Spotlight On TV:Primetime Is Now Spotlight On Entertainment

As of July 1, 2009, this site will merge with its sister site and become Spotlight on Entertainment.

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Spotlight On Entertainment

First Look: The Jay Leno Show

NBC is giving a first look at Jay in Prime-Time. The new show called "The Jay Leno Show" will return the variety/talk show format to prime-time five nights a week at 10 pm. Shows like this started out in prime-time, but in recent years, dramas have claimed hold of the 10 o'clock hour.

"The thing is there’s plenty of drama on television", Leno said in a recent interview with Monsters and Critics. "I hear people saying 'oh Jay Leno is taking work away from dramatic writers.' But you know something? When you look at FX and USA cable and all the others, 'The Closer' and all these other shows, there’s more drama now than there’s ever been. And if people want to go there they can go there."

The Jay Leno Show debuts in September on NBC.

Jay gets ready for his new show.



Jay tries out new material for his show.

True Blood Creator Shares Thoughts on Season 2

The second season of the popular HBO series is underway to rave reviews and to a huge fan following. Series creator, Alan Ball (American Beauty, Six Feet Under) talks to Newsarama about what drew him to the books that inspired the popular series.

“I fell in love with these books,” Ball admits. “I thought this is a great tale and a great universe. I think one of the reasons the books are so successful is because they work. But honestly, probably as the series progresses we’ll be forced to not...you are walking a fine line and you want to be as faithful to the books as possible but at the same time you don’t want to transcribe because then there will be no surprises for the audience. But I intend to be very faithful to the source material because it’s really good and it works.”

For the full interview click: FULL ARTICLE

Farrah Fawcett Remembered

The Hollywood Reporter remembers fallen angel, Farrah Fawcett.

NEW TV SERIES SEEKS BANDS TO COMPETE LIVE

Mark Burnett and MTV are preparing a new show based on Rock Band 2. The company is currently seeking quartets (lead vocals, guitar, bass and drums) to compete on stage. Each member must be over the age of 18, and live in the Los Angeles or Southern California area. E-mail mtvrockband2@gmail.com. Provide name, contact info, band member ages, recent pictures and provide a short description of what sets your band apart. For more information contact digitalsyndication@gmail.com.

American Idol Runner Up Adam Lambert Signs Record Deal

Billboard Magazine is reporting that American Idol Runner Up Adam Lambert has signed a recording contract with RCA records and 19 Recordings.

“I’m thrilled that we’ve come to a creative and collaborative partnership and look forward to developing a really exciting album,” Lambert said in a statement. “We are 100% on the same page and are all anxiously awaiting the start of the recordings.” It’s going to be ridiculous!” adds Lambert. “Get Ready!!!”

For the full story: Billboard Article

photo: AP/Fox(Cuffaro)

Blair Underwood Kicks Off HIV Testing Tour Across Country

In an effort to boost AIDS awareness and HIV prevention and testing efforts in some of the hardest hit regions of the United States, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the nation’s largest non-profit AIDS organization, which currently operates the largest community-based HIV testing program in California, will kick off a three week, fourteen-city cross country HIV testing tour in one of its popular AHF/Magic Johnson Mobile HIV Testing Units. AHF is permanently relocating one of the mobile testing units from Los Angeles to Washington, DC, to provide free, easy-to-access rapid HIV testing in various neighborhoods throughout the nation’s capital. The HIV prevalence rate has surged past 3%—higher than in Lagos, Nigeria in Washington D.C.

As AHF staffers and HIV testing counselors drive the van from Los Angeles to Washington through many Southern and Eastern states, AHF’s ‘whistle stop’ testing tour will seek to heighten awareness about HIV testing in local communities along the route. The AHF/Magic Johnson Mobile Testing Unit Cross Country HIV Testing Tour kicks off with a press conference and Indy 500-style flag waving ceremony for the van on Monday, June 8th at 11:00am (PDT) from AHF’s Carl Bean House in the West Adams District of Los Angeles, the site of one of AHF’s Magic Johnson Healthcare Centers. The cross country tour will include free HIV testing and press events in each city along the way, with local agencies and local and federal politicians participating. The trip culminates with the mobile unit’s arrival in Washington, DC on Saturday, June 27th—National HIV Testing Day.

For instant updates on the tour and where to find the testing units in your area, follow : HIV Test on Twitter or official website: FreeHIVTest.net

Scrubs Sarah Chakle, Mrs. Joe Biden Attend DC Race For A Cure Walk

Actress Sarah Chalke, Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, founding chair of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, Dr. Jill Biden and HRH Crown Prince Alexander II and HRH Crown Princess Katherine of Serbia take the ceremonial first steps at the first-ever Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure® on June 6, 2009 in Washington, D.C. Nearly 45,000 walkers and runners, including more than 3,600 breast cancer survivors, attended the event, helping to raise more than $4.3 million for breast cancer programs for the medically underserved throughout the National Capital Area and abroad.

Constantine Maroulis Interviewed About Rock Of Ages

Good Luck to Constantine Maroulis (ex-Constantine, Bold & The Beautiful) at tonight's Tony Awards. Here he shares thoughts on his nomination with Tom O'Neil.

Sunday's Tony Awards Will Be Full Of Surprises!!!

The Tony Awards, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother) will be interesting this year with a wide range of music from nominees Elton John (Billy Elliot) and Dolly Parton (9 to 5)to rock performances by Poison headed by Bret Michaels of Rock of Love fame. The show airs Sunday evening on CBS.

Check out this video highlighting the nominees:

KYRA SEDGWICK TO RECEIVE STAR ON HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME.

Kyra Sedgwick, star of the TNT series The Closer, will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The fourth season of the Closer begins Monday, June 8th. Kyra's star will be right next to her husband's, actor Kevin Bacon.

The ceremony begins at 11:30am on Monday, June 8th at 6356 Hollywood Boulevard at Ivar.

For infomation on the closer: Official Closer Website

Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien

Conan O'Brien debuted last night as the new host of The Tonight Show replacing Jay Leno who hosted the show for 17 years. Familiar faces from Late Night were back including band leader Max Weinberg and former co-host Andy Richter back as Tonight Show Announcer. Conan's first guest were Will Ferrell and Pearl Jam. Known for his comedy pieces, he continued that tradition last night as he gave a Tram Tour on the back lot of Universal Studios. Thank You Jay and Good Luck, Conan.

Conan's Moving To Los Angeles

Conan O'Brien is moving to Los Angeles to take over The Tonight Show next month. Conan talked to Parade.com about the move from New York and following the legacy that Jack Parr, Steve Allen, Johnny Carson and Jay Leno perfected.

The Tonight Show With Conan O'Brien airs on NBC starting June 1st.

FULL ARTICLE

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: PROP & COSTUME AUCTION

There will be a prop and costume auction for the popular series BATTLESTAR GALACTICA.

PROP & COSTUME LIVE AUCTION
MAY 8 - 10TH
PASADENA CONVENTION CENTER
300 E. OWEN STREET
PASADENA CA 91101

COME TO THE SPECIAL PREVIEW DAY, THURSDAY MAY 7TH.

Have your picture taken in a full size spacecraft from the show.
See show props and costumes on display.
Panel discussions starting at 5pm featuring:
Grace Park, Michael Turco, Kate Vernon, Luciana Carro, Daniel Colman, Harvey Frand, Gary Hutzel, Paul Leonard, Bear McCreary, Michael Nankin, Wayne Rose, Andy Seklir, Bradley Thompson, David Weddle and MORE!

For more information or to bid online go to www.battlestarprops.com

Prison Break Returns Tonight!

The popular series returns for the series finale starting tonight. In a special two-hour event, fox will show a repeat of the last aired episode at 8 followed by an all new episode at 9. It is rumored that the mystery of Cena will finally be revealed as all as the mystery surrounding Linc's and Michael's mother.

Need to get caught up? Check out Fox.com for a recap of Season 4 so far.

Season 4 Recap

AOL TV's Top 5

LL Cool J To Star in NCIS Spin-Off

LL Cool J is getting on the gumshoe beat.

The rapper-actor has been set to star in CBS' planned spinoff of "NCIS." He'll play a tough but charming former Navy SEAL who works undercover for the NCIS unit in L.A. and is an expert on the Middle East.

The spinoff of CBS' durable drama will air as one half of a two-part episode of "NCIS" later this season. "NCIS" showrunner Shane Brennan created the untitled spinoff and exec produces for CBS Paramount Network TV. NCIS stars Mark Harmon.

Conan Teams With Andy Richter On Tonight Show

Andy Ritcher
Conan O Brien
Conan O’Brien and Andy Richter are back together again.

Richter, who was O’Brien’s “Late Night” show sidekick from 1993-2000, has signed on to be the announcer on “The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien” when the new version of the 11:30 p.m. NBC stalwart kicks off June 1.

Richter has been involved in several comedy series. Included in that run is short-lived Fox laffer “Andy Richter Controls the Universe” and also-short-lived Peacock skein “Andy Barker, P.I.”

Full Article: VARIETY

Dancing With The Stars Promo

The new season of Dancing With The Stars premiers on Monday March 9.

Dancing With The Stars Cast Revealed

Singer Jewel and her husband rodeo champion Ty Murray are among the contestants for the upcoming season of the popular ABC show. Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson, 17, has joined the cast as the youngest competitor ever. Pop star Belinda Carlisle (of the Go Gos), Denise Richards, country singer Chuck Wicks, former NFL star Lawrence Taylor, Lil' Kim, Steve-O, Apple founder Steve Wozniak, actors David Alan Grier, Gilles Marini and TV personality Nancy O'Dell finish out the celebrity cast.

ABC announced the cast during commercials for "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," "Desperate Housewives," and "Brothers and Sisters."

The remaining pairings of dancers and celebrities is scheduled to be announced on Thursday, February 12. "Dancing with the Stars" premieres March 9.

Jay Leno Named Favorite TV Personality

Maybe it’s his new 10 pm nightly show, but whatever it is, Jay Leno has become America’s favorite TV personality for the first time, moving up from number 3 last year. TV’s crankiest doctor, or rather Hugh Laurie, the man who plays Doctor House, is number 2 on the list, up from number 4 last year and last year’s number one, Ellen DeGeneres, is now at number 3. Rounding out the top 5 television personalities are two talk show hosts, Oprah Winfrey at number 4 and David Letterman at number 5.

source: business wire

FOX Cancels Prison Break

Fox TV is bringing "Prison Break" to an end after four seasons.

The network said Tuesday that the drama starring Wentworth Miller and Dominic Purcell will begin airing its final episodes this spring. The series took a break after its December season debut and will conclude with about a half-dozen episodes starting April 17.

It's the right move for "Prison Break" and its fans, said Kevin Reilly, Fox entertainment president.

"We didn't give it the hook," Reilly told a meeting of the Television Critics Association. "The show just played out. I think you get to the point where creatively everyone feels enough stories were told."

Ending the show now allows it to "finish strong," he said.

Prison Break

source:AP

Friday Night Lights Returns To NBC

The brilliant but cancelled series returns to NBC for a third season starting Friday, January 16 after the series spent it's sophomore season on Direct TV. The series stars Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton.

30 ROCK MAD MEN WIN GOLDEN GLOBES

Tina Fey and "30 Rock" continue to dominate the awards cuircit by winning big at the Golden Globes winning in the television comedy categories. Below are a complete list of nominees:

BEST TELEVISION SERIES - DRAMA
Mad Men

BEST TELEVISION SERIES - COMEDY OR MUSICAL
30 Rock

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES - DRAMA
Gabriel Byrne, In Treatment

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES - DRAMA
Anna Paquin, True Blood

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES - MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES - MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Tina Fey, 30 Rock

BEST MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
John Adams

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Paul Giamatti, John Adams

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Laura Linney, John Adams

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Tom Wilkinson, John Adams

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Laura Dern, Recount

DURAN DURAN'S JOHN TAYLOR ON SAMANTHA WHO

John Taylor's appearance on "Samantha Who?" will now air on ABC at 9:30 p.m. on January 19 (check local listings to confirm time and channel for your area). The series stars Christina Applegate as an amensiac trying to fit into her previous life and coming to terms with the person she used to be and who she is now.

Here's a clip from a previous episode of Samantha Who.



Samantha Who Site

The People's Choice is Dark Knight and House

Hugh Laurie
The Dark Knight went five for five and was named Favorite Movie at the 35th Annual People's Choice Awards, which returned to its usual star-studdedness Wednesday after an '08 broadcast held at the height of the actor-supported Hollywood writers' strike.

The film was also rewarded Favorite Cast, Action Movie and Onscreen Matchup, which spotlighted Christian Bale and Heath Ledger. Bale was also named the year's Favorite Superhero.

"Thank you very, very much," said Bale, who accepts the award alongside Aaron Eckhart and director Christopher Nolan. "And on behalf of all of the cast from the movie, thank you very much to the fans. Here's to Heath, thank you."

Favorite TV Drama award went to House.

"I have no idea who these people are," said House star Hugh Laurie. "This is just a small representative sample of the many, what, 200 or so, people who work so hard to make the show House. They couldn't be here, because this is all the tuxedos we've got."

Host Queen Latifah, apparently not burned out by last year's celebrityless awards show, returned as host of the event at Los Angeles' Shrine Auditorium and later helped accept the award for Favorite Movie, Drama, with some of her Secret Life of Bees costars.

The honoring kicked off with an only-in-L.A. moment, as Ellen DeGeneres stepped in to present the award for Favorite Funny Male Star (to Adam Sandler) in place of a tardy Kate Hudson.

"She's in traffic, she's 40 minutes away, so...let's wait," DeGeneres deadpanned. "That's no way to sell a movie, Kate."

Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flats provided the musical entertainment for the evening.

And the winners were:

FILM

• Movie: The Dark Knight
• Family Movie: WALL-E
• Action Movie: The Dark Knight
• Movie, Comedy: 27 Dresses
• Movie, Drama: The Secret Life of Bees
• Independent Movie: The Secret Life of Bees
• Cast: The Dark Knight (Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Maggie Gyllenhaal)
• Male Movie Star: Will Smith
• Leading Man: Brad Pitt
• Male Action Star: Will Smith
• Female Movie Star: Reese Witherspoon
• Leading Lady: Kate Hudson
• Female Action Star: Angelina Jolie
• Onscreen Matchup: Christian Bale & Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
• Superhero: Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne/Batman

TELEVISION

• Drama: House
• Comedy: Two and a Half Men
• Animated Comedy: The Simpsons
• Sci-Fi/Fantasy Show: Heroes
• Competition/Reality Show: Dancing With the Stars
• Game Show: Deal or No Deal
• Male TV Star: Hugh Laurie
• Female TV Star: Christina Applegate
• Talk Show Host: Ellen DeGeneres
• Scene-Stealing Guest Star: Robin Williams on Law & Order: SVU
• Female Drama Diva: Kyra Sedgwick as Deputy Chief Brenda Johnson on The Closer
• New TV Drama: The Mentalist
• New TV Comedy: Gary Unmarried


MUSIC

• Male Singer: Chris Brown
• Female Singer: Carrie Underwood
• Group: Rascal Flatts
• R&B Song: "No One" by Alicia Keys
• Pop Song: "I Kissed a Girl" by Katy Perry
• Rock Song: "All Summer Long" by Kid Rock
• Country Song: "Last Name" by Carrie Underwood
• Hip-Hop Song: "Low" by Flo Rida, featuring T-Pain
• Combined Forces: "No Air" by Jordin Sparks, featuring Chris Brown
• Song From a Soundtrack: "Mamma Mia" by Meryl Streep, from Mamma Mia!

MISCELLANEOUS

• Funny Male Star: Adam Sandler
• Funny Female Star: Tina Fey
• Star 35 & Under: Carrie Underwood

SOURCE:People's Choice

Kiefer Sutherland Talks 24 to TV Guide

24 star Kiefer Sutherland is featured in a 6 page spread where he talks about the new season which is called Day Seven.
Sutherland recently received a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame.