weekly television news

[FH]

The New Lost in Space Headed to The WB Source: Variety Thursday, October 9, 2003

The WB has won the rights to the new Lost in Space, paying more than $2 million for the red-hot family drama. At least three other networks made serious bids for the 20th Century Fox TV/Fox TV Studios project, which is being put together by scribe Doug Petrie (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), helmer John Woo and the Kevin Burns/Jon Jashni company Synthesis.

The show will explore a larger theme (the modern family) against a fantastic backdrop (outer space). Petrie will write and executive produce, with Woo attached to direct via his Lion Rock Productions.

Petrie said his vision for Lost in Space is for a show that's "not about hardware." "It's not about laser blasters and starships and funky aliens, though there will be bags of all of those... The show is going to be more based on what's going on with the typical American family rather than a sweeping space opera."

The new show won't feature a Dr. Smith character, though there will be a robot. The series will be set in 2097.

[FH]

After the death of John Ritter, it remained in doubt what would happen with the late actor’s hit series “8 Simple Rules for my Teenage Daughter”. At the time, the network had no plans to recast Ritter’s role, instead, it was written into the show that Dad had died. What was stated though was that at same stage producers might want to bring in another actor to join the series. According to TV Guide, such a thing might already be happening. And who’s the new lead? [if the rumours are true] Ed O’Neill apparently. The “L.A Dragnet” star would come on board playing Katey Sagal’s brother. What’s ironic is that O’Neill and Sagal starred for many years together on another successful sitcom, “Married with Children”. We’ll keep you posted.

[ericgtr]

Now we're talking!! Bring him on [img]images/smilies/woot.gif[/img]

[ericgtr]

FH, can you quote a source on the 8 Simple Rules news?

[FH]

It's from www.moviehole.net It's just a rumor and I'm pretty sure it's not true since Ed O'Neil is starring in LA Dragnet at the moment.