Opportunity Knocks premieres Tuesday nights at 8pm

One of the two new shows that will be introduced on ABC in September is going to make a promotional visit to the Indianapolis area.

Next Monday, September 8, ABC is bringing the “Opportunity Knocks” Tour to Indy’s southside.

“Opportunity Knocks” is a new take on the primetime game show that literally takes the game show to some lucky family’s front door! The show was created by actor Ashton Kutcher. A family gets to compete for great prizes…and they win based on how well they know their own family!

The tour is a fun promotional event visting a number of cities across the U.S. There will be food, drinks and prizes for many folks.

6 NEWS GOOD MORNING INDIANA weather and traffic guys, Paul Poteet and Tom Davis will compete to see how well they know each other in a version of the TV game (with prizes going to lucky folks in the audience!) Stormteam 6 Chief Meteorologist Kevin Gregory will do LIVE weather from the neighborhood and WFMS radio is also going to be on hand broadcasting at the event.

You can click here to find out more about the location of the event on September 8. Should be a lot of fun!

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Did I just see Debby Knox on Channel 6? Was that Todd and Trisha on WTHR?

Have you seen the promos featuring the TV anchors of the different stations all on the same channel?

RTV6, along with our colleagues at WTHR, WISH, WNDY and WFYI have decided to team up to show our support of United Way of Central Indiana. On Tuesday evening, during the regular 7:30pm shows, the TV stations will eliminate all commercials and run special segments/profiles on the many agencies assisted by United Way.

So you can learn about the great work being accomplished by our Hoosier neighbors…and not miss your favorite shows!

Check it out this Tuesday night at 7:30pm during the INSIDER on RTV 6!  And a special thanks to our friends at Channel 8, 13, 23 and Channel 20 for participating.

Click here to learn more about how you can LIVE UNITED.

Have a great and safe holiday weekend!

Cheryl Burke

On Monday morning, Tom Bergeron visited Good Morning America and introduced the stars of the seventh edition of “Dancing with the Stars.” The show will kick off with a three-night premiere on September 22 at 8p.

Bergeron announced the stars…but didn’t reveal all the dancers that will be paired up with the stars. So if you are curious, here you go:

This new season will follow 13 celebrities as they compete for the coveted disco ball trophy:
Lance Bass, former *NSYNC performer is paired with professional dancer Lacey Schwimmer.
Grammy winner Toni Braxton will dance with pro Alec Mazo.

Derek Hough

Host/actress/entrepreneur Brooke Burke will partner with Derek Hough.
Rocco DiSpirito, celebrity chef/author will dance with Karina Smirnoff.
Olympic gold medal winner Maurice Greene is paired with professional dancer Cheryl Burke.
Kim Kardashian, model and star in the E! show, Keeping Up with the Kardashians will team with Mark Ballas.
Multiple award-winning actress Cloris Leachman will partner with Corky Ballas.
Disney Channel star of Hannah Montana Cody Linley will dance with Julianne Hough.
Susan Lucci, ABC daytime soap star will be paired with Tony Dovolani.

Maks is back!

Misty May-Treanor, Olympic gold volleyball champ will team with Maksim Chmerkovskiy.
Actor Ted McGinley will partner with Inna Brayer.
Comedian Jeffrey Ross will dance with pro Edyta Sliwinska.
Warren Sapp, Superbowl champ will be paired with Kym Johnson.

Kym Johnson too!

My pick without seeing anyone on the floor…I gotta go with Misty May-Treanor and Maksim Chmerkovsky. She’s coming off a beach volleyball gold medal in China…and Maks is a viewer favorite.

An inside source at ABC says Warren Sapp is having great fun and is very entertaining. And Cloris Leachman is terrorizing her partner. Sounds like its gonna be fun.

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That same source at ABC also revealed that “Boston Legal” is in production on their final 13 episodes. (It returns on Monday nights at 10pm in the fall.) David Kelly, the show’s creator is personally writing the final 13 episodes.

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Ana Lucia is back on "Lost?"

A “Lost” spoiler…Entertainment Weekly is reporting that one of the most talked-about television characters in recent memory is returning, albeit briefly, this fall. Ana Lucia, played by Michelle Rodriguez, is due back for one episode of “Lost” this season. The character was killed in the second season…a flashback? Or something else? If you watch “Lost” you can bet its something else.

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Even before the new season kicks off, ABC has several new shows in the pipeline. (This is mainly because of last spring’s ugly writers strike delayed production.) Here is the official announcement:

ABC ANNOUNCES FIVE NEW SERIES PICK-UPS

New Series Include “Better Off Ted,” “Castle,” “Cupid,” “Single With Parents” and “The Unusuals”

ABC is adding five new series to its slate of programming for the 2008-09 season, it was announced today by Stephen McPherson, president, ABC Entertainment. The series include three new dramas, “Castle,” “Cupid” and “The Unusuals,” and two new comedies, “Better Off Ted” and “Single With Parents.”

“It was worth taking the time to go through the pilot process to really do it right,” said McPherson. “We’re excited about these series and feel they’re perfect additions to our dominant core slate of shows. These are the initial pick-ups, but there are a number of other pilots we feel will also get the go ahead in some form moving forward.”

New series previously announced are drama “Life on Mars,” comedies “The Goode Family” and “Scrubs” (new to ABC), and alternative series “Opportunity Knocks” and “Untitled Ashton Kutcher/Tyra Banks Project.”

Dramas

“Castle” is a comedic crime procedural about a famous mystery novelist, Nick Castle, who has gotten bored with his success. When a real-world copycat murderer starts staging scenes from Nick’s novels, he’s teamed up with NYPD Detective Kate Beckett, and the challenge gets his blood pumping as he steps in to help solve the crime. Nick and Beckett’s styles instantly clash and sparks begin to fly, leading both to danger and a hint of romance. Castle is kept grounded by his Broadway diva mother, quick-witted teenage daughter, and his long-suffering ex-wife…who happens to be his editor. “Castle” stars Nathan Fillion as Castle, Stana Katic as Beckett, Molly Quinn as Alexis, Susan Sullivan as Martha, Monet Mazur as Gina and Ruben Santiago-Hudson as Capt. Montgomery. Produced by ABC Studios, Andrew Marlowe serves as executive producer/writer along with executive producers Laurie Zaks, Armyan Bernstein and Rob Bowman.

“Cupid” is a romantic dramedy about Trevor, a larger than life character who may or may not be the Roman god of love Cupid, sent to earth to bring couples together. As fate would have it, Trevor is under the care of famous psychologist and self-help author Dr. Claire Allen, who is also dedicated to helping lonely hearts find their soul mates. While she agrees with his cause, she questions whether he’s crazy or really is Cupid. “Cupid” stars Bobby Cannavale as Trevor, Sarah Paulson as Claire, Rick Gomez as Felix and Camille Guaty as Lita. Produced by ABC Studios, Rob Thomas serves as executive producer/writer along with executive producers Jennifer Gwartz, Danielle Stokdyk, Dan Etheridge and Bharat Nalluri.

“The Unusuals” is a unique comedic procedural set in a New York police precinct. As a cop it helps to have a twisted sense of humor, because every moment could be your last. Just ask Casey Schraeger, who started her day as an NYPD vice detective, before unexpectedly being transferred to the homicide division. She quickly realizes that not only does everyone in her new department have a distinct sense of humor, but also their own dirty little secret. “The Unusuals” stars Amber Tamblyn as Det. Casey Schraeger, Jeremy Renner as Det. Joe Walsh, Terry Kinney as Sgt. Harvey Brown, Kai Lennox as Det. Ed Alvarez, Harold Perrineau as Det. Leo Banks, Adam Goldberg as Det. Eric Delahoy, Monique Gabriela Curnen as Det. Allison Beaumont and Joshua Close as Henry Cole. Produced by Sony Pictures Television, Noah Hawley is executive producer/writer.

Comedies

“Better Off Ted” is a satirical office comedy featuring a successful but morally conscious man, Ted, who runs a research and development department at a morally questionable corporation, Veridian Technologies. No achievement is too far fetched and no invention too unorthodox for Veridian. Need a suicidal turkey? Done. Need a metal that is hard as steel but bounces - and is edible? Done and done. Ted loves his seemingly perfect job; he loves his super human boss Veronica, and colleagues Lem, Phil and Linda, but he’s starting to take a closer look at the company’s extremely questionable practices…especially when they try to cryogenically freeze one of Ted’s scientists for testing purposes. Starring Jay Harrington as Ted, Andrea Anders as Linda, Portia de Rossi as Veronica, Jonathan Slavin as Phil, and Malcolm Barrett as Lem, “Better Off Ted” is produced by 20th Century Fox Television. Victor Fresco is executive producer/writer.
“Single With Parents” is a comedy about Lou, a woman in her mid-30s who is determined to have her own life despite her crazy blended family getting in the way. She’s thrilled that her divorced parents are leading exciting lives - really she is - except both of them rely on her way too much. Dad needs her as a surrogate parent and Mom counts on her 24/7 as a shrink and confidante. Lou has resolved to finally find a fulfilling life for herself. The series stars Alyssa Milano as Lou, Annie Potts as Elizabeth, Beau Bridges as Joe, Amanda Detmer as Sasha, Meagan Fay as Nancy and Eric Winter as Charlie. Based on her own experiences, “Single With Parents” is executive produced and written by Kristin Newman. Justin Falvey, Darryl Frank and Matthew Carlson are also executive producers. The show is produced by ABC Studios.

Returning series on the fall schedule are “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” “Boston Legal,” “Brothers & Sisters,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Dirty Sexy Money,” “Eli Stone,” “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” “Private Practice,” “Pushing Daisies,” “Samantha Who?,” “Supernanny,” “Ugly Betty,” “Wife Swap” and “20/20.”

Returning midseason series include “According to Jim,” “The Bachelor,” “Lost” and ABC News’ “Primetime: What Would You Do?”

If “Cupid” sounds familiar, its because it was a terrific ABC series in the 90s starring Jeremy Piven. It never caught then, but they are hoping this version will. (The original was truly original.)

Spent Sunday hitting two of Indy’s premiere attractions…the Indianapolis Museum of Art on Sunday afternoon. And then wrapped up the weekend watching the first Colts game (preseason) at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Windows and roof open...and a very big flag!

The game was forgettable (who wants to remember a thrashing like that?) But the opening night was memorable.

The highlight?

No question, watching the huge roof and the windows open up! 

Trisha Shepherd and Todd Wallace at the Stadium

Several RTV 6 staffers attended the opening night. We compared notes…the fans needed this preseason game as well.

Paul Poteet with Mrs. Poteet

Fans spent a lot of time walking around, trying to find how to get to the different levels in the stadium. Several of us made a point to take the escalators to the Bud Zone, high up in the stadium. But then couldn’t find a way DOWN. (Even some of the stadium workers were a little puzzled on how to get around.)

Dan Spheler, Erica Flye and Crystal Wicker

My wife Lisa with Kevin Gregory

It was a fun night. Too bad the Colts didn’t open up as smoothly as the Stadium roof and window. 

But it is preseason. For the Colts and the fans.

Usually when you go to the movies, you expect to be entertained. But next weekend, you can be part of the entertainment!

Universal Studios is releasing a special “Sing-A-Long” edition of the summer musical hit “Mamma Mia!”

The “sing-a-long” edition will be released to selected theatres beginning August 29 for a limited time. I gotta admit, I love the concept!

“Mamma Mia” was released the same weekend as “The Dark Knight” and has had a terrific run in the theatres. Universal says it has made over $320 million world-wide. As a fan of musicals in general, I’m thrilled by that. Musicals are an American Art form.

I haven’t seen “Mamma Mia” (yet) but I’ve been told by friends its a fun couple hours. So go along and sing and dance with Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan.

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The next Bachelor

I know we’ve all been waiting to find out who then next ‘Bachelor’ is…(okay, maybe not.) Well, he’s a familiar face if you watched the ‘Bachelorette’ earlier this summer (and ratings said many people DID WATCH the Bachelorette earlier this summer.) The new man looking for love on ABC’s “The Bachelor” was rejected last season on “The Bachelorette.”

Jason Mesnick, whose proposal to DeAnna Pappas was spurned during the finale, will search for romance among 25 bachelorettes when the 13th season of the reality series returns in January.

ABC said Wednesday that the 32-year-old single father is looking for a woman who “has a real curiosity about the world, who loves life and can find passion in life’s smallest moments.” The network is casting for eligible women to vie for Mesnick’s attention.

Mesnick lost out in May during the fourth-season “Bachelorette” season finale to professional snowboarder Jesse Csincsak, who’s engaged to Pappas. She herself was rejected by previous “Bachelor” Brad Womack during the series’ 11th season.

Jason is a single dad so that will certainly add a new wrinkle for the lady candidates…this guy comes with a youngster!

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Note for your calendar…next week, Michael Jackson is (gasp) turning 50!

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Bob & Tom with guest Rodney Carrington

Finally, if listening to them on the radio isn’t enough for you, “Bob and Tom” are now moving to TV, too!

According to the folks at the Indianapolis Business Journal, The Bob & Tom Show, the long-running morning radio show, will be shown on the WGN America network beginning November 3.

WGN will broadcast highlights of the radio show from midnight to 1 a.m. Eastern Time.

Have a great weekend!

Remember these guys? They're back...

Know the old adage, everything old is new again? Well, particularly in this digital age, everything old IS new again. Warner Bros. consumer products division has whipped up a new version of the Banana Splits. If you grew up in the 70s, you might remember them on Saturday mornings. Four live action costumed characters doing wacky stuff (and of course, doing their own music…every 70s Saturday morning cartoon/show had their own band.)

Daily Variety reports that Hanna-Barbera’s 1960s phenom is returning in a multiplatform effort starting Sept. 2, with shorts and musicvideos airing on Cartoon Network and its website. Future efforts will include DVD and audio CD releases, as well as live performances.

Variety also says Turner Animation’s Stu Snyder noted that the Splits have “been entertaining kids for years,” but the return of the property will capitalize on boomer nostalgia as well. “Go Bananas Your Way,” the new Splits album, is “intended to appeal to kids and parents,” according to the release.

Bingo, Drooper, Fleegle and Snorky’s Web presence is targeted at 4- to 7-year-olds, and the live entertainment will include a section of Myrtle Beach, S.C.’s, Hard Rock Park, to be dubbed Banana Splitsville and devoted to the cartoon characters.

Nostalgic revivals of vintage properties are a dicey proposition when it comes to new content, but elderly brands like “Mr. Men” have found surprising support in lifestyle products such as T-shirts and accessories that preserve the original art for sentimental fans. Accordingly, Warners will release apparel, games and books as well.

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I enjoyed Dave Foley when he was the star of “NewsRadio” and a member of the Canadian comedy troupe Kids in the Hall. He’s joining ABC’s “Brothers and Sisters” in November as a guest-star according to  Entertainment Weekly. Foley will play the love interest for one of the Walker siblings.

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The Soup's Joel McHale

I’ve mentioned this in a previous posting, but one of the shows I really enjoy each week is “The Soup” on E!

Joel McHale condenses a week of reality, talk shows and other TV happenings into a hilarious half hour each week. I mean, I don’t have to watch “The Hills” to be up on what is going on in that goofy reality show. And I can enjoy the sometimes bizzare antics of Tyra Banks (a frequent target of the host) without having to watch her show. I get the best few moments of each show each week! 

Every Friday, Yahoo! TV serves up soup, “Condensed ‘Soup” that is, with host Joel McHale delivering exclusive highlights just for Yahoo! from the week of celebrity, TV, and Internet moments of absurdity.

Check it out here and try not to laugh too hard.