One of the first sitcoms I latched onto as a kid was “Night Court.” Yes, there was a lot of broad, bawdy humor that was probably not age-appropriate when I first discovered the NBC show in syndication on Fox, but I wasn’t the only one laughing hardest at the debaucherous Dan Fielding, played by brilliant five-time Emmy winner John Larroquette.

Larroquette would go on to star in his darker, self-titled NBC sitcom for 84 episodes, and continue to make a name for himself on other series—including recurring role on ABC’s “Boston Public” that scored him one of his Emmys—but there’s an entire generation of viewers who may not have had the chance to appreciate his dry delivery before last night’s episode of “Chuck.”

Let’s face it: “Chuck,” while struggling to collect, maintain and build an audience, was already a helluva show before Larroquette agreed to do a one-episode cameo. But last night’s main storyline might have been among the three best the series has showcased to this point. As superspy Roan Montgomery, Larroquette was one of the reasons why this edition was particularly hilarious, engaging and fun all the way around. They’d be smart to bring him back.

Even fans of “The OC,” which was the brainchild of “Chuck” creator Josh Schwartz, had to have been elated to see Melinda Clarke play a rogue KGB agent.

The only weak parts of this episode were the subplots: Ellie’s demands for more romance from Awesome, just felt contrived. And Lester’s losing control of the Buy More staff felt more reaching than funny. Does the Buy More really need a true bad guy? I thought that was why the show got rid of Harry Tang, played by C.S. Lee. (I’m still sad about Lee’s departure, but not sad to see his unlikable character go.) Lester’s more fun—obviously—when he, Jeff and Morgan are just being slackers. But before I complain too much, I should remember that there’s an arc building here to allow for the arrival of Tony Hale’s shape-up-or-ship-out character, coming soon!

I’ve been swamped of late, so I’ll recap some of my favorite parts of “Chuck vs. The Seduction” later today or tomorrow. Thanks in advance for your patience.

In the meantime, what did you think of “Chuck vs. The Seduction”? And what did you think of the subplots? Post your thoughts below.

(Photo by Adam Taylor, courtesy of NBC/Universal.)

Get your mind out of the gutter. If you saw the end of last night’s premiere episode of “Chuck” you know exactly what I’m talking about.

Not that the beginning was anything short of dramatic, either. “Before you do anything rash, I think you should know that I have the cipher,” sputters Chuck as he’s dangled by his ankles high above a busy street by Michael Clarke Duncan’s baddie character, Colt.

So begins Season 2, which, with any justice will begin to amass the ratings needed to sustain another few seasons with some stiff competition (“Dancing with The Stars,” “Gossip Girl” and “How I Met Your Mother”). Insert “Chuck vs. The Nielsens” joke here.

The “Chuck vs. The First Date” synopsis and analysis are ahead, so stop reading now if you’ve got the first “Chuck” ep DVR’ed and awaiting your perusal. Read more of this entry »

Although you may have watched the outstanding premiere of the NBC spy dramedy “Chuck” online legally in the past week, it makes its premiere on traditional TV (remember that?) tonight at 8 p.m. EST.

How do I know it’s outstanding? I’ve seen the first three epsiodes, thanks to the good people at The Peacock. And these episodes are as good or better than last season’s best. Just ask Entertainment Weekly guru Michael Ausiello, who also screened the first two eps and declared “Believe the hype.”

And the ratings-challenged show doesn’t just need you; you need it. The first scene after the opening credits of “Chuck vs. The First Date” prompted three laugh-out-loud moments within mere minutes. It’s accessible to new viewers, loyal to devout ones and has no shortage of Awesome, Captain or otherwise.

Speaking of opening credits and Awesome, kudos to the show for incorporating more regular characters into the intro, including Ryan McPartlin (Captain Awesome), Vik Sahay (Lester), Scott Krinsky (Jeff), Julia Ling (Anna) and Mark Christopher Lawrence (Big Mike).

Keep an ear out for an amazing nod to one of the best songs to be featured on “Flight of the Conchords” this season when Sarah Walker’s new cover job is revealed, and an eye out for an excellent twist at the end of the episode.

Cameo alert: Michael Clarke Duncan (“The Green Mile”) is in the first episode, followed by John Larroquette (“Night Court”) in the second. Beyond the third episode, look out for Gary Cole, who was cast as Walker’s dad. Good times.

(Photo courtesy of NBC/Universal.)

Knowing I’d get one or maaaybe two questions to ask “Chuck” stars Zachary Levi (Chuck, pictured right) and Joshua Gomez (Morgan, left) during Thursday’s NBC conference call, I wanted to keep the subject light and veer from the typical reporter fare.

Yes, they’re thrilled to be picked up for a full sophomore season. Yes, guest stars like Michael Clarke Duncan and John Larroquette were fun to work with. But I was looking for something a bit more of the off-camera flair.

So when opportunity came a-knockin’, I asked the happy tandem the following: Which regular cast member is most likely to laugh during a scene, and which scene from Season 1 was the most difficult to get through without laughing?

Gomez took the first part, Levi took the lead on the latter. Hear his reply—and my parting shout-out to one of Season 1’s key phrases—here:

Download:

My thanks to both NBC for the hook-up and to Levi and Gomez for taking the time to chat with—and give thoughtful, funny answers to—an enthusiastic group of reporters. I’ll hopefully have more “Chuck” updates in the coming days.

(Photo by Carin Bae courtesy of NBC/Universal.)

I’m on vacation through Tuesday, but all this exciting “Chuck” news was just too good not to post in the meantime.

First, and most important, NBC announced Thursday that “Chuck” will be picked up for a full second season! (Thanks to fellow Accessory Brian Howard for the tip.) Here’s what Teri Weinberg, an executive veep for NBC Entertainment, had to say about the pick-up:

“We couldn’t be more excited with the creative direction Josh (Schwartz) and his team are executing on ‘Chuck.’ This show has really hit its stride and deserves a full-season commitment to carry out the producers’ vision for this unique series.”

The news is particularly remarkable for a show that was not only on the renewal bubble in the spring but also hadn’t even broadcast its second season premiere, slated for Monday, Sept. 29. Kudos to NBC for realizing the show’s initial potential, but also for recognizing how it hit its stride halfway through debut season. I’m sure its cast’s strong showing and overwhelming fan response at Comic-Con this summer also made the Peacock take notice. Tack on the best stunt-casting on an active show not named “30 Rock,” and you’ve got a lot to be excited about in the year ahead. Read more of this entry »

There are many things to like about NBC’s “Chuck,” and near the top of that list is Yvonne Strahovski.

The actress known in fan circles as “Strahotski” plays Sarah Walker, who is as triumphant as an FBI agent as she is pathetic expressing her romantic feelings. On a dramedy with no shortage of eye candy, the blonde Aussie bombshell not only shows about as much skin that can allowed on prime-time network TV but also surprising dexterity as an actress. Ruthless in her treatment of international criminals, Sarah still crumbles when Chuck (or Bryce) triggers her more vulnerable emotional side.

Plus, let’s face it, people. She’s frickin’ hotter than Casey’s blown-up Crown Victoria.

Anyway, while I settle down over here, feel free to check out Strahovski’s recent interview with BuzzSugar. In it, she elaborates on her character’s geekier teenage self, raves about working with Nicole Richie, and chooses between her retired Weinerlicious attire and her new cover outfit.

(Photo courtesy of NBC.com.)

Chicken, egg. Egg, chicken.

I’m not sure which came first: the i09.com rough-cut of the “Chuck” segment from NBC’s fall preview special, or the decision to post the finished product on NBC.com. But if you’re like me, you saw the rough stuff first.

No matter. Here’s the official version of the two-minute recap of “Chuck” Season 2.0, courtesy of NBC.com:

And if you’re new to “Chuck”—or just want a four-minute refresher of Season 1—click here to check out the Cliff’s Notes version on Hulu, which in baffling fashion doesn’t let anyone embed the video elsewhere. Really? You don’t want potential new viewers to learn about the show unless they make a point to seek it out on Hulu? Someone overthought that idea.

Earlier this week, I wrote about “Chuck” star Zachary Levi hosting NBC’s upcoming prime-time preview special. For the special, which is supposed to be broadcast on network and Internet affiliates starting Aug. 30, he’s showing off some of the network’s new shows and teasing returning series.

With a little snooping around, I was able to track down what appears to be a leaked version of the “Chuck” segment from that special more than two weeks before it officially airs.

Scroll a little more than halfway down this page on io9.com and search for the video that appears just under the phrase “And here’s the EPK for Chuck.” While there’s not much content that hadn’t already been revealed at Comic-Con, it’s still two minutes of rough-cut excellence. Just above that Electronic Press Kit are a couple of other promo videos unseen by this blogger. Same situation; previously released content re-edited for new commercials.

That i09.com post has a bunch of videos pertaining to fall sci-fi series, including “Knight Rider,” “Heroes” and “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.” And another post from that science fiction fan site has spoilers for upcoming “Chuck” Webisodes. Perhaps the NBC powers that be were inspired by the Internet traffic generated by the Web-only mini-mini-miniseries for both “The Office” and “Heroes.”

According to io9, “The good news: Unlike the Heroes webisodes, they actually feature the regular cast of Chuck (but not Chuck himself, as far as I can tell.) The other good news: They’re actually pretty great.” Employees of Buy More—Morgan, Lester, Jeff and Casey—have been tabbed for the Webisodes, according to the site. Good times.

(Photo courtesy of NBC.com.)

In keeping with the episode title format of NBC’s “Chuck,” call this scenario “Chuck vs. the Other Networks.”

Zachary Levi, who deftly plays the dramedy’s charmingly nerdy title character, will be hosting NBC’s prime-time preview special across the network’s broadcast and online platforms from Aug. 30 to Sept. 28. And in this blogger’s humble opinion, there couldn’t be a better choice.

With the proliferation of the Internet, cable networks and other entertainment sources in recent years, it’s no secret that networks these days have a short leash for new series that struggle to find large audiences. (See ABC’s “Emily’s Reasons Why Not”… because no one else did! Hiyo!) Back when “Seinfeld” struggled to find an audience for The Peacock, networks could exhibit more patience in the hope that word of mouth would not only keep a show afloat but, in time, deliver a ratings champion. But it’s no longer the ‘90s, and networks that fail to land quick hits often pull the plug, leaving audiences disappointed by premature cancellation and more wary than ever to dedicate the time to newer series.

Which brings us back to Levi, “Chuck,” the preview special and NBC’s classy gamble. In having Levi host the show, it’s essentially dedicating a half-hour of subliminal advertising to “Chuck,” which was on the bubble as far as second-season pickups were concerned. For its fall preview special a few years ago, NBC showed similar faith in handing over hosting duties to the stars of another show on the ropes: “The Office,” which since has become a critical darling and modest success in the Nielsens. Here’s hoping “Chuck” receives the same boost.

Of course, “The NBC Primetime Preview” will do more than offer “an exclusive backstage look” at new series like “My Own Worst Enemy” (starring Christian Slater), “Kath & Kim” (Molly Shannon and Selma Blair) and “Crusoe” (Philip Winchester and Sam Neill). It’ll also show off some teasers for returning series (“The Office,” “30 Rock,” “Heroes,” “Life,” et al.).

The special’s being offered to all of NBC’s broadcast and Internet affiliates and will even be shown on “selected United Airlines flights.” Chuck’s flown a helicopter, after all, so I suppose that works.

NBC’s premiere week officially kicks off Sept. 22.

(Photo courtesy of NBC.com.)

Yesterday, I posted some second-season trailers and photos of “Chuck” and its cast members’ appearances.

And then, thanks to a reader named Suzane, I was alerted to an amazing, non-spoilery 6 1/2-minute montage of Season 2 snippets that premiered at Comic-Con and found its way to YouTube.

The video seriously has everything that “Chuck” fans love about the show: Humor, intrigue, drama, action, eye candy for all and stunt casting ahoy.

What’s lost in audio and video quality (it’s obviously a bootleg from an audience member) is gained in emotion: Hearing the rabid, devout audience’s visceral reactions to the show and its cast is inspiring. The screams for guest star John Larroquette were great, but all the “Arrested Development” fans watching went all Motherboy crazy when a new “Chuck” regular—the lovably goofy Tony Hale—hit the screen. Very good sign.

We got some more footage of Michael Clarke Duncan, and some first looks at former New York Giant Michael Strahan, Jordana Brewster as heartbreaker Jill, . I was mildly disappointed by not shocked to see that few in the Comic-Con crowd seemed to recognize Strahan, cheering instead for the first montage appearance of his sparring partner, Joshua Gomez, a.k.a. Morgan Grimes.

Seriously, though. The video is a great appetizer for the season ahead and, despite Nicole Ritchie’s guest spot, I couldn’t be more psyched about it.

And if you liked that, here’s a 45-minute(!) video from NBC.com of the “Chuck” crew at Comic-Con. I haven’t even watched it yet—and I can’t wait to do so—but I felt it was my duty to immediately post it here to pass the savings onto you.

UPDATE: There’s one expletive in this video, so I guess parental discretion is advised blah blah blah:

Check out more official “Chuck” videos here, and some fun related YouTube clips here.

(Photo and videos courtesy of NBC.com)

I was already thrilled for the second season of “Chuck,” but here are three more reasons to be excited.

First, a blind search for new “Chuck” clips on Hulu resulted in a couple of teaser trailers for the sophomore season, which launches Monday, Sept. 29 on NBC.

Within the first few seconds of the this trailer (the better one), we see cameos by Michael Clarke Duncan and John Larroquette:

Nothing really new from either actor; Duncan seems to be playing a heavy not unlike his role from “The Whole Nine Yards” and Larroquette’s deadpan, dry wit has been celebrated since he first played Dan Fielding on “Night Court.” But I like what I’ve seen so far with regard to their contributions to “Chuck.” This trailer also promises a “new mission, new danger, new action, new enemies, and new… underwear.” Part of me wants to protest the shameless shot of Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski) getting dressed with the door wide open, but most of me is asking why in my right mind I would do such a thing.

The other trailer isn’t trying so hard, resorting to a single shot of Chuck struggling to descend from a ceiling, spy-style. Its slogan, however, is trying waaaay too hard in its attempt to play off the James Bond specs for a martini:

Still, it’s “Chuck” stuff! So I’m still OK with it.

A second reason to get excited for the second season are some photos of the cast doing things. And a third reason? Remote Access’ access to a picture from the upcoming episode “Chuck vs. The Cougars.” Oh, double meaning, how I love thee. Check out all those pix after the break. Read more of this entry »

Attention “Chuck” fans: It appears we now have a face to go with the name Jill.

As you may or may not recall (hey, I assume nothing as it’s been a while), Jill is the mysterious girl who broke Chuck’s heart when they were Stanford University students. Entertainment Weekly’s Michael Ausiello is reporting that star Jordana Brewster, of “The Fast and the Furious” fame, will be playing the woman who slept with Chuck’s frenemy Bryce Larkin at Stanford and caused Mr. Bartowski’s post-collegiate downward spiral.

Here’s what “Chuck” creator Josh Schwartz told Ausiello in an exclusive:

(Jill) is basically responsible for setting his life crashing off course and landing him at the Nerd Herd. He always has imagined seeing her again, and being able to impress her with all he’s accomplished. Unfortunately, when he does meet her, he’s doing a computer install and she’s a brilliant, successful, beautiful doctor working to create antibodies to horrible diseases.

Nothing against Brewster—especially since this plot line was inevitable—but that’s the kind of storyline that would work well for a season-two cliffhanger finale or a third-season opener. I obviously have reservations, but Schwartz seems psyched about it:

It’s the juiciest arc we’ve done yet and one that ties very deeply into the mythology of the show and the character of Chuck.

Still, with likely mate Sarah (Yvonne Stra-hot-ski Strahovski) and the sandwich-making Lou (Rachel Bilson) already in the mix, does anyone else think that Jill’s arrival, rumored to take place in the second season’s sixth episode, is too soon and/or desperate? Or is it just what the ratings-hungry show needs to propel it to Nieslen glory?

I know one person who probably isn’t thrilled about it. Her name’s Natalie Martinez, who appeared in early “Chuck” promotional shots (seen here and here) and may or may not have been tabbed to play Chuck’s steady girlfriend before the pilot aired. D’oh!

(AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Hellboy and Chuck Bartowski are used to saving the world. But for all we know they could be up to saving Princess Peach in new commercials that promote the demonic hero’s movie sequel:

Thanks to TV Guide and fellow Accessory Amy Vernon for finding the longer video. For now, they’ll have to keep fans occupied until “Chuck” returns to NBC on Monday, Sept. 29.

In the meantime, it appears Michael Strahan isn’t the only guest-star to be receiving raves for a “Chuck” cameo. Hollyscoop reports that Nicole Richie, playing Sarah’s high school nemesis, “did such an amazing job … that the studio bosses are considering giving her a regular spot on the show.” Eep. I’d much prefer Strahan.

(Videos and photo courtesy of NBC/Universal.)

When I randomly ran into recent Super Bowl champion Michael Strahan last Monday, I wish I had known he had recently filmed a cameo on one of my favorite TV shows, “Chuck.”

I might have been able to get a scoop about acting from the Giants’ recently retired defensive end, whom I spotted wrapping up a conversation with someone else outside a Midtown restaurant at about 10 p.m. June 23.

I love my Giants, big-time. (18-1, baby!) So when Strahan flashed what might be the third-most famous gap-toothed smile in sports and entertainment (behind David Letterman and Madonna), I wanted to keep things cordial and brief. I approached, shook his hand and congratulated him on his retirement and outstanding Giants career. He was gracious, as I’m told he often is with fans.

But an item that appeared the next morning in The Star-Ledger indicates he was also a laugh and a half on the “Chuck” set, according to Josh Schwartz, the show’s creator and exec producer:

When the cameras rolled, Michael was really, really funny. Everyone on the set was completely blown away. Broadcasting or acting, he’s got a future.

On “Chuck,” Strahan plays Mitt, a nearby sporting goods store’s menacing manager who commandeers the Buy More lounge to play video games. According to The Star-Ledger, Morgan confronts Mitt and a comical showdown ensues. Rock!

Strahan—whose off-field TV appearances are about to be far more frequent as an analyst for Fox’s NFL pregame broadcast team—was so good on “Chuck,” Schwartz did not rule out the possibility of Mitt’s return:

After everyone saw him, they were like, ‘Well, maybe we should get Mitt back here.’

Add Strahan to the list of fun and eclectic guest-stars to appear on “Chuck” Season 2.0. “Arrested Development” alum Tony Hale’s landed a recurring role and John Larroquette (“Night Court”) and Michael Clarke Duncan (“The Green Mile”) have cameos.

Oh, and I guess Nicole Richie’s going to be on, too. Hey, look over there, is The Fonz trying to jump a great white? Entertainment Weekly has other, and equally valid, concerns.

Thanks to fellow Accessories, Brian Howard and Amy Vernon, for the heads-up on the “Chuck” fronts.

(Photo of Strahan by Mike Derer/AP; photo of Richie by Diane Bondareff/AP)

I first posted news in February that an Arrested Development movie was in the offing. (Yikes, I’m giddy just typing those words.)

Well, a few months later the idea is taking shape. The Times confirmed the news once again last week in a profile interview with Jason Bateman.

A big-screen version of Arrested Development is planned for next year. “When it was on TV, if you missed one word the whole third act could be blown for you. And TV is a different experience. You come home and you’ve got to finish a call so you miss the first ten minutes or you get snacky and you go to the fridge and you miss another two minutes, so it’s a different experience to film.”

Read more of this entry »

What do Michael Clarke Duncan (left) and John Larroquette (right) have in common besides random cameos in movies fronted by stars of “Saturday Night Live”?

Well, as you probably already know by now from reading the title of this post, the two will be making appearances on “Chuck” this fall.

As a fan of “30 Rock,” I’ll be the first person to say that stunt-casting rules when it comes to well-written shows, especially comedies.

TV Guide quotes Chuck himself, Zachary Levi, who says Duncan “plays a great bad guy” and Larroquette portrays “a spy debonair who teaches me how to seduce women.” Although Duncan, who earned an Oscar nod for his performance in “The Green Mile,” can be engaging, the prospect of Larroquette’s role sounds particularly funny—right in line with his Emmy-winning performances as the lecherous Dan Fielding on “Night Court.”

As for “Chuck” Season 2.0, Levi tells TV Guide this intriguing bit:

It’s twice the action, twice the drama and twice the romance. It’s Chuck squared. … Chuck dies, twice. It’s crazy.

Whoa! Whatever that last part means! Could Chuck, too, be getting the Bryce Larkin treatment?

Oh, and in case you were wondering about the “SNL” movie cameos, Duncan was in Will Ferrell’s “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” and Larroquette was in Bill Murray’s “Stripes.”

(Duncan: AP Photo/Stephen Chernin; Larroquette: AP Photo/Mobile Register, Mike Kittrell)

As a worshipper of quality comedies like “30 Rock” and “The Office,” I am blasphemous for never having seen a full episode of “Arrested Development.” So although it’s high on my NetFlix queue and could be viewed even sooner via Hulu, feel free to blame me for its premature demise after you’re done critiquing Fox for canceling it.

When I informed Brian Howard—my Remote Access video podcast partner and an ardent “AD” supporter—about The Hollywood Reporter’s scoop that Tony Hale joined the cast of “Chuck,” he said Hale might just have become the funniest person on an NBC sitcom he already likes.

“I think it’s amazing that that guy’s not working all the time,” Brian told me moments ago.

On “Arrested Development,” Hale played Byron “Buster” Bluth, the neurotic brother with mommy issues. If his “Chuck” character is anything like that, that kind of comedy should complement the gut-busting deadpan style of Adam Baldwin’s John Casey.

Here’s the dish on Hale’s role, according the Reporter:

Hale will play Emmett, the new assistant manager of the Buy More store where Chuck (Zachary Levi) works. An efficiency expert, he is sent in by Buy More corporate and decides to stay on when he realizes how poorly run the store is.

Hale also was in the Andy Richter vehicle “Andy Barker, P.I.,” another short-lived comedy hailed by Mr. Howard.

Hale fans will have busy Monday nights, thanks to another gig the actor just landed. He’s playing the new doctor of Christina Applegate’s character on “Samantha Who?” So after “Chuck” ends at 9 p.m. EST on NBC, viewers might just have to wait a half-hour to see Hale again on ABC.

Thanks to another fellow Accessory, Amy Vernon, for the news tip.

(AP Photo/Alex Berliner)

NBC’s fall slate is out, confirming among other things that The Office returns Sept. 25.

30 Rock doesn’t return until Oct. 30, more than a month later, to make room for prime-time, election-editions of Saturday Night Live on Oct. 9, 16 and 23.

Other highlights include Heroes’s three-hour premiere (which includes an hour-long compilation show) Sept. 22, the Oct. 9 debut of Kath & Kim (9:30 p.m. ET) and the relaunch of Knight Rider Sept. 24 (8 p.m. ET). Entertainment chief Ben Silverman unveiled the lineup today.

Chuck returns (Thankfully!) Sept. 29 (8 p.m. ET) and leads into Christian Slater’s new show, My Own Worst Enemy 10 p.m. ET).

Kath & Kim,” starring Molly Shannon and Selma Blair, replaces Scrubs —which jumped to ABC—on Thursdays. Reality hit The Biggest Loser launches with a two-hour Families edition, filling the America’s Got Talent slot on Tuesdays.

America’s Toughest Jobs jumps its Summer 2009 scheduled debut with a two-hour episode on Sept. 12 (8 p.m. ET). Check local listings. Its schedule is zany. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (10 p.m. ET) starts its 10th season Sept. 23. Read more of this entry »

Three more cast members have been selected for the 24 telemovie Season 7 prequel, according to The Hollywood Reporter:

Showtime’s Premiere of "The L-Word" Arrivals served by picapp.com • Eric Lively, late of Showtime’s L Word (and brother to Gossip Girl queen B Blake Lively) will play the president’s son. Not clear if this means the current president’s son, or son of the incoming president, played by Cherry Jones.

"The Cherry Orchard" Opening Arrivals served by picapp.com • Gil Bellows, perhaps best known for his role as Ally McBeal’s former boyfriend, “will play a State Department officer ordered to serve Bauer with a subpoena to appear before the Senate.”

AFI FEST 2007 Presented By Audi: World Premiere Of "Public Enemy" Arrivals served by picapp.com • Tony Todd, who’s familiar to Chuck fans as CIA Director Graham, “will play cruel African dictator Gen. Juma.” He’ll also appear in Season 7.

They join previously cast Robert Carlyle (who plays Jack’s mentor).

Uh oh.

TV’s new No. 1 network (sorry, CBS) announced its new lineup at yesterday’s upfronts and it’s pitting “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles” against NBC’s “Chuck.”

That’s bad news for sci-fi/action fans who like both shows and good news for ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars,” which crushes almost everything in its path, and CBS’s “How I Met Your Mother,” which often scores higher ratings than “Terminator” or “Chuck’s” 8 million some-odd viewers. Without a shift in time slot and because the fall run of “Chuck” rarely if ever conflicted with the spring run of “Terminator,” I’m guessing one of those action shows will be canceled by season’s end.

There’s interesting news for “Idol” fans, who have been abandoning the No. 1 show in droves lately. The Wednesday night results show has mercifully been reduced to a half-hour. It’s one thing to keep an audience wondering; it’s another to bore them to tears. Long overdue move there.

As for new fall shows, the network is debuting only two. “Fringe” (pictured right) is a one-hour sci-fi drama by an up-and-comer by the name of J.J. Abrams. Slated to air Tuesdays this fall before “House,” “Fringe” stars former “Mighty Ducks” trilogy/”Dawson’s Creek” star Joshua Jackson as a scientist who investigates paranormal activity with a female FBI agent.

The other fall debut is “Do Not Disturb” (formerly called “The Inn”), a half-hour Wednesday comedy starring recent “Carpoolers” star Jerry O’Connell as the general manager of a hotel and “Reno: 911’s” hilarious Niecy Nash.

Like any J.J. Abrams project (see: “Lost” and “Cloverfield”), “Fringe” has a lot of buzz. And it’s hard to frown upon anything affiliated with an “Arrested Development” alum, who in this case is Jason Bateman; he directed the “Do Not Disturb” pilot.

In the spring, expect more debuts: The Joss Whedon project “Dollhouse,” starring Eliza Dushku, whom I’m convinced is most famous for being hot; the animated “The Cleveland Show,” a “Family Guy” spinoff; and another animated series, “Class Dismissed” (or “Sit Down, Shut Up,” depending on the source) featuring voice-overs by “Arrested Development” stars Bateman and “30 Rock” regular Will Arnett. Also in the mix is “Secret Millionaire,” a reality show version of “The Prince and the Pauper.”

Beyond that, expect a lot of familiar fare (“Idol,” “House” and the 20th[!] season of “The Simpsons”), including a ton of reality programming ranging from the inane (“Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader”) to the insane (“The Moment of Truth”). And if someone wants to tell me why “Prison Break” is still on the air, I’d be willing to listen.

Among the shows not to return this fall are two sitcoms with great stars but poor execution: the Parker Posey-Lauren Ambrose vehicle “The Return of Jezebel James” and the Kelsey Grammer-Patricia Heaton-led “Back to You.” Fans of “The Office” might be disappointed AND relieved that the talented Rashida Jones’ awful sitcom, “Unhitched,” was axed.

Also gone, according to the (New York) Daily News: “Anchorwoman,” “Canterbury’s Law,” “K-Ville,” “Nashville,” “New Amsterdam” and “The Next Great American Band.” (The lesson on that last one: There’s only one “American Idol.” You’d think they would have learned that lesson after the frightfest that was “American Juniors.”)

After the break, check out the full Fox fall schedule for 2008. (Thanks to BuddyTV and E! for making this easy for me.) Read more of this entry »