On June 23, Fox announced the fall 2011 schedule for its series and season premieres.

The highly anticipated show from Simon Cowell, “The X Factor” will have a two part premiere on September 21 and 22.

New Directions will return on “Glee” airing on September 20 followed by the new series “New Girl” starring Zooey Deschanel known for her lead role in “500 Days of Summer.”

The sci-fi show “Terra Nova,” which Fox decided to launch without a pilot episode, begins with a two-hour premiere on September 26.

“House” and “Bones” will get late starts premiering on October 3 and November 3 respectively and those awaiting “I Hate My Teenage Daughter” will have to hold on the longest with the series premiering late in November on the 23^rd.

Sept. 10
8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT  “COPS” (Season Premiere)
8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT  “COPS” (Encore Episode)

Sept. 18
8:00-11:00 PM ET/ 5:00-8 PM PT  “63RD PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS” (Live Telecast)

Sept. 20
8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT  “GLEE” (Season Premiere)
9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT  “NEW GIRL” (Series Premiere)
9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT  “RAISING HOPE” (Season Premiere)

Sept. 21
8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT “THE X FACTOR” (Series Premiere, Part 1)
Sept. 22
8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT  “THE X FACTOR” (Series Premiere, Part 2)

Sept. 23
8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT  “KITCHEN NIGHTMARES” (Season Premiere)
9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT  “FRINGE” (Season Premiere)

Sept. 25
8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT “THE SIMPSONS” (Season Premiere)
8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT  “THE CLEVELAND SHOW” (Season Premiere)
9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT  “FAMILY GUY” (Season Premiere)
9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT  “AMERICAN DAD” (Season Premiere)

Sept. 26
8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT “TERRA NOVA” (Series Premiere)

Oct. 3
8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT “TERRA NOVA” (All-New Episode) (Time Period Premiere)
9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT  “HOUSE” (Season Premiere)

Oct. 29
8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT “AMERICA’S MOST WANTED” (Quarterly Specials Premiere)

Oct. 30
7:30-8:00 PM ET/PT  “THE CLEVELAND SHOW” (Time Period Premiere)
8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT  “THE SIMPSONS” (All-New Episode)
8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT  “ALLEN GREGORY” (Series Premiere)
9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT  “FAMILY GUY” (All-New Episode)
9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT  “AMERICAN DAD” (All-New Episode)

Nov. 3
8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT  “THE X FACTOR” (All-New Episode)
9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT  “BONES” (Season Premiere)

Nov. 23
8:00-9:30 PM ET/PT “THE X FACTOR” (All-New Episode)
9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT “I HATE MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER” (Series Premiere)

Source: Los Angeles Times

The CW has extended renewals to “One Tree Hill” and “Nikita.” It will be the 9th season for “One Tree Hill,” presumably its last. “Nikita” will start its second season.

“One Tree Hill” has been consistent with the network’s other offerings, even if its not a strong show. Still, its total viewership hovers above the network average. However, much of the main cast’s contracts ended with the current season, and its continuation was largely a factor of their return.

“Nikita’s” renewal was less 0f a shoe-in, as its been borderline in the 12-34 girls demo the network targets.

Bigger than any May finale cliffhanger or bombshell is the one that just popped in our laps about the eighth (and final) season of “House:” Cuddy will not be a part of it.

“After much consideration, I am moving onward with a combination of disappointment at leaving behind a character I have loved playing for seven years and excitement of the new opportunities in acting and producing that lie ahead,” Edelstein said in a statement.

As Edelstein didn’t have a contract for the eighth season and was currently negotiating a new deal, it’s possible she rejected a lowball deal as the show is currently amidst a budget-cutting process.

For several years “House” had been one of the most-watched shows on television, and remains so, but dropped more than 30 percent in the ratings in its seventh season. Some fans have attributed that to lackluster storylines (this fan who checked out this season included), but those same fans will probably be howling at Cuddy’s unceremonious departure.

Given it was expected that Edelstein would return, there will likely not be any closure in her romance with “House” in next weeks season finale.

After long and at times contentious negotiations, Fox has renewed “House” for an eighth, and presumably final season.

Many of the cast deals were up after the current season, forcing the negotiations between the cast to become embroiled over talk of its renewal.

Matters were not helped by the show’s ratings slide; it has dropped more than 30% this year in viewership, one of the largest declines on network television. Monday night, it drew less than a 3.0 in the demo.

Still, its one of the most watched shows on Fox not named “American Idol” so its renewal was of little doubt.

There was the potential however that it could have aired on another network. Fox nearly let its window of exclusivity of the show expire, at which point its production company, NBC Universal, could have begun shopping it to other networks.

While the show has been renewed, its cast has not been completely resigned. Hugh Laurie, Robert Sean Leonard, Olivia Wilde and Omar Epps all have deals in place for the eighth season of the show, while Lisa Edelstein and Jesse Spencer have yet to sign contracts.

Given the shows longevity and declining ratings, its eighth season is expected to be its last.

Network television continues to limp towards its season finale, as a slew of once popular shows in their later seasons hit or tied series lows.

“Chuck” drew a 1.3 in the demo and just over 4 million viewers. It’s renewal prospects are up in the air given the new management at NBC, and the shocking fact that most of their shows are non-competitive. The fate of “The Event” (1.1 demo, 3.7 million) is more certain, as is “Law and Order: LA” (1.2 demo, 5 million viewers), as in certain to be canceled in the coming weeks.

CBS has seen its fortunes dwindle on Monday also since the departure of Charlie Sheen, making you wonder if they’ll demand his return. A “Two and a Half Men” repeat scored a 1.7 in the demo, and 6.3 million viewers overall. New eps weren’t good either for the eye net, “How I Met Your Mother” hit a low with a 2.5 in the demo and 6.3 million viewers, while “Mad Love” was dismal with a 1.8 in the demo and just over 5 million viewers. Once mighty freshman hit “Mike and Molly” suffered (2.2 demo, 7.5 million viewer) and the network that paid more than $2 million for the right to syndicate “Hawaii 5-0″ might want its money back (2.2 demo, 9 million viewers).

ABC rode “Dancing with the Stars” to a nightly victory. “Stars” averaged a 4.1 in the demo over two hours, and gave a bump to “Castle,” which led the 10 pm hour with a 3.1 and 12.6 million viewers.

Over at Fox, just-renewed-”House” hit lows as well, drawing a 2.9 in the demo, and 7.7 million viewers. It

The TV Renewal/Cancellation Scorecard has been updated to reflect these ratings.

“Dancing with the Stars” remained big Monday night, drawing a 5.2 in the 18-49 demo and 23 million viewers, leading all other shows for the week not named “American Idol.” “Castle” once again benefitted from the lead-in, drawing a season high 3.2 in the demo and more than 12.5 million viewers.

NBC aired a special in place of the recently-fading “Chuck,” while new episodes of “The Event” (1.2 demo) and “Harry’s Law” (1.6 demo) failed to make a dent.

Even in repeats, “Two and a Half Men” was the third most-watched program, further proving he’ll likely return. As the only original on CBS, “Mad Love” continued to underperform, with a 2.1 in the demo.

*

8 pm

Dancing with the Stats (8-10): 5.2 demo, 22.7 million viewers

*How I Met Your Mother: 1.9 demo, 5.6 million viewers

*House: 1.6 demo, 4.7 million viewers

All Together Now: 1.0, 4.3 million viewers

*90210: 0.3 demo, 0.8 million viewers

8:30 pm

Mad Love: 2.1 demo, 5.6 million viewers

9 pm

*Two and a Half Men: 2.3 demo, 7.6 million viewers

The Event: 1.2 demo, 4.3 million viewers

*The Chicago Code: 1.2 demo, 4 million viewers

*Gossip Girl: 0.2 demo, 0.5 million viewers

9:30 pm

*Mike and Molly: 1.9 demo, 7 million viewers

10 pm

Castle: 3.2 demo, 12.5 million viewers

Harry’s Law: 1.6 demo, 8 million viewers

*Hawaii Five-0: 1.5 demo, 5.7 million viewers

“Chuck” returned after a holiday break Monday to register a 2.1 demo rating and 5.8 million viewers, its highest demo point of the season. “The Cape” dropped precipitously from its last new episode, from a 2.6 demo to a 1.7 range. It’s not likely to see a second season with those numbers. “Harry’s Law” debuted to a 2.2 rating. That’s good for NBC, but does not bode well for a first episode.

“House” delivered a 3.6 demo rating, maintaining its relatively poor-performance this season (by its own standards). “Lie to Me” had a 1.8 demo rating. That’s better than last week’s rock bottom, but still not enough to earn a fourth season. The show has two episodes until its season, and more-than-likely series finale.

CBS won with its typical slate delivering strong points. The eye was the only network to average more than a 3.0 demo–it averaged a 3.5 last night.

8 pm

How I Met Your Mother: 3.9 demo, 10.5 million viewers

House: 3.6 demo, 10.5 million viewers

The Bachelor (8-10): 2.7 demo, 8.7 million viewers

Chuck: 2.1 demo, 5.8 million viewers

8:30 pm

Rules of Engagement: 3.2 demo, 9.9 million viewers

9 pm

Two and a Half Men: 4.6 demo, 15.5 million viewers

Lie to Me: 1.8 demo, 5.9 million viewers

The Cape: 1.7 demo, 6.1 million viewers

9:30 pm

Mike and Molly: 3.8 demo, 13 million viewers

10 pm

Hawaii 5-0: 2.9 demo, 10.5 million viewers

Harry’s Law: 2.1 demo, 11 million viewers

Castle (Repeat): 1.5 demo, 5.7 million viewers

As the editor of this publication, I get to sit back and let everyone else write the opinions and reviews and news. Good ole’ Jason Woods gets to take heat for suggesting that “Supernatural” has casting problems. (It does, by the way.)

But since I’m the editor, I can also butt in whenever I want and say something.

My new show is “Off the Map.”

I love it. One episode in, and I’m hooked.

Mr. Woods called it the “Grey’s Anatomy” of South America, but I don’t agree with that. “Off the Map” is the “ER” of South America. Rather, it’s “ER” meets “House” with the influence of “MacGyver” set in a jungle.

“Grey’s,” if you’ll pardon the term, is a chick show. My mom watches it. All my female friends watch it. I don’t. I don’t know a guy who does.

Everyone watched “ER.”

“Off the Map” opens with action — people dying, someone’s trapped on a zipline hundreds of feet above the air, a family is dying of tuberculous, but the father is too proud to accept help. In walk three young American doctors, brash, looking to surf and drink, and all of a sudden they have their smug smiles slapped off their faces.

And then halfway through the episode, a freakin doctor gives a guy a transfusion from a green coconut to save his life.

That’s good television. That’s the kind of television that should have been on the air in the fall — it was not.

You know what else I like about the show? I have no idea who any of the actors are.

Know who Caroline Dhavernas is? She’s one of the stars. She played Sarah Mann in “Passchendaele.” Zach Gilford, who plays another young doctor, was in “Friday Night Lights” for a bit. And the dashing hunk head doctor is played by Martin Henderson. Do you recognize any of his credits?

Who was Noah Wyle before “ER”? What did the show do for the career of Julianna Margulies? Here’s one: George Clooney.

“Off the Map” has potential, and despite its unfortunate start competing with the Tucson tragedy, it can be the new “ER” filling a hole where about a dozen shows have tried and failed.

A week after a full season pickup, The Event shrank from a 2.2 to a 2.0 demo rating, with less than 6 million viewers tuning in. Chase fell even lower, to a 1.3 demo rating. More people tuned in to Univision than NBC Monday.

ABC was the night’s most watched net in the demo and total viewers. Dancing With the Stars attracted a 4.2 demo and 20 million viewers from 8-10 p.m.. Castle was the most watched show at 10, with 11.3 million viewers and a 2.9 demo.

CBS lost ground, as Hawaii 5-0 continued to drop, falling to a 2.8 demo and 10.2 million viewers; it’s getting low for CBS, while Mike and Molly is seeming like the net’s hit this season.

8 pm

Dancing with the Stars (8-10 pm): 4.2 demo, 20 million viewers

How I Met Your Mother: 3.2 demo, 8.3 million viewers

Chuck: 1.9 demo, 5.5 million viewers

House (Repeat): 1.4 demo, 4 million viewers

8:30 pm

Rules of Engagement: 3.0 demo, 8.2 million viewers

9 pm

Two and a Half Men: 4.3 demo, 13.7 million viewers

The Event: 2.0 demo, 5.97 million viewers

Lie to Me: 1.6 demo, 4.3 million viewers

9:30 pm

Mike and Molly: 3.7 demo, 10.8 million viewers

10 pm

Castle: 2.9 demo, 11.3 million viewers

Hawaii 5-0: 2.8 demo, 10.2 million viewers

Chase: 1.3 demo, 4.9 million viewers

The same day NBC’s new mystery series “The Event” was picked up for a full season, it held steady from the week before, with 6.4 million viewers and a 2.2 demo rating. That ends the heavy decline it’s suffered week-to-week this season. “Chuck” and “Chase” also held from last week, with “Chuck” drawing a 1.9 rating and 5.3 million viewers, with “Chase” averaging a 1.6 with 5.2 million viewers. NBC was in fourth place for the night.

“ABC” was in first, with “Dancing with the Stars” averaging 19.8 million viewers and a 4.0 rating from 8-10, and “Castle” in a close second at 10, with a 2.7 rating and 11.6 million viewers.

CBS was second for the night, with “Two and a Half Men” leading the night with 13.4 million viewers and a 4.3 demo rating. At 8, “How I Met Your Mother” was down with a 3.2 rating and 8 million viewers. “Rules of Engagement” was low with a 2.9 rating and 7.8 million viewers. At 9:30, “Mike and Molly” held up, with a 3.4 rating and 11 million viewers, but “Hawaii 5-0″ dropped under a 3 with a 2.9 rating and 10.6 million viewers.

“House” was strong for Fox with a 3.5 rating and 9.5 million viewers, but “Lie to Me” was low, with a 2.0 rating and 5.7 million viewers.

ABC won Monday night with the 1-2 punch of “Dancing with the Stars” and “Castle.” From 8-10, “Dancing” averaged 19.7 million viewers and a 4.2 rating, to lead the night. “Castle” logged good numbers at 10, with a 3.1 rating and 12 million viewers.

NBC was in fourth for the night, and its Monday night slate keeps getting worse; cancellation looms for “Lost” wannabe “The Event,” which drew only 6.5 million viewers and a 2.2 rating, and “Chase,” which fell to a 1.5 rating and 5 million viewers. “Chuck ” is also on its last legs, with a 1.9 rating and 5.3 million viewers and 8.

CBS had a good night for second place. At 8, “How I Met Your Mother” averaged 8.5 million viewers and a 3.4 rating, while “Rules of Engagement” drew 8 million viewers and a 3.0 rating at 8:30. “Two and A Half Men” was still Monday’s top scripted show, with 13.2 million viewers and a 4.3 rating. “Mike and Molly” stayed strong with a 3.5 rating and 10.7 million viewers. “Hawaii 5-0″ fell a little bit, drawing 10.5 million viewers and a 3.1 rating, to tie for first at 10.

“House” was typically strong for Fox, with a 3.6 rating and 9.5 million viewers, but the network was again brought down by “Lie to Me,” which fell to just under a 2.0 rating and 5.5 million viewers–a sure sign the show is in trouble.

Start the cancellation watch for “The Event.” The show dropped another 20% in the 18-49 demo, dropping to a 2.4 rating, and 7.4 million viewers. Sorry fans, this isn’t the next “Lost,” and don’t expect it to stick around very long. The rest of NBC’s Monday slate was pretty weak as well, with “Chuck” in fourth at 8, pulling a 1.9 rating and 5.8 million viewers. “Chase” looks likely to go first though, dropping to a 1.7 rating and 5.8 million viewers.

ABC won the night, led by “Dancing with the Stars.” From 8-10, the reality show averaged a 4.4 rating and 20.1 million viewers. Castle was second at 10, with a 3.0 rating and 12 million viewers.

CBS was second for the night. At 8, “How I Met Your Mother” dipped a bit to a 3.4 rating and 8.5 million viewers. “Rules of Engagement” drew 8.4 million viewers and a 3.0 rating at 8:30. “Two and a Half Men” was the top scripted show of the night, drawing 14.2 million viewers and a 4.5 rating at 9. Lead-out “Mike and Molly” is officially a hit; it held 12.2 million viewers and a 3.8 rating. “Hawaii Five-0″ is also a bonafide hit; it drew 12 million viewers and a 3.5 rating.

Fox was anchored by “House” at 8, which was typically strong with a 3.9 rating and 10.5 million viewers. “Lie to Me” dragged the network down at 9 however, drawing a 2.2 rating and 5.9 million viewers in its season premiere, replacing the now cancelled “Lone Star.” If it continues to lose more than 40% of “House’s” lead-in, “Lie to Me” looks endangered as well.

Last night was the first major night of television premieres for the 2010-2011 television season, featuring several new and returning shows. NBC’s new conspiracy thriller “The Event,” the network’s attempt to create a serial like “Lost,” premiered strongly, and “Hawaii Five-0″ started out strong for CBS as well.

The 11th season of “Dancing with the Stars” averaged 21 million viewers and a 4.4 rating in the 18-49 demo from 8-9 p.m. House returned for its seventh season with 10.5 million viewers and a 4.1 18-49 rating, down from its last season averages of 12.8 million viewers and a 4.9 rating. “How I Met Your Mother” returned to 8.8 million viewers with a 3.6 rating, even with its season average last year. On NBC, “Chuck” was trailed with 6 million viewers and a 2.1 rating, also in line with last season. “90210″ was a distant fifth for the CW with 2 million viewers and a 1.0 rating.

“Rules of Engagement” had its first fall premiere in three years at 8:30 p.m., and averaged 8 million viewers and a 3.1 rating.

At 9 p.m. The eighth season of “Two and a Half Men” led all shows in the 18-49 demo with a 4.8 rating and 14.5 million viewers. The Event started off on a strong note with 11 million viewers and a 3.7 demo rating. That’s a solid start, but for a serialized drama with a lot of built up hype, it remains to be seen how it will hold up with viewers in coming weeks. “Flashforward” premiered to over 12 million viewers last year before falling to under 6 million by the end of the season.

Despite critical hype, Fox’s Lone Star was dead on arrival. It was watched by 4 million viewers and garnered just a 1.3 in the 18-49 demo. With those numbers, the show is likely to be yanked in coming weeks. “Gossip Girl” was last in the hour with a 1.0 rating and 1.8 million viewers.

CBS also found success with the premiere of “Mike and Molly,” which attracted 12 million viewers and a 3.9 rating at 9:30 p.m. The success continued with its update of “Hawaii Five-0″ at 10 p.m., which led the hours in viewers and the demo with a 3.8 rating and 13.8 million viewers.

On ABC, the third season of “Castle” returned with 11 million viewers and a 2.8 in the demo, while NBC’s new procedural about a U.S. Marshall “Chase” also faltered out of the gate, with a 2.5 rating in the demo and just over 7.5 million viewers.

Yesterday’s 61st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony really got us excited about the fall TV season, and tonight is going to triple that feeling.

“House” premieres at 8 p.m. on FOX, alongside “Heroes” on NBC, “Dancing with the Stars” on ABC and “How I Met Your Mother” on CBS. Your DVR can usually only record two shows, so good luck.

At 8:30, check out “Accidentally on Purpose” on CBS. The jury’s still out on it, so let us know what you think in the comments section.

Then at 9 we have “Two and a Half Men.” Comedy Central is also starting to show “Scrubs” season 8.

“The Big Bang Theory,” has its season premiere at 9:30 on CBS.

Things get going again at 10 with “Castle” on ABC and “CSI: Miami” on CBS. Travel Channel’s “Madventures” also starts up at 10.

Also, tonight at 10, we have the premiere of a 5-part miniseries on The Sundance Channel. “Brick City,” is executive produced by Forest Whitaker.

Finally, don’t miss The Late Show with David Letterman tonight with special guest (actually) President Barack Obama.

For some reason, I get into the Emmys. I think it’s because I equate watching my favorite TV shows to watching my favorite sport teams. Let me explain.

For an entire TV season, you get into your TV show, get to know every character, watch every episode all while immersing yourself into the plot. Just like how every (football, baseball, basketball, pick one) pro sport season, you become immersed with your team and its players.

Then if someone dares to challenge the entertainment value of your show, or even has the nerve to say another show is better, you turn into a raving lunatic in its defense. With sports, it’s the same thing. I’m not sure who I’ve defended more this past decade: Tom Brady or Dr. Frasier Crane.

The Emmys are the Superbowl of your TV season (if your show is lucky to make it). A year’s worth of hard work comes down to a three hour show surrounded by much fanfare. In a way, it’s actually kind of exciting. Then once your show loses/wins, you complain/celebrate, and just like with sports, you move on.

So without further ado — here are Blast’s 2009 major category Emmy Predictions:

Outstanding Drama Series

Should Win: Mad Men or Breaking Bad, either would suffice

Could Win: Breaking Bad

Will Win: Mad Men

How in the hell does Big Love get nominated? If I wanted to watch a bunch of Mormons marry each other and flirt with incest, I would’ve moved to Utah ages ago. The only show I see with a slight chance of upsetting Mad Men is Breaking Bad. Also, I know you people love Lost (it’s very popular from what I’ve heard), but I don’t see that happening.

Outstanding Comedy Series

Should Win: The Office

Could Win: Nothing “" it’ll be 30 Rock

Will Win: 30 Rock

Family Guy’s inclusion was relatively puzzling. If you’re going to give an animated sitcom an honorary nomination (which is what it is), why not pick The Simpsons or South Park? Or did Stewie get to them too? Anyway, the only thing surer than a 30 Rock victory is it getting beat in the ratings by Dancing with America’s Next Top Chef, or whatever Fox is putting on these days Thursday nights at 9:30.

Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series

Should Win: Hugh Laurie, House M.D.

Could Win: Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad

Will Win: Hugh Laurie, House M.D.

Hugh is getting a lot of buzz and rightfully so. Four straight years of nominations and nothing? PEOPLE. HE’S FROM ENGLAND AND GREGORY HOUSE IS FROM AMERICA. Alright, sorry but I think that’s kind of impressive. But then again the dad from Malcolm in the Middle playing a meth dealing, crime addict is pretty impressive too. I think Hugh gets his due, but with this category there’s always a surprise. I mean Simon Baker could win this thing on his smile alone.

Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series

Should Win: Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory

Could Win: Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock

Will Win: Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory

I have to admit, I’m extremely bias when it comes to this category. The Big Bang Theory is my favorite thing on TV right now (other than repeats of The Three Stooges). That being said, bias aside I still think he’s the best in this category. If you haven’t seen the show, I recommend it for Parsons alone. However, do not be shocked to see the Emmy voters go for the familiar in Baldwin. Steve Carrell has an outside shot. The other three guys have as much of a shot as the original three stooges themselves.

Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series

Should Win: Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men

Could Win: Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer

Will Win: Glenn Close, Damages

Again I’ll admit, my should win is purely out of bias (but then again isn’t that what we always do with predictions?). I love Elisabeth Moss’ role of Peggy Olsen, it’s a complex, subtle character with underlying emotions. Glenn Close is a heavy favorite to repeat here. She would be a deserving winner, even though I’d like to see some fresh blood in there. Even though the Closer yearn for the days of My Own Worst Enemy, Kyra Sedgwick has an outside possibility.

Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series

Should Win: Tina Fey, 30 Rock

Could Win: Toni Collette, United States of Tara

Will Win: Tina Fey, 30 Rock

I’m sensing a strong likelihood of another Tina Fey triple (Comedy Series, Comedy Actress and Comedy Writing). While I do think Ms. Fey is really funny, I hope she doesn’t turn into a Jeremy Piven or something and win every year. Toni Collette and Christina Applegate are really good in much more challenging roles. I mean, Tina Fey is essentially playing an exaggerated version of herself. That being said, I think she deserves the nod.

The remains

For the smaller categories, I’m predicting Neil Patrick Harris, Kristin Wiig, Michael Emerson, Chandra Wilson, The Amazing Race and who the hell cares about Reality Host? Oh and I predict Harris will be 800 times funnier and more clever than last year’s host quintet of Reality Show Hosts.

Enjoy the Emmys! Leave your own predictions in the comments section below!

For us on the other side of the pond, the British comedy Fortysomething plays out like a twisted episode of House in an alternate reality.

It is so refreshing and out and out hilarious to watch Hugh Laurie in his native accent as he plays a bumbling British doctor whose kids are sleeping with each others’ girlfriends as he saunters through thinking he’s losing his mind and hearing people’s thoughts in this sex-charged tale of mid-life crisis and family dynamic.

Laurie plays Paul Slippery, who can’t remember the last time he had sex with his wife (Anna Chancellor), but has to deal with his three sons who try to shag everything in sight.

In the US, this would be an inappropriate premise for television or something you’d see in HBO after Sex and the City and the L Word, but Fortysomething actually makes sex on television tasteful.

You also get to see Hugh Laurie cross dress as a Muslim woman in the fourth episode.

Very simply, Fortysomething is brilliant.

The series runs six episodes, one hour each, on two DVD’s being released by Acorn April 8.