Exclusive: Top comic Iliza Shlesinger has struck a deal to shoot her first one-hour comedy special for Prime Video.
Taping at the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City on November 2nd, as part of her recently announced The Get Ready Tour, the special’s premiere date will be announced at a later date. As the voice of the Elder Millennial generation, Shlesinger uses it to bring back her familiar, physical, fast-paced style peppered with characters, animals and insights, from stripper heels to gorilla wives to a lesson for Gen Z.
The special comes on the heels of six for Netflix, the most recent being 2022’s Hot Forever. Shlesinger’s 2018 hour, Elder Millenial, served multiple purposes given its use as the subject of Iliza Shlesinger: Over & Over, her “fan-u-mentary” that provides fans with an inside look into what goes into making one of her specials.
One of today’s leading comics,...
Taping at the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City on November 2nd, as part of her recently announced The Get Ready Tour, the special’s premiere date will be announced at a later date. As the voice of the Elder Millennial generation, Shlesinger uses it to bring back her familiar, physical, fast-paced style peppered with characters, animals and insights, from stripper heels to gorilla wives to a lesson for Gen Z.
The special comes on the heels of six for Netflix, the most recent being 2022’s Hot Forever. Shlesinger’s 2018 hour, Elder Millenial, served multiple purposes given its use as the subject of Iliza Shlesinger: Over & Over, her “fan-u-mentary” that provides fans with an inside look into what goes into making one of her specials.
One of today’s leading comics,...
- 4/17/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Sierra Katow (The Sex Lives of College Girls) is partnering with Comedy Dynamics on the release of her debut comedy special, Funt, which will become available on platforms worldwide on April 2nd, rolling out in album form on April 5th.
Best known for her recurring role as Evangeline on the Max series The Sex Lives of College Girls, which has been renewed for a third season, Katow uses her special to ponder her dumb career choice, online haters, and why anyone still has kids.
Filmed live from the inaugural Comedy Dynamics Festival, which was held at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood from April 5 – 9, 2023, the special was directed by Matt Kubas. Brian Volk-Weiss, Cisco Henson, Anna Roberts and Katow served as executive producers.
“I am beyond excited to share my first comedy special, Funt!” said Katow. “I hope that it makes people laugh or even lightly chuckle. I am not picky.
Best known for her recurring role as Evangeline on the Max series The Sex Lives of College Girls, which has been renewed for a third season, Katow uses her special to ponder her dumb career choice, online haters, and why anyone still has kids.
Filmed live from the inaugural Comedy Dynamics Festival, which was held at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood from April 5 – 9, 2023, the special was directed by Matt Kubas. Brian Volk-Weiss, Cisco Henson, Anna Roberts and Katow served as executive producers.
“I am beyond excited to share my first comedy special, Funt!” said Katow. “I hope that it makes people laugh or even lightly chuckle. I am not picky.
- 3/28/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Laurie Kilmartin on Thursday announced Cis Woke Grief Sl*t, her new special for Comedy Dynamics, which will be available for rental or purchase via Prime Video, Apple TV+, YouTube, Google Play, Dish, and cable providers worldwide on January 30th.
Kilmartin is a veteran comic who garnered an Emmy nomination for her writing on Conan, the TBS talk show on which she was a staffer for 11 years. Previously releasing the special 45 Jokes About My Dead Dad, she came to the attention of some as a Top 10 finalist on Season 9 of NBC’s Last Comic Standing, becoming a New York Times bestselling author with her first book, Shitty Mom.
“I love to sandwich the serious stuff between dick jokes and boob jokes, and see what happens,” said Kilmartin in a statement to Deadline on the special. “I hope Cis Woke Grief Slut makes good people laugh,...
Kilmartin is a veteran comic who garnered an Emmy nomination for her writing on Conan, the TBS talk show on which she was a staffer for 11 years. Previously releasing the special 45 Jokes About My Dead Dad, she came to the attention of some as a Top 10 finalist on Season 9 of NBC’s Last Comic Standing, becoming a New York Times bestselling author with her first book, Shitty Mom.
“I love to sandwich the serious stuff between dick jokes and boob jokes, and see what happens,” said Kilmartin in a statement to Deadline on the special. “I hope Cis Woke Grief Slut makes good people laugh,...
- 1/11/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
New Year’s Eve may have come and gone, but another countdown to After Midnight is underway.
CBS’ forthcoming late-night series, hosted by stand-up comedian Taylor Tomlinson, will premiere on Tuesday, Jan. 16, the network announced Thursday. New episodes will air at 12:37 am Et, following broadcasts of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.
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Filling the void left by The Late Late Show With James Corden,...
CBS’ forthcoming late-night series, hosted by stand-up comedian Taylor Tomlinson, will premiere on Tuesday, Jan. 16, the network announced Thursday. New episodes will air at 12:37 am Et, following broadcasts of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.
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Filling the void left by The Late Late Show With James Corden,...
- 1/4/2024
- by Rebecca Iannucci
- TVLine.com
After burning through countless stories involving his family and personal (mis)adventures with his Netflix specials Secret Time and Hey Big Boy, comedian Bert Kreischer squeezed “the last bit of juice out of the orange” with his latest, the Golden Globes contender Razzle Dazzle.
The Florida native feels, looking back, that this special is most certainly “the best” he’s put out so far. “I feel like it is all where I’ve grown, and I think it is all the shit you love me for,” he tells Deadline. “There’s a lot of great family stuff. There’s wild, funny stories. There’s a f*ckng ass hair cutting, and I know it’s performed better than any of my other specials, which is insane when you think Hey Big Boy was released three days after stay-at-home orders for [Covid]. Me and Tiger King were the first week.”
Remarkably, Razzle...
The Florida native feels, looking back, that this special is most certainly “the best” he’s put out so far. “I feel like it is all where I’ve grown, and I think it is all the shit you love me for,” he tells Deadline. “There’s a lot of great family stuff. There’s wild, funny stories. There’s a f*ckng ass hair cutting, and I know it’s performed better than any of my other specials, which is insane when you think Hey Big Boy was released three days after stay-at-home orders for [Covid]. Me and Tiger King were the first week.”
Remarkably, Razzle...
- 11/17/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Zainab Johnson needs to be our new Queen of Comedy. She’s just so good. And gutsy. As Aleesha, one of the AI-afterlife managers on Prime Video‘s Upload, the former semi-finalist from Last Comic Standing has had three fire seasons of cracking us up in an ensemble element. But this past October, Johnson took center stage—and owned it from every angle!—for her first hour-long comedy special. Shot in the round at Harlem Stage in her New York hometown, Hijabs Off allows Johnson to finally showcase her brainy, brave and deeply personal material. Prime Video “I feel like stand-up comedy started out as a transformative art form,” she notes in the video above. “And I really wanted to try to capture that thing that I used to watch when I was growing up.” Adding that she’s always been told that she “reveled in the silence” during her sets,...
- 11/14/2023
- TV Insider
Here is a wrap-up of all the news you need to know from Wednesday, November 8, 2023.
There is a little something for everyone, whether you're an Eddie Murphy fan or thrive on the work of Taylor Sheridan.
We'll begin with a Christmas special featuring Ted Lasso's award-winning actress Hannah Waddingham.
Hannah Waddingham will be getting an assist from her Ted Lasso costars during her upcoming holiday special.
Apple TV+ debuted the official trailer for Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas on Wednesday, and it's poised to be one of the most heartwarming television events of the year.
Ted Lasso alums Phil Dunster (Jamie Tartt), Nick Mohammed (Nathan Shelley), Kola Bokinni (Isaac McAdoo), Billy Harris (Colin Hughes), James Lance (Trent Crimm), and June Temple (Keeley Jones) are all present in the clip.
The special drops on the streaming platform on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, and will also be accompanied by an album launching on that same date.
There is a little something for everyone, whether you're an Eddie Murphy fan or thrive on the work of Taylor Sheridan.
We'll begin with a Christmas special featuring Ted Lasso's award-winning actress Hannah Waddingham.
Hannah Waddingham will be getting an assist from her Ted Lasso costars during her upcoming holiday special.
Apple TV+ debuted the official trailer for Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas on Wednesday, and it's poised to be one of the most heartwarming television events of the year.
Ted Lasso alums Phil Dunster (Jamie Tartt), Nick Mohammed (Nathan Shelley), Kola Bokinni (Isaac McAdoo), Billy Harris (Colin Hughes), James Lance (Trent Crimm), and June Temple (Keeley Jones) are all present in the clip.
The special drops on the streaming platform on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, and will also be accompanied by an album launching on that same date.
- 11/8/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Taylor Tomlinson will be staying up late soon: The stand-up comedian has been named the host of the upcoming CBS late night show After Midnight.
Stephen Colbert announced the news during Wednesday’s Late Show episode; After Midnight will air after The Late Show weeknights at 12:37 am on CBS, and Colbert will serve as an executive producer. Filling the vacant time slot left by the end of The Late Late Show With James Corden in April, it’s slated to premiere early next year.
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Stephen Colbert announced the news during Wednesday’s Late Show episode; After Midnight will air after The Late Show weeknights at 12:37 am on CBS, and Colbert will serve as an executive producer. Filling the vacant time slot left by the end of The Late Late Show With James Corden in April, it’s slated to premiere early next year.
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- 11/2/2023
- by Dave Nemetz
- TVLine.com
Exclusive: UTA has signed well known comedian, actor, and podcast host Felipe Esparza for representation in all areas globally.
Rising to fame as the 2010 winner of NBC’s Last Comic Standing, Esparza’s most recent special was the dual-language Felipe Esparza: Bad Decisions, which debuted on Netflix to critical acclaim, in both English and Spanish, in 2020. His second special, Translate This, premiered on HBO in 2017 and continues to be available for streaming on all HBO platforms. His first, 2012’s They’re Not Gonna Laugh At You, made its way to Netflix after debuting on Showtime.
Esparza has also been seen recurring on series like NBC’s Superstore, Adult Swim’s The Eric Andre Show, Netflix’s Gentefied, and Cartoon Network’s Victor and Valentino. Notable film credits include Guest House with Pauly Shore, 7th & Union with Omar Chaparro, Daddy Daughter Trip with Rob Schneider, You People with Eddie Murphy and Jonah Hill,...
Rising to fame as the 2010 winner of NBC’s Last Comic Standing, Esparza’s most recent special was the dual-language Felipe Esparza: Bad Decisions, which debuted on Netflix to critical acclaim, in both English and Spanish, in 2020. His second special, Translate This, premiered on HBO in 2017 and continues to be available for streaming on all HBO platforms. His first, 2012’s They’re Not Gonna Laugh At You, made its way to Netflix after debuting on Showtime.
Esparza has also been seen recurring on series like NBC’s Superstore, Adult Swim’s The Eric Andre Show, Netflix’s Gentefied, and Cartoon Network’s Victor and Valentino. Notable film credits include Guest House with Pauly Shore, 7th & Union with Omar Chaparro, Daddy Daughter Trip with Rob Schneider, You People with Eddie Murphy and Jonah Hill,...
- 10/31/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Comedian Jeff Dye has been arrested and charged with driving under the influence.
The 40-year-old was taken into custody by the Burbank Police Department at 9:56 a.m. on Sunday (October 8). He was released from Burbank Jail without bail at 1:04 p.m.
Sgt. Stephen Turner of the Burbank Police Department stated that after authorities responded to a traffic collision at around 9:30 a.m., “Witnesses relayed the driver of a white Tesla collided with a tree and the driver fled on foot. Based on witness description, the driver was located just a few blocks east of the scene and detained pending [an] investigation,” People reports.
Jeff‘s lawyer Andrew B. Leventhal told EW in a statement, “Although no one was injured, this is a traumatic event for Jeff. We ask that you reserve judgment and respect his privacy as I take care of this matter. He is presumed innocent.”
Jeff...
The 40-year-old was taken into custody by the Burbank Police Department at 9:56 a.m. on Sunday (October 8). He was released from Burbank Jail without bail at 1:04 p.m.
Sgt. Stephen Turner of the Burbank Police Department stated that after authorities responded to a traffic collision at around 9:30 a.m., “Witnesses relayed the driver of a white Tesla collided with a tree and the driver fled on foot. Based on witness description, the driver was located just a few blocks east of the scene and detained pending [an] investigation,” People reports.
Jeff‘s lawyer Andrew B. Leventhal told EW in a statement, “Although no one was injured, this is a traumatic event for Jeff. We ask that you reserve judgment and respect his privacy as I take care of this matter. He is presumed innocent.”
Jeff...
- 10/12/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Zainab Johnson has filmed her first original comedy special.
The actress and stand-up recently taped the solo debut, Zainab Johnson: Hijabs Off, and it will start streaming on Prime Video this fall. The Oct. 24 premiere date is fortuitous for both Johnson and the streamer, as it follows the third-season premiere of her series (Upload) by only four days.
Hijabs Off finds Johnson leaning on her unique identity — namely growing up a Black Muslim woman in a Harlem house where she was one of 13 children. Johnson has been a working stand-up for years. She competed on late NBC reality show Last Comic Standing, appeared in HBO’s All Def Comedy and has performed on Late Night with Seth Meyers, in addition to her regular club work.
In addition to her series regular role on Upload, Johnson’s acting resume includes Ramy, A Black Lady Sketch Show, American Koko and Private Practice.
The actress and stand-up recently taped the solo debut, Zainab Johnson: Hijabs Off, and it will start streaming on Prime Video this fall. The Oct. 24 premiere date is fortuitous for both Johnson and the streamer, as it follows the third-season premiere of her series (Upload) by only four days.
Hijabs Off finds Johnson leaning on her unique identity — namely growing up a Black Muslim woman in a Harlem house where she was one of 13 children. Johnson has been a working stand-up for years. She competed on late NBC reality show Last Comic Standing, appeared in HBO’s All Def Comedy and has performed on Late Night with Seth Meyers, in addition to her regular club work.
In addition to her series regular role on Upload, Johnson’s acting resume includes Ramy, A Black Lady Sketch Show, American Koko and Private Practice.
- 9/26/2023
- by Mikey O'Connell
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“I Wish We could talk about race more,” says Theo Von. “I feel like, especially as a white male, to raise your hands to ask a question is like you’re that nervous kid in the back of the class.”
This hot take — it’s hard out there for a white guy — is the sort of musing Von is known for. But before you think you’ve got him deciphered (see the many Reddit threads like “Theo Von is a right wing nut job”), he wants you to hear him out: “I understand that,...
This hot take — it’s hard out there for a white guy — is the sort of musing Von is known for. But before you think you’ve got him deciphered (see the many Reddit threads like “Theo Von is a right wing nut job”), he wants you to hear him out: “I understand that,...
- 4/27/2023
- by Alison Abbey
- Rollingstone.com
Roy Wood Jr. will be this year’s featured entertainer at the White House Correspondents’ Association’s annual dinner on April 29.
The Daily Show correspondent has a standup special, Imperfect Messenger, streaming on Paramount+.
The gig is a high profile assignment — drawing attention across cable news networks and countless clips on social media — but it’s also one of the most challenging. The entertainer typically follows the president on stage, in the cavernous Washington Hilton ballroom packed with almost 3,000 guests.
“Roy Wood Jr. brings a journalistic eye to his comedy. He’s hilarious — but also makes sure his audiences are thinking as they laugh,” Tamara Keith, the Whca president and White House correspondent for NPR, said in a statement.
“My aim for this year’s dinner is to lift up the importance of a free and independent press to a functioning democracy, so I am thrilled to be able to...
The Daily Show correspondent has a standup special, Imperfect Messenger, streaming on Paramount+.
The gig is a high profile assignment — drawing attention across cable news networks and countless clips on social media — but it’s also one of the most challenging. The entertainer typically follows the president on stage, in the cavernous Washington Hilton ballroom packed with almost 3,000 guests.
“Roy Wood Jr. brings a journalistic eye to his comedy. He’s hilarious — but also makes sure his audiences are thinking as they laugh,” Tamara Keith, the Whca president and White House correspondent for NPR, said in a statement.
“My aim for this year’s dinner is to lift up the importance of a free and independent press to a functioning democracy, so I am thrilled to be able to...
- 2/2/2023
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: UTA has signed former journalist turned comedian, television writer, and award-winning author, Chloé Hilliard.
In television, Hilliard is currently a co-executive producer and co-head writer on HBO’s Emmy Award-winning A Black Lady Sketch Show.
As a comedian, she made her late-night debut on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. She has been featured on Wilmore, The Breakfast Club, The Drew Barrymore Show, This Week at the Comedy Cellar, Chris Gethard Presents, Last Comic Standing, and The Nightly Show, among others. Hilliard appeared alongside Gina Yashere, Lil Rel Howery, Roy Wood Jr., and others in Comedy Central’s documentary, Dark Humor.
Her debut book, F*ck Your Diet, was released by Simon & Schuster’s Gallery Books and received several acknowledgments, including the Best Comedy Book of 2020 by the African American Literary Awards, and was a Goodreads Choice Awards Finalist for Best Humor Book.
Previously, Hilliard was a journalist and editor for several outlets,...
In television, Hilliard is currently a co-executive producer and co-head writer on HBO’s Emmy Award-winning A Black Lady Sketch Show.
As a comedian, she made her late-night debut on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. She has been featured on Wilmore, The Breakfast Club, The Drew Barrymore Show, This Week at the Comedy Cellar, Chris Gethard Presents, Last Comic Standing, and The Nightly Show, among others. Hilliard appeared alongside Gina Yashere, Lil Rel Howery, Roy Wood Jr., and others in Comedy Central’s documentary, Dark Humor.
Her debut book, F*ck Your Diet, was released by Simon & Schuster’s Gallery Books and received several acknowledgments, including the Best Comedy Book of 2020 by the African American Literary Awards, and was a Goodreads Choice Awards Finalist for Best Humor Book.
Previously, Hilliard was a journalist and editor for several outlets,...
- 9/15/2022
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Estrella Media has hired former NBCUniversal exec Enrique Guillen to serve as the company’s new chief content officer. Guillen will report to Estrella Media CEO Peter Markham and be based in Burbank.
At Estella Media, Guillen will oversee U.S. domestic and global content strategy for the company’s TV, streaming, digital, audio, events and digital businesses, including developing, producing, and acquiring all television and film content, overseeing network and station programming, news, sports, digital content, and studio productions. He’ll also handle international distribution of Estrella Media content.
“Enrique brings impeccable credentials as a leading executive in global content development and distribution, and he is a perfect fit to help our company accelerate our leadership position,” said Markham. “We look forward to Enrique taking a prominent role in helping us plot our next phase of growth as the changes taking place in our industry present unprecedented opportunities for Estrella Media.
At Estella Media, Guillen will oversee U.S. domestic and global content strategy for the company’s TV, streaming, digital, audio, events and digital businesses, including developing, producing, and acquiring all television and film content, overseeing network and station programming, news, sports, digital content, and studio productions. He’ll also handle international distribution of Estrella Media content.
“Enrique brings impeccable credentials as a leading executive in global content development and distribution, and he is a perfect fit to help our company accelerate our leadership position,” said Markham. “We look forward to Enrique taking a prominent role in helping us plot our next phase of growth as the changes taking place in our industry present unprecedented opportunities for Estrella Media.
- 9/12/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Variety has named its 10 Comics to Watch for 2022. This year’s honorees will be profiled in the July 20 issue of Variety and be honored at this year’s Just for Laughs Comedy Festival, held in Montreal July 13-31. There will be a panel and cocktail reception held on July 29, followed by a performance showcase July 30.
Variety has been presenting the 10 Comics to Watch list since 2000 and has included such names as Tiffany Haddish, Kumail Nanjiani, Patton Oswalt and Quinta Brunson.
The list is comprised of stand-up comedians, writers and content creators selected by a panel that includes Variety editors and those in the comedy community that scout, book, cast and represent comics.
Says Christine Walters, creative director, Just For Laughs ComedyPRO and ComedyCON: “We look forward to welcoming the hilarious new class of Variety 10 Comics to Watch in this, our 40th anniversary year of the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal.
Variety has been presenting the 10 Comics to Watch list since 2000 and has included such names as Tiffany Haddish, Kumail Nanjiani, Patton Oswalt and Quinta Brunson.
The list is comprised of stand-up comedians, writers and content creators selected by a panel that includes Variety editors and those in the comedy community that scout, book, cast and represent comics.
Says Christine Walters, creative director, Just For Laughs ComedyPRO and ComedyCON: “We look forward to welcoming the hilarious new class of Variety 10 Comics to Watch in this, our 40th anniversary year of the Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal.
- 6/3/2022
- by Jenelle Riley
- Variety Film + TV
Vincent Ngo, top screenwriter and Hollywood script doctor, has set up comedy series “Early Risers” in his native Vietnam. Talent behemoth, Creative Artists Agency (CAA) represents the production company Early Risers Media Group and is handling licensing of the series’ distribution rights.
The show, about the lives of American and European expats living and working in Saigon, is set to begin filming under the direction of Zach Merck at the end of this month.
After a prolonged period of Covid restrictions, “Early Risers” is believed to be the first international television production in Vietnam in over two years. Local production is being run by Ace 1 Pictures.
“Vincent has created a series that’s incredibly smart, funny and daring,” said executive producer Peter Toumasis. “It’s a contemporary comedy set against Saigon’s rarely seen expat community, which is full of lovable first-world rejects who had somehow fallen from grace and...
The show, about the lives of American and European expats living and working in Saigon, is set to begin filming under the direction of Zach Merck at the end of this month.
After a prolonged period of Covid restrictions, “Early Risers” is believed to be the first international television production in Vietnam in over two years. Local production is being run by Ace 1 Pictures.
“Vincent has created a series that’s incredibly smart, funny and daring,” said executive producer Peter Toumasis. “It’s a contemporary comedy set against Saigon’s rarely seen expat community, which is full of lovable first-world rejects who had somehow fallen from grace and...
- 4/6/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: George Lopez, comedian Josh Blue and actress Marilu Heller are among the first guests for podcast Brain & Life, which will explore the intersection of brain health and neurologic disease.
Set up by the American Academy of Neurology, the podcast will engage with neurology experts, celebrity advocates, and people whose lives are affected by neurologic conditions, including the aforementioned actors.
American comedian and actor Lopez, who suffered from a chronic kidney condition which led to a diagnosis of uremic neuropathy, is best known for starring in his self-produced ABC sitcom.
Veteran actress Henner, who has total recall memory (meaning she can remember specific details of virtually every day of her life since she was a child) is well known for roles in movie LA Story and series Taxi. Comedian Blue, who has cerebral palsy, was voted Last Comic Standing on the fourth season of NBC’s reality show Last Comic Standing.
Set up by the American Academy of Neurology, the podcast will engage with neurology experts, celebrity advocates, and people whose lives are affected by neurologic conditions, including the aforementioned actors.
American comedian and actor Lopez, who suffered from a chronic kidney condition which led to a diagnosis of uremic neuropathy, is best known for starring in his self-produced ABC sitcom.
Veteran actress Henner, who has total recall memory (meaning she can remember specific details of virtually every day of her life since she was a child) is well known for roles in movie LA Story and series Taxi. Comedian Blue, who has cerebral palsy, was voted Last Comic Standing on the fourth season of NBC’s reality show Last Comic Standing.
- 3/31/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
The 2022 Oscars will look different than any of the past 93 ceremonies as there will be three funny ladies taking the stage as co-hosts: Amy Schumer, Wanda Sykes and Regina Hall. It’s a vast difference from the three most recent Academy Awards broadcasts when ABC and the show’s producers decided to go host-less, with varying degrees of success. In this article, we’ll fill you in on everything to know about Oscars host Amy Schumer before the ceremony begins at 8 p.m. Et/5 p.m. Pt on Sunday, March 27.
Who is Amy Schumer?
Born on June 1, 1981 in New York City, Schumer’s parents initially owned a baby furniture company until it went bankrupt when she was nine. After high school, she moved to Maryland for college and graduated with a theater degree in 2003. Schumer’s first job in the entertainment industry was as an actress in the off-Broadway play “Keeping Abreast,...
Who is Amy Schumer?
Born on June 1, 1981 in New York City, Schumer’s parents initially owned a baby furniture company until it went bankrupt when she was nine. After high school, she moved to Maryland for college and graduated with a theater degree in 2003. Schumer’s first job in the entertainment industry was as an actress in the off-Broadway play “Keeping Abreast,...
- 3/27/2022
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: Bill Bellamy, the actor and stand-up comic best known for his cult comedy classic How to Be a Player, has signed with Buchwald for representation.
Bellamy hosts and exec produces the TV One series Bill Bellamy’s Who Got Jokes?, currently in its fourth season, which has over the years featured appearances from such rising comedians as Tiffany Haddish, Lil Rey Howery and Karlous Miller.
Bellamy recently finished shooting a role in Chris Spencer’s Back on the Strip, opposite Haddish, J.B. Smoove and Wesley Snipes, and was recently seen as the lead in the BET+ film A Rich Christmas, starring prior to that in Universal Pictures’ Kindergarten Cop 2 and The Bounce Back opposite Shemar Moore.
He’s also appeared on the TV side in such series as TV Land’s Hot in Cleveland, HBO’s hit comedy Insecure and Netflix’s Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.
Bellamy hosts and exec produces the TV One series Bill Bellamy’s Who Got Jokes?, currently in its fourth season, which has over the years featured appearances from such rising comedians as Tiffany Haddish, Lil Rey Howery and Karlous Miller.
Bellamy recently finished shooting a role in Chris Spencer’s Back on the Strip, opposite Haddish, J.B. Smoove and Wesley Snipes, and was recently seen as the lead in the BET+ film A Rich Christmas, starring prior to that in Universal Pictures’ Kindergarten Cop 2 and The Bounce Back opposite Shemar Moore.
He’s also appeared on the TV side in such series as TV Land’s Hot in Cleveland, HBO’s hit comedy Insecure and Netflix’s Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.
- 2/17/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Fernando Hernandez has joined Center Drive Media, which owns and operates the Emmy-winning non-fiction banner Triage Entertainment and is an equity partner in Lando Entertainment, as Executive Vice President of Development.
In his role at Center Drive, Hernandez will lead all content development across production labels. He will be joined at the company by Ryan Miller and Brennan Huntington—new hires he’s previously worked with that will serve as SVPs. All three additions to Center Drive will work alongside SVP Ashley Hoff, who is also serving as an exec producer on several upcoming Triage documentaries.
“Fernando has excelled at leading studio divisions, in part, because he knows what it takes to actually create and produce successful series from the ground up,” said Center Drive Media CEO Stu Schreiberg.
“I’m excited to be joining a proven company like Center Drive Media which allows for so many opportunities to leverage existing partnerships,...
In his role at Center Drive, Hernandez will lead all content development across production labels. He will be joined at the company by Ryan Miller and Brennan Huntington—new hires he’s previously worked with that will serve as SVPs. All three additions to Center Drive will work alongside SVP Ashley Hoff, who is also serving as an exec producer on several upcoming Triage documentaries.
“Fernando has excelled at leading studio divisions, in part, because he knows what it takes to actually create and produce successful series from the ground up,” said Center Drive Media CEO Stu Schreiberg.
“I’m excited to be joining a proven company like Center Drive Media which allows for so many opportunities to leverage existing partnerships,...
- 2/14/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Taylor Tomlinson has mined her up-bringing in a devout Christian family for laughs in her comedy act and Netflix stand-up specials. Now, her story will be the basis of a new feature film.
Village Roadshow Pictures has acquired the rights to an untitled movie based on the life of the hit stand-up comedian, outbidding several other suitors. Paul Weitz will direct from a script written by Tomlinson and Taylor Tetreau. Tomlinson will also star in the project.
Weitz most recently directed “Fatherhood” starring Kevin Hart, which made Netflix’s all-time top 10 list last summer. He is currently in post-production on a comedy that he wrote and directed entitled “Moving On” starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. Weitz co-directed “About a Boy” and “American Pie” with his brother Chris Weitz. His directing credits include the acclaimed comedy “Grandma” (also with Tomlin) and “Admission” with Tina Fey and Paul Rudd.
Tomlinson’s...
Village Roadshow Pictures has acquired the rights to an untitled movie based on the life of the hit stand-up comedian, outbidding several other suitors. Paul Weitz will direct from a script written by Tomlinson and Taylor Tetreau. Tomlinson will also star in the project.
Weitz most recently directed “Fatherhood” starring Kevin Hart, which made Netflix’s all-time top 10 list last summer. He is currently in post-production on a comedy that he wrote and directed entitled “Moving On” starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. Weitz co-directed “About a Boy” and “American Pie” with his brother Chris Weitz. His directing credits include the acclaimed comedy “Grandma” (also with Tomlin) and “Admission” with Tina Fey and Paul Rudd.
Tomlinson’s...
- 2/10/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Image Source: Everett Collection
Laurie has officially dethroned Nate Jacobs as the most formidable villain on "Euphoria." We meet the high-school teacher turned drug dealer in the HBO show's season two premiere, when Fez does business with her following Mouse's murder. Laurie reveals new layers every time she appears on screen: she became addicted to oxycontin in college after getting injured as an athlete, she fronts Rue $10,000 worth of drugs to sell, and, as we learn in episode three, she's involved in some sort of sex-trafficking ring that she threatens to rope Rue into.
"If you screw me, I'll have you kidnapped and sold to some real sick people. I always find a way to make my money back," she tells Rue in a calm, monotone, nightmare-fueling voice. You definitely don't want to cross her.
Related: 3 Theories For Why Nate Is Cal's Biggest Regret on "Euphoria"
Although Laurie exudes pure,...
Laurie has officially dethroned Nate Jacobs as the most formidable villain on "Euphoria." We meet the high-school teacher turned drug dealer in the HBO show's season two premiere, when Fez does business with her following Mouse's murder. Laurie reveals new layers every time she appears on screen: she became addicted to oxycontin in college after getting injured as an athlete, she fronts Rue $10,000 worth of drugs to sell, and, as we learn in episode three, she's involved in some sort of sex-trafficking ring that she threatens to rope Rue into.
"If you screw me, I'll have you kidnapped and sold to some real sick people. I always find a way to make my money back," she tells Rue in a calm, monotone, nightmare-fueling voice. You definitely don't want to cross her.
Related: 3 Theories For Why Nate Is Cal's Biggest Regret on "Euphoria"
Although Laurie exudes pure,...
- 2/7/2022
- by Victoria Messina
- Popsugar.com
(Welcome to The Daily Stream, an ongoing series in which the /Film team shares what they've been watching, why it's worth checking out, and where you can stream it.)
The Special: "Fortune Feimster: Sweet & Salty"
Where You Can Stream It: Netflix
The Pitch: Southern-born Fortune Feimster first broke into the mainstream scene on NBC's "Last Comic Standing," and successfully sparked a career as a comedian, writer, and actor. More than likely, you recognize her as Colette from "The Mindy Project," hosting "What a Joke" on Sirius Xm's channel Netflix is a Joke, plenty of cameo...
The post The Daily Stream: Fortune Feimster's Sweet & Salty Is Your Happy Escape From The Hell We're Living In appeared first on /Film.
The Special: "Fortune Feimster: Sweet & Salty"
Where You Can Stream It: Netflix
The Pitch: Southern-born Fortune Feimster first broke into the mainstream scene on NBC's "Last Comic Standing," and successfully sparked a career as a comedian, writer, and actor. More than likely, you recognize her as Colette from "The Mindy Project," hosting "What a Joke" on Sirius Xm's channel Netflix is a Joke, plenty of cameo...
The post The Daily Stream: Fortune Feimster's Sweet & Salty Is Your Happy Escape From The Hell We're Living In appeared first on /Film.
- 2/2/2022
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Exclusive: Kevin Yorn’s law firm Yorn, Levine, Barnes, Krintzman, Rubenstein, Kohner, Endlich & Gellman has promoted Ashley Briskman, Cary Dobkin, Kristi Eddington and Miles Metcoff to partner positions.
“Congratulations to Ashley, Cary, Kristi and Miles,” Yorn said. “We are excited to add these talented, homegrown attorneys to the leadership team. One core tenant of our firm has always been to complement external recruiting with a commitment to elevating exceptional attorneys from within our own ranks. We believe this ethos is essential for building a strong, effective culture that best positions us to serve our incredible clients.”
Yorn Levine Barnes is a leading entertainment law firm with offices in Los Angeles and New York which reps industry talent and companies. The firm’s clients include Kenya Barris, Loren Bouchard, Gisele Bunchen, Ellen DeGeneres, the Duffer Brothers, Scarlett Johansson, Mike Judge, Alicia Keys, Matthew McConaughey, NASCAR, Jordan Peele, Zoe Saldana and Jason Sudeikis.
“Congratulations to Ashley, Cary, Kristi and Miles,” Yorn said. “We are excited to add these talented, homegrown attorneys to the leadership team. One core tenant of our firm has always been to complement external recruiting with a commitment to elevating exceptional attorneys from within our own ranks. We believe this ethos is essential for building a strong, effective culture that best positions us to serve our incredible clients.”
Yorn Levine Barnes is a leading entertainment law firm with offices in Los Angeles and New York which reps industry talent and companies. The firm’s clients include Kenya Barris, Loren Bouchard, Gisele Bunchen, Ellen DeGeneres, the Duffer Brothers, Scarlett Johansson, Mike Judge, Alicia Keys, Matthew McConaughey, NASCAR, Jordan Peele, Zoe Saldana and Jason Sudeikis.
- 11/18/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The comedy world is mourning the loss of a star. Ricarlo Flanagan, an actor, comedian and rapper, who was a semifinalist on Last Comic Standing, died over the weekend after contracting coronavirus, his agent confirmed in a statement to Variety. According to the outlet, he was 40 at the time of his passing. Flanagan's agent, Stu Golfman of Kmr Talent, said of the performer's passing, "Sadly this pandemic has taken the life of an extremely talented performer and even nicer human being. Ricarlo will be greatly missed." In 2013, Flanagan released his debut comedy album, Man Law. Two years later, in 2015, he landed a spot as a semifinalist on the NBC comedy show, Last...
- 10/13/2021
- E! Online
Ricarlo Flanagan, an actor, rapper and stand-up comedian who was a semifinalist on “Last Comic Standing,” died over the weekend of Covid complications, his talent representative confirmed to Variety. He was 40.
“Sadly this pandemic has taken the life of an extremely talented performer and even nicer human being. Ricarlo will be greatly missed,” Golfman told Variety.
Friends have created a GoFundMe campaign to provide assistance to Flanagan’s family.
“The news of a loved one’s death is never something easy to hear, let alone if you are far away from the individual,” reads the GoFundMe’s description. “Our dear friend has suddenly passed away and sadly was far from his family. Ricarlo Flanagan was a loving son, grandson, cousin, nephew and friend with many amazing talents. He brought laughter to every room he walked in. We would like to get him home to his family in Cleveland, Ohio, so...
“Sadly this pandemic has taken the life of an extremely talented performer and even nicer human being. Ricarlo will be greatly missed,” Golfman told Variety.
Friends have created a GoFundMe campaign to provide assistance to Flanagan’s family.
“The news of a loved one’s death is never something easy to hear, let alone if you are far away from the individual,” reads the GoFundMe’s description. “Our dear friend has suddenly passed away and sadly was far from his family. Ricarlo Flanagan was a loving son, grandson, cousin, nephew and friend with many amazing talents. He brought laughter to every room he walked in. We would like to get him home to his family in Cleveland, Ohio, so...
- 10/13/2021
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
Ricarlo Flanagan, the actor, rapper and stand-up comic who was a semifinalist on the ninth season of Last Comic Standing, has died. He was 40.
Flanagan’s agent Stu Golfman of Kmr Talent confirmed the news to Deadline, saying that “Ricarlo was one of the nicest people i have ever met in my life and a joy to work for. He will be missed dearly.”
While Flanagan recently posted to Twitter about contracting Covid-19, writing that “This covid is no joke. I don’t wish this on anybody,” a cause of death was not officially confirmed.
Flanagan released his debut comedy album, Man Law, in 2013, going on to appear on NBC’s stand-up showcase Last Comic Standing in 2015. He was known on the acting side for recurring roles on Showtime’s Shameless and Disney+ series Walk the Prank, having also guest starred on The Mick, The Carmichael Show, Insecure, The Neighborhood,...
Flanagan’s agent Stu Golfman of Kmr Talent confirmed the news to Deadline, saying that “Ricarlo was one of the nicest people i have ever met in my life and a joy to work for. He will be missed dearly.”
While Flanagan recently posted to Twitter about contracting Covid-19, writing that “This covid is no joke. I don’t wish this on anybody,” a cause of death was not officially confirmed.
Flanagan released his debut comedy album, Man Law, in 2013, going on to appear on NBC’s stand-up showcase Last Comic Standing in 2015. He was known on the acting side for recurring roles on Showtime’s Shameless and Disney+ series Walk the Prank, having also guest starred on The Mick, The Carmichael Show, Insecure, The Neighborhood,...
- 10/12/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix’s “Ya No Estoy Aquí” (“I’m No Longer Here”), Hulu’s “Love, Victor,” FX’s “Pose” and Pop TV’s “One Day at a Time – Animated Special” were among the big winners at the 36th annual Imagen Awards, honoring film and TV shows that celebrate Latino talent.
“Ya No Estoy Aquí” won for both Best Feature Film and Best Director, while “Love Victor” landed Best Comedy Primetime Program and Best Actor (Michael Cimino), while “Pose” was named Best Drama Primetime Program and Best Actress (Mj Rodriguez). “One Day at a Time – Animated Special” was named Best Primetime Program – Special or Movie and Best Voiceover (Justina Machado).
Netflix picked up eight wins, the most of any outlet. Special honors went to the Norman Lear Writer’s Award winner Tanya Saracho, the creator, showrunner, and executive producer of Starz series “Vida.”
Aida Rodriguez (“Last Comic Standing”), Chuey Martinez (“Dish Nation”), Isabella Gomez...
“Ya No Estoy Aquí” won for both Best Feature Film and Best Director, while “Love Victor” landed Best Comedy Primetime Program and Best Actor (Michael Cimino), while “Pose” was named Best Drama Primetime Program and Best Actress (Mj Rodriguez). “One Day at a Time – Animated Special” was named Best Primetime Program – Special or Movie and Best Voiceover (Justina Machado).
Netflix picked up eight wins, the most of any outlet. Special honors went to the Norman Lear Writer’s Award winner Tanya Saracho, the creator, showrunner, and executive producer of Starz series “Vida.”
Aida Rodriguez (“Last Comic Standing”), Chuey Martinez (“Dish Nation”), Isabella Gomez...
- 10/11/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Remembrances of the late comedian Norm Macdonald have been pouring in since he passed away September 14 at the age of 61 . That includes one from Conan O’Brien who, on his podcast “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend,” talked about the time NBC executive Don Ohlmeyer tried to ban Macdonald from appearing on O’Brien’s NBC-operated late-night show (via Entertainment Weekly).
Macdonald served as host of “Weekend Update” on “Saturday Night Live” from 1994 through 1998. His emcee duties happened to overlap with the Oj Simpson trial, and he frequently made jokes about Simpson that did not sit well with NBC executive Don Ohlmeyer, who was a friend of the former NFL running back. In later interviews with David Letterman and Howard Stern, Macdonald blamed Ohlmeyer, whose feud with Macdonald didn’t end there.
“The word came down: You can’t book Norm Macdonald anymore. It came from the top, from Don Ohlmeyer,...
Macdonald served as host of “Weekend Update” on “Saturday Night Live” from 1994 through 1998. His emcee duties happened to overlap with the Oj Simpson trial, and he frequently made jokes about Simpson that did not sit well with NBC executive Don Ohlmeyer, who was a friend of the former NFL running back. In later interviews with David Letterman and Howard Stern, Macdonald blamed Ohlmeyer, whose feud with Macdonald didn’t end there.
“The word came down: You can’t book Norm Macdonald anymore. It came from the top, from Don Ohlmeyer,...
- 9/18/2021
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Norm Macdonald, actor, comic, and former “SNL” Weekend Update anchor, has died at the age of 61 after a decade-long battle with cancer. His death was first reported by Deadline. The news was revealed to Deadline by Macdonald’s management team and his producing partner and friend, Lori Jo Hoekstra.
“He was most proud of his comedy,” Hoekstra said in a statement. “He never wanted the diagnosis to affect the way the audience or any of his loved ones saw him. Norm was a pure comic. He once wrote that ‘a joke should catch someone by surprise, it should never pander.’ He certainly never pandered. Norm will be missed terribly.”
Macdonald was born on October 17, 1959 in Quebec, Canada; his parents were teachers and his father had served with the Canadian Army and helped liberate the Netherlands from the Nazis. He started performing in small clubs in Canada before being hired as...
“He was most proud of his comedy,” Hoekstra said in a statement. “He never wanted the diagnosis to affect the way the audience or any of his loved ones saw him. Norm was a pure comic. He once wrote that ‘a joke should catch someone by surprise, it should never pander.’ He certainly never pandered. Norm will be missed terribly.”
Macdonald was born on October 17, 1959 in Quebec, Canada; his parents were teachers and his father had served with the Canadian Army and helped liberate the Netherlands from the Nazis. He started performing in small clubs in Canada before being hired as...
- 9/14/2021
- by Kristen Lopez
- Indiewire
Comedian, author and actor Patricia Williams aka Ms. Pat has booked her first hourlong stand-up comedy special at Netflix, Variety has learned exclusively.
The special, which is still to be titled, will be shot at the Atlanta Comedy Theater on Sept. 25. While this is Ms. Pat’s first hourlong special, she previously appeared in the second season of the streamer’s “The Degenerates” stand-up series, delivering a half-hour set.
Ms. Pat’s unique voice comes from always being honest and personal to her own life, rather than reaching for a hot topic or headline of the moment. That’s why she says you shouldn’t expect Covid jokes in her new special. But you also shouldn’t expect to hear about the same people or pockets of her life she included in “The Degenerates”; her 2017 memoir, “Rabbit: The Autobiography of Ms. Pat”; or her BET Plus sitcom, “The Ms. Pat Show.
The special, which is still to be titled, will be shot at the Atlanta Comedy Theater on Sept. 25. While this is Ms. Pat’s first hourlong special, she previously appeared in the second season of the streamer’s “The Degenerates” stand-up series, delivering a half-hour set.
Ms. Pat’s unique voice comes from always being honest and personal to her own life, rather than reaching for a hot topic or headline of the moment. That’s why she says you shouldn’t expect Covid jokes in her new special. But you also shouldn’t expect to hear about the same people or pockets of her life she included in “The Degenerates”; her 2017 memoir, “Rabbit: The Autobiography of Ms. Pat”; or her BET Plus sitcom, “The Ms. Pat Show.
- 8/31/2021
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
Former longtime Conan O’Brien PR exec Drew Shane has joined Ranker as VP of communications. At Ranker, he’ll report to CEO/founder Clark Benson and oversee publicity efforts for the company’s portfolio.
Ranker, which attracts more than 30 million unique visitors worldwide each month, is known for fan-powered rankings on various topics, including TV shows, films and music. The company’s Ranker Insights, which has amassed more than a billion votes, focuses on psychographic correlation data that delivers personalized consumer recommendations, and also audience insights to marketers, studios, and platforms seeking a deeper understanding of consumer tastes and preferences.
Ranker Insights also last year launched Watchworthy, a crowd-sourced TV recommendation app.
Shane was most recently VP of communications for Conan O’Brien’s Conaco production company, overseeing PR for all Conaco and Team Coco. He helped launch TBS’ “Conan” talk show, and was also involved in the premiere of...
Ranker, which attracts more than 30 million unique visitors worldwide each month, is known for fan-powered rankings on various topics, including TV shows, films and music. The company’s Ranker Insights, which has amassed more than a billion votes, focuses on psychographic correlation data that delivers personalized consumer recommendations, and also audience insights to marketers, studios, and platforms seeking a deeper understanding of consumer tastes and preferences.
Ranker Insights also last year launched Watchworthy, a crowd-sourced TV recommendation app.
Shane was most recently VP of communications for Conan O’Brien’s Conaco production company, overseeing PR for all Conaco and Team Coco. He helped launch TBS’ “Conan” talk show, and was also involved in the premiere of...
- 7/21/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Pete Lee will make his Showtime debut with Pete Lee: Tall, Dark and Pleasant.
Set to drop on Showtime Friday, July 9 at 9 p.m. Et/Pt, is filmed at the Tempe Improv in Arizona. The special dives into Lee’s outrageous struggles with people pleasing, relationships, sex, drugs and motion-sensor sinks. Directed by Brian Volk-Weiss, the hour-long special sees Lee educate viewers on why it sucks to be a nice guy and how he hates conflict, unless the person he’s talking to likes it – then he of course does too.
Lee was raised in Janesvile, Wi and is known for his relatable jokes and Midwestern humor. He has appeared on The Tonight Show and is a regular on Comedy Central’s This Week at the Comedy Cellar. Lee was named a standout performer at the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal and was a semifinalist on Last Comic Standing.
Set to drop on Showtime Friday, July 9 at 9 p.m. Et/Pt, is filmed at the Tempe Improv in Arizona. The special dives into Lee’s outrageous struggles with people pleasing, relationships, sex, drugs and motion-sensor sinks. Directed by Brian Volk-Weiss, the hour-long special sees Lee educate viewers on why it sucks to be a nice guy and how he hates conflict, unless the person he’s talking to likes it – then he of course does too.
Lee was raised in Janesvile, Wi and is known for his relatable jokes and Midwestern humor. He has appeared on The Tonight Show and is a regular on Comedy Central’s This Week at the Comedy Cellar. Lee was named a standout performer at the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal and was a semifinalist on Last Comic Standing.
- 6/9/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Tribeca and Comedy Dynamics are reteaming for a slate of 10 stand-up comedy specials to be filmed at the Tribeca Film Festival, which runs June 9-20 in New York City.
The two entities partnered up in early 2020 to produce original stand-up comedy specials that were slated to be filmed at the annual fest. But after Covid restrictions took hold nationwide, they pivoted and evolved the indoor festival into an outdoor comedy drive-in set across the country at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Tribeca x Comedy Dynamics Drive-In featured hourlong comedy sets from Ester Steinberg, Dave Helem, Erica Rhodes and Daniel Webb — the first set of drive-in comedy specials filmed in the midst of the pandemic.
Produced by Tribeca and Comedy Dynamics and directed by the latter’s founder and CEO, Brian Volk-Weiss, this month’s slate of specials is part of Tribeca’s expansion into new storytelling platforms and its...
The two entities partnered up in early 2020 to produce original stand-up comedy specials that were slated to be filmed at the annual fest. But after Covid restrictions took hold nationwide, they pivoted and evolved the indoor festival into an outdoor comedy drive-in set across the country at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Tribeca x Comedy Dynamics Drive-In featured hourlong comedy sets from Ester Steinberg, Dave Helem, Erica Rhodes and Daniel Webb — the first set of drive-in comedy specials filmed in the midst of the pandemic.
Produced by Tribeca and Comedy Dynamics and directed by the latter’s founder and CEO, Brian Volk-Weiss, this month’s slate of specials is part of Tribeca’s expansion into new storytelling platforms and its...
- 6/1/2021
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
HBO Max is rounding out the cast to Mindy Kaling’s The Sex Lives of College Girls. Sherri Shepherd (Mr. Iglesias), Maya Rose (American Horror Story), Rob Huebel (Medical Police), Nicole Sullivan (MADtv), Conor Donnally (Hooked), Sierra Katow (Last Comic Standing) Mekki Leeper (Control Room) and James Morosini (American Horror Story) are set for recurring roles in the comedy series.
They join Pauline Chalamet, Amrit Kaur, Reneé Rapp, and Alyah Chanelle Scott who star as roommates and students at the prestigious New England Essex College. Series regular cast also includes Midori Francis, Gavin Leatherwood, Christopher Meyer, Ilia Isorelýs Paulino, Lauren “Lolo” Spencer and Renika Williams.
Kaling and showrunner Justin Noble co-wrote the first episode and executive produce with Howard Klein. The series is produced by Kaling International in association with Warner Bros. Television.
Actress and comedienne Shepherd is an Emmy-winning former co-host of ABC’s The View. Shepherd co-stars in...
They join Pauline Chalamet, Amrit Kaur, Reneé Rapp, and Alyah Chanelle Scott who star as roommates and students at the prestigious New England Essex College. Series regular cast also includes Midori Francis, Gavin Leatherwood, Christopher Meyer, Ilia Isorelýs Paulino, Lauren “Lolo” Spencer and Renika Williams.
Kaling and showrunner Justin Noble co-wrote the first episode and executive produce with Howard Klein. The series is produced by Kaling International in association with Warner Bros. Television.
Actress and comedienne Shepherd is an Emmy-winning former co-host of ABC’s The View. Shepherd co-stars in...
- 5/19/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Is comedienne Iliza Shlesinger‘s Hollywood star ascending? The 2008 winner of NBC‘s “Last Comic Standing” hasn’t exactly left the limelight since that win over ten years ago, but her career has recently begun to heat up. With five comedy specials on Netflix to her name and “The Iliza Shlesinger Sketch Show” premiering on the service on April Fool’s Day 2020, it’s safe to say that Netflix sees something in the comedian.
Continue reading ‘Good On Paper’ Trailer: Iliza Shlesinger Stars In Netflix Rom-Com With Margaret Cho Coming In June at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Good On Paper’ Trailer: Iliza Shlesinger Stars In Netflix Rom-Com With Margaret Cho Coming In June at The Playlist.
- 5/18/2021
- by Ned Booth
- The Playlist
Tracey Ashley is developing a comedy series inspired by her life and stand up at Fox with Wanda Sykes and Tiffany Haddish onboard as executive producers, Variety has learned exclusively.
Title “Tracey’s Life Matters,” the single-camera show follows Tracey, a savvy, independent black woman, who moves with her white husband to his hometown in rural Indiana. There she must deal with a challenging career in sales and a mother-in-law who has “Karen-like” tendencies. The project has received a script commitment with a penalty attached.
Ashely will write and executive produce the project. Haddish is executive producing under her She Ready Productions banner, with Sykes and Page Hurwitz executive producing via Push It Productions. Fox Entertainment and CBS Studios will produce.
Ashley previously collaborated with Haddish and Push It Productions on the Netflix series “Tiffany Haddish Presents: They Ready” a series of curated stand up specials hosted by Haddish, with...
Title “Tracey’s Life Matters,” the single-camera show follows Tracey, a savvy, independent black woman, who moves with her white husband to his hometown in rural Indiana. There she must deal with a challenging career in sales and a mother-in-law who has “Karen-like” tendencies. The project has received a script commitment with a penalty attached.
Ashely will write and executive produce the project. Haddish is executive producing under her She Ready Productions banner, with Sykes and Page Hurwitz executive producing via Push It Productions. Fox Entertainment and CBS Studios will produce.
Ashley previously collaborated with Haddish and Push It Productions on the Netflix series “Tiffany Haddish Presents: They Ready” a series of curated stand up specials hosted by Haddish, with...
- 4/22/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
In a new trailer for Netflix’s The Upshaws, family members Bennie, Regina and Lucretia insult each other like only relatives can.
Premiering Wednesday, May 12, on the streaming service, The Upshaws stars Mike Epps (Survivor’s Remorse) as Bennie, the head of a Black working-class family in Indianapolis. He’s a charming, well-intentioned mechanic — and lifelong mess — who’s just trying to step up and care for his family, including wife Regina (The Facts of Life‘s Kim Fields), their two young daughters and firstborn son, and the teenage son he fathered with another woman.
More from TVLineGinny & Georgia Renewed for...
Premiering Wednesday, May 12, on the streaming service, The Upshaws stars Mike Epps (Survivor’s Remorse) as Bennie, the head of a Black working-class family in Indianapolis. He’s a charming, well-intentioned mechanic — and lifelong mess — who’s just trying to step up and care for his family, including wife Regina (The Facts of Life‘s Kim Fields), their two young daughters and firstborn son, and the teenage son he fathered with another woman.
More from TVLineGinny & Georgia Renewed for...
- 4/20/2021
- by Rebecca Iannucci
- TVLine.com
Paramount+ will enter the streaming wars with its launch on Thursday, March 4 in the U.S. and Latin America, our sister site Variety reports.
The ViacomCBS subscription service is an expanded rebrand of CBS All Access, with dedicated hubs for the company’s portfolio of cable properties such as Nickelodeon, MTV, BET and Comedy Central. The streamer will also feature a number of forthcoming original series, including an iCarly revival, the Godfather making-of drama The Offer, the Kate Beckinsale-starring dark comedy Guilty Party and a Grease spinoff.
More from TVLineiCarly Revival Ordered at Paramount+ Streaming Service; Original Stars Miranda Cosgrove,...
The ViacomCBS subscription service is an expanded rebrand of CBS All Access, with dedicated hubs for the company’s portfolio of cable properties such as Nickelodeon, MTV, BET and Comedy Central. The streamer will also feature a number of forthcoming original series, including an iCarly revival, the Godfather making-of drama The Offer, the Kate Beckinsale-starring dark comedy Guilty Party and a Grease spinoff.
More from TVLineiCarly Revival Ordered at Paramount+ Streaming Service; Original Stars Miranda Cosgrove,...
- 1/19/2021
- by Vlada Gelman
- TVLine.com
The multi-cam sitcom based on the stand up comedy and memoir of Patricia “Ms. Pat” Williams has landed a series order at BET Plus, Variety has learned exclusively.
The series was originally set up at Hulu last year with a pilot order. Now, BET Plus has given it a 10-episode order.
Williams stars as a fictionalized version of herself, a former convicted felon turned suburban mom whose hustle and resilient spirit were forged on the streets of Atlanta. To much reserve, she now finds herself in conservative middle America alongside her well-intentioned husband (J. Bernard Calloway), a struggle of a sister (Tami Roman), and two distinct sets of kids raised under very different circumstances.
Williams executive produces in addition to starring. Imagine Television’s Brian Grazer and Samie Kim Falvey also executive produce along with Lee Daniels, Marc Velez, and Pam Williams via Lee Daniels Entertainment. Anthony Hill executive produces and will serve as showrunner,...
The series was originally set up at Hulu last year with a pilot order. Now, BET Plus has given it a 10-episode order.
Williams stars as a fictionalized version of herself, a former convicted felon turned suburban mom whose hustle and resilient spirit were forged on the streets of Atlanta. To much reserve, she now finds herself in conservative middle America alongside her well-intentioned husband (J. Bernard Calloway), a struggle of a sister (Tami Roman), and two distinct sets of kids raised under very different circumstances.
Williams executive produces in addition to starring. Imagine Television’s Brian Grazer and Samie Kim Falvey also executive produce along with Lee Daniels, Marc Velez, and Pam Williams via Lee Daniels Entertainment. Anthony Hill executive produces and will serve as showrunner,...
- 10/14/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Meredith Ahr is leaving NBCUniversal.
Ahr, who was President of NBC Entertainment’s Alternative and Reality Group, is departing after her former boss Paul Telegdy also left recently.
Her last day is today.
Her departure comes after an internal investigation into allegations of professional misconduct by Telegdy, who previously oversaw the reality group, and another separate complaint over alleged misconduct on and off the set of America’s Got Talent.
It also comes as the company’s latest restructure saw the appointment of Susan Rovner as Chairman, Entertainment Content for NBCUniversal’s Television and Streaming division.
Ahr was promoted in 2018 to the role of President, Alternative and Reality Group, NBC Entertainment.
The NBC vet oversaw all aspects of unscripted programming at the network, Universal Television Alternative Studio and first-run syndication, which includes Access Hollywood and The Kelly Clarkson Show.
Before that, she was President of Universal Television Alternative Studio, a role...
Ahr, who was President of NBC Entertainment’s Alternative and Reality Group, is departing after her former boss Paul Telegdy also left recently.
Her last day is today.
Her departure comes after an internal investigation into allegations of professional misconduct by Telegdy, who previously oversaw the reality group, and another separate complaint over alleged misconduct on and off the set of America’s Got Talent.
It also comes as the company’s latest restructure saw the appointment of Susan Rovner as Chairman, Entertainment Content for NBCUniversal’s Television and Streaming division.
Ahr was promoted in 2018 to the role of President, Alternative and Reality Group, NBC Entertainment.
The NBC vet oversaw all aspects of unscripted programming at the network, Universal Television Alternative Studio and first-run syndication, which includes Access Hollywood and The Kelly Clarkson Show.
Before that, she was President of Universal Television Alternative Studio, a role...
- 10/12/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
“Schitt’s Creek” actor Sarah Levy is social-distancing to her next gig.
Levy has been cast in “Distancing Socially,” a Covid-inspired indie film about relationships and the challenges of virtual communication during lockdown. Director Chris Blake, who also wrote the screenplay, is shooting in New York, Los Angeles and Vancouver using remote technology.
Levy is best known for her role as waitress Twyla Sands on “Schitt’s Creek,” the Emmy-winning series created by and starring her brother Dan Levy and dad Eugene Levy.
The cast also includes Blythe Howard (“Mindhunter”), Alan Tudyk (“Resident Alien”), Melanie Chandra (“Code Black”), Jessika Van (“Seoul Searching”), Sierra Katow (“Last Comic Standing”), Ted Welch (“Adult Interference”), Dawan Owens (“6 Balloons”), Jay Larson (“Wine Country”), Kim Shaw (“She’s Out Of My League”), Rory Scovel (“I Feel Pretty”), Connor Paolo (“Stake Land”), Andy Buckley (“Avenue 5”), Jim O’Heir (“Parks and Recreation”), Emma Fitzpatrick (“The Collector”), Karissa Lee Staples (“Necessary Roughness...
Levy has been cast in “Distancing Socially,” a Covid-inspired indie film about relationships and the challenges of virtual communication during lockdown. Director Chris Blake, who also wrote the screenplay, is shooting in New York, Los Angeles and Vancouver using remote technology.
Levy is best known for her role as waitress Twyla Sands on “Schitt’s Creek,” the Emmy-winning series created by and starring her brother Dan Levy and dad Eugene Levy.
The cast also includes Blythe Howard (“Mindhunter”), Alan Tudyk (“Resident Alien”), Melanie Chandra (“Code Black”), Jessika Van (“Seoul Searching”), Sierra Katow (“Last Comic Standing”), Ted Welch (“Adult Interference”), Dawan Owens (“6 Balloons”), Jay Larson (“Wine Country”), Kim Shaw (“She’s Out Of My League”), Rory Scovel (“I Feel Pretty”), Connor Paolo (“Stake Land”), Andy Buckley (“Avenue 5”), Jim O’Heir (“Parks and Recreation”), Emma Fitzpatrick (“The Collector”), Karissa Lee Staples (“Necessary Roughness...
- 10/7/2020
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Felipe Esparza is ready to bring the funny to Netflix with his first original comedy special on the streaming giant titled Felipe Esparza: Bad Decisions. It will also go by the title: Felipe Esparza: Malas Decisiones. Yup, it’s a bilingual special and it will be released globally on September 1.
Filmed in Santa Ana, California as two separate performances — one in English and one in Spanish — the specials showcase Esparza’s edgy style of humor as the perfect vehicle to weave through difficult anecdotes of his childhood and mistakes in his adult life with ease. Bad Decisions/Malas Decisiones mark the first time a Netflix comedian has recorded a stand up special in two languages that are set to be released simultaneously.
The comedian won Last Comic Standing in 2010 and prior to Bad Decisions/Malas Decisiones, Esparza had two comedy specials including They’re Not Gonna Laugh At You...
Filmed in Santa Ana, California as two separate performances — one in English and one in Spanish — the specials showcase Esparza’s edgy style of humor as the perfect vehicle to weave through difficult anecdotes of his childhood and mistakes in his adult life with ease. Bad Decisions/Malas Decisiones mark the first time a Netflix comedian has recorded a stand up special in two languages that are set to be released simultaneously.
The comedian won Last Comic Standing in 2010 and prior to Bad Decisions/Malas Decisiones, Esparza had two comedy specials including They’re Not Gonna Laugh At You...
- 8/5/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
SAG-AFTRA has given a greenlight for production on 7th & Union, a LatinX drama toplined by Mexican comedy star Omar Chaparro and Edy Ganem, and to start in Los Angeles on Monday.
The feature from newly launched Broken English Productions has Chaparro playing Raymundo, a Mexican ex-fighter who forms an unlikely bond with a disgruntled man (Gregg Daniel), whose life and relationship with his daughter, played by Erinn Westbrook, are unraveling.
The men join forces to win a fight that could very well save Raymundo, his wife (Ganem) and their child.
The indie will also star Last Comic Standing winner Felipe Esparza ...
The feature from newly launched Broken English Productions has Chaparro playing Raymundo, a Mexican ex-fighter who forms an unlikely bond with a disgruntled man (Gregg Daniel), whose life and relationship with his daughter, played by Erinn Westbrook, are unraveling.
The men join forces to win a fight that could very well save Raymundo, his wife (Ganem) and their child.
The indie will also star Last Comic Standing winner Felipe Esparza ...
SAG-AFTRA has given a greenlight for production on 7th & Union, a LatinX drama toplined by Mexican comedy star Omar Chaparro and Edy Ganem, and to start in Los Angeles on Monday.
The feature from newly launched Broken English Productions has Chaparro playing Raymundo, a Mexican ex-fighter who forms an unlikely bond with a disgruntled man (Gregg Daniel), whose life and relationship with his daughter, played by Erinn Westbrook, are unraveling.
The men join forces to win a fight that could very well save Raymundo, his wife (Ganem) and their child.
The indie will also star Last Comic Standing winner Felipe Esparza ...
The feature from newly launched Broken English Productions has Chaparro playing Raymundo, a Mexican ex-fighter who forms an unlikely bond with a disgruntled man (Gregg Daniel), whose life and relationship with his daughter, played by Erinn Westbrook, are unraveling.
The men join forces to win a fight that could very well save Raymundo, his wife (Ganem) and their child.
The indie will also star Last Comic Standing winner Felipe Esparza ...
Jeff Dye has had a very interesting career as both a comedian and an actor. He has been grinding to make a name for himself for nearly 15 years, and his hard work has gotten him a lot of opportunities. He has hosted two series on MTV and appeared on shows like Last Comic Standing and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Most recently, Jeff was a guest panelist on the Masked Singer. Even with everything Jeff has accomplished, it looks like the best has yet to come. Keep reading for 10 things you didn’t know about Jeff Dye. 1. He’s A
10 Things You Didn’t Know about Jeff Dye...
10 Things You Didn’t Know about Jeff Dye...
- 5/18/2020
- by Camille Moore
- TVovermind.com
Exclusive: Amazon has put in development Ricky & Cricket, an animated comedy from Mr. Iglesias writer-producers Peter Murrieta and Isaac Gonzalez and Erik Rivera (Super White).
Written by Murrieta, Gonzalez and Rivera, Ricky & Cricket revolves around nice guy Ricky, a down on his luck Mexican-American actor, who starts taking control of his life with the help of Cricket — a brash, foul-mouthed guardian angel from the east side of heaven.
Murrieta, Gonzalez and Rivera executive produce, along with David Miner of 3 Arts.
Murrieta is co-executive producer on Netflix comedy series Mr. Iglesias, which will premiere its second season this year. The 2018 recipient of the Norman Lear Writer’s Award at the Imagen Awards, Murrieta shared in two Emmy awards as showrunner of Wizards of Waverly Place, and has served as a Co-ep on multiple series, including One Day At A Time for Netflix and Superior Donuts for CBS. Murrieta created the autobiographical...
Written by Murrieta, Gonzalez and Rivera, Ricky & Cricket revolves around nice guy Ricky, a down on his luck Mexican-American actor, who starts taking control of his life with the help of Cricket — a brash, foul-mouthed guardian angel from the east side of heaven.
Murrieta, Gonzalez and Rivera executive produce, along with David Miner of 3 Arts.
Murrieta is co-executive producer on Netflix comedy series Mr. Iglesias, which will premiere its second season this year. The 2018 recipient of the Norman Lear Writer’s Award at the Imagen Awards, Murrieta shared in two Emmy awards as showrunner of Wizards of Waverly Place, and has served as a Co-ep on multiple series, including One Day At A Time for Netflix and Superior Donuts for CBS. Murrieta created the autobiographical...
- 5/8/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Iliza Shlesinger is keeping busy during quarantine. The comedian and actress is reading lots of books, gearing up for the release of her untitled Universal comedy, and missing her stand-up shows hard. But, every night, like clockwork, Shlesinger has one activity she can’t miss: serving up a fresh episode of her fledgling Instagram cooking show, “Don’t Panic Pantry.”
Alongside her husband (and professional chef) Noah Galuten, Shlesinger has spent the past month crafting tasty, pantry-friendly recipes for her followers. Galuten excels at breaking down recipes into easy to follow steps, all the better to ease already addled minds. The recipes are primarily built around ingredients that people already have on hand, or can buy during one big grocery trip.
More from IndieWire'Valley Girl' Trailer: Long-Delayed Musical Remake of '80s Cult Classic Bound for Digital Release'Never Have I Ever': Netflix Drops Trailer for Mindy Kaling's Upcoming...
Alongside her husband (and professional chef) Noah Galuten, Shlesinger has spent the past month crafting tasty, pantry-friendly recipes for her followers. Galuten excels at breaking down recipes into easy to follow steps, all the better to ease already addled minds. The recipes are primarily built around ingredients that people already have on hand, or can buy during one big grocery trip.
More from IndieWire'Valley Girl' Trailer: Long-Delayed Musical Remake of '80s Cult Classic Bound for Digital Release'Never Have I Ever': Netflix Drops Trailer for Mindy Kaling's Upcoming...
- 4/15/2020
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Comedian Gary Gulman has made a deal to write his first book, K Through Twelve for Flatiron Books.
After his HBO special The Great Depresh aired to great acclaim, there was interest from several publishing houses for Gulman to write a book with his initial meetings resulting in preemptive offers.
K Through Twelve, which is the working title, is a collection of Gulman’s wrought meditations from his suburban childhood in the 70s and 80s.
The deal is for North American rights, as well as international rights, both handled by Wme. Will Schwalbe, Evp and editor-at-large at Macmillan, negotiated on behalf of Flatiron Books.
Says Gulman, “As a devoted reader for 44 years it is an honor to be given this opportunity to add a small piece to my favorite medium. I will write responsibly.”
A Peabody, Massachusetts native, Gulman was a finalist on NBC’s reality talent series Last Comic Standing...
After his HBO special The Great Depresh aired to great acclaim, there was interest from several publishing houses for Gulman to write a book with his initial meetings resulting in preemptive offers.
K Through Twelve, which is the working title, is a collection of Gulman’s wrought meditations from his suburban childhood in the 70s and 80s.
The deal is for North American rights, as well as international rights, both handled by Wme. Will Schwalbe, Evp and editor-at-large at Macmillan, negotiated on behalf of Flatiron Books.
Says Gulman, “As a devoted reader for 44 years it is an honor to be given this opportunity to add a small piece to my favorite medium. I will write responsibly.”
A Peabody, Massachusetts native, Gulman was a finalist on NBC’s reality talent series Last Comic Standing...
- 1/31/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
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