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Saturday, 14 May 2011

'Wonder Woman' Dropped, 'Parenthood' & 'Chuck' Renewed by NBC

If you're old enough to remember the original Wonder Woman TV series (click here to wax nostalgic about its cheesy opening), then this news may be bittersweet: Entertainment Weekly has learned that NBC has ditched its plans to air a much-ballyhooed modern-day Wonder Woman reboot.

When NBC commissioned the pricey project from writer/producer David E. Kelley and Warner Bros. TV, it seemed like a sure thing. The original series, featuring Lynda Carter's beloved superheroine, was a huge hit that inspired thousands of Halloween costumes in the '70s. Many of the kids who wore those costumes are now adults with kids of their own -- giving the show a built-in audience. And the actress chosen to star, Friday Night Lights' Adrianne Palicki, was already well liked by both critics and TV viewers.

So why pass on such a well-publicized, big-budget pilot with brand recognition? Though NBC declined to offer a reason, mixed reviews at network screenings obviously quashed high hopes for the project. And when the network released photos of Palicki in costume, there was a fan outcry: The outfit didn't hit the cheesy-cool fashion sweet spot that Carter's super-duds had managed to achieve.

The show's limbo status (it could still get picked up by another network, like the CW) is bitter, but some may think it's sweet. Fans of the original WW may not want their memories spoiled. The high boots and the starry, protective wrist cuffs can remain where they belong: on Carter's buxom bod, in viewers' memories.

Another plus: Since NBC lost money by dropping the Wonder Woman pilot, the network must be serious about demanding a higher standard of quality. That bodes well for some of the other shows that did get picked up. According to TV Line, the Peacock is sticking by some of its high-quality, though not necessarily high-rated scripted series, such as Harry's Law, Parenthood and Chuck -- which are returning for second, third and fifth seasons, respectively. For Chuck, which has barely dodged cancellation on numerous occasions, the fifth season will be its last.

NBC has also ordered some very promising new series: Playboy Club is a '60s-era drama about the lives of women working at the titular -- and notorious -- destination in swingin'-'60s Chicago. Grimm is a fantastical drama about a world where the characters from the Brothers Grimm's fairy tales coexist with humans. And Chelsea Handler's Are You There Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea, which is based on her book of the same name, has also been picked up for next season. Handler will exec produce, but she won't star; That '70s Show's Laura Prepon will play the lead character, who's loosely based on Handler.

No doubt NBC's decision to pass on Wonder Woman is disappointing for those involved. But if it means the other shows NBC has greenlit will raise the bar for well-written scripted series, well, then everyone wins.

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Prince Storms LA, Sheila E. Gives In Touch the Behind the Scenes Scoop

Rock royalty sure knows how to throw a party! A 21-day party, that is! Prince has been reining in a roster of celebrities and crazed fans to his ?21 Night Stand? at LA's Forum. Longtime collaborator and famed ex-lover Sheila E. talks to In Touch about this special ongoing LA stint.

"It's hard to get any better than back in the day... but I have to say it's better. It's amazing!," gushes the drumming diva. "The fans are screaming like crazy like it's The Beatles for some songs. I think they're just having such a great time it's like one big party mix. The hits never stop coming. Every single show that he does is different than the other ones."

And every night brings in new celebrity fans to add to the mix. "The cast from Grey's Anatomy came, some of the dancers from DWTS. Kirstie and Maks came out last week! They were in my dressing room most of the night. We had a blast", she adds. "Gwen Stefani came and sang with us. We've had Alicia Keys. There are so many great artists, musicians and celebrities that have come out. Evander Holyfield. Magic Johnson. The list goes on."

And as for inviting fans such as Mila Kunis on stage to jam, "He just wings it. We never know who's in the crowd. Depending on the song he wants to play, if he feels like having someone to come up and dance with him or one big party, he brings as many people as he wants."

Sheila also shares how her relationship with Prince has evolved over the years. "The only way that I can describe it changing is that we've changed as people. We grow. We have not changed as far as our friendship. The foundation of our friendship is music. I don't think that anything has changed other than we appreciate life now more than ever."

And fans can appreciate Prince and friends for several more dates in Los Angeles!
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Afternoon Bitch-Back! Can Kate Hudson Make This Marriage Work?

Dear Ted: What's your take on Kate Hudson and her quickie engagement to Matt Bellamy? Are they the real deal? I have a hard time picturing her settling down again. She seems to love...

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Caleb Followill Marries Model Lily Aldridge

The rocker says his wedding to the Victoria's Secret model was "perfect"
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