The Ausiello Files

‘Big Bang Theory’ mystery: Is Sheldon gay?

Michael Ausiello and Andy Patrick — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:28:25 +0000

Here’s a question that would’ve left Einstein scratching his head: Is Big Bang Theory brainiac Sheldon straight? Gay? Asexual? According to executive producer Chuck Lorre, “other” may be the best way to describe him. “His entire focus is on the work that he’s doing — theoretical physics,” explains Lorre. “‘Alternate reality’ is another way of looking

Pilot Intel: ‘Friday Night Lights’ grad Minka Kelly finds ‘True Love’

Michael Ausiello — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:04 +0000

Another Friday Night Lights alum has scored a pilot. Sources confirm that Minka Kelly has landed a role in the prospective CBS comedy, True Love. The project — produced by Matt Tarses of Scrubs and Worst Week fame — focuses on four friends looking for love in New York. Kelly will play Kate, who’s described as sweet,

Pilot intel: Keri Russell is a wanted woman

Michael Ausiello — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:31:01 +0000

Dear Sally: I’ve got good news and bad news. First, the good news: I’m hearing that Keri Russell has been on the receiving end of multiple pilot offers in recent weeks. That’s right, my BFF might be coming back to TV! Now, the bad news: So far she’s not biting. (At least it’s bad news

Save the date: ‘Chuck’ finale set for May 24

Michael Ausiello — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:12:49 +0000

Chuck will conclude its third season with a two-hour engagement on Monday, May 24, at 8 pm/ET, NBC just confirmed. That gives you more than three whole months to plan a kick-ass viewing party. More Peacock finale dates are below… Monday, May 10: Trauma (9-10 pm/ET) Wednesday, May 12: Mercy (8-9 pm/ET) Wednesday, May 19: Law & Order:

Pilot Intel: ‘Eli Stone’ alum joins ‘Open Books’

Michael Ausiello — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:37:20 +0000

Ex-Eli Stone actress Laura Benanti has snagged the lead in the CBS comedy pilot Open Books, sources confirm. From Will & Grace scribe Gail Lerner, Open Books revolves around a book editor (Benanti) and her circle of friends. Benanti, a veteran of Broadway, earned a 2008 Tony Award for Gypsy.

Scoop: ‘Chuck’ enlists Christopher Lloyd for future mission

Michael Ausiello — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:50:36 +0000

It’s Doc Brown to the rescue! Chuck has tapped Back to the Future’s mad scientist, Christopher Lloyd, to play a therapist who Chuck turns to when the pressures of the spy biz become too much for him to bear. Exec producer Josh Schwartz, who broke the casting news via Twitter, noted that Back to the Future has

‘Office’ spoiler alert: Andy and Erin make it official!

Michael Ausiello — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:21:27 +0000

It’s official: The Office is getting serious about an Andy-Erin romance. In the March 11 episode, the couple-to-be will finally set out on their first date. “It’s been a slow process of Andy gaining the courage to ask her out, but he finally does,” reveals Office co-star-slash-showrunner Paul Lieberstein. “The wrinkle in their first date is

Pilot Intel: ‘FNL’ all-star Zach Gilford recruited for ABC’s ‘Matadors’

Michael Ausiello — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 17:23:25 +0000

Friday Night Lights MVP Zach Gilford has joined the cast of ABC’s hour-long drama pilot Matadors, sources confirm to me exclusively. The prospective series revolves around two rival Chicago-based families, one in the DA’s office and another in a high-powered law firm. Gilford, who is poised to make what could be (SPOILER ALERT) his final FNL appearance in

‘Smallville’ ratings snapshot: Absolutely super!

Michael Ausiello — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 17:11:05 +0000

The introduction of the Justice Society lifted Smallville to new heights. Last night’s much-hyped two-hour episode, “Absolute Justice,” attracted roughly 2.8 million viewers, the show’s largest audience of the season. It also gave The CW its best Friday night in more than a year. From a demo perspective, the feature-length episode earned season-high numbers in

Exclusive: Sheryl Crow heads to ‘Cougar Town’

Michael Ausiello — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 01:13:32 +0000

Sheryl Crow is taking a rare detour into acting with a major recurring role on Cougar Town. Sources confirm to me exclusively that the Grammy winning singer-songwriter is set to appear in multiple episodes of the freshman ABC comedy as Grayson’s (Josh Hopkins) new girlfriend. No further information was available about her character, although I’m told the 47-year-old