TVSquad

A CBS press release landed in my inbox today with this earth-shattering news: CBS's fall programming ads (20 total) will be featured exclusively in People's Sept. 22 issue.

From the release: "In a special arrangement with the magazine, CBS will be the exclusive broadcast advertiser in the issue, on stands Sept. 12." Of course, that's right before the launch of CBS's new fall lineup.

And it sounds like this might be a first. George Schweitzer, president of CBS Marketing Group says, "CBS has long valued its relationship with People, and we're elated that they worked with us to pull off this first-time strategy to be the sole broadcast advertiser in this well-timed issue." You know, whatever. Blah, blah, blah.

So why should we care? Honestly, I really don't. I just keep thinking, People? What, they couldn't come up with anything snappier? Like, I dunno ... maybe Entertainment Weekly? Vanity Fair? I guess with 43 million readers, they'll reach a lot of people in People.

In a media crossover, People magazine is coming to TV screens. ABC has scheduled an hour-long special called Half Their Size: The People Magazine Weight Loss Challenge for Sept. 30 at 10 p.m.

The franchise began in People in 2002, and focuses on folks who need to shed more than a few pounds -- preferably, half their size. Obviously, the magazine stories have been a big hit, since anything about losing weight is always a big hit.

The show will focus on eight residents of Mississippi -- the nation's "heaviest" state -- for a nine-month period to see how their lives change through diet and exercise.

Rock of Love's Bret Michaels was named one of the hottest bachelors of 2008 by People magazine. But skanks like Daisy de la Hoya, Heather Chadwell, and Ambre Lake knew that already. Bret is joined by fellow television stars Mario Lopez, Penn Badgley, Ed Westwick, Chace Crawford, and Brody Jenner.

He credits his awesome weave, always protected by a bandana or cowboy hat, as the major part of his sex appeal: "It creates this Tarzanesque, likable bad-boy image. It says, 'I am a wild child. I will take you on a Harley ride, then make passionate love to you. And should you be attacked by a lion or an idiot at a bar, I will protect you. "To put it simply, long hair works for me. It rocks." No, Bret. You rock.

So what do you think? Does big man Bret deserve a spot on this list? You can view the whole list here.

[via VH1]

Gossip Girl is getting a lot of exposure these days. A week after the OMFG scandal, the cast of Gossip Girl has made People magazine's list of the most beautiful people of 2008. No argument here. Eye candy is one of the main reasons why I love the show. My only complaint is that Matthew Settle and Kelly Rutherford were left out. Rufus Humphrey and Lily van der Woodsen are currently two of the hottest parents on TV.

Other familiar TV faces made the list, including: Desperate Housewives' Eva Longoria Parker and Marcia Cross, Sarah Silverman, Ugly Betty executive producer Salma Hayek, Kristen Bell, Christina Applegate, Dancing With The Stars' Carrie Ann Inaba and Jason Taylor, Vanessa Hudgens, Mad Men's Christina Hendricks, and Minka Kelly from Friday Night Lights.

Dr. Phil McGraw has lost all credibility in my eyes. Not that he had a lot of credibility in my eyes to begin with, mind you -- I have never been a fan of his down-home, pop psychology. However, his latest statements really put the capper on the fact that he doesn't seem to know what he's talking about.

During a holiday party in Beverly Hills this past weekend, Dr. Phil told People magazine that Lynne Spears, mother to Britney and recently pregnant, 16-year-old Jamie Lynn, is a "great and dedicated mother". He admits that things aren't looking up for her right now (ya think?), but McGraw adds that the Spears matriarch has her feet firmly on the ground and that she is turning to her faith for strength in this situation. In fact, Lynne told her friend Dr. Phil that they are turning to prayer to get past this all. No offense, but she must be praying nearly 24 hours a day.

What's happening on other blogs via the interweb.

• Could this be the end of NBC"s Life?
• Jaime Weinman introduces us to some Italian versions of TV theme songs, including Mork & Mindy, The Dukes of Hazzard, and the original Bionic Woman.
• A look at Teller's house in Las Vegas.
• Five things you should know about Keith Olbermann.
• Will there be a Gilmore Girls reunion movie?
• William Shatner still not happy about not being in that new Star Trek movie.
• Who was named People's "Sexiest Deep Thinker?"
• Which TV celebs made Entertainment Weekly's list of the 25 Top Stars of 2007?

Despite the pleadings of many fans, DVDs of the 20-year-old Emmy-winning dramatic series thirtysomething have yet to be (officially) released.

While fans (like yours truly) patiently wait for thirtysomething DVDs to go on sale, the four actresses who starred in the yuppie-focused show spoke with People magazine about being in their 50s, about cosmetic surgery, about the fact that they're spokeswomen for an arthritis prevention campaign (Arthritis? It has been a long time!) and about their love lives.

I was never a Blake fan, but as the end of American Idol season six drew near, I came to admire his attitude even more than his singing or beatboxing skills. I like that Blake never talked back to the judges in a snotty, defensive manner. I like that he took his lumps with a smile and a shrug. I like that he didn't cry "foul" when forced to sing the generic "This Is My Now."

In the age of reality TV where everyone wants to win at any cost, it was nice to witness a guy who actually seemed to be enjoying the experience itself.

In a conference call with reporters, Blake said, "I honestly didn't care one bit [about] winning or losing, because I call myself a winner just by getting into the top 10."

It's a good time to be Carrie Underwood and Bucky Covington.

Carrie was recently voted to People Magazine's "100 Most Beautiful People" list.

Of course, Drew Barrymore is at the top of this list and for me she kind of waivers between beautiful and beat-up looking from one movie to the next. Nonetheless, I'm pretty sure this should still be considered a good thing for Carrie.

If that wasn't enough, her song "Wasted" is currently number one on the country singles chart. Not bad from a girl from little old Checotah, OK.

*For the handful of people who haven't yet watched the latest episode of 24, there are spoilers ahead.*

Actress Kim Raver is profiled in this week's People Magazine where she talks about her return to 24 as Audrey Raines and how charming actor Kiefer Sutherland can be.

On the topic of "Audrey's not quite dead yet:" Raver said she's a romantic and thinks Audrey and Jack Bauer should be romantically reunited, adding that "you die when you just look at him [Bauer]."

On the topic of Sutherland being a gentleman: "Well, if you're at dinner, he stands up when you get up to go to the ladies' room." But if you're playing a terrorist on 24, I wouldn't advise getting up to use the facilities unless Jack gives you permission. You might wind up hanging by a chain. Or missing your jugular.

Ryan Seacrest recently told People magazine that he thinks Jordin Sparks could be the next American Idol. Why does Ryan like Jordin? Because, "She's a great singer and a pretty girl, she's non-threatening, cute and attractive. Plus, she has this sincere likability that is rare and genuine."

Considering that 17-year-old Jordin towers over Ryan, I find it amusing that he finds her "non-threatening." He always looks so uncomfortably short standing next to her on stage. Perhaps, he is a *bigger* man than I give him credit for.

After 27 days, Britney Spears is out of rehab and on the loose. No doubt the paparazzi will be hounding her more than ever, but you know that the traditional media-types are also calling for the story. At some point, Britney will talk. Was she an alcoholic? Was it drugs? Exhaustion? Or post-partum depression? Inquiring minds need to know!

But, who will she talk to? The options are varied. She could go to Oprah or Barbara Walters-- those two would be the biggies. Katie Couric is no doubt calling. And Matt Lauer. And Diane Sawyer. People magazine is a possibility, or maybe even something a little more upscale like Vanity Fair. There's always David Letterman, who frequently gets surprise visits from Britney. (Although, that would be a big letdown because ol' Dave will probably let her off the hook after a joke or two)

Simon Cowell has never hidden his dislike for Taylor Hicks. And last week he was at it again. He spoke out at this year's 24th Annual Paley Festival at the Directors Guild of America in West Hollywood, saying, "They (Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson) loved him. I couldn't stand him. I didn't get it."

Simon added, "at the end of the day you have to find a bona fide recording artist. Just because you win the show doesn't mean you will sell a lot of records. Chris (Daughtry) is the one who sold the albums, not Taylor." Hicks still hasn't sold one million albums, and many critics doubt he will.

Carlo Rota, the 61-year-old who plays Morris "Drill Bit" O'Brian on 24, recently told the dead-tree version of People Magazine that when he arrived on the CTU set he spoke really fast.

Until an executive producer told him to stop. "It's a fast show, but you still speak like you would normally," Joel Surnow reportedly told Rota.

Rota also told the magazine that he's an enthusiastic chef and that Mary Lynn Rajskub, who portrays his snippy ex-wife Chloe O'Brian, keeps him guessing with her various facial expressions. "You don't know whether she's appreciative of you being there or if she's judging you," Rota told People.

Some mobsters turn the other direction when they know they are going to get whacked.

Vincent Pastore, the actor who played "Big Pussy" on The Sopranos, is adding some credibility to his character's name after announcing today that he is dropping out of the upcoming season of Dancing With the Stars.

According to the actor, "Unable to put forth my best effort, I felt it appropriate to step aside and give someone else the opportunity."

My first question for you sir is ... AGAIN?!

Does anyone remember...