Will New Apprentice End with 'You're Terminated? Schwarzenegger Named New Host

This won't happen until sometime during the 2016-17 season, according to NBC, but former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has been named to fill Donald Trump's shoes on "The Celebrity Apprentice."
NBC announced Monday that the movie star and two-term governor will be the new host of the competition show.

There can be little argument that Trump and his ego made the show a success, first regular folks and then celebrities competing in business-related tasks. In seven seasons, NBC said "The Celebrity Apprentice" has helped raise more than $15 million for charity.

Schwarzenegger, who has long had a range of business holdings, from restaurants to real estate development to sports franchises, told Variety he is eager to begin filming the series.

Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger stands in front of his gubernatorial portrait at the unveiling in the Rotunda of the State Capitol on Sept. 8, 2014, in Sacramento. Justin Sullivan / Getty Images

"I have always been a huge fan of 'The Celebrity Apprentice' and the way it showcases the challenges and triumphs of business and teamwork," Schwarzenegger said. "I am thrilled to bring my experience to the boardroom and to continue to raise millions for charity. Let's get started!"

Trump left the show that originated as "The Apprentice" following his decision to run for the GOP nomination for president.

"After leaving the show to run for political office, Donald made it clear that he wanted 'The Celebrity Apprentice' to be able to continue to raise millions of dollars annually for worthy causes, and now NBC and I have found an amazing new leader to do just that," the show's executive producer, Mark Burnett, told Variety. "Gov. Schwarzenegger will use his vast and highly successful business, political and media experience to drive this hit franchise to new heights."

NBC said there's no word on whether Schwarzenegger will replace Trump's "you're fired" catchphrase with his own "you're terminated."

Brian Williams' return timed to Pope's U.S. Visit

The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that former NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams will return from his suspension on September 22nd, which happens to be the day Pope Francis arrives on U.S. soil for his first official visit.


Williams will anchor live breaking news on MSNBC that day.

It is also being reported that MSNBC's new daytime line-up will include Chuck Todd as host of a daily program, along with Kate Snow.  Others who will figure into the new roster at the recently shaken-up network are MSNBC's newest star, Thomas Roberts, Andrea Mitchell and an expanded "Morning Joe."

A number of recent MSNBC anchors are losing (or have lost) their shows: Jose Diaz-Balart, Tamron Hall, Joy Reid the group on The Cycle (Ari Melber, Krystal Ball, Abby Huntsman), Ed Schultz and Al Sharpton.

Great addition to Mysteries of Laura on NBC: Calliie Thorne Joins Cast

This is good news.  A show that I already liked promises to get better with the addition of actress Callie Thorne, known to many as Dr. Santini on Necessary Roughness (USA) and as Denis Leary's sometime love interest on Rescue Me.

NBC announced today that Thorne will appear as Captain Nancy Santiani,whom Debra Messing's

Pictured: (l-r) Debra Messing as Laura Diamond, Josh Lucas as Jake Broderick, Callie Thorne as Captain Nancy Santiani.

character, Detective Laura Diamond, will refer to as "Santini".  She'll play Messing's all-business new boss at the 2nd Precinct.  According to NBC Publicity, "despite her youth and her petite size, Santiani runs a tight ship and refuses to take any crap from Laura, who doles out plenty of it.  But despite their constant clash, these two strong women - both single moms - will find common ground and come to understand each other, even if they can't stand to be in the same room with each other." 

Season 2 of "The Mysteries of Laura" premieres Wednesday, Sept. 23 on NBC (8 p.m. ET/PT).

Colbert's Debut Ho Hum: Not up to the Fanfare

I admit I was not a regular viewer of the Colbert Report on Comedy Central, but I did like Stephen Colbert's humor and I know he could be very funny almost every night.

So when I tuned in to his debut of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" on CBS, I was expecting a lot, at least one laugh out loud moment.

I'm sure I wasn't the only viewer who was disappointed.  Clearly, a lot of

work went into the first program.  The intro featured a produced piece of Colbert singing the Star Spangled Banner (in very good voice) with different groups from around the country in various settings.  It was great. Nice, amusing and had a kicker at the end - a cameo from Colbert's former colleague Jon Stewart.  The music from Jon Batiste and the Stay Human band was great.  The production had energy and the new set and renovated Ed Sullivan Theater are terrific.

But maybe the intro and the setting were the best parts of the show.

After that, there was a monologue (nothing special), host chat with two silly product placement gags (Oreo and Sabra hummus) that went nowhere, and two interviews.

The first, with George Clooney, was fine, but not incredibly entertaining.  Colbert went out of his way to say (more than once) that the movie star was appearing as a courtesy, not to plug a project.  He then went on to help Clooney speak at length about his work in Darfur.  No doubt Clooney is doing a great thing there in the western Sudan, but let's not say he wasn't plugging anything.

The second interview, with Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush was a little more fun and somewhat revealing of the former Florida governor's personality, but it wasn't exceptional.

Viewership for the debut Colbert "Late Show" was astounding.  The AP reported that 6.6 million people tuned in, which was double what David Letterman drew a year ago.  So that's good.  And I'm sure Colbert will hone his presentation and content as he becomes familiar with the new venue and audience.

I won't, therefore, say he's a fail, just that he has a way to go before he becomes must-see TV on a nightly basis.  We know he has the ability to be very funny.  There's little chance he won't get there.

Maria Bartiromo will Fill Don Imus' Shoes on Fox Business Network

TV Newser is reporting that FBN is changing up its daytime schedule.

In what it calls an exclusive, Maria Bartiromo‘s show will now air Stuart Varney anchoring from 9am-Noon. Neil Cavuto is moving from prime time and will host a new show called Cavuto Coast-to-Coast at NoonET.

from 6am-9amET, followed by

Trish Regan, who joined FBN from Bloomberg in March, will anchor the 2pmET hour. TVNewser hears more changes will be announced this afternoon.

The programming changes follow FBN’s decision to end the Don Imus morning simulcast, which had been a staple on the network for 6 years.

 

NBC's 2015-2016: The Return of "Coach," New shows for J-Lo, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Neil Patrick Harris, America Ferrera, Ray Liotta and more

As it closes in on its second consecutive season-long victory in the key adult 18-49 demographic, NBC unveils a new 2015-16 primetime schedule that combines popular returning series, edge-of-your-seat new dramas, inventive new comedies and season nine of the Emmy Award-winning musical competition series “The Voice.”

NBC is on track to win the traditional September-to-May primetime 
season in adults 18-49 for the second year in a row after having gone the prior 10 years without an 18-49 win. Through 32 completed weeks of the season, NBC also ranks #1 or tied for #1 among the Big 4 networks in adults and men 18-34 and men and women 18-49.

In total viewers, NBC is running #2 for the season and within 7% of its year-ago Olympics-boosted average (8.8 million vs. 9.5 million), making this season and last NBC’s two top-scoring seasons in total viewers since 2006-07.

NBC has won the last three November sweeps in adults 18-49, as well as the last two February sweeps and the last four summers in a row.

Highlights of the newly announced year-round schedule include the captivating and mysterious drama “Blindspot” from Greg Berlanti, one of TV’s most prolific executive producers; “Heroes Reborn,” the return of the supernatural phenomenon from “Heroes” creator Tim Kring that examines a new group of ordinary citizens with extraordinary abilities; “Heartbreaker,” starring Melissa George as a fearless doctor inspired by real-life renowned surgeon Dr. Kathy Magliato, who always fights authority to ensure the best for her patients; and “The Player,” starring Wesley Snipes and Philip Winchester as a former military operative turned security agent drawn into a high-stakes game in a Las Vegas-set thriller.

Other high-profile dramas include “Chicago Med,” the newest installment of NBC’s highly successful “Chicago” franchise from multi-Emmy Award winner and TV icon Dick Wolf; and “Game of Silence,” from “CSI” veteran Carol Mendelsohn and David Hudgins (“Parenthood,” “Friday Night Lights”), in which three childhood friends reunite 25 years later to right the wrongs of the past. And starring Jennifer Lopez comes “Shades of Blue,” in which she plays a single mother and New York cop who is forced to work with the FBI and must betray her own on-the-job brothers.

On the comedy side, the cast from “Undateable” will return for a new season, but with a twist: Every episode will be shot LIVE! Also for fall is “People Are Talking” from executive producer Will Packer (“Ride Along”) about two diverse couples who talk and share their sometimes surprising, but relatable, everyday experiences. “Crowded,” from “Hot in Cleveland” creator Suzanne Martin, looks at a couple (Carrie Preston, “True Blood” and Patrick Warburton, “Seinfeld”) who are truly enjoying their empty nest after the kids have moved away, only to have them move back home again.

“Superstore” stars America Ferrera (“Ugly Betty”) as a supervisor in a big-box megastore who works with a rag-tag crew that doesn’t always put the customer first. There’s also the one-hour “You, Me and the End of the World,” with Rob Lowe, Megan Mullally and Jenna Fischer, about an unlikely group of unconnected characters trying to find shelter when an apocalyptic event is threatening the existence of Earth.

Two stars of previous beloved series are toplining new NBC comedies:  Eva Longoria ("Desperate Housewives") stars in "Hot & Bothered" in a telenovela in which she plays a woman grappling with life and romance; and Craig T. Nelson reprises his role as Hayden Fox in "Coach," this time to help his son with a fledgling Ivy League football team.

On the alternative side, inspired by the wildly popular U.K. format is a unique live variety show titled “Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris.” It will include stunts, skits, pranks, audience interaction, musical numbers, giveaways and unlimited surprises. Also ordered to series is “Little Big Shots,” which is hosted by Steve Harvey and features extraordinarily talented kids. The show is executive produced by Ellen DeGeneres and Steve Harvey.

For event programming, in a deal previously announced, Dolly Parton will be executive producing a selected number of movies, the first of which is “Coat of Many Colors,” based on her remarkable upbringing. NBC has also ordered “The Reaper,” a miniseries based on the best-selling memoir by Sgt. Nicholas Irving, a decorated African-American sniper who was deployed in Afghanistan for 100 days.

Returning scripted programming includes “The Blacklist,” “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago P.D.,” “Grimm.” “Law & Order: SVU,” “The Mysteries of Laura” and “The Night Shift.”

The decision on the future of “A.D. The Bible Continues” and “American Odyssey” will come at a later date after their respective seasons have ended. Season three of “Hannibal” is set to premiere Thursday, June 4.

Returning alternative programming includes “America Ninja Warrior,” “America’s Got Talent,” “The Biggest Loser,” “The Celebrity Apprentice,” “Food Fighters,” “Hollywood Game Night,” “Last Comic Standing,” “Running Wild with Bear Grylls” and “The Voice.”

This fall’s biggest event will be the holiday musical “The Wiz Live!”

“We’re attacking the new season with the same programming strategy that successfully turned NBC around — a slate of provocative and innovative series and events that cut through the clutter and will continue to build on our momentum,” said Robert Greenblatt, Chairman, NBC Entertainment. 

“We have several powerful new dramas and attention-getting new comedies, including the return of ‘Undateable,’ which will be broadcast live every week next season. Live programming is one more way to make a show undeniable.”

“We can’t wait for the fall season and the chance to roll out our lineup of distinctive, innovative new dramas and comedies, scheduled with the kind of lead-in support that will give each of our new shows the optimum chance to find their audiences and deliver on their outstanding potential,” said Jennifer Salke, President, NBC Entertainment. “The fall lineup gives you only half the story. We truly program on a 52-week basis and are putting virtually the same amount of programming muscle behind our mid-season lineup, with some of the most high-profile concepts and biggest names on television joining the schedule starting at midseason and extending throughout the remainder of the broadcast year.”

“Unscripted programming has played a key role in NBC’s two consecutive season-long wins, from ‘The Voice’ to ‘America’s Got Talent’ to ‘American Ninja Warrior,’” said Paul Telegdy, President, Alternative and Late Night Programming, NBC Entertainment. “We’re excited to build on that momentum with some of the most inventive breakthrough alternative concepts coming in the new season, including ‘First Dates,’ ‘Little Big Shots’ and ‘Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris,’ featuring one of America’s most phenomenal performing talents hosting the U.S. adaptation of a smash-hit British series.”

Said Ralph Oakley, President/CEO of Quincy Newspapers, Inc., and Chair of the NBC Affiliate Board, "We are happy with NBC's finish as the #1 network in primetime this broadcast season and are enthusiastic about the potential of the newly unveiled schedule and shows next year."

NBC FALL 2015-16 SCHEDULE
(New programs in UPPER CASE; all times ET)

MONDAY
8-10 P.M. — “The Voice”
10-11 P.M. — “BLINDSPOT”

TUESDAY
8-9 P.M. — “The Voice”
9-10. PM. — “HEARTBREAKER”
10-11 P.M. — “BEST TIME EVER WITH NEIL PATRICK HARRIS” (through November)
10-11 P.M. — “Chicago Fire” (premieres in November)

WEDNESDAY
8-9 P.M. — “The Mysteries of Laura”
9-10 P.M. — “Law & Order: SVU”
10-11 P.M. — “Chicago P.D.”

THURSDAY
8-9 P.M. — “HEROES REBORN”
9-10 P.M. — “The Blacklist”
10-11 P.M. — “THE PLAYER”

FRIDAY
8-8:30 P.M. — “Undateable”
8:30-9 P.M. — “PEOPLE ARE TALKING”
9-10 P.M. — “Grimm”
10-11 P.M. — “Dateline”

SATURDAY
8-10 P.M. — “Dateline Saturday Night Mystery”
10-11 P.M. — “Saturday Night Live” (Classic encores)

SUNDAY
7-8:20 P.M. — “Football Night in America”
8:20-11 P.M. — “Sunday Night Football”

2015-16 SERIES DESCRIPTIONS


NEW COMEDIES

“COACH”
Craig T. Nelson (“Parenthood”) reprises the iconic role that earned him an Emmy in this follow-up to the beloved series that ran for nine seasons. With original creator Barry Kemp at the helm, Hayden Fox’s story picks up 18 years later when the retired coach gets back in the game to assist his son, who was just hired as head coach at an Ivy League university in Pennsylvania… where they know nothing about sports. Between dealing with the eggheads on campus and his hostile daughter-in-law at home, Coach will soon learn that he’s not in Minnesota anymore. Talk about a Hail Mary!
Barry Kemp serves as writer and executive producer. Craig T. Nelson also executive produces. “Coach” is produced by Universal Television.
Please visit the official show site at: http://www.nbc.com/coach 
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“CROWDED”
No more sex, booze, and paying the bills naked. After 20 years of parenting, empty nesters Mike (Patrick Warburton, “Seinfeld”) and Martina (Carrie Preston, “True Blood”) are finally reclaiming their wild side. Yet when their two grown daughters both unexpectedly move back in, and Mike’s parents scratch their plans to spend their golden years in Florida, their roost is full again. From executive producer Sean Hayes, this new (and very timely) family comedy proves that life is crazy with a full house, especially the second time around.
The cast includes Patrick Warburton, Carrie Preston, Stacy Keach, Carlease Burke, Mia Serafino and Miranda Cosgrove.

Suzanne Martin serves as writer and executive producer. Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner also executive produce. James Burrows will direct. “Crowded” is produced by Universal Television and Hazy Mills Productions.

Please visit the official show site at: http://www.nbc.com/crowded

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“HOT & BOTHERED”
If you think the steamy sex, sensational scandals and wrenching heartbreak on Latino soap operas are a little extreme, just wait until you see what happens behind the scenes. Eva Longoria (“Desperate Housewives”) stars in this new comedy about Ana Sofia, a sizzling TV superstar and her lively family of cast and crew all competing to steal the spotlight. When the cameras turn off, the drama turns up as Ana battles pesky network execs, drunken script writers, narcissistic co-stars, and an unfortunately familiar new onscreen love interest.

The cast includes Jencarlos Canela, Diana Maria Riva, Jose Moreno Brooks, Alex Meneses, Amaury Nolasco, Jadyn Maria and Izzy Diaz

Chrissy Pietrosh and Jessica Goldstein serve as writers and executive producers. Eva Longoria, Ben Spector, Josh Bycel and Jonathan Fener also executive produce. “Hot & Bothered” is produced by Universal Television, Unbelievable Entertainment and Tall and Short Productions.

Please visit the official show site at: http://www.nbc.com/hot-and-bothered

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“PEOPLE ARE TALKING”
If you can think it, they will say it. From producer Will Packer (“Ride Along”) and director Pam Fryman (“How I Met Your Mother”) comes this unabashed new comedy about two diverse couples who are both neighbors and best friends. As they go through life side-by-side, they can’t help but analyze and obsess about everything. From topics like sex and race, to the fact that the trusted new babysitter might just be a porn star, nothing is out of bounds for this wildly outspoken foursome.

The cast includes Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Tone Bell and Bresha Webb.

DJ Nash serves as writer and executive producer. Will Packer and director Pam Fryman (pilot) also executive produce. “People Are Talking” is produced by Universal Television and Will Packer Productions.

Please visit the official show site at: http://www.nbc.com/people-are-talking
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https://twitter.com/nbcpeopletalk #PeopleAreTalking

“SUPERSTORE”
America Ferrera (“Ugly Betty”) and Ben Feldman (“Mad Men,” “A to Z”) star in a hilarious workplace comedy (from the producer of “The Office”) about a unique family of employees at a super-sized megastore. From the bright-eyed newbies and the seen-it-all veterans to the clueless summer hires and in-it-for-life managers, together they hilariously tackle the day-to-day grind of rabid bargain hunters, riot-causing sales and nap-worthy training sessions.
The cast includes Mark McKinney, Lauren Ash, Colton Dunn, Nichole Bloom and Nico Santos.
Justin Spitzer serves as writer and executive producer. David Bernad and director Ruben Fleischer also executive produce. “Superstore” is produced by Universal Television and the District.

Please visit the official show site at: http://www.nbc.com/superstore

For the latest “Superstore” news, videos, and photos, please like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
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https://twitter.com/nbcsuperstore  #Superstore

“YOU, ME AND THE END OF THE WORLD”
In this bold adrenaline-fueled new one-hour comedy drama, the news that a comet is on an unavoidable collision course with Earth sets in motion the most hilariously unexpected chain of events imaginable. Set against the backdrop of apocalyptic chaos and starring Rob Lowe (“Parks and Recreation”), Jenna Fischer (“The Office”), Megan Mullally (“Will & Grace”) and Mathew Baynton (“Yonderland”), the story follows an eclectic group of seemingly unconnected characters around the world as their lives start to intersect in the most unexpected ways. When we say eclectic, we mean a rebellious priest, an unhinged white supremacist, a mild-mannered bank manager, a germ-phobic cyber-terrorist and an American five-star general. Some of these misfits are destined to make it to a bunker deep beneath the English suburbs of Slough and, as a result, will become the hugely unlikely (and totally unsuitable) future of mankind. Wouldn’t that be a disaster!

The cast also includes Joel Fry, Paterson Joseph, Gaia Scodellaro, Pauline Quirke, Fabian McCallum and Kyle Soller.

Executive producers are Juliette Howell, Lynn Horsford, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, JoAnn Alfano, Cameron Roach, Lizzie Gray and Andrew Conrad.  "You, Me and the End of the World" is a production of Working Title Television, Sky TV and Bigballs Films.  NBCUniversal International Television Production operates a joint television production venture with Working Title Television.

Please visit the official show site at: http://www.nbc.com/you-me-and-the-end-of-the-world
For the latest “You, Me and the End of the World” news, videos, and photos, please like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
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https://twitter.com/NBCEndOfWorld #EndoftheWorld

NEW DRAMAS

“BLINDSPOT”
From executive producer Greg Berlanti (“Arrow,” “The Flash,” “The Mysteries of Laura”) comes “Blindspot”: A vast international plot explodes when a beautiful Jane Doe, completely covered in mysterious, intricate tattoos, is discovered naked in Times Square with no memory of who she is or how she got there. But there’s one tattoo that is impossible to miss: the name of FBI agent Kurt Weller, emblazoned across her back. “Jane,” Agent Weller and the rest of the FBI quickly realize that each mark on her body is a crime to solve, leading them closer to the truth about her identity and the mysteries to be revealed.

The cast includes Sullivan Stapleton, Jaimie Alexander, Audrey Esparza, Rob Brown, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Ukweli Roach and Ashley Johnson.

Martin Gero serves as writer and executive producer. Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and director Mark Pellington also executive produce. “Blindspot” is produced by Warner Bros. Television and Berlanti Productions.

Please visit the official show site at: http://www.nbc.com/blindspot
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“CHICAGO MED”
Executive producer Dick Wolf delivers the newest installment of the compelling “Chicago” franchise, an emotional thrill ride through the day-to-day chaos of the city’s most explosive hospital and the courageous team of doctors who hold it together. They will tackle unique new cases inspired by topical events, forging fiery relationships in the pulse-pounding pandemonium of the emergency room, and through it all, familiar faces from the Chicago police and fire departments will intertwine as this third team of Chicago heroes hits the ground running.

The cast includes Oliver Platt, S. Epatha Merkerson, Laurie Holden, Nick Gehlfuss and Yaya Dacosta.

Dick Wolf, Matt Olmstead, Danielle Gelber, Peter Jankowski, Michael Brandt and Derek Haas executive produce.  "Chicago Med" is produced by Universal Television and Wolf Films
Please visit the official show site at: http://www.nbc.com/chicago-med

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https://twitter.com/NBCChicagoMed #ChicagoMed

“GAME OF SILENCE”
Carol Mendelsohn, executive producer and veteran of the “CSI” phenomenon, and David Hudgins (“Parenthood,” “Friday Night Lights”) present a gripping new drama about a successful Atlanta attorney (David Lyons, “Revolution”) whose long-lost childhood friends unexpectedly reappear after 25 years. When a dark secret they thought they had buried resurfaces, the brotherhood bands together to right the wrongs of their shared past — a journey that will push the limits of their loyalty and quench their thirst for revenge.

The cast includes David Lyons, Michael Raymond-James, Larenz Tate, Bre Blair, Conor O’Farrell, Deidrie Henry, Demetrius Grosse and Claire Van Der Boom.

David Hudgins serves as writer and executive producer. Carol Mendelsohn, Julie Weitz and director Niels Arden Oplev also executive produce. “Game of Silence” is produced by Sony Pictures Television, Universal Television and Carol Mendelsohn Productions.

Please visit the official show site at: http://www.nbc.com/game-of-silence
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http://twitter.com/nbcsilence #GameofSilence

“HEARTBREAKER”
Based on the real life and achievements of Dr. Kathy Magliato, this unique character-driven medical drama follows Dr. Alex Panttiere (Melissa George, “The Slap”), an outspoken world-renowned heart-transplant surgeon and one of the few women in her field. Stubborn and fearless, Alex always operates on her own terms. She revels in a racy personal life that’s a full-time job in itself, manages the daily demands of skeptical faculty and dutiful interns, and pushes the boundaries of medical science to impressive new heights.

The cast includes Melissa George, Dave Annable, Don Hany, Shelley Conn, D.L. Hughley, Jamie Kennedy, Maya Erskine, J. Louis Mills and Joshua Leonard.
Jill Gordon serves as writer and executive producer. Amy Brenneman, Brad Silberling and director Robbie Duncan McNeill also executive produce. “Heartbreaker” is produced by Universal Television.
Please visit the official show site at: http://www.nbc.com/heartbreaker

For the latest “Heartbreaker” news, videos, and photos, please like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
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https://twitter.com/NBCHeartbreaker  #Heartbreaker

“HEROES REBORN”
From original creator Tim Kring, the supernatural phenomenon begins again with a fresh crop of inspiring heroes who take on the ultimate struggle between those with extraordinary abilities and those with nefarious motives to hunt and harness their powers. Epic adventures await these newly empowered allies as they cross paths with some of the original characters (such as the beloved “HRG” and fan-favorite time-traveler Hiro Nakamura), unlocking the mysterious fate of the universe and their place within it.

The cast of “Heroes Reborn” includes Jack Coleman, Zachary Levi, Masi Oka, Judith Shekoni, Robbie Kay, Henry Zebrowski, Kiki Sukezane, Ryan Guzman, Danika Yarosh, Toru Uchikado, Eve Harlow and Gatlin Green.

Tim Kring serves as writer and executive producer. Peter Elkoff and James Middleton also executive produce. “Heroes Reborn” is produced by Universal Television, Imperative Entertainment and Tailwind Productions.

Please visit the official show site at: http://www.nbc.com/heroes-reborn
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https://twitter.com/heroes  #HeroesReborn

“THE PLAYER”
From the executive producers of “The Blacklist” and starring Wesley Snipes and Philip Winchester (“Strike Back,” “Fringe”) comes an action-packed Las Vegas thriller about a former military operative turned security expert who is drawn into a high-stakes game where an organization of wealthy individuals gamble on his ability to stop some of the biggest crimes imaginable from playing out. Can he take them down from the inside and get revenge for the death of his wife, or is it true what they say: The house always wins.

The cast also includes Charity Wakefield and Damon Gupton.

John Rogers serves as writer and executive producer. John Davis, John Fox and director Bharat Nalluri also executive produce. “The Player” is produced by Sony Pictures Television, Davis Entertainment and Kung Fu Monkey.

Please visit the official show site at: http://www.nbc.com/the-player
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“SHADES OF BLUE”
In a provocative new drama, the iconic Jennifer Lopez stars as sexy New York detective (and single mother) Harlee Santos, who fell in with a tight-knit group of dirty cops, taking bribes and protection money that she uses to provide the best life for her honest and talented daughter. When she’s trapped by the FBI, however, and forced to inform on her own “brothers,” she’ll have to walk the fine line between love, loyalty, honor and betrayal, and try to keep it together for her daughter’s future.

The cast also includes Ray Liotta, Warren Kole, Dayo Okeniyi, Drea De Matteo, Hampton Fluker, Vincent Laresca and Sarah Jeffery.

Jack Orman and Adi Hasak serve as writers and executive producers. Jennifer Lopez, Barry Levinson (pilot), Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, Benny Medina, Ryan Seacrest and Nina Wass also executive produce. “Shades of Blue” is produced by Universal Television, Nuyorican Productions, EGTV and Ryan Seacrest Productions.

Please visit the official show site at: http://www.nbc.com/shades-of-blue
For the latest “Shades of Blue” news, videos, and photos, please like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
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https://twitter.com/nbcshadesofblue #ShadesofBlue

NEW ALTERNATIVE SERIES
“BEST TIME EVER WTH NEIL PATRICK HARRIS”
Five Emmy Awards and a Tony Award make multi-talented Neil Patrick Harris the perfect star for this live one-hour show that is unlike any other currently on American television. Complete with stunts, skits, pranks, audience interaction, musical numbers, giveaways and unlimited surprises, this show proves that anything can happen, and it can happen to you. Based on the wildly popular British hit “Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway,” the modernized variety show format and its fearless, multi-talented star will make for one of the best nights ever on
TV week after week.

Neil Patrick Harris, Orly Adelson, Siobhan Greene, David A. Hurwitz, Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly executive produce. “Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris” is produced by ITV Studios America.

Please visit the official show site at:  http://www.nbc.com/best-time-ever-with-neil-patrick-harris
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https://twitter.com/nbcbesttimeever  #BestTimeEver

NEW EVENTS

“COAT OF MANY COLORS”
Based on the inspiring true story of living legend Dolly Parton’s remarkable upbringing, this once-in-a-lifetime movie special takes us inside the tight-knit Parton family as they struggle to overcome devastating tragedy and discover the healing power of love, faith, and a raggedy patchwork coat that helped make Dolly who she is today.
Pamela K. Long serves as writer. Sam Haskell and Dolly Parton will executive produce. “Coat of Many Colors” is produced by Magnolia Hill Entertainment and DP Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.

“THE REAPER”
Based on the best-selling memoir “The Reaper” by Nicholas Irving, this event miniseries recounts the 100-day Afghanistan deployment of Sgt. Nicholas Irving, nicknamed ‘The Reaper.’ The first African-American sniper, Irving tallied 33 official kills during this single deployment, a record that still stands today. “The Reaper” is a boots-on-the-ground thrilling and raw account of modern warfare and how it changes, shapes, and sometimes destroys the people who fight in it.
Tom Donnelly and Josh Oppenheimer serve as writers and executive producers. Harvey Weinstein and Bob Weinstein also executive produce. “The Reaper” is produced by the Weinstein Company.

“THE WIZ LIVE!”
NBC embarks on its latest musical holiday tradition with a live television production of the groundbreaking Tony Award-winning musical that brought the vivid world of Oz to the streets of New York in a fresh, funky, sing-a-long journey down the yellow brick road.
Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (“The Sound of Music Live!,” “Peter Pan Live!”) serve as executive producers. Kenny Leon will direct with Harvey Fierstein providing new written material. “The Wiz Live!” is produced by Universal Television in association with Cirque Du Soleil Theatrical.

FOX Announces 2015/2016 Season: American Idol's Last

Dana Walden and Gary Newman, Chairmen and CEOs, Fox Television Group, today unveiled the FOX primetime slate for the 2015-2016 television season to the national advertising community during its annual Programming Presentation at the Beacon Theatre.

“Building on the phenomenal momentum created by GOTHAM, THE LAST MAN ON EARTH and, of course, EMPIRE, we’re infusing next season’s schedule with new ambitious dramas, smart comedies, aspirational unscripted series and big live events and specials – all from the best creators in the business,” said Walden and Newman. “And our strategy with these bold creative swings is simple: schedule them strategically, market them relentlessly and create events that break through and captivate viewers across every platform.”

Tuesdays are all-new this fall on FOX, with new comedies GRANDFATHERED and THE GRINDER, followed by killer comedy-horror series SCREAM QUEENS. The new comedies kicking off an all-new Tuesday are GRANDFATHERED and THE GRINDER. A comedy about coming of age – at any age – GRANDFATHERED stars John Stamos (“Full House,” “ER”) as the ultimate bachelor whose life is turned upside down when he discovers he’s not only a father, but a grandfather. THE GRINDER, starring Emmy Award nominee Rob Lowe (“Parks and Recreation,” “The West Wing”) and Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award nominee Fred Savage (“The Wonder Years”), follows a famous TV lawyer (Lowe) who, after his hit series, “The Grinder,” is canceled, moves back home and joins his brother (Savage) at their family’s real-life law firm – despite having no formal education, no bar certification, no license to practice and no experience in an actual courtroom.

Award-winning executive producers Ryan Murphy (GLEE, “American Horror Story”), Brad Falchuk (GLEE, “American Horror Story”) and Ian Brennan (GLEE) meld comedy, mystery and horror in SCREAM QUEENS. All hell is about to break loose for the Kappa House sisters of Wallace University when a murder takes place, exactly 20 years after a mysterious death originally rocked their college campus. The super-charged anthology series is a modern take on the classic whodunit with a killer cast, including Emma Roberts (“American Horror Story: Freak Show,” “Scream 4”), Jamie Lee Curtis (“Halloween,” “A Fish Called Wanda,” “True Lies”), Lea Michele (GLEE), Oliver Hudson (“Nashville,” “Rules of Engagement”), Keke Palmer (“Akeela and the Bee,” “Masters of Sex”) and guest stars Ariana Grande and Nick Jonas (“Kingdom”), among others.

With at least one casualty each week until the mystery is solved, anyone could be the next victim – or the murderer. Two new dramas – the futuristic MINORITY REPORT and the Miami-set ROSEWOOD – debut this fall. Based on Steven Spielberg’s international blockbuster film and the first of his films to be adapted for television, MINORITY REPORT follows the partnership between a man (Stark Sands, “Inside Llewyn Davis”) haunted by the future and a cop (Meagan Good, “Think Like A Man” franchise, “Californication”) haunted by her past, as they race to stop the worst crimes before they happen. Also joining the schedule this fall is ROSEWOOD. From executive producer Todd Harthan (“Psych,” “Dominion”), ROSEWOOD stars Morris Chestnut (“Nurse Jackie,” “The Best Man” franchise) as DR. BEAUMONT ROSEWOOD, JR., a brilliant private pathologist who uses wildly sophisticated technology and his drive to live life to the fullest to help a tough-as-nails detective (Jaina Lee Ortiz, “The After”) and the Miami PD uncover clues no one else can see. The next mind-bending chapter of THE X-FILES debuts with a special two-night event beginning Sunday, Jan. 24 (10:00-11:00 PM ET/7:00-8:00 PM PT), following the NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME, and continuing with its time period premiere on Monday, Jan. 25 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT).

The thrilling, six-episode event series, helmed by creator/executive producer Chris Carter and starring David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson as FBI Agents FOX MULDER and DANA SCULLY, marks the momentous return of the Emmy Award- and Golden Globe-winning pop culture phenomenon, which remains one of the longest-running sci-fi series in network television history.

In 2016, additional new series joining the schedule include devilish

Bye-Bye American Idol

drama LUCIFER and modern action series THE FRANKENSTEIN CODE; and two comedies, THE GUIDE TO SURVIVING LIFE and animated BORDERTOWN. Based on characters from DC Entertainment’s Vertigo imprint, LUCIFER stars Tom Ellis (“Merlin”) as the charming, charismatic and handsome-as-hell original fallen angel, who, bored and unhappy in Hell, takes refuge in Los Angeles, where he uses his gift of persuasion to punish bad guys. But the longer he’s away from the underworld, the greater the threat that the worst of humanity could escape. In THE FRANKENSTEIN CODE, from executive producer/writer Rand Ravich (“Life,” “Crisis”) and executive producer Howard Gordon (“Homeland,” “24”), a disgraced, 75-year-old ex-sheriff, whose life ends at the hands of corrupt cops, is brought back to life and given a second chance by a pair of young tech scientists, as a 35-year-old (Rob Kazinsky, “True Blood”) with unpredictable near-superhuman abilities.

NEW GIRL will return to Tuesdays in January, for its first-ever season of virtually uninterrupted originals. These weekly all-new episodes will platform THE GUIDE TO SURVIVING LIFE, the new young ensemble comedy about a group of friends living together for the first time. Each episode is told from the perspective of COOPER BARRETT (Jack Cutmore-Scott, “Kingsman: The Secret Service”), a wickedly charming and deeply flawed recent college grad whose life is filled with terrible choices, excellent mistakes and fantastic misadventures. A new animated comedy from FAMILY GUY’s Mark Hentemann and Seth MacFarlane, BORDERTOWN is a satirical look at the cultural shifts taking place in America. Exploring family, politics and everything in between with a cross-cultural wink, the series centers on two very different families living in a fictional Southwest desert town on the U.S. - Mexico border.

AMERICAN IDOL will begin its 15th – and final – season this January on FOX. A season-long celebratory event, AMERICAN IDOL XV will feature host Ryan Seacrest and judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick, Jr., as they search for the final IDOL superstar and pay tribute to the past 14 seasons of amazingly talented contestants and the millions of fans who tweeted, texted and championed their IDOLs.

As previously announced, GREASE: LIVE, a three-hour production of the massively popular crossover musical “Grease,” starring superstar singers, dancers and actresses Julianne Hough (“Safe Haven,” “Rock of Ages”) and Vanessa Hudgens (Broadway’s “Gigi,” “Spring Breakers”), will air LIVE Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016 on FOX. With Hough as the angelic “Sandy” – Rydell High’s most talked-about newcomer – and Hudgens as iconic bad girl “Rizzo,” this first-ever live television production of “Grease” will re-imagine the hit musical for an entirely new generation.

Additional FOX series include: ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER?, BOB’S BURGERS, BONES, BOOM!, BROOKLYN NINE-NINE, BULLSEYE, EMPIRE, FAMILY GUY, GOTHAM, HELL’S KITCHEN, HOME FREE, THE LAST MAN ON EARTH, MASTERCHEF, MASTERCHEF JUNIOR, THE SIMPSONS, SLEEPY HOLLOW, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE and WORLD’S FUNNIEST.

Additional schedule information to be announced.