A “Barbershop” TV series has been greenlit at Amazon Prime Video, Variety has learned.
The show will connect to the universe of the “Barbershop” film franchise, with Jermaine Fowler attached to star. Marshall Todd, who co-wrote the original film, is writing the series and executive producing. The announcement was made during Amazon’s upfronts presentation to advertisers in New York on Monday night.
The official description states the show “revolves around Travis ‘Trav’ Porter (Fowler), who endeavors
to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, a legendary barber at the iconic ‘Calvin’s’ barbershop in
Chicago. And while the barbers are new, the shop remains just as lively, the customers just as argumentative, and the fades are still the dopest in the city — because at Calvin’s, the community comes together for way more than just a haircut.”
Along with Todd, Max Searle serves as executive producer and co-showrunner. Kevin Hart, Bryan Smiley, and Mike Stein for executive produce via Hartbeat Productions. Cameron Burnett and Autumn Bailey-Ford executive produce on behalf of Prominent Productions, with George L. Tillman and Robert Teitel of State Street Pictures also executive producing. Tiffany Brown will co-executive produce for Hartbeat. The series is produced by Amazon MGM Studios.
“We are thrilled to announce a new series based on the hilarious and innovative world of ‘Barbershop’ for
our global Prime Video customers,” said Vernon Sanders, global head of television at Amazon MGM Studios. “The television adaptation of this iconic film franchise is in excellent hands with co-showrunners
Max Searle and Marshall Todd. We couldn’t be happier with their collaboration and hard work to bring
Calvin’s Chicago-based barbershop to life for a new audience on Prime Video.”
This is now the second “Barbershop” TV series. Showtime previously aired a sitcom based on the films with Omar Gooding in the lead role, though it lasted for just one season. The first “Barbershop” film was released in 2002 followed by sequels in 2004 and 2016. There was also the spinoff film “Beauty Shop” starring Queen Latifah in 2005. The three main films have grossed nearly $200 million worldwide.
An accomplished stand up comedian, Fowler broke out onscreen with his starring role in the CBS multi-cam “Superior Donuts.” His other TV credits include the FX limited series “A Murder at the End of the World” and the truTV sketch comedy series “Friends of the People.” He will next be seen in the Tracy Morgan comedy series “Crutch” at Paramount+ and “Only Murders in the Building” Season 5. Fowler has starred in films like “Coming 2 America,” “Sorry to Bother You,” “Judas and the Black Messiah,” and “Ricky Stanicky.”
He is repped by UTA, Entertainment 360, and Yorn Levine.
It was first reported that a “Barbershop” series was in the works at Amazon back in 2023, upon the completion of Amazon’s acquisition of MGM. Series takes on “Robocop” and “Poltergeist” are also in development, while a “Legally Blonde” prequel is currently in production.
Source: Variety
CBS has renewed the daytime soap opera “Beyond the Gates” for Season 2.
The series originally debuted on the broadcast network in February. Per CBS, the series is up 48% in broadcast viewership over last year in the same period, while it is up 67% in multiplatform viewing from last year. The show airs from 2-3 p.m. ET on CBS.
The cast includes: Tamara Tunie, Daphnee Duplaix, Karla Mosley, Brandon Claybon, Timon Kyle Durrett, Sean Freeman, Marquita Goings, Maurice Johnson, Trisha Mann-Grant, RhonniRose Mantilla, Ambyr Michelle, Colby Muhammad, Arielle Prepetit, Clifton Davis, Alex Alegria, Lauren Buglioli, Ben Gavin, Jibre Hordges, Jen Jacob, and Mike Manning.
“‘Beyond the Gates’ is set in a leafy Maryland suburb just outside of Washington, D.C., in one the most affluent African American counties in the United States; a posh gated community with winding tree-lined streets and luxurious mansions to call home. At the center of this community are the Duprees, a powerful and prestigious multi-generational family that is the very definition of Black royalty. But behind these pristine walls and lush, manicured gardens are juicy secrets and scandals waiting to be uncovered. And those who live outside these gates are watching closely. These are the places where our characters live, love, work and play. Those who have ‘made it’ and those who haven’t are all trying to navigate life … and some with more grace than others.”
“Beyond the Gates” was developed under CBS Studios’ content partnership with the NAACP. It was created by Michele Val Jean, who also serves as executive producer and showrunner. Sheila Ducksworth, who leads the CBS Studios/NAACP Venture, also executive produces along with Julie Carruthers, Tracey Thompson, Leon W. Russell, Derrick Johnson, Kimberly Doebereiner, and Anna Saalfeld.. The series is produced in partnership with P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble.
May 12 (UPI) — 30 Rock actor Tracy Morgan and Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe will star in The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins on NBC.
The news arrived Monday when the network unveiled its fall schedule.
The series will reunite Morgan with some of his 30 Rock colleagues, including the show’s creators Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, who will executive produce the new series.
Carlock and Sam Means are penning the upcoming show, which follows “a disgraced former football player (Morgan), who is on a mission to rehabilitate his image,” per an official synopsis.
NBC also announced its fall schedule will include renewals of Happy’s Place and St. Denis Medical and two other comedy pilots. One is called Stumble, while the other has not yet been named.
A new unscripted series starring Jimmy Fallon, titled On Brand with Jimmy Fallon, also arrives in the fall.
Tina Fey is starring in the Netflix series The Four Seasons alongside Colman Domingo and Steve Carrell.
NBC has canceled Lopez vs. Lopez and Night Court after three seasons apiece. The cancellations come on the final business day before NBC’s upfront — when networks pitch advertisers on their coming slates — earlier today.
Night Court aired its third season finale, which will now serve as a series ender, on Tuesday — although sources say Warner Bros. TV, which produces the show with Universal TV, may try to find a new home for the series.
This Night Court stars Melissa Rauch (who also executive produces) as Abby Stone, a judge in Manhattan’s often chaotic night court and the daughter of Harry Stone, the lead character in the original 1984-92 series (who was played by the late Harry Anderson). John Larroquette reprised his role from the original series as attorney Dan Fielding; the season three cast also includes Lacretta, Nyambi Nyambi and Wendie Malick. Marsha Warfield made several appearances as Roz, her character in the prior series.
Showrunner Dan Rubin executive produced Night Court with Rauch, Winston Rauch, Larroquette, Mat Harawitz, Lon Zimmet, Lindsey Shockley and Mona Garcea.
Lopez vs. Lopez starred George Lopez and his real-life daughter Mayan Lopez. George (George) wrestles with his sobriety and getting older while Mayan (Mayan) is getting married. Lopez vs. Lopez also starred Selenis Leyva, Brice Gonzalez, Matt Shively and Al Madrigal.
Universal Television produced Lopez vs. Lopez in association with Mohawk Productions, Travieso Productions, Mi Vida Loba and 3 Arts. Creator and showrunner Debby Wolfe (The Conners, One Day at a Time) executive produces with Bruce Helford, George Lopez, Michael Rotenberg, and Katie Newman.
NBC will likely reduce the number of primetime hours devoted to entertainment programming next season as it makes room for primetime NBA telecasts. The network has renewed first-year comedies Happy’s Place and St. Denis Medical, along with its Chicago and Law & Order drama franchises. Still awaiting word on next season are Lopez vs. Lopez on the comedy side and dramas Brilliant Minds, Found, Grosse Pointe Garden Society, The Hunting Party, The Irrational and Suits LA.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
May 12 (UPI) — Michael Jordan will join NBC Sports as a special contributor during the 2025-26 NBA season, NBCUniversal announced Monday.
“I am so excited to see the NBA back on NBC,” the six-time champion and 2009 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee said in a news release.
“The NBA on NBC was a meaningful part of my career, and I’m excited about being a special contributor to the project. I’m looking forward to seeing you all when the NBA on NBC launches this October.”
The NBA, NBCUniversal, Walt Disney Co., and Amazon Prime Video announced in July that they reached an 11-year agreement to broadcast NBA and WNBA regular-season and playoff games on platforms starting in 2025-26. NBC also announced it will launch Sunday Night Basketball in 2026 on NBC and Peacock.
The 11-year agreement, which is worth an estimated $77 billion, runs through the 2035-36 NBA season.
Former NBA stars Reggie Miller, Jamal Crawford, and Carmelo Anthony will join Mike Tirico and Noah Eagle on the broadcast team.
“Michael’s legacy both on and off the court speaks for itself,” NBC Sports president Rick Cordella said. “We’re incredibly proud to have him join our coverage.”
Award-winning actors, comedians, and self-proclaimed barbeque enthusiasts Anthony Anderson and Cedric The Entertainer have officially opened the doors to ‘AC Barbeque’, their first brick-and-mortar restaurant, at Westfield Century City. An extension of their already wildly popular BBQ brand, the fast-casual barbeque venue introduces a premium experience that blends authentic, robust flavors with southern hospitality on the West Coast.
“Stepping into AC Barbeque feels like a backyard bash where the grill is always hot and the laughs are plentiful. Anthony and I share this deep love for good barbecue—it’s a taste of joy, a slice of celebration. We’ve poured that passion into every plate.”
“Opening AC Barbeque at Century City is like inviting everybody to join the cookout—fans, family, LA locals, and visitors. Ced and I want this place to buzz with the kind of energy and warmth you feel at a family reunion. It’s more than just eating great food; it’s about creating memorable moments together.”
Menu highlights include:
AC Barbeque was founded by Anthony and Cedric as they bonded over their shared love of grilling and the rich cultural heritage of barbeque. Drawing inspiration from their hometowns—Compton, CA, and St. Louis, MO—they set out to create a brand that celebrates Black excellence, family traditions, and the joy of gathering around great food. Their journey was brought to life in the TV series” Kings of BBQ,” which captured their humor, friendship, and entrepreneurial drive as they explored barbeque culture across the country. AC Barbeque has since grown into a full-fledged lifestyle brand, offering signature sauces, rubs, grilling tools, and apparel. Its partnership with select retailers has made their bold, authentic flavors accessible to households nationwide, further cementing their commitment to community, culture, and culinary excellence. In 2024, the restaurant launched its first campus kitchen at Jackson State University. In Spring 2025, the restaurant launched its first food truck at Howard University.
AC Barbeque is open daily from 10:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. and is located on level 2 of the Dining Terrace with ample seating indoors and outside. The restaurant plans to feature prized recipes from grillmasters across the country on rotation, with special appearances from time to time by these regional barbecue experts.
New York, NY (May 8, 2025) – Today, BET announces “BET Awards” 2025 nominees, with Kendrick Lamar leading the nominations with ten, Doechii, Drake, Future and GloRilla tying with six nominations, Metro Boomin earning five nominations, and SZA and The Weeknd tying with four nominations each.
This year’s “BET Awards” 2025 nominees reflect multifaceted creative expression and Black excellence across music, television, film, and sports. Nominations were selected by the BET Voting Academy, which is comprised of an esteemed group of entertainment professionals and influencers in the fields of music, media, digital marketing, sports journalism, public relations, and creative arts.
Kendrick Lamar holds the top spot with ten “BET Awards” 2025 nominations. Lamar’s nominations include ‘Album of the Year’ for GNX, ‘Video of the Year’ for “Not Like Us,” three ‘Viewer’s Choice Award’ nods for “Not Like Us,” “Luther,” featuring SZA, and “Like That” with Future & Metro Boomin, three ‘Best Collaboration’ nods for “Like That,” “30 for 30,” and “Luther,” featuring SZA, ‘Video Director of the Year’ with Dave Free, and ‘Best Male Hip Hop Artist.’
Doechii’s six nominations include ‘Album of the Year’ for Alligator Bites Never Heal, ‘Video of the Year’ and ‘Viewer’s Choice Award’ for “Denial is a River,” ‘BET Her’ for “Bloom,” ‘Best Collaboration’ for “Alter Ego” featuring JT, and ‘Best Female Hip Hop Artist.’
Drake’s six nominations include ‘Album of the Year’ for $ome $exy $ongs 4 U, ‘Video of the Year’ for “Family Matters,” ‘Viewer’s Choice Award’ for “Nokia,” ‘Best Group’ with “Drake & PartyNextDoor,” ‘Best Male R&B/Pop Artist’ and ‘Best Male Hip Hop Artist.’
Future’s six nominations include ‘Album of the Year’ for We Don’t Trust You with Metro Boomin, ‘Video of the Year’ for “Type Shit” with Metro Boomin, Travis Scott & Playboi Carti, ‘Best Collaboration’ and ‘Viewer’s Choice Award’ for “Like That” with Metro Boomin featuring Kendrick Lamar, ‘Best Group’ with “Future & Metro Boomin,” and Best Male Hip Hop Artist.
GloRilla six nominations include ‘Album of the Year’ for Glorious, ‘Viewer’s Choice Award’ for “TGIF”, ‘Best Collaboration’ for “Sticky” with Tyler, The Creator, Sexyy Red and Lil Wayne, the ‘Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award’ for “Rain Down On Me,” ‘Best Female Hip Hop Artist’, and ‘BET Her’ for “In My Bag” with FLO.
SZA and The Weeknd tie with four nominations each, while Arya Starr, Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Maverick City Music, Playboi Carti, Teddy Swims, and Tyler, The Creator each earn three nominations.
Voting for “BET Awards” 2025 Viewer’s Choice Award will open soon.
BET.com/bet-awards is the official site for “BET Awards” 2025 and will have all the latest news and updates about this year’s show. Follow us @BET and @BETAWARDS.
Connie Orlando, EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy, will oversee and Executive Produce the annual show, with Jamal Noisette, SVP, Tentpoles & Music Community Engagement for BET. Jesse Collins Entertainment is the production company for the show, with Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay also serving as Executive Producers.
The 25th Anniversary of “BET Awards” – Culture’s Biggest Night – will air LIVE on BET from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 8 pm ET/PT. This milestone event will honor 25 years of cultural excellence, spotlighting the most influential names in music, film, television, and sports.
To register for the free, 2-day BETX Fan Fest, visit BETExperience.com. “BET Experience” 2025 is co-produced by Live Nation Urban.
iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, today announced “Outlaws” with TS Madison — a new original podcast series joining the Outspoken Podcast Network and hosted by cultural icon, LGBTQ+ activist and entertainer TS Madison. Premiering Tuesday, May 13, the first episode will feature a candid conversation with Tina Knowles, businesswoman, philanthropist, author and mother of Beyoncé and Solange. Fans can listen to the trailer now, here.
No one does it like TS Madison. Each week on “Outlaws,” the host will chop it up with the internet’s most wanted—living legends and rising stars who will shed their armor for an hour, owning their stories in conversations that feel like odysseys. Listeners can expect some episodes to crack them up—while others might crack them open. It won’t be church, but it will feel sacred. It won’t be therapy, but something will always shift. It won’t be a living room, but it might be the most at-home listeners have felt in a while. It’s the kind of space Madison has spent her whole career creating.
“Being yourself loudly, truthfully and unapologetically has always been my mission, even when it made people uncomfortable,” said TS Madison. “‘Outlaws’ is about reclaiming the power in being different, in being vocal and in standing firm in your truth. Sometimes the world will label you an ‘Outlaw’ just for living out loud, and I wear that title with pride. This podcast is a space for reflection, real talk and revolution. Because when you speak up and stand tall, you don’t just break the mold, you make change.”
“We’re proud to launch a series that amplifies bold voices and uncompromising stories of resilience,” said Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts. “TS Madison brings unmatched energy, insight and heart to every conversation, making ‘Outlaws’ as fearless and impactful as she is.”
Additional guests will include Chappell Roan, Sasha Colby, Lil Nas X, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett and Laverne Cox, among others.
“Outlaws” with TS Madison is co-created by Tyler Rabinowitz and Olivia Peace, with Rabinowitz and Maya Howard (iHeartPodcasts) serving as executive producer alongside Madison. The series is a part of iHeartMedia’s Outspoken Podcast Network and is co-produced by Turtle Run Entertainment.
All shows on the Outspoken Podcast Network are distributed by iHeartPodcasts. The network aims to amplify, elevate and reflect the diversity, richness and humanity of the voices throughout the LGBTQ+ community. See the current Outspoken Podcast Network lineup of shows here.
The first episode of “Outlaws” with TS Madison will be available on the iHeartRadio app and all major podcast platforms beginning Tuesday, May 13, 2025.
NEW YORK, NY – MAY 06, 2025 – BET Media Group announced today that it will celebrate the 25th anniversary of legendary music video countdown show 106 & Park with a can’t-miss tribute at “BET Awards” 2025, LIVE on Monday, June 9, on BET at 8 pm ET/PT. Beloved former hosts AJ Calloway, Free, Julissa Bermudez, Keshia Chanté, Rocsi Diaz, and Terrence J will reunite on stage for a nostalgic celebration of the show that shaped a generation. The tribute will feature electrifying performances from previous hosts and Mr. 106 & Park, Bow Wow, Amerie, B2K, Jim Jones, Mya, T.I., and more, bringing back the culture-defining energy, music, and moments of 106 & Park.
The BET daily music video and interview series shaped an entire generation’s relationship with music. Packed with appearances from the hottest stars in R&B and Hip-Hop, the show quickly became a staple for lovers of Hip-Hop culture as the must-see after-school television event following its premiere on September 11, 2000.
“106 & Park was more than just a music countdown show; it was the heartbeat of Black youth culture and one of the highest-rated BET programs for over a decade,” stated Scott Mills, President and CEO at BET. “From Freestyle Friday to unforgettable live performances, it launched careers, influenced fashion, and became a platform where voices, style, and sound converged. 106 & Park both celebrated and fueled many of the most important musical and culture evolutions that occurred during its two-and-a-half-decade tenure.”
“106 & Park served as a cultural touchstone, embodying the energy, creativity and authenticity of a generation,” stated Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET. “It provided artists a direct connection to their fans, transforming everyday moments into lasting memories. The show’s legacy continues to influence how we engage with music, connect with talent, and celebrate Black creativity. We are thrilled to commemorate 25 years of this iconic series at this year’s BET Awards.”
106 & Park Activations During Culture’s Biggest Week:
The 25th Anniversary of “BET Awards” – Culture’s Biggest Night – will air LIVE on BET from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 8 pm ET/PT. This milestone event will honor 25 years of cultural excellence, spotlighting the most influential names in music, film, television, and sports.
Registration for the free, 2-day BETX Fan Fest opens soon—stay tuned to BETExperience.com for updates and more announcements. “BET Experience” 2025 is co-produced by Live Nation Urban.
The 30-Minute Trial Deep Dive, ‘Burden of Proof: The Case Against Diddy,’ Will Spotlight and Analyze the Day’s Events From the Courtroom and Beyond
Today, ABC News announced a daily show on the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, “Burden of Proof: The Case Against Diddy,” premiering Friday, May 9, at 5:30 p.m. EDT on ABC News Live, the No. 1 streaming news channel. Hosted by “GMA3” co-anchor and senior national correspondent Eva Pilgrim, the 30-minute show will be an in-depth look into the high-profile federal trial of the music mogul. The series will deliver real-time updates and analysis of the defense and prosecution as Combs faces federal charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
The first episode will examine the science behind jury selection and explain the charges against Diddy. The regular, daily cadence for the show will commence on the day of opening statements, currently slated for May 12 and airing daily on ABC News Live at 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. EDT through the end of the trial.
Joining Pilgrim are chief investigative correspondent Aaron Katersky and legal contributor and attorney Brian Buckmire, who will be inside the courtroom during the trial. Their firsthand insights and expert commentary will bring viewers behind the scenes of one of the most consequential celebrity trials in recent memory. Pilgrim will feature additional guests and experts throughout the series to provide audiences with the full scope and impact of the trial.
For more context and analysis on the trial, ABC Audio and “20/20” will be producing twice weekly episodes of the podcast “Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy” hosted by Brian Buckmire, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.