Ox Notes: June 11, 2009

Top Chef Masters debuted on Bravo last night. There wasn't much drama in the episode, but I thought that was fine. It's just nice to watch a fresh episode of something from the Top Chef franchise. Zap2It recapped the premiere, and The Futon Critic interviewed TCM host Kelly Choi.

Last night also featured performances by the top 20 competitors on So You Think You Can Dance. Zap2It's recap includes the names of each couple's choreographer and song, including new SYTYCD choreographer Louis van Amstel.

SAG members agreed to a new contract, averting an actors strike for the time being.

Hollywood is still feeling the effects of the 2007-08 writers strike. Fewer pilots are filming in California these days, heading instead to Canada and New York to take advantage of tax breaks.

Comedy Central plans to revive Futurama, with new episodes of the cartoon airing mid-2010.

Shark Week returns to Discovery Channel on August 2. The new season of Mad Men kicks off on AMC on August 16.

ABC announced its fall premiere dates, including a September 21 debut for Dancing with the Stars 9.

To go along with the schedule announcement, we have our first DwtS 9 cast rumor: Vera Wang. MOIB reader Amy wonders if there's any chance that the 60-year-old fashion designer won't be paired with either Jonathan Roberts or Tony Dovolani.

ABC also revealed plans to import yet another celebrity dance show from the U.K. Let's Dance will feature celebrities recreating famous dance routines, with proceeds from audience votes going to charity. The series will air in between seasons of Dancing with the Stars.

The winner of the British version, officially titled Let's Dance for Comic Relief, was Robert Webb, better known as Jeremy from Peep Show (the funniest show I've ever seen). His take on Flashdance is hilarious, even if is leotard is unsettling.