Wax Wings: HBO's "Conchords" Ends Flight

Things are looking about as grim as Murray's love life for fans of Flight of the Conchords today.

Flight of the Conchords creators Jemaine Clement, Bret McKenzie, and James Bobin have announced that there will not be a third season of their eponymous Emmy-nominated HBO comedy series, as first reported by The New York Times.

Following months of speculation about the fate of the series, the trio announced their intentions not to pursue a third season of Flight of the Conchords on their official website:

"We’ve noticed the less we say about the future of the show, the more people want to talk about it, so in an effort to reverse this trend we are today announcing that we won’t be returning for a 3rd season. We’re very proud of the two seasons we made and we like the way the show ended. We’d like to thank everyone who helped make the show and also everyone who watched it. While the characters Bret and Jemaine will no longer be around, the real Bret and Jemaine will continue to exist."

Digital cabler HBO had previously said that they would be willing to commission a third season, should McKenzie and Clement be up for it. Alas, it looks like we won't find out just what happened to our favorite Kiwi folk-rock band after they returned to New Zealand...

Undeck the Halls, Indeed: "Modern Family" Christmas Episode Hits Its Mark

Most Christmas specials have some sort of lesson to impart to their viewers, whether that's Rudolph accepting who is he (light-up red nose and all) or Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang learning the true (non-commercialized) meaning of Christmas.

It's rare for me to add something to my yearly rotation of Christmas specials, but every now and then something new (2008's Gavin & Stacey Christmas Special) manages to become a new tradition.

Traditions and lessons were the main thrust of last night's phenomenal episode of ABC's Modern Family ("Undeck the Halls"), written by Dan O'Shannon and directed by Randall Einhorn, which has made the leap onto my yearly holiday special rotation after a fantastic installment that threaded together three separate storylines into one perfect portrait about the blessings and curses of the holiday season.

As Jay struggles to recreate his family's Christmas traditions and encounters resistance from Gloria and Manny (who want to continue their own Colombian holiday traditions), Phil and Claire threaten to cancel Christmas altogether unless the kids come clean about who left a burn mark on the couch and Mitchell and Cameron invite the mall Santa they got fired to have dinner at their house. (And, oh, Cameron has to learn to forgive the members of the The Greensleevers, the caroling group that booted him from their roster. And we get a peek at Phil's dad, here played via iChat by the great Fred Willard.)

In typical Modern Family fashion, there's heart and humor in a winning package. Jay learns to accept that his new family might not want to continue the traditions he enjoyed with his old family (and might have some new ones of their own to impart). Manny reveals that all he wants for Christmas is a burgundy dinner jacket. Cameron learns about the joy of forgiveness (and about sucker punches when the recipient of said forgiveness is naughty rather than nice). Phil and Claire learn that their kids aren't so bad--Alex takes the fall for the burn mark even though it wasn't her fault--and that they shouldn't be so quick to make huge proclamations. (Or Claire does, anyway. Phil promises a trip to Italy for the whole family.)

Of course, they all come together for a heartfelt meal on Christmas Day, which includes their family's traditional fare as well as some buñelos, courtesy of Gloria and Manny. Pajamas donned on Christmas morning, food consumed with family, and the spirit of the holiday season warmly ensconced in the hearts of each of the members of Pritchett clan, "Undeck the Halls" was a modern-day Christmas classic, one that I'll be watching again and again in years to come.

It's a story about lessons learned, families united, and new traditions emerging out of old ones and it all coalesces into a perfect (snow) storm of holiday spirit. Thanks for creating a new tradition of my own, Modern Family. See you again next year.

Modern Family airs Wednesdays at 9 pm ET/PT on ABC.

Mystery Boxes, Moms, and Masterful Cooking: The Winner Named on the "Top Chef" Season Finale

Was I the only one on the edge of my seat last night?

Last night's season finale of Top Chef ("Season Finale, Part Two") found the final three chefs going head-to-head with the title of Top Chef and a cool $125,000 cash prize on the line. It was really anyone's game as all three remaining contestants have proven themselves not only worthy competitors but also talented and accomplished chefs in their own right. As always, it would all come down to one last challenge.

The task seemed simple enough: cook a fantastic meal for the judges and a panel of esteemed restaurateurs with the bounty of Napa Valley at their disposal. But this is Top Chef and these three chefs are each killer competitors, so the three-course meal at Cyrus in Healdsburg (which is in Sonoma rather than Napa Valley but I'll let this change in locale slip by) quickly turned into a twist-laden multiple-course meal with multiple hindrances and curveballs.

How did the three remaining chefs perform? And who went home the ultimate victor? Let's discuss.

I made no secret of the fact that I was rooting for Kevin going into this final episode of the season. Throughout the competition, Kevin has remained true to himself and his culinary style, ditching affectations and gimmicks in favor of clean flavor profiles and deceptively simple preparations, allowing the flavors and textures on the plate to speak for themselves.

But if Kevin was going to win he'd have to overcome two major hurdles: the Voltaggio Brothers. Michael and Bryan, in their own very different ways, have proven themselves cutthroat competitors and skilled chefs. Michael's boldness and risk-taking have been counterbalanced by Bryan's poise and subtlety. While Kevin was playing for himself, the sibling rivalry between the two brothers would either push them to the top or make them cancel each other out in the final leg of the competition.

As mentioned earlier, the initial brief--cook a three-course meal--was complicated by several twists thrown at the chefs. First, they would have to prepare one course by using all of the ingredients from a mystery box (were the producers watching Food Network's Chopped for inspiration, perhaps?). Second, they would have to prepare a dessert for the third course; no squeaking by with another protein course. (Sorry!) And third they wouldn't have a choice in the sous chefs assisting them in the final challenge as they would draw knives to see which of the previously ousted chefs would assist them in the kitchen.

It was that last twist (which wasn't the final one, in fact) that made me slightly uncomfortable. Yes, Top Chef has brought back previous contestants into the kitchen before to assist but there's usually a choice element to determine who gets whom and because everyone was in the mix (including some fantastically unskilled chefs), it created a very uneven playing field. Bryan managed a major coup by getting Jennifer and Ashley, Michael got lucky by scoring Eli (and Jesse), and poor Kevin was stuck with the abysmal Preeti (and the extremely helpful Ash). Fortunately, no one drew Robin. Otherwise I would have had to chuck my television out the window.

But the final twist, after the chefs got to spend time with their mothers (including Mama Voltaggio, who must have been mightily conflicted seeing both her sons competing), was that they would prepare a first course that was inspired by a childhood dish... and which would be served to the judges and their mothers. I do like the twists that have the chefs cooking on the fly and would have rather seen this be the final twist than have them deal with sous chefs.

So what did they make? Let's take a look, organized by course.

First Course (Childhood-inspired dish):

• Bryan: Sardine, German butterball potato, heirloom tomato, and panko breadcrumbs
• Kevin: Southern-fried chicken skin with squash casserole and tomato
• Michael: cream of dehydrated broccoli, fried broccoli, and spot prawn

All three dishes looked beautiful but I'd have to give this round to Kevin, who once again managed to take something inherently simple--squash--and transform it into something sensuous and complex. Even Tom was raving about the depth of flavor of that squash casserole and its haunting citrus notes. Less successful were both of the brothers' dishes as Bryan failed to season his sardine dish (though Toby Young seemed to prefer it that way) and Michael's delicate spot prawns weren't (A) cooked properly and (B) well served by the popcorn broccoli which overwhelmed the subtlety of the prawns.

Second Course (Mystery box):

• Bryan: sous vide rockfish, kabocha squash, curry, Meyer lemon
• Kevin: Pacific rockfish, roasted squash, crab broth, and roasted matsutake mushroom
• Michael: dashi-glazed rockfish, sweet and sour crab salad, squash, and Meyer lemon

I was very intrigued to see just what the chefs opted to make from their mystery box of ingredients, which included rockfish, crab, kabocha squash, Meyer lemons, and anise hyssop. Not an easy assortment of ingredients to work with nor to get onto a single plate but all three chefs managed to turn out dishes of complexity and thoughtfulness, though some were less successful than others. Here, the advantage went to Michael, who created a gorgeous and self-assured plate that spoke volumes about his skills and his culinary ethos. He wisely fried the matsutake mushroom until it was crispy and used all of the ingredients to their best possible advantage. Bryan once again fell short by underseasoning his dish and also by playing it too safe; there was no boldness in his dish and everything seemed muddled by a lack of distinct texture. Kevin's fault was that matsutake mushroom, which he roasted and rendered too chewy and dense. Advantage to Michael here.

Third Course (Chef's choice):

• Bryan: venison saddle with puree of sunchokes and orange-juniper sauce
• Kevin: slow-roasted pork belly with Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and caramelized ham jus
• Michael: fennel-scented squab breast, pistachio cassoulet, and textures of mushrooms

All three looked absolutely divine and I would have been happy to pull up a plate of any of them. Bryan shined in this round, in my opinion. He wisely went for seasonality, serving up a dish of venison that not only allowed the protein to shine but also gave the supporting members--the vegetables--equal time in the spotlight, giving them two preparations and proving to the judges that he is a skillful and passionate chef capable of delivering a knock-out meal. Michael was let down slightly by that cassoulet, which some of the judges complained about, and that gimmicky mushroom mold, which was too playful and blunt at the same time. Kevin, the pork king, was staggered later to learn that the judges weren't crazy about his pork belly dish. Yes, it should have been cooked more and I agree that he could have perhaps pared it with another preparation of pork but I understand what he was going for here: the clear, pristine quality of pork belly presented on its own. But he was perhaps let down by the tightness of the time frame and by the, rather ironically, simplicity of his dish. Advantage to Bryan, I'd say.

Fourth Course (Dessert):

• Bryan: Sheep's milk and white chocolate "dulce de leche" cheesecake with fig sorbet, dry caramel, poached pear, and basil
• Kevin: roasted banana, toasted peanut, with chocolate-bacon mousse, and bacon brittle
• Michael: chocolate-caramel coulant, butternut squash brulee, toasted seeds, and butternut ice cream

While Michael's dessert did get overcooked and dried out (thanks to not setting the timer), I think it was easily the most ambitious dessert of the three. His use of fall vegetables here, presented in brulee and ice cream form, and seeds was unexpected and nicely counterbalanced the rich earthiness of chocolate and caramel in his coulant (which, yes, should have had more of a liquid center). While it wasn't perfect, it was the most assured and ambitious of the three plates in this round and showed a real sense of vision; this is a dish one would expect to find in a Michelin-starred restaurant. I'd give a very close second place then to Bryan for his cheesecake and dry caramel; it showed some innovative techniques (the dry caramel, the liquid nitrogen-frozen fig sorbet) and some nice flavor combinations. I love the use of the sheep's milk cheese here instead of say cream cheese or ricotta and I think the dish was gorgeous and well thought out. (Though considering Michael's coulant was dry, Bryan could have taken this course.) Kevin's dish failed to hit its mark, sadly. Like Gail, I don't mind bacon in my dessert (LA restaurant Animal does an amazing and addictive chocolate-bacon bar, for example) but it was the banana that really let him down the most; the roasted banana just looked rather sad and didn't have enough texture or body to anchor the plate in the way Kevin desired.

I knew, even before the judges deliberated, that it would come down to one of the brothers rather than Kevin. And I got a little teary-eyed when Padma told Kevin that he wasn't Top Chef. He's played a good game and cooked some amazing dishes and changed my preconceptions about Southern cuisine. Sadly, this wasn't his night.

I wasn't surprised then when Michael Voltaggio was named the ultimate winner. I wondered if it would come down to a final showdown between the two rather intense siblings and sure enough they were the last two standing this season. Of the two, I think Michael is the more self-possessed, bold, and assured chef; Bryan is more thoughtful, more introspective with his cooking (and his personality).

Sure enough, the judges felt the same way, giving the win to Michael. I'm actually happy with the decision (though I would have loved for Kevin to win): Michael Voltaggio is a culinary star in the making and his use of modern techniques, innovative flavor combinations, and pitch-perfect presentation make him a force to be reckoned with. I can't wait to see just what the chef, currently at the Langham Dining Room in Pasadena, gets up to next...

What did you think of the season finale? Would you have awarded Michael the title of Top Chef? Where did Kevin and Bryan go wrong? Discuss.

Next week on Top Chef ("Watch What Happens Reunion"), host Andy Cohen brings together Season Six chefs and judges, who cook up more culinary drama while dishing on the highs and lows of the season. (Note: the reunion special will air at 9 pm ET/PT rather than in the series' typical timeslot.)

Top Chef Preview: It's the Top Chef Las Vegas Reunion:

Channel Surfing: Idina Menzel to Tackle "Glee", Zach Levi Talks "Chuck," ABC Scores Date with "Conveyor Belt of Love," and More

Welcome to your Thursday morning television briefing.

Former Wicked star Idina Menzel is in advanced talks to join the cast of FOX's Glee in a recurring role when the series returns in March with its back nine episodes. Menzel, who will play the coach for the glee club's main rivals, Vocal Adrenaline, could potentially appear in all nine remaining installments this season. [Editor: personally, given the strong resemblance between Menzel and Lea Michele, I figured producers would get her to play Rachel's biological mother. Unless...] Menzel will also be joined by Spring Awakening's Jonathan Groff who, as previously reported, joins Glee in a multiple-episode story arc and is slated to appear in five or six episodes this spring. (Hollywood Reporter, Entertainment Weekly's Ausiello Files)

Meanwhile, E! Online's Megan Masters has some details about what we should expect from Glee's back nine episodes. "I don't know if Glee starts back after a school break, but it's basketball now," Corey Monteith tells Masters. "Finn Hudson is the captain of the basketball team." And look for more music, according to Kevin McHale. "There are more songs per episode than the first 13, so it's more work, but it's fun. It's all different genres, the most eclectic so far.... There are classic songs that I never thought we'd be able to do by big, famous bands—oldie, classics, very well-known bands that we're going to Gleeify." (E! Online's Watch with Kristin)

TVGuide.com's Natalie Abrams gets ten fantastic questions with Chuck star Zachary Levi about Season Three of the NBC action-comedy, which (finally!) returns to the schedule on January 10th. "We found out late about the six episode pickup, so the writers had already molded and created the 13-episode arc," said Levi when asked about the late-in-the-game six-episode additional order. "We couldn't try to fit six episodes into that without screwing everything up, so now it's six episodes that stand on their own in a lot of ways. They'll still be coming off of and informed by these 13 episodes, but it won't be a part of the bigger arc. I know that it will be its own mini arc... This season we've gotten to do some international travel with the show, taking it out of the domestic United States of America; that's been fun. I think maybe we'll try and do more of that. I know that everyone will continue to progress with the characters and the relationships." (TVGuide.com)

ABC has ordered reality dating series Conveyor Belt of Love, in which 30 single men are given a minute in front of 5 women and then rolled long on a conveyor belt, and will debut the format as a special on January 4th, following the season premiere of The Bachelor (full title: The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love). Series, from Endemol and executive producers Tom Shelly and Alex Duda, might represent a new low in the already sensationalized dating genre. (Hollywood Reporter)

Hugh Laurie will direct an upcoming episode of FOX's House, which will air this spring. "I am thrilled, daunted and honoured – with a ‘u’ – by this new responsibility," said Laurie in a statement. "House scripts are Fabergé eggs, and I will try my very hardest not to drop this one on a stone floor." According to executive producer Katie Jacobs, the episode Laurie is directing is "very intense and truly a director’s piece." (via press release)

ABC has given the 8 pm Thursdays timeslot (formerly home to FlashForward) to 20th Century Fox Television's six-episode legal dramedy The Deep End. It's expected to premiere in January, with some speculating that the series will debut on January 14th (that night will feature a crossover between Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice), while others contend that it will launch the following week, on January 21st. ABC has yet to indicate scheduling for its other midseason drama entry, Happy Town. (The Wrap's TVMoJoe, Variety)

Pilot casting alert! Alfre Woodard (Three Rivers) has been cast opposite Jason Lee in TNT drama pilot Delta Blues, where she will play a "formidable new lieutenant who tries to exercise her power over Dwight (Lee)" in the George Clooney and Grant Heslov-executive produced pilot. (Hollywood Reporter)

Additionally, Kate Micucci (Scrubs) has been cast in Greg Garcia's FOX comedy pilot Keep Hope Alive, where she will play a character described as "an unkempt, fairly oblivious cousin of Jimmy (Lucas Neff) living in a tent in the laundry room of their great-grandmother's house." The role was originally written for a male actor and named Mike. Project, from 20th Century Fox Television, is about a single dad who must raise his infant daughter with the help of his family after the baby's mother, with whom he had a one-night stand, winds up on death row. (Hollywood Reporter)

FX has ordered a second season of The League, with thirteen episodes set to air beginning in late summer 2010. (Televisionary)

ABC has given a pilot presentation order to The Six, a US adaptation of long-running Russian game show What? Where? When? from Merv Griffin Entertainment. (Hollywood Reporter)

FOX has given a script order for an untitled multicamera workplace comedy spec script from writer/executive producer Matt Goldman (Seinfeld). Project, from Sony Pictures Television and Tannenbaum Company, follows a man "who tries to make a comeback, both personally and professionally, while working at a dysfunctional company for a woman he dumped five years ago." (Hollywood Reporter)

Oprah Winfrey's nascent cable channel OWN has signed a deal with independent documentary distributor Roco Productions for a monthly documentary showcase on the cabler and possible theatrical releases. (Variety)

ITV executive Natalka Znak, who co-created and executive produced such UK reality hits as Hell's Kitchen and I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here! has been hired by RDF USA as executive vice president. She will assume her new role beginning in April. (Hollywood Reporter)

Discovery Channel SVP Gena McCarthy has left the network. While no reason was given as to why McCarthy stepped down from her position, reports indicate that it might be related to structural reorganization at the cabler. (Variety)

Stay tuned.

FX Orders Second Season of "The League"

Has FX finally found its companion for It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia? All signs point to yes.

FX has renewed freshman comedy The League for a second season, picking up the series for an expanded order of thirteen episodes. The announcement comes as The League wraps its first season tomorrow night.

Season Two of The League, which is produced by FX Productions, is expected to launch in late summer 2010. (That's also when Season Six of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is also due to return. Hmmm...)

"We’ve been very pleased with the creative and ratings trajectory of The League and believe it’s an excellent fit with our comedy brand,” said Nick Grad, Executive Vice President of Original Programming, FX Networks, in a statement. “Jackie and Jeff Schaffer are incredibly talented producers and the ensemble cast is fantastic. The performance of the show this season is reminiscent of Sunny in its first season.”

The full press release from FX can be found below.

FX COMEDY THE LEAGUE GOES THROUGH EXPANSION

Network Orders 13 Episodes for Season Two

The League’s Season One Finale Tomorrow Night at 10:30 PM E/P Follows
Season Five Finale of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia at 10:00 PM E/P

LOS ANGELES, December 9, 2009 – FX’s freshman comedy The League has been picked up for a second season with an expanded order of 13 episodes from FX Productions, announced Nick Grad, Executive Vice President of Original Programming, FX Networks.

Season two is scheduled to return in late summer of 2010. The first season finale of The League airs tomorrow (Thursday, Dec. 10) at 10:30 PM ET/PT, immediately following the season five finale of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia at 10:00 PM.

“We’ve been very pleased with the creative and ratings trajectory of The League and believe it’s an excellent fit with our comedy brand,” said Grad. “Jackie and Jeff Schaffer are incredibly talented producers and the ensemble cast is fantastic. The performance of the show this season is reminiscent of Sunny in its first season.”

Set against the backdrop of a fantasy football league, The League is about friendship, marriage, parenting, and growing up…or refusing to grow up. It was created by the husband-and-wife team of Jeff Schaffer (Curb Your Enthusiasm, Seinfeld) and Jackie Marcus Schaffer (Disturbia, EuroTrip) who serve as executive producers. The ensemble features Mark Duplass, Stephen Rannazzisi, Nick Kroll, Paul Scheer, Katie Aselton and Jon Lajoie. The series is produced by FX Productions.

“This has been a wonderful experience for me and Jeff,” said Jackie Marcus Schaffer. “Our cast – Mark, Steve, Nick, Paul, Katie and Jon – is made up of some of the most talented young actor-comedians in the business. So much of the credit goes to them.”

Jeff Schaffer added, "FX has been like the coolest girlfriend you could ever have. They get us, laugh at our jokes, and love hearing us talk about football. It's a perfect relationship - and we look forward to going steady with them for a long time."

Episode five of The League (12/3) was the second highest-rated of the season, ahead of the premiere and behind episode two. Through five episodes, the series is averaging 1.06 million viewers and 863,000 Adults 18-49. Compared to year ago time period, The League has grown +44% among Adults 18-49, +65% in Adults 18-34, and +107% in Men 18-34. The delivery of Adults 18-34 (680,000) are +61% higher than the first season of Sunny (419,000), and +16% more in Adults 18-49 (Sunny season one, 747,000).

In tomorrow’s season finale of The League (10:30 PM), “The Shiva Bowl,” perennial league champion Pete (Duplass) battles it out with perennial loser Andre (Paul Scheer) in the fantasy league title game. The guys try to hide the Shiva Trophy from their high school classmate - the actual Shiva. Taco (Jon Lajoie) finally gets a "real person job." The episode was written by Jeff Schaffer & Jackie Marcus Schaffer and directed by Jeff Schaffer.

Leading into The League finale tomorrow at 10:00 PM is the fifth season finale of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. In “The Gang Reignites The Rivalry,” the Paddy’s team is once again eligible to compete in Flipadelphia – a city wide flip cup tournament – following their ten-year ban. Now all they have to do is instigate their old rivals, who have since grown up, to enter to competition. The episode was written by Dave Chernin & Charlie Day and directed by Randall Einhorn.

FX is raising the stakes in comedy. In addition It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and The League, the network will debut the new animated series Archer on Thursday, January 14 at 10:00 PM ET/PT, and Louie, starring stand-up comedian/actor Louis C.K. in the spring. FX has ordered ten episodes of Archer and 13 of Louie. FX previously ordered seasons six and seven of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, with season six scheduled to launch next summer.

FX Productions co-produces the Emmy® and Golden Globe® award-winning Damages (with Sony Pictures Television), the critically acclaimed hit drama Sons of Anarchy (with Fox 21.), the upcoming drama series Justified (with Sony Pictures Television) starring Timothy Olyphant scheduled for March premiere, and recently ordered drama Lights Out (with Fox Television Studios) starring Holt McCallany. FX Productions is the sole production entity of FX comedy series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The League, Archer and Louie.

FX is the flagship general entertainment basic cable network from the Fox Networks Group. Launched in June of 1994, FX is carried in more than 96 million homes. The diverse schedule includes a growing roster of critically acclaimed and award-winning original series; an established film library with box-office hits from 20th Century Fox and other studios; and an impressive roster of acquired hit series. For more information about FX, visit our web site at www.FXnetworks.com.

"Top Chef" Crystal Ball: Who Will Win Tonight's Season Finale?

Only three chefs remain.

With the season finale of Top Chef: Las Vegas set to air tonight, I'm curious to see just who you think will walk away the ultimate victor of this season of Bravo's deliciously addictive culinary competition series. (I'm still bummed that Jennifer Carroll is out of the running, however. Sigh.)

Personally, my money is on Kevin. He's proven himself more than capable of not only dealing with the intense pressure of the competition but also staying true to his culinary ethos and style and his deceptively "simple" dishes have wowed the judges and diners alike throughout the course of the season.

Of course, Bryan and Michael Voltaggio are both extremely talented competitors and either of them could create the winning dish. But I have a feeling that the sibling rivalry that's marked the competition so far could be their ultimate undoing. Will the Voltaggios cancel each other out? Are they more focused on beating one another than on beating Kevin?

Who do you think will walk away with the title of Top Chef and why? Discuss.

The season finale of Top Chef: Las Vegas airs tonight at 10 pm ET/PT on Bravo.

TV on DVD: "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia: A Very Sunny Christmas"

Looking to do a spit-take with your eggnog this holiday season?

FX's raucous and hysterical series It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia continues to push the envelope in terms of good taste (and always manages to make this jaded critic roar with laughter in the process) via its new direct-to-DVD Christmas special ("A Very Sunny Christmas") that captures the absurd energy of the television series and then some.

Without the cable network censors (lax, though they are) to hold them back, the creators/stars of Sunny push their unique brand of comedy even further with this outrageous Christmas special, which finds the gang attempting to get even with Frank for his tradition of giving himself the gifts that Dennis and Dee want each year and taking a stroll down memory lane as Mac and Charlie come to terms with some unpleasant truths about their own families', er, Christmas traditions.

While I found the Christmas special utterly hilarious, it's definitely not for everyone. The gang at Paddy's Pub isn't exactly known for their holiday cheer, which makes the holiday special all the more, well, special as they continue to engage in their egocentric and mind-shatteringly selfish antics with the offputting glee of a demented Santa's helper.

The faint of heart might want to look away when a naked Danny DeVito is birthed through a leather couch (seriously, I'm not kidding) and those who have a particular obsessive fondness for classic claymation Christmas specials like Rudolph and Frosty the Snowman might end up running out of the room in tears when the Sunny guys dramatically subvert the form.

Standout sequences in the Christmas special include the aforementioned couch-birthing scene (I can't do it justice by describing it), the claymation massacre (oh, yes, really), and anything involving Young Charlie and Young Mac, seen in flashbacks here. The single-disc release also features deleted scenes, a behind-the-scenes featurette, and the It's Always Sunny Sing-A-Long.

Yes, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia's "A Very Sunny Christmas" has it all: carols, vintage robots, revenge, and elf genitalia. Get yourself a copy today and prepare to slip into an alternate universe... as you pick up your jaw from the floor.



It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia: A Very Sunny Christmas is available for purchase for a suggested retail price of $26.98.

Like White Toblerone: BBC America Announces Acquisition of "Gavin & Stacey" Christmas Special and Season Three

Just in time for the holidays, BBC America has announced that it has acquired the US rights to the Gavin & Stacey Christmas special (which aired in the UK last year) and Season Three of Gavin & Stacey.

(Yes, this news makes me as giddy as a small child opening presents on Christmas Day.)

BBC America will air the Gavin & Stacey Christmas special, written by series creators James Corden and Ruth Jones, on Thursday, December 24th at 10 pm ET/PT. (You can read my review of the Christmas special, written earlier this year, here.)

Meanwhile, the digital cabler has also announced that Season Three of Gavin & Stacey will be crossing the pond. BBC America will launch the comedy's third and final season in second quarter 2010. Exact airdate will be announced at a later date.

The full press release from BBC America can be found below.

BBC AMERICA ACQUIRES U.S. PREMIERES OF GAVIN & STACEY’S CHRISTMAS SPECIAL AND THIRD SEASON

BBC AMERICA today announced the acquisition of the U.S premieres of the Gavin & Stacey Christmas Special and the highly anticipated third season. The Gavin & Stacey Christmas Special premieres Thursday, December 24, 10:00p.m. ET/PT and season three premieres Q2, 2010.

· Gavin & Stacey Christmas Special (1 x 60), a BBC production, distributed by BBC Worldwide
· Gavin & Stacey - Season 3 (6 x 30), a BBC production distributed by BBC Worldwide.

GAVIN & STACEY CHRISTMAS SPECIAL - U.S. PREMIERE
Last season ended with Gavin and Stacey reuniting after a difficult separation and happily celebrating the birth of Smithy and Nessa’s baby. Now it's Christmas Eve and Stacey’s family decide to join Gavin’s for one of his dad’s famous turkey dinners. Chaos erupts - obviously. Smithy, excited about his first Christmas with his son, doesn’t count on Nessa’s boyfriend Dave Coaches (Steffan Rhodri) tagging along and hilarity ensues throughout the day as Smithy’s jealousy builds. The neighbors Pete (Adrian Scarborough) and Dawn (Julia Davies) get embroiled in a family argument and it ends with Pete punching Dave Coaches. Meanwhile Stacey's older brother, Jason (Robert Wilfort) and Uncle Bryn (Rob Brydon), have a heart-to-heart about “that” mysterious fishing trip from season one while Gavin and Stacey’s reveal their plan to move to Barry Island which doesn’t quite turn out to be the Christmas present their families were expecting.

GAVIN & STACEY - SEASON 3 - U.S. PREMIERE
As Gavin starts his new job, the move to Barry Island means big changes for the whole family. Gavin’s parents, Pam and Mick have to adjust to an empty nest while Stacey’s mom, Gwen's got a full house again. Stacey’s in her element, but will this finally be the solution to the couple's long-distance problem? And how will Gavin take to living in Wales?

BBC AMERICA brings audiences a new generation of award-winning television featuring news with a uniquely global perspective, provocative dramas, razor-sharp comedies, life-changing makeovers and a whole new world of nonfiction. BBC AMERICA pushes the boundaries to deliver high quality, highly addictive and eminently watchable programming to viewers who demand more. It is available on digital cable and satellite TV in more than 65 million homes.

Channel Surfing: ABC Shaves Back Episodic Orders, Former "Mistresses" Star Lands "Fringe" Role, Kristin Bauer Promoted on "True Blood," and More

Welcome to your Wednesday morning television briefing.

ABC has reduced the episodic orders on several series, with both freshman dramas V and FlashForward getting cut down by an episode (to 12 and 24 total, respectively). V, which returns March 30th, will therefore have eight remaining episodes to air, while FlashForward will have 14 new installments when it returns on March 4th. Elsewhere at the network, ABC will launch seven episodes of legal dramedy The Deep End and comedy Romantically Challenged and eight hours of mystery series Happy Town. (Futon Critic)

Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello is reporting that Orla Brady (Mistresses) has landed a key role on FOX's Fringe, where she will play the wife of Walter Bishop (John Noble) and mother of Peter Bishop (Joshua Jackson), described in casting breakdowns as "strong, smart, and likeable." Brady will appear in early 2010. [Editor: given Brady's age, it's highly probable that she'll be appearing in flashbacks rather than in the present-day.] (Entertainment Weekly's Ausiello Files)

More Pam! Kristin Bauer, who plays Eric's vampiric second-in-command Pam on HBO's True Blood, has been bumped to series regular for the drama series' third season. "Ball recently hinted that may have a meaty story line in store for Pam for Season Three," writes Hollywood Reporter's Nellie Andreeva, "when she may get into a lesbian relationship." (Hollywood Reporter)

The axe has fallen on CBS' longtime daytime soap As the World Turns, which has aired for 54 years. CBS has confirmed that that the soap will end its run next September, though Proctor and Gamble's TeleNext Media, the series' producers, have said that they are looking to find a new home for As the World Turns and are looking at innovative format deals in order to do so. (Hollywood Reporter)

Color me surprised: TNT has opted to renew Jerry Bruckheimer-produced crime drama Dark Blue for a second season. The cabler has ordered ten episodes, which will likely air next summer. (Variety)

UK satellite network Sky1 have commissioned eight hour-long episodes of travel series Karl Pilkington's Seven Wonders of the World, from executive producers Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, in which sidekick Karl Pilkington will travel to such notable wonders as the Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu, the Taj Mahal, and the Great Pyramids. "It’s apt that the home of The Simpsons has made room for another bald-headed buffoon," said Gervais and Merchant in a statement. "The terrifying thing is this one’s real." (Broadcast)

TLC has announced that it will air hourlong special Brace for Impact, about Captain Chelsey "Sully" Sullenberger's heroic landing of a US Airways flight in the Hudson River, on January 10th. Special, executive produced by Daniel Birman, will be narrated by Harrison Ford. (Variety)

Reality producer Rob Lee (Millionaire Matchmaker) has signed a production deal with FremantleMedia North America, under which the distributor will get a first look at anything produced by Lee via his Bayonne Entertainment shingle. (Variety)

Richard Life has been promoted to head of acquisitions and co-productions at ITV Studios Global Entertainment; he will replace Emmanuelle Namiech, who is quitting the company after more than ten years at the distributor. (Variety)

Stay tuned.

Lemurs and Lovers: An Advance Review of Season Two of ABC's "Better Off Ted"

I have to give ABC credit: they've definitely gone the distance in investing in comedy this season.

Besides for their Wednesday comedy programming block (which houses the extraordinary Modern Family), ABC has also carved out a small niche on Tuesday evenings, which tonight sees the second season return of workplace comedy Better Off Ted.

I'm extremely pleased that ABC saw fit to renew Better Off Ted, especially after it burned off many of its freshman season episodes over the summer. And while I'd love it if it could somehow shift over to Wednesdays, I'm happy to have Ted, created by Victor Fresco, back where it belongs: on the airwaves.

Season Two of Better Off Ted continues the winning formula of the first season, offering its audience a deliciously acidic take on the workplace comedy. Better Off Ted isn't just a standard-issue workplace comedy but rather subverts the form, setting its characters in a duplicitous and often dangerous multi-national corporation whose purpose seems to be nothing short of world domination.

Tonight's episode ("Love Blurts") finds said corporation, the perfectly named Veridian Dynamics, setting up its employees based on DNA matches. But lest you think that Veridian has somehow turned benevolent and wants to find love for its worker bees, think again: the entire thing is a plot devised to save the company billions of dollars in insurance money for less than perfectly genetically-matched children. (Ouch.)

Starcrossed lovers Ted Crisp (Jay Harrington) and Linda Zwordling (Andrea Anders) don't get matched up and make a pact to not date their Veridian-suggested matches... That is, until Ted falls for his perfect match and Linda decides to give it a go with hers (guest star Taye Diggs). But all is not happy in love land: Ted accidentally blurts something out following sex with his date and Linda learns that hers has a rather, um, unnatural predilection.

Elsewhere, Veronica (Portia de Rossi) demands sperm from Lem (Malcolm Barrett) after they're matched by Veridian and the company tells poor Phil (Jonathan Slavin) to have a vasectomy. (Again: ouch.) The latter spurs a hilarious subplot where Phil attempts to gain his medical file from Veridian.

While a low-key start to the season, tonight's episode is outshown by next week's fantastic installment ("The Lawyer, the Lemur and the Little Listener"), which finds Linda striking gold with her children's book about a familiar-looking lemur, Veronica and Ted realizing that Ted's daughter Rose (Isabella Acres) is a goldmine of intelligence about the company, and Lem learning that dating a Veridian lawyer comes with a hefty price.

There's a nice manic quality to the second installment that's more in keeping with with the loopy energy of the first season but the series wisely doesn't toy with its perfectly formed characters. Harrington's Ted is affable, Anders' Linda sour-sweet, Slavin's Phil hilariously pathetic, Barrett's Lem cowardly yet cerebral, and de Rossi's Veronica magnificently heartless. There's a lovely chemistry here among these oddballs and one of the single-camera series' main strengths is that it allows the characters to play it entirely straight even as chaos reigns around them.

All in all, the first two episodes of Season Two of Better Off Ted prove that this little gem of a comedy series hasn't lost its deft touch or its comedic footing in its sophomore outing. My only complaint: that more people aren't watching. Surely, Veridian Dynamics must have something they can do about that...

Season Two of Better Off Ted launches tonight at 9:30 pm ET/PT on ABC.

Channel Surfing: Elizabeth Banks Heads to "30 Rock," Tim Minear Gets "Terriers," Anthony Zuiker Tackles "Cyber Crimes" for CBS, and More

Welcome to your Tuesday morning television briefing.

Elizabeth Banks (Modern Family) is heading to NBC's 30 Rock next, where she will recur in "at least four episodes," according to Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello. Banks will reportedly play a love interest for Alec Baldwin's Jack Donaghy, which begs the question of just how this will affect Julianne Moore's multiple-episode story arc this season. Is there a love triangle brewing for Jack? (Entertainment Weekly's Ausiello Files)

Whedonverse alum Tim Minear has signed a new two-year overall deal with 20th Century Fox Television, where he has been based as a writer-producer for the last twelve years. Under the terms of the deal, Minear will develop new projects for the studio as well as come aboard FX dramedy Terriers as an executive producer, alongside Shawn Ryan and Ted Griffin. Minear's attachment allows Ryan to focus on FOX's Lie to Me and new development. Fortunately, the deal also allows Minear to continue developing Syfy's update of Alien Nation, which hails from division Fox21. (Hollywood Reporter)

CSI creator Anthony Zuiker's latest drama project, Cyber Crimes, has landed a script order plus penalty from CBS. Project, according to Variety's Michael Schneider, "centers on a newly formed government agency that fights the modern onslaught of Internet- and technology-driven offenses." Zuiker will write and executive produce the one-hour drama, which hails from his shingle Dare to Pass. (Variety)

Vanessa William's real-life brother Chris Williams has been cast in a guest starring role on ABC's Ugly Betty, where he will play Wilhediva Hater, Wilhelmina's drag queen impersonator. (Entertainment Weekly's Ausiello Files)

Kristen Wiig will host NBC's December 17th two-hour Saturday Night Live Christmas special, entitled SNL Presents: A Very Gilly Christmas, which will feature new material with Wiig's mischievous Gilly as well as classic holiday sketches and appearances from Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin. (Hollywood Reporter)

TVGuide.com's Joyce Eng talks to 90210 star Jessica Stroup about the breast cancer-related death of Silver's mother Jackie and how it will affect her character for the remainder of the season. "I think the most influential thing that has happened to her through this has been her relationship with Teddy," said Stroup. "She's kind of always been this loner, this old soul. Being able to relate to someone like Teddy, whose mother went through the same thing, just shocks her and shakes her and makes her aware that she can talk to him. And he's different from what she thought. He's caring and actually really vulnerable, so this little spark happens out of nowhere and it's going to develop." (TVGuide.com)

VH1 has ordered eight half-hour episodes of reality series Basketball Wives, which will follow a group of women who are married to NBA players. Series, executive produced by Shaunie O'Neal (who will also star), will debut on March 15th. (Variety)

Production of Season Two of Horne and Corden, the sketch comedy series from Gavin & Stacey co-star Mathew Horne and co-creator James Corden, has been put "on hold" by the BBC. (Broadcast)

Sheri Salata and Erik Logan have been named co-presidents of Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Productions; both will report directly to Winfrey and have been tasked with developing new programming for all platforms and overseeing current programming. (Variety)

Piers Morgan will host TV Guide Channel's exclusive Susan Boyle special, entitled I Dreamed a Dream: The Susan Boyle Story, airing this Sunday at 8 pm ET/PT. (via press release)

Say your goodbyes to The Bonnie Hunt Show now. According to Broadcasting & Cable's Paige Albiniak, the Warner Bros. Television-produced daytime talk show will wrap up its run at the end of the season. (Broadcasting & Cable)

Divorce Court and Judge Alex have been renewed by Twentieth Television through the 2011-12 season. (Variety)

Stay tuned.

Cougar Town: Elisha Cuthbert Joins Cast of ABC's "The Forgotten"

Elisha Cuthbert (24) has joined the cast of ABC drama series The Forgotten, where she will appear in a recurring role.

Cuthbert will play Maxine Denver, described in press materials as "a strong and successful Chicago professional who is forced to put her skepticism of 'amateur detectives' aside when The Forgotten Network begins investigating a case close to home."

Her first episode is slated to air in February. The Forgotten recently received an additional five-episode order from ABC.

The Forgotten, from executive producer Jerry Bruckheimer, stars Christian Slater, Michelle Borth, Heather Stephens, Bob Stephenson, Anthony Carrigan, and Rochelle Aytes.

The Daily Beast: "TV Report Card"

With the holiday break just around the corner, it's the perfect time to take note of what's worked so far this television season and what hasn't.

Over at The Daily Beast, I have a new article entitled "TV Report Card," in which I take a look at the 30 new (and somewhat newish) series that have premiered so far during the 2009-10 season, breaking them down into winners, losers, and draws as I investigate just why and how they work (or don't).

Everything from Modern Family and NCIS: Los Angeles to Castle, Sons of Anarchy, V, and FlashForward (and even bottom of the barrel entries Hank and Brothers) get discussed in-depth.

What's clicked for you this season? What series didn't disappear fast enough? And which are you still on the fence about? Head over to the comments section to share your thoughts about the season so far.

Los Angeles Times: "The Amazing Race: Luck Be a Lady"

Looking to discuss last night's season finale of CBS' The Amazing Race?

While I won't reveal which team were crowned the winners of CBS' addictive reality competition series here, head over to the Los Angeles Times/Show Tracker site where you can read my take on this week's episode, entitled "The Amazing Race: Luck Be a Lady," about the final leg of this season's race, which featured Wayne Newton, counting poker chips, face-first rappelling, Cirque du Soleil-style acrobatics, and the race to the finish line.

Be sure to head to the comments section to weigh in about what you thought of the season finale, the winning team, and the tears and tantrums of this week's episode.

Channel Surfing: Jerry O'Connell in, Sendhil Ramamurthy Out at "Rex," No "Who" Movie, "FlashForward," "Big Love" for Alby," and More

Welcome to your Monday morning television briefing.

Heroes' Sendhil Ramamurthy has departed NBC's David Tennant-led legal dramedy pilot Rex Is Not Your Lawyer, allegedly due to scheduling conflicts. (The project was in second position to his role on Heroes.) Ramamurthy's role, that of a good-natured lawyer who falls in love with the fiancee (Abigail Spencer) of his best friend Rex (Tennant), has now been recast with Jerry O'Connell (Carpoolers) coming on board the project. Also cast: Lindsay Kraft (Southland) and Cleo King (The Hangover); Kraft will play Rex's assistant, an aspiring singer/songwriter while King will play a private school bus driver coached to represent herself by Rex in the pilot. Project, from Universal Media Studios, also stars Jeffrey Tambor and Jane Curtin (Hollywood Reporter)

Meanwhile, David Tennant has dispelled rumors that there are any plans for a Doctor Who feature film. "I don't think there is a Doctor Who movie," Tennant told Radio Times. "It's not like I'm hell-bent on breaking into movies but it's a nice notion." (via Digital Spy)

Entertainment Weekly's Jeff Jensen talks to FlashForward creator/executive producer David S. Goyer about the series' three-month hiatus and its overall creative direction. "I know we’re all as writers breathing a sigh of relief," said Goyer when asked about the series' thirteen-week scheduling for the second half of the season. "We feel like we have all the chess pieces on the board and now we can just knock the dominoes over and watch them fall in interesting ways. I kind of feel like we did when we got into working on The Dark Knight after finishing Batman Begins: we got done with the origin story, we don’t have to do that anymore, we can now hit the ground running." [Editor: sadly, Jensen didn't ask Goyer about how the revised scheduling will affect the date-specific narrative.] (Entertainment Weekly's Hollywood Insider)

SPOILER! Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello is reporting that there are major plans afoot this season for Matt Ross' Alby on HBO's drama series Big Love, which returns for its fourth season on January 8th. "There’s a provocative nature to what we’re doing," co-creator/executive producer Mark V. Olsen tells Ausiello. "It’s more than just the Mormon culture. We’re highlighting certain aspects of the church’s relationship with its gay members that I think, as the story unfolds, is going to cause no [small] amount of controversy." (Entertainment Weekly's Ausiello Files)

Cynthia Cidre (Cane) will write the pilot for TNT's revival of nighttime soap Dallas, which is being produced by Warner Horizon. Storyline for the resurrected series are being kept firmly under wraps by the network, although several actors from the original series, including Patrick Duffy, Larry Hagman, and Linda Grey, were reportedly approached by producers about reprising their roles. (Hollywood Reporter)

CBS has given a script order plus penalty to a series adaptation of James Patterson's upcoming novel "Private." Project, from 20th Century Fox Television and Imagine Television, revolves around a former CIA agent/Marine who takes over his father's private investigation firm. Jason Cahill will write and executive produce, alongside Brian Grazer and David Nevins. (Variety)

Seven less questions? NBC has cut down the episodic order for midseason comedy series 100 Questions from thirteen installments to just six. The reason behind the reduction, according to NBC, is due to the fact that both Parks and Recreation and Community garnered full season pickups and that the Olympics will clear the network's schedule for two weeks as well. (Parenthood, however, will keep to its thirteen-episode order.) (Hollywood Reporter)

The Los Angeles Times' Maria-Elena Fernandez has a great interview with Modern Family star Sofia Vergara. (You can literally hear her voice as you read the piece, intonation and all.) (Los Angeles Times/Show Tracker)

Pilot casting alert! Laura Leighton (Melrose Place) and Alexis Denisof (Dollhouse) will star opposite Lucy Hale and Troian Bellisario in ABC Family drama pilot Pretty Little Liars. Also cast: Ashley Benson, newcomer Shay Mitchell, Jean Louisa Kelly and Nia Peeples. Elsewhere at the cabler, Tracey Fairway and Nick Robinson will star opposite Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence in an untitled multi-camera comedy and Vanessa Marano and Chloe Bridges will star with Scott Cohen and Stephanie Childers Michael Jacobs' untitled single-camera comedy. (Hollywood Reporter)

Producer Kenn Viselman, the man responsible for who importing the Teletubbies and Thomas the Tank Engine to American television, has formed production company Kenn Viselman Presents, which will focus on development feature films and television programs aimed at the family market. (Variety)

Former FOX Entertainment chairman Peter Ligouri has been hired by Discovery Communications as the company's chief operating officer, where part of his overall responsibility will be overseeing the launch of OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, scheduled to debut in 2011. Liguori, who will report to David Zaslav, is expected to begin in his new position in January. (The Wrap's TVMoJoe)

Late Show with David Letterman co-head writers (and brothers) Eric Stangel and Justin Stangel have been promoted to executive producers. (Variety)

Stay tuned.

The Lost Man: Independence Day on "Fringe"

Fringe definitely has a formula week to week.

There's nice symmetry to seeing Anna Torv's Olivia Dunham and Josh Jackson's Peter Bishop in the field, chasing down leads and suspects, while John Noble's Walter Bishop and Jasika Nicole's Astrid Farnsworth perform various experiments at the lab. This dynamic not only works to further the procedural elements of the show but there's a cozy predictability to just where each of the characters will spend the hour.

This week's episode of Fringe ("Snakehead") subverted that dynamic. While Olivia and Peter's investigation still provided the crux of the episode's mystery of the week, the most interesting elements of this week's installment was the fact that both Walter and Astrid ended up out in the field, a move that placed both of them in serious jeopardy.

But rather than have the duo there just for the sake of being there, the writers cannily used this opportunity to further Walter's character, in particular his quest for independence and his reliance on Peter and the others.

Determined to prove that he's an adult capable of handling himself on his own, Walter headed to Chinatown to follow a lead on his own. Already fuming that Peter allegedly followed his taxi to the crime scene, Walter had something to prove, both to his son and to himself. He isn't a child who needs to be coddled and managed but a grown man.

Of course, Walter isn't quite ready to cut the apron strings just yet. He was irate to discover that Astrid had followed him to Chinatown to keep an eye on him but the two soon started having fun on their little excursion... until Walter wandered off in search of some lacquered cricket cages.

The heart of the episode for me was in the moment where Walter realized that he was lost and didn't know how to get home. The mix of horror, frustration, and shame that cascaded over Noble's face as he attempted to remember his son's telephone number was an astonishing thing to see. And utterly heartbreaking as Walter used his bus fare to dial seven wrong numbers before he started crying on a bus bench.

Walter is an adult, yes, but he's still a broken one. A man who is slowly regaining his independence but who still inherently needs the support of those around him to get through the world. Take him out of his routine, remove him from the order of his life (as we saw when Peter wanted to move) and he regresses. The most indelibly sad part of Walter's encounter in Chinatown is that he had Peter's number written on a card in his pocket... but forgot it was there.

Astrid, meanwhile, led the Triad baddies right back to the lab and the four-foot parasitic worm in its tank. She was attacked and knocked unconscious. It's the first time that Astrid has really been in any serious danger on Fringe and it was clear from her reaction later that the encounter rattled her, as it should. But the incident doesn't really give us any better understanding of Astrid as a character, unfortunately. While I love Jasika Nicole, the writers (as I've frequently complained since day one) have kept Astrid more or less a cipher, an expositional tool to further the plot or a generic nursemaid/lab assistant for Walter.

Yet, one can't argue with the poignancy of the scene between Walter and Astrid as he finally gets back to the lab and sees her injuries. Fringe isn't a workplace thriller but rather a family drama, with Walter Bishop acting the role of the absent-minded pater familias. Walter's extreme sadness upon seeing Astrid and the tenderness which with he held her in his arms spoke volumes about Walter's role within the Fringe Division.

It was entirely fitting then that he should offer to make a compromise with Peter (though it would have been nice had he consulted him first), having implanted himself with a tracking device. Peter now has the ability to find Walter anywhere and Walter doesn't have to worry about not being found. Hmmm... Something tells me that this tracking device is going to play a large role in a an upcoming storyline.

What did you think of this week's episode? Is Walter growing as a character? Will his independent streak prove to be short-lived? Am I right about that tracking device being a plant to be paid off later? Discuss.

Next week on Fringe ("Grey Matters"), the Fringe Division investigates a mental institution after a patient has brain surgery and begins to show an improvement despite having his brain exposed; Olivia sees a familiar face after she views footage from the surveillance tapes.

Channel Surfing: ABC Benches "FlashForward" Until March, "V" Return Set, Whedon on "Dollhouse," and More

Welcome to your Friday morning television briefing.

Looks like FlashForward won't be back in January, after all. ABC has announced its intentions to delay the return of FlashForward until March 4th, according to The Wrap's Josef Adalian. "Insiders said the network wants to run the remaining episodes without repeats," wrote Adalian. "Avoiding the Olympics onslaught in February is also part of the equation." However one issue that could become a narrative speed bump is the fact that it's still unclear how the revised scheduling will affect the series' key April 29th episode. (The Wrap's TVMoJoe)

ABC has revealed that sci-fi drama V, which aired four episodes last month, will return for the run of its back nine episodes beginning March 30th, when it will move into the Tuesdays at 10 pm ET/PT timeslot currently occupied by The Forgotten. The news means a sci-fi two-hour block of programming for ABC as V will air directly after Lost on Tuesdays. (HitFix)

The Chicago Tribune's Maureen Ryan has a phenomenal interview with Joss Whedon about the end of Dollhouse, what's next for Joss, Dr. Horrible, and his views of cable network programming and development. "The problems that the show encountered weren’t standalone versus mythology [episodes]," Whedon told Ryan about Dollhouse. "Basically, the show didn’t really get off the ground because the network pretty much wanted to back away from the concept five minutes after they bought it. And then ultimately, the show itself is also kind of odd and difficult to market. I actually think they did a good job, but it’s just not a slam-dunk concept." It's a must read for fans of Whedon's work... or indeed fans of television, full stop. (Chicago Tribune's The Watcher)

FOX has given a script order to supernatural drama Howl, described as "an epic family saga about warring families of werewolves in a small Alaskan town." Project, from DreamWorks Television, is written by Joshua Miller and M.A. Fortin and will be executive produced by Justin Falvey and Darryl Frank. (Variety)

TVGuide.com's Natalie Abrams talks to Private Practice star (and former Veronica Mars co-star) Chris Lowell about last night's explosive episode of Private Practice. "What's so nice about this episode, in terms of that specifically, is that it's finally when you see a darker side of Dell," Lowell told Abrams. "Up until now, he's always been searching for the good, and the right, and the positive and he just got freaking ugly. He just wanted her to die. It was horrible. Some of the stuff I got to say was crazy. It was a lot of fun. You would've expected to see some mercy, but a wall went up with Dell." (TVGuide.com)

Trace Adkins, Joey Lauren Adams, Boyd Holbrook, and Claire van der Boom have joined the cast of Epix's Nashville drama pilot Tough Trade, from Lionsgate Television and executive producers Jenji Kohan and Chris Offutt. (Hollywood Reporter)

UK's Channel 4 has closed a deal for the UK rights to HBO's upcoming animated comedy The Ricky Gervais Show, which it will launch in March, just a few weeks after HBO's February 19th premiere. Series features the voices of Gervais, Stephen Merchant, and Karl Pilkington as they discuss a number of topics (it's based on their series of podcasts). "Channel 4, like HBO in the US, is the perfect home for this show, as they acquire innovative, cutting edge programmes such as Curb Your Enthusiasm and The Sopranos," said Gervais. "Like The Sopranos, C4 made me an offer I couldn’t refuse." (Broadcast)

Mark Burnett will executive produce Season Five of HGTV reality competition series HGTV Design Star. "We expect (Burnett and his team) will infuse 'HGTV Design Star' with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas," said Freddy James, HGTV SVP of programming development and production. (Variety)

Country music group Rascal Flatts will appear in an upcoming episode of CBS' CSI: Crime Scene Investigation set to air next year. The episode, according to executive producer Carol Mendelson, is "a riff off [the group's] hit album, tour and song… [they'll] be playing themselves. One of the guys — and tear out my fingernails, but I won’t say who — will become the victim of a crime. The other two ‘Rascals’ will be suspects... thus, jeopardizing the future of the band." (Entertainment Weekly's Ausiello Files)

Former Twenty Twenty executive Jamie Isaacs has been hired by reality production company Studio Lambert (CBS' upcoming Undercover Boss), where he will develop new unscripted formats and move the shingle into other areas of production. He'll report to Stephen Lambert. (Variety)

Stay tuned.

Through the Grapevine: Competition Cut Down to Three on the Season Finale of "Top Chef: Las Vegas"

And then there were three.

This week's episode of Top Chef: Las Vegas ("Season Finale: Part One") had me on the edge of my seat, not just for the inherent tension (believe me, I was on pins and needles by the end) but also because I'm a huge admirer of Napa Valley cuisine and produce. The region itself holds special meaning for me: it's where I proposed to my wife and was married (on the same spot in both cases), just a few hundred feet from Rutherford Hill Winery, where the Elimination Challenge took place.

Napa is a magical place where food and wine are celebrated in the most exquisite way and this week's challenges for the final four contestants had the chefs putting local produce on a pedestal as they were tasked with creating a grape-centric dish aboard the Napa Wine Train for their Quickfire Challenge and with creating two dishes (one vegetarian, the other protein-based) with local ingredients for Rutherford Hill's annual crush celebration.

I have to say that I was impressed with the chefs overall, despite some pretty widespread seasoning issues throughout this week's episode. But considering that they had to deal with both a rocking train and devising and executing two dishes for 150 guests, I thought they all did a brilliant job and should be commended.

While I hoped that the judges would allow all four chefs to make it through to the final round, such wasn't the case. (Sadly.) So which three chefs will compete head-to-head for the title and the grand prize? And how did each of them perform? Let's discuss.

As I mentioned before, there's no better place to stage the season finale of Top Chef than in California's famed Napa Valley and this week's installment celebrated the bounty of ingredients that are found in the region, from wine grapes to gorgeous produce and proteins.

In both the Quickfire Challenge (a high-stakes one, no less) and the Elimination Challenge, the chefs would have the ability to use the freshest ingredients from the region and were under strict orders to keep it all (save salt and pepper) local. As a proponent for localized cuisine, I think it was a nice touch and fully warranted: why not make use of what's right there in front of the chefs?

I had fully expected the producers to pull in former Top Chef Masters contestant Michael Chiarello (of Yountville's Botega) to judge this week's challenges and I have to say that he was less abrasive than he was in the latter parts of the spin-off series, offering some astute critiques and generous compliments to the participating chefs. (Perhaps he went back and saw how he came across in that final round of Top Chef Masters.)

For their Quickfire Challenge, the chefs had thirty minutes and use of a full pantry to prepare a grape-focused dish for Padma and Chiarello aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train. But it wasn't quite a subpar dining car en route to somewhere else: it's a culinary destination in itself and was fully stocked with fantastic local produce, a slew of grapes, and a gorgeous kitchen area. And, oh, there was a 2010 Third Generation Prius up for grabs.

Here's what the final four chefs prepared for the final Quickfire Challenge:

• Kevin: honey and fromage blanc mousse with glazed grapes, olive oil, thyme, and sea salt
• Michael: grape leaf stuffed with couscous and ras-al-hanout, vinegar-glazed grape and Bay scallop kabob
• Bryan: roasted hen with bacon, Brussels sprouts, Concord grape reduction with verjus, ruby quinoa, and arugula
• Jennifer: sauteed chicken livers with clams, macerated Cabernet grapes, wild mushroom salad, and wild tendrils

While I thought that they all did beautifully, especially given the limitations of the space they were working in, I had a feeling that the win would go to either Michael or Jennifer, both of whom turned out creative and inspired dishes. Kevin's dish, sadly, lacked the necessary seasoning (which is an odd and unexpected misstep for Kevin) and didn't quite place the grape front and center. As for Bryan--who hasn't won a single Quickfire all season--he made a big error in selecting Concord grapes; the grape isn't local to Napa and has an overly jammy, grapey quality (which is why it's traditionally used in grape jelly and grape juice) but lacks the subtlety and finesse of wine grapes; Chiarello also called him out for allowing the bacon to overpower the dish rather than take a back seat to the grape. Chiarello clearly loved Jennifer's chicken liver and clam dish (he made a joke about stealing it for Botega) but it was Michael's dish that really celebrated the grape itself, using all of the product--from vine to leaf to fruit--in an ingenuous and fitting way. No surprise then that he walked away the winner of the challenge... and the owner of a brand new Prius, to boot.

For their Elimination Challenge, which would determine which three chefs would move onto the final round of competition, the chefs would shop at Long Meadow Farm and create two locally focused dishes for 150 guests at the Rutherford Hill Winery's crush celebration. One dish would be vegetarian (smart, considering the strength of the local produce) while the other would use a locally reared protein as its basis. With such fantastic ingredients at their disposal, I fully expected to see each of these four create dishes that sang. And I have to say that, while there were some mistakes, they did quite well overall and certainly significantly better than many final four contestants have done in the past.

Here are the dishes the final four chefs presented to the judges:

• Kevin (vegetarian): salad of roasted beets and carrots with honey vinaigrette, carrot top puree, and San Andreas cheese
• Kevin (protein): braised grass-fed beef brisket with pumpkin polenta and marinated root vegetable salad
• Michael (vegetarian): vegetable pistou, heirloom tomato coulis, 63-degree egg, and fennel, with raw squash flowers
• Michael (protein): turnip green soup with foie gras terrine, red wine-braised pear, and glazed turnip
• Bryan (vegetarian): goat cheese ravioli with delicata squash puree, maitake mushroom fondue, and bronze fennel
• Bryan (protein): fig-glazed short ribs with celeriac puree, ragout of cranberry beans, haricots verts, and yellow wax beans, and wild arugula
• Jennifer (vegetarian): Sky Hill chevre mousse with creme fraiche and lemon zest, honeycap mushrooms, braised breakfast radishes, and basil
• Jennifer (protein): braised duck legs, confit of duck breast, delicata squash puree, and brown butter-foie gras vinaigrette

Kevin has proven throughout this competition that he is the master of plying intense flavor out of the most simple of preparations. There's nothing wrong with allowing your ingredients to take center stage and not dress them up in elaborate costumes or visual trickery. Here, his salad of roasted beets and carrots is a transcendent celebration of fall flavors: forward, powerful, and beautifully seasoned. He even coaxes intense flavor out of carrot tops in his puree. His brisket, on the other hand, was definitely "ropey," "toothsome," or whatever word you'd like to use to describe the meat's toughness. Granted, he didn't have enough time to tenderize the meat as it should be, but neither did Bryan. And while Gail raved about the pumpkin polenta, Tom described the brisket as having a "tinny" quality. Hmmm...

Michael's dishes definitely showcased local ingredients but he also stayed true to the Michael Voltaggio ethos: gorgeous food displayed with some cutting-edge technology and some innovative ideas. Sometimes those ideas soar and other times they come crashing down to earth. Here, I liked the idea of the 63-degree egg with the pistou but the egg was almost too large for the serving vessel and overwhelmed the pistou itself (possibly doing the vegetables as a strict brunoise instead of leaving them rustic didn't help matters), while Padma's egg white was runny and liquidy. However, the concept of his protein dish was clever, even if the execution didn't quite match up. The pieces of turnip, pear, and foie were so tiny and there was so much bitter turnip green soup and it deflated the dish in the end. If there had been more thought to the plating and the size of the elements, the dish could have succeeded more.

Bryan definitely impressed me here. Despite the lack of a Quickfire win, his Elimination Challenge dishes have always been strong (so much so that he's never been up for elimination) and that was the case here. I would have killed to taste his goat cheese ravioli with delicata squash puree, maitake mushroom fondue, and bronze fennel. He nailed that dish in every way from the concept to the seasoning and his pasta dough was universally lauded. Likewise, while there was some moaning about the lack of figginess in his fig-glazed short ribs, it was clear that the dish was a hit. Perfectly cooked, tender, and luscious, the short rib was nicely counterbalanced with the produce on the plate: a celeriac puree, a gorgeous ragout of cranberry beans, haricots verts, and yellow wax beans, and that little addition of wild arugula as a garnish. Nicely done.

I was very worried about Jennifer once those coals went cold. She was originally going to grill the Sonoma duck rather than confit them but I was happy to see that she didn't let the situation defeat her; she quickly changed plans and went in an alternate direction. While the finished dish--braised duck legs, confit of duck breast, delicata squash puree, and brown butter-foie gras vinaigrette--lacked the smokiness that would have been imparted by the grill, I thought it was a masterful dish that utilized the "whole duck" (as Jen called the dish), perfectly in keeping with the theme of the challenge, and I thought her use of all of those elements (and particularly the "unctuous" brown butter-foie gras vinaigrette) sounded divine. As for her vegetarian offering, she used too heavy a hand with the seasoning, rendering her chevre mousse with mushrooms, radishes, and basil into saltiness. Still, her nerves didn't get the better of her and I was very proud of the way she handled herself in this leg of the competition.

Not surprisingly, Bryan took home the win here. I thought his two dishes were both perfectly executed and did celebrate the Napa ingredients in a pitch perfect way. I'm glad that he got this boost going into the final round as the rivalry between him and Michael reaches a fever pitch. And the look of irritation on Michael's face made the win even more worthwhile, I am sure.

As I said earlier, I was really hoping that there was some way all four of these exceptionally talented chefs could move on the final round but the judges (or the producers) stuck by their guns and opted to eliminate one. Sadly, it fell to Jennifer. She's more then redeemed herself of late after some shakiness in the middle of the season and I am really, really sad to see her go before the end. (You can read the interview I did with Jennifer Carroll back in August at the start of the season here.)

What did you think of this week's episode? Sad to see Jennifer go? Who will win next week when Kevin goes head-to-head with the Voltaggio Brothers? Will their intense sibling rivalry cancel each other out? Or will one emerge the victor? Discuss.

Next week on the season finale of Top Chef: Las Vegas ("Season Finale, Part Two"), the final three contestants vie for the title of Top Chef as they're tasked with cooking the best meal they've ever made... and one walks away the ultimate winner of the culinary competition.

Top Chef Preview: Final Breakfast Table:



Top Chef Preview: Three Chefs Clash in the Final Showdown:

BBC America Announces Airdate for Final David Tennant "Doctor Who" Special, "The End of Time"

BBC America today announced an airdate for Doctor Who: The End of Time, Part Two, which marks the departure of David Tennant from the series. (I mentioned the scheduling earlier today in my morning news roundup, found here.)

Just a day after the BBC One broadcast of Doctor Who: The End of Time, Part Two, BBC America will air David Tennant's final Doctor Who special on Saturday, January 2nd at 8 pm ET/PT. [Updated: BBC America has since revised the 9 pm ET/PT airing to 8 pm ET/PT.]

The digital cabler's scheduling means that US viewers will be able to see both parts of Doctor Who: The End of Time just a day after UK viewers (Doctor Who: The End of Time, Part One is set to air on Friday, December 26th, as previously reported) and will be airing the final three David Tennant specials over a two-week period.

"It's personal for the Doctor," executive producer Russell T. Davies told Radio Times about the final showdown between the Tenth Doctor and The Master. "The Master (John Simm) is his enemy, his opposite, and yet so tantalizingly close to being his soul mate. There's something epic about their sheer existence - the last two survivors of an ancient race. It's a clash of the titans. Both of them, heading for death, and yet both determined to survive - at any cost!"

The full press release from BBC America announcing the scheduling--and official synopses of the final three David Tennant specials, can be found below.

DAVID TENNANT’S FINAL DOCTOR WHO SPECIAL – U.S. PREMIERE ONLY ON BBC AMERICA

BBC AMERICA today announced the U.S. premiere of David Tennant’s final special as the Tenth Doctor. Doctor Who: The End of Time, Part Two, premieres January 2, one week after Part One, on BBC AMERICA. The finale to the era of David Tennant is one of the most eagerly anticipated adventures in the history of Doctor Who. Guest stars include John Simm (Life on Mars) as the Master, Timothy Dalton, Catherine Tate and Bernard Cribbins. New synopses for the final three specials airing on the channel three straight Saturdays over the holiday season are available below.

Doctor Who: The Waters of Mars airs Saturday, December 19, 9:00pm ET/PT

Doctor Who: The End of Time, Part One airs Saturday, December 26, 9:00pm ET/PT

Doctor Who: The End of Time, Part Two airs Saturday, January 2, 8:00pm ET/PT

Regarding the final specials, lead writer and executive producer Russell T Davies told Radio Times, "It's personal for the Doctor. The Master (John Simm) is his enemy, his opposite, and yet so tantalizingly close to being his soul mate. There's something epic about their sheer existence - the last two survivors of an ancient race. It's a clash of the titans. Both of them, heading for death, and yet both determined to survive - at any cost!"

Davies and Tennant are passing the baton to Steven Moffat and actor Matt Smith, who will play the Eleventh Doctor in a new season of the re-imagined series premiering in 2010 on BBC AMERICA.

BBCAmerica.com/DoctorWho has exclusive Doctor Who video clips including Inside Look interviews with David Tennant, Russell T Davies and executive producer Julie Gardner as well as sneak peeks of The Waters of Mars and The End of Time, Part One.

The BBC will release The Waters of Mars and The End of Time, Part One and Part Two on DVD and Blu-ray, Tuesday, February 2, 2010. A 5-disc set, Doctor Who: Specials Collection, which includes The Next Doctor, Planet of the Dead, Waters of Mars, The End of Time, Part One and Part Two and a 16-page booklet with an introduction written by David Tennant, hits stores the same day.

BBC AMERICA brings audiences a new generation of award-winning television featuring news with a uniquely global perspective, provocative dramas, razor-sharp comedies, life-changing makeovers and a whole new world of nonfiction. BBC AMERICA pushes the boundaries to deliver high quality, highly addictive and eminently watchable programming to viewers who demand more. It is available on digital cable and satellite TV in more than 65 million homes.

DOCTOR WHO: THE WATERS OF MARS - SYNOPSIS
Lindsay Duncan (Alice and Wonderland (2010), Rome) joins the Doctor as his sharpest and most strong-minded companion yet for the second of four Doctor Who Specials. The Waters of Mars is a dark, scary thriller that sees the Doctor land on the planet Mars, at a base in peril. A creeping infection beneath the Martian surface threatens not only the human race, but also the Doctor's most fundamental beliefs. Together with Adelaide Brooke (Lindsay Duncan), the base’s commander, the Doctor must defeat a seemingly unstoppable menace before it can reach Earth, and wipe out mankind. The Doctor must fight not only the water but destiny itself… Whilst also confronting his own existence, when the prophesy about his future begins to resonate. Is his song about to come to an end?

The Waters of Mars is written by Russell T Davies (Torchwood, Queer as Folk) and Phil Ford and directed by Graeme Harper. The executive producers are Russell T Davies and Julie Gardner (Torchwood, Life on Mars).

DOCTOR WHO: THE END OF TIME, PART ONE – SYNOPSIS
It's the Tenth Doctor's final journey - but his psychotic nemesis the Master has been reborn, on Christmas Eve. With both determined to cheat death, the battle ranges from the wastelands of London to the mysterious Immortality Gate. Meanwhile, the alien race Ood warn of an even greater danger approaching, as a terrible shadow falls across the entire Universe.

David Tennant stars as the Tenth Doctor and guest stars include John Simm, Bernard Cribbins, Catherine Tate, Timothy Dalton, David Harewood and June Whitfield. The End Of Time, Part One is written by Russell T Davies and directed by Euros Lyn. The producer is Tracie Simpson.

DOCTOR WHO: THE END OF TIME, PART TWO - SYNOPSIS
The Doctor faces the end of his life as the Master's plans hurtle out of control. With the sound of drums growing louder, and an ancient trap closing around the Earth, the Doctor and Wilf must fight alone. But sacrifices must be made, and the deadly prophecy warns: "He will knock four times."

David Tennant stars as the Tenth Doctor and guest stars include John Simm, Bernard Cribbins, Catherine Tate, Timothy Dalton, David Harewood and June Whitfield. The End Of Time, Part Two is written by Russell T Davies and directed by Euros Lyn. The producer is Tracie Simpson.

Channel Surfing: FX Renews "Sons of Anarchy," BBC Renews "Merlin," BBC America Sets "Doctor Who" Special, "True Blood" Lures Two, and More

Welcome to your Thursday morning television briefing.

On the heels of Tuesday night's second season finale, FX has ordered a third season of Kurt Sutter's biker drama Sons of Anarchy, with thirteen episodes on order for September 2010. Additionally, the cabler has signed a two-year deal with Sutter that will keep him on board Sons of Anarchy as the showrunner/executive producer. "This has been a wonderful ride and we're just getting started," said Sutter in a statement. "I'm really proud of the work by our incredible cast and crew. The response this season from the fans and critics has been terrific and I can't wait to get back to the writer's room and start on season three." (via press release)

BBC One has commissioned a third season of Shine Television-produced medieval drama Merlin. "With its mix of magic, adventure and humour Merlin is perfect Saturday-evening family television, and we are thrilled that Shine Television will be creating a new series for BBC One," said Controller, Drama Commissioning Ben Stephenson. "I'm looking forward to seeing what adventures our popular young wizard, and his friends in Camelot, will go on in series three." (BBC)

BBC America has announced that it will air Doctor Who: The End of Time, Part Two on Saturday, January 2, a day after the BBC One broadcast. Special marks David Tennant's final appearance as the Tenth Doctor. (via Twitter)

Two more actors have landed recurring roles on Season Three of HBO's True Blood. Theo Alexander (Chuck) will play Talbot, described as the "intensely beautiful" vampiric boyfriend of the Vampire King of Mississippi, Russell Edgington (Denis O'Hare), while Grant Bowler (Ugly Betty) will play werewolf Coot, described as "the menacing ringleader of a biker gang." (Hollywood Reporter's The Live Feed)

It's official: Comcast and GE have announced that they have reached a deal on NBC Universal, with Comcast controlling a 51 percent stake in NBC Universal in a joint venture with General Electric. Jeff Zucker will head up the new joint venture and will report to Steve Burke, Comcast's COO. Broadcasting & Cable's Claire Atkinson has a fantastic breakdown of the key elements of the transaction between the two entities. (Broadcasting & Cable)

Over at The Wrap, Josef Adalian has created an insightful and intelligent list of "Five Things Comcast Must Do to Save NBC," now that the deal between Comcast and General Electric has been officially closed, pending federal approval. "The once-proud Peacock in recent years has become the poster child for those who believe the network TV business model is just a few heartbeats from extinction," writes Adalian. "Before today's announcement, more than a few pundits wondered aloud whether you might simply chuck NBC altogether. But let's assume you're not ready to give up on the notion of broadcasting. Let's imagine you still think there's value in owning a brand with 70 years of history and entry into just about every home in America." (The Wrap's TVMoJoe)

HBO is developing drama project Honest, about a man who goes on the run, from writer/executive producer Eric Simonson (Hamlet) and executive producers Carolyn Strauss and Dan Halsted. (Variety)

Pilot casting alert! Abraham Benrubi, Celia Weston and DJ Qualls have been cast opposite Jason Lee in TNT drama pilot Delta Blues, from executive producers George Clooney and Grant Heslov. Weston will play the mother of Lee's cop/Elvis impersonator Dwight; Qualls will play Dwight's protege on the Memphis police force; Benrubi will play Sgt. J.C. Lightfoot, described as a "6-foot-5 Caucasian man with a braided ponytail who is only one-eighth Chickasaw but lives by his tribe's wisdom and dispenses sage quotations to the rest of the Memphis detectives." (Hollywood Reporter)

Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello talks to Cougar Town co-creator/executive producer Bill Lawrence about the upcoming guest appearance by Courteney Cox's former Friends co-star Lisa Kudrow in the January 6th episode. "They didn’t want to play friends,” Lawrence told Ausiello. "She plays a dermatologist who is a horrible, horrible person, but [Cox] goes to her because she’s the best. The [sight] of them playing people who dislike each other intensely was very funny for me to watch." (Entertainment Weekly's Ausiello Files)

FOX has given a pilot order to an untitled sketch comedy series (which is also being referred to as Inside Jokes) from Merv Griffin Entertainment and executive producer Kevin Connolly (Entourage). Pilot, which is shooting this week, will be hosted by Cameron Bender and feature Mary Scheer, Jay Phillips, Carrie Wiita, Paul Schackman, and Lauren Rose Lewis. (Hollywood Reporter)

MTV has announced that it has renewed The Hills for a sixth season (despite plummeting ratings following the departure of Lauren Conrad) and The City for a second season. (Variety)

UK fans of True Blood are in luck as FX has picked up Season Two of HBO's vampire drama series and will launch the second season in February. (Digital Spy)

Kevin Pollak has been named the host of FOX's upcoming reality competition series Our Little Genius, which launches Wednesday, January 13th before moving to its regular timeslot of Tuesdays at 9 pm ET/PT the following week. "I've been a fan of Kevin Pollak's work for many years. His incredible humor, intelligence and quick wit are all perfect additions to an incredibly dynamic format," said executive producer Mark Burnett. "He instinctively knows when to add seriousness and when to add humor. I am so glad he has joined the Our Little Genius team." (via press release)

E1 Entertainment will join forces with Company Pictures co-produce the US version of British teen drama Skins, which has a pilot pickup at MTV. (Broadcast)

CBS Television Distribution has sold daytime talk show Swift Justice With Nancy Grace into daily syndication and has cleared the programming in nearly all 50 top markets. Series, which will be stripped as back-to-back half-hour installments, will debut in fall 2010. (Hollywood Reporter)

Investigation Discovery has renewed On the Case With Paula Zahn for a second season. (Variety)

NBC Universal Television business affairs executive Rick Olshansky has departed the company in a move said to be unrelated to the Comcast/GE deal, with Variety's Michael Schneider indicating that he is leaving "as much of his oversight has been taken over by NBC Entertainment/Universal Media Studios chairman Marc Graboff." (Variety)

Stay tuned.