Conan O’Brien isn’t worried that viewers will get tired of all the talk fests on TV. But just in case, the future “Tonight Show” host has a plan.

“I think at some point my show is going to have to morph into a detective show,” O’Brien said during a Tuesday conference call. “I think four weeks in, Andy Richter and I will be solving crimes. It’s going to be ‘Murder, She Wrote’ with a slightly younger demo.”

Posted at 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 25

Reality TV is all about wedded bliss this week, with the premieres of no fewer than five—that I can think of—TV shows testing the bonds of marriage and the power of fame.

To be honest, I can’t think why anyone would agree to be filmed in the early going of their marriages, or just before—at all really. But that’s the monster created by reality TV: Non-celebrities like Jon and Kate Gosselin airing their dirty laundry to the nation, or celebrities Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott going there time and again.

It’s TMI all the time in my opinion, so take my ratings with a grain of salt. And feel free to call me a snob, but I do not care about your lives, people on most reality TV.

My ratings in this post are based purely on whether the show made me laugh (4) or cringe (1).

Posted at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 24

U.S. Senator Joan Cameron (Judy Davis, left) searches for answers in her daughter's death. ABC photos

DIAMONDS
8 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday, ABC
Tune in or out? out of four.

This ambitious two-part film about the seedy blood diamond trade loosely weaves together five stories, which is at least two stories too many.

Posted at 1:55 p.m. Thursday, May 21

The cast of the CW's new, "The Beautiful Life." CW photos

The CW is banking on models—both real and fictional—as well as vampires, superheroes and apartment dwellers who look like models to make its Fall 2009 season a success.

Tyra Banks’ “America’s Next Top Model” returns, along with “The Glamorous Life,” a scripted drama from Ashton Kutcher about the downside of modeling. Another new drama, “The Vampire Diaries,” is based on the best-selling books of the same name about two vampires competing for teenagers’ souls. The network is tapping into Aaron Spelling’s 1990s successes again too. It will relaunch “Melrose Place” just as it has “Beverly Hills 90210.” "Smallville" moves to Fridays, but "Privileged," "Everybody Hates Chris" and "The Game" are done, the CW said.

Posted at 9 a.m. Thursday, May 21

VITAL IDOL: FINALE LIVEBLOG

So, Kris Allen is your new American Idol.

As Simon, Paula, Randy and Kara would say: America, you played it safe.

By voting for the low-key Kris over the more daring Adam Lambert, America chose the lesser of two talents.

Posted at 9:40 p.m. Wednesday, May 20

THIS SEASON'S "IDOL" SO FAR
"IDOL" SEASON 8 PHOTO GALLERY

Kris Allen reacts to learning he's the new American Idol as Adam Lambert (left) and Ryan Seacrest look on. Getty Images photo.

Kris Allen came from behind to win “American Idol” on Wednesday, and he may have been the most surprised person of all.

“Are you freaking serious?” Allen said after Ryan Seacrest announced that he beat out Adam Lambert. “It feels good man, but Adam just, Adam deserves this.”

After the largest “Idol” vote ever—nearly 100 million votes were cast Tuesday night—Allen overcame Lambert, the judges’ favorite who seemed ready to steamroll to the title just two weeks ago.

Lambert showed in the two-hour finale why he was the presumed winner all season. He delivered one of the best performances of the night—and gave the audience a glam-gasm—when he sang with KISS. Later, he stole the show again, teaming with Allen to perform “We Are the Champions” with Queen.

As surprising as Allen’s upset was, the biggest shock of the night came when judge Kara DioGuardi whipped off her dress at the end of her performance with Katrina Darrell, the “Idol” wannabe America knows better as Bikini Girl.

The pair sparred earlier in the season, when Darrell said her singing was just as good—or bad—as Kara’s. Darrell was back in a bikini Wednesday, but with some extra padding packed into the top.

“I was going to ask you what's new,” Seacrest said, “but I think I know.”

What’s new? Kris Allen’s your American Idol.

Keep reading for the live-blog entries and some cool photos below.

Updated May 21; Posted at 3:45 p.m. Wednesday, May 20

If you’ve been TV’s No. 1 network for as long as CBS has, you really don’t need to change your prime-time lineup much.

The network is adding just five new shows for the fall season, and one isn’t exactly new. As expected, CBS is taking “Medium” from NBC. The other dramas it will add are “NCIS: Los Angeles,” “Three Rivers” and “The Good Wife.” One new comedy, “Accidentally on Purpose,” will debut in the fall.

CBS canceled are “The Eleventh Hour,” “Worst Week,” “Without a Trace,” “The Ex List” and “The Unit.” The network didn't mention the cop drama “Flashpoint,” which has brought viewers a lot of fantastic music. On Thursday morning a CBS rep told me that "Flashpoint" is not canceled. It will air more episodes this summer and could resurface at midseason or Summer 2010.

The full schedule is listed below, along with the network’s descriptions of its new shows.

Posted at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 19

THIS SEASON'S "IDOL" SO FAR
"IDOL" SEASON 8 PHOTO GALLERY

Adam Lambert performs Tuesday night. Fox photos

Adam Lambert and Kris Allen sang themselves into a dead heat Tuesday on “American Idol,” but Lambert deserves to rock to victory Wednesday.

He gave the show its most exciting moments this year—and sang beautifully too boot.

Final update at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 19

THIS SEASON'S "IDOL" SO FAR
"IDOL" SEASON 8 PHOTO GALLERY

The final "American Idol" sing-off was a bit underwhelming on Tuesday. I thought we'd get Adam versus Kris, the strummer trying to outdo the screamer. They both stayed pretty quiet.

Check out the live-blog below, and read my full review, and what Chicago singer-songwriter Matthew Santos thinks of Adam Lambert and Kris Allen, here.

Posted at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 19

NBC announced its fall 2009 schedule on Tuesday, showing when its new and returning shows would fill in the holes not filled by Jay Leno.

As already reported, "Chuck" returns after the Winter Olympics in the Spring, "The Jay Leno Show" fills five hours a week and a few new shows will debut.

NBC cut "Medium" and "Ny Name is Earl," and says "Friday Night Lights" will air in summer 2010. It's likely to air on DirecTV in the fall, like last season.

Posted at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 19

ABC moved “Ugly Betty” to Fridays, ditched “The Unusuals” and brought back “Scrubs” for next season. Oh, and the network ordered 11 new shows.

In and announcement Tuesday, ABC said it has picked up new series for fall and midseason that include “Cougar Town,” “The Deep End,” “Eastwick,” “Flash Forward,” “The Forgotten,” “Hank,” “Happy Town,” “The Middle,” “Modern Family,” “Shark Tank” and “V.”

Posted at 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, May 19

NBC'S FALL SCHEDULE

NBC finally made the official announcement today: “Chuck” will be back next season, and Subway will be a major sponsor.

Go get a foot-long, people. Subway not only helped with the Twitter campaign to #savechuck, but the company has struck a deal with NBC to become a major sponsor, which means more Chuck, Sarah, Casey, Jeffster, Ellie and Awesome for all of us.

NBC says the show will return to its 7 p.m. Monday slot after the Winter Olympics. That's a long wait until next Spring.

Posted at 2 a.m. Tuesday, May 18

JANE LYNCH TALKS "GLEE"
"GLEE" WILL MAKE YOU HAPPY

After eight years of living in the dark, strange world of “Nip/Tuck,” Ryan Murphy was ready for something different.

Murphy came up with the optimistic, uplifting musical comedy, “Glee.” Fox has been so taken by the show that it’s airing a special preview after Tuesday’s “American Idol.”

“I wanted to do a show that has a bigger heart and is kinder,” Murphy told reporters last week. “But make no mistake. It still has an edge.”

It definitely has an edge, mixing “Mean Girls” with “Election” and the darkest parts of “Hairspray.” It captures high school life—losers versus popular kids—in an only slightly heightened manner. But it's heart is with those geeky types who populate the glee club, a group of underdogs Murphy thinks viewers will love.

"I didn’t want to do a show where [all the characters] were all sort of super glossy and fantastic," he said.

Murphy said his own experiences as a high school musical theater geek informed the story—especially how getting a theater part made people feel "optimism about what you can become.”

“It’s just about a belief in yourself,” said Murphy, who grew up in Indiana. "I remember that feeling, and it was very important to me. And that’s what I wanted the show to be about.”

Ryan had a lot more to say about the series, how he picked the songs and debuting after “Idol.”

Posted at 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 19

JANE LYNCH TALKS "GLEE"
RYAN MURPHY FINDS "GLEE"

GLEE
8 p.m. (or after “American Idol”) Tuesday, Fox
Tune in or out? out of four.

Posted at 12:05 a.m. Tuesday, May 19

"GLEE" WILL MAKE YOU HAPPY
JANE LYNCH TALKS "PARTY DOWN"
RYAN MURPHY FINDS "GLEE"

Jane Lynch sets the tone for Fox’s wonderfully subversive new comedy, “Glee,” by shouting the show’s very first line.

“You think this is hard?” the Chicago native’s character, Sue, yells at the cheerleaders she’s coaching. “Try being water-boarded, that’s hard.”

In a high school full of mean girls, Sue, coach of the highly successful Cheerios, may be the meanest. Because of that, Lynch has many of the funniest lines in the show’s pilot, which Fox is giving a special preview Tuesday after “American Idol.” The show will return this fall.

Posted at 5:30 p.m. Monday, May 18

THE SAGA OF 'CHUCK'

Vik Sahay loves “Chuck” fans.

Sahay, who plays nerdy Lester Patel on the NBC comedy, told me on Monday that he’s “blown away” by fan support that has saved the much-loved but low-rated show.

“I am so moved and overwhelmed and grateful,” he said. “I kind of can’t believe it, but it looks like [fan support] made a huge impact. ... I’m kind of speechless and blown away by it. And so appreciative and grateful.”

Posted at 11 a.m. Monday, May 18

Joss Whedon won’t have to relive his “Firefly” experience at Fox. The network has renewed his new series, “Dollhouse,” for next fall. The network announced its fall 2009 schedule today, bringing back several shows and launching some new titles.

As Whedon’s rabid fan base knows, Fox scuttled his “Firefly” years ago before it completed one season. Some expected “Dollhouse” would meet the same fate. Not so, as Fox officials said today they are banking on Whedon and his fans by renewing the show.

Posted at 8:30 p.m. Sunday, May 17

Let the wooing begin. Chicagoan Ed chats with "The Bachelorette," Jillian Harris. ABC photos

Will a bachelor from Chicago sweep "The Bachelorette" off her feet when the reality show returns Monday?

According to ABC, 29-year-old Ed, a wealthy technology consultant from the Windy City, “makes an impact with his understated confidence.”

Ed’s competing against 29 other bachelors—including 27-year-old Chicago financial adviser Brad—for the hand of 29-year-old Jillian Harris (left).

Monday’s 8 p.m. season premiere brings a first to the series. Jillian will have her pick of 30 suitors, 10 of whom she will eliminate by the end of Monday’s episode.

Posted at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 17

'CHUCK' ALL THE TIME

Put the gun down, Zach, "Chuck" is coming back for a third season. NBC photo

Sometimes the good guys prevail. Fans of “Chuck,” you are the good guys.

NBC has renewed the spy comedy for at least 13 episodes next season, giving fans who have campaigned to save the show something to celebrate—a third season. We have to thank all the fans, critics and advertisers such as Subway and Nerds for never giving up on this awesome—yes, Captain, I said it—awesome show. We should also tip our hats to Chuck himself—Zachary Levi—who has been out there everywhere working for a renewal.

Posted at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, May 17

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE JUST SHORTS
8 p.m. Sunday, NBC

Who better than Andy Samberg to host this new special that NBC says will present the late-night comedy show’s “greatest short films from the past 34 years?” After all, he and his buddies from The Lonely Island, “SNL” writers Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaffer, are responsible for several of them.

Their “SNL Digital Shorts” include “[Bleep] in a Box,” “[Bleep] in My Pants,” “Motherlover” and “Lazy Sunday.” Samberg will introduce plenty of older shorts too, including the Christopher Guest-directed “Synchronized Swimmers” with Martin Short, Robert Smigel’s “TV Funhouse,” “MacGruber,” “Deep Thoughts with Jack Handey,” “Mr. Bill” and others.

Posted at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, May 17

Will Ferrell—and a horde of other oldies—returned to the “Saturday Night Live” studio last night to make the season finale a fun reunion show.

Still, the finale didn’t outdo last week’s Justin Timberlake showcase.

Surprise appearances ruled the night. Besides Ferrell, “SNL” alums Norm Macdonald, Maya Rudolph, and Amy Poehler popped in. Tom Hanks, Anne Hathaway, Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Moss and Artie Lange also showed up, along with musical guest Green Day and a few others I'm sure I missed.

Posted at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 15

RATE EACH PERFORMANCE BY ADAM LAMBERT AND KRIS ALLEN

What will you be doing at 7 p.m. Chicago time on Tuesday? Me? I’ll be in front of the TV watching what judge Simon Cowell predicts will be a “ding-dong” finale of “American Idol.”

I’m not sure, but I think Simon means the Season 8 finish will be an amazing battle of the opposites. America couldn’t have voted two more different artists into the finale than Adam Lambert and Kris Allen, who reportedly will sing three songs each.

Posted at 11:51 p.m. Saturday, May 16

Adam Lambert and Kris Allen will perform their final songs for the “American Idol” judges and America on Tuesday, May 19. Before the big finale, I thought I’d poll readers to see how they think the two finalists stacked up against each other from week to week, beginning with their Top 3 performances last week all the way back to March 10, when they performed Michael Jackson songs.

On May 12, Kris Allen sang “Heartless” by Kanye West and “Crying” by Aerosmith. Adam Lambert sang “One” by U2 and “Crying” by Aerosmith.

Watch the performance videos on the jump, then vote. Then click the link to the next face-off.

Posted at 11:50 p.m. Saturday, May 16

The theme for "American Idol" on May 5 was rock ‘n’ roll, so Kris Allen performed the Beatles’ “Come Together” and Adam Lambert sang “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin.

Watch the performance videos on the jump, then vote.

CLICK TO RATE APRIL 28 PERFORMANCES.

Posted at 11:48 p.m. Saturday, May 16

The "American Idol" finalists performed songs from the Rat Pack era on April 28. Here were their choices:
Adam Lambert—“Feeling Good” by Nina Simone
Kris Allen—“The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra

Watch the performance videos on the jump, then vote.

Posted at 11:47 p.m. Saturday, May 16

Disco night on "American Idol"! That was April 21, when Kris Allen sang “She Works Hard For The Money” by Donna Summer and Adam Lambert performed “If I Can’t Have You” by Yvonne Elliman.

Watch the performance videos on the jump, then vote.

Posted at 11:45 p.m. Saturday, May 16

April 14 was movie night on "American Idol," when Kris Allen sang “Falling Slowly” and Adam Lambert sang “Born to be Wild.”

Watch the performance videos on the jump, then vote.

Posted at 11:43 p.m. Saturday, May 16

On April 7, Adam Lambert performed “Mad World“ by Tears for Fears and Kris Allen sang “All She Wants To Do Is Dance” by Don Henley. The "American Idol" theme that night was songs from the year the singers were born.

Watch the performance videos on the jump, then vote.

Posted at 11:40 p.m. Saturday, May 16

On March 31 episode of "American Idol," Kris Allen sang “Ain't No Sunshine” by Bill Withers and Adam Lambert performed “Play That Funky Music“ by Wild Cherry. The theme was Top Downloaded Songs.

Watch the performance videos on the jump, then vote.

Posted at 11:35 p.m. Saturday, May 16

For March 24’s Motown theme night on "American Idol," Adam Lambert performed “Tracks of My Tears” by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles while Kris Allen sang “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” by Marvin Gaye.

Watch the performance videos on the jump, then vote.

Posted at 11:33 p.m. Saturday, May 16

On March 17 the "American Idol" contestants performed country songs. Kris Allen sang “To Make You Feel My Love” and Adam Lambert sang “Ring of Fire.“

Watch the performance videos on the jump, then vote.

Posted at 11:30 p.m. Saturday, May 16

Michael Jackson’s music was the theme for the March 10 performances on "American Idol," which had Kris Allen singing “Remember the Time” and Adam Lambert singing “Black or White.“

Watch the performance videos on the jump, then vote.

Posted at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 15

FAMILY GUY
8 p.m. Sunday, Fox
Tune in or out? out of four.

A psychic tells Peter Griffin that in a past life he was a 17th Century English gentleman named Griffin Peterson, who founded the colony of Quahog in America after he was torn from his great love, Lady (Lois) Redbush, by the jealous—and short—King Stewart III. As if the time-traveling main plot isn’t funny enough, this season finale gets merrily sidetracked with appearances by Alan Rickman, Jason Segel, Neil Patrick Harris and Josh Radnor, who are mocked after lending their voices.

And don’t forget that Eminem and Stewie will introduce the entire Animation Domination line-up on Fox Sunday.

Posted at 12:15 p.m. Friday, May 15

Sign Mark-Paul Gosselaar up for that “Saved by the Bell” reunion Jimmy Fallon has been pushing.

Gosselaar, who played high school hunk Zack on the 1990s teen series, told RedEye on Friday that he and Fallon have “something good cooking.”

“I don’t want to give too much away but I’m doing his show June 8,” Gosselaar said. “I’m not going to do the standard interview, I’ll put it that way.”

Posted at 10:45 pm. Wednesday, May 13

THE OFFICE
8 p.m. Thursday, NBC

The comedy celebrates its fifth-season finale and 100th episode with the return of Amy Ryan as Holly Flax, Michael’s (Steve Carell) old flame. Michael’s plans to win Holly back at the annual Dunder Mifflin picnic go awry, as does Dwight’s (Rainn Wilson) plan to win the volleyball tournament.

30 ROCK
8:30 p.m. Thursday, NBC

Jack Donaghy’s dad, Milton (Alan Alda), needs a new kidney, which gives Jack (Alec Baldwin) an idea that involves a ton of guest cameos (Sheryl Crow, Mary J. Blige, Elvis Costello, Adam Levine, Clay Aiken). Meanwhile, Liz (Tina Fey) gets some cred as a relationship expert and Kenneth (Jack McBrayer) helps Tracy (Tracy Morgan) overcome his fear of returning to his old high school.

Posted at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 13

THIS SEASON'S "IDOL" SO FAR
"IDOL" SEASON 8 PHOTO GALLERY

“American Idol” offers viewers a lot of sure things. Simon Cowell will be bitchy. Paula Abdul won’t make much sense. Randy Jackson will call someone “dawg.” But never, ever, EVER is a contestant a sure bet to move on to the next week. That’s why Cowell insisted Tuesday that fans be sure to vote for the favorite performers, because, he said, nothing is “a done deal.” Here’s a look back at “Idol’s” most famous—or infamous—upsets.

Updated at 10 p.m.; originally posted at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 13

THIS SEASON'S "IDOL" SO FAR
"IDOL" SEASON 8 PHOTO GALLERY
GREAT "IDOL" UPSETS

Ryan Seacrest announces that Kris Allen (center) made "Idol" finals. He faces Adam Lambert (right) after Danny Gokey (left) was eliminated. Fox photos

Kris Allen delivered a mini-upset on Wednesday, knocking out sentimental favorite Danny Gokey to move into the “American Idol” finals next week.

But the 23-year-old Allen faces a juggernaut in the finale—presumed frontrunner and judges’ favorite Adam Lambert. The two will square off at 7 p.m. Tuesday on Fox.

Host Ryan Seacrest said that of the more than 88 million votes cast this week, less than 1 million separated the two. If Seacrest announced the finalists in the order they polled, that means Allen had the most votes.

“None of us would have predicted this, guys,” Cowell said after the announcement.

Neither did I. In my opinion Allen did the best work Tuesday, but Gokey wasn’t far behind. They both topped Lambert. But let’s face it, “Idol” is more of a popularity contest than a singing competition. And Gokey has been popular all season, never once landing in the Bottom 3. So I wasn’t convinced Allen would slip by Gokey.

Posted at 3:55 p.m. Wednesday, May 13

I love pop singer Adele, who is guest starring as herself on the latest episode of “Ugly Betty” airing at 7 p.m. Thursday on ABC. In the episode called “In the Stars,” the British chanteuse croons “Who Wants to be Right as Rain?” at a photo shoot planned by Betty, Marc and Matt (America Ferrera, Michael Urie and Daniel Eric Gold) that ends with a surprise wedding. Enjoy the song.

Updated at 8:10 p.m.; originally posted at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, May 12

THIS SEASON'S "IDOL" SO FAR
"IDOL" SEASON 8 PHOTO GALLERY

It's down to Adam Lambert, Kris Allen and Danny Gokey. Fox photo

He’s a rock god and the “lead winner.” He's fearless, unique and the “most exciting ‘American Idol’ contestant in years.”

If you believe judges Kara DioGuardi, Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell, along with this week’s Entertainment Weekly, Adam Lambert is not only the favorite to win “Idol” this season, he’s the Chosen One to lift the music industry out of its slump.

Or something like that.

I happen to think Adam should win this year as well, but I fear for the guy. With so many pundits saying he’s got it sewn up, will his fans slack off and not vote for him enough? And don’t forget, he’s facing two more contestants who obviously have big fan bases of their own—Danny Gokey and Kris Allen.

In my opinion, Adam stumbled a bit in Tuesday's performances while Danny, and especially Kris, came on very strong. After my run-down of the threesome's chances below, check out the live-blog of tonight's performances. Then please tell me who you think will be going into next week's finale.

Danny Gokey
Or Danny Geeky—have you seen him try to dance? I have no doubt his tragic backstory will resurface before this season ends, and that’ll earn him votes. And although his butchering of Aerosmith’s “Dream On” last week probably ended any rock fans love for him, the adult contemporary fans probably love him. He’s been compared to Michael McDonald—just like Taylor Hicks once was. That’s not a turn-on for me, but Hicks did win it all.

Kris Allen
Kris was the darkest of dark horses early on, getting by with that sweet smile and humble attitude. Then he sang “Falling Slowly” and everything changed. He’s been hot ever since, scoring with women—from 12-year-olds to the cougars I’d bet. He’s an OK singer, but I can’t see him selling a ton of albums. Videos, yes, but not albums.

Adam Lambert
Whether you like his performance style or not, Adam has the best voice in the competition—an octave-spanning blaster. He’s also got the best stage presence, style and, for lack of a better word, ballsiness. Whether singing emo, metal or Easternized country, Adam made each Tuesday must-see TV. Unfortunately, the guyliner, painted nails and gay-or-bi-or-just-likes-kissing debate will turn off big chunks of voters. My guess is he’ll lose the Middle America and Granny votes to Danny and a lot of the teen-girl vote to Kris. Can the big cities and urban centers carry it for him? He’s got my vote.

Posted at 4:55 p.m. Tuesday, May 12

LOST
Season finale
8 p.m. Wednesday, ABC

It’s been a season of crazy twists and time-bending trips for the Losties and their fans. Can “Lost” masterminds Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse, who wrote this two-hour season finale, top what’s been happening on the island and set up for next year’s final season? Even Michael Emerson, who plays baddie Ben, told the Associated Press he was “a bit shocked” by the script. “Can they do that?” he asked. Apparently so.

Posted at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 12

Eminem and Stewie Griffin will, um, rap, during Sunday's Animation Domination. Fox photo

So Eminem does have a sense of humor—and a heart.

The rapper—who's been getting dissed by Mariah Carey’s hubby, Nick Cannon—will take on Stewie Griffin from “Family Guy” this Sunday. An animated Eminem will appear with the cartoon kid in segments throughout Fox’s Animation Domination line-up. (MySpace Music will make a special Eminem announcement Sunday.)

"It was a thrill to work with Stewie," Eminem said in a Fox press release. "I'm a big fan of talking babies and their humor."

Posted at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 12

“Fringe” airs its season finale at 8 p.m. Tuesday after “American Idol” on Fox. (“Idol” is likely to run past an hour again, so set your DVRs to run at least five minutes long.)

The Season 1 finale of "Fringe" will reveal more about more about Olivia, Peter and Walter. Fox photos

Nina Sharp fights for her life after being gunned down. Walter Bishop is out of the lab and with the Observer. FBI Agent Olivia Dunham comes face to face with William Bell.

As if fans weren’t eagerly anticipating the first season finale of “Fringe” enough, the sow’s co-creator, J.J. Abrams, said Friday that it will be “one of those tent-pole episodes in the mythology of the show.”

“I think it really does begin the story that we wanted to tell,” Abrams told reporters during a conference call. “The first season was sort of a setup of this world—the characters, their roles, their jobs. [The finale] is a massive sort of turning point in the long-term arc of the series.”

Posted at 3:30 p.m. Monday, May 11

Joan Rivers and "Celebrity Apprentice" taskmaster Donald Trump. NBC photos

Joan Rivers outlasted poker star Annie Duke to win Sunday’s live finale of “The Celebrity Apprentice,” but she’s not ready to bury the hatchet.

Well, maybe in Duke’s skull.

“Hitler was ruthless and so was Annie,” Rivers told “Inside Edition” Monday, standing by her earlier comparison of Duke to Adolf Hitler. “The difference was mainly that Hitler never had PMS ... which I think Annie suffered from continuously.”

Although it doesn’t sound like it, Rivers told “Inside Edition” she’s ready to move on from the NBC competition series—although she won’t be forgiving Duke.

“She called me a mean, old bitch,” Rivers said, “and I don’t like being called old.”

Rivers is moving on from “The Celebrity Apprentice.” TV Land announced Monday that the comic will host “How’d You Get So Rich?” beginning at 9 p.m. Aug. 12.

In the six-episode series from Mark Burnett, Rivers will introduce viewers to millionaires and tour their homes. Among the moneyed moguls she’ll meet are the inventor of BillyBob Teeth and the Infomercial pioneer who sells Obama coins and “Mr. Mardi Gras.”

Posted at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, May 10

Justin Timberlake was back on “Saturday Night Live” this weekend, bringing some great surprise guests, favorite old sketches and a digital short to rival “[Bleep] in a Box.”

In “Motherlover,” Timberlake and Andy Samberg—dressed in the Jodeci-like get-ups—picked up where “[Bleep] in a Box” left off. As their crass crooners leave a police station, they dump their gift boxes into a garbage bin.

When they realize it’s Mother’s Day, they concoct “the second best idea that we’ve ever had” by deciding to “[bleep] each other’s moms.”

“It would be my honor to be your new stepfather,” they sing to each other.

Added bonus for the boys? Susan Sarandon and Patricia Clarkson play their mothers.

Posted at 2 p.m. Friday, May 8

Mary Lynn Rajskub wasn’t going to get sucked into gossiping about her “24” co-star, Kiefer Sutherland, on Friday.

Sutherland, who plays counterterrorism agent Jack Bauer on the Fox series, was charged with assault on Thursday after an alleged altercation at a New York bar.

“I’m sure everybody has heard more details than I have,” Rajskub told reporters Friday during a call to discuss the series and what's coming for her character, computer whiz Chloe O'Brian. “I know that if he were with me and I needed him to protect me he would do it, and that’s pretty cool.”

Posted at 10:15 p.m. Thursday, May 7

Leonard Nimoy, who first wore the pointy ears of the Vulcan Mr. Spock in the “Star Trek” series, delivers the Top 10 list of "Lines Never Before Said in a 'Star Trek' Film" on Thursday’s “Late Show with David Letterman.”

Nimoy reprises his iconic role in J.J. Abrams breathtaking new “Star Trek” film. He plays an older Spock to Zachary Quinto’s young version. They are both great, by the way.

Read the full list below.

Posted at 9:45 p.m. Thursday, May 7

INTERVIEWS WITH JOSS WHEDON, ELIZA DUSHKU, TAHMOH PENIKETT
SAVE "DOLLHOUSE"

SPOILER ALERT IF YOU AREN'T CAUGHT UP WITH "DOLLHOUSE."

Joss Whedon’s “Dollhouse” may not last beyond Friday’s first season finale, but it’s going out with a bang.

Alan Tudyk promises a bumpy ride in "Omega," which debuts at 8 p.m. Friday. “I really like this next episode coming up,” he told reporters earlier this week.

Final post at 9:20 p.m. Wednesday, May 6

THIS SEASON'S "IDOL" SO FAR
"IDOL" SEASON 8 PHOTO GALLERY

Paula Abdul performs Wednesday during "American Idol." Fox photos

“American Idol” is now a boy’s club.

Allison Iraheta (left) was eliminated Wednesday, leaving Adam Lambert, Danny Gokey and Kris Allen in the competition.

“I know I’m going to be playing you on the radio real soon,” host Ryan Seacrest told the 17-year-old.

She received the fewest votes from the 64 million the Seacrest said were cast on Tuesday after singing “Cry Baby” during the first ever “Idol” rock night.

The saddest part of Wednesday’s show wasn’t Allison’s ouster, however. Judge Paula Abdul took the stage to lip-synch and dance to a recording of her new single, “I’m Just Hear for the Music.”

It was straight-up awful.

Please enjoy my live-blog postings below, and tell me what you think of tonight's vote-off.

Final update at 8:20 p.m. Tuesday, May 5

THIS SEASON'S "IDOL" SO FAR
"IDOL" SEASON 8 PHOTO GALLERY

Kris Allen, Danny Gokey, Slash, Allison Iraheta and Adam Lambert. Fox photos

“American Idol” contestant Adam Lambert had a new fan even before Tuesday’s performances.

“Those AI kids can sing their asses off, especially Adam,” rock guitarist Slash tweeted on Twitter Monday night.

The former Guns ‘n’ Roses guitarist served as mentor during the first “Idol” rock night that saw Lambert bring down the house with his rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love.”

“Adam’s got some pipes,” Slash said during a pre-taped segment. “He’s got so much range and it comes to him so easy; it’s like effortless.”

Judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson seemed to agree. After Adam’s Top 4 performance Tuesday, Randy said Adam and Slash should make a record together. Simon joked that the performance was “a little understated.”

“It was, actually, one of my favorite performances you’ve ever done," Simon said. “The only problem is, nobody can top that now.”

No one did. It’s hard to say who will be in the Bottom 2, but I’ll suggest Allison and Danny. Kris will stay safe because of that smile.

Read my liveblogging below.

Posted at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, May 5

The Fine Brothers are mashing up pop culture again in the latest “Lost” parody.

But really, hasn’t J.J. Abrams already done that? He used much of his “Lost” team to create the new “Star Trek” movie opening Friday.

In the latest parody, Kirk, Spock, Sulu and Bones end up on the “Lost” island where they meet Sawyer, Locke, Jin and Jack. Some pop culture time travelers join them, but Spock just can’t handle such an illogical place

You can watch all the "Lost" parodies at Just For Laughs or in my previous posts.