The Humor Mill

WATCH: ‘SNL’ Host Keegan-Michael Key Beats Up ‘The Muppets Show’ Hecklers Statler & Waldorf

For too long now, a pair of loudmouth boomers have wreaked havoc on America’s live entertainment industry. Their heckling has terrorized the most resilient stars of music, theater and stand-up comedy. Not even a legend like Milton Berle could handle their jeers. Obviously, I’m talking about those bastards Statler and Waldorf. These Muppets should’ve been cancel culture’s first targets. Instead, they’ve roamed free and continued to attack innocent celebrities like the friendly cherub James Corden.

Needless to say, it was a relief to see the pair of geezers finally put in their place on last night’s episode of “Saturday Night Live.” In a hilarious sketch that was set up like a classic episode of “The Muppet Show,” host Keegan Michael Key and cast member Keenan Thompson played two venue security guards who have no patience for Statler and Waldorf’s antics. When the curmudgeons began badgering Kermit, Key and Thompson burst onto the stage and reprimanded them. “Hey, shut up!” shouted Thompson, pointing his finger directly at Statler. Then they warned a harsher punishment was to come if they didn’t STFU. “Not gonna tell you again fellas!” said Key. Well, they didn’t STFU and, as promised, they got what’s been coming to them for over half a century.

Experience the sweet act of justice in the clip below and please don’t miss the part when Keegan-Michael Key refers to Kermit first as “a little dragon” and then as “Kramer.”

Source: Esquire

Kevin Hart To Launch New Talk Show For NBC’s Peacock Network, & Sports Comedy Show With Snoop Dogg

At a recent upfront presentation for NBC’s Peacock Network, comedian and actor Kevin Hart announced a new talk show that will be launched titled Hart To Heart!

At the presentation, Hart announced “I’m rolling the dice. We’re going to get comfortable. We’re going to get to know each other,” Hart said. “Dammit, we’re getting heart to heart.” No word yet on the style of the show, but you can definitely expect a ton of comedy, and since Ellen is signing off, Hart can probably grab that audience.

At that same presentation it was also announced tha Hart will be launching a weekly sports comedy talk show with Snoop Dogg, where they will both be talk about sports and interviewing athletes.

No word yet on the premiere dates of either show, but we can expect it to be sometime in the fall.

Red Grant Officially Announces He’s Running For Mayor Of Washington, D.C.

At first, when we saw this we really thought it was a joke, but after digging a little bit deeper we discovered that it’s true- comedian and actor Red Grant is running for Mayor of Washington D.C.!

It came as a little bit of a surprise because Red Grant, who is from D.C., was residing in Los Angeles, and as funny as we know he is, we thought this was a skit. But after his official announcement he made this past Saturday, (and after seeing his lovely wife re-post it on social media) it’s true. Word is, Grant is moving back to D.C., and instead of talking about changes he’s actually putting his money where his mouth is, and he’s going to try his best.

Check out his post below:

Infamous Group Milli Vanilli Lands New Story Documentary Titled ‘Girl You Know It’s True’

MRC Non-Fiction is announcing the production of a new documentary, “Girl You Know It’s True,” about the quick rise and faster fall of Milli Vanilli, the late ’80s pop duo that won the best new artist Grammy and sold more than 10 million records before losing it all amid a musical scandal.

The documentary about Fab Morvan and the late Rob Pilatus will be directed by Luke Korem, who directed and produced the SXSW award-winning non-fiction film “Dealt.” Korem will be a producer on the new film as well, under the banner of his Keep on Running Pictures, alongside producing partner Bradley Jackson and Fulwell 73. The latter company’s Richard Thompson is an executive producer, as is music critic and author Hanif Abdurraqib.

“Milli Vanilli has made an indelible mark on music and pop culture history, yet the truth of what happened is more bizarre than anyone knows,” Korem said. “There are so many layers, characters and twists that have never before been revealed. I’m elated to partner with MRC and share the truth behind what has been dubbed the greatest con in music history.”

Milli Vanilli’s explosive success came to an abrupt end when it was revealed that the good-looking duo had effectively lip-synched their way through their smash debut album while uncredited ringers provided the real lead vocals. Along with previously unseen footage, the new doc will include interviews with the musicians who actually sang on the recordings, as well as with Morvan, the surviving member of the duo, in the service of what producers call “a cautionary tale that is more relevant now than ever in today’s fame-obsessed culture.”

Amit Dey, the head of MRC Non-Fiction, stated the approach will spotlight the injustices done to the disgraced pair. “For 30 years, Fab and Rob have been unfairly maligned while the industry machinations that exploited them continued to flourish,” said Dey. “Luke and Bradley’s perspective comes from a place of empathy and understanding for characters who were caught in a game where nobody explained the rules. We’re excited to go on that journey with Fab and the whole team.”

MRC has a minority investment in Fulwell 73, a company formed in 2005 by Ben Winston, Leo Pearlman, Ben Turner and Gabe Turner, with James Corden joining as a fifth partner in 2017. Fulwell 73 is responsible for Corden’s “Late Late Show,” has produced films including “One Direction 3D: This is Us” and “Shawn Mendes: In Wonder,” and is currently behind the upcoming feature “Cinderella” with Camila Cabello. The company has also produced “Bros: After the Screaming Stops,” a BAFTA-winning BBC documentary, along with music videos for Harry Styles, Little Mix and Zara Larsson.

MRC has pegged “Girl You Know It’s True” as the first of four music documentaries planned in a partnership between Fulwell 73’s Music & Sports and MRC’s Non-Fiction divisions.

MRC Non-Fiction’s first feature-length doc, Edgar Wright’s “The Sparks Brothers,” about the rock duo Sparks, world-premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival. The company recently announced a Sly Stone documentary being directed by the Roots’ Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson.

“Girl You Know It’s True” is not the only Milli Vanilli project planned for the screen. Brett Ratner, the #MeToo-beleaguered producer/director, recently announced a dramatic feature film based on the lip-synching scandal with 300 Entertainment’s Kevin Liles, one of the writers of Milli Vanilli’s first stateside hit, “Girl You Know It’s True,” as executive producer. Liles co-wrote the song along with Bill Pettaway Jr., Sean “DJ Spence” Spencer, Rodney “Kool Rod” Holloman and Ky Adeyemo as members of the Baltimore-based group Numarx, which first recorded the track.

Source: Variety

Is Tiffany Haddish About To Replace Ellen?

Tiffany Haddish is poised to take over Ellen’s TV crown, according to reports.

The “Girls Trip” star, 40, has frequently filled in for Ellen DeGeneres, 63. In the wake of her killing her daytime talk show, a senior NBCUniversal source told us: “Tiffany is a favorite, she has humor and empathy in spades.

“She’s top of the list to get a daytime show – she’s a fresh voice.”

Haddish filled in for DeGeneres – who announced Wednesday she is quitting her show after 19 seasons – last October and this April.

As we revealed in February, DeGeneres owns the rights to her show, which is syndicated and produced by Warner Bros. so it’s impossible to replace her without launching a fresh format with a new host.

Apart from her guest hosting duties, Haddish has been flexing her hosting muscles on CBS’s “Kids Say The Darndest Things.”

She’s also currently appearing opposite Billy Crystal in new movie, “Here Today.”

Meanwhile, DeGeneres has recorded an interview with “Today” anchor Savannah Guthrie, who flew to LA to chat with her on Wednesday.

Guthrie was due to break the news of DeGeneres’ exit, alongside The Hollywood Reporter, on Thursday morning, we’re told – but the news was leaked beforehand.

Meanwhile, Kelly Clarkson — whose show airs in most markets after DeGeneres — is a favorite to grab her 3pm time slot.

The singer was wooed by NBC execs, including “The Voice” executive producer Audrey Morrisey who spotted her as a great TV talent, and former NBC execs Paul Telegdy and Meredith Ahr, who thought she would be great at daytime TV.

“The Kelly Clarkson Show” — produced and distributed by NBCUniversal Domestic Television Distribution — launched in September 2019 and became the most-watched new daytime talk show in seven years, winning three Daytime Emmys last year, including one for Clarkson as best entertainment talk show host.

In January, “The Kelly Clarkson Show” hit a season-high — and matched DeGeneres’ numbers for the first time.

A rep for Haddish was unavailable for comment.

‘The Game’ To Be Revived By Paramount+, Wendy Raquel Robinson & Hosea Chanchez Will Reprise Their Roles

Paramount+, the streaming service from ViacomCBS, today announced that its revival of THE GAME has been ordered to series with original cast members Wendy Raquel Robinson (“Insecure”) and Hosea Chanchez (“Black Lightning”) reprising their roles as sports agent Tasha Mack and footballer Malik Wright, respectively, with several other legacy cast members making special appearances. The half-hour series will be executive produced by original show creator Mara Brock Akil, showrunner and writer Devon Greggory (“American Soul”), Salim Akil (“Black Lightning”), and original executive producer Kelsey Grammer (“Girlfriends”) and Tom Russo (“Black-ish”) of Grammnet NH Productions. The 10-episode first season of the new series will be produced by CBS Studios, Akil Productions and Grammnet NH Productions exclusively for Paramount+.

Relocating from San Diego to Sin City, THE GAME returns with a mix of original cast and new players to offer a modern-day examination of Black culture through the prism of pro football. The team will tackle racism, sexism, classism and more as they fight for fame, fortune, respect and love—all while trying to maintain their souls as they each play THE GAME.

“Fifteen years ago I created ‘The Game’ and am so proud of the success we had, and that I was able to create characters and stories that resonated with so many people,” stated  Mara  Brock  Akil. “I couldn’t be happier about leaving my beloved characters like Tasha Mack and Malik Wright in the hands of Devon, Wendy and Hosea, who I know will build off of the rich foundation the show has.” 

“From the moment it debuted, ‘The Game’ was a groundbreaking series that used humor, heart and memorable characters to explore real issues involving race, gender and, of course, football,” said Julie McNamara, Executive Vice President and Head of Programming, Paramount+.  “What better time for Devon and the whole team to reunite for a fresh look at a world that has only become more at-the-center of the cultural conversation today.”

“‘The Game’ is a show I faithfully watched, with characters I grew to love, and now I have the honor of guiding them into the future,” said Greggory. “I’m simply thrilled to be hand-selected by Mara, Julie and CBS Studios to take over the creative reins of such an iconic and culturally significant series.”

“I love this show,” said Grammer. “I am very excited to see this new turn in its life and excited to wave the Paramount+ banner, as well. Grammnet NH Productions has been in business a long time and proudly explored diverse and inclusive material for decades. I am really looking forward to seeing this show on the air.”

Robinson is a Best Actress NAACP Image Award recipient and a 2021 Emmy-nominated executive producer. In addition to her nine seasons as Tasha Mack on THE GAME, she is best known as the no-nonsense diva principal, Regina Grier, on “The Steve Harvey Show,” and she made television history as the first African American actress to portray iconic Disney villain Cruella DeVille in the Disney Channel’s “Descendants.” Additional television credits include “Dear White  People,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” “The Parkers,” “Here We Go Again,” “Family Guy,” “Cedric the Entertainer Presents!,” “Minor Adjustments,” “Insecure,” “Grand Hotel,” and CBS’ MACGYVER. Feature film credits include “A Weekend with The Family,” “Miss Congeniality,” “Something New,” “Rebound,” “Two Can Play That Game,” and “A Christmas Surprise.”

Chanchez was nominated for Best Actor in a Comedy Series at the NAACP Image awards for THE GAME, which he starred in for all nine seasons. He was recently featured in the Lifetime event movie series “Seven Deadly Sins,” playing a leading role in “Lust” and “Envy.” Additional television credits include “Black Lightning,” “All American,” “Major Crimes,” “Fanatic” and “Down For Whatever.” Film credits include “96 Minutes,” as well as Regina King’s directorial debut, “Let the Church Say Amen,” for BET. Chanchez created his own one-man show “Good Mourning” at the Hudson Theatre and is currently developing the independent feature “Ruth,” which he wrote to direct and star in.

All nine seasons of THE GAME, which originally aired on The CW and then BET, are currently available to binge on Paramount+. The series will be distributed internationally by ViacomCBS Global Distribution Group.

The Showtime Network To Broadcast The New Comedy Special ‘Lavell Crawford: The Comedy Vaccine’

 Lavell Crawford returns for his third SHOWTIME comedy special LAVELL CRAWFORD: THE COMEDY VACCINE, premiering Friday, May 28 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. In the hour-long special filmed at the Tempe Improv in Arizona, Crawford reflects back on a tumultuous year of living through a global pandemic with an added punchline. From the panic of looking for toilet paper to attending virtual church services and wearing masks, Crawford brings levity to the many shared lifestyle changes we’ve experienced during a life in lockdown while also touching on his own quarantine frustrations with whimsical banter.

A beloved comedian and actor by audiences far and wide, Crawford is quickly climbing the comedic ranks to become one of the hottest stars. His numerous television appearances include Better Call SaulNew GirlWorkaholics and Breaking Bad along with his previous standup specials on SHOWTIME: NEW LOOK, SAME FUNNY! and HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS. Additionally, his film credits include Compton’s FinestLove Is Not EnoughMike and Dave Need Wedding DatesAmerican UltraBeverlyhood and The Ridiculous 6.

LAVELL CRAWFORD: THE COMEDY VACCINE is directed by Brian Volk-Weiss (Pete Davidson: Alive From New York, Ali Wong: Baby Cobra), who produced with Cisco Henson for Comedy Dynamics. Justin Edbrooke serves as executive producer.

WATCH: Interview With George Wallace As He Talks About New Show ‘Clean Slate’ With Laverne Cox, & New Book ‘BullWit’!

In this interview with comedian George Wallace, we talk about Wallace’s new book, titled Bulltwit and his new TV show he was able to land in with his new show with Norman Lear and Laverne Cox titled Clean Slate. A very hilarious interview you don’t want to miss!

Kevin Hart Is A Single Dad In Heartwarming ‘Fatherhood’ First Trailer

“I just wanna do what your mom woulda wanted me to do…” Netflix has released the official trailer for a new “heartwarming, funny and emotional true story” movie called Fatherhood, the latest film directed by Paul Weitz (American PieAbout a BoyCirque du FreakBeing FlynnBel Canto). Adapted from the book “Two Kisses for Maddy: A Memoir of Loss & Love” by Matthew Logelin. 

Kevin Hart stars in this film as a widower taking on one of the toughest jobs in the world: fatherhood. He doesn’t really know what to do and struggles to figure out how to raise her correctly on his own, trying his best to be “perfect” for her. The impressive ensemble features Alfre Woodard, Lil Rel Howery, DeWanda Wise, Anthony Carrigan, Melody Hurd, Deborah Ayorinde, Teneisha Collins, as well as Paul Reiser. This looks surprisingly charming and not too cheesy, which is impressive for a Kevin Hart movie. Might actually be worth a watch.

In this heartwarming, funny and emotional true story, Kevin Hart stars as a widower taking on one of the toughest jobs in the world: fatherhood. A father named Matt brings up his baby girl as a single dad after the unexpected death of his wife who died a day after their daughter’s birth. Fatherhood is directed by award-winning American filmmaker Paul Weitz, director of the films American PieDown to EarthAbout a BoyIn Good CompanyAmerican DreamzCirque du Freak: The Vampire’s AssistantLittle FockersBeing FlynnAdmissionGrandma, and Bel Canto previously. The screenplay is written by Dana Stevens and Paul Weitz; adapted from the book titled “Two Kisses for Maddy: A Memoir of Loss & Love” written by Matthew Logelin. Produced by Marty Bowen, Kevin Hart, David Beaubaire, and Peter Kiernan. Netflix will debut Weitz’s Fatherhood streaming starting on June 18th, 2021 this summer. 

Fatherhood Poster

WATCH: New Trailer Of ‘The Forever Purge’ Released

This summer, all the rules are broken as a sect of lawless marauders decides that the annual Purge does not stop at daybreak and instead should never end in The Forever Purge. 

Vaulting from the record-shattering success of 2018’s The First Purge, Blumhouse’s infamous terror franchise hurtles into innovative new territory as members of an underground movement, no longer satisfied with one annual night of anarchy and murder, decide to overtake America through an unending campaign of mayhem and massacre. No one is safe. 

Adela (Ana de la Reguera, Cowboys & Aliens) and her husband Juan (Tenoch Huerta, Days of Grace) live in Texas, where Juan is working as a ranch hand for the wealthy Tucker family. Juan impresses the Tucker patriarch, Caleb (Will Patton, Halloween), but  that fuels the jealous anger of Caleb’s son, Dylan (Josh Lucas, Ford v Ferrari). 

On the morning after The Purge, a masked gang of killers attacks the Tucker family—including Dylan’s wife (Cassidy Freeman, HBO’s The Righteous Gemstones), and his sister (Leven Rambin, The Hunger Games), forcing both families to band together and fight back as the country spirals into chaos and the United States begins to disintegrate around them. 

From a screenplay by franchise creator and narrative mastermind James DeMonaco, The Forever Purge is directed by Everardo Gout, writer-director of the award-winning thriller Days of Grace. The film is produced by the franchise’s founding producers: Jason Blum for his Blumhouse Productions; Platinum Dunes partners Michael Bay, Andrew Form and Brad Fuller; and Man in a Tree duo James DeMonaco and his longtime producing partner Sébastien K. Lemercier. The film’s executive producers are Marcei A. Brown, Everardo Gout and Jeanette Volturno. Universal Pictures presents, in association with Perfect World Pictures, a Platinum Dunes/Blumhouse/Man in a Tree production.

Genre: Action-Thriller

Cast: Ana de la Reguera, Tenoch Huerta, Josh Lucas, Cassidy Freeman, Leven Rambin, Alejandro Edda and Will Patton

Director: Everardo Gout

Writer: James DeMonaco

Producers: Jason Blum, Michael Bay, Andrew Form, Brad Fuller, James DeMonaco, Sébastien K. Lemercier

Executive Producers: Marcei A. Brown, Everardo Gout, Jeanette Volturno