Get ‘Hung’ with HBO Tonight
June 28, 2009 by Chandra
If you haven’t already heard, premium-cable network HBO has a brand-new comedy called Hung making a 45-minute broadcast debut at 10pm ET tonight, June 28.
The darkly humorous series stars The Punisher’s Thomas Jane as Ray Drecker, a formerly athletic and popular guy who seemed destined for success way back in high school. Currently a high-school teacher and basketball coach, he’s had a string of unimpressive luck, leaving him underpaid, uninsured, and pissed when his wife of 20 years (Anne Heche, Men in Trees) leaves him for her dermatologist.
More details after the jump.
‘Til Death’s Eddie Kaye Thomas Has a New Gig
May 11, 2009 by Chandra
It had to happen sooner or later, Woodcock fans.
Recent casting news indicates that actor Eddie Kaye Thomas, who played popular Jeff Woodcock on the Fox sitcom ‘Til Death for its first two seasons, has scored a role on HBO’s forthcoming comedy series How to Make It in America.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Thomas’ new job is a regular role, which should supplement his voice work as the character Barry on the Fox animated series American Dad! quite well.
The former ‘Til Death regular guest starred in the pilot for the HBO newcomer, which was titled simply How to Make It then and concerned two men in their twenties named Ben (Bryan Greenberg, October Road) and Cam (Victor Rasuk, ER) trying to make it big in New York.
Congrats to Thomas. May his latest non-animated comedy be an improvement over his last.
‘Entourage’ Gets January 2010 Spike TV Debut
May 6, 2009 by Chandra
Variety and other entertainment news outlets report that male-oriented basic-cable network Spike TV has acquired the syndication rights to all episodes of the Emmy-winning HBO comedy Entourage.
That means the network will have the ability to broadcast every single episode of the show ever produced, including the 78 aired thus far, those in the sixth season to premiere this summer, and those in any subsequent seasons that might follow.
By prevailing over other contenders, such as TV Guide Network, Spike TV has become the first network to obtain syndication rights to the series. It’s no surprise then that the premiere month is already set as January 2010. I imagine Spike TV executives can’t wait to rake in the profits from the very likely Entourage ratings windfall since this is the most high-profile and critically acclaimed series the network has ever had in its stable.
‘Eastbound & Down’ Good for Season Two
April 11, 2009 by Chandra
HBO is very, very pleased with the performance of its latest original comedy, Eastbound & Down.
The “mature” series stars Danny McBride (Pineapple Express, Tropic Thunder) as Kenny Powers, a vulgar former professional baseball pitcher whose career ended early, forcing him to return to his home state North Carolina.
Thanks to ratings that grew steadily over the course of its first season of six episodes, which ran on Sunday nights from February 15 to March 22, the premium-cable network has picked up a sophomore season of at least a comparable length. The series’ lead-in was the fellow cult comedy Flight of the Conchords, and by the end of Eastbound & Down’s rookie season, the newcomer was actually earning higher ratings than the older show.
Says co-creator and co-executive producer Adam McKay in regard to the pickup: “We’re really excited about the cult following this show has taken on. Next year we’d like to see this cult develop into a full-flung religion, and we can start judging people and telling them that they’re gonna go to hell.”
Sounds good to me.
‘Eastbound & Down’ Hits HBO Sunday
February 11, 2009 by Chandra
Fans who’ve been eagerly anticipating the premiere of HBO’s new Danny McBride series Eastbound & Down don’t have to wait much longer. The comedy launches this Sunday, February 15, at 10:30pm EST with guest star and executive producer Will Ferrell helping out a little during the first of six Season One episodes.
Pineapple Express and Tropic Thunder actor McBride stars as former ace pitcher Kenny Powers, whose behavioral problems put a premature end to his Major League Baseball career. As a result, Kenny is reduced to teaching physical education at the same middle school he went to while growing up in North Carolina.
Eastbound & Down’s remaining cast members include Katy Mixon (Four Christmases) as Kenny’s fellow teacher, former flame, and current love interest April Buchanon; John Hawkes (Deadwood) as Kenny’s married brother Dustin Powers, who lets Kenny live in his family home while he gets back on his feet; Jennifer Irwin (Still Standing) as Dustin’s patient wife Cassie; Andrew Daly (Semi-Pro) as school principal Terrence Cutler, a fan of Kenny’s who puts up with his transgressions; Steve Little (The Ugly Truth) as band teacher and Kenny superfan Stevie Janowski; and Ben Best (Superbad) as Kenny’s former drug buddy Clegg, who now owns a bar.
It’s the ‘Flight of the Conchords’ Season Two Premiere!
December 17, 2008 by Chandra
Comedy website Funny or Die wasn’t kidding earlier this month when the news came out it would offer the entire second-season premiere of HBO’s Flight of the Conchords online, starting today.
The proof is in the video after the jump, so watch and enjoy an advance screening of New Zealand’s Grammy-winning comedy duo Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie in “A Good Opportunity.” It’s available at your convenience, until the Internet run ends this Sunday. Afterwards, you’ll have to wait to catch the episode when it debuts on television Sunday, January 18, in the show’s regular 10pm EST time slot.
An added bonus in the Web version is a preview for HBO’s forthcoming comedy series East Bound & Down, starring Danny McBride (Tropic Thunder, Pineapple Express), which premieres on Sunday, February 15, at 10:30pm EST. Unfortunately, if you’re not located in the United States, you get bubkes right now. Sorry! Not my fault.
Follow the jump for the video (if you’re in the USA).
Comedy TV Guide: Sun, Oct 26
October 26, 2008 by Chandra
A Blast from the Past We’ve All Been Waiting for on Housewives
Notable Comedy TV scheduled for Sunday, October 26 follows.
All times are Eastern Standard.
Desperate Housewives — Mirror, Mirror
We finally learn what happened on Wisteria Lane during the previous five years that were fast forwarded after the end of last season.
[9pm-10:01pm | ABC | Sneak Peek]
Dexter — All in the Family
Dexter begins investigating new prey he learns of from Miguel, and Debra is attracted to Anton, the informant helping her locate one of Freebo’s associates.
[9pm-10pm | Showtime | Sneak Peeks]
‘Entourage’ Brings On Gary Cole
October 26, 2008 by Chandra
Fans of veteran film and television actor Gary Cole, one of my favorites, can look forward to seeing him on a new show soon.
After he finishes playing Sarah Walker’s father on a November Sweeps episode of Chuck, Cole will continue honing his comedy skills as a regular on HBO’s Entourage next season, the show’s sixth.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Cole will play an old friend of Jeremy Piven’s Ari Gold named Andrew Klein, and they go all the way back to when they first got started in the business. Viewers will meet the character during a three-episode arc that airs this season in November (see following set photo). Should be fun.
Comedy TV Guide: Sun, Oct 19
October 19, 2008 by Chandra
Notable Comedy TV scheduled for Sunday, October 19 follows.
All times are Eastern Standard.
Desperate Housewives — Back in Business
Everybody’s jealous of Bree when her new cookbook comes out, Lynette uses her ad-exec skills to assists Bree with marketing, Gaby wants more sex with Carlos and intends to get it, and Susan teaches MJ a new “talent.”
[9pm-10:01pm | ABC | Sneak Peek]
Dexter — All in the Family
Dexter copes with his failed marriage proposal to Rita, and both he and Miguel deal with Ramon’s increasing determination to track down Oscar’s murderer.
[9pm-10pm | Showtime | Sneak Peeks]
Comedy TV Guide: Sun, Oct 12
October 12, 2008 by Chandra
Bullies Abound on Desperate Housewives
Notable Comedy TV scheduled for Sunday, October 12 follows.
All times are Eastern Standard.
Desperate Housewives — Kids Ain’t Like Everybody Else
Danielle is criticized when she returns to Wisteria Lane, Gaby and Susan get into it after their kids do the same, Lynette is unhappy when Tom and Dave form a garage band, and Katherine and Mrs. McCluskey feign friendship to pump Edie for information about her new husband Dave.
[9pm-10:01pm | ABC]
Dexter — The Lion Sleeps Tonight
Dexter encounters a pedophile while grocery shopping with Rita and her kids and must determine if The Code applies to him. Also, Debra gets a new case that seems to be Freebo’s work, although Dexter knows otherwise.
[9pm-10pm | Showtime | Sneak Peeks]