Over Anything Entertainment

MTV Unplugged Returns

One of the better music trends of the 90s - 'MTV Unplugged' - is poised to make a comeback with a September 23rd airing of 'Alicia Keys Unplugged'. Filmed at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and featuring Mos Def, Common, Damian Marley, and Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine, the show will be followed up with a CD and DVD on October 11th. 'MTV Unplugged' took hit artists and had them perform their songs free of electric instruments, and became a big hit for Nirvana, Eric Clapton, Alice in Chains, Neil Young, and others.

10.5 Million Catch 'Prison Break'

Fox has another hit on their hands, a huge increase over the zero hits they had last fall. The two-hour premiere of 'Prison Break' averaged over 10,500,000 viewers opposite preseason 'Monday Night Football' and ranking as the top show of the night amongst adults aged 18-49. Those that missed it can catch an encore Thursday night.

Sean Astin Joins '24'

Who took Jack's place at CTU when he wandered off into the sunset at the end of last season? It appears none other than 'The Goonies' adventurer Sean Astin himself. Astin, also somewhat known for a series of movies called 'Lord of the Rings', has signed on to portray a CTU agent in the new season of '24', scheduled to start in January. The fifth season will offer up four hours of programming over two nights starting Sunday, January 8th and running into Monday, January 9th.

Charlize Theron to Guest on 'Arrested Development'

TV Guide has confirmed that Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron will be appearing in at least four episodes of Fox's sitcom 'Arrested Development' this coming season. She will portray a new love interest for Michael (Jason Bateman). No word on when the episodes will air.

Dutch 'Big Brother' To Air Live Birth

Just when you thought the American DNA twists were shocking comes word that the dutch edition of 'Big Brother' is set to air a live birth as part of their new season. The Netherlands 'Big Brother' was the first, dating back to 1999, and the idea soon spread worldwide. A Government official confirmed the show had filed a request allowing a birth to be broadcast live, a requirement due to strict rules governing children working in entertainment. The contestant in question, known only as Tanja, is scheduled to give birth in six weeks.

Michigan Prisons Ban 'Prison Break'

Tonight's premiere of Fox's new drama 'Prison Break' is expected to be a ratings hit, but the penal system in Michigan won't be helping to boost the numbers. The Michigan Corrections Department has deemed the program unacceptable and ordered a system-wide blackout blocking all 50,000 inmates in the State from viewing it. The series follows a man who gets himself sent to prison in order to help his brother escape from death row. A spokesperson defended the decision, noting the show's elaborate escape plans and prison riots were not suitable for viewing.

Controversy Already Hits Stewart's 'Apprentice'

The wrapping isn't off NBC's 'The Apprentice: Martha Stewart' and already controversy has hit the production. The New York Post is reporting that contestant Bethenny Frankel has previously dated Brian Koppelman, the son of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia chairman Charles Koppelman and one of the show's judges. However, it appears this "controversy" was discovered quickly as a rep from Mark Burnett Productions stated "the situation is dealt with in the first few minutes" of the September 21st premiere.

ABC Bringing Back 'This Is Your Life'

The once popular 'This Is Your Life' program is being redone by ABC, a surprising announcement considering the show's first run came on rival NBC. No more information has been made available as of yet, including a host or even a date for a premiere.

Leguizamo Joins the 'ER'

Veteran star of film John Leguizamo has signed on for his first run at network television with NBC's 'ER'. He will portray a new doctor at County General, although it is not believed to be a full-season commitment at this time. 'ER' producers had hoped to secure a big name to replace the departing Noah Wyle, with their first choice of John Stamos cancelled after ABC's baffling pick-up of a second 'Jack in Progress' season.

Abdul Out of 'So You Think You Can Dance'

Paula Abdul's announced participation in Fox's 'So You Think You Can Dance' has been called off with Abdul citing a schedule too tight with DVD promotion and preparation for the next 'American Idol' season. Fox had previously stated Abdul would hit the road to assist the contestants as part of the show but a statement released by her publicist stated "it became apparent that her prior commitments ... made it impossible to be part of this new show." Some feel the decision may be related to Fox hiring an investigator to research claims by former 'Idol' contestant Corey Clark relating to an affair with the show judge.

Fox To Dish Up Seconds of 'Hell's Kitchen'

In a low-rated summer television series a few shows stand out, and Fox has recognized their 'Hell's Kitchen' reality show as one of them. The completed series featuring top British chef Gordon Ramsay verbally abusing his way to finding the greatest undiscovered chef in the United States found improving ratings throughout its run, including its best ratings for the August 1st finale. There was no mention of when the second series would run, but Fox chief Mike Darnell promised "some twists and turns" to the proven format.

Two 'Brat Camp' Stars Face Criminal Charges

ABC's popular summer hit 'Brat Camp' features nine troubled youth as they spend 50 days at the SageWalk Wilderness Therapy Camp in Oregon, and although all episodes have not yet aired, at least some results are in. Jada Chabot, 16, and Isaiah Alarcon, 17, have both been arrested recently before their episodes have aired. Chabot faces negligent boating, as well as other charges, after driving a motorboat into a family of seven last week. One victim remains in hospital with broken ribs. Meanwhile, Alarcon was arrested July 29th after painting racial slurs on the home of a Winton, California teacher.

NBC Moves 'The Law Firm' To Bravo

David E Kelley just may go back to his verbal abuse of reality TV after this one - NBC has moved his 'The Law Firm' show off the main network to Bravo to finish its low-rated run. Only two shows had been broadcast when the decision came down, with six scheduled to run on Bravo. The debut episode, airing Thursdays at 9PM, had attracted only 5,100,000 viewers, finishing behind CBS' 'CSI' and UPN's 'WWE SmackDown!', but only 3,900,000 tuned in for week two. Kelley had made a history of trash-talking the reality TV genre prior to assuming he could make money sleeping with the enemy. Apparently success in the industry is not as simple as he had thought.

CBS Announces Fall Premieres

CBS has released the premiere dates for this fall season, complete with new programs and returning favourites. Reality juggernaut 'Survivor' will launch 'Survivor: Guatemala' on Thursday, September 15th, launching the new CBS fall season. The next night will feature the highly anticipated new show 'Threshold' in a special two-hour premiere. Shows continue to debut or relaunch throughout the month, and the full list is available below the drop down. I'll be bringing reviews of six new CBS shows at the end of the month - 'Threshold', 'How I Met Your Mother', 'Out of Practice', 'Criminal Minds', 'Ghost Whisperer', and 'Close to Home'.

Thursday, Sept. 15
8:00PM SURVIVOR: GUATEMELA (11th edition)

Friday, Sept. 16
9:00PM THRESHOLD (two-hour series premiere)

Sunday, Sept. 18
8:00PM 57th ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS

Monday, Sept. 19
8:00PM THE KING OF QUEENS (8th season premiere)
8:30PM HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER (series debut)
9:00PM TWO AND A HALF MEN (3rd season premiere)
9:30PM OUT OF PRACTICE (series debut)
10:00PM CSI: MIAMI (4th season premiere)

Tuesday, Sept. 20
8:00PM NCIS (3rd season premiere)
9:00PM BIG BROTHER 6 (finale)
10:00PM ROCK STAR: INXS (finale)

Wednesday, Sept. 21
8:00PM STILL STANDING (4th season premiere)
8:30PM YES, DEAR (6th season premiere)
10:00PM CSI: NY (2nd season premiere)

Thursday, Sept. 22
9:00PM CSI (6th season premiere)
10:00PM CRIMINAL MINDS (series debut)

Friday, Sept. 23
8:00PM GHOST WHISPERER (series debut)
9:00PM THRESHOLD (time period debut)
10:00PM NUMB3RS (2nd season premiere)

Saturday, Sept. 24
10:00PM 48 HOURS MYSTERY

Sunday, Sept. 25
7:00PM 60 MINUTES (38th season premiere)
8:00PM COLD CASE (3rd season premiere)
9:00PM CBS SUNDAY MOVIE ("Martha Behind Bars")

Tuesday, Sept. 27
9:00PM THE AMAZING RACE: FAMILY EDITION (8th edition)

Wednesday, Sept. 28
9:00PM CRIMINAL MINDS (time period premiere)

Thursday, Sept. 29
10:00PM WITHOUT A TRACE (4th season premiere)

Tuesday, Oct. 4
10:00PM CLOSE TO HOME (series debut)

CBS Chops 'Rock Star'

CBS' excellent but ratings-challenged 'Rock Star: INXS' reality talent competition has found itself 33% lighter, effective immediately. The Monday night "around-the-house" segment has been cut off the main network, but will be available on Sunday evenings on sister network VH1. Tuesday and Wednesday episodes remain unchanged. WATCH THIS SHOW, people.

Stringfield Leaves the 'ER' Again

The second tour of duty on NBC's 'ER' for Sherry Stringfield has ended - she's once again seeking "new roles and challenges". Dr Susan Lewis was part of the first season of the show, but left in 1997 for something better. Unfortunately her career failed to take off, and 2001 brought Stringfield back to the role. It's not yet known how her character will be written out.

Dr Phil Sticking Around

How's that workin' for ya? Tough love guru Dr Phil has found his syndicated talk show extended yet another five years, meaning the good doc will remain on the air through the 2013-2014 season.

Martha Stewart's House Arrest Extended

The star of NBC's upcoming 'The Apprentice: Martha Stewart' has found herself on the wrong side of the law, netting an extension to the house arrest she has fought in recent months. As a portion of her sentence Stewart is required to wear a tracking device around her ankle and not leave her estate, and it is believed an unauthorized yoga session outside her grounds may have lead to the punishment. She will now spend another three weeks, bringing her freedom date to August 31st - still enough time to hit the promotion road for her new show.

VH1 Picks Up Dropped NBC Pilot

We've talked about it before but it rarely happens - one network grabbing anothers failed show. This time around it's VH1 taking NBC's Tori Spelling pilot 'Notorious', a "based-on-real-life" account of life as a privileged Hollywood daughter. Only eight episodes have been ordered, and it will debut in the early portions of 2006.

America's Choice Returns to 'Big Brother'

'Big Brother 6' is heating up with a house split in two, and now America will once again get to have a hand in influencing the game from the outside. The popular "America's Choice" option, which allowed American viewers to vote on game-related rewards, has been absent thus far this season. What viewers will get to vote on is unsure, although host Julie Chen has teased re-entry to the house since the first person was eliminated.

'Alias' Adds Another

ABC' 'Alias' is pulling out all the stops for a fast-paced and creative fifth season, chock full of attractive women to balance out the pregnant Jennifer Garner. The latest addition is 32-year-old Élodie Bouchez, a French actress with few credits on this side of the pond. She will portray Zoe Rienne, a fugitive with ties to Vaughn (whatever his real name is...)

'Rock Star' Triples Sales for INXS

While ratings are low for CBS' excellent 'Rock Star: INXS', the hunt for a new lead singer has directly led to more sales of their latest CD, "The Best of INXS". Nielsen SoundScan has announced that, after the first week of the show, sales rose to 5,000, three times the previous week sales. So while viewer totals may be a bit lower than expected (and deserved), it may end up being a good career move for the band and their new lead singer, Mig.

'Walker' Back on CBS!

Perhaps partially due to a resurgence in popularity based around the file sharing of Conan O'Brien clips, CBS has announced the return of 'Walker, Texas Ranger' in a special TV movie this coming season. Star Chuck Norris, along with series regulars Sheree J Wilson, Clarence Gilyard and Judson Mills will all reprise their roles in 'Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial by Fire', underway in Dallas now. It will follow Walker as he protects a 13-year-old boy from a series of criminals looking to obtain a piece of a missle-guidance system the boy currently holds.

Constantine Maroulis Gets a TV Show?

If he is to be believed the heartthrob castoff of 'American Idol', Constantine Maroulis, has just signed a development deal for a new TV drama with the production company run by Kelsey Grammar. The show would have Maroulis playing a musician in what is described as a "family drama". "It's something I think is missing in TV today, a great family drama. We're being very picky right now because we really believe in the project and we want it to last."

Three More Join '24'

Three new stars have signed on for the next season of Fox's '24', and it looks like the fifth love interest in five years for Jack Bauer. Connie Britton ('Friday Night Lights') will have the heart of Bauer, and Brady Corbet ('Thirteen') will play her son. It appears President Logan will still be manning the Oval Office with Jean Smart ('Designing Women') portraying his wife.

'All My Children' Star Joins 'CSI: Miami'

When 'CSI: Miami' returns this fall it will be with at least one new face - star of 'All My Children' Eva La Rue. She will portray Natalia Boa Vista, a lab specialist who focuses on long unresolved cases.