Universal Television News

Universal Television has signed a first-look development deal with Eva Longoria (NBC's 'Ready for Love,' 'Desperate Housewives'), it was announced jointly today by Paul Telegdy, President, Alternative and Late Night Programming, NBC Entertainment, and Jennifer Salke, President, NBC Entertainment.

Check out a new clip of the much-anticipated Halloween special MOCKINGBIRD LANE, airing on NBC Friday, 8-9 p.m. ET.

Two weeks out from the 2012 election, President Barack Obama will be visiting THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO (Monday - Friday, 11:35 p.m. ET on NBC) tonight, October 24. This marks Mr. Obama's fifth appearance on the show, his third since taking the office of President of the United States.

As BroadwayWorld previously reported the second season of SMASH will include a growing list of high-profile guest stars, including the just-announced Nikki Blonsky of Hairspray, as well as Jesse L. Martin, Jeremy Jordan, Sean Hayes and Jennifer Hudson. Now according to Vulture, Bernadette Peters, who guest starred last season as Ivy's (Megan Hilty) mom, will return in season two. The Broadway favorite will begin filming soon in New York City.

Two weeks out from the 2012 election, President Barack Obama will be visiting THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO (Monday - Friday, 11:35 p.m. ET on NBC) on Wednesday, October 24. This marks Mr. Obama's fifth appearance on the show, his third since taking the office of President of the United States.

FOX has ordered two additional episodes of the freshman series, THE MINDY PROJECT, bringing its total number for season one to 24. It was recently picked up for a full series earlier this month.

Deadline reports that SNL alum Andy Samberg has signed on to lead a currently untitled comedy pilot for the FOX network from Universal TV.

Andy Samberg has signed on to star in and produce Fox's upcoming and untitled Mike Schur/Dan Goor comedy. Schur and Goor are the men behind the hit series PARKS AND RECREATION.

NBC announced that its second-year comedy series WHITNEY will return to its primetime lineup on Wednesday, November 14 (8-8:30 p.m. ET) replacing 'Animal Practice.'

As Halloween nears, NBC turns Friday, October 26 into Fright Night when it premieres the pilot of the much-anticipated MOCKINGBIRD LANE (8-9 p.m. ET) - based on executive producer Bryan Fuller's ("Pushing Daisies," "Heroes") script and directed by executive producer Bryan Singer ("X-Men" film series, "House"). Watch a preview of the special below!

According to Deadline.com, NBC will not move forward with the new comedy series Next Caller, starring Dane Cook. The midseason show was originally booked for six episodes.

As Halloween nears, NBC turns Friday, October 26 into Fright Night when it premieres the pilot of the much-anticipated MOCKINGBIRD LANE (8-9 p.m. ET) - based on executive producer Bryan Fuller's ("Pushing Daisies," "Heroes") script and directed by executive producer Bryan Singer ("X-Men" film series, "House").

Trisha sits down with Michael Lohan as he pleads to his ex-wife Dina, in an open letter exclusively on TRISHA GODDARD airing Friday, October 12th (check local listings).

Trisha sits down with Michael Lohan as he pleads to his ex-wife Dina, in an open letter exclusively on TRISHA GODDARD airing Friday, October 12th (check local listings).

NBC's acclaimed drama series GRIMM will join with Telemundo, mun2 and Universal Studios Hollywood's 'Halloween Horror Nights' in an unprecedented NBCUniversal cross-divisional event when its Halloween episode 'La Llorona' is broadcast on October 26/27.

FOX has picked up six additional episodes of BEN AND KATE and nine additional episodes of THE MINDY PROJECT, bringing both new Tuesday night comedies to full-season orders, it was announced today by Kevin Reilly, Chairman of Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company.

Darkhorizons reports that NBC has just closed a deal with Universal Television and Matchbox Pictures to adapt the multiple award-winning Austrailian miniseries THE SLAP for American TV. Jon Robin Baitz (Brothers & Sisters) will pen the U.S. adaptation. Check out the Aussie series below!

First Lady Michelle Obama is set for an episode of the all-new daytime show 'StEve Harvey' that will air today, October 3 (check local listings for time and channel). Mrs. Obama taped the episode in Chicago on Thursday, September 27.

On the heels of winning its first premiere week in the A18-49 demographic in nine years, NBC has picked up three of its new fall series - the adventure-drama 'Revolution' and the comedies 'Go On' and 'The New Normal' -- for full-season commitments for the 2012-13 season, it was announced today by Jennifer Salke, President, NBC Entertainment.

Armando Nuñez has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of the CBS Global Distribution Group, a newly created position that will lead CBS's combined domestic and international television distribution business, it was announced today by Leslie Moonves, President and Chief Executive Officer, CBS Corporation.