Ask Ausiello Spoilers

Question: Any familiar faces returning to Chuck in these next 11 episodes? —Will

Ausiello: You already know that John Larroquette’s hasbeen spy Roan Montgomery is back next Monday. Beyond that, Mini Anden reappears as Sarah’s former spy chum Carina Miller in the Feb. 14 episode that reunites Sarah with her former A-Team. “They are a wild bunch to say the least,” previews exec producer Chris Fedak of the “Cat Squad,” which is comprised of Anden, Three Rivers‘ Mercedes Masöhn, and Episodes‘ Mircea Monroe. “It’s our homage to Charlie’s Angels.” And later this season, Isaiah Mustafa and Stacy Keibler will reprise their Greta personas in an episode Fedak says “will explain what the whole Greta thing is about.”

"In other words: all lot to look forward to!

PS: Read the interview previously posted for more delicious spoilers"

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TV LINE INTERVIEW – ZACHARY LEVI

Zachary Levi of "Chuck" talking about Season 4 at the TV Guide panel at Comic-Con 2010

Ausiello spoiler about season 4 premiere

Question: Please give me a scoop on the new season of Chuck! —Joy

Ausiello: And the title of the season 4 premiere is…”Chuck vs. the Anniversary”! What does it mean? Hit the comments with your theories!

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Ausiello Spoilers

Ask Ausiello:
Question: I love the idea of Lynda Carter playing Ma Bartowski on Chuck. Do you know if she’s seriously being considered for the role? —Andy
Ausiello: I asked Josh Schwartz that very question and here’s what the boss man had to say: “I’m a big fan of women with lassos. [Lynda's] an icon as an actress and is someone who fits the show’s universe…but not necessarily for this role.” Translation: It’s a long shot. So what kind of actress is he looking for to play Chuck’s MIA spy ma? “I don’t want to shed too much light on the character,” he hedges, “but we need someone who can kick ass.” Okay, let’s go with my second choice then: Jamie Lee Curtis. Who’s with me?

Mailbag: Could NBC Pull a Southland and Cancel Chuck Before It Airs?

Hi.
With the “Chuck” season finale having record low ratings, I’m worried NBC could go all “Southland” on “Chuck” and cancel it before it even airs an episode. Could it happen?
- Linda, Chippewa Falls, Wi.

While anything is possible, I’d be absolutely stunned if Chuck was pulled before even airing an episode. Especially with the sensitivity over Southland which, like Chuck, is also produced by Warner Bros, and with NBC wanting to appear all lovey-dovey with Hollywood so the Comcast acquisition gets approved, I just don’t see anything like that happening.

Still, NBC seems to be giving The Event a marketing push, and having a diminishing Chuck (which it appears NBC will never promote much again) as a lead-in must give NBC some heartburn. But so many things give NBC heartburn that coming in fourth at Mondays at 8pm surely can’t be at the top of that list.

What could NBC stick at Mondays at 8pm that would improve things versus Chuck and help The Event more?

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Armchair Casting Director: Who should play Chuck’s [spoiler alert]?

SPOILER ALERT: If you have yet to watch last night’s Chuck finale, stop reading now. I repeat, if you have yet to watch last night’s Chuck finale, stop reading now. For the last time, if you have yet to watch last night’s Chuck, stop reading now. Everyone else, onward and downward…

Since last night’s season finale of Chuck revealed that the Everyspy’s absentee mom isn’t gonna be MIA for much longer, I have three words for you: Armchair. Casting. Director. Who should play Mary Elizabeth Bartowski, aka the cult fave’s new secret agent lady? Here are my picks:

Sean Young: If she isn’t as crazy as they used to say, and if she’s still got the chops that made her a Next Big Thing in the ’80s, she could be swell. (Remember, she was actually good in No Way Out.) Heaven knows, since she’s doing soaps now — she just signed on for a stint on The Young and the Restless — she’s majorly available.

Lynda Carter: Even without the bullet-deflecting bracelets and invisible jet, the erstwhile Wonder Woman would be a force to be reckoned with. And, thanks to Diana Prince, we already know she’s a master of disguise — a must for any Mata Hari type, right?

Jane Badler: Yeah, yeah, I know you love the new V, but for my money, there will never be a bigger badass than the original miniseries’ Diana. With nothing more than a withering stare, she can make mice of men. And then devour them. Hot. Cool. Terrifying!

Kate Jackson: This one’s almost too perfect. She has a history of crimefighting (Charlie’s Angels), espionage experience (The Scarecrow and Mrs. King), and golly, isn’t it a shame they killed off Scott Bakula before they got to a play a scene together? If she could spark with Bruce Boxleitner — and she did — she and Bakula woulda plum combusted.

Jamie Lee Curtis: The legendary Halloween scream queen would have to dye her new silver ‘do dark again to play Chuck’s brunette mom, but it might be worth a trip to the salon. The same as True Lies did, the show’s mix of comedy and adventure would play right to her strengths. Um, maybe we don’t have to have her strip this time, though…

So those are my top choices. Who are yours? Let loose below!

NBC This Fall: Chuck Still On Mondays; New Comedy After The Office

We’re just a few hours away from NBC officially announcing their schedule for next season, but we now know what to expect, at least as far as their initial fall schedule is concerned.

The Hollywood Reporter’s James Hibberd has seen the schedule NBC is currently planning, as they attempt to revitalize their struggling schedule. The network has picked up a notable thirteen new series, but it’s clear NBC is not going to attempt to launch all of these series simultaneously, as several of their new series – including The Cape (with Summer Glau) and Perfect Couples (with Olivia Munn) won’t be debuting in September, but held for later in the season.

There are a few new NBC comedies coming, including Friends With Benefits and the just ordered Next (with Paul Reiser). However, only one of these new half-hour shows, Outsourced, will begin in September, where it gets the network’s best timeslot for a new comedy – Thursdays at 9:30, after The Office. Meanwhile, 30 Rock will move up to 8:30, following Community. Don’t worry, Parks and Recreation fans, that show has been renewed, but it looks like it will debut a bit later (they are already filming episodes for next season, before taking a break due to star Amy Poehler’s pregnancy). A new comedic one-hour series, Love Bites, will cap of Thursday nights – bringing back a scripted series to the timeslot that had been taken by The Jay Leno Show. and The Marriage Ref in the past year.

With Heroes and Trauma dead, Monday nights will still begin with Chuck (yep, we don’t have to wait until midseason for it this time!), but that series will now lead into two new shows – The Event and Chase. Another high profile new series, J.J. Abrams’ Undercovers, will air Wednesday nights at 8:00, leading into Law & Order: SVU and the new Law & Order: Los Angeles. Outlaw (with Jimmy Smits), will launch on the continually risky Friday night.

Look for this story to be updated later today, as NBC makes their full announcement – which may also include when we might expect some of their other new series to debut.

Here is NBC’s fall schedule, according to The Hollywood Reporter (as they note, there could be last minute changes, by the time NBC makes their announcement a few hours from now):

NBC’S FALL SCHEDULE:

MONDAY

* 8:00 E/P Chuck

* 9:00 E/P The Event (NEW SERIES)

* 10:00 E/P Chase (NEW SERIES)

TUESDAY

* 8:00 E/P The Biggest Loser

* 10:00 E/P Parenthood

WEDNESDAY

* 8:00 E/P Undercovers (NEW SERIES)
* 9:00 E/P Law & Order: SVU

* 10:00 E/P Law & Order: Los Angeles (NEW SERIES)

THURSDAY

* 8:00 E/P Community

* 8:30 E/P 30 Rock

* 9:00 E/P The Office

* 9:30 E/P Outsourced (NEW SERIES)

* 10:00 E/P Love Bites (NEW SERIES)

FRIDAY

* 8:00 E/P Who Do You Think You Are / School Pride (NEW SERIES)

* 9:00 E/P Dateline

* 10:00 E/P Outlaw (NEW SERIES)

SATURDAY

REPEATS

SUNDAY

* 7:00 E/P Football Night in America

* 8:30 E/P NBC Sunday Night Football

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Exclusive: NBC Officially Announces Chuck Renewal, But Producer Ali Adler Moving On

NBC today officially announced that it had renewed action-comedy Chuck for a fourth season of thirteen episodes, landing it a spot on the 2010-11 schedule at the Peacock.

Timeslot/episode order not yet revealed.

“Chuck has proven its enduring appeal and we love the new creative direction that Josh and Chris have taken the show,” said Angela Bromstad, President, Primetime Entertainment, NBC and Universal Media Studios, in a statement.

While news of the renewal leaked out yesterday (and was itself confirmed earlier today by co-creator Josh Schwartz via Twitter), NBC today officially gave words of the Season Four renewal of Chuck in a press release. Josh Schwartz let the masses know via Twitter that he got the official call from NBC this morning.

While the news of Chuck’s renewal is cause for celebration, there is a bit of news that may put a damper on the joyous occasion: Televisionary has learned exclusively that executive producer Ali Adler will not be returning to Chuck for a fourth season.

According to a source close to the situation, Adler has accepted a position on ABC’s new superhero family drama No Ordinary Family, from executive producers Greg Berlanti and Jon Harmon Feldman and ABC Studios. Series, which stars Michael Chiklis, Julie Benz, and Tate Donovan, revolves around a family who gains superpowers when their plane crashes in the Amazon rainforest. Adler is said to have signed on to No Ordinary Family earlier this month, prior to NBC’s decision on Chuck’s fate.

When reached via email, Adler had no comment on the rumor.

Adler will be much missed: not only had she been responsible for writing some of the Warner Bros. Television-produced series’ most beloved episodes but, thanks to her generosity and passion for the series, remained one of its truest champions and advocates.

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CHUCK HAS OFFICIALLY BEEN RENEWED!

Several sources, like Tv By the Numbers, chucktv.net, The Live Feed, Ausiello at EW.com and Deadline Hollywood, have confirmed that NBC has renewed Chuck for a 4 season!
So far, Chuck season 4 has been given a 13 episode order. Many people are speculating whether NBC will order the back-9 episodes, making this fourth season complete with 22 episodes. Let this be mere speculation until proven other wise. :D

Either way, I'm ecstatic! :D :D

So, congratulations fellow Chucksters! :D

It’s (sorta) official: NBC renews ‘Chuck’

As I predicted, NBC has indeed done the right thing and picked Chuck up for a 13-episode fourth season! A network rep declined to comment.

My Bubble Show Scorecard has been updated with the awesome news!

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NBC Gives Fans One Less Sleepless Night, Will Announce 2010-11 Lineup Sunday

Perhaps wanting to seize a news cycle advantage, NBC will not wait for its advertiser upfront meeting on Monday morning to announce its 2010-11 season schedule, but will do so Sunday at 5:15pm Eastern time instead. That will have NBC’s schedule in the slower media, while Fox is in the process of announcing its new schedule on Monday (in a 9am Eastern conference call)

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NBC – Angela Bromstad talks pilot shows

THR: You air your genre shows on Mondays. Do you think that will continue next season with “The Event?” Bromstad: We have another genre piece in contention, and we have “Chuck.” We’re going to hash out the schedule over the next week. THR: Earlier you said “we have ‘Chuck’ ” when talking about Mondays. Can we put these fans out of their misery and just say it’s picked up? Bromstad: It’s our highest performing Monday night show. We look at it as a very strong player and it’s a show that matches up with our new shows. It’s too early for me to say for certain as it’s a conversation we’re going to have next week. SOURCE

♥ The Ausiello Files – Scoop: I spy a ‘Chuck’ pickup!

Multiple sources confirm that NBC is expected to do the right thing and renew the action comedy for a fourth season. Per one insider, the show has thus far figured into all of the network’s preliminary plans for its May 17 upfront presentation.

Although a 13-episode pickup is the most likely scenario, my moles suggest that there’s also chance the show could be given a full season order.

An NBC rep had no comment. Series creator Josh Schwartz, meanwhile, says not to believe the hype. Renewal? “That’s news to me,” he swears. “I would urge fans to take nothing for granted… and watch tonight’s all-new episode, guest-starring Doc Brown himself, Christopher Lloyd, and the return of Anna Wu (Julia Ling).”

Listen to the man. And NBC, listen to the fans. Chuck fans, the comments section below is all yours. Post away!

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Join the Buy More Flash Mobs!

Chuck fans are planning flash mobs in these cities Chicago, Seattle, San Diego and Philadelphia, to show their support and make yet another push for a renewal!
If you can't make it to either of these cities you can join the Twitter mob right now, by tweeting this following message between noon and 1 pm TODAY! ; @NBC – We want more #CHUCK! Give us another season of flashes and fun. The world’s safety depends on it! #FlashChuck.

For more information on the flash mobs in either of the cities above see: http://chucktv.net/2010/05/01/chuck-vs-the-podcast-51-its-our-turn-to-flash/

Be AWESOME!

Channel Surfing: Chuck Renewal Prognosis Improved, Sarah Wayne Callies Hunts The Walking Dead, Conan, Castle, and More

Welcome to your Monday morning television briefing.

Could it be that things are looking up for Chuck? Deadline.com’s Nellie Andreeva breaks down the current on the bubble series at the broadcast networks, including NBC’s Chuck. “Last year, NBC’s Chuck got an 11th hour reprieve, clinching a partial 3rd-season order on Sunday afternoon before upfront week,” writes Andreeva. “This time around, its fate will be decided earlier if the show’s producers get their way. Several days ago, creators Josh Schwartz and Chris Fedak pitched NBC their vision for Season 4 and producing studio Warner Bros asked the network for a quick resolution so the series could keep its writing staff. Even with NBC brass happy with their drama development, the spy dramedy’s chances of renewal are considered very good — and certainly a lot better than last year when a sponsorship deal with Subway sealed the renewal. With the show rising in the ratings this week and fans staging rallies tomorrow, Chuck may be one solid ratings performance… away from an early renewal.” [Editor: in other words, tune in tonight in huge numbers and LIVE.] (Deadline.com)
Meanwhile, today marks the day for the multi-city Chuck flash mobs, but if you’re not in one of the cities participating, don’t fret: you can still show your support for a fourth season of Chuck by participating in the Twitter mob scheduled for today between noon and 1 pm Pacific Time. Sample tweets include: “@NBC – We want more #CHUCK! Give us another season of flashes and fun. The world’s safety depends on it! #FlashChuck” or “#CHUCK rules! @NBC show your love for CHUCK and the fans will show their love back. We want a 4th season! #FlashChuck” (ChuckTV.net)

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Chuck' Fans Plan Buy More Themed Flash Mobs

“‘Chuck’ fans are the most loyal, dedicated, imaginative and passionate fans any show could ever hope for,” says series co-creator Josh Schwartz.
It turns out he wasn’t kidding.
To show their support for the NBC show, which is currently “on the bubble,” fans will stage flash mobs in four cities this Monday, notes The Hollywood Reporter.
If you live in Chicago, Seattle, San Diego and Philadelphia, expect to see hordes of people dressed like Buy More employees, either in a green polo shirt and khakis or short-sleeved white dress shirt, tie and black pants.This follows last year’s “Finale and a Footlong” campaign that made national headlines when fans bought sandwiches from ‘Chuck’ sponsor Subway. While last year’s fan initiative was geared toward advertisers, this year’s actions are designed to attract more viewers to the show.
“This is yet another example of their awesomeness,” Schwartz said. “We are, as always, grateful and inspired to deliver a show as good to them as they are to us.”
NBC has not yet given word whether it intends to renew the series for a fourth season, but Chuck’s proved steady in the ratings, unlike fellow-Monday-night series, ‘Heroes,’ which has dipped to new lows.

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‘Chuck’ fans to stage flash mobs to support show

Exclu: “Chuck” fans have a plan to rally support for the NBC series, and this time it doesn’t involve buying sandwiches.

With the action-comedy on the bubble for a renewal, “Chuck” fans are staging themed flash mobs in at least four cities on Monday. In Chicago, Seattle, San Diego and Philadelphia, “Chuck” fans plan to gather while dressed in the show’s Buy More-style clothing (short-sleve work shirts, name tags and the like).

The idea is from “Chuck” fan site chucktv.net, one of the sites that spearheaded last year’s “Finale and a Footlong” campaign that made national headlines when fans bought sandwiches from “Chuck” sponsor Subway. While the previous effort was about sending a message to NBC that fans will support the show’s advertisers, this year it’s about trying to market the show to potential viewers.

“Chuck fans are the most loyal, dedicated, imaginative, and passionate fans any show could ever hope for,” said “Chuck” co-creator Josh Schwartz. “Every season they offer more proof they should be licensed and professional fans teaching other fans how it’s done. This is yet another example of their awesomeness. We are, as always, grateful and inspired to deliver a show as good to them as they are to us.”

The College Hill/Wonderland/Warner Bros.-produced series has been on the verge of a pickup at NBC, with indications suggesting the network is bullish about returning the show. “Chuck” has been the most stable part of the network’s Monday night lineup in a year that saw companion series “Heroes” drop significantly.

http://livefeed.hollywoodreporter.com/2010/04/chuck-flash-mob-.html

“Chuck’s” ratings situation

27 April 2010 by Robert Seidman Monday night Chuck returned after a couple of weeks of reruns for its final six episodes of the season. “Chuck vs. the Honeymooners” was sure to make fans happy, even the “shippers” (perhaps, especially the “shippers”) but will the ratings keep the fans in good spirits? While I definitely agree with the Renew/Cancel Index for currently having Chuck listed as being in some danger of being canceled Specifically I disagree with “Make no mistake, the ratings have to come back, or the show is history.” For me, Chuck is still a bubble show even with its most recent ratings., If the price is right, I could definitely see NBC ordering up 13 episodes as schedule filler even at the 2.1 rating with adults 18-49 that it got with its two most recent episodes. The two episodes before that it was definitely in more perilous territory with a 1.9 adults 18-49 rating (yes, I know “that always happens when Daylight Saving Time starts, the ratings go down and come back, that happened last, year too!”). That said, if Chuck doesn’t average a 2.0 or better over its last six* episodes, it’s probably a goner, even if Warner Bros is willing to play “Let’s Make a Deal” with NBC when it comes to licensing fees. To be clear, I’m not saying that I think Chuck is a lock to be renewed if it pulls a 2.0 adults 18-49 for all of its remaining episodes. I don’t think that. Even at a 2.1, or even if it goes up to a 2.2, for that matter, I’d still think it was in danger. I just don’t think it’s a certainty that it’s history if the ratings don’t improve from its most recent performance. A 2.0 is perhaps an arbitrary line to draw, but I’m drawing it anyway. Sure, if you’re at NBC and squint enough you might look at even a 1.9 adults 18-49 rating and think “hey, that’s still 46 percent better than Trauma did last week!” But if you’re a broadcast network on some level, even if only psychologically, a sub 2.0 rating for a scripted drama that’s not airing on a Friday night is probably just too bitter of a pill to swallow. Even for lowly NBC. I’m using the following Chuck-fan report card to analyze the ratings for Monday’s episode (once I see them): Adults 18-49 rating * 2.4 and above: emphatic fist pump * 2.3: half-hearted fist pump * 2.1-2.2: white knuckle time. But it’s not irrational to hope for renewal * 2.0: white knuckle time with gnawed fingernails added, but not yet completely irrational to hope for renewal * 1.9: Awwwwwww. * 1.8 or less: Awwwwww, oh well, enjoy the final episodes! * Substitute 1.8/1.9 for the less rational/former Brooklyn Dodgers fans: It’s been in repeats for two weeks and NBC hardly promoted last night’s episode, just wait until next week! SOURCE

BubbleWatch: NBC’s ‘Chuck’

SHOW: “Chuck” (NBC) IN ITS FAVOR: It’s obvious that NBC likes “Chuck” and enjoys being in business with Josh Schwartz, Chris Fedak, Zachary Levi, Yvonne Strahovski, Adam Baldwin and company. Fans love it. A select group of critics love it. Both groups have proven to be easily mobilizable in the past, should another Save Our Show campaign be necessary. And the “Chuck” team has displayed a willingness to make all appropriate accommodations to lowering its budget and making nice with sponsors, which is the kind of flexibility penny pinching studios love. In addition, even though it isn’t necessarily saying much, “Chuck” has reliably delivered NBC’s best demo ratings on Monday nights, all through the spring. AGAINST IT: There’s nothing working against “Chuck” other than those pesky ratings, which were a worthy adversary last spring as well. “Chuck” got off to a really strong start this spring and it looked like we wouldn’t have to worry about this whole “bubble” nonsense. Then the numbers dropped. The numbers have leveled, but in a ridiculously tough time slot, poor “Chuck” is frequently getting creamed. OUR TOTALLY UNINFORMED GUESS: Last spring NBC was cutting primetime hours to make room for Jay Leno. This spring, the network has many more hours to fill and it seems to us that even with a tremendous development haul, NBC should have room for another season of “Chuck.” Now perhaps an *insanely* tremendous development haul might squeeze the action-comedy out, but we’re going with our wishful thinking that says that despite living dangerously once again, “Chuck” will be back next year. SOURCE