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Showbiz Tonight
Special Edition: TV`s Secrets and Surprises: Pitt-iful!; "Dancing" Outrage; Strange Salahi Saga!
Aired September 16, 2011 - 23:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
A.J. HAMMER, HOST: More big news breaking tonight on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
Brad Pitt backtracks big time. Tonight, Brad`s startling comments about his marriage to Jennifer Aniston. Did he really diss her big time? Tonight, why Brad says he didn`t really mean to call his marriage to Jen boring.
Tonight, divorce court for the Salahis? Burning new questions in the bizarre story of White House party crasher Michaele Salahi leaving her husband for a rock star. And brand new evidence today that maybe he wasn`t blindsided.
Our showbiz flashpoint: could he have seen this coming?
A SHOWBIZ TONIGHT "Dancing with the Stars" exclusive. A former dancing pro goes off on Chaz Bono`s haters. Tonight, why Louis Van Amstel is so outraged with people dissing Chaz over his sex change.
TV`s most provocative entertainment news show breaks news right now.
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HAMMER: Hello. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York with big news breaking tonight.
Brad`s Pitt-iful apology? That was the burning question after Brad Pitt seemed to suggest his marriage to Jennifer Aniston was really the pits.
His startling interview that was just revealed in "Parade" magazine, and Brad was quoted as saying, he was, quote, "trying to pretend the marriage was something that it wasn`t."
Well, today, everyone was saying that they couldn`t believe Brad was possibly dissing his marriage to Jen like that.
But then something even more remarkable happened. Brad releases a statement to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT saying, hold on a second, that`s not what I meant.
With me tonight in New York, two ladies who are about to open up a can of something on Brad Pitt -- at least one of them is, I believe. Bon Blossman and Whitney Whatley who star in the reality show "Big Rich Texas" on the Style Network. You must check it out.
Now, ladies, before we have at it, I do want to read a little bit of what Brad said in addition to those other comments in his interview with "Parade." He said, "I spent the `90s trying to hide out, trying to duck the full celebrity cacophony. I started to get sick of myself sitting on the coach, holding a joint, hiding out. It started to feel pathetic."
Now, about life with Angelina Jolie, he says, "It became very clear to me that I was intent on trying to find a movie with an interesting life but I wasn`t living an interesting life myself."
And here`s where I think he really got himself into some serious trouble particularly with a lot of the female population. "I think that my marriage had something to do with it, trying to pretend the marriage was something that it wasn`t."
Now, it sounds to me he`s kind of saying life was, you know, boring before Angelina Jolie. I didn`t take it as direct slam at Jennifer Aniston.
Bon, anything wrong with what he said?
BON BLOSSMAN, REALITY STAR, "BIG RICH TEXAS": I`m so disturbed by his comments. I think he`s a pig.
HAMMER: Really?
BLOSSMAN: If he`s going to be married to someone so awesome as Jennifer Aniston and then to come six years later, seven years later and to say that his years with her was pathetic, he needs to like to support her and be glad that he`s happy. I think he`s jealous.
HAMMER: OK. Well, interesting that you think he`s jealous.
I actually think, I do believe his words were not taken the way he meant to be and he even commented on that. I`ll get to that in a second.
I think he does regret answering the question the way that he did because of the way it came across. And quite frankly, I think as long as Jen understands where he`s coming from and it wasn`t meant as a slam on her, really, to me, Whitney, that`s all that should matter. What do you think?
WHITNEY WHATLEY, REALITY STAR, "BIG RICH TEXAS": Oh, I think she should have stepped it up. I mean, he`s like one of the hottest guys on earth and she should have stepped it up.
HAMMER: So, Jen should have stepped it up and there not have been boring at the time?
WHATLEY: Exactly.
HAMMER: All right. Well, listen, here`s what Brad is saying about this whole thing. This is the statement he released to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT.
He says, "It grieves me that this was interpreted this way. Jen is an incredibly giving, loving and hilarious woman who remains my friend. It is an important relationship I value greatly. The point I was trying to make is not that Jen was dull, but that I was becoming dull to myself and that I am responsible for."
So, he`s blaming himself now, Bon, for being boring and pathetic. Does that clear things up for you?
BLOSSMAN: No. I think his publicist wrote it and he recited it. I think that when you say things off the cuff, that`s what you mean. And that`s what he did the first time in his first interview.
HAMMER: But as someone who has been interviewed quite a bit for your reality series, you understand what it means to be misinterpreted or misquoted. You don`t see that as even a possibility here. He says he loves Jen. And I think again, as long as Jen understands all is cool, and then all should be cool. No?
BLOSSMAN: I`m sure Jen is not happy with what he said. I wouldn`t be if I was in her shoes.
HAMMER: All right.
BLOSSMAN: And, plus, he just reminded me that he`s a cheater.
HAMMER: Well, that was never confirmed. We`ll leave it at that.
BLOSSMAN: Right. OK.
HAMMER: I appreciate your insight. Bon and Whitney, thank you so much. I appreciate you being here.
Make sure you catch the both of them on "Big Rich Texas" on the Style Network, Saturday night.
And you can read Brad Pitt`s full interview in "Parade" magazine this weekend.
Turning now to a SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive, dancing outrage. A "Dancing with the Stars" pro is here exclusively to speak out about his absolute fury over the Chaz Bono controversy, people who are upset that the show has a transgendered contestant. His outrage was fueled by Republican state representative in Oklahoma, saying homosexuality is more dangerous than terrorism. Can you believe that?
Sally Kern said it and then defended what she said in an interview that was posted on Mediaite.com.
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STATE REP. SALLY KERN (R), OKLAHOMA: Every day, our young people and adults too but especially our young people are bombarded at school, in movies, in music, on TV, in the mall, in magazines -- they`re bombarded with homosexuality is normal and natural. It`s something they have to deal with every day. Fortunately, we don`t have to deal with a terrorist attack every day and that`s what I mean.
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HAMMER: I don`t think that helped anything. Kern`s antigay remarks sparked outrage and caused five-time "Dancing with the Stars" pro Louis Van Amstel, who`s openly gay, to blog about it, who is with me tonight in New York for our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT exclusive newsmaker interview.
It`s great to have you here once again, five years after the last time you were on set.
LOUIS VAN AMSTEL, "DANCING WITH THE STARS" PRO: I know.
HAMMER: I know you were all set to write a blog about all that`s been going with Chaz Bono and the controversy over him being on the show. You are going to wait until the show debut next week and then Representative Kern spoke out about what I believe are truly ignorant and bigoted comments.
But what about what she said really set you off?
VAN AMSTEL: It really just hit home. I mean, when I read it, I first tweeted about it and said, is this true what she said? And when everybody said yes, it just hit home. And for a few hours in the row, I thought -- I`m trying to let it go, just move on, just do your own thing and I couldn`t stop thinking about it.
And then I was writing, I thought I need to write a letter. I cannot stay quiet. I really believe it not just the GLBT community. It`s also -- there`s so much bullying going on. She as an adult, she really says it`s OK to bully.
HAMMER: Yes.
VAN AMSTEL: Because that`s what she is doing.
HAMMER: She keyed up it right there.
VAN AMSTEL: But in the end, it`s not good for me to fight fire with fire. So I really had to think how am I going to write this to her. And I really just poured my heart out.
But while I was writing I actually started crying and I said, why am I crying on this? I said we give a lady like that so much power and in the end, she needs to focus on what she thinks is right for her but not on what`s wrong for her. And that`s, you know, live and let live.
I wore this t-shirt, this is the eagle, the eagle that flies, the American eagle -- we all have the right to fly and soar. It doesn`t matter who you are. And really I was really hurt and it was humiliating to see that a lady like Mrs. Kern, what she said. It`s just -- I don`t even have word.
HAMMER: No. Well, it dangerous. And I`m glad you spoke out and thank you for doing that. And I hope people will be sure to read your blog and check that out.
Very, quickly I need to ask you as we move from controversy to something a little lighter.
VAN AMSTEL: Yes.
HAMMER: The lovely Nancy Grace on "Dancing with the Stars" this season. You have coached all the big stars on that show from Kendra Wilkinson to Kelly Osbourne, and had great success with them.
Can Nancy do it, Louis?
VAN AMSTEL: I haven`t seen her. I want to see the show on Monday.
HAMMER: Watch. There she is, she`s getting a little practice.
Based on watching her right now barely doing anything, give me a quick yes or no, can she go all the way?
VAN AMSTEL: Yes, she could.
HAMMER: OK.
VAN AMSTEL: But she is very outspoken. And it`s not just about the judges` comments and their remarks. It also about how will America like her.
HAMMER: Right.
VAN AMSTEL: So, it`s important that she shows a little softer side.
HAMMER: I think it is, too.
VAN AMSTEL: Not just a prosecutor side and just focuses on dancing. And if she dances her heart out, and put a little tape on her mouth --
HAMMER: I don`t think that will happen.
Let me tell everybody very quickly you have a great new fitness program called "La Blast." You`re doing with the folks at Crunch Fitness. People are going to get to do the same dances as the "Dancing with the Stars" pros and everything. I don`t have a lot of time.
But tell me very quickly, yes or no, can I dance like a "Dancing with the Stars" pros?
VAN AMSTEL: Anyone can dance. And "La Blast" is based on five levels. Level one is for the absolute beginner, level five goes toward all -- being a seasoned dancer. And this really ties in with fighting obesity and helping people to feel better about themselves and stop the bullying. Stop that bullying.
HAMMER: Yes, great program, Louis. Thank you so much.
VAN AMSTEL: Thank you.
HAMMER: It`s great to see you. Appreciate you being here.
We`re all looking forward to Louis` new adventure, "La Blast." Go to lablastfitness.com to get more information right there.
Moving now to burning new question in the bizarre story of White House party crasher Michaele Salahi leaving her husband for a rock star. Did he see this coming?
Tonight, a Salahi insider is answering that, "Real Housewives" Jeana Keough in a showbiz newsmaker interview.
Plus this --
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HAMMER: Tonight, Kanye West, Muppets and Kim Kardashian in a Princess Leia outfit? You got to see this. It`s crazy.
Ashton Kutcher`s big premiere in "Two and a Half Men" just around the corner. So, will putting Ashton in for Charlie be a winning move? Sorry. It`s a SHOWBIZ TONIGHT special report, "TV`s Secrets and Surprises," coming up.
This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN, news and views.
Here comes the showbiz news ticker, more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
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HAMMER: Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York.
Tonight, the bizarre new developments in the strange Salahi saga. White House party crasher and reality star Tareq Salahi is now facing a new reality tonight, his marriage is done. Kaput. It`s over.
And we learned just today that he reportedly wants a divorce after learning that his wife Michaele ran off with a rock star.
Well, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT is revealing remarkable evidence which may prove that Tareq should have seen all this coming.
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HAMMER (voice-over): First, former White House party crasher and ex- "Real Housewives of D.C." star Michaele Salahi leaves her husband Tareq for Neal Schon, guitarist for the band Journey. Now, it looks like Tareq may soon take a journey of his own, to divorce court.
TMZ reporting today that Tareq plans to file for divorce from Michaele but despite today`s report, Tareq`s attorney tells "Good Morning America" divorce talk is premature.
DAVID SILEK, TAREQ SALAHI`S ATTORNEY: He`s so devastated. There`s not a goal other than trying to figure out what is going on at this time.
HAMMER: Also today, brand new reports that this split may have been a long time coming.
DIANE DIMOND, AUTHOR, "CIRQUE DU SALAHI": I was not surprised to hear that Michaele left Tareq.
HAMMER: Diane Dimond is the author of the book, "Cirque Du Salahi." She tells SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, before Michaele and Tareq married in 2003, Michaele dated Neal. Michaele, who has multiple sclerosis, decided Tareq would offer her a more comfortable life.
DIMOND: Life on the road with a rock band is very different if life on the vineyard. She told me pointblank she chose the tranquil life over what might have been her one true love, Neal Schon.
HAMMER: Well, it looks like Michaele is revisiting her decision. Now, it`s a matter of how much messier things will get.
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HAMMER: So many burning questions tonight over the strange Salahi saga. They all lead to our showbiz flashpoint. Should Tareq have seen this coming?
Well, we have a Salahi insider with us tonight to help us out. Former "Real Housewives of Orange County" star Jeana Keough joins us from the O.C.
So, Jeana, you got to know the Salahis. You`ve gone to parties with these guys. So, to our showbiz flashpoint, what do you think? Should Tareq have seen this coming?
JEANA KEOUGH, FORMER "REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ORANGE COUNTY" STAR: You always hope you have your relationship enough closeness that you can talk to each other. I mean, to leave like she did and not even send word through a friend I`ve gone on a walk-about or something, it was just shocking. You`d have to think there would be something.
HAMMER: It did seem strange to me. And remember, Michaele is somebody who quite frankly we`ve gotten to know as a person never wanting to miss a chance to be in the spotlight. So, I have to wonder, even if she really has left Tareq for a rock star, which it seems that she did, why not make a call and let him know what`s going on?
Any insight as to why she may have handled the situation this way?
KEOUGH: I have no idea. It`s just so alien for someone to behave that way. It`s -- I mean, none of us are brought up that way to disregard someone`s feelings and cause a public humiliation. So, I can`t imagine why she did it. I just think she`s a little lost soul right now.
HAMMER: Here`s the thing. You know, obviously, Tareq is not getting the greatest press. People are saying, you know, the fact that he called in this kidnapping report was a little nutty.
But despite that, I kind of would feel that maybe he`s enjoying all the publicity and getting a chance to be back on TV. What`s your insight on that?
KEOUGH: I can`t imagine anyone would want to be on TV in this circus. I don`t think so. I think he truly was concerned about his wife`s whereabouts and a normal person would be. If you think your wife is going to get her hair done and she never shows up and she never showed up for her appointment, it would be a little frightening.
And her health -- from what I -- from what I understand, her health isn`t that good. Life on the road is not going to be such a great thing for her.
HAMMER: Yes.
KEOUGH: It`s tough eating hotel food and not being in your normal space. It`s going to be tough on her.
HAMMER: I know. I would imagine it will be.
Let me move on right now to a "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" story that we`ve been following. Taylor Armstrong, who I know you`re friends with, a lot of people are wondering how those disturbing photos of Taylor that show apparent signs of abuse got leaked. It`s so unfortunate to me.
Some people are saying she put them out herself. Does that make any sense to you?
KEOUGH: I can`t imagine she`d put them out herself. She`s a mother of a small child who has two other siblings with another wife. I can`t imagine you would want anyone to remember their father that way. So, I am thinking it not her, unless her P.R. is so low -- you know, she`s being blamed for putting him on the show and she`s being blamed for his suicide, maybe she`s doing it to make her feel better.
But if she did do, it I`m sure she`s under the influence some kind of narcotic because that just seems so cruel. He`s dead. Let it -- just let it go.
HAMMER: Do you think it`s time she walked away from the show?
KEOUGH: I think if she stays on the show, it`s totally her decision. I would support her being on the show if that makes her happy, as long as she`s bringing attention to depression and suicide and something that`s helping. I know so many people that are depressed.
HAMMER: I do have to end it here. But, Jeana Keough, I do appreciate you being here with your special insight tonight.
KEOUGH: Thank you.
HAMMER: Moving on now to Kanye West, some Muppet and Kim Kardashian dressed as Princess Leia.
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HAMMER: All right. Not exactly for the kid. But you have got to see this never before seen whacky show next.
And a revealing look of the sizzling leading men of the just launched fall TV season, Simon Cowell, Eddie Cibrian, "Lost" Michael Emerson, coming up. It`s a showbiz special report, "TV`s Secrets and surprises."
And now, showbiz at the Emmy`s. Primetime Emmy just couple of days away. We`ve been catching up with the biggest stars. And tonight, Neil Patrick Harris, who knows a thing or two about hosting the Emmy`s. He did it a couple of years back. You got to check out Neil`s advice for this year`s Emmy host, which is the great Jane Lynch from "Glee."
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NEIL PATRICK HARRIS, ACTOR: I don`t really have tips for Jane because she`s so good at this. You know, you have to be welcoming and inclusive and also very adept and light on your feet and ready to change if the show is running long or ready to improvise if something funny happens. But that`s her bread and butter.
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HAMMER: This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN, news and views.
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HAMMER: Tonight, an amazing real life "Star Wars" discovery. A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, and, of course, a certain movie series, there was a planet named Tatooine, the home of Luke and Anakin Skywalker, aka Darth Vader.
The planet had two suns and now I can tell you astronomers have found a real life giant planet orbiting two stars in a system about 200 light years away. Now, scientists say it`s unlikely the planet named Kepler-16b has life on it, though can I think of a few folks I`d like to send there.
Oh, this is perfect, another "Star Wars" story we can segue right into. Kanye West, the Muppets and Kim Kardashian dressed up as Princess Leia. Here`s the deal: Kanye was trying to get a series on Comedy Central called "Alligator Boots." It was a skit series that featured music, humor and Muppets. Well, the network didn`t pick up the show.
But tonight, for the very first time, it has surfaced online.
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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Today, we`re making comedy of a very different kind.
VOICE: Let me lay you down on my silky sheets and then come in close behind you, yes. Then I`ll show you my desire and put my (EXPLETIVE DELETED) inside your (EXPLETIVE DELETED).
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Whoa!
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Kim Kardashian is one of our guests of the show.
KIM KARDASHIAN: I`m Kardashian (INAUDIBLE).
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I see you walking around in costume. I hope she never takes off.
(INAUDIBLE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Beary White was a very interesting conversation.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You can try couple of your lines on Kim.
VOICE: If you`d say so, it would be my pleasure.
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HAMMER: Beary White, not exactly the Muppet show that I remember. But it would have been pretty interesting to me to see these two working together. Oh, well.
Now, the 15 Latina stars we love. Our friends over at "Latina" magazine and "Access Hollywood" have teamed up to celebrate "Latina" magazine`s 15th anniversary. And to celebrat5e, the magazine is honoring 15 amazing women, including Eva Longoria, Zoe Saldana, Selena Gomez, Jessica Alba, America Ferrera, and Gloria Estefan. These stars and others reveal how they got to where they are and what it means to be Latina today.
Check out a special "Access Hollywood" airing this weekend. Just check your local listing for details on that and pick up a copy of "Latina" magazine`s October anniversary issue. It is out right now.
And right now, it`s the showbiz lineup. Here`s what`s coming up on SHOWBIZ TONIGHT:
So, we`re just a few days away from the big "Two and a Half Men" premiere with Ashton Kutcher. Will he be a flop or will he be winning as Charlie Sheen`s replacement? That is next.
And Simon Cowell, Eddie Cibrian, "Lost`s" Michael Emerson -- the hottest men of this fall`s brand new TV season, coming up. The showbiz special report, "TV`s Secret and Surprises."
This is SHOWBIZ TONIGHT on HLN, news and views.
Time for the showbiz news ticker, these are more stories from the SHOWBIZ TONIGHT newsroom making news tonight.
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JOHN SINGLETON, DIRECTOR: George is going to tweak on that movie from the end of time. He told me back in the day before he made the special editions what some little things that he was going to do. Even I had qualms with it, but it`s just exciting to see the movies evolve in a way.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
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HAMMER: Now on this special edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT reveals the blockbuster secrets, the shocking surprises of the brand new TV season. "Two and a Half Men" surprises, Ashton Kutcher in for Charlie Sheen. Will Ashton be fantastic or flop? Simon`s back. "American Idol"`s cranky judge Simon Cowell makes his big TV return on the "X- Factor." Will he be naughty or nice? They`re sexy, they`re smart and they`re super funny.
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UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We shook a baby!
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We`re trying to help you!
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HAMMER: An amazing behind-the-scenes look at the fabulous females of fall TV. And TV`s future is looking very retro. An iconic airline takes flight. Angels earn their wings and dinosaurs roam the earth. A special edition of TV`s most provocative entertainment news show, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT`s blockbuster "TV`s Secrets and Surprises" starts right now.
Welcome back to SHOWBIZ TONIGHT. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. With just two days until the primetime Emmy Awards a Showbiz special report, "TV`s Secrets and Surprises." Blockbuster fall TV season is under way. And we are teaming up with "Entertainment Weekly" to reveal all of the secrets and surprises.
First, of course, Monday night it`s the Comedy Central Charlie Sheen roast. And just before that airs, all eyes will be on the premiere of "Two And a Half Men." And everybody`s going to be asking will Ashton Kutcher fill Sheen`s shoes and wind up winning?
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HAMMER (voice-over): He`s the new man on "Two and a Half Men." Ashton Kutcher`s first episode as Charlie Sheen`s replacement on the smash hit sitcom premieres on September 19th and SHOWBIZ TONIGHT can tell you everyone is waiting to see if Ashton can step into Sheen`s shoes.
ADAM BUCKMAN, TV COLUMNIST, FANCAST.COM: The Ashton Kutcher story is the biggest story of the fall season.
HAMMER: Ashton got the role on "Two and a Half Men" after a now legendary meltdown got Charlie Sheen kicked off the show. Kutcher is reportedly making $700,000 an episode in his new gig, much less than the $1.2 million Sheen was making but still enough to make him TV`s highest paid sitcom star.
KUTCHER: My character`s name is Walden Schmidt.
HAMMER: On "The Late Show with David Letterman" Ashton Kutcher finally spilled some hints about his character and how he`s introduced to the show.
KUTCHER: So I`m playing a billionaire Internet entrepreneur. I show up when John Cryer`s character needs me the most. I`m very heartbroken over this breakup that`s taking place. I may in some way, shape or form, be trying to kill myself.
HAMMER: Over the last few years, Ashton has been known mostly as a movie star and, of course, as Demi Moore`s husband. But now he`s got a tall order, taking the lead on TV`s number one sitcom, replacing the superstar Charlie Sheen and winning over the show`s 12 million viewers. No pressure, Ashton.
BUCKMAN: It`s very risky and almost unprecedented to achieve that kind of equal success with a new cast member this late into a sitcom`s run.
HAMMER: Of course, sitcoms aren`t exactly new territory for Ashton. He got his first big break on the long running sitcom "That 70s Show."
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What is wrong with you? Were you dropped on your head?
KUTCHER: Yes, I was. And up until now everyone had the good grace not to mention it.
HAMMER: In fact, on Letterman Ashton revealed something Robin Williams said while visiting the set of "That 70s Show" that helped reignite Ashton`s interest in sitcoms.
KUTCHER: He said I -- I just I only wish I could go back and do a sitcom again. And I never forgot that when I was on "That 70s Show". I`m ready just to go to work every day and make people laugh.
HAMMER: Well, we all know Ashton can make people laugh, but as the new star of "Two and a Half Men," Ashton`s got an even bigger task, making people forget about Charlie Sheen.
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HAMMER: So, here`s our showbiz flashpoint tonight, will Ashton Kutcher be a success on "Two And A Half Men"? With me right now Dalton Ross. He is the assistant managing editor of "Entertainment Weekly," and Jessica Shaw, senior writer, "EW."
First of all, guys, congrats on the new issue. It is terrific, there is the cover right there. We`ve seen some photos of Ashton on the set of the show. John Cryer says he loves his new co-star. So, Dalton, from what you know so far, you`ve been able to gleam, is Ashton in fact going to be a success? I think he is.
DALTON ROSS, ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Off the bat, definitely, because there`s so much curiosity about how he`s going to do and how the show is going to do without Charlie Sheen, people are going to tune in. Everyone wants to see how he is going to do. So the real test, A.J., though is week three, week four.
HAMMER: Right.
ROSS: Are viewers going to stick around? Will they like what they see? And then we`ll see was it a good move for him and was it a good move for CBS?
HAMMER: I think Ashton has what it takes to keep that audience but yes, I`m as curious to see as anybody else. SHOWBIZ TONIGHT was right there at the CBS Upfront, that`s where the network shows off their new fall lineups to advertisers and to us. And we asked the stars of the new show "Person of Interest", Michael Emerson and Jim Caviezel, how they think Ashton is going to fare. Here`s what they told us.
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MICHAEL EMERSON, "PERSON OF INTEREST": I think he`s going to do just great. He`s really talented and charismatic and funny guy. And I, I think, you know, if they`re smart they`ll let him just do his thing and create a character all of his own, and they`ll put all past lost characters out of their minds.
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HAMMER: Yes, I mean, Jessica, do you think that`s exactly right, that it`s Ashton`s charm that`s going to help the audience really forget about Charlie Sheen?
JESSICA SHAW, SENIOR WRITER, "ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY": Of course. And I also think it`s great for John Cryer because John Cryer`s character gets to sort of be the love coach to Ashton, who is so, you know, heartbroken and, you know, his wife left him and whatever. And I think that it really gives John Cryer an opportunity to step up and really show how funny he is, which he is. But he`s always kind of been in the background.
HAMMER: It feels like a second fiddle character.
SHAW: Absolutely.
HAMMER: Now maybe it will be first and a half character .
SHAW: Exactly.
HAMMER: Not second fiddle so much. All right. Well, it`s going to be interesting to see what happens. I`m eagerly awaiting just like everybody else. Dalton Ross, Jessica Shaw, and stay right where you guys are because you`ll be back in just a second. We`re going to be talking about TV`s big returns. But right now man, oh, man, have we got some more surprises in store for you. The sizzling leading men of this TV season. "Lost`s" Michael Emerson is back, I can`t wait to see what Simon Cowell is going to say on the "X-Factor," and newly married Eddie Cibrian is all dressed up. Take a look at this.
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HAMMER (voice-over): Eddie Cibrian stars as a snazzy lawyer connected to the mob in the "Playboy Club."
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: My life was magic, where the rules were broken and fantasies became realities, where everyone would walk through the doors.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Good evening, Mr. Dalton.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: How are you tonight, Kate?
HAMMER: Michael Emerson and Jim Caviezel team up to try to solve crimes before they happen. In J.J. Abrams new CBS show "Person of Interest."
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I`ve been watching you for a long time, Mr. Reese (ph). I know about the work you used to do for the government.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think you need a job.
HAMMER: And he`s back. But will Simon Cowell, actually have anything nice to say in the highly anticipated show the "X-Factor"?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (singing): Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love you tomorrow, you`re only a day away
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Great.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I just love your spirit. It`s wonderful.
SIMON COWELL, X-FACTOR: I can`t believe I`m going to say this. That is exactly the word I was going to use. I love your spirit.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Wow. Simon actually saying something nice there. And there are so many of TV`s big returns to talk about. So let`s get started. Back with me now in New York, Dalton Ross, assistant managing editor of "Entertainment Weekly" and Jessica Shaw, a senior writer for EW. And let`s begin with Simon, guys. I mean he`s returning to TV. And he`s always been somebody that we love to hate, yet they`re promoting the show by showing this nice side of him. So, what do you think? Is he actually going to be nice or is he going to still be someone we love to hate?
ROSS: He will be someone we love to hate. Look, A.J., the voice on "American Idol" just came off very successful seasons. But if there`s one complaint about those shows is that the judges were too nice, they didn`t offer a semblance of criticism whatsoever. Simon Cowell will do that. He`ll be mean to the contestants, he will be mean to Paula. And like Yogi Berra said--
HAMMER: Oh, yes.
ROSS: It will be deja vu all over again.
HAMMER: Yes, he`ll call it like he sees it, but usually it`s not sugar-coated in any way, and he has a few choice words.
SHAW: And why would -- why would he have brought back Paula if not to be mean to her?
HAMMER: She`s the foil for him, for sure. All right, let`s move on to another of TV`s big returns, one of my favorite shows so I`m so happy. "Glee" will be back. And we keep hearing the big changes are coming to the show. Jessica, who do you think is going to be leaving? Are we going to lose some of the main characters during the season?
SHAW: Well, Ryan Murphy, the creative producer, eluded to that some characters were going to be graduating and leaving .
HAMMER: Right.
SHAW: And then they weren`t. And there was -- there was a lot of back and forth. But no, Lea Michele, Chris Colfer, Cory Monteith are not leaving. They will graduate because they`re seniors .
HAMMER: Yes, it could be wise to do that.
SHAW: And -- but they`ll be back next year. We don`t know in what capacity.
HAMMER: That will be interesting to see. All right, we must move on now to another one of TV`s big returns minus one big star, "The Office". Steve Carell, he`s not there. He ended his run on the show last season. And SHOWBIZ TONIGHT did speak with "The Office" stars Ed Helms and John Krasinski. We had to get their take on life without Steve on the set so far. Here what`s they told us.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ED HELMS, "THE OFFICE": Steve can`t be replaced. He is --he was a force of nature and he`s wonderful and amazing.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You`re that way.
HELMS: And but it`s exciting now, but as John was saying, like we`re now back on set and there`s a real ensemble energy now, a real ensemble vibe. And the show has such an incredible cast. We`re just excited to kind of feel it out and see where it goes.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Now, Dalton, big changes on the way, some spoilers revealed in EW, two babies coming?
ROSS: Yes, actress Jenna Fischer, who plays Pam is pregnant in real life so they`re going to write that in her storyline. So Pam and Jim are having a baby. And another mystery baby. My money is on Angela. But I think that`s just what I would like to see.
HAMMER: A mystery baby. All right, guys. Thanks so much. Dalton and Jessica, I appreciate it. Moving on now, they are sexy, they are smart and they are super funny.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: How can she be stronger than I am?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: She`s a baby.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We are trying to help you.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Oh, good, oh, good, it`s a big one.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Christina, Sarah, Zooey. It`s mega star girl power. We`ve got your first look at the ladies who are out in full force this fall. And TV`s future goes retro. I`m really looking forward to this. An iconic airline taking flight. "Charlie`s Angels" earn their wings and dinosaurs roam the earth again. You`re watching a special edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, "TV`s Secrets and Surprises."
Now, she was TV`s famous vampire slayer. Now Sarah Michelle Gellar is returning to TV in a brand new show called "Ringer" playing two sisters who have a big secret. Is Bridget the bad girl and Siobhan the good girl? Only Sarah Michelle Gellar knows.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SARAH MICHELLE GELLER: I play Bridget and Siobhan now, but I also play Bridget and Siobhan in flashback. So, basically, sisters, they`re very close, they rely on each other. Something that the audience doesn`t know tore them apart eight years ago. And through flashbacks, you`ll start to piece it together, what happened and why they`re estranged. And we`ll pick up eight years later when they`re seeing each other for the first time.
Siobhan!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Jess!
ZOOEY DESCHANEL: Who`s Jess? You`re talking to (INAUDIBLE).
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: That`s a bummer. Zooey Deschanel gets dumped by her boyfriend in her new TV show, but I can tell you she is definitely going to bounce back in a big way. Welcome back to this special edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT as we team up with "Entertainment Weekly" to reveal to you the secrets and surprises of the upcoming new TV season. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. And now, get ready for TV`s fierce females. Zooey Deschanel is just one of the big stars coming to a TV near you this fall, a brand new show with Christina Applegate and a big TV return from "Buffy, the Vampire Slayer`s" Sara Michelle Gellar. We`re talking about some serious girl power here.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER (voice-over): Zooey Deschanel stars in "New Girl," as the girl who gets dumped and then moves in with a bunch of guys.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It has been a week of this madness.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I got this.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Stop it. Stop it.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Listen, what if you came out with -- we`ll get you a rebound.
DESCHANEL: A rebound?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.
DESCHANEL: She`s going out to find a rebound -- who`s that girl -- It`s Jesse.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Did you just make up a theme song for yourself?
HAMMER: Cue the lullaby as Christina Applegate tries to keep it all together as a brand new working mom in "Up All Night."
CHRISTINA APPLEGATE: Stop!
(CROSSTALK)
APPLEGATE: Oh my God! How could she be stronger than I am? She`s a baby! We`re trying to help you.
HAMMER: Lord help this taxi driver who tries to tango with Maria Bello`s character in the new NBC drama "Prime Suspect."
MARIA BELLO: No smoking.
(CROSSTALK)
BELLO: Put it down. Hey! That`s right. You see? Now put it out. I`m not in the mood. Thank you.
HAMMER: And will Buffy fans be thanking their lucky stars that Sarah Michelle Gellar is playing twin sisters in the new CW show "Ringer"?
GELLAR: I was wondering how you`d look after six years.
Your life seems perfect.
Close to it, but no one`s life is perfect.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HAMMER: I would imagine that`s actually a pretty challenging role for her. But can Sarah Michelle Gellar ring up the magic of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" in her new series called "Ringer?" Joining me again "Entertainment Weekly" senior writer Jessica Shaw, and Melissa Maerz who`s also a senior writer for EW. And we all know Sarah Michelle Gellar has a cult following as a result of playing Buffy, and here she`s playing sort of the evil sister versus the good sister. Melissa, obviously it`s a different show, but do you think that it has any kind of the same Buffy appeal that will have Sarah`s fans tuning in?
MELISSA MAERZ, SENIOR WRITER, ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Definitely. Well, Buffy was a big guilty pleasure, and to me this is the best guilty pleasure of all. There`s mobsters in it, there is an evil twin sister in it, the sisters are always telling each other how much skinnier one is than the other and how great they look, and it is set in this really luxurious world, where everyone is always on a boat or getting a pearl necklace, or something like that.
HAMMER: Perfect. That sounds cool. Now, Jessica, we were watching it and the scene from "Up All Night" came on with the babies crying and the diapers changing and you said, well, that was me last night.
SHAW: It`s basically a documentary for new parents.
HAMMER: I have to believe working moms everywhere are going to tune into this.
SHAW: Absolutely. I think working parents will tune in -- I mean this scene with them pulling the wipes out and changing diapers, you know, and they are like I am stronger than you, why can`t I change the diaper? Of course, working parents will love this, but I have to say it`s pretty damn funny even if you don`t have children.
HAMMER: Yes.
SHAW: It`s Maya Rudolph, Will Arnett, Christina Applegate, written by an SNL writer. It`s just -- it`s hilarious.
HAMMER: And Maria Bello`s new show "Prime Suspect," that`s looking really good to me. Based on a 1990s British series starring Helen Mirren. From what we`ve seen in a promos for the show, her character is dealing with a lot of sexism on the job, Melissa. I have a feeling working women who are experiencing this sort of thing will be riveted by this as well.
MAERZ: Yes, you`re not going to be seeing her chasing down bad guys in stilettos. She seems like she`s a real cop who`s working a real job and dealing with a bunch of jerks in her office. That`s probably something anybody can relate to, women or men.
HAMMER: I have to tell you, I think this whole season is looking terrific. And there is much more to talk about. Melissa, Jessica, thank you very much. I can tell you that the future of TV is looking very retro this season. You`ve got passion and jealousy in the sky.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: You`re on the cover of "Life" magazine.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: With a face like that, you`ll find a husband in a couple of months.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I`m not looking for a husband.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I hope not. You`re famous now.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: It`s the golden days of flying as Pan Am takes off again. Speaking of flying, will these angels earn their wings again? It`s a new "Charlie`s Angels." And then we`re going back, way back when dinosaurs rule the earth. Can the human race be safe on "Terra Nova?" This is a special edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, TV`s secrets and surprises. "Entertainment Weekly" takes you behind the scenes of the photo shoot with the cast of not one, but two brand new TV shows. First, TV goes retro with the ladies of "Pan Am." Christina Ricci stars in the show, you`ve got to love what these ladies wore back then. And they just look so divine, don`t they? And check this out! This good looking family gets transported back 85 million years to prehistoric earth on the new show "Terra Nova". I`ve got to say by the looks of the photo with EW, I`m guessing they`ll handle the dinosaurs just fine.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Hello?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It`s Charlie, angels. Time to go to work.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: OK.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HAMMER: Fantastic. The late Farrah Fawcett there. Who didn`t love the original "Charlie`s Angels" series back in the `70s? I loved it. That`s why I`m psyched for the new "Charlie`s Angels" coming back to TV this fall. This is a special edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, as we reveal the secrets and surprises of the new TV season that are coming your way.
"Charlie`s Angels" not the only reason to believe the TV is going retro. Along with the Angels` remake on ABC, we`ve got "Pan Am" taking off again, and then we`re going way, way back when dinosaurs ruled the earth with the new Fox show, Steven Spielberg`s "Terra Nova." I`m going to say, this show also sounds very cool. Here`s our SHOWBIZ TONIGHT "Flashpoint." Will the new retro TV shows be big hits? Back with me again, "Entertainment Weekly`s assistant managing editor Dalton Ross, and senior writer Melissa Maerz.
So, the women who play Charlie`s Angels are not household names yet. Although Minka Kelly, who I loved on "Friday Night Lights," was famously dating New York Yankee star Derek Jeter before they reportedly broke up, Drew Barrymore is the executive producer of the show. Dalton, please tell me what you think -- are audiences going to embrace the new angels?
ROSS: Here is the problem with the new "Charlie`s Angels", A.J., is that the original "Charlie`s Angels" was unique because you didn`t have a lot of female action stars. It`s more commonplace now, so the new show has to have really stellar writing and stellar acting. Well, what I`ve seen so far, the new "Charlie`s Angels," let`s just say, it`s less than heavenly. They have some work to do.
HAMMER: Yes, it has to have a lot of appeal beyond just the nostalgic factor.
ROSS: Exactly.
HAMMER: Now, one show I`m looking forward to because of the nostalgia factor is "Pan Am" with Christina Ricci. She`s definitely a big star. I think this brings back a lot of the glamour to flying that obviously has been lost over the years. Do you think this is going to be a big hit from what you`ve seen, Melissa?
MAERZ: Oh, I think that "Mad Men" brought glamour back to TV and made it cool again.
HAMMER: Right.
MAERZ: So the show has so much glamour. People dressed to the nines to be on these flies and drank champagne. And so it`s a far cry from where we are now, in our velour sweat suits going on through security.
HAMMER: And you can`t beat those outfits. I remember those outfits.
MAERZ: Beautiful.
HAMMER: All right, well, let`s talk about "Terra Nova." I think this is a really cool looking show. It`s about an ordinary family from the year 2149. They`re transported back 85 million years to prehistoric earth. They join Terra Nova. It`s a colony of humans. They are given a second chance to build a civilization, which I think is a great idea. Dalton, are people going to give this retro show a chance? Is it going to be a big hit?
ROSS: I think people are definitely going to give it a chance. There`s been so much talk about it and people have been hearing about it for so long, they want to check it out. And it`s good. My one question about it is, can it live up to these enormous expectations? Because people are expecting incredible. So will good to very good be good enough for them?
HAMMER: Yes. And I think one of the challenges is when you attach Steven Spielberg`s name to anything, that even heightens expectations.
All right, Dalton, Melissa, thank you so much.
And that is it for this special edition of SHOWBIZ TONIGHT, "TV`s Secrets and Surprises. I`m A.J. Hammer in New York. For more on this fall`s hottest TV shows, grab your copy of "Entertainment Weekly" at a newsstand near you. Thanks for watching.
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