Kyle Chandler Central

Kyle Chandler: Life after Friday Night Lights

2012-01-29T22:58:00.000-08:00

Kyle Chandler may not be portraying Coach Eric Taylor anymore but that didn’t stop him from walking the red carpet at the 18th Annual Screen Actors Guild in Los Angeles. The drama series nominee for his performance in Friday Night Lights looked spry as he graced the red carpet and walked in front of the cameras on Sunday night. Live from Los Angeles home of the SAG Awards, it was noticed that Chandler was one of the first men who walked the red carpet, the screaming for the actor was deafening.

http://www.examiner.com/celebrity-headlines-in-national/kyle-chandler-at-sag-awards-life-after-friday-night-lights-photos

SAG Awards 2012

2012-01-29T19:20:00.000-08:00

Actors Kyle Chandler, left, and Regina King speak onstage during the 18th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards.

See photo here:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/2012-sag-awards/2012/01/29/gIQAtA7AbQ_gallery.html#photo=18

5 Reasons the SAG Awards are Better Than the Oscars

2012-01-27T08:36:00.000-08:00

2. Brad Pitt and Kyle Chandler Are Nominated: Unlike the Academy Awards, the SAGs nominates both movie and TV stars. You could argue that on this point the SAGs are the equal of the Golden Globes, but the SAGs doesn't go to as obvious lengths to liquor up its honorees, hence speeches, like Sandra Bullock's from a couple years back (even including all its now-cringeworthy shout-outs to Jesse James), are heartfelt, warm and, added bonus, coherent.

Best luck and have fun, Kyle! From all your fans at Kyle Chandler Central.

http://www.eonline.com/redcarpet/2012/sag_awards/news/five-reasons-the-sag-awards-are-better-than-the-oscars/289428

Where to Watch The SAG Awards and Pre-Show

2012-01-23T09:24:00.000-08:00

Where to watch nominee and award presenter Kyle Chandler at this Sunday's SAG Awards?

TNT, TBS and People Magazine will be teaming up for a live webcast of the red carpet arrivals to the Jan. 29 18^th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards. The pre-show webcast will begin on Sunday at 6 p.m. Eastern.

In addition to the webcast on TNT.tv, TBS.com and People.com, TNT.tv will serve as "SAG Awards Central." This will provide a wide assortment of interactive functions, SAG Awards-related content and social media features that will complement the on-air telecast on TNT and TBS of the award show.

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/479349-Turner_People_com_to_Stream_SAG_Awards_Pre_Show.php

Kyle Chandler Added As Presenter at SAG Awards

2012-01-16T14:27:00.000-08:00

Four first-time nominees join the the list of scheduled presenters at the 2012 Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Friday Night Lights' Kyle Chandler, The Help's Octavia Spencer, Descendants co-star Judy Greer and Bridesmaids' Maya Rudolph will all present, SAG and event EP Jeff Margolis announced Monday.

Chandler goes into the show with an Emmy win for his final season on FNL and Spencer took the Golden Globe for her supporting work in The Help.

The four join previously confirmed presenters Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray, Larry Hagman, Armie Hammer, Ed Helms, SAG President Ken Howard, Regina King, Julianna Margulies, Natalie Portman and Dick Van Dyke.

This year's SAG awards, the 18th annual entry, will air live on TNT and TBS at 8:00 p.m ET/5:00 p.m. PT from Los Angeles' Shrine Exposition Center, on Sunday, Jan. 29.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/race/octavia-spencer-kyle-chandler-screen-actors-guild-presenters-sag-282427

A Look at the Best, Worst, and Just Plain Irritating TV in 2011

2012-01-01T04:18:00.000-08:00

» Favorite drama of the year: "Friday Night Lights." If you cried your eyes out when Aaron Rodgers hoisted the Lombardi Trophy, you missed an even bigger tearjerker this year when the lights officially went out in Dillon, Texas. The best marriage ever depicted on TV (brilliantly played by Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton) ended, fittingly, with the best series finale in recent memory.

http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20120101/GPG04/201010534/A-look-best-worst-just-plain-irritating-TV-2011

The Year In Television

2012-01-01T04:12:00.000-08:00

“Friday Night Lights” (DirecTV, NBC): Talk about saving the best for last. This Texas high school football drama that was really a show about relationships, at home and at school, tied up its five seasons with a finale full of conflict and heart, not to mention a religious experience of an East Dillon Lions championship game. Not only did Coach Eric Taylor (Emmy winner Kyle Chandler) and his wife, Tami (Connie Britton), show America how to keep a marriage working, but head writer Jason Katims showed Hollywood how to deliver one heck of a series ender.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/entertainment/entertainment_columnists/jeanne_jakle/article/The-year-in-television-2431578.php#photo-935292

Happy New Year!!!

2012-01-01T00:32:00.001-08:00

From everyone at Kyle Chandler Central, Happy 2012 to all!!!!!!

TV Guide: 25 Top Episodes of 2011

2011-12-29T19:27:00.000-08:00

Friday Night Lights

1. "Always," Friday Night Lights
As Friday Night Lights stepped into TV's white light, we held our collective breath, tears at the ready. Would we be able to say goodbye to Dillon with just one box of tissue? In the end, the once-embattled Lions overcame, winning State, and Coach Taylor, who we want to be when we grow up, finally decided that it was, in fact, Tami's turn to pursue her dreams in Philadelphia. Still, when the sun set for the final time in Dillon — and we were crying, "No, don't go!" -- Tim and Billy reminded us that it would be Texas forever for all who had watched FNL's five amazing seasons.

http://www.tvguide.com/News/2011-Best-Episodes-1041153.aspx

Merry Christmas!!!

2011-12-25T12:38:00.000-08:00

From everyone at Kyle Chandler Central, a very merry Christmas to you and yours!!!

Scoring a Touchdown on TV

2011-12-20T03:45:00.000-08:00

An EXCELLENT opinion article on Friday Night Lights' Kyle Chandler, Taylor Kitsch, Buzz Bissinger, and the entire FNLs franchise.

http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/columnists/Scoring+touchdown/5885194/story.html

The Best TV Episode of 2011

2011-12-19T15:14:00.000-08:00

#1 of 50 "Always," Friday Night Lights

I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect send-off for this amazing series. Every scene was full of rich, emotional moments. The Lions won State and in a perfect epilogue, we found out what happened to all of the major characters. It was so beautiful that my eyes were far from clear when it was all over.

We agree!!!

http://www.buddytv.com/slideshows/friday-night-lights/the-50-best-tv-episodes-of-2011-5525.aspx

Top 10 TV

2011-12-18T14:21:00.000-08:00

‘Friday Night Light’s’ the top show in a year of zombies, TV families, and cliffhangers.

1. “Friday Night Lights” (NBC/DirecTV) » For five seasons, “Friday Night Lights” was both the simplest and most complex show on TV. It felt like real life, and real life is complicated. Sure, it was about football and family, but it treated both with nuance, intelligence and heart. And the on-screen relationship between husband-and-wife Eric (Kyle Chandler) and Tami Taylor (Connie Britton) will go down as one of the most relatable in TV history. “FNL” could have been at the top of any best-of-TV list since 2006, and it was absolutely the best show of 2011. The superb series finale felt like saying goodbye to good friends..

2. “Breaking Bad” (AMC) » This dangerous drama took us along with a good man (Bryan Cranston) whose best intentions have led him to a place so dark he could endanger the life of a child to protect himself and his family.

3. “The Good Wife” (CBS) »This show just keeps getting better. The mix of fascinating legal drama and even more fascinating personal drama is superb.

4. “The Walking Dead” (AMC) » While some complain that Season 2 is too talky, this show really isn’t about zombies eating brains. It’s a drama about people under incredible stress — and the shattering emotional toll it takes.

5. (tie): “The Big Bang Theory” (CBS) and “Modern Family” (ABC) » The former is the best multi-camera comedy on TV; the latter is the best filmed comedy. What matters most is they’re both laugh-out-loud funny.

6. “Downton Abbey” (PBS) » This four-part miniseries was not an adaptation of a great novel — it just felt like one. The period tale of a family struggling to remain noble in the days leading up to WW I was charming and engrossing.

7. “Game of Thrones” (HBO) » This faithful adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s novel created a world filled with a huge cast of characters, complicated politics, sex, violence and some major surprises. It was an amazing ride.

8. “Torchwood: Miracle Day” (Starz): This 10-part series was loaded with cliffhangers and stunning twists from beginning to end. It was about as much fun as you can have watching TV.

9. “Rescue Me” (FX) » This darkly hilarious series signed off on a bit of a hopeful note — which was a bit of a shocker. But Denis Leary’s seven-year, 93-episode examination of a New York firefighter whose life was shattered by 9/11 stands as a masterpiece.

10. “Revenge” (ABC) » OK, this one is a guilty pleasure. But for the first time since the heyday of “Dallas” and “Dynasty,” we have a glitzy prime-time soap about the fabulously rich that’s great fun to watch.

By the way, if a show didn’t make the list, don’t consider that a slam. There were dozens of other shows I considered. Limiting this list to 10 — well, I cheated and made it 11 — was a painful process.

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/lifestyle/53068700-80/family-drama-friday-2011.html.csp

The Official 2012 SAG Nominations

2011-12-14T17:28:00.000-08:00

http://www.sagawards.org//awards/nominees-and-recipients/18th-annual-screen-actors-guild-awards

Top 10 of 2011 Returning Shows

2011-12-14T13:18:00.000-08:00

What's Alan Watching?

6. "Friday Night Lights" (DirecTV/NBC)

Even if I'm only counting the six episodes that DirecTV aired from January on, this was still an epic, moving farewell to the people of Dillon, TX (mainly the east side of it, but with cameos from our west side pals throughout). Almost everyone got a happy ending, but with enough bitter to keep the sweet from being overwhelming (I think specifically of what happens to the Lions, and with Tyra and Tim). We were reminded again and again why Eric and Tami Taylor are among the most realistic, compelling married couples in TV history, and in Michael B. Jordan's Vince, we got a latter-day character who wound up as rich and memorable as the kids we met in the first season. Thanks to the DirecTV deal, we got five seasons of "Friday Night Lights" where it otherwise might have ended after that unfortunate second one. And now we have so many great memories from the show that I will remember. Always and always and always.

http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/whats-alan-watching/posts/tv-top-10-of-2011-the-best-10-returning-shows

SAG Awards Nominations: Our Favorite Picks

2011-12-14T11:22:00.000-08:00

Kyle Chandler: Do we really have to explain this one? Clear eyes, full hearts, you can't lose Coach Taylor! Except that this category is full of crazy-talented actors: Bryan Cranston, Michael C. Hall, and let's not forget last year's winner, Steve Buscemi. But the biggest surprise in this category? That's No. 3 on our list.

http://www.eonline.com/news/watch_with_kristin/screen_actors_guild_award_nominations/280617

2012 SAG Nomations Announced Today

2011-12-14T08:32:00.000-08:00

Guess who got a much deserved 2012 SAG nomination? :)

Outstanding Performance By A Male Actor In A Drama Series
Patrick J. Adams, Suits
Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire
Kyle Chandler, Friday Night Lights
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad
Michael C. Hall, Dexter

http://www.sagawards.org//awards/nominees-and-recipients/18th-annual-screen-actors-guild-awards

http://www.ology.com/screen/2012-sag-award-nominees/12142011

http://www.nj.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2011/12/2012_sag_award_nominations.html

Naughty and Nice in Television

2011-12-13T22:08:00.000-08:00

Nice

• Friday Night Lights’ farewell: There are few moments when a fondly realized series’ farewell occasions feelings of sorrow and reflection. Friday Night Lights ended with a hush, but also with an unrestrained joy and hope for a better future. Think of all the series finales you’ve seen that disappointed you. Then look back on Friday Night Lights’ farewell, with Connie Britton and Emmy winner Kyle Chandler’s Tami and Eric Taylor facing new jobs, new careers and new lives in the big city, after saying their goodbyes and making peace with their small-town rural roots. Friday Night Lights, winner of the 2007 Peabody Award and 2009 and 2011 Humanitas Prize, was always going to be one of television’s most elegant, distinctive family dramas. That it ended on such a dignified, restrained note is only fitting. Fare thee well.

http://www.canada.com/news/canada-in-afghanistan/From+Friday+Night+Lights+Killing+2011+Naughty+Nice/5852194/story.html

The Twelve Days of Tube-Mas: 11 Best Shows of 2011

2011-12-13T21:55:00.000-08:00

Amy Poehler, Bryan Cranston, Emilia Clarke, Kyle Chandler

3. Friday Night Lights

Even though Friday Night Lights was, ostensibly, a show about high school football, the heart of the series never had much to do with touchdowns and tackles. No, Friday Night Lights was always about the people of Dillon, Texas; people who struggled to define themselves and to find their place in the world. It was about people you knew, people you used to be, and — in the case of the inspirational but always so very human Coach Taylor — people you hoped to become. Friday Night Lights bowed out in July, but its legacy as one of TV's greatest shows will certainly live on.

http://www.zimbio.com/Amy+Poehler/articles/-2k7kE7pRQo/Twelve+Days+Tube+Mas+11+Best+Shows+2011

2011 GQ Men of the Year: Coach: Kyle Chandler

2011-12-10T15:30:00.000-08:00

For article by Buzz Bissinger, author of 'Friday Night Lights', and gorgeous GQ pictures of Kyle, click here:

http://www.gq.com/moty/2011/kyle-chandler-gq-men-of-the-year-issue

The 5 Dudes With Whom It's Most Acceptable for Furiously Straight Men to Have a Man Crush

2011-12-10T15:12:00.000-08:00

Kyle Chandler: There’s a caveat to the Kyle Chandler man crush, and it is this: It’s only acceptable to have a real man crush on Kyle Chandler if you’re a father. Because that’s the real appeal of Chandler: He has that tough love, heart-of-gold thing going, the perfect husband and Dad. The husband and Dad you want to be. Does he have a winning smile? Of course he does, but THAT IS IRRELEVANT.

http://www.pajiba.com/seriously_random_lists/the-5-dudes-with-whom-its-most-acceptable-for-furiously-straight-men-to-have-a-man-crush.php

Time: Top 10 TV Episodes of 2011

2011-12-09T16:30:00.000-08:00

1. Friday Night Lights, 'Always'

Bill Records / NBC

http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2101344_2101174_2101175,00.html

Biggest TV Headlines of 2011

2011-12-05T07:47:00.000-08:00

Friday Night Lights Finally Receives Emmy Recognition

After five seasons of getting overlooked at the Emmys, the critically acclaimed but ratings challenged Friday Night Lights finally received some love from the Academy after wrapping its final season. Not only did series writer Jason Katims win for outstanding writing in a drama series, but Kyle Chandler took home the Emmy for outstanding actor in a drama series, beating out stiff competition like Dexter's Michael C. Hall and Mad Men's Jon Hamm.

Blue-ray Review: Super 8

2011-12-03T23:12:00.000-08:00

Celebrating the DVD release of Super 8, here's a really nice review of Kyle's performance:

http://insidepulse.com/2011/12/01/blu-ray-review-super-8/

We concur.

Kyle Chandler Takes Role in Allen Hughes’ Broken City

2011-11-29T03:46:00.000-08:00

Allen Hughes directs political thriller starring Wahlberg, Crowe

"Super 8" star Kyle Chandler will join Mark Wahlberg and Russell Crowe in Allen Hughes' political thriller "Broken City."

A co-production between New Regency and Emmett/Furla Films, pic will be distributed in the U.S. by 20th Century Fox.

Wahlberg stars as a Gotham detective hired by a powerful politician (Crowe) to identify his wife's lover, who is subsequently found and killed.

Barry Pepper co-stars as a mayoral candidate, while Chandler will play the nuts and bolts component of his political team.

Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jeffrey Wright, Griffin Dunne, James Ransone, Justin Chambers, Natalie Martinez and Alona Tal co-star in the Brian Tucker-scripted film, which is skedded for release on Jan. 18, 2013.

Since breaking out in 2006 as Coach Eric Taylor on NBC's "Friday Night Lights," Chandler has been making a steady transition to the bigscreen. After supporting turns in Peter Berg's "The Kingdom" and Scott Derrickson's remake of "The Day the Earth Stood Still," Chandler landed the adult lead in J.J. Abrams' "Super 8," which just hit DVD last week. Thesp recently wrapped Ben Affleck's political thriller "Argo," in which he plays Hamilton Jordan, who served as the Chief of Staff to President Jimmy Carter.

Chandler is represented by The Gersh Agency and Brillstein Entertainment Partners.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118046648

Looks like a new project for Kyle!

2011-11-15T10:24:00.001-08:00

http://rantsthoughtsmerde.com/2011/11/15/kyle-chandler-broken-city-film-set-in-the-bronx/

Sneak Peek of Super 8 Blue Ray

2011-11-13T18:02:00.000-08:00

Check out the pictures and commentary, here:

http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/52371/super-8/

Repost: Access Hollywood's Interview with Emmy Winner, Kyle Chandler

2011-10-23T00:30:00.000-07:00

Worthy of a repost: In this backstage interview with Access Hollywood immediately following his first-ever Emmy win, Kyle Chandler gives heart-felt, sincere, and humble thank-yous to the cast, crew, and everyone affiliated with Friday Night Lights, to the fans and to his co-star and good friend, Connie Britton.

George Strait, Dixie Chicks, Willie Nelson & More Raise Over $500,000 for Texas Wildfire Victims

2011-10-19T14:29:00.000-07:00

George Strait, Dixie Chicks, Willie Nelson & More Raise Over $500,000 for Texas Wildfire Victims

PSA Video No. 2

2011-10-10T11:57:00.001-07:00

PSA Video No. 1

2011-10-10T11:52:00.001-07:00

PSA Campaign featurng Emmy Award Winning Kyle Chandler

2011-10-10T11:46:00.000-07:00

Press Release:

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/psa-campaign-featuring-emmy-award-winning-actor-kyle-chandler-launches-2011-10-10

Taylor Kitsch: Kyle Chandler ... the Spine of the Show

2011-10-07T13:37:00.000-07:00

Get More: Movie Trailers, Movies Blog

Season 5 FNLs Now Availailable at Netflix

2011-10-03T23:13:00.000-07:00

http://www.411mania.com/movies/news/204418/%5BMovies%5D-New-Movies-Available-Via-Netflix-Instant-Watch.htm

Kyle Chandler Narrates Free Sports Illustrated App

2011-09-30T13:22:00.000-07:00

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/technologylive/post/2011/09/sports-illustrated-football-rivals-pigskin-feuds-celebrated/1

Texas Film Hall Of Fame Awards 2011 Highlights

2011-09-29T01:45:00.000-07:00

Kyle Chandler for Expo Educators

2011-09-28T20:20:00.000-07:00

Michael O'Rourke: Friday Night Lights is Forever Dear to Fans

2011-09-24T23:43:00.000-07:00

It was a thrill to see Kyle Chandler and Jason Katims recognized at the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards last Sunday. It was a nice vindication to what many of us already knew: For five seasons, Friday Night Lights had one of the best actors in the lead and some of the best writing on television.

"I've heard it's great," people tend to say. "I just never got around to watching it."

Like most fans of Friday Night Lights, I have tried to get people to watch it over the years. When people would say they weren't really that into football, I would quickly rebut, "It isn't just about football. It's about life. It's about Texas. The cast is great. The writing is outstanding, and the cinematography is uniquely beautiful. Watch it." Read more here:

http://www.mysanantonio.com/life/life_columnists/michael_orourke/article/Michael-O-Rourke-Friday-Night-Lights-is-forever-2186030.php

See how you did predicting the Emmys

2011-09-23T04:06:00.000-07:00

See how you did predicting the Emmys

Thanks to betting the maximum on Kyle Chandler's Emmy win, ol' Dolphin did really well!! The only regret is that Friday Night Lights and Connie Britton did not win in their respective categories. (There wasn't a writing category for voting, or I would have also voted for Jason Katims.)

Of course I did better than the critics! Since Season 1, when have they ever been right about predicting Emmy nominations or wins for Friday Night Lights? The fans; however, always knew the show and its cast and crew to be Emmy worthy.

From Joel Courtney

2011-09-22T17:38:00.001-07:00

@Joel_Courtney Joel Courtney

One year ago today, I filmed with Kyle Chandler. It was just the two of us. Kyle is awesome. He’s so professional but also a TON of fun.

Kelly Clarkson Reveals Her Celebrity Crush

2011-09-22T17:26:00.000-07:00

Friday Night Lights Co-Stars Give it Up For Kyle Chandler

2011-09-22T13:55:00.000-07:00

Promoting his new show, Hart of Dixie, Scott Porter had some awesome things to say about Kyle Chandler's Emmy win. His reaction?

"I made a sound, some type of roar, that I didn't know I was capable of making," the actor said. "He's a man that deserves to be recognized. He has such a quiet power and is, truly, the most sincere person I've ever met in my life."

http://www.tvfanatic.com/2011/09/exclusive-scott-porter-on-heart-of-dixie-kyle-chandler-emmy-win/

Minka Kelly was on Good Morning America and Regis and Kelly today promoting her new show, Charlie's Angels. She also praised Kyle's work of the past five years and was honored that she could be the one to hand him his much deserved Emmy.

Kyle Chandler to Host Charity Event

2011-09-21T23:24:00.000-07:00

An all-star show to benefit fire victims:

http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/all-star-show-to-benefit-fire-victims

http://austin.ynn.com/content/top_stories/280562/texas-music-legends-to-come-together-for-fire-relief

The Book of Kyle (Chandler)

2011-09-21T20:26:00.000-07:00

This is great! Sam Jones, Photographer:

http://samjonespictures.com/#/book/kyle_chandler_book

A Repint of ESNP's 'Save our Show'

2011-09-21T14:20:00.000-07:00

Go here:

http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2011/09/21/a-terrible-stock-and-why-im-holding-onto-it-.aspx

and then to this link for "Please Help Me Keep the 'Lights' On":

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/070919

Rooting for the Underdog

2011-09-21T11:07:00.000-07:00

Here's a really heart-felt post from our own Maryilee's blog. Feel free to share or repost:

http://mmcdonald64.blogspot.com/2011/09/rooting-for-underdog.html

Nice Guys Do Finish First on Occasion

2011-09-21T02:39:00.000-07:00

Nice guys do finish first.

I was happy to “see” Kyle Chandler win a “best actor Emmy”. Chandler won the award for his portrayal of high school football coach Eric Taylor in the NBC series Friday Night Lights. The series ended its five year run this season.

Chandler’s win was impressive in that he was a bit of an underdog, or so I’m told. Apparently, the conventional wisdom had it that while Chandler was the sentimental favorite, he probably wouldn’t get it.

I’ll admit I didn’t actually “see” Chandler’s win, because I was busy trying to rally the Falcons to a win over the Eagles Sunday night.

I saw the news about Chandler’s win a little later. It’s all football related, after all.

I was happy with both wins. In fact, all my teams, the Pirates, the Dawgs, the Falcons and Chandler, won over the weekend.

Chandler was raised in Loganville and graduated from the University of Georgia. His previous big TV role was starring as Gary Hobson in CBS’s Early Edition (1996-2000). I enjoyed that one, too. You know, that was the one where Hobson received tomorrow’s newspaper today. When he was little, my nephew would often roll up a newspaper and say he was “Gary Hobson”, off to save the day. I’ve often wondered what I would do if I got a copy of next week’s edition this week. (Hey, I work for a weekly, after all).

I often thought that show had an underlying, faith-based sentiment to it, although it never really said so.

Chandler was superb on Friday Night Lights. He had an extremely realistic connection with his on-screen wife, Tami Taylor, played by Connie Britton. In one of the disappointments of the night, Britton did not get the best actress Emmy. She certainly should have.

Taylor was stern at times but you could tell he truly cared about his kids. He always knew how to do that “stare” that adults, particularly parents, sometimes do to get their kids’ attention.

The show also won a writing Emmy, which was well-deserved.

The writers developed and used techniques that make the people on the screen seem real, their struggles and triumphs just like your own. Friday Night Lights could have been set anywhere they play football, including right here.

I’m glad to see the show win well-deserved accolades, but sad it’s over.

“Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose!”

In fact, sometimes they win Emmys.

http://www.theblacksheartimes.com/articles/2011/09/21/opinion/doc4e78e104905f4497300176.txt

Senator McCaskill Happy with Emmy Pick

2011-09-21T00:51:00.000-07:00

At least one senator watched TV’s Emmy Awards on Fox Sunday night.

On Sunday evening, after the presentation, Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) congratulated Coach Taylor, a character played by actor Kyle Chandler on Texas football show “Friday Night Lights.”

McCaskill tweeted:

So glad that FNL getting recognition it deserves on Emmys. Happy for Coach T, I mean Kyle Chandler.

The five-season show was a hit with critics despite its low ratings. McCaskill likely expressed the sentiments of many avid fans disappointed that the show went five seasons without an Emmy outside of the technical categories.

The show also won an Emmy on Sunday night for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series, which went to writer and Executive Producer Jason Katims.

http://thehill.com/blogs/twitter-room/other-news/182289-sen-mccaskill-happy-with-emmy-pick

The Cast @ the 2011 Emmys

2011-09-20T17:20:00.000-07:00

Slideshow:

http://www.nbc.com/friday-night-lights/photos/the-cast-the-2011-emmy-awards/8556#item=197850

Emmys 2011: Kyle Chandler wins lead drama actor

2011-09-20T14:58:00.000-07:00

Kyle Chandler won his first Emmy for lead actor in a drama series on Sunday for his role as Texas high school football coach Eric Taylor in DirecTV/NBC's "Friday Night Lights." The acclaimed series, which was never a ratings blockbuster but had a devoted fan base, ended its five-season run last spring.

Chandler, 46, previously was a regular on the 1990 CBS series "Tour of Duty," the 1991-93 ABC series "Homefront" and the 1996-2000 CBS series "Early Edition." He was also seen on the big screen this summer in J.J. Abrams' "Super 8."

The 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards were handed out at the Nokia Theatre in downtown Los Angeles, and the show was televised live on Fox TV.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2011/09/emmys-best-drama-lead-actor.html

2011 Emmy Award Red Carpet

2011-09-20T08:27:00.000-07:00

Burning Emmy Questions: Kyle Chandler's Lost Speech, Comedy Actress Pageantry and More!

2011-09-20T00:45:00.000-07:00

Michael Ausiello

The 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards are history, but, as per usual, the three-hour ceremony left us with more than a few burning questions. Here’s the scoop on some of the evening’s biggest mysteries.

After accepting his trophy for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series, Friday Night Lights champ Kyle Chandler raced back to the mic, but his audio had already been cut off. What did he say?

“I was thanking my TV wife, Connie Britton,” Chandler told TVLine at the Governors Ball later that night. “It takes two to dance, and she was the other partner. I also thanked my [real-life] wife and my children.”

Will FNL‘s big night at the Emmys boost the chances of the feature film getting made?

“Absolutely, I think it could help,” said exec producer Jason Katims shortly after scoring gold for penning the show’s series finale. “To me, the thing that was most moving about tonight was just hearing the audience’s response [to the wins]. It tells me people are still passionate about the show and, even though it’ll take us a little while to get a movie out, they will still remember it. I would really love to do it. And I know [fellow exec producer] Peter Berg would love to do it.” Katims added that he’s currently “breaking the story” for the movie. “I’m back in the world of Dillon, Texas,” he said. “But until I have an actual script, nothing can happen.”

http://www.tvline.com/2011/09/2011-emmy-kyle-chandler-acceptance-speech/

Emmys 2011: The Biggest Moments

2011-09-20T00:33:00.000-07:00

'Modern Family' V. 'Friday Night Lights'

5 of 10

When it came down to which TV couple deserved matching statuettes, we wish the power that be had gone with "Friday Night Lights" stalwarts Connie Britton and Kyle Chandler, who've played out their last soaring season, instead of the (admittedly hilarious) Ty Burrell and Julie Bowen, who've got miles to go on "Modern Family." At least Chandler scored a long-awaited win for lead actor in a drama.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/19/emmys-2011-recap_n_970088.html#s365239&title=Modern_Family_V

Emmy Awards 2011 - Jason Katims Wins, 2011

2011-09-20T00:09:00.000-07:00

TVLine.com: Kyle Chandler at Emmy 2011

2011-09-19T17:20:00.000-07:00

FNLs Cast Talks Reuniion, Movie Update

2011-09-19T16:37:00.000-07:00

Emmy winner Kyle Chandler, Connie Britton, Zach Gilford, Matt Lauria and more tell THR about the cast's Emmy party at Dillon's in Hollywood.

Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, two Emmys.

The cast of Friday Night Lights had one eye on the past and another on the future over Emmy weekend as they gathered for a cast reunion at the aptly named Dillon’s in Hollywood.

Best actress in a drama nominee Connie Britton told The Hollywood Reporter on the Emmy red carpet Sunday that the idea to put together a cast reunion came from the top.

“[Producers] Sarah Aubrey, Pete Berg and I were talking about doing a party and getting everybody together,” Britton said. “Then Kyle Chandler called me one day from Austin and says, ‘We gotta get all these people who aren’t going to be able to come to the Emmys together and stay out drinking all night and celebrate it.’

“Then it just so happened that Sarah found Dillon’s pub, which couldn’t have been more perfect,” she said.

As for who was there: Co-star Matt Lauria says it was a full house with cast and crew: Kyle Chandler, Britton, Berg, Aubrey, Lamarcus Tinker (Tinker), Michael B. Jordan (Vince), Brad Leland (Buddy), Jeff Rosick (Buddy Jr.), Aimee Teegarden (Julie), Stacey Oristano (Mindy), Derek Phillips (Billy), Jurnee Smollett (Jess) and more, with some cast members pitching ideas for the talked-about Friday Night Lights movie.

Amazing Friday Night Lights Video!!!

2011-09-19T15:01:00.000-07:00

2011 Emmy Awards Backstage: Kyle Chandler On His Win - ‘I Feel Like I Almost Just Got Hit By A Car’ | Access Hollywood - Celebrity News, Photos & Videos

2011-09-19T09:10:00.000-07:00

Click on this links for the video:

2011 Emmy Awards Backstage: Kyle Chandler On His Win - ‘I Feel Like I Almost Just Got Hit By A Car’ | Access Hollywood - Celebrity News, Photos & Videos

Kyle Chandler Stunned By Emmy Win; Shares With Co-Star Connie Britton

2011-09-19T08:58:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES, Calif. --

“Friday Night Lights” star Kyle Chandler was stunned when he beat out his fellow nominees for the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series award on Sunday night at the 63rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, and when Access Hollywood caught up with him backstage – the actor was still floored.

“I feel like I almost just got hit by a car,” Kyle told Access’ Shaun Robinson backstage at the Nokia Theatre at L.A. Live. “I don’t really know where I am or what I’m doing!”

The “FNL” star beat out a slew of talented fellow actors, including critical favorite Jon Hamm, who many expected to win for “Mad Men.”

“I did not think I was going to go up there until I was actually standing there in front of all those people, and then I didn’t really realize I’d won this until I was in the elevator on the way [to the winner’s table],” Kyle, who turned 46 on Saturday, told Shaun.

After five seasons on NBC and DirecTV, the actor said he was overjoyed with his win and took the opportunity to share it will the entire “FNL” family.

“This is a great gift and a great thank you to so many people on our show, who did so much over the last five years. I’ve never worked on something before where so many wonderful people and talented people had so much ownership of one thing,” Kyle continued. “There’s a lot of names that need to go on [this Emmy] that’s for sure… I don’t want to leave her out… Connie Britton, because we had five years [together.] She’s a true lady and she’s so very talented and such a good friend.”

http://www.accesshollywood.com/kyle-chandler-friday-night-lights-emmy-win-feels-like-i-just-got-hit-by-a-car_article_5379

Emmy Awards 2011 - Kyle Chandler Wins

2011-09-19T07:26:00.000-07:00

Emmys keep winners in the Family

2011-09-19T01:25:00.000-07:00

In one of the evening's biggest - and judging from the audience reaction, most popular - surprises, Friday Night Lights' Kyle Chandler won his first Emmy, for playing devoted father and dedicated high-school football coach Eric Taylor in the Peabody and Humanitas Prize winning drama.

Chandler cited the "incredible talent" in his category, which included Hamm, Boardwalk Empire's Steve Buscemi and House's Hugh Laurie.

"I knew for a fact I would not be standing here," Chandler said, "so I've been caught out with nothing prepared."

He then gave a heartfelt shoutout to his fellow cast members of the now-retired drama, as well as head writer and showrunner Jason Katims.

Katims won an Emmy earlier in the evening, for outstanding writing in a drama series.

http://www.theprovince.com/Emmys+keep+winners+Family/5423246/story.html

Chandler's Emmy win is much deserved, highlight of show

2011-09-19T01:16:00.000-07:00

Kyle Chandler celebrates his Emmy win for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for "Friday Night Lights." Credits: Emmy Awards

The three young stars of ABC’s new “Charlie’s Angels” reboot (Minka Kelly, Annie Illonzeh & Rachael Taylor) and their producer Drew Barrymore walked out on that stage Sunday night at the 63rd annual Primetime Emmy Awards to present the statuette for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. As usual the group announced all of the nominees before opening the envelope to announce the victor. When that envelope ripped open and they announced the winner’s name I leapt to my feet and screamed as if my favorite football team had just won the Super Bowl … and, in a way, it kind of did.

I had never wanted one actor to win an award so badly in my life as I did Kyle Chandler, who was nominated for the second consecutive year for his portrayal of Texas high school football coach Eric Taylor on the much acclaimed, but little watched and recently ended NBC drama “Friday Night Lights.” However, I knew despite his critical appeal on the show that Chandler was certainly an underdog, especially behind “Mad Men” star Jon Hamm and “Boardwalk Empire” star Steve Buscemi. I just knew that when those angels ripped open that envelope that one of those two names was going to be called. I was so resigned to that fact that I was actually no longer even looking at the television screen, but my computer screen were I was furiously updating the night’s winners on my entertainment website, The Word.

Then, Kelly and the rest of the angels excitedly screamed the name KYLE CHANDLER (Kelly had good reason to be excited as she co-starred with Chandler on “Friday Night Lights,” as Lyla Garrity, for the show’s first three seasons) and I felt roughly the same type of jubilation I would have had my favorite team won a big time game or had the Dillon Panthers (West) or Lions (East) won the Texas State Championship.

When an actor is gifted enough to portray a role in such a way that it impacts your life in this type of fashion than that is pretty special and Chandler, much like Alan Alda as Hawkeye Pierce on “M*A*S*H,” Martin Sheen as President Jed Bartlet on “The West Wing” or James Spader as Alan Shore on “Boston Legal” before him, became a huge part of my life throughout watching those five wonderfully written and acted seasons and will forever remain a part of it.

I know that I’m not the only loyal fan of “Friday Night Lights” who feels that way either. Hours after the Emmys telecast on Fox, Chandler’s name was the only Emmy-related trending toping still on Twitter. It’s something fans will probably be talking about for days to come, as well. Once again, it all goes back to how Chandler’s portrayal and the writing staff’s words have made Eric Taylor a huge part of our lives. Many of us wish he was our father, coach, mentor or friend and I know many of the show’s female viewers wish he was their husband. Typically characters don’t have that kind of appeal amongst fans.

Chandler’s Emmy win was certainly the highlight of the 2011 Emmys for me because I’ve never seen an actor that deserved such an honor as much as Chandler did. The shock and surprise of it all was just the cherry on top.

http://www.examiner.com/tv-in-little-rock/chandler-s-emmy-win-is-much-deserved-highlight-of-show-1

"Modern Family" "Mad Men" "Downton Abbey"& Kyle Chandler among honorees at 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards.

2011-09-19T01:07:00.000-07:00

Emmy Winners and Nominees 2011: Complete List

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/emmy-nominations-2011-full-list-211331

Emmys 2011: Happy winners lifted the show — and our spirits.

2011-09-19T01:00:00.000-07:00

Kyle Chandler of "Friday Night Lights" wins the Emmy Award for lead actor in a drama series. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times / September 19, 2011)

Fortunately, the host and the surprises kept things pleasant if not scintillating — in the evening's biggest double upset, the beloved but beleaguered "Friday Night Lights" beat out perpetual odds-on favorite "Mad Men" in both the writing and lead actor categories, and Barry Pepper won lead actor in a movie or miniseries for his astonishing performance as Bobby Kennedy in the controversial but little-seen "The Kennedys."

Read about more winners here:

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/tv/la-et-emmys-critics-notebook-20110919,0,7847128.story

Texas two step: Big Bang Theory's Jim Parsons and Friday Night Lights' Kyle Chandler are Emmy winners

2011-09-19T00:54:00.000-07:00

It was a big night for actors with Texas ties as Jim Parsons and Kyle Chandler took home top honors at the 63rd annual Emmy Awards.

To the surprise of just about everyone, including the winner, Parsons won the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. It was widely assumed that Steve Carrell would win, since he is leaving The Office and has never won an Emmy ...

A hour or later, a clearly shocked Kyle Chandler was named Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his role as a principled coach in Friday Night Lights. The show, which recently ended a five-year run, was filmed in and around Austin.

"I didn't write anything and now I'm starting to worry," a clearly stunned Chandler said in a rambling speech.

He thanked the people of Austin "who welcomed us into their homes and filled those stadiums and brought the show to life when we were there."

He wrapped up his speech without remembering to thank co-star Connie Britton, who portrayed his wife in the series and was nominated for Best Lead Actress in a Drama. Realizing his mistake, he attempted to speak above the music, but the moment had passed.

Emmy Awards, ‘Friday Night Lights’ finally punches through to the end zone

2011-09-19T00:21:00.000-07:00

“Friday Night Lights” may be over, but it finally scored a touchdown — or two — at the Emmys.

The long-acclaimed but seldom honored series won both best actor in a drama series for Kyle Chandler and best writing for a drama series for Jason Katims. Both were big, flashy awards in competitive categories and a real surprise for “Friday Night Lights,” which concluded earlier this year after five ratings-challenged seasons.

The gleeful shock of the show’s cast and supporters inside Los Angeles’ Nokia Theatre Sunday night could be heard on the Fox broadcast, and surely similar celebrations where transpiring across “Friday Night Lights” Nation.

The wins amounted to a late but deserving coronation for “Friday Night Lights”: off the air, but called back together for one final dance in the end zone.

Over five seasons, “FNL” built a fervent fan base for its humanistic portrayal of high school football and the many inhabitants of Dillon, Texas. It needed an unusual deal with DirecTV to remain on the air on NBC, but “FNL” continued to survive, even as much of its cast went on to other projects.

The show’s only previous Emmy Award was for casting, in 2007.

Chandler, 46, had twice previously been nominated, last year for “FNL” and in 2005 for a guest appearance on “Grey’s Anatomy.” On “FNL,” he played coach Eric Taylor who, along with his wife, Tami (Connie Britton, who was nominated), made up the moral backbone of Dillon. He starred in “Super 8” this summer.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/at-emmy-awards-friday-night-lights-finally-punches-through-to-the-end-zone/2011/09/18/gIQAaDjzdK_story.html

UGA grad Kyle Chandler takes home an Emmy for best actor for a drama

2011-09-19T00:09:00.000-07:00

Kyle Chandler won his first Emmy tonight. CREDIT: AP

University of Georgia graduate Kyle Chandler took home a surprise Emmy Sunday night playing Coach Eric Taylor on the beloved but never terribly high-rated “Friday Night Lights.”

The drama ended its five-season run this past summer on NBC (and two seasons on DirectTV.)

The show finally received several Emmy nominations and won two tonight, including Chandler’s win over the likes of Jon Hamm on “Mad Men,” Steve Buscemi on “Boardwalk Empire” and Hugh Laurie on “House.” That’s tough competition! Given “Friday Night Lights” was canceled this year and Chandler had never won an Emmy, he was a potential sentimental favorite but not an obvious favorite.

Chandler was raised in Loganville and attended George Walton Academy. His previous big TV role was starring in CBS’s “Early Edition” in the late 1990s. He also had a memorable role on “Grey’s Anatomy” where his character was literally blown to smithereens.

On “Friday Night Lights,” as Coach Eric Taylor, Chandler had an incredibly natural rapport with his fictional wife Tami Taylor, played by Connie Britton (who lost to Julianna Margulies for best actress in a drama.) Taylor was stern at times but truly cared about his kids. His Panthers won the state championship season one. He dabbled briefly coaching at a college level, returned to West Dillon but was fired season three after failing to win the state championship again. In season four, he coached at a newly created rival East Dillon school, where the team finished 2-8. But in season five, East Dillon won the state championship and when his wife got a job opportunity outside Texas, he moved to Philadelphia to coach at the college ranks.

FNL also won a writing Emmy. And yes, the show was extraordinarily well written and paced.

University of Georgia graduate Kyle Chandler took home a surprise Emmy Sunday night playing Coach Eric Taylor on the beloved but never terribly high-rated “Friday Night Lights.”

The drama ended its five-season run this past summer on NBC (and two seasons on DirectTV.)

FNL also won a writing Emmy. And yes, the show was extraordinarily well written and paced.

http://blogs.ajc.com/radio-tv-talk/2011/09/18/clear-eyes-full-hearts-can-win-uga-grad-kyle-chandler-wins-emmy-for-best-actor-for-a-drama/

TV Guide: Top Emmy Moments

2011-09-18T23:06:00.000-07:00

10. Most Overdue Win: After five seasons and a mere casting Emmy, Friday Night Lights finally scored well-deserved and long-overdue Emmys for Kyle Chandler and Jason Katims. "Clear eyes. Full hearts. Can't lose." We'll miss you, Coach Taylor. *Sniffle*

http://www.tvguide.com/News/Emmys-Top-Moments-1037708.aspx

"Modern Family," "Mad Men," "Downton Abbey" and Kyle Chandler among the honorees at the 63rd annual Primetime Emmy Awards.

2011-09-18T22:56:00.000-07:00

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/emmy-nominations-2011-full-list-211331

Emmy 2011 Awards: Complete Winners List

2011-09-18T22:35:00.000-07:00

ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images

Actor Kyle Chandler holds the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in the press room at the 63rd annual Primetime Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theatre at LA Live in downtown Los Angeles September 18, 2011.

Below are the complete list of winners:

Drama Series: "Mad Men," AMC.

Comedy Series: "Modern Family" ABC.

Actor, Drama Series: Kyle Chandler, "Friday Night Lights," DirecTV.

Actress, Drama Series: Julianna Margulies, "The Good Wife" CBS.

Actor, Comedy Series: Jim Parsons, "The Big Bang Theory" CBS.

Actress, Comedy Series: Melissa McCarthy, "Mike & Molly," CBS.

Supporting Actor, Drama Series: Peter Dinklage, "Game of Thrones," HBO.

Supporting Actress, Drama Series: Margo Martindale, "Justified" FX.

Supporting Actor, Comedy Series: Ty Burrell, "Modern Family," ABC.

Supporting Actress, Comedy Series: Julie Bowen, "Modern Family," ABC.

Miniseries/TV Movie: "Downton Abbey (Masterpiece)", PBS.

Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Barry Pepper, "The Kennedys," Starz.

Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Kate Winslet, "Mildred Pierce," HBO.

Supporting Actor, Miniseries or Movie: Guy Pearce, Mildred Pierce.

Supporting Actress, Miniseries or Movie: Maggie Smith, "Downton Abbey," PBS.

Directing for a Comedy Series: Michael Allen Spiller, "Modern Family," ABC.

Directing, Drama Series: Martin Scorsese, "Boardwalk Empire," HBO.

Directing, Miniseries, Movie or Dramatic Special: Brian Percival "Downtown Abbey" PBS.

Directing, Variety, Music or Comedy Series: Don Roy King, "SNL" NBC.

Variety, Music or Comedy Series: "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" Comedy Central.

Reality Competition Program: "The Amazing Race," CBS.

Writing for Comedy Series: Steven Levitan, Jeffery Richmond, "Modern Family" ABC.

Writing, Drama Series: Jason Katims "Friday Night Lights" DirecTV.

Writing, Variety, Music or Comedy Series: The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Comedy Central.

Writing, Miniseries, Movie or Dramatic Special: Julian Fellowes "Downtown Abbey" PBS.

http://www.nj.com/entertainment/tv/index.ssf/2011/09/emmy_awards_2011_winners_list.html

'Friday Night Lights' finally gets its due

2011-09-18T22:14:00.000-07:00

(Getty Images)

11:05 p.m. ET is normally the time on Emmy night when we start vitriolic rants about all the injustices in the world, but not this year. After five fantastic seasons, "Friday Night Lights" finally took home two big kudos. The series won outstanding writing for a drama and outstanding lead actor for star Kyle Chandler -- all in its last year of eligibility. We could gripe about it losing best series, or the criminal overlooking of Chandler's other half, Connie Britton, but we'll instead be happy to send this series out in style. Clear eyes, full hearts forever.

-- Mikey O'Connell, Zap2it

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/19/us-emmys-kylechandler-idUSTRE78I0KF20110919

Kyle Chandler: Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series

2011-09-18T21:02:00.000-07:00

Kyle Chandler's Co-Stars React Accordingly to his Emmy Win

2011-09-18T20:44:00.000-07:00

We're not sure what it sounded like in your home when "Friday Night Lights" star Kyle Chandler won his long-deserved Emmy Award for Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series, but the Zap2it offices got loud. Really loud. People climbed on furniture.

We weren't the only ones super excited. Chandler was praised by critics for all five years of his work as Coach Taylor on the enormously underrated series, and it was about darn time he took home some gold for it.

Co-star Michael B. Jordan tweeted, "HOOOOLLLLLYYYY S***!!! KYLE CHANDLER IT'S YOUR TIME!!! #ClearEyesFullHeartsCANTLose BEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES."

Jason Street himself, Scott Porter, went on a bit of a Twitter spree, too. "Kyle for the win!!! I am literally crying with joy for one of the greatest men I have ever had the honor of knowing! #FridayNightLights YES!"

He added, "Texas Forever Indeed. Congratulations to one of the greatest men I have ever had the honor of knowing. You deserve this. Thank for letting me learn from you, Kyle."

"KYLE CHANDLER WINS BEST LEAD ACTOR, in a DRAMA SERIES!!! #FridayNightLights #Emmys," adds our fave, Matt Lauria.

The underdog took home the gold in the 11th hour. If that isn't true to the spirit of "Friday Night Lights," nothing is. Clear eyes, full hearts.

http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2011/09/kyle-chandler-wins-at-emmys-2011-friday-night-lights-co-stars-react-accordingly.html

Emmy Winner Kyle Chandler

2011-09-18T19:32:00.000-07:00

Kevin Winter / Getty Images

Kyle Chandler won for outstanding lead actor in a drama series for his work on "Friday Night Lights."

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/44571396/ns/today-entertainment/t/chandler-margulies-take-drama-lead-emmys/#.TnaphdR9uSp

Kyle Chandler Wins!!

2011-09-18T19:22:00.000-07:00

Emmys 2011: Kyle Chandler Outstanding Leading Actor In A Drama

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/18/emmys-2011-best-leading-actor-drama_n_968957.html

Congratulations, Kyle Chandler!!!

2011-09-18T19:02:00.000-07:00

Emmy WINNER, Kyle Chandler. :) We are over the moon happy for you!!!!

Congratulations, Jason Katims!!!!

2011-09-18T18:34:00.001-07:00

Happy Emmy!!! Happy Days!!!!

Kyle Chandler, Happy Birthday Video

2011-09-17T17:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to the 'every man actor' from People Magazine.com:

http://www.people.com/people/videos/0,,20526167,00.html

2011 Emmys: Will and Should Wins

2011-09-17T14:20:00.000-07:00

Outstanding Actor, Drama

Should Win: Jon Hamm
Will Win: Kyle Chandler

This category belongs to one of two actors in my mind-- Jon Hamm or Kyle Chandler. Hamm is phenomenal in his submitted episode, "The Suitcase," with a range that travels from bitter old man to vulnerable puppy. We see him cry -- Don Draper emotes. This puts the viewer in an odd position. It's similar to watching your dad cry for the first time -- you're not sure what to do, but it's overwhelming to witness. Hamm is a hard act to follow, but Chandler makes a good case for himself in "Friday Night Lights." As the strong-willed Coach Taylor, his range is more subtle, but he runs the gamut from compassion to pure anger all in the flicker of an eye. Plus, as this is the last chance for "Friday Night Lights" to ever be recognized, a win either here or in the Best Drama category would be both appropriate and well-deserved. This doesn't change the fact that I went into this thinking Jon Hamm should win -- I still do. But more and more, the sentimental value of a Kyle Chandler win is appealing. My mind is telling me no, but my heart is saying this is where the Emmys will surprise us.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/17/emmy-nominations-actors_n_967213.html

Love of the Game

2011-09-17T13:21:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday, Kyle! In honor of the Emmy nominations for you and FNL, here is a little story I wrote a few years ago.

Love of the Game
By Mary McDonald

Whenever you smell leaves burning, your mind immediately thinks of autumn and the game. Sometimes, in the spring, when a neighbor burns off the winter's accumulation of weeds and scrub, your heart beats a little faster as the adrenaline courses through your veins. It's a Pavlovian response, and you feel silly knowing that there are still many months to go before your players will don their pads. Still, sometimes you find a pile of leaves to burn in April, just because.

You know others would wrinkle their nose at the smell of sweat and musty equipment, but when you walk into the locker room, you feel like you've come home. A sense of purpose settles over you.

The season begins and you survey a ragtag group of boys. Some cower under your scrutiny, others look impassive, but you know that each and every one of them has something special inside of him. He must in order to willingly deal with the misery of football practice.

You know that you are not just their coach. You are their mentor. Their surrogate father. Their disciplinarian--when they need it. Some need it a lot. There are times when you wonder what the hell is going through a kid's mind when they do something stupid. Then you remember what it was like when you were their age. And you smile. Secretly.

You wipe the sweat as it slides down your neck and your shirt sticks to your back and yet, it’s nothing compared to what the players are going through, dressed in all their gear. You blow the whistle because you’ve already yelled yourself hoarse, and you tell one player that he has to know the offense so well that even his children will know it in their own DNA. You feel sorry for his future children.

You wonder if they will ever get it. If they will ever figure out where they are supposed to go when the ball is snapped. You shake your head as the quarterback fumbles the ball. Again.

And you yell. Again.

Then one day, it clicks. Everything meshes. You feel the difference in the air. They are no longer separate players. They are a team.

You love the game. You love everything about it. From the intensity of the players as they step onto the field with fire burning in their eyes, to the turf, deep green and vivid under the bright lights.

You never tire of hearing the roar of the crowd that accompanies a big play or the chills you get when the band plays the national anthem, and you have to blink hard and hope everyone thinks it's just the wind irritating your eyes. You rub them and curse about the damn dust. Nobody dares to comment.

You look at each player in his pristine uniform that just begs to be dirtied, and you know that at this moment, the magic begins. The grunts and growls of the players as they strive to make the play is a sweet melody to your ears.

Then, when a player makes a great play, you nod and smile. You feel pride in them and you let it show. These are your players. Your kids. And you love them.

Happy Birthday, Kyle Chandler

2011-09-17T00:20:00.000-07:00

Kyle, from all of us at Kyle Chandler Central, here's wishing you the happiest birthday ever!

And to start your coming year off right, here are 4 'Virtual ' Emmys from your fans who wholeheartedly believe that Friday Night Lights should (and very well could) win in all 4 of its nominated categories. Your layered, honest portrayal of Coach Eric Taylor over the past 5 seasons provided us with some of the finest moments of entertainment in television history. Within each episode, you made us open our hearts and feel something, often without uttering so much as a single word. You are such a gifted actor and deserve the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. By bestowing you these 'Virtual' Emmys on your birthday, in our eyes ... you've already won.

We are so proud of what you do, on and off screen. It's an honor to be your fans, and we look forward to supporting and promoting your future projects.

Kyle Chandler as Coach Eric Taylor

2011-09-16T20:28:00.000-07:00

Vote Emmy Pics

2011-09-16T19:54:00.000-07:00

Kyle Chandler on "Friday Night Lights." Chandler is nominated for his role as lead actor in a drama series. Photo Credit: AP

http://www.newsday.com/vote-for-your-emmy-awards-picks-1.3174531?qr=1

Interactive Voting: The Emmys

2011-09-16T19:24:00.000-07:00

Lead Actor and Actress in a Drama

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/celebritology/post/the-emmys-who-will-win-and-should-win-for-best-drama-best-comedy-and-more/2011/09/16/gIQAcEuqXK_blog.html

Clear Eyes, Fully Hearts, Can't Lose

2011-09-16T19:08:00.000-07:00

Why Friday Night Lights should win its Emmy categories. Click on the link, below:

http://www.mediablvd.com/magazine/clear-eyes-full-hearts-cant-lose_201109163919.html

Emmys 2011: Who will ('Mad Men,' Laura Linney) and should win (Kyle Chandler, 'Parks and Rec')

2011-09-16T14:48:00.000-07:00

The television academy did a pretty good job at picking its Emmy nominees this year. Will the list of winners be just as satisfying?

We'll find out on Sunday (Sept. 18) when the Emmys air live at 8 p.m. ET/5 PT on FOX. We have some ideas of our own, though, on how the awards will play out -- and, in our ideal world, how they ought to go. Read on for our predictions, and let us know your own picks in the comments.

Outstanding lead actor - drama

Will win: Michael C. Hall for the lovable serial killer on "Dexter." The show is more popular than ever -- and that word "lovable" isn't meant ironically. It's not easy to make someone who kills people -- even those who deserve to die -- sympathetic, but Hall continues to pull it off.

Should win: Kyle Chandler. If anyone ever deserved a lifetime achievement award for a series that was seemingly on the chopping block every year, it's Chandler for his work on "FNL." Coach Taylor's continual struggle to maintain a normal life in the football-crazy town of Dillon, combined with him just looking the part of a coach deserves recognition.-- David Eckstein

http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2011/09/emmys-2011-who-will-mad-men-laura-linney-and-should-win-kyle-chandler-parks-and-rec.html

Our 2011 Emmy Predictions: Best Actors in Comedy and Drama Series

2011-09-13T18:35:00.000-07:00

Best Actor, Drama Series

Should Win: Kyle Chandler, Friday Night Lights. Duh! Of course Kyle deserves Emmy gold. It's been a long time coming, and through the changing seasons (both television-wise and football-wise), Chandler has remained the anchor holding the storylines and characters down. Let's face it, Coach Taylor could have been played in a lot of ways, but Chandler's portrayal was perfection. Quiet, strong, flawed…helmets off to you, Mr. Chandler. Now give him the Emmy!

Will Win: Jon Hamm, Mad Men. It's no shock that the Emmy voters love Mad Men like humans love videos of cats on the Internet. (Have you seen this one? Delightful.) But Bryan Cranston of Breaking Bad has always snatched the trophy away from Hamm, and guess what? No nomination for him this year. So, after a particularly wonderful season of Mad Men, Don Draper will finally get his win. He's won other awards for his performance (Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guilds, etc.), but the Emmy has always eluded Hamm. Not this year.

We at KyleChandlerCentral.com couldn't agree more. Kyle Chandler should win. And just maybe, he will.

http://www.eonline.com/news/watch_with_kristin/our_2011_emmy_predictions_best_actors/263452

It's Showtime: Best in shows: Our predictions for this year’s Emmy winners

2011-09-12T10:14:00.000-07:00

BILL RECORDS — NBC

Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton are both nominated for Emmys for their roles as Eric and Tami Taylor in NBC’s “Friday Night Lights.” The show also is nominated for outstanding drama.

While the critics seem to feel that John Hamm and Mad Men are a shoe in for the Emmy for Outstanding Actor in a Drama and Outstanding Series, Drama ... it's nice to know everyone doesn't feel that way:

http://host.madison.com/article_95f87513-a56f-5201-9d4f-dc9e284979b6.html

Beyond The Lights Celebrity Golf Classic Increases Its Success - Two Charities Benefit

2011-08-26T07:43:00.000-07:00

Celebrity Golf Classic Founded by "Friday Night Lights" Cast and Crew Has Best Year Yet

Austin, Texas (PRWEB) August 26, 2011

The Beyond the Lights Celebrity Golf Classic and Disc Golf Classic successfully raised over $200,000 at its 4th Annual event on Friday and Saturday, May 13-14th, at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa with net proceeds benefitting Gridiron Heroes Spinal Cord Injury Foundation and The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis. Each successive year the tournament has shattered the previous year’s expectations due to the intense level of commitment from sponsors, celebrities, friends and volunteers. This year’s picture-perfect day of golf, with an evening gala and disc golf tournament was hosted by “Friday Night Lights” actors Kyle Chandler and Brad Leland.

Celebrities in attendance included actors Scott Porter, Taylor Kitsch, and Jesse Plemons from DirecTV/NBC’s critically acclaimed television series “Friday Night Lights”, Dallas Cowboys coach Dave Campo and player Terence Newman, Rex Linn from “CSI Miami” and new University of Texas Defensive Coordinator, Manny Diaz, among others.

The voice of the Dallas Cowboys, Brad Sham, and KBLJ Radio’s Ed Clements presided over the Gala’s live auction. Live auction packages included a trip for four to the Hollywood Movie Premiere of Super 8, and set tours of “CSI Miami” hosted by Rex Linn.

Founded by Kyle Chandler, Brad Leland and “Friday Night Lights” camera operator Heather Page, the tournaments and gala raise funds for charities that help those with spinal cord injuries. Event Director, Heather Page, stated, “That the TV series was coming to an end made the 2011 event seem bittersweet at first. We weren’t sure if we’d continue on beyond the length of the show, but this year’s event proves that support for our efforts to help these spinal cord injury charities continues to grow. So, we’re looking forward to planning next year’s tournament and keeping Beyond the Lights an event that people can look forward to every year.”

For more information about the Beyond the Lights Celebrity Golf Classic and their charities, go to http://www.beyondthelights.org, or contact Heather Page, heather(at)beyondthelights(dot)org, (323) 359-3599

###

‘Friday Night Lights’ Coach, Kyle Chandler, Added to Ben Affleck’s ‘Argo’

2011-08-25T16:25:00.000-07:00

I’ve recently been using the magic of streaming video services to catch up with Peter Berg’s high school football melodrama Friday Night Lights. The show isn’t great, it’s got its good points and bad points, but easily the strongest aspect of the whole thing is not the teenagers or the football, it’s the marriage between main character Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) and his wife Tami (Connie Britton). A lot of why it works is that their relationship is written more real, and with less forced crisis than any other marriage I’ve seen on a prime time drama, but the other part of why it works is because Kyle Chandler is just such a warm, engaging presence on the screen. And now that the show is over he’s going to need to find some more work.

I’m rooting for the guy. He landed a pretty big role in J.J. Abrams Super 8 earlier this summer, and that’s got to help some with his visibility. And in a current piece focusing on the actor in USA Today, they’ve revealed that he has a small role in Ben Affleck’s upcoming hostage thriller Argo. I hadn’t heard his name attached to that film yet, and a quick look at the IMDB page reveals that it hasn’t been added there, so let’s treat this as news. And also I’ll treat it as an excuse to talk a bit more about the cast that Affleck has assembled. I already reported on the story that John Goodman was joining the film some time ago. But in addition to that, he’s also got names like Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston and film legend Alan Alda on board as well. Plus, Affleck himself is playing one of the lead roles, and while he has his detractors, and I can admit that he’s hit or miss depending on the material, I’ve always liked him when he’s acting in something that he clearly cares about. I hadn’t been paying Argo that much attention, but suddenly it’s put together quite an awesome little cast, and right under my nose to boot. You win this round, Affleck.

http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/news/kyle-chandler-argo.php

Casting Bits: Kyle Chandler in "Argo"

2011-08-25T14:11:00.000-07:00

2011 by Russ Fischer

It’s not a stretch, I think, to call this the ‘fan-favorite actors’ edition of casting bits. Kyle Chandler, Alexander Skarsgård and Rob Corddry all fall into that catergory, I’d say. So after the break, you’ll find:

Kyle Chandler joins Ben Affleck’s Argo,
Rob Corddry looks set for zombification in Warm Bodies,
and Michael Nyqvist & Alexander Skarsgård are among the crew joining the ‘modern communication’ indie story Disconnect.

This first one is a small note, but I think it’s the first we’ve heard of it: Kyle Chandler from Friday Night Lights and Super 8 has “a small part” in Argo, the film that Ben Affleck is about to direct. That’s per USA Today, which has a feature on the actor’s career. No more details, sadly, but given that Argo already boasts Affleck, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman, Alan Arkin and Scoot McNairy, things are looking pretty good.

(To refresh: Argo is based on the true story of a CIA crew that attempted to extract diplomat hostigaes from Tehran during the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis. They did this by posing as a crew setting up a big sci-fi film to shoot in Iran. “Stranger than fiction,” and all that.)

http://www.slashfilm.com/casting-bits-kyle-chandler-argo-rob-corddry-warm-bodies/

Kyle Chandler Won't Sit on the Bench For Long

2011-08-24T20:52:00.000-07:00

"I just went and saw Crazy, Stupid, Love. Julianne Moore — I've been in love with her since Boogie Nights. But also, The Big Lebowski. Ohhh, she's hot in that," Chandler says with a smile and a sigh. "I fell in love with her. I think I had a chance to be in something with her at one point, but I didn't get the part."

It's been a good year for Chandler, 45. First, his beloved but chronically ratings-challenged series Friday Night Lights wrapped up five seasons with a heart-wrenching finale in February. Chandler, his TV wife, Connie Britton, and the show nabbed Emmy nominations for the final season.

And in June, Chandler played a taciturn town cop in the box-office smash Super 8, from director J.J. Abrams.

"I've moved on from the show. I moved on after we did the wrap party. I'm glad the show ended as strong as it did," Chandler says.

Now, Chandler, who's based in Texas with his wife, Kathryn, and teenage daughters, Sawyer and Sydney, is being selective about what's next for him.

"Right now, I'm going around and meeting with people. Television, cable, features are always out there. Thank goodness I've saved my money."

He has a small part in Ben Affleck's political thriller Argo, about the 1979 Iran hostage crisis. And there's talk of another Friday Night Lights movie, this one a sequel to the TV series.

"I'm in a great position now where I've got recognition. I'm not recognized too much. I think I'm recognized enough by the industry. (Friday Night Lights executive producer) Pete Berg said, 'No one knows who the hell you are, and you've been working for 20 years.'

"That doesn't bother me too much, as long as people in Hollywood know. I want to find material that piques my interest, keeps me outside the box and challenges me."

In person, Chandler is unfailingly well-mannered and unpretentious, if reserved and exceedingly private during an afternoon interview at the famous Salt Lick barbecue. A neighbor's daughter, he says, works here as a server.

But as far as his own kids go, he's loath to divulge much.

"We do what families do. I don't know what to say other than that. My daughter loves horses. My other daughter loves soccer. The one thing that we don't get enough of, what we're always trying to figure out how to get enough of, is just spending time together."

He has a dry, understated, blink-and-you-miss-it sense of humor. Ask Chandler about his Emmy nomination, his third, and he says he's honored and proud. But it sure would be nice to finally win: "Otherwise, I'm just a loser."

Rest assured that the real Chandler doesn't have his character's wisdom or clear-eyed insight. "If I was as beloved as Coach Taylor was … I'd be very beloved."

Nor is he eager to assume any real-life coaching duties. "I'm back to me again. I've had requests to do speeches for teams," he says. "Coach Taylor lives in Dillon. That's about 60 miles east of here. So they have to go find him."

Check out the link for video:

http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/story/2011-08-24/Kyle-Chandler-wont-sit-on-the-bench-for-long/50129556/1

Kyle Chandler Lends Support to Texas Wildlife Relief Fund

2011-08-24T08:08:00.000-07:00

ACTOR KYLE CHANDLER TO HELP RAISE FUNDS, AWARENESS FOR TEXAS VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS AS SPOKESPERSON FOR PSA CAMPAIGNS

Friday Night Lights, Super 8 Star Urges Texans to Support the Texas Wildfire Relief Fund, Become a Volunteer Firefighter

PRESS RELEASE: AUGUST 24, 2011 AUSTIN, TEXAS—

Actor Kyle Chandler, best known recently for his roles as Coach Eric Taylor in Friday Night Lights and Deputy Jackson Lamb in Super 8, will serve as spokesperson for two public service campaigns to help raise awareness and funds for Texas’ 1,400 volunteer fire departments.

“Kyle is stepping up in a big way to help raise funds and awareness for volunteer fire departments all across our state,” said Chris Barron, Executive Director of the State Firemen’s and Fire Marshals’ Association of Texas.

“We’re thrilled to have the added star power to draw additional attention to a critical cause.”

Chandler taped the PSAs in Austin this week: “We Care,” emphasizes the urgent funding and equipment needs of volunteer firefighters; and, “Become a Volunteer Firefighter” urges Texans to join first responders as volunteer firefighters in their local communities. “It’s an honor to support our volunteer firefighters,” Chandler said. “And, when Texans learn that more than 77 percent of fire departments in our state are staffed by volunteers, I hope they’ll join me in donating to the Texas Wildfire Relief Fund and also consider giving their time in service to their local volunteer fire department.”

The Texas Wildlife Relief Fund is a statewide non--profit that is working to raise funds and awareness about the ongoing crisis facing first responders battling wildfires across Texas. Eight--six percent of the state's volunteer firefighters use personal funds for their department's safety equipment and supply needs. As Texas struggles with one of the worst droughts and wildfire seasons in state history, these volunteer first responders and their limited budgets are stretched thin.

The PSA campaigns are scheduled to begin airing in Fall 2011. Follow SFFMA on Facebook (Fb.me/SFFMA) and Twitter (@sffma) for a sneak peek and behind the scenes look at the Kyle Chandler volunteer firefighter PSAs. Secure, tax--deductible online donations to the Texas Wildfire Relief Fund can be made by visiting, www.txwidlfirerelief.org.

Texans interested in service as a volunteer firefighter in their local community should visit the SFFMA website at www.sffma.org for more information.

See You on the Flip Side, FNLs

2011-08-23T12:31:00.000-07:00

Here is an excellent article on Friday Night Lights from ESPN, discussing Coach Taylor's big decision in the finale. Go to this link and scroll down to: Friday Night Lights.

http://espn.go.com/espn/page2/story/_/id/6883286/tmq-says-money-motivates-losing-cheap-paying-wins

Super 8 - Kyle Chandler: International Press Junket

2011-08-20T23:07:00.000-07:00

Emmy 2011: Why Kyle Chandler Embraces His Underdog Status

2011-08-17T20:49:00.000-07:00

The actor is nominated as outstanding lead actor in a drama series for the final season of "Friday Night Lights."

The ever-modest star of the departed DirecTV/NBC drama Friday Night Lights would never say it out loud. But to earn a first Emmy as a long shot for the final season of playing Coach Eric Taylor would be, for Kyle Chandler, the perfect FNL finale. In a chat with THR, the actor reflects on his big summer, lessons he learned filming FNL in Texas and how not being too famous suits him fine.

The Hollywood Reporter: You're coming off a huge summer with the Friday Night Lights finale, your role in Super 8 and now an Emmy nomination. You also seem incredibly humble. Are you able to bask in the limelight, even a little?

Kyle Chandler: (Laughs.) Well, I'm not sad about it. Super 8 was fantastic, it was great working with all those people. It was a very comfortable set and a very creative experience. I mean, come on, it was Steven Spielberg.

THR: You wrapped FNL in early 2010, so you've had more than a year to process the series coming to an end. How difficult was it to film the finale?

Chandler: It was bittersweet, obviously. Saying goodbye to the characters was like saying goodbye to good friends. I think it's similar to this: My brother works in psychology, with patients with split personalities, and what he tries to do is integrate those personalities so they slowly disappear. It felt like that with the final episode: We finally integrated to the point where the characters were gone, and now we're starting over and waiting for the next job. I liked Coach Taylor a lot -- I think he's a really cool guy. But he was just a little too Goody Two-shoes for me.

THR: What did you most take away from the show, in terms of its impact on your craft?

Chandler: That's very hard to answer. The most important part for me was being part of a group of people who all shared equally in the creative process. It was a complete, total learning experience that has totally changed what I strive to find in other projects. Luckily enough on Super 8, I ended up working with people who were very similar. I've been pretty damn fortunate the past few years, to say the least.

THR: How meaningful was it for FNL to have filmed in Austin, thousands of miles from the grind of Hollywood?

Chandler: I'll just say it's not always a negative thing to not have agents and publicists coming to the set every day. Not that that's a bad thing, but in a sense that kept us all feeling more like a real family.

THR: Is there a particular moment from filming the series that most sticks with you?

Chandler: Actually, one of the most exciting moments came in the very, very beginning, when we started the series after the pilot. [Producer] Pete Berg and all the actors were in a room together, and he laid out the rules on how we were going to be working. It was quite obvious that it was going to be something different from anything else I'd been involved with before.

THR: What were the rules?

Chandler: "Challenge the writing, challenge the producers, challenge the directors. Directors, challenge the actors, challenge the producers, challenge the writers. Writers, challenge the producers," etc. Everyone was given the order to challenge in an intelligent and collaborative way that really fired up people's imaginations. Pete was fantastic at turning us, for lack of a better term, into a team. No one was ever told "what to do" on the set; we were only told to do what we do best.

THR: Does it bother you that the show's consistently low ratings will forever be part of its legacy?

Chandler: Well, we all knew we were part of something special, so whenever people talked about the ratings, I'll tell you, I didn't give a damn about any of that. Of course, I just wanted the show to keep going. Selfishly, I've never had more fun working in my life, and I've never learned more. My job now is to take the lessons that I learned and share them with people in the next projects that I take on.

THR: It's almost as if you all graduated from Friday Night Lights Acting Academy.

Chandler: (Laughs.) Exactly. And it didn't hurt people, as you can see. Everyone from the cast is out there doing something really cool now -- Aimee Teegarden, Taylor Kitsch, Michael B. Jordan, Connie Britton and, of course, [showrunner] Jason Katims still has Parenthood. It's pretty awesome.

THR: Are you recognized in public more frequently these days?

Chandler: A little bit more, yeah, and people say things to me on the street more often. But I've been on the other side of that, too. You can pretend, "Oh, it's too difficult; oh, it's too much." But then it starts ending, and you have to bring up, "Oh, you know, I did that movie a couple years ago." It's a double-edged sword. That said, I can see where a high level of fame would easily be pain and anguish for people trying to raise a family. But I'm just not at that point. I'm not that famous, so there's a natural balance.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/emmys-2011-why-kyle-chandler-224562

FNLs: On the Page and on the Small Screen

2011-08-15T10:12:00.000-07:00

Just as Rick Perry has been haunting the announced Republican candidates in Iowa in preparation for his own entry into the campaign, Texas has been haunting me in the past week. Everywhere I look: Texas. I got through a marathon viewing of season four of Friday Night Lights only to discover that Netflix wasn't making season five available for instant viewing and the network was only making the final few episodes available on the net. Most of Mao's Last Dancer, a film I picked up earlier in the week, takes place in Houston. One of the books I have been reading, The Shooting Salvationist, deals with a true crime and trial in Midland and Austin; and the other which I have just finished in my Friday Night Lights binge is the H. G. Bissinger book on which the TV series was based. (Click the link below for the full article.)

http://blogcritics.org/culture/article/friday-night-lights-on-the-page/

12 Potentially Jawdropping Emmy Upsets

2011-08-13T22:16:00.000-07:00

"Friday Night Lights"

Could a show like "Friday Night Lights" win an Emmy as Best Drama Series for its final season, never having won the top prize before? It has only happened once before, with "Barney Miller" winning in 1982 after six consecutive losses (1976-1981) in the Best Comedy Series category. Unlike that situation, this is the first and last time "Friday Night Lights" is nodded in the top category. It has support from the actors branch with lead nods for both Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton, plus the writers branch with a bid for showrunner Jason Katims for the overall series finale, "Always." The show also received the Program of the Year award from the TV Critics Association this month. To win, it will have to upset the three-time reigning champ "Mad Men" and the recent Golden Globe and SAG ensemble winner "Boardwalk Empire."

http://www.goldderby.com/television/photos/127/1781/friday-night-lights.html

Emmys: Kyle Chandler Looks Back on Friday Night Lights

2011-08-12T19:17:00.000-07:00

A lot of drama did unfold around the weekly games, but its main focus was the tightly knit community off the football field. At the center stood Coach Eric Taylor and his wife, Tami, played by nominees Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton. Life in the fictional town of Dillon, Texas, was a struggle. Too many dreams were pinned on a team of boys and their talents. When those boys stumbled, Coach Taylor was there.

When looking back on the show and his role on it, Chandler is as open and gregarious as Coach Taylor was reserved. He occasionally slips into the present tense; even a year later, it’s not easy letting “Lights” go.

Read the interview here:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/awards/2011/08/emmy-contenders-kyle-chandler-.html

Coach Taylor's Hidden Farewell Speech

2011-08-12T11:07:00.000-07:00

It’s been exactly four weeks since Friday Night Lights sailed beautifully through the big goalposts in the sky, so here’s another excuse to moisten those tear ducts. As it turns out, the ending of the original script for the finale included a heartfelt farewell speech by Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler) that was to play over the moving montage that showed where our characters wound up eight months later. But when the producers reviewed that sequence during the editing process, “every one of those little moments was much more than what it felt like it was going to be in the script,” explains executive producer Jason Katims. “Because the images ran so long, it was hard for us to figure a graceful way to fit in the speech. Also, I just wanted to let the images stand for themselves…. I loved the speech and the way Kyle did it — and it was one of the things I was really looking forward to in the finale — but after looking at it both ways, I realized that the episode was stronger without it.”

Coach’s sentimental send-off may have been benched for the finale, but it was included on the season 5 DVD as an extra. Make that a well-hidden extra. To uncover it: Go to the menu screen for the finale, choose the “commentary off” button, click right, and select the small football that appears. For those of you with limited access to a DVD player, EW has made it extremely easy for you: Simply press play below. And if you find yourself getting too sad while listening to Coach sign off, just remember: We might see ‘em all again on the big screen!

Click this link, and scroll down to hear it:

http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/08/12/friday-night-lights-farewell-speech/