I am sorry to report that Kevin James in Paul Blart: Mall Cop and Seth Rogen in Observe and Report have started a phenomenon, because a new reality series called Mall Cops: Mall of America is coming to TLC. This is what happens when two movies that are superficially related to each other get released in close chronological proximity.
Granted, the Mall of America is one of the biggest (if not the biggest) malls in America and there is likely more than a fair share of crimes that go on there during any given day. I just wonder if the show is going to hire its own criminals to commit felonies in the mall just to keep things interesting.
I can see it now: the season deals with standard problems like shoplifters and lost children until the season finale which ends in a hostage situation cliffhanger. Want to see the footage of how it turns out? Wait until season two.
tlc-related stories
Mall Cops coming to TV
TLC is really pushing the Hayes family as the anti-Jon and Kate
Right now, I'm watching the Hayes family of TLC's Table for 12 chat with Regis and Kelly. It's not the first time we've seen them lately; since the second season of their show premiered, they've been all over the talk landscape.We're definitely seeing them a lot more than when the show's first season debuted; in fact, TLC seemed to premiere the story of the Hayeses, who have two sets of twins and a set of sextuplets, on the QT last March. The relatively soft launch was a bit of a mystery to me, given the network's love of multiples. I mean, these guys had Jon and Kate beat by a mile, right?
But now that I look back at it, there were two things keeping TLC from really pushing the Hayes family back then: 1) Betty and Eric Hayes actually liked each other (read: they're boringly happy) and 2) Jon and Kate were still a couple. Now that J&K have exploded into a toxic tabloid mess, TLC needed someone to promote, and the Hayes' relative happiness seemed to be the perfect antidote.
Continue reading TLC is really pushing the Hayes family as the anti-Jon and Kate
Who wants to buy a new ring for Kate Gosselin?
I know, it sounds like the worst idea for a game show ever, but actually I'm referring to this interview that Kate Gosselin did with Ellen DeGeneres the other day. She talks about all the stuff we've heard about already, but she also talks about a ring that she wants to buy "once she has a job."
It's funny how Kate says a bunch of lines that would ordinarily get a round of applause from an audience but I don't think they care. And it's great that Kate isn't doing talk shows and appearing in the public eye like Jon is, isn't it?
It's funny how Kate says a bunch of lines that would ordinarily get a round of applause from an audience but I don't think they care. And it's great that Kate isn't doing talk shows and appearing in the public eye like Jon is, isn't it?
TLC's Heavy Haulers looks like fun
Following the season six premiere of American Chopper on Thursday at 9 PM (I sure hope those squabbling Teutuls can work things out), TLC is premiering a new pilot titled Heavy Haulers at 10 PM. That picture sort of says it all, doesn't it? In addition to the logistics of moving such a huge piece of machinery, I'm wondering how you even get into the thing once you get where you're going.
Continue reading TLC's Heavy Haulers looks like fun
Gosselin finally taken to court by TLC
Who says that justice is a forgotten concept that only exists as a hope and no longer as an important facet of a fully functional society? Jon Gosselin is about to have his day in court. Take that, evil!
TLC is suing for the former star of Jon & Kate Plus 8 for breach of contract, accusing accused him of violating an exclusivity and moral clause in his contract. I was shocked. Reality shows have morals? Of course it makes sense that the only morals involved in reality shows would have to be enforced by a contract.
Proof the world is ending: I agree with Nancy Grace
I'll admit it: I watch Jon & Kate Plus Eight. In all of the episodes I've seen, I've never listened to Jon Gosselin speak and thought, "You sir, have missed your vocational calling in the Rocket Sciences," but I also didn't think he was a complete idiot. Recently, my view has changed.
Let's not even get into the wisdom of dating a 22-year-old, or partying on a yacht in France while your wife is back home in Pennsylvania caring for your eight children. The man simply does not know the meaning of the phrase, "quit while you're ahead." To wit: his ridiculous defense on Larry King of his decision to halt production on Jon & Kate as soon as it became Kate Plus Eight, and his Ed Hardy-wearing ass got fired.
Gosselin also thought it would be wise to go on The Insider and square off against caustic defender of "justice," Nancy Grace. In this appearance, he further defends his actions, and claims that all of the decisions he makes are for his kids. Spoiler alert: This does not go well for him.
Continue reading Proof the world is ending: I agree with Nancy Grace
Another view of Jon Gosselin's latest move
As Jane wrote, last night Jon Gosselin was on Larry King Live with his side of the latest involving him and Kate. Here's my take: Jon Gosselin realized that the game was going on without him so he took his basketball and went home. Actually, that's a metaphor for what happened. In reality, TLC shut down filming Kate Plus 8, the network's new incarnation for Jon & Kate Plus 8 sans Daddy, when Jon sent a cease-and-desist order to the network. So now Jon has had the realization that maybe putting his eight children on a reality show wasn't such a positive experience. More likely he saw that he was being cut out of the fame game and figured he'd hold his breath until TLC let him back into the show.
Continue reading Another view of Jon Gosselin's latest move
Jon Gosselin does damage control on Larry King
What a mess the whole Jon & Kate Plus 8 Minus 1 debacle is. Apparently, after learning that TLC was moving forward with a revamped show named Kate Plus 8, Jon demanded through his lawyers that the show cease production immediately or face criminal charges.
A letter from his attorney noted, "In the event that anyone enters the marital property, Jon Gosselin will notify the local authorities to effectuate police action against any trespassers." Keep in mind that Jon seemed fine with the kids being on the show last week, when he was still a big part of the show and was, in fact, filming an episode with the kids.
Continue reading Jon Gosselin does damage control on Larry King
Reality show math: Jon & Kate Plus 8 minus Jon = Kate Plus 8
Jon is no longer going to be part of Jon & Kate, not in the marriage and not in the show.TLC has announced that Jon Gosselin is leaving the reality show. Guess the spotlight got to be too much for him, plus the show turned into a depress-fest since their battles and separation. Jon will be written out of the show in a few weeks when his character, "Jon Gosselin," vanishes.
OK, just kidding on that last part. But I'm sure they'll have a "Special Episode" with his departure. The new show starts in November.
TLC wants to master the barbeque grill
Yes, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but this a bit much. TLC has given the greenlight to BBQ Pit Masters, a new food show about American barbecue competitions. Does Bobby Flay, Mr. Food Network grill master himself, know about this? I can see him getting as red as his hair when he reads about it.So, TLC is saying that this new show, a documentary about the über-competitive world of competitive grilling, will run for eight hour-long episodes commencing December 2. How this will be different from similar food competitions on other networks -- like Food Network -- remains to be seen.
Continue reading TLC wants to master the barbeque grill
Jon & Kate returns tonight
Hey Kids, Mom & Dad Don't Love Each Other Anymore On National Television returns with two new episodes tonight at 9. Here's a sneak peek. If only one of the things that Kate is going to do that she's never done before was "not do a reality show."
TLC president makes a Jon & Kate statement - TCA Report
The Discovery networks are up right now and their panels are going at light speed, about ten minutes per. Before the TLC section, network president Eileen O'Neill made a statement about the upcoming episodes of Jon & Kate Plus 8.First off... goodbye interview couch! Now the estranged couple will interview individually on single chairs. Whew... dodged that bullet. As far as how the rest of the show will go, here's what she said:
"Our approach is to cover the family with great care and thoughtfulness. We never said they were perfect. we will continue to capture family's journey in sincere and sensitive way.
"These are two parents that love their kids more than ever. We will show themseparately parenting. Kate puts tent up in backyard and gets advice from one of the children. Jon struggles in kitchen trying to make pizza."
As far as what role the "new people and places" in the couple's lives -- code for "new girlfriends/boyfriends and Upper West Side apartments" -- will take in the show, she said that "we'll be taking it on a case by case basis."
TLC is building a reality show around a morbidly obese family
They've done just about every variation of little people show you can imagine, so as executive producer Mike Duffy said, it's not exploitation. "Little People, Big World is about little people living in a big world. This is about big people living in a little world -- fat people living in a skinny world." Doesn't that sound so much better?They've found a family of four tipping the scales at over 1,400 pounds. While there's no prize money involved, the family is determined to lose some weight. The six episode series, One Big Happy Family, will follow them on their journey of self-improvement with different episodes spotlighting different family members. Style network has already met a good response to their chronicle of Ruby, a 477-pound woman looking to lose weight.
Continue reading TLC is building a reality show around a morbidly obese family
Jon & Kate filming again
I'm pretty cynical, but even I don't believe that Jon & Kate's marriage woes are a ratings stunt for their show. I truly believe it's all real. But that doesn't mean that I don't think that the way the whole thing is being handled isn't for ratings. The show returns on August 3, and as you can see from this pic above, they aren't exactly acting like Jonathan and Jennifer from Hart to Hart. Sure, it's just a snapshot in time and means nothing, but...well, you just know things aren't so great.Kate is probably thinking, "Jon, you had to bring your girlfriend with you?"
Jon and Kate: Isn't divorce too harsh?
Jon and Kate Gosselin have finally filed for divorce papers, but shouldn't the two of them go through a few steps before getting there? I'm no doctor, but even I could see that getting upset at one moment and then having silence for several months is not a good basis for divorce.Yes, there are a lot of outlying factors that TLC has not decided to show America. The portrayal of the couple in the whole fifth season shows that the two didn't communicate anymore, unless it's for the children. Shouldn't one fix the communication barrier before cutting the cord completely?
Andy Richter: The TV Squad Interview
Have any questions for Vik Sahay of Chuck? Ask them here!
Mike Henry and Daryl Hall on a Cleveland Show Thanksgiving
