Q and A: Week of Jan. 19

A scene from the season-three premiere of Vikings

Q: Can you tell me when “Vikings” will be back? It seems like it’s been gone forever! — Jeremy T., via email

A: You don’t have much longer to wait. The History channel’s hit historical-fiction drama will be back Thursday, Feb. 19 at 10 p.m. ET. The new 10-episode third season begins with Ragnar (played by Travis Fimmel) as king, and follows the great responsibility that now rests on the shoulders of the former farmer.

With the promise of new land from the English, Ragnar leads his people to an uncertain fate on the shores of Wessex. King Ecbert (Linus Roache) has made many promises, and it remains to be seen if he will keep them. But ever the restless wanderer, Ragnar is searching for something more — and he finds it in the mythical city of Paris. Rumored to be impenetrable to outside forces, Ragnar and his band of Norsemen must come together to break down its walls and cement the Vikings legend in history.

The gripping family saga of Ragnar, Rollo (Clive Standen), Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick), and Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig) continues as alliances and loyal friendships are questioned, faith is catechized, and relationships are strained. “Vikings” tells the extraordinary tales of the lives and epic adventures of these warriors, and portrays life in the Dark Ages — a world ruled by raiders and explorers — through the eyes of Viking society.

Q: I remember a while back you reported that David Letterman was going to retire and Stephen Colbert was to take his place. Do you know when this will happen? — Patty T., via email

A: CBS has announced that David Letterman’s final show as host of “The Late Show” will be May 20. Letterman has been a prominent fixture in late-night television for decades, and upon his retirement in May, he’ll hold the record as the longest-tenured host in late-night talk-show history.

Q: Was “The Blacklist” canceled? I haven’t seen it in a while. — Trudy F., Cincinnati, Ohio

A: The James Spader-starring NBC drama was not canceled; it merely went on winter hiatus. The addictive series will be back with all-new episodes beginning on Super Bowl Sunday, which is Feb. 1.

Q: Do you know yet if “Legends” got picked up for another season? It’s my favorite new show of the year. — Michael J., Brunswick, Ga.

A: The TNT series based on the award-winning book by Robert Latell will be back for a second season coming this summer. So you’ll get 10 more episodes of action-hero Sean Bean kicking butt and taking names. 

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Q and A: Week of Sept. 18

CCH Pounder (photo by Geneva Morgan)

Q: Last season’s “NCIS” finale was a two-parter that featured Scott Bakula and CCH Pounder, which seemed like it was a setup for an “NCIS” spinoff. Is that going to happen? — Brenda S., Joppa, Md.

A: “NCIS: New Orleans” is definitely happening. In fact, it premieres on CBS Sept. 23 at 9/8c, right after the season 12 premiere of “NCIS.” The crime-procedural drama stars Scott Bakula, CCH Pounder, Lucas Black, Zoe McLellan, Rob Kerkovich and Paige Turco.

As the title would suggest, the series is set and filmed in the Big Easy, and while it follows the “NCIS” formula, the show definitely has a feel all its own. Series star CCH Pounder told me recently: “The pacing is definitely different. It’s a different kind of temperature and atmosphere, certainly, but also, the pace of it is not as uptight as it would be in, say, Washington. It covers a wide swath of the Southern belt from New Orleans up through Alabama. The framework is the same, but the people and the content will be quite different.”

But just because the people are different, it doesn’t mean that familiar faces won’t be showing up now and again. CCH explained: “Everyone wants to come to New Orleans. Joe Spano was here last week; Meredith Eaton was here; Michael Weatherly is here now. So the food and the ’laissez les bons temps rouler’ (’let the good times roll’) attitude have enticed a lot of them to come on down.”

Q: Now that Jennifer Esposito has reappeared on “Taxi Brooklyn,” why did she ever leave “Blue Bloods”? I thought that it was reported she was ill? — Tony via email

A: Back in 2012, Jennifer collapsed on the “Blue Bloods” set due to complications from celiac disease and missed a week of work. Her doctor advised her that she needed to cut back her work schedule. Rather than work around her schedule, CBS put her on an unpaid leave of absence (and even implied that her collapse was a stunt to get a raise), and refused to let her obtain limited work in the meantime. When her contract with the show expired, she was able to look for work elsewhere.

Jennifer currently is co-starring in the action-drama “Taxi Brooklyn,” which is based on Luc Besson’s feature film called “Taxi.” Luc is best known for “Leon: The Professional,” the “Taken” films, the “Transporter” series, “The Fifth Element” and much, much more. “Taxi Brooklyn” wrapped its first season on NBC Sept. 10; there is no word as of this writing of a second season.

Q: I love Bill Cosby’s comedy. Does he have plans to return to TV? — Robert M., via email

A: NBC announced at the Television Critics Association tour this summer that it was developing a comedy for Bill Cosby, which could premiere as early as summer 2015. The series is described as a “multi-camera, classic extended-family sitcom,” with Bill as the patriarch.

Q: On your suggestion, I started reading Breeana Puttroff’s “Dusk Gate Chronicles” series, and I couldn’t put them down. I tore through the entire series in two weeks. Will she be releasing any new books soon? — Mary Anne K., Allentown, Pa.

A: Breeana’s new book, which is slated to be released in late September or early October, is called “Rumplestiltskin’s Daughter.” As of now, it is planned to be a stand-alone book, not a series, but as Breeana told me, you never know.

“So far as I know it’s a single story. You know, my brain does strange things. I thought ‘Dusk Gate’ was done after ‘Blooms of Consequence,’ so I don’t know for sure. But probably if it did turn into a series, it would branch off from a few different characters. Like maybe a same world and same storyline, but focus on different people.”

So, what is her new book about? Breeana summed it up for me: “The story is basically a what-if retelling of the Rumpelstiltskin tale. The idea behind it is that tales are told by the most powerful, so the stories that get passed down are from one point of view. And so ‘Rumpelstiltskin’s Daughter’ is, what if Rumpelstiltskin isn’t a bad guy after all? In the real story, the heroes are not nice people. A king and queen get married because he forces her to spin gold for him, and yet Rumpelstiltskin is portrayed as the bad guy. So, my story is more an examination of that.”

Q: When will “Gone Girl” be released at the theater? Seems like I’ve been waiting forever! — Deanna R., via email

A: The long-awaited Ben Affleck-starring thriller — which is based on the best-selling novel by Gillian Flynn, who also wrote the movie’s screenplay — will be in theaters on Oct. 3. Save me a seat and some popcorn, because you can bet I’ll be there!

Q: We watched “Lone Survivor” last night on DVD, and the actor who played the new guy that they were giving a hard time looked familiar to me. What else has he been in? — Amelia D., via email

A: Alexander Ludwig, who played newbie Navy SEAL Shane Patton, is perhaps best known for playing Cato, the career tribute from District 2 in “The Hunger Games.” He’ll also play Bjorn (Ironside) Lothbrok — Ragnar and Lagertha’s now-grown son — in the upcoming season of the History channel’s “Vikings,” which likely will air in spring 2015.

Q: I can’t get enough “Outlander”! Please tell me it will be back for another season. — Eleanor W., The Villages, Fla.

A: I am thrilled to tell you that after its record-shattering opening weekend, Starz did indeed renew the time-traveling/fantasy/historical-drama/romance series for a second season. Early reports say that the second season will be at least 13 episodes (but I'm thinking it'll end up being at least 16, like this season), and it will be based on Diana Gabaldon’s second book in the “Outlander” series, “Dragonfly in Amber.”

Q: Like the rest of the world, I was shocked and heartbroken to hear about Robin Williams’ suicide. I know he was working on some movies before his death. Will any be released posthumously? — Kelli F., via email

A: The consummate funnyman with a heart as big as his funny bone left this world way too soon, as I’m sure we all can agree. He did leave behind four movies that have yet to be released: “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb,” “Merry Friggin’ Christmas,” “Boulevard” and “Absolutely Anything.”

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Q and A: Week of Aug. 21

Jamie Gray Hyder

Q: Can you tell me about the actress who plays Lucia on “Graceland”? She looks familiar to me. What else has she been on? — Patrick J., via email

A: Jamie Gray Hyder is perhaps best known for playing Danielle, a werewolf in Alcide’s pack, last season on “True Blood.” After her “TB” stint ended, she went on to co-star on “Graceland” as Lucia Solano, who is just trying to live life on the straight and narrow — unlike her brother, Carlito, and the rest of her family. I spoke with Jamie recently about her new role, as well as what we can expect as “Graceland” wraps up its second season on the USA network.

“Lucia wants to get a real job and be independent and prosperous, in a legal way. She wants to be able to live a normal life and have normal relationships. She doesn’t get to have friends or lovers, because those relationships are constantly ruined by the antics of her brother and the rest of her family. She’s just striving for normalcy and is constantly being dragged through the mud.”

She did give me a little tease as to what to expect in the finale: “It’s a two-part finale, and it’s definitely designed to leave everyone wanting more. I just got done shooting it, and it’s all very fresh in my mind. I’ll tell you this, when I read the finale, I was shocked.”

Q: Is it true that there is going to be another “Terminator” movie? — Kalli R., Modesto, Calif.

A: Arnold Schwarzenegger will be back on July 1, 2015 as the aforementioned Terminator in “Terminator: Genisys.” The fifth installment of the futuristic action series also stars Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen of “Game of Thrones”) as Sarah Connor, Jason Clarke (no relation to Emilia) as John Connor, and Jai Courtney (Eric in the “Divergent” trilogy) as Kyle Reese. I am curious as to the timeline of this film, because Emilia and Jai are in their 20s, and Jason, who plays their son, John, is in his 40s. So, I’ll guess that some crisscrossing time-travel component definitely will play a part in this movie (as in all the “Terminator” films).

Q: What has Adrien Brody been doing lately? — Gina T., via email

A: Next up for Adrien is starring as the great magician-showman Henry Houdini in “Houdini,” the History Channel original miniseries, which airs Sept. 1 and 2 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The miniseries follows the epic tales of Harry Houdini as he emerges as America’s first bona-fide world-renowned superstar. “Houdini” delves deep behind the curtain into his life through his stunts, visions and mastery of illusion.

Q: Will my favorite summer series, “Suits,” be back for another season? — Fallon F., via email

A: USA’s hit legal dramedy, which had its midseason finale Aug. 20, has indeed been renewed for a 16-episode fifth season. Also, look for the second half of season four in spring 2015.

Q: Will my favorite show, “Fargo,” be back for another season? — Paul R., via email

A: You betcha! FX has renewed the critically acclaimed drama — which is based on the Coen brothers’ hit movie of the same name — for a second season, especially after it racked up 18 Emmy nominations! Season two, which will consist of 10 episodes, most likely will air in fall 2015, although no specific date has been set.

Adam Korson, photo by Diana Ragland

Q: I had been watching this new show on the CW network called “Seed,” and I really liked it. Now I can’t find it anywhere. Can you tell me what happened to it? — George S., via email

A: The Canadian comedy (to which the CW bought the rights) is about a 30-something ne’er-do-well — and previous sperm donor — who becomes acquainted with the offspring he never knew he had. It didn’t do so well in the ratings and was canceled after two shows. The CW has said it plans to air the remaining episodes online.

This truly is a shame for American audiences because I had the pleasure of interviewing series star Adam Korson about the show, and he’s truly one of the nicest people you could ever meet. In Adam’s words about the show: “This is a show for those who want a half-hour to laugh and escape from your everyday life. You’re going to watch it, and you’re going to relate to it. I remember as a kid I would tune into ‘Seinfeld’ because I knew for that half-hour, I was going to be laughing and be taken on a crazy journey. I think that’s good television, and that’s what our show is.”

Q: I’ve loved Portia de Rossi ever since “Ally McBeal,” and especially in “Arrested Development,” but I haven’t seen her in anything lately. What can I see her in next? — Kellie Y., Bowling Green, Ohio



A: The gorgeous and talented actress — and wife of Ellen DeGeneres — will be hitting the small screen this fall when she appears in a multi-episode arc of the hit ABC political drama “Scandal.” And what better way to announce your next project than by your wife “accidentally” letting it slip on Twitter? Ellen recently announced to her millions of Twitter followers: “So annoying when people brag on Twitter, and that’s why I’m not tweeting that Portia just signed on to do a top-secret arc on Scandal. Oops.” “Scandal” returns for its fourth season on Sept. 25 at 9/8c. (Note the time change from last season.)

Q: Can you tell me what Naomi Watts has coming up? She is always such a joy to watch. — Nathan H., Fresno, Calif.

A: The versatile and award-winning actress recently started work in a prominent role in ”Insurgent“ and ”Allegiant,“ movies two and three of the ”Divergent“ trilogy. Naomi plays Evelyn, mother of Four and leader of an insurgent rebel group, the Factionless. She’ll also give viewers more of a glimpse into the background of her son, Four (played by Theo James), the restrained and self-contained Dauntless leader. Shooting began this summer in Atlanta, and is scheduled for a March 20, 2015 premiere date.

Q: Is ”Boardwalk Empire“ returning for another season? — Gord, Mission, British Columbia

A: The Emmy Award-winning HBO drama will return for its fifth and final season on Sept. 7. This eight-episode season takes place during the depths of the Depression in 1931, wherein Enoch ”Nucky“ Thompson (played by Steve Buscemi) recalls his Atlantic City roots and plots a post-Prohibition future. Says series creator Terence Winter: ”We look forward to bringing it to a powerful and exciting conclusion.“

Katheryn Winnick

Q: Do you have any news about “Vikings”? — Bob L. in Minnesota

A: I do have some casting news: History announced that for season three of the hit historical drama, Lothaire Bluteau will portray Emperor Charles of France, a powerful man who views battling the Vikings as spiritual and earthly; Kevin Durand will play the Wanderer, a mysterious man who is not what he seems; Morgane Polanski has been cast as Princess Gisla, the elegant, self-possessed daughter of Emperor Charles; and Ben Robson will play Kalf, Lagertha’s (Katheryn Winnick) trusted second in command.

Q: I can’t seem to get enough of “Falling Skies”! Can you tell me if it will be back next summer? — Dean P., via email

A: “Falling Skies” will indeed return to TNT next summer to wrap up its epic story during its fifth (and final) season. Ten new episodes in summer 2015 will tie a pretty (or not-so-pretty) bow on the hit sci-fi drama, and I’m hoping that all of our questions will be answered. But, now that I think about it, I kind of hope all of our questions WON’T be answered so there will be a reason for a future big-screen version of the series (like “Star Trek” and “The X-Files”).

And speaking of hit dramas, TNT also has renewed two more of its chart-topping summer series: Freshman drama “The Last Ship” will be back for a 13-episode season two (up from a 10-episode first season). Courtroom/crime drama “Major Crimes” also has been renewed for a fourth season, with a 15-episode order.

Q: My mom told me that she heard my favorite book, “The Red Tent,” is being made into a movie. Is that true? If so, can you tell me what you know about it? — Jessica G., Reno, Nevada

A: Production began in May in Morocco on Lifetime’s major two-night miniseries “The Red Tent,” which is based on the best-selling novel by Anita Diamant. For those unfamiliar with the book, “The Red Tent” is the sweeping tale of Dinah, the daughter of Leah and Jacob, who was seen only in small glimpses in the Old Testament. The miniseries will air later this year, and stars Minnie Driver, Morena Baccarin, Rebecca Ferguson (as Dinah), Iain Glen, Will Tudor and Debra Winger.

The miniseries begins with Dinah’s happy childhood spent inside the red tent, where only the women of her tribe are allowed to gather and share the traditions and turmoil of ancient womanhood. Told through Dinah’s eyes, the film recounts the story of her mothers Leah (Minnie), Rachel (Morena), Zilpah and Bilhah — the four wives of Jacob (Iain) — and Jacob’s courtship of them. The saga continues as Dinah matures and experiences an intense love that subsequently leads to a devastating loss, changing her and her family’s lives forever. Debra portrays Rebecca, Jacob’s mother, while Will stars as Joseph, Dinah’s brother.

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Q and A: Week of Jan. 27

Paul Walker

Q: Like the rest of the world, I was so shocked to hear that Paul Walker had died in a car crash. I saw his last movie, “Hours,” the other day, and he was so good in it. I know he was working on the next “Fast and Furious” movie when he died. Any chance they’ll still release it? — Jimmy T., Oceanside, Calif.

A: Production on “Fast and Furious 7” had been shut down for some time after Paul’s death, with 60 percent of the movie having been shot. It wasn’t clear what they would do. Would they cancel the movie? Use CGI for some of his remaining scenes? Cut him out all together? Just before Christmas, Universal released this official statement about “FF7,” along with a release date: “Continuing the global exploits in the franchise built on speed, Vin Diesel and Paul Walker lead the returning cast of ‘Fast and Furious 7,’ which will be released by Universal Pictures on April 10, 2015. James Wan directs this chapter of the hugely successful series, and Neal H. Moritz and Vin Diesel return as producers.” It has also been verified that they won’t kill off Paul’s character in this installment of the series. So, Paul will be in the movie, and you can bet millions of people can’t wait to see him in his final role.

Q: Can you tell me if or when “The Americans” will return for another season? — Ginnie F., via email

A: FX recently announced that the spy drama — which centers on the Cold War era of the ’80s, and stars Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys — will return for 13 episodes beginning Feb. 26. I can’t wait!

Q: A few months back, you mentioned that a “Veronica Mars” movie is in the making. Can you tell me when it’ll be released? — Stacy W., via email

A: “Veronica Mars” hits theaters on March 14, and it stars Kristen Bell, Krysten Ritter, Gaby Hoffman, Justin Long, James Franco, Ken Marino, and many more. There’s even a cameo by Kristen’s real-life husband, Dax Shepard. In more “Veronica” news, if your cable provider offers the Pivot channel, you can see reruns Monday through Friday from 10 p.m. to midnight of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” followed by “Veronica Mars.”

Q: I haven’t seen Kevin Costner in anything in a while. Can you tell me what I can see him in next? — Gina R., Allentown, Pa.



A: In what critics are calling the “Field of Dreams” for football fans, Kevin’s latest project is called “Draft Day,” which comes to theaters April 11. Kevin stars as Sonny Weaver Jr., the general manager for the Cleveland Browns. Sonny’s career is on the line as he has to bring the Browns out of a serious slump by picking the best players at NFL drafts. The film also stars Jennifer Garner, Tom Welling, Frank Langella, Sam Elliott, Rosanna Arquette and Ellen Burstyn.

James DuMont, of Dallas Buyers Club

Q: I have a question about the actor who played Jared Leto’s father in “Dallas Buyers Club,” which I saw over the holidays. He looks so familiar, but I can’t quite place him. — Kyra T., via email

A: The actor you are thinking of is character actor James DuMont, who’s been on tons of TV shows like “American Horror Story,” “Treme,” “Nashville,” and “Bonnie and Clyde,” and on the big screen in “The Butler,” “Ocean’s Thirteen,” “War of the Worlds,” and “Along Came Polly,” to name only a few. James was thrilled to be in “Dallas Buyers Club,” which centers on Ron Woodroof (played by Matthew McConaughey), who works around the system to help AIDS patients get the medication they need after he is himself diagnosed with the disease. James plays the estranged father of Jared Leto’s character, Rayon, who’s transgender and HIV positive.

When I spoke with James recently, he told me about working with Jared: “It’s a really powerful scene we share. Jared does powerful work in this; as soon as we finished our scene, I tweeted that Jared would get an Oscar nomination for this role. And he seems to be the front-runner at this point. I’ve worked with Oscar winners, and I can see and identify Oscar-caliber work. I get tweets and emails from all over the world where people tell me that our scene is so powerful, poignant and heartbreaking. It’s nice to have a little breakout scene like this after doing so many projects. It’s tough for a character actor.”

Check back later this week for my full interview with this talented actor.

Q: Over this past summer, I got involved with a series called “Mistresses.” Can you tell me if it is going to return, or was it just something they put on for the summer? — Liz R., via email

A: ABC has renewed “Mistresses” for a 13-episode second season, which is scheduled to air in summer 2014. The show, which is based on the British series of the same name, stars Alyssa Milano, Rochelle Aytes, Jes Macallan and Yunjin Kim. The show centers on the lives of four female friends, and their involvement in an array of illicit and complex relationships.

Q: I really enjoy “The Glades,” but I think I read someplace that it is being canceled. I truly hope this is not so. Can you please find out its status? — Diane, via email

A: The A and E network decided this past fall to cancel “The Glades” after four seasons. The police procedural broke records for the network when it debuted, but slowly and steadily lost more than one-third of its viewers throughout the series, so the network canceled it.

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. There is no word on the premiere date yet, but I’d start looking for it this summer. And of course, I’ll let you know as soon as I know exactly when it will return.

(courtesy Fox)

Q: Would you happen to know anything about the fantastic TV series “24” with Kiefer Sutherland? 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. Be on the lookout for “24: Live Another Day” on Fox this May.

Q: Please tell me that Animal Planet will be airing another “Puppy Bowl” this Super Bowl Sunday! — Tina W., Portland, Maine

A: The most anticipated — and cutest — sporting event of the season is about to get even bigger when “Puppy Bowl” returns to Animal Planet on Feb. 2 (first airing is from 3 to 5 p.m. ET/PT) for it’s 10th-anniversary edition. Starting at 3, the show will repeat all day, with new content every hour. With each airing, fans vote in real time for which puppy will take home the coveted title of MVP (Most Valuable Puppy), there will be a Kitty Half-Time Show, penguin cheerleaders, and viewers can participate in the Fantasy Puppy League (go to animalplanet.com/puppybowl to draft your team). This is definitely a can’t-miss event!

Readers: I told you I’d let you know when I had an exact date for the season-two premiere of “Vikings,” and I’m a woman of my word. “Vikings” returns to the History channel on Thursday, Feb. 27 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. So don’t forget to tune in!

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Q and A: Week of Jan. 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Q and A: Week of May 13

Q: I really enjoy “The Good Witch” movies with Catherine Bell. Are they planning to make more? — Roberta F., North Rose, N.Y.

A: The Hallmark Channel’s “Good Witch” series will be a six-part series, with “The Good Witch’s Charm,” the fifth movie in the series, being the most recent, having aired in October 2012. The final installment, “The Good Witch’s Destiny,” is scheduled for release at some point this year, although an exact date has not been revealed.

Q: Can you tell me why these shows are no longer on the air: “All My Children” and “One Live to Live”? — Pat A., Columbia, S.C.

A: While I normally don’t cover daytime dramas in this column, what happened here is so miraculous in the TV world, I have to mention it. “All My Children” and “One Live to Live” — which ended in September 2011 and January 2012, respectively — were canceled due to low ratings and cost. However, after much negotiation and legal wrangling, on April 29, both shows came back to life (with many of the core cast members reprising their roles) as 30-minute webisodes via production company Prospect Park. Fans can view daily episodes on Hulu, Hulu Plus and iTunes. Prospect Park recently announced plans to resuscitate CBS’s “As the World Turns” and “Guiding Light” at a later date.

Q: The “Vikings” series on the History Channel reminded me of an article I read years ago about Mel Gibson making a Viking movie with Leonardo DiCaprio. Is this movie going to happen? — Lavourne, E., Willmar, Minn.

A: As recently as August 2012, Mel has said that “Berserkers” is still in the works; however, Leo is no longer attached to the project. Mel has been working on rewriting the script with his “Braveheart” writer, Randall Wallace. While there has been no word on “Berserkers” since the record-breaking success of the History Channel’s “Vikings,” considering the viewing public’s new love affair with all things savage and Nordic, I’m thinking Mel’s movie would fare well at the box office, if he decides to proceed.

Q: I heard that this will be the final season of “Merlin” on the Syfy channel. Is this true? I really enjoy this series and would miss it, along with the interesting and talented actors. Can its fans do anything to keep in on the air? — Carol C., Rochester, N.Y.

A: The 13-episode fifth season of “Merlin,” which began airing on Syfy here in the U.S. on May 5, is indeed the final season for the fantasy/adventure series. The show, which aired first in the U.K., is a production of BBC One that has been syndicated here in the States. So, we can complain all we want to Syfy, but unfortunately, it most likely won’t get the show back. The series already concluded in the U.K. over Christmas, and all five seasons are available on DVD.

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Q and A: Week of April 22

Q: My favorite new show this year far and away is “Vikings.” Will we get another season, or was this a one-season deal? — Patrick L., via email

A: The History Channel has picked up “Vikings” — its first scripted drama series — for a 10-episode second season. As of now, “Vikings” continues to be the No. 1 new cable series of 2013, and has launched History to No. 1 in cable in its Sunday 10 p.m. time period.

Dirk Hoogstra — executive vice president of development and programming — says of the show’s renewal: “Vikings is a win-win for us. As our first scripted series, ’Vikings’ has paid off in a big way, with critical acclaim, strong ratings and a passionate, loyal fan base. We could not be more proud of the entire cast and crew and everyone involved in the making of ’Vikings.’ Season two will begin production this summer to air in 2014.”

Q: Is it true they are making a “Finding Nemo” sequel? I really hope so because I really loved that movie. — Jane S., Tampa, Fla.

A: You heard correctly. In the new movie, Ellen Degeneres’ character, Dory, will be the focus, with the movie appropriately named “Finding Dory.” While it’s still super early in the production process, there is a little bit I can tell you about the movie. The new film picks up about a year after the action of “Finding Nemo,” with Ellen’s forgetful fish Dory on her own adventure to reunite with loved ones. According to Disney, the film will feature new characters along with familiar ones, including Nemo and his dad, Marlin.

Q: “Bates Motel” is gloriously and exquisitely creepy, and is one of my favorite shows of the season. There’s still lots more story that can be told, so please tell me that A and E will bring it back for another season. — Erica F., Birmingham, Ala.

A: The first season of “Bates Motel” premiered as the most-watched scripted drama in the history of the A and E Network, so you can bet that Vera Farmiga and Freddie Highmore will be back for more mouth-dropping drama. Production begins later this year on a 10-episode second season, which will air in 2014.

Q: I really enjoy MTV’s “Teen Wolf.” It seems like it has been off the air for a long while. When does it return? — Frankie, via email

A: You won’t have to wait much longer, Frankie. Season three begins June 3, with the show picking up four months after season two ended. It also will be a super-size season of 24 episodes, with lots of new cast members: twin alphas Ethan and Aiden (played by Charlie and Max Carver), alpha leader Deucalion (Gideon Emery), alpha wolf Kali (Felisha Terrell) and tough 17-year-old Cora (Adelaide Kane), who has her own ties to the werewolves.

Mary McDonnell

Q: Will “Major Crimes“ be back? I enjoyed the first season and felt it had a good cast. Hope we will see them again. — Amma B., via e-mail

A: As I reported in an earlier column, “Major Crimes,” which stars Mary McDonnell and is a spinoff of “The Closer,” will return for a 15-episode second season. But now I have a premiere date to give you: June 10 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. I have a few more premiere dates of TNT favorites to reveal.

Season three of “Falling Skies” begins June 9 at 9 p.m. ET/PT with a two-hour season premiere. Gloria Reuben (Noah Wyle’s fellow “ER” alum) and Robert Sean Leonard (“House”) are set to guest-star this season. Season four of “Rizzoli and Isles” will start up Tuesday, June 25 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, followed by the second-season premiere of “Perception” at 10 p.m. “Franklin and Bash” kicks off its third season on Wednesday, June 19 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, as Heather Locklear joins the cast as the firm’s newest partner.

Q: Since Jimmy Fallon will be taking over “The Tonight Show” when Jay Leno retires, does this mean Conan O’Brien could return to “Late Night”? — Debbi W., Akron, Ohio

A: Jimmy will be taking over “The Tonight Show” beginning in fall 2014. TBS recently announced that Conan’s show has been renewed through November 2015. In Hollywood, anything is possible, but if Conan were to return to NBC, it would have to be when his contract with TBS is up. If they need someone to host “Late Night” during the one-year interim, my vote is with Joel McHale.

Q: Will “The Great Gatsby” ever be released? I remember it was supposed to come out around Christmas, but I’ve heard nothing about it since. — Nina H., The Villages, Fla.

A: Leonardo DiCaprio again teams up with director Baz Luhrmann to star in this drama based on the book we all read in high school (and was one of my all-time favorites). “The Great Gatsby” will be making its way to theaters on May 10.

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Q and A: Week of Aug. 27

Q: I’ve really been looking forward to Leonardo DiCaprio’s “The Great Gatsby” coming out for Christmas, but now I hear it’s been postponed. Why the delay, and when will it come out? — Cassandra W., via e-mail

A: The Baz Luhrmann 3-D adaptation of the classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald — which also stars Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan and Joel Edgerton — is now slated for a summer 2013 release. Warner Bros. president of distribution, Dan Fellman, reasoned: “We think moviegoers of all ages are going to embrace it, and it makes sense to ensure this unique film reaches the largest audience possible” [by giving it a summer release].

Q: I just watched the season finale of “Rizzoli & Isles,” and already I can’t wait for the next season. Please tell me it has been renewed for a fourth season! — Dottie R., Roanoke, Va.

A: I am happy to report that there will indeed be a fourth season of TNT’s hit drama, which stars Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander. The summer’s No. 1 returning scripted drama will be back in summer 2013 for another 15 episodes of mystery-solving fun. TNT has proved to be a summer force to be reckoned with, with such original scripted hits as “R & I,” “Falling Skies,” “Perception,” “Dallas” and more shows that are smashing viewing records all over the place.

Q: Can you tell me what one of my favorite actors, Gabriel Byrne, has been up to since “In Treatment”? What can I see him in? — Roger T., via e-mail

A: The talented Irishman stars in the new History channel scripted series called “Vikings,” which is based upon a real-life Viking king named Ragnar Lothbrok — played by Travis Fimmel — who literally exploded out of Scandinavia and onto the world stage in the 8th century. A young Norwegian farmer with a wife and family, Lothbrok is deeply frustrated by the unadventurous policies of his local chieftain, Earl Haraldson (played by Gabriel), who continues to send his Viking raiders east every summer, to the Baltic states and Russia, whose populations are as materially poor as themselves. Haraldson and Lothbrok become adversaries as Lothbrok’s ambitions threaten Haraldson’s rule. The series — now filming in Ireland — also stars Jessalyn Gilsig, Gustaf Skarsgard, Clive Standen and Katheryn Winnick. It is set for a 2013 release.

Readers: A few months back, I held a contest for one reader to win the great summer read “Eat, Drink, and Be Married” by Rebecca Bloom. After sifting through the entries, I have randomly chosen a winner: Dorine T. of Terryville, Conn. Be on the lookout for your book, and I hope you enjoy it! All others who’d like to get in one last summer pleasure, head to amazon.com and order a copy for yourself — and maybe one for a friend. And go to www.celebrityextraonline.com to read my full interview with the talented author, and to see what she has coming up next.

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