Unfortunately, this is just the type of thing that could harm the chances of Looking, which didn’t get off to a good start in the ratings this past Sunday. Although word has it that HBO has been encouraged by the amount of press coverage the gay-themed dramedy has received, it still needs the type of momentum that comes with airing on a weekly schedule, a chance to build enough of a live audience for a renewal to be financially feasible. Live ratings might not be the end-all, be-all for HBO the way they are for broadcast networks, as HBO also takes into account buzz and cumulative weekly audience, but they’re still important enough to where disrupting a show’s airing pattern, especially one that premiered against a hugely rated NFL game, could be harmful to its future.

Girls, though, won’t have to worry about its audience, since it hit a series high with its one-hour season premiere and was renewed for a fourth season at the show’s recent TCA panel.

Have you been watching Girls and Looking this season? Do you think that Looking will attract enough attention to overcome its paltry ratings start and earn a second season renewal? Should HBO hold episodes of both comedies rather than relying on people to find them through other means?

The post HBO to Premiere New Episodes of Girls and Looking Saturday, February 1st appeared first on TVHackr.

However, this renewal of ‘Girls’ has come out to be a little surprising. The comedy which is created by Lena Dunham, who also stars in the show, has always been a part of the cultural dialogue. Apart from Game of Thrones, ‘Girls’ is one of the most dissected series of the HBO Network. The drama has always made highlights for its critics’ appreciation. Girls has been nominated for an Emmy and won two Golden Globes last year for the best comedy category and for the creator and star Lena Dunham. The show is competing again at Sunday’s kudos for the best comedy.

As far as its ratings are concerned, Girls has seen some normal ratings in same-day viewership but still is one of the largest DVR growers for the network. Last season of Girls saw an average of 6 million viewers every week, including replays.

Along with Dunham, Judd Apatow and Jenni Konner are the executive producers of Girls and Jenni also shares the screen with Dunham. Season one and two consisted of 10 episodes each and from the third season onwards the show will follow a 12-episode format. As of now, Girls is the only comedy show on HBO which has been ordered for a renewal. Way to go Girls!

The post HBO confirms ‘Girls’ renewal in 2015 appeared first on TVHackr.

This week on TVHackr, we talked about the latest Netflix original project, what’s happening on HBO in January, and possible ABC comedy extensions, while the internet touched on television fashion, scary episodes, and pilot season as a concept.

FOX Cuts Episode Order for Us & Them, Orders More Dads Scripts
FOX has halted production on romantic comedy Us & Them, which stars Jason Ritter and Alexis Bledel, while ordering six additional scripts for controversial Dads.

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon Team Up for CBS Comedy
The Oscar-winning duo have a comedy at CBS in development that stars comedian Tom Papa as a man who gives up a career on the road to spend time with his family.

The White Queen Episode 9 Recap: Save or Slaughter
While Margaret Beaufort learns that she has more power than even she knew, Elizabeth tries to negotiate with Richard and Anne worries that her words might have done irreparable damage.

Star Wars Rebels villain unveiled during New York Comic-Con
Disney and Lucasfilm unveiled Inquisitor, the villain in upcoming series Star Wars Rebels, during New York Comic-Con.

Grey’s Anatomy 10.04 Review: “Puttin’ on the Ritz”
While the doctors throw a benefit gala for Grey + Sloan Memorial, the interns are left to fend for themselves and Bailey finds herself stuck between two difficult patients.

Comedy Bang! Bang! renewed for a Third Season
IFC has renewed late-night series Comedy Bang! Bang! for a third season, which will consist of 20 episodes and air throughout 2014.

Witches of East End 1.02 “Marilyn Fenwick, R.I.P.” Recap
Ingrid is tasked with both resurrecting Wendy and helping Freya escape the photo, while Joanna gets questioned as to her role in the murder and the girls discover something about Aunt Marilyn.

Witches of East End 1.03 Preview: Should Joanna Use Dark Magic to Identify the Shifter?
On the next episode of Witches of East End, Wendy tries to teach the girls about their powers and Ingrid struggles with the lurking consequences of the resurrection spell.

Netflix Adds Psychological Thriller from Damages Creators
Production on a psychological thriller from the creators of Damages is set to begin sometime next year. The series will focus on a family dealing with the return of its black sheep.

Witches of East End Spoilers: Freya Tries to Mend the Rift Between Dash and Killian
Coming up on Witches of East End, Freya is asked by Penelope to help bring Dash and Killian together, while Wendy seduces an entomologist while gathering spell ingredients.

Outlander: Borgias Alum Lotte Verbeek Joins the Cast
Starz’s upcoming adaptation of the Outlander novel series has added Borgias alum Lotte Verbeek as untrustworthy Geillis Duncan, whose hand is firmly in the dark arts.

Susan Sarandon to Star in NBC Comedy Pilot, Daughter to Co-Star
Along with daughter Eva Amurri Martino, Susan Sarandon is attached to Growing Ivy, an NBC comedy about a career woman who lives with her eccentric mother.

Black Sails Official Trailer: Deliver Us from Evil
At New York Comic-Con, Starz released the official trailer for upcoming pirate drama Black Sails, which has already been renewed for a second season and will premiere this January.

Castle Review: “Number One Fan”
While Castle is called in to negotiate a hostage crisis with a murder suspect who will only speak to him, Beckett makes a major step in her career thanks to Gates.

Betrayal 1.04 Preview: Does Drew Already Know About Jack and Sara?
On the next episode of Betrayal, Karsten begins feeling his power slipping away, T.J. runs with the wrong crowd in prison, and Drew confronts Sara about her whereabouts.

Betrayal Spoilers: Will Sara and Jack Have Their Affair Exposed?
Coming up on Betrayal, Sara becomes increasingly concerned that her affair with Jack will be exposed, while Jack makes a confession that leaves him vulnerable and crucial evidence turns up in the murder investigation.

Golden Globes hosts for 2014-15: Tina Fey and Amy Poehler
Following a well-received turn hosting the Golden Globes this year, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler have signed on to host the next two ceremonies.

How I Met Your Mother 9.05 Review – The Poker Game
While Barney is forced to pick sides in a fight between Robin and her mother, Ted and Marshall get into a dispute over wedding gifts and thank-you notes.

Kerry Washington to Host Saturday Night Live
Emmy nominee Kerry Washington has been tapped to host an upcoming episode of Saturday Night Live. It’ll be her first time hosting the NBC sketch series.

HBO Announces Premiere Dates for True Detective, Girls, and Looking
On Sunday, January 12th, HBO will air the series premiere of True Detective and one-hour season premiere of Girls, with Looking premiering the following week.

TNT Orders Cooking Competition Series from Mark Burnett
TNT has ordered cooking competition On the Menu, from reality super-producer Mark Burnett, to series. The show will find home cooks working with professional chefs to create signature dishes for various food businesses.

Lara Spencer to host National Board of Review Awards
Good Morning American co-host Lara Spencer has been named host of the National Board of Review Awards.

ABC Orders Additional Scripts for The Goldbergs, Trophy Wife
ABC has ordered three additional scripts for freshman comedies The Goldbergs and Trophy Wife, both of which currently air on Tuesdays.

The Americans: Margo Martindale to Appear in Season 2
Emmy winner (and current Millers star) Margo Martindale will be returning to The Americans for at least one episode during the show’s upcoming second season.

Outlander: Merlin Alum Laura Donnelly Joins the Cast
Merlin alum Laura Donnelly has joined the cast of Starz’s Outlander as Jenny Fraser Murray, motherly sister of Jamie Fraser who is married to her brother’s best friend.

Banshee Season 2 to Premiere Friday, January 10th on Cinemax
The second season of action drama Banshee, which won an Emmy last month, is set to premiere Friday, January 10th at 10:00 on Cinemax.

Bitten: Watch the First Trailer for the Upcoming Syfy Drama Here
The first trailer for upcoming Syfy werewolf drama Bitten, starring Smallville‘s Laura Vandervoort, has been released. The show will premiere sometime in 2014.

Time of Death: Watch a First Trailer for the Showtime Documentary Series Here
Showtime has released the first trailer for upcoming documentary series Time of Death, which focuses on terminally ill patients living out their last days.

Victor Garber to guest star in The Good Wife
Alias alum Victor Garber is set to appear on an upcoming episode of CBS legal drama The Good Wife.

Ryan Murphy: Season 6 will be the last one for Glee
Glee creator Ryan Murphy has confirmed that next season will be the show’s final and given the first hint as to the direction season six will take.

ABC Schedules Lady Gaga, Muppets Holiday Special
ABC will air a Lady Gaga holiday special that will feature cameos from RuPaul, the Muppets, Sir Elton John, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, among others.

News’ Need to Pump Web Traffic Presents Speedbump for Network TV Coverage (Variety)
Variety took a look at the evolving nature of news-outlet behavior and how the interests of TV networks and newspapers are no longer closely aligned.

10 TV characters who never change their clothes (and why) (Entertainment Weekly)
Ever wonder why your favorite TV character doesn’t change their clothes? Entertainment Weekly explains why their closet seems to be so limited.

Netflix Is Coming Soon to Your TV Through Your Cable Box (Wired)
Wired reports that Samsung has announced that Netflix will be available to its customers through its Smart Cable Box.

4 TV Execs in Showdown: Fox’s Reilly Calls Pilot Season ‘Welfare State’; Sarandos’ New Threat (The Hollywood Reporter)
The Hollywood Reporter gathered four of television’s top executives for an hour-long interviewing covering development, competition, and the show that got away.

The Top 50 Scariest Television Episodes of All Time, Part 1 (io9)
io9 has begun a countdown of the 50 scariest episodes of television of all time, with the first part including installments of Angel, Game of Thrones, and True Blood.

The post The Week in Television Wrap October 12-18 appeared first on TVHackr.

True Detective, which stars Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson as Louisiana detective on the hunt for a serial killer, will make its series premiere on Sunday, January 12th at 9:00. The series, following the investigation that begins in 1985 and gets reopened in 2012, will have an eight-episode first season and features the likes of Alexandra Daddario, Michelle Monaghan, and Elizabeth Reaser. It’s HBO’s first winter drama since David Milch’s ill-fated Luck premiered in 2011.

The same night will see the third season of critically acclaimed comedy Girls making its debut with back-to-back new episodes at 10:00 and 10:30. The series was recently nominated for five Emmys, including Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for star/creator Lena Dunham. On Sunday, January 19th at 10:30, HBO will premiere new comedy Looking, which follows the exploits of three gay friends in San Francisco. Created by Michael Lannan and to be executive produced by Sarah Condon and Andrew Haigh, the series stars Jonathan Groff, Frankie J. Alvarez, and Murray Bartlett. Guest stars for the first season include Russell Tovey and Scott Bakula.

It’ll be a pretty active few weeks for HBO at the close of the year, as the network will premiere two additional new comedies (British remake Getting On and Ja’mie Private School Girl, the latter from Chris Lilley) the last Sunday in November and the final season of Treme on December 1st. The three series were scheduled this way due to a shortened season of True Blood, which pushed the premiere of Boardwalk Empire up by two weeks and left a month with no new programming.

Will you be watching any HBO shows this January? Is this combination of series going to work out for the network? Does hearing about new January shows make you miss Enlightened, which Girls aired along with this year?

The post HBO Announces Premiere Dates for True Detective, Girls, and Looking appeared first on TVHackr.

Meanwhile, on the comedy side, Louie, Parks and Recreation, New Girl, and Veep all snagged double nominations, with each having a star nominated (Louis C.K., Amy Poehler, Jake Johnson, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus) as well as constituting 4/5 of the Outstanding Achievement in Comedy category.

Other notable nominees include Game of Thrones, being honored in Outstanding Achievement in Drama and Program of the Year; Homeland, who only snagged one nomination and found none of its cast honored; Vera Farmiga, adding to her Critics’ Choice nomination with recognition from TCA; and Sundance Channel, which found both Top of the Lake and Rectify earning nods.

What do you think about the TCA nominations? Where would you cast your vote in each category? Which surprise nomination is your favorite?

Individual Achievement in Drama
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad
Vera Farmiga, Bates Motel
Tatiana Maslany, Orphan Black
Monica Potter, Parenthood
Matthew Rhys, The Americans

Individual Achivement in Comedy
Louis C.K., Louie
Lena Dunham, Girls
Jake Johnson, New Girl
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep
Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation

Outstanding Achievement in Drama
The Americans, FX
Breaking Bad, AMC
Game of Thrones, HBO
Homeland, Showtime
Mad Men, AMC

Outstanding Achievement in Comedy
The Big Bang Theory, CBS
Louie, FX
New Girl, FOX
Parks and Recreation, NBC
Veep, HBO

Outstanding Movie, Miniseries or Special
American Horror Story: Asylum, FX
Behind the Candelabra, HBO
Downton Abbey, PBS
Rectify, Sundance Channel
Top of the Lake, Sundance Channel

News and Information
Anderson Cooper 360, CNN
Central Park Five, PBS
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Comedy Central
Rachel Maddow Show, MSNBC
60 Minutes, CBS

Outstanding Achievement in Reality Programming
The Amazing Race, CBS
The Glee Project, Oxygen
Shark Tank, ABC
Survivor, CBS
The Voice, NBC

Outstanding Achievement in Youth Programming
Adventure Time, Cartoon Network
Bunheads, ABC Family
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, PBS
Sesame Street, PBS
Switched at Birth, ABC Family

New Program
The Americans, FX
Elementary, CBS
House of Cards, Netflix
The Mindy Project, FOX
Orphan Black, BBC America

Career Achievement Award
James L. Brooks
James Burrows
Jay Leno
William Shatner
Barbara Walters

The Heritage Award
All in the Family
Lost
Saturday Night Live
Star Trek
Twin Peaks

Program of the Year
The Americans, FX
Breaking Bad, AMC
Game of Thrones, HBO
House of Cards, Netflix
The Walking Dead, AMC

The post 2013 TCA Nominations Announced appeared first on TVHackr.