Q: I really liked “That ’70s Show,” especially Danny Masterson. I haven’t really seen him in anything lately and was wondering what shows/movies he has lined up. — Leonard G., via e-mailA: TBS just announced that it is producing a new series called “Men at Work,” which will star Danny along with James Lesure, Michael Cassidy and Adam Busch. The story follows the misadventures of four friends who work together at a magazine, with Danny’s character, Milo, being recently dumped and his friends helping him get back in the game. Slated to premiere this summer, the show was created by Breckin Meyer (of “Franklin and Bash” and “Clueless” fame), who is co-executive-producing the show and also wrote the pilot. There’s no word yet on whether Breckin plans to make a cameo in the series.
Q: My husband is a huge fan of the History Channel, especially its series “Battlefield Detectives.” Any chance it will come out on DVD? I’d love to surprise him with it! — Kaitlin M., in Minnesota
A: Surprise your husband this Valentine’s Day with a three-volume boxed set of the entire first season of the series. “Battlefield Detectives,” which ran from 2003 to 2006, explored history’s famous battles, focusing on the battlefield itself and conducting re-enactments and forensic research to better understand what really happened. The DVDs also come with a 16-page viewer’s guide and biographies of major military leaders, plus other extras. Go to acornonline.com for more info on the series.
Q: You mentioned that Madonna will be performing the halftime show at the Super Bowl this year, and it got me to wondering if Animal Planet will be continuing its tradition of showcasing its “Puppy Bowl” competition. Please say yes! — Cara O., Halifax, Nova Scotia
A: YES! Animal Planet’s annual canine competition, “Puppy Bowl VIII,” will air on Sunday, Feb. 5, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET/PT. Animal Planet has searched shelters and rescue groups across the nation for the toughest pups ever to carry a chew toy across the goal line and into an end zone. And if you want to skip (or DVR) Madonna’s halftime show, the cute and cuddly kittens are returning to “Puppy Bowl” with an all-new edition of the Bissell Kitty Halftime Show.
All of the animals featured in “Puppy Bowl” come from rescues and shelters across the United States. This year’s starting lineup includes puppies from spcaLA, All Star Pet Rescue, Go Boxer Rescue, Pet Matchmaker Rescue, Furever Dachshund Rescue and Huts for Mutts Dog Rescue. Those interested in adopting a pet in your area can visit petfinder.com.
Q: Aside from her Twitter ramblings, what else has Ellen Barkin been up to? — Ingrid F., via e-mail
A: Ellen just finished filming a guest-starring role on “Modern Family,” which will air this spring. Her movie “Another Happy Day,” which also stars Ellen Burstyn, Demi Moore, Kate Bosworth and Thomas Hayden Church, will be out on DVD in late January.
