Primo is no more at Amazon’s Freevee.
Creator Shea Serrano announced the news Tuesday on social media, noting that the series will not be returning for a second season at the ad-supported, Amazon-backed streamer Freevee. Sources say producers Universal Television will shop Primo in a bid to find the beloved comedy a new home.
“A short but beautiful run — sadly we’re not gonna be making any more episodes of Primo — i will always be indebted to everyone who worked on the show to make it so great and i will always be thankful to everyone who watched and championed it — thank you for real — long live Primo,” he wrote alongside a video of the rave reviews for the series from exec producer Mike Schur (Hacks, The Good Place) that doubled as a “For Your Consideration” promo.
Amazon picked up Primo to series in October 2021 after producing a pilot...
Creator Shea Serrano announced the news Tuesday on social media, noting that the series will not be returning for a second season at the ad-supported, Amazon-backed streamer Freevee. Sources say producers Universal Television will shop Primo in a bid to find the beloved comedy a new home.
“A short but beautiful run — sadly we’re not gonna be making any more episodes of Primo — i will always be indebted to everyone who worked on the show to make it so great and i will always be thankful to everyone who watched and championed it — thank you for real — long live Primo,” he wrote alongside a video of the rave reviews for the series from exec producer Mike Schur (Hacks, The Good Place) that doubled as a “For Your Consideration” promo.
Amazon picked up Primo to series in October 2021 after producing a pilot...
- 5/21/2024
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Freevee has canceled its freshman comedy series Primo from Shea Serrano and Mike Schur.
The decision to pass on a second season came after lengthy deliberations. While the show’s fate was being decided, the options on the cast were extended twice with the second extension ending this month. As explained by a source close to production, the executives looked for ways to confirm a second season but were unable to do so.
Primo employed a large number of Latinos both in front of cameras and behind, a rarity that will continue to diminish as networks and streamers cut down and eliminate productions due to budgetary reasons amid an industry contraction. Another such series, ABC’s Not Dead Yet, was among the broadcast shows canceled at the end of this season. While neither of the shows was deliberately targeted, their cancellations are a setback for representation.
Primo is the coming-of-age,...
The decision to pass on a second season came after lengthy deliberations. While the show’s fate was being decided, the options on the cast were extended twice with the second extension ending this month. As explained by a source close to production, the executives looked for ways to confirm a second season but were unable to do so.
Primo employed a large number of Latinos both in front of cameras and behind, a rarity that will continue to diminish as networks and streamers cut down and eliminate productions due to budgetary reasons amid an industry contraction. Another such series, ABC’s Not Dead Yet, was among the broadcast shows canceled at the end of this season. While neither of the shows was deliberately targeted, their cancellations are a setback for representation.
Primo is the coming-of-age,...
- 5/21/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Nrdc (Natural Resources Defense Council), the Black List, the Redford Center, and the CAA Foundation today announced the recipients of the 2024 Nrdc Climate Storytelling Fellowship and the Hollywood creatives who will mentor them. Along with new partner NBCUniversal, the organizations also announced the opening of the submission window for the 2025 cycle of the fellowship.
Now in its fourth year, the first-of-its-kind fellowship supports screenwriters in the revision of their feature or television screenplays that reflect our climate and environmental crises and engage with its impacts.
2024 Fellows, Mentors and Projects
Out of a record-breaking 456 submissions, Elizabeth Chatelain, Marcus Tappan, and writing pair Sasha Stewart and Casey Rand have been selected for their unique and captivating portrayals of the climate crisis. Each fellow, or writing team, will receive a $20,000 grant and be paired with an entertainment industry professional who will provide mentorship and creative support to further develop their screenplays.
This...
Now in its fourth year, the first-of-its-kind fellowship supports screenwriters in the revision of their feature or television screenplays that reflect our climate and environmental crises and engage with its impacts.
2024 Fellows, Mentors and Projects
Out of a record-breaking 456 submissions, Elizabeth Chatelain, Marcus Tappan, and writing pair Sasha Stewart and Casey Rand have been selected for their unique and captivating portrayals of the climate crisis. Each fellow, or writing team, will receive a $20,000 grant and be paired with an entertainment industry professional who will provide mentorship and creative support to further develop their screenplays.
This...
- 4/18/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Back in 1989, Kevin Costner starred in an iconic drama film called Field of Dreams. With a man hearing voices and a diamond vision urging him to make a baseball field, the movie was, no doubt, greeted with love and open arms.
As per recent news, NBC was going to convert that film into a TV series that would have starred Andre Braugher and Nick Offerman in iconic roles! Well, sadly, the series was eventually canceled and the fans never got to know about it until today!
Kevin Costner and Ray Liotta in Field of Dreams (1989) When NBC Tried To Reboot Kevin Costner’s Iconic 1989 Film!
Mike Schur is an American television producer and writer known for creating some of the most iconic series of all time. Being the creator of The Good Place, Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and, The Office, Schur had quite the background for superhit sitcoms.
Andre...
As per recent news, NBC was going to convert that film into a TV series that would have starred Andre Braugher and Nick Offerman in iconic roles! Well, sadly, the series was eventually canceled and the fans never got to know about it until today!
Kevin Costner and Ray Liotta in Field of Dreams (1989) When NBC Tried To Reboot Kevin Costner’s Iconic 1989 Film!
Mike Schur is an American television producer and writer known for creating some of the most iconic series of all time. Being the creator of The Good Place, Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and, The Office, Schur had quite the background for superhit sitcoms.
Andre...
- 4/14/2024
- by Visarg Acharya
- FandomWire
Almost two years after Hacks began its second season on Max, the Emmy-winning comedy series will start its third installment.
The streamer will debut season three of the series May 2. Max will run two episodes per week through May 23, with the finale of the nine-episode season debuting May 30. The two-per-week schedule will allow Hacks to just beat the deadline for Emmy eligibility — its first two seasons collected six Emmys, including two lead actress wins for Jean Smart.
Season three will pick up a year after Deborah (Smart) and Ava (Hannah Einbinder) parted ways at the end of season two. Deborah is riding high after the success of her stand-up special, while Ava is looking for new opportunities in Los Angeles.
Max also released a teaser for the coming season — and it suggests that the two characters won’t be able to stay apart for too long. From a chance meeting...
The streamer will debut season three of the series May 2. Max will run two episodes per week through May 23, with the finale of the nine-episode season debuting May 30. The two-per-week schedule will allow Hacks to just beat the deadline for Emmy eligibility — its first two seasons collected six Emmys, including two lead actress wins for Jean Smart.
Season three will pick up a year after Deborah (Smart) and Ava (Hannah Einbinder) parted ways at the end of season two. Deborah is riding high after the success of her stand-up special, while Ava is looking for new opportunities in Los Angeles.
Max also released a teaser for the coming season — and it suggests that the two characters won’t be able to stay apart for too long. From a chance meeting...
- 3/1/2024
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The third season of Max’s Hacks is coming into focus.
The Warner Bros. Discovery-owned streamer on Wednesday revealed the guest cast for the upcoming season of the Jean Smart-Hannah Einbinder comedy.
Set to guest star in the upcoming season are Helen Hunt (Mad About You), Christina Hendricks (Mad Men), Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future), George Wallace (Clean Slate) and former Scandal duo Tony Goldwyn and Dan Bucatinsky.
Details on the characters they’re each playing are being kept under wraps. Season 3 follows Deborah (Smart), riding high after the success of her stand-up special, and Ava (Einbinder), who is pursuing new opportunities back in L.A., a year after the duo parted ways.
Paul W. Downs, Megan Stalter, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Kaitlin Olson, Christopher McDonald, Mark Indelicato, Rose Abdoo and Lorenza Izzo all return to reprise their respective roles in season 3 of Hacks. Downs, Lucia Aniello and...
The Warner Bros. Discovery-owned streamer on Wednesday revealed the guest cast for the upcoming season of the Jean Smart-Hannah Einbinder comedy.
Set to guest star in the upcoming season are Helen Hunt (Mad About You), Christina Hendricks (Mad Men), Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future), George Wallace (Clean Slate) and former Scandal duo Tony Goldwyn and Dan Bucatinsky.
Details on the characters they’re each playing are being kept under wraps. Season 3 follows Deborah (Smart), riding high after the success of her stand-up special, and Ava (Einbinder), who is pursuing new opportunities back in L.A., a year after the duo parted ways.
Paul W. Downs, Megan Stalter, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Kaitlin Olson, Christopher McDonald, Mark Indelicato, Rose Abdoo and Lorenza Izzo all return to reprise their respective roles in season 3 of Hacks. Downs, Lucia Aniello and...
- 2/28/2024
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ted Danson is going undercover in the new comedy series A Classic Spy, reuniting him with The Good Place creator Mike Schur.
Based on the Oscar-nominated documentary The Mole Agent, the eight-episode series follows a retired man, Charles (Danson), who gets a new lease on life when he answers an ad placed by a private investigator and becomes a mole in a secret investigation of the Pacific View Retirement Residence in San Francisco. Joining him is a pedigreed list of stars, including several Schur veterans from Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
The original film, which was nominated for a best documentary Oscar in 2021 (My Octopus Teacher won that year), takes place in Chile and follows an 83-year-old widower who is hired by a private investigator to infiltrate a nursing home in order to find out if its residents, including the mother of the Pi’s client, are being mistreated.
Here’s who...
Based on the Oscar-nominated documentary The Mole Agent, the eight-episode series follows a retired man, Charles (Danson), who gets a new lease on life when he answers an ad placed by a private investigator and becomes a mole in a secret investigation of the Pacific View Retirement Residence in San Francisco. Joining him is a pedigreed list of stars, including several Schur veterans from Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
The original film, which was nominated for a best documentary Oscar in 2021 (My Octopus Teacher won that year), takes place in Chile and follows an 83-year-old widower who is hired by a private investigator to infiltrate a nursing home in order to find out if its residents, including the mother of the Pi’s client, are being mistreated.
Here’s who...
- 2/5/2024
- by Jean Bentley
- Tudum - Netflix
A Classic Spy has revealed the rest of its cast. The upcoming comedy from Mike Schur and starring Ted Danson, which was untitled until now, has added 13 to its cast.
Netflix has revealed that Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Stephanie Beatriz, Lilah Richcreek Estrada, Stephen Mckinley Henderson, Sally Struthers, Eugene Cordero, Margaret Avery, John Getz, Susan Ruttan, Lori Tan Chinn, Clyde Kusatsu, Marc Evan Jackson, and Jama Williamson are joining Danson. In the series, he plays a retired man who finds a new lease on life when he becomes a spy.
Read More…...
Netflix has revealed that Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Stephanie Beatriz, Lilah Richcreek Estrada, Stephen Mckinley Henderson, Sally Struthers, Eugene Cordero, Margaret Avery, John Getz, Susan Ruttan, Lori Tan Chinn, Clyde Kusatsu, Marc Evan Jackson, and Jama Williamson are joining Danson. In the series, he plays a retired man who finds a new lease on life when he becomes a spy.
Read More…...
- 2/4/2024
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Stephanie Beatriz, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, and Lilah Richcreek Estrada join ‘A Classic Spy’
Netflix’s untitled Mike Schur/Ted Danson comedy series has an official title – A Classic Spy – and 13 new cast members. The comedy, based on the Oscar-nominated documentary The Mole Agent, follows Ted Danson as Charles, a retired man who fills his hours working for a private investigator as a mole inside a secret organization.
Mike Schur created the series and serves as an executive producer. Additional executive producers include Morgan Sackett, David Miner, Maite Alberdi, Marcela Santibañez, Julie Goldman, and Christopher Clements. The series is produced by Universal Television.
Netflix released the following A Classic Spy cast and character descriptions:
Mary Elizabeth Ellis (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) plays Emily, a married mother of three boys who has to adjust when her father Charles (Danson) makes a surprising late-life career move and becomes an undercover detective. Stephanie Beatriz (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) plays Didi,...
Netflix’s untitled Mike Schur/Ted Danson comedy series has an official title – A Classic Spy – and 13 new cast members. The comedy, based on the Oscar-nominated documentary The Mole Agent, follows Ted Danson as Charles, a retired man who fills his hours working for a private investigator as a mole inside a secret organization.
Mike Schur created the series and serves as an executive producer. Additional executive producers include Morgan Sackett, David Miner, Maite Alberdi, Marcela Santibañez, Julie Goldman, and Christopher Clements. The series is produced by Universal Television.
Netflix released the following A Classic Spy cast and character descriptions:
Mary Elizabeth Ellis (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) plays Emily, a married mother of three boys who has to adjust when her father Charles (Danson) makes a surprising late-life career move and becomes an undercover detective. Stephanie Beatriz (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) plays Didi,...
- 2/2/2024
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Netflix‘s Mike Schur comedy A Classic Spy is adding more funny superstars to its cast led by previously-announced star Ted Danson. Reteaming after their run on The Good Place, Schur and Danson are expanding the show’s ensemble which includes vets from Schur’s other hits ranging from Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Parks and Recreation to even more Good Place alums. The show follows Charles (Danson), a retired man who gets a new lease on life when he answers an ad from a private investigator and becomes a mole in a secret investigation. The show is based on the documentary The Mole Agent, which was a 2021 Oscar nominee for Best Documentary Feature. In a massive casting announcement update, Netflix unveils Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Stephanie Beatriz, Lilah Richcreek Estrada, Stephen Mckinley Henderson, Sally Struthers, Eugene Cordero, Margaret Avery, John Getz, Susan Ruttan, Lori Tan Chinn, Clyde Kusatsu, Marc Evan Jackson, and...
- 2/2/2024
- TV Insider
Which familiar faces will join Ted Danson in his Netflix detective comedy, created by Mike Schur? Consider that mystery solved.
A Classic Spy, which stars Danson as a retiree named Charles who becomes a mole in a secret investigation, just announced its ensemble cast, including several actors from previous Schur projects The Good Place and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
More from TVLineTVLine Items: Brenda Song Joins Mindy Kaling Series, Priscilla on Max and MoreNetflix Cancels Cobra Kai Creators' Action-Comedy Obliterated After 1 SeasonMatthew Macfadyen, Michael Shannon to Star in James Garfield Drama From Game of Thrones EPs
Stephanie Beatriz (Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘s Rosa) will play Didi,...
A Classic Spy, which stars Danson as a retiree named Charles who becomes a mole in a secret investigation, just announced its ensemble cast, including several actors from previous Schur projects The Good Place and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
More from TVLineTVLine Items: Brenda Song Joins Mindy Kaling Series, Priscilla on Max and MoreNetflix Cancels Cobra Kai Creators' Action-Comedy Obliterated After 1 SeasonMatthew Macfadyen, Michael Shannon to Star in James Garfield Drama From Game of Thrones EPs
Stephanie Beatriz (Brooklyn Nine-Nine‘s Rosa) will play Didi,...
- 2/2/2024
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
Exclusive: Netflix has assembled the cast around Ted Danson in the upcoming Mike Schur/Ted Danson comedy series, which now has a name, A Classic Spy. Joining Danson in the project are Mary Elizabeth Ellis (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia), Stephanie Beatriz, Lilah Richcreek Estrada (Chicago Med), two-time Tony nominee Stephen Mckinley Henderson (Dune), two-time Emmy Award winner Sally Struthers, Eugene Cordero (Loki), Academy Award nominee Margaret Avery (The Color Purple), John Getz (Grace and Frankie), four-time Emmy nominee Susan Ruttan, Lori Tan Chinn (Joy Ride), Clyde Kusatsu (Never Have I Ever), Marc Evan Jackson (Lessons In Chemistry) and Jama Williamson (Single Parents).
A Classic Spy reunites Cordero and Jackson with Danson and Schur. Cordero and Jackson both recurred on NBC’s The Good Place, which was created/executive produced by Schur and starred Danson. Jackson also...
A Classic Spy reunites Cordero and Jackson with Danson and Schur. Cordero and Jackson both recurred on NBC’s The Good Place, which was created/executive produced by Schur and starred Danson. Jackson also...
- 2/2/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix has officially announced their full TV slate for 2024…and they’re promising a ton of new content this year!
We now officially know which series will be returning this year, and we’ve gathered up everything that has been released in one easy to read list.
Keep reading to find out more…
February Releases
⬥ One Day – On Netflix February 8
⬥ Love Is Blind S6 – On Netflix February 14 (Releasing Weekly)
⬥ The Vince Staples Show – On Netflix February 15
⬥ Al Rawabi School for Girls S2 – On Netflix February 15
⬥ Ready, Set, Love – On Netflix February 15
⬥ Rhythm + Flow Italy – On Netflix February 19 (episodes 1-4) + February 26 (episodes 5-7) + March 4 (episode 8)
⬥ Avatar: The Last Airbender – On Netflix February 22
⬥ Formula 1: Drive to Survive S6 – On Netflix February 23
⬥ The Mire: Millennium – On Netflix February 28
March Releases
⬥ The Gentlemen – On Netflix this March
⬥ The Netflix Slam – On Netflix March 3
⬥ Hot Wheels Let’s Race – On Netflix March 4
⬥ Full Swing S...
We now officially know which series will be returning this year, and we’ve gathered up everything that has been released in one easy to read list.
Keep reading to find out more…
February Releases
⬥ One Day – On Netflix February 8
⬥ Love Is Blind S6 – On Netflix February 14 (Releasing Weekly)
⬥ The Vince Staples Show – On Netflix February 15
⬥ Al Rawabi School for Girls S2 – On Netflix February 15
⬥ Ready, Set, Love – On Netflix February 15
⬥ Rhythm + Flow Italy – On Netflix February 19 (episodes 1-4) + February 26 (episodes 5-7) + March 4 (episode 8)
⬥ Avatar: The Last Airbender – On Netflix February 22
⬥ Formula 1: Drive to Survive S6 – On Netflix February 23
⬥ The Mire: Millennium – On Netflix February 28
March Releases
⬥ The Gentlemen – On Netflix this March
⬥ The Netflix Slam – On Netflix March 3
⬥ Hot Wheels Let’s Race – On Netflix March 4
⬥ Full Swing S...
- 2/1/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Netflix previewed its series and film slates for 2024 at its Next on Netflix event Wednesday in Los Angeles. The TV roster features several high-profile scripted series, which are set to release new seasons this year (no specific dates yet): The Night Agent (Season 2), the sixth and final season of Cobra Kai, Emily in Paris (Season 4), Outer Banks (Season 4), and Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, the second installment of Ryan Murphy‘s true-crime anthology series.
They join the previously announced 2024 returns of Squid Game (Season 2), Bridgerton (Season 3) and The Diplomat (Season 2).
Also set for a 2024 release are the eighth and final season of Elite, Season 3 of Heartstopper, Sweet Tooth and Vikings: Valhalla, as well as Season 2 of That ’90s Show, The Empress and docuseries Full Swing, which launches March 6.
New Netflix series making a debut in 2024 include the Untitled Mike Schur/Ted Danson comedy, inspired by the documentary The Mole Agent,...
They join the previously announced 2024 returns of Squid Game (Season 2), Bridgerton (Season 3) and The Diplomat (Season 2).
Also set for a 2024 release are the eighth and final season of Elite, Season 3 of Heartstopper, Sweet Tooth and Vikings: Valhalla, as well as Season 2 of That ’90s Show, The Empress and docuseries Full Swing, which launches March 6.
New Netflix series making a debut in 2024 include the Untitled Mike Schur/Ted Danson comedy, inspired by the documentary The Mole Agent,...
- 2/1/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva and Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission.
“The Office” Season 7 “Superfan Episodes” are finally arriving on Peacock on Monday, Jan. 22.
According to the official release: “The latest season includes never-before-seen moments and extended scenes from fan-favorite episodes, including: ‘Threat Level Midnight,’ ‘Classy Christmas,’ ‘Garage Sale,’ ‘Michael’s Last Dundies,’ ‘Goodbye Michael,’ ‘Search Committee,’ and more!”
Buy Now: Peacock $5.99/Month
Ever since “The Office” began streaming on Peacock in 2021, the beloved sitcom began intermittently releasing new “Superfan Episodes” that include new, never-before-seen footage and deleted scenes of the original series.
“Having ‘The Office’ back in the NBC family opens up access to a lot of extra content that we originally shot,” Greg Daniels, creator of the U.S. version of the show, said in a statement. “The experience on Peacock should feel like a celebration of ‘The Office’ for fans.
“The Office” Season 7 “Superfan Episodes” are finally arriving on Peacock on Monday, Jan. 22.
According to the official release: “The latest season includes never-before-seen moments and extended scenes from fan-favorite episodes, including: ‘Threat Level Midnight,’ ‘Classy Christmas,’ ‘Garage Sale,’ ‘Michael’s Last Dundies,’ ‘Goodbye Michael,’ ‘Search Committee,’ and more!”
Buy Now: Peacock $5.99/Month
Ever since “The Office” began streaming on Peacock in 2021, the beloved sitcom began intermittently releasing new “Superfan Episodes” that include new, never-before-seen footage and deleted scenes of the original series.
“Having ‘The Office’ back in the NBC family opens up access to a lot of extra content that we originally shot,” Greg Daniels, creator of the U.S. version of the show, said in a statement. “The experience on Peacock should feel like a celebration of ‘The Office’ for fans.
- 1/22/2024
- by Anna Tingley
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Sierra Teller Ornelas and Jana Schmieding are developing the new CBS half-hour, multi-cam comedy series Bonnie from Universal Television. The project falls under Ornelas’ overall deal at Utv.
Bonnie is a family comedy about a former backup singer who left the grind of touring fifteen years ago to live on the rez, help raise her brother’s kids and live her dream of being “Cool Auntie.”
Ornelas and Schmieding will write and executive produce the project with the latter also set to star. In addition to the pair, Morgan Sackett, Jonathan Berry and Katie Newman also exec produce.
Recently, Ornelas was showrunner of the Peacock comedy Rutherford Falls, which she co-created with Mike Schur and Ed Helms. It was there she met Schmieding, who served as both a star and writer on the show. Previously, Ornelas was a co-executive producer on Loot...
Bonnie is a family comedy about a former backup singer who left the grind of touring fifteen years ago to live on the rez, help raise her brother’s kids and live her dream of being “Cool Auntie.”
Ornelas and Schmieding will write and executive produce the project with the latter also set to star. In addition to the pair, Morgan Sackett, Jonathan Berry and Katie Newman also exec produce.
Recently, Ornelas was showrunner of the Peacock comedy Rutherford Falls, which she co-created with Mike Schur and Ed Helms. It was there she met Schmieding, who served as both a star and writer on the show. Previously, Ornelas was a co-executive producer on Loot...
- 1/11/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: 30 Rock creator and star Tina Fey is returning to the small screen as a lead of The Four Seasons, based on the 1981 feature film, which she co-created with fellow 30 Rock alums Lang Fisher and Tracey Wigfield. The high-profile comedy project, which marks Fey’s first TV starring role since 30 Rock, was taken out to the marketplace just before the holidays. In a very competitive situation with multiple bidders, it landed at Netflix with an eight-episode series order.
Production is slated to begin later this year. Universal Television, where Fey is based, is the studio.
The Universal Pictures film The Four Seasons, about three couples who vacation together every season, was written and directed by Alan Alda, produced by Martin Bregman, and starred Alda and Carol Burnett.
The Four Seasons TV series is written by Fey, Fisher and Wigfield who executive produce with David Miner, Eric Gurian and Jeff Richmond.
Production is slated to begin later this year. Universal Television, where Fey is based, is the studio.
The Universal Pictures film The Four Seasons, about three couples who vacation together every season, was written and directed by Alan Alda, produced by Martin Bregman, and starred Alda and Carol Burnett.
The Four Seasons TV series is written by Fey, Fisher and Wigfield who executive produce with David Miner, Eric Gurian and Jeff Richmond.
- 1/9/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
"Brooklyn Nine-Nine" is, hands down, one of the funniest sitcoms in recent TV history. The Andy Samberg-led detective comedy lost a bit of its considerable charm with a final season that attempted (perhaps ultimately unsuccessfully) to grapple with timely discussions about policing, but for the vast majority of the show's eight-season run, it was an energetic and uproarious fan favorite. As Mike Schur's follow-up to "Parks and Recreation" (Schur co-created "Nine-Nine" with Dan Goor), "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" continued the writers' knack for creating quick-witted and endearing workplace sitcoms that are perfect binge-watch material.
Along with Samberg's goofy detective Jake Peralta, an all-star cast rounds out New York's 99th precinct. Stephanie Beatriz's menacing Rosa, Melissa Fumero's perfectionist Amy, Joe Lo Truglio's awkward but loyal Boyle, and Terry Crews' family man Terry are among the show's featured players, but no one on the cast list brought quite as...
Along with Samberg's goofy detective Jake Peralta, an all-star cast rounds out New York's 99th precinct. Stephanie Beatriz's menacing Rosa, Melissa Fumero's perfectionist Amy, Joe Lo Truglio's awkward but loyal Boyle, and Terry Crews' family man Terry are among the show's featured players, but no one on the cast list brought quite as...
- 12/14/2023
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
At first blush, Andre Braugher cut a similar figure to Raymond Holt, the NYPD captain he spent eight seasons playing on the Fox-turned-NBC sitcom “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.” Both were imposing figures who carried a sense of gravitas: Braugher as a Juilliard-trained, Emmy-winning dramatic actor; Holt as a gay, Black police officer who’d overcome prejudice to climb his agency’s ranks. Both found themselves in a working environment with a zaniness that was superficially at odds with their well-earned reputations, whether a joke-filled network comedy or the precinct it was named for.
But just like his character, Braugher’s last major leading role in a television series before his death on Monday at just 61, the performer took naturally to this new environment. The straight man is a classic archetype in an ensemble comedy, and Captain Holt is initially introduced as a somber foil to Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg), a “Die...
But just like his character, Braugher’s last major leading role in a television series before his death on Monday at just 61, the performer took naturally to this new environment. The straight man is a classic archetype in an ensemble comedy, and Captain Holt is initially introduced as a somber foil to Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg), a “Die...
- 12/13/2023
- by Alison Herman
- Variety Film + TV
Just a couple days before Andre Braugher’s untimely passing at the age of 61, I was thinking about the actor’s performance on “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.”
Mike Schur and Dan Goor’s eight-season comedy (which premiered on Fox and then moved to NBC) was full of dazzling performances and hysterical one-liners, but out of nowhere I found myself thinking about Braugher’s mic-drop from Season 1’s Thanksgiving episode: “My wife was killed by a man in a yellow sweater.” Aside from being exactly the kind of jarringly memorable line that one might recall at random with no context, it’s a critical moment that shows his character, the seemingly by-the-book and buttoned up Raymond Holt, is not opposed to some light shenanigans when the situation calls for it — and crash course in Braugher’s masterclass of impeccable timing.
Braugher’s filmography kicks off in the late-1980s, where he proved himself...
Mike Schur and Dan Goor’s eight-season comedy (which premiered on Fox and then moved to NBC) was full of dazzling performances and hysterical one-liners, but out of nowhere I found myself thinking about Braugher’s mic-drop from Season 1’s Thanksgiving episode: “My wife was killed by a man in a yellow sweater.” Aside from being exactly the kind of jarringly memorable line that one might recall at random with no context, it’s a critical moment that shows his character, the seemingly by-the-book and buttoned up Raymond Holt, is not opposed to some light shenanigans when the situation calls for it — and crash course in Braugher’s masterclass of impeccable timing.
Braugher’s filmography kicks off in the late-1980s, where he proved himself...
- 12/13/2023
- by Proma Khosla
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Aaron Dominguez (Only Murders in the Building), Melissa Fumero (Blockbuster), Alejandro Edda (Narcos: Mexico), Sebastian Chacon (Daisy Jones & The Six), and Carlos Pratts (Fatal Attraction) have been set to star in Red Dirt, an indie action thriller from director Crash Buist (The Stratum) that has been handed an interim agreement from SAG.
Written by Buist, Jonathan Medina (Primo), and Lauren Senechal (The Stratum), the film is a family-driven revenge tale about two brothers, Miguel (Dominguez) and Dom (Edda) who are thrust back together after years apart when their family is murdered by cartel gangsters in a New Mexico border town. The brothers are the only surviving members of a family that dies crossing the border between Mexico and the United States. Upon doing so, they’re found and cared for by a white couple, Brent and Margaret. The backdrop of their struggle arises with the opposing realities of where...
Written by Buist, Jonathan Medina (Primo), and Lauren Senechal (The Stratum), the film is a family-driven revenge tale about two brothers, Miguel (Dominguez) and Dom (Edda) who are thrust back together after years apart when their family is murdered by cartel gangsters in a New Mexico border town. The brothers are the only surviving members of a family that dies crossing the border between Mexico and the United States. Upon doing so, they’re found and cared for by a white couple, Brent and Margaret. The backdrop of their struggle arises with the opposing realities of where...
- 11/6/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Netflix on Monday morning unveiled Verified Stand-Up, a new series featuring short sets from 10 comedians that’s set to premiere globally on November 28. Rising comedians that perform in the two-parter, filmed at Webster Hall in New York City, include Asif Ali, Dulcé Sloan, Gianmarco Soresi, Isiah Kelly, Leslie Liao, Nimesh Patel, Robby Hoffman, Rosebud Baker, Sabrina Wu, and Vanessa Gonzalez.
News of Netflix’s new stand-up series comes following its announcement of Improv: 60 And Still Standing, a comedy special celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Improv comedy clubs, which is set to premiere November 7th. Top comics dropping in for short sets as part of that project included Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, Bert Kreischer, Craig Robinson, Deon Cole, Fortune Feimster, Jeff Dunham, Kevin Nealon, Mark Normand, Jo Koy, and Whitney Cummings.
Linda Mendoza directed Verified Stand-Up, with Anne Harris serving as executive producer.
Previously seen on Disney+’s WandaVision and The Mandalorian,...
News of Netflix’s new stand-up series comes following its announcement of Improv: 60 And Still Standing, a comedy special celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Improv comedy clubs, which is set to premiere November 7th. Top comics dropping in for short sets as part of that project included Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, Bert Kreischer, Craig Robinson, Deon Cole, Fortune Feimster, Jeff Dunham, Kevin Nealon, Mark Normand, Jo Koy, and Whitney Cummings.
Linda Mendoza directed Verified Stand-Up, with Anne Harris serving as executive producer.
Previously seen on Disney+’s WandaVision and The Mandalorian,...
- 10/23/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The Problem With Jon Stewart has a problem at Apple TV+: The streamer has cancelled the talk show hosted by the Daily Show alum and dropped plans for a third season, according to the New York Times, which cites “creative differences” as the reason for the axing.
Stewart reportedly told his staff that Apple pushed back on proposed topics relating to China and artificial intelligence, among other disputes over potential guests and topics. (A source confirms the cancellation to TVLine, but an Apple TV+ representative declined to comment.) The upcoming presidential election also carried with it “potential for further creative disagreements,...
Stewart reportedly told his staff that Apple pushed back on proposed topics relating to China and artificial intelligence, among other disputes over potential guests and topics. (A source confirms the cancellation to TVLine, but an Apple TV+ representative declined to comment.) The upcoming presidential election also carried with it “potential for further creative disagreements,...
- 10/19/2023
- by Dave Nemetz
- TVLine.com
National Geographic has set a date for its next brush with genius. The first two episodes of Genius: MLK/X will air Feb. 1, 2024 on Nat Geo, available to stream next-day on Disney+ and Hulu. Two episodes will roll out as such each week.
Starring Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Godfather of Harlem) as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Aaron Pierre (The Underground Railroad) as Malcolm X, the eight-episode season “will focus on two iconic geniuses … and how their dueling philosophies helped usher America through the Civil Rights Movement.”
More from TVLineTVLine Items: Sylvester Stallone Docu Trailer, That's My Jam Renewed and...
Starring Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Godfather of Harlem) as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Aaron Pierre (The Underground Railroad) as Malcolm X, the eight-episode season “will focus on two iconic geniuses … and how their dueling philosophies helped usher America through the Civil Rights Movement.”
More from TVLineTVLine Items: Sylvester Stallone Docu Trailer, That's My Jam Renewed and...
- 10/19/2023
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
If Peacock had built it, look who would have come!
A year and a half after the streaming outlet pulled the plug on his Field of Dreams adaptation, executive producer Mike Schur has revealed the ill-fated limited series’ all-star lineup — an A-list roster that would’ve brought together veterans of Schur comedies Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Good Place and Parks and Recreation, all under one clubhouse.
More from TVLine<em>Brooklyn Nine-Nine</em>‘s 10 Best Cold Opens, Ranked — Which Comes In at No. 1?Galentine’s Day: How a <i>Parks and Rec</i> Episode Has Haunted Me for 13 YearsElite to End With Season 8 at Netflix...
A year and a half after the streaming outlet pulled the plug on his Field of Dreams adaptation, executive producer Mike Schur has revealed the ill-fated limited series’ all-star lineup — an A-list roster that would’ve brought together veterans of Schur comedies Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Good Place and Parks and Recreation, all under one clubhouse.
More from TVLine<em>Brooklyn Nine-Nine</em>‘s 10 Best Cold Opens, Ranked — Which Comes In at No. 1?Galentine’s Day: How a <i>Parks and Rec</i> Episode Has Haunted Me for 13 YearsElite to End With Season 8 at Netflix...
- 10/18/2023
- by Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
For his first “Late Night” following the end of the strike, Seth Meyers delivered an extended “A Closer Look” commentary rather than book any guests. But before launching into that, he started with a heartfelt message of gratitude to friends and family, fans, fellow late night hosts and especially his writers.
And then in what is this week’s hottest trend on late night television, he did a speed run through all the news he missed while on hiatus because of the writers’ strike.
Meyers started by thanking leadership at the Writers Guild of America for their “sacrifice” during the strike, noting the financial and personal struggles they endured leading to “the very fair deal that all the writers deserved.”
“I have friends on the [WGA] negotiating committee. Friends like Mike Schur, friends like Kay Cannon, who are not just talented writers but people who again sacrificed their time to work for all writers,...
And then in what is this week’s hottest trend on late night television, he did a speed run through all the news he missed while on hiatus because of the writers’ strike.
Meyers started by thanking leadership at the Writers Guild of America for their “sacrifice” during the strike, noting the financial and personal struggles they endured leading to “the very fair deal that all the writers deserved.”
“I have friends on the [WGA] negotiating committee. Friends like Mike Schur, friends like Kay Cannon, who are not just talented writers but people who again sacrificed their time to work for all writers,...
- 10/3/2023
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
Seth Meyers opened his first Late Night show in five months with a long list of thank yous.
The comedian returns to NBC with an hour-long version of A Closer Look, his political segment, in which he touches on all of the news that broke over the summer.
But before he got into Trump indictments and lumpy pillows (see below), Meyers said that he was “grateful” to be back.
“I never take this show for granted but being away from it for as long as I’ve been away from it really hits home how much I love having this as a workplace,” he said.
He thanked the WGA negotiating committee, which includes his friends Mike Schur and Kay Cannon, for their sacrifices to ensure a “fair” deal for the writers. He also apologized for pestering these friends during negotiations.
“I am so happy to be back in a room with my writers.
The comedian returns to NBC with an hour-long version of A Closer Look, his political segment, in which he touches on all of the news that broke over the summer.
But before he got into Trump indictments and lumpy pillows (see below), Meyers said that he was “grateful” to be back.
“I never take this show for granted but being away from it for as long as I’ve been away from it really hits home how much I love having this as a workplace,” he said.
He thanked the WGA negotiating committee, which includes his friends Mike Schur and Kay Cannon, for their sacrifices to ensure a “fair” deal for the writers. He also apologized for pestering these friends during negotiations.
“I am so happy to be back in a room with my writers.
- 10/3/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Late night was back in full force on Monday night, and the hosts of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and “Late Night With Seth Meyers” were all expected to have something to say about it in their opening monologues.
“It feels good to be back,” Colbert said at the start of his Oct. 2 monologue — his first since May 1, the last evening before the WGA strike commenced the following day. “It feels good to be with all of you again here in the Ed Sullivan Theatre. Because after the first few months of the strike, [Colbert’s wife] Evie refused to keep chanting my name. But now the writers’ strike is over, with a new contract that includes protections from A.I., cost of living increases, better pay for streaming. Plus, thanks to the picket lines, my writers got fresh air and sunshine — and...
“It feels good to be back,” Colbert said at the start of his Oct. 2 monologue — his first since May 1, the last evening before the WGA strike commenced the following day. “It feels good to be with all of you again here in the Ed Sullivan Theatre. Because after the first few months of the strike, [Colbert’s wife] Evie refused to keep chanting my name. But now the writers’ strike is over, with a new contract that includes protections from A.I., cost of living increases, better pay for streaming. Plus, thanks to the picket lines, my writers got fresh air and sunshine — and...
- 10/3/2023
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
It’s staffing season in September. A number of new series picked up right before or during the writers strike are assembling their writers rooms. And, picking up where they left off, a number of writers rooms that were either shut down or delayed by the WGA strike in May are ramping back up and are expected to be up and running early next week.
According to sources, going back on Monday are the writers rooms for ABC Signature’s Grey’s Anatomy (ABC) and Criminal Minds: Evolution (co-production with CBS Studios for Paramount+). Disney TV Studios sibling 20th Television has series 9-1-1 (now on ABC) and the animated Fox trio of Family Guy, Bob’s Burgers and The Simpsons also are set for a Monday start.
Showtime/eOne’s Yellowjackets, whose Season 3 writers room shut down after one day as the WGA strike started, will resume Wednesday, I hear.
Starting...
According to sources, going back on Monday are the writers rooms for ABC Signature’s Grey’s Anatomy (ABC) and Criminal Minds: Evolution (co-production with CBS Studios for Paramount+). Disney TV Studios sibling 20th Television has series 9-1-1 (now on ABC) and the animated Fox trio of Family Guy, Bob’s Burgers and The Simpsons also are set for a Monday start.
Showtime/eOne’s Yellowjackets, whose Season 3 writers room shut down after one day as the WGA strike started, will resume Wednesday, I hear.
Starting...
- 9/29/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Now that the Writers Guild of America strike is officially over, deals that were suspended are in the process of being reinstated.
Hours after the strike concluded on Wednesday, studio and streaming executives were busy at work, calling the writers and producers whose deals were withheld during the five-month stoppage. According to sources, as per The Hollywood Reporter, suspensions issued by Warner Bros. Television to top showrunners — including Greg Berlanti, J.J. Abrams and more — are being lifted by the studio, effective Thursday. Other studios have also began to lift suspensions, with the process likely to proceed through early next week.
Read More: ‘The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon’ And ‘Late Night With Seth Meyers’ To Return To TV Next Week As 148-Day Wag Strike Ends
Though, it’s unclear if the deals are being extended to make up for lost time when they were suspended, which, if not, could put...
Hours after the strike concluded on Wednesday, studio and streaming executives were busy at work, calling the writers and producers whose deals were withheld during the five-month stoppage. According to sources, as per The Hollywood Reporter, suspensions issued by Warner Bros. Television to top showrunners — including Greg Berlanti, J.J. Abrams and more — are being lifted by the studio, effective Thursday. Other studios have also began to lift suspensions, with the process likely to proceed through early next week.
Read More: ‘The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon’ And ‘Late Night With Seth Meyers’ To Return To TV Next Week As 148-Day Wag Strike Ends
Though, it’s unclear if the deals are being extended to make up for lost time when they were suspended, which, if not, could put...
- 9/28/2023
- by Melissa Romualdi
- ET Canada
On Wednesday, hours after the Writers Guild of America’s strike officially ended, studio and streaming executives were busy making scores of calls to the writers and producers whose deals were suspended during the five-month walkout.
To that end, sources say Warner Bros. Television is lifting suspensions that were issued to top showrunners including Greg Berlanti, J.J. Abrams and many others, effective Thursday, as some letters are still in the process of being sent out to the rest of the Channing Dungey-led studio’s stable of scribes. Other studios, sources say, have already started to lift their suspensions, with the process expected to continue through early next week.
One key question remains as Hollywood’s TV writers return to work following the second-longest strike in WGA history: namely, if deals are being extended to include the time lost when they were suspended. Sources say many top producers — think Berlanti and...
To that end, sources say Warner Bros. Television is lifting suspensions that were issued to top showrunners including Greg Berlanti, J.J. Abrams and many others, effective Thursday, as some letters are still in the process of being sent out to the rest of the Channing Dungey-led studio’s stable of scribes. Other studios, sources say, have already started to lift their suspensions, with the process expected to continue through early next week.
One key question remains as Hollywood’s TV writers return to work following the second-longest strike in WGA history: namely, if deals are being extended to include the time lost when they were suspended. Sources say many top producers — think Berlanti and...
- 9/28/2023
- by Lesley Goldberg and Lacey Rose
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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Just two days before a restart to stalled negotiations, Writers Guild leaders had an emotional meeting with a diverse group of Hollywood showrunners, which included Courtney Kemp and Yvette Lee Bowser, seeking progress toward ending the crippling strike now in its fifth month, TheWrap has learned.
“It was a meeting to voice frustration,” said an individual with knowledge of the meeting that took place Monday at the WGA headquarters in Los Angeles. “To say: We’re writers but we’re also management and our people are living out of their cars. They’re giving blood plasma for groceries.”
The meeting was intended to touch base ahead of the negotiating committee going into talks, after which they go dark, said another individual with knowledge of the meeting. “It was honest and positive in tone,...
Just two days before a restart to stalled negotiations, Writers Guild leaders had an emotional meeting with a diverse group of Hollywood showrunners, which included Courtney Kemp and Yvette Lee Bowser, seeking progress toward ending the crippling strike now in its fifth month, TheWrap has learned.
“It was a meeting to voice frustration,” said an individual with knowledge of the meeting that took place Monday at the WGA headquarters in Los Angeles. “To say: We’re writers but we’re also management and our people are living out of their cars. They’re giving blood plasma for groceries.”
The meeting was intended to touch base ahead of the negotiating committee going into talks, after which they go dark, said another individual with knowledge of the meeting. “It was honest and positive in tone,...
- 9/19/2023
- by Sharon Waxman
- The Wrap
As SAG-AFTRA and the WGA continue to strike and fight for a new deal, the picket lines are remaining full. In fact, they’re so full that multiple series have seen cast and crew reunions while marching.
Some have been spontaneous, as old colleagues run into each other by chance at a given location. Others have been planned, making sure to get as many members out on the lines as possible. So, we rounded up some of the biggest ones, ranging from shows long since ended, to those still fresh in our hearts.
You can check out some of the biggest reunions in the photos below.
“The Good Place” (NBC)
1. The Good Place
On Aug. 2, the cast and crew of “The Good Place” reunited on the picket lines, with actress Jameela Jamil even dressing like her character Tahani. Ted Danson, Kristen Bell, Marc Evan Jackson and more were all on hand for the reunion,...
Some have been spontaneous, as old colleagues run into each other by chance at a given location. Others have been planned, making sure to get as many members out on the lines as possible. So, we rounded up some of the biggest ones, ranging from shows long since ended, to those still fresh in our hearts.
You can check out some of the biggest reunions in the photos below.
“The Good Place” (NBC)
1. The Good Place
On Aug. 2, the cast and crew of “The Good Place” reunited on the picket lines, with actress Jameela Jamil even dressing like her character Tahani. Ted Danson, Kristen Bell, Marc Evan Jackson and more were all on hand for the reunion,...
- 9/14/2023
- by Andi Ortiz
- The Wrap
What should we do with people who have admitted to sexual misconduct? Especially if that person has legions of fans who can fill Madison Square Garden? Should we object? Or simply pretend it isn’t happening?
The comedian Louis C.K. became an outcast in 2017, the year of #MeToo, after the New York Times — led by three intrepid female reporters — revealed that he masturbated in front of at least five women. And probably a whole lot more.
C.K. quickly admitted it. Yes, he said that was me. And then he wrote a long mea culpa and essentially said he needed to go away for a while and listen.
But then what? “Sorry/Not Sorry,” a documentary by Caroline Suh and Cara Mones playing at the Toronto International Film Festival, explores the difficult and nuanced question that has become an unspoken part of the #MeToo fallout. How should we treat someone like C.
The comedian Louis C.K. became an outcast in 2017, the year of #MeToo, after the New York Times — led by three intrepid female reporters — revealed that he masturbated in front of at least five women. And probably a whole lot more.
C.K. quickly admitted it. Yes, he said that was me. And then he wrote a long mea culpa and essentially said he needed to go away for a while and listen.
But then what? “Sorry/Not Sorry,” a documentary by Caroline Suh and Cara Mones playing at the Toronto International Film Festival, explores the difficult and nuanced question that has become an unspoken part of the #MeToo fallout. How should we treat someone like C.
- 9/13/2023
- by Sharon Waxman
- The Wrap
NBCU abruptly ended its studio deals with high-profile producers on Monday, including “Saturday Night Live” creator Lorne Michaels and Dwayne Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions, who brought “Young Rock” to the network.
The move came the same day as similar cuts at CBS, where talk show host Dr. Phil’s deal was also put on hold.
In addition to “SNL,” Michaels produces the Pete Davidson Peacock sitcom “Bupkis” through his company Broadway Video. He moved shop to NBCU in 2018 after 30 years at Paramount Pictures.
Dick Wolf, whose hit “Law & Order” franchise is at NBC, has not had his pact with the network suspended as of Monday, according to Deadline. Wolf is also working on unscripted content for NBC.
Other producers at Universal Studio Group who have already been suspended include “30 Rock” creator Tina Fey and Sam Esmail of “Mr. Robot.”
Mike Schur, whose many NBC projects include “The Office,...
The move came the same day as similar cuts at CBS, where talk show host Dr. Phil’s deal was also put on hold.
In addition to “SNL,” Michaels produces the Pete Davidson Peacock sitcom “Bupkis” through his company Broadway Video. He moved shop to NBCU in 2018 after 30 years at Paramount Pictures.
Dick Wolf, whose hit “Law & Order” franchise is at NBC, has not had his pact with the network suspended as of Monday, according to Deadline. Wolf is also working on unscripted content for NBC.
Other producers at Universal Studio Group who have already been suspended include “30 Rock” creator Tina Fey and Sam Esmail of “Mr. Robot.”
Mike Schur, whose many NBC projects include “The Office,...
- 9/11/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
NBCUniversal’s Universal Studio Group has suspended Lorne Michaels’ Broadway Video and Dwayne Johnson’s Seven Bucks, along with an unknown number of other film and TV deals, as the ongoing labor clash between the writers guild and Hollywood’s studios and streamers enters its 20th week.
Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that Universal Studio Group — which includes Universal Television, Universal Content Productions and Universal Pictures, among other divisions — reached out to its remaining writing and producing partners Monday to see if they were comfortable with contributing non-writing services. Those who still have active scripted or unscripted projects who agreed to continue to work are not being impacted. Others who have either completed production or were not willing to deliver non-writing services were suspended.
The move comes after Universal Studio Group joined other studios early in the strike in suspending most of its deals.
Sources also note that Universal Studio...
Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that Universal Studio Group — which includes Universal Television, Universal Content Productions and Universal Pictures, among other divisions — reached out to its remaining writing and producing partners Monday to see if they were comfortable with contributing non-writing services. Those who still have active scripted or unscripted projects who agreed to continue to work are not being impacted. Others who have either completed production or were not willing to deliver non-writing services were suspended.
The move comes after Universal Studio Group joined other studios early in the strike in suspending most of its deals.
Sources also note that Universal Studio...
- 9/11/2023
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
CBS Studios and NBCUniversal’s Universal Studio Group have suspended a new round of overall deals due to the ongoing Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike.
On Wednesday, Disney TV joined the list of studios suspending deals, hitting the pause button on some first-look and overall pacts at 20th Television, Disney Branded Entertainment and ABC Signature. Among those affected are non-writing producing deals for actor-producers including Gina Rodriguez, Billy Porter, Mandy Moore and others who were not in active production at the time the strike began on May 2.
It’s understood that Disney’s plan is to pay assistants who work for banners that have been suspended through the end of the year. Development executives tied to suspended deals will be paid through early October. The Disney suspensions were first reported by Deadline.
On the CBS Studios side, talkshow star Phil “Dr. Phil” McGraw, BET+’s “Kingdom Business” producer DeVon Franklin...
On Wednesday, Disney TV joined the list of studios suspending deals, hitting the pause button on some first-look and overall pacts at 20th Television, Disney Branded Entertainment and ABC Signature. Among those affected are non-writing producing deals for actor-producers including Gina Rodriguez, Billy Porter, Mandy Moore and others who were not in active production at the time the strike began on May 2.
It’s understood that Disney’s plan is to pay assistants who work for banners that have been suspended through the end of the year. Development executives tied to suspended deals will be paid through early October. The Disney suspensions were first reported by Deadline.
On the CBS Studios side, talkshow star Phil “Dr. Phil” McGraw, BET+’s “Kingdom Business” producer DeVon Franklin...
- 9/11/2023
- by Jennifer Maas and Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
At some point in our culture, we began to see male comedians as philosophers. Invoking the legacies of George Carlin, Richard Pryor and Bill Hicks, comedy fans have labeled funny men as paternalistic truth tellers that we all must revere. Never mind the fact that these men are no longer alive and thus have no opportunity to challenge the way their work has been framed and which living comics they are compared to.
Louis C.K. is one such comedian who has often been spoken of in the same breath as these men, despite lacking the often political edge of their work. C.K. and comics like Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle are the confirmed gold standard of comedy, standing at the top of the mountain looking down at the rest of us. There’s no denying their talent and insight, but they are very much still human, despite the prevailing...
Louis C.K. is one such comedian who has often been spoken of in the same breath as these men, despite lacking the often political edge of their work. C.K. and comics like Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle are the confirmed gold standard of comedy, standing at the top of the mountain looking down at the rest of us. There’s no denying their talent and insight, but they are very much still human, despite the prevailing...
- 9/11/2023
- by Jourdain Searles
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In 2017, like a lot of Louis C.K. fans, filmmaker Caroline Suh wasn’t sure what to make of the allegations of sexual misconduct against the comedian that were detailed in a New York Times story. The report included female comics’ accounts of C.K. exposing himself to them, which he admitted to, and led FX, Netflix and C.K.’s management company, 3Arts, to drop him.
“I watched his show religiously,” Suh says. “And when the article came out, I was surprised and honestly thought, ‘Is it really that bad that he should be banished from the scene?’ I didn’t really know how to think about it.”
Nearly six years later, now that C.K. has sold out Madison Square Garden and won two Grammys for his comedy albums, Suh and her co-director, Cara Mones, interrogate questions about sex and power raised by the comic’s downfall and comeback in their new documentary,...
“I watched his show religiously,” Suh says. “And when the article came out, I was surprised and honestly thought, ‘Is it really that bad that he should be banished from the scene?’ I didn’t really know how to think about it.”
Nearly six years later, now that C.K. has sold out Madison Square Garden and won two Grammys for his comedy albums, Suh and her co-director, Cara Mones, interrogate questions about sex and power raised by the comic’s downfall and comeback in their new documentary,...
- 9/9/2023
- by Rebecca Keegan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Greg Berlanti. J.J. Abrams. Bill Lawrence. Mindy Kaling.
On the evening of Sept. 7, a flurry of headlines confirmed that Warner Bros. Television Group had suspended their deals and several others that had remained quietly active since the WGA strike began in early May. The news came as a shock to some, who hadn’t realized a cade of TV’s biggest names were still drawing a paycheck and a harbinger of coming pain for others. Sources across the studio and streaming landscape predict more suspensions will come, largely in the non-writing executive producer ranks, in the weeks ahead. As one studio exec put it, “Warner Bros. just gave everyone else cover.” Added another: “We’d been waiting for someone else to go first.”
To be sure, the first wave of suspensions came in the spring — and by all accounts, was swift and extensive. It included the vast majority of pure...
On the evening of Sept. 7, a flurry of headlines confirmed that Warner Bros. Television Group had suspended their deals and several others that had remained quietly active since the WGA strike began in early May. The news came as a shock to some, who hadn’t realized a cade of TV’s biggest names were still drawing a paycheck and a harbinger of coming pain for others. Sources across the studio and streaming landscape predict more suspensions will come, largely in the non-writing executive producer ranks, in the weeks ahead. As one studio exec put it, “Warner Bros. just gave everyone else cover.” Added another: “We’d been waiting for someone else to go first.”
To be sure, the first wave of suspensions came in the spring — and by all accounts, was swift and extensive. It included the vast majority of pure...
- 9/9/2023
- by Lacey Rose and Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
On July 12, the 2023 Emmy nominations were announced. Unfortunately though, the ceremony has been pushed to January 2024, meaning it’ll be over five months before TV lovers learn the answer to a pressing question: will “Better Call Saul” ever win a Primetime Emmy?
The 74th Primetime Emmy Awards was a particularly brutal time for fans of Vince Gilligan’s “Breaking Bad” spin-off, who were forced to accept, after six critically acclaimed seasons, that “Better Call Saul” had somehow — miraculously, inexplicably, maddeningly — still never been recognized. It was an especially painful blow to the ocean of Bob Odenkirk supporters out there, who came out of the woodwork en masse when the lovable star collapsed on set following a heart attack in 2021. For his performance as Saul Goodman, Odenkirk earned five Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series nominations, but never took home the gold. It also enjoyed its sixth Outstanding Drama Series...
The 74th Primetime Emmy Awards was a particularly brutal time for fans of Vince Gilligan’s “Breaking Bad” spin-off, who were forced to accept, after six critically acclaimed seasons, that “Better Call Saul” had somehow — miraculously, inexplicably, maddeningly — still never been recognized. It was an especially painful blow to the ocean of Bob Odenkirk supporters out there, who came out of the woodwork en masse when the lovable star collapsed on set following a heart attack in 2021. For his performance as Saul Goodman, Odenkirk earned five Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series nominations, but never took home the gold. It also enjoyed its sixth Outstanding Drama Series...
- 8/17/2023
- by Alison Foreman
- Indiewire
Tacoma Fd is one of the funniest and wackiest workplace comedies. The truTV series follows a crew of firefighters in one of the rainiest cities in America. The Tacoma Fire Department crew doesn’t put out a lot of fires but it definitely has some of the funniest members out of any series. The series is currently airing its fourth season, and if you like it so far here are some shows you could watch after Season 4 while waiting for Season 5.
Sirens (Hulu) Credit – USA Network
Synopsis: From the distinct comedic point of view of Denis Leary and Bob Fisher, Sirens follows three of Chicago’s best EMTs whose sometimes silly, self-righteous and even self-destructive personalities make them unqualified for sustaining relationships, friendships and most occupations.
Animal Control (Hulu) Credit – Fox
Synopsis: Animal Control follows a group of Animal Control workers whose lives are complicated by the fact that animals are simple,...
Sirens (Hulu) Credit – USA Network
Synopsis: From the distinct comedic point of view of Denis Leary and Bob Fisher, Sirens follows three of Chicago’s best EMTs whose sometimes silly, self-righteous and even self-destructive personalities make them unqualified for sustaining relationships, friendships and most occupations.
Animal Control (Hulu) Credit – Fox
Synopsis: Animal Control follows a group of Animal Control workers whose lives are complicated by the fact that animals are simple,...
- 8/8/2023
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
IATSE has allocated another $2 million to support its members who have been negatively affected by the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and Writers Guild strikes, bringing the total committed to $4 million since June. The additional funding was approved unanimously by IATSE’s general executive board.
“The painful effects of these work stoppages on our membership cannot be overstated,” said IATSE President Matthew Loeb. “As difficult as these times are, we have heard time and again that our members understand that this fight had to happen, and their collective support for the actors and writers help ensure they will receive that same support when we return to the bargaining table ourselves.”
These funds have been earmarked for distribution by the Motion Picture & Television Fund, the Entertainment Community Fund (formerly the Actors Fund), and the Actors Fund of Canada, all of which report that requests for emergency financial assistance have accelerated significantly since...
“The painful effects of these work stoppages on our membership cannot be overstated,” said IATSE President Matthew Loeb. “As difficult as these times are, we have heard time and again that our members understand that this fight had to happen, and their collective support for the actors and writers help ensure they will receive that same support when we return to the bargaining table ourselves.”
These funds have been earmarked for distribution by the Motion Picture & Television Fund, the Entertainment Community Fund (formerly the Actors Fund), and the Actors Fund of Canada, all of which report that requests for emergency financial assistance have accelerated significantly since...
- 8/7/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
After three months, Hollywood studios are finally ready to discuss contract negotiations with the Writers Guild of America (WGA). Yesterday, Carol Lombardini, president of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), reached out to Ellen Stutzman, the WGA’s chief negotiator, to set a meeting for later this week.
“The AMPTP, through Carol Lombardini, reached out to the WGA today and requested a meeting this Friday to discuss negotiations,” the union wrote in a message to its members last night. “We’ll be back in communication with you...
“The AMPTP, through Carol Lombardini, reached out to the WGA today and requested a meeting this Friday to discuss negotiations,” the union wrote in a message to its members last night. “We’ll be back in communication with you...
- 8/2/2023
- by Emily Zemler
- Rollingstone.com
Carol Lombardini, president of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, reached out to her counterpart at the Writers Guild of America in an effort to restart negotiations, sources told Variety on Tuesday.
That is the first communication between the two sides since May 1, when talks collapsed and the WGA voted to go on strike.
The WGA informed its members of the outreach from AMPTP to Ellen Stutzman, the WGA’s chief negotiator, on Tuesday evening. Earlier in the day, industry insiders were buzzing about the possiblity of progress in the long-stalled WGA talks as word spread that the WGA’s contract negotiating committee called members to a meeting on short notice Tuesday afternoon.
“The AMPTP, through Carol Lombardini, reached out to the WGA today and requested a meeting this Friday to discuss negotiations,” the union stated in the message sent to members shortly before 8 p.m. Pt. “We...
That is the first communication between the two sides since May 1, when talks collapsed and the WGA voted to go on strike.
The WGA informed its members of the outreach from AMPTP to Ellen Stutzman, the WGA’s chief negotiator, on Tuesday evening. Earlier in the day, industry insiders were buzzing about the possiblity of progress in the long-stalled WGA talks as word spread that the WGA’s contract negotiating committee called members to a meeting on short notice Tuesday afternoon.
“The AMPTP, through Carol Lombardini, reached out to the WGA today and requested a meeting this Friday to discuss negotiations,” the union stated in the message sent to members shortly before 8 p.m. Pt. “We...
- 8/2/2023
- by Gene Maddaus and Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Two unions are on strike and there are no plans to restart negotiations with either of them, leaving Hollywood in limbo for the foreseeable future.
The Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA have both said they are open to talking, but that the studios refuse to engage on their core issues.
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, meanwhile, has said that the unions have been unwilling to drop items that are non-starters, like a demand for a share of streaming revenue and a minimum staffing level for TV writers.
The result is a double stalemate — with everyone waiting for other side to blink.
“We do have a plan,” said Mike Schur, a member of the WGA negotiating committee. “The plan is for them to call us on the phone and ask us to sit down. We’re not calling them.”
SAG-AFTRA began picketing on July 14, while WGA has...
The Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA have both said they are open to talking, but that the studios refuse to engage on their core issues.
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, meanwhile, has said that the unions have been unwilling to drop items that are non-starters, like a demand for a share of streaming revenue and a minimum staffing level for TV writers.
The result is a double stalemate — with everyone waiting for other side to blink.
“We do have a plan,” said Mike Schur, a member of the WGA negotiating committee. “The plan is for them to call us on the phone and ask us to sit down. We’re not calling them.”
SAG-AFTRA began picketing on July 14, while WGA has...
- 7/26/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
The ongoing double strike of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA against the Hollywood studios is not Mike Schur’s first rodeo — and with that comes wisdom 15 years in the making.
Speaking with TheWrap on the picket line Monday, the creator of “The Good Place” and cocreator of “Parks and Recreation” mocked the AMPTP for using the “exact playbook” of scare tactics that striking writers in 2007–08 already saw firsthand. He believes it’s not working for them this time.
“Every day that goes by where nothing is getting made is another day where they have nothing new to offer their subscribers,” Schur said. “We know that, they know that, they know we know that, we know they know we know that. So what are we doing? Those kinds of scare tactics just don’t really work anymore.”
Listing the qualities of the playbook he saw in the 2007 writers’ strike that...
Speaking with TheWrap on the picket line Monday, the creator of “The Good Place” and cocreator of “Parks and Recreation” mocked the AMPTP for using the “exact playbook” of scare tactics that striking writers in 2007–08 already saw firsthand. He believes it’s not working for them this time.
“Every day that goes by where nothing is getting made is another day where they have nothing new to offer their subscribers,” Schur said. “We know that, they know that, they know we know that, we know they know we know that. So what are we doing? Those kinds of scare tactics just don’t really work anymore.”
Listing the qualities of the playbook he saw in the 2007 writers’ strike that...
- 7/25/2023
- by Benjamin Lindsay
- The Wrap
The first day of the SAG-AFTRA strike kicked off with plenty of commotion and loads of signage.
SAG-AFTRA and WGA members across the United States rallied outside the offices of the studio giants to let everyone know the labor force would not be going to work today, or for any foreseeable future date, until a fair and equitable contract agreement had been met. SAG President Fran Drescher met her colleagues outside Netflix Studios, and had some words for Bob Iger.
In fact, lots of picketers had feelings about the Disney CEO’s recent statements, and that was reflected in a plethora of Iger-centric signs.
Despite the heat in Los Angeles, showrunner Mike Schur and actors Sean Astin and Ike Barinholtz marched outside of the Paramount lot. Actors Mandy Moore and Ben Schwartz were seen outside of Disney. Rosario Dawson was seen outside of Fox Studios and Matt Dallas, Chloe Fineman,...
SAG-AFTRA and WGA members across the United States rallied outside the offices of the studio giants to let everyone know the labor force would not be going to work today, or for any foreseeable future date, until a fair and equitable contract agreement had been met. SAG President Fran Drescher met her colleagues outside Netflix Studios, and had some words for Bob Iger.
In fact, lots of picketers had feelings about the Disney CEO’s recent statements, and that was reflected in a plethora of Iger-centric signs.
Despite the heat in Los Angeles, showrunner Mike Schur and actors Sean Astin and Ike Barinholtz marched outside of the Paramount lot. Actors Mandy Moore and Ben Schwartz were seen outside of Disney. Rosario Dawson was seen outside of Fox Studios and Matt Dallas, Chloe Fineman,...
- 7/14/2023
- by Meredith Woerner
- Variety Film + TV
It’s Day 1 of the SAG-AFTRA strike and Day 74 of the WGA strike.
The stars are out in force on the first day of the actors strike and, as Parks and Recreation co-creator Mike Schur said, “Now a thousand very attractive people have shown up and joined the lines, it’s an enormous amount of wind in our sails”.
Schur, a member of the WGA negotiating committee who also starred as Mose Schrute on The Office, was joined by a slew of big-name actors including Allison Janney, Timothy Olyphant, Josh Gad, Ben Schwartz, Sean Astin, Charlie Barnett, Joey King, Chloe Fineman, Susan Sarandon, Ginnifer Goodwin, Patton Oswalt, Marg Helgenberger, Jake McDorman, Constance Zimmer, Michelle Hurd and Jason Sudeikis across picket lines in LA and New York.
Skye P. Marshall, who is a lead on CBS’ upcoming reboot of Matlock alongside Kathy Bates, told Deadline that the actors’ craft needs to be respected.
The stars are out in force on the first day of the actors strike and, as Parks and Recreation co-creator Mike Schur said, “Now a thousand very attractive people have shown up and joined the lines, it’s an enormous amount of wind in our sails”.
Schur, a member of the WGA negotiating committee who also starred as Mose Schrute on The Office, was joined by a slew of big-name actors including Allison Janney, Timothy Olyphant, Josh Gad, Ben Schwartz, Sean Astin, Charlie Barnett, Joey King, Chloe Fineman, Susan Sarandon, Ginnifer Goodwin, Patton Oswalt, Marg Helgenberger, Jake McDorman, Constance Zimmer, Michelle Hurd and Jason Sudeikis across picket lines in LA and New York.
Skye P. Marshall, who is a lead on CBS’ upcoming reboot of Matlock alongside Kathy Bates, told Deadline that the actors’ craft needs to be respected.
- 7/14/2023
- by Peter White, Rosy Cordero, Katie Campione, Matt Grobar, Justin Kroll, Lynette Rice, Valerie Complex and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
When the clever signs are put away and the days of themed pickets are over, Hollywood’s writers will go back to work. But to what kind of job market will they return?
Based on conversations with a dozen sources across different segments of the industry, the prediction is that writers outside of A-level showrunner status will find a tighter employment picture as content spending slows at top networks and platforms. And even A-level showrunners will return to a markedly changed environment from recent years when Ryan Murphy, Shonda Rhimes, Greg Berlanti and a handful of others made headlines by striking nine-figure contracts. At a moment when cost-conscious studios are about to swing the force majeure ax to eliminate expensive production deals and save on overhead, the question of Roi, or the quality and quantity of content delivered, will be carefully considered.
Related: If SAG-AFTRA Goes Out, How Fast Will...
Based on conversations with a dozen sources across different segments of the industry, the prediction is that writers outside of A-level showrunner status will find a tighter employment picture as content spending slows at top networks and platforms. And even A-level showrunners will return to a markedly changed environment from recent years when Ryan Murphy, Shonda Rhimes, Greg Berlanti and a handful of others made headlines by striking nine-figure contracts. At a moment when cost-conscious studios are about to swing the force majeure ax to eliminate expensive production deals and save on overhead, the question of Roi, or the quality and quantity of content delivered, will be carefully considered.
Related: If SAG-AFTRA Goes Out, How Fast Will...
- 7/11/2023
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
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