TV

'Housewives' still a hit for ABC

Network distinguishes itself from competitors

Co-anchor inks new multiyear deal with CBS

NBC's 'Lights' fumbles away 19% of audience

Company also taps Diego Suarez, Karyn Smith

Exec will serve as senior VP of business affairs

Network cuts back on Parker Posey sitcom

International centers sprouting in bunches

Complete list of HPA award nominees

Watchdog keeps eye on political correctness

Eastern Europe proves fertile market

Network turns to veterans to revive ratings

Lily Allen's mum is also one of UK's top producers

'Big Brother' manager keeps an eye on TV

ITV's drama executive keeps network in balance

President of Warner Bros. UK is a model exec

Head of programming at Channel 4 offers 'renewal'

Co-star Jones thrives as youngster on sitcom

Actors' careers were on the brink of elimination

Another sweeps period has come and gone. The life and death of television shows, new and old, could be determined by the upcoming Nielsen numbers. Variety chronicles the hits, flops, battles and surprises on the small screen.

At a recent digital cinema event in Hollywood, a speaker joked that it was no accident exhibs had dubbed nonfeature content "Other Digital Stuff." That's O-D-S for short. Pronounced odious. The line was meant as a joke, but many exhibs act like that's what they think.

Hedge funds aren't just for the majors anymore. While the first round of big fund players -- Dune, Virtual, Legendary, Gun Hill -- focused on studio slates and would-be blockbusters, investors have a new target in the entertainment business, with potentially lower risks and higher returns: specialized film.

The Price Is Right

To say the press overreacted to Bob Barker's departure would be something of an understatement, though his absence from "The Price is Right" after 35 years does look a little weird. Still, as with his nighttime stint on "The Power of 10," Drew Carey quickly establishes himself as a fine gameshow host -- an innately likable guy who genuinely appears to enjoy interacting with regular folks and seeing them win stuff. While it's hard to envision Carey matching Barker's longevity, the baton pass provides viewers no reason to stop coming on down.

Brian Lowry

Brian Lowry

Brian Lowry

Brian Lowry

Solace, in the form of big ratings and numerous awards nominations, comes in abundance to the cast and crew of CBS' sitcom "Two and a Half Men," cushioning the blows it has taken from a great many critics for 100 episodes and counting.

There was a time when advertising executives at major content markets like Mipcom were few and far between.
• News
• Marketers spread influence at Mipcom

After 50 years of doing it his way, why shouldn't George Carlin exercise fearlessness?
• George Carlin still furious 50 years on