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Funny woman opens up about negative 'Whitney' reviews

By Kenny Herzog Nov 19, 2012 10:16AM
Last week, we reported on NBC brass' fairly blunt declaration of intent to steer away from cult, mockumentary-style sitcoms and back toward a more conventional, multi-camera aesthetic. Front and center amid that transition is Whitney Cummings' eponymous Wednesday-night comedy, which launched its second season last week. 

Bing:
"Whitney" | Whitney Cummings

Despite the network's backing and an aggressive ad campaign to emphasize its universal appeal, "Whitney" continues to struggle for critical respect or a tremendous audience share (last Wednesday's premiere only attracted 4.3 million viewers, according to TV Line). But as Cummings shares with Vulture, she's taken all that negative attention to heart, to a fault.
 
 
In an interview with the website, the 30-year-old budding mogul (Cummings also co-created "2 Broke Girls") recalls attending an event last year at which "everyone was treating me like I had cancer ... They said, 'Everyone hated 'Seinfeld' when it first went on the air,' and, 'You stay strong, girl.' I Googled myself, which never ends well. I started realizing what was going on, and I went through trauma.”  She even concedes, “I wouldn’t leave the house because I became so paranoid about who thought what about the show."

However,  Cummings shoots back at the notion that she's somehow portraying women in an un-empowered light, adding, “I wasn’t trying to make a perfect character who has it all figured out. I’m interested in flaws. We’re allowed to have flaws. To me, the idea that women aren’t allowed to have flaws is the most anti-­feminist thing imaginable."

And to be fair, Whitney has spoken eloquently and ferociously on the way women are perceived in pop culture. Whether that compels bigger numbers to feel differently about her strangely old-fashioned, neo-feminist, filmed-in-front-of-a-live-audience sitcom and tune in remains to be seen.

"Whitney" airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.
 

Jennifer Aniston hams it up with Matthew Perry, Courteney Cox and Portia de Rossi

By TVDeeva Deanna Barnert Tue 8:30 PM
Jennifer Aniston is set to co-host "Ellen" on Wednesday, May 22. And to get ready for her big break, she turned to former co-host for a day, Matthew Perry. Unfortunately, she learned a bit more than she bargained for in the goofy mini-"Friends" reunion.


In the new "Ellen" promo, Perry is put off when former co-star Anniston makes an unexpected, early morning visit to his home, but it's Aniston who's in for a surprise. Her pal Courteney Cox peeks her head out ... because the former on-screen couple is canoodling in real life! Cox angrily assumes Perry is also schtooping Aniston. 

If that isn't wacky enough, Cox's exit is followed by Portia de Rossi and Ellen DeGeneres, who try to sneak out unseen. Who knew they were swingers?

David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc and Lisa Kudrow don't make appearances, but did earn mentions. Aniston, Cox and Perry make plenty of jokes at their own expenses, including calling each other the wrong "Friends."


The spoof was a fun way to promote Aniston's guest gig, but complete torture to "Friends" fans who'd love to see a real reunion. When DeGeneres pushed Aniston to announce a reunion during the episode, the star hedged, but did reveal she'd be up for working with her former co-stars again. 

"Doing that little bit with Matty and Court, we all were very nostalgic and miss working together and love each other," said Aniston "It's a great thing to get to go to your family like that and also know that people will love it."  

Aniston will be on "Ellen" for the full hour. During her co-host stint, she'll talk up "We're the Millers" and then stick around to interview de Rossi, who is promoting Monday's "Arrested Development" Netflix premiere. 

"Days of Our Lives" icon John Aniston also makes a surprise appearance when his daughter, DeGeneres and de Rossi team up for an installment of the soap opera skit, "The Tales of Yesterday’s Tomorrows." 

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"Ellen" airs weekdays in syndication.
 

Daytime doc renewed through 2017, Latifah premiere date uncovered

By TVDeeva Deanna Barnert Tue 7:05 PM

Fox has renewed "The Dr. Oz Show" through 2017 in 13 markets, while bringing Dr. Mehmet Oz to Fox owned stations in seven new markets. The shift will take effect in 2014. Plus, check out the newest buzz on Sony sister show "The Queen Latifah Show."


Bing: More about "Dr. Oz" | "The Queen Latifah Show"

 

Come next fall, "Dr. Oz" will switch to Fox-owned TV stations in Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Minneapolis, Orlando and Charlotte. The Harpo and Sony Pictures Television syndicated talker will also remain on Fox stations in New York; Chicago; Boston; Philadelphia; Washington, D.C. and Austin, but has been dropped from Fox's Atlanta station.

 

Sony has no comment on the news


Plus: Summer shows we're excited about | 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9

In other Sony syndication news, Dr. Oz stepped out May 20 to celebrate Queen Latifah's upcoming talk show. Sony's "The Queen Latifah Show" will join CBS daytime this fall and is set to premiere Monday, Sept. 16. 


The countdown on the show's website indicates the new talk show will air at 11 a.m., which would put the Queen in direct competition with "The View," but that time won't be accurate in all markets. Be sure to check your local listings.


Latifah's upcoming one-hour show promises celebrity interviews, inspiring human interest stories, musical performances and pop culture. 


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"Dr. Oz" airs weekdays in syndication. "The Queen Latifa Show" will premiere Monday, Sept. 16.

 

Cast member Jay Pharoah's tweet suggests the veteran is leaving

By Mekeisha Madden Toby Tue 12:49 PM

'Jason Sudeikis' '/' NBC

Is Jason Sudeikis leaving "Saturday Night Live"?

 

That's what a tweet from his co-star, Jay Pharoah, suggests. Over the weekend, he took to Twitter and said, "Hader, Armisen & Sudekis the talent of those three and just them as people in general will be missed but we will be strong and carry on." Pharoah quickly removed the tweet, but it was archived on Favstar.

 

Bing: More on 'Saturday Night Live' | Jason Sudeikis | Jay Pharoah

 

Of the three names Pharoah mentioned, Sudeikis is the only unannounced departure. Last week, Bill Hader confirmed he was bowing out after eight seasons saying, "It was a hard decision, but it has to happen at some point. It got to a point where I said, 'Maybe it's just time to go.'"

 

Plus: 'Dancing With the Stars' finale preview | 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9

 

Saturday was Hader's last day. Cast member Fred Armisen also used the Season 38 finale to say an emotional goodbye after 11 years on the show. But Sudeikis, who started on "SNL" as a sketch writer a decade ago, hasn't said whether he's leaving.

 

When asked by E!Online if this would be his last season, Sudeikis coyly said, "I'm not thinking about it yet." Meanwhile, Lorne Michaels recently talked to the New York Times about Sudeikis' potential exit. "You never keep anybody there who doesn't want to be there," Michaels said. "SNL" will bid farewell to Seth Meyers next season, when he succeeds Jimmy Fallon as the host of "Late Night" in February 2014.

 

"Saturday Night Live" returns for its 39th season this fall on NBC.

 

Get the latest on Michelle Stafford, Hunter Tylo, Rena Sofer and more familiar names

By TVDeeva Deanna Barnert Tue 11:12 AM

A flood of casting updates for "The Young and the Restless," "The Bold and the Beautiful," "Days of Our Lives" and "General Hospital" have soap opera fans buzzing about Michelle Stafford, Hunter Tylo, Chrishell Stause, Darin Brooks, Rena Sofer and other familiar daytimers. Here's a roundup on who's coming and going on each of the big four soap operas during the end of May and into summer. 


Bing: More about "Young and the Restless" | 'Bold and the Beautiful' | "General Hospital" | "Days of Our Lives"


MSN TV has confirmation on Michelle Stafford's status with "The Young and the Restless," as well as news on which shows nabbed "General Hospital" alums Rena Sofer (ex-Lois), Jen Lilley (ex-Maxie) and Erin Chambers (ex-Siobhan); "Days of Our Lives" Emmy winner Darin Brooks (ex-Max); and "All My Children" ex-pat Chrishell Stause (ex-Amanda). Plus, what's going on with "Bold and the Beautiful" locals Hunter Tylo (Taylor), Zak Conroy (Oliver) and Ashley Jones (Bridget)?


NOTE: Airdates may be affected by preemptions caused by special news reports on events like the Oklahoma City tornado. 

 

"The Young and the Restless"

The big news coming out of Genoa City is that fan favorite and Daytime Emmy nominee Michelle Stafford (Phyllis) is exiting. 


"I would like to personally confirm to the fans that yes, I have decided to leave 'The Young and the Restless,'" Stafford said. "It has been a glorious 16 years and one of the greatest rides of my life. The constant support and love from the fans is not lost on me. I think I'll miss you the most."


With Phyllis expected to exit the canvas mid-June, there are clearly no hard feeling between Stafford and her bosses, as she was out partying with Sony and CBS after the story broke.  


This isn't Stafford's first exit from the show. She first signed on as Phyllis in 1994, exiting three years later. Sandra Nelson stepped in as a recast until 1998 and then Stafford returned to cause more trouble in 2000. She also spent a few months doing double duty when villainous Sheila returned looking like Phyllis. During Stafford's 16 years with the show, she's nabbed 10 Emmy Leading Actress nominations, taking home the win in 2004. She also won Outstanding Supporting Actress in 1997.


In other CBS news, "The Bold and the Beautiful" hunk Zack Conroy is taking his character Oliver to "The Young and the Restless" on business. The hot photographer will work with Jabot in crossover episodes airing Tuesday, May 21, and Friday, May 31.

 

"General Hospital" alum Erin Chambers (ex-Siobhan) is getting into the Genoa City legal scene. She's landed a recurring gig as paralegal Melanie, premiering Thursday, June 6.

 

A new woman may shake up the Cane/Lily/Tyler drama. Mishael Morgan ("Supernatural," "Total Recall") has joined the show as Hilary Curtis and will first air Friday, June 14, in scenes with Daniel Goddard (Cane) and Christel Khalil (Lily).


Plus: 'Dancing With the Stars' finale preview | 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9

 

"The Bold and the Beautiful"

Lots of big moves are happening on "The Bold and the Beautiful." With two divas out, a brand new pair is joining the show and a fave returns for some drama.  


On the heels of news that Jacqueline MacInnes Wood (Steffy) is taking a break from "The Bold and the Beautiful" comes word that her onscreen mom Hunter Tylo (Taylor) is exiting the show.

 

"Contract talks ended 4 weeks ago," Tylo posted on her message board, though a show rep says they are still in negotiations. "I am moving forward and opening back up to the thousands of acting roles available, writing, and pursuing my skin care line. My friends and 'B&B' fans will be sorely missed. But don't worry! I'll keep you posted of my every new adventure!"

 

With the mother/daughter team on its way out, there's a new mother/son duo coming to town, and they're packing Daytime Emmys. "Days of Our Lives" alum Darin Brooks arrives on the scene June 21 as newcomer Wyatt and soap veteran Rena Stofer has been tapped to play his mother, Quinn Fuller, first airing Friday, July 12.


"I am so excited to be joining Bold and the Beautiful!! I have always loved daytime and I am so excited to be back!!!" tweeted Sofer, who also boasts a healthy list of primetime credits and was last seen on "Once Upon a Time."


There's not much dish on Sofer's character, yet, but word is this pair has some bombshell secrets. Wyatt, for his part, is set shake up the Hope/Liam/Steffy triangle and promises to be a "badass."


"My character, Wyatt, is first seen in the nude taking a solar shower out in the woods," Brooks teased. "Hope stumbles across him and takes his picture on her smartphone and Wyatt catches her… As the story unfolds, he moves into that whole fashion-industry world and you'll find out his connection to everything. It's all very mysterious for now."

 

Former cast regular Ashley Jones will bring her character Bridget back for a short visit, starting Wednesday, May 22.


"I'm only going in for three or four episodes, as of right now," Jones said. "But there's some fun stuff with Bridget's mom."

 

The timing makes sense: Brooke is once again pregnant with an in-law's child and trying to get another man to take credit for knocking her up - As fans recall, the last time this happened, it was Bridget's then-hubby Deacon who knocked Brooke up and Whip who took credit. It sounds like Jones (who has been dating former onscreen hubby Jack Wagner!) would be open to the idea of sticking around town, as long as there was a juicy story lined up for her. 


"I feel like this is too cool a character to come back and just sit in the background," she explained. 


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"Days of Our Lives"

Salem has quite a few soap hoppers coming to town.

 

"All My Children" alum Chrishell Stause has signed on for a mysterious new role and will show up in Salem mid-summer.

 

"I couldn't be happier!" Stause tweeted. "My bags are packed-moving to Salem!"

 

"General Hospital" alum Jen Lilley (ex-Maxie) will heat up "Days of Our Lives," starting in July. Lilley earned props from Port Charles fans during her stint covering for Kirsten Storms last year, but don't get ahead of yourselves "Days of Our Lives" fans. She is not a recast for Belle, the role that helped launch Storm's career years ago. 

 

Nadia Bjorlin's Chloe will be back for a few episodes toward the ends of summer. 


Meanwhile, with Casey Deidrick's (Chad) contract up in June, buzz suggests he could be on his way out. The show may even be recasting the role, but neither he nor the show have confirmed this rumor. 

 

"General Hospital"

With summer approaching, Samantha Logan ("666 Park Avenue") has joined the "General Hospital" teen scene as Felix's younger sister, Taylor DuBois. The newcomer will shake up the Rafe, Molly and T.J. triangle.

 

"Not everything can be a triangle, so there will be another girl thrown into the mix," teased headwriter Ron Carlivati.

 

'Ugly Betty' star being considered for 'Romeo and Juliet'-like series

By Mekeisha Madden Toby Mon 12:41 PM

'America Ferrera' '/' ABC

America Ferrera and ABC could reunite.

 

The actress, who rose to fame on the network's telenovela-style drama "Ugly Betty," is eyeing a new ABC project called "Pedro & Maria," EW.com reports. Inspired by "Romeo and Juliet," the modernized tale is in development and comes from executive producer Ben Silverman ("The Office" and "The Biggest Loser").

 

Bing: More on 'Pedro & Maria' | America Ferrera

 

According to the report, instead of the Capulets vs. the Montagues, "Pedro & Maria" will focus on "two opposites cut from the same cloth caught in the trap of forbidden love. He is a second generation Dominican from the mean streets of Washington Heights. She is a Puerto Rican whose parents made millions as real estate developers. It's a clash of the haves and the have-nots, of Main St vs. Wall St, set against a volatile cultural backdrop that fiercely believes neither side should mix with the other."

 

Plus: 'Dancing With the Stars' finale preview | 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9

 

Silverman also produced "Ugly Betty," which aired from 2006-2010, and like the series, "Pedro & Maria" will have a telenovela format. The drama was initially pitched as an interactive series that would allow viewers to vote and choose the direction of the characters and story lines, but it's unknown if that is still a variable.

 

Paul Lee, ABC's entertainment president, said the network will explore limited-series projects to fill the gap created by hiatuses for hits such as "Scandal" and "Once Upon a Time." Lee made the announcement at last week's upfronts presentation and added that ABC's top-rated series will be clustered into tight runs with all-original episodes for up to 12 weeks at a time. He didn't say "Pedro & Maria" has received the green light yet, but the show and its proposed short-run make it a strong candidate within ABC's new landscape of fewer reruns.

 

Greg, Peter and Cindy celebrate 40th anniversary of theme park adventure episode

By TVDeeva Deanna Barnert Mon 11:41 AM

Susan Olsen (Cindy), Christopher Knight (Peter) and Barry Williams (Greg) returned to Kings Island in Ohio for a mini-reunion Sunday, May 19. The "Brady Bunch" alumni celebrated the 40th anniversary of the 1973 episode that saw one of TV's most celebrated blended families go on summer vacation at the amusement park.

 

Bing: More about "The Brady Bunch" | Watch clips and episodes of "The Brady Bunch"

 

Fans packed the 844-seat venue for four mini-reunions that featured Williams, Christopher and Olsen sharing behind-the-scenes stories, memories and classic clips. Retro TV fans also got to shake hands, get autographs and strike a pose with the stars for $20.

 

Plus: 'Dancing With the Stars' finale preview | 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9

  

During the reunion, former wild child Knight, now 55, quipped that he didn't remember much from that time, but enjoyed hearing about the good old days from fans. Olsen, 51, gave fans a time check when she talked about her 16-year-old son with a Mohawk.


Williams, 58, was reportedly the star of the reunion. In addition to emceeing the event, he gave fans a bit of his classic Johnny Bravo and then shared his re-written version of "The Real Slim Shady," "The Real Greg Brady." He rewrote the Eminem song in order to explain his popularity with strangers to his son. The idea sounds a bit ridiculous and the track did not impress his son, but the video is not all that bad. 


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Billboard Music Awards, blockbuster movies, May sweeps and more

By TVDeeva Deanna Barnert Mon 10:06 AM

Daytime talk shows promise an A-list lineup the week of Monday, May 20. The Billboard Music Awards and Memorial Day will be hot topics. Blockbuster movie season brings stars from "We're the Millers," "Epic," "Now You See Me," "The Hangover Part III," "Fast and Furious 6," "Before Midnight," "The English Teacher" and "What Maisie Knew." Big screen and TV stars are talking "Behind the Candelabra," "Nashville," "Mad Men," "Criminal Minds," "The Client List," "Save Me," "Arrested Development," "Glee," "Modern Family," "The Middle," "All-Star Celebrity Apprentice," "Shark Tank," The American Baking Competition," "Rock My RV With Bret Michaels" and "Whose Line Is It Anyway?"

 

Bing: More Daytime TV news  |  "Behind the Candelabra" 


Mariah Carey and fun. kick off the "GMA" and "Today" summer concert series Friday. Other performers coming to daytime include Pitbull, Darius Rucker, Michael Bolton, Grizzly Bear, TobyMac, John Fogerty, Psy, Candice Glover, "American Idol" runners up, "Dancing with the Stars" winners and finalists, Ed Sheeran, Olly Murs, Youngblood Hawke and Broadway's "Matilda" and "Pippin."

 

Plus: 'Dancing With the Stars' finale preview | 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9

 

"Anderson Live"

Mon: hidden-camera investigations 

Tue: (repeat) Co-host Deborah Norville; daughter of the "Coffee Cup Killer"

Wed: (repeat) Co-hosts Lisa Rinna; Ricky Schroder, Sandra Vergara, strange addictions revealed

Thurs: (repeat) Co-host Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi; The Pregnant Man, Bow Wow

Fri: (repeat) Co-host Judge Marilyn Milian; avoiding money scams, Grumpy Cat

 

"Ellen"

Mon: Ed Helms, Ellen Here's My Talent winner

Tues: Hayden Panettiere; Sophia Grace and Rosie at the Billboard Music Awards; Ed Sheeran performs

Wed: Co-host Jennifer Aniston; Portia de Rossi, Ludacris

Thurs: Amanda Seyfried, Kevin Nealon; Michael Bolton and Delta Goodrem perform

Fri: Steve Harvey, Dr. Neal Barnard; Grizzly Bear

 

"Good Morning America"

Mon: Michael Douglas; Julianne Moore and Nathan Lane; BHS at "DWTS" with Cameron Mathison; Billboard Music Awards highlights; Olly Murs performs

Tues: Matt Damon; Helio Castroneves, Louis van Amstel and Chelsie Hightower; Aziz Ansari; Yahoo! CEO Marissa Mayer; Darius Rucker performs

Wed: "DWTS" final four couples and Tom Bergeron; Pitbull performs

Thurs: "Behind the Candelabra" cast, Jason Sudeikis, Trisha Yearwood; Broadway's "Pippin" performs

Fri: Mariah Carey performs in Central Park's Rumsey Playfield

 

Want more TV? Find MSN TV on Facebook and Twitter

 

"Katie"

Mon: Dr. Ian Smith and Sherri Shepherd talk weight loss

Tues: Jenny McCarthy, Jo Frost, Jenna Ushkowitz

Wed: how to save, stretch and make money with Melissa d'Arabian, Andrea Woroch and Daymond John

Thurs: Bob Woodruff; Salute our troops

Fri: TBA

 

"Live! With Kelly and Michael"

Mon: Colin Farrell, Elisabeth Moss; Candice Glover performs

Tues: "All-Star Celebrity Apprentice" winner; Psy talks and performs; "American Idol" runner-up performs

Wed: Morgan Freeman, the "Dancing with the Stars" winners perform; "American Idol" third place contestant performs

Thurs: Co-host Carson Kressley; Ken Jeong, winner of the National Geographic Spelling Bee; 2nd place "Dancing with the Stars" couple performs

Fri: Ethan Hawke, winner of the MathCounts competition; the third and fourth place "Dancing with the Stars" couples perform; summer-long Truckin' Amazing Cook-Off food truck competition kicks off

 

"Marie"

Mon: Todd Bridges, chef Alex Hitz, Susan Rizzo Vincent

Tues: Kuk Harrell, Alicia Lagano; Savannah Van Band performs

Wed: Behind the scenes at "Marie"

Thurs: Colin Mochrie, Laura McKenzie; Glennon Doyle Melton

 

"Rachael Ray Show"

Mon: Co-host Guy Fieri; Wayne Brady; Youngblood Hawke performs

Tues: Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Christine Ha, Justin Tuck

Wed: Totally Awesome '80s with original MTV VJs, Huey Lewis, Colin Quinn 

Thurs: Hayden Panettiere

Fri: (repeat) Gwyneth Paltrow

 

"The Talk"

Mon: Co-host Carnie Wilson; Shemar Moore, Anne Heche

Tues: Jeff Foxworthy, Julie Bowen; chefs Marcela Valladolid and Paul Hollywood

 Wed: Patricia Heaton, chef Art Smith

Thurs: Isla Fisher, Carter Oosterhouse

Fri: La Toya Jackson, Linda Daly

 

"Today"'

* Great American Adventure week takes the hosts on the road

Mon: live from Hawaii; Paul Anka

Tues: live from Yellowstone; Joe Bastianich, Michael Caine

Wed: live from Chicago; SQuire Rushnell

Thurs: live from Orlando; Giada DeLaurentiis, Anne Heche; latest eliminated "The Voice" contestant

Fri: live from the Jersey Shore; Co-host New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Bobby Flay and Giada DeLaurentiis; Fun performs

 

"The View"

Mon: Co-host Brooke Shields; Michael Caine

Tues: Woody Harrelson, Jane Lynch

 Weds: John Malkovich; tour of Harlem; Broadway's "Matilda" performs

Thurs: Co-host Jillian Michaels; Jason Sudeikis; John Fogerty performs

Fri: Co-host  Chris O'Donnell; Julianne Moore Dr. Kelly Starrett; peforms

 

"The Wendy Williams Show"

Mon: Maury Povich

Tues: Ray J; Trace Adkins and Penn Jillette

Wed: Bret Michaels
Thurs: (repeat) Kerry Washington and David Alan Grier
Fri: (repeat) Paris Hilton, DJ Armin van Buuren

 

Schedules are subject to change.

 

New Season 8 trailer suggests the serial killer's sister gets chatty

By Mekeisha Madden Toby Fri 2:02 PM

Season 7 of Showtime's hit serial-killer drama, "Dexter," ended with Debra Morgan (Jennifer Carpenter) making a horrible choice. It's a choice that changed her life and the way she looked at her brother, Dexter (Michael C. Hall), forever.

 

Plus: 'Felicity': Where are they now? | 'The Bachelorette' Season 9 | What we learned from 'The Office' 

 

When the beloved series returns in June, for its eighth and final season, Deb's decision continues to haunt her as her life takes a downward spiral. But what will Deb do? Will she confess and turn in herself and Dexter, too? That's certainly what the show's newly released trailer suggests. Check it out:

 

"Dexter" Season 8 debuts Sunday, June 30, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Showtime.