News Roundup: 'Big Bang Theory' Creators Receive Scientific Honors, Lisa Oz Working on New Talk Show and More
Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, co-creators of CBS's 'The Big Bang Theory,' have been bestowed honorary membership to the Royal Canadian Institute for the Advancement of Science. See, it pays to be geeky. According to Variety, 'Big Bang Theory' stars Jim Parsons, Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayyar will accept the honors on behalf of their producers.
"We are honoring Chuck Lorre, Bill Prady and the entire 'Big Bang Theory' team for creating a television program that seamlessly melds science and everyday life," Bruce Gitelman, president of RCI, said in a statement. "The program exposes the public in an entertaining way to the awe and wonder of science and life in general. As the number one series in Canada today, it not only makes science accessible to the public but also entertains many practicing scientists."
In other TV news ...
• 'The Walking Dead' is being adapted into a series of novels. The comic book series by Robert Kirkman, which has already been adapted into a new AMC series, will also be translated to three novels. Kirkman will outline the series to be written by Jay Bonansinga. The books will take place in the universe established in the comic series. [Deadline Hollywood]
• Max Weinberg had to quit 'Conan' because of heart problems. The drummer said reason helped him make his decision not to join Conan O'Brien on his new show. Well, that and his love for living in New Jersey. [Fancast]
• Dr. Oz's wife is getting her own talk show. Lisa Oz is filming a pilot with Sony Television about relationship issues. [Hollywood Reporter]
• 'Two and a Half Men' star Angus T. Jones' new contract has been approved, and the 16-year-old will make $300,000 per episode. Jones also received a $500,000 signing bonus. Over the next two seasons of the series he'll make $7.8 million. [TMZ]
• ABC Family is planning a movie about Contance McMillen, the Mississippi teen who was denied entry to her prom because she wanted to wear a tuxedo and take her girlfriend as her date. The school district ended up canceling prom, and McMillen successfully sued. [Deadline]

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