Things I've Learned This Week

I may have graduated from college, but the learning never stops. Here are some things that I've learned this week related to the entertainment industry.

1). Miley Cyrus and I shares something odd in common: We both don't eat green foods. I get made fun of for this trait all the time, so it's nice to know I share it with someone, especially a multi-millionaire Hollywood phenom. Want proof? Check out Miley's interview on Jay Leno's new show:

2). The EMMYs may actually be back. Neil Patrick Harris and Co. did a great job making the show less about the awards, and more about the entertainment factor. It helped that they were able to crack jokes at their own irrelevance for most of the night. To be honest, I don't even care about the winners. Without a Kanye West/Taylor Swift moment there wasn't anything worth a huge headline.

3). I love season premieres...and the internet. Your old favorites make their comebacks, and you get a chance to fall in love with fresh meat all at the same time. The internet and DVRs everywhere allow you to now watch as many as you can without having to miss out on the shows airing in competing time slots. I've been taking advantage of this, BIG TIME. So far I can't get enough of the CW's new lineup, including: Vampire Diaries, Melrose Place, 90210, Gossip Girl, and One Tree Hill.

4). Shows can surivive even when cast members you thought you couldn't live without leave.
I thought I was done with One Tree Hill last season. With Chad Michael Murray and Hillary Burton out, and the perfect ending that was the season finale I thought I'd never see it again and be forever happy. Then I watched the season premiere. I forgot those characters were ever even important. Sophia Bush and company had no trouble carrying on the great OTH tradition and thus they'll have my viewership throughout the season.

5). Following celebrities on Twitter is not a bad thing. I have been thoroughly entertained many a time thanks to my Twitter addiction. Celebrities post the craziest shit on there, and I eat it up. Want to make yourself feel better? Just read the post of a celeb whose making a fool of themself by having an online Twitter feud with another celeb (i.e. Perez Hilton and Demi Moore). Want to live vicariously through a 16 year old phenom? Follow the likes of Miley Cyrus. Want to see a celeb use their popularity for good? Try catching up with Ashton Kutcher.


6). Kelly Clarkson is a bad-ass. Read below to learn why I suddenly love this diva even more now.

Dear Kanye,

What happened to you as a child?? Did you not get hugged enough?? Something must have happened to make you this way and I think we’re all just curious as to what would make a grown man go on national television and make a talented artist, let alone teenager, feel like shit. I mean, I’ve seen you do some pretty shitty things, but you just keep amazing me with your tactless, asshole ways. It’s absolutely fascinating how much I don’t like you. I like everyone. I even like my asshole ex that cheated on me over you…which is pretty odd since I don’t even personally know you. The best part of this evening is that you weren’t even up for THIS award and yet you still have a problem with the outcome. Is winning a moon man that much of a life goal?? You can have mine if it will shut you up. Is it that important, really??

I was actually nominated in the same category that Taylor won and I was excited for her…so why can’t you be?? I’m not even mad at you for being an asshole…I just pity you because you’re a sad human being.

On a side note, Beyonce has always been a class act and proved again tonight that she still is. Go TEXAS!!

Taylor Swift, you outsell him ….that’s why he’s bitter. You know I love your work! Keep it up girl!

KC

Fall TV First Week Recap

First of all, I apologize for my extended absence. The whole "real" job thing keeps getting in the way of "fun blogging time". But I'm making a conscious effort to come back, especially now that the new season of "The Entertainment Buzz" on WOLV TV is just a few weeks away.

Here is why, despite marking the end to my favorite season-Summer- I actually love the fall: Football, Michigan football, leaves changing, and THE START OF THE NEW TV SEASON!!!
Considering this isn't a sports blog, I'm going to tackle the start of the TV season as my topic today.

Most of the networks haven't released their big guns yet. The exception is FOX's Glee. I was a supporter of this show when the network released the pilot last spring. I'm STILL a supporter of the show after episode two hit the airwaves this past week. The series is fun, inspiring, full of Jane Lynch, and it features an incredible soundtrack. For me, this is a recipe for instant success. The show is slightly quirky, and has the potential to alienate audiences who don't go into it with an open mind...so I beg of you, go into it with an open mind. For any person who has ever been, or is in a choir or showchoir (I was in both: see below) this show is for you. Seriously, it's written for you. In honor of the season premiere I'm sharing with you a piece of my showchoir past. Have a good laugh, or vomit slightly in your mouth, then be sure to turn to FOX for next week's episode of Glee (it's much better :).

The only other network that really went all out with season premieres this week was the CW. I tuned in for 3 of their opening acts, and I was only disappointed by one (which for that network is a great start). I'll start with the yea and work to the nea.

Yea: Melrose Place. I cringed when I first heard the network picked up this remake rather than the Gossip Girl spin-off. Maybe I shouldn't have been so quick to judge. When (SPOILER ALERT) someone dies before the opening credits role, you know things are going to be juicy. There's sex, money, drugs, drama... everything the old MP had with a new age kick in the butt. I haven't warmed up to Ashlee Simpson-Wentz onscreen (which I blame on the fact that I watched 7th Heaven when she was on it, and she RUINED that show for me). I love that the writers mixed the old with the new right off the bat and weren't afraid to make some bold character statements in the first 40 minutes of the series. I'm giving this show at least another two weeks of my time.

Yea: Vampire Diaries. This is another series that I cringed when I heard about. I'm not an overboard Twilight fan (in other words, I've read the books, and seen the movie but don't drool over Robert Pattinson or think Kristen Stewart is the next big thing. I also don't have a single poster anywhere in my room). I thought this series would be a blatant rip-off and would simply just be taking advantage of the current fanged fad. Let me start then by saying that this series could have easily stood alone without the hype surrounding Twilight.
The cast is hot. The chemistry is hotter. And the storyline is already intriguing. There are many similarities to the Twilight franchise, but there are more differences. Fans of the series, and haters of the series can find something to love about the Vampire Diaries.

Nea: 90210. I loved this show last year. Now, I like it, but I'm struggling to love its season open. When the show began there were obvious protagonist and antagonist. You knew who to feel sympathy for, and who was the evil biatch. Now those lines have become increasingly crossed and I'm left wondering who to root for, if anyone. Annie has turned serious rebel without a cause, and she doesn't wear it well. Shenae Grimes was cast as the good girl... and while she's nailed playing the biatch already, it'll be hard for her to ever go back if that's what the writers intend.
Meanwhile Naomi has come full circle. You hated her, you felt sorry for her, now you're back to hating her again. If not for Silver and Adrianna there would be no one to like in the series right now. The introduction of a hot new male lead helped the season premiere, but it couldn't hold it entirely afloat. Cliff-hangers from last season's finale still weren't answered, and instead even more questions arose. Come on writers, through your fans a bone and give us something to grasp onto! I'll keep watching for now, but the show is dangerously close to losing my weekly support.

CW is Screwing me Over Again

Everytime I find a show I like the damn CW takes it away. It happened last year with Life is Wild (which, by the way, I fully admit was not a GREAT show, but it was given the worst time slot on the network so its survival rate was pretty low). This year it's happened again with Privileged. The witty comedy starring Joanna Garcia and Lucy Kate Hale was finally picking up steam when the network decided it wasn't worthy of a second season. Honestly? You pick up shows like One Tree Hill (which I love) and Smallville for their 75th seasons, but you won't continue to build a fresh new brand with more potential staying power? No wonder the network suffers. Look at their most popular shows: Gossip Girl and 90210. They're new. They're fresh. And they're taping into a new market and generation of TV viewers. One Tree Hill could have easily ended the series this year. The finale felt more like a series finale and viewers would have been (hell I was) thrilled with its conclusion. Don't pull a 7th Heaven and keep a show around until none of the original cast is even in it and no one cares anymore.
The other piece of bad news I read today is that the CW won't be picking up the spin-off pilot for the fall. Dawn Ostroff, the president of the network claims there's still hope for the show, especially for a mid-season pick up, but that there were so many good new pilots they were having a hard time making a decision. Well there shouldn't have been such a hard time. Every show Josh Schwartz touches turns to gold. Examples: The O.C. Chuck, and Gossip Girl. Why would you throw away a chance for another success with a built in fan base? Again I don't understand the decision making process. If Melrose Place starring Ashlee Simpson gets picked up over the Gossip Girl spin-off then Dawn Ostroff should be fired on the spot.

90210 star picks backpacking over work

The good news for "90210" star AnnaLynne McCord is that the series has been a success and will see a second season. This means the star will get a couple months of downtime before she's due back on set. While her cast mates will likely be using the downtime to capitalize on the show's popularity and make a movie or two, McCord has told reporters she's using the time to go backpacking through Europe!
In an article published in People McCord said:

"I had several offers for the summer, but I decided there wasn't anything I really 100 percent wanted to do," she explained. "I ended up telling my agent, 'I'm sorry. I'm not available. I'm leaving. Don't call me. I need some time and I just want to be by myself for a little bit.' "

While backpacking through Europe sounds awesome (I'm a little jealous I won't be joining), it got me wondering...is AnnaLynne McCord popular enough that her career can survive a summertiem drought? "90210" may be popular, but it is on The CW-and network that averages less than 5 million viewers per show. While that's still 5 million more than watch "The Entertainment Buzz", it's still pretty slim in terms of overall TV ratings. I just hope McCord enjoys her vacay, because he next may not be voluntary.

What to Watch This Week

Having been out of the country for a week I was feeling a little TV deprived (I should get used to it considering seasons are coming to a close and soon I'll be avoiding the medium all together). This week is sure to deliver some hits.
Monday: Gossip Girl got juicy last week with Serena's decision to leave the country, the introduction of Rufus and Lily's son (sort of), Chuck and Vanessa's affair, and Nate and Blair's second chance at romance. These last few episodes should be amazing especially leading up to the introduction of the show's spin-off. Remember Michelle Trachtenburg is due for a repeat guest appearance (they hinted at it last week).
Tuesday: I'm not an American Idol fan (I know right?) so I won't spend much time dwelling over that over-extended phenom. Instead I'll head back to the CW where there is a brand new episode of 90210. Last week's episode felt like it may have been jumping the shark, but look for a strong comeback this week when the characters can pull it back together. Dixon and Annie's relationship issues are enough to drive the show which makes Naomi's presence an added bonus. Also remember Tori Spelling is on her way back...so original fans of the series are in for a treat.
Wednesday: This is really the only off-night of the week in my opinion. There is nothing here I HAVE to watch...but Scrubs fans will be happy to note there is a brand new episode airing on ABC. If that doesn't float your boat there are some great cable movies on Wednesday night that could be equally worth your time. If you're lucky enough to have On Demand I suggest you check out the WB section and watch a classic episode of Veronica Mars instead.
Thursday: This is by far my favorite night of television...and the one I'm never around to watch live. CSI and the Office are both brand new. CSI's 200th episode was a total let-down, in my opinion. But I have a feeling this week Lawrence Fishbourne and crew will make amends.
***I just wanted to point out of the irony of the fact that the Disney Channel in preparation for the Hannah Montana Movie premeire is going back to the franchise that started it all with the airing of the Lizzie McGuire Movie.
Friday: This night belongs to CBS. With new episodes of Ghost Whisperer AND Numbers if you don't have plans these are the shows to watch. The good news is that if you plan on being at the bar like me you can watch Numbers On Demand the next morning!

Jonas Brothers to Engage in Another Shameless Plug

I write this only because while watching Gossip Girl the other night a fellow EBUZZer texted me in extreme joy after seeing a commercial featuring the Jonas Brothers. The commercial was advertising a CW special, airing next week during 90210 and Privileged where the Jonas Brothers will act as hosts introducing promos and behind the scenes footage.
Usually an act reserved for the Disney Channel, the CW is hoping to channel the young star's energy-and fans-into their Tuesday night lineup. 90210 has already faired well with audiences while Privileged has teetered on the brink of success. The network is hoping the JoBros will encourage viewers to stick around for another hour, while the JoBros hope that viewers will be so inspired by their "behind the scenes" features that they'll shell out upscene amounts of money to watch their 3-D concert when it hits theaters in a few weeks.
Shameless plug...you betcha. Will I be watching?...not because of the Jonas Brothers, but yes. Will the Jonas Brothers successfully bring new audiences to the CW as a result of their presence?...looks like it, as according to my text they'll have at least one new viewer on Tuesday.

Hilary Duff...More Small Screen News

Last year she turned down the lead in the new 90210, but this year Hilary Duff is seemingly sweeping up every opportunity to be on the small screen. The former tween queen not only inked a deal for which she’ll star in her own sitcom on NBC, but she also just cemented herself a guest spot on the CBS drama Ghost Whisperer. Duff will play a young woman who may or may not be involved in the death of a man.
Television isn’t the only place where Duff is making headlines…reports claim the star has signed on to play Bonnie alongside Kevin Zegers in a remake of the classic “Bonnie and Clyde”. Tonya S. Holly, who is directing the indie drama "The Story of Bonnie and Clyde," stresses that the new film is not a remake and will showcase periods in the couple's lives not seen onscreen before.

90210 Gets the Full Season Pick Up and Nick Gets An Out of Jail Free Card

* "90210" Is the first show of the new season to get a network pickup. The CW has ordered 9 more episodes of the hit new series bringing the grand total to 22. This means you can catch more of the rumored anorexics: Shenae Grimes and Jessica Stroup all season long!!!

*The Hogan family finally has reason to celebrate. Nick Bollea (Hogan) is getting out of jail nearly 3 months early thanks to good behavior and work (weird, I didn't know Nick DID work!). Nick's release date has been set for Oct. 21...just in time for him to don his jail suit as a Halloween costume. Somehow I don't think he'll find that very funny...

Shawn's Cameo, Family Night resurgence, and Purity Ring debacle

I feel I need to start with a follow up to my Tuesday night TV advice. Thanks to the magic of the internet I was able to watch both 90210 AND "the Secret Life of the American Teenager".
Having met Shawn Johnson while in Beijing, I was curious to see her highly anticipated cameo in "Secret Life". The result? It was quite possibly the worst cameo I have ever seen. Shawn was, as always, incredibly cute but the horrendous quality of the dialog assigned to her left her little to work with. As a result her appearance was awkward and the laughs that followed weren't due to the comedic nature of the scene, but rather the sheer awkwardness of it.
As far as season finales go, "Secret Life" sucked. There wasn't a major cliff hanger, the pace to the episode was relatively slow, and the main character (the pregnant girl the show is supposed to be about) was hardly in it.

Luckily, "90210" picked up the pieces. In the series second week on air viewers were treated to a family themed episode that opened some plot twists and provided lots of character exposition.
The episode was themed around the Wilson family's attempts to have a night out together (of course, much to the chagrin of the Wilson children). I can't help but wonder how many teens might actually give spending time with their folks a chance after watching the show. It was a lesson in family values that even Brenda Hampton would be proud of (and it came without all the sap of "7th Heaven").
I'll admit the CW has me still on board. I'm usually a fan of "if it ain't broke don't fix it". But this reincarnation of the original hit is proving that a tweak here or there may not be so bad after all.

Finally, if you watched the VMAs, or have been paying attention to Entertainment news at all as of late, you'll have heard by now how the Jonas Brothers got slammed for sporting their purity rings.
1) Good for them for wearing them in the first place (we don't need any more Jonas' running around any time soon).
2) Good for Jordin Sparks for sticking up for them (note: she wears one too).
3) The Jonas Brothers aren't the only high-profile celebs that have/or are sporting them (Hilary Duff, Jessica Simpson and even Miley Cyrus have been sited with them) and as a result are helping turn them into a hot fashion item. HOWEVER, just because Hollywood is making them a fashion item, doesn't mean that they should lose their value. If you are wearing one, are unmarried, and having sex then you're kind of defeating the purpose. IN OTHER WORDS, Jamie Lynn Spears-DON'T BOTHER GETTING ONE.

The Buzz: Michael's giving gold, Ellen's a what?, and what to watch tonight

*Michael Phelps is using his elevated fame and fiances after his stunning 8 gold medal performance at the Beijing Olympics to do good. The former Michigan Wolverine has announced that he will be donating 1 million dollars to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
Phelps will win over a different population in his upcoming gig as host of "Saturday Night Live". NBC is hoping that he will win them a ratings gold with his performance.

*Ellen Degeneres the new face of Covergirl? True story. The comedian will join the ranks of Queen Latifa, Faith Hill, and Drew Barrymore when she starts shooting for their latest campaign this week.
I could totally see Ellen as a spokesperson for American Express, but I've never thought "awesome makeup" with regardss to the talk show host before.


*What to Watch:
I'm already going through TiVo withdrawal. I might just have to drive home and steal it from my parents. All of the good stuff tends to be on at the same time! Luckily I've established some priorities, and back up plans, that can help us Tivoless individuals survive.

8PM: For me this is a no-brainer. "90210" is the way to go. In just it's second episode of the season, the CW's newest hit will attempt to captivate the 14-30 year old audience again. A hot cast and a deliciously scandalous storyline, not to mention a nod to a past that many of us once enjoyed has made this the must-see show of the season.
If you missed the premiere last week here is a sneak peak that will get you all caught up.

90210 Beverly Hills Nouveau Trailer
by SeriesAddict01

A secondary option, for those not enamored with seeing a Jennie Garth/Shannon Daugherty reunion, can switch over to ABC Family for "The Secret Life of the American Teenager". Dramatic, sappy, and fairly unrealistic, the show still provides enough entertainment to warrent your attention.
Finally, former Dawson's Creek fans, Joshua Jackson is making his return to TV in the pilot of FOX's latest sci-fi thriller "Fringe".
The networks aren't providing much competition, unless you are in love with "reality" competition shows ("America's Got Talent"). If I were you I wouldn't waste the time or space on your DVR.

9PM: The Network's summer programming is still prevailing, so take this chance to try something new. The CW is introducing "Priviledged". While I can't vouch for it's content, the previews make it look more promising than hour two of "America's Got Talent" or ABC's "Wipeout". If you opted to watch "Fringe" you still have a half an hour left to get over your Joshua Jackson infatuation.

CW still on a roll...

The execs at the CW are having a great week. They started off a bang with the premieres of "Gossip Girls" and "One Tree Hill" on Monday. The high ratings continued thanks to the 2-hour premiere of the highly anticipated "90210" last night. Around 5 million viewers tuned in making it the CW's highest rated debut show to-date.

  With a hot cast including relative newcomer Shenae Grimes, I have a feeling that those five million will be sticking around for a while.

I don't 90210

So I just spent the last two hours of my life giving "90210" a chance. And...well...the verdict's still out.
It was incredibly predictable, very Gossip Girls-esque, and at times overly cliche. And yet, at the same time, it had a really hot cast, some solid story-lines, and the potential to be another 14-29 year old hit.
Let's start with the cast:
*Newcomer Shenae Grimes shines in the role of Annie Wilsom. She is a combination Blake Lively meets Miley Cyrus. Somehow that works for her, and for the show.
*Dustin Milligan is one of those male characters that will totally grow on you as the show continues. He's cute in a boyish way with a charm that will keep you coming back, no matter what stupid things he says/does.
*Rob Estes. Yeah that's about all I need to say. For emphasis, though, I'll add: DILF
*Jennie Garth and Shannon Daugherty...I don't really care about their characters, the fact that they came back for round two is worth watching.

I'll be honest, I'll probably give this show another week to truly impress me. The foundation is there, I'm just not sure that it can provide the necessary support.
I'll get back to you on that one :)

The Buzz: MacFarlane likes men, Cameron Diaz's dad died, Garth 90210 bound?

*Brothers and Sisters star likes brothers more than sisters
-Actor Luke MacFarlane, who ironically enough plays a gay character on the ABC hit series Brothers & Sisters, has announced he is a homosexual."I don't know what will happen professionally — that is the fear, but I guess I can't really be concerned about what will happen, because it's my truth," the actor told a Canadian newspaper.

*Cameron Diaz dad dies
-Emilio Diaz, the 58 year old father of Hollywood hottie Cameron Diaz, died Tuesday. He had been suffering from a flu, which turned in to pneumonia. Our hearts and prayers are with Cameron and her family.

*Jennie Garth heading back to 90210?
-Rumors are swirling that Jennie Garth may be heading back to 90210. This comes after the star backed out after having been set to play the role of the ex-wife in the new CBS pilot My Best Friend’s Girl. Reports indicate that Garth's role as Kelly Taylor could make a comeback in the form of a teacher at the high school which will be featured in the CW spinoff.

The Buzz

* Reject gets to try buying love again
-The Bachelor's DeAnna Pappas couldn't keep the "love" that she and Brad Womack had going...so ABC has decided to let her give it a second go. May 19th Pappas will be introduced to 25 hot single and incredibly shallow men in this season's Bachelorette. I guess ABC couldn't find any other incredibly desperate and insincere women to fill the role.

* Jay-Z and Beyonce getting legit....like FOR REAL YO
- According to People.com, Rapper Jay-Z and singer Beyonce have taken out a marriage license. The couple got the license in New York and it will be good for 60 days (plenty of time for either of them to get cold feet).

* Janet Jackson feeling gay over award
-I'm sorry. My play on words was semi-inappropriate, but kind of funny. Janet Jackson is being honored by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards on Saturday, April 26. Question: Why are they honoring Janet Jackson? They are honoring Ellen Degeneres but that makes sense...so what has Jackson done for GLAAD?

* CSI is da sh*t
-The original CSI is set to produce a 9th season and star and executive producer William Peterson is already on board. He reportedly signed a contract for a whopping 600,000 dollars AN EPISODE!!! The star will, however, not appear in as many episodes due to his role in the Chicago play Dublin Carol. It's ok... I bet even in the episodes where Gill is away the rest of the Las Vegas crew will STILL totally nail the bad guy!

*Daniel Craig: Looks Can Kill
-Ok, so Daniel Craig's looks might not be able to kill, but they HAVE earned him the top spot on GQ's list of "Britain's Best Dressed Man". Maybe it's just me...but I prefer Craig WITHOUT clothing.

*Jennifer Aniston creates film corporation so she'll have more to star in
-The former Friend's star has hooked up with partner Kristen Hahn to create Echo Films. The new company has already snagged a first-look deal with Universal Pictures and has already acquired a number of projects for which Aniston can star. Seriously, could she not find work elsewhere? Was it necessary for her to create her own production company to keep her name in lights? I love Jennifer Aniston, but even I think this is borderline ridiculous.

*90210 gets '1'
- The first cast member for the new 90210 spinoff has been officially cast. The CW's Justin Milligan will play a, "likeable, genuine...star athelte" says the show's producers. Yeah what an original role. I wonder what sport he'll play. My money's on Basketball or Football. His picture has him pegged as more of a basketball guy, but One Tree Hill totally already has that covered. Maybe he'll branch out and play something sweet like lacrosse!

*Britney is trying to time travel...hasn't figured out it isn't possible
-Poor Britney Spears thinks that time travel is possible. She has re-hooked up with former manager Larry Rudolph in an attempt to bring back the success of her "Hit Me Baby One More Time" days.

* I'd wear Patrick Dempsey...oh wait it's just a perfume
-I never would have thought I'd associate Patrick Dempsey with Avon, but McDreamy is set to be the new face of the company's latest fragrance. According to ETOnline, "Dempsey will launch his own men's fragrance this fall, even acting as creative director for the new scent." Yum. Dempsey will be smelling a little green too, as he'll reportedly make between five and six million dollars for his work.

*Steve-O may be insane but he has sobering outlook on life
-Having been hospitalized in the psych ward at the Cedars-Sinai medical center has given Steve-O time to establish a new outlook on life. The star has been dealing with reckless behavior issues and drug and alcohol abuse. Imagine that? I don't know about you but most NORMAL people I know attempt bodily harm to themselves and others on a daily basis...NOT! Steve-O has been blogging from the hospital and expects he'll complete his treatment by April 8th.