Is the Hawaii Five-O remake next for Alex O'Loughlin?

Since CBS canceled Alex O'Loughlin's latest show, Three Rivers, there has been much speculation about what his next project will be. Hopes abound that Moonlight will rise again, either on television or movie screens. We knew that CBS did not want to let him go. Today, Michael Ausiello (of Entertainment Weekly) is reporting that the network is trying to interest Alex in a remake of Hawaii Five-O. Please, discuss and share your opinion by leaving comments on Michael's post &/or here.

CBS eyeing Alex O'Loughlin for 'Hawaii Five-O'
by Michael Ausiello

Will the third time be the charm for CBS and Alex O’Loughlin?

Undeterred by the back-to-back failures of Moonlight and Three Rivers, The Eye net is courting O’Loughlin to headline the freshly-greenlit remake of Hawaii Five-O, sources confirm.

“Talks are ongoing,” says the insider. “CBS really wants to do another series with him.”

The original Five-O — which starred Jack Lord as Det. Steve McGarrett — ran on CBS from 1968-1980. The update is being shepherded by Fringe writer-producers Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, as well as CSI: NY e.p. Peter Lenkov.

At press tour last week, CBS president Nina Tassler reiterated her strong desire to stay in business with O’Loughlin. “We love him,” she said, “and want him to stay around a long time.”

What do you think? Should CBS book O’Loughlin for Five-O? Or are you still holding out hope for a Moonlight resurrection? Sound off below!

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/01/17/alex-oloughlin-cbs-hawaii-fiveo

Photograph ~ Actor Alex O'Loughlin ~ photographed by Janet Mayer

Alex O'Loughlin to appear on episode of Criminal Minds

FINALLY! We've all been waiting for an Alex O'Loughlin sighting on television or the big screen. According to Michael Ausiello @ Entertainment Weekly Magazine, Alex will guest star on a soon to air episode of the CBS show, Criminal Minds. I am thrilled to know we will get some Alex time. It is soooooo important for him to stay out there and be seen. Hollywood has a short memory. This will tide us over until Alex's own show hits the air.... hopefully!

The Ausiello Files
Exclusive: 'Moonlight' vamp Alex O'Loughlin returns to CBS

Finally, I have a bone to throw all you inconsolable Moonlight fans.

The dead drama's central blood sucker, Alex O'Loughlin, is returning to CBS in an upcoming episode of Criminal Minds, sources confirm to me exclusively

The change-of-pace hour, which is tentatively scheduled to air in April, will track a case from the POV of a serial killer, played by O'Loughlin.

This is O'Loughlin's first leap back into TV since Moonlight was laid to rest nine months ago. At press tour last month, CBS president Nina Tassler -- who signed the Aussie hunk to a development deal in August -- hinted that we may see him back on the network "soon" in a new project.

What say you, Moonlight fans? Happy to see O'Loughlin sinking his teeth into another meaty TV role -- even if he's not literally doing so? Sound off below!

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2009/02/exclusive-moonl.html

Photograph ~ Alex O'Loughlin appearing at the Paley Center for Media's Moonlight tv show panel in April 2008

Moonlight questions in Ask Ausiello column today

Ask Ausiello, on TV Guide's website, has two mentions of Moonlight today. We had three in Matt Roush's column on Monday, and now this. Great job of keeping our show in the news! Many shows that are canceled are forgotten almost instantly. We are not letting that happen to Moonlight :) Thank you!

In one of his answers, Michael Ausiello asks for votes as PETA's Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrity Poll. Hmmmmm..... how about an exchange? He continues talking about Moonlight and we vote for him?! *grin*

Jenny asks him about the Sci-Fi network picking up our show. The answer, no to new episodes, maybe to rebroadcasting the completed 16 episodes. Just remember that as he has said himself, he gives us "scoop" that is sometimes right & sometimes not. Rumors and behind the scenes chatter that he hears from various sources. For example.... When the Writer's Strike was wrapping up, Ausiello (& other tv reporters) were saying no new Moonlight episodes til this Fall. BUT... we ended up getting 4 new episodes in May.

We agree on this ~ KEEP FIGHTING!

Ask Ausiello

Question : I voted for you on the PETA's Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrity poll (like I do every year). Does that earn me some scoop on Moonlight? I heard that the CW might do something with it. What are the odds it will actually happen? — Marie

Ausiello : Thanks Marie for reminding everyone that my annual campaign to win PETA's SV honors has begun anew! As you'll recall, Kevin Eubanks edged me out at the 11th hour last year due to Jay Leno's shameless Tonight Show stumping. Help me avoid a repeat of that embarrassing fiasco by circulating this link to your friends/family and their friends and family with the following instructions: Vote for Ausiello! I don't think my enormous ego faint heart can withstand another crushing defeat. Now, what was your question Marie? Moonlight on the CW? Ain't happening. Sorry. But please, don't let that affect your vote! Would an endorsement from Alex O'Loughlin help? 'Cause I can probably make that happen.

Question : Mike, you've missed some serious Moonlight grieving, especially from me. Please tell me there is some truth to the rumors that the Sci Fi channel may be interested in picking up Moonlight. — Jenny

Ausiello : It's half true. Sci Fi passed on picking up new episodes, but there's still a chance it could air existing episodes. Short story shorter: Keep fighting!

http://www.tvguide.com/Ask-Ausiello

ask_ausiello@tvguide.com

Ask Ausiello answers question about Moonlight's renewal

A reader asks TV Guide's Michael Ausiello for his opinion about Moonlight's chances of being renewed for next season.

Question :

Anything new with Moonlight? Do you know if there is going to be a second season yet? — Hailey

Ausiello :

The show held its own in the ratings last Friday, so I'd say its chances are improving.

ask_ausiello@tvguide.com

Photo ~ Alex O'Loughlin as Mick St John in Moonlight's Fated to Pretend episode (#1x13). The final moments of the show.... Mick silhouetted by the moon.

Ausiello gives his opinion on Moonlight's chances of returning for another season

TV Guide's Michael Ausiello has created a list of bubble shows, along with their odds of being renewed for another season. He gives Moonlight a high rating on his survival scale. YEA! Of course, I wish it had been a 10... but an 8 is pretty good.

What does he consider the good news for our show? The FANS! Michael also mentions the fantastic Moonlight Blood Drive :) Have you made your appointment yet?

Bubble Show Update: Will Your Faves Be Back?

It's pins-and-needles time in the TV biz. Over the next couple of weeks, the suits at the Big 5 will be deciding which bubble shows will be back next season and which ones will be fast-tracked to the MIA network. To help ease your anxiety — well, except in the cases where the bubble's about to burst — I've compiled a list of those shows currently hanging in the balance followed by my own assessment of their chances and, mixing buzz and intel, an Odds of Survival rating of 0-10 (0 being dead and 10 being a shoo-in for resurrection).

Moonlight

The bad news: Another backstage shake-up has left the series without a show-runner.

The good news: Fans are batty over this vampire drama and have even gone so far as to organize a blood drive with the Red Cross to draw attention to it.

Odds of Survival: 8

http://tinyurl.com/5q85g4

Moonlight casting news ~ Eric Winter will play ADA Talbot

TV Guide's Michael Ausiello is reporting that Eric Winter will join Moonlight's cast. He will play ADA Talbot. It is great to hear of more progress toward our new episodes :) Hmmmmm.... in a previous post, I mentioned Talbot bringing some tension to the show. It looks like that is definitely gonna happen if he tries to become a rival for Beth's attention!

Doesn't look like that Kevin-Jason reunion is happening anytime soon on Brothers & Sisters. CBS' Moonlight has tapped the so-pretty-it-should-be-illegal Eric Winter for a major recurring role, sources confirm to me exclusively.

Winter, who's onboard for a minimum of three episodes beginning with the show's post-strike premiere on April 25, will play ADA Benjamin Talbot, a handsome, self-assured gent who plays by his own rules. I'm hearing Ben sets his sights on Beth (Sophia Myles), which, as you can imagine, makes Mick a very angry vampire.

This is definitely good news for Moonlight. Not so much for Brothers & Sisters. You with me?

http://community.tvguide.com/blog/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Ausiello-Report/700000049

Ausiello confirms Moonlight is NOT the "bubble show about to burst"

I have received messages from a lot of you who were concerned about Michael Ausiello's recent blind item. He hinted that a "bubble" show will soon be told it is cancelled. Many fans were worried he was talking about Moonlight. I assured you that our show is NOT the program in question. Now, Michael has confirmed that in his Ask Ausiello column on TV Guide's website this morning.

First.... here is his post that caused all the distress ~

If this blind item gives you a nagging sense of déjà vu, there's good reason: It's nearly identical to one I posted last year at this time concerning a beloved comedy that was on the verge of getting the ax because it lacked a key supporter at the network that aired it.

Cut to March 2008 and a similar situation is playing out with another wildly popular series, only this time the dispassionate network bigwig has a different name and the bubble show in question is a one-hour drama. According to my spies, said suit's beef with the series (which may or may not be on the same network as that other series) is twofold: He/she thinks it's creatively overrated and, more importantly, it's underperforming in the ratings (particularly given its budget).

And as bad luck would have it, this is the very person the program's top exec had to sit down with last week to pitch next season's potential hot plots to! One can only imagine the number of (Crickets) present at that meeting.

The good news? Not everyone at the network is hating on the endangered series. Plus, the plug hasn't been pulled yet!

Now, the response ~

Question :

For my sanity's sake, please tell me the "Bubble Show About to Burst" is not Moonlight. — Nicole

Ausiello :

Oh, that reminds me. I promised you guys a major clue, didn't I? Hmmm… let's see…. I can confirm that the bubble show at the center of my latest blind item is not Moonlight. Or any other show on CBS, for that matter.

ask_ausiello@tvguide.com

Ausiello's Poll ~ Which bubble show deserves another season the most?

Remember to vote for Moonlight in the "Which 'bubble' show deserves another season the most?" poll that Michael Ausiello has running on TV Guide's website. I have received many emails from people who are concerned about the percentages, how the poll works, etc. Apparently, Michael has been fielding questions about the same thing. Here is the response he posted in his Ask Ausiello column this morning.....

Question: Why isn't Friday Night Lights included in your bubble-show poll? I'm seriously panicking, should I be panicking? — Brandy

Ausiello: Ugh. This damn bubble poll is turning out to be more trouble than it's worth. I just revamped it for the umpteenth time to add FNL (an oversight) and Journeyman (don't ask), and remove Supernatural (already renewed). But if I hear one more complaint, the whole thing's coming down.

http://www.tvguide.com/News-Views/Columnists/Ausiello.aspx

Chip Johannessen out as showrunner for Moonlight

Another behind the scenes change at Moonlight. Just a few minutes ago, TV Guide's Michael Ausiello reported that Chip Johannessen is no longer part of our crew. In addition to being an executive producer of the series, Chip also wrote two incredible episodes of Moonlight ~ Arrested Development (#1x05), which is consistently listed as a fan favorite, and The Mortal Cure (#1x12).

Ausiello Report ~ Exclusive: Moonlight Leader Slayed!

More backstage drama at Moonlight — and the timing couldn't be worse. I'm told that Chip Johannessen has been let go as show-runner just as the freshman drama is fighting for a second season. The search is on for a replacement.

This is the second major regime change for the cult fave; over the summer Johannessen replaced David Greenwalt, who vacated his post for health reasons.

The behind-the-scenes upheaval may explain why Moonlight was conspicuously absent from CBS' litany of renewals last week. It's unclear what impact this will have on the four post-strike episodes that the network just commissioned, which are slated to begin airing on April 11. But rest assured, when I know you'll know.

http://tinyurl.com/yv72jv

TV Guide updates the status for possible production of Moonlight

Hi all.... Previously, I posted a list from TV Guide's Michael Ausiello of the rumors about if/when tv shows would go back into production after the writer's stike ended. At the time, he had written this about our show ~

Moonlight :
No new episodes expected until fall.

Now, the chart has been updated to say the following ~

Moonlight :
Could produce a handful of new episodes to air in April/May.

YEA! That is in line with the info I posted from Variety. Moonlight fans are doing a smashing job of contacting CBS to encourage bringing our show back now. Keep up the good work! :)

Ausiello ~ No new Moonlight episodes until Fall

TV Guide's, Michael Ausiello, has addressed the question of which tv shows will go back into production when the writer's strike ends. Unfortunately, he says no new Moonlight episodes until the Fall season. I am conflicted by the news.... Yea! for Moonlight returning for the Fall season.... BOO! I want more now! Of course, this information is not set in stone. Have you contacted CBS lately??

At long last, a strike chart you can get excited about!

With an end to the three-month-old WGA strike imminent (yay!), the networks have quietly begun outlining plans to salvage what's left of the current TV season. At the same time, I've been quietly picking at my moles to get a preview of those plans — the results of which appear in chart form below.

Keep in mind that the following information remains extremely tentative and is subject to change (and probably will). In other words, I strongly suggest you refresh your browser at least once an hour to ensure that you're getting the most up-to-date scoop possible.

24
Expected to return this fall or January '09.

30 Rock
Expected to shoot 5 to 10 new episodes to air in April/May.

Back to You
Two pre-strike episodes remain. Future TBD*.

Bionic Woman
No new episodes expected. Ever.

Big Love
Expected to go into production on Season 3 in March. Airdate info is TBD.

Bones
Four pre-strike episodes left. Unclear whether additional episodes will be produced for this season.

Brothers & Sisters
Expected to shoot 4 or 5 new episodes to air in April/May.

Chuck
No new episodes until fall.

Criminal Minds
Expected to shoot 4 to 7 new episodes to air in April/May.

CSI
Expected to shoot 4 to 7 new episodes to air in April/May.

CSI: Miami
Expected to shoot 4 to 7 new episodes to air in April/May.

CSI: NY
Expected to shoot 4 to 7 new episodes to air in April/May.

Desperate Housewives
Expected to shoot 4 or 5 new episodes to air in April/May.

Dirty Sexy Money
No new episodes planned until fall; three remaining pre-strike episodes will undergo some tweaking and kick off fall run.

ER TBD.

Everybody Hates Chris
Twelve pre-strike episodes remain. No additional episodes expected for this season.

Friday Night Lights
No new episodes expected for this season. Future TBD.

Gossip Girl
Expected to shoot up to 9 new episodes to air in April/May/June.

Grey's Anatomy
Expected to shoot 4 or 5 new episodes to air in April/May

Heroes TBD.

House
Expected to shoot 4 to 6 new episodes to air in April/May.

How I Met Your Mother
Expected to shoot 5 to 7 new episodes to air in April/May.

Jericho
Seven episodes remain. No additional episodes expected for this season.

Las Vegas
Three pre-strike episodes remain. No additional episodes expected for this season.

Law & Order: SVU TBD.

Life
No new episodes expected until fall.

Life Is Wild
No new episodes expected. Ever.

Lost
Six pre-strike episodes remain. Six additional episodes could air this season.

Medium
Six pre-strike episodes remain. No additional episodes expected this season.

Men in Trees
Eleven pre-strike episodes remain. No additional episodes expected this season.

Moonlight
No new episodes expected until fall.

My Name Is Earl
Expected to shoot 8 to 10 new episodes to air in April/May.

NCIS
Expected to shoot 5 to 7 new episodes, only three of which may air this season.

The New Adventures of Old Christine
Seven pre-strike episodes remain. No additional episodes expected this season.

Numbers
Expected to shoot 5 to 7 new episodes, only three of which may air this season.

October Road
Five pre-strike episodes remain. Future beyond that TBD.

The Office
Expected to shoot 5 to 10 new episodes to air in April/May.

One Tree Hill
Six pre-strike episodes remain. Future beyond that TBD.

Prison Break
Two pre-strike episodes remain. Future beyond that TBD.

Private Practice
Expected to shoot 4 or 5 new episodes to air in April/May.

Pushing Daisies
No new episodes until fall.

Reaper
Three pre-strike episodes remain. Future beyond that TBD.

Samantha Who?
Three remaining pre-strike episodes could possibly surface this season, or be held until fall (see Dirty Sexy Money).

Scrubs
Four pre-strike episodes remain. Four additional episodes will likely be shot; unclear whether they'll air on NBC or go straight to DVD.

Smallville
Four pre-strike episodes remain. Expected to shoot 3 to 5 additional episodes to air in April/May.

Supernatural
Two pre-strike episodes remain. Expected to shoot 3 to 5 additional episodes to air in April/May.

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
Five pre-strike episodes remain. Future beyond that TBD.

Two and a Half Men
Expected to shoot 5 to 7 new episodes to air in April/May.

Ugly Betty
Expected to shoot 4 or 5 new episodes to air in April/May.

Women's Murder Club
No additional episodes expected for this season. Future TBD, although one Club member admits, "We're terrified that it's over for us."* TBD = To be determined

http://tinyurl.com/ytldet

TV Guide's Michael Ausiello answers a question about Moonlight's return

I'm proud to see that Moonlight fans are still pestering critics, reviewers and CBS about the future of our show :) Connie has asked TV Guide's Michael Ausiello for his opinion on a very important subject. He included it in his Ask Ausiello column today.

Question :

Just want to know what the buzz is concerning the return of Moonlight on CBS — there are all sorts of rumors that CBS won't be airing any more original episodes until this fall. — Connie

Ausiello :

That's assuming it comes back in the fall. And that's a big assumption at this point. I spoke to a Moonlight insider late last week and he/she told me that before the strike, CBS informed producers that they had every intention of picking up the show's "back nine." But since the strike started, they haven't heard a peep about whether they'll be going back into production. My guess? Moonlight will be renewed for a 13-episode second season.

ask_ausiello@tvguide.com

TV Guide's Michael Ausiello comments on the Writer's Strike

Michael Ausiello, from TV Guide, received questions from viewers anxious for a Writer's Strike update... including a subject near and dear to Moonlight fan's hearts ~ if the strike ends soon, will tv shows begin airing new episodes or wait until the Fall season? He gave his comments and possible scoop in his Ask Ausiello column.

Question :

I hear that the strike is over! Is it true?— Danouk

Ausiello :

Nothing's official, but the buzz is that a tentative agreement has been reached, with an announcement coming as early as tomorrow. But it's hard to tell what's solid intel and what's just spin. To wit: In the past 24 hours, one source close to the negotiations insisted that talk of a resolution was way premature. "There's no deal," maintained my spy. "That's just misinformation put out by the AMPTP to pressure the WGA." But moments before I put this column to bed, I heard from another very plugged-in source that the deal is done. Short story shorter: There's cause for optimism, but not celebration. Yet.

Question :

If the strike ends in the next week or so, can the current TV season be salvaged? — Donald

Ausiello :

Depends on the network and the show. A source at one of the Big 4 tells me that should the strike end by mid-February, one best-case scenario being bandied about has established series going back into production and working through June, making more episodes for this season and some for next. Then they'll take a summer break before starting regular production on next season. The reason for this is twofold: They don't want to bail out on this season, but they also don't want to go to the expense of putting shows back into production for just two or three episodes. One industry observer describes this as "a smart plan," while acknowledging that there's another variable in all this: the actors. "The trouble is, a lot of actors schedule hiatus movies, or just elaborate vacations. And if they ask them to work through certain dates, that could trigger some contract issues." Now, continue reading for the worst-case scenario….

Question :

G'day, fellow Snapple lover! Pushing Daisies is my absolute favorite new show. Any scoop/news? — The Doctor

Ausiello :

I posed Donald's strike-aftermath Q to Daisies creator Bryan Fuller, and here's his sobering response. " Even if the strike ends in the next week or two, it looks like they will scuttle the rest of the season. This is for many reasons. One is that it will be hard to launch a big promotional campaign for four or five episodes; it's just not cost-effective. Two is that if we did come back we would land right in the path of the American Idol juggernaut, and would likely be decimated. Three is if we came back in the fall with a full slate of episodes, then ABC could relaunch the show in a big way. The tentative plan now is to start the writers immediately [after the strike is resolved] so we can get some scripts stockpiled, and then hit production in June. But that's all tentative. We've talked about so many options since the strike began and they fluctuate on a weekly basis. But right now a short first season seems the most likely."

ask_ausiello@tvguide.com

TV Guide's Michael Ausiello gives spoilers for The Mortal Cure (episode #1x12)

TV Guide's, Michael Ausiello, received and answered the following question regarding Moonlight's next episode (and season finale), The Mortal Cure (#1x12). Here is his scoop.....

SPOILER ALERT!



Dana Lou :
Mikey-pooh, help me! I am completely and hopelessly addicted to Moonlight and the mega-hot Alex O'Loughlin. What is the scoop on Friday's "finale"?

Ask Ausiello :
It's possible that Mick will get his first real "taste" of humanity in over 60 years. Also… Beth learns a deathbed secret Josh had been keeping from her — and, how shall I put this, it's a doozy!

ask_ausiello@tvguide.com

The Mortal Cure (episode #1x12) airs Friday, January 18th, 2008 at 8:00 PM CST on CBS.

TV Guide's Michael Ausiello answers reader's question about Moonlight being renewed

I'm a big fan of TV Guide, especially since they seem to adore Alex O'Loughlin too. :) Michael Ausiello is Mr Scoop. If you've read his work, you know that he has lots of connections and always has behind the scenes info. He also is easily distracted by Smurfs and Snapple, but that is beside the point. ha!

In his Ask Ausiello column today, Michael gives his opinion on the possibility of Moonight being renewed by CBS. I think you are gonna like his answer! *wink*

Question from MLA :
What's the scoop on Moonlight? Is CBS going to renew it or what?

Ausiello :
There's still nothing official, but all signs point to an imminent full-season order — or what qualifies as a full season these days. According to my spies inside CBS, the higher-ups at the Eye — entertainment president Nina Tassler in particular — believe the show has tremendous growth potential and that they have a genuine star in leading man Alex O'Loughlin. (Hmmm, ya think?) It also helps that the show is relatively cheap to produce and it's been consistently beating Women's Murder Club in young demos.

Very positive! *CHEER* I like his snarky "ya think?" remark about Alex being a star. Who in this world can not see that by now?!?! Oooooo.... Michael had this photo of himself on his website & I had to have it. :>