MSN TV Blog - TV Buzz

'Where in the World Is Matt Lauer?' Not With the 'Twilight' hunks

By TVDeeva Deanna Barnert Nov 7, 2011 9:03AM
Look Who's coming to daytime: Nov 7-11With Twi-hards gearing up for "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1" Nov. 18 premiere, Taylor Lautner and Robert Pattinson are heading to daytime this week, but Kristen Stewart isn't on anyone's schedule. Adam Sandler and Katie Holmes will also be working the circuit to promote "Jack & Jill," while "Today" host Matt Lauer is on the road for his tenth annual "Where in the World Is Matt Lauer?" week. Plus, don't miss folks like 50 Cent, David Arquette, Kate Walsh, Caterina Scorsone, Christina Applegate and Kelly Monaco and performances from Daughtry, Il Divo and David Crosby and Graham Nash.


Bing: Watch clips and episodes of 'The View'                                             


Schedules subject to change


"Anderson"
Mon: Gloria Vanderbilt
Tues: David Arquette & Padma Lakshmi
Wed: the Bengals Cheerleader who won a $11M slander case
Thurs: Toni Braxton
Fri: Hallie and Hillary Adams, “America’s Supernanny” Deborah Tillman

"Live! With Kelly"
Mon: Joan Rivers, Michael Buble

Tue: Katie Holmes, Peter Facinelli

Wed: Taylor Lautner

Thurs: Robert Pattinson

Fri: Adam Sandler


Bing: Watch clips and episodes of 'Ellen'

"The Ellen DeGeneres Show"
Mon: Kate Walsh, Freida Pinto
Tues: Kirsten Dunst
Wed: Taye Diggs, Kermit the Frog
Thurs: Melissa McCarthy, Armie Hammer, Luke Bryan
Fri: Katy Perry

"The Rachael Ray Show"
Mon: Joy Behar; Guy Fieri co-hosts
Tues: no celebs announced yet
Wed: no celebs announced yet
Thurs: 50 Cent
Fri: Adam Sandler and Katie Holmes


"The Talk"
Mon: Billy Gardell, Jack Osbourne
Tues: Kate Walsh; Nestor Carbonell
Wed: Dermot Mulroney, Il Divo performs
Thurs: Ellen Barkin; Kelly Monaco
Fri: Book Buzz: author Iris Krasnow talks "The Secret Lives of Wives"

"Today"
Mon: (7-9 a.m.): Christina Applegate (9-11 a.m.): Laura, Jenna and Barbara Bush, Aiden Quinn
Tues (7-9 a.m.): The Duggar family, Stephen King
Wed (7-9 a.m.): Taylor Lautner, Daughtry performs
Thurs (7-9 a.m.): Robert Pattinson (10-11 a.m.):  Il Divo performs. 
Fri (7-9 a.m.): Adam Sandler (10-11 a.m.): Philip Galanes (“Social Q’s: How to Survive the Quirks, Quandaries and Quagmires of Today")

"The View"
Mon: Christina Applegate, Robin Roberts
Tues: Darrell Hammond
Wed: Caterina Scorsone, Ricardo Antonio Chavira
Thurs: Couple eliminated from "Dancing with the Stars," Chris Matthews ("Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero")
Fri: Tom Selleck; David Crosby and Graham Nash perform


"The Wendy Williams Show"
Mon: Kris Jenner, Lamman Rucker
Tues: The latest "Biggest Loser" castoff
Wed: The Braxton family, Kevin Clash
Thurs: Lisa Vanderpump, Randy Fenoli
Fri: Debbie Allen              

 

 

Rapper, actress and host set to launch new syndicated talk show in 2013

By TVDeeva Deanna Barnert Nov 7, 2011 9:02AM
Queen Latifah is coming back to daytime
A heavy hitter on the big screen and small, Queen Latifah is no stranger to hosting a talk show, and now she's preparing to do her thing in daytime again. Will Smith's Overbrook Entertainment has teamed up with Latifah's Flavor Unit Entertainment and Sony to bring the queen of hip hop back to daytime in 2013.

The recently announced deal was driven by Latifah's Flavor Unit co-founder Shakim Compere and Overbrook’s Miguel Melendez, who will serve as executive producers of the upcoming syndicated talker, along with Latifah and Overbrook's James Lassiter, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith.

Bing:More about Queen Latifah

“Here at Overbrook, we have known and admired Latifah for over twenty years: dating back to our music days, to her first television role on ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,’ and years later when she worked with Jada on the film 'Set it Off," Melendez said. "This forum is the perfect place to showcase Latifah’s tremendous range of talents & unique ability to connect & inspire people.”

Latifah is one of many names trying to "connect" with Oprah Winfrey's former daytime fan base. She'll find the daytime market quite congested when she arrives, unless new and up and upcoming talkers like "Anderson," "The Chew," "Dr. Drew's LifeChangers," "The Revolution," "Steve Harvey" and "Katie" have already failed by the time she kicks off in 2013.

Like Katie Couric, Latifah does have and advantage over the competition: This isn't her first run as a daytime hosts. Her syndicated talker "The Queen Latifah Show" ran from September 1999 until August 2001 and welcomed some of the biggest names in hip hop, while also taking on every day issues. Here's a look back at a clip about racial profiling.
 

If Ava's watching Amy, who's watching Ava?

By MSN TV Nov 4, 2011 11:04AM

 

Ava ... babysits?

 

When Reagan (Christina Applegate) and Chris (Will Arnett) have a romantic night away to reignite the spark in their relationship, who steps in for baby duty with Amy? That's right. It's Reagan's boss, Ava (Maya Rudolph), who ends up connecting with a single dad (guest star Jason Lee) along the way. Catch this new episode on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.

 

Bing: More about "Up All Night"

 

In the meantime, watch as Reagan tries to convince Chris that leaving Ava in charge is a good idea ... on their first night away from baby Amy. What do you think?

 

"Up All Night" airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC.

 

Kris Jenner visits talkers to plead her daughter's case and hawk her new book

By TVDeeva Deanna Barnert Nov 2, 2011 12:31PM
Kardashian mama and manager Kris Jenner may be part of "The Talk" crew, but she high tailed it over to "The View" and "Today" this morning to defend Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries' wedding fairytale gone wrong -- and hawk her new book, of course. Daughters Kourtney, Kimberly and Khloe are also heading to daytime soon.

Bing: Watch more clips and full episodes "Today"

 

Kris Jenner made the rounds in daytime Wednesday, Nov. 2, to promote her book "Kris Jenner ... And All Things Kardashian," but it was all about Kim and Kris' 72 days of marriage and divorce.

 

On "The View," Mama Kardashian went so far as to say she wasn't there to talk about her daughter, but then went ahead and did so, even tearing up as she opened up to Barbara Walters and her co-hosts about how hard it was to go through this drama is such a public space (as she was promoting her book!). 


Bing: Watch clips and full episodes of "The View"


"It's a tough time for the family and for Kim and for everyone involved," she said. "It's really hard to go through this on such a public stage."

 

Kris Jenner comes to Kim Kardashian's defense on When Joy Behar asked about the blender she sent Kim and Kris as a wedding gift, Jenner laughed it off. She also sidestepped talking about the infamous engagement ring, but she did answer the big money question.


Jenner admitted there was a lot of wedding-related money coming in for the clan, especially for the E! wedding special, but reminded the hosts of how lavish the affair was. She was also quick to remind viewers that just because you see a number or factoid in print or online, doesn't mean it's true.

 

"Kim definitely made money [but] when it was all said and done, Kim had to pay a lot of money," Jenner told them. "The money that she made went to the wedding. She still owed money to make her fairy tale dream come true. 

 

"Did they net or gross any amount of money?" Jenner added. "Absolutely not." 


On "Today" (interview posted above), however, Jenner caught herself as she was saying "we" didn't profit from the fairy tale wedding and pics, saying instead that "they" didn't profit. Hmm...

 

Jenner kept her cool during her visit to the NBC talker, sharing some of the same sounds bites about the money and her support of and advice to her daughter. She also spoke to the backlash over the breakup. 

 

"It makes me feel sad that some people are reacting that way," Jenner told "Today." "Certainly wasn't a sham. Certainly wasn't for TV. We have enough going on on our show that we don't have to make things up. She felt she was in love with him. It was an amazing time... I had no idea there was a problem, at the time. It saddens all of us."


Kim, herself, is set to visit to "The View" on Wednesday, Nov. 16, along with sisters Kourtney and Kimberly. The girls will presumably be promoting the newest Kardashian spin off, "Kourtney and Kim Take New York."


MSN TV hopes they stick to talking about that, or anything but the wedding disaster. Thus far, the media blitz seems to support allegations that, whether or not the Kardashian/Humphries marriage and breakup were a scam, the announcement was timed for Jenner's promotional tour and, well, it's enough already.


"The View" airs weekdays on ABC. "Today" airs weekdays on NBC.

 

Kelly Ripa's search for a new co-host is about to get serious

By TVDeeva Deanna Barnert Nov 1, 2011 5:45PM

Seinfeld takes on daytime
Since news broke that Regis Philbin was leaving "Live! With Regis and Kelly," there has been plenty of speculation about who will replace him, but the time for speculation is coming to an end. After 28 years as host, Reege's final day is Friday, Nov. 18, and Jerry Seinfeld is the first guest host lined up for the temporarily renamed "Live! With Kelly." 

 

Bing: More about Jerry Seinfeld


"Jerry is a great friend of ours, and a friend of Kelly's, and it doesn't hurt that he's an entertainment icon," executive producer Michael Gelman said in a statement. "It's a great way to kick off the new beginning of our show."


Fans may recall the revolving door of hosts after Kathie Lee Gifford's 2000 exit, which ended when "All My Children" alumna Ripa was permanently given her seat. In that same vein, Regis' name will be removed from the show title as the show tries out a stream of new co-hosts. Front-runners for the new "Live! With Kelly and ____" have been her hubby, Mark Consuelos, Bravo host Andy Cohen and Ryan Seacrest. But word is it's still anybody's game.

 

While Ripa tests out her chemistry with a stream of Hollywood men, daytime fans can also expect some shakeups to the show, which will be tweaked to match her style. 


Bing: More about Kelly Ripa


As the first "Live!" post-Regis co-host, Seinfeld will sit down Monday, Nov. 21, through Wednesday, Nov. 23, to chat with guests Jason Segel, Kim Cattrall, Howie Mandel, "Naked Chef" Jamie Oliver and the one and only Miss Piggy.

Then, it's on to the next. The search for a permanent successor will continue ...


"Live!" airs weekdays in syndication.

 

Everyone's favorite high school musical returns tonight, promising 'Glee Project' winner Damien's debut!

By Sona Charaipotra Nov 1, 2011 2:37PM
Photo courtesy FOX
Okay, so "Glee" resident blonde Brittany is easily -- and frequently -- confused. 

But on tonight's new episode, the show takes this idea to new heights when she falls under the impression that the new foreign exchange student Rory Flanagan -- played by "Glee" project winner Damien McGinty, who debuts his seven-episode arc tonight -- is really a leprechaun. Given McGinty's jaunty Irish accent and pint-sized stature (plus, that emerald green basketball uniform), it could be an honest mistake. But it's sure to be a funny set-up for the swinging single Brittany, played by the always scene-stealing Heather Morris. 


It's not all just laughs tonight, though. It's sweeps season, folks, so expect plenty of drama, too! The battle of the McKinley High divas -- that's Lea Michele's Rachel Berry and Amber Riley's Mercedes (with an occasional dash of Chris Colfer's Kurt thrown in for good measure) -- kicks into high gear, with Mercedes on a rampage to recruit new members for secondary choir director Shelby's alternate Glee club (which means more Idina Menzel for you). And never one to be without drama for long, Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch) is scheming on how to further her congressional campaign.

Here's a sneak peek:

"Glee" airs tonight at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX.   
 

Lulu is facing her biggest fear this Halloween: Commitment

By TVDeeva Deanna Barnert Oct 31, 2011 2:26PM
Will Lulu and Dante ever get married? Many "General Hospital" fans see Dante and Lulu as a match made in heaven, and Dante can't wait to share the news of their secret engagement. Lulu, however, may not be able to get past her fears to make the big announcement, let alone make it to the altar. Julie Berman talks to MSN TV about her character's commitment issues, whether or not Lulu and Dante can get past them and her own dream for a fabulous Port Charles wedding.

Bing: Watch clips and episodes of 'General Hospital'

MSN TV: Sonny's bon voyage dinner for Kristina seems an ideal time for Lulu and Dante to announce their engagement, but Lulu is getting more and more nervous about the whole thing: What's going on with her?

Julie Berman: She loves him, but she's not sure she wants to marry him, because of his career and her fear of completely investing in someone she can lose. Then that falls into her other problem with marriage, as an institution itself. She's grown up with a lot of questions about marriage and whether it's really special, really means anything or is necessary.

Obviously, relationships in Port Charles don't last, so she's right to feel skeptical, but deep down in her heart, she would love to get married and have it last forever. There are a lot of things she needs to accept, including the potential for things to not end happily ever after, and that's hard for her.

Did Lulu's chat with Sonny send her over the edge?

In all honesty, he of all people honed in on what was going on and called her out on it. She spoke with Maxie about her fears, but it was very vague. She didn't want Sonny to be the one to give her advice, but a lot of what he said is exactly what she's thinking. If she's too afraid to get married, she should end this now and not drag it out any longer.

What will it take for her to move forward?

Lulu and Dante have no idea. That's the problem. There's the option that Dante takes a desk job, so she feels he's a bit safer, but Dante might start to resent Lulu for the rest of his life. It's a tricky situation, and it's also not easy to talk about as a couple. The question of "How much do you love me?" comes up, [but] that's not what it's about. Personally, I think it's about accepting that life is going to deal you cards and you've got to let the chips fall where they may, but it takes time to accept something like that, because it's not how she's wired.

The Spencers are, however, wired for addiction, and Lulu has been turning to alcohol a lot lately…

I don't think they've been very subtle with that idea. (laughs) It seems to be an easy check out for her when things get a little overwhelming, especially with all the confusing feelings she has right now over her relationship. The alcohol is just a quick fix. She doesn't think there's a major problem with it, but it's not normal for her, so she's being a little secretive about it.

Which sounds like a problem in the making: How do you feel about possibly playing an alcoholism story down the line?

I always love playing that kind of stuff. The only thing I worry about is how it will be executed. We've seen this alcoholism story many times, with many characters. I would hate for it to be an obvious, repetitive beat. I would love to play it if it was compelling and a little different than what we've seen before.

Would you like to see Lulu overcome her fears and get to the altar?

That would be awesome. I would love to have a huge wedding, because it would be cool to say, "Yep, I had my soap opera wedding." That's a goal I hope I get to attain, but these days, you never know what's going to happen with the future of soap operas. My time might run out.

Does that sentiment change the way you approach story?

No, no. I think about that, but when I go to work, I'm doing the work like every day is my last day, and that's how it's been since I started. There's a big level of commitment to every script I get: whether I feel I have 20 years of two days, I'm committed to making everything wonderful.

What can you tell us about the new rumors about you're leaving the show?

I don't even know how these rumors start. My first thought is, "Who is the person that comes up with this stuff and what joy does it bring to them?" So no, I'm not leaving. I'm still on the show and I'm very happy. I've always enjoyed working on the show, and we have a great cast right now. It makes it fun to go to work.

Back when you first came to "General Hospital," did anyone take you under their wing?

Not really. I was pretty comfortable, right out of the gate. I didn't need a lot of hands on guidance. Some of [the newer cast members] get it and it almost screws them up, so I'm happy I didn't have that. Over time… I do have those kinds of people at my disposal now. I can go to Tony (Geary), Jane (Elliot) and Laura Wright. They have worked in this medium for a long time, and I value their opinions. They're people I love and value a lot in my life.

Before we let you go, fans are dying to know when you and Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) will have an event. Anything on the agenda?

We don't have anything set. We've talked about it, and truly, it's difficult. My lifestyle is becoming a bit more overwhelming and crazy, because I have this job and a [dog bed] side business, as well. It's not as easy as is used to be to pick up and schedule things in advance. I know fans are crazy about it happening, but at this point, I can't guarantee anything. That's just the way life is, unfortunately.

"General Hospital" airs weekdays on ABC.
 

'Predator' threatened by lawsuit

By Corey Levitan Oct 31, 2011 1:00PM

NBCCatching a predator is awesome. Publicly humiliating him may be actionable.


According to this report in The Hollywood Reporter, a federal judge in California has refused to dismiss a lawsuit filed against NBC by Anurag Tiwari, a former Sun Microsystems engineer who claims that being ensnared on a 2006 episode of the show violated his rights to privacy and inflicted undue emotional distress.


"To Catch a Predator" traps alleged child molesters by working with members of a watchdog group who -- posing as minors online -- lure suspected pedophiles to a house for sexual activity. Once the suspects arrive, Chris Hansen pokes his head out of a back room to ask what they're doing. Police arrest the suspects as they exit.


NBC claims that these events are news stories, and that the First Amendment allows news stories to be broadcast with impunity.


That may not be so, according to U.S. District Court judge Edward Chen, who ruled last week that it "was not necessary" for cops to wait until after the Hansen confrontation to arrest Tiwari or to arrest him "in a sensational way," or for NBC to film Tiwari -- who was nabbed in Petaluma, Calif. -- being cuffed and questioned.


If the suit succeeds, it could jeopardize the format of the show.


The judge did, however, reject a portion of Tiwari's suit claiming defamation -- on the grounds that he was engaged in an apparent felony. (Eventually, he was convicted of a misdemeanor, which was reduced to an infraction as part of a plea deal in exchange for dropping his appeal.)


No trial date has been announced.