Monday night may have been “a triumphant victory” in TV personality Maria Menounos’ opinion, but viewers apparently felt differently.

Sure, she topped the leaderboard and had the judges gushing over her “perfect” Argentine tango (which featured some posture and line issues) and 29-point jive that lacked content. But viewers weren’t as impressed and gave their votes to finalists Donald Driver, Katherine Jenkins and William Levy, thus denying Maria’s pro partner, Derek Hough, a fourth mirror ball trophy.

Was it an attempt by fans to balance the judges’ questionable scoring? Hard to say. But it was strange that head judge Len Goodman -- who has always been quick to slam performances that didn’t contain very many moves of the assigned dance -- actually pointed out that her jive lacked enough of the signature moves, but still opted to ignore the omissions. He busted out his 9 paddle while fellow judges Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba raised their 10s. (Perhaps Len had enjoyed a few of his "happy pills" with his fellow panelists prior to the show?)

Still, they were impressive scores, especially considering Maria apparently hadn’t nailed down her dances prior to the performance show. “We didn’t know our dances (Monday) until we got on the floor, really,” she admitted during her exit interview.

With her ouster, viewers will also be missing out on more of her infamous laugh and ear-piercing screams of excitement, not to mention the crying. Since premiere week, the TV personality has treated viewers to quite a few tears, some thanks to the stress of the competition, others due to the numerous injuries she has reportedly suffered (bruised ribs, fractured feet and a hard face plant, to name the big ones) during the season. “I learned how strong I was. I learned how to persevere,” she said after her elimination. With such serious injuries, she certainly did learn how to persist despite the pain!

Speaking of injuries, host Tom Bergeron revealed that Katherine – who was the first contestant declared safe -- will be able to continue on in the competition despite suffering a back injury during her salsa Monday night. As proof, after the opera singer learned that she would be moving on to the finals, she jumped around with abandon and later laughed that she may have retweaked her back while celebrating. Oops!

What do you think of the final three? Who’s your pick to win? Tell us on our Facebook page!

Related content:

• Video: Maria pushes through the pain
• Ballroom pros dish on 'All Stars' season
• Monday recap: Injury downs 'Dancing' queen Katherine
• Maks: 'I'll have to think about' coming back to 'DWTS'

More in The Clicker:

• Wendy Williams eats fried squirrel on her show
• TV's biggest canceled shows this season
• Stern proves a perfect fit on 'America's Got Talent' premiere

Wendy Williams Show

On Tuesday, the Robertson family of A&E's "Duck Dynasty" paid a visit to "The Wendy Williams Show." But they weren't there just to promote their program or the family business (they create top-of-the-line duck calls out of swamp wood, and it's very profitable). No, the clan wanted to share a little something from their dinner table as well.

As fans of "Duck Dynasty" may know, matriarch Miss Kay is quite happy in the kitchen, cooking up the critters that her family brings home. And for their appearance, she whipped up a batch of fried squirrels for their host to nosh on.

"Now, I know you probably know, but I included the head to give you the ... I just wanted to give you the effect," Miss Kay told the self-proclaimed foodie.

After taking a tentative little bite, Wendy declared, "It tastes like chicken!"

Check it out:

What's the strangest dish you've seen eaten on TV that you'd be willing to try? Tell us on our Facebook page!

More in The Clicker:

• TV's 5 biggest canceled shows 
• Ballroom pros dish on upcoming 'DWTS: All Stars' season
• Stern proves a perfect fit on 'America's Got Talent' premiere

Sonja Flemming / CBS

David Caruso and Jonathan Togo on the now canceled "CSI: Miami."

A procedural drama with a bigger audience than the renewed "CSI: NY." A teenage drama with a bigger audience than the renewed "Gossip Girl." A crime show with a bigger audience than almost everything.

Here's a rundown of some of the top-rated TV shows that got axed as the broadcast networks unveiled their new fall schedules:

1. "Unforgettable": A Top 25 show, the one-and-done Poppy Montgomery series was TV's most-watched drama or comedy to rate a pink slip. But like "Rob," another show offed by CBS despite a similar- and good-sized audience of about 12 million, "Unforgettable" appears to have been punished for being the weakest link, relatively speaking, on an otherwise powerhouse night for the network.

More from E: Check out Connie Britton's 'Nashville,' Scott Speedman's 'Last Resort' and more

2. "CSI: Miami": In its 10th season, it averaged 10.5 million viewers, not far off from its ninth-season performance. At the same time, it was not far behind "CSI" (12.4 million) and was a bit ahead of "CSI: NY" (10.5 million), both of which are coming back. Speculation on its demise has centered on its production costs.

3. "Terra Nova": The freshman dinosaur drama was declared dead in March, but its audience of 10 million viewers still looms large, and larger in fact than every Fox series, canceled or renewed, save for "American Idol" and "The X Factor." The closed-down "Alcatraz" (9.6 million viewers) was Fox's second-biggest snubee.

4. "Missing": ABC didn't take out a bigger show than the midseason-launched Ashley Judd thriller, which averaged 8.9 million viewers but lacked for a young-adult audience as badly as Kathy Bates' "Harry's Law" (8.9 million viewers). The latter series, by the way, wasn't just NBC's most-watched cancellation victim, but also the struggling network's most-watched scripted series overall.

5. "The Secret Circle": With 2.1 million viewers, the only CW drama with a bigger audience than this forsaken freshman series was its lead-in, "The Vampire Diaries." Once again a series seems to have suffered for being awarded one of its network's golden time slots.

Photos from E: 2012 May finale spoiler-ama!

Which of these shows will you miss most in the fall? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

More in The Clicker:

• Canceled or renewed? Cheat sheet of your favorite shows' fates
• Ballroom pros dish on 'DWTS: All Stars' season 
• Kardashian sisters dish on Kanye, divorce and baby talk

When Kim, Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian get together, you know you're in for an entertaining time. Particularly when some good-natured sibling ribbing is the order of the day.

When the E! stars sat down on "The Tonight Show" Monday night, the sisters gabbed about everything from Kanye West to the impending birth of Kourt's new baby girl to the rumors that Khloe was leaving the reality business to even -- yes, they went there -- Kim's still-fresh pending divorce.

MORE: Kanye West, Lamar Odom join Kardashians for Kourtney's baby shower!

Jay Leno wasted no time in questioning Kim on her relationship with Kanye, asking her about his song, "Theraflu," purportedly about his new girlfriend.

"I don't know if he wrote it for me," she began.

"I feel like the lyrics kinda say he wrote it for you," Khloe interjected. "I think the song is self-explanatory. I think it definitely says it's for her."

"I think my name's in it," Kim conceded, prompting laughs from the audience. A fairly good indicator, then, as clues go.

That wasn't the only time Khloe got the best of Kim during the interview. While promoting the seventh season of "Keeping Up With the Kardashians," Kim began rehashing the paternity drama that recently surrounded Khloe, explaining that her late father's exes were to blame for fanning the flames of the rumors.

MORE: Kanye West to appear on "Keeping Up With the Kardashians"?!

"My dad's ex-wives that he was married to for two seconds..." Kim began, but Khloe quickly -- and to applause, "oohs" and entertained gasps from the audience -- said, "Runs in the family."

Oh yes, she went there. Kim good-naturedly rolled with the punch. "That was a good one," she said.

Meanwhile, Khloe also denied that her and Lamar Odom's temporary hiatus from their eponymous reality show signaled the beginning of the end for them on the small screen.

"I understand that people need to sell magazines," she said. "I didn't pull the plug on any show, we just wanted the summer (off)."

"I mean, Lamar and I have fun doing what we're doing. 'Keeping Up' is a show that we're taping and that we always do. I don't know how something spun so far out in the media. We're just doing what makes us happy, so until it doesn't make us happy, we'll do it. We're just taking the summer off. It's like we're in school, and now it's summer."

MORE: Vote Now for Your Favorite Kardashian TV Moment!

Which also means that the birth of Kourtney's second child is drawing ever closer. But can viewers expect to be treated to another video of the birth like her infamous footage delivering Mason?

"I don't know," she told Jay. "We're gonna film it again ourselves, and honestly, my experience last time was so peaceful and calm and everything you don't see in the movies. And I really wanted to share that with people so they knew it doesn't have to be a crazy screaming session."

Kourtney said that she and Scott Disick will decide after the fact "if we're into sharing it or not."

Now that would be must-see TV.

Catch more from the Kardashian's when "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" seventh season premieres Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on the E! network.

Will you tune in to "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" to see what's to come for the family? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

Related content:

• Will Kanye West be on 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians'?
• Kardashian on 'Khloe & Lamar' break: 'Our show is not cancelled'

More in The Clicker:

• Injury downs 'Dancing' queen Katherine Jenkins in semifinals
• Ballroom pros dish on upcoming 'DWTS: All Stars' season
• Howard Stern proves a perfect fit on 'America's Got Talent' premiere

Getty (2), GSN

Past "Dancing" stars, including Kyle Massey, Mel B and Gilles Marini, could soon be headed back to the ballroom. It's a prospect pro hoofers look forward to.

On Monday night, host Tom Bergeron said that there would be an "exciting announcement for 'Dancing With the Stars' fans about next season" made on Tuesday’s show. But the powers that be at ABC just couldn't wait that long. On Tuesday morning, the network broke the big news: the rumored all-star season of the show is officially a rumor no more. It's on the schedule for fall of 2012.

Now, could we please have Cloris Leachman back? Sure, her dancing wasn’t spectacular, but her impromptu post-dance curtain calls and red-room comments were must-see TV! Seriously, just imagine past contenders like Gilles Marini, Mel B. and Joanna Krupa once again competing for the coveted mirror ball trophy.

Actually, it looks like official casting talk is still a ways away.

"We can't talk about the casting yet, but I'd love to see some of the fan favorites from the last seasons come back,"ABC entertainment president Paul Lee said in a quote published to The Hollywood Reporter. "We have many from the past 14 seasons."

At least we know the professional dancers are up for it no matter who they dance with, as their post-show but pre-announcement comments to reporters revealed.

“It’s time,” said two-time "DWTS" winner Cheryl Burke. “Next season is season 15. Maybe some non-winners who should have won could come back? We need some more excitement. There are only so many celebrities you can get.”

Producers could either pair the pro dancers up with stars they’ve done the Argentine tango and the paso doble with in the past, or they could pair pros and stars who’ve never danced together before. 

“I’d like to take another crack with (season-five partner) Sabrina Bryan (or Derek Hough’s partner from season 10) Nicole Scherzinger,” commented Mark Ballas. “I’d love to have another go at it with Chelsea Kane (from season 12), too.”

“It’d be interesting to see, if we do an all-stars season, if they put us with our previous partners or are they going to split us up?” wondered Hough.

The three-time “DWTS” champion is open to having someone new -- provided, of course, that she’s height appropriate.

“A very beautiful girl who was on the show previously said to me, ‘I want to dance with you!’" he recalled. "I said, ‘That’s great, but we’re going to have to cut off half your shins because you’re too tall for me, baby!’”

Would season-seven champion and current “DWTS” host Brooke Burke partake?

“She can’t,” Hough said. “She’s a host!”

But Hough’s current partner, “Extra” host Maria Menounos had an idea as to how that scenario could unfold. “We could switch (jobs),” she suggested. “That would be fun!”

Michael Maloney is the author of "The Young and Restless Life of William J. Bell, creator of The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful."

Are you excited about the all-star season? Which stars would you like to see hit the dance floor again: Cloris Leachman, Mel B., Giles Marini, Joanna Krupa -- maybe Kyle Massey? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

Related content:

• Bring 'em back! Celebs we want to see on 'DWTS: All Stars'
• Injury downs 'Dancing' queen Katherine Jenkins in semifinals
• Maks: 'I'll have to think about' coming back to 'Dancing With the Stars'

More in The Clicker:

• Hollie Cavanagh feels thankful after 'American Idol' elimination
• Howie Stern proves a perfect fit on 'America's Got Talent' premiere
• Obama visits 'The View,' reveals knowledge of Kardashian wedding

Eric Mccandless / FOX

Neil Patrick Harris as Barney on "How I Met Your Mother"

Warning: If you haven't watched tonight's episode and don't want to be spoiled for the big reveal, please do not read this. And definitely don't read this and then complain to us in the comments.

Longtime "How I Met Your Mother" fans know it's always a big deal when secrets are revealed. The season seven finale was no exception. We saw a proposal, a failed wedding, a birth and a bride from the future.

The long-awaited reveal of perpetual bachelor Barney's (Neil Patrick Harris) bride is finally here. And who is the lucky lady? Wait for it....

MORE: "The X Factor" First Look: Britney Spears and Demi Lovato make their debut!

It's Robin!

But it's not exactly a straight line to the big day. In fact, Ted (Josh Radnor) calls it the "wedding day that went terribly wrong." But we won't get that story until later.

Laboring Lily: Lily (Alyson Hannigan) might be about ready to pop, but everyone needs to stop panicking. Robin (Cobie Smulders) has birthed a foal before, so Lily is in great hands. Robin and Ted tell stories to distract her from her blinding pain. It turns into a fantastically fun clip show of sorts with story highlights such as: "Worst Cab Ride Ever," "Ted and the Cuban Sandwich Crisis," "Barney Picks Up Girls as the Terminator," and "Ted and the Freakishly Long Arm Hair." All great names for bands.

MORE: Matthew Perry talks return to NBC TV...so what about that "Friends" reunion?

Planes, Trains and Motorcycles: A Very Drunk Marshall (Jason Segal) and Barney stuck in Atlantic City. AVDM (our abbreviation for A Very Drunk Marshall) promises to give the baby Barney's choice for middle name if he can get them the birth in time. Of course they make it and the littlest addition has the most awesome name ever! Welcome to the world Marvin Wait For It Eriksen!

Old Home Week: Robin gives Ted the hard truth about why he hasn't found "the one" yet. Could it be because he's already found her, Victoria (Ashley Williams)? Yes our favorite girlfriend of Ted's past is back, and this time she's the runaway bride. But our Teddy is a nice guy, and almost crippled with guilt, he takes her back to her wedding. But psych! They drive off into the sunset. Do you think Victoria could be the mother, or is this just stalling?

MORE: Joel McHale on "Community's" move to Friday night and Dan Harmon's possible exit: "It's very weird"

Wedding Bells and Barney: So in a double-whammy of HIMYM events, Barney gets engaged and we meet his future bride in the same episode. Surprise, surprise, they are two different ladies! Once a player ... we kid! Barney proposes to Quinn (Becki Newton), but a little ways down the road we learn that Barney and Robin are set to get hitched!

But we are left with some major mysteries for season eight. What happened to Quinn? How did Robin and Barney head to the altar? And will they go through with the ceremony despite it being "the wedding day that went terribly wrong?"

PHOTOS: TV's worst places

Do you think Barney and Robin say "I do"? Is it possible for Victoria to end up being the titular mother? We love to speculate, so tell us on Facebook!

Related content:

• Keith Richards apologizes to Mick Jagger over memoir comments
• Watch the TV ad the Rolling Stones didn't do for 'Mad Men'
• Rolling Stones' 50th anniversary tour pushed back to 2012

More in The Clicker:

• Injury downs 'Dancing' queen Katherine Jenkins in semifinals
• 'Swamp People' star dies on Louisiana river
• The new Lassie? Million-dollar mutt wins 'Britain's Got Talent'

Somehow Hollie Cavanagh hasn't lost her positive attitude despite losing her spot on "American Idol" last week. She visited TODAY Tuesday morning and shared the secret to her upbeat outlook.

"I think I just kind of had the mindset that I couldn't really complain," Hollie said of her "Idol" experience. "I was just thankful and blessed to be there."

With Hollie out of the running, who's your pick for this season's "Idol"? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

Related content:

• 'American Idol's' final three is Hollie-free
• Ryan Seacrest's proposal fake out on 'Idol': Comedy or cruel?

More in The Clicker:

• Injury downs 'Dancing' queen Katherine Jenkins in semifinals
• Howie Stern proves a perfect fit on 'America's Got Talent' premiere
• Obama visits 'The View,' reveals knowledge of Kardashian wedding

Julie Jacobson / AP file

Mick Jagger and Keith Richards

When NBC announced that Mick Jagger would host and perform on the May 19th season finale of "Saturday Night Live," fans wondered whether the Rolling Stones would use the platform to stage their first live performance in nearly five years -- or at least make a cameo. But Keith Richards tells Rolling Stone that he won't be involved. "I spoke to Mick and he said it's something that he said yes to many months ago, so he's just doing it," Richards says. "He's on his own."

Mick Jagger will perform with Foo Fighters, Arcade Fire on 'SNL'

Will the guitarist be watching? "Probably," Richards says with a laugh.

News of Jagger's "SNL" gig -- which marks the singer's third appearance on the show, and his first as a host -- set off speculation among fans, some of whom wondered whether the Stones might use his appearance to announce their anticipated 50th anniversary tour. Jagger isn't promoting anything else currently (his last project, SuperHeavy, was released last September), and the Stones have staged rehearsals in recent weeks. However, Jagger is only confirmed to perform with Arcade Fire, Foo Fighters and Jeff Beck on the show.

Rolling Stones' 50th anniversary tour pushed back to 2013

Richards previously told Rolling Stone that the band will not tour in 2012 to mark their 50th anniversary. "Basically, we're just not ready," he said, adding that 2013 is the new goal. "I have a feeling that's more realistic … The Stones always really considered 1963 to be 50 years, because Charlie [Watts] didn't actually join until January. We look upon 2012 as sort of the year of conception, but the birth is next year."

Photos: Mick Jagger through the years

But don't count Richards out of "SNL" completely. Stones plans often change at the last minute; Richards never announced that he was joining Jagger at 2001's Concert for New York, but he showed up, joining the frontman on "Miss You" and "Salt of the Earth."

How do you think Jagger will do? Tell us on Facebook.

Related content:

• Keith Richards apologizes to Mick Jagger over memoir comments
• Watch the TV ad the Rolling Stones didn't do for 'Mad Men'
• Rolling Stones' 50th anniversary tour pushed back to 2012

More in The Clicker:

• Injury downs 'Dancing' queen Katherine Jenkins in semifinals
• 'Swamp People' star dies on Louisiana river
• The new Lassie? Million-dollar mutt wins 'Britain's Got Talent'

Mark Seliger / NBC

On the season seven premiere of "America's Got Talent," Howard Stern proved he fit right in with his fellow panelists Sharon Osbourne and Howie Mandel.

Teenage cloggers, a light up dance squad and a musician paying something called an “earth harp” emerged as early favorites on Monday night’s season premiere of "America's Got Talent."

But the real story, of course, was the arrival of Howard Stern, who settled into the judges table so perfectly you almost wonder how the show got by for six years without him.

As promised, the foul mouthed, stripper-loving King of All Media was both compassionate and honest as he sifted through several dozen (mostly horrible) auditions in both Los Angeles and St. Louis. What we didn’t expect was his razor sharp sense of humor.  Stern had a one-liner for just about every occasion.  

"First of all, I wish I looked like you,” he told one performer.  “God punished me with this face, and you've got my face."

When Miss Less -- a 55 year-old singer who lets her 22 cockatiels eat out of her mouth -- arrived on stage, Stern couldn’t help but ask the burning question on everybody’s mind:  “If you were on an island and all you had were your birds, would you eat them?”

Exclusive: See The Boy Howard Stern Made Cry

Surprisingly, the biggest insult was not from Stern -- but directed at him.

After telling an off-key guitar player: “I’ve been in radio 35 years and you are too weird for my show,” the scorned auditioner shot back: “That might hurt my feelings if I respected your opinion.”

For the most part, season seven looks a lot like all the others.  There was a guy who put scorpions in his mouth, a little girl who looked about 5 performing aerial silks, and a crazy circus sideshow act who stuck long needles through his cheeks. (Ouch!)

Among the night’s most memorable acts:

WILLIAM CLOSE, 42 (sculptor/musician)
Close had the judges eating out of his hand as he played his homemade “earth harp” -- a giant instrument with strings that spanned all the way to the rear of the Orpheum Theatre. "I made my career on originality, and I bow to you,” Stern praised. “Perfect."  This act was by far the most impressive to look at, but you have to wonder how he can step it up each week. Expect William to advance to New York but fizzle out by the semifinals.

BEN BLAQUE, 32 (crossbow shooter)
The night’s scariest act involved Ben -- who looks like he just stepped out of the pages of GQ -- shooting arrows at tiny objects while trying not to impale his brand new assistant. (He made no specific mention of what happened to his last helper. Perhaps what we don’t know won’t hurt us.)  Since no blood was shed, Howard loved it. Expect Ben to also make it to the live shows, but not much further.

Stern Takes Shots At J.Lo, Seacrest and Spears

LIGHT WIRE THEARE, 25 - 43 (dance company)
The crowd in St. Louis LOVED this troupe that created cool visual effects by wearing light up costumes in total darkness. Just one problem: haven’t we seen this somewhere before? Last year Team iLuminate did the EXACT SAME ACT (without the fake dinosaurs).  They made it all the way to third place. These guys will need to show us something much more original to have that kind of a run.

ELEMENT DANCE CRU, 12 - 18 (cloggers)
So this is what clogging looks like in the 21st century? Hip, urban, cool. All three judges love them.  Well, they were the most original dance team of the night and are our sleeper act to make the top ten.

What did you think of Stern's first night and the rest of the premiere action on "AGT"? Take our poll and  share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

Related content: 

• What did you think of Howard Stern on 'America's Got Talent'?
• Howie Mandel on the new 'America's Got Talent': It's bigger, more insane
• Howard Stern brings edge back to 'America's Got Talent'

More in The Clicker:

• Injury downs 'Dancing' queen Katherine Jenkins in semifinals
• Obama visits 'The View,' reveals knowledge of Kardashian wedding
• 'Swamp People' star dies on Louisiana river

Hey now! Shock jock Howard Stern's first night as a judge on "America's Got Talent" is now in the bag! What did you think of him?

Have more to say about his performance? Tell us on our Facebook page! 

Related content:

• Mandel on new 'AGT': It's bigger, more insane
• Howard Stern brings edge back to 'America's Got Talent'
• 'AGT' contestant's infant saved lives with organ donation

More in The Clicker:

• Injury downs 'Dancing' queen Katherine Jenkins in semifinals
• Obama visits 'The View,' reveals knowledge of Kardashian wedding
• 'Swamp People' star dies on Louisiana river

ABC

Katherine Jenkins tries to collect herself after a stumble on "Dancing."

On "Dancing With the Stars," the semifinals almost always include desperate dances and sky-high scores, but this season, the penultimate performance show also packed something completely unexpected -- a twist.

But it wasn't the kind of twist that reality TV talent shows are known for. Instead it was an unwelcome twist of fate for one hoofer hopeful.

With the finals in sight and -- let's face it -- practically a lock for this season's "Dancing" queen Katherine Jenkins, the frequent leaderboard topper suffered an injury on the dance floor that cut her moves short and could spell trouble for her in what's left of the competition.

The opera star already had one judge-pleasing routine behind her with an earlier 29-point quickstep when she took the floor for what proved to be a problematic salsa. Long before the real trouble struck, Katherine struggled through a belly-baring, gyrating and thoroughly out-of-character dance alongside pro Mark Ballas. Then came the moment that rocked the star and shocked the audience.

Just as Mark supported her neck during a deep drop and attempted to maneuver around her, his leg caught hers and she was unable to support herself any longer. Suddenly the routine ended, and Katherine was left shaking while the pro and host Tom Bergeron came to her aid.

After the show, Mark told fans that he was sorry they "couldn't finish R dance," that Katherine had suffered a back injury and he did his best to "not let her fall at the end." During the program, Tom assured fans that she'd soon seek medical assistance for her lower back.

Until then, Katherine decided to stick it out through her obvious discomfort and learn her scores, which were -- injury or not -- generous to say the least. She later took to Twitter to reveal that she had suffered a "reflectorical spasm" in her lower back.

Head judge Len Goodman called her "Katherine the Great," Carrie Ann Inaba praised the routine as "so fantastic" and Bruno Tonioli simply urged her not to worry about what happened. They each backed up their comments with a 9 paddle.

Of course, one didn't need an injury to rake in higher-than-expected scores from the panel. In fact, time after time on Monday night, the judges pulled their 9 and even 10 paddles out, even though there really wasn't a single perfect dance to hit the floor.

The top performance of the night came from William Levy, who followed up a lackluster (but high-scoring) tango with a sexy, hip-shaking samba that, despite a couple of quick hold flaws, had the audience out of their seats cheering, and had Len raving about "the hunk with the junk in his trunks."

The fun but not-so-perfect dance earned the actor 30 points all the same.

Next up in the evening's rankings -- or the rankings as they should have been -- was wide receiver Donald Driver, who impressed the crowd twice in one night with an elegant waltz and a high-energy samba. Both efforts played it a little safe and featured flubbed transitions, but they were worthy of the semifinals, if not quite the 28 and 29 points they raked in respectively.  

But the actual leaderboard leader of the night was Maria Menounos, who mesmerized the judges with a poorly postured 30-point Argentine tango and a 29-point jive that lacked most of the moves that define the dance.

With such high scores and mixed performances, it hard to say who's a shoo-in for the finals and who's about to bid the ballroom farewell on Tuesday night. William and Donald put on the strongest semifinal performances, but Maria had the advantage with the judges. And as for poor Katherine, loyal fans and sympathy votes could keep her in the running, but whether her injury will allow her to continue is the bigger question.

Will Katherine's injury factor in to your votes? Which stars deserve a spot in the finals and which one doesn't? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page. And be sure to join me and Anna Chan for our weekly "DWTS" live chat Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. ET.

Related content:

• Ballroom pros dish on upcoming 'All Stars' season
• Maks: 'I'll have to think about' coming back to 'Dancing With the Stars'
• Live at 'DWTS': What you didn't see on TV

More in The Clicker:

• 'Swamp People' star dies on Louisiana river
• The new Lassie? Million-dollar mutt wins 'Britain's Got Talent'
• Howard Stern brings edge back to 'America's Got Talent'

For the second time since taking office, President Barack Obama sat down for a chat with the ladies of “The View,” and The Clicker got a live look at the taping (the episode itself airs Tuesday).

Squeezing in the appearance between giving the commencement speech at Barnard College and delivering remarks at Ricky Martin's fundraiser in New York, the president dove right into campaign issues such as gay marriage and the current JP Morgan Chase debacle. But later in the show, Obama switched gears and gamely took part in a pop-culture quiz, proving that even the president stays a little dialed in to what people are buzzing about.

Asked which Kardashian recently got married, Obama answered correctly, saying it was Kim, but qualifying that he only knew “because it was to a ball player.”

As for what sexy book was sweeping the nation, he wasn’t aware of “50 Shades of Grey,” and said he’d have to check with wife Michelle about that one. Although the president doesn't have a lot of free time on his hands, he's able to catch a movie now and again: “Avengers” was recently on the viewing schedule, he revealed.

And if you thought Obama’s brief rendition of “Let’s Stay Together” last January was forgotten, not to worry. It got some play during the broadcast too. While the first family appreciates his singing (Obama said his daughter Malia referred to him as “just the right amount of embarrassing,”) he assured the audience that the clip is not anyone’s ringtone, at least in his family.

Check listings for "The View's" local air times on ABC.

Will you tune in to "The View" to see the president's interview? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page!

Related content:

• First Read- First thoughts: Bain Returns
• Will Kanye be on 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians'?

More in The Clicker:

• 'Swamp People' star dies on Louisiana River
• New Lassie? Million-dollar mutt wins 'Britain's Got Talent'
• Howard Stern brings edge back to 'America's Got Talent'

Mark J. Terrill / AP

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West

Kim Kardashian’s blossoming romance with Kanye West has captured fans’ attention, but don’t expect it to be fully documented on the new season of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.”

“I think that I’ve learned, maybe the hard way, that when you open yourself up, and you’re in love and it’s happening so fast and to involve someone else in that is a little tough,” Kim told AccessHollywood.com’s Laura Saltman on Monday, as she promoted the return of her E! reality show alongside sister Khloe Kardashian.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Khloe Kardashian & Lamar Odom: A Match Made in Reality Heaven!

“I have known Kanye for a really long time so… when you have that trust and you know someone, that, for sure, makes it easier,” Kim continued. “I don’t think he’ll really be on, but it’s my real life still, so if he comes to pick me up or something, and the cameras are there, obviously they just… show my real life. But, if there’s gonna be like intimate things and stuff like that, no.”

“No bubble baths and champagne,” Khloe chimed in. “I do bubble baths, sex swings – Lamar [Odom] and I do it all.”

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Reality TV’s Brunette Bombshell Kim Kardashian!

Kim said that although her personal moments with Kanye won’t be on camera, he has been supportive of her endeavors for a long time.

“He was on [our show]. He came to see our store in New York when we were opening it, so as a friend he’s been so supportive,” she said.

“Keeping Up with the Kardashians” returns this Sunday 9/8c on E!

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Rob Kardashian: The Dash-ing Younger Brother

Do you want to see Kanye on the show? Tell us about it on Facebook.

Related stories

• 'Kardashians' renewed: Who should get the next spin-off?
• Kim Kardashian and Kanye West hit restaurant opening
  
• Kim reveals why she ignored family warnings about marriage
  

Preston Chaplin / History Channel

Mitchell Guist, who rose to national attention as one-half of the grizzled, alligator-hunting Guist Brothers on History's popular reality show, "Swamp People," has died, Louisiana police have confirmed.

According to a statement made by Sheriff Mike Waguespack to WBRZ-TV Baton Rouge, the incident occurred about 9 a.m. Monday. Guist was cruising along the Belle River when he reportedly "fell" in his boat after having suffered what appeared to be a seizure. Attempts at reviving Guist through CPR were unsuccessful.

Photos from THR: Notable deaths of 2012

A representative from The History Channel offered this statement on Guist's passing:

"We are extremely saddened to report that our friend and beloved member of the Swamp People family, Mitchell Guist, has passed away earlier today," the statement reads. "Mitchell passed on the swamp, doing what he loved. We appreciate your respect for the Guist family’s privacy and hope you join us in sending our thoughts and prayers to his brother, Glenn, and the rest of the Guist family."

More from THR: History Channel orders first scripted series

The fun-loving Guist brothers were among "Swamp People's" most popular subjects and were happy to relate their adventures of alligator hunting, fishing for gar, tracking rabbits or just getting buzzed on beers and sunshine.

Watch them in action in the video below.

Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

More in The Clicker:

• New Lassie? Million-dollar mutt wins 'Britain's Got Talent' 
• Bill and Eric buddy up in new 'True Blood' trailer
• Howard Stern brings edge back to 'America's Got Talent'

"Britain's Got Talent," the show that made Susan Boyle a household name in 2009, just crowned its newest winner and presumed future superstar: Pudsey, the pooch.

That's right! The talent competition went to the dogs -- or rather, one dancing dog and his trusty human sidekick, Ashleigh Butler, on Saturday night.

Over the course of the competition, Pudsey won over many loyal supporters on the show, including tough-talking panelist Simon Cowell, who praised the pup again and again.

"This is what this show is all about," Cowell said of the furry winner.

So, what's next for the Pudsey and his pal? There's no shortage of opportunities.

The pair danced away with just over $800,000 in prize money, and TMZ reports that sponsorship deals are already coming in that could leave Pudsey poised to make millions. As for Butler, she hopes to turn her dog into "the new Lassie." Until then, she just plans to pamper him.

"I will be using the prize money to buy Pudsey a new diamante encrusted collar," she said in an interview posted to the ITV "Got Talent" site. "He loves his bling. I’ll also be treating him to lots of expensive steak!"

See Pudsey and Butler in action in their winning performance from the "Britain's Got Talent" finals: 

Are you surprised to see a dog win it all on the show? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

Related content:

• Howie Mandel on the new 'America's Got Talent': It's bigger, more insane
• Howard Stern brings edge back to 'America's Got Talent'
• Stern on 'Got Talent' gig: Someone should be fired for hiring me

More in The Clicker:

• Bill and Eric buddy up in new 'True Blood' trailer
• Bridal-shop owner claims $1 million 'Survivor' prize
• 'Glee' returns to big-name guest stars with Kate Hudson, SJP

Jason Redmond / AP file

Sarah Hyland at Nickelodeon's 25th Annual Kids' Choice Awards on March 31.

“Modern Family” beauty Sarah Hyland is usually known for bringing the laughs. But now, the 21-year-old actress is making a very serious revelation -- she underwent a kidney transplant in April.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: ‘Modern Family’ Beauty Sarah Hyland

In a new interview with Seventeen magazine, Hyland revealed she has been battling kidney dysplasia for many years, and it was her father who donated the kidney to save her life.

“You know that family is going to be there for you no matter what. My dad gave me a freakin’ kidney!” the actress told Seventeen. “But it’s also the families that you create outside of your family. And you really find out what kind of people you’re friends with.”

VIEW THE PHOTOS: ‘Modern Family’s’ Beautiful Brunette Sofia Vergara

Following the operation, the star -- who plays the bubbly Hayley Dunphy on the hit ABC sitcom -- is well on the road to recovery, and she admitted the whole ordeal has given her a sense of who her loved ones really are.

“It was just amazing, and it really opened my eyes to see who’s there for me and who’s not,” she continued. “There are people who came out of the woodwork, not because it was, ‘Oh hey, congratulations on your show winning an Emmy.’ No, it was, ‘Hey, I’m here for you.’”

One person especially close to Hyland who helped her through it all was her boyfriend -- actor Matt Prokop.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: The Cast Of ‘Modern Family’

“He helps me with my medication and takes me to doctor appointments and all the stuff that I need to do to take care of myself. Any other 21-year-old guy would not be there, I guarantee it. I am one of the luckiest people in the world to have him be there for me,” she gushed over Prokop.

While Hyland is approaching life with positivity and a refreshed outlook, she understands that things could have gone very differently had the operation not been a success.

“I have a second chance at life -- not a lot of people get that,” she said.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Stars Who Have Gone Under The Knife

TODAY

"America's Got Talent" celebri-judges Howie Mandel and Nick Cannon stopped by TODAY Monday morning, and the ladies did their best to knock their socks off.

Sara successfully walked on her hands ("She's a dyslexic tap dancer!" quipped Howie), while Hoda spun a basketball on her finger while sipping red wine from a crazy straw. (She was slightly more successful at the drinking part.) Kathie Lee tried and failed to hula-hoop while drinking a glass of Chardonnay. So who made the cut?

TODAY

TODAY

TODAY

Howie gave Kathie Lee a 7 out of "?" possible points, and Nick… just drew a picture of a smiley face. Which was charitable.

The judges very kindly said that all three of them were welcome to move on to the next round of competition in Vegas. That is, unless Hoda runs off and joins the Harlem Globetrotters.

Julieanne Smolinski is a TODAY.com contributor. Her hidden talent is a Howie Mandel impression.

More: What do you do if somebody 'steals' your baby name?
Adorable baby grooving in car to Gotye goes viral

HBO

It seems the upcoming season of HBO's vampire-packed drama, "True Blood," will prominently feature one very hard-to-imagine scenario.

Sure, after four seasons of the bayou-based action, fang gangs, werewolves and shifters are easy enough to be believed. But a cordial partnership between Bill Compton and Eric Northman? No way!

Still, that's just what the first trailer for the upcoming season reveals.

Truebies have more to look forward to than just that unexpected odd couple. The clip also features the first shots of Roman, played by former "Law & Order SVU" star Christopher Meloni, in action. And it saves the very best tease for last -- a quick look at the show's long-lost, big-bad villain, Russell Edgington.

"True Blood" returns to HBO on June 10.

Are you excited about the upcoming season? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

Related content:

• Chris Meloni shows off his 'True Blood' fangs
• First look: Chris Meloni as a 'True Blood' vampire
• 'True Blood' promo teases death, sex, violence, fangs and shirtlessness

More in The Clicker:

• 'Glee' returns to big-name guest stars with Kate Hudson, SJP
• Howie Mandel on the new 'America's Got Talent': It's bigger, more insane
• Howard Stern brings edge back to 'America's Got Talent'

CBS

"Survivor: One World" contestants Kim Spradlin, center, Chelsea Meissner, right, and Sabrina Thompson react after Spradlin is crowned sole survivor.

 
After 39 days braving the elements in Upolu, Samoa, bridal shop owner Kim Spradlin was able to outwit, outplay and outlast her competitors to take home the CBS show's $1 million prize Sunday.

Beating out teacher Sabrina Thompson and medical saleswoman Chelsea Meissner for the prize on "Survivor: One World's" finale, Spradlin was part of the first-ever all-female final five.

PHOTOS: Most surprising reality TV outcomes ever!

Developing an alliance with Thompson and Meissner early on in the game, which featured tribes of men vs. women living on the same beach, the trio banded together after the tribes merged to vote off the men one by one.

"We were a mess at the beginning, and then we just pulled it together," Thompson, -- who earned two votes from a jury of her peers to Spradlin's seven -- said Sunday. Christina Cha and Alicia Rosa rounded out season 24's top five contestants.

PHOTOS: Reality TV bombshells

Winning numerous individual immunity challenges -- two on Sunday's finale alone -- helped Spradlin dominate the game, and for that she was awarded $100,000 from Sprint after being named the Player of the Season.

PHOTOS: Most memorable reality stars of all time

Also on Sunday's finale, host Jeff Probst revealed that Survivor's 25th season would be filmed in the Philippines, with three former contestants -- who were each medically evacuated during their season -- returning to compete against new players.

What did you think of this season? Tell us on Facebook.

Related content:

• 'Survivor' blindside leaves player in tears
• Tarzan boils up trouble withy 'poop pants'

More in The Clicker:

• 'Teen Mom' Amber Portwood in jail again
• Whitney Houston's family agrees to reality show
• Reality TV war: CBS sues ABC over 'Big Brother' 'carbon copy'

Jonathan Ernst / REUTERS

Kate Hudson is just one of the big name stars expected to make guest appearances on "Glee."

After having a season mostly free of big-name (or gimmicky) guest stars on "Glee," Fox entertainment's Kevin Reilly announced two big additions for the show's upcoming season. Sarah Jessica Parker and Kate Hudson will each have a multi-episode arc on the show, as Deadline reported, but no further details about their characters were revealed.

Since many of the "Glee" regulars are graduating from high school this spring, fans of the show have wondered how their departures will be treated. To that end, Reilly said that the fall season will feature "a show within a show," following the characters to their performing arts school in New York, and that some "new faces" will be in Ohio.

What say you, "Glee" fans (and non-fans)? When high school is a central element to a show's plot, is it possible to really love the characters as they move on to their logical next steps? I don't remember it working out so well for those "Dawson's Creek" kids, but that show didn't dip into the guest star well to keep things fresh, either.

Weigh in with your thoughts on our Facebook page.

Related content:

• 'Glee' source: Lindsay Lohan was a 'nightmare' on set
• 'American Horror Story' gets new setting ... and 'Glee' characters?

More in The Clicker:

• 'Saturday Night Live' goes retro with host Will Ferrell
• 'Teen Mom' Amber Portwood in jail again
• Whitney Houston's family agrees to reality show

What can "America's Got Talent" fans expect when the next season of the competition kicks off? Well, other than 100 percent more Howard Stern? According to judge Howie Mandel, the whole show will be bigger and better than ever before.

Mandel joined "AGT" host Nick Cannon on TODAY Monday morning to give his take on what's to come.

"I think (the tapings so far have) been bigger, more exciting, more insane than it has ever been," he raved.

And as for that notable addition of a certain shock jock, Mandel promises viewers will be pleasantly surprised with his approach.

Mandel, Cannon judge fourth hour's drunk talents

"I think people are going to be surprised by Howard Stern," the returning judge insisted. "I think they're going to be surprised by how compassionate, passionate, sensitive and serious he is about being the consummate judge."

After that assurance, TODAY's Al Roker gave Mandel a first-time tour of Studio 1A. See what the funnyman thought of it in the above clip.

The new season of "America's Got Talent" premieres May 14 on NBC.

Will you tune in to "AGT" to judge the newest judge for yourself? Tell us on our Facebook page.

Related content:

• Howard Stern brings edge back to 'America's Got Talent'
• Stern on 'Got Talent' gig: Someone should be fired for hiring me
• 'AGT' contestant's son saved lives with organ donation

More in The Clicker:

• 'Saturday Night Live' goes retro with host Will Ferrell
• 'Teen Mom' Amber Portwood in jail again
• Whitney Houston's family agrees to reality show

Matt Sayles / AP file

Demi Lovato

"The X Factor" will be housing two former Disney pop princesses at its judging table in season two!

Teen idol Demi Lovato has officially joined the Fox hit reality series as the fourth and final judge, sources confirm to E! News.

Lovato is set to join Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid and fellow newbie judge Britney Spears when the show returns in September.

MORE: It's official! Britney Spears signs "X Factor" deal!

While Fox isn't commenting on Lovato's hiring, the 19-year-old singer is expected to make an appearance tomorrow at the network's upfront presentation in New York City. Spears is also expected to appear at the event where a formal announcement about the duo joining the show will be made.

News of Lovato officially joining the show was first reported by TMZ.

Last week, Spears finalized her deal to join the show. As we previously reported, Spears will get $15 million for one season's worth of work.

Before Lovato signed on, "The X Factor" was reportedly courting fellow former Disney star Miley Cyrus, but sources told us she was never approached with an offer.

PHOTOS: 2012 May finale spoiler-rama!

Cowell had been on the hunt for two judges to replace Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger since he fired them in January.

Related content:

• Demi Lovato to participate in MTV Q&A
• VIDEO: Lovato hits high note with 'Skyscraper'
• Howard Stern: Britney Spears will be a 'train wreck' on 'X Factor'
• More on 'X Factor' in The Clicker

More in The Clicker:

• Howard Stern brings edge back to 'America's Got Talent'
• 'Teen Mom' Amber Portwood in jail again
• Whitney Houston's family agrees to reality show

Mark Seliger / NBC

"America's Got Talent's" panel of judges: Sharon Osbourne, Howard Stern and Howie Mandel.

Love him or hate him, Howard Stern is looking like just the man to reinvent “America’s Got Talent.”

Both controversial and compassionate, he brings an element of danger and unpredictability to the aging reality show.  Even producers admit they are never quite sure what he might say or do next.

After six years, NBC’s highest rated summer series was becoming a bit predictable, too plain vanilla. Despite its 15 million or so viewers, “AGT” began to lack edge, excitement and cultural relevance. With the exception of opera cutie Jackie Evancho and a few other noteworthy acts, there was simply little buzz left.

(TODAY.com is powered by msnbc.com, which is a joint venture between Microsoft and NBC Universal.)

Stern changes all that. NBC and show creator Simon Cowell have made an all-in bet -- and a darn good one -- that the King of All Media will ignite a national conversation about the family-friendly variety show and drive ratings even higher.  

Stern has become an icon in broadcasting because he knows exactly how to keep people guessing. At auditions in New York last month, he appeared to confirm his worst critics’ nightmares by reducing a second-grader to tears -- then artfully turned himself into a hero by rushing on stage and embracing the young boy.

“It is difficult to look into the eyes of a (kid) and say, ‘I am going to give you the X,’ ” he admitted a few weeks ago.  “But I am not going to sit there and suck up to a 7-year-old either.” Nor should he.

I’ve had the opportunity to cover “AGT” since it debuted in 2006, and I was in the audience for Stern’s first day of auditions in Los Angeles. There was a new excitement in the air with him on the panel. The crowds were bigger and rowdier. But the rest of the show was largely the same: a steady parade of jugglers, comics and dancing poodles. 

Stern approached each act with far greater compassion and constructive criticism than his predecessor, Piers Morgan -- who often seemed to be intentionally cruel and mean spirited.  That could be one reason insiders say the new lineup of judges -- Stern, Sharon Osbourne and Howie Mandel -- seems to get along so much better, both on screen and off.

The new season of “America’s Got Talent” kicks off Monday and features a breathtaking goth opera singer, an all male tap dance team and a stunt man who shoots himself out of a cannon.  But the real star of the show is Stern.

“I wanted to do this because I really love the show,” he told me a few weeks ago. “I don’t want to be the guy who comes in here and ruins it.”

There seems to be little danger of that.

Who do you think will be the best judge this season: Sharon, Howard or Howie? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page!

Related content:

• Stern on 'Got Talent' gig: Someone should be fired for hiring me
• 'AGT' contestant's son saved lives with organ donation
• Howie Mandel on the new 'America's Got Talent': It's bigger, more insane

More in The Clicker:

• 'Teen Mom' Amber Portwood in jail again
• Whitney Houston's family agrees to reality show
• Reality TV war: CBS sues ABC over 'Big Brother' 'carbon copy'

Ron Tom / ABC

The ladies of Wisteria Lane play cards together one last time on the series finale of "Desperate Housewives."

"Desperate Housewives" had several loose ends to wrap up as it went into Sunday’s two-hour series finale. As these things go, there were births, deaths, mended fences and then departures.

(Note: Spoilers if you didn’t watch Sunday’s series finale.)

The first hour found the resolution of Bree’s (Marcia Cross) trial and ended the back and forth of Lynette (Felicity Huffman) and Tom’s (Doug Savant) marriage... for the time being. 

Photos from THR: Priciest prime-time shows for advertisers

In the second hour, Renee (Vanessa Williams) and Ben (Charles Mesure) married, Julie (Andrea Bowen) and Porter’s (Charlie Carver) baby was born, and the women’s futures beyond Wisteria Lane were revealed. All the while, Mrs. McCluskey’s (Kathryn Joosten) final actions gave weight to the drama during both hours.

The trial: With the tide shifting against Bree, her attorney, Trip (Scott Bakula), had no choice but to place Gaby (Eva Longoria) on the stand by using their attraction to get Bree to confess to what really happened. Gaby, already feeling the guilt of Bree taking the fall for Carlos (Ricardo Chavira), admitted that the dead man was her sexually abusive stepfather. Later, Mrs. McCluskey overheard Gaby and Carlos arguing about who would confess to the crime the next day. The dying, but still crafty, old lady tricked Trip into letting her testify and she ended up confessing to the crime. That led to Bree’s acquittal. The prosecutor decided not to charge Mrs. McCluskey, because of her advanced illness and the likelihood that she would lose the case in the end if they continued to delve into the victim’s sexual abuse of Gaby.

Photos from THR: 21 of Hollywood's ageless actresses

Lynette: Upon hearing that Tom broke up with Jane (Andrea Parker), Lynette believes that he’s coming over to reconcile with her. Instead, Tom – under the impression that she was in love with someone else – tells her that he’s finally filing the divorce papers. Later at Mrs. McCluskey’s house, Roy (Orson Bean) tells Tom that he should let the people he loves know it before it’s too late. So in an emotional scene, Tom stops Lynette on the street and tells her she’s the love of his life. Prepared to walk away from her after that, she tells him that the other man she’s in love with is him. Grab a tissue, folks.

On the second hour, Katherine (Dana Delany) returns from France where she has made millions off a microwave French food business. And she wants Lynette to head the US division in New York City. Of course, it’s a tantalizing offer for the housewife who has a history of struggling with the draw of her career versus her family. At first, it causes strife with Tom. But later at Renee’s wedding, she makes a speech about remembering when one has true love, they really have everything they want. That old softie Tom is not only moved by her words, but decides they can weather a move to NYC as well.

Gaby: After the trial is finally resolved, Gaby gets a promotion to head the VIP sales department at her store. After struggling with the new role he must play at home, Carlos sees the change in his typically spoiled wife and comes around. Later, he helps her develop her own personal shopping company and the two leave Wisteria Lane.

Photos from THR: Broadcast TV's returning shows for 2012-2013

Bree: In one of her last crafty acts of neighborly love, Mrs. McCluskey senses Bree’s attraction to Trip -- though Bree won’t speak to him after he placed Gaby on the stand during her trial. Mrs. McCluskey gets the attorney to track down a rare record for her, Johnny Mathis’ “Wonderful, Wonderful” – one of her last dying wishes. When Bree finds out what he did, she forgives Trip. Later, we find out that they’re married and move away from Fairview to Louisville. Bree goes on to become a conservative politician and a member of the Kentucky state legislature.

Susan: The new grandmother finally tells the other housewives that she’s selling her house and moving to help Julie while she finishes up her PhD. She runs into the new homeowner on the way out. The young wife is worried that the suburbs will be too boring for her husband, but Susan knows that is far from the truth. Before she leaves the neighborhood, Susan and her kids decide to take one last spin around Wisteria Lane and we see the ghosts of those who had lost their lives on the Lane watch her as she drives off.

The series ends, but not without first showing the new housewife storing a mysterious box in one of the cupboards, which suggests that the cycle of secrets behind the façade of the picturesque residential community continues beyond Susan, Gaby, Lynette and Bree.

How did you feel about the way the women said goodbye? Tell us on our Facebook page.

Related content:

• Ladies of 'Desperate Housewives' changed the face of TV
• 10 most shocking moments on the show

More in The Clicker:

• Renewed or canceled? Cheat sheet to your favorite shows' fates
• 'America's Got Talent' contestant's infant son saved lives with organ donation
• 'Teen Mom' Amber Portwood in jail again

Dana Edelson/ / NBC

Jason Sudekis played Joe Biden and Will Ferrell was George W. Bush in a skit on "Saturday Night Live."

Nostalgia hit as Will Ferrell returned to host “Saturday Night Live,” resurrecting his favorite routines and paying tribute to Mother’s Day while helming the latest edition of the variety show. He began by bringing out his mother for an opening monologue, thanking her for matronly good deeds such as making milk like “the lady on the cover of Time magazine.

Afterward, the blast from the past continued with appearances from guest “SNL” alums Ana Gasteyer in an LGBT prom, and Will Forte as an ESPN reporter. There was even a comic resurrection of Ferrell’s epic sneeze when he and Kristen Wiig posed as husband and wife in a spoof Nasaflu commercial. “That sneeze is outrageous!” Wiig complained as Ferrell stalked her around the house, grunting every two seconds. “Just sneeze like a normal person!”

The actor also reprised his role as George W. Bush, opening the broadcast with a parody of President Barack Obama (Fred Armisen) and Vice President Joe Biden (Jason Sudeikis) hashing out gay marriage.

“(Obama’s) a real buzz-kill,” Ferrell said as Bush, Biden’s “imaginary friend.” He then delved into his own theories as a political chief: “Mission accomplished! … It's just something I say when a problem isn’t solved but I don’t want to talk about it anymore.”

Ferrell had some memorable lines, but it was primarily his return to the show that had most people talking, along with an all-star digital short to commemorate the 100th edition of the mini-film series. The video – which featured all of the stars of the previous shorts -- became the buzz of the viral community when a pop-meets-rap-meets-R&B mock jingle that featured Justin Bieber, Natalie Portman, Justin Timberlake, Usher, Jon Hamm and Michael Bolton came to life through rap-sung harmonies.

Liam Neeson made a cameo on “Weekend Update” and answered questions about his new film, “Battleship,” with a fake Nicolas Cage played by Andy Samberg.

“I have a particular set of skills that make me a nightmare for people like you,” joked Neeson, explaining why he was selected for the role over Cage.

Noticeably absent was a throwback to Ferrell’s classic skit “Celebrity Jeopardy,” which many fans had been pining for. Also missed was the rest of the cast, who played mere minor roles compared to returning vets.

When the regulars resurfaced in a dance skit toward the end, Billboard magazine contributor Kevin Rutherford tweeted, “This sketch is called, "Hey, we have other people on this show, let's give them a chance to have some lines tonight!" #snl”

With Ferrell manning the helm, overall, the feel was retro-cool.

What did you think of Will Ferrell's return to "SNL"? Which was your favorite skit? Tell us on our Facebook page!

Related content:

• Jason Sudeikis uncovers family secrets on 'Who Do You Think You Are?'
• Fallon's 'SNL' audition tape makes excellent first impression

More in The Clicker:

• 10 most shocking moments on 'Desperate Housewives'
• Renewed or canceled? Cheat sheet of your favorite shows' fates
• 'America's Got Talent' contestant's baby saved lives with organ donation