GILLIAN JACOBS & YVETTE NICOLE BROWN IN TORONTO FOR "COMMUNITY" SEASON FOUR

Gillian Jacobs, Billy, Mr. Will & Yvette Nicole Brown

Right in-time for Back to School!  NBC's Community Stars Yvette Nicole Brown and Gillian Jacobs arrived in Toronto to promote the upcoming season of the Comedy Series after a highly-publicized Hiatus last Season, causing an outcry of support from Fans online.  

The Ladies, who play Shirley and Britta respectively, were out and about touring the TV Circuit including appearances on Global Television's The Morning Show and CityTV's Breakfast Television.

Braving the rain without umbrellas, both Brown and Jacobs - who looked incredible - stopped for a quick Photo while waiting for their Vehicles amidst the Bloor Street traffic.  Jacobs in particular was obsessed with my Dog Billy and we all joined-in on the fun for a Snap!

Season Four of Community premieres Friday, October 19, 2012 at 8:30 PM on CityTV.

UPDATE: Aww!  Check-out this Tweet from Jacobs herself on Billy!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

64TH PRIMETIME EMMY AWARD NOMINEES ANNOUNCED

The Judges of NBC's The Voice

The 64th Primetime Emmy Award Nominees have been announced and indeed Television has stepped-up its game with field upon field of tough competition in each category. This year we see the return of AMC's Mad Men after a lengthy absence and it is a force to be reckoned with Elisabeth Moss, Jon Hamm, Christina Hendricks and even the underrated Jared Harris being recognized for their superb work. HBO's Comedy, Girls, also is a force to be reckoned with, getting nods for Outstanding Comedy Series and Lead Actress in a Comedy with Lena Dunham. 

ABC's Modern Family once again is well-represented with all four of its male Stars, Ty Burrell, Ed O'Neill, Eric Stonestreet and Jesse Tyler Ferguson all up against each other for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

Kristen Wiig stands a v. good chance at winning in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actress for her work on NBC's Saturday Night Live with this past season having been her finale one.

Julianne Moore is up against her The Hours Co-star Nicole Kidman for Outstanding Actress in a Miniseries or TV Movie for her portrayal of Sarah Palin in HBO's Game Change, while the latter is being recognized for her work in HBO's Hemingway & Gellhorn.  Ashley Judd somehow is angled into the same category for her work in Missing which after its cancellation, is now being considered a Miniseries? Girl, please.

Interestingly, NBC's The Voice is nominated in the category of Outstanding Reality Program, while the Godfather in the genre, FOX's American Idol fails to get any recognition from the Academy.  The two programs have had v. public feuds in the Media in the past with Idol's Randy Jackson having called its Foe, "second-rate".

Click here for a full list of Nominees.

(Photo credit: NBC)

CHANNING TATUM ON "LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON"

Channing Tatum on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

Ew! You must watch Channing Tatum on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon where the two of them appear in Drag as spoiled Teen Princesses who uncontrollably blurt out a judgmental "Ew!" at pretty much everything that comes their way.  Of course Tatum has to throw in a little plug for Magic Mike, which opened last night with special 10:00 PM Screenings.  Hilar.

Watch the Sketch below:

ERICA DURANCE SET TO SAVE SOME LIVES IN CTV'S "SAVING HOPE"

Erica Durance & Mr. Will-W.

What makes upcoming Medical Drama Saving Hope so unique is how distinctively Canadian it truly is. Not only is it set in Toronto, but  its Cast also is Canadian through and through. Taking place in Toronto's Hope-Zion Hospital, the Series centers around a Couple, Charlie (Michael Shanks) and Alex (Erica Durance), both whom are Surgeons. After suffering a  horrific Car Accident, Charlie is left in a Coma. Unable to decipher whether he's a Ghost or not, Charlie wanders the halls of the Hospital, as his Fiancée and her fellow Doctors work feverishly to save his and others' lives. Saving Hope also stars Daniel Gillies, Salvatore Antonio, Julie Taylor Ross and Benjamin Ayres. 

I had the privilige earlier of chatting with the Series' Star Durance, whom many of us might remember from Smallville, prior to a busy day on on-set in the City's west-end. I asked her whether or not we can expect a Love Triangle Story Line in the Series between her Character, Gillies' Joel and Shanks' Charlie.  She tells me, "I think in any Story you will find a Love Triangle in it, but what makes Saving Hope different is that it has that supernatural aspect to it.".   

Durance has nothing but praise for her two fellow Co-Stars, telling me "Michael and Daniel are amazing in this.  You'll see on June 7th!".  Although I had visited the Set last week, I had learned that they were filming a v. emotional scene that day.  Today the Cast and Crew were filming a less intense scene fortunately, which we eventually will see in the Series' eighth Episode .... it surely will be worth the wait!

TRACY MORGAN IN TORONTO FOR CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FEST

Tracy Morgan in Toronto - March 2012

Former Saturday Night Live Alumni and Star of 30 Rock, Tracy Morgan, flew into Toronto earlier this evening right in-time for his Sony Centre for the Performing Arts appearance, as part of the Canadian International Comedy Fest taking place in the City. Stunning the audience with his raunchy brand of Humour, Morgan performed for just-over an hour to a standing ovation.

Morgan was incredible to Fans who waited outside the Venue, stopping to take Photos with Fans and signing Autographs.  "Let's do it!", he declared to my Photo request, some snapped by his Wife, Sabina.

After heading out in his Suburban, Mr. & Mrs. Morgan were spotted having some post-show Cocktails at Fairmont Royal York Hotel's Epic, greeting Fans in the Hotel Lobby afterward.

In addition to his recurring role on 30 Rock as Tracy Jordan, Morgan also can be seen on Hidden Camera Reality Series Scare Tactics, where he will be returning for a fifth season this Fall as Host and Executive Producer.

I have an Signed Photo from Morgan to give away and to qualify, simply "like" Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook and "like" this corresponding Post before May 1, 2012.  Good luck!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

JOSH LUCAS & FIANCÉE SPOTTED BACK IN TORONTO

Josh Lucas & Fiancée in Toronto - February 2012

Although we still have yet to figure out her name, Josh Lucas arrived back to Toronto to continue work on NBC's The Firm together with his mysterious and beautiful Fiancée - both carrying matching luggage, she two steps behind her Leading Man. The Couple spent President's Day Weekend - or Family Day Weekend here in Ontario - in New York, making a quick Getaway from the City. Apologies for the blurry shot - it's the best I could do without being invasive!

We last spotted Lucas back in December filming on Adelaide St. along with Juliette Lewis and Molly Parker. Click here for more on that.

Although reviews are mixed and ratings are lukewarm thus far, NBC has high hopes for the Series, having ordered a complete Season with 22 episodes.

The Firm airs on Global, Thursday nights at 10:00 PM EST and on NBC Saturday nights at 9:00 PM EST.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

ROSEANNE BARR & JOHN GOODMAN TO REUNITE IN NBC SITCOM "DOWNWARDLY MOBILE"

Roseanne Barr & John Goodman

We loved them for nine seasons and now they're reuniting!  John Goodman and Roseanne Barr who proved to be a winning combination for ABC with Roseanne between 1988 to 1997, at one point becoming the most-watched TV Show in the U.S., and now they are set to star in NBC Sitcom Downwardly Mobile.
 
Barr in addition to writing and producing, will be playing a Mother Figure and Proprietor at a Mobile Home Park to a variety of different characters.  Goodman is being tapped to play one of the Men working at the Park.  This could be real good.  Surely I can't be the only one hoping for a romantic twist between their characters, right?

(Photo credit: ABC)

"THE VOICE" SEES 120% INCREASE OVER PREVIOUS BEST IN SEASON TWO PREMIERE

Official Poster for The Voice

The numbers are in and if you thought NBC's The Voice was a smash the first season, its season Premiere on Super Bowl Sunday saw a 120% increase from its previous biggest measured ratings night, May 31, 2011.  Viewers who tuned-in saw even more of that noted tension between Mentors, Christina Aguilera and Adam Levine with the Diva repeatedly talking over Levine and at one point calling him a "Justin Timberlake Wannabe", which required an apology on her part shortly after.

There were a couple interesting stories during the Blind Auditions, which saw the Mentors listening to Contestants once again with their backs turned including one Contestant, a former Disney Mouseketeer who sang alongside Justin Timberlake, Ryan Gosling, Britney Spears and Aguilera herself, named Tony Lucca.  At first failing to recognize the Singer-Songwriter, Aguilera bolted backstage after cluing-in to his identity, finally running to give him a hug.  "Britney used to have such a crush on you!", she revealed on National Television.

Another Contestant who stood-out is the handsome Chris Mann, who previously has appeared on Glee as a Dalton Academy Warbler.  The Singer, who specializes in Opera, has had various false starts also and his Muse is his Mother, who currently is battling Pancreatic Cancer.

The Voice airs on NBC Monday nights at 8:00 PM EST.

(Photo credit: NBC)

DANIEL RADCLIFFE ON "SNL"

Daniel Radcliffe on SNL

In an exceptional Saturday Night Live tonight, Harry Potter himself Daniel Radcliffe performed hosting duties. Among his greatest moments were an appearance on the recurring Target-themed Sketch with Kristen Wiig which had him in a Mullet longing for her - his Co-worker - in a perfect American accent. He also did a hilarious Parody of the Musical Jersey Boys where a majority of the Songs sung were lesser versions of those by Franki Valli and the Four Seasons.  The British Thespian brought out the laughs as indicted-but-not-guilty Casey Anthony's Yorkshire Terrier, going on about how treacherous it is to have her as his Owner.  "Life is ruff", he claimed. 

Daniel Radcliffe as a Yorkshire Terrier

The brightest moment had Radcliffe once again in the role that made him famous, re-visiting Hogwarts with Jason Sudeikis as Draco Malfoy and Bill Hader as Severus Snape.  At the end of it Radcliffe declared with confidence, "I've still got it!".

Up-and-coming Musical Guest Lana Del Rey performed her Tracks Video Games and my favourite Blue Jeans to warm reaction from the in-house Audience (although more mixed reviews on Twitter) crooning multiple throatier, melodic variations to her recorded renditions.  Her Debut Disc Born to Die hits stores January 27, 2012 via Universal Music.

Although it might take a day to surface, visit Global Television's Website for Clips watchable in Canada.

FIVE-MINUTE PREVIEW FOR "SMASH"

Still from Smash

This new five-minute Preview of NBC's Smash sure will whet a few appetites and although the official Premiere for the Series isn't till Monday, February 6, 2012 at 10:00 PM EST, this will just have to do for the time being.  It's almost like Glee... but with an actual Story Line!  *gasp*

Here we see two young Women - one a seasoned Actress, one more an aspiring Actress - up for the role of Marilyn Monroe in a new Broadway Musical about that Icon co-written by Julia (Debra Messing).  Ivy (Megan Hilty) has experience on her side, while Karen (Katharine McPhee) has that X-Factor about her and a real natural ability, but who will get it? Who will be Marilyn, damnit? We even see Derek Wills (Jack Davenport) push the boundaries a bit on that Casting Couch with Karen.

Watch the five-minute Preview of Smash below:

JOSH LUCAS ENGAGED | SIGNED PHOTO GIVEAWAY

Josh Lucas & Mr. Will-W.

Back in October, I spotted Josh Lucas at Toronto Pearson International Airport after spending Canadian Thanksgiving away with his Girlfriend.  Well, Lucas confirmed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno last night, that he is now engaged!

The Actor who is now busy in the U.S. with his Castmates promoting NBC's The Firm, which premieres this Sunday at 9:00 PM EST.  He will be returning shortly to Toronto to continue filming the first season of the Series based upon the Josh Grisham Novel.

Watch as he explains to Leno how he knew she was the one:

NBC'S "SMASH" STARRING KATHARINE MCPHEE: PREMIERES FEBRUARY 6, 2012

Mr. Will-W. & Katharine McPhee - October 2007

Just over a month until one of the most exciting new TV Series of 2012 debuts! NBC looks to have a deadly duo in both Toronto-filmed The Firm and now, Musical Drama Smash. The Series which centers around a group of people who are working on a Broadway Musical about Marilyn Monroe. It stars Will & Grace's Debra Messing as the Musical's Co-writer, Katharine McPhee as Karen (who plays Monroe) and also Megan Hilty (a veteran originally thought to be cast as Monroe). I can hear those nails scratching already.

Could this finally be the deserved big break we've always hoped for with former American Idol Runner-up McPhee? Already  named one of the eight Most Exciting New Series at the Critics' Choice Television Awards, Smash premieres on Monday, February 6, 2012 on NBC and CTV in Canada.

Watch Katherine McPhee perform Beautiful on Smash below:

JULIETTE LEWIS & MOLLY PARKER IN TORONTO FILMING "THE FIRM"

Juliette Lewis & Mr. Will-W.

After spotting her Co-star Josh Lucas earlier, I soon after saw one of my favourite Actresses ever, the charismatic and under-cast Juliette Lewis. I've hoped much to meet her on many a TIFF in the past, but just never had the luck.  The Singer/Actress today was juggling both Press and Acting with  the Media visiting her for NBC Series, The Firm which has had her in the City since late Summer.  

In the Series Lewis plays the role of Tammy, a Secretary who plays a crucial party in assisting Lead Character Mitch (Lucas).  In the 1993 Film version of the John Grisham Novel, that same Role was played by Oscar Winner Holly Hunter.

Although visibly rushed, Lewis who was carrying a metal Thermos, made time for her Fans and instructed us to hurry and snap so that we could our Photos together.  She then rushed into her Production Van with acclaimed Canadian Actress Molly Parker, who plays Mitch's Wife Abigail (see below).

JOSH LUCAS IN TORONTO FILMING "THE FIRM"

Josh Lucas & Mr. Will-W.

Not that we really need a special occasion to look at attractive Josh Lucas, but I spotted him a second time this year on a filming break today for NBC's The Firm, which is set to debut on NBC and Global here in Canada Sunday, January 8, 2012.  In October, I ran into him flying back to Toronto after a weekend away.  Today however was a special day as some Press were invited to the Set to field questions about the Series. Filming for Season One of the Series continues in Toronto until April 30, 2012. It's looking like the Series based upon the Novel of the same name by John Grisham, is receiving a fair amount of buzz.

The Firm centers around a Lawyer named Mitch (Lucas) who unknowingly was hired by Organized Crime Enterprise's Legal Team.  The story picks-up ten years after he exposes that Law Firm's involvement with the Mob with Mitch and his Family coming out of the Witness Protection Program.

Lucas who just changed out of Mitch's well-cut Suit into his preferred choice of Jeans and a Plaid Button-down for a quick return home for Lunch, was amazingly co-operative and kind to pose for Photos and sign some Autographs for Fans.  An absolute Gentleman as always!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

FIRST TRAILER FOR NBC'S "THE FIRM"

Still from The Firm

Finally we get a proper look at NBC's The Firm, based on the Novel by John Grisham, which also was adapted into a Film. The Series, currently still filming in Toronto, premieres on Sunday, January 8, 2012 at 9:00 PM EST. My question is this - how in the World did they make Toronto look so un-Toronto? Although this Clip is rather short, it definitely is poignant.  Josh Lucas indeed is a wanted Man. *chortle*

Watch it below:

I almost forgot I spotted Lucas in Toronto back in October, but if you really need an excuse to look at a Photo of him, click here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W. | Video credit: NBC)

JOSH LUCAS IN TORONTO FOR "THE FIRM"

Josh Lucas & Mr. Will-W.

Heaththrob Josh Lucas always brings a smile to our faces and it was back-to-work for him after a relaxing Canadian Thanksgiving weekend spent in Los Angeles. Lucas stars in NBC's hotly-tipped series The Firm based on the John Grisham novel of the same name. The Legal-Drama series also stars Juliette Lewis and our v. own Molly Parker and Tricia Helfer.  The Series is set to premiere in 2012 and 22 episodes already have been ordered.

This is my second time spotting the Actor - I met him last year during TIFF - and I can say he's 100% pure legit Southern Charm.  The Firm continues to film in and around Toronto though April 2012.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

MELISSA MCCARTHY ON "SNL"

Melissa McCarthy on Saturday Night Live

Melissa McCarthy might be your unconventional It Girl... but she is! The Funnywoman is exactly why we need to see more real Comedic talent on Saturday Night Live instead of Celebrities trying their hands as Actors, at the expense of our patience and time.  The Star of Mike and Molly and Bridesmaids was rushed onto the long-running Show hot on the heels of her recent Emmy win and the results were tremendous.  She sang, she danced, she made us laugh and she grossed us the hell out (i.e. gulping down some Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing straight from the bottle).

Although it's hit or miss, whether or not it will work due to NBC's regional restrictions (Canadians can see it here), this is the proper link for one of her most brilliant Sketches, Arlene where she not-so -subtly drops a hint or two to her Co-worker played by Jason Sudeikis, that she's into him.  We all need someone like that in our Offices!

Watch below:

JULIETTE LEWIS IN TORONTO FOR "THE FIRM"

Juliette Lewis at TIFF 2010

Academy Award-nominated Actress and Musician Juliette Lewis currently is in Toronto doing a bit of house hunting as she will be relocating to the City early August.  Lewis has been cast in NBC's Legal Thriller/Drama series The Firm, based upon the same John Grisham Novel as the acclaimed 1993 Sydney Pollack Film.  Lewis has been cast alongside Josh Lucas and both were in Toronto just last September for the Toronto International Film Festival.

While in-town, Lewis was spotted dining on the patio at ONE Restaurant in Yorkville dressed in hot pink. Just this past weekend, she attended the Calgary Stampede and after completing her hunt here, she will be headed back to Los Angeles for a bit of packing.

The Firm is set to begin production early August 2011 and will wrap April 2012.  Check out NBC's official website for the Series here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

JANE KRAKOWSKI IN TORONTO FOR BLACKCREEK MUSIC FESTIVAL

Jane Krakowski in Toronto - July 2011

Just three months after delivering her first Child Bennett, Jane Krakowski was fit and in fighting form for the BlackCreek Music Festival's presentation of The Very, Very Best of Broadway at Rexall Centre.  The Show assembled together some of the biggest names in Broadway to perform a selection of Classics.  

The Tony and SAG Award-winning Actress, best known for her hilarious work on NBC's 30 Rock as Jenna Maroney, wowed the Audience with a showstopping delivery of A Call from the Vatican, performed recently by Penélope Cruz in 2009's NINE.  One onlooker was in awe how high Krakowski's heels were.

Krakowski was shocked to arrive back at her Hotel to find Fans waiting for Autographs and walked over to greet them asking, "What, they can't let you guys come any closer?".  Not surprisingly she was personable and bubbly, not at all unlike her Stage and Television persona generously giving her time to them after a long day which saw her leaving for Rehearsals before noon and arriving back to her Hotel after midnight.

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE & LADY GAGA ON "SNL" | "IT'S NOT GAY WHEN IT'S IN A THREE-WAY"

Justin Timberlake hosts Saturday Night Live

Although it's sad to see another season of Saturday Night Live end, at least last night's Finale was a memorable one.  Host Justin Timberlake was joined not only by Lady Gaga as a Musical Guest, but also appeared alongside her on three Sketches.  And how about that Cameo from our favourite Sex Symbol Bradley Cooper, who I interviewed last week here.

Timberlake fully combined his talents to bring out the laughs whether it be dancing in a Beer costume in  a Drink-off against Kristen Wiig in a Tea Bag get-up, or singing with Andy Samberg in a continuation of their Mother Lover Digital Short series.  In the latter Musical Clip, both Timberlake and Samberg together with Gaga, sang about the sexy joys of a Threesome.  "It's not Gay when it's in a three-way", they proclaim - at one point parodying two Jacks and one Chrissy in an homage to Three's Company!

And despite promising not to sing, so to let Gaga have her moment, he still went into song and dance during his introduction, at one point serenading a lucky Woman in the audience on bended knee.

You absolutely must watch Gaga, Samberg and Timberlake's Digital Short below.  So hot!