What`s Playing in the Media Room - January 23rd

American Dad - 7:30 - Fox - Season 4 Episode 13
Episode Title: Stanny Boy and Frantastic
When Stan and Francine meet a young couple, Tom and Cami, their predictable lives get a shot of adrenaline as they do their best to keep up with the younger couple's crazy and adventurous lifestyle. But it isn't long before Stan and Francine struggle to keep up and come up with a plan to slow Tom and Cami down permanently.


Extreme Makeover: Home Edition - 8:00 - ABC - Season 8 Episode 14
Episode Title: Graham Family


Sex and The City - 8:00 - NBC
Carrie Bradshaw and her gal pals find new adventures and surprises while they enjoy companionship, cupcakes and Cosmopolitan in New York. Based on the TV series.

Stars: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Chris Noth, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon


The Simpsons - 8:00 - Fox - Season 22 Episode 12
Episode Title: Homer of the Father
Homer becomes obsessed with "Thicker than Waters," a 1980s family sitcom written by David Mamet, and models his parenting skills after the show's sensible father much to the chagrin of Bart, who desperately sets his sights on a brand new dirt bike. But when Homer insists that Bart must earn the dirt bike, Bart takes matters into his own hands and schemes with Russian and Chinese spies to provide top-secret information in exchange for the new bike. Later, James Lipton conducts an interview with a television cast on "Inside the Actor's Studio."


Bridges of Madison County - 8:00 - CHCH
Memoirs tell a deceased woman's children of her four-day affair in 1965 with a photographer on assignment.

Stars: Clint Eastwood, Meryl Streep, Annie Corley, Victor Slezak, Jim Haynie


Bob's Burgers - 8:30 - Fox - Season 1 Episode 3
Episode Title: Sacred Cow
When a controversial documentary filmmaker places a live cow outside of the family restaurant to make a statement, Bob is livid when it starts to scare away customers. However, to everyone's surprise, Bob treats the cow like a member of the family.


My 40 Year Old Child - 9:00 - TLC - Special
Nicky Freeman is 40 years old with the body of a 10-year-old, and Gabby Williams is a 6-year-old who is like a newborn, but doctors do not understand why.


Big Love - 9:00 - HBO - Season 5 Episode 2
Episode Title: A Seat at the Table
Bill's attempt to stage a "safety net" meeting for polygamist leaders is hindered by Alby and Home Plus objectors. In an effort to find common ground with her mother, Barb asks Nancy to join her at a symposium focusing on mother-daughter Mormon challenges. Nicki learns the extent of Adaleen's isolation; Marge despairs over the quandary involving Ana and Goran; and Cara Lynn impresses her math teacher, and Greg.


Californication - 9:00 - Showtime - Season 4 Episode 3
Episode Title: Home Sweet Home
Hank takes advantage of the misperception and moves home with Karen and Becca; Charlie tries to reach a sexual benchmark.


The Cleveland Show - 9:30 - Fox - Season 2 Episode 12
Episode Title: Like a Boss
When a management position opens up at Waterman Cable, Cleveland and Terry are surprised when Tim gets the job. At first Cleveland thinks it will be great to have his friend as his boss, but when Tim goes on a power trip and schedules a company retreat during Cleveland's Super Bowl party, Cleveland must take matters into his own hands to put a stop to Tim's tyrannical ways. Meanwhile, it's Rallo's turn to take the class pet turtle home from school, and he soon realizes that he can use the pet to play tricks on Cleveland Jr.


Episodes - 9:30 - Showtime - Season 1 Episode 3
Episode Title: Episode #1.3
Beverly can't stand Matt, and the feeling is mutual. As it's all she can do not to throttle the star of her show, she tells her husband, "He's yours." Sean and Matt end up spending the day together, including an extended adventure in Las Vegas. Soon the two guys are bonded, leaving Beverly feeling excluded by her husband's new bromance. Later, in a confrontation with Matt, Beverly learns just how "big" a star Matt LeBlanc actually is.


Hawaii Five-0 - 10:00 - CBS - Season 1 Episode 14
Episode Title: Kai e'e
The head of the Tsunami Warning center disappears as the island is being evacuated for a major storm.


Extreme Births - 10:00 - TLC - Special
The stories of four pregnancies and insuperable obstacles.


Shameless - 10:00 - Showtime - Season 1 Episode 3
Episode Title: Aunt Ginger
The whole family is needed when elderly Aunt Ginger who is the owner of their house disappears. In the meantime, Ian gets into trouble with the brother of a girl he rejected.


Sparacus: Gods of the Arena - 10:00 - TMN - Season 1 Episode
Episode Title: Past Transfressions
Once young Batiatus finally gets the control of his father's gladiator school, he immediately begins to plot to make a profitable business out of his ludus. In order to succeed, he puts his most skilled fighter into good use to gain the favour of a rich and cunning nobleman who can help fund the building of a new arena.


What will I be watching?  We'll be watching  Big Love, and Hawaii Five-0.  We'll be catching Shameless, Californication and Episodes tomorrow night when it airs in Canada on TMN. 

Producer's Guild Award Winners

Best Picture
THE KING’S SPEECH

Best Animated Feature
TOY STORY 3

Best Documentary
WAITING FOR ‘SUPERMAN’

Best TV Drama Series
Mad Men (AMC)

Best TV Comedy Series
Modern Family (ABC)

Best TV Movie or Miniseries
The Pacific (HBO)

Best Live Entertainment/Competition TV
The Colbert Report (Comedy Central)

Best Non-Fiction TV
“Deadliest Catch” (Discovery Channel)

Really can't argue with those picks, the question is.  Is The King's Speech picking up some momentum at just the right time?  The Producers Guild winner has gone on to win the big prize at that years Oscar Awards the last three years.  Something to keep in mind when making those picks for your Oscar Pool.

A preview of this week's television

It's Sunday, so it's time to take a look at the week ahead in tv. But first, I wanted to look at a couple news items.


So NBC has a new person in charge over there as part of the Comcast deal. Robert Greenblatt is now in charge of primetime programming. One of the first moves he's made is to actually make the Wonder Woman pilot that NBC recently turned down due to mostly costs to get the thing off the ground. The pilot is being put together by David E. Kelley who's currently working on Harry's Law also on NBC.


Don't know if you watch Archer, but it's a dark twisted spy cartoon that air's on FX. Here's the poster for Season 2. The tagline says it all, "The Spy Who loved Himself"

Fans were worried when the news came out that Fringe was getting bumped to the deadly Friday time-slot. Well, fans should be celebrating as the ratings for the first friday where up from it's last Thursday show. On another note, holy crap Christopher Lloyd is looking old.


Here's the first full look at the new Spidey suit with web-shooters.

Alrighty, let's get into the week.

Sunday

It looks like Football is dominating the schedule tonight, well, that an cartoons. Football will pull around 30 million viewers so some regular programming has been pulled from tonight's schedule. But CBS is aiming to carry those viewers into a special night of Hawaii Five-0.


Don't feel like watching Football or regular tv? There are a tonne of movies on today, Wargames, Neverending Story, The Mighty Ducks, The Lake House, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, Stepmom, The Bridges of Madison County, Sex and The City, Clueless, Casino, Glory Road, Failure to Launch, Steel Magnolias, Charlie's Angels, Patch Adams just to name quite a few options for you to watch.


If trashy "reality" programming is your thing, E! is bringing the premiere of Kourtney & Kim take New York. I'm sure that'll be thrilling.


Fox will be rocking their entire Sunday night cartoon lineup if that's your thing.


Monday

What the hell is CBS doing? Two weeks ago we didn't get the comedy lineup, last week we did what we craved. This week? Nope. Nothing new from CBS Monday night! GRRRRR!! You're killing me CBS.


The highlight of the night for me will be this week's castle. The episode should really be titled "The Kiss" because that's what is getting hyped, so of course it'll be nothing. But over thetvaddict.com he's got 5 great reasons why Monday's episode of Castle will be great.

Another high note for me is a classic Rob Lowe film is on CHCH. Youngblood. An upstate New York farm boy grows up the hard way after going to Canada to play semipro hockey. Stars, Rob Lowe, Cynthia Gibb, Patrick Swayze. See, I told ya, awesome!


Are people still watching The Cape?


Monday night's at 10 are suddenly very full, Hawaii Five-0, Castle and the new Harry's Law.


Tuesday

Hmmm, the guy in charge in the States is at it again. He messed up the schedule for us tv fans a couple weeks ago and Tuesday night he's addressing his people with The State of The Union so that's creating chaos all over the place on Tuesday.


The basic rundown is this, new Biggest Loser, Flashpoint and Rick Mercer annnnd that's it. Oh, sorry, there is also a new What Not to Wear. In Canada we'll also get a new episode of Hellcats on the new VR.


Sure they'll be a bunch of repeats on around the speech to catch you up on stuff you might have missed.


Movies? Sure. Casino Royale, great flick. Little Giants and a couple movies that seems to be made for tv.


Looks like Tuesday will be a catchup and clear the pvr night. Helpful, but still annoying.


Wednesday

Wow, what is with the schedule this week? It's outta wack and I don't like it. CBS has it regular line up on with no problem. ABC is still recovering from the Presidents speech a few weeks ago. No new comedies until 9:30 when they air the Cougar Town that really should have been on last week. But because of the speech running late, Cougar Town is behind an episode and they're making it up tonight. So next week hopefully the schedule there returns to normal. NBC is two thirds normal, with no new Law & Order on at 10:00.


But Idol is on as normal, I was amazed just how quickly and easily I was right back in there. Simon who?


There isn't really any movies on Wednesday either, that's two days of catchup and clean up, that's if there is anything to watch on the pvr at this point. *sigh*



Thursday

OH WTF! No Big Bang Theory this week? WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE. That's two out of the last three weeks no new episode? It's one of their biggest shows and yet somehow we're getting a new shit my dad says? Just air these to get rid of them and never bring it back. Please. Thank god NBC is rocking the entire three hour comedy block.


Speaking of that block, we watched Perfect Couples last week, mostly because it was supposed to be about games night. In this house we love Games Night. So anyways, it was a muuuuch better episode than the horrible preview episode last month. Much better chemistry then the preview, worst thing about the show. Olivia Munn, she's a horrible actress. Sorry fellow nerds.


It would appear that only NBC is the ones airing anything new after 8:30. Nothing new at 9 and 10. Sigh.


Movies? Not really. Cries in the Dark and Sugar &; Spice. No thanks.


Friday

Friday's are looking real bare, Smallville and Supernatural are back so fans will be happy about that. Fringe is new at 9. Wow, when did Fridays get so nerdy? There is nothing else I really can say about Fridays.

What's Playing in the Media Room - January 21st 2011

Supernanny - 8:00 - ABC - Season 7 Episode 9
Episode Title:Columbo Family
Jo helps a former parenting educator and her husband create rules and boundaries for their two mutinous sons.

Medium - 8:00 - CBS/CFTO - Season 7 Episode 13
Episode Title:Me Without You
When Allison becomes a lawyer and Joe starts a new job, the Dubois family is forever changed.

Thoughts from the Media Room: Series finale for this one.

Kitchen Nightmares - 8:00 - Fox/Global - Season 4 Episode 1
Episode Title:Spanish Pavillion

Two Weeks Notice - 8:00 - Suntv
A lawyer decides that she's used too much like a nanny by her boss, so she walks out on him.

Stars: Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant


Saving Silverman - 8:00 - Much Music
A pair of buddies conspire to save their best friend from marrying the wrong woman.

Stars: Jason Biggs, Amanda Peet, Steve Zahn, Jack Black


Out of Sight - 8:00 - Bravo Canada
A career bank robber breaks out of jail and shares a moment of mutual attraction with a US Marshall he has kidnapped.

Stars: George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez, Ving Rhames


Primetime: What Would You Do? - 9:00 - ABC
Episode Title:
Camera captures people`s reactions to dilemmas.

Dateline NBC - 9:00 Two Hours
Episode Title:

Fringe - 9:00 - FOX - Season 3 Episode 10
Episode Title:The Firefly
An Observer makes contact with the Fringe Team to help rectify a mistake. Meanwhile, Walter befriends Roscoe Joyce, keyboardist for Walter's favorite 1970s band, "Violet Sedan Chair." Walter will learn the real reason the band broke up, and realize that the lives of these two men, who have never met before, overlap in strange and unexpected ways.

Thoughts from the Media Room: New time slot here, I should really catch up on this one.

Say yes to The Dress - 9:00 - TLC - Season 6 Episode 5
Episode Title:Beat The Dress
Liza custom-designed two skirts to top her dress, Leanne doesn`t love her gown, Ivania is with her opnionated fiance.

Say Yes to the Dress - 9:30 - TLC - Season 6 Episode 6
Episode Title:Torn between two styles
Janine has a princess ball gown in mind for her wedding, Celeste is used to thinking about others before herself, Christina is pregnant and seelf conscious of her body.

20/20 - 10:00 - ABC
Episode Title:
Interview with Capt. mark Kelly, husband of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords(D-Ariz.)

Four Weddings - 10:00 - TLC - Season 2 Episode 4
Episode Title:and Dancing Zombies
Trisha hopes to impress with Banquete hall surprises, Rachel has theatrics, Hannah`s Hollowedding, Janitza is blending cultures.

A Look at Late Night
Piers Morgan: George Clooney
Late Show: Nathan Lane, comedian Mike Palascak, performance by Esperanza Spalding
Tonight Show: Kathy Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb, Andrew Garfield, performance by Hayes Carll
Kimmel: Terry Bradshaw, Jim Sturgess, performance by KT Tunstall
Late Late Show: Jeff Bridges
Late Night: David Duchovny, Greta Gerwig, chef Lidia Bastianich

What will be playing in my Media Room:
The only thing that will be on in this house will be Medium and Say Yes to the Dress.

What's Playing in the Media Room - January 20th

Wipeout - 8:00 - ABC/Global - Season 4 Episode 3
Episode Title: Don't Fear The Beaver
A rocket scientist, a dancer and a river guide face obstacles, including the ski lift and Seven Letter word.


The Big Bang Theory - 8:00 - CBS/CFTO - Season 4 Episode 13
Episode Title: The Love Car Displacement
Tension runs high when everyone is staying at the same hotel for a science event and Bernadette runs into her ex-boyfriend.


Community - 8:00 - NBC/CityTV - Season 2 Episode 12
Episode Title: Asian Population Studies
Annie returns from spring break to find that her crush "Rich", the Dr., has enrolled at Greendale Community College, sparking a heated debate about whether to add Rich and/or Senor Chang to the study group. Shirley's ex-husband Andre is back in the picture and Shirley has some big news for everyone


American Idol - 8:00 - FOX - Season 10 Episode 2
Episode Title: New Orleans, LA Auditions
The auditions continue from New Orleans, LA on the second part of two-night season premiere of American Idol as the judges continue their quest to find the next singing superstar.

Of Mice and Men - 8:00 - SunTV
Two drifters, one a gentle but slow giant, try to make money working the fields during the Depression so they can fulfill their dreams.

Stars: John Malkovich, Gary Sinise


The Replacements - 8:00 - CHCH
During a pro football strike, the owners hire substitute players.

Stars: Keanu Reeves, Gene Hackman, Brooke Langton, Orlando Jones

Bleep my Dad Says - 8:30 - CBS/CFTO - Season 1 Episode 14
Episode Title: Corn Star
When the homeowners' association president complains that the corn stalks in Ed's garden are too tall, Ed harnesses his anger by running for president himself. Also, Vince is torn when he gets propositioned by his secret celebrity crush


Perfect Couples - 8:30 - NBC/CityTV - Season 1 Episode 1
Episode Title: Pilot
When Julia and Dave's anniversary plans fall through, Rex and Leigh plan a game night


CSI - 9:00 - CBS/CFTO - Season 11 Episode 12
Episode Title: A Kiss Before Frying
The CSIs link a body with severe burn marks to possible execution by electric chair - and to a legendary Vegas murder. Meanwhile, Greg asks out Ellen, a pretty schoolteacher and forensics enthusiast who has been touring the crime lab.

The Office - 9:00 - NBC - Season 7 Episode 12
Episode Title: Ultimatum
Michael prepares himself for the good or bad news about Holly and her boyfriend. In an effort to be an "awesome" office manager, Pam decides to put up a resolution board for everyone to post their New Year's resolutions.

Bones - 9:00 - Fox/Global - Season 6 Episode 10
Episode Title: The Body in the Bag
An unidentifiable body is discovered in the shower of an upscale home belonging to a young female socialite. With the help of nosy bones expert and Jeffersonian "squint" Clark Edison, skeletal reconstruction and evidence in the drain reveal that the victim was a young girl employed by a counterfeit handbag distributor. The team learns that the victim supplied counterfeit purses to her socialite acquaintance, and after interrogating the self-centered socialite and sifting through footage on a hidden camera, they discover evidence linking them to the murderer. Meanwhile, Angela and Hodgins discuss their future home and where they want to raise a family, and Booth opens up to Hannah about Brennan's feelings for him.


Royal Pains - 9:00 - Usa Network - Season 2 Episode 13
Episode Title: Mulligan
Following Eddie's heart attack, Hank and Evan discover things they didn't know about their father. Hank treats Jill after she collapses at a golf tournament and Divya still hasn't decided what to do about her feelings for Adam.

Police Women of Cincinnati - Season 1 Episode 2
Episode Title: I'm not your baby
Colleen chases a suspected drug dealer, Rose finds a man who appears to be dead, Mandy has a run-in with an irate mother, Tia pulls her gun at a traffic stop.


Parks and Recreation - 9:30 - NBC - Season 3 Episode 1
Episode Title: Go Big or Go Home
Leslie tries to convince Chris and Ben to give the parks department more money, and when she fails to persuade them, she enlists Ann's help. Meanwhile, Ron and Andy coach youth basketball, and April returns with surprising news.


The Mentalist - 10:00 - CBS - Season 3 Episode 12
Episode Title: Bloodhounds
Competition is in the air when Patrick Jane goes head to head with a criminal profiler that the CBI has been assigned to work with. Both are out to prove their methods are the better way to solving a double murder.


30 Rock - 10:00 - NBC/CityTV - Season 5 Episode 11
Episode Title: Mrs. Donaghy
Company budget cuts affect the TGS staff, and Liz tries to use Jack's wedding mistake in her favor. Meanwhile, Jenna and Danny share his dressing room and Tracy receives disturbing medical news that makes Angie consider a different career path.

Fairly Legal - 10:00 - USA Network - Season 1 Episode/font>
Episode Title: Pilot


Jersey Shore - 10:00 - MTV/MTV Canada - Season 2 Episode 17
Episode Title: Free Snooki
Snooki is depressed until she meets a new guy, Deena meets Ronnie's stunt double, Jwoww's relationship comes to an end.


Beyond Scared Straight - 10:00 - A & E - Season 1 Episode 3
Episode Title: Jessup
Five Teens at the Maryland Correctional Institution


Shaun of the DeadA man decides to turn his moribund life around by winning back his ex-girlfriend, reconciling his relationship with his mother, and dealing with an entire community that has returned from the dead to eat the living.
Stars: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost

Outsourced - 10:30 - NBC - Season 1 Episode 11
Episode Title: A Sitar is Born
When Todd hears a beautiful singing voice, he is shocked to discover who it belongs to. Eager to help make someone's dream come true, Todd offers pay for anyone interested in signing up for an upcoming talent contest. Despite Todd's good intentions, it seems Gupta is the one with stars in his eyes. Meanwhile, Todd encounters problems with the call center's phone forcing him to consider taking Rajiv's unscrupulous advice.
If you missed V the other night, it's showing on Space at 10 tonight.
 A look like a late night:
Conan: Marc Maron, performance by Aloe Blacc
Late Show: Kaley Cuoco, Piers Morgan, performance by Wanda Jackson
Tonight Show: Ben Affleck, performance by The Decemberists
Kimmel: Ryan Gosling, Kourtney and Kim Kardashian, performance by Ra Ra Riot
Late Late Show: Maria Bello
Late Night: Ashton Kutcher, Fred Armisen, performance by Dismemberment Plan

What will be playing in My Media Room Tonight: Big Bang Theory, Community, American Idol, Perfect Couples, CSI, The Office, Parks and Rec, 30 Rock.

Some interesting news from the day...

I haven't done one of these in a while, but there was some pretty interesting stuff released today and I wanted to share them.


Tv News:

Glee producers announced today that in the next couple episodes super blonde couple and way too cute for their own good will be breaking up. That's right Sam and Quinn will be breaking up. They'll both then move on to other New Direction members, Sam will hookup with Santana and Quinn will grow close with Finn once again.

Ricky Gervais has been in the news alot since Sunday with what I call his great performance at The Globes, but it appears that not everyone shares my opinion. But today he was in the news because he'll be back in The Office as his former self David Brent. The appearance will apparently be quite short, like I hope you have a pvr so you can rewind in case you miss it, short.

ABC has picked up the pilot for Last Days of Man, “Even though the world around him has declared the traditional male an ‘endangered species,’ Tim Fitzgerald is fighting for his manhood in a world that is being increasingly dominated by women.”

There has been chatter about a Bones spinoff, but today they actually announced a actor who'll be joining the project. That actor, Michael Clarke Duncan, most famous for his roles in The Green Mile and Daredevil. The spin-off will take place in Key West Florida.

Tim Kring, famous for creating Heroes will now be taking his talents over to Fox for his next series, titled Touch and is about a man who discovers his mute, autistic son can predict the future. Hmmm, sounds awefully familiar.

Here's a preview of the next 90210 episode that's due January 24th.



Eric Balfour has been tapped to guest on 'No Ordinary Family.' The '24' star will play Marcus Winnick, a death row inmate for two episodes. Look for him in March

The Modern Family will be getting an addition, we'll be meeting Jay's brother. Tony-nominated Broadway actor Jonathan Hogan has signed on to guest star as Jay’s brother Tommy. You can see the episode February or March.


Movie News:

Batman 3 casting news today abound, Anne Hathaway has been cast as Selina Kyle aka Catwoman, while Tom Hardy was announced months ago, they also announced today what villian he'd be playing. That would be Bane. For those that don't know anything about Bane, here's the basic rundown of his character. The character first appeared in Batman: Vengeance of Bane #1 (January 1993), and was created by Chuck Dixon, Doug Moench, and Graham Nolan. Bane has been one of Batman's most intelligent and physically powerful foes. He is best known for breaking Batman's back in the "Knightfall" story arc.

This news saddens me, Mike White, from Amazing Race and directing School of Rock has dropped out of directing Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is a 2009 parody novel by Seth Grahame-Smith. It is a mashup combining Jane Austen's classic 1813 novel Pride and Prejudice with elements of modern zombie fiction.

Warner Brothers has started work on a Lethal Weapon reboot. Ugh.

Fox released 3 new images of the upcoming Xmen movie.

In other comic book news, here's another image from Green Lantern.

There was also two new images from Pirates 4, of which they aren't excited.

Amazing Race: Unfinished Business Players

Wow, today has been busy day for news.  CBS has officially announced the next Amazing Race contestants and here they are.

Father/daughter duo Gary Ervin and Mallory Ervin: Season 17, 6th place

Sisters LaKisha Hoffman and Jennifer Hoffman: Season 14, 4th place

Cowboy brothers Jet McCoy and Cord McCoy: Season 16, 2nd place

Fiancees Amanda Blackledge and Kris Klicka: Season 14, 8th place

Former NFL cheerleaders Jaime Edmondson and Cara Rosenthal: Season 14, 2nd place

Harlem Globetrotters Herb Lang and Nate Lofton: Season 15, 4th place

Father/daughter duo Ron Hsu and Christina Hsu: Season 12, 2nd place

Dating goths Kent Kaliber and Vyxsin Fiala: Season 12, 5th place

Best friends Zev Glassenberg and Justin Kanew: Season 15, 9th place

Mother/son duo Margie Adams and Luke Adams: Season 14, 3rd place

Father/son duo Mel White and Mike White: Season 14, 6th place

Well, there you have it...going to be some interesting weeks with some of these teams clashing in their previous seasons.

What's Playing in the Media Room - January 19th 2011

The Middle - 8:00 - ABC - Season 2 Episode 13
Episode Title: Super Sunday
As the Super Bowl approaches, Mike is thrilled when Brick takes his advice and studies up on football in order to understand and talk the sport. But Axl thinks his little brother is taking over his turf by being Mike's football buddy - a position Axl used to cherish. Meanwhile, Frankie thinks her professional career is looking up when Mr. Ehlert chooses her to accompany him to a managerial seminar, and ex-boyfriend Brad asks Sue to be his dance partner for the school's annual Square Dancing with the Stars.


Live To Dance - 8:00 - CBS - Season 1 Episode 4
Episode Title: Semifinal 2
Six dance acts compete for the next spot in the finals.


Minute To Win It - 8:00 - NBC/CityTV - Season 2 Episode 6
Episode Title: Michelle and Derald


American Idol - 8:00 Two Hours - Fox/CFTO - Season 10 Episode 1
Episode Title: East Rutherford, NJ Auditions
Television's No. 1 series returns for its milestone 10th season with all-new contestants, a brand-new judging panel and the best and worst of auditions from East Rutherford, NJ. Also American Idol welcomes seasoned superstars Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, who will sit alongside Randy Jackson at the judges' table. Together with in-house mentor Jimmy Iovine, Chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M records, the judging panel brings unparalleled experience to the show and promises to take the contestants on an unforgettable journey.

Thoughts from the Media Room: I'll be back for at least tonight, we'll see how much I miss Simon before I decide to watch a second episode. Hell, I might not even be able to get through all of this. American Idol is one of the best shows to watch recorded because you can bang out this two hour show in like 30 minutes.


Dragons'Den - 8:00 - CBC
Dried honey products; language software.


Robocop 3 - 8:00 - SunTV
The cyborg policeman takes to the air to defend a run-down neighborhood from a Japanese tycoon.

Stars:Robert John Burke, Nancy Allen, Rip Torn, John Castle, Jill Hennessy

Thoughts from the Media Room: Peter Weller didn't even come back for this one, what does that say?


Rocky II - 8:00 - CHCH
Underdog Philadelphia fighter Rocky Balboa gets another shot at heavyweight champ Apollo Creed.

Stars:Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burgess Meredith, Burt Young, Carl Weathers


Better With You - 8:30 - ABC - Season 1 Episode 13
Episode Title: Better With Good Jeans
After parents-to-be Mia and Casey adopt a cat, the pediatrician tells them they shouldn't have a stray animal around the baby. Maddie and Ben enter into a spirited competition with Vicky and Joel, all under the impression that if one of them takes in Mr. Meow-gi, then Mia and Casey will name that couple as the baby's guardian.


Modern Family - 9:00 - ABC/CityTV - Season 2 Episode 13
Episode Title: Caught in the Act
It's Phil and Claire's anniversary, and when the kids go to surprise them with breakfast in bed, they get a surprise of their own. Jay and Gloria's plans for a Vegas vacation are ruined because of a brutally honest email accidentally sent to Claire, and Mitchell and Cam try to get into a new restaurant owned by a mom at Lily's preschool.

Thoughts from the Media Room: This sounds awesome. Can't wait.


Criminal Minds - 9:00 - CBC - Season 6 Episode 12
Episode Title: Corazon
As the BAU travels to Miami to investigate a series of bizarre, ritualistic murders, Reid suffers a series of blinding headaches and hallucinations that leave him concerned for his health.


Chase - 9:00 - NBC - Season 1 Episode 12
Episode Title: Narco: Part 1
When Pablo Cordova is arrested on suspicion of drug distribution and the lead witness in the case winds up dead, the U.S. Marshals discover the killer is his wife, Isabella. Isabella will stop at nothing to keep Pablo from going to jail and ensure that her family stays together, which ultimately puts Annie in serious danger. In a case that hits close to home, Marco is forced to recall his dark days with the narcotics division, while Jimmy must decide the fate of his relationship with Natalie.

Thoughts from the Media Room: I'm stunned this is still on. Stunned.


Republic of Doyle - 9:00 - CBC - Season 2 Episode 2
Episode Title: Popeye Doyle
Jake plays prisoner to find out the location of some stolen diamonds; Mal finds out that Rose has been keeping a big secret.

Thoughts from the Media Room: Saw the promo for this the other day, I was surprised it actually seemed funny. It felt Canadian just from the promo, but it still was actually funny.


My Strange Addiction - 9:00 - TLC - Season 1 Episode 7
Episode Title: Eats Couch Cushion, Furry
Lauren can not go to a party or social event without wearing her fur suit; Adele has been eating couch cushions for twenty years.


Dog the Bounty Hunter - 9:00 - Season 7 Episode 16
Episode Title: Tent City
Dog searches for a woman in Oahu's ramshackle tent cities.


Cougar Town - 9:30 - ABC - Season 2 Episode 12
Episode Title: A Thing About You
While the guys argue that men are loyal friends and women will abandon their pals at the drop of a hat, one thing is certain -- everyone has each other's backs in the cul-de-sac crew. Although Laurie may be the worst houseguest ever, Jules is there for her when she needs a place to stay; Laurie helps Jules to realize she doesn't need to change for others; and when Bobby is jealous that Travis has gone to Grayson for advice, Grayson comes through for his buddy.

Thoughts from the Media Room: This is the episode that was supposed to be on ABC last week but didn't air because of the president. It's the same episode that actually aired on CityTv last week.


Off The Map - 10:00 - ABC/Global - Season 1 Episode 2
Episode Title: Smile. Don't Kill Anyone
When a 12-foot anaconda snake takes hold of a wildlife photographer, Zee, Lily and Ben spring into action. Meanwhile Tommy learns a tough cultural lesson and Mina struggles to get along with new colleague Ryan.

Thoughts from the Media Room: I don't like to see shows get canceled, but I've got no love for this.


Blue Bloods - 10:00 - CBS/CFTO - Season 1 Episode 11
Episode Title: Little Fish
Danny and Jackie investigate the murder of a high-end escort found floating in the river. Meanwhile, Frank vows to bring a killer to justice when a missing boy's remains are found from a case that he was emotionally invested in 25 years ago.

Thoughts from the Media Room: New time slot alert! I'm sooo happy to see this back on the schedule

Law & Order: SVU - 10:00 - NBC - Season 12 Episode 14
Episode Title: Dirty
A Brooklyn ADA plunges to her death from off a parking garage, and Benson is suspicious of the first detective on the scene, which has been compromised. As her investigation continues, she turns to a familiar face in the US Attorney's office for assistance.


Toddlers & Tiaras - 10:00 - TLC - Season 3 Episode 13
Episode Title: Viva Las Vegas
Intense competition in Las Vegas; the High Point title.

Thoughts from the Media Room: Yes, it does sound intense.


Hot in Cleveland - 10:00 - TVLand - Season 2 Episode 1
Episode Title: Free Elka
Elka encounters an old friend in prison, while Melanie, Joy and Victoria struggle to raise money for her bail. Meanwhile, Joy gets an interesting letter from the INS and Victoria loses her fortune.


Storage Wars - 10:30 - A & E - Season 1 Episode 9
Episode Title: Collector's Last Stand
The buyers head to Norwalk, California for the latest round of storage unit auctions. One buyer and his wife find they have much in common with regards to their opinion of another buyer.


Retired at 35 - 10:30 - TvLand - Season 1 Episode 1
Episode Title: Pilot
When a New York executive visits his parents in their retirement home, he decides to quit his job and move in; however, his decision prompts them to make a life-altering decision.

A Look at Late Night
Conan: Natalie Portman, Chris Pratt, performance by Keyshia Cole
Late Show: Martin Short, performance by Darius Rucker
Tonight Show: Amy Poehler, The Situation, performance by Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
Kimmel: Don Rickles, Wilmer Valderrama, performance by New Politics
Late Late Show: Emily Deschanel, comedian Rich Fulcher
Late Night: Betty White, Stephan Merchant, performance by Ariel Pink's Haunted Grafitti



So what will be playing in my media room tonight? American Idol, Modern Family, Criminal Minds, Blue Bloods.

What's Playing in the Media Room - January 18th 2011

NCIS - 8:00 - CBS/Global - Season 8 Episode 12
Episode Title: Recruited

A petty officer's recruitment session at a college fair comes to a fatal end, prompting the NCIS team, accompanied by Dr. Mallard's predecessor, to solve his murder.


Rick Mercer - CBC - 8:00
Episode Title: January 18th 2011
Rick goes to Queen's Park legislative building in Toronto to see what a day is like in the life of David Onley; vintage snowmobile races in Kincardine, Ont.


Robocop 2 - 8:00 - SunTV
The cyborg policeman and his female partner oppose the mayor and a drug magnate in Old Detroit.

Stars: Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, Daniel O'Herlihy, Belinda Bauer, Tom Noonan


No Ordinary Family - 8:00 - ABC/CFTO - Season 1 Episode 14
Episode Title: No Ordinary Detention

While Internal Affairs officer Rachel Jacobs investigates reports of a rogue cop, Jim risks revealing himself as the prime suspect when the police station is overrun by a group of thugs, and he is the only hope of survival. Meanwhile, while trying to nurse an ailing Joshua back to health at the lab, Katie and Stephanie run into Human Resources VP Victoria Morrow and begin to suspect that she isn't who she says she is.


Rocky - 8:00 - CHCH
Heavyweight champ Apollo Creed gives Philadelphia club fighter Rocky Balboa a title shot.

Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burgess Meredith, Burt Young, Carl Weathers


The Biggest Loser - 8:00 Two Hours - NBC/City TV - Season 11 Episode 3
Episode Title: Episode #11.3
The "unknown trainers" are finally revealed, and both will share their personal stories that led them to "The Biggest Loser." Their contestants, "the unknowns," confront one player they feel isn't working hard enough, and later, "the unknowns" and the ranch contestants square off for a pop challenge. The winning player from each group will get a delicious healthy dinner prepared by Chef Curtis Stone, and compete for a coveted 2 lb. advantage at this week's weigh-in. Later, Dr. Huizenga gives "the unknowns" startling news about their health, and one player is surprised to learn they have the highest percentage of body fat in the group. Meanwhile, trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels single out a few of their contestants to find out what really led to their weight gain, and then the ranch contestants meet host Alison Sweeney for a water-carrying challenge that will give the winner the sole vote at this week's elimination. Later, a surprising weigh-in -- which results in shocking numbers for one team -- disappoints the trainers in a big way, leading to the elimination of one player they feel isn't ready to go home.


Life Unexpected - 8:00 - The CW - Season 2 Episode 12 and 13
Episode Title: Teacher Schooled

Unaware of the affair between Emma and his father, Baze considers buying a house and planning a future with Emma. Lux makes plans for a romantic dinner with Eric when she feels like he's pulling away from her, but she is shocked when Cate and Baze show up.

Episode Title: Affair Remembered

Unaware of the affair between Emma and his father, Baze considers buying a house and planning a future with Emma. Lux makes plans for a romantic dinner with Eric when she feels like he's pulling away from her, but she is shocked when Cate and Baze show up.

Thoughts from the Media Room: Enjoy this one fans, it's the series finale.


Coca-Cola: The Real Story Behind the Real Thing - 8:00 - CNBC

Reporter Melissa Lee reveals secrets about the world's most-popular soft drink and its competition with rival beverages.

*Originally Aired November 2009


NCIS: Los Angeles - 9:00 - CBS/Global - Season 2 Episode 13
Episode Title: Archangel

The NCIS team sets out to find the individual responsible for stealing a classified Pentagon document before the file's decryption code is cracked by the wrong party.


V - 9:00 - ABC - Season 2 Episode 3
Episode Title: Laid Bare

Erica learns her partner, Malik, is a Visitor and must fight for her life - literally - to stop Anna from finding out she's Fifth Column. Meanwhile, Anna learns that Malik is missing and orders Ryan to find her, while Lisa realizes her body is beginning to change, causing her to become more and more like her mother.

Thoughts from the Media Room: I'm back on the V train.


Law & Order:SVU - 9:00 - CFTO - Season 12 Episode 14
Episode Title:

Benson questions Detective Qadri's involvement in the case of a district attorney who fell to her death.


What Not to Wear - 9:00 - TLC - Season 8 Episode 15
Episode Title: Aleishe

Aleishe is a pastry chef with great accomplishments and low self esteem.


Million Dollar Money Drop - 9:00 - Fox - Season 1 Episode 11
Episode Title: Episode 111

Thoughts from the Media Room Whew, I was getting worried as this hasn't been on in a few days.


The Good Wife - 10:00 - CBS/Global - Season 2 Episode 11
Episode Title: Two Courts

When Will fears his client is not getting a fair trial because the judge is biased toward him, the law firm hires a jury consultant, who claims to predict a case's outcome by reading people's expressions. Meanwhile, Will uncovers information about Bond's intent for the firm.


Parenthood - 10:00 - NBC/CityTV - Season 2 Episode 13
Episode Title: Opening Night

Kristina and Adam catch Haddie sneaking around with Alex and forbid her from seeing him anymore. Sarah faces a new challenge when Drew tells her he needs to sell five hundred dollars worth of wrapping paper. Meanwhile, Crosby and Jasmine have to deal with Jabbar's bad case of stage fright right before the school play.


Detroit 1-8-7 - 10:00 - ABC - Season 1 Episode 13
Episode Title:  Road To Nowhere

When Henry Malloy, one of Detroit's respected philanthropists and humanitarians, is found shot in his car moments after receiving the key to the city, Fitch is targeted as the main suspect. Even as Special Agent Jess Harkins interrogates the members of the squad about Fitch's possible involvement in the headline-making crime, Fitch and Washington are busy investigating a bizarre case... Three murder victims are found on a public bus with thousands of dollars floating around the crime scene. But the case takes an even stranger turn when the detectives try to track the money, find the missing bus driver, identify the victims and discover a kidnapping gone awry. Will Fitch's usual no-holds-barred effort be enough to bring the murderer to justice? And what will Harkins' investigation of the driven homicide veteran uncover?

Thoughts from the Media Room:  It saddens me that this more than likely won't get a second season.

Flashpoint - 10:00 - CFTO - Season 3 Episode 13
Episode Title: Terror

The team talks down a delusional man and prevents a horrific act of terror against a mosque.

Thoughts from the Media Room:  Top Ten Canadian show of all time?


Lights Out - 10:00 - FX - Season 1 Episode 2
Episode Title: Cakewalk

When Lights is threatened with criminal charges, he's forced to make a special delivery that could have unexpected consequences.

Thoughts from the Media Room: With it's less than stellar opening episode, gotta wonder if there is a point to even watching this.


White Collar - 10:00 - USA Network - Season 2 Episode 10
Episode Title: Burke's Seven

After being wrongful suspended, Peter seeks the help of Neal and his friends to clear his name and to find Mozzie's shooter.


Teen Mom 2 - 10:00 - MTV/MTV Canada - Season 3 Episode 2
Episode Title: So Much To Lose

One of Leah's twins have questionable health; Chelsea starts hanging out with her ex-boyfriend; Kailyn starts dating; Jenelle tries to move home.

What's playing in my media room tonight? Wow, when did Tuesday's get so insane? Rick Mercer, No Ordinary Family, Coca Cola thing, V, What Not to Wear, Parenthood, Detroit 187, Flashpoint
A look at late night:
Late Show: Betty White, Kim and Kourtney Kardashian, Performance by The Script

Tonight Show: Ashton Kutcher, Aubrey Plaza, Performance by Neon Trees
Kimmel: Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lawerence
Late Late Show: Larry King
Late Night: Steven Tyler, Olivia Munn, Performance by Two Door Cinema Club

Bafta Nominations

Earlier today the Bafta's were announced and they're usually a pretty good indication of what's coming for the Oscar Nominations.  Here is the rundown of the nominations, my picks and why I picked them.

BEST FILM
Black Swan — Mike Medavoy, Brian Oliver, Scott Franklin
Inception — Emma Thomas, Christopher Nolan
The King’s Speech — Iain Canning, Emile Sherman, Gareth Unwin
The Social Network — Scott Rudin, Dana Brunetti, Michael De Luca, Céan Chaffin
True Grit — Scott Rudin, Ethan Coen, Joel Coen

Thoughts from the Media Room: I hope to be seeing The King's Speech tonight and I've watched the other 4. Black Swan great film, in a different year, maybe it'd win. I don't think so this year. Inception, great movie but it didn't have the same impact on me that The Social Network did. True Grit, I don't get the hype, I don't think it's that great of a movie.


OUTSTANDING BRITISH FILM
127 Hours — Danny Boyle, Simon Beaufoy, Christian Colson, John Smithson
Another Year — Mike Leigh, Georgina Lowe
Four Lions — Chris Morris, Jesse Armstrong, Sam Bain, Mark Herbert, Derrin Schlesinger
The King’s Speech — Tom Hooper, David Seidler, Iain Canning, Emile Sherman, Gareth Unwin
Made in Dagenham — Nigel Cole, William Ivory, Elizabeth Karlsen, Stephen Woolley

Thoughts from the Media Room: I loved 127 Hours, a lot. But I think this is the King's Speech's category to lose.


OUTSTANDING DEBUT BY A BRITISH WRITER, DIRECTOR OR PRODUCER
The Arbor — Director, Producer — Clio Barnard, Tracy O’Riordan
Exit Through the Gift Shop — Director, Producer — Banksy, Jaimie D’Cruz
Four Lions — Director/Writer — Chris Morris
Monsters — Director/Writer — Gareth Edwards
Skeletons — Director/Writer — Nick Whitfield

Thoughts from the Media Room: I've only watched Exit Through the Gift Shop so it's the only one I can comment on. I was hoping for more Banksy and he wasn't in it enough. It was about a strange french man that may be crazy.


DIRECTOR
127 Hours — Danny Boyle
Black Swan — Darren Aronofsky
Inception — Christopher Nolan
The King’s Speech — Tom Hooper
The Social Network — David Fincher

Thoughts from the Media Room: It's really all starting to line up for Fincher now isn't it.


ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Black Swan — Mark Heyman, Andrés Heinz, John McLaughlin
The Fighter – Scott Silver, Paul Tamasy, Eric Johnson
Inception — Christopher Nolan
The Kids Are All Right — Lisa Cholodenko, Stuart Blumberg
The King’s Speech — David Seidler

Thoughts from the Media Room: I've said it before and I'll say it again, how does someone actually plot out Inception?


ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
127 Hours — Danny Boyle, Simon Beaufoy
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo – Rasmus Heisterberg, Nikolaj Arcel
The Social Network — Aaron Sorkin
Toy Story 3 — Michael Arndt
True Grit — Joel Coen, Ethan Coen

Thoughts from the Media Room: I've read Accidental Billionaires and it was a good book, The Social Network flowed nicely from that. I really need to look into what Toy Story 3 is based from?


FILM NOT IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Biutiful — Alejandro González Iñárritu, Jon Kilik, Fernando Bovaira
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo — Søren Stærmose, Niels Arden Oplev
I Am Love — Luca Guadagnino, Francesco Melzi D’Eril, Marco Morabito, Massimiliano Violante
Of Gods and Men — Xavier Beauvois
The Secret in their Eyes — Mariela Besuievsky, Juan José Campanella


ANIMATED FILM
Despicable Me — Chris Renaud, Pierre Coffin
How to Train Your Dragon — Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois
Toy Story 3 — Lee Unkrich

Thoughts from the Media Room: It'll win, but I liked Despicable Me much more.


LEADING ACTOR
Jarvier Bardem — Biutiful
Jeff Bridges — True Grit
Jesse Eisenberg — The Social Network
Colin Firth — The King’s Speech
James Franco — 127 Hours

Thoughts from the Media Room: I've heard that this is the performance of the year. With the Globe win over the weekend, it seals it for me.


LEADING ACTRESS
Annette Bening — The Kids Are All Right
Julianne Moore — The Kids Are All Right
Natalie Portman — Black Swan
Noomi Rapace — The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Hailee Steinfeld — True Grit

Thoughts from the Media Room: FANTASTIC Performance. Do see the physcial change in her face is something else. She goes from Matilda in The Professional to Alice from Closer in the stretch of the Movie.


SUPPORTING ACTOR
Christian Bale – The Fighter
Andrew Garfield — The Social Network
Pete Postlethwaite — The Town
Mark Ruffalo — The Kids Are All Right
Geoffrey Rush — The King’s Speech

Thoughts from the Media Room: I'm going with Bale here, but I can't help but stare at Postlethwaite on the list. His role in The Town was very, very small. But when he's giving his speech to Ben Affleck in the Flower Shop about getting his mommy hooked on the poison, it is powerful and very moving. You're crushed for Affleck's Doug MacRay, at that point you know it's not going to end well for Fergie.


SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Amy Adams — The Fighter
Helena Bonham Carter — The King’s Speech
Barbara Hershey — Black Swan
Lesley Manville — Another Year
Miranda Richardson — Made in Dagenham

Thoughts from the Media Room: Amy Adams is very good in the fighter, very good. But she's so good in everything and I've got a hard time with this. If she's so much better than most every year. Is she set to win the award every year?


ORIGINAL MUSIC
127 Hours — AR Rahman
Alice in Wonderland — Danny Elfman
How to Train Your Dragon — John Powell
Inception — Hans Zimmer
The King’s Speech — Alexandre Desplat

Thoughts from the Media Room: Ummm, Where is Trent Reznor on this list?


CINEMATOGRAPHY
127 Hours — Anthony Dod Mantle, Enrique Chediak
Black Swan — Matthew Libatique
Inception — Wally Pfister
The King’s Speech – Danny Cohen
True Grit — Roger Deakins

Thoughts from the Media Room: Tough call between 127 Hours and Inception for me here. 127 Hours really gets the point across, he's in a tight tight space and his arm his trapped. They did it well. I was glad by the time he was out of there. But Inception, really was a beautiful movie. Dreams felt like dreams. They felt a bit different than reality in the movie. Great film. Another year, I'm sure it would win more awards.


EDITING
127 Hours – Jon Harris
Black Swan — Andrew Weisblum
Inception — Lee Smith
The King’s Speech — Tariq Anwar
The Social Network — Angus Wall, Kirk Baxter

Thoughts from the Media Room: I thought it when I saw it in the theatre and I thought again on Saturday when I watched it. It is awesome to watch a movie that's flipping between the past and two different court battles and the movie just flows wonerfully.


PRODUCTION DESIGN
Alice in Wonderland — Robert Stromberg, Karen O’Hara
Black Swan — Thérèse DePrez, Tora Peterson
Inception — Guy Hendrix Dyas, Larry Dias, Doug Mowat
The King’s Speech — Eve Stewart, Judy Farr
True Grit — Jess Gonchor, Nancy Haigh

COSTUME DESIGN
Alice in Wonderland — Colleen Atwood
Black Swan — Amy Westcott
The King’s Speech — Jenny Beavan
Made in Dagenham — Louise Stjernsward
True Grit — Mary Zophres

SOUND
127 Hours — Glenn Freemantle, Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke, Steven C Laneri, Douglas Cameron
Black Swan — Ken Ishii, Craig Henighan, Dominick Tavella
Inception — Richard King, Lora Hirschberg, Gary A Rizzo, Ed Novick
The King’s Speech — John Midgley, Lee Walpole, Paul Hamblin
True Grit — Skip Lievsay, Craig Berkey, Greg Orloff, Peter F Kurland, Douglas Axtell

SPECIAL VISUAL EFFECTS
Alice in Wonderland — Nominees TBC
Black Swan — Dan Schrecker
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 — Tim Burke, John Richardson, Nicolas Ait’Hadi, Christian Manz
Inception — Chris Corbould, Paul Franklin, Andrew Lockley, Peter Bebb
Toy Story 3 — Nominees TBC

Thoughts from the Media Room: Black Swan? Really, sure some of the effects were freaky, but the best of the year? Iron Man 2? Tron? Narnia? Robin Hood?


MAKE UP & HAIR
Alice in Wonderland — Nominees TBC
Black Swan — Judy Chin, Geordie Sheffer
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 — Amanda Knight, Lisa Tomblin
The King’s Speech — Frances Hannon
Made in Dagenham — Lizzie Yianni Georgiou

SHORT ANIMATION
The Eagleman Stag — Michael Please
Matter Fisher — David Prosser
Thursday — Matthias Hoegg

SHORT FILM
Connect — Samuel Abrahams, Beau Gordon
Lin — Piers Thompson, Simon Hessel
Rite — Michael Pearce, Ross McKenzie
Turning — Karni Arieli, Saul Freed, Alison Sterling, Kat Armour-Brown
Until the River Runs Red — Paul Wright, Poss Kondeatis

ORANGE WEDNESDAYS RISING AWARD
Gemma Arterton
Andrew Garfield
Tom Hardy
Aaron Johnson
Emma Stone