Television veteran Ed Asner is coming back to series TV with the first scripted sitcom for CMT.
On the new show, "Working Class," Asner will co-star as the crusty but lovable neighbor to the blue-collar single mom played by series star Melissa Peterman.
The network announced Monday that the 12-episode multi-camera comedy will premiere in January on CMT.
Asner, who turns 81 next month, is beloved for his signature role as cranky journalist Lou Grant. His return to TV follows recent successes for two fellow cast-mates from the legendary "Mary Tyler Moore Show": Betty White on TV Land's "Hot in Cleveland" and Cloris Leachman on Fox's "Raising Hope."
Peterman previously appeared on the sitcom "Reba" and hosts CMT's "The Singing Bee."
CMT is a unit of Viacom's MTV Networks.
Monday, October 18, 2010
'Jackass' gang pulls biggest stunt with $50M debut
Johnny Knoxville and his "Jackass" gang are even bigger hits in three dimensions.
"Jackass 3D," their latest big-screen collection of crazy stunts and antics, opened with a whopping $50 million, soaring past the debuts of their first two movies, according to studio estimates Sunday.
It was the third-straight No. 1 opening for Paramount's franchise, which launched with a $22.8 million opening for 2002's "Jackass: The Movie" and continued with a $29 million debut for 2006's "Jackass Number Two."
This was the first 3-D outing for Knoxville and his pals, and it was a natural for "what they do. They don't use it as a gimmick. It's seamless in their stunts," said Don Harris, Paramount executive vice president for distribution. "When some guy gets hit in the crotch with a baseball in 2-D, it's one thing, but when he's kind of up in your face and it happens, it's another experience."
"Jackass 3D" set a record for biggest October debut, topping the $48.1 million opening weekend for "Scary Movie 3" in 2003. "Scary Movie 3" sold more tickets than "Jackass 3D," though, factoring in ticket-price inflation and the premium charge for 3-D screenings, which cost a few dollars more than 2-D movies.
Premiering at No. 2 with $22.5 million was Summit Entertainment's action comedy "Red," starring Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren, John Malkovich and Mary-Louise Parker in the tale of retired black-ops agents targeted by the CIA.
While "Jackass 3D" cornered the market for young crowds, with two-thirds of viewers under 25, "Red" drew an older set, with 58 percent of the audience over 35.
"Between their audience and ours, I think we've covered the spectrum of potential movie-goers this weekend," said Richie Fay, head of distribution for Summit. "What was amazing about this cast was the chemistry and the obvious fun they had making the movie. Older guys and women are really capable of doing things more than sitting in rocking chairs and pushing the remote control."
Despite the huge opening for "Jackass 3D," Hollywood was unable to pull out of a box-office slide that has persisted this fall.
Overall revenues totaled $133 million, down 4 percent from the same weekend last year, when "Where the Wild Things Are" led with a $32.7 million debut and "Law Abiding Citizen," ''Paranormal Activity" and "Couples Retreat" combined to add nearly $60 million to the till.
"When you've got a $50 million gross and still can't eke out a win over the same weekend last year, that says a lot," said Paul Dergarabedian, box-office analyst for Hollywood.com. "We've been in a slump since Labor Day and even really before that, because we saw kind of a slow end to the summer."
So far this year, domestic revenue is at $8.5 billion, 3.2 percent above 2009's record pace. But adding in higher ticket prices, attendance is down 2.3 percent from 2009, according to Hollywood.com.
Sony's acclaimed Facebook drama "The Social Network," which had been No. 1 the previous two weekends, held up well as it slipped to third-place with $11 million. The film raised its three-week total to $63.1 million.
In limited release, Clint Eastwood and Matt Damon's "Hereafter" opened strongly with $231,000 in six theaters. That gave it an average of $38,500 a theater, compared with $16,228 in 3,081 cinemas for "Jackass 3D."
"Hereafter" follows three characters with unusual connections to the afterlife. Distributor Warner Bros. expands the film to nationwide release this Friday.
Hilary Swank's legal drama "Conviction," based on the real-life story of a woman who put herself through law school to clear her brother on a murder rap, opened with $110,000 in 11 theaters, for a $10,000 average.
Distributor Fox Searchlight expands "Conviction" to about 70 theaters on Friday.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Hollywood.com. Final figures will be released Monday.
1. "Jackass 3D," $50 million.
2. "Red," $22.5 million.
3. "The Social Network," $11 million.
4. "Secretariat," $9.5 million.
5. "Life as We Know It," $9.2 million.
6. "Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole," $4.2 million.
7. "The Town," $4 million.
8. "My Soul to Take," $3.2 million.
9. "Easy A," $2.7 million.
10. "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps," $2.4 million.
"Jackass 3D," their latest big-screen collection of crazy stunts and antics, opened with a whopping $50 million, soaring past the debuts of their first two movies, according to studio estimates Sunday.
It was the third-straight No. 1 opening for Paramount's franchise, which launched with a $22.8 million opening for 2002's "Jackass: The Movie" and continued with a $29 million debut for 2006's "Jackass Number Two."
This was the first 3-D outing for Knoxville and his pals, and it was a natural for "what they do. They don't use it as a gimmick. It's seamless in their stunts," said Don Harris, Paramount executive vice president for distribution. "When some guy gets hit in the crotch with a baseball in 2-D, it's one thing, but when he's kind of up in your face and it happens, it's another experience."
"Jackass 3D" set a record for biggest October debut, topping the $48.1 million opening weekend for "Scary Movie 3" in 2003. "Scary Movie 3" sold more tickets than "Jackass 3D," though, factoring in ticket-price inflation and the premium charge for 3-D screenings, which cost a few dollars more than 2-D movies.
Premiering at No. 2 with $22.5 million was Summit Entertainment's action comedy "Red," starring Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren, John Malkovich and Mary-Louise Parker in the tale of retired black-ops agents targeted by the CIA.
While "Jackass 3D" cornered the market for young crowds, with two-thirds of viewers under 25, "Red" drew an older set, with 58 percent of the audience over 35.
"Between their audience and ours, I think we've covered the spectrum of potential movie-goers this weekend," said Richie Fay, head of distribution for Summit. "What was amazing about this cast was the chemistry and the obvious fun they had making the movie. Older guys and women are really capable of doing things more than sitting in rocking chairs and pushing the remote control."
Despite the huge opening for "Jackass 3D," Hollywood was unable to pull out of a box-office slide that has persisted this fall.
Overall revenues totaled $133 million, down 4 percent from the same weekend last year, when "Where the Wild Things Are" led with a $32.7 million debut and "Law Abiding Citizen," ''Paranormal Activity" and "Couples Retreat" combined to add nearly $60 million to the till.
"When you've got a $50 million gross and still can't eke out a win over the same weekend last year, that says a lot," said Paul Dergarabedian, box-office analyst for Hollywood.com. "We've been in a slump since Labor Day and even really before that, because we saw kind of a slow end to the summer."
So far this year, domestic revenue is at $8.5 billion, 3.2 percent above 2009's record pace. But adding in higher ticket prices, attendance is down 2.3 percent from 2009, according to Hollywood.com.
Sony's acclaimed Facebook drama "The Social Network," which had been No. 1 the previous two weekends, held up well as it slipped to third-place with $11 million. The film raised its three-week total to $63.1 million.
In limited release, Clint Eastwood and Matt Damon's "Hereafter" opened strongly with $231,000 in six theaters. That gave it an average of $38,500 a theater, compared with $16,228 in 3,081 cinemas for "Jackass 3D."
"Hereafter" follows three characters with unusual connections to the afterlife. Distributor Warner Bros. expands the film to nationwide release this Friday.
Hilary Swank's legal drama "Conviction," based on the real-life story of a woman who put herself through law school to clear her brother on a murder rap, opened with $110,000 in 11 theaters, for a $10,000 average.
Distributor Fox Searchlight expands "Conviction" to about 70 theaters on Friday.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Hollywood.com. Final figures will be released Monday.
1. "Jackass 3D," $50 million.
2. "Red," $22.5 million.
3. "The Social Network," $11 million.
4. "Secretariat," $9.5 million.
5. "Life as We Know It," $9.2 million.
6. "Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole," $4.2 million.
7. "The Town," $4 million.
8. "My Soul to Take," $3.2 million.
9. "Easy A," $2.7 million.
10. "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps," $2.4 million.
Randy and Evi Quaid Face Arrest Warrants – Again
Another case, another missed court date.
Randy Quaid and his wife Evi once again face arrest warrants after failing to show up for a Santa Barbara, Calif., hearing on allegations they were squatting in the guest house of a Montecito home they once owned.
Santa Barbara Senior Deputy District Attorney Lee Carter tells the Associated Press that $50,000 warrants were issued after the couple failed to appear for the arraignment Monday on residential burglary charges.
As in their previous case, in which they were charged with defrauding an innkeeper and routinely missed schedule court dates, the two are free to turn themselves in before their case will be called again on Oct. 26.
Randy Quaid and his wife Evi once again face arrest warrants after failing to show up for a Santa Barbara, Calif., hearing on allegations they were squatting in the guest house of a Montecito home they once owned.
Santa Barbara Senior Deputy District Attorney Lee Carter tells the Associated Press that $50,000 warrants were issued after the couple failed to appear for the arraignment Monday on residential burglary charges.
As in their previous case, in which they were charged with defrauding an innkeeper and routinely missed schedule court dates, the two are free to turn themselves in before their case will be called again on Oct. 26.
Tyra Banks Sued for Featuring Girl in 'Sex-Addict' Episode
When 15-year-old Jewel Ciera Washington appeared on Tyra Banks's talk show in October 2009 as a self-proclaimed "sex-addict," no one was more shocked than her mother Beverly McClendon.
McClendon filed a $1 million lawsuit against Banks, 36, alleging negligence and violating a right of privacy. The lawsuit claims the mom never consented to have her daughter appear on the show. In fact, she says her daughter hasn't even been diagnosed as a sex-addict.
Stating McClendon "suffered damages as a result of the defendants' negligence," the court papers, filed Oct. 8, also allege the Atlanta-based mother "filed a missing person's report with the local police department" once she realized her daughter secretly fled her home.
A rep for Banks was not immediately available for comment.
McClendon filed a $1 million lawsuit against Banks, 36, alleging negligence and violating a right of privacy. The lawsuit claims the mom never consented to have her daughter appear on the show. In fact, she says her daughter hasn't even been diagnosed as a sex-addict.
Stating McClendon "suffered damages as a result of the defendants' negligence," the court papers, filed Oct. 8, also allege the Atlanta-based mother "filed a missing person's report with the local police department" once she realized her daughter secretly fled her home.
A rep for Banks was not immediately available for comment.
Is Mel Gibson Getting a Cameo in The Hangover 2?
This may be just what Mel Gibson needs. With his personal life in turmoil recently, spending some time with the guys from The Hangover might do him some good.
According to the New York Post Gibson, 54, is set to do a cameo in The Hangover 2. A source also confirms to PEOPLE the actor will appear in the movie.
The film will feature the same crew from the original smash hit – Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zack Galifianakis and Justin Bartha and, notably, Ken Jeong as the wacky gangster – and will bring the pals to Thailand where the find danger lurking in Bangkok. Mike Tyson's cameo in the first installment tickled audiences and showed a comedic side to the controversial boxer.
According to the New York Post Gibson, 54, is set to do a cameo in The Hangover 2. A source also confirms to PEOPLE the actor will appear in the movie.
The film will feature the same crew from the original smash hit – Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zack Galifianakis and Justin Bartha and, notably, Ken Jeong as the wacky gangster – and will bring the pals to Thailand where the find danger lurking in Bangkok. Mike Tyson's cameo in the first installment tickled audiences and showed a comedic side to the controversial boxer.
NBC gives full-season pickup to 'Event,' 2 others
NBC is giving three freshman series, including "The Event," a full-season pickup.
Besides the much-hyped thriller "The Event," the network gave a vote of confidence Monday to "Law & Order: Los Angeles" and the sitcom "Outsourced."
None of the series has posted stellar ratings in a season in which new shows have struggled to attract viewers.
But NBC noted that "The Event" and the Los Angeles-set "Law & Order" have improved ratings in their time slots, while "Outsourced" is doing well with advertiser-favored young adult viewers. The network finished fourth last season.
NBC's "The Event" airs 9 p.m. EDT Monday, "Law & Order: Los Angeles" is on 10 p.m. EDT Wednesday, and "Outsourced" airs Thursday at 9:30 p.m. EDT.
NBC is owned by General Electric Co.
Besides the much-hyped thriller "The Event," the network gave a vote of confidence Monday to "Law & Order: Los Angeles" and the sitcom "Outsourced."
None of the series has posted stellar ratings in a season in which new shows have struggled to attract viewers.
But NBC noted that "The Event" and the Los Angeles-set "Law & Order" have improved ratings in their time slots, while "Outsourced" is doing well with advertiser-favored young adult viewers. The network finished fourth last season.
NBC's "The Event" airs 9 p.m. EDT Monday, "Law & Order: Los Angeles" is on 10 p.m. EDT Wednesday, and "Outsourced" airs Thursday at 9:30 p.m. EDT.
NBC is owned by General Electric Co.
Lance Armstrong Welcomes Fifth Child
He's created his own cycling team! Lance Armstrong Tweets that he's welcomed his fifth child, a daughter.
"Olivia Marie Armstrong has arrived!" he wrote early Monday morning, keeping mum on the specifics.
"Thanks to you all for the support and well wishes. Momma and Olivia (@Cincoarmstrong!) are doing great. She's a beauty!"
This is the Tour de France champ's second child with Anna Hansen, with whom he also has son Maxwell Edward, 16 months. Additionally, Armstrong is dad to twin daughters Isabelle and Grace, 9 next month, and son Luke, 11, with ex-wife Kristin Armstrong.
Armstrong, 39, announced the pregnancy in April.
"Olivia Marie Armstrong has arrived!" he wrote early Monday morning, keeping mum on the specifics.
"Thanks to you all for the support and well wishes. Momma and Olivia (@Cincoarmstrong!) are doing great. She's a beauty!"
This is the Tour de France champ's second child with Anna Hansen, with whom he also has son Maxwell Edward, 16 months. Additionally, Armstrong is dad to twin daughters Isabelle and Grace, 9 next month, and son Luke, 11, with ex-wife Kristin Armstrong.
Armstrong, 39, announced the pregnancy in April.
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