A variety of programs about Kennedy will air in the weeks leading up to the milestone anniversary of his Nov. 22, 1963, slaying in Dallas, including "JFK," a four-hour "American Experience" portrait of Kennedy, what he accomplished and what was left undone, PBS announced Thursday.

The science show "Nova" will look at how the forensics investigation into his death would have been handled today and "lay bare some of the problems with forensics at the time," said Beth Hoppe, PBS' new chief programming executive.

The history-oriented "Secrets of the Dead," with a narrative account of the president's shooting, and a look at Kennedy collectibles also will be part of the coverage, along with other specials being planned, PBS said.

Also set for public TV's lineup are specials on American heritage, including a family roots series, "Genealogy Roadshow," and two documentary programs with sweeping views of Hispanic and black history, "Latino Americans" and "The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross."

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The episode that was to air next week features a character, played by guest star Molly Shannon, who brainwashes children to kill other children.

"Hannibal" executive producer Bryan Fuller asked NBC to pull the episode, citing the Newtown, Conn., school shooting in December and this week's Boston Marathon attack, NBC spokesman Stuart Levine said.

The episode, the fourth for the freshman series, will be replaced by another "Hannibal" hour. Viewers will not see a plot continuity issue, Levine said.

But a "clip package" with scenes from the unaired episode will be available at NBC.com next week, without the scenes of child violence and with commentary by Fuller.

"Hannibal" stars Mads Mikkelsen as the title character, the brilliant cannibalistic killer seen on the big screen in "The Silence of the Lambs" and its sequel and introduced in the Thomas Harris novel "Red Dragon." Hugh Dancy and Laurence Fishburne also star in the drama.

There have been other instances of networks responding quickly to the potentially difficult overlap between fact and fiction.

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NBC confirmed Wednesday it's creating a new studio for Fallon in New York, where he hosts "Late Night." But the network did not comment on a report that the digs at its Rockefeller Plaza headquarters may become home to a transplanted, Fallon-hosted "Tonight."

The New York Times reported the plan in a Wednesday story, citing unidentified network executives. The Hollywood Reporter had a March 1 report about a Fallon-Leno switch, which was denied by the network.

Looming over NBC is its messy, failed effort to replace Leno with Conan O'Brien, which ended in 2010 with Leno regaining "Tonight" and NBC losing O'Brien — who got a $45 million exit deal — to TBS. Leno's current "Tonight" contract expires in September 2014.

That occurred under a different regime, before NBCUniversal was taken over by Philadelphia-based Comcast Corp., which has a reputation for discipline. While NBC dithered and backtracked on its "Tonight" succession plan involving O'Brien, Comcast is likely to be more decisive.

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The working title is "Rush," Cusack's New Crime Productions confirmed, offering no other details.

Hollywood director Betty Thomas, who's set to work on the film, said the production company is putting finishing touches on a script that will star the actor. Production is set for next year, Thomas said.

Limbaugh is in the front ranks of colorful and provocative media figures. Earlier this year, Limbaugh called a Georgetown law student a "slut" and a "prostitute" on air for arguing to Democrats in Congress that health plans should pay for contraception.

This week, the host mocked Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie for his "bromance" with Obama after Christie praised the president's response to the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

Cusack as Limbaugh isn't typecasting, politics aside. Cusack is a slender, dark-haired 46-year-old, while Limbaugh is 61, balding and portly. But Hollywood's makeup experts have probably had greater challenges.

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"We feel so lucky, lucky not only to have jobs in these challenging times, but to have jobs that we love with people we love," said Steven Levitan, co-creator of "Modern Family."

The drama "Homeland" stopped "Mad Men" in its tracks, denying the show a record-setting fifth trophy and kept Bryan Cranston from his fourth consecutive best drama award for "Breaking Bad" and "Mad Men" star Jon Hamm an also-ran once more.

The Emmys refused to play it predictably Sunday, with Jon Cryer of "Two and a Half Men" earning a best actor award and Jimmy Kimmel proving a game but uneven host.

"I'm one of those pesky Brits, I apologize," said Lewis, who plays an American in the espionage thriller. "I don't really believe in judging art, but I thought I'd show up just in case."

Danes, eye-catching in a bright yellow dress that gracefully draped the pregnant actress, was effusive.

"My husband, my love, my life, my baby daddy, this doesn't mean anything without you," she said to her spouse, actor Hugh Dancy.

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At a Los Angeles screening Tuesday of the season premiere episode of the TV show, fans called out, "We love you, Britney."

Her boss, "X Factor" executive producer Simon Cowell, said Spears is "the new queen of mean" for her blunt assessment of contestants.

But Spears also showed a softer side in the episode, calling one young singer "completely and utterly adorable" and another "flawless."

"X Factor," which put Spears and Demi Lovato on its judging panel for season two, airs Wednesday night on Fox. The second episode airs Thursday.

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Host Jay Leno, who noted that Douglas' last name was an anagram for "USA gold," asked Monday if the gymnast intended to compete in the next Summer Games, in Rio de Janeiro.

"Oh, definitely," she replied, reaffirming previous statements.

The 16-year-old looked like a winner, dressed in a gold metallic skirt and a fitted, black motorcycle jacket. Her hair, worn in a utilitarian bun during the Olympics, was gathered in a chic ponytail.

Her best accessory were the two gold medals she carried onstage, handing one to Leno and the other to Mrs. Obama for closer inspection.

"I don't even deserve to hold this," Leno said later as he returned it.

Douglas became the third consecutive U.S. athlete and first African-American to win the all-around title. She and her teammates gave the U.S. its first Olympic title in women's gymnastics since 1996.

Leno asked Douglas about meeting Prince William's wife, who offered her congratulations to the team, including Aly Raisman.

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"You're setting me back, Gabby," Obama told Douglas during a taping Monday for NBC's "Tonight Show," according to a network transcript.

"Sorry!" replied the 16-year-old athlete, who confessed to chowing down on a McDonalds' breakfast sandwich after winning two gold medals at the just-ended London Olympics.

Douglas became the third straight U.S. athlete and first African-American to win the all-around title. She and her teammates gave the U.S. its first Olympic title in women's gymnastics since 1996.

"Tonight" host Jay Leno asked Douglas whether, after a lifetime of training, the dream of winning matched or differed from the reality.

"I think it's very different, and when I mean 'different' it's in a better way," Douglas replied. "I mean, I never thought I would be doing the show with the first lady, or even you, Jay."

Leno started to reply, when Obama jumped in.

"Even you too, Jay!" she said.

On another sports-related topic, Leno put the first lady on the spot about what he called "this whole kiss cam thing" at a recent basketball game.

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A website for women, iVillage, said Monday the first lady has agreed to serve as a guest editor, focusing on back-to-school issues.

Mrs. Obama has been working with iVillage staff members to address challenges, including healthy eating for students and how to balance busy family schedules, the site said.

"We shared all kinds of stories (both success stories and cautionary tales) and tips about how to help our kids be healthy and succeed this school year," and now iVillage visitors will have a chance to add to the discussion, Mrs. Obama said in a statement.

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Executive producer Mark Burnett said Sunday that the singing contest will let coaches "steal" contestants from each other during the show's "battle rounds."

The show also will introduce a new "knockout round" to slice the number of contestants on each coach's team, Burnett told a Malibu, Calif., news conference. He was joined by coaches Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton, and host Carson Daly.

They were promoting the series' third season, beginning Sept. 10 as "The Voice" adds a fall run to its original midseason slot.

Because the coaches have busy music careers, Burnett said, substitutes may be needed in future. But the original four have "chairs for life," he said.

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http://www.nbc.com

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Hedren's experience on the famed British film director's "The Birds" and "Marnie" is dramatized in the new HBO movie, "The Girl."

Hitchcock is portrayed as obsessed with Hedren and vindictive when the actress rejects his advances.

The director "ruined my career, but he didn't ruin my life," Hedren told a meeting of the Television Critics Association. She had to fight to get out of her contract with Hitchcock and lost roles because of it, she said in an interview.

Sienna Miller, who spoke to the Beverly Hills critics' meeting by telephone, plays Hedren and Toby Jones portrays Hitchcock in "The Girl," which debuts Oct. 20 on HBO.

During the session, Miller and Hedren exchanged long-distance pleasantries that apparently referred to a newcomer in Miller's life. According to reports, the 30-year-old actress gave birth to a baby girl, Marlow, in early July.

"How's Marlow?" Hedren asked.

"She's screaming upstairs," Miller replied.

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Executive producer Don Mischer said Friday that about three dozen stars and other industry notables are typically included in the "in memoriam" segment, although he says many more are deserving.

Mischer says he and the TV academy identify the late stars and other TV notables who will create an "emotional response" among Emmy viewers.

That drew a wry observation from Jimmy Kimmel, who will host the Sept. 23 Emmys on ABC. Kimmel said he loves that "even in death you're subject to a popularity contest."

Mischer says other than the host, the tribute segment consistently is the audience's favorite part of the Emmy telecast.

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NBC said Thursday that Green Day vocalist and guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong is joining the talent contest as a mentor to Christina Aguilera's team this coming season.

In a statement, Armstrong says he and his family are fans of the show. He says "The Voice" has won over viewers because it helps guide contestants but avoids, in his words, "giving them a complete makeover."

Besides, Armstrong says, working with Aguilera is "a lot of fun."

As the talent contest field grows more crowded, shows are competing for big-name music stars. "American Idol" is adding Mariah Carey as a judge, and "The X Factor" signed Britney Spears and Demi Lovato.

"The Voice" returns to TV on Sept. 10.

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"Masterpiece" executive producer Rebecca Eaton said Wednesday that Piven will star in the drama series "Mr. Selfridge," about the flamboyant American who founded the British department store Selfridges.

The series' creator is Emmy Award-winning writer Andrew Davies, whose TV credits include "Pride and Prejudice" and "Bleak House."

"Mr. Selfridge" will air as part of WGBH Boston's "Masterpiece" showcase in 2013.

The series is a co-production of "Masterpiece" and ITV Studios, which also are teaming on new episodes of popular PBS mystery series including the Inspector Morse prequel "Endeavor," ''Miss Marple" and "Inspector Lewis."

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http://www.pbs.org

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"Holy smokes. Wow, it's my first and best pageant ever," said a beaming McCarthy. "I'm from Plainfield, Ill., and I'm standing here and it's kind of amazing."

Moments earlier, she and her fellow nominees had broken with tradition by jumping up on stage as their names were called, led by Amy Poehler of "Parks and Recreation."

They earned a standing ovation from many in the audience, which seemed fitting in a year in which TV shows and movies are giving women edgier leading roles. Among them is the box-office hit "Bridesmaids," which featured McCarthy.

Parsons looked genuinely surprised at his victory. "This is so odd for so many reasons. I was assured by many people in my life that this wasn't happening," he said.

The ceremony aired by Fox opened with a pre-taped comedy sketch that generated controversy because Alec Baldwin's part was cut after he included a joke about the News Corp. phone hacking scandal. Fox is a unit of News Corp.

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"Mad Men" has a chance to repeat for a fourth consecutive year as best drama. "Modern Family," last year's top comedy series, was the most-nominated sitcom with 17 bids.

Other leading nominees include the Prohibition-era drama "Boardwalk Empire" with 18 nominations, "Saturday Night Live" with 16 and 13 bids each for the sex-and-swords fantasy "Game of Thrones" and the sitcom "30 Rock."

"OK, keep it together," a surprised nominations co-announcer Melissa McCarthy said when she realized she was a nominee for her sitcom "Mike & Molly."

The controversial sitcom "The Kennedys," which was dropped by the History channel and given a second chance by the lesser-known ReelzChannel, received 10 nominations, including best miniseries.

Familiar faces have a chance to claim -- or reclaim -- Emmys, including last year's lead comedy actress winner Edie Falco of "Nurse Jackie" and Jim Parsons, best actor for a comedy for "The Big Bang Theory." Both were nominated this year.

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"I never in my wildest dreams," said McCreery, a 17-year-old with a strikingly deep, old-soul voice that contrasts with his youth. "I've got to thank the Lord first ... he got me here."

McCreery of Garner, N.C., and Alaina, 16, of Rossville, Ga., represent the first all-country finale and the youngest duo ever to compete on "Idol," which is in its 10th season.

The exuberant, big-voiced Alaina performed on Tuesday's final sing-off despite a vocal cord injury that needed medical treatment. She received raves from the judges, who said she won the night.

But the consistently popular McCreery, who'd never been at risk of elimination, claimed the title and a record contract.

The teenager seemed overwhelmed as he took the stage for a celebratory version of "I Love You This Big," halting to embrace his parents in the audience, Alaina and others. Then he playfully stuck his tongue out, trying to catch falling confetti.

"It felt like a dream," McCreery said backstage in his dressing room. "It still hasn't sunk in yet, and I don't think it will for a while. I'm on top of the world right now."

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The British comedian was brash, profane and cruelly funny at Sunday's Golden Globes, delivering his trademark humor as promised for the Hollywood Foreign Press Association in his second go-round as host of the ceremony that has "butt-talking" appearances by Jim Carrey and Jack Nicholson in its history.

At its heart, pairing the right host with the right awards show is a delicate form of matchmaking. The relationship should be unpredictable but not self-destructive, capturing TV viewers and Nielsen ratings without alienating the stars who come to be celebrated.

More than a few brave hosts have discovered how daunting the brief affair can be. That includes David Letterman, who has yet to shed memories of his bumpy 1995 Oscar gig that included an oddball phonetics bit mocking the names of Uma Thurman and Oprah Winfrey.

"Ricky Gervais was the host of the (Globes) show -- very funny guy," Letterman said on his late-night CBS show Monday. "But there's already talk that he'll never be invited back, and I say, 'Hey, welcome to the club.'"

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With pomp rivaling that of a U.S. Supreme Court appointment, Fox finally assembled the new pieces of the "Idol" panel that will be returned to its original three-member format for season 10.

Actress-singer-dancer Lopez and Aerosmith frontman Tyler will have the job of trying to match the offbeat chemistry of former judges Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul.

The likely Lopez-Tyler pairing had been reported so frequently that Fox would have had to produce Betty White and 50 Cent instead to generate any surprise.

Cowell announced last January that he planned to leave to launch a new talent show for Fox in 2011, with newcomers Ellen DeGeneres and Kara DioGuardi exiting this summer. Abdul left in 2009 over a contract dispute.

Jackson will be the only original judge when "American Idol" returns in January.

Lopez and Tyler could help "American Idol" reinvent itself for the new season, when it will try to stem a ratings slide and bring in younger viewers. The show's audience has been gradually aging, and advertisers prefer to pitch to young adults.

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A furor over whether Cowell's British talent show "The X Factor" electronically altered contestant voices has prompted "American Idol" to make a pre-emptive strike.

"We have never, nor would we ever, use Auto-Tuning during the 'American Idol' competition," producers of the Fox show said in a statement Thursday, referring to pitch-correcting technology.

"American Idol" viewers can attest that contestants have been regularly scolded for "pitchiness."

The producers' statement, issued in response to a query, didn't address a key "American Idol" issue: the replacements for Cowell and another departing judge, Ellen DeGeneres. Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez are the reported front-runners for the judge's panel, which begins its work sometime after Labor Day.

Cowell left the top-rated series at the end of last season and is bringing "The X Factor," which he created in Britain and is hugely popular there, to the Fox network in 2011.

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