Jim Says: Joel McHale’s Pecs Taking A Break, What’s Up With Smash and Hunky USA Stars.

Joel McHale and his fabulous pecs may not be on NBC’s midseason schedule
but the net promises all episodes of Community will air.

Why are some shows on all season long but shows like Community, Parenthood and Cougar Town are doing less episodes? – Kim (via Facebook)

While we’ve all gotten hooked on cable series like Dexter, True Blood and The Walking Dead, we’ve also gotten used to less episodes, and the broadcast networks are noticing. The bottom line, though, is (as always) money. Producing fewer episodes means fewer dollars flying out the door and Cougar Town recently seeing it’s season cut back to 15 episodes is a perfect example of that. Don’t get me wrong, though, it’s not only about money. If Parenthood (with 18 episodes this season), Community and Cougar Town were each delivering bigger audiences, they definitely would warrant getting the usual 22-episode season order.

Chris Gorham’s Auggie may be blind on Covert Affairs but I’m glad I’m not!

I was watching Covert Affairs for the first time and would’ve started watching sooner if I knew there were so many hot guys on the show. How did I miss it? – Mitchell (via email)

Yes, it’s true. Matt Bomer is not the only hottie over at the USA Network and spy drama Covert Affairs has been very generous in giving us man candy in Chris Gorham, Sendhil Ramamurthy and, for those Daddy-lovers, Peter Gallagher. I recently chatted with CA executive producer/co-creator Chris Ord who was very aware of the plusses of having the guys peel their shirts off now and again. “All our actors are very fit,” Ord acknowledged. “Along with learning their lines they’re in the gym, certainly. I think they’re great actors, first and foremost and we feel we can do a lot with them in their acting, but the nice thing is that they are so easy on the eyes.” (Covert Affairs airs Tuesdays at 10/9c on USA with the season finale airing on December 6th.)

Broadway vet Megan Hilty (9 To 5, Wicked) channels Marilyn Monroe in NBC’s upcoming Smash.

I’m already groaning at the ads for the new show Smash. I gave up on Glee last year so why do we need another show just like it? – Ronnie (via email)

As Christian Borle, who plays out character Tom on the new series, told me during our recent interview, “The comparisons are completely understandable, first of all, and not a surprise. People bursting into song is not something that happens all the time on television. There is singing on our show, and it is within a fictional storyline. But the comparisons, I think, will go away quickly when people see what it is.” And having seen the pilot, I can confirm that Smash is definitely not trying to be like Glee in the least. In fact, I’ve seen the pilot three times now and each time it leaves me wanting more, which, outside of Darren Criss, I haven’t had the same feeling about Glee for a long time. I just wish we didn’t have to wait until February 6th, when Smash finally premieres.

Robin (Cobie Smulders) just revealed she’s pregnant. Could Barney (Neil Patrick Harris) be the father?

With Ugly Betty alum Becki Newton coming to How I Met Your Mother, will Barney (Neil Patrick Harris) & Robin (Cobie Smulders) get together for good by the season finale? – Robin (via Twitter)

It’s hard to believe HIMYM is now in its seventh season, which is a long time for any sitcom. However, that doesn’t mean creators Carter Bays and Craig Thomas are done mixing things up with our five regulars. In fact, note the timing in last week’s episode when Robin revealed to Barney that she’s preggers. Newton will be showing up soon as a potential love interest for Barney, so don’t expect the twosome to finally settle down with each other anytime soon.

Actress Marisa Ramirez (Spartacus: Gods of the Arena) is ready for more Against The Wall (photo by Russell Baer)

I love the Lifetime show Against The Wall, but I haven’t heard if it’s going to come back for a second season. What do you know? – Sharon (via Twitter)

While Lifetime has yet to officially pick up the show, I know one person who’s ready to get started on a second season – star Marisa Ramirez, who plays Detective Lina Flores on the crime drama. “My fingers and toes are definitely crossed in hopes for a second season of Against the Wall,” Ramirez told me via email this past weekend. “The entire cast has such an amazing genuine chemistry, something I’ve never had the privilege to experience before. Every single day on set was filled with so much love and laughter. I would really like to see Lina's personal side come out. It can't be an easy life for a detective with four kids at home. [I] would love more stories with hunky husband Jason George, who is just so much fun to be around. We'll see what happens! Trying to be patient but it's not easy!”

Got a question about your favorite TV show? Movie? Celebrity? Send them to Jim at jim@jimhalterman.com and next Monday you may see what Jim Says about it.