Acclaimed filmmaker Malcolm D. Lee is making bold moves in television with the development of two high-profile drama series: Need to Know, a spy procedural starring Taye Diggs, and Becoming Marlow Fin, a psychological mystery adapted from Ellen Won Steil’s novel. Both projects are being produced under Lee’s Blackmaled Productions banner as part of his first-look deal with Universal Television.
Need to Know, currently in development at NBC, reunites Lee with longtime collaborator Taye Diggs, known for his roles in The Best Man franchise and All American. Diggs will not only star in the series but also serve as an executive producer.
The show is inspired by true events and centers on a battle-hardened CIA veteran (played by Diggs) who is forced to partner with a brash young operative. Together, they run some of the agency’s most daring covert missions from a secret base in South Florida. The series promises a blend of high-stakes espionage, character-driven drama, and real-world intrigue.
The pilot was written by Alexander Maggio (FBI, Homeland), with Terence Paul Winter (The Equalizer, Boston Blue) set to take over as writer and executive producer if the show is picked up to series. Spycraft Entertainment is also on board as a producing partner, bringing authentic intelligence expertise to the project.
Lee’s second project, Becoming Marlow Fin, is in development at Peacock and is based on the debut novel by Ellen Won Steil. The drama unfolds during a live primetime interview with global superstar Marlow Fin, whose carefully curated public image begins to crumble as she recounts the mysterious disappearance of her sister. As the interview progresses, Marlow becomes the prime suspect in the case, and the audience is left to question what’s real and what’s a performance.
Des Moran (Tiny Beautiful Things, Bel-Air) is adapting the novel for television and will serve as executive producer alongside Lee, Steil, and Dominique Telson. The series promises a tense, character-driven narrative that explores fame, family, and the cost of secrets.
These two projects mark a significant expansion of Malcolm D. Lee’s television footprint. Known for his work on hit films like Girls Trip and Space Jam: A New Legacy, Lee is leveraging his cinematic storytelling skills to craft compelling, diverse narratives for the small screen.
With Need to Know and Becoming Marlow Fin, Lee continues to champion stories that center Black voices and experiences, while exploring genres ranging from espionage to psychological drama. Both series are poised to make a major impact when they hit screens — and further cement Lee’s status as a powerhouse in Hollywood storytelling.
Netflix is inviting a whole new generation to Hillman College, as the streamer officially orders the A Different World continuation to series. The single-camera comedy will have 10 half-hour episodes.
Felicia Pride (Grey’s Anatomy, Bel-Air) will serve as showrunner and executive producer. Debbie Allen, who produced, directed, and acted in the OG series, will direct three episodes of the continuation, including the premiere.
The show will center on Deborah Wayne (Maleah Joi Moon), the youngest daughter of Hillman College’s finest, Dwayne Wayne (played by Kadeem Hardison in the original series) and Whitney Gilbert (Jasmine Guy), as she enters her freshman year at their HBCU alma mater and finds the shadow of her parents difficult to escape. She sets out to build her own legacy – while having the time of her life – alongside a whole new generation of Hillman’s best and brightest.
The cast also includes Alijah Kai as Rashida, Chibuikem Uche as Kojo, Cornell Young IV as Shaquille, Jordan Aaron Hall as Amir, and Kennedi Reece as Hazel.
“It is such an honor to be a part of bringing back this iconic show, one that I grew up on and which had a profound impact on my life,” Pride shared. “I am so proud of the work we’re doing to reimagine A Different World for beloved fans and new generations alike.”
Writers from the original series, Reggie Rock Bythewood and Gina Prince-Bythewood, return as executive producers alongside Mandy Summers and Tom Werner.
“A Different World changed everything for us,” said the Bythewoods in a joint statement. “It was where we got our start as writers and where we found each other. This show has always been a part of our love story. To return to Hillman now and help reimagine this world for a new generation feels like a continuation of that legacy – one rooted in love, purpose, and possibility.”
A Different World followed Denise Huxtable (Lisa Bonet) and her new classmates at Hillman College, a fictional historically Black college. Though Bonet exited after one season, the show continued with the leading cast of Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, Dawnn Lewis, Darryl M. Bell, Sinbad, Charnele Brown, Cree Summer, and Glynn Turman.
The retooled second season continued to follow the students’ lives, with the love story between Guy’s Whitley Gilbert and Hardison’s Dwayne Wayne at the center. Dwayne, famous for his glasses that flipped up, finally put a ring on it in the Season 5 episode “Save the Best For Last.” Though Whitley was adamant she didn’t want children, she discovers she’s pregnant in “When One Door Closes,” the penultimate episode of the series, and everyone is elated. However, things get somber when Dwayne reveals he’s accepted a job in Japan, where he and his wife will raise their family — in a different world.
The popular The Cosby Show spinoff ran for six seasons on NBC.
Although no returning cast from the original series have been announced, we previously noted that conversations had been ongoing with key members.
A report from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reveals production will begin on February 5th and will run until April 27.
Source: Deadline
A long-running federal lawsuit against comedian and actor Katt Williams was dismissed.
The judge in the case said that arguments by women suing Williams that alleged it was a challenge to sue him within a legally-obligated time period due to his celebrity status were not valid to let the case continue.
The case was filed in 2022, a redo of an earlier case from 2016, where four women alleged Williams had assaulted, battered, falsely imprisoned, slandered, and intentionally distressed them emotionally.
Put simply, the lawsuit filed against Williams wasn’t served to him or a representative of his until 22 days after the statute of limitations had expired, thus rendering the case unable to proceed.
Despite the dates, the court case continued until Nov. 7, nearly three years after it began.
The delay in service created by how the plaintiff’s legal team filed the lawsuit was accompanied by what a federal judge called “multiple arguments that attempt to justify” it, but “none of these arguments have any merit.”
Court documents say the plaintiffs tried to argue that Williams’ status as a celebrity with private security made it difficult to serve him with the lawsuit and summons to appear in court.
However, the judge ruled that the four plaintiffs suing Williams could not use that as a reason for the delay, writing that it is up to the plaintiffs to exercise the “greatest possible diligence” in serving the defendant.
With that not having been done, in the court’s opinion, Williams’ motion for summary judgment was approved, and the court case was dismissed.
Now, the plaintiffs are on the hook for paying Williams’ legal costs.
The judge did not weigh in on the merits of the lawsuit’s claims against Williams.
“Happy Birthday,” a gem out of the Tribeca Film Festival, has a real chance to become the first film selected by Egypt to make it onto the Oscar shortlist for Best International Feature, and IndieWire has an exclusive look at the film’s trailer.
The drama about an eight-year-old girl desperate to share a birthday wish with her best friend Nelly, in spite of circumstances that are far too complicated for children their age, serves as the directorial debut of Sarah Goher, who most recently was a consulting producer on the Marvel Cinematic Universe limited series “Moon Knight” starring Oscar Isaac and Ethan Hawke.
In addition to winning the awards for Best International Narrative Feature, Best Screenplay in an International Narrative Feature, and the Nora Ephron Award, meant to honor an exceptional female filmmaker who represents the spirit and vision of the legendary filmmaker and writer, at Tribeca this year, “Happy Birthday” is produced by Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx.
“Our hope is that more and more people will get to see this powerful film. It is masterful storytelling by a fresh new voice in film,” said Foxx and his producing partner, Datari Turner, president of Foxxhole Productions, to IndieWire via statement. Some of their company’s recent successes include dual documentaries “Number One on the Call Sheet,” Netflix blockbuster “Back in Action,” Sundance favorite “Luther: Never Too Much,” and “They Cloned Tyrone” from debut feature director Juel Taylor.
“Happy Birthday” was written by Goher and her frequent collaborator, Mohamed Diab, whose own film “Clash” was submitted by Egypt for Oscar consideration in 2016. It is also produced by Ahmed El Desouky for SkyLimit. The film is based on the director’s experience visiting her grandmother in Egypt, and tackles the subjects of class, empathy, and the fragile bonds that connect us, through the eyes of a young domestic worker in Cairo. It has also earned the film the Audience Award for the Mind the Gap section at the Mill Valley Film Festival, and the Grand Narrative Prize at the Heartland Film Festival.
While Egypt has been submitting films for consideration in the Best International Feature category since 1958, starting with Youssef Chahine’s “Cairo Station,” which is in the Criterion Collection, “Happy Birthday” would be the first film from the North African country to make the shortlist, should all go in its favor come December.
Watch the trailer for “Happy Birthday,” a IndieWire exclusive, below.
“Happy Birthday” premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival. It is currently seeking U.S. distribution.
Article By Marcus Jones
In this episode of Box Seats, we discuss all of the major trades that happened in the NFL before the deadline, and the ones that shocked us.
Plus, we also talk about all of the hottest topics in sports!
Comedians joining the show today are Damien Jones and Maurice Smith!
#NBAPlayoffs #NFL #NBA #NBATrades #comedy #comedygrind #NFLTrades #NFLRumors #NFLFreeagency #NewYorkGiants #NewYorkJets #TheClevelandBrowns #TheSteelers #TheRams #Eagles #TheChiefs #Dak #DakPrescott #DallasCowboys #Eagles #PhiladelphiaEagles #philly #Cowboys
Amazon MGM Studios is turning up the heat for its highly anticipated sequel Road House 2, adding three dynamic talents to the cast: Andrew “King Bach” Bachelor, Iko Uwais, and Hidetoshi Nishijima. The trio joins returning star Jake Gyllenhaal, who reprises his role as ex-UFC fighter–turned–barroom bouncer Dalton, in what promises to be a bigger, bolder follow-up to the 2024 reboot of the ‘80s cult classic.
Andrew Bachelor, best known for his viral comedy and breakout roles in films like Violent Night 2, brings his signature charisma and comedic timing to the action-heavy franchise. While character details remain under wraps, Bachelor’s casting hints at a blend of humor and high-octane energy in the sequel.
Joining him is Indonesian martial arts star Iko Uwais, famed for his electrifying performances in The Raid films and Stuber. His inclusion signals that Road House 2 will lean even further into intense, choreographed fight sequences. Japanese actor Hidetoshi Nishijima, acclaimed for his role in the Oscar-winning Drive My Car, adds dramatic weight and international flair to the ensemble.
Directed by Ilya Naishuller and written by Will Beall, the sequel is described as a production of “greater scope, scale, and ambition.” Filming is set to take place across the U.K., Malta, and Savannah, Georgia. The film will also feature a lineup of real-life fighters, including Rico Verhoeven, Michael Chandler, Michael “Venom” Page, Dustin Poirier, Stephen Thompson, and Tyron Woodley, alongside returning cast member Jay Hieron as Jax “Jetway” Harris.
With its expanded cast and global production, Road House 2 is shaping up to be a thrilling continuation of the franchise—blending brutal action, star power, and a fresh comedic edge. Fans can expect a wild ride when the film hits Amazon Prime Video in 2026.
NEW YORK – November 5, 2025 – iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, and Stephen Curry and Erick Peyton’s Unanimous Media today announced “Not My Best Moment” – a new weekly original podcast series hosted by comedian, entrepreneur, and “New York Times” bestselling author Kevin Fredericks (aka KevOnStage). Premiering Wednesday, November 12, the first episode will feature a hilarious and honest conversation with Emmy and Golden Globe–nominated actress, writer, and producer Issa Rae about mistakes, growth, and resilience. Fans can listen to the trailer now, HERE.
Each week on “Not My Best Moment,” KevOnStage will sit down with athletes, entrepreneurs, and cultural trailblazers for candid conversations about the mistakes that made them who they are today. The series creates a safe space to laugh through pain and cry from joy, as guests unpack their lowest points and the lessons that helped them persevere. From early failures to career pivots and personal growth, Kevin will guide guests to find meaning in their missteps and humor in hindsight.
“I’ve made a career out of laughing at my own mistakes, so creating a space where people can do the same felt natural,” said Kevin Fredericks (aka KevOnStage) “‘Not My Best Moment’ is about finding the humor in our hardest times and realizing we’re all just figuring it out as we go. I’m excited to partner with iHeartPodcasts and Unanimous Media to help people laugh, learn, and maybe even heal a little through these conversations.”
“We’re proud to partner with Kevin and Unanimous Media on a series that celebrates honesty, growth and the humor that connects us all,” said Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts. “‘Not My Best Moment’ blends comedy with vulnerability to bring a fresh and distinctive voice to the iHeartPodcasts family.”
“At Unanimous, we’re always exploring new ways to tell stories that inspire, uplift, and connect through authenticity, humor, and heart,” said Stephen Curry and Erick Peyton, co-founders of Unanimous Media. “Not My Best Moment is exactly that, and we are proud to partner with Kevin to bring this series to life. His ability to bring out raw honesty while keeping the conversation fun and lighthearted makes this series something special, and we can’t wait for listeners to tune in.”
In the premiere episode, Issa Rae will open up about overspending as a young creator, her fear that success can disappear overnight, and how a failed pilot, “I Hate L.A. Dudes,” became one of the most formative experiences of her career. Upcoming episodes will include conversations with Anthony “Spice” Adams, Yvette Nicole Brown, Tabitha Brown, Jemele Hill, Tony Baker, and Yvonne Orji, among others.
“Not My Best Moment” is the third show to launch from iHeartMedia and Unanimous Media’s Unanimous Podcast Slate which includes “G.O.T.E. with Seth Curry and Travonne Edwards” and “Fudd Around And Find Out” hosted by Azzi Fudd and Ashanti Plummer. All shows on the slate are distributed by iHeartPodcasts.
New episodes of “Not My Best Moment” will be available on Wednesdays on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard. Video episodes will also be available on YouTube.
Donna Lewis, a unique voice in American comedy known for blending sharp wit with scientific insight, has passed away at the age of 62. Before launching her stand-up career, Lewis worked for NASA, a detail she often incorporated into her routines with clever, self-deprecating humor that resonated with audiences across the country.
Lewis’s journey from aerospace to comedy was anything but typical. As a NASA employee, she worked behind the scenes in administrative and technical roles, later using her experience to craft jokes that demystified science and celebrated the absurdities of bureaucracy. Her transition into comedy was marked by appearances on the Funny Women of a Certain Age podcast and showcases that highlighted her as a late-blooming but fiercely original talent.
She often joked about being a “non-astronaut” at NASA, poking fun at the public’s assumptions while celebrating the contributions of everyday professionals in high-stakes environments. Her routines touched on everything from government red tape to parenting, aging, and the quirks of suburban life.
Lewis was a regular on the East Coast comedy circuit, performing in clubs, festivals, and themed showcases that spotlighted women over 40. Her humor was warm, observational, and deeply relatable, earning her a loyal following among audiences who appreciated her authenticity and intellect.
Fellow comedians praised Lewis for her generosity and mentorship. Leighann Lord, host of Funny Women of a Certain Age, called her “a brilliant mind with a fearless heart,” adding that Lewis “proved it’s never too late to be funny, fierce, and unforgettable.”
Lewis passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by family. She is survived by her three children, whom she often referred to as her “comedy material,” and a legacy of laughter that bridged the gap between science and storytelling.
Donna Lewis may have launched her career from NASA, but her true orbit was the comedy stage—where she inspired others to embrace their quirks, chase their dreams, and find humor in the most unexpected places.
In this episode of Box Seats, we talk about the Los Angeles Dodgers defeating the Toronto Blue Jays in an epic baseball classic for Major League Baseball that will be talked about for years!
Plus, we talk about all of the games in the NFL this weekend, including the upsets!
We also talk about the hottest topics in sports! The comedians on this episode are Maurice Smith and Damien Jones!
#NBAPlayoffs #NFL #NBA #NBATrades #comedy #comedygrind #NFLTrades #NFLRumors #NFLFreeagency #NewYorkGiants #NewYorkJets #TheClevelandBrowns #TheSteelers #TheRams #Eagles #TheChiefs #Dak #DakPrescott #DallasCowboys #Eagles #PhiladelphiaEagles #philly #Cowboys
FX is expanding the universe of its acclaimed crime drama Snowfall with a newly ordered spinoff series starring original cast members Gail Bean and Isaiah John, who will reprise their roles as Wanda and Leon Simmons. The untitled series, set in 1990s Los Angeles, picks up shortly after the events of Snowfall, which concluded its six-season run in 2023.
Written and executive produced by Malcolm Spellman (Empire, Bel-Air, Hip Hop Uncovered), the spinoff centers on Wanda, a recovering addict, as she attempts to take West Coast rap mainstream amid rising gang violence and the exploitation of hip-hop culture by record labels. Leon, her partner, returns as a central figure navigating the chaos of post-crack-era L.A. The show promises to explore the intersection of music, survival, and ambition during one of the most transformative periods in urban culture.
Alongside Bean and John, the cast includes Asante Blackk, Peyton Alex Smith, and Simmie Sims III, adding fresh energy to the gritty narrative. FX President Nick Grad praised the project, saying, “This new series takes us back to one of the most formative eras in music with the birth of the West Coast rap revolution”.
The production team reunites several Snowfall veterans, including Dave Andron, Thomas Schlamme, Julie DeJoie, Michael London, and Trevor Engelson, ensuring continuity in tone and storytelling. FX Productions will produce the series, which is slated to premiere in 2026 on FX and stream on Hulu.
With its powerful leads, rich cultural backdrop, and a fresh narrative lens, the Snowfall spinoff is poised to be a compelling continuation of the legacy left by the original series. Fans can expect a raw, music-infused drama that captures the pulse of a pivotal moment in Black history and hip-hop culture.