TheWB.com Announces “The 14 Days of “Chrismukkah”

TheWB.com spreads holiday cheer with holiday episodes from some of our favorite television shows.

Beginning December 14 and continuing through December 28, TheWB.com is celebrating “Chrismukkah” with generous offering of holiday-themed episodes from classic favorites, including “The O.C.,” “Friends” and “Gilmore Girls,” among others.

On “The O.C.,” Seth (Adam Brody) excitedly introduces a skeptical Ryan (Ben McKenzie) to Chrismukkah, a Cohen family tradition that resulted from Kirsten (Kelly Rowan) being Christian and Sandy (Peter Gallagher) being Jewish. TheWB.com visitors can celebrate with all four Chrismukkah episodes.

“Friends” spreads the holiday cheer with an offering of eight episodes, including fan-favorite “Holiday Armadillo,” where we find Ross (David Schwimmer) wearing an outrageous costume as he describes Chanukah’s “festival of lights.”

“Gilmore Girls” fans can enjoy three holiday episodes, including the final installment from season seven when Rory (Alexis Bledel) and Lorelai (Lauren Graham) reunite post-Christmas to celebrate the holidays together.

Fans of “Veronica Mars” can relive the Echolls’ annual Christmas party from season one.

On “One Tree Hill,” Lucas (Chad Michael Murray) receives an unlikely holiday visitor who makes a shocking reappearance.

And on “Smallville,” Clark (Tom Welling) is asked to use his powers to deliver Christmas presents to needy kids.

This additional holiday-themed programming adds to TheWB.com’s healthy collection of new and classic content available on the site. Visitors can also create customized show playlists, and send episodes and clips to their friends and networks using the site’s easy “share” tab.

Wonder Twin Powers, Activate!: Warehouse 13’s Allison Scagliotti on Smallville

Warehouse 13’s erstwhile Claudia Donovan, Allison Scagliotti, is set to debut as Jayna/Twyla, one half of the fabled Wonder Twins, on Smallville’s November 13 episode. Alongside 7th Heaven’s David Gallagher as Zan/Tanner, Allison first appears in the episode called “Idol” and is described as a “Pixie-punk teen”. In this episode Jayna and Zan come to Metropolis to help The Blur (aka Tom Welling’s Clark Kent) fight crime; unfortunately, they botch several attempts which lands Clark in hot water with the fuzz.

No word on whether this is a one-time appearance by the twins, but we do know that Warehouse 13 is beginning pre-production for season 2 shortly, so unless Jayna has the power to clone herself, a reappearance would have to wait for a while.

Smallville airs Fridays at 8/7c on the CW.

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.

Favorite Songs from TV and Movies

In my previous blogs about music, I’ve asked our readers about artists who should be featured in TV shows and discussed the types of music that have influenced me throughout my life. This time around I’m somewhat combining the two ideas together to highlight great songs for which I learned through some of my favorite TV shows, made-for-TV movies as well as theatrical releases.

I have done my best to keep the list at a minimum because I am a BIG music fan and could easily get carried away with the lists. The songs that are to follow have sentimental meaning to me for various reasons.

Favorite Songs Featured in TV Shows:

“Holy Tears” by Tara McLean – CBS series Due South, starring Paul Gross
“Undercover” by Pete Yorn – The CW series Smallville
“Everything” by Lifehouse – The WB series Roswell and The CW series Smallville
“Maybe Tomorrow” by Stereophonics – The CW series One Tree Hill
“Fly” by Mark Joseph - The CW series Smallville
“So Are You To Me” by eastmountainsouth – The WB series Tarzan, starring Travis Fimmel and Sarah Wayne Callies
“Breathe In” by Palo Alto – The WB series Tarzan, starring Travis Fimmel and Sarah Wayne Callies
“Possession” by Sarah McLachlan – CBS series Due South
“Destiny” by Zero 7– The WB series Roswell
“Yellow Light” by Remy Zero – The WB series Roswell
“Hey, Man Nice Shot” by Filter – ABC series Prey and The WB series Roswell
“Together” by The Kin – CBS series Moonlight
“Lucky” by Bif Naked – CBS series Moonlight
“It Doesn’t Matter” by Alison Krause – The WB series Angel
“Say Goodnight” by Beth Neilson Chapman – NBC series Providence
“Home” by Sheryl Crow – The WB series Roswell

Songs in Made-For-TV Movies or Theatrical Releases:

“Erase/Rewind” by The Cardigans –Theatrical movie Never Been Kissed
“If I Could Fall in Love” by Lenny Kravitz –Theatrical movie Blue Crush
“Desperado” by The Eagles – Made-for-TV movies Desperado, starring Alex McArthur
“Put Your Arms Around Me” by Texas –Theatrical movie Ever After
“Flightless Bird, American Mouth” by Iron & Wine –Theatrical movie Twilight
“Hero” by Chad Kroeger and Josey Scott –Theatrical movie Spiderman
“Breathe Me” by Sia – Made-for-TV movie Fallen
“Everything I Do (I Do It For You)” by Bryan Adams – Theatrical movie Robin Hood
“Only Hope” by Switchfoot – Theatrical movie A Walk to Remember
“Kiss From a Rose” by Seal –Theatrical movie Batman Forever

Please give these songs a try if you aren’t familiar with them; and, by all means, please recommend your own favorite songs, as NGTV wants to know your thoughts.

Artist’s Spotlight: This month the artist’s spotlight is on Emily Warren, a native of central Missouri, who has been drawing for as long as she can remember, and finds inspiration from surfing art on the internet and from artistic friends. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago. Shortly after her graduation, she attended Wizard World in Chicago, selling her art in the Artist’s Alley. A colorist from Marvel recognized her work and introduced her to some editors from Marvel. Being persistent, Emily kept in touch with them and was able to land a job with Marvel as a colorist. When her boyfriend completed school, they moved to Los Angeles, where they currently live. She has worked for several other companies besides Marvel, including Jay Company Comics, UDON and Dark Horse. She is currently working on X-Babies for Marvel and Darkstalkers covers for UDON. She also works on personal illustrations like the featured piece called Garnet. If you would like to see the art of Emily Warren, please visit her website at http://www.frozenlilacs.com/ or you can contact her frozenlilacs@gmail.com for more details.

Smallville at Comic Con

The journey into the Comic Con panel for Smallville was not an easy one. It started out with my friends and I getting in line to enter the convention center at 7 AM. We then worked our way upstairs to the line that was formed outside the entrance hall to the ballroom for which the panel would be held.

When that line was finally allowed down the entrance hall, we were ushered into yet another line that wound its way down several hallways then outside to a tented area, where we stood waiting for roughly 2 hours before the line eventually moved into the ballroom.

Once we were all seated, the excitement slowly started to boil to the top; and once Jeph Loeb, former Supervising Producer and Writer on Smallville, took the stage, you could cut the anticipation with a knife. The thrust of the excitement was mainly due to the first-time ever appearance by star Tom Welling. The other cast members in attendance included Justin Hartley (Oliver Queen), Erica Durance (Lois Lane), Allison Mack (Chloe Sullivan), Cassidy Freeman (Tess Mercer) and new cast member Callum Blue (Zod). Executive Producers Kelly Souders and Brian Peterson finished off the panel table.

Before the cast and crew took the stage, however, an exclusive Comic Con only Season 9 sneak peek was aired. As the last scene faded in the clip, the audience went – in a word – crazy! Each cast member and the Executive Producers were then introduced with Mr. Welling being the last to take the stage. The applause grew louder as each took the stage and reached a deafening roar for Mr. Welling.

Once the cheers subsided, attention was given to the writers who were in the audience with Mr. Loeb asking them to stand and get the credit they deserved. Shortly after that Mr. Welling made mention he was told 6000 people were in the room (and while that may have been the amount of people trying to get into the room that particular ballroom can only accommodate about 2000 people, but the large number certainly made the cast and crew very pleased).

The audience was then told that Mr. Welling is now a producer on the show and he enjoys the new title very much. Mr. Loeb then asked if the actors could give some insight into where each of their characters are at in terms of development this new season with Ms. Durance stating that Lois is “very smitten with the red, blue blur” and that it will be a “spicy and great season”. Ms. Mack added that Chloe is the Watchtower now and “I love being in control”. And, new cast member Mr. Blue stated, he is “having such fun playing an evil character.” The Executive Producers also informed that the cast is now a few episodes into the new season (as was confirmed by numerous clips from the exclusive footage).

A very long line had formed for the question and answer session, including audience members dressed as Batman and Superman as well as some very eager and excited fans. Among the things learned during the Q&A included:

• Ms. Souders stating they’re “gunning for Season 10”;

• Mr. Peterson confirming they do read the blogs and that Lex may not necessarily be dead (which received quite a positive response from the audience);

• Ms. Mack stating that she would be directing another episode again as will Mr. Welling;

• Where the “flight and cape” issue is concerned, the audience was simply told to “check out the season premiere” (which got the crowd all revved up again);

• Mr. Peterson stating that he would bring it up to the powers that be about a score soundtrack, as one has not been released (the other albums released for the show have been music featured in the show not the instrumental music);

• Geoff Johns, a former writer on the show, came up on stage to confirm that he will be writing another Justice League episode; and the Executive Producers stating they have two more seasons worth of stories to tell;

• Mr. Hartley revealed that his character Oliver will “hit rock bottom over the course of the first 8 episodes”;

• Ms. Souders stating that they have the “hardest working cast and crew, who are very dedicated”;

• Ms. Freeman explained that she is “way different” from her character Tess, but that she “loves playing her once she is in character”; she also stated that she admires Tess’s “strength and inability not to do what her heart asks her to do”;

• Mr. Blue admitted that he listens to hard core music because his “character is so intense” and he is “looking forward to getting into his skin”;

• The Executive Producers refuted the rumors that should the show return for another season beyond the upcoming 9th season, that the shows name would NOT be changed to Metropolis; and,

• Some hints at upcoming storylines were briefly discussed with a Green Arrow sidekick story possibly being explored; confirming that Brian Austin Green would be appearing as Metallo and that the return of Toyman and Roulette would be happening, but the Executive Producers would not elaborate on any other details.

Smallville will be moving to Friday nights on the CW with the premiere scheduled for 8 PM on September 25. In the meantime, if you would like to get show information, learn about the music featured on the show, visit the photo page or even see a video of Mr. Welling at Comic Con (and much, much more), visit: http://cwtv.com/shows/smallville.

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.

Samantha Where?: Networks Take Aim at Thursdays

I remember most of the Thursday nights in the ’80s and ’90s belonging to NBC. With shows like The Cosby Show, Seinfeld, and Friends dominating the ratings, it seemed like NBC was the only network on the air on Thursdays. Then came the ’00s and CBS made a play for dominance with CSI and Survivor. As the last of the ’90s holdover sitcoms on NBC came to an end, CBS and ABC took over in the ratings, leaving Fox, the CW and once-mighty NBC to scrounge for leftover demos.

The CW seems to have scored a niche audience with Smallville and Supernatural, NBC is making a minor comeback with 30 Rock and The Office – although with ER ending this season, things look grim for 10pm slot – and Fox has decided to enter the arena by moving Bones into the 8pm timeslot, followed by Hell’s Kitchen (an odd pairing if you ask me, although I suppose both could put you off your supper).

And now comes news that ABC is going after beleagured NBC’s comedy block with one of their own. Beginning March 26, the alphabet net will premiere a new half-hour comedy, In the Motherhood, starring comic vets Megan Mulally (Will & Grace) and Cheryl Hines (Curb Your Enthusiasm). ABC describes the series as

…a look at the importance of family and friends while trying to juggle motherhood, work and love lives in an overly complicated modern world. The story focuses on Rosemary (Mullally), Jane (Hines) and Emily (Jessica St. Clair), who represent mothers we all know. Rosemary is a free-wheeling mom who plays it fast and loose when it comes to parenting her teenaged son, Luke. Married numerous times, but currently single, Rosemary lives by her own rules. Much to the amazement of the other moms, her nontraditional parenting style has yielded a son much more responsible than she. Rosemary’s best friend, Jane, is a recently divorced working mother of a pre-teen, Annie, and a baby girl, Sophie, who is just trying to keep her career and home afloat. Having just returned to work after giving birth eight months ago, Jane struggles to find a happy balance – lucky for her she has her “manny,” Horatio (Horatio Sanz, “Saturday Night Live”), to help out. Jane’s younger sister, Emily, sees herself as the model stay-at-home-super-mom for her two young children, Esther and Bill. Emily’s home is a work of art, and her kids are polite and sweet — everything has its place in her world. Married to Jason (RonReaco Lee), Emily takes parenting as seriously as any mother could.

ABC is pairing the series with Samantha Who?, moving to a new night and time for the second half of the season. The two shows do seem to appeal to the same demographic: women trying to do it all in a chaotic world. So the question is, can relative newcomer Samantha Who? anchor a comedy block on a new night with a new show as its lead-in? Will it be enough to encroach on NBC’s comedy territory? Will the trades declare the rebirth of the sitcom? We’ll have to wait until March 26 to find out!