In a Manhattan courtroom today, a lawyer for Robert Joel “Joe” Halderman — the man accused of trying to extort David Letterman for $2 million over the talk show host’s sexual relations with staffers  — said he was seeking dismissal of the indictment brought against the former CBS producer. A lawyer for Halderman told reporters, “There was no extortion. This was a commercial transaction, nothing more. [Letterman's] celebrity is why we are here today.” Letterman’s lawyer, on the other hand, also told reporters, “Mr. Letterman is fully prepared to see this through to the end — including testifying at trial.”

The next hearing is set for Jan. 19. Prosecutors must file their response to Halderman by Dec. 15. Halderman pleaded not guilty in October. Letterman’s lawyer did not immediately respond to EW’s calls for comment.

The Nielsen Company has found that television watching is at an all-time high in the U.S. According to Nielsen, “Americans spent four hours and 49 minutes a day on average in front of the TV,” during the 2008-2009 television season. That number is up four minutes from the 2007-2008 season, and 20 percent higher than numbers from a decade ago. Also a new record: The average amount of time a household took in television (eight hours and 21 minutes a day).

ABC is no longer planning to premiere the Kathy Griffin-hosted reality competition Let’s Dance on Nov. 23, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The show was to feature celebrity teams reenacting famous dance routines, but ran into casting difficulties. The network will air Find My Family, which reunites long-lost relatives, in its place.

The suspect in the David Letterman extortion case will ask the court to drop the case, the AP reports. The lawyer for TV news producer Robert J. Halderman, who’s due in New York City court today, will ask that the first-degree grand larceny charge be dismissed. Attorney Gerald Shargel plans to challenge the grand jury evidence that led to his arrest on charges that he blackmailed the late-night host for $2 million, which prompted Letterman to publicly acknowledge affairs he’s had with staffers.

Donald Trump will reunite with of the most famous contestants from The Apprentice — Omarosa Maingault-Stallworth. According to Variety, Trump Productions and Juma Entertainment will produce Omarosa’s Ultimate Merger for cable network TV One. The reality show will follow her choosing a mate from 12 eligible bachelors. Trump, who will appear on camera offering her advice, told Variety: “Omarosa is smart, witty and difficult, but all of those qualities will make for some very interesting entertainment.”