... that NBC's workplace comedy "Outsourced" has been given the unofficial go-ahead to begin staffing.

And there's increasing chatter that the long-completed drama pilot "Rex is Not Your Lawyer" is heating up again at NBC. Who knew?

(For a network-by-network rundown of pilots go to Variety.com/pilotwatch)

It's surely the first animated series to bow at an annual shareholders meeting -- let alone such a well-heeled affair as Berkshire Hathaway's yearly powwow.

But then again, "Secret Millionaire's Club" is the first animated series to feature Warren Buffett as a character. "Secret" will have its preem on Saturday during Berkshire Hathaway's meeting in Omaha, and 26 regular weekly episodes will roll out via AOL starting Monday.

The project hails from animation vet Andy Heyward's partnership to develop kidvid properties with AOL. "Secret" is among the first new series from Heyward's A Squared Entertainment banner.

The series aims to teach kids financial basics with a story that involves a group of kids who come into money after unexpectedly finding a rare piece of baseball memorabilia. Buffett is their mentor and investment adviser.

Heyward's ties to Buffett go back many years, to the days when his DIC Entertainment company was owned by Capital Cities/ABC, in which Buffett was a key investor. Heyward for years has produced animated shorts to open Berkshire's annual meetings.

"Secret" segs will unspool for the rest of us non-millionaires on the SMCKids.com microsite created by AOL.

-- Cynthia Littleton

Hockey cabler Versus will televise the NHL Awards June 23 from the Palms Hotel in Las Vegas.

League will announce a slew of trophy winners — from top scorer to best goalie — in front of both a live crowd at the venue and a television audience in the U.S. and Canada (CBC).

Show, which follows the conclusion of the Stanley Cup playoffs, will be exec produced by David Broome under his 25/7 Prods. shingle.

Florida-based rock band Shinedown, Snoop Dogg, the cast of “Jersey Boys” and the Cirque du Soleil troupe will perform.

Versus has drawn strong viewership for the first round of the playoffs and will air the first two games of this year’s Stanley Cup finals round.

CBS won the opening night of the May sweeps as its top-rated show, "Survivor," narrowly edged ABC's best in "Grey's Anatomy" and the Peacock's No. 1 performer, "The Office."

With originals airing all across the dial, each of the three Eye skeins were up from a week ago. Reality show behemoth "Survivor" (4.0 rating/13 share in the 18-49 demo, 12.5 million viewers) scored its best demo numbers since Feb. 11 and was tops for the network, followed by steady procedurals "CSI" (3.0/8, 13.5m) and "The Mentalist" (3.2/9, 14.6m).

ABC took the second spot as "Grey's" (3.8/11, 10.3), which took the 9 o'clock hour in the demo, and "Private Practice" (3.0/9, 7.8m) provided a potent two-hour pair but "FlashForward" (1.5/5, 5.1) again failed to attract a sizeable aud. Although the Alphabet was hoping to earn some extra viewers because the show had stated early in the season that April 29 was the date in the future that all the characters would be able to envision, the gimmick failed to connect and now a second season of "FlashForward" is looking more tenuous than ever.

NBC edged Fox for third place as "The Office" (3.6/11, 7m) was, by far, the Peacock's most productive laffer. Emmy champ "30 Rock" (2.9/8, 5.6m) was up 16% from a week ago, while 8 p.m. sitcom "Community" (2.0/7, 4.5m) was up a hefty 25% from last Thursday. "Parks and Recreation" (2.0/6, 4.2m) was flat. "The Marriage Ref" (2.0/6, 4.3m) proved little competition for the dramas in the 10 o'clock timeslot.

Fox offered its usual Thursday double bill of "Bones" (2.5/8, 9.1m) and "Fringe" (2.0/6, 5.5m), neither of which showed any growth from a week ago.

CW's "The Vampire Diaries" (1.6/5, 3.3m) was consistent from a week ago, defeating ABC and NBC in women 18-34 at 8 o'clock, and also bested "FlashForward" in the 18-49 demo as well. "Supernatural" earned a 1.1/3, 2.3m.

Preliminary 18-49 averages for the night: CBS, 3.4/10; ABC, 2.8/8; NBC, 2.4/7; Fox, 2.3/7; CW, 1.3/4

In total viewers: CBS, 13.5 million; ABC, 7.7 million; Fox, 7.3 million; NBC, 5.0 million; CW, 2.8 million.

Let's take a step back to 1986... Rupert Murdoch had just bought the Metromedia TV stations (WNYW, KTTV, WFLD, etc.) and completed his purchase of 20th Century Fox. Under the oversight of Barry Diller, News Corp. made a hefty deal with Joan Rivers to launch a new late night series -- and an entire network -- on the backs of those Metromedia stations and a ragtag collection of independent stations across the country.

The name of that new network? FBC, the "Fox Broadcasting Company." That's just the way networks were named -- there was ABC, NBC, CBS and PBS, so why not "FBC"?

As a kid watching the birth of a new network (yes, those things excited me), I remembered the look of that original "FBC" logo. Yet years later, I could never find a copy of it anywhere, even on the Internet. I finally dug up an October 1986 issue of Variety in our archives -- and there it was, an ad touting FBC's launch. And here it is, above.

The "FBC" logo didn't last long. According to original Fox Entertainment prexy Garth Ancier, it was legendary ad man Jay Chiat who suggested to execs that rather than create a brand from scratch, the network ought to use the "Fox" heritage of the previous 80 years and the "searchlight" iconography to link Fox Broadcasting to 20th Century Fox.

Besides, if the idea was to launch a network that was an alternative to the Big Three, why not go with an actual brand name?

And that's how "FBC" had become "Fox" in time for the premiere of primetime programming in April 1987 (below, watch the opening night launch video).

Fox's first searchlight logo (above) remained in place until around 1994, when a new, streamlined logo was introduced (below).

But by 1996, Fox had confused its identity. Some stations were still using the old logo, while others were using the new one. What's more, even Fox itself was using the two different logos at the same time. Brand confusion was the result. And that's why Fox, around 1997, decreed that the network had one, standard logo: The one below.

This Fox logo still utilized the searchlights, but removed the last vestiges of the original searchlight logo's pedestal.

But by the early 2000s, Fox had decided to go even simpler. Gone were the searchlights and the rectangle shape all together, as Fox decided to just stick with the letters "F," "O" and "X," dropping the rest of the design all together. (FX eventually did the same thing, dropping the searchlights and simply doing with "FX." Fox News Channel continues to use the searchlights, however, as do Fox-owned stations.)

By the way, as Garth pointed out to me, the BBC's modern ident looks more than a little like that original FBC logo:

 

I participated in a wonderful charity poker tournament over the weekend with a handful of poker pros, with one, in particular, recognizable to those who don’t know a pocket pair from a full house.

Annie Duke, one of the best players for the past decade, made a name for herself in the previous edition of NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice,” and was one of the event organizers. On NBC’s reality skein, she and eventual winner Joan Rivers dueled to the final episode, all the while Annie able to withstand Joan’s “You’re a poker player!” taunts.

Also playing was another TV personality: Phil Gordon, former host of Bravo’s “Celebrity Poker Showdown,” which aired for seven seasons on the NBC Universal cabler. He ended up making the final table and eventually was eliminated by the winner, a non-celeb who took home a high-end Tesla car for his poker skills.

Monies were raised for the X Prize Foundation, an educational nonprofit whose mission is to create radical breakthroughs for the benefit of humanity. For more information, check out www.xprize.org.

ABC Family has decided not to pick up any more episodes of its teen skein "10 Things I Hate About You."

The show, based on the 1999 series of the same name, is in the middle of a ten episode order. Five segs have already aired, with five left to go.

News was revealed by "10 Things" exec producer Carter Covington on Twitter: "Sad news... ABC Family canceled the show. Thanks to our amazing fans. You are the reason I do this."

Covington ("Greek") exec produced the show with John Ziffren and Robin Schiff. ABC originally picked up 10 episodes of the series last year, and ordered an additional 10 for this year.

"10 Things" stars Lindsey Shaw, Meaghan Jette Martin, Larry Miller, Ethan Peck, Nicholas Braun and Dana Davis. Like the movie, "10 Things" is a contemporary retelling of Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew."

Here's what Variety's Brian Lowry had to say about the show last year: "Filled with pop-culture references, disarmingly edgy and smartly cast, the series appears to continue a solid roll for the cable network that was once an albatross around the neck of parent Disney."

Gil Junger, who directed the film, also helmed the TV version.

Here's the media alert from CBS on Sunday night's Conan O'Brien interview on "60 Minutes":

Conan O’Brien says he would have left NBC rather than do what Jay Leno did to him, in his first interview since being forced off the Tonight Show. O’Brien’s interview with Steve Kroft will be broadcast on 60 MINUTES, Sunday, May 2 (7:00-8:00PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

“He went and took that show back and I think in a similar situation, if roles had been reversed, I know-- I know me, I wouldn't have done that,” O’Brien says. “If I had surrendered The Tonight Show and handed it over to somebody publicly and wished them well-- and then…six months later. But that's me, you know. Everyone's got their own, you know, way of doing things,” he tells Kroft.

Asked by Kroft what he would have done, O’Brien says, “Done something else, go someplace else. I mean, that's just me.”

O’Brien eventually left NBC, deciding not to play second-fiddle to Leno. He says he didn’t see the point in giving his all in a relationship that seemed to have no future. “I think this relationship is going be toxic and maybe we just need to go our separate ways,” he says. “That's really how it felt to me…and I started to feel that I'm not sure these people even really want me here….I can't do it [anymore].

The Oprah Winfrey Network is adding to its programming slate with an eight-episode order of “Inside Rehab.”

One-hour docuseries takes a look at the patients who attend an eating disorder treatment facility and how they come to terms with the eating issues that have plagued them for most of their entire lives.

Skein is produced by Troy Searer and John Foy of Tijuana Entertainment, who are behind A&E’s “Obsessed.”

OWN, which takes over for the Discovery Health network, is set to debut Jan. 1 in approximately 80 million homes.

Other series previously announced include “Behind the Scenes: The Oprah Show Final Season.” Series chronicle the last months of Winfrey’s top-rated syndie yakker as it ends its 25-year run in mid-2011.

Also, “Visionaries: Inside the Creative Mind” will offer a look inside the creative process of arts and entertainment notables such as James Cameron, Annie Leibovitz, Tom Ford, Lady Gaga and will.i.am.

NBC is close to naming “Late Night” host Jimmy Fallon as this year’s Emmy Awards host.

The net’s choice is expected to be revealed next week, and deals aren’t done yet.

But according to insiders, Peacock execs lobbied hard for Fallon -- and TV Academy board members appear to be sold on the idea.

Among the other contenders: Jerry Seinfeld, who’s exec producing the Peacock’s Thursday night reality skein “The Marriage Ref”; or perhaps a reteaming of “Date Night” stars (and NBC Thursday night staples) Tina Fey and Steve Carrell.

Another possibility, Amy Poehler, is definitely unlikely: The “Parks and Recreation” star is set to give birth just days before this year’s kudocast.

NBC had no shortage of comedians in its midst who could easily double as Emmy hosts, given its Thursday night laffer block, late night shows and “Saturday Night Live.”

But the original likely choice for NBC Emmy host ankled the network in January. Conan O’Brien hosted the Emmys for the Peacock in 2006 and 2002 (the last two times the Peacock telecast the event). And as the new host of “The Tonight Show,” a repeat gig might have been obvious for O’Brien.

Then came this year’s late night debacle. Returning “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno hasn’t been in the awards show hosting business (although he did co-host the 1990 Emmys on Fox, with Jane Pauley and Candice Bergen).

Fallon, having taken over O’Brien’s old job on “Late Night,” makes sense if the TV Academy wants to reach out to younger viewers.

Fallon also has plenty of live TV experience, thanks to his days on “SNL.” He has also hosted the “MTV Movie Awards” and the “MTV Video Music Awards.”

Some insiders have suggested that Fallon may not be a broad enough TV star yet for the Academy board, particularly older members who aren’t familiar with his work.

But Fallon’s production team has earned raves this year for its taped bits, including the “Lost” parody “Late” and the “Glee” parody “6-Bee” -- the kind of comedy pieces that might help invigorate the staid Emmy telecast.

What’s more, Fallon maintains a savvy Internet presence -- including his Twitter account, which now boasts over 2.5 million followers. Social networking sites have been credited for helping juice ratings of most award shows over the past year -- and it would seemingly be beneficial to hire a host with bona fide credentials in that space.

That’s especially true this year, as the Emmys will run in the little-viewed month of August (due to NBC’s September NFL committments) -- and it’s going to take a massive effort to get viewers to tune in.

This year’s Emmy performance is more important than usual -- as it comes on the eve of what promises to be a tough renegotiation to renew the current “wheel” rights deal with the broadcast networks.

Readers of ON THE AIR shouldn't be surprised, of course. We asked you last month who Emmys producer Don Mischer should tap to host the Emmys -- and Fallon came in a solid second, behind our imaginary pairing of Fey and Poehler:

Is there a rehab program for folks who host too many rehab TV shows?

Dr. Drew Pinsky, of course, might want to look into such a plan. The prolific TV and radio host has announced plans to form Dr. Drew Productions, which will focus on developing new series -- both with and without Pinsky on camera.

Pinsky is partnering with manager Howard Lapides on the company.

"All projects under the new banner will expand on the Dr. Drew brand of always making a difference," Lapides said.

The new shingle is already developing the pilot "Estranged with Dr. Drew," in which couples decide whether to reunite or separate, along with Picture This TV.

Pinsky is also developing a syndie talker with Telepictures, targeted for a fall 2011 launch. (Lapides is co-EP on that project.)

The busy Pinsky's credits include VH1's "Celebrity Rehab" and spinoffs "Sober House with Dr. Drew" and "Sex Rehab with Dr. Drew." He also host MTV's "Sex With Mom and Dad." And on the radio, he continues to host the nationally syndicated "Loveline."

Lapides is co-CEO of the Core and president of the TV and motion picture division of Lapides/Lear Entertainment. Besides Pinsky's shows, his other credits include serving as an EP on "The Man Show."

The final season of "The Hills" got a off to a strong start for MTV Wednesday night.

More than 2.7 million viewers -- mostly women in the 12-34 demo -- caught the latest escapades from married couple Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt, as well as other reality personalities. That was up from the 2.4 million the skein drew for the premiere of the second half of season five in September.

Once a ratings powerhouse, the show have been dwindling in recent seasons and the cabler decided this newest set of episodes would be the last go-around. Taking over the reality zeitgeist at MTV is "Jersey Shore," currently shooting season two in Miami.

Following "The Hills," season two preem of spinoff "The City" earned its highest rating ever in the demo.

TLC is showing its colors by ordering a new season of “L.A. Ink.”

Cabler has greenlit a fourth season and production is already underway. Finale for season three airs Thursday.

Show features tattoo artist Kat Von D and her West Hollywood shop, High Voltage. Produced by Original Media with Gil Lopez exec producing, skein is averaging 1.4 million viewers.

Thomas Haden Church and Claire Forlani are off Showtime’s upcoming laffer “Episodes.”

With the series currently in pre-production in London and set to begin shooting in the next few weeks, Church had to leave because of scheduling conflicts with an indie film he’s trying to put together. No reason was given for Forlani’s departure, but the pay cabler has already replaced her with Brit actress Tamsin Greig, who is well known in the U.K. but doesn’t have much of a profile in the States.

Starring Matt LeBlanc in a parody of himself, “Episodes” is a single-cam comedy about a successful British husband and wife (Forlani) comedy team who are lured by Hollywood to produce a new version of their hit series for a U.S. aud. However, they soon realize what the American execs have ruined their show and both the show and their marriage begins to unravel.

Church, who appeared as the villain in the most recent “Spider-Man” pic” and won an Emmy for the AMC miniseries “Broken Trail,” was to play a larger-than-life network exec. No replacement has been named.

David Crane (“Friends”) and Jeffrey Klarik created the series — a co-prod between Showtime and the BBC — and will exec produce with Jimmy Mulville through his Hat Trick shingle.

Showtime, which ordered seven episodes, has yet to announce a premiere date.

-- Justin Kroll contributed to this report.

With strong premieres last week, Cartoon Network’s “Ben 10: Ultimate Alien” and “Generator Rex” have been given extended episode orders.

Net has ordered 32 more episodes of “Ben” and 20 more of “Rex.” Both skeins were tops in boys 6-11 and 9-14 demos from 8 to 9 o’clock Friday night, and easily bested the same time period a year ago.

Both series are produced by Cartoon Network and were created by Joe Casey, Joe Kelley, Duncan Rouleau, and Steven T. Seagle.

 
 
Greg Kinnear is set to star as President John F. Kennedy in History's upcoming -- and controversial -- miniseries "The Kennedys."

Kinnear leads an all-star cast that also includes Katie Holmes as First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, while Barry Pepper ("Saving Private Ryan") will play Robert Kennedy and Tom Wilkinson ("John Adams") has signed on to appear as family patriarch Joe Kennedy Sr.

"When History announced this ambitious project in December, our goal was A-list auspices behind and in front of the camera," said History prexy/GM Nancy Dubuc -- a day after Dubuc added oversight of Lifetime to her duties. (It's been a good week for Dubuc, who's also celebrating April as History's most-watched month ever.)

 "We could not be more pleased that these incredibly talented actors have agreed to sign on to the miniseries," she said.

"The Kennedys" will run as an eight-hour scripted miniseries on History in 2011. Project reps History's first scripted mini.

Kinnear's feature credits include "As Good As It Gets" and "Little Miss Sunshine," while Holmes starred in "Batman Begins" and "The Ice Storm." "The Kennedys" reps a reunion for both thesps, who starred opposite each other in the 2000 feature "The Gift."

"The Kennedys" will explore the personal relationships between the Kennedy clan -- including John's and Bobby's tumultuous relationship with their father.

Exec producer Joel Surnow is behind "The Kennedys," along with Asylum's Jonathan Koch and Steve Michaels. Steve Kronish is writing the screenplay, while Jon Cassar will direct. Kronish and Cassar are alums of "24," which Surnow co-created.

Given Surnow's Conservative politics, critics have expressed concern over the miniseries' depiction of Kennedy. But History stressed that the mini's script "is currently being annotated and vetted by History's resident historians." Steve Gillon, Ph.D., is the lead historical advisor.

Surnow, Koch, Michaels, Cassar, Michael Prupas and Jamie Paul Rock are exec producers, along with History's Dubuc, David McKillop and Dirk Hoogstra.

Below, Kinnear and Holmes ten years ago.

 

Nielsen reports that we're one step closer to the inevitable RISE OF THE MACHINES. 

According to the research firm, the average U.S. home now has 2.93 TV sets. (Apparently that .93 TV set doesn't receive the Oxygen network.) That's up from 2.86 last year.

Nielsen notes that the number of people per TV home holds steady at 2.5 -- "carrying on the trend of more TVs per home than people." Yeah, that's a cute stat, until our TV sets rise up, overpower us, and conquer the earth in cool high definition.

 

Jo Frost -- who started out starring on the U.K. version of "Supernanny" in 2004 -- is making noises that she's prepared to exit the show.

But first, ABC -- which debuted the American version in 2005 -- has given "Supernanny" a 13-episode order for the upcoming 2010-11 TV season. Frost is shooting those segs.

After that, Frost said she's ready to call it quits.

"It feels like the right time for me to end my reign as the Supernanny," Frost said. "I've lived out of a suitcase for the past five years, visiting 47 states for the show. It's time to settle down in one place for the time being."

More here.

Bill Ingvall (“Blue Collar TV”) and Mo Rocca (NPR’s “Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me”) have been tapped as hosts of ABC’s “Trust Me, I’m a Game Show Host.”

The reality pilot, which is set to shoot next week in Los Angeles, will feature Ingvall and Rocca as they make opposing arguments -- like lawyers in a court room -- to an audience of contestants. One host will be telling the truth -- and the other will be lying.

It’s up to the contestants to try and figure out who to believe, as both hosts will make a pretty convincing argument. The contestants who side with the right answer will move on to the next round -- until one player remains. Winner will receive a cash prize.

Ingvall and Rocca were chosen because both comedians come from such different worlds: Ingvall brings a Southern sensibility to the show, while Rocca adds an intellectual, high-brow air.

 Ingvall -- famous for his “Here’s Your Sign” routine -- recently starred in TBS’ “The Bill Engvall Show.” Rocca is also known for his stint on “The Daily Show,” and hosted TruTV’s “The Smoking Gun TV.”

Mark Burnett Prods. and Monkey Kingdom are behind “Trust Me, I’m a Game Show Host.” This is the second time down the “Blue Collar” well for Burnett, whose “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader” is hosted by Jeff Foxworthy.

Ricky Gervais will be back at the Golden Globes next year.

NBC, the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn. and Dick Clark Prods. made the announcement Wednesday morning an astonishing nine months before the ceremony returns to the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Kudocast is set for Jan. 16, 2011.

"I can’t believe they invited me back after awful things I said," said Gervais. "Let’s see how far I can go this time."

Ratings for the Globes were up last year, which was the first time the show had invited a host in 15 years.

You may recall that ON THE AIR first broke the news that Conan O'Brien was free to start talking to the press -- and appearing in on-camera interviews -- on May 1.

Now we know who has landed the first sit down with Conan: CBS' "60 Minutes." Correspondent Steve Kroft (right) is talking to O'Brien, who will appear on the newsmag this Sunday, May 2.

Details are sketchy at the moment, as CBS can't even start promoting the on-camera interview -- or, at least, O'Brien's part of it -- until May 1. But it appears that Kroft's team has taped some of Conan's "Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television" tour for the piece. O'Brien is also still limited in what he can say about NBC (per his exit package) -- but in his stage show, comes right to the edge of what's likely permissible.

I had thought that perhaps George Lopez's "Lopez Tonight" would land one of the first sit-downs -- and perhaps Lopez will still be the first chat show to score O'Brien, once he's ready to do something beyond a news interview.

I'll be back tomorrow morning for some more TV talk, so check in around 10:30 and submit your question early. Emmy predictions, Laker analysis and Springsteen concert reviews are also worthy topics of discussion.

When thinking of who will get the big awards at the end of this TV season, don't forget this contender for Most Oxymoronic Title: TruTV's "Rehab: Party at the Hard Rock Hotel."

That's "Rehab: Party" for short.

The explanation is this: Rehab is the name of the ongoing mega-party Sundays at Las Vegas' Hard Rock. So you know, it's not really "rehab," kind of the way the kids used to say "You're so baaad" when they really mean "You're so gooood." (In other words, don't hold out for the companion series suggested by my Variety colleague Michael Schneider: "Sex Addiction Rehab: Party at the Spearmint Rhino.")

I'm probably the last to know about the Vegas version of Rehab, but my summer Sundays do tend to involve a much smaller pool — about 18 inches deep and made of hard plastic — rather than giagsmic blowouts with a different demographic. In any event, while "Rehab" has been renewed for a third season, I do await the inevitable sequel: "Rehab: Rehab From the Party at the Hard Rock Hotel."

HBO led all networks with nine awards at last night’s Sports Emmys ceremony in New York.

CBS, NBC and the MLB Network each tied for second place with four wins apiece. The Eye’s Jim Nantz was named top play-by-play announcer while the Peacock’s Cris Collinsworth was awarded best game analyst. NBC also took top live sports special with its coverage of the 2009 Super Bowl.

Five of HBO’s nine Emmys came from the pay cabler’s “24/7” series — two for the fights involving Manny Pacquiao and the other for the Floyd Mayweather bout with Juan Manuel Marquez. “Jimmy Johnson: Race to Daytona” also picked up a trophy.

NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” was tapped top live sports series and ESPN’s “College GameDay” best weekly studio show. For sports journalism, ESPN’s “E:60” took top honors.

For their studio work, Bob Costas of MLB Network was named top host and ESPN college football guru Kirk Herbstreit best analyst.

Longtime NFL analyst and former Oakland Raiders coach John Madden was given the Lifetime Achievement Award.

MTV announced that new unscripted series “Downtown Girls” will debut June 1 at 11 p.m. Eastern/Pacific.

“Downtown” follows the lives of five New York City twentysomethings (led by Glamour.com blogger Shallon Lester)  through work, romance and friendship. Rico Martinez, Dan Lindau, Brooke Posch and Conan Smith of Crossroads Television exec produce and presumably provide the bubbles.

A week before A&E TV Networks' upfront presentation, the company has finally firmed up Nancy Dubuc's Lifetime plans.

Dubuc has been named president and general manager of Lifetime Networks, while also continuing as president/G.M. of AETN's History brands. Dubuc's oversight of Lifetime has been expected since February (Daily Variety, Feb. 5), when previous Lifetime honcho Andrea Wong announced her exit.

But Dubuc had been long rumored for the job even before that, as speculation grew that Wong would depart in the wake of AETN's acquisition last year of Lifetime.

Wong had served as CEO -- but that title has been eliminated, now that Lifetime is a part of AETN. Dubuc continues to report to AETN president/CEO Abbe Raven, who announced the appointment on Tuesday morning.

“Nancy is one of the most dynamic executives working in television. Her track record of success by focusing on a brand’s target audience and creating programming for them is extraordinary,” Raven said. “Nancy has great respect for the power of the Lifetime brand and I am confident she will lead the terrific team there to new heights.”   

Dubuc has a big job in front of her: Reviving Lifetime, which was once the No. 1 basic cable network, but has more recently fallen on tough times in the wake of fierce competition.

Lifetime ended 2009 far out of the top 10 in primetime -- down 20% among viewers and down 17% in adults 18-49 vs. 2008, despite the "Project Runway" acquisition.

Lifetime is now in the process of trying to once again figure out its programming mix. The channel's female focus may be too niche in an era when channels such as TLC, A&E and Bravo have broadened out far beyond their original charters. Sensing this, Lifetime dropped its slogan "Television for Women" several years ago.

That's where Dubuc comes in. The exec has been hugely successful in broadening out History's audience, recently giving the channel a contemporary makeover.

Under her watch, the network has found success with series such as "Ice Road Truckers," "Pawn Stars," "Ax Men," "Life After People" and "How the Earth Was Made." Its special event "America The Story of US" just gave the cabler its biggest audience ever.  And History ended 2009 with its best ratings yet.

Dubuc will now be charged with bringing a similar makeover to Lifetime.

“I am incredibly honored to now lead the Lifetime team,” said Dubuc. “Lifetime and Lifetime Movie Network are two of the most powerful and evocative brands on the media landscape. I am excited for the challenge to explore the unlimited potential of programming for women.”

Dubuc, who has run History since 2007, will handle both History's and Lifetime's brands, including programming, consumer marketing, strategic planning, publicity and brand development.

Before History, Dubuc was senior VP of programming at A&E Network, which she first joined in March 2003.

Wong, who had served as CEO of Lifetime Networks since 2007, was set to depart at the end of the month, when her three-year contract expired.

Dr. Phil McGraw made a passing mention on Monday night's "Late Show with David Letterman" about the recent late night wars -- and Dave took the opportunity to resume tweaking archnemesis Jay Leno.

"I loved it, I thought it was very exciting. It was great fun," Letterman said of the NBC "Tonight Show" debacle -- before launching into his patented Leno impersonation ("Yeah, yeah, we both got screwed!").

"I said, wait a minute Jay, you both got screwed -- but you're the only one who ended up with a show," Letterman said. "How did you get screwed?"

McGraw then defended Leno, arguing that The Chin had been given a "bum rap."

"He got everything he deserved," Letterman replied.

Letterman still appears giddy when referencing the Conan/Leno mess -- and admitted to McGraw that "I couldn't get enough of it, and I wish it was still going on."

Replied McGraw: "I'm sorry I asked."

"I've known Jay since 1975," Letterman explained. "Everybody loved Jay because he's so funny, you can't not like him. But then there's also this other side of him, and I think he'd own up to it, that he's just a complete boob. He can't help himself. ... We were all able to say, 'Oh here's the Jay we remember."

Team Greenbean busted out in a huge way at Saturday's Walk Now for Autism Speaks at the Rose Bowl.

The effort led by WME's Ari Greenburg, his wife, Andrea, and 7-year-old son Tyler netted $263,541 from more than 1,200 donors and more than 150 participants in the walk. That took them well past the team's target goal of $250K in its fifth year.

Good going to the Greenburgs and all of their supporters. It means so much to so many.

(The group shot from the walk was so big I had to crop it into two parts. Click on the pics to enlarge.)

-- Cynthia Littleton

 

 

 
Fox has scared up the reality pilot “Panic Attack,” from “Hell’s Kitchen” producers A. Smith and Co.

“Panic Attack” centers on a group of five participants who suffer from the same phobias. A group of therapists will help them face those fears.

Through a series of challenges, the quintet will learn new ways to deal with those paralyzing fears -- leading up to one final, dramatic challenge. Friends and family will be brought in to watch their loved ones tackle that final test.

“Panic Attack” will be hosted by U.K.-based married psychotherapists and motivational coaches Nik (who's apparently not afraid of mullets) and Eva Speakman.

The slightly eccentric couple have starred in the British TV series “A Life Coach Less Ordinary,” and wrote the book “Your Life Can Be Fantastic Too.” The Speakmans have worked with patients suffering from a wide variety of issues, including food addiction, irrational behavior, anger, confidence problems, depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, and more.

A. Smith’s Arthur Smith and Kent Weed are exec producers.

Get to know the Speakmans below, in this opener from "A Life Coach Less Ordinary":

After the jump: A few more choice glamour shots of our NEW FAVORITE PEOPLE OF ALL TIMES, the Speakmans! (Forget the folks conquering their phobias, I just wanna see more of this wacky duo!)

FX has given a pilot order to "Outlaw Country," a thriller and family drama set against the backdrop of Southern organized crime.

Script is from Josh Goldin and Los Angeles Times entertainment writer Rachel Abramowitz. Goldin recently wrote and directed bigscreen pic "Wonderful World," starring Matthew Broderick.

Art Linson and John Linson ("Sons of Anarchy") will exec produce. Shooter Jennings -- son of country music legend Waylon Jennings -- will act as exec consultant and music supervisor.

Production begins in the fall and no cast has been set. Pilot is being produced FX Prods.

With "Outlaw Country," FX is staying in the South. In "Justified," Timothy Olyphant plays a U.S. marshal sent back home to Kentucky. The show is performing well in its 10 p.m. Tuesday timeslot.

Cabler has a handful of dramas ready bow. Sixth and penultimate season of "Rescue Me" launches June 29 while new skeins "Terriers" and "Lights Out" debut in the fall and early 2010, respectively. The third season of "Sons of Anarchy" is currently in production.

"Terriers" stars Donal Logue and Michael Raymond-James as an ex-cop and his best friend who start a private detective business. The dramedy, produced by Fox 21, brings "The Shield" creator Shawn Ryan back to the FX fold, who exec produces along with series creator Ted Griffin ("Ocean's Eleven"). Craig Brewer ("Hustle and Flow") helmed the pilot.

"Lights Out" examinees a former heavyweight boxing champ who struggles to reconnect with his wife and three daughters after retiring from the ring. Series from Fox Television Studios and FX Prods. is exec produced by Warren Leight, who was showrunner of the previous season of HBO's psychiatrist drama "In Treatment." Skein was created by feature scribe Justin Zackham, who is an exec producer along with Phillip Noyce and Ross Fineman. Clark Johnson directed the pilot.

"Outlaw Country" will be FX's 15th drama pilot shot, and 10 have received full 13-episode orders. Andre Braugher's "Thief" received a six-episode order in 2006.

"Parks and Recreation" star Nick Offerman -- the man behind grizzled anti-bureaucrat bureaucrat Ron "Effing" Swanson -- is the other big winner in exec producer Mike Schur's (photo, right) new deal with NBC Universal.

Under Schur's new pact, he'll remain at the helm of "Parks and Rec" for many years to come.

"It's the best job I can imagine," Schur said. "I don't want to go anywhere else. I'm so attached to this show now, and have come to care about it so much."

That should mean a continued nice, steady paycheck for Offerman, who can then plow his earnings into his other love: Woodworking.

 

And Schur is even taking some of that new deal money to buy his 2-year-old son a chest of drawers (perhaps similar to above, from Offerman's website) -- handcrafted by Offerman himself.

Check out Offerman's wood offerings here. And below, a 'stache-free Offerman teaches you how to build a wood canoe.

"America: The Story of Us" launched Sunday to the highest ratings for any special in the cabler's history, giving the channel its best night ever in primetime.

"America" drew 2.6 million viewers in the 18-49 demo and 5.7 million overall.

The series will run for four more Sundays before concluding Memorial Day, May 31. The upcoming second episode focuses on westward expansion and growing divisions between the North and South. (Pic above is the special's depiction of Valley Forge.)

Former Discovery and BBC2 topper Jane Root exec produces "America" through her Nutopia production company.

History's "Pawn Stars," which aired firstrun episodes before "America," averaged 5.0 million total viewers, up more than 25% from its season-two average.

Bitter rivals DirecTV and Dish Network have put down their guns, picked up a few spring flowers and initiated a rousing chorus of "Kumbaya."

Or something like that. Just weeks after filing lawsuits and counterlawsuits against each other over dicey claims in both satellite providers' advertising campaigns -- DirecTV and Dish Network are making nice.

The dueling satcasters -- who once came close to merging, in 2003 (until the government's antitrust concerns squashed that deal) -- have sealed a new deal to share a new interactive advertising platform. (First step to finally consummating that long-expected merger? Hmm.)

According to a joint statement by DirecTV and Dish -- again, there's something you don't see every day -- the two satellite providers announced the launch of the "Advanced Satellite Advertising Platform (ASAP)," which they said gives advertisers "unprecedented reach to nearly 30 million U.S. households." Announcement comes on the eve of the annual advertiser upfront sales marketplace.

Here's the jargon-filled explainer from DirecTV and Dish:

Advertisers will benefit from a turn-key, one-stop-shop approach with respect to the process of creating, planning, buying and implementing a national interactive advertising campaign. ASAP’s core opportunity will offer advertisers the ability to showcase long-form advertorial content on an exclusive, dedicated channel coupled with interactive opportunities to further engage the consumer. These interactive opportunities include additional product information, photo galleries, simple gaming, regional locators and requests-for-information (RFIs). RFIs enable consumers at home to enter a sweepstakes or request a product sample, informational brochure or coupon directly from the television using their remote control.

“Both DirecTV and Dish Network have offered advertisers a proven and mature interactive platform that dates back to 2004,” said Bob Riordan, Senior Vice President of Advertising Sales for DirecTV. “Our combined advanced television efforts will bring the marketplace unmatched expertise and an unrivaled nationally scaled experience.”

DirecTV filed suit against Dish Network in February, alleging that Dish's "Why Pay More?" ad campaign was false and misleading. Dish then filed a countersuit against DirecTV in March, responding that DirecTV's latest campaign -- including one starring Alex Trebek -- were false and misleading. (More info here.)

A spokesperson for DirecTV confirmed on Monday that both suits had been dropped, in advance of today's "ASAP" announcement.

“ASAP is a wonderful opportunity for interactive television and to recapture revenue that has left the television marketplace, so it makes sense to work with DISH on this endeavor," the spokesperson said.

Rob Lowe, who is moving from ABC's "Brothers & Sisters" to a new role on NBC's "Parks & Recreation," is pausing to guest on an ampersand-free series.

Lowe will appear in the season-four premiere of Showtime's "Californication," playing movie star Eddie Nero. Lowe's character is being considered for a role playing David Duchovny's Hank Moody in the film version of a book by Moody.

According to Showtime, Lowe is locked in for one episode but might recur.

Lowe was nominated for an Emmy and two Golden Globes for his work on "The West Wing." His last appearance on "B&S" will be in the May 16 season finale.

Correction: Lowe will appear in the fourth season, but not the season premiere.

:: Can TV news be saved? BRIAN LOWRY asks the question here:

Beyond their nightly newscasts, the major networks are increasingly dominated by fluff, celebrity and scandal on their ascendant morning shows and crime-saturated newsmagazines. Fox News Channel and MSNBC rely on studio-bound talk formats that call for minimal reporting, while CNN -- due in part to its own incompetence -- continues to flounder despite a wider web of resources.

In many respects, cable resembles the paper-thin journalism of local news, minus weather and sports scores. As Nichols noted, during dozens of book-related events around the U.S., doubtless over-populated by egghead academic types, "not one person" claimed to be satisfied with their local coverage.

:: It's that time of year, as pilots head toward the homestretch and untitled projects have to finally settle on a name. MICHAEL SCHNEIDER explores the pros and cons of titles -- and how a bad name might hurt marketing efforts and viewer awareness:

Among this year's crop of still nameless pilots, CBS has its "Criminal Minds" spinoff and an untitled John Wells medical drama; and the CW has its "Untitled Wyoming Project."

Others may still change: Fox is said to like its comedy "Traffic Light," but is worried auds will think the dating show is about drug trafficking.

And industry observers are guffawing over the dilemma CBS has with "Shit My Dad Says." The comedy is based on the popular Twitter feed of the same name.

:: JUSTIN KROLL looks at MTV's pact with Verizon, and how the recent web series "Valemont" may be a sign of things to come:

As networks look for ways to cut costs associated with pilot development, the "Valemont" model is an instructive lesson. It also reflects the kind of multiplatform programming boom that recently spurred the Producers Guild of America to acknowledge an entirely new category of "transmedia" producers, or those who are responsible for outlining the vision for a project in multiple media.

"The Web and TV already have so much convergence with one another that it only makes sense that development of any kind should be done this way," says "Valemont" writer Christian Taylor, whose credits include "Lost" and "Six Feet Under."

:: Change is never easy at the TV Academy, where even small changes are enough to incite riots. JON BURLINGAME writes that the TV Academy is backing off from earlier assertions that it would eliminate the main title theme Emmy next year:

"The fact is, according to Acad music branch governor Mark Watters: "It has become a lost craft in our business. Many TV shows don't use them and if they do, they're 15 seconds (or less). The day of the great themes that you and I grew up with is gone."

Nevertheless, the music branch is now being asked to decide whether to keep the theme category or replace it with a one for documentary scores.

The Acad this week sent out "pro" and "con" documents to the music branch. Ballots are due back May 6.

:: And PETER BART takes on Kitty Kelley's new Oprah tell-all.

All in the April 26 issue of WEEKLY VARIETY -- now on sale. (Or check out our top secret Weekly Variety website here.)

Conan O'Brien made his return to Universal City on Saturday night -- the first since his "Tonight Show" ended -- and couldn't help but crack a few jokes at his ex-employer's expense.

Kicking off the first of two Los Angeles dates for his "Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television" tour, O'Brien admitted that it was a tad "awkward" that the Gibson Ampitheatre -- where the live event took place -- was just 400 yards from his old "Tonight Show" studio.

"If you listen carefully," O'Brien said, pointing back to the Universal lot, "you can hear the sound of bad ideas being greenlit."

O'Brien also quipped that he chose the Gibson -- out of all the possible L.A. venues for his tour, it's the only one actually on NBC Universal land -- because his Cobra insurance was about to run out.

(O'Brien also Tweeted today: "I'm doing my live show tonight from the Universal lot where I taped The Tonight Show. So if a shot rings out, tell my wife I loved her.")

As reported at previous "Legally Prohibited" show dates, in one pre-taped bit, O'Brien is dressed as a sleazy, ego-maniacal network executive -- who touts his status as among "the top 17 broadcast networks."

The NBC gags, however, was kept to a minimum -- as most of the jokes were directed at O'Brien (a big fan of self-depicating comedy) himself.

A tightly-packed two-hours, "Legally Prohibited" was chock full of material -- and never slowed down. O'Brien came out to a standing ovation from the audience, and the show didn't let up from there.

The once and future late night host -- looking trimmer than usual, and sporting a series of well-tailored and immaculately-pressed outfits -- performed several numbers with his guitar, backed up by singers dubbed "CoCettes."

Several members of O'Brien's band -- including Jimmy Vivino and "La Bamba" -- performed as the "Legally Prohibited Band," and kicked the show off with a vibrant rendition of Curtis Mayfield's "Move on Up" (with La Bamba on vocals -- who knew the trombonist could sing!).

Deon Cole, the "Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien" writer who made a name for himself through several appearances in that yakker's waning days, performed a well-received standup routine. And longtime O'Brien sidekick Andy Richter was there to provide quick quips, off-the-cuff remarks and a few gags of his own.

Special guests on Saturday's show included Jim Carrey, who wore a spandex Superman costume and sang -- as a duet with O'Brien -- Five for Fighting's "Superman."

O'Brien also brought out a flurry of celebs -- several from NBC sitcoms -- to pull the "Chuck Norris clip handle" (which, of course, features bizarro scenes from "Walker, Texas Ranger").

Among the handle pullers: Aziz Ansari, Jonah Hill, Jack McBrayer and Jon Hamm. (Conan made sure to grab an extra hug from the always impossibly handsome Hamm.)

The Masturbating Bear -- now renamed the "Self-Pleasuring Panda" -- also made an appearance.

"This is the first time people have paid to see me," O'Brien said. "They (pointing to the Universal lot) paid me to go away."

O'Brien alluded to his new TBS home a few times, thanking the cabler for his new gig (which launches in November).

(Photos: Jake De Golish/Wire Image)

HBO has set June 27 for the new-season launches of half-hour laffers "Entourage" and "Hung."

"Entourage" will be going into its seventh season on the pay cabler. The last original episode aired in October with the guys heading to Italy after several romantic relationships had dissolved.

Jeremy Piven has won three Emmys for his role as uberagent Ari Gold. Mark Wahlberg, Doug Ellin, Stephen Levinson, Denis Biggs, Rob Weiss and Ally Musika are exec producers.

Detroit-based "Hung," starring Thomas Jane as a high school teacher with an anatomical gift, finished its 10-episode first season in September and will run another 10 episodes. Both Jane and co-star Jane Adams were Golden Globe nominated.

Created by Dmitry Lipkin and Colette Burson, "Hung" is also exec produced by Alexander Payne, Michael Rosenberg, John Morayniss and Noreen Halpern.

HBO recently gave another 30-minute skein, "How to Make It in America," a second-season renewal.

A year after CBS dumped plans to air the Daytime Emmys -- leaving the kudocast temporarily orphaned -- the Eye has reversed course, and will air this year’s ceremony.

CBS just announced that it will broadcast the 37th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards on Sunday, June 27 at 9 p.m. As was previously reported, this year’s awards show will take place in Las Vegas (at the Las Vegas Hilton) for the first time.

“Daytime series have a loyal and passionate following,” said CBS’ Jack Sussman, exec VP of specials, music and live events, in announcing the show.

Associated Television International, which came in last year to save the Daytime Emmys, will once again produce the show. ATI prexy David McKenzie will serve as exec producer.

Last year’s Daytime Emmys nearly didn’t happen at all. After CBS dropped its plans to air the kudocast, ABC also passed. From there, the awards show was shopped around town, but to no avail.

ATI eventually contacted the National Academy of TV Arts and Sciences, and together found a late summer home on the CW -- on a Sunday night, where MGM Worldwide had a deal with the netlet to run a movie package.

As part of that time buy, MGM Worldwide TV Distribution sold the show internationally. Given the unusual circumstances of last year’s show, the Daytime Emmys posted record lows -- averaging 2.7 million viewers and just a 0.6 rating and 2 share among adults 18-49.

That was down from 2008, when its run on ABC attracted a paltry 5.4 million.

Like most awards shows, the Daytime Emmys had been suffering from erosion for years -- but the telecast had experienced additional indignities in recent years. Once a May sweeps event, the telecast was later pushed into June, when viewer levels are lower.

Also, as tensions once again rose with rival Los Angeles-based org the Academy of TV Arts & Sciences, NATAS lost the ability to rely on help from its much larger West Coast counterpart.

NBC dropped out of the show in 2004, leaving just ABC and CBS to rotate coverage. Then both nets also turned their back on the event last year.

But over the past year, the ratings for other awards shows -- including the Grammys, the Primetime Emmys and the Academy Awards -- have seen ratings spikes. With interest in such events seemingly on the rise, CBS may have decided that it was worth giving the show another shot.

Nominations for the Daytime Emmys will be announced on May 12.

“The Daytime Emmy Awards are one of the cornerstones of our business and we are thrilled to be back on CBS,” said NATAS chairman Herb Granath.

(MORE: Read last year's story about ATI's 11th hour save to keep the Daytime Emmys alive.)

Great moments from the valet line: Alec Baldwin and Martin Landau chit-chatting as Baldwin exited the TCM Classic Film Fest opening-night party in Hollywood tonight. Landau was outside having a cig (he really should know better) while Baldwin was leaving with his entourage (he's looking pretty trim these days).

The party hosted by TCM and Vanity Fair drew a fun mix of movie lovers and movie stars. Following the screening of 1954's "A Star Is Born" at Grauman's Chinese, the party moved down east down Hollywood Boulevard to Kress (right across the street from Musso and Frank). Cher was there, as was Eva Marie Saint, Eli Wallach, Ann Rutherford (pictured left) and Anne Jeffreys (pictured right), Buck Henry, Hugh Hefner (who had quite the entourage of security) and Kate Flannery -- as well as Turner titans Phil Kent, Steve Koonin, Michael Wright and the Energizer Bunny of the fest, TCM's Charlie Tabesh. And of course Robert Osborne.

TCM really has taken over the four-block area at Hollywood and Highlight for the fest that runs through Sunday and is based out of the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel. Tony Curtis and Osborne did a photo op earlier in the day that saw them replace the street sign at Hollywood and Orange with an oversized one reading "Turner Classic Movies Way."

-- Cynthia Littleton

It's not like Ryan Seacrest didn't warn people Tuesday: Wednesday's two-hour "American Idol: Idol Gives Back" was going to be jam-packed, so set your DVRs to run long.

Of course, that warning came after the show's scheduled finish Tuesday, so a lot of folks probably didn't see it. Nor did many see Wednesday's announcement of which of the contenders (like Crystal Bowersox, left) would make it into the next round.

"American Idol" overruns have become so common that they're harder and harder to forgive. The first time a kid wets his pants might be amusing; the 100th time, not so much. "Idol" has had this problem for years and seemingly has done nothing to solve it.

The show's insistence that viewers bear the burden of adjusting their recording devices has become more than a bit annoying and now feels like a form of contempt for the audience, which "Idol" assumes has nothing better to do. (Even if people do schedule extra minutes for "Idol," it could affect their ability to record other shows in the next timeslot.) It's inexplicable in a sense that Fox, as much as it values "Idol," would tolerate this, considering such examples like how Tuesday's overrun marred that night's heavily promoted "Glee."

It's not like "Idol" is a hockey game, which could end whenever. "Idol" didn't invent live television. For more than half a century, live shows have been on TV, and it's possible that none has been worse than "Idol" at hitting its deadline. "Saturday Night Live" is in its 35th season of live broadcasting, inserting and pulling sketches at the last minute, yet is virtually perfect at shutting down on time.

I'm not that invested in "Idol" anymore, but there are, oh, 20 million or so folks who are. The "Idol" producers should be able to actually be able to end the show when it's supposed to. Or, if it looks like a challenge, then just schedule a longer show. They need to do something, because the tardiness stopped being cute a long time ago.

2010 TV Land Awards 4/25 @ 9P/8

Oh, how can you not love this. To promote this Sunday's airing of the 2010 TV Land Awards, here's a clip of David Hasselhoff and Marilu Henner singing Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" -- backed by Todd Bridges, Joyce Dewitt, Jamie Farr, Marla Gibbs, Howard Hesseman, Shirley Jones, Richard Karn, Richard Moll, Marion Ross, Jimmie Walker, Marcia Wallace and Fred Willard.

I *am* disappointed though, that they didn't let Todd Bridges, Howard Hesseman, Richard Moll and company actually sing. Now THAT would have been a cool train wreck -- better than watching Marilu miss her timing. (I'm guessing they didn't tell this motley crew that their mics weren't actually on. Hey, let 'em believe that the backing studio track was them; what else does Howard Hesseman have to go on these days?)

But, as always, kudos to the Hoff for really committing to his performance. Don't stop believing, Hoff!

Perhaps TV's obsession with weight loss shows goes hand-in-hand with the continued rise in food-centric program fare.

Next up, TLC continues its rapid expansion into the food space, picking up the series "Best Food Ever."

Narrated by "Treme" star John Goodman, the six-episode series will air Mondays at 10 p.m. starting May 3.

"Best Food Ever" travels across the country, uncovering popular dishes and restaurants.

 Pickup comes as TLC, coming off the success of "Cake Boss," "BBQ Pitmasters" and "Ultimate Cake Off," preps several more food-related series. New shows on tap include "Food Buddha," "Cupcake Sisters" and "Mega Bites."

And TLC's food expansion comes as other networks also get into the genre, and Scripps launches its new Cooking Channel on May 31.

"Our three tentpole genres now are food, families and weddings," said TLC topper Eileen O'Neill. "As a genre, food is relatable. And it's having its boom time, much like the property space did a couple of years ago."

Debut episode of "Best Foot Food Ever" focuses on the nation's best sandwiches, visiting eateries such as the Mighty Cone in Austin; Johnny O's in Chicago; Payne's BBQ in Memphis; and Ma Peche in New York.

But, sadly, the first six episodes don't make any stops in Los Angeles, or even the L.A. area. What's up with that? L.A. restaurants are going to start getting an inferiority complex -- the L.A. Times just today asked why the prestigious James Beard Award seems to be avoiding L.A.'s vibrant eatery scene.

Hal Holbrook has signed on for a guest arc in upcoming season of FX motorcycle club drama “Sons of Anarchy.”

The 85-year-old actor will play Nate Madock, the father of Katey Sagal’s character, Gemma, for four episodes. The two reconnect through unusual circumstances.

Holbrook, a five-time Emmy winner, recently starred in indie “That Evening Sun,” playing a widow who moves back into his old home and causes trouble for his neighbors.

“Sons of Anarchy,” which saw its ratings rise in season two, is beginning production on its 13-episode third season this week.

Skein is exec produced by Kurt Sutter, Art Linson and John Linson and produced by Fox 21 and FX Prods.

Here are the specifics about that "Lost Live: The Final Celebration" May 13 event we've been telling you about:

“LOST LIVE: The Final Celebration” will feature appearances by “Lost” cast members -- including Nestor Carbonell, Michael Emerson and Jorge Garcia -- and be performed by Oscar winning composer Michael Giacchino, who will conduct a live orchestral performance featuring the iconic music of “Lost” at UCLA’s Royce Hall in Los Angeles on Thursday, May 13, to celebrate the upcoming series finale. In addition, a special preview of the penultimate episode will be screened immediately after the concert.

Tickets for the event, which will go on sale beginning Friday, April 23 at 10:00 a.m., Pacific Time, are available at uclalive.org and ticketmaster.com. Ticket proceeds from the concert will go to the Colburn School of Performing Arts.

Mireille Enos, who has played twins Kathy and Jodeen Marquart on HBO's "Big Love" and also won a Tony nomination for "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf," has been cast in the lead role of upcoming AMC pilot "The Killing." Production begins on the first episode May 10 in Vancouver.

Patty Jenkins (Independent Spirit Award winner for 2003's "Monster") is directing a script from Veena Sud ("Cold Case"), who has adapted popular Danish series Danish series “Forbrydelsen” about the investigation into a young girl's murder.

Enos portrays the lead homicide detective that investigates the murder. Other members of the cast include Billy Campbell ("Once and Again"), Michelle Forbes ("True Blood"), Brent Sexton ("W.") and Eric Ladin ("Generation Kill").

"Mireille is a phenomenal actor and really embodies an ability to portray a depth and richness of character pivotal to this show, which I like to think of as a character study masquerading as a police procedural,” Jenkins said.

Fox TV Studios is producing with Fuse Entertainment, with Mikkell Bondesen ("Burn Notice") on as exec producer.

With cablers loading up on original series, the lazy hazy days of summer programming are gone.

Where cable once looked to the summer as a prime time to launch series without tough competish from broadcast networks, cablers are now bumping into one another as they sked new skeins. Take the ultra-competitive 10 p.m. Tuesday slot. USA, TNT and A&E will do battle in the timeslot with new series, while FX will serve up the new season of "Rescue Me."

USA Network, the highest-rated cabler with skeins such as "White Collar," "Royal Pains" and top show "Burn Notice," will shuffle its Tuesday sked to make room at 10 p.m. for its latest entry, "Covert Affairs," in July as it looks to build a second night of original skeins on Tuesday. TNT's Jason Lee-starrer "Memphis Beat" bows June 22 and A&E's "The Glades," a Florida-set crime procedural with a blue-sky touch, arrives on July 13.

Whether there's enough of an audience to go around and satisfy everyone remains to be seen. Tuesday is the second biggest night of the week for TV viewing -- behind Monday -- and has been a successful one for originals on USA, FX and TNT.

Jeff Wachtel, USA prexy of original programming, said he knows "Covert Affairs" will face rougher terrain than USA encountered when "Monk" launched eight years ago -- or even a couple of years back when "Burn Notice" bowed -- but he said USA's top standing means it's not afraid of a challenge.

"You should always be concerned going into any new launch," Wachtel said. "It's not the clear sailing that we had for our summers before. There is more competition now and we don't shrink from that."

USA will move "White Collar" to 9 on the night to provide a launch pad for "Covert Affairs" at 10 (the exact preem date has not been set).

Net launched a successful Thursday block of "Burn Notice" and "Royal Pains" last year and is looking to spread its ratings momentum across the week. "Covert Affairs" stars Piper Perabo and Christopher Gorham as CIA agents.

"Memphis Beat" (originally titled "Delta Blues") features Jason Lee as a Tennessee cop who lives with his mother and has an deep connection to the city he patrols. George Clooney and Smokehouse Prods. partner Grant Heslov serve as exec producers -- a selling point that Turner will undoubtedly push hard.

With "The Glades," A&E topper Bob DeBitetto said the cabler is trying again to seed an original scripted franchise, after striking out with its past efforts.

A&E has grown leaps and bounds with its reality fare -- including "Dog the Bounty Hunter" and "Intervention" -- but it wants to play in the scripted game. After surveying the field, DeBitetto said Tuesday seemed like the optimum spot for "The Glades," which stars Aussie newcomer Matt Passmore as a Chicago cop who's forced by circumstances to move to Florida.

"Summer has become very competitive and there are no perfect windows free of competition," DeBitetto said. "We like Tuesday. We've looked carefully at what's on cable and broadcast and tried to take it all into account."

With so much activity on the night, marketing will play an even bigger factor than usual in determining which shows get sampling. USA would seem to be in the pole position as it already has more viewers than A&E, TNT and FX.

For "Rescue Me," FX is breaking the series' remaining 19 episodes into two seasons, the first of which bows June 29. The net has had success with the 10 p.m. timeslot for other shows, and it's been home to "Rescue Me" for a while. The current season of "Justified" is performing well there and "The Shield," the show that made FX a viable cable entry for scripted dramas, was also a 10 p.m. Tuesday player.

This year, FX is gambling that it can ride "Rescue Me's" coattails to launch offbeat domestic comedy "Louie," starring Louis C.K.

Meanwhile, the broadcast nets are unlikely to offer up much in the way of scripted competition. NBC will have the second half of a two-hour edition of "America's Got Talent," while ABC has committed to newsmags for at least some of the summer months.

Our thoughts go out to the family of CBS' Ron Scalera, who passed away way too soon -- this morning, at the age of 49.

Ron had served as executive vice president and creative director of the CBS Marketing Group, and had been with the Eye since 1997. Not only was he a good guy, but he was always a fun chat and a good interview.

As a geek for all things TV marketing, I've enjoyed chatting with Ron over the years about CBS campaigns -- and dishing about what the other guys were up to. Ron brought a hipper, younger sensibility to the network -- having come from the world of Fox at the early part of his career. Under his watch, CBS' promos became more stylish, and employed some pretty cool visual techniques.

He and Eye marketing topper George Schweitzer have also had fun with some outlandish viral marketing stuff over the years. This is a true loss to CBS.

Here's what CBS honcho Leslie Moonves had to say:

"It is a day of profound sadness, shock and loss at CBS. We have lost a gifted colleague and a friend whose work graced the air of CBS every day, and whose engaging personality touched our lives. The creativity, energy and passion Ron put into his work will be sorely missed – from his brilliant on-air work and upfront presentations, to new and innovative forms of promotion. The level of admiration and respect he has here is exceeded only by the number of close friends who will remember a wonderful person who did everything at full speed, energizing and inspiring those around him. Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to his wife Elizabeth and his children, Rachel and Michael, whom we all know so well through the many loving and prideful conversations Ron shared about his family everyday. One of the true good guys has left us far too early and we grieve with all our hearts."

Ron is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, as well as two children: Rachel, 13, and Michael, 10.

Above, CBS' 2009 TV season kick-off campaign from last fall.

HBO is on a renewal roll.

A day after greenlighting an eighth season of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” pay cabler will give a second season to “How to Make It in America.”

Half-hour comedy created by Ian Edelman follows two enterprising twentysomething guys — Bryan Greenberg and Victor Rasuk — trying to figure out how to earn a living and make a career for themselves in the fashion industry in Gotham. Luis Guzman and Lake Bell co-star.

Eight-episode first season averaged 2.8 million viewers, factoring in multiple telecasts during the week, on-demand and DVR usage.

Season two will also be eight episodes — about three episodes less than the usual order for a scripted series — and will debut in summer 2011.

In addition to Edelman, exec producers are Stephen Levinson, Rob Weiss, Julian Farino, Jada Miranda and Mark Wahlberg.

HBO also recently renewed a second season of “Treme” two days after the April 11 premiere.

Alloy Entertainment, the shingle behind series such as “Gossip Girl,” has named a new head of television.

NBC alum Gina Girolamo has been tapped as senior VP of TV. Bob Levy, who had previously overseen all of Alloy’s development, will now focus on the company’s expanding feature presence – and has been named exec VP of film.

Under Levy, Alloy’s West Coast office has turned franchises such as “Gossip Girl” and “The Vampire Diaries” into TV series – and also has the new projects “Pretty Little Liars” and “Huge” in the works. Alloy has a first-look TV deal with Warner Bros. TV.

On the feature side, Alloy is developing “Au Pairs” at Warner Bros. with Flower Films.

“As Alloy’s filmed entertainment grows exponentially every year, it’s a necessity for us to have two separate film and television development teams focused on their specific areas,” said Alloy Ent. CEO Leslie Morgenstein. “Bob has brought much success to our television slate, and we are counting on that same insight and success to break us through in film. Gina’s success and relationships within the television community is exactly what Alloy needs to take us to the next level as both producers developing our own projects and a productions company with a continually growing on-air slate.”

Girolamo spent more than a decade at NBC, developing shows such as “30 Rock.” She most recently served as VP of comedy there.

She’ll be based at Warner Bros., where Alloy now has an office. Reporting to her will be TV vice prexy Andrew Wang. Levy, meanwhile, will continue to be based at Alloy’s L.A. office; his staff includes film development director Polly Auritt.

News comes following Alloy's East Coast restructure. As announced on Monday, Josh Bank was named president of East Coast under Morgenstein. The company also hired Tripp Reed as vice president of digital production (a new position).

New role for Bank means he'll oversee both Alloy's books division and also digital development and production. Reed will report to him; also promoted were Alaina Davis and Joelle Hobeika, who are editors in the book division under Bank.

The busy premium cabler execs at HBO have given a second-season greenlight to half-hour comedy "How to Make it in America." Show will return to New York for its sophomore year.

"How to Make it in America" centers on two twentysomething hustlers in New York looking to achieve the American dream.

Ian Edelman created the show and exec produces with Stephen Levinson, Rob Weiss, Julian Farino, Jada Miranda and Mark Wahlberg.

Show stars Bryan Greenberg, Victor Rasuk, Luis Guzman, Lake Bell, Scott “Kid” Mescudi, Eddie Kaye Thomas and Shannyn Sossamon. Guest stars include Martha Plimpton and Jason Pendergraft.