• For Canadian Eyes Only: We Review Bell Media’s CraveTV.
• Mark Your Calendars: ‘Saturday Night Live’ Sets Kevin Hart to Host
• Stephen Colbert: Your Backstage Pass to the Finale
• Recap: A last ‘Late Late Show’ from fearlessly funny Craig Ferguson.
• Friends For Ever: David Schwimmer Cast as Robert Kardashian in FX’s ‘American Crime Story’
• Pilot Watch: Sarah Jessica Parker Poised To Star In HBO Divorce Comedy Pilot.
• This Week in Tech: GetGlue successor TVTag is shutting down
• Funny Business: The Best TV Lines Of The Year.
• Must Read TV: How Networks Marketed the Worst TV Shows of All Time From Chevy Chase’s failed talk show to Manimal.
• Stephen Colbert, First Star of the Age of YouTube.
• As an Urban Feminist, I Was Surprised to Fall in Love With “Nashville.
Archives for December 2014
On TV Tonight: Monday December 22, 2014
NET | 8PM | 8:30PM | 9PM | 9:30PM | 10PM | 10:30PM |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ABC | The Great Christmas Light Fight | Castle (R) | ||||
CBS | The Big Bang Theory (R) | Mike & Molly | Scorpion (R) | NCIS: Los Angeles (R) | ||
CW | The iHeartRadio Jingle Ball | Whose Line Is It… (R) | ||||
FOX | Gotham (R) | Sleepy Hollow (R) | ||||
NBC | Saturday Night Live Christmas | State of Affairs | ||||
MISC | Major Crimes (TNT) | Anger Management (FX) |
On TV Tonight: Sunday December 21, 2014
NET | 8PM | 8:30PM | 9PM | 9:30PM | 10PM | 10:30PM |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ABC | The Sound of Music: Sing-a-Long | |||||
CBS | << 60 Minutes | Undercover Boss | The Mentalist | CSI >> | ||
FOX | The Simpsons | Brooklyn Nine-Nine (R) | Family Guy | Bob’s Burgers (R) | ||
HBO | The Comeback | The Comeback (R) | ||||
NBC | Football Night in America | Sunday Night Football: Seahawks at Cardinals | ||||
MISC | The Librarians (TNT) | |||||
SHO | Homeland | The Affair |
We Shine the Spotlight on NICKY, RICKY, DICKY AND DAWN Star Gabrielle Elyse
Gabrielle Elyse stars on the hilarious Nickelodeon show, NICKY, RICKY, DICKY, AND DAWN. She comes from an impressive background at Second City and The Groundlings. She has a tremendous amount of experience and is incredibly passionate about her work, something extremely rare in an actress her age. I caught up with the talented young actress about her work on the hit show, her improv background, and what are some scenes she is excited for the fans to see this season.
Tell me about your training at Second City and the Groundlings.
Gabrielle Elyse: First of all, as young as I was when I took class at The Groundlings (I was 14), I was just in awe that I had an opportunity to be there. People know about the talented performers that have come out of both these institution. So coming from the middle of America you think that you’re a world apart and that an opportunity to learn there is out of your reach.
Both Improv schools teach about the same curriculum: improve, long form, and writing. It’s their focus and approach that are different. At The Groundlings you’re taught about big character development and to be bigger and wilder. Think Will Ferrell type characters and Jimmy Fallon. Second City teaches character relationships within a scene. It’s less big character and more “real people” as to not “push the funny”, think Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jane Lynch, or Amy Poehler.
It’s a good practice to experience different approaches to improv and comedy. These schools know that actors typically do just that. And you find what speaks to you as a performer and where you need improvement. Right now I’m learning about Upright Citizens Brigade.
How did you apply what you learned there to your work on Nicky, Ricky, Dicky, and Dawn?
Improve has helped me become more confident in my comedy and in my personal life. It’s helped me make bolder comedic choices and to be comfortable in my skin being over the top with characters. It’s helped me think on my feet on and to be able to take directions and re-direction quickly and to also to be consistent. It has taught me how to play off of other actors, go with the flow. It’s a technique called “yes….and”. These skills have been helpful on the set of NRDD. But it’s now part of my skill-set so I’m able to use it in all kinds of settings.
Did you always want to act? What made you want to pursue it?
I did. But when I was really young I didn’t realize that that’s what it was. I always had an active and vivid imagination. And, in addition to that I was a really independent spirit. If I could conceive of it, to me, there was no reason why it couldn’t happen. “No” was not in my vocabulary. It was always “yes”! I didn’t keep my imagination to myself either. I shared it freely. It got to the point where my teachers would need to ask my mom to corroborate my stories. For instance, my parents were talking about moving back to California…. When they retire. To me the matter was settled, we were moving. So I went into class the next day and told my class, during show and tell that they needed to say their “good-byes” to me because we were moving next week. Yea, my mom got several calls about that one. Or the time I told my class that my dad was a secret Samurai. Well, why not? My dad is half Japanese. He had Samurai swords on display and (shoes) and a kimono in his closet. It all came together for me when my dad took me to go see “The Last Samurai” with Tom Cruise. (Not the most serene movie to take a young one to. And mom my let him know it too. LOL)
I roped my friends into putting on sketches with me for our parents. Actually I didn’t need a cast. I often performed for my family solo. I remember pointing at the movie screen or television and telling my mom, “I want to do that.”
What was one of your favorite scenes you’ve shot with the quadruplets?
Well, my most favorite so far is in an episode titled “Quad-ventures in Babysitting”. It hasn’t aired yet so I can’t say much about that episode. So then I’d have to say shooting the scenes in the episode titled “Scaredy Dance”. In my Halloween costume I looked like the legendary Lucille Ball, as a well endowed, red headed lunch lady. The Quads liked poking my prosthetic hinny, switching out normal height chairs for low chairs, off set, so it would make it hard for me to sit down, and just adjusting to my new physical space so I didn’t bump into them while filming. And they repeatedly group hugging me so I couldn’t move. No matter the scene it’s fun filming with the quads!
What’s in store for Josie and the quad?
What’s in store is always a surprise to the cast. We get the script typically one to two days prior to the rehearsal of that script. That’s when we get to learn what the writers have in store for the characters. It keeps you on your toes! But what I can say, is that there’s a lot of bonding, love, and troublemaking headed your way!
Are there any scenes coming up that you’re really excited for the fans to see?
YES! The episode, “Quad-Ventures in Babysitting” is where the writers really introduce the character of Josie to the audience. You’ll better understand the importance of Josie as it relates to the Quads and her role in the show. From a personal point of view, this was the episode where it really hit me that I am a working actor. I’m part of a team or professionals who know my name; my input is welcome and matters. Making a scene work is rewarding.
Do you think the quad can learn to work as a team more? They’ve struggled with that in the past, will they work well together in the future?
That’s the beauty of the Quad’s relationship. It’s like the typical brother/sister that’s our audience. Like them, the Quad’s are continually learning about themselves and how to relate to siblings, parents, mentors, and friends. It’s an ongoing lesson just like life.
You can watch Gabrielle on NICKY , RICKY, DICKY AND DAWN on Nickelodeon.
THE SIMPSONS! SURVIVOR! Y&R! GIRLS! AMERICAN HORROR STORY! The TV Addict Week in Rewind
Dirtiest Sounding Innocent Conversation: During an exchange on TOP CHEF, hostess Padma Lakshmi and guest judge Rob Gronkowski judged a sausage-cooking challenge. “I eat a lot,” he admitted, adding, “I need a big sausage.” With a wicked grin, Padma said with a smile, “Me, too!” Much blushing and tittering ensued.
Series We’re Pronouncing DOA Sight Unseen: Sorry, USA, but when you hired show-killer Christian Slater to head the cast of MR. ROBOT, you made it about as likely to succeed as my next diet.
Best Break-Up: THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL’s Katie finally told Ridge that the song suggests a man who likes it put a “ring” on it, not a red ribbon. Best of all, the pair’s engagement came to an end without screaming or accusations, but rather in a quiet series of scenes that still managed to pack a huge emotional punch.
Why The Elves Are Grumpy: “Santa doesn’t do payraises,” said THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS’ Paul while dressed as the gift-giving chubbser.
Why I Feel Old This Week: THE SIMPSONS debuted 25 years ago this week… and I remember when they were just a segment on THE TRACY ULLMAN SHOW. Someone, shoot me. Please? [Read more…]
Morning Static: THE COLBERT REPORT, WHITE COLLAR, PARENTHOOD & More!
• Review: The Colbert Report Is Dead. Long Live Stephen Colbert!
• Must See TV: The Massive List of Cameos You’ll See on Craig’s Last Late Late Show
• Postmortem: White Collar Creator on the Finale’s Big Twist, the Alternate Ending and a TV Movie
• Kleenex Alert: Parenthood Creator Jason Katims Confirms Series Finale Airdate, Title
• StoryBrook Scoop: ‘Once Upon a Time’ Sets Pinocchio’s Return
• Kiefer Sutherland: ‘I don’t see myself going back to 24’
• Pilot Watch: Sarah Silverman To Star In HBO Pilot From ‘Secret Diary Of A Call Gil’ Creator
• This Week in Tech: Hulu Closes Massive Streaming Deal With FX Networks
• The 10 Most Ridiculous Things Network Presidents Said in 2014: Mulaney is the next Seinfeld and other tall tales By Jason Lynch
• Review: CraveTV
• First Look: Introducing Neil Patrick Harris’s American Horror Story: Freak Show Character
On TV Tonight: Friday December 19, 2014
NET | 8PM | 8:30PM | 9PM | 9:30PM | 10PM | 10:30PM |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ABC | Last Man Standing (R) | Cristela (R) | Shark Tank (R) | 20/20 (R) | ||
CBS | The Amazing Race 25 | A Home for the Holidays | Blue Bloods (R) | |||
CW | Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol | Kung Fu Panda Holiday Special | ||||
FOX | MasterChef Junior (R) | Hell’s Kitchen (R) | ||||
NBC | Caught on Camera with Nick Cannon | Dateline NBC | ||||
Misc | Christmas in Washington (TBS) | Christmas With the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (PBS) | The Soup (E!) |
CraveTV Review
If you’re wondering why it has taken this TV Addict slightly longer than expected to post our review of CraveTV, Bell Media’s Netflix competitor that launched earlier this month, look no further than the service itself.
Billed as “a video streaming service offering full seasons and series of the most loved and celebrated shows ever,” CraveTV is — simply put — a TV Addict’s dream. No really. Any grammar, spelling and/or syntax errors from here on in should be solely attributed to the fact that even as we type this, we’re half-watching INSIDE AMY SCHUMER in a little window at the top left of our desktop! That’s how good CraveTV is, we cannot stop watching it. It’s a problem, a big one. But before we get into why, let’s start off with the glowingly positive shall we.
CraveTV isn’t messing around when it comes to selection. From genre-defining series that we’re embarrassed to admit we still haven’t found the time to watch (See: HBO classics such as THE SOPRANOS, THE WIRE and DEADWOOD) and half-hour sketch shows we’ve only seen bits and pieces of on YouTube (See: KEY AND PEELE, INSIDE AMY SCHUMER and KROLL SHOW) to exclusives that we’ve already started binge-watching (Hello WGN’s MANHATTAN) and classics that we can’t get enough of (See: MONTY PYTHON, SEINFELD, and FRASIER), CraveTV isn’t messing around when it comes to feeding our seemingly insatiable appetite for all things television. Suffice it to say, if you are eligible to subscribe to CraveTV — particularly at the launch price of $4 per month — it’s an absolute no brainer. No really. There’s absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t stop what you’re doing right now, call your local cable provider and spend this holiday season holed up in your living room watching the glory that is STAR TREK’s most underrated and under-appreciated gem DEEP SPACE NINE!
Oh wait there is a reason… which brings me to that dark side of the service that I teased earlier in this post.
Related: “How Bell Media Bumbled the Launch of CraveTV”
First and foremost. As a long time Rogers customer, myself — not to mention millions of others across Canada — are shut out from this service due to the unholy war between Bell Media and Rogers that does little but infuriate customers on both sides (See: Rogers equally childish treatment of NHL fans who aren’t paying a pretty penny to Rogers each and every month). But even more troubling than Bell Media’s exclusionary policies* is that CraveTV’s new business model effectively sidesteps any regulatory issues put in place by the astoundingly ineffective CRTC in terms of their recent purchase of Astral Media. Which is to say. non-Bell subscribers to HBO Canada should all but assume that any new and exciting content will no longer be built around the traditional over-the-air model that many of us have been subscribing to for all these years but rather reserved for CraveTV’s catalogue. Case in point, Bell Media’s recent announcement** that will see a remastered, 16×9, full-frame, high definition version of THE WIRE be exclusively released to CraveTV subscribers this January rather than where it belongs on HBO Canada.
shomi Review: Why We’re Not Buying What Rogers and Shaw are Selling (At Least Not Yet!)
And finally, any review of CraveTV wouldn’t be complete without the mention of their advertising strategy. You know those posters and billboards that have been plastered across the city? Well, they’re sort of missing a giant asterisk when it comes to that $4 per month price tag. Just to be clear: CraveTV is only $4 per month if you already subscribe to Bell or one of their partner’s cable packages. Packages, which after a quick scan online appear to range between $39.99 and $111.95 per month. (Current cable partners include: TELUS Optik TV, Bell Fibe TV, and Bell Aliant FibreOP TV subscribers)
All that being said, if you are one of the shrinking number of Canadians who, like us, fork over one hundred plus dollars a month to prop up an antiquated cable model, CraveTV is completely worth it. One can only hope that (a) Bell Media sees the error of their ways and opens up this package to all of Canada as soon as possible. Or at the very least, (b), allows me to a finish binge-watching the fantastic first season of MANHATTAN before they pull my media credentials in response to this review!
* Correction from Scott Henderson, Vice-President Communications Bell Media: We have no exclusionary policy. We have been very clear from the beginning that CraveTV is “available to every TV provider in Canada” (see release) and Kevin Crull has been clear he wants to get it into as many hands as possible. We have had meetings with all distributors, including Rogers, and we hope they come on board soon. Already Telus, Eastlink and other small cable providers have signed up and made the product available to their providers.
The TV Addict’s Response: While it’s all well and good that Bell Media doesn’t have an official exclusionary policy, I’ll believe it when I see it. Case in point, I’ve been waiting over a year, possibly two for CTV to meet with Rogers and allow me access to streaming content on CTV.ca and CTV’s mobile apps. (Photo Below)
** Correction from Scott Henderson, Vice-President Communications Bell Media: We also announced in this fall a deal for the entire HBO back catalogue for CraveTV (see release). This is separate than current HBO programming. All back catalogue programming will be available on CraveTV, including the Sopranos, Sex and the City and, as you note, The Wire. HBO Canada features current programming – so The Wire won’t air on HBO Canada. But to be clear, this is the same situation as in the U.S. – To our understanding The Wire will not be broadcast on HBO there.
The TV Addict’s Response: According to an official HBO (US) Press Release, the new high-definition re-mastering of THE WIRE will be available to all HBO subscribers across the US on HBO GO, as well over the air. From the release, “Now, new and old fans of the series can watch the show like never before thanks to a brand new High-Definition upgrade of all 60 episodes, which will debut in December on HBO Signature® and HBO GO®”
Midseason TV Preview: Reality Blunders, Musical Mishaps and Final Seasons
The fall TV season might be winding down, but midseason is just a few short weeks away. Today, we’ll take a look at what to expect this winter, from probable hits to probable misses, and everything in between.
A cornucopia of final seasons are coming sooner than you think
Final seasons of acclaimed comedies “Cougar Town” (Tuesday, January 6 on TBS, Click here for preview) and “Parks and Recreation” (Tuesday, January 13 on NBC) are coming up, as well as the abbreviated final season of former mega hit, “Glee” (Friday, January 9 on Fox). Over at NBC, “Parenthood” will return for its final four installments beginning January 8, and the last episodes of “Mad Men” will air on AMC later this spring.
CBS staple “Two and a Half Men” will conclude with an hour-long series finale on February 19. It will exit prime time as the second longest-running live-action comedy of all-time, only behind “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet,” which ran for 14 seasons between 1952 and 1966. Charlie Sheen and Ashton Kutcher’s tenures amassed a combined total of 12 seasons and 262 episodes, outliving the likes of “Mash,” “The Jeffersons,” “Cheers,” “Frasier” and “Married… with Children,” all of which were on the air for 11 seasons.
Other notable sendoffs include the current run of CBS’ “The Mentalist,” and the upcoming return of FX’s “Justified” (premiering January 20).
“Community” is coming to Yahoo
After a creatively resurgent fifth season, the low-rated “Community” was canceled by NBC one season short of fulfilling its #SixSeasonsAndaMovie mantra. Luckily, internet giant Yahoo, eager to join the ranks of Netflix and Amazon in the original programming game, picked the show up for an additional 13 episodes. Though a premiere date hasn’t been confirmed by Yahoo, showrunner Dan Harmon touted a presumed January 27 start date on a recent episode of The Nerdist podcast.
The college-set comedy will also have the chance to celebrate its 100th episode, becoming one of only 11 single-camera comedies to ever reach that milestone.
The once almighty “American Idol” is likely to see further ratings declines on an already struggling Fox
Ratings for former reality juggernaut, “American Idol,” were down over 30% in 2014, often coming in second or third place behind fellow Wednesday staples “Survivor” and”Modern Family,” and “The Big Bang Theory” on Thursdays. Assuming the declines are a result of viewer fatigue, Fox will only air the show one hour per night, instead of its usual two hours on Wednesdays and one hour on Thursdays. If that doesn’t work, the network is already courting Simon Cowell. If “Idol” declines grow more troublesome in 2015, they can promise the mogul the revival of his passion project, a fourth season of “The X Factor,” in exchange for his return to the aging singing competition in 2016.
Former “Friends” are here to make us laugh again
As Courteney Cox starrer “Cougar Town” winds down after an impressive six-season run, Matt LeBlanc’s “Episodes” returns for a fourth season on Showtime on January 11. Meanwhile, a remake of “The Odd Couple” starring Matthew Perry will premiere ahead of the “Two and a Half Men” finale on CBS, getting the cushiest possible time slot behind TV’s number one comedy, “The Big Bang Theory.” It debuts February 19.
More changes are upon us in late night
Next Thursday, Stephen Colbert will leave “The Colbert Report” behind to takeover as host of CBS’ “The Late Show” in late 2015; David Letterman officially steps down on May 20. “The Daily Show” correspondent, and executive producer of “black-ish,” Larry Wilmore, will take over Colbert’s 11:30 time slot on Comedy Central with “The Nightly Show” beginning January 19. On March 23, “Into the Woods” star James Corden will become host of CBS’ “The Late Late Show” following the exit of longtime host, Craig Ferguson, whose final episode airs December 19. A bevy of guest hosts will fill the time between Ferguson’s exit and Corden’s debut.
A promising night of comedy is coming to HBO…
Sunday, January 11 will see the fourth season premiere of “Girls” at 9, and the second season premiere of “Looking” at 10. Sandwiched between them is the new Duplass Brothers comedy, “Togetherness,” starring Amanda Peet (“Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip”) and Melanie Lynskey (“Two and a Half Men”). A second season of “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” premieres February 8 at 11.
… while there’s a less promising future ahead for ABC’s newest half-hours
Over at the Alphabet Network, the four-week musical extravaganza, “Galavant,” will fill the void left by a midseason hiatus for the popular “Once Upon a Time.” Its eight-episode run is being deemed a “limited event,” indicating the network has little to no faith that the show will live beyond those eight episodes. Another new ABC comedy, “Fresh Off the Boat” (pictured above) will air Tuesdays at 8 beginning February 10 after a one-time sneak preview Wednesday, February 4 behind “The Middle” and “Modern Family.” The show will be left to fend for itself against CBS’ “NCIS,” NBC’s “The Voice,” and The CW’s “The Flash.” Its chance of survival is bleak.
Trailer Park: Your First Look at ORPHAN BLACK Season 3
Press Release: BBC AMERICA’s Peabody Award-winning series Orphan Black is back and the first look at the new season is here! The conspiracy thriller (10 x 60) stars award-winner, Tatiana Maslany, who returns to her unprecedented lead role as multiple clones. More vulnerable than ever before, Sarah, Cosima, Alison, and Helena’s bond will be put to the test with the reveal of highly trained, identical male-soldiers played by Ari Millen. Seen above, Sarah (Maslany) is about to embark on a tense face off with the lethal Rudy (Millen) in a Dyad prison cell. The critically-acclaimed, action-packed series that sparked an inspired fan base named Clone Club, returns to BBC AMERICA, Saturday, April 18, 9:00pm ET.