By Anna Chan, TODAY on NBC News Entertainment

  • Will Leonard leave Penny and 'Big Bang Theory' on finale?

    By Anna Chan, TODAY

    Let the speculation begin! CBS on Friday revealed the story line for the season six finale of "The Big Bang Theory," and it looks like the gang is going to be in for a bit of a shock.

    Cliff Lipson / CBS

    CBS revealed that on the season six finale, Leonard (Johnny Galecki, left) will receive an overseas job offer that surprises Penny (Kaley Cuoco) and Sheldon (Jim Parsons).

    "Sheldon and Penny are thrown for a loop when Leonard is offered an exciting job opportunity overseas," the network's release reads.

    There's no hint as to whether or not Leonard (Johnny Galecki) will accept the position, but he hasn't exactly been shy about jumping at great career opportunities in the past. Remember when he presented research at a conference despite Sheldon's (Jim Parsons) very strong objections in season one's "The Cooper-Hofstadter Polarization"? (Best geek fight in the history of TV!) Or when he left crush Penny (Kaley Cuoco) behind to go on a three-month expedition to the North Pole in season two?

    CBS' blurb suggests that Leonard's roommate and girlfriend will both be surprised by his latest opportunity. Will Penny be shocked that the man who worships the ground she walks on would consider leaving her now that they've been a couple since season five? Will Sheldon be astonished that Leonard, whom he considers to be intellectually inferior (then again, who isn't when compared to the great Sheldon Cooper?), would obtain what he thinks is a fab opportunity far beyond Leonard's skills?


    And there's this to consider: If Leonard accepts the overseas job, will he be gone just for the period between the end of season six and the kickoff of season seven? Or could this be a permanent position and the end of Leonard on "Big Bang Theory"? OK, maybe not the latter, as Galecki's contract goes through season seven. But if he does take the job, perhaps Leonard will Skype in to check on the gang, the same way his ex-girlfriend Priya stayed on the show when she moved back to India.

    But let's hope there's more Leonard rather than less next season. Fans will find out when the finale airs on May 16. "Big Bang Theory" airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. on CBS.

    Would you keep watching if Leonard left for good? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

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  • 'Glee's' school shooting episode earns warning from Newtown superintendent

    By Anna Chan, TODAY

    Ahead of Thursday night's new episode of "Glee," the superintendent of schools in Newtown, Conn., sent out a letter to families warning them about the show.

    Adam Rose / FOX

    The glee club gathers together after a terrifying school shooting on "Glee."

    The reason? The plot centered around a school shooting. 

    The letter, obtained by WNBC, reads:

    Greetings,

    I want to make you aware that the show "Glee" is featuring what could be a disturbing plot tonight and I want you to be aware so you can make an informed choice about watching this.  According to entertainment blog TVLine, tonight's episode includes shots in the halls "that rips the frothy high-school musical off its foundation and transports it to a dark and harrowing world."  "Allegedly, the rest of the episode is claustrophobic and emotionally charged, as students cower in the rehearsal room and consider their possible fates."

    This has the potential to be disturbing to many of our students, so I wanted you to know ahead of time.

    Janet Robinson

    Superintendent of Schools

    On Dec. 14, 2012, 20-year-old Adam Lanza shot and killed 20 children and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown before taking his own life.

    While no one was hurt on Thursday's episode of "Glee," titled "Shooting Star," the students of William McKinley High found themselves in a horrifying situation when a gun went off at the school.

    The episode was emotionally harrowing, depicting terrified students crouching together, crying and fearing for theirs lives and those of their friends who weren't with them.

    Much of it focused on the teens who were hiding in a darkened choir room trying to reach out to family and friends via text — yet jumping when cell phones rang or buzzed, worried that the shooter might hear the slightest noise they made.

    In several heartbreaking scenes, the show was seen through cell phone cameras as students recorded final messages for their loved ones.

    In the end, it was revealed that Becky (Lauren Potter), a student with Down syndrome, had brought her dad's firearm to school to protect herself. While showing the weapon to Coach Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch) in her office, the gun accidentally went off in Becky's hand, and then fired again as it hit the floor after she dropped it.


    When police could not find the gun after searching the school and interviewing students, Coach Sue told Principal Figgins that the incident was her fault. She claimed she was doing a daily safety check on her gun when it accidentally went off, and that she had dumped the casings in a lake and moved posters to hide the bullet holes. Due to a zero-tolerance policy toward firearms, Coach Sue was let go.

    What did you think  of the episode overall? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

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  • 'The Simpsons' are 'Breaking Bad'

    FOX

    By Anna Chan, TODAY

    "Breaking Bad's" meth boss Walter White has some serious competition this Sunday when "The Simpsons" start cooking up their own blue stuff.

    Fox has released a clip of the show's open, which will -- for one week only -- replace the animated comedy's popular couch gag. Instead of the Simpsons' hijinks ending with the family cramming onto their couch, this week's open kicks off with a depressed-looking Marge heading into the kitchen to cook up her own batch of the purest blue stuff she can -- cupcakes for the church bake sale. And just as with Heisenberg, the addictive item leads to a pile of money.


    Sure, the Simpsons family may not be participating in a couch gag of their own Sunday, but there doesn't mean there isn't a couch gag at all. Check it out:

    The episode, titled "What Animated Women Want," will feature Wanda Sykes and George Takei making guest-voice appearances. "The Simpsons" airs Sundays at 8 p.m. on Fox.

    Is this open better than the usual couch gags? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page!

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  • Luke Bryan pulls off huge upset at ACM Awards

    By Anna Chan, TODAY

    Luke Bryan pulled off a shocking win on Sunday night when he beat out heavyweights Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert and Taylor Swift to win the Academy of Country Music Award's biggest prize of the evening: entertainer of the year. The winner is chosen by fan votes.

    The musician, who co-hosted the show with Shelton, was stunned after his name was announced, and appeared to cry as he slowly walked out from backstage to accept the award from Shania Twain, who was making her first appearance at the ACMs in 10 years. Even with his trophy in hand, Bryan stood in silent shock at the microphone for a long while.

    "This is ... I don't know what to say, you guys," he finally started. "Thank you guys so much, fans, for doing this to me, thank you so much for making my life what it is. What I always wanted to be was just a country singer that got to ride on a tour bus and show up on a new stage and play music every night. … I just started headlining! … Every time I step on stage, it is a blessing to me to play for fans. ... This is the defining moment of my life!"

    Bryan, 36, been on the scene since his debut album was released in 2007, but wasn't a headlining act until his single "Country Girl (Shake It for Me)" exploded after he started delivering booty-shaking performances of the catchy tune at awards shows in 2011.

    Slideshow: 2013 Academy of Country Music Awards

    Al Powers / AP

    Launch slideshow

    The other big winner of the night was Shelton's wife, Miranda Lambert. She took home three of the four trophies she was nominated for: song and single record of the year for "Over You," and female vocalist for the fourth year in a row. Lambert shared the song of the year victory with her husband, who co-wrote the tune.

    "Last time this happened, you didn't get a chance to talk, and you're not going to get a chance either this time," he joked as he and his wife accepted their trophies. "I'll tell you all something: I’ve learned so much from this human being standing next to me … she blows me away, but as far as standing here right now, I used to think I was a decent songwriter until I started hanging out with her."


    Notable moments from the show included Garth Brooks and George Strait's performance together; Reba McIntire's announcement that the ACM was "renaming its most prestigious honor to the ACM Dick Clark Artist of the Decade Award"; and Stevie Wonder closing the show with "Signed, Sealed, Delivered."

    The complete list of winners:

    • Entertainer of the year: Luke Bryan
    • Male vocalist: Jason Aldean
    • Female vocalist: Miranda Lambert
    • Vocal duo: Thompson Square
    • Vocal group: Little Big Town
    • New artist: Florida Georgia Line
    • Album: Eric Church, "Chief"
    • Single record of the year: Miranda Lambert, "Over You"
    • Song: Miranda Lambert, "Over You"
    • Video: Little Big Town, "Tornado"
    • Vocal event: "The  Only Way I Know," Jason Aldean with Luke Bryan and Eric Church
    • New male vocalist: Brantley Gilbert
    • New female vocalist: Jana Kramer
    • New vocal duo or group: Florida Georgia Line

    The 48th Annual ACM Awards was held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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  • Peter 'Drunklage' steals the show on 'Saturday Night Live'

    NBC

    Peter Dinklage and Bobby Moynihan on Weekend Update.

    By Anna Chan, TODAY

    Cheers! "Game of Thrones" star Peter Dinklage made an appearance on "Saturday Night Live's" Weekend Update to chat taxes alongside Drunk Uncle (played by Bobby Moynihan) and Seth Meyers.

    Drunk Uncle introduced his brother-in-law, Peter "Drunklage," about halfway through the segment when he admitted to watching the hit HBO drama and poked fun at the show, saying, "So I'm not King Joffrey, OK?! ... 'I'm a little jerk king!' Pfft. That's not me."


    That's when "Drunklage" boozily rolled onto the set. After mumbling about 99 tumblers of scotch in his mouth and today's kids not wearing garters, the man behind Tyrion Lannister slurred, "You know what's in my tumbler? REGRET." He then went on to talk taxes and let fly a joke that left the audience "oooooh-ing": "I wish the IRS stood for Immigration Return Services." Check it out:

    In other guest appearances, former NBA star Dennis Rodman poked a little fun at his friendship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in the show's cold open.

    As Moynihan's supreme leader finished talking about how he nailed his NCAA brackets, the athlete came out to give his pal a fist bump. When asked if he had anything to add, Rodman slightly botched the show's famous intro and yelled, "Live in New York, it's 'Saturday Night'!" The line is "Live from New York, it's 'Saturday Night'!"

    Actress Melissa McCarthy hosted the show once again, and this time took on the recent scandal surrounding Rutgers coach Mike Rice, a ham-cooking contest, "The Voice" and wearing high heels.

    Vince Vaughn is set to host next week. 

    Which was your favorite skit this week? Tell us on our Facebook page!

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  • 'Mad Men' season 6 premiere sneak peek


    By Anna Chan, TODAY

    After nearly 10 long months of waiting, AMC's hit drama "Mad Men" is finally back with a new season! Sure, you could wait a few more hours until the show airs and enjoy it in all its unexpected glory. But why not take a little peek now to whet your appetite for Don Draper and gang's big return?

    Get a hint of what the characters are up to in the first episode of season six with these 10 photos!

    Slideshow: 'Mad Men' season 6 premiere

    Launch slideshow

    'Mad Men' kicks off at 9 p.m. Sunday on AMC.

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  • Tom Arnold welcomes his first child at age 54

    Alaric Lambert / AP file

    Tom Arnold and wife Ashley Groussman welcomed a baby boy Saturday morning.

    By Anna Chan, TODAY

    Congratulations to comedian Tom Arnold, 54, and his wife, Ashley Groussman! The couple welcomed their first baby, son Jax Copeland Arnold, on Saturday, his rep confirmed to TODAY.com. 

    Jax was born at 9:53 a.m., weighs 8 pounds 12 ounces, and is 21 inches. The newborn is the actor's first child. The "True Lies" and "Roseanne" star did not have any children with this three previous wives.

    "Looking forward to being a 70 year old Little League Coach,"  he tweeted Saturday.


    Arnold first revealed he and his wife were expecting while co-hosting "The View" in January. "I'm pregnant," he joked. "I have put on, like, 40 pounds. My wife is pregnant too. We're having a baby. ... I didn't think it was in the cards for me, to be honest, and so I was completely shocked. It's a miracle."

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  • Roger Ebert's funeral services to be held Monday

    David Livingston / Getty Images

    Film critic Roger Ebert is remembered on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 4.

    By Anna Chan, TODAY

    Funeral services for famed movie critic Roger Ebert will be held Monday morning in Chicago, according to a post on his website, RogerEbert.com.

    The services will be held at Holy Name Cathedral, located at 730 N. State St., and will begin at 10 a.m. The event will be open to fans, though seating is first come, first served. Donations to the Ebert Foundation -- c/o Northern Trust, 50 S. LaSalle St., Chicago, 60603 -- are requested in place of flowers. The organization is a non-profit that supports arts and education programs.

    Ebert died on Thursday, April 4 at age 70. Earlier in the week, he posted on his blog that he was taking a "leave of presence" for his health. The "painful fracture" he had turned out to be cancer, he revealed. The legendary critic was first diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer in 2002. The following year, he underwent surgery for cancer in his salivary gland. Further procedures to remove cancerous tissue included removal of some of his jawbone.


    Ebert was the film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times for 46 years. He and fellow critic Gene Siskel made popular the "thumbs up, thumbs down" quick review. Ebert also wrote books and screenplays, and was the first movie critic to win a Pulitzer Prize and receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

    He is survived by his wife, Chaz, two stepchildren and four grandchildren.

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  • David Letterman devotes Top 10 list to Jay Leno

    By Anna Chan, TODAY

    Updated, April 4, 8:30 a.m. ET: Late-night hosts David Letterman and Jay Leno may have been ratings rivals for many, many years, but on Wednesday, the "Late Show" host paid tribute to his competitor. Earlier in the day, NBC had announced that Jimmy Fallon would be taking over hosting duties for "The Tonight Show" next year, marking the second time that Leno would be stepping down from the late-night program.

    During Wednesday's taping of "Late Show," Letterman showed some sympathy for Leno and also honored him by devoting the Top 10 list to the comedian. 

    A transcript of Wednesday's show released by the network also reveals that Letterman used some of his desk time to share a few words about his fellow late-night host.


    "I've known him 38 years," he said. "I've known Jay Leno for 38 years, thank you. I don’t know what aspect of that you’re applauding, but thank you. ... So now he’s out again, but going out on top. So congratulations to Jay, a job well done. ... But good luck to Jay.  I know he’ll be out on the road, getting it done and taking care of business and congratulations on a nice long run there at the ‘Tonight Show,’ if in fact you’re not coming back.”

    Earlier, during his monologue, Letterman also poked fun at the fact that he once again was not offered the hosting gig at "The Tonight Show": "I got a call from my mom today. She says, ‘Well, David, I see you didn’t get the ‘Tonight Show’ again,’” he joked in reference to losing out on the job to Jay Leno when Johnny Carson retired in 1992.

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  • Ex-Elmo puppeteer accused of sexual abuse by fifth man

    Lucas Jackson / Reuters file

    Kevin Clash with the puppet Elmo in 2010.

    By Anna Chan, TODAY

    Kevin Clash, the man who voiced the popular puppet Elmo on "Sesame Street," is facing accusations of underage sex abuse by a fifth man. On Tuesday, a new federal lawsuit was filed against the puppeteer in New York. The latest suit accuses Clash of sexually abusing Kevin Kiadii, 25, who was 16 at the time of the alleged incident.

    Kiadii claims in his lawsuit that the two met via a gay phone chat line, and that it was Clash who initiated the contact. According to the suit, the puppeteer invited the young man over to his Manhattan apartment and sent a luxury car to Kiadii's home to pick him up. Kiadii also claims that Clash gave him alcohol and "groomed him with attention and affection" before engaging in sexual contact. The suit alleges that Kiadii was a "compliant victim" who "was not immediately aware of his injuries."

    Kiadii is suing for actual and compensatory damages, costs of the lawsuit and attorneys' fees. The lawsuit was filed by attorney Jeff Herman, who also represents four other men who have filed sexual abuse suits against Clash.

    "The allegations in this lawsuit follow the same pattern we've seen before," Herman said in a statement. "Each of these victims alleges that Kevin Clash was a father figure who groomed them with attention before engaging them in sexual contact. By coming forward and standing up for his 16-year-old self, Kevin Kiadii has taken the first step in his healing process."


    Clash's attorney, Michael Berger, said in a statement Tuesday that the latest lawsuit is without merit and is barred by the statute of limitations.

    "This case has been brought by the same lawyer, Jeff Herman, who brought three other similar cases in federal courts in New York, and we have moved to dismiss all three of those cases," Berger added. "Mr. Clash continues to deny any wrongdoing, and we intend to defend this case forcefully."

    Clash resigned from "Sesame Street" in November last year.

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  • 5 worst dances on 'Dancing With the Stars'

    ABC

    Bristol Palin, Kate Gosselin and Michael Bolton have each delivered sub par dances on "Dancing."

    By Anna Chan, TODAY

    Bad dances are pretty much a given on "Dancing With the Stars," at least in the early weeks of a season. After all, the premise is to take celebs with little to no dance experience and turn them into graceful soft-shoes within a matter of 10 short weeks. Sure, the results are sometimes more goofy fun than fancy, but when the hopefuls put in the effort, even bad moves can be overlooked for the entertainment value and heart they deliver. (We're looking at you, Andy Dick and Carson Kressley!)

    And then there are the rare contestants who appear as if they can't really be bothered to try as hard as everyone else. Take, for example, Wynonna Judd's dud of a samba Monday night. She was so stiff, head judge Len Goodman compared her to Mount Rushmore, and Clicker readers questioned in our weekly "DWTS" chat whether she could actually move.


    Rough as the country singer's 15-point dance was, it may not be quite as bad as some of the performances from the show's previous seasons. Take a look at some of the ballroom bash's lowest efforts:

    Master P, season 2
    Oh, where to start! Master P had quite a few bombs his season, but among his roughest was his week-four paso doble. The rapper walked his way through his performance with pro partner Ashley DelGrosso, displaying no effort whatsoever. "It was a nightmare," judge Bruno Tonioli declared. Len said the audience was being cruel by continuing to vote Master P through. The score? An embarrassing 8 out of 30, the lowest in the show's history.

    Bristol Palin, season 11
    The reality personality spent much of her first stint on "DWTS" at or near the bottom of the scoreboard, but viewer votes and overly generous judges kept her going. Among her most questionable performances was her week-five jive, which featured her and pro partner Mark Ballas in gorilla suits, dancing to "The Monkees" theme song. (No, we're not joking.) Despite countless missed steps and offbeat moves, the panel gave her 18 points.

    Michael Bolton, season 11
    The singer may have a smooth voice, but he doesn't have slick moves. The judges dinged him in week one for being too stiff, and his week-two jive wasn't any better. He and pro partner Chelsie Hightower kicked off their performance with the singer crawling out of a dog house to "Hound Dog," and he continued on to deliver a stiff, flub-filled dance that less than impressed with a whopping score of 12. (Len even went as far as to say the performance needed a Pooper Scooper. Ouch!)

    Steve Wozniak, season 8
    The Apple co-founder seemed intent on trying his best and having some fun, but sometimes, fun just isn't enough -- especially when an injury impairs one's dance ability even more. The tech guy danced through the pain of a hamstring injury with pro Karina Smirnoff for their week-three samba. Despite his cheerful demeanor, Woz wasn't able to make his problematic samba work, and received only 10 points.

    Kate Gosselin, season 10
    The mom of eight wanted to tell her story with her week-three paso doble with pro Tony Dovolani to the Lady Gaga tune "Paparazzi." It seemed fitting, considering her headline-making life and the strong demeanor required of the dance. But fitting doesn't always mean right. What the reality personality delivered was a stiff, rhythm-less paso that left viewers and the judges wanting. "The whole thing was too pedestrian. It was just walking around," Len complained. Her reward? An overscored 15.

    What do you think is the worst dance you've seen on "Dancing With the Stars"? Tell us on our Facebook page! 

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  • Dorothy Hamill withdraws from 'Dancing With the Stars'

    Adam Taylor / ABC

    Dorothy Hamill and Tristan MacManus' jive on Monday was filled with flaws due to her injury.

    By Anna Chan, TODAY

    It was a teary night on the first elimination show of “Dancing With the Stars” season 16, but not because someone was booted from the competition. Olympic gold medalist Dorothy Hamill bowed out of the ballroom bash in the final minutes despite being safe after viewer votes and the judges’ scores were combined earlier in the evening.

    As Victor Ortiz and Lisa Vanderpump stood under the spotlights of shame with the lowest combined scores, host Tom Bergeron brought the figure-skating champ and pro partner Tristan MacManus back to the ballroom to make their announcement.

    “I’ve taken the advice of my spine surgeon, and I need to withdraw from the competition,” Dorothy said sadly. “I have an injury that could be irreparable, and nerve damage. It would be completely unfair for me to stay in this and have any of these people go home. … These are the most amazing people who want to be here. It’s not that I don’t want to be here, but I wish I could give it my all, but I can’t.”

    On Monday’s performance show, it was clear that Dorothy was in pain as she performed a flaw-filled jive (in flats instead of heels) that earned only 15 points. The performance landed her at the bottom of the scoreboard for the week. Rehearsal footage showed the athlete discussing the cause of her trouble: a cyst and accompanying nerve pain.

    “It’s a decision that has to be made,” Tristan said matter-of-factly about withdrawing from the competition. “I’m certainly not frustrated at her, I’m frustrated with her. … There’s something a lot bigger going on than this competition, as great as it is.”

    As the audience and hopefuls in the ballroom wiped away tears, Tom announced, “A couple who would’ve gone home tonight gets a one-week reprieve.”

    That’s certainly good news for Victor and Lisa, who didn’t shine in the first two weeks of the competition. Both received a score of 18 for each of their two dances.

    Comedians D.L. Hughley and Andy Dick received even better news. After getting slammed by the judges last week (which Carrie Ann Inaba admitted to Monday), it was announced early in the show that D.L. was safe even after getting a matching set of 4s in week one. When he got the news, he dropped to the floor in astonishment, and pro partner Cheryl Burke lost control and yelled, “WHAT?!?!!”


    Andy was put through the wringer a bit first. Despite showing incredible improvement and showmanship in week two, he still found himself in jeopardy for a brief moment.

    Next week, the show is holding its very own prom night, with Tom teasing baby blue tuxedos and photos of the stars at their first dances.

    Were you surprised that Dorothy withdrew? Should “Dancing” have cut one of the hopefuls anyway? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page!

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