iVillage - TV Cocktail

Shannen Doherty In; Tori Spelling Out?

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:55:35 -0500

Stop the presses!

E! Online is reporting that Shannen Doherty will be joining the new 90210 series and that Tori Spelling will no longer be part of it!

A source told E!: “It is happening with Shannen. It's just a question of how long she'll shoot, whether it will be one day or ten and what the storyline will be, but we are working on it, and it is a very real thing."

Plus, it's also rumored that Shannen and Jennie Garth (who didn't get along too well in the past) will be reuniting on-screen. Draaaaaaama!

Sources said that Tori won't be on the show for personal reasons. I highly doubt those personal reasons are that she's a new mom. Pretty sure it's more that she hates Shannen and doesn't want to share the spotlight. Or... maybe Shannen only agreed to do 90210 if Tori's not on it, and producers figured Shannen would draw in more fans?

What do you think? Are you happy Shannen will be on the show? Why do you think Tori's backing out?

Update: Tori told People that she'll still be on the show, just not in the pilot episode. Hmmm.

Hell's Kitchen - Finale Recap Part 1!

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 21:44:58 -0500

So here we are, the first part of the Hell's Kitchen finale. I have to be honest, I am kind of surprised by the finalists. Who would have thought the last two would be the guy who made Chef Ramsay a hen in a pumpkin and the relatively inexperienced (only 3 years out of culinary school) Christina? But each chef actually managed to impress over the course of the season. Christina won a handful of challenges and Petrozza proved to to be very skillful at his stations.

Thankfully Chef Ramsay decided to keep the finale the same as the past seasons and had each finalist design their own restaurant from the menu to the decor. This is always a great way to end the season.

Right off the bat Petrozza has a tough time with his menu while Christina has a very good idea about what she wanted her restaurant to be. Petrozza thinks that flowers everywhere will be a great idea (blech!) while Christina wants a sleeker feel. She has a very strong feeling about how she wants everything to look, right down to the wait staff. It is very clear Christina knows what she wants and Petrozza is having a tough time.

Will SAG Strike?

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:43:00 -0500

At midnight tonight, the deal between the Screen Actors Guild and the studio expires, and guess what? No new deal has been agreed on. So, does that mean the actors will strike?

Well, SAG president Alan Rosenberg said, "We have taken no steps to initiate a strike authorization vote by [our] members. Any talk about a strike or a management lockout is simply a distraction."

That's good, right? Not really. Midnight is only a few hours away, and unless a deal has been reached by then, there is no contract. And no contract means that actors can't work. Faaaaaabulous.

Luckily a lot of TV shows already filmed some fall episodes, so we'll still have something to watch if there is a strike (depending on how long it lasts - if it even happens). As for movies... well, no actors means no movies.

There's the chance that a temporary contract could be put in place to help avoid the strike, but that doesn't fix the fact that no long-term deal would exist.

Fingers crossed!

Update: Though no contract has been agreed upon, SAG is letting its members continue to work under their existing deal until further notice.

Real Housewives Hit Up Atlanta

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:49:05 -0500

The Real Housewives are moving down south, Atlanta style.

Are you ready for the Southern belles? (From the picture above -- aka pink dress -- does it not look like a former pageant queen is involved?)

A quick rundown of the housewives:

DeShawn Snow: Her hubby is Cleveland Cavaliers captain Eric Snow. They have three sons together. DeShawn runs a charity and is an active church member.

Kim Zolciak: Kim is not a housewife. Like Bethenny of The Real Housewives of NYC, Kim is single. Unlike Bethenny, she's a mom to two daughters. She has an active dating life and wants to be a famous country singer.

Lisa Wu Hartwell: Lisa's the career woman, owning a real estate firm, a jewelery line and a baby clothing line. She also works on her future acting, modeling and writing career. Busy much? Lisa's hubby is also an athlete, NFL player Ed Hartwell. They have three children together.

NeNe Leakes: NeNe is married to husband George and the mother to their two sons. She helps out foundations and wants to open a luxury boutique hotel.

Sheree Whitfield: Another single "housewife" and single mom to three children, Sheree owned her own upscale clothing boutique but closed it to work on her own clothing line.

Will you watch the new Housewives?

Nicole Richie to Guest Star on Chuck

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:45:05 -0500

Nicole Richie is returning to the small screen. No, not for The Simple Life (thankfully), but to NBC's action dramedy Chuck.

Lucky for Zachary Levi (Chuck), he gets to be on set with not just one blonde bombshell—Yvonne Strahovski (Sarah)—but now Nicole Richie will be joining him.

Similar to Lindsay Lohan's appearance as Betty's high school tormenter in Ugly Betty, Nicole will play the snarky and evil girl who tortured Sarah in school.

When Sarah must attend her 10-year-high school reunion for a mission—with Chuck as her date, of course—she has to face her high school nemesis.

According to executive producer Josh Schwartz, "Nicole auditioned for the part and was very funny. This role is a great opportunity for her to show off her comedic skills and be diabolically evil and kick some butt. It's going to be really fun."

How does this compare to Britney Spears' gig on How I Met Your Mother? Will you watch Nicole's Chuck debut?

Matthew McConaughey's Brother Gets Reality Show

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:21:35 -0500

Yes, that's right. Matthew McConaughey isn't the only star in his family.

Matt's bro Rooster has his own reality show on truTV called Black Gold. The show airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m.

P.S. Rooster's son's name is Miller Lyte, after his favorite beer. Just saying.

Shear Genius Premieres Tonight on Bravo

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:07:52 -0500

The second season of Bravo's Shear Genius premieres tonight at 10 p.m.

The reason I watch Shear Genius? Former Charlie's Angel Jaclyn Smith hosts the haircutting competition. And, little known fact, I, Jaclyn (Jacki) Garfinkel, am named after the angel herself. (Which is also why the picture on the left excites me so much!)

The reason you should watch Shear Genius? First, if you like Top Chef or Project Runway, there's a great chance you'll enjoy Shear Genius, as Bravo seems to know a thing or two about turning a reality show into gold. Second, the cast is a bunch of characters—all creative, all artists, all people who think their hair designs are the best. This, of course, equals drama! Third, so many of us ladies are our hair, and the show will give you tons of tips and ideas for how you may want to make over your style.

Yesterday I attended the Shear Genius event in NYC with Ysolt, the Beauty & Style producer/my event buddy. At the event, each stylist had their own mini hair boutique set up (with some crazy chairs -- see the photo after the jump), and they gave blow outs to those lucky fans who waited in line in the rain and sun.

Is America Ready for The Baby Borrowers?

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 01:13:30 -0500

From Juno to Jamie Lynn Spears to the seventeen high school girls who made a pregnancy pact, teen pregnancy is all over the headlines.

So, how do you feel about the new NBC show The Baby Borrowers, in which five teenage couples have to set up a home, get jobs, and become parents first to babies, then toddlers, pre-teens and their pets, teens and lastly, senior citizens.

Remember in high school when students had to carry an egg around for a week and try not to break it, as if the eggs were babies? Well The Baby Borrowers is the modern day version of that.

At first I thought the show was a terrible idea as it might advocate teen pregnancy, which is the last thing we need in our society. However, the first episode kept my eyes glued to the screen. If this show teaches kids how difficult parenthood is, then it will be a success.

The teens must care for each child for three days, dealing with everything from diaper duty to potty training to outrageous teens to health issues.

It's obvious from the get go that some of these teens should not be getting pregnant any time soon. One teen "mom" even refuses to wear a baby belly simulator because it made her feel fat and ugly. There are one or two couples who seem responsible, but viewers' opinions might change quickly as we see them try to parent.

While three days is nowhere near reality, and more like an overnight babysitting gig, for these teens it might just be enough to keep them from having babies.

The Baby Borrowers premieres on NBC tonight at 9 p.m.

Hell's Kitchen Recap

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 21:20:48 -0500

Well here we are at the last three. I have to admit I thought from the beginning Corey and Christina would be here, but I was a little shocked to see Petrozza. I honestly thought Bobby was going to be in the final three, but that might have just been because he was so cocky. I'm just glad Matt is long gone.

The day after elimination Chef Ramsay cooked his signature dish for the remaining chefs. But before he could do that, Chef Ramsay brought out the chefs' families to say hello. Petrozza's dad, by the way, looked exactly like him sans goatee.

It was all a front though (of course), because after the chefs' families left, Chef Ramsay had each chef try to recreate his dish based on taste alone. Christina caught onto the twist though and was evaluating each bite while her mom offered suggestions.

Both Petrozza and Christina picked venison over buffalo as the meat in the dish, which was correct, however Petrozza missed the puree entirely, giving Christina the win. She missed the cream (even though her mom said it like ten times) but nailed the white bean puree. If Petrozza had put any sort of puree on there he would have won. Christina was awarded yet another dinner with Chef Ramsay, as well as a tour of the city on a double decker bus with her family. Awww.

Tom Brokaw Moderates Meet the Press

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:37:40 -0500

It's been decided that NBC News' Tom Brokaw will be the temporary moderator of Meet the Press through the 2008 presidential election.

Brokaw will begin his gig next week by saying he "volunteered for the job" in order to honor the late Tim Russert.

I feel like this is the best decision NBC could have made, considering, at least to me, Tom Brokaw seems like the proud dad to all the news anchors in the bureau. I can't imagine anyone else stepping in during this tragic time, especially during such an important election season.

Steve Capus, NBC News President, said, "To have someone of Tom's stature step up and dedicate himself to ensuring its ongoing success is not only a testament to his loyalty to Tim, but his enduring commitment to NBC News and our viewers."

Do you think Tom Brokaw is the right choice for the Meet the Press hosting gig?

So You Think You Can Dance Results: June 19

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 21:17:53 -0500

Last night, the remaining nine couples performed some pretty sick routines. But sadly, all good things must come to an end - at least for one couple.

Flo Rida started off the results show tonight. But results for those couples in the Bottom 3 came rather quickly.

First couple in the Bottom 3? Chelsea and Thayne - just like I predicted.

Then host Cat Deeley did something rather sneaky (and somewhat humorous). Before announcing who would join Chelsie and Thayne, couples Will and Jessica and Matt and Kourtni were asked to step forward. Of course one would be safe and the other would be forced to dance again. But, surprise! Both were safe!

Mary Tyler Moore is Back on the Small Screen

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 16:15:05 -0500

My favorite, favorite actress of all time, Mary Tyler Moore (from the Mary Tyler Moore Show, of course), is returning to television.

Ms. Moore (she's too fabulous for me to refer to her by first name only) will play mom to Wendy (Brooke Shields) on NBC's Lipstick Jungle.

Joyce, as Moore's character will be named, is a retired high-powered executive who makes her daughter question her idea of wanting to have it all.

Of course, that was something that Mary Richards struggled with throughout Mary Tyler Moore—could she be high up in the newsroom and have a man?—so Moore will definitely have a thing or two to add to the role.

Anyone else as excited as I am?

Top Chef Recap - Reunion Special!

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 22:14:07 -0500

Well this season of Top Chef is over, but we ain't done yet! Welcome to this week's Top Chef, the Reunion!

Interestingly enough, it was pointed out that Richard would not be attending this year's reunion because his wife was about to give birth! I guess of all excuses in the book to miss the reunion, your wife giving birth is allowed.

We start off finding out a few things about Stephanie. First of all, she was extremely happy and shocked to be the winner (obviously). She mentions that she is happy to be the first female Top Chef, but she would rather be known as the Season 4 winner vs the first female Top Chef (so people don't think she only won because she was a woman). Also we find out that she will be using the money to open another restaurant in Chicago. Props to the hometown winner!

We also find out that Mark (despite his homo-erotic bath with Spike) was recently married and would be staying in the country for a while now. I guess he will be able to share a pint with Colicchio.

So You Think You Can Dance Recap: June 18

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 19:54:24 -0500

Alrighty folks! We're back for another night of Mary Murphy's laughing and Cat Deeley's not-so-fantastic outfits. Oh, and, ya know, those 18 dancers performing for us. But seriously, what was Cat wearing?! And what about Mary's outfit? Ugh. Don't they have stylists? If they do, fire 'em quickly.

Just as a reminder from last Thursday's elimination show: Rayven and Jamie were voted off, like I had predicted. (Mwahahaha). Sorry, I couldn't resist.

And FYI, I don't mean to get American Idol on all of you, but please, please, please don't forget to vote for your favorite dancers. I mean, it could be your vote that determines whether or not they make it to the next round. No pressure or anything.

Anyway, the show started off with a little pre-taped segment of the dancers explaining what they like and dislike about their partners. And it continued before each couple hit the stage. Yeaaaaa - no one said anything remotely interesting.

I won't waste anymore of your time. Let's get to the dancers and their performances, shall we?!

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Couple: Thayne and Chelsea ; Dance Genre: Jazz

So apparently Thayne is a little superstitious and was knocking on wood left and right during rehearsals. Too bad that didn't do them any good when it came time to perform. Their costumes were a tad, dare I say, hideous? And the routine wasn't all that impressive. Don't get me wrong, they're talented, but my grandmother could have done that routine.

Mia: Great concept, wasn't executed at all. You weren't powerful enough. It was dumpy.

Mary: Well I hate to put a damper on the first number of the night, but I'm going to. I didn't really believe the chemistry this time.

Nigel: I agree, it wasn't real. I didn't believe it. I don't particularly like what you're wearing. (Maybe Nigel heard me. Weiiird.)

Get to Know the Design Star Contestants

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:07:27 -0500

Last week I spent some time with all the Design Star finalists of season three. When the event started, host Clive Pearse introduced each of the finalists to the audience in New York City's Greeley Square.

Though these intros did nothing to test the designers' abilities, it was a very interesting way to see how the designers were with a microphone in hand when they had to engage an audience.

Here's the rundown (in the order they were introduced), with additional comments from my interviews:

Jennifer: Very spunky. On marrying a British man, she told the audience: "I suggest everyone try it." Had a lot of energy but stumbled a bit on the mic, and didn't speak very eloquently, as a host must. Later on I joked to her that I had no idea how she and her husband stayed together after only one of them was chosen to be on the show. "I'm so lucky. My husband is the coolest guy ever and he just totally supports me," she said. But if she were the one staying home? "Oh it'd be totally different," she laughed. So why did Jennifer get chosen over her man? "I think it's maybe the bubbly personality versus his. He was all mad that I didn't make him get a haircut and a shave before it. Who knows, maybe it was secret sabotage!" Jennifer said their dream would be to have a show together.

Tricia: Well-spoken, though her vocabulary could use some work. Used the word "fun" about five times during one answer she gave, and then used the word "passion" just as often in another answer. However, she did engage the audience. She's in amazing shape as well. Plus, Tricia has three kids and talked about juggling work and home life, which is appealing to people.

Stephanie: Very perky. When she was introduced, the song "I Will Survive" played, and Stephanie danced her way onto the stage. Had tons of energy. Surprisingly enough, she said to me, "I like the attention, but not really. I would rather live on a farm with a bunch of cows." But the reason she wants to be on TV? "It's for me to get out there—little old me—I'm not that seasoned in the design field yet. It's hard to get your name out there, especially as a young designer." What's she say to Michael then? "That's just him. I'm amazing too." And lastly, "I saw some previews of me crying... so I'm realllly excited to show everyone how upset I was," she joked.