Welcome to CraveOnline's Idiot Box Updates, where we run down all the latest TV news and separate the facts from the rumors and nonsense on and about the small screen.
Here's a list of the top 20 prime-time network shows by viewership numbers, compiled by Nielsen Media Research for November 24-30:
1. Dancing With the Stars, ABC, 20.41 million.
2. NCIS, CBS, 20.35 million.
3. Dancing With the Stars Results, ABC, 19.29 million.
4. NFL Football: Pittsburgh at Baltimore, NBC, 19.21 million.
5. NCIS: Los Angeles, CBS, 17.22 million.
6. 60 Minutes, CBS, 14.38 million.
7. The Big Bang Theory, CBS, 14.13 million.
8. Sunday Night NFL Pre-Kick NBC, 13.93 million.
9. Two and a Half Men, CBS, 13.88 million.
10. Criminal Minds, CBS, 13.61 million.
11. CSI: Miami, CBS, 13.22 million.
12. Desperate Housewives, ABC, 12.78 million.
13. Find My Family, ABC, 12.76 million.
14. CSI: NY, CBS, 12.68 million.
15. The Good Wife, CBS, 12.53 million.
16. Hallmark Hall of Fame: A Dog Name Christmas," CBS, 12.36 million.
17. House, Fox, 11.95 million.
18. Amazing Race 15, CBS, 11.61 million.
19. The OT, Fox, 10.49 million.
20. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, ABC, 10.36 million.
It looks like we're in for a third season of "Sons of Anarchy," but we won't see it for a while. The FX drama will be back next September, after the network ordered 13 new episodes of the series, which ranked as the highest-rated basic cable drama this year. In addition, creator Kurt Sutter has signed a two-year deal to continue as showrunner. All the series regulars will be back too - well, those who survived the finale, that is (look for our review later today).
“The success of' Sons of Anarchy' is very gratifying and the show has become a bona-fide hit,” said FX president and GM John Landgraf. “The critics have recognized 'Sons' as one the best series on television, and the show has earned its place alongside FX’s great drama series."
HBO series "True Blood" is looking to cash in on the Twilight franchise for next season, it seems. Newcoming actor Theo Alexander and "Ugly Betty" star Grant Bowler have landed recurring roles on Alan Ball's vampire drama - one a vampire, and one a werewolf.
Alexander will play Talbot, an "intensely beautiful" vampire and boyfriend of Russell Edgington (Denis O'Hare), the vampire king of Mississippi. Bowler will play werewolf Coot, the menacing ringleader of a biker gang. So, y'know, there's that to look forward to... if you're into that kind of thing. I just can't get into that damned show, no matter how hard I try. It seems suited specifically for the post-Buffy audience, complete with super-cheap special effects and utterly inane dialogue. And since when have werewolves and vampires been such close narrative associates?
Neil Patrick Harris' playboy character from "How I Met Your Mother" has been implanted into the family classic "Frosty the Snowman" in the following video, which CBS created this to promote the network's upcoming telecasts of "Frosty" and its inferior sequel, "Frosty Returns." Have a look:
Is it a slow TV news week? Why yes, yes it is. That's why we're talking about Adam Lambert, the apparent successor to Liberace and current controversy lightning rod. For the second time since his way-over-the-top American Music Awards performance, ABC has canceled an appearance by "American Idol" runner-up Lambert, this time on "Jimmy Kimmel Live."
On his Twitter account, glam rocker Lambert wrote, "Yes, sadly friends, ABC has canceled my appearances on Kimmel and NYE. :( don't blame them. It's the FCC heat ... I AM doing Leno though. And lookin into something for NYE ... It'll all blow over. Let's focus on being positive! :)" Smiley face smiley face.
ABC's telecast of "New Year's Rockin' Eve" is likely what the faaabulous singer was referring to. Which means that fans who have always dreamed for a televised union of a shiny crooning peacock and a stroke-addled, mumbling old man on New Years Eve will be disappointed yet again.
