The TV Zone

Lots to catch up with today, so let's go to our trusty "Catching up with the News" - and with the TCA TV Press Tour meet going on out West, there's plenty....

CBS spinning off "NCIS." Can you believe it? It's true. CBS bosswoman Nina Tassler told TV writers yesterday that this is gonna happen, and though I wasn't there for the grand announcement, I'm assuming next fall..."The Mentalist" is probably next, and suggested heds are "Positively Mental," "The Mentalizer," "Getting Mental," "The Mentalistist," and so on.

"Gossip Girl" spin-off a definite definite. Before it was just a "definite maybe." Per the Hollywood Reporter, Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage - latter the real brains of the show who seems to write every word - are putting together a show that'll air as a backdoor pilot in May; there'll be flashbacks to the '80s of mom Lilly and Serena - so I'm thinking prequel here as opposed to sequel.

Chevy Chase to "Chuck": Also in HR, which says CC will be in a three-ep arc sometime this spring (I assume). He plays a techno mogul, and Chuck's dad accuses him of something ... whatever.

Conan at NBC session today: Conan speaks to assemblage later today, and let me just prefigure his comments right here..."I'm thrilled Jay's taking over at 10...no this won't impact our guest lineup at all...no, I don't feel like this announcement upstaged my move to 'Tonight'...Will you please stop asking the same stupid questions...oh, to hell with all of you...I'm outta here...Silverman, don't put me through this again..."
Amy Poehler will be here too to talk about her new show...

John Mayer will do a CBS show. Yeah, this news was out yesterday and it's a real head-scratcher. A music-variety-sketch show? Does this mean COMEDY? Oh, that Mayer, he's a funny one - as funny as a crutch. I've never seen this guy smile - except when he broke up with Jen. And then he smiled again when he got back together with her. Speaking of Jen, if she's on the show, I'll watch. Otherwise, a pass.