By all accounts, “Trauma” was basically a medical drama as imagined by Michael Bay. It got panned by critics, earned lousy ratings, and NBC announced it was stopping production immediately. Now, by unpopular non-demand, NBC has ordered more episodes.
Why would NBC order more of a low-rated show that isn’t particularly acclaimed and is expensive? [...]
NBC is serving up more “Trauma,” sources say, because the network is short on inventory — quality content that’s ready to roll. Ten “Trauma” episodes will air before the holidays. Now they’ll have another six, instead of an awkward three, to air at some other time (which has yet to be determined). [The Live Feed]
Hmmm… that’s odd. Why would NBC be short on hour-long dramas? Can’t they just plug in another hour of Leno? That idea worked so well the first time.
“Please take the fries off my head, kid. The basket is extremely hot.”
Today is an excruciatingly slow news day, so this story is about “United Plates of America,” an ambitious reality show greenlit by NBC in which the winning contestant is awarded a restaurant chain.
A group of would-be restaurateurs will compete to impress a panel of wealthy investors from the cooking and business world. Challenges will test competitors’ savvy on such subjects as their restaurant’s concept, menu and marketability and their ability to manage staff…
The show’s winner will receive a restaurant chain that opens in four locations in various U.S. cities on the night of the show’s season finale. [THR]
My pitch: “Good food, good fun, and a whole bunch a crazy crap on the walls!” Do I win? What if my deep frier can flash-fry a buffalo in six seconds?
When Conan O’Brien finally took the reigns of “The Tonight Show” this spring, many longtime fans couldn’t help but notice that he seemed uncomfortable toning down the gleefully unhinged humor that made his “Late Night” such a success. Gone were the joys of the Masturbating Bear and Vomiting Kermit the Frog and even his ritual “string dance.”
But I think Conan — and his writers — have finally grown into the new role. Several times this week, he’s had the sharpness and silliness of the old “Late Night” while managing to hold on to the more buttoned-up style “The Tonight Show” requires. Take, for example, the clip above: it’s the sort of juvenile, cheap laugh O’Brien excels at, but he lets the video do the work for him.
Naturally, this improvement won’t solve the present NBC ratings disaster caused by the Great Leno Plague, but it’s good to see one of the best hosts of late-night television grow into the show he inherited. More examples, including an excellent Sarah Palin clip, below:
Will Arnett, famous for being the voice of GMC trucks and playing G.O.B. on “Arrested Development,” will join wife Amy Poehler on upcoming episodes of NBC’s “Parks and Recreation.” Michael Ausiello gushes:
An NBC spokesperson confirms that Arnett will guest star opposite real-life wife, Amy Poehler, on her creatively-resurgent comedy in early 2010. He’ll play a possible suitor for Poehler’s character, Leslie.
Incidentally, Arnett appears in the same episode that marks the arrival of Justin Theroux, who also happens to be playing a love interest for Leslie. You know what I’m smelling now?
Some sweaty balls?
Comedic fireworks!
Oh. That too, I guess.
Here’s the only skit from this weekend’s “Saturday Night Live” that’s worth its salt. Given that I set the bar pretty low and that I prefer to defend “SNL” from its detractors, I still have to admit that this episode — hosted by January Jones — was probably the worst of the season so far. I’ve come to expect the usual negative aspects (the cold open that goes on too long, flat monologue, etc.), but this episode wasn’t elevated by a good digital short or a few memorable skits. It failed to showcase the host in any interesting role, the Black Eyed Peas butchered their own terrible songs, and the show leaned too heavily on homosexuality and farting to try to get laughs. And I think we all know that’s MY schtick! *makes out with guy* *fart noise*
FRIDAY: There is nothing good on tonight. Or any Friday night. Ever. It’s television’s collective hangover from blowing its wad on Thursday night.
SATURDAY: Assorted college football. Check local listings and Every Day Should Be Saturday for more. Later, January Jones hosts “Saturday Night Live.” She was actually a comedic actress before landing “Mad Men,” so there’s justification for setting your expectations too high. Pictured: Jones on “Late Night” earlier this week after playing beer pong with Jimmy Fallon.
SUNDAY: Your usual allotment of NFL action, punctuated by Patriots-Colts on Football Night in America (NBC). I’ll be rooting for the Pats because Tom Brady is so handsome on my fantasy team some reason that isn’t gay. Also:
The Simpsons (Fox) — Say what you will about it falling off, but at least it wasn’t created by Seth MacFarlane. If you prefer to watch funny cartoons, you may wish to instead catch ‘Venture Bros.” on Cartoon Network at midnight.
Untamed & Uncut (Animal Planet) — Animal Planet is now officially making its shows sound like porn titles.
WWII in HD (History) — Starts at 9:00 Eastern/8:00 Central. If you don’t watch this, just plan on not participating at Warming Glow next week. And forget about getting a Christmas card from me. Watch preview clips here.
