The Bluths Are Back and Only on Netflix

Twentieth Century Fox Television and Imagine Television Make Historic Deal With World's Leading Internet Subscription Service to Bring Classic Series "Arrested Development" Back to Production

America's Favorite Dysfunctional Family Returns For All New Episodes Premiering The First Half Of 2013

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Nov. 18, 2011  -- In a landmark deal, all new episodes of the Emmy Award-winning comedy series "Arrested Development" will be coming exclusively to Netflix for its U.S. members to watch instantly, beginning in 2013.

For the first time in their histories, Twentieth Century Fox Television and Imagine Television will produce original first-run entertainment content for the world's leading internet subscription service, bringing back the acclaimed series to production on all new episodes five years after its cancellation.

One of Time Magazine's "100 Best TV Shows of All-TIME," the tale of the formerly wealthy, deeply eccentric Bluth clan aired for three seasons, 2003-2006, on Fox and was honored with the Emmy award for Outstanding Comedy Series after its first season on the air.

"Arrested Development is one of the finest American comedies in TV history and its return through Netflix is a perfect example of how we are working closely with studios and networks to provide consumers with entertainment they love," said Ted Sarandos, Netflix Chief Content Officer.

"It's also a perfect example of how broad and successful our relationship has become with Fox as we work together with their film, television, international and digital divisions on several exciting initiatives," he added.

"Netflix's bold entrance into original programming presents an exciting new opportunity for our two companies" commented Peter Levinsohn, Fox Filmed Entertainment's President of New Media & Digital Distribution. "Bringing a classic show back to production on new episodes exclusively for Netflix customers is a game changer, and illustrates the incredible potential the new digital landscape affords great content providers like Twentieth Century Fox Television and Imagine."

Commented 20th Century Fox TV Chairmen Dana Walden and Gary Newman, "We build brands at this studio which are so distinctive that audiences still clamor for them years after they go off the air. 'Arrested Development' is a great example of that—it has stood the test of time. This innovative deal with Netflix represents a new business model that is extremely exciting and opens the door for a wide range of new collaborations."

"We also pride ourselves on breaking the rules at this studio, and after bringing back two canceled series – 'Family Guy' and 'Futurama'—to enormous success, we are bullish on the prospects for this brilliant series. We can't wait to get back to work with Mitch, Ron and Brian on bringing the Bluths back to America's living rooms," they added.

Said Imagine Entertainment co-founders Ron Howard and Brian Grazer, "Of all the projects we've been involved with over the years, we probably get more questions about Mitch Hurtwitz's brilliant 'Arrested Development' than any other-- everyone, ourselves included, seems to feel like the Bluths left the party a bit too soon. Bringing a series back from cancellation almost never happens, but then, 'Arrested' always was about as unconventional as they get, so it seems totally appropriate that this show that broke the mold is smashing it to pieces once again."

Added Howard, "After a long hiatus, I'm dying to finally get back to the narrator's microphone...'It's Arrested…Development.'"

The Emmy-winning comedy had its final broadcast on February 10, 2006 and concerned Michael Bluth (Jason Bateman) and his eccentric family comprised of his son George Michael (Michael Cera), his father George Bluth Sr. (Jeffrey Tambor), his mother Lucille (Jessica Walter), his brothers George Oscar Bluth II (Will Arnett), Buster Bluth (Tony Hale) and sister Lindsay Funke (Portia de Rossi), and Lindsay's husband Tobias (David Cross) and their daughter Maeby (Alia Shawkat).

"Arrested Development" is a production of Imagine Television and 20th Century Fox Television. Ron Howard, Brian Grazer and Mitch Hurwitz are executive producers.

Mick Foley announced via his twitter that he will be appearing on upcoming episode of the hit NBC sitcom 30 Rock as Mankind. This will be the first time that the hard-core legend has worn the leather mask in about 11 years. Foley also mentioned that he would have a kissing scene with somebody on that episode. (Something tells me it's probably going to be Frank played by Judah Friedlander) No word on an air date as of yet but if I had to venture a guess maybe sometime in March or April right around Wrestlemania

WWE released a survey asking fans their opinion on other possible programming ideas involved with the WWE network.

Some the ideas discussed include:

Stone cold travels around the country eating at different restaurants

Mick Foley goes on a hunt for the country's best roller coaster

Mick Foley hosting a show on the Oh my God moments in the company's history

an Ice Road truckers style show following the WWE road crew

a Biggest Loser type show in which WWE superstars take skinny guys and women and attempts to bulk them up

a tough enough style show

a WWE work out the show where superstars and divas go through their workout

a documentary style show following the superstars behind-the-scenes during the week

a show looking at wrestling's wild characters

a show looking at wrestling couples

and a second screen show that uses devices such as a smart phone or an iPad to go behind-the-scenes of classic WWE moments

to take the survey go here

On Monday Chyna appeared on the Howard Stern show and among other topics said that she sent a certified letter to Vince McMahon saying they should let bygones be bygones and have her return to the WWE because her fans are clamoring for it. I find it rather ironic that a woman starred in a porno entitled Back door to Chyna is literally using the same technique to get back in with the company.

The Hollywood Reporter has an article up looking at YouTube and their plans to roll out live television content early next year naming WWE as a partner.  For more info on what else is a part of this iniative read the article here

VS

In television, there seems to be a lot of follow the leader. What I mean is when one network gets an idea that they think will be successful others hear of it and then copy the idea. Case in point, shows like Mad Men spurring network television to create horrible facsimiles such as NBC's the Playboy club and ABC's highflying ripoff Pan Am hoping to catch some of that 60s nostalgia. Now, they seem to be going after your inner six-year-old as modern-day fairytale television hiis the airwaves in the forms of ABC's Once Upon A Time and NBC's Grimm. Both shows of course are not original ideas by any stretch of the imagination. They blatantly ripoff their premises from the popular Fables comic book series created by Bill Willingham put out by DC comics in which fairytale creatures are put into a real world situation. Interesting to note here that the comic series adaptation was both picked up and dropped by both ABC and NBC at one point.Coincidence I think not. And you may ask yourself that is all well and good but what about the shows we have now? Are they any good? My answer to those questions is a I don't think so. Let's begin by explaining what the shows are exactly. ABC's Once Upon A Time centers around a woman who is supposed to be the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming who finds herself in a small town called Storybrook. After reconnecting with her son who she gave up for adoption he tells her things in this town are not what they appear and tells her of their true origin. The kid has a special book which conveniently enough is entitled "once upon a time" and tells the true identity of all the citizens of this sleepy little village. This does not go over well with the child's adoptive mother a.k.a. the evil Queen who controls the town and transported everyone there so she could finally have her own happy ending. While not a bad show not a great one either... And I think the reason why is this was is thatthey explained all the back story in the first episode and then the mystery of this little town is over and you're just waiting now for these two good and bad forces to come to a head. Which isn't a bad thing, but I don't know if you're able to keep anybody interested for that long. If I had to compare to anything I had to compare it to anything I would say it's like Twin Peaks without the good pie and coffee. On the other hand I think NBC's fairytale detective drama Grimm may have something if it can stay away from the big bad Wolf that is the network executives. Part CSI and part Buffy the Vampire slayer the show follows a detective who finds he is the next in the bloodline of the Brothers Grimm meaning he can see fairytale creatures in the modern world. Those creatures of course want him gone. And each week he will solve a fairytale themed case. I know I know it sounds very gimmicked but where this succeeds is that in essence it's a horror show first and that makes the cheesiness of little bit more palatable for me to watch. Now I'm not saying, that any one of the shows will have a happily ever after .. They are gimmicks and they seem to wear off quite quickly in television. But if you put a gun to my head and I had to guess which one may be sticking around longer I have to go with Grimm. There just seems to be more there.

WWE applied to register to trademark "WWE WrestleMania Rewind" and "WWE House of Fame", the latter being the name for their reality show involving WWE Legends living together in a house.

SpikeTV issued the following press release, RONNIE ORTIZ-MAGRO GETS IN THE RING WITH TNA’S “IMPACT WRESTLING” ON SPIKE TV Star of MTV’s “Jersey Shore” Makes His Wrestling Debut Thursday, November 3 New York, NY – October 20, 2011 – Ronnie Ortiz-Magro, star of MTV’s megahit series, “Jersey Shore,” will bring his pumping fists and bravado into the wrestling ring on TNA’s “Impact Wrestling” airing exclusively on Spike TV Thursday, November 3 at 9:00pm ET/PT. The episode will tape October 26 from The Macon Coliseum in Macon, Ga. Ronnie will appear on two episodes of Spike TV’s hit weekly series with the biggest names in professional wrestling such as Hulk Hogan, Sting, Rob Van Dam, AJ Styles, and Kurt Angle.

The following was posted on tdgarden.com to advertise the 11/14 RAW in Boston:

FINALLY THE ROCK COMES BACK TO BOSTON!

A SPECIAL THREE HOUR EDITION OF WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW SUPERSHOW AT TD GARDEN.

NEW START TIME OF 7:15 PM.

What will happen when seven time WWE Champion, "the most electrifying man in all of entertainment" The Rock and 10 time WWE Champion John Cena meet in Cena's hometown?

John Cena, Randy Orton and CM Punk vs. The Miz, R-Truth and Mark Henry in a 6 man tag team match. Also, a special appearance by Mick Foley!

Also see all of your favorite WWE superstars including:

Randy Orton

Mark Henry

Sheamus

Christian

Dolph Ziggler

Kofi Kingston

And More!!!

Just in time for the holidays, NBC is bringing back "Fear Factor."

The years-dormant stunt show -- its last original episode aired in September 2006 -- will return with a new batch of episodes starting Monday, Dec. 12. It will bridge the gap between the end of "The Sing-Off" on Dec. 5 and the return of "The Voice" in February.

"We have taken the groundbreaking 'Fear Factor' franchise that many fans remember fondly and have ramped it up to make it even more challenging and competitive than ever before," says Paul Telegdy, head of alternative programming at NBC. "Once again, the contestants will have to face their ultimate fears to prevail -- and the tension and drama of that process will make for some riveting television."

Joe Rogan will return as host, and contestants will still be trying to win $50,000 by completing a series of physically and mentally demanding stunts. The format -- physical stunts mixed in with gross-out mental challenges -- will remain pretty much the same, but NBC is promising more extreme stunts enabled by advancements in technology in the five years since "Fear Factor" last aired.

Additionally, the show will feature four two-person teams in each episode, rather than six individuals, and episodes will run for two hours.

A survey issued yesterday to WWE fans was devoted to whether they would be willing to change cable providers to gain access to the WWE Network What is most interesting coming out of this is apparently the WWE is backing off of their original plans to move the big four (Wrestlemania, Summerslam, Survivor Series and the Royal Rumble) to the network. Instead, the other eight will be featured on the network. That is very different from the original plans of moving the big events to the new network we heard about a few months ago. Keep in mind that all these rumored plans of the new network and could change at any time before the network begins in February of 2012

In a companion piece to the upcoming ESPN video feature on the hard times of Scott Hall.. ESPN.com has comments from Stephanie McMahon in which she claims the company (WWE) has spent "six figures" on attempts to get Hall sober more than they ever spent on any superstar in their drug treatment program.. Hulk Hogan and Cody Rhodes are also interviewed for the piece. To read the full article, go here.

The E:60 feature on Scott Hall will air tomorrow night on ESPN. Check your local listings. Always wanted to say that!

WWE has a poll on their website asking fans to name the next show for the WWE Network. This time it involves legends living in a house together Real-World style I don't about you, but if Roddy Piper & Iron Sheik are involved I will definitely watch it,

Marvel had a huge showing at this year's New York Comic-Con, announcing their plans for the end of the year and going forward into 2012:

The new trailer for "The Avengers" premiered, as well as a clip from the movie featuring Dr. Bruce Banner/The Incredible Hulk(Mark Ruffalo) and Natasha Romanov/Black Widow(Scarlett Johansson). It was also revealed, by Marvel TV exec Jeph Loeb, that the recent trailer was, also, a glimpse into a currently in-development "Incredible Hulk" Television show! Check the trailer here.

Avengers talk continued to rule as Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley announced another new Avengers title "AVENGERS ASSEMBLE". The line-up for this team was also announced, using the movie line-up of Captain America(Steve Rogers), Iron Man(Tony Stark), Thor(Dr. Donald Blake), The Hulk(Dr. Bruce Banner), Black Widow(Natasha Romanov), and Hawkeye(Clint Barton). It is said to take place in normal Marvel continuity and will be a special team Captain America puts together to take on a specfic world-class threat. This book is scheduled to come out March of 2012.

The "Secret Avengers" book will be changing up members soon, with Steve Rogers, Sharon Carter and Moon Knight among those leaving the Black-ops Avengers squad. Hawkeye, The original Human Torch(Jim Hammond), Venom(Flash Thompson) and Captain Britain(Brian Braddock) will be joining up with Valkryie(Brunnhilde), Beast(Dr. Henry McCoy), and Ant Man III(Eric O'Grady) to form this group.

The Runaways are FINALLY back in March, as they will resurface AVENGERS ACADEMY #27, after certain events in DAKEN: DARK WOLVERINE. While what  they will be doing has not been announced, it is proposed that they may join the academy run by the original Ant Man(Dr. Hank Pym) or if they will throw down with the class.

In non-Avenger news, Deadpool #50, coming in February, will show that they've finally figured out a way to kill Deadpool(Wade Wilson), and that he'll be ready to take it. 

The Scarlet Spider is back, as January will see the launch of a new SCARLET SPIDER title, stemming off the events of SPIDER ISLAND. As to who will be the new hero, it hasn't been revealed, but they have said it is not Ben Reilly, the original Scarlet Spider, or a random person, but it is someone with a lot of history, directly or indirectly to Spider-Man and/or Peter Parker. The hero won't be based in New York, but rather Houston, Texas, and won't be really looking to be a hero, but will have to make a choice when danger is abound. Chris Yost and Ryan Steigman will be doing this book.

Black Bolt, Medusa, Crystal, Lockjaw, and rest of the Inhumans maybe coming to theaters, as an Inhumans movie is currently in development.

Christina Von Erie, a California talent who has worked for AAA in Mexico and had been recently featured on SHIMMER, is the real life fiancee of Jesse Neal. She moved to Florida last year with the goal of breaking into TNA.

Outside of professional wrestling, she was a member of two punk rock bands, in Puke and Spit she provided backing vocals and played guitar and in The Lurking Terror she played bass guitar. She left The Lurking Terror in November 2010 to focus on her professional wrestling career, while Puke and Spit broke up that same month

There is an age-old phrase that says you cannot go home again but lately in the world of professional wrestling no one seems to know that phrase. With both big companies doing storylines ripped from the pages of a 1997 calendar it seems they are content on living in the past Instead of looking toward the future.Why is that? Why are they so eager to reheat old storylines in the modern era. You would not want to go in your childhood bedroom, look under your bed,find a half eaten Hot Pocket from 10 years ago and throw it in the microwave and eat it. would you?

Much like that Hot Pocket, the power struggle storyline in the modern era of professional wrestling is way beyond its expiration date and makes you sick when you try to ingest any of it. You may ask why would they subject anyone to such an unhealthy proposition and the answer is actually quite simple.…it's warm and comfortable to them because of the fond memories that they have of the past.

It would be much like if you found your favorite pair of Ninja Turtles pajamas from when you were 10 years old and trying to wear them now. They really don't fit anymore and needs to be let go of because it' looks a little sad now.

It's time to grow up ..WWE and TNA....yes, you had your glory days in high school but maybe it's time to go back to school and reeducate yourself. For the longest time the business always found a balance between giving respect to the past while looking toward the future. You don't need to insult the intelligence of the fans anymore. Time to talk to them, not down to them. When you often think you are the smartest person in the room, it usually means you aren't.

Listen guys, I understand coming up with new ideas is hard, but you always could do what you did before. Steal or plagiarize… pay homage that's it.. to the little guy. Take the ROH style and make it mainstream .. I can't talk for everybody else but I think would enjoy that refreshing change. You can re-brand it whatever you want... just begin the journey by taking that first step.

ESPN's E:60 will feature a piece on former WWE and WCW star Scott Hall and his ongoing issues and personal problems.

Here's a clip

Former WWE wrestler "Road Dogg" Brian James has been hired as a producer on a trial basis. "It's just a six week trial as a producer," James wrote. "It's a dream job for me. I pray I can contribute in a positive way." Follow James on Twitter at Twitter.com/BGRoadDoggJames.