Ox Notes: July 2, 2008

Reality shows have been earning big ratings this summer. Maybe that will boost enrollment at the school that teaches people how to get cast on reality shows.

Top Chef 5, which films this summer, may be shot in Brooklyn.

Ongoing negotiations between SAG and the studios have led some films to shut down production temporarily, but TV shows filming episodes for the fall have been unaffected. Good, because I'd hate for a strike to get in the way of Shannen Doherty (allegedly) joining the cast of the new Beverly Hills, 90210.

With a couple of major cast members exiting the series, I'm not surprised that Smallville will bring back several members of the Justice League next season.

TV Guide has a list of Emmy semifinalists for Lead Actor: Drama, Lead Actress: Drama, and Supporting Actor: Comedy.

Summer is always a great time to catch up on some reading, so ABC started the Lost Book Club, featuring titles mentioned by the characters or seen in the background. A list of available audio versions can be found at the iTunes store. I think I'll start with Charles Dickens' Our Mutual Friend (Episode #223, "Live Together Die Alone").

Ahead of tonight's new episode of So You Think You Can Dance, here's an interview People conducted with recently eliminated dancers Chelsea and Chris. And thanks to MOIB reader Deb for finding this video interview with SYTYCD choreographers Tony Meredith & Melanie LaPatin: