NBC.com Entertainment News

Green Day to Perform on New Years Eve With Carson Daly

2009-11-06T21:07:23Z

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - November 5, 2009 - Three-time Grammy Award-winning Reprise Records rock band Green Day will help usher in 2010 on "NBC's New Year's Eve with Carson Daly." The band's eighth studio album, 21st Century Breakdown, was released on May 15, 2009 and has reached #1 in fourteen different countries, hitting Gold or Platinum in each.

The two-hour special will air live on Thursday, December 31, beginning in primetime from 10-11 p.m. (ET), and continuing at 11:30 PM (ET) with the countdown to 2010 and the first performances of the New Year. "NBC's New Year's Eve with Carson Daly" will broadcast in high definition from the middle of the world's most famous New Year's Eve destination, Times Square in New York City. Green Day's commitment continues the show's remarkable tradition of great performances by the music industry's most popular artists.

"We have built a great tradition of having the best and biggest music acts on our New Year's Eve live broadcast; having Green Day this year only solidifies that. I'm beyond excited," said Daly. "Green Day will make this year's show a TV event to remember on NBC."

In 2008, 8.6 million viewers tuned in to watch "NBC's New Year's Eve With Carson Daly." This special, which premiered in 2004, delivered its fourth straight year of gains scoring its biggest ratings results to date.

"NBC's New Year's Eve with Carson Daly" is executive-produced by Daly ("Last Call with Carson Daly") and David Friedman ("Last Call with Carson Daly") through Universal Media Studios. Guy Oseary ("Last Call with Carson Daly") is co-executive producer.

Laura Bush Answers Questions Presented By Daughter Jenna Bush Hager During Jay Leno's 'Nine @ Nine' 'The Jay Leno Show' Wednesday, November 4

2009-11-04T21:13:22Z

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BURBANK, Calif. - November 4, 2009 - On Wednesday, November 4, Former First Lady Laura Bush faced daughter Jenna Bush Hager to answer 9 questions at 9 o'clock (the 'Ten @ Ten' segment was adapted to the Central Time Zone because the satellite originated from the Bush's home in Midland, Texas) on NBC's "The Jay Leno Show" (Monday-Friday, 10-11 p.m. ET).

The Former First Lady answered nine rapid fire questions including, "Today is your birthday, what are you doing to celebrate?" and "A, B or C, what attracted you to dad (President George W. Bush)? A, his sense of humor? B, his compassion? Or, C, the way he says the word nuclear?"

When, Bush Hager asked, "Mom, since you moved home to Texas have you received any funny housewarming gifts?" The Former First Lady responded, "I have received one very funny gift that I got from a friend of mine he bought it. It's a Laura Bush bobble head doll. He bought it at the Constitutional Center in Philadelphia. It was on the clearance shelf."

Previous celebrities that have participated in the new segment include First Lady Michelle Obama, Justin Timberlake, Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, Miley Cyrus, LeBron James, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee Barney Frank, Ben Roethlisberger, Amy Poehler, Senator John McCain, owner of the Dallas Cowboys Jerry Jones, Chris Matthews and Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius.

Also on Wednesday's The Dan Band helped to find some Craig's List Missed Connections and comedian Sebastian Maniscalco perform.

The National Dog Show Presented By Purina on NBC, Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26

2009-11-04T21:09:56Z

Three New American Kennel Club Recognized Breeds, The Irish Red and White Setter, Norwegian Buhund and Pyrenean Shepherd Make Their Broadcast Television Debut

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif - November 4, 2009 - NBC continues its Thanksgiving Day celebration with "The National Dog Show Presented by Purina" on Thursday, November 26 (Noon - 2 p.m. in all time zones), airing immediately following the telecast of NBC's "Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade." Making their national television and major competition debuts are three new American Kennel Club-recognized breeds -- the Irish Red and White Setter, the Norwegian Buhund and the Pyrenean Shepherd. America's #1-ranked show dog, a Scottish Terrier named Sadie, is also entered in the competition.

Some 2,000 aspiring purebreds vie for the coveted "Best in Show" title on NBC's eighth broadcast of one of America's most prestigious dog shows. NBC research estimated that 19.6 million viewers watched the 2008 "National Dog Show Presented by Purina," the biggest total audience for the "National Dog Show" since 2003. Held at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center and hosted by dog lover John O'Hurley (NBC's "Seinfeld") and David Frei, the "dean of dog show commentators," "The National Dog Show Presented by Purina" is one of America's five remaining "benched" shows, at which the public can interact with approximately 150 breeds and varieties of dogs - from Afghan Hounds to Colored Bull Terriers and Doberman Pinschers to Beagles and St. Bernards - and talk to experts throughout the day.

The two-hour special celebrates the wonders of man's best friend through the voices of O'Hurley, on the whimsy of canines, and Frei, America's foremost authority on purebreds. This year the show will also include a therapy dog theme with 2005 National Dog Show champion "Rufus" scheduled to be part of the telecast. Rufus, a Colored Bull Terrier, is the only dog to win both the National Dog Show and the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show (2006).

An award-winning actor and a New York Times best-selling author, O'Hurley returns for his eighth year as host of this annual classic. O'Hurley's hosting partner and expert analyst Frei is an American Kennel Club - licensed judge who has officiated at dog shows worldwide. Frei is on-air host of USA Network's famed "Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show" and is one of America's foremost authorities on purebreds and the dog show world.

The elite canines must prevail though several levels of competition before boasting the "Best in Show" title. The entrants are first judged against their own breed, and then are classified by seven different groups: Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding. The winner from each group is then brought into the ring to compete for the coveted title of "Best in Show."

"The National Dog Show Presented by Purina" is television's only two-hour special that both entertains and educates in a competition format embraced by millions every Thanksgiving," said NBC Vice President Jon Miller. "It is the dog world's most prominent annual showcase and it continues the great family TV viewing theme launched each year by the Macy's Parade."

"The National Dog Show Presented by Purina" is hosted each fall by The Kennel Club of Philadelphia, which is sanctioned by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The Kennel Club of Philadelphia (KCP) staged its first show in 1879 and has hosted the Philadelphia shows annually since 1933. The Kennel Club of Philadelphia shows benefit the Veterinary School of the University of Pennsylvania.

"The National Dog Show Presented by Purina" is a property of NBC and Carson International of Ketchum, Idaho, the world's most prominent producer and packager of canine events for live audiences and for television.

About Nestle Purina PetCare

Nestle Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. A premiere global manufacturer of pet products, Nestle Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestle S.A., the world's largest food company.

NBC Kicks Off The Holiday Season With The 83rd Annual Live Broadcast of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

2009-11-02T21:25:06Z

Meredith Vieira ("Today") to Co-Host With Matt Lauer ("Today") and Al Roker ("Today")

Taking to the sky for the first time this year will be the lovable and oh-so-ticklish Pillsbury Doughboy; America's favorite clown Ronald McDonald; the web-slinger Spider-Man, and the top mouse on deck, Sailor Mickey Mouse.

NEW YORK - November 2, 2009 - NBC officially kicks off the holiday season with thelive broadcast of the 83rd annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade® from New York City, co-hosted by "Today's" Matt Lauer and Meredith Vieira, along with Al Roker. For the first time in the Parade's 82-year history, the 2009 procession, beginning at 77th Street and Central Park West, will be taking a new route, bypassing Broadway. This year's parade celebration will air on NBC at 9:00 a.m.-noon in all time zones.

Some of today's brightest stars from the world of stage, screen and music will ride atop the Parade's moving stages down the historic Broadway route. This year's special guests include: Bello, Grandma and the cast of the Big Apple Circus, Andrea Bocelli, Boys Like Girls, Alan Cumming, Billy Currington, DJ Lance Rock and the cast of Yo Gabba Gabba!, Jimmy Fallon and The Roots, Gloria Gaynor, Emily Hughes, Kermit the Frog and Tiffany Thornton, Jane Krakowski, Ziggy Marley with Judah Marley, Katherine McPhee, Miss America 2009 Katie Stam, the cast and Muppets of Sesame Street, Mitchel Musso, Keke Palmer, The Pizzarelli Quartet, Jay Sean and Carly Simon all ringing in the start of the holiday season with NBC and Macy's.

"The 83rd Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will be the biggest and best ever," said Doug Vaughan, Sr. VP NBC Special Programs and Alternative Development. "There's no better way to kick off the holiday season than with this timeless tradition. And we're extremely proud to once again air this historic event."

Thanksgiving morning will offer viewers plenty of musical star power with a chance to see performances from some of the hottest Broadway shows including: Billy Elliot, Bye Bye Birdie, Hair and Shrek, in addition to the world-famous 'Radio City Rockettes'® -forever a holiday favorite.

More than 8,000 participants including America's best marching bands, celebrities, campy clowns, the Parade's signature giant character helium balloons, fantasy floats, and the one-and-only Santa Claus, will once again convene on the Upper West Side to bring the magic of the season to life for New York and the nation.

Taking flight on Thanksgiving morning will be a new cast of pop culture icons who are sure to delight millions of Parade fans. Joining the balloon team this year will be Spider-Man, the Pillsbury Doughboy, Ronald McDonald, and Sailor Mickey Mouse.

The 2009 Macy's Parade will begin at 77th Street and Central Park West, travel down to Columbus Circle where it will continue onto Central Park South. Once the Parade reaches 7th Avenue, it will turn once more and march down 7th Avenue through Times Square to 42nd Street. At the famed intersection, it will proceed east to 6th Avenue and begin its final march down the Avenue of the Americas to 34th Street where it will continue towards Macy's famed flagship store and end at 7th Avenue, marking a 2.65-mile march.

"This is a milestone year for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade," said Robin Hall, Executive Producer of Macy's National Events. "Dramatic changes in the mid-town landscape will divert us for the first time from the fabled Broadway route we have followed since our first Parade in 1924. However, our course will remain true and the Parade will continue to entertain millions as Spider-Man returns to the sky and the first new Santa Float in almost half a century makes its debut."

The returning float roster includes 123 Sesame Street, Big Apple, Bridge To The Future, Bountiful Harvest Cornucopia, The Care Bears Winter Fun-derland, Castle of Dreams, Cele-bear-ate Hugs Worldwide, Doodlebug, Jolly Polly Pirate Ship, M&M's Chocolate Candies on Broadway, Marion-Carol Showboat, Musical Innovation Bigger Than Life, Pep Squad, Shine On, The Smurfs, Snoopy's Doghouse, Spirit of Liberty, Tom Turkey, The True Spirit of Thanksgiving, Winter Wonderland in Central Park and Woodland Family Gathering. In addition, the famed Speed Racer Mach 5 will be making a special appearance in the parade line-up this year.

Adding to the pomp and circumstance of the event are talented marching bands from across the nation including Adair County High School from Columbia, Ky.; Frank W. Ballou Senior High School from Washington, D.C.; Choctawhatchee High School from Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; Franklin Regional High School from Murrysville, Pa.; Harrison High School from Kennesaw, Ga.; Morgantown High School from Morgantown, W.Va.; Pickerington Central High School from Pickerington, Ohio; Pittsburg High School from Pittsburg, Calif.; Towson University from Towson, Md.; and Macy's Great American Marching Band featuring students from all fifty states.

Broadcast on NBC since 1948, the parade has been transformed by television into a national tradition. Executive producers are Brad Lachman and Bill Bracken.

'Breakfast Club' Alumni Anthony Michael Hall to Guest Star on Holiday Episode of 'Community'

2009-11-02T21:20:16Z

HALL'S APPEARANCE MARKS THE FIRST TIME HE'S WORKED WITH CHEVY CHASE SINCE THE TWO STARRED IN 'NATIONAL LAMPOON'S VACATION'

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - November 2, 2009 - Anthony Michael Hall, who rose to fame in the '80s as one of the members of the infamous "brat pack," will guest star in the holiday episode of NBC's comedy series "Community" airing Thursday, December 10 (8-8:30p.m. ET). Hall will haunt the halls of Greendale Community College as a campus bully who ultimately challenges Jeff (Joel McHale) to a fight. "Community" is a smart comedy series about a band of misfits who form a study group and like in the classic film "Breakfast Club" end up learning a lot more about themselves than they do about their course work.

Hall rose to fame in the 80's with breakthrough performances in John Hughes' series of teenage angst films, he captured the shy, withdrawn, and often overlooked pain that we've all gone through. As an adult, his transitional film work and starring role in the successful TV series, "The Dead Zone" showed us that drama is well within his grasp as an actor. Most recently, his work on "The Dead Zone" has allowed him to extend his talents into producing.

"Community" is a Krasnoff Foster Entertainment, Harmonious Claptrap, Russo Brothers production, Universal Media Studios production in association with Sony Pictures Television. Russ Krasnoff ("The Soloist"), Dan Harmon ("The Sarah Silverman Program"), Joe Russo ("Arrested Development"), Anthony Russo ("Arrested Development"), Garrett Donovan ("Scrubs"), Neil Goldman ("Scrubs") and Gary Foster ("The Soloist") serve as executive producers.

SNL Returns November 7 with Taylor Swift as Host and Musical Guest

2009-10-31T02:15:34Z

UPCOMING SHOWS: November 14 - January Jones/ Black Eyed Peas; November 21 - Joseph Gordon Levitt/ Dave Matthews Band

New York, NY - October 30, 2009 - "Saturday Night Live" returns in November with three straight shows, beginning November 7 with Pop & Country superstar Taylor Swift taking the stage at studio 8H as both host and musical guest.

In 2008, Swift sold more albums than any other recording artist in all genres of music and her singles top both the Pop and Country radio charts. Her sophomore release, "Fearless," was voted 2009's Album of the Year by the Academy of Country Music and has spent more weeks in the #1 position atop Billboard's Top 200 all-genre CD sales chart than any other album this decade. She's had gold and platinum albums in sixteen countries, and her career record sales now top 10 million albums worldwide.

Making her SNL debut, January Jones will host November 14. Jones currently stars in AMC's critically acclaimed Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG Award-winning series, "Mad Men." Her performance has earned her a 2009 Golden Globe nomination for "Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama." Jones is set to begin production on two back to back features first starring with Nicolas Cage in "Hungry Rabbit Jumps" and then with Liam Neeson in "Unknown White Male." Jones stars opposite Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Kenneth Branagh in the film "Pirate Radio," opening November 6.

Three-time Grammy award-winning recording artists, The Black Eyed Peas, will be making their second appearance on SNL. Their most recent album, "The E.N.D.," helped The Black Eyed Peas make music history, with the longest successive stay at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart with 26 consecutive weeks at #1. The single 'I Gotta Feeling' took the top slot for 14 weeks, while 'Boom Boom Pow' spent 12 weeks at #1. This is the longest consecutive stay for an artist in the Billboard chart's 51-year history.

Actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt hosts SNL for the first time November 21. He recently received rave reviews for his performance in the critically acclaimed film, "(500) Days of Summer," as well as for his directorial debut with the short film, "Sparks." Gordon-Levitt is currently working on Christopher Nolan's "Inception" opposite Leonardo DiCaprio and will next be seen starring opposite Lynn Collins in "Uncertainty" and opposite Natalie Portman and Rainn Wilson in "Hesher."

For the first time in almost a decade, the Dave Matthews Band will be taking the SNL stage. DMB recently completed a sold-out U.S. five-month tour. In the summer of 2009, the band released their first studio album in four years, "Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King," which debuted at # 1 on Billboard and went Platinum shortly thereafter - tying DMB as one of the only two musical groups to release five consecutive studio albums at #1.

haunted house 2

2009-10-30T13:11:38Z

i already sent an email about our haunted house. if you would like to check out our photos they are at myspace under horace p oddfellow and also on facebook under madden family halloween. my cell number is 267-912-2206. thanks kristina

haunted house

2009-10-30T13:08:04Z

we decorate our house for halloween every year since 1989. we offer a huge display on our front lawn and the night of hallween a haunted house through the garage for free. we have been on the new in years past however this year is bigger and better than ever. if you would like to stop around we are at 3 south mars court sewell nj 80808. my number is 267-912-2206. my mother owns the house and my sister and i run the haunt. hope to see you here. thanks kristina.

The Biggest Loser Contestants Visit the White House and Experience the Biggest Workout Ever on Tuesday, November 3

2009-10-29T02:19:43Z

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - October 28, 2009 - It's an exciting week on "The Biggest Loser" when the nine remaining contestants head to Washington D.C. for an adventure that will take them from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to the White House kitchen garden on a special episode airing Tuesday, November 3 (8-10 p.m. ET) on NBC.

After arriving in the nation's capitol, the players learn from host Alison Sweeney that they'll now be competing as individuals rather than by teams. And their first challenge is a big one- to race around the National Mall and try and bring as many people as possible back to the Washington monument for a public workout with trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels, for the biggest workout in Biggest Loser history!

While in D.C., the trainers and contestants also meet with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (New York) and Senator Robert Casey (Pennsylvania) to talk about the need for better health and nutrition education, especially in schools. Then the players engage in a wild four-part competition involving iconic D.C. landmarks before an unforgettable visit to the White House. There, along with assistant White House chef Sam Kass, they pick vegetables from the White House kitchen garden and then head inside to the kitchen to join White House executive chef Cristeta Comerford in preparing a healthy and delicious salad. Then at week's end, the contestants weigh in by the steps of the Lincoln Memorial before another elimination round sends a contestant home for an emotional reunion with their family.

Ricky Gervais To Host the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards On Sunday, January 17

2009-10-27T02:23:41Z

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - October 26, 2009 -- Multi-talented Golden Globe and Emmy Award winner Ricky Gervais ("The Invention of Lying," "The Office") will host "The 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards" on Sunday, January 17, 2010 on NBC. This year's show will be broadcast live coast-to-coast from 5-8 p.m. (PT) and 8-11 p.m. (ET) from the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. This marks the first time the telecast has had a host since 1995.

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association, dick clark productions and NBC made the announcement today.

"Not only is this the biggest Hollywood celebration of the industry which includes both film and TV, but also an environment where I feel I can get free reign as a host. I have resisted many other offers like this, but there are just some things you don't turn down," said Gervais.

"Ricky is certainly one of the funniest people on the planet and has provided some of the most hilarious and memorable awards show moments in recent memory," said Paul Telegdy, Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming, NBC and Universal Media Studios. "His unique comedic style will enhance the only awards show that brings together television and film stars to celebrate entertainment's biggest night of the year."

"We are delighted to have Ricky Gervais as the host on our show," said Philip Berk, President of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. "He'll bring his unique brand of humor and charm to what will continue to be a fast paced award show."

Gervais is probably best known for his role as David Brent on the BBC version of "The Office." Gervais produced, wrote (with Stephen Merchant), directed and acted on the mock documentary series from 2001-2003. Twelve episodes and a two-part Christmas special later, "The Office" is consigned to broadcasting history as one of the most perfectly crafted comedy series in British TV history. The show was showered with awards and critical acclaim and Gervais became a household name. Gervais and Merchant teamed up again in 2005 to create the award-winning series "Extras" in which he played an aspiring actor.

Following his success from "The Office," Gervais embarked on his first live standup show "Animals," based on his fascination with the animal kingdom. He spent much of 2004 on tour around the U.K. with his follow-up standup act the, highly acclaimed "Politics." Both shows became best selling DVDs. In 2007, Gervais' stand-up show "Fame" became the fastest-selling British comedy tour of all time. In 2008, Gervais took to the stage again and received an Emmy nomination for his special "Ricky Gervais: Out of England- The Stand-Up."

This year Gervais wrote, directed and starred in the feature film "The Invention of Lying" alongside Jennifer Garner, Jonah Hill, Louis C.K., Rob Lowe and Tina Fey (NBC's "30 Rock").

Cemetery Junction" - Gervais' second film as writer and director and his first film co-written and directed with Stephen Merchant, is slated to be released in April 2010. He is currently in development with HBO for "The Ricky Gervais Show" - an animation of his record-breaking audio books, scheduled to air on the network early 2010. Gervais is also in development with Illumination ("The Simpsons Movie") for "Flanimals," movie - based on his award-winning children's book.

Gervais also executive-produces the American version of "The Office" with Greg Daniels, Ben Silverman, Stephen Merchant, Howard Klein and Paul Lieberstein.

Nominations for "The 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards" will be announced at 8 a.m. (ET) on Tuesday, December 15.

Derek Jeter and Chef Curtis Stone Guest Star On "The Biggest Loser" On Tuesday, October 27

2009-10-26T17:28:28Z

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. - October 22, 2009 - New York Yankee Derek Jeter gives encouragement to "The Biggest Loser" contestants before a lively baseball challenge, and popular chef Curtis Stone spices things up with a special meal for the challenge winners on "The Biggest Loser" episode airing Tuesday, October 27 (8-10 p.m. ET) on NBC.

It's week seven on "The Biggest Loser" ranch, and the competition is heating up with only ten contestants remaining. Trainer Bob Harper's blue team members and Jillian Michaels' black team members find out from host Alison Sweeney that they will each be facing off against a player from the opposing team at weigh-in this week. Whoever wins each match-up scores a point for their team, and the team with the least number of points after the weigh-in has to send someone home. The winner of the pop challenge gains considerable control of the game this week by getting to choose who faces off against whom.

Then New York Yankee and four-time World Series champ Derek Jeter gives the players a pep talk about the importance of teamwork before they embark on a wild baseball challenge. The challenge winner gets a delicious and healthy Mediterranean meal prepared by acclaimed chef Curtis Stone

Also this week, a few contestants have heart-to-heart talks with one of the trainers, and a surprise visitor comes to the weigh-in to see one player break a "Biggest Loser" record. Then the contestants say goodbye to one of their own in the most emotional elimination so far this season.

"The Biggest Loser" is a production of Reveille LLC, 25/7 Productions and 3Ball Productions. Ben Silverman (NBC's "The Office," "Ugly Betty"), Dave Broome ("A Model Life with Petra Nemcova," "Tsunami Aid: A Concert of Hope"), JD Roth ("Age of Love," "Beauty and the Geek"), Todd A. Nelson ("Unan1mous," "Beauty and the Geek") and Mark Koops ("Breakthrough With Tony Robbins," "Shear Genius") serve as executive producers.

NBC re-ups "Community," "Parks," "Mercy"

2009-10-24T21:51:16Z

NBC re-ups "Community," "Parks," "Mercy"

Michelle Obama Answers the Tough Questions During Jay Leno's 'Ten @ Ten' On 'The Jay Leno Show' Friday, October 23

2009-10-24T01:31:19Z

BURBANK, Calif. October 23, 2009 Friday, October 23 -- First Lady Michelle Obama answered 10 questions at 10 o'clock on NBC's "The Jay Leno Show" (Monday-Friday, 10-11 p.m. ET).

"Ten @ Ten" connects Leno via satellite with celebrities and newsmakers from around the world. Signing on from the White House, the First Lady will answered a series of ten rapid fire questions including, "After the President delivers a great speech you both whisper to one each other what do you say?" and "Have you ever been nervous meeting some one for the first time?"

When asked if her husband would rather have world peace or see the Chicago White Sox win the World Series the first lady replied, "That's a tough one and I think if you would ask him he'd say that he'd probably prefer world peace, but he wouldn't mind a World Series bid too, but he I think he'd choose world peace."

Leno joked, "I think world peace is more likely."

Previous celebrities that have participated in the new segment include Justin Timberlake, Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, Miley Cyrus, LeBron James, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee Barney Frank, Ben Roethlisberger, Amy Poehler, Senator John McCain, owner of the Dallas Cowboys Jerry Jones, Chris Matthews and Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius.

Also on Friday's show Colin Firth was in-studio and Ross Mathews turned in his first piece.

Benjamin Bratt Returns to 'Law & Order' As Detective Reynaldo Curtis

2009-10-23T22:16:29Z

Universal City, CA, October 23, 2009 - Benjamin Bratt, who was nominated for an Emmy Award for his portrayal of Detective Reynaldo Curtis on "Law & Order," will make a special return appearance as as Detective Curtis in an upcoming episode, it was announced today by series creator and executive producer Dick Wolf.

Bratt was a series regular on "Law & Order" for four seasons (1995-99) and in addition to the Emmy nomination, earned two ALMA Awards for playing Detective Curtis. In the upcoming episode, Detective Curtis will be reunited with his former "boss" Lt. Anita van Buren (S. Epatha Merkerson). "Law & Order" airs Fridays at 8:00 p.m. (ET/PT) on NBC.

"I am thrilled that Ben is coming back for a return appearance. He joined us for our recent 20th anniversary celebration and it was like he never left," Wolf said.

Bratt most recently starred in the A&E series "The Cleaner." He has also appeared in numerous feature films including "Traffic," "Clear and Present Danger" and "Miss Congeniality."

"Law & Order," in its 20th season, won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series and tied the record for consecutive outstanding series nominations (11, tied with "Cheers" and "M*A*S*H).

"Law & Order is a Wolf Films production in association with Universal Media Studios. Dick Wolf, Rene Balcer, Peter Jankowski and Fred Berner are executive producers.

NBC Picks Up Community, Parks and Recreation, and Mercy for Full-Season Commitments

2009-10-23T22:13:27Z

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. October 23, 2009 -- NBC has picked up the comedies "Community" (Thursdays, 8-8:30 p.m. ET) and "Parks and Recreation" (Thursdays, 8:30-9 p.m. ET) -- as well as the new drama "Mercy" (Wednesdays, 8-9 p.m. ET) -- for the rest of the season by adding nine additional episodes to each, it was announced today by Angela Bromstad, President, Primetime Entertainment, NBC and Universal Media Studios.

"We are very pleased with the critical and audience reaction to our wonderful new comedy 'Community,'" said Bromstad. "The cast and producers are delivering a first-rate, quality show that is very promising as the newest of NBC's first-rate Thursday-night comedies."

About "Mercy," Bromstad added: "This drama has found a dedicated audience and continues to build in the ratings. We've seen future episodes and we're confident 'Mercy' can be a strong player for us." She continued, 'Parks and Recreation' has proven to be a steady performer for us on Thursday nights and gets better with every show. We look forward to continuing our creative collaboration with Amy Poehler, Greg Daniels, Michael Schur, and the rest of the great cast and production team."

So far this season, "Mercy" has averaged a 2.1 rating, 5 share in adults 18-49 and 7.8 million viewers overall. "Mercy" has finished #1 in its time period in total viewers with each of its last three telecasts. "Mercy" is up 31 percent versus NBC's 1.6 average in this slot for the traditional 2008-09 season in adults 18-49. In total viewers, "Mercy" is up 37 percent versus NBC's 5.7 million in the hour during the traditional 2008-09 season.

"Community" has averaged a 2.6 rating, 5 share in adults 18-49 and 5.7 million viewers overall so far this season. Since shifting to the Thursday 8-8:30 p.m. (ET) slot on October 8, "Community" has improved the time period by 12 percent in adults 18-49 versus NBC's average in the time period earlier this season. "Community" is also one of the most upscale series on primetime broadcast television, ranking #3 in concentration of homes with $100,000-plus incomes in its adult 18-49 audience.

"Parks and Recreation" has averaged a 2.1 rating, 5 share in adults 18-49 and 4.8 million viewers overall this season. It's retained the time period's full adult 18-49 lead-in with six of six telecasts so far this season. With its most recent telecast on October 22, "Parks and Recreation" matched its highest adult 18-49 rating of the season (2.1) and hit a new season high in total viewers (4.9 million).

"Community" comes from Dan Harmon ("The Sarah Silverman Program") and Emmy Award winners Joe and Anthony Russo ("Arrested Development"). The smart comedy series concerns a band of misfits who attend Greendale Community College. At the center of the group is Jeff Winger (Joel McHale, "The Soup"), a fast-talkin' lawyer whose degree has been revoked. With some help from his fellow classmates, Winger forms a study group who eventually learn more about themselves than their course work.

Also among the series stars who comprise the group are: Chevy Chase ("Chuck") as Pierce, a man whose life experience has brought him infinite wisdom; Gillian Jacobs ("The Book of Daniel") as Britta, the 28-year-old dropout with something to prove; Yvette Nicole Brown ("Rules of Engagement") as Shirley, a sassy middle-aged divorce; Danny Pudi ("Greek") as Abed, a pop-culture junkie; Alison Brie ("Mad Men") as Annie, a high-strung perfectionist; Donald Glover ("30 Rock") as Troy, a former high school football star trying to find his way and Ken Jeong ("The Hangover") as Spanish professor, Seor Chang.

"Mercy" is from creator/executive producer Liz Heldens (NBC's "Friday Night Lights"), executive producers Gretchen Berg & Aaron Harberts ("Pushing Daisies") and Gail Berman and Lloyd Braun. The new medical drama concerns the lives of the people who work at Mercy Hospital seen through the eyes of those who know it best its nurses.

Nurse Veronica Callahan (Taylor Schilling, "Dark Matter") is an Iraqi war veteran who has just returned to Mercy Hospital and joins with fellow nurses Sonia Jimenez (Jaime Lee Kirchner, "Rent" on Broadway) and Chloe Payne (Michelle Trachtenberg, "Gossip Girl"). The cast also includes James Tupper ("Men in Trees") as Dr. Chris Sands, a new doctor at the hospital who complicates Veronica's life, Diego Klattenhoff ("Supernatural") as Mike Callahan, Veronica's estranged husband, Guillermo Diaz ("Weeds") as Nurse Angel Lopez and James Le Gros ("Ally McBeal") as Dr. Harris.

"Mercy" is a production from BermanBraun and Universal Media Studios.

"Parks and Recreation," from Emmy Award-winning executive producers Greg Daniels (NBC's "The Office," "King of the Hill") and Michael Schur (NBC's "The Office," "Saturday Night Live"), is a mockumentary that looks at the exciting world of local government. The documentary cameras follow Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler, NBC's "Saturday Night Live," "Baby Mama") an ambitious, upbeat and mid-level bureaucrat in the Parks and Recreation Department of Pawnee, Indiana.

Also starring are: (Rashida Jones, NBC's "The Office") as a local nurse; Aziz Ansari ("Human Giant," "Scrubs") as Lesley's colleague; Nick Offerman ("Children's Hospital") plays Lesley's boss; Paul Schneider ("The Family Stone") is the city planner; Aubrey Plaza ("Mayne Street") is Lesley's uninterested college intern; Chris Pratt ("The O.C.," "Everwood") portrays a loser ex-boyfriend.

"Parks and Recreation" is a production of Deedle-Dee Productions and Universal Media Studios. Along with Daniels and Schur, Howard Klein and David Miner also serve as executive producers for the series.