ENTERTAINMENT

12/03/2008

Seth MacFarlane named the smartest person in TV

AP

Seth MacFarlane

Who says cartoons are for kids? Family Guy and American Dad creator Seth MacFarlane tops Entertainment Weekly's list of the 25 smartest people in television.
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12/02/2008

Few surprises on Barbara Walters 'Fascinating People' list

ABC

Barbara Walters poses with Tom Cruise during an interview for "Barbara Walters Presents: The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2008."

There aren't many surprises on this year's list of "The 10 Most Fascinating People." But that's not necessarily a bad thing. Maybe for this 16th annual edition, host Barbara Walters has rounded up the logical choices. For instance, who's gonna quarrel with including Olympic superswimmer Michael Phelps? Or the country's most famous hockey mom, Sarah Palin (who also happens to be governor of Alaska, a former vice presidential candidate and, some say, the future of the Republican Party)? Or what about Will Smith and Tom Cruise, who, to put it simply, are Will Smith and Tom Cruise?
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Classic holiday stories inspire during tough times
Hard times have you down this holiday season? Take a trip to the library for some inspiration from treasured stories of Christmas past.

12/01/2008

'Tis the season for TV Christmas specials

ABC

A Charlie Brown Christmas airs Dec. 8 on ABC.

Christmastime and the new year send television into overdrive with specials and holiday-themed episodes. What stands out? Here's a look at noteworthy programs and a countdown to the most special of all specials.
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Movies on TV: Nov. 30-Dec. 6

Check out a movie on the small screen from the comfort of your couch during the week of Nov. 30-Dec. 6 with our handy list. Do a find by day, actor or name of movie, and start the reel.
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11/27/2008

Channel 8 leading in November sweeps

11/25/2008

Brooke Burke wins 'Dancing With the Stars'

ABC

Brooke Burke and Derek Hough

Darla Atlas: Brooke [Burke] may have screamed, "Unbelievable!" after snagging that sparkly trophy, but it was easy for the rest of us to grasp. From the start, she was clearly the one to beat, thanks to natural talent and the willingness to work hard. This season, there's no denying that the best one won.
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11/23/2008

Three couples remain for 'Dancing With the Stars' finale

FILE

Clockwise from left: Lance Bass and Lacey Schwimmer; Warren Sapp and Kym Johnson; Brooke Burke and Derek Hough

Time to pick another winner on ABC's Dancing With the Stars. Will it be the best dancer (Brooke Burke), the best entertainer (Warren Sapp) or the coming-on-strong dark horse (Lance Bass)? They perform at 7 p.m. Monday. The results unfold in a two-hour finale – Miley Cyrus performs – at 8 p.m. Tuesday.
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AMAs mix awards with action-packed performances tonight
With performances by some of music's hottest acts – Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, Kanye West, the Jonas Brothers and 15 others – who needs awards?

Television
This week foreshadows another new day for Fox's 24 and the final chapter for FX's The Shield .

11/22/2008

Hollywood actors guild to seek strike
The Screen Actors Guild said Saturday it will ask its members to authorize a strike after its first contract talks in four months with Hollywood studios failed despite the help of a federal mediator.

11/21/2008

Movies on TV: Nov. 23-29

Check out a movie on the small screen from the comfort of your couch during the week of Nov. 23-29 with our handy list. Do a find by day, actor or name of movie, and start the reel.
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ABC passes on 'Eli Stone,' 'Pushing Daisies' and 'Dirty Sexy Money'
Television took a serious hit this evening with news that ABC has opted not to order additional episodes of Pushing Daisies, Eli Stone and Dirty Sexy Money for this season.

11/20/2008

'Dancing With The Stars' Julianne Hough won't return next season

ABC

Julianne Hough during the semi-finals of Dancing with the Stars, on Nov. 17.

Julianne Hough says she's not returning to Dancing With the Stars next season. In an interview on Ryan Seacrest's radio show, the 20-year-old professional dancer said she needed time to concentrate on her country music career.
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Stephen Colbert sings in new Christmas special

Associated Press

Stephen Colbert

The permanently suit-clad Stephen Colbert has traded in his pinstripes for a cardigan sweater, red turtleneck and furry boots. Following the tradition of Andy Williams and Bing Crosby, Colbert hosts his own holiday special in "A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All." The hour-long special airs Sunday at 10 p.m. EST on Comedy Central.
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11/19/2008

Paris Hilton and Benji Madden split after 9 months

Matt Sayles / Associated Press

Benji Madden, of Good Charlotte, and Paris Hilton at the MTV Movie Awards in Los Angeles.

Paris Hilton and her boyfriend of nine months, Benji Madden, have broken up. Hilton publicist Alanna McCarthy said Wednesday that the two "remain very good friends." She wouldn't say more.
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'Dancing WIth the Stars: Lewisville native Cody Linley eliminated in semi-finals

ABC

Lewisville native Cody Linley

Darla Atlas on Tuesday's 'DWTS' results show: Leaving us tonight ... Aw, it's our hometown boy Cody. But I think this show will serve him very well: He came in as a guy known mostly for an occasional role on Hannah Montana, but he leaves as a much-improved dancer who put his heart and soul into the contest. And who among us didn't adore the affection he had for partner Julianne? It was almost as sweet as the Lance/Granddaddy moments. Almost.
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Suri Cruise tops Forbes.com list of 'Hottest Tots'

Associated Press

Katie Holmes, Tom Cruise, Suri Cruise

Suri Cruise is the most popular kid on the playground. The 2-year-old daughter of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes tops Forbes.com's second annual list of "Hollywood's 10 Hottest Tots." Forbes.com, which ranked celebrity children 5 years old and younger based on media attention and their parents' popularity, said Suri - known for her stylish outfits and haircut - popped up in more news articles and blogs than her peers.
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11/18/2008

Darla Atlas talks 'Dancing With the Stars'

Associated Press

Lance Bass and his partner Lacey Schwimmer perform on Dancing With the Stars Monday night.

Darla Atlas on Lance and Lacey: The mark of a true champion: You lose your shoe in a dance competition and it barely phases you. That dance was so much fun. Actually, I just love this style. I kinda wish this show was called Jitterbugging With the Stars. "That was for my granddaddy," Lance said afterward. Aw!
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11/17/2008

Pop stars, fans say goodbye to MTV's "Total Request Live"

Associated Press

From left, rappers Ludacris, Snoop Dog and Nelly perform on MTV's TRL "Total Finale Live" show at the MTV studios in Times Square in New York on Sunday.

Carson Daly chatted with Eminem, Beyonce gave a show-stopping performance, girls shrieked at the sight of Justin Timberlake and hundreds of fans lined up outside in Times Square for a glimpse at superstars. For few hours, it seemed like old times at MTV's "Total Request Live" - back when the show was not only music's most powerful force but a dominant part of pop culture. Unfortunately, it took the show's demise to make it relevant again.

Tom Maurstad: Will Smith on Good Morning Texas Tuesday

AFP/Getty Images

Will Smith

WFAA-TV's Victory Plaza studio will turn into a celebrity fishbowl on Tuesday morning when Will Smith stops by to visit Good Morning Texas and promote his new film, Seven Pounds. Tuesday morning will offer the rare opportunity for some completely justified screaming-in-public when the man known as Mr. Fourth of July/the $25 million dollar Man and/or the Biggest Movie Star in the World gets his up-close-and-personal groove on in Victory Park. The show begins at 9 am, so figure out what the ideal arrival time is and be part of the throng.
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11/16/2008

Bravo's 'Top Chef' lights a fire under its fifth season
Last season on Top Chef we learned never to undercook beets. Undercooked beets will destroy you.

11/14/2008

Movies on TV this week

Check out a movie on the small screen from the comfort of your couch during the week of Nov. 16-22 with our handy list. Do a find by day, actor or name of movie, and start the reel.
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Is Paula Abdul leaving 'American Idol'?

AFP/Getty Images

Paula Abdul

Is Paula Abdul gearing up to abandon her judge's chair on American Idol? According to a report by OK! Magazine, Abdul is planning to "transition" out of her involvement with the FOX mega-hit to begin working on several new TV projects. "She knows that every season could be her last. Now she's got a new secret venture that she's really excited about," OK! quoted a source as saying.

Tom Maurstad: Ax drops on 'Worst Enemy' and 'Lipstick Jungle'

NBC

The women of Lipstick Jungle: (Left to right Brooke Shields, Lindsay Price, Kim Raver

NBC announced that its dropping second-season start-up Lipstick Jungle and debut My Own Worst Enemy. The fall of Lipstick Jungle is no surprise. The show isn't good, never really found an audience and was stuck in the primetime deadzone of Friday night. The writers strike gave it a stay-of-execution as it was declared the putative victor in the contest between dueling Sex and the City knock-offs when the even lamer Cashmere Mafia was put out of viewers' misery.

11/13/2008

MSNBC retracts false Sarah Palin story; others duped
NEW YORK (AP) — MSNBC was the victim of a hoax when it reported that an adviser to John McCain had identified himself as the source of an embarrassing story about former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, the network said Wednesday.

Sariñana, Latin Grammys nominee, is mature beyond her years

Warner Music

Ximena Sariñana

Mexico's Ximena Sariñana could pass for a teenager, even in the matronly garb on the cover of her debut CD, Mediocre. At 23, she looks decidedly diminutive, almost childlike. But, boy, her songwriting underscores her artistic maturity. Mediocreis a critical success that is slowly finding a stateside audience thanks to her three Latin Grammy Awards nominations.
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TV Guide names Toughest Action Heroes

Associated Press, Courtest

Keifer Sutherland as Jack Bauer and Richard Dean Anderson as MacGyver

TV Guide Magazine has named Television's Toughest Action Heroes in the Nov. 17 issue, which hits newsstands on Thursday. No.1? MacGYVER. Laugh if you must, there is nobody better at saving the day than the mulleted Mr. Wizard of explosive household items. Devoted to non-violence, Mac's scientific solutions to international crises and catastrophes showed us that brains can trump brawn, and that physics is handier than a handgun. Especially if it's crafted from an old apple core, a thumbtack and a length of duct tape. Jack Bauer also made the list.

Kenny Chesney wins CMA's Entertainer of the Year

Associated Press

Kenny Chesney

Kenny Chesney took home his third straight entertainer of the year trophy at the CMA Awards. It was the only trophy that he won. He was nominated for seven. But it was the biggest of the night. He tied Garth Brooks for most wins in that category. Other award winners included George Strait. He won single and album of the year. Also winning two awards was Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland. Sugarland won the award for duo of the year. Earlier, Nettles won song of the year for Sugarland's hit "Stay."
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11/07/2008

Movies on TV this week

Check out a movie on the small screen from the comfort of your couch during the week of Nov. 9-15 with our handy list. Do a find by day, actor or name of movie, and start the reel.
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11/12/2008

Mario Tarradell: Predicting the winners at the Country Music Association Awards

Associated Press

Sugarland: Kristian Bush and Jennifer Nettles

Are you a gambler? Are you a country music fan? Either way, you might be trying to get odds on the victory chances of the prime contenders in the Country Music Association Awards. Find out tonight if you made the right bet. Meanwhile, here are totally unscientific predictions on how many trophies the artists with the most nominations will take home.
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NBC announces stars for Christmas tree telecast
NEW YORK (AP) — Lots of talent will be present for NBC's annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center telecast.

'Dancing With the Stars:' Maurice Greene eliminated

Associated Press

Maurice Green and partner Cheryl Burke on Monday's performance

Tom Maurstad: It was the last elimination before the semi-finals on Tuesday night's Dancing With the Stars -- the cruelest cut, to be so close to something so meaningless. With all the mounting stress and strain, the five remaining couples had a session with Celebrity Rehab's Dr. Drew. Former Olympian sprinter Maurice Green and DWTS vet Cheryl Burke could have saved themselves the soul-baring; they were the unlucky couple cut, sparing north Texas native Cody Linley who with sub Edyta Silwinska was the other couple on the cusp of elimination.
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Fan of Paula Abdul found dead near 'American Idol' judge's home

Associated Press

A fan of Paula Abdul, Paukla Goodspeed, whose failed audition for American Idol aired in season five, was found dead in a car near Abdul's home.

A fan of Paula Abdul whose failed audition for "American Idol" aired in season five was found dead in a car near the home of the pop star and judge she admired, authorities said Wednesday. Police indicated that Paula Goodspeed, whose rendition of "Proud Mary" was roundly criticized by Simon Cowell and rejected by Abdul and Randy Jackson, had possibly committed suicide, said Ed Winter, assistant chief of the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner.
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Terrell Owens takes jabs at himself, others with Letterman Top Ten list
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens made an appearance on Late Show with David Letterman Tuesday to present a Top Ten list. The list poked fun at Mr. Owens and his past antics.

11/11/2008

Darla Atlas talks 'Dancing With the Stars'

ABC

Maurice Greene and partner Cheryl Burke

Darla Atlas: I'm not a big fan of the Paso Doble. Seems silly, having grown people act like bulls and matadors. But I did love the dramatic ending sequence by Maurice and Cheryl; she's kind of a master at that kind of "wow" choreography. As for Lance and Lacey, their samba was a bit snoozeworthy. It'll be interesting to see who leaves tomorrow [Tuesday], because I'd say Lance, Maurice and Cody are all vulnerable.
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'Legend of the Seeker': A girl, a guy, a wizard and a quest
NEW YORK (AP) — On Legend of the Seeker, the heroes do the work for you. Chiseled woodsman Richard Cypher and his even prettier protectress Kahlan Amnell stay on the run, dodging arrows and parrying swords as they chase an evil force that would enslave the known world.

11/10/2008

Tim McGraw to host 'Saturday Night Live'

AP file

Country singer Tim McGraw

Live from New York! It's Tim McGraw. McGraw's spokeswoman said he will host Saturday Night Live on Nov. 22, joining a short list of country stars to host the show. Garth Brooks was the last one, and that was back in 1999. Other country singers to host SNL include Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton.
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Allen designer Kelly Kealy-Mayton wins 'Dancing With the Stars' costume contest

Courtesy

Kelly Kealy-Mayton's winning design for a dance number choreographed to 'Great Balls of Fire'

Not everyone can create dance-friendly magic out of sequins and fringe. But Allen resident Kelly Kealy-Mayton can, and her mother-in-law knew it. So when she heard about the Dancing With the Stars costume-design contest, "she kept calling me saying, 'You need to send a sketch in,' " says Ms. Kealy-Mayton, 38. The rules: Design costumes for a man and a woman who would dance the jive to "Great Balls of Fire."
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11/09/2008

NBC puts the order back into 'Law & Order'
For the last few years, Law & Order has been treated like the crazy aunt of the NBC lineup. It was banished to Friday nights, the prime-time equivalent of being told to sit in the corner and not talk to anyone. It was rumored to be headed to the assisted-living home of basic cable. Finally it was turned into a midseason replacement, allowed to slink into the party only after the liquor was put away.

11/07/2008

Though everyone hated J.R. Ewing, for Larry Hagman, he was role of a lifetime

Associated Press

Larry Hagman

Sitting at the desk in the living room of his suite at the Ritz-Carlton, Larry Hagman looks as if he could be a retired CEO or an elder statesman. But then he gets up to greet his guests and puts on the cowboy hat that had been resting on the desk and in an instant, the transformation is complete. No makeup artists, no phone booth – with a wave of his hand, J.R. Ewing appears.
Quiz: Do you know 'Dallas'?
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Video: After 30 years, TV fans still drawn to 'Dallas'

'American Idol' returns Jan. 13, 'House' moves to Mondays on Jan. 19

Fox

David Cook (left) was crowned last season's American Idol.

Fox's "American Idol" will return for its eighth season Jan. 13 while medical drama "House" is moving to a new night, the network said in announcing its midseason lineup. "American Idol," the singing contest that consistently ranks as TV's most-watched series, is trying to keep the streak going by freshening its formula. A fourth judge, singer-songwriter Kara DioGuardi, joins Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul this year.
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Taylor Swift, Def Leppard team up for CMT 'Crossroads' episode

Andrew MacPherson; Associated Press

Def Leppard frontman Joe Ellliot, Taylor Swift (left)

A year ago, when the guys in Def Leppard heard that Taylor Swift wanted to do an episode of the Country Music Television show "Crossroads" with them, they had just one question: Who's Taylor Swift? "There's always a first time when you discover a band,