TV TimeZ and Casting CallZ

February 1, 2011


WHAT SHOULD I WATCH TONIGHT?
Lifetime: Seriously Funny Kids at 9p; One Born Every Minute at 10p
National Geographic Channel: Hard Time at 9p
FOX: Million Dollar Money Drop at 9p
National Geographic Channel: Dangerous Encounters at 9p
Discovery Channel: Auction Kings at 10p
CBS: NCIS, NCIS: LA, The Good Wife
CW:  One Tree Hill, Hellcats
NBC: The Biggest Loser: Couples, Parenthood


To fill the void of Two and a Half Men while star Charlie Sheen is in rehab, CBS ordered two additional episodes of both Mike & Molly andRules of Engagement.  These additional episodes of both Monday night comedies will fill the sudden absence of Two and a Half Men while the series is on production hiatus.  There are two finished original episodes of Two and a Half Men and CBS will air them on February 7 and 14 followed by repeats of the series.

This month, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is adding two new series to its primetime lineup plus moving the premieres dates of two others:

• Searching For ... follows the work of Pam Slaton, a real-life professional investigative genealogist and stay-at-home mom and housewife living in New Jersey.  The series premieres February 14 at 9p and is produced by Stuart Krasnow Productions. 
• Breaking Down the Bars from 44 Blue documents the transformation of a group of female prisoners doing time at the Rockville Correctional Facility in Indiana.   The series opens February 15 at 9p.
• OWN is moving the series Our America with Lisa Ling to now premiere on February 15 at 10p and the acquired series What Would You Do? OWN Edition starting February 15 at 8p

Food Network renewed five daytime series and announced productions schedules for all: 

• Dessert First approved for a 13-episode second season hosted by pastry chef Anne Thornton.  MeetingHouse Productions is behind the series which begins production in NYC this month and the new season will bow in April.
• Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee okayed for a 15th season with 13-episodes.  Produced by Concentric Entertainment, the new season starring Sandra Lee is currently in production in Connecticut and will debut in late March.
• Mexican Made Easy renewed for a fourth season with 13 episodes and helmed by chef and cookbook author Marcela Valladolid.  From Hip Entertainment, the San Diego-based production begins in March and will premiere in April. 
• 5 Ingredient Fix opens a sixth season in April with 13 episodes hosted by Claire Robinson.  Produced in NYC by Rock Shrimp Productions with shooting beginning this month.
• Secrets of a Restaurant Chef approved for an eighth season with 13 episodes and produced by Food Network.  Hosted by Anne Burrell, the new season begins production in NYC this month with the new eps airing in April.

Bravo will air two additional episodes of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills later this month.  On February 8 at 10p, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: The Lost Footage will air followed on February 15 at 9p with the Dinner Party From Hell - Producers Cut episode

Casting Call:  Los Angeles-based licensed agency Central Artists Talent Agency is establishing a new "Real People" division headed by Hedda Muskat.  The agency is looking for people holding real jobs such as doctors, lawyers, nurses, clergy, teachers, plumbers, bartenders, bail bondsmen, judges, taxi drivers, surfers, students, plus size, little people, politicians, body builders, musicians, and most of all, interesting characters with a unique skill or trade, from all races, all cultures and all backgrounds.  Central Artists is seeking talent who has over-the-top personalities and are ready to be discovered in the areas of scripted television, film, commercial and print.  If you are interested, contact Hedda at 310-413-2861 or send an email to: centralartists@aol.com.