Q and A: Week of May 21

Scott Aukerman

Q: I’m a big fan of Scott Aukerman, and I especially love his podcast, “Comedy Bang! Bang!” I heard that it is going to become a TV series. Is that true? — Jonathan V., via e-mail

A: You heard right! Writer/comedian Scott Aukerman — who is best known for his work with “Mr. Show with Bob and David” and for co-creating “Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis” — will indeed be bringing his hilarious podcast to the small screen. IFC has picked up “Comedy Bang! Bang!” which premieres Friday, June 8, at 10 p.m.

To gear up for the show — which will feature such big-name stars as Zach Galifianakis, Amy Poehler, Seth Rogan and Elizabeth Banks — go to ifc.com/fix/2012/05/reggie-watts-makes-music to see Jon Hamm show off his freestyle skills on an improvised jam about the classic TV show “Taxi.” And check the website often, as new webisodes will air throughout the season.

Q: I can barely stand the wait — when will “Pretty Little Liars” be back? — Sissy R., via e-mail

A: The third season of the hit ABC Family series “Pretty Little Liars” will be back and raring to go on Tuesday, June 5, at 8 p.m. The series picks up with Aria, Emily, Spencer and Hanna dealing with the fact that Mona is the mysterious “A” who’s been blackmailing them. While the character died in the book series on which the TV series is based, actress Janel Parrish, who plays Mona, has been upgraded to a series regular and will play a bigger role in the upcoming season. However, just because Mona’s been outed as “A,” it doesn’t mean she murdered Allison — that culprit is still on the loose.

Q: My family has been waiting anxiously for the season-three episodes of the “Downton Abbey” series to be aired. Our relatives in Europe have already seen the latest continuing episodes of the popular British series. Can you tell us when we can expect season-three episodes to start here in the U.S.? — Tom S., Hartford County, Conn.

A: Your European relatives might be confusing season two with season three, as season three is still in production. While Europe will get to see the third season before us — it’s scheduled to air on ITV in England in September, and here in America on PBS in January 2013 — I can guarantee you that, as of now, they haven’t seen any more than you have.
 
Q: In my opinion, the fourth season of “Southland” was the best yet. Please tell me it’s been renewed for another season! — Matt F., Sacramento, Calif.

A: It would seem that the powers that be at TNT agree with your assessment of “Southland,” as they have renewed the hit cop series for a 10-episode fifth season, which is scheduled to begin airing in February 2013. As the date gets closer, I’ll be sure to fill my readers in on all the details.

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Q and A: Week of Feb. 27

Q: I really love watching “Chelsea Lately” and “After Lately” on E! The shows’ casts really seem to have fun and get along. Please tell me this is the case! —George T., Altoona, Pa.

A: That certainly is the case. I spoke with series star Heather McDonald recently, and she told me: “We really do laugh all the time, and we really do like each other so much. So many times we’ll be laughing about something and I’ll just go, ‘Oh, don’t we have fun?’ I think it all stems from the example that Chelsea (Handler) has set, and I think that’s important. We’re like a little family where she’s the Mom, and she doesn’t allow jealousy, and she doesn’t allow any real kind of unhealthy competition in any way. We truly believe that each of our success only helps the other.”

And following Chelsea’s example of getting into the publishing industry, Heather has written her own NYT best-selling humorous memoir called “You’ll Never Blue Ball in This Town Again,” and I have to say, the book is deliciously funny. And check back later this week to read my entire interview with Heather. You don't want to miss it!

Q: Like most of the world, I was shocked and devastated to hear of Whitney Houston’s death. I really thought she was on the right path, and about to make a music and movie comeback. Did drugs play a part in her death? — Deena R., via e-mail

A: While there has been no official word as of this writing, TMZ is reporting that according to family sources, Whitney, 48, was killed by a combination of Xanax and other prescription drugs mixed with alcohol. Although she did die in the bathtub, the family was told by the coroner’s office that there didn’t appear to be enough water in her lungs for drowning to have been the cause of death. The L.A. Police Department has determined that there were no signs of foul play.

Whitney will star posthumously in the feature film “Sparkle,” which is slated for an Aug. 12 release. She also recorded two songs for the movie, which will, of course, be on the soundtrack.

Q: Is it true that two of my favorite comedians, Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis, are making a movie together? — Samuel D., via e-mail

A: It is indeed true, and I couldn’t be happier to see these two onscreen together. Will and Zach star in “Dogfight,” a comedy about two battling politicians from South Carolina who each have presidential aspirations. The movie is set to premiere Aug. 10, and also co-stars Jason Sudeikis, Dylan McDermott, Dan Aykroyd and John Lithgow.

Q: “Harry’s Law” seems to have vanished. What’s up? — Echo H., via e-mail

A: There has been a little shuffling over at NBC. At the end of January, “Harry’s Law” took about six weeks off. But don’t worry, Kathy Bates and company will return with new episodes March 11 on its new night and timeslot, Sundays at 8 p.m. ET.

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