Q and A: Week of May 14

Q: My husband said he read somewhere that Breckin Meyer is leaving “Franklin & Bash” because he has a new comedy on TBS. Please tell me that isn’t true. — Kellie K., via e-mail

A: The only part that is true is that Breckin does indeed have a new comedy called “Men at Work” on TBS, which premieres Thursday, May 25, at 10 p.m. ET/PT. The multicamera comedy, which Breckin created, writes and executive produces, stars Danny Masterson, James Lesure, Michael Cassidy and Adam Busch. Breckin told me a bit about his new show when we spoke the other day: “Honestly, it’s a show based on my life and the embarrassing relationships I’ve had. It’s about four guys who are all at different stages of their lives relationship-wise, and they have each other’s backs. It’s based on me and my friends.”

As for Breckin making a cameo, he played coy: “I don’t know — we’ll see. There might be an Alfred Hitchcock-like walkthrough. Hopefully we’ll have some better guest stars than just me.”

Speaking of guest stars, as “Franklin & Bash” gears up for its second season — premiering Tuesday, June 5, on TNT — Breckin revealed: “We have an unbelievable line of guest stars this season. Sean Astin plays a superhero. Seth Green and Eric Mabius come on as the ‘Bizarro’ Franklin and Bash. Cybill Shepherd guest-stars. And we actually get to meet Mark Paul Gosselaar’s mom this time around, who’s played by Jane Seymour.”

Check back next week for my full interview with Breckin about the new season of "Franklin & Bash" and his new show, "Men at Work." 

Q: When will my favorite show, “Rookie Blue,” be returning for another season? Please say it hasn’t been canceled! — Olaf D., St. Paul, Minn.

A: “Rookie Blue” will indeed be back for its third season on Thursday, May 24, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. Now entering their third year on the job, our five rookie cops have learned to overcome the sophomore curse — knowing a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Having seen the premiere episode, I can tell you that it is indeed one that fans won’t want to miss!

Q: I love everything that the talented Sarah Chalke does. When will she get her own show? — Jason R., via e-mail

A: Sarah is slated to star in the new ABC comedy called “How to Live with Your Parents for the Rest of Your Life,” in which Brad Garrett and Elizabeth Perkins play the aforementioned parents. Sarah plays Polly, a recently divorced single mom who moves in with her eccentric parents, Elaine and Max. The show is set to premiere this fall.

Q: I am hooked on “Once Upon a Time.” Will it be back for a second season? — David T., St. Louis

A: While the official word will come from ABC tomorrow, you can bet the farm that the top-rated drama series, which has smashed viewing records each week, definitely will be back for another season.

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Q and A: Week of Jan. 23

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-mail

A: 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.

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TNT Greenlights Franklin and Bash

TNT has given the greenlight to the buddy lawyer series Franklin and Bash, starring Mark-Paul Gosselaar (NYPD Blue, TNT’s Raising the Bar) and Breckin Meyer (Heroes, Clueless, Kate & Leopold). TNT has ordered 10 episodes of the series.

Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Breckin Meyer are an odd-couple pair of lawyers. Meyer plays Jared Franklin, who has a knack for connecting with jury and judge. Gosselaar is Steven Bash, who loves sticking it to authority every chance he gets.

In addition to Gosselaar and Meyer, Franklin and Bash stars Malcolm McDowell (Heroes, Entourage) as Stanton Infeld, a Renaissance man and the patriarch of the law firm that recruits the two lawyers. Also starring are Dana Davis (10 Things I Hate About You), Kumail Nanjiani (Michael & Michael Have Issues) and Reed Diamond (Homicide: Life on the Street, Dollhouse) and Garcelle Beauvais (NYPD Blue).

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