The CW and I have a love hate relationship. I LOVE Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, 90210, and the Vampire Diaries. I hate the fact that they chose to pick up Melrose Place over a Gossip Girl spin-off. I also hate that they continue to extend the life of Smallville, a show I used to love, making it into a 7th Heaven like shell of itself now in its umpteenth year. Today I am in love with the CW's decision to axe Ashlee Simpson-Wentz from the new MP. If you insist on making yet another classic remake, then at least do it justice. Simpson-Wentz ruined that show from the minute she stepped into the frame. Her character, Violet, is creepy, awkward, and her storyline is clearly an outlier in the greater scheme of the show. Executives had to see that everytime Aslee entered the picture she made fans uncomfortable. I only hope the network makes another equally intelligent decision and decides to greenlight the GG spin-off. Brittany Snow deserves to be back on TV again... primetime just isn't the same without her.
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!
If you haven't voted in the latest EBUZZ poll already (shame on you if you haven't ;), here is some behind the scenes material that could help you make up your mind. Hilary Duff sat down with Access Hollywood to talk about her new role on the CW hit Gossip Girl. Here's what I've deciphered from the short interview:
* Hilary's character isn't too much of a stretch. She playes an uber famous actress who just wants to escape. I'm just Hilary has never felt as though SHE just wanted to fit in...
* It sounds like the character has potential... if the writers give her enough material to work with, and Hilary doesn't screw it up. I'm nervous about the cliche factor. This role has been played before. To be GG worthy it needs to be fresh and the storyline MUST contain a surprise now and then to keep fans interested.
* Duff's going to fit right in on the CW. It seems like the natural progression. Move from the tween market to the teen market BEFORE you make the jump to adult oriented works. Maybe this will be the launching pad she'll need for her NBC sitcom career to take off. As an actor you can't forget who your fan base is. The same people that grew up watching Lizze McGuire are now watching Gossip Girl.
I did NOT see this one coming. Hilary Duff has made very few headlines since her Disney days... most recently she's been in the news for her production deal with NBC. Today, however, made Upper-East Siders look twice at her name as it was announced that she'll join the uber-popular CW show Gossip Girl. Duff will take a page from Miley Cyrus' "Best of Both Worlds" routine when she plays Olivia Burke, a movie star who enrolls at NYU looking to lead a normal life (LIKE THAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN!) Duff's character will be roomates with Vanessa. I'm not sure if Hilary will play a good girl, or a vixen but either way I'm more than a little shocked at the announcement. Remember... Duff TURNED DOWN the lead role in the CW's 90210 because she wanted to do "more mature" projects. It sounds like maybe she's decided she just wants to do successful ones. I don't remember the last time Duff did ANYTHING worth watching. Will this be a career booster for the former Disney Tween Queen, or will she sink faster than the Titanic in her new gig? VOTE in the new EBUZZ poll and then find out this fall when Gossip Girl returns to the CW.
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.
I have been waiting for tonight's Gossip Girl ever since it was announced they would be doing a backdoor pilot for the potential 80's inspired spin-off. Now the moment has arrived and Josh Schwartz and company will be laying it all on the line come 8PM. My fingers are crossed that the back-door pilot will be a success. Not only would I LOVE to see more Gossip Girl each week, but every preview I've seen says Brittany Snow and company tear up the screen. Check out Brittany's preview of tonight's episode here:
I feel like I just wrote the post about Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester's attempt at a music career, and now today I bring you her first official foray into the field. Ryan Seacrest was kind enough to premiere Cobra Starship featuring Leighton Meester's "Good Girls Go Bad" on his show today. As much as I hate to admit it, it's seriously catchy and will likely be a summer anthem (although Rascal Flatt's "Summer Nights" is a WAY better summer tune). Meester doesn't really show off a range, but she does deliver so in my opinion the jury's still out. The techno pop of the song overshadows any serious vocals. Listen and decide for yourself here.
Leighton Meester has proven she can hang with the best of them as the star of the CW's hot teen drama Gossip Girl. Now it appears she'll try to become a legitimate duel threat as she's set to release an album this fall. I'm not entirely sold on the idea that Meester can make it on the music side. If she does it will be with deep brooding melodies...don't look for her to pump out sugar pop anytime soon. Considering the Septmeber release date, I'm guessing the CW will do something similar to Bethany Joy Galeotti's musical breakout on One Tree Hill and tie the music into the show. I just hope that don't suddenly develop a storyline that allows Blair to become a budding musician (we've already seen that plot device used-BORING). In Meester's defence, she appears to have a legitamate set of pipes. This YouTube video of her signing "Bette Davis Eyes" shows that with professional help she can put together a solid sounding record. Now the question remains whether or not she'll be able to make it sell.
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!
So earlier on this blog I bitched about the potential CW Gossip Girl spin-off that is slated to center on a young Lily Vanderwooden's life. I retract much of that bitching. Word on the street (read: Internet reports) claim that American Dreams and John Tucker Must Die star Brittany Snow has been cast in the lead. This in money. I'm a big Snow fan so the fact that she's on-board means good things. Gossip Girl Insider is reporting that series creators Josh Swartz and Stephanie Savage are also exploring tieing the new storyline in with storylines from Josh's previously successful teen drama the O.C. While I'm not sure I really care to see this...it may bring in some of the fans from that series that were left high and dry after Mischa Barton's departure and the show's demise. The episode of GG that will serve as the launching pad for the pilot has already been shot which means it should be on the TV schedule in the near future (May 11 to be exact)! In other spin-off casting news...Krysten Ritter (you know her from Veronica Mars and Gilmore Girls) will play Lily's sister on the series.
I love Gossip Girl. But is there enough Upper-East side love for a spin-off? The folks at the CW hope so. The Hollywood Reporter is saying that Gossip Girl executive producers Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage are moving forward with plans for a spin-off that will follow a teenage Lily van der Woodsen through 1980s L.A. A backdoor pilot is set to air May 11.
Here is why I don't think this will work:
*Too much like Star Wars-
Going backwards in the life of a character as deep as Ms. van der Woodesen seems like trouble. We already know that she and Rufus had a thing, she got knocked up, and did some "artistic" modeling. Filling in the the rest of Lily's holes could get obnoxious. No matter where the series goes, it will have to end up in the present day or true Gossip Girl fans will be nothing but annoyed.
*A show about the past can't work alongside a show about the present.
Who wants to watch Lily van der Woodsen break the space-time-continum? On Monday nights she's in her 40s, on Tuesdays she'll be in her teens again. That's just too confusing.
*Casting-
You've already got one of the hottest casts on TV in Gossip Girl. Will the CW be able to bring the same magic to a spin-off? I doubt they'll be able to find another Chace Crawford out there. Plus the chemistry between Leighton Meester and Blake Lively is one of a kind. Try and find that in another set of teen stars and you're just asking for trouble.
*Character Sympathy-
Out of all the characters to do a spin-off with why Lily? Do we really have enough sympthy for the dysfunctional mother to want to watch her turmoil filled childhood? If the CW had wanted to give Chace Crawford his own show, I'd understand. I'd even have gotten onboard for a Bass based spin-off (they could have saved Bart's life and a potentailly awesome story-line).
Leighton Meester may play a wealthy upper-east sider on the hit CW show “Gossip Girls”, but a new cover story in US Weekly shows that in real life, Meester grew up in a VERY different environment. Leighton’s mom was serving a federal prison term for her involvement with a drug smuggling ring when she gave birth to the future starlet. Meester claims that her past has made her, “very nonjudgmental and open-minded. And I think it just makes me appreciate the things that I have now." Kudos to Leighton for telling her tale. It is ironic that now she plays a shallow, self-absorbed, incredibly wealthy character on TV. Hopefully she can use her dual roles to inspire younger generations to be more open-minded.
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