Q: Can you tell me if and when “Cedar Cove” will return for another season? — Richard O., Summerfield, Fla. A: The Hallmark Channel has renewed the phenomenally successful series, which is based on the book series of the same name by Debbie Macomber, for a second season. The show’s first season made Hallmark Channel the No. 1 cable channel for Saturday nights during the 8 to 9 time slot. With internationally renowned actress Andie MacDowell leading the cast — which includes Dylan Neal, Teryl Rothery, Bruce Boxleitner, Barbara Niven and Brennan Elliott — season two of “Cedar Cover” promises more of the same drama, romance and fun. Season two will premiere in July; I’ll let you know as soon as I have an exact date for its return.
Q: Would you happen to know anything about the fantastic TV series “24” with Kiefer Southerland? I thought they were bringing it back, or at least making a movie. — Dick W., via email
A: I did report on this about six months ago, but since this is such a hot subject — I get tons of letters from readers asking me the same question — I’ll write about it again, with some new information to pass along. Fox is indeed airing a new version of “24,” which is called “24: Live Another Day.” This go ’round, it will be a 12-part series but will still cover the requisite 24 hours. Kiefer will return, as will Mary Lynn Rajskub, William Devane and Kim Raver.
Kiefer recently told the press that the series will take place in London, stating: “‘24’ has always had such a global sensibility, but to be able to tell this intense ‘24’-style story with the beauty of Europe’s history and architecture as the backdrop is going to be fascinating.” Fox’s entertainment chairman Kevin Reilly teased reporters that the show’s pickup intrigued many industry stars. “A lot of who’s who in Hollywood wanted to participate in this,” he revealed. The two-hour season premiere of “24: Live Another Day” is May 5 at 9/8c on Fox.
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| ABC's "Mind Games" stars (L to R) Steve Zahn as Clark, Christian Slater as Ross, Cedric Sanders as Latrell, Jaime Ray Newman as Sam, Megalyn Echikunwoke as Megan and Gregory Marcel as Miles. (ABC/Bob D'Amico) |
A: You have only about a month to wait before you can see Christian again on a regular basis. On Feb. 25 at 10 p.m. ET/PT, ABC will premiere a new series called “Mind Games,” which stars Christian and Steve Zahn. They play brothers Ross (Christian) and Clark Edwards (Steve), who are partners in Edwards and Associates, an unusual business based on the belief that people’s decisions are influenced by their environment in ways they’re not aware. By using the hard science of psychological manipulation, the brothers commit to solving their clients’ problems. With Clark’s expertise and Ross’s con-artist ways, the brothers use psychology and science to offer clients an alternative to their fates.
Q: I don’t think I can wait much longer for season four of “Game of Thrones.” — Carlos F., via email
A: Just hold on a little longer. The highly anticipated premiere of the hit fantasy/drama series is set for April 6 at 9 pm ET/PT on HBO. The TV series, which is based on the books series by George R.R. Martin, shocked audiences at the end of last season with the infamous “Red Wedding,” and season four’s 10 episodes will prove to be just as exciting. It will roughly be based on the second half of “A Storm of Swords,” the third book in the “A Song of Ice and Fire” novels. According to showrunner David Benioff: “I think [season four] is going to surpass season three. There are so many scenes we’ve been waiting for so long to do, and it just gets more and more fun to write for these characters. We’re very excited for it.”
Q: Any news about “Devious Maids”? — Pamela G., via email
A: I have two exciting bits to tell you: First, season two will premiere on Lifetime on April 20 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Second, Mark Deklin (whom you all know I LOVED on “GCB”) has signed on as a regular cast member. As of this writing, I don’t know whom he’ll play or how he’ll impact the season, but I’ll let you know as soon as I can drag the information out of him.
Q: I am a fan of “NCIS” and have wondered why Cote Pablo left the series. — Judy D., via email
A: Cote left the series for personal reasons, which she chooses not to expand on. On the possibility of returning, she told “TV Guide Magazine”: “The greatest thing about this last episode is that Ziva doesn’t die. As long as a character doesn’t die, the character can always come back.” Cody recently signed on to co-star in the film “The 33,” which is based on the events of the 2010 Chilean mine collapse.
