Lil Rel Howery Joins Kevin Hart’s New Film, ‘Fatherhood’!
Lil Rel Howery, Mad About You alum Paul Reiser, and Nigerian-British actress Deborah Ayorinde have been added to the cast of Fatherhood, the Sony Pictures comedy-drama that stars Kevin Hart. The film is currently in production with Paul Weitz directing from a screenplay he wrote based on an original version by Dana Stevens.
The pic is an adaptation of Matthew Logelin’s book Two Kisses for Maddy. It’s a true account of a father who is forced to raise a child on his own and finds himself wholly unprepared for the challenge.
Previously announced cast includes Oscar nominee Alfre Woodard, Anthony Carrigan, and Melody Hurd. Marty Bowen, David Beaubaire, Peter Kiernan, and Hart (HartBeat) are producing.
Howery is coming off of starring in his eponymous Fox series, Rel, and will next be seen in Sundance darling Brittany Runs A Marathon. In addition, his forthcoming slate includes Universal’s Good Boys, The Angry Birds Movie 2, Free Guy opposite Ryan Reynolds, and The Photograph opposite Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield.
Reiser is reprising his Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated role as Paul Buchman in the Mad About You revival which is set up at Spectrum Originals. He most recently recurred on FX’s Fosse/Verdon, Netflix’s Stranger Things, and appeared in the Lionsgate comedy The Spy Who Dumped Me with Mila Kunis, Kate McKinnon, and Justin Theroux.
Ayorinde will soon be seen in the Cynthia Erivo-starring Harriet biopic from director Kasi Lemmons. Other notable credits include Luke Cage, Girls Trip, and True Detective.
Howery is repped by UTA, The Aziza Work Group, Cohen Gardner LLP, Fourth Wall Management. Reiser is with Gersh and Nacelle. Ayorinde is a client od Untitled Entertainment, CESD, Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman.
Source: Deadline
The Rickey Smiley Show Set To Replace The Tom Joyner Morning Show
Yesterday on The Tom Joyner Morning Show, Tom introduced listener favorite Rickey Smiley as the successor to the morning anchor position established by Tom over the course of 25 years. Joyner, who is retiring at the end of the year, acknowledged that Smiley has established himself as a trusted leader on-air and in the community with his current show, captivating audiences with his authentic humor but also his unique perspective on topics important to his audience. Smiley also announced that Eva Marcille and Gary Wit Da Tea would be among the on-air cast members joining him to broadcast out of the Dallas studios beginning January 2020. Additional details about the show will be shared in the coming months.
Joyner reflected on his accomplishments and the future, “I’m happy to see the landscape of Urban AC morning radio continue to expand with Rickey, and I’m proud of the doors the Tom Joyner Morning Show opened. Twenty-five years ago, there was no template for a syndicated Urban radio show and we worked hard to prove that we could successfully produce and market a national platform that would entertain, inform and empower African-American listeners. We broke some ground, raised the bar for what audiences expected from Black radio all while partying with a purpose. Yeah, we’ve done a lot but there’s still a lot left to be done. I’m confident that Rickey’s activism along with his love for radio, the community, and HBCUs, will pick up where we left off.”
Making the announcement public, Rickey Smiley shared his excitement, “It’s an honor to continue the legacy of my boss and frat brother Tom Joyner. Not only has he been a friend to my family and me over the years, but we consider him family. Tom’s mentorship has instilled in me valuable wisdom that I will carry with me through this new morning show.”
David Kantor, Reach Media and Radio One CEO, acknowledged the collaboration, “Tom changed the entire urban radio marketplace. He entertained and educated multiple generations of listeners over the last 25 years. While there is and will always be only one Tom Joyner, we are excited that Rickey will be moving to Urban AC in January. Like Tom, Rickey’s talent, community consciousness and commitment to his audience will serve his listeners well.”
Reach Media’s other current morning Urban AC program, The Russ Parr Morning Show, will also continue in syndication into 2020.
BACKGROUND: Rickey Smiley Morning Show Brand and Trajectory
The Rickey Smiley Morning Show has been recognized for its excellence in connecting with its listeners, and continues to grow with the belief that “Radio is community”. The industry took notice in 2017 awarding Rickey with the NAB Radio Marconi Award as the top national/syndicated talent. Rickey uses personality, humor, conviction and relevant information to deliver a high-energy morning show engaging his listening community in unexpected ways. His show has distinguished itself with its innovative mix of entertainment and an unfiltered view on contemporary black life and parenthood, focusing on family, community and mentorship.
Smiley uses his radio platform to express his belief that “we are responsible for each other”, including purchasing a car for a young man profiled on social media who persisted through a daily 3-hour bus commute to his high school for well over a year in order to graduate. Similarly, the discovery of a co-host’s history with domestic violence prompted Rickey to put a spotlight on the urgency of the issue along with the resources available to provide support to victims.
Having attended Alabama State University and participated in numerous HBCU tours, Smiley is an ardent supporter of education – especially Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Rickey reinforces his radio brand 24/7 interacting online, socially with 5 million followers, through his stand-up comedy, reality-based TV shows, and publishing – all amplifying his voice!
Gary Wit Da Tea, well established as everyone’s favorite diva, dishes the hottest gossip on the world of entertainment and his colorful opinions on all topics. With over 22 years on radio, along with numerous TV and charitable initiatives, he’s someone whose thoughts listeners look forward to hearing.
Eva Marcille, while originally known as a high fashion model and television celebrity, contributes a relatable women’s point of view with her sharp wit and sometimes challenging position, bringing balance to the show. She shares her life with listeners from entrepreneurial pursuits to marriage and motherhood.
BACKGROUND: Tom Joyner’s Career and Influence
In his 25 years as a leader in the industry, Tom Joyner’s impact and influence have never wavered. His morning “Party with a Purpose” revolutionized radio when it became the first morning show with music in syndication. Known widely as “The Hardest Working Man in Radio,” Joyner has made a career of doing the extraordinary in order to serve his audience: flying round-trip between Dallas and Chicago five days a week for seven years hosting morning drive and afternoons in two different cities; raising money to support students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities with The Tom Joyner Foundation; producing and hosting a celebration of black families and communities, the Allstate Tom Joyner Family Reunion; galvanizing his listeners to provide relief funds for survivors of natural disasters. The Tom Joyner Morning Show is heard as a guide to the future of communications in the African-American community, consistently promoting relevant issues and social causes that need attention and action.
Pop TV Greenlights A Fourth Season Of ‘One Day At A Time’
Pop TV, now fully owned by CBS Corporation, announced today that the critically-acclaimed series ONE DAY AT A TIME will continue with a new 13-episode fourth season premiering in 2020. The Network shared the news amid fan campaigns rallying behind the series. Produced by Sony Pictures Television, the fourth season of ONE DAY AT A TIMEwill air exclusively on Pop.
ONE DAY AT A TIME, the comedy-drama inspired by Norman Lear’s 1975 series of the same name, follows the life of Penelope Alvarez (Screen Actors Guild Award® winner Justina Machado), a newly single Army veteran, and her Cuban-American family, as they navigate the ups and downs of life. Now a nurse practitioner, Penelope is raising two strong-willed children. When faced with challenges, Penelope turns to her “old-school” mother Lydia (Emmy®, Grammy®, Oscar® and Tony® winner Rita Moreno), and her building manager Schneider (Todd Grinnell), who has become an invaluable confidant. The series offers a contemporary take on what life looks like in both good and bad times, and how loved ones can help make it all worthwhile. The series also stars Isabella Gomez as Elena Alvarez, Marcel Ruiz as Alex Alvarez and Stephen Tobolowsky as Dr. Berkowitz.
“How amazing it is to be involved with this brilliant and culturally significant series that deals with important themes one minute while making you laugh the next,” said Brad Schwartz, Pop TV President. “If Schitt’s Creek has taught us anything, it’s that love and kindness always wins. Pop is now the home to two of the most critically praised and fan-adored comedies in all of television, bringing even more premium content to basic cable. We couldn’t be more proud to continue telling heartwarming stories of love, inclusion, acceptance and diversity that pull on your emotions while putting a smile on your face.”
“Three months ago, I was heartbroken with the news of our beloved One Day At A Time’s cancellation. Today, I’m overwhelmed with joy to know the Alvarez family will live on,” said executive producer Norman Lear. “Thank you to my producing partner, Brent Miller, our incredibly talented co-showrunners, Mike Royce and Gloria Calderón Kellett, and of course, Sony, for never once giving up on the show, our actors or the possibility that a cable network could finally save a cancelled series that originated on a streaming service. And one last thank you to, Pop, for having the guts to be that first cable network. Even this I get to experience – at 96.”
“We are thrilled beyond belief to be making more One Day At A Time,” remarked executive producers and co-showrunners Gloria Calderón Kellett and Mike Royce. “This show has meant so much to so many, and we can’t wait to dive in with our amazing new partners Pop and CBS. And we’d especially like to thank all of the fans for their undying support, helping us turn #SaveODAAT into #MoreODAAT.”
“We are so honored to be associated with this exceptional series,” said Jeff Frost, Sony Pictures Television President. “It means so much to so many people. We were never willing to accept that the story of the Alvarez family might not continue and we undertook every effort to ensure that did not occur. We are so grateful to our new partners at Pop and CBS for believing in this series and working with us to bring it back. We are overjoyed to continue to work with the brilliant team of Gloria, Mike, Norman and Brent as well as this brilliantly talented cast.”
As part of the innovative deal to pick up the new season, ONE DAY AT A TIME will also be broadcast on the CBS Television Network later in 2020, following its run on Pop. CBS was the home of the original series that aired over 40 years ago.
ONE DAY AT A TIME is produced by Act III Productions, Inc., Snowpants Productions and GloNation in association with Sony Pictures Television, with Norman Lear, Mike Royce, Gloria Calderón Kellett and Brent Miller serving as executive producers.
Jerrod Carmichael On The Breakfast Club; Talks On Being Confident In Sexuality, Parental Infidelity, Owning His Story
Earlier today comedian, actor, writer, producer Jerrod Carmichael was a guest on The Breakfast Club and he talked about a lot of interesting topics ranging from being a parent, his TV show, his sexuality, infidelity and more. AN interesting conversation to say the least, with a lot of humor.
Check out the interview below:
Wanda Sykes To Launch ‘The Wanda Sykes Gala’ At The Just For Laughs’ Comedy Festival
Comedic powerhouse, Wanda Sykes is returning to Just For Laughs this summer to host her very own Gala! Ranked among Entertainment Weekly’s 25 Funniest People in America and called “one of the funniest stand-up comics” by her peers, you won’t want to miss this trailblazing comedian with her smart-wit and larger than life personality.
Wanda will be accompanied by a lineup of talented comedians for an incredible evening of laughter.
More details soon!
WATCH: New Trailer Of ‘Charlie’s Angels’ Released Starring Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, & Ella Balinska!
Director Elizabeth Banks takes the helm as the next generation of fearless Charlie’s Angels take flight. In Banks’ bold vision, Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, and Ella Balinska are working for the mysterious Charles Townsend, whose security and investigative agency has expanded internationally.
With the world’s smartest, bravest, and most highly trained women all over the globe, there are now teams of Angels guided by multiple Bosleys taking on the toughest jobs everywhere.
The screenplay is by Elizabeth Banks from a story by Evan Spiliotopoulos and David Auburn.
Watch the new trailer below:
‘Living Single’ Creator Yvette Lee Bowser Developing New Comedy At Starz
Boomerang writer Leigh Davenport and Dear White Peopleshowrunner Yvette Lee Bowser are teaming up for a comedy at Starz.
The duo are behind Run the World, a half-hour show in development at the premium cable outlet that centers on a group of black, vibrant, fiercely loyal best friends who live, work and play in Harlem “as they strive for world domination,” as Starz puts it. It’s an unapologetically female show about friendship and not just surviving, but thriving together
Davenport created the Lionsgate TV show and will executive produce with Bowser. The project stems from Bowser’s overall deal at Starz parent Lionsgate, which also produces Dear White People.
“I’m excited to be working with Leigh on this authentic, hilarious and empowering story about fearless, modern women lifting each other up through adversity and succeeding together. It’s past time for this series,” said Bowser. “I’m also humbled to expand my longstanding relationship with Lionsgate and into the Starz orbit, which is home to strong female-driven shows and fresh creative voices.”
Run the World will look to join a Starz lineup that features a number of series created by women, including flagship show Power (created by Courtney Kemp), critical favorite Vida (Tanya Saracho), Sweetbitter (Stephanie Danler) and the upcoming P-Valley (Katori Hall). The Spanish Princess and upcoming limited series The Rook were co-created or run by women.
Bowser created Living Single and also counts Black-ish, For Your Love, Lipstick Jungle and A Different World among her credits. Davenport is a writer on BET’s Boomerang and penned the feature script The Perfect Find, which has Gabrielle Union attached to star.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Jaleel White To Reprise Iconic Role Of Steve Urkel In ‘Scooby-Doo And Guess Who?’
Jaleel White is reprising his iconic Family Matters role as Steve Urkel in a brand new Scooby-Doo series, Scooby-Doo and Guess Who?.
If you watched old Scooby-Doo series growing up, you’ll probably remember The New Scooby-Doo Movies, which debuted in 1972 and paired Scooby, Shaggy and the gang up with celebrities of the day, such as Sonny & Cher, Don Knotts, Jonathan Winters, Dick Van Dyke and more. Scooby-Doo and Guess Who? follows in that same tradition of animating celebrities as guest-starring roles on the popular cartoon show. Stars include Halsey, Kenan Thompson, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Wanda Sykes, NBA’s Chris Paul, Mark Hamill, Ricky Gervais, Bill Nye and Sia. Urkel is one of several fictional characters who will be featured as a guest star, others include Wonder Woman, The Flash, Batman and Sherlock Holmes.
The first look at Urkel in animation form seems to draw from the earlier seasons of Family Matters, with White as a preteen or young teenager, as opposed to the latter years of White playing the character into adulthood. Why is this a point of note? Because it’s clear that as White got older and his voice changed, it became harder for him to keep the nasally falsetto he’d fashioned the character with in the beginning. So how will he manage the classic voice as a grown man? That’ll be interesting to see.
We will be able to see what White does with his Urkel voice when Scooby-Doo and Guess Who? premieres on Boomerang June 27th.
Source: Shadow & Act
Keegan Michael-Key To Star With Meryl Streep, Ariana Grande And More In Ryan Murphy’s All-Star Netflix Musical
Netflix has announced the starry ensemble cast for Ryan Murphy’s film adaptation of the musical Prom.
The adaptation of the Tony-nominated play will star Keegan-Michael Key in a key role. He’s a part of the ensemble cast that includes Meryl Streep, James Corden, Nicole Kidman, Ariana Grande Awkwafina and Andrew Rannells.
Deadline, who broke the news said the production will commence in December with a release date in fall 2020 targeted for awards season.
This is Murphy’s fourth Netflix project under his overall deal. The Politicians, Ratched and Hollywood are the series he’s developed so far, with the first coming soon.
The description: In Prom, Streep will play Dee Dee Allen, a two-time Tony winner who teams with Corden’s Barry Glickman in a flop musical about Eleanor Roosevelt. After career-ending reviews, they decide — along with Broadway babies Kidman as Angie Dickinson and Rannells as Trent Oliver — to champion a cause to rehabilitate their careers. They find one in Emma, a high school senior in Indiana who isn’t allowed to take her girlfriend to the prom. A nationwide search led by casting director Alexa Fogel is on to fill the role of Emma. Grande will star as Alyssa, a popular daughter of the head of the PTA. Awkwafina will play the group’s publicist Ms. Sheldon, and Key will play Streep’s love interest and Emma’s ally, Principal Hawkins.
Grande will co-produce the soundtrack with her manager Scooter Braun and Murphy.
This announcement comes as the first season of Murphy’s FX series, Pose, is garnering critical acclaim for its second season while its first season is receiving red hot Emmy buzz.
WATCH: New Trailer Of Mary J. Blige As She Stars In The New ‘Scream’ Reboot With Tyga, Keke Palmer And More!
At last, season 3 of Scream will finally make it to our television screens.
First airing two seasons beginning in 2015 on MTV, the third season will have six episodes that will air over three nights.
The series was set for a retool with a new cast, location and story for the season. The cast, including Mary J. Blige, and a new creative team, including exec producer Queen Latifah was announced in late 2017, but nothing ever materialized until now.
A trailer and premiere date have been unveiled for the show as it moves to MTV’s sibling network, VH1. THR broke the news Monday. It is a decision that makes sense, as MTV has been out of the scripted game for a while now since Teen Wolf ended and Scream went on hiatus.
Titled Scream: Resurrection, the season will premiere July 8 and run for two hours for three nights beginning at 9 p.m., running through July 10.
Other stars include Keke Palmer, Tyler Posey, Tyga, Giorgia Whigham, Jessica Sula, RJ Cyler, C.J. Wallace and Giullian Yao Gioiello. The premise of the season will be set around “Deion Elliot (Cyler), a local star running back whose tragic past comes back to haunt him at the worst time, threatening his hard-earned plans for his future — and the lives of his unlikely group of friends.” The first look trailer also introduced Paris Jackson, who will seemingly make a cameo as Scream’s first victim.
