Remote-free TV, please tell me this is real

DVR be damned, Fox Broadcasting is introducing two new shows, J.J. Abrams' "Fringe" and Joss Whedon's "Dollhouse," with reduced commercial breaks so you can leave your remote alone.

"It's a simple concept and potentially revolutionary," Fox Entertainment Chairman Peter Liguori said. "We're going to have less commercials, less promotional time, and less reason for viewers to use the remote. We're going to redefine the viewing experience."

Both shows will have about 5 minutes of commercials per one hour instead of the normal 10. Still too much for my taste, but it's a start.

Fox says to make up for the cost of fewer commercials they will charge a premium price to the companies who do advertise. So I guess it's all down to a matter of money, if the commercials will pay more then fewer will be needed. Payup suckers, paleeeez.

Fox will begin airing new shows the week of August 25, including the two "feeler" shows. Lets hope this whole fewer commercials thing will take off.

Rest of the story here.

Syesha bites the dust

As Queen music plays through my head I want to bid a fond farewell to Syesha Mercado who was voted outta here on American Idol tonight. Now it's down to the battle of the Davids. The American Idol Finale will be Tuesday, May 20.

Kelsey and Patricia not Back to You

Awww, Frasier has left the building again, but not by choice this time.

Kelsey Grammer learned Friday that his and Ms. Missing Bellybutton, Patricia Heaton's, Fox show 'Back to You' was being canned. The saddest part of the whole thing is that Kelsey had just gotten home from taping an interview with Jimmy Kimmel's talk show promoting the series. I think I'll skip that interview, how sad to see a guy right before his heart is ripped out, completely unaware of what's about to happen.

Ratings on the show had never been that low so it is a bit of a surprise that it's been cancelled. I can't honestly imagine Fox has something else worth replacing it with.

Rest of the story here.

Do they seriously have nothing better to do?

A 'Dr. Who' fan created knitting patterns for the programme’s monsters and gave them away online has been told by the BBC to stop or be sued. WTF?

The 26-year-old woman, who uses the name Mazzmatazz because she does not want to be identified, said that she was “just an ordinary person who likes knitting” who had been caught up in “a bit of whirlwind”. Lawyers argue that her case shows that trademark and copyright law should be changed.

However, the BBC says it is defending its own trademark, although it has no intention of producing knitted Doctor Who baddies, in threats that are reminiscent of KFC’s attempt to sue a Yorkshire pub for offering a “Family Feast” menu. KFC dropped the action after an outcry a year ago.

Sheesh, what's next? It's as bad as Donald Trump trying to trademark "You're fired." I thought imitation was the sincerest form of flattery. Chill Dr. Who bigwigs, go make your show and leave the little people alone.

{Source Times Online, UK}

Alec Baldwin, let him make TV

Alec Baldwin has decided to pitch a new TV show and for God's sake they need to let him make it, it sounds completely Alien/Astronaut sexy.

It's not your father's Star Trek.

Everything old is new again

Kelly Taylor is heading home.

Jennie Garth has decided to join the cast on the CW’s new “90210” spin-off, the network announced on Saturday.

Garth is the first original cast member to join the new series.

Kelly seems to have taken the not-so-wealthy road and is returning to West Beverly High as a guidance counselor.

In the 90210-esque show, Garth will join the previously announced Lori Loughlin, Dustin Milligan, AnnaLynne McCord, Ryan Eggold, Jessica Walter and Shenae Grimes.

Terry Fator, puppet's got talent

This guy's from America's Got Talent so many people of course have seen him, but he's cool so I'm putting a vid up. I love people with unusual talents.

Rain versus Stephen Colbert, Ball embargo lifted

There seems to be some sort of Stephen Colbert feud going on with Rain, pretty funny stuff here. Not quite Matt Damon versus Jimmy Kimmel funny but still pretty funny. Love when people can make fun of themselves.

Bye bye Men in Trees

Who knew it was still on the air, but Men in Trees has been cancelled according to TV Guide's Michael Ausiello who received word from show creator Jenny Bicks who is quoted as saying, ''I wish the show had not been moved six times and put onto two long hiatuses. No show could survive that.'' How true, how true. MIT returns with its final run of episodes on May 28. Rest of story here.

Rest in peace Men in Trees.

Oprah held captive, interview on Friday

Has anyone seen Oprah since her interview with Tom Cruise was filmed because she seriously looks like a captive trying to look happy for the cameras. I swear I can see the pleading in her eyes, "help me, somebody please help me."

Oprah has decided to brave the Tom hurricane and have another interview with him which will air on Friday but is a special two-parter so we will actually be graced by Tom's presence on Friday and Monday. Luckily this time part of the interview was taped at Tom's home in Telluride, Colorado where hopefully his handlers were able to keep him firmly seated. The second part will be shot in Oprah's studio in Chicago where god only knows anything can happen. You know my Tivo will be tuned in.

J-Lo, still ruling the world

So how much money is too much? I have no clue (would like to find out, but as of right now have no idea), but Jennifer Lopez is definitely trying to figure it out.

Wife to itty-bitty man Marc Anthony, and mom to twins Emme and Max, has decided to do a documentary, reality show, whatever on TLC that will follow her in her busy life as wife, mother, performer, nanny/nurse/butler wrangler, boss, and general super-woman. I'm sure she'll probably do it all in full makeup and 3 inch heels too. No word yet on what her payday will be or what the show will be called, but to top off the deal J-Mom will also serve as co-executive producers. Someone please get that woman a vacation.