CBS Gives Viewers a Second Look at JERICHO, SWINGTOWN & WOLF LAKE

What happens when residents of a peaceful Kansas town experience a nuclear disaster and, left isolated, must fend for themselves? Or when two generations of friends and neighbors in suburban Chicago explore new freedoms during the culturally transformative 1970s? Or when an outsider finds himself in a mysterious - and dangerous - Pacific Northwest town where the residents can shape-shift into wolves?

Viewers can find out during CBS.com's "Second Look" feature this summer, in which all episodes of three CBS dramas - JERICHO, SWINGTOWN and WOLF LAKE - are available for streaming on CBS.com.

"JERICHO, SWINGTOWN and WOLF LAKE pushed the boundaries, exploring some of the most popular themes in television today: post-cataclysmic life, the social and cultural mores of a generation, and the supernatural," said Jeff Grossman, Vice President of Content and Product Strategy for CBS Interactive. "Over the years, fans have told us they'd like to experience these shows again, and through CBS.com, we're able to resurface programming that not only captivated viewers but broke new ground."

SWINGTOWN Celebrated at PaleyFest09

SWINGTOWN, the CBS primetime soap from last summer that was canceled way too soon, was celebrated on Friday at PaleyFest09. Actors Lana Parilla, Grant Show, Molly Parker, Miriam Shor and Shanna Collins attendd the event at The Paley Center For Media in Beverly Hills.

Siblings Cast on SMG Pilot

Sarah Michelle Gellar's HBO pilot, THE WONDERFUL MALADYS, announced last September, has cast two siblings for the former ALL MY CHILDREN STAR.

Nate Corddry and Molly Parker (SWINGTOWN) will play the siblings.

The show, written for Gellar by screenwriter Charles Randolph, revolves around three dysfunctional adult siblings who lost their parents at an early age.

Gellar is the middle child, previously described by Randolph as having "a kind of zealous immaturity -- like a drug addict with a to-do list".

Corddry is the baby, now a bookish grad student.

Parker is the eldest Malady, now a therapist.

News Round-up

Top 10 Blogs for Soap Fans
I was asked to be a "guest author" on blogs.com and name the top soap blogs. My choices are listed in alphabetical order.

Michael Rady cast in MELROSE pilot
Michael Rady, who starred in both GREEK and SWINGTOWN, is the first actor to sign on for The CW's remake of MELROSE PLACE. Rady will play Jonah Miller, a cute and quirky 25-year-old aspiring filmmaker who films weddings and bar mitzvahs.

INTERVIEW: Y&R's Sharon Case (Sharon)
"It’s stress that causes her to do weird things and panic. These are really extreme circumstances, where people can blank out or do things unlike themselves, or freak out. They even could go blind, temporarily. I heard someone who was having a nervous breakdown got hysterical blindness in real life. I know of people who have gone blind from stress or illness, and things can happen temporarily to you. With Sharon, she does not remember moments of time, here and there."

GL's Stunt Coordinater does "Hamlet"
In preparation for Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School's Performing Arts upcoming production of "Hamlet," acting students were given "hands on" combat instruction by internationally acclaimed Fight Choreographer Rick Sordelet.

Sordelet was delighted to take a break from his busy schedule to be a guest artist for the highly touted Performing Arts Honors Program at the school.

He was the stunt coordinator for the films The Game Plan, Dan in Real Life and Hamlet and is the chief stunt coordinator for GUIDING LIGHT.

MY Sun's Top 10 Soap Stars
Readers of The Sun voted on their favorite UK soqp stars.

BBC's first ever all-black episode of EASTENDERS watched by 8.4million viewers
The show which included references to civil rights leader Martin Luther King and racism showed an increase of over one million viewers in comparison to last Tuesday's episode. And this week the show was up against Champions League football on ITV1 rather than it's usual ratings rival EMMERDALE.

Charlie Brooks "blessed" to be back on EASTENDERS
EASTENDERS star Charlie Brooks (Janine) has said she feels "blessed" to be back on the soap. The 27-year-old actress returned to Albert Square at the end of last year after almost five years away from the show.

Charlie said on THIS MORNING: "I'm so happy. I feel blessed to have a job in the current economic climate and things are falling into place for me. I love the EastEnders cast. I was 17 when I first joined and a lot has changed since then, but Janine is still as fun to play."

Television's quiet gray revolution
For years the all-consuming emphasis on reaching adults under 50 has imposed dictatorial constraints on TV casting, prompting a Logan's Run-like effect that expunged older performers. Look closely, though, and you'll notice a new wave of dramas is producing what amounts to a mini grey revolution, virtually waged on the sly.

News Round-up

NEW YORK TIMES: So Many Temptations to Succumb to, So Many Wandering Eyes to Track
Last summer CBS was flooded with letters from fans of AS THE WORLD TURNS who protested that two gay lovers had been shown kissing only twice. Many were young gay men and women who kept a tally of the weeks and days and hours since the initial embrace, and they spoke poignantly of the validation they felt whenever images of physical intimacy between gay couples turned up in popular culture. THE L WORD, whatever its absurdities, has listened to these voices actively.

Cameron Mathison Spreads His Wings
The actor recently joined GOOD MORNING AMERICA as a correspondent. He tells OK!, "I'm really excited. I'm now officially part of the GOOD MORNING AMERICA correspondent team. Obviously I love my gig on ALL MY CHILDREN, but it'll be kind of nice to focus on just these two, not jumping around killing myself."

INTERIVEW: Y&R's Christian J. LeBlanc (Fab at 50)
"Listen, I'm not fighting the battle of 20 or 30 year old actors anymore. I don't want the roles they would get. There's a certain ageism about working in any aspect of this industry but me feeding into that won't make it better. I want to be the age I am. I want to be hired because "My God, he's too good to pass by." Everything else is going to disappear eventually no matter how hard you hold onto it."

Parents TV Council applauds the cancelation of SWINGTOWN
The conservative watchdog claims the show's lack of sponsors doomed the CBS summer series. CBS' Nina Tassler says the show was a risk worth taking.

NBC not ready to cancel LIPSTICK JUNGLE yet
The network is exploring a possible FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS-type deal to save the Brooke Shields show. "We have to wait and see what our pilots are and what the mix of shows are," said NBC's Angela Bromstad.

Peter Berg confident FNL will be back -- Dwight Yoakam as coach? (mp3)
In an hour-long podcast, FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS producer Peter Berg tells Sports Guy Bill Simmons that if the show gets the same ratings on NBC that it received last year, then the DirecTV experiment would be deemed a success. Berg also reveals that he initially didn't like Kyle Chandler as Coach Eric Taylor, and he had to be talked out of hiring Dwight Yoakam as the head coach. Meanwhile, Berg attributes FNL's survival to "The Jeff Zucker Lobby Theory," which contends that the NBC boss probably hears a lot of good feedback for the show on his way to work. Berg also points out that FNL has had to shamelessly lobby the network, including sending Adrianne Palicki to NBC with a chocolate cake and a guitar. "If you're not a hit show, you've got to hit them in 15 directions," he says.

INTERVIEW: Former OLTL star Wortham Krimmer
Krimmer was a guest on the premiere episode of the new Blogtalk Radio show, "Brandon's Buzz," Wednesday evening.

News Round-up

Kyle Chandler calls tonight's FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS finale "genius"
"It would be sad to see it end," the actor said in a phone chat from his California home before heading to the Alamo City. "We've formed quite a family these past three years. We and the children have grown up together."

Whether the series goes on or not, the third season's finale leaves fans in a good place. "What a genius job they did!" Chandler said. "It does wrap things up, but it also sets up all kinds of opportunities for the show to expand and bring in a whole set of new characters."

Tori Spelling will return to 90210 with Diablo Cody
Last night at a special event promoting the CW’s 90210, iF Magazine caught up with producer/writer Rebecca Rand Kirschner who gave us the exclusive scoop on what to expect with the arrival of Tori Spelling on the show, when she reprises her role as Donna later this season after her contract negotiations are finalized.

One of the biggest aspects of her arrival – she’ll be bringing Juno screenwriter Diablo Cody (who is a self-professed 90210 junkie) to share the screen with her during her first episode. Cody will play herself.

It's official: CBS axes SWINGTOWN
CBS president Nina Tassler kicked off the net's portion of press tour this morning by confirming the obvious: SWINGTOWN has been cancelled.

"We're not going back to SWINGTOWN," Tassler said. "At the end of the day the show was well executed, it was well received, the performances were great, the writing was great. It was a risk, we took it, and we're proud of it."

INTERVIEW: DAYS OF OUR LIVES' Blake Berris (Nick)
On his last scenes, which air tomorrow: "They were great. It was nice because as of a couple of months ago, the stakes have gotten higher and higher and this was the hearing, so jumping back into it for the last two days was really intense and emotional. It was a cathartic ending."

DAYS' Daniel and Chloe song
Singer/Songwriter Jd Webb’s song "Captured" will be played on the January 16 episode of DAYS OF OUR LIVES during a montage scene with Chloe (Nadia Bjorlin) and Daniel (Shawn Christian). As a songwriter for DAYS OF OUR LIVES, Jd has written and recorded numerous songs for the popular drama series including "Right Here," "If Only" and "I’ll Never Let Go." These songs and others are available on Jd’s album entitled, "Days of Our Lives," released in November of 2007.

CBS affiliate KDBC in El Paso may get dropped by Comcast
Unless a last-minute deal is reached (before Thursday at 4pm) between Comcast and KDBC TV in El Paso, Comcast subscribers in Doña Ana County will not be able to watch the CBS affiliate.

CORONATION STREET cross "mistake"
Producers of CORONATION STREET admit they made a mistake hiding a cross in the church in which they filmed a wedding scene for the soap opera.

ABC bumping UGLY BETTY this week
ABC will carry President Bush's speech and post-speech coverage from 8 to 8:15, then finish the half-hour with a SCRUBS from Tuesday, followed by another SCRUBS from Tuesday at 8:30, then GREY'S ANATOMY and PRIVATE PRACTICE as scheduled.

Ashley Jensen denies she's quitting UGLY BETTY
Jensen's rep says a report of her exit at the end of this season is "not true."

Former ATWT actress Kristina Sisco back to direct
Sisco, now Kristina Romero, played Abigail Williams on the soap earlier this decade. She directed an episode in November which will air on Thursday.

Frank Runyeon event: Hollywood vs Faith
Recent ALL MY CHILDREN guest star Frank Runyeon will highlight the teachings of St. Paul in "Hollywood vs. Faith" as he talks about the struggle to live faithfully in the media age. This event is open to the public, free of charge and begins at 3 p.m. It will be followed by refreshments in the church hall, 64 Pearl St.

SWINGTOWN Season 1 DVD

The cover art for the DVD release of the first (and only confirmed) season of SWINGTOWN has been released. The DVD will be out on December 9th. As reported earlier, reruns of SWINGTOWN, the CBS drama about partner-swapping couples in 1970s suburbia, will be shown on Bravo later this fall.

SWINGTOWN stars Jack Davenport, Grant Show, Josh Hopkins, Molly Parker, Lana Parrilla, Miriam Shor, Shanna Collins, Aaron Howles and Britt Robertson.

News Brief

INTERVIEW: GH and NIGHT SHIFT star Kimberly McCullough
"I was watching everyone talking about Sarah Palin on CNN. Oh, my God! I did not know if I wanted to throw up or cry. I am so infuriated. I feel like the main thing that frustrates me, is that sense of, 'Well, I worked so hard for it, so I get to keep it.' It’s that whole greed thing. Then, if you are not greedy you are called a Socialist, because you want people to be successful. It’s so far from being a Socialist; it’s not even funny. If you had a lot of money you wouldn’t think twice about helping somebody who doesn’t have it. I think it’s just greed and being self-centered, when people do not give back."

Disney prepares for last Super Soap weekend -- promises fitting finale
In a press release issued today, Brian Frons said ABC wants to send its soap stars on a national promotional tour in 2009, rather than sponsor one big Super Soap Weekend at Disney World. “Our fans have told us they want us in their neighborhoods," he stated

“We thank Walt Disney World for being a wonderful host and partner and look forward to our plans to send Super Soap off with a bang,” Frons added.

“On My Porch” Chat – The 2008 Election with Daytime for Obama
Wednesday, October 1, Nancy Lee Grahn and her special guests from Daytime for Obama, Jane Elliott, Mary Beth Evans, Susan Flannery, Kimberly McCollough, Heather Thom, Kelly Monaco, Kim Zimmer, Kassie Depaiva, Bree Williamson, Deidre Hall and Debbi Morgan. Visit the "Politics" forum to learn more! (work schedules permitting) will gather at her house to discuss the upcoming election, with a particular focus on issues critical to the well-being of women and children in our country. They’ll be joined by Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) via teleconference for this in-depth conversation that we will cover live in the nancyleegrahn.com chat room.

The chat room has space for everyone to join from 8:00 pm EST to 9:00pm EST.

Directly following that, fans are invited to interact with Nancy and her guests in the “Politics” forum at nancyleegrahn.com. Start a thread to pose your questions about the election, candidates, or issues that matter to you (anytime between now and next Wednesday) and the actors will reply with their answers and opinions on Wednesday night. We’ll also leave the chat room open for you to chat with each other about the issues, election, and question responses and the actors will pop in to join the discussion from time to time.

Jesse McCartney Pledges 'GREEK'
The actor/singer/songwriter has enrolled in ABC Family's guiltless pleasure GREEK. The ex-ALL MY CHILDREN star will play the recurring role of Andy, a heavily recruited freshman jock who'll be torn between rushing the KT and OX houses. McCartney will make his Greek debut in early '09 when the show kicks off its fourth season/cycle.

"Out" in Hollywood: Starring Roles Are Rare
The New York Times published an interesting article on being "out" in the entertainment industry. Despite inroads made by out celebrities like Neil Patrick Harris and T.R. Knight, many actors remain in the closet out of fear their career would be negatively impacted.

“The industry is persuaded that being known as gay will undermine your credibility both as romantic lead or an action star,” said Larry Gross, director of the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Southern California and author of a book on media portrayals of gays and lesbians.

“They don’t test it,” he said. “We’re waiting for the Jackie Robinson moment when someone tests that assumption and discovers it’s not true.”

Chad Allen, 34, a child actor on shows like ST. ELSEWHERE and DR. QUINN, MEDICINE WOMAN, said steady work dried up in 1996 after a tabloid ran a photograph showing him kissing another man. The DR. QUINN cast was supportive and he remained in the family-oriented show, he said, but after the series ended, “It was tough.”

“I couldn’t get an audition for a pilot after that,” he said.

But Mr. Allen, who attended college and continued to do some work in film, found new roles a few years ago, with the advent of gay-oriented cable networks. In channels like Here! and Viacom’s Logo, openly gay actors have played lead roles as private detectives, vampires and superheroes. Mr. Allen now stars on NIGHT SHIFT and in a mystery series on Here!, in a role he describes as “a good detective who happens to be gay.”

Bravo picks up SWINGTOWN reruns
Bravo cut a deal with CBS Paramount Network Television to acquire rights to the entire 13-episode first season of languishing drama SWINGTOWN. The NBC Universal-owned cable network plans to begin airing episodes in October.

EASTENDERS regains best soap crown
EASTENDERS has swiped back the best soap crown from CORONATION STREET and swept the board at the Inside Soap awards with nine gongs.

For the second year she triumphed as best actress and best couple alongside Charlie Clements, who plays her on-screen husband Bradley Branning.

Max and Stacey's affair revealed at Christmas won EASTENDERS the best storyline award, beating other plotlines including the death of Vera Duckworth in CORONATION STREET.

Robert Kazinsky, who plays Sean Slater, was named best actor as well as sexiest male. Rob James-Collier, who is bowing out of CORONATION STREET as Liam Connor, was last year's sexiest male. He was also shortlisted this year.

EASTENDERS' wins included Rita Simons clinching the best newcomer award for her role as Roxy Slater and Cheryl Fergison scooping the funniest performance for her character portrayal of Heather Trott. Kara Tointon (Dawn Swann) picked up the award for a second time for sexiest female.

Last year was the first time CORONATION STREET had won the best soap title at the Inside Soap awards in more than a decade. This year CORRIE retained its reputation as the home of the screen villain for the fourth year in a row, with Jack P. Shepherd scooping best bad boy for his evil doings as David Platt for the second year in succession.

CORONATION STREET's Kym Marsh was named best-dressed soap star at the awards, sponsored by LittlewoodsDirect.Com.

Meanwhile, the outstanding achievement award was bestowed upon Chris Chittell, who has entertained viewers over the years as EMMERDALE's Eric Pollard.

Ellis Hollins, who plays Tom Cunningham in HOLLYOAKS, was awarded the best young actor trophy for the second time. And THE BILL was awarded best drama for the third year running.

News Brief

INTERVIEW: Y&R/B&B star Eileen Davidson
Davidson tells TV Guide Canada's Nelson Branco: "At this point in my life, I just want to do the best job I can. I’m not phoning in my performances, thank God. I’m still passionate about my career in soaps and playing Ashley Abbott. This time around, my intention is to inject more fun and sexy into Ashley — but she won’t take any crap from Jack, who desperately needs a foil."

Next week, Branco interviews two-time Emmy winner Martha Byrne.

ATWT nominated for Sentinel for Health Award
Barbara’s cancer storyline on As The World Turns has been nominated for a 2008 Sentinel for Health Award. The awards will take place Wednesday, October 2 in Los Angeles.

Jennie Garth talks about last night's big 90210 revelation
"It’s gone back and forth: Who and what and when and why? I think they settled on Dylan because Kelly and Dylan had such a passionate relationship in the past. Their relationship was so heated. It was kind of undeniable."

Study: GREY'S ANATOMY delivers a health message for viewers
The Kaiser Family Foundation analyzed an entire "Grey's" episode, and found that viewers retained the show's medical information weeks after watching.

EASTENDERS abuse plot sparks complaints
In last Friday's show, character Tony King arrived in Albert Square after spending a year in jail and was shown passionately kissing Whitney Dean. The BBC has received 138 complaints and Ofcom 27 about the storyline. The BBC said the plot had been created "in association with the NSPCC" and in accordance with its editorial policy.

Friday's pre-watershed show was watched by a peak audience of eight million viewers. As part of the storyline, King - played by Chris Coghill - had groomed Dean - Shona McGarty - before being sent to prison. Viewers saw him sneak into her bedroom while girlfriend Bianca Jackson, played by Patsy Palmer, took a bath. The two then kissed before falling onto the teenager's bed.

Geary, Reilly and Wyatt visit NIGHT SHIFT
TV Guide reports that the two-part finale of GENERAL HOSPITAL: NIGHT SHIFT — Oct. 21 is the last airdate — will be a joy fest for longtime GH fans. Anthony Geary (Luke), John Reilly (Sean) and Sharon Wyatt (Tiffany) will appear. GH: NIGHT SHIFT airs on SOAPnet Tuesdays at 11 p.m.

At the NY TV Festival, the Present and Future of TV Come to Broadway
For the past five days, television has taken over Midtown, and today is your last day to join in on the fun. The New York Television Festival was founded in 2005 as a forum for independent filmmakers to showcase their television pilots. Over the last four years, it has evolved into an overwhelming television experience—but the pilots remain the foundation of the festival.

For those more interested in how television gets made than television that’s already been made, the festival organized a variety of panels with industry professionals. Sunday’s Production Day featured panels about breaking into television— focusing on theater, daytime drama, writing, sketch comedy, web productions, and late-night comedy.

HOLLYOAKS star eager for CORRIE job
Give them an inch and they take a mile - or so it seems in soapland. You would think actor Gerard McCarthy would be on top of the world playing Kris Fisher in glossy Channel 4 soap HOLLYOAKS, but apparently not. Although he's having a ball where he is, that hasn't stopped the thesp from daydreaming about a part in a rival show.

He told MyPark Magazine: "I'd love to be part of the Connor family in CORONATION STREET - they are in desperate need of a real Irish member. And when I was growing up, I always wanted to play Jim McDonald's long-lost son."

DC #295: Top 10 Ways to Improve As the World Turns
On today's podcast, I was invited to Daytime Confidential's Luke, Mike and Jamey to discuss The Top 10 Ways to Improve AS THE WORLD TURNS.

Catching up with SWINGTOWN'S Grant Show
On the future of SWINGTOWN: ""There's absolutely hope for it. It's touch and go but they haven't let me go on to other projects yet."

INTERVIEW: OLTL's Brittany Underwood
Underwood, who plays Langston on ONE LIFE TO LIVE, was the guest on "Stardish Radio" last night.

News Brief

INTERVIEW: NIGHT SHIFT's Chad Allen
In his NIGHT SHIFT storyline, Chad's character, Eric, is introduced as a patient in need of a liver transplant. First-year resident Kyle Julian (Adam Grimes) will help Eric's family find a suitable donor, while developing a relationship with him in the process.

"He comes in pretty sick and needs a liver transplant If he doesn't get one, it's looking pretty grim. While I'm waiting, sparks ignite. I don't even know where it's going or what's going to happen next. We're just getting to know each other. It's really nice and sweet."

So far, so good. Chad is pleased with his storyline and his co-star, Adam.

"He's awesome," he said. "I walked into the room that first day and he popped up and ran over and was so excited to meet me. I'm really impressed with their commitment to good acting, to finding interesting moments and finding good stories and the development of this relationship."

Chad is open to the character continuing past the limited number of episodes he is signed for.

'Stink' sounds off on football, soaps
Consider some of what Mark Schlereth - known as "Stink" to many - has going on his life: The three-time Super Bowl champion is a respected NFL analyst for ESPN and a frequent guest on sports talk radio. He's made recurring appearances on GUIDING LIGHT as Roc Hoover.

On if 'Stink' is a better name than 'Roc Hoover': "I'm gonna go with 'Stink,' because that name was given to me. I invented 'Roc Hoover.' I made it up on the radio one day when I was put on the spot. I had already agreed to go on GUIDING LIGHT. [The guys on the radio] asked, 'What are you going to call yourself?' The first name was easy. I liked the name 'Roc' - it has some toughness to it. Why "Hoover" came out, I have no idea. GUIDING LIGHT [personnel] were listening and said that was what we were going to use.

SWINGTOWN creator goes BiCOASTAL for Showtime
With SWINGTOWN's future in doubt, Mike Kelley is prepping a drama about a New York City businessman who falls in love with another man while his wife and kids live in Los Angeles. The new show, which has been set up at Showtime, is part of a seven-figure two-year deal that Kelley has signed with CBS Paramount Network TV.

Lucci to Juggle Big AMC Story with DANCING
Michael Logan of TV Guide is reporting: ALL MY CHILDREN fans won't miss Susan Lucci while she's on Dancing With the Stars, even though the ABC shows shoot on opposite coasts. She'll fly back and forth each week, just as costar Cameron Mathison (aka Ryan Lavery) did.

"There's a big story coming up where a character from Erica Kane's past returns to fundamentally change her life," says AMC head writer Chuck Pratt. "We've made long-term plans to work around Dancing with the Stars, as if Susan's going to win the whole thing. And why not? She's so friggin' popular, plus she's tiny and light enough, they can throw her around and do impossible things."

Most TV-less people either fall into 2 categories
A Wake Forest University prof researched those who live sans television and found that about two-thirds of them fall into either the "crunchy granola set" or the "religious right, ultraconservative" camp.

INTERVIEW: GUIDING LIGHT star John Driscoll
Driscoll (Coop) dropped by "BuzzWorthy Radio" this afternoon to talk about his GL role, THE BOOK OF DANIEL and his many other projects.

News Brief

Susan Lucci, Already a Winner?
Jarett Wieselman at the New York Post writes: "Rumors as to who will hoof it on the seventh season of DANCING WITH THE STARS have been flying fast and furious - everyone from Dan Quayle to Florence Henderson has been name checked - but in the last few days a seemingly solid-ish list has emerged, it includes Kim Kardashian, Lance Bass, Toni Braxton, Mark McGrath and Susan Lucci.

Now, I am not sure that Susan needs to do this show - last time I checked, she was still a huge star - but I am wondering, if she does sign on, should we just crown her the winner here and now?"

Genie returns to GH
Most fans already know, but just in case you don't: Genie Francis is about to return to GENERAL HOSPITAL as Laura. Genie is 46 now and looks better than ever. She recently lost 40 pounds. Genie will be acting opposite Julie Marie Burman who plays her troubled daughter Lulu.

"They're totally keeping me in the dark, and it's a good thing because you know I have a big mouth," said Francis when asked about her upcoming story.

Originally, this was going to be a short guest starring role, but sources say Genie Francis will be back "off and on" over the next couple months. She has just relocated her family to Los Angeles where GH is taped, so stay tuned.

CBS Paramount Shopping SWINGTOWN to Cable Nets
The on-screen grownups of Swingtown are not the only ones exploring their options, as CBS is courting a new partner for the couple-swapping rookie drama. The show, produced by the CBS Paramount Network Television studio, has had disappointing ratings in its first season on the CBS network this summer. But it has many fans within the company who want to see it return, whether on the broadcast network or somewhere else. So the drama is now being shopped around to potential cable buyers in the event the network does not renew it for a second season.

Emmy may host a MELROSE PLACE reunion
Get ready for some of your ol' favorites to come together at the Emmys next month. Producers are putting together cast reunions to help celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Emmy Awards including the cast of MELROSE PLACE.

Deep Soap: Problems Solved
The Olympics have managed to do what a seemingly endless series of writer and producer changes haven’t – raise Days of Our Lives ratings. The week of 8/11, the show surged from a 1.9 to a 2.4 in Households, beating all the ABC shows, and jumped from a 1.0 to 1.3 among Women 18-49. The show also regained the #1 spot in Women 18-34.

Kym Ryder and pooch pose for PDSA
Kym Ryder, who plays Coronation Street's Michelle Connor is featured with her dog Charlie in the 2009 PDSA Pet Portraits Calendar.

"Nuke" missing in September?
AfterElton is reporting: "Sadly, we're not going to be seeing much of the boys in September. In fact, after some rather bizarre-sounding developments with [Lucinda] and [Brian] (tip: the boys really should just give up camping for good, at this point) the boys (one in particular) will not be around too much. But my source tells me that it's because of actor scheduling and vacation, and nothing more alarming than that."

News Brief

Alison Sweeney to co-host Jerry Lewis telethon
Famed U.S. entertainer Jerry Lewis is to return as co-host of his 43rd Labor Day Telethon to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the MDA said Tuesday.

Originating from the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa in Las Vegas, the live show will air for 21 and a half hours, beginning at 9 p.m. EDT Aug. 31, the organization said.

The telethon is to be shown on 180 "Love Network" stations in the United States.

Lewis, 82, is to share the stage with a variety of celebrity co-hosts, including Nancy O'Dell, Tom Bergeron, Jann Carl and Alison Sweeney (DAYS OF OUR LIVES)

Laurence Fishburne the No. 1 fave to join CSI
The 47-year-old former ONE LIFE TO LIVE star Fishburne (ex-Josh) is in talks to make the leap from the big screen to the small screen as William Petersen's CSI replacement, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Says The Reporter: "CBS and CBS Par's search has been shrouded in secrecy, but sources say Fishburne is being heavily courted to play the new character, described as a doctor/scientist outsider to the CSI unit who has the same genetic profile as a serial killer but hasn't previously acted on any homicidal impulses."

INTERVIEW: 24 seconds with Van Hansis
" have had the most incredible fan response, much more so than I could have ever imagined. Our fan base is a really diverse group of people. We have gay fans, we have straight fans, and a lot of straight women fans. Hearing the stories of how our storyline has helped kids come out and helped parents accept their kids ... is very touching.

It's great to know that what you're doing is helping people and I really do think that in some way we are helping people."

PRIVATE PRACTICE gets Grant Show to play doctor
The SWINGTOWN star will make a guest appearance next season as a "charming and flirtatious doctor."

INTERVIEW: GL's Brian Gaskill
Brian Gaskill (Dylan, GUIDING LIGHT) was interviewed on "BuzzWorthy Radio" yesterday.


HOLLYOAKS' Ricky set for dance role
HOLLYOAKS actor Ricky Whittle - aka Calvin Valentine - must be on top of the world at the moment. Not only is his character involved in a meaty storyline starting next week, but the hunky star is also in the running to take part in the next run of hit BBC One show STRICTLY COME DANCING.

Speaking to Digital Spy, Whittle admitted: "I've just spoken to producers. There's a lot of people on the list wanting to do it, so I'm just keeping my fingers crossed."

A Martinez Starts at ONE LIFE TO LIVE
A Martinez arrived at the ABC studios yesterday for his first day of work on OLTL as Ray Montez.

The actor, who turns 60, in September, is probably best known, and most fondly remembered, for his role as Cruz Castillo on SANTA BARBARA. He won a Daytime Emmy in 1990 as Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for the role. He later went on to play Roy on GENERAL HOSPITAL.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: AMC's Melissa Leo
Reviews are excellent for Melissa Leo's turn as a single mother determined to provide a better life for her children at almost any cost in Frozen River. The respected character actress was passed over for a supporting Oscar nod in 2003 for her well-received turn as Benicio del Toro's wife in 21 Grams. And she failed to find favor with Emmy voters in the 1990s during her five seasons on HOMICIDE: LIFE ON THE STREET. Indeed, her only major acting kudo nom was back in 1985 at the Daytime Emmy Awards when she lost best ingénue for her stint as Linda Warner on ALL MY CHILDREN to Tracey Bregman of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS.

Obama Fundraiser, "Spare Some Change," Will Now Play NYU's Fifth Floor Theatre
As previously announced, Spare Some Change: NYC Artists for Barack Obama is the title of the Aug. 11 concert to benefit Senator Barack Obama's presidential campaign. The 8 PM performance, which was originally scheduled to play New World Stages, will now be presented at the Fifth Floor Theatre, which is located on the campus of New York University. Look for appearances from ONE LIFE TO LIVE stars Jason Tam, BethAnn Bonner and Kamar de los Reyes.

Ten Things You Never Knew About Hayden Panettiere
#7 Hayden got her big break at the grand old age of four in US soap ONE LIFE TO LIVE. She became the first child actress to star in two soaps at once when she landed a role in GUIDING LIGHT three years later.

Mike O’Hearn in Talks for Conan?
Mike O’Hearn, also known as Titan on NBC’s AMERICAN GLADIATORS (and Luke on DAYS), was on the Todd n’ Tyler radio show (in Omaha) Tuesday morning and said he is up for the lead in Lionsgate’s upcoming reboot of Conan.

Bagel Broker Bagels & Catering: Where Y&R and B&B go for bagels
"We’ve been delivering to THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS and THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL for maybe 15 years," manager's son Jason Tarnol said. "We deliver to Paramount, CBS, Cedars-Sinai and dozens of restaurants and bakeries around town."

Refused Entry To Balaji Studio, Aspiring Writer Sets Himself On Fire
An aspiring actor-writer Akshay Shivam Shukla (28) came to Mumbai or the ‘city of dreams’ to make it big but finished up in a hospital with burn injuries.

Shukla, a native of Allahabad, set himself on fire outside the gate of country’s most flourishing soap opera factory Balaji Telefilms office in Oshiwara on Tuesday, as he was not permitted to enter the studio by the security guards.

Shukla suffered 45% severe burn injuries and was admitted to Cooper Hospital.

Evening News

Soap Shrink: Why Can’t Women Be Allowed to Age Naturally on Soaps?
Damon L. Jacobs writes: "There has been a lot of discussion on the boards about GUIDING LIGHT these days. The shrinking budget, the shrinking ratings, the shrinking cast list. Yet there is one thing obviously not getting smaller in Springfield: Reva Shayne’s waistline.

And for this the Soap Shrink couldn’t be happier!

Personally, I am exhausted by the pressure in daytime (and all media) for women to stay skinny and unhealthily thin."

Michael Gross Gives Y&R's Michael 'Family Ties'
One of the great patriarchs of '80s TV, FAMILY TIES star Michael Gross, will join THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS on Aug. 15. He'll once again be seen as an antiestablishment, hippie dad — only this one is radically different.

Behind the Scenes: Adventures of Johnny Tao
This is a film with plenty of parts for stuntmen, as bikers and zombies and those sinister blue-clad thugs in the alley. The leading roles, too, were cast with an eye towards real-life ability. Matthew Twining (ex-River, ONE LIFE TO LIVE), as Johnny, brought a gymnastics background to the action.

A Retrospective: PASSIONS' Legacy of Lunacy
Zany witchcraft. Sordid violence. Cheese-tastic monsters. Gratuitously naked men. Has there ever been a show like PASSIONS? Created in 1999 by the certifiably insane suds legend James E. Reilly, the NBC-DirecTV soap signs off this week (Thursday at 2 pm/ET, DirecTV channel 101). TV Guide takes a look back at its most twisted plots.

Grant Show: How I got rid of the "stink" of MELROSE PLACE
The SWINGTOWN star (who also played Rick on RYAN'S HOPE in the mid-80s) spoke with the New York Times about the long search for a new breakout role following the end of MELROSE PLACE a decade ago.

"A few years after “Melrose Place,” when the luster of MELROSE PLACE wore off and what was left was just the stink and I was just doing bad TV movies, that was a personal low point. I felt I needed to stop doing those, and I did. I went a long time without working at all. I bought a house. I got married. I kept trying to figure out how to move forward."

Regis & Kelly visiting UGLY BETTY
Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa are the latest big names to make a cameo as themselves. They'll appear in the Sept. 25 episode. Meanwhile, Ripa's husband Mark Consuelos is also set to make a cameo next season.

HOLLYOAKS going mobile, possibly
Myvideorights.com is to distribute content from ALL3MEDIA International's family of TV companies (ALL3MEDIA produces HOLLYOAKS).

It will re-format the content to short-form and make it available to web, IPTV and mobile publishers. It’s a sweet deal, with ALL3MEDIA companies including ARG, Bentley Productions, Cactus TV, Company Pictures, Lion Television, Lime Pictures, Maverick Television, North One Television, Objective Productions, Studio Lambert and others.

INTERVIEW: ATWT's Austin Peck
"We have some stuff coming up where it's basically Jack, Janet, Katie and Carly all policing Brad's life. They gang up on him for a particular reason concerning the kids. As soon as I saw that they were ganging up on him, I just loved it. I love when I get to be the only one in the room fighting for one particular opinion. Even [if] it's an unpopular view, I'll fight for it. I love to be the only one saying what no one else is willing to say."

Are You Watching SWINGTOWN?

SWINGTOWN has become my summer guilty pleasure. This Thursday night CBS soap set in 1976 is the only scripted series I'm watching in prime time on broadcast TV until the fall. The series stars Grant Show (RYAN'S HOPE; MELROSE PLACE) and Lana Parrilla as Tom (a pilot) and Trina Decker, a couple of swingers who encounter new neighbors Bruce and Susan Miller, played by Jack Davenport and Molly Parker. The Millers have just moved into a nicer home across from the Deckers following Bruce's promotion at work.

The two couples had sex together in the first episode and have formed a friendship ever since. Susan began a journey of self-discovery after that fateful night. Also in the mix is the Millers' former neighbors, uptight Janet and recently fired Roger Thompson played by Miriam Shor and Josh Hopkins.

The most recent episode (#6) featured Ryan "Captain Awesome" McPartlin, known to soap fans as Hank on PASSIONS, who ended up in a three-way with Grant Show's character (see photos). I'm actually quite surprised by what CBS lets the show get away with considering its conservative reputation. It's not HBO or Showtime, but it pushes the boundaries further than I ever thought CBS would go.

One of the best things about the series is the clothes and the old school gadgets from the 70s.

News Brief

Ricky Paull Goldin's moments on the red carpet
Carolyn Hinsey of the New York Daily News reports:
Last Friday's Daytime Emmy Awards in L.A. were stressful enough in the 100-plus-degree heat without having to a.) host a live red carpet pre-show on SOAPnet and b.) dodge bosses from the show you just quit.

"There were a lot of my old producers there, so I did have to deal with certain energy fields," said Ricky Paull Goldin, who recently quit GUIDING LIGHT (where he played Gus) to join ALL MY CHILDREN (as Tad's brother, Jake Martin). "It's like when you break up and then you run into your old girlfriend. But it was fine."

UPDATED: Nelson Branco's "Suds Report"
DAYS Alison Sweeney preggers — but is Sami? Duhon's final GH airdate! Plus: Find out who Branco endorsed as Adonis 2008!

Lauper gives gay teen advice as guest star on soap
Cyndi Lauper to the rescue. Luke and Noah, the estranged teenage couple on AS THE WORLD TURNS, are broken up. But have no fear, Lauper is here. Lauper is slated to guest star on the soap July 3. Playing herself, she will try to get the two boys, played by Van Hansis and Jake Silbermann, to get back together.

"I’m here to do intervention for true love and I think true love should always win out. I think it’s actually a monumental show that I’m on."

FOX 411: Dody Goodman and ATWT's sinking ratings
Dody Goodman, who was so much fun as Mary Hartman’s ditzy mother back in the mid '70s, died this week at age 93. In her earlier career, Goodman had been the comic foil to Jack Paar on THE TONIGHT SHOW (this was before Johnny Carson). It’s hard to appreciate her just from clips, but she was sublime. Check out YouTube to see a little of her by searching under MARY HARTMAN, MARY HARTMAN.

Of course, MARY HARTMAN was the very clever parody of daytime soaps. From what I hear, over at a real soap, CBS’ AS THE WORLD TURNS, things could not be worse. The ratings are spiraling downward week after week since the ouster of star Martha Byrne. Once third of eight shows, it’s now No. 7.

Daytime TV Goes Gangsta with Snoop Dogg
Quentin B. Huff reports: "...soap operas and hip-hop aren’t as oddly matched as I initially thought. Soap operas don’t purport to be reality-based, as some hip-hop albums do, and nobody talks about 'soap opera culture' the way we speak of 'hip-hop culture,' but there are similarities."

OLTL's Hickland raising awareness about women's heart health
When you see a group of stunning red dresses displayed you are likely to stop, and that's the goal as Project Red Dress works to raise awareness of women's heart disease.

"I have made so many great friends in Jonesboro. I don't even know how many times I come here anymore. Whenever I come here I eat at the same restaurants, I meet new people, I have great friends," said Catherine Hickland.

"I lost my father to heart disease and my mom has had open heart surgery twice, so I really have to be interested in this, " said Hickland.

The goal for Project Red Dress is to raise awareness of women's heart health.

Best. Gay. Week. Ever.
Michael Jensen of AfterElton looks back on this week in gay TV featuring Luke and Noah from AS THE WORLD TURNS, John Paul and Kieron from HOLLYOAKS and Olli and Christian from FORBIDDEN LOVE.

Deep Soap: This Column Was Brought To You By Pepto Bismol
Sara A. Bibel blogs: "As soaps desperately search for ways to become profitable, they’re turning to product placement. I’m not going to condemn this trend. If putting some Florida Orange Juice on a breakfast table can help a show’s bottom line, then so be it. I’ll accept being pulled out of a scene for a moment by a brand reference if that’s what it takes to keep a show going. After all, product placement has been a part of the genre since soaps were fifteen minute long radio serials."

Deli owner gaining TV attention
Damon Carney is reaching for stardom of the Hollywood kind, but his feet are very much rooted in Arlington. The part-time actor/restaurateur has a recurring role in SWINGTOWN, a new CBS series that debuted June 5. He has been listed as a "guest star." Before SWINGTOWN, he was often cast as a cop. He’s also been in beer commercials as well as spots for TXU and AT&T. He recalled a forgettable role as a plumber in one episode of THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL. More recently he had roles on FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS (he was a coach) and PRISON BREAK.

INTERVIEW: Y&R's Christian LeBlanc
"Sometimes families just come together on shows, with the casting and stuff. As soon as Greg came on, he was my brother. There was no question about it. Kevin was there, fully realized. Then, Joan Van Ark came on as Gloria, and it was supposed to be a short-term role, because she didn't want long-term. She was wonderful. Then, Judith took over the role and just made it her own. The transition was seamless. She is Gloria. You can't even think of anyone else playing the part."

News Brief

New York Daily News: Jack, Carly, Brad, Katie and Henry converge in Chicago this week on AS THE WORLD TURNS, culminating in Henry's being freed and Jack getting shot. "Brad and Katie go to this warehouse looking for Henry," says Austin Peck, who plays Brad. "Jack and Carly are there looking for Kit, so they all work together." Kit is wanted back in Oakdale, where teenager Parker is on trial for murder. "Kit is the key to keeping Parker from being sent to prison for killing Sam. [Parker] fired one shot that hit Sam, but Kit fired the second shot that killed him," reveals Peck.

Great Reporter: The 100-day writers' strike provided just the free time and creative stimulation writers needed to resurrect back burner projects and develop new material, but it isn't destined for your TV. For the writers who went to work every day on the picket line, the strike offered creative inspiration for new material, if not the time to pursue it. Judy Tate, a writer for DAYS OF OUR LIVES, worked on a dramatic screenplay about overcoming personal plight to make sacrifices for the good of the community--that is, when she was not being a strike captain for the guild. "Who knew striking was such a full-time job," Tate said. But it also "inspired the script." Tate said she was creative in her organizing techniques and picket signs, and when the time was right, she would write--her screenplay or one of several other projects she began. "The creative process is at work everywhere," she said.

Güncel Haber: Profile of former DAYS star Krista Allen.

Washington Post: An ABC soap opera has waded into the controversial subject of teenage sex with a story about the first sexual experience of a 16-year-old girl that parallels the real-life situation of teen idol Jamie Lynn Spears. A producer for daytime soap ONE LIFE TO LIVE said on Friday that before Spears announced she was pregnant, the show's writers and producers had already begun planning episodes in which teen character Starr Manning, played by Kristen Alderson, has sex with her 17-year-old boyfriend.

Allentown Morning Call: Now that the writers strike has been settled, former RYAN'S HOPE and MELROSE PLACE star Grant Show has swung back into action. Show plays Tom Decker, an airplane pilot and lead character in the '70s-themed CBS series SWINGTOWN, about a group of married couples living in Chicago during the disco era. Production on the series resumed at about the same time that Show, 46, put his gated Hollywood Hills home on the market at close to $2 million.

Northwich Guardian: HOLLYOAKS star Ricky Whittle, who is a patron of Jacob's Unique Memory Pot (J-U-M-P) - a charity that captures memories for children with health challenges - appeared on a celebrity edition of BBC quiz show, THE WEAKEST LINK in January. Promising to donate any winnings to the charity that was founded in 2004 in memory of Jacob Hawthorn, who died at the age of three from a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy, Ricky missed out on first place to THE BILL actor Rav Wilding, but had a surprise up his sleeve. Before the show the pair had pledged to share the winnings between their chosen charities should they win the game.

Digital Spy: EASTENDERS producers have been forced to scrap plans to film a week's worth of episodes in Spain. Chiefs had hoped to send the Mitchell family abroad for a special summer storyline, but they were told that it would not be possible due to cutbacks at the BBC.

Serial Drama: A Lynn Marie Latham Y&R survivor speaks out.

Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Some fans of As the World Turns have started a letter campaign and Web site in protest over the relationship between gay characters Luke Snyder and Noah Mayer. Soap opera watchers aren’t enraged because they are affectionate, but because they’re not affectionate enough and haven’t smooched since September (or in 162 days, 10 hours, 19 minutes and 49 seconds since the writing of this, according to the site’s “liplock clock” ). Can’t everyone just kiss and make up?

EOTS: AUDIO: Listen to Episode #17 ("Secrets") of radio soap EYE OF THE STORM.