FALL 2013: DAYTIME TALKER 'KATIE' CANCELED

Katie has been canceled.

The daytime talk show will end in June 2014 at the conclusion of its second season. Both Disney/ABC and Katie Couric have stated that ending the show was a mutual decision.

Rumors surfaced last spring that Couric's talk show was on cancellation watch due to low ratings, as well as Couric's interest in looking for a new network. The renewal for a second season came down to the wire.

FALL 2013: MATT LAUER AND ANN CURRY'S 'TODAY' SHOW DRAMA IS HEADED TO LIFETIME

Just when Matt Lauer thought the whole Today show "Operation Bambi" fiasco saga was behind him, word has come that a made-for-TV movie based on author's Brian Stelter's "Top of the Morning" is in the works.

Stelter's behind-the-scenes view at morning television, and the years-long battle between NBC's Today show and ABC's Good Morning America, is being developed into a Lifetime movie. While the book mostly focuses on NBC's botched, public ouster of anchor/host Ann Curry, it also exposes ABC's formation of its current morning team and rise in the ratings war.

The production is still in the early stages so no tentative release date or potential casting has been released. If this movie turns out as good as HBO's mid-90s movie The Late Shift (based on the Leno-Letterman battle to be Johnny Carson's successor on The Tonight Show), Lifetime will be showering with a ratings hit.

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY FOR WEEK OF 12/17!

Read on about this week's new TV-on-DVD releases featuring mostly cable shows...and one animated comedy.

Burn Notice - Season 7

Burn Notice - The Complete Series

USA Network's action packed drama releases both its final season and a complete series set today. Burn Notice's seventh season enters a final endgame that has lasting repercussions for most of the team. Bombings, shootings, and sacrifices laced the final season up to its explosive finale. 

Justified - The Complete Fourth Season (DVD/BD)

The fourth season of the FX crime drama opens with a 30-year old unsolved mystery that eventually leads to a central mafia figure. Meanwhile, Boyd is intent on expanding his empire even if it means double-crossing people, which leads him to a crossroads of destruction.

Shameless - The Complete Third Season

The Showtime dramedy continues following the lives of drunk father Frank Gallagher and his self-sufficient children. The dysfunctional family only gets better with this third season with an ending that finally makes things look promising...we think.

Family Guy - Volume 12

Volume 12 presents all 22 episodes of the FOX animated comedy's eleventh season, including its milestone 200th episode. Traveling via teleportation, mid-life crisis, dating, and the normal Griffin family antics are present in this latest outing.

WINTER 2014: 'ONCE UPON A TIME' CASTS 'LOST' STAR AS OZ'S WICKED WITCH OF THE WEST

Several weeks ago, news broke that former Lost star Rebecca Mader was joining the fantasy drama, Once Upon a Time. Well the preview at the end of last night's fall finale gave us a glimpse of her character.

Now that the Peter Pan saga of the first half of the season has come to a close (for now), the show will shift focus to a new baddie for the second half. Apart from dealing with the heartbreaking farewells and the inevitable time jump...c'mon now let's face it, you had to know that it was coming! Walt Henry isn't a little kid anymore and they need something to accommodate Jared Gilmore's aging...the Storybrooke bunch will have to deal with the Wicked Witch of the West. Yes, that Wicked Witch from The Wizard of Oz.

Once Upon a Time hinted upon a connection to the world of Oz waaaaay back in the first season's Mad Hatter episode, "Hat Trick." The green curtain with the patent initials of Oz was seen in the lobby of portals. No details have been given about the character but we'll bet that she'll give Regina, the Evil Queen, a run for her money.

The ABC drama returns March 9, and interestingly the March 16 episode is aptly titled "Witch Hunt."

WINTER 2014: 'REVENGE' CASTS GAIL O'GRADY AS CONRAD'S FIRST WIFE

ABC's Revenge is about to become a little bit more dramatic...devious, dirty, soapy...in the next couple of episodes with the impending arrival of Blake Carrington's Conrad Grayson's first wife.

Gail O'Grady, who had notable roles on NYPD Blue and American Dreams, has been cast as the first ex-Mrs. Grayson. Details are mum about the character, including her name, but she'll come rolling into the Hamptons by the show's 13th episode, which is scheduled for January 19, 2014. The character's unexpected arrival will take Conrad and Victoria, the current Mrs. Grayson, by surprise and Revenge's showrunner teases that the ex-Mrs. Grayson will bring many secrets and bombshells.

WINTER 2014: ORIGINAL CAST MEMBER DANN FLOREK EXITING 'LAW & ORDER: SVU'

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is about to lose another veteran this season.

Dann Florek, who has portrayed Captain Donald Cragen since the show's inception 15 years ago, as well as six seasons on the flagship Law & Order show, announced he is leaving the procedural drama. The revelation occurred Monday via Twitter with Florek confirming the taping of his last scenes last Friday. No details were given regarding Capt. Cragen's final episode but it is scheduled to air in January on NBC.

Earlier this year, veteran Law & Order actor Richard Belzar became a recurring player after his character, Sgt. John Munch, retired.

FALL 2013: SHOWTIME CANCELS 'CALIFORNICATION'

Showtime is giving David Duchovny's Californication one more season before putting it out to pasture. The show's upcoming seventh season (slated to begin airing in April) will be its last, and will wrap up the storylines of the main characters. 

Californication premiered in 2007 and follows a troubled novelist, Hank Moody (Duchovny), when he moves from New York to California to help clear up his writer's block. Things got a bit complicated when Moody's drinking and womanizing begin to interfere with his relationships and life.

WINTER 2014: ABC TRIMS 'SCANDAL'S CURRENT SEASON TO 18 EPISODES

ABC's Scandal has been full of on-the-edge drama this season and with the fall finale airing later this week, we've got news that the Gladiators team will be taking an early summer vacation in 2014.

Due to Kerry Washington's pregnancy, and the show's decision not to incorporate it into the current storylines, ABC has cut Scandal's episode order this season from 22 to 18. The actress' spring due date would make filming of the final four episodes nearly impossible. Producers considered shooting the final four without Washington but knew that they couldn't have Olivia Pope absent and off the canvas for such a long period of time. Expect a lot of close-up shots, heavy overcoats, and Olivia sitting or standing behind furniture as the episodes progress.

The remaining eight episodes of the season will begin on February 27, 2014.

WINTER 2014: 'GLEE' PREPARES FOR ITS 100TH EPISODE

As Glee prepares to celebrate its 100th episode on March 18, 2014, details are beginning to emerge regarding the milestone extravaganza.

According to co-creator Ryan Murphy, all the Glee originals have been invited to return for the 100th episode bash. Amber Riley (Mercedes), Mark Saling (Puck), Harry Shum, Jr. (Mike), and Heather Morris (Brittany) have all been confirmed to appear. While Amber, Mark, and Harry have made appearances on the show this season, Heather Morris has been absent from the canvas (and glaringly during the Cory Monteith tribute episode) since the departing the show last spring. Additionally, Broadway royalty Kristin Chenoweth will reprise her role of April Rhodes.

Update: Another original member, Dianna Agron (Quinn) will also be returning for the 100th episode. Rumors began swirling that there was bad blood within the cast when Agron was absent from the Cory Monteith tribute episode.

The episode will also feature the ten fan-chosen Glee songs from previous episodes, newly remixed and performed by the current members of New Directions. Voting for the faves has already taken place and closed so you'll just have to wait and see what songs the public requested.

WINTER 2014: 'ONCE UPON A TIME' CASTS RAPUNZEL

"Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair" is probably the most remembered line from the fairy tale. And now, Once Upon a Time is bringing the character to Storybrooke.

The ABC fantasy drama has cast Alexandra Metz as the long-haired maiden locked away in a tower. Metz was recently seen in a short arc on The CW's The Originals as Katie the witch. Rapunzel is scheduled to appear in the 14th episode, which most likely will air in March when the show returns from its winter break.

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY (12/3)!

The TV-on-DVD releases out today are listed below. Be sure to pick up your favorite(s)!

Comedy Pick-of-the-Week

The Simpsons - The Complete 16th Season (DVD/BD/Limited Edition)

All 21 episodes of the 2004-2005 season are presented in this set. It's amazing that FOX has taken so long to release the seasons -- on average it has been one release per year. The sets, however, do have incredible detail and special features that merit the year-long production schedule.

Supernatural Pick-of-the-Week

Teen Wolf - Season 3, Part 1

The surprisingly successfully supernatural MTV drama releases the first half of the most recent season. The stakes become increasingly higher as the battle for Alpha wolf begins. The studio and network hopes viewers will pick up this set before the premiere of the second half in early January 2014.

Retro Pick-of-the-Week

Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman - The Complete Series

Shout! Factory has acquired the rights to this '70s cult classic comedy that parodies soap operas. All 325 episodes focusing on the satirical world of Fernwood, Ohio are presented in this set. The show became infamous for its black humor as it featured mass murderers, flashers, extramarital affairs, and nervous breakdowns. The show is dated but the material it presented broke through the television parameters of that era.

Reality Pick-of-the-Week

Duck Dynasty - Seasons 1-3: Collector's Set (DVD/BD)

Additional Releases:

The Big C - The Final Season: Herafter

Hawaii Five-O (1968) - The Complete Series

Hot in Cleveland - Season 4

WINTER 2014: ALIAS' SPY DADDY HEADING TO 'SLEEPY HOLLOW'

Fans of Alias' spydaddy Victor Garber will get to see him in several shows towards the latter half of the television season.

Garber, who was last seen on the short-lived NBC drama Deception, will arrive in the supernatural burg of Sleepy Hollow playing none other than Ichabod's papa. Details are still hush-hush but Garber is signed on for at least one episode. Ichabod recently shared some fond memories of papa Crane thus setting up for the upcoming appearance.

The actor is also scheduled to appear on CBS' hit drama The Good Wife as a judge. No dates have been given for either appearance.

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY: 'BREAKING BAD' IS NOW COMPLETE, AND 'MST3K' CELEBRATES 25 YEARS

Normally the Tuesday before Thanksgiving has very few noteworthy releases due to the impending Black Friday sales. This week, however, there are several exceptions worth adding to your Must Buy list.

Complete Collection Pick-of-the-Week

Breaking Bad - The Complete Series (DVD/BD)

All 62 episodes from the five seasons are presented in a replica money barrel case. Apart from including the explosive final season of the show, this complete series set has many special features geared towards the true Breaking Bad fan. An all-new two-hour documentary is included in this set, as well as the alternate ending for the final episode. The only con about this set is the price tag of $199.99 but the studio planned the release carefully, just in time for the holiday season.

Retro Pick-of-the-Week

Mystery Science Theater 3000: 25th Anniversary Edition

The cult classic show from the 1990s releases another DVD set through Shout! Factory. This time it celebrates its 25th anniversary with a limited-edition tin case. As with prior releases, this set features four episodes (films) that include Moon Zero Two, The Day the Earth Froze, The Leech Woman, and Gorgo. If ordered through Shout's website (http://www.shoutfactory.com/), you'll also get a bonus double disc that features the transition of hosts, when Joel passed the torch to Mike, and the films Mitchell and The Brain that Wouldn't Die.

FALL 2013: CABLE NETWORKS ENCORE & Me-TV OFFERING MORE CLASSIC TV SHOWS IN DECEMBER

Cable networks are making some changes and bringing more classic television shows to the menu.

Encore is making several changes to some of its channels. Those with the Starz package from their local cable company know that Encore offers over 10 channels, each geared towards a specific audience or genre. Beginning December 2, Encore Drama will cease to exist and will be replaced by Encore Black, which will showcase programming for the African-American community. Apart from movies, Encore Black will air sitcoms What's Happening!!, Diff'rent Strokes, 227, and Amen, among others.

Additionally, Encore Classic will replace Encore Love and be geared to the Baby Boomers with movies and television shows like Murphy Brown, Magnum P.I., and Night Court. The December 2 re-launch will present new logs and graphics as the premium cable package reinvents itself before the new year.

Classic TV channel Me-TV, on the other hand, has obtained the off-network rights to two shows from the world of Sid and Marty Krofft. A staple of Saturday mornings in the early 1970s, both H.R. Pufnstuf and Land of the Lost will begin airing on Me-TV next Friday, November 29. Also, the rare Sid & Marty Krofft & Me special will air on Christmas morning before the shows join the network's Saturday morning line-up.

FALL 2013: USA NETWORK CANCELS 'NECESSARY ROUGHNESS'

USA Network is pulling the plug on its low-rated sports-centered drama Necessary Roughness. The show's third season ended back in August and yesterday it was announced that it wouldn't be returning for a fourth season.  

Necessary Roughness tried to attract new viewers to the show last season by casting John Stamos as Dr. Santino's new boss. Despite the casting coup, change in setting, and new tension for the show's main antagonist, it didn't result in higher ratings.

FALL 2013: AMC'S 'THE KILLING' IS COMING BACK TO LIFE...TO NETFLIX.

The Killing is coming back to life...again.

The mystery drama that was canceled twice by AMC will be returning for a short fourth and final season thanks to the good folks at Netflix. The highly praised third season concluded several months ago with a cliffhanger of sorts. Fans took to the internet to vent over the network's decision to cancel the show a second time without giving Sarah Linden and Stephen Holder a proper ending.

Netflix has picked up the series for a 6-episode final season to wrap up all the loose ends. The streaming service stated that "the rich, serialized storytelling in The Killing thrives on Netflix, and we believe it is only fitting to give Sarah Linden and Stephen Holder a proper send off."

No date has been given for the show's return.

FALL 2013: 'BREAKING BAD' ALTERNATIVE ENDING REVEALS IT WAS ALL A DREAM

Breaking Bad fans are still missing the hit drama that ended last month. Well don't fret fans, an alternative ending has been released and gone viral.

In true Newhart fashion, it turns out that the five-season run of Breaking Bad was all just a dream by Malcolm in the Middle's Hal Wilkerson (We're going to go with Wilkerson, as it was given in the pilot episode, but the running gag of the show was that the family had no last name). Hal wakes up from his dream and tells his wife Lois (Jane Kaczmarek) of being Walt and running a meth lab. Despite being off the air now for seven years, both Cranston and Kaczmarek pick up their Malcolm characters with ease and begin dropping the inside references of the FOX comedy. Wait for the ending and you'll hear the hook of the catchy theme song.

Life is unfair.

WINTER 2014: BROOKE SHIELDS TO LIVEN UP 'THE MICHAEL J. FOX SHOW'

Brooke Shields will soon brighten a dull The Michael J. Fox Show.

The actress is scheduled to appear on the struggling NBC comedy in a multi-episode arc. But don't expect any fireworks or wandering eyes from Fox's character Mike Henry. Shields, who'll portray single mom Deborah, will instead be hitting it off with Mike's 19-year old son Ian. The odd couple will meet during a ballroom dancing class.

Shields' episodes of The Michael J. Fox Show are scheduled to appear in 2014.

WINTER 2014: COURTENEY COX AND MATTHEW PERRY TO REUNITE ON TBS' 'COUGAR TOWN'

2014 is going to be a little more Friend-lier for TBS' Cougar Town.

While the former ABC comedy's fifth season isn't slated to begin until January 7, 2014, casting news has surfaced that Matthew Perry will reunite with his former Friends co-star for one episode. Perry's guest appearance is scheduled for one of the last episodes of the season, and there is no word yet on his character but expect to see him involved with Courteney Cox's alter ego, Jules Cobb. 

This wouldn't be the first time the former Friends couple have worked together since the comedy ended in 2004. Last year Cox was a guest on Perry's short-lived NBC comedy Go On.

FALL 2013: THE CW TO REBOOT '80s "TALES FROM THE DARKSIDE"

Remaking old shows has become the latest trend for networks. Following previous news of Remington Steele, Murder, She Wrote, and Charmed reboots, it was revealed yesterday that The CW is interested in bringing back Tales from the Darkside.

Tales from the Darkside was a syndicated horror anthology series from George A. Romero. The series ran for four seasons during the mid-1980s and frequented the genres of horror, science fiction, and fantasy. Following similar formats seen on The Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits, each episode of Darkside was an individual short-story that typically ended with a plot twist.

(The episode "Halloween Candy" is considered one of the scariest episodes from the series)

The CW is interested in rebooting Tales from the Darkside to boost its current horror/fantasy line-up that has generated viewers and ratings over the years. Joe Hill (Stephen King's son) has been tapped to pen the project.

FALL 2013: 'ALL MY CHILDREN' CANCELED (AGAIN); SOAPNET TO GO DARK BY END OF YEAR

Daytime soap opera All My Children's return from the television grave has been cut short. The online revival series has been officially canceled and confirmed by several veteran actors who made the TV-to-Internet transition. The 41-year old sudser based in fictional Pine Valley, PA aired on ABC before it was canceled in September 2011. The show was picked up by a new production company in 2013 and aired on The Online Network for six months before it went on hiatus. Despite offering the episodes via streaming sites like Hulu and iTunes, the revival failed to generate enough interest and buzz.

The bad news for soap fans continues rolling with today's announcement that cable network SOAPnet will go 100% dark by the end of this year. The network premiered 14 years ago when daytime soap operas were more numerous and relevant. In addition to re-airing same-day episodes of ABC soaps, SOAPnet gained a loyal following by airing classic daytime (Ryan's Hope, Another World) and primetime soaps (Knots Landing, Falcon Crest, The Colbys, Dynasty, Dallas, Hotel, Sisters). Over the years the network phased out classic television in favor for teen-driven dramas.

TV: MARVEL UNIVERSE TO EXPAND ON THE SMALL SCREEN; NETFLIX PLANNING TO STREAM ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING

We're getting word that an amazing collaboration between Netflix and The Walt Disney Company is in the works and will bring several Marvel Comics characters to the streaming service in live-action series formats.

The ball will tentatively get rolling in 2015 with a 13-episode live action series revolving around the Daredevil/Matt Murdock character. The last time Daredevil was seen on screen was back in 2003 when Ben Affleck took on the role of the blind vigilante. Once the Daredevil series concludes, another series, this time focusing on Jessica Jones, will premiere. As part of the multi-year agreement, two more series, focusing on Luke Cage and Iron Fist, will follow suit.

But the fun doesn't end there. Once all four proposed shows stream and conclude on Netflix, they will be followed by a miniseries event that unites the heroes (Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist) into one team. Reports are claiming that the assembled team will be a reimage of The Defenders. Marvel Comics fans may recall that The Defenders was consisted of several individual members harboring their own agendas. While originally conceived as a group of anti-team or non-team outsiders, The Defenders brought heroes together to battle mystic and supernatural threats. Daredevil, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist have been part of The Defenders at one point or another in the comics canon. 

The multi-year deal is noteworthy considering the size and scope of the project. Marvel is determined to increase its domain on the small screen and Netflix is more than capable to stream original programming after its considerable award-winning ventures this past year (House of Cards, Arrested Development, Orange is the New Black).

FALL 2013: DAMON WAYANS JR.'S 'COACH' WILL CONTINUE ON 'NEW GIRL'

New Girl fans don't fear, Coach isn't leaving anytime soon.

Damon Wayans Jr.'s return to the FOX comedy has just been extended. Wayans Jr.'s original four-episode arc started this past Tuesday, but we are now getting word that Coach will be sticking around for the remainder of the season. But don't worry if you're Team Winston, there are no plans for Coach to be a replacement. It just appears that the foursome will expand to a dynamic fivesome, at least for the rest of this season.

Wayans Jr. will continue to be billed as a "Special Guest Star" despite the extension.

FALL 2013: 'SCANDAL' CASTS KHANDI ALEXANDER AS OLIVIA'S DEAD MAMA

Scandal is bringing Olivia Pope's mama to the small screen.

The ABC drama has cast Khandi Alexander in the recurring role of Maya Lewis, Olivia's late mother. The character will appear in flashbacks starting with this Thursday's episode, and if Scandal fans recall last week, things were put in motion regarding mama Maya's ties to Operation Remington.

NEW RELEASE TUESDAY (11/5): 1990s HIGH SCHOOL IS BACK IN FULL FORCE!

It's another New Release Tuesday and this week sees the release of numerous complete TV series sets. Most are re-issues that have been released in individual sets but that doesn't stop us from loving those shows.

Drama Pick-of-the-Week

Mad Men - Season 6  (DVD/BD)

The sixth season of the 1960s-era advertising drama continues its creative stronghold as the ad men adjust to the changing office environment in response to an evolving American culture. Don Draper's life in these 13-episodes continues its normal topsy-turvy routine, as it starts off with a Hawaiian vacation and ends with the impending transition of the firm's key players to Los Angeles.

Sci-Fi Pick-of-the-Week

Under the Dome - The 1st Season (DVD/BD/Limited Edition)

Stephen King's summer hit comes to DVD. The mystery surrounds the appearance of a transparent dome around the small town of Chester's Mill in Maine. The residents find themselves completely disconnected from the outside world thanks to the impenetrable wall. All 13-episodes of the first season are presented in this set.

Kudos to the designer of the Limited Edition packaging. The set is presented as a snow globe of Chester's Mill, with the DVDs stacked on a spindle.

Comedy Pick-of-the-Week

Absolutely Fabulous - Absolutely All of It Set

Sweetie darling, we're back! The chain-smoking, boozy ladies of Absolutely Fabulous return with this new complete series set. So what makes this set different from the Absolutely Everything set released in 2008? A lot of things. First, the new episodes/specials for the 20th Anniversary, as well as commentaries, are included in this release. New interviews and special features have been created for this set, and Seasons (or Series, as the British like to call it) 1-3 have been remastered for a much sharper and crisper appearance. No word if the replaced music has been restored. Word of advice: Wait a little bit and purchase this set. We're sure Edina and Patsy will reunite in several years for a 25th Anniversary, and there will be yet another complete collection set.

Retro Pick-of-the-Week

Flo - The Complete Series

The sassy Southern waitress from Mel's Diner got her own show in 1980. After departing Alice in February 1980, Florence Jean Castleberry travels to Houston, Texas for a new gig. Along the way, she stops in her hometown Fort Worth (or Cowtown as Flo refers to it) for a visit, and winds up settling in and purchasing a roadhouse, which she names Flo's Yellow Rose. The DVD set, exclusively available through the Warner Archive Collection, includes the short 6-episode first season and 23-episode second season. If you don't go and buy this set then you can "Kiss my Grits!"

Complete Collection Picks-of-the-Week

Boy Meets World - The Complete Collection

The entire 7-year run of Boy Meets World was released in individual sets throughout the years, even bundled together. This is the first time they are all presented in one complete package. There is also new bonus content specifically produced for this release, and in anticipation for the 2014 Disney spin-off Girl Meets World.

Beverly Hills 90210 - The Complete Series

A new complete series set featuring television viewers' favorite zip code is released in one neat-o looking package...or is it? The show's ten seasons are split into two yearbook disc holders, featuring double-sided discs. While the packaging is innovative for followers of the West Beverly High gang, cardboard holders have been known to scratch discs during storage and even pick up some residue glue that affects playback. This set just repackages all the episodes that were released in the individual sets. There is no new bonus content and all original music has been edited out - which is pretty much the norm for CBS-released DVD sets.

Saved by the Bell - The Complete Collection

The five-season run of the Saturday morning show featuring the original gang is included in this set. Unfortunately it pretty much is another lovely repackaging of the older sets with some new bonus material. Glaringly absent are the Good Morning, Miss Bliss episodes that were like a prologue of the Saved by the Bell episodes we remember. The Hawaiian Movie is also missing from this set but new cast and crew interviews could make up for that fact.

Seinfeld - The Complete Series

The show about nothing gets a Complete Series set...again. This isn't the first time at the rodeo for Seinfeld's complete series set. The last release was in 2007. Unfortunately for fans, this set repeats all the bonus content from previous releases, and the bonus disc is the same from the '07 release. If you haven't picked up this show yet, you're in luck. It's slightly cheaper than the previous release. 

Weeds - The Complete Collection (BD)

Lionsgate and Showtime are getting things right with this complete collection Blu-ray release. With consumer demand for Blu-ray collections increasing, the studio has placed all eight seasons of the dark comedy about a cannabis-selling widower and mother in one nifty, glowing set. New special features are included in this set, in particular a cast roundtable discussing the final season of the show.