SMOKE IT IF YOU'VE GOT IT

Showtime's hit comedy Weeds returns with it's third season on August 13th and the second season hits dvd on July 24th.


To help celebrate the return of this smoking series, Showtime has provided us with a pretty unique prize to giveaway! To win a Weeds gardening bag, submit an email with your name and address and the subject heading "WEEDS" to forcesofgood @ gmail dot com. One per person and winner chosen at random. Contest ends 11:59 pm EST on Sunday, July 29th. US and Canada residents only.

SUPERGIRL ARRIVES ON SMALLVILLE

It will come as no surprise to comic book readers to learn that Clark Kent isn't the only survivor of Krypton. When Smallville returns this fall, tv viewers will witness the arrival of Clark's cousin, Kara, who has been in suspended animation since the destruction of the doomed planet.

According to Smallville producer Al Gough the arrival of Kara “will help Clark get in touch with his Kryptonian roots. With his [adopted] father dead and his [adopted] mother moved to Washington [to become a U.S. Senator], and Lana blown up, suddenly there’s some family in his life.”

Like her cousin, Kara will have enhanced physical abilities generated by Earth’s yellow sun. “She has all of Clark’s powers and a couple he doesn’t have yet,” Gough teases. “She can fly. And her response when Clark asks why is ‘obviously girls mature faster than boys.’”

Kara, a teenager when Krypton exploded, was sent to Earth by her father to look after her younger cousin. But while in suspended animation she didn’t age and now it’s Clark who must be the mentor. According to Gough, “She becomes enamored with our culture: clothes and iPods and stuff. We’ll have a lot of fun as she gets acclimated.”

In comics lore Kara takes on the costumed identity of Supergirl, while Clark is generally known as Superman.

Duh.

SOURCE

SANDLER TO PRODUCE SASQUATCH!

Adam Sandler's Happy Madison Productions has signed a deal with Paramount Pictures to distribute their upcoming film, Strange Wilderness on January 25th. The R-Rated comedy stars Steve Zahn, Allen Covert, Jonah Hill, Justin Long, Jeff Garlin and Kevin Heffernan.

The film chronicles the adventures of the hosts of the fictional wildlife TV series, Strange Wilderness, which is headed toward extinction because of bad ratings until they hatch a scheme to find the one animal that can save the show -- Bigfoot. The TV hosts will be played by Zahn and Covert.

SOURCE

HE'LL SAVE EVERY ONE OF US!

Entertainment Weekly interviews Eric Johnson, star of the upcoming Sci Fi Channel's Flash Gordon.

Among the revealing tidbits that Johnson revealed:

"(Flash is) a marathon winner in his hometown, and he works on cars in his mom's garage. He's pretty regular.

He's got a pretty cool car: a '67 convertible Firebird.

He arrives on Planet Mongo at the end of Part 1 of the premiere. But the thing is, we're able to come back and forth using the old wormhole. Flash's father was a scientist who was developing the technology. I thought he was lost in a fire, but it turns out he was sucked through this wormhole that he created. So now after 13 years, something came back through, and that something is not so nice, and it's looking for me.

We're not going to see any spaceships at this point. But there is some pretty cool stuff on the planet Mongo, I have to say. I saw some early drawings of some things we have to battle. We're gonna have our hands full, that's for sure.
There will be creatures, ships, different types of ray guns...it's pretty intense. There's already been a probe that has gone through, and an android. I fight an android in my kitchen.

We meet Ming the Merciless in the second part of the pilot. We meet him fairly quickly, and we find out right away that this guy is not to be trusted.

Ming is not entirely evil. What's amazing about him is he's an incredibly good-looking, charming guy. He's very physically capable. I mean, this isn't some decrepit old despot. He's a very, very worthy adversary. Flash and Dale are gonna have their hands full. If it came to blows, things wouldn't be one-sided in Flash's favor. I really like [the writers'] take on that. That was something that came up early. They thought it would be far more interesting to make Ming someone that you could understand, to have him be a very capable adversary.

(Dale and Flash are) exes. The story is, basically, we dated during the Clinton administration. She left and went to college, and now she's back in this small town, a reporter from the local newspaper who's engaged to one of the detectives in town. And we have a history.

(They end up side by side) Quite by accident, but we end up spending a lot of time together. So there's a bit of a love triangle in there. And of course, we have the sexy princess Aura and sexy alien bounty hunter Baylin, who also throw a couple wrenches into the works."

ROBERT RODRIGUEZ DOES "BARBARELLA"

Variety has announced that Planet Terror auteur Robert Rodriguez will team with Casino Royale screenwriters Neal Purvis and Robert Wade on a remake of the 1968 sexy-space film Barbarella for a 2008 release.

Barbarella was based on a French comic book which debuted in 1961.

Producer Dino De Laurentiis hinted at the flavor of the remake: "In our vision, the future is female, and I can't wait to introduce Barbarella to a new generation of moviegoers," he said.

Neither can I, Dino, neither can I.

It would be interesting which one of Robert's ladies will play the title role (Rose, Jessica, Salma, Carla, Rosario, or Marley), or will it be someone completely new?

PAID FOR BY FRIENDS OF HARVEY DENT

The Dark Knight is coming! Warner Bros. has posted a new synopsis of the film.

Batman raises the stakes in his war on crime. With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman sets out to dismantle the remaining criminal organizations that plague the city streets. The partnership proves to be effective, but they soon find themselves prey to a reign of chaos unleashed by a rising criminal mastermind known to the terrified citizens of Gotham as The Joker.

FOX'S 2007-2008 PRIMETIME LINEUP

2007-2008 FOX PRIMETIME SCHEDULE

NEW SERIES SYNOPSES

K-VILLE
From writer and executive producer Jonathan Lisco (“NYPD Blue,” “The District”) comes a heroic police drama set in New Orleans. Two years after Katrina, the city is still in chaos. Many cops have quit, and the jails, police stations and crime labs still haven’t been properly rebuilt. But the cops who remain have courage to burn and a passion to reclaim and rebuild their city. MARLIN BOULET (Anthony Anderson, “The Departed,” “The Shield”) is a brash, funny, in-your-face veteran of the NOPD’s Felony Action Squad, the specialized unit that targets the most-wanted criminals. Even when his partner deserted him during the storm, Boulet held his post, spending days in the water saving lives and keeping order. Now he’s unapologetic about bending the rules when it comes to collaring bad guys. Boulet’s new partner, TREVOR COBB (Cole Hauser, “The Break-Up,” “ER”), was a soldier in Afghanistan before joining the NOPD. He’s tough and committed, but if he’s less than comfortable with Boulet’s methods, it’s because he’s harboring a dark secret. Cobb has come to New Orleans seeking redemption, but redemption can be dangerous. Will Boulet be able to trust him? Will Cobb’s past endanger them both? Rounding out the crew of cops are hotheaded BILLY “K-9” FAUST (Maximiliano Hernández, “Law & Order,” “Shark”), who often speaks before thinking; wisecracking JEFF “GLUE BOY” GOODEN (Blake Shields, “Sleeper Cell,” “Veronica Mars”), the team’s comic relief; tough-as-nails GINGER “LOVE TAP” LeBEAU (Tawny Cypress, “Heroes”), the only female on the squad, who gives as good as she gets; and CAPTAIN JAMES EMBRY (John Carroll Lynch, “Zodiac,” “The Drew Carey Show”), who wrangles the eclectic personalities of his squad with equal parts humor and tenacity.

Good cast, but overall nothing exciting.

NEW AMSTERDAM
Directed and executive-produced by visionary Lasse Hallström (“My Life As a Dog,” “The Cider House Rules,” “Chocolat,” “The Hoax”) and written by Allan Loeb (“Things We Lost in the Fire,” “21”) and Christian Taylor (“Showboy,” “Six Feet Under”), NEW AMSTERDAM is the story of a New York homicide detective unlike any other. He is brilliant, mysterious, reckless, magnetic, unknowable. And he has a profound secret – he is immortal. In 1642, JOHN AMSTERDAM (Nikolaj Coster Waldau, “Kingdom of Heaven”), then a Dutch solider in the colony of New Amsterdam – later to become New York City – stepped in front of a sword to save the life of a Native Indian girl during a massacre of her indigenous tribe. The girl in turn rescued Amsterdam, weaving an ancient spell that conferred immortality upon him. Amsterdam will not age, she told him, until he finds his one true love. Only then will he become whole and ready for mortality. But Amsterdam has found this to be a mixed blessing. Over the course of three centuries, he’s experienced endless adventure and honed his many talents. But everyone Amsterdam meets must leave him in time; lovers and children die while he remains young. His sole confidant and current lifelong friend is the sage jazz club owner OMAR (Stephen Henderson, “Law & Order: SVU”), the keeper of Amsterdam’s secret, as well as a few of his own.

As the exhilaration of eternal life has given way to emotional isolation and bitter loneliness, Amsterdam discovers the blessing has become a curse. Bringing to bear the unorthodox techniques and unique knowledge gained from his vast life experience, Amsterdam today is one of the NYPD’s best homicide detectives, sparring with his vibrant, strong-willed partner EVA MARQUEZ (Zuleikha Robinson, “Rome,” “The Lone Gunmen”) as they solve difficult murder cases. But when Amsterdam suffers and then recovers from what appears to be a massive heart attack while chasing a suspect, and DR. SARA DILLANE (Alexie Gilmore, “Find Love”) pronounces him dead in the ER, he realizes that the Indian girl’s prophesy may have come true – he felt the pain in his heart that she had foretold so long ago. His soul mate must have been nearby. As he works to find a killer on the streets of New York, Amsterdam understands that his own life – and possibly his death – have changed forever.

Interesting concept. Let's see how it plays.

BACK TO YOU
In the ‘90s, the local TV news scene in Pittsburgh was dominated by one team: CHUCK DARLING (Kelsey Grammer, “Frasier,” “Cheers”) and KELLY CARR (Patricia Heaton, “Everybody Loves Raymond”). They had that elusive quality all news teams need: chemistry ... at least on-screen. Off-screen, Chuck was a bit of a self-centered womanizer, Kelly a bit of an uptight know-it-all. So when Chuck got the call to move up to a larger market, no tears were shed. But after an embarrassing on-air tirade ended up on the Internet, Chuck found himself on the downswing career-wise. He even questioned whether his lifestyle of chasing women and living in hotels was as exciting as it used to be. So when he got the call to return to Pittsburgh, to reunite with Kelly and try to take the newscast back to No. 1, it was an offer he couldn’t refuse. Back in Pittsburgh, Chuck has a new coworker in RYAN CHURCH (Josh Gad, “Mary and Joe”), the overstressed news director. There are also familiar faces like MARSH McGINLEY (Fred Willard, “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy,” “Best in Show”), the affable, endlessly inappropriate sports anchor, and GARY CREZYZEWSKI, pronounced Kre-shoov-ski (Ty Burrell, “In Good Company,” “Out of Practice”), the perennially put-upon field reporter who always seems to get left out in the snow. But, mostly, there’s Kelly, now a single mom to 10-year-old GRACIE (Laura Marano, “Without a Trace”). There was magic between them once. Can they find it again?

Anchorman, The Series?

Alternative Series

KITCHEN NIGHTMARES
Hell hath no fury like an angry chef, and no chef has a sharper temper than Gordon Ramsay when things go wrong in the kitchen. The star of the highly rated culinary boot camp “Hell’s Kitchen” returns to FOX with another sizzling unscripted series. This time, Chef Ramsay hits the road in each episode, tackling a restaurant in crisis and exposing the stressful realities of trying to run a successful food business. Inspired by one of the UK’s biggest hits, KITCHEN NIGHTMARES is seen in more than 50 territories around the globe, and the series reveals a whole new side to Ramsay. He’s still prone to the explosive outbursts and spectacular confrontations familiar to fans of “Hell’s Kitchen,” but he also shows his sensitive and nurturing side – a unique blend of fury, passion, inspirational leadership and tough love that can coax a small spark of talent into a roaring flame. There’s no time for polite small talk as Ramsay embarks on his mission to turn things around. If the wine waiter’s service isn’t up to par, he’ll be out the door before he can say “merlot.” If the head chef doesn’t match up to Ramsay’s expectations, Ramsay will hammer him into shape, and if he can’t stand the heat, he may quit the kitchen. Ramsay’s reputation is on the line, so there’s bound to be high blood pressure, raised voices and serious clashes as he attempts to do the impossible: turn a deserted dining room into the most sought-after venue in town in just a week.

No.

THE SEARCH FOR THE NEXT GREAT AMERICAN
What “American Idol” did for individuals, THE SEARCH FOR THE NEXT GREAT AMERICAN BAND is going to do for musical groups. The producers of “American Idol” will conduct the ultimate search for an undiscovered band. THE SEARCH FOR THE NEXT GREAT AMERICAN BAND is scouring the country, seeking groups from all musical genres who think they have what it takes to make it big. Judges will narrow down bands from all walks of life – musicians of different ages, family acts, garage bands, etc. – to 10 semi-finalists, who will perform in front of a live studio audience. Viewers then will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite bands. The final three acts will compete for a major recording contract and the chance to become music superstars.

No.

NASHVILLE
From the creative minds behind the hit series “Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County” comes NASHVILLE, a high-stakes, high-drama docu-soap set in "the biggest small town in America.” The show focuses on the dreamers and dream-makers in the music industry, as well as those trying to make their mark on Nashville’s big business and high society. The series features a diverse, vibrant young cast perched on the cusp of achieving their greatest successes in a town that can make you or break you. Talent, power, drive, love and hope are the fuel that makes Nashville burn bright – and makes this unique place the true embodiment of the American Dream. Behind every song there’s a story waiting to be told, and there are many such stories in NASHVILLE.

No.

CANTERBURY’S LAW
From executive producers Denis Leary and Jim Serpico (“Rescue Me,” “The Job”) and writer Dave Erickson (“Murder in Greenwich”) comes CANTERBURY’S LAW, a courtroom drama about a rebellious female defense attorney who’s willing to bend the law in order to protect the wrongfully accused. ELIZABETH CANTERBURY (Julianna Margulies, “ER”) is a force of nature. An attorney on the rise, she puts her career on the line to take on risky and unpopular cases, even when they take a toll on her personal life. Elizabeth and her law professor husband MATTHEW CANTERBURY (Linus Roache, “Batman Begins,” “The Chronicles of Riddick”), haunted by the disappearance of their young son, have settled in Providence, Rhode Island, in an attempt to distance themselves from the tragedy and put their relationship back together. But those goals become elusive whenever Elizabeth’s work provides a stark reminder of the justice absent in their own lives. At the office, Canterbury has surrounded herself with a brilliant but motley crew of attorneys. RUSSELL CROSS (Ben Shenkman, “Pi,” “Angels in America”) was forced out of the Providence District Attorney’s Office when he went toe-to-toe with his morally bankrupt boss, D.A. Zach Williams. His reputation tarnished, Russell turned to Canterbury, the only attorney willing to take him in. Now Russell provides a much-needed voice of reason for Canterbury even when she doesn’t want to hear it, his position of influence well-earned by their years of friendship. CHESTER FIELDS (Jocko Sims, “Dreamgirls,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”) and MOLLY McCONNELL (Trieste Dunn, “United 93”) are the associates rounding out Canterbury’s legal crew. Chester is a blue-blooded congressman’s son who is embarrassed by his privileged upbringing and has turned his back on politics. Molly, in contrast, is headstrong, passionate and quick to take sides – even if she finds herself in the opposite corner from Canterbury.

Leary and the real-life Serpico; Julianna Marguilles and the always awesome Linus Roache. Can't miss.

THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES
Executive producers Josh Friedman (“War of the Worlds”), David Nutter (“Supernatural,” “Smallville”) and C-2 Pictures (“Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines”) bring to television an intense new drama based on the celebrated heroine of the “Terminator” movies: Sarah Connor. At the end of “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” Sarah vanquished the liquid metal Terminator sent from the future to kill her teenage son, John. Sarah and John now find themselves alone in a very dangerous, complicated world. Fugitives from the law, they are confronted with the reality that still more enemies from the future, and the present, could attack at any moment. THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES reveals what happens when SARAH (Lena Headey, “The Brothers Grimm,” “300”) stops running and goes on the offensive against an ever-evolving technological enemy bent on destroying her life, and perhaps the world. Her son, 15-year-old JOHN CONNOR (Thomas Dekker, “Heroes”), knows that he may be the future savior of mankind, but is not yet ready to take on the mantle of leadership that he’s told is his destiny. John finds himself inextricably drawn to CAMERON (Summer Glau, “Serenity,” “The Unit”), an enigmatic and otherworldly student at his high school, who soon proves to be much more than his confidante – she assumes the role of Sarah and John’s fearless protector. On their trail are not only threats from the future, but an intelligent and tough FBI agent, JAMES ELLISON (Richard T. Jones, “Judging Amy”), who soon becomes a powerful ally.

If it delivers, the biggest hit of the year.

THE RETURN OF JEZEBEL JAMES
Can two estranged sisters, polar opposites, live together when one agrees to carry the other’s baby? SARAH THOMKINS (Parker Posey, “For Your Consideration,” “Best in Show”) is a bright, optimistic, determined woman who seems to have it all – a great job as a children’s book editor, an eager-to-please assistant, BUDDY (Michael Arden), who helps keep her life together, and a no-strings-attached personal relationship with successful businessman MARCUS SONTI (Scott Cohen, “Kissing Jessica Stein”). Nevertheless, as her father, RONALD (Ron McLarty, “Law & Order”), is constantly pointing out, something is missing from Sarah’s life. Her hard work may garner accolades, but when she goes home at night, she is very much alone. All too aware that she isn’t getting any younger, Sarah decides to have a baby on her own and gets the shock of her life when the doctor tells her she can’t get pregnant. Having no concept of the term “can’t,” Sarah wills herself to execute a plan. With nowhere else to turn, Sarah sets up a meeting with her quirky younger sister, COCO (Lauren Ambrose, “Six Feet Under”), and proposes a plan for Coco to carry her baby. They haven’t seen each other in a while, and Coco refuses to go along with such a huge favor. But something happens when Sarah mentions that she’s turned Coco’s imaginary childhood friend, Jezebel James, into a children’s book. Even though she doesn’t say so out loud, Coco is clearly touched, and, realizing that her current living situation – sharing a couch with her friend’s sick dog – isn’t working out, Coco decides that this just might be worth a try.

Excellent cast and the excellent Amy Sherman-Palladino behind the scenes. Can't miss.

THE RULES FOR STARTING OVER
From the creatively fruitful minds of the Farrelly Brothers comes a single camera comedy, set in Boston, about a group of newly single friends learning the painful lessons of starting over in their 30s. They’d all love to get remarried, if they could just find their true loves. JACK “GATOR” GATELY (Craig Bierko, “Cinderella Man,” “Boston Legal”) is a charismatic, optimistic leader who never expected to be single again. But now that he is, he’s determined to make the best of it. He’s going to sift through all the bruised, damaged, occasionally psychotic fruit until he finds “the one.” Joining Gator in bachelorhood redux is his thrice-divorced best friend TOMMY (Johnny Sneed, “The Guardian,” “Fever Pitch”). The founder and brewmaster of an upstart microbrewery, Tommy has a voracious appetite for food, beer and women. He falls in love easily and always disastrously, yet truly hopes his fourth starter marriage will be “the one.” DR. FREDDY SAHGAL (Shaun Majumder, “24,” “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle”) has seen some pretty strange stuff during his years as a successful surgeon, but he’s never seen any of it through the eyes of a single man. Probably the least equipped of the group to handle this unexpected life change is Dr. Freddy, who can execute a triple bypass in his sleep, but is all thumbs when it comes to the opposite sex. Rounding out the group is KATE (Rashida Jones, “The Office”), a smart, successful attorney who handled all three of the boys’ divorces. Having just turned 30, Kate finds herself dumped after a seven-year engagement. She reluctantly joins the guys in negotiating the treacherous waters of dating. Kate owns the brownstone next to Gator’s. Over time, this pair may find that “the one” is just a brick wall away.

Farrelly Brothers. Rashida Jones. Craig Bierko. I'm watching.

ANCHORWOMAN
PHIL HURLEY is the owner of a tiny Texas news station, KYTX Channel 19, and he is desperate to turn the tide of his mediocre ratings, or even just compete with a rival channel. Phil has shocked the station and town of Tyler, Texas, by bringing in a gorgeous model and ex-WWE diva with no previous news experience to be his next ANCHORWOMAN – all in hopes of reinventing the look of Channel 19 and overhauling its below-average 6 share to a number more like his competitor’s dominating 36. Former Miss New York and über-vixen LAUREN JONES packs up her Versace dresses and heads to the middle of nowhere to start a new career. Can this bombshell cut it as a serious reporter? Will she save KYTX, or make it the laughingstock of the Lone Star State? Lauren wants to show everyone she’s no airhead, and this is her big chance to prove she’s more than just a pretty face. The entire newsroom thinks the boss has made a giant mistake. Reigning anchor ANNALISA PETRAGLIA is not about to lose her Queen Bee status to some L.A. hottie. News Director DAN DELGADO is fit to be tied as his beloved journalistic standards go out the window. MICHELLE REESE, a hard-nosed reporter bound for CNN, will take no prisoners. Lauren will struggle not only with the news team and an unfamiliar town, but also with the not-so-Hollywood news stories – covering bake sales, cowpie-tossing contests and county fairs like they were Watergate. News anchor or dead weight? Only the ratings will tell, so stay tuned for the next ANCHORWOMAN: Lauren Jones.

I can't tell if this is a joke. And I don't care.

FOX PRIMETIME SCHEDULE: FALL 2007
(All Times ET/PT)

MONDAY
8:00-9:00 PM PRISON BREAK
9:00-10:00 PM K-VILLE

TUESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM NEW AMSTERDAM
9:00-10:00 PM HOUSE

WEDNESDAY
8:00-8:30 PM BACK TO YOU
8:30-9:00 PM ’TIL DEATH
9:00-10:00 PM BONES

THURSDAY
8:00-9:00 PM ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5th GRADER?
9:00-10:00 PM KITCHEN NIGHTMARES

FRIDAY
8:00-9:00 PM THE SEARCH FOR THE NEXT GREAT AMERICAN BAND (working title)
9:00-10:00 PM NASHVILLE (working title)

SATURDAY
8:00-8:30 PM COPS
8:30-9:00 PM COPS
9:00-10:00 PM AMERICA’S MOST WANTED: AMERICA FIGHTS BACK
11:00 PM-MIDNIGHT MADtv
MIDNIGHT-12:30 AM TALK SHOW WITH SPIKE FERESTEN

SUNDAY
7:00-8:00 PM THE OT (NFL post-game)
8:00-8:30 PM THE SIMPSONS
8:30-9:00 PM KING OF THE HILL
9:00-9:30 PM FAMILY GUY
9:30-10:00 PM AMERICAN DAD

FOX PRIMETIME SCHEDULE: BEGINNING JANUARY 2008
(All Times ET/PT)

MONDAY
8:00-9:00 PM K-VILLE (January)/PRISON BREAK (Spring)
9:00-10:00 PM 24

TUESDAY
8:00-9:00 PM AMERICAN IDOL
9:00-10:00 PM HOUSE

WEDNESDAY (January)
8:00-8:30 PM BACK TO YOU
8:30-9:00 PM ’TIL DEATH
9:00-10:00 PM AMERICAN IDOL

WEDNESDAY (Spring)
8:00-8:30 PM BACK TO YOU
8:30-9:00 PM THE RETURN OF JEZEBEL JAMES (working title)
9:00-9:30 PM AMERICAN IDOL Results Show
9:30-10:00 PM ’TIL DEATH

THURSDAY
8:00-9:00 PM ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5th GRADER?
9:00-10:00 PM CANTERBURY’S LAW

FRIDAY (Spring)
8:00-9:00 PM BONES
9:00-10:00 PM NEW AMSTERDAM

SATURDAY
8:00-8:30 PM COPS
8:30-9:00 PM COPS
9:00-10:00 PM AMERICA’S MOST WANTED: AMERICA FIGHTS BACK
11:00 PM-MIDNIGHT MADtv
MIDNIGHT-12:30 AM TALKSHOW WITH SPIKE FERESTEN

SUNDAY (Spring)
7:00-7:30 PM KING OF THE HILL
7:30-8:00 PM AMERICAN DAD
8:00-8:30 PM THE SIMPSONS
8:30-9:00 PM FAMILY GUY
9:00-10:00 PM THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES

THE CW'S 2007-2008 PRIMETIME LINEUP

Veronica Mars isn't returning, but there are six new series on the CW for the 2007-08 season.

ALIENS IN AMERICA
Justin Tolchuk (Dan Byrd, "The Hills Have Eyes") is a sensitive, lanky 16-year-old just trying to make it through the social nightmare of high school in Medora, Wisconsin, with the help of his well-meaning mom Franny (Amy Pietz, "Caroline in the City"), aspiring-entrepreneur dad Gary (Patrick Breen, "Kevin Hill"), and his popular sister Claire (Lindsey Shaw, "Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide"), who is sweetly unaware of how good-looking she is. When Franny signs up for the school's international exchange student program, she pictures an athletic, brilliant Nordic teen who will bestow instant coolness on her outsider son. However, when the Tolchuk's exchange student arrives, he turns out to be Raja Musharaff (Adhir Kalyan, "Fair City"), a 16-year-old Pakistani Muslim. Despite the cultural chasm between them, Justin and Raja quickly develop an unlikely friendship that just might allow them to navigate the minefield that is contemporary high school. It's going to be a very interesting year for Raja, Justin, his family and the entire population of Medora. ALIENS IN AMERICA is from CBS Paramount Network Television Inc. and Warner Bros. Television with executive producers Tim Doyle ("Jake in Progress"), Moses Port ("Just Shoot Me," "Mad About You") and David Guarascio ("Just Shoot Me," "Mad About You"). Luke Greenfield ("The Girl Next Door") directed the pilot.

Could be funny. No real opinion either way.

REAPER
For the first 20 years of his life, Sam (Bret Harrison, "The Loop," "Grounded for Life") wondered why his parents went so easy on him. Whether it was school, sports or career choices, Sam's mom (Allison Hossack, "Falcon Beach") and dad (Andrew Airlie, "The L Word") always let him get by with the least possible effort, while at the same time pressuring his younger brother Keith (Kyle Switzer, "15/Love") to excel. As a result, Sam skipped college, took a dead-end job and now wastes endless hours playing video games and wishing he had the guts to ask out his pretty co-worker, Andi (Nikki Reed, "Thirteen," "The O.C."). Everything in his slacker world changes the day Sam turns 21 and discovers the ungodly reason his parents let him slide: they sold his soul to the devil before he was born. Satan himself (Ray Wise, "24," "The Closer") drops by to personally explain that Sam must now serve as his bounty hunter, tracking down evil souls that have escaped and returning them to Hell. At first, Sam refuses to accept his bizarre fate, but after getting just a glimpse of Satan's temper, Sam realizes that breaking a deal with the devil has consequences that are very, very bad. Armed with a constantly changing series of vessels; starting with a Dirt Devil mini-vacuum ?? to collect the escapees, Sam immediately finds that the work is dangerous and frightening, even with the goofball help of his friends and fellow slackers, Bert "Sock" Wysocki (Tyler Labine, "Boston Legal," "Invasion") and Ben (Rick Gonzalez, "Coach Carter"), along with Sock's former-girlfriend-turned-paralegal, Josie (Valarie Rae Miller, "Dark Angel"). Still, as weird and scary as his life has become, Sam is surprised to find that he somehow feels good about his newfound "mission" - removing evil-doers from the world and sending them back where they belong. With his friends and his trusty vessel-of-the-week at his side, Sam is ready to face his destiny as the Reaper. REAPER is from ABC Studios with executive producers Michelle Fazekas ("Ed," "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"), Tara Butters ("Ed," "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"), Mark Gordon ("Grey's Anatomy," "Criminal Minds"), Deb Spera ("Criminal Minds"), Tom Spezialy ("Desperate Housewives") and Kevin Smith ("Clerks," "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back"). Kevin Smith also directed the pilot.

Brett Harrison is very funny and Ray Wise is always worth watching. Kevin Smith doesn't hurt. Could be a sleeper.

GOSSIP GIRL
The privileged prep school teens on Manhattan's Upper East Side first learn that Serena Van Der Woodsen (Blake Lively, "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants") is back in town the way they learn all the important news in their lives, from the blog of the all-knowing albeit ultra-secretive Gossip Girl. No one knows Gossip Girl's identity, but everyone in this exclusive and complicated vicious circle relies on her text messages for the latest scoop. Serena's closest friend, Blair (Leighton Meester, "Surface"), is just as surprised as everyone else to find that Serena has suddenly ended her self-imposed exile to boarding school and returned to Manhattan. The tension between Blair and Serena isn't lost on Gossip Girl, who is determined to uncover and fuel any and all scandals. Does it involve Serena's brother Eric (Connor Paolo, "One Life to Live"), Blair's boyfriend Nate (Chace Crawford, "The Covenant") or Nate's buddy Chuck (Ed Westwick, "Children of Men")? Maybe it has something to do with Dan (Penn Badgley, "John Tucker Must Die") and his sister Jenny (Taylor Momsen, "Spy Kids 2," "How The Grinch Stole Christmas"), whose middle-class background keeps them on the fringes of this exclusive clique. Even the parents ?? from Serena's mother Lily (Kelly Rutherford, "Melrose Place"), a former ballerina/rock-groupie, to Nate's high-powered father Howie "The Captain" Archibald (Sam Robards, "The West Wing"), to Dan and Jenny's dad Rufus (Matthew Settle, "Brothers and Sisters"), a former rocker turned art gallery owner; are aware that their sons and daughters are constantly checking their Sidekicks to read Gossip Girl's latest sightings and overheard tidbits. Overriding all the shifting friendships, jealousies and turmoil in this wealthy and complex world, the central mystery remains -- Who Is Gossip Girl? Based on the popular series of young-adult novels by Cecily von Ziegesar, GOSSIP GIRL is from Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Paramount Television Inc. with executive producers Josh Schwartz ("The O.C.") & Stephanie Savage ("The O.C."), Bob Levy and Leslie Morgenstein ("Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants"). Mark Piznarski ("Veronica Mars," "Friday Night Lights") directed the pilot.

Seems like a hit, but only if it it attracts the legions of Gossip Girl fans.

CW NOW
CW NOW blends news and entertainment to create the ultimate source for everything that's hip, hot and happening right now in the world of young adults. With a team of experts focusing on the topics and trends that appeal specifically to The CW generation, this new series will feature informative and entertaining reports on the hottest fashions, the coolest music, the must-see movies and the must-have gadgets and technology. CW NOW will be everywhere young adults are: from cyberspace profiling the best of the web, to hitting the streets and getting inside the most popular hotspots. With young adults' insatiable appetite for all things celebrity, each episode will report on the latest news and gossip from inside the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Moving at a rapid-fire pace and utilizing eye-catching graphics and visuals, CW NOW fits perfectly with the on-demand lifestyle of adults 18-34. CW NOW is a co-production of Telepictures Productions and Warner Horizon Television with executive producers Lisa Gregorisch ("Extra") and Mike Miller ("Extra").

Nope.

ONLINE NATION
Young adults have taken their quest for fame into their own hands as the amount of user-generated entertainment continues to explode across the internet. Now The CW is giving them a nationally televised stage to show off what they've got. ONLINE NATION scours the nearly infinite number of websites, blogs and user-generated materials on the internet to find the best, the hottest, the unique and sometimes, the flat-out bizarre, and presents it on The CW audience's other favorite screen: the TV screen. This fun, irreverent weekly series features everything and anything that has captured the attention of the online world, from the most popular sites to the addictive viral videos being shared by millions, to insights from the digital tastemakers. Born of the internet and tailored specifically for this generation, this series also features an innovative interactive element as viewers will be able to see what others are saying and communicate with them live on the air. The CW is turning mouse potatoes into couch potatoes by putting all the greatest internet clips in one ready-to-use package. ONLINE NATION is from Room 403 Productions with executive producers David Hurwitz ("Fear Factor") and Paul Cockerill ("Trigger Happy TV," "Jimmy Kimmel Live").

More nope.

LIFE IS WILD
Katie Clarke (Leah Pipes, "Clubhouse") may never forgive her veterinarian father, Danny (Brett Cullen, "Ghost Rider," "Friday Night Lights"), for dragging their entire blended family out of New York City to spend a year living in a broken-down lodge called The Blue Antelope in a game reserve deep inside South Africa. Everyone in the family, including Katie's 11-year-old brother Chase (K'sun Ray, "Smith"), Danny's second wife Jo (Judith Hoag, "Armageddon"), her rebellious teenage son Jesse (Andrew St. John, "General Hospital") and 7-year-old daughter, Mia (Mary Matilyn Mouser, "Eloise"), is sure Danny has lost his mind. But Danny's reasons go beyond his desire to keep his troubled family together while making a difference in the lives of the people and animals of South Africa: his deceased first wife Claire grew up at The Blue Antelope and it's still home to her reclusive father Art (David Butler). After just a few days in South Africa, the family has already encountered an injured lioness, a lost cub, and a gentle giraffe. They've also met a few locals, including a handsome young Brit, Oliver Banks (newcomer Calvin Goldspink) and his twin sister Emily (newcomer Tiffany Mulheron), whose father Colin Banks (Jeremy Sheffield), runs a safari business for wealthy tourists, and Tumelo (newcomer Atandwa Kani), a teen who dreams of becoming a veterinarian. While they are definitely outsiders, Katie and the rest of the family are nevertheless beginning to love the breathtaking vistas of the bush country and the vibrant culture enveloping them. A year in this strange but beautiful place might not be so bad after all. LIFE IS WILD is a production of CBS Paramount Network Television Inc., Warner Bros. Television and Company Pictures, an All 3 Media Company, with executive producers Michael Rauch ("Love Monkey," "Beautiful People"), Charlie Pattinson ("Wild at Heart," "Shameless") and George Faber ("Wild at Heart," "Skins"). Bryan Gordon ("The Office," "Curb Your Enthusiasm") directed the pilot.

Who the hell knows.

MIDSEASON

ONE TREE HILL
Returning for its fifth season to the town of Tree Hill, this drama revolves around the lives of two young men, Lucas and Nathan, who have little in common aside from their love for hoops and the fact that they share the same father. The star of the high school basketball team, Nathan hails from a wealthy family, while his half-brother Lucas is the only child of a single mom. The inhabitants of Tree Hill have witnessed Lucas' metamorphosis from loner to high school basketball star, Nathan and Haley's troubled marriage, and Peyton and Brooke's tumultuous friendship. While the teenagers struggle to find their places in the world, the adults in Tree Hill continue to deal with the residue of decisions they made years ago. The series stars Chad Michael Murray as Lucas Scott, James Lafferty as Nathan Scott, Hilarie Burton as Peyton Sawyer, Bethany Joy Galeotti as Haley James, Paul Johansson as Dan Scott, Sophia Bush as Brooke Davis, Barbara Alyn Woods as Deb Scott, Barry Corbin as Whitey Durham and Moira Kelly as Karen Roe. ONE TREE HILL is from executive producer and show creator Mark Schwahn ("Coach Carter"), executive producers Mike Tollin, Brian Robbins, Joe Davola ("Smallville") and Greg Prange for Tollin/Robbins Productions and Warner Bros. Television.

Wasn't this cancelled two years ago?

Alternative Series

CROWNED: THE MOTHER OF ALL PAGEANTS
Judges Carson Kressley ("Queer Eye for the Straight Guy"), former Miss U.S.A. Shanna Moakler ("Dancing with the Stars," "Meet the Barkers"), and television personality Cynthia Garrett referee an eight-episode competition that dares to pit mother/daughter teams against each other in a no-holds-barred beauty pageant. CROWNED: THE MOTHER OF ALL PAGEANTS explores one of the most emotional and volatile relationships as mothers and daughters from all walks of life must compete together , and against other mother/daughter teams, in order to win. Faced with challenges that focus on preparing them for the pageant show finale, the women will have to brand a 'style' for their mother/daughter team via clothing and swimwear, create ways of expressing a point of view about issues in the world, and practice for the big pageant dance number. Not only do good looks, talent and a penchant for world peace have to run in the family, each team must also have patience, teamwork and a healthy sense of humor. In the end, one mother/daughter team will be "crowned" the winner and will receive a valuable prize package, including a $100,000 cash award, and, of course, a fabulous pair of tiaras. CROWNED: THE MOTHER OF ALL PAGEANTS is a production of Fox Television Studios, with creator/executive producer Laurie Girion ("Cheerleader Nation," "Last Comic Standing 2").

MILF the series

FARMER WANTS A WIFE
The CW cultivates romance a là "Green Acres" with FARMER WANTS A WIFE, a comedic reality series designed to help one farm boy find the city girl of his dreams. Based on the hit British format, this first U.S. version will find a charming, hard-working farmer who is happy with his life but lacking romance and wondering if he might find happiness with a woman from the city. The show's producers will search the nation's cities to select a group of 10 women who have had it with bad dates in the big city and are open to making a big change. The group will consist of women looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and wondering if a country man with country values might offer a more attractive lifestyle. FARMER WANTS A WIFE will bring these city women to the country farmer. The ladies will have to impress him with their heart and their newfound "love" of the country life, or they'll be sent back to the city. Are these city girls ready for the realities of life and work on a farm, driving a tractor, taking care of very large farm animals and attending bingo night? Through a series of challenges, group activities, shocking eliminations and cozy dates, 10 fast-lane women will see how they match up with a back-roads guy on the path to true love. FARMER WANTS A WIFE is from Fremantle Media North American (FMNA) and Super Delicious LLC with executive producers Cecile Frot-Coutaz, Adam Cohen, Cara Tapper, and Joanna Vernetti.

Good lord, no.

THE CW's 2007-2008 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE

MONDAY

8:00-8:30 PM EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS

8:30-9:00 PM ALIENS IN AMERICA (New Series)

9:00-9:30 PM GIRLFRIENDS

9:30-10:00 PM THE GAME

TUESDAY

8:00-9:00 PM BEAUTY AND THE GEEK

9:00-10:00 PM REAPER (New Series)

WEDNESDAY

8:00-9:00 PM AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL

9:00-10:00 PM GOSSIP GIRL (New Series)

THURSDAY

8:00-9:00 PM SMALLVILLE

9:00-10:00 PM SUPERNATURAL

FRIDAY

8:00-10:00 PM FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN!

SUNDAY

7:00-7:30 PM CW NOW (New Series)

7:30-8:00 PM ONLINE NATION (New Series)

8:00-9:00 PM LIFE IS WILD (New Series)

9:00-10:00 PM AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL (Encore Presentation)

PACINO AND DENIRO TO OVERACT TOGETHER!

Variety reports that scenery chewing thespians Al Pacino and Rober DeNiro are teaming up together in the independent film, Righteous Kill.

This marks the first time that the one-time talented actors starred together in a film after sharing several onscreen scenes in Michael Mann's Heat.

Jon Avnet will direct the film which features the two actors as cops chasing a serial killer.

CBS'S 2007-2008 PRIMETIME LINEUP

2007-08 NEW SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

Only five new shows, but they all seem pretty strong.

THE BIG BANG THEORY
A comedy from the Emmy Award nominated Co-Creator and Executive Producer of "Two and a Half Men" Chuck Lorre, about brainy best friends Leonard (Johnny Galecki, "Roseanne") and Sheldon (Jim Parsons "Judging Amy"), who can tell you anything you want to know about quantum physics, but when it comes to dealing with everyday life here on earth they're lost in the cosmos. Neither fully understands that scientific principles don't always apply in matters of the heart - until they meet their sexy new neighbor Penny (Kaley Cuoco, "8 Simple Rules..."), a friendly screenwriter/waitress from the midwest who also happens to be newly single. She quickly makes an impression on the other members of Leonard and Sheldon's geek squad - Howard Wolowitz (Simon Helberg, "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip"), who portrays himself as the Casanova of Cal Tech, and fellow whiz kid Rajesh Koothrappali (Kunal Nayyar, "NCIS"), who is rendered speechless around anyone unprepared to converse about the Theory of Relativity or other scientific jargon. The chemistry between this gaggle of geniuses and a delightful damsel is about to undergo a stimulating series of inter-personal experiments. Multiple Emmy Award winner James Burrows ("Will & Grace") directed the pilot. Lorre and Bill Prady ("Gilmore Girls," "Dharma & Greg") are executive producers for Warner Bros. Television.

Johnny Galecki was a favorite of mine on Roseane and Chuck Lorre's Two and a Half Men is damn funny. Definitely checking this out.

VIVA LAUGHLIN
Executive produced by Tony and Emmy Award winner Hugh Jackman ("The Boy from Oz," "X-Men"), VIVA LAUGHLIN is a mystery drama with music about eternal optimist and freewheeling businessman Ripley Holden, whose sole ambition is to run a casino in Laughlin, Nev. Occasionally using upbeat contemporary songs to accentuate the drama and humor and advance the story, the series is based on the hit BBC show "Viva Blackpool." Ripley (Lloyd Owen, "The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles") is the ultimate gambler with an infectious personality who is on the brink of making a killing... just as soon as he opens his casino that's nowhere near completion. When his financing suddenly falls through, the fearless and tenacious Ripley approaches his enemy - dashing, sarcastic, wealthy casino owner Nicky Fontana (Hugh Jackman) for help. Though the odds are stacked against him, Ripley doesn't miss a beat, even when he becomes embroiled in a murder investigation after the body of his ex-business partner is found at his club. At home, Ripley uses his dry wit to adjust to the demands of his family: his gorgeous wife, Natalie (Madchen Amick, "ER"), wants more attention; his teenage daughter, Cheyenne (Ellen Woglom, "The O.C."), wants his approval; and his son, Jack (Carter Jenkins, "Surface"), wants to help him at work. All of this adversity would defeat a lesser man, but for the outgoing and passionate Ripley there's no such thing as bad news, only deals to be struck and wagers to be won in the intoxicating neon glow of Laughlin, where the cards are on the table, romance is in the air and lively music is on the stage. Eric Winter ("Wildfire") and D.B. Woodside ("24") also star. Directed by Gabriele Muccino ("The Pursuit of Happyness"). Golden Globe Award nominee Hugh Jackman, John Palermo ("X-Men: The Last Stand"), Bob Lowry ("Huff"), Paul Telegdy and Peter Bowker ("Viva Blackpool") are executive producers for BBC Worldwide Productions, Seed Productions, CBS Paramount Network Television in association with Sony Pictures Television.

Honestly, this could be amazing. Excellent cast, source material and the fact that producer Hugh Jackman will be in a supporting role certainly doesn't hurt.

CANE
Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Jimmy Smits ("The West Wing") stars in an epic drama about the external rivalries and internal power struggles of a large Cuban-American family running an immensely successful rum and sugar business in South Florida. When the family patriarch, Pancho (Hector Elizondo, "Chicago Hope"), is offered a lucrative but questionable deal by his bitter adversary, the Samuels, to purchase thousands of acres of sugar fields, he's faced with a tough choice: Should he cash out of the sugar business and focus solely on rum, which would please his impulsive natural son, Frank (Nestor Carbonell, "Lost"), or protect the family legacy that he built from the ground up by not selling, and side with his adopted son, Alex (Smits), who mistrusts the Samuels and still sees value in sugar. Alex and Frank's approach to business is as different as their approach to life. While Frank might lose focus chasing women, Alex is deeply in love with his beautiful wife, Isabel (Paola Turbay, "Bailando por un Sueo"), who is also Pancho's daughter. Married when she was just 17 years old, Isabel balances Alex by choosing not to involve herself in the business, focusing instead on their three children, who are determined to forge their own paths outside the family. For the Duques, will family allegiance come first or will their secrets and acrimonious conflicts over love, lust and control of the family fortune be their downfall? Eddie Matos ("General Hospital"), Rita Moreno ("West Side Story"), Michael Trevino ("The Riches"), Lina Esco ("CSI: NY"), Sam Carman ("Bones"), Alona Tal ("Veronica Mars") and Polly Walker ("Rome") also star. Cynthia Cidre ("The Mambo Kings"), Jonathan Prince ("American Dreams"), Jimmy Iovine ("8 Mile") and Polly Anthony ("Lifehouse: Live in Portland!") are the executive producers for ABC Studios in association with CBS Paramount Network Television.

What? No Esai Moreales? Excellent cast on what could be the next big primetime soap.

MOONLIGHT
From prolific movie producer Joel Silver ("The Matrix," Trilogy), is about Mick St. John (Alex O'Loughlin, upcoming "White Out"), a captivating "undead" private investigator who uses his acute vampire senses to help the living... instead of feeding on them. In an agonizing twist of fate, Mick was "bitten" 60 years ago by his new bride, the seductive and beguiling Coraline (Amber Valletta, "Hitch"). Immortal and eternally as young, handsome and charismatic as he was then, Mick is sickened by Coraline and other vampires who view humans only as a source of nourishment. With only a handful of undead confidantes for company, including deceitful ally Josef (Rade Serbedzija, "24"), Mick fills his infinite days protecting the living, and trying not to think about how his life would have been if he hadn't followed his heart. However, after six decades of resisting, he wonders if it's time to pursue the love of a mortal. He has his eyes on Beth Turner, a beautiful, ambitious reporter who has been covering the ongoing plague of unusual murders. But would Beth even consider giving up a normal life to be with him, and can Mick risk the pain of seeing himself as a monster in her eyes? As Mick lives between two realities, fighting his adversaries among the undead and falling in love with Beth, he knows he needs to figure out a reason to keep "living." MOONLIGHT is directed by executive producer Rod Holcomb ("ER"). Joel Silver, Ron Koslow ("Birds of Prey"), Trevor Munson and Gerard Bocaccio are also executive producers for Warner Bros. Television.

Joel Silver, vampires, Amber Valetta.

Either the best new show or the worst.

SWINGTOWN (midseason)
From the director of "Big Love" and "Rome," peeks into the shag-carpeted suburban homes of the 1970s to find couples reveling in the sexual and social revolution that introduced open marriages, women's liberation and challenged many conventional wisdoms. During this heady era of provocative change, Susan (Molly Parker, "Deadwood") and Bruce Miller (Jack Davenport, "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest") move their family to an affluent Chicago suburb in search of a different sense of community, and they look forward to barbecues and get-togethers with their new neighbors, as well as a change of pace for their teenage daughter and pre-teen son. Enter Tom (Grant Show, "Melrose Place") and Trina (Lana Parrilla, "24") Decker, a striking, outgoing couple on the hunt who redefine the term "neighborhood watch." After a mind-blowing evening with them, Susan and Bruce realize that couples in this town share much more than recipes, local gossip and a view of Lake Michigan, and are worlds apart from their former conservative neighbors, Janet (Miriam Shor, "Big Day") and Roger (Josh Hopkins, "Brothers & Sisters") Thompson. Susan's loyal friend Janet is appalled by what she witnesses in this new neighborhood, while Roger, though dutiful to his wife, may be more intrigued than she knows. In a changing social climate - defined by its music, fashion and style - everyone in SWINGTOWN is confronted with personal choices, experimentation and shifting attitudes. Shanna Collins ("Wildfire"), Aaron Howles and Brittany Robertson ("Freddie") also star. Mike Kelley ("The O.C.") and director Alan Poul ("Six Feet Under") are executive producers for CBS Paramount Network Television.

Put your keys in the bowl. It's The Ice Storm the series.

Alternate programming

KID NATION
A reality-based series in which 40 kids will have 40 days to build a new world - in a ghost town that died in the 19th Century. These kids, ages 8-15, will spend more than a month without their parents or modern comforts in Bonanza City, N.M., attempting to do what their forefathers could not - build a town that works. They will cook their own meals, clean their own outhouses, haul their own water and even run their own businesses - including the old town saloon (root beer only). They'll also create a real government - four kid leaders who will guide the group through their adventure, pass laws and set bedtimes. Through it all, they'll cope with regular childhood emotions and situations: homesickness, peer pressure and the urge to break every rule they've ever known. At the end of each episode, all 40 kids will gather at an old fashioned Town Hall meeting where they will debate the issues facing Bonanza City. They'll show wisdom beyond their years and the unflinching candor that only kids can exhibit. There are no eliminations on KID NATION - you only go home if you want to. And in every Town Hall meeting, kids may raise their hands and leave. Will they stick it out? In the end, will these kids prove to adults everywhere (and their own parents!) that they have the vision to build a better world than the pioneers who came before them? And just as importantly, will they come together as a cohesive unit, or will they abandon all responsibility and succumb to the childhood temptations that lead to round-the-clock chaos? KID NATION is produced by Emmy Award winner Tom Forman ("Extreme Makeover: Home Edition") for Tom Forman Prods. and Good TV, Inc.

It's like Lord of the Flies in a ghost town. On television.

POWER OF 10
A summer reality series hosted by award-winning comedian Drew Carey ("The Drew Carey Show"), is a high-stakes game that challenges contestants to guess the behaviors, opinions and lifestyle choices of the American public for the chance to win $10 million. POWER OF 10 polls thousands of people across the U.S. asking them, well, just about everything - from "What percentage of married Americans said they were virgins the day they got married?" to "What percentage of American's believe they are smarter than the president?" Each week, contestants must decide if they have their finger on the pulse of the American majority and can accurately predict the results of these nationwide surveys. With the first question worth $1,000 and only five questions to answer, each one increasing 10 times in value, contestants participate in a potentially lucrative game where they just might walk away with $10 million. The higher they are on the money ladder, the closer they must be to the actual statistic. The studio audience and a friend can help them, but the final answer is theirs. Michael Davies ("Who Wants to be a Millionaire") is executive producer for Embassy Row in association with Sony Pictures Television.

Um, okay?

The following is the 2007-2008 CBS Television Network Primetime schedule

CBS TELEVISION NETWORK

2007-2008 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE

(N=New, NT=New Time, all times ET/PT)

MONDAY

8:00-8:30 PM HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER

8:30-9:00 PM THE BIG BANG THEORY (N)

9:00-9:30 PM TWO AND A HALF MEN

9:30-10:00 PM RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

10:00-11:00 PM CSI: MIAMI

TUESDAY

8:00-9:00 PM NCIS

9:00-10:00 PM THE UNIT

10:00-11:00 PM CANE (N)

WEDNESDAY

8:00-9:00 PM KID NATION (N)

9:00-10:00 PM CRIMINAL MINDS

10:00-11:00 PM CSI: NY

THURSDAY

8:00-9:00 PM SURVIVOR

9:00-10:00 PM CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION

10:00-11:00 PM WITHOUT A TRACE (NT)

FRIDAY

8:00-9:00 PM GHOST WHISPERER

9:00-10:00 PM MOONLIGHT (N)

10:00-11:00 PM NUMB3RS

SATURDAY

8:00-9:00 PM CRIMETIME SATURDAY

9:00-10:00 PM CRIMETIME SATURDAY

10:00-11:00 PM 48 HOURS: MYSTERY

SUNDAY

7:00-8:00 PM 60 MINUTES

8:00-9:00 PM VIVA LAUGHLIN (N)

9:00-10:00 PM COLD CASE

10:00-11:00 PM SHARK (NT)

ABC'S 2007-2008 PRIMETIME LINEUP

2007-08 NEW SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

ABC looks like it has become a network programming itself toward the female and/or GREY'S ANATOMY audience.

DRAMAS

BIG SHOTS
This is the story of four friends at the top of their game...until the women in their lives enter the room. Lines between boardroom and bedroom blur when these competitive but dysfunctional CEOs take refuge in their friendship, discussing business, confiding secrets, seeking advice and supporting each other through life's surprising twists and turns.

Cast:
Michael Vartan ("Alias"): James Walker
Dylan McDermott ("The Practice"): Duncan Collinsworth
Christopher Titus ("Titus"): Brody Johns
Joshua Malina ("The West Wing"): Karl Mixworthy
Nia Long ("Premonition"): Katie Graham
Paige Turco ("Party of Five"): Lisbeth
Peyton List ("Day Break"): Cameron Collinsworth
Wendy Moniz ("Nash Bridges"): Stacey Walker
Jessica Collins ("The Nine"): Marla
Amy Sloan ("The Heartbreak Kid"): Wendy

Credits:
EP/Writer: Jon Harmon Feldman ("American Dreams")
Director: Charles McDougall ("Desperate Housewives")

Nope.

CASHMERE MAFIA

Four ambitious and sexy women, who've been best friends since business school, try to balance their glamorous and demanding careers with their complex personal lives in the city that never sleeps. They've created their own "boys club" to protect each other and discuss their ups and downs as they try to have it all. What good is it to break the glass ceiling without girlfriends to share in your success?

Cast:
Lucy Liu ("Ally McBeal"): Mia
Frances O'Connor ("Windtalkers"): Zoe
Miranda Otto ("War of the Worlds"): Juliet
Bonnie Somerville ("NYPD Blue"): Caitlin
Peter Hermann ("Law & Order: SVU"): Davis
Julian Ovenden ("Related"): Eric

Credits:
EP: Gail Katz ("The Agency")
EP: Darren Star ("Sex and the City")
EP/Writer: Kevin Wade ("Maid in Manhattan")
EP/Director: Peyton Reed ("The Break-Up")

Nope. Again.

DIRTY SEXY MONEY
Some people say money is the root of all evil. They may be right. Nick George's whole life has been lived in the shadow of the Darling family, but as an adult he's leading the perfect life as an idealistic lawyer, until his father's suspicious death. The absurdly wealthy Darlings of New York have asked him to take over his father's job as their personal lawyer, but the money that will allow him the freedom to be an altruistic do-gooder is only part of the picture. That same money pulls him into the dubious doings of the Darling clan. Power, privilege and family money are a volatile cocktail.

Cast:
Peter Krause ("Six Feet Under"): Nick George
Donald Sutherland ("Commander in Chief"): Tripp Darling
William Baldwin ("The Squid and the Whale"): Sen. Patrick Darling
Natalie Zea ("Eyes"): Karen Darling
Glenn Fitzgerald ("Six Feet Under"): Rev. Brian Darling
Samaire Armstrong ("The O.C."): Juliet Darling
Seth Gabel ("The Da Vinci Code"): Jeremy Darling
Zoe McLennan ("JAG"): Lisa
Laz Alonso ("Stomp the Yard"): Colin
Jill Clayburgh ("Running with Scissors"): Letitia Darling

Credits:
EP/Writer: Craig Wright ("Brothers & Sisters")
EP: Greg Berlanti ("Brothers & Sisters")
EP/Director: Peter Horton ("Grey's Anatomy")
EP: Matt Gross ("Day Break")
EP: Bryan Singer ("Superman Returns")

Good cast and strong Behind-the-Scenes talent. Still no interest.

ELI STONE
Many lawyers consider themselves prophets, but Eli Stone may be the real deal. Eli has built a successful career at a top law firm in San Francisco representing only the biggest and richest corporations that make a habit of screwing over the little guy. But after experiencing a series of odd hallucinations, Eli seeks to find a deeper meaning to life while trying not to lose his job and destroy his relationship with the bosses' daughter. When Eli discovers an aneurysm in his brain, he wonders if his condition is truly medical or if perhaps he now has a higher calling.

Cast:
Jonny Lee Miller ("Melinda and Melinda"): Eli Stone
Victor Garber ("Alias"): Jordan Wethersby
Natasha Henstridge ("Commander in Chief"): Taylor Wethersby
Loretta Devine ("Crash"): Patti
Sam Jaeger ("Catch and Release"): Matt Dowd
Laura Benanti ("Take the Lead"): Beth Keller
James Saito ("I Think I Love My Wife"): Dr. Chen

Credits:
EP/Writer: Greg Berlanti ("Brothers & Sisters")
EP/Writer: Marc Guggenheim ("Brothers & Sisters")
EP/Director: Ken Olin ("Brothers & Sisters")

A glimmer of hope? This one might even be worth waching.

PRIVATE PRACTICE
From Shonda Rhimes, the Golden Globe-winning creator of "Grey's Anatomy," comes a story about new beginnings and old friends. Addison Forbes Montgomery is a renowned neonatal surgeon, respected by her friends and colleagues at Seattle Grace Hospital. Deciding she can no longer healthily co-exist with her ex-husband, McDreamy, and her ex-lover, McSteamy, Addison heads to Los Angeles for sunnier weather and happier possibilities. Reunited with her once-married, newly divorced medical school friends, Naomi and Sam, Addison joins their chic private practice. Featuring an all-star cast including Kate Walsh, Amy Brenneman, Tim Daly and Taye Diggs, "Private Practice" tells the story of a woman unafraid of change and willing to begin a new life.

Cast:
Kate Walsh ("Grey's Anatomy"): Addison Forbes Montgomery
Tim Daly ("The Nine"): Dr. Peter Finch
Taye Diggs ("Day Break"): Dr. Sam Bennett
Paul Adelstein ("Prison Break"): Dr. Cooper Freedman
Merrin Dungey ("The King of Queens"): Dr. Naomi Bennett
Chris Lowell ("Veronica Mars"): William "Dell" Cooper
Amy Brenneman ("Judging Amy"): Dr. Violet Turner

Credits:
EP/Writer: Shonda Rhimes ("Grey's Anatomy")
EP: Betsy Beers ("Grey's Anatomy")
EP: Marti Noxon ("Grey's Anatomy")
EP: Mark Gordon ("Grey's Anatomy")
Director: Michael Grossman ("Grey's Anatomy")

"Laverne and Shirley" to Grey's "Happy Days". If this is as tedious as the pilot, we might have a cast of self-centered annoying characters that will rival Seattle Grace.

PUSHING DAISIES
From Bryan Fuller ("Heroes") and Barry Sonnenfeld ("Men in Black") comes an unprecedented blend of romance, crime procedural and high-concept fantasy in a forensic fairytale about a young man with a very special gift. Once upon a time, a mild-mannered boy named Ned realized he could touch dead things and bring them back to life. Grown-up Ned puts his ability to good use, not only touching dead fruit and making it ripe with everlasting flavor, but working with an investigator to crack murder cases by asking the deceased to name their killers. But the tale gets complicated, as all tales do, when Ned brings his childhood sweetheart, Chuck, back from the dead and keeps her alive. Chuck encourages him to use his power to help others, instead of merely solving mysteries and collecting the rewards. Life would be perfect for Ned and Chuck, except for one cruel twist: If he ever touches her again, she'll go back to being dead, this time for good.

Cast:
Lee Pace ("The Good Shepherd"): Ned
Anna Friel ("Rogue Trader"): Chuck
Chi McBride ("Boston Public"): Emerson
Swoosie Kurtz ("Sisters"): Lily
Kristin Chenoweth ("The West Wing"): Olive
Jim Dale ("reader of the "Harry Potter" series audio books"): Narrator

Credits:
EP: Dan Jinks ("Traveler")
EP: Bruce Cohen ("Traveler")
EP/Director: Barry Sonnenfeld ("Men in Black")
EP/Writer: Bryan Fuller ("Heroes")

This is the one I'm betting on. If Bryan Fuller wasn't involved, I'd assume it was the first HEROES-influenced show to air.

WOMEN'S MURDER CLUB
Based on James Patterson's bestselling novels, The Women's Murder Club, four working women in San Francisco - a detective, a district attorney, a medical examiner and a reporter - use their expertise and unique talents to solve murder cases. Each woman is successful in her own field, but because of their unique friendship, they realize that pooling their resources during investigations leads to undiscovered clues and answers in both work and their personal lives.

Cast:
Paula Newsome ("Little Miss Sunshine"): Claire
Aubrey Dollar ("Point Pleasant"): Cindy
Tyrees Allen ("Alias"): Jacobi
Angie Harmon ("Law & Order"): Lt. Lindsay Boxer
Laura Harris ("24"): Jill
Elizabeth L. Ho: Yuki
Rob Benedict ("Threshold"): Owen

Credits:
EP: Joe Simpson ("Employee of the Month")
EP: James Patterson ("Along Came a Spider")
EP/Writer: Elizabeth Craft ("Angel")
EP/Writer: Sarah Fain ("Angel")
Director: Scott Winant ("Huff")

Guess what I'm not watching. Patterson's only decent books are his Alex Cross titles and they are on the verge of pure tedium.

COMEDIES

CARPOOLERS
Less about saving the environment than male bonding, four guys from very different backgrounds relish their daily commute as they commiserate about their lives, jobs and families in the carpool lane. There's Laird, the recently divorced playboy; Aubrey, the timid homemaker and breadwinner; the conservative and traditional Gracen; and eager newlywed Dougie. Together, between the pressures of home and work, these men find time to be themselves while driving to and from the office.

Cast:
Fred Goss ("Sons & Daughters"): Gracen
Faith Ford ("Hope & Faith"): Leila
Jerry O'Connell ("Crossing Jordan"): Laird
Jerry Minor ("Arrested Development"): Aubrey
Allison Munn ("That 70s Show"): Cindy
Tim Peper ("The Guiding Light"): Dougie
T.J. Miller: Marmaduke

Credits:
EP/Writer: Bruce McCulloch ("Saturday Night Live")
EP: Justin Falvey ("Las Vegas")
EP: Darryl Frank ("Las Vegas")
EP: David Miner ("30 Rock")
EP/Director: Anthony Russo & Joe Russo ("You, Me and Dupree")

Decent concept. Let's see if it's actually funny.

CAVEMEN
Cavemen is a unique buddy comedy that offers a clever twist on stereotypes and turns race relations on their head. Inspired by the popular Geico Insurance commercials, the series looks at life through the eyes of the ultimate outsiders - three modern cavemen - as they struggle to find their place in the world. Joel, his cynical best friend, Nick, and easy-going little brother, Jamie, are contemporary cavemen who live in the suburban south and simply want to be treated like ordinary thirty-something guys. Despite their attempts at assimilation, Nick doesn't believe mainstream society will ever completely accept them, Jamie seems to take it all in stride and Joel straddles the middle, torn between his friends, his more traditional values and his loving fiance.

Cast:
Bill English ("The Pavement"): Joel
Nick Kroll ("Arranged"): Nick
Dash Mihok ("Hollywoodland"): Jamie
Kaitlin Doubleday ("Catch Me If You Can"): Kate
John Heard ("Prison Break"): Trip
Stephanie Lemelin ("CSI: Crime Scene Investigation"): Thorne

Credits:
EP: Daniel Rappaport ("Office Space")
EP: Guymon Casady ("Hope & Faith")
EP/Director: Will Speck & Josh Gordon ("Blades of Glory")
EP: Bill Martin ("Grounded for Life")
EP: Mike Schiff ("Grounded for Life")
Co-EP/Writer: Joe Lawson

Great creative team, but I feel like it's nothing more than an extended Geico commercial. Like the ill fated WHERE'S THE BEEF? THE SERIES.

MISS/GUIDED
Having navigated the awkward and sometimes traumatic world of high school, Rebecca Freely returns to her alma mater as a guidance counselor, free of the insecurities and orthodontia of her school days. Amidst student behavioral problems and the persistent romantic advances of the male nurse, Gary, Rebecca is certain of one thing - she is interested in the hot auto-shop-turned-Spanish-teacher, Tim. However, much as in high school days of unexpected teenage angst, Lisa, a former cheerleader and nemesis of Rebecca's, returns as the new English teacher determined to make Rebecca relive her unpopular past, setting sights on Tim as well.

Cast:
Judy Greer ("Two and a Half Men"): Becky
Brooke Burns ("Pepper Dennis"): Lisa
Earl Billings ("How I Met Your Mother"): Principal Huffy
Kristoffer Polaha ("CSI: Miami"): Tim
Jonathan Sadowski ("American Dreams"): Gary

Credits:
EP: Ashton Kutcher ("That 70s Show")
EP: Jason Goldburg ("Beauty and the Geek")
EP: Karey Burke ("The Real Wedding Crashers")
EP/Writer: Caroline Williams ("The Office")
EP/Writer: Gaby Allan ("Scrubs")
Director: Todd Holland ("Malcolm in the Middle")

Seems like a female unfunny ED.

SAM I AM
When a terrible accident leaves Samantha "Sam" Newly in a coma for eight days, she wakes up with no recollection of any past experiences, memories or events. Faced with amnesia, Sam must start over. To her dismay she discovers that she wasn't a particularly honest, good-hearted or loving person. In fact she was self-involved, narcissistic and devoid of real relationships - essentially a bitch. Sam must now struggle with her desire to be good and her temptation to be...not so good. Finding the line between good and evil is never easy.

Cast:
Christina Applegate ("Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy"): Sam
Jennifer Esposito ("Related"): Andrea
Kevin Dunn ("Prison Break"): Howard
Melissa McCarthy ("Gilmore Girls"): Dena
Tim Russ ("Without a Trace"): Frank
Jean Smart ("24"): Regina

Credits:
Story By: Cecelia Ahern & Donald Todd
Teleplay: Donald Todd ("Ugly Betty")
EP: Donald Todd ("Ugly Betty")
EP: Peter Traugott ("Frangela")
Director: Robert Duncan McNeill ("Crossing Jordan")

Yeah, this seems fun.

ALTERNATIVE SERIES

OPRAH'S BIG GIVE
The first primetime series from Harpo Productions centers on the competition, drama and emotion as millions of dollars are given away to make a difference in people's lives across the country. Each week contestants will face a "big twist" that will test their nerve, drive, ingenuity and passion. Big name stars will turn up throughout the series to join the "Oprah's Big Give" tour. During the eight episodes filmed in various U.S. cities, the field will be narrowed. The stakes will get higher and higher, with one person ultimately being chosen as The Biggest Giver. "Oprah's Big Give" is created and produced by Harpo Productions in conjunction with Profiles Television Productions, LLC. Oprah Winfrey, Ellen Rakieten, Harriet Seitler, Jonathan Sinclair, Bertram van Munster and Elise Doganieri are executive producers.

You get a car! You get a car! You get a car! You get a car!

Unless I get a car, I'm not watching.

ABC PRIMETIME SCHEDULE FOR FALL 2007-08

*New programs in CAPS

MONDAY:

8:00 p.m. "Dancing with the Stars"
9:30 p.m. "SAM I AM"
10:00 p.m. "The Bachelor"

TUESDAY:

8:00 p.m. "CAVEMEN"
8:30 p.m. "CARPOOLERS"
9:00 p.m. "Dancing with the Stars the Results Show"
10:00 p.m. "Boston Legal"

WEDNESDAY:

8:00 p.m. "PUSHING DAISIES"
9:00 p.m. "PRIVATE PRACTICE"
10:00 p.m. "DIRTY SEXY MONEY"

THURSDAY:

8:00 p.m. "Ugly Betty"
9:00 p.m. "Grey's Anatomy"
10:00 p.m. "BIG SHOTS"

FRIDAY:

8:00 p.m. "Men In Trees"
9:00 p.m. "WOMEN'S MURDER CLUB"
10:00 p.m. "20/20"

SATURDAY:

8:00 p.m. "Saturday Night College Football"

SUNDAY:

7:00 p.m. "America's Funniest Home Videos"
8:00 p.m. "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"
9:00 p.m. "Desperate Housewives"
10:00 p.m. "Brothers & Sisters"


Your turn. What do you think?