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 30-Day Archives |
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ABC announced premiere dates for the network's action-packed fall, featuring previously announced fan-favorite series, high-octane new dramas and "The Bachelor" franchise's newest iteration. This news comes on the heels of the network closing out the 2023-2024 season as No. 1 in entertainment among Adults 18-49 for the fifth consecutive season, marking the longest winning streak in over 10 years. "Monday Night Football" returns for select weeks beginning SEPT. 9 (New York Jets at San Francisco 49ers). Then, on MONDAY, OCT. 7, beloved game shows join the lineup with Pat Sajak's final spin hosting "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" leading into Elizabeth Banks-hosted "Press Your Luck." The full ABC/ESPN "Monday Night Football" schedule can be found here. Pat Sajak, who retired in June as the longtime host of Wheel of Fortune, will be back for a final run as host of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, which premieres October 7 on ABC. The news was revealed today in the network's fall premiere dates announcement. Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, along with Press Your Luck, will air Mondays when ABC doesn't have a Monday Night Football game. The 10 p.m. slot is still TBA. Sajak passed off Wheel of Fortune hosting duties to Ryan Seacrest in his final episode, which aired on June 7. Seacrest will share hosting duties with longtime co-host Vanna White. Sajak has agreed to stay on as a consultant on Wheel for the next three years, said Suzanne Prete, EVP Game Shows at Sony Pictures Television. After more than 43 million viewers tuned in to the debut of "The Golden Bachelor" across platforms last fall, "The Golden Bachelorette" joins the Wednesday night lineup, where one radiant woman in her golden years will have a second chance at finding love. Meanwhile, Bachelor in Paradise is returning to the airwaves in 2025. The ABC series has officially been renewed for Season 10, after taking a hiatus this year, the network announced during Disney's summer Television Critics Association panel on Wednesday. So far, no word on when exactly the season will air. Last year, Season 9 aired in the fall, alongside the inaugural season of The Golden Bachelor. But prior seasons generally aired in the summer. "America's Funniest Home Videos" celebrates its monumental 35th season beginning SUNDAY, SEPT. 29, before "The Wonderful World of Disney" world television premiere of the live-action "The Little Mermaid." Additional films to debut this season include the world television premieres of "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" and "Haunted Mansion," as well as the broadcast premiere of "Hocus Pocus 2." Airdates and additional movies to be announced at a later date. As previously announced, new seasons of returning dramas "The Rookie" and "Will Trent" will debut midseason, along with the celebratory farewell season of legacy comedy "The Conners." Also returning midseason are "American Idol," "The Bachelor," "Celebrity Jeopardy!" and "What Would You Do?" "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," from executive producer Reese Witherspoon and hosted by world-renowned organizing duo Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin of The Home Edit, is also set to debut. These premiere dates will be announced at a later date. |
posted 7/10/2024 |
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It's been nearly two weeks since IATSE reached a tentative agreement with the studios on a new film and TV contract, and the union is now ready to reveal the full contract to its members. Until now, IATSE had released only a general summary of the deal points, touting wage gains, AI guardrails and pension and health plan increases. The union also assured that workplace safety had been a large part of the discussions, revealing that the new contract includes increased penalties for extended workdays. The new deals cover about 50,000 film and TV workers within IATSE's 13 West Coast studio locals as well as another 20,000 in the 23 locals across the United States. The complete memorandum of agreements between IATSE and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers for the Area Standards, Videotape and Basic Agreement were sent in a memo to members on Wednesday, which Deadline has obtained. The key provisions include a 7% raise in minimums in the first year, followed by raises of 4% and 3.5%, matching the terms won by SAG-AFTRA last fall. "We got a deal!" the union announced in an email to members on Tuesday night. The three-year contract still must be ratified by the union's membership. The AMPTP still has to negotiate deals with the Teamsters and the other Basic Crafts unions, as well as the Area Standards Agreement with IATSE. But the tentative Basic Agreement — which comes more than a month before the current contract was due to expire on July 31 — will calm fears of another industry shutdown so soon after last year's double strikes. The full terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but they include "new streaming residuals" to address a $670 million shortfall in the pension and health plans — one of the key issues in the talks. The union also reports that the tentative deal includes new protections around the thorny subject of artificial intelligence, "including language that ensures no employee is required to provide AI prompts in any manner that would result in the displacement of any covered employee. This time last year, Hollywood writers were picketing outside the offices of major studios and streaming companies. Throughout their nearly five month-long strike, writers often convened at Bob's Big Boy, where TV host Drew Carey often picked up the check. The WGA spent nearly five months on strike last year starting in May. Actors and performers in the union SAG-AFTRA also went on strike last summer. The writers union reached a tentative deal with studios in September, with new residual models in streaming, new minimum lengths of employment for TV gigs, more guaranteed paid work for feature films and other protections. Then, SAG-AFTRA reached their own tentative agreement in November. "When we all returned to work, the decline continued, meaning not as much content is being ordered," WGA West president Meredith Stiehm says. "And it seems that the studios are sort of regrouping, and writers are feeling the post-Peak TV pinch." During a recent earnings call, SONY Pictures Entertainment CEO Tony Vinciquerra said his company was hit by more than just the streaming revolution. "We had to go from a pandemic where production was severely limited, to a strike, where there was no creative work being done for literally seven or eight months," he said. "It had to restart. And that's what you're seeing right now." The industry continues to transform, with shrinking ad revenue and layoffs at just about every entertainment and media company. Last month, Netflix announced it would produce more non-scripted material, like reality shows and game shows. Disney said it will offer even more live sports through ESPN over the coming years. The ratification vote begins on July 14 and runs through July 17. IATSE is expected to announce the results of the vote on July 18. |
posted 7/10/2024 |
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Pat Colbert, who played the role of Dora Mae in the series Dallas, has died. She was 77. According to multiple reports, Colbert died on June 23 at her home in Compton. Colbert had suffered three strokes over the last decade. Colbert's first television appearance was in 1979's Eischiled, playing a model in the series which starred Joe Don Baker. The actress would soon co-star in Flamingo Road, sharing credits with John Beck, Woody Brown, Peter Donat, Howard Duff, Morgan Fairchild, Barbara Rush, and many more. During the interim where Holly Hallstrom left "The Price Is Right" to pursue an acting career in 1982 to 1983, Colbert was one of a slew of models hired to substitute, making her the first African American person to do so, albeit temporarily. Throughout the 1980s, Colbert made appearances in shows like Benson (1982), The Fall Guy (1982), Knots Landing (1983), and A Death in California (1985). Colbert also starred in CBS's Capitol, a soap about politics in D.C., playing the character named Cora Mullens. She first appeared in Dallas Season 7 in 1983, portraying Dora Mae, the host and manager of the Oil Baron's Club. Colbert stayed on the nighttime soap until its final season in 1991. After Dallas ended, she appeared in episodes of Sisters (1991) and True Colors (1991). In film, Colbert played The Nurse in 1981's S.O.B. and a hooker in the 1982 film Hysterical. Colbert starred opposite Bill Cosby in the 1987 spy spoof film Leonard Part 6, playing the role of Allison Parker, the wife of Cosby's character. The actress would go on to have credits in films like Thom & Dusty Go to Mexico: The Lost Treasure (2014) and If Not for His Grace (2015). A funeral for Colbert is set for July 20. |
posted 7/10/2024 |
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They're Gonna Play ShowCity |
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Love Island and I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! are the latest unscripted TV franchises to enter the metaverse. The ITV Studios-owned formats will form part of ShowCity, an online neighborhood created by gaming platform The Sandbox that will also feature ITV shows The Voice and Hell's Kitchen. ITV Studios, in partnership with the Virtual Brand Group, has struck a deal expanded its existing pact with Animoca Brands-owned platform The Sandbox to create reality TV virtual world ShowCity, which will provide users with gaming experiences and tie ins with the shows. ShowCity will offer exclusive digital and physical perks to users who buy one 'LAND' during a sale that starts today, comprising 296 regular plots and 28 premium spots. Besides receiving ShowCity merchandise, premium LAND owners will get as asset bag featuring items such as the iconic Love Island water bottle, I'm a Celebrity… winner's crown and a buzzer from The Voice. Players will be able to use these items digitally in gaming experiences in ShowCity, where they can also interact with others. |
posted 7/10/2024 |
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The Great American State Fair Bakeoff |
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For over 100 years, the American state fair has been the proving ground for the most wildly talented bakers across the United States. Now, for the first time ever, Blue Ribbon winning bakers from state fairs across the nation get the chance to compete against each other in the Blue Ribbon Baking Championship. Featuring host Jason Biggs and co-host and judge Sandra Lee, 10 award-winning pastry masters from across the US gather to compete in the biggest blue ribbon bake off yet - and the chance to win $100,000. Former White House pastry chef, Bill Yosses, and award-winning artisan baker, Bryan Ford, also serve as judges. Only the baker with the most delicious, inventive, and masterful delicacies will win the nation's ultimate blue ribbon. |
posted 7/10/2024 |
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Just... Don't Quiz and Drive... |
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AirConsole, the leading in-car gaming platform, in collaboration with Sony Pictures Television, launches today the exclusive "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" game for BMW vehicles. This thrilling new version of the iconic quiz show brings the excitement of the hot seat directly to the car, offering an unmatched entertainment experience for drivers and passengers alike. "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" by AirConsole transforms your BMW into a high-stakes game show arena. Whether competing solo for the million-dollar prize or challenging friends in Party Mode, the game offers an immersive quiz show experience. The advanced text-to-speech technology reads out questions and personalizes gameplay by recognizing and using players' names, providing an engaging sonic experience. Players can use lifelines like removing incorrect answers, asking the audience, or swapping questions, all accessible through their smartphones. With a dynamic soundtrack and the iconic question "Is that your final answer?", the game delivers an authentic and thrilling quiz show atmosphere. "We are thrilled to see 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?' come to life in BMW cars through AirConsole," said Michael Fuller, VP of Games at AirConsole. "We've dedicated ourselves to pioneering in-car gaming, and it's incredibly rewarding to now offer renowned games like this with a personalized, immersive experience to our users." |
posted 7/10/2024 |
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Wednesday Lightning Round |
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NBC sets Premiere Week to begin on Monday, Sept. 23, kicking off the 2024-25 season which includes a strong lineup of returning favorites as well as the debut of new medical drama "Brilliant Minds" starring Zachary Quinto and a pair of freshmen comedies - "Happy's Place," starring Reba McEntire, and "St. Denis Medical," from the team behind "Superstore" and "American Auto." The week begins with award-winning competition series "The Voice," featuring first-time coaches Snoop Dogg and Michael Bublé alongside returning coaches Reba McEntire and Gwen Stefani. The Sept. 23 season premiere of "The Voice" will immediately be followed by the Zachary Quinto drama "Brilliant Minds," inspired by the extraordinary life and work of world-famous author and physician Oliver Sacks. Premiere Week will continue Tuesday, Sept. 24 with the highly anticipated season finale of "America's Got Talent," summer's longstanding #1 show. Wednesday, Sept. 25 brings the return of #OneChicago as "Chicago Med," "Chicago Fire" and "Chicago P.D." all begin their new exploits in the Windy City at 8, 9 and 10 p.m., respectively. The second annual People's Choice Country Awards, featuring some of the greatest performers in country music today, will air live Thursday, Sept. 26 on NBC and Peacock. Last year's show was seen by 4.4 million viewers, a double-digit increase over the previous year's People's Choice Awards. The next week, following the Tuesday premiere of "The Voice," marks the debut of second-year drama series "The Irrational," starring Jesse L. Martin, on Oct. 1 at 10 p.m. On Thursday, Oct. 3, "Law & Order" and "Law & Order: SVU" begin their 24th and 26th seasons, respectively, at 8 and 9 p.m. Immediately after, Shanola Hampton begins her second season as missing persons advocate Gabi Mosely in the hit series "Found." NBC's comedy series will debut this fall season on Friday, Oct. 18 with the premiere of "Happy's Place," starring Reba McEntire, at 8 p.m., immediately followed by the season three launch of "Lopez vs. Lopez" at 8:30 p.m. "St. Denis Medical," starring Wendi McLendon-Covey, David Alan Grier and Allison Tolman and executive produced by Justin Spitzer and Eric Ledgin ("Superstore"), opens its hospital doors on Tuesday, Nov. 12 with back-to-back episodes. The series will continue the following week in its regular 8 p.m. timeslot followed by the season three premiere of "Night Court" at 8:30 p.m. In addition to NBC's entertainment slate, the network will continue to have a robust sports offering for the Fall, including "Big Ten Saturday Night," which is back in primetime on Aug. 31 as an expanded conference of storied college programs vie for dominance. "NBC Sunday Night Football," the #1 primetime television show for a record 13 consecutive years, will also broadcast 20 regular-season games throughout the NFL season, beginning on Sept. 5. Midseason and/or summer shows previously announced include "The Hunting Party," "Deal or No Deal Island," "The Americas" and "Destination X." |
posted 7/9/2024 |
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Bad Lana? |
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Netflix's Too Hot to Handle will sizzle again soon. The Seinfeld-inspired reality series returns July 19 with 10 new singles, more than one of them models and all of them ridiculously attractive. As always, they'll gather at a retreat be encouraged to mix and mingle, but forbidden from having sexual contact for four weeks in order to win a considerable cash prize. New this season is that there's a bad version of LANA, the virtual assistant who monitors the singles. Plus, "For the first time ever this year's naughty nymphos think they know what they signed up for, but retreat warden LANA has some tricks up her sleeve with a new prize, new twists and some old, familiar faces." Previous contestants were lured into going to the venue with the promise of a sexy vacation. The first four episodes will debut at once, with three more coming on July 26. The season's final three eps premiere Aug. 2. |
posted 7/9/2024 |
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Tuesday Lightning Round |
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Actor Doug Sheehan, best known to TV fans for his work on soap operas General Hospital and Knots Landing, has died. He was 75. News of Sheehan's death was made public by the Wyoming-based Kane Funeral Home, where memorial services are being arranged. Per the announcement, Sheehan passed away "peacefully at his home on Saturday morning, June 29, 2024, with his loving wife at his side." A cause of death was not disclosed. Sheehan's first major TV role was that of lawyer Joe Kelly on ABC's General Hospital, where he appeared from 1979 to 1982. He picked up a Daytime Emmy nomination (for Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role in a Daytime Drama Series) for his work on the soap. The following year, Sheehan joined the cast of CBS' Dallas spinoff Knots Landing, arriving in Season 5 as journalist (and Val's eventual second husband) Ben Gibson. Sheehan stayed on the show until Season 8, when Ben left for South America and never returned. The actor also held memorable roles on NBC's short-lived sitcom Day by Day (where he starred as stockbroker Brian Harper) and ABC/UPN's series adaptation of Clueless (where he took over the role of Cher's father, Mel Horowitz, from Michael Lerner after Season 1). Other TV credits included episodes of Cheers, the original MacGyver, Columbo, Diagnosis Murder, What I Like About You and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. In game shows, Sheehan featured on episodes of "Pyramid", "Just Men!", "Family Feud", and several Battles of the Network Stars. |
posted 7/8/2024 |
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Meet the New Face Behind the Feud |
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As a child of the 1970s, Myeshia Mizuno still remembers watching the Richard Dawson incarnation of "Family Feud" at home. Now, she's the new showrunner on the Steve Harvey-hosted daytime version in syndication and the primetime "Celebrity Family Feud" on ABC — which returns July 9 for its 10th anniversary and landmark 100th episode. And in taking on those roles — which she began earlier this year, Mizuno is also making history. After much research by the folks at series producer Fremantle, they can confirm that Mizuno is indeed the first-ever Black woman to serve as a network game show showrunner. "I grew up watching game shows, everyone watched game shows," Mizuno says. "They have traditionally been run by white males. So, to be the first Black woman to run a primetime network game show is huge. And not just any game show, but an iconic franchise at that! I'm very appreciative of it. I don't know why it has taken such a long time, but I'm happy to know that it's now a genre that has been cracked open for someone like me to be a part of it." Now that she's in charge "Feud," Mizuno knows her most important job is to also make sure the show continues to run like a piece of cake. "It's daunting, but definitely what I'm up for," she says. "It's a well-built machine, but coming in and adding some oil to the spokes is how I look at it." That includes small tweaks like replacing one of the giveaways on the syndicated version from a car to a vacation package. "Because every time you ask the families what they want to do, they always say they want to go on a vacation. So, we partnered with Marriott this year." On "Celebrity Family Feud," the production added a plush backstage area for the contestants to relax before or after their episode taping. "We're finding that they're still hanging out and sticking around for the next game afterwards," Mizuno says. "Rather than just packing up ad leaving. I think we brought an environment of excitement and fun. And everyone is enjoying it — myself, the staff, the audience. It's family." |
posted 7/8/2024 |
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The Chase Is On.... and It's Live |
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Global sports betting and gaming group built on proprietary technology, Entain, has announced the exciting launch of a brand new live gameshow with support from the leading platform, content, and services provider in the online gambling industry, Playtech. The Chase, which is the name of the new game, follows the proven model carried by the iconic ITV gameshow that constantly gathers a daily UK viewership of roughly four million. Described as "a quiz with a difference," the TV gameshow reunites four contestants who need to "pit their wits against the Chaser, a ruthless quiz genius" determined to prevent them from winning the cash prize. Entain's new release, which seems to be the first of its kind, is hosted by Playtech from its nonstop live studio in Riga, Latvia. Originally, the new live gameshow went live for Entain's customers based in the UK, then reached the regulated markets in Canada (Ontario), Brazil, and Belgium. Italian and South African players can expect to get official access to the game that is exclusive to Entain's brands sometime in the near future. The Chase displays a plinko board and counts two separate bonus features aimed at keeping players well engaged until the "Final Chase" is initiated. Just one month after its release, the game's performance peaked, reaching a whopping 56% increase in terms of player spending. " |
posted 7/8/2024 |
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They're Playing the Feud in Malta |
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Popular US gameshow Family Feud is the latest international TV franchise set for Malta, where it will hit screens in October. The show, which sees two families pitted against each other as they guess survey answers to win cash prizes, has already been adapted to 50 other countries. In a Facebook post on Monday, Media Exclusive Limited – the production company behind Love Island Malta – said Family Feud would be broadcast on TVM every Sunday at 12.15pm starting in October and the public has been invited to apply. |
posted 7/8/2024 |
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Dawn Hollyoak, who competed on The Great British Baking Show in 2022, has died. She was 61 years old. Hollyoak's death was announced on her Instagram page on Friday. "It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our star baker Dawn," the post read. "Not only a wonderfully talented baker but first and foremost an amazing mother, grandmother, wife and friend. Dawn passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. We will miss her forever, but promise to continue her baking legacy!" Her cause of death is not yet known. Hollyoak competed in Season 10 of The Great British Baking Show (aka The Great British Bake Off). She was eliminated in Episode 6 after Halloween Week. Upon receiving the news of her elimination, Hollyoak called competing on the show "one of the absolute best experiences of my life." Great British Baking Show judge Paul Hollywood offered his condolences to Hollyoak's family in an Instagram comment on Friday. "I'm so sorry to hear that, send my love to the family," he wrote, calling Hollyoak a "lovely lady." Carole Edwards, who competed alongside Hollyoak before being eliminated in Episode 5, commented: "I will miss my friend terribly, a beautiful and talented lady inside and out, fly high my friend, life just won't be the same without you. Sending all my love to the family." |
posted 7/8/2024 |
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Monday Lightning Round |
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Silent Audience |
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Katherine Ryan will lead a group of 30 entertainers trying to stop an audience from remaining silent and pocketing a quarter of a millions pounds (around $320,000) in a new TV series. Silence Is Golden is a new comedy game show coming to Dave, hosted by television and radio presenter Dermot O'Leary, in which the studio audience must try to not utter a sound. Six hour-long episodes of the show have been ordered to air in 2025, when the channel will have become known as U&Dave. The group of entertainers, led by three as-yet-to-be-announced comics and headed up by Ryan, wage war on the audience, who are all individually miked up, with each sound forced out of them by the acts bringing the £250,000 prize pot down. If the entertainers get the pot to zero, they get to give the money to charity. "I'm so looking forward to Silence Is Golden," said O'Leary. "When a show like this falls into your lap, you can't quite believe your luck. Looking forward to having lots of fun with the audience, our comedians and assorted cast of regulars, all trying to make the audience laugh, gasp and giggle." The show is one of the first commissions for Yes Yes Media, the company founded by former Blue Peter presenter Richard Bacon, and bears a superficial resemblance to Amazon's LOL: Last One Laughing format, in which comedians must try to resist other comedians trying to make them laugh. Having aired multiple different versions internationally, including in Australia, Canada and Ireland, a UK adaptation of LOL is reportedly in development. Bacon said: "You know the feeling when you're not allowed to laugh at a funeral? Well, it's that: the Game Show. And I commend U&Dave for boldly commissioning a show that will cost them a quarter million a week - if the audience is better at playing the game than we are." Ryan is already a team captain on Rosie Jones's Comedy Central panel show Out Of Order alongside Judi Love, and was recently announced as a judge on the next series of Canada's Got Talent. Silence Is Golden is produced by Tim Dean (Late Night Lycett) and was commissioned for UKTV by Mark Iddon, senior commissioning editor, comedy and entertainment, and Jason Dawson, commissioning executive. |
posted 7/3/2024 |
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Wednesday Lightning Round |
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What better way to celebrate the 4th of July than with the iconic game show The Price is Right? CBS is getting in the holiday spirit during its daytime shows on Thursday, July 4, with special episodes of the Drew Carey-hosted game show and the soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful. The Price Is Right celebrates Independence Day with Plinko, which, as you can see in the sneak peek below, gives the chance to win up to $50,000. The contestant starts off with one chip, and he then has the chance to win four more. In the episode, players have the chance to win all-American cars, the ultimate backyard BBQ, and a 20' party boat. The special holiday-themed episode also marks the 50th anniversary of the popular "Card Game," in which contestants take their chances with a deck of cards to win a new car. |
posted 7/2/2024 |
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Who Wants to Be Katy Perry? |
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Katy Perry left American Idol after seven seasons, and Luke Bryan is sharing names that could potentially replace her. In a new interview, the country star name-dropped the stars that have "been in talks" to judge the competition next season. "I've said several names. I think Pink has been in the talks, Miley Cyrus has been in the talks, Meghan Trainor has been in the talks," Bryan told Billboard. He continued, "It's been interesting. It's been something Disney been really tightlipped about with me and Lionel and Ryan. We currently haven't heard what the story is on who's coming back, and if Lionel and I are coming back. I think Disney is just trying to figure out what they want to do and we're just kind of sitting back and waiting until they decide." Perry, Bryan, and Lionel Richie joined American Idol in Season 16 when ABC rebooted the competition. Bryan said that Perry was really perfect for that job, and I think they're just working real hard to find somebody that can really come in and do the job that Katy did." Following her American Idol exit, Perry said she would focus on her music career and recently revealed the title of her new song, "Woman's World," which is set to drop on July 11. |
posted 7/2/2024 |
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First Look at "Password UK" |
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Hit US guessing game show, Password is to make its debut in the UK with a brand-new series for ITV and ITVX. Produced by Talkback (a Fremantle label), Password stars one of the UK's biggest comics Alan Carr and award-winning actor and writer Daisy May Cooper as resident Team Captains, with the multi-talented Stephen Mangan running the show as host. Password is a hilarious word association game where Alan and Daisy each pair up with contestants and give one-word clues to help their teammate guess a mystery "password". The teams must try and get on each other's wavelengths, as they take it in turns to guess the all-important password across multiple rounds. There will be hilarious clues, guesses and lots more laughs as Daisy and Alan try & help our plucky contestants win a cash prize in our Jackpot final. Stephen Mangan says: "Password is a fantastic game show so it's an absolute pleasure to be the host. Although how I'm going to keep Daisy and Alan in line I don't know!" Alan Carr says: "I can't wait to wipe the floor with Daisy, she'll be heading back to the West Country with her tail between her legs. If only her brain was as big as her mouth". Daisy May Cooper adds: "I'm looking forward to knocking the glasses off Alan with my exceptional talent for this game. I know that…given both our training (Me – drama school, Alan – Tesco) that between us (meaning mostly me) we will be able to win people lots of cash (just to reiterate when I say 'we' I mean 'me')". Jonno Richards, Managing Director, Talkback, a Fremantle label, says: "We're so excited to be launching Password in the UK with the fantastic Alan, Daisy and Stephen. These three stars combined with some brilliant contestants & a cracking game promises to be a real treat for the ITV viewer." |
posted 7/2/2024 |
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Tuesday Lightning Round |
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Hollywood... New York... Atlanta.... Chicago? |
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Illinois is hoping to lure more talk show and game show productions to the state now that Gov. JB Pritzker has signed a bill that removes some restrictions that kept unscripted shows from participating in the state's production tax credit program. The Illinois Production Alliance announced Monday that Pritzker has signed bill HB 5005 into law, which allows national talk shows, contest-based shows and game shows to participate in the state's Film Production Services Tax Credit program. The expansion of production tax credits was part of an omnibus economic development bill also includes incentives for quantum computing development and redevelopment zones across Illinois. Charles Rivkin, chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association, praised Pritzker as "a champion of the film, television and streaming industry," and asserted that with his signing of HB 5005, "Illinois will continue to be a global leader in motion picture production." Illinois leaders have made the case that production tax credits handed out by the state more than pay for themselves. According to an economic impact study commissioned by the Illinois Production Alliance, the state's program brings a $6.81 return on investment for every dollar given out in tax credits. Illinois generated more than $3.6 billion in economic activity from 2017 to 2022. About 94% of film and television production that lensed in Illinois took part in the program. "One thing that everyone agrees on – labor, business, and government alike – is that bringing more film, television and commercial production to Illinois benefits our state's economy and workforce," said Christine Dudley, executive director of Illinois Production Alliance. "With the tremendous support that Governor Pritzker has shown the industry, Illinois is well positioned to be a production hub and cultural touchpoint, for many years to come." |
posted 7/1/2024 |
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Eurovision Creates New Director Role |
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The organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) have introduced a new director role following an independent report into this year's competition. It has also been recommended the contest, which is organized by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), appoint a welfare producer to ensure contestants' wellbeing. The new ESC director will report to the EBU's deputy director general and media director Jean Philip De Tender. They will also oversee the show's executive supervisor Martin Österdahl. The new director, who has not yet been appointed, will also oversee another new role, the head of ESC brand and commercial, which is also yet to be recruited. |
posted 7/1/2024 |
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"Top Chef" Moves MENA Version to Saudi Arabia |
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"Top Chef Middle East," the hit Arabic-language adaptation of Bravo's TV series, is moving to Saudi Arabia's innovative Neom production hub. Leading Middle East broadcaster MBC – which is Saudi-owned – is teaming up with Neom Media Industries to launch production of the eighth season of the reality culinary contest near the planned futuristic city known as "the Line." The partnership "promises a fusion of competitive culinary arts with ultra-modern urban development," MBC said in a statement. The full-service Neom Media Village, which is becoming a major driver of the kingdom's effort to build a film and TV industry almost from scratch, will be the new production hub for "Top Chef Middle East" that is currently among the most successful of the 29 "Top Chef" versions around the world. |
posted 7/1/2024 |
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Monday Lightning Round |
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Veteran comedic actor Martin Mull, who tallied dozens of TV roles over the years, including memorable turns on Roseanne and Sabrina the Teenage Witch, has died at the age of 80. Mull's daughter Maggie announced the news on Instagram: "I am heartbroken to share that my father passed away at home on June 27th, after a valiant fight against a long illness. He was known for excelling at every creative discipline imaginable and also for doing Red Roof Inn commercials. He would find that joke funny. He was never not funny. My dad will be deeply missed by his wife and daughter, by his friends and coworkers, by fellow artists and comedians and musicians, and — the sign of a truly exceptional person — by many, many dogs. I loved him tremendously." Mull's Roseanne co-star Michael Fishman, who played D.J., shared a tribute to Mull on social media: "Martin Mull is a legend. He was a tremendous talent, who was always funny. As amazing as he was on camera, he was even more incredible off. The world was better with him in it. Perhaps the other side needed more laughter." Mull began his career as a musical comedian, writing and performing satirical songs and opening for the likes of Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen in the early 1970s. Mull then broke into acting with roles on Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman and its spinoffs Fernwood 2 Night and America 2 Night. He also appeared in a string of films in the 1980s, including Mr. Mom and Clue. He joined the cast of Roseanne in 1991, playing Roseanne's gay boss Leon and recurring throughout most of the series' original run. He went on to play Principal Willard Kraft on Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and was a regular celebrity guest on Hollywood Squares. He later played private eye Gene Parmesan on Arrested Development and Charlie's pharmacist Russell on Two and a Half Men. Mull's career continued throughout the 2010s, with appearances on Community, Psych and Veep, the latter of which earned him his lone Emmy nomination. He starred in two short-lived Fox sitcoms: Dads, from executive producer Seth MacFarlane; and The Cool Kids, alongside Vicki Lawrence, David Alan Grier and Leslie Jordan. His most recent TV appearance was a pair of episodes of Apple TV+'s The Afterparty that aired last year. Grier paid tribute to Mull on Threads: "Rest in Peace. So, so sad. One of my comedy heroes is gone. Loved him to death. I had the honor of working with and befriending Martin and I will miss his intelligence, wit and brilliance. A wonderful painter, performer and raconteur." |
posted 6/30/2024 |
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"Ninja Warrior" Drew Drechsel Sentenced |
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A former American Ninja Warrior champion has been sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for having an intimate relationship with a teenage girl. After prison, Andrew Drechsel, age 35, must additionally serve 15 years of supervised release and pay the victim $100,000 in restitution, Chief U.S. District Judge Renée M. Bumb ruled in New Jersey on Wednesday. Drechsel pled guilty on June 1 to receiving illicit material and knowingly enticing and coercing a minor to travel interstate to engage in an improper relationship, the U.S. Attorney's Office in New Jersey announced. Dreschel won season 11 of American Ninja Warrior. NBC has since cut all ties with the athlete. He won $1 million on the competition show and competed in eight seasons. |
posted 6/27/2024 |
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Netflix has renewed unscripted dating series "Perfect Match" for a third season. The show's first season was released last year and debuted at No. 2 on the English-language TV rankings for the streamer. The Kinetic Content series follows singles from across Netflix's roster of unscripted relationship sudsers — including "Too Hot to Handle" and "Love is Blind" – who couple up and test their romantic relationships by engaging in compatibility challenges. Hosted by Nick Lachey, "Perfect Match" also sees "winning couples gain power in the game to bring in new singles to match with their castmates – setting up potential love matches or stirring trouble in paradise as they compete to be the strongest couple at the villa, crowned the Perfect Match," per the Netflix synopsis. The first six episodes of "Perfect Match" Season 2 debuted June 7, with three additional episodes dropped on June 14 and the finale bowing June 21. Season 1 of "Perfect Match" saw Dom Gabriel and Georgia Hassarati as the winning couple, despite the pair announcing their split soon after the season dropped. Gabriel, along with "Too Hot to Handle" contestant Harry Jowsey returned to the second season of the series. The second season's cast included Alara Taneri ("Dated and Related"), Brittan Byrd ("Too Hot to Handle"), Bryan Constantin ("Squid Game: The Challenge"), Chris Hahn ("Dated and Related"), Christine Obanor ("Too Hot to Handle"), Tolu Ekundare ("The Trust"), Dominique Defoe ("Too Hot to Handle"), Elys Hutchinson ("Too Hot to Handle"), Jowsey ("Too Hot to Handle"), Holly Scarfone ("Too Hot to Handle") and Izzy Zapata ("Love Is Blind"). Additional contestants included Jake Cunningham ("The Ultimatum: Marry or Move on"), Jessica Vestal ("Love Is Blind"), Justin Assad ("Surviving Paradise"), Kaz Bishop ("Dated and Related"), Melinda Melrose ("Too Hot to Handle"), Micah Lussier ("Love Is Blind"), Nigel Jones ("To Hot to Handle"), Stevan Ditter ("Too Hot to Handle"), Trevor Sova ("Love Is Blind"), Xanthi Perdikomas ("The Circle") and Gabriel ("The Mole"). Executive producers for "Perfect Match" include Chris Coelen, Eric Detwiler, Brent Gauches and Heather Crowe. |
posted 6/27/2024 |
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"Big Brother Canada" Evicted |
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"Big Brother Canada" host Arisa Cox said Thursday she's "heartbroken" the reality competition series has been evicted from Global TV's lineup, but is hopeful it can continue elsewhere. Shortly after Corus Entertainment announced Thursday that it was cancelling the Toronto-shot show, the TV personality said she felt "oddly very proud." "We're in that mode of just looking back and fully understanding what we've done for 12 years, which is so very rare in this industry, and we're filled with pride," said Cox, who also executive produces the show. "Canada has that tall poppy syndrome. You're never supposed to big yourself up too much, but I feel very comfortable bigging ourselves up." "Big Brother Canada" was produced by Insight Productions in association with Corus and Banijay Rights. Showrunner Erin Brock, who is also Insight's senior vice-president, said the show's cancellation will result in "between 200 and 250" people losing their contract jobs. "I feel sad for the TV landscape. I feel sad that such a brilliant show that tells so many Canadian stories is not going to be on the air. I feel sad for all of us who made it," Brock said. "I feel grateful, and I also feel like it's a big loss, honestly." Corus said in a statement it considered many factors in the decision, including "audience trends, available support from sponsors and advertisers, and production and licensing costs." |
posted 6/27/2024 |
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Turkiye Boxes In |
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All3Media International has inked its first format deal for the family game show Letterbox, securing a local adaptation with CNBC-e in Turkiye. The 60-part local adaptation will be part of the CNBC-e channel relaunch and features Yiğit Kirazcı as host. The CNBC-e version features contestants from all over Turkiye getting the chance to win 50,000 TL (about $1500) in just 50 minutes. Letterbox is the latest All3Media International format to be developed by Shine Medya, which is also producing a local adaptation of Lingo for the Turkish market. Letterbox was created by David Young, founder of Hindsight Productions and producer of renowned quiz shows such as The Weakest Link, Eggheads, Without Prejudice? and The Rich List. Gabriel Andrews, sales executive for Balkans, Greece, Turkiye and CIS at All3Media International, commented, "We're delighted that this highly entertaining game of wordplay has received its first format commission, for 60 episodes, and is one of the lead titles on the CNBC-e channel relaunch. The brilliant production team at Shine Medya has extensive experience in adapting international formats for Turkey and is already doing a fantastic job with a local version of our iconic quiz Lingo. So we know Letterbox is in excellent hands, and promises unforgettable moments filled with intelligence, excitement, and a grand prize! Offering an easy-to-adapt format originally developed by an acclaimed creative team, this innovative game show holds strong appeal for a wide range of viewer demographics, and we're confident this is just the start of the international journey for Letterbox." |
posted 6/27/2024 |
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Thursday Lightning Round |
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Alex vs. America vs. Season 3 |
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Chef Alex Guarnaschelli returns with more intense culinary battles on a new season of Alex vs America, premiering Sunday, July 14th at 9 pm ET/PT. In each episode, host Eric Adjepong invites three talented chefs from across the United States who share the same mastery of a specific culinary genre to battle it out in two rounds of intense cooking challenges where anyone can be sent home -- even Alex. This season will feature chefs with even more culinary credentials and notoriously extreme cuisines, meaning Alex must bring her A-game to land on top against her ambitious challengers. With ultimate bragging rights and $15,000 on the line, the chefs will put their specialty skills to the test to see if they have what it takes to beat the best. |
posted 6/26/2024 |
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Canada Takes on the World |
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Following a long-awaited announcement on Wednesday, we finally know which nine queens will be heading (or remaining) north for Season 2 of Canada's Drag Race: Canada Vs. the World — nearly two years after Ra'Jah O'Hara was crowned the winner of Season 1. Let's start with the three queens representing the host country: Lemon, who placed fifth in the first season of Canada's Drag Race, before returning for Season 1 of UK Vs. the World and finishing in ninth; Miss Fiercalicious, who narrowly missed making the top two in Canada's Drag Race Season 3; and Tynomi Banks, who's back with a vengeance after finishing Canada's Drag Race Season 1 in ninth place. And it's nothing but legends from the United States: Alexis Mateo, who "Bam!"d her way into our hearts in Season 3 of RuPaul's Drag Race, eventually returning for All Stars 1 and All Stars 5; Eureka O'Hara, who was sidelined by an injury in Drag Race Season 9, then returned to crush Season 10 and All Stars 6; and Kennedy Davenport, who left an unforgettable impression on viewers in Drag Race Season 7 and All Stars 3. The cast also includes two UK queens Cheryl Hole (Drag Race UK Season 1 and UK Vs. the World Season 1) and Le Fil (UK Season 4), as well as French queen La Kahena (Drag Race France Season 1). Brooke Lynn Hytes will return to judge the season, joined once again by Brad Goreski and Traci Melchor. The new season premieres Friday, July 19 on WOW Presents Plus in the States, on Crave in Canada and on BBC Three in the UK. |
posted 6/26/2024 |
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Finally Addressing the Elephant in the Room... |
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After seasons of silence, the executive producers of ABC's "The Bachelor" and "Bachelorette" franchise have addressed the history of racism surrounding the reality dating series in an extensive interview with the L.A. Times. Executive producers Claire Freeland and Bennett Graebner discussed (among many things) the franchise's lack of diversity and inclusion, the show's failure to protect the stars of its series and the inability to create a space to discuss and actually use the word "racism" in context on-camera. This conversation happened just days before the July 8 premiere of the newest season of "The Bachelorette" (which cast Jenn Tran, the first Asian woman to spearhead the show). "It's hard to say out loud, that people of color didn't see themselves represented, that they did not see 'The Bachelor' franchise as a safe place," Graebner said. "We didn't have a Black lead in this franchise for 15 years, and that's inexcusable. It created a vicious cycle, and it's taken a lot of work to get back to a place where we feel at least we're working for the positive." The producers admitted they were disappointed in how the series handled Matt James' season in particular. In 2020, James was cast as the first Black lead of "The Bachelor," his historic season soon became swept up in controversy after photos of frontrunner Rachael Kirkconnell at an Old South-themed fraternity formal resurfaced on a plantation. Former host Chris Harrison also became involved after he made insensitive statements minimizing the damage to the photos in an interview with the first Black Bachelorette, Rachel Lindsay. Harrison then left the franchise after hosting for nearly 20 years. "I'm going to be really frank — we let Matt down," Graebner said. "That season went wrong on so many levels. We did not protect him as we should have. The finale of that season was the darkest day I've had on this franchise. Here was this great Black man, and we should have been celebrating his love story. Instead, what we saw was a man burdened and overwhelmed by issues of racism. It was really sad for me personally. " Freeland and Graebner said it is a "priority" to cast a Black Bachelor in the near future and to correct mistakes made during James' season. More recently, during the "Women Tell All" episode of this past year's season of "The Bachelor," contestant Rachel Nance detailed the racism she faced on social media after her Hometown episode. Nance, who is Filipino, Black and Arab, said she got a storm of racist messages online after the episode aired. Current host of the franchise Jesse Palmer apologized to Nance, stating: "I'm so, so sorry that you and your family had to go through that." He avoided using the word racism and asked the audience to put up their hands if they had ever received hate on social media. |
posted 6/26/2024 |
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Fremantle, Scientific Games Reup Brand Deal |
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Scientific Games and Fremantle, a world leader in creating, producing and distributing entertainment content worldwide for over 100 years, will continue their longtime partnership to bring iconic TV game show brands including THE PRICE IS RIGHT, FAMILY FEUD and PRESS YOUR LUCK to lottery players. THE PRICE IS RIGHT themed games and promotions are available to lotteries in Australia, Canada, France, the UK and the U.S., with FAMILY FEUD themed games available in Canada and the U.S. and PRESS YOUR LUCK games in the U.S. "We are delighted to continue this incredible partnership with Scientific Games," said Erica Gadecki, SVP Partnership Solutions for Fremantle. "Their continued success with bringing our iconic brands to lottery fans around the world is unparalleled." |
posted 6/26/2024 |
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Wednesday Lightning Round |
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CLUE: This long-time host of 'Jeopardy!' is now honored with a United States Postal Service 'Forever Stamp.' RESPONSE: Who is Alex Trebek? That's right, the beloved Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek will be honored with a "Forever Stamp" to celebrate his legacy and the show's 60th Diamond Celebration. The sheet of 20 identical stamps resembles the array of video monitors that make up the 'Jeopardy!' game board. Written on each stamp is the prompt "This naturalized U.S. citizen hosted the quiz show 'Jeopardy!' for 37 seasons.' Underneath, written upside down, is the correct response: "Who is Alex Trebek?" Trebek became the legendary game show host of Jeopardy beginning in 1984. He served as the host of the popular quiz show until his death from pancreatic cancer in 2020. The show has since been hosted by Mike Richards, "Big Bang Theory" star Mayim Bialik, and long-time Jeopardy! champion Ken Jennings. Currently, Jennings serves as the sole host of the quiz show. Forever Stamps can be used at any time for one-ounce letters, regardless of when they were purchased. The stamps cover the cost of mailing a one-ounce letter, even if the rate for mailing the letter increases after buying the stamps. |
posted 6/25/2024 |
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Top Chef Heads North of the Border |
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Top Chef is packing up its knives and aprons and heading to Canada for season 22. The Bravo series is making a rare foray outside the U.S. after the 20th season was shot in London and after the Wisconsin-themed 21st season. Top Chef judges Kristen Kish, Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons announced their Canadian road trip on Instagram on Tuesday, with Kish at point standing in the shadow of Toronto's CN Tower. The 22nd season will be a bit of a homecoming for Simmons as she hails from Toronto. "I'm here checking out the new season location. That's right, season 22: destination, Canada," she announced in the social media post modeled like a FaceTime session between the trio. Bravo has yet to announce a premiere date for the upcoming season of Top Chef or which Canadian contestants will compete. Canada's Michelin-starred chefs and restaurateurs, along with its top mixologists and winemakers, have long had leading and guest roles on popular reality TV series shot on both sides of the border for Food Network and other American channels. |
posted 6/25/2024 |
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The Chase Is On... in Slovenia |
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ITV Studios' quiz show The Chase is to expand its European footprint with new local versions licensed in Slovenia for POP TV and Romania for Pro TV. Following its debut in Bulgaria and Slovakia in 2022, the format continues with versions in the Czech Republic, Croatia, Serbia and more. The Chase is in 21 territories to date. Spin-off Beat The Chasers is making its way to Southern Europe, with new adaptations set to premiere in Greece on Mega TV and in Cyprus on Alpha TV Cyprus, bringing the total number of territories for this format to ten. Ruth Berry, MD, Global Partnerships, ITV Studios said: "We're thrilled to announce the expansion of The Chase and its spin-off Beat The Chasers into new markets, showcasing the strength and scalability of ITV Studios' extensive format catalogue. The success of this hit format in the Czech Republic has spurred demand across the Central and Eastern European region, leading to new commissions in Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Greece, and Cyprus." The tenth season of the German version launched with an 18% audience share and delivered 2.19 million viewers. The new episodes in the UK, airing from January to March, have averaged 3 million viewers and a 29.7% audience share, making it ITV1's third most-watched game show of 2024 year-to-date and the top game show not airing in primetime. In Australia, The Chase has maintained its dominance as the number one game show on Seven Network every week of 2024, continuing a five-year streak. The show consistently wins its time slot and ranks among the top three non-scripted titles on Australian TV each day it airs. The first season of the Greek version averaged 423k viewers and a 13.6% share, more than doubling the MEGA channel's slot average. By its third season, the viewership rating climbed to 16.2% on MEGA TV. The show reaches 7.5 million people across MEGATV's social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X, and Threads. |
posted 6/25/2024 |
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Tuesday Lightning Round |
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Ink Master star Ryan Hadley has died after he was diagnosed with seminoma cancer. He was 46. Hadley's family announced the tattoo artist died on Thursday, June 20, in an Instagram post to his profile the next day. He was known for his time on season 6 of the Paramount Network (formerly Spike) reality competition series Ink Master. "Ryan left this world last night surrounded by loved ones," the announcement began. "While his life was cut short, in that time he left a legacy behind in both the art and tattoo world. He loved his many fans, his friends and clients, and most of all his children." "He'll be missed and always remembered. A legend forever. #rip #f---cancer," concluded the message. The photo shared was of Hadley grinning ear to ear while he tattooed a customer's arm. "Forever a Legend RIP," read text overlaid on the picture. Hadley first revealed in December 2023 that he was diagnosed with seminoma cancer —which is a malignant germ cell tumor that is typically found in the testicle, per the National Library of Medicine. At the time, Hadley explained that the seminoma cancer "came from testicular cancer and is a very fast moving cancer cell that seems to make tumors wherever it goes to." He explained that he was undergoing "approximately 122 hours" of chemotherapy, which would entail one week of treatment and two weeks without. In April, Hadley announced via Instagram that the chemotherapy "wasn't a success at all." He explained that the "non-treatable" cancer spread to his liver and lungs. "I may be around for another week or maybe another 3 months, either way it tears me apart that I'm leaving my children behind. Death doesn't scare me in any way.. it's the fact of abandonment with my kids is what pisses me off and there's nothing I can do about it. I'll keep everyone updated to a certain point in all this. I'll be signing off very soon forever," he wrote. |
posted 6/24/2024 |
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Jamie Kellner, an extremely well-respected TV executive who helped launch Fox and The WB broadcast networks, has died at the age of 77. At Fox, Kellner developed The Simpsons, Married…With Children, In Living Color, Beverly Hills 90210 and Cops. While at The WB, he developed Dawson's Creek, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Gilmore Girls, and 7th Heaven, which he created with Aaron Spelling and Brenda Hampton. While at the Frog Network, Kellner helped launch the careers of Greg Berlanti, JJ Abrams, Kevin Williamson, and Joss Whedon, and comedians like Jamie Foxx, Steve Harvey, and The Wayans Bros. Berlanti paid tribute to the late executive, saying, "I don't think there's another person in the history of TV that can say they helped start two new major broadcast networks (Fox and The WB). Jamie Kellner was a titan and a visionary in our industry and yet he will be remembered by anyone lucky enough to work for him as an executive or as a showrunner as a warm, funny, charismatic, creative and kind mentor, friend, husband and Dad. He dedicated his life in TV to fostering and betting on generations of talent both in front of and behind the camera. I know I speak for so many others when I say my life was changed by the Camelot-esque home he created for all of us who worked at The WB. He will be greatly missed." Kellner also predicted the TV future that we now occupy. In 2002, he was memorably asked to comment on the development of DVRs and how it would give TV viewers the ability to fast-forward through commercials. At the time, one in five people who own a DVR like TiVo or ReplayTV said they never watched commercials. "The free television that we've all enjoyed for so many years is based on us watching these commercials," said Kellner, who was the CEO of Turner Broadcasting at the time. "There's no Santa Claus. If you don't watch the commercials, someone's going to have to pay for television and it's going to be you." The former executive is credited with reshaping and modernizing CNN to compete against upstarts Fox and MSNBC. He also oversaw TNT, TBS, TCM, Cartoon Network, TNT Sports, the Atlanta Braves, Hawks, and NHL Thrashers. Before becoming president of Fox at its launch, Kellner was at Orion, where he worked alongside Arthur Krim and conceived a partnership with Lorne Michaels to buy the rights to the original seasons of Saturday Night Live. The idea was to recut the 90-minute shows of the NBC sketch show into 30-minute episodes for syndication. Following the idea's success, Barry Diller and Rupert Murdoch hired Kellner as the network's first president. "The TV industry lost a historically significant entrepreneur and executive," said Sandy Grushow, who worked for Kellner at Fox as an EVP and eventually the President of Entertainment. "That he happened to have been a sweetheart of a guy and close friend and former Fox colleague makes the loss even more profound. If there's a silver lining, it's that he had the courage and, as it turns out, foresight to take his chips off the table in the prime of his career then go pack 10 lifetimes of adventure into one, with his beautiful wife Julie by his side. The only other silver lining is that a few weeks back, I got to tell him how much I respected that decision. We could all learn a thing or two from Jamie Kellner's remarkable life and the audacious choice(s) he made. That's the gift he left behind." "My first meeting with Jamie happened at Fox where I had just started as an assistant," added Mike Clements, who worked as a comedy exec for Kellner at Fox and The WB. "We were all summoned to the commissary to say farewell to the man who did the actual building of the network. Blah blah Rupert and Diller … Jamie did the real work. He gave a funny and gracious speech and then proceeded to thank and shake the hand of every employee in attendance. The next time I would shake that hand was my first day as an exec at The WB, which also happened to be the first day of the programming retreat in Montecito. As a valet took my car, there was Jamie handing me a Mai-Tai and welcoming me to the team and his beautiful home. Thus began a great chapter in my life, where under his leadership, we were all encouraged to find the next generation of talent behind and in front of the camera… a chapter where I had incredible bosses, a kick-ass and super smart partner in comedy crime and colleagues who were talented, passionate and cared… a place where everyone seemed to have a common goal… a place where I have made some lifelong friendships… enjoyed many laughs, fun times and thanks to Jamie… some really nice wine. I will have to raise a glass of something else tonight but do so with huge amounts of gratitude in honor of one of the true greats in our business." Kellner retired at the age of 57 after leading Turner. He turned down offers to return to work and left the entertainment industry to pursue his passions, such as sailing, playing golf, and launching a winery in Santa Ynez Valley called Cent'Anni. Kellner is survived by his wife of 38 years, Julie, daughter Melissa, son Christopher, and three grandchildren, Jake, Scarlett, and Oliver. |
posted 6/24/2024 |
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Big Brother Watches Malta |
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Banijay's landmark reality show "Big Brother" will launch in Malta later this year, thanks to a new pact inked by Banijay Rights with local producer, greatt company, run by co-founder Mark Grech. The new deal marks the 70th adaptation of the original Dutch television series where a group of total strangers are cooped up in a custom-built house equipped with cameras throughout. While under constant surveillance, the contestants compete in various challenges and try to avoid being kicked out by fellow houseguests. Under the process of elimination, the remaining two vie for the grand cash prize. "A pioneering format with consistently excellent ratings, 'Big Brother' needs little introduction as a global television hit," said Marion Vergnaud, SVP Iberia, Italy and Malta, Banijay Rights, who brokered the agreement, adding: "We are thrilled to be working with our local broadcast and production partners on this new version in Malta, and we relish the opportunity to delight an even wider audience." |
posted 6/24/2024 |
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Jimmy Carr Living in a Box |
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Battle in the Box will see pairs of comics and some of the nation's favourite celebrities battle it out for pride, prizes and most importantly floorspace, in this comedy entertainment and reality hybrid. The eight-episode series will comprise of four tense double bills which will see eight pairs spend 24 hours in the box. When the clock starts two celebrity teams will move into a completely empty box divided by a moveable wall with nothing but a toothbrush. Once inside, they will only have cameras and each other for company – no beds, tables, chairs or home comforts. Over the course of the day and night, they will need to earn everything by winning a series of physical and mental challenges all set by the orchestrator of this chaos, Jimmy Carr. Winning a game means more space and luxuries for the lucky duo. But there's a catch: more room for one team means less for the losers, as the Box's sliding wall forces them into an ever-smaller space. And, with games set around the clock, the tide – and the wall – can turn at any time. |
posted 6/24/2024 |
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Monday Lightning Round |
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Taylor Wily, the sumo wrestler-turned-Hawaii Five-0 actor, died Thursday, June 20, according to local Hawaii TV outlet KITV. He was 56. Although specifics regarding the death — where, and a cause — were not immediately known, his passing was confirmed by Peter M. Lenkov, executive producer of the 2010-20 Hawaii Five-0 reboot. Initially posting an Instagram message saying simply, "I am devastated. Heartbroken. I'll post some detailed feelings later. Just too hard right now," Lenkov followed up with a lengthier post, addressing Wily directly: "T, as I told you many times, I fell in love with you at the first audition. You came in with a towel on your head mopping up sweat, and I was smitten. You charmed me into making you a regular… on the show… and in my life. You were family. And I will miss you every day, brother. "PS: when we spoke last week, we laughed at how right you were from Day 1. Five-0 was our dream job. And I was so lucky we got to share that magic together." Born Teila Tuli on June 14, 1968, Wily was from Laie, Hawaii and was of American Samoan descent. Prior to becoming an actor, he was a successful and popular sumo wrester and mixed martial artist. After leaving sumo, Wily began competing in Ultimate Fighting Championships, competing as Teila Tuli in his first UFC bout in November 1993. His first notable acting role in a major film came in the comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall in 2008 in which he played a hotel worker who befriends Jason Segel's main character Peter Bretter. Two years later, he was cast in a recurring role on Hawaii Five-0 as informant Kamekona, a character he would play for the next ten years on the show. He played the same character in seven episodes of Magnum P.I. from 2018 to 2020. During the run on "Hawaii Five-0", Wily made a special appearance on "The Amazing Race". Wily is survived by wife Halona and their two children. |
posted 6/21/2024 |
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Happy Friday Lightning Round |
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The CW Network today announced its primetime premiere dates for the Fall 2024 season, including new and returning series and live sporting events. The CW's new fall season begins with the return of the Emmy(R) Award-winning weekly studio series INSIDE THE NFL on Friday, August 30 (9:00-10:00pm ET/PT) with host Ryan Clark leading a panel of football experts to preview the upcoming 2024 NFL season. The college football season on The CW kicks off with a Pac-12 doubleheader on Saturday, August 31 when the Portland State Vikings visit the Washington State Cougars (3:00-6:30pm ET) followed by a primetime matchup between the Idaho State Bengals and Oregon State Beavers (6:30-10:00pm ET). Season 4 of the global phenomenon THE CHOSEN, chronicling the life of Jesus, will make its broadcast television debut on Sunday, September 1 (8:00-9:30pm ET/PT). The hit improv series WHOSE LINE IS IT ANYWAY? returns for a 13th season on Friday, September 6 with back-to-back episodes (8:00-8:30pm ET/PT, 8:30-9:00pm ET/PT). The NASCAR XFINITY SERIES makes its CW debut with a live race from the legendary Bristol Motor Speedway on Friday, September 20 (7:00-10:00pm ET). The next generation of WWE Superstars enter the ring when WWE NXT makes its live CW debut on Tuesday, October 1 (8:00-10:00pm ET/PT). The hit drama SULLIVAN'S CROSSING starring Morgan Kohan, Chad Michael Murray and Scott Patterson returns for Season 2 on Wednesday, October 2 (8:00-9:00pm ET/PT), followed by the premiere the new drama series JOAN (9:00-10:00pm ET/PT), starring Emmy(R)-nominated Sophie Turner ("Game of Thrones") as notorious jewel thief Joan Hannington. Gather the family for game night on Monday, October 7 with the series premieres of SCRABBLE (8:00-9:00pm ET/PT), hosted by fan-favorite Raven-Symoné, followed by TRIVIAL PURSUIT (9:00-10:00pm ET/PT), with Emmy(R) Award-winner LeVar Burton hosting the competition. SUPERMAN & LOIS soars into its thrilling final season with a special two-hour premiere event on Thursday, October 17 (8:00-10:00pm ET/PT). The new fantasy adventure series THE LIBRARIANS: THE NEXT CHAPTER, from executive producer Dean Devlin ("Independence Day"), will make its debut the following week on Thursday, October 24 (9:00-10:00pm ET/PT). Hit family comedy CHILDREN RUIN EVERYTHING will return for its fourth season with back-to-back episodes on Wednesday, November 13 (9:00-9:30pm ET/PT, 9:30-10:00pm ET/PT). The following is The CW's Fall Primetime Schedule for the 2024-2025 season and accompanying details on each new series. |
posted 5/16/2024 |
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Stephen Fry is reportedly returning to host a second series of 'Jeopardy!' for ITV. ITV is reportedly set to green light another series of 'Jeopardy' in the UK ITV is reportedly set to green light another series of 'Jeopardy' in the UK. The 66-year-old former 'QI' host will be back on screens presenting the UK version of the iconic quiz show on weekdays, which, according to The Sun, is set to be recommissioned The show sees him challenge contestants to win money by phrasing answers as a question. Stephen previously begged ITV bosses not to dumb down the show. As quoted by the Daily Star newspaper's Hot TV column, he said: "I was fairly insistent from the outset that we shouldn't compromise one the standard and or dicker about with the rules and procedures, which are time-honoured and proven. "Fortunately, ITV and the production company behind the series were in complete agreement. It's not very different at all. "The only real difference is that the UK version is a little longer with an extra round." There's plenty of cash up for grabs. He said: "It builds and builds for as long as the champion stays on. In theory, a really brilliant champion could win hundreds of thousands of pounds or more." Before his return to the small screen, Stephen is currently on screen in the film 'Treasure' alongside 'Girls' creator Lena Dunham. It sees him play Edek, a Polish Holocaust survivor, reluctantly turning to his homeland with his journalist daughter played by 38-year-old Lena. Stephen said of the part: "Just occasionally, roles come along that ask for something else, and to have someone like Lena to work with – I fell in love with her straight away." |
posted 6/19/2024 |
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Willie Mays, the electrifying "Say Hey Kid" whose singular combination of talent, drive and exuberance made him one of baseball's greatest and most beloved players, has died. He was 93. Mays' family and the San Francisco Giants jointly announced Tuesday night he had died earlier in the afternoon in the Bay Area. "My father has passed away peacefully and among loved ones," son Michael Mays said in a statement released by the club. "I want to thank you all from the bottom of my broken heart for the unwavering love you have shown him over the years. You have been his life's blood." The center fielder, who began his professional career in the Negro Leagues in 1948, had been baseball's oldest living Hall of Famer. He was voted into the Hall in 1979, his first year of eligibility, and in 1999 followed only Babe Ruth on The Sporting News' list of the game's top stars. The Giants retired his uniform number, 24, and set their AT&T Park in San Francisco on Willie Mays Plaza. Mays died two days before a game between the Giants and St. Louis Cardinals to honor the Negro Leagues at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama. "All of Major League Baseball is in mourning today as we are gathered at the very ballpark where a career and a legacy like no other began," Commissioner Rob Manfred said. "Willie Mays took his all-around brilliance from the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro American League to the historic Giants franchise. From coast to coast ... Willie inspired generations of players and fans as the game grew and truly earned its place as our National Pastime." Few were so blessed with each of the five essential qualities for a superstar — hitting for average, hitting for power, speed, fielding and throwing. Fewer so joyously exerted those qualities — whether launching home runs; dashing around the bases, loose-fitting cap flying off his head; or chasing down fly balls in center field and finishing the job with his trademark basket catch. In game shows, Mays was featured in episodes of "Home Run Derby", "What's My Line", "Frontpage Challenge", and "Dream Girl of '67" |
posted 6/19/2024 |
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Wylleen May Exits Fremantle After 22 Years |
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Wylleen May, who has worked on American Idol since its launch over twenty years ago, has been let go by producer Fremantle. Executive in Charge of Production May has been on the show for 22 years, having stewarded it during its initial run on Fox as well as its reboot on ABC. She left after the most recent run, season 22 (or season 7, per ABC), which ended on May 19. "It is hard to express the gratitude I have to the team at Fremantle and American Idol, the place I knew as home for the last 22 years. It may sound cliche, but it was my absolute honor to work day in and day out with people I consider to be some of the most talented, dedicated, and devoted in the business. I will miss you terribly," she said in a statement to Deadline. She continued, "That being said, I am sad to be leaving. I will forever cherish my time with Idol, and hope I am remembered for my experience, passion, and dedication to my role. All we want for ourselves is to know that our work had a lasting impact. I am excited for my next journey, and what that will bring. Sometimes you need a little push forward, and I am grateful for all of it – beginning, middle, and end." May's departure comes after an HR investigation at the end of last year. "Unfortunately, my exit has been the subject of hurtful speculation and innuendo. Yes, at the end of 2023, I was the subject of an HR investigation following a complaint about how I interacted with certain members of my team. I fully and completely cooperated with this investigation, and it was closed quickly without any action taken. The decision to move on from me to a new EIC is not related, and any implication otherwise is completely misleading and inaccurate," she added. "Wylleen has played a crucial role in helping build the lasting legacy of American Idol over the course of 22 seasons. She steered the production to enduring success, and we are deeply grateful for her contributions and dedication to the show. The decision to make staffing changes for the next season was not based on the conclusion of any investigation," a Fremantle spokeswoman told Deadline. May, who has also worked on shows including So You Think You Can Dance, has seen a large number of changes on the show, which began on Fox in June 2002. |
posted 6/19/2024 |
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Juneteenth Lightning Round |
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Pat Sajak closed out his final day on Wheel of Fortune with 11.03 million viewers, the largest audience to have tuned into the access game show in more than four years. Sajak's last episode, which aired on Friday, June 7, was the most-watched telecast in all of television, excluding sports, among households with a 6.2 rating in the week ended Sunday, June 9, according to Nielsen. All five of that week's episodes landed in TV's top 15 telecasts among homes and total viewers, according to the show's distributor, CBS Media Ventures. Across the total week, the Sony Pictures Television-produced show averaged a 5.0 rating in households, up 16% compared to the same week last year, and 8.5 million viewers. Sajak, 77, has hosted Wheel of Fortune for all of the 8,000 episodes and 41 seasons it has aired in syndication, making him the longest-running game-show host in television history. He surpassed The Price is Right's late Bob Barker to take that title in 2018. Along the way, Sajak has won three Emmys for outstanding game-show host, as well as received the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences' 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award. He is expected to remain with the show for three more years as a consultant. Sajak's co-host, Vanna White, 67, joined the show in 1982. Sajak will be replaced by Ryan Seacrest in September while White has signed to remain with Wheel of Fortune through the 2025-26 season. Bellamie Blackstone is the executive producer, having joined Wheel of Fortune in March 2022. |
posted 6/18/2024 |
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Tuesday Lightning Round |
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Critics Choice Real TV Awards: And The Winners Were... |
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The Traitors was the top winner at the 2024 Critics Choice Real TV Awards, with the Peacock series taking home four awards, including best competition series, best ensemble cast in an unscripted series, best show host and male star of the year, the latter two won by Traitors emcee Alan Cumming. Apple TV+'s The Reluctant Traveler With Eugene Levy won two awards, including best unstructured series and best travel/adventure show, the only other multiple award-winning program on Saturday night. Though RuPaul's Drag Race went into the evening tied with The Traitors for the most nominations this year (five each), Drag Race only won one award, for best lifestyle show: fashion/beauty. Best structured show went to HBO's We're Here. Vanderpump Rules' Ariana Madix was named female star of the year. In addition to the competitive awards, the Critics Choice Association honored Tom Bergeron with the first ever Sam Rubin Award, named for the KTLA anchor and longtime Critics Choice board member who died last month, and John Walsh with the career achievement award. Alfonso Ribeiro presented Bergeron with his honor and Walsh's son, Callahan, presented his dad with his award. Hosted by Randy and Jason Sklar, the sixth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards recognized excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming. Presenters at the Fairmont Century Plaza ceremony in Los Angeles included Brock Davies, Chelsea Lazkani, Drew and Jonathan Scott, Duff Goldman, Jane Lynch, Joe Manganiello, Justin Willman, Kamie Crawford, Kirsten Dunst, Mary Bonnet, Matt Iseman, Nicole Young, Patti Stanger, Phil Keoghan, Retta, Sandra Lee, Scheana Shay and more. Other winners of note include... |
posted 6/17/2024 |
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Monday Lightning Round |
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| MORE NEWS GSNN 3-Month News Archive |
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posted 7/10/2024
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