Adding on an Old Show...

We try out so many new pilots each season that some series fall through the cracks and are not discovered until later. For instance, longtime readers know that we didn't begin covering The Big Bang Theory until the start of the sixth season, Two and a Half Men until the ninth season, and The Middle in the third season (after dabbling throughout the prior year, starting with the second episode of the second season). Since May and the end of the past network season, I have tried a bunch of in-progress shows, ranging from Parks and Recreation to Psych. Only one has stuck, and I have absolutely fallen in love with it!

USA's White Collar.

Eric Ogden/USA Network

It all started one night over the summer when my husband and I had no plans. Neither of us wanted to watch an episode of the shows we were currently Netflixing (like the new season of Arrested Development), and we were in search of a new drama (having just wrapped Friday Night Lights), so we went through the "recommended" series. White Collar was the only one we came across in ten minutes that neither of us objected to, so we tried it out. I was instantly hooked with the Catch Me If You Can similarity, and Matt Bomer being easy on the eyes didn't hurt. Peter and Mozzie's characters also seemed very intriguing, and before you knew it, we were on the third season, binge-watching a few episodes each evening. I actually really started loving the show after the Kate storyline was wrapped and the focus of the drama was so straightforward. Yes, it is a bit of a procedural, with a crime-of-the-week premise, but the crimes are fascinating to me! Similarly, I think that the ongoing arcs have had great writing and skillful acting, and that's why I keep going back for me.

So, surprise! When White Collar returns on Thursday, October 17th at 9pm, we'll be watching. Look for our first recap with remarks on the 18th!

News Roundup: You Really Gotta Take a Look...

by Amy K. Bredemeyer

There has been a TON of news, what with the cancellations, the renewals, the pick-ups, and the talks of new pilots coming in the future. I have no doubt that this is the longest news roundup that TheTalkingBox has ever done, hence how I couldn't even pick a few things to headline the title! Anyway, hope you find something that interests you!


Renewals, Cancellations, & Scheduling:
Revenge and Suburgatory received the go-ahead for full 22-episode seasons. Happy Endings has gotten an order for six more episodes.

Hart of Dixie, Ringer, and Secret Circle all got full-season pick-ups as well.

NBC gave Harry's Law another six episodes, bringing the total up to 19. They did the same for Prime Suspect.

FX has picked up a fifth season of Sons of Anarchy.

MTV's Ridiculousness has received a second season.

Adult Swim picked up a second season of NTSF:SD:SUV, a 15-minue cop procedural parody.

Cinemax's Strike Back got renewed for a second season.

The Simpsons was renewed for seasons 24 and 25, but the cast had to agree to a pay cut to keep the show going.

So You Think You Can Dance was renewed for a ninth season, and the news went out on Twitter.

A&E renewed The Glades for a third season.

Haven was renewed for a third season.

Boardwalk Empire got renewed for a third season by HBO.

MasterChef was renewed for a third season by FOX.

The CW canceled H8R and will air repeats of The Ringer in that slot. [I think this was my favorite news this time around!]

ABC canceled Charlie's Angels.

NBC canceled Free Agents.

Memphis got canceled.

CBS canceled How to be a Gentleman, shortly after banishing it to a Saturday night slot.

Rules of Engagement now airs Thursdays at 8:30pm.

Fear Factor will be back December 12th. [NBC Entertainment Press Release]

Showtime released a bunch of premiere dates....House of Lies on January 8th, Shameless on January 8th, Californication on January 8th, From the Sky Down on October 29th, The Last Play at Shea on November 11th, Saint Misbehavin' the Wavy Gravy Movie on November 17th, and Thespians on November 10th.

CNBC's Best Jobs Ever will premiere Thursday, November 3rd. Some jobs that will be featured include Victoria's Secret photographer, Hollywood Stuntwoman, High-End Car Purveyor, and a Music Teacher. [CNBC Press Release]

CNBC's Pepsi Challenge will premiere Thursday, November 10th. This original documentary will give viewers a look at the food labs of the snack and beverage giant, and especially what they're doing to take a healthier approach in the future. [CNBC Press Release]

Cast & Plot Updates:
Abby found out she was adopted on NCIS! Oh, and she has a new brother.


Lily's father, Barney's mother and brother, and MARSHALL'S FATHER will appear in the October 24th episode of How I Met Your Mother. [Marshall's father died last year, if you forgot...]

Nick Jonas and Bernadette Peters will appear on Smash on NBC in the Spring.

Jaleel White will host a game show in SyFy, called Total Blackout.

Shows in Development & Other Fun Stuff:
Interested in A&E's Bag of Bones miniseries? The Stephen King thrilled now has some promos available.

A terminally ill man who has decided to be mummified now stars in a documentary.

McDonald's is launching an in-restaurant channel, which will feature local sports, movie previews, and human interest stories.

Seth MacFarlane, who has a ton of things going these days, thinks that Family Guy is near the end of its life cycle - "I think seven seasons is about the right lifespan for a TV series."

It's not finalized, but Downton Abbey will likely get a third season.

Is a screening of the Grimm pilot coming to a city near you?

Mandy Moore will be in an upcoming single-camera family comedy for ABC.

A television version of Zombieland may come to FOX.

It looks like there may be a Friday Night Lights movie.

Netflix is in talks to potentially bring back Reno 911!, which was canceled two years ago by Comedy Central. And, speaking of Netflix, they will be getting a bunch of shows for streaming, including The Walking Dead, Portlandia, The Increasinly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret, My Fair Wedding, Bridezillas, Girls Whole Like Boys Who Like Boys, and Braxton Family Values. Netflix also struck a four-year deal with The CW to stream past seasons of The Vampire Diaries, Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, and Nikita. Supernatural and 90210 will be added in January as well, plus Ringer, Hart of Dixie, and The Secret Circle next fall... plus new shows not even yet aired. Oh, and one more thing about Netflix? They've decided to do away with the split in service (also known as Qwikster for DVDs and Netflix for streaming) and stay as one cohesive unit... for now.

2011 Primtetime Emmy Awards Winners

by Amy K. Bredemeyer

Well, folks, that wraps it up for another year. And just in time, too! As we've mentioned both here and on Twitter, the new television season is underway, with many shows premiering over the next two weeks! But before we are completely obsessed over what's going to make it and what's not worth our time, let's take a final look at last year's outstanding shows, writers, directors, and actors.

As I did with the Creative Arts winners, I'm going to list the categories in the order that I predicted them last week, and give a thought or two after each winner.I got 9 / 35, so just over 25%. Surprisingly, that's about how I did with my Creative Arts predictions, haha. Oh, and, speaking of which, although I thought I wrapped up all of the awards handed out last week, I apparently did not. A few of the categories below were awarded at the Creative Arts ceremony. Oops.

Outstanding Comedy Series
Modern Family
- As I mentioned, "big money is going to be on Modern Family." And, it won. Too bad, since my vote was on The Big Bang Theory.  

Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series
"Caught in the Act" from Modern Family by Steve Levitan, Jeffrey Richman
- As I sit here and shake my head at Modern Family sweeping the Comedies, I'm secretly pissed that I can't stand this show and it just keeps winning.

Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series
Modern Family "Halloween" by Michael Alan Spiller
- This one I'm hurt by. I thought that How I Met Your Mother's "Subway Wars" was just so well done. It figures that Modern Family would snub it. But, boo anyway! In all fairness, I did predict that this would be the episode of Modern Family that would earn the Emmy.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory
- Right show, wrong actor. I'm not upset, though. As much as I enjoy Johnny Galecki, I can see Jim Parsons taking home the award.

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Melissa McCarthy as Molly Flynn in Mike & Molly
- Yes, I picked Amy Poehler for her performances in Parks and Recreation, but I'm so happy for Melissa McCarthy that it doesn't matter. Congratulations to McCarthy, as I've loved her since Gilmore Girls and can't wait to see Bridesmaids on DVD!

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Ty Burrell as Phil Dunphy in Modern Family

- Four nominees from Modern Family... the odds were there. Too bad for Jon Cryer, though.

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Julie Bowen as Claire Dunphy in Modern Family
- Guess I really took a beating here. I went with Betty White, thinking Jane Lynch of Kriten Wiig would probably steal it from beloved Betty. It wasn't either of them... but congrats to Julie Bowen!

Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
Justin Timberlake, Host on Saturday Night Live
- I was between Justin Timberlake and Matt Damon, and picked the wrong one. Close call though, and excellent performances all around!  

Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series
Gwyneth Paltrow as Holly Holliday in Glee
- I don't really do Glee, as my regular readers know. But, I picked Kristin Chenoweth... the wrong guest, the right show. C'est la vie.

Outstanding Drama Series
Mad Men
- Figures. Mad Men beat my Boardwalk Empire. Not doing too great so far here.

Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series
"Always" from Friday Night Lights by Jason Katims

- I was SO CLOSE to going ti Friday Night Lights, but I went Game of Thrones. Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Oh, and congrats to Jason Katims!

Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series
Boardwalk Empire "Pilot" by Martin Scorsese
- Another win for Boardwalk Empire, and another win for me! Oh, and for Martin Scorsese.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
Kyle Chandler as Coach Eric Taylor in Friday Night Lights
- Got blindsided here. Didn't see it coming. Too bad for Steve Buscemi, in my opinion. 

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
Julianna Margulies as Alicia Florrick in The Good Wife
- Apparently I'm on my game in the Dramas! I'm so happy for Julianna Margulies, too!

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister in Game of Thrones
- I pushed for the right candidate! Though I did hear a lot of gruff on Twitter regarding how Dinklage did not thank George R. R. Martin in his speech.... 

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Margo Martindale as Mags Bennett in Justified
- what? who? um, okay. Sorry, Christina Hendricks. 

Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series
Paul McCrane as Josh Peyton on Harry's Law

-A little bummed that Michael J. Fox didn't take it, but life goes on. 

Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series

Loretta Devine as Adele Webber on Grey's Anatomy
- Loretta Devine had my vote and brought it home! Yes!

Outstanding Miniseries or Movie
Downton Abbey
- It didn't let me down! Downton Abbey for the win!

Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or Dramatic Special
Downton Abbey by Julian Fellowes
- I tried to push Sherlock only a couple of times (not like it got a ton of nominations...), but it failed. Again. I support Downton Abbey for the win, though.

Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or Dramatic Special
Downton Abbey "Part 1" by Brian Percival
-I don't know why I went with Cinema Verite when Downton Abbey was a contender. Temporary loss of intelligence? #dumbmoment?

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie
Barry Pepper as Bobby Kennedy in The Kennedys
- There was some great acting on The Kennedys, let's not lie. But, apparently Barry Pepper's was better than Greg Kinnear's.

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie
Kate Winslet as Mildred Pierce in Mildred Pierce
- I wanted Elizabeth McGovern to win. I do enjoy Kate Winslet in general, but this was not my favorite of her roles. Congratulations to her just the same.

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie
Guy Pearce as Monty Beragon in Mildred Pierce
- Another case of "right show, wrong actor." I went with Brian F. O'Byrne, though Guy Pearce took the win. You win some, you lose some. Moving on... 

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie
Maggie Smith as Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey
- I went with most adorable (Evan Rachel Wood). Apparently that wasn't the way to go. But Maggie Smith winning sounds just as good!

Outstanding Writing for Nonfiction Programming
Freedom Riders by Stanley Nelson
- I didn't see Gettysburg losing this one. Oh well. Nice win for Freedom Riders.

Outstanding Special Class - Short-Format Nonfiction Programs
Jay Leno's Garage- Although it was a blind category for me, it seems my instinct for Jay Leno's Garage was lucky.

Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Series
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
- Meh. As I mentioned before, "I have a really difficult time enjoying late-night shows." So I'm pretty apathetic that Conan didn't win. 

Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music, or Comedy Series
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
- Again, I don't do late-night shows, so I had no big impetus to choose The Colbert Report, other than I've seen Colbert do a show in person. So, no hard feelings that Jon Stewart's show won. 
 
Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music, or Comedy Special
64th Annual Tony Awards
- I couldn't have gone with any other winner on this one, and I'm not alone. Again, awesome job with the 64th Annual Tony Awards, especially showing the behind-the-scenes clip on the writing of Neil Patrick Harris' closing rap.

Outstanding Directing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Series
Saturday Night Live "Host: Justin Timberlake" by Don Roy King
- I kinda picked the Saturday Night Live with Justin Timberlake on principle, but it won! 

Outstanding Directing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Special
Sondheim! The Birthday Concert (Great Performances) by Lonny Price
- I wanted the Tonys here, too. But I love some Sondheim, so yay.

Outstanding Reality Program
Deadliest Catch
- I'm rather intrigued by this one. Not that I was really staunch in my selection of Undercover Boss, but I didn't realize how beloved Deadliest Catch was. Perhaps I'll give it a try...? 

Outstanding Reality-Competition Program
The Amazing Race
- Yay! A correct pick! wooo!

Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program
Jeff Probst, Survivor
- I know this was the "duh" choice, but I didn't want to back it. Go figure.

Coal Miners on TV & Other News,

by Amy K. Bredemeyer

ABCFamily's Friday Night Lights was canceled due to ratings.

CBS is really banking on Twitter. A THIRD show is now in development based on a twitter account. This one is being produced by Ashton Kutcher and will be called The Girls, based on things a guy overhears from his upstairs female neighbors.

SpikeTV has a Coal Miner reality show coming up in April. It's set in West Virginia, and was apparently underway before the Chilean mishap. It's gonna be called, Coal.

Angus T. Jones is now making $300k per episode of Two and a Half Men.

Jason Priestley and Luke Perry (aka Brandon and Dylan from Beverly Hills, 90210) are doing a TV movie together. It's called Goodnight for Justice and it's going to be on the Hallmark Channel eventually. Brandon is directing and Dylan is acting and exec-producing.

Bones spin-off planned by FOX.

I've never heard of The City, but apparently it's a spin-off of The Hills. Anyway, it got canceled.

Speaking of Paris Hilton, there's a new holiday tv-movie on the block: The Dog Who Saved Christmas Vacation. Doesn't sound thrilling, but yes, Paris voices a poodle in the flick. It'll be on November 28th at 8pm.

Better With You and No Ordinary Family both got the full-season go-ahead.