The HOTLIST - Thursday, January 7th

DiNozzo Is Done:

Michael Weatherly is exiting broadcast television's highest-rated drama, “NCIS,” according to “The Hollywood Reporter.”

"After 13 years on ‘NCIS,’ Michael Weatherly is leaving the show at the end of this season," CBS said Tuesday in a statement. "He is a valued part of the CBS family, and the immense charm and talent he brings to the screen as ‘Very’ Special Agent Tony DiNozzo has helped make NCIS what it is today — the No. 1 drama in the world. We thank Michael for all of his contributions to this successful franchise and look forward to continuing to develop projects with him as part of our ongoing development deal."

Weatherly confirmed his departure on Twitter: "DiNozzo is a wonderful, quixotic character & I couldn't have had more fun playing him over the past 13 seasons. Les Moonves & CBS gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. I will miss the amazing crew & cast, who are like family to me, & to the fans all over the world — THANK YOU, it’s been a fantastic ride!"

Weatherly is the second lead to exit the long-running franchise. Star Cote de Pablo departed after season 11, with CBS Corp. CEO Moonves telling reporters at the time that the company did everything it could to keep the actress on the series.
 

Weatherly has a development deal with studio counterpart CBS Television Studios.

CAMPAIGN TO PARDON STEVEN AVERY GAINS FOLLOWERS



A campaign to pardon Steven Avery, the subject of Netflix’ “Making A Murderer,” now has hundreds of thousands of supporters. The convicted murderer is featured in the documentary about his life that tells of a first conviction that was proven to be wrong, and a second one he claims was a set-up.

Avery was wrongfully imprisoned for sexual assault and was in prison for 18 years before he was given his freedom in 2003. Four years later, he was convicted of a murder that had nothing to do with the first crime. He continues to be in prison for that conviction.

People are all over social networks chatting about the show and Avery, many claiming that he at least deserves a re-trial while others are calling for an outright pardon.

The documentary was filmed over a ten year time frame by Moira Demos and Laura Ricciardi. The prosecution in the murder trial claims, Ken Kratz, claims he is painted as a villain in the series and that the documentary is biased and doesn’t present all the evidence for the viewers to make an informed decision.

The filmmakers claim they presented what the prosecutors claimed was their most important evidence in the trial to prove that Avery was guilty.

Avery's defense lawyers, Dean Strang and Jerome Buting, say that Avery was framed by the police, and they are also getting a following on social networking sites.
NEW ALBUMS COLLECTION CELEBRATES ELVIS’ 60TH ANNIVERSARY



“Elvis Presley - The Album Collection,” a 60 CD limited edition box set anthology of the singer’s work, will be released on March 18. It commemorates Elvis’ first album release for RCA Records, which released on March 23, 1956. His second album, “Elvis,” was released in October of that year. Both went to the top of the charts and have been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

“Elvis Presley - The Album Collection” includes album titles recorded by Elvis and released by RCA during the artist’s lifelong association with the label. The deluxe set features Elvis's fabled Sun Sessions (recorded 1954-1955 at Sun Studio in Memphis, prior to Presley's signing with RCA), his first RCA sessions (January 10, 1956), and significant official Elvis album releases including studio, soundtrack and live titles in addition to compilations featuring unreleased songs or tracks new to the LP format.

Highlights of the set come from those two early albums, as well as music from his film soundtracks, plus the 1969 American Sound session albums “Elvis In Memphis” and “Back In Memphis.” It also includes tunes from his 1960’s Nashvile albums and his live concert recordings, “On Stage,” “Elvis As Recorded Live at Madison Square Garden” and “Aloha From Hawaii Via Satellite.”

There is also a 300-page illustrated hard cover book featuring commentary, discographies, recording session details and more.

Fans will also get three CDs of rare tracks, with each volume featuring songs from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.

Elvis had 33 number one singles in the U.S. alone. His 57 original LPs--studio and live albums, compilations of non-album singles, film soundtracks, and even budget albums with hard-to-find material--have been reissued only sparingly during the digital era.

CHARLIE SHEEN: SET TO REHAB PUBLIC IMAGE WITH DR. OZ

Charlie Sheen is taking “New Year, New You” to heart.

Next week, He will appear on The Dr. Oz Show with the hope of improving his public image. The daytime talk show will be his launching pad. A source told the New York Post, “He’s turning over a new leaf.”

Since Charlie admitted his HIV status, he’s largely spent his time out of the spotlight. Yet, Dr Oz has been in constant contact, helping Sheen put down the drugs. The actor has also traded Bloody Marys for Downward Dogs.

Sheen apparently “quit drinking right after he did the Matt Lauer interview” last fall on The Today Show.