FoxInsider

V-day For The Alien Lizards

2008-10-10T10:34:00Z

V, the 1980 miniseries about alien lizards visiting Earth, will invade primetime once more. ABC is developing a new adaption to be written by the 4400, co-creator/exec producer Scott Peters. "Everybody has that imagery of their uniforms, or the visitor eating a hamster. It’s a science fiction icon and too good to pass up." says Peters. The new "V" will center on Erica Evans, a Homeland Security agent with an aimless son who’s got problems. Don’t we all? When the aliens arrive, her son gloms on to them — causing tension within the family. As in the original "V," several storylines will unfold simultaneously. So prepare yourselves for more freaky looking aliens that always seem to resemble your school librarian.

Rufus Delivers In The Eleventh Hour

2008-10-10T10:31:00Z

I’m one for showing support for our blighty actors across the pond. So imagine my delight on hearing that our very own Rufus Sewell, best known for portraying aristocratic hotheads in movies like A Knight's Tale and The Illusionist is trading in his villain to play a crime-fighting man of science. No not Gill Grissom but close. He is starring in Eleventh Hour, another British gem retooled for an American audience by Jerry Bruckheimer for CBS. The show premieres on Thursday. I guess that just means expect to the Bruckheimer/CSI formula in where it’s more about cases than characters. Bring on more blunt force trauma and the miraculous finding of the speck of fibers, in a room using a torch. That somehow always seems to break the case. I always wondered why they don’t turn on the lights in those scenes; it always helps me when I’m looking for my keys.

USA Psyched For More Burn Notice

2008-10-10T10:25:00Z

The USA Network is on the up. Although it’s not getting as much kudos as its peers AMC and TNT at awards shows, it ain’t bovvered. Why? The FOX Insider is happy to reveal that USA have renewed Psyche and FX new show, Burn Notice in one big swoop. Both shows have been doing just peachy for USA, particularly with the money- spending demographic (big word for the day) that advertisers love, the coveted 18-49 year old. Yes you. Psyche sees its way to its fourth season whilst Burn Notice will head into its third season. Personally I’m not too fussed about Psyche but this Burn Notice news has totally got me jazzed. It stars Jeffrey Donovan as a spy who becomes a private investigator after being backstabbed and outed as an unreliable agent. He uses his new career to earn cash to fund his own investigation to find out who "burned" him. I don’t know about you but I’m completely hooked on series one on FX and can’t wait to see how the plot thickens. If you haven’t been watching then where on earth have you been? Catch it on FX on Sundays at 9pm.

From X-Files To ZZ-Files

2008-10-09T13:18:00Z

It’s the season for great shows or so I thought. First up FX paved the way with great series such as Dexter, Breaking Bad and more recently Burn Notice. My hopes were high then along came Fringe. The Fox series follows a trio of unlikely partners as they work for the government investigating unexplained phenomena. Sounds familiar? X-files? C’mon did you think by increasing the number of main characters to three and casting Pacey from Dawson’s Creek we wouldn’t notice? The only good thing about the show is that it features FX favourite Lance Reddick, of The Wire fame but even he can’t help this show. His eyes scream get me out of here. Don’t get me wrong I like sci-fi dramas but please don’t feed us a formula we’ve already had. I guess I’m not alone as the show’s ratings haven’t been great and to add to our viewing woes another sci-fi drama is soon to grace our screens in the form of psychic drama, The Mentalist. Yeh, the name says it all, crazy.

Enter The Legend

2008-10-09T13:13:00Z

For all you kung-fu fans out there, I have some exciting news! The life of martial arts icon Bruce Lee is to be told in a £4 million TV series. The Legend of Bruce Lee, created by China Central Television, will be a 50 episode bonanza on the life of the man they called the dragon, and I for one can’t wait."We've only seen the glorious side of Bruce Lee. He comes out all guns blazing, his films are entertaining. But very few people know what injuries he suffered and what grievances he suffered." The series, according to his family, will be a revealing insight into the life of the original man of steel. One secret out already is that Bruce was terrified of cockroaches. Can you believe it? I have trouble believing a man, who could dodge bullets and invent a marital art is scared of anything. Did you see The Big Boss? What I want to know is who's gonna snap it up over here? It won't be Living TV that's for sure. Well guys watch this space.

Sarah Says No To SNL

2008-10-09T10:31:00Z

To carry on my Sarah Palin/ Tina Fey story, it seems Sarah will not be appearing on Saturday Night Live this Thursday. This friends, is the official word from Seth Meyers, the show head writer. "Of those specific rumors, there's no truth. We do have an open door policy.” Fair enough but what did Ms. Palin have to say to SNL. “I'm gonna pass up a chance to get on every front page of every newspaper in this wonderful land of ours, just so's I can talk to some nice ladies at a PTA function in Omaha." Pardon, what was that? So Sarah would rather do some function that would elevate levels of boredom to new heights than appear on this Thursday’s SNL, where she’d have a chance to make fun of herself, get back at Tina, and pick up some votes for the McCain posse! But most importantly to prove to America that she’s actually quite cool. It’s crazy, who’s her media consultant? Whoever you are, you need a slap. But it’s not all senseless, when asked if Sarah might appear in other Thursday specials Seth Meyers said "We'd love to have her, we spoke to her earlier [before] the time Tina did her, and it seemed like something was going to work out." The problem, he says, is "the schedule. They're all pretty busy." Busy or could it be that Sarah doesn’t want to come out to play?

SNL In Embroiled In Controvesy Again!

2008-10-08T10:07:00Z

Ok first up there was Tina Fey's Sarah Palin impression that saw a ratings boost for the show. Then Sarah Palin came back with well whatever that comment was. Now Saturday Night Live is the subject of an actual, real-life controversy! Didn't see that coming. A passably funny, Nancy Pelosi–skewering sketch on the bailout bill from Saturday's episode was posted on NBC.com and Hulu following its original airing, but it's since been taken down. Why? No one knows for sure but one suggestino is that NBC caved in to left-wing political pressure. Another rumour though is that billionaires Herbert and Marion Sandler, who were played in the skit by Darrell Hammond and Casey Wilson, complained about the " People who should be shot" caption that ran under their names during the skit for fear that it may be actioned. Well in a country where it's legal to own a gun, who can blame them for thinking that! Either way, congratulations, Saturday Night Live, on your best week since "*** in a Box."

HBO Schmoozes With Entourage

2008-10-08T09:47:00Z

Prepare yourself as Ari and the posse are back for season six on HBO. Over the last few years, HBO has seen its once unbeatable lineup of original programming dwindle away. Deadwood, Sopranos and FX favourite The Wire, all said a big adios. But there's a few programs that are trying to revamp the networ - like hit new vampire drama True Blood, starring Anna Paquin of the X- Men movies. Watch this space folks as a little birdy told FOXInsider that the show may is coming to the UK in no time! In addition to that there's the mini-series Generation Kill, an Iraqi war drama also coming your way in the new year on FX. Another ditty to look out for is the spiritual surfing drama John from Cincinatti. That features the likes of Brian Van Holt, Rebecca de Mornay and Luke Perry. Yes that Luke Perry of 90210 fame! Where did he go? And of course Entourage-"I never imagined when we started that we would make it to six seasons," said creator Doug Ellin, well to be honest neither did I but with it being a fixture at the Emmys thanks to Jeremy Piven's award-winning supporting role as diarrhea-mouthed superagent Ari Gold, it seems we all love it.

And with HBO snapping up new drama, Washingtonienne, produced by Sarah Jessica Park, things are on the up!

Absolutely No Please

2008-10-08T09:04:00Z

Ok this is getting silly now, Fox have announced that they are redoing another hit brit comedy series, Absolutely Fabulous. I mean what happened to the concept of originality and also when will the execs learn that certain things just won't work. Eddy & Patsy as American? Eddy's "Sweetie Darling" with no Jennifer Saunders now that will just be weird. Also who else can play two alcohol fuelled and drug-abusing older women clinging to their youth as well as our Jen and Joanna Lumley? First there was The Office remake with Steve Carell of 40 Year Old Virgin fame. Saw it, loathed it. Then a Spaced remake. Tut tut, there's only one Tim Bisley and that's Simon Pegg. Now Ab Fab. What next? Gavin and Stacey? Don't even think about it. The good news is Fox has hired Saturday Night Live writer Christine Zander to pen a script for the remake. Okay she's funny but still someone has got to put their foot down on this 'cos it's not like they haven't tried to do this before. Ask Roseanne Barr she'll tell you. Ab Fab was almost reanimated for US television by ABC and Ms. Barr tried to get it off the ground, but it never made it to air. Ok so Roseanne's not at funny as SNL writer Christine but you get what I'm saying, right.

Colbert for President?! Spidey fans beware

2008-10-07T09:46:00Z

Stephen Colbert is running for President! That’s right the unhinged star brings his super might to the Marvel Universe. It’s all part of the No.573 issue of the Amazing Spider-Man comic book where Sarah Palin battering fever continues as the comic’s writer shares:"Despite what a frightening number of red-staters seem to think," Mark Waid said, "as impressive as it is, being able to field-dress a moose is not a superpower." I will kind of agree with Mr. Waid but he got me thinking about what should and shouldn't be a superpower. Let's not forget Marvel has produced some lame superheroes, Medusa, queen of the Inhumans anyone? Well for those not in the know she swings her villains by her hair! I repeat, by her hair. No super strength, flying, or mind powers but super hair. Hmmm useful. But I digress; a Colbert presidency fake or real would be interesting to say the least. Colbert as the head of one of the world's Superpowers with Truthiness on his side, villains beware! Captain America's back!Speaking of presidencies don't forgot to catch The Colbert Report: Election Special on FX 5th November

FOX Rids Your Winter Blues

2008-10-07T09:06:00Z

It's getting to that time of the year, when the weather gets cold and wet and you just don’t feel like leaving the house, well, except to go to a cozy pub. Well have no fear cos new shows are here! First up we have Do Not Disturb, a hilarious behind the scenes workplace comedy set at one of New York's hottest hotels, The Inn. Jerry O' Connell stars in this Fox series and for those of you who don't know who he is, think Crossing Jordan. If that still doesn't ring a bell then you leave me no choice but to mention, Kangaroo Jack! Ah yes him. For all you Joss Whedon fans out there, next up we have Dollhouse. The new Fox drama from the genius and all around wonder kid, Whedon, stars Elisha Dushku, some of you may recognize her from FX favourite, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, as Faith the renegade slayer. The series follows the story of Echo, a member of a group called "Actives" and "Dolls". The Dolls have had their personalities wiped clean so they can be imprinted with any number of new personas, including memory and skills for different assignments. Wait a minute, a show about girls with no memories of their original self, who live their lives as other people, sounds like the beginning of a Spice Girls special. The show goes out in January in the US so hopefully shouldn’t be too long until it graces our screens. But hey bring on the winter blues...hmm Elisha

Palin To Return The Fey-vor

2008-10-07T08:35:00Z

Ding ding, let's get ready to rumble! It seems Republican Vice President Candidate, Sarah Palin, may appear on SNL Weekend Update to roast her own impersonator Tina Fey following the SNL sketch between Palin and Clinton flawlessly potrayed by Fey and her comedy side-kick Amy Poehler. If you missed it check this out: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=X5E6CzL9EKQ Palin and her reps are reportedly eager to return the late-night jests by putting in jabs of their own.“She thought it was quite funny, particularly because she once dressed up as Tina Fey for Halloween,” her spokeswoman Schmitt said.With a comeback like that, look out Tina, Sarah’s calling you out! Handbags at dawn! If it goes ahead, gloves will definitely be off and with Tina Fey a comedy heavy weight, especially with her $5m book deal, hit comedy show and Emmy in the bag, I wouldn't want to be Palin as you may just open Pandora's Box of whoop ass!I don't normally pay attention to US elections but this time round with such characters you can't help but get involved especially with the potential of Tina Fey and Sarah Palin going round for round. If that doesn't whet your appetite, the election bonanza continues with the Colbert Report Election Special on FX 5th November.

NCIS FANS-THIS IS YOUR WET DREAM

2008-09-23T12:03:00Z

Firstly apologies from the Fox Insider-or shall I say Fox Procrastinator...the blog has been neglected but this is a work in progress and hopefully, come next week, it will be up and running once more, whahey!

But, I'm buzzed. Such is why I have decided to post something. Well, "something" is an understatement. What I am about to share with you is like being told you have just won a year's supply of Cadbury's Wispa Gold Bars-velvety milk chocolate biscuit with a layer of caramel-what more could you want.

Brace yourselves...Sunday...September 28th...9pm...the first episode of NCIS season six will be shown exclusively on FX. That's right Harmon fans. The one-off special screening of the new episode comes only one week after the season five finale! Now if that's not love for your viewers-I don't know what is. Miss it and rue the day!

Until next time...

TARANTINO GETS HIS NAZI

2008-09-03T11:12:00Z

Tarantino, who has been assembling his assault team for his latest project, the World War II action thingy - Inglorious Bastards, has apparently landed Diane Kruger. Diane, who must be doing something right given her career is still going strong after both National Treasure and Troy, will reportedly be playing Bridget Von Hammersmark (Fox Insider supposes that this character is a Nazi though we do await confirmation), the role originally tipped to be played by Nastassja Kinski. We didn't tip her. So there.

THE ANGELIC TIM ROTH

2008-09-03T11:07:00Z

Tim Roth has reportedly signed up for a role in Skellig, a new Sky One "drama blockbuster" initiative which will be released theatrically after its television premiere next spring. Skellig is the story of a young boy who discovers a fallen angel in his garage and, in nursing him back to health, gets his heavenly rewards. Roth will be joining Kelly MacDonald, Bill Milner and John Simm on the credits.