Dallas celebrates 2nd season pickup with July 4 marathon, Braves Dogs come home

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Even as an oily octogenarian, J.R. Ewing can lasso TV ratings. Only three weeks into the reboot of former 1970s, 1980s and 1990s CBS primetime sudser’s run on Atlanta-based TNT, the basic cable network has green lit a 15-episode second season of the show slated to air in the summer of 2013. In an email to media, TNT’s head of programming Michael Wright says, “’Dallas’ has been a success for us on every level: pitch-perfect writing, smart directing and buzz-worthy performances by a new generation of stars and their iconic counterparts. With ‘Dallas’’ top-flight ratings, robust growth through time-shifted viewing and the extensive online buzz, it’s clear the Ewings of Southfork have once again captured the imagination of viewers.” Since we’re fluent in TV network suitspeak, we’ll translate: Our key demos of 18 to 49 and 25 to 54 year olds are tuning in, DVR-ing the show and it’s trending on Twitter.

To celebrate the occasion today, TNT will host a special July 4 Southfork Ewing Barbecue marathon of all four previously aired episodes starting at 5 p.m., all leading up to a new episode at 9 p.m. for those who need to get catch up with all the bickering and back stabbing (our personal fave scene thus far involves J.R. sneaking his way into Sue Ellen’s Cattle Baron’s Ball American Cancer Society benefit via walker. . .). If you missed our exclusive interview with J.R.’s impish portrayer Larry Hagman and his new TV son Josh Henderson, you can read it here.

 SPOTTED!

Celebrity chef and co-host of Bravo’s  “Around the World in 80 Plates” Cat Cora enjoying a glass of white wine and noshing on crispy calamari topped with sesame salt served up with sweet chili dipping sauce at Whiskey Blue at the W hotel in Buckhead.

 BRAVES DOGS DEBUT AT PUBLIX

Did Tuesday night’s flash flood keep you away from Turner Field as the Braves beat the Cubs 10 to 3? Now if you crave the taste of a stadium hot dog but lack the incentive to ford a stream to get downtown, you can reach into your fridge. Thanks to a deal with National Deli, more than 200 Publix locations in Atlanta are now stocking Braves Dogs for baseball fans to grill up at home just in time for holiday cookouts today? While National Deli reps failed to disclose the actual price on a pack of Braves Dogs, it’s relatively safe to assume they cost less than the mortgage payment Turner Field requests from fans.

In other Braves news, on Tuesday night we were informed third baseman Chipper Jones has been tapped by 2012 National League All-Star manager Tony La Russa to replace Los Angeles Dodger Matt Kemp on the N.L.’s active roster for the 83rd All-Star Game set for July 10. While fans voted Kemp into the game, he’s been on the disabled list since May with a left hamstring strain. Jones told WSB-TV Action News this week he would be honored as always to play in the game in his final season but was secretly hoping for the All-Star break off. We can only assume La Russa saw Jones light up  The Ted Tuesday night with those five hits. . .

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