The Los Angeles premiere of Hulu’s comedy series “UnPrisoned” was held on Thursday, March 2nd at the Hollywood Legion Theater. Gold Derby’s associate editor Latasha Ford interviewed stars Kerry Washington, Delroy Lindo, Faly Rakotohavana, Jordan McIntosh, Marque Richardson and executive producer Joy Gorman Wettels on the red carpet. Watch the video above.
“UnPrisoned” is a story inspired by author Tracy McMillan’s life. The half-hour comedy stars Washington as Paige Alexander, a marriage and family therapist whose life is turned right-side-up when her dad (Lindo) gets out of prison and moves in with her and her 16-year old son (Rakotohavana). The eight-episode scripted comedy series is produced by ABC Signature and will be streamed exclusively on Hulu on March 10th.
Writers for the series were McMillan, Jen Braeden, Yvette Lee Bowser, Lane Lyle, Lauren Caltagirone, Miguel Nolla and Peter Saji. Directors for the eight episodes were Kevin Bray,...
“UnPrisoned” is a story inspired by author Tracy McMillan’s life. The half-hour comedy stars Washington as Paige Alexander, a marriage and family therapist whose life is turned right-side-up when her dad (Lindo) gets out of prison and moves in with her and her 16-year old son (Rakotohavana). The eight-episode scripted comedy series is produced by ABC Signature and will be streamed exclusively on Hulu on March 10th.
Writers for the series were McMillan, Jen Braeden, Yvette Lee Bowser, Lane Lyle, Lauren Caltagirone, Miguel Nolla and Peter Saji. Directors for the eight episodes were Kevin Bray,...
- 3/3/2023
- by Latasha Ford and Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: Disney General Entertainment has selected 13 participants for its 2023 Writing Program.
The one-year writing initiative, formerly known as the Disney|ABC Writing Program and the Walt Disney Television Writing Program, helps participants secure their first TV staff writer assignments on a Dge series. Participants also are offered mentorship, advanced professional development and access to Dge’s creative executives, producers, showrunners and program alumni.
“The Creative Talent Development & Inclusion team is proud to launch this extremely talented group of writers into the next phase of their career,” said Tim McNeal, senior vice president, Creative Talent Development & Inclusion (Ctdi). “The flagship Writing Program is one of the critical ways Ctdi connects creative talent to opportunities across Disney and continues to fuel our company’s staffing pipeline specifically for emerging, diverse TV writers. We look forward to seeing this cohort shape the next generation of producers and showrunners.”
The program was the starting...
The one-year writing initiative, formerly known as the Disney|ABC Writing Program and the Walt Disney Television Writing Program, helps participants secure their first TV staff writer assignments on a Dge series. Participants also are offered mentorship, advanced professional development and access to Dge’s creative executives, producers, showrunners and program alumni.
“The Creative Talent Development & Inclusion team is proud to launch this extremely talented group of writers into the next phase of their career,” said Tim McNeal, senior vice president, Creative Talent Development & Inclusion (Ctdi). “The flagship Writing Program is one of the critical ways Ctdi connects creative talent to opportunities across Disney and continues to fuel our company’s staffing pipeline specifically for emerging, diverse TV writers. We look forward to seeing this cohort shape the next generation of producers and showrunners.”
The program was the starting...
- 1/10/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The Lionsgate Television Group has signed an overall deal with Rachelle Williams-BenAry, who served as showrunner and executive producer on the second season of hit comedy Run the World, produced by Lionsgate for Starz.
Williams-BenAry was also co-showrunner and executive producer on the second season of Lionsgate’s Love Life for HBO Max. Under the terms of the new agreement, Williams-BenAry will write and produce scripted content.
“Since working on Love Life, I’ve gotten to know the incredible and supportive team at Lionsgate,” said Williams-BenAry. “I am so honored by this huge vote of confidence to create and develop new and exciting stories with them.”
“Rachelle did an amazing job on the second seasons of Love Life and Run the World,” said Scott Herbst, Head of Scripted Development and EVP, Lionsgate TV. “We can’t wait to produce premium content in her unique voice for audiences globally.”
Williams-BenAry...
Williams-BenAry was also co-showrunner and executive producer on the second season of Lionsgate’s Love Life for HBO Max. Under the terms of the new agreement, Williams-BenAry will write and produce scripted content.
“Since working on Love Life, I’ve gotten to know the incredible and supportive team at Lionsgate,” said Williams-BenAry. “I am so honored by this huge vote of confidence to create and develop new and exciting stories with them.”
“Rachelle did an amazing job on the second seasons of Love Life and Run the World,” said Scott Herbst, Head of Scripted Development and EVP, Lionsgate TV. “We can’t wait to produce premium content in her unique voice for audiences globally.”
Williams-BenAry...
- 12/13/2022
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
2022 Oscar nominee Will Smith (King Richard) and two-time Emmy nominee David Oyelowo (The Girl Before) have come aboard Netflix’s film adaptation of Tọlá Okogwu’s upcoming book Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun as producers, Deadline has confirmed.
Onyeka is the first in a series of children’s books from the author, journalist and hair care educator, which is set to be published in the U.S. and UK by Simon & Schuster in June. It tells the story of a teenager who learns she has powers, subsequently traveling to Nigeria to learn more about her origins. There, she discovers a threat to her newfound magical community.
Ola Shokunbi is handling the screenplay adaptation. Smith and Co-President of Film Jon Mone will produce for Westbrook Studios, with Oyelowo for Yoruba Saxon. Westbrook Studios’ Heather Washington is exec producing alongside Yoruba Saxon’s Jessica Oyelowo.
Onyeka is the first in a series of children’s books from the author, journalist and hair care educator, which is set to be published in the U.S. and UK by Simon & Schuster in June. It tells the story of a teenager who learns she has powers, subsequently traveling to Nigeria to learn more about her origins. There, she discovers a threat to her newfound magical community.
Ola Shokunbi is handling the screenplay adaptation. Smith and Co-President of Film Jon Mone will produce for Westbrook Studios, with Oyelowo for Yoruba Saxon. Westbrook Studios’ Heather Washington is exec producing alongside Yoruba Saxon’s Jessica Oyelowo.
- 2/16/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney General Entertainment has selected the 12 participants for its 32nd annual Writing Program.
The one-year initiative offers promising young writers the chance at staff writing assignments on a Dge series. Participants are also provided with mentorship, professional development opportunities and access to Dge’s network of executives, producers, showrunners and alumni.
The program also provides participants with salary and benefits, and writers who are staffed on a Dge scripted series will be compensated at WGA scale, according to Disney.
“The Creative Talent Development & Inclusion team is proud to launch this extremely talented group of writers into the next phase of their career,” said Tim McNeal, senior vice president of Disney’s Ctdi team. “The flagship Writing Program is one of the critical ways Ctdi connects creative talent to opportunities across Disney and continues to fuel our company’s staffing pipeline specifically for emerging, diverse TV writers. We look forward to...
The one-year initiative offers promising young writers the chance at staff writing assignments on a Dge series. Participants are also provided with mentorship, professional development opportunities and access to Dge’s network of executives, producers, showrunners and alumni.
The program also provides participants with salary and benefits, and writers who are staffed on a Dge scripted series will be compensated at WGA scale, according to Disney.
“The Creative Talent Development & Inclusion team is proud to launch this extremely talented group of writers into the next phase of their career,” said Tim McNeal, senior vice president of Disney’s Ctdi team. “The flagship Writing Program is one of the critical ways Ctdi connects creative talent to opportunities across Disney and continues to fuel our company’s staffing pipeline specifically for emerging, diverse TV writers. We look forward to...
- 1/20/2022
- by Sasha Urban
- Variety Film + TV
Drums, please! Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios, along with Davis Entertainment, is developing a hip-hop musical called “Summertime” inspired by the hit song by DJ Jazzy Jeff and Smith himself, aka The Fresh Prince.
The musical film is set at Sony’s Screen Gems and will be directed and written by Peter Saji (“Black-ish”) in his directorial debut.
“Summertime” is the 1991 single by DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince off their album “Homebase.” The duo won a Grammy on behalf of the track, which hit No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has since become a summer anthem.
Plot details for the movie are being kept under wraps.
Will Smith and Jon Mone will produce “Summertime” for Westbrook Studios alongside John Davis, John Fox and Jeremy Stein for Davis Entertainment, and Giselle Johnson for Screen Gems. Ryan Shimazaki will oversee the project on behalf of Westbrook.
Sony Music controls the main recording for “Summertime,...
The musical film is set at Sony’s Screen Gems and will be directed and written by Peter Saji (“Black-ish”) in his directorial debut.
“Summertime” is the 1991 single by DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince off their album “Homebase.” The duo won a Grammy on behalf of the track, which hit No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has since become a summer anthem.
Plot details for the movie are being kept under wraps.
Will Smith and Jon Mone will produce “Summertime” for Westbrook Studios alongside John Davis, John Fox and Jeremy Stein for Davis Entertainment, and Giselle Johnson for Screen Gems. Ryan Shimazaki will oversee the project on behalf of Westbrook.
Sony Music controls the main recording for “Summertime,...
- 9/22/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Westbrook Studios and Davis Entertainment have entered development on Summertime, a hip-hop musical based on Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff’s song of the same name, which Peter Saji will write and direct for Sony Pictures’ Screen Gems, in his feature debut.
“Summertime” was the lead single on DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince’s fourth studio album, Homebase, and won the collaborators a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. Since its release back in May of 1991, the song has endured as a beloved summer anthem. Sony Music controls the main recording, with Sony/Atv holding publishing rights outside of the U.S.
For now, Summertime’s plot is being kept under wraps. Smith and Jon Mone will produce for Westbrook Studios, alongside Davis Entertainment’s John Davis, John Fox and Jeremy Stein, and Screen Gems’ Giselle Johnson. Ryan Shimazaki will oversee the project on behalf of Westbrook.
“Summertime” was the lead single on DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince’s fourth studio album, Homebase, and won the collaborators a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. Since its release back in May of 1991, the song has endured as a beloved summer anthem. Sony Music controls the main recording, with Sony/Atv holding publishing rights outside of the U.S.
For now, Summertime’s plot is being kept under wraps. Smith and Jon Mone will produce for Westbrook Studios, alongside Davis Entertainment’s John Davis, John Fox and Jeremy Stein, and Screen Gems’ Giselle Johnson. Ryan Shimazaki will oversee the project on behalf of Westbrook.
- 9/22/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The actresses behind Mixed-ish‘s Johnson family broke their silence on social media after ABC announced that it will not renew the comedy for a third season.
Arica Himmel, who stars as the younger version of Tracee Ellis Ross’ Rainbow “Bow” Johnson, first posted her reaction to the news on Instagram. She reminisced on her time on the series, following in Ross’ steps and more.
“Ti want to thank our many loyal fans who joined us each week for the last two years on our journey from the commune to the ‘burbs — it has been an amazing experience and I will miss my TV family more than you can imagine,” she said.
Tika Sumpter, who reacted to the cancellation on Twitter and stars as Alicia Johnson, thanked her fans and looked forward to new chapters.
“Thank you #MixedIsh fam! We love you so much, and always will,” she tweeted. “Onward and upward.
Arica Himmel, who stars as the younger version of Tracee Ellis Ross’ Rainbow “Bow” Johnson, first posted her reaction to the news on Instagram. She reminisced on her time on the series, following in Ross’ steps and more.
“Ti want to thank our many loyal fans who joined us each week for the last two years on our journey from the commune to the ‘burbs — it has been an amazing experience and I will miss my TV family more than you can imagine,” she said.
Tika Sumpter, who reacted to the cancellation on Twitter and stars as Alicia Johnson, thanked her fans and looked forward to new chapters.
“Thank you #MixedIsh fam! We love you so much, and always will,” she tweeted. “Onward and upward.
- 5/14/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Black-ish spinoff Mixed-ish is not returning to ABC for a third season.
The Disney-owned network has canceled the series, which comes from Peter Saji, Black-ish creator Kenya Barris and Tracee Ellis Ross, after two seasons. The comedy, which was a promising newcomer last season, had found itself on the bubble this year with soft ratings, ranking among the least-watched ABC series.
It comes after the network renewed Black-ish for an eighth and final season earlier today and could be mean the end of the -ish franchise on ABC after next season.
Network Primetime Scripted Series Cancellations 2020-21: Photo Gallery
Mixed-ish follows Rainbow Johnson, played by Arica Himmel with Ross narrating, as she recounts her experience growing up in a mixed-race family in the ‘80s and the constant dilemmas they had to face over whether to assimilate or stay true to themselves.
Mixed-ish stars Tika Sumpter as Alicia Johnson, Mark-Paul Gosselaar as Paul Johnson,...
The Disney-owned network has canceled the series, which comes from Peter Saji, Black-ish creator Kenya Barris and Tracee Ellis Ross, after two seasons. The comedy, which was a promising newcomer last season, had found itself on the bubble this year with soft ratings, ranking among the least-watched ABC series.
It comes after the network renewed Black-ish for an eighth and final season earlier today and could be mean the end of the -ish franchise on ABC after next season.
Network Primetime Scripted Series Cancellations 2020-21: Photo Gallery
Mixed-ish follows Rainbow Johnson, played by Arica Himmel with Ross narrating, as she recounts her experience growing up in a mixed-race family in the ‘80s and the constant dilemmas they had to face over whether to assimilate or stay true to themselves.
Mixed-ish stars Tika Sumpter as Alicia Johnson, Mark-Paul Gosselaar as Paul Johnson,...
- 5/14/2021
- by Denise Petski and Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Comedies “American Housewife” and “Mixed-ish” and dramas “For Life” and “Rebel” have all been canceled at ABC. A cancellation for the comedy “Call Your Mother” was previously announced.
The network also passed on pickups for four pilots, the drama “Acts of Crime” from Sam Esmail and comedies “Adopted,” “Black Don’t Crack” and “Bucktown.” All for projects were produced by the ABC Signature banner.
“American Housewife” has aired five seasons and logged more than 100 episodes at ABC. It stars Katy Mixon, Diedrich Bader, Meg Donnelly, Daniel Dimaggio, Ali Wong, and Carly Hughes. Julia Butters starred in the show’s first four seasons but her role was taken over by Giselle Eisenberg for Season 5.
Rick Wiener and Kenny Schwartz are showrunners of the series. Aaron Kaplan, Rick Wiener and Kenny Schwartz are executive producers. “American Housewife” was created by Sarah Dunn. It is produced by ABC Signature and Kapital Entertainment.
“For Life...
The network also passed on pickups for four pilots, the drama “Acts of Crime” from Sam Esmail and comedies “Adopted,” “Black Don’t Crack” and “Bucktown.” All for projects were produced by the ABC Signature banner.
“American Housewife” has aired five seasons and logged more than 100 episodes at ABC. It stars Katy Mixon, Diedrich Bader, Meg Donnelly, Daniel Dimaggio, Ali Wong, and Carly Hughes. Julia Butters starred in the show’s first four seasons but her role was taken over by Giselle Eisenberg for Season 5.
Rick Wiener and Kenny Schwartz are showrunners of the series. Aaron Kaplan, Rick Wiener and Kenny Schwartz are executive producers. “American Housewife” was created by Sarah Dunn. It is produced by ABC Signature and Kapital Entertainment.
“For Life...
- 5/14/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Sundance Institute has announced the 21 fellows and 18 projects they have selected for their first-ever, multi-track Episodic Lab, which is being held virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Fellows chosen include Justin Calen-Chenn (The Cavi), Lauren Glover (A Dignified Death), Andrew Lopez (Emotional), Jessie Barr and Lena Hudson (Fantasia for You), Elissa Blount Moorhead and Ericka Blount Danois (fiftyTWO), Stacy F. McDonald (Gone But Not Forgotten), Zach Gonzalez-Landis (The Great Impasta), Mansoor Adayfi and Antonio Aiello, Yvonne Hana Yi (Hannah with the Dogs), Carly Woodworth (Lasting), Jackie Katzman (Loons), Terrance Daye (Mandingo), Jess dela Merced (On Soul), Shirin Najafi (Regulars), Johnny Alvarez (Somewhere Else), Rom Lotan (Tehran Disco), Melody Cooper (Those Who Kill) and Nicole Saad (Tinderbox).
The 2021 Lab, hosted on Sundance Collab, has been designed as an immersive two-part experience. Fellows were divided into either the “Idea to Pilot Track,” in which they developed an...
Fellows chosen include Justin Calen-Chenn (The Cavi), Lauren Glover (A Dignified Death), Andrew Lopez (Emotional), Jessie Barr and Lena Hudson (Fantasia for You), Elissa Blount Moorhead and Ericka Blount Danois (fiftyTWO), Stacy F. McDonald (Gone But Not Forgotten), Zach Gonzalez-Landis (The Great Impasta), Mansoor Adayfi and Antonio Aiello, Yvonne Hana Yi (Hannah with the Dogs), Carly Woodworth (Lasting), Jackie Katzman (Loons), Terrance Daye (Mandingo), Jess dela Merced (On Soul), Shirin Najafi (Regulars), Johnny Alvarez (Somewhere Else), Rom Lotan (Tehran Disco), Melody Cooper (Those Who Kill) and Nicole Saad (Tinderbox).
The 2021 Lab, hosted on Sundance Collab, has been designed as an immersive two-part experience. Fellows were divided into either the “Idea to Pilot Track,” in which they developed an...
- 5/14/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
This time last year, the Covid-19 pandemic was pausing productions and calling into question the ability of television series and talent to effectively campaign for Emmys, not only due to health and safety concerns, but also because of how it might look to be trying to celebrate amid so much death. Now, more than 365 days later, the pandemic is still not over and many of the changes implemented last year, including virtual FYC events, are in place once again. However, the 73rd annual Primetime Emmy Awards season won’t be a complete repeat of last year, so Variety is breaking down what is new and notable for the state of the season so far.
Calendar Consistency
Although many productions had on- and off-again production schedules throughout the year, the Television Academy is back to its original schedule of important dates for FYC season, most importantly marking 6 p.m. on May...
Calendar Consistency
Although many productions had on- and off-again production schedules throughout the year, the Television Academy is back to its original schedule of important dates for FYC season, most importantly marking 6 p.m. on May...
- 4/21/2021
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Disney General Entertainment Content has revealed the 13 individuals for its 2021 writing program and has named the recipient of Disney Channel’s Eunetta T. Boone Comedy Writer’s Scholarship, which was established last year in honor of the late writer/producer for diverse and aspiring comedy writers.
Created in 1990 with the WGA West, Disney Creative Talent Development & Inclusion’s one-year writing program offers advanced professional development with the primary goal of helping to secure participants’ first staffing assignment via Disney General Entertainment Content series.
Now in its 30th year, the program is held in high regard, with a nearly 100% hiring rate for more than a decade. This makes the program an ideal launching pad for talented writers and their careers — and with Disney no less.
“The Creative Talent Development & Inclusion team is proud to launch this extremely talented group of writers into the next phase of their career,” said Tim McNeal,...
Created in 1990 with the WGA West, Disney Creative Talent Development & Inclusion’s one-year writing program offers advanced professional development with the primary goal of helping to secure participants’ first staffing assignment via Disney General Entertainment Content series.
Now in its 30th year, the program is held in high regard, with a nearly 100% hiring rate for more than a decade. This makes the program an ideal launching pad for talented writers and their careers — and with Disney no less.
“The Creative Talent Development & Inclusion team is proud to launch this extremely talented group of writers into the next phase of their career,” said Tim McNeal,...
- 1/14/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Four months after TV lit agents David Stone, a partner at WME, and Ben Jacobson, a partner at UTA, left their respective agencies to launch The Framework Collective, the management company has solidified their roster of clients, I have learned. It ranges from established producers, creators and showrunners to next generation voices, a number of whom were former clients of Stone and Jacobson on the agency side. The list includes Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner and 13 Reasons Why creator Brian Yorkey and Emmy-winning producer Warren Littlefield.
Tfc’s client roster of established creators/showrunners is said to include Peter Saji, co-creator and co-showrunner of ABC’s Mixed-ish; Courtney Lilly, showrunner of ABC’s Black-ish and co-showrunner of Mixed-ish; Martin Gero, creator and showrunner of NBC’s Blindspot and co-creator of Connecting; Elwood Reid, creator and showrunner of FX’s The Bridge...
Tfc’s client roster of established creators/showrunners is said to include Peter Saji, co-creator and co-showrunner of ABC’s Mixed-ish; Courtney Lilly, showrunner of ABC’s Black-ish and co-showrunner of Mixed-ish; Martin Gero, creator and showrunner of NBC’s Blindspot and co-creator of Connecting; Elwood Reid, creator and showrunner of FX’s The Bridge...
- 11/10/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Courtney Lilly, executive producer/showrunner of ABC’s comedy series black-ish, is pulling double duty as EP/showrunner of both black-ish, now in its seventh season, and spinoff mixed-ish, headed to its second season. He is shepherding both shows as part of a new overall deal with the studio behind the black-ish franchise, ABC Signature.
Lilly has been with ABC Signature, part of Disney Television Studios, for six years, since he joined black-ish as co-executive producer in season one. He was subsequently upped to executive producer and was named showrunner at the start of Season 6. Created by Kenya Barris, black-ish kicks off its seventh season tomorrow, Oct. 21, following an hourlong election special, which aired earlier this month.
The studio approached Lilly about adding spinoff mixed-ish to his showrunner responsibilities before the start of the pandemic when original mixed-ish showrunner Karin Gist shifted her focus to her own development. At the time, Lilly was ahead on black-ish as he and fellow executive producer Laura Gutin Peterson were already breaking stories for Season 7.
That, combined with the fact that Lilly knows well mixed-ish co-creators/executive producers Barris, Peter Saji and Tracee Ellis Ross from their work together on black-ish, made Lilly comfortable taking on the challenge.
“It’s all under the same umbrella, it’s a Kenya Barris show,” Lilly said. “I’ve worked on black-ish since season one, I know Kenya’s voice, I know Saji’s voice, I know what Tracee likes. It’s just a lot of it made sense and the timing of it made it easier.”
Teaming with Saji, with whom he is close personal friends, Lilly presented to ABC their vision for a potential second season of mixed-ish. The comedy was renewed, and Lilly took the reins of both shows.
He now juggles two Zoom writers rooms (at the same time) and two sets (one at a time because of Covid safety protocols.)
“I can’t go between the two sets because of contact tracing; basically, we want to be able to know where everybody is and who they interact with as much as possible,” Lilly said. “Our procedures make it so I just see an initial rehearsal with just the actors, the Dp and director — we all have our face shields, our masks and our PPE. And then I get gone before we have a lot of other people show up with the camera and all that other kind of stuff. I don’t do it between the two shows — when black-ish started shooting, I was doing that, and then when mixed-ish started shooting, I started going over there.”
Helping coordinate the two shoots is the fact that the two shows share a production and post-production team. Lilly also acknowledged his fellow producers on both shows, including Peterson and Jonathan Groff on black-ish and Saji on mixed-ish.
As for running two virtual writers rooms, Lilly does not find that too challenging.
“There are things about doing two rooms in a Zoom world that is user-friendly for me because I just have two monitors on,” he said. “So, I pay attention to one place, kind of be able to give my notes, read a script, do whatever I need to be able to do and then it’s as simple as turning to the monitor on my right a lot of times.”
The pandemic led to changes in the original creative plans for mixed-ish and especially black-ish, whose seventh season had been mapped out by the time Covid-19 hit, leading to some rewriting. Storylines also were adjusted to reflect the Black Lives Matter protests.
“For us on black-ish, we’re always trying to stay on top of what families are talking about,” Lilly said. “Tracee Ellis Ross’s character is a doctor, so she’s going to see the pandemic through a different lens than most of us who don’t work in the medical field are going to see it. Everybody who’s working from home with kids or families and responsibilities they’re going through their own kind of issues familiar to everybody. We’re going to be dealing with that. And also in the wake of the George Floyd protests, we’re going to be dealing with this family having conversations about that.”
Lilly also teased the upcoming Pops and Ruby wedding on the show.
“And over on mixed-ish, everybody’s adapting to the realities of shooting in this environment, and for us that meant turning the show a little bit more inward,” he said. “I think the advantage that both black-ish and mixed-ish have is that they’re family shows, so we’re not trying to deal with stunts. We’re not trying to deal with a universe of extras or any of that other kind of stuff, which meant on mixed-ish for us, scaling back the amount that Bow was in school and that kind of environment because it’s not friendly for shooting. I think for us it also challenged us story-wise to get to know these characters a little bit more by being forced to play a hand where they have to only really interact with each other.”
Despite his current workload, Lilly says he doesn’t feel overwhelmed. “The main thing is being organized, being at work early, knowing what I have to do during the day and then just getting it done as much as anything else,” he said. “It’s the same thing every showrunner does, it’s just now I’ve got just more of that.”
He gave props to another ABC Signature-based showrunner running two shows in the same franchise, Grey’s Anatomy and Station 19‘s Krista Vernoff.
“She’s somebody who’s been doing this on another level too, that’s an hourlong,” he said. “At least I’ve got like 30 pages of script to look at a night, and we only have five-day shoots. The amount that she’s having to keep in her brain seems gargantuan.”
Under the new overall deal with ABC Signature, Lilly’s attention will be focused on running black-ish and mixed-ish. Getting that opportunity and his rise over the past six years that led to it were key in his decision to extend his deal at the studio.
“They’ve been extraordinarily supportive of me. Even just having the confidence in me to be able to do this is a big thing for my career,” he said. “Look, writers are all nervous, anxious people who need almost constant validation. And while I try to stay strong on the outside, I like knowing that I’m liked too. And definitely them extending one of their franchises and saying, we think you can do this is a big deal, and I’m really grateful for it. And that’s why I’m here every morning working so hard to make sure that they didn’t make a mistake and that I didn’t make a mistake and that we can make these good shows.”
In 2000, Lilly, then a reporter for the Providence Journal-Bulletin, won a Nickelodeon Writing Fellowship, jump-starting his career as a television writer. He has written for such series as Arrested Development, My Boys, The Cleveland Show and Undateable.
For his work on black-ish, Lilly has shared three Outstanding Comedy Series Emmy nominations and four Best Comedy Series NAACP Image Awards. Black-ish also won the prestigious Peabody Award in 2015. Lilly is repped by UTA, Ben Jacobson at The Framework Collective and attorney Jeffrey Frankel.
Lilly has been with ABC Signature, part of Disney Television Studios, for six years, since he joined black-ish as co-executive producer in season one. He was subsequently upped to executive producer and was named showrunner at the start of Season 6. Created by Kenya Barris, black-ish kicks off its seventh season tomorrow, Oct. 21, following an hourlong election special, which aired earlier this month.
The studio approached Lilly about adding spinoff mixed-ish to his showrunner responsibilities before the start of the pandemic when original mixed-ish showrunner Karin Gist shifted her focus to her own development. At the time, Lilly was ahead on black-ish as he and fellow executive producer Laura Gutin Peterson were already breaking stories for Season 7.
That, combined with the fact that Lilly knows well mixed-ish co-creators/executive producers Barris, Peter Saji and Tracee Ellis Ross from their work together on black-ish, made Lilly comfortable taking on the challenge.
“It’s all under the same umbrella, it’s a Kenya Barris show,” Lilly said. “I’ve worked on black-ish since season one, I know Kenya’s voice, I know Saji’s voice, I know what Tracee likes. It’s just a lot of it made sense and the timing of it made it easier.”
Teaming with Saji, with whom he is close personal friends, Lilly presented to ABC their vision for a potential second season of mixed-ish. The comedy was renewed, and Lilly took the reins of both shows.
He now juggles two Zoom writers rooms (at the same time) and two sets (one at a time because of Covid safety protocols.)
“I can’t go between the two sets because of contact tracing; basically, we want to be able to know where everybody is and who they interact with as much as possible,” Lilly said. “Our procedures make it so I just see an initial rehearsal with just the actors, the Dp and director — we all have our face shields, our masks and our PPE. And then I get gone before we have a lot of other people show up with the camera and all that other kind of stuff. I don’t do it between the two shows — when black-ish started shooting, I was doing that, and then when mixed-ish started shooting, I started going over there.”
Helping coordinate the two shoots is the fact that the two shows share a production and post-production team. Lilly also acknowledged his fellow producers on both shows, including Peterson and Jonathan Groff on black-ish and Saji on mixed-ish.
As for running two virtual writers rooms, Lilly does not find that too challenging.
“There are things about doing two rooms in a Zoom world that is user-friendly for me because I just have two monitors on,” he said. “So, I pay attention to one place, kind of be able to give my notes, read a script, do whatever I need to be able to do and then it’s as simple as turning to the monitor on my right a lot of times.”
The pandemic led to changes in the original creative plans for mixed-ish and especially black-ish, whose seventh season had been mapped out by the time Covid-19 hit, leading to some rewriting. Storylines also were adjusted to reflect the Black Lives Matter protests.
“For us on black-ish, we’re always trying to stay on top of what families are talking about,” Lilly said. “Tracee Ellis Ross’s character is a doctor, so she’s going to see the pandemic through a different lens than most of us who don’t work in the medical field are going to see it. Everybody who’s working from home with kids or families and responsibilities they’re going through their own kind of issues familiar to everybody. We’re going to be dealing with that. And also in the wake of the George Floyd protests, we’re going to be dealing with this family having conversations about that.”
Lilly also teased the upcoming Pops and Ruby wedding on the show.
“And over on mixed-ish, everybody’s adapting to the realities of shooting in this environment, and for us that meant turning the show a little bit more inward,” he said. “I think the advantage that both black-ish and mixed-ish have is that they’re family shows, so we’re not trying to deal with stunts. We’re not trying to deal with a universe of extras or any of that other kind of stuff, which meant on mixed-ish for us, scaling back the amount that Bow was in school and that kind of environment because it’s not friendly for shooting. I think for us it also challenged us story-wise to get to know these characters a little bit more by being forced to play a hand where they have to only really interact with each other.”
Despite his current workload, Lilly says he doesn’t feel overwhelmed. “The main thing is being organized, being at work early, knowing what I have to do during the day and then just getting it done as much as anything else,” he said. “It’s the same thing every showrunner does, it’s just now I’ve got just more of that.”
He gave props to another ABC Signature-based showrunner running two shows in the same franchise, Grey’s Anatomy and Station 19‘s Krista Vernoff.
“She’s somebody who’s been doing this on another level too, that’s an hourlong,” he said. “At least I’ve got like 30 pages of script to look at a night, and we only have five-day shoots. The amount that she’s having to keep in her brain seems gargantuan.”
Under the new overall deal with ABC Signature, Lilly’s attention will be focused on running black-ish and mixed-ish. Getting that opportunity and his rise over the past six years that led to it were key in his decision to extend his deal at the studio.
“They’ve been extraordinarily supportive of me. Even just having the confidence in me to be able to do this is a big thing for my career,” he said. “Look, writers are all nervous, anxious people who need almost constant validation. And while I try to stay strong on the outside, I like knowing that I’m liked too. And definitely them extending one of their franchises and saying, we think you can do this is a big deal, and I’m really grateful for it. And that’s why I’m here every morning working so hard to make sure that they didn’t make a mistake and that I didn’t make a mistake and that we can make these good shows.”
In 2000, Lilly, then a reporter for the Providence Journal-Bulletin, won a Nickelodeon Writing Fellowship, jump-starting his career as a television writer. He has written for such series as Arrested Development, My Boys, The Cleveland Show and Undateable.
For his work on black-ish, Lilly has shared three Outstanding Comedy Series Emmy nominations and four Best Comedy Series NAACP Image Awards. Black-ish also won the prestigious Peabody Award in 2015. Lilly is repped by UTA, Ben Jacobson at The Framework Collective and attorney Jeffrey Frankel.
- 10/20/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Peter Saji, the co-creator of Mixed-ish and longtime Black-ish writer, is staying in the Disney family.
He has just signed another multi-year overall deal with ABC Signature, the new name for what was known as ABC Studios.
Saji signed his last overall deal with the company in 2017 and since has co-created the spin-off, which tells the story of Rainbow Johnson’s childhood growing up in a mixed-race family and was renewed for a second season.
He has been with the studio since 2007, when he started on the Disney/ABC Writers program. He subsequently worked on ABC comedies Cougar Town and Cavemen and went on to spend five seasons as a writer on Black-ish, where he wrote episodes including “Juneteenth,” “Purple Rain” and the previously shelved “Please, Baby, Please,” which recently aired on Hulu.
“Peter has written some of the most evocative and important episodes of Black-ish, and hit a real...
He has just signed another multi-year overall deal with ABC Signature, the new name for what was known as ABC Studios.
Saji signed his last overall deal with the company in 2017 and since has co-created the spin-off, which tells the story of Rainbow Johnson’s childhood growing up in a mixed-race family and was renewed for a second season.
He has been with the studio since 2007, when he started on the Disney/ABC Writers program. He subsequently worked on ABC comedies Cougar Town and Cavemen and went on to spend five seasons as a writer on Black-ish, where he wrote episodes including “Juneteenth,” “Purple Rain” and the previously shelved “Please, Baby, Please,” which recently aired on Hulu.
“Peter has written some of the most evocative and important episodes of Black-ish, and hit a real...
- 9/3/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Peter Saji is staying put at Disney.
The “Black-ish” producer and “Mixed-ish” co-creator has signed a new multi-year overall deal with ABC Signature, under which he will continue to create and develop TV projects for the studio.
Saji signed his first overall with what was then ABC Studios in 2017 (Disney rebranded its TV units earlier this month), and he in fact began his career at Disney as part of the ABC Writers program back in 2007. News of Saji’s deal was announced by ABC Signature president Jonnie Davis.
“Peter has written some of the most evocative and important episodes of ‘Black-ish,’ and hit a real home run for us with ‘Mixed-ish,’” said Davis. “Keeping him at ABC Signature, where he started his career, was a huge priority for us and for me personally. He’s a spectacular talent and I’m so happy he’s staying in the family.”
Saji...
The “Black-ish” producer and “Mixed-ish” co-creator has signed a new multi-year overall deal with ABC Signature, under which he will continue to create and develop TV projects for the studio.
Saji signed his first overall with what was then ABC Studios in 2017 (Disney rebranded its TV units earlier this month), and he in fact began his career at Disney as part of the ABC Writers program back in 2007. News of Saji’s deal was announced by ABC Signature president Jonnie Davis.
“Peter has written some of the most evocative and important episodes of ‘Black-ish,’ and hit a real home run for us with ‘Mixed-ish,’” said Davis. “Keeping him at ABC Signature, where he started his career, was a huge priority for us and for me personally. He’s a spectacular talent and I’m so happy he’s staying in the family.”
Saji...
- 9/3/2020
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
“Mixed-ish” co-creator Peter Saji has a new overall deal with the newly renamed ABC Signature, the television studio announced Thursday.
The multi-year agreement keeps Saji at the studio where he first launched his career back in 2007 via the Disney/ABC Writers program.
“Peter has written some of the most evocative and important episodes of ‘black-ish,’ and hit a real home run for us with ‘mixed-ish,'” ABC Signature president Jonnie Davis said in a statement. “Keeping him at ABC Signature, where he started his career, was a huge priority for us and for me personally. He’s a spectacular talent and I’m so happy he’s staying in the family.”
Saji, who was a writer on the Kenya Barris-created “Black-ish” for five seasons before going on to co-create the spinoff series last year, signed his first overall deal at ABC Studios in 2017. Saji was the writer behind several of “Black-ish’s” most acclaimed episodes,...
The multi-year agreement keeps Saji at the studio where he first launched his career back in 2007 via the Disney/ABC Writers program.
“Peter has written some of the most evocative and important episodes of ‘black-ish,’ and hit a real home run for us with ‘mixed-ish,'” ABC Signature president Jonnie Davis said in a statement. “Keeping him at ABC Signature, where he started his career, was a huge priority for us and for me personally. He’s a spectacular talent and I’m so happy he’s staying in the family.”
Saji, who was a writer on the Kenya Barris-created “Black-ish” for five seasons before going on to co-create the spinoff series last year, signed his first overall deal at ABC Studios in 2017. Saji was the writer behind several of “Black-ish’s” most acclaimed episodes,...
- 9/3/2020
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Mixed-ish co-creator Peter Saji is staying home at ABC Signature.
Saji has signed a new overall deal at the Disney Television Studios unit where he has spent his entire career so far. The multi-year deal is his second at the former ABC Studios; he previously inked a deal at the studio in 2017.
“Peter has written some of the most evocative and important episodes of Black-ish, and hit a real home run for us with Mixed-ish,” said ABC Signature president Jonnie Davis. “Keeping him at ABC Signature, where he started his career, was a huge priority for us and ...
Saji has signed a new overall deal at the Disney Television Studios unit where he has spent his entire career so far. The multi-year deal is his second at the former ABC Studios; he previously inked a deal at the studio in 2017.
“Peter has written some of the most evocative and important episodes of Black-ish, and hit a real home run for us with Mixed-ish,” said ABC Signature president Jonnie Davis. “Keeping him at ABC Signature, where he started his career, was a huge priority for us and ...
Mixed-ish co-creator Peter Saji is staying home at ABC Signature.
Saji has signed a new overall deal at the Disney Television Studios unit where he has spent his entire career so far. The multi-year deal is his second at the former ABC Studios; he previously inked a deal at the studio in 2017.
“Peter has written some of the most evocative and important episodes of Black-ish, and hit a real home run for us with Mixed-ish,” said ABC Signature president Jonnie Davis. “Keeping him at ABC Signature, where he started his career, was a huge priority for us and ...
Saji has signed a new overall deal at the Disney Television Studios unit where he has spent his entire career so far. The multi-year deal is his second at the former ABC Studios; he previously inked a deal at the studio in 2017.
“Peter has written some of the most evocative and important episodes of Black-ish, and hit a real home run for us with Mixed-ish,” said ABC Signature president Jonnie Davis. “Keeping him at ABC Signature, where he started his career, was a huge priority for us and ...
The Environmental Media Association crowned the past year’s most environmentally relevant television and movie titles on Friday at the 2020 Ema Awards.
The annual awards show, which has gone virtual this year due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, seeks to award Hollywood titles that address climate change, sustainability and other environmental topics through storylines. Ema also recognizes studios and productions for their efforts to put the environment at center stage both in front and behind the camera.
Darren Criss, John Oliver and Tracee Ellis Ross were among the stars accepting awards at the virtual ceremony. Receiving the Ema’s Paul Junger Witt Comedy Award alongside Peter Saji, Ross reflected on the award-winning Mixed-ish episode and expressed her optimism for a greener world.
“Much like we are facing an environmental crisis today, this was an episode that focused on an environmental crisis from 20 years ago,” she said. “We fixed it once and if we work together,...
The annual awards show, which has gone virtual this year due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, seeks to award Hollywood titles that address climate change, sustainability and other environmental topics through storylines. Ema also recognizes studios and productions for their efforts to put the environment at center stage both in front and behind the camera.
Darren Criss, John Oliver and Tracee Ellis Ross were among the stars accepting awards at the virtual ceremony. Receiving the Ema’s Paul Junger Witt Comedy Award alongside Peter Saji, Ross reflected on the award-winning Mixed-ish episode and expressed her optimism for a greener world.
“Much like we are facing an environmental crisis today, this was an episode that focused on an environmental crisis from 20 years ago,” she said. “We fixed it once and if we work together,...
- 8/22/2020
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
The most surefire way to make people interested in a product is to ban it from circulation. ABC found this out the hard way in 2018 when it pulled an episode of “Black-ish” from its schedule less than a week before it was due to air, which all but guaranteed that it would become the stuff of TV industry legend. “Black-ish,” from creator Kenya Barris, had already tackled plenty of “hot button issues” before. This particular episode — written by Barris and Peter Saji — supposedly contained more concentrated anti-Trump material than most, and after the 2016 election, ABC was going through a very public attempt to court conservative viewers. (Remember the “Roseanne” reboot? Neither do I.) Still, the idea that the network would spend so much time, energy and money on this episode, only to decide it wasn’t worth airing at all, made “Please, Baby, Please” a more fascinating chapter of “Black-ish...
- 8/10/2020
- by Caroline Framke
- Variety Film + TV
Censored ‘Black-ish’ Political Themed Episode To Now Air On Hulu, After Over 2 Years In Limbo At ABC
Over two years after ABC shelved a highly political episode of Black-ish over creative differences,” series creator Kenya Barris says the originally February 22, 2018 scheduled ‘Please Baby Please’ is finally seeing the light of day – on Hulu.
“In November 2017, we made an episode of black-ish entitled ‘Please, Baby, Please,’ ” the EP explained today in a post on social media of the once censored show. “We were one year post-election and coming to the end of a year that left us, like many Americans, grappling with the state of our country and anxious about its future,” Barris continues of the sharp witted Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross-led show.
“Those feelings poured onto the page, becoming 22 minutes of television that I was, and still am, incredibly proud of,” the #blackAF boss added. ‘Please, Baby, Please’ didn’t make it to air that season and, while much has been speculated about its contents,...
“In November 2017, we made an episode of black-ish entitled ‘Please, Baby, Please,’ ” the EP explained today in a post on social media of the once censored show. “We were one year post-election and coming to the end of a year that left us, like many Americans, grappling with the state of our country and anxious about its future,” Barris continues of the sharp witted Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross-led show.
“Those feelings poured onto the page, becoming 22 minutes of television that I was, and still am, incredibly proud of,” the #blackAF boss added. ‘Please, Baby, Please’ didn’t make it to air that season and, while much has been speculated about its contents,...
- 8/10/2020
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Mixed-ish showrunner Karin Gist has re-upped her overall deal with 20th Century Fox TV. As part of the new pact, she has launched a production banner, The Gist Of It, with Claire Brown as her Evp of Production and Development, and will create and supervise/develop new projects with the studio, part of Disney Television Studios.
In the first major talent synergy act among divisions of Disney TV Studios, Gist in May was loaned out by 20th TV to sibling ABC Studios to become executive producer and showrunner of that studio’s new ABC comedy series Mixed-ish, a prequel to the network’s hit Black-ish.
As part of the new 20th TV overall deal, The Gist Of It is working on East Nasty, a Nashville-set country music drama from writer Jamie Rosengard, which is in development at Freeform, with Gist and Brown exec producing. The show takes its name from...
In the first major talent synergy act among divisions of Disney TV Studios, Gist in May was loaned out by 20th TV to sibling ABC Studios to become executive producer and showrunner of that studio’s new ABC comedy series Mixed-ish, a prequel to the network’s hit Black-ish.
As part of the new 20th TV overall deal, The Gist Of It is working on East Nasty, a Nashville-set country music drama from writer Jamie Rosengard, which is in development at Freeform, with Gist and Brown exec producing. The show takes its name from...
- 3/4/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Walt Disney Television has named its 13 writers for its 2020 Writing Program. The initiative offers advanced professional development before participants are hired as staff writers on Walt Disney Televsision shows during the program year.
Of the 13 is news marketing associate and former writers’ assistant Darnell Jones who has been named the Disney Channel Eunetta T. Boone Comedy Writer Scholar, established by the network in honor of the late writer/producer for diverse and aspiring comedy writers. Boone was best known as an executive producer and showrunner of the third season of Disney Channel’s comedy series Raven’s Home.
On the comedy side, participants include Family Guy writers’ assistant Allyson Philobos, stand-up comedian Feraz Ozel, feature film line producer Gabriela Lugo, reality television producer Tasha Henderson and advertising exec-turned-development-assistant Vicky Castro. Drama writers include television feature writer Adrian Vina, Evil writers’ production assistant David Ramirez, black-ish production assistant Keisha Ansley, Narcos writers’ assistant Paola Villegas, writer/producer T Zhang, Grey’s Anatomy producers’ assistant Zaiver Sinnett and “Dynasty” writers’ production assistant Zoe Cheng. News marketing associate and former writers’ assistant Darnell Jones has been named the Disney Channel Eunetta T. Boone Comedy Writer Scholar.
“The Creative Talent Development & Inclusion team is proud to launch this extremely talented group of writers into the next phase of their career,” said Tim McNeal, vice president, Creative Talent Development & Inclusion. “Their drive and diverse backgrounds represent today’s storytelling, and we look forward to seeing them shape the next generation of producers and showrunners.”
This past season, the 2019 writers from the program secured staffing assignments on ABC shows including The Good Doctor, The Rookie, mixed-ish, United We Fall, The Baker and the Beauty, The Goldbergs as well as Disney Channel’s Just Roll With It.
Formerly known as the Disney|ABC Writing Program, the program was a starting point for notable show creators such as Veena Sud, Jane Espenson (Warehouse 13) and Erica Montolfo-Bura (Zoe Ever After). The program was also an entry point for showrunners Dailyn Rodriguez (Queen of the South), Saladin Patterson (The Last O.G.), Ayanna Floyd Davis (The Chi) and Aseem Batra (I Feel Bad); and alumni with production overall deals at Wdt including Peter Saji (mixed-ish) and Tim Doyle (The Kids Are Alright).
Of the 13 is news marketing associate and former writers’ assistant Darnell Jones who has been named the Disney Channel Eunetta T. Boone Comedy Writer Scholar, established by the network in honor of the late writer/producer for diverse and aspiring comedy writers. Boone was best known as an executive producer and showrunner of the third season of Disney Channel’s comedy series Raven’s Home.
On the comedy side, participants include Family Guy writers’ assistant Allyson Philobos, stand-up comedian Feraz Ozel, feature film line producer Gabriela Lugo, reality television producer Tasha Henderson and advertising exec-turned-development-assistant Vicky Castro. Drama writers include television feature writer Adrian Vina, Evil writers’ production assistant David Ramirez, black-ish production assistant Keisha Ansley, Narcos writers’ assistant Paola Villegas, writer/producer T Zhang, Grey’s Anatomy producers’ assistant Zaiver Sinnett and “Dynasty” writers’ production assistant Zoe Cheng. News marketing associate and former writers’ assistant Darnell Jones has been named the Disney Channel Eunetta T. Boone Comedy Writer Scholar.
“The Creative Talent Development & Inclusion team is proud to launch this extremely talented group of writers into the next phase of their career,” said Tim McNeal, vice president, Creative Talent Development & Inclusion. “Their drive and diverse backgrounds represent today’s storytelling, and we look forward to seeing them shape the next generation of producers and showrunners.”
This past season, the 2019 writers from the program secured staffing assignments on ABC shows including The Good Doctor, The Rookie, mixed-ish, United We Fall, The Baker and the Beauty, The Goldbergs as well as Disney Channel’s Just Roll With It.
Formerly known as the Disney|ABC Writing Program, the program was a starting point for notable show creators such as Veena Sud, Jane Espenson (Warehouse 13) and Erica Montolfo-Bura (Zoe Ever After). The program was also an entry point for showrunners Dailyn Rodriguez (Queen of the South), Saladin Patterson (The Last O.G.), Ayanna Floyd Davis (The Chi) and Aseem Batra (I Feel Bad); and alumni with production overall deals at Wdt including Peter Saji (mixed-ish) and Tim Doyle (The Kids Are Alright).
- 2/3/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s TV news roundup, Humanitas has released the finalists for the 45th Annual Humanitas Prize, and YouTube announced a new beauty competition series hosted by James Charles.
Castings
Jason Kennedy has been named as the host of E!’s new series “In The Room.“ The “E! News” host will bring viewers inside celebrity homes for in-depth interviews and conversation around their latest projects, products, passions and more. Several primetime specials of the series will be aired before its full launch. Four-time Super Bowl Mvp Tom Brady will be featured in the first episode premiering, Dec. 4. Watch a preview clip below:
Dates
“The Degenerates” will return with Season 2 Dec. 31, Netflix announced. The comedy stand-up series will feature six new and unfiltered sets from Adrienne Iapalucci, Donnell Rawlings, Jim Norton, Nikki Glaser, Ms. Pat and Robert Kelly. Watch a first look below:
Developments
YouTube Originals and James Charles have teamed...
Castings
Jason Kennedy has been named as the host of E!’s new series “In The Room.“ The “E! News” host will bring viewers inside celebrity homes for in-depth interviews and conversation around their latest projects, products, passions and more. Several primetime specials of the series will be aired before its full launch. Four-time Super Bowl Mvp Tom Brady will be featured in the first episode premiering, Dec. 4. Watch a preview clip below:
Dates
“The Degenerates” will return with Season 2 Dec. 31, Netflix announced. The comedy stand-up series will feature six new and unfiltered sets from Adrienne Iapalucci, Donnell Rawlings, Jim Norton, Nikki Glaser, Ms. Pat and Robert Kelly. Watch a first look below:
Developments
YouTube Originals and James Charles have teamed...
- 11/16/2019
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Finalists have been revealed for the 2020 Humanitas Prize, which honors film and television writers whose work inspires compassion, hope, and understanding in the human family. Titles include awards-season heavies Bombshell, It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood and The Farewell on the film side and When They See Us, Pose, This Is Us and The Handmaid’s Tale on the small-screen side.
It’s the 45th year for the honors that hands out awards in 10 categories — two new categories, Limited Series, TV Movie or Special and Short Film, are newcomers this year.
Winners will be announced at the 45th annual Humanitas Prize ceremony January 24, 2020 at the Beverly Hilton.
Here are this year’s finalists:
Drama Feature Film
A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood
Written by Micah Fitzerman-Blue & Noah Harpster; inspired by the article “Can You Say… Hero?” by Tom Junod
A Hidden Life
Written and directed by Terrence Malick...
It’s the 45th year for the honors that hands out awards in 10 categories — two new categories, Limited Series, TV Movie or Special and Short Film, are newcomers this year.
Winners will be announced at the 45th annual Humanitas Prize ceremony January 24, 2020 at the Beverly Hilton.
Here are this year’s finalists:
Drama Feature Film
A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood
Written by Micah Fitzerman-Blue & Noah Harpster; inspired by the article “Can You Say… Hero?” by Tom Junod
A Hidden Life
Written and directed by Terrence Malick...
- 11/15/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
ABC has given full season orders to freshman shows “Stumptown” and “Mixed-ish” as well as sophomore series “The Rookie.”
Both “Stumptown” and “Mixed-ish” are produced solely by ABC Studios, while “The Rookie” is a co-production between ABC Studios and eOne.
This marks the first full season pick ups for any of ABC’s fall shows thus far. “Mixed-ish” has received an order for nine more episodes, while “The Rookie” has been picked up for an additional seven. The final episode count for “Stumptown” has not yet been determined.
“This fall, ‘Stumptown’ has delivered a rich, inventive and fun thrill ride each week with a stellar cast that features one of the most fearless female characters at the center; ‘mixed-ish’ has established itself as one of the sharpest, funniest and most original new comedies of the season; and ‘The Rookie’ has continued to bring compelling storytelling and powerful performances to its passionate and loyal fan base,...
Both “Stumptown” and “Mixed-ish” are produced solely by ABC Studios, while “The Rookie” is a co-production between ABC Studios and eOne.
This marks the first full season pick ups for any of ABC’s fall shows thus far. “Mixed-ish” has received an order for nine more episodes, while “The Rookie” has been picked up for an additional seven. The final episode count for “Stumptown” has not yet been determined.
“This fall, ‘Stumptown’ has delivered a rich, inventive and fun thrill ride each week with a stellar cast that features one of the most fearless female characters at the center; ‘mixed-ish’ has established itself as one of the sharpest, funniest and most original new comedies of the season; and ‘The Rookie’ has continued to bring compelling storytelling and powerful performances to its passionate and loyal fan base,...
- 10/28/2019
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
ABC, the last network to make pickup decisions on its new fall series, has given back orders to comedy Mixed-ish and drama Stumptown. Additionally, the network has ordered additional episodes of sophomore drama The Rookie, which had a 13-episode pickup.
I hear the Black-ish prequel has received an order for nine additional episodes for a full-season 22-episode run. Things are still in flux for dramas Stumptown starring Cobie Smulders and The Rookie starring Nathan Fillion. They are expected to produce at least five additional episodes each for a total of 18, and could deliver 1-2 extra episodes beyond that. Like it is the case with a number of stars these days, I hear Smulders’ deal caps the Stumptown seasons at 18 episodes, though ABC brass would like to get more. I hear The Rookie‘s order could get up to 20 episodes, matching Season 1.
The third new ABC fall series, drama Emergence, was designed for 13-episode season arcs,...
I hear the Black-ish prequel has received an order for nine additional episodes for a full-season 22-episode run. Things are still in flux for dramas Stumptown starring Cobie Smulders and The Rookie starring Nathan Fillion. They are expected to produce at least five additional episodes each for a total of 18, and could deliver 1-2 extra episodes beyond that. Like it is the case with a number of stars these days, I hear Smulders’ deal caps the Stumptown seasons at 18 episodes, though ABC brass would like to get more. I hear The Rookie‘s order could get up to 20 episodes, matching Season 1.
The third new ABC fall series, drama Emergence, was designed for 13-episode season arcs,...
- 10/28/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
ABC has given full-season pickups to its new fall comedies “Mixed-ish” and “Stumptown,” as well as the sophomore drama “The Rookie,” the network announced on Monday.
That marks full-season orders for two of the three new shows that ABC debuted this fall, leaving only the sci-fi thriller “Emergence” awaiting word of its fate from the network. Meanwhile, “The Rookie,” which was renewed for a 13-episode second season back in May, now has been picked up for a full season.
“This fall, ‘Stumptown’ has delivered a rich, inventive and fun thrill ride each week with a stellar cast that features one of the most fearless female characters at the center; ‘mixed-ish’ has established itself as one of the sharpest, funniest and most original new comedies of the season; and ‘The Rookie’ has continued to bring compelling storytelling and powerful performances to its passionate and loyal fan base,” ABC boss Karey Burke said in a statement.
That marks full-season orders for two of the three new shows that ABC debuted this fall, leaving only the sci-fi thriller “Emergence” awaiting word of its fate from the network. Meanwhile, “The Rookie,” which was renewed for a 13-episode second season back in May, now has been picked up for a full season.
“This fall, ‘Stumptown’ has delivered a rich, inventive and fun thrill ride each week with a stellar cast that features one of the most fearless female characters at the center; ‘mixed-ish’ has established itself as one of the sharpest, funniest and most original new comedies of the season; and ‘The Rookie’ has continued to bring compelling storytelling and powerful performances to its passionate and loyal fan base,” ABC boss Karey Burke said in a statement.
- 10/28/2019
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
The latest entry in Kenya Barris’ televisual “-ish” universe is “Mixed-ish,” ABC’s new sitcom that follows in the footsteps of “Black-ish” as a heartwarming family comedy with built-in lessons about race and the perception thereof. “Mixed-ish,” unlike the 2018 collegiate spinoff “Grown-ish,” travels back to 1985 to tell a story of family members grappling with their identities at a very specific crossroads in history. On “Black-ish,” Rainbow (Tracee Ellis Ross) has often worked to orient her own experience as a biracial woman with those of her husband, Dre (Anthony Anderson), and their kids, bristling when people don’t consider her “black enough” to understand true struggle. On “Mixed-ish,” she narrates the story of her childhood and the difficulty of growing up in a world in which being biracial was far from the norm. Where Dre’s “Black-ish” voiceover marks the show as snarky and sporadically solemn, Bow’s defines the tone of “Mixed-ish” as heartfelt,...
- 9/24/2019
- by Caroline Framke
- Variety Film + TV
This year’s TV staffing season wasn’t quite like any before.
Described as a “free for all” by “Batwoman” creator and showrunner Caroline Dries and “like the Wild Wild West” by “Legacies” creator and showrunner Julie Plec, the WGA-Ata debacle has had deep-seated effects on the way showrunners staff their writers’ rooms and search for fresh new voices.
The crux of the WGA-ata feud is over the WGA’s effort to bar agents who represent guild members from receiving packaging fees on TV series from production entities and to stop the expansion of the big three agencies’ parent companies into the production-distribution domain. Talks between the two organizations broke down on multiple occasions and don’t look like they will be starting up again any time soon, given that the WGA recently re-filed its suit against Wme, CAA, UTA and ICM in federal court.
Therefore, the days...
Described as a “free for all” by “Batwoman” creator and showrunner Caroline Dries and “like the Wild Wild West” by “Legacies” creator and showrunner Julie Plec, the WGA-Ata debacle has had deep-seated effects on the way showrunners staff their writers’ rooms and search for fresh new voices.
The crux of the WGA-ata feud is over the WGA’s effort to bar agents who represent guild members from receiving packaging fees on TV series from production entities and to stop the expansion of the big three agencies’ parent companies into the production-distribution domain. Talks between the two organizations broke down on multiple occasions and don’t look like they will be starting up again any time soon, given that the WGA recently re-filed its suit against Wme, CAA, UTA and ICM in federal court.
Therefore, the days...
- 9/18/2019
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
ABC released the music video for Mariah Carey’s “Mixed-ish” theme song, “In the Mix,” on Tuesday.
The video, which sees clips of the show intercut with footage of the cast dancing to the song, comes a week ahead of the series premiere on Tuesday, Sept. 24.
A spinoff of the Kenya Barris comedy “Black-ish,” “Mixed-ish” is a prequel centered on Tracee Ellis Ross’ charater Rainbow Johnson as she recounts her experience growing up in a mixed-race family in the ’80s.
Also Read: ABC's Fall Premiere Dates: 'DWTS,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'Modern Family' Final Season and More
“As a biracial woman in the entertainment industry, there was no way I did not want to be a part of ‘mixed-ish,’ especially after seeing the pilot, which I loved,” Carey said in a statement when news of her involvement was first announced. “I could not be more honored and...
The video, which sees clips of the show intercut with footage of the cast dancing to the song, comes a week ahead of the series premiere on Tuesday, Sept. 24.
A spinoff of the Kenya Barris comedy “Black-ish,” “Mixed-ish” is a prequel centered on Tracee Ellis Ross’ charater Rainbow Johnson as she recounts her experience growing up in a mixed-race family in the ’80s.
Also Read: ABC's Fall Premiere Dates: 'DWTS,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'Modern Family' Final Season and More
“As a biracial woman in the entertainment industry, there was no way I did not want to be a part of ‘mixed-ish,’ especially after seeing the pilot, which I loved,” Carey said in a statement when news of her involvement was first announced. “I could not be more honored and...
- 9/18/2019
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Anthony Anderson is nominated in the Best Comedy Actor category at the Emmys for the fifth straight year for his role as Dre Johnson on “Black-ish.” Facing off against the likes of incumbent winner Bill Hader of “Barry” and Golden Globe winner Michael Douglas of “The Kominsky Method,” Anderson has submitted his sitcom’s 100th episode, “Purple Rain,” for judging consideration.
Written by co-executive producer Peter Saji and directed by Charles Stone III in his television comedy debut, “Purple Rain” is a tribute to the music of Prince, complete with music video reenactments that earned costumers Michelle Cole and Devon Patterson a repeat Best Contemporary Costumes nomination. Let us take a closer look at the submission.
SEEOur interview with ‘Black-ish’ costume designer Michelle Cole
Pros
Anderson has submitted slapstick and “very special episodes” over the years; he demonstrates further versatility by dancing and lip-syncing in “Purple Rain” to the 1980s songs “Erotic City” and “Kiss.
Written by co-executive producer Peter Saji and directed by Charles Stone III in his television comedy debut, “Purple Rain” is a tribute to the music of Prince, complete with music video reenactments that earned costumers Michelle Cole and Devon Patterson a repeat Best Contemporary Costumes nomination. Let us take a closer look at the submission.
SEEOur interview with ‘Black-ish’ costume designer Michelle Cole
Pros
Anderson has submitted slapstick and “very special episodes” over the years; he demonstrates further versatility by dancing and lip-syncing in “Purple Rain” to the 1980s songs “Erotic City” and “Kiss.
- 9/17/2019
- by Riley Chow
- Gold Derby
The producers and cast of “Mixed-ish” are not out to tell a singular black and white story — but one that showcases and celebrates all shades in between.
“It’s important for me across the board in all of my work to talk about ‘otherness’ and identity and real, grounded characters,” showrunner Karin Gist told Variety at the PaleyFest Fall Previews panel for the new ABC comedy on Saturday. “This is just another example of that — an example of putting something up for everybody to talk about think about have conversations about through these characters that you fall in love with. It’s a story about ‘others’ that I think is necessary and I think all stories about ‘others’ are necessary.”
In the newest addition to Kenya Barris’ “ish” universe, Gist and fellow executive producer Peter Saji shine a light on “Black-ish” Johnson family matriarch Rainbow’s (played by Tracee Ellis Ross...
“It’s important for me across the board in all of my work to talk about ‘otherness’ and identity and real, grounded characters,” showrunner Karin Gist told Variety at the PaleyFest Fall Previews panel for the new ABC comedy on Saturday. “This is just another example of that — an example of putting something up for everybody to talk about think about have conversations about through these characters that you fall in love with. It’s a story about ‘others’ that I think is necessary and I think all stories about ‘others’ are necessary.”
In the newest addition to Kenya Barris’ “ish” universe, Gist and fellow executive producer Peter Saji shine a light on “Black-ish” Johnson family matriarch Rainbow’s (played by Tracee Ellis Ross...
- 9/14/2019
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
The lineup for the 23rd annual Urbanworld Film Festival was announced Friday, with Tony-award winning broadway actor Cynthia Erivo and Emmy award-winning director Roger Ross Williams making appearances at the event, which is geared towards representing and celebrating diverse, international voices in film, music videos, television, screenplays and shorts.
Director and co-writer Kasi Lemmons will open the festival Sept 18 with her Focus Features biopic “Harriet,” following the influential life of abolitionist Harriet Tubman who led slaves to freedom through the Underground Railroad. Following the screening, star Erivo, Lemmons and executive producers Debra Martin Chase and Daniela Taplin Lundberg will discuss the film with CBS This Morning Saturday’s Michelle Miller moderating. Lemmons is this year’s festival ambassador.
Other notable films include HBO’s documentary “The Apollo,” which features archival footage to chronicle the history of Harlem’s landmark venue the Apollo Theater. A Q&a with director Williams and...
Director and co-writer Kasi Lemmons will open the festival Sept 18 with her Focus Features biopic “Harriet,” following the influential life of abolitionist Harriet Tubman who led slaves to freedom through the Underground Railroad. Following the screening, star Erivo, Lemmons and executive producers Debra Martin Chase and Daniela Taplin Lundberg will discuss the film with CBS This Morning Saturday’s Michelle Miller moderating. Lemmons is this year’s festival ambassador.
Other notable films include HBO’s documentary “The Apollo,” which features archival footage to chronicle the history of Harlem’s landmark venue the Apollo Theater. A Q&a with director Williams and...
- 8/30/2019
- by Mackenzie Nichols
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: There will be more crazy antics ahead at Stevens & Lido, Dre’s ad agency. Jeff Meacham, who has recurred as Dre’s (Anthony Anderson) nonsensical co-worker Josh since the first season of ABC’s black-ish, has been promoted to series regular for the upcoming sixth season.
Meacham has appeared in a total of 98 episodes as the character.
Season 6 picks up following a year of change for the Johnson family, and Pops (Laurence Fishburne) will be surprising everyone when he introduces Lynette, played by Loretta Devine, as his new fiancée.
Created by Kenya Barris, black-ish stars Anderson as Andre “Dre” Johnson, Tracee Ellis Ross as Rainbow Johnson, Fishburne as Pops, Yara Shahidi as Zoey Johnson, Marcus Scribner as Andre Johnson Jr., Miles Brown as Jack Johnson, Marsai Martin as Diane Johnson, Jenifer Lewis as Ruby, Peter Mackenzie as Mr. Stevens and Deon Cole as Charlie Telphy.
Newly named showrunner Courtney Lilly...
Meacham has appeared in a total of 98 episodes as the character.
Season 6 picks up following a year of change for the Johnson family, and Pops (Laurence Fishburne) will be surprising everyone when he introduces Lynette, played by Loretta Devine, as his new fiancée.
Created by Kenya Barris, black-ish stars Anderson as Andre “Dre” Johnson, Tracee Ellis Ross as Rainbow Johnson, Fishburne as Pops, Yara Shahidi as Zoey Johnson, Marcus Scribner as Andre Johnson Jr., Miles Brown as Jack Johnson, Marsai Martin as Diane Johnson, Jenifer Lewis as Ruby, Peter Mackenzie as Mr. Stevens and Deon Cole as Charlie Telphy.
Newly named showrunner Courtney Lilly...
- 8/20/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
As it was revealed earlier Monday, Mariah Carey will sing the theme song of Mixed-ish, the latest spinoff of Black-ish, or, as the show’s executive producer Tracee Ellis Ross calls it, “The -Ish” universe. Being biracial herself, it is appropriate that Carey would sing and write the theme song, but her involvement in the show may go beyond that.
“She’s expressed interest in doing an episode,” executive producer and showrunner Karen Gist said during the Mixed-ish panel at TCA.
Joining Gist and Ross on the panel was executive producer Peter Saji as well as cast members Tika Sumpter, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Arica Himmel, Ethan William Childress, Mykal-Michelle Harris, Christina Anthony and Gary Cole. The cast and producers unpacked the details of the spinoff that explores the origin story of Rainbow Johnson.
As Ross points out, Bow’s story hasn’t been explored. More than that, biracial narratives have seldom been explored on television.
“She’s expressed interest in doing an episode,” executive producer and showrunner Karen Gist said during the Mixed-ish panel at TCA.
Joining Gist and Ross on the panel was executive producer Peter Saji as well as cast members Tika Sumpter, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Arica Himmel, Ethan William Childress, Mykal-Michelle Harris, Christina Anthony and Gary Cole. The cast and producers unpacked the details of the spinoff that explores the origin story of Rainbow Johnson.
As Ross points out, Bow’s story hasn’t been explored. More than that, biracial narratives have seldom been explored on television.
- 8/5/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Five-time Grammy winner Mariah Carey has been tapped to write and perform the theme song for ABC’s new black-ish spinoff mixed-ish. Titled “In the Mix”, the track is written by Carey and produced by Carey and Daniel Moore. Sung by Carey, the new theme song will be heard when the series premieres Tuesday, September 24 at 9 Pm on ABC. The news was announced Monday at TCA.
“As a fan of Kenya Barris’ megahit shows, black-ish and grown-ish, I was inspired to connect with Kenya to find a way we could work together,” said Carey. “As a biracial woman in the entertainment industry, there was no way I did not want to be a part of mixed-ish, especially after seeing the pilot, which I loved. I could not be more honored and proud to be writing and performing ‘In the Mix’ for Kenya and the show.”
ABC’s mixed-ish will follow...
“As a fan of Kenya Barris’ megahit shows, black-ish and grown-ish, I was inspired to connect with Kenya to find a way we could work together,” said Carey. “As a biracial woman in the entertainment industry, there was no way I did not want to be a part of mixed-ish, especially after seeing the pilot, which I loved. I could not be more honored and proud to be writing and performing ‘In the Mix’ for Kenya and the show.”
ABC’s mixed-ish will follow...
- 8/5/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
CBS’ “All Rise,” the CW’s “Nancy Drew,” Spectrum’s “Mad About You” revival and ABC’s “Mixed-ish” are among the new fall television shows that will present screening and panel events during this year’s PaleyFest Fall TV Previews.
The Paley Center for Media will host this, its 13th annual, fall television event at the Beverly Hills, Calif. location between September 5 and 15, 2019. The New York location will host select screenings between Sept. 6 and 8, as well.
“We’re thrilled to once again present one of the most anticipated events of the fall television season,” said Maureen J. Reidy, the Paley Center’s president & CEO. “Many of television’s most beloved shows have graced the PaleyFest Fall TV Previews stage, and we look forward to hosting the cast and creative teams from the next generation of unforgettable television programs.”
NBC will bring its new fall shows “Bluff City Law,” “Perfect Harmony...
The Paley Center for Media will host this, its 13th annual, fall television event at the Beverly Hills, Calif. location between September 5 and 15, 2019. The New York location will host select screenings between Sept. 6 and 8, as well.
“We’re thrilled to once again present one of the most anticipated events of the fall television season,” said Maureen J. Reidy, the Paley Center’s president & CEO. “Many of television’s most beloved shows have graced the PaleyFest Fall TV Previews stage, and we look forward to hosting the cast and creative teams from the next generation of unforgettable television programs.”
NBC will bring its new fall shows “Bluff City Law,” “Perfect Harmony...
- 8/5/2019
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
Mariah Carey is lending her voice — and her songwriting — to ABC’s upcoming “Black-ish” spinoff “Mixed-ish.”
The Grammy-winning artist wrote and recorded a new track for the show’s theme song. “In the Mix” will debut along with the first episode of “Mixed-ish” on Sept. 24 at 9/8c on ABC.
“As a fan of Kenya Barris’ megahit shows, ‘black-ish’ and ‘grown-ish,’ I was inspired to connect with Kenya to find a way we could work together,” Carey said. “As a biracial woman in the entertainment industry, there was no way I did not want to be a part of ‘mixed-ish,’ especially after seeing the pilot, which I loved. I could not be more honored and proud to be writing and performing ‘In the Mix’ for Kenya and the show.”
Also Read: Keke Palmer to Become Third Co-Host on 'Strahan and Sara'
According to ABC, the series follows Rainbow Johnson as she...
The Grammy-winning artist wrote and recorded a new track for the show’s theme song. “In the Mix” will debut along with the first episode of “Mixed-ish” on Sept. 24 at 9/8c on ABC.
“As a fan of Kenya Barris’ megahit shows, ‘black-ish’ and ‘grown-ish,’ I was inspired to connect with Kenya to find a way we could work together,” Carey said. “As a biracial woman in the entertainment industry, there was no way I did not want to be a part of ‘mixed-ish,’ especially after seeing the pilot, which I loved. I could not be more honored and proud to be writing and performing ‘In the Mix’ for Kenya and the show.”
Also Read: Keke Palmer to Become Third Co-Host on 'Strahan and Sara'
According to ABC, the series follows Rainbow Johnson as she...
- 8/5/2019
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
Emmy winner Loretta Devine has been tapped for a recurring role opposite Laurence Fishburne on the upcoming sixth season of ABC’s praised comedy series black-ish.
Season 6 picks up following a season of change for the Johnson family and Pops (Fishburne) will be surprising everyone when he introduces Lynette, played by Devine, as his new fiancée.
Created by Kenya Barris, black-ish stars Anthony Anderson as Andre “Dre” Johnson, Tracee Ellis Ross as Rainbow Johnson, Fishburne as Pops, Yara Shahidi as Zoey Johnson, Marcus Scribner as Andre Johnson Jr., Miles Brown as Jack Johnson, Marsai Martin as Diane Johnson, Jenifer Lewis as Ruby, Peter Mackenzie as Mr. Stevens and Deon Cole as Charlie Telphy.
Newly named showrunner Courtney Lilly will executive produce with Barris, Gail Lerner, Lindsey Shockley, Peter Saji, Anthony Anderson, Laurence Fishburne, Helen Sugland and E. Brian Dobbins. Jonathan Groff and Kenny Smith are consulting producers. The series is produced by ABC Studios.
Season 6 picks up following a season of change for the Johnson family and Pops (Fishburne) will be surprising everyone when he introduces Lynette, played by Devine, as his new fiancée.
Created by Kenya Barris, black-ish stars Anthony Anderson as Andre “Dre” Johnson, Tracee Ellis Ross as Rainbow Johnson, Fishburne as Pops, Yara Shahidi as Zoey Johnson, Marcus Scribner as Andre Johnson Jr., Miles Brown as Jack Johnson, Marsai Martin as Diane Johnson, Jenifer Lewis as Ruby, Peter Mackenzie as Mr. Stevens and Deon Cole as Charlie Telphy.
Newly named showrunner Courtney Lilly will executive produce with Barris, Gail Lerner, Lindsey Shockley, Peter Saji, Anthony Anderson, Laurence Fishburne, Helen Sugland and E. Brian Dobbins. Jonathan Groff and Kenny Smith are consulting producers. The series is produced by ABC Studios.
- 8/1/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
“Black-ish” executive producer Courtney Lilly has been promoted to showrunner for the ABC comedy’s forthcoming sixth season, ABC Studios announced on Tuesday.
Lilly, who is currently under an overall deal with the studio, has been a writer on the Anthony Anderson-led family comedy since Season 1. He takes over the reins from former co-showrunners Kenny Smith and Jonathan Groff.
Prior to “Black-ish,” Lilly’s credits include the Fox run of “Arrested Development” and “The Cleveland Show,” Upn’s “Everybody Hates Chris,” TBS’s “My Boys,” and “Guys With Kids” and “Undateable” on NBC.
Also Read: How 'black-ish' Designers Pulled Off the Wild Costumes in That Special Prince Episode
Lilly’s promotion comes ahead of the Season 6 premiere on Sept. 24. Back in May, ABC picked up another season of “Black-ish” in addition to ordering a full season of the prequel spinoff “Mixed-ish” to air alongside it in the fall.
Written...
Lilly, who is currently under an overall deal with the studio, has been a writer on the Anthony Anderson-led family comedy since Season 1. He takes over the reins from former co-showrunners Kenny Smith and Jonathan Groff.
Prior to “Black-ish,” Lilly’s credits include the Fox run of “Arrested Development” and “The Cleveland Show,” Upn’s “Everybody Hates Chris,” TBS’s “My Boys,” and “Guys With Kids” and “Undateable” on NBC.
Also Read: How 'black-ish' Designers Pulled Off the Wild Costumes in That Special Prince Episode
Lilly’s promotion comes ahead of the Season 6 premiere on Sept. 24. Back in May, ABC picked up another season of “Black-ish” in addition to ordering a full season of the prequel spinoff “Mixed-ish” to air alongside it in the fall.
Written...
- 7/30/2019
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
If you've been mourning the loss of seeing Mark-Paul Gosselaar on your TV screen each week now that Fox's The Passage has been canceled, we come bearing good news: he's joined ABC's Mixed-ish!
The Black-ish spinoff follows young Rainbow Johnson (the adult Bow is played by Tracee Ellis Ross in the original series) as she grows up with her parents and two younger siblings. Gosselaar is now attached to play Bow's father, Paul Johnson, who was previously portrayed by Workaholics star Anders Holm in the pilot, Deadline reports. (His reasons for leaving the show remain undisclosed.) Gosselaar is joined by Tika Sumpter as Bow's mother, Alicia, as they move their kids from a hippie commune to the suburbs to build a better, more stable life for their family.
The series is written by Peter Saji and Black-ish creator Kenya Barris, and Ross is still on board as the show's narrator,...
The Black-ish spinoff follows young Rainbow Johnson (the adult Bow is played by Tracee Ellis Ross in the original series) as she grows up with her parents and two younger siblings. Gosselaar is now attached to play Bow's father, Paul Johnson, who was previously portrayed by Workaholics star Anders Holm in the pilot, Deadline reports. (His reasons for leaving the show remain undisclosed.) Gosselaar is joined by Tika Sumpter as Bow's mother, Alicia, as they move their kids from a hippie commune to the suburbs to build a better, more stable life for their family.
The series is written by Peter Saji and Black-ish creator Kenya Barris, and Ross is still on board as the show's narrator,...
- 6/26/2019
- by Quinn Keaney
- Popsugar.com
Mark-Paul Gosselaar has joined ABC’s “Mixed-ish,” as the father of young Bow, replacing Anders Holm who was initially set for the role.
The “Black-ish” spinoff stars Arica Himmel as a 12-year version of Tracee Ellis Ross’ Rainbow Johnson from the flagship series. It will premiere next season.
Per ABC, the new series will see Rainbow Johnson recount “her experience growing up in a mixed-race family in the ’80s and the constant dilemmas they had to face over whether to assimilate or stay true to themselves. Bow’s parents Paul and Alicia decide to move from a hippie commune to the suburbs to better provide for their family. As her parents struggle with the challenges of their new life, Bow and her siblings navigate a mainstream school in which they’re perceived as neither black nor white. This family’s experiences illuminate the challenges of finding one’s own identity...
The “Black-ish” spinoff stars Arica Himmel as a 12-year version of Tracee Ellis Ross’ Rainbow Johnson from the flagship series. It will premiere next season.
Per ABC, the new series will see Rainbow Johnson recount “her experience growing up in a mixed-race family in the ’80s and the constant dilemmas they had to face over whether to assimilate or stay true to themselves. Bow’s parents Paul and Alicia decide to move from a hippie commune to the suburbs to better provide for their family. As her parents struggle with the challenges of their new life, Bow and her siblings navigate a mainstream school in which they’re perceived as neither black nor white. This family’s experiences illuminate the challenges of finding one’s own identity...
- 6/19/2019
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Mark-Paul Gosselaar has boarded the upcoming ABC comedy “Mixed-ish.”
“Mixed-ish,” a spinoff of “Black-ish,” focuses on the experience of Tracee Ellis Ross’s character, Rainbow Johnson, growing up in a mixed-race family in the ‘80s. Gosselaar will play the role of Bow’s father, taking over from Anders Holm, who played the role in the original pilot.
This marks Gosselaar’s fourth broadcast series starring role in recent years. He most recently starred on the Fox shows “The Passage” and “Pitch” as well as the NBC comedy “Truth Be Told.” He is also known for his roles on shows like “Franklin & Bash,” “NYPD Blue,” and “Saved by the Bell.”
He is repped by Wme, Luber Roklin Entertainment and Jackoway Tyerman.
Gosselaar joins a cast that includes Arica Himmel as Bow Johnson, Tika Sumpter as Alicia Johnson, Christina Anthony as Denise, Mykal-Michelle Harris as Santamonica Johnson and Ethan Childress as Johan Johnson.
“Mixed-ish,” a spinoff of “Black-ish,” focuses on the experience of Tracee Ellis Ross’s character, Rainbow Johnson, growing up in a mixed-race family in the ‘80s. Gosselaar will play the role of Bow’s father, taking over from Anders Holm, who played the role in the original pilot.
This marks Gosselaar’s fourth broadcast series starring role in recent years. He most recently starred on the Fox shows “The Passage” and “Pitch” as well as the NBC comedy “Truth Be Told.” He is also known for his roles on shows like “Franklin & Bash,” “NYPD Blue,” and “Saved by the Bell.”
He is repped by Wme, Luber Roklin Entertainment and Jackoway Tyerman.
Gosselaar joins a cast that includes Arica Himmel as Bow Johnson, Tika Sumpter as Alicia Johnson, Christina Anthony as Denise, Mykal-Michelle Harris as Santamonica Johnson and Ethan Childress as Johan Johnson.
- 6/19/2019
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Mark-Paul Gosselaar has been tapped as the male lead in ABC’s new comedy series Mixed-ish. In the Black-ish prequel about young Rainbow Johnson, Gosselaar will play Bow’s father Paul Johnson. He replaces Anders Holm who played the role in the original backdoor pilot episode of Black-ish. Gosselaar only became available in May when his most recent series, Fox’s vampire drama The Passage, was canceled after one season.
Written by Peter Saji and Black-ish creator Kenya Barris, in Mixed-ish, Rainbow Johnson (Tracee Ellis Ross) recounts her experience growing up in a mixed-race family in the ‘80s and the constant dilemmas they had to face over whether to assimilate or stay true to themselves.
Bow’s parents Paul (Gosselaar) and Alicia (Tika Sumpter) decide to move from a hippie commune to the suburbs to better provide for their family. As her parents struggle with the challenges of their new life,...
Written by Peter Saji and Black-ish creator Kenya Barris, in Mixed-ish, Rainbow Johnson (Tracee Ellis Ross) recounts her experience growing up in a mixed-race family in the ‘80s and the constant dilemmas they had to face over whether to assimilate or stay true to themselves.
Bow’s parents Paul (Gosselaar) and Alicia (Tika Sumpter) decide to move from a hippie commune to the suburbs to better provide for their family. As her parents struggle with the challenges of their new life,...
- 6/19/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
ABC has tapped former “Star” showrunner Karin Gist to helm the network’s upcoming “Black-ish” spinoff “Mixed-ish,” TheWrap has learned.
Gist, who executive-produced the last two seasons of the musical drama “Star” prior to its recent cancellation at Fox, is currently under an overall deal at 20th Century Fox Television. The move to have her serve as showrunner on the ABC Studios comedy marks the first crossover between the pair of Disney studios.
“Mixed-ish” will reunite Gist with series creator Kenya Barris and executive producer Tracee Ellis Ross, with whom she previously worked on the Upn comedy “Girlfriends.”
Also Read: Inside the Disney-abc Upfront: Lots of Networks, an 'Immersive Experience' and, Yes, Jokes About Constance Wu
Written by Barris and “Black-ish” Ep Peter Saji, “Mixed-ish,” is set in the 1980s and stars Arica Himmel as a young version of Rainbow Johnson, the character played by Ross in the flagship comedy.
Gist, who executive-produced the last two seasons of the musical drama “Star” prior to its recent cancellation at Fox, is currently under an overall deal at 20th Century Fox Television. The move to have her serve as showrunner on the ABC Studios comedy marks the first crossover between the pair of Disney studios.
“Mixed-ish” will reunite Gist with series creator Kenya Barris and executive producer Tracee Ellis Ross, with whom she previously worked on the Upn comedy “Girlfriends.”
Also Read: Inside the Disney-abc Upfront: Lots of Networks, an 'Immersive Experience' and, Yes, Jokes About Constance Wu
Written by Barris and “Black-ish” Ep Peter Saji, “Mixed-ish,” is set in the 1980s and stars Arica Himmel as a young version of Rainbow Johnson, the character played by Ross in the flagship comedy.
- 5/16/2019
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
‘Mixed-Ish’: Karin Gist Set As Showrunner Of ‘Black-Ish’ Spinoff In ABC Studios-20th TV Synergy Move
Karin Gist, who served as executive producer on Fox’s musical drama Star for the past two seasons, is joining the newly picked-up ABC comedy series mixed-Ish, a spinoff from ABC’s popular comedy black-ish. The project, from ABC Studios, is a black-ish prequel centered on Tracee Ellis Ross’s character Rainbow Johnson.
Written by Peter Saji and black-ish creator Kenya Barris, in mixed-ish, Rainbow Johnson (Ross) recounts her experience growing up in a mixed-race family in the ‘80s and the constant dilemmas they had to face over whether to assimilate or stay true to themselves.
Gist, who is under an overall deal at 20th TV, will executive produce with Saji, Barris, Ross, Randall Winston, Artists First’s Brian Dobbins, Cinema Gypsy’s Laurence Fishburne and Helen Sugland and Anthony Anderson.
Since the completion of Disney’s $71.3 billion acquisition of Fox assets brought under the Disney roof 20th Century Fox TV,...
Written by Peter Saji and black-ish creator Kenya Barris, in mixed-ish, Rainbow Johnson (Ross) recounts her experience growing up in a mixed-race family in the ‘80s and the constant dilemmas they had to face over whether to assimilate or stay true to themselves.
Gist, who is under an overall deal at 20th TV, will executive produce with Saji, Barris, Ross, Randall Winston, Artists First’s Brian Dobbins, Cinema Gypsy’s Laurence Fishburne and Helen Sugland and Anthony Anderson.
Since the completion of Disney’s $71.3 billion acquisition of Fox assets brought under the Disney roof 20th Century Fox TV,...
- 5/16/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
ABC has released the trailers for the two new dramas and the one new comedy it will debut this fall.
Now you can get your first look at the genre thriller “Emergence,” starring Allison Tolman, the Cobie Smulders-led adaptation of the “Stumptown” graphic novel series and the 1980s-set “Black-ish” prequel series “Mixed-ish.”
Watch all three trailers and read full descriptions of the series below, and see the full 2019-20 fall schedule for the ABC network here.
Also Read: ABC Fall Schedule 2019: 'American Housewife' Moves to Fridays, 'Bless This Mess' Gets 'Conners' Lead-in
Emergence
A character-driven genre thriller, “Emergence” is about a police chief who takes in a young child she finds near the site of a mysterious accident who has no memory of what has happened. The investigation draws her into a conspiracy larger than she ever imagined, and the child’s identity is...
Now you can get your first look at the genre thriller “Emergence,” starring Allison Tolman, the Cobie Smulders-led adaptation of the “Stumptown” graphic novel series and the 1980s-set “Black-ish” prequel series “Mixed-ish.”
Watch all three trailers and read full descriptions of the series below, and see the full 2019-20 fall schedule for the ABC network here.
Also Read: ABC Fall Schedule 2019: 'American Housewife' Moves to Fridays, 'Bless This Mess' Gets 'Conners' Lead-in
Emergence
A character-driven genre thriller, “Emergence” is about a police chief who takes in a young child she finds near the site of a mysterious accident who has no memory of what has happened. The investigation draws her into a conspiracy larger than she ever imagined, and the child’s identity is...
- 5/14/2019
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
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