CBS is developing a soap opera about a wealthy family that could become the first daytime TV drama with a predominately Black cast in decades.
The project is titled The Gates and it follows the lives of a wealthy Black family living in a posh, gated community.
The show will be produced by a CBS Studios/NAACP production venture in partnership with P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble. The Gates will be written by Emmy-winning daytime veteran Michele Val Jean (The Bold & The Beautiful), who will also serve as showrunner. Val Jean has also written more than 2,000 episodes of daytime TV.
The last Black daytime soap was NBC’s short-lived Generations, which launched in 1989 as a half-hour drama and was reportedly the first U.S. soap to center around a Black family from its inception. Also, Fox’s 2015 hit drama Empire was regarded by some as a soap opera, though one that aired in primetime.
“The Gates will be everything we love about daytime drama, from a new and fresh perspective,” said Sheila Ducksworth, president of the CBS Studios NAACP venture (pictured above). “This series will salute an audience that has been traditionally underserved, with the potential to be a groundbreaking moment for broadcast television. With multi-dimensional characters, juicy storylines and Black culture front and center, The Gates will have impactful representation, one of the key touchstones of the venture. I’m excited to develop this project with CBS and P&G, two of the longest and most passionate champions of broadcast and daytime television, and the NAACP, whose enduring commitment to Black voices and artists is both powerful and inspiring.”
Launching any new daytime soap would actually break a decades-long streak as the genre has fallen out of favor given its declining ratings amid competition from streaming. The last time a broadcaster launched a new soap opera was in 1999 (NBC’s Passions), while CBS’ last new soap was The Bold & The Beautiful, which debuted in 1987.
There are currently only three surviving daytime soaps on broadcast: The Young & the Restless, Bold & the Beautiful and General Hospital (with Days of Our Lives on Peacock). In 2011, ABC made headlines for axing two of the long-running soaps, All My Children and One Life to Live. Two years later, Prospect Park later attempted to re-launch the soaps online. But CBS recently renewed the 51-year-old Young & The Restless for four additional years.
Duckworth and Val Jean will executive produce The Gates alongside Leon Russell, Derrick Johnson, and Kimberly Doebereiner.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Actor-comedian Jermaine Fowler is set to co-write, executive produce, and star in an untitled single-camera comedy, which has received a script commitment at Fox.
In the half-hour project, co-written by Fowler and Zack Bernstein, after a self-inflicted fall from grace, a former jiu-jitsu champion’s (Fowler) only shot at redemption is to check his ego at the door and start from scratch at a low-rent strip-mall dojo.
Fowler started Brazilian jiu-jitsu training during Covid.
“When the pandemic hit, I had nothing to do,” he said during a January 2023 interview on The Jennifer Hudson Show. “I was bored, and I always wanted to try martial arts.”
On jiu-jitsu he said, “It’s a beautiful sport. It’s gruesome, but it’s so beautiful.”
At the time, Fowler was a white belt who had won one fight out of four.
The comedy project was originated and brought to Fox by Tooth Hurty Media, a new production company founded by Austin Sokol and Bernstein that specializes in exploring subcultures through a satirical lens across scripted, unscripted, and docu-comedy formats.
Bernstein and Sokol executive produce alongside Fowler and Sam Laybourne who serves as showrunner. Fox Entertainment Studios is the studio.
This would mark a return to network comedy for Fowler who headlined CBS’ sitcom Superior Donuts in one of his first acting gigs. He was recently seen in the FX murder mystery limited series Murder At the End of World and next stars alongside Zac Efron and John Cena in Peter Farrelly’s comedy feature Ricky Stanicky. Upcoming films also include Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead, Sting and Faces of Death. Fowler is repped by Entertainment 360, UTA and Yorn Levine.
Laybourne most recently executive produced the third season of Acapulco at Apple+. He was previously an executive producer on Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist at NBC and co-created and executive produced The Michael J. Fox Show for NBC. Laybourne began his career on Arrested Development. He is represented by UTA, Kaplan Perrone and Kim Stenton at Myman Greenspan Fox Rosenberg Mobasser Younger & Light.
Source: Deadline
In his first public appearance since suffering a major stroke four years ago, comedian Sinbad expressed gratitude for the support and prayers from his fans. Sharing a heartfelt message on Instagram, the 67-year-old comedian assured his followers that they can expect to see more of him soon and playfully mentioned surprising them by standing behind them. Sinbad emphasized the miraculous nature of his recovery and the importance of believing in God.
Sinbad thanked everyone for their prayers and positive thoughts, acknowledging their significant role in his journey. Despite facing challenges during his recovery, Sinbad is actively involved in a Different World’s HBCU College Tour, where he speaks to students about empowerment and education. The comedian also reflected on his lifelong desire to bring laughter and joy to people. Sinbad’s close friend provided an update on his rehabilitation process, highlighting his efforts to regain mobility and enunciate words. Sinbad encouraged others facing similar health battles, expressing appreciation for the prayers and supportive messages he has received.
HBO is billing its unscripted series starring Jerrod Carmichael as following the comedian on a “tumultuous quest for love, sex, and truth.” The trailer suggests that quest won’t be a smooth one.
The two-minute trailer for Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show, which will have a premiere at SXSW Sunday before its on-air debut March 29, showcases a host of squirmy moments featuring Carmichael and his parents — including a gas station mishap with an RV — and a conversation with someone who apparently didn’t want his face on camera and thus appears wearing a ski mask and goggles and with his voice altered.
The masked man also takes issue with Carmichael’s assertion that he wants to “maintain being truthful on camera.” “This is not truth,” the mystery man replies. “This is narrative that will be edited … that’s not true.”
Carmichael also says in the trailer that he’s “trying to self-Truman Show myself,” referencing the Jim Carrey movie about a man who doesn’t know his entire life has been staged for TV cameras. The clip also showcases the comedian’s romantic relationship (he came out as gay in his 2022 special Rothaniel) and his hopes of reconnecting with his parents, who he says did not react well to his coming out. The trailer then ends with an extremely awkward 20 seconds of Carmichael discussing different kinds of gay men while his dad sits stone-faced next to him.
Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show is executive produced by Carmichael, director Ari Katcher, Eli Despres, Susie Fox, Josh Kriegman, and Elyse Steinberg of Edgeline Films. Maya Seidler produces for Edgeline Films.
Watch the trailer below.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Carl Anthony Payne II (Martin, Binged to Death), Acoryé White (Juanita, Under the Stadium Lights), Psalms Salazar (P-Valley), and Guxci (Night Games) have signed on to star in the indie horror feature The Grove.
The script is co-written by White and Patrycja Kępa, who will also co-direct under their Anchored Lens Productions company. The project follows the pair’s previous collaboration on 2023’s Trinket Box.
The Grove follows a soldier’s homecoming, which takes a dark turn when he forgets to take an experimental medication, triggering a deadly descent into animalistic madness. What was supposed to be a relaxing lake house getaway with friends becomes a fight for survival, testing the limits of love and sanity.
Alestair Shu (Shelter), Graham Edmonds (S.W.A.T.), influencer Anushka Van Lent (When the Ringlights Dim), Jesus Venegas (Bosch Legacy), and Jolena Wu (Eiknuj) round out the supporting cast.
Trinket Box executive producers Tru’Kessa S. Scott, Nelson E. Barnes Jr., and Kennan Walay are all returning for The Grove. Stacey Johnson is also on board as an associate producer. Production is set to start in Atlanta this April, with plans to debut at the Dreamscape International Film Festival in September 2024.
Acoryé White is repped by J Pervis Talent and Robert Stein Management. Carl Anthony Payne II is repped by J Pervis Talent. Psalms Salazar is repped by Aperture Talent. Guxci is repped by Affinity Artists Agency and Bravura Entertainment & Management.
Source: Deadline
The concept of solving crime is serious business, but if there exists anyone who could possibly make it humourous, that would be the bad boys of the Miami-Dade Police Department, Detectives Mike Lowery and Marcus Burnett. Played by Will Smith and co-star Martin Lawrence, the pair have, in the years since the first Bad Boys film arrived in 1995, built an action-packed, comedic franchise that has withstood the test of time. After what seemed like its final hoorah with 2020’s Bad Boys For Life, the franchise has gone on to add a fourth installment. The sequel was initially plagued by industry strikes in 2023, but months after resuming production, Bad Boys 4 has now officially wrapped filming.
The announcement comes from Smith who, while giving the exciting update via his Instagram profile, also offered the first official look at the sequel. Smith took to his social media to share an image from the movie, seeing him alongside Lawrence reprising their roles as Miami-Dade detectives, Lowrey and Burnett. The two longtime friends are pictured fist-bumping as they stand in front of a Ferris wheel. The post was captioned, “WRAPPED! Nothin’ but Magic every time I’m with my guy. See y’all June 7 for BADBOYS 4!!“
Smith is quite right, the duo of himself and Lawrence have, in the three previous installments of the franchise, produced serious magic for Sony. The box office numbers for the studio would attest as much. With Bad Boys For Life‘s final tally of $426 million at the box office, which brought the franchise’s total to $840 million worldwide, the third film proved to be the most successful installment of the franchise. The decision to return for another run could prove to be a commercial goldmine.
Now just one year short of being three decades old, the Bad Boys franchise will for its fourth, and possibly final run welcome back some familiar faces. It was revealed recently that Jacob Scipio who plays Armando Aretas, the estranged son of Will Smith’s character, will return for another run in Bad Boys 4 after his explosive introduction in Bad Boys for Life. Other stars set to return include Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Núñez, and DJ Khaled. The role of Theresa Burnett, the wife of Lawrence’s character, who was previously portrayed by Theresa Randle, has been recast with Tasha Smith taking over. Bad Boys For Life directors, Adil El ArbiandBilall Fallah will be returning with some newcomers to the cast, including Rhea Seehorn, Eric Dane, Ioan Gruffudd, and Joyner Lucas.
Bad Boys 4 will premiere on June 7, 2024. See the new set image below.
Montreal’s Just for Laughs, a major institution in Canadian entertainment, is in danger of shutting down. The festival’s parent company, Groupe Juste pour rire inc. (JPR), announced Tuesday the cancellation of the festival’s 2024 edition. JPR has filed a Notice of intention to make a proposal under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, which allows the festival to seek investors or purchasers with the goal of avoiding bankruptcy. The company also reportedly laid off around 75 employees, or 70% of its staff.
The festival, founded in 1983, has grown into a major cultural force in Canada, expanding into Toronto and Vancouver as well as presenting comedy and performance events year-round. JFL brings major international acts like Kevin Hart and John Mulaney to Canadian stages, while its showcases have become coveted opportunities for rising comedians. The festival has also faced its share of internal problems — founder Gilbert Rozon resigned in 2017 following sexual assault allegations that spanned several decades.
JPR says that the festival’s current financial problems come from the loss of revenue during two years of lockdown, while overhead costs remained, as well as other factors like inflation and media consolidation, which pose challenges to the live performance industry. “The decision to initiate restructuring proceedings was reached after thorough consideration of all options available to the company,” a news release states, “taking into account its very difficult financial situation given the significant changes in our business landscape in recent years.”
Other Canadian festivals like the Vancouver Folk Festival have faced similar existential threats coming out of lockdown, while some like FVDED in the Park have re-worked their programming.
JPR says the festival will spend time re-structuring, with hopes of returning in 2025. Bell and Osheaga promoter Evenko own 51% of JPR, while American agency CAA owns the other 49%, according to Canadian Press. In addition to the Montreal festival, upcoming JFL events advertised on the festival’s website include Moontower — JFL’s partner festival in Austin, Texas — as well as two events in London, England.
Jamie Foxx is returning to once again host Fox’s musical game show “Beat Shazam,” after he took last season off in the wake of his hospitalization for a still-undisclosed medical emergency. Nick Cannon took over as host last season.
Foxx’s daughter, Corinne Foxx, is also back as the show’s co-host DJ, after she was temporarily replaced last season by Kelly Osbourne. Scroll down to see a first look.
Jamie Foxx is also executive producer on “Beat Shazam,” which premieres its Season 7 on Tuesday, May 28 at 8 p.m. ET on Fox (and streaming on Hulu). This season’s themed episodes will include teams of fathers, siblings, teachers, heroes and mothers.
“Jamie and Corinne are the heart and soul of Beat Shazam,” Fox Entertainment unscripted prexy Allison Wallach said in a statement. “As our undeniably dynamic father-daughter hosting team, they bring a relationship like no other to a show like no other, and it’s wonderful having them back on set this season.”
“Beat Shazam” features contestants trying to identify hit songs and eventually take on song ID app Shazam for the chance to win $1 million dollars. So far, “Beat Shazam” has given away more than $10 million dollars over six seasons.
Apploff Entertainment, MGM Alternative Television and BiggerStage are behind the show, along with Shazam. “Beat Shazam” was created by Jeff Apploff and Wes Kauble; Apploff, Mark Burnett, Barry Poznick, Lauren Zalaznick, Pat Kiely, Sean O’Riordan and Jamie Foxx are executive producers.
Here’s a first look at Season 7:
Source: Variety
Comic View originally debuted in 1992 and now following a 16-year absence, the series returns with all new episodes on BET+ coming this March.
Filmed last year in front of a live audience during Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat Weekend in Las Vegas, the four episodes hosted by Mike Epps will feature a comedy showcase from the likes of Tommy Davidson, Brandi Denise, DC Young Fly, Jayski, Navv Greene, Tony Roberts, Lavar Walker, Bresha Webb, and Tacarra Williams.
This also marks the standup debut for rapper T.I.
The original Comic View debuted in 1992 on BET, and spotlighted an array of new and veteran comedians from across the country. Over the years, the series was hosted by D.L. Hughley, Cedric The Entertainer, Kevin Hart, Sommore, and others. The final episode aired in December 2008.
When the reboot was first announced in July 2023, Hart said in a statement, “I’m thrilled to partner with BET for the return of ‘Comic View’ as part of Hartbeat Weekend making this can’t-miss celebration of comedy, music and culture. Having hosted ‘Comic View’ in the past, I understand first-hand the incredible platform this franchise offers for comedians to showcase their talents on a national stage and I’m excited to continue that tradition in Las Vegas.”
Scott Mills, BET President and CEO, added, “Over 30 years ago, ComicView set the footprint for stand-up specials and launched the careers of some of today’s mega-comedy stars,” he continued. “We can’t wait to see this new group of talented and rising comedians. We are so proud to work with this all-star production team, including Mike Epps, and the impressive roster of talent that will bring you the best comedy you’ll see all year long.”
The new Comic View premieres on Thursday, Mar. 14, exclusively on BET+. Watch BET+ free with a free trial here.
Source: Yahoo
CNN — Jamie Foxx has some jokes to tell.
The Oscar winner posted a funny video of himself on Instagram from his 2002 HBO special “I Might Need Security” in which he is doing an impression of Prince. Foxx teased his possible return to the standup stage.
“PRINCE singing the Brady Bunch theme song was a moment… I’m planning on bringing more moments,” Foxx wrote in a caption. “Going to get on somebody’s stage somewhere near you. I got some jokes, and a story to tell…”
The joke was based around Foxx’s impersonation of how various musicians would perform the theme song for “The Brady Bunch.”
Before his acting career, Foxx was a cast member on the ’90s sketch show “In Living Color.” He won an Oscar for his performance of Ray Charles in 2004’s “Ray.”
In April 2023, he was midway through working on a new Netflix movie, “Back in Action,” costarring Cameron Diaz, when he suffered a medical complication.
After time away from the public, Foxx resumed filming again in January.