Here is a special thread completely devoted to all television casting and development updates. Please feel free to comment and add the latest information for May, 2008.
Damon Wayans is returning to ABC as the lead of its single-camera comedy pilot "Never Better."
Piper Perabo is joining another ABC pilot, "Prince of Motor City," while Matt Long, Norbert Leo Butz and Ben Lawson have been cast in ABC's untitled David Hemingson dramedy pilot.
On the cable side, David Alan Basche is set to star opposite Debra Messing in USA Network's upcoming series "The Starter Wife," while Kerri Kenney and Rachael Harris have been cast in HBO's pilot "Suburban Shootout."
The Marc Buckland-directed "Never Better," from ABC Studios, centers on a guy (Wayans) trying to be a good husband and father despite his somewhat misguided attempts.
Wayans' casting lifts the contingency on the project. For five seasons, the ICM-repped Wayans starred on the ABC/ABC Studios multicamera comedy "My Wife and Kids."
"Motor City," from ABC Studios, is a Gothic family soap inspired by William Shakespeare's "Hamlet," which centers on a young Harvard professor forced to return to Detroit and take over the family's auto company.
Perabo ("Because I Said So") will play his ex-girlfriend who still has feelings for him.
The Dave Hemingson project, from 20th TV, is a legal ensemble about a law school grad (Long) from a blue-collar background who gets lured to join a Los Angeles boutique law firm.
Butz will play the firm's smooth-as-silk, no-holds-barred recruiter. Australian Lawson will play an associate at the firm. He is managed by Untitled.
On "Starter Wife," a follow-up to the highly rated miniseries, Basche will play Kenny Kagan, the Hollywood mogul ex-husband of Molly (Messing).
Basche takes over for Peter Jacobson, who played Kenny in the mini but has since joined Fox's "House" as a regular. The series, from UMS, McGibbon/Parriott and 3 Arts, premieres in October.
Basche is repped by Harden-Curtis Associates and New Wave.
Based on the British series, the Barry Sonnenfeld-directed "Shootout" is a dark comedy about a woman who escapes the city for suburban bliss only to find herself caught between two rival gangs of homicidal housewives vying for control of the town.
Kenney will play Barbara, a battle-hardened gang leader. Harris will play Natalie, a member of the opposite gang who is at odds with Barbara.
Jessica Stroup ("Prom Night") is the latest actress to join CW's "Beverly Hills, 90210" spinoff.
Stroup will play Annie's (Shenae Grimes) classmate Silver who produces a YouTube type video series "Answers to life's inane questions answered by a 15-year-old in a bikini."
Casting Couch Scoop: O'Hara Tries "Good Behavior" for Rob Thomas
Ooh, do I have a hot casting scoop for you today.
Remember Good Behavior, the highly anticipated drama pilot from Veronica Mars creator Rob Thomas? (How could you not, as I've been talking about it incessantly since I read the pilot script a few weeks back.)
No shortage of leading ladies have circled this project in recent weeks, with many naming Rene Russo as the frontrunner for the pivotal role of Jackie West, the tough-as-nails matriarch of the criminal West family who forces her family to become pillars of the community after her husband is sentenced to five years in prison. Mae Whitman (Arrested Development) and Patrick Adams (Lost) have already been cast in the drama pilot.
So who has locked up the role of Jackie West, in a casting move that has my heart all aflutter?
According to my source, none other than Catherine O'Hara, whose star turns in multiple Christopher Guest movies (take your pick: Best in Show, A Mighty Wind, Waiting for Guffman, For Your Consideration) have not only made her a favorite of mine but whose comedic sensibilities will come in handy with this gutsy, headstrong female role, a real rarity these days in Hollywood. Then again, the project is from Veronica creator Thomas, who has shown a penchant for creating tough, three-dimensional female characters.
Production on the pilot of Good Behavior, based on Kiwi series Outrageous Behavior, starts May 20th, with Charles McDougall (Desperate Housewives) directing.
Fingers crossed that this gets a greenlight to series ASAP.
Lead Actor - Richard Jenkins, The Visitor Lead Actress - Sally Hawkins, Happy Go Lucky Supporting Actor - Haaz Sleiman, The Visitor Supporting Actress - Amy Adams, Doubt Original Screenplay - Thomas McCarthy, The Visitor
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After pursuing the jungle cat known as Lindsanius Lohanicus for nearly a year, it appears Ugly Betty may finally have caught its prey. Multiple Ugly sources confirm to me exclusively that the comeback-hungry actress is in advanced discussions to guest-star in the show's May 22 season finale, which is currently in production.
But that, my friends, is not the big news.
No, the big news is that Betty producers are currently talking to LiLo's camp about bringing her back next season for a sizable arc – and I do mean sizable. We're talking as many as eight freakin' episodes.
No doubt ABC is looking at the ratings mileage CBS got out of Britney Spears' How I Met Your Mother cameo and is hoping Lohan can perform the same magic for Betty, which, despite firing on all cylinders creatively this season, has seen its viewership tumble by double digits. Depressing, I know.
Specifics on Lohan's character are still being finalized, but the original idea was to have her play a hapless fast-food worker that Betty befriends. Not sure if that would still be the plan.
Now, I know you Betty fans were initially resistant to the prospect of a Lindsay-Betty confab, but in light of the show's recent ratings woes, are you warming to the idea? I certainly am.
Lead Actor - Richard Jenkins, The Visitor Lead Actress - Sally Hawkins, Happy Go Lucky Supporting Actor - Haaz Sleiman, The Visitor Supporting Actress - Amy Adams, Doubt Original Screenplay - Thomas McCarthy, The Visitor
Posts: 2225 | Location: Why Do You Want To Know? | Registered: November 21, 2006
Catherine O'Hara is in negotiations to play the matriarch at the center of "Good Behavior," Rob Thomas' dramedy pilot for ABC.
Warren Christie has landed the lead of another ABC drama pilot, "Prince of Motor City," which also has cast Andie MacDowell.
"Behavior," from ABC Studios, is based on the New Zealand format "Outrageous Fortune" and centers on the matriarch (O'Hara) of a family of criminals who decides that it's time for her brood to go straight after her husband ends up in the clink for five years.
O'Hara, who is filming Sam Mendes' feature "Farlanders," is repped by ICM and Brillstein Entertainment.
"Motor City," from ABC Studios, is a gothic family soap inspired by William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" that centers on a young Harvard philosophy professor (Christie) forced to return to Detroit and take over the family's auto company.
MacDowell will play his mother.
"Motor City" extends Christie's deal with ABC and ABC Studios. He co-starred on the drama "October Road," which has become a fan favorite but is unlikely to return for a third season. Christie is repped by IFA.
MacDowell, repped by ICM and Risa Shapiro, recently wrapped the feature "The Six Wives of Henry Lefay."
Actor Michael Rosenbaum is leaving the CW's "Smallville" after seven seasons with the show.
Rosenbaum, who plays Superman's nemesis Lex Luthor, will be replaced by two new villains.
"It is time for me to start the next chapter of my life and career," Rosenbaum said in a statement. "I hope that I gave you some enjoyment over the years, and that you found my portrayal of Lex Luthor to be satisfying."
A joint statement from "Smallville" executive producers hinted Rosenbaum may still appear as a guest in the upcoming eighth season.
"He is one of the best actors on television and has never failed to bring a new layer to the character of Lex Luthor in every episode. While Michael won't be a series regular and we won't have the pleasure of working with him on a weekly basis this fall, we like to think that we haven't seen the last of Lex Luthor."
Rosenbaum's departure has previously been rumored since producers have been looking for ways to shake up the series and create new challenges for Superman in what might be the show's final season.
One of the new villains is Doomsday, who's notable for killing Superman in the DC Comics Superman universe. Another is a female villain producers describe as "intelligent, brilliantly manipulative, and dangerously sinister" whose "attraction with Clark may prove to be as deadly as kryptonite for him."
Tristan Wilds ("The Wire") has landed the male lead in the CW's "Beverly Hills, 90210" spinoff.
The show, from CBS Paramount, centers on the Mills, a three-generational Beverly Hills family whose teen kids, daughter Annie (Shenae Grimes) and adopted boy Dixon (Wilds) attend West Beverly Hills High.
Lohan to guest star on 'Ugly Betty' Actress set for season finale and beyond
By CYNTHIA LITTLETON
Lindsay Lohan reported for duty on "Ugly Betty" on Saturday.
Thesp's long-rumored deal for an extended guest shot on the ABC dramedy closed earlier this week, and it calls for Lohan to appear in the May 22 season finale and five episodes of next season. Insiders confirmed that Lohan's first day of shooting was Saturday.
It's understood that Lohan plays an old schoolmate of America Ferrera's Betty Suarez character. Lohan's character was not particularly nice to Betty back then, but when the two bump into each other in the finale, Lohan's character is down on her luck, in sharp contrast to Betty's glamorous and promising career at Gotham fashion mag Mode.
Lohan's deal, first rumored last fall, was brokered by CAA.
Megan Dodds is set as the female lead in Paul Attanasio's pilot for Fox "Courtroom K," while Mike O'Malley has been tapped to co-star opposite Christian Slater in NBC's series "My Own Worst Enemy."
Additionally, Andrea Anders ("The Class") has joined ABC's untitled Victor Fresco singe-camera office comedy presentation, and Peter Fonda has been cast in Sci Fi Channel's two-hour pilot "Revolution."
"Courtroom" is a comedic drama that revolves around a judge, a prosecutor and a big-hearted public defender (Dodds). Dodds, repped by ICM and Thruline, recently co-starred in NBC's untitled Luke Reiter pilot.
"Enemy" centers on Henry (Slater), a middle-class suburban dad whose alter ego is a super spy. O'Malley, repped by CAA and Principato-Young, will play Henry's amiable friend and co-worker, whose alter ego is a brusque and violent secret agent.
O'Malley is recurring on "My Name Is Earl" and recently was cast in "The Informant."
Sci Fi's "Revolution" is set at a 22nd century outpost. Fonda will play a robber baron.
'FNL's' Brea Grant Switches to 'Heroes' (Michael Ausiello, TV Guide)
Sources confirm to me exclusively that the enchanting Brea Grant — who made quite the impression as Landry's short-lived rebound girl on Friday Night Lights — is joining the cast of Heroes next season as The Speedster.
As you'll recall, last month I reported that Heroes was casting the role of Joy,who's "quick on her feet — and adept at getting herself into and out of trouble."
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Eddie McClintock and Joanne Kelly have been tapped to star in Sci Fi Channel's two-hour dramedy pilot "Warehouse 13," which Jace Alexander is set to direct.
Meanwhile, Paula Malcomson has been cast as the female lead in "Caprica," Sci Fi's prequel to "Battlestar Galactica."
"Warehouse," from UMS, revolves around two FBI agents -- by-the-book Myka (Kelly) and rule-bender Peter (McClintock) -- who, after saving the life of the U.S. president, are relocated to Warehouse 13, a location that houses supernatural objects the government has collected over the centuries. The duo's assignment is to retrieve missing objects and investigate reports of new ones.
Kelly ("Vanished") is repped by Domain and manager Joannie Burstein. McClintock ("Crumbs") is repped by ICM and manager Ric Beddingfield.
Alexander, who helmed the pilot for USA's "Burn Notice," also is directing the MGM film "Day One." He is repped by WMA and Fineman Entertainment.
Set 50 years before the events in "Battlestar," the UMS-produced "Caprica" follows the evolution of the Cylon race and the fight between two families.
Malcomson ("Deadwood") will play Amanda, a surgeon who works as a double agent. She is repped by ICM and One Management.
Peter Facinelli has joined the cast of Showtime's untitled Edie Falco pilot.
In addition, Paul Schulze, Merritt Wever, Eve Best and Haaz Sleiman have come aboard as series regulars, and Anna Deavere Smith has signed on as a recurring.
The dark comedy project, co-produced by Showtime and Lionsgate TV, centers on a strong-willed New York nurse (Falco).
Facinelli will play Dr. Cooper, a likable "golden boy" who appears to be in control but is actually a bundle of nerves.
Schulze will play Falco's boyfriend, Eddie, a pharmacy tech. He is repped by Innovative Artists and manager Kyle Fritz.
Wever is playing Zoey, a first-year nurse. She is repped by Innovative and Liebman Entertainment.
Sleiman is set as Maurice, aka Momo, a gay Muslim nurse. Best is playing Dr. O'Hara, a loner whose only friend at the hospital is Falco. Smith will recur as Mrs. Akalitus, the reluctant hospital administrator.
Esai Morales has joined the cast of Sci Fi Channel's two-hour "Caprica" pilot.
The project, from Universal Media Studios, is a prequel to the network's "Battlestar Galactica." Morales will play Joseph Adama, the father of William Adama (played in "Galactica" by Edward James Olmos), who one day will take command of the Battlestar Galactica.
Joseph is described as a deeply passionate man with a strong sense of justice -- and someone you wouldn't want as your enemy.
Paula Malcomson was previously cast as a surgeon who works as a double agent.
Morales ("Jericho") is repped by Innovative Artists and Jai Khanna at Brillstein Entertainment Partners.
Canwest nabs new NBCU shows Broadcaster to air 'Knight Rider,' 'Office' spinoff
By STUART LEVINE
Canwest Broadcasting is bypassing the upcoming L.A. Screenings and has entered into an agreement with NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution to purchase a handful of new shows recently announced by the Pea****. Announcement marks the first time any Canadian buyer has made a deal before the Screenings began.
The reformulated "Knight Rider," "My Own Worst Enemy," "Kath and Kim" and the spinoff of "The Office" will be shown on the Global Television and E! networks, along with Canwest's 21 specialty channels.
At a modified upfront in April, NBC announced its 52-week schedule, hoping to get a jump on its competitors and explain its strategy to advertisers. The net will still hold a session on Monday when the traditional upfront week begins in New York to give a broader perspective of NBCU that will include its cable brethren.
The L.A. Screenings begins the weekend of May 17 when hundreds of global buyers arrive in town and head off to the major studios to view pilots of the just-announced shows.
Both "Knight Rider," which began as a backdoor pilot, and "My Own Worst Enemy," starring Christian Slater, will premiere in the fall. "Kath and Kim," starring Molly Shannon and Selma Blair," and the untitled spinoff of "The Office" won't launch until 2009.
Canadians are often the most active buyers dollar-wise at the Screenings as they need to purchase shows fairly quickly. Skeins often launch day and date in Canada and the States.
"Our strategy to get out front with advertisers this year provided us with an opportunity to have meaningful discussions about our new fall programming with broadcast and cable partners earlier than we ever have," said Ron Sutter, senior VP and general manager of NBC U Television Distribution Canada.
Canwest also renewed deals with NBC U on "House," "Heroes," "The Office," "The Biggest Loser," "Life" and "Friday Night Lights."
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2009 Oscars FYC:
Lead Actor - Richard Jenkins, The Visitor Lead Actress - Sally Hawkins, Happy Go Lucky Supporting Actor - Haaz Sleiman, The Visitor Supporting Actress - Amy Adams, Doubt Original Screenplay - Thomas McCarthy, The Visitor
Posts: 2225 | Location: Why Do You Want To Know? | Registered: November 21, 2006
WNBC overhauls facility Network to create 24-hour local-news channel
By JOHN DEMPSEY
Declining local-news ratings have spurred WNBC-TV New York to overhaul its facility at NBC's 30 Rockefeller Plaza headquarters and create a 24-hour local-news channel.
WNBC is calling the refurbished operation a content center, which will produce local news not only for WNBC's various newscasts and the 24-hour digital channel but for the WNBC.com website and for out-of-home platforms including gas pumps and taxicabs. WNBC's goal is to get the 24-hour channel on digital cable in the New York area by the end of the fourth quarter.
Spearheading the transformation is John Wallace, recently promoted to president of the local-media division of NBC Universal, who said he wants WNBC to "become the leading multi-platform content provider for the New York market."
"Consumers are demanding relevant content, round the clock, on the platform of their choice," Wallace said.
The big-picture plan is for New York operation to serve as a model for similar changes at the seven other NBC-owned TV stations, including KNBC Los Angeles and WMAQ Chicago. Like WNBC, each of these outlets would add a 24-hour local-news channel to fill the digital slots that will open up for TV stations throughout the country in the next year. The KNBC remodeling is already under way.
Lead Actor - Richard Jenkins, The Visitor Lead Actress - Sally Hawkins, Happy Go Lucky Supporting Actor - Haaz Sleiman, The Visitor Supporting Actress - Amy Adams, Doubt Original Screenplay - Thomas McCarthy, The Visitor
Posts: 2225 | Location: Why Do You Want To Know? | Registered: November 21, 2006
By Courtney Hazlett The Scoop updated 8:13 a.m. ET, Wed., May. 7, 2008
Ryan Seacrest might be adding hosting duties of another kind to his schedule in 2009. A source from within CNN says that Seacrest, who has filled in for his friend Larry King in the past, is involved in "serious negotiations" to take over “Larry King Live” around year’s end. King told The New York Times in April 2007 that Seacrest would be his first choice to take over the show when the time came.
“He’s the classic generalist,” King told the Times. “The only thing I don’t know, and I’ve gotten to know him pretty well, is how versed he is in politics, world affairs. Does he read the paper? Is he interested in Iraq? Because if he is, he’s going to be very good.”
Another source familiar with Seacrest and his involvement on “American Idol” said that a drastic course change might be just what Seacrest needs. “He's so serious about his career, but like anyone, he wants it to evolve. Hosting ‘Larry King’ would be perfect for him."
A rep for Seacrest said that “Larry and Ryan are close and Ryan does fill in as a guest host from time to time, but we have no comment on this story.” Another source close to CNN, on the other hand, said “there is no truth to this story.”
Lead Actor - Richard Jenkins, The Visitor Lead Actress - Sally Hawkins, Happy Go Lucky Supporting Actor - Haaz Sleiman, The Visitor Supporting Actress - Amy Adams, Doubt Original Screenplay - Thomas McCarthy, The Visitor
Posts: 2225 | Location: Why Do You Want To Know? | Registered: November 21, 2006
Rainbow buys Sundance Channel Deal worth $496 million
By DADE HAYES
Cablevision's Rainbow Media, which already owns AMC and the Independent Film Channel, is adding yet another specialty film asset by acquiring the Sundance Channel for $496 million.
Sundance, launched in 1996 and run by entities affiliated with Robert Redford, also counted NBC Universal and CBS's Showtime as stakeholders.
Rainbow Media will exchange about 12.7 million shares it owns in GE, tax-free, with a cash adjustment based on the value of the GE shares in relation to the total purchase price. GE will get all of the GE shares, and CBS and Redford's entities will get cash for their stakes.
The channel, available on bonus cable and satellite tiers, reaches about 30 million homes. Under topper Larry Aidem, it has recently branched out beyond its movie roots to explore original series. It also has embarked on an ambitious environmental initiative.
For Rainbow, the move enriches its movie offerings and demographic reach. It also makes Rainbow itself a more appealing potential takeover target. Rumors of buyers circling have persisted for months, though much depends on the economic climate and the fortunes of the Dolan family, which has failed several times to take Cablevision private.
Lead Actor - Richard Jenkins, The Visitor Lead Actress - Sally Hawkins, Happy Go Lucky Supporting Actor - Haaz Sleiman, The Visitor Supporting Actress - Amy Adams, Doubt Original Screenplay - Thomas McCarthy, The Visitor
Posts: 2225 | Location: Why Do You Want To Know? | Registered: November 21, 2006
David Sutcliffe will return to ABC's "Private Practice." Sutcliffe, who guest starred on the medical drama in the fall, will appear in 11 episodes next season, reprising his role as Officer Kevin Nelson, a new love interest for Dr. Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh). He is repped by WMA and Robert Stein Management.
