‘Kung Fu Panda’ to get own Nickelodeon series

‘Kung Fu Panda’ to get own Nickelodeon series

LOS ANGELES — Nickelodeon is adding a panda to its lineup — but not just any panda.

The cable channel announced that it’s “Kung Fu Panda: The Series.”

Based on the hit 2008 film, “Kung Fu Panda,” the series’ 26 episodes will be animated in the same computer-generated process. It will tell new adventures of Po, the frisky martial-arts panda who starred in the film.

Leno’s last guest? O’Brien

NEW YORK — Jay Leno’s last guest on “Tonight Show” will be the man who’s taking over for him — Conan O’Brien.

Leno wraps up his 17-year-run as host of NBC’s late-night show May 29. The network says O’Brien will be Leno’s final guest. Then O’Brien steps in as “Tonight” host June 1.

The big names making the cut for Leno’s final week of shows include Mel Gibson, Prince and Billy Crystal — who was Leno’s first guest when he took “Tonight” over from Johnny Carson in 1992.

Carson’s final guests were Bette Midler and Robin Williams, who appeared on Carson’s next-to-last show. He hosted his final “Tonight” broadcast without guests.

This fall, Leno will begin a daily prime-time show for NBC.

PBS leads Emmy nominees

NEW YORK — The Daytime Emmys are snubbing Susan Lucci. The star of ABC’s “All My Children” isn’t among the nominees in the lead dramatic-actress category.

“The View” is overlooked as a “best talk” nominee, but the ABC show’s five panelists are sharing a nomination for best host.

PBS’ “Sesame Street” will receive the lifetime achievement award.

Overall, PBS led with 56 nominations, followed by ABC with 50, syndicated programming with 49, CBS with 30 and NBC with 20.

Winners will be announced Aug. 30 on the CW network. Vanessa Williams will host the show.

Swift on ‘Dateline NBC’

NEW YORK — People can’t seem to get enough of Taylor Swift, so “Dateline NBC” is devoting an entire hour to the country sensation later this month.

The NBC show will feature behind-the-scenes footage from Swift’s tour, including concert footage, scenes from her tour bus, and rehearsals. The show will air May 31. “Dateline” will also air an interview with the 19-year-old singer and some of her video diaries.

Harris to host Tony Awards

NEW YORK — Neil Patrick Harris will host the 2009 Tony Awards. The show will air on CBS June 7 at 8 p.m. from Radio City Music Hall.

Today’s birthdays

Actor-director Dennis Hopper is 73. Actor Bill Paxton is 54. Actor-comedian Bob Saget is 53. Actor Craig Ferguson is 47. Musician Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails is 44. Singer Jordan Knight (New Kids on the Block) is 39. Actor Sendhil Ramamurthy is 35. Actress Leven Rambin is 19.