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1-20 of 74 items from 2012 « Prev | Next »
The New Place To Catch ‘Fringe’ Reruns Is The Science Channel
24 May 2012 5:43 PM, PDT | BuzzFocus.com | See recent BuzzFocus.com news »
Whenever I’ve urged anyone who’d listen that Fringe is the great science-fiction series that networks have been trying to make (and stick), one of the most common excuses is that they are too far behind to just jump into the middle. But who could blame anyone wanting to start from the beginning? Fringe‘s universe switching, multiple versions of several characters, and shape-shifters could confuse even the most attentive fans. Outside of sitting down with the DVDs or blu-rays, getting new viewers to catch onto the story, as the series begins production on its fifth and final, 13-episode season, will be even more difficult. For those who own Discovery Communication’s Science Channel it just got a little easier.
THR reported today that the niche cable channel will get non-exclusive syndication rights to air the re-runs on cable but the agreement leaves streaming flexibility in the future. Fringe »
- Ernie Estrella
5 Best & 5 Worst Us TV Remakes
23 May 2012 1:49 AM, PDT | Obsessed with Film | See recent Obsessed with Film news »
For years, the UK and the Us have swapped TV formats around as a simple way of gaining new ideas and building on established successes.
Just recently we’ve seen HBO and Armando Iannucci putting a presidential spin on The Thick of It with Veep, while John Leguizamo is all set for a cushty role as Del Boy in an upcoming remake of Only Fools and Horses.
While many UK to Us remakes have managed to successfully avoid being lost in translation, others have sadly proved that sometimes you simply can’t recapture the same magic twice. Join us as we take a look at the 5 best and the 5 worst, Us TV remakes.
The Best 5. Shameless
When it was first announced that Paul Abbot’s gritty council estate drama was making the jump to the Us, no one could quite believe how any remake could successfully replicate the same mix »
- Stephen Leigh
Brilliant New Clip from Safety Not Guaranteed with Aubrey Plaza and Mark Duplass
3 May 2012 8:00 AM, PDT | HeyUGuys.co.uk | See recent HeyUGuys news »
Debuting at Sundance earlier this year, and then coming to Sundance London last weekend, Safety Not Guaranteed is without a doubt one of the best films of the year.
The first trailer and poster surfaced at the end of March, and if you haven’t seen them yet, I’d highly recommend taking a look now.
I caught the film at Sundance London and fell in love with the film from the very start – you can read my review of the film here (it earns every one of its five stars) – and I’m really hoping that it will get a UK release, because I can’t wait to watch it again.
A great new clip has surfaced online, courtesy of PopSugar, featuring two of the leading cast, Aubrey Plaza and Mark Duplass.
“From the producers of Little Miss Sunshine – When an unusual classified ad inspires three cynical Seattle magazine »
- Kenji Lloyd
Deja view: why television is addicted to remakes
2 May 2012 9:14 AM, PDT | The Guardian - TV News | See recent The Guardian - TV News news »
As the Us remake of The Killing returns to Channel 4 and a British version of The Bridge is mooted, Mark Lawson asks why broadcasters are so attracted to remaking foreign-language shows
A Scandanavian wind is blowing into English language television. With reports that Spooks production company Kudos is exploring a possible remake of The Bridge, there has also been talk in the corridors of both the BBC and Channel 4 about the viability of a "British Borgen". If made, these series would join a broadcasting smorgasbord that already includes the American version of the first of the great Dane dramas, The Killing. The second series of that Am-Scan hybrid – billed as The Killing Us – begins on Channel 4 on Wednesday night at 10pm.
TV remakes are motivated by a combination of envy and xenophobia: a foreign broadcaster recognises the brilliance of the idea but fears that subtitles and suspicion »
- Mark Lawson
Mark Lashley: The Ricky Gervais Show and the Comedy of Self-Importance
30 April 2012 9:19 AM, PDT | Aol TV. | See recent Aol TV. news »
Midway through last year's Talking Funny, a round table discussion among some of the world's most famous stand-up comics, Ricky Gervais claims, "In comedy... I think, you have to be the underdog. There's no place for being above the audience." He asserts that he plays a character on stage, ironically presenting himself as better or more knowledgeable than the people in the seats.
Judging from some of Gervais' more recent television projects, the mastermind behind The Office and the similarly brilliant entertainment industry satire Extras has become so mired in self-satisfaction that any ironic distance between Gervais as performer and Gervais as character is all but lost. To put it another way, there exists a fundamental divide between what Gervais is doing and what he thinks he's doing. Which is a shame, because while his material can often still be very funny, it's a bit harder to laugh along with »
- Mark Lashley
Idiot Abroad: Ricky Gervais Sends Karl Pilkington & Warwick Davis The Short Way Round
26 April 2012 3:08 AM, PDT | Obsessed with Film | See recent Obsessed with Film news »
Ricky Gervais has once again persuaded his round-headed friend Karl Pilkington to embark on a new epic journey across the world. And this time he won’t be alone.
Actor Warwick Davis, star of Gervais’ sitcom “Life’s Too Short”, will accompany the often agitated Pilkington in “An Idiot Abroad: The Short Way Round”, two 1-hour Christmas specials in which they will follow in the footsteps of famous explorer Marco Polo from Italy to China.
The 500 mile journey takes the odd pairing from Venice to Eastern Europe to India and China as “they get stuck into different cultures and traditions, illuminated by Karl’s trademark observations about the world and Warwick’s varying experiences as a little person in different countries.”
The pairing of Pilkington and Davis is mouth-watering, especially as Karl’s previous time talking about the actor on the podcasts or when he spoke to him in the last series, »
- Matt Holmes
Ricky Gervais Is Up To His Usual Mockery In Today's Twitter-Wood
25 April 2012 9:44 AM, PDT | MTV Movies Blog | See recent MTV Movies Blog news »
Ah, Ricky Gervais. It seems like there's not enough words to describe him, but we're also rendered speechless when we think of his antics as a two-time Golden Globe host and the star of the original "Office." Currently, Gervais is filming "Idiot Abroad" specials with producer Karl Pilkington and actor Warwick Davis, who works with Gervais on "Life's Too Short."
Had a couple of chums over to the house today for a spot of filming. #anidiotabroadspecials twitter.com/rickygervais/s…
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) April 24, 2012
"Idiot Abroad" stars Pilkington who reluctantly travels anywhere Gervais and Stephen Merchant make him—as they stay in the comforts of London and monitor his journey. The second season, titled "Bucket List," premiered in January and shows Pilkington crossing off once-in-a-lifetime opportunities; it's just been nominated for a BAFTA.
Also in April 25, 2012's Twitter-Wood, Rainn Wilson gets excited about "The Raven," Eliza Dushku is on the set of "Leap Year, »
- Fallon Prinzivalli
'Life's Too Short' Warwick Davis: 'Audience matters more than critics'
12 April 2012 9:36 AM, PDT | digitalspy | See recent digitalspy news »
Warwick Davis has said that he was not worried about the critical response to his sitcom Life's Too Short. Speaking at the launch of the Harry Potter studio tour, the actor confirmed to Digital Spy that he, Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant are currently writing a follow-up one-off special, rather than a second series.
"The critics' response was kind of predicted anyway," Davis said. "A lot of it aimed towards Ricky. To me that's not what matters, it's the people. "Everywhere I go people are just embracing (more) »
- By Mayer Nissim
Possible future films for Clive Owen
11 April 2012 7:33 AM, PDT | Den of Geek | See recent Den of Geek news »
If actor Clive Owen ever finds himself at a loose end, Andrew has a few film pitches which he thinks will be a perfect fit…
Described as potentially “one note” in Empire Magazine (with the qualifying comment of “it's a bloody good note and nobody else could play it better”), Clive Owen is more versatile than many give him credit for.
After a varied career in film, stage and television with appearances of note in Chancer, Close My Eyes, the original theatrical version of Closer, and 1997's double-header of Croupier and Bent, he reached the big time in with a very strong run of films (from Sin City in 2005 through to Shoot 'Em Up in 2007). Since then he has alternated between more obviously commercial work such as Duplicity and Killer Elite with more personal, human dramas such as Intruders and The Boys are Back.
The blurb at the top of »
'Ricky Gervais Show' returning to E4 in May, to include new audio
10 April 2012 1:31 PM, PDT | digitalspy | See recent digitalspy news »
The Ricky Gervais Show will return for a third series on E4 next month. The animated series, based on the comedian's long-running podcasts with Stephen Merchant and Karl Pilkington will start a new run of 13 episodes in May. The series will first return to Us screens on April 20 on HBO. Ricky Gervais revealed that the third series will also include previously unheard audio from the three stars. He said: "Karl is not only my best friend but also my gift to the world. This is my favourite series so far and it even features some previously unheard audio." Channel 4's Head of Comedy Shane Allen added: "A very welcome return to E4 of these comedy masters. Their flights of fancy and infectious banter are a joy as Stephen (more) »
- By Tom Eames
Ricky Gervais Shows How Karl Pilkington Cracks Him Up
10 April 2012 3:16 AM, PDT | Huffington Post | See recent Huffington Post news »
He's been called a round-headed buffoon, and mocked for years by both Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, but he's also one of their nearest and dearest friends. American television audiences first discovered Karl Pilkington as the lesser known of the three leads on HBO's animated "The Ricky Gervais Show." Then came "An Idiot Abroad," which put Pilkington front and center.
But that show was as much about Gervais and Merchant torturing the man than in creating an entertaining travel show. Perhaps that's why David Letterman demanded that Gervais leave him alone on "Late Show" (Weeknights, 11:35 p.m. Et on CBS). It's so hard to tell if Pilkington is in on the joke, genuinely enjoys getting teased and poked by the comedy duo, or is as frustrated as he appears most times.
Gervais is adamant that he loves Pilkington, though as much for his crazy responses and thoughts about the world than anything else. »
- Jason Hughes
Ricky Gervais Shows How Karl Pilkington Cracks Him Up
9 April 2012 11:32 PM, PDT | Aol TV. | See recent Aol TV. news »
He's been called a round-headed buffoon, and mocked for years by both Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, but he's also one of their nearest and dearest friends. American television audiences first discovered Karl Pilkington as the lesser known of the three leads on HBO's animated "The Ricky Gervais Show." Then came "An Idiot Abroad," which put Pilkington front and center.
But that show was as much about Gervais and Merchant torturing the man than in creating an entertaining travel show. Perhaps that's why David Letterman demanded that Gervais leave him alone on "Late Show" (Weeknights, 11:35 p.m. Et on CBS). It's so hard to tell if Pilkington is in on the joke, genuinely enjoys getting teased and poked by the comedy duo, or is as frustrated as he appears most times.
Gervais is adamant that he loves Pilkington, though as much for his crazy responses and thoughts about the world than anything else. »
- Jason Hughes
TV Dial: 'Blues Brothers' To Become Animated; 'That '70s Show Cast' Reunites & Two Clips From 'The Ricky Gervais Show'
9 April 2012 7:27 AM, PDT | The Playlist | See recent The Playlist news »
Jake and Elwood may have been on a mission from God, but Dan Aykroyd is on a mission to milk anything he's ever been associated with death for cash. Last summer it was reported that Aykroyd and co. were developing a "Glee"-style TV series based on the "The Blues Brothers" but it appears that's just the tip of the iceberg. At Miptv it has been announced that Blues Brothers Approved Ventures LLC has teamed with Panacea Entertainment in an effort to whore out the fedora wearing duo in a variety of avenues that will include: an animated series, a Broadway show, a Vegas show, a radio network, social networking (?) and more. Comparing the brand to Coca-Cola and Nike (Lol), Panacea hopes to bring the characters to an audience "around the globe." Remember "Blues Brothers 2000"? That's all we're going to say about this....
Launching the careers of Ashton Kutcher, »
- Kevin Jagernauth
Watch It: 'Game Of Thrones,' 'South Park,' 'Young Adult'
4 April 2012 12:00 PM, PDT | MTV Movies Blog | See recent MTV Movies Blog news »
Welcome to Watch It, a brand new column right here on MTV Movies Blog running down all the new and old movies and television shows we're currently slogging through. There's a lot of great (and not-so-great) material lurking out there that you've yet to put your eyes on, and this new weekly feature is here to fill those gaps for you.
So, what are we watching this week? Lots and lots of television. Many of us have returned to Westeros with "Game of Thrones," while others are traveling to other, considerably funnier wintery landscapes. Get those recommendations and more in this week's inaugural edition of Watch It.
Tami Katzoff, MTV News producer:
I just finished watching season 2 of “An Idiot Abroad” on Science Channel. As a travel show, it’s unique in two major ways: the traveler really doesn’t want to be at his destination, and the traveler is »
- MTV Movies Team
See Exclusive Art for the Upcoming Season of The Ricky Gervais Show
26 March 2012 2:47 PM, PDT | Pastemagazine.com | See recent PasteMagazine news »
The Emmy-nominated 'The Ricky Gervais Show' will return for its third season on April 20. The animated series, based off of the comedian’s radio show/podcast that he co-hosted with fellow 'The Office' creator Stephen Merchant and comedic author Karl Pilkington in the early 2000s, first premiered in 2010 and has aired 26 episodes over the first two seasons. »
Review: 'Life's Too Short' Gets Darker, Grows More Incisive As It Heads Toward The Season Finale
18 March 2012 9:58 AM, PDT | Indiewire Television | See recent Indiewire Television news »
While Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant have been rightly celebrated for creating some of the best, most observant comedy of the last few years in "The Office" and "Extras," the success and brilliance of those shows have been possible due to their willingness to eviscerate the main characters. David Brent and Andy Millman both have their ego and hubris splashed heavily with buckets of cold water throughout both series. What has made both of those shows rise beyond their seeming sitcom trappings, has been the greater character truths that arrive as their grand ambitions face hard and harsh reality. After the end of season one's first three episodes (review here) of "Life's Too Short," we last see Warwick Davis standing in a garbage pail, acting as a stand-in opposite a very picky Helena Bonham Carter as she shoots a period movie. It's a riotously funny moment, but in many ways »
- Kevin Jagernauth
Review: 'Life's Too Short' Gets Darker, Grows More Incisive As It Heads Toward The Season Finale
18 March 2012 9:58 AM, PDT | The Playlist | See recent The Playlist news »
While Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant have been rightly celebrated for creating some of the best, most observant comedy of the last few years in "The Office" and "Extras," the success and brilliance of those shows have been possible due to their willingness to eviscerate the main characters. David Brent and Andy Millman both have their ego and hubris splashed heavily with buckets of cold water throughout both series. What has made both of those shows rise beyond their seeming sitcom trappings, has been the greater character truths that arrive as their grand ambitions face hard and harsh reality.
After the end of season one's first three episodes (review here) of "Life's Too Short," we last see Warwick Davis standing in a garbage pail, acting as a stand-in opposite a very picky Helena Bonham Carter as she shoots a period movie. It's a riotously funny moment, but in many ways »
- Kevin Jagernauth
Watch the BAFTA Video Game Awards Live
16 March 2012 12:30 PM, PDT | HeyUGuys.co.uk | See recent HeyUGuys news »
Tonight the BAFTA Video Game Awards are being held in London and the list of nominees shows the breadth of talent being celebrated and you can watch along live with us.
BAFTA’s push to educate people about the importance of gaming and to celebrate the very best in this medium is commendable and they are best placed to do this with access to the top names in the industry.
The titles being celebrated tonight include the annual editions of the most popular franchises but there’s a lot of innovation on show; the latest version of Call of Duty, Portal 2, Super Mario 3D Land and the internet-conquerinig Skyrim are all up for awards tonight along with many more.
The IGN stream will go live from 20.15 and you can watch along below,
Here’s the feed, enjoy!
The 2012 BAFTA Game Award nominees are below,
Action
Assassin’s Creed Revelations - Martin Schelling, »
- Jon Lyus
Ricky Gervais's BBC2 comedy Life's Too Short faces an uncertain future
15 March 2012 10:58 AM, PDT | The Guardian - TV News | See recent The Guardian - TV News news »
BBC2 mockumentary about a dwarf, starring Warwick Davis, ended run with 1.2 million viewers and divided television critics
Life may be too short for a recommission of Ricky Gervais' most recent BBC2 comedy about a dwarf, which struggled to win viewers and left the comedian with a rare flop on his hands.
BBC bosses will meet up with Gervais and his comedy partner Stephen Merchant within the "next few weeks" to decide whether to recommission the mockumentary, which starred Warwick Davis.
Life's Too Short finished a seven-part run on BBC2 in December. It began with 2.5 million viewers but finished with just 1.2 million across BBC2 and BBC HD, a 5.8% share and far below the audiences who watched Extras and The Office.
The speculation would appear to contradict claims from Gervais on Twitter in December that the BBC had already recommissioned a second run to be aired in "spring 2013" and comes nearly »
- Ben Dowell
'Life's Too Short': Ricky Gervais Insults Steve Carell
12 March 2012 8:22 AM, PDT | Huffington Post | See recent Huffington Post news »
Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant made their names and fortunes with "The Office," which was remade for the U.S. with them serving as executive producers and Steve Carell playing the central character, bumbling boss Michael Scott.
On "Life's Too Short" (Sun., 10:30 p.m. on HBO) Gervais and Marchant found themselves having to ask Carell if he'd consider returning to "The Office" for some guest appearances.
Chatting via Skype, Gervais told Carell that, "If you did agree to even infrequent guest spots, the network said they will guarantee two more seasons."
Carell didn't agree to sign on the dotted line, but did say he'd consider it.
After they'd hung up, Gervais was unimpressed. Saying Carell was only a household name because of "The Office," Gervais added that "he should be begging me" for occasional guest spots, not the other way round.
As Marchant and Warwick Davis laughed, Gervais carried on ripping on Carell, »
- Catherine Lawson
2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004
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