It's Predictable, but Lie to Me Is a Charmer

Network decides Tim Roth trumps president in sweeps programming

(NEWSER) - Fox is passing on President Obama's news conference tomorrow night in favor of a new episode of Tim Roth’s drama Lie to Me, reports the Los Angeles Times. The president's requests for airtime—tomorrow makes four in under 100 days—have caused some griping among networks worried about their bottom lines, although Fox is the first to tell the administration "No, we can't." More»

(NEWSER) - After months of speculation, ABC insiders say that season five of Lost will premiere on ABC January 21, with an hour-long refresher and two new episodes, Entertainment Weekly reports. The 3-hour special will air on a Wednesday, setting up Lost to compete with American Idol on Fox. But regular episodes will likely air at 9 pm, skirting Idol and instead going up against a new Fox show, Lie to Me. More»

This is last season for popular TV series starring Hugh Laurie

(NEWSER) - Cynical, manipulative, pill-popping genius doctor Gregory House is pulling down his shingle. The popular, critically acclaimed TV series House won't be back next season. “The producers have always imagined House as an enigmatic creature; he should never be the last one to leave the party," said a statement from the show's creators. "How much better to disappear before the music stops, while there is still some promise and mystique in the air.” A major contributing factor was the increasing cost of the TV series while Fox was looking to save money. Most of the cast and the producers would have required new contracts to continue into a ninth season, notes the New York Times. More»

Some producers agree to pay cuts; no word yet from actors

(NEWSER) - Don't say sayonara to the Simpsons just yet: Sources say several top-level producers will take pay cuts in order to keep the show on the air. Not all of the producers are on board, and cast members have not yet agreed to any terms. Variety notes that any money saved from a producer pay cut likely does not come close to the amount that would be saved if the actors agreed to the 45% reduction demand. But, as Entertainment Weekly points out, all sides believe something will be worked out, because no one wants to see the 23-season-long series end without a real finale. A final decision is expected tomorrow. More»

Network wants voice actors to take 45% pay cut

(NEWSER) - Has Moe polished his last glass? Has Homer slammed his last Duff’s? Has Krusty made his last small child cry? It’s all possible. Fox is threatening to pull the plug on history’s longest-running sitcom after the current season—its 23rd—if its core voice actors won’t accept a whopping 45% paycut, sources tell the Daily Beast . The cast had offered to take a 30% cut in exchange for some of the show’s massive backend profits, but Fox demurred. More»