Magazine, News and Interviews thread #1

[Fraz]

Meet Adrianne Palicki, Friday Night Lights' Sexy, Oh-So-Bad Girl
by Angel Cohn

If you haven't been watching NBC's Friday Night Lights because you don't know a halfback from a running back, now is the time to tune in. This amazing new drama — which is about so much more than the on-field antics — gets a special airing tonight at 10 pm/ET, to be "encored" tomorrow in its normal Tuesday-at-8 time slot. If you don't trust our take, listen to sexy Adrianne Palicki, who plays FNL's bad girl. TVGuide.com spoke with the actress to find out which football player might be next in Tyra's "playbook," and what it was like going from the sun and sand of South Beach to a landlocked Texas town.

TVGuide.com: How have you been describing Friday Night Lights to people who think the show is just about football?
Adrianne Palicki: It is completely not just about football. Yes, football is in there, but as a vehicle that drives all these relationships that are going on around it. I've told people how gritty it is and how it touches on things, and these days people don't really push the envelope. But our show just keeps getting more intense.

TVGuide.com: Having seen the movie, you knew what you were getting into.
Palicki: Right. And I actually am a football fan. I'm from Ohio, and [the fandom] is very similar to Texas in that way.

TVGuide.com: You went to football games and such in high school?
Palicki: Of course! When I got down [to Texas] for the pilot, and it was the first time we were in the stadium, all the cheerleaders and football players have the exact same uniforms that we had in high school. [On the show] they are the Dillon Panthers, and we were the Whitmore Panthers. It was so weird. I thought, "I really am regressing right now."

TVGuide.com: Were you a cheerleader?
Palicki: No. I was a cheerleader for one year in, like, fifth grade. We never won, so I quit. I was a basketball player, and I ran track. I was more of a jock.

TVGuide.com: You never had to do the spirit squad thing they do on the show, where they assign girls to players?
Palicki: No. I was a Pantherette my first year of high school — that was the dance group that comes out during halftime — but we didn't get assigned players. We were kind of made fun of.

TVGuide.com: Did you at least have cute uniforms?
Palicki: [Laughs] No. Not so much. But there was a lot of spandex.

TVGuide.com: Do you watch football regularly?
Palicki: Yeah. I'm a Detroit Lions fan. I grew up in Toledo, which is about a half-hour outside of Detroit, so that was a huge team for my dad.

TVGuide.com: This must be a good show for your family to watch, then.
Palicki: Everybody loves it. It is for every generation.

TVGuide.com: It's quite a big switch for you to be going from North Shore and South Beach to a show set in the middle of Texas. Not exactly an exotic location.
Palicki: At first I was really nervous, but Austin is so liberal and laid-back and artistic, and the people are so kind, that while it isn't exotic like Hawaii or Miami, it definitely has its own thing going for it. It is a music kind of town and there are bands everywhere, very eclectic. I love it.

TVGuide.com: We got to see a little bit more of Tyra, who seems like "the hot girl," when she dissolved her relationship with Riggs. Will we get to see more of that?
Palicki: Absolutely. The way I describe Tyra is as "the bad girl with the heart of gold." Yeah, she comes across as being really tough, but she's from the wrong side of the tracks and she's had a tough life. But you're going to see more of a vulnerable side. She doesn't let other people see it, but the audience will get to see it in those quiet moments.

TVGuide.com: So far, Tyra's been with two of the guys on the team, but then last week there was a little moment with Jason that made me think he might be next....
Palicki: The great thing about Tyra is you are going to see her edge away from just sleeping with every football player. The thing you're going to see with Jason is that she develops a really good friendship with him. It is a platonic relationship, for now.

TVGuide.com: "For now"?
Palicki: I don't know more. I really don't!

TVGuide.com: What is it like filming with all these guys?
Palicki: Oh, they are really tough to look at, and kissing them on screen is awful. [Laughs] No, everybody is so great and we get along really well. There is a great group of talented folks on the show.

TVGuide.com: Do you think Tyra still has feelings for Riggs?
Palicki: I do. It is a high-school relationship, that first-love thing, and they have a lot in common. They can really give it to each other. I think it is going to take a little bit for Tyra to get over that relationship.

TVGuide.com: Will Smash be helping her?
Palicki: I think that was a one-time thing.

TVGuide.com: I'm looking forward to the moment where Tyra discovers that Riggs and Lyla have been kissing. Is that coming soon?
Palicki: Maybe...? I can't give you too much information.

TVGuide.com: Hypothetically, would that be fun to see?
Palicki: That would be a lot of fun to see if it were hypothetically possibly happening.

TVGuide.com: You really do get the tough roles, like on the pilot of Supernatural, as Jared Padalecki's love interest.
Palicki: Yeah, it's awful.

TVGuide.com: She's dead, but on that show people come back. Is there any chance you'll return?
Palicki: They did bring back the character for an episode where she was just kind of a vision, but I was on another show at the time and it was really difficult to coordinate the time for me to come back. But who knows? We're working really hard down here and I'd really like to put my foot in movies. I think that might be the next step for me.

TVGuide.com: Friday Night Lights recently got an additional script order for the back nine. Are you excited about that?
Palicki: It is a good sign. And [tonight] we're going to be behind Heroes, so I'm hoping that will boost ratings enough to where they order [a full-season pickup].

TVGuide.com: Are ratings and pickups in your mind while you are working?
Palicki: You know what, before the show aired we were all in our own little bubble thinking this show that we are creating is amazing. You think to yourself, "Of course people are going to respond to it, because it is amazing. They have to." Then when the first ratings came out, it wasn't bad, but it wasn't great, and [i] start wondering. Not that [FNL being canceled] is in my mind even a possibility, but you want to be able to embrace the fact that you are going to be doing it for a while. They don't shoot shows like this where we don't have marks and we get to improv scenes. There are about four cameras on us at all time. It is like theater, just raw acting.

TVGuide.com: Can you tell me anything about this week's episode?
Palicki: You are going to see a lot more of Tyra. It is a really, really good episode, and that is not me being biased. The show is becoming even more about the relationships, I think, and in a lot of story lines that we kind of touched on last week, you are going to see them go a lot further.

[Fraz]

'Lights' Keep Burning at NBC
Critically hailed series earns a full season
November 13, 2006


Kyle Chandler on 'Friday Night Lights'The 2006-07 TV season is becoming the Year of the Patient Networks.

The latest beneficiary of the newfound forbearance is NBC's "Friday Night Lights," which received a full-season order on Monday. This despite the fact that the show is among the least-watched new dramas on any of the Big Four networks.

Wide critical acclaim and a devoted audience -- although the show's ratings haven't been big, they've been fairly consistent -- appear to have factored into NBC's decision to stick with the series, which stars Kyle Chandler as a Texas high-school footbal coach. Here's what NBC Entertainment chief Kevin Reilly has to say about the pickup:

"We're proud to reward an authentic, poignant series like 'Friday Night Lights' with a full-season order, demonstrating our confidence in its appeal and quality. Television critics and devoted fans have supported the show with well-deserved praise for the executive producers, writers and exceptionally talented cast."

Through Nov. 5, "Friday Night Lights" is averaging 6.7 million viewers per week in first-run broadcasts (factoring in a little-watched repeat on Oct. 31, the figure is 6.1 million). It draws a 2.7 rating among adults 18-49. Among new dramas, only NBC's already cancelled "Kidnapped" (5.6 million) has brought in a smaller audience this fall, although FOX's "Vanished" is headed that way after two meagerly rated Friday episodes.

Among the encouraging signs for NBC are the fact that the show's 18-49 rating tends to rise in its second half-hour -- a sign that viewers are sticking with it -- and that its ratings were above average in a special Monday airing on Oct. 30, which drew about 8 million viewers.

"Friday Night Lights" becomes the third new NBC series to be picked up, following "Heroes" and "Studio 60," which has also had some ratings issues. ABC has also been patient with some of its new shows, picking up "Men in Trees" and second-year show "What About Brian" despite less-than-stellar numbers and has ordered extra scripts for "The Nine."

CBS has been a mixed bag, yanking the expensive drama "Smith" after just three episodes but giving comedy "The Class" a reprieve by asking for more scripts. FOX has yet to pick up any of its fall series and has already pulled "Happy Hour" and "Justice." Having been exiled to Friday, "Vanished" seems an unlikely bet to get more episodes, which leaves only "Standoff" and "'Til Death" as viable possibilities to continue into 2007.

[Fraz]

NBC To Use Bravo Re-Airs To Pump Up

By The Associated Press
(Broadcasting & Cable) _ As part of a continuing effort to keep two of its highly acclaimed but low-rated rookies alive, NBC Universal will air episodes of NBC's Friday Night Lights every Friday and Saturday on cable outlet Bravo through April 13.

The move comes just days after NBC announced rock it is moving comedy 30 Rock up a half-hour to 9 p.m. on Thursdays for its final episodes of the season.

Both Friday Night Lights and 30 Rock are favorites of critics and NBC executives, including entertainment chief Kevin Reilly, who would love to bring both shows back next season. He lauds the quality of both shows, despite neither breaking out in the Nielsens.




Beginning this weekend, Bravo will air one episode of Lights at 7 p.m. ET each Friday, and then air three episodes on Saturdays beginning at 2 p.m. ET.

The show's season finale on NBC is Wednesday, April 11, at 8.

[azuline]

Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton Share the Secret to Their Friday Night Lights Marriage
by Ileane Rudolph

He’s the coach. She’s the guidance counselor. Together, Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton of NBC's Friday Night Lights (Wednesdays at 8 pm/ET) are TV’s cutest couple. This is the interview.

TV Guide: What do you think makes your marriage on Friday Night Lights so appealing to viewers?
Kyle Chandler: Our characters try to show that no matter what, we're going to support each other. That's the difference between a stereotypical TV relationship and one between two real human beings.
Connie Britton: Eric and Tami Taylor have an underlying trust. Kyle and I are both uncompromising about preserving that partnership. I guess that's probably true in a good marriage. Kyle has a great marriage, so he takes from that world.

TV Guide: Connie, you're single. Is the Taylor marriage something you'd like to have in real life?
Britton: Definitely. Although I can't imagine living in a small town being married to a Texas high-school football coach!

TV Guide: Is Kyle more talkative than Coach Taylor?
Britton: You can't get Kyle to shut up. My nickname for him is "Didjaknow." He would start all these conversations with "Did you know?" and proceed to tell you some little piece of trivia about ancient Mesopotamia that you could care less about. And it goes on for hours!

TV Guide: Did you know each other before this show?
Britton: No. In fact, the producers sent me his fancy, Emmy-nominated Grey's Anatomy episode so that I could watch and figure out who the heck this guy was.

TV Guide: Is it true that you drove from L.A. to Austin together?
Britton: It was purely practical to get our cars to Austin.

TV Guide: You were in different cars?
Chandler: Thank god.
Britton: Kyle brought these funny walkie-talkies along.

TV Guide: Did you have handles?
Britton: White Trash I and White Trash II. [Laughs]
Chandler: Basically, the whole trip was me following her and making sure her new car, a '74 Mustang, didn't break down.
Britton: '73. Very important.
Chandler: It spit out so much exhaust that after eight hours sucking in gas fumes from the '70s, I lost more brain cells…
Britton: Honey, they were well damaged before I ever came along with my little Mustang! [Laughs]

TV Guide: You've turned your great TV relationship into a real friendship, haven't you?
Chandler: Actually, I knew this relationship was going to work because when Connie came over to the house, she and my wife would start giggling and laughing.
Britton: It's so great, because we can just totally dish about him the whole time.

TV Guide: Why do you think FNL doesn't score in the ratings?
Chandler: There are two kinds of people: Those who have never seen the show, and those who are addicted to it. Friday Night Lights is not about high-school kids playing football. It's about a small town and the people who live in it and the importance of their ordinariness.

TV Guide: Aren't some of your scenes together improvised?
Britton: Yes. We know we're on the same page, so we can go into a sort of improvised scene to make it more real. The greatest freedom is the style of shooting. We don't rehearse, we're not told where to stand. We can move wherever we want and the camera finds us.
Chandler: This is one of the greatest acting lessons I've ever had. I'll fight and kick to keep it on the air. When I look back at my life, I'm going to say, "Wow, [executive producer] Peter Berg really changed my life."

TV Guide: So are there any divas on FNL?
Chandler: I'm sitting across from one.
Britton: Sugar, don't say that, because then people will believe it.
Chandler: OK. Connie Britton is not a diva. But I heard her say that her water's got to be at room temperature.
Britton: No, no, no. I didn't even ask for it!
Chandler: That's how our banter gets. We find little things to attack with. [Laughs]

[JustBreathe47]

Thank you so much for that interview! The two of them are hysterical.

Chandler: It spit out so much exhaust that after eight hours sucking in gas fumes from the '70s, I lost more brain cells…
Britton: Honey, they were well damaged before I ever came along with my little Mustang!

I can imagine Tami saying something like this to Coach Taylor on the show. I only wish this interview was recorded on film. Thanks for posting it :)

[Fraz]

'Friday Night Lights' Goes to State
Gilford reflects on a season of playing 'QB1'
By Kate O'Hare, Zap2it
April 11, 2007


Zach Gilford of 'Friday Night Lights'Critics love it, a small core group of dedicated fans loves it, and reportedly NBC entertainment chief Kevin Reilly is a supporter, but the larger audience has yet to discover NBC's small-town drama "Friday Night Lights."

With the first-season finale, entitled "State," coming up on Wednesday, April 11, newcomers have one last chance to check in -- and the show has saved the biggest moment for the end.

With a rousing victory in the hard-fought "Mud Bowl," played on a hastily constructed field in a former cow pasture, the show's fictional Texas high-school football team, the Dillon Panthers, earned a berth in the state playoffs. The series films on location in and around Austin (home of the University of Texas Longhorns).

Leading the Panthers to ultimate glory or disappointment is first-string quarterback Matt Saracen (Zach Gilford), a sophomore who was thrust unexpectedly into the limelight when star QB Jason Street (Scott Porter) suffered an injury in the pilot episode that left him in a wheelchair.

Shy, bright but sometimes inarticulate, and the sole caregiver of a grandmother suffering from senile dementia, Matt is hardly the model of a teen football hero. But that suits Gilford just fine.

"That's been the most fun," he says, "especially in a show about Texas high-school football, playing the this kid who's nothing you would ever expect from a starting quarterback on a high-school team, especially one that's doing well and where football's a big deal.

"You expect this cocky, arrogant superstar, basically the all-American boy like Jason Street. Matt's this kid who's stumbling through. He's a reluctant leader. He knows he's supposed to take charge and lead his team, but he's second-guessing his leadership skills. He's nervous about doing so.

"He's not riding his teammates, but relying on them to step up and take charge of the team while he gets down to doing what he has to, skills-wise. He's not that superstar who can step up, and people will naturally follow him."

Challenging TV conventions has become a hallmark of "Friday Night Lights," under the supervision of executive producers Peter Berg, co-writer and director of the 2004 movie of the same name (based on H.G. Bissinger's best-selling nonfiction book), and Jason Katims ("Roswell," "My So-Called Life").

Shot documentary-style in real homes, schools and businesses instead of on soundstages, the show strives for authenticity in its portrayal of small-town dynamics and personalities.

"That's one of the things I love about our show," Gilford says, "and why people have been so drawn to it, that it shows all the different types of people. It's not just one-dimensional; a bunch of rich, snobby kids from Orange County or something like that.

"It's a small town. It's got the bad-boy sexy guy; then it's got the earnest, good kid who doesn't really know how to handle himself around girls; it's got the all-American boy like Jason Street."

Speaking of Street, he's gone through a dark passage of emotions during recuperation and rehabilitation. He found a temporary outlet playing wheelchair rugby (or "quad rugby") but has recently returned to his original love as an assistant to Panther Coach Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler). But along the way, he lost longtime love Lyla Garrity (Minka Kelly).

"As great a guy and every mother's dream child that he was," Gilford says, "he lost his legs and lost everything. He's going to have problems dealing with that. He's not going to immediately be the kid that he was and just be, 'That's OK, I'm paralyzed, I'm just going to be this great guy again.'

"I'm glad they kept the anger, instead of him being just this martyr what goes, 'OK, well, that's the hand God dealt me.' It's been fun to watch."

The storylines of some shows focusing on teens go for easy hook-ups and break-ups, but high-school romance is a little more complicated on "Friday Night Lights." Included in that is Matt's relationship with Coach Taylor's 15-year-old daughter, Julie (Aimee Teegarden).

She proposed having sex to Matt, which precipitated a parenting crisis and a hard talk with her mother (Connie Britton). In the end, the teens decided against it.

"I really like that we avoided having sex," Gilford says, "that we second-guessed it. We're basically these two kids who are becoming adults together. We have so much comfort and trust in one another, that in rough times, we lean on each other.

"So much of the time, all you see are these relationships that have this hot sex and there's this physical attraction and desire. Yeah, there's that in there, but it's not what it's based on, and it's not what it's going to become.

"Again, we have all the different types of relationships going on. You look at the marriage between the coach and his wife. It's awesome."

Right now, fans don't know whether the Panthers will take the title, or whether the show will be back next season (media reports say that NBC has asked for six extra scripts of the show, which falls short of a pickup but is generally a positive sign). Gilford keeps his counsel on the final score, but he's hopeful about renewal.

"We've gotten a good impression we're going to be back."

[Fraz]

'Friday' waits for NBC's greenlight
Writer to downplay football if season two arrives
By JON WEISMAN

"Friday Night Lights" remains in the dark about whether NBC will renew the low-rated but critically beloved drama for a second season. But if production gains another year of eligibility, executive producers Peter Berg and Jason Katims plan to de-emphasize football -- the show's original signature -- from its gameplan.

"We're doing everything we can to distance ourselves from football," Katims said at a "Media as Lens" symposium at the Museum of Television and Radio in Beverly Hills on (appropriately) Friday evening. "We find football is the least interesting aspect of the show."

Katims and Berg had no bombshells to drop about their show's renewal/cancellation status, but with NBC having ordered six scripts for next season -- even though the Peacock hasn't yet committed to producing them -- the producers are actively thinking ahead.

Their vision of the future played into last week's season finale, in which the show's creative forces had to decide whether or not its Dillon Panthers would win the Texas high school football championship game. The answer was yes -- for non-pigskin reasons.

"If they had lost the game," Katims said, "it would have (meant) a second season very similar in structure to what we just did. ... The idea of the coach and his wife (Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton), the potential of their marriage being challenged, we were sort of thinking that was the cliffhanger. We felt like it was going to be too much to have that on top of a loss. We felt that character (was where to focus).

"I think football will always be at the center of the show in terms of the obsession this town has," Katims added, "but I think we've earned the right to tell stories that have nothing to do with football. In fact, I think it's a necessity."

Despite already featuring storylines that run the gamut of non-football-related drama, "Lights" has battled all season to convince viewers it's about much more than the gridiron. NBC's ability to market such a complicated animal may play into its own parallel deliberations about whether it will let "Lights" win or lose.

"There's no point in talking about (the renewal)," Berg said. "We're optimistic. I think the network is inclined to do it, but it's up to (NBC prexy and CEO) Jeff Zucker and the gods."

Friday's gathering, moderated by "Daily Variety" senior features editor Stuart Levine, was well-attended by cast members of "Lights", with Chandler and Britton joined by Taylor Kitsch (who surprised many with his native Canadian accent), Jesse Plemons, Scott Porter, Minka Kelly, Aimee Teegarden and Zach Gilford. All expounded on the job-of-a-lifetime nature of working on "Lights."

A much less sacred than profane gag reel before the question-and-answer period put attendees in a jovial mood. The cast frequently ribbed Berg about the unconventional auditions he asked them to submit to, but Berg teased right back, especially when it came to casting Chandler, who surprised many with his convincing portrayal of rugged Dillon coach Eric Taylor.

"I was like, 'Early Edition?' " Berg said. "Are you kidding me?"

[azuline]

"Friday Night Lights" has scored a second season from NBC.

The "Friday Night Lights" touchdown came in the fourth quarter with just seconds left on the clock. News ends weeks of speculation over whether the critically acclaimed but low-rated show would pull off a last-minute Hail Mary.

The stats weren't stellar for the primetime pigskin player after all. Season to date, "Friday Night Lights" has averaged only a 2.3 rating/6 share and 6.1 million viewers overall. With those low numbers, an order for "Friday Night Lights" wasn't guaranteed.

But NBC Entertainment prexy Kevin Reilly has championed the show as part of NBC's "first be best, then be first" mantra -- and the net already renewed another highly praised but low-rated skein, the Tina Fey laffer "30 Rock."

Net wasn't ready to officially confirm the order Thursday -- preferring to make the grand reveal during its New York upfront presentation Monday -- but is expected to order a full 22 episodes of the drama. Move is sure to spur a spate of high-fives among the nation's TV critics.

NBC Universal TV Studio and Imagine TV are behind "Friday Night Lights," which comes from exec producer Peter Berg (who wrote and directed the feature on which the show was based), as well as Jason Katims, Brian Grazer, David Nevins and Sarah Aubrey. Kyle Chandler stars as coach Eric Taylor in the show set in the world of small-town Texas high school football.

"We were confident but all experienced enough to know that anything can happen," Berg said of the show's prospects. "It was never a sure thing. All I can say is that Kevin Reilly and Jeff Zucker are men of their word."

Berg said he was told that "Lights" will most likely air later than its current 8 p.m. slot -- a move the producers have been advocating.

"Lights" already received a six script order last month, giving the show's writers an early jump.

NBC "hasn't asked for any changes," Berg said. "They've embraced the personality of the show. Hopefully, we can continue to grow."

"Friday Night Lights" also stars Connie Britton, Scott Porter, Gaius Charles, Taylor Kitsch, Zach Gifford, Minka Kelly, Aimee Teegarden, Adrianne Palicki and Jesse Plemons.

[Fraz]

'Lights' Stay On at NBC
Network renews drama, adds four new shows
May 11, 2007


Kyle Chandler and Zach Gilford of 'Friday Night Lights'The Dillon Panthers will get a chance to defend their state title next season.

NBC has renewed its critically adored but low-rated drama "Friday Night Lights" for next season, the showbiz trade papers report. The network is also giving series orders to four pilots: A remake of "The Bionic Woman," time-travel drama "Journeyman," quirky cop show "Life" and the comedic spy thriller "Chuck."

The network will make its formal 2007-08 schedule announcement Monday at its upfront presentation. The news of "FNL's" renewal removes some of the suspense from the day -- although not all of it, as the fate of several series is still up in the air.

Although it drew only a little over 6 million viewers per week this season, NBC Entertainment president Kevin Reilly made no secret of his love for the show, which stars Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton, and has hinted strongly that it would return next season. The network had previously ordered six scripts for a second season.

Among the new shows, "Journeyman" has been a strong contender for much of pilot season. It stars Kevin McKidd ("Rome") as a man who travels back and forth in time; "West Wing" veterans Kevin Falls and Alex Graves are executive producing.

Josh Schwartz ("The O.C.") created "Chuck," which centers on a techie (Zachary Levi) who inadvertently has government secrets embedded in his brain. "The Bionic Woman," which has gone through some fairly serious retooling, is a remake of the 1970s series; it stars Michelle Ryan and counts David Eick ("Battlestar Galactica"), Jason Smilovic ("Kidnapped") and Glen Morgan ("The X-Files").

"Life" stars Damian Lewis ("Band of Brothers") as a cop who was wrongly imprisoned for a crime and rejoins the force upon his release. Rand Ravich ("The Astronaut's Wife") created the show.

NBC has yet to decide the fate of "Scrubs" -- which could move to ABC if NBC passes -- "Law & Order" and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent." Among its pilots, the drama "Lipstick Jungle" and comedies "The IT Crowd" and "Lipshitz Saves the World" are still contenders, the trades say.

[Ashlyn]

I'm tremendously excited about this. It's so nice not to have to wait until upfront week next week to be for sure.

[Fraz]

A picture with Coach Taylor
By Rick Porter
May 14, 05:57 PM

For those of you who wonder just what actors do to earn their sizable salaries (aside from the acting part), consider the following scene from NBC's post-upfront party Monday at Rockefeller Center.

For a solid hour, the cast of Friday Night Lights sat in the same formation on a set of couches having their pictures taken with a constant stream of ad folks, PR people and other assorted fans who attended the network's presentation (including, in one of the geekier moments of my adult life, yours truly; NBC has promised proof of such at one of its sites, but the pictures weren't up as of Monday evening).

That's 60 minutes of having to smile for the camera, shake hands and hear endless chatter about how much people love the show (actually, I imagine that last bit probably doesn't get too old). I'm not sure I could handle all that for that long, but to their credit, the cast pulled it off with great aplomb -- particularly Kyle Chandler, who was seated next to the stool where people took up their positions to be photographed.

The grip-and-grin picture is an upfronts staple, and typically each network sets up a few spots around its party for civilians to get visual proof of their encounters with the stars of their favorite shows. Prior to the FNL cast taking up residence on the couches, the gang from The Office had occupied the same spot; elsewhere, you could have your picture taken with some Heroes or the stars of NBC's new series.

Outside the roped-off area, meanwhile, dozens more people snapped away with their digital cameras or cell phones.

Someone from NBC would have done well to eavesdrop on the chatter in line for FNL, because from what I heard while waiting my turn, the network could have developed a new marketing strategy for the show, which is moving to its namesake night in the fall.

The promo push could be organized around this very simple principle: The ladies love them some Coach Taylor. And Tim Riggins too. If I had a dime for every time I overheard someone in line say how much they loved Chandler (who plays the coach) or Taylor Kitsch (Riggins), I'd have at a couple extra bucks in my pocket. Which doesn't really even buy a cup of coffee, but that's still like 20 people expressing the same thought in about as many minutes.

It can't be all that fun to be on display like that for an extended period of time. So cheers to you, cast of Friday Night Lights, for handling your duties like pros.

[Fraz]

A picture with Coach Taylor
By Rick Porter
May 14, 05:57 PM

For those of you who wonder just what actors do to earn their sizable salaries (aside from the acting part), consider the following scene from NBC's post-upfront party Monday at Rockefeller Center.

For a solid hour, the cast of Friday Night Lights sat in the same formation on a set of couches having their pictures taken with a constant stream of ad folks, PR people and other assorted fans who attended the network's presentation (including, in one of the geekier moments of my adult life, yours truly; NBC has promised proof of such at one of its sites, but the pictures weren't up as of Monday evening).

That's 60 minutes of having to smile for the camera, shake hands and hear endless chatter about how much people love the show (actually, I imagine that last bit probably doesn't get too old). I'm not sure I could handle all that for that long, but to their credit, the cast pulled it off with great aplomb -- particularly Kyle Chandler, who was seated next to the stool where people took up their positions to be photographed.

The grip-and-grin picture is an upfronts staple, and typically each network sets up a few spots around its party for civilians to get visual proof of their encounters with the stars of their favorite shows. Prior to the FNL cast taking up residence on the couches, the gang from The Office had occupied the same spot; elsewhere, you could have your picture taken with some Heroes or the stars of NBC's new series.

Outside the roped-off area, meanwhile, dozens more people snapped away with their digital cameras or cell phones.

Someone from NBC would have done well to eavesdrop on the chatter in line for FNL, because from what I heard while waiting my turn, the network could have developed a new marketing strategy for the show, which is moving to its namesake night in the fall.

The promo push could be organized around this very simple principle: The ladies love them some Coach Taylor. And Tim Riggins too. If I had a dime for every time I overheard someone in line say how much they loved Chandler (who plays the coach) or Taylor Kitsch (Riggins), I'd have at a couple extra bucks in my pocket. Which doesn't really even buy a cup of coffee, but that's still like 20 people expressing the same thought in about as many minutes.

It can't be all that fun to be on display like that for an extended period of time. So cheers to you, cast of Friday Night Lights, for handling your duties like pros.

[Catalyst]

Great news. Along with The Unit, best drama on TV....in one man's opinion.

[Lily]

yay! *dances* i was so happy when i heard this, some of my other shows are gone but we still have FNL :D

[Fraz]

NBC 'Lights' Up Critics' Nominations
'Friday Night Lights,' 'Heroes' among top TCA nominees
June 5, 2007


Connie Britton and Kyle Chandler of 'Friday Night Lights'It's probably small comfort to recently departed NBC chief Kevin Reilly, but TV critics really like several of the shows he put on the air.

So much so, in fact, that NBC landed the most nominations for the 23rd annual Television Critics Association awards. The network, thanks mostly to three new series -- "Friday Night Lights," "Heroes" and "30 Rock" -- grabbed 13 total nominations, including two of the six nods for program of the year ("FNL" and "Heroes").

HBO was second with nine nominations, while ABC has five -- including three for its first-year comedy "Ugly Betty." PBS received four nods.

In addition to the two NBC shows, a pair of HBO programs, "The Wire" and "When the Levees Broke," as well as Discovery's "Planet Earth" and FOX's "American Idol" are up for program of the year.

"Friday Night Lights" is also the most-nominated show, grabbing nods for program of the year, outstanding drama and outstanding new series. Stars Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton will vie against each other for the individual drama award.

"Heroes" has three nominations -- program of the year, best drama and best new series -- while "30 Rock" has four, for best comedy and best new series, star-creator Tina Fey and star Alec Baldwin. "The Office," nominated for outstanding comedy, rounds out NBC's total.

"When the Levees Broke," Spike Lee's HBO documentary about New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, is up for outstanding movie or miniseries and outstanding achievement in news and information in addition to program of the year. "The Wire" and the departing "Sopranos" are both up for best drama, and "The Sopranos" is also nominated for the Heritage Award, given to a program that's had a lasting impact on popular culture.

The awards will be handed out on July 21. Here's the complete list of nominees:

Program of the Year


"American Idol" (FOX)

"Friday Night Lights" (NBC)

"Heroes" (NBC)

"Planet Earth" (Discovery)

"The Wire" (HBO)

"When the Levees Broke"

Outstanding Comedy


"30 Rock" (NBC)

"The Daily Show" (Comedy Central)

"Entourage" (HBO)

"The Office"

"Ugly Betty" (ABC)

Outstanding Drama


"Friday Night Lights" (NBC)

"Heroes" (NBC)

"Lost" (ABC)

"The Sopranos" (HBO)

"The Wire" (HBO)

Outstanding New Program


"30 Rock" (NBC)

"Dexter" (Showtime)

"Friday Night Lights" (NBC)

"Heroes" (NBC)

"Ugly Betty" (ABC)

Outstanding Movie, Miniseries or Special


"Broken Trail" (AMC)

"Planet Earth" (Discovery)

"Prime Suspect" (PBS)

"The State Within" (BBC America)

"When the Levees Broke" (HBO)

Individual Achievement in Comedy


Alec Baldwin ("30 Rock")

Stephen Colbert ("The Colbert Report")

America Ferrera ("Ugly Betty")

Tina Fey ("30 Rock")

Jon Stewart ("The Daily Show")

Individual Achievement in Drama


Connie Britton ("Friday Night Lights")

Kyle Chandler ("Friday Night Lights")

Michael C. Hall ("Dexter")

Hugh Laurie ("House")

Helen Mirren ("Prime Suspect")

Outstanding Children's Programming


"Dora the Explorer" (Nickelodeon)

"Johnny and the Sprites" (Disney Channel)

"Kyle XY" (ABC Family)

"Lincoln Heights (ABC Family)

"SpongeBob SquarePants" (Nickelodeon)

Outstanding Achievement in News & Information


"Baghdad ER" (HBO)

"Bill Moyers Journal" (PBS)

"Galapagos" (National Geographic Channel)

"Planet Earth" (Discovery)

"When the Levees Broke" (HBO)

Heritage Award


"M*A*S*H" (CBS)

"Roots" (ABC)

"Sesame Street" (PBS)

"The Mary Tyler Moore Show" (CBS)

"The Sopranos" (HBO)

[JustBreathe47]

Someone on youtube posted Connie Britton's recent appearance on Regis & Kelly. http://youtube.com/watch?v=0IR5Su8A3Z8
Definitely worth watching.

[Fraz]

Lyla and Riggins made tvguide.com list of top ten hot couples on tv.

http://l.yimg.com/img.tv.yahoo.com/tv/us/img/site/65/94/0000036594_20061220144719.jpg?

[Fraz]

'Friday Night Lights' folks spill on season two
By Rick Porter
July 18, 11:28 AM

The following post contains what could be considered spoilers for the coming season of Friday Night Lights, but considering that they come from the show's executive producer and he freely shared them with a roomful of journalists, they're probably not that secret.

Nonetheless, if you don't want to know, the usual warnings apply. So here goes:

Season two will begin about eight months after the Dillon Panthers' state title, just as another season and school year are about to begin, showrunner Jason Katims says. Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) is ramping up for his first season at TMU, and the Dillon squad is adjusting to a new head coach (who has yet to be cast) and trying to handle success.

The eight-month leap ahead also means means Tami (Connie Britton) is on the verge of having her baby -- and will in fact give birth in the first episode (though she won't say whether the child is a boy or a girl).

"We love the idea of all the stuff that's gone on in those intervening eight months and picking up people in the middle of things. We're starting out of the gate with Tami going to have this baby in the first episode," Katims says. "And suddenly she's ... dealing with this infant and with a 16-year-old daughter [Aimee Teegarden] who is acting out more than she ever has before. And Coach Taylor is coaching at TMU in Austin, and this idea of this long-distance relationship that seemed like a great idea at the time suddenly doesn't seem like such a great idea. And they're wondering whether they made the biggest mistake of their lives."

Katims also says that the couple's separation likely won't last for the whole year. "It's going to be an arc," he says. "It's not going to be the entire season."

Back at school, Street (Scott Porter) has earned his GED and is therefore able to take a job as an assistant coach at Dillon High School, where he finds himself caught between his former teammates -- the principals are all still in high school -- and the new head coach.

"The new coach is definitely going to make some waves between Jason and his friends," Porter says. "Whereas before it was more like buddies on the field, he wasn't really, you know, having to be authoritative -- this year, he definitely is going to have to choose: Is he a coach or is he still a kid and still these kids' friend?"

One thing that won't change is the show's intimate look at its characters' lives; Katims says new NBC co-chairman Ben Silverman "has been great" and that support for the show at NBC and sister studio Universal Media, which produces Friday Night Lights, has been complete from day one.

That style has also won the show a deeply passionate (if not especially large) fan base, as Zach Gilford (Dillon QB Matt Saracen) learned this summer.

"I think we all feel that there's two kinds of people. There's the people that come up to you and are obsessed with the show and love every second and know every line you've said, to the people who are just like, 'I haven't seen an episode, but I've heard it's good,'" says Gilford, who was sporting a beard at press tour but will likely be clean-shaven when filming starts next week.

"The coolest was I was in Seattle a few weeks ago, and some guy from Zimbabwe went nuts. He was like, 'Do you work around here?' I was like, 'No. I work in Texas.' He's like, 'You're on Friday Night Lights!' and gave me a huge hug and, like, was going off. He was like, 'I know I'm just from Zimbabwe' -- he had this thick accent -- 'but I know good TV, and you guys are awesome.' ... So from people from Zimbabwe to high school kids to anyone, once they watch it, it seems they really, really like it."

[Fraz]

I know you can watch the episodes online but the Season 1 DVD set

Availability :
This title will be released on August 28,
at TARGET stores $19.99

http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/51dMwBq-JwL._SS384_.jpg

[Fraz]

'Friday Night Lights' Hires New Coach
Chris Mulkey joins NBC series in recurring part
August 14, 2007

http://www.zap2it.com/media/photo/2007-08/31860898.jpg

Chris MulkeyWith Eric Taylor setting off for Austin, the Dillon Panthers needed a new coach. They now have one.

Veteran actor Chris Mulkey ("Twin Peaks," "Broken Trail") has joined the cast of NBC's second-year series, a network rep confirms. He'll have a recurring role as the new coach of the Dillon High School football team, who takes over after Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) moves on to the college ranks at the fictional TMU.

The new coach, who arrives from outside Dillon, brings a my-way-or-the-highway approach with him and revamps the team's game plan. Naturally, this causes friction with some of the players, with new assistant coach Jason Street (Scott Porter) sometimes getting caught in the middle.

Mulkey is the third new face to join "Friday Night Lights" for the coming season. Glenn Morshower ("24") and Daniella Alonso ("One Tree Hill") will also have recurring parts as, respectively, Landry's (Jesse Plemons) police-officer dad and a nurse who helps Matt Saracen (Zach Gilford) care for his grandmother (Louanne Stephens).

Mulkey co-starred in AMC's multiple Emmy nominee "Broken Trail" last year and also counts a recurring role on "Twin Peaks" and FOX's brilliant-but-cancelled comedy "Bakersfield PD" among his credits.

He's also appeared in the films "North Country," "Sugar Town" and "Behind Enemy Lines" and made guest appearances on such shows as "CSI," "Lost" and "Boomtown."

[Fraz]

Well it seems TV Guide and others are not happy with rating stunts that FNL has done in the season opener.

[Fraz]

'Friday Night Lights' Goes for a Repeat
New season examines how team, town handle success
By Rick Porter
October 5, 2007

The first-season finale of "Friday Night Lights" had all that, except the freeze frame. Instead of stopping at the moment of triumph, the show begins its second season on NBC Friday (Oct. 5) -- yes, the series is now on its namesake night -- with a reminder that life for the Dillon Panthers didn't stop after the state title game.

There's a reason most sports movies stop before that: The aftermath of success is not always pretty. But then "Friday Night Lights" has never been like most shows.

"The football stories this year are about how this team is going to deal with its own success. The challenges to that are both from the outside world and of their own making," executive producer Jason Katims says. "... It's about surviving your own success.

"In terms of the rest of the show, we continue the tradition of what we think the show has been -- which is to observe the minutiae, the smaller moments and the real moments, but at the same time employ really aggressive storytelling and throw some big curveballs at the audience."

One of those curveballs, which has already generated a lot of discussion, takes place at the end of the premiere and involves Tyra (Adrianne Palicki), Landry (Jesse Plemons) and the man who assaulted Tyra late last season. "There's a huge storyline with that," Palicki notes. "It will be interesting to see the reaction the viewers have."

The story is a bit of a departure for the series, which, as Katims says, aims to capture the small moments that make up its characters' lives. But it also comes from the writers' realization that Plemons, who was the show's most consistently funny actor last season, could also handle the heavier stuff.

"We gave him that story where he's the one who discovers Tyra after she's almost raped," Katims says. "That was a great, wonderful surprise, to watch how he stepped up and how good he is. So this year, we're still giving him funny stuff, but we're also giving him a lot of good dramatic material as well."

It's also far from the only new dynamic on the series, which picks up eight months after the events of last season's finale. Dillon has an autocratic new coach (Chris Mulkey) that alienates some of his players and leaves new assistant coach Jason Street (Scott Porter) stuck in the middle. Coach Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler) has moved on to Texas Methodist University in Austin, leaving wife Tami (Connie Britton) -- who's about to give birth -- and their increasingly alienated daughter Julie (Aimee Teegarden) back in Dillon.

As always, Eric and Tami form the center of the show. Their separation -- which was Tami's idea -- will be "fodder for some great drama," Britton says.

"Can you imagine just having a baby and having your husband take off, and I'm the one who encouraged him to do it?" Britton says. "They're going to have some tough things. I've got to deal with a teenage daughter and all the rest of it. So it'll be interesting. ... I'm sure [anything] can come into play."

Even with all the changes that have taken place, Palicki believes fans -- who are ardent, if not that numerous; "FNL" was among the least-watched shows to earn a pickup for this season -- will still find the honest emotions and slice-of-life dynamics that made them fall in love with the show in the first place.

"There was a lot of fear [starting season two] because living up to last season was a scary thing," she says. "But the writing has been phenomenal -- it's kind of like we never left. We're still going at the pace we were before ... and it still has the same energy. It's been fantastic."

[jillian]

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/6571/nerbleadriannepalickicotw7.th.jpg (http://img205.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nerbleadriannepalickicotw7.jpg) http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/6226/nerbleadriannepalickiinfb9.th.jpg (http://img207.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nerbleadriannepalickiinfb9.jpg) http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/8996/nerbleminkakelleyinstyloq1.th.jpg (http://img205.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nerbleminkakelleyinstyloq1.jpg) http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/9605/nerbleminkakelleyinstylgw2.th.jpg (http://img264.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nerbleminkakelleyinstylgw2.jpg)

[Fraz]

Looking for the Q & A from the Television Arts and Science event last week but here are photos

http://www.exposay.com/celebrity-photos/adrianne-palicki-the-academy-of-television-arts-and-sciences-presents-an-evening-with-friday-night-lights-arrivals-0Zsvrk.jpghttp://www.exposay.com/celebrity-photos/aimee-teegarden-the-academy-of-television-arts-and-sciences-presents-an-evening-with-friday-night-lights-arrivals-y9zRkH.jpg

http://www.exposay.com/celebrity-photos/kyle-chandler-the-academy-of-television-arts-and-sciences-presents-an-evening-with-friday-night-lights-arrivals-1CRtyw.jpghttp://www.exposay.com/celebrity-photos/taylor-kitsch-the-academy-of-television-arts-and-sciences-presents-an-evening-with-friday-night-lights-arrivals-WuXRX1.jpg

http://www.exposay.com/celebrity-photos/minka-kelly-the-academy-of-television-arts-and-sciences-presents-an-evening-with-friday-night-lights-arrivals-1gBZPV.jpg

[Shawna]

Two articles.
Two conflicting reports about the fate of FNL:

From Radar:
Things are not looking good for fans of Friday Night Lights, the show that critics (and us!) love but that no one actually watches. At a launch party for Lipstick Jungle at Saks last night, attended by a hot Lorraine Bracco, a crazy-looking Matthew Perry, and that guy who played Shooter McGavin in Happy Gilmore and whose name might as well be That Guy, we had the following conversation with boyish NBC Entertainment head Ben Silverman:

Radar: Quick question! A lot of us are happy that you've kept Friday Night Lights on the air despite lousy ratings. It's totally the best show on TV. But is there going to be another season?
Silverman: Do you watch 30 Rock? That's the best show on TV.

Not regularly. But what about FNL?

Start watching 30 Rock. It's the best show on TV.

I don't want to watch 30 Rock. I want to watch FNL. I love it
.
I love it. You love it. Unfortunately, no one watches it.
That's the thing with shows. People have to watch them. We're NBC, we have a reputation to uphold. And, man, with this writers' strike ... well, we'll see what we can do. But start watching 30 Rock.


From Variety:

The NFL season has come to a close, but the Dillon Panthers will play on -- at least for one more week.

The fictional high school football team at the center of NBC's critical darling "Friday Night Lights" would like to stay on the field a lot longer, actually. That decision, though, is likely still months away.

The show hasn't exactly lit up the Nielsen scoreboard in its second season, but it hasn't been sacked for a loss either. And "Friday Night Lights" has a few things going for it -- including the ongoing writers strike -- that just may improve its chances for renewal.

"Friday" is one of a handful of young ratings-challenged series trying to take advantage of a lack of firstrun scripted competition thanks to the work stoppage. This month will also see a pair of CBS shows, "Jericho" and "The New Adventures of Old Christine," returning to the sked opposite reality or repeats.

For "Friday Night Lights," a shift from Wednesday to Friday in its second season certainly eased some of the pressure. No longer taking the field opposite heavy-hitters like "American Idol," it has been competitive among the coveted 18-49ers in its new timeslot while it wins among the 18-34 crowd.

But while NBC was clearly hoping to attract new viewers looking for something fresh on a tired night, that hasn't happened. The show remains a modest performer (6.2 million viewers vs. 5.9 million a year ago), ranking among the least-watched series on the Big Four.

A closer look at the numbers, though, suggests that NBC shouldn't be quick to blow the whistle on this one.

First off, it's the youngest-skewing show on Friday (median age of around 48), a night that skews older for the Big Four with each year.

But it has become pretty clear after no real move of the Nielsen needle during the writers strike that young viewers simply do not feel compelled to plop down on their couch to watch this show at 9 o'clock on Friday night -- certainly not enough of them to make it a hit.

Not surprisingly, the show is a big hit among DVR owners. Nielsen reports that among all primetime broadcast series, "Friday Night Lights" sees the third biggest jump in its "live" audience vs. its "live plus 7-day" (DVR playback within a week) -- a whopping 38%. Only the net's "The Office" and "Heroes" grow more.

It's also the most upscale-skewing drama on the broadcast networks (among adults 18-49 living in homes with $100,000-plus incomes), behind only NBC's "The Office" and "30 Rock." This helps in the sales department, allowing the network to command a decent premium for a show that's relatively inexpensive to produce.

Put this all together and it's pretty obvious that the show deserves one last good shot at succeeding. But it will need some help from its network.

NBC, mired in fourth place for a few years but showing signs of life during the strike thanks to some hit reality shows, hasn't shown a great deal of support for the show.

In fact, when the network had its biggest promotional platform of the season -- 25.7 million for its lone NFL playoff game in early January -- it opted not to tub-thump "Friday Night Lights." In fact, the show didn't merit a single promo or even a throwaway mention from Al Michaels or John Madden.

Perhaps that's part of a larger strategy this season to cut down on the amount of football action on the show, but it's a real head-scratcher nonetheless.

Looking ahead, the writers strike could be a blessing for "Friday" and other borderline performers, since the networks have been unable to develop and produce pilots for new series and may opt for more segs of current series.

NBC should make a bold play call for fall and schedule "Friday Night Lights" on Monday behind "Heroes," its hottest and youngest-skewing drama. It did pretty well in a one-time tryout there in its first season, and could really benefit from a consistently strong and more compatible lead-in.

This is valuable real estate on the NBC schedule, to be sure, but the Peacock's marketing team would have an opportunity to promote a pair of quality shows with considerable male appeal during "Sunday Night Football" in the fall.

At least NBC could say it gave "Friday" a shot. And if it doesn't score with more viewers and blossom into a hit under this scenario, even its biggest supporters couldn't argue if the net opted to punt.
_________________________________________


The question has been raised on how to contact NBC concerning saving the show. Frankly, just posting on the message board isn't going to do it. But writing a letter and/or sending an email might help.

NBC Studios
3000 W. Alameda Ave.
Burbank, CA. 91523

NBC Email HERE (http://www.nbc.com/Footer/Contact_Us/)
Scroll down to the pulldown menu and select FNL to send your email.

No matter which way you choose to contact NBC, you should tell them how much you love FNL and why they shouldn't cancel the show. You should also let them know your age, gender, and general location (city, state, country). Let them know if you watch the show when it airs, view it through recording, dvr, tivo, or online (or all of the above).
---

I fired off an e-mail to them. The show MUST go on!

[Serena/Nate]

holy cow, I'll totally write an e-mail!!! FNL is one of the best shows ever!!!

[Shawna]

Good everyone should

[Serena/Nate]

hell yeah, we need as many people we can get!!

[LauzG]

What really annoys me is that the big studio heads only really ever take into account the US viewers, if they considered globally how many people watch their shows and buy them on dvd, then it woul be a completely different story.
Too many people are tuning into dramas which are poorly written and critics complain about, not enough people are tuning into the good dramas because of the "content". Friday Night Light's is essentially a football programme, sure but it isn't all about football. We see the struggles of high school kids, who are struggling under pressure - we see the adults clearly, in adult situations. Its a great show and I hate studi heads I really do -

[Shawna]

Almost half my shows are on the bubble and it pisses me off

[TwoTreeHills]

OMG :nono: OC was over way too soon for me and this is probably my 2nd obsession! If this gets cancelled I will kill all of the networks! No srsly, no joke. Why do GOOD TV shows with not-so-good-ratings always have to get cancelld? All the studios care are for ratings, ratings, ratings. Do they even care for the quality of the show? I haven't watched S2 entirely, I haven't had the time, but I'm gonna. I'm sending an e-mail, hell yeah! :fire:

[Fraz]

IF you look at the news article this is from season 1.

I dont know of any current press about any shows being on a bubble with the WGA I dont think they are even thinking that far ahead just fresh programming for right now is on their minds.

[OCallyFaN80]

http://www.fanbolt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47116

I thought I'd make a whole new thread about this ridiculous problem about possible cancellation. I can't see this amazing, inspirational show to go! Alongside, sign the petition in my siggy or in the thread given above and SPREAD THE WORD!!!

[Shawna]

t's now or never, Friday Night Lights fans.

Since the drama's second season is being released on DVD in April with (tellingly) only the 15 pre-strike episodes included, it is highly unlikely that the show will return this season. And unless you tune in in droves — and bring friends, strangers and pets to the Nielsen box — tonight's season finale could well serve as the series finale.

At least on NBC.

Although Peacock prez Ben Silverman's dismissive comments in Radar this week imply that he isn't among FNL's supporters, many of his colleagues both at the network and studio still believe in the show in a big way. In fact, my source tells me that execs are working 'round the clock exploring options to keep the show alive. Among them:

• A shared cable window. You know how USA gets first dibs on Law & Order: Criminal Intent originals, with the encores airing on the Peacock? Imagine a similar scenario with FNL and… ESPN, perhaps?

• Cost-cutting. Although how that could be achieved, I can't imagine. Already, FNL is relatively inexpensive to produce, and it's one of the smoothest-running shows on the air — not only did it survive the loss of exec producer Jason Katims to Bionic Woman for an extended period, it got 15 eps in the can pre-strike compared to other shows' 12 or 13.

• An altogether new home. If NBC dumps the show, the studio will likely shop it to other outlets like... ESPN, perhaps? Or maybe CW?

But of course the best-case scenario would be to keep FNL right where it is, operating exactly as it is. And for that to happen, it's going to need you. Heck, in this endeavor, we're all going to need each other. So let's do it: Let's build the audience. A demo rating above a 2.0 would make the show's renewal all but a sure thing. So tell everyone you've ever met (and their brother!) to tune in to tonight's season finale. And if they happen to have a Nielsen box, so much the better. We can do this. We will do this. Now go do this. — Additional reporting by Ben Katner


http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Ausiello-Report/Race-Save-Friday/800032760

[Sunny17B]

I think it's time I get a job setting up the lineup on the networks. The only network that even gets it halfway right is FOX.

[Fraz]

Well someone who has worked for FOX now over 10 years....THey dont always get it right.

Some of the best shows they have passed on or never nutured them beyond a 8 episode commitement when storylines just get interesting from 8 to 13 episodes on most shows.

They somehow like the low cost reality stuff again right now. The Shock factor which for a long time they were trying to get away from. They also need a good drama alot of FOX shows are aging going into 3 years or more so need fresh replacements.

[Shawna]

:eek: :eek:

According to sources, one option NBC is considering for Friday Night Lights is to "wrap it up" as a two-hour movie of the week. That's not nearly enough, if you ask me, but at least it's something. We're also hearing the show has already been looked at by at least a few other networks. In the meantime, some of you genius fans got together on the WWK message boards and launched this site. Any and all FNL fans should check it out to help save the show!

http://www.savefridaynightlights.tv/

source (http://www.eonline.com/gossip/kristin/detail/index.jsp?uuid=e029c254-2290-48ab-807e-0d90ca96f7f7&sid=fd-kristin)

[TwoTreeHills]

:eek: Two-hour movie of the week? Are you freakin' kidding me? Hell no. I'd rather have it in another network!

[Captain oats 13]

I am so scared for it to be cancelled.. it is such an amazing show. :(

[Shawna]

well it just got worse bc taylor kitsch is leaving or the nether lands for a 3 picture deal:(

[Shawna]

"Friday Night Lights" may shine on for another season -- and on more than one network.

NBC Universal execs have decided they want to go the extra yard to ensure the drama returns for a third season. To make sure that happens, conglom is having serious conversations with several networks about a plan to carve out multiple broadcast windows for the show, which has received critical worship and has a cult-like following.

Peacock has had talks with the CW, Comcast Entertainment Networks (E!/G4) and TNT about sharing "Friday Night Lights" with NBC. DirecTV, which last year picked up the rights to NBC sudser "Passions," has also been brought into the mix.

Just how the shared window plan would work is unclear, but one model may be the plan NBC worked out for "Law & Order: Criminal Intent."

Starting this season, episodes of "CI" premiered on USA Network and aired a few months later on NBC. Skein has generated solid numbers in both windows.

Whether NBC U can work out a similar deal with a network it doesn't own remains to be seen. Already, some people familiar with the talks have complained that Peacock's asking price for "Friday Night Lights" is too high.

Still, the show's loyal core audience and attractive demos -- it's among the most popular shows on TV with upscale viewers -- could help close the sale.

Reps for the Peacock and producer Imagine Television declined comment

Variety (http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117981232.html?categoryId=14&cs=1)

[Fraz]

NBC Looks to Keep 'Friday Night Lights' Burning
Other networks could share third season of show
February 21, 2008


Kyle Chandler and Zach Gilford of 'Friday Night Lights'"Friday Night Lights" is done for this season, but the Dillon Panthers could yet live to play another day.

The emphasis there is on "could." NBC is considering ways to bring back the low-rated but fiercely loved series back for a third season, possibly involving sharing the show with another network.

NBC Universal -- which also produces the series -- has approached The CW, TNT and the owner of E! and G4, about sharing a possible third season of "Friday Night Lights," Variety reports. NBC does something similar with "Law & Order: Criminal Intent"; new episodes debuted on USA in the fall and are now being repurposed on NBC.

A key difference, though, is that NBC, USA and "Criminal Intent" are all part of the NBC Universal family. None of the networks involved in the "Friday Night Lights" discussions is: TNT is owned by Time Warner, The CW is a joint Time Warner/CBS Corp. venture, and Comcast owns E! and G4.

"Friday Night Lights" averaged about 6.2 million viewers per week over its 15 episodes this season -- up about 250,000 viewers compared to last season -- and a 2.2 rating in the key adults 18-49 demographic, which is even with 2006-07. Despite the low overall numbers, however, the show performs well among high-income viewers, which could work in its favor.

[Shawna]

Universal Studios has finally released information concerning the Season 2 DVD.

Basic info:
-- Release date: April 22, 2008
-- Price: $29.99
-- Number of discs: 4

Bonus features:
-- Deleted scenes on all 4 discs
-- Audio commentary from Jason Katims and Jeffrey Reiner for "Last Days of Summer"
-- Audio commentary from Connie Britton and Aimee Teegarden for "Are You Ready for Friday Night?"
-- Audio commentary from Jesse Plemons and Adrianne Palicki for "There Goes The Neighborhood"
-- Paley Festival event interviews with the cast and crew

No cover art yet though

[Fraz]

Sad News

Player paralyzed in HS football game dies at 20; inspired pilot of
"Friday Night Lights"
SAN ANTONIO (AP) - David Edwards, who was paralyzed during a
2003 high school football playoff game and whose injury was
fictionalized in the TV show "Friday Night Lights," has died. He
was 20.
Edwards, stricken with pneumonia since late last year, stopped
breathing Monday night and slipped into a coma. He died Wednesday
at Northeast Methodist Hospital.
Edwards would have turned 21 on Saturday.
A junior defensive back at San Antonio Madison, Edwards broke
his neck when he collided with an Austin Westlake wide receiver
when both were reaching for a pass during a November 2003 playoff
game.
Director and producer Peter Berg attended that game. The 2006
pilot episode featured a high school football player who breaks his
neck and is paralyzed while trying to make a tackle.

[Fraz]

well it just got worse bc taylor kitsch is leaving or the nether lands for a 3 picture deal:(

Just because it is a 3 picture deal I dont think they will film all 3 of them back to back. That would be a huge mental burden to the actors and crew to work that long. Even when they filmed LOTR they did give them breaks.

[Shawna]

A third season for Friday Night Lights
By Lorrie Lynch - USA Weekend's Who's News Blog



Hey Friday Night Lights fans — and I know there are many of you out there. I have good news on the status of the show, about which NBC has been very vague. FNL's exec producer Jason Katims tells us that he is confident the show will return for a third season. Hurray! Whether it will be seen on NBC is another question. There are many potential scenarios — a partnership with another network among them. Katims hopes that "whatever happens, we continue to maintain a presence on NBC," but he says the cast and crew is open to anything. And, Katims says, “Despite our ratings, everyone at the network and studio have shown genuine support for and belief in the show ..." He calls the latest endeavor by NBC and Universal to find a partner for the show "evidence to me of their continued commitment."

So, which of the current FNL storylines are you eager to see continued? Lyla and Tim and the Christian boyfriend? Smash's departure to a small college? Tyra and Landry? Something else?

http://www.columbustelegram.com/articles/2008/03/01/whosnews/news06.txt

[TwoTreeHills]

Yayy I have my hopes up :) All I need is NBC's word on the 3rd season and then I'm completely satisfied. Plus, Idk if this has been posted somewhere, but the S2 DVD artwork is gorgeous! Take a look:

http://www.tvshowsondvd.net/graphics/news3/FridayNightLights_S2_e.jpg

[Captain oats 13]

That totally is beautiful. Ahhh! I have hopes up so high for a third season.. I hope they dont get let down. :(

[Shawna]

Thats great ,all but smash but thats me=\

[Captain oats 13]

Yeah..Smash's pic could be better but everyone else looks lovely. :)

[Shawna]

His head looks strange to me hes bending his neck funny

[LauzG]

Smash is just...yeah.
I cant wait til it comes out in this country, I've really liked this season...then again I like anything with Riggins!

[Captain oats 13]

^^Who doesn't? :lol: Me, as a Matt fan, I am hoping for more of him if *fingers crossed* we get a new season. And can we get more M/J please? and I am sorry but less T/L? M/J were there first! :D

[Shawna]

http://i31.tinypic.com/1z1s17d.jpg

[Fraz]

Report: 'Friday Night Lights' Back On
NBC would share third season with DirecTV
March 6, 2008


Connie Britton and Kyle Chandler of 'Friday Night Lights'Fans of NBC's "Friday Night Lights" may get more chances to cheer on the Dillon Panthers.

The network is reportedly thisclose to locking down a deal with satellite service DirecTV to share the burden of producing the series -- which would mean that the show will return for a third season.

"It's an innovative deal where NBC found a partner who will share costs and exhibition windows," a source tells Deadline Hollywood Daily, which broke the story.

Details of the agreement haven't been released yet, though DHD reports that DirecTV and NBC would each run "Friday Night Lights" on multiple platforms. It's not yet clear how the sharing arrangement would work -- whether DirecTV would get first crack at new episodes, a la the NBC-USA deal for "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," or where NBC would place the show on its schedule.

NBC has been in talks with several other networks about sharing "FNL," which had an abbreviated 15-episode season this year because of the writers' strike. The CW and TNT were among those reportedly in discussions about the show, until DirecTV emerged as the front-runner.

"Friday Night Lights" averaged only 6.2 million viewers a week this season, although its fans are among the more loyal on TV and have organized a save-the-show campaign targeting NBC executives. It does perform fairly among affluent viewers, which helps any show's cause.

[Fraz]

http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/nbc-picking-up-friday-night-lights-after-partnering-on-it-with-directv/

EXCLUSIVE: NBC Picking Up 'Friday Night Lights' After Partnering With DirecTV

[LauzG]

*Does the scooby happy dance* Thank you, for bringing the news over Fraz!

[Captain oats 13]

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Oh my god!! I am sooo happy right now!!!!!!!

[Serena/Nate]

OMG, best thing ever!! damn, I'm so happy now :bgrin: totally made my day

[Lily]

that's the best news i've heard in a while - saving a quality show woo!

[Shawna]

Lemme get a hell Yes

[Kristen]

*squee* x 25987345! :lol:

[Fraz]

Paley Festival: 'Friday Night Lights' holds onto hope
By Hanh Nguyen
March 20, 02:30 PM

"This NBC/DirectTV deal better go through," says TV Guide writer Michael Ausiello at Wednesday's PaleyFest panel for Friday Night Lights. The audience members, with their clear eyes and full hearts, can't lose their show. Can they? Unfortunately, there's still no word if the critically acclaimed series will return for a third season.

The night kicks off with a clip from Room 222 featuring the late Paul Winfield as a has-been football player who recruits an up-and-comer to his university on scholarship, even though actually graduating is an unlikely prospect. It's a rather heavy clip, but as in Friday Night Lights, the young man being courted has hard decisions to make, values to weigh.

This genuine quality is why FNL has such a passionate, dedicated fan base -- as small as it is. This is also why NBC, who can't ignore the low numbers, is trying to see if they can partner with someone to offset the cost of the show. In the proposal, DirecTV will get the new episodes first, with NBC airing them later.

"There's no deal yet for the show but we remain incredibly optimistic that it will happen, and it will happen soon," says executive producer Jason Katims. "[The fans and network] are working really hard to keep the show going ... DirecTV is not the only one -- other people have expressed interest in the show. The answer would be pretty soon -- two or three weeks away from knowing what's going to happen."

It's not exactly the good news fans wanted to hear, but they're used to living in limbo when it comes to the fate of their favorite show. Every extension has been a victory -- the lack of cancellation, the pickup of the back nine episodes the first season, the 15-episode order for the second season. And then the writers went on strike, making the networks look harder at the show's lackluster ratings.

But all that doom and gloom aside, what could fans expect if the show is picked up for another season?

"My instinct would be that we'd start with the next year and use what happened at the end of this season as backstory," says Katims, mourning that the Smash storyline wouldn't play out completely. "To me, it was one of the most compelling storylines of the season ... [So we'd need to see] how to give that its due.

"In the second season we did decide to deemphasize football a little bit," he adds. "Should we come back, we want to focus more on football for the third season."

Even if FNL does return for many more seasons, there's no guarantee that the same young cast will be around since their characters will have to graduate someday, leaving the life of a Panther behind.

Scott Porter, who plays paralyzed Jason Street, relates, "[During the shooting of the pilot, creator Peter Berg] sat us down and said, 'I don't know how long you're going to be around. You're high school students, and we're aiming to be very genuine.' So we're prepared for that."

While the evening has a degree of seriousness given the uncertain nature of the show's future, it's still an entertaining night, given that Porter also has the chutzpah to reprise the dance from his film Music & Lyrics that star Hugh Grant had choreographed. As the crowd cheers, Porter gamely exhibits his skill to perform the "motorcycle with hip thrust" move before waggling his butt to the audience and taking his seat.

Other revelations for the night:

Aimee Teegarden on her character's brattiness: "[Julie] definitely has a lot of issues, but I kind of understand her a little bit. She's used to having her parents there all the time, abut no there's this thing that cuter and smaller and more adorable than you. Not that I'm not adorable. What was the question?"

Connie Britton on her chemistry with Kyle Chandler: "We shared the same idea of how we wanted to establish the marriage. Kyle and I share similar values and senses of humor ... [It's based on the characters trusting each other.] We decided that neither of [our characters] should have an affair. That's not the reality that we are playing."

Zach Gilford notes that many of the guest actors have been Texas locals with no acting experience. But he was in for a surprise when he talked to the woman who played the lap dancer at the strip club. "I was like, 'So what do you do?' She had, like, an MFA in acting."

Britton: "Taylor [Kitsch] can't keep a straight face in the scene. He's such a goof all the time."

Adrianne Palicki's fears about the Tyra murder storyline: "I was at first a little nervous, at the same time I care about Tyra. This guy tried to rape her. Let's put him in the ground ... Ultimately I'm thankful for it because I got to work with Jesse, who's an amazing actor."

Katims also defends the unpopular plotline: "[People objected] because it felt like it wasn't the show, as if it were corrupted or deranged. That [reaction] honors the show ... and it does pay off. We had to get there."

The Friday Night Lights panel will soon be available to view on the Paley Center for Media website.

[Fraz]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, June 17, 2008


MILEY CYRUS HANGS TEN AS HOST OF “TEEN CHOICE 2008”
MONDAY, AUGUST 4, ON FOX



NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR “TEEN CHOICE 2008”

Chris Brown, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, Kanye West, Miley Cyrus,
Jonas Brothers, Lil Mama, “Gossip Girl” and TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES Receive Multiple Nominations



Vote for Your Favorite Nominees Online at www.TeenChoiceAwards.com

Teen sensation Miley Cyrus is set to host TEEN CHOICE 2008 airing Monday, Aug. 4 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. The 10th annual special will celebrate the hottest teen icons in film, television, music, comedy, sports and fashion.


“Gossip Girl” and its cast lead this year’s pack of TEEN CHOICE 2008 nominees with 14 nominations while Chris Brown scored nine nominations. Justin Timberlake, the reigning TEEN CHOICE champ who has won 21 surfboards since 1999 for solo and group projects, landed three more nominations in 2008. Host Miley Cyrus racked up four nominations this year for Choice TV Actress: Comedy, Choice TV Comedy, Choice Music: Single and Choice Music: Female Artist.



Starting today, fans ages 13-19 can vote once each day for their favorite TEEN CHOICE 2008 nominees at www.TeenChoiceAwards.com. Winners of the coveted surfboard awards will be announced during the two-hour celebration broadcast from the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, CA.



Additional nominees, musical guests, attendees and presenters to be announced.



Miley Cyrus has captivated audiences as the star of the hit series “Hannah Montana.” Last year, the “Hannah Montana” soundtrack went triple platinum and became the first TV soundtrack to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200. The 15-year-old Cyrus followed that record with the triple-platinum, two-disc set “Hannah Montana 2: Meet Miley Cyrus.” Miley became the youngest artist to have two No. 1 hits in less than a year. Her widespread appeal is further evidenced by a 70-date sold-out concert tour and the box office smash hit “Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert.” She recently completed her first solo album “Breakout” that will be released July 22 on Hollywood Records and the first single “7 Things” is currently climbing the charts. She also stars in the upcoming animated feature "Bolt" and is currently filming “Hannah Montana: The Movie.”



TEEN CHOICE 2008 is executive-produced by Bob Bain ("Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards") and Michael Burg. Paul Flattery serves as producer, Kelly Brock is co-producer and Greg Sills serves as supervising producer.

TELEVISION

Choice TV Show: Drama

Friday Night Lights

Gossip Girl

Grey's Anatomy

House

One Tree Hill



Choice TV Show: Action Adventure

Heroes

Lost

Prison Break

Smallville

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles




Choice TV Actor: Drama

Chace Crawford - Gossip Girl

Chad Michael Murray - One Tree Hill

Patrick Dempsey - Grey's Anatomy

Penn Badgley - Gossip Girl

Taylor Kitsch - Friday Night Lights



Choice TV Actress: Drama

Blake Lively - Gossip Girl

Hilarie Burton - One Tree Hill

Katherine Heigl - Grey's Anatomy

Leighton Meester - Gossip Girl

Sophia Bush - One Tree Hill



Choice TV Actor: Action Adventure

Josh Holloway - Lost

Matthew Fox - Lost

Milo Ventimiglia - Heroes

Tom Welling - Smallville

Wentworth Miller - Prison Break



Choice TV Actress: Action Adventure

Hayden Panettiere - Heroes

Ali Larter - Heroes

Evangeline Lily - Lost

Kristen Kruek - Smallville

Summer Glau - Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles



Choice TV: Breakout Show

America's Best Dance Crew

Gossip Girl

Miss Guided

Samantha Who?

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles



Choice TV: Breakout Star Female

Blake Lively - Gossip Girl

Leighton Meester - Gossip Girl

Olivia Wilde - House

Summer Glau -Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles

Taylor Momsen - Gossip Girl



Choice TV: Breakout Star Male

Chace Crawford - Gossip Girl

Ed Westwick - Gossip Girl

The Jabbawockeez - America's Best Dance Crew

Thomas Dekker - Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles

Zachary Levi - Chuck



Choice TV: Villain

Ed Westwick- Gossip Girl

Michael Rosenbaum - Smallville

Spencer Pratt - The Hills

Vanessa Williams - Ugly Betty

Zachary Quinto - Heroes


FASHION

Choice Male Hottie

Chace Crawford

Chris Brown

Jonas Brothers

Taylor Kitsch

Zac Efron



Choice Female Hottie

Blake Lively

Hayden Panettiere

Megan Fox

Rihanna

Vanessa Hudgens

[Shawna]

Taylor got my vote in every category

[jillian]

http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/5213/nerbleaimeeteegardenymiwt5.th.jpg (http://img329.imageshack.us/my.php?image=nerbleaimeeteegardenymiwt5.jpg)

[Fraz]

AFTER READING THIS I AM SO SUPER EXCITED
CAUTION SPOILED ROTTEN PLOT REVEALED

The Game Plan For 'Friday Night Lights' Season Three: Who's In & Who's (Making) Out
By Korbi Ghosh
July 20, 04:51 PM

There's nothing like Matt Saracen and Tim Riggins (Taylor Kitsch) to wake my tired mug up on day 12 of Press Tour. Can't honestly complain about working on a Sunday when my job is to sit at a table and stare at the talented cast of Friday Night Lights and then grill executive producer Jason Katims about what's on tap for the third season -- which will debut on DirecTV on October 1st, btw -- And speaking of, I got scoop...

Rather than picking up where the strike left FNL, we're jumping forward eight months to the beginning of a new school year.

Jason Street and Smash Williams are not returning to the show as series regulars. Katims said the reason for that is simply storyline. They've both graduated, and have to move forward. But we haven't seen the last of Scott Porter and Gaius Charles. Both Street and Smash will have powerful three-to-four episode arcs in this 13-hour season, and the door will remain open for them to return.

Lyla has kicked Matt Czuchry and her born-again Christian ways to the curb, and is finally givin' it up to Mr. Timothy Riggins. Apparently she's trying to be a good influence on Riggs, encouraging him to apply to college and get a scholarship. The big question between them, however, will be whether or not they're headed in the same direction.

Tyra (Adrianne Palicki) and Landry? During the eight month gap, Ms. Collette's feelings for Mr. Clarke have kind of fizzled. Katims said that while she loves Landry, he's not really the guy for her, so the story will become about whether or not they can remain friends... especially when Tyra starts dating an old friend of Billy Riggins who is a local rodeo star. It's going to get pretty intense, especially since the couple's actual status is somewhat iffy: "Depends on whether you ask Tyra or you ask Landry," Katims laughed. "Tyra would say they broke up, Landry would say they're taking a break."

Matt and Julie? They're moving forward. Katims said they will very slowly start to be friends again. Whether or not the romance rekindles, we'll have to wait and see (but Zach Gilford who plays Saracen has a few strong feelings on that, which I'll tell you about tomorrow, so stay tuned).

Either way, Saracen will have drama in his life with the arrival of his mother who he hasn't seen since he was like seven-years-old. Also complicating things is the arrival of J.D. McCoy, a freshman who happens to be a phenomenal quarterback. There will be controversy over who's going to be starting, him or Saracen. Said Katims, "Both of [J.D. McCoy's] parents are in the storyline. His father is a very successful beer distributor. They've actually moved from Dallas, specifically so he could play for The Panthers, so it's also about the pressure this very successful father is trying to put on the coach. That's a story I've always wanted to tell."

Taking a bit of the edge off Saracen's story is the presence of his old pal, Landry. Now single -- and not wrapped up in a murder plot! -- Katims promised that their unique buddy/sidekick/advisor relationship that we missed so much last year will be revived. FYI, Landry is still on the football team, in case you were wondering.

A relationship that we will not revisit is the Santiago-Buddy Garrity pairing. Benny Ciaramello, who played Santiago, has moved on, but the writers have planned a lot of good story for Buddy: one will deal with the relationship between Lyla and Riggs, the other will be all about his relationship with Dillon High's new principal, Mrs. Tami Taylor (Connie Britton). Being the head of the boosters, Buddy will have quite a bit of interaction with her.

Yes, Mrs. T is the school's new leading lady, which may create some issues at home between her and Coach Eric Taylor. As for the Taylor's sometimes contentious relationship with their daughter Julie, Connie Britton said "there might be a tattoo situation."


Sigh. October seems so far away...