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Downton AbbeyDownton Abbey will return for a fourth season. ITV has commissioned the show - which takes place in the early 20th century - for eight new episodes plus a feature length Christmas special with filming set to begin in February 2013.

"Viewers can look forward to more drama, comedy, love, hatred, jealousy, rivalry, ambition, despair and romance," said Gareth Neame, Managing Director of Carnival Films, the show's makers and Executive Producer of Downton Abbey.

Laura Mackie, Director of Drama at ITV, added, "We're thrilled to welcome back a drama series that has become a much anticipated part of all our lives every autumn and achieved success around the globe."

Gareth and Laura both credit creator Julian Fellowes with Downton Abbey's extraordinary success and revealed the new series will introduce more new characters.

Click to continue reading Downton Abbey Renewed for Fourth Season

Gallery: Downton Abbey Renewed for Fourth Season


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After waiting for more than a year after British crime thriller Luther's season two finale aired, fans finally get word about season three - à la YouTube Q&A.

In the clip, the folks behind the show reveal that the hit show will begin filming the season's four episodes this month and that everyone's favorite female killer Alice might return. There's no word yet as to an expected air date, but they assure fans in the clip that "it will be worth the wait."

Read More | Vulture

Gallery: Season 3 of Luther Is Finally in Production


Anna KendrickAnna Kendrick is desperate for a role on Downton Abbey.

The 27-year-old actress is a huge fan of many British TV shows but thinks her dream of appearing in the period drama is "inappropriate" as it isn't likely to come true. "I just watched Game of Thrones and the first two seasons of Downton Abbey. I have the most inappropriate fantasies about being on those shows - there's not a part for a tiny American girl in either, but I can dream," she said.

Anna is also a huge fan of talent show The X Factor, and was thrilled when girl group Little Mix won last year. "I have to catch up on Sherlock and X Factor. I loved that group who won last year, Little Mix. During their first performance I wanted to scream at the TV, 'Do you guys know that these are really good, really solid vocals.'"

And TV isn't the only thing Anna loves about the UK - she has "cravings" for English tea: "Every time I go to England the first thing I do is have tea. I crave it to the point where I panic, 'What am I going to do when I get home? I don't have a kettle.' But then the craving disappears - it's like something's pumped into the air."

Gallery: Anna Kendrick Wants Downton Role


The Modern Family cast at the Emmys

Modern Family swept the board at the Emmy Awards last night winning four prizes. The sitcom took home the top Comedy Series prize as well as gongs for Supporting Actress and Supporting Actor in a Comedy for Julie Bowen and Eric Stonestreet, while the ABC show's helmer Steven Levitan won the Director award.

Psychological thriller Homeland upstaged some of the more established programs by winning four drama series honors including the main prize for the category and Series Actor and Actress in a Drama prizes for Damian Lewis and Claire Danes, respectively. Damian introduced himself to the audience as "one of those pesky Brits" and later admitted he thought Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston, who has won the accolade three times, would be victorious in the category again this year.

Click to continue reading Modern Family Sweeps Board at Emmys

Gallery: Modern Family Sweeps Board at Emmys


Elementary vs. SherlockBenedict Cumberbatch is a "bit cynical" about Elementary.

The British actor plays the leading character in the UK's Sherlock, and while he wishes those in the US show - which also tells the story of fictional detective Sherlock Holmes in a modern setting - the "best of luck," he did tell lead actor Jonny Lee Miller he would rather he didn't take part.

"It's very odd. I did say to Jonny, 'Well, I'd prefer you didn't do it but you've got a kid to feed, a nice house in Los Angeles and a wife to keep in good clothes.' When you get used to a certain standard of living and they waft a paycheck at you, what are you going to do? I think Jonny was like, 'Mate, I've got a f**king mountain to climb here, you've got nothing to fear.' I wish him the best of luck, but I'm a bit cynical about why they've chosen to do it and why they cast him," he said.

Click to continue reading Benedict Cumberbatch ‘Cynical’ About New Sherlock Holmes Show

Gallery: Benedict Cumberbatch ‘Cynical’ About New Sherlock Holmes Show


Mad Men

Mad Men and American Horror Story lead the nominations at this year's Emmy Awards with 17 each.

The advertising drama is hoping to gain its fifth Best Drama win, which would make it the only series ever to have won the accolade that many times. At present it is level on four victories with Hill Street Blues, L.A. Law and The West Wing. Other nominees in the same category are Breaking Bad, The Good Wife, Game of Thrones, Boardwalk Empire, British Drama Downton Abbey and newcomer Homeland. Downton Abbey - which was awarded Best Miniseries in 2011, but has switched categories for 2012 - picked up 16 nominations.

Click to continue reading Mad Men and American Horror Story Up For 17 Emmys

Gallery: Mad Men and American Horror Story Up For 17 Emmys


Will.i.am on The VoiceWill.i.am's international lifestyle is apparantly causing The Voice contestants to lose out on valuable coaching time.

The Black Eyed Peas' star's frequent trips from the show's base in the UK to the US means that all competitors on the show are affected because of BBC rules. The television network bosses say the other coaches can mentor their acts ONLY when Will.i.am sees his, to ensure fairness. His acts told last week how they saw him for just two half-hour sessions in the run-up to the opening live episode.

Yesterday, coach Danny O'Donoghue's acts revealed how their time with the script frontman had been limited by the new ruling.

"If Will is out of the country, we aren't seeing Danny. All the mentors have to do equal amounts," contestant Bo Bruce told The Sun.

"We all get the same amount of time. The coaches fit it round their schedules. We only started doing our songs on Monday -- we found out what they were at the same time as the other teams but they started on them and we were in the dark on what we were doing with them," Max Milner said.

Gallery: Will.i.am’s Travelling Affects ‘The Voice’ Contestants


Leonardo On CBBC

Posted by Tom Mason Categories: Action, Prime Time, BBC, News,

LeonardoHey, TV Envy fans. Normally, I post over at our sister site, Comix 411, but today I have some TV news to pass along.

If you're anywhere near Great Britain and going to be around what the folks there call a telly on Monday evening, you might want to check out a TV series called Leonardo that's airing on CBBC at 5:15pm (17:15).

The first episode is called "Anything Goes," UK's Telegraph has already given the show a thumbs up, saying it "has its roots in traditional adventure drama. And thoroughly engaging it is too."

Click to continue reading Leonardo On CBBC

Gallery: Leonardo On CBBC


Glee DVDHere are some of the options available this week:

  • The Agatha Christie Hour (Set 2)
  • Glee (Season 2 Vol. 1)
  • Matlock (Season 6)
  • MI-5 (Volume 8)
  • Naruto Shippuden (Box Set 5)
  • Pie in the Sky (Series 4)
  • Sacred Blacksmith (Complete Series)
  • Vampire Knight (Complete Series)
  • Webster (Season 1)
  • Wish Me Luck (Series 2)
  • Zorro (Complete Series)

Make sure to also check out the film options for this week.

Read More | Amazon

Gallery: TV on DVD: January 25, 2011


DallasHere are some of the options available this week:

  • 21 Jump Street (Season 4)
  • Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations (Collection 5, Pt. 2)
  • Dallas (Season 14)
  • Dark Skies (Complete Series)
  • Hey Vern, It's Earnest (Complete Series)
  • Justified (Season 1)
  • Merlin (Season 2)
  • Nite Tales (Complete Series)
  • Stingray (Complete Series)
  • Waking the Dead (Season 5)

Make sure to also check out the film options for this week.

Read More | Amazon

Gallery: TV on DVD: January 18, 2011


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