The Ghost Whisperer star, 31, split from her TV co-star Jamie Kennedy in March but has now bounced back with Beh.
The actress tells Us Weekly, "(We met) through friends at a dinner party... We laugh a lot... he's hilarious!"
While Beh admits he is taking the relationship seriously and has even read Hewitt's dating book The Day I Shot Cupid.
He adds, "It's very informative. I learned all I needed to know. When I first met her, I really was able to just map out all the things to do and not to do."
They made their first public appearance as a couple on Sunday, taking part in the Dodge Rock 'n' Roll Los Angeles Half Marathon.
If all is right with the world, she'll be nominated for her work as a rape victim in last week's Law & Order: SVU…
"I think she will get an Emmy nomination," L&O creator Dick Wolf told us this morning after his Los Angeles magazine Breakfast Conversation event at Kate Mantilini restaurant. "I think it's one of the more amazing actor transformations that I've seen. She put herself onto a different level."
We couldn't agree more.
While the same episode included Olivia (Mariska Hargitay) traveling to Hollywood and enlisting the help of Det. Rex Winters (Skeet Ulrich) from the new Law & Order: Los Angeles, Wolf says the two shows probably won't be mixing it up together too much. "There may be opportunities for limited crossovers, but we're not planning on anything bigger," he said. "They're 3,000 miles apart!"
And now we gotta tell you about Law & Order: Los Angeles' connection to Woody Allen. Yes, that Woody Allen!
The legendary New York director had a pivotal role in casting little known actor Corey Stoll as Winters' partner, Det. T.J. Jaruszalski. "He was clearly one of the two finalists [when] an email went off on my iPhone, Wolf said. "It was an email from Woody Allen, who wrote, 'I saw Corey on Broadway and immediately hired him for my next film that is coming out. I can't recommend this guy more highly.' That's a pretty good recommendation."
Now, if he could just get Woody for a guest spot on L&O. How brilliant would that be?
Hewitt says the role is like nothing she has done before: raw and stripped-down. "Looks-wise, wardrobe-wise, hair-wise, makeup-wise ... [I had to] take everything off and be something that I've never been before. [It] really allowed me emotionally and physically and mentally to go to a different place," she says.
Over the course of the hour, which is titled "Behave," Detective Benson (Mariska Hargitay) learns that because of an administrative backlog, thousands of rape kits each year never see the inside of a lab.
While many episodes of Law & Order: SVU touch on real stories, "Behave" hits close to home for Hargitay. In 2004, the actress founded the Joyful Heart Foundation, which aims to help rape survivors heal and reclaim their lives. She recently testified in front of Congress about the rape-kit backlog.
SVU executive producer Neal Baer says he was inspired to do the episode after hearing the testimony of victims at a Joyful Heart fundraiser. "One of the stories was about how they weren't opening the kits. This guy was out there and he would have been stopped years before. I leaned over and whispered to one of our writers and said, 'This is it,'" he recalls.
Hewitt hopes that her portrayal bolsters the message by putting a face to it. "It's showing you what this issue can do to someone," the 31-year-old says. "And it's hopefully making [people] feel it... it's a gift that we get to be able to tell those stories. And it's a duty to tell them."
Law & Order: SVU airs Wednesday at 9/8c on NBC.
Then we watched Wednesday's (Sept. 29) episode of "Law & Order: SVU." Consider our minds changed a little.
In the episode, titled "Behave," Hewitt plays a woman who says she's been repeatedly stalked and raped by the same man -- over the course of 15 years, beginning when she was in high school. As a result, she's become a shut-in who only leaves her apartment when it's absolutely necessary.
Benson (Mariska Hargitay) promises to help her catch the rapist but can only do so if Hewitt's character will come out into the open a little. Hewitt gives a really strong performance, as "SVU" guest stars often do (the show has racked up 16 guest-acting Emmy nominations over the years), and gives the exceptionally creepy story a heart.
"SVU" airs at 9 p.m. ET Wednesday on NBC, leading into the premiere of "Law & Order: Los Angeles" at 10. For those who can't wait that long, "SVU" also features a scene with Hargitay and "L&O: LA" star Skeet Ulrich as LAPD Detective Rex Winters.
“I don’t think I will ever act the same way,” Hewitt said. “It was like something in my heart and my soul just connected on a different level. It was extraordinary.
“I felt really honoured that they thought I could tackle a subject matter like this and a character like this.”
The episode, titled Behave, airs Tuesday, Sept. 28 on CTV, and Wednesday, Sept. 29 on NBC.
On a much lighter note, Hewitt said her physical appearance in the episode was a bit of a shock whenever she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror.
“I was like, ‘Gosh, I don’t know who that actress is at all,’ ” Hewitt said. “But it really allowed me emotionally and physically and mentally to go to a different place.”
Mariska, who has brought attention to the value of rape kits through her Joyful Heart Foundation, will also be shooting scenes in Los Angeles for this same episode. Since this will be the lead in to Law and Order: Los Angeles' premiere, it seems likely that Mariska's Olivia will be interacting with the new franchise's cast to help lead viewers into Dick Wolf's latest franchise. No comment from Baer on that.
Jennifer Love Hewitt's "The Client List" averaged a whopping 3.9 million viewers in its first airing, making it the second most-watched cable movie of 2010. The story of a down-on-her-luck mom who turns to hookin', "CL" also features Cybill Shepherd in the role of Love's mom. (Personally, we think she would have been better cast as a no-nonsense madam, but we'll take our Cybill where we can get her.)
The actress, who has been hitting the gym and staying in shape, stars as a prostitute in Lifetime's The Client List, which airs Monday. And while the revealing part isn't every mother's dream, Hewitt's mom has a sense of humor about it.
"She thinks it's hilarious," the Ghost Whisperer star told PEOPLE at Palazzo Las Vegas's Azure Luxury Pool over the weekend. "She was like, 'So let's review … For 15 years people have been talking about your boobs. Earlier this year, you wrote about your hoo haw in a book. Now you're playing a crack ho on TV.' She was like, 'Do you think maybe you could do an animated movie next?' "
Though she wants to honor her mother's wishes, Hewitt isn't opposed to another racy role.
"I like pushing the edge," she says. "The thing I love is that people have allowed me to push it to a certain point and then back off of it and not have to go too far. As long as they can let me do that, I'm all up for the role."
As for her body, Hewitt says "I think it's really nice when I get named, like, 50 Hottest Bodies. That kind of stuff is good, but the rest, I'm good if they never talk about it again."
In Lifetime's original movie "The Client List," premiereing Monday, July 19 at 9 p.m. ET, Jennifer Love Hewitt plays Samantha, a former Texas homecoming queen who's lost her job as a physical therapist.
Even worse, her husband Rex (Teddy Sears) has been laid off as well. With children to feed, Samantha decides to get a job in a nearby town as a massage therapist ... only she soon discovers that the massage is the least of the services offered at the parlor.
Desperate, Samanthan decides to go through with the prostitution, but when the massage parlor is raided, she becomes a key witness, informing on high-profile clients.
The Ghost Whisperer star has spent the last few months promoting her love and dating book, The Day I Shot Cupid, in which she talks about "vajazzling" - decorating her vagina with stick-on crystals - to spice up a relationship.
She recently wrapped filming on TV movie The Client List, in which she stars as a desperate wife who embarks on a career as a high-end prostitute to help feed her family.
Hewitt insists her mother had no qualms about her latest acting role, but she hopes her famous daughter will choose more family-friendly jobs to tackle next.
The actress says, "She was very supportive. But then a week ago she was like, 'So, let's review the last year, shall we?' For 15 years people have been talking about your boobs in the press. You wrote about your woo-ha in a book and now you're playing a crack-ho on TV.' I was like, 'Yeah...' So she was like, 'Can we do an animated move next? Can you play Cinderella on Broadway or something?' I was like, 'OK, I'll clean it up, right after this one, I promise!'"
Bring it on -- that's part of the fun, she says.
"You do root for her and you do judge her, and you love that you judge her and by the end of it, you really forgive her for all that she's done," the 31-year-old Hewitt says. "Sometimes the best role models, and the people you should look up to the most, are the ones who actually do make mistakes because they show you how to overcome them."
The Client List, premiering Monday at 9/8c, is based on the true story of Samantha Horton, a woman who takes a position at a massage parlor only to find herself smack in the middle of a prostitution ring after she and her husband both lose their jobs.
"It really struck me, particularly where we are in the world economically. This is real stuff that people are dealing with," Hewitt says. "And I loved that, in this, it was about female empowerment. It was really her taking care of her family and I loved her struggle."
For the role, Hewitt trained by taking pole-dancing classes (she now has a pole in her house for her work-out regimen), but did little other research before filming began.
"I wanted to learn as Sam was learning it and I think it helped me in doing that," Hewitt says. "This project in particular, I really went on the journey with her because I didn't do any real research or any preparation. ... I really felt for Sam and her story and her struggle."
It was this emotional journey with Samantha that makes the character, and the film, one of Hewitt's favorite roles in her 20-plus-year acting career.
"Emotionally, this was one of the hardest things I ever had to do because it was work that I didn't understand. It was, quite honestly, a world that I was judgmental of before I did the part," she says. "It was difficult, but it would probably be a tie now between Sam and Audrey [Hepburn in The Audrey Hepburn Story]."
Besides showing her emotional range, the film is also a testament to Hewitt's personal growth and being "at the right place" in her life to take on this part.
"I've had these types of things come around a lot and I never did them because I was like, 'I couldn't even act that if I tried. I don't know that woman yet, I don't know that part.' And I do right now, where I am in my life," she says. "I was ready to be open to a new side of life and see why certain woman do things and find themselves in this situation."
Looking to the future, Hewitt says she's still figuring out what to tackle next. Despite Ghost Whisperer's surprise cancellation in May after five seasons on CBS, she's says she's looking at some TV projects as well as film roles. After showing a new side of herself in The Client List, she sounds ready to continue experimenting and jumping between genres.
"Some of the TV stuff I'm looking at is comedy stuff. I think maybe if I do jump in, I'd like to try something a little lighter and maybe not with the one-hour drama schedule," she says. "But I'm not in a rush to move back into TV right away, and if I do, it will probably be under different circumstances."
There's only one name on the list: Jennifer Love Hewitt. When Judd bumps into her on an airplane, he decides to take his shot. "I owe it to the fat kid from Philly who had a poster of Jennifer Love Hewitt in his room," he says.
Hewitt plays herself in the pilot episode. Zap2it recently spoke to Grunberg about working with the star. "I didn't know what to expect," he says. "I've been a fan of hers for a while. She's just, you know, gorgeous, so who knows what she's going to be like, right?"
Grunberg wasn't disappointed. "She's the sweetest, funniest, most accessible, generous actor I've worked with in a long time. I've been very lucky to work with great people, but she's right up there at the top of the list, now."
Zap2it saw Hewitt's episode at the NBC Upfront Presentation, and we'll just say that she gamely agrees to join the Mile High Club with Grunberg's character. "She's all about making it great. We had to be, uh, very intimate in the bathroom," Grunberg laughs. "She just threw herself into the comedy. Plus, come on, she played herself. You never know if someone's going to play a reserved version of themselves or whatever, but she just went for it."
"Of course," he adds, "it's not like it was too difficult for her. I'm a sexy beast."
Naturally.
Grunberg is currently in Chicago with Band from TV -- which includes familiar faces like Hugh Laurie, Jesse Spencer, and Adrian Pasdar -- to perform a benefit concert at The Vic for the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago.
It could explain why she was so fast to befriend Ali Fedotowsky last night when both girls hit Hamburger Mary's separately for drag bingo night.
"Jennifer came right over and introduced herself," an eyewitness tells me. "She got her number and kept saying they have to hang out. It was a little desperate."
But Ali seemed more interested in...
The bingo games!
"She got up to call a few games with the drag queens," the restaurant-goer says. "She won a game herself and donated her gift basket to a girl who was there celebrating her birthday."
J. Love got lucky as well, winning one game. And later the two girls were snapped leaving the West Hollywood hang together, but that wasn't the end of Ali's night.
She later hit up Boudoir, where Paris Hilton and her new Vegas guy Cy Waits were partying.
We're all for making new friends, but please, Ali, say no to vajazzling!
"When I meet young girls, I'm always like, 'Just do me one favor,' " she tells PEOPLE in its new issue. "Love what you look like right now – and remember I said it 10 years from now because it's the greatest gift I can give."
Having already witnessed first-hand how tough it can be to love your own figure – the 31-year-old spoke out against critics in December 2007 when unflattering photos of her on the beach surfaced – Hewitt says she first focused on getting a mind makeover.
"I just really worked on my mental part for a couple of weeks, got myself in a really good mindset," she says, adding that she was "bummed out" and "had to get over the embarrassment of the photos.
Then, the Ghost Whisperer star decided to give up her beloved donuts and make time to squeeze in workouts during her busy schedule – to get healthier, but not slim down drastically.
"I think I'm a work in progress," she admits. "[But] I feel it's so much better than [it was] a year-and-a-half ago, and I feel like in another eight months, it's going to be so much better than it is today."
Even with her new-found confidence, the 5-foot-2-inch Hewitt, whose Lifetime movie The Client List airs July 19, still fesses up to dreaming about having a certain body type.
"I'd want to have Gisele Bundchen's body. Even though she's tall and skinny, she does have curves … and I think that's hot," says Hewitt. "Halle Berry also is kind of amazing."
For more on Jennifer Love Hewitt – including her diet tricks, exercise secrets and (honest!) thoughts on plastic surgery – pick up this week's PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday.
Hollywood stars Megan Fox, Eliza Dushku, Sandra Bullock and Beyonce Knowles have all been tipped to take over the role Lynda Carter made famous in the 1970s for Joss Whedon's big screen remake.
But Hewitt is pleading with movie studio bosses at Warner Bros. to hire her for the part.
She says, "I'm fighting so hard. I think Warner Bros. is getting ready to make Wonder Woman and I really want to play Wonder Woman. I am obsessed with Wonder Woman."
"My love life is just me, and I'm very happy about it," Hewitt, who split from boyfriend Jamie Kennedy in March after about a year of dating, told us earlier today at Kari Feinstein's MTV Movie Awards Style Lounge. "I've not done the single thing very much, as you know, and I'm happy to do it."
Does that mean she's no longer vajazzling south of the border? Read on to find out…
"I vajazzle more for myself, so I have that secret sparkle that no one knows about," Hewitt teased. (For the record, Hewitt says she was not vajazzled when we spoke to her.)
As for Kathy Griffin's recent foray into decorating her lady parts, J.Love complained, "I'm a little upset that she did not say that it was my idea."
J.Love also told us she's hard at work on a follow-up book to The Day I Shot Cupid, her recent self-help guide to finding the right guy. "It's going to be about loving yourself," she explained. "I figured out in the last one I wrote a lot about how to get a man to fall in love with you but not very much about how, if you don't love yourself, that's not going to happen."
And now that Ghost Whisperer is dunzo, Hewitt may head to New York. "I'm looking at possible doing Broadway," she said. "To be able to sing and dance will be fun."
And what did Ms. Single Lady check out at the swag lounge? V Moda headphones, Infinity Sun tanning products, Isagenix health supplements and Britax's line of...baby strollers!
"After five wonderful seasons and over 100 episodes, we are disappointed to announce 'Ghost Whisperer' will not be returning for a sixth season," executive producers Kim Moses and Ian Sander said in a statement Thursday.
ABC, whose studio sibling co-produced "Ghost Whisperer" with CBS, had expressed an interest in "Ghost Whisperer," which consistently won its Friday-night time period.
Hewitt starred as a medium who can communicate with earthbound spirits and helps them "cross over" to the other side after their unfinished business is resolved.
"Friday Night Lights" on NBC has maintained its viewership, and ABC's hidden camera show, "Primetime: What Would You Do?" won the coveted 18-49 demo for its hour.
CBS drew 6.6 million viewers and a 4.4 rating/8 share in households. NBC's Friday numbers have been steadily improving, up to 5.4 million and a 3.7/7 share. They're followed by ABC (4.4 million, 2.9/6), FOX (3.1 million, 2.0/4) and The CW (1.2 million, 0.8/2).
CBS took the adult demo with a 1.5 rating. They're followed by ABC with a 1.4. NBC had a 1.3, FOX had a 1.1, and The CW, 0.4.
Friday hour by hour:
8 p.m.
CBS: "Ghost Whisperer" series finale (6.6 million viewers, 4.3/9 households)
ABC: "Wife Swap" (3.6 million, 2.4/5)
NBC: "Friday Night Lights" (3.9 million, 2.6/5)
FOX: "House" rerun (2.9 million, 1.9/4)
The CW: "America's Next Top Model" rerun (1.3 million, 0.9/2)
18-49 leader: "Ghost Whisperer" (1.6)
9 p.m.
CBS: "Medium" season finale (6.8 million, 4.4/8)
ABC: "Primetime: What Would You Do?" (5.1 million, 3.2/6)
NBC: "Dateline" (5.7 million, 3.9/7)
FOX: "Kitchen Nightmares" (3.4 million, 2.1/4)
The CW: "America's Next Top Model" rerun (1.9 million, 0.7/1)
18-49 leader: "Primetime: What Would You Do? (1.8)
10 p.m.
NBC: "Dateline" (6.7 million, 4.7/9)
CBS: "Miami Medical" (6.5 million, 4.5/8)
ABC: "20/20" (4.5 million, 3.2/6)
18-49 leader: "Dateline" (1.6)
No, literally—she's referring to Ghost Whisperer (RIP) star Jennifer Love Hewitt. Thankfully, Nina was happy to answer your burning Q's about GW's sudden demise, Big Bang Theory's big move and even Charlie Sheen's return to the tube...
Why Ghost Whisperer and why now?! Nina puts it simply: "It's sad, but shows don't stay on the air forever." A little harsh, but true—not to say that made the choice any easier on the execs.
"It was surprising to us, too," she explained. "If we didn't have the strength coming out of the development season, we might not have had the opportunity to do it. Ultimately, it's all about ratings for the network—that's where we have to continue to improve and succeed. It was personally very tough; Love is a friend, the producers are friends and Julia Louis-Dreyfus is someone who's done very well for us."
Nina did say she's heard rumors that ABC might rescue the fallen Ghost, but "that just comes with the territory."
And about BBT's superscandalous swap to Thursday's opposite NBC's Community, Nina doesn't shy away from the criticism—in fact, she seems to embrace it. "Historically you think about what Thursday nights have been, and if you look and the numbers Big Bang has been bringing in—it is virtually exploding. This was the time to do it," she explained.
"If you've got the piece to move to Thursday night, and Big Bang certainly earned its way there, that just made perfect sense. And how perfect that William Shatner should follow Leonard and Sheldon on Thursday night. Right?!" (More on that hilarious man to come!)
Nina said the folks over at CBS are "feeling so happy, so great, a little relieved" about Charlie Sheen's resolve to stick with Two and a Half Man a few years more, not just for the ratings it rakes in, but simply because "he's played an integral part in this network, so it's a win for everybody."
Tried and true procedurals "Ghost Whisperer," "Numbers" and "Cold Case" haven't been renewed, along with four other shows, says The Hollywood Reporter's Live Feed blog. This is a surprising turn for "Ghost" especially, since it consistently won its Friday night time period.
Also going the way of the dodo would be "Miami Medical" and comedies "Accidentally on Purpose," "New Adventures of Old Christine" and "Gary Unmarried."
It appears the network wants to reinvigorate its programming and possibly its audience as well.
CBS will confirm any cancellations and pickups at the upfront presentation on Wednesday, May 19.
CBS drew 6.2 million viewers and a 4.1 rating/8 share in households for the evening. ABC was next with 5.7 million and a 3.8/7, followed by NBC (5.1 million, 3.4/7), FOX (3.3 million, 2.0/4) and The CW (1.7 million, 1.1/2).
ABC won the adult demo with a 1.7 rating, followed by CBS with a 1.4. NBC had a 1.3, FOX a 1.2 and The CW, 0.7.
Friday hour by hour:
8 p.m.
CBS: "Ghost Whisperer" (6.4 million viewers, 4.2/8 households)
ABC: "Wife Swap" (4.3 million, 2.9/6)
NBC: "Friday Night Lights" (4.0 million, 2.6/5)
FOX: "House" rerun (3.1 million, 1.9/4)
The CW: "Smallville" (2.5 million, 1.6/3)
18-49 leader: "Ghost Whisperer" (1.5)
9 p.m.
CBS: "Medium" (6.2 million, 4.1/8)
ABC: "Primetime: What Would You Do?" (6.0 million, 4.0/7)
NBC: "Dateline: NBC" (5.2 million, 3.6/7)
FOX: "Kitchen Nightmares" (3.6 million, 2.1/4)
The CW: "America's Next Top Model" rerun (956,000, 0.6/1)
18-49 leader: "Primetime: What Would You Do? (1.8)
10 p.m.
ABC: "20/20" (6.6 million, 4.5/8)
NBC: "Dateline: NBC" (6.1 million, 4.1/8)
CBS: "Miami Medical" (5.9 million, 4.0/7)
18-49 leader: "20/20" (1.8)
The season premiere of NBC's "Friday Night Lights" returned with soft ratings, but ABC's premiere of "Primetime: What Would You Do?" won the adult demo for its hour.
CBS drew 6.6 million viewers and a 4.3 rating/8 share in households for the evening, ABC was next with 5.3 million and a 3.5/7, followed by NBC (4.8 million, 3.1/6), FOX (3.2 million, 2.0/4) and The CW (1.5 million, 1.0/2).
ABC and CBS tied in the adult demo with a 1.6 rating each. FOX had a 1.3, NBC a 1.2 and The CW, 0.6.
Friday hour by hour:
8 p.m.
CBS: "Ghost Whisperer" (6.5 million viewers, 4.1/8 households)
ABC: "Wife Swap" (4.5 million, 3.1/6)
NBC: "Friday Night Lights" season premiere (3.9 million, 2.4/5)
FOX: "House" rerun (3.1 million, 1.9/4)
The CW: "Smallville" (1.9 million, 1.3/3)
18-49 leader: "Ghost Whisperer" (1.6)
9 p.m.
CBS: "Medium" (7.1 million, 4.5/8)
ABC: "Primetime: What Would You Do?" (6.0 million, 3.8/7)
NBC: "Dateline" (4.6 million, 3.0/5)
FOX: "Kitchen Nightmares" (3.5 million, 2.1/4)
The CW: "America's Next Top Model" rerun (990,000, 0.8/1)
18-49 leader: "Primetime: What Would You Do? (1.9)
10 p.m.
CBS: "Miami Medical" (6.2 million, 4.1/8)
NBC: "Dateline" (6.0 million, 4.0/7)
ABC: "20/20" (5.5 million, 3.5/7)
18-49 leader: "Dateline" (1.9)
The trio joins J.J. Abrams' Undercovers as NBC looks to revamp its schedule after cutting back much of its scripted program development in previous years.
NBC describes The Event as a conspiracy thriller about an everyman whose search for his missing fiancée leads to his discovery of the biggest cover-up in U.S. history. The cast includes Jason Ritter, Laura Innes and Blair Underwood.
Love Bites is a throwback to the comedic anthology series Love American Style. Each week it will feature three loosely connected stories about love, sex, marriage and dating. Jennifer Love-Hewitt, Becky Newton and Greg Grunberg appear in the pilot episode.
The new half-hour comedy in the group is Outsourced, which stars Ben Rappaport as a American novelty company manager who is transferred to the firm's operation in India.
CBS drew 6.5 million viewers and a 4.3 rating/8 share in households for the evening, a little better than NBC's 6.2 million and 4.2/8. ABC (3.8 million, 2.5/5) came in third. FOX (2.8 million, 1.8/3) was fourth, and The CW brought up the rear with 1.9 million viewers and a 1.3/2.
NBC led the 18-49 demo with a modest 1.5 rating, edging CBS' 1.4. ABC's 1.2 was good enough for third, followed by FOX, 0.9, and The CW, 0.7.
Friday hour by hour:
8 p.m.
CBS: "Ghost Whisperer" (6.5 million viewers, 4.3/8 households)
NBC: "Who Do You Think You Are?" season finale (5.2 million, 3.5/7)
ABC: "Wife Swap" (3.4 million, 2.3/4)
FOX: "House" rerun (2.6 million, 1.7/3)
The CW: "Smallville" (2.4 million, 1.6/3)
18-49 leader: "Ghost Whisperer" (1.5)
9 p.m.
CBS: "Medium" (6.3 million, 4.2/8)
NBC: "Dateline" (6.1 million, 4.1/7)
ABC: "Wife Swap" (3.7 million, 2.4/4)
FOX: "House" rerun (3 million, 1.9/3)
The CW: "America's Next Top Model" rerun (1.5 million, 1.0/2)
18-49 leader: "Medium" and "Dateline" tied at 1.4
10 p.m.
NBC: "Dateline" (7.3 million, 4.8/9)
CBS: "Miami Medical" (6.7 million, 4.4/8)
ABC: "20/20" (4.4 million, 2.9/5)
18-49 leader: "Dateline" (1.9)
CBS' win came from an average of 7.02 million viewers and a 4.6 rating/8 share. NBC was a distant second with 4.9 million viewers and a 3.3/6. ABC was nipping on its heels with 4.4 million viewers and a 2.9/5, FOX was in fourth with 3.6 million viewers and 2.3/4 and the CW saw 1.6 million for a 1.1/2.
The adults 18-49 went to CBS with a 1.5, then ABC and FOX tied for second with 1.3, NBC was fourth with 1.2 and the CW was fifth with a 0.6.
Friday hour by hour:
8 p.m.
CBS: "Ghost Whisperer" (6.5 million viewers, 4.2/8 households)
NBC: "Who Do You Think You Are?" rerun (4.1 million, 2.8/5)
ABC: "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution" rerun (3.6 million, 2.4/5)
FOX: "House" rerun (3.5 million, 2.3/4)
The CW: "Smallville" (2.1 million, 1.4/3)
18-49 leader: "Ghost Whisperer" (1.5)
9 p.m.
CBS: "Medium" (7.5 million, 4.8/8)
NBC: "Dateline NBC" (5.1 million, 3.4/6)
ABC: "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution" (4.7 million, 3.1/5)
FOX: "Kitchen Nightmares" rerun (3.7 million, 2.3/4)
The CW: "America's Next Top Model" rerun (1.2 million, 0.8/1)
18-49 leader: "Medium" (1.7)
10 p.m.
CBS: "Miami Medical" (7.1 million, 4.8/9)
NBC: "Dateline NBC" (5.4 million, 3.7/7)
ABC: "20/20" (4.8 million, 3.3/6)
18-49 leader: "Miami Medical" tied with "Dateline NBC" (1.4)
The actress was spotted "holding hands" and "canoodling" with TV star/director John Asher at a recent dinner party.
An eye witness tells Life & Style magazine, "Jennifer was all over him... She was not hiding her affection or attraction to him at all."
Hewitt split from Kennedy earlier this year and Asher ended his six-year marriage with McCarthy in 2006.
Ironically, the news of Asher's new romance comes a day after McCarthy and her longtime boyfriend, Jim Carrey, split.
Love Hewitt split with "Ghost Whisperer" co-star Jamie Kennedy but made it clear it was not because of infidelity.
But the 31-year-old actress, named the sexiest woman on U.S. TV in 2008, readily admitted it happened to her before.
Asked by popular talk show host Ryan Seacrest on his KIIS-FM radio show if she was ever cheated on, Love Hewitt replied, "Yes. A lot."
Without identifying the guilty parties, the "Ghost Whisperer" actress -- who dated musician John Mayer and kayaker Brad Ludden, and was engaged to actor Ross McCall -- proceeded to list the ways in which she found out about boyfriends' cheating on her.
"Once I found out on television by seeing the two together," she said. "That was awesome. Another time I found them together. (The woman) was someone I had known. That was not good. And then another one I sort of had a feeling about, and I found phone stuff."
Hewitt detailed the ups and downs of her love life in her new book "The Day I Shot Cupid." Her relationship with Kennedy sounds like one of her healthier partnerships -- she dedicated the book to him before they broke up and declined to change it later, even though she was given the chance.
CBS took in an average of 6.5 million viewers and a 4.3 rating/8 share for the night. NBC was breathing down its neck with 6.4 million viewers and a 4.3/8 as well. Third place went to ABC with 4.2 million and a 2.8/5, then FOX, 3.2 million and 2.1/4 and finally The CW, 1.6 million and 1.0/2.
The adults 18-49 went to NBC just barely with a 1.5 rating. CBS was also in contention with a 1.4 followed by ABC, 1.3, FOX, 1.2, and The CW, 0.7.
Friday hour by hour:
8 p.m.
CBS: "Ghost Whisperer" (5.91 million viewers, 3.9/8 households)
NBC: "Who Do You Think You Are?" (5.89 million, 4.0/8)
ABC: "Wife Swap" (3.6 million, 2.4/5)
FOX: "House" rerun (2.8 million, 1.9/4)
The CW: "Smallville" (1.99 million, 1.3/3)
18-49 leader: "Who Do You Think You Are?" (1.4)
9 p.m.
NBC: "Dateline NBC" (6.6 million, 4.4/8)
CBS: "Medium" (6.2 million, 4.0/8)
ABC: "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution" (4.3 million, 2.8/5)
FOX: "Kitchen Nightmares" rerun (4.3 million, 2.8/5)
The CW: "America's Next Top Model" rerun (1.3 million, 0.7/1)
18-49 leader: "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution" tied with "Kitchen Nightmares" rerun (1.5)
10 p.m.
CBS: "Miami Medical" series premiere (7.6 million, 4.8/9)
NBC: "Dateline NBC" (6.7 million, 4.4/8)
ABC: "20/20" (4.9 million, 3.3/6)
18-49 leader: "Miami Medical" tied with "Dateline NBC" (1.6)
The Ghost Whisperer star, who will guest-star in the NBC pilot Love Bites, will headline the Lifetime original movie The List, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Hewitt, 31, will play an ex-beauty queen, now a married mother of three, who faces foreclosure on her home after a work injury sidelines her husband. Hewitt's character — who believes no one as pretty as she is should be poor — starts working at a massage parlor, where her clients want more than a rubdown.
The film, written by Frasier alum Suzanne Martin, will begin production in the spring in Vancouver with an eye on a premiere later this year.
The 31-year-old actress will guest-star in the NBC pilot Love Bites, TVGuide.com has confirmed. Hewitt — best known for her lead role in Ghost Whisperer — will play herself while having an in-flight rendezvous with one of the main cast members.
Love follows three loosely connected romantic story lines, with Jordana Spiro (My Boys) and Becki Newton (Ugly Betty) in the lead roles of the central plot.
Greg Grunberg (Heroes), Lindsay Price (Lipstick Jungle), Jason Lewis (Sex and the City) and Craig Robinson (The Office) will also guest-star in the pilot.
"I love office supplies," Hewitt told PEOPLE at Tuesday's grand opening of Esprit's flagship store in New York. "I love being organized. It's the folders and the tech … [Staples] is a place to take me if you want me to get hot and bothered."
Not that Hewitt, who recently split with Ghost Whisperer costar Jamie Kennedy, isn't enjoying her current post-break-up life. "It's really nice," she said. "You definitely get more time with your girlfriends. You get more time to do things around your house. And just to relax and get your nails done and watch TV and have a good glass of wine. It's great."
But when romance does come back around, Hewitt, 31, has a formula for predicting whether it will last. "You can pretty much figure out on the first 10 dates who the guy is going to be seven months later," she explained. "And we as girls tend to romanticize men right away, and say, 'No, no, no, he didn’t mean that.' Or, 'That thing that he did, it kind of bothered me, but it will change.' "
[But] it doesn't change," Hewitt continued, laughing. "You have to find somebody just who works and gels with you and that's all you can do."
Hewitt has plenty of other dating advice, which serves up in her new book, The Day I Shot Cupid, out this week. Ex-boyfriend Kennedy also wrote a chapter – which Hewitt said she "loved," despite the fact that they're no longer an item.
"I thought it was great," she said. "And I'm really appreciative that he was a part of the book."
"It wasn't ideal timing," the 31-year-old actress admits, laughing. "Here's my relationship book and I'm single."
Still, she has gone ahead with the publicity tour for "The Day I Shot Cupid: My Name is Jennifer Love Hewitt and I'm a Love-Aholic." And she's embracing one of its lessons: Allow yourself 72 hours to wallow after a breakup. Then move forward.
"Put your big girl pants on and move on," Hewitt tells The Associated Press. "Seventy-two hours is an appropriate time. After that you start to smell and your friends don't want to talk to you. ... It doesn't mean it fixes your feelings or takes away the sadness. You should just start to go, 'I'm OK.'"
The book also includes these tips: Accept that men will always check out other women. Guys hate to spoon. And one shouldn't be overzealous with a new significant other.
There's even a section written by Kennedy himself, who assures women that most guys like their girls curvy, not stick-thin.
Hewitt includes personal anecdotes, such as when she made his-and-her toiletry kits for a guy she was dating. She thought it was cute; he found it scary.
The book also sets the record straight on parts of Hewitt's relationship history, which has been played out in the press.
"My dating life has been written about really since I was 15 ... so this book is my way of saying, 'No, this is who I am and this is what I've really thought about that, and these are the things that I've done that maybe you didn't read about."
Despite her recent difficulties, Hewitt says there wouldn't be, say, Shakespeare without love-aholics like herself.
"Dreaming about romance is not any different than having a vision board, which is the big thing out there that you're supposed to do ... to put it out there in the universe."
The book is published by Hyperion, a division of ABC. Order the book now at this link.
"I don't think anyone truly enjoys dating," the actress and author of The Day I Shot Cupid said Tuesday on NBC's Today show. "I'm better in relationships than I am going out with one guy on a Monday and then another one on a Wednesday and another one on a Saturday. It feels weird to me. So, I tend to spend time with people and have boyfriends versus dates."
Asked why she hasn't found Mr. Right yet, the actress, 31 – who recently split from her Ghost Whisperer costar Jamie Kennedy – replied, "I think that's how love works. I think it's timing, and figuring out who you are."
Not necessarily referring to Kennedy, 39, she added: "I think it takes a lot of frogs to find your prince."
The two actors are still working together on the CBS show, and Hewitt says it hasn't been too terrible. "I think maybe earlier in my life that would've been a harder thing to do," she said. "But with age comes growing up, and it's been OK. It's been fine."
Hewitt also spoke about her weight controversy in 2007, saying she moved on from it pretty quickly, thanks to a little help from her friends. "People came out in support, and that part was really lovely," she said.
As for her future in love, Hewitt – who was once engaged to Scottish actor Ross McCall – says she still has some self-discovery left to do first.
"I think every relationship you're in teaches you something different about yourself," she said. "And I feel like, at 31, there's still so much more I need to know about myself before I can completely give the perfect version of me to someone."
"I don't like to go out to clubs and party. I'm not into 'Let's go out with one guy on a Monday and another guy on a Wednesday' – that's just not me," Hewitt, 31, tells PEOPLE. "I'm a relationship kind of girl. I like a twosome. Some people get excited about being single. I don't."
Hewitt and her Ghost Whisperer costar Jamie Kennedy, 39, quietly split recently after a year together.
It was "a mutual decision, and we've parted as friends," says Hewitt. "There's no anger, there's no upset, there's no enemies." Hewitt adds that the pair's pre-existing friendship has made it easy to transition to working together as exes: "It's been totally fine. It's really a testament to who he is and to who I am. We're both grown-ups."
New Book
Ironically, the split comes just as The Day I Shot Cupid, Hewitt's new book offering advice and wisdom on dating and relationship hits bookstores. Subtitled Hello, My Name is Jennifer Love Hewitt and I'm a Love-aholic, the book, out March 23, includes Hewitt's own dating horror stories, admissions about her fantasy engagement rings (she's been visiting the same store since age 12 to try them on) and advice on everything from getting over breakups to dieting and cellulite.
It also includes a chapter written by her then-boyfriend Kennedy in which he rhapsodizes about women's curves – derrieres in particular, saying he prefers "junko in the trunko" and calling big butts "sexy, strong and yummy."
Hewitt says she has "no idea" when she'll be ready to date again, though she plans to re-read her own book for advice (and is already at work penning a follow-up).
Independent Working Woman
"Back in the shark tank!" she jokes. "I never said in the book that I knew how to be in the perfect relationship. I say in my book I want to be the readers' kind spirit out in the dating world. And now, more than ever, I am."
So for now is Hewitt content to be an independent working woman, or does the self-described "hopeless romantic" still yearn to find true love?
"Both," she says. "I want to be an independent woman who falls in love, finds a great partner for her lifetime, has kids and kind of does it all. I'd like to have it all."
A source close to the couple insists there was no infidelity or other smoking gun behind their breakup, and says it was a mutual decision by two people who remain friends.
"It wasn't contentious," the source tells PEOPLE. "It had kind of just run its course … They just sort of looked at each other and said, 'We like each other and we make each other laugh, but this isn't for the long-term.' "
Hectic schedules may have also contributed to the split. In addition to starring in and producing Ghost Whisperer, Hewitt is preparing for an upcoming Lifetime movie, and getting ready for a tour to promote her first book, The Day I Shot Cupid, due out March 23. In the book, the star – quite fittingly – offers advice on relationships, love and weathering, among other things, breakups.
"She's working constantly, and Jamie's working on the show and touring [with his stand-up comedy act]," says the source. "It just isn't conducive to a relationship."
Still, the source says the former couple's on-set relationship remains drama free and professional.
CBS drew 8.25 million viewers and a 5.1 rating/9 share for the night, narrowly beating NBC's 7.75 million and 5.1/9. ABC (4.9 million, 3.3/6) came in third. FOX (3.6 million, 2.2/4) took fourth, while The CW averaged 1.6 million viewers and a 1.1/2.
The adults 18-49 race was close as well: CBS led the demo with a 1.8, just ahead of NBC's 1.7. ABC and FOX tied for third at 1.4, and The CW drew a 0.6.
Friday hour by hour:
8 p.m.
CBS: "Ghost Whisperer" (7.85 million viewers, 4.9/9 households)
NBC: "Who Do You Think You Are?" (7.15 million, 4.5/8)
ABC: "Supernanny" (4.9 million, 3.2/6)
FOX: "House" rerun (3.1 million, 2.0/4)
The CW: "America's Next Top Model" rerun (1.7 million, 1.2/2)
18-49 leader: "Ghost Whisperer" (1.9)
9 p.m.
CBS: "Medium" (8.15 million, 5.1/9)
NBC: "Dateline" (7.8 million, 5.2/9)
ABC: "Supernanny" (4.18 million, 2.8/5)
FOX: "Kitchen Nightmares" (4.16 million, 2.5/4)
The CW: "America's Next Top Model" rerun (1.8 million, 1.3/2)/"High Society" rerun (1.1 million, 0.7/1)
18-49 leader: "Medium" (1.8)
10 p.m.
CBS: "Numb3rs" season finale (8.7 million, 5.4/10)
NBC: "Dateline" (8.3 million, 5.5/10)
ABC: "20/20" (5.6 million, 3.8/7)
18-49 leader: "Numb3rs" and "Dateline" tied at 1.8
No further details were available.
Though some in the blogosphere called them an unlikely couple, Kennedy and Hewitt regularly gushed over each other.
When Kennedy first confirmed the romance in March 2009, he told Ryan Seacrest during a radio interview, "I'm in love!" Describing his costar on Ghost Whisperer, Kennedy said: "It's like, 'Wow, you are hot. You can sing, you can dance, you're like, so smart and, wow, you can cook pasta fagioli, too.' "
Hewitt called her beau "hilarious," but praised him as more than just a funnyman. "There are people in your life who are just supportive and who just look at you and they see who you are," Hewitt told Ellen DeGeneres last year. "And [Jamie] really saw who I was as a person more than anybody had ever done in my whole life. I think that's for me when I sort of went, 'Oh, wow.' "
CBS averaged 7.79 million viewers and a 4.9 rating/ 9 share in primetime, just ahead of NBC's 7.1 million and 4.7/9. Third place went to ABC, which drew 5.8 million and a 3.9/7, followed by FOX 3.6 million, 2.1/4 and The CW with 1.4 million, 0.9/2.
CBS and NBC tied in the adult demo with a 1.7 rating apiece for the night, followed by ABC, 1.4, FOX, 1.2, and The CW, 0.2.
Friday hour by hour:
8 p.m.
CBS: "Ghost Whisperer" (7.4 million, 4.7/9)
NBC: "Who Do You Think You Are?" (6.9 million viewers, 4.6/8 households)
ABC: "Supernanny" (4.4 million, 2.9/5)
FOX: "House" rerun (3.7 million, 2.3/4)
The CW: "Smallville" rerun (1.5 million, 0.9/2)
18-49 leader: "Ghost Whisperer" (1.7)
9 p.m.
CBS: "Medium" (7.9 million, 4.9/9)
NBC: "Dateline NBC" (6.6 million, 4.4/8)
ABC: "20/20" (6.3 million, 4.2/7)
FOX: "Kitchen Nightmares" rerun (3.5 million, 2.0/4)
The CW: "Smallville" rerun (1.2 million, 0.8/1)
18-49 leader: "Medium" (1.8)
10 p.m.
CBS: "Numb3rs" (8.1 million, 5.0/9)
NBC: "Dateline NBC" (7.7 million, 5.2/9)
ABC: "20/20" (6.7 million, 4.5/8)
18-49 leader: "Dateline NBC" (1.9)
"It was definitely daunting and definitely nerve-racking, but I was really excited and honored to get to do it," Hewitt says. "Having been on the show and worked this hard on it, it was really nice to be in control of such a big episode."
Executive producers Kim Moses and Ian Sander said asking Hewitt to direct was a "no-brainer" after her past success behind the camera.
"When the new season came, she of course wanted to direct again and, frankly, we insisted that she direct again because she did such a good job," Sander says. "When we started talking about the 100th episode and that we wanted it to be special ... it seemed like a natural to have her direct it."
In the episode, titled "Implosion" and written by series creator John Gray, Melinda must race against a ticking clock when a ghost tells her that a bomb has gotten into the wrong hands. Although this is now Hewitt's third time in the director's chair, she says she explored a lot of new territory in the action-intense episode. "There are some big explosions in the episode which are really fun. I had never done those before as a director or as an actor," Hewitt says. "I had no idea quite how explosive it was going to be on all angles."
The series' 100th episode is not only explosive because of a bomb, but because of the bomb's aftermath, namely a major character's death. The series' creative team is understandably tight-lipped about the character's identity.
"Just because it's a death, doesn't mean that it's the end of the character. I wouldn't necessarily count on that," Sander says. "We have actors that fortunately have a very good time on our show and we try to explain to them, the best way to recur is to die."
No matter if said character returns to Grandview or not, Hewitt says the death will have long-term repercussions. "The death means possible deaths for others," she says.
It is only fitting the episode deals with the death of a major character on a show that deals with mortality so openly week after week — an attribute to which the producers credit the series' success. "The concept of the show is a universal theme; everybody in the world would like one more chance to reconnect with somebody they love who has passed away," Moses says.
The birthday girl, rocking a Lady Gaga-esque hair bow and pink tutu, was on Team '80s and went from West Hollywood to Santa Monica in search of clues.
But all we wanna know is where was her man?
"I didn't even hear his name mentioned," a source tells E! News. "I don't know why...maybe he was out of town."
Reps for Love and Kennedy didn't respond to our requests for comment, but sounds like Jen had a blast without him.
"They went all over town collecting items, taking pictures and figuring out clues," the source tells us of the bash, which was thrown by Cal Iseminger of Cal's Game Night Productions. "There were prizes, and it was a lot of fun."
The hunt ended at Electric Karma restaurant on Third Street, where she blew out her candles.
Ironically, Jen and Jamie hit the same Indian restaurant together in August and didn't hide their affection during their dinner at that time.
"They were both on the same side of the table, and she was lying on top of him and kissing his neck," an insider tells E! News of their previous visit. "It was quite a scene."
Is it time for her to start bedazzling her girly parts again?
That's actually a big Friday night for the CW -- the Justice League on "Smallville" had lots of people tuning in.
FOX and NBC flip-flopped in the 18-49 demo, which looked like this: CBS (2.1), ABC (1.6), FOX (1.5), NBC (1.3) and the CW (1.2), all of which are up a good bit from last week.
Friday hour by hour:
8 p.m.
CBS: "Ghost Whisperer" (8.8 million viewers, 5.4/9 households)
NBC: "Law & Order" rerun (5.6 million, 3.7/6)
ABC: "Supernanny" (5.4 million, 3.5/6)
FOX: "House" rerun (3.9 million, 2.4/4)
The CW: "Smallville" (2.6 million, 1.7/3)
18-49 leader: "Ghost Whisperer" (2.2)
9 p.m.
CBS: "Medium" (9.1 million, 5.5/9)
NBC: "Dateline" (6.5 million, 4.4/8)
ABC: "Shark Tank" (4.7 million, 3.0/5)
FOX: "Kitchen Nightmares" (4.1 million, 2.4/4)
The CW: "Smallville" (2.9 million, 1.9/3)
18-49 leader: "Medium" (2.2)
10 p.m.
CBS: "Numb3rs" (9.2 million, 5.8/10)
ABC: "20/20" (8.6 million, 5.9/10)
NBC: "The Jay Leno Show" (4.5 million, 3.0/5)
18-49 leader: "Numb3rs" (2.0)
CBS drew 8.3 million viewers and a 5.2 rating /9 share in households for the night. NBC took second with 6.4 million and a 4.2/7, followed by ABC (5.7 million, 3.8/7), FOX (2.7 million, 1.7/3) and The CW (2.0, 1.3/2).
CBS also took the adults 18-49 demo crown with a 1.8 rating. ABC came next with a 1.5, then NBC, 1.4, FOX, 1.1, and The CW, 0.8. and NBC tied for second at 1.5, and FOX scored a 1.0. The CW managed only a 0.5.
Friday hour by hour:
8 p.m.
CBS: "Ghost Whisperer" (8.3 million viewers, 5.1/9 households)
NBC: "Law & Order" (6.8 million, 4.4/8)
ABC: "Supernanny" (4.7 million, 3.0/5)
The CW: "Smallville" (2.5 million, 1.6/3)
FOX: "Dollhouse" finale (2.2 million, 1.4/2)
18-49 leader: "Ghost Whisperer" (1.9)
9 p.m.
CBS: "Medium" (8.0 million, 5.0/9)
NBC: "Dateline" (7.3 million, 5.0/9)
ABC: "Shark Tank" (4.4 million, 2.7/5)
FOX: "Kitchen Nightmares" (3.3 million, 2.0/3)
The CW: "Smallville" rerun (1.5 million, 0.9/2)
18-49 leader: "Medium" (1.8)
10 p.m.
CBS: "Numb3rs" (8.7 million, 5.5/10)
ABC: "20/20" (8.1 million, 5.6/10)
NBC: "The Jay Leno Show" (4.9 million, 3.2/6)
18-49 leader: "Numb3rs" (1.8)
"He's done a bunch of romantic things just because that's who he is," says girlfriend Jennifer Love Hewitt. "It's hard to pick just one."
Kennedy does have something special up his sleeve for Feb. 14, which he plans to celebrate with Hewitt in Massachusetts. Without getting specific, Kennedy, 39, said there would be "a little chocolate, a little roses" involved.
"I'm going to do very good this Valentine's Day," the actor-comedian told PEOPLE Thursday while hosting the Tao-A-Go-Go dance contest at Tao Las Vegas. "You will hear about it."
He will have his work cut out for him, though. Hewitt, 30, clearly knows the definition of her middle name.
"She's the most romantic person you will ever meet," Kennedy said of his girlfriend of nearly a year.
Led by "Numb3rs," CBS drew 9.05 million viewers and a 5.5 rating/10 share in households for the night. NBC (6.8 million, 4.5/8) finished second. ABC (5.1 million, 3.2/6) was third, followed by FOX, which had 3 million viewers and a 1.9/3. The CW (1.2 million, 0.8/1) trailed.
CBS also won the adults 18-49 demographic with a 2.2 rating. ABC and NBC tied for second at 1.5, and FOX scored a 1.0. The CW managed only a 0.5.
Friday hour by hour:
8 p.m.
CBS: "Ghost Whisperer" (8.6 million viewers, 5.3/9 households)
NBC: "Law & Order" (7.3 million, 4.7/8)
ABC: "Supernanny" (5.4 million, 3.5/6)
FOX: "Bones" rerun (3.9 million, 2.4/4)
The CW: "Smallville" rerun (1.2 million, 0.8/1)
18-49 leader: "Ghost Whisperer" (2.2)
9 p.m.
CBS: "Medium" (9 million, 5.5/9)
NBC: "Dateline" (7.75 million, 5.1/9)
ABC: "Shark Tank" (4.4 million, 2.7/5)
FOX: "Dollhouse" (2.1 million, 1.4/2)
The CW: "Smallville" rerun (1.3 million, 0.8/1)
18-49 leader: "Medium" (2.2)
10 p.m.
CBS: "Numb3rs" (9.5 million, 5.7/10)
NBC: "The Jay Leno Show" (5.44 million, 3.6/6)
ABC: "20/20" (5.41 million, 3.6/6)
18-49 leader: "Numb3rs" (2.2)
Simply brighten your mood with a shiny vagina!
As Hewitt reveals to a suddenly attentive George Lopez while plugging her tome The Day I Shot Cupid: Hello, My Name Is Jennifer Love Hewitt and I'm a Love-aholic, the concept is akin to taking a BeDazzler to your vajayjay, and voila! Color yourself "vagazzled."
In fact, using the Swarovski crystal technique, classy Jen apparently shades her glittering lady parts to fit her mood, or outfit, or whatever! (On Lopez Tonight, it was pink. Sassy!).
While the process certainly seems to have brightened Hewitt's mood, how Jamie Kennedy feels is anybody's guess.
CBS led the night's ratings with 9.1 million viewers and a 5.6 rating/9 share in households. The strength of "Dateline: NBC" helped NBC finish second with 7.9 million viewers and a 5.2/9. Following was ABC (5.3 million, 3.5/6), FOX (3.7 million, 2.3/4) and The CW (1.5 million, 0.9/2).
CBS stayed in front with the adults 18-49 demo with a 2.1 rating for the evening. NBC was next with a 1.7, closely followed by ABC, 1.6. FOX and The CW finished with a 1.1 and 0.6, respectively.
Friday hour by hour:
8 p.m.
CBS: "Ghost Whisperer" (9.0 million, 5.5/9)
NBC: "Law & Order" (7.5 million, 5.1/9)
FOX: "Bones" rerun (5.0 million, 3.0/5)
ABC: "Supernanny" (4.3 million viewers, 2.8/5 households)
The CW: "Smallville" rerun (1.5 million, 0.9/2)
18-49 leader: "Ghost Whisperer" (2.2)
9 p.m.
NBC: "Dateline: NBC" (10.4 million, 6.8/11)
CBS: "Medium" (8.9 million, 5.4/9)
ABC: "Shark Tank" (4.0 million, 2.4/4)
FOX: "Dollhouse" (2.4 million, 1.5/3)
The CW: "Smallville" rerun (1.5 million, 0.9/1)
18-49 leader: "Dateline: NBC" (2.2)
10 p.m.
CBS: "Numb3rs" (9.3 million, 5.8/10)
ABC: "20/20" (7.8 million, 5.3/9)
NBC: "The Jay Leno Show" (5.8 million, 3.6/6)
18-49 leader: "20/20" (2.3)
Her list of devotees includes Teri Hatcher, Lindsay Lohan, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Kate Hudson, who has proven especially adept at working the pole.
"She just loves being feminine. Every movement for her is beautiful and sexy," Kelley, 48, says about the Nine star. "The excitement of sharing it [with her boyfriend] was big for her. She wanted to do a routine, to share it.”
Kelley started her own training company, S Factor, after researching strip clubs for a role. "I was a dance major at NYU, and had done every dance you can imagine," says Kelley. "I have never done anything so beautiful as this. I never had the kind of long, lean muscles I have now – and I still have the curves."
But S Factor isn't just about the pole. Kelley also incorporates yoga-type stretches and strength exercises.
"It's a really safe, fun, wholesome and sexy environment," she says. "It's not sleazy or tacky or silly; it's really sensual and beautiful. It's not about being naked." Lights are kept low so clients – who include all shapes and sizes and weights, and range in age from about 18-73 – feel comfortable. "It's really sensual and beautiful," Kelley adds. "It's fitness program designed for the female body."
The Big Tease
Clients begin at level 1 and work to level 7. Hudson, a level 6, "took to it easily and effortlessly," Kelley says. "I would say her favorite part is what I call the tease. She likes the standing hip circles. Those are big and beautiful and luxurious."
Kelley choreographed Teri Hatcher's upcoming pole dance on the Jan. 11 episode of Desperate Housewives. "I couldn't even believe she's turning 45, she's so beautiful," Kelley says. "She did the snake. That's a trick where I put her in 8-inch white heels. The snake is a Level 2, and it's an inverted trick – you have to use every single muscle in your core, and peel upside down as if you're hanging from a tree and push your body up … She's really impressive."
Jennifer Love Hewitt took to pole dancing when she began training for a scene in The Ghost Whisperer. "She's a natural, she's really beautiful when she dances," says Caroline Netzorg, S Factor's Los Angeles Studio Manager, who taught Hewitt. "The thing I feel that Jennifer loves about it is she seems to experience a sense of empowerment and freedom she doesn't get to experience anywhere else."
In 2006, she put Lohan through the paces for the movie I Know Who Killed Me, where she played a stripper.
"She worked really hard," Kelley says. "She loved how sexy it made her feel."
The Eye's Friday supernatural powerhouse scored it 7.5 million viewers and a 4.8 rating/8 share. The Muppets -- specifically, "A Muppets Christmas" -- and "Dateline" helped NBC sneak past ABC with 5.1 million viewers and a 3.2/6 to the latter's 4.5 million and 3.2/5. FOX burned off the remaining episodes of "Dollhouse," but only snagged 2.05 million viewers and a 1.4/2, while The CW's "Smallville" repeat and holiday special "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer" clinched 2.02 million viewers and a 1.2/2.
CBS handily won the 18-49 demographic for the night, with NBC trailing at 1.3 and ABC barely falling behind the Peacock with 1.2. FOX and The CW tied in the demo with 0.8 each.
8 p.m.
CBS: "Ghost Whisperer" (8.2 million viewers, 5.2/9 households)
ABC: "Dreams Come True: A Celebration of Disney Animation" (3.7 million, 2.6/5)
NBC: "A Muppets Christmas" (4.2 million, 2.4/4)
FOX: "Dollhouse" (2.1 million, 1.5/3)
The CW "Smallville" repeat (1.8 million, 1.1/2)
18-49 leader: "Ghost Whisperer" (1.9)
9 p.m.
CBS: "Medium" (6.9 million viewers, 4.4/7 households)
NBC: "Dateline: NBC" (6.2 million, 4.0/7)
ABC: "Ugly Betty" (4.2 million, 2.9/5)
FOX: "Dollhouse" (1.9 million, 1.3/2)
The CW "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer" (2.2 million, 1.3/2)
18-49 leader: "Medium" (1.8)
10 p.m.
CBS: "Numb3rs" (7.3 million viewers, 4.7/8 household)
ABC: "20/20" (5.7 million, 4.0/7)
NBC: "The Jay Leno Show" (4.7 million, 3.2/6)
18-49 leader: "Numb3rs" and "20/20" tie (1.6)
CBS won the overall night with 8 million viewers and a 5.1 rating/9 share in households. ABC finished second in viewers, with 6.8 million (4.1 rating/7 share in households) but NBC's 6.6 million viewers had a larger rating and share of households at 4.3/8. FOX remained in fourth place with just under 3.5 million viewers, 2.3 rating/4 share in households. The CW brought up the rear with 1.7 million viewers and a 1.1/2.
The 18-49 demo was a tie between CBS and ABC at 1.9, NBC was third at 1.4, then FOX with 1.0 and finally the CW at 0.7.
Friday hour by hour:
8 pm
CBS: "Ghost Whisperer" (8.4 million viewers, 5.4/9 share in households)
NBC: "Law & Order" (7.5 million viewers, 4.8/9)
ABC: "Shrek the Third" (5.8 million viewers, 3.4/6 share in households)
FOX: "House" rerun (3.3 million viewers, 2.1/4 share in households)
CW: "Smallville" (2.5 million viewers, 1.6/3 share in households)
18-49 leader: "Ghost Whisperer" (2.0)
9 pm
CBS: "Medium" (7.8 million viewers, 5.0/9 share in households)
NBC: "Dateline" (7.6 million viewers, 5.0/9 share in households)
ABC: "Shrek the Third" (6.8 million viewers, 3.7/6 share in households)
FOX: "Bones" rerun (3.6 million viewers, 2.4/4 share in households)
CW: "America's Next Top Model" rerun (.9 million viewers, 0.7/1 share in households)
18-49 leader: "Shrek the Third" (2.1)
10 pm
ABC: "20/20" (7.9 million viewers, 5.3/10 share in households)
CBS: "Numb3rs" (7.8 million viewers, 5.1/9 share in households
NBC: "The Jay Leno Show" (4.7 million viewers, 3.2/6 share in households)
18-49 leader: "20/20" (1.8)
Following the screening of Twilight's much-anticipated sequel, costars and fans headed to L.A.'s Hammer Museum.
Jennifer Love Hewitt and boyfriend Jamie Kennedy attended the party, which had an Italian theme as a nod to the New Moon Volturi scenes set in Volterra, Italy. "They were holding hands and walking around, they kept to themselves for the most part," says a fellow partygoer. "They looked like they were having a good time."
Another set of costars who seemed happy to be hanging out? Glee cast members Lea Michele and Mark Salling. "They were whispering, giggling, and talking closely to each other," says the source. "They looked like they were flirting!" (For the record, Michele's rep says the costars are not a couple.)
Partygoers ate Italian food and CRUMBS Bake Shop Twilight-themed cupcakes served by caterers wearing red cloaks, and the outside patio was decorated with extra foliage and red lanterns hanging from trees to mimic the Forks forests, where the film is set.
CBS drew 8.1 million viewers and a 5.1 rating/9 share in households, well ahead of second-place finisher NBC, which had 6.5 million viewers and a 4.3/8 for the night. ABC was next with 5.4 million and 3.6/6 followed by FOX (3.7 million, 2.5/4) and The CW (2 million, 1.3/2).
The Eye network also let the way among adults 18-49 with a 1.9 rating, which ABC and NBC duked it out but tied for second at 1.5 apiece. FOX's 1.1 was good for fourth, while The CW had a 0.9.
Friday hour by hour:
8 p.m.
CBS: "Ghost Whisperer" (8 million viewers, 5.1/9 households)
NBC: "Law & Order" (7.5 million, 4.9/9)
ABC: "Supernanny" (5 million, 3.3/6)
FOX: "House" repeat (3.5 million, 2.3/4)
The CW: "Smallville" (2.7 million, 1.6/3)
18-49 leader: "Ghost Whisperer"/"Law & Order" (2.0)
9 p.m.
CBS: "Medium" (8.2 million, 5.2/9)
NBC: "Dateline NBC" (7.3 million, 4.8/8)
ABC: "Ugly Betty" (4.5 million, 3.0/5)
FOX: "Bones" repeat (4 million, 2.6/5)
The CW: "America's Next Top Model" repeat (1.3 million, 0.9/1)
18-49 leader: "Medium" (1.9)
10 p.m.
CBS: "Numb3rs" (8.2 million, 5.2/9)
ABC: "20/20" (6.7 million, 4.6/8)
NBC: "The Jay Leno Show" (4.7 million, 3.1/6)
18-49 leader: "20/20" (1.9)
"Twilight" and "True Blood" were among the top nominees announced Tuesday. Fans cast more than 18 million votes online to select the nominee slate and will also choose the winners in 35 categories.
The People's Choice Awards lets the general public vote for their favorite stars and works of popular culture.
"Twilight" is up for favorite movie, franchise and on-screen team for its trio of stars: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner. Stewart and Pattinson were also nominated individually for favorite movie actress and actor, and Lautner is up for breakout movie actor.
"True Blood" was nominated for favorite TV obsession and sci-fi/fantasy TV show, plus star Anna Paquin earned a nod for TV drama actress.
Fans can vote for their favorites online at www.peopleschoice.com.
Queen Latifah is set to host the People's Choice Awards at the Nokia Theatre. The ceremony will be broadcast live on CBS on Jan. 6, 2010.
The complete list of nominees:
TV drama: "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "Grey's Anatomy," "House," "Lost," "NCIS."
TV comedy: "Desperate Housewives," "How I Met Your Mother," "The Big Bang Theory," "The Office," "Two and a Half Men."
TV drama Actor: Hugh Laurie, Kiefer Sutherland, Mark Harmon, Matthew Fox, Patrick Dempsey.
TV drama Actress: Anna Paquin, Blake Lively, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Katherine Heigl, Mariska Hargitay.
TV comedy Actor: Alex Baldwin, Charlie Sheen, Jim Parsons, Neil Patrick Harris, Steve Carell.
TV comedy Actress: Alyson Hannigan, America Ferrera, Amy Poehler, Eva Longoria Parker, Tina Fey.
TV obsession: "Dexter," "Gossip Girl," "The Hills," "The Secret Life of the American Teenager," "True Blood."
TV talk show: "Chelsea Lately," "Live with Regis & Kelly," "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," "The Oprah Winfrey Show," "The Tyra Banks Show."
TV sci-fi/fantasy: "Heroes," "Lost," "Supernatural," "The Vampire Diaries," "True Blood."
TV competition show: "American Idol," "Dancing With the Stars," "Project Runway," "So You Think You Can Dance," "Survivor: Samoa."
Animal show: "Animal Cops," "DogTown," "Dog Whisperer," "It's Me or the Dog," "Rescue Ink."
New TV drama: "Eastwick," "FlashForward," "Melrose Place," "Mercy," "The Forgotten," "The Good Wife," "The Vampire Diaries," "Three Rivers," "NCIS: Los Angeles," "V."
New TV comedy: "Accidentally on Purpose," "Brothers," "Community," "Cougar Town," "Glee," "Hank," "The Cleveland Show," "The Middle," "Modern Family."
Movie actor: Brad Pitt, Hugh Jackman, Johnny Depp, Robert Pattinson, Ryan Reynolds.
Movie actress: Anna Hathaway, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Aniston, Kristen Stewart, Sandra Bullock.
Action star: Christian Bale, Gerard Butler, Hugh Jackman, Shia LaBeouf, Vin Diesel.
Comedic star: Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller, Jim Carrey, Ryan Reynolds, Vince Vaughn.
Breakout movie actress: Anna Kendrick, Emily Osment, Ginnifer Goodwin, Miley Cyrus, Zoe Saldana.
Breakout movie actor: Chris Pine, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Sam Worthington, Taylor Lautner, Zachary Quinto.
On-screen team: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"; Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, "The Proposal"; Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner, "The Twilight Saga"; Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox, "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen"; Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Ryan Reynolds, will.i.am, Dominic Monaghan and Daniel Henney, "X-Men Origins: Wolverine."
Family movie: "Hannah Montana: The Movie," "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs," "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian," "Up," "Where the Wild Things Are."
Independent movie: "(500) Days of Summer," "District 9," "Inglourious Basterds," "Paranormal Activity," "Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail."
Franchise: "Harry Potter," "Star Trek," "The Twilight Saga," "Transformers," "X-Men."
Comedy movie: "17 Again," "Bride Wars," "He's Just Not That Into You," "The Hangover," "The Proposal."
Favorite movie: "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," "Star Trek," "The Hangover," "The Proposal," "Twilight."
Male artist: Eminem, Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw.
Female artist: Beyonce, Britney Spears, Carrie Underwood, Pink, Taylor Swift.
Country artist: Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift.
Breakout Music Artist: Adam Lambert, Demi Lovato, Kris Allen, Lady Gaga, Susan Boyle.
Hip-hop artist: Eminem, Flo Rida, Jay-Z, Lil' Wayne, T.I.
Rock band: Daughtry, Green Day, Kings of Leon, Muse, Paramore.
Music collaboration: Cobra Starship & Leighton Meester, "Good Girls Go Bad"; Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat, "Lucky"; Jay-Z, Rihanna & Kanye West, "Run This Town"; T.I. & Rihanna, "Live Your Life"; The Lonely Island & T-Pain, "I'm on a Boat."
R&B artist: Alicia Keys, Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson, Mariah Carey, Usher.
Pop artist: Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, the Black Eyed Peas.
Web celeb: Andy Samberg, Ashton Kutcher, Miley Cyrus, P. Diddy, Will Ferrell.
"Numb3rs," "Medium," and "Ghost Whisperer" drew 7.8 million viewers and a 5.1 rating/9 share in households for CBS, while NBC took in almost 7 million viewers and a 4.5/8. Third place went to ABC (5.8 million, 3.9/7), followed by FOX (3.9 million, 2.6/4) and The CW (1.9 million, 1.3/2).
CBS and ABC tied among adults 18-49 with a 1,8 rating, beating out CBS' 1.6. FOX came in third in the key ad demographic with a 1.2, followed by The CW at 0.9.
Friday hour by hour:
8 p.m.
CBS: "Ghost Whisperer" (7.9 million viewers, 5.0/9 households)
NBC: "Law & Order" (7.9 million, 5.2/9)
ABC: "Supernanny" (4.7 million, 3.2/6)
FOX: "House" (3.9 million, 2.6/5)
The CW: "Smallville" (2.7 million, 1.7/3)
18-49 leader: "Ghost Whisperer"/"Law & Order" (1.8)
9 p.m.
NBC: "Law & Order" (8.4 million, 5.4/9)
CBS: "Medium" (7.5 million, 4.9/9)
ABC: "Ugly Betty" (4.7 million, 3.2/6)
FOX: "Bones" (4 million, 2.6/4)
The CW: "America's Next Top Model" (1.1 million, 0.8/1)
18-49 leader: "Law & Order" (1.9)
10 p.m.
ABC: "20/20" (8.1 million, 5.5/10)
CBS: "Numb3rs" (8 million, 5.2/10)
NBC: "The Jay Leno Show" (4.5 million, 3.1/6)
18-49 leader: "20/20" (2.7)
YES, VIRGINIA tells the story of 8-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon (Beatrice Miller, "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs"), a young girl growing up in late 1800s New York City who always loved Christmas, until the playground bully, Charlotte (Julian Franco) tells her and the other children that Santa Claus doesn't exist. Not sure what to believe, Virginia and her friend, Ollie (Kieran Patrick Campbell), venture into the streets of New York City to uncover the truth. Along the way, they encounter a Scraggly Santa (Michael Buscemi, "Nurse Jackie") who is trying to raise money for the less fortunate (he admits he's not the real deal, but someone who sort of works for Santa Claus), an over-eager librarian with a shelf full of Christmas books, and interesting advice from Virginia's quirky scientist father (Neil Patrick Harris, "How I Met Your Mother") and understanding mother (Jennifer Love Hewitt, "Ghost Whisperer"). Unable to find the answer, Virginia decides to write a letter to the New York Sun newspaper, knowing that their reputation for reporting the facts is cemented by their motto "If you see it in The Sun, it's so!" Virginia's letter makes its way to the curmudgeonly editor, Francis Church (Alfred Molina, "Frida," "Spider-Man 2"), who feels he has better things to do than respond to a little girl's question. But, with Virginia's determination, and a little help from Scraggly Santa, Mr. Church is persuaded to write the answer that became the most famous newspaper editorial of all time: "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus!"
YES, VIRGINIA was created and produced by Macy's and JWT in conjunction with The Ebeling Group and MEC Entertainment, a division of Mediaedge:cia. YES, VIRGINIA was written by Chris Plehal and directed by Peter Circuitt.
The Eye's drama lineup averaged 8.3 million viewers and a 5.2 rating/9 share in households in primetime. NBC (7.1 million, 4.7/8) took second. There was a pretty big drop from there to third-place ABC (4.9 million, 3.4/6). FOX (2.2 million, 1.3/2) edged The CW (1.8 million, 1.2/2) for fourth.
CBS also led the adults 18-49 demographic with a 2.0 rating. NBC's 1.6 was good enough for second, followed by ABC at 1.3. FOX and The CW tied for fourth at 0.8.
Friday's hourly results:
8 p.m.
CBS: "Ghost Whisperer" (8.5 million viewers, 5.3/10 households)
NBC: "Law & Order" (7.2 million, 4.7/8)
ABC: "Supernanny" season premiere (4.7 million, 3.3/6)
The CW: "Smallville" (2.5 million, 1.6/3)
FOX: "Brothers" (2.4 million, 1.4/3)/"'Til Death" (2 million, 1.2/3)
18-49 leader: "Ghost Whisperer" (2.1)
9 p.m.
CBS: "Medium" (8.4 million, 5.1/9)
NBC: "Dateline" (7.9 million, 5.2/9)
ABC: "Ugly Betty" (4.5 million, 3.1/5)
FOX: "Dollhouse" (2.1 million, 1.3/2)
The CW: "America's Next Top Model" rerun (1.1 million, 0.8/1)
18-49 leader: "Medium" (2.2)
10 p.m.
CBS: "Numb3rs" (8.1 million, 5.1/9)
NBC: "The Jay Leno Show" (6.1 million, 4.1/7)
ABC: "20/20" (5.6 million, 3.8/7)
18-49 leader: "Numb3rs" (1.8)
"I'm not going to lie – it's not annoying, it's hurtful," Hewitt told PEOPLE Saturday at the Children’s Institute Hosts Poker for a Cause in Commerce, Calif., to benefit Ghost Whisperer costar Camryn Manheim’s charity.
"It's really hurtful that people say that," says Hewitt, 30, who attended the event with her beau of 8 months, costar Jamie Kennedy. "Because he is like the most awesome person."
Adds Hewitt: "I really hate that people would make it seem like he's not really a good guy, and not treating me well. He treats me very well."
A recent report suggested that Kennedy, 39, is still hung up on a former flame while dating Hewitt, a report Hewitt’s rep dismissed as a false claim by a disgruntled former employee.
"We are just trying to be really happy," Hewitt says. "It makes it hard to do that when everybody is putting negative energy out there."
Kennedy, who stood beside Hewitt, added: "I am lucky to be with her. And I love her very much."
CBS averaged 8 million viewers and an 5.1 rating/9 share in households. FOX took second with 7.4 million viewers and a 4.6/8 share, while NBC (6.1 million, 4.1/7) took third. ABC's 5.7 million and 3.9/7 was good for fourth, and The CW took up last position (2 million, 1.3/2).
FOX took the demo title home, however, grabbing a 2.3 rating among adults 18-49. CBS was second with a 2.0, followed by ABC, 1.6, NBC, 1.4, and The CW at 0.8.
The breakdown, hour by hour:
8 p.m.
CBS: "Ghost Whisperer" (8.2 million viewers, 5.1/9 households)
NBC: "Law & Order" (7.6 million, 4.9/9)
FOX: MLB Playoffs (7.2 million, 4.4/8)
ABC: "Ugly Betty" season premiere (5.0 million, 3.4/6)
The CW: "Smallville" (2.6 million, 1.7/3)
18-49 leader: MLB Playoffs (2.2)
9 p.m.
CBS: "Medium" (8 million, 5.2/9)
FOX: MLB Playoffs (7.6 million, 4.7/8)
NBC: "NBC News Special" (5.7 million, 3.8/7)
ABC: "Ugly Betty" second hour of premiere (5.2 million, 3.5/6)
The CW: "America's Next Top Model" repeat (1.3 million, 0.9/2)
18-49 leader: MLB Playoffs (2.4)
10 p.m.
CBS: "Numb3rs" (7.8 million, 5.0/9)
ABC: "20/20" (6.9 million, 4.7/9)
NBC: "The Jay Leno Show" (5 million, 3.4/7)
18-49 leader: "20/20" (2.0)
While a new report suggests that Kennedy, 39 – who began dating Hewitt, 30, last winter – is no longer smitten with his Ghost Whisperer costar and is instead still hung up on Funk (a former assistant of Britney Spears), a rep for Kennedy told PEOPLE on Thursday: "There's no truth to this report."
And at the Oct. 3 Tao/Lavo Anniversary party in Las Vegas, Kennedy told PEOPLE, "People just keep going on [with the rumor-mongering]. We know what we are."
So, is the couple happy? "Yes," replied Kennedy.
In the past week alone, the couple – who denied engagement rumors in July – have been spotted together on several occasions.
On Tuesday, they had a romantic dinner in Los Angeles. A few days earlier, on Saturday, Kennedy performed at the Laugh Factory in Long Beach, Calif., and brought Hewitt up on stage. A Laugh Factory rep tells PEOPLE that Kennedy announced that "his eyes had stopped roaming and that he had no plans of ruining a good thing."
CBS averaged 8 million viewers and an 5.1 rating/9 share in households. NBC took second with 6.5 million viewers and an 4.4/8 share, ABC (4 million, 2.8/5) was third, followed by FOX (2.3 million, 1.5/3) came in fourth, ahead of The CW (1.7 million, 1.1/2).
In the adults 18-49 demo, CBS garnered a 1.9 rating. NBC scored a 1.5, followed by ABC at 1.0, FOX with 0.9 and The CW at 0.7.
Friday night hour by hour:
8 p.m.
CBS: "Ghost Whisperer" (8.6 million viewers, 5.3/10 households)
NBC: "Law & Order" (7.2 million, 4.7/9)
ABC: "FlashForward" (3.1 million, 2.2/4)
FOX: "Brothers" (2.3 million, 1.5/3)/"'Til Death" (2.3 million, 1.5/3)
The CW: "Smallville" (2.3 million, 1.4/3)
18-49 leader: "Ghost Whisperer" at 2.1.
9 p.m.
CBS: "Medium" (8.3 million, 5.2/9)
NBC: "Dateline: NBC" (7 million, 4.9/9)
ABC: "Modern Family" (2.9 million, 1.9/3)/"The Middle" (2.7 million, 1.8/3)
FOX: "Dollhouse" (2.2 million, 1.4/3)
The CW: "America's Next Top Model" (1.1 million, 0.8/1)
18-49 leader: "Medium" (1.9)
10 p.m.
CBS: "Numb3rs" (7.1 million, 4.7/9)
ABC: "20/20" (6 million, 4.3/8)
NBC: "The Jay Leno Show" (5.3 million, 3.6/7)
18-49 leader: "Numb3rs" (1.6)
ABC didn't put up much of a fight for second place, scheduling repeats of new series "FlashForward" and "The Forgotten" against NBC's venerable but winning combination of "Law & Order" and "Dateline."
CBS averaged 7.6 million viewers for the night, with a 5.0 rating/9 share. NBC followed close behind at 6.5 million viewers and a 4.4/8. ABC lagged with 4.6 million viewers for the night and a 3.2/6. FOX pulled out 2.2 million viewers and a 1.5/3, while The CW trailed with 1.9 million and a 1.2/2.
In the adults 18-49 demo, CBS squeezed by with a 1.7 rating. NBC scored a 1.4, followed by ABC at 1.2, FOX with 0.8 and The CW at 0.7.
Friday night hour by hour:
8 p.m.
CBS: "Ghost Whisperer" (7.6 million viewers, 4.9/9 households)
NBC: "Law & Order" (6.6 million, 4.5/8)
ABC: "FlashForward" (3.7 million, 2.6/5)
The CW: "Smallville" (2.387 million, 1.5/3)
FOX: "Brothers" (2.4 million, 1.6/3) / "Til Death" (2.2 million, 1.5/3)
18-49 leader: "Ghost Whisperer" at 1.7
9 p.m.
CBS: "Medium" (7.7 million viewers, 5/9 households)
NBC: "Dateline: NBC" (7.4 million, 5.1/9)
ABC: "The Forgotten" (3.8 million, 2.6/5)
FOX: "Dollhouse" (2.0 million, 1.4/2)
The CW: "America's Next Top Model" (1.4 million, 0.9/2)
18-49 leader: "Medium" at 1.8
10 p.m.
CBS: "Numb3rs" (7.7 million viewers, 5.1/9 households)
ABC: "20/20" (6.1 million, 4.3/8)
NBC: "The Jay Leno Show" (5.4 million, 3.7/7)
18-49 leader: "Numb3rs" and "20/20" tied at 1.6
The Eye averaged 8.4 million viewers and a 5.4 rating/10 share in households for the night, finishing about 2.5 million viewers ahead of second-place NBC (5.9 million, 4.0/7). ABC took third with 5. million viewers and a 3.5/6. FOX (2.7 million, 1.7/3) finished fourth, and The CW (1.8 million, 1.2/2) brought up the rear.
CBS won the adults 18-49 demographic as well, albeit with a modest 2.0 rating. ABC grabbed second in the demo with a 1.7. NBC's 1.4 was good enough for third, followed by FOX, 1.0, and The CW, 0.8.
Friday's hour-by-hour results:
8 p.m.
CBS: "Ghost Whisperer" season premiere (8.6 million viewers, 5.4/10 households)
NBC: "Law & Order" season premiere (6.3 million, 4.2/8)
ABC: "FlashForward" rerun (4.5 million, 3.0/6)
FOX: "Brothers" series premiere - two episodes (2.8 million, 1.8/3)
The CW: "Smallville" season premiere (2.5 million, 1.5/3)
18-49 leader: "Ghost Whisperer" (2.2)
9 p.m.
CBS: "Medium" season premiere (8.8 million, 5.7/10)
NBC: "Dateline" (5.8 million, 4.1/7)
ABC: "Modern Family" rerun (4.3 million, 2.7/5)/"Cougar Town" rerun (4.2 million, 2.7/5)
FOX: "Dollhouse" season premiere (2.6 million, 1.6/3)
The CW: "America's Next Top Model" rerun (1.2 million, 0.9/2)
18-49 leader: "Medium" (2.0)
10 p.m.
CBS: "Numb3rs" season premiere (7.9 million, 5.2/10)
ABC: "20/20" (7.1 million, 4.9/9)
NBC: "The Jay Leno Show" (5.7 million, 3.8/7)
18-49 leader: "20/20" (2.3)
But she admits that she still has insecurities about her figure.
"I'm a girl, after all!" the actress, 30, tells the October issue of Shape, out this week. "For the most part, yeah, I'm happy with my body, but there are days when I'm like, 'Ugh! Really? Why is it so hard to fit into my jeans?' That's when I say to myself, 'I look this way because I'm supposed to. If we all looked the same, we'd be boring.' "
Hewitt also thanks boyfriend Jamie Kennedy, whom she's been dating for seven months, for her slimmer and healthier lifestyle.
"He's inspired me to improve my diet," she says. "He has a salad with every meal, plus lots of fruit, fish, and vegetables."
And she's also been a good influence on him.
"Last summer we were in Monaco. Every morning we ran for 40 minutes through the streets of Monte Carlo," she says. "It was an amazing way to see the city. Now when we travel, we try to explore the places by running."
But there's no beating the power of positive thinking.
"I fall asleep feeling beautiful," she says. "Then, in the morning, before I leave the house, I say five things I love about myself, like 'You have really pretty eyes.' That way I can go out into the world with that little bit of extra confidence. It's a feel-good protein shake in my back pocket in case someone messes with me that day."
The actress is firmly in the Edward Cullen camp when it comes to who the'd want to warm her, that is Bella, on a cold night, reports MTV News. Sorry Jacob Black fans.
"Who's not Team Edward?" she said to MTV News at Comic-Con this past Sunday. "There is not a girl in the world who's not Team Edward! Have you met girls who are not Team Edward? Well, they are not girls! They're aliens from another planet who should not be allowed to exist."
Like many "Twilight" fans, however, she wasn't able to attend the panel for the film sequel "New Moon," but Hewitt isn't sure she'd be able to withstand the encounter with Rob Pattinson, who plays Edward, anyway.
"I'd pass out. I can't talk about it, 'cause I'd pass out," she said. "It's because he's Edward. Listen, Edward can fly you through the forest. He's like Aladdin with vampire teeth — there's magic-carpet rides. He can sing. He can watch you sleep. He plays music. He sniffs your neck. I mean, please!"
Hewitt also added that she'd do anything for a part in one of the "Twilight" films, even play an extra carrying luggage.
As for her real-life boyfriend Jamie Kennedy?
"Jamie wants to play a werewolf, so we're both putting it out there."
Despite a report published Tuesday that Kennedy had proposed to his girlfriend onstage at the Laugh Factory in Long Beach, Calif., over the weekend, reps for both stars say it's not the case. "There's no truth to the report," says Hewitt's rep. Kennedy's rep echoes: "There's no truth to this report whatsoever."
But that doesn't mean that the lovebirds, who both star on Ghost Whisperer, haven't discussed marriage. Last month, the pair talked about engagement rumors on 104.7 FM's Johnjay and Rich Show in Arizona. When Kennedy asked Hewitt for an engagement timeline, she said, "By this time next year, if we're not planning something, then there's a situation."
Meanwhile, on Tuesday Kennedy Tweeted, "There's a lil rumor going round that i got down on one knee in Long beach. If i was gonna get down on one knee do u think i wud do it in the LBC???? I mean i'm down with Snoop but L Beach dosent scream Romance. I luv my girl and wen it happens you'll be the first to know."
Funnyman Kennedy was entertaining the audience at the Laugh Factory in Long Beach, California on Saturday when he pulled his girlfriend up onstage to show off her vocal skills.
According to the New York Post's gossip column PageSix, an audience member then called out, "Marry her!" prompting the Malibu's Most Wanted star to get down on one knee and propose.
The grinning actress immediately accepted as the entire crowd stood up to give the happy couple a standing ovation.
With plenty of dating experience under her belt, Jennifer Love Hewitt has decided to write a book, titled The Day I Shot Cupid, addressing romantic relationships that will include everything from tips on text-flirting and how to start over after a breakup.
"I thought it was time to share the real story of what I've learned navigating the dating waters." Hewitt says in a statement from Voice publishers. "Hopefully, in addition to having a good laugh, women reading this will learn from some of my hard lessons."
The book, which is a first for the actress, will be available in March 2010.
As you'll recall, the season ended with Melinda learning that her offspring would possess psychic powers even greater than her own. Probably a tough story to do with a burping, teething toddler.
Meanwhile, One Tree Hill -- which famously leaped ahead four years at the start of season 5 -- is mulling another flash forward at the onset of season 7 this fall. But this one's not nearly as drastic; a OTH source says the action would likely pick up just one year later.
The actress has been dating her Ghost Whisperer co-star since her split from fiance Ross McCall late last year.
And Hewitt, 30 - who met Kennedy on the set of the hit U.S. show - is said to be close to walking down the aisle with her new love, according to U.S. newspaper the Chicago Sun Times.
A source tells the publication the couple recently bought each other "love bracelets" from luxury jewellers Cartier, but "they've also been shopping for an engagement ring for Jennifer."
The inside adds, "She is simply a girl who always needs a man in her life and is getting nervous that she may miss out on marriage and having a family.''
PEOPLE caught up with Kennedy after his set, and it's clear the comedian is completely smitten. "I'm really lucky because I get to play all over the United States and my girlfriend comes," he says. "She's so amazing, just the most supportive person I've ever been with." In March, Kennedy confirmed the pair were dating.
Bedazzled
Hewitt has even used her handicraft skills to help boost sales. "She took my shirts and bedazzled them," Kennedy says. "She would take regular shirts and put sparkles on them, and we actually sold out of them – people go nuts for them."
How does Kennedy repay his girlfriend for all her loving support? "After the show she gets Pinkberry," Kennedy jokes. Kidding aside, he says Hewitt is "writing a country song, and I really want to make her a new demo for her music, because I think she should do singing again. She's so good."
The couple have made sure to align their work schedules to spend as much time together as possible. "We're actually both doing a movie in Philly right now, a drama called Café, and I'm very excited about that," says Kennedy. "Then we go back to work [on Ghost Whisperer] June 19, and she's directing the opening episode."
"Cafe" is set at a coffee shop where Hewitt's character works. Alexa Vega, who appeared on an episode of "Ghost Whisperer," is also in the cast. Marc Erlbaum is directing from his own script.
Hewitt most recently appeared onscreen in the "Garfield" feature and its sequel. Kennedy recently starred in "Extreme Movie" and "Kickin' It Old Skool."
CBS scared up a 5.6 rating/11 share in primetime, squeaking past NBC, 5.5/10. ABC came in third with 3.6/7, followed not-so-closely by FOX at 2.1/4 and The CW at 1.1/2.
CBS and NBC tied among adults 18-49 with a 2.0 rating. ABC was third again with 1.6, followed by FOX (1.2) and The CW (0.7).
The "Ghost Whisperer" season finale handily won at 8 p.m. with a 5.6 rating/11 share. NBC's "Dateline" followed at 3.8/8, and "America's Funniest Home Videos" netted ABC a 3.2/7. FOX's own high-profile finale, the end of "Prison Break," could only escape with a 2.0/4 in its first hour. The CW's "The Game" came in last with a 1.3/3.
"Farrah's Story" took over for NBC at 9, grabbing an impressive 6.1 rating/11 share. CBS dropped to second with "Flashpoint" (5.3/10). More "America's Funniest Home Videos" earned a 3.7/7. A few more people tuned in for the second hour of the "Prison Break" series finale; it scored a 2.1/4. The CW's rerun of "America's Next Top Model" walked away with a 1.0/2.
"Farrah's Story" continued to dominated for NBC at 10 p.m. with a 6.6/12. CBS' "Numb3rs" followed close behind (6.0/11), and ABC's "20/20" trailed the pack with a 3.8/7.
CBS averaged a 5.8 rating/11 share in primetime, easily beating the 3.2/6 for second-place ABC. NBC finished a close third at 3.1/6. FOX earned a 1.8/3 to take fourth, and The CW trailed with a 1.2/2.
In the adults 18-49 demographic, CBS snagged a 2.0 rating and was the only network to crack that barrier. ABC and NBC tied for second at 1.2. FOX drew a 1.0 and The CW a 0.7.
"Ghost Whisperer" put CBS on top at 8 o'clock with a 5.9/11. The movie "Happy Feet" drew a 3.1/6 for ABC, beating out the 2.0/4 for "Prison Break" on FOX. NBC came in fourth with "Howie Do It," while The CW averaged 1.2/2 with "Everybody Hates Chris" and "The Game."
CBS held the lead at 9 thanks to "Flashpoint," 5.5/10. "Dateline NBC" took second in households with a 3.3/6, but "Happy Feet," 3.1/6, brought more viewers to ABC. The "Dollhouse" finale managed only a 1.7/3 for FOX, although that was still good enough to beat an "America's Next Top Model" rerun on The CW.
"Numb3rs," 6.0/11, drew the night's biggest audience for CBS at 10. "Dateline" improved to 4.2/8 for NBC, while "20/20" earned a 3.3/6 for ABC.
CBS led with a 6.1 rating/11 share, far ahead of ABC's 3.5/6 and NBC's 3.3/6. FOX took fourth 2.0/4, and The CW crawled into last with a 1.0/2.
The story remained unchanged in the 18-49 adult demo, CBS snagging first with a 2.2. ABC took in a 1.6, ahead of NBC's 1.3. FOX drew a 1.0, while The CW had only a 0.7.
"Ghost Whisperer" kicked off the evening in first place, bringing CBS a 6.2/12 at 8 p.m. The "Wife Swap" finale only earned ABC a 3.0/6 for second place. FOX battled NBC for third place, with "Prison Break" drawing a 2.1/4 over the double shot of "Howie Do It's" 2.0/4, respectively. The CW's "Everybody Hates Chris" and "The Game" averaged only a 1.1/2 for the hour.
"Flashpoint's" 6.0/11 kept CBS on a roll for first place in the 9 o'clock hour, while NBC's "Dateline" helped push it to second with a 3.6/6. ABC took third with "Supernanny," 3.2/6, FOX's "Dollhouse" took fourth, 1.9/3, and The CW's "America's Next Top Model" trailed.
CBS finished the night on top with "Numb3rs," 6.0/11. ABC's "20/20" (4.4/8) and NBC's "Dateline" (4.2/8) jostled for the remaining viewers.
“I go over to her mom’s house to play charades,” Kennedy told us at the LG Rumor2 party the other night. “I’m dead serious. It’s really true.”
Things are going so well for the real-life Ghost Whisperer lovebirds that they've been spending a lot of time with each other's families.
“Jennifer’s brother, Todd, gave me his blessing,” Kennedy boasted. “That’s pretty exciting!”
Hewitt and the funnyman recently made a trip east to Pennsylvania to visit his brood...
“They are great, great, great people,” Hewitt beamed. “His dad is a hoot! They’re adorable.”
With all this parenting talk, we had to ask Kennedy what kind of mother he thinks Ms. Hewitt will make some day.
"I just think she’d be an amazing mom,” he gushed, holding Hewitt’s hand. “She’s an amazing person.”
And an amazing pool player. "I’m better at bowling, but she’s better at pool,” Kennedy said. “We also like going out for sushi and going to the movies.”
“And dancing,” Hewitt added. “We love dancing!”
The actress beat newlywed Salma Hayek for the booby prize as part of a new poll compiled by TV show Access Hollywood.
The top five actresses on the new list are:
1. Scarlett Johansson
2. Salma Hayek
3. Halle Berry
4. Jessica Simpson
5. Jennifer Love Hewitt
CBS led the overall race with a 6.3 rating/12 share, thanks to appearances by daytime TV actors, beating out ABC's 2.7/5. FOX came in third with a 2.1/4. NBC, 2.0/4, finished fourth, and The CW trailed with a 1.3/2.
CBS topped the adults 18-49 demographic with a 1.8. NBC narrowly missed being the winner with a 1.7. NBC and FOX tied for third at 1.2, and The CW came in last with, 0.6.
"Ghost Whisperer" scored a 6.0/12 to give CBS the lead at 8 p.m. " Wife Swap," 2.9/6, finished second for ABC. NBC with a 2.1/4 inched out FOX despite the new episode of " Prison Break with a 2.0/4. "Everybody Hates Chris" recorded a 1.2/2 for The CW.
CBS continued their dominance at thanks to " Flashpoint's," 5.2/10 "20/20" drew an 3.4/6 for ABC. "Dateline" drew a 3.1/6 for NBC, edging out FOX's " Dollhouse," 2.0/4, and "America's Next Top Model" came in last with a 0.9/2.
A new episode of " Numb3rs," yielded a 5.8/10 for CBS at the top spot at 10. Which meant less viewers for ABC's "20/20" (5.1/9), and "Dateline," 3.5/6, on NBC.
"We've been friends for a long time," Hewitt, 30, tells Ellen DeGeneres about her budding romance with Kennedy. "I've heard about it – about being friends with somebody and it turns into something else and I've never really done that before and it's been great. He's hilarious and when you're with somebody funny, they're always funny and it's just great."
Hewitt also talked about her "really painful" breakup last year with fiancé Ross McCall, 33, saying, "Look, break-ups are awful ... They really suck on lots of levels, but what I think is great about life is that the universe always brings you something really beautiful and great afterward and that's kind of where I am now."
And what is that something beautiful? "A new sense of self but there is also a guy … Jamie Kennedy," Hewitt admits.
For the actress, Kennedy, 38, isn't just the funny guy. "There are people in your life who are just supportive and who just look at you and they see who you are," says Hewitt. "And [Kennedy] really saw who I was as a person more than anybody had ever done in my whole life. I think that's for me when I sort of went, 'Oh, wow.' "
"It's nice to have the Maxims of the world out there," she tells the May issue of the magazine, which hits newsstands April 21. "You can look at them when you're 80 and be like, 'See? No, really, I was cute. I promise!' "
The actress, who is dating funnyman Jamie Kennedy, says that a man must have a sense of humor to win her heart. "The two biggest things are being trustworthy and funny. Humor doesn't fade. If you're a funny person, you will always be a funny person."
And nerds of the world can rejoice – she has a soft spot for them too. "I'm all about geeks. They're funny, so that's a big plus. Also, geeks are usually humble. They don't have to be the person in the room with the coolest shirt."
In the interview, the Ghost Whisperer star makes it clear that she cannot really talk to ghosts. "At the grocery store, getting cough syrup at the drugstore, wherever, I'll have people come up and go, 'Listen, my grandmother just passed away, you've gotta help me!' " she says. "I'm like, 'I'm just getting lettuce. I can't help you!' "
So what is her latest hobby? "My new thing is that I always take my bubble baths wearing a tiara … I am a grownup who bathes in a tiara. One that I got from Disneyland."
That sounds like a perfect image for another Maxim cover.
CBS averaged a 6.0 rating/11 share in primetime to win by a comfortable margin over ABC, 3.5/6. NBC finished third with a 2.8/5. FOX, 2.2/4, came in fourth, and The CW trailed at 1.0/2.
In the adults 18-49 demographic, CBS (2.2 rating) was the only network to break the 2.0 mark. ABC, 1.7, grabbed second, followed by FOX, 1.3, and NBC, 1.2. The CW scored a 0.6.
"Ghost Whisperer's" first new episode in several weeks drew a 6.3/12 at 8 p.m. A "Wife Swap" rerun, 3.1/5, put ABC in second. "Howie Do It" took third for NBC, a little ahead of the finale of "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles," 2.2/4, on FOX. Reruns of "Everybody Hates Chris" and "The Game" averaged 1.0/2 for The CW.
CBS stayed on top at 9 with "Flashpoint," 5.9/11. "Supernanny," 3.5/6, was second for ABC. The season finale of "Friday Night Lights," 2.6/5, kept NBC ahead of FOX and "Dollhouse," 2.2/4 (FOX had a slightly better adults 18-49 rating). The CW aired a repeat of "America's Next Top Model."
"Numb3rs," 5.9/11, finished the CBS sweep at 10 p.m. ABC got a 3.9/7 from "20/20," while "Dateline" earned a 3.5/6 for NBC.
"We just make each other laugh and we're best friends," Hewitt told reporters at the premiere of Kennedy's film, Finding Bliss, at the 14th Annual Gen Art Film Festival in New York City on Tuesday night.
So, when did sparks start to fly? "We've known each other for a very long time and there's just something there. We've always had this mutual admiration society," says Kennedy. "She is the most generous and thoughtful person you'll ever meet. She's amazingly talented and people don't realize that she's incredibly funny too. She's a great person to be with."
Looking svelte in a navy blue Camilla and Marc dress and YSL platform stilettos, Hewitt added: "Him being hilarious is what makes this relationship work. When you're really funny, there's nothing really bad that can happen."
And although the two haven't been together for "that long," Hewitt said that they are "very much alike."
"We do everything the same. We're very compatible in that way," she said. In fact, they even like the same men! "He has a total man crush on [Keith Urban]!" Hewitt quipped. "We were [at the Academy of Country Music Awards] and he's like, 'that guy's kind of hot,' and I'm like 'I know!' "
With so many things in common, however, there is one big difference: "He's a realist and I'm a dreamer," Hewitt concluded.
"I feel good!" said Kennedy, who arrived at the 44th Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday clasping Love Hewitt's hand. "This is like our first day out in six or seven days. We've been kind of chilling, relaxing."
The actor, who costars with Hewitt in Ghost Whisperer, gushed over his stunning girlfriend who wore a flowing white gown to the awards. He admits he had a little help from her with his own preening and choice of a matching white suit.
"She teaches me a lot," he says turning to Hewitt. "She's teaching me to be a sharp dresser." Adds Hewitt, with a smile: "I thought he looked handsome."
Hewitt, who presented at the awards show, tells PEOPLE the couple is happy and relieved since Kennedy's recent kidney scare. "We're really lucky," she says. "Life is good."
Kennedy was hospitalized for kidney stones after returning home from a Mexican getaway with the actress, who helped care for him during the ordeal.
"She's amazing," he says. "She means a lot [to me]."
The Ghost Whisperer star is proving that she is one devoted girlfriend by helping nurse her new boyfriend, co-star Jamie Kennedy, back to health after his recent hospitalization for kidney stones.
The cozy couple spent the afternoon together in Santa Monica on Thursday, first stopping to lunch at local eatery Blue Plate. "Jennifer drove him to the restaurant," an onlooker tells PEOPLE. "She was very sweet to him, ordered for him and made sure he drank plenty of water."
When the pair left, "Jamie put his arm around Jennifer in a loving way and pulled her closer to him. It was obvious that he appreciated that Jennifer took care of him," says the onlooker.
Before parting ways later that day Hewitt stopped at a McDonald's drive-thru to pick up some dinner for her man. "They seem very in love and happy together," says another source.
Last week Kennedy, 38, and Hewitt, 30, returned home from a Mexican getaway where he began feeling sick with kidney stones and checked into a hospital to recover.
It was unclear exactly when and how the problem was resolved, but a source close to the actor says Kennedy is "definitely doing better now." He's even well enough to have rescheduled two postponed comedy-club appearances in Massachusetts. On June 26, he’ll play the Wilbur Theatre in Boston, and on the 27th he'll play the Hu Ke Lau in Chicopee, Mass.
Jamie Kennedy, 38, who earlier this month revealed that he's dating and in love with his costar, 30, was vacationing with Hewitt Tuesday in Mexico when he started feeling very sick with kidney stones, a source close to Kennedy tells PEOPLE. The two flew back to Los Angeles Wednesday morning and Jamie went straight to the hospital.
"He had comedy shows scheduled in Boston, but he canceled them because of his kidney stones," says the source. "He felt better later in the day and went home, but on Thursday he started hurting again and he went back to the hospital."
It was unclear exactly when and how the problem resolved, but the source says Kennedy is "on the mend" with Hewitt by his side – and he's looking forward to returning to work.
"He's just home and feeling better," the source says.
In January, Hewitt announced she and her fiancé Ross McCall had broken up over the holidays.
CBS averaged a 6.4 rating/11 share and 10.1 million viewers for the night, way ahead of second-place ABC (3.5/6, 5.18 million). NBC took third with a 3.0/5, topping the 2.5/4 for FOX. The CW drew a 1.2/2.
In the adults 18-49 demographic, CBS was the only network to break the 2.0 mark, finishing with a 2.2. ABC finished second with a 1.6. NBC, 1.5 just edged out FOX at 1.4, and The CW trailed with a 0.7.
"Ghost Whisperer" boasted the night's biggest audience at 8 p.m., scoring a 6.9/12 for CBS. ABC was a distant second with its special 100th episode of "Wife Swap," 3.0/5. "Howie Do It" put NBC in third, beating the 2.2/4 for "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" on FOX. New episodes of "Everybody Hates Chris" and "The Game" averaged 1.3/2 for The CW.
CBS stayed on top at 9 with "Flashpoint," 5.9/10. "Supernanny" delivered a 3.3/6 for ABC. NBC's "Friday Night Lights," 2.7/5, just edged out FOX's "Dollhouse," 2.6/4. The CW retained most of its audience with a repeat of this week's "America's Next Top Model," 1.2/2.
"Numb3rs" completed the CBS sweep with a 6.4/11 at 10 p.m. ABC's "20/20" posted a 4.4/8, and "Dateline" drew a 3.6/6 for NBC.
"I'm in love and I don't care," the actor told Seacrest. Kennedy said the couple are not engaged but share a bond he described as "more than love."
"I thought it was something I would find in my 40s," Kennedy, 38, told Seacrest. "It's like, 'Wow, you are hot. You can sing, you can dance, you’re, like, so smart and, wow, you can cook pasta fagioli too.' "
As recently as the night of the Academy Awards on Feb. 22, when Kennedy attended a party hosted by Hewitt, the two seemed cordial but not cozy, according to an eyewitness, and Love Hewitt, 30, said she was single. In January, the actress had announced she and her fiance Ross McCall had broken up over the holidays.
Love Hewitt's rep declined to comment.
CBS averaged a 6.4 rating/11 share and 10.1 million viewers for the night, way ahead of second-place ABC (3.8/7, 5.79 million). NBC took third with a 3.0/5, topping the 2.6/5 for FOX. The CW drew a 0.9/2.
In the adults 18-49 demographic, CBS was the only network to break the 2.0 mark, finishing with a 2.2. ABC finished second with a 1.7. FOX and NBC tied for third at 1.4, and The CW trailed with a 0.5.
"Ghost Whisperer" grabbed the night's biggest audience at 8 p.m., scoring a 7.2/13 for CBS. ABC was a distant second with "Wife Swap," 3.1/5. "Howie Do It" put NBC in third, beating the 2.2/4 for "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" on FOX. Reruns of "Everybody Hates Chris" and "The Game" averaged 0.9/2 for The CW.
CBS stayed on top at 9 with "Flashpoint," 5.9/10. "Supernanny" delivered a 3.7/6 for ABC. FOX's "Dollhouse" earned a 2.6/5, on par with last week and tying for third in the hour with NBC's "Friday Night Lights." The CW ended its night with more "Chris" and "The Game."
"Numb3rs" finished off the CBS sweep with a 6.1/11 at 10 p.m. ABC's "20/20" posted a 4.7/8, and "Dateline" drew a 3.9/7 for NBC.
The Ghost Whisperer star, who starred as her idol in the 2000 made for television biopic The Audrey Hepburn Story, dressed up like Hepburn's Breakfast at Tiffany's character, Holly Golightly, in a little black dress, long black gloves and a tiara on Saturday. She then had breakfast – a croissant and coffee – at Tiffany's in Beverly Hills.
"My mom worked that our for me," Hewitt told PEOPLE at The Envelope Please AIDS Project Los Angeles Oscar viewing party in West Hollywood on Sunday.
"It was amazing. I had a great day," Hewitt beamed, showing off a pair of Tiffany diamond stud earrings and a Tiffany diamond cuff bracelet that her mother, Pat Hewitt, gave to her as a birthday gift.
On Saturday evening, family and friends, including Ghost Whisperer costar Jamie Kennedy, all partook in the Hepburn theme at The Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills.
"The whole cast, we all went and all the women were Audrey Hepburn and all the guys were George Peppard," Kennedy tells PEOPLE. "I played it off by wearing a skinny tie."
First off, there's no need to worry about a multihyphenate throwdown: J.Love and Hilary Duff are old pals, and that's how Duff got the part. Hilary says, "Jennifer Love Hewitt's one of my friends, and we were having dinner one night. She's like, 'Come be on my show. You know, we're almost finished.' I'm like, 'Give me a part. I'll do it.' And it just kind of came about really naturally and organically like that."
Duff will be playing—wait for it—a woman with a little ghost problem that Melinda Gordon might just be able to solve. Duff says, "I'm kind of being haunted by someone that I was in a relationship with before they passed away. He had unfinished business with me, and I'm having nightmares of being turned upside down in my apartment, like when I'm sleeping on the bed, I'm actually going to be hanging from the ceiling."
As for Hilary's longer-term future on television, she says nothing's set in stone. She's looking for a series project to make her own, but for now: "We're still in the middle of meeting with writers and hearing pitches."
Hilary's episode of Ghost Whisperer airs Friday, April 9 at 9 p.m. on CBS.
"Ignore it, live your life and be happy," Hewitt tells Us Weekly, adding that she wished the media "would leave [Simpson] alone."
Hewitt, who lashed out at bloggers and critics after they mocked her bikini-clad body two years ago, says she is weary of the "unreasonable" standards for women's weight in Tinsletown. "We're all supposed to look how we're supposed to look. We're made to be different people," she says. "Not everybody can be super tall and super skinny. You have to look inside yourself and find your own confidence. It wavers from day to day, but that's human nature."
Simpson has yet to publicly respond to her haters, but has announced she will launch a clothing line that will "flatter every figure."
At least, not on her show.
At the ADAM by Adam Lippes show during New York Fashion Week Saturday, the Ghost Whisperer star raved about the "very fresh and comfortable" dresses and teased E! News about the remaining episodes this season.
"There's lots going on," she said. "I think the audience will be very, very happy. There's an unexpected reunion and there's maybe the pitter-patter of tiny feet."
J.Love also sees such a pitter-patter on her eventual horizon.
"At some point in the future, yes," she said about someday becoming a mother, although the 29-year-old has no timeline plotted. "At this point, I have no idea."
Among 18 to 49-year-olds, ABC was also tops with a 2.4. CBS held a 2.1 over FOX's 1.7 and NBC's 1.1. The CW was last with a 0.5.
CBS started off at 8 p.m. with "Ghost Whisperer," 6.6/12. ABC came in second with "Wife Swap." The return of FOX's "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" to its new night tied with NBC's "Howie Do It," with a 2.4/4 for the hour. The CW started off its evening with repeats of "Everybody Hates Chris" and "The Game."
At 9 p.m., "Flashpoint," brought CBS down to a 5.7/10, but still handily won the hour. ABC held on to second place with "Supernanny," and FOX was solidly in third with the much-hyped premiere of the new Joss Whedon series "Dollhouse," 2.8/5. A new episode of "13: Fear Is Real" mustered a mere 0.6/1 for The CW.
ABC took the 10 o'clock hour -- and had the highest-rated, most-watched show of the night -- with "20/20," 7.0/12. CBS slipped down to second with "Numb3rs," 5.7/10 and NBC finished off the night in third place with "Dateline."
The Eye's 6.5 rating/11 share in primetime led the field by a pretty good margin. ABC, 4.2/7, finished second but trailed CBS by about 4 million total viewers. NBC and FOX tied for third at 2.8/5. The CW managed only a meager 0.7/1.
CBS also led the adults 18-49 demographic with a 2.4 rating. ABC drew a 2.1 to take second. FOX and NBC tied again in the demo at 1.4, while The CW trailed at 0.4.
"Ghost Whisperer," 7.1/13, grabbed the night's biggest audience for CBS at 8 p.m. "Wife Swap," 3.3/6, was a distant second for ABC. FOX ran "Cops" on a Friday and earned a 2.8/5, edging the 2.7/5 for "Howie Do It" on NBC. The CW aired "Everybody Hates Chris" and a rerun of "The Game."
A "Flashpoint" rerun, 6.0/10, kept CBS on top at 9 p.m. ABC improved to 4.4/7 with "Supernanny." FOX stayed in third with "America's Most Wanted." NBC got a 2.5/4 from "Friday Night Lights," and "13 - Fear Is Real" delivered a frightfully small 0.5/1 for The CW.
CBS completed its sweep of the night at 10 p.m. with "Numb3rs," 6.5/11. ABC's "20/20" drew a 5.0/9, beating the 3.2/6 for "Dateline" on NBC.
"We are working it out," McCall told Us Weekly. "We are both still wearing our rings."
The couple called it quits over the holidays after two years together and a one-year engagement. Former Ghost Whisperer costume supervisor Claudia Wick told the magazine they split because Hewitt was "so needy and immature."
"She would call McCall up and go, 'Can you come and sit with me? I'm cold,'" Wick said. "She would drag him on the set and then pout and they'd fight. Mainly, it was her needing something from him: 'Can you say you love me?'"
Wick said Hewitt needed the reassurance because she had body image issues — though Hewitt memorably defended her curves after bloggers mocked her bikini-clad body in 2007. "She would try on clothes over clothes," Wick said. "She would not have lights on or mirrors in the dressing room. It's sad because she had a beautiful body."
The two had reportedly already picked a date, location and a dress for Hewitt. But maybe it won't all be for naught?
While the other networks continue to cast about for something to do with their Friday night schedules, CBS took home another end-of-the-week win with a 6.7 rating/12 share among households. FOX was a distant second with a 3.6/6, followed by ABC, 3.2/6, NBC, 3.1/5, and The CW, 0.9/2.
Among 18 to 49-year-olds, CBS was also tops with a 2.6. ABC managed a 1.6 over FOX and NBC's 1.5. The CW was last with a 0.6.
CBS started off at 8 p.m. with the highest-rated, most-watched show of the evening, "Ghost Whisperer," 7.1/12. FOX's "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?" came in second over NBC's "Howie Do It," 3.3/6. ABC's "Wife Swap" repeat, 2.7/5, received more than double the viewership of The CW's "Everybody Hates Chris" and "The Game," which averaged a 1.1/2 for the hour.
At 9 p.m., "Flashpoint," brought CBS down to a 6.2/11, but still handily won the hour. FOX held on to second place with "Don't Forget the Lyrics," 3.2/6. ABC rose to third with "Supernanny" as "Friday Night Lights," 2.5/4, dropped NBC to fourth place. The CW ended its night with a new episode of "13: Fear Is Real," 0.7/1.
CBS bounced back at 10 p.m. to a 6.7/12 with "Numb3rs." ABC stayed in second place with "20/20," 3.8/7, and NBC made its way back to a 3.4/6 with "Dateline."
Sources confirm that Hilary Duff will appear in an upcoming episode of Ghost Whisperer as a "beautiful woman of mystery" who (duh) may or may not have been involved in the death of some dude.
Random fact that may help explain how this whole thing came about: Duff and Jennifer Love Hewitt are BFFs! Who knew?
Duff's Ghost gig comes amid news that she'll headline Barely Legal, an NBC comedy about an 18-year-old who passes the California bar and becomes the state's youngest attorney.
According to the magazine, J.Love had already bought her wedding gown and set the date and destination for her spring 2009 wedding when she called off the nuptials. Aw.
But apparently it's all Jennifer's fault. The "serial heartbreaker" is "needy and immature" with "trust issues" and a "history of body issues," according to sources.
Why all the hating on the Hewitt? OK, so we never bought that size 2 story either, but girlfriend is the star and producer (and, for this Friday's show, director) of successful CBS staple Ghost Whisperer. Doesn't she deserve some diva days?!
For the night, CBS averaged a 6.7 rating/11 share. NBC, 3.3/6, came in second among total viewers, despite ABC having the same household rating. FOX drew a 3.2/5 but also beat ABC in viewers. The CW trailed with a 0.9/1.
CBS also led among adults 18-49 with a 2.4 rating. ABC took second in the demographic with a 1.7, edging NBC's 1.6. FOX averaged 1.3 and The CW 0.6.
"Ghost Whisperer" scored a 6.8/12 for CBS at 8 p.m. "Howie Do It" earned a 3.5/6 for NBC, tying FOX's "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?" in households and beating the game show in total viewers. "Wife Swap" put ABC in fourth, while The CW averaged 1.1/2 with "Everybody Hates Chris" and "The Game."
CBS stayed on top at 9 p.m. with "Flashpoint," 6.6/11. "Don't Forget the Lyrics," 2.9/5, was a distant second for FOX. The season premiere of "Friday Night Lights" on NBC drew a 2.8/5 -- not great, but better than NBC's been doing in the timeslot of late. ABC's "Supernanny" earned a 2.9/5 in households but trailed FOX and NBC in viewers. The CW aired an encore of "13 - Fear Is Real."
"Numb3rs" completed CBS' dominance of the night with a 6.9/12 at 10 p.m. ABC moved up to second with "20/20," 4.0/7, which beat the 3.6/6 for "Dateline" on NBC.
Court records show a judge in Burbank, Calif. on Monday granted Hewitt's request for a three-year restraining order against David Nolte. The actress stated in a court petition that Nolte recently sold his home in Colorado and moved to Los Angeles to be closer to Hewitt.
Documents also include dozens of letters allegedly sent by Nolte, describing violent and sexual fantasies Hewitt.
The actress wrote that she became more fearful of Nolte after he appeared at her mother's house in late December. Court records do not indicate whether Nolte has an attorney.
Hewitt currently stars on CBS' "The Ghost Whisperer."
CBS averaged a 6.5 rating/11 share for the night, well ahead of second-place finisher ABC, 4.0/7. Next came NBC, 3.6/6, followed by FOX, 2.5/4. The CW came in last with a 0.9/1.
The battle for the adult 18-49 demographic told a similar story, with CBS drawing a 2.3 for the lead, and ABC taking second with a 1.9. Tied for third are NBC and FOX with 1.6 apiece. The CW got 0.5.
"Ghost Whisperer" kicked off the evening at 8 p.m. with the highest ratings, 6.7/12, for the night. NBC's "Howie Do It" came in second, 4.6/8, followed by ABC's "Wife Swap," 3.1/5, FOX's first hour or "Bruce Almighty," 2.2/4, and The CW's comedy combo of "Everybody Hates Chris" and "The Game," averaging 1.1/2.
"Flashpoint's" new season debuted at 9 p.m. for CBS with a 6.3/11. Second place went to ABC's "Supernanny," 3.7/6, while NBC's "Lipstick Jungle" and FOX's second half of the "Bruce Almighty" both tied for third with a 2.8/5. The CW trailed with a rerun of the reality horror show "13 - Fear Is Real."
Finally, CBS' "Numb3rs" led the way at 10 p.m. with a 6.4/11. ABC got a 5.3/9 from "20/20," while "Dateline" scored a 3.4/6 for NBC.
"She is usually very bubbly, but she is more quiet and seems sad," the source says. "She usually hangs out with the crew between takes, but [Tuesday] she is only hanging out with her bodyguard."
The source adds that skipping work wasn't an option for the actress. "She is always so professional," says the source. "She would never even think to miss a day of work because of personal problems."
Hewitt returned to the set Jan. 5, the same day PEOPLE reported exclusively that she and McCall had called it quits over the holidays.
"They're both really sad about this," another source, who is close to the couple, said at the time. "Even their friends are surprised; they seemed really happy."
Hewitt, 29, got engaged to the Scottish actor, 32, in November 2007 after dating for two years.
"They broke up over the holidays and have ended their engagement," says a source close to the couple. "They're both really sad about this. Even their friends are surprised; they seemed really happy. Everyone just wants the best for both of them."
Reps for both Hewitt and McCall had no immediate comment.
The Ghost Whisperer star, 29, got engaged to the Scottish actor, 32, in November 2007 after dating for two years.
While the couple hadn’t announced a date, in October Hewitt told PEOPLE her svelte new look was prompted not by those infamous 2007 bikini pictures – and the ensuing controversy over body image after she took to her blog to defend herself – but by her upcoming nuptials.
"I'm getting ready to turn 30 and get married and all those things," Hewitt said. "This year was my year to try to glow from within and feel better."
McCall, who costarred in the 2001 HBO miniseries Band of Brothers and stars in the Starz drama Crash, appeared in one episode of Hewitt's hit show Ghost Whisperer, in 2006.
CBS owned the night in households with a 5.8 rating/10 share, ahead of NBC's second place finish of 3.6/6, FOX's 3.4/6, ABC's 2.8/5 and The CW's 0.9/1.
Among 18 to 49-year-olds, CBS was also tops with a 2.1. NBC and FOX tied for second with a 1.3 apiece, while ABC took in a 1.2 and The CW trailed with a 0.5.
CBS kicked off the evening at 8 p.m. with "Ghost Whisperer" nabbing a 6.5/11, the highest-rated show of the night. FOX's "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?" came in second with a 3.8/7, while ABC's repeat of "Wife Swap," 2.4/4, just squeaked by NBC's "Momma's Boys" repeat, 2.3/4. The CW brought up the rear with reruns of the comedies "Everybody Hates Chris" and "The Game."
At 9 p.m., CBS' repeat of "Numb3rs" still came in first for the hour with a 5.1/9, while "Dateline NBC" scored a 4.1/7 for runner-up honors. In third place was FOX's "Don't Forget the Lyrics," 3.0/5, ahead of ABC's "Supernanny" repeat, 2.2/4. More repeats of the same CW sitcoms from the previous hour only mustered a 0.8/1.
It was the same ol' story at 10 p.m. CBS's "Numb3rs" repeat drew a 5.8/10, followed by NBC's "Dateline," 4.4/8, and ABC's "20/20," 3.9/7.
It mixes forbidden romance with palace intrigue, fanciful creatures, scenery-destroying duels and fierce battles between armies. Yet nothing catches fire. The story line and characters are all terribly derivative, and audiences young and old are left with the feeling that, as the saying goes, they don't have a horse in this race.
Animated films generally do well during the holidays, but "Delgo's" makers create quite a problem for their film: The action and violence are too intense for some youngsters -- including the one behind me at a screening who demanded to leave less than five minutes into the film -- and the story is far too dull for most adults. The Freestyle Releasing film earned just $512,000 in its first weekend of wide release.
Adults might want to occupy their minds counting the sources of "inspiration." First, there is "Romeo and Juliet" as two teens from warring tribes fall for each other. Delgo (voiced by Freddie Prinze Jr.) is an adventurous lad from the Lockni, beings that control the mystical powers of the land. Kyla (Jennifer Love Hewitt) is a princess of the winged Nohrin, who rule the sky.
Their separate domains plus a third belonging to the outcast evil empress (the late Anne Bancroft) play like remnants from "The Lord of the Rings" and "Star Wars" sagas with strange landscapes, fantastical creatures and militaristic responses to any and all crises. The Lockni have a simian quality to their faces, so you can probably throw in "The Planet of the Apes" movies, too.
The trouble is that the more directors Marc F. Adler and Jason Maurer move into the weird and strange, the duller the film becomes. Fairy-tale invention trumps character and story ingenuity at every point. There also is a level of slapstick throughout that relegates the film to very young and undemanding viewers.
The filmmakers have loaded their voice cast with names including Val Kilmer, Malcolm McDowell, Louis Gossett Jr., Eric Idle and Burt Reynolds. They could have saved their money, though, as few give their characters any vocal distinction.
Among this year's big honorees are CBS' The Ghost Whisperer, ABC's Pushing Daisies and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2, for which Gossip girl Blake Lively took the stage. A video game system was honored, too: Mario Lopez, Derek and Julianne Hough, her Dancing partner Cody Linley and 90210er Jennie Garth all appeared to accept an award on behalf of the Wii (which has upped our tennis game).
The event, which Everybody Hates Chris' adorable Tyler James Williams hosted, also featured stars from the music world. Phenoms Miley Cyrus and Leona "Bleeding Love" Lewis accepted the special event award for Stand Up 2 Cancer, which aired in Sept. with a celeb-studded lineup of artists and celebs.
Other honorees included Michael Phelps' mother, Debbie, for a Special Olympic Moment, plus House of Payne, Wall-E and the TV movie of A Raisin in the Sun. Which shows and movies do you think deserved some kudos?
On Dec. 12 (9 pm/ET), the network is honoring movies, shows and more that reflect quality programming for all ages in a star-studded kudosfest. Everybody Hates Chris' Tyler James Williams hosts the special, which not only features clips from shows, movies and video games (really!), but also appearances from the likes of Blake Lively, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ryan Seacrest, Julianne Hough and more.
For the night, CBS averaged a 6.0 rating/10 share, easily beating second-place ABC's 3.7/6. FOX took third at 3.3/6. NBC, 2.7/5, came in fourth, and The CW trailed with a 1.2/2.
CBS also led among adults 18-49 with a 2.2 rating. ABC, 2.0, finished second. FOX was third at 1.3, followed by NBC, 1.1, and The CW, 0.5.
"Ghost Whisperer," 6.2/11, put CBS on top at 8 p.m. FOX's "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?," 3.5/6, took second in households for FOX, but ABC grabbed a few more total viewers with the movie "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," 3.2/6. NBC's "Greatest Holiday Moments" special came in fourth, topping "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer," 1.2/2, on The CW.
CBS stayed on top at 9 p.m. with a "Numb3rs" rerun, 5.5/9. ABC's movie improved a little to 3.5/6. "Don't Forget the Lyrics" earned a 3.2/5 for FOX, while "Lipstick Jungle" managed only a 2.5/4 for NBC. The CW aired "The Story of Santa Claus."
A new "Numb3rs" scored a 6.3/11 for CBS at 10 p.m. ABC's "20/20" came in at 4.3/8, while "Dateline" scored a 2.6/5 for NBC.
Among 18 to 49-year-olds, CBS was also tops with a 2.5. ABC came in second with a 2.0 to FOX's 1.5. NBC managed fourth place with a 1.1, while The CW brough up the rear with a 0.6.
CBS began the evening at 8 p.m. with the continuation of this season's interesting plot developments on " Ghost Whisperer" taking a 7.2/13 for the hour. FOX got a hold on second place with "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?" edging out NBC's " Deal or No Deal." ABC took fourth with " Wife Swap," 3.0/5, ahead of The CW comedies "Everbody Hates Chris," 1.3/2, and " The Game," 1.1/2.
At 9 p.m., CBS mixed it up and instead of airing another "NCIS" repeat went with one for " The Mentalist," getting a jump from last week's 7.1/12 to a 7.5/13. FOX held onto second place with " Don't Forget the Lyrics," 3.5/6, while ABC rose to third with " Supernanny," 3.3/6, ahead of NBC's " Crusoe," 2.3/4. The CW finished its evening with a reairing of this week's "America's Next Top Model" finale.
CBS polished off its evening with "Numb3rs" at 10 p.m., 7.1/13. With FOX programming finished for the night, ABC moved into second place with " 20/20," 5.6/10, while NBC's " Lipstick Jungle" barely made a mark with a 2.2/4 for the hour.
Overall, CBS averaged a 6.0 rating/11 share, far ahead of the 3.9/7 for ABC and the 3.3/6 for FOX. NBC's 2.8/5 was enough for fourth, beating the 1.1/2 for The CW.
Among adults 18-49, CBS had a 2.2 rating, for a win in the all-important demographic. ABC was second with a 1.7 rating, while FOX's 1.4 and NBC's 1.2 rating followed. The CW again trailed with a 0.6 rating.
In the 8 p.m. hour "Ghost Whisperer" gave CBS a robust 7.2/13, far above its season averages. FOX's "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader" and NBC's "Deal or No Deal" tied for second with a 3.5/6, while ABC was fourth with "Supernanny." On The CW, "Everybody Hates Chris" and "The Game" averaged 1.2/2 for the hour.
At 9 p.m. CBS' "The Price Is Right Salutes the Troops" special won the hour with a 4.7/8, far below the audience drawn by "NCIS" repeats in recent weeks. ABC's "Supernanny" was second with a 3.3/6, nipping "Don't Forget the Lyrics" on FOX. NBC's "Crusoe" had a 2.7/5 and beat The CW's "America's Next Top Model" encore.
CBS closed out its evening sweep with a 6.0/11 for "Numb3rs." ABC's Barbara Walters Special had a 5.4/10 for second, while NBC's "Lipstick Jungle" limped into third with a 2.4/4.
For the night, CBS drew a 7.0 rating/12 share, beating second-place ABC, 4.1/7, by about 5 million viewers. FOX took third with a 3.7/6. NBC managed only a 2.8/5 in finishing fourth, and The CW trailed with a 1.1/2.
CBS also led the adults 18-49 demographic with a 2.6 rating. ABC took second at 1.9, followed by FOX at 1.6. NBC averaged a scant 1.1, but that still beat The CW's 0.6.
"Ghost Whisperer" put CBS on top at 8 p.m. with a 6.9/12. "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?," 4.1/7, came in second for FOX. "Deal or No Deal" earned a 3.6/6 for NBC, beating out "Wife Swap" on ABC. The CW averaged 1.1/2 with "Everybody Hates Chris" and "The Game."
An "NCIS" rerun scored a 7.1/12 for CBS at 9 p.m. ABC moved into second with "Supernanny," 3.7/6. "Don't Forget the Lyrics" delivered a 3.3/6 for FOX. "Crusoe's" 2.4/4 was good enough to give NBC fourth over an "America's Next Top Model" rerun on The CW.
"Numb3rs," 7.1/13, completed the CBS sweep at 10 p.m. ABC's "20/20" drew a 5.6/10, easily beating NBC's "Lipstick Jungle," 2.3/4, for second.
CBS also drew in the 18 to 49-year-olds with a 2.2. ABC came in second with a 1.4. FOX mustered a 1.1, while NBC and The CW mustered a 0.9 and 0.5, respectively.
"Ghost Whisperer" started the evening strong for CBS, averaging a 6.1/12 for the hour. NBC started the evening in second place with "Deal or No Deal" edging out FOX's game show " Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?" ABC went with " Wife Swap," 2.5/5, while The CW offered up " Everybody Hates Chris," 1.0/2, and " The Game," 0.9/2.
At 9 p.m., CBS replaced freshly canceled drama "The Ex List" with a repeat of "NCIS" and scored the best ratings of the night, 7.2/13. " Supernanny" improved ABC's numbers for the night and kept the network in second place with a 3.0/5. FOX rose to third place with " Don't Forget the Lyrics," 2.8/5, while NBC slipped to third with " Crusoe," 2.6/5. The CW's encore of "America's Next Top Model" managed a 0.8/1.
CBS finished the evening at 10 p.m. in first place courtesy of " Numb3rs," 6.8/13. ABC had its best numbers of the night from " 20/20," 4.6/9, while NBC's decision to do some schedule-swapping did not favors for the ladies of " Lipstick Jungle," for 2.3/4.
"Cheryl Burke is so beautiful and an amazing dancer and that's what people should concentrate on," Hewitt, 29, who fought back against criticism of her bikini body, said Wednesday on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Burke, 24, was recently criticized by DWTS pros Louis Van Amstel and Maksim Chmerkovskiy for gaining a few pounds over the summer – to which the Ghost Whisperer star responds: "I think [people] feel like people don't have any feelings."
Hewitt, who has sported a noticeably slimmer physique, says she has been training for a marathon since last year.
"My body just changed," she says. "When you're running that much and working out like that, that's what happens. I was happy with myself in those photos, and I'm still happy."
CBS averaged a 5.3 rating/9 share for the night, ahead of second and third place finishers ABC, 3.8/7, and NBC, 3.7/7, followed by FOX, 3.5/6, and The CW, 1.0/2.
The adults 18-49 demo battle told a similar story, with CBS landing a 2.1 rating. ABC once again took second with a 1.7, beating out NBC and FOX, both of which got a 1.4 apiece. The CW only managed a 0.6.
"Ghost Whisperer," 6.2/11, nabbed the best numbers for the night at 8 p.m. for CBS, while NBC's "Deal or No Deal" took in a respectable 3.9/7. FOX landed third in the hour with "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?," 3.5/6, followed by ABC's "Wife Swap," 2.8/5. The CW averaged 1.1/2 with "Everybody Hates Chris" and "The Game."
CBS barely stayed on top with "The Ex List," 3.7/6, in the 9 o'clock hour, edging out NBC's "Crusoe," 3.6/6. ABC's "Super Nanny" and FOX's "Don't Forget the Lyrics" tied for third with a 3.4/6 each. The CW aired an "America's Next Top Model" repeat.
CBS complete its hat trick for the night at 10 p.m. with "Numb3rs" earning a 5.8/10. ABC got a 5.0/9 from "20/20," while "Life" earned a 3.5/6 for NBC.
CBS averaged a 5.3 rating/9 share for the night, a point better than NBC's 4.3/8. ABC took third with a 3.8/7, followed by FOX, 3.3/6, and The CW, 1.1/2.
The adults 18-49 title also went to CBS with a 2.2 rating. ABC finished second in the demographic with a 1.9, beating out NBC's 1.6. FOX averaged 1.4 and The CW 0.7.
"Ghost Whisperer," 5.8/11, grabbed the night's biggest audience for CBS at 8 p.m. The premiere of "Crusoe" on NBC drew a 4.3/8. "Wife Swap" was third in households for ABC, but FOX's "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?," 3.1/6, had a few more total viewers. The CW averaged 1.2/2 with "Everybody Hates Chris" and "The Game."
NBC took the lead at 9 p.m. as "Crusoe" improved to 4.7/8. "The Ex List," 4.3/7, dropped CBS to second. ABC's "Supernanny," 3.6/6, kept ABC in third among households, but FOX once again had more viewers with a second hour of "Fifth Grader," 3.4/6. The CW aired an "America's Next Top Model" repeat.
CBS reclaimed the top spot at 10 p.m. with "Numb3rs," 5.7/10. ABC got a 4.5/8 from "20/20," while "Life" earned a 3.9/7 for NBC.
“I think her dancing is what everyone needs to be concentrating on,” Hewitt said Saturday at St. Jude’s Runway for Life Gala in Beverly Hills.
If you haven't heard by now, Burke has been facing some rather nasty press for putting on some weight since last season's Dancing With the Stars. Hewitt battled similar criticism about a year ago after paparazzi snapped some unflattering shots of her in a bathing suit while vacationing in Hawaii.
“Cheryl is an incredible dancer," Hewitt said. "She works her butt off—literally—to impress people every single week on Dancing With the Stars, and I just think she's fantastic.”
Even Hewitt's fiancé, Ross McCall, chimed in, "Everyone needs to leave her alone."
Amen!
As for Hewitt's own fitness regimen these days, she's been training for a marathon. "I have really messed-up knees and ankles from dancing, so I don't even know if I'll be able to get through it, but I'm excited," she said. "It's something I wanted to try and train for, for a long time.”
She joked, "I may be walking it or roller-skating it, but I will be doing it."
And the joking didn't stop there. Asked about the latest on their wedding plans, McCall cracked, "We're doing it tomorrow. We're getting married tomorrow."
No, it was not those infamous bikini pictures – or the nasty blog comments that followed.
"I'm getting ready to turn 30 and get married and all those things," she tells PEOPLE, echoing the diet motivations of countless women. "This year was my year to try to glow from within and feel better."
The actress looked slim and stunning Saturday night as she hit L.A.'s Runway For Life event benefiting the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital on the arm of fiancé Ross McCall. Her exercise plan?
"I workout about four or five days a week," she said, strutting her stuff in a slinky purple dress by Carmen Marc Valvo. "I love to run – that's good."
In addition to cardio, the former Party of Five star also mixes in strength moves.
"I'm perfecting my pushup right now," she said. "And the plank pose is very inspiring – where you're up on your elbows and your legs are out, and it's just your stomach holding your body up. Very cool."
The actress says she wants to have children with the Scottish actor "someday." In the meantime, she's enjoying the opportunity to focus on her health.
"The better you are in your mind, body and spirit, the better everything goes for you in your life," she added.
Overall, CBS averaged a 5.1 rating/9 share, well in front of the 3.8/7 for second place ABC and the 3.2/6 tie between FOX and NBC. The CW's 1.2/2 trailed.
CBS also won among adults 18-49, doing a 2.2 rating in the key demographic. ABC's 1.8 rating was second, while FOX was up to third with a 1.4 rating. NBC's 1.3 demo rating held off the 0.7 rating for The CW, which is probably missing the Friday ratings wrestling used to reliably provide.
At 8 p.m. CBS got a 6.1/11 from "Ghost Whisperer," the night's highest rated single show. FOX's "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader" was second with a 3.8/7. ABC's "Wife Swap" had a 2.9/5, beating "America's Toughest Jobs" on NBC. The CW's "Everybody Hates Chris" and "The Game" had a 1.2/2 for fifth on the hour.
NBC briefly grabbed first in the 9 p.m. hour with a 4.0/7 for "Deal or No Deal." CBS' "The Ex List" was second overall with a 3.9/7 and actually narrowly won the 18-49 demo for the hour. ABC's "Supernanny" was third on the hour, nipping the 3.1/5 for FOX's "Don't Forget the Lyrics." The CW's repeat of "America's Next Top Model" was fifth.
CBS bounced back into first at 10 p.m. with a 5.3/10 for "Numb3rs." ABC's "20/20" was second with a 5.0/7. On NBC, "Life" had a 3.1/6 for third.
Among 18 to 49-year-olds, CBS was also tops with a 2.2/7. ABC came in second with a 1.5/5. FOX and NBC again tied for third with a 1.4/4, while The CW brought up the rear with a .7/2.
The season premiere of "Ghost Whisperer" started the night for CBS with a 6.0/11 for the eight o'clock hour. "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?" put FOX in second with a 3.8/7, while the season premiere of ABC's "Wife Swap," 2.5/5, edged out NBC's "America's Toughest Jobs" for third place. The season premieres of "Eveybody Hates Chris" and "The Game" averaged a 1.3/3 for The CW.
At 9 p.m., the series premiere of " The Ex List" dipped CBS to a 4.7/8 for the hour. NBC rose to second place on the back of "Deal or No Deal" while ABC held on to third with the season premiere of "Supernanny," 2.9/5. FOX slipped to fourth place with "Don't Forget the Lyrics," 2.8/5, and The CW aired an encore of this weeks " America's Next Top Model."
The season premiere of "Numb3rs" gained back some of CBS' audience at 10 p.m. with a 5.3/10. ABC finished the night in second place with "20/20" and NBC's " Life" dipped to a 3.6/7 in its regular Friday night home.
"I wish I had been nude from the time I was 12 until I was 28. I looked great!" the Ghost Whisperer actress, 29, tells Health magazine in its September issue.
"I so wish I had listened to my mom and grandma when I was 18 and would complain about some little tiny bump or feeling bloated," says the star, who is engaged to Scottish actor Ross McCall. "I used to scoff and say, 'No, I feel fat today!' Now the joke's on me."
Hewitt found herself defending her figure last year when several Web sites criticized her weight after she was pictured vacationing in a bikini.
These days, she's spreading some body image love to her younger peers. "I want to tell all young girls to walk around in bikinis all summer, because there will be that one day in your twenties when you'll eat a hamburger and actually see the hamburger on the side of your leg," she jokes.
The next milestone for the actress is turning 30 this February – and she can barely wait. "I'm so excited! It's my dream age," she says. "I don't know why but, literally since my 12th birthday I've wanted to turn 30."
At the time, J.Love believed women's bodies shouldn't be scrutinized because there's more to a person than that.
But you can forget all that. Now, she would like you to admire her body because she lost 18 pounds in 10 weeks!
So go ahead, give her new body a look over and tell her how slim she is, because now you're allowed to scrutinize.
The actress' former management firm has dropped a lawsuit alleging she never turned over an agreed-upon 10-percent commission for helping her secure her starring role on Ghost Whisperer, according to a request for dismissal filed Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court.
An attorney for Handprint Entertainment Inc. refused to comment on why her client opted to end the fight, saying the paperwork spoke for itself. The request was filed "with prejudice," meaning the plaintiff has agreed not to pursue the matter in the future.
According to Handprint's complaint, which was filed in April 2007, Hewitt hooked up with the company in 2002 and left in 2005, the year Ghost Whisperer premiered.
While the CBS drama, now entering its fourth season, brought the former Party of Five sixth wheel back "to national prominence as a TV star," Handprint claimed that she reneged on an oral agreement to turn over 10 percent of her earnings.
The firm had asked for at least $375,000 in damages.
On "Ghost," which returns for a fourth season in the fall, Kennedy will play Eli, a graduate student in psychology at the local university who forms a bond with Melinda (Jennifer Love Hewitt).
Kennedy fills the void left by the upcoming departure of Jay Mohr.
Mohr, who had been a regular on "Ghost" for the past two seasons as Professor Rick Payne, is expected to appear in the first couple of episodes before his character, Payne, goes on sabbatical.
Mohr will segue full time to his new series for CBS, the comedy "Project Gary," on which he plays the title character.
An ABC representative for the hit series Desperate Housewives tells E! News that there is "no damage to Wisteria Lane" from Sunday morning's massive blaze at the Universal Studios backlot, despite earlier rumors. The show's infamous neighborhood is housed on the property.
However, CBS' Ghost Whisperer, starring Jennifer Love Hewitt, may not have fared as well. A press executive for the studio tells E! News, "Preliminary reports say just two exterior sets were damaged."
They haven't received the full report yet but do not think the damage is extensive enough to delay production on the show.
Neither Universal's Citywalk nor theme park were damaged, but the park was shut down for the day. The MTV Movie Awards, hosted by Mike Meyers, is scheduled to go on as planned Sunday night at 5 p.m. in Universal's Gibson Amphitheatre.
At least 400 firefighters were called in to quench the at times 100-foot-high flames, which broke out around 4:45 a.m. and tore through a soundstage and several buildings and famous movie sets.
The King Kong exhibit, New York and New England streetscapes, the iconic Back to the Future set (including the clock tower) were extensively damaged, as was the studio's television video archive. Four firefighters and a sheriff's deputy were also injured, although not severely.
Crews are bulldozing demolished buildings and heavy smoke continues to pour out of the fire, eight hours after it started.
Among 18 to 49-year-olds, CBS was also tops with a 2.0. ABC came in second with a 1.7. The CW and FOX tied for third with a 1.2, while NBC brought up the rear with a 1.0.
The season finale of "Ghost Whisperer" started the night for CBS with a 5.6/11 for the eight o'clock hour. The first half of ABC's "America's Funniest Home Videos" season finale took at 3.9/8 for the hour, while The CW dove into the wrestling ring with two hours of "WWE Friday Night Smackdown!" taking a 2.3/5 for the hour. FOX gave over its evening to airing the movie "Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story," while the return of "American Gladiators" continued to underperform for NBC, 1.7/4.
At 9 p.m., the series finale of "Moonlight" took a 4.9/9 for CBS. The conclusion of "America's Funniest Home Videos" nipped at its heels with a 4.7/9 on ABC. The CW held its third place position, while FOX's movie had a stronger second hour with a 2.2/4. "American Gladiators" kept NBC in fifth.
CBS had the highest-rated, most-watched show at 10 p.m. with the season finale of "Numb3rs" taking a 6.1/11. ABC stayed in second with "20/20," 4.2/8, while NBC had its best ratings of the evening with "Dateline NBC," 3.1/6.
CBS received a soft yet solid (much like a hard-boiled egg) 5.5 rating/10 share for the night, easily beating ABC, 4.2/8. NBC took third at 3.8/7. The CW, 2.4/4, edged FOX, 2.2/4, for fourth.
It was a similar story for adults 18-49, who gave CBS a 2.0 rating. ABC finished second at 1.7, NBC took third with a 1.4, just ahead of The CW 1.3. FOX drew a 1.1.
"Ghost Whisperer" started out strong for CBS with a 5.7/11 at 8 p.m. ABC's "TV's All Time Funniest" special gave the network second with a 4.0/8, well ahead of third-place NBC, which had a 2.8/6 for a rerun of "Most Outrageous Moments." "Friday Night Smackdown!" put The CW in fourth, just ahead of FOX's movie "Man of the House," 2.2/4.
"Moonlight's" 5.0/9 kept CBS in the lead at 9 o'clock, while ABC's "TV's All Time Funniest" performed consistently in second for a 4.6/8. NBC's "Dateline" moved the network up significantly with a 4.0/8. The CW's "Smackdown!" earned a 2.5/4 for the hour, squeaking by the conclusion of FOX's movie,2.4/4.
"Numb3rs" completed CBS' hat trick with a 5.8/11 at 10 p.m., while NBC finally moved into second with another hour of "Dateline" taking in a 4.5/8. ABC's "20/20" drew a 4.2/8.
The Sci Fi Channel has obtained the off-network cable rights to "Ghost Whisperer," along with access to shows such as "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and "Charmed" in the CBS library.
"Ghost Whisperer," which stars Jennifer Love Hewitt as the aformentioned Melinda who talks to the spirits of those who need help in the physical world before crossing over, will launch on the cable network in fall of 2009, airing in a weekly four-hour primetime stack.
"The paranormal is very popular with our audience, as evidenced by the huge success of our original series 'Ghost Hunters' and 'Ghost Hunters International,' television's most popular paranormal franchise," says Thomas Vitale, the network's Senior Vice President of Programming and Original Movies. "As part of Sci Fi's primetime lineup, 'Ghost Whisperer' will appeal to our existing audience, while bringing in new viewers, including more women."
Mini-marathons and full-day marathons are also in the cards for the show, which will be simulcast in HD.
Sci Fi will also have access to CBS' extensive library that includes "Star Trek: TNG," premiering Monday, June 2, "Charmed," "Early Edition," "Highlander," "Friday the 13th: The Series" and "Mork & Mindy," among others.
CBS averaged a 5.8 rating/10 share for the night, easily beating NBC, 4.0/7. ABC took third at 3.2/6. The CW, 2.3/4, edged FOX, 2.1/4, for fourth.
The adults 18-49 demographic also belonged to CBS, which led the way with a 2.2 rating. NBC finished second at 1.7, and ABC and The CW tied for third at 1.2. FOX drew a 1.1.
"Ghost Whisperer" led off the night for CBS with a 5.9/11 at 8 p.m. A "20/20" special, "Secrets of the Sistine Chapel," earned a 4.3/8 for ABC. "Most Outrageous Moments" delivered a 3.5/6 for NBC. "Friday Night Smackdown!" put The CW in fourth, just ahead of the movie "Are We There Yet?," 2.0/4, on FOX.
CBS stayed on top at 9 p.m. with "Moonlight," 5.0/9. NBC moved into second with "Dateline," 4.1/7. ABC was third in households with "Duel," 2.6/5, but The CW brought in more viewers with "Smackdown!," 2.5/4. FOX's movie brought up the rear.
"Numb3rs" completed the CBS at 10 p.m. with a 6.4/12, the night's best rating. A second hour of "Dateline" posted a 4.6/8 for NBC, while "20/20" drew a 2.8/5 for ABC.
"It won't be a summer wedding. I won't be a sweaty bride," says Hewitt, 28, who announced her engagement to Scottish actor Ross McCall in November.
"We are still planning the wedding and haven't set a date yet. But it'll still be small and intimate," she said Saturday while attending the Evening of Hope benefiting the American Cancer Society.
In addition to the right temperature, the two are waiting for their schedules to "simmer down" a bit, too. Hewitt's Ghost Whisperer is currently in its third season.
Overall, CBS had a 5.6 rating/10 share, well ahead of second place NBC's 4.0/7 and the 3.0/5 for third place ABC. FOX had a 2.6/5 for fourth, followed closely by the 2.4/4 for The CW.
Things weren't much closer among adults 18-49, as CBS' 2.2 rating in the key demo was solidly in front of the 1.6 rating for NBC. FOX and The CW both had 1.3 demo ratings, leaving ABC in fifth with a 1.2 rating.
CBS swept the night's primetime hours starting with the 5.7/11 for "Ghost Whisperer." ABC was second with a 3.3/7 for "America's Funniest Home Videos." NBC was third with an hour of "Most Outrageous TV Moments." The FOX movie "13 Going on 30" had a 2.5/5 to nip the 2.2/4 for The CW's "WWE Friday Night Smackdown."
At 9 p.m. the return of "Moonlight" did a 5.0/9, down from its lead-in, but very much in line with the vampire drama's average performance this season. NBC moved up to second with a 4.8/9 for "Dateline." FOX's movie was up to a 2.8/5, just ahead of The CW's wrestling for third. ABC's "Duel" was last with a 2.4/4.
The night's highest ratings went to CBS' "Num3rs," which had a 6.1/11 in the 10 p.m. hour. NBC was second with the 4.5/8 for "Dateline" and ABC's "20/20" took third.
Among viewers 18-to-49, NBC was also tops with 1.8/6. CBS was again second with a 1.5, followed by FOX (1.3), The CW (1.2) and ABC (1.1).
CBS started off the night in the lead with a "Ghost Whisperer" repeat, 4.4/8. NBC's "Most Outrageous Moments" took a 3.5/7 for the hour, giving the network a slight advantage over FOX's "House" repeat, 3.3/6. ABC's "Desperate Housewives" repeat tied with the first hour of The CW's usual Friday night wrestling block.
At 9 p.m., NBC took the lead with "Dateline NBC," 4.9/9. CBS slipped to second with "Moonlight," 3.5/6, and FOX maintained third place with the season finale of "Canterbury's Law," 3.2/6. The CW's second hour of "Friday Night Smackdown" mustered a 2.6/5, leaving ABC's "Duel" in last place ofr the hour with a 2.1/4.
A 5.1/9 secured NBC's vistory at 10 p.m., while CBS also had its best hour of the night courtesy of "Numb3rs," 4.6/8. ABC also perked up a bit from the previous hours thanks to "20/20," 3.6/7.
CBS averaged a 5.6 rating/10 share for the night, quite well ahead over ABC, 3.7/6. NBC and FOX were close behind with a 3.4/6 and 3.3/6, respectively, while The CW trailed with a 2.6/5.
In the adults 18-49 demographic, CBS was still first with a soft 2.3 rating. ABC took second with a 1.6. NBC's 1.5 and The CW's 1.4 saved them from being last, an honor that fell to FOX, 1.2.
"Ghost Whisperer," 5.2/10, put CBS on top at 8 p.m. ABC got a 3.6/7 from an "America's Funniest Home Videos" rerun. A "Bones" repeaton FOX earned a 3.1/6, just over NBC's game show "Amne$ia." The CW's "Friday Night Smackdown!" delivered a 2.4/4.
CBS continued its lead at 9 p.m. with "The Price Is Right Million Dollar Spectacular," 5.3/10. NBC's beginning of the "Miss USA 2008" pageant tied with FOX's "Canterbury's Law" with a 3.4/6 apiece. "Smackdown!" improved to 2.7/5 in its second hour, moving it ahead of "Duel" on ABC.
In the 10 o'clock hour, the "Numb3rs" scored the night's biggest audience (6.2/11) for CBS. ABC's "20/20" drewa 4.8/9 for the hour, pulling it ahead of the second hour of NBC's "Miss USA" coverage, 4.1/8.
CBS averaged a 5.9 rating/10 share for the evening, winning by a comfortable margin over NBC, 4.1/7. FOX came in third with a 3.5/6. ABC, 3.2/5, finished fourth, and The CW trailed with a 2.6/5.
In the adults 18-49 demographic, CBS was the only network to break 2.0, winning the night with a fairly soft 2.3 rating. NBC took second with a 1.6. ABC and The CW tied for third at 1.4, while FOX drew a 1.3.
"Ghost Whisperer," 6.0/10, put CBS on top at 8 p.m. ABC got a 3.7/7 from an "America's Funniest Home Videos" rerun. A "Bones" rerun on FOX earned a 3.1/6, edging NBC's game show "Amne$ia." The CW's "Friday Night Smackdown!" delivered a 2.4/4.
CBS held the lead at 9 p.m. with "The Price Is Right Million Dollar Spectacular," 5.4/9. NBC moved up to second with "Dateline," 4.5/8. "Canterbury's Law," 3.9/7, came in third for FOX. "Smackdown!" improved to 2.8/5 in its second hour, moving it ahead of the return of "Duel" on ABC.
At 10 p.m., the return of "Numb3rs" scored the night's biggest audience (6.2/11) for CBS. A second hour of "Dateline" posted a 4.8/8 for NBC, and ABC's "20/20" drew a 3.4/6.
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"The thing I think is great is when those pictures were taken, no matter what, I had just been asked to marry," says Hewitt, engaged to Scottish actor Ross McCall, "so he loves me just the way I am."
And if she does decide to something about her body, "I will for my health, not for typical reasons," she told PEOPLE on Sunday at an Oscar viewing party at SBE's The Abbey in West Hollywood.
"If I do work out more it will be for my health, so I can live a long time and we can have kids and be happy together until we are in our 80s," Hewitt, 29, said at the event, benefiting AIDS Project Los Angeles. "It won't be because I am worried about how I look."
The network announced that 11 of its most successful shows, including eight of the 20 top-rated scripted offerings on television, will be back for the 2008-09 season. Joining "The Big Bang Theory" on the pick-up front are "Cold Case," "Criminal Minds," all three shows in the "CSI" franchise, "Ghost Whisperer," "NCIS," "Numb3rs," "Two and a Half Men" and "Without a Trace."
The network had previously ordered another installment of "The Amazing Race," plus two more seasons of "Survivor."
None of those renewals is particularly surprising, as most of the shows represent the foundation of CBS' long run as TV's most-watched network.
CBS also announced on Thursday that even if other networks are feeling doubts about how to handle the upfronts season this year, The Eye will hold a presentation for advertisers on Wednesday, May 14 at Carnegie Hall. The may turn out to be Judgment Day for fans of a number of currently unrenewed shows.
Among the shows that remain in limbo are beloved Monday comedy "How I Met Your Mother," slightly less beloved Monday comedy "Rules of Engagement," the James Wood drama "Shark" "The Unit" and cult vampire favorite "Moonlight." All of those shows are being brought back into production and will return in March and April for new episodes likely to determine their eventual fate. Presumably the network's schedule will still have room for several of those shows.
Also on uncertain footing is "Jericho," which was brought back from the dead after a fan campaign, but delivered middling returns in its Tuesday return. "Jericho" has finished shooting its mini-season, but six episodes have yet to air.
Overall, CBS averaged a 5.9 rating/10 share, while NBC was second with a 4.4/8. FOX had a better-than-normal 3.6/6 for third, leaving ABC's 3.5/6 in fourth. The CW was fifth with a 2.9/5.
CBS also won among adults 18-49, doing a 2.5 rating in the key demographic. NBC's 2.0 was second with FOX's 1.7 and The CW's 1.6 close behind. ABC trailed for the night with a 1.5 rating.
"Ghost Whisperer" kicked off CBS' primetime sweep with a 6.2/11 and the night's highest demo ratings. NBC was second with a 4.9/9 for "1 vs. 100. ABC was third with a repeat of "Grey's Anatomy," while FOX's repeat of "Bones" was close behind. Fifth place went to The CW's "WWE Friday Night Smackdown!" with a 2.8/5.
At 9 p.m., CBS' "Moonlight" dropped from its lead-in, but still had no trouble winning its hour with a 5.2/9. FOX got a boost from a 4.1/7 repeat of "House," taking second. NBC was third with the 3.7/6 for "Friday Night Lights," while ABC's "Cashmere Mafia" repeat had a 3.0/5 for fourth. The CW's wrestling stayed steady.
CBS saw "Numb3rs" bounce back up to a 6.2/11 to win the 10 p.m. hour. NBC's "Las Vegas" had a 4.6/8 to hold off the 4.3/8 for ABC's "20/20."
CBS averaged a 5.8 rating/10 share for the night, easily beating ABC's 3.9/7. NBC, 3.6/6, came in third. The CW's 2.7/5 was good for fourth, and FOX trailed with a 2.4/4.
CBS was the only network to break the 2.0 barrier among adults 18-49, drawing a 2.4 rating in the demographic. NBC finished second at 1.7, followed by The CW at 1.5. ABC and FOX each averaged 1.3.
A new "Ghost Whisperer" earned a 6.2/11 for CBS at 8 p.m. The Frank Capra classic "It's a Wonderful Life" posted a 3.2/6 for NBC. "Don't Forget the Lyrics" on FOX and a "Men in Trees" rerun on ABC tied for third in households, with FOX bringing in more total viewers. The first hour of "Friday Night Smackdown!" delivered a 2.6/5 for The CW.
"Moonlight" kept CBS on top at 9 p.m. with a 4.9/9. ABC moved up to second with a "Women's Murder Club" rerun, 4.2/7. "It's a Wonderful Life" was third for NBC, topping the 2.8/5 for "Smackdown!" on The CW. "The Next Great American Band" earned a 1.8/3 for FOX.
CBS finished off the night with "Numb3rs" scoring a 6.2/11 at 10 p.m. ABC's "20/20," 4.7/8, took second, while "It's a Wonderful Life" concluded with a 4.0/7.
"Absolutely, I would take that," Panettiere told PEOPLE Friday night in Washington, D.C. for the Forecast Earth Summit by The Weather Channel, where she spoke to a group of 22 high school students from across the country who were honored for their environmental outreach.
"She was definitely one of my inspirations growing up and she was definitely somebody I looked up to," the 18-year-old Heroes star says.
However, while Jolie is a strong advocate for humanitarian causes, the Heroes star is making headlines for her work to Save the Whales. An arrest warrant was issued for Panettiere in Japan after she and other activists paddled on surfboards into a cove in an attempt to protect dolphins facing slaughter from local fishermen.
"I grew up near the Hudson River in New York. I didn't grow up in the water; I don't surf. People think I surf because of the footage. I was just in a panic and happened to paddle really fast – I was hauling butt!" she said.
Reflecting on the experience, she later told PEOPLE, "It caused a great amount of stir." In a town where "people like to see young girls in Hollywood get arrested," Panettiere said there's been discussion of returning to Japan, but "we don't have a reason why we would, and we don't know of any good that could come of it at the moment... [but] I don't mind getting arrested."
'Everything in My Life Is on Display': She credits the success of Heroes with helping to give her the power to bring attention to these types of issues. But, she adds, the show's success can be viewed in yet another way: "It completely ruined my personal life. I mean, you walk out the door and you've got ten cameras in your face. Obviously everything in my life is on display whether it be true or false – 99 percent of it false."
For now, Panettiere says her job is her social life, and she prefers a quiet night at home over the club scene. "At home in bed with a movie and pizza and good friends," she described as her ideal Friday night. "I'd probably be watching Little Britain, a BBC TV show. It is phenomenal."
Not a Chain-Dater: And her dating life since she turned 18? "I'm not really a chain dater, and I'm not someone who kind of gives herself easily. So, I think it's attracting creepy old men, but I guess it's changed a little bit," she said. When asked if she has anyone special in her life, Panettiere coyly responded: "I don't know. I have a lot of special people in my life."
Much Love for Jennifer Love Hewitt: Meanwhile, she is more vocal on how she deals with the pressures of body image as a young woman in Hollywood, particularly amidst criticism of Jennifer Love Hewitt's recent bikini shots.
"Did you see TMZ the other day where I bent over and they took a picture of me, and there was a whole conversation on whether I had cottage cheese thighs or not?" she asked. "It makes me feel awful. I'm sorry, but no woman looks good under overhead lighting. It was not good lighting.
"I'm a teenage girl and I have the same body issues," she adds. "There are parts of my body that I don't mind, and there're parts of my body that I absolutely can't stand. And I don't need somebody pointing them out to me, because trust me, I know they're there. You don't need to tell anyone else about it. It doesn't need to be strewn across a magazine. It's my business. And the fact that you don't have anything better to talk about than my thigh fat is absolutely absurd. It just goes to show you the pathetic people in this world. I give Jennifer Love Hewitt all the support in the world. She's beautiful."
PEOPLE magazine's latest cover story, on newsstands Friday, gets the story behind Hewitt's experience, after she was widely ridiculed over photographs taken of her in a bikini from a recent Hawaiian vacation.
And at the Dolce & Gabbana fragrance launch party in New York this week, several female celebrities told PEOPLE they felt solidarity with Hewitt. Here's what they had to say:
• Model Petra Nemcova: "There are different angles that everybody, even if you're in great shape, can look bad in a photograph. And printing these images is definitely influencing people's minds – the stars themselves, but also the people who are reading and looking at the images, the teenagers. It's definitely good that she spoke out."
• Rosario Dawson: "They'll make a whole story about it if someone gains 5 lbs. ... It think there is a huge obsession with size-zero jeans, and it's just really scary. I don't really know where that comes from. We're not really in the Twiggy era anymore. It makes me really nervous, because I don't know how in the world we're supposed to be that thin unless we're totally starving and drugging up."
• Anne Hathaway: "[As an actress], most of the year, your body is your own. But to be ridiculed for it is upsetting. But to also have to defend it or explain it or rejoice in it or put it down, or to be expected to have a public opinion about it ... I don't understand when that happened. I don't think women should only be defined by their bodies and their weight. It's a cycle we've been in for some time, and I don't really like it."
Meanwhile, Hewitt herself shook off the controversy this week – with a trip to Disneyland with fiancé Ross McCall and three of their friends. "She went on a bunch of rides," says a friend of the 28-year-old actress. "She had a great time."
For more on the Hewitt bikini controversy, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday
"Like all women out there should, I love my body," Hewitt, 28, wrote on her blog after photos of her in a bikini hit the Web. "I know what I look like, and so do my friends and family."
Hewitt, who has modeled for Hanes, explains, "I've sat by in silence for a long time now about the way women's bodies are constantly scrutinized. To set the record straight, I'm not upset for me, but for all of the girls out there that are struggling with their body image."
She adds, "A size 2 is not fat! Nor will it ever be. And being a size 0 doesn't make you beautiful. … To all girls with butts, boobs, hips and a waist, put on a bikini – put it on and stay strong."
"They got engaged last week," Hewitt's representative told Us exclusively. The couple is vacationing in Hawaii.
McCall gave Hewitt an antique engagement ring that has been in his family for over 100 years, it said.
Hewitt, 29, star of the CBS drama "Ghost Whisperer," received critical acclaim in the title role of the ABC Original Movie, "The Audrey Hepburn Story," based on the life of the Academy Award-winning actress.
The Eye earned a 5.8 rating/10 share in primetime, followed by NBC and ABC tied for second in households at 4.4/8 apiece. The CW's 2.8/5 nabbed was good for fourth, beating FOX's 2.1/4.
CBS did similarly well in the adults 18-49 demographic, grabbing a 2.5 rating for the lead. NBC took second place with a 2.2, while ABC and The CW tied it up with 1.6 reach. FOX trailed with a 1.3.
Holiday audiences were feeling the love early on when "Ghost Whisperer," 6.3/11, took the lead at 8 p.m. NBC made a good showing this hour taking second for the beginning of the Nicolas Cage film "The Family Man," 4.1/7. ABC's "Men in Trees," 3.8/7 wasn't far behind. "Friday Night Smackdown!" fared well for The CW with a 2.8/5, way ahead of FOX's dismal showing for "The Next Great American Band."
"Women's Murder Club," 5.3/9, moved ABC in front at 9 p.m. CBS stayed in second with "Moonlight," 4.7/8, while NBC stayed steady with more Nic Cage shenanigans, 4.5/8. "Smackdown!," 2.8/5 on the CW could not be smacked down from fourth, although FOX's "Don't Forget the Lyrics" improved FOX's numbers considerably with a 2.5/4 for the hour.
In the 10 o'clock hour, "Numb3rs" easily led the hour with a 6.3/11. The final hour of "The Family Man," 4.8/9, gave NBC second place, while ABC's "20/20," 4.1/7 finished the evening in third.
The Eye earned a 6.0 rating/10 share in primetime. ABC took second in households at 5.1/9, but NBC, 5.0/9, grabbed about 500,000 more total viewers. The CW's 2.7/5 was good for fourth, beating FOX's 2.3/4.
CBS also led among adults 18-49 with a 2.7 rating. NBC finished second in the demographic with a 2.2, followed by ABC at 1.8. FOX averaged 1.5 and The CW 1.4.
NBC's "Deal or No Deal" won the 8 p.m. hour with a 6.7/12. "Ghost Whisperer," 6.2/11, was a close second for CBS (and led the hour in adults 18-49). "Men in Trees" delivered a 4.5/8 for ABC. "Friday Night Smackdown!" put The CW in fourth, a point better than "The Next Great American Band," 1.6/3, on FOX.
"Women's Murder Club," 6.2/11, moved ABC in front at 9 p.m. CBS stayed in second with "Moonlight," 5.1/9, while NBC dropped to third with "Friday Night Lights," 3.9/7. FOX's "Don't Forget the Lyrics" was fourth, beating the second hour of "Smackdown!," 2.8/5, on The CW.
At 10 p.m., CBS' "Numb3rs" easily led the hour with a 6.7/12. NBC's "Las Vegas" and ABC's "20/20" tied for second at 4.5/8, with NBC pulling in a few more viewers.
Overall, CBS averaged a 6.0 rating/10 share, beating the 5.3/9 for ABC and NBC's 4.8/8. The CW was a distant fourth with a 2.9/5, nipping the 2.8/5 for FOX.
CBS also won among adults 18-49, doing a 2.7 rating in the all-important demographic. NBC's 1.9 rating was second, followed closely by ABC's 1.8 rating and the 1.6 and 1.5 ratings for FOX and The CW.
"Ghost Whisperer" helped CBS start off in front, doing a 6.5/12 for the 8 p.m. hour. NBC's "Deal or No Deal" was second with a 6.1/11 and ABC's "Men in Trees" claimed third with a 4.4/8. The CW's "WWE Friday Night Smackdown!" was fourth, well ahead of the 1.8/3 for FOX's struggling "The Next Great American Band."
The only primetime hour not won by CBS was 9 p.m., as "Women's Murder Club" had a 6.5/11 to stay well ahead of the 5.1/9 for "Moonlight" on CBS. NBC's "Friday Night Lights" was down in third with a 3.7/6. FOX moved up to fourth with "Don't Forget the Lyrics!," while The CW's wrestling was up to a 3.0/5 in its second hour.
CBS was back in the lead at 10 p.m. with the 6.6/12 for "Numb3rs." ABC's "20/20" held second, beating the 4.6/9 for NBC's "Las Vegas.
The nominees are:
1. Favorite Movie: The Bourne Ultimatum; Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End; Transformers
2. Favorite Family Movie: Evan Almighty, Ratatouille, Shrek the Third
3. Favorite Action Movie: 300; The Bourne Ultimatum; Transformers
4. Favorite Movie Comedy: Knocked Up; The Simpsons Movie; Wild Hogs
5. Favorite Movie Drama: Disturbia; Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix; Premonition
6. Favorite Threequel: The Bourne Ultimatum; Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End; Spider-Man 3
7. Favorite Independent Movie: Becoming Jane; A Mighty Heart; Sicko
8. Favorite Female Movie Star: Halle Berry; Sandra Bullock; Reese Witherspoon
9. Favorite Leading Lady: Jessica Alba; Drew Barrymore; Queen Latifah
10. Favorite Female Action Star: Jessica Alba; Jodie Foster; Keira Knightley
11. Favorite Male Movie Star: Johnny Depp; Denzel Washington; Bruce Willis
12. Favorite Leading Man: Jamie Foxx; Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson; Joaquin Phoenix
13. Favorite Male Action Star: Matt Damon; Johnny Depp; Bruce Willis
14. Favorite On Screen Match Up: Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker in Rush Hour 3; George Clooney and Brad Pitt in Ocean's Thirteen; Kirsten Dunst and Tobey Maguire in Spider-Man 3
15. Favorite TV Drama: "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation;" "House;" "Law and Order: SVU"
16. Favorite TV Comedy: "The King of Queens;" "My Name is Earl;" "Two and a Half Men"
17. Favorite Animated TV Comedy: "Family Guy;" "King of the Hill;" "The Simpsons"
18. Favorite Sci-Fi Show: "Battlestar Galactica;" "Doctor Who;" "Stargate Atlantis"
19. Favorite Competition/Reality Show: "American Idol;" "Dancing with the Stars;" "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"
20. Favorite Game Show: "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?;" "Deal or No Deal;" "Jeopardy"
21. Favorite Female TV Star: Sally Field; Katherine Heigl; Jennifer Love Hewitt
22. Favorite Male TV Star: Patrick Dempsey; Charlie Sheen; Kiefer Sutherland
23. Favorite Scene Stealing Star: Richard Belzer from "Law & Order: SVU;" Neil Patrick Harris from "How I Met Your Mother;" Chandra Wilson from "Grey's Anatomy"
24. Favorite Funny Female Star: Ellen DeGeneres; Whoopi Goldberg; Wanda Sykes
25. Favorite Funny Male Star: Will Ferrell; Adam Sandler; Robin Williams
26. Favorite Talk Show Host: Ellen DeGeneres; Jay Leno; Oprah Winfrey
27. Favorite Female Singer: Beyonce; Fergie; Gwen Stefani
28. Favorite Male Singer: John Mayer; Tim McGraw; Justin Timberlake
29. Favorite Group: Daughtry; Maroon 5; Rascal Flatts
30. Favorite Rock Song: "Hey There Delilah" by Plain White T's; "Home" by Daughtry; "Makes Me Wonder" by Maroon 5
31. Favorite R&B Song: "Beautiful Liar" by Beyonce with Shakira; "Because of You" by Ne-Yo; "Shut up and Drive" by Rihanna
32. Favorite Country Song: "I Need You" by Tim McGraw with Faith Hill; "Never Wanted Nothing More" by Kenny Chesney; "Stand" by Rascal Flatts
33. Favorite Hip-Hop Song: "Give It to Me" by Timbaland feat. Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado; "Party Like a Rock Star" by Shop Boyz; "Stronger" by Kanye West
34. Favorite Pop Song: "Big Girls Don't Cry" by Fergie; "Irreplaceable" by Beyonce; "What Goes Around...Comes Around" by Justin Timberlake
35. Favorite Song from a Soundtrack: "Read My Mind" by The Killers from "Friday Night Lights;" "What I've Done" by Linkin Park from Transformers; "You Can't Stop the Beat" by the Cast of Hairspray from Hairspray
36. Favorite Reunion Tour: Genesis; The Police; Van Halen
37. Favorite New TV Comedy: Aliens in America; Back to You; The Big Bang Theory; Carpoolers; Cavemen; Chuck; Reaper; Samantha Who?
38. Favorite New TV Drama: Big Shots; Bionic Woman; Cane; Dirty Sexy Money; Gossip Girl; Journeyman; K-Ville; Life; Life Is Wild; Moonlight; Private Practice; Pushing Daisies; Women's Murder Club
Among the 18 to 49-year-olds advertisers crave, CBS was also tops with a 2.3 to NBC's 1.9, ABC's 1.8, The CW's 1.4 and FOX's 1.0.
The evening started at 8 p.m. with a tie between CBS' "Ghost Whisperer" and NBC's "Deal or No Deal." Both snagged a 6.0/11 for the hour. ABC came in third with "Men in Trees," 4.1/7, while The CW spent the evening with "Smackdown." Down from last week's first performance show, FOX's "The Next Great American Band" managed to hold its paltry audience throughout the night.
At 9 p.m., ABC pulled ahead with the highest-rated program of the evening, "Women's Murder Club," 6.4/11. CBS dipped to second place with "Moonlight," 4.9/9, ahead of NBC's "Friday Night Lights," 3.6/6. The CW improved hour-over-hour with a 2.9/5, while FOX remained steady in last place.
CBS finally reached the top at 10 o'clock with "Numb3rs," 6.1/11, beating ABC's "20/20," 5.2/9 and NBC's "Las Vegas," 4.9/9.
CBS averaged a 5.9 rating/ 11 share for the night, handily passing NBC's 5.2/9 for the win. ABC took third with a 4.6/8, while The CW's 2.3/4 garnered fourth place, leaving FOX trailing with a 2.1/4.
A similar pattern was exhibited amongst adults 18-49. CBS led the way with a 2.6 rating, folloed by NBC's 2.2, ABC's 1.7, The CW's 1.4 and FOX's 1.2.
"Deal or No Deal" started the eight o'clock hour strong for NBC with a 6.6/12 rating. CBS' "Ghost Whisperer" followed close behind with a 6.2/11. ABC took third with a 3.1/6 for a "Grey's Anatomy" rerun, while The CW's "Friday Night Smackdown!" nabbed a 2.4/4. FOX trailed with a 1.7/3 for the second outing of "The Next Great American Band," down from its premiere.
ABC jockeyed and won first at 9 p.m. for "Women's Murder Club," 6.1/11, easily edging past CBS' vampire drama "Moonlight," 5.4/10. "Friday Night Lights," 3.9/7, took third for NBC, "Smackdown!," 2.7/5, kept The CW in fourth, while "American Band" took a 1.8/3.
At 10 p.m., "Numb3rs" scored a 6.1/11 for CBS. "Las Vegas" posted a 5.1/9 for NBC, and "Men in Trees" came in at 4.6/8 for ABC.
CBS averaged a 5.7 rating/10 share fro the night, beating out ABC's 5.3/9 for the lead. NBC took third at 5.0/9. The CW's 2.7/5 was good for fourth, while FOX trailed with a 2.1/4.
In the adults 18-49 demographic, CBS' 2.4 rating topped the list. NBC finished second at 2.0, topping ABC's 1.8. FOX averaged 1.5 and The CW 1.4.
"Deal or No Deal," 6.2/12, led the 8 p.m. hour for NBC. CBS got a 5.8/11 from "Ghost Whisperer" to finish second. ABC came in third with "20/20." "Friday Night Smackdown!," 2.4/5, put The CW in fourth. The premiere of "The Next Great American Band" on FOX was far from a sellout, drawing a 2.0/4.
"Women's Murder Club," 6.5/12, moved ABC to the front of the pack at 9 p.m. CBS stayed in second with "Moonlight," 5.1/9, while "Friday Night Lights," 3.7/7, took third for NBC. "Smackdown!" kept The CW in fourth, and "American Band" improved a little to 2.3/4.
At 10 p.m., "Numb3rs" scored a 6.3/12 for CBS. "Las Vegas" posted a 5.0/10 for NBC, and "Men in Trees" came in at 4.4/8 for ABC.
CBS won the night overall with a 5.5 rating/10 share, followed closely by ABC's 5.4/10. NBC's 4.9/9 and FOX's 4.8/9 battled for third, leaving The CW in fifth with a 2.6/5.
With a 2.3 rating, CBS also won the 18-49 demographic. FOX was second with a 2.2 rating, leaving NBC and ABC to tie for third with a 2.0 rating. The CW again trailed with a 1.4 rating.
NBC started the night in first with a 6.4/12 for "Deal or No Deal." CBS' "Ghost Whisperer" was second with a 5.7/10, followed by FOX's telecast of the American League Championship Series game between the Red Sox and Indians. ABC's "20/20" was fourth, while The CW's "WWE Friday Night Smackdown!" had a 2.4/4 for fifth.
At 9 p.m., the premiere of "Women's Murder Club" did a 7.3/13, handily winning the hour and taking viewers away from CBS' "Moonlight" (4.6/8) and NBC's "Friday Night Lights" (3.6/6), which both also finished behind FOX's baseball for the hour. The CW's wrestling remained stable.
CBS won the 10 p.m. hour with a 6.0/11 for "Numb3rs." The premiere of ABC's "Men in Trees" had a 4.9/9 to edge NBC's "Las Vegas."
CBS also won the 18-to-49 demo race with a 2.4/8, followed by NBC's 2.2/7, The CW's 1.6/6, ABC's 1.5/5 and FOX's 1.1/4.
At 8 p.m., the season premiere of CBS' "Ghost Whisperer started things off with a 5.8/11, way ahead of NBC's "Deal or No Deal," 4.9/9. "Smarter Than a Fifth Grader" came in third with a 3.3/6. ABC went with a double dose of "Just for Laughs" and The CW gave over its night to the season premire of "Friday Night Smackdown."
The premiere of CBS' much retooled vampire drama "Moonlight" tied at 9 p.m. with the first half of NBC's two-hour "Las Vegas" premiere with a 5.8/11. "20/20" mustered a 4.0/7 for ABC and The CW finished its evening in fourth place with the second hour of "Smackdown." Although it did better than "Nashville," FOX's encore airing of "K-Ville" only managed a 1.8/3 for FOX.
The season premiere of CBS' "Numb3rs" at 10 p.m. tied with the second half of NBC's "Las Vegas" with a 6.1/11 each. ABC came in a distant third with "20/20," 4.8/9.
24 • Fox • Imagine Television & 20th Century Fox Television in association with Realtime Productions
Sean Callery, Composer
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation • Law Of Gravity • CBS • An Alliance Atlantis Production in association with Paramount Television
John Keane, Composer
Ghost Whisperer • Love Never Dies • CBS • Sander/Moses Productions in association with ABC Studios and CBS Paramount Network Television
Mark Snow, Music and Theme by
Kidnapped • Pilot • NBC • 25C Productions, Inc. Rooney McP Productions, Inc. and Eighty D., Inc. in association with Sony Pictures Television
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Planet Earth • Pole To Pole • Discovery Channel • A BBC/Discovery Chanel/NHK Co-Production
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Rome • Philippi • HBO • HBO Entertainment in association with the BBC
Jeff Beal, Music Composer
And the incendiary actor is trying to do some 11th-hour damage control, begging his fans to steer clear of what he's calling an "unrecognizable film."
"The Devil and Daniel Webster," originally shot in early 2001, has been retitled "Shortcut to Happiness" and will open in six cities this Friday the 13th - despite the fact, as Page Six reported several years ago, it's "said to be so bad it is unreleasable." Baldwin's only consolation is that distributor Yari Film Group has yanked his name as director and producer, replacing it with the bizarre pseudonym "Harry Kirkpatrick."
Baldwin based his PG-13 comedy-drama on the 1937 Stephen Vincent Benet short story about a down-and-out writer who sells his soul to the devil to achieve fame and then hires a lawyer to break the deal. He assembled a big-name cast to co-star with him, including Anthony Hopkins, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Kim Cattrall, Dan Aykroyd and Jason Patric.
But his directing and producing credits were removed by the producers soon after the picture wrapped because they didn't like what they saw, and they recut it into a straight comedy. The film was also mired in legal problems when federal probers went after two of its investors for bank fraud. For good measure, Baldwin was sued by one of his producing partners over her cut.
Hollywood-elsewhere.com's Jeffrey Wells, who broke the news of the movie's upcoming release, called it "one of the biggest train wrecks of all time," adding that New York and L.A. critics won't likely get the chance to review it since it's only opening in Las Vegas, Rochester, Fort Myers, Columbus, Albuquerque and Santa Fe, ahead of a DVD release.
Last night, Baldwin was doing his own pre-release spin. "Alec doesn't recommend unrecognizable films to his fans," a pal of the star told us. "This is not an Alec Baldwin film. He's in the movie but he has nothing to do with it. His name was taken off as producer and director six years ago, but he couldn't get it taken off as an actor."
CBS averaged a 6.5 rating/12 share in primetime to finish well ahead of second-place NBC, 5.1/10. ABC, 3.6/7, came in third. The CW's 2.6/5 beat out FOX's 2.4/5 for fourth.
In the adults 18-49 demographic, CBS' 2.6 rating led the way. No one else topped 2.0; NBC came closest with a 1.8. The CW took third at 1.6, followed by ABC, 1.4, and FOX, 1.3.
The season finale of "Ghost Whisperer" put CBS on top at 8 p.m. with a 6.1/12. "Dateline," 4.5/9, finished second for NBC. ABC was third with a "Grey's Anatomy" rerun. The CW got a 2.2/4 from "Friday Night Smackdown!," while FOX aired the movie "Daddy Day Care," 2.1/4.
CBS improved to 6.9/13 at 9 p.m. with the "Close to Home" finale. Another hour of "Dateline" delivered a 5.0/9 for NBC. ABC's "20/20" earned a 3.2/6, holding off the second hour of "Smackdown!," 3.0/5. FOX's movie trailed.
"Numb3rs," 6.5/12, completed the CBS sweep at 10 p.m. "Law & Order" posted a 5.7/10 for NBC, while another hour of "20/20" on ABC came in at 4.5/8.
For the night, CBS averaged a 6.1 rating/11 share, beating out NBC's 5.6/10 for the lead. ABC finished third at 4.2/8. The CW, 2.5/5, took fourth over FOX's 2.2/4.
CBS also led among adults 18-49 with a 2.4 rating. ABC and NBC tied for second in the key ad demographic at 2.0. The CW earned a 1.3 and FOX a 1.1.
"Ghost Whisperer" put CBS on top at 8 p.m. with a 5.9/12. "Dateline," 4.9/9, came in second for NBC. A repeat of Thursday's "Grey's Anatomy" delivered a 3.4/6 for ABC, while the first hour of "Friday Night Smackdown!," 2.4/5, was fourth for The CW. FOX went with a rerun of "Nanny 911."
CBS held the lead at 9 p.m. with "Close to Home," 6.3/11. A second hour of "Dateline" improved to 5.7/10 for NBC. "Grey's Anatomy" kept ABC in third. "Smackdown!" ticked up to 2.6/5 for The CW, while FOX got a 2.4/4 from a "Bones" repeat.
At 10 p.m., CBS' "Numb3rs," 6.2/12, came in just ahead of NBC's "Law & Order," 6.1/12. ABC posted a 5.5/11 with "20/20."
Midway through the filming of the two-part second-season finale, kicking off May 4, crew members huddle around portable heaters while Hewitt, cheerfully shivering in a thin white dress, runs through a scene with Sands and Wu. During a break, she hustles into the nearby "Village Java" coffeehouse set, dons a pink down jacket and sits in front of a heater. "It's supposed to be spring in Grandview," she says of the show's fictional setting, "but apparently L.A. didn't get the message."
Still, spring in Grandview isn't the cheeriest time. Throughout the season Melinda's been receiving clues that someone close to her is in danger and may die. And in tonight's scene she's just learned that Gabriel (Ignacio Serricchio; see related Q&A), a mystery man who also possesses those pesky extrasensory powers, has been working against her.
"The spirits and ghosts have become much more powerful," says creator John Gray. "And what's going to happen at the end of the season is the ultimate fruition of that notion."
And what exactly might that be? "I don't want to give away anything," Hewitt says hesitantly. "But you will finally understand why this darkness keeps following Melinda. We'll also find out that there are people who are sent to watch over her." She pulls her jacket tighter and adds, "I find it really comforting that as much darkness as there is, there are people out there who have her back."
Hewitt, who stars on CBS' "Ghost Whisperer," "plays a young woman with the unique ability to talk to `earth bound spirits' who seek help in `resolving unfinished business with the living,'" it reads. "In real life, however, Love Hewitt is having troubles `resolving unfinished business with the living.'"
Handprint Entertainment LLC, Hewitt's former management firm, claims the 28-year-old actress has reneged on a 2002 oral agreement to pay a 10 percent commission on all deals negotiated during the company's tenure.
The contract should include earnings from "Ghost Whisperer," Handprint said in the complaint filed in Superior Court.
Hewitt's publicist, Sarah Fuller, referred all questions about the case to the actress' attorney Bob Wallerstein, who didn't immediately return a message left at his office.
Handprint said Hewitt acknowledged the agreement by paying 10 percent of her earnings from her first season on "Ghost Whisperer," even after replacing the management company.
Hewitt, star of the slasher flick "I Know What you Did Last Summer," "knows what she did last season," the complaint said.
The company is seeking at least $350,000 it says it is owed and any legal costs, according to the complaint.
Overall, CBS averaged a 6.2 rating/12 share, far ahead of the 4.2/8 for second place ABC of NBC's 4.1/8 in third. FOX was fourth with a 3.16, followed closely by The CW's 2.7/5.
Among adults 18-49, CBS' margin of victory was less, doing a 2.4 rating in the all-important demo, barely beating the 2.2 rating for ABC. FOX and NBC's 1.6 ratings followed, with the CW's 1.4 rating bringing up the rear.
At 8 p.m., CBS kicked the night off with a 6.0/11 for "Ghost Whisperer." ABC's "Grey's Anatomy" encore and NBC's "Identity" posted identical 3.5/7 figures for the hour to tie for second. FOX followed with "House," while The CW's "Smackdown" was last with a 2.6/5.
"Close to Home" delivered a 6.2/11 to give CBS the 9 p.m. hour, while NBC's finale of "Raines" and ABC's "Wife Swap" were tied again with a 3.8/7. FOX was next with a 3.0/5, though fewer people watched that network's "Bones" repeat than the slightly lower-rated wrestling on The CW.
CBS finished strong with the 6.6/12 for "Numb3rs." ABC's "20/20" was second and NBC's "Law & Order" lagged with a 5.1/9.
For the night, CBS averaged a 6.7 rating/12 share. NBC came in second with a 4.7/9. ABC, 3.7/7, came in third, followed by FOX, 3.1/6, and The CW, 2.8/5.
CBS also won the adults 18-49 race with a 2.6 rating. NBC took second in the advertisers' favorite demographic with a 1.9. ABC and FOX tied for third at 1.7, and The CW was not far back at 1.5.
"Ghost Whisperer" started the night for CBS with a 6.2/12 at 8 p.m. NBC's game show "Identity" drew a 4.0/8 to beat out a "House" rerun on FOX. A "Grey's Anatomy" rerun on ABC was fourth in households at 2.9/5, but "Friday Night Smackdown!," 2.6/5, brought a few more viewers to The CW.
CBS improved to 6.9/12 at 9 p.m. with "Close to Home." "Raines," 4.4/8, kept NBC in second. "Smackdown!" (3.0/5) was third in viewers for the hour, though ABC's "Wife Swap" rerun had a slightly better household number. FOX trailed with "The Wedding Bells," 2.6/5.
At 10 p.m., CBS' "Numb3rs" finished the Eye's rule of the night with a 6.8/13. NBC's "Law & Order," 5.5/10, held off ABC's "20/20," 5.1/9, for second.
For the night, CBS averaged a 6.7 rating/12 share. NBC came in second with a 4.6/9. FOX, 3.4/6, finished third. ABC was fourth in households at 3.1/6, but The CW (2.8/5) had a few more total viewers.
CBS also led the adults 18-49 demographic with a 2.7 rating. No one else broke the 2.0 mark; NBC took second with a 1.9, followed by FOX, 1.7; The CW, 1.5; and ABC, 1.2.
"Ghost Whisperer" started the night for CBS with a 6.2/12 at 8 p.m. NBC's "Identity," 4.0/7, was second in households, though FOX's "House" repeat, 3.8/7, had a slight edge in viewers. ABC's "Grey's Anatomy" rerun finished fourth in households but trailed in viewers to "Friday Night Smackdown!" on The CW.
CBS improved to 6.6/12 at 9 p.m. with "Close to Home." NBC's "Raines" held onto second, scoring a 4.7/9 in its Friday debut. The second hour of "Smackdown!," 3.0/5, tied for third with "The Wedding Bells" on FOX. ABC's "Six Degrees" managed only a 2.4/4.
At 10 p.m., CBS' "Numb3rs" drew the night's biggest audience with a 7.1/13. "Law & Order" earned a 5.2/10 for NBC, while ABC's "20/20" averaged 4.1/8.
CBS had slightly more competition in gettin 18 to 49-year-old viewers, tying with NBC for the spot with a 2.5. ABC came in third with a 1.9, ahead of The CW's 1.6 and FOX's 1.3.
NBC took an early lead during the eight o'clock hour with "1 Vs. 100" snagging a 6.2/11. CBS's "Ghost Whisperer" snagged a 5.9/11, while ABC ran with a "Grey's Anatomy" repeat. The CW's "Smackdown!" grappled a 2.8/5, enough to beat hour one of FOX's airing of the "NAACP Image Awards," 2.5/4.
At 9 p.m., CBS moved up to the top spot with "Close to Home," 6.5/11, while NBC slid to No. 2 with "Las Vegas," 5.3/9. "Smackdown!" took third, ahead of ABC's "Wife Swap," 3.0/5, and the rest of the "Image Awards."
"Numb3rs" added to CBS' victory at 10 p.m. with a 5.6/10. ABC got a brief look at second place with "20/20," 5.1/9, and NBC finished out the night in third with "Law & Order," 5.0/9.
For the night, CBS averaged a 6.9 rating/12 share in households, drawing about 1.5 million more viewers than NBC, 5.7/10. ABC, 4.2/7, finished third, and The CW (3.2/6) edged FOX (3.0/5) for fourth.
CBS also led among adults 18-49 with a 2.7 rating. NBC was not far behind at 2.5, and ABC came in third with a 2.0. FOX and The CW tied for fourth at 1.8.
"Ghost Whisperer" started the night for CBS with a 6.5/11 at 8 p.m. NBC grabbed second with "1 vs. 100," 5.8/10. A "Grey's Anatomy" rerun was third for ABC. FOX took fourth in households with "Nanny 911," 3.1/5, although the first hour of "Friday Night Smackdown!," 3.0/5, on The CW had a few more total viewers.
At 9 p.m., CBS' "Close to Home" built a little on its lead-in to finish with a 6.8/12. NBC stayed in second with "Las Vegas," 5.4/9. ABC got a 4.2/7 from "20/20," while "Smackdown!" improved to a 3.4/6 for The CW. FOX's "Trading Spouses" trailed.
"Numb3rs" completed the CBS sweep at 10 p.m. with a 7.3/13, the night's best rating. "Law & Order" posted a 5.9/10 for NBC, and a second hour of "20/20" averaged 4.6/8 for ABC.
CBS averaged a 7.2 rating/13 share for the evening to score a comfortable win over NBC, 5.6/10. ABC finished third at 4.3/7. FOX's 3.1/5 beat out The CW's 2.9/5 for fourth.
Among adults 18-49, CBS' 2.9 rating grabbed the top spot. NBC, 2.6, came in second, followed by ABC, 2.2; FOX, 2.1; and The CW, 1.6.
"Ghost Whisperer" earned the night's best rating, 7.7/14, for CBS at 8 p.m. NBC was second for the hour with "1 vs. 100," 5.9/10. A repeat of "Grey's Anatomy" put ABC in third. "Nanny 911" drew a 3.1/5 for FOX, and "Friday Night Smackdown!" delivered a 2.8/5 for The CW.
CBS stayed on top at 9 p.m. with "Close to Home," 7.0/12. "Las Vegas" rolled a 5.1/9 for CBS, while a second hour of "Grey's Anatomy" earned a 3.9/6 for ABC. "Nanny 911" averaged 3.2/5 for FOX, a little better than the second hour of "Smackdown!" on The CW.
At 10 p.m., CBS' "Numb3rs" posted a 7.0/12, topping the 6.0/10 for NBC's "Law & Order." ABC's "20/20" came in at 5.6/10.
Despite starring on "Ghost Whisperer" as Melinda Gordon, a winsome antique-shopowner whose sideline is facilitating spooks, Hewitt doesn't fully buy into this ghost-whispering stuff.
"The hopeful part of me would really like to," she wavers. "The other part of me goes, `Well, maybe not.'"
Either way, Hewitt feels a close bond with her character, though in this second year of the hit CBS drama (which airs Friday at 8 p.m. EST) not quite so close as before.
"The first season, it was very tough not to bring her home with me," says Hewitt, "especially the days we were doing the crossing-over scenes. I had to go, `Wait a minute — these are stories, and although Melinda is someone we all should strive to be, I can't on a daily basis — and still make it through a work schedule.'
"Now, at the end of the day, I go: `OK, Melinda, you're a wonderful person. Good night.'"
Identifying with the characters she plays is Hewitt's style.
When I interviewed her seven years ago, she called Sarah Reeves someone who "has always been my best friend. I started playing her when I was 16, and everything that she's gone through, I've gone through."
Sarah, of course, was teenager Bailey's girlfriend on the Fox drama "Party of Five" who, in 1999, fled San Francisco for New York in search of her father on a spinoff created especially for Hewitt.
But "Time of Your Life" would be a single-season flop. And for Hewitt, whose professional debut had been at age 10 on the Disney Channel series "Kids Incorporated," her bid to clinch adulthood in the character of Sarah was cut short prematurely.
The specter loomed of Hewitt, then 21, as a teen ingenue past her prime, a fresh-faced siren with a celebrated figure who wasn't taken seriously as a grown-up.
"I hope that I'll be able to make the full transition into adult roles," she told me at the time, and indeed, she was already set to portray her idol, Audrey Hepburn, in an ambitious biopic she was producing for ABC.
After that, she appeared in a variety of features and TV films, including "The Tuxedo" (an action-comedy with Jackie Chan), "Confessions of a Sociopathic Social Climber" (as the title character) and the two animated "Garfield" movies.
For Hewitt, whose 28th birthday is next week, crossing over was something she always meant to do "in a smart way, the right way for me, gracefully.
"Actors have done it lots of different ways," she points out. "They'll play a drug addict and completely change their image.
"Or they'll go and take off all their clothes and be like, `Ohhh, I'm a woman!'" She chuckles. "THAT'S an approach — absolutely."
Did she get offers to take her clothes off?
"I got lots of those," she says with a smile. "But I can't. It's just not me.
"I feel like there's still a world-full of people out there who think there's not much more to me than the girl who can wear tiny tops. So if I had actually gone and DONE those things" — shedding the tiny top — "to try to prove something, where would I be?"
It happens that Hewitt's good-girl sheen makes her all the more impressive as a leading lady in the tank tops, nighties, sun-dresses and other cleavage-friendly garb her character displays ... though, oddly enough in wholesome, hometowny Grandview, no one (including Melinda's devoted husband) seems to notice her decolletage any more than they can see her needy ghosts.
"It's eye candy for the audience," Hewitt readily admits, "and I'm comfortable with that. And if I'm gonna go and wear a small top, let me play a character who's also got a lot of integrity and is very smart, and sincere and empathetic, so that viewers are seeing that, too."
For this interview, Hewitt's smile is sunny and her laugh infectious, much like our first meeting. But here she's sleekly attired in a smart-looking suit, in marked contrast to the woman-child of seven years ago who arrived for lunch in a sweater worn over a T-shirt, jeans, running shoes and a bandanna tied around her head, with a department-store shopping bag in tow that contained a teddy bear she had purchased that morning.
Hewitt's brown eyes twinkle now as she makes herself clear: She still likes teddy bears. And, just as she did then, she still pegs herself as a dork.
"I WANT to be a dork!" she insists, laughing. "It's fun to be goofy and silly."
All these years, Hewitt has been on a personal quest as much as a career path, where "I wasn't really focused on changing my image. I wanted to grow up in the public eye the way that I was actually growing up, which is a slow process, happening over time.
"This show has definitely helped me do it in a seamless manner," she adds, "playing a young woman who is married but also has an innocence and a childlike quality about her."
And as she plays Melinda, she is trying to follow Melinda's example: "Our show is about living life more honest and more fully. Not to leave the I'm-sorrys and the I-love-yous until too late.
"I have definitely started applying that to my own life," she says. While never losing touch with her inner dork.
For the night, CBS averaged a 7.1 rating/12 share. NBC finished second at 6.0/10, and ABC was a point back at 5.0/9. FOX and The CW tied for fourth at 3.0/5.
CBS also led among adults 18-49 with a 3.1 rating. NBC took second with a 2.7, followed by ABC at 2.6. FOX averaged 2.0 and The CW 1.6.
"Ghost Whisperer" started the night for CBS with a 7.1/12. NBC's "1 vs. 100" earned a 6.0/10. A "Grey's Anatomy" rerun on ABC came in third at 4.6/8. "Friday Night Smackdown!" delivered a 2.9/5 for The CW, just beating FOX's "Nanny 911."
CBS stayed on top at 9 p.m. with "Close to Home," 6.9/12. "Las Vegas," 5.9/10, was second for NBC, while ABC held steady with "20/20." FOX's "Trading Spouses" scored a 3.2/6 to move into fourth, ahead of the second hour of "Smackdown!" on The CW.
At 10 p.m., "Numb3rs" posted a 7.3/12 for CBS to cap off the sweep of the night. "Law & Order," 6.3/11, was second for NBC, and a second hour of "20/20" on ABC came in at 6.0/10.
CBS drew a 6.6 rating/11 share in primetime, with all three of its shows falling within a few tenths of the average. NBC finished second at 6.1/10. ABC came in third with a 5.0/8, and FOX, 3.3/6, edged The CW, 3.1/5, for fourth.
The adults 18-49 title also went to CBS, which averaged a 3.2 rating. NBC, 2.7, took second. ABC scored a 2.3, narrowly beating FOX's 2.2. The CW trailed at 1.6.
"Ghost Whisperer," 6.7/11, put CBS on top at 8 p.m. NBC's "1 vs. 100" was a close second at 6.3/11. A "Grey's Anatomy" repeat on ABC finished third with a 4.4/7. "Nanny 911," 3.2/5, came in fourth for FOX, topping "Friday Night Smackdown!" on The CW.
At 9 p.m., the CBS special "Super Bowl's Greatest Commercials" earned a 6.2/10. NBC stayed in second with "Las Vegas," 6.0/10. ABC improved to 5.0/8 with "20/20." "Trading Spouses" kept FOX in fourth, ahead of the second hour of "Smackdown!," 3.3/5, on The CW.
"Numb3rs" completed the CBS sweep of the night with a 6.8/12 at 10 p.m. "Law & Order" posted a 6.1/11 for NBC, and a second hour of "20/20" on ABC came in at 5.6/10.
The red carpet-turned-runway at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif., on Monday night was largely a sea of white with the glitz coming more from a smattering of metallic dresses and embellishment instead of blinding diamond necklaces.
Among the stars who wore white to the black-tie event were Jennifer Garner in a beaded V-neck dress, Heidi Klum in a strapless gown and Kyra Sedgwick in a chiffon gown with amethyst crystal trim by J.Mendel that she picked straight from the catwalk. Salma Hayek was in a draped short-sleeve gown with an open portrait neckline; Ellen Pompeo wore a Versace high-neck gown with an open back and silver trim; and Kate Winslet was dressed in a strapless white Azzaro gown.
"It was amazing because of the beautiful white dress and Kate's incredibly white, milky skin. I asked, `What will make her look the most striking?'" said Pati Dubroff, Dior Beauty's makeup artist who worked with Winslet.
Dubroff said she imagined a 1930s screen siren in a black-and-white photograph. It's what led her to choose a plum-blackberry lipstick and platinum eye shadow.
Dubroff also worked with Naomi Watts, who wore a strapless turquoise gown with metal beadwork. Watts ended up with a sultry eye — taking a cue from the metal in the dress — and a pink lip gloss to pick up on the vibrancy of the blue dress.
Cameron Diaz, with very dark hair and very red lips, wore a one-shoulder white fitted bodice with a skirt made of tiers of white tulle and a jeweled belt with a black bow. The tie trend also was spotted on Hilary Swank, who wore a fitted black spaghetti strap dress with a bow-tie waist, and on Jennifer Love Hewitt in a gold embroidered Georges Chakra gown with a bow waist.
Cate Blanchett wore a black off-the-shoulder gown by Alexander McQueen with lace sleeves, a delicate jeweled belt and an asymmetrical hem. Also stunning in black was Penelope Cruz in a scoop-neck Chanel Couture gown with a delicate ruffle around the neck.
Blanchett made W magazine Fashion Market Director Treena Lombardo's favorites list. She also liked Reese Witherspoon's canary yellow strapless cocktail dress by Nina Ricci, Drew Barrymore's blush-colored gown by John Galliano for Christian Dior and Angelina Jolie's smoky gray strapless gown by St. John, a label she models for.
"Gray was a gorgeous color because her eyes are so smoky and she has that smoky persona. It didn't seem fluffy or whimsical, she looked more of a serious classic Hollywood star. She looked like woman, not a girl," Lombardo said.
Since most stars played it safe, there weren't any glaring misses, Lombardo noted, although she would have liked to see Katherine Heigl in something more fun and playful than her very grown-up Escada black strapless gown with a fishtail hem and train. But, she added, the dress certainly showed off Heigl's voluptuous curves.
Donna Karan custom-designed Helen Mirren's dark blue jersey gown with antique silver sequined tulle, and Meryl Streep chose a blush seersucker chiffon gown by Carolina Herrera.
America Ferrara, star of the TV series "Ugly Betty," proved she could be glamorous in a draped gown by Brian Reyes in a deep indigo color. She told E! she liked it because it was "young and easy."
Sheryl Crow was in purple, too — a strapless taffeta gown by Elie Saab. "I was looking for plum-colored Uggs," she joked, but opted for heels instead.
Jennifer Hudson took her spin in the spotlight in a navy V-neck Vera Wang gown with short sleeves, while co-star Beyonce wore a metallic plunging V-neck gown with a keyhole opening on the belly for extra vavavoom.
Jessica Biel shimmered from head to toe in a silver beaded gown with spaghetti straps and an open back.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus chose a cocktail-length gold lame dress by Carolina Herrera with a corset-style bust with coinlike beading. "I'm totally freezing, but it's worth it," said Louis-Dreyfus.
She wasn't the only star feeling the chill of the unusually low 60-degree temperature: Sienna Miller was shivering in her white Marchesa cowl-neck and cowl-back gown with gold embroidery in a lattice pattern.
Jennifer Lopez also wore Marchesa. Hers was a scarf-style, one-shoulder black gown. "My husband loved it. That's usually the deciding factor," she said.
Brightly colored dresses, including Renee Zellweger's emerald green strapless gown, Jada Pinkett Smith's pleated tangerine Armani Prive gown, Rachel Weisz's red strapless Bill Blass gown and Eva Longoria's navy gown with jeweled straps and bustline by Emanuel Ungaro, were rare — and therefore really stood out.
For the night, NBC averaged a 5.5 rating/9 share, edging out CBS, 5.2/9, for the top spot. ABC came in third with a 4.1/7. FOX drew a 3.5/6, and The CW trailed at 2.9/5.
The adults 18-49 title also went to NBC, which scored a 2.6 rating in the key demographic. FOX took second at 2.3, followed by CBS at 2.2. ABC, 1.9, came in fourth, ahead of The CW, 1.5.
NBC started the night with "1 vs. 100," which despite only earning a 5.7/10 was the night's most-watched show. A repeat of "Ghost Whisperer," 4.7/7, finished second for CBS. ABC got a 4.1/7 from a "Grey's Anatomy" repeat to take third. FOX was fourth with "Nanny 911," while the first hour of "Friday Night Smackdown!" scored a 2.8/5 for The CW.
A "Close to Home" rerun, 5.7/10, put CBS on top in households at 9 p.m., although NBC's "Las Vegas," 5.5/9, had a few more viewers. FOX moved up to third with "Trading Spouses," 3.7/6. "Smackdown!" narrowly beat a "Desperate Housewives" rerun on ABC for fourth.
At 10 p.m., ABC's "20/20" was first in the household ratings with a 5.4/9. However, CBS' "Numb3rs" repeat and NBC's "Law & Order" encore, both of which averaged 5.3/9, had more viewers than ABC.
CBS averaged a 7.0 rating/12 share for the night, beating out NBC, 5.8/10, for the top spot. ABC finished third at 4.1/7. FOX came in fourth with a 3.1/5, and The CW trailed with a 2.6/4.
Among adults 18-49, CBS' 2.9 rating was good for the top spot. NBC was not far behind at 2.7. FOX, 2.1, grabbed third in the demographic, followed by ABC, 2.0, and The CW, 1.3.
"Ghost Whisperer" started things for CBS with a 6.7/11 at 8 p.m. NBC's "1 vs. 100" drew a 5.8/10 for second. A "Grey's Anatomy" rerun, 3.8/6, put ABC in third, ahead of FOX's "Nanny 911." The first hour of "Friday Night Smackdown!" on The CW earned a 2.5/4.
CBS held the lead at 9 p.m. with "Close to Home," 6.9/11. "Las Vegas" rolled a 5.5/9 for NBC. ABC's "Desperate Housewives" repeat tied FOX's "Trading Spouses" for third in households at 3.2/5, but FOX had a few more total viewers. "Smackdown!" ticked up slightly in its second hour.
At 10 p.m., CBS' "Numb3rs" posted the night's best rating, 7.3/13. "Law & Order," 6.2/11, was second for NBC, and "20/20" delivered a 5.4/9 for ABC.
For the night, CBS averaged a 7.5 rating/13 share, beating out second-place NBC, 6.1/10, by a couple million viewers. ABC was third at 3.4/6. FOX, 3.1/5, came in fourth, edging The CW's 3.0/5.
CBS also led among adults 18-49 with a 3.1 rating. NBC finished second in the ad-friendly demographic with a 2.8. FOX's 2.0 was good for third, beating ABC, 1.7, and The CW, 1.5.
"Ghost Whisperer" started the night for CBS with a 7.1/12 at 8 p.m. NBC's "1 vs. 100" was second at 5.8/10. A pair of "According to Jim" reruns put ABC in third. The first hour of "Friday Night Smackdown!" earned a 2.9/5 for The CW, tying for fourth with FOX's "Nanny 911."
CBS increased its lead a little at 9 p.m. with "Close to Home," 7.7/13. NBC stayed in second with "Las Vegas," 6.0/10. FOX's "Trading Spouses" remained tied with "Smackdown!," this time for third place. Repeats of "The Knights of Prosperity" and "In Case of Emergency" averaged 2.5/4 for ABC.
"Numb3rs" closed the night for CBS with a 7.8/13 at 10 p.m. NBC's "Law & Order" posted a 6.5/11, and ABC's "20/20" drew a 4.6/8.
For the night, CBS averaged a 6.5 rating/12 share among households. NBC finished second at 5.2/9, beating out ABC's 4.8/9. The CW, 2.6/5, edged FOX, 2.4/4, for fourth.
CBS also led among adults 18-49 with a 2.8 rating. NBC took second in the key ad demographic with a 2.3. ABC earned a 2.1, followed by The CW, 1.6, and FOX, 1.2.
"Ghost Whisperer," 6.1/11, put CBS on top at 8 p.m. NBC's "1 vs. 100" drew a 5.5/10. ABC was third for the hour with a repeat of "America's Funniest Home Videos." FOX's "Justice," 2.7/5, was fourth in households, but "Friday Night Smackdown!," 2.5/5, brought more viewers to The CW.
CBS stayed in front at 9 p.m. with "Close to Home," 6.3/11. "Las Vegas," 5.4/10, held steady for NBC. The first half of a two-hour "20/20" posted a 5.1/9 for ABC. "Smackdown!," 2.7/5, took sole possession of fourth, beating FOX's "Trading Spouses."
"Numb3rs," 7.2/13, finished the CBS sweep at 10 p.m. and was the night's most-watched show. ABC's "20/20" ticked up to 5.3/10, while a "Law & Order" rerun on NBC came in at 4.6/8.
"Dancing with the Stars" took reality show honors and "Ugly Betty" won the new series award. Both shows air on ABC.
Family-friendly films "The Ron Clark Story" and "High School Musical" also were recognized during the ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
Actors collecting honors included Jennifer Love Hewitt for CBS's "Ghost Whisperer" and Tony Shalhoub for USA Network's "Monk." Game show host Howie Mandel won for his work on NBC's "Deal or No Deal."
Stephen Collins and Haylie Duff, both of TV's "7th Heaven," hosted the hourlong ceremony, which was scheduled to air Dec. 12 on the CW network.
Winners were chosen by members of the Association of National Advertisers, an organization of major corporate marketers, to honor outstanding programming for family viewing.
The Family Friendly Programming Forum, which includes advertisers representing 43 companies, created the awards to promote the development and airing of family-oriented television programs during prime-time viewing hours.
The Eye averaged a 7.0 rating/13 share in primetime to win the night easily. NBC was second in households at 4.5/8, although ABC, 4.4/8, had a few more total viewers. FOX took fourth with a 3.2/6, and The CW earned a 2.5/4.
CBS also led among adults 18-49 with a 2.8 rating. ABC finished second in the demographic at 2.4, while FOX and NBC tied for third at 2.1. The CW trailed with a 1.3.
"Ghost Whisperer," 6.7/12, put CBS on top at 8 p.m. NBC's showing of "The Family Man," 4.1/7, edged "Shrek 2," 4.0/7, on ABC. FOX went with the Jim Carrey comedy "Bruce Almighty." The first hour of "Friday Night Smackdown!" delivered a 2.4/4 for The CW.
At 9 p.m., "Close to Home" built a little on its lead-in to finish with a 6.8/12 for CBS. "Shrek 2," 4.7/8, moved ABC ahead of NBC and "The Family Man." FOX improved to 3.4/6 with the close of "Bruce Almighty," and "Smackdown!" ticked up to 2.7/5 in its second hour.
"Numb3rs" finished the night for CBS with a 7.4/14 at 10 p.m. The conclusion of "The Family Man" posted a 4.9/9 for NBC, and ABC's "20/20" came in at 4.6/9.
Television:Favorite TV Comedy: The King of Queens, My Name is Earl, Two and a Half Men
Favorite TV Comedy – Animated: Family Guy, King of the Hill, The Simpsons
Favorite TV Drama: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Grey's Anatomy, House
Favorite Competition/Reality Show: American Idol, Deal or No Deal, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
Favorite Female TV Star: Jennifer Love Hewitt, Eva Longoria, Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Favorite Male TV Star: Patrick Dempsey, Charlie Sheen, Kiefer Sutherland
Favorite Talk Show Host: Ellen DeGeneres, Jay Leno, Oprah Winfrey
Music:Favorite Female Singer: Faith Hill, Shakira, Carrie Underwood
Favorite Male Singer: Trace Adkins, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith
Favorite Group: The Black Eyed Peas, Nickelback, The Red Hot Chili Peppers
Favorite R&B Song: Christina Aguilera, "Ain't No Other Man"; Justin Timberlake, "SexyBack"; Mariah Carey, "Shake It Off"
Favorite Hip-Hop Song: Nelly, "Grillz"; Chamillionaire, "Ridin'"; Eminem, "Shake That"
Favorite Pop Song: Shakira, "Hips Don't Lie"; Nelly Furtado, "Promiscuous"; Pink, "Stupid Girls"
Favorite Country Song: Carrie Underwood, "Before He Cheats"; Rascal Flatts, "What Hurts the Most"; Tim McGraw, "When the Stars Go Blue"
Favorite Rock Song: Evanescence, "Call Me When You're Sober"; Red Hot Chili Peppers, "Dani California"; Bon Jovi, "Who Says You Can't Go Home"
Miscellaneous:
Favorite Funny Female Star: Ellen DeGeneres, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Queen Latifah
Favorite Funny Male Star: Will Ferrell, Adam Sandler, Robin Williams
Fans can vote for their favorites in movies, TV and music online at pcavote.com. Winners will be announced when the show airs live on CBS Jan. 9.
CBS led the night in households with a 6.8 rating/12 share, but NBC, 6.7/12, had more viewers, 10.52 million to 10.44 million. ABC finished third at 5.1/9. The CW earned a 2.7/5, beating FOX's 2.4/4 for fourth.
NBC scored a 3.0 rating among adults 18-49, narrowly beating CBS' 2.9. ABC, 2.4, came in third, followed by FOX, 1.5, and The CW, 1.4.
"Deal or No Deal" delivered a 7.9/14, the night's best rating, for NBC at 8 p.m. CBS took second with "Ghost Whisperer," 6.4/11. A "Grey's Anatomy" rerun put ABC in third. The first hour of "Friday Night Smackdown!," 2.5/4, finished ahead of "Trading Spouses," 2.2/4, on FOX.
CBS moved in front at 9 p.m. with "Close to Home," 7.1/12. NBC dropped to second with "Las Vegas," 5.9/10. ABC's "20/20" posted a 5.0/9. The second hour of "Smackdown!" improved to 2.8/5 for The CW, keeping "Trading Spouses" in fifth.
At 10 p.m., "Numb3rs" led the way for CBS with a 7.0/12. NBC's "Law & Order," 6.4/11, tied for second with ABC's Barbara Walters Special "30 Mistakes in 30 Years," with NBC drawing more total viewers.
For the night, CBS averaged a 7.4 rating/13 share. NBC finished second at 6.1/11, followed by ABC at 4.2/7. The CW, 2.7/5, beat FOX, 2.2/4, for fourth.
CBS also led among adults 18-49 with a 3.1 rating. NBC, 2.9, was a fairly close second. ABC came in third with a 1.9, followed by The CW, 1.4, and FOX, 1.1.
"Ghost Whisperer" led off the night for CBS with a 7.5/13 at 8 p.m. NBC's "1 vs. 100" posted a 6.4/11 to finish second. A "Grey's Anatomy" rerun on ABC was third. "Friday Night Smackdown!," 2.5/4, put The CW in fourth, while "Vanished" managed only a 2.0/3 for FOX.
CBS stayed on top at 9 p.m. as "Close to Home," 7.5/13, matched its lead-in's rating. "Las Vegas," 5.5/9, kept NBC in second. "Men in Trees" earned a 4.3/7 for ABC. "Smackdown!" improved slightly to remain in fourth, and FOX ticked up a little with "Trading Spouses," 2.3/4.
At 10 p.m., "Numb3rs" drew a 7.6/14 for CBS to complete the network's sweep of the night. "Law & Order" scored a 6.5/12 for NBC, and ABC's "20/20" came in at 4.4/8.
For the night, CBS averaged a 7.3 rating/13 share to beat out NBC's 6.5/11. ABC took third with a 4.9/8. The CW's 2.9/5 was good for fourth, beating FOX's 2.4/4.
CBS also led among adults 18-49 with a 3.3 rating. NBC, 3.0, finished second, and ABC was third at 2.5. The CW averaged 1.6 and FOX 1.3.
"Ghost Whisperer," 7.2/13, put CBS on top at 8 p.m. NBC's "1 vs. 100" was second for the hour at 6.6/11. A "Grey's Anatomy" rerun on ABC came in third. The first hour of "Friday Night Smackdown!" on The CW earned a 2.7/5, beating the return of "Vanished," 2.2/4, on FOX.
CBS held the lead at 9 p.m. with "Close to Home," 7.6/13. "Las Vegas," 5.8/10, kept NBC in second. The first half of a two-hour "20/20" delivered a 5.3/9 for ABC. "Smackdown!" stayed in fourth, while FOX ticked up a little with "Trading Spouses," 2.5/4.
At 10 p.m., CBS' "Numb3rs" scored a 7.2/13, just holding off "Law & Order," 7.1/13, which recorded its best numbers in several weeks with Chase's heavily promoted guest spot. The second hour of "20/20" held steady for ABC with a 5.2/9.
FOX averaged an 8.7 rating/15 share for the night, easily topping second-place CBS' 7.1/12. NBC came in third with a 6.0/10. ABC, 4.9/8, took fourth, and The CW was fifth at 2.7/5.
In the adults 18-49 demographic, FOX led the way with a 4.0 rating. CBS, 3.0, finished second, followed by NBC at 2.8. ABC averaged 2.5 and The CW 1.4.
The World Series pre-game and the start of Game 5 delivered a 7.2/13 for FOX at 8 p.m., edging "Ghost Whisperer," 7.0/12, on CBS. NBC's "1 vs. 100" drew a 6.1/11 in its time-period debut. ABC's Halloween special "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" was fourth with a 4.6/8. "Friday Night Smackdown!" on The CW trailed.
FOX improved to 8.7/15 at 9 p.m. with its baseball coverage. "Close to Home," 7.1/12, held steady for CBS. The season premiere of "Las Vegas" rolled a 6.0/10 for NBC. "Men in Trees" kept ABC in fourth, and "Smackdown!" concluded with a 3.1/5 for The CW.
The World Series peaked at 10.2/17 at 10 p.m. as the St. Louis Cardinals closed out the Detroit Tigers, four games to one. Still, this is likely to go down as one of the lowest-rated (if not the lowest, period) World Series in TV history. Both CBS' "Numb3rs," 7.1/12, and NBC's "Law & Order," 6.0/10, stayed right in line with their lead-ins. ABC's "20/20" posted a 5.6/10.
What to do? We can turn, as ever, to our TV. Not for reassurance, or even distraction from life's bogeymen. But to get the willies in acceptable fashion. To get our fear intake in a suitable dosage and convenient form right there on the screen, in dozens of variations at the click of a button.
Maybe we feel like wallowing in the nightmares of a community cut off from a world otherwise devastated by nuclear blasts. Well, we can help ourselves to CBS' "Jericho," one of the season's most popular new series.
Could be, we've got a hankering to watch a handful of loners struggle to prevent a nuclear attack they see flattening New York this very November 8. "Heroes," a new hit for NBC, is just the ticket.
Or, taking us out of the nuclear rut, the CW has two beefcake brothers chasing goblins on "Supernatural." And Jennifer Love Hewitt counsels dead folks on CBS' "Ghost Whisperer." (Sure, it's supposed to be comforting to watch her point a soul toward the light. But, sorry, even a ghost in need is still a ghost, and that's creepy.)
Our taste for ghoulishness is served by the ever-more-grisly display of corpses in dramas like "CSI" and "Bones." Didn't we get our fill of real-life bodies sighted floating in floodwaters or abandoned at a curbside after Hurricane Katrina?
Heck no. We never get our fill. What we fear isn't getting more, but not getting enough. We fear that TV, even in its excesses, can't offset its impact on us as a desensitizing agent. We fear that it won't keep pace with our dulling sensibilities.
We crave fear.
Though, granted, not always. Not at, say, the airport, where fear directs us to remove our shoes for strangers.
But when we're vegged out at home in front of the TV, our shoes are probably off anyway. Then we're relaxed, in aspiring fear mode.
Bring it on.
What do we viewers fear? Hearing someone's point of view we don't agree with. Losing cable service before a big sportscast. Getting so befuddled by an episode of "Lost" we think we'll never catch up. Putting something on YouTube, then nobody watching. To name a few.
Bad news also alarms us — in a titillating way. "The next story will shock you" is our favorite tease. We're beside ourselves at the prospect of shock value. Twenty years ago Dan Rather signed off by saying "Courage," and people are still laughing at him. Courage would just spoil our high.
The news washing over us like acid rain is scary, all right.
But even more scary are the adjacent commercials. On the evening news, one warning follows another from products for diseases we never knew existed. Overactive bladder! Chronic dry eye! Restless leg syndrome! Plus old reliables like arthritis, insomnia, cancer, bone loss, high cholesterol, asthma, erectile dysfunction.
But any advertising is about fomenting fear. Fear that we're not healthy, attractive, rich, successful, youthful, sexy, smart, hygienic, slender, souped-up, strong, patriotic or otherwise worthy enough as consumers.
We fear not getting our share, whatever it is.
We fear not being ready "when the time is right."
Fear is the empty calories we binge on.
Bring it on.
Life hands us the opportunity to make growth choices or fear choices. It's advertising's job to sell fear choices. The defensive solution. A quick fix for a problem we didn't know we had.
We let commercials, and the larger ethos of TV, plant doubts in us, and then, our faith shaken, we keep measuring ourselves against people on TV. So we can rely on always coming up short. Unless we tune in "Jerry Springer," where we revel in the horror of seeing ourselves in the willfully wretched specter of his guests.
We watch toothpick twit Paris Hilton and joyously recoil at her vapidity.
Eagerly we brace ourselves for TV's next four-letter word or wardrobe malfunction.
We savor the madness of Nancy Grace. (What's scarier than that?)
The only thing we have to fear is fear itself, as we all know. But we retreat into it anyway. Into palatable, entertaining fear. Our cheap substitute for feeling at peace. And the easy alternative to boredom. Which, of course, is the thing we fear most.
Boo!
For the night, CBS averaged a 7.2 rating/13 share, just beating NBC's 7.0/13 (the two networks were by about 100,000 viewers). ABC took third with a 4.4/8. The CW, 2.7/5, topped FOX, 2.4/4, for fourth.
NBC earned a 3.2 rating in the adults 18-49 demographic to edge CBS, which came in at 3.1. None of the other three networks did much, with ABC third at 1.8, followed by The CW, 1.5, and FOX, 1.4.
"Deal or No Deal" won the 8 p.m. hour for NBC with a 7.0/13. CBS' "Ghost Whisperer" finished second with a 6.7/12. The return of "Extreme Makeover" to ABC didn't excite too many people, drawing a 3.5/6. The first hour of "Friday Night Smackdown!" on The CW was fourth, beating the season premiere of "Trading Spouses," 2.2/4, on FOX.
CBS' "Close to Home" led among households at 9 p.m. with a 7.3/13, but NBC's "1 vs. 100," 7.2/13, had more total viewers (11.9 million to 11.15 million). "Men in Trees" posted a 4.4/8 for ABC. "Smackdown!" closed with a 3.0/5, keeping The CW in front of "Trading Spouses" on FOX.
"Numb3rs" scored a 7.8/14 for CBS at 10 p.m. NBC's "Law & Order" came in second with a 6.7/12, while ABC's "20/20" drew a 5.3/10.
Overall, NBC averaged a 7.1 rating/12 share, narrowly defeating the 7.0/12 for CBS. FOX got a 5.7/10 from baseball playoff coverage, leaving ABC in fourth with a 4.8/8. The CW brought up the rear with a 2.3/4 for wrestling.
NBC also won among adults 18-49, doing a 3.4 rating in the coveted demographic. CBS was a more distant second with a 2.8 rating. FOX's 2.5 rating and the 2.1 rating for ABC followed, as The CW was last again with a 1.3 rating.
"Deal or No Deal" kicked the evening off well for NBC, delivering a 7.3/13 in the 8 p.m. hour. CBS' "Ghost Whisperer" was second with a 6.4/12. The first hour of the Cardinals and Mets on FOX barely out performed ABC's "Grey's Anatomy" repeat for third. On The CW, "WWE Friday Night Smackdown!" as fifth with a 2.1/4.
At 9 p.m., the Bob Saget-hosted "1 vs. 100" had a 7.8/13 in its first airing, beating the time slot's normal winner, "Close to Home," which had a 7.3/13. FOX's baseball had a 5.5/10 for the hour, nipping the 5.1/9 for ABC's "Men in Trees." The CW's wrestling remained stable.
CBS moved into first for the night's final hour, getting a 7.3/13 from "Numbers." NBC's "Law & Order" was second with a 6.3/11, leaving ABC's "20/20" in last.
CBS averaged a 7.1 rating/13 share for the evening. NBC, 6.1/11, finished second, followed by ABC at 4.4/8. FOX, 2.7/5, edged out The CW, 2.4/4, for fourth place.
In the adults 18-49 demographic, CBS' 2.9 rating was good enough for the top spot over NBC's 2.7. ABC took third with a 2.0. FOX averaged 1.6 and The CW 1.4.
NBC's "Deal or No Deal" won the 8 p.m. hour with a 6.6/12, a little ahead of "Ghost Whisperer," 6.4/12, on CBS. ABC repeated Thursday's "Grey's Anatomy." FOX got a 2.6/5 from "Nanny 911," while the first hour of "Friday Night Smackdown!" on The CW posted a 2.3/4.
CBS took over at 9 p.m. with "Close to Home," 7.7/13, the night's top-rated show. "Dateline" scored a 5.6/10 for NBC. "Men in Trees" delivered a 4.8/8 for ABC, and a second hour of "Nanny 911" kept FOX in fourth. "Smackdown!" ticked up to 2.5/4 in its second hour.
"Numb3rs," 7.2/13, held the lead for CBS at 10 p.m. "Law & Order" averaged 6.2/11 for NBC, and ABC's "20/20" came in at 4.6/8.
CBS averaged a 6.8 rating/12 share in primetime, beating out NBC's 6.4/12. ABC finished third at 4.6/8. The CW's 2.5/4 edged FOX's 2.4/4 for fourth.
NBC snagged the No. 1 spot among adults 18-49 with a 3.0 rating. CBS was a close second at 2.8. ABC, 2.2, came in third, followed by The CW, 1.5, and FOX, 1.2.
"Deal or No Deal," 6.6/13, put NBC on top at 8 p.m. CBS' "Ghost Whisperer" took second with a 6.2/12. A repeat of "Grey's Anatomy," 4.1/8, gave ABC third. The first hour of "Friday Night Smackdown!" on The CW scored a 2.3/4, topping a "Justice" rerun on FOX.
CBS moved to the front at 9 p.m. with "Close to Home," 7.3/13. NBC fell one spot to second with "Dateline," 6.0/11. "Men in Trees" kept ABC in third with a 4.7/8. The finale of FOX's "Celebrity Duets" (won by Alfonso Ribeiro) averaged 2.7/5, tying for fourth with "Smackdown!"
"Numb3rs" closed the night for CBS with a 7.2/13 at 10 p.m. NBC's "Law & Order" posted a 6.8/12, and ABC's "20/20" was third at 5.0/9.
Where we left off: Spirit guide Melinda (Jennifer Love Hewitt) played air traffic controller for a planeload of crash victims needing direction toward the afterlife. But a malevolent ghost steered some away, foreshadowing more good vs. evil struggles in Season 2.
However, the most difficult challenge for Melinda is the fate of close friend Andrea (Aisha Tyler), who died when her car was crushed by the plane. "There wasn't really much on the Internet about Andrea until after that episode," which featured a Sixth Sense-style twist, executive producer Kim Moses said. "Then the chat went up 500%."
What's ahead: Since death is only a start on Whisperer, Andrea's fate remains: Can she be brought back to life? Will she cross into the light? Will she be influenced by the evil ghost?
Melinda will get some help in understanding her gift and the afterlife from a professor who isn't necessarily a believer, played by Jay Mohr. Melinda also will develop a friendship with a real estate agent (new series regular Camryn Manheim), but she will be reluctant to discuss her conversations with the dead because she "feels somewhat responsible for what happened to Andrea," who knew about her gift, executive producer Ian Sander says.
It's difficult to know what to make of this fact, but apparently "Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties" has broken box office records for animated films in China.
According to the Beijing News, through its first three weeks, the story of the lasagna-loving cat and his purportedly hilarious activities in London has taken in 46.4 million yuan, or $5.8 million in American currency.
Directed by Tim Hill, "A Tail of Two Kitties" was a box office disappointment domestically, where it took in slightly more than $28 million. However, thanks to roughly $80 million in foreign returns, the sequel has made more than $100 million worldwide. That dramatic split isn't entirely surprising, as 2004's first "Garfield" movie approached the $200 million worldwide mark thanks largely to its foreign gross.
It seems that "A Tail of Two Kitties" has broken an animated record held by Disney's "The Lion King," which made 41 million yuan when it opened 12 years ago. The Bill Murray-voiced flick on Aug. 11 and made 13.92 million yuan in its first weekend, six million yuan more than "Ice Age 2" made when it opened earlier this year and three million yuan more than last weekend's opening for Pixar's "Cars."
CBS averaged a 7.1 rating/13 share among households for the night to beat NBC's 6.7/12. ABC finished third at 5.1/9, and FOX and The CW tied for fourth at 2.6/5.
NBC, however, led the way among adults 18-49 with a 3.3 rating, just beating CBS' 3.1. ABC drew a 2.2 in the advertisers' favorite demographic. FOX, 1.4, took fourth over The CW, 1.3.
"Deal or No Deal" led off the night for NBC with a 7.4/13 at 8 p.m. The season premiere of "Ghost Whisperer" delivered a 6.4/12 for CBS. ABC re-aired the "Grey's Anatomy" season premiere. "Nanny 911," 2.6/5, put FOX in fourth, a little ahead of "Friday Night Smackdown!," 2.5/5, on The CW.
CBS took the lead at 9 p.m. with "Close to Home," 7.6/13. NBC dropped to second with "Dateline," 5.6/10. ABC's "Men in Trees," 5.5/10, held steady from last week despite increased competition. "Smackdown!," 2.7/5, moved The CW ahead of FOX and the "Celebrity Duets" results show.
At 10 p.m., the season premiere of CBS' "Numb3rs" posted a 7.4/13. NBC's "Law & Order" season premiere was close behind at 7.3/13. ABC got a 5.4/10 from "20/20."
Jennifer Love Hewitt's publicist held a mini-fan for the actress to use during media interviews.
"There's nothing you can do," said Hewitt, shrugging in a heavily beaded, silver gown.
Steve Carell of The Office dabbed sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief.
"It's hotter than chocolate chip cookies right out of the oven," Carell said.
For Tyra Banks, in a long Georges Chakra gown, staying cool was impossible.
"Underneath this dress, I'm dripping," Banks said. "Not cute, believe me."
Isaiah Washington of Grey's Anatomy said sweating was inevitable.
"You just got to make it look good," he said.
Grey's Anatomy co-star Chandra Wilson dressed for the weather: Her dress featured a long side slit.
"I have some air vents," she joked.
The latest group of presenters also includes nominee Helen Mirren, "Prison Break" star Wentworth Miller, Jennifer Love Hewitt of CBS' "Ghost Whisperer" and Tina Fey and Bradley Whitford, both of whom star in new NBC series this fall ("30 Rock" and "Studio 60," respectively). The Emmys, not coincidentally, air on NBC this year. Longoria is the second "Housewives" cast member to come aboard the Emmy show as a presenter. Felicity Huffman, who won the Emmy for outstanding lead actress in a comedy, will return to the stage to hand out an award this year. She won't be accepting an award this time, though, as she wasn't nominated. Other previously announced presenters include "Sopranos" stars James Gandolfini and Edie Falco, "House's" Hugh Laurie, Dennis Haysbert ("The Unit"), Evangeline Lilly ("Lost"), Matthew Perry ("Studio 60") and nominees Julia Louis-Dreyfus ("The New Adventures of Old Christine"), Heidi Klum ("Project Runway"), Jon Stewart ("The Daily Show") and Kiefer Sutherland ("24").
"Oh, yeah. I'm all about that," laughs the punchy comic. "I need to work. My ex-wife gets all the Diet Pepsi money. That was a surprising day in the lawyer's office. 'No. That's hers.' 'Oh, really. Oh. She worked so hard for it.' Yeah. I'm ready to be a sellout." He's referring, of course, to a series of successful ads featuring Mohr as a helpful agent repping a Pepsi can. He's also referring to ex-wife Nicole Chamberlain. What he can't refer to, at least not out loud, is the degree to which he'll go to sell out. A new sitcom? An HBO series? "I can't tell you because then the people who might want to hire me will go, 'What? I'm a sellout? Screw him. We'll get someone else.'" Mohr's next project, actually, is Ed Burns' ensemble indie "The Groomsmen," co-starring Burns, Donal Logue and John Leguizamo. That film goes into limited release on Friday (July 14). Mohr has also signed on for an upcoming episode of "Ghost Whisperer." "I'm a teacher of all things occult, but I'm not a believer and Jennifer Love Hewitt comes to me because she doesn't know what to do with this one demonic spirit that's reeking havoc on Aisha Tyler's soul," Mohr explains of his visit to the CBS Friday drama. Mohr has also had conversations about appearing with real-life fiance Nikki Cox on NBC's "Las Vegas." The problem with that cameo is that Mohr already appeared on a 2005 episode of the casino series playing a character named Martin Levson, so he may have to play himself. He recounts the exchange, "I said, 'Why can't you give me a fictional name?' 'Well, that would be weird because you were already on playing a character. If you came on playing a different character people would get confused.' 'As opposed to me coming on as myself and falling in love with a fictional character that's my fiance in real life.' It's great." One TV project Mohr doesn't plan on getting reacquainted with is "Last Comic Standing." The host and producer of the first three seasons of the NBC reality show, Mohr departed the series with harsh words for the network's treatment of the low-rated third season. Has he tuned in at all this year? "No," Mohr says. "No interest. I have none."
Big Love • HBO • Anima Sola and Playtone in association with HBO Entertainment Ghost Whisperer • CBS • Touchstone Television in association with Paramount Network Television Rome • HBO • HBO Entertainment in association with the BBC The Triangle • Sci Fi Channel • Bad Hat Harry Productions and Electric Entertainment Weeds • Showtime • Showtime Presents in association with Lions Gate Television and Tilted Productions Wandering into "The Prince and the Pauper" territory by way of "Babe," this lifeless, talky, family-oriented feature never manages to rise to the occasion of its witty title, which actually was appropriated from a 1942 Merrie Melodies cartoon featuring Babbit and Castello. Even the kiddies responsible for the original $75.3 million kitty likely will be consumed by restlessness this time around if the audibly unengaged reactions at a recent preview screening are of any indication. The action, such as it is, moves to across the pond to England, where Garfield (again voiced by Bill Murray), accompanied by his live-action, dim-witted canine cohabitant Odie, follows his nice but dull facilitator (Breckin Meyer) to London, where he's planning to propose to his perky veterinarian girlfriend (Jennifer Love Hewitt). In short order, Garfield manages to swap places with his doppelganger -- a pampered royal pet (voiced by Tim Curry) who has just inherited his master's castle, much to the distinct aggravation of the plotting Lord Dargis (a waste of Billy Connolly), who thought he had permanently taken care of the one obstacle blocking his rightful place in line. Despite an official running time of 78 minutes, the sequel somehow feels twice that long, dragged ploddingly along the subordinate claws provided by incoming director Tim Hill ("Muppets From Space") and writers Joel Cohen and Alec Sokolow (the first "Garfield," "Cheaper by the Dozen"). While the inaugural installment at least had the benefit of Murray's sardonic way with a line reading, here his patented tossed-off dialogue has all the bite of soggy kibble. Visually, even with all the advances in CG technology, the latest Garfield model succeeds in looking even creepier than its predecessor. It is only during those "Babe"-inspired sequences involving a live-action grouping of animals on the estate (voiced by the likes of Bob Hoskins, Sharon Osbourne, Richard E. Grant and Rhys Ifans) that the picture offers a glimpse of something approaching amusement. The rest of the time is occupied wondering why the ever-soulful Odie doesn't ditch the tiresome orange fur-ball once and for all and strike out on his own capable four feet. CAST: CREDITS: "She's just a defining person really. So, if it becomes a defining role for me, it would be an honor," says the actress during an interview to promote her latest film, "Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties." "I'd be really, really happy with that. She's a great woman to play. What she tries to do for the world with her gift or without, is pretty extraordinary." In May, the first season of the show concluded with Melinda's biggest and most heartwrenching task to date. She helps a plane full of crash victims cross over to the other side, but is devasted by the loss of person in particular. In the tearjerker finale, her friend, business partner and confidant Andrea (Aisha Tyler) died when the plane landed on her car. "I'm a little nervous to go into a second season and, hopefully, [we'll] be able to do bigger and better than we did in the first season and have people still watch," says Hewitt. "We have some really exciting stuff happening in the very beginning of the show but it's all top secret." But will Andrea be seen or heard from again? This is, after all, a show where getting killed doesn't necessarily mean the end. "Maybe," says Hewitt coyly. "For a short period of time." After a season of conversing with ghosts and then finishing "Garfield," in which the titular cat was added later with computer graphics, Hewitt is used to talking to thin air on camera. "We always do what we call an 'MOG' shot, 'Mit Out Ghost,'" she says with a laugh because "mit" is German for "with." "They always let me do it first with them standing there so that I know what they are doing, what they're looking like. Then they take them away and have me stand there and do the same thing with the close ups or the over-the-shoulders. "Most of the time, we're not playing the whole scene, so I'll just do my lines and I won't have anybody speaking in between," she continues. "It was weird to get used to the first time. It's only embarrassing when we're shooting outside with Melinda in the middle of the park and everybody's looking at her like 'What's wrong with this person? Why is she standing there talking to herself?'" While all the supernatural stuff doesn't disturb her, the demands of leading a one-hour drama can get pretty taxing, a situation shared by other actors in the same boat. "I'll see people who are the lead on a one-hour drama ... like Jennifer [Finnigan] from 'Close to Home' she'll come up and go, 'Oh my God. Are you okay?'" recalls Hewitt. "And I'm like, 'Are you sleeping?' and she goes, 'No, not really.' It's this small group of people who are absolutely just wrecked, the most unhealthy people ever but psyched to be there." Not only does Hewitt have to learn lines for more scenes than any actor on her show, but she also has to be the set cheerleader to "keep the energy level up." So it's no wonder that this summer, she decided to relax and not take a summer job during her hiatus. "Other than doing a few publicity things here and there, I've really done nothing," she says. "There is more stuff that I've learned how to cook and I've laid out in the sun and played with my dog and just kind of been a person, which is extremely important because, come July 10th, I'll no longer be a person. For nine months it'll just be work, work, work."
Sorry, couldn't help it. With a title like Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties, the bad Dickens puns are irresistible - and in this case, apropos. Bill Murray is back in this part-animated, part-live-action sequel to 2004's Garfield, inspired by the Jim Davis comic strip, again providing the voice of America's best-known overfed cat. Despite his droll delivery and a couple of amusing lines here and there, Murray can't wring many laughs out of the mostly lame script from returning writers Joel Cohen and Alec Sokolow. (Garfield plays air guitar and sings along to Ted Nugent's blaring Cat Scratch Fever, for example. Kids might like it, but adults will be bored.) Tim Hill, whose credits include Muppets from Space and Max Keeble's Big Move, is the director; his filmography should tell you all you need to know about his fondness for subtlety. This time, Garfield follows his owner, Jon (Breckin Meyer), to England to try to stop him from proposing to his girlfriend - a famous veterinarian with an important speaking engagement played by Jennifer Love Hewitt. (OK, that part IS pretty funny.) Having stowed away in a carry-on bag with Jon's dimwitted dog, Odie, Garfield proceeds to visit all the obligatory London tourist sites and make tired, smart-alecky remarks along the way. But while he's there, he's mistaken for a big, orange cat who looks just like him (voiced by Tim Curry) who just happens to be a prince named Prince. Billy Connolly gamely plays the buffoonish nephew trying to oust Prince and take over the castle the royal cat has just inherited. Meanwhile, Bob Hoskins, Jane Leeves, Rhys Ifans and Jane Horrocks are among the actors whose talents are wasted lending their voices to talking barnyard animals. But Garfield does have one vaguely redeeming quality: An extended cooking sequence in the castle's elaborate kitchen will make you hungry for lasagna, the feline's favourite dish. One and a half stars out of four.
He also will continue to write and direct episodes of the supernatural drama from Touchstone TV and CBS Paramount Network TV, which is returning for a second season in the fall. Gray said he was surprised but very pleased by "Ghost's" ratings success. "We seem to have tapped into some desire and need from the audience to believe that there is more there than you can see, and we try to bring some hybrid of horror and a character-driven story," he said. Gray plans to stay the course next season. "We're very interested in developing our mythology further while staying true to the core (of the show) -- get a good scare and a good cry -- that people respond to," he added. Gray wrote and directed the pilot as well as the two-part first-season finale. He also will write and direct the two-hour second-season opener as well as two or three more episodes next season. Gray oversees the writers on the show from New York -- where he lives -- and executive produces the series with Touchstone TV-based Ian Sander and Kim Moses.
ABC scored a narrow victory among adults 18-49, drawing a 1.6 rating in the demographic. CBS was right behind at 1.5. NBC, 1.4, was third, followed by UPN at 1.3. Neither FOX nor The WB broke 1.0. A repeat of "America's Funniest Home Videos" won the 8 p.m. hour for ABC with a 4.0/8. NBC reran its "Dateline" Britney Spears interview, earning a 3.7/7. CBS was third with "Ghost Whisperer." UPN got a 2.2/5 from "Friday Night Smackdown!," which was good enough to beat FOX's "24" repeat, 1.7/3. The WB trailed with "What I Like About You" and "Twins."
NBC and CBS tied for the lead among adults 18-49, each drawing a 1.7 rating. ABC was next at 1.4. There was another tie for fourth, with FOX and UPN finishing at 1.3. The WB managed only a 0.7. "Dateline's" Friday edition led the 8 p.m. hour for NBC with a 4.8/9. A "Ghost Whisperer" rerun on CBS took second with a 3.6/7. "America's Funniest Home Videos" was third for ABC. "Friday Night Smackdown!" posted a 2.2/4 for UPN, topping FOX's showing of the movie "The Animal," 2.1/4. The WB went with "What I Like About You" and "Twins."
NBC's 1.8 rating among adults 18-49 was good enough to take the top spot in that demographic. The rest of the Big Four were right behind, with CBS and ABC tied for second at 1.7 and FOX at 1.6. UPN averaged 1.2 and The WB 0.6. NBC won the 8 p.m. hour with "Dateline," 4.9/10. A "Ghost Whisperer" rerun posted a 4.0/8 for CBS, just beating the 3.9/8 for "America's Funniest Home Videos" on ABC. The movie "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" put FOX in fourth. "Friday Night Smackdown!" scored a 2.0/4 for UPN. The WB went with reruns of "What I Like About You" and "Twins."
The Ghost Whisperer star is furious that Valderrama appeared on the raunchy Howard Stern radio show and talked explicitly about his love life. Valderrama talked about his romantic encounters with Lindsay Lohan, Mandy Moore and Ashlee Simpson and gave Love Hewitt an "eight out of 10" score in the bedroom. The actress says, "I was told that we had all these very steamy encounters and I was like, 'Really! Well, I would have loved to have been there!'"
No. It's the frilly bodice of Jennifer Love Hewitt's dress. It seems that each time the actress emotes, it gives off a noise loud enough to worry the sound engineer, consequently requiring several extra takes. Apparently some fans of the CBS series, in which Hewitt plays a young newlywed with the ability to contact spirits, tune in mainly to see what the winsome star is wearing. But it's the paranormal subject matter that seems to have connected with most viewers, earning the new drama an early pickup for next season. "We really listen to our audience and they do want scary and low cut dresses," laughs series consultant and executive producer James Van Praagh. The well-known paranormal expert acknowledges some compromises have to be made in the name of entertainment, yet is essentially pleased the show is conveying his message that there's life after death. "I think especially in a time of war people question beliefs, and I don't think people are going to religions as much for answers. They are going within and being responsible for their own lives and their own quest for understanding," says Van Praagh, who reports that many attending his recent lectures have said their interest was peeked by watching "Ghost Whisperer." "I love the theme. I definitely feel we are not just our bodies, that we are beings and that we go on," says Anne Archer, who has joined the cast in the recurring role of Beth Gordon, Melinda's mother. "So from that standpoint, it didn't seem weird to me at all," continues Archer. "I think it's interesting and obviously audiences do, too ... I think there is a sort of emptiness in our look at life in general lately, and think this is a way to explore that." The episode filming this day at Universal Studios, titled "The Vanishing," airs Friday at 8 p.m EDT. Hewitt's chest heaves and faux tears flow. It seems a head injury has caused her character, Melinda, to lose her gift for communicating with earthbound spirits and she's devastated. Her loving husband, Jim (David Conrad), is providing sympathy. Meanwhile, mother Beth is happy. She possesses the same psychic gift as her daughter, but has always viewed it as a curse rather than a blessing. Now, for whatever reason, her gift has vanished, too, but she feels a burden has been lifted. Archer says the whole story arc has given her something juicy to play beyond the usual standard mom fare often offered to actresses in their 50s. "It was a whole character coming in with a big problem. I loved that, and then in this episode the gift goes away for both of us and I'm feeling liberated," says the actress as she waits in her dressing room for her scenes to begin. "It's great that they gave me something to act other than, 'Hi, dear, how are you doing?'" Director and executive producer Ian Sander adds that Archer's good looks are also an attribute, "because the role of Beth demands flashbacks, and she looks utterly convincing playing nearly 20 years younger." Van Praagh says it's not essential that actors on his show believe in its premise, "but it certainly helps if they are open-minded." Hewitt said earlier that spending time with Van Praagh and researching for the show has made it hard not to believe. "What's great and beautiful about this show is that it kind of makes you believe, if you don't already, that the people you love the most maybe don't actually leave you for good, that maybe they kind of look after you and are there to sort of see you through the rest of whatever your journey is." Archer's thoughts echo that. "The show has charm because its characters are so likable. Even the ghosts are sympathetic. I think it (the show) hits these buttons in people that ... when you lose someone, very often you are left with these terrible feelings about what you didn't say to them," she says. "It's very honest, because it gets down to what we all wonder about."
The actress fell for the Scottish actor when he recently appeared as a guest on her hit TV drama Ghost Whisperer.
ABC claimed the top spot among adults 18-49, posting a 2.0 rating in the demographic. CBS was right behind at 1.9. NBC was third with a 1.5, followed closely by FOX, 1.4, and UPN, 1.3. The WB averaged 0.6. "Dateline" won the 8 p.m. hour for NBC with a 4.5/9. CBS' "Ghost Whisperer" rerun came in second with a 4.0/8. ABC got a 3.4/7 from the 2003 remake of "Freaky Friday," starring a pre-tabloid Lindsay Lohan. FOX was fourth with a showing of the movie "Mona Lisa Smile." "Friday Night Smackdown!" delivered a 2.5/5 for UPN, beating reruns of "What I Like About You" and "Twins" on The WB.
The story was much the same in the adults 18-49 demographic, where CBS led with a 3.1 rating. NBC, 2.6, finished second. ABC's 2.0 nipped FOX's 1.9 for third. UPN averaged 1.1 and The WB 0.8. NBC won the 8 p.m. hour with "Deal or No Deal," 7.7/14. The season finale of "Ghost Whisperer" scored a 7.1/13 for CBS. A repeat of "America's Funniest Home Videos" put ABC in third. FOX grabbed fourth with the movie "School of Rock," 2.4/4, beating the first hour of "Friday Night Smackdown!," 2.2/4, on UPN. The finale of "Survival of the Richest" barely registered for The WB.
CBS also led among adults 18-49, scoring a 3.1 rating in the demographic prized by advertisers. NBC took second with a 2.6. No one else broke the 2.0 mark. ABC came in third at 1.8, followed by FOX, 1.3; UPN, 1.2; and The WB, 0.8. "Deal or No Deal" put NBC on top at 8 p.m. with a 6.8/12. CBS was second for the hour with "Ghost Whisperer," 6.5/12. The 33rd annual Daytime Emmys posted a 4.6/8 for ABC. "Friday Night Smackdown!" was fourth for UPN, narrowly beating FOX's showing of "Austin Powers in Goldmember," 2.0/4. The WB went with "Survival of the Richest."
ABC managed to grab the top spot among adults 18-49. Its 2.5 rating in the demographic edged out CBS, 2.4, and NBC, 2.3. UPN took fourth with a 1.4, topping FOX's 1.2. The WB trailed with a 0.8. NBC won the 8 p.m. hour with a repeat of "Deal or No Deal," 5.4/10. A "Ghost Whisperer" rerun posted a 5.2/10 for CBS, while ABC was third with "America's Funniest Home Videos," 4.5/9. "Friday Night Smackdown!" was fourth for UPN, beating FOX's showing of the first "Austin Powers" movie, 2.0/4. The WB's "Survival of the Richest" brought up the rear.
NBC snagged the top spot among adults 18-49 with a 2.5 rating, just beating CBS' 2.4. ABC was third in the key advertising demographic with a 2.0. FOX and UPN tied at 1.4, and The WB came in at 0.9. A repeat of "Deal or No Deal" put NBC on top at 8 p.m. with a 7.0/14. A "Ghost Whisperer" repeat, 4.8/9, took second for CBS. "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition -- After the Storm" was third for ABC, but drew only a 3.0/6. The first hour of "Friday Night Smackdown!" on UPN narrowly beat an hour of "The Bernie Mac Show," 2.0/4, on FOX. The WB went with "Survival of the Richest."
The story was much the same in the adults 18-49 demographic, where CBS led with a 3.2 rating. ABC was second in the ad-friendly demo at 2.6, followed by NBC, 2.1, and FOX, 1.7. UPN averaged 1.4 and The WB 0.8. "Ghost Whisperer" put CBS on top at 8 p.m. with a 6.9/13. A repeat of "America's Funniest Home Videos" was second for ABC, topping the NBC special "Tim McGraw: Reflected," 4.7/9. The first hour of "Friday Night Smackdown!" posted a 2.4/4 for UPN, narrowly beating the 2.3/4 average for two episodes of "The Bernie Mac Show" on FOX. The WB's "Survival of the Richest" brought up the rear.
NBC did manage to tie CBS for the lead among adults 18-49; both networks earned a 3.1 rating in the key ad demographic. ABC was third at 1.9, edging FOX's 1.8. UPN averaged 1.4 and The WB 1.0. "Deal or No Deal" snagged the night's best rating, 8.3/15, for NBC at 8 p.m. "Ghost Whisperer" put CBS in second with a 6.6/12. ABC got a 4.3/7 from a rerun of "America's Funniest Home Videos." UPN's "Friday Night Smackdown!" was fourth, beating out an hour of "The Bernie Mac Show" on FOX. The premiere of "Survival of the Richest" posted a 1.5/3 for The WB.
The network has eliminated much of the suspense from its schedule announcement for 2006-07 by picking up 14 series for next season. The roster includes three freshman shows -- sitcom "How I Met Your Mother" and dramas "Criminal Minds" and "Ghost Whisperer" -- along with all three "CSI" series, "Survivor" and "The Amazing Race." Most of the Eye's other crime shows -- "NCIS," "Without a Trace," "Numb3rs" and "Cold Case -- got the green light for next year as well, as did "Two and a Half Men," its top-rated comedy, and venerable newsmagazine "60 Minutes." "These series are the foundation of a schedule that is broader and deeper than any on television," CBS Entertainment Presiden Nina Tassler says. The pickups represent 13 hours of CBS' 22-hour prime-time schedule. The three first-year shows have all improved the ratings in their time periods by substantial amounts in viewers and adults 18-49, the sweet-spot demographic for advertisers. For the moment, CBS has but three comedies locked in for next season. In addition to "Two and a Half Men" and "How I Met Your Mother," the network has given an early commitment to "The Class," part of this year's pilot crop. Veteran sitcom "The King of Queens" hasn't heard word of its fate yet, though there have been previous rumblings that this season may be its last. "Yes, Dear" is pretty much a certainty to be gone, and chances for "Still Standing" don't look particularly rosy either. Freshman comedies "Out of Practice" and "Courting Alex" won't hear a verdict until after their move to Wednesday nights later this month. CBS also has yet to decide on its other newsmag, "48 Hours Mystery" and the drama "Close to Home." Two more shows, "The Unit" and "The New Adventures of Old Christine," will premiere over the next week.
NBC did take the top spot among adults 18-49, earning a 3.7 rating in the demographic prized by advertisers. CBS finished second at 3.4. ABC, 2.3, came in third, with UPN fourth at 1.5. FOX and The WB each averaged 1.2. "Deal or No Deal," 7.6/13, tied CBS' "Ghost Whisperer" for the lead among households at 8 p.m. (CBS had a slight edge in total viewers, while NBC led the 18-49 pack). ABC took third with "America's Funniest Home Videos," 4.9/8. The first hour of "Friday Night Smackdown!" on UPN was fourth, edging out the NAACP Image Awards, 2.2/4, on FOX. The WB trailed with "What I Like About You" and "Living with Fran."
Among adults 18-49, NBC's 4.1 rating led the way. ABC took second in the demographic with a 2.9, and CBS was third at 2.5. UPN and The WB tied for fourth at 1.4. FOX's 1.2 trailed. The Olympics posted an 8.9/16 for NBC at 8 p.m. A "Ghost Whisperer" rerun, 5.9/10, put CBS in second. "America's Funniest Home Videos" came in third with a 5.5/10. "Friday Night Smackdown!" was fourth for UPN. FOX got a 2.0/3 from a "24" repeat to beat The WB's "What I Like About You" and "Living with Fran."
Then again, few shows are like "Ghost Whisperer." The solid first-season ratings for CBS' Friday drama prove it has captured the imaginations -- and emotions -- of many viewers. As both the star and a producer of the series, Jennifer Love Hewitt is happy to give it any additional promotion she can. While the occasional Internet seances involve James Van Praagh, the medium whose work partially inspired the show, Hewitt is now giving on-air answers to fan mail about the program during CBS' daytime lineup. "We've been really excited that people have responded to the show the way they have," the friendly Hewitt says, "and it just means making sure we work harder than we did on the episode before, so that they continue to watch. It's been an adjustment, just knowing how to keep your energy up and making sure you stay healthy and rested, but it's been a welcome adjustment in my life." Responding to audience queries in front of a camera also is new for Hewitt. "What we've tried to do with our show," she reasons, "is to involve viewers as much as possible, and to make it a fun experience to learn about ghosts and what they can do. We want viewers to know that we realize how hard it is to get faithful viewers who come back and watch. We know what that means and how special that is, and we don't take it for granted." Questions can be sent to the e-mail address ghostwhisperercbs.com. Unlike NBC's "Medium," which often puts its heroine, played by Patricia Arquette, in direct peril, "Ghost Whisperer" usually keeps Hewitt's character, Melinda Gordon, as just a channeler between a spirit and a living person. Still, Hewitt reflects, "fear and anger are two major things that happen with death. Whether it's a ghost or a person [instilling that in] her, it's not always, 'Let me sit with you and cry about my loved one.' Some people handle death in a violent manner, and I think it's interesting to see the one person you feel is safe lose her power for a second. It's not something we can do a lot, because then, it becomes a different show." Former "Party of Five" regular Hewitt is somewhat flattered, but mostly surprised, by one effect of her current portrayal: Some people now approach her as if she actually has the power to communicate with the dead. "Hopefully, that means I'm doing my job properly, that people actually believe I have this gift. In another way, it's alarming. I constantly find myself in situations where I feel like I can't help people the way I really want to; for me, that's a scary thing, because my personality is that of the ultimate helper. If my friends have a problem, I take it on until I get sick from it. When they work it out, I still have to find a way to let it go." As co-executive producer of "Ghost Whisperer," Van Praagh is constantly on the set, and Hewitt appreciates the ongoing input from him. "The subject matter, what Melinda does every day, initially was hard for me to grasp," the actress admits. "I was a person who was very afraid of death when we started the show, so to talk about it every day was intense and difficult for me. Now I've been able to find a different place for it. I realize the show is not about death, it's about living better and making sure you don't have unfinished business ... so that you don't have to meet Melinda Gordon one day."
The actress said she arrived on the green carpet straight from the set of her TV show "Ghost Whisperer," leaving in such a hurry that she didn't have time to remember the name of the designer dress she put on. "I just left work," a sheepish Hewitt said. "I know! I'm terrible." She wasn't sure if she would be up for partying after the awards show, either. "I might go to one of the parties, but I have to be at work at 5:30 in the morning," she said. "One day you retire, and you get a social life," Hewitt added.
"I refused to go because I always thought they were scary," explains Hewitt. The 26-year-old star of such films as I Know What You Did Last Summer, TV's The Audrey Hepburn Story, Garfield and this summer's sequel is en route to a cemetery from the set of her CBS drama, Ghost Whisperer (Friday, 8 p.m. ET/PT). She produces and stars in the show as an anti-ques store owner who talks to the dead. As her van passes through the gates of the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Hewitt, whose breakthrough role was playing Sarah Reeves on Fox's Party of Five, smiles. After shooting graveyard scenes for Whisperer, cemeteries "don't feel scary to me anymore. There's something very calm about sitting in a cemetery, listening to your iPod alongside your fellow man." (Related story: Hewitt evokes timeless style) This afternoon, her eyes are drawn to the headstones - many dating to the early 1900s. "I wonder who these people were, how they died, and what their stories were," she says. "I look at them hoping they are at peace and didn't have any unfinished business." Therein lies the premise of her show. Hewitt plays Melinda Gordon, a woman who helps the dead deliver messages to loved ones. Averaging 10.6 million viewers, Whisperer is holding its own against ABC's Dancing with the Stars. In researching the role, Hewitt sat with medium James Van Praagh, who is a producer on the show, and believes she made contact with her friend Alan, who died when she was 12. "Whether you believe or not, the smile this 'magic' puts on your face is worth everything in the world," says Hewitt of her character's abilities. People worry that when they die, "it's all over and you don't get a say in it. We try to say in our show that maybe you go on to something new." Hewitt hopes to die in her sleep in her 80s, "when I'm still kicking with some energy and lots of wrinkles." When her time comes, she wants her children to choose her resting place. "If they'd like to come visit me at a place like...(article cut off).
NBC also led among adults 18-49 with a 6.6 rating. ABC was second in the demographic with a 3.0, beating out CBS' 2.6. FOX averaged 1.8, UPN 1.6 and The WB 0.8. The opening ceremonies from Turin, Italy, posted an 11.2/18 for NBC at 8 p.m. ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" held up well, finishing second at 9.7/16. CBS was third with a repeat of "Ghost Whisperer." The first hour of "Friday Night Smackdown!" on UPN drew a 2.7/4, good enough to beat the first hour of "Arrested Development's" season finale, 2.0/3, on FOX. The WB went with the movie "Swimfan."
Hatcher's plum-coloured dress with lace panels by Jean Paul Gaultier was sheer to the point that the boy-briefs she wore underneath the gown were clearly visible. Curly hair and strands of pearls completed her wild-girl look. "The Grammys always push the envelope with fashion and that's what I'm doing," Hatcher said as she went into the Los Angeles ceremony. Keys chose an Armani Prive black beaded gown with a plunging V-neck and a dramatic low back. It also had a front slit. "Giorgio Armani made it especially for me. I feel like a winner," Keys told E!'s Ryan Seacrest. Another sexy number was Christina Milian's silver halter-top Max Azria Atelier dress with a peek-a-boo bodice. Fashion plate Gwen Stefani's one-shoulder, animal-print gown had a beaded empire waist, a necessary detail to accommodate her pregnant belly. Beyonce was one of the many stars in strapless gowns. Hers was bronze with spider-web beading, which she wore with big, dangling earrings. Kelly Clarkson's black strapless gown by Max Azria Atelier had a tight bodice and full skirt completely covered in ruffles. Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas chose a cream-coloured chiffon strapless dress with a bow in the back by Max Azria Atelier and Fantasia jazzed up her black gown with a giant necklace. Actress Jenna Elfman was in a metallic patchwork strapless cocktail dress and dangling earrings, and Jennifer Love Hewitt wore almost no jewelry with her white dress. White was all over the green carpet. (Yes, sponsor Heineken changed the carpet colour from the traditional red.) Ciara had on a sleek white gown with metallic belt by Alberta Ferretti and Mary J. Blige had on a Cinderella-like white halter dress. The top of Sheryl Crow's black gown was covered with white embroidery. Many male stars wore white suits - which dominated the carpet at last year's Grammys, too. Common said his white suit made him feel "angelic." John Legend told E! that he chose a white tuxedo because it was his favourite colour. Ludacris also was in a white suit with a metallic tie. Kanye West paired his white jacket with a red shirt (worn almost completely unbuttoned), black pants and black leather gloves. It was one of seven outfits that Yves Saint Laurent designer Stefano Pilati suggested. The Game's "accessory" that he carried on his arm was his two-year-old son. They wore matching black suits, black ties and white shirts. LL Cool J, who was preparing to jet off to New York after the awards to debut his Todd Smith fashion line, complemented his white suit with a camel-coloured tie and fedora hat. The Ying Yang Twins had on reverse black-white outfits. The English-style grey windowpane suit that Jay Z wore was an attempt "to channel rich businessman," he explained. He wore it with a handkerchief in his pocket and smoky sunglasses. Rapper TI was going for "a modern-day Hugh Hefner" in his light grey pinstripe suit. Meanwhile, India.Arie said she bought the gold rings she was wearing with her mostly white halter gown that had a spray of brown down the front, when she was in Kenya. "They were 10 cents apiece." Joss Stone added some colour and a playful spirit with her purple print slip gown and a flower in her hair. She wore a lot of mascara and pale lipgloss. "Chunky lashes with slightly smudgy eyes is sexy because it looks spontaneous without being too perfect. It's cooler that way," said her makeup artist Nick Barose. With so many different styles at the Grammys, Buddhist monk Lama Tashi, a nominee in the traditional world music album category, fit right in. He wore a red monastic robe that went over one shoulder.
CBS won the night by averaging a 7.8 rating/13 share, with ABC in second at 7.0/12. NBC, 5.9/10, came in third in households. FOX was fourth at 2.8/5, edging UPN's 2.7/4. The WB trailed with a 1.8/3. NBC snagged the top spot among adults 18-49 with a 3.3 rating, narrowly beating CBS' 3.2 and ABC's 3.0. FOX took fourth in the demographic with a 1.8. UPN averaged 1.6 and The WB 1.1. The "Dancing with the Stars" results show won the 8 p.m. hour with a 10.2/17, the night's highest rating. CBS took second with "Ghost Whisperer," 7.2/13. NBC's "Most Outrageous Moments" was third.
TVGuide.com: First, tell me about the genesis of If Only's provocative premise. TVGuide.com: I understand that Jennifer Love Hewitt had been itching to get this made since she was a teenager. TVGuide.com: I hear she was heartbroken to have to put it off. TVGuide.com: On paper, and even watching the first act of If Only, it looks like you were doing a Groundhog Day type of thing, but the difference is Ian can't completely change what happened. That's an interesting twist. TVGuide.com: There's a point where Sam gets to sing, and it's not just a powerful moment but is organic to the story. It doesn't come across as a blatant "let's remind viewers that Jennifer Love Hewitt is a singer" thing. TVGuide.com: How was Jennifer Love Hewitt as a producer? TVGuide.com: It was driving me crazy who Paul Nicholls reminds me of.... TVGuide.com: I can't decide if this movie is actually recommended viewing for couples currently on the skids... or not. TVGuide.com: It's certainly a cautionary tale, one that makes you want to pick up the phone and tell your girlfriend or wife that you love her. TVGuide.com: Now don't get me started on the ending! TVGuide.com: Oh, my goodness... TVGuide.com: In the press notes, it says that Jennifer wanted the audience to bawl their eyes out at the end. Did you cry when you saw the first cut? TVGuide.com: It definitely has comedic moments, like when Ian starts reliving the day and Samantha doesn't know what the hell is going on. TVGuide.com: Still, ABC Family should have invited Kleenex to sponsor this. Among adults 18-49, CBS' 3.2 rating was good for the top spot. ABC came in second with a 2.7, followed by FOX's 2.1 and NBC's 2.0. UPN averaged 1.4 and The WB 1.3. The "Dancing with the Stars" results show -- and the elimination of rap star Master P -- gave ABC a 9.2/16, the night's biggest rating, at 8 p.m. CBS took second with "Ghost Whisperer," 7.5/13. UPN was a distant third with "Friday Night Smackdown!," 2.8/5, which narrowly beat an hour of "The Bernie Mac Show" on FOX. NBC sunk to fifth with a replay of the special "Jamie Foxx: Unpredictable." The WB averaged 1.6/3 with "What I Like About You" and "Living with Fran."
Among adults 18-49, ABC's 3.2 rating led the way. CBS took second with a 2.6, followed by NBC at 2.2 and FOX at 1.9. UPN averaged 1.6 and The WB 1.1. The "Dancing" results show, 10.0/17, snagged the biggest audience of the night at 8 p.m. A rerun of "Ghost Whisperer," 5.4/9, put CBS in second. "Most Outrageous TV Moments" finished third for NBC, ahead of "Friday Night Smackdown!," 2.8/5, on UPN. FOX averaged 2.4/4 with two episodes of "The Bernie Mac Show." The WB went with "What I Like About You" and "Living with Fran."
CBS averaged a 7.6 rating/13 share in primetime to beat out ABC's 7.0/12. NBC took third with a 5.4/9. UPN, 3.2/5, finished fourth, followed by FOX, 3.0/5, and The WB, 1.8/3. The story was much the same among adults 18-49, with CBS leading the way with a 3.3 rating. ABC, 3.1, was a close second, and NBC finished third at 2.5. FOX's 2.1 was good for fourth, beating UPN's 1.9 and The WB's 1.1. The "Dancing with the Stars" results show won the 8 p.m. hour for ABC with an 8.8/15, the night's highest rating. "Ghost Whisperer" was second for CBS at 7.1/12. "Most Outrageous TV Moments" put NBC in third. "Friday Night Smackdown!" collared a 2.9/5 for UPN, beating the 2.5/4 average for FOX's "Bernie Mac Show" and "Malcolm in the Middle." The WB went with "What I Like About You" and "Living with Fran."
The race was somewhat closer in the adults 18-49 demographic. CBS led with a 3.2 rating, with ABC, 2.9, and NBC, 2.7, not far behind. FOX averaged 1.9, UPN 1.8 and The WB 0.7. "Ghost Whisperer," 7.4/13, put CBS on top at 8 p.m. ABC was second with "Dancing with the Stars: The Results," 8.6/15, and "Hope & Faith," 5.5/9. The premiere of "Most Outrageous Moments" pulled down a 5.1/8 for NBC. "Friday Night Smackdown!" came in fourth for UPN, ahead of FOX's "Bernie Mac Show," 2.6/4, and "Malcolm in the Middle," 2.3/4. The WB went with a "Beauty and the Geek" repeat.
CBS also finished first among adults 18-49 with a 3.1 rating. NBC took second in the demographic with a 2.5, edging ABC's 2.3. UPN averaged 1.5, FOX 1.4 and The WB 0.9. "Ghost Whisperer," 6.9/12, put CBS in the lead at 8 p.m. NBC got a better-than-average showing from "Dateline," 6.3/11. ABC's "Charlie Brown Christmas" earned a 5.0/9. "Friday Night Smackdown!" delivered a 2.7/5 in its first hour on UPN. FOX was fifth with two episodes of "The Bernie Mac Show," and The WB trailed with an hour of "What I Like About You."
CBS also led among adults 18-49 with a 3.2 rating. ABC took second with a 2.2. NBC's 1.9 was good for third place and was followed by UPN, 1.5; The WB, 1.4; and FOX, 1.3. "Ghost Whisperer," 7.6/13, put CBS in the lead at 8 p.m. "Dateline" was second for NBC at 5.7/10, topping the ABC special "I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown," 5.1/9. "Friday Night Smackdown!" came in fourth for UPN. "What I Like About You" and a "Reba" rerun averaged 2.2/4 for The WB to beat the FOX special "Dear Santa."
ABC also picked up a win among adults 18-49, scoring a 3.0 rating the sweet-spot demographic for advertisers. CBS finished second at 2.0, followed closely by NBC at 1.9. UPN averaged 1.5, FOX 1.3 and The WB 1.0. A rerun of "Ghost Whisperer" won the 8 p.m. hour for CBS with a 5.9/11. ABC got a 4.9/9 from the Yuletide staple "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town." NBC's new Christmas tale, "The Happy Elf," was third at 3.6/7. UPN took fourth with "Friday Night Smackdown!," topping "The Bernie Mac Show," 2.3/4, and "Malcolm in the Middle," 2.2/4, on FOX. The WB aired repeats of "What I Like About You" and "Reba."
Among adults 18-49, CBS' 3.3 rating led the way. NBC finished second at 2.6, followed by FOX, 2.1, and ABC, 2.0. UPN averaged 1.5 and The WB 1.0. "Ghost Whisperer" put CBS on top at 8 p.m. with a 7.3/14. NBC was second with the Nicolas Cage movie "The Family Man," 4.9/9. "Supernanny" was third for ABC. FOX scored a 3.0/5 with "Star Wars: Episode II -- Attack of the Clones," edging the 2.7/5 for "Friday Night Smackdown!" on UPN. The WB went with repeats of "What I Like About You" and "Reba."
TELEVISION Favorite New Comedy "Everybody Hates Chris" (UPN) Favorite New Drama "Commander in Chief" (ABC) Favorite Comedy "Everybody Loves Raymond" (CBS) Favorite Drama "CSI" (CBS) Favorite Reality Show/Competition "American Idol" (FOX) Favorite Reality Show/Other "Extreme Makeover" (ABC) Favorite Late-Night Host Jay Leno Favorite Daytime Host Ellen DeGeneres Favorite Female Star Jennifer Garner Favorite Male Star Ray Romano MOVIES Favorite Female Star Sandra Bullock Favorite Male Star Nicolas Cage Favorite Leading Lady Cameron Diaz Favorite Leading Man Jamie Foxx Favorite Female Action Star Jennifer Garner Favorite Male Action Star Matthew McConaughey Favorite On-screen Matchup Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" MUSIC Favorite Female Artist Kelly Clarkson Favorite Male Artist Toby Keith Favorite Group Black Eyed Peas OTHER Favorite Funny Female Star Drew Barrymore Favorite Funny Male Star Chris Rock CBS also took the top spot among adults 18-49, drawing a 3.4 rating in the premium ad demographic. ABC was second at 2.5, ahead of NBC's 2.0. UPN averaged 1.7, FOX 1.4 and The WB 1.3. "Ghost Whisperer" led off the night for CBS with a 7.7/14 at 8 p.m. ABC's "Supernanny," 4.5/8, edged out "Dateline NBC" for second place. "Friday Night Smackdown!" scored a 2.9/5 for UPN, beating the 2.4/4 average for FOX's "Bernie Mac Show" and "Malcolm in the Middle." The WB went with "What I Like About You" and a "Reba" repeat.
In the key ad-sales demographic of adults 18-49, CBS led with a 3.3 rating. ABC grabbed the No. 2 spot with a 2.5, and NBC was third at 2.2. FOX, 1.6, came in fourth, followed by UPN, 1.4, and The WB, 1.1. "Ghost Whisperer" put CBS on top at 8 p.m. with a 7.2/13. "Dateline" scored a 5.7/10 for NBC, while ABC's "Supernanny" finished third at 5.1/9. "Friday Night Smackdown!" was fourth for UPN, beating FOX's "Bernie Mac Show" and "Malcolm in the Middle," which averaged 2.3/4. The WB trailed with "What I Like About You" and a "Reba" rerun.
A similar story was told for the 18-49 demographic with CBS leading the way with a 3.1 rating. Rivals NBC and ABC tied for second with a 2.3, followed by FOX with a 1.6 and UPN and The WB tying for last place with 1.2 apiece. "Ghost Whisperer" got into the spirit of things with the highest rating of the night at 8 p.m. with an 8.1/15. NBC came in second with a 5.7/11 for "Dateline," followed by ABC's "Supernanny" (4.1/7), "Bernie Mac" and "Malcolm in the Middle" on FOX (2.4/5) the beginning of UPN's coverage of "WWE Friday Night Smackdown!" (2.3/4) and new and repeat episodes of "What I Like About You" on The WB averaging 1.6/3.
TVGuide.com: How delighted are you with Ghost Whisperer's reception? Some critics scoffed at its prospects early on. TVGuide.com: "Awesome" works. Why do you think the show has resonated with people? TVGuide.com: Melinda won't take money for her "services," so how is her always-empty antiques store staying in business? TVGuide.com: I want you to know this next question comes from a female coworker, so you don't think I'm just "being a guy": Does it bother you that the producers keep putting you in skimpy outfits and have you wandering around in bras? TVGuide.com: Still, you'll draw the line at an episode where Melinda goes undercover as a bikini model to give a dead photographer some peace. TVGuide.com: Can we expect to see Christine Baranski return as Melinda's mom-in-law? TVGuide.com: What can you tease for November sweeps? TVGuide.com: Listen to you with the lingo — "It's our first ghost who isn't solid." TVGuide.com: Do you scare easily? TVGuide.com: Do you think Melinda will ever make contact with the show Joan of Arcadia? TVGuide.com: You were invited to succeed Shannen Doherty on Charmed. Why didn't you? TVGuide.com: Fact or fiction: Rumor has it you were the inspiration for ex-boyfriend John Mayer's song "Your Body Is a Wonderland"? TVGuide.com: What else are you up to these days? TVGuide.com: How about a sequel called "I'm Serious, I Still Know What You Did Last Summer"? TVGuide.com: Who channeled Nancy Sinatra and "These Boots Were Made for Walking" better, you on American Dreams or Jessica Simpson in her video? TVGuide.com: And you'll leave it at that. Her LoveSpell Entertainment production company has acquired the rights to "She Had Brains, a Body, and the Ability to Make Men Love Her," an article that appeared in the January issue of Texas Monthly. The article, which was written by Katy Vine, relates the story of a 22-year-old housewife and former homecoming queen in Odessa, Texas, who became one of the city's most popular hookers until she, her co-workers and 68 prominent Odessa residents were arrested in a scandal that shook the city. LoveSpell envisages the project as a comedy. Hewitt stars in CBS' solid performing "Ghost Whisperer," playing a newlywed who delivers messages from the dead to the living, and is concurrently filming "Garfield 2," Fox's sequel to last year's international box office hit, "Garfield: The Movie." Via LoveSpell, Hewitt has produced indie features "The Truth About Love," and "If Only." Her starring feature credits include the horror hit "I Know What You Did Last Summer" and its sequel, and the teen comedy "Can't Hardly Wait."
CBS also led among adults 18-49 with a 2.5 rating. ABC took second in the demographic coveted by ad buyers with a 2.1, narrowly beating NBC's 2.0. UPN was fourth at 1.5, followed by FOX, 1.4, and The WB, 1.3. "Ghost Whisperer," 7.4/13, posted the biggest rating of the night at 8 p.m. "Dateline" was second for NBC at 4.9/9. "Supernanny" put ABC in third. FOX's "The Bernie Mac Show," 2.6/5, and "Malcolm in the Middle," 2.4/4, tied for fourth with "Friday Night Smackdown!" on UPN. The WB aired two episodes of "What I Like About You."
The story was the same among adults 18-49, with CBS' 3.0 rating on top. NBC, 2.3, finished second in the demographic, and ABC was third at 2.1. FOX's 1.7 was good for fourth, beating UPN, 1.3, and The WB, 1.1. "Ghost Whisperer," 7.5/13, posted the night's best rating for CBS at 8 p.m. "Dateline" averaged 5.8/10 for NBC. "Supernanny" put ABC in third, ahead of "The Bernie Mac Show," 2.7/5, and "Malcolm in the Middle," 2.4/4, on FOX. "Friday Night Smackdown!" was fifth for UPN, beating an hour of "What I Like About You" on The WB.
CBS also led among adults 18-49 with a 2.5 rating, edging out FOX, 2.4, for the top spot. ABC, 2.3, and NBC, 2.1, weren't far behind. UPN averaged 1.5 in the ad-friendly demographic and The WB 1.1. "Ghost Whisperer" started the night for CBS with a 6.7/12 at 8 p.m., off a little from previous weeks but still tops for the hour by a wide margin. "Dateline" was second for NBC with a 5.1/9, and ABC's "Supernanny" came in third with a 4.7/9. FOX's coverage of the American League Championship Series was fourth. "Friday Night Smackdown!" scored a 2.3/4 for UPN, beating The WB's "What I Like About You" and "Twins."
The Eye network gave full-season orders to three new shows -- "How I Met Your Mother," "Ghost Whisperer" and "Criminal Minds" -- on Wednesday (Oct. 12) in what was a busy day for pickups. FOX gave back-nine orders to "Bones" and "The War at Home" earlier in the day. The well-reviewed "How I Met Your Mother" and "Ghost Whisperer" have helped CBS get younger in their respective time periods compared to last season, while "Criminal Minds" has given the network solid numbers against ABC's massive hit "Lost" on Wednesday nights. "How I Met Your Mother," an ensemble comedy centered a young guy (Josh Radnor) searching for his future wife, is drawing 10.4 million viewers per week and a decent 3.7 rating among the adults 18-49 group that advertisers covet so dearly. Both figures are tops in its 8:30 p.m. Monday timeslot (among regular programming). The show has also improved CBS' ratings in both adults 18-49 and the narrower demographic of adults 18-34 for the half-hour. FBI procedural "Criminal Minds," which opened big behind "CSI" on a Thursday night, has averaged 11.3 million viewers since settling into its 9 p.m. Wednesday home. That pales in comparison to "Lost's" average audience of close to 23 million but beats everything else in the hour by a sizable margin. "Ghost Whisperer," meanwhile, is one of the bigger surprises of the season. Widely panned by critics, the show about a young medium (Jennifer Love Hewitt) who helps spirits make it to the afterlife has won its Friday time period every week thus far, drawing about 11 million viewers and a 2.9 rating in adults 18-49. Last year at this time, "Joan of Arcadia" was drawing only 8.6 million viewers.
CBS also led among adults 18-49 with a 2.8 rating. ABC, 2.3, was second in the demographic, beating out NBC's 2.1. FOX averaged 1.6, UPN 1.5 and The WB 1.1. "Ghost Whisperer" led off the night for CBS with a 7.3/13 at 8 p.m. The first half of a two-hour "Three Wishes" scored a 4.2/7 for NBC, edging "Supernanny" on ABC. "The Bernie Mac Show," 2.5/5, and "Malcolm in the Middle," 2.2/4, finished in a virtual tie for fourth with "Friday Night Smackdown!" on UPN. "What I Like About You" and "Twins" averaged 1.6/3 for The WB.
The Eye averaged a 6.9 rating/12 share for the evening, easily beating ABC's 5.1/9. NBC was third at 4.1/7, and UPN wasn't far behind at 3.7/7. FOX, 2.8/5, finished fifth, ahead of The WB, which came in at 1.7/3. Among adults 18-49, CBS' 2.7 rating led the way, with ABC, 2.2, coming in second. UPN grabbed third in the ad-friendly demographic with a 2.0, and NBC and FOX tied for fourth at 1.6. The WB trailed with a 1.1. "Ghost Whisperer" remained strong in its second week, scoring a 7.3/13 for CBS at 8 p.m. NBC's "Dateline" was second for the hour at 4.6/8, beating ABC's "Supernanny," 4.2/7. "Friday Night Smackdown!" put UPN in fourth, ahead of "The Bernie Mac Show," 2.6/5, and the season premiere of "Malcolm in the Middle," 2.4/4, on FOX. The WB was sixth with "What I Like About You" and "Twins."
A fairly strong opening for "Ghost Whisperer" and the return of "Numb3rs" led CBS to a ratings win on the first Friday of the season. CBS averaged a 6.7 rating/12 share in primetime, beating NBC, 5.6/10, by a fairly comfortable margin. ABC took third at 4.7/8, while FOX and UPN tied for fourth at 3.0/5. The WB trailed with a 1.8/3. Among adults 18-49, CBS' 2.8 rating was tops, followed by ABC, 2.4, and NBC, 2.3. FOX finished fourth in the demographic at 1.7, edging UPN's 1.6. The WB averaged 1.2. The premiere of "Ghost Whisperer," starring Jennifer Love Hewitt as a woman who sees dead people, posted a 7.3/13 for CBS at 8 p.m. NBC came in second with "Dateline," 6.3/11. The season premiere of "Supernanny" posted a 3.9/7 for ABC to finish third, ahead of "Friday Night Smackdown!" on UPN. The hour-long season premiere of "The Bernie Mac Show" on FOX was fifth at 2.6/5. The WB went with "What I Like About You" and "Twins." NBC took the lead at 9 p.m. with the debut of the do-gooding unscripted series "Three Wishes," 6.1/11. CBS dropped to second with "Threshold," 5.6/10, while a second hour of "Supernanny" improved to 4.7/8 on ABC. FOX moved up to fourth with the premiere of "Killer Instinct," 3.5/6. "Smackdown!" was fifth, beating The WB's "Reba" and "Living with Fran." At 10 p.m., the second-season premiere of "Numb3rs" scored a 7.0/13 for CBS. ABC's "20/20" was second at 5.7/10. The premiere of fertility-clinic drama "Inconceivable" didn't do much for NBC, coming in at 4.5/8. Ratings information is taken from fast national data. All numbers are preliminary and subject to change.
I see dead TV shows. "Ghost Whisperer," the new supernatural series premiering tonight at 8 on CBS, stars Jennifer Love Hewitt in the network's attempt to present its own "Medium." Like Patricia Arquette on that hit series, Hewitt stars here as a beautiful young woman with a devoted husband and an unusual gift - the ability to see spirits and visions from beyond. The rules in "Ghost Whisperer" are a little different, though. Ghosts, when Hewitt's Melinda Gordon first sees them, can look just like us, or much ghastlier and ghostlier. ("If they're having trouble getting through," she explains, "they can look scary.") Melinda has seen dead people since she was a little girl - the series begins with a flashback to her first close encounter of the spectral kind. Now she's used to it when strangers return her stare and ask, with amazement, "Can you see me?" And at that point, her self-appointed task is to put them to rest, passing on their messages so they can, as in "Dead Like Me," walk toward some beautiful light that only they can see. Based on the pilot, which involves Melinda with the ghost of a Vietnam MIA, my "Sixth Sense" says "Ghost Whisperer" isn't a very good show at all. It's certainly not nearly as commendable, inspirational and unpredictable as "Joan of Arcadia," the series it replaces in this time slot. But "Ghost Whisperer" has one thing "Joan" didn't: Hewitt herself, in slow-motion dream sequences that have her tiptoeing around in clinging silk nightgowns. If anything's going to sell this series, it won't be the script or direction by John Gray, or the supporting-actor contributions by David Conrad as husband Jim or Aisha Tyler as best friend Andrea. It'll be because of Hewitt, in and out of that nightgown. Yet if TV really wants a success built around this actress, the former "Party of Five" sweetie, someone in Hollywood should pay attention to her chameleonic and comedic role in "Heartbreakers," and give her a role that plays to those strengths, instead of something this translucent. "When you find the remote that turns that off," Melinda says in tonight's premiere, referring to her visions of the afterlife, "you let me know." I found mine.
Both use these powers only for altruistic purposes and not for personal profit, unlike the individuals who serve as models for these series. "Medium" star Patricia Arquette won an Emmy on Sunday for playing a character that balances a life of fighting crime with more or less normal domestic duties. Jennifer Love Hewitt of "Ghost," on the other hand, plays a character that is sweet and determined but far less complex. Her character was inspired by Mary Ann Winkowski, 57, an Ohio woman who says she's been seeing dead people for a half century. Not just any dead people, mind you. Winkowski, who serves as technical consultant, specializes in what she calls "earthbound" spirits. They're dead but they're still hanging out at familiar haunts. Once they've done whatever it is they need to do to close up shop, they go toward the light and out of Winkowski's line of sight. At that point, they become fair game for otherworldly communications specialist James Van Praagh, who is co-exec producer. When you think of it, it's extraordinary how they've organized and compartmentalized the spiritual world. Anyway, it wasn't until 1990 that Winkowski traded her career as a pet groomer for the more lucrative field of spiritual consulting. Now you have to wait four months to get on her calendar. Hewitt, 26, looks as much like Winkowski as Brad Pitt looks like Don Rickles, but no matter. In this adaptation, Hewitt plays Melinda Gordon, newly married to self-doubting but supportive paramedic Jim Clancy (David Conrad). Her loyal best friend and business partner in an antique store is Andrea Moreno (the always likable Aisha Tyler). A series like this can go in a lot of different directions, and creator-writer-director John Gray takes them there. He goes for the scary, the funny and the overbearingly sentimental, but it is the latter that dominates. In the premiere, a horrific-looking and confused dead Vietnam vet appears to Melinda. As the episode progresses, not only does she assuage his torment in a most predictable fashion, but he undergoes a cosmetic makeover. By the time final credits roll, he looks good enough to be on a recruitment poster. Exec producer Kim Moses told TV critics last summer that a Gallup poll shows that, the younger the adult, the more likely he or she is to believe in ghosts, making this an ideal vehicle to court the right demos. Beyond that, and an attractive cast, the appeal is limited. The story in the pilot verges on illogical and emotionally manipulative, particularly when the son of the dead vet accuses Melinda of being a scam artist though she hasn't asked for a penny. The series plays in the same slot previously occupied by "Joan of Arcadia," which intelligently and entertainingly grappled with issues of faith and morality but lost too many of viewers over time. It's clear CBS is going in a different direction. Cast: Executive producers: John Gray, Ian Sandler, Kim Moses; Co-executive producer: James Van Praagh; Producers: Joe Dishner, Jennifer Love Hewitt; Creator-director-teleplay: John Gray; Director of photography: James Chressanthis; Production designer: Roy Forge Smith; Editor: Scott Vickrey; Music: Mark Snow; Set designer: Mary Gullickson; Casting: Donna Rosenstein.
Sela Ward, Charles S. Dutton and "Grey's Anatomy" star Ellen Pompeo have also joined the show, which Ellen DeGeneres will host and CBS will broadcast Sunday, Sept. 18. Smits is currently running for president on NBC's "The West Wing," one of the nominees for outstanding drama series this year. He has been nominated for an Emmy 11 times in his career and has won once, in 1990 for his work on "L.A. Law." Like Hewitt, who stars in "Ghost Whisperer," Dutton will be featured in a new CBS series this fall, the sci-fi drama "Threshold." The one-time "Roc" star has won three Emmys in his career -- for guest appearances on "The Practice" and "Without a Trace" and for directing the HBO miniseries "The Corner." Pompeo will be making her first Emmy appearance following the surprise success of "Grey's Anatomy" this spring. The show is up for three Emmys, including one for Pompeo's co-star, Sandra Oh. Ward is a two-time Emmy winner, for "Sisters" and "Once and Again." She guest-starred on two episodes of FOX's "House" at the end of last season and will be back for several more this fall.
Breckin Meyer and Jennifer Love Hewitt have signed on to return to the sequel to 20th Century Fox's 2004 hit. Hewitt's role, however, will be greatly reduced because she is filming the upcoming CBS series "Ghost Whisperer." Lucy Davis, best known for her role on the U.K. version of "The Office," and Scottish comic Billy Connolly ("The Last Samurai") also are entering the fat cat's lair. Davis will play animal lover Abby Westminster, a fashionable professional who has been brought in to try and trap Lord Dargis (Connelly) into revealing his evil plans. Tim Hill will direct. Murray is currently in theaters with Jim Jarmusch's "Broken Flowers."
Winkowski, a paid consultant to the show, doesn't have a listing in the phone book, but is booked four months in advance chasing unwanted ghosts from people's homes. Her job has taken her from Scotland to Mexico; into the homes of people killed in the Oklahoma City bombing and a house she says was haunted by a Cleveland mobster. "I never would have thought 20 years ago this would have been a full-time job," Winkowski said. "I don't advertise or drum up business. People call me. I don't call them." Winkowski is matter of fact about what she sees, discussing it as plainly as she does her former pet-grooming business, which helped pay the bills before ghostbusting became her trade. She says she can only talk to spirits who have not crossed over into the afterlife. Most hang around for a just short time and are always at their funerals. Winkowski is often hired to attend funerals and tie up loose ends ("Where did dad leave the will?") or to help relatives have one last conversation with a loved one. "The ladies will always walk over and check out the flowers," she said of female spirits. As for the male ghosts, "They have to count how many cars are in the funeral procession." Spirits who refuse to cross over are the ones that keep Winkowski busy. She charges $100 or more to guide them to the white light. Hollywood became aware of the 57-year-old's work through her friend, best-selling medium James Van Praagh, the subject of the CBS miniseries "Living with the Dead." "I looked right past her at first because she's the least likely ghostbusting person," said John Gray, executive producer of "Ghost Whisperer." "She's from the Midwest. She's friendly. There's no mystique." Winkowski first met with Gray a year ago. Gray recalls they went for coffee and he asked where they could go to find ghosts. "She said, 'There's people here right now.'" "I said, 'Right here in Starbucks?'" Gray worked the experience into the pilot episode. Later, he began hearing strange noises and doorbells ringing in the middle of the night at his New York home. He summoned Winkowski and said she sent the ghosts away, but not before giving him a full description of the people in the house next door where the ghosts were also hanging out. He hasn't had any problems since. "'It was pretty impressive. No matter how cynical you are. You have to think, 'How does she know that?'" he said. "Ghost Whisperer" is just the latest paranormal television drama, following the success of NBC's "Medium," which stars Patricia Arquette as psychic Allison DuBois. Gray thinks there's an audience for such shows right now. "In this climate we're living in after 9/11, people want to feel there's some larger plan," he said. Jim Longo, chairman of the education department at Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, Pa., doesn't take a position on whether ghosts exist, but he collects stories of people who believe they have experienced the paranormal. "Some cultures really believe that a spirit lingers until the body is buried, and some cultures believe they linger up to a year," he said. Winkowski recently spent a week in Los Angeles, demonstrating her craft for the show's writers and Hewitt, who plays a newlywed trying to cope with her unusual talent Winkowski says it wasn't until age 7 that she realized no one else could see what she did. The Catholic nuns didn't believe her, but her grandmother did and took her to funerals to talk to the recently departed. "Mom didn't have a clue," she said. Neither did her husband, Ted. She told him she was seeing "other" people only after they exchanged vows. "At first, I thought she could wiggle her nose like Samantha on 'Bewitched,'" he said. "I wouldn't be selling cars if that were the case." Thirty-seven years later, he says he takes her ghostbusting for granted. "I never had a reason to doubt her," he said.
She will join the "Look Who We've Got Our Hanes on Now" ad campaign for a series of print advertisements for the Hanes Perfect Panty, which is touted as "everything [a woman has] ever wanted from her underwear." "I have always wanted to model for an all-American apparel brand and Hanes is perfect for ... with a flirty edge and the new ads really show that," says Hewitt, or "Love" to her nearest and dearest. The unequaled undergarment is described as "revolutionary," boasting that it eliminates the dreaded VPL (visible panty line) and stealthy underwear -- the kind that creeps up on you. The 25-year-old entertainer will also pose in various other Hanes clothes, including the Body Creations and Pure Bliss bras and panties, A-shirts from the Authentic Daywear collection and boy shorts from the Sleepwear Collection. The ads will appear in consumer magazines that will hit newsstands in June. "Jennifer Love Hewitt is such a great fit for our new print campaign," says Hanes brand champion Sidney Falken. "Her energetic spirit and fun personality complement the versatility of the Hanes intimate apparel and sleepwear lines -- we're so excited to have her join the team." Other celebrities appearing in Hanes TV ads include Damon Wayans, Marisa Tomei, Michael Jordan and Matthew Perry. Hewitt next appears in the upcoming CBS drama "Ghost Whisperer," which will premiere in the fall. She stars as newlywed Melinda Gordon, a young woman whom earthbound spirits approach with important messages to relay to the living. Although she encounters doubt and skepticism -- from the survivors and even herself -- she learns to trust her talent and thus helps the lost souls finally rest.
Be afraid of poisonous spiders crawling over your face while you sleep; of aliens invading human bodies or landing in a spaceship in the Atlantic Ocean; of a ghostly woman in white who kills; of sickos who kidnap women and keep them in cages. There's plenty to give you the creeps, both from the ever-replicating cop shows and the upcoming season's biggest trend — the supernatural. CBS is introducing a two-hour block on Friday nights, with Jennifer Love Hewitt talking to dead people in one, and the government massing against an alien invasion in another. ABC's "Invasion" takes another form: The aliens inhabit dead bodies. NBC's new "Fathom" is about a terrifying new form of life found in the ocean's depths. The WB's "Supernatural" traces two young, good-looking brothers who fight evil ghosts. As always, the glut comes from network executives seeing what's been successful lately and trying to duplicate it. In this case, it's NBC's "Medium," the USA Network's "The 4400" and especially ABC's "Lost," with that malevolent monster out there somewhere. It's interesting that "Lost," rather than "Desperate Housewives," was the one to draw the most copycats. "One of the things that surprised me this year is there weren't 27 `Desperate Housewives' rip-offs," said CBS Chairman Leslie Moonves. "`Desperate Housewives' is a success not because of its genre. It's because it's a terrific show." That's not for lack of trying: Pilots for shows called "Commuters" and "Soccer Moms" were both made, but must have been really bad not to surface. And there may be "Desperate" traces in "Close to Home," CBS' new drama about a suburban prosecutor, or ABC's "Hot Properties," a comedy about four women in real estate. Maybe it's just easier for special effects departments to manufacture ghosts and aliens than to duplicate the cast and intricate plot lines of "Desperate Housewives," said Steve Sternberg, a television analyst for the media buying firm Magna Global. "It always strikes me that the networks and studios think that viewers are looking for something and they're never looking for something," he said. "They are not looking for sci fi. They're not looking for suburbia because of `Desperate Housewives.' ... They're looking for a good show that is different." The fall schedules unveiled for advertisers last week laid bare the emptiness of network comedy development. Altogether, ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox promised only seven new comedies in the fall. There will be six new police procedural dramas alone, seven if you count NBC's Pentagon drama "E-Ring," which has similar elements. NBC, which has repeatedly failed to develop strong new comedies as the golden era of "Seinfeld," "Friends" and "Frasier" ended, only bothered to schedule one. "It's no secret that situation comedy is in a sad state on network television," said NBC Entertainment President Kevin Reilly. "We believe in the genre, but mediocrity is not going to fly." The most popular returning comedy next fall is CBS's "Two and a Half Men," the Rodney Dangerfield of sitcoms. "Know why they call it `Two and a Half Men'?" joked Amy Poehler of "Saturday Night Live." "That's how many people it will take to hold me down to watch it." Networks have been trying to find the next "Friends" because they think the love lives of people in their 20s will attract viewers in their 20s, Sternberg said. They forget that many of the most popular comedies of the last two decades, like the just-departed "Everybody Loves Raymond," were centered on families, he said. The most telling sign that the comedy tank is empty came in the renewals of series that are either out of gas or never caught on in the first place: "Will & Grace," "George Lopez," "Jake in Progress," "That '70s Show," "The Office," "Hope & Faith." The flat-out funniest new comedy appears to be UPN's Chris Rock-narrated tale of growing up in Brooklyn, "Everybody Hates Chris." The title alone drew more laughs from advertisers than highlight clips of other new comedies. It will be a fascinating test case for whether UPN, which usually draws a third of the audience of the Big Four, can join the majors. The most dependable new genre on television now appears to be Jerry Bruckheimer. Five years ago the producer got his first show on television, "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation." This fall he'll have 10 shows, which the Hollywood Reporter says will break Aaron Spelling's record of eight. Only UPN isn't in business with him. Yet. Other buzzworthy new shows, based on three or four minutes of highlights, include ABC's "Commander-in-Chief," with Geena Davis playing the president; Fox's "Reunion"; NBC's Amy Grant reality series "Three Wishes"; and the cute CBS comedy "How I Met Your Mother." Last spring, some people — OK, me — looked at the clips from "Lost" and dismissed it as a derivative cross between "Survivor" and "Cast Away." And no one anticipated that "Desperate Housewives" would be the season's new sensation. "There's always something with breakout potential," Sternberg said. "But you never see it until it breaks out."
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Of CBS' bubble shows, "NUMB3RS," "Still Standing" and "Yes, Dear" all earned renewals, while the network did away with long-running hit "Judging Amy" and buzz-to-bust second-year drama "Joan of Arcadia" among other shows. Instead, four new dramas and two new comedies are set for the fall, with Friday and Monday getting the largest overhauls. The departure of "Everybody Loves Raymond" leaves CBS' Monday a bit vulnerable, but the network decided to move an old friend back to the night. "The King of Queens" is back from Wednesdays, kicking things off at 8 p.m. ET and setting up the flashback comedy "How I Met Your Mother," which brings TV favorites Neil Patrick Harris and Alyson Hannigan back to the small screen. As expected, "Two and a Half Men" will move to "Raymond's" old 9 p.m. home, serving as a launchboard for "Out of Practice" (formerly known as "Flesh and Blood"), an ensemble medical family comedy featuring Henry Winkler and Stockard Channing. "CSI: Miami" will continue to anchor the night. Tuesday begins with some stability for CBS. "NCIS" has even held up against competition from "American Idol" and should return strong in the fall as a lead-in to the latest series of "The Amazing Race," which achieved its highest ratings yet this past installment. A female-centric legal drama is scheduled for 10 p.m., but instead of "Judging Amy," it's "Close to Home" (formerly "American Crime") from CBS' personal savior Jerry Bruckheimer and starring Jennifer Finnigan. CBS will start Wednesday with a comedy block of "Still Standing" and "Yes, Dear," before moving into "Criminal Minds" (formerly "Quantico"). The network hopes that the FBI procedural, which stars Mandy Patinkin and Thomas Gibson, will provide a better lead-in for "CSI: NY" at 10 p.m. than an assortment of comedies did this year. Given that CBS has come to dominate NBC's once-impenetrable Thursday fortress, it's no surprise that nothing will change. The new "Survivor" -- this one set in Guatemala -- will set up "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," which will flow into "Without a Trace." Friday starts with "Ghost Whisperer," CBS' equivalent of NBC's "Medium," a supernatural-themed drama about a newlywed (Jennifer Love Hewitt) who can talk to the dead. Keeping with the trend, the alien drama "Threshold" is scheduled for 9 p.m., with "NUMB3RS" sticking around at 10. Both Saturdays and Sundays will also remain unchanged. CBS will continue to air a pair of crime procedural encores for the first two primetime hours, followed by "48 Hours Mystery" on Saturday. The venerable newsmagazine "60 Minutes" will still lead off on Sunday, with "Cold Case" and an assortment of original and theatrical movies to follow. CBS has also picked up one drama and one comedy for midseason.
Teri Hatcher, Calista Flockhart and Patricia Heaton provided much-needed intentional laughs. One unintentional chuckle came courtesy of a techie who accidentally played a DVD of Uncovered: The Whole Truth About the Iraq War in place of a taped acceptance speech by absent honoree Billy Bush, the president's cousin. (The Access Hollywood host was out of town celebrating his wedding anniversary.) The red-carpet photographers were most snap-happy for Hatcher, who said she attended a fundraiser at the same venue a year ago (before her Desperate Housewives resurgence) and no press came. Despite being one of the most sought-after celebs of the moment, Hatcher has made the unique decision to not hire a publicist to shield her from the media. "It was with a lot of thought," explained Hatcher, who has been courted by every PR firm in town. "I feel like when you embrace that, you're sort of subconsciously saying you want to be part of this 'no comment' game that goes on. And I don't want to be. I don't feel like I have anything to protect myself from. I'm a person who tries to do everything right. I treat people nicely and I behave well. "If someone's wondering something, they can call and ask me and I can tell them. I mean, if I need a publicist to protect me from Hollywood, how can we figure out the Middle East?" Plus, that's one fewer person to eat away at Hatcher's new supersized salary. Hatcher came dressed in a kelly green Dolce & Gabbana top - very similar to the one her character wore on Sunday's Desperate Housewives. On her arm was a diamond bracelet by Martin Katz that was auctioned off later for $10,000. Heaton shelled out $8,000 in the live auction for a guitar signed by Jackson Browne. At last year's fundraiser, Heaton got into a heated bidding war with Jennifer Love Hewitt for a guitar signed by Richie Sambora. Heaton planned on presenting the instrument to her son, who is taking guitar lessons. Flockhart made one of her few public appearances to raise money for a disease that has made her extra-appreciative to be the mother of a healthy son. The actress said she's lucky to be able to take 4-year-old Liam to the park while mothers of TS kids are stuck in hospitals for treatment of their children's tumors and seizures.
But a new CBS drama pilot, starring former Party of Fiver and Neutrogena hawker Jennifer Love Hewitt as a young woman who communicates with the dead, isn't as similar as it sounds. Or so claims the show's creator, famed seer James Van Praagh. "Unlike Medium, we have nothing to do with crime solving. Our psychic is a ghostbuster who helps the dead cross over into the light," says Van Praagh, who previously hosted the syndicated spiritfest Beyond with James Van Praagh. He based his pilot (working title: The Ghost Whisperer) on a popular Cleveland medium known only as Mary Ann. "She believes that there is a 48-hour period after death where we all have free will; [our souls] can stay earthbound or go to the other side," Van Praagh says. Love Hewitt's character will be married to a paramedic and own an antiques store. Van Praagh — whose life was the subject of Living with the Dead, a 2002 CBS movie starring Ted Danson — says he "likes Medium, but sometimes they don't have it right. Patricia Arquette does everything," he says. "She has visions, she heals, she reads minds, she sees into the past and the future. I've never heard of any psychic who can do it all!" If Van Praagh's series resurrects Love Hewitt's career from the dead, that'll be a marvel in itself.
Also at CBS, familiar faces Johnathon Schaech (aka Mr. Christina Applegate) and Christine Taylor (aka Mrs. Ben Stiller) are coming on board the comedy "The Commuters." The untitled John Gray drama (known in some reports as "Ghost Whisper") is based on the psychic work of James Van Praagh and features Hewitt ("Garfield," "Party of Five") as a newlywed who can talk to dead people. According to The Hollywood Reporter. Tyler will play her best friend. The actress signed a talent deal with CBS back in October and stated her willingness at the time to do either a drama or comedy pilot. Tyler, the former host on "The 5th Wheel" and "Talk Soup," established her reputation as a comic, but has spent the past year slowly building a foundation of dramatic work. She has done series turns on "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "24" and "Nip/Tuck" in recent months. "The Commuters" is a dramedy from Paramount Network TV and focuses on three couples in suburban New York. All three husbands commute to work in the city. David Arquette and Jeri Ryan were previously announced for the pilot. Schaech's credits include "Models, Inc." and "Time of Your Life," while Taylor has appeared on multiple episodes of "Arrested Development" and in the two "Brady Bunch" feature films as Marcia Brady.
No, the real issue with this Oxygen original is the fact that the character Hewitt portrays is such a brassy and boorish empty vessel (however camped-out). It's simply not possible to do much rooting for this appallingly self-absorbed designer babe, a strident, soulless force of nature who makes your average Jewish American Princess look like Mother Teresa. Worse, she spends the entire film in a frantic quest for an invite to the season's big see-and-be-seen soiree, the Royal Ball, and it's difficult to muster a lot of enthusiasm for someone who admittedly likes to spend her most reflective moments shopping at Gucci. Then again, I doubt I'm the audience that the femme-friendly Oxygen is targeting. But I repeat: Hewitt deserves kudos for playing this wicked wench just as she's written, with all the sass her curvy little self can muster. And she looks to be having a grand ol' time in such an against-type role. Hewitt plays Katya Livingston, who strides around in her stilettos like an entitlement tornado, ruthlessly sucking the life out of every human and inanimate object in her path. The downside to the teleplay by Eric Charmelo and Nicole Snyder is that human beings aren't this one-dimensional in reality. Someone probably would strangle them before it got this bad. So consider "Confessions of a Sociopathic Social Climber" a breezy worst-case scenario, a live-action cartoon rather than a tale of anything that resembles substance. Katya, who wears around her neck a gold chain bearing her first name and has use only for those people who can further her ambitious social agenda, is a six-figure ad executive in San Francisco who seems to specialize in sucky campaigns for products like Rice-A-Roni. By night, she's a socialite wannabe with a gay co-conspirator named Ferguson (Joseph Lawrence). Hewitt spends the first half of the movie drawing enmity and the second half struggling to generate something akin to sympathy as her Katya falls for a hunky attorney (Colin Ferguson) who winds up feeling like just another means to Katya's self-serving ends. Director Dana Lustig does a respectable job of keeping the tone broad and lighthearted and Hewitt sharply focused, though the source material -- the movie is based on a best-selling novel of the same name by Adele Lang -- prevents genuine humanity from creeping into the equation. "Confessions" would have been more effective had it presented its protagonist in more muted colors. She's a high-maintenance, over-the-top handful from start to finish, which might better fit the title but is a challenge to endure through a two-hour film. The saving grace is Hewitt's ability to move beyond her sweet girl-next-door persona to one that embodies the girl we all dream of shoving in front of a moving truck. Cast: Katya Livingston: Jennifer Love Hewitt; Charles/Thor: Colin Ferguson; Ferguson: Joseph Lawrence; Eliza: Sonja Bennett; Frangiapani: Natassia Malthe; Gatekeeper: Jennifer Clement; Lyle: Daniel Raebuck; Sebastian: James Kirk; Teddy: David Richmond Peck; Stan: David Lewis; Dove Greenstein: Stefanie von Pfetten; Bobby: Preston Cook; Herself: Melissa Rivers. Executive producers: Stanley M. Brooks, Chad Oakes, Scott W. Anderson; Producer: Evan Tylor; Director: Dana Lustig; Writers: Eric Charmelo, Nicole Snyder; Director of photography: Luc Montpellier; Production designer: Peter Andringa; Editor: Richard A. Schwadel; Music: Phil Marshall; Casting: Coreen Mayrs, Heike Brandstatter.
On Saturday, March 12, Oxygen premieres "Confessions of a Sociopathic Social Climber," an original movie based on the book by British writer Adele Lang. Hewitt plays Katya Livingston, a high-powered, 28-year-old ad exec forced to keep a financial diary for tax purposes, revealing her life as a dedicated fashionista, shameless party crasher and conniving would-be socialite. Things change for Katya when she sees Charles Fitz (Colin Ferguson, "Coupling"), a handsome, nice attorney who seems to be the man of her dreams. During a busy press junket, Hewitt takes a break to talk about the perks and challenges of bringing Katya Livingston to life. Zap2it: What attracted you to playing a character that's just so mean? Jennifer Love Hewitt: It was a chance for me to do something completely different from what people have seen me do. It was a chance to get in touch with my evil side. She's a monster. It was hilarious. I loved being able to wear all the clothes and do all the different hair and makeup. Good girls want to watch a movie like this so they can feel like a bad girl. When we're all at our cattiest, we're very much like Katya Livingston anyway. All women have it in them, so it's fine. Zap2it: What did you think when you first heard the story? Hewitt: I actually tried to buy the book to make into a film with my production company. I loved it and really wanted to do it. Somebody outbid us, and I didn't know who it was until three years later, when I got sent this script with an offer to play this part in a movie that Oxygen was doing. I was like, "Wait a second, isn't that ... ?" So, before I even read the script, I said "yes" to the project, because it had been my dream to play that part. Zap2it: She had great outfits. Was that a perk of the job? Hewitt: Some of those outfits are actually from my closet. It's my way of saying "thank you" for things designers have given me for different events, that they let you keep. So I took those outfits and gave them to the wardrobe department and said, "Let's put these in there. It'll be my way of saying 'Thank you for giving me these fantastic things for my closet that I can only wear once in Hollywood.'" Zap2it: I loved the scene where Katya pines for a designer purse she can't afford, then bargains for a knockoff version on the sidewalk. Is that the sort of thing you do? Hewitt: I have a fake Louis wallet that I carry in my real Louis Vuitton purse, that I bargained with a guy for. I bought the purse, but I couldn't be bothered to pay the other $180 for the wallet. So I saw it one day on the street, and I said, "Hmmm, I think I'll talk to this guy and see how much I can get for 10 bucks." I think knockoffs are great. Truly, after two weeks, you're over the purse anyway, so why spend the money when you could get four outfits for what you'd spend on a purse these days? I'd rather buy a knockoff. Zap2it: Is Katya's style like your own? Hewitt: A little bit, but I don't quite push myself up as much as she does. There are certain parts that you need to bring the girls out for, and they become a character in the movie. My cleavage, in this movie, is definitely part of Katya's thing. Zap2it: Is she a bad girl with a heart of gold, or is she really just bad? Hewitt: She's somebody that doesn't know that there's anything wrong with the way she behaves until she meets Charles and realizes that there are these really tremendous people out there. She's really good at surrounding herself with people who have the same kind of interests that she does. She saturates herself with it 24 hours a day. When she meets him, she realizes that there are these people out there who really don't care about the latest fashion, the best restaurant, the biggest party. It probably clicks her back into who she was four years prior to meeting him, when she probably got fired from a job and wasn't the fashion plate, probably had braces when she was 13, when she wasn't the most popular girl in school. She's waited her entire life for her moment. Zap2it: How did that girl transform herself into Katya? Hewitt: She can get into all these parties because she's a fast talker. She's really good at her job. She's moved up the corporate ladder by stepping on people. No one has been there to tell her she's wrong. Charles is a reality check for her. Zap2it: Will love truly make Kayta reform or will she revert to her party-girl ways? Hewitt: I think she will always revert. They say there's somebody for everybody, and he's her somebody. He's the one person in the world that wouldn't want her to fully change. He appreciates the fact that she's willing to sell herself out for anything fabulous. It's her charm. Zap2it: Of all the fabulous things you get to wear, what's your favorite? Hewitt: The first dress I wear in the movie, at the wedding, the green dress, was a dress that I bought for myself at a thrift store. It's an actual 1952 prom dress. I got it for $150. I was so excited about wearing it to a Hollywood event, because I thought it was very Audrey Hepburn, Sandra Dee-ish. It's this great mint green; it's all lace. The work that went into this is amazing. Zap2it: So are you a bad girl, or do you just play one? Hewitt: I had no idea how to play this part when I got there. Every day, people were like, "You're still too nice, be more mean." But I'm like, "I can't stand myself. How are you guys doing it?" Then finally we'd do the one take when I was my most mean, and everybody would crack up. I'd be like, "OK, you guys are sick, but whatever." They made it a really safe place for me.
Widely known as "Ghost Whisperer," the project revolves around a young newlywed (Hewitt) who communicates with the dead. This past development season, she starred in the ABC project "In the Game," which the network recently scrapped. Her recent credits include "Garfield: The Movie" and NBC's "A Christmas Carol."
The network has opted not to go forward with "In the Game," a sitcom starring the former "Party of Five" actress. The project centered on an up-and-coming sports producer (Hewitt) who unwillingly becomes an on-camera reporter on a sports TV show. It was initiated last development season, and then reworked this season with Christine Baranski and Sara Gilbert joining Hewitt and Ed O'Neill in the cast. After filming a new pilot, ABC decided to pull the plug. In addition to Fox's "Party of Five," Hewitt starred in the short-lived spinoff "Time of Your Life."
Earlier this month, Hannigan signed on for the Jennifer Love Hewitt series playing the best friend of Hewitt's character, a sports television producer who becomes an on-air star. Originally developed for last fall, "In the Game" has been undergoing a number of changes and as the second pilot was being conceived, Hannigan's character went in a direction that didn't interest the 30-year-old actress. "Alyson Hannigan came on into a role as the process was going through the week," ABC Entertainment President Stephen McPherson says. "The role kind of diminished just based on the storytelling that was going on. She was unhappy and wanted off the show, so we allowed her to leave." Sara Gilbert has reportedly been added to the "Game" cast, but the part has been downgraded from a co-starring role to a recurring character. Gilbert's tenure with the show may also be brief, given that the former "Roseanne" co-star is doing a comedy project with The WB. Meanwhile, after the network pulled a planned "In the Game" panel for the Television Critics Association, McPherson was left to explain that show's ongoing status. "I always found it odd when networks put up shows that they hadn't really seen yet or that they were reworking entirely and said, 'Hey guys, it's going to be fantastic,'" McPherson explains. "We don't know that yet because we haven't seen it. We shot a pilot. We thought there was tremendous potential, specifically in Ed O'Neill and Jennifer. So we reshot last week. I'll see a rough cut of it probably Thursday or Friday." Hannigan, best know for her years as Willow Rosenberg on The WB and UPN's "Buffy," will still be returning to the small screen in the near future. As was reported last week, Hannigan will make a guest appearance on UPN's "Veronica Mars," playing the daughter of Harry Hamlin's Aaron Echolls. While conceived as a one-shot cameo, it could become a recurring part for Hannigan. Her episode will air on Feb. 22 and she has at least one important fan in the cast. "When I met her, I was just floored at home wonderful she was," "Veronica Mars" star Kristen Bell told reporters last week. "She has a very sweet presence about her, very grateful, respectful. She's a wonderful woman to work with, I think, and was very sweet. And you know, I was just asking her questions about her experiences and she gave me some guidance and she was lovely."
The project centers on an up-and-coming producer (Hewitt) who unwittingly becomes an on-camera reporter on a sports TV show. Baranski, an Emmy winner for her role on CBS' sitcom "Cybill," will play the senior reporter on the show. O'Neill co-stars as its executive producer, and Hannigan as the best friend of Hewitt's character.
Hewitt plays an up-and-coming producer who unwillingly becomes an on-camera reporter on a sports TV show. Hannigan will play the reporter's best friend. O'Neill co-stars as the show's executive producer. Hannigan co-starred on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and most recently starred as Sally in the London stage version of Rob Reiner's 1989 film "When Harry Met Sally... ."
In "The Devil and Daniel Webster," she played Satan to Academy Award-winning star Anthony Hopkins. The cast included "Sex and the City's" Kim Cattrall, Alec Baldwin and Dan Aykroyd and was co-written by "Chicago" and "Kinsey" writer Bill Condon. Finished almost two years ago, Hewitt says the $25 million film of the classic story of a guy who sells his soul to the devil, was shelved by Cutting Edge Entertainment. "That's what you get for making a movie about Satan," Hewitt tells Zap2it.com. "That's all I'm going to say. I don't know. You know what, I have no idea with what's happening with that movie. All I know is it was a tremendous experience. I got to make Anthony Hopkins and work with him and Alec Baldwin and Dan Aykroyd, and I will be friends for life now because of that movie, and those are the three greatest things you could ask for." This year, she starred opposite a computer-generated cat in "Garfield."
Jennifer Love Hewitt has signed on to topline the Oxygen original movie "Confessions of A Sociopathic Social Climber," a drama about a sociopathic social climber set to premiere in March of 2005. The telefilm, which is based on a best-selling novel by Adele Lang, will co-star Joseph Lawrence and Colin Ferguson. "We thoroughly enjoyed working with Oxygen -- they gave us all the support we needed to make a smart, funny, sexy movie that shows Jennifer Love Hewitt in a whole new light," says Stanley M. Brooks, president of Once Upon a Time Films. "She seamlessly transforms herself into a character we know audiences will both love to hate and hate to love." Hewitt plays wannabe social climber Katya Livingston, a 28-year-old advertising executive. When Katya isn't invited to the year's biggest party, she decides to use every trick at her disposal to make it to the top. Lawrence ("Blossom") plays Ferguson, Katya's gay partner-in-crime, while Ferguson ("Coupling") is Charles, an attorney who briefly captures Katya's heart. "We're over-the-moon-thrilled to have Jennifer Love Hewitt as the deliciously wicked Katya Livingston," says Oxygen Programming President Debby Beece. "Add Joseph Lawrence, Colin Ferguson, and Stan Brooks to the equation and we have a truly spectacular movie." Dana Lustig ("Wedding Bell Blues," "Kill Me Later") will direct the Once Upon a Time production. Hewitt, best known for her tenure on FOX's "Party of Five" and the short-lived spin-off "Time of Your Life," will next star in a midseason comedy for ABC.
Though an all-singing/all-dancing Ebenezer Scrooge may never have occurred to Charles Dickens, his miser has been musicalized by everyone from the Muppets to Mr. Magoo. Now comes a tune-stuffed Carol starring Frasier's Kelsey Grammer as the songbird Scrooge. For those keeping score, this new Carol isn't the best musical version of Dickens' classic; my heart belongs to Jule Styne's Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol. But after a stodgy start, this sumptuously produced movie from impresario Robert Halmi Sr. rallies into a cinematic cup of Christmas cheer that can proudly take its place on TV's annual holiday table. As the Old English businessman who makes a ghost-led overnight transition from miser to humanitarian, Grammer is a more restrained, more human Scrooge than we usually encounter. His singing voice easily meets the score's needs, and his acting is equally on pitch: funny when forced to dance, touching when faced with his lost love and buoyant when Scrooge is finally redeemed. Adapted by Ragtime's lyricist Lynn Ahrens from the stage show she wrote with composer Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors), this Carol has strong Broadway connections. With Grammer joining Seinfeld's Jason Alexander and Law & Order's Jesse L. Martin, it may look like the casting was done by the Ghost of NBC Hits Past. But Martin and Alexander have both starred in Broadway musicals, as have Jane Krakowski and British star Ruthie Henshall (who has a sweetly sung cameo as Scrooge's mother). Carol does get off to an unsteady start as an over-extended opening musical sequence blends into Alexander's too-nebbishy turn as Marley's ghost. But as usual, the story picks up with the arrival of the three ghosts who, in Wizard of Oz fashion, are introduced as real people in Scrooge's life. Soon enough, they're taking him on a tour of his life as it was and might be: Krakowski as a shimmering Ghost of Christmas Past; Martin, who has a show-stopping musical hall turn as the Ghost of Christmas Present; and Geraldine Chaplin as an ethereal Ghost of Christmas Future. As the movie grows on you, so does the score. A rousing Be My Guest-style production number for Mr. Fezziwig (Brian Bedford) and his wife (Claire Moore) leads into the show's prettiest song, A Place Called Home. It's done as a trio by Grammer, Steven Miller and a tentative but sweet Jennifer Love Hewitt. Carol could have used someone in charge who had a better grasp of how to transfer musical numbers from stage to screen. Still, the story remains a near-foolproof crowd pleaser. And by the time Grammer's Scrooge is crooning to Tiny Tim, darned if you won't be singing along. God bless us, everyone.
Having survived countless adaptations in just about every Christmas past that we can imagine, "Carol" again charms the entire family and sings its heart out with a wonderful score in this made-for-television musical that has energy and wit to spare. Kelsey Grammer gets the plum of a role in this story. As Scrooge, he walks as if bellowing "Humbug" even before the words escape his lips. He may be a sourpuss, as we remember, but Grammer can never really get past winning the audience's heart from the get-go. He takes up every inch of Dickens' most famous curmudgeon, yet he's never far from making us smile. We know the story like the back of our hand: Scrooge is the man who doesn't believe in Christmas, probably because (and we can analyze him with blindfolds on) he's lost a sense of a family along the way and doesn't know how to get it back. In this story, he gets it back tenfold. After denying that 'tis the season to be jolly, Scrooge learns a lesson or two about love and forgiveness after he gets a visit from a few former selves (such as Jesse L. Martin as the Ghost of Christmas Present and Jane Krakowski as the Ghost of Christmas Past), not to mention Jason Alexander (news) as Marley's Ghost. When all is said and done, Ebenezer Scrooge is a man who believes in the smallest miracles and who wears his heart on his sleeve -- well, sort of, that is. The production is impeccable. Choreographer Dan Siretta has people dancing and walking as if on air; production designer Keith Wilson lends the story great color and verve; and Alan Menken's score (with lyrics by Lynn Ahrens) works like a charm. Director Arthur Allan Seidelman, working from a spirited teleplay by Ahrens, gives the story a lyricism that brings Dickens happily into the 21st century. Grammer as the endearing lost soul Scrooge has much help from Martin, Alexander and Krakowski. Cast members take their places seeming as if they've been looking forward to this for years. As adaptations go, this "Carol" is one for the memory books. It offers sparkle, drama, good cheer and plenty to think about in the long winter months ahead. Cast: Scrooge: Kelsey Grammer; Ghost of Christmas Present: Jesse L. Martin; Ghost of Christmas Past: Jane Krakowski; Marley's Ghost: Jason Alexander; Emily: Jennifer Love Hewitt; Ghost of Christmas Future: Geraldine Chaplin. Director: Arthur Allan Seidelman; Teleplay: Lynn Ahrens based on Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol"; Producers: Howard Ellis, Steven North; Executive producers: Robert Halmi Sr., Robert Halmi Jr., Camille Grammer; Composer: Alan Menken; Lyrics: Lynn Ahrens; Music produced and adapted underscore: Michael Kosarin; Choreographor: Dan Siretta; Editor: Bert Glatstein; Production designer: Keith Wilson; Director of photography: Hanania Baer.
"I created the series for ABC, we shot the pilot, we did not get picked up. Then they just recently came back and now it might get picked up," Hewitt tells Zap2it.com. "We're not sure. We're in flux. "So, I just kind of put it out of my mind." In the pilot, the former "Party of Five" actress plays a young single mom and producer who becomes an on-air personality for a sports channel against her wishes. Ed O'Neill also stars. "This is particularly something that I wanted to do," says Hewitt, who also happens to be a football fan. "It was an idea I had, something I created with these great writers, a part I really wanted to play, something that I thought would be enjoyed by many different types of people." The comedy may be a midseason replacement for ABC, but meanwhile Hewitt is finishing up a movie in England called "The Truth About Love" and then is filming the "Musical Christmas Carol" for NBC with Kelsey Grammer. Also a singer (she's big in Japan), Hewitt will also sing a few songs with Gordon Ballard coming up and hopes to work with Usher or Bonnie Raitt in the near future. Her latest film, "Garfield," opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, June 11.
"I used to have an orange cat, his name was Chester," Hewitt tells Zap2it.com. "I don't have him anymore, it's sad. But I have a dog now." So how does her Chihuahua, Mia, compare to Odie? In "Garfield" the film, Odie is portrayed by Tyler, a half-Dachsund, half Cairn Terrier mix, and has one of the more memorable scenes as he dances on his hind legs to rap music. "She can do the little dance that Odie does," the 25-year-old actress says proudly. "That's right, trained by moi. So, Odie is not that special. Yeah, I have a dog, and I love her." Though Hewitt is a fan of the comic strip, she wasn't too familiar with her character, Liz, the cute veterinarian who flirts with Garfield's (voiced by Bill Murray) shy owner Jon, played in the movie by Breckin Meyer ("Roadtrip"). "I'm going to be honest, but I didn't know there was Liz the vet and I come to find out there's this whole group of Australian people who love her," says Hewitt, who received letters from the fan club of her cartoon. "All these people are going to come out of nowhere and go like, 'You played her wrong,' and I'm like, 'Sorry, I didn't know that she was a person.' So, I'm hoping that they're OK with my performance as Liz in the movie." The actress first broke through as Sarah Reeves in the TV series "Party of Five," then went on to survive the teen slasher films, "I Know What You Did Last Summer" and "I Still Know What You Did Last Summer." She's grown up since then, portraying her screen idol in the TV movie "The Audrey Hepburn Story," with another role about the late, great actress in an upcoming film "Why Can't I Be Audrey Hepburn," directed by Ryan Murphy (The WB's "Popular"). She's now wrapping up "The Truth About Love," a romantic comedy filmed outside London in which she plays an English girl. After that, she's headed to Budapest for the NBC miniseries "The Musical Christmas Carol" with Kelsey Grammar and Jason Alexander. All this while shopping around a TV series idea. In the meantime, she wanted to see how to work in a film with animals (and an animated cat). "I really wanted to see how the whole process would work, and I really wanted to be a part of a movie where kids could go and throw candy at the screen and popcorn, and yell at Garfield for being mean to Odie," she says. "So I'm excited to actually get to see it for the first time with kids." Working with an invisible costar did have its challenges. To get the animated cat perfect for the actors, they used a gray bean bag. "We needed to feel what Garfield weighed," she says. The special effects weren't as difficult as what she did with Jackie Chan in the action film "The Tuxedo," but there were confusing moments. "We had no idea why the camera was on a round circle thing, shooting the floor for hours. Breckin and I are like, 'Hello, we're over here, what are you doing? Why are you shooting that?' And then once you see that Garfield is underneath that thing, moving around, and there's a mouse running across the floor it all made sense." More surprisingly, the dog costars fascinated her. "It was unbelievable, it's very hard to be outshined by Sharpees," she laughs. "I'm like 'OK, the Dobermans have a brilliant close-up, the Sharpee is frigging hilarious. All these dogs would hit their mark, and they'd have these little facial expressions and it was amazing." Her own dog is amazing too, she adds, and there is at least one similarity to the cartoon cat. "She's from the Garfield school of needing to eat a lot and loving food," Hewitt explains. "She's a regular-sized Chihuahua, the size of a Jack Russell -- 13 pounds." "Garfield" opens Friday, June 11.
Hewitt starred in the 1997 horror movie -- about a murderous fisherman who's taking revenge on teens who ran him over and left him for dead -- with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Anne Heche and Freddie Prinze Jr. (who also lived to see the next film). She also starred in the sequel with Prinze, Mekhi Phifer and Jennifer Esposito. There were talks about a third film in the horror franchise, but Hewitt, who stars in the upcoming "Garfield: The Movie" with Breckin Meyer, tells Zap2it.com, "They sort of gave up on it. Then, I heard they were going to make another one without any of the original cast in it, which would have been odd. Then they decided not to do that either. So no, I don't think there will be another one." Her biggest drawback was that her outfits were getting skimpier the more she was running away from the murderer in the rubber fisherman's outfit. "No, I was done with the fisherman," she laughs. "And my top could not have gotten any smaller."
At its upfront presentation to advertisers last month, the network said it would add only two new comedies, "Rodney" and "Savages," to its fall schedule and didn't announce any midseason comedy series orders. "In the Game" stars Hewitt as a sports producer who unwillingly becomes an on-camera reporter. Ed O'Neill co-stars. The Stamos project chronicles over an entire season the daylong date of a couple (Stamos and Madchen Amick). ABC declined comment Tuesday.
Chaplin, the daughter of screen legend Charlie Chaplin, has signed to play the Ghost of Christmas Future in the movie, which is based on the Madison Square Garden's musical adaptation of the Charles Dickens story. Hewitt will play Emily, Ebenezer Scrooge's long-lost love, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Kelsey Grammer ("Frasier") will star as Scrooge in the film, which is scheduled to premiere during the holiday season. Jason Alexander ("Seinfeld"), Jane Krakowski ("Ally McBeal") and Jesse L. Martin ("Law & Order") are also in the cast. Hallmark Entertainment is producing "A Christmas Carol." Chaplin has worked on several Hallmark productions in the past, including ABC's "Dinotopia" miniseries and NBC's "Gulliver's Travels" and "The Odyssey." Other credits include "Talk to Her," "Jane Eyre" and "Chaplin," in which she played her own grandmother. Hewitt will next be seen in "Garfield: The Movie." The former "Party of Five" star and part-time singer also starred in an ABC comedy pilot this spring.
Fathom Studios has revealed that Prinze is Delgo, a teen who must save the world, after conducting a "Who is Delgo?" contest at www.delgo.com. Producer and co-director Marc Adler says thousands of guesses were cast; entries included Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt. Delgo is a rarity: An independently produced computer-animated movie made outside Hollywood. Fathom is based in Atlanta. Still, the risky venture has lured stars including Jennifer Love Hewitt, Chris Kattan, Anne Bancroft, Michael Clarke Duncan, Val Kilmer, Kelly Ripa, Eric Idle, Burt Reynolds and Louis Gossett Jr. Prinze, who also did voice work for the 2005 animated movie Happily N'Ever After, says: "You expect (Delgo) to be very sort of vanilla, and he isn't. He's a fairly complicated guy." Delgo is set in a magical world where two warring factions must be saved by the young and impulsive hero and his band of unlikely friends. Prinze says he was attracted to the project because "I've always sort of been in love with that sort of world, fantasy, ever since I was a little boy with Dungeons & Dragons." Prinze will take a hiatus from "younger" roles this June when he begins filming Dolan's Cadillac, based on a Stephen King short story, with Gabriel Byrne.
Hewitt stars as an on-air reporter on a sports TV show and a single mom. O'Neill will play the show's executive producer. His credits include the features "Spartan," "The Bone Collector" and "The Spanish Prisoner," and the series "L.A. Dragnet."
The two ABC orders are for presentations rather than full pilots, according to The Hollywood Reporter. One will star Hewitt ("Party of Five") as a producer of a sports show who is thrust into an on-camera role. The untitled show is based on a story by Hewitt and former "Freaks and Geeks" writers Gabe Sachs and Jeff Judah. Sachs and Judah are writing the pilot, which is set up at ABC sibling Touchstone TV, and will executive produce with Hewitt and Kim Kovac. ABC has also asked for a presentation from comedian Earthquake (real name: Nathaniel Stroman), who will star as a father who considers himself the unluckiest man on the planet. The Touchstone-Tollin/Robbins production was written by Les Fierstein ("Wanda at Large," "The Drew Carey Show"), who will executive produce with David Himelfarb, David Goldman, Mike Tollin, Brian Robbins and Joe Davola. CBS, meanwhile, has given the formal go-ahead to a pilot starring Tyler ("Friends") and executive produced by her former co-star, Lisa Kudrow. "Grounded for Life" creators Bill Martin and Mike Schiff are writing the pilot, about a single New Yorker who leaves her job at a funky design company for the corporate world. Martin and Schiff will executive produce with Kudrow and Dan Bucatinsky, whose company, Is Or Isn't Entertainment, developed the show with Warner Bros. TV.
Maverick recording artist Tyler Hilton - no relation to the Sisters - will perform. Funds are being distributed by Soroptimist International of Lake Arrowhead, with 100 percent of the donations going directly to the survivors.
Diana Napolis of La Mesa was treated for mental illness after her arrest last November on charges of making death threats against Hewitt. Napolis, 47, confronted Hewitt at a July 2000 appearance at a San Diego radio station. Court documents indicate that she also yelled "Murderer!" and "Killer!" at the Hewitt outside the Kodak Theater in Hollywood last year. As part of her plea Monday in Superior Court, Napolis agreed to stay away from Hewitt for 10 years. She faced up to six years in prison, but is to be released at her sentencing Oct. 28. "She was under some stress at the time the incident occurred," said defence lawyer Robert Ford. Napolis told the San Diego Union-Tribune last year that Hewitt and director Steven Spielberg were part of a satanic conspiracy capable of "remotely manipulating my body via cybertronic technology." She was arrested after she sent an e-mail to the web master of a Hewitt fan site. "I plan on firing a gun at her heart and not missing," she wrote, according to court documents. A Los Angeles judge ordered Napolis last year to stay away from Spielberg at the director's request. She was also prevented from entering the Los Angeles premiere of Hewitt's movie The Tuxedo, which Spielberg's studio released.
The project, which unites the real-life couple in their first onscreen pairing, is scheduled to begin production this month in Ireland. "Pale" stars Pardue as a hippie named Jim who invites a young Irish boy to accompany him and his girlfriend (Hewitt) on a road trip. Casting of the role of the Irish boy is set to be announced soon. Hewitt, who has just signed with Endeavor for representation, most recently starred in DreamWorks Pictures' action comedy "The Tuxedo" opposite Jackie Chan. She has completed production on 20th Century Fox's live-action/CGI "Garfield" and the indie drama "If Only." Last year, Hewitt released her fourth album, "BareNaked," for Jive Records. Pardue first received recognition for his role in the Walt Disney Co.'s "Remember the Titans" opposite Denzel Washington. He most recently starred in Roger Avary's "The Rules of Attraction" for Lions Gate Films. Pardue next stars in Catherine Hardwicke's Sundance Film Festival standout "Thirteen" for Fox Searchlight Pictures opposite Evan Rachel Wood and Nikki Reed.
Series creator Stephen J. Cannell apparently wants Love Hewitt to star in the movie - and to stick around for the sequels if the film can be turned into a franchise. Johnny Depp - the star of the original series - is said to be lined up for cameo appearances.
Peter Hewitt is directing the project, which John Davis is producing through his Davis Entertainment. A March start date is being planned. The comic strip centers on a rotund orange- and black-striped cat named Garfield, his dull-witted canine cohort Odie and owner Arbuckle. The 27-pound feline, first published in 1978, is known for his laziness, wry remarks and love of lasagna. The script, written by "Toy Story" scribes Joel Cohen and Alec Sokolow, focuses on the rivalry between Garfield and Odie. The feature is live-action, with a computer-generated Garfield. Meyer, repped by the Gersh Agency, Brillstein-Grey Entertainment and attorney David Webber, has numerous film and television credits to his name, including the features "Kate & Leopold," "Rat Race," "Road Trip" and "Go." Jennifer Love Hewitt, repped by CAA, recently wrapped shooting Intermedia Films' "If Only."
The I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER stunner was planning to promote her album release BARENAKED in Europe but has postponed the trip. STUART WATSON, head of international at the actress-turned-singer's record label JIVE says, "While it's impossible to disagree with an artist's personal feelings on travel safety, it's hugely disappointing that Jennifer is unable to visit Europe at what is effectively the perfect time to launch her record." Hewitt's move follows KELLY and SHARON OSBOURNE's decision not to attend last week's BRIT AWARDS in London because of terrorist threats.
The busty HEARTBREAKERS actress stars with ANTHONY HOPKINS in THE DEVIL AND DANIEL WEBSTER, which is based on a short story. The film is currently the subject of an FBI fraud investigation, after a man was charged with fraud for writing a letter on Bank of New York stationery to help the film get a $5 million loan. Filming on the ALEC BALDWIN-directed feature - he removed his name from the credits after clashes with producer DAVID GLASSER - wrapped in March 2001. But Love Hewitt, who plays SATAN in the film, insists it will be completed and released.
The couple met on the set of Gil Junger’s "If Only" currently shooting in London. According to the London Sun the pair have been inseparable and have been spotted around the city holding hands. The paper also reports claims that the couple has been disappearing in Nicholls’ trailer between takes. Hewitt, 23, got her big break in the television series "Party of Five." She then starred in the teen thriller "I Know What You Did Last Summer," its sequel "I Still Know What You Did Last Summer" and the romantic comedy "Can’t Hardly Wait." Her other film credits include "Trojan War," the TV film "The Audrey Hepburn Story," "Heartbreakers" with Sigourney Weaver, and the upcoming projects "Why Can't I Be Audrey Hepburn?" and "The Devil and Daniel Webster," directed by Alec Baldwin.
The doc, whose jeffwerberpets products sell at Petco, offered holiday season tips: "Turkey can be given. White meat only. No skin. Sweet potatoes, a fiber source, fine in small amounts. Corn not on the cob is OK. They swallow cobs. Chicken soup's fine but no fat. Do not feed from the table. Put it in their bowl. Nothing greasy. Tomatoes, broccoli, carrots are acceptable. Bits of peeled apple, good. No marshmallows, candy, chocolate or nuts. Feed your animals first, before you begin dinner, so they're not anxious. With doors opening, people in and out, make sure your pet's wearing ID. "Mistletoe, philodendron, poinsettia, oleander are poisonous and cannot be within their reach. Christmas lights should run on battery not electricity. Tinsel, if ingested, can cut their insides." Dr. Jeff also takes care of Pink's dog, whose name - he whispers - "is "F- - - -r."
"I was 6 years old and I performed at a dance recital at one of the local high schools for my dance group. And I was always kind of put in the back of the dancing line because I had been one of the people at this dance studio for the longest period of time, so they always put the new people up front. So this one particular year I kind of kept moving my way to the front, singing and everything, so they decided that they would let me sing. And I performed 'The Greatest Love of All.' And the mic was off the entire time. And I was just kind of screaming it at the top of my lungs." Hewitt's Barenaked debuted on the Billboard 200 at Number 37. Her action-comedy film with Jackie Chan, The Tuxedo, is currently in theaters.
The 28-year-old Brit has been seeing the busty 23-year-old, who is currently promoting her new album BARENAKED after finding fame through acting, for several weeks - and according to sources the pair are enraptured with each other. A friend of Burns, who has enjoyed more success in Hewitt's native America than in his homeland, says, "Christian is smitten with Jennifer. They were introduced at a party and they have been seeing each other ever since. "Christian has never been happier, but knowing his romantic history this might be a short fling." A pal of the HEARTBREAKERS actress adds, "Jennifer had been telling her friends that she hopes it will last."
Hewitt, 23, has always played risk with her career, bouncing from music to TV to movies and now back to music. Her latest effort, "Bare Naked," for which she received a whopping $4 million advance from Jive Records, is a good, not great album that has received mixed to harsh reviews. "I'm leaving myself open to be smashed," she admitted to The Post, by telephone from her home in Southern California. "I sort of do that a lot in my career." Hewitt first found stardom in her kewpie doll role on the hit Fox series "Party of Five," then graduated to film, screaming her way through the teen horror flick "I Know What You Did Last Summer." She's now onscreen opposite martial arts superstar Jackie Chan in "The Tuxedo" - but, she says, she'd rather be singing. "Acting is hard, music is what comes to me easily." Post: There are a lot of people who are going to say you're just a pretty face stepping up to the mike. On "Bare Naked," did you have involvement in the music beyond singing? Hewitt: A lot of the words and music are mine, but I'd never take all the credit. This was a collaborative effort. Post: It will surprise some of your TV and movie fans to learn that this is actually your fourth album. Hewitt: I never planned on acting as a career. I really have to work at it. Acting is where I have the least comfort level. When I'm singing, I feel like all I have to do is . . . do it. I know the place that music connects with my spirit - that's what makes it easy. Post: How was this album different from your others? Hewitt: The studio. I told my producer [Meredith Brooks] how I hate being in a studio. Post: Why? Hewitt: Studios are fishbowls. People wander in and out when you're recording, just to check out your session. I'd find I'd be belting out something with my eyes closed, and when I'd open my eyes, there would be six guys eating jelly donuts, scratching their bellies, staring at me. Post: That sounds kind of distracting. Did you close your sessions? Hewitt: No, Meredith actually built a studio for me in her house. So if I wanted to come over and record in my pajamas, I could. It was just her and me recording, relaxing. It was a great experience to be creative in. Post: The title track of the album is "Bare Naked." It's about getting caught in public in your birthday suit. Are you actually afraid of that? Hewitt: It's my worst nightmare. I'm terrified that it's going to happen to me one day. It's a weird dream I have, but I have it all the time. I guess it's about vulnerability. I also have dreams that I'm fighting people. Those happen when I get stressed out. Post: Do you win the fights? Hewitt: Always. I might be a bloody mess, but I won't wake up until I do. Post: On the last song, "Me and Bobby McGee," it sounds like you have 20 people in the room with you partying. Hewitt: That's a very important song to me. Janis Joplin's version was one of the greatest inspirations for me musically. It's also one of my brother's favorite songs. Whenever we'd have a family party, he or my mother would ask me to sing it. I wanted to do it the way I do it at parties - just me and my friend, Flash [Chris Canute], playing the bongos. Post: Unlike all the other tunes, it has no polish - it's very raw. Hewitt: We just threw it down to see what would happen. I had a little bit of a sore throat, but I thought we had to do it in one take - if it wasn't perfect, that was OK, that's the way it would have been if I sang it at a party in my living room. Post: But perfection and beauty must matter to you as an actress. Hewitt: I don't know about all this beauty stuff. It's hard for me to talk about because I don't feel I'm beautiful. Post: You realize other people do. Hewitt: I'm completely honored by that, but I'm like any girl. There are days when I put on a dress and think, "You look cute in this" and then there are days I think I look like E.T. I'll tell you one thing for sure, being a rock singer is more comfortable than being a movie star. Post: Why is that? Hewitt: As a singer I don't have to put on a lot of make-up, wear corsets and all that other stuff. For the past four months, I've been working on this record and I've only worn jeans and T-shirts. If I do a radio show I can go with my hair in a ponytail. The DJs don't care what I look like - they want to hear if I could sing.
The concert, taking place at Hollywood's Kodak Theatre, is a collaborative effort between the Lifetime cable channel and Marie Claire magazine for the network's public-awareness campaign, Our Lifetime Commitment: Stop Breast Cancer For Life. Past participants have included Sheryl Crow, the Dixie Chicks, Nelly Furtado, and Heart's Ann and Nancy Wilson. Furtado told LAUNCH at last year's taping that there's never enough awareness when it comes to breast cancer. "We're trying to remove the stigma from breast cancer because it's such a real thing," she said. "I'm 22. Young people don't want to think about breast cancer, they think it's their mom's disease. But that's why I'm here, trying to get rid of that stigma. You know, talk about boobs, talk about examining your breasts. That's what it's all about. You can wear the pink ribbon, you can talk about awareness, (but) what is it really about? Down to the meat and potatoes, you know?" The concert airs October 25 on Lifetime.
The actress agreed to be "greased down" and wear only a flimsy bed sheet to promote her new album BARE NAKED for a spread in the magazine, and though she's thrilled with the photos she felt it best to warn her family members. She says, "I was really concerned for my grandmother, I didn't want her to be shocked. She rang back and said, 'You really forgot your panties, didn't you?' "But my brother had the hardest time - he doesn't really want to see me like that. I'm always in a PARKA and sweats to him and that's it. But he was still very proud. "He has to stand behind guys at newspaper stands who are going, 'Hubba, hubba, look at this.'" Love Hewitt admits the experience was great fun, "I had to be greased all over. I had Vaseline everywhere. I look very shiny."
"'Barenaked' reveals (my) insecure, vulnerable side, while the song 'You' shows my heart because it's the kind of love I think we all search for — the kind of love I hope to find one day." Speaking of love, Hewitt says she didn't write about her ex-boyfriends Carson Daly or John Mayer. "I didn't write about any specific people because I didn't want them to listen to the record and send me dead fish ... or get mad at me." She also felt "it's important in your life, especially (working) in the entertainment industry, to keep a little bit to yourself — (especially those) private moments." Hewitt shows various sides of her personality on this CD — even a revealing side on the CD cover. "It was a fun day to dress up and be something that I'm not 24 hours a day: a vixen. Women are sexy and vixen-like." "Barenaked" is in stores today.
The singer and actress is seen on the magazine's cover and also inside wearing panties and a mostly unbuttoned shirt that shows cleavage and her bare midsection. In another shot in the magazine, she's just clad in a towel, with a quote, "My breasts have a career of their own. Theirs is going better." Hewitt told LAUNCH she sees the seductive pictures as all in good fun. "When I go to a photo shoot I am completely a person who is getting to play model for the day and doing a photo shoot has nothing to do with, you know, really who I am as a person unless I'm kind of laughing in the photograph or whatever. And doing those pictures for Rolling Stone for me it was more kind of, it was a fun day to sort of dress up and be something that I'm not 24 hours a day." Hewitt also believes the actual story in the magazine profile--where she says she does everything like a old woman and lives with her mother--offers a contrast to the sex-kitten shots. "The thing that I loved most about the whole Rolling Stone package for me was that the article does contradict those photos. Because I think people got to see two sides. They get to see the one side, which is a woman. And women sometimes are sexy and vixen-like and scantily clad, and can be that sexy thing. But they're also, you know, a lot of the time dorks at the same time. And both of those sides are a big part of who I am. And so I thought that they represented that well," she said.
Um, hold up a sec. Did she say years? "I'll be 90 when it comes out," she jokes, going on to admit: "I'm not sure what's going on." Word is, Baldwin — who directed Devil — has lost his financing and thus, can't finish it. That's sad, since it sounds like Love really dug her claws into the rotten role you may never see. "I made a pretty good Satan," she enthuses. "I paid a lot of attention to how I chemically reacted during PMS — which is very good preparation for that [role]. If you take the Midol away, wow. Let me tell you, I can be quite scary! "I had fun with the fact that most people — if it ever came out — would go to movie theaters like, 'Yeah right, Jennifer Love Hewitt as Satan.' So I tried to have as much as fun with that as possible." Fans of the Neutrogena hawker currently can see her in The Tuxedo, which features her and Jackie Chan as goofy spies. While Hewitt calls Chan her "hero," he sure didn't protect her from the stuntmen on set! "I got hit a few times," she admits. "One of the guys karate-chopped me in the hand and broke my middle finger by accident. "And the guy felt awful," she laughs. "He felt so bad. I didn't even want to tell him, but I was not at the point yet where I had gotten tough. It was my first day doing stunts and so I was still a girl at that point — and I started crying." Later, she adds, "another guy hit me in the face with a nightstick by accident!" So much for treating stars with kid gloves.
Huh? Isn't she the same girl-next-door bombshell on the cover of dozens of magazines and on the top of everyone's Hot list? The one who played Bailey's fiery girlfriend in Party of Five? And the busty scream queen in the teen thriller I Know What You Did Last Summer? Those feelings of inadequacy, she says, aren't about her acting career. She's referring to her singer-songwriter talents. Her new album BareNaked, with its title track currently receiving wide radio and music-video play, will be released in October. "BareNaked is a play on a lot of times in my life," says the actress in an interview during a promotional stopover in Toronto. "It's a day in the life of me and anyone else in the world who feels vulnerable and insecure and just wants to know that someone else out there feels exactly the same way." Known as Love to family and friends, the 23-year-old Texan is keenly aware that she's going to have a tough time selling people on her musical ambitions. Russell Crowe, Keanu Reeves and Billy Bob Thornton all learned quickly, through poor sales, that audiences are fickle about actors becoming musicians. Moving from music to the big screen seems more acceptable - as it was for Cher, Courtney Love, Madonna and the current It girl, Jennifer Lopez. "People could be really tough on me if they wanted to, and they'd have reason to do it," Hewitt admits. "In listening to (the CD) no one will know that this has been my dream since I was six years old." But this isn't Hewitt's first foray in the music biz. The album, her fourth, is an attempt at a comeback. Her previous three, filled with cotton-candy dance tunes, were largely ignored by everyone save school children in Japan, the only place her albums have been successful. "You just have to work really hard in the music industry because there's so many people and I'm coming in at a time when there's 900 other female singer-songwriters exactly my age." But will she tour around the clock like the others (think Avril Lavigne, Michelle Branch, Vanessa Carlton) in the quest for a top 10 hit? "I want to know that an audience really wants me to be there," she says. "But I don't want to do it if I'm going to get to some stadium and there's four people . . . That would be depressing." One wonders why the L.A. resident continues to sing, given her success with acting. "Singing is just something in my spirit and I can't get rid of it," she replies. And if forced to choose, she says she'd commit to music. "I would probably choose singing at the end of the day. I've tried so hard to go 'Just get over it,' because what if it bombs and then I'm remembered as the sucky singer forever?" Hoping to avoid that fate, Hewitt has changed her music-making formula and teamed up with Meredith Brooks, the singer-songwriter-guitarist who penned the No. 1 hit Bitch. Hewitt co-wrote the 12 pop-rock songs with Brooks and R and B crooner Brian McKnight. "Meredith Brooks was somebody who really helped me realize it was OK to have an opinion about something," Hewitt says. "It took me a long time to become confident in the fact that I didn't have to wait until I was 40 to speak my mind about things." She knows she's going to surprise some people with the guitar-based songs, coming from the same label that brought the world the Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears. "I wanted to completely go away from that because the kind of music that I listen to is like Janis Joplin, Al Green, Billy Withers, Billie Holiday, Melissa Etheridge and Aerosmith," she says. But before the record becomes available in stores, The Tuxedo, starring Hewitt and Jackie Chan, will hit theatres. Just don't look for a preview of the actress's singing chops in the film - she's keeping the two careers separate, for now anyway.
Nicolas Cage will sell his multimillion-dollar comic book collection Oct. 11. Maybe he should dump it on Freddy Prinze Jr. Anyway, the seller is Heritage Auctions of Dallas, which unloaded Stan "Spider-Man" Lee's collection. Connoisseur Cage has Action Comics # 1, the first shots of "Superman," "Captain America," "Batman," "The Green Lantern," etc. Cage is legendary among whoever it is that collects this stuff. They say, "Every major dealer will vie for these gems." The estimate is a seven-figure take. No wonder he can afford Lisa Marie Presley.
The self-titled single track will be shipped to radio on June 16, to be aired on July 1. The video for "BareNaked" will debut on MTV's "Making The Video" the week of July 15. "BareNaked," the single, was co-written by 23-year-old Hewitt and Meredith Brooks, who produced the album. The Texas-born star first hit it big in 1995 by landing a role in the TV series, "Party of Five." She has starred in various films, including "I Still Know What You Did Last Summer" in 1998. Hewitt will next co-star with Jackie Chan in an upcoming film called "The Tuxedo." Jive Records is a unit of Zomba Music Group, which this week agreed to be sold to Bertelsmann AG.
The blonde beauties are joined by JENNIFER LOVE HEWITT, LAURYN HILL, SELMA BLAIR and CAMERON DIAZ as stars who favor wearing the denim attire, designed by Los Angeles-based SEVEN. STEFANI GREENFIELD, of the trendy New York shop SCOOP, which as sold 8,000 pairs of Seven jeans in the past five months, says, "Everybody loves them because they make your butt look unbelievable."
Many of the recording industries hottest stars will perform at the show, including Alicia Keys, Enrique Iglesias, Shakira, Ja Rule, Kylie Minogue, Shaggy, Andrea Bocellie, Enya, Destiny's Child and O-Town. Additionally, disco queen Gloria Geynor will receive the Legend Award for lifetime achievement. This is the tenth year that ABC has aired the awards show. In celebration of its tenth anniversary, there will be a special presentation showcasing some of the past years' best musical performances, including Michael Jackson, Britney Spears and Cher. The event is seen worldwide in more than 160 countries and is presented under the patronage of Prince Albert of Monaco. "The 2002 World Music Awards" airs Sunday, April 21 from 7-9 p.m. (ET) on ABC.
Camryn Manheim
The Practice's Camryn Manheim will be Jennifer Love Hewitt's new talk-to. There is no word yet on how many earrings Manheim plans to bring to the role.
Mohr Plans 'Ghost Whisperer,' 'Las Vegas' Visits
Divorce, it seems, has led Jay Mohr to seek additional television work.Emmy Nominations
The nominees for the 58th annual Emmys have been announced. The Emmy Awards are scheduled to air Aug. 27 on NBC with Conan O'Brien as host. Other Emmy honors, including those for technical achievement and guest actors and actresses in series, will be given at the creative-arts ceremony on Aug. 19.Outstanding Main Title Design
78th Annual Academy Awards • ABC • Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Alen Petkovic, Producer/Creative Director
Jon Teschner, Art Director
Renato Grgic, Creative Director
Kristijan Petrovic, Creative Director
Angus Wall, Creative Designer/Consultant
Maurice Marable, Director
Kirk Baxter, Editor
Larry Ewing, Creative Designer/Producer
Paul Matthaeus, Creative Director
Erin Sarofsky, Designer
Anthony Vitagliano, Animator
Shangyu Yin, Animator
Angus Wall, Director
Kirks Balden, Compositor
Brad Waskewich, Editor
Andrew Hall, Graphic Supervisor
Garson Yu, Creative Director/Designer
Yolanda Santosa, Art Director/Designer
Robert Cribbett, Compositor/Designer
Nate Homan, Animator/Designer
Thomas Cobb, Title Designer
Robert Bradley, Title Designer.
"Ghost Whisperer"- July 15 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: Friendly Neighborhood Ghost
SYNOPSIS: Melinda sees an eerie spirit haunting her new neighbor. Her attempts to help are met with threats from the ghost and the young man, which prompts Jim to demand Melinda stop her involvement
"Garfield" movie sequel heads for litter box
If 2004's "Garfield: The Movie" seemed completely devoid of anything resembling charm or inspiration, make way for "Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties," in which Jim Davis' glib feline proves to be even more unpleasant than he did in his first computer-generated incarnation.
Jon Arbuckle: Breckin Meyer
Liz: Jennifer Love Hewitt
Dargis: Billy Connolly
Voice of Garfield: Bill Murray
Smithee: Ian Abercrombie
Mr. Hobbs: Roger Rees
Director: Tim Hill
Producer: John Davis
Screenwriters: Joel Cohen & Alec Sokolow
Based on the comic strip "Garfield" by: Jim Davis
Executive producers: Michele Imperato Stabile, Brian Manis
Director of photography: Peter Lyons Collister
Production designer: Tony Burrough
Editor: Peter S. Elliot
Costume designer: Francine Jamison-Tanchuck
Music: Christophe Beck
Hewitt Keeps Spirits Up for 'Ghost Whisperer'
Before heading back to work for her second season on the hit CBS show "Ghost Whisperer," Jennifer Love Hewitt reflects on the past TV season and how her character Melinda Gordon, a newlywed who helps earthbound spirits with their final tasks, may become a defining role for her.Bill Murray can't wring many laughs out of Garfield script: review
It was the worst of times, it was the worst of times."Ghost Whisperer" creator renews Touchstone deal
"Ghost Whisperer" creator John Gray has inked a new two-year deal with Touchstone Television to continue as executive producer and showrunner on the CBS series starring Jennifer Love Hewitt.Season Program Rankings
From September 19, 2005 through May 28, 2006 - Regular Programs 1 to 216
COMEDIC CAD
SINGER John Mayer cracked wise about sex with his ex-girlfriend, Jennifer Love Hewitt, during a surprise stand-up comedy set at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood the other night. We're told the swoon-worthy crooner showed up with buddy Bob Saget and did a brief set in which he blabbed about bedding the hard-bodied Hewitt as well as a multitude of female fans of his song "Your Body Is a Wonderland."
Words of wisdom from Mom
Jennifer Love Hewitt on mother Pat:
"Work like you don't need the money, love like your heart's never been broken, and dance like no one's watching."
"Ghost Whisperer"- June 30 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: Ghost Bride
SYNOPSIS: Melinda tries to help a friend who is being tormented by the spirit of her fiance's late wife, who died in a car crash on the way to their wedding reception.
"Ghost Whisperer"- June 23 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: Shadow Boxer
SYNOPSIS: The mother of an amateur boxer seeks Melinda's help to reunite her husband and son after her death causes a rift between them.
Fast National ratings for Friday, June 16, 2006
The Eye network averaged a 4.3 rating/8 share for the evening to beat out ABC, 4.0/8. NBC came in third with a 3.3/6. UPN, 2.4/5, took fourth, followed by FOX, 1.7/3, and The WB, 1.2/2.Fast National ratings for Friday, June 9, 2006
CBS earned a 4.7 rating/9 share for the night, beating out NBC's 4.3/8 to take the top spot. ABC took third with a 3.5/7. UPN, 2.3/4, came in fourth, narrowly beating FOX, 2.2/4. The WB trailed with a 1.2/2."Ghost Whisperer"- June 16 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: The Crossing
SYNOPSIS: A dead child misses his mommy and refuses to cross over until he can talk with her; Jim's visiting mother tries to get to know Melinda.
Fast National ratings for Friday, June 2, 2006
CBS averaged a 5.1 rating/9 share for the evening. ABC was second in households at 3.8/7, narrowly beating NBC, 3.6/7. FOX came in fourth with a 2.5/5. UPN finished fifth with a 2.3/4, and The WB trailed at 1.1/2.Love Hewitt Denies Valderrama Tryst
Jennifer Love Hewitt has dismissed claims she had a fling with Hollywood lothario Wilmer Valderrama, insisting she never had sex with him.'Ghost Whisperer' on for Next Season
There's a faint rustling on the set of "Ghost Whisperer." Could it be some troubled spirit trying to get medium Melinda Gordon's attention?WILMER'S SHAG-&-TELL
MOVE over, Fred Durst - there's a new king cad in town! "That '70s Show" star Wilmer Valderrama for some reason decided to blab to Howard Stern the other morning about all of his conquests, claiming he took Mandy Moore's virginity and slept with Jennifer Love Hewitt. Valderrama, who used to date Lindsay Lohan, gushed that, "taking Mandy Moore's virginity was good . . . real good." He rated Hewitt an "8" on a scale of "1 to 10" in bed and boasted about his physical endowment. After he said he would really like to score with Angelina Jolie, too, Stern asked him, "So, of all of these girls we've mentioned . . . did you ever have [a form of kinky] sex with any of them?" To which the gallant and discreet Valderrama replied, "Yes . . . Yes, I told you, Howard, I don't want to lie to my fans."
Hewitt Goes Public with Young Freddie Mercury
Jennifer Love Hewitt went public with her new romance at the Oscars post-show parties on Sunday night by revealing her date Ross McCall is her boyfriend."Ghost Whisperer"- June 9 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: Pilot Episode
SYNOPSIS: Melinda's new home is visited by the ghost of a soldier, who asks for help finding his loved ones.
"Ghost Whisperer"- June 2 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: Voices
SYNOPSIS: Melinda finds a mother's lost spirit through electronic-voice phenomenon, then works to reconcile the woman with her teenage son.
Fast National ratings for Friday, May 26, 2006
CBS won the night by averaging a 4.9 rating/9 share. ABC finished second with a 4.3/8, with NBC, 3.7/7, taking third. FOX, 3.0/6, came in fourth, and UPN was fifth at 2.6/5. The WB trailed, managing only a 1.1/2."Ghost Whisperer"- May 26 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: On the Wings of a Dove
SYNOPSIS: Melinda helps the spirit of an ex-con seek forgiveness for his sins and make amends with his wife and son.
Fast National ratings for Friday, May 5, 2006
CBS earned a 7.4 rating/13 share in primetime, topping NBC's 5.9/11. ABC took third with a 4.3/8. FOX's 2.8/5 was good for fourth, beating out UPN, 2.3/4, and The WB, 1.4/3.Fast National ratings for Friday, Apr. 28, 2006
For the night, CBS averaged a 7.5 rating/13 share, solidly beating NBC's 5.5/10. ABC took third with a 4.7/8. UPN finished fourth with a 2.4/4, edging FOX's 2.2/4. The WB trailed with a 1.2/2."Ghost Whisperer"- May 5 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: The One
SYNOPSIS: As the first season ends, Melinda helps at a plane crash but is overwhelmed by hundreds of spirits asking for help. Complicating matters is a menacing entity who tries to keep the souls from crossing over.
Fast National ratings for Friday, Apr. 21, 2006
For the night, CBS averaged a 6.4 rating/11 share. ABC and NBC tied for second in households at 5.2/9, with NBC holding a small lead in total viewers (7.8 million to 7.55 million). UPN, 2.5/5, finished fourth, ahead of FOX, 2.0/4, and The WB, 1.4/2."Ghost Whisperer"- April 28 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: Free Fall
SYNOPSIS: Melinda realizes that a jetliner is going to crash after being visited by chilly spirits; Melinda faces her biggest challenge yet.
"Ghost Whisperer"- April 21 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: Melinda's First Ghost
SYNOPSIS: When Melinda's first ghost reappears, her presence triggers Melinda to remember when she first discovered her ability and the strain it put on her relationship with her mother, who could not understand what she was going through.
Fast National ratings for Friday, Apr. 14, 2006
CBS won the night with a 5.7 rating/11 share. NBC, 5.4/10, came in second. ABC, despite the presence of soon-to-be father Cruise, managed only a 4.5/8 and finished third. UPN, 2.4/4, held off FOX, 2.3/4, for fourth, and The WB trailed with a 1.4/3.Fast National ratings for Friday, Apr. 7, 2006
CBS averaged a 7.7 rating/14 share for the night, easily surpassing No. 2 ABC's 5.2/9. NBC was not far behind in third at 4.9/9. UPN's 2.7/5 edged FOX's 2.6/5 for fourth, and The WB trailed with a 1.5/3."Ghost Whisperer"- April 14 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: Undead Comic
SYNOPSIS: Melinda helps the confused and unhappy spirit of a comedian who haunts the local comedy club; Jim feels insecure after Melinda's shop starts making more money than he does.
"Ghost Whisperer"- April 7 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: The Vanishing
SYNOPSIS: After Melinda falls and injuries her head, she discovers that she can no longer communicate with earthbound spirits and fears that she has lost her gift forever.
Fast National ratings for Friday, Mar. 31, 2006
CBS scored a 7.0 rating/12 share in primetime to beat NBC's 6.5/11. ABC finished third at 4.4/8. FOX, 2.7/5, came in fourth, followed by UPN, 2.5/4, and The WB, 1.6/3."Ghost Whisperer"- March 31 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: Condemned to Repeat
SYNOPSIS: Melinda helps the ghost of a black man, killed in the 1970s in a fight with a white co-worker, find justice.
CBS Picks Up Pretty Much Everything
As CBS has built itself into the most-watched network on TV over the past few years, one of its trademarks has been a fairly stable schedule. Next season will be no exception.Fast National ratings for Friday, Mar. 3, 2006
CBS averaged a 7.6 rating/13 share in primetime Friday, with NBC a close second at 7.1/12. ABC was third at 5.0/8. UPN grabbed fourth with a 2.5/4, beating out FOX, 2.3/4, and The WB, 1.9/3.Fast National ratings for Friday, Feb. 24, 2006
NBC averaged a 9.5 rating/16 share for the night. CBS was second at 6.1/10, although ABC, 5.8/10, had a slight edge in total viewers (9.12 million to CBS' 8.81 million). UPN, 2.8/5, finished fourth, beating out FOX, 2.1/4, and The WB, 2.0/3."Ghost Whisperer"- March 10 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: Miss Fortune
SYNOPSIS: When a traveling carnival comes to town, Melinda encounters the spirit of a vengeful magician, who thinks his death during an underwater stunt was not an accident, but the work of his jealous brother
"Ghost Whisperer"- March 3 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: Demon Child
SYNOPSIS: The spirit of a malicious young boy haunts his workaholic mother, who neglected to spend time with him while he was alive.
Hewitt Backs up 'Ghost'-ly Role
Few shows stage online seances for their fans.At The Grammy Awards
It was just another day at the office, followed by a night at the Grammys, for actress Jennifer Love Hewitt, who was teaming with the Black Eyed Peas to present the trophy for male R&B vocal at Wednesday night's Grammy Awards.Lots of life in 'Ghost Whisperer'
At one time, Jennifer Love Hewitt wouldn't be caught dead in a cemetery.Pilot Talk
Jennifer Love Hewitt is teaming with Oxygen to exec-produce Angry Little Girls, an animated series based on the book and website of the same name, says Variety.
Fast National ratings for Friday, Feb. 10, 2006
The Peacock averaged a 13.1 rating/21 share for the night, easily beating second-place ABC's 6.9/11. CBS came in third with a 5.8/9. UPN, 2.9/5, finished fourth, followed by FOX, 2.0/3, and The WB, 1.3/2.Hatcher, Keys vie for sexiest Grammy dress
Forget the Grammys, Alicia Keys and Teri Hatcher vied for the sexiest dress award Wednesday night.Fast National ratings for Friday, Feb. 3, 2006
Once again, the overall consistency of CBS' lineup was able to overcome ABC and "Dancing with the Stars" in Friday's ratings. NBC also had a decent night among younger viewers."Ghost Whisperer"- Feb 24 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: Homecoming
SYNOPSIS: A teenage boy, who died in a freak accident after learning he was adopted, seeks Melinda's help in finding his birth mother.
"Ghost Whisperer"- Feb 17 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: Mended Hearts
SYNOPSIS: An organ donor who recently died wants to console his grieving fiancee, and Melinda connects her with the man who is the heart recipient.
Love Hewitt's Only Wish Is Fulfilled
Years ago, Ghost Whisperer star Jennifer Love Hewitt came across a script that she simply had to turn into a film. ABC Family's If Only (premiering Jan. 15 at 7 pm/ET) tells the story of Samantha and Ian, lovers who, soon after a regrettable row, are blindsided by a tragic accident that claims Sam's life. The morning after watching his sweetheart slip away, however, Ian (played by Brit Paul Nicholls) wakes to find Sam alive and back in his life, as he gets a second chance at that fateful day. The lengths to which Ian goes to save Sam from death — and himself from heartbreak — are great and romantic, but will it be enough? TVGuide.com spoke with Christina Welsh, the writer of If Only, about her and Hewitt's labor of love.
Christina Welsh: It all actually began in a heartfelt way. I was thinking about a close friend who had died in a car accident, and I was wishing I could have him back, even if just for a day to share a moment with him. And then the writer in me kicked in and I started thinking, "What if you had a terrible fight with someone you loved, and they were killed in a tragic accident before you could say you were sorry — but when you woke up the next day, that person was there? If you had the chance to relive the day, what would you do with it? Would you fight to change their fate? Would you fully embrace the moment?" It's one of those universal notions — "If only I had said this," "If only I had done that." Ian gets to experience that in this story.
Welsh: Yes, she had, actually. When she first read the script, she said it changed her life, how she approaches life and how she now appreciates what she has. It touched something deep within her. At the time, the company that bought the script told her she was far too young [to star in it]. Although I think she could have handled it with her talent, in the years since she has become this mature, very poised woman. She was able to play the role even better than if she had been 19 at the time.
Welsh: She was, but god bless her, she didn't give up. It's a great lesson in not taking no for an answer. The first company that bought the script went bankrupt, and then Jennifer Love Hewitt, through her own production company, bought the script with her attached to star. Her perseverance and love for the project paid off for her. It's one of those situations where it was meant to be her in this part, and she made it happen.
Welsh: Thank you. You look for ways to twist ideas and make it feel a little bit different. No matter what Ian does, things are still going to happen in a different manner. What can he really do to stop the whole notion of fate?
Welsh: I've had close friends and family [ask after seeing the film], "Is that really her singing?" And it's really her voice, which is phenomenal. And it is organic to the character. It's something that she's not pursuing and Ian gives her the chance, on the final day of their relationship, to have this moment and not be afraid. That's a great lesson.
Welsh: Oh, she was great, very hands-on. She's still a very young woman, but I think because she's been in the entertainment industry for years she has this preternatural poise, maturity and wisdom. She wanted to be very involved in everything, from choosing the locations to getting a take just right to helping develop and define her character, who is an impulsive, free-spirited woman. She had a big hand in choosing her costar, Paul Nicholls, who is an extraordinary find. I couldn't imagine a better actor playing Ian — this guy who's a little distant in the beginning and makes you think, "Come on, get your act together!" And when he gets that chance, he's so emotional.
Welsh: I saw a little Jude Law, and a little Dougray Scott.... He's like a younger Dougray Scott, he's got a bit of that look. Women are going to fall in love with him. I think this is really going to launch his career in the States, as it should. Not only is he nice to look at, he's also so good.
Welsh: [Laughs]
Welsh: It does, it really taps into that. It makes people more aware of how little time we have in the great scheme of things and that you do need to appreciate what you have while you have it. These characters love each other and are meant to be together; they just had to find their way into this great romance.
Welsh: [Laughs] Oh, we don't want to talk too much about that anyway.
Welsh: Yeah, but that's the reaction we wanted. Endings are crucial.
Welsh: I did. Like I said, the story was in my head for probably six or seven years before I actually wrote it down, so I was afraid it wouldn't live up to what was in my head. And then to see it realized on film is such a visceral experience. The power of the visual and the acting and the cinematography and the music... I was stunned by my emotional reaction. What I like about this, too, is that the director, Gil Junger, was great about bringing out the humor. You don't want an hour and a half to two hours of just heartbreak.
Welsh: That was always important for me, that Sam remain ignorant in the best way. "Gosh, he's acting funny, but let's go with this! Let's see where it takes us!"
Welsh: [Laughs] That's a good idea!
TV's Biggest Stars Reflect on 2005
Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ghost Whisperer
"It's been a great year. I'm so excited to have found a project like Ghost Whisperer that I'm passionate about. It's great getting to go to work each day and do what I love and create a show I'm really proud of. My favorite [episode] was 'Lost Boys,' with the four little boys in the orphanage. It touched my heart so much, and I love working with kids. My favorite piece of dialogue is from the pilot, when Melinda looks at her husband and says, 'We're in the life business. Death is just a part of it.' I think that's exactly what our show is about. I hope people continue to enjoy the show and that we get renewed for another three years!"
"Ghost Whisperer"- Feb 10 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: Lost Boys
SYNOPSIS: Melinda discovers the spirits of three boys and a dog that died in an orphanage fire in 1956 and must help them cross over before the inn they are inhabiting is destroyed.
Fast National ratings for Friday, Jan. 27, 2006
CBS won the night with a 7.8 rating/13 share in primetime, beating out ABC's 6.5/11. NBC finished third at 4.4/7. FOX, 3.0/5, edged out UPN, 2.9/5, for fourth, and The WB trailed with a 2.0/3."Ghost Whisperer"- Feb 3 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: Dead Man's Ridge
SYNOPSIS: Melinda must help rescue Andrea's friend, who went missing during a hike with his brother.
"Ghost Whisperer"- Jan 27 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: Melinda's First Ghost
SYNOPSIS: When Melinda's first ghost reappears, her presence triggers Melinda to remember when she first discovered her ability and the strain it put on her relationship with her mother, who could not understand what she was going through.
Fast National ratings for Friday, Jan. 20, 2006
ABC averaged a 7.5 rating/13 share in primetime to score a comfortable win over CBS, 6.1/10. NBC finished third at 4.7/8. UPN and FOX tied for fourth in households at 2.8/5, although UPN held an edge in viewers. The WB trailed with a 1.7/3."Ghost Whisperer"- Jan 20 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: The Crossing
SYNOPSIS: Melinda helps a boy who died in a train crash to reassure his mother that it was not her fault.
Fast National ratings for Friday, Jan. 13, 2006
ABC had the biggest show of the night in "Dancing with the Stars," but the consistency of CBS' lineup helped it win the ratings battle Friday.Fast National ratings for Friday, Jan. 6, 2006
CBS won the night by averaging a 7.9 rating/13 share. ABC finished second at 6.5/11, and NBC was third at 5.6/9. UPN's 3.1/5 edged FOX's 2.9/5 for fourth. The WB trailed with a 1.3/2."Ghost Whisperer"- Jan 13 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: Last Execution
SYNOPSIS: The ghost of an executed prisoner asks for Melinda's help in getting his estranged daughter the money to which she is entitled for his valuable paintings.
"Ghost Whisperer"- Dec 30 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: Hope and Mercy
SYNOPSIS: Melinda helps the spirit of a woman who died from complications during what should have been a routine surgery.
"Ghost Whisperer"- Dec 23 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: Ghost, Interrupted
SYNOPSIS: Melinda helps a deceased teenager apologize to her twin sister for past betrayals and to move on.
Fast National ratings for Friday, Dec. 16, 2005
For the night, CBS dew a 7.2 rating/13 share, a few tenths off its typical performance for first-run episodes. NBC was second at 6.4/11, while ABC finished third with a 4.5/8. UPN, 2.9/5, came in fourth, followed by FOX, 2.2/4, and The WB, 1.5/3.Fast National ratings for Friday, Dec. 9, 2005
CBS averaged a 7.9 rating/14 share for the night, easily beating No. 2 NBC's 5.0/9. ABC, 4.5/8, finished third, with UPN, 2.8/5, coming in fourth. The WB was fifth at 2.3/4 and FOX trailed with a 2.0/3."Ghost Whisperer"- Dec 16 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: Undead Comic
SYNOPSIS: Melinda helps a comic, who haunts a comedy club in which he used to perform, find closure following his suicide.
Tea For Two Girls
SINO sex bomb Bai Ling helped tea hostess Tracy Stern celebrate her publishing deal with Clarkson Potter for "Tracy Stern's Tea Party" at Stern's penthouse along with Lindsay Lohan and Jennifer Love Hewitt. The smoking-hot polysexual enjoyed the girlfest so much that she sent Stern a note in Chinese that translated as "I thank you for your sensual and romantic teas. Having teas with you is seductive. I appreciate your sexy smile and hips and ass."
Fast National ratings for Friday, Dec. 2, 2005
For the night, ABC averaged a 5.6 rating/10 share, edging CBS, 5.4/9, for the top spot. NBC finished third at 3.9/7, and UPN, 2.9/5, squeaked past FOX, 2.8/5, for fourth. The WB trailed with a 1.7/3."Ghost Whisperer"- Dec 9 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: Shadow Boxer
SYNOPSIS: The mother of an amateur boxer seeks Melinda's help to reunite her husband and son after her death causes a rift between them.
Fast National ratings for Friday, Nov. 25, 2005
CBS averaged a 7.5 rating/13 share in primetime Friday, easily beating second-place NBC's 5.5/10. ABC, 4.1/7, came in third, followed by FOX at 3.2/6. UPN took fifth with a 2.8/5, and The WB trailed with a 1.6/3.People's Choices Nominees
The 32nd annual awards, which will air Jan. 10 on CBS. You can cote at PCAvote.com
"How I Met Your Mother" (CBS)
"My Name Is Earl" (NBC)
"Criminal Minds" (CBS)
"Prison Break" (FOX)
"That '70s Show" (FOX)
"The Simpsons" (FOX)
"Desperate Housewives" (ABC)
"Law & Order: SVU" (NBC)
"Fear Factor" (NBC)
"Survivor" (CBS)
"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" (ABC)
"Supernanny" (ABC)
David Letterman
Conan O'Brien
Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa
Oprah Winfrey
Teri Hatcher
Jennifer Love Hewitt
Charlie Sheen
Kiefer Sutherland
Angelina Jolie
Nicole Kidman
Johnny Depp
Samuel L. Jackson
Reese Witherspoon
Renee Zellweger
Brad Pitt
Adam Sandler
Angelina Jolie
Catherine Zeta-Jones
Brad Pitt
The Rock
Chris Rock and Adam Sandler, "The Longest Yard"
Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson, "Wedding Crashers"
Faith Hill
Gwen Stefani
Tim McGraw
Usher
Destiny's Child
Green Day
Ellen DeGeneres
Queen Latifah
Adam Sandler
Will Smith
"Ghost Whisperer"- Dec 2 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: Pilot (Repeat)
SYNOPSIS: A woman must help the earthbound spirit of a soldier who appears not to realize he is dead.
"Ghost Whisperer"- Nov 25 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: Ghost Bride
SYNOPSIS: Melinda tries to help a friend who is being tormented by the spirit of her fiance's late wife, who died in a car crash on the way to their wedding reception.
Fast National ratings for Friday, Nov. 18, 2005
For the night, CBS averaged a 7.9 rating/14 share, beating its closest competitors by a pretty wide margin. NBC, 5.0/9, skated past ABC, 4.9/9, in the race for second. UPN finished fourth at 3.1/5, followed by FOX, 2.4/4, and The WB, 2.2/4.Fast National ratings for Friday, Nov. 11, 2005
CBS averaged a 7.6 rating/13 share in primetime, easily topping NBC's 5.6/10. ABC, 4.9/9, finished third. UPN's 2.7/5 was good enough for fourth, beating out FOX's 2.3/4 and The WB's 1.7/3."Ghost Whisperer"- Nov 18 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: Voices
SYNOPSIS: Melinda finds a mother's lost spirit through electronic-voice phenomenon, then works to reconcile the woman with her teenage son.
"Ghost Whisperer"- Nov 11 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: On the Wings of a Dove
SYNOPSIS: Melinda helps the spirit of an ex-con seek forgiveness for his sins and make amends with his wife and son.
Fast National ratings for Friday, Nov. 4, 2005
CBS averaged a 6.8 rating/12 share for the night, followed closely by NBC's 5.7/10. ABC finished in third at 4.8/8, FOX, 2.7/5, UPN, 2.5/4, and The WB brought up the rear with a 1.9/3.Jennifer Loves a Good Ghost Story
When Melinda Gordon sees dead people, CBS eyes ratings gold, as Jennifer Love Hewitt's Ghost Whisperer handily wins its time slot, sometimes drawing nearly 3 million more viewers than its Fridays-at-8 predecessor, Joan of Arcadia. As such, the net gave freshman drama a ghost of a chance, ordering posthaste a full season. What led America to "catch the spirit," so to speak? TVGuide.com invited Love to whisper sweet nothings — or, at least, the answers to our questions — in our ear.
Jennifer Love Hewitt: We're more than delighted. I know everybody on the show feels really lucky and I definitely feel like, I don't know, there's an angel watching over me at the moment. [Laughs] There's no one perfect word for how it all feels, but it's awesome.
Hewitt: I think it's a really fun show to watch because of the scare factor and because there are all these surprises and ghosts — things like that have always been intriguing to people. But I also think that, real simply, it's a show that's about hope, and everybody in their lives, whether they're dealing with someone who's passed away or not, has always wanted one last moment to say one more thing to somebody that they loved or cared about. We offer the opportunity to see people do that every week. Melinda gives people closure in that way, and that's what we all dream for.
Hewitt: How are we staying in business? Barely. [Laughs] We're actually getting ready to do an episode where a lot of money starts to come into the store. And, you know, the business is still going on even when Melinda is off dealing with ghosts; Andrea is obviously there handling customers and everything like that. So even though it appears we don't have that much business, we actually do and are staying afloat pretty well.
Hewitt: No. I think that a huge part of the entertainment industry — and a huge part of life in general — is that people like "eye candy," so I think it's actually fine, it doesn't bother me. I think it's been done really tastefully and it's never overt in my opinion. It's never meant to distract from what's actually going on.
Hewitt: [Laughs] Yeah, I don't know if that is something we would go for. But [the wardrobe styling] is meant to remind people that she is just a normal young person in a new, very sexy and great marriage, that there are other things in life besides ghost-busting and antiques-store owning.
Hewitt: Yes, she's in an episode [airing Nov. 18] that we just filmed, so she's definitely coming back.
Hewitt: We have a really scary ghost that's going to take over someone on the show, which is really cool; it will kind of change that character a little bit. And then we also deal with "white noise" — I have an entire ghost who for an episode I can't really figure out what she's saying, so I get to puzzle-solve a bit. It's our first ghost who isn't solid, so that should be interesting.
Hewitt: Yeah, I know all about them!
Hewitt: I do, I'm scared of everything. When we shoot stuff at night or in dark hallways I definitely get freaked!
Hewitt: [Laughs] Oh... no. I don't think so.
Hewitt: It just wasn't the right thing. They were lovely people and I was really honored to be asked and I actually really like the show, but it just wasn't the right time.
Hewitt: Fiction. My body is not a wonderland, but thank you for the thought.
Hewitt: I'm finishing Garfield 2 next weekend and that's it, really. I'm just working hard on the show. Now that we've been picked up for the back nine, we're going until April, and then I'll figure out what I'm doing on the hiatus.
Hewitt: [Laughs] I don't think I'm going to do any more of the I Know What You Did movies. People keep telling me they're making a third one, but I haven't heard anything about that.
Hewitt: Uh, me on American Dreams. [Laughs]
Hewitt: Yeah!
Jennifer Love Hewitt turns trick on 'Brains'
Jennifer Love Hewitt plans to star in and produce a fact-based feature about a hooker housewife from Texas."Ghost Whisperer"- Nov 4 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: Hope and Mercy
SYNOPSIS: Melinda helps the spirit of a woman who died from complications during what should have been a routine surgery.
Fast National ratings for Friday, Oct. 28, 2005
For the night, CBS averaged a 6.0 rating/11 share. NBC finished second at 5.5/10, and ABC, 4.5/8, came in third. FOX, 2.7/5, edged UPN, 2.6/5, for fourth, while The WB trailed with a 1.9/3."Ghost Whisperer"- Oct 28 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: Homecoming
SYNOPSIS: A teenage boy, who died in a freak accident after learning he was adopted, seeks Melinda's help in finding his birth mother.
Fast National ratings for Friday, Oct. 21, 2005
CBS averaged a 6.8 rating/12 share in primetime to lead the field (its numbers include an NFL game in a handful of markets). NBC, 5.8/10, took second with its best Friday performance in several weeks. ABC was third at 4.4/8, followed by FOX, 2.7/5, and UPN, 2.5/4. The WB trailed with a 1.6/3.Fast National ratings for Friday, Oct. 14, 2005
CBS averaged a 6.4 rating/11 share for the night, topping NBC's 5.2/9 and FOX's 5.1/9 by a comfortable margin (FOX's numbers are approximate because of live sports). ABC finished fourth at 4.7/8, followed by UPN, 2.4/4, and The WB, 1.8/3."Ghost Whisperer"- Oct 21 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: Lost Boys
SYNOPSIS: Melinda discovers the spirits of three boys and a dog that died in an orphanage fire in 1956 and must help them cross over before the inn they are inhabiting is destroyed.
CBS Picks Up Trio of Rookie Series
At least half the new series on CBS' schedule will be sticking around for the rest of the season.Fast National ratings for Friday, Oct. 7, 2005
The Eye network averaged a 6.6 rating/11 share for the evening, beating NBC, 4.8/8, by a sizable margin. ABC took third with a 4.6/8, and FOX came in fourth at 2.8/5. UPN, 2.6/4, was fifth, beating The WB, 1.7/3."Ghost Whisperer"- Oct 14 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: Mended Hearts
SYNOPSIS: An organ donor who recently died wants to console his grieving fiancee, and Melinda connects her with the man who is the heart recipient.
"Ghost Whisperer"- Oct 7 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: Ghost, Interrupted
SYNOPSIS: Melinda helps the deceased twin of a teenage girl apologize to her sister for past betrayals and move on.
Fast National ratings for Friday, Sept. 30, 2005
CBS got decent showings from all three of its dramas Friday night on its way to a sizable ratings win.Friendly 'Ghost' Gives CBS a Friday Win
Fast National ratings for Friday, Sept. 23, 2005"Ghost Whisperer"- Sept 30 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: The Crossing
SYNOPSIS: Melinda helps a boy who died in a train crash to reassure his mother that it was not her fault.
'Ghost' star supplies sole visible asset
GHOST WHISPERER." Tonight at 8, CBS.Future looks grim for Love's "Ghost Whisperer"
Inevitably, comparisons will arise between "Ghost Whisperer" and NBC's "Medium," in which young married women imperfectly harness their video-friendly psychic powers.
Melinda Gordon: Jennifer Love Hewitt
Jim Clancy: David Conrad
Andrea Moreno: Aisha Tyler
Dan Clancy: Rodney Scott
Paul Adams: Wentworth Miller
Michael Adams: Balthazar Getty
Vera Adams: Allison McDonell
Joe Grimaldi: Jon Polito."Ghost Whisperer"- Sept 23 - 8pm on CBS
EPISODE: Pilot
SYNOPSIS: A woman must help the earthbound spirit of a soldier who appears not to realize he is dead.
Hewitt, Pompeo Join Emmy Festivities
Emmy winner Jimmy Smits and Jennifer Love Hewitt, who isn't an Emmy winner but has a show on CBS this season, are among the latest round of presenters added to the 57th annual Primetime Emmys.Murray has cat's eye on 'Garfield 2'
Bill Murray is in negotiations to reprise his role as the voice of Garfield in "Garfield 2," which is slated for a summer 2006 release.Woman Sees Dead People; Hollywood Sees TV
Hollywood has taken interest in a suburban Cleveland woman paid to talk to the dead. Mary Ann Winkowski's paranormal experiences as a ghostbuster for hire have inspired CBS to create "Ghost Whisperer," starring Jennifer Love Hewitt, which is part of the network's fall lineup.Jennifer Love Hewitt Slips Into Perfect Panty
Jennifer Love Hewitt is the newest body -- that is, face -- for the Hanes apparel brand.New TV Season Jumps on Supernatural Trend
Here's some advice to television viewers who want to know what next fall's season will be like: Be afraid, be very afraid.Actors, Musicians In POPE Salute
ABC ePrep reports: AEROSMITH's Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, country-pop stars Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, Britney Spears, and James Earl Jones are among the celebrities reading the late Pope John Paul II's inspirational writings, poems, and prayers in a new video. It's called "Tribute To Pope John Paul II", and it is available for download at PopeJPII.navio.com. Other celebrities featured in the video: Brooke Shields, 'N SYNC, Vince Gill, Danny Glover, and Jennifer Love Hewitt.
CBS schedule for the fall television season
CBS's prime-time schedule for the fall, announced by the network Wednesday:
8 p.m. - The King of Queens
8:30 p.m. - How I Met Your Mother
9 p.m. - Two and a Half Men
9:30 p.m. - Out of Practice
10 p.m. - CSI: Miami
8 p.m. - NCIS
9 p.m. - The Amazing Race
10 p.m. - Close to Home
8 p.m. - Still Standing
8:30 p.m. - Yes, Dear
9 p.m. - Criminal Minds
10 p.m. - CSI: NY
8 p.m. - Survivor: Guatemala
9 p.m. - CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
10 p.m. - Without a Trace
8 p.m. - Ghost Whisperer
9 p.m. - Threshold
10 p.m. - Numb3rs
8 p.m. - Crimetime Saturday (crime show reruns)
9 p.m. - Crimetime Saturday (crime show reruns)
10 p.m. - 48 Hours Mysteries
7 p.m. - 60 Minutes
8 p.m. - Cold Case
9 p.m. - CBS Sunday Movie
CBS Hopes To Stay on Top with New Schedule
Through May 15, CBS' season-to-date margin-of-victory over second place ABC is nearly three million viewers, the largest by any network at this point in the season in 16 years. Despite that advantage, CBS' schedule for the 2005-06 season features some heavy tinkering, with several Emmy winners and established hits replaced by six new hopefuls.Fun and fundraising mix together nicely
Three funny ladies of the tube turned up Sunday night at the old Henry Fonda Theatre to help raise money for tuberous sclerosis (TS), a genetic disorder that causes tumors.Tidbits
SO, WHO showed up at Elizabeth Tay lor's annual Easter fete at her Bel Air home? Candice Bergen, Nastassja Kinski, Lionel and Nicole Richie, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Brandon Davis and Mischa Barton, the hottest girl on Fox's "O.C." series. Josh Groban left a singing message for Elizabeth on her voice mail, regretting he couldn't attend. Miz Liz provided a petting zoo, Easter egg hunt, temporary tattoo booth and other fun things. Best news of all? The star stayed with her guests and mingled in lively fashion for at least three hours. She has been known to give parties at where she never appears!
Jen Love Hewitt's Psychic Trends
We didn't need a psychic to tell us that the success of NBC's Medium would have other networks jumping on the afterlife wagon.David Conrad Joins Love
David Conrad has been tapped to co-star in CBS' untitled John Gray project, which focuses on a young newlywed (Jennifer Love Hewitt) who communicates with the dead. Conrad, who co-starred on NBC's "Miss Match" and had a recurring role on Fox's "Boston Public," will play the woman's husband.
Tidbits
For Jennifer Love Hewitt's "Confessions of a Sociopathic Social Climber" film which debuts Saturday, Charlotte Ronson designed a baby-tee which reads "Sociopathic Social Climber." Sweet, right? It's 25 bucks. Proceeds to St. Jude's Children's Hospital . . .
CBS Casting: Tyler Sees Dead People, Taylor Commutes
The combination of Jennifer Love Hewitt and Aisha Tyler doesn't necessarily sound like a obvious pairing for a drama about a women who communicates with the dead. CBS is going out on a limb, though, adding Tyler, best known as a comic, to the network's untitled John Gray drama pilot.TV Review: 'Confessions of a Sociopathic Social Climber'
The problem with "Confessions of a Sociopathic Social Climber" isn't star Jennifer Love Hewitt, who actually turns in a far more zesty and entertaining performance than anyone had a right to expect.'Confessions' Is Good for Love Hewitt's Soul
Jennifer Love Hewitt is getting to play a bad girl with a heart of gold -- and some pretty hot outfits -- in a new TV movie.Jennifer Love Hewitt Lands Psychic Gig for CBS
As she might have predicted, "Party of Five" alumna Jennifer Love Hewitt will play a psychic in CBS' untitled drama pilot centered on the work of James Van Praagh.ABC Not 'Game' for Hewitt Sitcom
It's game over for Jennifer Love Hewitt at ABC.Tidbits
FOR THOSE who think young on Oscar night, Jennifer Love Hewitt hosts the AIDS Project Los Angeles party at West Hollywood's the Abbey. Sponsored by Esquire, this one is geared to drag in everybody who doesn't yet need Botox.
Hannigan Out of ABC's 'Game'
"Buffy the Vampire Slayer" co-star Alyson Hannigan's latest stab at becoming a network television sitcom star has lasted less than two weeks. ABC confirms that the actress has departed the comedy "In the Game" over creative differences.Christine Baranski 'Game' for Sitcom
Emmy winner Christine Baranski is set to join Jennifer Love Hewitt, Alyson Hannigan and Ed O'Neill in ABC's upcoming comedy series "In the Game."Hannigan 'Game' for ABC Sitcom
"American Pie" star Alyson Hannigan is set to join Jennifer Love Hewitt and Ed O'Neill on ABC's upcoming comedy series "In the Game."The Public May Never See Hewitt as 'Devil'
Jennifer Love Hewitt once hoped that the movie would launch her into the A list of movie actors.Love Hewitt Is Like Oxygen
Well, it's bound to be better than "Garfield."This 'Carol' hits the right notes
Every so often, Hollywood gets the urge to sing A Christmas Carol.TV Review: a Christmas Carol
It's a very good year indeed for Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" in this colorful and entirely delightful adaptation from Hallmark Entertainment.ABC Reviving Jennifer Love Hewitt Sitcom
ABC is bringing back the Jennifer Love Hewitt comedy project it originally developed last season. The untitled project centers on a sports producer (Hewitt) who unwillingly becomes an on-camera reporter on a sports TV show. Ed O'Neill ("Married ... With Children") co-stars as the show's executive producer. ABC has ordered six episodes.
LOVE, REDUX?
BREAKING up is hard to do — just ask Jake Gyllenhaal and Kirsten Dunst. Although Gyllenhaal recently went on a date with perennially unlucky-in-love Jennifer Love Hewitt, he was spotted last week grocery shopping with Dunst at a Whole Foods market. "They seemed very much the couple, laughing, smiling and chatting away with a checkout girl," said our witness.
Hewitt Peeved About Pet TV Project
Jennifer Love Hewitt says she's peeved about her pet project, "In the Game," not getting picked up by ABC for the fall season.'Garfield' Star Hewitt Loves Dogs More
In the comic-strip world of Garfield the cat, there's little room for dogs, especially his housemate Odie. So it might be surprising that Jennifer Love Hewitt, one of the stars of the new movie about the big fat orange cat, is, well, more of a dog person.No More 'Last Summers' For Hewitt
Jennifer Love Hewitt, who survived in the teen slasher film "I Know What You Did Last Summer" and the sequel "I Still Know What You Did Last Summer" says it doesn't look like there will be a third.'Game,' Stamos Comedies in at ABC
ABC is close to picking up for midseason two comedies: "In the Game," starring Jennifer Love Hewitt, and an untitled project starring John Stamos, sources said.Love Rekindled
Remember that ABC sitcom pilot starring Jennifer Love Hewitt as an on-air reporter for a sports TV show? No? Well, I told you about it back in April. Anyway, the network — which didn't include the show on its fall lineup — may pick it up for midseason instead, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Why the change of heart? Rumor has it ABC execs took pity on Hewitt after watching her slum it as an American Idol correspondent. Apparently, no one — not even Bailey's annoying ex-girlfriend — deserves that.
Hewitt, Chaplin Set to Haunt NBC's 'Carol'
Jennifer Love Hewitt and Geraldine Chaplin will show off their musical chops in NBC's "Christmas Carol."Who is Delgo?
Scooby-Doo 2 star Freddie Prinze Jr. is the voice of Delgo in the upcoming computer-generated movie set in a fantasy world.Ed O'Neill Married to ABC's Hewitt Pilot
Ed O'Neill ("Married... With Children") has been tapped to co-star in ABC's untitled Jennifer Love Hewitt comedy pilot.Hewitt, Tyler Pilots Get Go-Ahead
ABC and CBS have each added to their roster of comedy pilots for next season, greenlighting vehicles for Jennifer Love Hewitt, Aisha Tyler and a comic who goes by the name of Earthquake.Tidbits
MOVIE AND TV star Jennifer Love Hewitt hosts a special holiday party tomorrow for the fire-ravaged residents of Lake Arrowhead, Calif. There'll be a Christmas tree and photographer on hand to take family portraits for the many who lost everything, including precious photo albums in the blaze.She Loves TV
Jennifer Love Hewitt is rekindling her love affair with TV. The former Party of Fiver has inked a deal with Touchstone Television to star in an as yet untitled half-hour comedy from Freaks and Geeks scribes Gabe Sachs and Jeff Judah. Touchstone is also searching for a small-screen vehicle for Peter Dinklage, the breakout star of the heartwarming indie The Station Agent.
Woman who threatened actor Jennifer Love Hewitt pleads guilty to stalking
A former county social worker has pleaded guilty to stalking actor Jennifer Love Hewitt.Hewitt, Pardue Hitting the Road with Indie 'Pale'
Jennifer Love Hewitt and Kip Pardue are teaming up to star in the indie feature "Whiter Shade of Pale" for director Sydney Macartney.JEN TO 'JUMP'
JENNIFER Love Hewitt is in talks to join the cast of a movie version of the '80s teen hit "21 Jump Street."Meyer, Hewitt top cats in 'Garfield'
Jon Arbuckle, the perpetually single owner of Garfield the cat in the long-running comic strip, is about to get a live-action face in Breckin Meyer. The actor is in negotiations to star as Arbuckle in 20th Century Fox's big-screen live-action/CGI adaptation of "Garfield," with Jennifer Love Hewitt finalizing a deal to play his love interest.Love Hewitt Takes Fright
JENNIFER LOVE HEWITT is the latest Hollywood star to back out of promotional commitments in Europe fearing the threat of war against Iraq.Hewitt Denies Film Scrapped
Screen stunner JENNIFER LOVE HEWITT has slammed reports that her latest film has been scrapped over financial problems.Love Loves Agent Vaughn
"I have a Michael Vartan shrine. He's perfect. I will propose to him within the next two years."- Jennifer Love Hewitt on Michael Vartan (Alias) in the December 2 issue of People Magazine (Sexiest Man Alive, Ben Affleck cover)
Has Hewitt Found a New Love?
American actress Jennifer Love Hewitt, who most recently played Jackie Chan's romantic interest in "The Tuxedo," has found real-life romance with British actor Paul Nicholls ("EastEnders").WHAT SCARES STARS?
JENNIFER LOVE HEWITT: "The Shining" scares me to death. To know that a supposed normal human being can go crazy, like Jack Nicholson does in that movie, is so freaky. Stanley Kubrick, who directed it, made the scariest movie ever.
Pet Doctor
HOLLYWOOD vet Jeff Werber's clients include Tom Selleck; Jennifer Love Hewitt (their pets, that is); Ben Affleck's German shepherds, Angel and Hutch; Rachel Hunter's collected strays; Kobe Bryant's Pomeranians, Gucci and Gia; and Magic Johnson, who plays with his dogs on the waiting-room floor. A personal house call to put Dwight Yoakam's Weimaraner to sleep elicited Dwight's hand-written thank you, "For what you did for Jack."Jennifer Love Hewitt Remembers Her First Public Singing Performance
Jennifer Love Hewitt recently released Barenaked, her third U.S. album. She also spent a portion of the '90s on the TV show Party Of Five. Prior to hitting the big time, she grew up in Texas and performed at rodeos and fairs. She told LAUNCH about her first time singing on stage.SINGER HEWITT GETS A MUSICAL ROMANCE
JENNIFER LOVE HEWITT has cemented her new career as a singer by starting to date hunky BBMAK popstar CHRISTIAN BURNS.LOVE STORY
THERE are performers who coast on their good looks and connections - and then there are those like Jennifer Love Hewitt, who take chances.Michelle Branch, Pretenders, Jennifer Love Hewitt Set For 'Women Roc
SINGER HEWITT GETS A MUSICAL ROMANCE
Michelle Branch, the Pretenders, Gloria Estefan, Chaka Khan, Lee Ann Womack, and host Jennifer Love Hewitt will all step before the video cameras Thursday (October 10) in Los Angeles for the taping of the third annual Women Rock! Girls And Guitars television special.JENNIFER WARNS FAMILY ABOUT NEARLY NAKED SHOOT
JENNIFER LOVE HEWITT was forced to call all her family members after appearing almost naked on the cover of music bible ROLLING STONE - because she didn't want them to be shocked with her raunchy look.Hewitt Provides 'Barenaked' Insight
If you want to gain insight into Jennifer Love Hewitt (news), listen to her latest CD, "Barenaked."Jennifer Love Hewitt Defends 'Racy' Magazine Photos
Virtually playing off the title of her new album, Jennifer Love Hewitt comes close to appearing "bare naked" in some of the shots for her photo spread in Rolling Stone magazine's October 3 issue.Jennifer Love Hewitt: That Elusive Devil!
Moviegoers have long awaited The Devil and Daniel Webster, co-starring Jennifer Love Hewitt as Evil Incarnate and Alec Baldwin as the object of her temptation. Anthony Hopkins plays the lawyer who looks for loopholes in their infernal compact. So where the hell is this flick already? "It's moving forward," Hewitt hedges. "That's all I can kind of say. There's actually a copy of [the film] that's done now. They're going back in and re-editing, and hopefully in the next couple of years..."What did actress Jennifer Love Hewitt do last summer? Record an album
With glossy locks framing her blemish-free, picture-ready face, Jennifer Love Hewitt pouts and says nobody ever believes she's fragile and insecure.Celeb Collecting
Sarah Michelle Gellar collects antique books. Salma Hayek collects religious symbols. Jennifer Love Hewitt, dolls. Claudia Schiffer told Redbook: "I collect dried insects. I keep them in frames." Look, what can I tell you. I've been in Arizona. For Freddy Prinze Jr., it's old comic books. Jennifer Tilly, hats from the '20s. John Stamos, Sammy Davis Jr. memorabilia. Kelsey Grammar, first editions. And Christie Brinkley? "I collect Eiffel Towers." Look, what can I tell you? I've been in Arizona.THEY HAVE TOO MUCH ANIMAL MAGNETISM
Jennifer Love Hewitt has a bug thing. In the tropics where there's a surplus of insects, she contracted a bizarre bug-killing habit. She hacks them with a knife whilst yelling, "Hate you, hate you, hate you. Die! Die! Die!" Look ... what can I tell you ...
We Hear...
Rosie O'Donnell to direct Jennifer Love Hewitt's first singing video
EVERYBODY'S TRYING TO GET INTO THE ACT
THE musical set: Jamie-Lynn Sigler of "The Sopranos" produced her first album. It mixes pop and R&B: "I'm half Cuban, so it has a Latin flavor." ... Jennifer Love Hewitt to unload a debut album on the Jive label. Her "Barenaked" single is out this month ... Even Ewan McGregor's swapping his "Star Wars" sabre for a vocal coach. He says: "I saw Bono in New York and thought, 'I want to do that.' " ... Adam Sandler collaborated with Sinatra musicians for the new swing tune, "She Comes Home to Me," which will show up on his coming CD, "Stan and Judy's Kid" ... Robert Downey Jr. cobbling together a track of soulful original songs. A songwriter, he plays piano, bass, drums and also has an OK voice.
We Hear...
Jennifer Love Hewitt hit a party at Eugene. Her date was her mom ...
Jennifer Love Hewitt to Release Album 'BareNaked'
Movie and television star Jennifer Love Hewitt will release her Jive Records debut album "BareNaked" on Sept. 24, her label said on Thursday.Spears and Stefani Lead Butt-Complimenting Jean Craze
Singers GWEN STEFANI and BRITNEY SPEARS are leading the way in a new craze sweeping America - jeans that compliment their behinds.MUSICAL MUSE
JENNIFER Love Hewitt is the new muse of hunky young singer John Mayer. Sources tell PAGE SIX that J-Love has been hanging out at Mayer's L.A. rehearsal studio and sent him a balloon and cake arrangement to congratulate him on his recent sales spike. Mayer, who had a hit with "No Such Thing," may have been inspired by Hewitt's bodacious bod to make "Your Body Is a Wonderland" his next single. The smitten crooner says the tune "is about loving someone so much that every little part of them, all this minutia, becomes this wonderland."
ANNA'S HONOR
MAMMARY-obsessed men's mag FHM has tapped Russian tennis temptress Anna Kournikova as the "Sexiest Woman in the World." Other flesh-baring babes rounding out the top 10 were Britney Spears, Halle Berry, Alyssa Milano, Jennifer Lopez (last year's No. 1), Jessica Alba, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Angelina Jolie, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Carmen Electra. The biggest losers on the mag's Top 100 list were Kelly Ripa (No. 99) and Shannon Elizabeth (No. 100) - who were both inexplicably bested by muscle-bound Joanie Laurer, the former wrestler known as Chynna (No. 98).
Hewitt, Shaggy, McGrath to Host World Music Awards
Jennifer Love Hewitt ("Heartbreakers," "The Audrey Hepburn Story" ), Grammy Award-winning musician Shaggy and Sugar Ray's lead singer Mark McGrath have been tapped to host "The 2002 World Music Awards" on ABC.
