ANGER MANAGEMENT # 1 COMEDY ON CABLE

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TIMES SQUARE GOSSIP TELEVISION

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 Russell Brand

FX’s biggest night of comedy ever also proved to be one of cable’s biggest nights of comedy ever as Anger Management set ratings records for a primetime scripted comedy series premiere, Wilfred and Louie returned to the network with significant growth over their prior seasons, and FX’s entry into the late night arena, BrandX with Russell Brand, got off to a strong start. Last night marked the most-watched Thursday night (prime, 8-11 PM) in FX’s 18-year history in both Total Viewers (3.05 million) and Adults 18-49 (1.54 million).

Last night’s series debut of Anger Management (9:00 PM) was the most-watched primetime scripted comedy series premiere in cable history in delivery of Adults 18-49 (2.65 million), and Total Viewers (5.47 million, excluding children’s programming). It also ranks as the most-watched series premiere in FX history in Total Viewers. Episode 2 of Anger Management (9:30 PM) grew to 5.74 million Total Viewers, and the demo also grew in the second half hour to 2.89 million A18-49. Combined with the encore telecasts (1:00 and 1:30 AM), the series premiere episode of Anger Management delivered a total audience of 6.21 million viewers and 3.11 million Adults 18-49, and the second episode drew 6.45 million viewers and 3.29 million Adults 18-49.

Episode 2 of Anger Management at (9:30 PM) ranked as the top-rated program on television (broadcast or cable) on Thursday in delivery of Adults 18-49 and Men 18-49, and in cable in delivery of Total Viewers, Adults 18-49, Adults 18-34 (1.24 million) and Adults 25-54 (3.22 million). The series premiere (9:00 PM) ranked #2 on television (broadcast or cable) on Thursday in delivery of Adults 18-49 and Men 18-49, and #2 among all cable programs last night in Total Viewers, Adults 18-49, Adults 18-34, and Adults 25-54.

Anger Management moves to its regularly scheduled time period of Thursdays at 9:30 PM ET/PT beginning next week (July 5). FX will repeat its pilot and second episode next Thursday, July 5 at 8:30PM and 9:00PM, respectively.

The Season 2 premiere of Wilfred and Season 3 premiere of Louie posted significant growth over their prior season averages. The season premieres for each series were the second highest-rated episodes in their history and will likely be their highest-rated episodes ever when Live+7 data is available in three weeks.

Last night’s Season 2 premiere of Wilfred delivered 2.53 million Total Viewers and 1.5 million Adults 18-49, which were respective increases of +71% in Total Viewers and +54% in Adults 18-49 (Wilfred Season 1 averages were 1.48 million Total Viewers and 973,000 Adults 18-49). Wilfred ranked #4 on Thursday night in cable on Men 18-34 (538,000) and #6 in Adults 18-34 (808,000). Last night’s episode recorded series’ highs in Adults/Men/Women 25-54, Men 18-49, and Men 18-34. Combined with its encore telecast (midnight), the season 2 premiere episode of Wilfred delivered a total audience of 3.0 million viewers and 1.78 million Adults 18-49.

Last night’s Season 3 premiere of Louie delivered 1.43 million Total Viewers and 911,000 Adults 18-49, which were respective increases of +55% in Total Viewers and +41% in Adults 18-49 (Louie Season 2 averages were 923,000 Total Viewers and 647,000 Adults 18-49). The Season 3 premiere was series’ most-watched episode in delivery of Adults 25-54. Combined with its encore telecast (11:30 PM), the season 3 premiere episode of Louie delivered a total audience of 2.01 million viewers and 1.22 million Adults 18-49.

The series premiere of FX’s new late night comedy BrandX with Russell Brand got off to a good start in the 11:00 PM time slot with 1.07 million Total Viewers and 687,000 Adults 18-49, which marked respective increases of +32% and +38% vs. FX time-period average. The series debut of BrandX with Russell Brand performed well last night against other late night cable competition including Conan (TBS 11-midnight), 934,000 Total Viewers and 602,000 Adults 18-49; Chelsea Lately (E! – 11-11:30 PM) 666,000 Total Viewers and 502,000 Adults 18-49; and Watch What Happens: Live (Bravo 11-11:30 PM) 539,000 Total Viewers and 328,000 Adults 18-49.

Below are episode descriptions for FX Comedy Thursdays next week:

Anger Management – Episode 3 – “Charlie Tries Sleep Deprivation” (Airs Thursday, July 5 at 9:30PM E/P): Charlie challenges his group to do thirty-six hours of sleep deprivation therapy so that their "inhibitions come down and the truth comes out" - except the result turns out to be the exact opposite.

Wilfred – Episode 2 – “Dignity” (Airs Thursday, July 5 at 10:00PM E/P): Wilfred’s popularity creates problems for Ryan.

Louie – Episode 2 – “Telling Jokes / Set-Up” (Airs Thursday, July 5 at 10:30PM E/P): Louie has dinner at a friend’s house.

BrandX with Russell Brand – 2nd Installment (Airs Thursday, July 5 at 11:00PM E/P): BrandX with Russell Brand features Brand’s unvarnished and unfiltered point of view on current events, worldwide politics and popular culture.

FX is the flagship general entertainment basic cable network from Fox. Launched in June of 1994, FX is carried in more than 98 million homes. The diverse schedule includes a growing roster of critically acclaimed and award-winning hit dramas series including Sons of Anarchy, Justified and American Horror Story, and acclaimed hit comedy series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The League, Louie, Archer, Wilfred, BrandX with Russell Brand, Totally Biased with W. Kamau Bell and Legit. Its library of acquired box-office hit movies is unmatched by any ad-supported television network. The network's other offerings include the acquired hit series Two and a Half Men and How I Met Your Mother, and live sports with UFC and NCAA football.

Photo By: RD/Jay Valena/Retna

RUSSELL BRAND AT BORGATA HOTEL & CASINO

Russell Brand

Saturday night Russell Brand put on a hilarious show at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, calling sex-hotlines using an audience member’s phone, trashing members of the audience who made crude comments (one even calling out “Katy Perry”). At one point Russell even had to tell an audience member in the front row to “shut-up” as he was trying to put on a performance. He couldn’t seem to get a word in edge-wise with this very enthusiastic crowd. As he walked through the audience, Russell hugged fans and even took gifts from an audience member who gave him a bag including books and a banana, which Russell pointed out was a bizarre gift to give.

Photo Courtesy Of:  Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

US WEEKLY ON COURTNEY ROBERTSON'S ROSE

The Us Weekly Cover

The new issue of Us Weekly, which looks at how Courtney Robertson played dirty in her quest to walk away with Bachelor Ben Flajnik’s final rose. “Courtney looked at The Bachelor as a game,” says a set source. “Ben was the prize, and she was going to win.” She knows exactly what to say to guys,” says a Robertson pal. Sure enough, says the set source, Robertson laid it on thick with Flajnik. “She was always like, ‘Do you like me? I really like you! I came on the show just for you.’ He’s a nerdy guy, so having a model into him blew his mind,” says the source. To viewers — and fellow contestants — Robertson’s skinny-dipping and breast-baring were obvious cheap ploys to win Flajnik’s favor. Her schemes paid off: He was easily blinded by her beauty — and all that exposed flesh. “Courtney knew Ben was sexually attracted to her,” contestant Jamie Otis tells Us. “That was the one thing she had over the rest of the girls and she wasn’t shy to use it.”



There is also exclusive story about how Bobbi Kristina Brown's problems are "out of control." As the only child of the late Whitney Houston and Bobbi Brown reels from her mother's sudden Feb. 11 death, her family members -- including maternal grandmother Cissy Houston and cousin Dionne Warwick-- are gravely concerned for the 18-year-old aspiring singer. Multiple sources say that the aspiring singer -- who watched both of her parents struggle with substance abuse -- has turned to drugs, her loved ones are urging her to go to rehab. "Whitney's passing is sending Bobbi off the deep end," one insider says, adding that her family is "shocked" by the scope of her issues. "Bobbi's problems are out of control," the insider notes.

Rihanna

Also in the new issue of Us Weekly is a piece that looks at how Rihanna can’t let go of Chris Brown. Of the 100 people gathered to ring in Rihanna’s 24th birthday at a Beverly Hills mansion the day before Valentine’s Day, only one stood out: her abusive ex-boyfriend, Chris Brown. “Rihanna and Chris were very much together,” says one witness, noting the two arrived together at 1 a.m. As the partygoers dug into a cake the shape of Rihanna straddling a huge spliff, the “We Found Love” singer and Brown, 22, remained by each other’s side. “He was touching her butt, rubbing her arm, and they kept dancing with each other,” the source reveals. “They seemed like a couple to everyone.” And although Brown asked guests to sign a confidentiality agreement because he was so worried about his girlfriend, model Karrueche Tran, 23, learning he was there, he kept his gaze on Rihanna until past 4 a.m. Says the witness, “At one point, he went up to La La Anthony and said, ‘Isn’t [Rihanna] beautiful?’ Brown is now biding his time until the next rendezvous. “He will always love Rihanna. If she were like, ‘I want you back,’ he’d drop Karrueche in a heartbeat,” says a Brown source. But Rihanna enjoys controlling the current arrangement. “She likes the loose nature of it and she doesn’t want a boyfriend,” says the friend. “This is dangerous, and she likes playing with fire.”

HOT STUFF



TEEN MOM 2: Corey Wants Leah Back!


Simms hopes ex Messer won’t marry her fiancé

Too little, too late. On season 2 of Teen Mom 2, when Leah Messer, 19, yearned to move into a better home for twins Aleeah and Aliannah, 2, her then-husband, Corey Simms, 21, wanted to spend the money elsewhere. Now a source says Simms has “saved up for a three bedroom house so the girls have space” — and another insider says he’s ready to reconcile with his ex. The hitch: She’s engaged to Jeremy Calvert, 23. “Corey is still crazy for Leah,” says a source. “He doesn’t want her to marry Jeremy.” Adds another pal, “He did all he could to make it work, as she’s the only girl he ever loved.” But Messer, who miscarried Calvert’s baby in January, isn’t planning a homecoming. “Leah will always care about Corey, but she’s happy with Jeremy,” says the first source. “Watching this season made her relive their problems.”

Jessica Biel

JESSICA BIEL: Showing Off Her Ring!



Rock on! Six weeks after Us broke the news Justin Timberlake, 31, had proposed to Jessica Biel, the actress, 30, finally revealed her sparkler during an SNL after-party at NYC’s Ristorante Asellina February 18. “It wasn’t huge like a Kardashian ring,” says a witness. “It looked vintage and might have been custom-made. Amy Poehler and Kristen Wiig both checked it out!” So why did Biel wait so long to expose the stone? “She wanted to wear the ring right away, but Justin has been worried this will be a career killer,” says an insider of the couple, who dated off and on for nearly five years before getting engaged in December. “He’s not sure how he’ll operate as ‘Justin Timberlake, the married man.’” He’ll find out soon enough: “The big day’s this summer at a private estate,” says another source. “Monique Lhuillier is her No. 1 choice for the dress.”

Madonna

Madge Seeks NFL Star



Prey for Madonna! The singer, 53 — who is dating Brahim Zaibat, 24 — had her eye on New York Giant Victor Cruz, 25, at the Super Bowl February 5. “She wanted an introduction,” says a source. Four days later at an Oster Media bash in NYC, “people were still hounding him to meet Madge.” Alas, Cruz is taken: He and PR exec Elaina Watley have a month-old baby. Madge’s rep contends she didn’t want to meet Cruz, but needed “footage of him doing his salsa dance. She wanted to try it at a press conference.”

Russell Brand

Russell’s Single Life



Om-azing! Since splitting with Katy Perry, Russell Brand, 36 — who once fought sex and drug addictions — has kept himself on track with twice-daily meditation and kundalini yoga. He also just invested in some spiritual ink. Says a source, “He got a tattoo that reminds him to be truthful at all times.” Adds another insider, “He’s determined to not let his past demons take over again.” He’s far from celibate, however. Adds the second source, “He’s definitely playing the field. And he never mentions Katy.”


Photos By: RD/Orchon/Retna

YAHOO SPORTS PRESENTS DAY OF CHAMPIONS

Russell Brand And Barbara Elizabeth Brand

Barry Bonds

Billy Bob Thornton

Hank Azaria

Ronnie Faisst

Chad Michael Murray

Jack Black

Matt Kemp

Milo Ventimiglia

Teyana Taylor

Teyana Taylor along with Jack Black, Billy Bob Thornton, Chad Michael Murray, Barry Bonds, Hank Azaria, Milo Ventimiglia and others, attended the Yahoo Sports Presents 'A Day of Champions' held at Sports Museum of Los Angeles in Los Angeles, California.


Photos By: RD / Orchon / Retna Digital

THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER'S REAL STORIES

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Reel Stories, Real Lives
Presented by The Hollywood Reporter
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Jodie Foster

Russell Brand

Shailene Woodley

Yvette Nicole Brown

Scott Caan

Mireille Enos

Laura Dern

Josh Brolin

Jennifer Garner

Felicity Jones

Chris Pine

Alan Ruck

Adepero Oduye

Adepero Oduye along with Josh Brolin, Scott Caan, Jodie Foster, Russell Brand, Jodie Foster, Yvette Nicole Brown, Laura Dern, Mireille Enos, Chris Pine, Jennifer Garner, Felicity Jones, Alan Ruck and others, attended the Reel Stories, Real Lives - Presented by The Hollywood Reporter at Milk Studios in Los Angeles, California.


Photos By: RD / Kirkland / Retna Digital

COMIC RUSSELL BRAND AT BORGATA HOTEL

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ATLANTIC CITY GOSSIP

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Russell Brand

Russell Brand performed for a sold-out show at the Music Box inside Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa.. He took off his wedding ring at the beginning of the show and called it a "safe zone”, Poking fun at all the men who were there with women other than their wives. In typical Brand fashion most of the jokes were about sex, and he reminisced about his single days but kept reminding the audience that he was now married to pop princess Katy Perry. That same night he dined at Bobby Flay Steak inside the hotel.





Photo Courtesy: Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

RE-MAKE OF ARTHUR PROVES WORTH SEEING

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THE WEB GOSSIP
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Liza Minnelli

BRAND NEW ARTHUR – We went to see the new, re-booted Arthur last night and despite 14 reviews current posted to RottonTomatoes.com, with only one being positive, we rather enjoyed it. I was a huge fan of the original movie in 1981, starring the sublime Dudley Moore, John Gieguld, Liza Minnelli, and Jill Eikenberry; mostly because of the transcendent charm of Moore. The script, by Steve Gordon, was nothing short of brilliant; crisp, funny, and truly original. The movie was huge and catapulted Moore to superstardom, first begun with his role in Blake Edwards’ 10 in 1979. Though they attempted a sequel several years later (Arthur 2: On The Rocks), it flopped, mostly because Gordon, who had tragically died of a heart attack in 1982 at the age of 44, did not write the script and therefore, none of the charm of the original was present. It basically died on the vine. My first surprise on the re-boot was about how SO much of the original dialogue (note-for-note; word-for-word) has been used; at first I was pleased, but then noticed how some of it was rather dated. In 1981, there were really no computers or cell phones and the dialogue that worked so brilliantly back then … falls somewhat short now. The plot is essentially the same, just properly updated. The ultimate wedding scene in the final third of the movie takes place at the same church location; and, Arthur’s top hat, used so brilliantly in the original is here too, along for the ride. Luis Guzman as the long-suffering Bitterman is just brilliant here, as is Helen Mirren, essaying the John Gielgud role. I've always liked her, even though every time I see her I think of her role in The Queen. She has just exceptional timing and her work with Brand is just exceptional. Now, we come to Brand. I've grown to quite like him (cemented with his role as the host of last December’s David Lynch event bordering on the brilliant), though his bold, far-reaching comedy is sometimes way over the top. Moore was more diminutive, where Brand is tall and looks like he does not need a full time minder. In one of the last scenes, he is wearing nothing more than his under shorts and the scene and trick (if you can call it that) seems to go on way too long. Maybe that’s because the director this time around is Jason Winer, from TV’s Modern Family. His take is a full-on one, 100% romp that sometimes borders on exhaustion. I also always loved the theme song for the movie (“Arthur’s Theme-The Best That You Can Do”), so beautifully performed by Christopher Cross in the original; It was penned by Carole Bayer Sager; Burt Bachrach; Peter Allen; and Cross. There’s the obvious update here; again almost lacking any charm of the original, but a nice touch nonetheless. Also, Nick Nolte has the role of the father of the girl Arthur is pressured to marry, Susan Johnson. It’s always great to see the actor, but here’s he’s bulked up almost to unrecognizable proportions. It’s an interesting casting choice.

The innocent charm exhibited in the original is almost nowhere to be found here. Comedy re-makes are always dicey; witness’ the remake of The Heartbreat Kid (2007) … with Ben Stiller of all people. A good cable movie for sure.

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Meredith Viera

YESTERDAY AT TODAY – In a year, the lineup at NBC’s Today Show could look markedly different than they do right now. With Meredith Viera eyeing an exit as early as this September, reports loom large this morning that Matt Lauer will also exit the show; when his contract is up in 20 months. With Katie Couric leaving; Viera and Lauer; Regis out this year … TV will indeed look somewhat different. Sure, the recent purchase of NBC by Comcast may have something to do with it (cutting costs), but, these are indeed BIG names for anyone to lose; marquee names indeed! We know Matt and it is indeed hard to believe he’s been at that post for 17 years, but everything does come to an end in TV. He’s a good guy, family-oriented, and we know he'll move on to something even better. One report earlier had him and Couric doing an afternoon talk show. Wild! But, could be fun-theirs was a chemistry only made in heaven.


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David Garrison

GARRISON DOES DOUBLE DUTY – You’ve seen actor David Garrison in everything from his sublime portrayal of Steve Rhoades in Married With Children; to his numerous appearances on Law And Order; Torch Song Trilogy; Titanic; and, as the Wizard in Wicked. Now, he’s doing double-duty on the boards: he’s the voice of the announcer on That Championship Season and, at the same time, starring in the Off Broadway production of By The Way, Meet Vera Stark; from Pulitzer prize winning author Lyn Nottage. Garrison is a staggeringly good actor; versatile, savvy, and terrifically talented. In fact, we'd love to see him on The Good Wife. His co-star in Stark is the beautiful Sanaa Latham. According to the production notes: “The play is a 70-year journey through the life of Vera Stark, a head-strong African-American maid and budding actress, and her tangled relationship with her boss, a white Hollywood star desperately grasping to hold on to her career. When circumstances collide and both women land roles in the same Southern epic, the story behind the cameras leaves Vera with a surprising and controversial legacy scholars will debate for years to come.” It just began; check for tickets here.


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YO ADRIAN – Let me tip you off to a great band we just came across via PR-pasha David Salidor , the Adrian Niles Band. The band has issued six CDs and their latest Roll & Move is a blistering collection of blues-driven; eclectic rhythms and terrific lyrics. The band will be performing with another big favorite of ours, Dave Mason, May 21, at the Pepsi-Cola Roadhouse in Burgettstown, P.A. Check them out!

Photos By: RD/Dziekan/Leon/Walter McBride/Orchon/Retna

LEGEND OF THE GUARDIANS WORLD PREMIERE

Rick Yune

Billy Bob Thornton

Jim Sturgess

Sam Neill

Ryan Kwanten

Vanessa Hudgens

Carla Gugino

Russell Brand

Russell Brand along with Carla Gugino, Rick Yune, Billy Bob Thornton, Ryan Kwanten, Vanessa Hudgens and many more stars attended the premiere of "Legend of the Guardians" at world famed Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California.


Photos By: RD / Jay Valena / Retna Digital