About TV Dramas

Medical Drama Coming to the CW

2009-11-14T21:56:13Z

No network is complete without the requisite medical drama series, and the CW is finally joining the ranks by adding one of their own to the primetime schedule.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the CW is forging ahead with HMS, an ensemble drama about a group of students at Harvard Medical School. And here's where it gets interesting -- Heroes star Hayden Panettiere is going to serve as co-executive producer.

Amy Holden Jones, who penned hit movies such as Mystic Pizza, Indecent Proposal and Beethoven, will write and produce the series, which was first shopped to the now-defunct WB five years ago.

^{Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images}

Medical Drama Coming to the CW originally appeared on About.com TV Dramas on Saturday, November 14th, 2009 at 21:56:13.

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An Interview with Kevin McKidd (Owen, Grey's Anatomy)

2009-11-11T22:46:47Z

One of the most difficult aspects of being an actor on a television show that hasn't hit it big in the ratings department is wondering whether or not you'll still have a job at the end of the day. It probably makes life a bit stressful. Now imagine going from a failing series to one of the most successful shows on primetime.

Such is the case with Kevin McKidd. Two years ago, I spoke with the extremely charming actor when he starred on the NBC drama Journeyman, a fantastic series that had the great misfortune of airing during the infamous writers strike. NBC's loss turned out to be ABC's gain as this talented actor landed a role on Grey's Anatomy as Dr. Owen Hunt.

I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to chat with Kevin once more about his role on the hit series and what's ahead for his character as Teddy (played by Kim Raver), a woman from Owen's past, arrives at Seattle Grace this week. Could this be the beginning of the end for Owen and Cristina, or is their love strong enough to survive the most difficult of circumstances? Grey's fans should brace themselves for a very bumpy ride over the next few months...

^{Photo: Scott Garfield � American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.}

An Interview with Kevin McKidd (Owen, Grey's Anatomy) originally appeared on About.com TV Dramas on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 22:46:47.

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36th Annual People's Choice Award TV Drama Nominees

2009-11-10T23:27:08Z

The success of any television show depends on the fans (and the Nielsen ratings). It's hard not to feel helpless when nominations come out for other award shows since more often than not, your favorites don't get nominated.

Each year, the People's Choice Awards allow fans have the opportunity to let their voices be heard and choose the winner. One thing is clear -- TV fans are captivated by all things supernatural. If you want your favorites to win, you need to VOTE at the PCA website.

Although many of the nominees are perennial favorites, a few new shows and stars managed to get a nod this year. Did your favorites make the cut? Find out who was nominated for the annual People's Choice Award and then be sure to tune in when the winners are announced live on CBS on January 6, 2010.

^{Photo Credit: Prashant Gupta/� HBO}

36th Annual People's Choice Award TV Drama Nominees originally appeared on About.com TV Dramas on Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 at 23:27:08.

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Another Show Bites the Dust...

2009-11-10T00:31:07Z

Vampires may be in, but clearly witches are not quite as popular these days as they once were back in those Charmed days. Sadly, it looks as though the fabulous witches of ABC's Eastwick have cast their final spell.

According to Entertainment Weekly, ABC has chosen not to order the "back nine" for Eastwick -- which of course means that the series is done. Given that the show was consistently a ratings loser each week, the network gave the series an unusually long time to build up an audience. As a fan, even I have to admit that I knew the show was living on borrowed time from the moment the first set of ratings came out.

It looks as though ABC will air the remaining episodes, but I wouldn't be surprised if the show quietly slips off the schedule in the next few weeks.

^{Photo Credit: Bob D'Amico/ABC � 2009 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.}

Another Show Bites the Dust... originally appeared on About.com TV Dramas on Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 at 00:31:07.

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Gossip Girl Threesome Causes a Stir

2009-11-09T00:00:37Z

Three may be a crowd in most relationships, but when it comes to Gossip Girl, it's simply the controversy du jour.

Since the very beginning, Gossip Girl has stirred the pot with racy storylines and jaw-dropping ads. However, the latest storyline, which involves major characters in a threesome, has sent the Parents Television Council (PTC) into an absolute frenzy. The group has targeted CW affiliates in an effort to stop them from airing Monday's episode.

The PTC issued a press release to the affiliates stating, "To include a storyline like this on a program that is expressly targeted to impressionable teenagers is reckless and irresponsible. We are asking each CW Network affiliate to use their common sense and preempt this episode."

What do you think about the CW's latest effort to lure in viewers with another scandalous episode of Gossip Girl? Should parents allow their teens to watch this episode? Is the PTC making a big deal over nothing? Sound off below!

Gossip Girl Threesome Causes a Stir originally appeared on About.com TV Dramas on Monday, November 9th, 2009 at 00:00:37.

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Showtime Sets Return Dates

2009-11-06T23:47:03Z

The first inch of snow has yet to hit the ground on the east coast, but fans of the various Showtime series can now look forward to something more than warm weather when their shows return this spring.

Those of us who are desperately in need of a Nurse Jackie fix won't have to wait until next summer to find out how she's going to get herself out of that major predicament (which included a suicide attempt) when the series returns on March 22.

Henry VIII will marry his sixth and final wife, played by Nip/Tuck star Joely Richardson, and plunges further into madness in the last years of his life as the final season of The Tudors gets underway on April 11.

Winter/Spring 2010 Premiere Dates

^{Photo: Courtesy of Showtime Networks}

Showtime Sets Return Dates originally appeared on About.com TV Dramas on Friday, November 6th, 2009 at 23:47:03.

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Is Numb3rs Next to Go?

2009-11-04T22:58:04Z

The mighty axe is getting warmed up over at CBS and it looks as though Numb3rs may be their first victim this season.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, CBS has decided to cut the episode order for their long-running procedural drama Numb3rs from 22 to 16. It's important to note that the network has not officially canceled the series, but fans should prepare themselves for the worst-case scenario.

Are vampires, aliens and psychics taking over primetime? Are we finally starting to show signs of boredom with crime dramas? Well, it's no wonder since we've been inundated with crime/procedural/forensic dramas over the last 10 years. Television viewers have been begging for something different, something that will take us away from the real problems of day-to-day life and transport us to a world created by an absolutely brilliant writing team.

A new trend has begun and seems to be scoring well with those elusive Nielsen families....

Of course it certainly helps that shows such as True Blood and The Vampire Diaries have some of the best looking creatures of the night we've ever seen on television!

Is Numb3rs Next to Go? originally appeared on About.com TV Dramas on Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 at 22:58:04.

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President Logan Returning to 24

2009-11-02T23:43:57Z

Over the last seven seasons, 24 has elected some of the most memorable presidents on television, but easily one of the most entertaining (and evil) of the bunch was Charles Logan.� After his character meet the wrong end of his ex-wife's knife in season 6, Gregory Itzin is heading back to a living room near you for a multi-episode arc as season 8 gets underway this January.

So, what brings the villainous former president back into the fold? President Taylor will very reluctantly be forced to ask for Logan's help with an "escalating international diplomatic crisis" when a plot to assassinate Middle Eastern leader Omar Hassan (played by Anil Kapoor) is uncovered.

When asked about pairing up Itzin with fellow Emmy nominee Cherry Jones (President Allison Taylor), executive producer Howard Gordan said, "The opportunity for these two remarkable actors to share the stage was simply too compelling to pass up."

Will TPTB bring back the equaly entertaining Martha Logan? I've got my fingers crossed...

Season 8 of Fox's 24 is set to premiere on January 17 and 18 in a two-night, 4-hour special event.

^{Photo: �Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: Joe Viles/FOX}

President Logan Returning to 24 originally appeared on About.com TV Dramas on Monday, November 2nd, 2009 at 23:43:57.

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NBC Ends Trauma

2009-11-01T20:52:09Z

Where have all the NBC viewers gone over the last few years? When will the network have another big Heroes-type hit on their schedule again? After five airing, NBC has pulled the plug on their new medical drama series Trauma.

According to Zap2It, NBC hasn't officially canceled the series, but has chosen not to order the back nine. The network will air the remaining episodes throughout the fall. Heroes fans should take note that the ratings for Trauma were just slightly less each week. Could the epic drama be on its last legs despite a creatively excellent season? Let's just say that fans should probably enjoy what little time we have left.

Fans of NBC's Chuck have reason to celebrate in light of Trauma's demise -- EW reports that the network has ordered an additional 6 episodes, bringing the season total to 19. The series had been slated to premiere in March, but thanks to this development, it's likely that Chuck will begin this January. Score one for the geeks!

NBC Ends Trauma originally appeared on About.com TV Dramas on Sunday, November 1st, 2009 at 20:52:09.

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Rumer Willis Gets a Gay Storyline On 90210

2009-10-30T23:14:25Z

Rumer Willis is about to get a major character bump in the coming months on 90210 when her character Gia begins a lesbian relationship with a series regular.

According to Entertainment Weekly, Gia and Adrianna, who has had her fair share of issues, are about to get into a very serious relationship. After overcoming drug addiction, giving up her baby for adoption, falling for Navid, falling for Teddy (only to get blown off), breaking up with Navid (who now wants absolutely nothing to do with her), it would be an understatement to say that Adrianna has been through the ringer. Could a relationship with Gia be just what she needs?

90210's executive producer Rebecca Sinclair told EW, "This isn't a fling. We're coming at this [relationship] from a genuine place and not going, 'Let's do a titillating story that will grab some promotion.' This is a real aspect of teenager life that's interesting ... And there's been a real void in the 90210 universe in terms of gay and bisexual characters."

From drug abuse, date rape and eating disorders to teen pregnancy, parental neglect and even difficulties funding a college education, the original series always managed to address major issues facing teens and young adults. The new series has already tackled several issues, and adding a gay storyline to the fold is an excellent way to explore a topic many teens/young adults might be afraid to address in their day-to-day lives.

What do you think about 90210's latest storyline? Sound off below!

Rumer Willis Gets a Gay Storyline On 90210 originally appeared on About.com TV Dramas on Friday, October 30th, 2009 at 23:14:25.

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