TV Tidbits: February 2

Every once and awhile, we pause from our recapping to discuss TV news and related topics of interest.

There has been a lot going on lately –

First, let’s talk about The X Factors axing more than HALF of their ‘cast’. Nicole, gone. Paula, gone. That host guy, gone.

Simon’s hand of God hath struck them down. In my opinion, it’s a fantastic move. Neither of those people were right for the job. Nicole had no credentials, she struggled with voicing her opinion (aka she didnt really have one) and she crumbled under the weight of responsibility. She also made small children cry. Paula is a trainwreck who’s ‘groups’ were eliminated first from the show… giving her no real purpose for being there.

We don’t need to talk about ‘The Host’. God awful.

So Simon cleans house – personally, since Idol did the same, their judging panel has been stronger and much more effective. I’m going to throw something out there. What if these shows cleaned house after every season, and gave celebrity judges one year/season and then brought in new ones? The buzz and the hype would be amazing… similar to that of ‘casting’ a new DWTS or Celebrity Apprentice every year. The unknown stirs up attention. I dont think ANY judging panel should stay the same year after year… it’s boring.

NEXT!

Can we talk a little bit about the Fear Factor thing? I wont dwell on it…becuase even the thought of it makes me want to ralph my breakfast. So Fear Factor is known for pushing the limits, particularly int he second stunt where eating live bugs or intestinal byproducts are the norm.

How far is TOO far? Well, apparently drinking donkey semen is one step over the line. The show was PULLED this week because the second stun was… that. There are some things I dont want to watch on TV. That would actually be close to the top of my list. Repulsive. However, I’m pretty sure you can expect it in the next installment of Jackass.

NEXT!

Let’s talk about shows coming back: We’ve got  The Voice getting the primo slot right after the Superbowl. Same judges, same format… show of hands that thought this show would last through it’s first season? Thought so. This season, it’s up against Idol, interesting to see how it compares and how it fares in ratings.

Celebrity Apprentice likes to announce it’s cast niiiice and early to start capitalizing on the hype. We heard the cast announcement weeks ago… and we still have to wait another 2.5 weeks for the premiere. Highlights will be Lisa Lampanelli, George Takei and Clay Aiken, Adam Corrolla, Twisted Sister… running bake sales in NY. I love it, such great TV.

Survivor is two weeks away. Yep, I still watch and thoroughly invest time  in that show. This season, Redemption Island is gone (too bad, I was really fond of that new aspect), no ‘former palyers’ are returning (thank goodness) and the teams will both share one island! Oooh, intrigue!

NEXT!

Oh Canada! It was announced last week that The Bachelor Franchise would be spreading… to Canada. Yes, we’ve had Canadian Idol, SYTYCD Canada, we’re now getting a piece of the America’s Got Talent and Bachelor pie. Both are getting ready to be casted and aired in Canada this season. We know what to expect from both. Canada’s Got Talent has a pretty interesting judging panel (might even be better than the American counterpart… even WITH newbie Howard Stern). The Canadian contingent will include: Martin Short, Measha Brueggergosman, songwriter Stephan Moccio and TV host Dina Pugelise.

The Bachelor Canada was just announced, casting has just begun, even the location has not been decided as of yet. We know it’ll be shot in Toronto (no big surprise) and likely in a big ol’ mansion in the Bridle Path. And to answer your question, no, I will not be auditioning as the ‘lonely blogger looking for love’.

Lastly – I changed the TV Night banner… did you notice?

DWTS Partner Announcement

You’ve seen the list of the new DWTS cast,  now here are the official pairings released by ABC…

Nancy Grace and Tristan MacManus (new?)
Chynna Phillips and Tony Dovolani
Kristin Cavallari and Mark Ballas
Rob Kardashian and Cheryl Burke
Ricki Lake and Derek Hough (he’s back!)
Elisabetta Canalis and Val Chmerkovskiy (Maks brother?)
Ron Artest and Peta Murgatroyd
RJ Martinez and Karina Smirnoff
David Arquette and Kym Johnson
Chaz Bono and Lacey Schwimmer
Hope Solo and Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Carson Kressley and Anna Trebunskaya

Strong couple watch: Hope and Maks (because it’s Maks and she’s an athlete), Carson and Anna (he will be a perfectionist) and RIcki Lake and Derek Hough (she’ll be the Marie Osmond) nd of course Kristin Cavillari and Mark Ballas (the young ones…).

 

DWTS Cast List Leak!

I know I know, we are supposed to tune in tonight to Bachelor Pad for the full reveal of the DWTS cast.

But I came across the leak early….

If you’d rather wait, stop reading. But I can’t hold it in.. this is going to be the motherload of DWTS casts… I am more excited for this cast than any other previously…the creme de la creme of D-listers!

TV lawyer  Nancy Grace

TV “personality” Kristin Cavalleri.

Actress and TV host Riki Lake.

Singer and actress Chynna Phillips.

Soccer player Hope Solo.

George Clooney’s former girlfriend Elizabetta Canalis.

 Actor David Arquette.

The male Kardashian, Rob Kardashian.

Actor Ryan O’Neal.

Actor J.R. Martinez.

Writer and activist Chaz Bono.

LA Laker Ron Artest.

Rumour has it Chaz will have a female partner because…’he’ is now technically a man. I have also heard rumblings (no pun intended) that Queen Latifa and/or Snooki have been signed up. I will have to wit for the official annoucement tonight but…

This list has it all : sports stars, reality stars, big names, former big names, old, young

what I love is what ISNT on the list: Disney stars, Bachelor cast offs, ex pop stars, people with obvious dance experience/ability etc.

It’s a great list. No?

Bachelorette Announcement

It’s safe to say by now everyone has heard the announcement of the new Bachelorette… right?

The new Bachelorette is Ashley… second runner up this season.

Finishing third ain’t bad in Bachelor-land. The family recycles itself after every season. The drama queens get a role on BAchelor Pad, and the fan favourite (who isnt already hitched) get the role of Bachelorette.

This comes as no surprise, although…I have to say, I’m not sure she was the ‘fa favourite’ of the season. I would say The other Ashley (you know, the ‘i’ve given up on love’ one) or Emily would be the frontrunners. But, for obvious reasons, Emily couldnt take the job, and who knows AShley’s emotional status.

So Ashley the BAchelorette it is.

New DWTS Pairs Announcement

The cast list was released for the new season of DWTS . You’ve seen it.

By the way, it’s season 10…which means DWTS has provided jobs for around 120 ‘stars’ in tinsel town. That’s a staggering number of D-List names on one stage. And yet, we have yet to see a Lohan or a Jackson. We have however seen our fair share of fame-mongers: Kardashians, Playboys, Jersey Shore cast, Bachelors, Soap ‘stars’, retired jocks and Disney tweens.

The new list fits the mould. No major surprises, and very few that you didn’t have to ‘Google’ to find their credentials.

We are starting to turn an interesting page in the progression of this particular reality competition show. Who are the ‘stars’? Hear me out. I would recognize Cheryl Burke before I’d recognize the supermodel Nemcova. Maks has been on far more talk shows than the Karate Kid in the past few years. And my Grandmother’s voting strategy is to root for whomever Derek Hough gets as a partner…no matter who it is.

So perhaps the more important announcement is the Star-Dancer pairings. And here it is folks…

• Kendra Wilkinson and Louis van Amstel
• Chelsea Kane and Mark Ballas
• Wendy Williams and Tony Dovolani
• Kirstie Alley and Maksim Chmerkovskiy
• Petra Nemcova and Dimitry Chaplin
• Chris Jericho and Cheryl Burke
• Romeo and Chelsie Hightower
• Mike Catherwood and Lacey Schwimmer
• Sugar Ray Leonard and Anna Trebunskaya
• Hines Ward and Kym Johnson
• Ralph Macchio and Karina Smirnoff

Thoughts?

Here are mine…

– I think Kendra will definitely go further than Holly Madison… Both Playboy Bunnies, but she has a better personality, and she’s with a great teacher.

– Kirsty Alley and Maks are going to be a riot… but I’m thinking Maks is really regretting his spat with Len last season, because he did not get the Star with the best potential to win…and he’ll be getting a lot of criticism this year.

– When does Mark Ballas get a grown-up to dance with? Start the relationship rumours now…

-Could Mike Catherwood be the next Gilles Marini?

– Cheryl Burke may have a stud… but Chris Jericho could easily be a dud. Interesting to see which way he goes…

– Ralph Maccio has been in hiding since his Teen Bop pin up days… I think he’s a sleeper favourite… especially for the 18-34 demo.

– Who fits the ‘token old person’ role this season? Wendy Williams? Sugar Ray?

I like the look of this season…it’s shaping up to be the DWTS we all know and love. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

2010 Oscar Nominations

I woke up this morning, and barely poured my cup ‘o coffee before the 2010 Oscar Nominations were announced. What a way to start a day!

Mo-Nique (where’d SHE go?) and another fellow read the nominations – which by the way, took a total of 6 minutes… is it really necessary to make the actual ceremony close to 4 hours?! Just a thought…

Here is the list of nominees:

Best motion picture of the year

Black Swan (Fox Searchlight)

The Fighter (Paramount)

Inception (Warner Bros.)

The Kids Are All Right (Focus Features)

The King’s Speech (The Weinstein Company)

127 Hours (Fox Searchlight)

The Social Network (Sony Pictures Releasing

Toy Story 3 (Walt Disney)

True Grit (Paramount)

Winter’s Bone (Roadside Attractions)

Performance by an actor in a leading role

Javier Bardem in “Biutiful” (Roadside Attractions)

Jeff Bridges in “True Grit” (Paramount)

Jesse Eisenberg in “The Social Network” (Sony Pictures Releasing)

Colin Firth in “The King’s Speech” (The Weinstein Company)

James Franco in “127 Hours” (Fox Searchlight)

Performance by an actor in a supporting role

Christian Bale in “The Fighter” (Paramount)

John Hawkes in “Winter’s Bone” (Roadside Attractions)

Jeremy Renner in “The Town” (Warner Bros.)

Mark Ruffalo in “The Kids Are All Right” (Focus Features)

Geoffrey Rush in “The King’s Speech” (The Weinstein Company)

Performance by an actress in a leading role

Annette Bening in “The Kids Are All Right” (Focus Features)

Nicole Kidman in “Rabbit Hole” (Lionsgate)

Jennifer Lawrence in “Winter’s Bone” (Roadside Attractions)

Natalie Portman in “Black Swan” (Fox Searchlight)

Michelle Williams in “Blue Valentine” (The Weinstein Company)

Performance by an actress in a supporting role

Amy Adams in “The Fighter” (Paramount)

Helena Bonham Carter in “The King’s Speech” (The Weinstein Company)

Melissa Leo in “The Fighter” (Paramount)

Hailee Steinfeld in “True Grit” (Paramount)

Jacki Weaver in “Animal Kingdom” (Sony Pictures Classics)

Best animated feature film of the year

How to Train Your Dragon (Paramount) Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois

The Illusionist (Sony Pictures Classics) Sylvain Chomet

Toy Story 3 (Walt Disney) Lee Unkrich

Achievement in directing

Black Swan (Fox Searchlight), Darren Aronofsky

The Fighter (Paramount), David O. Russell

The King’s Speech (The Weinstein Company), Tom Hooper

The Social Network (Sony Pictures Releasing), David Fincher

True Grit (Paramount), Joel Coen and Ethan Coen

Best foreign language film of the year

Biutiful Mexico

Dogtooth Greece

In a Better World Denmark

Incendies Canada

Outside the Law (Hors-la-loi) Algeria

So, The Golden Globes made darlings of The Social Network… but the Oscars took a bit of a (snobby) pass. They obviously loved The Kings Speech, so look for that film to have a good night. Inception was the biggest film of the year, but only received a few nods, akin to Avatar last year… no harm done. But I certainly thought at the time, it was going to dominate a few categories this year.

Another surprise is the amount of credit True Grit and the Coen Brothers are getting at the last minute (that film is STILL in theatres!) I don’t know if that’s just genius planning (cash in this weekend!) or a last second screening by the academy.

Some Canadian-Content to cheer for in this country, a best Foreign Film nomination for Incendies, and a smackering of nominations for the  Canadian production of Barneys Version.

You also might be surprised to see The Winters Bone show up in so many categories. There’s always a sleeper… maybe this is the film you should try and see before the ceremony!

And the last notable point is the integration of Toy Story 3 into the mix of high-brow, ‘serious’ contenders. If there was ever a film that deserved to be considered one of the BEST of the year… it’s Toy Story 3. I mean, everyone gives that little smirk when that title is read, but it is taking a HUGE step for animation – and might we see a day that an animated picture lands the big prize? Maybe it’s this year….

The big night is Sunday, February 27th

…and if you’re interested, you can read the FULL list here

Survivor Redemption Island News!

Some Survivor news to start the day!

Remember THIS post? It’s where I told you there were rumours swirling about the cast of Survivor: Redemption Island.

only 16 survivors were originally announced and photographed… but waiting int he wings were two other castmates – yet to be revealed.

Today, it was released that Boston Rob and Russell would indeed be returning to the island this season! Exciting? I think SO! This season was already shaping up to be a classic with the new format, and now they are bringing back two of the most prolific Survivors of all time. I’m a massive Boston Rob fan. I still dont know what to think about Russell… but he will NO DOUBT shake things up and stir the drama pot!

EAch will join a tribe – not sure how the other cast mates will feel about this, or if they’ll keep them around long. History says Not likely. But both are gunning for each other, let’s recall, Russell was instrumental in ousting Rob from their last All-Star gig.

Thoughts?

The official announcement is HERE.

The new season Premiere will air  Wednesday, Feb. 16 on CBS – it’s already in my calendar under ‘order in and leave the phone off the hook’.

 

Conan’s return…

Coming back with a vengeance is…the man, the myth, the cast off…Conan OBrien.

So, who did Conan (or Coco…if you prefer his less masculine moniker) book to make his show a smash hit first week running?

Here’s the first week guest list:

• Seth Rogen and Jack White
• Tom Hanks + mystery guest
• John Hamm (madmen)
• Julie Bowen (modern family)
• Michael Cera
• Soundgarden
• Fistful of Mercy

Nothing earthshattering…but we dont know who the mystery guest will be. Conan added a Guest poll to his social media iniative over the last few months… and so far, Jack Nicolson is in the lead over Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber. Interesting.

I think I’d rather see the Gaga take on the Coco than the ornery Jack Nicholson who’s latest appearance has been the number #1 courtside fan of the Lakers.

Will you watch?

Celebrity Apprentice news

Ok, So this season of the Apprentice is a bit of a bust.

Noted. And an understatement.

But that won’t stop the Trump-ster.

He is already starting to fill the ballot for the new Celebrity Apprentice… and it’s a who’s who of Dancing with the Stars wannabes.

Here’s the list of ‘Celebrities’ so far…:

• Star Jones (I knew she wasnt gone for good)
• Richard Hatch (Out of jail?)
• Lil Jon (what the crunk?!)
• Mark McGrath (hot in the 90’s)
• La Toya Jackson (*eyeroll*)
• Jose Canseco (He’s still around?)

The list will be rounded out with a few  former models (now waitresses) athletes, and maybe a Lohan to be sure.

Thoughts?

Bachelor news

You’ve heard it by now…

Jake and Vienna are no more.

Shocker.

Why is the Bachelor working within totally different parametres than the rest of the world? The working average/ratio of success is extremely low (1 or 2 of like 19) – in every way that you look at this…it’s NOT a success. It’s NOT a show where people “find love”…it’s NOT the last resort and the sure-fire way to get a ring in 3 months. Yet, the show still operates under this guise. The assumption that grouping random strangers with fake tans and a gym obsession in one mansion in LA will ultimately produce…love.

Ridiculous…and this is just another example. Jake and Vienna were characters in their own reality show…that’s it. It extended into a short stint on Dancing with the Stars and a few magazine covers for the the bewitching Vienna.

Any other show, would see this as a means to an end..obviously, something isnt working. If Extreme Home Makeover continually had people lose their over-the-top home to creditors, or continually had people live int he home and hate it after a few months….the show would change. right? On Survivor, if contestants got part-way through and started dropping like flies, or quitting…they would adjust? Just saying…why is this show any different?

Here’s the key… get your man and LEAVE. get out of the spotlight, never to be seen or heard from again…except on manditory bachelor reunions/specials.

Or…try NOT going the dramatic route, and pick the GOOD GIRL! Tenley…think SHE wouldve left you? Highly doubt it, you’d be married with children by now. But…probably not famous. That’s the toss up isnt it?

Now, how long before  Jake tries to join the Bachelor Pad cast?