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2009 Emmy Awards: Drama Predictions

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:27:56 GMT

The 61st Primetime Emmy Awards are this Sunday at 8pm on CBS. Hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, it looks like two shows will have a stranglehold on the night: Mad Men for Drama and 30 Rock for Comedy, both coming in with an overwhelming lead in total nominations.

But will they really prevail. Check out the nominees for the major Emmy Drama categories below and who I think will win, then make your own picks and watch along with me Sunday night.

Read More: Comedy Category Predictions>>

CBS Adds "Breakthrough Performance" to Emmys Telecast

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 09:51:09 GMT

The Emmys are getting a viral, user-generated component this year as CBS is teaming up with Vaseline to sponsor "Breakthrough Performance of the Year," a category which allows viewers to vote for their favorite TV moments of the year, with the top three and winner being revealed on the primetime Emmy Awards telecast Sunday, September 20 on CBS.

The number of things that are unbelievably stupid and wrong with this decision is astounding. Even if you don't like the Emmys, you have to admit that this decision is actively killing what little credibility the Emmys hoped to maintain.

'Parenthood' Moves to Mid-Season Due to Star's Breast Tumor

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:11:11 GMT

UPDATE: In a statement released by Maura Tierney on Monday, she revealed that the delay is due to a tumor in her breast, and that she is hopeful that she will be back to work on Parenthood in the near future. In her statement Tierney said that the doctors believe it is treatable, but that they won't have a full diagnosis until after the tumor is removed.

Parenthood, the new NBC drama scheduled to premiere in September, is being pushed back to mid-season to accommodate star Maura Tienrey, who is undergoing an eight-week medical evaluation

ER: Finale was Inspired by Real-life Story, Cast Reunite for Emotional Farewell

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 08:00:00 GMT

Last night, ER, the longest-running American primetime medical drama of all time, aired its final episode which saw Gates (John Stamos) dealing with a young teen who is admitted for alcohol poisoning after playing a deadly drinking game with friends while Dr. Carter (guest star Noah Wyle) opens a new medical facility for the underprivileged in Chicago.

According to executive producer John Wells, the special two-hour episode of the long-running medical drama was inspired by the tragic real-life story of his ex-niece, 17-year-old Shelby Lyn Allen, who died of alcohol poisoning in December.

ER: Series Finale Preview

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:20:00 GMT

ER says goodbye to its fans tonight, marking an end of an era for NBC as it tries to adapt to a time where unscripted shows have rapidly taken over the TV circuit. For 15 years, the show has redefined the concept of medical drama while putting the spotlight on the fictional County General Hospital.

Jurassic Park and The Lost World author Michael Crichton, who died of cancer last year, wrote the screenplay for ER in 1974 based on his own experiences as a medical resident in a busy hospital emergency room. The show premiered on September 19, 1994 and has been aired on Thursday nights for its entire run. ER is now considered NBC's second longest-running drama after Law & Order, and at 15 seasons, the longest-running American primetime medical drama of all time.

GLAAD Nominates 'Supernatural,' 'True Blood' for Awards

editor@buddytv.com — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:53:08 GMT

Today the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation released its nominees for the 20th Annual GLAAD Media Awards. Aside from the usual television nominees like The L Word and Ugly Betty, there was one atypical nominee: Supernatural.

The GLAAD Media Awards have a special category for an individual episode of a show that doesn't feature a regular gay character. Supernatural was nominated for “Ghostfacers,” the faux reality TV series episode that featured intern Corbett (current 90210 jock Dustin Milligan) who had a gay infatuation with Ed, resulting in the classic line, “Ed, you have to go be gay for that poor dead intern.”

ER: Bringing Back George Clooney and Julianna Marguiles

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:10:47 GMT

Just when we thought there was no hope for a Doug Ross and Carol Hathaway return, George Clooney and Julianna Marguiles have stepped in to save the day! Despite previous statements from both parties saying they weren't interested in reprising their star-making roles at County General; Clooney and Marguiles have agreed to come back for one last glorious ER episode. Though NBC has yet to officially confirm Clooney and Marguiles return, TVGuide has had sources confirm the pair is filming scenes this week on a closed set.

Clooney became a star thanks to his role as ER pediatrician Doug Ross, who was a cornerstone of the series from 1994-1999. At the beginning of the shows epic run Ross was the resident trouble-maker of County General. Ross was an on and off again drunk, a serial womanizer, and a chronic disobeyer of hospital policy. Marguiles also became a star, though not of Clooney's size, thanks to her portrayal of troubled Nurse Carol Hathaway. Despite being the highest ranked nurse in the County General ER, Hathaway struggled with personal demons which largely stemmed from her on and off again romance with none other than Dr. Doug Ross. In fact, during the pilot episode of the series Nurse Hathaway is treated in her own ER after attempting suicide over another failed attempt at romance with Dr. Ross.

ER: Preview of Episode 15.13, "Love is a Battlefield"

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 06:00:00 GMT

From NBC's official press release:

Love is complicated on ER, Thursday, January 22, 10pm.

Courtney B. Vance (Law and Order, Criminal Intent) guest stars.

ER: Preview of Episode 15.12 "Dream Runner"

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT

From NBC's official press release:

Neela has a crazy recurring dream about the day she was trying to save a girl with sickle cell anemia. Meanwhile, she goes to an attending interview and sees an old colleague. Gates tries to save a patient who jumped out of a window during his sleep.

ER: Preview of "Separation Anxiety"

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT

As the long-running NBC medical drama ER inches closer and closer to the finale, a lot of critics are saying, regardless of whether its quality has deteriorated over its 15-year run, that the end of ER is one of those end of an era thing. The finale of its 15th and final season is already set to March 12 with a two-hour series ender at 9pm.

Before we left ER last year, Morris (Scott Grimes) received an unwanted package from his father at his doorstep, while Sam (Linda Cardellini) was a little anxious about getting Alex off of the ventilator after his accident. Meanwhile, the medical team had to deal with a pregnant woman with a high-risk pregnancy who is in danger of getting deported, while Sam told Gates (John Stamos) that she and Alex are moving out.

With the End of 'ER', The End of Primetime As We Know It?

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 08:00:00 GMT

The drawing of the final curtain for ER is, well, getting closer and closer. The date's already set, and as former stars return for one last stab at being at the emergency room (and elsewhere), it's becoming clearer than things are really going to change.

Reading up on almost everything that's written about ER's coming end, I can't help but notice that they've all pointed out the fate of shows at the 10pm slot. The Emmy-winning medical drama's been on the same Thursday night slot for the longest time, and for some reasons it's become a barometer of sorts for everyone around it. Once it was one of the highest raters of the season, pulling in viewers through compelling storylines and acting. Now, well, things are different—and, although you may contend that it's because ER's just turned for the worse, or at least compared to what it used to be, it seems to indicate that the ground is shaking below us. 10pm time slot, you're in a pickle.

ER: Series Finale Set for March 12

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 07:30:00 GMT

We’ve been talking a lot about the fact that ER’s current season it its last season. And, the way it’s going, we’ve been a witness to a long farewell on all fronts. We’ve seen some former cast members return for guest stints on the long-running medical drama, with some more on the way. Also, if you’ve checked the show’s website, they’ve also begun to look back at the show’s storied run—memorable storylines, unforgettable characters and, of course, the requisite photographs and videos from seasons past.

It does feel like that goodbye will never end, isn’t it? Of course, it’s a goodbye—it’s got to end at one point. Finally, a date has been set: NBC just announced that ER will air its two-hour season finale on March 12 at 9pm.

ER: Assessing the Final Season Homecomings

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 07:00:00 GMT

So, it’s ER’s final season, and as you may very well know, they’re having what seems to be a long, sentimental goodbye with a weird heads-up-high vibe. The program has changed considerably in the fifteen years it’s been on air. Cast members arrived and left. Stories have been developed and produced, and cheered of frowned upon. Some may say that the medical drama has gone downhill in the past few seasons, but as with everything else it’s a matter of perspective.

Nevertheless, it didn’t stop the folks behind the award-winning series to try, at least, to bring some of its former cast members back for at least one episode. Insert the obligatory rundown of returns: Shane West appeared in the Halloween episode. Anthony Edwards appeared in a series of (newly-shot, take note) flashbacks two weeks ago. Noah Wyle will appear in a future episode. Eriq La Salle will direct a future episode. Whoever else shows up remains a mystery, although you’re better off not expecting Julianna Marguiles any time soon.

ER: Julianna Marguiles Turns Down Return Offer

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:00:00 GMT

The premise of many former cast members returning as guests on the final season of ER is irresistible, especially to those who have followed the award-winning medical drama throughout its fifteen years on the air. Shane West, who played resident Ray Barnett until he left in season 13, sprang a surprise appearance in the Halloween episode. Last week, Anthony Edwards revisited Mark Greene, albeit in flashbacks. Noah Wyle and Eriq La Salle are also returning in the show's future episodes; the former as a guest, the latter as a director.

Not everybody, though, is returning. Julianna Margulies, who appeared as troubled nurse Carol Hathaway from the drama's premiere in 1994 and for the next six seasons, said that she declined offers from ER producers to return to the show as a guest. “I feel like I left Carol Hathaway in the best scenario possible,” she said. “I can't imagine making it any better than that.”

The First of Many Homecomings in Tonight's 'ER'

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:00:00 GMT

ER has run for 14 years and earned numerous honors, so the fanfare surrounding its final season is pretty justified. Some of its most celebrated cast members throughout the years are returning as guest stars in the remaining episodes to mark the occasion. The first to do the honors is Anthony Edwards, who will appear as a guest star on tonight's episode, entitled “Heal Thyself”.

Tonight, Dr. Catherine Banfield (Angela Bassett) finds herself trying to rescue a three-year-old girl who almost drowns in a lake, just when she tries to give herself a break from the hustle and bustle of her profession. That's where Edwards comes in—his character, Dr. Mark Greene, may have died of a brain tumor in the eighth season, but today he comes in as part of Dr. Banfield's many flashbacks, remembering how the two took care of her son.

'ER' Stars Glad to Be Back for Its Last Season

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 06:00:00 GMT

While most fans are still grieving the death of ER creator Michael Crichton, we have some good news that might cheer you up. Quite a number of original cast members have come back for the 15th and final season of ER and Anthony Edwards is more than happy to comment on his experience coming back to the show.

"It was really like going back to high school, in the best way. It was like going back to your favorite class and having your favorite teacher,” Edwards told Reuters. “It took about a half an hour — and after about a half an hour, I really felt like I'd never left."

Famed Author and 'ER' Creator Michael Crichton Dies at 66

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:05:57 GMT

Michael Crichton, the author of such popular novels as Jurassic Park, Timeline, The Andromeda Strain and Disclosure, died on Tuesday at the age of 66. Crichton's family revealed that he had been suffering from "a private battle with cancer" for quite some time, which came as a shock to his many fans around the globe. In addition to his plethora of novels, Crichton also gained fame for creating NBC's medical drama ER, which is currently in its 15th and final season. His final novel, Next, was published in 2006.

'ER' Gets "Haunted" Tonight

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 06:00:00 GMT

ER’s fifteenth and final season is now on a roll, with more heart-stopping drama and intense scenes that would leave fans on the edges of their seats, wanting more. Last week, we saw the interns get abck to work while the veterans took the reigns. Adjustment was a requirement for everyone as they were all dealing with having a new Chief—Dr. Banfield.

Meanwhile, Dr. Banfield herself encountered some trouble after a street thug tried to rob her off some cash. Of course, she wasn’t one to back down. In fact, she sent him straight to the hospital where he was to repent for his sins.

ER: Episode Preview of "Parental Guidance"

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 08:00:28 GMT

With the 15th and final season of the acclaimed long-running medical drama ER being aired, there's definitely a lot of pressure on the show to retain its success. Tonight, the series brings tension for its many characters on the episode “Parental Guidance.” Focusing on the moving issues of families, the numerous occurrences on tonight's ER will surely be both astounding and sentimental.

On “Parental Guidance,” an unexpected occurrence is faced by Dr. Catherine Banfield (Angela Bassett). Being caught off guard, she must think quickly of how to arm herself when a robbery takes place. Meanwhile, the organized protests of Brenner (David Lyons) lead to Dr. Lucien Dubenko (Leland Orser) getting reinstated.

ER: Preview of "Another Thursday at County"

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 08:00:00 GMT

Fresh from a harsh and debilitating farewell to Dr. Gregory Pratt (Mekhi Phifer) on the series' 15th season premiere, everyone in the ER is still reeling and trying to cope with the loss of their colleague. As ER heads to draw its final curtain, sources confirm that Pratt is only the first on a long list of people who are saying their adios. On the other hand, there are also people who will say hi to the series, most notable of which is, of course, Angela Bassett who joins the cast as the new chief.

On tonight's episode of the long-running medical drama, the staff feels a little defensive toward the new Chief and her tough exterior. Meanwhile, Gates (John Stamos) tells the new interns to treat a terrorist who is keeping some lethal secrets of his own, and Nella (Parminder Nagra) tries her hardest to get Dubenko back on the surgery staff. Abby (Maura Tierney) must make a crucial decision about her future at County.

ER: Looking Back on the Show's 15 Seasons

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 08:00:00 GMT

In the cutthroat industry of television, networks know better than to keep a show that won’t reach ratings standards. We all know how fast the powers that be could cut the show, even if it had aired its pilot episode. To last more than five seasons would be a milestone for most scripted shows, but the even bigger accomplishment would be to go beyond the ten-season mark. This holds true for the Emmy Award-winning primetime series created by novelist Michael Crichton, which first began airing in 1994.

Now that the 15th season of ER has begun airing, we look back at the 15 seasons that made television history on NBC.

'ER' Comes Back Tonight With Final Season

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 10:15:00 GMT

Fans are reeling with delight as they wait for the return of their favorite medical drama series, which airs tonight at 10pm on NBC. The producers of the Emmy Award-winning drama promised that its 15th and final season will be star-studded and we already reported that quite a number of Hollywood A-listers are joining the cast for a final hurrah. More importantly, the show brings back one of its most beloved original cast members, Anthony Edwards, to reprise his role as Dr. Mark Greene. While some have clamored for ER superstar George Clooney to come back (including Edwards himself), the 47-year-old actor recently told ET that he was in fact, not asked to come back.

"I've never been asked or approached by anyone from the show about doing an episode of ER," Clooney told ET. This may be an odd statement, as Edwards already claimed that the producers were doing the best they could to round up as much of the gang for the final season.

Anthony Edwards to George Clooney: "'ER' Wants You Back!"

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 06:00:00 GMT

With ER coming to a close this next season, the show’s producers want as much as the original cast as they can get on board for a guest appearance. In fact, we recently reported that ER’s very own Anthony Edwards, who originally appeared in the show’s debut in 1994 as Dr. Mark Greene, will be re-appearing on the show, despite having his character killed off in the eighth season in 2002. He will be appearing in a flashback sequence in which he will help shed light on guest star Angela Bassett’s character, Dr. Cate Banfield.

Since the news spread about Edwards’ return, fans have been speculating that ER star George Clooney might also return to the series for its final season, which begins airing on September 25.

ER: Spoilers for the New Season Revealed

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 06:00:00 GMT

Fans are ecstatic to know that the 15th and final season of ER is up and coming at the end of the month, and fans will get a glimpse of how the very massively successful NBC series will end. The upcoming season is spiced up by appearances by both new and familiar faces, as BuddyTV previously reported. In fact, the star-studded season will include appearances by Shane West, who returns as Dr. Ray Bennett, Angela Bassett who will play Dr. Cate Banfield, and more importantly, Anthony Edwards, who reprises his role as Dr. Mark Greene.

While it is true that Dr. Mark Greene is already six feet below the ground, he will be appearing in season 15 in a flashback involving Bassett’s Dr. Banfield. Fans are already hopeful for George Clooney’s return, but representatives for the actor had not yet commented on this. Meanwhile, let’s take a look at some spoilers for the upcoming season of ER.

Anthony Edwards Rushes Back to 'ER'

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 06:30:00 GMT

NBC’s ER is coming to a close and production is rounding up the best actors and actresses who have graced the show’s previous seasons to come back for a guest stint. In fact, we previously reported that season 15 will be very star-studded, with stars such as Angela Bassett, who will play Dr. Cate Banfield, a replacement for Kari Matchett’s outgoing character, Dr. Skye Wexler. Moreover, her real-life husband Courtney B. Vance will be playing her on-screen hubby, Russell Banfield.

More interestingly, NBC has announced that another familiar face will be returning to appear in a scene with Angela Bassett. TV Guide reports that Anthony Edwards, who originally played Dr. Mark Greene, is set to come back to reprise his role and help shed light on Bassett’s Dr. Cate Banfield’s past.

Actor to Guest Star Alongside Wife For Final Season of 'ER'

editor@buddytv.com — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 08:00:00 GMT

While fans may be disappointed to hear that the upcoming season of ER will be the show’s last, some may find interest in the fact that it will be quite a star-studded 15th season. In fact, NBC announced today that yet another actor is set to join the cast as a guest star, who will take part in a multi-episode arc. In April, the network announced that Angela Bassett will be playing Dr. Cate Banfield in the upcoming season as a replacement for Kari Matchett’s outgoing character, Dr. Skye Wexler. Today, NBC announced that Bassett’s real life husband, Courtney B. Vance will be playing her on-screen hubby, Russell Banfield.

"We are excited to see the on-screen chemistry and emotion this incredibly talented husband and wife team will bring to our show," executive producer David Zabel said in a statement. "Fans are in for a treat and we couldn't be more thrilled that they chose ER to make their first appearance together."