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Tag: Television

  • Aereo Adds Chromecast Support On Android

    More and more online video content services are adding support for Google’s $35 Chromecast streaming device since Google launched the SDK earlier this year.

    On Thursday, Aereo announced that it now supports the device. The Aereo app for Android is available for download in the Google Play store (here), and subscribers can access its antenna and DVR technology to record and watch live broadcast television with Chromecast.

    Aereo lets users pause, rewind and fast-forward live TV, and save programs for future viewing. It’s supported on iOS, Android, Chrome for Mac and Windows, Safari, Internet Explorer 9, Firefox, Opera, Apple TV, and Roku. It costs $8 per month, but for $4 more, subscribers can get 60 hours of DVR storage.

    So far it’s only available in New York, Boston, Atlanta, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Detroit, Baltimore, Cincinnati, San Antonio, and Austin. More cities are planned for this year.

    Earlier this week, Google announced that the WatchESPN app, MLS Matchday, and Crunchyroll have all added Chromecast support. These join MLB.tv, Crackle, Rdio, Vudu, 5by, Netflix, HBO Go, Hulu Plus, Pandora, YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, Google Play Music, Songza, Red Bull TV, Vevo, Plex, PostTV, Viki, and RealPlayer Cloud.

    Google also expanded Chromecast availability to Australia, Belgium, Japan, Korea, Portugal and Switzerland.

    Image via Google

  • The Sopranos Is Finally Coming To Blu-ray

    Want to rewatch all six seasons of The Sopranos but are holding out until the series comes out in HD? The time for waiting is almost over, The Hollywood Reporter broke the news that the landmark HBO mob series will be released in a collectible Blu-ray boxed set on November 4, 2014. Only the first and sixth seasons are currently available in HD.

    The boxed set includes all 86 episodes on 28 Blu-ray discs. The retail price is currently set at $279.98. Apart from the cover artwork and an HD copy of every episode, the package also includes lost scenes, cut scenes, two roundtable dinners with the cast and crew, and 25 audio commentaries. All the extras total over five hours of bonus material.

    Additionally, one of the most intriguing pieces of the boxed set is perhaps the 45 minute documentary called Defining a Television Landmark. The featurette is about how the award-winning drama helped to change the entire landscape of television. Defining a Television Landmark is composed of never-seen-before interviews with the cast and crew. Acclaimed director Steven Soderbergh and renowned actor Jeff Daniels were also interviewed for the documentary, along with the late James Gandolfini and series creator David Chase.

    The Sopranos first aired in 1999 and ran to 2007. The show was both critically and commercially acclaimed. The series won 21 Emmy Awards and five Golden Globes. When television critics and fans begin a conversation about the best shows on television, The Sopranos is sure to top many lists.

    If you’re feeling nostalgic for Tony, Paulie Walnuts, and Silvio, here’s a link to several of the show’s most memorable and iconic scenes.

    What do you think? Are you willing to shell out almost $300 for the entire series on Blu-ray?

    Image via YouTube Screenshot

  • Netflix Gives Orange Is The New Black ‘Arrested Development’ Treatment

    Netflix Gives Orange Is The New Black ‘Arrested Development’ Treatment

    Netflix has just uploaded a video giving Orange is the New Black an Arrested Development-style intro.

    “And now the story of a wealthy girl who lost everything, and the one family who had no choice but to help her keep it together.”

    It even appears to have the Ron Howard narration (or at least a good impression of him).

    Orange is the New Black: Season 2 debuts on Friday.

    Image via YouTube

  • Netflix’s BoJack Horseman Gets Trailer, Release Date

    Netflix’s BoJack Horseman Gets Trailer, Release Date

    Netflix just released a trailer and release date for BoJack Horseman, its upcoming animated comedy series starring Will Arnett, Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie, and Aaron Paul. It will debut on August 22nd in all Netflix territories.

    From the YouTube description:

    Meet the most beloved sitcom horse of the ’90s … 20 years later. BoJack Horseman was the star of the hit TV show “Horsin’ Around,” but today he’s washed up, living in Hollywood, complaining about everything, and sometimes wearing colorful sweaters.

    More from the original announcement:

    Legendary star of the 1990s family favorite sitcom “Horsin’ Around,” BoJack (Will Arnett) has been trying to find his way through a muddle of self-loathing, whisky and failed relationships. Now, in the presence of his human sidekick Todd (Aaron Paul) and his feline agent and ex-paramour Princess Caroline (Amy Sedaris), BoJack is primed for his comeback and the over 40 million global members of Netflix will be able to chart his progress in excruciatingly real time when all twelve episodes of season one hit the service in mid 2014.

    The show was created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg, and will be executive produced by him along with Steven A. Cohen and Noel Bright, as well as Arnett and Paul. It’s being produced by produced by Michael Eisner’s Tornante Company.

    Image via YouTube

  • ‘House Of Cards’ Season 2 About To Hit DVD, Blu-ray (Here’s The Release Date)

    Back in April, TVShowsOnDVD.com had what appeared to be a press release announcing the DVD/Blu-ray release of House of Cards: Season 2 for June 17th.

    Sony Pictures Entertainment has now uploaded a DVD trailer to YouTube, confirming the date.

    According to older release, bonus features are to include:

    – “Two Houses” – Exploring differences between the original show & the history of how this project came together.

    – “Table Read” – A behind-the-scenes look at table reads cut together with the actual scenes from the show.

    – “Direct Address” – Exploring the way Francis talks directly to viewers in both the original & new series

    – “Politics for Politics Sake” – Politics is only the back drop in this show, but the themes are universal. This featurette explores what the show is all about – relationships and power, not just politics.

    – “Line of Succession” – A look at the creative process that goes into making an episode.

    The show’s third season is in the works. It remains to be seen if it will be released as early in the year as the first two seasons were, as there have been some hiccups in Maryland where it shoots. There were some tax issues, but things were apparently worked out.

    Image via YouTube

  • Amazon Gets Fireman Sam Exclusively

    Amazon Gets Fireman Sam Exclusively

    Amazon announced that it has made a deal with HIT Entertainment to make Amazon the exclusive home in the U.S. for the kids show Fireman Sam. It will feature TV episodes on Amazon Instant Video, Prime Instant Video, and FreeTime Unlimited.

    Amazon will also offer eBooks, apparel, toys, lunch boxes, and other Fireman Sam merchandise.

    “With the ever evolving experience that families have with digital media, our consumers expect more and our business demands it,” said Sid Mathur, VP for HIT Entertainment’s Americas division. “Working with Amazon, we have the perfect platform to create a new experience that gives fans one place to experience the franchise. This new agreement takes Fireman Sam fans through the entire consumer journey from first engaging with the brand through content on their Kindle Fire or Amazon Fire TV to fulfilling the demand for a deeper brand experience via books, toys and more.”

    “We’re thrilled to exclusively bring the popular Fireman Sam merchandise and digital content to Amazon customers,” said Peter Larsen Vice President, Product Management at Amazon. “We’re always looking for ways to make parents’ lives easier and now there’s no more convenient place in the world for kids to experience their favorite Fireman Sam content. We’re excited to be working with such a forward-thinking partner in this space.”

    Amazon’s Fireman Sam content hub debuts on June 3rd. Consumer products will be introduced later this year.

    Currently, Netflix has one Fireman Sam title available for streaming. This will presumably no longer be the case in the future.

    Last week, Amazon launched its first original kids show.

    Image via YouTube

  • Here’s What’s About To Hit Netflix (They’re All Gonna Laugh At You)

    As you know, content comes and goes on Netflix. Each week, we’re bringing you a list of titles that you’ll be able to stream in the U.S. in the coming days. As always, dates are subject to change.

    Well, the second season of Netflix original Derek is now upon us. One more week until Orange is the New Black: Season 2 hits. In the meantime, here’s what Netflix is offering streaming users.

    Available on 5/29:

    These Birds Walk (2013)

    This inspiring documentary profiles both legendary humanitarian Abdul Sattar Edhi and a young boy named Omar, who has fled his abusive family. Living at one of Edhi’s orphanages in Karachi, Pakistan, Omar attempts to find safety and peace.

    Available 5/30:

    Derek: Season 2

    Ricky Gervais created and stars in this heartwarming comedy-drama as Derek, a loyal nursing home caretaker who sees only the good in his quirky co-workers as they struggle against prejudice and shrinking budgets to care for their elderly residents.

    Wicker Park (2004)

    Josh Hartnett, Rose Byrne, Matthew Lillard, Diane Kruger, Christopher Cousins, Jessica Paré
    On the verge of tying the knot, a young advertising executive puts his plans on hold when he spots his long-lost love — who disappeared without explanation. Pretending to leave on a business trip, he instead pursues a trail of clues to find her.

    Available on 5/31:

    Annie Hall (1977)

    Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Tony Roberts, Carol Kane, Paul Simon, Shelley Duvall, Janet Margolin
    Winner of four Oscars — including Best Picture and Best Actress — director Woody Allen’s iconic romantic comedy charts the relationship between neurotic writer Alvy Singer and quirky aspiring singer Annie Hall.

    Clifford the Big Red Dog: Season 2

    This enduring animated series for kids stars supersized pooch Clifford and his owner, Emily Elizabeth, who impart valuable lessons to young viewers.

    Available on 6/1:

    Apocalypse Now Redux (2001)

    Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall, Frederic Forrest, Sam Bottoms, Laurence Fishburne
    Francis Ford Coppola’s 1979 masterpiece follows Capt. Willard as he journeys upriver during the Vietnam War in search of the mysterious, and totally insane, Col. Kurtz. This redux version has been reedited with new footage and a fade-to-black ending.

    Barbershop (2002)

    Ice Cube, Anthony Anderson, Cedric the Entertainer, Sean Patrick Thomas, Eve, Troy Garity
    Director Tim Story’s ensemble comedy depicts a day in the life of a barbershop on Chicago’s south side. A $50,000 reward offer for information about a recent heist sends the shop, which is already a hub of speculation and rumor, into a frenzy.

    Carrie (1976)

    Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie, Amy Irving, William Katt, John Travolta, Nancy Allen, Betty Buckley
    Mousy teen Carrie White may be ostracized, but she has the ability to move objects with her mind. When the high school “in crowd” torments her with a sick joke at the prom, she lashes out with devastating and deadly power.

    Clear and Present Danger (1994)

    Harrison Ford, Willem Dafoe, Anne Archer, Joaquim de Almeida, James Earl Jones, Benjamin Bratt
    When the president’s close friend is murdered over ties to a Colombian drug cartel, CIA Deputy Director Jack Ryan becomes unwittingly involved in an illegal paramilitary operation that goes awry.

    Cold Mountain (2003)

    Jude Law, Nicole Kidman, Renée Zellweger, Eileen Atkins, Brendan Gleeson, Philip Seymour Hoffman
    This epic tale of love and loss follows a wounded Civil War soldier making a long, treacherous journey home. All the while, his faraway love fights for her own sanity and survival on her deceased father’s farm.

    El Dorado (1966)

    John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, James Caan, Charlene Holt, Paul Fix, Arthur Hunnicutt, Michele Carey
    Director Howard Hawks reunites with Rio Bravo star John Wayne in this classic Western. Gunfighter Cole Thornton hires himself out to the highest bidder. But that doesn’t mean he’ll face down his friend J.P. Harrah, sheriff of the titular town.

    Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998)

    Drew Barrymore, Anjelica Huston, Dougray Scott, Patrick Godfrey, Megan Dodds, Melanie Lynskey
    Orphaned as a child, Danielle is treated like a servant by her wicked stepmother and two stepsisters. When Danielle stumbles onto Prince Henry, who’s fleeing an arranged marriage, the two inspire each other to resolve their respective troubles.

    Funny Lady (1975)

    Barbra Streisand, James Caan, Omar Sharif, Roddy McDowall, Ben Vereen, Carole Wells
    Fanny Brice (Barbra Streisand, reprising her Oscar-winning debut role) becomes a bitter, bottom-line woman in this sequel to Funny Girl. In the throes of the Depression, the theater business is bad, and Fanny’s love life is worse. When con artist Billy Rose (James Caan) shows up, she helps him start a showbiz career. But the return of Fanny’s first husband (Omar Sharif) threatens to break up her act and her budding romance with Billy.

    Harriet the Spy (1996)

    Michelle Trachtenberg, Rosie O’Donnell, Gregory Smith, Vanessa Lee Chester, J. Smith-Cameron
    A sixth-grade outcast at school spends her time spying on neighbors, taking notes on her discoveries. But when an enemy steals her secret notebook, her world starts to unravel — and she has to find a way to get even!

    I.Q. (1994)

    Tim Robbins, Meg Ryan, Walter Matthau, Lou Jacobi, Gene Saks, Joseph Maher, Stephen Fry
    When Catherine, the cerebral niece of scientific genius Albert Einstein, piques the interest of an average auto mechanic, Einstein concocts a plan to bring the two divergent minds together.

    Left Behind: The Movie (2000)

    Brad Johnson, Chelsea Noble, Kirk Cameron, Clarence Gilyard Jr, Gordon Currie, Daniel Pilon, Neil Crone
    When 100 million people vanish from earth, Global News Network reporter Buck Williams (Kirk Cameron) follows the mystery as pilot Ray Steele tries to locate his wife and son. As he digs deeper, he finds that the answers may lie in the Bible. Based on the best-selling novel by Christian evangelist Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins, Left Behind is a chilling look at the chaos that follows Judgment Day.

    Reign Over Me (2007)

    Adam Sandler, Don Cheadle, Jada Pinkett Smith, Liv Tyler, Saffron Burrows, Donald Sutherland
    Consumed with grief after losing his family in the World Trade Center attacks, a widower (Adam Sandler) runs into his former college roommate (Don Cheadle) — a married man with two daughters and a dental practice — and eventually starts down the road to recovery. Mike Binder directs this thought-provoking look at friendship and post-Sept. 11 society, co-starring Liv Tyler, Donald Sutherland, Saffron Burrows and Jada Pinkett Smith.

    Rudy (1993)

    Sean Astin, Jon Favreau, Ned Beatty, Greta Lind, Scott Benjaminson, Mary Ann Thebus
    In this fact-based drama about the triumph of the human spirit, scrawny high schooler Rudy Ruettiger (Sean Astin) dreams of playing football at Notre Dame. But his father (Ned Beatty) can’t afford to send him, so he ends up at a college across the street instead. Undaunted, Rudy eventually transfers to Notre Dame, where he takes on duties assisting the groundskeeper (Charles S. Dutton) and joins the school’s practice squad.

    Swept Away (2002)

    Madonna, Adriano Giannini, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Elizabeth Banks, David Thornton, Michael Beattie
    After flinging abuse at the crew during a yachting excursion, a wealthy shrew gets her comeuppance when she ends up stranded on a deserted Mediterranean isle with a rough-edged deckhand whose brawn and working-class grit turn the tables.

    The Adventures of Milo and Otis (1989)

    Dudley Moore narrates this heartwarming tale of Milo the cat and Otis the dog, who grow up together and have a tendency to make mischief wherever they go. One day, the two get separated when Milo is swept downriver, and an epic journey begins.

    The Craft (1996)

    Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell, Rachel True, Skeet Ulrich, Christine Taylor, Breckin Meyer
    Robin Tunney stars in this supernatural thriller as Sarah Bailey, a Catholic school newcomer who falls in with a clique of teen witches who wield their powers against all who dare to cross them — be they teachers, rivals or meddlesome parents.

    The Returned (2013)

    Emily Hampshire, Kris Holden-Ried, Shawn Doyle, Claudia Bassols, Barry Flatman, Melina Matthews
    Adding a new twist to the genre, this horror epic is set in a future where zombies can turn back into humans with the aid of a special protein. But it only works for 36 hours, creating an ugly situation when demand for the antidote exceeds supply.

    The Stepford Wives (2004)

    Nicole Kidman, Bette Midler, Matthew Broderick, Glenn Close, Christopher Walken, Faith Hill
    After moving to the beautiful suburb of Stepford with her husband (Matthew Broderick), career-driven Joanna (Nicole Kidman) begins to suspect something is radically wrong with the other wives, who are led by the perky and vacant Claire (Glenn Close). Are the husbands replacing these once-intelligent women with sexually compliant cyborg copies? Joanna’s new friends, Bobbie (Bette Midler) and Roger (Roger Bart), also think something’s off.

    The Triplets of Belleville (2003)

    Michele Caucheteux, Jean-Claude Donda, Michel Robin, Monica Viegas, Mari-Lou Gauthier
    When her grandson, Champion, is kidnapped while competing in the Tour de France, Madame Souza and her dog set out to save him. Along the way, they meet an eccentric female singing trio called “The Triplets of Belleville” who might be able to help.

    Trailer Park Boys Live In F**kin’ Dublin (2014)

    The boys head to Ireland after winning a contest to see Rush but are arrested by immigration and must perform a community service puppet show.

    Trailer Park Boys: Say Goodnight to the Bad Guys (2010)

    A year after the Season 7 finale, the boys are poised to live the good life. But an old enemy throws a wrench in things once again.

    Avail 6/3

    Devil’s Knot (2013)

    Colin Firth, Reese Witherspoon, Dane DeHaan, Mireille Enos, Bruce Greenwood, Elias Koteas
    Frothing for vengeance after three 8-year-olds are slain, the community of West Memphis, Ark., directs blame at a trio of teens suspected of Satanism. Atom Egoyan directs Reese Witherspoon and Colin Firth in this fact-based tale of justice gone awry.

    The Glades: Season 4

    Abrasive homicide detective Jim Longworth hopes to massage his recently bruised ego by moving from Chicago to Florida’s Everglades, but a new romantic relationship and the unusually high murder rate thwart his plans for relaxing on the golf course.

    Available on 6/4:

    Romeo & Juliet (2013)

    Hailee Steinfeld, Douglas Booth, Tomas Arana, Christian Cooke, Damian Lewis, Natascha McElhone
    Oscar-winning writer and “Downton Abbey” creator Julian Fellowes provides the screenplay for this version of Shakespeare’s classic tale. The action unfolds in Renaissance Verona with Douglas Booth and Hailee Steinfeld playing the star-crossed lovers.

    See more recently added titles here.

    Image via YouTube

  • ‘Derek’ Season 2 Is Now Available On Netflix

    The second season of Ricky Gervais dramedy Derek is now available on Netflix as a Netflix original. While it debuted in the UK on Channel 4, it’s considered a Netflix Original in other countries like the U.S.

    Here’s the show’s description if you’re unfamiliar with it:

    Ricky Gervais, creator of the original British version of “The Office,” produces and stars in this heartwarming comedy-drama as Derek Noakes, a loyal English nursing home caretaker who sees only the good in everyone. Derek’s sunny outlook comes in handy with his quirky coworkers and friends as they struggle against prejudice, government bureaucracy, and constantly shrinking budgets to care for the elderly residents who depend on them.

    Netflix original enthusiasts have a week to burn through this before Orange is the New Black makes its return, which shouldn’t be too hard as there’s only six 23-minute episodes. If you haven’t watched the first season yet, do yourself a favor and watch that too. It really is good stuff.

    As far as other upcoming Netflix shows, Orange is the New Black: Season 2 debuts on June 6th, and Hemlock Grove: Season 2 debuts on July 11th.

    Image via Twitter

  • The Big Bang Theory Grabs Five Critics’ Choice Nods

    The nominations for the 4th annual Critics’ Choice Television Awards were announced yesterday. And it looks like The Big Bang Theory has not lost any steam after seven seasons.

    The popular CBS comedy earned five nominations. We’re clearly in an age where cable television programs are starting to take over. The sitcom’s competition for Best Comedy Series includes all shows that are on cable or Netflix: Veep (HBO), Orange Is The New Black (Netflix), and Louie (FX). The Big Bang Theory won the award last year in this category.

    Even the actual award show will air on a cable network, The CW, for the first time ever. Cedric the Entertainer is set to host. You can check it out on June 19th at 8 pm ET.

    Jim Parsons has also been nominated for Best Actor in a Comedy Series. His competition includes Louis CK (Louie), Chris Messina (The Mindy Project), Thomas Middleditch (Silicon Valley), Adam Scott (Parks and Recreation), and Robin Williams (The Crazy Ones). Louis CK took home the award last year.

    Big Bang’s Mayim Bialik and Kaley Cuoco will square off against each other for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy. Other nominees in the category include: Laverne Cox (Orange Is the New Black), Allison Janney (Mom), Kate Mulgrew (Orange Is the New Black), and Merritt Wever (Nurse Jackie).

    Rounding out the five nominations for The Big Bang Theory is James Earl Jones. The veteran actor was nominated for Best Guest Performer.

    As far as networks go, FX leads all of them with 19 nominations with strong contributions from dramas like Fargo and The Americans. Meanwhile, HBO wasn’t far behind with 18 nominations.

    CBS recently reported that The Big Bang Theory is the most watched sitcom in the uber-important 18-49 demo. The show was picked up by the network for an additional three seasons and will run through (at least) 2017.

    You can check out all the nominations on the Critics’ Choice Awards website.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Google Is Doing A Q&A With Cast From ‘Orange Is The New Black’

    Google will be hosting a Q&A with Uzo Aduba, Natasha Lyonne, and Yael Stone from Netflix’s Orange is the New Black on Friday, a week before the show’s much anticipated second season makes its debut.

    The event will be livestreamed, and you can watch it here:

    In other OITNB news, Laverne Cox just made the cover of Time Magazine:

    The show has already been renewed for a third season (as if there was any question), according to actress Laura Prepon.

    Last week, we learned the show is also getting its own cookbook.

    Image via Instagram

  • Netflix Keeps ‘DreamWorks Dragons’ Alive With New Seasons

    Netflix has been known to revive canceled television shows with new Netflix-exclusive seasons. It also has a huge deal with DreamWorks animation. That’s why it comes as no shock that Netflix will get new seasons of DreamWorks Dragons after the show wrapped up a two-season run on Cartoon Network.

    DreamWorks Dragons is an animated series based on DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon. The movie has a theatrical sequel about to hit theaters, so interest in the franchise should only be renewed. From the announcement:

    Based on DreamWorks Animation’s hit How to Train Your Dragon films, the new episodes bridge the gap between the first feature film and the much-anticipated sequel How to Train Your Dragon 2, hitting theaters this summer. Weaving a continuous storyline, the television series works in tandem with the feature films and DVD specials, allowing fans to delve deeper into dragon lore. From the origin of Hiccup’s new flight suit and the secrets of his dragon blade to the young Viking’s budding romance with Astrid, DreamWorks Dragons on Netflix gives viewers rich details of the larger narrative with the introduction of new dragons, exotic places and worlds unknown.

    Jay Baruchel and America Ferrera who voice the two young Viking heroes in the feature film return to the television series to voice Hiccup and Astrid, and are joined by Christopher Mintz-Plasse and TJ Miller who will reprise their roles as Fishlegs and Tuffnut in the series.

    “We are happy to be adding Dragons to our growing slate of original series for kids,” said Cindy Holland, Netflix Vice President, Original Content. “This is one of DreamWorks Animation’s most beloved set of characters and we know that kids and families will be enjoying them for years to come.”

    Netflix inked a deal with DreamWorks last year in its biggest ever push for original content. The deal was to include over 300 hours of new, original programming. The first fruit of this deal was Turbo: FAST, a series based on the Turbo movie.

    In March, Netflix announced three more DreamWorks originals: King Jullen, Puss in Boots, and Veggie Tales in the House. King Jullen hails from the Madagascar films. Puss in Boots comes from the Shrek franchise (he also had his own movie), and Veggie Tales, an animated show about Christian vegetables, was originally a direct-to-video ofering before debuting on NBC in 2009. Netflix added Veggie Tales to its catalog in 2009.

    Netflix says new DreamWorks Dragons seasons will start in Spring of next year in all of its territories, including France and Germany.

    Image via PR Newswire

  • ‘Chelsea Lately’ Cancelled, Final Episode Scheduled to Air In August

    Chelsea Lately won’t be returning for an eighth season.

    According to E! News, the network has announced that the final episode is scheduled to air Tuesday, August 26 at 11 p.m. ET. However, the bittersweet announcement does have a silver lining. E! has also planned to use the entire month of August for a farewell celebration, which will include an array of special guests and playback of the show’s most memorable moments.

    On Wednesday, May 28, comedienne-talk show host Chelsea Handler released a statement about her upcoming departure from late-night television.

    “I myself am more surprised than anyone that I was able to hold down a job for seven years, and it was a fantastic seven years,” Handler said. “I will always look back at my time on E! as most people look back at their time in college. I’m glad I went.​”

    E! President Suzanne Kolb also weighed in with a statement in regards to Handler and the show’s seven years of success.

    “We are very proud of Chelsea Lately’s long-running success  and the unique space that the series carved out in late night television,” Kolb said. “Chelsea brought a distinct voice to late night with her acerbic wit and fearless commentary and we look forward to providing  fans with a memorable send-off that lives up to that tradition. Most of all, we  are grateful to the ‘Chelsea Lately’ team for making this show so special for seven years.”

    Chelsea Lately debuted on July 16, 2007. The late-night comedy talk show’s ratings peaked on October 10, 2011 with an impressive 1.8 million viewers, following the Kardashian Wedding Special. However, the show has seen a gradual decline in viewership over the past two years. Between 2012 and 2013, the show’s viewership decreased drastically, dropping from an estimated average of 613,000 viewers to approximately 571,000.

    Although the final episode is in the near future, the party isn’t over just yet. Fans can still tune into E! for new episodes of Chelsea Lately every night at 11 p.m. until the series finale on August 26.

    Image via Chelsea Lately, Facebook (1) (2)

  • American Ninja Warrior Still Hasn’t Seen A Winner After Five Seasons

    American Ninja Warrior is a popular adaptation of the already popular Ninja Warrior (known in Japan as Sasuke). The Japanese version aired on G4 for a number of years before the network decided to start its own competition for Americans. With G4’s rebranding, NBC picked up the slack and now has Americans compete on the show for a chance at glory.

    Despite hundreds answering the call over five seasons, American Ninja Warrior still hasn’t produced a competitor capable of conquering the final challenge – Mount Midoriyama. It’s not too surprising considering that only a select few Japanese competitors have ever conquered the infamous challenge. Why does the show still attract strong ratings then? Surely audiences would grow tired of watching Americans fail to conquer the final challenge year after year.

    Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, executive producer Kent Weed says it’s all about the human element to the show that brings in viewers:

    “It’s the stories of the people that separates us: how people overcome adversity to achieve their goals. Whether they’re doing it for a friend who is ill, a mother that had breast cancer or whether it’s a personal achievement they’re trying to overcome — weight loss, beating drugs or alcohol — it’s personal human achievement, and it’s something that audiences can identity with.”

    It’s not just the human element of the show either, but the variety that helps attract viewers. The producers talk about having men and women of all walks of life competing on the show. For example, there’s a gymnast that was told he would never walk again, but he’s now on the show competing. There’s also a 55-year-old man competing against what is predominantly a show where the young compete.

    The sixth season of American Ninja Warrior started on May 25 and will air every Monday night on NBC at 8 p.m. EST. If you miss it then, you can catch it again on Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. on the Esquire Network (formerly known as G4).

    Image via American Ninja Warrior/YouTube

  • Crackle’s ‘Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee’ Season 4 Gets Release Date

    Crackle, Sony’s online video streaming service, announced that it’s getting the fourth season of Jerry Seinfeld’s Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee on June 19th.

    The show on Sony’s free service, which recently added Chromecast support, has featured guests like Louis CK, David Letterman, Ricky Gervais, Tina Fey, Sarah Silverman, Chris Rock, and Seinfeld alumni Larry David, Jason Alexander, and Michael Richards in the past.

    The upcoming season will include Aziz Ansari, Robert Klein, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jon Stewart, and George Wallace.

    According to Crackle, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee has been streamed over 40 million times since its debut in July 2012. Seinfeld was nominated for an Emmy for it. The aforementioned Chromecast support should only serve to increase the popularity of the show, especially as it continues to get interesting guests.

    Here’s the trailer for the new season:

    Image via YouTube

  • Facebook App To Start Listening To And Identifying Music, TV Shows, Movies

    Facebook is releasing a new feature for its mobile apps that listens to what users are listening to or watching on TV, so they can easily share it with their friends. Think about it like a Shazam for Facebook that does TV and movies in addition to songs.

    If a user turns the feature on (which they have to do for it to work), they’ll have the ability to use their phone’s microphone to identify songs, shows or movies when writing a status update. If you’re watching Louie, you can let Facebook figure that out, and tell your friends for you instead of just telling them yourself.

    Users will see an audio icon moving on the screen when they’re writing a status update. If Facebook finds a match, you can choose to add the song, TV show or movie to your post. You can also choose who can see it.

    As mentioned, you have to turn it on for it to work. Facebook doesn’t want any more negative attention over privacy matters (it even notes that it can’t understand background noise of conversations). You can also turn it off at anytime. Just click the audio icon in the top right of the screen. It’s also worth noting that no sounds are stored, according to the company.

    If you leave it on, you’ll see the moving audio icon when you write status updates. If you share a song, your friends will see a 30-second preview of the song. For TV shows, they’ll see the specific season and episode.

    The new feature will roll out on Facebook’s Android and iOS apps in the U.S. in the coming weeks.

    Image via Facebook

  • Netflix To Add More Highly-Rated And Exclusive Content

    Netflix is about to become a little more choosey about the content it pays for, with the goal of delivering customers more titles they actually want to watch.

    This is according to Variety, which recaps some words spoken by CFO David Wells at the J.P. Morgan Technology, Media and Telecom Conference. He reportedly said they’ll be expanding the breadth of content over the next few quarters via Netflix originals as well as licensing more exclusive 4/5-star content. Wells (pictured) is quoted as saying the company wants to “continue to expand the content library meaningfully.”

    The company is expected to spend about $3.2 billion on streaming content this year, with higher-rated and exclusive content being more of a focus at the expense of “depth”. It sounds like there will be fewer titles available, but the ones they have will be better. We’ll see how it plays out. If this amounts to Netflix dumping a significant amount of content, there will no doubt be a lot of people angry at the loss of titles.

    Luckily, Netflix still offers its DVD-by-mail service (in the U.S.), which still has a pretty extensive catalog. Even as the world moves away from the disc format, and into digital programming, one could argue that Netflix’s DVD service is as important as ever. Its breadth of available titles has always been one of its strong points, and with physical video rental stores like Blockbuster going under, and Redbox not offering much in the way of older titles, Netflix’s DVD service remains a go-to option for those older and harder-to-find movies and shows. If you’re a horror movie nut like me, for example, it’s still a very relevant service.

    It also gives Netflix users access to HBO content. You can get HBO shows on DVD through Netflix that you can’t even get from HBO Go.

    The point is, if Netflix reduces its streaming catalog by too much, it could actually benefit its DVD service. Last month, the company said 6.7 million are using that.

    Either way, Netflix’s plans should translate into more interesting weekly lists on our end.

    Netflix announced this morning that it is expanding into six more countries in Europe.

    Image via YouTube

  • Netflix To Launch In Six New Countries

    Netflix announced on Wednesday that it is readying launches in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. We’ve heard about Netflix’s efforts to secure the further expansion of its European operations, and now it’s coming to fruition.

    Netflix is already available in the UK and Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

    The company did not give actual launch dates for any of the new countries, but is letting people sign up for email alerts to let them know when service becomes available. People can simply go to Netflix.com, and sign up.

    “Upon launch, broadband users in these countries can subscribe to Netflix and instantly watch a curated selection of Hollywood, local and global TV series and movies, including critically-acclaimed Netflix original series, whenever and wherever they like on TVs, tablets, phones, game consoles and computers,” the company said.

    Details on pricing, programming, and supported devices will be available at a later date. It remains to be seen if the service will be different than in other regions like the U.S.

    Ahead of the launch in these new countries, Netflix is already claiming 48 million members in over 40 countries. Many of these are in North and Latin America.

    It will be interesting to see if they get the service in the new set of countries ahead of Orange is the New Black’s second season debut on June 6th. Orange CEO Stephane Richard commented a while back that he expected Netflix to launch in France in the fall, but that was well before any announcements were made.

    Image via YouTube

  • ‘Hemlock Grove’ Season 2 Gets New Poster [Netflix Originals]

    ‘Hemlock Grove’ Season 2 Gets New Poster [Netflix Originals]

    The second season of Netflix’s Hemlock Grove is getting closer, and the company has a new poster out for it.

    Netflix tweeted this out this morning:

    Producer Eli Roth says the second season will “blow away all expectations”. Fans sure hope so, especially since they’ve been waiting for about fifteen months since the first one was released.

    Here’s a recently released teaser for Season 2:

    Image via Twitter

  • John Oliver’s Take On European Google Ruling Is Pretty Good

    Last week, the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that Google and other search engines must take requests from people for search results to be deleted. They don’t necessarily have to delete all results requested, but may find themselves fighting a lot of court battles when they don’t comply.

    Almost immediately after the ruling, requests started rushing in, including at least one from a convicted pedophile, one from a doctor with a negative review, and one from a politician who allegedly engaged in some questionable behavior while in office.

    John Oliver dedicated about seven minutes to the topic on his new HBO show Last Week Tonight on Sunday night, which HBO has made available on YouTube. It’s pretty spot on.

    Memorable quotes include:

    “Okay, a failsafe question to ask yourself when drafting a law is, ‘Might child pornographers like this?’ If so, maybe take another pass at it.”

    “Luckily the only thing stopping this ruling from doing real damage is that it is by its nature completely ineffective because what the EU court doesn’t understand is that the Internet is like quicksand. The more aggressively you fight to remove yourself from it, the deeper you’re going to sink down into it. The case in point is the guy who started all of this.”

    This refers to the Spanish man who complained about past debts surfacing in Google results, who as a result of the court’s decision is “now world famous for being that Spanish guy with debts from 1998.”

    “The only thing I know about him,” said Oliver, “is the only thing he didn’t want me to know.”

    Google will reportedly have a “right to be forgotten” tool up in less than two weeks.

    Image via YouTube

  • Shannen Doherty’s ‘Heart Breaks’ for Tori Spelling

    During a guest spot on the Arsenio Hall Show Thursday, Beverly Hills, 90210 and Charmed actress Shannen Doherty commented on the marital woes of former 90210 co-star Tori Spelling, and responded to former TV-twin Jason Priestley’s newly-released memoir.

    Doherty admitted to Hall that she watches Lifetime’s reality series True Tori, and revealed that each episode leaves her shocked. “Wow, it’s just all out there!,” Doherty exclaimed, adding, “She is baring her soul and I think that everybody has their process of what’s cathartic for them in how to deal with something, and this might be hers.”

    “My heart does break for her,” said Doherty. “It breaks for anybody that’s in that situation. I mean, that’s pretty awful and I certainly hope everything works out for the best. And in meantime, it’s making for some amazing TV – I just hope that Tori loves herself. She’s a beautiful girl and she needs to ignore the haters.”

    Commenting on tidbits related in Priestley’s tell-all book, Hall recalled, “Back in the day, there was always stuff on my card about who you were battling with – They would say you’re battling with Tori, you’re battling with Jason, you’re battling with (Luke Perry)’s pig. Remember, Luke had a pig?”

    Doherty responded, “I mean, I only met it once. It didn’t like me, I guess, but I hear it’s writing a memoir! Can’t wait for that!”

    Here a stalwart Brandon (Priestley) gives twin sister Brenda (Doherty) a guilt trip over cigarette smoking, in a clip from the original Beverly Hills, 90210:

    Doherty’s general take on pal Priestley’s tell-all was “let it be.” The actress, who will appear in Animal Planet’s Blood Lake: Attack of the Killer Lampreys on May 25, added, “It was so long ago,” referring to her time on 90210. “I always say that everyone has their own version of the truth, and memories are very funny things.”

    Check out the Blood Lake Trailer:

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Here’s What’s Coming To Hulu And Hulu Plus

    Here’s What’s Coming To Hulu And Hulu Plus

    Hulu is sharing a list of show launches for the coming weeks and months. Each week, we give you a look at what’s coming to Netflix, so here’s a look at one of its rivals for a change.

    Speaking of Netflix, Hulu this week announced that it has added Jenny Wall as SVP, Head of Marketing. She previously led the global creative team at Netflix.

    Hulu’s list includes Jim Henson’s “Doozers,” “The Next Step,” , “Rev.’s, “East Los High,” “Hotwives of Orlando,” “The Awesomes,” “Quick Draw,” and more.

    Here’s the list:

    May 16 – Jim Henson’s “Doozers:” On April 25, Hulu debuted its first original series for Hulu Kids, “Doozers.” The animated preschool series that encourages children to design, create and innovate. Inspired by the wildly popular characters from the classic Henson series “Fraggle Rock,” the entrepreneurial “Pod Squad,” Spike, Molly Bolt, Flex and Daisy Wheel, put ideas into action and take on challenges integrating a groundbreaking design thinking curriculum, which is part of an overall STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) initiative. “Doozers” is available exclusively on Hulu Kids, Hulu’s hub just for kids featuring current-season hits and past favorites such as “Fraggle Rock,” “Pokemon,” “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “Thomas and Friends,” “Caillou” and more at http://www.hulu.com/kids.

    May 28 – “The Next Step:” Dance like everybody’s watching. This reality-style teen drama follows the lives of a group of dancers at The Next Step Dance Studio as they attempt to win the regional dance championships. The tightly knit team of dancers train, rehearse and hang out together within a well-established social order led by star dancer Emily and the E-Girls, a band of dancers who are used to running the studio. A new girl joins the team, challenging alliances and social balance of the studio as the regional championships quickly approach.

    June 1 – “Fugget About It” Season Two: The outrageous animated sitcom about the misadventures of Jimmy Falcone returns for its second season only on Hulu and Hulu Plus. The former New York mob boss settles into his lot in life in the witness protection in Regina, Saskatchewan.

    June 15 – “Rev.” Season Three: “Rev.” is a BAFTA award-winning comedy series following the enormous daily frustrations and moral conflicts of an inner-city vicar Rev. Adam Smallbone, played by co-creator Tom Hollander (“Pirates of the Caribbean”). Big questions are asked of Smallbone and his wife Alex, played by double BAFTA-award winning Olivia Colman (“Broadchurch”), as they adjust to life as new parents at St. Saviour’s. A host of new and returning characters join the band of lost but loveable misfits in the parish, including Hugh Bonneville (“Downton Abbey”) and Joanna Scanlan (“The Thick of It”). “Rev.” is directed by Peter Cattaneo (“The Full Monty”), and is a Big Talk production (“Spaced,” “Hot Fuzz,” “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World”) made available on Hulu and Hulu Plus by BBC Worldwide North America. http://www.hulu.com/rev

    Summer Premieres:

    July 9 – “East Los High” Season Two: Welcome back to “East Los High”! The Hulu Original Series returns hotter than ever as romance, sex, dance and mystery fill the East Los High hallways with a new cast of students. Ceci returns to coach the Bomb Squad and struggles to take the unruly dance team to state championships. And get ready as this new class at East Los High finds themselves in unexpected love triangles and true-to-life situations, a scandalous turns of events makes it another breathtaking and suspenseful year at this inner-city high school!

    July 15 – “Hotwives of Orlando:” “Hotwives of Orlando” is a comedy series that pays homage to the “Real Housewives” franchise that people love to hate but secretly love. “Hotwives” takes us deep into the 97th most glamorous city in the world, Orlando, and the ladies who live there. Watch as these drunk, horny, rich, horrible, women fight, gossip, cheat, backstab and weave-pull their way into your hearts. Starring Casey Wilson, Angela Kinsey, Kristen Schaal, Tymberlee Hill, Danielle Schneider and Andrea Savage.

    August 4 – “The Awesomes” Season Two: The Awesomes is an animated show for adults that combines the thrills of comic book storytelling with the irreverent and inspired comedy that is the hallmark of show co-creators Seth Meyers (“SNL”) and Michael Shoemaker (“Late Night with Jimmy Fallon”). It is the story about the greatest superhero team in history, The Awesomes, and what happens after all the most powerful members leave. The team is led by the possibly under-qualified Professor Doctor Awesome, voiced by Meyers, who is determined to bring these funny-if-flawed superheroes to glory. Meyers and Shoemaker called upon their many friends in the comedy world to voice the characters, including some of “Saturday Night Live’s” most celebrated cast and alumni Kenan Thompson, Bill Hader, Taran Killam, Amy Poehler, Will Forte, Maya Rudolph and Kate McKinnon. This first animated Hulu Original Series is executive produced by Meyers, Shoemaker, and Broadway Video.

    August 7 – “Quick Draw” Season Two: “Quick Draw” is a comedy western set in 1875 centering on Sheriff John Henry Hoyle (John Lehr), a Harvard graduate, who brings the latest criminology and forensics techniques to the wild west town of Great Bend, Kansas. Season two of the procedural western comedy starts off with a bang, literally, promising more laughs, romance and gun-slinging action. Cole Younger is back and badder than ever, but hot shot Hoyle aims to stop him. Deputy Eli (Nick Brown), saloon owner Honey Shaw (Allison Dunbar), outlaw Pearl Starr (Alexia Dox) and undertaker Vernon Shaw (Robert Clendenin) return. The series is co-created and executive produced by Nancy Hower and John Lehr (“10 Items or Less,” “Jailbait”) and co-executive produced by Keith Raskin (“Key & Peele,” “The League”).

    The following NBCU content is also coming to the service, though the dates are unknown so far):

    Keeping Up with the Kardashians
    Housewives (all franchises except DC)
    Top Chef and Top Chef Masters
    Flipping Out
    Millionaire Matchmaker

    Same for this CBS content:

    Happy Days
    Brady Bunch
    Touched by an Angel
    Wings
    7th Heaven
    Melrose Place

    Hulu recently announced free, full-episode mobile streaming.

    Image via Hulu