Fox has given series orders to “Ghosted” and “LA>Vegas,” its first comedy green lights for the 2017-18 season.
Starring Dylan McDermott, “LA>Vegas” is an ensemble single-camera workplace comedy about a group of underdogs trying to find their place in the world, set on the Friday night flight from LAX to Vegas and the returning flight on Sunday, who all share the same goal: to come back a winner in the casino of life. The 30-minute, single-cam comedy was created by Lon Zimmet who wrote the pilot and will serve as executive producer with Will Ferrell, Adam McKay, Chris Henchy and Steve Levitan. The pilot was directed by Levitan, co-creator of “Modern Family.”
“Ghosted” has been described as “The X-Files” as a comedy. The single-cam follows a cynical skeptic played by Craig Robinson and a genius “true believer” in the paranormal played by Adam Scott who are recruited by The Bureau Underground to look into the rampant “unexplained” activity in Los Angeles, all while uncovering a larger mystery that could threaten the existence of the human race.
Robinson and Scott will both serve as executive producers, in addition to starring. Other EPs are Naomi Scott, Oly Obst, Mark Schulman and Tom Gormican (“That Awkward Moment”), who penned the pilot. Kevin Etten (“Workaholics,” “Scrubs,” “Desperate Housewives”) has signed on as showrunner and will also serve as an exec producer. The series hails from 3Arts, Gettin’ Rad Productions and Twentieth Century Fox Television.
The pickups for “Ghosted” and “LA>Vegas” follow Fox’s first drama order yesterday, for Marvel action series “The Gifted.”
Tracy Morgan’s TBS Sitcom Casts Tiffany Haddish
REX/SHUTTERSTOCK
Tiffany Haddish will star opposite Tracy Morgan in his upcoming TBS sitcom, Variety has learned.
In the untitled series, Morgan’s character Tray is released on good behavior from a 15-year prison stint and must assimilate into a society that has changed radically.
Haddish will play Tray’s girlfriend. He broke up with her while in prison, hoping to spare her a long and hopeless wait. When Tray is released, he finds that Shay has transformed from a tough girl from the streets to an ultra-refined socialite who is now married to a white guy, who is the antithesis of Tray.
Haddish will also star in the upcoming Universal comedy film “Girls Trip” alongside Queen Latifah, Regina Hall and Jada Pinkett Smith. She also co-stars in “The Carmichael Show” which will return on NBC for Season 3 on May 31st.
She is repped by Principato Young, APA, and Gordon Bobb and Lily Tillers of Del Shaw Moonves Tanaka Finkelstein & Lezcano.
Haddish’s casting on the series reunites her with series executive producer Jordan Peele of “Key & Peele” and “Get Out” fame. The two previously appeared together in the hit comedy film “Keanu,” which Peele starred in and co-wrote.
The TBS series is created and executive produced by Peele along with John Carcieri. Morgan will also serve as executive producer, along with Eric and Kim Tannenbaum and Joel Zadak of Principato Young, also an alumnus of Peele’s Comedy Central program. The series is produced by Studio T, the in-house production studio for TBS and its sister outlet, TNT.
Source: Variety
Apollo Theater Announces Spring Gala To Be Hosted By Cedric The Entertainer; Performances By CeeLo Green, Sheila E., Charlie Wilson
HARLEM, NY – May 10, 2017 – The Apollo Theater today announced details for its largest fundraising event – the 2017Apollo Spring Gala, which will take place at the theater on Monday, June 12 at 7pm. The star-studded benefit concert will be hosted by award-winning actor and comedian Cedric The Entertainer and will feature performances by renowned artists, including CeeLo Green, Sheila E., Charlie Wilson, and Wé McDonald of NBC’s The Voice(who started her career winning Amateur Night at the Apollo). All proceeds from the celebration will support the non-profit organization’s year-round, world-class artistic, education, and community programming.
“Since its inception, The Apollo Theater has been home to legendary and up-and-coming artists alike, serving as an ever-changing driving force in popular music and culture not only in Harlem, but across the world,” stated Jonelle Procope, President & CEO of The Apollo Theater. “We are thrilled to announce this lineup of incredible talent for our upcoming Spring Gala that will help us to continue our legacy of cultivating talent by supporting the Theater’s year-round performing arts, education and community programming.”
Every year as part of the evening, the Apollo recognizes individuals and corporations for their outstanding contributions to the performing arts, community leadership and for their philanthropic support of initiatives in the African American community. This year, the Theater will present Peabody Award winning director and producer Stan Lathan with the Trailblazer Award for his substantial contributions to the performing arts. Lathan’s extensive credits include cultural classics ranging from “AMEN,” and “Sanford & Son” to “Def Comedy Jam” and “The Bernie Mac Show”, to Dave Chappelle’s recent comedy special, “Deep in the Heart of Texas.”
“If there’s anyone who deserves to be honored as a trailblazer, it’s Stan Lathan, and if there is any venue perfectly suited to showcase a great benefit concert it’s the Apollo Theater. I’m truly privileged to host this night celebrating the Apollo and Stan!” commented Cedric The Entertainer. “Regarding Stan, he really knows comedy, and he has produced & directed some of the most prolific comedians of all time across many iconic television shows. His talents have also stretched beyond comedy into other formats directing some of the most memorable dance performances on the small screen including Alvin Ailey, Martha Graham and Mikhail Baryshnikov. Stan is the man! I’m especially proud to be a part of this year’s Apollo Spring Gala because it’s an important and celebratory evening at the legendary Theater where all of the music and comedic greats have launched their careers. It’s of utmost importance to continue this tradition, raising funds for the Apollo’s incredible arts and education programs that will launch the world’s next generation of talent. Add to that some great performances by our special musical guests – – It’s going to be a high-energy, star-powered evening!”
This year’s recipient of the Corporate Award is Verizon, for their exemplary leadership in diversity, community leadership and innovation. Rose Kirk, President of the Verizon Foundation will accept the award on behalf of the company.
“Fueling tomorrow’s tech innovators while leveling the playing field for minority and underserved students is not only a priority for Verizon, it is our responsibility,” said Rose Stuckey Kirk, Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer & President, Verizon Foundation. “We are honored to be recognized by the Apollo Theater for the work we are doing to provide free technology, access and hands-on learning to students in need across America. We are at a critical point when the world around us is shifting, with technology at its core. We need more kids to have access to quality education in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) so they are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow.”
The Apollo Spring Gala begins with red carpet arrivals at 6:00 PM followed by the gala concert and awards ceremony at 7:00 PM with Music Director Ray Chew. The evening will also include a post-performance party with a lounge created by celebrity event planner and Apollo board member Bronson van Wyck.
Gala Chairs are: Robert K. Kraft, Laura and Richard D. Parsons, Ronald O. Perelman and Anna Chapman, and Karen and Charles Phillips.
Get social! For exclusive photos, updates and more, use hashtag #APOLLOGALA and follow the Apollo Theater:
To purchase Gala tickets or to make a donation to the Apollo Theater, please call 212-531-5330. For more information, visit www.apollotheater.org. Proceeds from the Apollo Spring Gala support the Theater’s year-round performing arts programming, innovative education initiatives, and community programs.
Tickets for the 2017 Spring Gala are now on sale. Performance only tickets go on sale to Apollo A-List members this Friday, May 12th at 10 a.m. Subscribe to Apollo A-List atwww.apollotheater.org. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Monday, May 15th at 10 a.m.
Donald Glover Co-Creates New ‘Deadpool’ Animated Comedy Series, Lands At FXX
COURTESY OF 20TH CENTURY FOX
“Deadpool” is heading to TV — in animated form.
FXX is working on an animated series for Marvel’s “Deadpool,” which will be created by Donald Glover and Stephen Glover, Variety has learned.
The untitled show has been given a straight-to-series order, with a 10-episode first season expected to debut in 2018.
“Atlanta” creator and Golden Globe winner Donald Glover and his brother, “Atlanta” staff writer Stephen Glover, will serve as showrunners, executive producers and writers of the series. Marvel’s Jeph Loeb and Jim Chory are executive producers. The untitled series is produced by Marvel Television in association with FX Productions and ABC Signature Studios for FXX.
“How much more fun could this be? Deadpool, Donald and FX – the perfect fit for the Merc with the Mouth,” Loeb said. “We’re thrilled that our relationship with FX that started with ‘Legion’ continues with what is sure to be a groundbreaking show in adult animation.”
Donald Glover is repped by Dianne McGunigle of MGMT Entertainment, WME and Lev Ginsburg. Stephen Glover is repped by WME and Lev Ginsburg.
20th Century Fox’s “Deadpool,” which hit theaters February 2016, was a gigantic box office success, raking in nearly $800 million internationally off of a $58 million budget. The movie cemented Ryan Reynolds as an A-list star and reinvigorated the R-rated superhero genre, alongside Hugh Jackman’s “Logan.” No word on whether Reynolds will be affiliated with the FXX series, which like the film, will also based off of the Marvel comic book heroes.
While no voice actors have been announced for the series, in a funny turn of events, “Atlanta” actress Zazie Beetz has been cast in the sequel film, “Deadpool 2,” as Domino.
Donald Glover is also already in the Marvel family. Coming up, he’ll star in “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” which will be released this July.
For FX Networks, the sure-to-be-hotly-anticipated series is the latest animated project for the FX portfolio, following the likes of the Emmy-nominated “Archer.” Last year, FX boss John Landgraf announced that FXX will be moving “really aggressively” into more animated series and short-form series in the adult animation format — and “Deadpool,” the raunchy comic book character, surely fits that bill.
Source; Variety
Larry Wilmore To Host New Podcast On The Ringer Podcast Network
ROB LATOUR/VARIETY/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK
Larry Wilmore will host his own podcast as part of The Ringer Podcast Network. “Larry Wilmore: Black on Air” will feature interviews with guests like Bernie Sanders and Neil deGrasse Tyson. Wilmore is an Emmy Award-winning producer, writer, and comedian who most recently co-created Issa Rae’s HBO series “Insecure.” The first episode premieres Thursday, May 11 and features guest Norman Lear. Wilmore previously served as host of Comedy Central’s critically praised “The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore”and helped to launch ABC’s “Black-ish” as an executive producer.
Source: Variety
New Season Of ‘Autopsy: The Last Hours of…’ To Focus On Bernie Mac, Prince And More!
Prince
REELZ today announced “Autopsy: The Last Hours of…” original documentary series, kicking off with an episode about pop icon Prince on Saturday, May 20 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT. New episodes will continue Saturdays at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT and will focus on the lives and last hours of Bernie Mac, Natalie Cole, Gary Coleman, Steve Jobs, Patrick Swayze, Bruce Lee, Judy Garland, Janis Joplin, and Anissa Jones.
“Autopsy: The Last Hours of…” reveals the truth behind the controversial and mysterious deaths of global icons and people whose untimely deaths were often surrounded by scandal and intense media attention. The series features reconstructions of their final hours based on crucial medical evidence from the actual autopsies while interviews with friends, family and experts shed light on the events that led to the celebrity’s death – finally putting an end to the mystery.
On Saturday, May 20 at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT “Autopsy: The Last Hours of… Prince” will take viewers inside the life and final days and hours of the pop superstar. On April 21st, 2016 Prince’s death from a drug overdose sent shockwaves around the world. Series host and renowned forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Hunter, will analyze Prince’s medical history and final days to uncover the possible reasons for his untimely death at only 57 years of age. Interviews include Prince biographer Mick Wall, former girlfriend Anna Fantastic, musician and friend JD Steele and Paisley Park DJ Michael Holtz.
Airdates for new episodes of “Autopsy: The Last Hours of…” are below. Premiere times are 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. Only the Prince episode will air at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT.
Prince on Saturday, May 20.
Natalie Cole on Saturday, May 27.
Patrick Swayze on Saturday, June 3.
Steve Jobs on Saturday, June 10.
Bernie Mac on Saturday, June 17.
Gary Coleman on Saturday, June 24.
Janis Joplin on Saturday, July 1.
Judy Garland on Saturday, July 8.
Bruce Lee on Saturday, July 15.
Anissa Jones on Saturday, July 22.
The series is produced by Potato, part of ITV Studios.
Source: Shadow & Act
Check Out Who Is Going To Join Jamie Foxx As The Co-Host On ‘Beat Shazam’!
According to our sources, Jamie Foxx, the new host of the new game show on FOX Beat Shazam, will be getting a co-host!
We hear that the show will be getting Meghan Trainor, whois a singer, songwriter, musician and record producer. In case you didn’t know, Trainor wrote, recorded, performed, and produced three independently-released albums between ages 15 and 17 and quickly became an internet and music sensation.
To catch you up, here’s an idea of what to expect when the show premieres on May 25th. Watch the trailer below!
Kevin Hart To Debut His New Book Titled “I Can’t Make This Up” In June!
Hollywood box office star, comedian, writer and producer Kevin Hart is introducing the world to his life through comedy via his new autobiography, “I Can’t Make This Up,”set to be released on June 6th.
“I Can’t Make This Up” is a humorous, heartfelt memoir that brings Hart’s unpredictable life into the spotlight. From his early days in North Philadelphia with a drug-addicted father and struggling single mother to his current success in Hollywood, the book is a tale of survival, success and the importance of believing in oneself. By defying all odds, Hart takes readers on the dynamic journey of his life, all with the humor for which he is known. With both jokes and poignant truths, Hart explains life as a collection of chapters that each individual can write for themselves. Through this tale of hard work,
By defying all odds, Hart takes readers on the dynamic journey of his life, all with the humor for which he is known. With both jokes and poignant truths, Hart explains life as a collection of chapters that each individual can write for themselves. Through this tale of hard work, determination, and talent, Hart was able to write his chapter of success through his unique way of looking at the world.
Christopher “Big Black” Boykin, Star of MTV’s ‘Rob & Big,’ Dies at 45
Getty Images Christopher Boykin
The reality star was popular for his kind demeanor, towering stature and close friendship with skateboarder Rob Dyrdek.
Christopher “Big Black” Boykin, star of MTV’s reality series Rob & Big, has died. He was 45.
Boykin’s management confirmed the news on Tuesday afternoon to The Hollywood Reporter.
Boykin rose to public popularity as the best friend and bodyguard of professional skateboarder Rob Dyrdek on the reality program which ran from 2006-2008, and later made appearances on Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory reality series. An imposing figure at 6-foot-6, Boykin’s demeanor was much gentler and warmer than his imposing stature or job description would suggest.
Before becoming a bodyguard, Boykin served in the Navy. In addition to being a television personality, he also started his own clothing line, Big Black (Do Work) in 2007.
Dyrdek remembered his friend and co-star in a series of tweets. “My heart is broken. I don’t want to write this post. I don’t want to believe that this is reality. I am so thankful for you,” Drydek wrote. “We truly were brothers that lived an unespected unforgettable adventure. I just can’t fathom that it would end so suddenly. You will forever be in my heart.”
My heart is broken. I don’t want write this post. I don’t want to believe that this is reality. I am so thankful for you.
We truly were brothers that lived an unexpected unforgettable adventure. I just can’t fathom that it would end so suddenly.
“MTV is deeply saddened to learn the news of Christopher ‘Big Black’ Boykin’s passing,” an MTV spokesman said in a statement. “He was a long time and beloved member of the MTV family and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this time.”
Boykin is survived by his 9-year-old daughter, Isis.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
‘Rosewood’ Canceled At Fox After 2 Seasons
FOX
It’s the end of the road for Rosewood.The network has canceled the medical drama after two seasons. Stars Morris Chestnut and Jaina Lee Ortiz announced that the series would not be coming back on their social media accounts early Tuesday.
“I am very grateful about the part that everyone took in Rosewood‘s journey, because everyone was truly an integral part; the writers who crafted great story-lines, the actors who brought these stories to life, the production crew who sustained the show’s infrastructure, and the terrific fans who embraced this phenomenon and became just as much a part of Rosewood as anyone else,” Chestnut wrote in a lengthy post. “Fox provided a platform for a show that made strides in diversity and the images it projected, as all-inclusive. We were able to peer into the lives of characters who displayed their hopes, dreams, courage and fears. Rosewood also helped reinforce a newer definition of Family, as a group of people who most care for and support one another. The Rosewood family, itself was an Extremely Special group of people who’ll be friends forever.”
Ortiz also penned a heartfelt note on Instagram: “Today is a special day. Today I say goodbye to my very first show, Rosewood. I say goodbye to Detective Annalise Villa. Damn, I’m gonna miss that woman. To my partner in crime/the guy who mentored me and showed me the ropes on set. The beautiful Morris Chestnut, and when I say beautiful, I mean his HEART, his SOUL. He is the most selfless person I think I’ve ever met. Kind and gracious. Our rock. Our captain. 5 days a week, 14 hours a day, he became one of my best-friends. Love you, Morrisito. The cast…you’re my family. To all the hardworking crew and writers…you showed me what “movie magic” was really made out of. It’s created on the backs of your hard work. Last but not least, this show and it’s incredible characters were created by Todd Harthan. This guy said yes when everyone else told me no, and it has changed my life forever. I adore you.”
The medial procedural, produced in-house at 20th Century Fox Television, was down considerably in its sophomore outing after being moved from Empire’s lead-in Wednesdays to open Thursdays. Season two averaged 4.4 million total viewers and a 1.0 in the demo. The show was later moved from Thursdays to Fridays midway through season two, which wrapped in April. The cancelation comes despite the show’s ranking as the network’s least expensive drama.
Rosewood follows the rookie baseball drama Pitch, which was canceled after one season.
Prince
