‘Good Times’ To Be Revived For Netflix- Animated- And To Be Exec Produced By Steph Curry
The classic 1970s sitcom Good Times is being revived at Netflix — in animated form.
The streamer has given a 10-episode order to the show, which counts Norman Lear — who produced the original series — Seth MacFarlane and NBA star Steph Curry among its executive producers. Carl Jones (The Boondocks, Black Dynamite) created the show and will serve as showrunner.
Sony Pictures Television, which has a first-look deal with Lear that includes options to reimagine his classic shows, is behind the animated series. Lear’s Act III Productions, MacFarlane’s Fuzzy Door Productions and Curry’s Unanimous Media also produce.
“We can’t think of anything better, at this time in our culture, than a reimagining of Good Times animated,” said Lear and Act III’s Brent Miller. “In a year filled with darkness, this is one bright light we won’t soon forget. Thank you, Sony. Thank you, Netflix. Bless us all.”
The animated series will follow the Evans family in the present day as they navigate today’s world and contemporary social issues. As the original did, the new show will strive to remind viewers that with the love of family, we can keep our heads above water.
“It’s a dream come true to be working with the legendary talents of Norman Lear, Seth MacFarlane and Stephen Curry,” said Jones. “We are excited to carry on the original legacy of Good Times — but now animated and a little edgier. Let’s just say the struggle has just gotten strugglier.”
Shortly after Lear signed his first-look deal at Sony in 2018, Lear told The Hollywood Reporter he was “not about to reimagine Good Times or The Jeffersons,” saying instead he would be more inclined toward second looks at some of his less well-known series.
Both of those shows, however, have along with All in the Family been part of ABC’s Live in Front of a Studio Audience specials, which re-created episodes with all-star casts.
“It’s a thrill to be partnering with Norman Lear and to help bring new life to his groundbreaking show Good Times, through the talent and personal stories of Carl Jones and the team at Unanimous,” said MacFarlane and Erica Huggins of Fuzzy Door. “Animation is the ideal medium with which to reimagine the original show, and through the lens of Carl’s sharp, biting humor, audiences will grow to love these classic characters all over again.”
Added Curry and Unanimous Media’s Erick Peyton, “We are so excited about this project! Unanimous is all about authentic partnerships and this team felt genuine from the beginning. Good Times strives to remind us that with the love of our family we can overcome any obstacle. We think, now more than ever, the world needs to see a show with hope and positivity.”
The Good Times revival will be the first animated show Lear has produced in his storied career. It joins a lineup of adult animated shows at Netflix that includes Big Mouth, F Is for Family, Disenchantment and Hoops, among others.
Jones will executive produce Good Times with Lear and Miller of Act III, MacFarlane and Huggins of Fuzzy Door, and Unanimous’ Curry, Peyton and Jeron Smith.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Chris Rock, Wandy Sykes, Migos & More Join Michelle Obama & Election Comedy Special On ABC
Michelle Obama and ATTN have lined up a star-studded roster for their VOMO: Vote Or Miss Out election comedy special. Larry David, Susie Essman, Chris Rock, Amy Schumer, JB Smoove, Wanda Sykes, Usher, LeBron James + More Than A Vote, and musical group Migos have added their voices and will participate in the special which airs Monday night, September 14 at 10 PM EST On ABC.
Hosted by Kevin Hart, the one-hour special will urge viewers to practice their civic duty and vote.
“We have a societal responsibility to participate in our country’s democracy,” said producer Tom Werner. “This nonpartisan special will, through comedy, encourage people to vote this November.”
As previously announced, also set to make appearances during the one-time comedy special are Tiffany Haddish, Scarlett Johansson, Will Ferrell, Jay Leno, Jaden Smith and Willow Smith. Also joining in are Tim Allen, Whitney Cummings, Kaia Gerber, Charlamagne tha God, Cristela Alonzo, 2 Chainz and Lil Baby.
Several political figures will also stop by, including former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor Larry Hogan, Ann Romney and Cindy McCain.
VOMO will feature a lineup of comedy bits, stand-up acts and a musical performance. Between the performances, guests will inform viewers about their role in the 2020 election, share additional information on voting and highlight changes to voting procedures.
“Voter participation is in ATTN:’s DNA, and we hope that we can create an event that will speak to all generations, young and old, in a way that shows them that by engaging in the political process, we have an exceptional opportunity to have our voices and values reflected at every level of government,” said ATTN: co-founder Matthew Segal.
The ABC comedy special hails from ATTN:, Sara + Tom, the production company founded by The Conners executive producers Sara Gilbert and Tom Werner; When We All Vote and event production company Done+Dusted.
Source: Deadline
WATCH: New ‘Dune’ Trailer Released Featuring Timothée Chalamet And Jason Momoa
Oscar nominee Denis Villeneuve (“Arrival,” “Blade Runner 2049”) directs Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures’ “Dune,” the big-screen adaptation of Frank Herbert’s seminal bestseller of the same name.
A mythic and emotionally charged hero’s journey, “Dune” tells the story of Paul Atreides, a brilliant and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, who must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people. As malevolent forces explode into conflict over the planet’s exclusive supply of the most precious resource in existence—a commodity capable of unlocking humanity’s greatest potential—only those who can conquer their fear will survive.
The film stars Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet (“Call Me by Your Name,” “Little Women”), Rebecca Ferguson (“Stephen King’s Doctor Sleep,” “Mission: Impossible – Fallout”), Oscar Isaac (the “Star Wars” franchise) Oscar nominee Josh Brolin (“Milk,” “Avengers: Infinity War”), Stellan Skarsgård (HBO’s “Chernobyl,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron”), Dave Bautista (the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films, “Avengers: Endgame”), Stephen McKinley Henderson (“Fences,” “Lady Bird”), Zendaya (“Spider-Man: Homecoming,” HBO’s “Euphoria”), David Dastmalchian (“Blade Runner 2049,” “The Dark Knight”), Chang Chen (“Mr. Long,” “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”), Sharon Duncan-Brewster (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” Netflix’s “Sex Education”), with Oscar nominee Charlotte Rampling (“45 Years,” “Assassin’s Creed”), with Jason Momoa (“Aquaman,” HBO’s “Game of Thrones”), and Oscar winner Javier Bardem (“No Country for Old Men,” “Skyfall”).
Villeneuve directed “Dune” from a screenplay he co-wrote with Jon Spaihts and Eric Roth based on the novel of the same name written by Frank Herbert. Villeneuve also produced the film with Mary Parent, Cale Boyter and Joe Caracciolo, Jr. The executive producers are Tanya Lapointe, Joshua Grode, Herbert W. Gains, Jon Spaihts, Thomas Tull, Brian Herbert, Byron Merritt and Kim Herbert.
WATCH: New Trailer For James Bond In ‘No Time Time To Die’
In No Time To Die, Bond has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica. His peace is short-lived when his old friend Felix Leiter from the CIA turns up asking for help. The mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist turns out to be far more treacherous than expected, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.
Director: Cary Joji Fukunaga
Screenplay: Neal Purvis & Robert Wade, and Cary Joji Fukunaga and Phoebe Waller-Bridge
Story: Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and Cary Joji Fukunaga
Producers: Michael G. Wilson, p.g.a. and Barbara Broccoli, p.g.a.
Cast: Daniel Craig, Rami Malek, Léa Seydoux, Lashana Lynch, Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris, with Jeffrey Wright, with Christoph Waltz and Ralph Fiennes as “M”
Also starring Rory Kinnear, Ana de Armas, Dali Benssalah, David Dencik, and Billy Magnussen
Score Album on DECCA RECORDS
FX’s ‘Atlanta’ To Resume Production In 2021
The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has halted yet another award-winning television show: FX’s Atlanta.
Variety reports the series, created by Donald Glover, will resume production for seasons three and four in 2021, according to FX Networks and FX Productions chairman John Landgraf.
During a virtual press conference, Landgraf praised Glover and “his intrepid team” for being able to finish writing both forthcoming seasons over the last few months. One season will primarily be filmed in Atlanta, Georgia as usual, while the other will be filmed in Europe.
Landgraf said the safety of the cast and crew is their “No. 1 priority,” which includes implementing new procedures, such as testing, social distancing practices, and contact tracing, as well as access to doctors, in response to COVID-19.
It’s been a year and a half since the newest episode of the FX series, which originally aired in 2016. Glover also stars in the series alongside Lakeith Stanfield, Zazie Beetz, and Brian Tyree Henry as rapper Paper Boi navigating Atlanta’s rap scene.
In 2017, Atlanta won a Golden Globe award for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy and an Emmy for Outstanding Cinematography a year later. Comedian Katt Williams received an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his guest appearance on season two.
Other FX series preparing to return to production this fall include Pose, Snowfall, American Horror Story and American Crime Story. Fargo just wrapped production on the final two episodes of its fourth season.
Source: Variety
Kevin Hart To Host Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethon’s Jerry Lewis Telethon
Kevin Hart will join as the new host of Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Jerry Lewis Telethon. The two-hour special to raise awareness and charitable contributions will air on Oct. 24 at 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET.
The virtual fundraising event will feature comedy and musical performances, interactive games, as well as a look into the work of MDA and the comedian’s own Help From the Hart Charity, through profiles on families, research and care. The host will be joined by guests Jack Black, Usain Bolt, Josh Gad, Michael B. Jordan, Eva Longoria, Jillian Mercado and more.
“This is an incredible opportunity to bring the work of Jerry Lewis and the Muscular Dystrophy Association forward. I’m honored to collaborate with MDA and my organization to educate and entertain the public about the need to support people with disabilities and disadvantages, because we are all in this together,” said Hart. “I can’t wait to have an incredible night for two critically important causes that are in urgent need of funding and hope.”
Additional events include seven weeks of live gaming and esports activities leading up to the telethon. MDA’s Let’s Play gaming platform will host the specials starting Sept. 12, taking place on Twitch every Saturday. It will end with the final marathon stream, MDA Let’s Play For A Cure, on Oct. 24. Each week’s event will feature gaming influencers and showcase game titles such as Fortnite, Fall Guys and Minecraft.
Funds raised from the event will go toward the MDA’s research on treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, ALS and 43 additional neuromuscular diseases. Donations will also support medial care teams at over 150 MDA care centers at medical institutions.
Source: Associated Press
Jamie Foxx Signs Feature Film Producing Deal With Sony Pictures
Jamie Foxx and his producing partner, Datari Turner, have signed an overall deal with Sony Pictures Entertainment to develop and produce feature films.
The first project in development that Foxx and Turner are producing for the studio under their new deal is an untitled action thriller written by Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier, which Foxx is also set to star in.
“Not only is Jamie Foxx one of the most talented and decorated actors in the world he is also an idea machine,” said Sanford Panitch, president of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group. “As a company, we have been lucky to work with Jamie in Baby Driver and Amazing Spiderman, but his creativity as a producer is his most exciting role yet. Jamie is wildly creative, funny, and brilliant, he walks the walk, he talks the talk and we are so proud to be in this partnership with Jamie and Datari. We already have a few projects secretly going and this is only the beginning.”
Foxx and Teyonah Parris recently joined John Boyega in the sci-fi mystery “They Cloned Tyrone” for Netflix and Macro. Foxx won an acting Oscar for “Ray” and was nominated in the supporting category for “Collateral.” He starred in the legal drama “Just Mercy” and nabbed the supporting actor trophy at the NAACP Image Awards earlier this year.
Foxx is currently starring in Netflix’s “Power Project,” and will be seen in Pixar’s “Soul” in the role of a passionate music teacher. He’s also set to star in Blumhouse’s “Spawn.”
Turner produced the Netflix film “Uncorked,” earlier this year starring Courtney B. Vance and Niecy Nash, and “Nine Days,” starring Winston Duke and Zazie Beetz. Foxx is repped by CAA, LBI Entertainment, and Ziffren Brittenham.
Source: Variety
Charlamagne tha God Launches New Podcast Network With Jess Hilarious, 85 South, & More On IHeartMedia
Charlamagne tha God inked a partnership with iHeartMedia to launch the Black Effect Podcast Network, anchored by his own syndicated radio show “The Breakfast Club.”
The Black Effect Podcast Network is slated to debut this fall with 18 podcasts on iHeartRadio and other podcast platforms, curated by Charlamagne. According to iHeartMedia, the venture is positioned to become the world’s largest podcast publisher dedicated to Black listeners and voices in Black culture.
Under the deal, Charlamagne’s popular nationally syndicated radio show, “The Breakfast Club,” will bring its replay podcast to the Black Effect Podcast Network as its flagship show effective immediately. The show, which averages over 4.5 million weekly listeners, is syndicated by iHeartMedia’s Premiere Networks.
Other creators in the Black Effect Podcast Network will include comedian-actress Jess Hilarious, social justice activist Tamika Mallory, and attorney and TV host Eboni K. Williams. Charlamagne and iHeartMedia also have agreements to bring other podcasts to the Black Effect Network, including “All The Smoke,” “Drink Champs” and “The 85 South Show.”
Additionally, the parties plan for the Black Effect Podcast Network to produce limited-series podcasts in conjunction with creators, music artists, actors, and sports stars to support their upcoming films, music releases, and related projects.
“Blackness has an immediate, culture-shifting effect on everything,” Charlamagne tha God said in a statement. “Blackness controls the cool. Blackness is the culture, but Black Voices are not monolithic. The only way to appreciate the diversity of thought and experiences in Black culture is to build a platform for those voices to be heard.”
The vision for the Black Effect Podcast Network, he added, is “to amplify, elevate, and empower emerging and established talent. Our goal is to shift the narrative from Black creators signing transactional deals, to instead forming legacy partnerships that build generational wealth while allowing each creative to have an equitable stake in their future. As a long-time partner of iHeart, it’s an honor to make history with them.”
All shows on the Black Effect Podcast Network will be distributed through the iHeartPodcast Network, which hosts more than 750 original podcasts spanning genres including business, sports, spirituality, technology, entertainment, family, comedy and true crime. The company’s podcasts are distributed on all major podcast platforms, including the iHeartRadio app.
“As our country’s No. 1 audio company and podcaster, we have both the responsibility and the opportunity to give new voices a massive audience platform for creativity and innovation — and for important ideas that need to be heard,” Bob Pittman, chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia, said in announcing the deal for the Black Effect. “Charlamagne tha God is an unparalleled multiplatform creator whose impact extends across radio, digital, social, TV, events and podcasts.”
The Black Effect Podcast Network launch lineup will include: “Drink Champs” with N.O.R.E and DJ EFN; “All the Smoke” with Matt Barnes; “The 85 South Show” with Karlous Miller, DC Young Fly and Chico Bean; “Whoreible Decisions” with Mandii B and Weezy; “Dropping Gems” with Devi Brown; “Holding Court” with Eboni K. Williams; “Carefully Reckless” with Jess Hilarious; “Street Politicians” with Tamika Mallory and Mysonne; “Hot Happy Mess” with Zuri Hall; “Untitled” with Bonang Matheba; “Hello Somebody” with Senator Nina Turner; “P.O.D.” with Ashley and Tammy; “Straight Shot No Chaser” with Tezlyn Figaro; “Laugh and Learn” with Flame Monroe (executive produced by Tiffany Haddish); “Checking In” with Michelle Williams; “Cut To It” with Steven Smith Sr.; “No Ceilings” with Glasses Malone; and “Gangster Chronicles” with MC EIHT, Reggie Wright Jr. and James McDonald.
Charlamagne tha God (real name Lenard McKelvey) is set to be inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in October, alongside “The Breakfast Club” co-hosts Angela Yee and DJ Envy. In addition to “The Breakfast Club,” Charlamagne also co-hosts the “Brilliant Idiots” podcast and runs his own YouTube channel, CThaGod. He also is the author of “Black Privilege” and “Shook One.” Charlamagne’s production company, CTHAGOD World Productions, aims to discover and advocate for emerging talent.
The outspoken radio host, who’s called himself “the prime minister of pissing people off,” is no stranger to controversy. In July, Charlamagne said about ViacomCBS’s cutting ties with Nick Cannon over anti-Semitic comments, “If there’s one thing Jewish people have showed us, it’s they have the power”; that drew a rebuke from the head of the Anti-Defamation League. Cannon, who has apologized for his remarks, returned to hosting his syndicated radio show this week.
Separately, this summer iHeartmedia launched the BIN: Black Information Network, which it calls the first and only 24-hour service dedicated to news coverage from a Black perspective, in multiple radio markets.
Source: Variety
Kevin Hart’s Laugh Out Loud Becomes Programming Partner For The Just For Laughs Comedy Festival
Montréal (September 9, 2020) – After much preparation, in an extraordinary and challenging time for all, renowned comedy leader Just For Laughs is proud to reveal the first slate of programming for the Just For Laughs Festival, presented by La Capitale Insurance and Financial Services, in collaboration with Loto Québec. JFL’s first-ever 100% virtual and 100% free online festival will take place on October 9 & 10, 2020. Featuring over 100 artists, Just For Laughs Festival will feature special programming focusing on today’s timely and important topics, with a thought-provoking comedy spin aiming to inspire and engage audiences near and far.
Excitingly this year, JFL and Kevin Hart’s global comedy brand, Laugh Out Loud (LOL), are expanding their long standing relationship. LOL’s experiential division, LOL X, will serve as the official programming partner for the Just For Laughs Festival, curating a robust lineup for their very own comedy room within the festival which will be dedicated to celebrating Comedy in Color, featuring a mix of live stand-up performances from top-tier talent and emerging comedians, virtual panel discussions, live podcast tapings, and more.
Just For Laughs has worked tirelessly over the recent months to curate an inimitable comedy experience that will include multiple digital comedy rooms running simultaneously with a hybrid of programming in forms of
In Conversations, live discussions, and panels, designed specifically for online audiences. Promising to be riveting, original, and interactive, the Just For Laughs Festival will be a platform for discovery, satisfying all comedy fans’ cravings for new, live content after the industry’s abrupt disruption as a result of COVID-19.
“As a leader in the global comedy industry, but also as a true digital comedy pioneer, we are very proud to offer this special edition in an optimized free edition format, enabling us to do what we do best, curating and creating the best of comedy, while making it more accessible than ever, to all fans across the globe”, emphasizes Charles Décarie, President and CEO of the Just for Laughs Group. “We are truly able to deliver a Festival that lives up to Just for Laughs standards. Our spectators will be thrilled to safely reunite with their favorite artists – Rest assured that we will be back in a big way in 2021 with exciting plans for the comedy fans and industry who travel to join us every Summer”.
“Our goal with the Just For Laughs Festival is to really engage with the global comedy community, and have some important discussions regarding big societal issues in a way that’s still entertaining, with comedic relief provided by some of today’s brightest comedy stars”, shared Bruce Hills, President of Just For Laughs. “I could not be more honoured that Kevin Hart’s LOL is our official programming partner, working alongside our talented programming team, to offer the best possible, first-ever, 100% digital comedy festival.”
“Just For Laughs is an unparalleled comedic institution and we are delighted to expand our relationship with the festival and usher in an exciting new phase for our experiential division LOL X!,” said Jeff Clanagan, President of Laugh Out Loud. “Just For Laughs is the perfect partner to shine a spotlight on the emerging, diverse voices that are shaping the future of our Comedy In Color franchise and we look forward to unveiling more in the coming weeks.”
The first slate of artists joining this year’s Just For Laughs Festival include:
HANNAH GADSBY: Tasmania’s own Hannah Gadsby stopped stand-up comedy in its tracks with her multi award–winning show, Nanette, which played to sold out houses in Australia, the UK and New York. Its
launch on Netflix, and subsequent Emmy win, took Nanette (and Hannah) to the world. Hannah’s difficult second album (which was also her eleventh solo show) was named Douglas, after her dog. Douglas was a smash hit, moving beyond the trauma at the centre of Nanetteand instead letting the world see the view from Hannah’s brain – one that sees the world differently but with breathtaking clarity. Earning her an Emmy nomination, her recent comedy special Douglas is now available to stream on Netflix.
JO KOY: Awarded “Stand-Up Comedian of the Year” at the 2018 Montréal Just For Laughs Festival, comedian Jo Koy sells out theatres and arenas across the world. Koy’s most recent variety special Jo Koy: In His Elements was just released on Netflix this summer. Next year, the comedian will be releasing his first autobiography, Mixed Plate where he uncovers the stories behind his stand-up: the conflict, the drama, and the laughter as he struggles to find his place in the entertainment industry, a country and the world.
HOWIE MANDEL Emmy-nominated comedian, actor, host and producer, Howie Mandel, has remained a constant force in show business for more than 30 years. Mandel currently serves as a judge on NBC’s smash competition series, America’s Got Talent in addition to hosting the widely popular hit game show Deal or No Deal. He has worked as a host, actor, and/or executive producer on countless other TV shows including Take It All and Howie Do It for NBC, and recently released his first solo special in 20 years on Showtime, titled Howie Mandel Presents Howie Mandel at the Howie Mandel Comedy Club. Mandel’s versatile career has encompassed virtually all aspects of the entertainment spectrum, including television, film and stage. From his work on the Emmy Award-winning St. Elsewhere, to the international animated children’s series Bobby’s World, Mandel has become a mainstay of the American comedy scene and he continues to perform as many as 200+ stand-up comedy shows yearly across North America.
KENYA BARRIS: A Rhodes Scholar. A triathlete. A safe driver. Kenya Barris is none of these. And while Barris is widely celebrated as an award-winning writer, producer, director, and now, actor, it may surprise many to learn just how under-recognized for over-accessorizing he truly is. Barris is perhaps best known for creating the hit comedy series black-ish, which quickly became a critical and popular success amassing numerous awards and launching two spin-offs, grown-ish and mixed-ish. Still, of all his many accolades, Barris remains most humbled by being named the proud recipient of the prestigious 1998 Federal Tax Lien. Notwithstanding a decades-long addiction to Afrin nasal-spray, Barris hasn’t stopped creating television shows, among them the recently-launched Netflix original series #blackAF and the variety sketch series Astronomy Club. Barris has also further expanded his work into features and will release two films in the coming year, Coming to America 2, the highly anticipated sequel to John Landis’ 1980s classic starring Eddie Murphy, and an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Witches with Robert Zemeckis directing and Octavia Spencer and Anne Hathaway set to star. Along with this bio, Barris has several highly-anticipated projects in the works, including a feature-length musical about Juneteenth with Pharrell Williams as his partner on the project; Entergalactic, a first-of-its-kind adult animated music series based on Kid Cudi’s upcoming album of the same name; a reboot of the family comedy Cheaper By The Dozen; an animated feature based on the songs of Bob Marley; and a remake of the classic sports comedy White Men Can’t Jump, among others.
SARAH COOPER: In April 2020, Sarah went viral with her brilliant satirical lip-sync impressions of the current U.S. President. She has been retweeted and praised by the likes of Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben Stiller, Halle Berry, Chrissy Teigen, Jane Lynch, Jerry Seinfeld, Seth Meyers and Bette Midler amongst others. These “how to” videos have been seen by tens of millions of people including her “How to Medical” video which has been viewed over 20 million times and counting. Sarah’s first variety special SARAH COOPER: EVERYTHING’S FINE, directed by Natasha Lyonne and executive produced by Maya Rudolph, will premiere on Netflix this Fall. She is currently writing a new show for CBS adapted from her best-selling book How To Be Successful Without Hurting Men’s Feelings. Sarah was named one of Variety Magazine’s “10 Comics To Watch For 2020” and guest hosted Jimmy Kimmel Live in August 2020. Prior to her online success, Sarah also wrote the best-selling book 100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings. Sarah is next set to pen an auto-biographical take of Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People for Audible. Her social platform is in the millions and continues rising daily.
AMBER RUFFIN: Emmy and WGA Award Nominee Amber Ruffin is a writer and performer for NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers and was the first African-American female to write for a late-night network talk show in the US. Ruffin’s own series The Amber Ruffin Show is coming soon to Peacock. Ruffin wrote and performed on Comedy Central’s Detroiters and is a regular narrator on Drunk History, and has also written for the HBO’s A Black Lady Sketch Show.
TITUSS BURGESS: Emmy and SAG nominated actor, musician and writer, Tituss Burgess is quickly emerging as one of the entertainment industry’s most versatile and dynamic performers, with his work in television and theatre generating both critical and commercial acclaim. Rising to fame in his iconic role as “Titus Andromedon” in Netflix’s Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Burgess can currently be seen as the host of Quibi’s hit new cooking competition, Dishmantled and in Apple TV+’s Central Park, an animated musical comedy series that follows the Tillermans, a family that lives in Central Park. Later this year, Burgess will appear in MGM’s Aretha Franklin biopic Respect; as well as the up-coming Netflix music competition show, Sing On!.
NICOLE BYER: Nicole Byer is one of the most versatile and recognizable voices in the comedy landscape today, currently starring as host of Netflix’s Emmy-nominated competition baking series Nailed It. She can be seen as producer and star of the scripted comedy series Loosely Exactly Nicole, which debuted on MTV and aired its second season on Facebook Watch. Byer also continues to host her very popular weekly podcast Why Won’t You Date Me?
TRIXIE MATTEL: Trixie Mattel is the stage name of Brian Michael Firkus, an American singer, actor, drag queen and recognized “Skinny Legend.” Trixie is the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars season 3 (originally competing on season 7). He is also a Billboard Heatseekers #1 charting recording artist, a wildly successful theater touring act, and one half of a comic duo on Viceland’s The Trixie and Katya Show.
DEANNE SMITH: Canadian Comedy Award winner, DeAnne Smith, has performed at festivals all over the world including Just For Laughs, JFL42, JFL NorthWest, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, the New Zealand International Comedy Festival, and Austin’s Moontower Comedy Fest, just to name a few. She’s also been on TV all over the world, including appearances on Last Comic Standing and The Late Late Show. Her video Straight Men, Step Your Game Up has over 46 million views. Her Netflix half-hour comedy special, the critically-praised Gentleman Elf, debuted January 2019. She is currently developing a sitcom for CBC.
JENNY HAGEL: Jenny Hagel is a TV writer and comedy performer who is also the Executive Producer and Head Writer of The Amber Ruffin Show (Peacock). She also writes for NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers. Hagel’s other writing credits include the Golden Globe Awards, TruTV’s Impractical Jokers, Logo’s Big Gay Sketch Show, and Head Writer of Fuse’s White Guy Talk Show.
ANDY KINDLER: Andy Kindler currently recurs on Fox’s hit animation, Bob’s Burgers and Comedy Central’s long-running Tosh.O. He is also a regular on the critically-praised Canadian web series, But I’m Chris Jericho. Andy was the host of Season 4 and 5 of Hulu’s standup series, Coming to the Stage as well as a series judge on the seventh season of NBC’s Last Comic Standing, the star of two half-hour Comedy Central Presents specials and was a frequent guest and correspondent on The Late Show with David Letterman with over 40 appearances. He has previously recurred on Everybody Loves Raymond, Showtime’s I’m Dying Up Here, Disney’s Wizards of Waverly Place, IFC’s Maron and Comedy Central’s The Daily Show. Every year Andy delivers his infamous State of the Industry Address at the Just for Laughs Festival in Montréal.
CRAVE’s CANADA’S DRAG RACE: Beyond the eleganza extravaganza, the drama, and the competition, there is fierce and cheeky humour. On Saturday Oct. 10, viewers are invited to a live conversation with the Top 4 finalists of Crave’s Canada’s Drag Race, JIMBO, Rita Baga, Scarlett Bobo, and Canada’s First Drag Superstar, Priyanka! Also joining the Queens is Canada’s Drag Race judge Stacey McKenzie, as they spill the tea on their time on the first season, and how laughter, love, and inclusivity plays a huge part in making it so successful.
CBS ALL ACCESS’ TOONING OUT THE NEWS: CBS All Access’ animated daily news satire series Tooning Out the News joins Just for Laughs for a panel with Executive Producer RJ Fried (‘James Smartwood’), Co-executive producer/ head writer Zach Smilovitz, Jack Bensinger (‘Tyler Templeton’), Maureen Monahan (‘Kylie Weaver’), Naima Pearce (‘Tory Hughes’), Ike Ufomadu (‘Dr. Ike Bloom’) and a conversation with their animated counterparts. The discussion will focus on the upcoming U.S. election and world events.
VARIETY’S 10 COMICS TO WATCH presented by Cohen Gardner LLP: One of the biggest events in the comedy world each year is Variety’s unveiling of their annual “10 Comics To Watch” feature. Catch the best and brightest from “10 Comics To Watch” and let them show you why they made the 2020 list.
NEW FACES: CREATORS: This showcase features the up-and-coming influencers and creators who are contributing to the evolution of the comedy landscape as we know it!
Festival Juste pour rire: More accessible than ever with three viewing experiences
On the French-language side, you can’t miss the terrific programming of this hybrid edition, with three innovative methods for consuming content. Whether they’re presented live from the Yoop Montreal space at Place des Arts, or from the Théâtre St-Denis, or from the Festival micro-site designed specifically for the occasion, this year’s galas, concept shows and major conversation events will be true to the event you love – an event that’s been lighting up the streets of Montreal for 38 years now. Among the offerings is the return of the now-celebrated Soirées Carte Blanche at the Théâtre St-Denis, which may be presented before live audiences, just like the Rire en français gala. The partnership with the Yoop space will make it possible to present several shows before a live audience while also broadcasting them in real time via the digital platform, enabling a wider viewership to enjoy the shows through the sale of unlimited-capacity access. And to close out this edition, catch the biggest names in comedy and their guests during the digital free portion of the Festival on October 9th and 10th, including excerpts from their previously-taped performances posted online, along with 100% exclusive content!
Additional artists, events and show times to be announced in the coming weeks.
THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS
The Just For Laughs Group would like to thank all its partners, who have been tremendous allies in bringing about the success of this initiative. First, we’d like to acknowledge the support of
La Capitale Insurance and Financial Services,Loto-Québec, Laugh Out Loud (LOL), CTV Comedy Channel, and Variety. We also extend our thanks to our public partners: the City of Montréal, SODEC and the Government of Canada.
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Loretta Devine/Kym Whitley Star In ‘Pandemically Single’ – Hilarious New Comedy Web Series
In the midst of a pandemic, those looking for love must now navigate life and relationships around the world while trying to stay alive.
From award winning producer Re’Shaun Frear and writer, Dee LaSure comes “Pandemically Single” a scripted comedy series. The show premiered the first 3 episodes pre-Labor Day, during Labor Day weekend on LaSure TV on Youtube.
The series boasts an exciting cast including Loretta Devine, Kym Whitley, Angie Stone, CeCe Peniston, Jensen Atwood, Denise Dowse, Wendell James, Carl Lewis, Reid J Rich, and more. Singles will follow mandatory social distancing guidelines while trying to connect with love interests over social media. Singles will work to balance old school dating ideals with dating in today’s social media driven era. The series will bring some much-needed entertainment to viewers during one the most challenging times in America’s history. The series consists of 10 episodes with several celebrity appearances throughout.
Pandemically Single is executive produced by Re’Shaun Frear, Dee LaSure & Carol Shine. Also, on production is producer Gerry Ringgold and co-producers, Erin Fleming and Reid Rich.
About Re’Shaun Frear
He’s an award-winning Film/TV producer with more than a decade of experience. His film credits include the critically acclaimed and NAACP nominated film “Dirty Laundry” starring Loretta Devine and Rockmond Dunbar. “Black Poker Stars” starring Katt Williams and Anthony Anderson, and “Pastor Brown,” starring Salli Richardson and actor/director Rockmond Dunbar on Lifetime with more than 2.2 million viewers.
About Dee LaSure
Dee LaSure is an award-winning playwright best known for her SOLD OUT stage plays “Color Blind “, “It’s Not About You”, and “A Cross To Bear”. With more than 20 years of experience as a writer, LaSure worked for Jupiter Entertainment on the hit show “Justice By Any Means.” She was Associate Producer on the first season of “ATL Homicide” and has made appearances on various Jupiter crime reality shows including; Snapped, Fatal Attraction, and For My Man. She’s the author of “Men On Women: Perspectives on Life, Love, and Relationships.”
