Dwayne Johnson To Star In New NBC Comedy ‘Young Rock’
Capping off his first time before press as NBC Entertainment chairman, Paul Telegdy delivered yet another surprise on Saturday.
The network has handed out a straight-to-series, 11-episode order for the Dwayne Johnson comedy Young Rock, inspired by his life and featuring the mega-star.
Johnson will appear in every episode, as the focus and inspiration of the series will be on his formative years. The single-camera comedy will be co-written by former Fresh Off the Boat showrunner Nahnatchka Khan and her longtime collaborator Jeff Chiang. Both will executive produce alongside Johnson and his Seven Bucks Productions’ Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, Brian Gewirtz and Jennifer Carreras.
The project hails from Universal Television, which inked Khan — who created ABC’s Fresh Off the Boat — to a rich eight-figure overall deal last year that saw her move her Fierce Baby Productions shingle from her longtime home at 20th Century Fox TV. The company’s credits include ABC’s Don’t Trust the B— in Apartment 23, on which Khan worked with Chiang.
A premiere date for the Johnson series has not been determined, but given that NBC’s midseason schedule is set, Young Rock will likely be for the 2020-21 broadcast season. This is the second straight-to-series pickup that will likely be earmarked for NBC next season and joins Ted Danson’s L.A. mayoral comedy from 30 Rock duo Tina Fey and Robert Carlock.
Johnson most recently hosted and produced NBC’s unscripted series The Titan Games, which has already been renewed for a second season. He can currently be seen in Jumanji: The Next Level, which has grossed more than $600 million at the worldwide box office, and will next star in Disney’s Jungle Cruise feature.
Broadcast networks continue to look to recognizable stars as well as reboots and revivals as a way to cut through an increasingly crowded scripted landscape that, in 2019, featured a record 532 scripted originals.
Young Rock capped a busy morning at TCA for Telegdy, who also announced a three-season renewal for the medical drama New Amsterdam, the return of Fey and Amy Poehler as hosts for the 2021 Golden Globes, a pickup for the unscripted series Making It and a nature docuseries from BBC Studios.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Kevin Hart’s Night School Lands NBC Order For New Show
Kevin Hart is going back to Night School.The comedian is executive producing an NBC comedy based on the 2018 movie he co-wrote, produced and starred in opposite Tiffany Haddish. The network has given a pilot order to the project, which hails from Universal TV.
Similar to the film, the potential series will follow a mix of adults at a night school GED prep class who unexpectedly bond over their shared experience and find themselves helping each other both inside and out of the classroom.
Chris Moynihan (NBC’s Marlon) is writing the multicamera comedy and will executive produce with Hart, Will Packer, Sheila Ducksworth and Malcolm D. Lee. Packer produced and Lee directed the film.
Universal TV is producing the pilot along with Hart’s Hartbeat Productions, Will Packer Media and Moynihan’s Bicycle Path Productions. Bryan Smiley and Tiffany Brown will oversee for Hartbeat.
Universal Pictures’ Night School opened in September 2018 and made better than $27 million on its opening weekend on its way to a $103 million worldwide gross against a $29 million budget.
Hart’s recent credits as a producer include the Netflix docuseries Don’t F**k This Up, FXX’s upcoming comedy Dave and CBS’ game show TKO: Total Knock Out (which he also hosted). Packer also has a long-standing relationship with Universal, which in addition to Night School released Girls Trip and Little.
Lee is repped by Paradigm and Del Shaw.
Night School joins an NBC development slate that includes Tina Fey and Robert Carlock’s straight-to-series comedy starring Ted Danson and Holly Hunter; a multicam comedy from The Big Bang Theory co-creator Bill Prady and former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino; the esports comedy The Squad from Johnny Galecki; a rom-com from Larry Wilmore and comedian London Hughes; dramas based on the movies St. Elmo’s Fire and Serendipity; and dramas from Amy Poehler, Julie Plec and Supergirl showrunners Jessica Queller and Robert Rovner.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Lil Rel Howery To Host 11th AAFCA Awards
S&A RISING Award winner Lil Rel Howery has been tapped as the host of the 11th African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) Awards.
Howery, coming off of his recent HBO special, has several films coming out this year, including The Photograph with Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield, Free Guy with Ryan Reynolds, and Bad Trip with Eric Andre and Tiffany Haddish.
“We are very excited to have Lil Rel as the host of the 11th Annual AAFCA Awards,” said Gil Robertson, AAFCA CEO/President. “He is an exceptional talent across the board, and we can’t wait. It’s going to be a night to remember.”
“I am really excited to host this very special and important award show that truly does a great job of honoring the best in tv and film,” said Howery.
The ceremony will be held at the Taglyan Complex in Hollywood on Jan. 22.
Chris Rock To Play A Crime Boss In Season 4 Of ‘Fargo’
FX has dropped the trailer for the highly-anticipated fourth season of its acclaimed anthology series, Fargo.
Season 4 is led by Chris Rock and also stars Ben Wishaw, Jessie Buckley, Jeremie Harris, Glynn Turman, Corey Hendrix, Matthew Elam, Anji White, E’myri Crutchfield, Amber Midthunder, Jack Huston, Jason Schwartzman, Salvatore Esposito, Andrew Bird, Gaetano Bruno and Francesco Acquaroli. Uzo Aduba will appear in a recurring capacity.
Here’s the description: In 1950, at the end of two great American migrations — that of Southern Europeans from countries like Italy, who came to the U.S. at the turn of the last century and settled in northern cities like New York and Chicago — and African Americans who left the south in great numbers to escape Jim Crow and moved to those same cities — you saw a collision of outsiders, all fighting for a piece of the American dream. In Kansas City, Missouri, two criminal syndicates have struck an uneasy peace. One Italian, one African American. Together they control an alternate economy — that of exploitation, graft and drugs. This too is the history of America. To cement their peace, the heads of both families have traded their eldest sons.
Rock plays the head of one family, a man “who — in order to prosper — has surrendered his oldest boy to his enemy, and who must, in turn, raise his enemy’s son as his own. It’s an uneasy peace, but profitable. And then the head of the Kansas City mafia goes into the hospital for routine surgery and dies. And everything changes. It’s a story of immigration. assimilation and the things we do for money. And as always, a story of basically decent people who are probably in over their heads. You know, Fargo.”
Fargo’s first season won three Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Miniseries, two Golden Globe Awards, including Best Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television, and a Peabody Award. The second season won two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Cinematography for a Limited Series or Movie and Outstanding Sound Editing for a Limited Series, Movie or Special. The third installment won an additional Emmy and Golden Globe Award.
Source: Shadow & Act
Prince To Receive All-Star Grammy Tribute
Prince will receive an all-star tribute after the 2020 Grammy Awards featuring Alicia Keys, John Legend, Beck, Usher, Chris Martin, H.E.R., St. Vincent, and others, according to an official announcement published by Rolling Stone. “Let’s Go Crazy: The show will be held January 28th, two days after the Grammys, at the Los Angeles Convention Center and will be broadcast in April.
Perhaps most interesting to fans, Prince’s longtime friends and collaborators Sheila E. and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis of The Time will be co-musical directors, while his former band the Revolution and longtime associates The Time, Mavis Staples and Susannah Hoffs will also perform. The night’s lineup is currently rounded out by Common, Gary Clark, Jr., Juanes and Earth, Wind & Fire.
The Prince tribute will follow past “Grammy Salute” concerts, which have honored the Beatles, the Bee Gees, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Motown and Aretha Franklin. Like those shows, according to the announcement this one will cover several different eras of Prince’s musical career, with biographical segments interspersed between the musical performances.
Sheila E. confirmed that her band will also get its own set — performing her Prince-penned breakthrough hit “The Glamourous Life” and his 1985 song “America.” Sheila E. also helmed tribute to Prince at the 2016 Vibe Awards
“I was very honored to be able to do this for so many reasons, but to be able to help celebrate the life of a dear friend and be a part of this and be musical director is awesome,” she said.
In a statement, Recording Academy President/CEO Deborah Dugan said, “Prince. The Purple One. His Royal Badness — regardless of how you identify him, he is indisputably one of the greatest musical virtuosos of all time. With his subversive attitude and commanding nature, he straddled musical genres and created electrifying music that was bursting with character. He continues to serve as an inspirational icon for artists and fans worldwide, and we are so honored to pay tribute to his legacy.”
Source: Variety
Leslie Jones To Host New ABC Game Show ‘Supermarket Sweep’
ABC is bringing back the classic TV game show “Supermarket Sweep,” hosted and executive produced by Emmy® Award-nominated comedienne and actress Leslie Jones. Produced by Fremantle, the fast-paced and energetic series follows three teams of two as they battle it out using their grocery shopping skills and knowledge of merchandise to win big cash prizes. The original format aired on ABC from 1965-1967 and went on to become a global sensation. It was adapted in 13 international territories and, most recently, relaunched in the UK. Production on the 10-episode order is set to begin this spring. An airdate will be announced at a later date.
“I’ve always dreamed of being on ‘Supermarket Sweep,’” said Leslie Jones. “Seriously, I tried out for the show years ago; and after getting turned away, I knew I’d have to take matters into my own hands. Being able to bring the iconic game show back to life on ABC is my ultimate redemption story!”
“’Supermarket Sweep’ is the perfect addition to ABC’s strong lineup of classic game show revivals, and we struck gold having Leslie Jones as the host and executive producer,” said Karey Burke, president, ABC Entertainment. “The original version was one of my all-time favorites. I can’t wait for it to be reintroduced with Leslie’s fresh and unique take on the classic supermarket race, which will undoubtedly appeal to an entirely new generation of viewers.”
“We are beyond excited to bring back one of TV’s most beloved game shows,” said Jayson Dinsmore, president, Alternative Development and Programming, Fremantle. “‘Supermarket Sweep’ is a fan favorite; and with the addition of genius Leslie Jones, a new generation will be introduced to this truly special series.”
Leslie Jones is a three-time EmmyAward nominee and former SNL cast member. Her Netflix one-hour standup special, “Leslie Jones: Time Machine,” launches on Jan. 14, 2020. She can be seen next on “Coming to America 2” for Paramount Pictures, set for a 2020 Christmas release. Jones is also set to shoot the film “Queenpins” later this year, opposite Kristen Bell, after having recently completed voicing the lead villain role in “Angry Birds 2” for Sony Pictures Animation.
“Supermarket Sweep” is produced by Fremantle. Executive producers include Leslie Jones, Hunter Seidman and Jennifer Mullin, Alycia Rossiter and Wes Kauble.
Is Jamie Foxx Going On Tour With Eddie Murphy?
Are two legends preparing to share the stage? Comedian/actor/singer Jamie Foxx sat down with Ellen Degeneres to share some super funny impressions of his celebrity friends, like Jay-Z and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and revealed that he’s returning to his roots: stand-up comedy.
His previous stand-up tours, which infused comedy and his love for music, are still relevant today.
Watch the interview below:
Comedian Lil Duval To Host The 2020 Funk Fest Tour Featuring Rick Ross, Trina, T.I., Fat Joe, Fantasia, Babyface, & More
(ORLANDO, FL) – January 9, 2020 – Funk Fest, the southeast’s longest-running urban music festival will launch its 15th annual two-day concert featuring some of music’s most exciting hitmakers. Taking place at Tinker Field Friday, April 17 – Saturday April 18. This unforgettable lineup includes performances by: Rick Ross, Trina, T.I., Fat Joe, Fantasia, Babyface, Kem, Music Soulchild, Carol Thomas, Black Street, K-CI and more! The party doesn’t end in Orlando. Funk Fest has more amazing shows planned for Birmingham, Louisville, Atlanta, and Martha’s Vineyard.
In a climate where most regional music festivals have a difficult time surviving, for 15 years, Funk Fest has consistently defeated the odds by continuing to create a platform that celebrates urban music, anticipates cultural trends, and honoring musical legends by creating performance platforms for them to continue.
Founded by Leo Bennett, owner of Variety Entertainment, this festival stage has been the home to some of music greats such as: Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Faith, Rakim, New Edition and so many more. Having built this brand from the ground up, here’s what Leo Bennett had to say about Funk Fest 2020 “I’m super excited about Orlando Funk Fest 2020! So happy to be back at Tinker Field the venue where it all started in Orlando! We have implemented so many upgrades to ensure a better experience. Fans can expect new seating levels, multiple viewing screens, larger production, and most importantly an incredible artist line up!. Our Vibe has always been, Good Music, Good People and Good Times!”
VIP Packages for Funk Fest are on sale NOW. Full package amenities and pricing for the Vibranium, Platinum, and Gold packages can be found by visitingwww.funkfesttour.com
General tickets for Funk Fest and additional dates are available NOW at: www.funkfesttour.com
Niecy Nash Among Stars To Be Honored For ‘Essence’s Black Women In Hollywood’ Event
NEW YORK, NY (January 10, 2020)—ESSENCE, the number one media, technology and commerce company dedicated to Black women globally, has unveiled the honorees for its highly-esteemed 2020 Black Women in Hollywood Awards. The highly coveted invitation-only Oscar-week event—spotlighting Hollywood’s most renowned and accomplished women at the forefront of the industry—will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2020 at the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, CA. This year’s theme, in honor of the brand’s 50th anniversary, will be a celebration of women owning, expanding and transforming the art of storytelling. ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood is presented by Ford and sponsored by AT&T Humanity of Connection, Geico, L’Oréal Paris and Netflix.
The 2020 illustrious Black Women in Hollywood honorees include: EMMY Award-winning actress, comedian, director and producer Niecy Nash (When They See Us, Claws, Kidnapped: The Kamiyah Mobley Story); DGA nominated director and two-time Grammy Award winning music video director Melina Matsoukas (Queen & Slim, Master of None’s “Thanksgiving”, “Formation” by Beyoncé); actress Lashana Lynch (Captain Marvel and the upcoming No Time to Die); and the trailblazing cast and co-executive producer/director/writer of Pose(Janet Mock, Mj Rodriguez, Indya Moore, Dominique Jackson, Angelica Ross and Hailie Sahar). The star-studded list of presenters will include EMMY, GRAMMY and Tony award-winning actor Billy Porter (Pose, American Horror Story.) Additional presenters will be announced at a later date.
“For fifty years, ESSENCE has remained committed to portraying and highlighting the triumphs, aspirations and dynamic lives of Black women,” said Michelle Ebanks, CEO of ESSENCE Communications, Inc. “The ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood luncheon has become an amazing platform to recognize and honor the unparalleled talents of Black women in an industry that often hasn’t. We celebrate all of our honorees this year for their fearlessness and strength as they boldly continue to own their narratives and share our stories.”
“ESSENCE is thrilled to commemorate the creative and critical achievements of Black women as originators, nurturers, makers and creators during our 13th Black Women in Hollywood awards luncheon,” said MoAna Luu, ESSENCE Chief Content & Creative Officer. “Whether they’re reclaiming our culture or dismantling traditional gender ideas, each of our honorees uplift us as they present their unique gifts on the screen and behind the camera. As ESSENCE celebrates 50 years of the power of our presence, we are proud to salute them all.”
In addition, ESSENCE’s Oscar week activities will culminate with the launch of the inaugural ESSENCE House: Hollywood Edition, which will be held on Friday, February 7th. This communal space will provide a catalyst for diverse creatives to connect and collaborate through an interactive program. The event will feature a curated schedule of panels, workshops and screenings focused on uplifting emerging storytellers through the mentorship of established Hollywood movers and shakers. Scheduled speakers and participants include talent attorney Nina Shaw; celeb hairstylist Kim Kimble; filmmaker/author Nelson George, producer Nina Yang Bongiovi and more. For more on ESSENCE House: Hollywood Edition visit ESSENCE.com.
ESSENCE’s January/February 2020 issue (on newsstands now) features its annual Black Women in Hollywood package highlighting each honoree. Stay tuned to ESSENCE.com for highlights and behind-the-scenes access to the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards Luncheon. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @essence #BlackWomeninHollywood. Join in the discussion on Facebook.
Chris Tucker & Cathy Hughes Hosts Urban One Honors To Broadcast On January 20th!
The annual URBAN ONE HONORS event will premiere on Monday, January 20 – the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday – at 8 P.M./7C on TV One. Co-hosted by Urban One Founder and Chairwoman Cathy Hughes and actor Chris Tucker, the star-studded event celebrates the 40-year legacy of Radio One and honors some of the biggest names in film, television and music.
In addition to the telecast, TV One will air REPRESENT: 40 YEARS OF NURTURING CHANGEWITH CATHY HUGHES, sponsored by Lexus, immediately preceding the show at 7 P.M. ET/6C. Hosted by Hughes, the TV One special features in-depth one-on-one conversations with actor Billy Porter and activist Rev. Al Sharpton, highlighting their lasting impact on black culture. The special also includes commentary from Urban One CEO Alfred Liggins, III, along with Radio One personalities Rickey Smiley, Russ Parr, Donnie Simpson, and more sharing the impact that working at Radio One had on their careers.
This year’s honorees include:
Veteran music executive Sylvia Rhone (Lifetime Achievement Honor)
Grammy Award-winning recording artist and producer Missy Elliott (Music Innovation Honor)
Academy Award-winning actor Jamie Foxx (Entertainment Icon Honor)
Grammy Award-winning artist Chance the Rapper (Represent Change Honor)
Actor/Dancer and star of “Pose,” Ryan Jamaal Swain (Represent Pride Honor)
Special recognitions for the evening include executive legend Clarence “The Black Godfather” Avant (Represent Opportunity), civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton (Represent Leadership) and Emmy Award-winning actor Billy Porter (Represent Excellence).
Lil’ Kim, Corinne Foxx, Aaron Walton, Billy Porter and Clarence Avant are among the show’s presenters.
The event also features riveting performances from Grammy Award-winning R&B superstar Brandy, Grammy-nominated rapper Wale, new artist Jac Ross, Pastor Charles Jenkins, along with a special musical tribute to the late, two-time Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter, James Ingram, by Ne-Yo, Eric Benét, Chanté Moore and Al B. Sure!
Special appearances by Alfred Liggins, III, veteran radio personality Tom Joyner, entrepreneur and TV personality Ray J, rapper/radio host Da Brat and Reach Media/Radio One personalities Willie Moore, Jr. and Dyana Williams round out the show.
Ford Motor Company serves as Presenting Sponsor of the event and will present a special backstage pass segment hosted by TV Personality Tai Beauchamp, featuring exclusive interviews with the show’s honorees, performers, and presenters. Ford also sponsored the Entertainment Icon Award.
URBAN ONE HONORS is presented by TV One and Radio One’s Washington D.C. market’s cluster of radio stations:
Majic 102.3 and 92.7, WKYS 93.9, Praise 104.1, WOL 1450, Spirit 1340, and The Team 980 and 95.9. The televised event heralds the accomplishments of individuals who have made extraordinary contributions in entertainment, media, music, education, and the community.
URBAN ONE HONORS is produced for TV One by Eric Tomosunas and Keith Neal of Swirl Films. Kashon Powell, Vice President of Programming for Radio One and Susan Henry and Gold Morgan are the Executives in Charge of Production for TV One. For TV One’s Original Programming and Production, Robyn Greene Arrington serves as Vice President and Brigitte McCray serves as Senior Vice President.
