Kathy Najimy has joined the cast of CBS’ crime drama "Numb3rs." In a recurring role, she will play the division chair of the physics, math and astronomy departments at the university where Charlie Eppes (David Krumholtz) works. She begins filming next week. For Najimy, this marks the first major onscreen series gig since her co-starring role on NBC’s "Veronica’s Closet."
CBS and Planet Grande Prods. are mounting a new take on "Name That Tune," with Donny Osmond on board to host. Latest incarnation of the quizzer classic will be a hybrid, combining elements of game and variety formats. In addition to the familiar song-guessing game, skein will incorporate live musical performances from well-known artists and a bonus round in which players can win $1 million. Eye has ordered a pilot to be taped in December, with a decision on a series order expected quickly thereafter. New "Tune" began to take shape when rightsholder Sandy Frank talked to production companies about reviving the brand. He brought in Planet Grande’s John Watkin and Eamon Harrington. "Sandy wanted an infusion of new energy and ideas. He met with a lot of people and liked our take," Watkin said. In addition to Watkin and Harrington, Panacea Entertainment’s Eric Gardner will produce. New "Tune" is meant to appeal to several generations of viewers, featuring songs from various eras. While the format is still being finalized, it’s expected teams of two people from different age groups — fathers and sons, aunts and nephews — will compete. "It increases the variety of music we can do," Osmond said. "We can go from Sinatra to hip-hop to everything in-between." Producers are also keen on introducing the element of surprise into the show by having mystery guests appear midshow to sing a song once a contestant correctly names that tune. In addition, the final segment of each show will give players the chance to score $1 million if they can name 15 songs in 60 seconds — a concept they’re tagging "the million-dollar minute." "I want the show to have the fun and spontaneity of ‘American Idol’ and marry that with the edge-of-your-seat (feeling) you get in ‘Deal or No Deal,’ " Watkin said. "Name That Tune" first appeared on TV in the 1950s, with revivals in the 1970s and 1980s. Various versions of the skein have aired on NBC, CBS and in syndication, while VH1 mounted the short-lived "Name That Video" in 2001.
CBS is looking to unveil its midseason medical drama "3 Lbs." earlier than expected, sources said. The network has ordered four additional scripts of the Stanley Tucci vehicle and is considering launching the series next month. The move comes amid a soft start for CBS’ freshman series, especially the crime drama "Smith," which was pulled off the schedule Friday after three airings. "3 Lbs." centers on the relationship between a rising-star brain surgeon (Mark Feuerstein) and the brilliant but unpredictable surgeon (Tucci) he works under. The show already is in production on its midseason order. CBS is said to be very pleased with the episodes produced so far but is waiting to see more cuts before making a final decision about a November launch. "Smith" was one of the highest-profile and most expensive new series this fall, boasting a cast that included Ray Liotta, Virginia Madsen, Amy Smart and Simon Baker.
With a preview like this, I can not wait for the whole episode on Thursday night on CBS at 9p!
And how amazing that George Eads does to K-Fed what we all want to do!!!
In a move that had been expected, CBS has pulled its 10 p.m. Tuesday criminal mastermind drama Smith from the schedule, but a network spokesman declined to label it as a cancellation. CBS will air a rerun of CSI this coming Tuesday and encores of Criminal Minds the following two weeks. There has been no decision yet about what will happen after that. Click here! In its three outings so far, Smith has steadily declined, from a 3.6 rating/10 share to a 3.3/9 and a 2.8/8 this past week in adults 18-49. CBS ordered 13 episodes of the series starring Ray Liotta from Warner Bros. TV. Production was underway on the seventh episode when the decision was made to yank it.
Besides the crappy ratings, I wonder if Ray Liotta’s crappy attitude helped with the decision. So let the cancellation flood gates open and watch as shows disappear from the lineup.
