Entourage will be returning to HBO for its eighth and final season beginning on July 24 and HBO has released some details about its two July episodes.

First off is a list of returning guest stars, which includes: Scott Caan as Scott Lavin, Eric’s management partner; Emmanuelle Chriqui as Sloan, Eric’s ex-fiancé; Beverly D’Angelo as Babs, Ari’s other partner; and Debi Mazar as Vince’s publicist Shauna.  Other guests this season (some portraying themselves) include Carmelo Anthony, Melinda Clarke, Andrew Dice Clay, Kim Coates, Mark Cuban, Illeana Douglas, William Fichtner, Johnny Galecki, Rob Morrow, Alex Rodriguez, Christian Slater and Rachel Zoe.

Episode 8.01 “Home Sweet Home” (Sunday July 24, 10:30-11:00 p.m. ET/PT)

Fresh from rehab, Vince (Adrian Grenier) is psyched about a new film idea, but the guys don’t share his excitement.  Eric (Kevin Connolly) and Scott (Scott Caan) sign Johnny Galecki to their new management company.  Ari (Jeremy Piven) tries desperately to win back Mrs. Ari (Perrey Reeves).  Drama (Kevin Dillon) throws Vince a “dry” welcome-home party. Written and directed by Doug Ellin.

Episode 8.02 “Out With a Bang” (Sunday, July 31, 10:30-11:00 p.m.)

Vince’s movie is re-imagined as a TV film starring Drama.  Ari takes Lloyd (Rex Lee) on a recon mission.  Turtle (Jerry Ferrara) can’t get Alex on the phone.  Eric receives a surprising voicemail from Sloan (Emmanuelle Chriqui).  Andrew Dice Clay, Drama’s co-star on “Johnny’s Bananas,” needs representation.  Written by Ally Musika; directed by Doug Ellin.

Entourage Season 8 Spoilers: July Episode Details

HBO has confirmed launch dates for their Summer staples True Blood, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Entourage.  Entourage will be entering its final season before moving onto the big screen - possibly, while True Blood continues to rise season after season and from the level of fan anticipation building already doesn't look like it is about to slow down. Oh, and 2012 ... April Fools! (You'd know what that means if you followed us on twitter!)

The 12-episode fourth season of TRUE BLOOD will kick off SUNDAY, JUNE 26 at 9:00 p.m. (ET/PT). Based on the popular Sookie Stackhouse books by Charlaine Harris, this hit drama series was created by Alan Ball, creator of HBO’s Emmy®-winning series “Six Feet Under.” The show follows the romance between waitress Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin), who can hear people’s thoughts, and her soul mate, 173-year-old vampire Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer).

The 10-episode eighth season of CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM will kick off SUNDAY, JULY 10 at 10:00 p.m. (ET/PT). This Emmy®- and Golden Globe-winning comedy series stars “Seinfeld” co-creator Larry David as himself in an unsparing but tongue-in-cheek depiction of his life. The new season was shot in New York and Los Angeles.

The 8-episode eighth and final season of ENTOURAGE will kick off SUNDAY, JULY 24 at 10:30 p.m. (ET/PT). Created by Doug Ellin, this hit comedy series draws on the experiences of Hollywood insiders and stars Adrian Grenier, Kevin Connolly, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara and three-time Emmy® winner Jeremy Piven.

HBO Confirms Premiere Dates for True Blood, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Entourage

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HBO has long been declared king of the cable networks. But is its grasp slipping? While the network certainly had a good year, other networks did better. But does HBO still have that creative edge? With all its shows, it just might.

Vote below, and ensure your show has a spot in the next round of the awards by spreading the word! The winner of this poll will compete on Day 3 for the "Best Show on Cable" award. Stay posted today, though, for more chances to pick your cable favorites!

This poll will close at 2:40 EST on December 30, 2010.

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TVO Awards - Day 1 - Best Show of 2010, Round 1.1 - Best Show on HBO

The Hollywood Reporter is breaking the news to those of you who didn't already know: Entourage is ending next year. The long-running show will, however, return for one final hurrah before ending: a shortened eighth and final season. "The plan right now is we'll finish up this season, we'll do a shorter order for next season, we've talked about six," said Michael Lombardo, HBO programming president.

The series, which just passed the halfway point of season seven a week ago, has been running since 2004 and stars Adrian Grenier, Kevin Connolly, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrera, and Jeremy Piven.

Six episodes for the season would be four down from season seven's order of ten, and half of the orders for seasons four, five, and six, all of which had twelve episodes.

Lombardo wanted to make sure there were no doubts about HBO's plans for Entourage: "Next summer will definitely be the final season." There's also been talk of a feature film adaptation, which Lombardo stated that the show's creator Doug Ellin still wanted to do. "HE wants to write a film, but wants to do it when the story will make sense."

And even if a film doesn't work out, Lombardo seemed sure that Ellin would remain with the pay cable network. "He's pitched other shows to us," he said, stating that Ellin would probably have another show on HBO "within the next couple years."

Entourage airs tonight with episode 7.06, "Hair," which marks the return of recurring character Billy Walsh. Entourage's season finale will take place on September 12, with the episode "Lose Yourself." The show will return in summer 2011 for its eighth and final season.

Entourage's final season to have six episodes?

Entourage is a series based on a whole lot of manufactured, pointless drama, but “Buzzed” might have topped all the insanity before it because Ari, E and all sorts of people are up in arms over…Vince cutting his hair. Yep, Vince cutting his hair.

Not only is the Hairgate a completely and totally stupid thing to build a plot around, but it the whole episode was built around a random notion that Vince may or may not have taken some pain meds. He didn’t, then did. He didn’t lie, then he didn’t. I mean Vince never has much going on mentally, so I always just assume he’s at least partially high. So to give him some sort of weird rush of energy because he took a few pain meds seems pretty dumb, even for Entourage.

However (and I can’t believe I’m saying this), I actually kind of enjoyed this episode. I can’t tell if it was actually any good for Entourage‘s standards or this damn series is roping me back in after I thought I got out and could just watch to review it critically. At the least, I can appreciate the fact that all the characters have “something” to do right now. E’s helping Drama try to get a TV pilot off the ground, Turtle is having some struggles with his business and an ex-employee, Ari has the NFL in his grasp and my golly, Vince is actually breathing. Yes, the haircut and pills story is totally dumb. But if it gives us a Vincent Chase who actually has an opinion or real thought, I’m slightly more okay with. It would be great to see Vince go totally nihilistic, putting his life in danger, saying whatever he wanted, etc., if only to watch the tight-wads around him freak out. Plus, even though Adrian Grenier isn’t even a mediocre actor, he can breathe a little life into Vince when actually asked to do so.

The NFL storyline progressed nicely and in usual Entourage fashion with Ari not convincing Jerry Jones to let him work the TV contract, but still getting the opportunity to pitch the league on a LA-based team. It would be totally awesome to have this world bring in a LA NFL team, just to see how the real league would react — or if they would even allow it — and I’m glad that Ari has his own thing to work without always having to be on the phone with E. Plus, anytime I get to see more Autumn Reeser on my television, the better. She and Piven have a solid, banter-fueled chemistry that isn’t so much based on Ari throwing out insults, so if more Reeser also means a less douchey Ari, double win.

For a series that never many good ideas or wanted to pursue the few it did have, Entourage‘s dip into the drama-fueled haircut is still a low mark. However, the story is executed well enough in “Buzzed” that it surprisingly works on a typical level for the series. I hate to say this, but…the season is off to a strong start? Again, for Entourage standards. I will now go beat my head against a cinder block.

Entourage, 7.02 "Buzzed" Review

Full disclosure: I hate Entourage. The series rose to heights right when I was perfectly in the demographic wheelhouse, so in seasons one, two and three, I thought it was great. And maybe it was.* I also tore through those seasons quickly on DVD so it didn’t seem anything but a fun few hours with some guys who liked to have a good time. Also: I was 17-years old.

*It wasn’t.

Ever since the first half of season three when Vince fired Ari, the series has been going downhill in my — and nearly everyone else with a critical voice — opinion. I somehow made it through everything up to season five and the first few episodes of last season and finally gave up. I could take Drama’s nonsense, Turtle’s pointlessness and Vince’s aimlessness, but I was no longer going to deal with Eric’s crap. I’m sorry to curse, but good lord is Eric Murphy one of the most annoying lead characters on television. I couldn’t take the BS with Sloan anymore. That’s it. I was out.

…until my parents decided to upgrade their television service this summer, which brought us 10 different HBO channels. This past week, those various channels have been filled with season six episodes of Entourageand I found myself watching as I went to sleep. I probably saw four more. Still missed the final two episodes I think. And I don’t care. I still watched the SEVENTH season premiere last nightand although it’s certainly not the worst episode the series has ever done — that has to be the one about Turtle and Vince being scared of the stalker, right? — it’s yet another bland 24 minutes that accomplishes nothing and presents even less of anything substantial.

I’ll give “Stunted” this: It actually made Vince an active person, you know, with an opinion, instead of the pretty faced drone he is most of the time. I can take an episode like this because Vince having to deal with either being labeled a whimp by a big-time director or killing himself is a realistic thing a somewhat substantial movie star might have to deal with. Though this new risk-taking Vince will not last into a next episode or anything.

Turtle and Drama are off doing their own thing and that’s fine. Drama’s attempt to find a show could be interesting in an Entourage sense, but he’ll mess it up. Just like Turtle’s new business will meet some sort of disappointing, but ultimately upbeat end. Because that’s how this damn thing works. Over and over again.

One thing that particularly annoyed me about this episode was Ari’s new place. We heard on multiple occasions that he is now the biggest agent in the WORLD, someone who doesn’t have any time at all for Jessica Simpson, Ryan Reynolds — maybe this is pre-”Proposal?”  – or his wife, but he can drop everything to clean up E’s mess. I understand that we’re supposed to buy that Ari feels a more personal connection to Vince than his other clients, but it feels like he has to come to Vince’s rescue because that’s what the series needs him to do. Same goes for his conversation and words of wisdom for Drama. If Ari is really one of the most powerful men in Hollywood, he doesn’t even stand there. I don’t care how much he cares.

I mostly hate Jeremy Piven, but Ari and Lloyd have at least grown over time and I’d rather them have their own story this season that doesn’t always involve coming to Vince’s aid with a last second phone call.* Don’t beat us over the head with Ari’s status and then make it seem like hyperbole when he’s still spending a good chunk of his time with a bottom-rung A-lister and his little manager. Hopefully this NFL story means better things for Mr. Gold. I can’t believe I just typed that.

*Also: I just re-realized that more than half of the scenes in this series take place with people talking on the phone with one another. Gosh, that’s annoying and weak.

One more thing: Not one funny moment in this episode. C

Entourage 7.01, "Stunted" Review

Here we go Entourage fans, here is a glance ahead at the new season of Entourage which kicks off June 27th.

EMMY®-WINNING COMEDY SERIES ENTOURAGE RETURNS FOR ITS

SEVENTH SEASON JUNE 27, EXCLUSIVELY ON HBO

After an accident during the filming of his latest action flick, Vince has developed a new lease on life that makes him even more difficult to manage.  Meanwhile, the rest of the guys face the challenge of mapping out their own futures, both personally and professionally.

The Emmy®-winning HBO comedy series ENTOURAGE kicks off its ten-episode seventh season SUNDAY, JUNE 27 (10:30-11:00 p.m. ET/PT), immediately following the season premiere of the comedy series “Hung,” with other episodes debuting subsequent Sundays at the same time.

From executive producer and creator Doug Ellin, and executive producers Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson, Rob Weiss, Denis Biggs and Ally Musika, ENTOURAGE draws on the experiences of industry insiders, and stars Adrian Grenier as Vince, who is enjoying life in the limelight as a hot young actor; Kevin Connolly as Eric, Vince’s manager; Kevin Dillon as Vince’s half-brother Drama, whose own career has been eclipsed by Vince’s success; Jerry Ferrara as his pal Turtle; and Golden Globe® and three-time Emmy® winner Jeremy Piven as Ari, now heading an entertainment-industry behemoth.

Also featured on the new episodes of ENTOURAGE are series regulars Perrey Reeves as the long-suffering Mrs. Ari; Rex Lee as Ari’s former assistant Lloyd, who is now a full agent; Emmanuelle Chriqui as Sloan, Eric’s on-again, off-again girlfriend; and Scott Caan as Scott Lavin, Eric’s co-worker and Vince’s new partner in crime.

Returning guest stars include Gary Cole as Andrew Klein, Ari’s former mentor and current partner; Beverly D’Angelo as Babs, Ari’s other partner; and Debi Mazar as Vince’s publicist Shauna.  Other guests this season (some portraying themselves) include Nick Cassavetes, Jonathan Keltz, Stan Lee, Maria Menounos, Bob Saget, Jessica Simpson, Aaron Sorkin, John Stamos and Mike Tyson.

Upcoming episodes:

Episode #79:  “Stunted”

Debut:  SUNDAY, JUNE 27 (10:30-11:00 p.m. ET/PT)

Other HBO playdates:  June 27 (12:30 a.m.), 29 (11:00 p.m.) and 30 (2:35 a.m.), and July 1 (10:30 p.m.), 4 (12:30 a.m.), 6 (11:00 p.m.), 7 (2:30 a.m.), 8 (10:30 p.m.), 9 (11:00 p.m.) and 15 (10:00 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates:  June 28 (9:00 p.m.) and July 2 (2:40 a.m.), 3 (noon, 9:30 p.m.), 4 (10:30 p.m.), 5 (9:00 p.m.), 9 (3:15 a.m.) and 10 (3:00 p.m., 9:30 p.m.)

The director of Vince’s (Adrian Grenier) latest action film talks his star into doing his own driving stunt, agitating both Eric (Kevin Connolly) and Ari (Jeremy Piven).  Turtle’s (Jerry Ferrara) attraction to Alex (Dania Ramirez), an underperforming employee, threatens to damage his fledgling car-service business.  Ari looks to add to his resume as “the biggest agent in the world” by forging an alliance with the NFL.  Worried that his holding deal is about to expire, Drama (Kevin Dillon) pressures Lloyd (Rex Lee), now his agent, to land him a project.

Written by Doug Ellin; directed by Doug Ellin.

Episode #80:  “Buzzed”

Debut: SUNDAY, JULY 11 (10:30-11:00 p.m.)

Other HBO playdates:  July 11 (12:30 a.m.), 13 (11:00 p.m.), 14 (3:35 a.m.), 15 (10:30 p.m.) and 22 (10:00 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates:  July 12 (9:00 p.m.), 16 (2:05 a.m.) and 17 (3:00 p.m., 9:30 p.m.)

In the midst of a public relations crisis over Vince’s movie, Ari has a face-to-face with Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and other top NFL figures, and gets unexpected help from black-sheep agent Lizzie Grant (Autumn Reeser).  At Vince’s behest, Eric agrees to help Drama find the perfect script.  Turtle ends up with egg on his face when he accuses Alex of maxing out his corporate credit card.  Sporting a bold new look, Vince takes his risk-taking proclivities to new heights.

Written by Ally Musika; directed by Tucker Gates.

The sixth season of ENTOURAGE, which ended its run in Oct. 2009, inspired critical praise.  Newsday called the show “funny, smart,” adding, “It just gets better and better,” while the Detroit News hailed ENTOURAGE as “a treat,” and the Chicago Sun-Times described it as “plenty of fun.”

In September 2008, Jeremy Piven received an Emmy® for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, his third win in a row in the category.  He also won his first Golden Globe® in 2008.

ENTOURAGE was created by Doug Ellin; executive producers, Mark Wahlberg, Doug Ellin, Stephen Levinson, Rob Weiss, Denis Biggs and Ally Musika; producers, Wayne Carmona and Lori Jo Nemhauser.

SPOILERS - HBO Announces Entourage's Return Slate of Episodes

Wow, Entourage is over already?  Well, not exactly but it will be as of this Sunday.  Here are all of the spoilery details from the Season Finale of Entourage.

ENTOURAGE
OCTOBER EPISODE

Episode #78:  “Give a Little Bit” (season finale)
Debut:  SUNDAY, OCT. 4 (10:30-11:10 p.m. ET/PT)
Other HBO playdates:  Oct. 4 (11:40 p.m.), 6 (11:00 p.m.), 7 (2:05 a.m.) and 8 (10:30 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates:  Sept. 5 (9:00 p.m.), 6 (9:30 p.m.), 9 (3:35 a.m.), 10 (1:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m.) and 12 (3:30 a.m.)
Eric (Kevin Connelly) plans a special lunch for Sloan (Emmanuelle Chriqui) that doesn’t go as smoothly as he hoped.  Ari (Jeremy Piven) tries to convince his wife (Perrey Reeves) that buying Terrance’s (Malcolm McDowell) company is not a personal vendetta.  After repeated attempts to get over Jamie-Lynn (Jamie-Lynn Sigler), Turtle (Jerry Ferrara) decides to make a grand gesture to be with her.  Resolving to give up acting for good, Drama (Kevin Dillon) turns down a chance to re-audition for “Melrose 2009.”  Matt Damon, with help from Lebron James, strongarms Vince (Adrian Grenier) to get involved in his charity before Vince leaves for Italy.
Written by Doug Ellin & Ally Musika; directed by Mark Mylod.

ENTOURAGE was created by Doug Ellin; executive producers, Mark Wahlberg, Doug Ellin, Stephen Levinson, Denis Biggs, Rob Weiss and Ally Musika; co-executive producer, Mark Mylod; producers, Wayne Carmona and Lori Jo Nemhauser.

Spoilers! The Entourage Season Finale Synopsis

Here's a look at what HBO has in store for Entourage fans next month.

Episode #75:  “Security Briefs”
Debut:  SUNDAY, SEPT. 13 (10:30-11:00 p.m. ET/PT)

The guys step up their security following a suspicious break-in.  After Ari (Jeremy Piven) steals teen heartthrob Zac Efron from Adam Davies (Jordan Belfi), Davies counters by offering Lloyd (Rex Lee) a job as an agent.  Meanwhile, Drama (Kevin Dillon) follows up on an insider tip on Vince’s (Adrian Grenier) suspected stalker and Ashley (Alexis Dziena) grows increasingly suspicious of Eric (Kevin Connelly).

Episode #76:  “Berried Alive”
Debut:  SUNDAY, SEPT. 20 (10:30-11:00 p.m.)

Drama eyes a part on “Melrose 2009” and asks Lloyd if he can get him out of his current gig on “Five Towns.”  Still irate over Lloyd’s job offer, Ari goes to war against Lloyd to get Drama out of his contract.  Citing their trust issues, Ashley asks Eric if she can read his e-mails so that they can have an open and honest relationship.  Turtle (Jerry Ferrara) feels guilty about his love triangle, of sorts, with Jamie-Lynn (Jamie-Lynn Sigler) and a UCLA coed.

Episode #77:  “Scared Straight”
Debut:  SUNDAY, SEPT. 27 (10:30-11:00 p.m.)

Eric visits his doctor’s office after getting some unsavory news from Drama about his latest fling.  Ari investigates Terrance (Malcolm McDowell) when he unexpectedly offers to sell Ari his share of his agency.  Meanwhile, Turtle prepares for Jamie-Lynn’s departure and Drama’s emotions get the best of him during his audition for “Melrose 2009.”

Spoilers - Entourage Episode Synopses For September

Through most of the first five seasons, Entourage revolved mostly around Vince. We're only two episodes into Entourage's sixth and it's pretty clear this time around, the boys are now on equal ground as far as the attention is concerned.

Attention is all that Vince gets at the premiere of Gatsby, and after a scene that was reminiscent of the Entourage pilot, where Vince gets out of the car and is greeted by the roar of the crowd, but things change this time around. We see each member of the gang get their own individual attention. Drama finally gets his red carpet moment—which is almost dashed by his date who continuously hits on anyone who chats to her, Turtle gets kissed by Jamie—on the red carpet no less, and E's attention is stolen by Sloane.

Meanwhile, Ari finds that although Andrew has been given a second chance, he doesn't appear to be that grateful. Ari is shocked to discover that Andrew is having an office fling, a fact he learns after he introduces their wives to each other—who are now getting along incredibly well. Like a rock trapped between a hard place, Ari now puts pressure on Andrew to end the office affair.

Previously I mentioned on how E and Sloane are inevitably going to get together by the end of this season or even during it. That is of course, if they get past themselves, and more importantly, the hurdles. The 24-year old hurdle at the moment is of course, Ashley. When E faces Sloane about their obvious unfinished business, he is brushed aside, straight into Ashley's arms—though we don't see that. Knowing E, what he does and what we think he'll do end up being two completely different things.

The highlight of the episodes include, Drama's overzealous date, Turtles infatuation with Seth Rogen, and of course Lloyd's duty to do whatever Ari tells him to. In this case, its eating a grape every time he sees Ari. These highlights prove once again, that this season is more about the friends than it is about Vince.

Review - Entourage S06E02 "Amongst Friends"

HBO's Entourage returned this week and was consistently awesome.  I'm convinced that Entourage will never die, it is just too cool for death.  The premiere kicked off a bunch of new threads withe the Entourage getting pulled in all sorts of directions.  Eric is thinking of moving out, everybody's wondering why Drama even has his own house since he's always at Vince's, and Vince has a big premiere and needs his license for a new movie. Llyod is determined to get a promotion, and Ari is prepared to put him through weeks and weeks of hazing to get it.  Sadistic douche.  Now here is a look at the episodes coming up next month.

Entourage Episode #70:  “Running on E” - SUNDAY, AUG. 2 (10:30-11:00 p.m. ET/PT)

With production on his next film delayed, Vince (Adrian Grenier) searches for ways to amuse himself.  Andrew (Gary Cole) tells Ari (Jeremy Piven) he’s ended his affair with a co-worker, but Ari has Lloyd (Rex Lee) keep an eye on him anyway.  Drama (Kevin Dillon) auditions actresses to play his new love interest on “Five Towns”; Jamie-Lynn (Jamie-Lynn Sigler) takes Turtle (Jerry Ferrara) shopping for back-to-school clothes; and a bored Eric (Kevin Connelly) contemplates his next move.
Written by Doug Ellin & Ally Musika; directed by Ken Whittingham.

Entourage Episode #71:  “Fore” -  SUNDAY, AUG. 9 (10:30-11:00 p.m.)

At a charity golf tournament, Vince and Drama up the stakes with teammates Mark Wahlberg and Tom Brady.  Having fielded an awkward situation with Sloan (Emmanuelle Chriqui), Eric gets an unexpected job offer.  After refusing to break the “guy code,” Ari finds himself in the doghouse with Mrs. Ari (Perry Reeves)…and Jeffrey Tambor.
Written by Doug Ellin; directed Mark Mylod.

Entourage Episode #72:  “Murphy’s Lie” - SUNDAY, AUG. 16 (10:30-11:00 p.m.)

Eric considers the management-company offer while trying to patch things up with Ashley (Alexis Dziena) following a Freudian slip.  Ari finally gets Mrs. Ari to forgive him at home, but an appearance by Mrs. Klein (Jami Gertz) tests his resolve at work.  Drama tries to protect Jamie-Lynn from a disreputable network executive.
Written by Ally Musika; directed by Julian Farino.

Entourage Episode #73:  “No More Drama” - SUNDAY, AUG. 23 (10:30-11:00 p.m.)

Vince and Turtle decide to arm themselves after a break-in.  Drama goes to desperate measures to repair his tarnished relationship with a network exec.  On his first day at his new job, Eric butts heads with one of the managers over who can close Bob Saget as a client.
Written and directed by Doug Ellin.

Entourage Episode #74:  “The Sorkin Notes” -   SUNDAY, AUG. 30 (10:30-11:00 p.m.)

Eric agrees to meet up with Sloan, but rethinks their whole relationship after Ashley calls him.  Andrew’s meltdown puts a big deal in jeopardy.  Fearing for their safety, Vince and the boys decide to call in the pros.
Written by Doug Ellin & Ally Musika; directed by Mark Mylod.

ENTOURAGE was created by Doug Ellin; executive producers, Mark Wahlberg, Doug Ellin, Stephen Levinson, Denis Biggs, Rob Weiss and Ally Musika; co-executive producer, Mark Mylod; producers, Wayne Carmona and Lori Jo Nemhauser.

Spoiler Guy - Entourage Spoilers for August