Q and A: Week of Dec. 29

Q: There is a series on Cinemax called “The Knick,” which stars Clive Owen, and it’s my favorite new show of the year. Will it be back for another season? — Daniel in North Carolina

A: “The Knick,” which is set in New York in 1900, centers on the Knickerbocker Hospital and its groundbreaking surgeons, nurses and staff, who push the boundaries of medicine in a time of astonishingly high mortality rates and no antibiotics. The series has been renewed for a 10-episode second season — in fact, the show was renewed before the first season even premiered. Such an action shows the much-deserved confidence Cinemax has in the show’s high-caliber star (Clive Owen) and director (Steven Soderbergh).

Q: When will “Portlandia” return? — Sue Y., via email

A: The hit IFC comedy returns for its fifth season on Jan. 8 at 10 p.m. ET, with Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein leading the goth charge in this fondly satiric showcase of Portland, Oregon’s most eccentric characters. To see a sneak peak of the new season, go to ifc.com/videos, and use the drop-down tab to search for “Portlandia.”

Q: Do you know if “Outlander” on Starz will be available as a DVD set for purchase at the end of the series year? — Rhonda B., via email

A: While as of yet there is no official DVD release date, I can say with confidence that the wildly popular fantasy/romance/time-travel series will be available on DVD once season one has concluded (at the end of May 2015). If I am wrong, may I be forced to time-travel through the Craigh na Dun stones without a protective gemstone somewhere on my person.

Q: I was thrilled to read in your column that “The Good Witch” was going to be a regular prime-time series on the Hallmark Channel. Can you give me some inside scoop about it? — Betty S., via email

A: I do have some news to share, the biggest of which is that “Desperate Housewives” hunk James Denton has been added to the cast of “The Good Witch,” which will have its two-hour season-one premiere on Feb. 28 at 8/7c, and is slated for a 10-episode run. James plays Cassie’s new next-door neighbor, a divorced doctor and single dad who stirs things up in Middleton when he discovers that Cassie’s (series star Catherine Bell) signature charm is more than just a magic touch.

Q: I’ve been waiting and waiting for a new “Celebrity Apprentice.” Can you tell me when or if it will be back? — Jeremy R., Harrisburg, Pa.



A: I’ve been anxious for my guilty pleasure’s return as well, and we don’t have too much longer to wait, Jeremy. Donald Trump and company will return to NBC on Jan. 4. This season, which is the show’s 14th, promises to bring us more fantastically fun feuding drama with such stars as Kate Gosselin, Ian Ziering, Kevin Jonas, Geraldo Rivera, Brandi Glanville, Shawn Johnson, Sig Hansen, Vivica Fox, Gilbert Gottfried, Lorenzo Lamas, Leeza Gibbons, Kenya Moore, Johnny Damon, Terrell Owens, Keshia Knight Pulliam and Jamie Anderson. Also, the late Joan Rivers, who took home top honors for season eight, filmed two episodes before her death earlier this year. In those episodes, she’ll be sitting in for Ivanka Trump as a judge. Donald Trump told “Today” show’s Matt Lauer that they had considered cutting Joan’s scenes, but ultimately, they decided, “in memoriam, we’re going do something to honor her during those two shows. She was so good, and I think she would have liked it that way.”

Q: Will “Cedar Cove” be back for another season? I miss it already! — Hannah F., via email

A: The Hallmark Channel has indeed renewed the Andie MacDowell-starring hit drama for a third season. Of the renewal, Andie said: “I am so very grateful to Hallmark Channel for a third season, and cannot wait to rejoin the cast and crew to continue making the kind of television of which we can all be proud.”

Q: I am a huge fan of “Graceland,” and am anxious to know if it’ll be back for another season. Can you give me any good news? — Dana F., via email

A: I love being the bearer of good news: The USA network has indeed renewed the crime thriller for a third season. As you probably know, fans were getting a bit antsy for some news, since it seemed to take a bit longer than usual for the network to decide on the pickup. But we can all breathe more easily now, knowing that we won’t be left hanging after that awesome season-two cliffhanger finale. There’s no word yet on a premiere date, but I’d look for it come summer 2015.

Q: I need my “Rizzoli and Isles”! — Gina D., Conyers, Ga.

A: Well, that wasn’t really a question, Gina, but I think I catch your meaning. You’re wondering when TNT’s hit procedural crime drama will return from its midseason hiatus to finish out its fifth season, right? You have just a little while longer to hang on. Our favorite cop and doctor team (Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander, respectively) will be back Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. And, hold onto your hat, it’s also been renewed for a sixth season!

Q: My husband and I are fans of “Bates Motel.” I would like to know if it’s coming back and when. — Gert B., Rochester, NY

A: A and E’s mesmerizing series adaptation of the Alfred Hitchcock classic movie will return for its third season this coming March. Expect 10 more spine-tingling episodes of the Vera Farmiga- and Freddie Highmore-starring thriller. Former “Sons of Anarchy” cast member Ryan Hurst joins the show for its third season, cast in the role of Chick Hogan, and ex-con who owns a bike shop and also runs an illegal firearms operation near Dylan’s new farm. He will butt heads with Dylan’s father, Caleb, who’s played by another “Sons,” alum Kenny Johnson.

Q: Can you tell me when “The Following” will return to TV? It did get picked up for another season, right? — Steve F., via email

A: The Kevin Bacon-starring suspense thriller will be back for a third season with 15 new episodes beginning Monday, March 2 at 8/7c with a two-hour season premiere (and picking up the following week in its 9/8c time slot). Also on tap for early 2015 premieres: “Bones” returns from it winter hiatus March 26 at 8/7c; “Glee” makes a movie to Fridays starting with its premiere on Jan. 9 (also a two-hour premiere); and “American Idol” returns for its 14th season, sans Randy Jackson, on Jan. 7 at 8/7c. Ryan Seacrest, Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. will be back, and Adam Lambert will be filling in for Keith as a guest judge during the New York auditions. Keith took time off from the show in order to be with his wife, Nicole Kidman, after the death of her father.

Q: I’ve gotta have my “Justified”! — Freddie F., via email

A: You’ll have it, Freddie, in just a few more weeks. The hit FX Western series will be back for its sixth and final season on Jan. 20 at 10 p.m., with Sam Elliott and Garret Dillahunt joining the cast. Get ready for that much-anticipated Raylan/Boyd final showdown!

Q: Two of my favorite shows, “Scandal’ and “How to Get Away with Murder” haven’t been on for weeks. What is going on, and when will they be back? — Frankie F., Biloxi, Miss.

A: Don’t worry, the two hit ABC dramas are merely on winter hiatus. Olivia and Annalise will be back on Jan. 29, at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET, respectively. “Murder” has its two-hour season finale on Feb. 26, and taking its time slot starting March 5 is “American Crime.” The 11-episode series — which stars Felicity Huffman, Timothy Hutton and Penelope Ann Miller — tells the story of young couple in Modesto, California, were brutally attacked in their home, leaving Matt Skokie, a war vet, murdered, and his wife, Gwen, unconscious, barely hanging on. The crime sends shock waves throughout the community, stirring up tensions across socioeconomic and racial lines in this gritty new drama from the points of view of all those involved. Another new ABC drama, premiering Sunday, March 1, is the 10-episode “Secrets and Lies.” The story focuses on Ben, played by Ryan Phillipe, who is a person of interest in the death of a neighborhood boy, which is being investigated by Det. Andrea Cornell, played by Juliette Lewis.

Q: I know season four just ended, but I have to know: Will my favorite show, “Hell on Wheels,” be back for another season? — Jane T., via email

A: The AMC Western period drama, which is about the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad across the United States, will be back for its fifth and final season of 14 episodes, which will be split in half for its airing. The first seven episodes will premiere in summer 2015, with the final seven airing summer 2016.

Readers: I have great news for all you “Longmire” fans! You guys asked, and Netflix listened. The streaming video website has picked up the former A and E series — which was canceled earlier this year after three seasons — for a 10-episode fourth season. The beloved Western crime drama will return sometime in 2015 — an exact date has not yet been announced. According to Netflix, season four picks up moments after season three’s exciting finale.

And in disturbing news: I reported a few months ago that NBC was developing a family sitcom starring Bill Cosby that was to possibly debut this summer. Well, in the midst of multiple rape allegations, the network has decided to pull the project, which was going to be a multigenerational family show with Bill as the patriarch of the family, dispensing wisdom on relationships and parenthood.

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Q and A: Week of Feb. 10

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.

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)

Q: Can you tell me what Christian Slater is up to now? I recently saw his amazing performance in the movie “He Was a Quiet Man,” and it made me realize I really miss seeing him. — Veronica W., Hanover, Pa.

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.

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Q and A: Week of Oct. 14

Ed Weeks

Q: I absolutely love “The Mindy Project,” and I am so glad it’s back. I have a question about the actor who plays Dr. Reed: Did he gain weight in real life to play his newly plump alter ego? — Jessica D., via e-mail

A: The slim and fit Ed Weeks did not have to pack on the pounds to play stress-eating Reed. The British actor wears padding to simulate his character’s weight gain. Since it’s a comedy, I suppose it’s OK that he didn’t get all Robert De Niro in “Raging Bull” on us for the role.

Q: I was reading somewhere that a cable network is planning to turn the movie “American Psycho” into a TV series. Is this true? If so, how is this even possible? — Tandy W., Bowling Green, Ohio

A: You heard correctly: FX is planning a series based on the violent, bloody, cult-classic comedy/drama that brilliantly spoke of the vanity and excess of the ’80s corporate cutthroat (literally and figuratively) culture. Word has it that the series will pick up in the present time, with crazy corporate killer Patrick Bateman now in his 50s, and he’s grooming an apprentice to be just like him.

Q: Whatever happened to the planned “CHiPs” movie? I’d heard a while back that the series was going to be remade into a feature film. — Danny A., via e-mail

A: Word about the production broke back in 2005, and even as recent as 2010, the project was in development with Warner Brothers to make a “CHiPs” movie, with Wilmer Valerrama attached to star as Ponch. However, the project stalled in the development phase, and no one has seen hide nor hair of it since.

In my opinion, the remake would need to be handled like Ben Stiller did with his “Starsky and Hutch” remake, or else I couldn’t see the concept working. This “CHiPs” stall-out seems to be catching: Seasons one and two of the original cop show have been released on DVD, but there’s no word yet on when season three will come out.

Q: I love “NCIS,” and was looking forward to the spinoff starring Kim Raver. It’s not anywhere on CBS’s schedule. Has it been scrapped? — Pauline F., Harrisburg, Pa.

A: Plans for “NCIS: Red,” which also would have starred John Corbett, have indeed been scrapped. But, don’t worry: If you need more “NCIS,” you’ll be happy to hear about plans for a spinoff set in New Orleans. This spring, CBS will air an episode of “NCIS” that will serve as the jumping-off point for the spinoff, and if all goes well, “NCIS: New Orleans” could very well appear on CBS’s 2014 fall schedule.

If you need more Kim Raver, she’s rumored to be reprising her role of Audrey Raines in this spring’s “24: Live Another Day” on Fox (along with Kiefer Sutherland and Mary Lynn Rajskub).

Q: I absolutely cannot wait until Nov. 22 when “Catching Fire” opens in theaters. Do you have any “Hunger Games” trilogy-related scoops for me? — Nina M., via email

A: I, too, am counting the days until “Catching Fire” opens. And now, with the knowledge of the casting news about the two-part “Mockingjay,” I am counting the days until those movies open, too. It seems that one of my favorite actresses, Julianne Moore, has been cast as President Alma Coin in the “Hunger Games Trilogy” finale. “Mockingjay, Part One” and “Part Two” are scheduled for release in November 2014 and 2015, respectively.

Catherine Bell

Q: It’s almost Halloween, so that means another “Good Witch” movie from Hallmark. Can you give me any details on this next installment in the series? — Brianna T., Tampa, Fla.

A: I recently spoke with “The Good Witch’s Destiny” star Catherine Bell, and she told me all about this latest installment in the family-friendly series, which premieres Saturday, Oct. 26 at 9/8c and re-airs throughout the week. First, the reason she accepted the role: “I had been playing characters completely different from ’The Good Witch,’ and when I saw the script, I saw that this character was more like me than any I’d ever played. So that was appealing. And I was just offered the role; I didn’t have to audition for it. I’d never played anyone like her — I was the tough girl on ’Jag,’ and I was an Army wife, and I love it!”

Catherine gave me a little tease as to what this movie will bring for Cassie Nightingale: “Cassie’s been married for a little while. She’s got the two stepkids. Basically she’s got a birthday coming up, and she wants to get everyone together, but there are some problems brewing. Gwen’s son comes to town, and he’s trouble, and he’s creating some problems. One of my ancestors — who looks just like me and who lived in this small town 100 years ago — is the Gray Lady. She died in a mysterious way, and there are all these weird things happening that are lining up a little too much like the Gray Lady.”

Come back tomorrow to read my entire interview with Catherine.

Q: Is “Anderson Live” coming back? Please don’t tell me it’s been canceled. — Maryanne M., via e-mail

A: I am sorry to report that Anderson Cooper’s daytime talk show was canceled after airing for two seasons. The final show aired at the end of May.

READERS: In more Hallmark Channel news, I just received word that “Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove,” which stars Andie MacDowell, has been renewed for a second season, which will premiere some time in 2014. Hallmark Channel’s first-ever scripted primetime series has been smashing records for the channel since its debut this past July. Andie MacDowell, Dylan Neal, Teryl Rothery, Bruce Boxleitner and Barbara Niven will all return for the second season.

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Q and A: Week of May 6

Q: I was watching a rerun of “E.R.” the other day, and it reminded me how much I love Sherry Stringfield as Dr. Susan Lewis. Can you tell me what I can see her in now? — Rita W., via e-mail

A: You can see Sherry this Mother’s Day weekend when she stars in the Hallmark Channel original movie, “The Confession.” It’s a sequel to the top-rated “The Shunning,” both of which are based on the best-selling novels by Beverly Lewis, and both of which Sherry stars in. Sherry plays Laura Mayfield Bennett, a wealthy, terminally ill heiress who recently began searching for the daughter she gave up for adoption to a loving Amish couple.

When I spoke with Sherry recently, she told me why she wanted to work on this movie, and with the Hallmark Channel again: “I like that the stories are straightforward; they are a little more family-oriented. There’s no violence, which I hate. I’m so tired of violence. And now violence is really in our lives in a real way, and I just can’t go there. I just can’t.”

Instead, Sherry hopes people will take away a message of love and forgiveness when they watch this movie. “This is a reminder about what’s really important in life. And how life’s so fragile. We’re all just here. I hope the movie will make people think about what they’re doing with their life and what their priorities are, and do they have love in it?”

“The Confession” premieres Saturday, May 11, at 9/8c on the Hallmark Channel, and check back Wednesday for my full interview with Sherry.

Q: Ever since you mentioned “Devious Maids,” I can’t wait for it to start. Do you know when that will be? — Pamela L., Austin, Texas

A: The all-new drama, brought to you by Marc Cherry and Eva Longoria, premieres June 23 on Lifetime at 10 p.m. ET/PT. The 13-episode series stars Ana Ortiz, Roselyn Sanchez, Susan Lucci, Grant Show and Brett Cullen, and explores the lives of five maids with ambitions and dreams of their own while they work for the rich and famous in Beverly Hills.

Q: I saw a promo on TV for a series called “Cedar Cove,” which I’m hoping is based on Debbie Macomber’s books. Do you know when and where I can see this? — Joanne C., via e-mail

A: The Andie MacDowell-starring drama, which is indeed based on the book series of the same name by Debbie Macomber, premieres July 20 on the Hallmark Channel at 8/7c.

Q: I have been anxiously awaiting new episodes of “America’s Most Wanted.” Has it been canceled? — Peter J., Harrisburg, Pa.

A: I am sad to report that Lifetime has canceled the crime-fighting series, which was hosted by John Walsh. However, the network is developing a pilot with John; stay tuned for more info on that as it becomes available.

Q: Can you tell me when “Call of the Wildman” will be back? — James R., Bowling Green, Ohio

A: Turtleman and company will be back for a 20-episode second season on Animal Planet beginning Sunday, June 2, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. This season, “Turtleman” Ernie Brown Jr. hits the road and travels to Texas and Mexico to rescue wild critters in the hit reality series. Kentucky’s most famous backwoods animal-trapper acknowledges his strange appeal to audiences, saying, “People think I’m crazy, but they can’t help but like me.”

Q: I’m a big fan of MTV’s “Buckwild,” and I wondered if the show will continue after the death of Shain Gandee? — Gerry T., Bentonville, Ark.

A: MTV spokesman Jake Urbanski said that although it was not an easy decision, “given Shain’s tragic passing and essential presence on the show, we felt it was not appropriate to continue without him.”

“Buckwild” producer J.P. Williams of Parallel Entertainment announced last month that he has already sent out a casting call in Texas and Alaska, with plans to retool and recast the show in one of those states, with plans to shop the show around to other networks.

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Q and A: Week of June 25

Timothy Hutton

Q: When will my favorite show, “Leverage,” be back with new episodes? — Paul T., via e-mail

A: The premiere of season five of the hit TNT show will be Sunday, July 15, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. This year brings 10 all-new episodes starring your favorite gang of thieves, grifters and con artists led by Academy Award-winner Timothy Hutton, along with Gina Bellman, Christian Kane, Beth Riesgraf and Aldis Hodge. This season promises to deliver high action and intrigue — and maybe some more romance — as well as big-name guest stars, such as Cary Elwes and Treat Williams.

Q: Is it true that Matthew McConaughey finally tied the knot? — Tina R., via e-mail

A: Lustful ladies all over the world had to give up the dream of becoming Mrs. M. in early June, when Matthew married longtime girlfriend — and mother of son Levi, 3, and daughter Vida, 2 — Camilla Alves in an intimate ceremony at the couple’s home in Austin, Texas.

Q: What’s next for the beautiful Andie MacDowell? It seems I see her only on hair color/make-up commercials anymore, and I really miss seeing her in movies. — Britta, Fairview, Mich.

A: Andie just started production in mid-June on the new Hallmark Channel original series “Cedar Cove,” which is based on the best-selling book series of the same name by Debbie Macomber. Andie will star as Judge Olivia Lockhart, whose Cedar Cove Municipal Court is the professional milieu and social microcosm of issues the judge will face in her own day-to-day life with family and friends. The series kicks off with a two-hour pilot, scheduled to air at the end of the year, with a weekly one-hour series to follow in early 2013.

Readers: For your summertime reading pleasure, I want to give one lucky reader a copy of Rebecca Bloom’s “Eat, Drink, and Be Married.” Simply e-mail me at letters@cindyelavsky.com by July 31, and tell me your favorite beach read. This contest isn’t just for the ladies, although many beach books are classified as “chick lit.”


I asked Rebecca if it bothered her to have books pigeonholed as “chick lit.” She told me: “I was offended by it before, but because I thought, ‘Why does it have to be classified?’ But now I’m much more of a realist than when I started writing, and you have to do whatever you can to market your book. It’s a way to classify and sell, and ultimately, that’s what any writer should want. So, I’m not as against it. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with celebrating women with your writing. ‘The Help’ was awesome, and that was a chick flick and chick lit, so if my book is classified as chick lit, that’s fine with me.”

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