“Royal Pains” returns to give viewers another dose of summertime entertainment
Mark Feuerstein of "Royal Pains" - USA Network Photo
The Hamptons’ favorite concierge doctor Hank Lawson (Mark Feuerstein) is back on call when the third season of “Royal Pains” premieres on a new night at 8 p.m. Wednesday on the USA network.
The episode begins with Hank and his brother/Hank Med CEO Evan (Paulo Costanzo) and physician’s assistant Divya (Reshma Shetty) coming to the aid of the victims of a jitney accident.
And on the personal front, Hank gets an ominous postcard from on again/off again girlfriend Jill (Jill Casey) who’s in Uruguay; Evan worries about his relationship with Paige (Brooke D’Orsay), who keeps postponing her return home; and Divya tries to restore her relationship with her parents after calling off the wedding they had arranged for her at the last minute.
Feuerstein continues to charm as Hank, a doctor whose bedside manner is equal to his great resourcefulness at healing patients; Costanzo is still adding just the right amount of humor; and Shetty proceeds to contribute a little spice with the portrayal of her intriguing character to this prescription for an entertaining summer television diversion.
– Melissa Hayer
mhayer@opubco.com
“Covert Affairs” back for more adventure Tuesday
Piper Perabo and Christopher Gorham of "Covert Affairs" - USA Network Photo
Get ready for more adventure as spy drama “Covert Affairs” returns for its second season at 9 p.m. Tuesday on USA.
Annie Walker (Piper Perabo), a CIA operative whose exceptional linguistic skills make her invaluable to the agency in global missions, continues to try and blend her top secret career with her “normal” everyday life, in which she lives in her sister’s guest house under the cover of working for the Smithsonian Museum.
As the second season opens, Annie has returned from a mission in Sri Lanka and is given the new assignment of being a handler for a professional tennis player from Estonia who is a long-term CIA asset.
Annie’s love Ben Mercer (Eion Bailey) is also featured, but will he remain in Annie’s life – you’ll have to tune in to find out.
Their romance has been a fascinating plot line in a show about intrigue, as has her relationship with ally Auggie Anderson (Christopher Gorham),, a former CIA special operative who was blinded during a mission and is now heading up the tech ops department with the Domestic Protection Division (DPD).
Perabo has great chemistry with both Bailey and Gorham, and the action scenes in this series are always entertaining.
I give Gorham special praise for his performance as Auggie – his portrayal of a blind character is exceptional.
The supporting cast, which includes Peter Gallagher, Kari Matchett, Sendhil Ramamurthy and Anne Dudek, is good as well.
“Covert Affairs” is a fun component in the summer TV lineup.
– Melissa Hayer
mhayer@opubco.com
“White Collar,” “Covert Affairs,” “Burn Notice” and Royal Pains” included in USA Network’s summer lineup
Matt Bomer of "White Collar" - USA Network Photo by Eric Ogden
USA Network has six original series on its schedule for this summer, including “White Collar” and “Covert Affairs,” which return June 7, according to a news release.
“White Collar,” centered on the unlikely partnership between a con artist (Matt Bomer) and an FBI agent (Tim DeKay) and beginning its third season, airs at 8 p.m.; with “Covert Affairs,” featuring CIA operative Annie Walker (Piper Perabo), airing at 9 p.m. on that date.
“Covert Affairs” will be starting its second season.
The fifth season of “Burn Notice,” starring Jeffrey Donovan as blacklisted spy Michael Westen, premieres at 8 p.m. June 23.
The premise of the new series “Suits” involves one of Manhattan’s top corporate lawyers (Gabriel Macht) setting out to recruit a new savvy associate and employing the only candidate who impresses him (Patrick J. Adams), an intelligent, but unmotivated college dropout.
“Suits” debuts at 9 p.m. June 23.
“Royal Pains,” which focuses on concierge doctor Hank Lawson (Mark Feuerstein) begins its third season at 8 p.m. June 29.
A second new series, “Necessary Roughness,” is centered on a Long Island divorcee (Callie Thorne) who gets a job as a therapist for a professional football team, which results in so much success that she becomes a sought-after therapist for various high-profile clients.
“Necessary Roughness” is scheduled to premiere in June.
Christopher Gorham and Piper Perabo of "Covert Affairs" - USA Network Photo by Christos Kalohoridis
Mark Harmon to headline USA Network original movie based on “Prey” novel
Mark Harmon - AP Photo
USA Network has acquired the rights to make a two-hour movie based on the series of “Prey” novels written by John Sandford.
Mark Harmon will star, as well as executive produce along with Michael Jaffe and Howard Braunstein of Jaffe-Braunstein Films, according to a news release.
While there are over 20 books in the “Prey” series, the movie is based on the 10th novel, “Certain Prey,” which centers on Minneapolis Deputy Police Chief Lucas Davenport being pitted against both a hit woman and a killer who are after him
Chris Gerolmo adapted the script from the book.
The movie is scheduled to start production in May.
Jeffrey Donovan to direct “Burn Notice” prequel movie
Jeffrey Donovan of "Burn Notice" - USA Network Photo by Nigel Parry
Jeffrey Donovan is set to direct an upcoming two-hour “Burn Notice” movie starring Bruce Campbell and scheduled to premiere on the USA Network in spring 2011.
Filming begins in January on location in Bogota, Columbia.
The prequel, set in late 2005, begins after a Columbian rebel faction makes trouble for the locally stationed military platoon, leading Lieutenant Commander Sam Axe (Campbell) to be sent down to advise.
Sam begins to uncover the dark secrets of the area as the mission unfolds, and learns the truth about sacrifice, deception and ultimately what’s worth fighting for, according to a news release.
“Burn Notice” creator Matt Nix serves as writer and executive producer.
Donovan and Campbell are also executive producers on the Fox Television Studios project along with Mikkel Bondesen.
The season four finale of the “Burn Notice” series, starring Donovan as a blacklisted spy, airs at 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, on USA.
USA Network greenlights 3 pilots
USA Network has given cast-contingent green lights to pilots “Eden,” “Wild Card,” and “Over/Under.”
The network has ordered six pilots in 2010, it’s largest order ever in one year, according to a USA Network news release.
“Eden” centers on a young hotel worker who, with the assistance of his escaped con artist cousin Eddie, gets a job as the concierge at an elite New York City hotel. The pair manages to provide the hotel guests whatever they desire, at whatever the cost.
“Wild Card” is billed as a witty procedural involving two very different lawyers handling the type of problems that happen after the sun goes down and need to be solved before the sun comes up in Las Vegas.
“Over/Under” deals with a day trader who has an enormous gambling problem and is fired from his job six months after a bad trade costs his firm millions. Shut out of the job market, he and his photographer wife retreat to a neighborhood on the cusp of gentrification. After finding an unlikely partner, he starts to turn his life around in an unexpected way.
These shows join recently greenlit pilots “Common Law,” “Necessary Roughness” and “A Legal Mind.”
“Common Law” stars Michael Ealy and its plot consists of couples therapy working wonders for two cops who just can’t get along
“Necessary Roughness” is listed as the true story of a newly single psychologist tackling motherhood and her life as a pro football team’s shrink.
Callie Thorne stars, with Marc Blucas, Scott Cohen and Mehcad Brooks also among the cast.
“A Legal Mind” focuses on a legal sharpshooter who recruits a brilliant young rainmaker – who doesn’t have a law degree and is a bit of an outlaw.
Its cast includes Gabriel Macht, Patrick J. Adams, Rick Hoffman, Meghan Markle and Gina Torres.
New USA Network series “Fairly Legal” to premiere in January along with return of “Royal Pains” and “White Collar”
USA Network has announced its new series “Fairly Legal” will be joining returning shows “Royal Pains” and White Collar” in January.
“Fairly Legal” features Sarah Shahi as Kate Reed, a top attorney frustrated with the endless bureaucracy and injustices of the judicial system who makes a career change and becomes a mediator, according to a news release.
Using her knowledge, experience and whatever-it-takes approach to resolving conflict, Kate finds the middle ground for a wide variety of adversaries, including Fortune 500 companies and those involved in bitter divorces.
After her father’s sudden death, she finds herself at odds with her stepmother, her new boss and possibly rekindling her relationship with her soon-to-be ex-husband Justin Patrick (Michael Trucco), who is a star in the DA’s office.
“Fairly Legal” will premiere Jan. 20 at 9 p.m., preceeded by the return of “Royal Pains” at 8 p.m.
“Royal Pains” centers on Hamptons concierge doctor Hank Lawson (Mark Feuerstein).and his brother and HankMed CFO Evan (Paulo Costanzo).
“White Collar” will return Jan. 18 at 9 p.m.
“White Collar” stars Matt Bomer as con artist Neal Caffrey. Caffrey assists FBI agent Peter Burke (Tim DeKay) in putting away criminals.
“Royal Pains” and “Burn Notice” returning to USA Network lineup June 3
Mark Feuerstein of "Royal Pains" - USA Network Photo
Summer television hits “Royal Pains” and “Burn Notice” will be returning to the USA Network schedule June 3.
“Royal Pains” will air at 8 p.m. and “Burn Notice” at 9 p.m., according to a press release.
“Royal Pains” features Mark Feuerstein as Hank Lawson, a concierge doctor to the rich in the Hamptons. Lawson also treats the town’s less fortunate as well as trying to keep his brother, Evan Lawson (Paulo Costanzo) out of trouble. Henry Winkler joins the cast this season as Hank and Evan’s father, Eddie Lawson.
“Burn Notice” stars Jeffrey Donovan as Michael Westen, as a blacklisted spy stranded in Miami. The series co-stars Gabrielle Anwar as Fiona Glenanne, an undercover agent, and a new character will be added this season, counterintelligence expert Jesse Garcia (Coby Bell).
Jeffrey Donovan of "Burn Notice" - USA Network Photo
Happy Birthday, Dulé Hill
May 3, 2010 – Karim Dulé Hill, who plays Burton “Gus” Guster on “Psych” (Seson 5 will premiere in July on USA Network), turns 35 today.
He played Charlie Young on “The West Wing” (1999-2006).
His first acting role was as Robert E. Lee in the 1988 movie “Good Old Boy: A Delta Boyhood.” He was 11.
Best wishes to Dulé and everybody who shares this special day with him.
–Penny TV
Pictured at right: Dule Hill, of USA cable channel’s “Psych” series, is interviewed on the NBC “Today” television program in New York Friday Jan. 11, 2008.(AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Top 30 Guest Stars on TV Shows airing April 18-24, 2010
Friday is when The Oklahoman posts a
list of the top guest stars (and all the premieres and finales, see separate blog) appearing on TV next week.
And here are 30 (or more) celebrities making special TV appearances the week of April 18.
If a well-known personality was missed, feel free to add his or her name in the comments section to help make this list a complete and accurate source for TV watchers everywhere.
NOTE: Times are CST (for EST, add one hour)
GUEST STARS
••Trace Adkins (“Lifted”) on “Celebrity Apprentice,” 8 p.m. Sunday on NBC.
••Elizabeth Banks (“Scrubs”) on “30 Rock,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••John Barrowman (“Torchwood”) on “Desperate Housewives,” 8 p.m. Sunday on ABC.
••Gil Bellows (“Ally McBeal”) on “Smallville,” 7 p.m. Friday on CW.
••Adam Carolla (“The Man Show”) on “The Marriage Ref,” 9 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Beverly D’Angelo (“Entourage”) on “Cougar Town,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.
••Snoop Dogg (“Falling Up”) on “Fly Girls,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CW.
••Minnie Driver (“The Riches”) on “Modern Family,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.
••Aujanue Ellis (“True Blood”) on “The Mentalist,” 9 p.m. Thursday on CBS.
••Gloria Estefan (“Music of the Heart”) on “The Marriage Ref,” 9 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Jonathan Groff (“One Life to Live”) on “Glee,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on Fox.
••Mamie Gummer (“John Adams”) on “The Good Wife,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••C. Thomas Howell (“Southland”) on “Criminal Minds,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Spencer Locke (“Resident Evil”) on “The Vampire Diaries,” 7 p.m. Thursday on CW.
••Louise Lombard (“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”) on “Miami Medical,” 9 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Chad Lowe (“Life Goes On”) on “Ghost Whisperer,” 7 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Mary Stuart Masterson (“Kate Brasher”) on “Mercy,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on NBC.
••Idina Menzel (“Wicked”) on “Glee,” 8 p.m. Tuesday on Fox.
••Julianne Moore (“Eagle Eye”) on “30 Rock,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Rosie Perez (“Lipstick Jungle”) on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on NBC.
••Whitney Port (“The City”) on “American’s Next Top Model,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on CW.
••Gabrielle Reece (“Gattaca”) on “The Biggest Loser,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on NBC.
••Joe Regalbuto (“Murphy Brown”) on “NCIS,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Eddy Rioseco (“Related”) on “Parenthood,” 9 p.m. Tuesday on NBC.
••Cristine Rose (“Heroes”) on “How I Met Your Mother,” 7 p.m. Monday on CBS.
••Susan Sarandon (“You Don’t Know Jack”) on “Who Do You Think You Are?” 7 p.m. Friday on NBC.
••Pablo Schreiber (“The Wire”) on “Medium,” 8 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Martha Stewart (“The Martha Stewart Show”) on “The Emeril Lagasse Show,” 7 p.m. Sunday on ION.
••D.B. Sweeney (“Jericho”) on “Criminal Minds,” 8 p.m. Wednesday on CBS.
••Joe Torre (Los Angeles Dodgers manager) on “Castle,” 9 p.m. Saturday on ABC.
••Donald Trump (“Celebrity Apprentice”) on “The Marriage Ref,” 9 p.m. Thursday on NBC.
••Alexa Vega (“Ruby & the Rockits”) on “The Middle,” 7 p.m. Wednesday on ABC.
••Cynthia Watros (“Lost”) on “House,” 7 p.m. Monday on Fox.
••Ralph Waite (“The Waltons”) on “NCIS,” 7 p.m. Tuesday on CBS.
••Danny Weaver (“Greek”) on “Ghost Whisperer,” 7 p.m. Friday on CBS.
••Steven Weber (“Happy Town”) on “In Plain Sight,” 9 p.m. Wednesday on USA Network.
••Michael Kenneth Williams (“The Wire”) on “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” 8 p.m. Thursday on CBS.
••Michelle Williams (formerly of Destiny’s Child) on “The Emeril Lagasse Show,” 7 p.m. Sunday on ION.
••Xzibit (“The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call — New Orleans”) on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” 7 p.m. Sunday on ABC.
Pictured above: WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? — “Susan Sarandon” — Pictured: Susan Sarandon — Photo by: Nicole Rivelli/NBC
