DVR: TV Network’s New Best Friend?

A recent Nielsen report on DVR viewing habits, discussed in this New York Times article, shows that 46 percent of the coveted 18-49 demographic still sits through ads when watching shows on DVR. Wait, what? Wasn’t DVR supposed to kill network television because viewers could skip the ads? That was the cry from the networks when DVR usage really took off a couple of years ago, but the numbers coming out now are painting a much better picture.

Nielsen now reports the Live +3 (live viewings plus DVR playback over the following 3 days when commercials are watched) in their final ratings reports, and it’s boosting the numbers of most shows. Grey’s Anatomy and House see the biggest increase in viewership, but shows that have middling (How I Met Your Mother) or struggling (Heroes) ratings are seeing significant increases that add value and keep them on the air. Whether it will be enough for Heroes looks iffy right now, but at least NBC has some good news from the Nielsen report, because “the Leno effect” is dragging them down five nights a week. According to the report, The Jay Leno Show is one of the few shows who’s +3 rating is actually lower than the Live rating. In other words, no one’s watching live and no one’s DVRing. Ouch.

And just why are shows getting such an increase from the +3 data? Why are 46% of viewers not taking advantage of the technology to skip the ads? Analysts say it’s force of habit/laziness. We’re used to sitting through commercials, and televison is a passive activity, so it takes an active choice to fast forward. Makes sense. I also posit that for some, just being able to watch a show on their schedule, rather than the network’s, is enough of a convenience that skipping the commercials is an afterthought.

On the other hand, I want both. I like being able to watch a show when I want to watch it, and I’m squarely in the 54% who do fast forward.  Most of the time. I have been known to go back and watch an ad that looks intriguing, like the new Apple commercial with PC touting Windows 7 and Mac taking us back in time to all the other Windows OS claims. I had to go back and find out why PC had a mullet and flip up sunglasses. It made me chuckle.

What about you? Are you a DVR addict? Do you fast forward through the ads, or is getting to watch a show when you want enough for you? Have you ever gone back to watch an ad that looked interesting?

Double TV Jeopardy

Every TV season new shows come and go – sometimes too quickly – while some returning shows fail to meet up to expectations of both the viewing audience and the powers that be at the networks. The reasons for these – shall we say – failures are varied, ranging from little to no publicity by their home network, extremely stiff timeslot competition, poor writing or production value, etc.

This year there are several new shows as well as a few returning series that are currently in jeopardy mainly because of low ratings. And, while I don’t watch all of the shows mentioned below, they are the series currently in double TV jeopardy.

First, let’s start with the new shows:

1. Three Rivers on CBS – The drama that should have taken over for ER in terms of gripping medical stories, likeable characters (for the most part) and a worthy cause (organ donation) has, unfortunately, flatlined. Much behind the scenes drama has taken place with this new Alex O’Loughlin vehicle – namely recasting, reshoots of the pilot and then a network decision to air episodes out of order. Not to mention tough competition in the 9 PM Sunday night timeslot and an unrelenting machine called Sunday football.

The show opened with 9.1 million viewers, sank to roughly 7.3 million viewers the following week and received around 7 million this past weekend. And, while these numbers aren’t awful, when compared to the oppositions’ ratings – it’s not good – and the networks “need” for the 18-49 year old market just isn’t helping this show along at all.

2. The Forgotten on ABC – Much like the show’s title this new Christian Slater-led series is being forgotten by the viewers simply because of poor advertising by its home network and tough competition in the form of Julianna Margulies and her new series The Good Wife on CBS.

The series opened fairly well with 9.5 million viewers, but has maintained an average of 7.6 million viewers for the last 3 airings. Again, these aren’t terrible numbers – especially in the age of countless viewing options – but it’s not going to be enough to keep the show on the radar for much longer, as if it was even on most viewers’ minds to begin with.

3. Trauma on NBC – This action-packed drama about emergency responders in San Francisco had an extensive publicity machine behind it (thank you, NBC, I think) with countless promotion on TV, the internet, billboards, radio commercials and much more. However, all that publicity has obviously turned viewers away as each week, since its debut, the show has sunk lower and lower in the ratings with its last two airings only garnering 5.5 million viewers. This show, unfortunately, is solely existing on life support now.

4. Eastwick on ABC – This new series based on the John Updike novel and the box office movie The Witches of Eastwick had a strong opening with 8.5 million viewers, but has dropped significantly each week since then. The network has recently stated it is sticking with the show right now, having no plans to cancel it despite the low ratings, but that assurance could easily vanish as quickly as any spell cast by the lovely witches in the series.

The returning shows that are facing serious problems are:

1. Dollhouse on FOX – The network recently announced they plan to air all 13 episodes of the second season of this new Joss Whedon creation; but given the fact not one episode thus far has cracked 3 million viewers (and even performed lower than the new Syfy series Stargate Universe), how can the network stand behind a series that obviously costs them more each week in production value than they are making back in advertising revenue. The ratings numbers simply don’t support a continuation of the series, but the network, for whatever reason, seems to be on the side of this series at least for now.

2. Cold Case on CBS – For a show that had always been a fairly strong performer for the eye network and has been on the air for 7seasons, the ratings slump that this cop drama has found itself in is a bit surprising. Part of the problem could be the weak lead-in from Three Rivers, the overruns of Sunday football, which is either bumping the airing of new episodes entirely, pushing into a later timeslot or the competition from other networks; but it just strikes odd that this show is under-performing.

3. Heroes on NBC – What was once a ratings giant for NBC, Heroes lost a huge portion of viewers during its very weak second and third seasons, driving fans away in droves. With the return of the show for its fourth (and probably final) season this fall, fans have seemingly given up on this band of super-powered humans; which is a shame, as the show has somewhat finally found its rudder and is drifting along in the choppy TV waters at a better pace. This revival of better storylines and focus is largely going unnoticed by the general viewing audience; especially when you consider the show has only averaged about 5.7 million viewers every week since its debut.

4. Smallville on the CW – This Superman-in-the-making series has been on the air for an astounding 9seasons and with its move to Friday nights, it would seem that the viewers (if not the network) has seen this move as the final nail in the coffin of the series’ longevity. Each week the show has averaged a disappointing 2.5 million viewers, making this probably the least watched season of the show’s history. Creatively the show may be moving closer and closer to the Superman legend, but it seems like too little too late, as the viewers have moved on. The Justice League, the Watchtower and even the impenetrable Lois Lane cannot seem to save this series that once was one of the cornerstones of this newly monikered network.

So, there you have it: A look at some of the shows that are in double jeopardy at the major networks. They certainly aren’t the only ones “on the bubble” or simply waiting for the cancellation axe to fall, and they won’t be the last. It will be up to each shows diehard fans to make a stand for each series, for the networks to take another chance on them or for the fates to play their hand, ending each one as painlessly (hopefully) as possible.

Are there any new or returning shows that you are concerned about? NGTV would love to hear your thoughts.

Fresh Faces for Fall

With the bulk of the fall shows on the major networks ready to either debut or make their season premieres this week, we here at NiceGirls thought it would be a good idea to focus on some of the fresh new faces that will be gracing our TV screens. Some of these newcomers have been ‘around for awhile’ (but still are only somewhat recognized by audiences) while some are getting their first big break with new or returning series.

Rueben’s Fresh Faces for Fall

Archie Panjabi (The Good Wife) – This new series will debut on CBS on Tuesday, September 22 at 10 PM. Archie Panjabi, best known for her role as Pinky in the big screen movie Bend It Like Beckham, plays Kalinda, the in-house investigator for the law firm featured prominently in the series. (CBS)

Zachary Knighton (FlashForward) – Making its series premiere on ABC on Thursday, September 24 at 8 PM, this much-anticipated series chronicles the events that take place after every person on the planet blacks out for 2 minutes and 17 seconds, seeing glimpses of their lives 6 months in the future. Zachary will play Dr. Bryce Varley.  He was last seen in the horror movie The Hitcher with Sophia Bush (One Tree Hill). (ABC)

Christine Woods (FlashForward) – Newcomer Christine Woods will also star in FlashForward when it debuts on ABC on September 24 at 8 PM, playing FBI agent Janis Hawk. She had a recurring role in the short-lived series Welcome to the Captain. (ABC)

Tabrett Bethell (Legend of the Seeker) – Tabrett will be joining the syndicated series Legend of the Seeker when it returns for its second season on November 7 (check your local listings for time and channel), portraying the Mord Sith, Cara, who will be a new traveling companion to Richard, Kahlan and Zed. Tabrett has two Australian films and theatre work under her belt; but this is her first big TV role. (Syndicated)

Agam Darshi (Sanctuary) – Agam will portray Kate Freelander, a swindler, con artist and theif who finds an unlikely alliance with Dr. Magnus (Amanda Tapping) on Sanctuary, which returns for its second season on Syfy on October 9 at 10 PM.  She has previously been see in the box office movie Snakes on a Plane. (SyFy)

Christopher J. Hanke (Three Rivers) – As an accomplished theater actor, Christopher has performed on Broadway in numerous plays, including Rent and Cry Baby.  But , this is his first foray into television.  He will play Ryan Abbot, an inexperienced new transplant coordinator for the preeminent transplant hospital in the country, located in Pittsburgh for which provides the show its name.  Three Rivers will have its series premiere on October 4 at 9 PM. (CBS)

David Blue (Stargate Universe) – Being best known for his recurring roles on Ugly Betty and Moonlight, David will be seen in the much-hyped Syfy series Stargate Universe, starring as Eli Wallace a technology wunderkid brought into the Stargate world to held solve a power dilemma within the Chevrons; the codes which allow the Stargates to operate.  Stargate Universe will debut on October 2 at 9 PM. (SyFy)

Katie Cassidy (Melrose Place) – Being an actor is part of Katie’s heritage, being the daughter of 70’s hunk David Cassidy, niece to Shaun and Patrick Cassidy and granddaughter of legendary screen actress Shirley Jones. Most recently seen in the short-lived CBS series Harper’s Island, Katie can now be seen as Ella Simms, a publicist who wants to the reach the top at any cost.  Melrose Place can currently be seen on the CW on Tuesday nights at 9 PM. (the CW)

Travis Van Winkle (90210) – Travis will portray Jamie, a football player and frat boy who crosses paths with Naomi (AnnaLynne McCord) on 90210, which airs on Tuesday nights on the CW at 8 PM.  Travis was previously seen in the spoof movie Meet the Spartans. (the CW)

Kevin McHale (Glee) – Playing Artie Abrams, the bespecled, guiltar-wielding, wheelchair bound glee club member, Kevin McHale has the unenviable task of playing against type (so to speak); but he does it will aplomb and, well, glee.  Check out this new series on Wednesday nights on FOX at 9 PM. (FOX)

Smith Cho (Ugly Betty) – Korean actress Smith Cho is expected to portray Betty’s new officemate when Ugly Betty returns to ABC on October 9 at 8 PM.  She will also be seen in the mid-season comedy 100 Questions.  Her previous work was on the short-lived NBC series Knight Rider. (ABC)

Chris Colfer (Glee) – This fresh faced 19-year-old from Fresno has been thrust into the limelight by his portrayal of loveable, talented effeminate Kurt Hummel on the ridiculously silly and addictive FOX series Glee, which airs on Wednesday nights at 9 PM.  This is Chris’ first big break into the business. (FOX)

Daniela Ruah (NCIS: Los Angeles) – A well-known actress in Portugal, Daniela stars as Special Agent Kensi Blye on NCIS: Los Angeles, which debuts on Tuesday, September 22 at 9 PM on CBS.  The series delves into the world of undercover surveillance through a division of NCIS known as the Office of Special Projects.  This is Daniela’s first big American role. (CBS)

Maiara Walsh (Desperate Housewives) – Playing Ana Solis, the sexy, conniving niece of Carlos Solis (Ricardo Chavira) on Desperate Housewives, Maiara has been made a series regular this season (after appearing in 3 episodes last season).  The series will return for its 6th season on Sunday, September 27 at 9 PM.  Her previous work was on the Disney Channel’s series Cory in the House. (ABC)

Dawn Olivieri (Heroes) – Dawn will portray carnival worker Lydia, who is an empath with mysterious body tattoos that move and change, on Heroes when it returns to NBC on Monday, September 21 at 8 PM. S he made guest appearances on shows like Stargate Atlantis, Knight Rider and My Boys, but this is her first major TV role. (NBC)

Jurnee Smollett (Friday Night Lights) – When the critically-acclaimed series Friday Night Lights returns to DirecTV for its fourth season on Wednesday, October 28, Jurnee Smollet will join as a recurring cast member, playing Jess, the daughter of a onetime NFL hopeful who knows the game and helps raise her siblings with the help of her father.  She was last seen as Samantha in the box office movie The Great Debaters. (DirecTV/NBC)

Aimee Garcia (Trauma) – Aimee will star as helicopter pilot and former Iraqi vet Marisa Benez in Trauma, which debuts on NBC on Monday, September 28 at 9 PM.  The series focuses on medical first responders in San Francisco who reach emergency victims by land, sea and air.  Aimee is probably best known for her role of Veronica in The George Lopez Show. (NBC)

Logan Huffman (V) – Starring in the remake of the 80’s classic series V about out-of-this-world visitors whose ships descend on major cities around the globe, declaring they come in peace – which will debut on ABC on Tuesday, November 3 at 8 PM -newcomer Logan Huffman will portray Tyler Evans, son of Elizabeth Mitchell’s (Lost) character, FBI agent Erica Evans.  Logan was last seen in the independent movie Lymelife. (ABC)

Bethanne’s Fresh Fall Faces

Mark Pelligrino (Supernatural) – Mark is on board for Supernatural’s fifth season playing Lucifer. Mark appeared in the show’s season premiere on Sept. 10th on the CW. We do not yet know if this will be Supernatural’s final season, but we do know that this season is the most highly anticipated of all for the show. Lucifer is loose in the world and it will be up to the boys to gather the forces together that will defeat him.

Willie Garson (White Collar) – Although he’s recognizable as one of Carrie’s BFF’s on Sex and the City, White Collar marks Willie Garson’s first regular role on a series. Willie plays Mozzie, Neal Caffrey’s best friend on the show. He has deep connections in the criminal underworld and can get just about anything for Neal, from classified secrets to cutting edge technology. (USA)

Steven R. McQueen (The Vampire Diaries) – Steven plays Jeremy Gilbert, Elena’s brother on the show. Jeremy is a troubled teen on a dangerous and self-destructive path since the death of his parents. (CW)

Nina Dobrev (The Vampire Diaries) – Nina is Elena Gilbert on the CW’s new hit series. Still reeling from a tragic incident, Elena heads into the new school year hoping to just look normal, even if she doesn’t feel normal. Instead, she becomes the focus of the two vampire brothers, Damon (Paul Wesley) and Stefan (Iam Somerhalder). (CW)

Jamie Ray Newman (Eastwick) - Jamie will play Kat Gardener on the ABC series Eastwick, premiering Sept. 23rd. Kat wants a change in her life. A nurse, she possesses natural healing abilities and has an uncanny green thumb. But her powers can be destructive too, as she discovers when Raymond, her unemployed husband who spends his days observing life from a hammock with a can of beer, becomes their unintentional target. (ABC)

Devils with Pretty Faces

As I was watching last week’s premiere of The Vampire Diaries, I got to thinking about all the good looking men that are on television today playing villains. I felt that a convenient list might be a good idea to serve as a reminder that although they make us a tad warm under the collar, they are playing really bad guys.

Ian Somerhalder – “Damon” on The Vampire Diaries: our Nice Boy of the week is not so nice on the show. He’s clearly devious and sinister and just up to no good. Difficult as this may be, we’ll have to keep an eye on this one.

Alexander Skarsgard – “Eric Northman” on True Blood: this one is not so clearly a bad boy. However, he is conniving, sneaky and enjoys when a good pair of pumps is ruined while doing a job that he delegated. In our world, that is cruelty in the extreme. it would be wise not to turn one’s back to him.

Paul Gross – “Darryl” on Eastwick: or “Devil” when you really get to know him. He’s the really dangerous kind, because he covers his evilness with layers of charm, cool and drop dead gorgeous. You’s want to meet him in a dark alley, but you’d be sorry.

Eric Dane – “Dr. Mark ‘McSteamy’ Sloan” on Grey’s Anatomy: let’s call him what he is; a man-slut. Sure, he’ll make you fall for him like U.S. dollar, but he’ll do a tap dance on your heart and walk off without a care in the world. Pure evil.

Zachary Quinto – “Sylar” on Heroes: he’s evil, cold-hearted and twisted, and has serious parental issues. And give him a sharp metal object? Well, don’t get me started.

Matthew Bomer – “Neal Caffrey” on White Collar: sure, he’s just a thief, but stealing is still bad, right? Even if his crystal blue eyes can turn a woman to slush in a New York minute, hold on to your jewelry, ladies.

There are more, I’m sure, and by the end of the fall television season, I’m sure even more pretty bad boys will surface. Until then, who is not on this list but most definitely should be?

What I’m Excited About for Fall TV

Tonight is the start of the new fall season with the debut of Melrose Place on the CW and the returns of 90210 on the CW and Sons of Anarchy on FX. While none of these shows are of interest to me, there are a number of new and returning shows that I am eager to see over the next few months.

Starting with the new shows, I look forward to the debut of Glee on FOX tomorrow night (Sept. 9 at 9 PM). Even though I’ve seen the debut episode twice and got to see the 2nd episode at Comic Con, I cannot wait for this unique musicomedy (musical/comedy) to air. And, I really hope that the viewing audience will tune in and enjoy the silliness (and the terrific musical numbers).

The series premiere of The Vampire Diaries on the CW will air at 9 PM on Thursday (Sept. 10) – based on the books by L.J. Smith – is another new series I have been anticipating. I had the chance to see the debut episode at Comic Con and really enjoyed what I saw. Yes, it is reminiscent of Twilight (which was published AFTER The Vampire Diaries books); features vampires which, for now, seems to be the hot “theme” of the past year or so, and had many images that reminded me of scenes from Roswell and Smallville; but I still enjoyed it. I would like to see this show succeed and garner an audience at least close to that of True Blood (if not better).

Not quite two weeks later on Tuesday, Sept. 22, the spin-off series NCIS: Los Angeles will air (CBS at 9 PM) following its namesake series. While I started out as a JAG fan and followed by being a loyal fan of its spin-off series NCIS (because I really enjoyed the stories and the cast), I want to believe this new show will also perform well, but I am slightly uncertain if the viewing audience and the loyal followers of NCIS will become attached to the cast.

The following night, Wednesday, Sept. 23, the debut of Eastwick on ABC at 10 PM will air. This was another new show that I was able to see at Comic Con and while I had my doubts about the cast (I couldn’t buy Paul Gross as the “heavy” or really see the pairing of the three ‘witches’ – Rebecca Romijn, Jaime Ray Newman and Lindsey Price) and the storyline, I was pleasantly surprised at how convincing Paul Gross was as Darryl Van Horn and how likeable the leading ladies are in their roles. This show may not win over the audience right away, but I believe that it will work on the hearts of viewers and slowly but surely become the guilty pleasure of the fall.

One of the most anticipated new shows of the fall will air on ABC on Thursday, Sept. 24: FlashForward (at 8 PM). A worldwide event takes place with everyone in the world blacking out for 2 minutes and 17 seconds with nearly everyone having visions of their life 6 months in the future. Being touted as the new Lost, FlashForward could, indeed, be just that. Only the first two acts of the series were debuted at Comic Con, but if the audience reaction from that panel is any indication of how the show will be received, then this is the show to watch.

Jumping over to cable, Stargate Universe will debt on Syfy on October 2 at 9 PM; and while this new series is not like its predecessors SG1 or Atlantis, it will reveal a new, darker side to the well-known storyline and world of the Stargates. I, for one, am really looking forward to it. I was unable to attend the presentation for the series at Comic Con so my anticipation level is at an all-time high, especially the more I read about the show and the more clips I see.

Sticking with cable for one other new show on cable, White Collar will debut on the USA Network on Oct. 23 at 10 PM. It stars Matthew Bomer (Chuck) and Tim DeKay in roles that are tailor-made for both of them. This ‘to catch a thief’-inspired series is sure to please audiences who have come to expect nothing but thrilling series from this network. It will also be entertaining to see Tiffany Thiessen in a respectable role where she can show that she is more than just a pretty face.

Lastly, the remake of the 80’s mini-series (and short-lived TV show) V will debut on ABC at 8 PM on November 3. While I was a fan of the mini-series, looking back on it now it seems pretty cheesy; but from what I know of the debut this newly-minted version is going to be cutting edge, thrilling and engaging. The terrific cast doesn’t hurt either.

SIDEBAR: While I want to be excited about the debut of the medical drama Three Rivers (CBS at 9 PM on October 4) – mainly because it stars a personal favorite of mine, Alex O’Loughlin – I am doubtful about the longevity of this series for a number of reasons: the timeslot competition, the fact the pilot was recast and completely reshot (which is an exact repeat of Alex’s former show Moonlight) and all the negative reviews that I have read. I will tune in for a few episodes, but if it doesn’t catch my attention and hold it, I will have to bid the show adieu.

As for the returning shows this fall, I am anxiously awaiting Supernatural (The CW, Sept. 10 at 9 PM), Bones (FOX, Sept. 17 at 8 PM), Heroes (NBC Sept. 21 at 8 PM), Castle (ABC, Sept. 21 at 10 PM), NCIS (CBS, Sept. 22 at 8 PM), Grey’s Anatomy (ABC, Sept. 24 at 9 PM), Dollhouse (FOX, Sept. 25 at 8 PM), Smallville (The CW, Sept. 25 at 8 PM), Brothers & Sisters (ABC, Sept. 27 at 10 PM), Sanctuary (Syfy, Oct. 9 at 10 PM) and Legend of the Seeker (Syndication, Nov. 7).

SIDEBAR: Of course, I am anxious for the returns of Chuck and 24 and the final season of Lost; but we all have to wait for those in 2010.

What new shows are you looking forward to and which returning shows are your favorites? Please share them with us.

Heroes at Comic Con

As silence filled the room and the intensity of the audiences’ excitement for the Heroes panel at Comic Con built to a resounding crescendo, Blaire Butler, a host for the G4 program Attack of the Show, who was the moderator for this panel, approached the podium, making the grand announcement of the cast members in attendance.

First on stage was series creator Tim Kring, followed by original cast members Jack Coleman, Masi Oka, Hayden Panettiere, Adrian Pasdar, Zachary Quinto and Milo Ventimiglia as well as new cast members Robert Knepper, Dawn Olivieri, Ray Park and Madeline Zima.

After the audience calmed down enough for the moderator to speak, the cast and Mr. Kring stood, giving the audience a standing ovation for its continued support of the show. This was followed by Mr. Kring’s explanation of the “theme” behind the new Volume 5 of the show known as Redemption. The “new wrinkle” in the show is a family of people – a traveling carnival – who powers have been “hiding in plain sight”.

With that introduction, a teaser trailer of clips for the first three episodes, which Mr. Kring explained have been filmed thus far, is shown to an exuberant audience. The roar once the clip was aired was deafening and proved that the once nearly-vilified series is back to Season 1 excellent form.

The first question posed to each cast member is what is in store for each of them this new season. Mr. Coleman explained that Noah is setting up a new company while his marriage and world are falling apart around him. He stated that, “he’s an island trying to find solid ground.”

Mr. Oka then stated that Hiro is still having the nose bleeds and alludes to Hiro’s illness possibly being “terminal”. He stated that, “he realizes his true destiny and goes back to Yamagata and starts a business with Ando.” It was also stated that Hiro’s powers are out of control and he is “trying to fix the mistakes of his past”.

Ms. Panettiere explained that Claire is now a college freshman, getting the “taste of a normal life and making friends, meeting interesting people like her roommate” (played by Madeline Zima). However, Claire is like “a fish out of water in college.”

Mr. Pasdar is a bit more restrained with his explanation of Nathan’s life now, as he and Sylar (Zachary Quinto) are sharing a body, allowing for a “Jekyll and Hyde-type thing” with events that will be happening mid-season described as “interesting.” Mr. Quinto then stated that Sylar will “exist in two places; inside Matt’s head and in Nathan’s body”.

Mr. Ventimiglia explained that Peter is back to being a paramedic and that there will be more humor in his life, but he will “still fight when needed.”

The new cast members were then asked to explain their characters:

Mr. Knepper then explained his character is a “carnie” named Samuel, who inadvertently ends up as the leader after the unexpected death of his brother. His plan is to lure the “heroes” into a schemed that would not be alluded to. His power is earth moving.

Ms. Olivieri stated that her character, Lydia, is a mystery, but did explain that she is an empath with tattoos that appear all over her body that move and change as circumstances move and change. Her character has an unusual bond with Samuel.

Mr. Park will be seen as Edgar, a man who likes to play with knives and has unbelievable speed and skill with these weapons. He is sent out in the “world” by Samuel on a special mission.

Ms. Zima will be Claire’s college friend, Gretchen Berg, who is the first real friend Claire has had since high school in Texas. During the teaser clip there was a shared kiss between Claire and Gretchen shown and, of course, that set off the audience, but when a question was posed about romantic entanglements for the two, the cast and Mr. Kring were rather mum on any details.

Some highlights for the upcoming season and more that were discussed during the question and answer session at the end of the panel included:

• Mr. Coleman was excited about the clip show in the teaser that depicted Noah being trapped in a car filling up with water;

• Mr. Oka’s excitement about working with Mr. Knepper;

• Ms. Panettiere looking forward to going back to more “heartfelt stuff” within the episodes;

• Mr. Pasdar was excited about working with Swoozie Kurtz, who will be back as Angela’s old friend Millie and was looking forward to the “new powers” Nathan would be experiencing;

• Mr. Quinto stated he got to work a lot with Greg Grunberg (who was unable to attend the panel because his son’s Bar Mitzvah was being held), got to work with a baby and climbed out of a grace, which was shown in the teaser clip;

• Mr. Ventimiglia explained he spent time in Iraq and joked he was holding a 50 caliber machine gun; then he stated it was great working with Mr. Park, Mr. Knepper and Mr. Coleman for very specific scenes, some of which were featured in the clip;

• Mr. Knepper talked about filming a scene in “Central Park” with a green screen when suddenly coyotes started howling and it was hard for the cast on set at the time to keep a straight face because obviously they were filming in Los Angeles;

• Ms. Olivieri joked about looking forward to “stirring up trouble” this season;

• Mr. Park explained that he is a “fanboy” and stated he “can’t believe I’m working on the show” and getting “to do all the things he wanted to do”;

• Ms. Zima said she enjoyed “working with Hayden” since that is who she spends most of her scenes with;

• When asked the worst injury received on set, Ms. Panettiere stated it had to be the “crispy cream burn” from the house fire;

• Mr. Quinto was asked who would win: Sylar or Spock. He answered succinctly that Spock would win hands down, as “Leonard would drop me in 30 seconds”; and

• Mr. Kring explained this season would be more evenly split between characters and only three main storylines will be the focus of the season.

At the close of the panel a sneak peek scene between Edgar (Ray Park), Peter (Milo Ventimiglia) and Noah (Jack Coleman) was shown where Peter and Noah learn about Edgar’s power, which Peter is able to mimic, of course; and the crowd went wild.

To see Heroes return to its former glory, please tune in to NBC on September 21. Until then you can learn more about Heroes Volume 5: Redemption as well as past seasons by visiting NBC.com.

The Peacock Network: NBC’s Fall Season Premieres

NBC has announced their fall premiere dates. Mark your calendars:

Monday, Sept. 14
10 p.m.: The Jay Leno Show

Tuesday, Sept. 15
8 p.m.: The Biggest Loser

Thursday, Sept. 17
8 p.m.: Saturday Night Live: Weekend Update Thursday
8:30 p.m.: Parks and Recreation
9 p.m.: The Office
9:30 p.m.: Community

Monday, Sept. 21
8 p.m.: Heroes

Wednesday, Sept. 23
8 p.m.: Parenthood
9 p.m.: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

Friday, Sept. 25
8 p.m.: Law & Order
9 p.m.: Southland

Saturday, Sept. 26
11:30 p.m.: Saturday Night Live

Monday, Sept. 28
9 p.m.: Trauma

Thursday, Oct. 8
8 p.m.: Community (regular time slot premiere)

Thursday, Oct. 15
9:30 p.m.: 30 Rock

NOTE: Please keep in mind Chuck will air in mid-season. It has NOT been canceled.

(Source material provided by: http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/b131109_nbcs_fall_premieres_make_room_lotta_leno.html)

NGTV Guide: Monday, November 17

NGTV Guide: Monday, November 10

Now that we have a new President-Elect and baseball World Champions, it’s back to television as usual. Well, as usual as it gets during November sweeps. Kicking off the week in high gear, here’s what the Nice Girls are watching tonight:

Gossip Girl – the CW 8/7c
“Bonfire of the Vanity” – Blair (Leighton Meester) does not approve of the new man, Cyrus Rose (guest star Wallace Shawn), in her mother’s (guest star Margaret Colin) life, so she makes it her mission to break up the lovebirds by any means necessary. Jenny (Taylor Momsen) moves in with Agnes (guest star Willa Holland) as the friends move forward with their plans for a fashion line. Serena (Blake Lively) continues to fall for the new guy in her life, Aaron (guest star John Patrick Amedori), but she learns something about him that threatens to end things just as they are getting really good. Dan (Penn Badgley) decides to win the trust of Bart Bass (guest star Robert John Burke) in order to learn more about the man and possibly write an expose on him for Vanity Fair, but things get heated after Chuck (Ed Westwick) finds out the real reason Dan is spending so much time around his family.

Chuck – NBC 8/7c
“Chuck vs. the Ex” – Chuck (Zachary Levi) runs into his ex-girlfriend Jill (guest star Jordana Brewster) while on a Nerd Herd call. In an attempt to save face, he lies to the girl who broke his heart and tells her that he is more successful than he really is. When Chuck flashes on Jill’s boss—a research scientist who may have developed a deadly bio-weapon, he, Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski) and Casey (Adam Baldwin) must find out if Jill is involved. Meanwhile at the Buy More, Big Mike (Mark Christopher Lawrence) nearly chokes to death, which leads company efficiency expert Emmett (guest star Tony Hale) to implement a mandatory CPR course taught by Captain Awesome (Ryan McPartlin).

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles – Fox 8/7c
“Mr. Ferguson Is Ill Today” – IT’S A TRIP SOUTH OF THE BORDER – John and Riley’s impromptu trip to Mexico results in deadly consequences. Meanwhile, Sarah and Ellison finally come face-to-face.

Heroes – NBC 9/8c
“Villains” – To prepare for the confrontation ahead, Hiro (Masi Oka) follows respected businessman, husband and father Arthur Petrelli (guest star Robert Forster) in the days before he “died” — to discover what drove him to create rival company Pinehearst and strike at Angela (Cristine Rose). Later, a moment unfolds where Sylar (Zachary Quinto), horrified and guilt-ridden, might have stopped his murderous pursuit of abilities — that is, if H.R.G. (Jack Coleman) and Elle (guest star Kristen Bell) had swayed from their monstrous assignment. Finally, under the wing of Company man Thompson (guest star Eric Roberts), agent-in-training Meredith (guest star Jessalyn Gelsig) watches her new life go up in smoke, following the arrival of her hot-headed brother.

See more photos in the Gallery.

My Own Worst Enemy – NBC 10/9c
“That Is Not My Son” – During Edward’s (Christian Slater) rescue mission to get Raymond (Mike O’Malley) out of captivity, Henry (Slater) wakes up to find himself in the midst of gunfire. Paula (Michelle Krusiec, “What Happens in Vegas”), a fellow operative overhears a panicked Henry put in a call to Mavis (Alfre Woodard), revealing his identity. Henry/Edward’s fate now lies in her hands. Meanwhile, Mary Grady (Missy Yager) finds out that her suspicions about Tom (O’Malley) are true; and a relationship between Dr. Skinner (Saffron Burrows) and Edward is exposed.

NGTV Guide: Monday, November 3

NBC has their SNL Election Special tonight, which means no new episodes of Chuck, Heroes, or My Own Worst Enemy. That certainly makes our Monday night viewing choices simpler!

Gossip Girl – The CW 8/7c
“There Might Be Blood” – Serena (Blake Lively) invites Aaron (guest star John Patrick Amedori) to be her guest at a charity gala honoring Lily and Bart (Kelly Rutherford and guest star Robert John Burke), but after discovering a secret that Aaron has been keeping from her she begins to question whether Aaron is the guy she thought he was. Hoping it will help her chances of getting into Yale, Blair (Leighton Meester) naively agrees to babysit the 15-year-old daughter of a prominent Yale donor, but the teenager proves to be more than a handful and Blair begins to suspect that the evening may actually wind up hurting her chances of getting into the college of her dreams. Meanwhile, Jenny (Taylor Momsen) and Agnes (guest star Willa Holland) plan a guerilla fashion show that will either launch Jenny’s star or ruin her chances of ever being accepted by the industry.

Samantha Who? – ABC 9:30/8:30c
“The Building” – Desperate for some cash and in need of a job, Samantha reluctantly agrees to team up with Regina and start a real estate business. But while Sam strives to stick to her path of morality, her handsome first client, Owen (James Tupper, “Men in Trees”), could end up throwing her off course. Meanwhile, Andrea tries to seduce Todd’s disheveled friend, Seth, in order to obtain the phone number of a professional basketball player.

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