My Name Is Earl: Completely and Officially Over
June 11, 2009 by Chandra
The bad, sad news dropped earlier today. Basic-cable network TBS, which currently syndicates My Name Is Earl, has declined to pick up the comedy following its cancellation at NBC last month. That means the sitcom is now officially finished. *sniffle*
Blame the latest disastrous and final development in the comedy’s struggle to survive on failed negotiations. Apparently, Turner, which owns TBS (and also TNT), and the sitcom’s production studio, Twentieth Century Fox TV, were unable to reach an agreement that would have allowed production of new episodes to continue.
The culprit? Money, as always. It seems one or both sides couldn’t come up with a financial strategy that worked for everyone involved.
Next on NBC: Chuck Versus the Third Season
Oh, yeah! Variety reports that NBC has done one thing right in recent weeks and is poised to sign on the dotted line to give fan-favorite spy dramedy Chuck a Season Three renewal.
The pickup comes with the typical disclaimer about tighter budgets, lower ratings, and blah blah blah. Such details are customary nowadays as broadcast networks are forced to realize that, hey, most people have cable TV, too, not to mention computers, Internet access, iPods, DVD players, and so on and so forth. We are no longer your Nielsen slaves, dudes!
Excellent news about that Intersect guy, though, right? We knew it was just a matter of time, and since Fox stole NBC’s underdog thunder by renewing Joss Whedon’s barely watched sci-fi newbie Dollhouse just days ago, why not now?
Still, best 2009–2010 Peacock development ever, predictable or not. The only thing that could top it is if Life came back from the dead, as well. (Can you tell I’m still holding on to every last shred of hope for a little more sanity in the NBC Universal executive offices? Pass the series over to USA Network at least, for goodness sakes!)
30 Rock: ‘Kidney Now!’ Finale Preview
May 14, 2009 by Chandra
And the final NBC sitcom finale up tonight, May 14, is 30 Rock’s Season Three-ending “Kidney Now!” at 9:30pm ET.
Jack begins establishing a relationship with his biological father Milton (Alan Alda), whose health isn’t so great. Following an appearance on a talk show, Liz somehow manages to overcome her unimpressive dating background and becomes recognized as a relationship expert. Also, Kenneth helps Tracy get over painful high school memories when the comedian is invited to speak at graduation.
The Office: 100th Episode and Season Finale Preview
May 14, 2009 by Chandra
Sweet! The Office is doing double duty tonight, May 14, ending its fifth season at 9pm ET with the episode “Company Picnic,” which is also the mockumentary’s hallmark 100th episode. Equally nice, Amy Ryan (Gone Baby Gone) and Idris Elba (The Wire) return to reprise their roles as Holly Flax and Charles Miner, respectively.
The occasion is the annual Dunder Mifflin company picnic. During the outdoor festivities, Michael and Holly are reunited, and somehow that entails Michael having some big plans for her. Also, the office employees compete in the picnic’s volleyball tournament.
A sneak peek montage and an on-the-set video are after the jump to give a hint of what’s coming up on the very special season finale.
Parks and Recreation: ‘Rock Show’ Finale Preview
May 14, 2009 by Chandra
Tonight’s (May 14) first-season finale for NBC’s already renewed newcomer Parks and Recreation is called “Rock Show.” Now the picture above makes total sense, right?
Leslie attends an important meeting with a local bigwig while the members of her sub-committee check out Andy’s first concert since breaking his legs. It couldn’t get much simpler than that.
A sneak peek at the episode follows the jump. It’s another one of those montage clips NBC loves so much nowadays, this one with four segments revolving around the big show. Watch and be amazed at what happens when Andy’s casts finally come off.
My Name Is Earl: ‘Dodge’s Dad’ Finale Preview
Tomorrow, May 14, is season finale time for NBC’s Thursday Night Comedy lineup, and first up at 8pm ET is My Name Is Earl, which closes its 27-episode fourth season without a renewal for a fifth. Called “Dodge’s Dad,” the episode features guest star Norm MacDonald of Saturday Night Live and The Norm Show, who returns to reprise his role as the title character, also known as Little Chubby.
NBC Says No to Kristin Chenoweth Pilot ‘Legally Mad’
Sorry, Kristin Chenoweth fans, but I bear very bad news. Variety reports that NBC has declined to pick up the Pushing Daisies dynamo’s David E. Kelley pilot called Legally Mad.
Rumors had been flying that was the case since the network failed to mention the potential show during its “infront” announcement last Monday. The event was scheduled to tell the world about the slate of new series NBC intends to give a chance during the 2009–2010 season.
In addition to Chenoweth, the cast of the would-have-been drama included Eli Stone alumna Loretta Devine, as well as Charity Wakefield, Hugh Bonneville, Jon Seda, and Kurt Fuller. What I would have given to see Kristin and Loretta on the same show each week.
Alan Alda Guests on ‘30 Rock’
May 7, 2009 by Chandra
Tonight’s (May 7) NBC comedy lineup includes special guest star Alan Alda (The West Wing, ER, M*A*S*H) on 30 Rock.
Keep reading to learn what else is happening on all four sitcoms. And, remember, next Thursday, May 14, is season-finale time for each of the shows.
MY NAME IS EARL
Inside Probe, Part 2: The intriguing story of Crab Shack owner Ernie Belcher’s disappearance told in Part One concludes dramatically. Earl and Randy think it was an alien abduction, Darnell suspects a hundred-year-old feud, and Joy and Catalina believe it had something to do with Ernie’s freaky sex tapes. When the truth is revealed, however, everyone is shocked to realize the answer has been under their noses all along. Geraldo Rivera and NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip return as guest stars. [8pm]
So Long, ‘Life’
May 4, 2009 by Chandra
Fourth-place broadcast network NBC really demonstrated its determination to remain in that lowly position during The Peacock’s “Infront” presentation earlier today. Apparently, it cares not a lick about genuinely original yet thoroughly entertaining programs, as the confirmed cancellation of the stellar Damian Lewis and Sarah Shahi cop dramedy Life proves.
Also confirmed as canceled are the God-awful remakes Kath & Kim and Knight Rider. It actually pains me to see a terrific series like Life lumped together with two shows that never should have made it past go in the first place. Given the upcoming primetime Leno fiasco, NBC is now officially a network that I won’t be taking seriously again anytime soon, Chuck renewal or not.
Rumored NBC Renewals: Chuck, Parks and Recreation
May 3, 2009 by Chandra
NBC is holding its second annual so-called Infront presentation in New York tomorrow, May 4, but there’s already lots of speculation on the entertainment Internets regarding which series will likely be renewed for another season in the wake of the dreaded forthcoming Leno in Primetime, All the Time era.
Two shows receiving strong favorable buzz are the new Amy Poehler mockumentary sitcom Parks and Recreation and sophomore spy dramedy Chuck. Yay!
Although My Name Is Earl, currently in its fourth season, seems like a prime candidate to send out to pasture, at least in many viewers’ opinion, NBC is reportedly negotiating to keep the karma comedy alive for a fifth go-round.