Q: I watched Season 1 of the HBO series “Boardwalk Empire” starring Steve Buscemi. It is the best new series since “The Sopranos.” Is there a second season in the works? — Lisa C., Port Charlotte, Fla.A: “Boardwalk Empire” was renewed for a second season by HBO just two days after the show’s record-setting premiere in September. Even if that hadn’t happened, the numerous accolades the freshman series has been given — including Golden Globes for Best Dramatic Series and Best Dramatic Actor for Steve Buscemi (pictured) — would have guaranteed its renewal. Look for it this fall.
Q: When will the new season of “Nurse Jackie” start airing? I really miss getting my Edie Falco fix. — Grace R., via e-mail
A: It’s not long now, Grace. Edie and gang will be back when “Nurse Jackie” has its Season 3 premiere March 28 on Showtime. In other Showtime news, “Californication” has been renewed for a fifth season, “The Real L Word” will return in the summer, and Jeremy Irons (!) comes to Showtime in the new series “The Borgias,” beginning Sunday, April 3, at 9 p.m. Jeremy stars in this epic period drama as Rodrigo Borgia, the manipulative patriarch of the Borgia family who ascends to the highest circles of power in Renaissance-era Italy. By the looks of it, Showtime is really giving HBO a run for its money in the original-series department, wouldn’t you say?
Q: I keep hearing rumors that “Dallas” is going to be remade for television. Is that true, and if so, what can you tell me about it? — Kyra L., Tacoma, Wash.
A: This time, the rumor mill is correct. TNT has optioned a pilot for “Dallas,” which will center on the new generation — J.R. Ewing’s son, John Ross, and the adopted son of Bobby and Pam Ewing, Christopher — as they clash over the future of the family dynasty. Larry Hagman, Patrick Duffy and Linda Gray are all signed on to reprise their previous roles — J.R., Bobby and Sue Ellen, respectively. Jordana Brewster (“Fast and Furious”) and Josh Henderson (“Desperate Housewives”) also are set to star. As of this writing, it is not known exactly when the series will premiere, but I have my fingers crossed for fall 2011.
Q: I think “The Whole Truth” is a great program, but it has not been on the air for a few months. The banter between Rob Morrow and Maura Tierney is fast-paced with a hint of something electrical going on between them. Please tell me this show will be on the air again soon. — Louise G., via e-mail
A: I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but “The Whole Truth” was pulled from ABC’s schedule in December, with no plans to air the remaining seven episodes. Perhaps ABC will release Season 1 on DVD, with 13 episodes of the show included, but you never know these days.
