Cancelled or Renewed? The Big C renewed for final four episode mini season

Posted on November 8, 2012 by Guillermo Paz

This one is bitteaweet as it seems it´s joining both join the lists of cancelled shows of 2012 and renewed shows of 2012. Showtime renews The Big C for a final season that will only consist of four episodes. This final installment of The Big C will include guest stars Kathy Najimi and Isaac Mizrahi.

Starring Laura Linney in her Golden Globe® Award-winning and Emmy®-nominated role as Cathy Jamison, suburban wife, mother, and teacher whose cancer diagnosis forces her to shake up her life, THE BIG C will wrap its three-season run on SHOWTIME with, THE BIG C: hereafter, a four-part limited event series Continue reading →

Cancelled and Renewed Shows 2012: Showtime renews The Big C for season four

Posted on July 31, 2012 by Guillermo Paz

On a day when there was movement on Showtime, because of its TCA presentation, where Dexter fans were treated to an extensive look at season seven premiere, where Claire Danes confirmed that her character Carrie in Homeland is not pregnant as she is, and the pregnancy won´t the translate to fiction and rather written and acted around it. And the same day as Weeds fans got a treat on how Continue reading →

The Big C Casting News: Susan Sarandon joins the show as Joy a cancer survivor

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Guillermo Paz

April can´t come soon enough, on April 8 9:30 PM The Big C premieres the third season and Academy Award winning actress Susan Sarandon will guest star in several episodes playing ‘Joy,’ a cancer survivor who uses her unique experience to inspire and motivate others. She pushes Cathy to question her own cancer experience and how she lives her life. Continue reading →

The Big C Season three spoiler: Is Paul dead or alive?

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Guillermo Paz

Well, tonight´s finale of The Big C was great as usual, but it left us with a big cliffhanger to hold on to. As many shows do, Castle had Beckett not knowing if dead or alive, Dexter had Rita dead, and the list can go on and on.

But in this case we saw Paul dying on The Big C season finale, or at the very least he flatlined.

Let´s see some of the facts:

He did actually flatlined.
Paul had a heart attack on The Big C
He was under a lot of stress because of the insurance company
He started doing some coke
He was a little overweighted and not doing much exercise

“He passes over but who’s to say ultimately whether he lives or dies,” Executive Producer Jenny Bicks told The Hollywood Reporter. “But he did have a heart attack.”

Thing is the next season of The Big C should be about bargaining, as each season is about one of the stages of grief; so how does Paul´s death in The Big C play a role in the bargaining thing instead of bringing her back to the anger? I really couldn´t tell.

Oliver Platt is not leaving The Big C, as he is under contract, and you´d have to be crazy to let such a great actor go if you don´t absolutely have to. And that is another hint for me to say that Paul is not dead on The Big C, but, there are also reasons to believe he is:

Both Marlene and Lee appeared in The Big C after being dead, so the writers are not shy in exploring the afterlife; so If Paul is not alive but dead on The Big C, it still means he can come back.

What do you think? Should Paul be dead or alive on The Big C? Will you watch next season of The Big C? Head to the comments for your thoughts.

Also, remember to follow me on Twitter for more spoilers on The Big C.

Canceled and Renewed Shows 2011: Showtime renews The Big C for season three

Posted on September 1, 2011 by Guillermo Paz

In another expected news for our review of the renewed shows on 2011 and all the cancelled shows on 2011, we get official confirmation for something we were very much taking as a given.

Showtime renews The Big C for season three. The Big C is closing in on the second season, setting up finale for Monday September 26th, where we can confirm that Cathy Jameson is not dying from cancer in the finale (duh!).

Renewal order for season three of The Big C consists of a ten episode run that will start production early next year, to air in the second quarter of 2012.

What is The Big C about? Plot Synopsis for seaso two

This season, Cathy progressed from Denial to Anger on the grief cycle and has become an all-out warrior in the fight against her Stage 4 melanoma, while her husband, Paul (Oliver Platt), stepped up to become her greatest advocate and treatment “cancierge.” She’s joined in her fight by her new oncologist, Dr. Atticus Sherman (special guest appearance by Alan Alda), and charming new buddy Lee (special guest appearance by Hugh Dancy), a fellow patient in an experimental clinical trial. Meanwhile, son Adam (Gabriel Basso) sparks an odd friendship with an eccentric older woman (special guest appearance by Parker Posey), and Andrea (special guest star Gabourey Sidibe) finds love with Paul’s co-worker Myk (guest star Boyd Hollbrook). Sean (John Benjamin Hickey), now living in Marlene’s (special guest star Phyllis Somerville) old house, prepares for impending fatherhood as he rides the emotional rollercoaster that is Rebecca’s (special guest star Cynthia Nixon) pregnancy.

What do you think? Are you happy Showtime renewed The Big C for season three? Let me know.

Also, you can follow me on Twitter to know more cancelled and renewed shows like The Big C.

Showtime´s The Big C supports American Cancer Society

Posted on June 16, 2011 by Guillermo Paz

To mark the return of the second season of the Golden Globe®-nominated original series THE BIG C, SHOWTIME will launch a number of campaigns in support of the American Cancer Society. The network has partnered with DIRECTV to create a special offer that allows DIRECTV customers to get $25 back when they subscribe to SHOWTIME – the customer can then choose either to receive a $25 prepaid debit card or contribute the $25 to the American Cancer Society. In addition, SHOWTIME will launch “C Yourself,” a multi-platform campaign that encourages viewers to show their support for the series and the fight to eradicate cancer. For every photo uploaded on one of the campaign’s sites, SHOWTIME will contribute $5 to the American Cancer Society.

DIRECTV customers who first subscribe to SHOWTIME now through July 15 will have the option either to receive a $25 prepaid debit card, or instead can choose to contribute their $25 to the American Cancer Society. Every time a DIRECTV customer opts to contribute, SHOWTIME and DIRECTV will match each $25 gift, for a total contribution of $75 made to the American Cancer Society.

“C Yourself,” a multi-platform call-to-action campaign that will live on Facebook (http://apps.facebook.com/cyourself), encourages consumers to “C” themselves by uploading a picture of themselves making a “C” with their hands, arms, props, etc. Consumers can upload their photos directly through the Facebook app, or by using Instagram and tagging the photo with #CYourself. For every photo uploaded and shared, SHOWTIME will make a $5 donation to the American Cancer Society. Photo creativity will be rewarded – SHOWTIME will select the most creative photo, submitted by consumers 18 years of age or older, and the winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize.

The second season of THE BIG C premieres on SHOWTIME on June 27 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT, immediately following the premiere of WEEDS. The series stars Laura Linney in her Golden Globe-winning role as Cathy Jamison, a reserved, Minneapolis wife, mother and teacher whose cancer diagnosis forces her to shake up her life and find hope, humor and the light side of a dark situation. This season, Cathy progresses from denial to anger on the grief cycle and will become an all-out warrior in the fight against her Stage 4 melanoma. THE BIG C is created and written by Darlene Hunt, who serves as executive producer, along with showrunner Jenny Bicks, Laura Linney, Neil H. Moritz and Vivian Cannon. It is produced by Sony Pictures Television.

The Big C Casting News: Alan Alda joins cast for season two

Posted on March 28, 2011 by Guillermo Paz

When you played one of the best TV Doctors in history, whenever you join any other TV Gig as a doctor turns into a must watch.
Well, that´s what´s happening to Alan Alda.
Five-time Emmy® Award winner Alan Alda, best known to television audiences for his portrayal as army hospital doctor Hawkeye Pierce in the long-running hit series M*A*S*H, will make a special guest star appearance in one episode of THE BIG C’s second season. The legendary actor will play Dr. Atticus Sherman, an oncologist who Cathy Jamison (Laura Linney) consults after her previous treatment failed. THE BIG C is currently shooting in Stamford, Connecticut and will premiere on SHOWTIME on Monday, June 27th at 10:30 PM, immediately following the premiere of WEEDS. THE BIG C is created and written by Darlene Hunt, who serves as executive producer, along with showrunner Jenny Bicks, Laura Linney, Neil H. Moritz and Vivian Cannon. It is produced by Sony Pictures Television.

And if you are joining a show led by one of the top ten leading ladies on TV, even better!

What do you think about Alan Alda joining The Big C? Will you watch it? Let me know in the comments section.

Also, remember to follow me on Twitter for more The Big C scoop.

Top 20 leading ladies in TV – Part one

Posted on March 27, 2011 by Guillermo Paz

Ok, this one is going to be hard as hell!
First of all, what do one consider a leading lady? Does Emily Deschanel count as the leading lady on Bones? Or is it a leading duo with Boreanaz?
Well, what I did was to take her into consideration, as well as other ladies in the same situation. but I did not count anyone in bigger ensembles as Modern Family, Glee or How I Met Your Mother, where, let´s face it, there´s a big pool of talent and beauty.
There´s also the “how you rank” them factor. Is it because of the character? Is it because of beauty? Is it because of talent? Is it because of what?

Well, I did no algorithm, but ranked them as I wanted to. Therefore you can debate all you want to in the comments section.

Let´s see who made the cut

Top ten leading ladies in TV

1- Betty White – Elka Ostrovsky – Hot in Cleveland

Every second of Betty White on TV is pure magic. She proved it when she hosted the best Saturday Night Live of the last few years, and she proves it every week when headlining Hot in Cleveland. The first original from TV Land, and while one might argue the show is an ensemble cast (and a great cast while we are at it), it´s Betty White´s show, hands down.
She is the number one for sure. Good thing is that Hot in Cleveland just got renewed for a third season by TV Land, and we´ll see more Elka Ostrovsky next season.

2- Stana Katic – Kate Beckett – Castle

She has the very big role of being Beckett, the soon to be soulmate of Richard Castle, Nathan Fillion himself, one of the best leading actors any show could hope to get. And she does an excellent job both in the chemistry department as in those action packed scenes.

Stana Katic is one of the most beautiful actresses on television right now, and she is able to deliver a great character week in and week out. She manages to have us rooting for Beckett, and she can get us to laugh on par as what Fillion does (and that´s not easy)

You can also follow Stana Katic on Twitter where she connects on a regular basis with fans and other celebs, earning her even more points.

You can watch Stana Katic on Castle Mondays nights on ABC.

3- Tina Fey – Liz Lemmon – 30 Rock

Sure, she has Alex Baldwin playing Jack Donaghy and that sure helps any sitcom. But she is the everything on that show, and although Tracy Morgan playing Tracy Jordan, Jane Krakowski playing Jenna Maroney, and the rest of the cast makes the case for biggest and best ensemble on TV (Modern Family and Cougar Town are probably the other contenders in sitcoms), she is the bread and butter of 30 Rock and she earned all those awards she has.

You can watch Tina Fey portraying Liz Lemmon on 30 Rock every Thursday at 10 PM on NBC, and you can also check some of the best quotes from 30 rock.

4- Laura Linney – Cathy Jamison – The Big C

How can we laugh at cancer? There´s no way to be doing that, right? Well, unless you have Laura Linney headlining a show about cancer, there´s no way to do that.

She has everything a leading lady has to have on TV: She´s a talented actress, she is believable, she is good looking, she is funny, she knows how and when to cry, she develops chemistry with an impecable as always Oliver Platt, she has an affair and still manages to have us rooting for her. Hands down one of the best shows from last year class. We are waiting anxiously for season two of The Big C already. After all, she did win a Golden Globe for her performance.

5- Edie Falco – Jackie Peyton – Nurse Jackie

A drug-addicted nurse struggles to find a balance between the demands of her frenetic job at a New York City hospital and an array of personal dramas. She takes Oxicodin, House takes Vicodin. And that´s not the only thing in common. They both headline very good shows, and Edie Falco, as Hugh Laurie does, manage to portray their characters in a unique way that has us all rooting for them even though they are not very likable characters when you look at them.

She´s been great ever since The Sopranos and she keeps it up in Nurse Jackie, a show we are waiting for its second season to start.

6- Julianna Margulies – Alicia Florrick – The Good Wife

Julianna Margulies is at her best in this series. Even better than her ER days, Her husband involves her in the scandal, but the story is hers. She leads the show and she does it in a very compelling fashion.

One can feel what she feels, one can understand her, take side with her, and also realize that her quest for happiness is not at all easy. We root for her, we suffer with her, we get tired with her, we get frustrated with what happens to her.

Good TV!

7- Anna Torv – Olivia Dunham – Fringe

Yes, Fringe got renewed for a season four, and that means that we get to see more of Olivia Dunham, and the best thing about a show with an alternate universe is that we get to see twice as much Anna Torv in Fringe, we see her brunette and we see her blonde, we see her here, we see her there. Olivia Dunham square!

Fringe is a cult show, with soon to have a fourth season, and also, perhaps a show that can reach the 100 episodes threshold that divides regular shows, from network classics. Fringe is nearing, Anna Torv is a big reason why.

8- Courteney Cox – Jules Cobb – Cougar Town

Yes, being among such a great huge cast hurts her chances to be higher in this scale, but she proved she has great comedic chops; and broke the Friends curse, even kickstarting a comeback that Matt Leblanc and Matthew Perry both got too.

She plays a very good role in a very good sitcom that fortunately wandered away from its original concept. If you caught the first couple of episodes, when Cougar Town was actually about Cox being a Cougar, you would have probably left soon. Luckily, the show took a turn for the best and entered the pack: Christa Miller, Busy Philipps, Ian Gomez, Brian Van Holt, Josh Hopkins and Dan Byrd are the stars on a show whose center is Jules. Brilliant show… with a bad title… a very very bad title.

9- Mary Louise Parker – Nancy Botwin – Weeds

Sure it helps her chances being in Showtime. A network that pushes the envelop. She plays a suburban mother who takes good care of her family… and by the way, she´s a weed dealer.

In the same lane as Michael C Hall´s Dexter, she makes a criminal likeable, and that´s something not easy to do.

She has also some other things going on for her as to make the cut into the top ten… she´s beautiful, she´s talented, she can go from the sweet and innocent to the hardass in a matter of seconds. Oh, and those big eyes surely help too.

10- Sarah Shahi – Kate Reed – Fairly Legal

Ok, let´s see. First of all, Sarah Shahi is breathtakingly beautiful.

Second of all, she plays a character very compelling (After all, USA Network is about characters, right?).

Then, add up that she whistles, she yells, she cries, she laughs, and she does all that wholeheartedly.

Fairly Legal is one of the best new legal dramas, and it´s just a matter of time before USA announces the renewal for it. Deservedly so I might add.

In case you´ve missed Fairly Legal, give it a try, you´ll like the show very much.

Still in the conversation

Ok, this is the first part, the top ten leading ladies in TV Scripted. This article is about the top 20, so the next week I´ll post the second part.

Who are still in the mix to get there? You can check out Top 20 leading ladies part two here.

Let´s see:

Julie Benz from No Ordinary Family: Pros: She is Julie Benz, the single most beautiful lady in TV. Cons: No Ordinary Family was not as good as expected.
Jennifer Beals from The Chicago Code: She is a very solid choice to make it. But perhaps we didn´t see all that many layers from her character. Season 2 will show us though.
Emily Deschanel from Bones: She leads a fan favourite, so she´s a shoe in. She could´ve made it to the top ten, but I cannot have a top ten with Sarah Shahi out of it.
Kathy Bates from Harry´s Law: One of the most talented actresses ever, she brought back mature leading ladies as a possibilty to Broadcast TV.
Amy Poehler from Parks and Recreation: She´s funny, she´s talented, she´s great. But she is still a poor man´s Tina Fey. Not top ten material, but a solid backup in the top twenty
Mariska Hargitay from Law & Order SVU: She has everything to be in the top ten. She just missed it
Melissa Mc Carthy from Mike and Molly: When the show started going away from being only about fat jokes we started loving the show. And what´s not to love about Melissa McCarthy?
Maggie Q from Nikita: She´s gorgeous and she kicks ass. It´s just she couldn´t kick enough ass to enter top ten
Brooke Elliott from Drop Dead Diva: She managed to lead a simple idea already done: Heaven´s mistake, into a very nice and enjoyable show. Not top ten material; but surely has its niche in my DVR and my top twenty.
Anna Paquin from True Blood: The accent, the looks, the blood, the vampires.
Kyra Sedgwick from The Closer: She´s the queen of police shows. She deserves to be on the list
Toni Collette from United States of Tara: She´s an ensemble cast by herself.
Melissa Joan Hart from Melissa & Joey: I found myself surprised after watching this show and liking it all season. That´s why we need to watch before we judge.
Both Rizzoli and Isles: They are not Cagney and Lacey, but they are the closest thing.

What did you think about the top ten leading ladies of Scripted TV? How about the ones pending? Who should make the cut?

Let me know in the comments section.

Also, remember to follow me on Twitter for more of these lists.

Showtime 2011 Spring Summer Schedule Announced

Posted on March 1, 2011 by Guillermo Paz

Folks at Premium cable network Showtime just announced their lineups and schedules for 2011 Spring and Summer.
With a lot of New Original Series coming, as are returning originals, comedy specials and documentaries.
Things look great for Showtime viewers, and I´m sure my TV will be stuck in that channel for many many hours.

When does The Borgias Premiere on Showtime?

2-hour premiere: Sunday, April 3rd at 9 PM ET/PT; following premiere, new episodes will air Sundays at 10 PM ET/PT
1 Hour, 9 Episodes

The Borgias stars Oscar-winning actor Jeremy Irons as Rodrigo Borgia, the cunning, manipulative patriarch of The Borgia family who builds an empire through the corruption of the holy Catholic Church and orchestrates a relentless reign of power and flamboyant cruelty. The series begins as Rodrigo (Irons), bribes, buys and muscles his way into the papacy becoming Pope Alexander VI. The series is set in one of the most significant periods in history: the Western Renaissance and the discovery of the New World. Contemporaries of Da Vinci, Michelangelo and the Medicis, the Borgias were controversial and heretical, not so much for performing acts unheard of in their time, but for being better at it than their enemies. Along the way, the family commits virtually every sin in the book and invented more than a few of their own. Academy Award®-winning director Neil Jordan (The Crying Game) serves as creator, executive producer and writer of all nine episodes, in addition to directing the first two episodes.

When is Gigolos premiering on Showtime?

Premiere: Thursday, April 7th at 11 PM ET/PT
30 Minutes, 8 Episodes

GIGOLOS is a half-hour reality series following a tight-knit group of regular Vegas guys — they hit the gym, balance relationships, provide for their families — and they just so happen to be high-end male escorts.

When is Web Therapy premiering on Showtime?

Premiere: Tuesday, July 19th at 11 PM ET/PT
30 Minutes, 10 Episodes

Web Therapy stars Emmy Award-winning actress Lisa Kudrow as “Dr. Fiona Wallice,” a self-professed psychotherapist who treats patients via webcam in weekly, three-minute sessions – a modality she believes more effective than the traditional 50-minute talk-a-thons heralded by other mental health professionals. However, she spends more time feigning boredom, interrupting and giving meaningless personal data than hearing her patient’s issues. Her “patients” including Jane Lynch (“Glee”), Courteney Cox (“Cougar Town”), Rashida Jones (“Parks and Recreation”), and, veteran star Bob Balaban (“For Your Consideration”), among others, are given a script framework, but ad-lib their performances with riotous results. The series will also delve into the doctor’s personal life and will feature Lily Tomlin as her mother and Victor Garber (“Alias”) as her husband.

When does Nurse Jackie premiere season 3 on Showtime?

Premiere: Monday, March 28th at 10 PM ET/PT
30 Minutes, 12 Episodes

Picking up right where she left off, Jackie (EDIE FALCO) takes the contents of the medicine cabinet, throws it in a laundry bag and dumps it at Kevin’s (DOMINIC FUMUSA) feet. She attacks him right back about spending, the girls’ school and her bad back—she’s no drug addict. Akalitus (ANNA DEVEARE SMITH) announces that nearby hospitals have closed down and that the staff should remain on their toes. A hungover Sam (ARJUN GUPTA) is now totally beholden to Jackie and Thor (STEPHEN WALLEM) for their help. Post intervention, things are tense with O’Hara (EVE BEST) and Jackie, and O’Hara goes to Akalitus hoping to avoid working with Jackie. Dr. Cooper (PETER FACINELLI) avoids Sam and treats a little boy who stuck a small mirror up his nose, trying to see his brain. Zoey (MERRITT WEVER) confesses to everyone that she and Lenny (LENNY JACOBSON) had sex. Kevin enrolls Fiona (MACKENZIE ALADJEM) in Immaculate Virgin and shows up unannounced at the ER, causing a stir and freaking out Eddie (PAUL SCHULZE) and Jackie. After her shift, Jackie shows up at the softball field to cheer Kevin and his bar team on. Things are strained, but she’s not showing it.

When does United States of Tara premiere season 3?

Premiere: Monday, March 28th at 10:30 PM ET/PT
30 Minutes, 12 Episodes

Season 3 begins with Tara (TONI COLLETTE) returning to the family’s Labor Day barbecue, after a transition to Buck leads her on an unexpected mission. Kate (BRIE LARSON) is trying desperately to plan the next phase of her life, one that does not include college or living with her very pregnant Aunt Charmaine (ROSEMARIE DEWITT), who, in her own way, avoids committing to Neil (PATTON OSWALT). Meanwhile, student filmmakers Marshall (KEIR GILCHRIST) and Lionel Trane (MICHAEL WILLETT) make their first commitment together when they purchase a new video camera for film class. All the college talk makes Tara realize how badly she wants to finish the last few credits of her own degree, and so, with the help of Ted Mayo (MICHAEL HITCHCOCK), Tara enrolls in a few classes, including a psychology course taught by the charismatic Dr. Jack Hattaras (EDDIE IZZARD). But Max (JOHN CORBETT) is fearful that the stress of college will cause Tara to transition…or worse.

When does Secret Diary of a Call Girl premiere its final season on Showtime?

Premiere: Thursday, April 7th at 10:30 PM ET/PT
30 Minutes, 8 Episodes

Belle (BILLIE PIPER) is back and in the final season, the stakes have never been higher – accepting Ben’s (IDDO GOLDBERG) offer of a lasting relationship means that Belle has a real chance of happiness, but Ben is her one true friend and if she messes up, she’ll lose him forever. And with Stephanie (CHERIE LUNGHI) in prison for her questionable finances, Belle finds herself being — albeit reluctantly – a Madam, while also becoming the unlikely guardian of Stephanie’s innocent 19 year-old daughter, Poppy (LILY JAMES). But as Belle succeeds in her professional life, her personal life starts to fall apart. A series of misunderstandings with loyal, loving Ben, the unravelling and corruption of ‘good girl’ Poppy and the introduction of the dangerous and alluring vice cop Harry (PAUL NICHOLLS), all force Belle to question who she really is and what she wants her future to be. Will she give up ‘Belle’ for Ben and commit to being just ‘Hannah’ or will she cut all ties and throw herself into the world of prostitution forever?

When does The Real L Word premiere season 2 on Showtime?

Premiere: Sunday, June 5th at 10 PM ET/PT
1 Hour, 9 Episodes

Season two follows a group of intriguing women – some returning and some new – as they share their personal stories at work and play, in the Los Angeles lesbian scene – all uncut and uncensored. The series is produced by one of the original executive producers of THE L WORD®, Ilene Chaiken, and Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz of the Emmy®-winning reality powerhouse Magical Elves (Project Runway, Top Chef).

When does Weeds premiere season 7 on Showtime?

Premiere: Monday, June 27th at 10 PM ET/PT
30 Minutes, 13 Episodes

When does The Big C premiere season 2 on Showtime?

Premiere: Monday, June 27th at 10:30 PM ET/PT
30 Minutes, 13 Episodes

As we move into fall for season two, a now well-seasoned Cathy (LAURA LINNEY) has progressed from Denial to Anger on the grief cycle and will become an all-out warrior in the fight against her Stage 4 melanoma, while Paul (OLIVER PLATT) finally steps up to become her greatest advocate and treatment cheerleader. But will he be threatened by Cathy’s hot cancer specialist and her new best friend? Adam (GABRIEL BASSO) and Andrea’s (special guest star GABOUREY SIDIBE) bond strengthens; and Sean (JOHN BENJAMIN HICKEY), now living in Marlene’s (PHYLLIS SOMERVILLE) old house, must ride the insufferable, emotional rollercoaster that is Rebecca’s (guest star CYNTHIA NIXON) pregnancy.

When does Caroline Rhea & Friends comedy special premiere on Showtime?

Premieres: Saturday, March 5th at 9 PM ET/PT

Filmed in front of a sold out audience of 1,800 people, former sitcom star and talk show host Caroline Rhea performs as well as hosts her funniest friends. From Ryan Hamilton, winner of Best New Artist at the 2010 Montreal Comedy Festival), and seasoned veterans like Page Hurwitz and Liam McEnearny, to Costaki Econonmpouos, long-time comic and writer (who just happens to be the father of Caroline’s child.)

When does Fierce Funny Women comedy special premiere on Showtime?

Premiere: Thursday, March 10th at 8:30 PM ET/PT

Taped in Santa Monica in 2010, FIERCE FUNNY WOMEN present stand-up comedy for all audiences. Subtle, disarming GLORIA BIGELOW will make you laugh, think, and leave you wanting more, JEN KOBER uses her southern-style charm, sardonic GAYLA JOHNSON reveals her view on life with an explosive presence and BETSY SALKIND, best known for her squirrel impression, is a smart, subversive comic with the charm to get away with it.

When does Aries Spears: Hollywood, Look I´m smiling comedy special premiere on Showtime?

Premiere: Saturday, April 16th at 9 PM ET/PT

ARIES SPEARS: HOLLYWOOD, LOOK I’M SMILING is a laugh-out-loud and insightful comedy concert starring Mad TV’s breakout star Aries Spears. He is in rare form as he tackles controversial topics such as “political correctness,” the “Hollywood establishment” and race relations in America. Filmed in front of a live audience at the Best Buy Theater in New York’s Times Square, Hollywood, Look I’m Smiling is not only one of Spears’ strongest performances, it is also a no-holds-barred attempt to shed light on the hypocrisy of today’s society. Spears refuses to play by the rules. Hollywood, Look I’m Smiling is in-your-face, ironical and smart… but most of all, it’s hilariously funny.

When does Jon Lovitz presents comedy special premiere on Showtime?

Premiere: Saturday, April 23rd at 9 PM ET/PT
Filmed in front of a sold-out audience of 1,800 in San Bernardino during the LOL Comedy Festival. Jon Lovitz shot to stardom as one of the cast members on Saturday Night Live from 1985 to 1992. His famous idiom “Yeah yeah, that’s the ticket” was a pop cultural quote throughout the mid 80′s and early 90’s. Jon Lovitz brings the best performers from his own Jon Lovitz Comedy Club, with hilarious performances by seasoned veterans: Quinn Dahle, Ian Bagg, Al Del Bene and Daryl Wright.

When does Ahead of Time, documentary premiere on Showtime?

Premiere: Thursday, March 3rd at 8:30 PM ET/PT

Ahead of Time tells the remarkable life story of 99 year-old female trailblazer Ruth Gruber, born in 1911. She defied tradition from the moment she became the world’s youngest PhD at the age of 20 in 1931.

During her trail-blazing career, she was the first journalist to enter the Soviet Arctic (in 1935)
She was chosen by the Roosevelt administration to escort 1,000 Holocaust refugees from Naples to New York in a secret wartime mission in 1944.
Ruth covered the Nuremberg trials in 1946.
She covered the heart wrenching ordeal of the refugees aboard the ship Exodus 1947 with photographs that helped change the world. Her photos of the ship Exodus 1947 were published in Life Magazine and around the world.
On October 19, 2010, The Norman Mailer Center awarded 99 year-old Ruth Gruber their Distinguished Humanitarian and Journalism Prize
She has won multiple Lifetime Achievement Awards and Honorary Doctorates. (A complete list can be supplied upon request.)

This is the directorial debut of noted cinematographer Bob Richman (The September Issue, My Architect, and An Inconvenient Truth).

When does Behind the Burly Q, documentary premiere on Showtime?

Premiere: Thursday, March 31st at 8 PM ET/PT

First time filmmaker Leslie Zemeckis paints an “affectionate and engaging” (New York Daily News) portrait of the art of burlesque and its relevance in cultural history. Burlesque was one of America’s most popular forms of live entertainment in the first half of the 20th century. Gaudy, bawdy and spectacular, the shows entertained thousands of paying customers every night of the week and yet the legacy of burlesque is often misunderstood and left out of the history books. By telling the intimate and surprising stories from its golden age through the women (and men) who lived it, Behind the Burly Q reveals the true story of burlesque as it experiences a new renaissance.

What do you think about Showtime Spring and Summer Schedule? Will you watch these shows? Let me know in the comments section.

Also, remember to follow me on Twitter for more Showtime scoop.

Laura Linney wins the Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress in a Television Series Comedy

Posted on January 16, 2011 by Guillermo Paz

We are reviewing the Complete List of Golden Globe Awards winners of 2011.

Vanessa Williams and Blair Underwood are on the stage, of course looking all neat to present the best performance by an actress in a television series – comedy.

The Nominees are:

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES –COMEDY OR MUSICAL – 2011 Golden Globe Nominees

TONI COLLETTE   UNITED STATES OF TARA
EDIE FALCO   NURSE JACKIE
TINA FEY   30 ROCK
LAURA LINNEY   THE BIG C
LEA MICHELE   GLEE

And the Golden Globe goes to Laura Linney!

Are you happy that Laura Linney wins the Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress in a Television Series Comedy? Unfortunately she wasn´t in the ceremony and couldn´t accept the award.

Follow me on Twitter for more Golden Globe information.