With PBS being most famous right now as the network of Downton Abbey for its American viewers, it's only fitting they should air a primetime soap special.  Since 2008, the series Pioneers of Televsion has documented the early rise of various television genres.

 On Jan. 22, audiences will see an episode entitled, "Primetime Soaps," which will examine the first love triangles, baby swaps and mental breakdowns to reach primetime viewers.  Shows such as Peyton Place, Dynasty, Knots Landing, and Dallas will be examined.  Watch the PBS promo after the jump! READ MORE

Don't expect Katherine Heigl to return to Seattle Grace anytime soon. Grey's Anatomy showrunner Shonda Rhimes spoke with Oprah Winfrey Sunday night to discuss her latest primetime drama Scandal, featuring Kerry Washington.  The Mighty O asked Rhimes about Heigl's controversial 2008 decision to pull her name from Emmy nominations. Fans of the series recall Heigl told the press she wasn't submitting since the writing for her character wasn't up to snuff. Ouch. Rhimes has kept mum on Heigl's diss until now. Said Rhimes on Oprah's Next Chapter:

On some level it stung, and on some level I was not surprised. When people show you who they are, believe them. I carry that with me a lot. It has served me well. READ MORE

All My Children vet Justin Bruening is headed to Seattle Grace. Per TV Line, Bruening has landed a recurring role on Grey's Anatomy. The actor will play a paramedic who mixes it up with some of the doctors. Look for Bruening's debut in early 2013. READ MORE

With the Private Practice series finale looming in January, the ABC drama has decided to bring back a much-missed face. According to TV Guide, Audra McDonald will reprise the role of Dr. Naomi Bennett for in the series finale.
  READ MORE

On today’s Pop Confidential podcast Jamey Giddens, Luke Kerr, Jillian Bowe and Melodie Aikels discuss the latest in pop culture, celebrity gossip, TV and movie headlines.

Is the feud between American Idol judges Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey for real? Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney wants to get rid of Sesame Street’s Big Bird. Saturday Night Live lampoons President Barack Obama’s debate performance. Big offers are coming in for the Hulk Hogan sex tape. The Houston family wants to restrict Bobbi Kristina’s access to her inheritance from Whitney Houston.

TLC’s T-Boz is getting a reality show on the TLC channel. 666 Park Avenue premieres to soft ratings. What did the Pop Confidential gang think of Revenge, Once Upon a Time and The Good Wife’s season premieres? Grey’s Anatomy goes back in time. Find out which PC co-host doesn’t care about the Quinn mystery on Scandal.  Addison learns Mark Sloan has died on Private Practice.

Taken 2 tops the box office. Adele’s James Bond theme song for the upcoming Skyfall premieres. Jamey is in love with Taylor Swift’s “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.”

All this and much more on today’s Pop Confidential podcast.

  READ MORE

On today’s Pop Confidential podcast Jamey Giddens, Luke Kerr, Jillian Bowe, Regan Cellura and Melodie Aikels weigh in on the latest pop culture hot topics and TV headlines, including:

Lindsay Lohan is allegedly attacked in New York City. Arnold Schwarzenegger writes a memoir. Sons of Anarchy star Johnny Lewis dies in a murder/suicide. 

The fall TV season is in full swing with the returns of Modern Family, The New Girl, Private Practice, Scandal, Grey’s Anatomy, Revenge and Once Upon a Time. Find out which shows  the PC gang can't get enough of.

A number of new series have also premiered this fall. What does the PC crew think about Ben and Kate, Partners, Revolution and Last Resort? Regan weighs in on the Weeds series finale.

In music news, the Foo Fighters are ending. What does the PC gang think of “Gangnam Style” as the song rockets up the charts? A brawl breaks out at the BET Awards.

All this and much more on today’s Pop Confidential podcast.

  READ MORE