The Call Sheet

Kate Hudson Teams Up With Zach Braff

AP

Today in show business: Zach Braff has put Kate Hudson in the movie you bought him, the Angry Birds movie really is happening, and Claire Danes has a teen daughter.

By Abby Ohlheiser

May 14, 2013

Watch Out, Spotify: Google Might Want In on Streaming Music

Google, possibly eying subscription music streamer Spotify's 6 million paying users, may be introducing a music streaming service of its own. 

Comments | 1,028 Views

By Richard Lawson

May 14, 2013

ABC Can't Stop Looking in the Mirror

While ABC's upfront presentation on Thursday evening didn't seem like NBC's bloodbath, well, copying a successful formula isn't going to produce the best results. And all of ABC's new shows — yes, even Rebel Wilson's — feel derivative of something else.

Comments | 1,439 Views

By J.K. Trotter

May 14, 2013

James Franco's 'As I Lay Dying' Trailer Is Impossible to Understand, Obviously

James Franco wants you to know he reads William Faulkner. And there is a lot of James Franco in this trailer: James Franco riding a horse, James Franco trying on a Southern accent, James Franco looking intently at someone. James Franco, people. James Franco.

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By Esther Zuckerman

May 14, 2013

ABC Banks on Marvel and 'Empowered Women' at Upfronts

ABC isn't in great shape, so it's wildly rebooting its lineup. Click here for all those details, an interactive schedule, plus extended trailers for new shows, pretty good Jimmy Kimmel jokes, and more.

Comments | 2,056 Views

By Esther Zuckerman

May 14, 2013

Watch Sandy's Underwater Roller Coaster Get Torn Apart

On the same day that Prince Harry visited the Jersey Shore, the marooned roller coaster that became a symbol of what Sandy wrought — and made for some of the storm's most iconic images — started its journey back out of the ocean. Meanwhile, its pseudo-replacement will be called "Superstorm." Seriously.

Comments | 3,077 Views

By Richard Lawson

May 14, 2013

Sarah Palin Refuses Move to Elite Media City to Film Talk Show

Palin turned down a national syndicated talk show by reality TV mega-producer Mark Burnett, reportedly because of location. So stop being so culturally elite, New York and Los Angeles. You're scaring her off.

Comments | 1,028 Views

By Esther Zuckerman

May 14, 2013

Why Does PBS Hate 'Downton Abbey' Fans?

PBS has announced that the fourth season of Downton Abbey will premiere in the U.S. on January 5. Yes, that's about four months after it premieres in the U.K. It's not like we didn't expect this news, but it seems particularly harsh. And there's a very simple solution.

Comments | 3,700 Views

By Connor Simpson

May 14, 2013

ESPN Hasn't Stolen the U.S. Open Rights from CBS... Yet

ESPN's upfront presentation on Tuesday had more soccer, more football, and more SportsCenter, but the Worldwide Leader refused to explain the most puzzling sport on its moneymaking lineup of contracts: tennis.

Comments | 411 Views

By Richard Lawson

May 14, 2013

The Smart Set

Sean Parker's Big Fat Nerd Wedding

Today in celebrity news: Sean Parker's fantasy Game of Thrones wedding plans progress, Prince Harry is in the East making everyone tingly, and Jaden Smith wants out. 

Comments | 3,289 Views

By Esther Zuckerman

May 14, 2013

Prince Harry and Chris Christie, Fleece Fashion Buddies

America knows all about Christie's love of fleece zip-ups — they abounded on his love-fest with President Obama while touring the damage of Hurricane Sandy last year. But when Christie bestowed one upon Prince Harry this morning before their photo-op tour of the Sandy recovery, he was actually giving one to a kindred spirit. Harry, too, is a fan of the fleece.

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By Esther Zuckerman

May 14, 2013

Bill Hader Is Leaving SNL, but That Might Be the Good News

The period of transition that began with Andy Samberg and Kristen Wiig quitting the show last year is now in full swing. And while Hader's Stefon may no longer flirt with the departing Seth Meyers at the "Weekend Update" desk, this shift — like those before it — could be a good thing for a legendary show always in a legendary state of flux.

Comments | 5,550 Views

By Jen Doll

May 14, 2013

Restyling the Classics: Don't Judge a New Cover by the Old Book

There's a whole world of re-imagined book covers for classic novels, and it goes well beyond those new Leonardo Di Caprio editions of The Great Gatsby.

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By Rebecca Greenfield

May 14, 2013

Media Diet

Emma Carmichael: What I Read

The new editor of The Hairpin treats mix-tapes like books and commutes by Instapaper.

Comments | 3,700 Views

By Dashiell Bennett

May 14, 2013

Angelina Jolie Reveals She Had a Double Mastectomy

Actress Angelina Jolie has added a new cause to her long list of humanitarian efforts, but the latest is her most personal one of all.

Comments | 9,954 Views

By Richard Lawson

May 13, 2013

Fox Is Not Afraid of Cable

Though the network execs admitted to having a bad year at Monday afternoon's upfront presentation, the point was clear: You might hear a lot about The Walking Dead or Mad Men, but far more people are tuning into the Big Four. For now.

Comments | 2,669 Views

By Alexander Abad-Santos

May 13, 2013

How to Make Every New Yorker Hate You

Today in viral videos: ways to upset that New Yorker you love to hate, a supercut for every "noooooooooo" in Hollywood history, and some very fancy cats. 

Comments | 1,847 Views

By Esther Zuckerman

May 13, 2013

Here Comes Fox's 2013 Lineup at Upfronts

Prepare for more on the fate of the Idol udges — and the slate of guy-driven comedies the network has coming up this fall, all the better to round out Fox's New Girl/Mindy Project night. Also: There will be stars! And the bold return of 24! We're on the scene to bring you details, first-look clips, and much more.

Comments | 1,847 Views

By Richard Lawson

May 13, 2013

This Is the Not-So-Bright Future of NBC

I just sat through NBC's upfront presentation, which teases the new season lineup for advertisers and other assorted looky-loos, and boy, does the future not look bright for the struggling Peacock network.

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By Esther Zuckerman

May 13, 2013

Why Sofia Coppola Couldn't Make 'The Bling Ring' Without Journalism

Nancy Jo Sales' journalism helped shape Sofia Coppola's newest film. 

Comments | 2,667 Views

By Connor Simpson

May 13, 2013

Watch Barbara Walters Make Her Teary Goodbye to TV

The television news icon finally confirmed the news of her retirement on Monday's episode of The View with a heartfelt (if early) farewell in advance of her leaving behind the show — and more than a half-century of TV history — this time next year.

Comments | 820 Views

By Connor Simpson

May 13, 2013

Yes, the '24' Comeback Can Still Work in the Binge-Watching Era

Perhaps the biggest news out of TV upfront week so far is Fox's decision to give Jack Bauer the zombie treatment with a 12-episode, time-skipping "limited series" return next summer. A lot has changed since 24; went off the air, but there's hard evidence that 24: Live Another Day won't fizzle just because primetime viewing habits have changed.

Comments | 1,846 Views

By Esther Zuckerman

May 13, 2013

NBC Reveals Its 2013 Survival Strategy as TV Upfronts Week Kicks Off

After a season of being lambasted for low ratings and flailing shows, NBC is attempting to convince advertisers — and viewers — that the network has the opposite in store. Click here for first-look clips, reactions, and NBC's self-defense from on-hand at the presentation, with interactive schedule.

Comments | 1,845 Views

By Jen Doll

May 13, 2013

Mad Women: 'I Need You and Nothing Else Will Do'

Last night's Mad Men could be called an escalation episode. SCDP and CGC are in the process of merging, and things are closing in and constricting, even while the agency is expanding. Oh, and there are power struggles!

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By Connor Simpson

May 13, 2013

Everything You Loved About 'Arrested Development' Will Be Back

Did you hear? Did you hear?! It's almost here! The TV show that no one watched until after it was cancelled, Arrested Development, is less than two weeks away from returning for another flight on Netflix. Last night, they finally debuted the trailer that promises everything you love is returning. 

Comments | 2,663 Views

By Esther Zuckerman

May 13, 2013

ABC Is Bringing Big-Screen Tricks to TV for 'Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'

ABC and Disney jumped out ahead of upfronts by announcing its fall lineup early, and the network has already begun cranking up the promo machine for one of its big hopefuls.

Comments | 1,811 Views

By Abby Ohlheiser

May 12, 2013

Chris Hadfield Sings 'Space Oddity' ... in Space

In case you've ever doubted that astronauts are the best, Commander Chris Hadfield is here to set you straight with what is apparently the first music video recorded in space. His song choice? "Space Oddity," by David Bowie. Of course.  

Comments | 8,597 Views

By Connor Simpson

May 12, 2013

Box Office Report

'Gatsby' Not Great Enough to Defeat 'Iron Man'

Welcome to the Box Office Report, where we're not ready for flapper girls to be a thing again. How depressingly 2010.

Comments | 1,432 Views

By Connor Simpson

May 12, 2013

Seth Meyers Is Officially Fallon's Successor on 'Late Night'

The New York Times' Bill Carter reports current Saturday Night Live head writer Seth Meyers will replace Jimmy Fallon as the host of Late Night when Fallon moves to The Tonight Show.

Comments | 3,277 Views

By Connor Simpson

May 12, 2013

Kristen Wiig's Mom Is Way Worse Than Your Mom

So less than a year since her departure, Kristen Wiig made her triumphant return to Saturday Night Live last night to retread all the characters you knew and loved. But most importantly she stayed out of the way when she needed to let the new, very strong female cast shine. 

Comments | 3,273 Views

By Connor Simpson

May 11, 2013

Sorry, but 'Smash' and 'Happy Endings' Got Cancelled

In the dead of night, while you were sleeping or paying attention to other less trivial things, ABC and NBC announced the cancellation of Happy Endings and Smash, respectively. Feel free to use this space as a memorial for both shows. 

Comments | 14,458 Views

By Sara Morrison

May 10, 2013

Jay-Z Owns a Time Machine

The man who has everything -- Beyoncé, the Brooklyn Nets (until recently), amazing flow -- now apparently owns a time machine, if this recently unearthed photo from 1939 is anything to go by. 

Comments | 10,589 Views

By Richard Lawson

May 10, 2013

The Call Sheet

NBC Cancels Everything

Today in show business news: NBC is cleaning house while CBS is adding more clutter, including a Robin Williams/Sarah Michelle Gellar show. Yes, you read that right. 

Comments | 18,734 Views

By Alexander Abad-Santos

May 10, 2013

Go Ahead, Be Mean to Jessica Alba

Today in viral videos: Jimmy Kimmel shows you why you should be even meaner to celebrities, an undeniable karaoke duo, and a pomeranian who is ready for the weekend. 

Comments | 2,017 Views

By Esther Zuckerman

May 10, 2013

'Community' Fans Can Finally Stop Whining

Vulture reports that Community, NBC's beloved-by-some comedy, will likely get a fifth season. So rejoice, Community fans, and remember this: you now have no reason to complain about the lack of love your show is getting from its network. 

Comments | 1,222 Views

By Richard Lawson

May 10, 2013

'Family Tree' Is a Quiet Success

It's been seven long years since we last entered the world of Christopher Guest, the brilliant satirist/mockumentarian behind the comedy masterpieces Waiting for Guffman and Best in Show. While his new HBO show Family Tree mostly registers at a low-key murmur, it's nonetheless a warm and funny little oddity worth spending some time with.

Comments | 611 Views

By Esther Zuckerman

May 10, 2013

The Shows We Forgot Were Still on TV

With television upfronts season comes the exciting news of new shows that could potentially be our next must-watches. It also brings news that certain shows will remain on the air—shows we may have forgotten were on the air in the first place.

Comments | 3,054 Views

By Richard Lawson

May 10, 2013

What We Watched

'American Idol': A Late-Season Surprise

Everyone was pretty certain that Thursday night's Final 3 results would play out a certain way. But no! A real humdinger of a shocker came bouncing through the Idoldome, briefly reinvigorating a tiresome season. Well played, American Idol

Comments | 2,444 Views

By Esther Zuckerman

May 10, 2013

Joe Wright May Be the Perfect Director for the 'Fifty Shades' Movie

Perhaps Gus Van Sant is out of luck, reports today indicate that Joe Wright, the director of Pride & PrejudiceAtonement, and Anna Karenina, may be the guy who is going to undertake the film version of mommy-porn phenomenon Fifty Shades of Grey. And he might be perfect.

Comments | 611 Views

By Richard Lawson

May 10, 2013

Zach Braff Has No Problem Taking Your Kickstarter Money

Yesterday the filmmakers behind a new documentary called Kickstarted, all about Kickstarter and the so-called crowdfunding movement, released a clip of actor/writer/director Zach Braff explaining the motivations behind his successful but somewhat troublesome Kickstarter campaign.

Comments | 815 Views

By Richard Lawson

May 10, 2013

The Smart Set

The Prince Harry Surprise

Today in celebrity news: Prince Harry's American tour continues, Amy Poehler is dating, and Justin Bieber drank a beer.

Comments | 4,276 Views

By Esther Zuckerman

May 10, 2013

The 'Gravity' Trailer Will Terrify Its Way into Oscar Season

It's summer blockbuster time, which means we're starting to see trailers from some of the fall's most intriguing offerings, one of which is definitely Alfonso Cuarón's long awaited Gravity. Sure, Warner Bros. delayed the film almost a year, but this minute-and-a-half of Space Shuttle action might actually take your breath away. And that's before 3D — but with Clooney.

Comments | 2,234 Views

By Esther Zuckerman

May 10, 2013

Jon Stewart Diagnoses Nancy Grace and Her IV of Human Tragedy

Stewart had some interesting ways to describe Grace and the perverse joy she seems to get from tawdry crime stories like the Jodi Arias trial: "That's not rouge on her cheeks," he said. "She draws youth and vitality from human tragedy."

Comments | 4,469 Views

By Richard Lawson

May 9, 2013

The Call Sheet

Rejoice: 'Parks & Rec' Shall Return!

Today in show business news: NBC remains in the Amy Poehler business, Randy Jackson is getting out of the Idol business, and Adam Brody is a gay best friend.

Comments | 2,641 Views

By Alexander Abad-Santos

May 9, 2013

Random Acts of Roadside Kindness, Caught on Dashcam

Today in viral videos: sometimes Russian dash cams (and Russians) will make you feel better about life, Kristen Wiig is prepping her SNL comeback, and the forbidden love between an owl and a dog. 

Comments | 1,016 Views

By Esther Zuckerman

May 9, 2013

J.J. Abrams Is Not the Midas of TV

As exciting as Almost Human and Believe sound right now, we'll have to wait to see his two new shows at NBC and Fox's upfront presentations on Monday. And it's true: not everything Abrams touches, at least on the small screen, turns into automatic gold.

Comments | 1,828 Views

By Richard Lawson

May 9, 2013

How to Meet Prince Harry in America

The most eligible bachelor in the solar system, has arrived in the United States — fully clothed this time, unfortunately. Yes, the ginger Windsor started a week-long American tour in DC on Thursday afternoon. To level the playing field for everyone, here are some universal tips on how to get to Harry while he's on his grand Yankee bride hunt.

Comments | 2,031 Views

By Esther Zuckerman

May 9, 2013

Disney Animation Is Ready to Charm You Again, This Time with Marvel, Not Pixar

In a weird turn of events, the first animated Marvel film from Disney seems to be not just an obvious cash grab but also — and tellingly — part of a plan to continue evolving the artistry of a legendary studio. And there's something nostalgic about the way Big Hero 6 is being embraced. Take a first look.

Comments | 2,234 Views

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