“Pan Am,” “Person of Interest,” “New Girl” among new fall favorites
From left, Karine Vanasse, Michael Mosley, Margot Robbie, Mike Vogel, Christina Ricci and Kelli Garner of "Pan Am" - ABC Photo
With the fall television season upon us, here are some of the new shows I’ve found worth watching:
- “PAN AM” centers on Pan Am stewardesses in 1963 and is just entertaining all the way around.
The sets, costumes and era are fantastic and the characters are intriguing:
* Maggie (Christina Ricci): a rebellious yet ambitious bohemian
* Colette (Karine Vanasse): the understanding caretaker of the group who has a predisposition for unavailable men
* Kate (Kelli Garner): vivacious sister of her younger beauty queen sibling Laura (Margot Robbie). Laura ran away from her wedding to take to the skies for adventure
* Dean (Mike Vogel): a self-assured new pilot eager to prove himself as the new face of the airline
* Ted (Michael Mosley), a co-pilot from a wealthy family who has his own dark secrets
With some espionage thrown into the mix, these ingredients add up to an engaging show.
“Pan Am” premieres at 9 p.m. Sept. 25 on ABC.
From left, Lamorne Morris, Jake Johnson, Max Greenfield and Zooey Deschanel of "New Girl" - Fox Photo
- “NEW GIRL” is easily the best of the new comedies this fall.
Zooey Deschanel plays Jess, a character usually referred to as quirky, which she is, but Deschanel takes Jess to a level of kookiness all her own.
Jess, who has broken up with her live-in boyfriend, moves in with three single guys, and the four very different personalities start to learn how to live with each other – while bringing out the best in each other as well.
Jess is just as sweet and good-hearted as she is different, and she doesn’t seem to mind marching to her own drum either.
The guys, Max Greenfield, Jake Johnson and Lamorne Morris, are also characters with redeeming qualities and are not of the completely stereotypical brand.
“New Girl” premieres at 8 p.m. Sept. 20 on Fox.
From left, James Caviezel and Michael Emerson of "Person of Interest" - CBS Photo
- “PERSON OF INTEREST” is a drama about a former CIA agent Reese (James Caviezel) who partners with a mysterious billionaire Finch (Michael Emerson) to prevent violent crimes using their own kind of vigilante justice.
With the crime-solving element, the enigma that both main characters carry, along with the methods they use to carry out their missions in each episode combine to make this a compelling show.
“Person of Interest” premieres at 8 p.m. Sept. 22 on CBS.
Emily VanCamp of "Revenge" - ABC Photo
- “REVENGE” is a juicy soap opera/journey of retribution featuring Emily Thorne (Emily VanCamp), who is a new arrival to the Hamptons and she’s not who people think she is.
Her true story is that she was only nine years old when her father was framed for a heinous crime by neighbors he trusted and sentenced to life in prison.
She never saw him again and spent her childhood absorbed with what had been done to her and her father, and is now back at the scene of the crime to exact carefully planned revenge on the participants in her father’s demise.
VanCamp is proficient in her role as Emily and Madeleine Stowe is excellent as well as her sophisticated and cold archnemesis Victoria Grayson.
Henry Czerny, Josh Bowman, Gabrielle Mann, Nick Wechsler and Connor Paolo are also cast members of this beguiling series.
“Revenge” premieres at 9 p.m. Sept. 21 on ABC.
From left, Stephen Lang, Jason O'Mara and Shelley Conn of "Terra Nova" - Fox Photo
- “TERRA NOVA” is about an ordinary family that goes on a journey back in time to prehistoric Earth as part of an experiment to save the human race as the planet is dying in the year 2149.
Jason O’Mara, Shelley Conn, Landon Liboiron, Naomi Scott and Alana Mansour play the Shannon family and Stephen Lang portrays Commander Nathaniel Taylor, the first pioneer and leader of the settlement in the prehistoric world.
With Steven Spielberg on board as an executive producer, cool special effects can be counted on, although the main story line’s emphasis is of the family drama variety.
“Terra Nova” premieres at 7 p.m. Sept. 26 on Fox.
– Melissa Hayer
mhayer@opubco.com
Final two castaways for “Survivor: South Pacific” named
"Survivor: South Pacific's" Ozzy Lusth and Benjamin "Coach" Wade
Former Survivors Ozzy Lusth and Benjamin “Coach” Wade have been named as the final two castaways on “Survivor: South Pacific,” which has a 90-minute premiere at 7 p.m. Sept. 14, according to a news release.
Lusth will be a member of Tribe Savaii and Wade will be a member of Tribe Upolu.
Full list of castaways, provided by CBS, is as follows, in alphabetical order:
Full list of castaways competing on SURVIVOR: SOUTH PACIFIC (in alphabetical order):
Ozzy Lusth Benjamin “Coach” Wade
Age: 29 Age: 39
Current Residence: Venice, Calif Current Residence: Susanville, Calif.
Tribe: Savaii Tribe: Upolu
SAVAII: UPOLU:
Mark Caruso Sophie Clarke
Age: 48 Age: 22
Current Residence: Forest Hills, N.Y. Current Residence: Willsboro, N.Y.
Occupation: Retired NYPD Detective Occupation: Medical Student
John Cochran Albert Destrade
Age: 24 Age: 26
Current Residence: Washington D.C. Current Residence: Plantation, Fla.
Occupation: Harvard Law Student Occupation: Baseball/Dating Coach
Whitney Duncan Brandon Hantz
Age: 27 Age: 19
Current Residence: Nashville, Tenn. Current Residence: Katy, Texas
Occupation: Country Music Singer Occupation: Oil Tanker Crewman
Dawn Meehan Edna Ma
Age: 41 Age: 35
Current Residence: South Jordan, Utah Current Residence: Los Angeles
Occupation: English Professor Occupation: Anesthesiologist
Jim Rice Christine Shields Markoski
Age: 35 Age: 39
Current Residence: Denver Current Residence: Merrick, N.Y.
Occupation: Medical Marijuana Dispenser Occupation: Teacher
Semhar Tadesse Rick Nelson
Age: 24 Age: 51
Current Residence: Los Angeles Current Residence: Aurora, Utah
Occupation: Spoken Word Artist Occupation: Rancher
Keith Tollefson Stacey Powell
Age: 26 Age: 44
Current Residence: Edina, Minn. Current Residence: Dallas
Occupation: Water Treatment Tech Occupation: Mortician
Elyse Umemoto Mikayla Wingle
Age: 27 Age: 22
Current Residence: Las Vegas Current Residence: Tampa, Fla.
Occupation: Dance Team Manager Occupation: Lingerie Football Player
16 castaways announced for “Survivor: South Pacific”
"Survivor: South Pacific" castaways - CBS Photo
16 of 18 castaways who will be competing against each other on “Survivor: South Pacific” have been announced today in a news release.
Two of the 18 castaways, who are former castaways returning to seek redemption, will be revealed later this week.
“Survivor: South Pacific” has a 90-minute debut at 7 p.m. Sept. 14 on CBS.
The 18 castaways will be divided into two Tribes of nine; the Savaii Tribe and the Upolu Tribe, named after the two islands of Samoa, with the “Redemption Island” twist returning, in which castaways who have been eliminated from the game receive an opportunity to return for a chance to win the million dollar prize.
When a castaway is voted off each week at Tribal Council, they will be sent to live alone on Redemption Island and, to be able to stay in the game, will need to compete in a duel against the next person eliminated at Tribal Council.
The winner of each duel earns the right to continue fighting for a chance to return to the game and the opportunity to compete for the title of Sole Survivor; and the loser is sent home.
“Survivor: South Pacific” is hosted by Jeff Probst and is produced by SEG, Inc., with Mark Burnett, Jeff Probst and David Burris serving as executive producers and Leisa Francis serving as co-executive producer.
Castaways competing on “Survivor: South Pacific” in alphabetic order, and according to information provided by CBS, are:
SAVAII: UPOLU:
Mark Caruso Sophie Clarke
Age: 48 Age: 22
Current Residence: Forest Hills, N.Y. Current Residence: Willsboro, N.Y.
Occupation: Retired NYPD Detective Occupation: Medical Student
John Cochran Albert Destrade
Age: 24 Age: 26
Current Residence: Washington D.C. Current Residence: Plantation, Fla.
Occupation: Harvard Law Student Occupation: Baseball/Dating Coach
Whitney Duncan Brandon Hantz
Age: 27 Age: 19
Current Residence: Nashville, Tenn. Current Residence: Katy, Texas
Occupation: Country Music Singer Occupation: Oil Tanker Crewman
Dawn Meehan Edna Ma
Age: 41 Age: 35
Current Residence: South Jordan, Utah Current Residence: Los Angeles
Occupation: English Professor Occupation: Anesthesiologist
Jim Rice Christine Shields Markoski
Age: 35 Age: 39
Current Residence: Denver Current Residence: Merrick, N.Y.
Occupation: Medical Marijuana Dispenser Occupation: Teacher
Semhar Tadesse Rick Nelson
Age: 24 Age: 51
Current Residence: Los Angeles Current Residence: Aurora, Utah
Occupation: Spoken Word Artist Occupation: Rancher
Keith Tollefson Stacey Powell
Age: 26 Age: 44
Current Residence: Edina, Minn. Current Residence: Dallas
Occupation: Water Treatment Tech Occupation: Mortician
Elyse Umemoto Mikayla Wingle
Age: 27 Age: 22
Current Residence: Las Vegas Current Residence: Tampa, Fla.
Occupation: Dance Team Manager Occupation: Lingerie Football Player
Former Castaway (TBA) Former Castaway (TBA)
Age: ?? Age: ??
Current Residence: ?? Current Residence: ??
Occupation: ?? Occupation: ??
To meet the castaways, click here.
Attention “Hawaii Five-O” fans, CBS has a contest for you
From left, Alex O'Loughlin and Daniel Dae Kim of "Hawaii Five-0" - CBS Photo
CBS has announced an Ultimate Hawaii Five-0 fan contest in which five winners will become social media ambassadors for “Hawaii Five-0″ and win a trip to Hawaii, according to a news release.
Registration began July 26, and the contest begins Aug. 3.
Go to www.cbs.com/shows/hawaii_five_0/ultimate_fan/ to register and follow these steps, provided by the network:
1. Upload a picture of yourself in a Hawaiian t-shirt or outfit
2. Upload a video of yourself performing the HAWAII FIVE-0 theme song
3. “Like” HAWAII FIVE-0 on Facebook by clicking on it on CBS.com
4. Download a HAWAII FIVE-0 twitter avatar for your twitter account
5. Participate in and share video trivia from HAWAII FIVE-0 via social media
Five grand prize winners will be chosen as “Hawaii Five-0″ Social Ambassadors and will get to share their Hawaiian trip with their followers and friends.
They will also be able to attend the exclusive premiere party and screening of the second season premiere of “Hawaii Five-0″ on the island of Oahu; visit the “Five-0″ set; receive an advance copy of the Season 1 DVD, as well as $500 for expenses, and much more.
In addition, winners will receive three nights deluxe accomodations at the Hilton Hawaiian Village and round-trip tickets to Oahu, courtesy of the Oahu Visitors Bureau.
*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. The contest is open to legal U.S. residents at least 18 or age of majority, whichever is older, at time of entry, with the contest ending Aug. 19, 2011. Void where prohibited by law. To see full rules, visit www.cbs.com/shows/hawaii_five_0/ultimate_fan/.
For the latest information on “Hawaii Five-0,” go to www.cbs.com/HawaiiFive0.
Carrie Underwood and Tony Bennett to perform on the second season premiere of “Blue Bloods”
Carrie Underwood - AP Photo
Checotah native Carrie Underwood will be joining fellow multiple Grammy Award-winning singer Tony Bennett on the second season premiere of the CBS drama “Blue Bloods” at 9 p.m. Sept. 23.
Underwood and Bennett will portray themselves when they perform at a fundraiser that Frank Reagan (Tom Selleck) and Erin Reagan-Boyle (Bridget Moynahan) are attending for the newly appointed mayor, according to a news release.
The vocalists greet the Reagans before singing a duet of “It Had To Be You.”
Originally, the pair collaborated on this song for Bennett’s new album, Duets II, due out on Sept. 20.
To view a clip of the album video, click here.
Tony Bennett - AP Photo
CBS and Parade team up to find the network’s biggest fan
Simon Baker and Robin Tunney in a scene from "The Mentalist." - CBS Photo
Are you a major fan of CBS television shows?
If so, CBS and Parade magazine have a contest for you.
Entrants need to post a photo or video and essay explaining why they should be considered CBS’s “Über Insider,” according to a news release.
The winner will get to travel to Los Angeles to go behind-the-scenes at a CBS show, have the chance to become a PARADE.com editor and blog about all things CBS, and receive $1,000 in spending money.
For more information and/or to enter this contest, go to www.parade.com/cbs or www.facebook.com/parademag.
From left, "Rules of Engagement's" Bianca Kajlich, Oliver Hudson, Patrick Warburton and Megyn Price - CBS Photo
CBS announces 2011-12 fall premiere lineup
James Caviezel of the new series "Person of Interest" - CBS Photo
CBS has provided the schedule below for its 2011-12 fall season premieres:
Wednesday, Sept. 14
7 p.m. “Survivor: South Pacific”
Monday, Sept. 19
7 p.m. “How I Met Your Mother”
7:30 p.m. “How I Met Your Mother” (second episode)
8 p.m. “Two and a Half Men”
8:30 p.m. “2 Broke Girls”
9 p.m. “Hawaii Five-0″
Tuesday, Sept. 20
7 p.m. “NCIS”
8 p.m. “NCIS: Los Angeles
9 p.m. “Unforgettable”
Wednesday, Sept. 21
8 p.m. “Criminal Minds”
9 p.m. “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”
Thursday, Sept. 22
7 p.m. “The Big Bang Theory”
7:30 p.m. “The Big Bang Theory” (second episode)
8 p.m. “Person of Interest”
9 p.m. “The Mentalist”
Friday, Sept. 23
7 p.m. “A Gifted Man”
8 p.m. “CSI: NY”
9 p.m. “Blue Bloods”
Saturday, Sept. 24
7 p.m. “Rules of Engagement”
7:30 p.m. “Comedytime Saturday”
8 p.m. “Crimetime Saturday”
9 p.m. “48 Hours Mystery”
Sunday, Sept. 25
6 p.m. “60 Minutes”
7 p.m. “The Amazing Race”
8 p.m. “The Good Wife”
9 p.m. “CSI: Miami”
Monday, Sept. 26
7:30 p.m. “2 Broke Girls” (time period premiere)
8:30 p.m. “Mike & Molly”
Thursday, Sept. 29
7:30 p.m. “How to Be a Gentleman”
Julianna Margulies and Josh Charles of "The Good Wife" - CBS Photo
“Hawaii Five-O”: Terry O’Quinn joins cast
Terry O'Quinn at the 2007 Emmy Awards - AP Photo
Emmy Award-winning actor Terry O’Quinn is set to join the cast of “Hawaii Five-0″ in a recurring role for the series’ second season, which premieres in September on CBS, according to a news release.
His character, a Navy Seal Lt. Commander who trained McGarrett (Alex O’Loughlin) in Coronado and served with his father in Vietnam, will debut in the season’s first episode.
He’s also a man with secrets, possessing some of the answers to the mysteries involving the murder of McGarrett’s parents.
This casting of O’Quinn reunites him with his fellow former “Lost” castmate Daniel Dae Kim, who co-stars on the classic series reboot with O’Loughlin, Scott Caan and Grace Park.
From left, Grace Park, Daniel Dae Kim, Scott Caan and Alex O'Loughlin of "Hawaii Five-0" - CBS Photo
“The Amazing Race” to make 20th journey
Oklahoma brothers Jet and Cord McCoy on last season's "The Amazing Race" - CBS Photo
CBS has renewed its seven-time Emmy Award-winning reality series “The Amazing Race,” for a 20th season, according to a news release.
“The Amazing Race” ended its 18th segment, “Unfinished Business,” on May 8, which featured former fan favorites, including Oklahoma cowboys Jet and Cord McCoy, returning for a second chance to go after the one million dollar prize.
Sisters LaKisha Hoffman and Jennifer Hoffman narrowly beat Herb Lang and Nate Lofton of the Harlem Globetrotters to win the race during the season finale.
The 19th installment of the show, hosted by Phil Keoghan, is scheduled to air this fall at 7 p.m. Sundays on CBS, with the 20th season slated for broadcast in spring 2012.
U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn among CBS town hall speakers
U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn - The Oklahoman Photo by Jim Beckel
CBS News will present a special town hall on the economy with Republican leaders hosted by CBS News’ “Face the Nation” anchor Bob Schieffer and “The Early Show” co-anchor Erica Hill.
The town hall, conducted before a live audience at the Newseum in Washington, D.C., on June 13, is scheduled to air during the 7 to 8 a.m. hour of “The Early Show” on June 14, according to a news release.
Senators Tom Coburn of Oklahoma and Jeff Sessions of Alabama, along with Representatives Paul Ryan of Wisconsin and Allen West of Florida and Gov. Nikki Haley of South Carolina, will address economic issues with Rebecca Jarvis, CBS News Business and Economics Correspondent, facilitating questions from a nationwide online audience through a special partnership with YouTube.
Excerpts from the June 13 event will also be broadcast later that evening at 5:30 p.m. on the CBC Evening News with Scott Pelley.
The CBS News polling division will be helping CBS News journalists assemble and solicit questions from the audience at the Newseum; although anyone with access to YouTube will be able to ask questions and interact live during the event as well.
The complete unedited event will be streamed on www.YouTube.com/cbsnews and on www.cbsnews.com.
