Exclusive: Jax Media, an Imagine Entertainment company, is shutting down its development operations. I hear the announcement was made during a staff meeting yesterday. Moving forward, all development will be consolidated and run through Imagine Television. Jax’s development team will wind down by year’s end when its executives, led by Jax Head of TV Dave Binegar, who joined a year ago, and UK Creative Director Katie Gahamire, who came on board in April, will depart.
The move signals Jax reverting to its original core business as a production services company. That will continue under new head of production Yolanda T. Cochran who was just hired for the role, replacing Jake Fuller who stepped down to focus on independent production, mostly sports-related.
Also staying on are Hussain Casey-Ahmed, who joined in April and runs production in the UK, as well as John Nemeth and Morgan Howard, who oversee production in New York.
The move signals Jax reverting to its original core business as a production services company. That will continue under new head of production Yolanda T. Cochran who was just hired for the role, replacing Jake Fuller who stepped down to focus on independent production, mostly sports-related.
Also staying on are Hussain Casey-Ahmed, who joined in April and runs production in the UK, as well as John Nemeth and Morgan Howard, who oversee production in New York.
- 10/8/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
With the exception of a few soap operas and public affairs programs, no TV show has been on the air longer than NBC’s Saturday Night Live, which will embark on its 50th season Sept. 28. And as we approach the 76th Emmys, which will take place just a few weeks before that, it is the most celebrated show in the history of that event. Indeed, SNL holds the records for most Emmy nominations with 341 (Game of Thrones is second with 159) and wins with 89 (GoT is second with 59). And Lorne Michaels, its creator and overseer for all but five of its seasons, holds the record for most Emmy noms for an individual with 106 (Sheila Nevins is second with 77) and has racked up the second most wins for an individual with 21 (behind only Nevins’ 31).
Given that history, it may be hard to feel sorry for SNL and Michaels when it comes to the Emmys — but this year,...
Given that history, it may be hard to feel sorry for SNL and Michaels when it comes to the Emmys — but this year,...
- 8/21/2024
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lauren Paget has been named senior vice president of Littleton Road Productions, headed by “Dr. Death” and “The Girl From Plainville” writer Patrick Macmanus and producing partner Kelly Funke.
Most recently vice president of original programming at Warner Bros. Discovery, Paget will now oversee day-to-day development responsibilities at Littleton Road Productions (which is currently under an overall deal with Universal Studio Group’s UCP) and help build out the banner’s prolific roster of TV projects. She will lead new series development and support the current slate, including upcoming limited series “Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy” for Peacock.
During her tenure at Wbd, Paget worked on creative development and management of programming for TBS, TNT and truTV, including “Full Frontal With Samantha Bee,” “Miracle Workers: Dark Ages” and “Miracle Workers: End Times,” “Final Space” and “Chad.”
Previously, Paget held roles at Amblin Entertainment, Assembly Entertainment, Shine America and WME.
Most recently vice president of original programming at Warner Bros. Discovery, Paget will now oversee day-to-day development responsibilities at Littleton Road Productions (which is currently under an overall deal with Universal Studio Group’s UCP) and help build out the banner’s prolific roster of TV projects. She will lead new series development and support the current slate, including upcoming limited series “Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy” for Peacock.
During her tenure at Wbd, Paget worked on creative development and management of programming for TBS, TNT and truTV, including “Full Frontal With Samantha Bee,” “Miracle Workers: Dark Ages” and “Miracle Workers: End Times,” “Final Space” and “Chad.”
Previously, Paget held roles at Amblin Entertainment, Assembly Entertainment, Shine America and WME.
- 6/3/2024
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Toronto’s Hot Docs, North America’s largest documentary festival, has unveiled the full lineup of films that will screen in its Special Presentations program. The festival runs April 25 to May 5.
World premieres include “Red Fever,” which sees Cree filmmaker Neil Diamond travel to the four corners of Turtle Island and across Europe to explore the world’s fascination with Native Americans; “American Cats: The Good, the Bad, and the Cuddly,” in which “Full Frontal With Samantha Bee” correspondent Amy Hoggart explores the controversial practice of declawing cats; “The Ride Ahead,” an expansion of co-director Samuel Habib’s short film “My Disability Roadmap” (which got an Honorable Mention in the International Shorts section of Hot Docs in 2022), exploring a typical 21-year-old itching to move out, start a career and find love—all while navigating life with a disability; “Lost in the Shuffle,” which follows world champion magician Shawn Farquhar as...
World premieres include “Red Fever,” which sees Cree filmmaker Neil Diamond travel to the four corners of Turtle Island and across Europe to explore the world’s fascination with Native Americans; “American Cats: The Good, the Bad, and the Cuddly,” in which “Full Frontal With Samantha Bee” correspondent Amy Hoggart explores the controversial practice of declawing cats; “The Ride Ahead,” an expansion of co-director Samuel Habib’s short film “My Disability Roadmap” (which got an Honorable Mention in the International Shorts section of Hot Docs in 2022), exploring a typical 21-year-old itching to move out, start a career and find love—all while navigating life with a disability; “Lost in the Shuffle,” which follows world champion magician Shawn Farquhar as...
- 3/12/2024
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Hannah Einbinder was moved to tears. Nick Thune was moved to sing. John Leguizamo shared hard truths. Samantha Bee rallied the crowd on behalf of womens rights. And everyone who took part in Variety’s Power of Comedy Awards on Friday made fun of the awards themselves, now in their second year at SXSW in Austin, Texas.
“Nothing is more show business-y than an award that says ‘We love that you’re here’ two years after network executives have said ‘We need you to be gone,’ ” Bee told the packed house at the famed Acl Theater, a nod to the demise in 2022 of her TBS series “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee.”
Bee, who was honored by presenter Brooke Shields with the Comedy Innovator award for being one of very few women to host a late-night comedy series, noted that the event coincided with International Woman’s Day.
“There’s no...
“Nothing is more show business-y than an award that says ‘We love that you’re here’ two years after network executives have said ‘We need you to be gone,’ ” Bee told the packed house at the famed Acl Theater, a nod to the demise in 2022 of her TBS series “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee.”
Bee, who was honored by presenter Brooke Shields with the Comedy Innovator award for being one of very few women to host a late-night comedy series, noted that the event coincided with International Woman’s Day.
“There’s no...
- 3/9/2024
- by Cynthia Littleton and Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
The American Film Institute (AFI) has officially announced the eight filmmakers for the upcoming AFI Dww+ Class of 2025 program, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the program. IndieWire announces it here.
The AFI Dww+ is a year-long directing program that supports women and traditionally underrepresented narrative filmmakers through the production cycle of a short film, providing hands-on instruction led by industry experts. The short films completed in the workshop will premiere at the annual Dww+ Showcase in Spring 2025.
AFI Dww alum Hanelle M. Culpepper, who made history helming the “Star Trek: Picard” pilot and recently directed a block of episodes for “Star Wars: The Acolyte,” is this year’s AFI Dww+ Guest Artistic Director. Culpepper will oversee and direct the artistic curriculum and serve as a mentor for the Dww+ participants through their production cycle and the industry showcase, and act as an ambassador on behalf of the program.
“I remember...
The AFI Dww+ is a year-long directing program that supports women and traditionally underrepresented narrative filmmakers through the production cycle of a short film, providing hands-on instruction led by industry experts. The short films completed in the workshop will premiere at the annual Dww+ Showcase in Spring 2025.
AFI Dww alum Hanelle M. Culpepper, who made history helming the “Star Trek: Picard” pilot and recently directed a block of episodes for “Star Wars: The Acolyte,” is this year’s AFI Dww+ Guest Artistic Director. Culpepper will oversee and direct the artistic curriculum and serve as a mentor for the Dww+ participants through their production cycle and the industry showcase, and act as an ambassador on behalf of the program.
“I remember...
- 1/22/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
To the average person, the New Yorker’s expose on Hasan Minhaj’s fabrications in his stand-up routine may be shocking. But three former “Daily Show” staffers who spoke exclusively with TheWrap said they were not surprised.
“There was always this suspicion that maybe this guy’s full of s–t. Maybe he’s exaggerating,” one former staffer told TheWrap, noting that Minhaj’s stories in his stand-up always seemed “too perfectly set up.”
The admissions by Minhaj that several incident of racism didn’t happen to him, or didn’t happen the way he recounted, should disqualify him to host the Comedy Central news-comedy show, they said.
“It’s extremely dangerous to cry wolf on racism, especially if you want to be the host of a very influential, politically-driven show,” a former “Daily Show” staffer said.
“I don’t know how [his staff] can take him seriously on day one when...
“There was always this suspicion that maybe this guy’s full of s–t. Maybe he’s exaggerating,” one former staffer told TheWrap, noting that Minhaj’s stories in his stand-up always seemed “too perfectly set up.”
The admissions by Minhaj that several incident of racism didn’t happen to him, or didn’t happen the way he recounted, should disqualify him to host the Comedy Central news-comedy show, they said.
“It’s extremely dangerous to cry wolf on racism, especially if you want to be the host of a very influential, politically-driven show,” a former “Daily Show” staffer said.
“I don’t know how [his staff] can take him seriously on day one when...
- 9/26/2023
- by Kayla Cobb
- The Wrap
Following its surprise 2022 Emmy win for Best Variety Series Directing, “A Black Lady Sketch Show” is out of the running for the same prize this year, leaving an opportunity for “Saturday Night Live” to bounce back and achieve its 12th victory in the category. It does, however, face several formidable challengers, including “The Problem with Jon Stewart,” the host of which once starred on “The Daily Show,” which notably halted a “Saturday Night Live” success streak in 2015.
“Saturday Night Live” is the only former winner in this directing lineup, while “The Problem with Jon Stewart” stands as the only new nominee. The three other returning contenders are “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,” and “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” which have now amassed a collective total of 18 mentions in this category.
In order to determine how reasonably “Saturday Night Live” can be expected to kick off a new winning streak,...
“Saturday Night Live” is the only former winner in this directing lineup, while “The Problem with Jon Stewart” stands as the only new nominee. The three other returning contenders are “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,” and “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” which have now amassed a collective total of 18 mentions in this category.
In order to determine how reasonably “Saturday Night Live” can be expected to kick off a new winning streak,...
- 9/6/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Patrick Somerville, creator of the HBO series “Station Eleven” and the Netflix show “Maniac,” was among a slew of Hollywood writers to weigh in late Monday after the Writers Guild of America went on strike, saying the union’s negotiating points firmly lined up with reason — and the studios knew it.
“We’re going to do this because our guild is strong enough to do it,” said Somerville, who had changed his Twitter ID to “Strikerick Somverville” in an apparent writerly flourish. “The ask is level-headed, and even they know that we’re right. Collective action is the one place they can’t win.”
We’re going to do this because our guild is strong enough to do it. The ask is level-headed, and even they know that we’re right. Collective action is the one place they can’t win. https://t.co/E8Zy6TIlVO
— Strikerick Somerville (@patrickerville...
“We’re going to do this because our guild is strong enough to do it,” said Somerville, who had changed his Twitter ID to “Strikerick Somverville” in an apparent writerly flourish. “The ask is level-headed, and even they know that we’re right. Collective action is the one place they can’t win.”
We’re going to do this because our guild is strong enough to do it. The ask is level-headed, and even they know that we’re right. Collective action is the one place they can’t win. https://t.co/E8Zy6TIlVO
— Strikerick Somerville (@patrickerville...
- 5/2/2023
- by Jeremy Bailey
- The Wrap
It’s now been 26 years since Sigourney Weaver last played the role of Ellen Ripley in Alien Resurrection (1997), which was of course the fourth time Weaver’s Ripley battled Xenomorphs up on the big screen. Legacy sequels are all the rage for popular franchises at the moment, but will we ever see Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley again? Don’t count on it, she says.
“There are all kinds of younger actors taking this kind of role. And there was an Alien [film] that I really wanted to do with Neill Blomkamp and we didn’t get to do that, but, you know, that ship has sailed,” Weaver tells Total Film this week.
The actress adds, “I’m very happy doing what I’m doing. I put in my time in space!”
The Blomkamp project would’ve been a sequel to James Cameron’s Aliens that would’ve brought back Ellen Ripley.
“There are all kinds of younger actors taking this kind of role. And there was an Alien [film] that I really wanted to do with Neill Blomkamp and we didn’t get to do that, but, you know, that ship has sailed,” Weaver tells Total Film this week.
The actress adds, “I’m very happy doing what I’m doing. I put in my time in space!”
The Blomkamp project would’ve been a sequel to James Cameron’s Aliens that would’ve brought back Ellen Ripley.
- 4/27/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Showtime has canceled Ziwe’s self-titled variety show after two seasons, sources close to the show told TheWrap on Wednesday.
After “Desus & Mero” ended last year, it was the last remaining late-night series on the cabler.
It was also one of the few talk shows hosted by a woman after Comedy Central pulled the plug on “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee” in July 2022 after seven seasons.
Also Read:
‘Ziwe’ Season 2 Trailer: Chet Hanks, Emily Ratajkowski and Ilana Glazer Face the Apology Cam (Video)
“Ziwe” was produced by A24 for Showtime. Ziwe, Jamund Washington, Jo Firestone and Hunter Speese also served as executive producers.
The comedian rose to fame with her YouTube comedy “Baited with Ziwe,” and was a writer on “Desus & Mero” from 2018 to 2020. She also co-hosted Crooked Media’s Hysteria podcast and voiced Kamala Harris on Showtime’s animated series “Our Cartoon President.”
Also Read:
‘Someday It...
After “Desus & Mero” ended last year, it was the last remaining late-night series on the cabler.
It was also one of the few talk shows hosted by a woman after Comedy Central pulled the plug on “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee” in July 2022 after seven seasons.
Also Read:
‘Ziwe’ Season 2 Trailer: Chet Hanks, Emily Ratajkowski and Ilana Glazer Face the Apology Cam (Video)
“Ziwe” was produced by A24 for Showtime. Ziwe, Jamund Washington, Jo Firestone and Hunter Speese also served as executive producers.
The comedian rose to fame with her YouTube comedy “Baited with Ziwe,” and was a writer on “Desus & Mero” from 2018 to 2020. She also co-hosted Crooked Media’s Hysteria podcast and voiced Kamala Harris on Showtime’s animated series “Our Cartoon President.”
Also Read:
‘Someday It...
- 4/5/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Emmy nominee Razan Ghalayini has joined Alex Gibney’s Jigsaw Productions as vice president of non-fiction development.
The executive will be responsible for managing Jigsaw’s non-fiction slate of projects and will drive sales efforts alongside scripted and audio divisions.
“I am thrilled to welcome Razan to Jigsaw. I have long been an admirer of her work. And I am in awe of her infectious enthusiasm and her ability to find, develop and produce stories that are powerful, vitally relevant to our present moment and hugely entertaining,” said Gibney, president of Jigsaw.
Prior to joining the team, Ghalayini served as a co-executive producer of “Full Frontal With Samantha Bee,” where she directed and produced over 70 segments across 10 countries. Before late night, she co-produced feature documentaries including the HBO film “Homegrown: The Counter-Terror Dilemma” and “We Are the Giant,” about the activists leading the Arab Spring. Additionally, she directed “Entrapped,” a...
The executive will be responsible for managing Jigsaw’s non-fiction slate of projects and will drive sales efforts alongside scripted and audio divisions.
“I am thrilled to welcome Razan to Jigsaw. I have long been an admirer of her work. And I am in awe of her infectious enthusiasm and her ability to find, develop and produce stories that are powerful, vitally relevant to our present moment and hugely entertaining,” said Gibney, president of Jigsaw.
Prior to joining the team, Ghalayini served as a co-executive producer of “Full Frontal With Samantha Bee,” where she directed and produced over 70 segments across 10 countries. Before late night, she co-produced feature documentaries including the HBO film “Homegrown: The Counter-Terror Dilemma” and “We Are the Giant,” about the activists leading the Arab Spring. Additionally, she directed “Entrapped,” a...
- 2/28/2023
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
The showrunners of “Tuca & Bertie,” “Gordita Chronicles” and “Whistleblower” have rallied together under WGA West to call out the ways in which they believe the merger that created Warner Bros. Discovery led to the abrupt cancellations of their series.
The comments came in a new “Broken Promises Bulletin” — an addendum to a December 2021 report on the harm of mega-mergers — published Monday by the Writers Guild of America West, titled “How the Warner Bros. Discovery Merger Hurts Workers and Diversity.”
“The casualties of this mega-merger include numerous projects created by, featuring and/or centering the experiences of women and people of color,” the post states, citing multiple titles that have been scrapped by the David Zaslav-led company since the April 2022 close of the merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery, “including ‘Batgirl,’ one of very few mainstream superhero films to feature a Latina lead actress; ‘Full Frontal With Samantha Bee,’ one...
The comments came in a new “Broken Promises Bulletin” — an addendum to a December 2021 report on the harm of mega-mergers — published Monday by the Writers Guild of America West, titled “How the Warner Bros. Discovery Merger Hurts Workers and Diversity.”
“The casualties of this mega-merger include numerous projects created by, featuring and/or centering the experiences of women and people of color,” the post states, citing multiple titles that have been scrapped by the David Zaslav-led company since the April 2022 close of the merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery, “including ‘Batgirl,’ one of very few mainstream superhero films to feature a Latina lead actress; ‘Full Frontal With Samantha Bee,’ one...
- 1/30/2023
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
As he prepares to celebrate two decades in late night, Jimmy Kimmel has agreed to stick around for at least three more years. Kimmel announced on Tuesday that he would continue his run as host of ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” through the show’s 23rd season, extending his contract — which was set to expire in the next year.
Kimmel has fronted “Jimmy Kimmel Live” as host and executive producer since 2003. “After two decades at ABC, I am now looking forward to three years of what they call ‘quiet quitting,’” he quipped in a statement.
News comes as Kimmel prepares to return to Brooklyn next week for the show’s sixth visit to the borough. This marks the first time “Jimmy Kimmel Live” has been back in New York since 2019. The late night talk show will once again tape in front of a live studio audience at the Brooklyn Academy...
Kimmel has fronted “Jimmy Kimmel Live” as host and executive producer since 2003. “After two decades at ABC, I am now looking forward to three years of what they call ‘quiet quitting,’” he quipped in a statement.
News comes as Kimmel prepares to return to Brooklyn next week for the show’s sixth visit to the borough. This marks the first time “Jimmy Kimmel Live” has been back in New York since 2019. The late night talk show will once again tape in front of a live studio audience at the Brooklyn Academy...
- 9/20/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
HBO’s “Euphoria” and “The White Lotus,” as well as Netflix’s “Stranger Things,” lead the early Emmy tally heading toward TV’s big night: All three series landed five trophies during the Creative Arts Emmys, dispensed on two consecutive nights over Labor Day weekend, and are in the hunt for more high-profile prizes Sept. 12 when the 74th annual Primetime Emmy ceremony gets underway on NBC.
Variety special “Adele: One Night Only” and docuseries “The Beatles: Get Back” also scored five trophies, though they won’t figure in the Primetime Emmy ceremony. Those wins, along with the Super Bowl Lvi Halftime Show’s victory for variety special (live), led some to quip that the Creative Arts Emmys felt more like the Grammys.
Also notable: Former president Barack Obama landed his first Emmy win, as narrator (for “Our Great National Parks”), while Netflix became the first streamer to take the animated program Emmy,...
Variety special “Adele: One Night Only” and docuseries “The Beatles: Get Back” also scored five trophies, though they won’t figure in the Primetime Emmy ceremony. Those wins, along with the Super Bowl Lvi Halftime Show’s victory for variety special (live), led some to quip that the Creative Arts Emmys felt more like the Grammys.
Also notable: Former president Barack Obama landed his first Emmy win, as narrator (for “Our Great National Parks”), while Netflix became the first streamer to take the animated program Emmy,...
- 9/7/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Trevor Noah isn’t overly concerned by the fact that the amount of women in late night is as dwindling as ever. In the host’s eyes, the time slot doesn’t really matter when it comes to content from different voices; what matters is the platform.
In an interview with Et Canada posted this week, Noah was asked about the future of late night — and particularly the diversity of it — considering the fact that female hosts like Lily Singh and Samantha Bee both got their shows canceled. And while Noah was sad to see that happen, he noted that their voices aren’t totally “gone.”
“I don’t know that diverse voices are gone, you know?” he said. “Lily is creating more shows, she’s got development deals, you know, she’s still huge on YouTube.”
At that, Noah added that he’s often surprised when online content creators...
In an interview with Et Canada posted this week, Noah was asked about the future of late night — and particularly the diversity of it — considering the fact that female hosts like Lily Singh and Samantha Bee both got their shows canceled. And while Noah was sad to see that happen, he noted that their voices aren’t totally “gone.”
“I don’t know that diverse voices are gone, you know?” he said. “Lily is creating more shows, she’s got development deals, you know, she’s still huge on YouTube.”
At that, Noah added that he’s often surprised when online content creators...
- 9/6/2022
- by Andi Ortiz
- The Wrap
The “Full Frontal With Samantha Bee” was able to celebrate one last time at night one of the Creative Arts Emmys on Sunday, when “Full Frontal With Samantha Bee Presents: Once Upon A Time In Late Night” won for outstanding short form nonfiction or reality series. The short was nominated against “Between The Scenes – The Daily Show,” “RuPaul’s Drag Race Whatcha Packin’ With Michelle Visage,” “Saturday Night Live Presents: Stories From The Show” and “Top Chef: Last Chance Kitchen.”
On stage, executive producer Allana Harkin and producer Caroline Dunphy joked that they already felt like winners when Ted Cruz celebrated the cancellation of the TBS show. The news broke in July that the late-night series was cut from the lineup in the wake of the changes being made at Warner Bros. Discover.
Backstage, the producers spoke to Variety about Bee’s impact and the series’ end.
“It’s bittersweet,...
On stage, executive producer Allana Harkin and producer Caroline Dunphy joked that they already felt like winners when Ted Cruz celebrated the cancellation of the TBS show. The news broke in July that the late-night series was cut from the lineup in the wake of the changes being made at Warner Bros. Discover.
Backstage, the producers spoke to Variety about Bee’s impact and the series’ end.
“It’s bittersweet,...
- 9/4/2022
- by Emily Longeretta
- Variety Film + TV
The Emmys sure looked a lot like the Grammys on Saturday night. The Beatles, Adele, Lizzo and the Super Bowl halftime show were some of the biggest winners at night one of the Creative Arts Emmys, where music took center stage.
Ironically, the Grammy Awards itself didn’t win a major award, but music specials were big winners in key categories including outstanding documentary or nonfiction series, which “The Beatles: Get Back” won. It’s been a while since John, Paul, George and Ringo were thanked at an awards show as much as they were on Saturday night, but the Disney+ series won five Emmys overall — the most of the night, tied with CBS’ “Adele: One Night Only.”
“Adele” was named variety special (pre-recorded). Other big music winners included “Pepsi Super Bowl Lvi Halftime Show Starring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar and 50 Cent” with three wins,...
Ironically, the Grammy Awards itself didn’t win a major award, but music specials were big winners in key categories including outstanding documentary or nonfiction series, which “The Beatles: Get Back” won. It’s been a while since John, Paul, George and Ringo were thanked at an awards show as much as they were on Saturday night, but the Disney+ series won five Emmys overall — the most of the night, tied with CBS’ “Adele: One Night Only.”
“Adele” was named variety special (pre-recorded). Other big music winners included “Pepsi Super Bowl Lvi Halftime Show Starring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar and 50 Cent” with three wins,...
- 9/4/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Samantha Bee has lined up her first post “Full Frontal” project: She and former CNN anchor Soledad O’Brien are creating a comedic docuseries about the crisis in women’s healthcare in the U.S., O’Brien confirmed to TheWrap on Monday.
Bee, whose TBS series was cancelled in June after seven seasons, devoted several segments to abortion rights on “Full Frontal.” O’Brien has produced and hosted CNN documentaries such as “Black in America,” which touched on the fact that Black women in America are three times more likely to die due to pregnancy complications than white women.
According to Deadline, which first reported the story, Bee’s Swimsuit Competition and O’Brien’s Sob Productions were already developing the series when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. In the far-reaching wake of the historic judicial decision, the two decided to also host. The still untitled series will be...
Bee, whose TBS series was cancelled in June after seven seasons, devoted several segments to abortion rights on “Full Frontal.” O’Brien has produced and hosted CNN documentaries such as “Black in America,” which touched on the fact that Black women in America are three times more likely to die due to pregnancy complications than white women.
According to Deadline, which first reported the story, Bee’s Swimsuit Competition and O’Brien’s Sob Productions were already developing the series when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. In the far-reaching wake of the historic judicial decision, the two decided to also host. The still untitled series will be...
- 8/22/2022
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
As the number of major late-night shows continue to shrink, so does the Television Academy’s window to figure out how to handle the variety talk and variety sketch categories. After the org faced massive blowback in 2020 when it attempted to re-merge talk and sketch (reversing that plan after producers cried foul), it has resisted making any more changes. But given the monumental shift going on in the genre, the Academy will have no choice but map out new rules for 2023.
The recent, tremendously disappointing news that “Desus & Mero” and “Full Frontal With Samantha Bee” — two of the few late-night shows not hosted by middle-aged white dudes — have officially ended, further shrinks next year’s Emmy submission pool. Technically, “Full Frontal” can compete for next year’s trophies due to the fact four episodes aired in June, but the odds are probably not in her favor: “Conan” did not...
The recent, tremendously disappointing news that “Desus & Mero” and “Full Frontal With Samantha Bee” — two of the few late-night shows not hosted by middle-aged white dudes — have officially ended, further shrinks next year’s Emmy submission pool. Technically, “Full Frontal” can compete for next year’s trophies due to the fact four episodes aired in June, but the odds are probably not in her favor: “Conan” did not...
- 8/10/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Just how much content has Warner Bros. Discovery axed since the WarnerMedia merger just a few months ago? 825 million worth.
The company disclosed in a regulatory filing Friday that it has taken a 825 million write-down on content following the deal. That figure includes a 496 million impairment on content, as well as content development write-offs of 329 million.
“Content impairments and development write-offs resulted from a global strategic review of content following the Merger,” the company wrote in the filing.
The impairment and write-off figures were spread across the company’s studios business (which includes the film and TV studios), its networks business (which includes the linear TV networks), and its Dtc business, which includes streaming services like HBO Max and Discovery+. The content impairments involved programs that had already been produced or were in production, and the development write-offs were for content that was still in development.
Just how much content has Warner Bros. Discovery axed since the WarnerMedia merger just a few months ago? 825 million worth.
The company disclosed in a regulatory filing Friday that it has taken a 825 million write-down on content following the deal. That figure includes a 496 million impairment on content, as well as content development write-offs of 329 million.
“Content impairments and development write-offs resulted from a global strategic review of content following the Merger,” the company wrote in the filing.
The impairment and write-off figures were spread across the company’s studios business (which includes the film and TV studios), its networks business (which includes the linear TV networks), and its Dtc business, which includes streaming services like HBO Max and Discovery+. The content impairments involved programs that had already been produced or were in production, and the development write-offs were for content that was still in development.
- 8/5/2022
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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When Full Frontal launched on TBS in 2016, host Samantha Bee’s publicity tour was dogged by questions about her show signifying a shift in the late night comedy space — a space dominated by white men named Jimmy.
It was a media obsession that she tweaked in the premiere, which began with faux reporters peppering her with queries like: “Is it hard breaking into the boys’ club?” and “What’s it like as a female woman?”
Full Frontal With Samantha Bee — an opportunity long overdue for a host who watched as a string of fellow Daily Show correspondents got their own platforms ahead of her — truly was a breakout. It won awards and prompted conversation and controversy.
Though white men named Jimmy still dominate, the late night landscape that Bee leaves now isn’t the same as the one she arrived in; it’s more inclusive.
When Full Frontal launched on TBS in 2016, host Samantha Bee’s publicity tour was dogged by questions about her show signifying a shift in the late night comedy space — a space dominated by white men named Jimmy.
It was a media obsession that she tweaked in the premiere, which began with faux reporters peppering her with queries like: “Is it hard breaking into the boys’ club?” and “What’s it like as a female woman?”
Full Frontal With Samantha Bee — an opportunity long overdue for a host who watched as a string of fellow Daily Show correspondents got their own platforms ahead of her — truly was a breakout. It won awards and prompted conversation and controversy.
Though white men named Jimmy still dominate, the late night landscape that Bee leaves now isn’t the same as the one she arrived in; it’s more inclusive.
- 8/3/2022
- by Daniel Fienberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
CBS’ “Big Brother” scored the biggest ratings in the highly-coveted 18-49 demographic Thursday with a 0.8 score and the largest overall audience with 3.5 million total viewers. As audiences continue to wait for many of their favorite scripted series to return with new episodes this fall, live sports and reality competition series have been trading the nightly broadcast primetime ratings crown back and forth. On Thursday night, it was the unscripted reality genre that claimed the largest victory. But despite the strong showing, CBS was not actually the most-watched network on the night. That honor belongs to ABC, which drew 2.8 million total average viewers across primetime. Never a dull moment when it comes to broadcast battles. Also Read: 8 Reasons Why ‘Full Frontal With Samantha Bee’ Was Canceled: Low Ratings, Stale Politics and No Karaoke Here’s how primetime shook out among the major networks Thursday: CBS was first in the ratings with...
- 7/30/2022
- by Brandon Katz
- The Wrap
What led to TBS’ decision to pull the plug on “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee” after seven seasons? An unlucky mix of low ratings, the shifting political climate post-Trump, a shakeup in comedy after the Warner Bros’ merger with Discovery — and lingering fallout from her Ivanka Trump incident of 2018. The death of the show, which frequently took shots at the Trumps and the Supreme Court, was skewered by conservatives like Glenn Greenwald who dismissed “Full Frontal” as “a feminist legacy as trivial and inconsequential as it was failed and pointless.” Also Read: ‘Full Frontal With Samantha Bee’ Canceled at TBS After 7 Seasons Well that’s unkind, but late night has arguably never been a welcoming environment for women: Joan Rivers, who became the first woman to host a late-night talk show in 1986, had a one-year run before seeing the show taken over by a man. Bee did not respond to...
- 7/28/2022
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
In the wake of the school shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas, TBS’ “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee” has turned its sights on the National Rifle Association (NRA). On Thursday’s episode, Bee tracked the development of the NRA over the years from its origins to the more familiar institution we know today. “Full Frontal” correspondent Amy Hoggart also headed to Houston for the NRA’s annual convention, which took place just four days after the tragic event and just 300 miles away from Uvalde.
“It’s really happy inside,” one attendee said of the mood at the convention. “It’s kind of like a little party. It’s pretty sweet.”
When asked about the Uvalde shooting, another NRA convention attendee said that “everyone is extremely upset about the timing” and that it was “incredibly, incredibly awkward.” Noting that the shooting took place during an election week and right before the annual event,...
“It’s really happy inside,” one attendee said of the mood at the convention. “It’s kind of like a little party. It’s pretty sweet.”
When asked about the Uvalde shooting, another NRA convention attendee said that “everyone is extremely upset about the timing” and that it was “incredibly, incredibly awkward.” Noting that the shooting took place during an election week and right before the annual event,...
- 6/3/2022
- by Brandon Katz
- The Wrap
Last Year’s Winner: “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver”
Still Eligible: Yes.
Hot Streak: It is one thing to point out how “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver” has won this category every year since 2016, but to further belabor the point of just how much “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” looms large over the category, that show or a show hosted by an alumni of that show has won Outstanding Variety Talk Series/Outstanding Variety Series every year since 2003. Even if John Oliver were to not win, there are still three other contenders here that could keep that monumental streak going.
Notable Ineligible Series: “Ziwe” (submitted as a Variety Sketch Series)
This article will be updated throughout the season, along with all our predictions,so make sure to keep checking IndieWire for the latest news from the 2022 Emmys race. The nomination round of voting will take place from...
Still Eligible: Yes.
Hot Streak: It is one thing to point out how “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver” has won this category every year since 2016, but to further belabor the point of just how much “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” looms large over the category, that show or a show hosted by an alumni of that show has won Outstanding Variety Talk Series/Outstanding Variety Series every year since 2003. Even if John Oliver were to not win, there are still three other contenders here that could keep that monumental streak going.
Notable Ineligible Series: “Ziwe” (submitted as a Variety Sketch Series)
This article will be updated throughout the season, along with all our predictions,so make sure to keep checking IndieWire for the latest news from the 2022 Emmys race. The nomination round of voting will take place from...
- 5/19/2022
- by Marcus Jones
- Indiewire
Brett Weitz, the longtime General Manager of TNT, TBS, and truTV, is exiting in the wake of the completion of the Discovery-WarnerMedia merger, the company confirmed to TheWrap on Wednesday.
Weitz’s position has been eliminated following the restructure of the U.S. Networks Group Division under Kathleen Finch. He will be transitioning out of his role over the next month, with his last day marking his 14th anniversary at the “TNets.”
“These past 14 years have been the most fulfilling of my career,” Weitz said in a statement. “I’ve had the great fortune to create and launch Emmy-winning fan-favorite entertainment, to be a part of powerful life-changing initiatives, and most importantly to have had the privilege to lead the most talented, dedicated, altruistic, and innovative team at the TNets. We made huge profits for shareholders and brilliant content for fans while having the most fun and being better partners...
Weitz’s position has been eliminated following the restructure of the U.S. Networks Group Division under Kathleen Finch. He will be transitioning out of his role over the next month, with his last day marking his 14th anniversary at the “TNets.”
“These past 14 years have been the most fulfilling of my career,” Weitz said in a statement. “I’ve had the great fortune to create and launch Emmy-winning fan-favorite entertainment, to be a part of powerful life-changing initiatives, and most importantly to have had the privilege to lead the most talented, dedicated, altruistic, and innovative team at the TNets. We made huge profits for shareholders and brilliant content for fans while having the most fun and being better partners...
- 5/11/2022
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Brett Weitz is exiting as general manager of TBS, TNT and truTV, Variety has learned.
Weitz, who was appointed to the role in January 2019, was among the group of WarnerMedia execs that came over under the new David Zaslav-selected regime at Warner Bros. Discovery, following the close of the WarnerMedia-Discovery merger in early April.
Weitz was moved under Discovery lifestyle channels chief Kathleen Finch, who assumed a newly created role of chairman and chief content officer of U.S. Networks Group, a new, consolidated organization comprising the company’s more than 40 U.S. networks. His role has now been eliminated, with Finch taking oversight of TBS, TNT and truTV.
While WarnerMedia was run by former parent company AT&T, Weitz reported to Ann Sarnoff, chair and CEO of WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group, who exited just before the transaction closed, along with WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar and Andy Forssell,...
Weitz, who was appointed to the role in January 2019, was among the group of WarnerMedia execs that came over under the new David Zaslav-selected regime at Warner Bros. Discovery, following the close of the WarnerMedia-Discovery merger in early April.
Weitz was moved under Discovery lifestyle channels chief Kathleen Finch, who assumed a newly created role of chairman and chief content officer of U.S. Networks Group, a new, consolidated organization comprising the company’s more than 40 U.S. networks. His role has now been eliminated, with Finch taking oversight of TBS, TNT and truTV.
While WarnerMedia was run by former parent company AT&T, Weitz reported to Ann Sarnoff, chair and CEO of WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group, who exited just before the transaction closed, along with WarnerMedia CEO Jason Kilar and Andy Forssell,...
- 5/11/2022
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
The new live production “Blue’s Clues and You! Live on Stage” will embark on its U.S. tour this fall, Nickelodeon and Round Room Live announced Tuesday. The interactive show is based on the pre-school series “Blue’s Clues and You” and will feature Blue, Josh, and their friends Magenta and Rainbow Puppy in an original musical story.
“We are thrilled to partner with Nickelodeon by bringing one of the foremost franchises in kids’ entertainment to the stage in Blue’s Clues & You! Live On Stage,’” said Round Room Live co-president Stephen Shaw, who is producing the tour. “’Blue’s Clues’ is an iconic show that has captivated and educated children for years. We couldn’t be more excited to share our love of ‘Blue’s Clues’ with the next generation of fans in a memorable experience for the whole family.”
TV series host Josh Dela Cruz will join...
“We are thrilled to partner with Nickelodeon by bringing one of the foremost franchises in kids’ entertainment to the stage in Blue’s Clues & You! Live On Stage,’” said Round Room Live co-president Stephen Shaw, who is producing the tour. “’Blue’s Clues’ is an iconic show that has captivated and educated children for years. We couldn’t be more excited to share our love of ‘Blue’s Clues’ with the next generation of fans in a memorable experience for the whole family.”
TV series host Josh Dela Cruz will join...
- 3/8/2022
- by Sasha Urban and Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
The Producers Guild of America has unveiled its first wave of nominations for the 2022 PGA Awards, which will now take place March 19 in Los Angeles after moving out of February due to the pandemic. The Guild announced the nominees in the categories of Short-Form, Children’s, and Sports television programming. The full list of nominees for TV shows and specials as well as for movies will be unveiled on Thursday, January 27.
See Tuesday’s lineup of PGA Award nominees below. They include the popular sports series “Naomi Osaka” from Netflix and “Tiger” from HBO, about the tennis star and golf champion Woods, respectively. Also up for honors are “Muppet’s Haunted Mansion,” the Sesame Street special “See Us Coming Together,” “Waffles + Mochi,” “Carpool Karaoke,” “Stephen Colbert Presents Tooning Out the News,” and a “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee” special.
The Award for Outstanding Sports Program
“100 Foot Wave” (Season...
See Tuesday’s lineup of PGA Award nominees below. They include the popular sports series “Naomi Osaka” from Netflix and “Tiger” from HBO, about the tennis star and golf champion Woods, respectively. Also up for honors are “Muppet’s Haunted Mansion,” the Sesame Street special “See Us Coming Together,” “Waffles + Mochi,” “Carpool Karaoke,” “Stephen Colbert Presents Tooning Out the News,” and a “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee” special.
The Award for Outstanding Sports Program
“100 Foot Wave” (Season...
- 1/18/2022
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Netflix has ordered the animated comedy series “Bad Crimes” with Nicole Byer and Lauren Lapkus set to voice the lead roles, Variety has learned.
The 10-episode series is described as a dark comedy procedural. It follows Kara (Byer) and Jennie (Lapkus), two FBI agents who travel across the country to solve grisly crimes while juggling their friendship, career ambitions, and as many men as possible.
Nicole Silverberg (“Full Frontal with Samantha Bee”) created the series and also serve as executive producer. Comedy powerhouses Mike Judge and Greg Daniels also executive produce along with Dustin Davis under their newly formed Bandera Entertainment banner. Judge and Daniels co-created “King of the Hill” and are separately known for their work on shows like “Silicon Valley” and “The Office” respectively. Byer and Lapkus executive produce in addition to starring, with Erica Hayes also executive producing.
“Making ‘Bad Crimes’ with Greg and Mike and Bandera,...
The 10-episode series is described as a dark comedy procedural. It follows Kara (Byer) and Jennie (Lapkus), two FBI agents who travel across the country to solve grisly crimes while juggling their friendship, career ambitions, and as many men as possible.
Nicole Silverberg (“Full Frontal with Samantha Bee”) created the series and also serve as executive producer. Comedy powerhouses Mike Judge and Greg Daniels also executive produce along with Dustin Davis under their newly formed Bandera Entertainment banner. Judge and Daniels co-created “King of the Hill” and are separately known for their work on shows like “Silicon Valley” and “The Office” respectively. Byer and Lapkus executive produce in addition to starring, with Erica Hayes also executive producing.
“Making ‘Bad Crimes’ with Greg and Mike and Bandera,...
- 1/18/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
HBO Max is developing a series about one of the first Black millionaires in history with both Steven Soderbergh and Don Cheadle onboard as executive producers, Variety has learned exclusively.
The drama series hails from writers and executive producers Carlos Foglia, Ashley Nicole Black, and Keith Josef Adkins.
It is currently titled “The Other Hamilton” and tells the true story of Jeremiah Hamilton, a Haitian immigrant turned Wall Street tycoon in the 1800’s who became one of the first Black millionaires using questionable – often illegal – methods. By scamming insurance companies and capitalizing on others’ losses, he earns the moniker Prince of Darkness. The show is based on the book “Prince of Darkness: The Untold Story of Jeremiah G. Hamilton, Wall Street’s First Black Millionaire” by Shane White.
Cheadle and Karyn Smith-Forge will executive produce under their This Radicle Act Productions banner. In addition to Soderbergh, other executive producers include...
The drama series hails from writers and executive producers Carlos Foglia, Ashley Nicole Black, and Keith Josef Adkins.
It is currently titled “The Other Hamilton” and tells the true story of Jeremiah Hamilton, a Haitian immigrant turned Wall Street tycoon in the 1800’s who became one of the first Black millionaires using questionable – often illegal – methods. By scamming insurance companies and capitalizing on others’ losses, he earns the moniker Prince of Darkness. The show is based on the book “Prince of Darkness: The Untold Story of Jeremiah G. Hamilton, Wall Street’s First Black Millionaire” by Shane White.
Cheadle and Karyn Smith-Forge will executive produce under their This Radicle Act Productions banner. In addition to Soderbergh, other executive producers include...
- 1/13/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Real-life husband and wife Jack Cutmore-Scott (Deception) and Meaghan Rath (Hawaii Five-0) are taking their partnership back to the small screen.
The couple, who co-starred on Fox’s short-lived sitcom Cooper Barrett’s Guide to Surviving Life, will headline and executive-produce the romantic workplace comedy Wouldn’t It Be Nice, which is in development at CBS, our sister site Deadline reports.
More from TVLineTVLine Items: After Life's Final Season, Too Hot to Handle Premiere and MoreTVLine Items: Gotham Vet to L&o: Oc, Eternals' Disney+ Debut and MoreTVLine Items: Annie Murphy's Freeform Gig, New Walker Return Date and...
The couple, who co-starred on Fox’s short-lived sitcom Cooper Barrett’s Guide to Surviving Life, will headline and executive-produce the romantic workplace comedy Wouldn’t It Be Nice, which is in development at CBS, our sister site Deadline reports.
More from TVLineTVLine Items: After Life's Final Season, Too Hot to Handle Premiere and MoreTVLine Items: Gotham Vet to L&o: Oc, Eternals' Disney+ Debut and MoreTVLine Items: Annie Murphy's Freeform Gig, New Walker Return Date and...
- 12/15/2021
- by Vlada Gelman
- TVLine.com
Ashley Nicole Black, the Emmy-winning writer, actor and producer who has worked on multiple talk and sketch series, has sealed an exclusive, multi-year overall deal with Warner Bros. Television Group, the studio announced on Tuesday.
Black will create and produce original programming for all platforms, including WarnerMedia’s HBO Max, other streaming services, cable, and broadcast networks. The deal is Black’s first overall deal with Warner Bros., but continues a relationship that previously included Apple TV Plus’ “Ted Lasso.” Black was a writer and producer on Season 2 of the comedy, from Jason Sudeikis and from Bill Lawrence’s Doozer Productions.
Black is also working with Lawrence on his company’s upcoming drama “Bad Monkey,” starring Vince Vaughn. That Warner Bros. TV series, also being produced for Apple TV Plus, will feature Black as a writer and supervising producer.
The prolific Black earned two Emmy nominations in 2021 in the outstanding...
Black will create and produce original programming for all platforms, including WarnerMedia’s HBO Max, other streaming services, cable, and broadcast networks. The deal is Black’s first overall deal with Warner Bros., but continues a relationship that previously included Apple TV Plus’ “Ted Lasso.” Black was a writer and producer on Season 2 of the comedy, from Jason Sudeikis and from Bill Lawrence’s Doozer Productions.
Black is also working with Lawrence on his company’s upcoming drama “Bad Monkey,” starring Vince Vaughn. That Warner Bros. TV series, also being produced for Apple TV Plus, will feature Black as a writer and supervising producer.
The prolific Black earned two Emmy nominations in 2021 in the outstanding...
- 12/14/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Joe Biden will make his first late night guest appearance as president on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” on Friday evening, Fallon announced via social media Thursday.
Though Biden’s appearance will be virtual, the last time we saw him grace the late night stage was during Barack Obama’s two terms. Donald Trump opted out of the late night TV landscape, but the 44th president was a trailblazer — Obama’s in-studio guest appearance on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” in 2009 was actually the first of its kind for any sitting U.S. president. He also appeared on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” “Real Time with Bill Maher,” “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee,” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
Fallon, known for his comedic antics, musical chops and jovial demeanor, may be a good choice for Biden’s first foray in major late night shows as president — though this...
Though Biden’s appearance will be virtual, the last time we saw him grace the late night stage was during Barack Obama’s two terms. Donald Trump opted out of the late night TV landscape, but the 44th president was a trailblazer — Obama’s in-studio guest appearance on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” in 2009 was actually the first of its kind for any sitting U.S. president. He also appeared on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” “Real Time with Bill Maher,” “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee,” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
Fallon, known for his comedic antics, musical chops and jovial demeanor, may be a good choice for Biden’s first foray in major late night shows as president — though this...
- 12/10/2021
- by Mónica Marie Zorrilla
- Variety Film + TV
TBS’ “Miracle Workers” starring Daniel Radcliffe and Steve Buscemi and TruTV’s “Tacoma Fd” have been greenlit for fourth installments, the “TNets” announced today in a statement.
In addition, TBS has picked up “Kill the Orange-Faced Bear” for a 10-episode series and the network has set premiere dates for “Full Frontal With Samantha Bee” and “American Dad!”. TNT’s “Snowpiercer” will debut its third season on Jan. 24.
“’Miracle Workers’ and ‘Tacoma Fd’ never fail to deliver good times, good laughs and passionate fans. We love the unique sensibility and distinctive, bold comedy of these shows,” Adrienne O’Riain and Sam Linsky, co-heads of scripted programming for the TNets, said in the announcement. “The fact that they continue to resonate so strongly with audiences speaks to the dedication of their creators and their brilliant network executives.”
Each season of the anthology comedy series “Miracle Workers” features the same cast playing different roles in a new setting.
In addition, TBS has picked up “Kill the Orange-Faced Bear” for a 10-episode series and the network has set premiere dates for “Full Frontal With Samantha Bee” and “American Dad!”. TNT’s “Snowpiercer” will debut its third season on Jan. 24.
“’Miracle Workers’ and ‘Tacoma Fd’ never fail to deliver good times, good laughs and passionate fans. We love the unique sensibility and distinctive, bold comedy of these shows,” Adrienne O’Riain and Sam Linsky, co-heads of scripted programming for the TNets, said in the announcement. “The fact that they continue to resonate so strongly with audiences speaks to the dedication of their creators and their brilliant network executives.”
Each season of the anthology comedy series “Miracle Workers” features the same cast playing different roles in a new setting.
- 11/3/2021
- by Mónica Marie Zorrilla
- Variety Film + TV
Bomani Jones, the versatile ESPN personality who has gained traction with appearances on shows like “Highly Questionable” and “Around the Horn,” has found a new outlet for his work. But it’s not ESPN. It’s HBO.
HBO has ordered a new, weekly late-night series with Jones at its center that will go into production in New York starting next year. “Game Theory With Bomani Jones” is expected to examine timely issues in the world of sports. Jones is believed to remain under contract to ESPN through the start of next year, and indicated via Twitter Thursday that he would continue doing work with the Disney sports-media giant, particularly his podcast, “The Right Time.” He is expected to continue to contribute to programs like “Around the Horn” and “Debatable.”
The program represents the latest in a series of new weekly efforts many media companies are testing to fill a continued...
HBO has ordered a new, weekly late-night series with Jones at its center that will go into production in New York starting next year. “Game Theory With Bomani Jones” is expected to examine timely issues in the world of sports. Jones is believed to remain under contract to ESPN through the start of next year, and indicated via Twitter Thursday that he would continue doing work with the Disney sports-media giant, particularly his podcast, “The Right Time.” He is expected to continue to contribute to programs like “Around the Horn” and “Debatable.”
The program represents the latest in a series of new weekly efforts many media companies are testing to fill a continued...
- 10/7/2021
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
TBS announced that “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee” has been renewed for a seventh season. The network also renewed its first look deal with Bee’s production company Swimsuit Competition, which aims to develop original content while discovering new talent.
Bee’s late night talk show will move from its current Wednesday slot to Thursday nights in Jan. 2022, and production for Season 7 will also begin early next year. “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee” spotlights Bee as a political satirist who discusses issues such as sexual assault in the media, climate change and child marriage in the U.S. The show also implements charitable initiatives such as last year’s #MailedIt campaign to support the United States Postal Service, and has reported segments from all over the world, including Rwanda, Jordan, Germany and other countries.
“Shining a spotlight on important issues and people, Sam provides needed commentary and asks questions of...
Bee’s late night talk show will move from its current Wednesday slot to Thursday nights in Jan. 2022, and production for Season 7 will also begin early next year. “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee” spotlights Bee as a political satirist who discusses issues such as sexual assault in the media, climate change and child marriage in the U.S. The show also implements charitable initiatives such as last year’s #MailedIt campaign to support the United States Postal Service, and has reported segments from all over the world, including Rwanda, Jordan, Germany and other countries.
“Shining a spotlight on important issues and people, Sam provides needed commentary and asks questions of...
- 9/23/2021
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Samantha Bea’s TBS late night show “Full Frontal” is getting a seventh season and new time slot. Starting in January, “Full Frontal” will air on Thursday nights.
“Full Frontal” is moving to a new night to make way for All Elite Wrestling’s ““Aew: Dynamite,” which is moving over from TNT to TBS next year and also airs on Wednesdays. Next month, TNT begins airing NHL hockey on Wednesday nights at 7 pm and 10 pm Et.
TBS also re-upped its first-look deal with Bee’s production company, Swimsuit Competition.
“I’m beyond excited to be returning to TBS for a seventh season,” said Bee. “Now we have enough seasons for you to binge one every day of the week. I warned you I was tenacious.”
“Shining a spotlight on important issues and people, Sam provides needed commentary and asks questions of authority and ourselves that need to be asked,” added Brett Weitz,...
“Full Frontal” is moving to a new night to make way for All Elite Wrestling’s ““Aew: Dynamite,” which is moving over from TNT to TBS next year and also airs on Wednesdays. Next month, TNT begins airing NHL hockey on Wednesday nights at 7 pm and 10 pm Et.
TBS also re-upped its first-look deal with Bee’s production company, Swimsuit Competition.
“I’m beyond excited to be returning to TBS for a seventh season,” said Bee. “Now we have enough seasons for you to binge one every day of the week. I warned you I was tenacious.”
“Shining a spotlight on important issues and people, Sam provides needed commentary and asks questions of authority and ourselves that need to be asked,” added Brett Weitz,...
- 9/23/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Jeff Goldblum has signed on to host the 2021 Environmental Media Association (Ema) Awards gala, which will celebrate a new slate of television and film titles that address climate change, sustainability and other environmental topics.
The Ema Awards Gala will return for an in-person ceremony on Saturday, October 16 at Gearbox LA. Ema has also revealed that it will honor Ed Begley Jr. with its Lifetime Achievement Award, Hip Hop Caucus its Global Justice Award, Tom Steyer the Ongoing Commitment Award and Karla Welch and Sasha Markova the Innovator Award.
“This is a special year for the 2021 Environmental Media Association’s Awards & Honors Gala,” said Goldblum. “I’m thrilled to be able to host as well as to present the Ema Lifetime Achievement Award to my dear friend of over 45 years, Ed Begley Jr. There is no one in the environmental community that has made a greater impact than Ed. He has...
The Ema Awards Gala will return for an in-person ceremony on Saturday, October 16 at Gearbox LA. Ema has also revealed that it will honor Ed Begley Jr. with its Lifetime Achievement Award, Hip Hop Caucus its Global Justice Award, Tom Steyer the Ongoing Commitment Award and Karla Welch and Sasha Markova the Innovator Award.
“This is a special year for the 2021 Environmental Media Association’s Awards & Honors Gala,” said Goldblum. “I’m thrilled to be able to host as well as to present the Ema Lifetime Achievement Award to my dear friend of over 45 years, Ed Begley Jr. There is no one in the environmental community that has made a greater impact than Ed. He has...
- 9/15/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney Plus released a new list of voice actors added to the cast of “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder,” premiering in 2022.
Among the new stars added to the cast of the revival of “The Proud Family” are Lizzo, Lil Nas X, Chance the Rapper, Normani, Leslie Odom Jr., Tiffany Haddish, Lena Waithe, Anthony Anderson, Gabrielle Union, Debbie Allen, James Pickens Jr., Courtney B. Vance, Jane Lynch, Marsai Martin, Jaden Smith, Glynn Turman, Lamorne Morris, Brenda Song, Tina Knowles, Eva Longoria, Holly Robinson Peete, Al Roker, Bretman Rock, Gabby Douglas and Laurie Hernandez.
Additional recurring stars include Asante Blackk as Penny’s boyfriend Kareem, Artist Dubose aka A Boogie wit da Hoodie as Maya’s brother Francis “Kg” Leibowitz-Jenkins, Raquel Lee Bolleau reprising her role as Nubia Gross and Marcus T. Paulk reprising his role as Penny’s classmate Myron.
“The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder” will pick up the...
Among the new stars added to the cast of the revival of “The Proud Family” are Lizzo, Lil Nas X, Chance the Rapper, Normani, Leslie Odom Jr., Tiffany Haddish, Lena Waithe, Anthony Anderson, Gabrielle Union, Debbie Allen, James Pickens Jr., Courtney B. Vance, Jane Lynch, Marsai Martin, Jaden Smith, Glynn Turman, Lamorne Morris, Brenda Song, Tina Knowles, Eva Longoria, Holly Robinson Peete, Al Roker, Bretman Rock, Gabby Douglas and Laurie Hernandez.
Additional recurring stars include Asante Blackk as Penny’s boyfriend Kareem, Artist Dubose aka A Boogie wit da Hoodie as Maya’s brother Francis “Kg” Leibowitz-Jenkins, Raquel Lee Bolleau reprising her role as Nubia Gross and Marcus T. Paulk reprising his role as Penny’s classmate Myron.
“The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder” will pick up the...
- 9/15/2021
- by Selome Hailu and Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
Samantha Bee has been off all summer, but she probably hasn’t been enjoying it. At the top of Wednesday’s “Full Frontal” return, Bee swiftly ran through much of the news she missed. That brief montage included, but was not limited to, the Covid-19 Delta variant’s surge, the tragic Florida condo collapse and Andrew Cuomo’s resignation as mayor of New York City.
And if you thought Bee was not going to take an opportunity to mock Mike Richards after being fired from “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune,” well, think again.
“He was producing ‘Jeopardy!’ and ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ but ironically lost it all because he was the Whammy,” she joked.
But then the former “Daily Show” correspondent got to our ill-fated Afghanistan exit strategy, which has resulted in more tragedy in the Middle East.
“Americans have mostly been focused in our problems at home, but right now...
And if you thought Bee was not going to take an opportunity to mock Mike Richards after being fired from “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune,” well, think again.
“He was producing ‘Jeopardy!’ and ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ but ironically lost it all because he was the Whammy,” she joked.
But then the former “Daily Show” correspondent got to our ill-fated Afghanistan exit strategy, which has resulted in more tragedy in the Middle East.
“Americans have mostly been focused in our problems at home, but right now...
- 9/2/2021
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Charlamagne Tha God will tell Tha God’s Honest Truth as host of a new late-night program for Comedy Central.
The Breakfast Club personality will headline Tha God’s Honest Truth With Lenard “Charlamagne” McKelvey, from executive producer Stephen Colbert. Premiering Friday, Sept. 17 (at 10/9c), the weekly, half-hour series will feature McKelvey’s “culturally fluent take on social issues in a variety of deep dives, sketches and social experiments that deftly unpack the most pressing topics permeating politics and culture,” according to the official logline. “Redemptively comedic, refreshingly unfiltered and unapologetically Black, nothing is off limits.” Rachael Edwards (Wild ‘N Out) will serve as showrunner.
The Breakfast Club personality will headline Tha God’s Honest Truth With Lenard “Charlamagne” McKelvey, from executive producer Stephen Colbert. Premiering Friday, Sept. 17 (at 10/9c), the weekly, half-hour series will feature McKelvey’s “culturally fluent take on social issues in a variety of deep dives, sketches and social experiments that deftly unpack the most pressing topics permeating politics and culture,” according to the official logline. “Redemptively comedic, refreshingly unfiltered and unapologetically Black, nothing is off limits.” Rachael Edwards (Wild ‘N Out) will serve as showrunner.
- 7/21/2021
- by Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
June 24, 2021, marked the end of an era as Conan O’Brien signed off for the final time with the series finale of “Conan.” And less that a month after his exit stage left from late night after 28 years — he was the longest-serving late-night host until bidding adieu — his namesake show scored an Emmy nomination for Best Variety Talk Series. Now, can he leave on the highest of notes and actually win?
“Conan” is currently in third place in our early odds, behind five-time reigning champ “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” and “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah,” and ahead of “Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
But perhaps this is a case of the nomination being the harder part. This category can be very samey-samey, not just with repetitive winners, but nominees as well — if it weren’t for the proportional submission rule, we probably would’ve...
“Conan” is currently in third place in our early odds, behind five-time reigning champ “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” and “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah,” and ahead of “Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”
But perhaps this is a case of the nomination being the harder part. This category can be very samey-samey, not just with repetitive winners, but nominees as well — if it weren’t for the proportional submission rule, we probably would’ve...
- 7/19/2021
- by Joyce Eng
- Gold Derby
With television production slowed over the past year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there were significantly fewer shows and performers submitted for the 73rd annual Primetime Emmy Awards. This means, due to the Television Academy’s sliding scale, some of the acting races have drastically different numbers of nominees on the final-round ballot.
The incumbent winners in the drama and comedy series races not being eligible again also caused some major changes to the way nominations shook out. Both dominated last year when it came to acting, writing and directing categories, in addition to series, for example. Even though there may have been fewer spots available in certain categories this year, those races were thrown wide open.
Naturally, that allowed for quite a few new additions — both expected and not. Here, Variety breaks down the snubs and surprises of the 73rd annual Primetime Emmy Awards nominations.
Snub: “Small Axe”
Call...
The incumbent winners in the drama and comedy series races not being eligible again also caused some major changes to the way nominations shook out. Both dominated last year when it came to acting, writing and directing categories, in addition to series, for example. Even though there may have been fewer spots available in certain categories this year, those races were thrown wide open.
Naturally, that allowed for quite a few new additions — both expected and not. Here, Variety breaks down the snubs and surprises of the 73rd annual Primetime Emmy Awards nominations.
Snub: “Small Axe”
Call...
- 7/13/2021
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
Who’s on first? Depends on your definition of a platform. As the Television Academy announced the 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards nominations on Tuesday morning, the combo of HBO and HBO Max proclaimed victory with a total of 130 nominations, followed closely by Netflix with 129. But the real story may have been who was next behind: The relative newcomer streamer Disney Plus, with a whopping 71 nods (thanks to “WandaVision” and “The Mandalorian”).
Meanwhile, Netflix’s “The Crown” and Disney Plus’ “The Mandalorian” tied for the top spot for program nominations with 24 each, followed by Disney Plus’ “WandaVision” (23), Hulu’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” (21), NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” (21), Apple TV Plus’ “Ted Lasso” (20), HBO’s “Lovecraft Country” (18), Netflix’s “The Queen’s Gambit” (18), and HBO’s “Mare of Easttown” (16). Read the full list of nominations here.
It’s been a tumultuous year for TV, the entertainment industry and the country at large. But at least at the Emmys,...
Meanwhile, Netflix’s “The Crown” and Disney Plus’ “The Mandalorian” tied for the top spot for program nominations with 24 each, followed by Disney Plus’ “WandaVision” (23), Hulu’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” (21), NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” (21), Apple TV Plus’ “Ted Lasso” (20), HBO’s “Lovecraft Country” (18), Netflix’s “The Queen’s Gambit” (18), and HBO’s “Mare of Easttown” (16). Read the full list of nominations here.
It’s been a tumultuous year for TV, the entertainment industry and the country at large. But at least at the Emmys,...
- 7/13/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
The variety categories at this year’s Emmys are facing a conundrum. In December, the Television Academy voted to combine Outstanding Variety Talk Series and Outstanding Variety Sketch Series into a single category, only to change its mind a couple of months later after facing an outcry from critics who thought that comparing, say, “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver” with “Saturday Night Live” was a classic case of apples-and-oranges.
The problem is that there were only 14 eligible sketch series last year, which made the category a candidate for elimination under the Academy’s old “rule of 14” — and this year it was even worse, with only nine entries. That’s definitely not enough to warrant a separate category, regardless of how much Lorne Michaels would hate to compete against John Oliver and Stephen Colbert. And it means that under rules that now tie the number of nominees to the number of entries,...
The problem is that there were only 14 eligible sketch series last year, which made the category a candidate for elimination under the Academy’s old “rule of 14” — and this year it was even worse, with only nine entries. That’s definitely not enough to warrant a separate category, regardless of how much Lorne Michaels would hate to compete against John Oliver and Stephen Colbert. And it means that under rules that now tie the number of nominees to the number of entries,...
- 7/6/2021
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Now that Quibi ended up lasting, well, a Quibi, the Emmy Awards’ short form categories seem further destined to become more of a curiosity than a major part of the competition. Roku picked up Quibi’s scraps, but doesn’t appear interested in launching new originals in the short-form space. And elsewhere, outlets including YouTube are bulking up in unscripted, but are less keen on adding more scripted, short form or not, to an already crowded marketplace.
The Television Academy first expanded the short form categories in 2016, buoyed by the promise of original fare from Maker Studios, Fullscreen, AwesomenessTV, YouTube Red, Adult Swim and others. Maker and Fullscreen basically don’t exist anymore, and the excitement of the short form races has perhaps further cooled after the Quibi debacle.
But although the Quibi business model was questionable, its programming wasn’t. The service premiered quite a bit of quality fare in its short life,...
The Television Academy first expanded the short form categories in 2016, buoyed by the promise of original fare from Maker Studios, Fullscreen, AwesomenessTV, YouTube Red, Adult Swim and others. Maker and Fullscreen basically don’t exist anymore, and the excitement of the short form races has perhaps further cooled after the Quibi debacle.
But although the Quibi business model was questionable, its programming wasn’t. The service premiered quite a bit of quality fare in its short life,...
- 6/16/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
David Zaslav was officially named Monday to lead a new combination of WarnerMedia and Discovery, propelling him to the top ranks of operators in the industry and offering just the latest example of consolidation among media conglomerates as the rise of video streaming continues to upend the entire sector.
Zaslav’s ascension is part of a surprising move by AT&T and Discovery to pool their media resources and make a bid to compete more directly with large rivals like Netflix, Walt Disney and NBCUniversal. Under terms of the deal, AT&T shareholders will control 71% of the new company, while Discovery shareholders would own 29%. The boards of both companies have approved the pact and the transaction is expected to close in mid-2022, subject to approval by regulators and Discovery shareholders. Two key Discovery backers, the media executive John Malone and the media company Advance, will vote in favor of the transaction.
Zaslav’s ascension is part of a surprising move by AT&T and Discovery to pool their media resources and make a bid to compete more directly with large rivals like Netflix, Walt Disney and NBCUniversal. Under terms of the deal, AT&T shareholders will control 71% of the new company, while Discovery shareholders would own 29%. The boards of both companies have approved the pact and the transaction is expected to close in mid-2022, subject to approval by regulators and Discovery shareholders. Two key Discovery backers, the media executive John Malone and the media company Advance, will vote in favor of the transaction.
- 5/17/2021
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
TBS announced that “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee” will be releasing a comedy special about gun reform called “Full Frontal Wants To Take Your Guns,” which will air on May 12 at 10:30 p.m.
The special will “explore how appalling and frankly stupid it is that we as Americans are told there’s simply nothing we can do about gun violence. Don’t even get us started on the whole “good guy with a gun” thing. It’s high time to figure out how America’s gun problem got this bad, and what we as citizens of this glorious mess can do to help fix it.”
The series is executive produced by Bee, Jason Jones, Tony Hernandez of Jax Media, Miles Kahn and Alison Camillo.
Also in today’s TV news roundup:
Dates
Netflix and Riot Games are bringing the “League of Legends” franchise to television with the new animated series “Arcane,...
The special will “explore how appalling and frankly stupid it is that we as Americans are told there’s simply nothing we can do about gun violence. Don’t even get us started on the whole “good guy with a gun” thing. It’s high time to figure out how America’s gun problem got this bad, and what we as citizens of this glorious mess can do to help fix it.”
The series is executive produced by Bee, Jason Jones, Tony Hernandez of Jax Media, Miles Kahn and Alison Camillo.
Also in today’s TV news roundup:
Dates
Netflix and Riot Games are bringing the “League of Legends” franchise to television with the new animated series “Arcane,...
- 5/3/2021
- by Antonio Ferme
- Variety Film + TV
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