TV Bits: ‘Mad Men’, ‘Vikings’, ‘Bates Motel’, ‘Girls’, ‘Happy Endings’, ‘Jonathan Strange’, ‘The Bridge’
Whether you’re scrambling to catch up on theMad MenSeason 6 premiere or you just want to experience it again, AMC’s got the entire episode online right now. Also after the jump:
Elsewhere, A&E is also pretty pumped about its new series,Bates Motel. The cable channel has picked up thePsychoprequel for a second season, which will consist of ten episodes. The drama’s current first season is expected to end this spring. [Deadline]
Pee-Wee Herman is set to explore Wonderland.Paul Reubenshas signed on to voice the CG White Rabbit in ABC’sOnce Upon a Time in Wonderland, the upcoming spinoff fromOnce Upon a TimecreatorsEddy KitsisandAdam Horowitz.
Set in pre-curse Wonderland, the fantasy will center on Alice (Sophie Lowe), a kind-hearted young woman who’s lived a rough life.Peter Gadiot,Michael Socha, andEmma Rigbyalso star. [Deadline]
Despite its title, HBO’sGirlshas features almost as many great guy characters as it does ladies. But the series will be one fella short next year.Christopher Abbott, who plays Charlie, has abruptly dropped out after disagreements with creator and starLena Dunhamabout the direction of his character.
“[Chris] is grateful for the experience of collaborating with Lena,Judd[Apatow], and the entireGirlscast and crew, but right now he’s working on numerous other projects and has decided not to return to the show,” his rep confirmed. The HBO half-hour is currently starting work on its Charlie-free third season, to air in 2014. [NY Post]
Even ABC’s admitted thatHappy Endingsis in trouble, disingenuouslypleadingwith fans to “save the show.” If the viewers “fail,” though, USA could prove a solid backup plan.
Sony TV, which produces the show, has reportedly reached out to the cable channel about the possibility of picking up the series for its fourth season if ABC decides to pass. The jump would be similar to the one recently made byCougar Town, another cult comedy that struggled at ABC beforemaking the successfulleap to TBS. [Deadline]
For the past several years, football-hating dog lovers have had the Puppy Bowl to turn to during the Super Bowl while cat lovers have had to contend themselves with just the Kitty Half-Time Show. In 2014, though, that’ll change.
The Hallmark Channel has announced that they’ll show aKitten Bowlopposite the big game next year, featuring a cat agility contest. “Lures, like laser pointers, and toys on a string will be used to get the kittens through the course, but food will not [be] allowed,” the press release explains. [Vulture]
Susanna Clarke’s bestselling novelJonathan Strange & Mr. Norrellis officially headed to the small screen. The BBC and BBC America will team for a seven-part miniseries based on the fantasy novel, about two rival magicians in 19th century Britain. The series is expected to air during BBC America’s “Supernatural Saturday” block, which also featuresDoctor Who.Peter Harness(Wallander) is writing the adaptation, withToby Haynes(Sherlock) set to direct. No stars have been announced just yet, so feel free to fantasy-cast in the comments. [NYT]
In other literary adaptation news,Damon Lindelof’s adaptation ofTom Perrotta’sThe Leftovershas found a director.Peter Berghas just signed on for the HBO pilot, which shoots in New York this June.
The plot unfolds in the wake of a Rapture-like event, as those left standing struggle to rebuild their lives. Should HBO pick it up to series,The Leftoverswill likely hit screens in 2014. [Collider]
HBO has revealed a second trailer forFamily Tree,Christopher Guest’s upcoming comedy for HBO.Chris O’Dowdstars as an aimless young man who’s inspired by the death of a great aunt to explore his roots. Not coincidentally, it turns out that many of his relatives look like Christopher Guest regulars.
Family Treedebuts in May.
FX has set a chilling tone forThe Bridgewith four 16-second teaser trailers. Well, ten seconds if you don’t count the title. But hey, add them all up and you have the equivalent of one normal-sized teaser!
What they lack in information, they make up for in impact. These snippets are haunting, even if you’re not exactly sure why. The buzzy new drama follows two detectives (Demián BichirandDiane Kruger) from opposite sides of the U.S.-Mexico border who team to hunt a serial killer. Look for it to premiere sometime this summer. [viaTHR]
The Internet’s a dangerous place right now forMad Menfans who’ve yet to catch the Season 6 premiere but want to avoid getting spoiled. Get yourself to safety by watching the two-hour episode, which AMC has posted in its entirety online.
