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According to, well, just about everyone, the writers strike is almost over!
Let's take a moment to celebrate: Woohoo!!!! Yay!!!!
(Latest Update: Put down your picket signs and pick up your pencils! As of Tuesday, February 12, the writers strike has officially ended!!!)
Okay, now that that's out of our systems, let's face the harsh reality: what does this mean for our favorite TV shows?
Here's the rundown, according to TVGuide's Michael Ausiello. (Keep in mind - a lot of this could change at the drop of a hat. It's all tentative, but I'll keep updating as I hear more.)
24
Season 7 postponed until January '09.
30 Rock
Expected to shoot 5 to 10 new episodes to air in April/May.
Aliens in America
Eight pre-strike episodes remain. No additional episodes expected for this season.
Back to You
Two pre-strike episodes remain. Future TBD.
Battlestar Galactica
Returns April 4 with first half of 20-episode final season. Production on second half could start as early as March. Airdate for those TBD.
The Big Bang Theory
Returns April 4 with first half of 20-episode final season. Production on second half could start as early as March. Airdate for those TBD.
Big Love
Expected to go into production on Season 3 in March. Airdate info is TBD.
Big Shots
No new episodes expected. Ever.
Bionic Woman
No new episodes expected. Ever.
Bones
Four pre-strike episodes left. Unclear whether additional episodes will be produced for this season.
Boston Legal
One pre-strike episode remains. Expected to shoot 6 to 8 additional episodes to air in April/May.
Brothers & Sisters
One pre-strike episode remains. Expected to shoot 4 or 5 additional episodes to air in April/May.
Burn Notice
Production on Season 2 expected to get under way in late April. New episodes could start airing as early as July.
Cane
No additional episodes expected this season. Future beyond that TBD.
Chuck
No new episodes until fall.
The Closer
Expected to kick off its fourth season this summer.
Cold Case
Expected to shoot 5 new episodes to begin airing on March 30.
Criminal Minds
Expected to shoot 7 new episodes to begin airing April 2.
CSI
Expected to shoot 6 new episodes to begin airing April 3.
CSI: Miami
Expected to shoot 8 new episodes to begin airing March 24.
CSI: NY
Expected to shoot 7 new episodes to begin airing April 7.
Desperate Housewives
Expected to shoot 4 to 7 new episodes to air in April/May.
Dirty Sexy Money
No new episodes planned until fall; three remaining pre-strike episodes will undergo some tweaking and kick off fall run.
ER
Expected to shoot 4 to 6 new episodes to air in April/May.
Heath Ledger's untimely death has truly shocked me -- thinking about his family, his two-year-old daughter Matilda, and the fact that his career was about to blow up -- is devastating.
Though Heath is a movie actor, there is one aspect of this news that fits in with TV Cocktail. I just read that Heath's family found out about his death through the media. How terribly sad is that?
It makes total sense: within minutes of the media finding out the news, they were all over the story. On one hand, it's a good thing, as loyal fans want to know what happened to the actor. On the other hand, what a horrible way for the family to find out about Heath's death.
What do you think? Should the news have toned down their coverage until they knew the family was aware of Heath's passing? Or is it the news's job to keep us informed?
versus 
I love gossip. Love it. After all, it is my job to follow it. But even so, sometimes even I know when it gets to be too much.
This morning I was watching Joe Scarborough on MSNBC as he spoke about the previous night's Iowa caucus. Suddenly a woman's voice broke through, stating that she was in the control room. Then video came on of Britney Spears, and the woman began a voice over about Britney being rushed to the hospital.
As soon as she finished, Joe commented that she shouldn't interrupt him about things like that until 12:01—when his show his off the air.
Ouch to control booth woman.
But c'mon, Joe Scarborough is right. Isn't a discussion about who might be the next President of the United States a wee bit more important than Britney Spears?
It's no secret that I'm obsessed with Lost. So when I received a press release from the fictional Oceanic Airlines stating that they will be resuming their flights and that the search for Flight 815 has ended, I got a little too happy. (Not that they are no longer searching for our losties, but that there's Lost news!)
In fact, Oceanic Airlines came out with a brand new site—www.flyoceanicair.com—announcing their new flights. A video pops up with the news, which is then interrupted by something even cooler...
We are introduced to Sam Thomas, a man who is devastated that the search for Flight 815 has ended.... especially because his girlfriend Sonya was a flight attendant on the doomed plane. From there we're led to a new site: www.find815.com. And that's where the fun really begins.
We're privy to Sam's emails, computer, desk, map... and just about everything he's used to search for Sonya and the other losties. Over the next 5 weeks, new games will become available on the site, in which we can discover clues as to where Sonya may be.
Let me tell you: It's way too fun. My boyfriend even stopped playing Guitar Hero to check out the site with me. And it's a fabulous way of keeping Lost going and getting fans even more psyched for the premiere on January 31st.
So go play with the sites and comment here if you can figure out what the clues mean!
As much as this writers strike has been driving me absolutely bonkers, there is no way I can boycott TV. I love the tube too much, and I'm pretty sure my fingers don't know how to find the "off" button on the remote.
In that case, what are we to do in 2008 when most of our shows are still in limbo?
Watch TV!
Yes, there are still shows out there.
In no particular order, here's what I'm thankful for in 2008:
1. October Road. The cast and crew were able to complete the entire season before the strike. Watch this show! You'll love it. Promise.
2. Dirt. Courtney Cox's FX show still has no premiere date, but I'll be sure to update you as soon as it's announced. If you're a Daily Blabber fan, you'll love this show, as it parodies the tabloid industry.
3. Dexter. Fine, it's not new episodes, but it is coming to CBS. If you haven't caught it yet, be sure to catch on now.
4. Lost. Finally!!!!!!!!! Yes, I'm excited. Lost completely redeemed itself last season and is back and ready to rumble. Check out the extended trailer. It's beyond good.
5. All the other midseason shows: Make Me a Supermodel (Bravo), Canterbury's Law (Fox), Jericho (CBS), One Tree Hill (CW), Big Brother (CBS), The Wire (HBO), Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann (ABC), The Return of Jezebel James (Fox), Medium (NBC), New Amsterdam (Fox), Eli Stone (ABC), Lipstick Jungle (NBC), Battlestar Galactica (Sci Fi), Kyle XY (ABC Family), Prison Break (Fox), Psych (USA), Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicls (Fox), and of course, American Idol (Fox).
What are you thankful for this 2008?
Did you watch The Hills retrospective this weekend?
As a Hills junkie, a two-hour look-back was more than I could ask for. I had completely forgotten about the Lauren-Stephen-Kristin triangle (it seems like years ago!). Seeing the Jason-Jessica kiss at the fashion show made me hate Jason even more -- who knew it was possible?
But there was one part of this "Lauren Looks Back" episode that had me jumping for joy... seeing Heidi and Lauren on Laguna Beach. During the Laguna days, we had no idea that a girl named Heidi Montag even existed. Now, as this two-hour special showed, Heidi was at that fashion show where Jason and Jessica shared their infamous kiss. In fact, Heidi even strutted down the runway with Kristin Cavallari. As Lauren said in her narration, she should have known then that trouble was ahead.
Heidi looked so... normal. First of all, she was as flat-chested as could be, and her hair was a disaster (I guess fame really does help with that). But those flaws made her seem like a regular gal.
I had interviewed Heidi back in the day when she was nice. She didn't come off as the smartest girl on the block, but at least she was a great friend to Lauren. She told me, "I have a good heart. I'm not all jokes. I'm a pretty serious person sometimes. I'm very very hardworking. I'm very academic."
Then later in the interview, she said, "I've always been this way. This is who I am. Take it or leave it. You'll either hate me or you'll love me. I have a strong personality, which isn't necessarily good or bad. I really don't mind what people in Oklahoma -- who I don't know -- think of me. I really only care about the people in my life."
The problem is that this sentiment used to be okay for Heidi. But now that's she's trying to launch a singing career and a fashion line (to compete with Miss Conrad?), it does matter what us little folk think.
Did you like Heidi in her pre-Spencer days? Do you like her now? Has Spencer ruined her completely? Is there any hope for her future?
Crazy bachelors! Starring socialites! And feuding chefs! Catch up on the hottest gossip on the small screen with this week's TV Cocktail video.
The View welcomes Whoopi Goldberg, Nicole Richie validates pre-conceived notions, and Paris Hilton loses her job. Plus, are Lauren Conrad and Heidi Montag the next Paris and Nicole?
A Full House wedding, a new American icon and a late show show-down! While you were obsessing over Lindsay Lohan's second arrest all week, check out what you missed on the small screen in the latest TV Cocktail video!
Why am I talking about Rosie O'Donnell this week? And what's Randy Jackson doing to help the environment? Find out in the latest TV Cocktail video...
Check out the latest TV Cocktail video, where I dish about the return of Sex and the City, Nicole Richie's pregnancy and more! Let me know what you think and if there's anything you're dying to hear about next week! Plus: Find out why I'm wearing this ridiculous pirate get-up!
Since I'm obsesed with all things 90210, I think I'd want to see Ian Ziering in Playgirl.
According to the Dancing With The Stars hunk, the man meat magazine is offering him $100,000 to bare all. Fellow 90210-er Brian Austin Green also posed for the magazine ten years ago. Man, he's also aged very well, I'd like to see him pose for the magazine again.
If Ian excepts, he has to wait for his stint on DWTS to be over since the show is owned by Disney which fancies itself a family friendly company.
Wanna see a nude Ian? Let's hear your thoughts below.
I totally have a girl crush on Jennifer Aniston. She's one of those women who looks amazing in just jeans and a white t-shirt. I do not and therefore I am jealous of her.
I'm not the only one who thinks she's a hottie. In a recent UK Glamour magazine poll of the sexiest women in the world, Jen ranked #4. And guess who's #5? The husband stealing Angelina Jolie. That's gotta feel good, right, Jen?
Scarlett Johansson's boobs got her the # 1 spot on the list with Jessica Alba as #2 and Gisele Bundchen as #3.
I wonder if her make out session with Courtney Cox on Dirt had anything to do with her high ranking sex appeal. I know how men love to watch lady make out sessions.
Sanjaya, Sanjaya, Sanjaya. What am I gonna do with you?
Here's the deal, I do not hate Sanjaya. In fact, as much as I hate to admit it, I think his performance last night was his best so far. But he's not good and there is a whole Anti-Sanjaya movement happening like nothing I've seen on AI before.
There is the girl I told you about yesterday who is starving herself until he gets voted off and of course there's STOPSANJAYA.COM where you can buy t-shirts to wear around town showing your disapproval for the faux-hawked freak.
America, I'm trusting you to vote him off tonight!
Bill Clinton was the guest star at TV Land's upfront presentation to advertising buyers this weekend where he came clean about his favorite TV show. What does the former leader of the free world watch? 60 Minutes? Anderson Cooper 360? Nope.
Grey's Anatomy. Which kinda makes sense seeing as if anyone is an expert at workplace... ahem... romance, it would be Billy C.
Paula Abdul on The Late Show With David Letterman last night after he asked her whether or not she’d ever have sexual relations with AI co-host Simon Cowell
We're back with our second installment of our new Friday feature: Small Screen Stud Of The Week. This week's hottie is none other than my TV boyfriend, Hugh Laurie.
Name: James Hugh Calum Laurie AKA Hugh Laurie
Age: 47
Hometown: Oxfordshire, England
Status: Married to Jo Green with whom he has three kids Charlie, Bill and Rebecca
You've seen him: As the irascible yet loveable Dr. Gregory House on FOX's House M.D..
Why we love him: This is going to be a long list: His ridiculously fierce blue eyes... his British accent, scruffy face... his sculpted biceps from boxing, a sport he took up when he moved to Hollywood, the fact that he plays in a band called Band From TV, with other TV stars who donate all proceeds to charity, the fact that he was named an Officer of the British Empire by the Queen of England in January 2007 which means he's very fancy in England... and let's not forget his eyes and biceps.
Jennifer Aniston is dating a guy she met on the set of BF Courtney Cox's show Dirt.
Apparently she has been seen around LA with one of Dirt's cameraman named Mike and has looked really happy. According to sources, "she introduced herself and they started chatting."
Hey, a camerman is a much better choice for a partner than an actor, that's my two cents. I mean, it worked for Julia Roberts.
I love the New York Times. I live, eat, sleep and breathe that paper. I've told my friends I will marry any man who can do the New York Times Sunday crossword puzzle in under twenty minutes.
So you can imagine my surprise to see Mary Kate Olsen, the youngest Tanner from Full House, writing for my most favorite publication. It's an article all about her love of a Chanel bag. Needless to say I feel as if the paper may have lost some credibility.
When E! announced last year that Ryan Seacrest would be doing all their red carpet arrival coverage I was totally annoyed. But now that he's a veteran to the gig, he's really starting to grow on me.
Am I the only one?
Mark your calendars!
Jennifer Lopez is going to perform on American Idol on April 11th. The AI stage has been graced with a bunch of high profile performers including Prince and Shakira.
The rumors are also flying about Gwen Stefani taking the mic on March 28th. Nobody will confirm that, but AI executive producer, Nigel Lythgoe has confirmed that The King of Pop Michael Jackson will not be making an appearance. "It's not true. It's just not true," Lythgoe said. "We won't be seeing him."
Please please please Donald Trump lose. I want to see him bald so bad. Fingers crossed.
Did any of you guys get a
save the date for the wedding of Eva Longoria and Tony Parker? Well, you're lucky because the wedding is going to be in Paris and honestly who wants to pay for a ticket to go all the way there.
But if you did get one, who might some of the fellow guests be for her July seventh nuptials? Of course her Desperate Housewives co-stars, Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross, hottie James Denton... pretty much the whole cast. If the wedding is anything like the show, I'm glad I'm not there to watch it.
Ben and Jerry’s has announced that they’re naming a new flavor of ice cream after the greatest American alive, Stephen Colbert from Comedy Central's, The Colbert Report. "Stephen Colbert’s Americone Dream" will be a vanilla ice cream with fudge flavored waffle cone pieces and caramel. Holy crap that sounds like a pint full of heavenly deliciousness!
“Announcing the new flavor Wednesday, Ben & Jerry's called it: "The sweet taste of liberty in your mouth."
Here’s a picture of the sample packaging. It will hopefully be out in stores by April. Fingers crossed that the Easter Bunny will put some in my basket!