True Blood

True Blood has been renewed for a 5th season and the new seven program Suits has got a second season. Suits first season will premiere on Monday at 9.40pm with a double episode on Seven.

Emmy winning actor Bobby Cannavale ( best remembered as Will’s boyfriend – Vince on Will and Grace) is to appear on 10 episodes of next seasons Nurse Jackie. He is to star as a hard headed hospital administrator who aims to impove the hospital’s performance. In the new series, All Saints Hospital is floundering after a conglomerate buys it and the new arrival will stir things up for Jackie (Edie Falco). Nurse Jackie will be on Eleven in 2012.

Rosanne Barr is apparently returning to scripted television in a series not unlike her ’90s hit Roseanne. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the funnylady has teamed with 20th Century Fox TV on the new sitcom, titled Downwardly Mobile, which follows “a close-knit blue-collar family living in tough economic times.”

After it was announced that they won’t renew Lopez Tonight for the third season, Conan O’Brien spoke about the surprise cancelation on his show Wednesday night. The TV host thanked George Lopez for his support.
“Had it not been for George being so incredibly supportive of me, I would not have come to TBS and we would be not doing this show. I owe that man a lot and frankly it makes me really sad that TBS and George could not work this out. I really liked being a part of a late night lineup with George, and I wish that this could’ve continued,” said O’Brien. Conan airs on Gem Wednesdays to Saturdays at late night (around midnight).

Charlie’s Angels executive producer Al Gough wasn’t kidding when he said the other day, “We’d obviously love to have any [Smallville alumni] come on the show.” A studio source says Erica Durance — whom Gough cast as Lois Lane in Smallville — will guest-star on the new Charlies Angels as Samantha Masters, a tough CIA operative who has a bit of a romantic history with Bosley (aka “the fourth angel” in this new take, played by Ramon Rodriguez).

True Blood fans familiar with Charlaine Harris’ source material may be in for a surprise when it comes to a pivotal shower scene between Eric and Sookie. Exec producer Alan Ball spilled some gossip about the hotly anticipated moment during Comic-Con, in San Diego. It also included key cast members giving clues about the future of Bill’s incestuous tryst, Sam and Tara’s romance, and a particularly creepy baby doll.

Now that we know Bill and his great, great, great, great (?) grandaughter (played by Courtney Ford) have done the nasty, will they keep their distance? “They do see each other again, but Bill has bigger fish to fry now,” teased Stephen Moyer, who added with a laugh, “I’m glad that I didn’t go into some dirty, filthy, neck-breaking sex with her, and then found out.”

“Nothing is ever done on this show,” Ball advised when asked if Sam and Tara are kaput for good. As for a potential romance between Jessica and Jason, who just engaged in some sharing of the blood, Debroah Ann Woll chimed in: “We all know what happens when someone drinks vampire blood, so I’m actually more interested in what happens when the effects of the V wear off, how those feelings transform.”

What is the deal with that damn baby doll? Let’s turn to Ball for the answer. “We will find out what it is about that doll that makes it creepy — and it’s something very creepy,” he said For all you shower-scene fiends out yonder, brace yourselves for this tidbit from Ball: “There will be a moment in the show where Sookie and Eric are together in the shower. But it may not exactly be what happens in the books — it may be weirder and dirtier.”

Now that Tara has seemingly switched teams, might we see a little lovin’ with Bon Temps’ resident bi-curious vamp, Pam? “I’m gonna write that down and send myself a memo,” Ball joked.

Unfortunately, we will not see how Eric made Pam before the current season ends, but “you will definitely see it in Season 5,” Ball promised.

Unity is the name of the game as True Blood‘s fourth season continues. “The entire vampire community is under siege this season, so they’re all sticking together to fight a common enemy,” said Ball.

When asked when and how Sookie’s powers might change now that her fairy godmother has been killed, Ball hinted, “I will say that if you follow the books, you know that faeries are born in litters — and they’re identical.” Wow. So, um, another Sookie is out there somewhere?!

|“I think this show has a tremendous amount of life,” Ball said of the longevity of the HBO hit. “I hope to get to the point where it becomes a problem in the writers room for us to explain why the vampires are aging.”

 Will the club featured in the books appear in upcoming seasons of TB? “It may not have the same name, but it could involve people of both sexes taking their clothes off for paying audiences,” Ball teases. “And it will have a completely different, twisted supernatural aspect in Season 5.”

“This year we will see spirits without bodies, whether you want to call them ghosts or not,” Ball offered up about the baddies we’ll encounter moving forward. “We have only seen glimpses of a brujo-based creature so far, but we will see a lot more of it this year.”

“There’s a little darkness in everybody,” said Kevin Alejandro, when asked if Jesus might not be such a nice guy. “There is some good s–t going on though.”

Ryan Kwanten expressed relief over his character, Jason Stackhouse, finally escaping the grasp of those creepy panther people, but then added, “I think he was actually enjoying being called ‘Ghostdaddy.’”

In between moments of utter adorableness onstage with Alexander Skarsgard, Kristin Bauer van Straten discussed Pam’s recent, um, facial work. “We worked really hard to make you squeamish,” she said with a laugh.

True Blood Season 1 is currently aired on Fox 8, Tuesdays and Season 4 starts on showtime on August 18.

True Blood Season 4, showcase, 8.30pm, August 18th
If you have not already seen this cult called True Blood, this show is not a Vampire Diaries or Teen Wolf like show. True Blood is a lustful look at the supernatural that features gore, nudity and sexy love triangles. In Season four we pick up from Sookie vanishing into the distance. Witches, according to creator Alan Ball, will feature in this season – already we have werewolves, vampires, fairies and shape shifters – obviously witches was the next step! This season promises “more blood and more sex” says Aussie star Ryan Kawnten.
 
Australia’s Next Top Model Season 7, Fox 8, 7.30pm, August 8th.
Season 7 is about to start with Sarah Murdoch back for the third time as host and mentor with Alex Perry and Charlotte Dawson returning as judges. Starting with 100 models (down to 99 after the first day as a girl “lost it” to quote Murdoch) the top girls will strut it out for the chance  to win a car, modelling contract and a cover shoot and spread in Harpers Bazaar magazine plus $20,000.

SLiDE, Fox 8, 7.30pm, August 16th.
This Aussie drama follows the lives of five 17 yr olds in Brisbane, and tracks the highs, lows and dilemmas they face. Starting on August 9, 7.30pm with a behind the scenes look, the show actually starts the week after on the 16th at 7.30pm on Fox 8. Filled with witty one liners and a fast paced plot, it shows/reminds us of the angst of being a teenager, set to a great Aussie soundtrack.

The Borgias, W, weeknights 8.30pm, August 29th.
The Borgias is an extravagent look at the 15th century Iatlian Rennaisance. Airing on W, commercial-free, the story will follow the Spanish Borgia family at a time when the head of the Catholic Church was the leader of the Western World. The ruhtless patriac, Rodrigo, and hos equally corrput children, bribed, bullied and murderd their way to become one of the most infamous dynasties in western history. Apparently, the inspriation for the movie the Godfather, the show features Acedemy Award winner Jeremy Irons and is a fascinating series about power, religion and influence.

Also this month:

Hawke, History, 7.30pm, August 7th.
Starring Richard Roxburgh as 1980′s Prime Minister Bob Hawke, the show delves into Hawke’s relations with extra marrital affairs, unions, and struggle and turmoil with his wife and children. A ratings hit on Ten last year, we now have the opportunity to see it again, especially after the recent comflict between Hawke’s now wife Blanche and his daughter, that apperently rose from the creation of this telemovie. Roxburgh gives, as usual, as brilliant performance.

Hawthorne – Season 3, Universal, 7.30pm, August 9th.
This medical drama featuring Jada Pinkett Smith is back – Smith plays Christine Hawthorne, trying to get her hospital up to scratch, control her daughter and find love.

Food:
Eat Yourself Sexy – Premiere, Lifestyle You, 8.30pm, August 25th
Sarah Wilson, who came to fame on the first season of Masterchef Australia is here to prove that what is on the inside is just as important as what is on the outside. Eaight Aussie ladies will go on a journey of self love over eight weeks, tranforming their figures and habits along the way.

Masterchef 2011 – UK, Lifestyle Food, weeknights 7.30pm, August 29th.
Judges Gregg Wallace and Australian born chef John Torode chose who will stay and who will go in the original version of our hit show. Even though not as spectacular as ours, and without the flare, it is still entertaining viewing.

Awards:
Helpmann Awards, August 1, STVDIO,  7.30pm, August 1st
On STVDIO are the Helpmann awards that honour the Australian performing arts. Our version of the Tony Awards will feature the likes of Cate Blanchett, Jacki Weaver and the elite of the theatre industry. Nominees include Mary Poppins and Hairspray.

The 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, LIVE Monday August 29th 11am, on MTV
With the 2011 Billboard Music Awards being shown on FOX8 at 7.30pm Monday August 1st, we then follow it up with this more decandent ceremony. With Gaga winning eight awards last year, expect her to sweep up again. A must watch for all who are fans of the latest music.

Reality:
Real Housewives of New York City season 4, Arena, 9.30pm, August 9th.
The ladies are back to bitch, claw and fight their way for supremacy as top dog in this addictive reality franchise that has captivated millions world wide.

Mob Wives, Lifestyle You, 8.30pm, August 31st
If you love the dysfunctionality of Jersey Shore and drama of the Real Hosewives franchise, mixed with Growing Up Grotti and the movie Goodfellas, this is the show for you. Four women, proud of their mobster connections, bond with their fate, and show us compelling viewing in this ten part series that shows how the women left behind do as much hard time as those who are behind bars. It is a rare insight into Mafia life as fascinating as is surprising.

Video Hits cut by Ten

Video Hits has received the chop at Channel Ten as the network restructures to save money. Sports Tonight and late News are believed to be still in danger, as is 6.30pm with George Negus.

Hackers strike Fox News twitter feed

Fox News in the US have said hackers are to blame for the breach in their Twitter news feed that sent out a tweet claiming president Obama had been assassinated. One of the posts read: “BREAKING NEWS: President @BarackObama assassinated, 2 gunshot wounds have proved too much. It’s a sad 4th for #america. #obamadead RIP.”

Former True Blood cast member returning

A former True Blood cast member will return to the series at the beginning of a potential season five after last featuring in the third season. The show has just begun screening season four in the US.

Hawaii Five-0 adds cast member

Richard T Jones has signed on to play a recurring role in the second season of Hawaii Five-0. The former Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles actor will play the new Governor of Honolulu.

True Blood‘s fourth season hasn’t even gotten under way yet and already Alan Ball is making plans for a likely fifth.

Sources apparently confirm Scott Foley is joining the cast in a major recurring role that will kick off in the Season 4 finale and, assuming the show gets renewed, continue into Season 5.

The Felicity and Unit star, who spent a good part of the last year playing husband to Teddy (Kim Raver) on Grey’s Anatomy — will tackle the role of Patrick in Bon Temps.

The gig is not expected to derail Foley’s expected return to Grey’s this fall since his True Blood debut is slated to shoot later this month and Grey’s Anatomy doesn’t resume production until July.

True Blood started from the beginning last night on Fox8 and Season 4 will be on showcase.

Season 1 of True Blood premieres on FOX8 at 8:30pm tonight. In case you have missed this cult show on Showcase or dvd, It’s yet another hit series from ‘Six Feet Under’ creator Alan Ball. ‘True Blood’ delves into the meticulously crafted world of novelist Charlaine Harris. Described by the Emmy-winning Ball as “popcorn for smart people”, Season 1 of ‘True Blood’ caused an overnight sensation.

With thanks to a Japanese scientist’s invention of synthetic blood, vampires have progressed from legendary monsters to fellow citizens overnight. While humans have been safely removed from the menu, many remain apprehensive about these creatures “coming out of the coffin”.

Religious leaders and government officials around the world have chosen their sides, but in the small Louisiana town of Bon Temps, the jury is still out.

Local waitress Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin) however, knows how it feels to be an outcast. “Cursed” with the ability to listen in on other people’s thoughts, she’s also open-minded about the integration of vampires – particularly when it comes to Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer), a handsome 173-year-old living up the road. But at the service of Bill’s less virtuous vampire associates, Sookie is drawn into a series of catastrophes that will put their love to the test.

Starring academy award winner Anna Paquin with now real life husband Stephen Moyer, along with former Home and Away heart throb Ryan Kwanten in various states of undress.

First three minutes of True Blood premiere released

HBO has released the first three minutes of the season four premiere of True Blood.   

Scotty McCreery sets country chart record

American Idol winner Scotty McCreery has set a country chart record with his debut single which came in at #32 – the highest ranking of an artist on his/her first try. Runner-up Lauren Alaina’s single debuted at #49.

Rove returning to host awards

Rove McManus will return to Australia to host the ASTRA Awards, which celebrate the best of the best on pay TV.

Cole unemployed

Cheryl Cole, who was dumped from The X Factor USA last week, has missed out on a spot in the UK version as well this year. The singer was a judge on the UK version last year before announcing her exit to head to the US.

New True Blood trailer released

The trailer for the upcoming fourth season of True Blood has been released by HBO in the US.

Jane Lynch leads Emmy host contenders

Glee’s Jane Lynch is said to be close to signing a deal to host the 2011 Emmys. The actress, who plays Sue on the show, is reported to be the favourite ahead of other contenders Ryan Seacrest and Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane.

U2 clarify American idol appearance

U2 have had to clarify their upcoming appearance on American Idol after their manager initially told the press the band would be performing. It has now been confirmed that Bono and The Edge will appear on the show alongside the cast members of the Spider-Man musical.

Olmos joining Dexter

Actor Edward James Olmos of Battlestar Gallactica will have a major role in the new season of Dexter it has been confirmed. Olmos, who played William Adama on the sci-fi series, will play a professor of religious studies in Dexter’s new season.