TV Bits: ‘Game Of Thrones’, ‘Arrested Development’, ‘The Walking Dead’, ‘Animal Practice’, Louis C.K., Brendan Fraser, Andy Samberg, Craig Robinson, And More
There’s a lot of new stuff to get through in today’s TV Bits, so let’s get right to it. After the jump:
If you already have Dish Network, you’re probably up on this first bit of news already. But in case you weren’t tuned in Sunday night: AMC Networks and Dish Network have finally settled their settled their dispute, which centered on a legal battle over now-defunct AMC subsidiary Voom. All AMC Networks channels — including flagship AMC, IFC, the Sundance Channel, and We TV have resumed airing on Dish. [EW]
These days, it’s tough to imagine AMC withoutThe Walking Dead. But way back before the show landed on the channel, HBO and NBC were apparently eyeing the project. The reason neither of them got it? Both networks were interested on the condition that the show tone down the violence. ProducerGale Ann Hurdrefused, according to exec producerGreg Nicotero, and the show eventually landed at AMC.
It’s a little surprising that HBO would have objected toThe Walking Dead’s gore, seeing as HBO shows likeGame of Thronesdon’t exactly skimp on the violence. It’s even weirder to think of a scrubbed-down broadcast version of the show that would’ve been on NBC. [Screen Crush]
Once the wave of series premieres passes, the wave of cancellations is never far behind. One of the first victims of the new season is NBC’sAnimal Practice, starringWeeds’Justin Kirkand Crystal the monkey fromThe Hangover Part II. Season 2 ofWhitneywill take overAnimal Practice’s old timeslot startingNovember 14. [Screen Crush]
On a happier note for NBC,Saturday Night Livehas just landed one hell of a host.Louis C.K.will make his SNL hosting debut onNovember 3, with musical guestfun.No, that doesn’t make up for the fact thatLouieisn’t returning until 2014, but it’s better than no C.K. at all, right? [THR]
Two directors with recent movie hits are alighting upon the small screen for two upcoming pilots.Pierre Morel, director of the firstTaken, is headed to NBC for the drama pilotAfter Hours. The ensemble series, from writer/producersGabe SachsandJeff Judah, centers around a group of Army doctors who work the night shift together at a San Antonio hospital.
AndJason Moore, whosePitch Perfectis currently in theaters, has signed on to direct ABC’sTrophy Wife. The single-camera comedy fromEmily HalpernandSarah Haskinsfollows a former party girl who falls into a relationship with a guy who has two horrible ex-wifes and three bratty kids. [Deadline]
Continuing on the topic of upcoming pilots:Brendan Fraserhas landed his first regular series gig in TNT’sLegends, based on the novel byRobert Littell. Fraser would play a deep-cover operative who dons different personas for each assignment. Doesn’t sound like the type of role we usually see him in, but maybe that’s a good thing. [Deadline]
Andy Sambergis the latest comedic talent to ditch NBC for Fox. TheSaturday Night Livevet has booked the lead in an untitled comedy byParks & Recreation’sMike SchurandDan Goor. Samberg’s character will be one of an eclectic group of detectives serving at “the very edge of New York City.” [Deadline]
Meanwhile,The Office’sCraig Robinson(Daryl) is one NBC star who’s actually sticking with the Peacock. The actor will re-team withThe OfficecreatorGreg Danielsfor an untitled comedy about a musician (Robinson) who becomes a middle school music teacher. Once there, he must grapple with weird office politics and sexy single moms. [Deadline]
In the latest bit of “Guess who’s returning toArrested Development” news,Carl Weathersis preparing to get his stew on with another guest-starring stint on the comedy series.Judy Greer,Mae Whitman,Liza Minelli,Henry Winkler,Scott Baio, andJeff Garlinare among the other former Bluth pals set to come back. [Vulture]
Speaking of Bluth pals: Even within the cult ofArrested Development, it’ll be tough to find bigger fans thanNeil LiebermanandJeff Smith. The pair set out in 2007 to create a documentary about the beloved series, complete with interviews with cast, crew, and fans. Watch a trailer below:
The documentary has yet to announce a release date, but keep an eye on theirofficial sitefor updates. [Screen Crush]
The Mother of Dragons won’t return to our screens for another several months, butEmilia Clarkeis already back in costume shooting new scenes for Season 3. Get a glimpse below of Clarke and others on the Morocco set, which stands in for Qarth — though these photos give us reason to believe that some of King’s Landing will be shot there as well.Be warned that some spoilers follow.
The new photos include our first looks atNathalie Emmanuel, who plays Missandei, andDan Hildebrand, who plays Kraznys.Ian McElhinney(Ser Barristan Selmy),Iain Glen(Ser Jorah Mormont), andIan Beattie(Ser Meryn Trant) can also be seen.
