FEATURED POST
Daytime vets to vie for viewers in former 'Oprah Winfrey Show' timeslot
Enjoy your summers Ellen DeGeneres, Anderson Cooper, Wendy Williams, Dr. Oz and the ladies of "The View" and "The Talk," because Sept. 10 is shaping up to be a big day in daytime TV. Katie Couric, Ricki Lake, Steve Harvey and "Survivor" host Jeff Probst will launch their new talk shows that Monday, with Trisha Goddard and Marie Osmond also set to premiere this fall.
Bing: More on Katie Couric | Ricki Lake | Jeff Probst | Steve Harvey
The onslaught of new talkers may shake up the whole landscape, but the biggest daytime battle this fall will be between Couric and Lake, who will take on Oprah Winfrey’s vacated spot in the daytime line up. Syndication means the shows may air at any time chosen by local affiliates, but both are hitting that hallowed 3 p.m. timeslot as much as possible, which is also where "Anderson"and "Dr. Oz" air in many markets.
Couric and Lake are well known in the daytime scene, but are also trying to rebrand a bit before they launch. Put simply, they’re each offering to be your new daytime girlfriend, in their own way, and hope to fill “The Oprah Winfrey Show” void.
Morning anchor turned primetime newswoman Couric is looking to combine her news chops with her charm for her daytime return. She is building steam by popping up around ABC with feel good pieces like her jaunt with the royals, "The Jubilee Queen With Katie Couric" She also spent a week co-hosting "GMA" and will likely visit the new spin off, “GAA,” this summer. She’s also making the rounds as a guest on daytime talkers like “The Wendy Williams Show” and launched her own a weekly mini program on Yahoo.
Couric's new show promises big interviews and will be, “somewhat elevated, without being too PBS-y,” Couric said at the May 29 Canadian Upfronts. "I don’t think I’m going to have Snooki on my show, but it’s not going to be Masterpiece Theatre either."
Newly married mom of two Lake, meanwhile, is efforting to show daytime fans she’s grown up since her last stint in daytime (1993-2004). “The Ricki Lake Show” isn’t going to get too sensational or ask, “Who’s the daddy?” Instead, the “Dancing with the Stars” alum is looking back to the early days of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” for inspiration and wants her new show to feel like a conversation with the audience.
Since Lake lacks a network promotion machine like Couric's, she has focused on parlaying her "DWTS" online following into a strong web presence for “The Ricki Lake Show.” She’s even letting fans get involved in creating her new talker by inviting them to monthly production meetings, via her Ustream page. The next meeting is Thursday, May 31, 7 p.m., ET.
“It’ll be interesting,” Lake said of the upcoming battle for viewers at the May 30 Canadian Upfronts. “I don’t know how we’ll fit in. These shows are personality driven, and Katie’s going to do a great, hard-hitting interview (show). I can’t wait to see it. But that’s not my style. I’m sort of more the girlfriend, the Everywoman . . . people think of me as one of their relatives… I think there’s enough audience for everyone.”
The New Guys
The guys coming to daytime Sept. 10 also have strong brands, but Steve Harvey and Jeff Probst are new to daytime TV scene.
“Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man” scribe Harvey has found success on morning radio, in print, on a TV game show and on the big screen. The comedian is clearly a formidable opponent who already has a strong fan-following. Not only can Harvey promote himself via his own radio show, but with so many ventures, he’s often making the rounds to promote something, which provides more opportunities to promote his upcoming talker.
Probst, meanwhile, is best known for leading the conversation on “Survivor.” He’s great at asking the contestants probing questions, but his brand has been almost entirely connected with the reality show. He's dipped his feet in as a "Live! With Kelly" guest hosts and since he's new to daytime, staffed his show with daytime vets. He’s executive producing with former “The Oprah Winfrey Show” supervising producer Amy Coleman and their team roster features players from "The Rosie Show," "Rachael Ray,” "Dr. Phil” and "The Dr. Oz Show.”
Like Lake, Probst is trying to get fans involved before the launch. “Very exciting to have your name in the title of a show - Also nerve-wracking,” Probst admitted in his website video (above). “We want it to be fun, we want it to be entertaining, we want it to be something you want to come watch, so I want your feedback… Don’t hold back. Let me know what you like, what you don’t like, what you hope you never see again and then we’ll try to build this show together.”
Stay tuned for more on these shows, as well as Trisha Goddard’s and Marie Osmond’s upcoming talkers.
Vampire drama's Season 6 opener raises questions, draws wide range of responses
Spoiler alert: This post contains details from the "True Blood" Season 6 opener.
Oh, Billith. Who art thou?
That's what fans of HBO's hit vampire drama "True Blood" were left wondering when Season 6 kicked off Sunday night. Now that Bill (Stephen Moyer) and Lilith (Jessica Clark) are one, is Bill a bad guy and just how bad is he?
Sookie (Anna Paquin) certainly wasn't taking any chances when she staked Billith. But that seemed to make the super vamp super angry and he will undoubtedly be seeking revenge. That's one thing to ponder going forward. The other is Jessica's (Deborah Ann Woll ) fate. Is she going to die this season or can she indeed help save Bill's soul?
Plus: Most vicious 'True Blood' villains | Miss USA 2013 contestants | TV shows based on books
In fact, the Season 6 premiere was filled with a ton of twists, turns and tasty mysteries. Among them: Was that Warlow who picked up Jason (Ryan Kwanten) on the side of the road? Is Alcide (Joe Manganiello) power hungry and out of control now and how will his werewolf pack interact with the vampire world? What's next for Sookie and Eric (Alexander Skarsgard) and will they ever hook up again? Their goodbye was so romantic.
But more than anything, will Season 6 live up to fans' expectations? New show runner Brian Buckner hopes so and has promised to return to the drama's soapy roots. So far, most fans are pleased. The Huffington Post's recapper declared the opener far better than the "snooze fest" that was Season 5. And the New York Post's Linda Stasi wrote a spoiler-filled review declaring that the writing on "True Blood" is "still good."
Not everyone is singing Season 6's praises. The New York Times reviewer is excited that this season's action takes place in Bon Temps -- compared to last season's "sterile Vampire Authority in New Orleans" -- but is disappointed in the "none-too-subtle message mongering." Meanwhile, Entertainment Weekly said the power-corrupts theme is too "heavy handed" and recalls a "True Blood" that "used to be a whole lot of fun."
What did you think? Are you thirsty for more of Season 6 or did the debut leave a bad taste in your mouth? Weigh in at MSN TV's Facebook and Twitter pages.
"True Blood" Season 6 airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO.
CBS, 'Days of Our Lives,' Doug Davidson and George Lucas steal the show
The 40th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards aired on HLN Sunday, June 14, but the party had already been going for days. MSN TV takes you behind the scenes of Daytime Emmy weekend, from the pre-parties and 'darties' to the main event and after-parties.
Bing: More about the 40th Annual Daytime Emmys | HLN
CBS walked away from the Daytime Emmys with the most wins this year, while "Days of Our Lives," Doug Davidson ("The Young and the Restless"), George Lucas and Betty White garnered the most buzz at the show. HLN's telecast didn't exactly run smoothly or leave daytime fans raving, but the weekend's celebrations were definitely a hit with the stars -- especially the soap opera stars.
"The feeling from last year to this year is just night and day, because there's this resurgence in daytime," explained Lead Actress-winner Heather Tom ("The Bold and the Beautiful"). "With all the show cancelations over the last few years, you felt like, 'Oh my god, how long are we going to get to keep doing this?' Now, I feel excited about where daytime is going. People realize there's an audience for this type of entertainment. I'm super stoked."
Plus: 'True Blood' villains | Miss USA 2013 contestants | TV shows based on books
Spirits were high as Daytime Emmy nominees and their colleagues worked a lineup of non-televised events that included a big cocktail party and Friday's Daytime Emmy Creative Arts Awards.The fun kicked off Thursday with the Television Academy's annual Daytime Emmys Nominees Cocktail Reception at the Montage in Beverly Hills. There were so many familiar faces on the red carpet that it was hard to get through an interview or conversation without being interrupted by a reunion.
"This is always the great time: No one's under any pressure. All the nominees are relaxed and you get to see everybody you haven't gotten to see since last year," revealed Tracey Bregman ("The Young and the Restless"), who won the very first Younger Actress nod back in 1985 and has four nominations to her name.
Friday afternoon brought a more intimate affair, the annual Leading Ladies' lunch. As last year's Lead Actress winner, Heather Tom couldn't wait to host co-nominees Michelle Stafford ("The Young and the Restless"), Susan Flannery ("The Bold and the Beautiful") and Peggy McCay ("Days of Our Lives") at West Hollywood's Fig & Olive.
"I'm more excited about that then anything else!" she raved Thursday night, not knowing she'd end up taking home the win again.
On Friday night, The Creative Craft Daytime Emmy Awards tackled over 55 categories at the Westin Bonaventure in Downtown LA. Daytime stars turned out to celebrate the behind the scenes players who make them look and sound fabulous, as well as children's programming, morning shows and more.
"To see all these people that produce children's programming, animations, news and specials is fantastic," marveled John McCook ("The Bold and the Beautiful"), who was on-hand to present with former co-star Flannery. "This is what's left of old-time broadcasting and it's still very important. And all the technical people, oh god! They work as hard as we do and they're there all day, every day. I'm only there for my scenes!"
The Creative Craft's big winners were CBS and PBS, with each network earning 13 nods. "The Young and the Restless" and "The Bold and the Beautiful" accounted for ten of the CBS nods. "Sesame Street" nabbed six for PBS, including three for Kevin Clash, whose 20-year Elmo career ended in a hail of sexual allegations. Leeza Gibbons also landed her first nomination and win in 15 years for hosting PBS's Lifestyle/Travel Program "My Generation."
While the low-key affair wasn't televised, daytimers were gussied up and ready to have a good time. In fact, the lack of cameras had its benefits.
"It's kind of raucous and laid back - it's not stiff, at all," McCook said of the night. "Sometimes it gets out of control and you say, 'Good!' It's not quite as funny as the foreign press, but it's funny."
In the midst of the official Daytime Emmy events, there was also a gift suite for presenters and nominees; mimosa, makeup and hair daytime parties (aka 'darties') starting as early as 10 a.m. on Sunday; and of course, a healthy dose of ogling and schmoozing.
"Do you see all these hunks?" giggled Sheryl Underwood ("The Talk"), who got a smooch from Davidson during the telecast. "I have to work the room. You've got all the soap people and then Monty Hall and all these icons. This is the bomb!"
On the Daytime Emmy red carpet Sunday, everyone was buzzing about the presence of first time Emmy-winner George Lucas ("Star Wars: The Clone Wars"), presenter Betty White and guest Ozzy Osbourne, who was supporting nominee Sharon ("The Talk"). As the night progressed, there was also chatter about the broadcast's envelope snafu, F-bombs and unpopular on-stage interviews.
After all these years, even the "Days of Our Lives" crew was shocked to hear its name called at the end of the night. That didn't reflect the show's caliber, but rather its history of being overlooked and the fact that last year's Drama winner "The Bold and the Beautiful" had already won the writing and directing nods.
"Pinch me," Corday panned at the podium.
Davidson, for his part, admitted to being "hysteric" with nerves on the red carpet, but he was on cloud nine after winning his first Emmy since joining "The Young and the Restless" in 1978.
"For me, it represents a body of work that spans 35 years," he said. "I guess I needed Jeanne Cooper in heaven to make sure it came true. What a doll. I wish you were here. It's incredible. This means so much to me."
Younger Actress Kristen Alderson ("General Hospital") and Younger Actor Chandler Massey ("Days of Our Lives") were also ebullient over their Emmys, while Supporting Actress Julie Marie Berman ("General Hospital") was clearly surprised by her win and Supporting Actors Scott Clifton ("The Bold and the Beautiful") and Billy Miller ("The Young and the Restless") were thrilled to share their title.
"One Life to Live" didn't win anything for its final days on network television and next year, the Daytime Emmys will have to determine where the show and "All My Children" fit into the races. For this round, the online soap reboots were thrilled to be invited to the party.
"We're back!" cheered presenter Vincent Irizarry ("All My Children"). "I'm happy they asked me to present. They're acknowledging that we're still part of this."
The Daytime Emmy after parties
For many daytimers, the best part of the Emmy whirlwind is the last stop of the weekend: The after parties!
"When the show's all done, you loosen your tie and celebrate your collective victories with your castmates," said Massey, whose tie was already loosened as he set out to his show's shindig at West Hollywood hot spot Boa.
In addition to an onsite event at the Beverly Hilton, stars hit private events hosted by the shows, networks and production companies.
"Everybody crashes everybody's parties," revealed Clifton. "It's always a great time and a nice walk down memory lane. You get to catch up, and that's probably the most exciting part of the Emmys every year."
For some of the ladies, the after parties are exciting for a whole other reason.
"I'm going to relax and eat some bread," laughed Tom. "I haven't eaten in three weeks!"
MSN TV has the rundown on the 40th Annual Daytime Emmys big winners here, along with a more detailed account of the broadcast here.
Daytime Emmy winners, blockbuster movies, summer TV and live music
The Daytime Emmys will be a hot topic in daytime the week of June 17, with "The Talk" hosting a post-Emmys celebration with the winners and "GMA" taking fans behind the scenes Monday. A-listers are coming out to promote "World War Z," "Monsters University," "Breakup at a Wedding," "Killing Season" and "Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain." TV stars are talking "True Blood," "Defiance," "Devious Maids," "The Killing," "Hot in Cleveland," "Revenge," "Twisted," "Criminal Minds," "Veep," "Sean Saves the World," "The Soul Man," "The Bachelor," "Rock My RV With Bret Michaels," "Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best," and "Whodunnit?" "Hit The Floor," "America's Got Talent" and "The Winner Is."
Bing: More Daytime TV news | 40th Annual Daytime Emmys
Performers on the docket include Kellie Pickler, Little Big Town, Amy Grant, John Legend, Kelly Rowland, Hanson, Big Time Rush and Hunter Hayes. Other notables coming to daytime include Martin Landau, Jason Stratham and Donald Sutherland.
Plus: 'True Blood' villains | Miss USA 2013 contestants | TV shows based on books
"Anderson Live"
Mon: (repeat) Co-host Jane Velez-Mitchell; Oscar picks
Tue: (repeat) Co-Host Keke Palmer; the Presidential election and Country Music Awards
Wed: (repeat) Co-host Dari Alexander; Busy Philipps, Kenya Moore
Thurs: (repeat) Co-host Rosie Perez; Liam McIntyre; Diane O'Meara, whose online photos was used in Manti T'eo hoax
Fri: (repeat) TBA
"Ellen"
Mon: (repeat) Madonna
Tues: (repeat) Colin Farrell, Nolan Gould; Cody Simpson performs
Wed: (repeat) Kate Hudson, Sophia Grace & Rosie's "Tea Time" with Katy Perry; Little Big Town performs
Thurs: (repeat) Zooey Deschanel, Maggie Elizabeth Jones; No Doubt talks and performs
Fri: (repeat) Dennis Quaid, Kate Mckinnon, The Humane Society President and CEO Wayne Pacelle
Want more TV? Find MSN TV on Facebook and Twitter
"Good Morning America"
Mon: Brad Pitt, BHS at the Daytime Emmys; Hanson performs
Tues: Cedric the Entertainer, Mireille Enos, chef Rachael, Les Gold, Britney Spears' trainer
Wed: Kelly Rowland talks and performs
Thurs: John Travolta, Billy Crystal, Ree Drummond
Fri: Madonna's workout routine, John Legend performs
"Katie"
Mon: Chris Harrison, Desiree Hartsock, Trista Sutter, Sean Lowe, Vienna Girardi and the Mesnick's baby girl
Tues: Tom Arnold, Elisabeth Rohm, infertility
Wed: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, female breadwinners
Thurs: "Push Girls" cast Miss USA contestant Abby Curran, Matthew Reeve
Fri: Catching up with Loreba Bobbitt, OJ Simpson prosecutor Chris Darden, Ron Goldman's family, the Oklahoma fireman behind iconic photo
"Live! With Kelly and Michael"
* Repeat indicates encores interviews, but episode may feature some fresh chatter
Mon: Bret Michaels
Tues: Mark Cuban, Gabriel Mann
Wed: (repeat) Ryan Reynolds, Chelsea Handler; Cirque du Soleil performs
Thurs: (repeat) Jessica Alba, Jon Hamm
Fri: (repeat) Robert Downey Jr., Alexander Skarsgård
"Marie"
Mon: John C. McGinley; Chef Emily Bishop; Charley and Tracy Vega dog trainer Lisa J. Edwards
Tues: Kathy Ireland, Jose Eber, teen chef Jack Witherspoon, Dan Clark
Wed: (repeat) Hugh Jackman, Melissa Rivers, Craig Dietz, Tom Sullivan
Thurs: Carter Oosterhouse, Amy Smart, Dr. Gary Motykie, Lauren Berger, Guide Dogs of America spokesperson Lorri Bernson
"Rachael Ray Show"
Mon: (repeat) Celeb style at any size
Tues: (repeat) Regis Philbin, Matt Bomer
Wed: (repeat) Eva Longoria, Sunny Anderson
Thurs: (repeat) Sara Moulton, Jennie Garth
Fri: (repeat) Rev Run & Tyrese
"The Talk"
Mon: post-Daytime Emmy's celebration with Heather Tom, Doug Davidson, Peggy McCay, Arianne Zucker, Kristian Alfonso, Scott Clifton and Billy Miller; Betty White, Valerie Bertinelli, Wendie Malick and Jane Leeves
Tues: Co-host Arsenio Hall; Martin Landau
Wed: Co-host Shemar Moore; Sean Hayes
Thurs: Penny Marshall; Big Time Rush performs
Fri: Co-host Pat Harvey; Joe Manganiello, Denise Richards
"Today"'
Mon: Heidi Klum, Snoopy artist Tom Eberhart, Nick Lachey, Dean Cain
Tues: Cat Cora, Joanne Chang
Wed: Martha Stewart, Len Berman, the “Class of 2020," Kelly Williams Brown, Kid Rock
Thurs: "The Voice" winner and finalist, Donald Sutherland, Jason Statham, Lisa Glasberg
Fri: Nik Wallenda and family; Harry Connick Jr.; Grant Bowler; Brian Boitano; Hunter Hayes performs
"The View"
Mon: Zachary Quinto; Amanda Knox and her mother, Edda Mellas
Tues: Co-host Kellie Pickler performs; Joan and Melissa Rivers, Mireille Enos
Weds: Co-host Margaret Cho; Susan Lucci, Kimberly Schlapman; Little Big Town performs
Thurs: Billy Crystal, Butler Giles; Amy Grant performs
Fri: Co-host Ne-Yo; Kevin Hart; Whoopi’s daughter, Alex; Gina Brillon
"The Wendy Williams Show"
Mon: Sherri Shepherd, Darlene Love
Tues: Lucy Liu
Wed: Cedric the Entertainer
Thurs: Margaret Cho, Chassie Post and Don Lemon; Lilliana Vazquez
Fri: (repeat) Gabourey Sidibe, Colin Quinn
Schedules are subject to change.
Matriarch and homemaker had 11 children, including the Comedy Central star
Lorna Elizabeth Tuck Colbert was a lot of things. She was a homemaker, accomplished artist, church leader and businesswoman. She was also the mother of Comedy Central star Stephen Colbert, whom she raised along with his 10 siblings. She died Wednesday at the age of 92.
Bing: More on 'The Colbert Report' | Stephen Colbert
Last year, Colbert took a leave of absence from his show, "The Colbert Report," to help take care of his then ailing mother. He tweeted, "My family and I would like to thank everyone who has offered their thoughts and prayers. We are grateful and touched by your concern."
Plus: 'True Blood' villains | Miss USA 2013 contestants | TV shows based on books
The matriarch is survived by eight children, including former congressional candidate Elizabeth Colbert Busch, and a bevy of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, James William Colbert, Jr.
According to the International Business Times, the family asks that donations be sent to the Medical University of South Carolina Foundation in lieu of flowers.
"The Colbert Report" airs Monday through Thursday at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT on Comedy Central.
Actor joins cast of ABC's political drama in time for Season 3
It looks like Olivia Pope could have love in her life after all when "Scandal" returns for a third season.
That's because Scott Foley, the actor who plays her onetime suitor, Jake Ballard, has joined the cast as a series regular, Deadline reports. "Shonda and company have created a troupe of layered complex characters," Foley said. "And to be able to be part of that is both exciting and humbling."
Bing: More on 'Scandal' | Scott Foley
When Season 2 came to a thrilling close, Rowan Pope (Joe Morton) -- who we now know is not only Jake's boss but Olivia's dad -- was shown throwing Jake into a hole because he defied orders and saved Olivia (star Kerry Washington) from an assassination attempt.
Plus: 'True Blood' villains | Miss USA 2013 contestants | TV shows based on books
Foley's Jake is also the perfect interloper for the on-again-off-again affair between Olivia and President Fitzgerald Grant (Tony Goldwyn).
Want more TV? Find MSN TV on Facebook and Twitter
"Scandal" Season 3 kicks off this fall on ABC.
Soap opera vet and lead actor nominee talks awards and 'The Young and the Restless'
The 40th Annual Daytime Emmys are set for Sunday, June 16, but Lead Actor Peter Bergman (Jack, "The Young and the Restless") isn't sweating his 18th nomination. With three Daytime Emmys to his name and nominations dating back to his years as Dr. Cliff on "All My Children," Bergman is even rooting for someone else in his category!
Bing: More about the 40th Annual Daytime Emmys | "The Young and the Restless" | Peter Bergman
MSN TV caught up with Bergman at a SAG/AFTRA event celebrating the 40 anniversary of "The Young and the Restless." With his character about to learn Summer is his daughter, Bergman reflected on Jack's love life, Jeanne Cooper's (Katherine) passing and Michelle Stafford's (Phyllis) upcoming exit. Here is our red carpet chat with the nominee, sprinkled with highlights from the SAG/AFTRA panel.
After reading this, check out MSN TV's Q&As with Daytime Emmy nominees Jason Thompson, Scott Clifton and Freddie Smith.
Plus: TV shows based on books | Sexiest stars of summer TV | Series that look awfully familiar
MSN TV: Happy 40th anniversary - again! Do you feel you've been celebrating #YR40 forever?
It kind of feels like that, but it's a big deal. With big birthdays and big anniversaries, you must take time.
How are you feeling about the Daytime Emmys?
I wonder what it's going to be like with just four shows left. Only four shows! If you got a nomination, you won.
You're nominated alongside castmates Michael Muhney (Adam) and Doug Davidson (Paul), as well as Jason Thompson (Patrick) from "General Hospital." What is like to go up against your co-stars?
It's wild, and if that rat bastars Jason wins, the three of us will take him down! No, I'm just kidding. And I should say, "That rat bastard Jason, who I think is a really good actor." All this is a crapshoot and the winner was determined weeks ago, but I'm cheering on Doug Davidson. He's overdue.
How many times have you been nominated for a Daytime Emmy? Are you at 20 yet?
I don't know the number, at all. I don't think it's 20, though. They've been very kind to me.
Anniversary and Emmy hype aside, how is life at "The Young and the Restless."
I have had so much story. Truth be told, if you look at everybody on my show, Peter Bergman's had more story than anybody else. I'm just the luckiest actor. And they're bringing [the Abbotts] back in again! I like that. I have nothing to gripe about. The show has been so good to me. Every new change has only benefited me. I wish everybody else was as happy as I am.
After almost 25 years in Genoa City, you've seen show runners and writers come and go: What has been your secret to maintaining your character's integrity throughout all the shakeups?
The assumption is that each new leadership group comes in and changes the show, needs to put their mark on it. That's really not been the case. Most people hired to be producers and headwriters of our show want to come in and NOT mess it up. It's been the No. 1 show in daytime television for 24 years. The assumption is that we have to hold onto our characters so someone doesn't turn them into something they're not. Occacionaly that happens after they've been there for a little while. Sharon Case (Sharon) is the primo example. They have taken her so many different directions and no matter what they do, she makes it work. It's fantastic. The integrity of the character, I still leave to them. I will play what's written in my script. I've never been one for knocking on writers' doors.
This past year saw Jack trying to reconcile with Nikki and then Phyllis, and let's not get started on the last Patty Williams fiasco. Do you think he will ever find love?
It's been a struggle. He's not good at the love thing. His biggest mistake is he falls so deeply in love. He's not careful or cautiuous. He dives in face first and gets hurt. The truth is, I've had only had one clunker [romance]. I won't say which one it was… I will say Jack's ideal is to be the man his father was, and he's actually starting to get close to it. He's the head of the family, he's starting to take everyone elses happiness slightly ahead of his and he's learned empathy from his life in. You worry less about Jack now.
His reunion with Phyllis seems doomed, especially now that Michelle Stafford (Phyllis) is leaving the show.
Yeah, I don't think we're going to make it all the way back. We are losing Michelle. She needs to explore other things. We're just hoping it's not another soap, because we'd be disappointed.
"The Young and the Restless" has already taken a power hit, with Jeanne Cooper's passing.
It's definitely quieter. Jeanne's passing is very sad, still. We shouldn't say "sad." The truth is it's quite a celebration of this woman's life. I mean, what an exit! Oh my god. Unbeliebvale. Surrounded by adoring family, a best selling book on the stands, working right up to the end, beloved by millions, two Emmys in the last 10 years of her life...
We still get to see her every day. In her dressing room - which was a teapot of expletives, madness and craziness - was a lifesized Jeanne Cooper cut out. They've moved it up to the makeup room now. But there's a giant absense [on set] and it's a giant tribute to this woman's life that she ended it on such an extraoidrinary note. She was a giant lady.
Want more TV? Find MSN TV on Facebook and Twitter.
The 40th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards airs Sunday, June 16, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on HLN. "The Young and the Restless" airs weekdays on CBS.
Popular cartoon catchphrase inspired by legendary Motown group
Saturday mornings from 1972-85 were more fun because of a rotund, good-natured guy named Fat Albert and his ragtag gang of pals.
In case you weren't around to appreciate it, the cartoon was called "Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids" and it was based on the childhood friends of comedic mastermind Bill Cosby, who created and hosted the show. In time for Shout! Factory's June 25 box set release, Cosby, 75, did a special feature interview where he breaks down Fat Albert as the program's central figure. Fat Albert eventually became a hero for countless child viewers, including Cosby's late son, Ennis, he said.
Bing: More on 'Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids' | Bill Cosby
Cosby, who provided the voice for Fat Albert, said he wanted the character to exhibit a range of emotional inflections not heard on most animated offerings of that era. He also wanted the red-sweater wearing star to have a catchphrase viewers would identify with and enjoy. And "Hey, Hey, Hey" was born.
Plus: 'True Blood' villains | Miss USA 2013 contestants | TV shows based on books
"'Hey, Hey, Hey' is a signal," Cosby said. "It's a charge that he's coming. And that came from his love for The Temptations. (In) some of their songs, the background singers (would sing) 'hey, hey, hey,' that kind of thing. And so whenever Fat Albert would say that, it would come from his group, The Temps. I don't know if Fat Albert wanted to be a background singer or be one of The Temps."
Want more TV? Find MSN TV on Facebook and Twitter
Cosby also said he wanted to challenge the way overweight people were perceived. "In my time, fat people were stereotyped as clumsy, to laugh at, not particularly intelligent and (having) low self-esteem," Cosby said. "I wanted to change that and make Fat Albert the large fellow that everybody started liking because he was the biggest guy in the football game ... to take a person like that and make him an intelligent, compassionate and wise leader."
"Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids: The Complete Series" ($119.99, Shout! Factory) hits store shelves Tuesday, June 25.
Younger Actor nominee talks awards show and 'Days of Our Lives'
With the 40th Annual Daytime Emmys set for Sunday, June 16, MSN TV caught up with nominee Freddie Smith (Sonny, "Days of Our Lives"). The Outstanding Younger Actor contender revealed what part of Emmy night has him nervous, opened about being nominated alongside his onscreen love Chandler Massey (Will) and teased what's ahead for Sonny, Will, Gabi and Baby Arianna.
Bing: More about "Days of Our Lives" | Freddie Smith
Smith made daytime news two years ago when he was tapped to play Salem's first gay contract character, Sonny Kiriakis. Sonny has gone on to face a few bigots, help Will come out of the closet and find love in Salem. These days, Sonny and Will are just another "Days of Our Lives" couple, grappling with everyday soap drama like flings, babies out of wedlock, meddling parents and scheming peers. Through it all, Sonny continues to be one of Salem's most standup guys and that's just the way Smith likes it ... sort of.
Plus: TV shows based on books | Sexiest stars of summer TV | Series that look awfully familiar
After reading this, check out MSN TV's Q&As with Daytime Emmy nominees Peter Bergman, Jason Thompson and Scott Clifton.
MSN TV: Are you ready for the Daytime Emmys?
Smith: It kind of just hit me. There's a pre-party [for the nominees] Thursday and my parents are flying in Friday, so I'm excited.
Any nerves?
I'm more nervous to present [Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series] than about winning or not winning, because that just is what it is. People always laugh at me about this, because I'm an actor. I'm in front of cameras and I do interviews and I'm completely comfortable, but reading a teleprompter or anything in front of a group of people is my biggest fear. That's something I'm conquering by presenting, even though it's just going to be a couple lines, so I'm excited to do it.
How do you feel about going up against your on-screen love, Chandler Massey (Will)?
We were just laughing about that. I was like, "For fun, we should write each other's speeches." We don't care. We're just happy, because how often do actors playing a couple on a show both get nominated?
In the same category, no less! That might actually be a first.
We feel honored. This is incredible. We're happy for each other. We're going to go to the pre-Emmy party together and just enjoy this.
Your Daytime Emmy reel involved Sonny supporting Will's coming-out process and then revealing he had feelings for him. Was that choice a no-brainer?
I had no idea what I was going to submit. I went on YouTube, typed in "Sonny and Will," and started looking through the clips. When I saw that one, I said, "This is it." I remembered shooting it and I felt good about it. It was such a truthful scene and had so much depth and meaning, and it was also a very Sonny scene. He was talking about his feelings.
Sonny and Will have come a long way since that clip. Your most recent storyline was barely about them being gay and saw them playing heroes.
That's what's great. It's not even a gay story anymore. It's about two people in love. We hit that milestone where we're just like any other couple and that's how it should be. That's what our goal was. Chandler and I just did the best we could every day and there's a trust that we've built with each other. I always feel, in every scene we shoot, that we've got each other's back. I think that's part of what chemistry is: Just trusting the other person.
Was it fun to work classic soap moments like an emergency baby delivery and all the drama on the island?
I would say a more typical soap scene is sitting at a table, getting upset, walking away to think about your feelings and pouring coffee. There's not much action, so for me, it was like being an action star for a day. I got to deliver a baby. We're peeking in windows. We're fighting. We're running. And then there was the emotional part of it, too. It was such a tense week when Will was in the hospital. Everyone was so supportive. I was especially proud of that week of work. It was just different and exciting and we were able to grow, as people and as characters.
In a surprise twist, Nick has pulled back and now Gabi and the baby are moving in with Sonny and Will. How is that going to go?
I don't know if Sonny's thought this through. He's got a life partner, who has a baby with a woman, and now they're all going to move in together -- it doesn't sound like anything wrong will happen! [laughs] It's going to be super tense and there's going to be a lot of bickering, because they're all new parents and they're young. But there's also a lot of heart and you see these characters come together and grow together. We're shooting into mid-October and we're still dealing with living together -- learning who watches the baby, who gets to go out and when tragic things happen, we have to handle Arianna and getting a babysitter. It's such a dynamic. A completely fresh storyline. It's going to be an exciting ride.
Between the baby and Sami's newest craziness, Sonny's parents Justin (Wally Kurth) and Adrienne (Judi Evans) will once again question his relationship with Will. Can you tease what's coming there?
It's going to get extremely tense. The thing I love about Judi and Wally's characters -- we get along wonderfully, but as a family. It's parents and son. It's not a friendship. I have that with my parents. We love each other and we're so close, but they're my parents and they've always got advice: "Freddie, I don't think it's a good idea. Do what you want, but this is our opinion." Certain times, I'm like, "You guys are wrong. I know what I'm doing. I'm 25 now!" and then six months later, I'm like, "So, you guys were right..." It's about learning from your mistakes, but also standing up as an adult. That's what Sonny does. His life is going to change -- he has a kid now -- but he loves Will more than anything and that's what matters most to him.
Is there a storyline you'd like to see for Sonny?
I'm very happy with the way things are going. Everything Sonny wants, he gets, even though there's all this drama. He's a cool character. He's just so smart and always has a level head. He's always the man. But he's been such a poster child [that] I'm just waiting. I know there will be a time where he unravels. That's going to be fun to play and see how he deals with it. You don't want that stuff to happen in your real life, but on TV, it's cool to play a spiraling character. It's fun to get those emotions out -- get angry and upset and say things you'll regret. That drama is what soaps are about, and as soon as they yell cut, you can go back to your happy self.
The 40th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards airs Sunday, June 16, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on HLN. "Days of Our Lives" airs weekdays on NBC.
primetime tonight
tv news
- Dave Chappelle to headline monthlong comedy tour
- Jenner: Kim Kardashian 'thrilled for the new baby'
- UK report: Saatchi cautioned over assault on wife
- BBC ex-broadcaster sentenced for sex assaults
- Miss USA crown goes to Connecticut contestant
- Second City co-founder Bernard Sahlins dies at 90
- 'Days of Our Lives,' Doug Davidson and Heather Tom win at Daytime Emmys
- 40th annual Daytime Emmy Awards winners list
- 'True Blood' premiere: 7 things to Know before watching Season 6
- CBS ends national broadcast of July 4 Pops concert
meet the bloggers
Deanna Barnert | Los Angeles, Calif.
Entertainment journalist Deanna "TVDeeva" Barnert visits sets, interviews industry players and critiques the final product. Buzz's daytime TV queen covers it all for MSN TV, but loves her sitcoms, soaps and any juicy drama that doesn't call itself Reality TV.
