Great Summer Shows Return: Dates and a Preview

Now that the regular TV season is over, some of us have been waiting for the summer season on TNT and USA to begin.  I'm happy to report that the wait is over.  A number of shows will begin next week   The following week, there's the much-anticipated return of Dallas, the old CBS show which will bring back Larry Hagman and Patrick Duffy as the iconic Ewing brothers, along with a new, younger cast.

Here's a preview of one of my favorites, USA's Necessary Roughness:



Here's the schedule of shows returning over the next few weeks:

Rizzoli & Isles (TNT) - Tuesday, June 5, 9 pm
Franklin & Bash (TNT) - Tuesday, June 5, 10 pm
Royal Pains (USA) - Wednesday, June 6, 9 pm
Necessary Roughness (USA) - Wednesday, June 6, 10 pm
Dallas (TNT) - the revival - Wednesday, June 13 at 9/8c.
Burn Notice (USA) - Thursday, June 14, 9 pm
Suits (USA) - Thursday, June 14, 10 pm
The Closer (TNT) - Monday, July 9, 9 pm
Perception (TNT) - a new entry starring Eric McCormack - Monday, July 9, 10 pm
White Collar (USA) - Tuesday, July 10, 9 pm

Covert Affairs (USA) - Tuesday, July 10, 10 pm

What if Your Favorite Show is Cancelled?

The folks at Cabletvproviders.net asked that we share the following article that contains tips for those missing favorite shows that may have been cancelled.  We're happy to oblige, since many of our readers are mourning the losses of All My Children and One Life to Live on ABC daytime: 
http://www.cabletvproviders.net/blog/2012/10-things-you-can-do-if-your-favorite-show-is-cancelled/.

ABC Soap Fans Unite

Fans of the departed ABC soaps, All My Children and One LIfe to Live, and those trying to save General Hospital, have mounted a campaign to bring the canceled shows back.

The group, called Soap Fans United, was at the recent ABC affiliates meeting and distributed a flyer containing the following information.

The document has some interesting information:

1) ABC has lost 2.5 million ad impressions due to the loss of critical female viewers 18-49 who are no longer watching ABC from 1 to 3 in each weekday afternoon.

2) The loss of ABC daytime ratings is having an effect on local news broadcasts aired by the affiliates.

3) Forbes magazine media analyst Roger Friedman has taken ABC to task for dismantling its daytime lineup, comparing the debacle to "New Coke."  He urged ABC to go back to its original formula.

4) Within seven months of canceling ABC, the network surrendered its daytime dominance to CBS.

5) ABC primetime has also suffered due to the lack of lead-in audience from daytime through the evening hours.

Read the full version of the flyer here.


http://t.co/e2nHtnoK

You can also join Fans United Against ABC facebook.com/groups/FUABC/ & Soap Fans United facebook.com/groups/1674785.

NBC Takes Bragging Rights for Third Place, Among 18-49 Demo

Interesting that NBC put out the following news release ti brag that it was a solid "#3" in the ratings among the top broadcast networks and that it finished the season 9% ahead of last year, partially based on ratings for the Super Bowl.   But that's just for viewers 18-49.  The overall rankings tell another story that of NBC in fourth place behind CBS, Fox and ABC.

Here are the overall rankings:

Total Viewers (Season Averages)

Network…’10-11…’11-12…Difference

CBS…11.6 million…11.7 million…+1%

Fox…9.8 million…8.9 million…-9%

ABC…8.5 million…8.4 million…-2%

NBC…7.0 million…7.4 million…+5%

CW…2.0 million…1.7 million…-15%

Here's the NBC news release:

NBC has concluded the 2011-2012 traditional September-to-May primetime television season with a 2.5 rating and a 9 percent gain in adult 18-49 rating versus last season’s 2.3, the biggest increase among ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox. The 2.5 rating ranks #3 among major broadcast networks behind Fox and CBS and ahead of ABC.

Led by the success this season of “The Voice,” Super Bowl XLVI and “Sunday Night Football,” NBC has also finished the season #2 among ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox in adults 18-34 with a 2.0 rating, up 5 percent over last season’s 1.9.

“Not since the 2003-2004 season has NBC been out of fourth place in 18-49 viewers, so we’re thrilled to rank in third place for this season,” said Entertainment Chairman Bob Greenblatt. “We’ve taken some key first steps towards rebuilding primetime, including a great second cycle for ‘The Voice’ and promising first seasons for shows like ‘Smash’ and ‘Grimm’. With a largely new staff in place and a strong development season under our belts – not to mention some big promotional opportunities presented by this summer’s London Olympics and two nights of ‘The Voice’ in the fall – we’re in a very good position to build on the progress of this past season. We’re genuinely excited about the future.”

During the 2009-2010 season, NBC tied ABC in 18-49 rating and trailed in 18-49 viewers and has otherwise finished #4 in both 18-49 rating and 18-49 viewers during each traditional May-to-September season since 2003-2004.

According to “most current” season averages from Nielsen Media Research, “Sunday Night Football” is the #1 primetime series of the season in adults 18-49, averaging an 8.0 rating (“live plus seven day” averages for the dates of the traditional primetime season), and total viewers, with 20.7 million. It’s the first time since the 2002-2003 season that any series besides Fox’s “American Idol” has claimed the #1 ranking in either categories, ending eight-year streaks atop those lists for “Idol.”

NBC’s “The Voice” is the season’s #2 entertainment series, finishing 0.1 of a point behind the Wednesday edition of “American Idol” (with a 6.1 rating vs. “Idol’s” 6.2). In adults 18-34, “The Voice” is the #1 entertainment series on ABC, CBS, NBC or Fox with a 5.3 rating.

While February’s Super Bowl played a key role in the network’s improved ranking this season, NBC is also the only network among ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox that’s shown year-to-year growth since the Super Bowl in adults 18-49 and adults 18-34. Since February 6, NBC is up 11 percent in adults 18-49 and up 7 percent in adults 18-34 versus year-ago results while ratings for ABC, CBS and Fox are flat or down year-to-year in both categories.

Also, in regular-program averages for the 2011-2012 season that exclude the Super Bowl, NBC is the only network among ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox to increase its 18-49 rating this season versus last. In those regular-program averages, NBC is tied with ABC for #3 in adults 18-49 (2.5 rating each) and is #2 ahead of CBS and ABC in adults 18-34 (with a 2.0 rating vs. a 1.9 for ABC and a 1.8 for CBS).

The median age of NBC’s audience is younger this season than last, 49.3 this season versus 49.6 for 2011-2012. Other median ages were: Fox, 46.3 versus last season’s 45.4; ABC, 52.4 versus last season’s 51.5; and CBS, 55.6 versus last season’s 55.1.

Among the highlights generated by NBC’s first-year shows of the past season, Monday’s “Smash” currently ranks tied for the highest adult 18-49 rating for any 10 p.m. ET drama on ABC, CBS or NBC (3.2 rating, tied with CBS’s “Hawaii Five-0” and “CSI,” “most current” season averages through May 23) and Friday’s “Grimm” is the #1 Friday drama on ABC, CBS, NBC or Fox in 18-49 (with a 2.1 rating).

The Chew Watch: ABC Daytime Ratings for Week of May 14

ABC continues to do poorly in the daytime ratings race, except for its powerhouse, The View.

During the week of May 14,there were 2.13 million viewers for The Chew, a slight rise from the previous week (2.09 million), but basically flat.  Last year at this time,  All My Children had 2.51 million viewers, 15% more than The Chew is getting now in the 1 pm time slot.

At 2 pm, The Talk on CBS is rolling right over the lack of competition on ABC.  Ratings for The Talk went up 12% in total viewers.  The show drew 2.31 people.  Canceled show, The Revolution, had just 1.33 million viewers, 51% fewer than  One Life to Live one year earlier and a slight rise from the previous week.

As noted, The View is the all time winner with 3.60 million viewers and a big bump on Tuesday's show when President Obama was a guest (4.7 million).

Here are the soap ratings for that week:

1. Young and Restless 4.25 million viewers (-64,000 from previous week)
2. Bold & Beautiful 3.08 million (+20,000 from previous week)
3. Days of Our Lives 2.35 million (-76,000 from previous week)
4. General Hospital 2.33 million (-103,000 from previous week)

Phillip Phillips is Newest American Idol

Phillip Phillips is the latest American Idol, crowned during last night's live two-hour season finale on FOX.

Phillips, 21, from Leesburg, GA, received the most of 132 million votes cast – the highest number in the show’s history.

He closed out the finale by singing “Home,” now available for download on www.americanidol.com and iTunes.

The broadcast from the NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE in downtown Los Angeles featured performances by the show's Top 12 finalists, as well as Aerosmith, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Neil Diamond and Chaka Khan.

Also, in a series of duets, John Fogerty joined Phillip Phillips; Jennifer Holliday sang with Jessica Sanchez; Season Three winner Fantasia performed with Joshua Ledet; Season Six winner Jordin Sparks accompanied Hollie Cavanagh; and Reba McEntire paired up with Skylar Laine.

On Tuesday night’s final performance show, Phillips and Sanchez each sang three songs. Phillips performed “Stand By Me,” “Movin’ Out” and “Home”; and Sanchez sang “I Have Nothing,” “The Prayer” and “Change Nothing.” Also, Jason Derulo performed “Undefeated” and Season 10 winner Scotty McCreery returned to IDOL to sing “Please Remember Me.”

Phillips is the 11th finalist to win American Idol and a record contract with 19 Recordings. He joins past winners Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Kris Allen, Lee DeWyze and Scotty McCreery.

Audition cities and dates for AMERICAN IDOL Season 12 include Los Angeles, CA, on Thursday, June 7; San Antonio, TX, on Thursday, June 14; Charlotte, NC, on Tuesday, June 19; Newark, NJ, on Saturday, June 23; Chicago, IL, on Thursday, July 12; and Oklahoma City, OK, on Friday, July 20. Additional details will be announced on www.americanidol.com.

Dancing (with the Stars) Beats Singing (American Idol):

ABC is claiming victory for Tuesday night's TV showdown between Dancing with the Stars (the 14th Season Grand Finale) and the penultimate episode of the 11 season of American Idol. 

ABC reports that it qualified, with 14.6 million viewers, as the most-watched network on the final Tuesday of the season and May sweeps, outdrawing Fox (11.0 million) with its Tuesday finale of "Idol" and the season finale of "Glee" by 3.6 million viewers.

The alphabet network also had more than double the audience of NBC (6.5 million) which aired "America's Got Talent" and a "Dateline 20th Anniversary" special (+8.1 million viewers or +125%).

By its own admission, ABC finished a solid second to Fox, with Adults 18-49, beating NBC for the night by 24%.

The Bachelorette Battle with Reality Steve

ABC and the producers of The Bachelorette have decided, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

 

After years of being scooped by blogger "Reality Steve," the network has capitulated (to an extent) by offering its own episode-by-episode guide to the program, with more detail than anyone would ever care to read.

 

The only difference - and it's a big one - is that Reality Steve (www.RealitySteve.com) is weeks and weeks ahead of ABC and he actually tells viewers who will be voted off and even who the final Bachelor is, sometimes before the first episode of the show airs.  For this season, he hasn't issued his spoilers yet, but if past seasons are any guide, he'll get to that soon, sharing a week-to-week rundown of who's eliminated and then the announcement of the final two, if not the final ONE.

 

How can ABC compete with that?  It really can't, but you can judge the weekly blog entries for yourself.  As you'll see ABC has taken to virtually copying Reality Steve's idea for a detailed weekly round-up, but without the cynicism and sarcasm.

 

Here's  a sampling from the official ABC site:

 

Say It Ain't So, Joe

Joe gets the second one-on-one date. Emily thinks he's really hot—like Matthew McConaughey hot. They take a private jet to Emily's home state of West Virginia. They head to a beautiful resort called the Greenbrier and go for a swim in a hundred-year-old pool. Later that night, Emily descends down a staircase looking like an elegant Southern lady. She takes Joe's arm as they head off to dinner.
Emily needs to know if Joe is a good fit for her life. She makes no secret that she wants more kids. She also doesn't necessarily feel butterflies with this guy. There's something called the Love Clock at the Greenbrier where people put notes that will endure forever. Joe's note is all about coming back to this place someday with Emily and Ricki. Unfortunately, Emily just doesn't feel a connection. That's why, at the end of the night, Joe doesn't get a rose.

Now, here is the Reality Steve version:

 

-Now it’s time for Emily and Joe to write down their timeless memories and put them into Greenbriar Resorts most famous “Love Clock,” where people write their wishes down in hopes that they “stand the test of time.” Or something like that. Uhhhhh, not quite. Since the episode aired last night, I’ve had three people email me that are familiar with the Greenbriar Resort. All of them have visited there on numerous occasions, one of them even worked there for a summer, and some even attended parties and proms there. All three emails I received told me that in the years they’ve been going to be the Greenbriar Resort, they’d never even heard of this time honored tradition known as the “Love Clock,” so yeah, it was basically made up for the sake of the show. Good thing considering Joe was sent packing about 14 seconds after they put their wishes in the clock. Maybe it had a trap door at the bottom of the clock kinda like in Scooby Doo, and right when Joe was sent home, it opened up and just dumped their wishes into the fireplace. Ahhhhhh, more make believe stuff by production. The “Love Clock.” Nice try.

-That was quite an interesting ending conversation between these two.

Emily: “I don’t know where I fit in your life and Ricki fits in your life.”
Joe: “I get it. We can part ways now.”  (And Joe is off the show.)

 

In any case, after this past Monday night's episode with Joe, Aaron and Kyle out the door, here's a list of the 16 remaining men:

 

Alessandro, 30, a grain merchant from St. Paul, MN

Alejandro, 24, a mushroom farmer from San Francisco, CA

Arie, 30, a race car driver from Scottsdale, AZ

Charlie, 32, a recruiter from Nashville, TN

Chris, 25, a corporate sales director from Chicago, IL

Doug, 33, a charity director/realtor from Seattle, WA

Jef, 27, an entrepreneur from Salt Lake City, UT

John "Wolf," 30, a data destruction specialist from St. Louis, MO

Kalon, 27, a luxury brand consultant from Houston, TX

Michael, 26, a rehab counselor from Austin, TX

Nate, 26, an accountant from Los Angeles, CA

Ryan, 31, a pro sports trainer from Augusta, GA

Sean, 28, an insurance agent from Dallas, TX

Stevie, 27, a party MC from Monroe Township, NJ

Tony, 31, a lumber trader from Beaverton, OR

Travis, 30, an advertising sales representative from Madison, MS

GMA Afternoon Version Set for July

Beginning Monday, July 9, ABC News will air a one-hour extension of "Good Morning America" for nine weeks entitled "Good Afternoon America."

The program, to be broadcast from 2 to 3 in the afternoon, eastern, will be anchored by "GMA's" Josh Elliott and Lara Spencer, with Sam Champion, Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos joining in with special appearances. The program is the temporary substitute for The Revolution, now cancelled due to terrible ratings, that will fill in until "Katie" with Katie Couric starts up in the fall.  The show will feature celebrities, music performances, pop culture news, original entertainment, lifestyle, health, workplace and consumer reporting from ABC contributors.

"It's tremendous that 'GMA' has this opportunity to extend its reach and bring something new to the afternoons," said co-anchor Josh Elliott. "It is gratifying to play a role in it, and we genuinely hope our audience will come along for the ride."

Co-anchor Lara Spencer added: "I am beyond excited and honored to be part of this new chapter for the 'Good Morning America' family. 'Good Afternoon America' gives us the opportunity to reach a different audience, and better yet, to spend a little more time with our morning viewers who want to be a part of the conversation and fun we plan on bringing to afternoon TV."

"Good Afternoon America" will be taped at "GMA's" studio in Times Square.

CBS Fall Schedule

CBS announced today its new 2012-2013 primetime schedule, ordering four new series and making four key time period moves. As the number one network in the ratings, the network is taking advantage of its position and seems to be trying to strengthen for the future. CBS will finish the season as the most-watched network for the ninth time in the past 10 years, leading in viewers by the widest margin of any network in 23 years.

New series from CBS include ELEMENTARY, a contemporary take on the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes in New York City, starring Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu; VEGAS, a drama inspired by a real-life sheriff and his battle with a powerful mobster for control of Las Vegas in the 1960s, starring Dennis Quaid and Michael Chiklis; MADE IN JERSEY, starring Janet Montgomery as a smart first-year lawyer with working-class roots practicing at a prestigious Manhattan law firm; and PARTNERS, a comedy about two very different life-long best friends and business partners and their significant others, starring David Krumholtz and Michael Urie.

“These new series feature a great range of bold concepts, rich characters, big stars and fresh faces,” said Nina Tassler, President, CBS Entertainment. “From a new take on Sherlock Holmes to an epic battle for control of 1960s Las Vegas to a working-class point of view in a prestigious law firm, the dramas each have a unique style and sensibility. And, our new comedy PARTNERS fits perfectly with the CBS Monday night tradition of relationship comedies with a lot of heart and humor.”

The freshman series will be joined by 19 returning shows, including the season’s #1 drama/scripted program – NCIS; the #1 scripted series in adults 18-49 and #1 comedy – THE BIG BANG THEORY; #1 new series – PERSON OF INTEREST; #1 new series/comedy in adults 18-49/25-54 – 2 BROKE GIRLS; #1 news program – 60 MINUTES; and the eight-time Emmy Award winner THE AMAZING RACE.

The other returning series include HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, MIKE & MOLLY, HAWAII FIVE-0, NCIS: LOS ANGELES, SURVIVOR, CRIMINAL MINDS, CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, TWO AND A HALF MEN, CSI: NY, BLUE BLOODS, 48 HOURS MYSTERY, THE MENTALIST and THE GOOD WIFE.

For midseason, the Emmy Award-nominated UNDERCOVER BOSS returns, plus the new reality series THE JOB from executive producers Michael Davies and Mark Burnett. Also for midseason are the new drama GOLDEN BOY and the new comedy FRIEND ME.          

Here's the schedule:

MONDAY

8:00-8:30 PM  HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER

8:30-9:00 PM  PARTNERS (N)

9:00-9:30 PM  2 BROKE GIRLS (NT)

9:30-10:00 PM  MIKE & MOLLY

10:00-11:00 PM  HAWAII FIVE-0

TUESDAY

8:00-9:00 PM  NCIS

9:00-10:00 PM  NCIS: LOS ANGELES

10:00-11:00 PM  VEGAS (N)

WEDNESDAY

8:00-9:00 PM  SURVIVOR

9:00-10:00 PM  CRIMINAL MINDS

10:00-11:00 PM  CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION

THURSDAY

8:00-8:30 PM  THE BIG BANG THEORY

8:30-9:00 PM  TWO AND A HALF MEN (NT)

9:00-10:00 PM  PERSON OF INTEREST

10:00-11:00 PM  ELEMENTARY (N)

FRIDAY

8:00-9:00 PM  CSI: NY (NT)

9:00-10:00 PM  MADE IN JERSEY (N)

10:00-11:00 PM  BLUE BLOODS

SATURDAY

8:00-9:00 PM  CRIMETIME SATURDAY

9:00-10:00 PM  CRIMETIME SATURDAY

10:00-11:00 PM  48 HOURS MYSTERY

SUNDAY

7:00-8:00 PM  60 MINUTES

8:00-9:00 PM  THE AMAZING RACE

9:00-10:00 PM  THE GOOD WIFE

10:00-11:00 PM  THE MENTALIST (NT)

New Drama:

ELEMENTARY stars Jonny Lee Miller as detective Sherlock Holmes and Lucy Liu as Dr. Joan Watson in a modern-day drama about a crime-solving duo that cracks the NYPD’s most impossible cases. Following his fall from grace in London and a stint in rehab, eccentric Sherlock escapes to Manhattan where his wealthy father forces him to live with his worst nightmare – a sober companion, Dr. Watson. A successful surgeon until she lost a patient and her license three years ago, Watson views her current job as another opportunity to help people, as well as paying a penance.

Dennis Quaid and Michael Chiklis star in VEGAS, a drama inspired by the true story of former Las Vegas Sheriff Ralph Lamb, a fourth-generation rancher tasked with bringing order to Las Vegas in the 1960s, a gambling and entertainment mecca emerging from the tumbleweeds. Ralph Lamb (Quaid) wants to be left in peace to run his ranch, but Las Vegas is now swelling with outsiders and corruption which are intruding on his simple life. Recalling Lamb's command as a military police officer during World War II, the Mayor appeals to his sense of duty to look into a murder of a casino worker – and so begins Lamb’s clash with Vincent Savino (Chiklis), a ruthless Chicago gangster who plans to make Vegas his own.

MADE IN JERSEY is a drama about a young working-class woman who uses her street smarts to compete among her pedigreed Manhattan colleagues at a prestigious New York law firm. Martina Garretti (Janet Montgomery) finds her firm’s cutthroat landscape challenging, but what she lacks in an Ivy League education she more than makes up for with tenacity and blue-collar insight. After just a few weeks, firm founder Donovan Stark (Kyle MacLachlan), takes note of Martina’s ingenuity and resourcefulness, as does her sassy secretary Cyndi Vega (Toni Trucks). With the support of her big Italian family, including her sexy older sister Bonnie (Erin Cummings), Martina is able to stay true to her roots as a bold, passionate lawyer on the rise in a new intimidating environment.

New Comedy:

PARTNERS is a comedy based on the lives of creators David Kohan and Max Mutchnick, about two life-long best friends and business partners whose “bromance” is tested when one of them is engaged to be married. Joe (David Krumholtz) is an accomplished architect who leads with his head and not his heart, especially in his love life. That’s in stark contrast to his gay co-worker, Louis (Michael Urie), who is spontaneous, emotional and prone to exaggeration. Both have found joy in their love lives: Joe is newly engaged to Ali (Sophia Bush), a beautiful and sophisticated jewelry designer, while Louis is dating Wyatt (Brandon Routh), a vegan nurse who Louis insists is just a promotion away from becoming a doctor.

New Midseason Series:

GOLDEN BOY is a drama about the meteoric rise of an ambitious cop who becomes the youngest police commissioner in the history of New York City, and the high personal and professional cost he pays to achieve it. As he’s interviewed for a story about his career, Walter William Clark, Jr. (Theo James) flashes back on his hard-fought journey from street kid to the most powerful man in law enforcement. After only three years as a beat cop, Clark’s heroics on the job make him bold enough to ask for and receive the unheard – of promotion to Homicide Detective, angering the members of his new department who are eager to see him fail.

FRIEND ME is a comedy about two 20-something best friends who just moved from Indiana to Los Angeles to start cool new jobs, but can’t agree on how to socially engage in their new city. Rob (Nicholas Braun) is eager to embrace the L.A. scene and meet new people who aren’t looking down at their smart phones or laptops. Evan (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), however, prefers to socialize online at home in his underwear, web-chatting and playing poker with his Hoosier buddies Mike (Parvesh Cheena), Sully (Tim Robinson) and Farhad (Dan Ahdoot) just a keystroke away.

From reality show masters Michael Davies (“Who Wants To Be A Millionaire,” “Watch What Happens Live”) and Mark Burnett (“Survivor,” “The Voice”) comes a new reality series, THE JOB, where every week talented candidates are chosen from across the country for a chance to win their dream job at one of America’s most prestigious companies. Host Lisa Ling guides participants through several rounds of the most intense interviews of their lives, including challenges ranging from an on-the-spot quiz to assess their knowledge of the company to deadline-driven tasks while spending a day on the job.

Kelly Ripa's Co-Hosts for Next Two Weeks

There's still no word on who will be the permanent co-host for Kelly Ripa on Live!, but here is the line-up of substitute's for the next two weeks:

May 21 - "Private Practice" star TAYE DIGGS.

May 22 - "X Factor" judge L.A. REID.

May 23-25 - "Saturday Night Live" head writer SETH MEYERS. 

May 28 - MARK CONSUELOS.

May 29 - Barenaked Ladies lead singer ED ROBERTSON. 

May 30 - Comedian MARTIN SHORT . 

May 31 & June 1 - ESPN's "Mike and Mike in the Morning" host MIKE GREENBERG . 

The Chew Watch: ABC Daytime Ratings

For our loyal readers who have been watching the ABC Daytime ratings since The Chew and The Revolution replaced All My Children and One Life to Live, the news is somewhat gratifying.

During the week of May 7, Nielsen reports The Chew ratings continue to be bad.  There were 2.09 million viewers during that week, up slightly from 2.08 million the week earlier.  Measured against AMC's number of 2.30 million for the corresponding week last year, it's looking like ABC made a big mistake.  The huge disparity, growing each week, means that even with the cost savings of producing a drama vs. a talk show the network is losing big.

ABC's entire daytime lineup is suffering and viewers are flocking to CBS where The Talk continues to pick up steam.  It's grown 9% over the past year and had 2.19 million viewers last week.  It's not The View, which drew 3.30 million, but it's growing and that's what advertisers like to see.

The Revolution, by the way, had a scant 1.22 million viewers for the week in question, down 53% from the 2.58 million One Life to Live drew a year ago.  What were those high paid execs thinking?

Idol Finalists Named: The Top Two

Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez are AMERICAN IDOL’s Top Two finalists. Joshua Ledet was eliminated.

“I’m just a normal guy who loves to play music,” said Phillips. “I just happened to get lucky and I'm so blessed by it. I'm so excited.”

“Being in the position I'm in now is more than I could have ever asked for,” added Sanchez. “I've been looking forward to auditioning for AMERICAN IDOL ever since the first season. And now, the first season that I’m eligible, I've made it to the Top Two! It's crazy what you can do when you put your mind and heart to it! I don't know what could be better than this.”

Next week the two final programs will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in L.A.

The finale on Thursday will feature performances by  Rihanna, Season 10 winner Scotty McCreery and other "surprise guests," as well as a Top 12 reunion before winner is revealed.

Fox also announced that audition cities and dates for AMERICAN IDOL Season 12 include Los Angeles, CA, on Thursday, June 7; Newark, NJ, on Saturday, June 23; and Chicago, IL, on Thursday, July 12. Additional cities, dates and details will be announced on www.americanidol.com.

Phillip Phillips                                         VS.    Hometown: Leesburg, GA Age: 21 Keep up with Phillip at: www.twitter.com/PPhillipsAI11 www.facebook.com/PPhillipsAI11

Jessica Sanchez Hometown: San Diego, CA Age: 16 Keep up with Jessica at: www.twitter.com/JSanchezAI11 www.facebook.com/JSanchezAI11

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ABC New Series Previews - Video

If you're curious about new offerings from ABC, the network has made video of its new shows for the Fall.  Here is a sampling:


666 Park Avenue



The Family Tools



How to Live with Your Parents for the Rest of Your Life



Last Resort



Mailibu Country



Mistresses



Nashville



The Neighbors



Red Widow



Zero Hour

GMA Beats Today Again

For the week of May 7, 2012, the 2nd full week of the May Sweep, ABC News' "Good Morning America" drew 5.180 million Total Viewers to rank No. 1 for the 3rd time in the last 5 weeks, according to Fast National Preliminary Live + Same Day Nielsen data.  "GMA" outperformed NBC's "Today" (5.120 million) by +60,000 Total Viewers. Additionally, Goodmorningamerica.com has expanded its lead and in April, had 17 million more unique users than Today.com.

"GMA" trailed "Today" last week by only -138,000 Adults 25-54 (2.065 vs. 2.203 million), the 2nd-smallest demo gap between the two programs in nearly 7 years - since the week of 8/15/05.  

"GMA" improved week to week in Total Viewers (5.180 million vs. 5.168 million) and in Adults 25-54 (2.065 vs. 2.054 million), while NBC's "Today" posted losses (-2%/-3%).

For the 2nd week in a row and the 5th time in the last 6 weeks, "GMA" improved on its year-ago performance in both Total Viewers (+5%) and Adults 25-54 (+12%) - 4.922 million and 1.843 million, respectively, in w/o 5/9/11. "Today" was down by double digits (-10%/-12%) year to year.

For the 2 time in the last 3 weeks, "GMA" was No. 1 on 3 of 5 days of the week, beating "Today," by +202,000 on Tuesday (5.334 vs. 5.132 million), by +217,000 on Wednesday (5.316 vs. 5.099 million) and by +389,000 on Friday (5.346 vs. 4.957 million).  In addition, "GMA's" Friday airing ranked as the most-watched morning newscast of the week.  This marked the 3rd week in a row and the 4th time in the last 5 weeks that "GMA" owned the week's most-watched morning telecast.   

Additionally, "GMA" ranked No. 1 in the key adult news demo on Friday (5/11/12) beating "Today" by +52,000 (2.160 million vs. 2.108 million). 

Broadcast Network TV Cancellations

The networks have now made their cancellation notifications for next season.

ABC has cancelled the following: GCB and Cougar Town, though the latter is moving to TBS.

NBC is putting an end to: Awake, Are You There, Chelsea, Bent, Best Friends Forever and Harry's Law.

CBS, which is the number one network, is saying goodbye to a surprisingly long list of shows, considering its success: CSI: Miami, NYC-22, Rob, Unforgettable and A Gifted Man.

Finally, Fox is nixing Alcatraz, Breaking In, I Hate My Teenage Daughter and The Finder.

X Factor Signs Britney Spears and Demi Lovato as Judges

Spears and Lovato will be X Factor Judges This Fall.

Multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning worldwide pop icon Britney Spears and singer, songwriter and actress Demi Lovato will join L.A. Reid and Simon Cowell as judges on THE X FACTOR this fall on FOX.

Spears, one of the most successful and celebrated entertainers in pop history, has sold nearly 100 million albums worldwide and has won numerous awards, including the 2011 MTV Video Vanguard Award and Billboard’s Best-Selling Female Artist of the Decade (1998-2008). Spears' first single “…Baby One More Time,” was an international hit that is currently 14x Platinum in the U.S. So far, Spears has earned a total of five No.1 debut albums and 24 Top 40 songs in her career.

Lovato is an accomplished singer and actress with a devoted young fan base. Her single, “Skyscraper,” from her most recent album, “Unbroken,” recently went platinum, while the video for her new single, “Give Your Heart a Break,”  has garnered 10 million YouTube views. Her first album, “Don't Forget,” debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart and her second album, “Here We Go Again,” debuted at No. 1. Lovato began acting at the age of 10, and starred in the cable television series, “Sonny With A Chance.” Her film credits include “Camp Rock” and “Princess Protection Program.”

“I'm absolutely delighted Britney and Demi are joining us,” said Simon Cowell. “Britney remains one of the biggest stars in the world, she's talented, fascinating – and I believe she knows exactly how to spot THE X FACTOR. Demi's had an amazing career in music, TV and film for someone her age. She's young, confident, and enthusiastic. I think it’s really important that she speaks to our younger audience. The new panel will be dynamic and will work really well with the changes we are making to the show.”

Spears added, “I couldn't be more excited to join THE X FACTOR judging panel. I'm a huge fan of the show and now I get to be a part of the action. Simon and L.A. better watch out!”

“I'm so thrilled to join this legendary group of judges on THE X FACTOR,” said Lovato. “To be able to spend each week with Simon, L.A. and Britney watching the best that America has to offer is truly a dream come true.”

In its first season on FOX, THE X FACTOR hit No. 1 among unscripted series for the fall.  The show searches for undiscovered talent 12 years old or over – both solo artists and vocal groups who compete to win a $5 million recording contract with Syco/Sony Music. 

Interested artists can find audition information at www.fox.com/theXfactor.

About Britney Spears

In a little more than a decade, Britney Spears has sold nearly 100 million records worldwide, making her the fourth best-selling female artist ever in America. Born in Mississippi and raised in Louisiana, Spears became a household name as a teenager when she released her first single “…Baby One More Time.” Her recently released album, “Femme Fatale,” includes the No.1 hit “Hold it Against Me,” and additional hits “Till the World Ends,” “I Wanna Go” and “Criminal.” “Femme Fatale” is her seventh studio album since her 1999 debut album, “…Baby One More Time,” which broke sales records selling over 27 million copies worldwide and established Britney as a prominent figure in popular music and culture. Spears also recorded high-grossing albums “Oops!.I Did It Again”; “Britney”; “Blackout”; and “Circus.” An artist so beloved that she inspired her own episode of GLEE, Spears began crafting her most recent album, “Femme Fatale,” while on the road for “The Circus Starring Britney Spears” tour. The tour grossed more than $130 million to become the fifth highest grossing tour ever by a female. Spears has been nominated for eight Grammy Awards and won for Best Dance Recording in 2005.

About Demi Lovato

Singer and actress Demi Lovato started in show business as a pre-teen and rose quickly. By the time she was 15, she was a bona fide TV star cultivating a promising singing career. In the late 2000s, while maintaining a rigorous TV and film shooting schedule, Lovato released two massively successful solo albums, “Don’t Forget” (2008) and “Here We Go Again” (2009); the former debuted at No. 2, the latter at No. 1.

She recently hit the studio with an all-star list of collaborators, including Timbaland, Jason Derulo, Ryan Tedder and Missy Elliot on her 2011 album "Unbroken." The first single, “Skyscraper,” debuted at No. 1 on iTunes’ chart and recently went Platinum. Lovato’s new single, “Give Your Heart a Break,” is cruising up the Top 40 radio charts, while the music video has reached over 10 million YouTube views, as she has some of the most engaged fans in the business. Earlier this year, Demi accepted the People's Choice Award for Favorite Pop Artist, an award chosen solely by the fans. This summer, she will embark on a 21-date U.S. tour.

Rookie Blue Back on ABC

Rookie Blue returns to the ABC schedule for the summer on Thursday, May 24th at 10 p.m.

In the premiere episode, "The First Day of the Rest of Your Life," Andy McNally's (Missy Peregry) real life comes flooding back when she returns to 15 Division after a three-month suspension, ready to face an official tribunal that will decide if she should be reinstated to active duty. Reuniting with her police family, she also meets her possible replacement - new rookie Nick Collins. A tense face-off with fellow officer Sam Swarek (Ben Bass) is interrupted when they are involved in a multi-car collision, caused by a very drunk driver, Henry McLeod (William Shatner), with a serious grudge against the police.

When a mysterious young girl vanishes from the scene of the accident, Andy connects her to a seven-year-old cold case. Will Andy-still on suspension - and the rest of the Division be able to find the missing girl and uncover the circumstances of her disappearance before it is too late? Whether Andy and Sam can reignite the passion they once had may be an even bigger question.

 In the second episode, "Class Dismissed, the theft of an armed police car tops the list of dangerous pranks as local schools wind to a close for the summer. While tracking down the stolen vehicle, Andy and Swarek pick up the trail of a hotheaded teen boy who robbed and violently assaulted a notorious local criminal - who happens to be his girlfriend's father. Andy and Swarek must find the armed teenager before disaster strikes.

In addition to Peregrym and Bass, "Rookie Blue" stars Gregory Smith as Dov Epstein, Charlotte Sullivan as Gail Peck, Enuka Okuma as Traci Nash, Travis Milne as Chris Diaz and Peter Mooney as Nick Collins. Also starring in the series is Melanie Nicholls-King as Noelle Williams, Matt Gordon as Oliver Shaw, Noam Jenkins as Detective Jerry Barber and Lyriq Bent as Frank Best.

NBC Fall Schedule

NBC today announced its prime time lineup for the 2012-13 season.

Notable on the new schedule is the expansion of comedy to Tuesday and Friday nights for a total of five full hours of prime time comedy; the first fall cycle of the hit competition "The Voice" and compelling new dramas from J.J. Abrams and Dick Wolf on Monday and Wednesday nights, respectively.

The season's new fall comedies are "Go On," "The New Normal," "Animal Practice" and "Guys with Kids." Other mid-season comedies include "Save Me," "1600 Penn" and "Next Caller."

The new fall dramas are "Revolution" and "Chicago Fire," while "Do No Harm," "Infamous" and "Hannibal" also will join the lineup in mid-season.

In addition, new alternative series include "Stars Earn Stripes," "Howie Mandel's White Elephant," "Ready for Love," and "Surprise with Jenny McCarthy."

NBC's returning shows are highlighted by "The Voice," which returns on Mondays (8-10 p.m. ET) and includes an additional weekly hour on Tuesdays (8-9 p.m. ET).

Other returning scripted series are "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," "The Office," "30 Rock," "Community," "Parenthood," "Parks and Recreation," "Whitney" and "Up All Night." The alternative series returning are "The Celebrity Apprentice," "Fashion Star," "The Biggest Loser" and "Betty White's Off Their Rockers." Also renewed are "Dateline NBC" and "Rock Center with Brian Williams." "Smash" and "Grimm" were given pickups earlier in the season.

The announcements were made by Robert Greenblatt, Chairman, NBC Entertainment.

"We've taken a few first steps toward a turnaround over this past season and now we're seeing a real opportunity to accelerate that process," said Greenblatt. "We've got a lineup of new shows that will really get people to sit up and take notice. And with the Olympics coming this summer and two nights of ‘The Voice' in the fall, we've also got the tools we need to give our shows the kind of launch they deserve."

NBC FALL 2012-13 SCHEDULE
*New programs in UPPER CASE; all times ET)

MONDAY
8-10 p.m. – "The Voice"
10-11 p.m. – "REVOLUTION"

TUESDAY
8-9 p.m. –"The Voice"
9-9:30 p.m. – "GO ON"
9:30-10 p.m. – "THE NEW NORMAL"
10-11 p.m. – "Parenthood"

WEDNESDAY
8-8:30 p.m. – "ANIMAL PRACTICE"
8:30-9 p.m. – "GUYS WITH KIDS"
9-10 p.m. – "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"
10-11 p.m. – "CHICAGO FIRE"

THURSDAY
8-8:30 p.m. – "30 Rock"
8:30-9 p.m. – "Up All Night"
9-9:30 p.m. – "The Office"
9:30-10 p.m. – "Parks and Recreation"
10-11 p.m. – "Rock Center with Brian Williams"

FRIDAY
8-8:30 p.m. – "Whitney"
8:30-9 p.m. – "Community"
9-10 p.m. – "Grimm"
10-11 p.m. – "Dateline NBC"

SATURDAY
Encore programming

SUNDAY (Fall 2012)
7- 8:15 p.m. -- "Football Night in America"
8:15-11:30 p.m. -- "NBC Sunday Night Football"

SUNDAY (Post-football/Winter 2013)
7-8 p.m. – "Dateline NBC"
8-9 p.m. – "Fashion Star"
9-10 p.m. – "The Celebrity Apprentice"
10-11 p.m. – "DO NO HARM"


2012-13 NEW SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

New Comedies
"Go On" -- Misery loves company. Unless you're sportscaster Ryan King (Matthew Perry, "Friends," "Mr. Sunshine") who thinks misery should just be left alone. After taking some time off, Ryan – who recently lost his wife in a car accident – is now ready to get back to work. And while he seems like his same old charming, cocky self, his boss won't set him back on the air until he seeks counseling. So, Ryan reluctantly joins a support group with one goal in mind: get in, get out and get back on the radio as quickly as possible. Played by the fast-talking, sarcastic, and charismatic Perry, Ryan gives grief a real run for its money. Within one day of group therapy, he hijacks the meeting and suddenly the downtrodden are cajoled into playing a game of "who's got the best sob story?" And in no time all of them are battling it out, trying to one-up each other's despair. Now, this is fun! Ryan's total lack of interest in healing might be just what this group needs – and maybe, exactly what he needs to move on with his life. Also starring are Tony winner Laura Benanti ("The Playboy Club"), Julie White ("Transformers"), Suzy Nakamura ("Dodgeball"), Khary Payton ("General Hospital") and Allison Miller ("Terra Nova"). From the Emmy-winning writer and executive producer Scott Silveri ("Perfect Couples," "Friends") comes a new series that proves grief can be good. Todd Holland ("Malcolm in the Middle") and Karey Burke ("Free Agents," "Miss/Guided") also serve as executive producers. The pilot was directed by Holland. "Go On" is a production of Universal Television, Dark Toy Entertainment and Silver & Gold Productions.

"The New Normal" -- These days, families come in all forms – single dads, double moms, sperm donors, egg donors, one-night-stand donors… It's 2012 and anything goes. Bryan (Andrew Rannells, "Girls," "The Book of Mormon") and David (Justin Bartha, "The Hangover") are a Beverly Hills couple and they have it all. Well, almost. With successful careers and a committed and loving partnership, the one thing missing is a baby. And just when they think the stars will never align, enter Goldie (Georgia King, "One Day"), an extraordinary young woman with a checkered past. A Midwestern waitress and single mother looking to escape her dead-end life and small-minded grandmother (Ellen Barkin, "Ocean's Thirteen"), Goldie decides to change everything and move to L.A. with her precocious 8-year-old daughter. Desperate and broke – but also fertile – Goldie quickly becomes the guys' surrogate and quite possibly the girl of their dreams. Surrogate mother, surrogate family. "The New Normal" is produced by 20th Century Fox Television and Ryan Murphy Productions. Murphy serves as creator/executive producer and director along with executive producer/creator/writer Ali Adler ("Glee," "Chuck") and executive producer Dante Di Loreto ("Glee," "American Horror Story").

"Animal Practice" -- Meet Dr. George Coleman (Justin Kirk, "Weeds"), a top-dog New York veterinarian. With an unorthodox style of operating, George's success comes from his undeniable gift with animals of all kinds. That is, all but the human kind. Dorothy Crane once held the key to George's heart, but today she also holds the key to the family business as she takes over Crane Animal Hospital. Not only is she George's new boss, but her romantic history with him and her lack of experience with animals is seriously cramping his style. Dorothy is whip-smart and ambitious, and she's going to make George pay for the past. Needless to say, he's determined not to make any changes in his (animal) kingdom -- which includes poker games with a resident capuchin monkey. Also starring are Tyler Labine ("Reaper," "Sons of Tucson") as Dr. Doug Jackson, a vet who's great with animals but hapless in matters of the heart, Bobby Lee ("Harold & Kumar") as Dr. Yamamoto, and newcomer Betsy Sodaro as Angela. "Animal Practice" is a production of Universal Television and American Work Inc. The executive producers are Scot Armstrong ("The Hangover Part II," "Old School") and Ravi Nandan ("Best Friends Forever") of American Work Inc. ("Best Friends Forever") along with Emmy Award winners Joe & Anthony Russo ("Community," "Arrested Development"). "Animal Practice" was written by Brian Gatewood and Alessandro Tanaka ("The Sitter"), who also serve as executive producers. Gail Lerner ("Happy Endings") also is an executive producer. Directed by the Emmy-winning Russo brothers, "Animal Practice" is a comedy where the animals are running the asylum.

"Guys with Kids" -- From Emmy winner and executive producer Jimmy Fallon comes a new comedy about three thirty-something dads trying to hold on to their youth, while holding onto their new babies' hands. Easy, right? Thankfully, Chris (Jesse Bradford, "The West Wing"), Nick (Zach Cregger, "Friends with Benefits") and Gary (Anthony Anderson, "Law & Order") have each other to help navigate their survival as new dads, while still trying desperately to remain dudes. Balancing work or staying at home, painfully married or happily divorced, they know that taking care of the little ones while maintaining a social life is a daily challenge. Whether it's hosing the little squirt down in the kitchen sink or hitting the bar strapped with a baby björn, these guys are on a roller-coaster adventure – parenting like you (and they) have never seen before. Also starring are Jamie Lynn Sigler ("The Sopranos") and Tempestt Bledsoe ("The Cosby Show"). Someone once said it is much easier to become a father than to be one. These three guys are about to find out just how true that is. "Guys with Kids" is produced by Universal Television and Holiday Road. Fallon ("Late Night with Jimmy Fallon") serves as executive producer/creator along with executive producer/creator/writer Charlie Grandy (NBC's "The Office") and executive producer/creator Amy Ozols ("Late Night with Jimmy Fallon") as well as executive producers Rick Wiener and Kenny Schwartz ("Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place," "American Dad"). Emmy-nominated director Scott Ellis ("Modern Family," "30 Rock") is the director.

"Save Me" -- Welcome to the Midwestern suburbs, where exciting things never happen. Well, almost never. After a near-death experience (choking on a hero sandwich), Beth (Emmy nominee Anne Heche, "Hung") is revived only to realize she now has a direct line to God. Of course, her husband Tom (Michael Landes, "Final Destination 2") is skeptical and dismissive – and his mistress (Alexandra Breckenridge, "American Horror Story") is stunned to learn that her lover's wife is now a prophet! But when inexplicable things begin to happen, everyone's beliefs are tested. Beth starts to say and do things that shock her family and entrance her friends, but she isn't going to be your typical "fire and brimstone" prophet. Let's just say, if God had a desperate housewife as His mouthpiece, Beth would be it! She is the absolute last person on Earth who would be chosen. Then again, they say He works in mysterious ways. And this one is a real mystery! Heather Burns ("Bored to Death") and Madison Davenport ("Shameless") also star. "Save Me" is produced by Sony Pictures Television and Original Film. Novelist John Scott Shepherd ("Henry's List of Wrongs," "The Days") is executive producer/creator along with executive producer/director Scott Winant ("Breaking Bad," "True Blood," "Californication") and executive producers Neal H. Moritz ("The Big C," "Prison Break," "Fast Five"), Vivian Cannon ("The Big C") and Alexa Junge ("Friends," "Sex and the City").

"1600 Penn" -- The Gilchrists are just the average American family dealing with all the everyday issues – like a grown kid who's forced to move back home, children who are smarter than their teachers and a stepmom (Jenna Elfman, "Dharma and Greg") desperately trying to win over the kids. They're loving, fun and a little crazy. In other words, just like everybody else. With one exception: they live in a very special house. The White House! Whether it's entertaining foreign dignitaries, sneaking away for a night out, dealing with middle school crushes or putting out fires – figuratively and sometimes literally – there's never a dull moment in the Gilchrist White House. For example, the First Son (Josh Gad, star of Broadway sensation "The Book of Mormon") is one of the administration's biggest liabilities, but also the glue that holds this family together. The President (Bill Pullman, "Independence Day," "While You Were Sleeping") knows too well that the only thing harder than being Head of State is being head of the family. Also starring are Martha MacIsaac ("Superbad"), Andre Holland ("Friends with Benefits"), Amara Miller ("The Descendants") and Benjamin Stockham ("Sons of Tucson"). "Modern Family" meets "The West Wing" in this election-year comedy from Emmy-winning executive producer/director Jason Winer ("Modern Family"). The executive producers are Winer, Gad and Jon Lovett (former White House speechwriter). Winer also directed the pilot. "1600 Penn" is produced by 20th Century Fox.

"Next Caller" -- What happens when a foulmouthed satellite radio DJ – played by the multi-platinum selling artist and outrageously charming Dane Cook ("My Best Friend's Girl") – is forced to share the mic with a chipper NPR feminist? It's anyone's call in this sharp new comedy from producer Stephen Falk ("Weeds") and Emmy-winning director Marc Buckland ("Grimm," "My Name Is Earl"). It's her first day in New York City, and 26-year-old Stella Hoobler (Collette Wolfe, "Young Adult") is ready to take on the world. After a stint on public radio, she's been hired to co-host the no-holds-barred show "Booty Calls with Cam Dunne." Smart, spunky and passionate, Stella is determined to elevate the show beyond its boy's-club-locker-room humor into a respected debate about men, women and the state of human relationships. But there's a problem: Cam! She's going to find out the hard way that he's got no intention of sharing the spotlight, especially with someone like her. It's going to be a tense fight, but with the station's one rule being "make some noise," Cam and Stella could be a winning combination – as long as they don't knock each other out on their way to success. Jeffrey Tambor ("Arrested Development"), Joy Osmanski ("True Jackson, VP") and Wolé Parks ("Premium Rush") also star. The series is created and executive-produced by Stephen Falk ("Weeds") and directed by Emmy Award-winning director Marc Buckland ("Grimm," "My Name Is Earl"), who also serves as executive producer on the pilot. "Next Caller" is produced by Lionsgate Television and Universal Television.

New Dramas
"Revolution" -- Our entire way of life depends on electricity. So what would happen if it just stopped working? Well, one day, like a switch turned off, the world is suddenly thrust back into the dark ages. Planes fall from the sky, hospitals shut down, and communication is impossible. And without any modern technology, who can tell us why? Now, 15 years later, life is back to what it once was long before the industrial revolution: families living in quiet cul-de-sacs, and when the sun goes down lanterns and candles are lit. Life is slower and sweeter. Or is it? On the fringes of small farming communities, danger lurks. And a young woman's life is dramatically changed when a local militia arrives and kills her father, who mysteriously – and unbeknownst to her – had something to do with the blackout. This brutal encounter sets her and two unlikely companions off on a daring coming-of-age journey to find answers about the past in the hopes of reclaiming the future. From director Jon Favreau ("Iron Man," "Iron Man 2") and the fertile imaginations of J.J. Abrams ("Lost," "Person of Interest") and Eric Kripke ("Supernatural"), comes a surprising "what if" action-adventure series, where an unlikely hero will lead the world out of the dark. Literally. The series stars Billy Burke ("The Twilight Saga"), Tracy Spiridakos ("Being Human"), Anna Lise Phillips ("Terra Nova"), Zak Orth ("Romeo + Juliet"), Graham Rogers ("Memphis Beat"), J.D. Pardo ("A Cinderella Story"), Giancarlo Esposito ("Breaking Bad"), David Lyons ("The Cape"), Maria Howell ("The Blind Side"), Tim Guinee ("Iron Man") and Andrea Roth ("Rescue Me"). Kripke, Abrams, Favreau and Bryan Burk ("Lost," "Star Trek") serve as executive producers. "Revolution" is produced by Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Bad Robot Productions, Kripke Enterprises and Warner Bros. Television. The pilot was directed by Favreau.

"Chicago Fire" -- No job is more stressful, dangerous or exhilarating than those of the Firefighters, Rescue Squad and Paramedics of Chicago Firehouse 51. These are America's everyday heroes -- the courageous men and women who forge headfirst into danger when everyone else is running the other way. But the enormous responsibilities of the job also take a personal toll. Big reputations and hefty egos, coupled with the pressure to perform and make split-second decisions, are bound to put squad members at odds. When a tragedy claims one of their own, there's plenty of guilt and blame to go around. In the middle of a divorce, Lt. Matthew Casey (Jesse Spencer, "House M.D.") tries to go about business as usual but can't help butting heads with the brash Lt. Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney, "The Vampire Diaries") of the Rescue Squad – and each blames the other for their fallen team member. When it's "go-time" though, they put aside their differences and put everything on the line for each other. "Chicago Fire" is a look inside one of America's noblest professions. Also starring are Eamonn Walker ("The Messenger"), Charlie Barnett, ("Law & Order: SVU"), David Eigenberg ("Sex and the City"), Monica Raymund ("The Good Wife"), Lauren German ("Hawaii Five-O"), Teri Reeves ("Three Rivers") and Merle Dandridge ("Sons of Anarchy"). "Chicago Fire" is produced by Universal Television and Wolf Films. Emmy Award-winning creator/ producer Dick Wolf ("Law & Order" brand), Derek Haas ("3:10 to Yuma"), Michael Brandt ("3:10 to Yuma"), Peter Jankowski ("Law & Order" brand) and Danielle Gelber serve as executive producers. Haas and Brandt wrote the pilot, which was directed by Jeffrey Nachmanoff ("Homeland"). From renowned Emmy-winning producer Dick Wolf and the writing team behind "3:10 to Yuma" comes an edge-of-your-seat view of a dirty job that often means the difference between life and death.

"Do No Harm" -- Dr. Jason Cole (Steven Pasquale, "Rescue Me") is a highly respected neurosurgeon who has it all – a lucrative career, confident charm, the gift of compassion. But he also has a deep, dark secret. One morning when he wakes up disoriented in a wrecked hotel room amidst several near-naked women he's never seen before, he knows one thing: it's happening again. Every night at the same hour, something inside Jason changes, leaving him almost unrecognizable – seductive, devious, borderline sociopathic. This new man is his dangerous alternate personality who goes by the name of ‘Ian Price.' For years he's battled Ian, keeping him in check with a powerful experimental sedative. But now his – their – body has developed a resistance to the serum, setting Ian free once again. And to make matters worse, after being suppressed for so long, Ian's hell-bent on taking revenge on his oppressor. With everyone Jason cares about at risk – patients, friends, coworkers and even the woman he loves – he's got to stop Ian once and for all. Will they find some common ground, or will they bring each other down? Hell hath no fury like an alter ego scorned. Also starring are Alana De La Garza ("Law & Order"), Mousa Kraish ("Superbad"), Michael Esper ("A Beautiful Mind"), Ruta Gedmintas ("The Borgias") and Phylicia Rashad ("The Cosby Show"). "Do No Harm" is produced by Universal Television and Traugott Company. The executive producer/writer is David Schulner ("Desperate Housewives," "The Event"). Peter Traugott ("Ringer") and Rachel Kaplan ("Ringer") also are executive producers. Michael Mayer (NBC's "Smash") is the co-executive producer and director.

"Infamous" -- When wealthy socialite and notorious party girl Vivian Bowers is found dead of an overdose, no one is really surprised. The heiress to the Bowers pharmaceutical empire has been tabloid fodder for years: wild, pretty, privileged… and now dead at the age of 32. But for FBI agent Will Moreno (Laz Alonso, "Avatar"), things don't add up with this suspicious dynasty. Convinced that the troubled girl's death was a homicide, he has a clever plan to get to the truth. Her name is Detective Joanna Locasto (Meagan Good, "Think Like a Man"). Twenty years ago she was Vivian's best friend and practically grew up inside the Bowers' home. And when she appears at Vivian's funeral, the family re-embraces her and no one is the wiser. Joanna quickly begins to uncover dark secrets and clues about why Vivian's life was very much in danger. At the same time, she rekindles an old romantic relationship and rediscovers the allure of the luxurious lifestyle she once knew. She's about to see once again just how the other half lives... and dies. Also starring are Victor Garber ("Alias"), Tate Donovan ("Damages"), Katherine La Nasa ("Alfie") and Ella Rae Peck ("Gossip Girl"). "Infamous" comes from executive producer/writer Liz Heldens ("Friday Night Lights") and director Peter Horton ("Grey's Anatomy," "Dirty Sexy Money"). Gail Berman, Lloyd Braun and Gene Stein are also executive producers. The series is from Universal Television and BermanBraun.

"Hannibal" -- One of the most fascinating literary characters comes to life on television for the first time: psychiatrist-turned-serial-killer, Dr. Hannibal Lecter. In this new drama from Bryan Fuller ("Pushing Daisies," "Heroes"), based on the characters from Thomas Harris' classic novels, we see where this incredible story began. Will Graham (Hugh Dancy, "The Big C") is a gifted criminal profiler who is on the hunt for a serial killer with the FBI. Graham's unique way of thinking gives him the astonishing ability to empathize with anyone – even psychopaths. He seems to know what makes them tick. But when the mind of the twisted killer he's pursuing is too complicated for even Will to comprehend, he enlists the help of Dr. Lecter, one of the premier psychiatric minds in the country. Armed with the uncanny expertise of the brilliant doctor, Will and Hannibal (known as a serial killer only to the audience) form a brilliant partnership and it seems there's no villain they can't catch. If Will only knew… Fuller is writer and executive producer. Martha De Laurentis ("Red Dragon," "Hannibal"), Sara Colleton ("Dexter"), Jesse Alexander ("Lost", "Heroes"), and Katie O'Connell also serve as executive producers. David Slade is the director/executive producer for the series pilot. "Hannibal" is produced by Gaumont International Television.

New Alternative Shows
"Stars Earn Stripes" – The TV cop who wants to prove he can handle a gun in real life. The athlete making the transition from field to battlefield. The performer who wants to show how well she can perform under a different kind of pressure. In this fierce, entertaining and emotionally charged new competition honoring America's armed forces, nine celebrities will gather at a secret training facility where they will be challenged to execute complicated missions inspired by real military exercises. From helicopter drops into treacherous locations to long range weapons fire, these stars will be tested physically, mentally and emotionally – and emerge in awe of the men and women who do such tasks on behalf of our country every day. From executive producers Dick Wolf ("Law & Order," "Law & Order: SVU"), Mark Burnett ("The Voice," "Survivor") and David A. Hurwitz ("Fear Factor"), this extraordinary show will donate money raised through the competition to veterans' charities. Committed to hiring recent vets onto the crew, "Stars Earn Stripes" hopes to inspire other employers throughout the country to make similar commitments to our returning heroes, not to mention proving how impossible their service missions really are. The series is a production of Universal Television, One Three Television, LLC, Wolf Reality, LLC and Bill's Market & Television Productions.

"Howie Mandel's White Elephant" -- From Howie Mandel ("America's Got Talent") comes an exciting new game show based on one of the most wildly popular holiday party games in America. A contestant selects a box from a studio full of unmarked packages containing millions of dollars in prizes, showing what's inside to the others. Then, the next player is faced with a potentially life-changing dilemma: do they steal a prize that has already been revealed, or do they take a chance with another unopened box, hoping what's inside is worth more? But that's just the beginning. When there are only two contestants left, Howie will reveal what's inside the boxes and give the players a choice: share… or steal. If both players choose to share, they will each keep the prizes they have won in the prior rounds. If one player shares and the other steals, the player that chose to steal will go home with all the prizes. But if both choose to steal, they both go home with nothing! The stakes are insanely high as each contestant grapples with the choice of a lifetime… and the white elephant in the room. "Howie Mandel's White Elephant" is from Universal Television and Alevy Productions. Mandel and Mike Marks are the executive producers.

"Ready for Love" -- What does it take to find your soul mate? Well, producer Eva Longoria ("Desperate Housewives") is inviting every eligible woman in America to participate in an innovative and dramatic new dating competition to find out how easy it can be. She has hand-selected three impossibly handsome grooms and enlisted the three best Matchmakers in the world to find them life partners. Let the dating begin! The show kicks off with mass auditions screened by the Matchmakers, and then launches into a romantic journey that will combine the best elements of in-studio competition and story-based reality. Each week, the contestants will be whittled down until the dramatic finale, when the three "grooms" and final three "brides" decide if they'll get engaged, married or simply live happily ever after… because they're all Ready for Love! Bill Rancic ("Giuliana and Bill") and Giuliana DePandi-Rancic ("Giuliana and Bill," "Fashion Police") are the hosts. "Ready for Love" is produced by Renegade 83, UnbeliEVAble Entertainment and Universal Television. Longoria, Jason Ehrlich ("The Bachelor," "The Bachelorette"), Greg Goldman ("Secret Millionaire," "Don't Forget the Lyrics!"), David Garfinkle ("Blind Date," "The 5th Wheel") and Jay Renfroe ("Blind Date," "The 5th Wheel") serve as executive producers.

"Surprise With Jenny McCarthy" – Actress, comedienne and best-selling author Jenny McCarthy hosts "Surprise With Jenny McCarthy," a unique variety show that will treat the audience to a funny, irreverent and heart-warming television experience that centers around giving people surprises of a lifetime. "Surprise With Jenny McCarthy" will spotlight multiple surprises within the one-hour episode -- from dramatic reunions to surprise announcements to good-natured pranks with fantastic feel-good twists. And, whether the surprise is an emotional roller coaster, a heartfelt thank-you, a hero's reward or a slightly devilish prank with a happy ending, viewers get a chance to know the true stories of the people involved, which makes the payoffs all the more meaningful. As ringleader, cheerleader, head instigator and mistress of ceremonies, McCarthy helps pull off all kinds of incredible surprises on people from all walks of life. Funny, touching, engaging, exciting and always unpredictable, "Surprise With Jenny McCarthy" will keep viewers laughing, crying and on the edge of their seats. Arthur Smith ("Hell's Kitchen," "Kitchen Nightmares") and Paul Buccieri are executive producers of the presentation from A. Smith & Co. and ITV Studios.