Veteran actress Kyla Pratt is bringing her charm and comedic chops to Fox’s hit sitcom Animal Control, joining the cast as a recurring guest star for its upcoming fourth season. Pratt will play Daisy, a fearless and exuberant new recruit at the Seattle Animal Control office, set to appear in eight episodes, including the season premiere.
Fox describes Daisy as a confident single mom with a “healthy appreciation for conspiracy theories”—a quirky and wholesome addition to the show’s already eccentric ensemble. She’ll be paired with Templeton Dudge (played by Gerry Dee), promising a fresh dynamic that’s sure to stir up laughs and chaos in the workplace.
Starring Joel McHale, the series follows a team of animal control officers whose lives are complicated by the fact that animals are simple—but humans are not. The show blends workplace comedy with absurd scenarios, from escaped iguanas to raccoon standoffs, all set in a fictional Seattle division.
Returning cast members include:
Season 4 begins filming in Vancouver this August and is expected to premiere in early 2026.
Pratt has been a staple in television and film since childhood, known for:
She also recently starred in Not Another Church Movie and participated in Season 3 of Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.
With Pratt’s comedic timing and magnetic screen presence, her addition to Animal Control is poised to elevate the show’s fourth season. Fans can look forward to Daisy’s debut in the season premiere and her interactions with the team—especially Templeton—as the series continues to explore the hilarity of human behavior through the lens of animal control.
Comedy mogul Byron Allen is bringing the laughs back to late-night television in a big way—his long-running panel show, Comics Unleashed, is set to tape 132 brand-new episodes ahead of its official return to CBS this fall.
The series will take over the 12:37 a.m. ET time slot starting September 22, 2025, replacing After Midnight, which ended production earlier this year. CBS will air back-to-back half-hour episodes Monday through Friday, with streaming available on Paramount+ with Showtime.
This marks the show’s 20th season, a major milestone for a series that first premiered in 2006 and has featured over 550 comedians across its run.
Hosted by Allen himself, Comics Unleashed is known for its roundtable format, where comedians riff on topics and deliver punchlines in a fast-paced, unscripted setting. Past guests include:
Allen calls the show a “true passion,” saying, “This world can never have enough laughter. I created this show more than 20 years ago so that the best comedians can always have a home and do what they love to do—come together and make everyone laugh.”
The new season is produced by Allen Media Group, with executive producers including Byron Allen, Carolyn Folks, Jennifer Lucas, and comedian Jodi Miller, who joins the team for the first time.
Production begins in August, with the 132 episodes expected to provide 13–16 weeks of fresh content, depending on CBS’s scheduling strategy.
With CBS stepping back from traditional late-night programming, Comics Unleashed fills a crucial gap, offering a platform for diverse comedic voices and a refreshing alternative to scripted talk shows. It’s a testament to Allen’s enduring influence and his commitment to keeping comedy accessible and inclusive.
Indiana Fever guard Sydney Colson of the WNBA traded her jersey for a mic and lit up the stage with her stand-up comedy debut at the inaugural Fever Fest, held July 19 at Everwise Amphitheater in downtown Indianapolis. Known for her quick wit and infectious energy on the court, Colson proved she’s just as electric under the spotlight—with punchlines instead of passes.
Colson opened the festival with original stand-up material, performing in front of a packed hometown crowd during WNBA All-Star Weekend. Her set kicked off a star-studded lineup that included comedy legends Cedric the Entertainer, Leslie Jones, and Aida Rodriguez, with Deon Cole serving as host.
Fans and teammates alike were buzzing with anticipation. Fever wing Sophie Cunningham called it “the No. 1 thing I’m most excited for,” while center Aliyah Boston said she hoped to catch the set before tip-off. Even Caitlin Clark admitted she tried to get Colson to rehearse her jokes in advance—but Colson kept her material tightly under wraps until showtime.
Colson’s comedic chops have long been evident in her social media antics and locker room banter. Whether parodying league officials or cracking jokes mid-game, she’s earned a reputation as one of the WNBA’s most charismatic personalities. Her Fever Fest performance marked the first time she brought that humor to a formal stage—and she didn’t disappoint.
“She’s just very sly and witty,” Clark said. “She always has something to say, like, less than a second after you say something”.
Fever Fest was more than just a comedy show—it was a full-blown celebration of music, sports, and culture. Produced by Hartbeat and Pacers Sports & Entertainment, the event featured performances by The Kid LAROI, G-Eazy, and BIA, plus a live broadcast of the WNBA All-Star Game on massive screens.
For Colson, 35, the night marked a bold step toward her post-basketball ambitions. “I want to act. I want to do stand-up,” she said. “This is the perfect opportunity for me to start getting my foot back in the door again”.
With her debut now in the books, Colson joins a growing list of athletes expanding their talents beyond the court. Her performance wasn’t just a side hustle—it was a statement: WNBA players are multifaceted, fearless, and ready to take center stage in any arena.
Pics by Austin Stuckey
“Andor” and “Splitsville” star Adria Arjona is set to join Michael B. Jordan in “The Thomas Crown Affair,” Amazon MGM Studios‘ reimagining of the classic romantic heist film.
Arjona joins a star-studded ensemble cast featuring Kenneth Branagh, Lily Gladstone, Danai Gurira, Pilou Asbæk and Aiysha Hart, stepping into the co-lead role following Taylor Russell’s exit. After news broke on Friday, the studio and producers received a flurry of incoming calls about the highly sought-after part and moved quickly to secure a new star. The film, directed by Jordan, is currently in production in London and working toward a March 5, 2027, theatrical release date.
Drew Pearce wrote the script, with plot details being kept under wraps, following a previous draft written by Wes Tooke and Justin Britt-Gibson, which was based on the 1968 original film starring Steve McQueen. Jordan and Elizabeth Raposo are producing the picture for Outlier Society, alongside Charles Roven via Atlas Entertainment. Patrick McCormick and Toberoff Productions’ Marc Toberoff also serve as producers. Alan Trustman, writer of the 1968 movie, is an executive producer.
Arjona joins “The Thomas Crown Affair” amid a red-hot career streak: the actor delivered a standout turn in the “Star Wars” series “Andor,” which was recently nominated for 14 Primetime Emmys, including outstanding drama series. The movie also marks a reunion with Amazon MGM after Arjona starred in Zoe Kravitz’s psychological thriller “Blink Twice” opposite Naomi Ackie, Channing Tatum, Simon Rex, Christian Slater, and Geena Davis. Plus, on the television side, Arjona is set to appear in the Prime Video series “Criminal.” DC Studios’ co-chief James Gunn also recently professed that she’d make a “great Wonder Woman” following fan speculation about his casting process. (Gunn did not indicate that any conversations about the role have occurred, but they previously collaborated on 2016’s “The Belko Experiment.”)
More immediately, though, Arjona will be seen in Neon and Topic Studios’ comedy “Splitsville” opposite Dakota Johnson, Michael Angelo Covino, and Kyle Marvin. The film, which Arjona also executive-produced, got a warm reception during its Cannes Film Festival premiere, and will debut in theaters on Aug. 22. She has also wrapped production on A24’s action thriller “Onslaught” from filmmaker Adam Wingard.
She also recently starred in Richard Linklater’s “Hit Man” with Glen Powell, and “Los Frikis,” a coming-of-age drama based on true events, for which she was recognized with the Latino Breakout Award by the Latino Entertainment Journalists Association. Other major credits include “Father of the Bride,” “Irma Vep,” “Six Underground,” “Good Omens,” “Pacific Rim: Uprising,” “Emerald City,” “True Detective,” and “Narcos.” Arjona is represented by CAA; Anonymous Content; Brillstein Entertainment Partners; Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson and Christopher, LLP; and The Lede Company.
Source: Variety
Druski is heading back on the road for the Coulda Fest Tour, and this time he’s going international. The comedy sketch superstar announced the arena tour on Monday (July 21), which will kick off at Wembley Arena in London on Sept. 13.
He’s bringing plenty of friends along for the ride with him as BigXthaplug, Young M.A, and Soulja Boy will be joining the entire trek from the music side, which also features Sundae Conversation host Caleb Pressley and Navv Greene.
“Coulda Fest was such a vibe that we had to run it back and switch up the concept — it’s bigger, better, and breaking global borders,” Druski said in a press statement. “This won’t be your typical comedy or music tour, it’s going to be a cultural movement full of laughs, great music, and surprise guests. I’m always looking to take ideas to the next level, so you never know who else might pop up in your city.”
Snoop Dogg will make appearances in select cities during the tour, while Lil Yachty is on board for San Francisco and L.A.’s shows. Fans can expect more surprise guests along the fall trek, which is slated to also hit Toronto, New York City, Atlanta, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Houston, Chicago, and Detroit.
Pre-sale tickets go on sale starting on July 23 at 10 a.m. ET, while the general public will have its chance on July 25. All tickets will be available on the 4Lifers website. For those who didn’t attend Druski’s 2023 tour, the shows will feature a mix of comedy sketches and music performances.
Druski’s as busy as they come in show business, as the 30-year-old launched season two of his Coulda Been House reality series and appeared in a sketch with host Shane Gillis at the 2025 ESPY Awards last week.
Find all of the Coulda Fest Tour dates below.
The comedy trio behind the wildly popular 85 South Show—DC Young Fly, Karlous Miller, and Chico Bean—are officially heading to Hollywood, thanks to a newly announced movie deal with Kevin Hart. The news broke on July 20, 2025, during a live broadcast, sending shockwaves through the comedy world and marking a major milestone for the Atlanta-based crew.
The film will be produced in collaboration with Kevin Hart’s HartBeat Productions, known for hits like Night School, Die Hart, and Lift. While plot details remain under wraps, insiders say the project will be a comedy feature that blends the trio’s raw, improv-heavy humor with Hart’s blockbuster sensibilities.
Hart praised the group’s “authentic voice and undeniable chemistry,” calling them “the future of comedy” during a recent interview. The partnership is expected to bring a fresh, unapologetic energy to the big screen—one that reflects the 85 South brand’s roots in Southern culture, hip-hop, and barbershop-style banter.
Since launching in 2015, The 85 South Show has grown from a grassroots podcast into a full-blown entertainment empire:
Their chemistry, quick wit, and fearless commentary have made them a staple in Black comedy and beyond.
The trio also announced a new tour kicking off September 6 in Detroit, which will coincide with early production phases of the film. Fans can expect behind-the-scenes content, live tapings, and sneak peeks as the project unfolds.
With Kevin Hart’s backing and their own creative control, the 85 South crew is poised to make a splash in theaters—bringing their signature style to a whole new audience.
Montreal’s Just For Laughs Comedy Festival has announced a lineup of 47 for the 2025 edition of its New Faces of Comedy Showcase.
Since its inception in 1994, New Faces has been regarded as a premier launchpad, helping to propel the careers of dozens of comedy’s biggest stars — among them, Kevin Hart, Amy Schumer, Ali Wong, Jo Koy, and Kumail Nanjiani.
This year’s program will continue to spotlight rising stand-up comics, character performers, and digital creators, while introducing a new category focused on rising talent in scripted comedy. On the Stand Up List are two comics we included on our December 2024 list of Comedians Ready To Break Out In 2025: Katherine Blanford and Chloe Radcliffe, who we profiled amid the run of her solo show Cheat.
“Each year, we sift through thousands of names from across the world to find the most original and promising comedic voices,” said Nick Brazao, Head of Programming & Talent, Just For Laughs. “This is always such an exciting time of year and we can’t wait to share this year’s class of New Faces with the world.”
Created in 1983, Just for Laughs is the largest festival in the world, focused specifically on comedy, and one of the most closely watched amongst industry professionals. The festival’s decades-long run was momentarily disrupted in 2024, when JFL cancelled that year’s shows and filed for bankruptcy protection, citing the impact of the pandemic as one factor. But that same year, Sylvain Parent-Bédard inked a deal to acquire the festival through his Quebec-based ComediHa, with the brand’s flagship comedy festival in Montreal returning for the first time in two years on July 16. We break the whole story down in a conversation with Parent-Bédard and colleagues in a recent edition of our Comedy Means Business podcast, which you can listen to at the link above.
The New Faces showcases will take place as part of JFL’s ComedyPRO industry programming between July 23 and July 26, with the festival running through the 27th.
NEW FACES: STAND UPS
Alistair Ogden
Anjelica Scannura
Aurie Styla
Bruce Gray
Chloe Petts
Chloe Radcliffe
Conor Janda
Dan Duvall
Dan Rath
Dan Tiernan
Dean Stanfield
Dvontre Coleman
Dylan Adler
Grace Johnson
Hayden Johnson
James Mwaura
Jesus Sepulveda
Jo Sunday
Katherine Blanford
Lara Ricote
Maggie Crane
Maxx Eddy
Olivia Carter
Olivia Stadler
Randee Neumeyer
Sam Biru
Steve Furey
Tom Murphy
Vittorio Angelone
Willie Simon
NEW FACES: CHARACTERS
Andres Parada
Austin Williams
Ava Bunn
Jess Elgene
Lesley Osuala
Mimi Von Schack
Miranda Rozas
Tom Hearn
NEW FACES: CREATORS in partnership with SMOSH
New Faces: Creators highlights emerging digital and social media comedy voices, character performers, and original-format innovators who are redefining how comedy is made and shared.
Evan Mulrooney
Kel Cripe
Jazz Emu
Yasmine Sahid
NEW FACES: WRITERS in partnership with More Better
This year, the showcase expands with New Faces: Writers, spotlighting rising talent in scripted comedy. Selected writers will bring their original half-hour scripts to life in live table reads featuring fellow New Faces performers.
Allie Pearse & Michael Musi (The Grande Affair)
Tai Leclaire (Bad Apples)
Tova Diker (Mason County Library)
Zavior Phillips (The Family Jewels)
Source: Deadline
In this episode of Box Seats, we start out the episode of the shocking news of the death of Malcolm Jamal-Warner, who passed away right before we went live.
Plus, we talk about Marcus Smart joining the Los Angeles Lakes and Chris Paul coming back to the LA Clippers for another season! We also talk about the WNBA Players and the WNBA Owners squaring off for a potential strike and the repercussions if they do strike!
Also, we talk about the NFL Training Camps opening up this week across the league and the hottest topics in sports!
This episode features comedians Howie Bell and Maurice Smith!
#NBAPlayoffs #NBAfreeagency #Freeagency #Indiana #IndianaPacers #OKC #OklahomaCItyThunder #BostonCeltics #NBAPlayoffs #NewYorkKnicks #DenverNuggets #OKC #Denvernuggetts #NFL #NBA #NBATrades #comedy #comedygrind #NFLTrades #NFLRumors #NFLFreeagency
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the Emmy-nominated actor best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show, has died at the age of 54 following a tragic drowning accident while vacationing with his family in Costa Rica.
Warner was swimming near Playa Cocles, a beach in the Limon province, when he was reportedly caught in a powerful current. Despite rescue efforts, he was pronounced dead from asphyxia on July 20, 2025. Costa Rica’s National Police formally identified his body, and the news has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry.
Warner rose to fame in the 1980s as the lovable and relatable Theo Huxtable, the only son of Cliff and Clair Huxtable. His performance earned him an Emmy nomination and made him a household name. But his career didn’t stop there:
Warner also hosted the podcast Not All Hood, which explored the complexities of Black identity and culture. His final episode, released just two days before his death, featured a powerful reflection on Black survival as Black excellence.
The outpouring of grief from fans and fellow celebrities has been overwhelming:
Fox Entertainment released a statement saying Warner would be remembered “for his warmth, kind heart, and the lasting impact he had on his friends, family, and fans everywhere”.
Warner is survived by his wife and daughter, both of whom he kept out of the public eye. In a recent podcast interview, he spoke candidly about his love story and the joy of fatherhood, saying, “If I’m going to have a kid, this is the person I would like to have it with”.
His death marks the loss of a multi-talented artist whose work spanned television, music, theater, and activism. Warner’s voice, both literal and figurative, helped shape generations of Black storytelling.
In his last podcast, Warner said: “Black survival in of itself is Black excellence.” That sentiment now echoes as a powerful reminder of his legacy—a man who lived with purpose, spoke with conviction, and inspired millions.
In this episode of Box Seats, we discuss the news of Damian Lillard re-signing a deal to return to the Portland Trailblazers- in a move that no one saw coming!
Plus, we talk about news that is shaking up the Philadelphia 76ers! Whats going to happen to Joel Embiid?
We also talk about the NFLPA news that’s shocking, and the other hottest topics in sports!
This episode stars comedians Howie Bell and Maurice Smith!
#NBAPlayoffs #NBAfreeagency #Freeagency #Indiana #IndianaPacers #OKC #OklahomaCItyThunder #BostonCeltics #NBAPlayoffs #NewYorkKnicks #DenverNuggets #OKC #Denvernuggetts #NFL #NBA #NBATrades #comedy #comedygrind #NFLTrades #NFLRumors #NFLFreeagency