TV Zone
News, scoops, reviews and more from TV land.
'Mad Men' recap: Christmas waltz, Jaguars and Aly Khan
Photo credit: AP
"Mad Men's" "Christmas Waltz:" Late in the year, early in the morning, and Lane Pryce's phone rings. He answers, and a plot is set in motion. The lawyer at the other end tells Lane the news is good, but of course the news is not: Lane has to find $8,000 fast to settle a tax debt.
And there is your basic framework for this puzzling episode.
Here are the basic vectors...
Josh Elliott, Lara Spencer tapped for 'Good Afternoon America"
Photo credit: AP
Josh Elliott, news anchor of "GMA," and Lara Spencer were just named anchors of the new "Good Morning America" spin-off,"Good Afternoon America," which launches July 9 at 2 p.m. "GFA?" It's quite a clever idea - designed to keep surging "GMA" front of mind just as the Olympics start to steam-roll AND maintain a heartbeat over the summer while ABC gets ready for Katie Couric. It was announced weeks ago - the show that is - so no surprise, plus it'll be taped in the morning day of air. "Guest" appearances by hosts of "GMA" are expected, the network says, w hile the series lasts just through the summer. Content? Think a lot of celebrity/lifestyle news, and a tone that, if possible, will be even airier/frothier than "GMA."
'Breaking Bad' returns July 15
Photo credit: AP
"Breaking Bad," one of TV's great shows — but you already knew that — will return July 15, AMC just announced. The final season will be split in two — the first eight in July then the balance next summer (probably around the same time.) Meanwhile, "Hell on Wheels" is back Aug. 12 while a new unscripted, "Small Town Security," also launches July 15 (it's about a private security firm in a small Georgia community.)
Kristen Wiig gets SNL farewell
Photo credit: AP
If you're "Saturday Night Live," how do you say goodbye to one of the great cast members in show history, notably Kristen Wiig who is leaving the show after seven seasons. It's not yet official, but there's really no need to wait for the news release.
Maybe you get Mick Jagger to say goodbye with "Ruby Tuesday." What a terrific end to a terrific run -- and a very memorable outing by Sir Mick too.
Wiig will be missed, and of course she's irreplaceable -- but we said the same when Amy Poehler went too. "SNL" has a way of replacing the irreplaceable. . .
'House' ends tonight: Finale clips
Photo credit: Fox
"House" - the fine drama that has spent the last eight seasons poundng home one fundamental theme, "everybody lies" - wraps tonight with "Everybody Dies." That's an ominous enough title, made more omimous by Hugh Laurie's promise that there will be no reunion show. Fox has posted a handful of clips over the last few days; here they are for those who may have missed,...
Michael Rosenbaum, CBS News producer, dies
Michael Rosenbaum, a producer with CBS News for over a quarter-century, has died, the network just announced. He was 64.
Rosenbaum was one of those increasingly rare old-school reporter types — dogged, smart, meticulous and particularly courageous, who went into some of the most dangerous places in the world for the networ. He was Bob Simon's producer, and doubtless you saw the name for many...
'Grey's Anatomy' offs Lexie -- Chyler Leigh
Photo credit: ABC
So, the end on "Grey's Anatomy" finally came for Lexie -- kid sister of Meredith, onetime lover of Mark, on and off a fan favorite (or one of 'em) and absolutely a major character for five seasons now. Gone! Over! Adios! Just like that -- shuffling off the mortal coil while Mark -- Eric Dane -- looked on in horror.
"Don't go Lexie omygoddon'tgoIloveyoutooIreallydopleasepleaseLexieholdon!!!"
And...
Jennifer Lopez denies 'Idol' departure rumors (well, duh)
Photo credit: Fox
Jennifer Lopez — who, I suspect, shrewdly planted rumors in a couple places that she's definitely out at “American Idol” — has now shrewdly tweeted that there's no truth to the rumors.
Clever, verrrrry clever: First plant the rumors, then deny them via Twitter. This is (in other words) playing precisely to script.
There is no truth to reports that say I am definitely leaving Idol. All...
'iCarly' to wrap for good next month
Photo credit: AP
"iCarly," the Nickelodeon hit that's launched a couple of careers and wildly expanded the profile of another — Miranda Cosgrove — is ending. Nick has confirmed a report on TVGuide.com that says a finale special - to be taped in June - will air in November. Reasons? Hard to say, but Cosgrove, 19 — per a number of sites — say she's going to college in the fall, and wants to expand beyond the show (read: She's ready for adult roles.) Also, co-stars Jennette McCurdy and Jerry Trainor have their own shows forthcoming. No further clarification from Nick, but in the world of kids/teen TV, this is big, because the show (about 5 million viewers strong) is. It's also beloved, but as the ol' saying goes, better to go out on top. Of course, the re-runs will air for a decade (just like "Drake and Josh," where Cosgrove began as a child star.)
The CW shakes up its lineup
Photo credit: Getty Images
Here's the CW lineup out just now. A big move for "Supernatural" — to Wednesdays — and a handful of new shows, including "The Carrie Diaries" . . . There's a lot going on here, and without further ado . . .
The CW’s 2012-2013 prime time schedule
Monday
8-9 p.m. "90210" (new night)
9-10 p.m. "Gossip Girl" (new time) "The Carrie...
