And Beyond… fall TV sitcom news / Emmy nominations

Amy Poehler

Associated press has confirmed the Hollywooddeadlinedaily report that that SNL’s Amy Poleher will be joining the cast of the OFFICE spin off show that will air on NBC next season. The 36-year-old comic actress, who just received an Emmy nomination for her work on SNL, co-starred in the moderate hit feature film Baby Mamma alongside Tina Fey this spring. Her star is obviously shining bright these days.

According to TV guide, actress Courtney Cox will do a 3 episode story arc on SCRUBS. The sitcom will air on the ABC network this fall, moving over from the NBC network. Cox’s show DIRT, which was canceled after two seasons on the FX cable channel, was a slimy piece of television that had some entertainment value but always seemed below Cox’s level of quality, particularly considering her claim to fame was the landmark sitcom “Friends.” Speaking of NBC, it will be interesting as to how they handle the last season of the long running ER. While the show is not as good as it was in its heyday it still is a quality drama that I continue to watch. Original cast member Noah Wyle will be back for 4 episodes, reprising his role of Dr. Carter. It will be interesting to see if George Clooney will return as Dr Ross for the show’s final episode. I still believe Clooney’s work on ER was as good as anything he’s ever done. An appearance by him would certainly acknowledge that fact!

Grey's Anatomy

There’s been a whole lot of rumbling lately about the status of Emmy winning actress, Katherine Hegel’s, future on the hit ABC show Grey’s Anatomy. Whether she wants to stay or whether producers want her to go, I think the show needs her as she’s a big part of its overall chemistry. Despite a strike-shortened season last year, Grey’s remained one of TV’s most entertaining dramas. Hegel certainly has a bright future in movies (She’s already scored big in Knocked Up) but Grey’s Anatomy is one heck of a day job and her staying put is a win-win for all involved, especially the fans of the show.

Lost

Friday Night Lights

Glad to see “Lost” and “Dexter” getting Emmy nominations for best Drama as I love both programs. Personally, I continue to feel that Lost is one of the greatest pieces of television ever produced. On the flip side, I was pretty disappointed to see that NBC’s Friday Night Lights was completely ignored. It’s hard to believe the voting members actually watch the show because it’s easily one of the 5 best dramas on the air! The creative team behind Lights has produced high quality episodes week in and week out for two straight seasons. The show certainly deserved some recognition. It was also great to see actor Michael Emerson, who plays the fascinating Benjamin Linus on “Lost,” get a best supporting actor nod. He is simply great in the role and he’s turned that character into something very special.

July 18, 2008 - Posted by Entertainment Today & Beyond | And Beyond - Trailers & News | Amy Poehler, Benjamin Linus, Courtney Cox, Dexter, DIRT, ER, Friday Night Lights, Gey's Anatomy, Katherine Hegel, Noah Wylie, Scrubs, SNL, The Office