Tuning In

’Break’ back Sept. 1

Following “Prison Break’s” truncated third season — caused by the prolonged entertainment industry strike by the Writers Guild of America — the fourth season of Fox’s action drama is set to launch Sept. 1 with a two-hour premiere, Mediaweek.com reports.

Because of the writers strike, “Prison Break” aired just 13 episodes last season, with its midcycle cliffhanger serving as a season finale of sorts. Although the fourth season originally was to pick up where that adventure left off, executive producer Matt Olmstead told Mediaweek that the season premiere will jump ahead in its story line while trying to tie up last season’s loose ends.

Also, perhaps because of the strike, and without the benefit of “24” serving as its lead-out, “Prison Break” suffered double-digit ratings declines last season, averaging less than 7 million viewers, Mediaweek says.

ABC eyeing ’Eastwick’

“The Witches of Eastwick” is casting a new spell at ABC.

The alphabet network gave a pilot order to a new version of the supernatural tale, to be penned by Maggie Friedman (“Dawson’s Creek”) Variety.com reports. The new “Witches” is said to be a variation on the 1987 film of the same name.

The movie, which starred Jack Nicholson, Cher, Susan Sarandon and Michelle Pfeiffer, was based on the John Updike novel about three women who turn to witchcraft after losing (or booting) the men in their lives. They conjure up a devillike character who proceeds to seduce all three of them. The feature ultimately grossed $64 million.

Warner Bros. TV has been looking to create a small-screen version of the franchise for years. In 1992, scribes Carlton Cuse and Jeffrey Boam were behind a “Witches of Eastwick” pilot for NBC. That version starred Catherine Mary Stewart, Julia Campbell, Ally Walker and Michael Siberry.

Fox developed a different version, also with Warner Bros. TV, in 2002. “Eastwick” focused on the teenage sons of the original witches. Lori Loughlin, Marcia Cross and Kelly Rutherford starred.

“The Witches of Eastwick” also was adapted into a musical, first in the United Kingdom by Cameron Mackintosh and last year in the United States at Signature Theatre in Arlington. The lyrics and book were adapted by John Dempsey, with music by Dana Rowe.

’Meow Mix’ for Woolery

It may be a dog-eat-dog world, but Chuck Woolery is the cat’s meow — literally.

The familiar host of several game shows (including “The Love Connection” and an updated version of “The Dating Game”) has been tapped to emcee “The Meow Mix Game Show,” a cat-centered competition that will air on cable’s GSN Nov. 15.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the half-hour program, in which cats and humans compete for the chance to win $1 million and earn $100,000 for their local feline-related charity, will put a twist on classic game shows like “The Newlywed Game” and “Jeopardy!”

Owners will be quizzed on general feline knowledge, covering such categories as nutrition, behavior, anatomy and the role of cats in pop culture, as well as interactive challenges where cats and humans must work together to be successful, THR says.

Mr. Woolery, 67, says this represents a first for him.

“In my game show career, I’ve worked with TV stars, film stars, sports figures, legendary musicians and many other contestants,” he says. “Now I’m thrilled to be working with my furry friends — cats. It’s a first for me, and I’m delighted to be partnering with Meow Mix and GSN.”

Weekend highlights

Friday

The Truth With Jeff Johnson (11 p.m., BET) — Political and social commentator Jeff Johnson (“Rap City,” “The Cousin Jeff Chronicles”) kicks off his new self-titled series examining current events and newsmakers.

Saturday

Elvis: Viva Las Vegas (8 p.m. Country Music Television) — On the 31st anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death, Elizabeth Vargas hosts this two-hour special, which will incorporate rarely seen footage of Elvis performing in Sin City, revealing interviews with those closest to him and special performances from some of today’s top recording stars singing Elvis’ Vegas classics. Among those taking center stage: Toby Keith and Aerosmith’s Joe Perry performing “Mystery Train,” Faith Hill with the gospel classic “Peace in the Valley,” Chris Isaak and Brandi Carlile teaming on “Love Me Tender,” Oscar winners Three 6 Mafia with “In the Ghetto,” “American Idol” finalist Chris Daughtry singing “Suspicious Minds” and superstar Celine Dion delivering “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”

Sunday

Bridezillas (9 p.m., We TV) — On the night before their wedding, one couple get into a nasty fight that may derail their nuptials. Meanwhile, another bride tells her fiance that he won’t be allowed to have his own friends after they are married.

• Compiled by Robyn-Denise Yourse from staff, Web and wire reports