'Amazing Race' Season 17 Winner and Season 18 Contestants Revealed

After 16 seasons, "The Amazing Race" finally has a two-woman team winner. Doctors Nat and Kat crossed the finish line first to win the race on Sunday, December 12 broadcast, thus making a history as the first woman-woman team to ever win the U.S. version.

The odds actually were tipping to this possibility for the final consisted of another woman-woman team. Home Shopping hosts Brook and Claire came second in the race, followed by dating couple Jill and Thomas.

During the final hours of their 32,000 miles journey, the three teams went back from South Korea to Los Angeles, California where they had to do a bungee jump off a giant crane in Port of Long Beach, decorate a float for the Tournament of Roses parade and play a trivia contest with Bob Eubanks.


After four continents and 30 cities, the race ended in Beverly Hills' Greystone Mansion. Nat gave a phone interview to AP, saying "It still feels unreal. Having to keep it a secret until just a half-hour ago made it difficult for it to feel real. I could only share stories with Nat. We'd say to each other, 'Do you believe what we did?!' " She also said that the competition was tougher than what they thought in terms of its physical demand.

The next season of "The Amazing Race" would feature all-star teams who have competed in the previous seasons. Some of the teams have been revealed during the season 17 finale. They are reality show couple "Boston Rob" Mariano and Amber Brkich; Brook and Claire from season 17; cowboy brothers Jet and Cord from season 16; season 15's father/son duo Gary and Matt Tomljenovich; and goth team Kynt and Vixsin.

Called "Unfinished Business", the 18th season debuts February 20.

'Dexter' Season 5 Ends With Justice, Producer Explains

As promised, the fifth season finale of "Dexter" is nothing but "therapeutic". Blood was still spilled but it's not coming from someone loved by the audience. It all started with Dexter's frantic search for Lumen who had been captured by Jordan. But true to the show's nature, Dexter was blocked midway by his family who wants to celebrate Harrison's birthday in his house.

Again, Dexter is forced to let down some people, making his job as an excuse. Dexter and Jordan had a little mind game through a phone call. And back at the station everyone was lured to the crime scene of Liddy's murder. LaGuerta found out that the last call that Liddy made was for Quinn and she noticed the blood on his shoe. Quinn was made the prime suspect and he demanded lawyer.

Dexter managed to break away from the crowd, stealing a red car to find the place where Jordan kept Lumen. The psychopath was torturing Lumen but she appeared to be much stronger than the first kidnapping. Dexter found the place but crashed his car and woke up to find that he's been tied inside the summer camp house.

Dexter got himself free, stabbing Jordan in the foot and laid him on the table. He let Lumen finish Jordan and she took the chance pretty aggressively. Before the job was done, Deb came to the scene after a tip from the fruit vendor. She told Dexter and Lumen to freeze but actually did not see who they were behind the translucent plastic.

Deb had an understanding that these two people are vigilantes who have wiped clean people like Jordan, so she let them go before calling in the station to inform the murder. Dexter and Lumen quickly finished their job and returned to their respective places. Cut to Quinn who was given the benefit of the doubt by Deb. Seeing how much Quinn made Deb happy, Dex botched the blood work that freed Quinn from the charges.

Dexter had a happy scene at Harrison's birthday party and that is after Lumen told him that she's done with her Dark Passenger. She was leaving the town to start new.

Executive producer Sara Colleton explained the final decision to let Lumen live. "From the very beginning we knew that Lumen would leave Dexter," she said. "...Their respective traumas have created this bond. So it's devastating for Dexter to lose her, and he has never wanted anything before like this. But at the same time there's something so incredibly direct about Lumen that when she tells him why she has to leave, it makes perfect sense to him. He understands that her dark passenger has left, that her need for vengeance has been quenched, and that he can never escape this, this is who he is, and he needs to let her go. As he said, 'I will carry your darkness with mine'."

Colleton also confirmed that the possibility of Julia Stiles reprising her role is open wide. Speaking of the next season she said, "Deb will learn Spanish, I think Harrison will be seeing his second birthday, and Dexter will still be enjoying the Slice of Life." Other explanations including why Deb did not open the plastic curtain to find out the killers are at EW.com.

Leighton Meester to Quit 'Gossip Girl' in Two Years

Fans of "Gossip Girl" may have to start picturing the show without Blair Waldorf. Leighton Meester who has slipped into the character for four seasons is ready to say goodbye to the drama series once her contract expires.

"Two more years," she told E! Online at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills, while promoting her new movie, "Country Strong". This does not mean that the show is going to end for each cast is bound by contract. Meester emphasized that she "obviously enjoys working on the show and living in New York".

In her movie bucket, there's "Monte Carlo" which was shot earlier this year and would be released July 1, 2011, as well as "The Oranges" and "The Roommate". Acting in fact is not Meester's only area of expertise. She has a debut album called "Love Is a Drug" to be released next year under Universal Republic. Meester displays her skill in singing in "Country Strong" where she becomes a new country star following the footstep of Gwyneth Paltrow's character.

Meester said the producers of "Gossip Girl" and The CW have been very understanding of the actors' need to expand their career beyond the series. "It allows you to be ready for when the show's over," she said. But when asked whether the show would end if she exits, Meester said, "I don't know, but I think there's that old saying about wanting to go out on top."

Hailee Steinfeld Gets $100,000 Over 'True Grit' Co-Stars' Swears

Teenager Hailee Steinfeld's "True Grit" co-stars helped add to her salary for the film - thanks to their foul language. In a bid to keep their cursing to a minimum around the youngster, who was 12 when they shot the film, Josh Brolin, Matt Damon and Barry Pepper came up with a swear box idea - and quickly filled it with fines.

Brolin explains, "We had a great time but the cursing between me and Matt and Barry was bad. Hailie got $5 (GBP3.3) for the F word. She made about $100,000 (GBP66,670)."

In Ethan Coen and Joel Coen-directed "True Grit", newcomer Hailee Steinfeld is cast as Mattie Ross who sets out on a mission to find her father's killer with a trigger-happy, drunken U.S. Marshal, Rooster Cogburn, and a Texas Ranger named LeBoeuf. The PG-13 drama will open wide in the U.S. on December 22, just in time for Christmas.

'Jersey Shore' Season 3 Promo Pics Released

MTV Remote Control releases the season 3 promo pics of "Jersey Shore" which leaked a few days ago. Although not featuring the whole cast, the photos are enough to give audience an idea of what awaits in Seaside Heights this January.

JWoww as seen in the news photo, hops on a carousel and shows a lot of legs. Deena Nicole, the new member of the gang, poses like a pinup girl complete with her trademark hair flower. Snooki gives her best pout while working on the furry boots. The guys are more laid back with Vinny peeking behind his shades and DJ Pauly D showing what a dental work has done to his smile.

"Jersey Shore" will begin January 6 on MTV at 10/9c. A sneak peek of the new chapter will be given during a one-hour special "MTV New Year's Bash' which starts at 11 P.M. Meanwhile, those who would like to catch up with the first and second season would be able to buy a special two-pack of "Jersey Shore Uncensored: Season One" and "Jersey Shore Uncensored: Season Two" for six weeks, starting on December 28.

 

'Glee' Super Bowl Episode Photos Come Out

"Glee" fans who can't wait to get a glimpse of the Super Bowl episode may crave on some set photos which have come out online. The pics, which are available on Daily Mail, show New Direction members in football jerseys, not only the boys but a particular girl as well.

Usually reserved and feminine, Rachel Berry donned a full football gear, taking the number 1. Also seen in the pictures which are taken in what looks like a field, are Cory Monteith's Finn and Chord Overstreet's Sam. Daily Mail added that Mark Salling's Puck is also on the field while Chris Colfer's Kurt and Darren Criss' Blaine are spotted sitting on the bleachers to cheer Rachel.

Lea Michele herself has hinted in the past that she is going rough in the episode. "It's a lot of football stuff. You may or may not see me in a football uniform. That I will say," she told Entertainment Tonight. The episode airs on February 6 after the all-day coverage of Super Bowl XLV.

Preview of 'Smallville' and 'Supernatural' First 2011 Episode

When "Smallville" returns to screen in 2011, fans will be able to see some familiar faces such as Lionel Luthor, Chloe Sullivan and Martha Kent. While Lionel had appeared in an episode earlier this season, this would mark the big return of Allison Mack who quit the show in May, as well as Annett O'Toole's.

"Collateral" kicks off the last 11 episodes of Clark Kent's story before he is recognized as Superman. At the 2010 San Diego Comic Con, it was mentioned that Mack would be back in at least 5 episodes. Meanwhile, Lionel had said previously that he wanted to see how this ends, sparking speculation that he's going to appear in the finale.

On another news Warner Bros. TV is giving fans the opportunity to appear in an upcoming episode as citizens of Metropolis. The February 4 episode titled "Beacon" will feature a video of civilians thanking "The Blur" for being a hero. Now fans are allowed to tape themselves as Metropolis citizens thanking The Blur. Latest date for submission is December 20 at 11 A.M. PST.

"Collateral" is set to air on January 28. "Smallville" Friday companion "Supernatural" is also coming back on the same day with the episode "How to Train Your Dragon".

Producer: 'Dexter' Finale Is 'Therapeutic' and Without 'Bloodbath'

This Sunday, December 12, "Dexter" is going to wrap another season and if history repeats, it would be the talk of the town. Reporters are quick to dig out as little information as they can get of what lies ahead. Executive producer Sara Colleton is the one providing them.

In an interview with E! Online, Colleton addressed what kind of feeling that viewers will get after watching the episode. Last season "Dexter" killed its heroine Rita in a horrific way, leaving a permanent scar to both Dexter and the show's fans. "You won't need therapy this time. The finale is actually quite therapeutic. It's like therapy in and of itself," she said.

When pressed further of what fans can expect, she said, "This season Dexter's journey was atonement. So the big question is, will he be at peace with himself? Is that possible? Is it possible he has found a soul mate? There are a lot of questions that have been raised by this year that are still coins still tossing and turning in the air and they all will come down Sunday night."

She gave no confirmation of whether Julia Stiles will be back for another season as Lumen or in that case, all of the main cast members. "There a lot of fates that are still possibilities," she reasoned.

In an interview with THR, Colleton suggested that the finale won't be as brutal as last year. "This whole season's trajectory has been a season long arc of Dexter trying to achieve atonement, so it's not going to be a bloodbath," she revealed, "but it is going to emotionally tie everything in that was unleashed from last year in a very satisfying way for the audience and in a very Dexter-ous way."

Similarly, when asked about Lumen, Colleton replied, "I couldn't say a thing about that other than this has been, for Dexter, an odd thing. I think everyone in the audience recognizes that he's taking care of this woman and he is sort of putting everything he's been taught by his father, Harry, on hold to help this woman out. And he's the real reason he's doing it: he couldn't save Rita (so) he saves Lumen."

"Dexter" has been renewed for a sixth season.

'Desperate Housewives' Preview: Susan Hurt in Stampede

"Desperate Housewives" is airing a big episode before taking a long holiday break. In "Down the Block There's a Riot", Paul's nefarious plan for Wisteria Lane is put into full effect, Juanita discovers Gaby's secret, Bree invites Keith to move in with her, and Tom is confronted about his past indiscretion with Renee.

The new episode, where there will be cars smashed and gun loaded, airs December 12 on ABC. The preview shows that Susan falls victim to the stampede and lies motionless on the street. But it is unlikely that Susan is 'gone' for Teri Hatcher previously debunked the story that she's quitting, saying "I'm joyful to be involved to this day and that's not going to change."

The show will return January 2 with "Assassins". After this episode, there will be a guest starring appearance of Golden Globe-winning actress Valerie Harper. She would be the sister of Lesley Ann Warren aka Susan's mother.

'The X Factor' Cuts Mary Bryne and Reveals Finalists

"The X Factor" officially enters the final round as Mary Byrne left the show on Sunday, December 5. The 50-year-old mother received the lowest vote from the audience and eventually lost the judges' votes after a sing-off against Cher Lloyd.

Mary sang James Brown's "It's a Man's Man's Man's World" while Lloyd sang Britney Spears' "Everytime". Mary's mentor Louis Walsh voted to keep her while the others, including mentor Cheryl Cole, picked Cher. "This is quite straightforward. Mary I have supported you from the beginning and tonight proved what a good singer you are," Simon Cowell said.

He continued, "Cher, I actually liked that song you just sang. It was like hearing you for the first time. The act I'm sending through to the final is Cher." Joining Cher in the final are One Direction, Matt Cardle, and Rebecca Ferguson.

The result night was full of guest appearances. The show's 2008 winner Alexandra Burke came to perform, followed by "Glee" cast, and Black Eyed Peas. Actor Jack Black threw Simon out of his judge seat during the commercial break.

'Glee' on 'The X Factor': 

'The Simpsons' Receives Four Annie Awards Nominations

The contenders of the 38th Annual Annie Awards have just been announced. In TV category, "The Simpsons" grabs four nominations, including a nod for Best Animated Television Production along with "Futurama", "Kung Fu Panda Holiday", "Scared Shrekless" and "Star Wars: The Clone Wars". The Simpson is nominated for episode "The Squirt and the Whale", and "The Clone Wars" is nominated for episode "ARC Troopers".

Next, the "Simpsons" leads Bob Anderson vying for Directing in a Television Production, thanks to its "Treehouse of Horror XXI". Anderson is facing off Peter Chung ("Firebreather"), Duke Johnson ("Frankenhole: Humanitas"), Tim Johnson ("Kung Fu Panda Holiday") and Gary Trousdale ("Scared Shrekless").

The "Simpsons" music worked for "Elementary School Musical" by a team consisting of Tim Long, Alf Clausen, Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement gets nominated for Music in a Television Production, and scribe John Frink is up for Writing in a Television Production for his work on "Stealing First Base".

Also honoring the best in animated feature, commercials, short subjects, video games, Annie Awards will announce its winners at a ceremony to take place on February 5, 2011 at UCLA's Royce Hall in Los Angeles. Special honors will also be handed out to recognize outstanding individual achievements.

Winsor McCay Award will be given to Brad Bird, Eric Goldberg and Matt Groening for career contributions to the art of animation; and June Foray Award will be taken home by Ross Iwamoto for significant and benevolent or charitable impact on the art and industry of animation.

Ub Iwerks Award will go to Autodesk for the development of digital entertainment creation tools that play an essential role in animated productions, films, video games and commercials worldwide; and Special Achievement Annie Award will be accepted to "Waking Sleeping Beauty" for the documentary about the turbulent and fruitful years of Disney Animation.

Full nominations list of Annie Awards can be obtained on the official website.

Previews: 'Gossip Girl' 4.12 and '90210' 3.12

"Gossip Girl" is having a break until next year, but a preview for what's to come in the first episode of the TV show in 2011 has been shared. A continuation to "The Townie" which features Blair and Dan tracking down an MIA Juliet, it will have "The Kids Are Not Alright" with the tagline "expect the unexpected".

Almost at the same time, "90210" has a clip coming out to tease their next episode which is also airing in January 2011. With the New Year comes new resolution like to be more positive, to be more accepting, and to be more not hooking up with your best friend's boyfriend.

After more than a month in hiatus, both of the TV series will have their next episodes air on January 24.

Koffee With Karan: Saif Ali Khan & Kareena Kapoor’s Shocking Revelations!

Karan Johar has invited many Bollywood stars this season at his chat show ‘Koffee With Karan’ and this week the viewers will see Bollywood’s hottest couple Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor in a chit chat with the witty filmmaker.

The host knows very well how to dig out the weird things from the stars and he has done with Kareena also. He gave Bebo an option to choose the sexiest man from the list of Shahid Kapoor, John Abraham, Arjun Rampal, Hrithik Roshan and Imran Khan. The witty lady also knew well what the audience and the host wants to hear from her so she also took Shahid’s name instantly. Saif was probably not prepared for the shock so he looked a bit uneasy.

However, the ‘Chhote Nawab’ is also not dumb guy so he also uttered his boldest line ever on the show saying that he is very reliable, strong and very long! It seems the duo came prepared for providing all the necessary spices to the show.

Bebo also did not spare her arch rival Priyanka Chopra and mockingly said that if any actress has a little bit of ‘act’ then it is Priyanka and she is definitely placed in number two. In a way, Bebo made it clear that she is still the ruling queen in Bollywood.

Well, Priyanka might not bother to know about Bebo’s opinion about her but Shahid will definitely get delighted to know that his ex still finds him sexy!

'Walking Dead' Producers Deny Firing and Reveal Season 2 Plan

"The Walking Dead" producers are debunking the rumor about staff firing and confirming a Fall comeback at the same time. Gale Ann Hurd who works with Frank Darabont as executive producers said the story originating from Deadline is not true, saying his co-worker is not firing the writers staff for the option of freelancers.

In fact, co-creator Charles "Chic" Eglee is not dismissed but he left on his own accord. "[In] the writers' room, there are people that have set up other projects that will be their first priority if their own series is picked up as a pilot or if it's a series. I think [Eglee] just decided that he wants to run his own show," Hurd explained to EW.

In a different interview, exec producer Robert Kirkman whose comic is adapted into the series also clarified about Chic's departure. He said, "Chic Eglee is a high-level television writer. He was brought onto The Walking Dead with the idea that Frank was going to work on the first season and then go off and do movies."

"Chic didn't want to be second-in-command on a show when he's used to being a top dog, and so he decided to go off and do something else, which is something that happens and is not a big deal." He added that the initial report is "unfortunate", "premature" and makes Darabont look bad.

When asked about any truth at all, Kirkman said, "It's a little premature to be nailing down. I don't know if it's going to be a freelance situation or if we're going to have writers in a writers' room. That's something that's being worked on now."

Hurd said that Darabont and Kirkman would sit down the beginning of next year and begin "mapping out". It is thus most likely that the production would only start in the second quarter of 2011 and the premiere would take place in October for Fearfest.

As for the return of the cast whose characters are still alive, Hurd confirmed that "every one of the principal cast is signed up for multiple seasons."

'Grey's Anatomy' January 2011 Return Preview

Recently away for a Thanksgiving break, "Grey's Anatomy" once again takes a long hiatus to return with a new episode on January 6, 2011. ABC gives no reason to this apart from announcing that game show "Wipeout" would accompany it upon return at 8/7c.

Meanwhile, star Chandra Wilson takes the opportunity to shed the light on the planned musical episode. "Everyone keeps calling this a 'musical episode,' but really it's about the music of Grey's Anatomy," Wilson told People at the Hollywood premiere of "Frankie and Alice".

"We're basically taking iconic songs from the show, songs that everyone knows, or has heard, and we're going to bring them to life through the characters on the show." She added, "We're still going to do a Grey's show. But instead, the music will be essential to what's happening."

Wilson has the experience in musical theater and so does Sara Ramirez, but one person that people least expect to rock it out is Kevin McKidd. Wilson gushed, "Kevin McKidd is a rock star. We've had the pleasure of hearing him sing, and he's just a rock star! You'd be amazed." 

'Vampire Diaries' 2.11 Preview Reveals Stefan-Katherine Hookup

Last night on "The Vampire Diaries" Stefan sacrificed himself to save Jeremy from the Tomb, resulting in him stuck inside with Katherine. But things do not go as awful as one expects for the vampires decide to "make the best of it".

The synopsis of the December 9 episode says Stefan and Katherine play mind games on one another. Nina Dobrev told TV Guide, "I have an especially steamy scene. I won't tell you which of my characters is involved or who her partner is, but it is sexy and shocking!" The preview below reveals all.

Also in the episode, as the full moon approaches, Caroline helps Tyler prepare for the transformation he is powerless to stop. "It would be interesting, right?" Michael Trevino told E! Online. "Because of the whole dynamic that a werewolf bite can kill and end a vampire. If it's a full moon, you can't control yourself, because werewolves always initially go after vampires. So that'd be kind of crazy."

Meanwhile, Damon and Alaric are suspicious when a stranger named Jules shows up in Mystic Falls, searching for her missing friend, Mason. "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" regular Michaela McManus plays Jules who will be seen in more than one episode.

Elena is frustrated at the lengths Jeremy and her friends have gone to in order to keep her safe. Bonnie and Luca work together on a spell, while still keeping secrets from one another. Finally, Elijah makes an unexpected appearance with an offer that could change everything.

Ann Ward Wins 'America's Next Top Model' and Confidence

Ann Ward was crowned the winner of "America's Next Top Model" Cycle 15 winner on Wednesday, December 1. The 18-year-old is the 6 ft., 2 in. model with the "tiniest waist" Tyra Banks had ever seen. Ward, originating from Dallas, now reveals that she gains not only prizes but also confidence through the victory.

"Going into the competition I was super insecure about myself. I had just gotten out of high school about a year ago, so I'd been through all the teenage drama, bullying and stuff," Ward tells Billy Bush and Kit Hoover of "Access Hollywood Live" Thursday morning. Ward said growing up, she was taunted about her tall frame.

"It was really nerve racking going into the competition thinking I wasn't going to fit it or they wouldn't like my height, just like they did in the Dallas modeling industry, but once I was there I gained so much confidence," she continues. "I really embraced who I was while I was there. "

As a winner, Ward received a $100,000 contract with CoverGirl Cosmetics, a contract with IMG Models, the cover of Beauty In Vogue, fashion spreads in Vogue Italia and Beauty In Vogue, as well as a prominent feature on Vogue Italia's website, Vogue.it.

But Ward admits that she won't splash on luxurious items. "I don't really want to splurge too much," Ward says. "[I will] probably [buy] shoes, I don't have very many shoes."