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CBS

America's Most Watched Daytime Lineup Is About to Change...
CBS to Fast-Track Production on New Daytime Drama
From the Hollywood Reporter

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.

"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 attempted to relaunch the soaps online. But CBS recently renewed the 51-year-old Young & the Restless for four additional years.

The Hollywood Reporter
The Wrap
TV Insider
Deadline

TV Line

posted 3/6/2024

Chris Harrison Looks for a Dating Game Return
Former "Bachelor" Host to Front Dating Show, Morning Show for Dr. Phil's Streaming Network
From the Hollywood Reporter

Former Bachelor host Chris Harrison has set his return to television with a new reality dating series and morning show. As well as hosting the untitled weekday morning talk show with his wife Lauren Zima, Harrison will also contribute to Dr. Phil McGraw's Dr. Phil Primetime.

This is part of an overall deal that Harrison signed with McGraw's Merit Street Media, a new streaming and broadcast network that launches on April 2 with Dr. Phil Primetime.

Not many details were released about the reality dating program, but Harrison is co-creating and hosting it. The show will be filmed at Merit Street's headquarters studios in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas.

Harrison told Entertainment Tonight that he thought "long and hard about" this new venture following his public exit from The Bachelor franchise.

"Call it divine intervention, karma, kismet, whatever it is, the fact that Dr. Phil created this network in my own backyard here in Dallas, it means the world to me to, not only be returning to television, but to be doing it here in a hometown crowd," he said.

Harrison departed the ABC reality show in 2021 following backlash for an Extra interview he did with former Bachelorette star Rachel Lindsay. In the interview, the host did not denounce allegations of past racism against season 25 contestant Rachael Kirkconnell, who went on to win that season with the first-ever Black star of The Bachelor, Matt James.

Following the criticism, the host took an unplanned hiatus from the reality series and never returned amid the firestorm that ultimately led to his exit.

The Hollywood Reporter
The Wrap
TV Insider
Deadline

posted 3/6/2024

"Beat Shazam" Season 7... The Comeback
Jamie & Corinne Foxx to Return This Summer
From the Futon Critic

Award-winning actor, singer and comedian Jamie Foxx will make his return as host and executive producer of the hit interactive music game show Beat Shazam alongside his daughter, producer and activist Corinne Foxx, who will return as co-host and deejay. The series, produced by Apploff Entertainment, MGM Alternative Television and BiggerStage in association with Shazam, kicks off Season Seven on Tuesday, May 28 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX and will stream on Hulu.

"Jamie and Corinne are the heart and soul of Beat Shazam," said Allison Wallach, FOX Entertainment's President of Unscripted Entertainment. "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 is an interactive game show that pits teams of two against the clock and each other, as they attempt to identify the biggest hit songs of all time. In the end, the team with the most money banked will outlast the competition and go against Shazam, the world's most popular song identification app, for the chance to win $1 million dollars. Over the course of its six previous seasons, the show has given away more than $10 million dollars. This season, the series will have special themed episodes that include teams of fathers, siblings, teachers, heroes and mothers - all battling it out to win the prize of a lifetime.

Beat Shazam was created by Jeff Apploff and Wes Kauble, and is produced by Apploff Entertainment, MGM Alternative Television and BiggerStage in association with Shazam. Apploff, Mark Burnett, Barry Poznick, Lauren Zalaznick, Pat Kiely, Sean O'Riordan and Jamie Foxx serve as executive producers.

The Futon Critic
TV Line
Variety
The Hollywood Reporter
The Wrap
TV Insider
Revolt

posted 3/6/2024

Another One...
Nigel Lythgoe Hit with a FOURTH SA Suit
From Deadline

So You Think You Can Dance co-creator and former judge Nigel Lythgoe has been accused of sexual assault for the fourth time in less than three months.

"Lythgoe's sexual assault and battery were so traumatizing that Plaintiff no longer feels like the confident, capable, and independent woman that she was before the incident," says Jane Doe of the alleged 2018 incident in a filing today in LA Superior Court.

Similar to an alleged 2015 attack Paula Abdul detailed in her own suit late last year, and the early January a sexual assault/battery, sexual harassment and negligence civil suit by Jane Doe K.G. and Jane Doe K.N., this latest Jane Doe's claim occurred at Lythgoe's LA residence. In this case a meeting that seemingly turned toxic fast:

"After a few minutes of professional discourse, Lythgoe suddenly forced Plaintiff against the property's exterior side wall by shoving his knee between her legs and then started licking Plaintiff's neck, touching her genitalia, and grouping her all over. Plaintiff tried to push Lythgoe away from her but he had her pinned against the wall so that she could not move. Lythgoe continued to grope and tried to kiss Plaintiff.

Once Plaintiff could break free of Lythgoe, she immediately left the property and drove away. However, Plaintiff was so shaken by the attack that she had to pull her car over only a block away from Lythgoe's residence. Plaintiff then sat in her car shaking and crying for approximately thirty minutes before she was able to drive the remainder of the way home.

As a result of the indicent (sic), Plaintiff has suffered severe emotional and psychological distress, guilt, humiliation, and embarrassment, all of which have greatly impacted her professional and personal life."

The filing from the lawyer firm of Johnson & Johnson comes mere hours after Lythgoe filed a response to Abdul's December 29 complaint calling his former SYTYCD colleague a "well-documented fabulist" and just stopping short of labelling her crazy.

"Mr. Lythgoe's answer to Ms. Abdul's complaint is classic victim shaming," reads a statement from Abdul's lawyers obtained by Entertainment Weekly. "Mr. Lythgoe fails to appreciate that he held a position of power over Ms. Abdul. He was a producer on American Idol and SYTYCD and she was the talent. He held the cards to her career in his hand and he knew it. It thus is no surprise that Ms. Abdul placated to his ego with positive messaging and seeming adoration. These are the defenses that many women like Ms. Abdul had to adopt to deal with men who abuse their power."

Abdul is also represented by Johnson & Johnson, as is another Jane Doe who sued Lythgoe in late February over an alleged 2016 assault in a chauffeured car. In this case, this Jane Doe is seeking unspecified damages and "such other relief as the Court deems proper."

Deadline
Variety
Entertainment Weekly
The Wrap

Deadline

posted 3/6/2024

Wednesday Lightning Round
... or "Moves and Countermoves"

  • Wayne Brady's reality show to arrive on Freeform (Deadline)

  • BECAUSE YOU NEVER ASKED: Why "The Traitors" went all celebrity for season 2 (Yahoo!/Cinema Blend)

  • Michael Strahan's daughter gives an update on her brain surgery (Entertainment Weekly)

  • Guy Fieri EP's "Best Bite in Town" with Noah Cappe (The Wrap)

  • VIDEO WALL: Watch the first five minutes of "The Amazing Race" (Entertainment Weekly)

  • YOU CAN'T MAKE THIS BLEEP UP!: Joel McHale on Late Night... and he "mounts an audience member" (Variety)

posted 3/6/2024

MONDAY: So You Think Anyone Cares?
CBS Wins the Night on NCIS
From TV Line

In the latest TV ratings, CBS' NCIS was Monday's most-watched show, while ABC's The Bachelor led the night in the demo.

The Bachelor this week drew 3.4 million total viewers and a 0.6 rating, down 6% in audience yet steady in the demo.

Back from a 19-month break, So You Think You Can Dance returned to a hair over 1 million total viewers (down 50% from its previous premiere) and a 0.2 demo rating (down 33% from its Season 17 average). Opening Fox's night, MasterChef Junior (1.6 mil/0.3) returned down 20% and 25% from its own previous averages.

A double helping of Bob Hearts Abishola on CBS did 4.7 mil/0.4 and 4.5 mil/0.4, steady week-to-week. NCIS (6.8 mil/0.4) was also steady across the board, while NCIS: Hawai'i (5.4 mil/0.4) was up 3% in audience.

NBC's The Voice (5.7 mil/0.5) dropped a few eyeballs from last week's premiere, but was steady in the demo. Deal or No Deal Island (2.5 mil/0.2) dropped 20% and 33% from its premiere.

Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)...
- Rock the Block (SP/HGTV): 914k/0.11
- Spring Baking Championship (SP/Food): 869k/0.15
- Stupid Pet Tricks (TBS): 514k/0.10
- Wheel of Fortune - 9p (R/GSN): 353k/0.03
- Wheel of Fortune - 9:30p (R/GSN): 329k/0.03

TV Line
The Programming Insider

Spoiler TV

posted 3/5/2024

THURSDAY: The Good Network
CBS Wins with "Elsbeth"
From the Futon Critic

1CBS' Elsbeth cracked her first case on Thursday night in front of 4.5 million total viewers, delivering nearly 100% retention of lead-in So Help Me Todd's audience. In the demo, it scored a 0.3 rating.

The Carrie Preston-led Good Wife offshoot also improved on what CSI: Vegas did in the time slot a year ago by 45%, and outdrew its NBC (Law & Order: Organized Crime) and ABC (a Will Trent rerun) competition combined.

The catch? Due to the State of the Union Address airing next week… presumably a decision to dodge the return of ABC's Thursday slate on March 14… and then CBS' March Madness coverage, Elsbeth Episode 2 won't arrive until April 4. In five weeks. Which is its own kind of madness.

Opening CBS' night, Young Sheldon (with 7 million total viewers and a 0.5 rating) was up a tick in audience week-to-week, as were Ghosts (6.1 mil/0.5) and So Help Me Todd (4.53 million/0.3).

Over on NBC, Law & Order (4.7 mil/0.4) and SVU (4.7 mil/0.5) dipped in both measures, while Organized Crime (4.3 mil/0.4) was only down in viewers.

Fox's Next Level Chef (2 mil/0.3) was steady, while Farmer Wants a Wife (1.9 mil/0.2) rose to its second-best audience of the season.

The CW rounded out the night with new episodes of Son of a Critch (243k/0.05) and Children Ruin Everything (210k/0.04)

Next Level Chef is Fox's most-streamed unscripted series this season-to-date, and it claims the largest multiplatform audience of any non-animated Fox series this season. The network says that, on Hulu, the series managed to draw 75,000 new unique subscribers per day from January 28 to February 18.

Then there's The Floor, which wrapped its inaugural season on February 27. Those final two episodes have since generated a series-high 1.6M "starts" in four days of availability on Hulu, giving the series its most-streamed day on Hulu so far. On average, over the 47 days since The Floor began streaming on Hulu, it has drawn more than 42,000 new unique subscribers per day.

Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)...
- Beat Bobby Flay (SP/Food): 643k/0.10
- Wheel of Fortune - 9p (R/GSN): 333k/0.05
- Wheel of Fortune - 9:30p (R/GSN): 332k/0.05
- Blank Slate (GSN): 226k/0.01

TV Line
The Programming Insider

Spoiler TV
Deadline

posted 3/5/2024

Tuesday Lightning Round
... or "The Return"

  • Sinbad returns after a stroke - "Miracles happen" (TV Line)

  • RuPaul's Rainbow Buses part 2. When he & his team say they sell any book... They mean it (Reality Blurred)

  • Vince McMahon to sell $412 million of TKO stock (Variety)

  • Drake Bell opens up about life on Nick under The Creator (TV Line)

  • VIDEO WALL: season 2 - Underground - of Physical: 100 (The Futon Critic)

  • A FEW GOOD MINUTES with Mike Cotton re: the finale of The Traitors (Variety) and Andy Cohen re: the reunion (Deadline)

posted 3/4/2024


Prime Video

Patton Oswalt Joins "The 1% Club"
Fox Options Deal for Second-Window Broadcast with Prime Video
From TV Insider

Amazon Prime Video's remake of British game show The 1% Club has found its host as well as a broadcast partner. Patton Oswalt has been tapped to host the format, which tests the nation's intelligence, based on a scientific survey, and Fox has taken the second window in an interesting and unusual partnership between the two companies.

It marks the game show hosting debut for The Goldbergs and A.P. Bio actor Oswalt, who has previously appeared as a contestant on a number of quizzers including To Tell The Truth and Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.

Oswalt has been circling the format for a while; Deadline reports that he was lined up as the host last year but the actors strike pushed this back.

The series, which is produced by BBC Studios Los Angeles Productions and Magnum Media, will premiere on Prime Video, likely in the spring, and Fox will broadcast each episode after its streaming debut.

This is a new model for the broadcaster. Generally in the past, streamers have taken a second window for broadcast shows, but this marks one of the first times that a non-sibling broadcaster has aired a streaming original after it has premiered on a digital platform.

Fox and Prime Video have previously worked together on animated series Hazbin Hotel, which is produced by Fox's Bento Box Entertainment for the streamer.

The series was originally produced for the UK's ITV and was created by Dean Nabarro and Andy Auerbach at Magnum Media. The premise: It's not about what you learned at school or your ability to memorize facts. It's a chance to test how your brain works through a series of questions that often lead to entertaining answers.

The series has been adapted in a number of international markets including the Netherlands, Australia, Germany, France, Israel, Spain and Turkey with versions coming in Mexico and Greece.

The 1% Club is executive produced by Ryan O'Dowd and Krystal Whitney for BBC Studios Los Angeles Productions, Dean Nabarro and Andy Auerbach for Magnum Media; and Amazon MGM Studios. Wes Kauble serves as the showrunner.

"As a proud member of the 90%, it's a privilege to host this show," said Oswalt.

"Patton exudes all attributes of an iconic host, and we are thrilled he has joined us for the first ever game show on Prime Video," says Lauren Anderson, head of AVOD Originals, unscripted and targeted programming, Amazon MGM Studios. "Patton's distinct combination of warmth and wit made him the ideal person to bring this addictive format to life for North American Prime Video customers and Fox's linear audience. In addition to our creative passion for the series, The 1% Club marks a strategic business growth opportunity, expanding our ad-friendly content portfolio and allowing us to explore unique dual premiere strategies. Thanks to Fox, BBC Studios, Patton, Andy, and Dean for being such great partners as we break new ground."

Deadline
The Hollywood Reporter
The Wrap
TV Tattle

posted 3/4/2024

Second Course of "Food Stars" Coming
Production Moves to UK, Lisa Vanderpump to Have Increased Role
From the Futon Critic

Gordon Ramsay will welcome famed hospitality industry leader and TV personality Lisa Vanderpump to Season Two of FOX's high-stakes competition series, Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars, premiering Wednesday, May 22 (9:00-10:00PM ET/PT), it was announced today by Allison Wallach, President of Unscripted Programming, FOX Entertainment.

Ramsay and Vanderpump - two prominent, influential personalities and tycoons in their respective industries - will face-off as they each select food and beverage industry entrepreneurs to join their teams and then put them through a gauntlet of real-world challenges designed to showcase their business skills, test their drive and prove they have what it takes to become the next great culinary entrepreneur. As for Ramsay vs. Vanderpump, the ultimate outcome will be whose mentorship leads to victory for one of their team's Food Stars hopefuls.

"Lisa is a tough, shrewd restaurateur and TV star," said Ramsay. "She is a real force in business and true friend. However, make no mistake, the competition will be fierce between us!"

"Gordon is quite literally larger-than-life, an iconic figure and a dear friend," said Vanderpump. "Setting that aside, we're both tenacious, tireless, competitive and demanding of ourselves and others, so while I salute the man and his many successes and defer to his mastery in the kitchen, I will never defer to him on this show. Game on, Gordon!"

"Pitting Gordon against Lisa creates a new layer of intensity for the Food Stars competition," said Wallach. "Matching these brilliant and uncompromising industry titans who know what they want and how to get it, will give both our contestants and viewers a unique window into how industry heavyweights strategize, lead, win and entertain."

Ramsay and Vanderpump will each bring their expert knowledge and unique leadership styles to the competition, and in a first-of-its kind twist, the entrepreneurs will pitch themselves and their products, services or business ideas to the moguls, who will then choose contestants to build their respective teams. The battle commences as teams are put through "Business Bootcamp," designed to test their tenacity, initiative, perseverance and ambition as business leaders. With a $250,000 prize on the line, these entrepreneurs will be challenged in all aspects of running a food or beverage enterprise, including re-marketing a food product, innovating a new product, building brand loyalty, sales pitching and management.

In addition to Ramsay and Vanderpump, the challenges will be evaluated by guest judges, curated focus groups and customer feedback, profit and loss metrics, and market and corporate feedback.

Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars is produced by Studio Ramsay Global, a FOX Entertainment company. Ramsay serves as an executive producer, while Deborah Sargeant serves as executive producer and showrunner.

The Futon Critic
Deadline
The Futon Critic
Deadline

posted 3/4/2024

Back on the Case!
"Crime Scene Kitchen" Returns This Fall
From the Futon Critic

FOX whisks up a third season of the baking mystery competition Crime Scene Kitchen, it was announced today by Allison Wallach, President, Unscripted Programming, of FOX Entertainment. Season Three of the popular FOX food franchise Crime Scene Kitchen will premiere during the upcoming 2024-25 season, with Joel McHale returning as host and executive producer and chef Curtis Stone and cake artist Yolanda Gampp returning as celebrity judges.

In the culinary guessing game, bakers must decode and decipher what type of dessert was made with only crumbs, food trails and humorous hints as clues, and then teams must recreate the tasty treat, attempting to best capture its original form and flavor in order to win a $100,000 grand prize.

Regarding the renewal, Wallach said, "Crime Scene Kitchen is a fun, fresh show with an entirely original mix of culinary sleuthing and brilliant baking that the whole family can enjoy. Joel, Curtis and Yolanda's irresistible chemistry have made Crime Scene Kitchen a clear fan favorite, and we're excited to bring a new season to the table."

In Crime Scene Kitchen's freshman season, it was Summer 2021's #1 new series, while Season Two averaged 2.5 million multi-platform viewers, up +130% from Live + Same Day.

The Futon Critic
TV Line
Variety
Deadline
The Wrap
TV Insider

posted 3/4/2024

And The Rest of the Fox Summer...
Fox Unveils Entire Schedule
From the Futon Critic

FOX is announcing return and premiere dates for the summer 2024 slate of original programming, including I Can See Your Voice (May 16), Don't Forget The Lyrics (May 16), Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars (May 22), Beat Shazam (May 28), The Quiz With Balls (May 28), MasterChef (May 29) and Name That Tune (June 3). Additional summer programming to be announced.

Thursdays are filled with music and mystery beginning Thursday, May 16 with all-new episodes of hit competition show I Can See Your Voice (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) hosted by Ken Jeong, followed by an all-new season of popular game show Don't Forget The Lyrics! (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) hosted by recent Emmy Award winner Niecy Nash. I Can See Your Voice host and executive producer Ken Jeong is joined by Emmy Award-nominated actress Cheryl Hines and Daytime Emmy Award-winning television host and vocalist Adrienne Bailon-Houghton along with a rotating panel of celebrity detectives to help one contestant tell the difference between good and bad singers... without ever hearing them sing a note. I Can See Your Voice is produced by FOX Alternative Entertainment. Daniel Martin and Ken Jeong serve as executive producers, with Martin serving as showrunner. The series is based on a South Korean format from CJ ENM.

Hosted by Emmy Award-winner Niecy Nash, Don't Forget The Lyrics challenges contestants' musical memory, as they get one song closer to winning $1 million. Contestants will choose songs from different genres, decades and musical artists. Then they'll take center stage to sing alongside the live in-studio band as the lyrics are projected on screen - but when the music stops and the words disappear, will the contestants belt out the correct missing lyrics, or freeze under pressure? If they sing nine songs correctly, they are presented with a No. 1 hit and sing the final missing lyrics for the top prize of $1 million. It's that simple: 1 contestant, 10 songs, 1 million dollars! Created by Jeff Apploff, Don't Forget The Lyrics! is produced by Apploff Entertainment, Bunim/Murray Productions and BiggerStage. Jeff Apploff, Garry Bormet, Rupert Dobson, Julie Pizzi, Pat Kiely, Sean O'Riordan and Niecy Nash serve as executive producers.

On Wednesday, May 22, following the 11th season finale of The Masked Singer (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), culinary titan Gordon Ramsay welcomes famed hospitality industry leader and TV personality Lisa Vanderpump in the all-new season of the hit competition series Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars, (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). Ramsay and Vanderpump - two prominent, influential personalities and tycoons in their respective industries - will face-off as they each select aspiring food and beverage industry entrepreneurs to join their teams and then put them through a gauntlet of real-world challenges designed to showcase their business skills, test their drive and prove they have what it takes to become the next great culinary entrepreneur. With a $250,000 prize on the line, the aspiring enterprisers will be challenged in all aspects of running a food or beverage enterprise, including re-marketing a food product, innovating a new product, building brand loyalty, sales pitching and management. Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars is produced by Studio Ramsay Global. Ramsay serves as an executive producer, while Deborah Sargeant serves as executive producer and showrunner.

Hosted and executive-produced by award-winning actor, singer and comedian Jamie Foxx, who is joined by his daughter, producer and activist Corinne Foxx as co-host and deejay, Beat Shazam returns with an all-new season on Tuesday, May 28 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). Beat Shazam is an interactive game show that pits teams of two against the clock and each other, as they attempt to identify the biggest hit songs of all time. In the end, the team with the most money banked will outlast the competition and go against Shazam, the world's most popular song identification app, for the chance to win $1 million dollars. This season, the series will have special themed episodes that include teams of fathers, siblings, teachers, heroes and mothers - all battling it out to win the prize of a lifetime. Beat Shazam was created by Jeff Apploff and Wes Kauble, and is produced by Apploff Entertainment, MGM Alternative Television and BiggerStage in association with Shazam. Apploff, Mark Burnett, Barry Poznick, Lauren Zalaznick, Pat Kiely, Sean O'Riordan and Jamie Foxx serve as executive producers.

Following Beat Shazam is new game The Quiz with Balls (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) pitting brains against balls, while combining a high-stakes quiz show with a large-scale physical competition. Hosted by actor and comedian Jay Pharoah (SNL, The Blackening) each episode of The Quiz with Balls features two families competing for $100,000 in a "battle of the balls." Standing on a high platform over a glistening pool, they must all work together as they face a multiple-choice quiz where each answer is allocated to a spot with a giant ball positioned up behind it. If the correct answer is chosen, the ball rolls down and stops just before colliding with the player... if the answer is wrong, the massive ball rapidly descends and mercilessly whacks them into the pool below. The more players each team loses, the harder the questions get. The longer they last, the more money they bank, until one "dry" family member plays the final round for The Quiz with Balls' $100,000 Grand Prize. The Quiz With Balls is produced by Eureka Productions and Talpa Studios. John de Mol, Maarten Meijs, Chris Culvenor, Paul Franklin, Wes Dening and John Leahy serve as executive producers. Anthony Carbone serves as showrunner and executive producer.

MasterChef: Generations enters its 14th season with an all-new theme beginning Wednesday, May 29 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). Gordon Ramsay, acclaimed chef Aarón Sánchez and renowned restaurateur Joe Bastianich return for the ultimate cook-off, as the top home cooks from four different generations, inclusive of Gen Z, Millenials, Gen X and Baby Boomers, battle it out. The home cooks will face a multitude of cooking trials, including a restaurant takeover challenge, a series of iconic Mystery Box challenges, cooking a meal at the Major League Soccer LAFC stadium, and the fan-favorite Tag Team event, where they must create a Michelin-star quality three-course meal! Only one home cook will win it all and take home the cash prize of $250,000 and the title of America's MasterChef. MasterChef is produced by Endemol Shine North America and One Potato Two Potato, and is based on a format created by Franc Roddam. Elisabeth Murdoch, Danny Schrader, Gordon Ramsay, Jennifer Fazey, Pat Llewellyn, Ben Adler, Sharon Levy and DJ Nurre serve as executive producers.Following MasterChef: Generations, all-new episodes of Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars continue in its regular time-period (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT

Beginning Monday, June 3, all-new episodes of Name That Tune (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), hosted by Jane Krakowski and band leader Randy Jackson continue to test the musical knowledge of contestants playing for a chance to win over $100,000. Name That Tune is produced by FOX Alternative Entertainment, Prestige Entertainment, and BiggerStage. On behalf of BiggerStage, Sean O'Riordan serves as executive producer and Shane Byrne serves as the series' showrunner. Ralph Rubenstein and Noah Rubenstein also are executive producers.

The Futon Critic
Deadline

posted 3/4/2024

SUNDAY: That Tracks
CBS Wins with "Tracker"
From the Futon Critic

In the latest TV show ratings, CBS' freshman hit Tracker was for a second straight week the most-watched show on Sunday night.

The venerable newsmagazine 60 Minutes this week opened CBS' Sunday slate with 7.1 million total viewers. Leading out of that, The Equalizer (6.5 mil) was up 6% in total audience, to a season high. Justin Hartley's Tracker once again built on its lead-in by delivering 7.4 million total viewers, up 8% week-to-week and marking the freshman drama's third straight week of growth. CBS notes that Tracker — which enjoyed a post-Super Bowl launch, mind you — currently stands as the most-watched new show on TV since Young Sheldon (which in 2017-18 averaged 16.49m viewers) and is the most-watched new drama since Empire (which in 2014-15 averaged 17.33m viewers). Closing out CBS' night, CSI: Vegas (4.3 mil) was up 6% in audience to mark an all-time high for the offshoot.

ABC was close behind with America's Funniest Home Videos (5.15m/0.53), American Idol (5.11m/0.62), and What Would You Do? (2.94m/0.34).

NBC went with a theatrical rerun of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (1.12m/0.16).

Fox's Animation Domination started with reruns and finished with new eps of Krapopolis (613k/0.14), The Great North (468k/0.12), and Grimsburg (456k/0.12).

Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)...
- Tournament of Champions (Food): 1.206m/0.24

TV Line
The Programming Insider

Spoiler TV

posted 3/4/2024

"Quiz with Balls" Comes to Spain
Antena 3 Picks Up Series
From TTV News

The fun quiz show The Quiz With Balls, a Talpa Studios format, is coming to Spain through Atresmedia's Antena 3.

The show will be produced at Talpa Studios' operations center in Holland in collaboration with Spanish production company Warner Bros. The eight episodes of the first season will air in 2024.

This is not the first time Atresmedia has partnered with Talpa Studios, having acquired the popular show The Floor last year.

After the Netherlands and the United States, Spain will be the third market for this successful format of The Quiz With Balls.

Carmen Ferreiro, Director of Entertainment Programming at Atresmedia TV, commented that they always look for fresh, innovative formats that fit their television model.

"The Quiz With Balls brings together all the characteristics we look for in a quiz show: it's a fun and innovative program for all audiences."

Sebastian van Barneveld, Director of Global Distribution at Talpa Studios, noted that last summer, The Quiz With Balls premiered on SBS6 in the Netherlands, where it became an instant hit and was rewarded with an order for a four-episode winter special. "The second season of the show will air on SBS6 later this year, and of course, we are delighted that the format is going international, traveling to the U.S. and now Spain."

TTV News

posted 3/4/2024


The Independent
TONY GREEN: 1938-2024
Darts Commentator Co-Hosted "Bullseye"
From the BBC

Former darts commentator Tony Green, also known for his role on television show Bullseye, has died aged 85.

Bullseye creator Andrew Wood announced the news on Monday, saying Green "passed away peacefully today after a long battle with Alzheimer's".

Green was a BBC commentator at the BDO World Championships from 1978 to 2016.

He was also more widely known for being the scorer and announcer on long-running quiz show Bullseye, hosted by Jim Bowen on ITV between 1981 and 1995.

Green's death was announced on Bullseye's Facebook page with "a very heavy heart" by Wood and his family.

"Our love, thoughts and prayers go out to all of Tony's family, who we hold such affection for, to all of Tony friends and those who were lucky enough to work with him," they said. "Thank you Tony for all the memories, all the laughs (and trust us there were many!) and all the special times filming Bullseye together. "What wonderful years those were and we are honoured to have shared them with you."

Bobby George, a two-time BDO finalist and long-time BBC commentator, was among a number of former players to express their sadness at Green's death. "So sorry and sad to hear of Tony Green's passing. He was a good dart player, caller, commentator and an icon of the Bullseye show," said George.

Keith Deller, who won the BDO title in 1983, described Green as "one of the great darts commentators".

Philip Bernie, interim director of BBC Sport, said Green was "truly a legendary figure".

"He was a wonderful commentator on it for the BBC for nearly 40 years, where the great warmth and generosity of his personality always shone through. He served the sport he loved brilliantly," added Bernie.

BBC Sport
Female First
The Express & Star
The Mirror
Sky News

posted 3/4/2024

Monday Lightning Round
... or "A Story of a Mother & Daughter"

  • Lee Meriwether, Kyle Oldham diagnosed with Alzheimer's. (Soaps in Depth)

  • RuPaul's "House of Hidden Meanings" is #1 on Amazon (Rolling Stone) and he's sending Rainbow Buses to give away books targeted by bans (The New York Times)

  • YOU CAN'T MAKE THIS BLEEP UP! When Lucas Partridge returns to Jeopardy!, he will have been the longest-reigning champion in history, supplanting the current host (The Sun)

  • Michael Mcintyre cancels show for emergency operation (Microsoft Start)

  • Memphis Garrett & Christmas Abbott file for divorce (TMZ)

  • VIDEO WALL: Someone sang "I Kissed a Girl"... Katy Perry didn't like it (Entertainment Weekly) plus why Luke Bryan was on an IV (Entertainment Weekly)

  • Leah Remini still signs autographs and answers fan mail (Entertainment Weekly)

  • Trixie Mattel hosts Ambies Podcast Awards (Variety)

  • Keltie Knight "promoted at E! News (Deadline)

  • Joel McHale says "Community" movie will shoot this year (Deadline)

  • A FEW GOOD MINUTES with Marc Summers (iHeart's On with Mario)

posted 3/4/2024

ITV Thinks Outside the BritBox
The BBC Buys Out Streamer
From the Futon Critic

BBC Studios has paid £255M ($322M) to acquire ITV's shareholding in their joint venture streamer, BritBox International — the biggest ever single transaction for the BBC's commercial wing.

In a regulatory note confirming the sale this morning, ITV confirmed it had sold its 50%, with the proceeds set to return to shareholders through a share buyback scheme that will launch after full-year results are posted on March 7. The BBC subsequently confirmed the deal in a separate statement.

Episodes of several game shows including Pointless, 8 Out of 10 Cats, and the spin-off 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, stream on the service.

As a result, BritBox International CEO Reemah Sakaan will exit the business, which will join the BBC Studios Global Media & Streaming division alongside the likes of BBC.com, BBC Select and BBC Podcast Premium. The BBC said new leaderships plans are "in place to ensure a smooth transition" and will be announced "imminently," with Sakaan understood to be remaining with BritBox during the transition period.

Deadline
The Wrap

posted 3/1/2024

Have We Got News for Sports Fans
BBC Planning to Replace "Question of Sport" with "HIGNFY" Spin-Off
From Chortle

The BBC is working on a spin-off from Have I Got News For You – all about sports.

The news comes after the broadcaster cancelled A Question Of Sport after 53 years amid its plummeting rating.

Trade website Broadcast reports that the new program – inevitably using the title Have I Got Sport For You – is in development with 'high profile comedic and sporting talent attached'.

It is being made by Hat Trick Productions, which also produces the long-running news quiz.

Broadcast says Have I Got Sport For You is expected to launch at the end of this year but the BBC declined to comment.

When Question of Sport was axed, the BBC blamed 'inflation and funding challenges'. Audience numbers for the show dropped below one million with Paddy McGuinness in the chair having regularly five million under previous host Sue Barker.

Hat Trick previously made an episode of Have I Got Sport For You for Radio 4, which aired in 2012 to coincide with the London Olympics. It was hosted by Nick Hancock – who previously chaired the TV sports comedy quiz They Think It's All Over from 1995 to 2004 – with panellists Paul Merton, Andy Hamilton, Mark Steel and badminton player Gail Emms.

Chortle
The Sun

posted 3/1/2024

"Cash Cab Music" Heads to Global
AXS TV Series to Air in Global
From Global

If you've ever dreamed of being picked up by the "Cash Cab," buckle up and delete that Uber app. Your second chance is here.

Nine years after Cash Cab Canada ended, the beloved game show is being revived in a new form, as Cash Cab Music. The original host, Adam Growe, is back behind the steering wheel of a newly-renovated disco taxi, testing commuters in downtown Toronto on musical trivia. Offer three incorrect answers and you're out in the cold before you reach your destination.

Global News
CBC News

posted 3/1/2024

WEDNESDAY: Survivors Ready... GO!
NBC, CBS Split Midweek
From TV Line

The kinder, gentler new era of Survivor that began with season 41 has, for the most part, featured casts of players who now seem more inclined as a jury to build people up at final Tribal Council rather than tear them down. But the post-Covid stretch of seasons has also featured a more genial host. And that move was very much intentional.

"When the new era started, I was definitely full of positivity, and I wanted to be a show that parents felt good about watching with their kids," Jeff Probst tells EW. "There was so much going on in the world. I wanted to say, 'Hey man, this is a safe show. We're still going to talk about uncomfortable things. You'll still root for and against people and all that stuff. But there's going to be an air of: Come on man, let's just do this. Let's figure this out. Let's bring a bunch of people together from different walks of life. Let's just have some fun and play a game. Somebody wins, a lot of people lose.'"

But that era of complete positivity and good vibes may be starting to shift just a bit. Not only did several players in the Survivor 46 cast predict "explosions and arguments" this season after spending a few days together on location before the game began, but they may no longer be getting a free pass from the master of ceremonies at Tribal Council.

"I did find a different part of my personality coming out at Tribal," Probst says about the upcoming Survivor 46 (which premieres Feb 28 on CBS). "And I think you're going to see it and feel it."

In the latest TV ratings, NBC's Chicago Fire was Wednesday's most-watched show, while the return of CBS' Survivor dominated the night in the demo.

Survivor opened Season 45 with 4.9 million total viewers and a 0.8 rating (per Nielsen finals), up from its previous opener (4.8 mil/0.66).

Chicago Med (6.4 mil/0.5) and Chicago P.D. (5.2 mil/0.5) were both steady, whereas Chicago Fire (6.6 mil/0.6) ticked up in both measures with its lovely wedding/sad Kara Killmer sendoff.

ABC's The Conners (3.4 mil/0.4) was steady, Not Dead Yet (2.3 mil/0.3) ticked up, and Abbott Elementary (2.3 mil/0.3) dipped in the demo. Judge Steve Harvey (1.6 mil/0.1) added some eyeballs.

Fox's We Are Family (averaging 1.4 mil and a 0.2) hit an audience low with its two-hour finale.

The CW's Wild Cards (471K) gained viewers, while Family Law (331K) lost some.

Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)...
- Celebrity Squares (BET): 501k/0.09
- Guy's Grocery Games (Food): 419k/0.09
- Wheel of Fortune - 9:30p (R/GSN): 348k/0.03
- The Challenge: Battle for a New Champion Reunion (S/MTV): 341k/0.17
- Wheel of Fortune - 9p (R/GSN): 341k/0.03
- Celebrity Squares (BET Her): 103k/0.03


The Futon Critic
TV Line
TV Insider
The WRap
Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly

TV Line
The Programming Insider

Spoiler TV

posted 3/1/2024

MONDAY: "Deal or No Deal Island" Stranded
Premiere Squanders "Voice" Lead-In, While CBS, ABC Split
From the Futon Critic

Imagine "Deal or No Deal" set on an exotic island, with its 13 participants facing extreme challenges, testing their limits and literally crawling through mud. Except you don't have to – it's already here.

"What if the Banker had a private island and decided to put his contestants through an extreme game to find one winner? The craziness of the idea is, I think, what we and NBC rallied around," says Sharon Levy, CEO at Endemol Shine North America.

Levy also executive produces "Deal or No Deal Island" alongside Matt Kunitz, Matt Apps, Sarah Happel Jackson, Howie Mandel, DJ Nurre and Sean Loughlin.

"You say the title and people are like: 'Is that for real?' Our favorite comments on social media have been about whether this is a '30 Rock' pitch. I take that as the highest, and best, compliment," she adds, referencing the sitcom created by Tina Fey.

"I am a firm believer that not everything deserves a reboot, but I like taking classic IP and reimagining it for today's audiences. NBC got the idea immediately – they truly got behind the audacity of the concept."

NBC's The Voice opened its new season with 6.2 million total viewers and a 0.5 demo rating, down from both its fall (6.3 mil/0.6) and year-ago (6.4 mil/0.7) premieres. Deal or No Deal Island debuted to 3 mil and a 0.3.

The Neighborhood (5.1 mil/0.4) and NCIS: Hawaii (5.2 mil/0.4) were both steady, whle Bob Hearts Abishola (4.6 mil/0.3) and NCIS proper (6.8 mil/0.4) dipped.

The Bachelor (3.4 mil/0.6) was steady. FOX | America's Most Wanted (1.6 mil/0.2) hit and tied lows with its revival finale; TMZ Investigates (1 mil/0.1) hit lows across the board.

Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)...
- Kids Baking Championship - 8p (Food): 807k/0.10
- Kids Baking Championship - 9p (SF/Food): 762k/0.09
- Battle on the Mountain (SF/HGTV): 575k/0.05
- Stupid Pet Tricks (TBS): 565k/0.11
- Wheel of Fortune - 9:30p (R/GSN): 376k/0.02
- Wheel of Fortuen - 9p (R/GSN): 368k/0.03
- Blank Slate (GSN): 223k/0.01

The Futon Critic
TV Line
Entertainment Weekly
The Ashley's Reality Roundup
Blavity
Reality Blurred
Hidden Remote
Hollywood Outbreak

The Daily Beast
Reality Tea
People

TV Line
The Programming Insider

Spoiler TV
Variety
Variety
We Got This Covered

posted 3/1/2024

24 Hours, 24 Chefs, ONE Winner
Food Network Greenlights "24 in 24: Last Chef Standing"
From the Futon Critic

Michael Symon and Esther Choi host the new series 24 In 24: Last Chef Standing, premiering on Sunday, April 14th at 8pm ET/PT, Food Network's most ambitious and grueling culinary competition to date. Featuring 24 talented and fearless chefs who take on 24 food challenges in 24 consecutive, non-stop hours, the 24-hour competition takes the chefs to the extreme, demanding they display the skills, creativity and stamina needed to be an elite chef. At the end of the 24 hours, there can be only one true master left standing - and it's one selected by expert judges Eric Adjepong, Maneet Chauhan, Scott Conant, Stephanie Izard, Jet Tila, Bryan and Michael Voltaggio, and Brooke Williamson. The chef who cooked the best, for the longest and outlasted the competition will take home $50,000 and win a trip of a lifetime.

"This competition is as extreme as it sounds," said Symon. "Chefs often talk about the 24/7 nature of our industry, but this is the first competition to truly capture that intensity."

Added Choi, "It's a culinary battle like no other with surprising twists and curveballs along the way. It's a test of endurance, creativity, and collaboration that push these chefs to their limits."

The 24 competing chefs are comprised of culinary icons, rising stars, and competition rookies, including: Carlos Anthony, Gabriella Baldwin, Emilie Rose Bishop, Josephine Clemens, Chris Dodson, Kess Eshun, Elizabeth Falkner, Declan Horgan, Christopher Ingram, Airis Johnson, Matt Jordan, Camille La Caer, Danielle Lee, Mika Leon, Chris Oh, Viet Pham, Marc Quinones, Nadine Charlie Ray, Chad Rosenthal, Vijay Sadhu, Aarthi Sampath, Martel Stone, Michael Toscano, and Marcel Vigneron.

"We are always looking to innovate and bring our audience fresh and compelling content and we are redefining cooking competitions with 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing, as it's a combination of a culinary marathon and a social experiment," Betsy Ayala, Head of Content, Food, Warner Bros. Discovery. "No competition has ever captured intensity like this, breaking the fourth wall to keep viewers at the edge of their seats."

The Futon Critic
Variety

posted 3/1/2024

Happy Friday Lightning Round
... or "I Want to Sing for You"

  • Jenny Ryan plans to take time off from "The Chase" to tour the UK with tunes, tales, trivia, and showbiz secrets. (Nottinghamshire Live)

  • Joey Graziadei explains his yellow eyes and Gilbert Syndrome (Entertainment Weekly)

  • WHY THE BLEEP IS THIS NEWS?: "1% Club" jackpot winner still waiting for her check... months after taping and literally days after it aired (LADBible)

  • A FEW GOOD MINUTES with RuPaul (The Hollywood Reporter)

posted 3/1/2024

The 50th Den
Bangladesh Buys "Shark Tank" Format
From Deadline

It's 50 and counting for Dragon's Den. The Sony Pictures Television and Nippon TV entrepreneurial business format, known in the U.S. as Shark Tank, has scored a remake in Bangladesh, marking its fiftieth version around the world.

The Bangladeshi version, Shark Tank Bangladesh, will launch on Bongo and Deepto TV this spring, having first launched as Money Tigers in 2001. The UK remake launched in 2005 on the BBC, where it remains on air, and ABC's version launched four years later. It hit 40 remakes in 2020 when it debuted in France.

In South Asia, SonyLIV and Sony Entertainment Television's series launched in 2021 and has garnered upward of 75 million viewers on linear. Pakistan and Nepal productions are also planned, with Bangladesh the next up.

Ahad Bhai, CEO and co-founder of Bongo and producer of Shark Tank Bangladesh, said: "Being the 50th edition of Shark Tank is very special. We are doing our best to make Shark Tank Bangladesh on par with the global standard as an entertainment platform, and also to help change lives, one business at a time."

"Bangladesh is a land of dynamic entrepreneurs full of grit and determination, but lacks the infrastructure and platforms to support young individuals and businesses as they grow," said Bhai. "It is such an honor to have the opportunity to bring a global platform like Shark Tank to our country. Shark Tank has been my favorite show for many years, and to be a part of this global movement, to help contribute to improving lives and empower entrepreneurs, truly is a dream come true."

"Embarking on a global journey that began with the ferocious success of Tiger in Japan, from the mystical Dragon in some regions to the powerful Shark and even the majestic Lion in others, our entrepreneurial spirit has evolved into a truly global phenomenon across more than 50 territories worldwide," said Tom Miyauchi, Head of Formats, Nippon TV. "We are rewriting the story of innovation, resilience, and the undeniable power of the entrepreneurship through prime-time entertainment and partnerships with Sony Pictures Television, all licensees and networks involved across the globe."

Laura St. Clair, VP International Formats, Sony Pictures Television, added that it was "a testament to the true universality of the format that each of these 50 versions have been uniquely tailored to and reflective of their territory, but are instantly recognisable the world over.

"Following the incredibly strong recent launches in countries including India, we are very excited to bring Shark Tank to Bangladesh this year, and look forward to working with partners in Pakistan, and many further territories, with some new and very exciting plans for the format to be announced soon".

Deadline
Variety

posted 2/29/2024

TUESDAY: A Narrow Victory
CBS' FBI Franchise Gets the W
From TV Line

In the latest TV ratings, CBS' FBI was Tuesday's most-program and it also landed in a five-way tie for the nightly demo win.

FBI (with 6.3 million total viewers and a 0.4 demo rating) and FBI: Most Wanted (4.5 mil/0.3) were down in both measures, whereas FBI: International (5.1 mil/0.4) only dipped a bit in audience.

NBC's The Voice (6.2 mil/0.4) was down just a tick from Monday's season premiere.

ABC's Will Trent (4.2 mil/0.4) ticked up in the demo but slipped 12% from last week's audience high. The Rookie's 100th episode (3.2 mil/0.3) and The Good Doctor (2.5 mil/0.2) were both down, with the latter hitting new series lows.

Fox's The Floor (averaging 2.2 mil/0.4) was steady with its two-hour season finale.

Crime Nation (337k/0.06) rounded out the night on the CW.

Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)...
- Chopped (Food): 602k/0.12
- Wheel of Fortune - 9:30p (R/GSN): 302k/0.02
- Wheel of Fortuen - 9p (R/GSN): 301k/0.02

TV Line
The Programming Insider

Spoiler TV

posted 2/29/2024

Thursday Lightning Round
... or "Road House"


posted 2/29/2024


Indiewire
RICHARD LEWIS: 1947-2024
Actor/Comedian Was on "Hollywood Squares"
From Deadline

Richard Lewis, one of America's most beloved and revered stand-up comics who also played a fictionalized version of himself on HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm, died Tuesday night at his home in Los Angeles after suffering a heart attack. He was 76.

His death was confirmed by his publicist Jeff Abraham. Lewis had been living with Parkinson's disease, a diagnosis he revealed in April 2023.

"His wife, Joyce Lapinsky, thanks everyone for all the love, friendship and support and asks for privacy at this time," Abraham said.

Complete information on survivors was not immediately available.

Born Richard Philip Lewis on June 29, 1947, in Brooklyn and raised in Englewood, NJ, Lewis — after a childhood he would describe as difficult — graduated from Ohio State University before landing in the New York and Los Angeles comedy scenes of the 1970s. There, he took his place along such soon-to-be-stars as Andy Kaufman, Richard Belzer and Elayne Boosler, and quickly became a favorite of late-night shows including The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.

He soon developed a singular stage persona nearly as dark as the all-black clothes he favored. His stand-up performances could best be described as straddling comedy and therapy. Lewis' website prominently features a quote from comedy great Mel Brooks: "Richard Lewis may just be the Franz Kafka of modern-day comedy."

Self-deprecating, razor-sharp and brutally honest about his addictions and neuroses, Lewis was the rare comic who could rival the curmudgeonly but highly relatable outlook on life honed by his longtime pal and Curb Your Enthusiasm co-star Larry David.

Making his acting debut in the 1979 NBC special Diary of a Young Comic, a 90-minute film that aired in the Saturday Night Live slot, Lewis' national profile grew significantly during the next two decades as his edgy observations were welcomed and celebrated by talk hosts David Letterman, Jay Leno and, on radio, Howard Stern. TV comedy specials followed, his first Showtime special, pointedly titled I'm In Pain, aired in 1985. He became one of the premier presences on HBO with comedy specials in 1988, 1990 and 1997. Although his humor was hardly an easy fit for sitcoms of the era, he co-starred for several seasons in the late '80s/early '90s with Jamie Lee Curtis on Anything but Love and with Don Rickles on 1993's Daddy Dearest. In 1998 he co-starred with Kevin Nealon in the sitcom Hiller and Diller.

Film credits included 1993's Robin Hood: Men in Tights, in which he played Prince John, and 1995's Drunks.

He also appeared that year in Leaving Las Vegas. Lewis began what arguably would be his signature role — based, fittingly enough, on himself — in 2000 when he was cast by his childhood friend Larry David on HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm. The two New Yorkers had met at summer camp when they were 12 and re-established their friendship on the New York comedy circuit a decade later.

In a statement Wednesday, HBO said: "We are heartbroken to learn that Richard Lewis has passed away. His comedic brilliance, wit and talent were unmatched. Richard will always be a cherished member of the HBO and Curb Your Enthusiasm families, our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and all the fans who could count on Richard to brighten their days with laughter." Although he largely retired from performing following his Parkinson's diagnosis, he returned to Curb periodically, most recently during the show's current (and final) season.

In game shows, Lewis was on episodes of "Hollywood Squares" with John Davidson & Tom Bergeron.

Deadline
The Wrap
The Hollywood Reporter
The Hollywood Reporter
Variety
TV Line
The New York Times
Entertainment Weekly
Washington Post
NPR

posted 2/28/2024

Sony Sells "So You Think You Can Dance" Nordics/Benelux Rights to WB
First Deal Since Nonfiction Unit Formation
From Variety

In what marks Sony Pictures Television's (SPT) first international format deal for its non-fiction unit since its distribution takeover in 2022, SPT has sold the Nordics and Benelux region format rights of "So You Think You Can Dance" to Warner Bros. International Television Production (WBITVP). The deal comes just as the dance competition series returns to Fox in the U.S. for a milestone 18th season on March 4.

WBITVP has optioned the title for six of their European production companies and extends to the Netherlands, Belgium (Flemish), and across the Nordics in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland. Attendees at SPT's London Screenings Showcase on Thursday Feb. 29 will get a sneak peek preview of the new U.S. Season.

Since its U.S. debut in 2005, the reality show has become a global phenomenon, adapted in 32 territories worldwide and spawning a Next Generation Junior version in the Netherlands and most recently in Poland.

Laura St Clair, VP international formats, Sony Pictures Television, said: "'So You Think You Can Dance' is one of the entertainment titans of the 21st century. This deal is a testament to the universality and evergreen potential of the format, and we can't wait to see WBITVP's companies developing it for the Nordics and Benelux audience."

Andrew Zein, SVP, creative, format development and sales, concurred: "We are delighted to be trusted by Sony Pictures Television to bring their iconic dance format, SYTYCD to Nordics and Benelux broadcasters and audiences. Roll on the auditions…."

Season 18 of "So You Think You Can Dance" on Fox aims to revitalize the beloved series with a fresh format that mirrors the real journey behind the efforts to forge a prosperous dance career, much like many of its alumni have done. Contestants will engage in rigorous dance challenges weekly, immersing themselves in the realities of the profession. They'll be made to experience everything from starring in a music video or performing during a football halftime show to sharing the stage with Broadway luminaries.

Moreover, the upcoming season will introduce storytelling elements that portray the highs and lows inherent in the lives of professional dancers. Breaking new ground, alongside the show's signature dazzling dance numbers, viewers will gain unprecedented access to the personal and competitive odysseys of the contestants through a documentary-style lens.

"So You Think You Can Dance" is produced by 19 Entertainment, a part of Sony Pictures Television, and Dick Clark Productions.

Variety

posted 2/28/2024

The Starting Line for AR36 Revealed
"The Amazing Race" Begins March 13
From Entertainment Weeklyh

The 13 teams racing across the globe in the hopes of winning $1 million on season 36 of The Amazing Race have been revealed and include twins, a pair of Air Force pilots, a duo of firefighter moms, and a former first-round NFL draft pick racing with his wife.

This season (which premieres March 13 on CBS and once again features no non-elimination legs) begins in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, as teams will have to participate in a Mexican rodeo and must "lasso their way to the finish line without coming in last." Other tasks this season include paragliding in Colombia and rally car racing in Argentina. The course will also wind its way through two new countries for the show as players will swim through waterfalls in the Dominican Republic while also visiting Rihanna's childhood home in Barbados. Yes, that Rihanna.

It has been a long wait for the season 36 cast, who originally filmed this installment back in the fall of 2022 as what was then supposed to be the 35th season of the reality franchise. With the writers and actors strikes of 2023, however, CBS decided to specifically film a season that could run as 90-minute episodes, so flipped seasons 35 and 36. Once the strikes were over, the network then decided to keep the show at 90 minutes, so the new season 36 will be running at the longer airtime anyway.

That means we'll get to see even more of contestants like Rod Gardner, who played six seasons in the NFL after being selected 15th overall in the 2001 draft by Washington. He will be joined by wife Leticia in his quest for more competition glory. But they will have to battle 12 other teams to take home the loot. Get your official first look at those teams below.

- Derek (57, retired chief of police) and Shelisa Williams (55, retired sheriff's lieutenant) Married Alta Loma, Calif.
- Danny (27, university resident director) and Angie Butler (55, seventh grade teacher) Mother and son San Diego, Calif., and Walla Walla, Wash.
- Rod (46, former NFL player/owner of Gshred Supplements) and Leticia Gardner (38, fitness business owner) Married Lawrenceville, Ga.
- Michelle (39) and Sean Clark (46), owners of Double Dutch Aerobics Married East Point, Ga.
- Yvonne Chavez (40, global strategy and operations lead) and Melissa Main (38, investigator for U.S. Navy special operations) Dating San Diego, Calif.
- Sunny Pulver (41) and Bizzy Smith (37), firefighters Best friends Edgerton, Wis., and New Berlin, Wis.
- Amber Craven (30) and Vinny Cagungun (37), nurse anesthetists Dating Englewood, Colo.
- Ricky Rotandi (34, preschool teacher) and Cesar Aldrete (34, food stylist) Dating New York, N.Y.
- Juan Villa (29) and Shane Bilek (29), Air Force pilots Best friends Spokane, Wash., and Marine City, Mich.
- Anthony (26) and Bailey Smith (26), recruiters Twin brothers Clearwater, Fla.
- Kishori Turner (26, senior marketing strategist) and Karishma Cordero (22, student) Cousins Gaithersburg, Md., and Austin, Texas
- Maya (20, student) and Rohan Mody (23, master's student) Siblings Monmouth Junction, N.J.
- Chris Foster (60, receptionist) and Mary Cardona-Foster (27, marketing manager) Father and daughter Waltham, Mass.

The Amazing Race premieres March 13 on CBS.

Entertainment Weekly
TV Insider
TV Line

Reality TV World

Variety

posted 2/28/2024

Wednesday Lightning Round
... or "Full Circle"

  • Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos return to their Vegas chapel to officiate wedding (Entertainment Weekly)

  • Jaime Camil signs with Gersh (Deadline)

  • Jinkx Monsoon will play Audrey in "Little Shop of Horrors" off-Broadway (TheaterMania)

  • #ICYMI: Someone cracks the "Oeuf d'Or" for "le gros lot" in Quebec (Le Sac de Chips)

  • Tyler Cameron shares "final texts" with his mom before her death (Reality Titbit)

  • A FEW GOOD MINUTES with Maks Chmerkovskiy (Variety)

posted 2/21/2024


Sony Pictures TV/CBS Media Ventures

Welcome to The Show
Jeopardy!'s TOC Begins February 23
From TV Insider

The 2024 Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions, technically the 2023 TOC that was delayed due to the WGA strikes, finally arrives this week, and fans are amped up to see the best-of-the-best battle it out. There are 27 contestants taking part in the TOC, making it the largest playing field ever.

The quarterfinals kick off on Friday, February 23, and will run until late March. The TOC was pushed back due to last summer's WGA strike, which massively affected Jeopardy's filming schedule. Despite the show continuing to air with former contestants and recycled clues, many TOC qualifiers refused to participate until the strikes were resolved.

Instead of recording the TOC or episodes with new contestants, Jeopardy! chose to air Second Chance and Champions Wildcard tournaments with former contestants from Seasons 37, 38, and 39.

This year's line-up consists of Season 39 super-champs, including fan favorites Cris Pannullo, Hannah Wilson, and Ben Chan. In addition, all three-day champions from Season 39 were invited back, along with Celebrity Jeopardy! winner Ike Barinholtz and 2023 High School Reunion Tournament winner Justin Bolsen.

Rounding out the field are the post-season comeback tournament winners. This includes Wildcard 1 winners Emily Sands, Nick Cascone, Josh Saak, and Yungsheng Wang, and Wildcard 2 winners Juveria Zaheer (who also won Second Chance) and the yet-to-be-determined winner of the still-airing episodes.

2024 Tournament of Champions Match-Ups
- The tournament kicks off on Friday, February 23, with Wildcard winner Emily Sands taking on Suresh Krishnan (6 wins) and Matthew Marcus (4 wins).
- Front-runner Cris Pannullo (21 wins) returns to the Alex Trebek stage on Monday, February 26, where he will face off against Ben Goldstein (5 wins) and Jared Watson (3 wins).
- Fan-favorite Hannah Wilson (8 wins) is back on Tuesday, February 27, where she will battle David Sibley (4 wins) and Wildcard winner Yungsheng Wang.
- The Wednesday, February 28, game will see Wildcard winner Nick Cascone take on Jake DeArruda (3 wins) and the controversial Yogesh Raut (3 wins).
- Comeback queen Juveria Zaheer returns on Thursday, February 29, where she will face off with Luigi de Guzman (5 wins) and Kevin Belle (3 wins).
-Super-champ Stephen Webb (8 wins) is back on Friday, March 1, where he will battle it out with Brian Henegar (3 wins) and Wildcard winner Josh Saak.
- The popular Ray LaLonde (13 wins) returns on Monday, March 4, where he will fight it out with Melissa Klapper (3 wins) and Celebrity Jeopardy! winner Ike Barinholtz.
- Tuesday, March 5, will see fan-fave Ben Chan (9 wins) take on Emmett Stanton (3 wins) and High School Reunion Tournament winner Justin Bolsen. J
- The final quarterfinal game takes place on Wednesday, March 6, and sees Troy Meyer (6 wins) battle with Sean McShane (3 wins) and the upcoming Wildcard 2 winner.

After the champion has been crowned, there will be an all-new Jeopardy! Invitational Tournament, airing from March 31 until April 8, featuring "the best players from all time."

Jeopardy! announced the new tournament on Monday, which will air following the ongoing Tournament of Champions.

Unlike other events this season, JIT will open the floodgates to iconic older champions returning after "decades" away from the buzzer.

Producer Sarah Foss shared on the podcast Inside Jeopardy!: "Right now we are taping the Jeopardy! Invitational Tournament, the last tournament of Season 40.

"Right after this, we're getting into regular shows," she assured..

DISCLAIMER: Brian Henegar, scheduled to play March 1, is a friend of the site.

TV Insider
Philly Voice
CarterMatt
Broadcasting & Cable

Entertainment Weekly
TV Line

USA Today/Yahoo!

The Philadelphia Inquirer

Slate

TV Insider
TV Line

The Sun

posted 2/27/2024

That's My Jammed
Production on SEason 3 Paused
From Deadline

That's My Jam, Jimmy Fallon's music-themed game show, may take slightly longer to return to screens than previously planned.

The NBC show was set to start production on its third season imminently but Deadline reports that it has now been paused.

"The reason, we hear, is scheduling, largely as a result of the vast number of celebrities that are required to film each episode," says the report.

Each episode features two teams of two celebrities competing in a series of music, dance and trivia-based games and musical performances.

Deadline

posted 2/27/2024

The Challenge: All-Stars to Return April
Cast Announced
From the Futon Critic

Paramount+ today announced that the fourth season of the hit reality competition series THE CHALLENGE: ALL STARS will premiere exclusively on the service on Wednesday, April 10 with back-to-back episodes in the U.S. and Canada, and on April 11 in the UK, Ireland, Australia, Latin America, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

Following the premiere, new episodes will drop weekly on Wednesdays.

Additionally, a stacked lineup of cast was revealed, along with an official trailer and key art. On the fourth season of THE CHALLENGE: ALL STARS, old-school legends, modern power players, redemption-seekers and ex-lovers reunite in Cape Town, South Africa to compete for $300,000. In this game, anyone can win, relationships matter, and only one All Star will claim the title champion.

Meet THE CHALLENGE: ALL STARS season four contestants:
· Ace Amerson - 5 Challenges
· Adam Larson - 3 Challenges, 1 Win
· Averey Tressler - 2 Challenges
· Ayanna Mackins - 4 Challenges
· Brad Fiorenza - 12 Challenges, 1 Win
· Brandon Nelson - 5 Challenges
· Cara Maria Sorbello - 14 Challenges, 2 Wins
· Derek Chavez - 4 Challenges
· Flora Alekseyeun - 1 Challenge
· Janelle Casanave - 3 Challenges, 1 Win
· Jasmine Reynaud - 6 Challenges
· Jay Mitchell - 1 Challenge
· Kam Williams - 5 Challenges
· Kefla Hare - 1 Challenge, 1 Win
· Laurel Stucky - 7 Challenges, 1 Win
· Leroy Garrett - 12 Challenges
· Nicole Zanatta - 3 Challenges
· Rachel Robinson - 7 Challenges, 2 Wins
· Ryan Kehoe - 6 Challenges
· Steve Meinke - 2 Challenges
· Syrus Yarbrough - 7 Challenges, 1 Win
· Tina Barta - 7 Challenges
· Tony Raines - 6 Challenges
· Tyrie Ballard-Brown - 6 Challenges
· Veronica Portillo - 13 Challenges, 3 Wins

Returning alongside THE CHALLENGE: ALL STARS, a new season of MTV's Official Challenge Podcast will premiere on April 11 with episodes dropping every Thursday. Hosted by veteran competitors Aneesa Ferreira and Tori Deal, the season will feature in-depth recaps with first-hand anecdotes from the most recent episodes. Fans can follow MTV's Official Challenge Podcast to catch up on past seasons and receive new episodes in their feeds HERE. The podcast is produced by Paramount Audio and MTV Entertainment in collaboration with iHeartRadio and is available across all major podcast platforms.

The Futon Critic

posted 2/27/2024


Warner Bros. Discovery/Paramount Global

Well... So Much For That
WBD, Paramount Merger Called Off
From Deadline

Warner Bros. Discovery is halting talks with Paramount Global about a potential merger, according to a new report from CNBC citing sources familiar with the matter.

The move comes after CEOs David Zaslav and Bob Bakish met to discuss the matter back in December. Representatives for Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount declined to comment.

Shares of Paramount, which have fallen 48% in the past year, are up 0.9% during Tuesday's trading session, while WBD stock, which has fallen 45% in the past year, is up 0.76% following the report.

Variety
Axios
Deadline
TV Line

Vanity Fair
Deadline
The Hollywood Reporter
The Wrap
CNBC

posted 2/27/2024

"Deal or No Deal" Cruises to Holland America Line
Cruise Ships to Host Games
From PR Newswire

Holland America Line has expanded its entertainment offering to launch the popular TV game show brand Deal or No Deal on nine of its cruise ships.

Powered by TimePlay, a leader in interactive technology, this show format has a proven track record due to its highly adaptable design and strong brand identity and is now on over 85 ships worldwide.

This high-energy live hosted experience invites contestants on stage to deal for cash, and what makes this game unique is that everyone in the audience also gets to play along for a chance to win big, including a free cruise. The program will run once or twice per voyage, hosted on the World Stage or Rolling Stone Lounge, depending on the Holland America Line ship.

"With the growing demand for entertainment options, Deal or No Deal is a perfect addition to Holland America's offerings." Aaron Silverberg, SVP of Entertainment, TimePlay.

"We're excited to add this brand to add this program to our lineup and we look forward to guests enjoying this interactive game," said Daniel Materassi, senior vice president of guest commerce for Holland America Line.

PR Newswire
Cruise Wire

posted 2/27/2024

SurVivoR
"Horizon Island" Game Coming to Meta VR
From Entertainment Weekly

Want to play Survivor? Pretty soon, you'll be able to. And all you need is a headset.

EW can exclusively report that the long-running CBS reality franchise is launching a virtual reality version of the popular TV show titled Survivor: Horizon Island. CBS has partnered with Meta on the game, which was developed by Albyon, VR in Review, and Well Played Studios, and can be played on Meta Horizon Worlds beginning on March 8.

The custom world of Survivor: Horizon Island will allow players to take part in all the classic elements from the show, including forming alliances, competing in challenges, and searching for hidden immunity idols. They can also deal with everyday Survivor tasks like tending to the fire, fishing for food, and of course, trying not to get eliminated. And presiding over it all is the Hostmaster General himself, Jeff Probst, whose voice will no doubt at some point implore you to "Dig deep!"

Not only can we report about this new VR extension into the Survivor universe, but we can show you some of it as well. Check out the video above to see footage of the game as well as some of the challenges that await.

Entertainment Weekly

posted 2/27/2024

SUNDAY: Tracked
CBS Wins the Totals, Splits Demo with ABC
From TV Line

In the latest TV ratings, CBS' Tracker this week was Sunday's most-watched program, while also tying ABC's American Idol for the nightly demo win.

Leading out of 60 Minutes (which was down a tick with 6.6 million total viewers and a 0.4 demo rating), The Equalizer (6.1 mil/0.4) also dipped just a bit in both measures. Tracker (6.9 mil/0.5) and CSI: Vegas (4 mil/0.3) were both up a smidgen in audience vs. last week's prelims and held steady in the demo.

America's Funniest Home Videos (4.4 mil/0.4) and American Idol (4.6 mil/0.5) both dipped in the demo week-to-week, but What Would You Do? (2.7 mil/0.3) was steady.

Animation Domination on Fox: The Simpsons (880K/0.2) and Krapopolis (570K/0.1) added viewers, whereas The Great North (440K/0.1) and Grimbsurg (450K/0.1) both lost some.

Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)...
- Tournament of Champions (Food): 1.152m/0.20

TV Line
The Programming Insider

Spoiler TV

posted 2/27/2024

THURSDAY: Vaya con Dios, Sam Waterston
CBS, NBC Split Night
From TV Line

In the latest TV ratings, NBC's SVU was Thursday's top-rated program and CBS' Young Sheldon drew the largest crowd.

With all the Laws and every Order fresh over on NBC, Young Sheldon (with 7 million viewers and a 0.5 demo rating), Ghosts (5.9 mil/0.4) and So Help Me Todd (4.1 mil/0.3) all were down versus their strong season openers.

Law & Order (4.8 mil/0.5) and SVU (4.9 mil/0.6) each rose in both measures, while Organized Crime (3.5 mil/0.4) returned steady.

Fox's Next Level Chef (1.9 mil/0.3) dipped, Farmer Wants a Wife (1.6 mil/0.2) was relatively steady.

Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)...
- Wheel of Fortune - 9p (R/GSN): 408k/0.05
- Wheel of Fortune - 9:30p (R/GSN): 395k/0.05
- Blank Slate (GSN): 349k/0.03

TV Line
The Programming Insider

Spoiler TV

posted 2/27/2024

Tuesday Lightning Round
... or "Stop at Banff"

  • Rob Wade to keynote at Banff Festival (Hollywood Reporter)

  • HoFr's Jared Haibon, "Bachelor in Paradise's" Ashley Iaconetti reveal the gender of their second (Reality TV World)

  • Matt James teasing marriage proposal... three years after getting back with Rachael Kirkconnell (People)

  • ICYMI: Randy Travis makes an appearance in "The Price Is Right" audience (Remind)

  • A FEW GOOD MINUTES with "Smart TV's" Rob Beckett (WhatToWatch)

posted 2/27/2024

FRIDAY: Smack Game
Fox Wins Demo, CBS Wins Totals
From TV Line

0 In the latest TV ratings, CBS' Blue Bloods was Friday's most-watched program this week, while Fox's SmackDown easily led the night in the demo.

S.W.A.T. (with 4.9 million total viewers and a 0.4 demo rating), Fire Country (5.1 mil/0.3) and Blue Bloods (5.3 mil/0.3) all dipped from their season premieres, yet still delivered the night's three biggest audiences.

Friday Night SmackDown (2.2 mil/0.6) was down just a tick from last week's prelims.

ABC's Shark Tank (3.4 mil/0.3) added some eyeballs while steady in the demo; 20/20 (2.9 mil/0.3) drew one of its larger audiences of the season.

NBC's Dateline (2.2 mil/0.3) drew its smallest audience since Jan. 5, but was steady in the demo.

Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)...
- RuPaul's Drag Race (MTV): 569k/0.21
- RuPaul's Drag Race Untucked (MTV): 318k/0.13
- Wheel of Fortune - 9:30p (R/GSN): 304k/0.02
- Wheel of Fortune - 9p (R/GSN): 277k/0.02
- Nick Cannon Presents Wild'n Out - 9:30p (R/BET): 170k/0.05
- Nick Cannon Presents Wild'n Out - mid (R/BET): 126k/0.03

TV Line
The Programming Insider

Spoiler TV

posted 2/26/2024

Monday Lightning Round
... or "No."

  • Reba McEntire shuts down rumors that she's leaving "The Voice". If this is the first you're hearing of this, congrats on being a well-adjusted human being. (Deadline)

  • How "Tournament of Champions" handled Darnell Ferguson's battle against Amanda Freitag (Reality Blurred) PLUS the canceled Superchef pleads not guilty (Louisville Courier Journal)

  • Graham Norton suddenly leaves his weekend radio show (The News Pakistan)

  • YOU CAN'T MAKE THIS BLEEP UP: A "1% Club" question just broke a record (LADBible)

posted 2/23/2024

Paramount Minus
S&P Global Hits Paramount with Rating Downgrade
From the Hollywood Reporter

Paramount Global is on a watch by S&P Global for a possible credit rating downgrade over weaker cash flow concerns as the major studio pivots from linear TV to the streaming space.

"The margin and cash flows generated by DTC [direct to consumer] streaming businesses, which are replacing the linear TV segment, will be lower in comparison due to greater required content spending, higher technology investments, and higher marketing and subscriber acquisition costs," S&P ratings director Jawad Hussain said in a statement Friday.

Stock in Paramount Global, which is led by CEO Bob Bakish, slid by 53 cents, or 4.5 percent, to $11.18 on Friday during late-morning trading, with shares in the Hollywood studio last week taking another hit when Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway reported a one-third stake cut in the media conglomerate.

Last year, the studio's credit rating was lowered from BBB to BBB-, and its debt is now under renewed scrutiny, "with negative implications," including for another possible downgrade as S&P starts to weigh cash flow along with leverage metrics when measuring Paramount's debt worthiness.

"We believe FOCF [free operating cash flow] will be weaker than historical levels because the significant cash flows from the linear TV businesses will degrade rapidly as pay TV subscribers continue to decline and advertisers migrate spending to streaming platforms," S&P warned in its report.

The Hollywood Reporter

posted 2/23/2024


ABC/ITV Entertainment

Lightning Strikes Down Under
Brandon Blackwell Joins "The Chase Australia"
From Mediaweek

The Chase Australia will welcome its newest Chaser to the afternoon quiz show from Monday, February 26, at 5.00pm on Channel 7 and 7plus.

Brandon Blackwell, aka The Lightning Bolt, is regular in high-level quiz competitions around the world. He is a World Speed Quizzing Champion and is one of the highest-scoring players of all time on the prestigious British quiz show University Challenge. He also secured second place in the under-30 World Quizzing Championship in 2020.

Blackwell, a familiar face on The Chase America, joins a formidable line-up of Chasers: The Shark (Brydon Coverdale), Goliath (Matt Parkinson), The Supernerd (Issa Schultz), The Governess (Anne Hegerty), The Tiger Mum (Cheryl Toh) and The Beast (Mark Labbett).

"I'll beat you before you even turn up," Blackwell said.

The Chase Australia is an ITV Studios Australia production for the Seven Network based on the original ITV quiz show.

Mediaweek
TV Blackbox

7News

The Senior

posted 2/23/2024

WEDNESDAY: One Chicago vs. Three Doors
NBC Wins Night
From TV Line

In the latest, holiday-delayed TV ratings, NBC's #OneChicago trio led Wednesday in both viewers and the demo.

Chicago Med (6.4 mil/0.5), Fire (6.5 mil/0.5) and P.D. (5.3 mil/0.5) were all steady.

ABC's The Conners (3.5 mil/0.4) was steady, Not Dead Yet (2.3 mil/0.2) dipped, and both Abbott Elementary (2.4 mil/0.4) and Judge Steve Harvey (1.4 mil/0.1) dropped some eyeballs.

Leading out of TPIR at Night (3.9 mil/0.4) on CBS, Dolly Parton's Pet Gala retained 2.2 mil and a 0.2.

Fox's I Can See Your Voice (1.6 mil/0.2) and We Are Family (1.7 mil/0.2) were steady.

The CW's Wild Cards (450K/0.1) and Family Law (370K/0.1) both lost viewers.

Cable numbers (totals/A18-49) are forthcoming.

TV Line
The Programming Insider

Spoiler TV

posted 2/23/2024

TUESDAY: Will vs. the FBI
CBS, ABC Run to Dead Heat
From TV Line

In the latest TV ratings, CBS' FBI was Tuesday's most-watched program and led the night in the demo.

FBI (with 7 million total viewers and a 0.5 demo rating) dipped in both measures week-to-week, facing stiffer procedural competition. FBI: International (5.3 mil/0.4) and FBI: Most Wanted (4.8 mil/0.4) each lost viewers but held steady in the demo.

Christening its earlier time slot, the Will Trent Season 2 opener (4.6 mil/0.3) soared to an easy series high in audience on ABC while matching its freshman average in the demo. The Rookie (3.6 mil/0.3) returned down from its previous averages (3.9 mil/0.4). The Good Doctor (2.8 mil/0.2) opened its farewell run with series lows.

NBC's Night Court (2.5 mil/0.3) and Extended Family (1.9 mil/0.2) were down in audience but steady in the demo. The yet-to-be-renewed Quantum Leap's double episode finale (1.4 mil/0.2, 1.34 mil/0.2) was on par with last week.

Fox's season finale of Name That Tune (1.5 mil/0.2) dipped, but The Floor (2.4 mil/0.4) was steady.

CW rounded out the night with the premiere of Crime Nation (466k/0.1).

Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)...
- Chopped (Food): 594k/0.13
- Blank Slate (GSN): 333k/0.02
- Wheel of Fortune - 9p (R/GSN): 330k/0.03
- Wheel of Fortune - 9:30p (R/GSN): 327k/0.04 .

TV Line
The Programming Insider

Spoiler TV

posted 2/23/2024

Happy Friday Lightning Round
... or "Learn from a Shark"

  • Mark Cuban shares his savvy on MasterClass (TV Line)

  • Impossible? canceled, and Rick Edwards is not happy (Birmingham Mail)

  • Joe Mangianello prepped for "Deal or No Deal Island" by being a D&D DM (Syfy)

  • The reviews are in, and Marc Summers' off-Broadway show is a hit (Playbill)

  • Before he wanted a wife, Ty Ferrell filmed a pilot with his ex-wife (TV Insider)

  • ICYMI: Niecy Nash-Betts has a reunion on the set of "We Are Family" (TV Insider)

  • VIDEO WALL: How to get a car on the set of "Wheel of Fortune" (Instagram @WheelofFortune)

  • PROGRAMMING NOTE: Love Is Blind's season 6 reunion is planned for March 13 (TV Line)

posted 2/23/2024

Wendy Williams Diagnosed with Aphasia, Frontotemporal Dementia
"Love Triangle" Host Still Able to Do Many Things Herself, Says Medical Team
From People

Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), her medical care team announced.

According to a press release, the former "Love Triangle" host, 59, received her diagnosis last year and her medical team said the conditions "have already presented significant hurdles in Wendy's life."

"Wendy is still able to do many things for herself," the team said in a statement. "Most importantly she maintains her trademark sense of humor and is receiving the care she requires to make sure she is protected and that her needs are addressed. She is appreciative of the many kind thoughts and good wishes being sent her way."

According to Mayo Clinic, aphasia "robs you of the ability to communicate" and "can affect your ability to speak, write and understand language, both verbal and written." The group adds that the condition "typically occurs suddenly after a stroke or a head injury. But it can also come on gradually from a slow-growing brain tumor or a disease that causes progressive, permanent damage (degenerative)."

People
PR Newswire

posted 2/22/2024

Buzzfeed Sells Complex
eCommerce Firm Ntwrk Buys Network for $108.6 million
From Variety

BuzzFeed has sold Complex — the youth-culture media company it bought three years ago — and will pink-slip another 16% of BuzzFeed's remaining staffers in a restructuring designed to get back on financial track.

BuzzFeed announced Wednesday that it closed the sale of Complex to ecommerce platform Ntwrk in a $108.6 million all-cash deal. L.A.-based Ntwrk said that together with Complex, it will build a "next-generation content and shopping experience" that it described as a "new destination for 'superfan' culture that will define the future of commerce, digital media and music." Investors in the newly merged company include Universal Music Group, Jimmy Iovine, Main Street Advisors and Goldman Sachs.

In addition to the $108.6 million purchase price, BuzzFeed received approximately $5.7 million related to Complex's use of the company's New York offices and "severance- and other employment-related costs." BuzzFeed acquired Complex Networks in December 2021 for approximately $198 million in cash and $96 million in equity — for a total price tag of $294 million. However, that included Complex's First We Feast brand, producer of the popular "Hot Ones" series, which was not sold to Ntwrk and remains with BuzzFeed.

Along with the Complex sale, BuzzFeed announced a new round of layoffs to cut expenses, implementing a 16% reduction in its remaining workforce of a bit under 1,000 across the company (excluding Complex employees who are joining Ntwrk). The BuzzFeed job cuts are expected to yield approximately $23 million in annualized compensation cost savings, the company said. The layoffs come after BuzzFeed in April 2023 announced it was shuttering its unprofitable BuzzFeed News division and laying off about 180 people across the organization.

Variety

posted 2/22/2024


Kelly Gardner/Fox

Balls... Now That We Have Your Attention...
Jay Pharoah to Host "Quiz With Balls" for Fox
From Variety

Jay Pharoah, known for "Saturday Night Live" and "The Blackening," will host "The Quiz with Balls," a new Fox game show.

Each episode will feature two families competing for $100,000 in a "battle of the balls," combining a high-stakes quiz show with a large-scale physical competition.

"When I got hit up about hosting an epic face-off between big brains and even bigger balls, I was like … 'I got this,'" Pharoah said in a statement. "Then I found out it was a game show series on Fox and thought … even better!"

The contestants stand on a high platform over a pool, where they must work together during a multiple choice quiz. Each answer is allocated to a spot with a giant ball positioned behind it. If the answer is chosen correctly, the ball will roll down and stop just before hitting the player. However, if the answer is wrong, the ball will fall and whack the player into the pool below. The questions get harder the more players each team loses. The longer they last, the more money they bank until one "dry" family member plays the final round for the $100,000 grand prize.

"Playful, quick-witted and high-energy, Jay's going to make a huge splash as our host of 'The Quiz with Balls,'" Allison Wallach, Fox Entertainment's president of unscripted programming, said in a statement. "No matter the stage or show, Jay's singular brand of humor and comedic timing elevates everything he does. With him at the helm of 'The Quiz with Balls,' viewers of all ages are assured an exciting and hilarious hour of fun playing along with Jay and our family contestants."

Executive produced by Talpa Studios and Eureka Productions, the new series is set to premiere this summer of Fox. "The Quiz with Balls" premiered on SBS6 in The Netherlands, where it became an instant summer hit, receiving an order for a four-episode winter special. A second season of the show will air on SBS6 later this year. Talpa Studios will soon announce other markets where the format will travel to, following the U.S. launch.

Showrunner Anthony Carbone, John de Mol, Maarten Meijs, Chris Culvenor, Paul Franklin, Wes Dening and John Leahy executive produce.

TV Blackbox
Variety

Uproxx

TV Tonight
Variety
Deadline

The Futon Critic

posted 2/21/2024

WGA Awards: And The Nominees Are...
Four Game Shows Vie for the Prize
From Variety

The Writers Guild of America's west and east arms have announced nominations for this year's honors in screenwriting, television, new media, news, radio/audio, and promotional writing during 2023. Delayed due to the Hollywood strikes, this year's ceremony will take place on Sunday, April 14, 2024. Here are the nominees:

QUIZ AND AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
- "Baking It," Writers Chad Carter, Neil Casey, Jessica McKenna, Zach Reino, Nicolle Yaron; Peacock
- "The Chase," Head Writer David Levinson Wilk Writers Erik Agard, Kyle Beakley, Micki Boden, Megan Broussard, Jonathan Daly, Brian Greene, Robert King, Jason Lundell, Sierra Mannie, Amy Ozols, Bobby Patton, Ellen Teitel, Ari Yolkut; ABC
- "Jeopardy!," Writers Marcus Brown, Michael Davies, John Duarte, Mark Gaberman, Debbie Griffin, Michele Loud, Robert McClenaghan, Jim Rhine, Billy Wisse;ABC
- "Weakest Link," Head Writer Ann Slichter Writers Chip Dornell, Ryan Hopak, Walter Kelly, Stuart Krasnow, Jon Macks, Meggie McFadden, Rylee Newton, Ryan O'Dowd, Scott Saltzburg, Doug Shaffer, Aaron Solomon, Grant Taylor, Mia Taylor; NBC


Variety
TV Line

Deadline

posted 2/21/2024

The Era of Freevee Love Is Over?
Reports: Amazon FAST Service Shutting Down, Amazon: Hold On...
From the Wrap

Amazon is pushing back against reports that its Freevee service is shuttering.

AdWeek reported the news, which it said is part of an effort by the tech giant to shift its focus to Prime Video. Sources familiar with the matter told the outlet that sunsetting Freevee could happen sometime within the second quarter.

However, a spokesperson for Amazon said there are "no changes" coming to Freevee.

"Amazon Freevee remains an important streaming offering providing both Prime and non-Prime customers thousands of hit movies, shows and originals, all for free," they added.

Freevee, which was formerly known as IMDb TV until a rebrand in 2022, offers thousands of premium movies and TV shows, including originals such as "Bosch: Legacy," "Judy Justice" and "Jury Duty" and over 150 free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels.

Some Freevee originals, such as "Leverage: Redemption" and "American Rust," have even been moved to Prime Video for their upcoming seasons.

AdWeek's report follows the launch of Prime Video's ad tier on Jan. 29, which will be the default for all subscribers. The streamer will offer a new ad-free option for an additional $2.99 per month for U.S. members. Currently, Amazon Prime, which includes Prime Video, costs $14.99 per month or $139 a year. A membership that only includes Prime Video and none of the company's shipping benefits costs $8.99 a month.

The Wrap
Variety
TV Line
Adweek

Deadline

posted 2/21/2024

Syndicators Go All-In on Game Shows
A Look at Fall 2024
From Broadcasting & Cable

Talk won't be the talk of syndication this fall — instead, producers are bringing out much more economical true-crime series and games to fill station slates.

In January, Warner Bros. renewed talk strip Jennifer Hudson for a third season, airing on Fox-owned stations in the country's biggest markets. That caused Debmar-Mercury to withdraw its talk show starring Ken Jeong from the marketplace. After that, several pieces of the fall 2024 syndication puzzle fell into place. Two new first-run shows have been cleared for launch this fall, Warner Bros.'s True Crime News and The Flip Side from CBS Media Ventures, and the potential is there for a few more shows to emerge.

While stations build up their true-crime schedules, many of them are leaning heavily on game shows. In January, the CBS-owned stations picked up The Flip Side, which is the first new syndicated series to be produced under the leadership of Wendy McMahon, president and CEO of CBS News and Stations and CMV. The Flip Side will be hosted by Jaleel White, known for his role as Steve Urkel on Family Matters, which aired on ABC from 1989 to 1997. Since then, White, who also works as a writer, producer and comedian, has starred in Netflix's Hustle, CBS's Me, Myself and I and Apple TV Plus's The Afterparty.

The Flip Side pits two teams of players against each other, testing them on how they think two different groups of people feel about the same issue. Teams choose from multiple-choice answers, and whoever reveals the best intuition regarding human behavior will find themselves richer.

Overall, game shows are popular in syndication right now, often taking the place of more expensive off-network sitcoms. The Flip Side will air on CBS's duopoly stations in big markets, and Fox also has renewed most of its game slate for next year. That includes Pictionary, starring Jerry O'Connell; Debmar-Mercury's People Puzzler, starring Leah Remini; 25 Words or Less, starring and executive produced by Meredith Vieira; and Person, Place or Thing, starring Melissa Peterman. Fox also renewed Dish Nation, which features radio deejays chatting about the entertainment gossip of the day, for a 13th season after doing some cost-cutting. Going away after one season is the TMZ-produced Who the Bleep Is That?

NextTV

posted 2/21/2024


Independent
EWEN MACINTOSH: 1973-2024
"The Office" UK Actor Played "Celebrity Poker Live" & "Celebrity Mastermind"
From Deadline

Ewen MacIntosh, who played lovable loser Keith in Ricky Gervais' seminal BBC comedy The Office, has died. He was 50.

Gervais was among those paying tribute to the actor, whose passing was confirmed by his talent agency, JustRight Management.

"With great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved comedy genius Ewen MacIntosh. His family thank all who supported him, especially Willow Green Care Home," read the statement.

No cause of death was revealed, but JustRight noted there will be a private cremation for family and close friends "soon" and a celebratory memorial later in the year.

Gervais, who starred in the The Office alongside MacIntosh between 2001 and 2003, wrote on social media that the passing was "extremely sad news."

"The very funny and very lovely Ewen Macintosh, known to many as 'Big Keith' from The Office, has passed away. An absolute original. RIP," he added.

MacIntosh's character in The Office, Keith Bishop, was known for his deadpan delivery. The character was central to several famous episodes, including 'Big Keith's Appraisal', in which Gervais' office branch manager, David Brent, run through his strengths and weaknesses.

UKTV channel Gold, which often runs repeats of The Office, said in a statement: "We at Gold are saddened to hear that Ewen MacIntosh has passed away at the age of 50. We loved him as Keith in The Office and were lucky enough to work with him over the years on the channel. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at such a difficult time."

According to IMDb, Macintosh's most recent role was in 2023 indie horror film Nightmare on 34th Street. He had also appeared in films such as Drew Cullingham's Shed of the Dead, Steve M Kelly's The Bromley Boys and Raza Mallal's Snapshot Wedding. TV credits include appearances in UK comedy series Little Britain, Lead Balloon and Miranda.

In game shows, Macintosh was on episodes of "Celebrity Mastermind" and "Celebrity Poker Live".

Deadline
The Hollywood Reporter
Variety
TV Line
CNN
Entertainment Weekly

posted 2/21/2024

MONDAY: Remembering Ducky
CBS, ABC Run to Dead Heat
From TV Line

In the latest TV ratings, CBS' NCIS was Monday's most-watched program and tied ABC's The Bachelor for the nightly demo win.

The Neighborhood (with 5.1 million total viewers and a 0.4 demo rating) and Bob Hearts Abishola (4.8 mil/0.4) both dipped from their season premieres. NCIS (7.3 mil/0.5) added some viewers and was steady in the demo, while NCIS: Hawaii (5.1 mil/0.4) dropped a few eyeballs but held steady in the demo.

The Bachelor (3.2 mil/0.5) dipped week-to-week.

NBC's AGT: Fantasy League (3.9 mil/0.3) was pretty steady with its finale. The already-renewed The Irrational slipped to a series low in audience (2.4 mil) while putting up its third straight 0.2 rating.

Slightly delayed by Indy 500 overrun, America's Most Wanted (1.5 mil/0.2) actually lost some eyeballs on Fox whereas TMZ Investigates (1.4 mil/0.4) added a few.

Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)...
- Kids Baking Championship (Food): 846k/0.12
- Battle on the Mountain (HGTV): 616k/0.07
- Stupid Pet Tricks (TBS): 516k/0.10
- Wheel of Fortune - 9:30p (R/GSN): 426k/0.06
- Blank Slate (GSN): 383k/0.03
- Wheel of Fortune - 9p (R/GSN): 354k/0.06

TV Line
The Programming Insider

Spoiler TV

posted 2/21/2024

Meet the Pint-Sized Cheftestants of MasterChef Junior 9
Catch It on Fox March 4
From The Futon Critic

Judges and Mentors Gordon Ramsay, Daphne Oz and Aarón Sánchez return alongside new judge Tilly Ramsay.

MEET THE YOUNG CULINARY CONTESTANTS:
- Alfred Age: 11 Hometown: Binford, ND Food Dream: To write a Midwest kids' cookbook
- Asher Age: 8 Hometown: Yakima, WA Food Dream: To become a chef and write a cookbook
- Bre Age: 10 Hometown: Burbank, CA Food Dream: To open an affordable food truck
- Bryson Age: 11 Hometown: Opelika, AL Food Dream: To have a cheese mobile food truck
- Jason Age: 9 Hometown: San Gabriel, CA Food Dream: To have a TV show and write a cookbook
- Jordyn Age: 8 Hometown: Greensboro, NC Food Dream: To open a restaurant
- Kristell Age: 10 Hometown: Austin, TX Food Dream: To have a food truck
- Lilo Age: 9 Hometown: Ann Arbor, MI Food Dream: To open a restaurant
- Lydia Age: 9 Hometown: Atlanta, GA Food Dream: To open a restaurant
- Michael Age: 11 Hometown: New Smyma, FL Food Dream: To open a restaurant with his mom
- Miles Age: 10 Hometown: College Station, TX Food Dream: To write a kids' cookbook
- Remy Age: 10 Hometown: Hollywood, FL Food Dream: To connect with my community through cooking

One talented young chef will be named America's newest MasterChef Junior, taking home a trophy and $100,000 grand prize!

The Futon Critic

posted 2/21/2024

Wednesday Lightning Round
... or "A Preview of Coming Attractions"

  • FIRST LOOKS: Deal or No Deal Island (NBC) and the new seasons of SYTYCD (TV Insider) and Blown Away (The Futon Critic)

  • Jimmy Kimmel hints at his departure (Deadline)

  • Michael Strahan shared an update on his daughter's cancer battle (Entertainment Weekly)

  • Greg Davies would like new comedies to be ordered for two seasons to give time for them to hit their stride (Deadline)

  • Parvati Shallow won't return to Survivor (Entertainment Weekly)

  • Dee Valladares joins On Fire with Jeff Probst (TV Line)

  • DEFINING MOMENT OF AWESOME: contestant signs off in English, French, and Mohawk (CTV News Montreal)

  • Guy Fieri gets Hunter ready for a wedding (People)

posted 2/21/2024


Hello! Magazine
ROBIN WINDSOR: 1979-2024
"Strictly Come Dancing" Professional
From TV Line

Professional dancer Robin Windsor, best known to TV audiences for his four-season stint on the UK's Strictly Come Dancing, has died at the age of 44. A cause of death has not been disclosed.\

His death was first announced by the official Facebook page of Burn the Floor, a dance company he founded in 1997:

The Burn the Floor family has lost one of its founding members, Robin "Bobby" Windsor – who has tragically passed away. A BTF journeyman he danced with us for twenty years – including Broadway, The West End and all our crazy adventures around the world. His stunning image attached with Jessica Raffa defined our company, colourful, extreme and sensual. His talent, attitude, energy and personality helped create the Burn the Floor stage reputation. He leaves a void in our hearts that will never be filled, yet our wonderful memories will stay forever.

Windsor made his Strictly Come Dancing debut in 2010 and was paired with Eighth Wonder frontwoman Patsy Kensit (eliminated in Week 9). He returned for three additional seasons and was paired with EastEnders vet Anita Dobson (also eliminated in Week 9), Emmerdale star Lisa Riley (eliminated in Week 11) and Dragon's Den investor Deborah Meaden (eliminated in Week 5).

"The whole Strictly family are deeply saddened to hear the news about our dear friend Robin Windsor," the BBC reality competition said in a statement on Instagram. "He was not only an exceptionally talented dancer and choreographer but also a caring, considerate and kind person both on and off the dance floor. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this extremely difficult time."

Prior to his death, Windsor was featured in Come What May, a Moulin Rouge tribute show. The stage play's production company, Sisco Entertainment Group, put out the following statement:

"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the tragic passing of our beloved friend, Robin Windsor. Robin's presence in Come What May was more than just a performance; it was an embodiment of passion, grace and sheer talent. His extraordinary ability to express emotion through movement captivated audiences, leaving them spellbound with every step. Beyond his impeccable dancing, Robin's vibrant spirit lit up the room, infusing rehearsals and performances with infectious energy and warmth. His laughter was contagious, his kindness boundless. His friendship was a gift cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Robin, you will be deeply missed. Though Come What May will continue without you, your legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to share in your light."

TV Line
Deadline
BBC News

posted 2/20/2024

"Millionaire" Goes to the Casino
Playtech to License Name to Dealer Games
From Bonus

In its quest to expand its footprint in live dealer casino game vertical, Playtech has announced that it will bring its Who Wants To Be a Millionaire? (WWTBAM) branded live games to North American markets.

The announcement came alongside news of a two-year partnership extension between Playtech and Sony Pictures Television, which owns the rights to WWTBAM.

Now good until 2028, that deal has allowed Playtech to develop three live dealer games using the WWTBM intellectual property:
- Who Wants To Be a Millionaire? Live Roulette
- Who Wants To Be a Millionaire? Live Trivia
- Who Wants To Be a Millionaire? Video Poker Live

These games incorporate various features of the popular game show of the same name, including its "lifelines": 50/50, Ask the Audience, and Ask the Host lifelines. In addition to the three current titles, Playtech plans to develop additional games using the brand. These would be available to the company's global partners, including those in its new North American markets — the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Sasha Uman, chief commercial officer at Playtech Live, said that the collaboration with Sony has been an enormous opportunity for the company. She added: "It showcases our commitment to securing top iconic brands in the game show and entertainment industry, and our dedication to offering high-quality and innovative gaming options to the audience. It has allowed us to bring a diverse range of interactive games, including Live Roulette, Live Trivia, and the latest addition, Video Poker Live, inspired by the beloved 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?' brand. 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?' has been a global favourite for many years, and we are thrilled to be able to bring the excitement of this iconic game show to players worldwide, especially to our North American audience."

Bonus

posted 2/20/2024

SUNDAY: CBS Premiere Week Concludes
CBS, ABC Run to Dead Heat
From TV Line

In the latest TV ratings, CBS' 60 Minutes and Tracker were among Sunday's most-watched programs, with the latter also landing in a three-way tie for the nightly demo win.

Leading out of 60 Minutes (which had 7.2 million total viewers and a 0.4 demo rating), The Equalizer (6.3 mil/0.5) returned pretty steady with its Season 3 averages. Tracker (6.6 mil/0.5) found Sunday's second-largest audience, building on its lead-in. CSI: Vegas christened its brand-new time slot with 3.95 million viewers (matching its second-largest audience to date), while steady in the demo with a 0.3 rating.

ABC's AFV (4 mil/0.4) scored its second-largest audience of the season and matched its demo high. American Idol (4.5 mil/0.5) was down double digits from both from Season 21's premiere and Sunday averages. What Would You Do? returned to 2.7 mil and a 0.3.

The People's Choice Awards on NBC averaged 2.2 mil and a 0.2.

Fox's The Simpsons did 720K and a 0.2, followed by Krapopolis' 500K/0.1, The Great North's 420K/0.1 and Grimsburg's 360K/0.1.

Cable numbers (totals/A18-49) are forthcoming.

TV Line
The Programming Insider

Spoiler TV

posted 2/20/2024

Tuesday Lightning Round
... or "Games Gone By"

  • FIRST LOOK: Deal or No Deal Island (Hollywood Life)

  • LIST ABUSE: Every game show each UK Chaser has been on, from "Millionaire" to "Are You An Egghead?" (Entertainment Daily)

  • Joey Graziadei apologizes for the whole Gypsy Rose Blanchard/Ruth Bader Ginsburg thing (Deadline)

  • FIRST LOOK: What to expect from Fox over the spring thanks to Ken Jeong & Joel McHale (TV Insider)

  • "The Voice" takes home Competition Reality trophy at the People's Choice Awards (Deadline)

  • Walmart buys Vizio for $2.3 billion, or 4.6 million 65 inchers (DEadline)

  • Charles "Chip" Esten recalls how he won his wife's engagement ring as a superchamp on "Sale of the Century" (Us Magazine)

posted 2/20/2024


ABC

Katy Perry Likely to Depart "Idol" After This Season
Pop Star Joined Reboot in 2018
From Deadline

Lionel Richie is ready to see his American Idol co-judge Katy Perry sail on to her next adventure.

The "Hello" crooner has addressed Perry's recent announcement that she would be exiting the singing competition series after its 22nd season. "I'm not mad," he said while visiting Jimmy Kimmel Live on Thursday.

"It just made me run off the road when I first heard about it," he continued, joking about Perry's upcoming departure. "My phone blew up."

The Grammy winner also confirmed that he wasn't aware of Perry's decision before she spilled the beans on Monday's episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live. "No, we didn't know about it, but it makes sense," he said. "In other words: The reason I love coming on the show with you and the reason I'm doing American Idol is because I have 400 years of stories and a life in the music business. I have things that I've done."

Perry joined American Idol when the revival landed on ABC in 2018. The singer said she didn't know what the succession plan was but noted that former judges, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy all stayed together as a trio for seven seasons, just like Perry, Bryan, and Richie. However, the original trio was together for eight seasons but were joined by fourth judge Kara DioGuardi in Season 8.

"I love the show so much but I want to go and see the world and maybe bring new music," Perry added. "Maybe I'll come back if they have me one day."

Perry's last season on American Idol will be Season 22 which premieres on Sunday on ABC.

Deadline
Variety

TV Line

The Wrap
Entertainment Weekly

The Hollywood Reporter

Entertainment Weekly

The Wrap

posted 2/16/2024


CW

CW Plays "Scrabble", "Trivial Pursuit"
Hasbro Games Given Series Orders
From Deadline

The CW is officially in the Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit business, closing deals on a pair of game shows based on the classic board games. Both have been in the works for some time; Deadline reported on Trivial Pursuit being in the works last summer.

The CW declined comment Wednesday, but an official announcement is expected shortly.

The all-time classic trivia game TRIVIAL PURSUIT is reimagined in a question-packed entertainment format. Gameplay takes place on a giant version of the iconic Trivial Pursuit game board, as contestants battle it out over a range of play-along question categories to win wedges and beat each other to the center. The victor then takes on a dramatic finale against the clock to claim the big money jackpot. Gabriel Marano, John De Mol, Matt Walton and Matt Pritchard, and David Garfinkle serve as executive producers.

SCRABBLE is a captivating, fast-paced take on the global board-game phenomenon. In each episode, wordsmiths battle it out playing a series of addictive, word-based games to win points and add words to a giant SCRABBLE board in the center of the set. Gabriel Marano, David Garfinkle and Michelle Mendelovitz serve as executive producers.

Both game shows come from Hasbro Entertainment; Lionsgate Alternative Entertainment, which acquired the eOne assets from Hasbro last year; and The CW. Scrabble is also produced by Mattel Television Studios.

There are no hosts attached to either project, but LeVar Burton has previously been attached to the Trivial Pursuit adaptation.

Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit are the latest unscripted orders from The CW's reality chief Heather Olander, who last year told Deadline she was looking to launch a game show with "some IP along with it."

Both games have been adapted for the screen before. Freeform precursor The Family Channel ran a Trivial Pursuit series hosted by Wink Martindale in 1993-94 that was loosely based on the game, while a syndicated version, Trivial Pursuit: America Plays, ran in 2008-09.

Meanwhile, Scrabble ran on NBC between 1984 and 1990 and again in 1993. A different version, Scrabble Showdown, launched on The Hub, the Hasbro and Warner Bros Discovery joint venture, in 2011.

The CW's unscripted slate currently includes FBoy Island and spinoff FGirl Island as well as The Great American Bakeover, The Force from Jersey Shore creator SallyAnn Salsano, and Patti Stanger: Millionaire Matchmaking.

This is on top of long-running shows such as Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Penn & Teller: Fool Us and Masters of Illusion.

Deadline
Variety
The Futon Critic
TV Line
TV Insider
Broadcasting & Cable
TBI
Forbes

Comicbook

C21 Media

posted 2/16/2024


Sony Pictures TV

Suzanne Prete Promoted at Sony
Game Show Head Named President of the Unit
From Broadcasting & Cable

Suzanne Prete has been promoted to president, game shows, Sony Picture Television (SPT), Ravi Ahuja, chairman of global television studios and corporate development at SPT, said Thursday.

SPT established its game-show group two years ago, and the new division focused on expanding its well-known game-show brands, including Jeopardy!, Wheel of Fortune and other franchises.

"Under Suzanne's leadership, our game show division has excelled beyond even our lofty expectations," Ahuja said. "The team has expanded SPT's established franchises and leveraged our extensive library of formats to create innovative 'radical reboots,' while simultaneously developing original content for today's buyers and audiences."

Over the past two years, Prete and her team worked closely with Disney-owned ABC to renew both of its powerhouse access game shows, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!, for five more years, taking both shows through the 2027-28 season. The division also has been actively spinning off shows from both brands to air on ABC's primetime. These new series include Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, Celebrity Jeopardy! and Jeopardy! Masters.

Prete has been at Sony Pictures Television for 29 years, during which time she expanded the studio's game show ancillary businesses through strategic licensing deals, in-show product integrations, and business partnerships. This includes a multi-year agreement with IGT that puts Wheel of Fortune in casinos and on lottery tickets.

Prete and her team recently produced a U.S. adaptation of Raid the Cage, hosted by Damon Wayans Jr., for CBS, and they oversee The $100,000 Pyramid, hosted by Michael Strahan, on ABC. That show is currently in its seventh season.

Broadcasting & Cable
Worldscreen
The Wrap
Variety
Deadline
NewscastStudio
Realscreen
TBI
C21 Media

posted 2/16/2024

THURSDAY: Bazinga!
CBS Wins on "Young Sheldon" Final Season Opener
From TV Line

In the latest TV ratings, CBS' Young Sheldon final-season premiere was Thursday's most-watched show while tying lead-out Ghosts for the nightly demo win.

Young Sheldon (with 7.99 million total viewers and a 0.6 rating per Nielsen finals) opened its farewell run with its largest audience since April 30, 2020 (its Season 3 finale), while matching its previous season's demo average. Ghosts (7.05 mil/0.70) hit a series high in audience while matching its previous season's demo average. So Help Me Todd (4.9 mil/0.4) returned a bit up in audience and steady in the demo.

Fox's Next Level Chef (2 mil/0.4) was steady, while Farmer Wants a Wife (1.8 mil/0.3) rose in the demo.

Leading out of Conners reruns (that averaged 480K and a 0.1) on the CW, Son of a Critch (370K/0.1) and Children Ruin Everything (290K/0.0) were both up in aduience.

ABC's Truth & Lies: The Doomsday Project averaged 2.2 mil and a 0.2.

Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)...
- Blank Slate (GSN): 400k/0.02
- Wheel of Fortune - 9p (GSN): 267k/0.01

TV Line
The Programming Insider

Spoiler TV

posted 2/16/2024

WEDNESDAY: Feel the Love
CBS, ABC Split the Night
From TV Line

In the latest TV ratings, with NBC's #OneChicago in rerun mode, CBS' The Price Is Right at Night was easily Wednesday's most-watched program, while tying ABC's The Conners and Abbott Elementary for the nightly demo win.

TPIR at Night (with 4.3 million total viewers and a 0.5 demo rating) dipped in the demo but was steady in audience. Let's Make a Deal Primetime (3.2 mil0.3) and FBI TRUE (1.7 mil/0.2) both added viewers while steady in the demo.

The Conners (3.4 mil/0.4) and Not Dead Yet (2.5 mil/0.3) both added viewers while steady in the demo. Abbott Elementary (2.6 mil/0.4) and Judge Steve Harvey (1.6 mil/0.1) both dipped.

Fox's I Can See Your Voice (1.5 mil/0.2) was steady, but We Are Family (1.4 mil/0.2) dipped.

The CW's Wild Cards (520K/0.1) was steady, while Family Law (460K/0.1) matched its largest Stateside audience to date.

Cable numbers (totals/A18-49) ...
- Celebrity Squares (BET): 690k/0.12
- Tournament of Champions: Qualifiers (S/Food): 657k/0.10
- Tournament of Champions (S/Food): 546k/0.10
- The Challenge: Battle for a New Champion (MTV): 521k/0.21
- Blank Slate (GSN): 346k/0.03
- Wheel of Fortune - 9:30p (R/GSN): 274k/0.03
- Wheel of Fortune - 9p (R/GSN): 248k/0.03
- Celebrity Squares (BET Her): 85k/0.02

TV Line
The Programming Insider

Spoiler TV

posted 2/16/2024

TUESDAY: Calling in the Feds
CBS Owns the Night with Season Premieres
From TV Line

In the latest TV ratings, CBS' FBI was Tuesday's most-watched program; it also tied ABC's The Bachelor for the nightly demo win.

With their respective season openers, FBI (7.6 million total viewers and a 0.5 demo rating), FBI: International (5.8 mil/0.4) and FBI: Most Wanted (5.2 mil/0.4) all returned to larger audiences than their previous averages, and were steady in the demo. In fact, FBI proper drew its largest audience in almost two years (since March 2022).

Facing stiffer competition, Night Court (2.9 mil/0.3), Extended Family (2.2 mil/0.2), the La Brea series finale (2 mil/0.2) and Quantum Leap (another series low 1.3 mil/0.2) each lost some eyeballs for NBC, yet all held steady in the demo.

Fox's Name That Tune (1.6 mil/0.2) and The Floor (2.3 mil/0.4) both slipped.

ABC's The Bachelor drew 3 mil and a 0.5.

The CW's Inside the NFL (270K) dropped a lot.

Cable numbers (totals/A18-49) ...
- Chopped (Food): 520k/0.10
- Moonshiners: Master Distiller (Discovery): 486k/0.06
- Blank Slate (GSN): 378k/0.03
- Wheel of Fortune - 9:30p (R/GSN): 327k/0.05
- Wheel of Fortune - 9p (R/GSN): 327k/0.04

TV Line
The Programming Insider

Spoiler TV

posted 2/16/2024

NBCBS?
Comcast, Paramount in Early Talks to Merge Streamers
From Culture Custodian

Could Paramount+ and NBCUniversal's Peacock join forces to take on the streaming sector's bigger guns? Maybe — but while Paramount Global and Comcast, NBCU's parent, recently discussed the possibility of uniting the services in some kind of a partnership or joint venture, there's no imminent deal expected.

Talks between Comcast and Paramount Global were first reported Friday by the Wall Street Journal. Sources confirmed early discussions between the two, whose respective subscription-streaming platforms are significantly smaller than Netflix and Disney+. But those haven't progressed beyond the spit-balling stage.

Reps for Paramount Global and Comcast declined to comment.

The two companies already are JV partners for European streaming service SkyShowtime. Established in 2021, it's designed as a streaming service for both Comcast and Paramount Global that targets European markets that weren't already being served by Peacock or Paramount+.

Word of the talks about a possible Paramount+-Peacock combination comes as Paramount Global has been the subject of M&A chatter, including speculation that the company could merge with Comcast. Comcast CEO Brian Roberts, on the Q4 earnings call last month, signaled again that the cable and media conglomerate doesn't expect to pursue large M&A deals.

"While there may be speculation of what we could do next, I'd like you to hear it directly from me: I love the company we have," he told analysts. "So the bar continues to be even higher for us to do anything other than the plan you heard today."

Peacock had 31 million subscribers at the end of 2023, adding about 3 million in the fourth quarter. As of September 2023, Paramount+ reached more than 63 million global subscribers, gaining a net 2.7 million in the third quarter. (Paramount Global is slated to report fourth-quarter 2023 earnings Feb. 28 after the market closes.)

Variety

posted 2/16/2024

"The Price Is Right" Heads to Nigeria
Game Sponsored by SmartCash By Airtel
From Culture Custodian

In a groundbreaking partnership aimed at elevating the entertainment landscape in Nigeria, Genesis Studios has announced SmartCash by Airtel as the official headline sponsor of the classic game show The Price Is Right, which will debut on Nigerian screens this year.

According to Genesis Studios, which is the domestic production company of the iconic game show, the relaunch of The Price Is Right in Nigeria is more than just a comeback; it is a celebration of the Fremantle-owned format, which is recognized as the world's longest-running game show, with millions of global viewers amassed for decades.

While the prestigious program is brought to the Nigerian audience, the producers have have promised that the program would be blessed with a legacy of fun, excitement, and the opportunity for the viewing public to win mouthwatering prizes.

Partnering with Genesis Studios as headline sponsor of The Price is Right in Nigeria, SmartCash has also assured fans of the show of an enhanced viewing experience, courtesy of the mobile money platform's dynamic features.

"The time is right for The Price Is Right in Nigeria," noted Olatubosun Olaegbe, the Chief Executive Officer of Genesis Studios, as he mused over the partnership with Smartcash. "This partnership adds a layer of innovation to the show, and we are excited to create a game show that will be remembered for its captivating entertainment and engagement. It has been a beacon of entertainment globally for generations, and with SmartCash by Airtel as our sponsor, we are taking it to new heights the way only Nigerians can."

Culture Custodian

posted 2/16/2024

Michael Davies Finally Speaks...
How We Went from Guest Hosts to Two Hosts to One Host
From Variety

Though Mayim Bialik was fired from the "Jeopardy!" flagship syndicated series in December, the door is still open to bring her back for other versions, according to executive producer Michael Davies.

On a panel about unscripted television during ABC's presentation at the Television Critics Association winter 2024 press tour, Davies said the decision to remove Bialik and keep Ken Jennings as solo host came from a pursuit of "more consistency."

"When I took over the show, we were forced into that situation," said Davies, referring to the two-host setup. "Over the past two and a half seasons, what we've heard from a lot of from television stations and other interested parties is that they wanted more consistency. They wanted a single host.

"Mayim is a superb host," he added. "We hope to continue working with her on primetime versions — this conversation is ongoing."

Bialik in December announced her exit via social media. Her post, and then Sony Pictures Television's statement about Bialik's departure, emphasized that she would no longer host the syndicated version of "Jeopardy." Neither made any reference to primetime versions of the franchise like "Celebrity Jeopardy," which Bialik hosted alone for its first season (before passing duties to Ken Jennings in Season 2 due to the Hollywood strikes). "Celebrity Jeopardy" has not yet been renewed for a third season.

Bialik first joined "Jeopardy!" in 2021, serving as a guest host alongside Jennings after the quick exit of Mike Richards, who resigned just one week into his post due to the resurfacing of offensive comments he'd made in the past. Richards had also served as EP on "Jeopardy," and also stepped down from that role. Davies took over as interim EP during this period, and announced Bialik and Jennings as cohosts in July 2022. (Davies has since become the permanent EP of "Jeopardy.")

Davies previously spoke positively of the multi-host model. After winning the Daytime Emmy for best game show in December 2021 — when Jennings and Bialik still held guest positions — he told Variety: "We're going to need multiple hosts to represent the entire audience, to represent the entire country, in order to take this franchise forward."

Variety
TV Line

Deadline
Today/AOL

Uproxx
NewsNation

People
Den of Geek

posted 2/16/2024

Happy Friday Lightning Round
... or "A New Day"


posted 2/16/2024

Draftkings Buys Jackpocket
Deal Totals $750 Million
From Sportico

DraftKings stock stayed flat in late trading after the sports betting company released fourth quarter earnings and announced an agreement to buy online lottery app Jackpocket for $750 million.

For the quarter ending in December, DraftKings reported revenue of $1.23 billion, almost exactly in line with consensus estimates of $1.24 billion. Losses per share of $0.10 trailed estimates of $0.08.

DraftKings announced the Jackpocket deal at the same time. The company said it will fund the deal with $412.5 million in cash and $337.5 million in stock. Should it close, it would allow DraftKings to get into the online lottery business, which has a much bigger addressable market than sports betting.

"This transaction will create significant value for DraftKings not only by giving our customers another differentiated product to enjoy but also by improving our overall marketing efficiency similar to how our daily fantasy sports database created an advantage for DraftKings in OSB and iGaming," CEO Jason Robins said in a statement.

Roughly 53% of Americans purchased a lottery ticket in 2021, and the total addressable market in the U.S., by some estimates, is about $100 billion. Jackpocket is one of a handful of companies rushing to fill the white space as more states allow online lottery games. Like sports betting, it's going state-by-state, but some of the most populous states in the U.S. (like Texas, New York, Ohio and New Jersey) already allow it. Jackpocket's investors include comedian Kevin Hart, former Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, and MLB player Manny Machado.

Jackpocket had $78 million in revenue in 2023, and projects that to grow 73% to $135 million in 2024, according to a DraftKings presentation on the deal. Jackpocket's customer acquisition costs in 2023 were also 80% lower than those seen by DraftKings, the company said. As another data point, DraftKings said it looked into the tendencies of its existing customer that already overlap with Jackpocket, and concluded that those customers are worth 53% more over a lifetime of gaming than the customers that hadn't engaged with Jackpocket. Put another way, Jackpocket can attract more valuable customers, and at a cheaper price, DraftKings said.

The price of DraftKings stock (Nasdaq: DKNG) has more than doubled to $44.46 in the past 12 months.

Sportico
Awful Announcing

Globe Newswire
Wall Street Journal

posted 2/15/2024

"FGirl Island" Rebrands, Slates Premiere
Catch the Preview of "Lovers & Liars" April 1 on the CW
From Deadline

FGirl Island is no more.

The CW has rebranded its FBoy Island spinoff. The network revealed that the show, which is a female take on the raunchy dating format, will be known as Lovers and Liars.

The show will premiere a sneak peek episode at 9 p.m. Monday April 1, following the season premiere of All American, before moving to its regular timeslot of 9 p.m. Thursday on April 11.

The series sees three single men on a tropical island must determine which of the 24 women are there for love or cash in order to win $100,000.

It comes after the third season of FBoy Island aired in the fall, premiering in October. However, the show — which was originally commissioned and aired by HBO Max before it moved out of unscripted originals — didn't quite hit the numbers that The CW was expecting.

The two series were shot back-to-back in order to make them more cost-effective. They were also shot in Malibu rather than the Cayman Islands.

Deadline
The Futon Critic

posted 2/15/2024

Thursday Lightning Round
... or "A Little Too Real"

  • XOMG POP! members speak out for the first time since leaving the group (Rolling Stone)

  • Marc Summers debuts his one-man show, part bio, part Double Dare (Philadelphia Inquirer)

  • FIRST LOOK: Survivor 46 to feature, among other things, a giant gecko (Entertainment Weekly)

  • Sarah Palin reappears as a celebrity on "We Are Family" (Entertainment Weekly)

  • WHY THE BLEEP IS THIS NEWS?: Chelsea Blackwell compares herself to Megan Fox (TV Insider)

  • Dr. Asif Munaf fooled around, BBC makes him find out (Deadline)

  • VIDEO WALL: A deep dive into the now-defunct American Idol Theme Park Experience (YouTube @Defunctland)

  • A FEW GOOD MINUTES with Mike Darnell (Entertainment Weekly)

posted 2/15/2024


Peacock

Peacock Returns "Love Island", Orders "Love Undercover"
Using Valentine's Day to Announce "Summer of Love"
From The Futon Critic

Today, Peacock announced the premiere date and first look of LOVE UNDERCOVER, the new reality series launching May 9 exclusively on Peacock. The series follows five international soccer players on an epic journey filled with drama, heartbreak and self- discovery, as they leave their lavish lives behind to date over 18 single women who don't know of their fame overseas. · Additionally, the hit cultural phenomenon LOVE ISLAND USA will return Summer 2024 along with the second season of the Will Packer produced dating series QUEENS COURT hosted by real-life husband and wife duo Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete.

Today's athletes are mega stars with extreme wealth, giant fandoms and lavish lifestyles. You could even call them royalty. And naturally, with any royal story, a fairytale is never too far away. LOVE UNDERCOVER is a modern-day fairytale meets buddy comedy about a small group of international soccer stars who come to the United States on a secret quest for true love. We'll follow them on an epic journey filled with drama, heartbreak and self-discovery. Can they win over the ladies without their fame and fortune? And will any of them fall for an American princess before returning to the global stage? For these men, finding love is the #1 goal.

The show, run by Alycia Rossiter, Jessica Nahmias, Sonya Wilkes, Michael Krupat, and John Luscombe for Beyond Media, will premiere May 9.

Season 6 of the hit cultural phenomenon LOVE ISLAND USA will premiere Summer 2024 on Peacock. Logline: Peacock Original LOVE ISLAND USA features a group of sexy singles on a search for love in a beautiful villa. Throughout their stay in a tropical oasis, Islanders will couple up to face brand new heart-racing challenges and bigger twists and turns than ever before. Temptations will rise and drama will ensue as new "bombshells" arrive, forcing Islanders to decide if they want to remain with their current partners or recouple with someone new.

QUEENS COURT is back with three new celebrity queens who embark on a journey of a lifetime to find their King by dating 22 confident, successful men. Guided by Hollywood "couple goals" hosts, Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete, the Queens must let go of past heartbreak, embrace new connections, and find a man worthy of sharing their throne!

The Futon Critic
Deadline

posted 2/14/2024

The 1% Club Returns to Australia
Jim Jefferies to Host Season 2
From TV Blackbox

The 1% Club: the show that tests how you think – or if you can think at all – is back in 2024.

The #1 new entertainment show of 2023, hosted by Aussie comedian Jim Jefferies, will showcase new questions aimed at differentiating the rocket scientists from the space cadets.

Each episode, 100 everyday Aussies of all ages and backgrounds play for their chance at $100,000 and the opportunity to join the elite ranks of the 1%.

Unlike most quizzes, general knowledge isn't what players need to excel. This game is all about logic and common sense. Play along at home to see if you are smarter than 99% of the population and can make it to the 1% question. The 1% Club is produced by BBC Studios Australia and New Zealand from a format created by Magnum Media and distributed by BBC Studios.

"The 1% Club" season 2 launches February 21 at 7:30p on Channel 7 & 7plus.

TV Blackbox
TV Tonight

posted 2/14/2024

MONDAY: ... Did You Miss Us?
CBS Owns the Night with Season Premieres
From TV Line

In the latest TV ratings, CBS' NCIS was Monday's most-watched program and landed in a four-way tie for the nightly demo win.

With their season premieres following a nine-month, strikes-extended hiatus, The Neighborhood (with 5.8 million total viewers and a 0.5 demo rating), Bob Hearts Abishola (5.2 mil/0.5), NCIS (7.2 mil/0.5) and NCIS: Hawaii (5.4 mil/0.4) all improved on their previous audidience averages, with Bobishola and NCIS also rising in the demo.

Now facing stiffer competition….

NBC's AGT: Fantasy League (4 mil/0.3) dropped a few eyeballs, while The Irrational (2.5 mil/0.2) fell to an audience low opposite an NCIS for the very first time.

ABC's The Bachelor (3.3 mil/0.5) dipped in the demo.

Fox's America's Most Wanted (1.6 mil/0.2) and TMZ Investigates (1.1 mil/0.1) both slipped.

Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)...
- Kids Baking Championship - 8p (Food): 804k/0.11
- Stupid Pet Tricks (P/TBS): 686k/0.13
- Battle on the Mountain (HGTV): 607k/0.09
- Blank Slate (GSN): 413k/0.04
- Wheel of Fortune - 9p (R/GSN): 358k/0.04
- Wheel of Fortune - 9:30p (R/GSN): 342k/0.03

TV Line
The Programming Insider

Spoiler TV

posted 2/14/2024


Peacock/Studio Lambert

Let's Try for Three
Peacock Orders Third Season for "The Traitors"
From TV Line

Dan, Phaedra and "Par-va-tay" won't be the last ones to don those villainous hooded robes: Peacock's The Traitors has been renewed for Season 3.

The reality competition series combines "the witty humor of returning host Alan Cumming with the deceit and treachery of a celeb-fueled competition set in the Scottish Highlands," reads its official description. "Contestants work together on a series of exhilarating missions to build a prize fund worth up to $250,000. Hidden amongst the faithful are the traitors, whose goal is to eliminate the faithful and claim the prize for themselves."

Premiering on the eve of Peacock's exclusive AFC Wild Card game (which drew in 23 million viewers), The Traitors' Season 2 opener marked the most-watched reality series debut on the streamer. And in its first full week of Nielsen measurement, it ranked as the No. 1 reality series and No. 9 original series overall in terms of total minutes viewed.

TV Line
The Wrap

The Hollywood Reporter

Variety

The Futon Critic

The Programming Insider

Deadline
Entetainment Weekly

posted 2/14/2024

Valentine's Day Lightning Round
... or "Catch 21, Not Feelings"


posted 2/14/2024

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