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Q&A: 'Rescue Me' in peril, 'Lost' bonus, more
Published Friday, Apr 25 2008, 18:50 BST | By Neil Wilkes | 19 comments
So last week there were no Q&As and boy, did all hell break loose as a result. On Monday Sir Alan Sugar rang me demanding to know what the "bloody hell" I was up to, then the next day Ricky Gervais called to ask if I was "havin' a laugh". Even Brucie got in on the act, telling me on Wednesday that it had been nice NOT to see me!
Seriously, it's been non-stop. The only respite came when Fearne Cotton called yesterday to say that despite my no-show, I was still "amazing". Thanks Fearne.
However, this torment has only made my resolve all the stronger. Thus I present to you this week's Q&A, which is quite possibly the longest, most considered session ever. Enjoy:
What do you think about Being Human being picked up? Was Sky One right to ditch Rescue Me? Click the link below to add your comments to this entry! If you have any questions for the column please use the link at the top of the page instead.
Don't forget to scroll down to read previous editions you may have missed!
Seriously, it's been non-stop. The only respite came when Fearne Cotton called yesterday to say that despite my no-show, I was still "amazing". Thanks Fearne.
However, this torment has only made my resolve all the stronger. Thus I present to you this week's Q&A, which is quite possibly the longest, most considered session ever. Enjoy:
Ian: "I have been a great fan of The Dead Zone and know it has been cancelled in the States. Any idea when the last series will be on Sci Fi. It is long overdue. Thanks."
Neil: You may be in for a long wait. Sci Fi tell me they have "no plans" to air the final season of The Dead Zone.
Neil: "Hi Neil, is there any news on whether ITV's Life Begins will ever return? It's been years since the last series!"
Neil: Life has ended, I'm afraid. The writers apparently intended the third series to be the last, and everyone involved has since moved on to other projects. Caroline Quentin is currently filming a new series of Blue Murder, while Alexander Armstrong is working on a new run of his sketch show with Ben Miller.
Claire: "Hi, was just posting a message to ask if you knew if there was going to be a new series of bbc three comedy Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps, since the last series there has been spectulation and rumours on the internet so i was just wondering if you could confirm anything ?"
Neil: The comedy that will seemingly never die will be back for an eighth season series season - hmm, remind me what we agreed again? - according to Will Mellor this week.
Buland: "I loved the first season of 30 Rock on 5, and I wanted to ask when the 2nd season is to air in the UK?"
Neil: Towards the end of the year on Five, I'm told.
Sean Reynolds: "Is there gonna be a 3rd series of The Street, the bbc drama?"
Neil: Also confirmed this week at the BAFTAs, a third series of The Street is currently in development.
Andrew Davidson: "Now that the latest series of Torchwood has finished, are there any plans for a soundtrack album from the BBC? There's some really great instrumental pieces in there that are as good, if not better than the Doctor Who soundtrack, which is already out."
Neil: Apparently there are plans for a Torchwood soundtrack - hopefully not featuring some of Mr Barrowman's solo work - but a release date has yet to be set.
Mick: "Do you have any idea if Living still has the rights to Biggest Loser and if so do they plan on showing any more? We haven't seen the last couple of US seasons and only 1 of the 3 Australia seasons (which was a daily show and they messed up before the final show by not scheduling it). Do they or anyone else plan on doing another UK series (and if they do, will we get the US trainers like the Australians do?) and do them or anyone else plan on showing the US series or are we all being forced to illegally download if we want to watch it? It's a prime time show on NBC in the US and draws millions and millions of viewers, it's probably the only "real" reality show left out there (you can't fake being that fat and losing that much weight!)"
Neil: A big fat "no" is the answer, I'm afraid. Living have decided not to commission any more Biggest Loser UK, nor have any plans to acquire further international series. First Celebrity Fit Club axed, now Biggest Loser - has weight-loss TV had its day?
Johnathan: "I really enjoyed Season 1 of The Tudors last year and I was wondering if there's any news on when Season 2 will be shown on UK TV, with it already airing on US."
Neil: Not only is season two already on the air in the US, but a third season has already been commissioned! The second will air on BBC Two around mid-Summer.
Martin: "As a reader of tubetalk for years, when I noticed the first season of Jericho in Asda, a distant memory of you constantly saying how good it was sprung into mind. After finishing the first series, and half way through the second, it really is the best show on tv!! Well it was! That's why I was wondering if there is any chance of any more episodes after these seven? PS I promise, from now on, I will watch everything you tell us to!"
Neil: Thanks for the kind comments. The moral to be taken from this story is to always trust what I say. Rather unfortunately I said nothing of the sort when it comes to Jericho. In fact I think I described the pilot as "plodding" and "borderline monotonous". Then again I also predicted great things for the short-lived teen drama Hidden Palms, so what do I know?
Alan: "Why do you hate Cassie off Skins??! She's the best!"
Neil: I think we're supposed to hate her, aren't we?
RichardAM: "E4 are showing repeats of the first season of LOST! Do you know if they have the rights to airing the third season as well, or are they just showing it again to fill the schedule?"
Neil: Now the shame of having lost the rights to Sky has passed, Channel 4 has quietly put out repeats of the first two seasons - to which it still owns the rights for a short while - on Saturdays at 7pm. It does not have the rights to seasons three onwards, however.
J: "You said that One Tree Hill season 5 starts on April 21st on E4 at 9pm but ive been looking at TV schedules and Jeepers Creepers II is on instead!! Surely the bosses at C4 cant make us wait anymore?!"
Neil: A foolish question. Of course they can! Remember, there is no wrath like an E4 scheduler's wrath. It looks as if One Tree Hill has now been pushed back to the summer.
Kate: "Hi Neil when's Supernatural back?"
Neil: It returned in the US for the first of four final episodes this season last night and will return to ITV2 later this year. Uh-oh.
Kevin Brew: "I confess to be a regular comic book reader (£60/mth habit) so I enjoyed Who Wants to be a Superhero last year on the SciFi channel. =The 2nd series was shown in the US last summer. Does SciFi UK plan to show the 2nd series over here soon?"
Neil: It hasn't picked the show up yet, that's for sure. Has Sci-Fi given up on acquiring shows?
Steven, Northern Ireland: "Hi Neil, just wondering if you know whether there's going to be a 6th season of Shameless or not?"
Neil: It's not officially confirmed yet, but I'm told they've been "talking" about it a lot.
Laura: "Hiya Neil, was just wondering how the Terminator series fared on Virgin and if there is any news on whether its been renewed - i thought it was fantastic. Also bit worried that Bones hasnt been picked up - whats happening?"
Neil: House hasn't been picked up yet either, so I wouldn't worry too much. As for Terminator, it's Virgin 1's biggest show by far and has just been confirmed for a second season.
JackWilkins: "A very quick question, hopefully, is the absence of Matt Parkman's wife in Heroes ever explained? She was pregnant with thier first child during the first season,and since then has never been mentioned....Is she in the second season,please? THANKYOU!!"
Neil: Hopefully you'll have got the answers you needed in the season two premiere.
Daniel: "OK so whenever I try to contact the bbc about the future of drama pilots the responds are always inconclusive.... Can you please, please, please shine a light on which of the drama pilots may be getting picked up. I will be very angry if it is only the embarrising attempt to gain cult status Phoo Action that gets a series renewal."
Neil: In case you haven't heard, Being Human was picked up for a six-episode season earlier this week. My BBC sources tell me that this doesn't necessarily mean the other pilots are dead, but there are currently no active discussions about picking up any of the remaining four pilots.
Jo: "Your premiere list says that Lost returns to Sky One next Sunday, but it's not on the TV schedules. What's happened?"
Neil: An extra episode, that's what happened! Originally there were to be only five more episodes of Lost this season, but producers decided to make a sixth - but at the cost of a week's break just before the final two episodes, which will be shown together. Sky One has decided to spare viewers the headache of a week's break by delaying the start of this second half by a week instead, so the new date to look forward to is Sunday, May 4.
DIARMUID Bulanda-Dineen: "Hi, just wondered if you could let us know when Rescue Me Season 4 will be airing in the UK, thanks."
Neil: In a shock twist, I've been told that Sky One has decided not to take the fourth season of Rescue Me. Furthermore, I hear that the next logical broadcaster in line has also passed on the show, leaving this quality series homeless in the UK! Outrageous, no?
What do you think about Being Human being picked up? Was Sky One right to ditch Rescue Me? Click the link below to add your comments to this entry! If you have any questions for the column please use the link at the top of the page instead.
Don't forget to scroll down to read previous editions you may have missed!
More: Sir Alan Sugar, TV
Your Views
19 Comments
Your Responses
Liz, Bristol, on November 24th, 2008
I agree with Steve Young regarding Rescue Me. Who makes these decisions? Is the person responsible for delaying the final series of NYPD Blue in the UK working for Sky now?
I agree with Steve Young regarding Rescue Me. Who makes these decisions? Is the person responsible for delaying the final series of NYPD Blue in the UK working for Sky now?
Steve Young, Manchester, on May 27th, 2008
Sky One do not have the right to drop Rescue Me, are they stupid, it was one of the best series on tv. Why do they pay millions for tripe that last no longer than a season, when Recue Me was Running well into the Fourth. The amount they charge should be changed to pay for what we want, not what they think is good for us. Sky buck your ideas up or get someone in charge who knows what the public want, instead of repeats and crap.
Sky One do not have the right to drop Rescue Me, are they stupid, it was one of the best series on tv. Why do they pay millions for tripe that last no longer than a season, when Recue Me was Running well into the Fourth. The amount they charge should be changed to pay for what we want, not what they think is good for us. Sky buck your ideas up or get someone in charge who knows what the public want, instead of repeats and crap.
Alanna, London, on May 1st, 2008
Thank God the BBC have picked up Being Human!! It almost restores my faith that the people who decide these things can actually recognise a good show when they see one! Can't wait!
Thank God the BBC have picked up Being Human!! It almost restores my faith that the people who decide these things can actually recognise a good show when they see one! Can't wait!
Conor-Northern Ireland, on April 29th, 2008
Shocking decision by Sky to shelve Rescue Me. Guess it was too edgy for them. Hopefully it finds a home on FX.
Shocking decision by Sky to shelve Rescue Me. Guess it was too edgy for them. Hopefully it finds a home on FX.
Denise, Glasgow, on April 28th, 2008
I continue to be bitterly disappointed in humanity - the Rescue Me news has darkened my doorstep. This has to be one of the worst Sky decisions EVER! I cannot entirely convey my outrage at this time...but may the TV Gods strike down these worthless decision-makers for their sheer ignorance and stupidity! Shame on you, Sky...
I continue to be bitterly disappointed in humanity - the Rescue Me news has darkened my doorstep. This has to be one of the worst Sky decisions EVER! I cannot entirely convey my outrage at this time...but may the TV Gods strike down these worthless decision-makers for their sheer ignorance and stupidity! Shame on you, Sky...
Glenn, Aberdeen, on April 28th, 2008
I guess the next logical broadcaster would be FX seeing as it's an FX show. Also I was under the impression series 5 and 6 are confirmed. Typical for no one to pick up a show that's as safe as TV shows get, yet they get us hooked on shows that get cancelled. I'm glad Sky showed Journeyman and it's hardly their fault it was cancelled, but why stop showing something that was safe. Although given the way they moved it around their schedule I'm not surprised. I hope FX have a change of heart.
I guess the next logical broadcaster would be FX seeing as it's an FX show. Also I was under the impression series 5 and 6 are confirmed. Typical for no one to pick up a show that's as safe as TV shows get, yet they get us hooked on shows that get cancelled. I'm glad Sky showed Journeyman and it's hardly their fault it was cancelled, but why stop showing something that was safe. Although given the way they moved it around their schedule I'm not surprised. I hope FX have a change of heart.
Pippa, Huddersfield, on April 28th, 2008
I can't believe E4 are already messing about with One Tree Hill Season 5 and they haven't even started showing it yet! That must be a record for even them. I don't really get why they have the show when all they do is mess about with it.
I can't believe E4 are already messing about with One Tree Hill Season 5 and they haven't even started showing it yet! That must be a record for even them. I don't really get why they have the show when all they do is mess about with it.
Jason, London, on April 28th, 2008
Neil totally gutted that Sky have knocked rescue me on the head any chance you can run over to the good old BBC and sell it to them? (What, literally? Unfortunately I don't think it's their kind of bag. ITV4, perhaps? - Neil)
Neil totally gutted that Sky have knocked rescue me on the head any chance you can run over to the good old BBC and sell it to them? (What, literally? Unfortunately I don't think it's their kind of bag. ITV4, perhaps? - Neil)
Gareth Janaway, S.Wales, on April 27th, 2008
No way was it right, im gonna miss it now because i wont be able to now what happens now because I doubt any other channel will pick it up. dissapointing!!
No way was it right, im gonna miss it now because i wont be able to now what happens now because I doubt any other channel will pick it up. dissapointing!!
anon, the net, on April 26th, 2008
>So who is the next "logical broadcaster in line" then? FXUK I would assume as it is a FXUS show.
>So who is the next "logical broadcaster in line" then? FXUK I would assume as it is a FXUS show.
Anthony, Somerset, on April 26th, 2008
I so want Things I Haven't Told You to get a full series. WHAT HAPPENED TO AISLING?
I so want Things I Haven't Told You to get a full series. WHAT HAPPENED TO AISLING?
Phil, Scotland, on April 26th, 2008
I was quite shocked at some of Neil's answers (or lack of) this week. Every Supernatural fan worth their (rock)salt knows that the show returns to ITV2 on may 25th and Rebecca Ryan a.k.a Debbie Gallagher confirmed on This Morning weeks ago that filming on series 6 of Shameless starts in the spring. Honestly Neil...don't you watch TV?
I was quite shocked at some of Neil's answers (or lack of) this week. Every Supernatural fan worth their (rock)salt knows that the show returns to ITV2 on may 25th and Rebecca Ryan a.k.a Debbie Gallagher confirmed on This Morning weeks ago that filming on series 6 of Shameless starts in the spring. Honestly Neil...don't you watch TV?
Nicola, Fife, on April 26th, 2008
What are Sky thinking??? No Rescue Me?? That should be against the law. One of only two shows I love - the other being Boston Legal!
What are Sky thinking??? No Rescue Me?? That should be against the law. One of only two shows I love - the other being Boston Legal!
Jen, Liverpool, on April 25th, 2008
The television industry makes me laugh!! How can they tutt tutt at those who download illegal stuff when they treat our shows....Smallville, Rescue me, one tree hill supernatural(not back till the end of next year) so bad!!!!!!!!!!!!
The television industry makes me laugh!! How can they tutt tutt at those who download illegal stuff when they treat our shows....Smallville, Rescue me, one tree hill supernatural(not back till the end of next year) so bad!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brekkie, Wales, on April 25th, 2008
So who is the next "logical broadcaster in line" then?
So who is the next "logical broadcaster in line" then?
Amy, Manchester, on April 25th, 2008
Fantastic news about Being Human - I was one of the sad losers/fans who signed the petition!
Fantastic news about Being Human - I was one of the sad losers/fans who signed the petition!
Natalie, West Yorks, on April 25th, 2008
Really gutted about Rescue Me and Dead Zone, might have to turn to other internet related ways of watching them! [of course, i mean buying the region 1 dvd sets ;) ] Quite glad about Being Human though!
Really gutted about Rescue Me and Dead Zone, might have to turn to other internet related ways of watching them! [of course, i mean buying the region 1 dvd sets ;) ] Quite glad about Being Human though!
Vicki, Yorkshire, on April 25th, 2008
So no RESCUE ME season 4? This is absolutely despicable! One of the only shows I religiously watch and now there's no UK outlet for it...looks like playusa.com will be my new best friend soon.....
So no RESCUE ME season 4? This is absolutely despicable! One of the only shows I religiously watch and now there's no UK outlet for it...looks like playusa.com will be my new best friend soon.....
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Oh my god i cannot believe Sky One have ditched Rescue Me, I;ve beenscanning the guide for weeks and weeks waiting for it to return, What a bllody waste, that was one of the best show s around!!