Tisha Campbell-Martin Cast In Fox Comedy Pilot Titled ‘Geniuses’!
Tisha Campbell-Martin has been cast in the Fox multi-camera comedy pilot “Geniuses”.
Campbell-Martin will play Rita, a mother of three who works as a casino pit boss and is Cay’s (Maggie Lawson) closest friend at work.
“Geniuses” is described as family comedy about a blue-collar couple, Cay and Mike (Jason Biggs), in South Jersey trying to get by and raise four kids, three of whom just happen to be certified geniuses. “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” producer Lon Zimmet will write and executive produce the pilot, with Jonathan Judge in place to direct.
Cay is the mom and clear boss of the family, who also works as a pit boss at an Atlantic City casino. She has a strong intuition and a nose for BS, while Mike is an affable, enthusiastic dad.
Campbell-Martin, who is repped by TCA Mgmt, is best known for playing characters who provide the voice of reason in sitcoms like “Martin” on Fox, and “My Wife and Kids” on ABC. More recently, she appeared in the 2018 movie “Blindspotting,” and in a few episodes of “Empire.”
“Geniuses” is one of six comedies in the works at Fox for the 2019-2020 season. That includes the animated comedies “Bless the Harts” and “Duncanville,” which both received straight-to-series orders at the broadcast network.
Aretha Franklin Biopic Starring Jennifer Hudson Sets Release Date!
The Queen of Soul will entertain fans one last time in 2020.
The Aretha Franklin biopic Respect, starring Jennifer Hudson as Franklin (after Franklin handpicked her before her death),is set for theatrical release Aug. 14, 2020. According to Variety, Hudson will be directed by Liesl Tommy from a screenplay by Thelma & Louise scribe and Nashville creator Callie Khouri.
The film will follow Franklin’s rise to fame from her childhood in the church to her life as a soul/R&B star. Straight Outta Compton producer Scott Bernstein and Harvey Mason Jr., a songwriter and producer for both Franklin and Hudson, will produce the film.
Source: Shadow & Act
Natasha Rothwell Comedy Film Produced By Tina Fey Lands At Netflix!
Insecure’s Natasha Rothwell will star in Hometown, a comedy feature that has just got acquired by Netflix.
According to Deadline, the film will be produced by Rothwell, Tina Fey and Eric Guiran as well as Paula Pell, who co-wrote the script with Michelle Lawler. Jeff Richmond will executive produce.
Aside from the producers, there’s virtually nothing known about the film. The only clue is that Deadline calls it a “two-hander,” so make of that what you will. But if anything, the film should be hilarious; Rothwell often steals the show on Insecure and is currently developing her own HBO series. Pell, on the other hand, has written on Saturday Night Live for two decades and wrote the script for the Fey-Amy Poehler comedy Sisters.
In any event, props to Rothwell for continuing to make it big in the industry!
WATCH: ‘Fresh Prince Of Bel Air’ Fan Made Film Creating Lots Of Hollywood Buzz!
Back in 1990, the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’s pilot episode aired to high ratings and critical acclaim, and now almost thirty years later the show is still revered as one of the best sitcoms in the history of television. For that reason, it’s not surprising that the iconic show has continued to be referenced in pop culture more than two decades since it’s series finale, and now a fan-made film trailer has taken on the story with an entirely new modern twist.
Released on Sun Squared Media’s YouTube page, the film stars actor Jerry Madison as Will Smith, the street-smart teenager from West Philadelphia who’s sent to move in with his wealthy aunt and uncle in a town called Bel-Air.
Within the 3:37 fan-made trailer, director, cinematographer, and writer, Morgan Cooper, depicts the comedic dynamic of the series in a much more serious tone, while emphasizing the more dramatic elements of a young man experiencing a culture shock far away from home. Meanwhile, while seeming to follow the main plot and storyline, there’s also plenty of modern references to indicate the story is being told in the present day, with Smith wearing a “What Would Meek Do?” sweatshirt as a prime example.
‘The DL Hughley Show’ Finally Set To Premiere On TV One March 18th!
Noted comedian, actor and REACH Media Syndicated Radio host, DL Hughley is bringing his own brand of comedy and commentary to TV One with his new nighttime talk show THE DL HUGHLEY SHOW, premiering Monday, March 18 at 11/10C PM. The show will air four nights a week, Monday through Thursday.
Hughley is one of the most unapologetic voices of our time and does not shy away from controversy. THE DL HUGHLEY SHOW dives head first into hot topics of the day and dishes on the latest news, entertainment, pop culture and what’s trending in social media.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to expand my radio show and bring it to a late night television audience,” said DL Hughley. “I want to talk about things that matter to our community and this show will mirror what everyone is talking about every day.”
Always insightful and informative, Hughley and his co-host Jasmine Sanders use humor to deliver everything from hard news to lighter fare. Featuring stories relevant to a rapidly evolving African American community, the one-hour show, which is a hybrid of Hughley’s existing radio show and fresh content created specifically for a nighttime audience, will offer everything from covering the day’s major headlines and roundtable discussions to celebrity guest interviews and comedy bits.
Shot in a stylized studio, the look and feel of THE DL HUGHLEY SHOW is patterned after a traditional radio show, adapted for television and will be taped in-studio four days a week from Burbank, CA.
THE DL HUGHLEY SHOW is produced for TV One by Pygmy Wolf Productions with DL Hughley and KP Anderson serving as Executive Producers. Sonya Vaughn and Charlie Gerencer serve as Co-Executive Producers and Jade Mills serves as Executive in Charge of Production. Melanie Massie serves as Talent Producer. For TV One, Susan Henry and Regina Thomas serve as Executive Producers in Charge of Production.
For more information about TV One’s upcoming programming, including original movies, visit the network’s companion website at www.tvone.tv. TV One viewers can also join the conversation by connecting via social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@tvonetv) using the hashtags #THEDLHUGHLEYSHOW, #TVONE and #REPRESENT.
Taraji P. Henson To Star In New Netflix Police Drama Titled ‘Coffee & Kareem’!
Taraji P. Henson and Ed Helms will star in the police drama “Coffee & Kareem” for Netflix.
Helms will portray a Detroit cop and Henson will play his girlfriend. He reluctantly teams with her 11-year-old son to clear his name and take down the city’s most ruthless criminal.
Michael Dowse is on board to direct from Shane McCarthy’s script, which was featured on the 2014 Blacklist. Helms and Mike Falbo are producing via their Pacific Electric Picture Co. banner. Sanford Nelson, Jordon Foss, Linden Nelson, and Don Foss are executive producing.
Henson can currently be seen in the gender-swapped comedy “What Men Want.” She next stars opposite Sam Rockwell in “Best of Enemies,” which opens in April. Helms most recently appeared in the ensemble comedy “Tag.”
Pacific Electric Pictures also produced “Corporate Animals,” “The Clapper,” and “The Fake News With Ted Nelms,” which was recently honored with a Writers Guild of America Award for the best comedy/variety special.
Dowse’s credits include the upcoming “Stuber” and the hockey comedy “Goon.” Henson is represented by UTA and Ziffren Brittenham. Helms is represented by UTA, Artists First, and Schreck Rose Dapello Adams Berlin & Dunham. Dowse is represented by UTA, Fourth Wall Management, and Paul Hastings LLP.
Source: Variety
Anthony Anderson Returns As The Host For The 50TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS
The NAACP announced that Anthony Anderson is set to return as host for the 50th NAACP Image Awards. Anderson is a two-time NAACP Image Awards Winner for his role on blackish, and will be hosting the show for the 6th consecutive year. Winners for the 50th NAACP Image Awards will be revealed during the two-hour LIVE TV special airing on TV One on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 9pm/8c from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
Anderson, is currently the star and Executive Producer of ABC’s multi-award winning sitcom, blackish, a four-time NAACP Image Award Winner for Outstanding Comedy Series, Anderson is also set to star in the upcoming Netflix film Beats.
“We are pleased to have Anthony as our host for our 50th anniversary. Anthony’s charisma on stage has won over our audience and continues to bring in new viewers every year. As we recognize the best of the best artists for their accomplishments over the past year, we couldn’t be more proud to do so with Anthony by our side,” said President and CEO Derrick Johnson.
In addition to the live telecast, TV One will air the 50th NAACP IMAGE AWARDS: TRIBUTE SPECIAL, sponsored by Toyota, immediately preceding the show at 8pm ET/7C. The tribute special honors this year’s nominees, past winners and significant moments. Hosted by Urban One Founder and Chairperson Cathy Hughes, the special features in-depth one-on-one conversations with director/actress Salli Richardson-Whitfield, singer/actor John Legend, actor Stephan James, actress Loretta Devine, music industry legend Clarence Avant, soul singer Kenny Lattimore, and Congresswoman Maxine Waters. The network will provide promotional support for both programs on TV One, Radio One and Reach Media, Interactive One, and via a multi-platform marketing campaign.
As previously announced:
Voting is now open to the public for all general categories of the 50th NAACP Image Awards. Individuals do NOT need to be members of the NAACP in order to cast their votes and are welcome to participate at vote.naacpimageawards.net/. All votes must be submitted no later than March 13.
Voting is now open for Entertainer of the Year to be announced during the 50th NAACP Image Awards live telecast. Individuals do NOT need to be members of the NAACP in order to cast their votes and are welcome to participate at vote.naacimpageawards.net/. All votes must be submitted today, March 4.
In addition to the traditional awards categories, Congresswoman Maxine Waters will be honored with the prestigious NAACP Chairman’s Award, bestowed in recognition of individuals who demonstrate exemplary public service and use their distinct platforms to create agents of change.
The 50th NAACP Image Awards production team includes: Executive Producers Reginald Hudlin and Phil Gurin; Director, Tony McCuin; Co-Executive Producer, Byron Phillips; Producer, Robin Reinhardt; and Executive in Charge of Production, Rachel Frimer.
Auto-Tune pioneer T-Pain will host the 2019 iHeartRadio Music Awards, it was announced Thursday.
The Grammy-winning rapper will emcee the sixth annual telecast live on Thursday, March 14, at 8 p.m. ET from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Recently, T-Pain released his sixth studio album “1UP” on the same day he was crowned winner of Fox’s hit mystery singing competition “The Masked Singer.” He will leave for a U.S. tour to promote the album on March 16.
“The blessings keep rolling in,” said T-Pain in a statement. “I am grateful and honored to host this year’s iHeartRadio Music Awards. The past two weeks have been incredible and the run continues. Thank you to everyone for all of the love and support. A special thanks to the iHeart team and FOX for having me.”
In the seven days leading up to the ceremony, the short-form video app TikTok will present winners for the categories Alternative Rock Album of the Year, Country Album of the Year, Rock Album of the Year, Dance Artist of the Year, Most Thumbed Up Artist of the Year, Dance Album of the Year and Cutest Musician’s Pet. App users will exclusively see the winners receive their awards and give acceptance speeches each day at 8 a.m. ET beginning on March 7. Exclusive red carpet content will also be live-streamed on the app.
Cardi B, Drake, Ariana Grande, Shawn Mendes, Post Malone, Maroon 5 and Imagine Dragons all received multiple nominations at this year’s award show. The two-hour event will feature performances by Alicia Keys, Grande, Garth Brooks, Halsey, John Legend, Kacey Musgraves and a special appearance by Taylor Swift. Brooks will also receive the inaugural Artist of the Decade Award; Keys the Innovator Award; Halsey the iHeartRadio Fangirls Award; and Taylor Swift the Tour of the Year Award.
Fan voting closes today for Best Fan Army; Best Lyrics; Best Cover Song; Best Music Video; the Social Star Award; Best Solo Breakout; Cutest Musician’s Pet; Favorite Tour Photographer; and the first-ever Song That Left Us Shook awards. Votes are tallied by tweeting with the appropriate category and nominee hashtags or by visiting iHeartRadio.com/awards.
WATCH: Comedy Skit Titled ‘ When You Met You Match’ Starring Daphnique Springs & D’ Lai
Watch the latest comedy skit from comedians Daphnique Springs and D’Lai! Tell us what you think!
Kelly Jenrette To Star In New ABC Comedy Pilot Based On LA Pastors
Kelly Jenrette is set as the female lead opposite Leslie Odom Jr. in ABC’s untitled multi-camera family pastors comedy starring and executive produced by Odom, from Kerry Washington, writer Saladin K. Patterson (The Last O.G., The Big Bang Theory) and ABC Studios. In addition, Fred Savage has been tapped to direct the pilot.
Written by Patterson, the untitled Odom project is inspired by real life progressive pastors Touré & Sarah Roberts. The show revolves around Omari (Odom Jr.) & Hope (Jenrette) who together run a modern ministry and share an even more eclectic and chaotic home life with a combined four children.
Pastor Toure and Sarah Jake Roberts
Photo by David X Prutting/BFA/REX/Shutterstock
Patterson and Odom executive produce with Washington and Pilar Savone via Simpson Street. Sarah and Touré Roberts will co-executive produce. ABC Studios is the studio.
Jenrette received an outstanding guest actress Emmy nomination for The Handmaid’sTale. She’ll also be seen in Facebook Watch’s upcoming series Limetown starring Jessica Biel and in a co-starring role in Netflix featureUncorked, written and directed by Insecure EP Prentice Penny. Her other TV credits include CBS’ Grandfathered, Epix’s Graves, HBO’s Here and Now and Fox’s Pitched. Kelly is repped by MKS & Associates, Robyn Bluestone Management and attorney Matt Rosen.
Savage, who started his career as an actor, had been focused on directing for most of the past decade, making a rare major foray into acting with his starring role opposite Rob Lowe on The Grinder, which ran for one season. As a director, Savage has worked on 20th TV’s comedy series Modern Family — for which he received a DGA nomination – and most recently The Cool Kids, The Conners and The Goldbergs.
Noted comedian, actor and REACH Media Syndicated Radio host, DL Hughley is bringing his own brand of comedy and commentary to TV One with his new nighttime talk show THE DL HUGHLEY SHOW, premiering Monday, March 18 at 11/10C PM. The show will air four nights a week, Monday through Thursday.