CBS Brings Back Million Dollar Password This Summer

If you all remember, CBS returned Million Dollar Password to their schedule last December, where it aired Sundays at 8pm for 3 or 4 episodes. It was previously airing last summer, in the same slot, and doing very well. But, they brought it back, and while it was doing just as well (although its demo was kind of low), CBS mysteriously yanked it from the schedule.

Most assumed the show was cancelled, although they still have many episodes left in the can. But now CBS has confirmed that Million Dollar Password will be once again returning with new episodes Sunday at 8pm beginning May 24. It's still unclear as to whether or not new episodes are being produced, but if not, CBS will just air the ones that are still in the can, 5 or 6 episodes only.

It's a good show, and I guess CBS thought the smart thing to do would be to just leave it airing in the summer. And watch out for other CBS summer changes soon, which includes a new season of Big Brother and many repeats!

Source: http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/content_display/news/national-broadcast/e3if97771c40e860605241b04dfd493d4a0

EDIT: Seems like 2 burn-off episodes will air, along with a few repeats, before Big Brother 12 premieres in the Sunday 8pm slot. As of now, Million Dollar Password appears to be cancelled, unless it somehow does well this summer.

NBC Picks up New Gameshow Pilot

Our 2nd dose of NBC news for today - NBC will be greenlighting a new game show pilot titled "Face the Ace," a Las Vegas gameshow in which regular contestants will play poker tournaments against the pros.

Contestants can either gamble their winnings, risking their money for a chance at even more money, with a chance of losing and walking away with nothing, or can walk away with the first amount of money they won.

Steve Schirripa, from The Sopranos fame, will host this thrilling gameshow. NBC will launch it this summer, on August 1 at 9pm. But, the show will be airing regularly on Saturday afternoons beginning sometime in September. 7 episodes have been ordered so far.

This is indeed an odd and risky move for NBC to airing a gameshow like this on mid-day Saturdays, with an early August launch. I suppose we'll hear more about this at NBC upfronts.

Source: http://news-briefs.ew.com/index_page2.html

NBC Orders More "Celebrity Apprentice" for Next Season!

http://news-briefs.ew.com/2009/04/celebrity-appre.html

The word going around is that Celebrity Apprentice, the comedy-filled reality series, is the next early renewal being made by NBC. They announced today that after a second season, currently averaging 8.6 million and likely to go up, will be getting a third edition with celebrities, to air in Spring of 2010.

I love the show - it's more of a comedy series than anything, because I've been laughing hard this season. It's a great show, a great reality series, and a refreshing spin to the original Apprentice, whose concept quickly became tired. There's only 2 weeks of the season left, so tune in! I'm rooting for Joan Rivers to take it all, that is if she comes back after her unexpected storm out last week.

If anyone watches, please post your thoughts on the show! I've been loving it, and I'd love to hear what everyone else thinks!

ABC to Renew Scrubs . . . Again?; Jim to air into June

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090428/tv_nm/us_scrubs

Seems like ABC is still in talks to keep Scrubs on the air for one more full season. Talks of this began in early March, but seemed to die down, until they've finally resurfaced. Creator and producer Bill Lawrence is now busy on his new pilot "Cougar Town," but is interested in continuing with Scrubs. ABC is high on the show, and they really would like another season, as well as another of Better Off Ted. Both shows are critically prasied this season, and the network seems to like both, barring the minimal ratings from both.

If Scrubs were to return, it would be with a totally revamped cast, with only possibly recurring performances from its current actors, some of which are also busy with new pilots. Even though the main cast has already moved on from the show, ABC thinks revamping it could ultimately give it a new life, similar to what NBC has constantly done with ER.

Also, seems like I was right in my guessing - Opportunity Knocks will no longer air on May 26 and June 2. The remaining 4 episodes of According to Jim will air Tuesday at 8pm on these days now, with the season finale airing on June 2. This will now completely Jim's run, with all episodes getting aired. But, Opportunity Knocks will still have all but 3 of its episodes unaired.

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showpost.php?p=4185183&postcount=1015

Bea Arthur Death Mourned by Co-Stars, TV Spots

I thought we'd end our day of news on a good note. As you all probably know, the legendary television, movie, and broadway actress Bea Arthur, mainly known for her roles as Maude Findley on Maude and Dorothy Zbornak on The Golden Girls, died on Saturday, peacefully in her home, at the age of 86. She was secretly suffering from cancer, something most people, including myself, didn't know, which is why the news comes as a surprise to most.

She was one of the best actresses on television. Her witty one-liners and laughable stares mader her one of television's tough women to love in the 70's, 80's, and 90's. She starred in 2 hit shows, and was always amazing in her acting styles. She will definitely be missed by all, including myself.

I found this great video, of her Golden Girls costars talking about Bea and her surprising death, which is definitely worth watching. You can head on over to msnbc.com at the link below to watch:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032450/

Also, TV Land, WE, and Hallmark networks will be honoring Bea. TV Land will air both her All in the Family appearances tomorrow and Wednesday morning at 9am. Hallmark will air a Golden Girls Memorial Day marathon on Monday, May 25 from 6:30am-2:30pm, featuring Bea's greatest moments. And lastly, WEtv will be airing marathons of Bea's greatest moments on The Golden Girls today, 5pm to 12am, and on Thursday, April 30, from 9:30pm-1am.

As always, you can post your thoughts and prayers for Bea - she will definitely be missed! RIP Bea!

FOX Sunday Changes

After 2 weeks of bad ratings, looks like FOX has had enough of Sit Down Shut Up, as that will be moving to 7pm ET, replacing American Dad repeats, which will move to 7:30. Therefore, new episodes of King of the Hill will be moving back to 8:30. This means the original 8-10pm schedule will be back into effect immediately beginning next Sunday.

Keep in mind, this will only happen for the rest of May sweeps. It's still unclear as to what FOX will do with the remaining 8 episodes of SDSU which will remain unaired. But, I'm confident in saying that this show will not be renewed.

Also, for those wondering, FOX will not be airing the Obama conference on the 29th, for many reasons. For one, it could interrupt Idol, and I doubt FOX would want to mess with that again. For two, it'll preempt Lie to Me, which is right on track for ending right at the end of May sweeps. Overall, a smart move by FOX. I don't know about you, but I fore sure have had enough of these Obama primetime press conferences. The networks must be furious.

Source: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showpost.php?p=4184520&postcount=100

CBS Changes - Harper's Island Moves, Obama Interrupts

Okay, we finally have some CBS schedule changes, most of them revolving around Obama's primetime press conference on Wednesday, April 29th. Here are those changes:

Wednesday, April 29, 2009
EASTERN/CENTRAL:
8:00pm ET/7:00pm CT Presidential News Conference (live)
9:00pm ET/8:00pm CT CRIMINAL MINDS (new)
10:00pm ET/9:00pm CT CSI: NY (new)

MOUNTAIN:
6:00pm Presidential News Conference (live)
7:00pm THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE (repeat)
7:30pm GARY UNMARRIED (repeat)
8:00pm CRIMINAL MINDS (new)
9:00pm CSI: NY (new)

PACIFIC:
5:00pm – Presidential News Conference (live)
6:00pm CBS EVENING NEWS or Local Programming
6:30pm CBS EVENING NEWS or Local Programming
7:00pm Local Programming
8:00pm THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE (repeat)
8:30pm GARY UNMARRIED (repeat)
9:00pm CRIMINAL MINDS (new)
10:00pm CSI: NY (new)

Due to Obama's Press Conference on April 29, CBS has moved the special Wednesday airing of RULES OF ENGAGEMENT to May 13, while pushing back the season finales of Old Christine and Gary Unmarried:

Wednesday, May 13, 2009
8:00pm RULES OF ENGAGEMENT (new)
8:30pm OLD CHRISTINE (new)

Wednesday, May 20, 2009
8:00pm OLD CHRISTINE (new, season finale)
8:30pm GARY UNMARRIED (new, season finale)
9:00PM CRIMINAL MINDS (season finale, part one)
10:00PM CRIMINAL MINDS (season finale, part two, special time)

And in unsurprising news, CBS has moved Harper's Island to Saturdays at 9pm beginning this week. Here are the changes affected by this:

Thursday, April 30:
10:00pm CRIMINAL MINDS (repeat)

Thursday, May 7:
10:00pm CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION (repeat)

Thursday, May 14:
10:00pm CSI: NY (new, special night, season finale)

Programming for May 21 and on is TBD still.

HARPER'S ISLAND moves to Saturdays, Effective Saturday, May 2, 2009:

9:00pm HARPER'S ISLAND (new night and time, thru 7/11)
(NOTE: HARPER'S ISLAND is preempted on May 16 for two MENTALIST encores from 8-10PM)

Source: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showpost.php?p=4184437&postcount=312

Ratings Report - Week of Monday, April 20

As usual, here's the ratings report, with my thoughts at the end of each day, for the week of Monday, April 20:

Monday, April 20
ABC:
8:00PM DANCING WITH THE STARS - 20.53 million, 13.0/20 HH, 4.7/12 (18-49), 6.1/15 (25-54)
9:32PM SURVIVING SUBURBIA - 9.87 million, 6.6/10 HH, 2.4/6, 3.2/7
10:02PM CASTLE - 8.21 million, 5.5/9 HH, 2.1/6, 2.8/7

CBS:
8:00PM THE BIG BANG THEORY-REPEAT - 7.59 million, 4.7/7 HH, 2.9/8, 3.5/9
8:30PM HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER-REPEAT - 6.6 million, 4.1/6 HH, 2.7/7, 3.1/7
9:00PM TWO AND A HALF MEN-REPEAT - 11.48 million, 7.1/11 HH, 3.9/10, 4.8/11
9:30PM RULES OF ENGAGEMENT - 10.59 million, 6.5/10 HH, 3.8/9, 4.6/10
10:00PM THE MENTALIST MON-REPEAT - 9.42 million, 6.1/10 HH, 2.4/6, 3.2/8

NBC:
8:00PM CHUCK - 6.11 million, 3.6/6 HH, 2.4/7, 2.7/7
9:00PM HEROES - 6.45 million, 4.0/6 HH, 3.1/7, 3.2/7
10:01PM MEDIUM - 7.34 million, 4.8/8 HH, 2.5/7, 3.2/8

FOX:
8:00PM BONES MON - 8.57 million, 5.5/9 HH, 2.5/7, 3.1/8
9:00PM 24 - 10.34 million, 6.1/9 HH, 3.2/8, 4.1/9

The CW:
8:00PM GOSSIP GIRL - 2.37 million, 1.6/2 HH, 1.3/3, 1.0/2
9:00PM ONE TREE HILL - 2.45 million, 1.6/2 HH, 1.2/3, 1.0/2

My thoughts: With CBS in repeats, Dancing with the Stars went up a bit. And while Rules of Engagement didn't have an original Men lead-in, it went down a bit this week, while Surviving Suburbia went up a tad in total viewers, but down in demo. Rules of Engagement still remains strong, though, with great retention and a great demo, even with a repeat lead-in. The Mentalist did just about what a CSI: Miami repeat would have done, with a much worse demo, though. Not sure why CBS decided to air it, as it didn't help either show any. Castle is still a loser, with a terrible demo, and although it doesn't deserve to be back next season, it probably will be, as it still remains the best performer of all 3 new dramas, and I don't see ABC cancelling all 3. Chuck and Heroes were terrible again, while Medium built again. Will the season finales of Chuck and Heroes tonight bring in higher numbers for the shows? And Bones isn't as strong as House, and remains a best performer on Wednesdays. 24 remained strong, while The CW didn't. Let's face it: Gossip Girl is nowhere near the hit they make it out to be.

Tuesday, April 21
ABC:
8:00PM ACCORDING TO JIM - 3.37 million, 2.5/4 HH, 1.0/3, 1.3/3
8:30PM ACCORDING TO JIM - 3.35 million, 2.4/4 HH, 1.0/3, 1.3/3
9:00PM DANCING WITH THE STARS: THE RESULTS - 14.73 million, 9.6/14 HH, 3.2/8, 4.3/9
10:02PM THE UNUSUALS TUES - 5.81 million, 3.8/6 HH, 1.5/4, 2.1/5

CBS:
8:00PM THE BIG BANG THEORY TUES-REPEAT - 5.86 million, 3.9/6 HH, 1.6/5, 1.9/5
8:30PM TWO AND A HALF MEN TUES-REPEAT - 6.6 million, 4.4/7 HH, 1.8/5, 2.3/5
9:00PM NCIS-REPEAT - 12.65 million, 8.0/12 HH, 2.8/7, 3.9/9
10:00PM THE MENTALIST-REPEAT - 12.46 million, 8.1/14 HH, 2.7/7, 3.9/10

NBC:
8:00PM BIGGEST LOSER 7 - 9.26 million, 5.8/9 HH, 3.7/10, 4.1/10
10:00PM LAW & ORDER: SVU-REPEAT - 7.04 million, 4.9/8 HH, 2.6/7, 2.9/7

FOX:
8:00PM AMERICAN IDOL TUESDAY - 23.96 million, 13.9/22 HH, 8.2/23, 10.1/25
9:01PM FRINGE - 9.9 million, 5.9/9 HH, 3.9/9, 4.5/10

The CW:
8:00PM REAPER - 2.15 million, 1.4/2 HH, 0.9/2, 0.9/2
9:00PM 90210 - 1.88 million, 1.3/2 HH, 1.0/2, 0.9/2

My thoughts: American Idol was up this week for disco week. Fringe has absolute terrible retention out of Idol, but a good demo, and most likely a stable audience. My guess is it will be renewed for next fall. Jim did just terrible, as did the CBS comedy repeats. Just about hidden on the schedule, it's a mystery as to why CBS did this switch. The Unusuals on a special night also did terrible, which is a shame, because it's the best show of the 3 new dramas. Biggest Loser had another high rated episode in this high rated season, and 90210 did terrible. Under 2 million is unacceptable, but it's already been renewed for next season, so fans don't have to worry. Meanwhile, Reaper remains on the bubble, but it should be renewed on this failing network. If it is cancelled, a network like ABC Family would be a good option for it.

Wednesday, April 22
ABC:
8:00PM SCRUBS - 4.6 million, 3.0/5 HH, 1.9/6, 2.0/6
8:30PM BETTER OFF TED - 4.19 million, 2.7/5 HH, 1.7/5, 2.0/5
9:00PM LOST SPECIAL - 6.75 million, 4.3/7 HH, 2.9/7, 3.3/8
10:02PM THE UNUSUALS - 4.74 million, 3.2/5 HH, 1.4/4, 1.9/5

CBS:
8:00PM OLD CHRISTINE-REPEAT - 5.07 million, 3.5/6 HH, 1.4/5, 1.9/6
8:30PM GARY UNMARRIED-REPEAT - 5.41 million, 3.6/6 HH, 1.8/5, 2.2/6
9:00PM CRIMINAL MINDS-REPEAT - 9.84 million, 6.4/10 HH, 2.3/6, 3.0/7
10:00PM CRIMINAL MINDS - 13.72 million, 8.9/15 HH, 3.5/10, 4.6/11

NBC:
8:00PM LAW & ORDER-REPEAT - 5.7 million, 3.8/7 HH, 1.2/4, 1.6/4
9:00PM LAW & ORDER: SVU WED-REPEAT - 5.57 million, 3.8/6 HH, 1.5/4, 1.8/4
10:00PM LAW & ORDER-REPEAT - 6.09 million, 4.3/7 HH, 1.8/5, 2.2/6

FOX:
8:00PM LIE TO ME - 7.97 million, 5.2/9 HH, 2.3/7, 3.0/8
9:00PM AMERICAN IDOL WED - 23.95 million, 14.0/22 HH, 8.3/21, 10.2/24

The CW:
8:00PM AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL - 4.01 million, 2.7/5 HH, 1.9/6, 1.7/5
9:00PM 90210 WED-REPEAT - 1.14 million, 0.8/1 HH, 0.5/1, 0.4/1

My thoughts: Idol was right on par with last week, and was up this week year-to-year, which is a good thing for the aging series. Wasn't it cruel the way they dumped Lil? She was one of my favorites, even after her string of weak performances, and thought it was mean the way they gave her the bad news. Her end performance was one of the best she gave in awhile . . . too bad. Anoop also left, and let's be honest: it was his time to go. Earlier in the night, Lie to Me was way down in total viewers and demo from its last airing. Seems like this show is aging faster than FOX would have liked. Scrubs and Ted gave another bad airing for ABC, and now 1 episode of each will remain unaired for the moment. CBS' switch of airing Criminal Minds at 10pm was also odd, but it was right on par with its 9pm airings from earlier in the season, so it didn't seem to go either way for the show. And NBC's night of Law & Order is a yawnfest, isn't it? Also positive to note is the winning performance of Top Model, which went above 4 million. It's the only CW show that's noteworthy, which is just plain sad.

Thursday, April 23
ABC:
8:00PM GREY'S ANATOMY-REPEAT - 4.97 million, 3.4/6 HH, 1.5/5, 1.8/5
9:00PM GREY'S ANATOMY - 13.51 million, 8.9/14 HH, 5.0/13, 5.5/13
10:02PM PRIVATE PRACTICE - 9.08 million, 6.2/11 HH, 3.3/9, 3.8/10

CBS:
8:00PM SURVIVOR: TOCANTINS - 11.3 million, 6.8/12 HH, 3.5/11, 4.5/13
9:00PM CSI - 14.64 million, 9.2/15 HH, 3.7/9, 4.9/11
10:01PM HARPER'S ISLAND - 7.02 million, 4.7/8 HH, 1.9/5, 2.5/6

NBC:
8:00PM MY NAME IS EARL - 5.54 million, 3.6/6 HH, 2.2/7, 2.6/8
8:30PM PARKS AND RECREATION - 5.26 million, 3.4/6 HH, 2.3/7, 2.5/7
9:00PM THE OFFICE - 7.28 million, 4.4/7 HH, 3.8/10, 3.8/9
9:31PM 30 ROCK - 6.3 million, 3.9/6 HH, 3.1/8, 3.3/8
10:01PM SOUTHLAND - 8.11 million, 5.3/9 HH, 2.4/7, 3.1/8

FOX:
8:00PM BONES - 8.42 million, 5.4/9 HH, 2.3/7, 2.9/8
9:01PM HELL'S KITCHEN - 6.8 million, 4.2/7 HH, 3.0/8, 3.5/8

The CW:
8:00PM SMALLVILLE - 3.1 million, 2.0/3 HH, 1.3/4, 1.4/4
9:00PM SUPERNATURAL - 2.7 million, 1.7/3 HH, 1.1/3, 1.1/3

My thoughts: What a weird night of television. All networks saw below performances for some odd reason. ABC saw the return of Grey's Anatomy at 9pm and Private Practice at 10pm, both at winning levels. Grey's was right on par with the return of Desperate Housewives, as both shows seem to be aging together. And Private saw normal levels, beating Southland, which is the best way to look at it. At CBS, Survivor remains slightly below the norm, but the episode was fantastic, as Tyson saw the 2nd blindsight in a row as he was voted off. CSI was also way down, as the return of Grey's possibly hurt it. This show is down nearly 20% from year-ago levels. And Harper's Island, while a great show, was a loser. It's moving to Saturdays, by the way. At NBC, Parks and Recreation dipped to another low, even being beaten by Earl. Both shows deserve to be cancelled, and if NBC did renew Parks and Recreation, my guess would be it would get some major retooling. Southland remained a strong, and what I'd call a winner for NBC, but Private Practice definitely hurt it. And FOX saw 2 below normal performances out of Bones and Hell's Kitchen, but HK still remained strong in the demo, as always. And The CW was also down across the board, while Smallville hit a series low.

Friday, April 24
ABC:
8:00 WIFE SWAP - 3.95 million, 1.3/5 (18-49)
9:00 20/20 - 5.26 million, 1.5/5 (18-49)
10:00 20/20 - 7.73 million, 2.2/7 (18-49)

CBS:
8:00 GHOST WHISPERER - 9.15 million, 2.1/8 (18-49)
9:00 FLASHPOINT - 8.18 million, 1.6/5 (18-49)
10:00 NUMB3RS - 8.84 million, 1.8/6 (18-49)

NBC:
8:00 HOWIE DO IT - 3.29 million, 1.0/4 (18-49)
9:00 DATELINE - 4.61 million, 1.3/5 (18-49)
10:00 DATELINE - 5.00 million, 1.4/4 (18-49)

FOX:
8:00 PRISON BREAK - 3.05 million, 1.0/4 (18-49)
9:00 DOLLHOUSE - 2.99 million, 1.2/4 (18-49)

The CW:
8:00 EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS - 1.79 million, 0.6/3 (18-49)
8:30 THE GAME - 1.89 million, 0.9/3 (18-49)
9:00 AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL-REPEAT - 1.28 million, 0.5/2 (18-49)

My thoughts: CBS remained way down across the board for some reason. Flashpoint's demo to me is terrible for CBS, and would be the main reason why CBS would cancel it, if they did. Numb3rs is also showing its age, as its lead-in wasn't as strong. Prison Break is doing terribly, and I'm wondering if the series finale in a couple weeks will even break 5 million. Good think FOX gave up on this in the fall. And I think Dollhouse just sealed its fate for once and for all. 20/20 remains ahead of Dateline, but both were really losers on this night, wouldn't you say so?

Saturday, April 25
ABC:
8:00 HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS - 3.22 million, 1.2/5 (18-49)

CBS:
8:00 STREISAND LIVE IN CONCERT - 4.98 million, 0.6/2 (18-49)
9:00 CSI: MIAMI-REPEAT - 4.56 million, 0.7/2 (18-49)
10:00 48 HOURS MYSTERY - 5.95 million, 1.3/4 (18-49)

NBC:
8:00 LAW & ORDER: SVU-REPEAT - 3.22 million, 0.7/3 (18-49)
9:00 SOUTHLAND-REPEAT - 2.79 million, 0.6/2 (18-49)
10:00 LAW & ORDER-REPEAT - 4.55 million, 1.0/3 (18-49)

FOX:
8:00 COPS - 4.66 million, 1.5/6 (18-49)
9:00 AMERICA'S MOST WANTED - 4.5 million, 1.0/3 (18-49)

My thoughts: Looks like viewers were unimpressed with Barbara Streisand for this concert, as this was a very low turnout, especially in the demo. I wouldn't expect any more of these concert specials on CBS anytime soon. Looks for Harper's Island to fill out the 9pm slot starting this week. And also to point out: Cops and AMW are no demo gatherers like they used to be. Just last season, they were getting over a 2 in the demo. Seems like those days are over.

Sunday, April 26:
ABC:
7:00 AFV - 7.58 million, 2.2/8 (18-49)
8:00 EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION - 8.71 million, 2.8/8 (18-49)
9:00 DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES - 13.51 million, 4.7/12 (18-49)
10:00 BROTHERS & SISTERS - 9.4 million, 3.1/8 (18-49)

CBS:
7:00 60 MINUTES - 10.38 million, 1.6/6 (18-49)
8:00 THE AMAZING RACE 14 - 10.38 million, 3.1/9 (18-49)
9:00 COLD CASE - 10.48 million, 2.2/5 (18-49)
10:00 THE UNIT - 8.87 million, 2.0/5 (18-49)

NBC:
7:00 DATELINE - 4.82 million, 1.0/4 (18-49)
8:00 DATELINE - 5.48 million, 1.1/3 (18-49)
9:00 CELEBRITY APPRENTICE - 8.17 million, 3.0/8 (18-49)

FOX:
7:00 AMERICAN DAD-REPEAT - 2.17 million, 0.9/3 (18-49)
7:30 KING OF THE HILL - 2.86 million, 1.3/5 (18-49)
8:00 THE SIMPSONS - 5.94 million, 2.9/9 (18-49)
8:30 SIT DOWN SHUT UP - 4.2 million, 1.9/5 (18-49)
9:00 FAMILY GUY - 6.8 million, 3.4/9 (18-49)
9:30 AMERICAN DAD - 5.15 million, 2.5/6 (18-49)

The CW:
7:00 JERICHO-REPEAT - 0.63 million, 0.2/1 (18-49)
8:00 FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL - 1.19 million, 0.3/1 (18-49)

My thoughts: Celebrity Apprentice remains a winner for NBC. The episode was amazing, and the final 15 minutes served up probably the best moment of reality television I've seen in years. But, firing Melissa for doing her job was just wrong, as Annie continues to play double-faced throughout the entire competition. Desperate Housewives and Brothers & Sisters were both right on par with last week, yet EM: HE was down a bit. CBS had a great night with Amazing Race doing near a season high, and was the highest rated show for CBS of the evening. Cold Case and 60 Minutes were both down, while The Unit remains the lowest CBS drama. And Sit Down Shut Up on FOX was a huge disappointment in week 2. Don't expect another season out of it. The Simpsons remains way below average, as it finally shows its age.

And there you have it! Another Ratings Report covered!

Wow - More ABC Notes

We've been about all ABC lately, and now we've got some more schedule changes and updates. Seems like ABC will be preempting Scrubs and Better Off Ted this week, Wednesday, from 8-9pm. The bad news for Ted fans is that this was the season finale. Now the finale will remain unaired, as will 1 episode of Scrubs. As to when ABC will air them, if they air them at all, is still unknown.

And don't forget, 2 episodes of According to Jim also will remain unaired. It's still unsure as to if ABC will air the season finale of the show in May or not.

Next up: seems like the ABC pilot Flash Forward, which we mentioned in our pilot list, is a sure go. ABC will be airing 5 second promos for it this week during the 100th episode of Lost, which will likely see inflated numbers, this week, Wednesday at 9pm! It will definitley launch in the fall, probably airing Tuesdays or Wednesdays at 10pm, although this is just a guess.

If we find any other updates, we'll make sure to let you know!

EDIT: seems like Surviving Suburbia will be preempted on Monday, May 4th, in favor of a 2-hour Dancing with the Stars, as the contestants will be performing 2 dances. It will be tomorrow night, and the week after, though. Watch it - the show's hilarious!

Source: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=225051&page=67

EDIT#2: Scrubs and Better Off Ted will now be airing their scheduled episodes on Tuesday, May 5th from 8-9pm, preempting According to Jim for the night. According to Jim will no supposedly have 4 episodes unaired. This airing of Better Off Ted will indeed be the season finale, with the series still very much on the bubble for next season.

Source: http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showpost.php?p=4184443&postcount=1007

ABC Pilots: 2009-2010 Season

Well, ABC has announced tons of pilots for the 2009-10 season, all of which are still up for grabs. ABC has tons of sitcoms in development, as next season they're looking to get back into game, and possibly challenge CBS for the top spot in the sitcom department. They also have a few good drama pilots up for grabs, as they'll have a lot of holes to fill next fall. Here's a look at them, broken up by sitcom and drama:

Sitcom Pilots
"Canned"
Half Hour Multi Camera
CAST:
Tim Peper: Sam
Stephanie Lemelin: Marissa
Nelson Franklin: Justin
Baron Vaughn: Bryan (aka Kwang)
Amanda Bynes: Sarabeth

CREDITS:
Production Companies: ABC Studios, Brillstein Entertainment Partners
Writer: Kevin Etten
Executive Producers: David Rosenthal, Peter Traugott
Director: Gary Halvorson

They're young, they're moving up... and they've all just been canned. Five tight friends are about to find out what happens when their upwardly mobile lives turn upside down.

College sweethearts, Sam and Marissa have a long-term plan for success that gets completely derailed when Sam is suddenly fired. But Sam is in good company since three of his close friends are kicked to the curb at the same time: Neurotic Justin, who's forced to move in with Kwang, his cocky, but over-extended bud, and the long-suffering Sarabeth, who doesn't know what to do with herself without someone to boss her around. Marissa is the only one who survives the corporate ax, but now has to deal with survivor's guilt and jobless Sam. Always the optimist, Sam prefers to see this as a glass-half-full situation – preferably a glass half-full of beer. While he rallies the troops to form "Team Awesome," these five fast friends mull over how they got here and exactly where it is they want to be headed. They may not have a clear mission statement just yet, but now they've got the chance to figure a new direction.

Friends goes to The Office in this multi-camera comedy written by Kevin Etten (Desperate Housewives) and executive produced by Peter Traugott (Samantha Who?). Who knew you could turn down-sizing into the opportunity of a lifetime?

"Cougar Town"
Half Hour Single Camera
CAST:
Courteney Cox: Jules
Dan Byrd: Tad
Busy Philipps: Laurie
Christa Miller: Elle
Brian Van Holt: Bobby
Josh Hopkins: Grayson
Ian Gomez: Andy

CREDITS:
Production Companies: ABC Studios, Coquette Productions
Executive Producer/Director/Writer: Bill Lawrence
Co-Executive Producer/Writer: Kevin Biegel
Executive Producer: Courteney Cox

Can a woman of a certain age be a mom, a successful career woman and still be on the prowl? Jules Cobb (Courteney Cox) is about to give it a try.

In a small Florida town, the center of high society is the Cougars high school football team... which is wildly appropriate since this town is the natural habitat for over-tanned, under-dressed divorcées prowling for younger men. Jules desperately doesn't want to be one of them, but with an ugly divorce behind her and 40 staring right back at her, she's longing for a little more action in her life. The available men her own age, like her silver fox of a neighbor, Grayson Ellis, only seem interested in dating barely legal hotties – which is awkward considering he's also her teenage son Tad's therapist. Egged on by her very married and very irreverent best friend Elle and her determined assistant Laurie, Jules reluctantly dips her toe back into the dating pool. To her surprise, she hits it off with a nice young guy named Bobby – emphasis on the young – and discovers this gal still has the goods.

Co-executive produced by Courteney Cox and Bill Lawrence (Scrubs), Cougartown is the single-camera comedy that dares to tell the truth about dating after divorce. Juggling a teenage son with her thriving career and budding love life isn't easy, but before you know it, Jules will have you cheering, "Go Cougars!"

"The Law"
Half Hour Single Camera
CAST:
Cedric the Entertainer: Cedric Battiste
John Amos: Charles
Ryan Devlin: Michael
Donald Faison: Dan
Madchen Amick: Liz
Larry Joe Campbell: Sgt. Carl Tucker
Mercedes Masohn: Deputy Theresa Ramirez

CREDITS:
Production Companies: ABC Studios, DreamWorks Television
Executive Producers/Writer: Bob Fisher
Executive Producer/Co-Writer: Cedric the Entertainer
Executive Producers: Darryl Frank, Justin Falvey, Eric Rhone
Director: TBD

They're the few. They're the proud. They're the reserves. Cops, that is. In this comedy of errors, get a glimpse into the lives of the L.A. County Sherriff's Dept. Reserves. These weekend warriors may stumble now and again, but at the end of the day, they get the job done.

Gardening store owner, Cedric Battiste (Cedric the Entertainer) is one of the best Deputy Reserve Sheriffs around. On the weekends he lives to serve and protect, but during the week, Cedric works full-time selling marigolds and shoveling manure. And the manure's definitely gonna fly when Cedric gets stuck with a bunch of rookie reservists. Dan's a high-strung orthodontist. Michael's a graphic artist with a disturbing encyclopedic knowledge of cop shows. And Liz is a wealthy, bored housewife who's a tomboy at heart. At first the reservists are so amazingly incompetent that it looks like they have badges and guns and not a whole lot else to offer. But after Liz manages to sweet talk Cedric's crabby dad, an unhappily retired police captain, Cedric decides to give them a break. And when all three of them help Cedric bring down a snobby restaurant robber, it might just be the beginning of a beautiful partnership... times three.

Co-written by stand-up phenomenon Cedric the Entertainer, along with legendary writer/producer Bob Fisher (Alice), Cedric the Entertainer stars in The Law, a wild single-camera comedy that's a little Hill Street Blues, a little Barney Miller and a little Reno 9-1-1. From co-executive producers Charles Segars (National Treasure) and United States of Tara's Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey comes this year's comedy that really lays down the law.

"The Middle"
Half Hour Single Camera
CAST:
Patricia Heaton: Frankie Heck
Neil Flynn: Mike Heck
Charlie McDermott: Axel
Eden Sher: Sue
Atticus Shaffer: Brick
CREDITS:
Production Company: Warner Bros. Television
Executive Producers/Writers: Eileen Heisler, DeAnn Heline
Director: Julie Ann Robinson

Forget about athletes, movie stars and politicians. Parents are the real heroes – but Frankie Heck (Patricia Heaton), well she's some kind of superhero. A loving wife and mother of three, she's middle class in the middle of the country and is rapidly approaching middle age.

Frankie and her husband, Mike, have lived in Jasper, Indiana their whole lives. A man of few words (every one a zinger), Mike is a manager at the town quarry and Frankie is the third-best used car salesman (out of the three) at the local dealership. She may not be a high-powered career woman, but when it comes to her family, she'll go to just about any length. And with kids like these, she had better. There's Axel, her semi-nudist teenage son conceived with Guns N' Roses playing a significant role; Sue, the awkward teenage daughter who fails at everything with great gusto; and their seven-year-old son Brick, whose best friend is his back-pack.

From executive producers/writers Eileen Heisler and DeAnn Heline (How I Met Your Mother, Committed, Murphy Brown) comes a single-camera comedy about raising a family and lowering your expectations.

"No Heroics"
Half Hour Single Camera
CAST:
Paul Campbell: Pete aka Chillout
Eliza Coupe: Callie aka Crossfade
Tom Riley: Nigel aka Brainstorm
Freddie Prinze Jr.: Bradley aka Infinitum
Arielle Kebbel: Sandy aka Slamazon

CREDITS:
Production Companies: ABC Studios, Tiger Aspect Productions
Executive Producers/Writers: Drew Pearce, Jeff Greenstein
Executive Producer: Andrew Zein
Director: Andy Flemming

Welcome to a world where there are Super Heroes and some uh, well... Not-So-Super Heroes. And when you're on the Super Hero D-list, being a caped crusader isn't all it's cracked up to be.

Take Pete A.K.A. Chillout who may not be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, but can he can make ice cubes in a single malt scotch. At least he's a hit at parties. Nigel A.K.A. Brainstorm can read your mind... that is if he's really, really close to you and he's in the mood. Other than that, his super powers are limited to lightning-fast insults – he is British, after all. Then there's Callie A.K.A. Crossfade. Okay, sure, she's cool, but her days as a Super Hero child star have left her bitter and jaded. Sandy A.K.A. Slamazon is crazy strong. Unfortunately, powerful women scare men, so she hasn't had a decent date in years. Never before has a group of super heroes been such a bunch of super zeroes. Together, they hang out at The Watchtower, a bar for super-types where they hurl insults at more successful heroes, like Bradley A.K.A. Infinitum, a square-jawed, square-brained super stud.

Based on the hit British series, No Heroics is a single-camera comedy adapted by Jeff Greenstein (Will and Grace) along with Andrew Zein and original show creator Drew Pearce. These four heroically-challenged friends may not have much going for them, but you never know when we might need them.

"Pulling"
Half Hour Single Camera
CAST:
Lindsay Sloane: Donna
Majandra Delfino: Louise
Mary Elizabeth Ellis: Karen
Charlie Finn: Karl

CREDITS:
Production Companies: ABC Studios, Francie Calfo Productions
Executive Producer/Writer: Stacy Traub
Executive Producers: Francie Calfo, Sharon Horgan, Dennis Kelly
Director: Elliot Hegarty

Boyfriends may come and go, but girlfriends are forever. When three almost-thirty-something best friends find themselves single again, they move in together and live it up as only three Philly girls can.

Donna, Louise and Karen have lived in Philly their whole lives and have been friends for almost as long. No matter what's happened in their lives, they've always been there for each other. Now facing their thirties, they're beginning to wonder just what it is exactly that they have to show for it. Ballsy Karen just gave up her apartment, but can't find a new one since landlords only want couples. Beautiful, but neurotic Donna is suffering a serious mid-relationship crisis regarding her fiancé Karl. And sweet, but slightly ditzy Louise is finally in a relationship... unfortunately, it's sex-free because her boyfriend is a reformed flasher. As Karen enlists her friends into her crazy schemes to secure her dream apartment, Donna finally decides that she has to let Karl go. Louise's boyfriend has the balls to dump her when she catches him flashing Karen's would-be landlady. Now the girls really need an apartment. These three girlfriends may not have anywhere to sleep just yet, but at least they know they've always got each other. Now if they could only find love.

Pulling is the blue-collar answer to Sex and the City. Stacy Taub (Notes from the Underbelly) adapts from Sharon Horgan and Dennis Kelly's hit British comedy of the same name. Every woman will identify with one of these three friends as they discover just how hilariously hard it really is to get a life.

"Singles with Baggage" (AKA: Threesome)
Half Hour Multi Camera
CAST:
Eric Christian Olsen: Shawn
Alyssa Milano: Rebecca
Kyle Bornheimer: Perry
Kelly Stables: Lisa
Sierra McCormick: Scout
Camden Palmisano: Justin

CREDITS:
Production Company: Warner Bros. Television
Executive Producer/Writer: Ricky Blitt
Director: James Burrows
What does it take for a bro to become a man? When an underachiever meets the girl of his dreams, he's going to have to figure out how to man up, keep the girl, all without losing his best bro.

Shawn hasn't quite got his life all figured out. An aspiring writer and reluctant telemarketer, he's been living with his friend Perry in the hope that it will allow him to write the great American novel. This works out well for Perry, who's been feeling a little clingy since his ex dumped him – over a year ago. But when Shawn meets Rebecca, his laid-back lifestyle is about to get a real shake-up. Rebecca is everything Shawn has been looking for. She's beautiful, successful, and totally gets his wry sense of humor. She's also got a few things he wasn't looking for – like an ex-husband and two kids. Normally this would be the kiss of death for a commitment-phobic, responsibility-avoiding, underachiever, but Shawn thinks he might just be ready for a woman like Rebecca, insta-family and all. However, the big question is, can he start a life with the woman of his dreams without breaking up his 'bromance' with Perry?

A multi-camera comedy created by Family Guy's Ricky Blitt, Singles with Baggage is both hopelessly romantic and bitingly funny. It's hard to find a balance between being a dude and being a man, but sometimes a guy's gotta do what a guy gotta to do... just as soon as he figures out what exactly that is.

"This Little Piggy"
Half Hour Multi Camera
CAST:
Kevin Rahm: Henry
Andrea Parker: Sarah
Jeff B. Davis: Eric
Rebecca Creskoff: TBD

CREDITS:
Production Company: ABC Studios
Writers: Brian Bradley, Steven Cragg
Executive Producer: Marco Pennette
Director: Andy Weyman

You can go home again, but what happens when three grown siblings all try to go home at once?

When Henry Graham inherited his parents' large, rambling Portland, Oregon house, he assured his pretentious brother Eric and flighty sister Janet that they were welcome any time... just not at the same time, and definitely not for good. Henry, his wife Sarah and their two kids, have already let Janet move in temporarily. After trying pottery, archery and being a Muslim, Janet recently announced to their young children that she's decided to try being a lesbian. Meanwhile, Henry's materialistic brother Eric shows up for a surprise visit with his WASP-y wife, Tina. It seems the free-spending pair have lost their summer house... along with their winter house, their designer appliances, their jet skis, and their show dogs. They've been living out of their tiny two-seater Jaguar while driving cross-country back to the only home they have left – Henry's. All Henry wants is a little peace and quiet and some time with his family. But now he has to give up the grown up wine party he's been planning since his squatter siblings are making him feel like a whiny little kid.

Can grown-up siblings who have grown apart find a little common ground without someone crying me, me, me all the way home? Come visit This Little Piggy, the outlandish family comedy from the minds of Steven Cragg and Brian Bradley (MAD TV).

"Untitled Anita Renfroe Project"
Half Hour Multi Camera
CAST:
Anita Renfroe: Anita
Ryan Stiles: Paul
Tucker Albrizzi: Michael
Spencer Breslin: Doug
TBA: Libby

CREDITS:
Production Companies: Sony Pictures Television, Tantamount
Executive Producer/Writer: Rob Hanning
Producer/Writer: Amy Welsh
Co-Story: Anita Renfroe
Executive Producers: Kim Tannenbaum, Eric Tannenbaum
Director: James Widdoes

Inside every harried, rumpled, over-worked mom is a phe-mom-enon just waiting to bust out. Like Anita Randall. She's a loving, devoted wife and mother, but she's also a raging estrogen crusader with a wicked wit and a lot of creative energy.

Anita may be married to her town's pastor, but for a minister's wife she's a bit unorthodox. She's an affectionate and protective mom, who, occasionally, may or may not throw out her children's artwork, accidentally-on-purpose. She's a loving wife, who happens to love her husband Paul way more than she loves his irritating mother. Anita's an independent spirit, but sometimes she can't help stumbling a little bit under the disapproving gaze of her husband's congregation. Luckily, her faith and family are always there to help her through. Just like other moms, she may sometimes feel like a misfit outside of her family, but she knows you can never underestimate the forgiving powers of the perfect pair of jeans.

Comedian and YouTube sensation Anita Renfroe stars in a family comedy that punctuates Anita's funny everyday life with pops of hilarious fantasy as we see Anita's imagination run wild. From Roseanne's Amy Welsh and Hope & Faith's Rob Hanning, Arrested Development's Mitch Hurwitz and Two and a Half Men's Kim and Eric Tannenbaum, comes a multi-camera, can't-miss comedy about one irreverent mom who puts family first – by whatever ridiculous means necessary.

"Untitled Jeff Strauss Project" (AKA: Don't Try This At Home)
Half Hour Multi Camera
CAST:
Matthew Lillard: Rob
Leah Remini: Jessica
Sam Schuder: Janey
Jonathan Silverman: Gordon
Janet Varney: Susan
Shaun Majumder: Jay
TBA: Christine

CREDITS:
Production Company: ABC Studios
Executive Producer/Writer: Jeff Strauss
Executive Producers: Mindy Schultheis, Michael Hanel
Director: Andy Cadiff

Just because you have kids, doesn't mean you stop being an adult. But it does mean all of your adult conversations are about the thrilling topics of carpool, soccer practice and potty training. For these couples, being parents is rewarding, but can they please just get a time out?!

Rob and his wife Jessica remember the days when they could actually have sex on a school night. Not anymore. With three kids and two careers, the only time they spend together in bed involves snoring. Turning to their best friends Gordon and Susan for advice on how to spice things up is useless. They're locked in a daily struggle trying to figure out if spanking is a good thing or the worst horror imaginable. And their soon-to-be-divorced friends, Jay and Christine, are now sleeping with each other more than when they were living together. Well if that isn't a ringing endorsement.

Parenthood meets Sex in the City in this outrageous new multi-camera comedy from Jeff Strauss (Friends) that proves getting a little one-on-one time in the middle of so much family time can be hilariously complicated.

"Untitled Kelsey Grammar Project" (AKA: The Pryors)
Half Hour Multi Camera
CAST:
Kelsey Grammer: Hank Pryor
David Koechner: Grady Funk
Melinda McGraw: Tilly Pryor
Macey Cruthird: Maddie Pryor
Ryan Wynott: Henry Pryor

CREDITS:
Production Companies: Warner Bros. Television, Good Humor Television
Executive Producers: Mike Clements, Tom Werner, Kelsey Grammer
Writer: Tucker Cawley
Director: James Burrows

Sometimes scaling back is the best way to get ahead. Wall Street legend Hank Pryor (Kelsey Grammer) and his wife Tilly have been living the high life in New York City. That is until Hank is forced out of his CEO job and has to move his family back home to the small town of River Bend.

A self-made man, Hank is used to running the show, but now that he's lost almost everything, can he learn how to hang with his family? The Pryors have had to seriously downsize their lives – even their king-sized bed won't fit in their modest new home. Tilly's not too pleased to be back in the same zip code as her family – especially her badgering brother Grady. Hank's offbeat son Henry worries about fitting in with a new crowd and his daughter Maddie would rather talk on her cell phone than be anywhere near her Dad. But every great businessman knows that the key to success is to turn setbacks into opportunities. Hank has big plans to get ahead in business... and to reconnect with his family. It may take a while for an industrial giant to figure out how to mingle with the little people – like his family – but Hank's up for the challenge. Like that smaller bed... Turns out that wasn't such a bad idea after all.

Starring Kelsey Grammer (Frasier), this hilarious family comedy mixes genuine, heart-warming moments with Grammer's trademark blustery humor. The series is written by Everybody Loves Raymond's three-time Emmy Award-winner Tucker Cawley, and co-executive produced by Grammer along with The Life & Times of Tim's Mike Clements and Tom Werner.

After many years of living the so-called good life, the Pryor Family is about to discover that downsizing just might be the key to living it up!

"Untitled Lauren Graham Project" (AKA: The Bridget Show)
Half Hour Single Camera
CAST:
Lauren Graham: Bridget O'Shea
Lucy Davis: Lucy
Holly Robinson Peete: Macy
Jeffrey Tambor: Marty
Josh Braaten: Chris

CREDITS:
Production Companies: Sony Pictures Television, Tantamount
Executive Producer/Writer: Alex Herschlag
Executive Producers: Kim Tannenbaum, Eric Tannenbaum, Mitch Hurwitz
Director: Barry Sonnenfeld

What happens when a self-help guru needs more than a little help herself? Inspirational talk show host Bridget O'Shea followed her own best-selling advice to "let it go," and now has really let herself go.

Ten years after chasing her newsman boyfriend around the world and getting nowhere, Bridget has been left on her couch with no man, no job and no direction. Now the only friends Bridget has left are her long-suffering manager Marty and her beleaguered assistant Lucy, who stick with her through thick or thin – or as long as she keeps paying them.

But Bridget now has the second chance she's been hoping for – to unveil a chapter in her new self-help book... which she hasn't gotten around to writing. With the help of her ex's cousin, professional slacker Chris Hopper, Bridget is re-focused on scoring the comeback of the year, or just sabotaging her career yet again. Unfortunately, sometimes letting go is easier said than done.

Actress Lauren Graham (Gilmore Girls, Broadway's Guys & Dolls) stars as the advice-challenged guru in this single-camera comedy written by Alex Herschlag (Will & Grace), who will executive produce along with Eric Tannenbaum, Kim Tannenbaum (Two and a Half Men) and Mitch Hurwitz (Arrested Development). It just proves that even the people who are supposed to have the answers may not quite have it all figured out.

"Untitled Lloyd & Levitan Project" (AKA: An American Family)
Half Hour Single Camera
CAST:
Ed O'Neill: Jay
Sofia Vergara: Gloria
Jesse Tyler Ferguson: Mitchell
Eric Stonestreet: Cameron
Ty Burrell: Phil
Julie Bowen: Claire
Sarah Hyland: Haley
Rico Rodriguez: Manny
Nolan Gould: Luke
Ariel Winter: Alex

CREDITS:
Production Company: 20th Century Fox Television
Executive Producer/Writer: Steve Levitan, Christopher Lloyd
Director: Jason Winer

When the Pritchett-Delgado-Dunphy family agrees to be interviewed by a documentary crew, they have no idea just how much they're about to reveal about themselves.

Family patriarch Jay Pritchett met the stunning Columbian Gloria Delgado when she bartended in a bikini at the pool party he threw for himself the day his wife left him. Now Jay and Gloria are married and Jay tries hard to keep up with his much younger – and hotter – wife and her passionate teenage son, Manny. Jay's daughter, Claire, is having a hard time raising her own family. Her husband Phil is great, except for the fact that he thinks he's "down" with their teenage kids, much to their embarrassment. Claire's brother Mitchell and his enthusiastic partner Cameron have just adopted Lily, a precious little baby girl from Vietnam. But when everyone gets together, things are bound to get awkward. Especially after Claire and Mitchell hilariously bag on everyone else in the family while they change the baby's diaper. Oops! Too bad they forgot about Lily's baby monitor. But that's the thing about family: no matter how badly you behave, hopefully they'll forgive... or maybe even forget.

In the tradition of The Office, this engaging new comedy offers a 'mockumentary' view into the complicated, messy, loving life of a modern day super-extended family. Steven Levitan (Just Shoot Me) and Christopher Lloyd (Frasier) invite you into the sometimes warm and sometimes twisted embrace of someone else's family.

"Untitled Tad Quill Project"
Half-Hour Multi-Camera
CAST:
Eric McCormack: Dean
Reno Wilson: Seth
Jolie Jenkins: Tess
Constance Zimmer: Amy

CREDITS:
Production Company: ABC Studios
Executive Producer/Writer: Tad Quill
Director: Marc Buckland

Lifelong friends, Seth and Dean are the same age, but that doesn't mean they're at the same point in life. While one is about to become an empty-nester, one is about to become a first-time-father. They're two friends trying to survive two completely different types of mid-life crisis.

Dean (Will & Grace's Eric McCormack) has always taken the responsible route. He put himself through med-school. He took his time to marry the right woman. And finally, at 40, his beautiful wife Tess and he will have their first baby. His best friend, Seth did things a little differently. He never finished college after he got his wife Amy pregnant when they were still pretty much kids themselves. Finally, after 20 years, his kids have moved out and he's looking forward to going on a permanent adult spring break. While Doctor Dean smugly assumes he knows everything there is to know about babies – without ever actually having had one, Seth makes big plans to revel in his new-found freedom – alone. But it doesn't take long before Dean realizes he could really use Seth's parenting expertise and Seth realizes that living the good life isn't all that much fun without your best friend to share it with.

From Emmy-nominated executive producer/writer Tad Quill (Spin City, Scrubs, Dirty Sexy Money) and Emmy-winning director Marc Buckland (My Name Is Earl) comes a refreshingly funny multi-camera comedy about two best friends who discover that the only way they're going to get through middle age gracefully, is by doing it together

Drama Pilots
Captain Cook's Extraordinary Atlas
1 Hour
CAST:
Jodelle Ferland: Gwen Malloy
Jonathan Cake: Bishop
Nathan Gamble: Poe Malloy

CREDITS:
Production Company: Warner Bros. Television
Executive Producer/Writer: Tom Wheeler

For years it has been rumored that one of the greatest adventurers in history, Captain James Cook documented only a portion of his amazing voyages in the diary he presented to King George VI, secreting his most wondrous discoveries away in a second extraordinary atlas. This legendary atlas is said to have documented a fantastical world of adventure and magic that exists right beside our own. This elusive book has allegedly been passed down from one navigator to the next for centuries... finally finding its way into the hands of our heroine Gwen Malloy. But unlike the famed adventurers that have preceded her, our heroine is only 13-years-old.

This daring, unprecedented fantasy drama combines the action and humor of the Harry Potter movies with the mystical frights of Pan's Labyrinth. With its humor, suspense and sophistication, this fantasy adventure has a strong adult appeal, while also being an accessible family-friendly show.

Quirky Gwen isn't like most 13-year-old girls: she yearns for something more in life. And after she finds Captain Cook's Extraordinary Atlas,she is certainly going to get what she wished for. The Atlas will lead Gwen on many adventures, to a variety of strange lands – some wonderful, some terrifying. Thankfully, she doesn't always have to go alone. Her only real comrade in arms turns out to be an Indiana Jonesish rogue named Bishop, who has grudgingly vowed to help Gwen stay out of trouble – both in this world and the other one. But keeping her adventures a secret from her family may prove harder than anticipated as deep mysteries surrounding her roots and her future open up before her.

Legions of fans both old and young will tune in each week to join Gwen on another journey of discovery into unknown realms... as one more glowing page turns in Captain Cook's Extraordinary Atlas.

Eastwick
1 Hour
CAST:
Rebecca Romijn: Roxanne Torcoletti
Lindsay Price: Joanna Frankel
Jamie Ray Newman: Kat Gardener
Paul Gross: Darryl Van Horne
Sarah Rue: Penny
Ashley Benson: Mia Torcoletti
Jon Bernthal: Raymond
Johann Urb: Will
Veronica Cartwright: Bun

CREDITS:
Executive Producer/Writer: Maggie Friedman
Production Company: Warner Brothers Television
Director: David Nutter

Single-handedly, housewives accomplish astonishing things... and together, watch out. In the seaside village of Eastwick, this might just be evidence of their inner-witch rising to the surface.

Until today, Roxanne, Kat and Joanna didn't get along because of their preconceived notions of each other. Roxanne was the flaky artist, Kat was a doormat wife and mom, and Joanna the uptight local reporter. But after a weird encounter in the park coupled with a few margaritas, these three have suddenly become fast friends. Now, a mysterious stranger's arrival in town will bring them even closer and test them in ways they'd never imagined. Daryl Van Horne is an irresistible package of wealth, charisma and bad boy sex appeal. If he's not buying up a local business, he's attempting to seduce one (or all) of these ladies, physically and professionally. What's even more dangerous, he's unleashing their supernatural powers. But by igniting their heart's desires, he might just be opening Pandora's box. This small New England town will be turned upside down by these witches coming into their own. Though bad for a few locals, it's still the best thing to happen in Eastwick in centuries.

The X-Files director/producer David Nutter and writer Maggie Friedman (Once and Again) conjure up a devilish blend of Desperate Housewives and Charmed that explores the hidden depths of women. Based on John Updike's celebrated best-seller and the hit movie, Eastwick is brimming with romance, mystery and wicked charm, offering a tempting vision of the ultimate wish-fulfillment fantasy.

Empire State
1 Hour
CAST:
Michael Vogel: Sam Cochrane
Beau Garrett: Annabelle Maddox
David Morse: James Cochrane
Michael Nouri: Victor Maddox
Mel Raido: Wesley Maddox
David Call: Davis Cochrane
Tammy Blanchard: Beth Cochrane
Gail O'Grady: Laurel Cochrane
Kathleen Quinlan: Colleen Cochrane
Ana de la Reguera: Ellen Cochrane

CREDITS:
Production Company: ABC Studios
Executive Producer/Writer: Michael Seitzman
Executive Producers: Mark Gordon, Deb Spera, Henry Brommell
Director: Jeremy Podeswa

The rich and powerful Maddox family practically owns New York City. But the Cochrane family has built it with their blood, sweat and tears. As they've literally changed the shape of the Manhattan skyline, these two families have become intricately – and intimately – intertwined.

The three Cochrane brothers, responsible eldest brother Jimmy, screw-up Davis and motivated Sam, have steel in their blood. Their father James runs the local steel worker's union and pulled all three of his boys into the family trade. James couldn't be prouder that Sam also put himself through college and is headed to Columbia Law School. But when James includes him in union negotiations with the powerful Maddox family, the wall between the blue-collar Cochranes and the elite Maddox' starts to crumble. The family patriarchs share a grudging respect for one another – and a serious grudge. Despite the families' long-standing feud, Sam is quite taken with Victor Maddox's beautiful and sharp daughter Annabelle. Corporate greed and the union negotiations are already causing animosity. What makes things worse, an 'accident' at one of the Maddox' building sites kills Jimmy Cochrane, leaving his young, pregnant wife a widow. Now, old wounds are reopened, passions are reignited, secrets are exposed and all bets are off. Caught in the middle, star-crossed lovers Sam and Annabelle struggle to find their place... both in their own lives and within their opposing families. But together, they might transform the city they love forever.

From executive producer Mark Gordon (Grey's Anatomy) and acclaimed writer Michael Seitzman (North Country) comes a modern Romeo and Juliet family drama about love, power and betrayal.

Flash Forward
1 Hour
CAST:
Joseph Fiennes: Mark Benford
Sonya Walger: Olivia Benford
John Cho: Dominic Witten
Jack Davenport: Lloyd Simcoe
Brian O'Byrne: Aaron Stark
Courtney B. Vance: Stan Wedeck
Christine Woods: Janis Hawk
Zachary Knighton: Bryce Varley
Peyton List: Nicole

CREDITS:
Production Company: ABC Studios
Executive Producers/Writers: David Goyer, Brannon Bragga
Executive Producers: Jessika Goyer, Vince Gerardis
Director: David Goyer

What if you were shown a glimpse of your future, but didn't like what you saw? How hard would you fight and what would you sacrifice to keep it from coming true?

When an unexplained, cataclysmic event knocks out the entire population of the world at the exact same moment, for two minutes and 17 seconds, everyone will see a glimpse of their own future. Then they will wake up to chaos. From his flash forward, LA FBI Agent Mark Benford is able to piece together the 'when' – April 29, 2010, but he's desperate to figure out the 'why' and stop what's coming – because it's a future he doesn't want to see. In the future, Mark's beloved wife has left him for the father of one of her patients. He's started drinking again, his loyal partner's been murdered and masked operatives are hunting him down. Before long, everyone starts asking themselves and each other, "What did you see?" As Mark and his team struggle to figure out what caused this bizarre event and wonder will it happen again, the only thing they have to go on is a huge mosaic of people's flash forwards.

Adapting award-winning science fiction author Robert J. Sawyer's revolutionary novel, executive producers David S. Goyer (The Dark Knight) and Brannon Braga (24, Star Trek: Enterprise) invite us to flash forward into a thrilling vision of a world held captive by events that have not yet taken place. No one knows for certain what the future holds, but everyone will have their theories.

The Forgotten
1 Hour
CAST:
Rupert Penry-Jones: Alex Donovan
Rochelle Aytes: Detective Grace Olivo
Anthony Carrigan: Tyler Davies
Reiko Aylesworth: Linda Manning
Michelle Borth: Candace Butler
Bob Stephenson: Walter Bailey

CREDITS:
Production Companies: Warner Bros. Television, Jerry Bruckheimer Television
Executive Producer/Writer: Mark Friedman
Executive Producers: Jerry Bruckheimer, Jonathan Littman
Executive Producer/Director: Danny Cannon

Gone but not forgotten. That's what they say. But what if a killer took your life – and your name? Every city has its share of unidentified murder victims. When standard police procedure fails to give them a name, that's when the Identity Network steps in.

A group of dedicated, amateur detectives, the members of the Identity Network attempt to reconstruct the pieces of these John and Jane Doe's lives from what little evidence is left behind. Each episode is narrated by a "body" who watches the team as they pursue the tantalizingly difficult challenge of figuring out who this victim once was. Why would anyone volunteer for such a grim task? As new recruit Tyler Davies quickly discovers, each of the members of the team has his or her own reasons for volunteering for the Network. Alex Donovan is a former cop, whose 11-year-old daughter was kidnapped and has never been found. Linda Manning, the woman who runs the network from her home, is a virtual recluse whose husband is a convicted murderer. Walter Bailey does stake outs – when he's not blowing his cover. Candace Butler hates her day job. She also happens to have a special gift for putting people at ease – even the prickly Tyler, a talented sculptor with a background in forensics. Follow these committed amateur investigators as they race against time to piece together the stories of these dead people's lives – and ultimately, hopefully, their murders.

The Forgotten is an evocative and powerful new procedural combining the victims' flashbacks with the team's emotional drive to bring them justice. Together with writer Mark Friedman, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Danny Cannon (CSI) deliver the most mesmerizing crime drama of the season.

Happy Town
1 Hour / 2-Hour Pilot

CAST:
Geoff Stults: Tommy Conroy
Lauren German: Henley
Amy Acker: Rachel Conroy
Sam Neill: Merritt Grieves
Dean Winters: John Haplin
John Patrick Amedori: Andrew Haplin
Sarah Gadon: Georgia Bravin
Jay Paulson: Eli 'Root Beer' Rogers
Robert Wisdom: Roger Hobbs

CREDITS:
Production Company: ABC Studios
Executive Producers/Writers: Josh Applebaum, Andre Nemec, Scott Rosenberg
Director: Gary Fleder

For the past seven years Haplin, Minnesota's lived up to its nickname, Happy Town. Even the air is sweet with the smell of bread from the industrial bakery. Unfortunately, everything is about to change.

Seven years ago, an unknown psycho, nick-named "The Magic Man" kidnapped seven children before Sheriff Griffin Conroy chased him away. But the discovery of a local's gruesome murder and the disappearance of a new child have everyone whispering the Magic Man is back. Now, Mayor Haplin has ordered Deputy Tommy Conroy to replace his father as Sheriff – whether he wants the job, or not. Tommy knows better than to cross the town royalty, whose bakery employs half the town, including his wife. As Tommy begins investigating, his friends and neighbors become suspects and the quiet small town life he's always cherished begins to sour. But Tommy's not the only one investigating Haplin. A mysterious young woman has just arrived in town, and she's quietly searching for answers about her family's history with the residents of Happy Town.

From the executive producers of October Road and Life on Mars,comes the enthralling new drama, Happy Town. In the sleepy little hamlet of Haplin, Minnesota, not all secrets have been put to rest.

Inside the Box
1-Hour
CAST:
Indira Varma: Catherine Powell
Martin Henderson: Jake Fisher
Jason George: Kyle Chisholm
Jennifer Finnigan: Lauren Thomas
Kim Raver: Samantha Hathaway
Lloyd Owen: Kenneth Donnegan
Sarah Drew: Molly

CREDITS:
Production Companies: ABC Studios, ShondaLand
Executive Producer/Writer: Richard Robbins
Executive Producers: Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers
Director: Mark Tinker

Welcome to the fast-paced, cutthroat world of network news. CNS is a hotbed of professional backstabbing and personal betrayals. The only way to survive here is through strength, talent and friendship.

When the DC Bureau Chief retires, everyone assumes that Catherine Powell is a shoe-in for his job. She's dedicated and savvy and she practically runs the newsroom already. So no one is more shocked than Catherine when the board passes her over in favor of the charismatic, but shallow Englishman, Kenneth Donnegan. Kenneth welcomes Catherine to stay onboard as part of his team – but he makes it clear that it's his team. There's no way Catherine's going to take this lying down. She quickly pulls together an investigative team of her own, including her loyal, right-hand man Jake Fisher and talented, but brutally ambitious reporter, Samantha Hathaway. As they pursue a hot lead that takes them deep into the halls of Congress, their newly-appointed White House correspondent Kyle Chisolm is working his own angle. He wants to keep his dream job and keep dating White House Press Secretary Lauren Thomas on the down low. Although, it's going to be a lot harder to keep it secret now that she's pregnant.

Broadcast News combines with The West Wing for a deliciously addictive new relationship drama. Watching these brilliant, but scheming minds compete as they face tough personal choices and serious ethical dilemmas is a major adrenaline rush. As Catherine quickly discovers, in the competitive world of investigative reporting, your friends are only one betrayal away from becoming enemies. Shonda Rhimes, creator of Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice invites you Inside The Box.

Limelight
1 Hour
CAST:
Sharon Leal: Nina Khari
Brooklyn Sudano: Jazz Barkley
Kyle Riabko: Eddie
Shannon Marie Woodward: Zoe
Robbie Jones: Xavier Davis
Telly Leung: Kevin Cotton
Noah Gray-Cabey: Romeo
Oded Fehr: Vincent Marlowe
Jessy Schram: Georgia Beech
Matt Davis: David Laddeman

CREDITS:
Production Company: Warner Bros. Television
Executive Producer/Writer: K.J. Steinberg
Executive Producer: McG, Leonard Goldberg
Consulting Producer: Pharrell Williams
Director: David Semel

Almost everyone wants to be famous, but few possess the talent, drive and luck to make their dream come true. At NYC's Paige Academy of Performing Arts (PAPA), one of the most prestigious performing arts colleges in the country, getting past the brutal audition process is just the beginning. The few who make it in face four years of hard work, sacrifice and pain. Some of these young hopefuls are bound to get broken along the way, but a few are destined for stardom.

When they were eight-years-old, shy but surprisingly talented Zoe and her golden boy best friend (and secret crush) Eddie made a pact to audition for PAPA together. Now that they're here, they're up against fierce competition, like Georgia, a Britney Spears wannabe with talent and drive to burn, who definitely catches Eddie's eye. There's also amazing hip hop dancer Kevin, who has nowhere else to go, and Romeo, a musician and street kid who wants to get in for his talent, not for his story. And then there's Jazz, a dancer who's secretly hoping to reconnect with her birth mother. These young hopefuls auditioning for the school aren't the only ones with troubles. Newly-appointed artistic director David Laddeman has always played second fiddle to his best friend, megalomaniac Vincent Marlowe (think Simon Cowell times 10). When Vincent leaves to star in a movie, it looks like David can finally run things his way – and try to woo Vincent's ex-wife, famous choreographer Nina Khari. But when Vincent blows his big comeback, he returns to the school with a vengeance.

Fame heads to college in this sexy new ensemble drama from mega-talents producer McG, music producer Pharrell and choreographer Fatima Robinson. This school is definitely going to rock as it puts the dreamers right where they belong... in the Limelight.

See Kate Run
1 Hour
CAST:
Amy Smart: Kate Sullivan
Liza Lapira: Ellie Wong
Ben Feldman: Chief ADA Dan Carver
Ricky Worthy: DA Bruce Jenkins
Marc Blucas: Jack Brookshire

CREDITS:
Production Company: ABC Studios
Executive Producer/Writer: John Scott Shepherd
Executive Producer: Matt Gross
Director: Dean Parisot

How did good time girl Kate Sullivan become a serious contender for President of the United States? To find out, flashback 20 years and watch her as a young, not-so-promising prosecutor.

Kate's roommate, coworker and competitive best friend Ellie is a rising star in the District Attorney's office. Kate, on the other hand, thinks of her public service job as a step-ladder to happily ever after - preferably with her main squeeze, hot shot ADA Dan. It's not that Kate lacks talent; it's just that she's determined not to make the same mistakes as her overly-career-driven mother. When her boss throws her a high-profile drug case, though, expecting her to lose and take one for the team, Kate begins to rethink her career goals. A not-so-chance encounter with legendary campaign manager Jack Brookshire inspires her even more. It turns out he knows all about Kate and wants her to run for Congress. Finding someone who thinks she's got the right stuff lights a fire in her, and with a few out-of-the-box tactics, Kate wins not only her case, but also the hearts of the people of Boston. Jump forward to election day, 20 years in the future, Kate is poised to become the first woman president of the United States, but... just who is the father of her fifteen-year-old daughter Sarah?

Ally McBeal takes on The West Wing in this witty romantic dramedy from the creator of The Days,one of the executive producers of Dirty Sexy Money and the director of Galaxy Quest. As Kate tries to find a balance between her desire for both a fulfilling career and a happy home life, watch how she transforms from a frivolous party girl into a front-runner. You'll definitely want to... See Kate Run.

Solving Charlie
1 Hour
CAST:
Jimmy Wolk: Charlie Hudson
Dakota Goyo: Charlie Hudson II
Brad William Henke: Tom Taylor
Dania Ramirez: Veronica King
Patrick St. Esprit: Lt.

CREDITS:
Production Company: ABC Studios
Executive Producer/Writer: Daniel Cerone
Executive Producer: Francie Calfo
Director: Greg Hoblit

The trick to solving puzzles is seeing the little clues that other people miss. Officer Charlie Hudson does not have this talent. He's perfectly happy in his low-level position in property crimes, but when he gets stuck with the genius little brother he never knew he had, Hudson is about to see the world in a whole new way.

Hudson's father abandoned him when he was five-years-old, so he's shocked to discover that his recently deceased Dad left him the bulk of his estate – including guardianship of his 10-year-old half brother – who also happens to be named Charlie. Hudson is a master of avoiding responsibility, so he's not about to take on a kid his dad apparently viewed as his replacement. He starts looking for a decent foster family for Charlie, but the boy is quickly enthralled with his older brother – especially his super-cool job as a detective. Genius Charlie recently graduated high school, so he's free to tag along with Hudson on his first – and probably last – homicide investigation, which everyone else believes is a suicide. That is, until Charlie notices the partially eaten piece of cake beside the victim's body. As Hudson and Charlie slowly work the case together, Hudson can't help beginning to grow fond of the boy. He doesn't completely feel up to the task of raising a child, but then again, he didn't think he had what it took to be a detective, either. After Hudson successfully solves his first case and saves Charlie from the clutches of a deadly killer, one thing becomes clear: Hudson and Charlie are a team.

From Daniel Cerone, co-executive producer of Dexter comes a charming and original new crime drama that deftly mixes Psych's weekly procedural with the warmth and humor of About a Boy. Who needs Charlie's Angels, when the two Charlies are on the case?

Untitled David Hemingson Project 2.0
1 Hour
CAST:
Matt Long: Dylan Hewitt
Ben Lawson: Liam Priory
Tina Majorino: Addy Fisher
Norbert Leo Butz: Rowdy Kaiser
Leah Pipes: Beth Bancroft
Billy Zane: Cliff Huddle
Sherri Saum: Susan Openheim
Clancy Brown: Hart Sterling

CREDITS:
Production Company: 20th Century Fox Television
Executive Producer/Writer: David Hemingson
Director: Michael Fresco

Sterling Law is one of L.A.'s most prestigious law firms. Each year it recruits four new young lawyers from the finest law schools worldwide. It will nurture, guide and shape these recruits into the best damned lawyers they can possibly be – or else.

This year the lucky four are Dylan, a blue collar kid made-good; Addy, a sweet mid-Westerner with a lethal legal mind; Beth, a brilliant Brentwood babe; and Liam, an Australian with serious drive. Sterling Law is under the control of ruthless senior partner Cliff Huddle (Billy Zane), aka "The Prince of Darkness." But when legendary partner Hart Sterling returns to the firm after a long hiatus caring for his dying wife, he's ready to shake things up. The only way for these first years to survive being caught in the middle of this major power struggle is to support each other, even as they compete against one another in the cutthroat arena of corporate law. They discover unlikely allies in their mercurial recruiter Rowdy and litigating whirlwind Susan, who is Cliff's icy, but talented wife. Dylan also manages to make a deeper connection with an ace paralegal named Addy, but every alliance at Sterling is complicated. Addy is drawn to Dylan, but it seems she hasn't quite broken off her affair with Cliff.

The complex personal and professional lives of Grey's Anatomy's interns combine with the high-stakes world of L.A. Law in this sharp dramedy from David Hemingson, co-executive producer of How I Met Your Mother. Greed, betrayal, illegal acts; it's all a part of being a first year associate at Sterling Law. Law school definitely didn't prepare them for this.

V
1 Hour
CAST:
Elizabeth Mitchell: Erica Evans
Joel Gretsch: Father Jack Lowery
Scott Wolf: Chad Decker
Logan Huffman: Tyler Evans
Morris Chestnut: Ryan Nichols
Morena Baccarin: Anna

CREDITS:
Production Company: Warner Bros. Television
Executive Producer/Writer: Scott Peters
Executive Producer: Jace Hall
Director: Yves Simoneau

Today, the world woke up to find spaceships over every major city. The Visitors claim to have come in peace, bringing gifts of medical miracles and technological breakthroughs. They promise to do no harm. They're lying.

Most people believe the aliens have arrived just when we needed them most. We're eager to embrace their generous offers of help, but while tracking a terrorist cell, Homeland Security agent Erica Evans stumbles upon something far more sinister. When her partner tries to kill her, Erica discovers that the aliens have plans to infiltrate our governments and businesses, planting seeds for their plot to control mankind. Convincing anyone of the truth will be impossible because the Visitors have two powerful weapons. First, they've given the people faith with their reassuring presence and gifts. Second, they've rallied our youth. Thousands of teens, including Erica's son, have been recruited as 'Peace Ambassadors' but they're actually serving as unwitting spies. Erica's violent introduction to the truth thrusts her into the resistance movement, where she joins forces with Ryan, a rogue alien driven to save humanity. She'll have to balance her covert activities with her job, and her role as a mother, fighting to protect her son Tyler – even as he joins forces with the enemy.

From executive producer Scott Peters, Emmy-nominated creator of The 4400, comes a bold re-imagining of the sci-fi classic. Let the invasion begin.


MY PICKS: At this point, the shoe-ins for picksups look to be Cougar Town, The Middle, and Kelsey Grammar's new pilot. Besides that, anyone of them can make it. Singles with Baggage, Canned, and the Christopher Lloyd pilot all look like they could make it. When it comes to dramas, none of them are really standing out to me. I bet we'll see Captain Cook's make it, though, as this is its second year in pilot circulation. Flash Forward and The Forgotten look promising, as does Eastwick, Flash Forward, and Inside the Box.

What are your thoughts? Post below!