Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow. Photo Credit: Marvel.com; Facebook.com/Avengers.

My favorite thing about Super Bowl Sunday is the barrage of new movie trailers. While I didn’t watch the game today, I did manage to catch wind of the new 30 second Avengers spot. You can view what aired on TV here:

Happily, the Facebook page for The Avengers film has provided an extended version, which I have embedded below.

I await the May 4th premiere with bated breath. And I’m thrilled to see that the movie appears to have a sense of humor, along with all the fighting and explosions. (Not that I would expect less of Joss Whedon.)

My favorite show is returning! No, not that one. The other one. Cougar Town! Seriously, it is my favorite comedy on television. I introduced the series to my sister Francesca over the holidays, and my rewatch confirmed this to be true. Times a thousand. The third season of Cougar Town is set to premiere on Tuesday, February 14th at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT. Happy Valentine’s Day to me! So make sure that your plans between now and then include stocking up on wine, and perhaps investing in one of these wine stem glass holders. And what’s more, the producers have released a season 3 highlight reel, which you can check out below. It is hilarious, but also spoilery, so be warned. If you’re anything like me, 10 minutes of Cougar Town is just what your life was missing, so you’ll watch immediately.

The producers, writers, cast, and crew have been doing their best to spread the word via Twitter. In fact, they’ve been posting a lot of photos from filming, fan events, promotion, etc. So check out their timelines if you’ve missed it: @VDOOZER, @kbiegel, @CougarTownRoom, @ChristaBMiller, @CourteneyCox, @Busyphilipps25, @MrJoshHopkins, and @IBGomez. In fact, I almost died from cuteness when I saw this photo of Courteney Cox, Christa Miller, Bill Lawrence, and their kids, holding hand-made signs to promote the show. Awwww. Also, check out this sweet video featuring footage from a Cougar Town viewing party:

Bill Lawrence on WhoSay

Pennnnnyyyyyyyy caaaaaaaaaannnnnnnn!!! I love how passionate everyone who works on the show seems to be about Cougar Town. I hope you’ll all be watching on February 14th, and every following Tuesday when it airs. It’s important to me that my new Wine Tuesday will last. And I mean, I’d like us to be able to remain friends.

Happy Hunger Games! What do you think? There is certainly one glaring change from the books, but I’m still giving the film the benefit of the doubt. March 23rd can’t come fast enough. And in case you missed the first trailer, or want to watch it again (and again), I’ve embedded it below for your viewing pleasure.

“Five friends go to a remote cabin in the woods. Bad things happen.” So reads the official description of The Cabin in the Woods, the upcoming horror movie from the minds of Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard. I feel like it’s been 10 years since we first heard about this project, but there is now an official release date. Mark your calendars for April 13^th, 2012! And what’s more, there’s an official trailer, which I have posted below. The Cabin in the Woods was produced by Whedon, directed by Goddard, based on a script by both. It stars Kristen Connolly, Chris Hemsworth, Anna Hutchison, Fran Kranz, Jesse Williams, Richard Jenkins and Bradley Whitford. Having recently seen Thor, this casting of the dreamy Viking definitely has me excited. Plus, it will be so great to see Fran Kranz in a project again, after he amazed me in Dollhouse. You can read more about the upcoming movie on the official Facebook page.

You can also get a closer look over at the WinterisComing.net Tumblr, where they have screen captures from the trailer. The trailer boasts a first look at new characters Stannis Baratheon and Melisandre (yay!), plus all of our returning favorites. I’m especially excited for Arya and Dany’s stories. And Catelyn looks pretty hard core. Watch out, Little Finger! Winter is coming, people. Mark your calendars for the April 1st premiere.

Photo Credit: HBO.

I am definitely intrigued by Luck, an upcoming series set to premiere on January 29th at 9pm on HBO. Here is the official description from HBO: “From acclaimed director Michael Mann and Deadwood creator David Milch, Luck takes a provocative look at the world of horse racing – the owners, gamblers, jockeys and diverse gaming industry players.” As a fan of Deadwood, I can’t wait to see another TV project from the mind of Milch, and a look at the world of horse racing seems like a good fit for him. Luck stars the legendary Dustin Hoffman as Chester “Ace” Bernstein, a long-time gambler, released from prison in the pilot episode. The series will follow his involvement in the Santa Anita race track, on a mission to settle a score. Other cast includes Dennis Farina, John Ortiz, Richard Kind, Ian Hart, Kevin Dunn, Ritchie Coster, Jason Gedrick, Jill Hennessy, Tom Payne, Kerry Condon, Gary Stevens and Nick Nolte. You can take a closer look in the teaser, trailer, and behind-the-scenes video below:

Photo Credit: Showtime.

Showtime’s new dark comedy, House of Lies, premieres this Sunday, January 8^th, at 10 p.m. PT/ET. However, you have the opportunity to watch it now, for free, streaming online. Please note: it contains mature content, not suitable for all viewers. I have embedded it below, but you can also access the video via iTunes  and Showtime’s official site.

I didn’t love it. I found the plot and the characters somewhat off-putting and difficult to connect with. However, the stellar cast, including Don Cheadle as Marty and Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars!) as Jeannie, will keep me tuning in. It definitely has potential, and I hope that it will find its legs soon. Plus, the actor who plays Marty’s son is incredibly charming and adorable. I found myself very invested in whether or not he would play Sandy in Grease. The premise of House of Lies relies on the inner workings and power plays at Galweather & Stearn, a company that does … something I have yet to figure out. It’s all very high-powered, money-money-money, and ruthless business moves. However, Marty’s family, as mentioned previously, provide a hint at a heart and soul to the show. We shall see.

In preparation for the upcoming series, Showtime has launched a new website: GalweatherStearn.com. Check it out for an imaginative and closer look at the series. According to the press release: “The Galweather & Stearn site will serve as the main hub for all digital content for HOUSE OF LIES, including a look at the inner-workings of the firm, character bios, and a ‘Personal Power Points’ application. The app allows fans to connect using Facebook or LinkedIn, and receive a mock personalized consult from the Galweather A-Team on their work or love life.” Pretty fun idea, right? I love when companies come up with interactive ideas like this. Enjoy!

Photo Credit: Showtime.

An exciting weekend of TV is ahead of us, people. The second season of Shameless is set to premiere on Sunday, January 8th, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Showtime. Finally! I’ve been impatiently waiting for more of the Gallaghers since the finale in March of last year. Woot! Bonus: Showtime is offering a Free Preview Weekend from Friday, January 6 through Sunday, January 8. U.S. viewers will have the opportunity to sample the network’s programming, including the Shameless premiere and the series premiere of the new comedy House of Lies.

Here’s the press release for the upcoming season: “Season two of SHAMELESS finds our favorite dysfunctional family braving the heat and humidity of summertime in Chicago, trying to keep cool…and Frank (William H. Macy) out of trouble. Bearing the de facto parent badge/burden, Fiona (Emmy Rossum) spends her nights working at a nightclub and her days keeping an eye on her siblings as they run a makeshift daycare center at the house. As usual, the motley brood somehow manages to hold down the fort and make sure the bills are paid, the lights are on and there is food on the table.” Hmmm. Summer craziness in January. I like it. Also, that whole makeshift daycare center is sure to implode pronto. For a closer look, check out the trailer and two short clips below. I’m worried about poor Lip’s heart, you guys. Very worried.

Photo Credit: Showtime.

I hope you all have a very Merry and Shameless Christmas … with zero drunk driving. And what’s more, Shameless premieres as part of the SHOWTIME Free Preview Weekend, from January 7th to January 10th, meaning that for a limited time the network will be available for free to non-subscribers. Check out the official site for further details.

Here’s the official description of the upcoming sophomore season: “Season two finds our favorite dysfunctional family braving the heat and humidity of summertime in Chicago, trying to keep cool…and Frank (William H. Macy) out of trouble. Bearing the de facto parent badge/burden, Fiona (Emmy Rossum) spends her nights working at a happening nightclub and her days keeping an eye on Debbie (Emma Keany) and Carl (Ethan Cutkosky) as they run a makeshift daycare center at the house. Meanwhile, brothers Lip (Jeremy Allen White) and Ian (Cameron Monaghan) are toying with the idea of college, while Sheila (Joan Cusack, in her Emmy^® Award-nominated role) is still housing Frank and making progress with her agoraphobia. As usual, the motley brood somehow manages to hold down the fort and make sure the bills are paid, the lights are on and there is food on the table.” I can’t wait!

Photo Credit: Showtime.

Dexter and Homeland fans, brace yourselves. There is a lot of crazy intensity to come tomorrow,  Sunday, December 18, as these two Showtime series air their respective season finales. First up is Dexter‘s sixth season finale at 9PM ET/PT. According to the official description: “[T]he Miami Homicide Division is in a race against a lunar eclipse to catch the Doomsday Killer before he commits his final gruesome act.  Will Dexter (Michael C Hall) be able to beat them to it?  Meanwhile, Debra (Jennifer Carpenter) struggles with, but finally faces up to, a new emotional reality.” Hmmm.  Some of that is going to be hard to watch … and I don’t mean the killing. You can check out the trailer and two short clips below.

Photo Credit: Showtime.

Then, at 10p PT/ET, Showtime will air the special, extended hour-and-a-half finale of Homeland. I’m completely obsessed with this freshman drama, and can’t believe that the season is already ending. More, please! The official description for the finale reads: “Carrie (Claire Danes) [is] near-catatonic and confined to bed as events swirl around her.  Meanwhile, Brody (Damian Lewis) makes his final preparations for the Vice President’s policy summit.  The pieces to a deadly puzzle are falling into place, but even as she springs into action, Carrie may be too late to put it all together. When the crisis finally hits, no one—not even Carrie—can foresee the outcome of Abu Nazir’s long-awaited attack.” Dun dun dun! Is it Sunday night yet? Check out the preview and brief clip below.