‘Lost’, ‘Grey’s’ Finales Extended
Posted on April 12, 2008
In a surprising turn of events, both Lost and Grey’s Anatomy have been given an extra hour’s worth of screentime to close their current seasons, according to various sources close to ABC.
Lost showrunners Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse, not wanting to cram so many big reveals into two hours, apparently volleyed for the fourteenth episode to make the finale three hours long to do the fans justice. ABC granted their request, and consequently, the second and third parts will air together, much like Season 1’s “Exodus” three-parter did.
However, because no two-hour slot is available on May 22, what with Ugly Betty and Grey’s Anatomy airing their respective finales on that night from eight to ten, Lost’s end to the fourth season will be shown the following week, on May 29. The first part has been slated for May 15 — two weeks earlier. An encore of that episode will be shown prior to the final two hours.
As a result, due to there now being an empty hour at 10PM on the 22nd that needs filling, ABC has decided to give Grey’s Anatomy a two-hour finale on that night. Darn good if you watch both shows, if you ask me.
Gough, Millar to Leave ‘Smallville’
Posted on April 3, 2008
To much surprise, Smallville creators and showrunners, Al Gough and Miles Millar, have announced their intention to step down from their roles on the drama at the end of the current season.
In an open letter, they stated, “After much heartache and debate, we have decided it is time for us to move on.”
“Over the last seven years, we have had the honor of working with a remarkable team of people here in Los Angeles and in Vancouver. We have been blessed with a wonderful cast who we have watched mature with admiration and affection. We have been rewarded with a fan base that is as loyal as it is vocal.”
“We are incredibly proud of our work on this show. We have achieved what we set out to do. We never compromised our vision,” the letter continues. “The pilot had the highest-rated premiere in the history of the WB. Even in its seventh year, it is still the #1 scripted show on the network.”
According to TV Guide, Kelly Souders, Brian Peterson, Todd Slavkin, and Darren Swimmer — all longtime writers for the show — are set to take over as the new executive producers.
NBC Renews ‘Friday Night Lights’
Posted on April 3, 2008
Friday Night Lights has officially been renewed by NBC in their early “in-front” presentation, which details the network’s 2008-09 line-up.
Rumours had been circulating for a while about a potential deal with DirecTV, but the drama is set to return to NBC on Fridays as a midseason replacement after first-run episodes air on DirecTV in October. The third season will consist of thirteen episodes.
Meanwhile, starting from the fall, Chuck and Heroes will air on Mondays followed by new drama My Own Worst Enemy, starring Christian Slater as a father who’s also unknowingly a spy. With Kath & Kim and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit snuggling on Tuesdays, Knight Rider has been scheduled for Wednesdays at 8PM on the same night as renewed Lipstick Jungle.
My Name Is Earl, 30 Rock, and The Office keep their Thursday slots, as an Office untitled spin-off will follow immediately afterwards along with ER. The line-up doesn’t see any mention of Scrubs. Finally, Crusoe and Life will run on Fridays, sandwiching Deal or No Deal.