Q and A: Week of Jan. 1

Sting, pictured with superfan Josh Romaine
(picture courtesy Josh Romaine)

Q: I can’t wait to see Sting and Paul Simon touring together this spring; Sting has always been one of my favorite artists. Until then, do you know of anything that can tide me over? — Nina T., Omaha, Neb.

A: Well, Nina, I’m sure you already know that Sting’s most recent album, “The Last Ship,” was released this past September. But did you know that on Feb. 21 at 9 p.m. ET on PBS, you can catch Sting on Thirteen’s “Great Performances”? The concert was filmed this past year on Sting’s birthday (Oct. 2) at a special fan-club performance during a 10-night run of a benefit concert where Sting performed songs from his new album. My friend’s husband (see pic) was fortunate enough to attend this event, so I can tell you with certainty that it’s a concert that should not be missed.

Q: Can you tell me when “American Idol” will be back? I’m so excited that Jennifer Lopez has returned for this next season. — Kendra W., via email

A: The singing competition that started it all returns for its 13th season on Fox beginning Jan. 15 at 8/7c. Along with Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban returns to lend his expertise to the judging panel, Ryan Seacrest will continue to be our fearless host, and Harry Connick Jr. upgrades his season-12 mentor status to become a season-13 judge. Former judge Randy Jackson will return for a few episodes as an in-house mentor.

Q: It seems like forever since “Vikings” ended its first season. When will it be back? — Danny J., via email

A: “Vikings” will return for a 10-episode second season on the History Channel on Feb. 27 at 10 p.m. ET/PT, and you can count on plenty more drama, gore, sex and political intrigue. According to “Vikings” creator Michael Hirst: “The first episode of the new season will be absolutely gobsmacking. There are huge dangers at the personal level [for Ragnar]. Certain things are resolved in conflict and certain things continue. The scale will be bigger. He’s gone into business now with a king. So, he can raid with bigger parties. He can be more ambitious.

“There is going to be a new big, big character who is the King of Wessex. Wessex is a much larger kingdom than Northumbria, with a much more powerful king and also a cleverer king, a king who spent half of his young life at the court of Emperor Charlemagne. Ragnar is going to be up against a very formidable foe in the King of Wessex.”

Q: I need my “Portlandia”! — Susanna Y., Chicago

A: On Thursday, Feb. 27 at 10 p.m. ET/PT, you’ll get your “Portlandia”! IFC’s original hit comedy returns for its fourth season with 10 all-new episodes. Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein play host to a number of fun guest stars this go ’round, including Ed Begley Jr., Steve Buscemi, Kirsten Dunst, Jeff Goldblum, k.d. lang, Kyle MacLachlan, Jason Sudeikis and Olivia Wilde.

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Q and A: Week of Jan. 7

Q: I can’t wait to see what’s next when “Revenge” returns from its winter break. Do you have any scoops? — Bridget W., via e-mail

A: Everyone involved with “Revenge” is either very good at keeping secrets, or they don’t know what’s going to happen from week to week. I spoke recently with series guest star Michael Nardelli (as Trey Chandler), and he wasn’t divulging much.

“So far, I’ve done the three episodes, and it seems like it’s going to go on,” Nardelli said. “I have no idea what they have in store. … They’re very secretive, but I am hopeful that Trey will return.”

You can catch Michael on the big screen in “The Collection,” which comes from the people who did “Saw,” so you can bet that sucker is pretty scary. He also produced “The Giant Mechanical Man” — starring Jenna Fischer (“The Office”) and Chris Messina (“The Mindy Project”) — which is available on DVD. I watched it the other day, and I can say that it’s one of those breath-of-fresh-air indie movies that deserves more of an audience.

Q: When will “Southland” return? — Jimmy U., Chicago

A: The fifth season of TNT’s hit police drama returns Feb. 13 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Joining the show as a series regular is former guest star C. Thomas Howell. Also, “One Tree Hill” star Chad Michael Murray is set to guest star in a two-episode arc.

Q: I am dying over here, suffering from “Being Human” withdrawals. Can you tell me when my favorite supernatural show will return to Syfy? — Audrina R., Seattle

A: “Being Human” begins its 13-episode third season on Monday, Jan. 14, with an episode titled “It’s a Shame About Ray.” I asked series star Kristen Hager, who plays newbie werewolf Nora, if that title bodes well for her, since when we last saw Nora and Ray, they were in a standoff, the screen faded to black, and then we heard a gunshot.

Kristen told me: “You’re most likely assuming correctly, but you’ll have to tune in to find out. Season three begins a year and a half after season two’s finale. There are a couple of new characters that are introduced in the first two episodes and recur throughout the season who are wonderful.

“For example, the twins’ father comes looking for them, and he’s played by Xander Berkley, who’s a wonderful actor to get to work with. That’s a very big story line for Josh and Nora. There are some new supernatural elements that are exciting. The show went to some really dark places in season two, and although it still does, I find that a lot of the fun that was in season one is back. In my opinion, this is the best season.”

Check back next Monday for my full interview with this lovely lady.

(L to R) Randy Jackson, Mariah Carey, Ryan Seacrest,
Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban

Q: Everywhere I go online, I keep reading all about the “feud” between “American Idol” judges Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj, but all I am interested in is the actual show. When does it start back up? — Julie W., via e-mail

A: The 12th season of America’s No. 1 reality singing competition airs on Fox beginning Jan. 16 at 8/7c, with the always-entertaining audition shows. Mariah and Nicki join fellow new judge Keith Urban with mainstays Randy Jackson and host Ryan Seacrest, as they search high and low for America’s next singing sensation. Personally, I hope they find the next William Hung.

Q: I saw an article for a movie starring Keri Russell called “Austenland,” and it looks really good. When will it be in theaters? — Anna Y., via e-mail

A: “Austenland” will debut in January at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. If it’s received well, it could find a distributor and open to a wider audience by spring or summer. The sooner the better, because I agree with you that this one looks like a winner.

Readers: In a column this past summer, I told you I’d let you know when “Cold Case” alumna Kathryn Morris could be seen on your TV again, and that time has come. Kathryn stars in “The Sweeter Side of Life,” a Hallmark Channel original movie that airs Jan. 19 at 9/8c. Kathryn plays a New York City socialite who loses everything after she’s dumped by her wealthy husband and is forced to redefine herself at her father’s struggling New Jersey bakery.

Q: When can I see my favorite actor, Kevin Bacon, on the big or small screen again? — Holly T., via email

A: Kevin Bacon can be seen next on the small screen, where he’ll be starring in “The Following” on Fox, which premieres on Monday, Jan. 21, at 9/8c. The series is described as an “intense, spellbinding drama that follows Ryan Hardy (played by Kevin), an ex-FBI agent called out of retirement to track down Joe Carroll (James Purefoy of ’Rome’), a devious and diabolical serial killer, and the mastermind behind an ever-growing web of killers.” The series is created, written and executive-produced by Kevin Williamson (“Scream,” “Dawson’s Creek” and “The Vampire Diaries”), and also stars Maggie Grace (“Lost,” “Taken” and “Breaking Dawn”) and Natalie Zea (“Justified” and “Dirty Sexy Money”).

Q: Since “Cougar Town” is returning to TV this month on TBS, is there any chance I’ll see my favorite “Scrubs” alum, John C. McGinley, make a guest appearance? — Mark W., Boston

A: I recently spoke with the multitalented actor (who finishes up a run on Broadway with Al Pacino in “Glengarry Glen Ross” this month), and I asked him just that. He told me: “I love Billy Lawrence (’Scrubs’ and ’Cougar Town’ creator) more than anything. Maybe it’ll happen down the road.” For now, if you’re in New York, you can see him treading the boards in person. Or you can wait until Feb. 5 to catch him in the DVD release of the feature film “Alex Cross,” or you can see him on the big screen April 12 in “42” playing Red Barber.

Of his role as the legendary baseball announcer, John told me: “Red Barber was an iconic radio pioneer who was kind of the co-inventor of the live [play-by-play sports] broadcast. The film is as much a celebration of one of the great civil-rights stories of the last century as it is a sports story. I’ve seen about 20 minutes of the film, and I just thought it was phenomenal. I haven’t seen the whole film yet, but I can’t wait.”

Check back here later this week to read my entire interview with John.

Q: With the passing of Larry Hagman in November, what will become of J.R. Ewing and the future of “Dallas”? — Marianne E., West Palm Beach, Fla.

A: I am sure you agree with me that recasting this iconic role would be pure folly. Larry had filmed several episodes of the new season before he died, with “TV Line” reporting that “Dallas” will bid farewell to J.R., with his funeral taking place during the season’s eighth episode, which is set to air in March.

Q: When will HBO’s “Game of Thrones” return? — Paul R., via email

A: The hit fantasy-drama series will return on March 31 with 10 all-new super-size episodes. Each episode will be a few minutes longer than previous seasons’ episodes, with the season finale expected to exceed the allotted 60 minutes.

Q: There is a show on cable that my husband and I really love called “Paranormal Paparazzi.” Can you tell me if/when the second season will air? — Trudy T., via e-mail

A: I spoke with “Paranormal” host Rachel Fine, and she told me that it might be up to the fans as to whether it gets a second season. “‘Paranormal Paparazzi’ is one of the most interesting projects I’ve ever worked on. While I was excited to take a fun, ’TMZ’-style approach to the paranormal, I was seriously surprised by some of the things I encountered. Working on this show for the Travel Channel really changed my outlook on the world — I legitimately had experiences I can’t explain. My eyes were opened this season, and I definitely hope we’ll come back for more!”

To help facilitate the approval of a second season, I suggest you head over to travelchannel.com/about/viewer-relations. Click on General Comment, then TV Shows, then Other. And then write a couple sentences about how much you loved “Paranormal Paparazzi” and really hope they renew it for a second season.

Q: I read on your Twitter feed that Heart had been nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recently, and I wondered if they had gotten in? — Jeremy S., Springfield, Ill.

A: In December, the HOF committee announced that Heart — including sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson — would indeed be in the class of 2013. Other inductees include Canadian rockers Rush, the late disco queen Donna Summer, singer/songwriter Randy Newman, hip-hop group Public Enemy and blues guitarist and singer Albert King. * * * Q: I thought I had seen or read that Elizabeth Perkins would be a new sitcom this fall, but I haven’t seen her anywhere. Was it canceled? — Patricia L., via e-mail

(L to R) Actors Brad Garrett, Elizabeth Perkins, Sarah Chalke; executive producers Claudia Lonow and Francie Calfo

Q: I thought I had seen or read that Elizabeth Perkins would be a new sitcom this fall, but I haven’t seen her anywhere. Was it canceled? — Patricia L., via e-mail

A: Elizabeth can be seen this spring — April 3 at 9:30/8:30c to be exact — in the new ABC comedy “How to Live With Your Parents (for the Rest of Your Life).” She co-stars with Sarah Chalke and Brad Garrett. Of the show, Elizabeth told me: “What I love about this show is you’ve got three generations of people living in the same household, mostly because of the economy, which is happening all over the country.

“It’s wacky in the way that real life is wacky. It’s not this big style of sitcom acting; it’s funny in a character-driven way. It’s the situations we find ourselves in that are funny, as opposed to setting up this whole big plot point.”

Check back here in March to read my entire interview with the lovely and talented actress.

Q: I love Steven Pasquale of “Rescue Me.” What can I see him on now? — Yolanda W. in Pennsylvania

A: Beginning Thursday, Jan. 31, you can catch Steven in NBC’s new drama called “Do No Harm.” Steven plays a neurosurgeon who has a serious problem when he learns that his body is no longer responding to the serum that keeps his dangerous alter ego in check.

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Q and A: Week of July 30

Q: I heard a rumor that Steven Tyler won’t be back as a judge on “American Idol.” Please tell me it isn’t true. He’s one of the main reasons that I watch the show! — Diana W. in West Virginia

A: The Aerosmith rocker recently announced he will indeed quit the show to focus on the band. Steven said, in true Steven style: “I’ve decided it’s time for me to let go of my mistress, 'American Idol,’ before she boils my rabbit. I strayed from my first love, Aerosmith, and I’m back.” His news came the day before Jennifer Lopez announced that she, too, was leaving the show. I’ll tell you, I wouldn’t mind seeing Richard Marx in one of the judges’ chairs.

Q: Please tell me that “Falling Skies” will be back next summer for another season! — Jeffrey D., via e-mail

A: TNT’s blockbuster science-fiction drama about how the world fights back after an alien invasion definitely will be back next summer for a 10-episode third season. This no-brainer decision (“Falling Skies” is cable’s No. 1 drama in the 18 to 49 age market, and is No. 2 in 25 to 54, behind TNT’s other breakout hit, “Dallas”) will continue the quest of Noah Wylie’s Mason, Will Patton’s Weaver and Moon Bloodgood’s Dr. Glass as they lead the 2nd Mass resistance group toward survival and, hopefully, the kicking of some alien butt off the planet Earth.

Q: What has Shaquille O’Neal been up to lately? — Roger G., Franklin, Miss.

A: Shaq just signed on to star in a new series for truTV tentatively titled “Upload with Shaquille O’Neal.” The show will be hosted by comedian Gary Owen and co-star Shaq and comedian Godfrey, as well as a special guest for each of the 10 episodes. They will scour the Internet looking for the funniest online videos to comment on, and they’ll also create their own viral videos, pull pranks and parody current pop-culture stories.


Shaq had this to say about his new venture: “I’ve been a fan of truTV for a long time, and I look forward to working with my good friends Gary Owen and Godfrey. I’ve always tried to entertain people, and I know this show will deliver big laughs.”

Q: I remember a while back that Kelsey Grammer announced he and his wife were expecting. Has she had her baby yet? — Barbara D., via e-mail

A: Kelsey, 57, and Kayte, 31, announced earlier this year that they ecstatic couple were expecting twins. Kayte gave birth to a healthy baby girl in mid-July, but tragically, the baby’s twin brother did not survive. The couple said in a joint statement: “A glorious birth with a lingering sadness is ours today. We choose to celebrate the life that has been given us. We proudly introduce our Faith (Evangeline Elisa Grammer) to the world today looking forward to the days ahead and the children yet to come.”

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Q and A: Week of Jan. 2

Q: I have been following the career of Sam Neill ever since “Jurassic Park.” I loved him in “The Tudors,” “Happy Town,” “The Horse Whisperer,” “Wimbledon,” “Daybreakers,” “Crusoe,” etc. What does he have coming up next? — Will O., via e-mail

A: Sam is rumored to be returning as Dr. Alan Grant for “Jurassic Park IV,” which doesn’t have any production or release-date details as the movie was too recently announced. He co-stars in the big-screen adaption of Arthur Miller’s “A View from the Bridge,” to be released later this year. But you can catch him even sooner. Sam (above, fourth from the right) comes back to the small screen on Monday, Jan. 16, on Fox when he stars in the new series “Alcatraz.” This show looks creepy, scary and super exciting, and I plan to tune in to see exactly what all the hubbub is about.

Q: I really miss Christopher Meloni on “Law and Order: SVU.” Please tell me I can see him on another series or in a movie soon. — Randi E., via e-mail

A: You’ll be able to see Christopher as soon as this summer on the small screen when he makes his debut on the sixth season of HBO’s “True Blood.” Details are hush-hush, as it always is with “True Blood,” but according to executive producer Alan Ball, Chris will play “an ancient, powerful vampire who holds the fate of Bill and Eric in his hands.”


For the big screen, you can see him sometime this year (a release date has not yet been announced) in the comedy “Awful Nice.” And in June 2013, he co-stars as Colonel Hardy in the new “Superman” film, “Man of Steel,” which also stars Henry Cavill, Russell Crowe, Amy Adams, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, and slew of other top-notch stars.

Q: With Piers Morgan gone, will they be getting another judge for “America’s Got Talent,” or just stick with Howie Mandel and Sharon Osbourne? — Callie H., Portland, Ore.

A: In a move that is causing some controversy (when hasn’t controversy followed this man?), shock-jock Howard Stern has been tapped to be the third “Talent” judge. Said NBC exec Paul Telegdy: “Howard Stern’s larger-than-life personality will bring a thrilling new dynamic to ‘America’s Got Talent’ starting this summer. He’s a proven innovator, and his track record in broadcasting is truly remarkable. Howard is very passionate about this show and is fully committed to its future success.”

Q: It seems like it’s that time of year again … when will the next season of “American Idol” be on? I am kind of disappointed by “The X-Factor,” and I could really use my Steven, Jennifer and Randy fix right about now. — Tina R., Wheeling, W.Va.

A: You don’t have to wait much longer: America’s most popular talent competition will be back Wednesday, Jan. 18, on Fox, with the show airing Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8/7c.

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Q and A: Week of March 15

Q: I really loved “Avatar” and have been hearing talk of sequel(s). Please tell me this is true! — David G., via e-mail

A: Director James Cameron has hinted that the rumors are true. I spoke recently with CCH Pounder (pictured left; photo credit Geneva Morgan) — who plays Mo’at, the mother of Neytiri and the spiritual leader of Omaticaya clan of Pandora — and she also verified that the idea of further adventures on Pandora is definitely a great possibility. CCH explains: “I know that he (James Cameron) did semi-announce that he is going to make a sequel — that he is going to take a break, but he did have a story idea. I think perhaps it was always that this would be some sort of a trilogy story.


“I don’t think it would take as long, because we already have the world of Pandora created, and it all exists in the digital world. All you have to do is put the story and characters in it. I think, Suzy, his wife, would greatly appreciate a break, and his children would love to see him hang about a bit. He’s kind of a workaholic guy. It might be four years, and it might be next year (that he starts working on it).”

Q: I was really starting to get into the new Fox show “Past Life,” but I suddenly can’t find it on the schedule anymore. Has it been canceled, or is it merely on hiatus? — Charity E., via e-mail

A: After airing only three episodes, Fox has decided to pull the plugged on the struggling and poorly received supernatural crime thriller. It has been replaced by original episodes of “Kitchen Nightmares.”

Q: I am a huge fan of “American Idol,” and was wondering what one of my favorite past winners, Taylor Hicks, is doing now? — Margie F., Hartford, Conn.

A: The Season Five winner of “American Idol” is currently touring the country in “Grease,” playing the role of Teen Angel. He also recently released his first concert DVD called “Whomp at the Warfield,” which is sure to delight members of his “Soul Patrol.” When I caught up with Taylor recently, he told me how much he is enjoying trying his hand at acting: “(Being in “Grease”) has been great. It’s allowed me to get into acting and understand role-playing, and it’s just a great starting point for me in the acting field.”

Q: Is it true that someone is making a film about Facebook? How is it possible to turn that into a film? — Frank J., via e-mail

A: Production has begun on “The Social Network,” which stars Rashida Jones, Justin Timberlake and Jesse Eisenberg, and is directed by David Fincher (“Fight Club,” “Se7en,” “Panic Room” and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”). Shelby Young (“Days of Our Lives” and “Wild Child”) recently finished shooting her supporting role in the film. While she couldn’t tell me much about the movie or her role in it (they have all signed confidentiality agreements so the story doesn’t leak out), what she could tell me is that the movie is about the founders of the social-networking site Facebook. Like many of the film’s stars, Shelby admits, “I am such a huge fan of ‘Fight Club,’ so the chance to work with David Fincher, I just couldn’t pass that up.” Look for “The Social Network” in theaters come October.

Q: At the end of last season it was stated that “Friday Night Lights” was coming back this year. Has that changed? I haven’t been able to find anything about it. — Phillis M., via e-mail

A: Season Four of “FNL” is slated to premiere Friday, April 30, on NBC. Per an agreement with DirecTV, the fourth season already aired on The 101 Network from October 2009 through this past February, with NBC re-airing the season coming next month. If you want to be surprised by what happens this season, beware of online spoilers from those who already saw the episodes on The 101!

Q: For this final season of “Lost,” I am as confused as ever — and LOVING it! I also love one of the newer characters, Jacob. What can you tell me about the actor who plays him? I know I’ve seen him in other things. — Melanie C., Dayton, Ohio

A: Mark Pellegrino (pictured left; photo credit Eric Williams), 44, who has played Jacob on “Lost” since the end of the previous season, has been in a ton of movies, such as “The Big Lebowski,” “Mulholland Drive,” “Capote” and “National Treasure.” On the small screen, he is most known for playing the Devil on “Supernatural” and Paul Bennett on “Dexter.” I asked Mark when we chatted recently if it was intimidating for him to join such an established, phenomenon of a show so late in the series.

“Luckily I didn’t know it was such a huge phenomenon until I landed on the island and was told,” Pellegrino said. “When you audition, the character sides are not the character you are auditioning for, and the scenes are just made-up stuff to throw off all the people on the Internet who are so anxious to get the material. I had no idea what it meant until I got there and they told me I’m Jacob. And then it dawned on me what a big deal it was.”

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Simon Cowell Engaged!

Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest joked about it during Tuesday night's "American Idol" broadcast, and rumors have been floating around the Internet for days, but now the news is official: The prickly reality-show judge is engaged.

Cowell is set to marry Mezhgan Hussainy, a makeup artist he's been dating for nearly a year, the future Mrs. Cowell told RadarOnline. The 36-year-old Afghanistan-born Hussainy had been spotted with a massive diamond on her finger following a Valentine's Day dinner, setting off a stream of speculation about whether the 50-year-old Cowell had finally decided to settle down.

Cowell was previously in a long-term relationship with entertainment correspondent Terri Seymour.

Read the rest of the story here.

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