{alltv} Jon Stewart beats Jay Leno in Q2 demos

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Jon Stewart has unseated Jay Leno to take the late-night ratings crown in the coveted adults 18-49 demographic during the second quarter.

It is the first time in ten years -- or 40 consecutive quarters -- that NBC's "The Tonight Show" has not won the closely watched race. Advertisers pay a premium to reach viewers in this elusive age range.

Stewart's margin was slim, though: "The Daily Show" averaged 1.295 million viewers among adults 18-49 compared to Leno's 1.292 million. CBS' "Late Show with David Letterman" pulled in 1.096 million.

Comedy Central's one-two punch of "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" and "The Colbert Report" also finished the quarter as the top-rated late-night shows on all of television among viewers aged 18-34 as well as male viewers (18-34 and 18-24).

"The Daily Show" averaged 2.2 million total viewers, up 9 percent quarter-over-quarter. "The Colbert Report" averaged 1.5 million total viewers with 960,000 in the demo, marking gains of 6 percent and 5 percent, respectively.

It is quite an achievement for Comedy Central; the network's late-night franchises have been popular with younger viewers, but the 18-49 crown has remained elusive as broadcast late-night shows routinely pull in larger overall audiences.

Additionally, TBS' "Conan" took the third spot among cable late-night talkers for the quarter. But Conan O'Brien's show was overtaken in June by Chelsea Handler's E! show "Chelsea Lately," which edged him out among total viewers (959,000 vs. 851,000) and the 18-49 and 18-34 demos. It is the first time since its premiere last November, that "Conan" has dropped below 1 million viewers.

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{alltv} Kim Kardashian Takes Mom and Sisters to Vera Wang for Wedding Dress Shopping Round 2

 

 

Is Kim Kardashian about to say yes to a dress?

A week after Khloé Kardashian Odom told E! News that she hopes Kim follows in her footsteps and says her I-dos in a Vera Wang gown, the future Mrs. Kris Humphries visited the A-list wedding specialist's Manhattan atelier.

And Kim was just spotted at the Vera Wang Bridal House in West Hollywood today! So....?!

According to our spies, Kim was indeed trying on a wedding gown while mom Kris Jenner and sisters Khloé and Kourtney Kardashian, with baby Mason in tow, looked on (and presumably offered up plenty of unvarnished commentary).

Oh, and there were TV cameras shooting the whole thing,  just in case you were feeling left out.

Whichever style path she chooses to pursue, Kim is definitely on the right track. Khloé walked down the aisle almost two years ago in a stunning strapless mermaid-style gown by Wang with a jeweled lavender band around the waist.

And while rings may cost $2 million, taking a perfect wedding picture is priceless.

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{alltv} Twitter Fight: Ashton Kutcher vs. Village Voice

 

Let the loud typing begin!

A Twitter war has broken out between Ashton Kutcher and weekly newspaper Village Voice.

The two went at it after the Voice published an article on Wednesday that questioned the child-prostitution statistics the actor offered in his "Real Men Don't Buy Girls" anti-sex-trafficking campaign.

And it all went downhill from there...

The 33-year-old started the tweet battle by revisiting a lawsuit publication is involved in.

"hey @villagevoice hows the lawsuit from the 15 year old victim who alleges you helped enslave them going?"

No response.

"speaking of data, maybe you can help me... How much $ did your 'escorts' in you classifieds on backpage make last year?"

No response.

"speaking of Data... How many of your girls selling themselves in your classifieds are you doing age verification on?" and "Find another way to justify that YOUR property facilitates the sale of HUMAN BEINGS."

Still nothing.

"I'm just getting started!!!!!!!! BTW I only PLAYED stupid on TV." Getting no response from the publication, he wrote, "Oh I forgot U work business hrs. Maybe that's Y you sell girls on ur platform. they tend 2work the night shift." In another tweet, he stressed, "REAL MEN DON'T BUY GIRLS and REAL NEWS PUBLICATIONS DON'T SELL THEM."

Wait a second, a response!

Today the newspaper decided to reply to Kutcher's tweets with, "Wow, @aplusk having a Twitter meltdown! Hey Ashton, which part this story is inaccurate?... we'll bite. Tell us the hard facts you have collected. We'll fact-check for you."

This time, Ashton was the one staying quiet.

So, they took another hit.

"Where's your fight now, @aplusk? Did you sleep in, or are you just tuckered out from last night's Twitter tirade?"

Ashton then tweeted, "My perspective on human trafficking Data written June 23..", with a link to an article he wrote and the Voice continued the war with, "Don't spout phony statistics which are then used to justify millions in spending for 'awareness.' Victims need beds and counseling."

Kutcher then started tweeting fact after fact concerning human trafficking, and last time we checked, the Voice matched each tweet with a rebuttal.

Is it getting hot in here or that just us?!

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{alltv} Live at So You Think You Can Dance: Judges Butt Heads Over Eliminated Contestants

 

In the words of So You Think You Can Dance host, Cat Deeley, "Thursdays, they suck."

As the contestants faced another round of eliminations, all the warm fuzzies of Wednesday night's smoochfest  were replaced with intense anticipation as the bottom three couples danced for their lives.

So who's out of the spotlight, why was one of the eliminated contestant's exit not unanimous, and what did guest judge Kristin Chenoweth have to say about it all?

It's so hard to say good-bye to such exceptional talent, but this is a competition and, inevitably, eliminations are only bound to get tougher as the weeks go by.

For Ashley Rich, Chris Koehl, Robert Taylor Jr., Miranda Maleski, Mitchell Kelly and Caitlynn Lawson, it was crunch time as they were given the news they would have to dance for their lives with only four making it through to next week.

Unfortunately, two contestants had to go, and after a long deliberation backstage, Miranda and Robert were cut from the competition, leaving them to say a very sad good-bye to their newfound family of dance BFFs.

In a surprising turn of events, Nigel began the female elimination by letting everyone know it was not a unanimous decision. In a postshow interview Nigel explained the decision and admitted he was rooting for Miranda to stay.

"It was tough," he said. "I'm afraid I love Miranda. I thought she was fabulous, but you know two people have got to go each week and I didn't want to draw it out, but sorry, it's a competition. I think Ashley's solo was the weakest one tonight, but we loved her jail routine, we loved her work. That's really what we voted on and remembered the routines she's done across the season so far and that'd how the decision was made."

For guest judge Kristin Chenoweth, she said it was tougher than she originally thought.

"It was the worst," she said. "Hardest job ever! I hate rejection, I don't like it in my own life, so I certainly don't want to impose it on a fellow artist. That's what they are, fellow artists and I will probably work for them one day. [The deliberation was] a little heated. I think we all wanted to take up for who we wanted, you know it was tough."

So will we ever see Kristin in the judges chair again?

"Sure," she said. "But I'm probably not the best choice. When I'm at home, I do think more technically, but when I'm watching them live I'm not very good at it because I'm so inspired by their work and the choreography and the costumes. That's why there's nothing better than live showbiz."

When we caught up with Miranda she said her elimination wasn't a surprise.

"It was a split vote and that's OK," she told us. "I mean, it landed me here, but I will continue on with my life and it's all gravy. I kind of had a feeling throughout the day. I don't know why. It was just a feeling, and when they told us to do our solos I kinda knew it, but I was excited to do my solo tonight because it was just another chance to show America what I can do and share myself with them. Everything I laid on stage was what I wanted to, so I'm proud of what I did tonight. Whatever is meant to be will happen. There is something bigger out there for me, and whatever it is, I'm excited to find it."

As for Robert, he has high hopes and aspirations for a bright future that is obviously in front of the camera!

"Moving forward, there is a lot that I see. I see film and commercials and television sitcoms. I see me hosting and MTV show or VH1 or BET show or a show on Oxygen or Animal Planet or Discovery Channel. It doesn't matter! I also see a music career in pop and R&B entertainment. You just never know what's going to happen."

Are you sad to see Miranda and Robert leave? Did you love or loath Kristin Chenoweth as a guest judge? Who are you rooting for?

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{alltv} Tia Mowry Welcomes Son Cree Taylor

 

Update: The couple has chosen the name Cree Taylor Hardrict for their son, they tell PEOPLE.

Originally posted June 28: Special delivery for Tia Mowry!

The Game star, 32, and husband Cory Hardrict welcomed an 8 lb. son on Tuesday, June 28 in Los Angeles, her rep tells PEOPLE.

Mowry announced the pregnancy in January, telling PEOPLE she felt "sexy and empowered."

Although baby has now arrived, Mowry's pregnancy will be televised when she and her twin sister Tamera return to the airwaves on their new reality show, Tia & Tamera, premiering in August on the Style Network.

"I think she secretly thinks my son is her son too! I mean, twins share everything, right?" Mowry joked recently. "She is always kissing, rubbing, patting and hugging my belly."

Mowry and Hardrict, also an actor, tied the knot in April 2008 in Santa Barbara.

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{alltv} 'Glee': Kristin Chenoweth 'gets' Ryan Murphy's season 3 guest star ban

Kristin Chenoweth is kind of bummed about "Glee" creator Ryan Murphy's plan to do season 3 of the show without guest stars, but the pint-sized acting, singing, dancing powerhouse says she understands.

"I think he's trying to get his show back," Chenoweth tells Zap2it. "I think he's trying to really concentrate on his characters. I actually understand that. I get it. People want to see those characters."

The show did get some criticism during its recently-wrapped second season for putting too much emphasis on guest stars (like Chenoweth and Gwyneth Paltrow) and tribute shows to specific musicians rather than on the show's cast of regular characters.

Murphy -- who wrote the first two seasons with co-producers Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan -- hired a writing staff of six for season three in what is clearly a bid to beef up the stuff between the song and dance numbers.

Still, if ever a guest star fit in, it was Chenoweth. Sadly, it looks like we won't see her back at McKinley High for at least one season.

"Of course it's a bummer for me because I love April Rhodes," says Chenoweth. "But he needs to get his show back, so I get why he's doing that.

Not that she isn't busy anyway. Chenoweth is busy promoting her first country album, 'Some Lessons Learned,' which is scheduled for a Sept. 13 release. She's also psyched about her just-picked-up show, "Good Christian Belles." The dramedy, which stars Leslie Bibb as a "mean girl" forced to return to her Texas hometown after her marriage fails, debuts on ABC this fall.

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{alltv} Photo: Orlagh Cassidy as Doris Wolfe - Guiding Light

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{alltv} Photo: Julie Marie Berman as Lesley Lu ``Lulu'' Spencer - General Hospital

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{alltv} Wayans brothers face trial for alleged joke theft

 

NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) - Trial alert! On July 12th, the best comedy in Los Angeles will not be heard at the Improv, but rather a federal court as the Wayans brothers face down a former assistant who charges that they ripped off jokes for their book, "You Know You're a Golddigger When..."

Jared Edwards worked for the comedy family for a decade and wrote jokes about women who prey upon wealthy men. He claims he pitched the idea for a book that would include material like "You know you're a golddigger when you know more about sports players' stats than an ESPN analyst."

Keenen, Shawn and Marlon Wayans rejected the idea, and then allegedly did their own version.

Joke theft allegations have been around almost as long as the first "Knock, Knock" joke, but recently, comedians have become more sensitive to laugh larceny, raising the copyright infringement card.

Because Edwards worked for the Wayans brothers, this case goes a bit above and beyond the typical plagiarism routine of a plaintiff struggling to prove the copying of expression rather than theft of unprotected ideas. Edwards is claiming that the Wayans (and St. Martin's Press) not only committed copyright infringement but also breached an implied promise to pay him for use of his ideas. Writers alleging this type of allegation have increasingly been successful in passing judicial muster.

To sum up the defense, you know you're a golddigging joke-theft plaintiff when:

* You can't be the owner of a valid copyright on jokes when the material is a work-made-for-hire.

* You can't own undivided rights on the jokes when, at most, the material was jointly authored.

* You consented to having the jokes performed by the famous Wayans clan.

* You didn't complain in time, and thus the statute of limitations has run out.

The trial is sure to provide some laughter and entertainment, but might not have the full shock value possible. That's because the parties have stipulated that certain alleged "bad acts" won't be brought up, including allegations that Edwards committed check fraud and borrowed $12,000 from Shawn, that Edwards engaged in sexual acts in Shawn's vehicle, and that Edwards threw a phone at Marlon.

Still, the trial won't be devoid of highjinks. There's been a suggestion made in court papers that the attorney for the Wayans brothers will attempt to impeach Edwards for things he said during the deposition.

Finally, even if the Wayans brothers lose, they might not have to fork over a significant amount of money. The book was hardly a best-seller, and so the judge has capped a damage award to the amount of money the Wayans got as an advance for writing the book, foreclosing any of the publisher's profits.

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{alltv} Coalition announces boycott of CBS over Grammys

NEW YORK (AP) — A coalition of musicians that has protested the Recording Academy's decision to drop 31 categories from the Grammy Awards is stepping up the pressure, calling for a boycott of the Grammys' telecast partner, CBS, and hiring a lawyer to explore legal action.

"We will ask people to stop watching CBS, boycott their sponsors and then write them," said Bobby Sanabria, a Grammy-nominated Latin jazz musician and the leader of the coalition, in an interview Wednesday night. "We're at a critical juncture."

The changes have drawn complaints from the likes of Herbie Hancock, Paul Simon and Bill Cosby. They also have gotten attention from organizations like the National Institute of Latino Policy, which issued a statement Thursday in support of Sanabria's coalition.

Sanabria has claimed the reductions unfairly target ethnic music and called the Academy's decision racist.

In response, the Recording Academy said Thursday evening that while it respected the coalition's right to disagree, it rejected its allegations.

"The Recording Academy's board of trustees and its committees — made up of elected, qualified voting members from The Academy's 12 chapter cities around the country and a broad spectrum of music makers — spent two years researching and ultimately making the decision to restructure the Grammy Awards categories for reasons that had everything to do with recognizing excellence in music and the integrity of our awards and nothing to do with ethnicity or race," said a statement from the organization.

CBS is scheduled to broadcast the Grammys next February from Los Angeles. The network declined to comment, a representative said Thursday.

In a move that came as a surprise to some, the Academy announced in April that it was reducing the number of award categories from 109 to 78. While the changes involve mainstream categories such as eliminating the male and female divisions in the pop vocal category to one general field, the Academy also reduced specific categories, including some of the instrumental categories in pop, rock and country; traditional gospel; children's spoken-word album; Zydeco or Cajun music album; best Latin jazz album; and best classical crossover album. Artists in those categories will now have to compete in more general fields, making the process more competitive.

Sanabria said the Academy made the changes without the knowledge of its members and has not released minutes from its meetings regarding the changes.

However, Grammy President and CEO Neil Portnow has said the changes were properly implemented after an examination by a committee, then voted on by a board that represented its members.

The statement Thursday reiterated his contention.

"We were up front, transparent, and painstakingly clear about how and why the awards restructuring was done, and any allegations that the process was carried out in secret or without warning are demonstrably false," it said.

Sanabria said the Academy can still reverse the cuts if enough members of its board of trustees decide to act. But in meetings in San Francisco and New York earlier this month, he said the Academy said the changes would remain in effect at least for the 2012 Grammys.

"They say, 'Well, next year, we'll see how it goes and maybe possibly we can readmit some of the categories,'" Sanabria said. "Again, they obfuscated us, insulted us."

Attorney Roger Maldonado has been hired by Sanabria, but no action has yet been taken. The Academy said it would not comment on a hypothetical lawsuit and said there "is no basis for any kind of legitimate legal claim."

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{alltv} Elijah Wood loves 'total madness' of new TV show

NEW YORK (AP) — Elijah Wood's latest acting gig is ridiculous, and he's OK with that.

The actor stars in the new FX show "Wilfred," playing a depressed guy named Ryan who is on the verge of suicide. He finds a new zest for life while hanging out with his neighbor's dog Wilfred, except this dog is quite different.

As Ryan sees it, Wilfred is a talking man in a dog suit who also smokes cigarettes.

"There were days where there would just be absurd situations that my character and Wilfred would get into and you'd step out of that and thing 'what are we doing? What total madness are we creating?" Wood said. "And there was a gleefulness associated with it like wow, this is really bizarre and wonderful and it was a joy. So much fun."

The show, based on a hit comedy in Australia, had 2.6 million viewers when it premiered June 23. That's the best ratings FX has ever had for a comedy.

Wood says over the course of the season the character of a stuffed bear that Wilfred is drawn to will be developed.

"There's an interesting parallel because Ryan is the only one to see Wilfred as a man in a dog suit and Wilfred refers to this bear as having its own personality as well, but we never see bear move or talk. It's very weird."

In October, Wood heads to New Zealand to resume the role of Frodo Baggins from "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy in "The Hobbit," directed by Peter Jackson. Wood says he's "really excited" about it and compares it to a family reunion.

"It's not often in your life that you get to revisit such a significant time in your life," Wood said.

New Zealand is also where Wood started DJing for fun. An avid music lover, Wood even gets hired to do it.

"I brought down like 4 Case Logics full of CD's because I was there for so long. We DJ'd a couple of parties and Dom (Monaghan) and I DJ'd together and we'd played at bars and I was just playing songs. ... Now I'm doing it more frequently and being asked to DJ."

"Wilfred" airs Thursdays at 10pm on FX.

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{alltv} Colbert gets conditional OK on campaign finance

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Election Commission said Thursday that comedian Stephen Colbert can use his TV show's resources to boost his political action committee, but he must disclose some major expenses as in-kind contributions from the show's corporate owners.

Colbert played it straight during his appearance before the commission, letting his attorney do most of the talking while saving his trademark quips for a crowd that gathered outside the commission building after the meeting.

"I don't accept the status quo," he told the crowd, brandishing a portable credit card processing machine. "I do accept Visa, MasterCard or American Express."

Many in the crowd handed Colbert their credit cards or dollar bills as contributions.

Asked what point he was trying to make about corporate America, Colbert did not miss a beat.

"None," he quipped. "I want their money."

Colbert, who plays a conservative TV pundit on "The Colbert Report," is forming Colbert Super PAC, a type of political action committee that will allow him to raise unlimited amounts of money from corporations, unions and individuals. The money will be used to support or oppose candidates in the 2012 elections through independent expenditures such as TV ads.

Colbert has not indicated what kinds of candidates he might support.

The FEC decision comes amid a broader erosion of campaign finance regulations in the wake of recent court rulings and with Republicans on the Federal Election Commission and elsewhere pushing for a rollback to give corporations and other wealthy donors stronger sway in financing campaigns.

Colbert had asked the commission for a "media exemption" to allow him to use his show's airtime, staff and other resources for his political action committee without having to publicly disclose them as in-kind contributions from Comedy Central's parent company, Viacom Inc.

In-kind contributions are given as goods or services rather than money.

Colbert has said those undisclosed contributions could include the use of his show's staff to create TV advertisements about candidates that would air as paid commercials on other shows and networks.

The commission ruled 5-1 that he would have to publicly disclose as in-kind contributions from Viacom any ads produced by the show for Colbert Super PAC that air on other shows or networks. He also would have to disclose administrative costs that his show covers for Colbert Super PAC.

The Colbert ruling eclipsed a lesser-noticed decision by the Federal Election Commission Thursday that could also have a significant impact on the 2012 elections.

The commission said candidates and party officials may solicit contributions for super PACs, but those contributions could not exceed the $5,000 limit for donations that applies to traditional political action committees.

Some campaign watchdog groups had feared the commission might permit candidates and party officials to solicit unlimited contributions, opening yet another door to big-ticket donations.

While Colbert delights in lampooning politicians on his Comedy Central show, he raised some serious issues about public disclosure of corporate campaign contributions before the Federal Election Commission.

"Stephen Colbert is a funny man, but he asked a legitimate question and received a serious answer," FEC Chairwoman Cynthia Bauerly said. "The opinion adopted today does not give him everything he asked for, but it appropriately applies the press exemption consistent with past Commission and court precedent. "

Campaign finance watchdog groups also had warned that a favorable ruling for Colbert could spur many more undisclosed contributions to political figures who are TV hosts or commentators and who could opt to create their own super PACs to take advantage of any new loopholes.

The groups cited politicians such Sarah Palin, Mike Huckabee, Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum who already have traditional political action committees and are either working now, or have worked, as TV hosts or commentators.

The Campaign Legal Center, one of the watchdog groups, called the commission's ruling on Colbert "a victory for disclosure" that prevents new loopholes.

"The FEC's advisory opinion will give Mr. Colbert the freedom to engage in legitimate political commentary and comedy with the support of Viacom, but will also ensure that the public is informed about the corporate money his PAC receives," said Tara Malloy of the Campaign Legal Center.

"The Colbert Report" has used satire to shine a light on campaign finance rules following the Citizens United ruling by the Supreme Court that helped pave the way for super PACs. Campaign finance reform advocates complained the ruling gave wealthy donors, particularly companies and unions, considerably more sway in politics.

Super PACs can accept unlimited contributions from corporations, labor unions or individuals, unlike candidates or traditional political action committees. Super PACs cannot contribute directly to candidates, however.

Colbert has said any ads for Colbert Super PAC would not be coordinated with any candidate or party.

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{alltv} Late night's Craig Ferguson ready for a relaxing change this July 4th

Craig Ferguson isn't hosting CBS' Fourth of July festivities this year, but he says that's OK.

The network's Scottish-born, wee-hours star of "The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson" had presided over the "Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular" since 2007. However, that job goes to "The Shield" Emmy winner and Massachusetts native Michael Chiklis with Monday's (July 4) edition, featuring Lionel Richie as the musical guest with conductor Keith Lockhart and the Pops.

"It was time to go to the family barbecue," the often-gregarious Ferguson tells Zap2it. "It was nice doing the show in Boston, and I might do it again, but I've got young kids. It's time for us to go work with some sparklers. I'm glad Michael's doing it this year; he's a nice guy, and he's a local boy, so it makes sense."

The 2008 event was especially memorable for Ferguson, since he had just become an American citizen several months earlier. "I think I feel as patriotic as I ever did," he reflects, "coupled with a sense of relief that I don't have to pass any more tests! It's a holiday I enjoy, and it's very meaningful if you're an immigrant. The independence feels almost personal."

Newly returned from Paris -- where he taped a week of "Late Late Show" episodes that CBS begins airing Monday, Aug. 1 -- Ferguson will be heard again in movie theaters soon. After his stint in last year's "How to Train Your Dragon," he supplies the voice of Owl in Disney's new animated feature "Winnie the Pooh," opening Friday, July 15.

"I loved doing it," Ferguson says. "I'm glad they asked me. The animation community is fairly small. The directors of the 'Dragon' movie knew the directors of 'Winnie the Pooh,' and I guess word got around that I was punctual and not too expensive.

"There is a great sense of fun, and you're given time to play ... plus, I don't normally make a lot of stuff that my kids can see. It's nice to do something that even the baby boy can look at."

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{alltv} 'Camelot' is no more at Starz

Starz has canceled its original series "Camelot" after a single season -- but not for the usual, ratings-based reasons, or at least not entirely.

The series actually did OK by the cable channel's standards, premiering to 1.1 million viewers in April and closing with just over a million viewers for its finale earlier this month. The audience ebbed some for the episodes in between and was a good ways below that of Starz's flagship series "Spartacus." Still, for a premium service with fewer than 18 million subscribers, those numbers aren't bad.

Instead, Starz declined to order a second season based on "significant production challenges," Deadline reports. The site says that scheduling issues with several actors played into the decision.

Starz has a couple new original series on tap for the coming months: "Torchwood: Miracle Day" debuts on July 8, and the political drama "Boss," starring Kelsey Grammer, is scheduled to premiere in October. A new season of "Spartacus" (subtitled "Vengeance") is set for January.

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{alltv} 'The Glenn Beck Show' signs off ... from TV, at least

Thursday, June 30, at 5 p.m. ET, Glenn Beck introduced the final Fox News Channel broadcast of "The Glenn Beck Show," which premiered on Jan. 19, 2009.

Begun on the street outside Beck's current ground-floor studio in midtown Manhattan -- with burly security guards visible around the host -- the last hurrah was 42 minutes (not counting commercials) of remembrances and commentary, delivered straight to the camera in Beck's signature, highly personal style.

It was also live, which Beck remarked would seem very odd if he was indeed "fired" from his show.

No doubt there will be jubilation in many quarters, but most likely from folks who are not regular "Beck" viewers -- of which there are still nearly 2 million a day.

If those numbers had not represented a decline from the nearly three million a day the show once drew, it would still be considered very successful in a time slot when many news viewers are still at work or on the way home.

And "The Glenn Beck Show" still was No. 1 in its time slot against its cable-news competition (not counting HLN's recent surge with its coverage of the Casey Anthony trial).

Over the course of his last hour, Beck recalled the evolution of his show.

It started as something resembling a standard political commentary hour with a monologue and guests. It then changed to something more akin to a revival meeting, interspersed with history lessons, cartoons, mini-documentaries, funny voices, demonstrations to illustrate financial concepts (which have featured a juggler, eclairs, pies, a rabbit and a Jenga game) and an endless series of chalkboards.

As Beck remarked in one clip, "This is the dumbest damn show on air."

A libertarian, a Mormon convert and still a radio host, Beck asserted his program was no longer just a TV show but had become a movement.

Most recently, he used the show to draw thousands of people on Aug. 28, 2010, to Washington, D.C. (at their own expense) for the "Restoring Honor" rally.

After declaring on the show (in a clip shown in the final episode), "I stand tonight with Israel," Beck is holding a "Restoring Courage" rally in Jerusalem on Aug. 24.

Beck got some of his highest ratings for "Founders' Fridays," which focused on the history of the nation's earliest days, in particular on some of the lesser-known figures.

He sold many books, including Friedrich von Hayek's weighty tome "The Road to Serfdom," published in the '40s, and several biographies of the Founding Fathers. Beck also wrote books, including his take on Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" and the just-released "The Original Argument," a modern-language version of "The Federalist Papers."

Beck railed endlessly about liberal billionaire George Soros and progressive president Woodrow Wilson, urged his viewers to pray more and sin less in a "40 Day Challenge," and went through a great deal of chalk drawing charts, graphs and trees to illustrate connections he saw among people and world events.

And he cried, frequently, something he joked about on the final episode, saying he "cried more than shows about babies," and put that on the list of the show's "firsts."

Beck also talked often about his past failures and battle with alcoholism.

For better or worse, "The Glenn Beck Show" looked and sounded like nothing else on cable news.

In the last episode, Beck thanked Fox News president Roger Ailes, noting he began his relationship with his boss with "a handshake" and ended it with one.

He also took a swipe at Jon Stewart, showing the dozen or so writers for Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" -- which is 22 minutes a night, with guests -- and then bringing out his writing staff of two.

Beck has already announced he is launching GBTV.com, a subscriber Web service that will include a live-streamed two-hour daily show, starting at $4.95 a month.

Firing back at his critics, Beck said, "For those members of the media who are celebrating, I waited for a season. I know exactly where I'm going. And you will pray for the time when I was only on the air for one hour every day."

He also announced something called "Mercury One," with more details to be released at glennbeck.com (if you're a member).

At the end, Beck opened the shades on the studio windows and showed the names of the people who work on the show, written on a chalkboard.

Then, he closed with "From New York, Good night, America," and walked off with his vintage microphone.

On Friday, July 1, FNC runs a John Stossel special in Beck's time slot.

Then, after airing some "Beck" repeats, FNC has announced a summer replacement show called "The Five."

Launching July 11, it will feature a rotating roundtable of such FNC personalities as Greg Gutfeld, Juan Williams, Dana Perino, Judge Andrew Napolitano, Geraldo Rivera, Andrea Tantaros, Eric Bolling, Monica Crowley, Bob Beckel and Kimberly Guilfoyle.

In a press release, Bill Shine, FNC's executive vice president for programming says, "'The Five' brings together an eclectic group of FOX talent whose knowledge of key issues and unique insights will undoubtedly make for a dynamic program."

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{alltv} 'Dollhouse's' Dichen Lachman joins 'Being Human'

File this under all-good, very-awesome news.

One of our favorite dolls Dichen Lachman has landed a new gig. The "Dollhouse" alum will be playing a -- wait for it! -- vampire on Syfy's "Being Human" when it returns in 2012 for its second season. 

Lachman joins the show in the series regular role of Izumi, a centuries-old reclusive vampire "who causes upheaval" when she returns to Boston. 

After leaving behind her many "Dollhouse" personalities (Sierra FTW!), Lachman has guest-starred on "NCIS:LA" and "Hawaii Five-0" and can next be seen in Starz' "Torchwood: Miracle Day," which premieres July 8. 

In January, "Being Human" became the network's most-watched wintertime scripted premiere in six years. Season 2 will go into production shortly in Montreal.. 

The casting news was first reported by Variety.

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{alltv} 2011 Fourth of July marathons, movies and specials

It's time to celebrate the nation's independence. If you aren't boating, picnicking, enjoying fireworks or what have you, Zap2it has you covered for all the marathons, movies and specials you can settle in for instead. Or set your DVR - all of "Harper's Island" is showing on Chiller!

Here is all the programming for this holiday weekend. All times Eastern. Check your local listings for channel numbers.

Friday, July 1

BBC America: "Star Trek: The Next Generation" marathon, 8 a.m. to midnight

HGTV: "House Hunters" marathon, 7 p.m. to 4 a.m. the next day

NBC: Wimbledon, Men's Semifinals, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., new "Friday Night Lights," 8 p.m.

SCI: "How It's Made" marathon, 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. the next day

Syfy: "Warehouse 13" marathon, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

USA: "House" marathon, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

VH1: "Mob Wives," "Basketball Wives" marathon 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.


Saturday, July 2

A&E: "The First 48" marathon, 1 p.m. to 4 a.m. the next day

AMC: "The Rifleman" marathon, 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.

ABC Family: Family movie marathon, 8 a.m. to midnight ("Ace Ventura: Pet Detective," "Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls," "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," "Hook," "The School of Rock," "Beetlejuice")

BBC America: "Star Trek: The Next Generation" marathon, midnight to  7 a.m., "Battlestar Galactica" marathon, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Bravo: "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" marathon, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Chiller: "Ripley's Believe It or Not!" marathon, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Discovery: "Swamp Loggers" marathon 9 a.m. to midnight

E!: "The Voice" marathon, noon to 8 p.m.

G4: "American Ninja Warrior" marathon, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

History: "Ax Men" marathon, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., "How the States Got Their Shapes" marathon, 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. the next day

MSNBC: "Lockup" marathon, noon to midnight

MTV: "Teen Mom" marathon, 4 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

NBC: Wimbledon, Women's Final, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 2011 Tour de France, Stage 1, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Oxygen: "Snapped" marathon, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

SCI: "Factory Made" marathon, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., "Ingenious Minds" marathon, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., "Oddities" marathon," 7 p.m. to midnight

Sleuth: James Bond movie marathon, 6 a.m. to midnight ("Tomorrow Never Dies," "Moonraker," "Diamonds Are Forever," "Octopussy," "Tomorrow Never Dies," "Live and Let Die," "Die Another Day")

Spike TV: "UFC Unleashed" marathon, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Syfy: "Eureka," 11 p.m. the day before 6 a.m., scary movie marathon, 10 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. the next day ("The Cursed," "The Prophecy," "Children of the Corn," "The Cave," "The Devil's Advocate," "The Hills Have Eyes," "Wes Craven Presents: They," "See No Evil," "Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers")

TLC: "Spouse vs. House" marathon, 9 a.m. to noon, "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding" marathon, noon to 7 p.m., "Hoarding: Buried Alive" marathon, 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. the next day

Travel: "Man vs. Food" marathon, 9 a.m. to noon, "All-American Festivals" marathon, noon to 4 p.m., "Ghost Adventures" marathon 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. the next day

USA: "NCIS" marathon, 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.

VH1: "Mob Wives" marathon, 2 p.m. to midnight


Sunday, July 3

ABC Family: Family movie marathon, 7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. ("Back to the Future," "Back to the Future II," "Back to the Future III," "The School of Rock," "Beetlejuice," "Dodgeball," "Meet the Parents")

BIO: "I Survived" marathon, 6 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Bravo: "Flipping Out" marathon 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 P.M., "Real Housewives" marathon, 4:30 p.m. to midnight

Chiller: "Unexplained Mysteries" marathon, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Discovery: "Deadliest Catch" marathon, 10 a.m. to 3 a.m.

E!: "The Voice" marathon, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hallmark: "I Love Lucy" marathon, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. the next day

History: "Pawn Stars" marathon, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., "Ice Road Truckers" marathon 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

MSNBC: "Lockup" marathon, midnight to 7 a.m., "Caught on Camera" marathon noon to 9 p.m.

MTV: "Teen Mom" marathon, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., "True Life" marathon, 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. the next day

NBC: Wimbledon, Men's Final, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tour de France Stage 2, 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Oxygen: "America's Next Top Model" Cycle 6 marathon, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

SCI: "Survivorman" marathon, noon to 7 p.m., "How It's Made" marathon 7 p.m. to midnight

Sleuth: James Bond movie marathon, midnight to midnight ("The Man With the Golden Gun," "Never Say Never Again," "On Her Majesty's Secret Service," "The Spy Who Loved Me," "A View to a Kill," "The Man With the Golden Gun," "Die Another Day," "Casino Royale")

Syfy: "The Twilight Zone" marathon, 9 a.m. to 6 a.m. the next day

TLC: "Say Yes to the Dress" marathon, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., 48 Hours" marathon, 2 p.m. to 3 a.m.

TNT: New "Leverage" and "Falling Skies," 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.

TRU TV: "World's Dumbest" marathon, noon to 7 p.m., "Cops" 7 p.m. to midnight

USA: "Law & Order: SVU" marathon, 2 p.m. to midnight

Versus: 2011 Tour de France Stage 2 live, 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.


Monday, July 4

A&E: "Hoarders" marathon, 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. the next day

ABC Family: "Switched at Birth" marathon, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., new episode at 9 p.m.

AMC: "Rocky" movie marathon, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. the next day ("Rocky IV," "Rocky V," "Rocky," "Rocky II," "Rocky III," "Rocky IV," "Rocky V," "Rocky")

BIO: "American Gangster" marathon, 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. the next day

Bravo: "Real Housewives" marathon, 10 a.m. to midnight

Chiller: "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" marathon, midnight to 6 a.m., "Harper's Island" marathon, 11 a.m. to 6 a.m. the next day

Discovery: "American Chopper" marathon, 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. the next day

Food Network: "Paula's Home"/"Paula's Best" marathon, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

G4: "Cheaters" marathon, 9 a.m. to 4 a.m. the next day

HBO: "John Adams" miniseries, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., "Independence Day," 5:30 p.m.

HGTV: "Cash and Cari" marathon, 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

History: "How the States Got Their Shapes" marathon, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

ID: "I (Almost) Got Away With It" marathon, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. "Behind Mansion Walls" marathon, 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. the next day

Oxygen: "Roseanne" marathon, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., "Snapped" marathon, 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. the next day

PBS: "A Capitol Fourth 2011," 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., rebroadcast directly after

Reelz: Patriotic movie marathon, 10:30 a.m. to ("Taps," "Home of the Brave," "Out for Justice," "Heartbreak Ridge," "In the Line of Fire," "Home of the Brave")

Sleuth: James Bond movie marathon, midnight to 6 a.m. the next day ("License to Kill," "A View to a Kill," "For Your Eyes Only," "License to Kill," "Thunderball," "Dr. No," "Casino Royale," "Goldfinger," "Golden Eye," "Dr. No," "The Living Daylights")

SCI: "Firefly" marathon, 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. the next day

Speed: "American Trucker" marathon, noon to midnight

Style: "Project Runway" marathon, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Syfy: "The Twilight Zone" marathon, 8 a.m. to 4 a.m. the next day

TCM: Revolutionary War movie marathon, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. ("The Flag," "The Devil's Disciple," "The Howards of Virginia," "John Paul Jones," "The Scarlet Coat," "1776," "America, America," "Yankee Doodle Dandy")

TLC: "Cake Boss" marathon, 6 a.m. to midnight

TNT: "Law & Order" marathon, noon to 10 p.m.

TRU TV: "Police POV" marathon, noon to 7 p.m. "Hardcore Pawn" marathon, 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.

TVLand: "Bewitched" marathon, 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

USA: "Royal Pains" marathon, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Versus: 2011 Tour de France Stage 3 live, 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

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