celebrity cameos. Surreal Life all-stars returning to compete include: Brigitte Nielsen (Season 3), Chyna Doll (Season 4), - more - Vanilla Ice (Season 2), Pepa (Season 5), Emmanuel Lewis (Season 1), C.C. DeVille (Season 6), Ron Jeremy (Season 2), Jordan Knight (Season 3), Verne Troyer (Season 4), Andrea Lowell (Season 6) and Tracy Bingham (Season 2).

The competitions will include everything from "Paparazzi Hide-and-Seek" to "Scandal Video Film Festival" to the "Hotel Room Trash-a-thon" to a funny little game called "What's Charo Saying?" All the games test a celebrity′s level of relative fame. For example in one simple game, their names are entered in Google and the one with the most hits wins! In another, the celebrities compete to see who can get the most famous person to call into the show. While the premise of all the games will be fun, the competitions will be real - and in the end, only one Surreal All-Star will claim the final prize.

AMERICAN CHOPPER Heading To TLC Channel January 18th

2006-12-20T09:49:00.001-06:00

AMERICAN CHOPPER Revs Its Engines on The Learning Channel Starting Thursday, January 18

AMERICAN CHOPPER is cornerstone of new high-octane programming block, TURBO ON TLC.

AMERICAN CHOPPER, featuring Orange County Choppers, the family business run by Paul Teutul Sr. and Paul Teutul Jr., is moving to The Learning Channel starting Thursday, January 18, from 9-10 PM (ET/PT) to be the cornerstone of a new programming block, TURBO ON TLC.

The first two episodes of AMERICAN CHOPPER on TLC feature a build-off between Paul Teutul Jr. and Paul Teutul Sr., who each build a prototype custom chopper that is their vision of the future of OCC. The two bikes will be displayed in January at an OCC event in Florida, and the fans′ vote will decide which prototype is used for the upcoming production line of choppers produced by OCC.

The Teutuls′ business is also on the move, and the new episodes of AMERICAN CHOPPER′s fourth season follow Orange County Choppers, one of the leading custom chopper shops in the world, as they break ground on their new 92,820-square-foot facility, which encompasses OCC′s garage, service center, retail store, offices and display area. The new episodes document not only the physical changes as OCC expands, but the evolving relationships between Paul Teutul Sr., his sons Paul Teutul Jr. and Mikey Teutul, the extended Teutul family and their OCC staff, which has grown to over 70 employees. The family dynamics and lessons from running a successful business will continue to be featured alongside the Teutuls building some of the most aggressive, creative custom choppers around. Besides the production bike build-off between Paul Jr. and Paul Sr., some of the other builds featured in the new episodes on TLC include an Indy racing-inspired bike with Danica Patrick for GoDaddy.com and a Peavey Amps chopper.

TURBO ON TLC launches on January 18 with the premiere of AMERICAN CHOPPER at 9 PM (ET/PT) and a special episode featuring Mikey Teutul′s adventures around the OCC shop and the Northeast Coast at 10 PM (ET/PT). TURBO ON TLC′s complete lineup includes OVERHAULIN, starting January 18 at 7 PM (ET/PT); AMERICAN HOT ROD, starting January 25 at 8 PM (ET/PT); BIKER BUILD-OFF, starting February 8 at 10 PM (ET/PT); and additional programming and new series currently in development.

The TURBO ON TLC lineup is the on-air home for TURBO, the multi-platform, multimedia destination for Discovery Network′s best "motorized" content, from choppers to supersonic jets and everything in between. As a multimedia destination, TURBO is designed for people who love the rush and craftsmanship of all things motorized. The first cross-platform brand in Discovery′s portfolio, TURBO offers content on air, online, on demand and on the go. TURBO programming blocks air on Thursday nights on TLC and Tuesday nights on Discovery HD Theater.

Everyone′s Favorite God Warrior Returns To TRADING SPOUSES: MEET YOUR NEW MOMMY

2006-12-20T09:49:00.000-06:00

Everyone′s Favorite "God Warrior" Marguerite Perrin

Returns To TRADING SPOUSES: MEET YOUR NEW MOMMY On January 19 And January 26

Marguerite Perrin, the self-proclaimed "God Warrior," made famous last season by her infamous rant against the "dark side" and major meltdown in front of the cameras returns to TRADING SPOUSES: MEET YOUR NEW MOMMY on Friday, Jan. 19 and Friday, Jan. 26 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. Perrin first appeared on TRADING SPOUSES so she could use the $50,000 prize money for gastric bypass surgery. She′s since had the surgery and lost 94 lbs!

While she currently holds a smaller build, Perrin is no less the big personality previously seen on the show, and is just as sassy, ready to tell it like it is, and as effervescent as ever! This special two-part episode took Perrin to the home of Abasi Malone and LaToya Brown in St. Petersburg, FL. Their 7 year old daughter Shachamaah is home- schooled by LaToya, while Abasi drives a taxi and has a newspaper route. The Malone-Brown′s are very environmentally conscious, with both a recycled rain barrel and compost pile in their yard. Abasi also hosts a political talk show that addresses issues within the African American community. Marguerite and Abasi quickly learn how to push each others buttons and it doesn′t take long before they clash over their views on race, politics, and social injustice.

Perrin still lives in Ponchatoula, LA with husband Barry, daughters Ashley and Brooke and granddaughter Abigail. They believe in good old southern hospitality, and enjoy hosting parties and get-togethers with friends and family. The family continues to run a thriving dance studio that instructs ballet, jazz, and hip-hop.

EGO TRIP The (White) Rapper Show Heading To VH1

2006-12-20T09:48:00.000-06:00

VH1 Flows Outta Control With ′ego trip′s The (White) Rapper Show′

It′s More Than a Reality Game Show, It′s the "Lighter" Side of Hip Hop

The Eight Episode Series Premieres Monday, January 8 at 10:30pm

Since the first rhymes flowed in the parks of the South Bronx, most of rap′s major emcees, have been African American. A few successful white MC′s like The Beastie Boys and Eminem have reached the top of the hip hop world. But for the most part, the rap game has been an unforgiving field for melanin-deficient MC′s.

But now, 20 years after the Beasties first exercised their "License to Ill," VH1 and ego trip have stepped in to search for the next great "white rapper" in "ego trip′s The (White) Rapper Show" premiering January 8 at 10:30 pm. Additional new episodes will air every Monday at 10:00pm.

Set in the birthplace of hip hop, the South Bronx, and hosted by white rap legend Michael "MC Serch" Berrin (of the group 3rd Bass) and producing legend Prince Paul, "ego trip′s The (White) Rapper Show" will put 10 contestants from all over America through challenges that will test their musical "cred," knowledge of hip hop culture, and their ideas about race. Along the way, hip hop pioneers, such as Grandmaster Flash, Kurtis Blow, and Fat Joe will be brought in to school and critique our eager rappin′ competitors.

The competition won′t be easy. The run-down South Bronx tenement that they′ll be bunking in, "Tha White House," is a far cry from the standard reality show mansion. But hip hop is about survival; about economics and class and race. And our 10 contestants will be faced with a variety of tasks that will reflect each of these facets of the culture.

From freestyle battles in Detroit′s famed St. Andrews Hall to cutting a club record with super producer Just Blaze to answering questions about life in the ′hood, these 10 hopefuls will be immersed in the culture they claim to love. But do they have the knowledge, talent and ability to, as MC Serch says, lead the culture? Or will they bleed the culture? "ego Trip′s The (White) Rapper Show" on VH1 will leave only one man (or woman) standing alone ... victorious in the original hood of hip hop and $100,000 richer.

Tonight On PRIMETIME BASIC INSTINCTS - Can 12 Strangers Find Each Other in Washington, D.C.

2006-12-20T09:47:00.000-06:00

Can 12 Strangers Find Each Other in Washington, D.C.,

Having Never Met and Without Any Clues Where to Look?

Will Two Teams Succeed in Losing 15 Pounds in Two Months?

Can math and science be used to predict whether people will lose weight or to see if complete strangers can find each other in the middle of a busy city, with no clues?

"Primetime" finds out in the third installment of "Primetime: Basic Instincts." Professor Barry Nalebuff of Yale University′s School of Management teaches game theory, which he describes as "the science of strategy; recognizing that the success of what you do depends on what other people do."

Working with Nalebuff, "Primetime" creates two real life games to test the intellectual theory. Jay Schadler reports on "Primetime: Basic Instincts" airing tonight (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

One scenario takes viewers on a race through Washington, D.C. to see if twelve strangers paired off can find each other without any clues or direction. While their journey begins with an expected route, the players stumble on unexpected obstacles along the way. Will they come together and find each other, proving that people tend to have common thought patterns in a given society?

Could game theory help create a sure fire way to lose weight? In the second scenario, there are two voluntary teams competing to see if each person can lose 15 pounds in two months. Each team has a different form of game theory. One side faces a choice: lose the weight or unveil a picture taken of them in a tiny bathing suit -- on a stadium jumbotron. The other team faces a more subtle pressure - try to do their part in losing the weight for the team to succeed.

Will the credible threat of exposure be enough to motivate one team to drop the most weight, or will the other team motivated more positively win?

Open Casting Call Announced For SURVIVOR

2006-12-19T10:48:00.000-06:00

CBS has announced an open casting call for the hit reality TV Series SURVIVOR.

In 2007 a new group of Americans will experience trials and tribulations as they are eliminated one by one from yet another SURVIVOR program. The Sole Survivor will win $1,000,000.

Below is a list of the locations where the upcoming SURVIVOR casting calls will held.

WFRV

December 27th, 4-8pm
The 5th Quarter
2101 American Drive
Little Chute, WI
For more information, visit wfrv.com or call Kristin at 920-430-3621.

WLNS
Thursday January 4th
6pm-8:30pm
The Lansing Boat Show
Lansing Center
333 East Michigan Avenue
Lansing Michigan 48933
For More Information go to: wlns.com

WHP-CBS 21
Saturday January 13th
10am - 1:00pm
the Harrisburg Mall
I-83 and Paxton Street
Harrisburg, PA
More information can be found at www.whptv.com

WTKR
Norfolk/Virginia Beach
Friday January 19, 2006
4:00pm - 7:00pm
During the HRADA International Auto Show
At the Virginia Beach Convention Center
1000 19th Street,
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

WBBM
Chicago
Saturday, January 20th, 10a-2p
Majestic Star Casino
One Buffington Harbor Drive
Gary, IN 46406
For more information please call 312-212-2422.

KLAS Las Vegas
January 20, 2007, 12N - 5P
Planet Nissan
5850 Centennial Center Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89149

KGMB9, Honolulu
Saturday January 27th from 10am-1pm
Ala Moana Shopping Center-Center-stage
1450 Ala Moana Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96814
For more information, email Sheryl at sferido@kgmb9.com.

KUTV
Salt Lake City
January 12th & 13th, 3-8pm
South Towne Expo Center
9575 South State St.
Sandy, UT

WHBF-TV
Quad Cities, IA/IL
Saturday, January 20th, 10a-6p
The Great Escape
2119 Kimberly Road
Bettendorf, IA
For questions, please call Steve Garman at 309-786-5441.

WAFB
Baton Rouge, LA
Gerry Lane Hummer-Saab (I-10 at Siegen)
Saturday, January 20th
10am Ð Noon
10945 Reiger Road
Baton Rouge, LA
For questions, please call 225-383-9999.

WLTX- TV
Columbia, SC
Saturday, January 20th, 12n-4pm
WLTX-TV
6027 Garners Ferry Road
Columbia, SC
For more information, viewers can call the station
at 803-776-3600 or visit www.wltx.com.

For more information go to http://www.cbs.com/primetime/survivor_application/

Chance To Sing On GRAMMY Awards Show With Justin Timberlake In MY GRAMMY MOMENT

2006-12-19T10:47:00.000-06:00

MY GRAMMY® MOMENT Debuts As Unsigned Artists Vie For Performance Slot On THE 49TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS

Fans Vote Online to Determine Who Will Perform with Superstar Justin Timberlake in Special Segment on Music′s Biggest Night

Continuing its mission of discovering and nurturing music makers, The Recording Academy announced today the creation of "My GRAMMY® Moment" -- a historic opportunity for unsigned artists to audition for a performance with current multi-GRAMMY nominee Justin Timberlake on THE 49th ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS, Sunday, Feb. 11 (8:00-11:30 PM, live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network. The new GRAMMY segment will vault someone from anonymity to performing with one of entertainment′s biggest stars on music′s biggest stage in front of millions of television viewers. A full roster of performers and presenters on THE 49TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS will be announced in the coming weeks.

As part of a nine-week event, which begins today and culminates on the GRAMMY Awards telecast, The Recording Academy will work with CBS and Yahoo! Music to conduct a nationwide audition with musicians uploading user-generated performance video to Yahoo! Music. The top 12 artists will be determined by a GRAMMY Blue Ribbon Panel, with the public voting to narrow the field and eventually select the winner. Users may log on directly to CBS.com or to Yahoo! Music to access the video submissions, video viewing and voting site: http://music.yahoo.com/mygrammymoment/.

"The Internet has revolutionized the way that unknown artists can reveal their talent to a larger audience, and television remains the most powerfulÊplatformÊto showcase such talent to the masses," said Jack Sussman, Executive Vice President, Specials, Music and Live Events, CBS. "By harnessingÊthe accessibility, interactivity and reachÊof these two mediums, we have created anÊunprecedented opportunity for an up-and-coming musician, as well asÊa memorable and exciting moment for television audiences. The GRAMMY Awards have always been ahead of the game when it comes to discovering andÊspotlighting new talent and music, and this eventÊtakes thatÊcommitment to even greater heights."

"From successful programs such as GRAMMY Career Day SM and GRAMMY In The Schools® to newly introduced programs such as GRAMMY Camp® and GRAMMY University Network, our Academy and its GRAMMY Foundation have made music education and career enhancement priorities 365 days a year," said Neil Portnow, President of The Recording Academy. "This ′My GRAMMY′ segment gives us the perfect opportunity to demonstrate via the Telecast another fine example of what we do so well on a daily basis. At the same time, it′s our goal to bring consumers even closer to the GRAMMYs without affecting the criteria of peer group voting that sets the GRAMMY Awards apart from other music award shows."

"I′m happy to participate in this unique approach to discovering unsigned talent, but I′m only a piece of the puzzle," said Justin Timberlake.Ê "All of you contestants out there should look at this as more than just a chance to duet with me, because it′s really an opportunity to begin your career as a superstar. And I′ll be there to help coach you along."

"The GRAMMY Awards is known for introducing a remarkable number of talented artists to the broad audience that follows our show from year to year. Many of these artists, from Ricky Martin and Robert Randolph to Norah Jones and John Legend, have gone on to extremely successful careers due in no small part to their GRAMMY appearances," said co-executive producer (with John Cossette) Ken Ehrlich. "With this concept, we will be able to continue that tradition and reach out even further to the incredibly diverse musical community that watches the GRAMMYs."

"Yahoo! Music has always focused on supporting and cultivating new musical talent through original programming," said Dave Goldberg, vice president and general manager of Yahoo! Music.Ê "′My GRAMMY Moment′ is the progression of our commitment to providing users with the premiere online music venue for new and established artists. We are thrilled to be working with the Recording Academy and CBS to make this unique opportunity possible for an aspiring artist."

Following is information about submissions, voting and performing for the competition:

Submission Information

December 15 (after 10:00 AM ET / 7:00 AM PT): Singers, at least 18-years of age or older, U.S. residents only, who have never been signed to an independent or major record label, submit a 60-second video of themselves singing one of the following GRAMMY-winning songs only (must be a cappella with no music or background track whatsoever):

"If I Ain′t Got You" (originally performed by Alicia Keys)

"Breathe" (originally performed by Faith Hill)

"Come To My Window" (originally performed by Melissa Etheridge)

"What′s Love Got To Do With It" (originally performed by Tina Turner)

"Dance With My Father" (originally performed by Luther Vandross)

"Cry Me A River" (originally performed by Justin Timberlake)

"Respect" (originally performed by Aretha Franklin)

"I Wanna Dance With Somebody" (originally performed by Whitney Houston)

"Vision of Love" (originally performed by Mariah Carey).

Videos should be submitted and uploaded to Yahoo! Music, no later than Jan. 3, 2007, 11:59 PM ET.

Original group of videos will be judged by a VIP Blue Ribbon Committee.

Voting and Performance Information

Fans and viewers can begin viewing video submissions online at CBS.com, powered by Yahoo! Music, on Dec. 18.

Blue Ribbon Committee will evaluate all video submissions.

The top 12 artists will be announced on Jan. 8. Viewers and fans will then have the opportunity to vote for their favorites online at Yahoo! Music.

The top five artists will be announced on Jan. 16. Voting will continue.

The top three artists will be announced Super Bowl weekend.

The top three artists will each rehearse with Justin Timberlake during rehearsals the week leading up to THE 49TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS.

Viewers and fans can vote for the final performer during the broadcast on Feb. 11, 2007 at CBS.com or via text messaging until 10:00 PM ET. The final performer will be announced as the world watches and will join the stage for the ultimate GRAMMY Moment with Justin Timberlake.

Rules and regulations for My GRAMMY Moment can be found at http://music.yahoo.com/mygrammymoment/

In addition, the top three finalists will be eligible to participate in GRAMMY Foundation activities including GRAMMY Career Day SM and GRAMMY Camp®, as well as The Recording Academy′s recently launched GRAMMY University Network initiative.

Bam Margera Returns To MTV As Wedding Bells Ring

2006-12-19T10:45:00.000-06:00

It′s Wedding Bells & Wrestling Rings As MTV Greenlights Explosive New Series, "Bam′s Unholy Union" & "Wrestling Society X"

Skateboard Pro & Jackass Alumni Bam Margera Returns To Take On His Next Death Defying Stunt - Marriage; Plus, Gritty, Dirty & Dangerous, MTV Pushes Wrestling Competition To New Levels

Both To Debut In January 2007

Unveiling an explosive slate of new programming, MTV today announced the greenlight of two new series, "Bam′s Unholy Union," and "Wrestling Society X." In a triumphant return to MTV, skateboard pro and "Jackass" alumnus Bam Margera faces his biggest adventure yet as he prepares to take the vows with his bride-to-be, Missy, in what is guaranteed to be an anything-but-traditional wedding in "Bam′s Unholy Union." MTV will also introduce, "Wrestling Society X," the greatest, dirtiest, and most dangerous sports entertainment program that throws out the glam of wrestling, and piles on the grappling action every week from an undisclosed bunker where danger is never far away. Both series are set to make their debut in January 2007.

"Bam′s Unholy Union" will document the lives of Bam, finance Missy, and all the friends and family during the months leading up to the anticipated wedding, and culminating with the big day itself. MTV′s cameras will capture Bam as he tackles a world that is completely foreign to him. From wedding planners to picking out fine china to bachelor parties, Bam will inevitably throw curveballs into the process throwing everything off course. For Missy, she has only a few short months to find a dress, get a caterer, find a venue, send out invitations and plan the entire wedding. And, of course, April and Phil, a few random uncles, and his buddies, Dunn, Dico and Rake, will all be along for the ride. Margera has previously starred in MTV hits "Viva La Bam" and "Jackass."

Each week on "Wrestling Society X," the most talented warriors the world has ever known will battle each other and their surroundings, creating an experience that will alter viewers lives irrevocably. Featuring an onslaught of death-defying feats, aerobatic maneuvers, and truly athletic performances, "Wrestling Society X" will showcase the unique talents of some of the best in the business including aerial assault artist Jack Evans, the arrogant catalog models, Matt Sydal &Lizzy Valentine, the amazing third generation heir to a wrestling legacy Teddy Hart, as well as the likes of former World Champions Vampiro and Sean "6-Pac" Waltman. Also appearing in each episode will be a very special musical guest, performing live in front of hundreds of rabid fans and the fiery combatants.

For "Bam′s Unholy Union," Terry Hardy, Michael Bloom, and Joe DeVito are Executive Producers for Sonar Entertainment. Bam Margera is Executive Producer. Lauren Dolgen and Michael Ireland are Executives in Charge for MTV.

"Wrestling Society X" is produced by Big Vision Entertainment in conjunction with MTV. Houston Curtis is Creator and Executive Producer. Sam Korkis is also Executive Producer. Michael Ireland and David Gross are MTV′s Executives In Charge.

For both series, Lois Curren is EVP, MTV Series Entertainment & Programming.

DOG WHISPERER Helps Celebrated Author Of MARLEY AND ME

2006-12-18T09:28:00.000-06:00

National Geographic Channel′s DOG WHISPERER Helps One Of America′s most Beloved Dog Owners The Celebrated Author Of MARLEY AND ME

One New York Times Best-Selling Author Helps Another as Cesar Millan Comes to the Rescue of Author John Grogan and His Family

It seemed like any other day for a chicken named Liberace. He stepped out of the coop, looking left, looking right, . but then suddenly the poor bird was attacked. and killed. The surprising culprit? A 2-year-old Labrador retriever named Gracie.

"You look differently at your dog after they′ve eaten another pet," says Jenny Grogan of Gracie.

Her husband, John Grogan, New York Times best-selling author of "Marley and Me: Life and Love with the World′s Worst Dog," reflects, "I wrote the book about Marley. he was a handful. very energetic.. But Gracie. she′ll lock in on any small animal and go after it."

Recognizing that he′s got a more serious situation on his hands than an overly rambunctious and playful dog, Grogan calls on a fellow New York Times best-seller who knows how to handle difficult canine cases - National Geographic Channel′s Dog Whisperer and author of "Cesar's Way," Cesar Millan. The authors meet when Dog Whisperer: Bella & Big Boy, and Gracie premieres Friday, January 5, 2007, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

As Cesar points out to the Grogans, Gracie, being a purebred Labrador, can be gentle and friendly to humans, but she is also by nature a purebred retriever and hunter, and when those instincts go unfulfilled, she lets her aggression out in other ways ... and that′s what led to the demise of Liberace.

Through a series of exercises, Cesar trains Gracie to stay away from the scene of the crime - the chicken coop - and to adopt a calm, submissive energy when she is around chickens. In one oddly productive session, Cesar holds a chicken but stays relatively close to Gracie. Gracie wants to get closer, sniff and attack. The bird is nervous in Cesar′s arms - in fact, she even lays an egg in Cesar's hand! Gracie achieves a calm, submissive state shortly afterward . and the Grogans are left in awe of Cesar′s capabilities, even with poultry.

With the additional help of a local obedience trainer who specializes in harnessing retrievers′ natural instinct for hunting, the Grogans can now envision a happier home life and not worry about their dog - or their chickens.

Also in this episode, Cesar visits a dog-friendly office with some not-so-friendly dogs as he enters the corporate world of Paul Frank and his pop-icon hipster monkey products. The new owner, John Oswald, has a 4 ¸-year old boxer named Bella that has been attacking other employees′ dogs. But the office problems don′t stop there - another pooch is even more dangerously aggressive and poses a potentially bigger challenge: a 4-year-old pit bull mix named Big Boy. Cesar immediately recognizes the need for an intervention - and prescribes a stint at his Dog Psychology Center for Big Boy. Can living with a pack of rehabilitated dogs tame Big Boy′s aggression - and bring harmony to the office once again? And can both Big Boy′s owner Jillian and her boss learn to provide a calm, balanced energy to their pets and bring harmony back to the office?

In this third season of Dog Whisperer, for the first time, the series has traveled to cities across the country - including New York, N.Y.; Atlanta, Ga.; Chicago, Ill.; Dallas, Texas; Omaha, Neb.; Philadelphia, Pa.; and Cleveland, Ohio - to aid problem dogs and their desperate owners. And Cesar comes to the rescue of Oscar nominee Virginia Madsen, legendary recording artist Patti LaBelle and actress Jada Pinkett Smith.

With more than 20 years of experience working with canines, Millan has been called "Dr. Phil for dogs," and for good reason. He has a unique gift of rehabilitating dogs and training their owners. A favorite of "Oprah Winfrey," Cesar was also parodied on a recent episode of "South Park," and his book "Cesar's Way" (Harmony Books, 2006) has been a fixture on the New York Times best-seller list for the past five months. The second season of Dog Whisperer received a nomination for a Primetime Emmy award. Millan was recently made an honorary member of the International Association of Canine Professionals.

ABC Announces Two New Oprah Winfrey Reality Primetime Series

2006-12-15T20:32:00.001-06:00

ABC & Harpo Productions Announce Two Alternative Primetime Series: OPRAH WINFREY′S THE BIG GIVE And YOUR MONEY OR YOUR LIFE

ABC and Harpo Productions announce a new alternative primetime series, OPRAH WINFREY′S THE BIG GIVE (working title). In this eight-episode show, 10 people will be challenged to take the money and resources they are given and multiply them to come up with the most powerful, sensational, emotional and dramatic ways to give to others. Each week the group will face a "big catch" that will test their nerve, drive, ingenuity and passion. Throughout the episodes, the field will be narrowed through a unique method. The stakes will get higher and higher, with one person ultimately being chosen to have his/her wildest dream come true for making the biggest impact. The series will center on the drama, emotion and magic of making a difference in peoples′ lives.

In addition, ABC and Harpo Productions are developing a primetime series tentatively titled YOUR MONEY OR YOUR LIFE. Each week will feature families facing a life crisis. They will need to make drastic and immediate changes before they are consumed by disaster. In every episode, an expert action team will move in and viewers will watch a dramatic total money and life makeover.

"Oprah Winfrey getting into series TV is monumental. Our relationship with Harpo has been wonderful for us, and this latest partnership takes it to a phenomenal new level," said Stephen McPherson, president, ABC Entertainment. "These two shows are a perfect fit for our alternative brand with their focus on wish fulfillment and making lives better. I can′t wait to get started."

"Less than 100 days since we launched our new television development group, we′re delighted to be announcing our first two primetime series," said Tim Bennett, president of Harpo Productions. "We're proud to be a part of ABC′s ongoing commitment to bring quality programming to its primetime viewers."

Harpo Productions, Inc. produces daytime′s number-one-rated, award-winning THE OPRAH WINFREY SHOW, creates and develops original TV programming, and operates Oprah.com, a premier women′s lifestyle website. Harpo Print, LLC and Hearst Magazines publish the monthly O, The Oprah Magazine and quarterly O at Home publications. Harpo Films, Inc. produces feature films as well as top-rated long form television programs under the OPRAH WINFREY PRESENTS banner. Harpo, Inc. produces the original cable series OPRAH AFTER THE SHOW, which airs on the Oxygen Network. Harpo Radio, Inc. produces the content for the OPRAH & FRIENDS channel (156) on XM Satellite Radio.

Discovery Channel Announces Steve Irwin In His Final Documentary

2006-12-15T20:32:00.000-06:00

Join world-renowned animal conservationist Steve Irwin in his final documentary as he investigates some of the most dangerous creatures on earth. Steve′s guest on this incredible expedition is Philippe Cousteau, the grandson of famed oceanographer Jacques Cousteau. Tune in to watch Steve and Philippe track and capture salt water crocodiles and catch venomous sea-snakes among other animals.

For thousands of years, the crystalline waters of Australia′s eastern shores have been teeming with the most dangerous creatures on earth. Join world-renowned animal conservationist Steve Irwin, "The Croc Hunter," in his final documentary shoot as he investigates these lethal animals in, OCEAN′S DEADLIEST. Steve′s guest on this incredible expedition is Philippe Cousteau, the grandson of famed oceanographer Jacques-Ives Cousteau. Bringing his own expertise of the undersea world, Philippe joins Steve to uncover the truth about these deadly creatures and that they all have a natural place in this ecosystem.

As they travel the Australian coastline in search of these unique creatures and the experts who study them, a final possibility dawns on both menÉ could "man" be the deadliest creature in the ocean?

Tune in to watch Steve Irwin and Philippe Cousteau track and capture salt water crocodiles, catch venomous sea-snakes, study the blue-ringed octopus and dive with great white sharks; as they carry the message that Steve has brought to the world for decades -- every creature deserves a place on this earth and we, as humans, must be responsible caretakers of their ecosystems.

ARMED & FAMOUS - Celebrities As Police Officers in Muncie, Indiana

2006-12-14T17:11:00.000-06:00

ARMED & FAMOUS, A New Reality Series, Premieres Wednesday, Jan. 10 on the CBS Television Network

Erik Estrada, La Toya Jackson, Jack Osbourne, Jason "Wee-Man" Acuna and Trish Stratus Star In A New Series Which Follows Celebrities As They Become Working Police Officers in Muncie, Indiana

ARMED & FAMOUS, a new reality series that turns celebrities into crime fighters, willfollow five brave stars through the Police Academy and onto patrol in Muncie, Indiana. ARMED & FAMOUS will premiere on Wednesday, Jan. 10 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) followed by a special original broadcast on Thursday, Jan. 11 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. ARMED & FAMOUS moves to its regular time period, Wednesdays (8:00 - 9:00 PM, ET/PT) on Jan. 17.

ARMED & FAMOUS features actor Erik Estrada ("CHiPs"), singer and author La Toya Jackson, television personality Jack Osbourne ("The Osbournes"), professional skateboarder Jason "Wee-Man" Acua ("Jackass") and former WWE champion wrestler, Trish Stratus.

The series follows the five stars as they become sworn police officers in the Midwestern town of Muncie, Indiana -- a city of nearly 70,000 residents located 60 miles northeast of Indianapolis. It′s also home to Ball State University.

Done with the full cooperation of the Muncie Police Department, the celebrities will undergo police training to become reserve police officers in the Muncie Police Department. They′ll learn everything from firearms to hand-to-hand combat, and even learn what it′s like to be on the receiving end of a taser shock as a part of the process to be certified to carry stun guns. Upon completion of their training, they′ll be issued badges and guns, partnered with veteranofficers and immediately hit the streets of Muncie.The five celebrities will protect and serve on the busiest shift of the night, 6 PM to 2 AM, responding to emergency calls, helping victims and making arrests.

New York Native Erik Chopin Wins THE BIGGEST LOSER

2006-12-14T17:10:00.000-06:00

New York Native Chopin Posts the Largest Weight-loss in the Series′ History, Taking the $250,000 Grand Prize

Semi-finalists Kai Hibbard (Alaska) and Mark Wylie (Florida) Take Home the Second and Third Place Prizes of $50,000 and $25,000

California′s Brian Starkey Takes Home the $100,000 Prize as the "Winner of the Losers"

New Jersey′s Poppi Kramer Wins $50,000 as the Top At-Home Contestant

In last night′s live season finale of NBC′s popular weight-loss series "The Biggest Loser," 35-year-old West Islip, Long Island, New York native Erik Chopin lost 214 pounds and 52.58% of his body weight - the most for any contestant in the show′s history - to claim the top prize of $250,000 and the title of "The Biggest Loser."

During the jaw-dropping live finale, several other prizes were also awarded for the season, which featured contestants from all 50-states competing for the title. Semi-finalists Kai Hibbard (Eagle River, Alaska) and Mark Wylie (Miami, Florida) took home the second and third place prizes of $50,000 and $25,000 respectively. Los Angeles, California′s Brian Starkey took the $100,000 prize as the top ′winner of the losers′ from those who were eliminated at the ranch during the competition. In addition, Poppi Kramer (River Edge, New Jersey) won $50,000 when she topped the state competition beating out 34 other contestants who trained at-home with the help of thebiggestloserclub.com, DVD and cookbook.

Chopin currently lives on Long Island and owns a local deli. A self-described family man, Chopin works day and night to provide for his wife and two young daughters. When starting "The Biggest Loser" diet, Chopin weighed in at 407 pounds and was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. With the help of his Blue Team Trainer Bob Harper, Chopin was able to shed the pounds, adopting a healthier lifestyle through diet and exercise.

Hibbard lost 118 pounds, 45.04% of her body weight, and Wylie lost 129 pounds or 42.02% of his total body weight. Starkey lost 156 pounds or 50.65% of his body weight, and Kramer lost 50.43% or 117 total pounds. An astounding 19 people out of the 50 who started the competition have lost over 100 pounds this season.

From 8-10 p.m., "The Biggest Loser" finale (4.8/13 in 18-49, 11.7 million viewers overall) delivered NBC′s highest non-Olympic 18-49 rating in the time period in two-and-a-half years (since May 5, 2004, with special "Friends"encores and a "Friends" themed "Dateline NBC" on the eve of the "Friends" finale). In total viewers, it′s NBC′s biggest overall audience in the time period since May 10, 2006. "The Biggest Loser" won the time period in adults 18-49, as well as adults, men and women 18-34, adults 25-54, women 18-49 and women 25-54. This is the top-scoring "The Biggest Loser" in 18-49 and total viewers since November 29, 2005.

"The Biggest Loser" is the first reality show that challenges and encourages overweight contestants as they compete for a grand prize of $250,000 in a safe and recommended manner through comprehensive diet and exercise. The unscripted and life-altering reality series gathers contestants from across the country to face real-life temptations, while being provided with approved weight-loss skills and resources in an effort to help them transform their bodies, health -- and ultimately -- their lives. Each team works out under the supervision of professional trainers Kim Lyons (red team) and Bob Harper (blue team). Caroline Rhea ("Sabrina, the Teenage Witch") hosts.

NBC Announces Christmas Version Of DEAL OR NO DEAL And 1 vs 100

2006-12-14T17:09:00.000-06:00

Lucky Viewers At Home Have Chance To Win Big Money For Their Stockings, and Big Bird Makes a Special Appearance on "Deal or No Deal"

NBC presents original back-to-back episodes of its hit game shows on Christmas Day, December 25 from 8-11 p.m. ET, starting with a two-hour bonanza of "Deal or No Deal" as host Howie Mandel descends in a sleigh, followed by holiday-themed trivia questions and the 12 Days of Christmas on "1 vs 100," hosted by Bob Saget. In both shows, contestants play for a chance to win $1 million and viewers get a chance to win more money on this Christmas Day in the play at home games as the "Deal or No Deal" Play At Home Lucky Case Game prize is increased to $100,000 and the "1 vs 100" You vs 100 game is increased to $25,000.

In this special two-hour episode of "Deal or No Deal" (8-10 p.m.), Howie Mandel will descend from a sleigh onto a decked out stage complete with a decorated tree, presents, candy canes and snow. The models are in fur-trimmed red velvet holiday dresses and will even attempt to draw out the Banker with their caroling. Playing for the $1 million top prize is Santa Claus, Indiana resident, Skip Allen and ice cream man Lamar Wilson of Lexington, Kentucky - who will be joined by surprise guest Big Bird from "Sesame Street." Audience members will also be generously surprised when the Christmas vault reveals its contents, which will include iPods, Jet Blue plane tickets and digital cameras.

Following "Deal or No Deal" is a special 12 Days of Christmas episode of "1 vs 100" (10-11 p.m. ET) with holiday-themed questions. Host Bob Saget introduces contestants Melanie Pino of Las Vegas, Nevada and Michael Zajaczkowski of Jersey City, New Jersey to the special Christmas mob in an attempt to win up to $1 million. The mob in comprised of Santa, elves, and the 12 Days of Christmas -- including 12 members of the University of Southern California marching band, 11 plumbers, 10 male ballet dancers, nine exotic female dancers, eight farmer′s wives, seven members of a swim team, six pregnant women, five boxers, four men named "Bird," three French chefs, two dove hunters and Danny Bonaduce as the partridge in a pear tree.

Casting Call For Adventure Reality Show NEVADA PASSAGE

2006-12-14T17:08:00.000-06:00

THE NEVADA PASSAGE′ Adventure Reality Show Invites Public to ′Audition′ for 2007 Season

The Nevada Commission on Tourism (NCOT) will inject a new twist in the 2007 Nevada Passage made-for-television adventure competition, Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt announced Tuesday. The unique outdoor competition will feature an open audition for those who want to test their grit in Nevada′s wide-open terrain.

The Nevada Passage will bring 20 hand-picked athletes to Nevada May 7-12, 2007, to compete in a series of adventure sports and excursions in six outdoor destinations including Valley of Fire State Park, Amargosa Dunes, Rhyolite, Tonopah, Mount Rose and Carson City. Paired into 10 coed teams of two by profession, the athletes′ experiences will be filmed and edited into a one-hour television program to be syndicated in more than 80 U.S. markets between August 2007 and February 2008. It will be the third year NCOT has staged this competition.

"The past two years of ′The Nevada Passage′ series has been a tremendous success and helped highlight many of Nevada′s most cherished locations," Hunt, NCOT chair, said. "With the addition of a team from the public, this year′s competition will provide our audience the opportunity to participate and experience Nevada for themselves."

This year′s Nevada Passage will include a 10K run, bike trek, ATV dune race and back-country ski event as well as visits to the ghost town of Rhyolite and Carson City, Nevada′s state capital for a new "destination highlights" feature of the program that does not include a competition.

"An open audition for ′The Nevada Passage′ creates an additional buzz for the event and will allow the general public the opportunity to explore and compete in some of the most scenic and inspirational destinations in the world," NCOT Interim Director Larry Friedman said.

Online auditions, information and rules for "The Nevada Passage" can be found at www.nevadapassage.com, where viewers can watch the 2005 show. Required audition materials include a short video of the applicant stating why he or she should be selected as a competitor and a completed application. Audition materials will not be accepted past Jan. 31, 2007.

The stages of The Nevada Passage, which are subject to change because of weather and other conditions, are planned as follows:

Stage 1: Desert 10K run

Location: Valley of Fire State Park near Las Vegas

Stage 2: ATV competition

Location: Amargosa Dunes (approximately 100 miles northwest of Las Vegas)

Destination Highlight 1: Rhyolite (a ghost town northwest of Las Vegas)

Stage 3: Back-roads cycling

Location: Tonopah and Goldfield (between two historic mining towns U.S. Highway 95)

Stage 4: Back-country ski

Location: Mount Rose near Reno

Destination Highlight 2: Carson City/Carson Valley

About 5.4 million viewers have seen "The Nevada Passage" since it began nationwide syndication in August 2005 in more than 100 markets. TEAM Unlimited, a Honolulu-based television events and marketing company, developed and produces it.

Sugar, Spice And Everything Nice - Explore Your Inner Sweet Tooth

2006-12-14T17:07:00.000-06:00

Sugar, Spice And Everything Nice - Explore Your Inner Sweet Tooth Just In Time For The Holidays

National Geographic Channel heads to some of America′s top factories to get the inside scoop on some of your favorite treats

Ever wonder what it would be like to go inside a candy factory like Charlie did in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"? Could there really be a chocolate river flowing through a garden of candy trees with little men in white overalls singing songs and making candy? Probably not, but the National Geographic Channel does hold the "golden ticket" to the inner workings behind some of America′s beloved sweet treats.

Premiering Wednesday, December 20, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on the National Geographic Channel (NGC), Sweet Tooth explores the mega-machines and factory secrets behind some famous confections. From the device that inserts the filling into Twinkies to the technology that breathes life into marshmallow Peeps, NGC goes inside top-secret factories to unravel the real-life magic behind Ben & Jerry′s, Red Vines, Twinkies, Jelly Belly and Peeps.,br>
Sweet Tooth examines the old-world traditions and high-tech advances that have made it possible for these companies to achieve sweet success. Interviews with highly trained designers, scientists and engineers, who go to great lengths to please the consumer′s sugar cravings, also add insight as to the nature of the business.

Go inside Ben & Jerry′s ice cream factory in Vermont to observe the innovation behind top-selling flavors such as Cherry GarciaR and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Tour the factory and meet experts like ice cream scientician Derek Spors, whose "cool" job is to ensure all the ice cream that leaves the factory meets Ben &Jerry′s standards. Every 15 minutes, it is part of his job to take pints off the line and taste them to make sure everything is right!

At the American Licorice Company, NGC investigates the mystery flavor behind Red Vines "Original Red."′ If it′s not cherry and not strawberry - what is it? Witness a 90-year old process called the "slap test," which relies solely on human intuition to tell if the batter is worthy of becoming licorice. This tradition, combined with modern machinery, has made it possible for Red Vines to become a childhood favorite.

For over 75 years Twinkies have been an American tradition. Invented during the Great Depression as an alternative to strawberry shortcake, the mini-cakes have become a lunchbox staple. Each year, Hostess uses 8 million pounds of sugar, 7 million pounds of flour and 1 million eggs to churn out a half-billion Twinkies. Now, viewers will get a chance to examine the colossal and complex equipment Hostess relies on to keep up with its high demand. One of the most impressive pieces in the bakery is a 75-foot oven - that′s the size of three stretch limos!

Sweet Tooth also looks back on the history and origins of these treats to examine some of the old-world techniques still used in candy making today. For instance, the hard outer shell of a jelly bean originates from a 17th century French process that combines sugar and syrup. The Jelly Belly Candy Company has applied this method to the modern technology responsible for churning out its famous "50 flavors."

Then, sneak into the back room of the Just Born Company candy plant where the Peep was hatched. Did you know that Peeps were invented in the 1950s by a group of Amish workers who created marshmallow shapes using icing bags? Back then it took 27 hours to make a single Peep. Today it takes only six minutes! The machine responsible for the mass production of these marshmallow chicks is so ultra-secret that it was kept behind curtains while our camera crew was filming!

′Tis the season to eat, drink and satisfy your Sweet Tooth. Ben & Jerry′s, Red Vines, Twinkies, Jelly Belly and Peeps: you probably know the tastes; now learn about the science and technology behind these old-fashioned treats.

Sweet Tooth includes experts such as Arnold Carbone, conductor of Bizarre & D at Ben & Jerry′s; Leslie Norris, flavor chemist for FlavorSense; and Sam Torrence, president and chief operating officer of Just Born, Inc.

Down To Final Six On SURVIVOR COOK ISLANDS Tonight

2006-12-14T09:42:00.000-06:00

Six Castaways Are Left, On SURVIVOR: COOK ISLANDS, Tonight

"I Have The Advantage...For Once" -- With only six castaways left, outsiders Parvati and Adam fight to stay in the game, on SURVIVOR: COOK ISLANDS, tonight (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), on the CBS Television Network.

Parvati and Adam vow to win challenges and manipulate players in order to stay in the game.Ê Will they be successful in turning the tides? The Reward Challenge forces the castaways to get down and dirty in exchange for luxury pampering away from camp. Relaxing time at the reward allows one castaway to talk strategy with an otherwise enemy.Ê Can this outsider plant a seed that could turn the game around? Concerned about one of their ally′s strengths, two tribe mates talk about breaking up the Aitu alliance sooner than discussed. One castaway is caught trying to manipulate a member of the Aitu alliance just before Tribal CouncilÉwill they be shrewd enough to change the course of the game?

And, the 15th castaway is voted out of the tribe.

CASTAWAYS:

AITUTAKI:

J.P. Calderon (4th Voted Off), Cristina Coria (7th Voted Off), Billy Garcia (2nd Voted Off), Ozzy Lusth, Cecilia Mansilla (3rd Voted Off)

MANIHIKI:

Rebecca Borman (10th Voted Off), Sekou Bunch (1st Voted Off), Stephannie Favor (5th Voted Off), Nathan Gonzales (12th Voted Off), Sundra Oakley

PUKA PUKA:

Cao Boi Bui (6th Voted Off), Jenny Guzon-Bae (11th Voted Off), Yul Kwon, Becky Lee, Brad Virata (9th Voted Off)

RAROTONGA:

Adam Gentry, Jonathan Penner (14th Voted Off), Parvati Shallow, Jessica Smith (8th Voted Off), Candice Woodcock (13th Voted Off)

SURVIVOR: COOK ISLANDS is hosted by Jeff Probst and produced by SEG, Inc. Mark Burnett and Tom Shelly are the executive producers. Doug McCallie and Kevin Greene are co-executive producers.

Former FLAVOR OF LOVE Contestant Looking For Love In I LOVE NEW YORK!

2006-12-14T09:41:00.000-06:00

VH1 Screams ′I Love New York!′

The Former ′Flavor of Love′ Contestant is Looking for Love During VH1′s New ′Celebreality′ Series ′I Love New York′

Catch the Full Premiere Episode on VSPOT at VH1.com Beginning Tuesday, January 2, One Week Before the On-air Premiere

7.5 million viewers tuned in to see "Flavor of Love" runner-up New York get kicked to the curb for the second time. After being twice jilted by Flavor Flav, New York aka Tiffany Pollard was given the chance to find her one true love, as a fresh crop of twenty men are brought together to compete for her heart during VH1′s newest "celebreality" show, "I Love New York" premiering on Monday, January 8 at 9:00 pm EST

Throughout the new series, cameras will follow these men as they try to win New York over with their physique, dating skills and bank accounts. These guys are flashy, bold and determined to get their woman -- at any cost. Coming along for the ride is her outspoken mom, Sister Patterson who will not be shy about who she likes and who she never wants to see again.

"New York is a beautiful, spirited and sexy woman who deserves a man who appreciates her -- she is also one of the most outrageous reality personalities we have ever seen -- this show should be a lot of fun," said executive producers Mark Cronin & Cris Abrego.

In addition to the VSPOT sneak peek of episode one on January 2, each episode will be available in its entirety on VSPOT for 48 hours every Friday following the on-air broadcast. VSPOT and VH1 On Demand are also airing exclusive "shorts" featuring New York and her mom evaluating candidates for the show. Catch an early glimpse of some of the men that will compete for New York′s hand and some that won′t make the cut. The shorts are currently available on VSPOT at http://vspot.vh1.com/ and will be available on VH1 On Demand across various cable providers′ VOD platforms on December 18.

Cast Announced For Season Five Of NASHVILLE STAR

2006-12-13T10:43:00.000-06:00

Season Five Premieres Thursday, January 11 at (10pm/9c) With a Supercharged Extended 75-minute Episode

NASHVILLE STAR, the nation′s top-rated country music series, has named its season five cast, it was announced by Jeff Wachtel, USA′s executive vice president of original programming. The cast of ten was handpicked from over 20,000 country music hopefuls that participated in the nationwide search. Season five will kick off with a supercharged extended 75-minute episode on Thursday, January 11, 2007 at 10 pm/9c.

"Once again, the pool of talent exceeded all expectations," said Wachtel "The ten who made it to the finals are among the best performers and most distinctive personalities ever to appear on NASHVILLE STAR."

This years finalists represent country music′s broad appeal as the five men and five women range from age 18 to 36 and hail from all over the United States, the talented ten finalists are as follows:
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Meg Allison: From Chicago, IL, the 25-year-old windy city native is the quintessential American girl. Besides a sweet as sugar voice, Allison draws her inspiration from her mentally disabled sister and uses her voice to sing for both of them. A Graduate from Miami of Ohio University, she is ready to charm Nashville with her voice and smile.

Whitney Duncan: Duncan, a self described tomboy with supermodel looks has spent her entire life overcoming obstacles and looks at NASHVILLE STAR as her next challenge to tackle. The 22-year-old from Scotts Hill, TN has had medical battles from two-years-old when she had heart surgery to her kidney surgery at age 17. Duncan′s fight with her health propelled her drive to fight and succeed. By age 19, she had already performed a duet with the legendary Kenny Rogers.

Angela Hacker: This 29-year-old mother from Florence, AL sees this competition as her last chance to achieve her dream of country music stardom. Her soulful voice and loving demeanor will be sure to capture the hearts of America but her own family might be split when it comes to voting as she′ll be competing against her brother.

Zac Hacker: Younger brother of fellow finalist Angela, Zac is also from Florence, AL and has made his living playing music and singing since age 17. Now 23, his voice has amazing depth and feeling as he lives his life with the memories of mistakes made by his musician father who has battled drug and alcohol addiction.

Tim LaRoche: If fun, adventure and personality could be wrapped up into one name it would be Tim LaRoche. With his unique look and style, this 36-year-old stay-at-home dad from rural White House, TN lives life to the fullest and enjoys performing and getting a crowd going. Born in Iceland and raised in Massachusetts, LaRoche brings his own form of country music to NASHVILLE STAR.

Kacey Musgraves: This 18-year-old from Golden, TX might just have graduated high school but she is not a newbie to the music scene already having performed at the Presidential inauguration, the Olympics and on The TODAY Show. Still a small town girl, Musgraves′ hometown has less than 300 people.

Rickiejoleen: Rickiejoleen puts the "r" in rebel. The 18-year-old from Tempe, AZ left school in eighth grade and has never looked back. A loner at heart, Rickiejoleen won′t back down from anyone or any challenge.

David St. Romain: Recently becoming a first-time father, this Cajun from Baton Rouge, LA has a very strong and passionate voice mixed with a fun-loving personality. At 28-years-old, St. Romain has a new baby girl and a lot more now riding on achieving his goal to be the next NASHVILLE STAR.

Joshua Stevens: With pop star looks and a country music life Stevens will be a force in Nashville. The 28-year-old from Churchville, IA is happily married with two kids but also finds inspiration from his estranged relationship with his mother, whom he has not seen 18 years. Already with a publishing deal as a songwriter, Stevens is ready for the competition.

Dustin Wilkes: A former Marine, Wilkes is a true country boy. The 26-year-old from Jefferson, GA is a former bouncer at the famed Nashville music bar Tootsie′s where he still currently headlines. As a baby, Wilkes was adopted by his grandmother because his birth mother was too young to raise him.

As previously announced, the winner of NASHVILLE STAR will receive a recording contract from Warner Music Group, home to multi-platinum and platinum superstars such as Faith Hill, Big and Rich, Randy Travis, The Wreckers, NASHVILLE STAR co-host Cowboy Troy and NASHVILLE STAR judge Blake Shelton.

Caridee English Wins Seventh Cycle Of AMERICAS NEXT TOP MODEL

2006-12-13T10:42:00.000-06:00

Caridee English Is AMERICA′S NEXT TOP MODEL

CariDee English, a photographer from Fargo, ND, was crowned AMERICAS NEXT TOP MODEL in the finale of the seventh cycle of The CW′s hit dramality series.

The three remaining girls participated in a national television commercial and photo shoot for CoverGirl′s Outlast Double Lip Shine. The next day, the finalists faced the judges for the 11th elimination of the competition. While the judges were pleased with all of the girls′ performances in the commercial, they thought CariDee showed the most personality. The judges decided that while Eugena had a natural beauty, Melrose showed more passion and drive, thus eliminating Eugena from the competition.

As finalists, CariDee and Melrose conducted a photo shoot for Seventeen magazine. Editor-in-Chief Atoosa Rubenstein was impressed with both girls, however she noted that CariDee had improved the most since the beginning of the season. "CariDee is more than just a pretty face. I feel like she′s a strong girl," Atoosa said.

The following day, CariDee and Melrose faced off against each other in a theatrical fashion runway show by designers Victorio and Lucchino. The girls portrayed ghostly brides and, at one point, had to stare each other down on the runway. "It′s the battle of the blondes," CariDee said.

During the final elimination, the judges considered the runway performances from the final runway challenge, as well as each girl′s photos and their overall performance throughout the competition. The judges agreed that Melrose was stronger in her runway walk, but CariDee′s exquisite CoverGirl photo and her exuberant personality would be embraced by the fashion world. "My dream has always been to model. You guys believed in me. That′s amazing," CariDee said after Tyra announced that she had become America′s Next Top Model.

In addition to a $100,000 contract with cosmetics giant CoverGirl, this year′s prize package for the winner of The CW′s America′s Next Top Model will include a contract with Elite Model Management and a cover and six-page fashion spread in Seventeen magazine.

Making its debut on The CW, the seventh cycle of the dramality series America′s Next Top Model follows 13 young women as they attempt to prove they have what it takes to make it in the high-stress world of modeling. Banks, who created the show, also serves as executive producer along with Ken Mok ("Making the Band") and Anthony Dominici ("The Amazing Race").

VH1 Announces THE RETURN OF COURTNEY LOVE - Features Never-Before-Seen Home Movies of Courtney and Kurt

2006-12-13T10:41:00.000-06:00

THE RETURN OF COURTNEY LOVE To Have Its U.S. Premiere On VH1 On Saturday, December 16 At 9:00 pm EST

The Film Also Features Never-Before-Seen Home Movies of Courtney and Kurt

THE RETURN OF COURTNEY LOVE will have its U.S. Premiere on VH1 on Saturday, December, 16 at 9:00 pm EST

Much of Courtney Love′s chaotic life has played out before us in the tabloids but she has never agreed to take part in a documentary - until now. This is an intimate portrait of one of the most controversial and complicated women in modern popular culture. Recently out of rehab after 18 months, Courtney has been busy getting her life back on track. We catch up with her as she begins recording a new album, rebuilding relationships with her friends, and bonding with daughter Frances.

The film allows Love the chance to look back at her tumultuous life and reflect on her career, the relationships that shaped her life, drug addiction, and the tragic death of husband Kurt Cobain. Filmed in her California home and at the recording studio, the film also features Love′s new music and unseen home movie footage of her and Cobain. "The Return of Courtney Love" documents her personal and professional comeback with searing and sometimes brutal honesty.

The full episode will be available on VSPOT, VH1′s broadband channel beginning Sunday, December 17 at http://vspot.vh1.com. For more information on "The Return of Courtney Love," visit http://www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/vh1_rock_docs/112303/episode.jhtml.

SHOW ME THE MONEY Renewed For Six More Episodes - Heading To New Time

2006-12-13T10:40:00.000-06:00

SHOW ME THE MONEY Picked Up For Six Additional Episodes; Premieres On A New Day And Time, Tuesdays AT 8:00 P.M., JANUARY 2, 2007

ABC′s new variety/game show, "Show Me the Money," hosted by William Shatner, has been picked up for an additional six-episode order.

ABC′s "Show Me the Money" draws 7.5 million viewers and a 2.1 rating, 6 share among Adults 18-49, ranking second in its 8 o′clock hour in viewers. From its first half-hour to its second half-hour, the William Shatner hosted game show sees increases in both viewers (7.5 million to 7.6 million) and young adults 18-49 (2.0/6 to 2.2/6).

About "Show Me the Money":

"Show Me the Money," the high-octane variety/game show series hosted by Emmy-winning television legend William Shatner, will move to its new time period, TUESDAYS (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET), effective JANUARY 2, 2007 on the ABC Television Network.

"Show Me the Money" contestants must answer a minimum of six trivia questions. After each answer, the contestant must choose from among thirteen stunning dancers on stage, each of whom holds a scroll with a dollar figure to be added or subtracted - for correct or incorrect answers -- to the contestant′s total.

A correct answer combined with choosing a dancer holding big money can quickly catapult the player′s winnings into the millions. But a wrong answer combined with the wrong dancer can wipe out winnings in an instant. There is no opportunity to play it safe - contestants will be tempted to take the money and run, but this rollercoaster ride of a game show requires that you play to the very end.

Adding to the variety aspect of the show are thirteen dazzling Million Dollar Dancers ready to break into any style of dance, while audacious master of ceremonies William Shatner spontaneously boogies with the beauties on stage.

Tonight On SURVIVOR - Seven Castaways Are Left And The Loved Ones Arrive

2006-12-07T13:32:00.000-06:00

"Arranging A Hit" -- With only seven castaways left, the Loved Ones arrive in hopes of winning the reward, on SURVIVOR: COOK ISLANDS, Tonight (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), on the CBS Television Network.

Prior to the Reward Challenge, Parvati is seriously hurt when she slices her finger with a machete, forcing the Medical Team to arrive at camp. How will this injury affect her position in the game and her ability to perform at the Reward Challenge? One alliance devises a plan to hide food from their competing tribe members in an effort to make them hungry and weak. At the Immunity Challenge, balance and agility are assets.

And, the 14th castaway is voted out of the tribe.

CASTAWAYS:

AITUTAKI:

J.P. Calderon (4th Voted Off), Cristina Coria (7th Voted Off), Billy Garcia (2nd Voted Off), Ozzy Lusth, Cecilia Mansilla (3rd Voted Off)

MANIHIKI:

Rebecca Borman (10th Voted Off), Sekou Bunch (1st Voted Off), Stephannie Favor (5th Voted Off), Nathan Gonzales (12th Voted Off), Sundra Oakley

PUKA PUKA:

Cao Boi Bui (6th Voted Off), Jenny Guzon-Bae (11th Voted Off), Yul Kwon, Becky Lee, Brad Virata (9th Voted Off)

RAROTONGA:

Adam Gentry, Jonathan Penner, Parvati Shallow, Jessica Smith (8th Voted Off), Candice Woodcock (13th Voted Off)

SURVIVOR: COOK ISLANDS is hosted by Jeff Probst and produced by SEG, Inc. Mark Burnett and Tom Shelly are the executive producers. Doug McCallie and Kevin Greene are co-executive producers.

National Geographic Channel Explores The Myths, Traditions And Science Of Christmas

2006-12-07T13:31:00.000-06:00

UNWRAPPING YULETIDE LORE - National Geographic Channel Explores The Myths, Traditions And Science Of Christmas

From the Evolution of Jolly Saint Nick to the Science of Holiday Shopping, CHRISTMAS OUT OF THE BOX Shows You There′s More to the Holiday than Ornaments and Mistletoe

Christmas is a "magical time of year," exploding with activity and ritual. It′s steeped in a host of vivid symbols: from candy canes to carolers, from red-nosed reindeer to heavily trafficked window displays. With warm, familiar images in mind, this enchanting holiday leaves little room for surprise. Or does it?

Do you know why North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) started simulating Santa′s Christmas Eve flight with its radar? Or what commercial product helped shape Santa′s modern-day image? Got a clue to what the best-selling Christmas toy of all time is?

Premiering Wednesday, December 20, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on the National Geographic Channel (NGC), Christmas Out of the Box unwraps the myths and shines the lights on the scientific and historical reasoning behind this celebrated holiday. From the physics behind Santa′s global trek, to the analysis of real reindeer noses (hint: they don′t light up), to new theories behind the biblical star of Bethlehem, the show digs into the little-known factoids and pop culture conventions.

For millions of children, Santa is one of the most well-loved and recognizable holiday figures, known instantly by his red velvet suit, white beard and big laugh. But do we really know the jolly man and where he came from? Christmas Out of the Box reveals the changing historical nature of Santa Claus, from the leaner, more solemn Father Christmas in England and Sinterklaas in Holland, to the 1823 poem giving Saint Nick a bag of toys and a chimney to climb, to the 1931 Coca Cola ad campaign that would set the pattern for future Santas.

And for those of you who don′t depend on Santa for your holiday gifts, find out how retailers use science to maximize their annual $450 billion jackpot. Christmas Out of the Box talks to Paco Underhill, a so-called retail anthropologist, who deconstructs the logistics behind Santa′s placement in retail stores, the use of alluring smells and music that makes people dig into their wallets.

"If I′m a good merchant," says Underhill, "I′m conscious of finding ways to tickle every sense that I possibly can. So I give them a good smell, the right music. What merchants are doing is tapping into those warm, intimate moments when I watched Mama decorate the tree."

Which toy will be this year′s hottest "must-have?" Meet Chris Byrne, who makes a living studying new toys that come on the market. Will it be the latest electronic gizmo or a kid-powered favorite? Regardless of its technical complexity, Byrne says the best toy is one that sticks around for a decade or more. "Fundamental elements of play don′t change no matter how technological the world becomes."

The show details the origins of how NORAD got into the Christmas spirit, using radar to simulate Santa′s around-the-world flight. After a newspaper in 1955 misprinted a "Santa hotline" number, inserting NORAD′s instead, NORAD was flooded with calls from kids. Staffers responded by saying they would check their radar images on Christmas Eve and alert callers to Santa′s whereabouts . and the tradition continues today.

Move over, Starship Enterprise! Physicist Gabriel Durkin calculates that Santa would need to travel over 780 times the speed of the space shuttle, or roughly 3,800 miles per second, to get the job done. Christmas Out of the Box explores the science behind other aspects of the traditional holiday, including the polar environment surrounding Santa′s workshop, and - while it doesn′t light up - the truly incredible abilities of a reindeer′s nose.

Christmas Out of the Box also reveals how our farmers grow Christmas trees to live up to our expectations; how Hallmark unintentionally influenced our use of wrapping paper; and how the famous Macy′s scenic Christmas windows have evolved over 100 years. Other experts included in the program include Karal Ann Marling, professor of art history and American studies, Tim Connaghan, professional Santa Claus and astronomer Michael Molnar.