Part of the fun of midseason is that this is the time of year the networks start to finalize their roster of TV shows for next season.
Part of the fun of midseason is that this is the time of year the networks start to finalize their roster of TV shows for next season. This means that the interwebs have been aflutter the past few days with news of TV pilot pick-ups, show renewals and all manner of small screen scallywaggery. Here’s the lowdown on what’s going to go down next fall on the Boob Tube: (Hot.)
First off, woe to fans of American Idol, for Simon has decided to call it quits. Boo! Cowell announced yesterday that this will be his final season as a judge on the hit show so that he can focus on Fox’s forthcoming American version of British hit X Factor, an Idol-esque reality TV music competition. I am admitedly a bit broken up about the idea of Simon jumping ship. I might keep watching next year if Ellen is still aboard, but Simon’s presence is part of what really makes the show fun for me. How about you guys? Will you watch without Simon?
In happier news, Fox has just renewed Glee for a second season. The musical comedy hit will return in fall 2010, complete with three new cast members. A nationwide talent search for these new additions to the cast will kick off in February. With the show on an extended winter hiatus for now, new episodes culminating with the finale of Glee‘s first season begin April 13th.
Elsewhere, ABC just greenlit a sophomore season of Courtney Cox’ Cougartown, something I’m happy to forgive them for in light of their excellent decision to also renew gayborhood fave Modern Family. Whee!
Finally, Logo announced their 2010 line-up earlier today, with a handful of new reality shows in the mix along with new seasons of some of their existing programming. The Robert Verdi Show will follow the misadventures of Verdi, a celebrity make-up artist who has worked with Eva Longoria, Mariska Hargitay, Hugh Jackman and Kathy Griffin, to name a few. Another new offering, Kept, is already creating controversy before it has even aired. It’s essentally a gay guy version of Real Housewives set in NYC, about dudes who aspire to be (or who already are) the pampered partners of rich men. The Arrangement will be a competition show centering on floral design professionals. And the one I’m actually excited about? Ru Paul’s Drag U, in which Ru and crew will play Queer Eye for the fashion backward. Can I volunteer as a self-nominated charity case for that show, like, IMMEDIATELY? I need fairy dragmothers. For reals.
Logo has also renewed additional seasons of The Big Gay Sketch Show, Beautiful People, Real Momentum, and Exes and Ohs, giving them a grand total of one, yes, count them ONE show geared towards lesbians in the line-up. *forehead desk* Win!
The ladies of Exes and Ohs are set to return for more goofy girlsville misadventures in 2010.