Puppy Bowl X!!

 

(Animal Planet press release)

  

THE PUPPIES ARE COMING! ANIMAL PLANET’S PUP-CULTURE PHENOMENON CELEBRATES 10 YEARS WITH “PUPPY BOWL X”

 10th Anniversary Edition Features Brand New Kitty Halftime Show, Celebrity Cats “Keyboard Cat” and “Lil BUB,” Interactive MVP Voting, Cheerleading Penguins, Live Viewer Instagram Submissions, and New Content Every Hour Hitting the Turf on February 2nd

 AnimalPlanet.com Launches First Ever Puppy Fantasy League Later This Month

 Animal Planet Teams Up with the ASPCA® to Host Free Weeklong Celebration

 at Discovery Times Square in New York Beginning January 27th

(New York, New York, January 2, 2014) – Let the tailgating begin! The most anticipated – and cutest – sporting event of the season is about to get even bigger. PUPPY BOWL returns to Animal Planet to celebrate a very special anniversary in a championship battle for cuteness and barking rights on Super Bowl™ Sunday, February 2, from 3 - 5 PM (ET/PT) and repeating all day and night with exciting new content every hour. And this year, all six airings of PUPPY BOWL X will surprise viewers at the end of the game as fans vote in real time for which puppy will take home the coveted title of MVP (Most Valuable Puppy). With 12.4 million viewers last season, Animal Planet has upped the ante with all new features and guest stars to make PUPPY BOWL X the biggest game ever! And on game day, 66 rambunctious pups itching to score and show off their signature moves and chews in the end zone will duke it out for their chance at glory. 

To commemorate this PUPPY BOWL milestone, viewers will be treated to new in-game segments and features including the following:

• Fantasy Puppy League – Later this month at AnimalPlanet.com/PuppyBowl, the network will launch its first-ever fantasy draft, where fans can view profiles of 11 all-star players and create their team of fierce and fuzzy competitors in advance of the big game. Then on the big day, fantasy leaguers can keep track of how their athletic fur balls are doing with live stat updates on screen and a leaderboard online. 

• Penguin Cheerleaders – Every PUPPY BOWL deserves its silly cheerleaders, and this year a parade of penguins will waddle and cheer from the sidelines.

• Xtraordinary KITTY HALF-TIME SHOW – Super Bowl™ half time has nothing on PUPPY BOWL as Internet sensation Keyboard Cat lends a paw and performs his rock rendition of Bruno Mars’ “Locked Out of Heaven.” Thirty kitten all stars, representing the pride of the feline world, pull out all the stops to put the fans on their feet with an epic domino topple and one little daredevil, which makes a grand entrance by parachuting onto the field.

• Xtra Special Guests – Keyboard Cat isn’t the only celebrity fascinated by all the action. Animalist’s Lil BUB checks in throughout the game from her Chicago studio, and furry first responders representing police dogs across the New York region take to the field for the National Anthem. 

• Adoption Updates – Stay tuned until the end of the game to find out where your favorite pooches are now. Over the last nine seasons, hundreds of orphan puppies have appeared in PUPPY BOWL and have all since found their fur-ever homes! Dog Years: Life After Puppy Bowl takes a look at some of those lucky pooches and their new adult lives. And in Pup Close and Personal, follow select players home for an inside look on their journey to the grand gridiron.

For fans who miss any of the action or want a double or triple dose of cuddly play, PUPPY BOWL X repeats five times over the course of the day. Even diehard fans of that other game will want to check back to see fresh repeats, surprise endings with new puppy in-game segments, and features every hour including the following:

• MVP Interactive Voting – Visit AnimalPlanet.com/PuppyBowlMVP on game day to vote for the top pups having the most impact on the field. At 3 PM (ET), the poll goes live, and viewers will directly affect a new ending of each broadcast by helping crown the MVP.  

• Top X Lists – Many pups have made their mark over the last decade of this animal cute fest. Enjoy new endearing highlights and action-packed plays every hour from PUPPY BOWL’s I-IX as we count down the best of the best and most memorable moments captured over the years in lists including Top 10 Puppies and Top 10 Goofiest Plays.

• Instagram Your Photos – All those PUPPY BOWL parties just got 10 times more fun! For the first time ever, viewers will submit their own photos (of themselves or their pets or both) via Instagram using #puppybowl all night long for a chance to see themselves and their best friends on TV in real time.  

It wouldn’t be PUPPY BOWL without America’s favorite referee, Dan Schachner, who returns to call the puppy penalties for his third year as “The Ref.” Sideline reporter “Meep the Bird” is back on his perch to tweet live updates and commentary throughout the big game. Fans can follow @MeepTheBird to catch the latest news, puppy drama and locker room moments from inside the stadium. After an electrical malfunction at that other game last year, “Meep the Bird” reminded viewers that the lights never go out at PUPPY BOWL. And this year, hamsters are working their wheels below the stadium to keep the lights on and the turbines running. Viewers won’t miss a second of the action with PUPPY BOWL favorites such as the water bowl cam, slow motion “Too Cute” cam, kiss-cam and an aerial view of the field provided by a blimp and its hamster pilots, capturing every furry fumble, touchdown and penalty. Outside the stadium, canine fans without tickets will claim their spots in the parking lot at a brand new tailgate party. 

Off the field, in honor of the 10th anniversary of PUPPY BOWL, Animal Planet in collaboration with the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®), is bringing the PUPPY BOWL EXPERIENCE live to New York City! Fans can join the celebration for the whole week leading up to the big game at Discovery Times Square, located in the heart of New York’s Times Square on 44th Street between 7th and 8th Avenue. The event will be held daily from Monday, January 27th to Saturday, February 1st. Please visit AnimalPlanet.com/PuppyBowl later this month for the daily schedule. Open to the public free of charge, visitors will get a chance to learn about the history of PUPPY BOWL during a walk through the Hall of Fame; enjoy live puppy action on the replica field featuring rescued pups from the ASPCA; and visit interactive booths including a tail-gate area with games and face painting, a “kissing booth” for a smooch from a lovable pooch, a chance to step into the press box to call a game, and much more. Guests will also get the chance to meet and snuggle some furry friends and even find a new family member at on-site adoption events hosted by the ASPCA with the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals daily between 4 – 7 PM. Please visit Discovery Times Square’s website for the most up-to-date information including venue hours of operation at www.DiscoveryTSX.com.

All of the puppies and kittens featured in PUPPY BOWL X come from shelters and rescue groups across the United States and even Puerto Rico. This year’s team includes players from Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA (California), Florida Little Dog Rescue, Colorado Animal Welfare League, Last Hope Animal Rescue (Iowa) and Scottsville Veterinary Hospital and Adoptions (New York). Animal Care & Control of NYC provided kittens for the KITTY HALF-TIME SHOW. Viewers interested in learning more about the organizations that participated in PUPPY BOWL X can visit AnimalPlanet.com for more information. 

Read more

Q and A: Week of Oct. 8

Q: I am so happy to hear that “Army Wives” has been renewed for another season. Will all the stars be back for the new season? — Fiona W., via e-mail

A: Lifetime has indeed ordered 13 more episodes of the hit military drama for a 2013 seventh season. However, not all the details of who will be returning have been worked out. Catherine Bell appears to be a yes, while Kim Delany is most likely a no. Kelli Wilson, who plays Jackie Clark, seems a likely candidate to slip into a more prominent role. And don’t count out newcomer Kellie Martin, who plays Capt. Nicole Galassini. She told me recently that she’d be up for another tour of duty with “Wives.”

“I was honored to play this woman,” Kellie said. “I thought she was so brave and so smart, yet in her personal life she had to hide, and it was really fun to play someone who comes out. I feel like Capt. Galassin is the girl next door. Everybody knows someone like her. I’m just very proud of “Army Wives” and Lifetime for following through with the storyline that they did.

“Last we saw Nicole, she was on a plane to Afghanistan at the season end, and there was a lot of turbulence … but I had a great time and I never ever know where my career’s going to head, so it’ll be interesting to see what happens.”

In the meantime, you can catch Kellie in the Hallmark Channel original movie “I Married Who?” airing Saturday, Oct. 20, at 9/8c. Check back here for my full interview with Kellie next week.

Q: What has happened to “CSI: Miami”? Has it been canceled? — Bill V., via e-mail

A: CBS opted back in May not to renew the David Caruso-starring crime drama after 10 seasons and 232 episodes. However, you can still whet your “CSI” appetite with the original “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” on Wednesday nights with Ted Danson and Elisabeth Shue, and “CSI: NY” with Gary Sinise and Sela Ward on Friday nights.

Q: Will “Finding Bigfoot” be back? It’s one of my favorite shows. — Eddie S. in Oregon

A: As one of Animal Planet’s top-performing series ever, you can bet your sweet bippy that it’ll be back for a third season. Prepare yourself for 20 informative and somewhat-scary episodes beginning Sunday, Nov. 11, at 10 p.m. ET/PT. This season the team of investigators will travel worldwide in search of the ever-elusive sasquatch, heading to Australia to investigate the phenomenon known as “yowies” and to Indonesia to scout out the “orang-pendek” creature.

Q: I was wondering if two of my favorite reality shows will be back: “L.A. Ink” and “Gene Simmons Family Jewels.” — N.P. in Kentucky

A: I hate to have to deliver this double-whammy of bad news for you, but neither “L.A. Ink” nor “Family Jewels” has been renewed for a new season, and therefore won’t be returning to TLC and A and E, respectively.

Read more

Puppy Bowl Is Back!

(PRESS RELEASE)

(New York, NY) – Ready for more tail wagging wildness, canine cuteness and animal athleticism than ever witnessed before? On Super Bowl™ Sunday, February 5, from 3-5 PM (ET/PT), Animal Planet’s annual canine competition returns to the grand gridiron with PUPPY BOWL VIII. For the eighth year in a row, with the help of Petfinder.com, Animal Planet has searched shelters and rescue groups across the nation for the toughest pups ever to carry a chew toy into an end zone and across the goal line. Now, the teams have been selected, paws polished and fur combed for the biggest event in animal sports history.

This year’s PEDIGREE® Starting Lineup is growling with rowdy rat terriers, defensive dachshunds and charging Chihuahuas, all competing for the title of the BISSELL® MVP (Most Valuable Puppy). But the pups will have to warm up to a new face as PUPPY BOWL VIII marks the debut of Dan Schachner, who takes over as “The Ref” – calling all the plays and penalties on the field.

 

“When Animal Planet first called and told me that I would be working with 58 puppies, 20 cats, five pigs and one bird, I thought this would be the easiest gig of my career,” says Dan. “But after calling my first “terrier touchdown,” I can see why this is the toughest competition in sports today.”

 

In a game-day first, a piggy pep squad will “ham” it up on the sidelines and squeal with delight for its favorite players while “Meep the Bird” tweets all the fast-paced action. Follow @MeepTheBird on game day for the latest updates, puppy drama and behind-the-scenes moments from inside Animal Planet Stadium. Award-winning animal advocate and television correspondent Jill Rappaport will provide up-to-the-minute sideline analysis and commentary on the game, and fans will be treated to PUPPY BOWL favorites such as the puppy cam, water bowl cam, kiss cam and an aerial view of the field provided by the Ice Breakers® Mints blimp and its hamster pilots.

If you’re not the biggest Madonna fan, the cute and cuddly kittens have returned with an all-new edition of the BISSELL® KITTY HALF-TIME SHOW. These adorable felines will treat fans to kitty gymnastics, precious poses and overall kitten craziness leading up to the confetti shower, sending viewers into cuteness overload.

 

All of the animals featured in PUPPY BOWL VIII come from rescues and shelters across the United States. This year’s starting lineup includes puppies from spcaLA (California), All Star Pet Rescue (New Jersey), Go Boxer Rescue (Ohio), Pet Matchmaker Rescue (Pennsylvania), Furever Dachshund Rescue (Rhode Island) and Huts for Mutts Dog Rescue (Texas). Viewers who are interested in adopting a pet in their area can visit Petfinder.

 

To learn more about PUPPY BOWL VIII, fans can visit AnimalPlanet.com for highlights and behind-the-scenes moments from seasons’ pasts and, later this month, a chance to vote for this year’s MVP (Most Valuable Puppy) and an eight-part web series highlighting the history of PUPPY BOWL’s greatest moments.

Read more

Q and A: Week of Oct. 31

Q: When will Tori Spelling’s reality show return to Oxygen? It’s one of my guilty pleasures, and I have to admit that I miss it! — Patty T., via e-mail

A: Tori and husband Dean McDermott will return for the sixth season of “Tori and Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood” on Tuesday, Nov. 29. Originally named “Tori and Dean: Inn Love” — where the couple opened a B-and-B while Tori was eight months pregnant with their first child — the new season will welcome the couple’s third child together, Hattie Margaret, who was born in October. Hattie joins siblings Liam and Stella, as well as Dean’s son, Jack, from a previous marriage.

Q: Will “Swamp Wars” be back on Animal Planet anytime soon? — Fred R., Baton Rouge, La.

A: Animal Planet will be bringing back “Swamp Wars” for more drama as the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue’s Venom One unit carries on its battle against the lethal animals that threaten South Florida. A 12-episode second season begins on Sunday, Nov. 6, at 9 p.m. ET/PT, starting with six all-new episodes and another set of six episodes slated to air in 2012.


This season has our heroes facing a Tegu lizard outbreak as well as Nile monitors and Burmese pythons — you know, just the usual deadly invasive creatures. They also battle venomous lionfish, which are proliferating the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, and have no known aquatic enemies.

Q: I read and enjoy your articles that appear in our newspaper every Sunday. I bet you can answer this: Will “Covert Affairs” on the USA channel be back? — Virginia G., Webster, N.Y.

A: “Covert Affairs” begins airing the second half of its second season on Nov. 1, with six episodes left to round out the season. And I have even more good news for you, Virginia: USA has renewed “Covert Affairs” for a 16-episode third season, to begin airing summer 2012. In fact, all of USA’s original summer programming has been renewed, including “Royal Pains” and “Necessary Roughness.”


USA co-presidents Chris McCumber and Jeff Wachtel said in a statement: “USA’s original programming blew through all expectations this summer. It’s a rare and wonderful thing to announce the pick-up of our entire summer of programming.”

Q: I remember reading in previous columns that you are a big fan of Syfy’s “Being Human,” so I figure you can tell me if/when it’ll be back for a second season? — Johnny T., via e-mail

A: I am, and I can. The werewolf/vampire/ghost paranormal drama will return for its second season on Monday, Jan. 16. As you’ll recall, last season saw the demise of Bishop at the hands of Aidan, with Aidan becoming the new leader of Boston’s vampires; Nora learned Josh is a werewolf, not revealing to him that he scratched her while he was in werewolf form; and Sally missed her window to the Great Beyond to help save Aidan.

Read more

Interview: Danielle Konya Is a Sweet Avenger

This weekend, millions of Americans will be celebrating Memorial Day outside, eating hamburgers and hot dogs fresh from the grill. As a vegan myself, I was thrilled to get the chance to interview Danielle Konya — vegan baker, chef and star of Animal Planet's summer series, "Sweet Avenger" — and I hope this column will inspire you to put one less animal product on your plate this weekend. 

Celebrity Extra: Was there a specific epiphany that lead you to become a vegan? Or was it a culmination of events and realizations? How did you first decide to do that?
Danielle Konya: It was a very specific moment. I was out for dinner and I saw a lobster being boiled alive. It was just one of those nice restaurants that had a big, open kitchen and I was kind of staring off into the kitchen, and I saw them take the lobster and throw it into the pot. And I wasn’t really even thinking about it. I was just kind of watching the chain of events, and it made this really loud crying noise and then scratching to get out of the pot. And it was just the moment that I connected the suffering of animals as our food choices.

CE: A lot of people are vegetarian, but they're not quite vegan, but you researched everything and came to harsh realizations about the dairy industry, yes?

DK: I think if anyone researched what happens in the dairy industry, they would wish for those cows to be meat, because it is just a life of suffering.



CE: How long have you been vegan?

DK: Almost 20 years. I was 17 at the time, and I’ve just never been able to turn a blind eye — ever. It’s one of those things that once you learn it you can never unlearn it. I guess it’s been my life’s goal to make people more aware of the ramifications of their food choices. Because it effects the world around them.

CE: And when you mention the lobster — that brings to mind the Maryland crabs. My mother is from Maryland and when I would go up there to visit, they would cook them and I would hear that noise, they would say: “Oh, that’s just air being released from their shells.” I guess so the kids wouldn’t be scared to know the crabs are screaming, and if I had known I probably would have become a vegan back then too.

DK: You know, I was actually questioning what I heard for quite some time, and it wasn’t until a few years later that I had read that a lobster has one of the most painful deaths, because it takes a few seconds for the hot water to get deep under their shells. And they can actually retaliate against it for a few seconds. So, you get even more disturbed.

CE: How did you translate your veganism into deciding to open Vegan Treats Bakery? That’s a huge decision to start your own business.

DK: I was just trying to find a way to satisfy my own sweet tooth by making vegan desserts. My mom would always bake, and I tried to emulate her and relate some of her recipes, but minus the egg, minus the milk. And I quickly realized that people loved it. Friends would come over and ask, “Hey, did you make any vegan treats?” So, that’s where the name came from and how it stuck. I quickly realized that it was the magic wand to get people to listen or to get them to eat vegan. It was like this magical tool and it completely was like a light turning on.


You can talk to people about being vegan all day long, but the second you give them cake, all of a sudden they are paying attention. I noticed that early on and I thought, this is the best medium ever.
CE: Did you approach Animal Planet to do this or was it vice versa? How did the idea for "Sweet Avenger" come out?

DK: They approached me. They called me last summer and said they were possibly interested in doing a TV show, and could they come down and meet with me. And then all the events unfolded since then.


I was really excited that it was Animal Planet. That was the pinnacle thing for me that Animal Planet was calling. It wasn’t just any network. This was a network that I cared about, that I watched religiously, I know all of their shows and am a big fan of them. I was completely floored.
CE: I know that animal-rights awareness is a driving force behind you wanting to do the series and why you want to do it to bring it to everybody else. What are some other reasons behind it and things you hope to accomplish with your series?

DK: I guess I’m just hoping that people could make small choices. I want them to understand that their small choices make big changes. So, even if someone left the show thinking, “Hey, maybe I’ll try some almond milk on my cereal in the morning.” I feel like those small changes have a huge global impact. I’m hoping to just make people aware and teach them that compassion starts with their fork.


For me, it’s completely about animal welfare, but I feel like it’s not the only reason to be vegan. I feel like there’s also a second reason for the health benefit. Or a third reason even environmental concerns. So, I’m trying to tap into whatever could sway people.
CE: What are some health benefits that you’ve learned yourself that you’ve noticed?

DK: I have more energy than I know what to do with. I think that’s one of the big things. People around me are like: “What is wrong with you? Do you ever slow down?” But I feel that eating a diet that’s so rich in nourishment, it’s really easy to have a lot of energy and feel really good. I feel like that’s a big thing.


I think for me too it’s these little things that drive me insane. Like the statistics, you just can’t not look at them. How one species becomes extinct every 60 seconds due to the destruction of our rainforest, and the No. 1 reason for that is livestock production. One-third of our lands is used for livestock. I can’t sleep at night knowing these facts.
CE: What can you tell me about what viewers can expect from "Sweet Avenger"?

DK: The viewer will quickly realize that it’s not just another baking show. It definitely goes a lot deeper than that. It talks about conservation and what it means to eat vegan and how it affects our planet. It also dives really deep into the details about my personal life: my humanitarian efforts and my adoption with my daughter, Brittany. I feel like people will learn a lot about the bakery, the comradery between the employees, the world around them. It just not your ordinary baking show.

CE: Vegan baking has come a long way in the past few years. What would you say to skeptics who would assume you can’t bake unless you have eggs, butter and milk. What would you say to them?

DK: The desserts speak louder than my words, and I would encourage them to try it. Because they will quickly learn how wrong they are. Or tell someone it’s vegan afterward they eat it, because they would never believe it.


CE: How do you juggle being a Mom, a businesswoman and now a TV star? I know you have more energy, but how do you find the time in a day to do it?

DK: I don’t know. I guess just one day at a time. I’ve always had a little bit more on my plate than I could ever possibly handle, and I kind of just take on one task at a time till I get it all done. I utilize the people around me who are helping me and do the best I can.

CE: I know that you have some celebrity clients who love your food, and since I do write a celebrity column, I was wondering if you could tell me some of the celebrities who have given your baked goods some rave reviews?

DK: Alicia Silverstone is a huge fan. She was working on Broadway and we were delivering Peanut Butter Bombs to her on the set. We do bake for a ton of different bands. Pretty much the vegan community is synonymous with a lot of rock stars. We bake for Alkaline Trio and AFY and Bayside. We’ve even done Paramour and No Doubt and Eddie Vedder. As far as actors and actresses, we’ve done a birthday party for Gwyneth Paltrow's daughter, Apple. We’ve even baked for Dennis Kucinich a couple of times. He’s the only vegan member of Congress.

Read more

Q and A: Week of May 2

Q: I read on your website that Animal Planet has greenlit a new series called “Sweet Avenger,” about a vegan baker who also is an animal-rights activist. This idea is dear to my heart, as I am a vegan. How did the chef get her start? — Alice F., via e-mail

A: This new series follows vegan chef and businesswoman Danielle Konya as she shares her vegan lifestyle via her delicious desserts and animal-rights activism. I spoke with Danielle recently, and she explained to me how the idea for starting up her bakery, Vegan Treats, came about.


“I was just trying to find a way to satisfy my own sweet tooth by making vegan desserts. My mom would always bake, and I’d try some of her recipes, but minus the egg, minus the milk. People loved it. Friends would come over and ask, ‘Did you make any vegan treats?’ And that’s where the name of Vegan Treats came from.


“I quickly realized that creating delicious desserts was the key to getting people to eat vegan. You can talk to people all day long about being vegan, but the second you give them cake, all of a sudden they are paying attention.”


“Sweet Avenger” will start airing this summer on Animal Planet; check back later this week for my full interview with Danielle.



Q: I really like the new comedy on CMT called “Working Class,” and I wondered if it will be back for a second season. I really hope so — it’s such a breath of fresh air. — Gary D., Nashville, Tenn.

A: I’m sorry to tell you that CMT’s first sitcom, “Working Class,” has been canceled after airing all 12 episodes of its first season. I spoke with series star Patrick Fabian earlier this year about the possibility of a pick-up, and he said that while he was keeping his fingers crossed, he has been in this business long enough not to plan on anything. “The best thing I can probably do is buy a first-class nonrefundable airline ticket to somewhere, and then they’ll pick it up,” he said. “That’s usually the way it works.”

Q: This season I have enjoyed watching “Detroit 1-8-7″ with Michael Imperioli. Will it be back on ABC next year? — Dorothy P., via email

A: Things aren’t looking good for the police-procedural crime drama. While ABC has not made an official statement as of this writing, low ratings usually tell the tale best, so my money is on “canceled.”

Q: When is the new season of “Breaking Bad” on AMC starting? It’s one of my favorite shows! — Liz in California

A: While an exact date has not yet been announced, instead of its usual springtime premiere, “Breaking Bad” will return in July for its fourth season. To help bridge the gap between seasons, you can watch three mini episodes online at amctv.com and check out what lies ahead for season four.

Read more

Q and A: Week of Dec. 27

Q: When will “Southland” be back? I was so happy when TNT picked it up from NBC, and have been eagerly awaiting its return. — George F., via e-mail

A: The cutting-edge drama will be back on Tuesday, Jan. 4, at 10 p.m. on TNT. Series star Benjamin McKenzie (pictured left; photo credit: Doug Hyun) gave me the scoop: “It’s going to be the same show you’ve seen before, it’s just going to be more focused on the four principle characters left: Ben, Lydia, Sammy and John. It’s a pretty aggressive show; this season it’s really going to double-down on the aggressiveness. It’s fast, hard-hitting and uncompromising.


“With my character and John, the dynamic has changed yet again. It’s more of a peer-to-peer relationship than it has been in the past. Although Ben will still mess up and John will criticize him brutally for it, he’s got a little more freedom to do a little more of his own work. The end of the season will mark the end of his probationary period.”

Q: I love the Syfy show “Merlin.” I haven’t seen new episodes on the schedule for a while, and I’m afraid it has been canceled. Please tell me it hasn’t! — Mark T. in Vermont



A: Don’t worry, Mark. The magical Syfy series will indeed be back for a third season beginning Friday, Jan. 7, at 10 p.m. Season three finds the young Merlin (played by Colin Morgan) in increasingly more dangerous and dark battles in his secret quest to protect Prince Arthur (Bradley James) in the fabled kingdom of Camelot, where magic is forbidden by King Uther (Anthony Head). They rejoin Morgana (Katie McGrath) — who has a dark destiny of her own — with Angel Coulby as her loyal maid Gwen, and Richard Wilson as wise court physician Gaius. John Hurt returns as the voice of the Great Dragon.

Q: Is Jillian Michaels really leaving “The Biggest Loser”? I can’t imagine the show without her! — Tawny D., via e-mail

A: Well, start imagining it, because Jillian is outta there. After this season, which begins Jan. 4, her contract is up, and she is leaving the show. Jillian explained her decision: “I want to take a year off TV and focus on becoming a mommy and doing more charity work. Shooting ‘Losing It’ also had a big impact on me. Living with kids, I saw firsthand what I was missing.”

Q: How is Vanessa Williams fitting in as the newest cast member of “Desperate Housewives”? — Sandi S., Lousiville, Ky.

A: Vanessa is doing great, at least according to co-star Joshua Moore, who plays Parker Scavo. When we spoke about the show’s return from winter break on Jan. 2, he told me: “She’s just great to work with. I think she’s a really good actress and she’s great in her role. She’s just a very cool person to talk to and hang out with. She definitely has to flip that switch on to be mean (like her character, Renee).”

Q: I was so happy when I heard that Nancy O’Dell would be replacing Mary Hart as co-anchor on “Entertainment Tonight” when Mary retires in 2011. It will be nice to see Nancy’s lovely face on TV again! What is she up to in the meantime? — Jillian F., Fort Worth, Texas

A: Nancy is thrilled by her latest career move. She told me: “It is such an honor (to be chosen to replace Mary Hart). Mary is such a TV icon. I remember watching it when it first debuted and thinking, ‘Oh my God, that would be such a cool show to work for.’ And here I am, working for it! It is very exciting.”


Nancy also has teamed up with Florida Orange Juice on a promotion to help make mornings special for families. She explained: “It’s so difficult for people to make their mornings meaningful with their families, as they are being pulled in so many directions. But all you need is 15 minutes, whether it’s over a glass of orange juice or over breakfast, to just sit down and talk with your family.” So Nancy is helping launch the Florida Orange Juice Morning Squeeze contest, with the grand prize being a family trip to Florida. To enter, go to www.FloridaJuice.com/Morning_Squeeze.php.

Q: Will “Army Wives” be back anytime soon for a new season? — William S., via e-mail

A: Rest assured, Lifetime Television’s perennial hit drama “Army Wives” will be back for a fifth season with 13 all-new episodes. “Army Wives” is Lifetime’s most successful series in the 26-year-history of the network, so I’d say the show has quite a bit of life left in it. It will be back in 2011, however the exact date has not been announced. If previous seasons are any indication, it should be back by late spring to early summer.

Q: I caught the tail end of what looked like a really good documentary on Animal Planet about men diving with Nile crocodiles. Can you tell me what it was called and when/if I can see it again? — Sam M., via e-mail

A: The show is called “Into the Dragon’s Lair,” which documents wildlife photographer Roger Horrocks and world-renowned underwater cameraman Didier Noiret as they travel to Botswana’s Okavango Delta to capture never-before-seen behaviors to help broaden the world’s scientific understanding of these fearsome creatures. It is definitely a don’t-miss show, and you can see it again Thursday night, Jan. 20.

Q: How much do reality-television stars, people like Kim Kardashian, make? — Frankie F., Washington, D.C.

A: It depends on the star’s popularity, as well as extracurricular activities, like perfume and clothing lines, books, etc. Kim, for instance, is the highest-paid reality star, raking in $6 million in 2010. Lauren Conrad is close behind, banking $5 million in 2010.

Q: I was so sad to hear that one of my favorite comedic actors, Leslie Nielsen, had passed away recently. Did he film anything before he died, to be released posthumously? — Jeff D., via e-mail

A: The great Leslie Nielsen, 84, who began his acting career back in 1950, passed away in November after a short battle with pneumonia. For his final movie, he voiced a character in the animated comedy “The Waterman Movie,” which is scheduled for release some time next year.

Q: What has happened to Rich Fields, the announcer for “The Price Is Right”? They keep having “guest” announcers. Will he return sometime soon? — Donna C. in New York

A: Rich Fields, 50, who came aboard “The Price Is Right” after the death of longtime announcer Rod Roddy in 2004, is no longer the announcer of the perennial game show. Before the start of the 2010 season, Rich was informed that the producers wanted to go a different way with the show, which included a new announcer with improvisation-comedy background. For now, the show is employing a series of guest announcers, but hopefully the producers will settle on one announcer soon, instead of continuing this game of announcer musical chairs. Currently, Rich is a part-time meteorologist in Los Angeles.

Q: Watching older movies with George Clooney, and comparing how he looked then with now, it looks like he has had a little tightening done to his face? Has he? To me, he seems like the last person on Earth who would undergo plastic surgery. — Hannah F., via e-mail

A: Actually, the 49-year-old star confessed to Oprah Winfrey back in 2007 that he had had some excess skin under his eyes removed. As he said: “It’s important to look awake.” If you check out some before and after pictures online, you can see that the result is subtle and natural-looking, unlike some other pulled-tight celebs who shall remain nameless.

Q: Why did the ABC/Disney-produced “Legend of the Seeker” get canceled? There is a worldwide fan campaign (saveourseeker.com) that is working hard to get this beloved, high-fantasy show back for a third season. Have you heard anything about the show coming back? — Shirley T., Derby, Conn.

A: The Internet is exploding with campaigns to save the show, as well as some well-placed rumors that the show might not be finished. Back in October, “Seeker” stars Craig Parker and Bruce Spence hinted at the fan gathering RingCon 2010 that the show might not be over, yet. Bruce stated, “I know that a lot of people think it’s dead, but it’s not.”


While he might just be employing positive thinking, rumor has it that many alternative stations have been approached about picking up the show for its third season, including SyFy and BBC (both of which reportedly passed). For some fan-made videos, as well as other links to help save the show, check out craighorner.com (a fansite for the “Seeker” star).

Q: I really miss “Parks and Recreation” — it is by far my favorite comedy on TV, along with “The Office.” When will it return? I can’t take much more of “Outsourced.” — Samuel F., via e-mail

A: You will be happy to hear, as I was, that “Parks and Rec” (as many of us lovingly refer to it) will be back on NBC on Thursday, Jan. 20 at 9:30/8:30c after “The Office,” where it belongs. I also was getting a little nervous that the mediocre comedy, “Outsourced,” was going to usurp Leslie Knope and company from their rightful spot on must-see Thursday night TV. I am not sure what this means for “Outsourced,” but I don’t really care. It is difficult for me to get behind a show that makes light of a real problem in America nowadays: high unemployment and jobs being shipped overseas. Aside from that, it just ain’t funny!

Q: Last I heard, “V” was coming back to ABC in November, but November came and went, and no “V.” Please don’t tell me that it has been canceled. After the cancelation of “FlashForward” and “The Gates,” I don’t think I can take another early cancelation! — Theresa R., Baltimore

A: Don’t you worry, Theresa. “V” will make its highly anticipated season premiere on Tuesday, Jan. 4, at 9/8c. Season two will feature more character and lizard revelations, more details about the V’s mythology, as well as even more action and more plot twists. As my favorite new show of the 2009 season, I can’t wait to see what develops.

Q: I loved Laura Prepon on “October Road,” and was sad when it went off the air. Can you tell me what else I can see her in? — Danni J. in Georgia

A: Laura, 30, has been busy since “October Road” was canceled in 2008. She guest-starred on “In Plain Sight,” “Medium,” “House M.D.” and “How I Met Your Mother.” In January, Laura plays Natalie Gray, the actress who portrays Nicki Heat in the movie adaptation of Richard Castle’s best-selling mystery book “Nicki Heat” on ABC’s “Castle.”

Q: I have loved all of the “Glee” cameos as of late, especially Britney Spears and Gwyneth Paltrow. Now I hear that Anne Hathaway might be on the show? Is that true? — Denny T., via e-mail

A: While there are no immediate plans for Anne Hathaway to guest-star on the popular Fox musical/comedy, if Anne gets her way, you just might see her walking down the halls of McKinley High. She recently revealed: “In my head, I’ve cast myself, and I know what song I’m going to sing! I would want to play Kurt’s long-lost aunt’s mother’s sister, who is also gay and comes back to help him deal with his sexuality, and I would sing ‘You Are Not Alone’ from Steven Sondheim’s epic show ‘Into the Woods.’”

Read more

Catch Into the Dragon's Lair Tonight on Animal Planet

TUNE-IN ALERT

I watched this last night, and I have to say: It's a must-see!

(press release)

The Nile crocodile is one of the planet's most feared apex predators known to have taken humans as prey. Filming within arms reach of these dangerous creatures, is courageous and perhaps a bit insane, but with the risk comes valuable knowledge and an adrenaline rush that can make a person feel truly alive. There has been no record of men ever diving with these beautiful and yet utterly terrifying creatures… until now. On Thursday, December 9, at 10 PM (ET/PT) on Animal Planet, wildlife photographer Roger Horrocks and world-renowned, underwater cameraman Didier Noiret travel to Botswana’s Okavango Delta to go Into the Dragon's Lair.

For Roger (pictured left), diving with Nile crocodiles is a drastic departure from his former life in the corporate world. Both Roger and Didier are fully aware could die, but they are determined to achieve their goal - to be the first men on record to enter the Nile crocodile’s lair to capture never-before-seen behaviors and imagery that broadens the world's scientific understanding of one of its most horrifyingly, glorious killers.

(Photo credits: Roger Horrocks)

Read more

Interview: Ric O'Barry's Mission to Save Dolphins

You might recognize the name Ric O'Barry from the Academy Award-winning documentary The Cove. Now, Ric and his son Lincoln (pictured left), are continuing the journey they began with The Cove. Animal Planet will premiere Blood Dolphins, a three-part series that goes deep within the world of dolphin trade and slaughter TONIGHT at 11 p.m. ET/PT (at a special time following the two-hour Whale Wars finale).

Then, Animal Planet follows Blood Dolphins with basic cable premiere of Academy Award-winning film The Cove on Sunday, August 29, at 9 PM ET/PT.

Blood Dolphins takes Ric and Lincoln further on their mission to expose to the world the atrocities of dolphin slaughter in Taiji, Japan (also known as the "Cove"), and confront dolphin trade activity and repercussions of trade and captivity in the Solomon Islands.

I had the great honor of speaking with Ric about this very important cause, and believe me, he has quite a lot of important information to give about it.

Celebrity Extra: I know that when you do your work you put yourself, and now your son, because he’s working with you, in great peril. Have you ever considered quitting or does that only add fuel to the fire of wanting to help the animals?

Ric O’Barry: I really don’t think too much about. What we have to do is right in front of us, and we just do it without thinking too much.

CE: I remember when you were talking about how one of the dolphins, I believe it was Cassie, basically committed suicide and died in your arms. Was that the turning point for you in wanting to help free the captive dolphins?

RO: Yeah, that was the turning point or the tipping point I should say. Leading up to that for a few years I was really turned off by the captivity of dolphins. But I didn’t do anything about it until that happened. That was Earth Day 1970 — the first Earth Day.

CE: I know everyone who saw The Cove has been affected by it, and now this has lead to the new show on Animal Planet, Blood Dolphins. How has the public’s knowledge and outrage of this helped further your cause?

RO: I can’t really — I don’t hold my finger on the pulse of that, how many people have seen it. But I feel when people see it, or see the TV series, they’re going to think twice before they buy a ticket for a dolphin show. That is the key to solving the problem — the consumers. I don’t know how many people have seen it in theaters. I don’t pay too much attention to that, but the bigger audiences are on television and that is going to happen next month. That is very exciting to me.

CE: Now that you and your son went back to Japan, you saw that the slaughter is still happening, what was your reaction on discovering this?

RO: We were there several times since the film has been released. Last September 1st we were there together. Lincoln did a show around then. That’s the day the dolphin slaughter begins, September 1st and goes through March. Things changed in that during that period, September 1st of last year, the town of Taiji, the mayor and the city council implemented a no-kill policy. In other words, they were bringing dolphins in and they were capturing them for the dolphin swim program, the dolphin captivity industry. But they let about 300 of them go. They still kill pilot whales, or they did after we left, but they stopped killing bottle-nosed dolphins probably thinking, “That will appease them. If we let the bottle-nosed dolphins go, they’ll be all right with it." So, we don’t know what’s going to happen this September 1st. It’s coming soon. The clock is ticking and when it strikes midnight September 1st, and that is when it all begins all over again. We are hoping for major change because of The Cove and the television series Blood Dolphins. They know about it. The Japanese government reads, they know what’s happening. I think we have a chance to stop it — we’ll see.

CE: I know, too, that there had been a battle in Japan about whether they would allow people to see The Cove over there. Do you think it could make a difference if the Japanese were allowed to see this film and see what is happening in their country on their own land?

RO: Absolutely. There are 126 million people in Japan. That’s a lot of people in that country the size of California. And they have 50 dolphinariums in that small space. The key to it is getting it in front of the Japanese people. I just got off of a train [prior to calling you]. I was in Denmark and I just arrived in Hamburg, Germany. I got an e-mail telling me that a Yomirui newspaper, the largest newspaper in Japan, reports that The Cove movie is a surprising success. It’s in theaters now in Tokyo, Osaka and major cities, and apparently it’s doing well. The weekends are packed. That’s very exciting to me. The Japanese people are more concerned about clean, healthy food than we are in the West. If they had any idea, regarding the mercury issue, they simply wouldn’t buy the product. Getting it out in Japan was the only important thing to me. I’m not that concerned with getting it out in America and Europe and anywhere else; it’s all about Japan.

CE: Not only do you face opposition in Japan, but in Blood Dolphins you also explore the trade that is happening in the Solomon Islands. Can you tell me a little about what you encountered when you and Lincoln were in the Solomon Islands?

RO: It was very exciting. April 8th they agreed to stop killing dolphins after 400 years. They kill as many there as they do in Taiji, and I didn’t know that. I thought it was a small number but actually it’s about 2,000 a year ,and they’ve stopped. There are two episodes of Blood Dolphins about that, how it came about.

CE: Wow, that is excellent. Now, you’ve longed worked also to encourage the big U.S. parks, the Sea Worlds, Marine Lands and all of that to speak out on the wild dolphin trade. Has the public’s reaction to The Cove had any effect on that or are you hopeful that maybe Blood Diamonds — oops! I mean Blood Dolphins — will also help further the cause?

RO: Well, you made the connection. That's great! I wondered if people were going to make that connection. That’s a good sign. I hope everybody else does that. 

No, the captivity industry, this is a multibillion dollar industry. Two billion dollars a year in profit in the U.S. alone, and that industry has the power to not only stop the dolphin slaughter, but to stop the captures, but they don’t do it. They don’t get involved. They just have a politically correct policy but no action. So, I’m not happy with that industry. They could shut this down but they don’t do anything about it. Especially the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). They could get the dolphin trainers out of Taiji and shut down the captures, which would shut down the dolphin slaughter, because it’s the captures that are the economic underpinning to the slaughter.

CE: I was also glad when you spoke out about the incident that occurred right here in Orlando at Sea World, where the killer whale had killed its trainer. That’s a prime example of man trying to tame beast for their own amusement. What did you think when you heard the news that that had happened?

RO: I wasn’t surprised. It happens a lot. You just don’t hear about it because they cover it up. There are lawsuits and those lawsuits are settled out of court. Trainers have been hurt in the past at Sea World and other places, and also in the dolphin swim programs around the world. But the lawsuit is filled and they have a gag order; people are paid and nobody knows about it, especially if it happens in a training area. This happened in front of an audience when people had video cameras, so it’s really hard to cover that up. But a few weeks earlier, another Sea World killer whale killed a trainer in the Canary Islands and nobody heard about that.

CE: No, no this is the first I’ve heard.

RO: It doesn’t work. It’s a failed experiment. Keeping dolphins and other whales in a concrete box doesn’t work. It never worked. That’s why I left the industry.

CE: I know that you give advice on how ordinary folks can help your cause. Here in Florida, specifically, we have a lot of people who are especially interested in ocean conservation issues. I was wondering how you would suggest they get involved to help stop the dolphin slaughter and the trading of wild dolphins?

RO: One of the things — it sounds very simplistic — but the most important thing is: Don’t buy a ticket for a dolphin show. Also, a lot of people buy tickets for dolphin swim programs. The real power is with the consumers. That’s one thing they can do. As far as Japan is concerned they can go to our website savejapandolphins.org and support the campaign to stop this world’s largest dolphin slaughter.

CE: Anything that I didn’t touch on about the new show that you wanted to discuss?

RO: No, I just hope people will watch it. It’s the new activism. This is the activism of the future. The way I did it for the past 40 years was the hard way. My son, Lincoln, who is the executive producer and director of this series, he’s doing it the right way. He’s reaching more people in an hour than I would be able to reach in years.

Read more

Interview: Carrie Ann Inaba Wants You to Call Her a "Crazy Cat Lady"

Animal Planet's Housecat Housecall, presented by Purina Cat Chow, kicked off its third season this month, with one of America's most loved judges being "judged" herself. Dancing with the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba, a lifelong cat lover, will appear in the June 19 episode of hit reality show. Carrie Ann enlisted the help of Dr. Katrina to help integrate her three cats with her boyfriend's two cats to create a happy five-cat household. Carrie Ann was only too happy to share her experience with cats and with Housecat Housecall with me when we spoke the other day.

Celebrity Extra: How long have you been a cat lover?

Carrie Ann Inaba: Oh my whole life. I grew up with cats. In Hawaii when I was growing up, we had two cats and two dogs. When I moved to Japan and I was living alone, I got myself a cat. And then Shadow moved in with me (click here to see Carrie Ann with Shadow for a feature in People Pets). One day I opened my front door, and this beautiful black  Sylvester-looking cat with white whiskers and little dot and white feet walked in, and he never left. He’s my oldest cat right now. He’s 19 years old. He’s my guy. 

Then I have a little girl cat, Squeeker, who’s also a rescue. Then I had another cat that I got, Taz, was also a rescue. He was actually on a street corner under the wheels of this car. Me and this bike rider jumped in the middle of the street and got Taz. I had always believed that two cats is more than enough. If you have two arms you can only have two cats. So, I was hesitant, but once I saw him up close I was like, oh forget it, I’m hooked. And my boyfriend has two cats, Zeus and Mia. So now we have five cats.

CE: What kind of help did you need from Dr. Katrina? Were you concerned about all the cats adjusting to each other?

CAI: I was a little concerned — the transition went pretty smoothly moving in the new cats but, Jesse’s cat Zeus is an Alpha male in his household and Shadow is my Alpha male. So we were a little concerned because late at night they would play, and Zeus is 19 pounds and very excitable. Definitely acts kittycat-like. My cats think they are human, so they're like, "Pass me the remote," and Zeus is more like, "Hey, let’s play!" But Shadow is 19, weighs about 6 pounds and is a little frail, and so I was a little concerned because they would keep me up at night by playing, and I was just worried that Shadow was going to get hurt. 

So, Dr. Katrina came in and she taught us a little bit about how the cycle of cats work and what their natural cycles are so we could work with them so that we could get them to all go to sleep at about the same time. Basically she taught us that we have to feed them at night and put them through the cycle, which is let them out at night for a little bit, play with them, let them do their little business and let them groom themselves and then they’ll just fall asleep. Now they sleep through the night like we do. I have to tell you that is a huge blessing, because I was getting sleep-deprived and with my schedule, I can’t be sleep-deprived.

CE: Was it a little difficult to take another person's advice about your cats? I know it would be hard for me, because I want to do the best for my pets and would never want to feel like, "Oh no, does this make me a bad mother?"

CAI: Yes! You hit the nail on the head. I’m like, What do you mean? I’m the expert on cats. I have five of them. I love them. I don’t want to be portrayed as somebody who’s crazy and doesn’t know how to take care of their cats. So, actually, I did have trepidations. Once I met Katrina, she’s really wonderful and the tools that she did give me were wonderful and really simple. She just taught me a little bit more about cat’s behaviors and how they work and how their natural cycle is so I could make better decisions. I do consider myself quite savvy about how to take care of cats. I’m the person that all my friends come to take care of cats. I didn’t have anybody to go to and ask these simple questions of. Even though my questions aren’t as powerful, my storyline isn’t as powerful and poignant as some of the other beautiful storylines that they have had throughout the series with other people, it was very helpful to me. I’m really grateful I have to say.

CE: How did this come about? Did you contact Animal Planet, or did they reach out to you?

CAI: They actually reached out to me. They knew, because I’m always talking about my cats in interviews and I’m always doing anything I can to help animals through various charities and organizations. They were just so lovely that it was just a really good experience. I’m happy we did it. You are also letting them come into your home. So, I let the show come into my home and I keep my home pretty hidden from most people. It’s very private. But I wanted to do it, because I thought that if I can help bring awareness to the show and help other people who are cat lovers like myself have access to this resource, I have to do it. It’s kind of my responsibility. I have to do whatever I can to help other people.

CE: What kind of cat awareness do you hope to spread by appearing on the show?

CAI: I think basically spreading the word that June is Adopt a Cat Month. What we are looking for is to help people find forever homes. Because more than just adopting a cat, some people adopt cats and they have major problems or whatever and they think they are disposable. They’re like, “Ah, I don’t want the cat anymore.” What this show really does help with is if you do get a cat and you find that you have some problems with it, maybe you just need to be a little bit more educated about how to take care of them. There are some easy fixes and very friendly tips that Dr. Katrina gives, and you can find these tips on the website housecathousecalls.com. That’s why I wanted to be a part of the show, because I think that’s very important is to help people have these tools so that they don’t get rid of their cats.


It’s a living being that you agreed to take care of for the rest of its life. People tell me, "Hey, I’m going to get a cat." And I tell them that’s great, but you’re going to have to save some money because you’re going to have to pay vet expenses. You have to make sure that you give them the proper nutrition and you’re able to take care of their nutritional needs. You need to make sure that you can give them the right amount of love and do what is necessary to make them have a comfortable life as well. Don’t just do it because it’s cute. Once it’s no longer as cute — although cats are always cute, they’re not as cute as they were when they were kittens — the interest goes away, and you just can’t do that.
CE: And some people don't realize the average lifespan of a cat is slightly longer than a dog; it can be a 20-year commitment.

CA: I know! I hate seeing older cats in the shelter. It just kills me to think that they lived in a home for like 7 years and then they got a new girlfriend and the girlfriend didn’t like the cat and that is why the cat found the shelter. You’re like, “What?” I’m sorry, my priority is, I have to say, Shadow was here first before Jesse. This is my boyfriend. He knows that too. He’s like, “I know.” But he treats Shadow with respect and he’s a cat lover too. I’m so grateful. I’m a cat lover girl who found a cat lover boy. It’s pretty awesome.

CE: Shifting gears a bit here, when it comes to Dancing With the Stars (picture above courtesy ABC), could you have ever imagined in a million years what a HUGE hit it would end up being?

CAI: No. You know, you never know. I’ve been doing television for 20 years and working in it, and reality television especially for awhile now. You never know which show is going to stick and which show is going to actually get into the hearts and souls of people. But I have worked on American Idol, and I knew why that show was successful, and the reason why is it was one concept executed really, really well. That is what Dancing With the Stars is. When they offered me to be on the show, I actually thought it could do well, but you never know. It was one idea executed to its fullest potential. It’s celebrities in a ballroom dance competition. It’s the most bizarre concept in the world, but what we found — and this is something that makes me so happy to be a part of the dance community my whole life and being a dance educator — is that your body doesn’t lie. And when you dance, when you tap into your body knowledge, it’s a beautiful thing. When you learn to be in tune with your body and other people’s bodies, it’s something that I’ve always wanted to share with people. Now I get to be a part of that. On Dancing With the Stars, what we are watching are people getting in tune with their bodies. We are watching them struggle with themselves through dance. We are watching great dance. It’s a dream job.

CE: Plus it just make you feel good that the art form you are most passionate about has been given a whole new life because of the show, with millions of people developing an interest in dancing, taking dance classes and just loving the show!

CAI: Definitely. Dance class enrollment is way up, and I am very grateful for that. What’s wonderful is all of my friends are working. Some of my friends, who we were dancers our whole lives together, they are all household names now. It’s really exciting to see the world get to know the community that I have always loved and grown up in. It’s an art form. It’s such a great art form. It’s such a wonderful tool for young kids to express themselves. It’s such a wonderful tool for older couples to socialize and keep themselves healthy. It’s also a great way to exercise your brain, because when you learn choreography, they say it helps with Alzheimer’s and sending off signs of Alzheimer’s. It keeps you fit. You’ve seen all the transformations of the bodies that have been on our show. It’s so nice and I’m really happy.

CE: Do you have any "wish list" celebrities that you'd love to have the show?

CAI: I would love to see Lindsay Lohan come on our show. I think it would be a really great opportunity for her to turn her life around. She’s been going through some hard times. I know that she is a talented young actress and she’s a very sexy girl, and I’m very curious to see, I think she would do very well on our show. 

I would also like to see somebody like Craig Ferguson. I’m a huge fan of his. He’s sort of tall and debonair and dashing and funny and self-deprecating, and I think that he could do very well on our show. We’ve had a lot of comedians on our show like Cloris Leachman, as I'm sure you recall. She made the show so much fun. 

I would also love someone like Roger Federer. He’d be wonderful. Somebody like that. But I don’t know. It’s dangerous, so I don’t want to see any professional athletes come on our show and get hurt and ruin their other career. I worry about that. Those are just a few of the people that I’d love to see on our show.

Don't miss Carrie Ann on Housecat Housecall on Animal Planet this Saturday at 10:30 a.m. (and rerunning throughout the month).

Read more

Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Returns April 4

One of television's longest running series is back for an eighth season! Animal Planet brings the awe and splendor of the natural world to viewers in the comfort of their own homes with the premiere of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom on Sunday, April 4, at 7 PM (ET/PT).

The season premiere kicks off in our own backyard with the black bears of Northern Minnesota in BEARWALKER OF THE NORTHWOODS. We have always been told that to get between a mother bear and her cubs is to take your life in your hands, but Dr. Lynn Rogers illustrates that many of the perceptions people have of black bears are wrong as he gets incredibly close to these amazing creatures; from taking naps with them in the woods to being able to put radio collars on them without sedating them, Dr. Rogers is able to interact with them in unprecedented ways.

Read more