As summer approaches many of your favorite shows will be airing their season finales this month. But don’t freak–May is home to a handful of exciting premieres headlined by the return of 24 and Louie. Jump after the break for details. Continue reading TV reminder: 4 premieres to look out for in May
J.J. Abrams and J.H. Wyman’s followup to Fringe is not coming back next season. The futuristic Almost Human, an action-packed sci-fi drama that paired a human cop with a humanoid android, has officially been cancelled by Fox. Low ratings and sluggish creativity are to blame.
The series premiered with great potential but it quickly turned into a by-the-books procedural without much forward-momentum in terms of character development. Some of the standalones were absolutely fantastic; one that comes to mind is “Simon Says” in which a cyber criminal gets a buzz off of strapping intricate bombs on people and forcing them to follow strict instructions or else die and all the while it’s being live-streamed across the Internet. It was like Saw in the future and it proved that the show could handle itself in a procedural matter. However, unfortunately, this was not enough to keep it fresh. John Larroquette’s Dr. Nigel Vaughn, who was introduced in episode 9 “Unbound,” finally started to unravel mysterious introduced in the pilot with the introduction of The Wall and we even started to get morsels about Dorian’s past (flashes hinted that he may have been human at some earlier point), but it was too little, too late. Of course I’m sure Wyman had plans to followup on these fun mysterious in a second season, but there simply wasn’t enough of a draw to come back in my opinion. A cool world indeed was set up, but I felt little emotional attachment to the main slate of characters (where was the strong female lead a la Olivia Dunham?) and I just wasn’t all that invested due to lack of a proper mythology arc.
In the end, Almost Human will be remembered for its kick-ass action sequences and the fun rapport between leads Karl Urban and Michael Ealy. For now, I cannot wait to see what Wyman has coming next because I’m positive that the man who carried us through the magnificent Fringe must have more engaging stories to tell.
It’s almost time for more jail time. Litchfield’s finest are back in season 2 of the critically acclaimed Netflix original series Orange is the New Black. Piper, Red, Crazy Eyes–the whole lot of them are featured in this momentous trailer teasing what’s to come. The streaming giant unleashes all 13 episodes June 6.
The Keri Russell/Matthew Rhys Cold War KGB spy drama The Americans will live to see a third season.
“The Americans continues be one of the best shows on television,” said Eric Schrier, President of Original Programming for FX Networks. Executive Producers Joe Weisberg, Joel Fields and Graham Yost have done a wonderful job delivering two seasons, and the performances from Keri Russell, Matthew Rhys and Noah Emmerich are stellar. Fans will be blown away by the rest of this season, and we can’t wait to see what they come up with next year.”
Elsewhere, HBO picked up the award-wining Julia Louis-Dreyfus comedy Veep for a fourth season and Mike Judge’s new tech-infused sitcom Silicon Valley for a second season.
In September of last year Graham Lineham released the final episode of his cult comedy The IT Crowd in the UK dubbed, “The Internet Is Coming.” A month later the 50-minute special leaked into the U.S. on sites like YouTube. Said leaks were pulled from the ‘Net and finding a legal way to watch the anticipated episode was tough until today. IT Crowders can now legally stream and enjoy the ep on Hulu. So what are you waiting for? Your favorite IT basement dwellers Roy, Moss, and Jen are waiting! Is the stream not working? Have you tried turning your computer off and on again?
This week HBO renewed its hit fantasy series Game of Thrones for fifth and sixth seasons. A two-season pickup is nice, but it shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. First, logistically, the sprawling drama is based on George R.R. Martin’s books which will span across seven thick novels when all is said and done; so there is much story that needs to be adapted for the small screen. Second, of course, is the show’s monster ratings. Last Sunday’s season 4 premiere drew in a record-breaking 6.6 million viewers making it the pay cabler’s most watched program since The Sopranos‘ series finale in 2007.
“Game of Thrones is a phenomenon like no other,” said president of HBO Programming Michael Lombardo. “David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, along with their talented collaborators, continue to surpass themselves, and we look forward to more of their dazzling storytelling.”
Also renewed this week is A&E’s Psycho prequel series Bates Motel. The Freddy Highmore & Vera Farmiga show will return for a 10-episode third season in 2015. Season 2 is really starting to unravel Norman’s psychosis and another season of the thriller is going to bring viewers even closer to the serial killer we know he is destined to be.
“The incredible writing team and talented Bates Motel cast has made this series one of the most compelling original dramas on television,” said A&E EVP and GM David McKillop. “The brilliant twists and turns of the past two seasons keep its loyal fan base coming back for more. We are so proud of the show.”
Game of Thrones airs Sunday nights at 9PM on HBO and Bates Motel airs Mondays at 10PM on A&E.
The late-night talk show scene is ongoing a major makeover. Shortly after Jimmy Fallon took over The Tonight Show from Jay Leno and Seth Meyers occupied Fallon’s vacant Late Night seat, it was announced this week that Stephen Colbert is going to be David Letterman’s successor when the longstanding Late Show host retires in 2015. It has been confirmed that the Comedy Central host of the politically-bent Cobert Report will not be bringing over his conservative pundit character to the Late Show but instead will play himself (can’t wait to see what that will look like). Unfortunately for Report fans, when the transition happens that show will be no more. Here are some choice quotes from those parties involved:
Colbert: “Simply being a guest on David Letterman’s show has been a highlight of my career. I never dreamed that I would follow in his footsteps, though everyone in late night follows Dave’s lead. I’m thrilled and grateful that CBS chose me. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go grind a gap in my front teeth.”
Letterman: “Stephen has always been a real friend to me. I’m very excited for him, and I’m flattered that CBS chose him. I also happen to know they wanted another guy with glasses.”
CBS CEO Les Moonves: “Stephen Colbert is one of the most inventive and respected forces on television. David Letterman’s legacy and accomplishments are an incredible source of pride for all of us here, and today’s announcement speaks to our commitment of upholding what he established for CBS in late night.”
CBS Entertainment chairman Nina Tassler: “Stephen is a multi-talented and respected host, writer, producer, satirist and comedian who blazes a trail of thought-provoking conversation, humor and innovation with everything he touches. He is a presence on every stage, with interests and notable accomplishments across a wide spectrum of entertainment, politics, publishing and music. We welcome Stephen to CBS with great pride and excitement, and look forward to introducing him to our network television viewers in late night.”
January, February, March… April! Let’s take a look at five premieres airing this month. Jump after the break. Continue reading TV reminder: 5 premieres to look out for in April
Starting to see a trend here! Following in the steps of other musical television series Glee and Smash, ABC’s country drama Nashville is stepping outside the box that’s in your living room to perform songs from the show live on a three-city tour. The tour will make stops in Chicago (4/25), Washington, D.C. (5/4), and New York (5/6). Those actors participating are Charles Esten (Deacon Claybourne), Chris Carmack (Will Lexington), Clare Bowen (Scarlett O’Connor), Jonathan Jackson (Avery Barkley), Sam Palladio (Gunnar Scott), and Will Chase (Luke Wheeler). Chase will only be featured in NY performance. Tickets go on sale April 4 at Chi-town’s Joe’s Bar, D.C.’s Lincoln Theatre, and NYC’s Best Buy Theatre.
“We’re thrilled to have an opportunity to showcase our artists in a live setting where fans can enjoy the music from the show in a more intimate setting,” said Dawn Soler, Senior VP TV of Music at ABC Entertainment Group. “Each song is a crucial part of our storyline and each week our multitalented actors are able to breathe life into the story by performing these wonderful lyrical works.”
“We have an exceptionally talented cast of great actors, many who are also wonderful singers, musicians and songwriters,” said Steve Buchanan, Nashville executive producer and president of the Opry Entertainment Group. “It is exciting to be able to hit the road and be face to face with our show’s fans.”
It’s unfortunate that the show’s two big stars Connie Britton (Rayna James) and Hayden Panettiere (Juliet Barnes) are a no-show and that the tour is so short; and what’s puzzling is that the Nashville tour isn’t setting up shop in the very city that makes up the heart of the show. Regardless, if you’re a fan of series, its stars and the music (and if you live in one of the three lucky cities) then this tour is definitely something to get excited about. Scarlett and Gunnar are going to duet because they have to, am I right?!
[Via THR]
This Sunday AMC airs the season 4 finale of The Walking Dead. At the very end of last week’s penultimate episode (spoiler alert), Glenn finally reunited with Maggie and together–along with Bob, Sasha, Tara, Abraham, Eugene, and Rosita–they finally made it to Terminus. Nearly all season long we’ve been teased with the Terminus sign reading, “Those who arrive survive.” Now that a bulk of our group has made it to “sanctuary” what happens next? Will Rick, Carl, Michonne, Carol, Judith, Tyreese, and Daryl’s group of Claimers all converge at Terminus? And who took Beth? Is Terminus actually a safe haven as it promotes itself to be, or will it turn out to be another Woodbury…or worse?! So many questions are left dangling in front of our eyes just like those poor rats the late Lizzie fed to the walkers outside the long-forgotten prison. Sunday night, we find out if those who arrive at Terminus truly survive.
Your wish is my command. A third clip hyping the upcoming ninth season of 24 has surfaced, following the incredible Super Bowl spot and this 34-second teaser. “Risk” is the lengthiest look at the new season thus far and it promotes the same kind of high-stakes action and intensity you are used to seeing from the Kiefer Sutherland led series.
Speaking of the 24 Super Bowl commercial, you’re going to want to jump after the break to watch a behind-the-scenes look at how that secretive spot was made.
24: Live Another Day premieres May 5 on FOX. Continue reading New extended ’24: Live Another Day’ trailer is here
AMERICAN HORROR STORY SEASON FOUR: pic.twitter.com/6OHYzGjPMd
— Ryan Murphy (@MrRPMurphy) March 24, 2014
As has been the case each year, American Horror Story creator Ryan Murphy has fun with his fans by slowing doling out details about the next incarnation of his adored anthology FX series. For the fourth round, he started with the upcoming season’s title: American Horror Story: Freak Show (see the revealing tweet embedded above). EW managed to scoop up a tantalizing bit of the plot:
Set in Jupiter, Florida, in 1950, Freak Show finds Jessica Lange playing a German ex-pat who is managing one of the last freak shows in the U.S.
On March 28 at PaleyFest celebrating AHS: Coven, Murphy confirmed that the majority of the witchy season’s cast will return for Freak Show: Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett, Sarah Paulson, Emma Roberts, Gabourey Sidibe, Frances Conroy, Jamie Brewer, Denis O’Hare, and Evan Peters. The newest addition to the AHS cast is Michael Chiklis (The Shield). Season 4 will also try to reel back some actors from the series’ first two seasons, Murder House and Asylum.
At PaleyFest Murphy elaborated, “It’s not a circus, it’s not a carnival, it’s a freak show set in 1950, and it was a concept that Jessica Lange talked about as she wanted to play this type of character.” The season, like Coven before it, will be shot in New Orleans though, as previously stated, it will take place in Jupiter, Florida.
So we’ve got the what, the when, and for the most part the who for the upcoming Freak Show. That’s quite a start! Stick it here for more details regarding the next installment of AHS as they creep in.