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 30-Day Archives |
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Gordon Ramsay's cooking up a double helping of Next Level Chef for Fox. The network has handed the food format a two-season order for Seasons 3 and 4 ahead of the two-hour season finale that airs tonight. It comes after Season 2 premiered after this year's Super Bowl and delivered 16.9M viewers. Next Level Chef stars Ramsay, Nyesha Arrington and Richard Blais. It features a culinary gauntlet, set on a stage over three stories high, which each floor containing a different kitchen, ranging from the glistening top floor to the challenging bottom of the basement. The ingredients available will match the environment of each level. The trio will each recruit a group of the talented chefs and take them under their wings. One competitor can walk away with a $250,000 grand prize. |
posted 5/11/2023 |
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The soap community is mourning the death of beloved General Hospital star Jacklyn Zeman (Bobbie Spencer). The show has confirmed that the actress has died at age 70. "On behalf of our @GeneralHospital family, I am heartbroken to announce the passing of our beloved @JackieZeman," GH executive producer Frank Valentini shared on Twitter. "Just like her character, the legendary Bobbie Spencer, she was a bright light and true professional that brought so much positive energy with her to work. Jackie will be greatly missed, but her positive spirit will always live on with our cast and crew. We send our heartfelt sympathy to her loved ones, friends, and family, especially her daughters Cassidy and Lacey." Zeman's family told ABC News that the actress "died after a short battle with cancer." Born March 6, 1953, in Englewood, New Jersey, Jacklyn completed her high school studies at 15 and studied dance on a scholarship at New York University. Soon, she was dancing and modeling professionally while continuing her studies. A desire to act on daytime television led Jacklyn to her debut on ABC's One Life to Live. After her character's untimely demise, Jacklyn was asked to go to Los Angeles to create the role of Barbara Jean "Bobbie" Spencer on General Hospital. It is a role she would play from December 1977 through 2023. "Jacklyn Zeman has been a beloved member of the General Hospital and ABC family since she originated the iconic role of Bobbie Spencer over 45 years ago," the official General Hospital Twitter account shared in a post. "She leaves behind a lasting legacy for her Emmy-nominated portrayal of the bad girl turned heroine and will always be remembered for her kind heart and radiant spirit. We are devastated by the news of her passing, and send our deepest condolences to Jackie's family, friends and loved ones." In addition to television work, she performed in off-Broadway and community productions, including Come Blow Your Horn, Barefoot in the Park and The Boyfriend. Over the years, she has appeared in numerous feature films, such as Gary Marshall's Young Doctors in Love, John Hughes's National Lampoon's Class Reunion, and The Day the Music Died, to name a few. She has also appeared in episodic primetime dramas and situation comedies such as Chicago Hope, Mike Hammer, Love American Style, Fantasy, and Sledge Hammer. Zeman appeared as a series regular on the streaming series The Bay from 2010 to 2023. Her work as Sofia Madison earned her a Daytime Emmy nomination in the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Daytime Fiction Program category in 2021. Jacklyn received critical acclaim for her starring role in Montana Crossroads, an ABC Afterschool Special. She took a break from her busy General Hospital schedule to co-star as a lawyer in the ABC comedy movie for television Jury Duty. Under her own production banner she co-produced and co-starred in an original stage play, Seacliff California. Jacklyn was a frequent guest on some of television's top talk and game shows. Her appearances include Good Morning America, Oprah, Donahue, Live With Regis & Kathie Lee, The Rosie O'Donnell Show, The Merv Griffin Show, Hollywood Squares, Family Feud, and Wheel of Fortune. Jacklyn hosted a popular cable special profiling the Men of Daytime and co-hosted a series of specials for EPCOT Magazine, on location in Florida with Michael Young, for the Disney Channel. |
posted 5/11/2023 |
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WEDNESDAY: Game Night Returns |
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In the latest TV show ratings, NBC's #OneChicago was the most watched block of the night, while the Peacock and the Alphabet were neck and neck in the demo. NBC's Chicago Med (5.451m/0.40), Chicago Fire (5.946m/0.44), and Chicago PD (4.869m/0.45) were collectively the most watched block of the night... The CW's The Flash (388k/0.06) and Riverdale (203k/0.0.04) both dropped from last week. |
posted 5/4/2023 |
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More on "TUF 31" |
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The highly anticipated return of The Ultimate Fighter could be the biggest in the show's history, as former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion Conor McGregor and No. 5 ranked lightweight contender Michael Chandler go head-to-head as coaches. The show will feature a dynamic cast consisting of both returning veterans and up and coming prospects in the men's bantamweight (135 lbs.) and lightweight (155 lbs.) divisions, who have put everything else in their lives aside for the chance to pursue their UFC dreams. The entire 12-episode season of TUF 31 will be available exclusively on ESPN and ESPN+ , with one episode dropping each Tuesday beginning May 30 at 10pm ET/7pm PT. |
posted 5/4/2023 |
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Let's Get Rolling: Pros vs. Joes |
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For the first time in the show's history, The Great Food Truck Race is pitting industry pros against talented up-and-coming rookies in a David vs. Goliath battle of the best food on wheels. Hosted by Tyler Florence, nine teams from across the country with specialties ranging from Jamaican tacos to modern Pakistani street food to elevated vegan dishes must prove their culinary expertise, marketing savvy and selling skills in action-packed challenges to beat their rivals and stay in the race. Los Angeles has long led the food truck movement, and this season's action takes place right in the center of the industry's booming business. Kicking off with all nine teams showcasing a dish that defines their business, the race then hits the baseball field to serve Little League players and their families with a visit from LA Dodgers player Mookie Betts. Other challenges include using Chef Antonia Lofaso's well-known restaurant dishes as inspiration for their own menus, creating social media content to draw crowds and cooking for guest judges Chef Jet Tila, Chef Joe Sasto and last season's winner, Señoreata's Evanice Holz. All the action culminates in a head-to-head finale where only one team is awarded a life-changing $50,000 grand prize. The Great Food Truck Race: David vs. Goliath premieres with a supersized episode on Sunday, June 18th at 8pm ET/PT on Food Network. "This season's unique twist really delivers and while you may think the food truck pros have the advantage, the energy and talent of the up-and-coming rookies make for a level playing field - it's anyone's race!" said Betsy Ayala, Head of Content, Food, Warner Bros. Discovery. "Los Angeles is the perfect backdrop this season, there's no city more competitive for food trucks and only the strongest will survive." The pro teams competing are: Da Bald Guy - Honolulu, Hawaii (James Martin, Missy Rabaino, Ali'i Pukahi); Lisa's Creperie - Atlanta, Georgia (Lisa Thiffault, Ally Marlow, Miranda Moore); D'Pura Cepa - Miami, Florida (Jose Carnot, Janshanic Santos, Louis Del Rio Rubio) and Paisani - Boston, Massachusetts (Ryan Palmer, Matthew Minichiello, Tommy Southwick). Food truck first-timers are: 2 Girls Jamaican Tacos - Brooklyn, New York (Shelly Flash, Bri Labossiere, Elijah McPhie); 4 Hens Creole Kitchen - St. Louis, Missouri (Brandi Artis, Brittany Artis, Zendrix Berndt-White); Khana - Detroit, Michigan (Maryam Khan, Al Jane, Jake Nielsen); The Block - Indianapolis, Indiana (Terry Anthony, Carl Harris, Crystal Kilgore) and The Easy Vegan - Denver, Colorado (Taylor Herbert, Alexi Mandolini, Matt Heikkila). |
posted 5/4/2023 |
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Thursday Lightning Round |
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The network will opt for stability at the start of the 2023-24 season — whenever that may be — with four nights (Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday) unchanged from the current season. Wednesdays will once again feature unscripted stalwarts Survivor and The Amazing Race, but they'll expand to 90 minutes each for the fall and thus eliminate the need for a third show to fill out the night. The move helps protect the CBS schedule in the event that the current writers' strike continues into and through the summer, when writers' rooms on network shows are normally in full swing. The last writers' strike in 2007-2008 lasted 100 days, and there is belief among some that the current work stoppage could go even longer. Fans — and many in production — have long clamored for extended Survivor episodes. CBS has experimented in the past by occasionally airing 90-minute installments and two episodes back-to-back in a two-hour block. On Sept. 28 last fall, the network gave a preview of things to come by airing 90-minute episodes of Survivor and The Amazing Race together. The 35th season of The Amazing Race, which will air in the fall, was shot last year, while Survivor 45 is currently filming in Fiji. While both shows always have plenty of extra material — Survivor shoots 24 hours a day — it will be interesting to see if there are any format changes to either series to account for the extra time now available on screen. For example, will Survivor start staging more reward challenges now that they have approximately 20 more minutes of non-commercial time to play with? CBS will air Super Bowl LVIII in February 2024 and has scheduled the Justin Hartley drama Tracker (formerly The Never Game) to premiere after the most watched telecast of the year. Poppa's House, a comedy starring Damon Wayans Sr. and Damon Wayans Jr., is also set for midseason. Because again, this year's network upfronts announcements are pretty much just what's on paper. The reality of it all will depend on a lot of things, including how long the strike lasts. Every network has its own contingency plans; at CBS, that could include a mix of repeats (procedurals like "NCIS" still do well in reruns, just ask Netflix), as well as "new to you" shows from CBS Studios that have previously aired on Paramount+ ("Star Trek" night, anyone?), international acquisitions and unscripted fare. In the reality department, CBS has a lot on the shelf that it may bring out this fall should the scripted shows not be ready. That includes new seasons of "Tough as Nails" and "Lingo," as well as primetime editions of "The Price is Right" and "Let's Make a Deal." Also ordered: "Buddy Games" and "Lotería Loca." CBS also has the "Big Brother" machine. |
posted 5/10/2023 |
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According to Network research projections, CBS will finish the 2022-2023 season as "America's Most-Watched Network" in primetime for the 15th consecutive season. This ties broadcast television's longest winning streak on record, also held by CBS from 1955-1970. This will also be CBS' 20th win in the last 21 years. The Network has also been #1 in daytime for 37 straight years, #1 in late night for six consecutive years and is #1 among African American viewers. CBS' winning season features the #1 broadcast series/drama (NCIS), the top broadcast new series/drama (FIRE COUNTRY), top comedy (YOUNG SHELDON), top news program (60 MINUTES) and 14 of the top 20 primetime series. The Network is currently averaging 5.97 million viewers, +582,000 ahead of second place NBC (versus 5.39m), third place ABC (4.09m) and FOX (4.63m). All numbers are according to Nielsen most current ratings through Sunday, April 30. CBS is the #1 broadcast network in primetime among African American viewers with eight of the top 10 most-watched series, two of the top three dramas (#1 THE EQUALIZER and #3 FBI) and the top two comedies (#1 THE NEIGHBORHOOD, #2 BOB (HEARTS) ABISHOLA). ABC (3.398 million viewers, 2.2/6 HH (2.663 million households), 0.36/3 A18-49 rating/share) (0.469 million adults 18-49) Jeopardy! Masters led the alphabet with 5.486 million viewers (0.54/5 A18-49) rating/share (0.709 million adults 18-49). Judge Steve Harvey opened season 2 with 2.699 million viewers (0.359 million adults 18-49). NBC's (1.930 million viewers • 1.3/4 HH (1.566 million households) • 0.32/3 A18-49 rating/share (0.414 million adults 18-49)) combination of Night Court (2.420 million viewers, 0.36/4 A18-49), Lopez vs. Lopez (1.568 million viewers, 0.29/3 A18-49), The Wall (1.951 million viewers, 0.33/3 A18-49), and The Weakest Link (1.844 million viewers, 0.30/3 A18-49) was good enough for fourth. Fox (2.507 million viewers • 1.5/4 HH (1.914 million households) • 0.32/3 A18-49 rating/share (0.415 million adults 18-49)) came in third with a combination of 9-1-1: Lone Star (3.372 million viewers • 2.0/6 HH (2.527 million households) • 0.42/4 A18-49 rating/share) and Accused (1.613 million viewers • 1.0/3 HH (1.280 million households) • 0.21/2 A18-49 rating/share) Rounding out the night on the CW (0.451 million viewers • 0.3/1 HH (0.386 million households) • 0.10/1 A18-49 rating/share) are new episodes of Superman & Lois (0.552 million viewers • 0.4/1 HH (0.452 million households) • 0.11/1 A18-49 rating/share) and Gotham Knights (0.351 million viewers • 0.3/1 HH (0.320 million households) • 0.09/1 A18-49 rating/share). |
posted 5/10/2023 |
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The CW Network today unveiled its slate of original scripted and unscripted programming debuting on the network in Summer 2023. The family comedy Run the Burbs from award-winning Kim's Convenience star Andrew Phung and featuring a talented and diverse ensemble cast, will make its U.S. debut on The CW later this summer, the company said. The dramedy Moonshine, about dysfunctional siblings battling for control of their family business also joins the network's scripted slate. The legal drama Family Law, starring Jewel Staite and Victor Garber, returns for a second season, and comedy series Bump will deliver more laughs in its second season. New summer unscripted programs include the four-part docuseries Greatest Geek Year Ever: 1982, chronicling a classic moviegoing year in pop culture, and the cooking competition Recipe for Disaster. Additionally, The CW will feature the broadcast television debut of Down to Earth with Zac Efron, following the Emmy-winning actor's travels around the world, and premiere new seasons of returning series Great Chocolate Showdown and Mysteries Decoded. Airdates and times for all these series will be announced at a later date. |
posted 5/10/2023 |
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Disney+, Hulu to Consolidate |
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Disney will roll out a single streaming app with programming from Hulu and Disney+ by the end of this year. CEO Bob Iger announced the move during the company's fiscal second quarter earnings call, describing it as a "logical progression of our DTC offerings." Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ will continue to be available as stand-alone services, he noted. The three have been offered as a discount-priced bundle since 2020, with the combo helping to drive subscriber acquisition across all of the services. Iger also said the company would be "rationalizing" the volume and investment in streaming content, though he didn't offer specific details. Pricing, he said, would also be increasing along with the new consolidation plan. CFO Christine McCarthy said the company would take a $1.5 billion to $1.8 billion impairment charge related to content cuts and other streamlining in the company's streaming operation. |
posted 5/10/2023 |
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USA Wants the "D" |
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As it turns out, USA Network really wants The Big D. The cabler has picked up the dating competition series after it was scrapped at TBS last year, TVLine has reported. The Big D is set to premiere on Wednesday, June 14, at 10/9c, following the return of Temptation Island. Hosted by Bachelorette alumni JoJo Fletcher and Jordan Rodgers, the series follows recent divorcees as they search for romance in paradise, with one catch: Their exes are along for the journey. Over the course of a few weeks, 10 divorced couples will stay in a tropical villa in Costa Rica to re-learn how to date and search for love amongst a group of other single divorcees — and that includes their ex. The group will participate in revealing relationship "EX-ercises" designed to help the singles form connections, make peace with their former partners, and finally get over the issues holding them back from dating. In each episode, one person "who isn't relationship material" will be eliminated. The Big D was previously shelved at TBS just weeks ahead of its proposed debut last July. "We're assessing our schedule to ensure we have the right content mix to support our network strategies," a TBS/TNT rep told Deadline at the time. "We are grateful to JoJo Fletcher, Jordan Rodgers, and the executive producers of Big D for their partnership through the process." Additionally, USA Network has ordered an as-yet-untitled unscripted project, which is billed as a "new immersive experiment that reflects modern social dynamics in a 2.0 house reality series." |
posted 5/10/2023 |
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More on ... the Match |
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Jeopardy! hosts Ken Jennings and Mayim Bialik are used to asking the questions, but that won't be the case next month when they compete against one another on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune. That's right, Jennings and Bialik will appear on the rival game show on Wednesday, May 10, where they will battle one another and Wheel of Fortune co-host Vanna White, who, for the first time ever, will be "calling the letters instead of revealing them." Filling in for her at the big letter board will be host Pat Sajak's daughter Maggie. This much-anticipated Wheel special will air at 9 pm on ABC following Jeopardy! Masters, the brand new prime-time tournament, which premieres on May 8. |
posted 5/10/2023 |
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MONDAY: "Masters" of Our Domain |
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"Jeopardy! Masters," produced by Sony Pictures Television and hosted by "G.O.A.T." Ken Jennings, is the latest iteration of America's Favorite Quiz Show(R)️. On May 8, the first episode of the new Jeopardy! Masters special series will air, starting a new 10-episode tournament featuring six of the best players in the show's history competing for $500,000 and a "Trebek Trophy." The six contestants—Amy Schneider, Andrew He, James Holzauer, Matt Amodio, Mattea Roach, and Sam Buttrey—will play by most of the same basic rules the show has had for years. However, avid viewers will notice one thing's different, as this time around the show will briefly reveal, only to the audience, where the Daily Double answers are on the big board. "This is something we're trying out with Masters," former Jeopardy! champion and current host Ken Jennings told WISN Channel 12 Milwaukee News. "We noticed it's very fun in the studio that we know where the Daily Doubles are because we can see the contestants get close; sometimes they veer away at the wrong time. It's a little bit like a big game of Battleship." In the latest TV show ratings, ABC's Jeopardy! Masters premiere led Monday in the demo, while CBS' NCIS copped the night's largest audience. Jeopardy! Masters debuted to 5.6 million total viewers and a 0.6 rating, besting any Monday American Idol audience this season and matching the singing show in the demo. NBC's The Voice (5.3 mil/0.5) ticked up in the demo week-to-week, while That's My Jam (2.4 mil/0.3) was steady. Fox's ABC-bound 9-1-1 (4.3 mil/0.4) dipped in the demo. Fantasy Island added some eyeballs (rising to 1.8 mil) while posting its 12th 0.2 rating in 13 episodes, which was still not enough to avoid the axe. The Neighborhood (4.7 mil/0.4) and Bob Loves Abishola (4.3 mil/0.3) both dipped in the demo, while NCIS (6.5 mil/0.4) and NCIS: Hawaii (4.8 mil/0.3) were steady. THe CW's All American (470K/0.1) was up 15% viewers. On cable (totals/A18-45)... |
posted 5/9/2023 |
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SUNDAY: Domination |
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In the latest TV show ratings, ABC's American Idol dominated Sunday in the demo, while CBS' 60 Minutes and The Equalizer delivered the night's two largest audiences. AFV (with 4 million total viewers and a 0.4 demo rating) was down, while American Idol (5.4 mil/0.7) was steady week-to-week. On-the-bubble The Company You Keep ended its freshman run with a possible audience low (barely 2.1 mil) while steady with a 0.3 demo rating (its fifth out of 10 episodes). Leading out of 60 Minutes (7 mil/0.5), The Equalizer (6.2 mil/0.4), newly-canceled East New York (4.9 mil/0.3) and NCIS: Los Angeles (4.4 mil/0.3) were all steady. NBC's The Blacklist (1.7 mil/0.2) dipped to a new audience low. Fox's The Simpsons drew 770K and a 0.2, followed by The Great North's 590K/0.2. Family Guy's season finale, airing in an earlier time slot, slipped to at least season lows of 750K/0.2. Housebroken closed out Fox's night with 610K and a 0.2. |
posted 5/8/2023 |
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FRIDAY: CBS on Fire |
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In the latest TV show ratings, Fox's SmackDown led Friday in the demo, while CBS' Blue Bloods copped the night's largest audience. Friday Night SmackDown (with 2 million viewers and a 0.5 demo rating) ticked down week-to-week. Freshly cancelled (and then un-cancelled) SWAT (4.6 mil/0.3) slipped to its second-smallest audience of at least the season and also dipped in the demo. Fire Country (5.1 mil/0.3) tied its smallest audience and hit a demo low. Blue Bloods (5.4 mil/0.3) drew its second-smallest audience of at least the season but held steady in the demo. ABC's Shark Tank (3 mil/0.3) was steady. The CW's Penn & Teller (540K/0.1), Whose Line (430K/0.1) and The Great American Joke Off (310K/0.1) each shed some viewers. |
posted 5/8/2023 |
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Project Runway All-Stars Announces Guest Judges |
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Project Runway is celebrating 20 years of the reality competition series with an "All-Stars" edition set to premiere on Thursday, June 15 at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo. The network announced that the premiere will be two parts and you can watch a preview of the upcoming season in the video posted below. Returning as judges are Nina Garcia, Brandon Maxwell and Elaine Welteroth with Christian Siriano set as a mentor. In Season 20, fourteen of the most beloved designers from across the 19 seasons of the show will return and have a shot at winning the competition. Guest judges that will appear throughout the season include Alicia Silverstone, Billy Porter, fashion designer Zac Posen, CEO & founder of "alice + olivia" Stacey Bendet, creative director of Carolina Herrera Wes Gordon, actor, producer and Emmy Award-winning writer Lena Waithe, image architect and celebrity stylist Law Roach and 90210 alum Jennie Garth. Other guest stars include Paulina Porizkova, designer Sergio Hudson, Julia Fox, designer Willy Chavarria, Below Deck and The Traitors star Kate Chastain, The Real Housewives of New York City star Luann de Lesseps, designer Batsheva Hay, Emmy-winning actor Coleman Domingo and Steven Kolb, CEO of Council of Fashion Designers of America. The "All-Stars" are competing for a prize of $250,000 and a mentorship with the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) and a feature in Elle magazine. |
posted 5/9/2023 |
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HEY YAHOO! will premiere Monday, June 12 at 8 p.m. ET on Game Show Network and air weekdays. In "Hey Yahoo!" two teams of three players each compete to guess what millions of people are searching for on Yahoo Search. Contestants are given the first half of a search, and then have to fill-in-the-blank based on what they think America is searching for. For each correct answer, the dollar value of that answer is added to the team's bank. At the end of three rounds of play, the team with the most money wins and will go on to the bonus round for a chance to add an extra $10,000 to their winnings."Hey Yahoo!" is produced by Game Show Enterprises Studios for Game Show Network with Rane Laymance serving as executive producer and Brian Provost as executive producer for Yahoo. Al Hassas of Sweet Lemons, LLC and Dean Tempest of Big Potato Limited also serve as executive producers. |
posted 5/8/2023 |
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Sprechen sie "Love Is Blind"? |
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Netflix is set to give its hit reality series "Love Is Blind" a German-language adaptation. The format makeover, currently in production, will bring together singletons in Germany, Austria and Swiss who have signed up for a less conventional approach to modern dating. Netflix is rolling off the success of "Too Hot To Handle: Germany." As part of the format, 30 singles begin this 10-episode show by talking to potential partners without being distracted by the other person's appearance. They then propose to their chosen partner and only then see their fiancé for the first time. Back in the real world, couples will try to complement their emotional bond with a physical one as they plan their wedding day together. Netflix is once again working with its German production partner Redseven Entertainment and both companies are currently casting for the series. The original U.S. version of the show, produced by Kinetic Content, premiered on Netflix in 2020 and has become a global hit. The fourth season released in April 2023 and the format has also been adapted outside the US in Brazil, Japan and is currently in the works in Sweden and the UK. The show was originally created and executive produced by Chris Coelen, whose credits include "Perfect Match" and "Spy Games." |
posted 5/8/2023 |
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Bill Saluga, the comedian best known for his cigar-smoking, zoot-suit-wearing character Raymond J. Johnson Jr. and his famous catchphrase "You can call me Ray…," has died. He was 85. The comedy legend passed away on March 28 in hospice care in Los Angeles after spending eight months in the hospital, his friend Bill Minkin told The Hollywood Reporter. His death was said to be caused by complications of heart failure and arthritis. Born on September 16, 1937, in Youngstown, Ohio, Saluga started out as a doorman at The Bitter End nightclub in New York before taking to the stage as part of the improv comedy group Ace Trucking Company. The group, which featured George Memmoli, Michael Mislove, Patti Deutsch, and Fred Willard, found success in the 1960s and 70s, even appearing on Tom Jones' 1971 ABC variety special. Saluga's most popular character was Raymond J. Johnson Jr., who began his sketches with his trademark line, "You can call me Ray, or you can call me Jay, or you can call me…" He would then continue to list every possible permutation of his name before ending with "…but you doesn't has to call me Johnson." Saluga was a panelist on "The Hollywood Squares" in 1977. |
posted 5/8/2023 |
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Monday Lightning Round |
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Changes are coming to eight CW stations that are owned by CBS. Employees at the stations were told this morning that, beginning in September, the stations will drop their affiliation with The CW and go independent. When the change goes into effect, Paramount will own 14 CBS-branded stations and 13 independent stations. According to Wendy McMahon, president and co-head of CBS News and Stations, the company will program the stations with content from elsewhere in the Paramount portfolio, and will also strategically pursue sports deals, similar to the deal Scripps made this week to air Las Vegas Golden Knights hockey games, or Gray TV's deal with the Phoenix Suns. "We look forward to reimagining these stations as independents while leveraging the considerable value of their prime-time real estate in each of the markets," McMahon said in a statement. "It's an exciting time to look at new opportunities to add local programming, including live sports, and shows from across the Paramount Global brands. We are also grateful to have been part of The CW for 17 memorable years and wish our partners at Nexstar continued success." As McMahon noted, The CW is now owned by the local TV giant Nexstar, with Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery each retaining a small, 12.5 percent stake (though Nexstar has an option to buy out their stakes next year). Nexstar is pursuing a different strategy of lower-cost originals, while leaning into its own ownership of local CW stations. Among other programming, Nexstar cut a deal with LIV Golf for its CW stations, though the CBS-owned stations opted not to carry the matches, likely owing to the company's close relationship with the PGA Tour. The eight CW stations that are going independent are: WPSG Philadelphia (DMA #4), WUPA Atlanta (DMA #6), KBCW San Francisco (DMA #10), KSTW Seattle (DMA #12), WTOG Tampa-St. Petersburg (DMA #13), WKBD Detroit (DMA #14), KMAX Sacramento (DMA #20) and WPCW Pittsburgh (DMA #26). |
posted 5/5/2023 |
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THURSDAY: Call Me Canceled |
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Looks like Call Me Kat's nine lives are up at Fox. The network announced Friday that it would not be moving ahead with a fourth season. "We are very proud of Call Me Kat, but, unfortunately, the audience response to it was not as strong as we had hoped," a statement from Fox read. "We are thankful for our partnership with Warner Bros. Television, That's Wonderful Productions, Sad Clown Productions, BBC Studios, Mayim Bialik, Jim Parsons and the entire cast and crew for their work and dedication to Call Me Kat." Call Me Kat, which starred Bialik, Cheyenne Jackson, Swoosie Kurtz, Kyla Pratt, Julian Gant, and the late Leslie Jordan, was based on the BBC UK original series Miranda. Created by Darlene Hunt, it followed Bialik's Kat, a 39-year-old single woman who decides to leave her job as a professor at the University of Louisville and use the money her parents had been saving for her wedding to open a cat-themed cafe. The news of the series' cancelation after three seasons comes after a hard year for the show, which saw the loss of Jordan in October. The actor died at 67 after suffering a "sudden cardiac dysfunction" that caused him to crash his vehicle into a building in Los Angeles. In the latest TV show ratings, there was a three-way tie for the Thursday demo crown, while CBS' Young Sheldon drew the night's biggest audience. Also, at least three shows hit demo lows, while another two posted their smallest audiences ever. Station 19 (with 3.7 million total viewers and a 0.5 demo rating) and Grey's Anatomy (3 mil/0.4) each dropped some eyeballs yet held steady in the demo, though Grey's is looking at a new audience low. Young Sheldon (6.9 mil/0.5), Ghosts (6.2 mil/0.5) and CSI: Vegas (3.1 mil/0.3) were all steady in the demo, whereas So Help Me Todd (4.7 mil/0.3) dipped. The CW's Walker (510K/0.1) ticked down to a new audience low; 100 Days to Indy (220K/0.1) improved a bit on its debut. NBC's Law & Order (4 mil/0.3) and SVU (4.2 mil/0.4) both dipped to demo lows, while Organized Crime (3 mil/0.3) was steady. |
posted 5/5/2023 |
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More on "Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge" |
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Celebrity Guest Judges Anthony Anderson, WWE Superstar Big E, Terry Crews, Sung Kang, Jay Leno and Joel McHale will help to determine the winners of NBC's epic new car makeover competition show "Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge," premiering Tuesday, May 30th at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. The rotating celebrity guests will each join host Rutledge Wood and resident experts Dalal Elsheikh, designer for the Ford Motor Company, and Hertrech "Hert" Eugene Jr., car culture influencer, on an episode throughout the season, where they will review the epic car transformations and crown a winner. "Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge" revs up to give passionate car lovers and Hot Wheels(R) superfans the opportunity of a lifetime - turning a nostalgic car from their past into the life-sized Hot Wheels of their dreams. Hosted by car afficionado Rutledge Wood, each episode will invite two superfans into the Chrome Zone, where they will face off in transforming an ordinary vehicle into an extraordinary Hot Wheels showstopper, inspired by personal stories and pop culture touchstones. Working alongside a team of automotive magicians known as "The Car Pool," the two superfans will create their designs in high-tech, decked-out garages. The winner of each episode will take home $25,000 and the chance to get into the finale, where three lucky finalists will transform another car in hopes of winning a legendary prize - an additional $50,000 and the honor of having their build made into an official Hot Wheels die-cast car. Jay Leno joins the finale episodes and will have a hand in determining the transformation that will be made into an official Hot Wheels die-cast car. Ted Wu, Global Head of Design for Mattel's Vehicles division, also joins the finale, offering unmatched Hot Wheels expertise as a winner is selected. · The winning "Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge" die-cast car will be available for purchase on Mattel Creations, Mattel's collector and direct-to-consumer platform immediately following the finale. |
posted 5/5/2023 |
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"Outchef'd" In |
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Talented home cooks get the shock of their lives in the twelve-episode second season of Outchef'd, premiering Thursday, June 15th at 9:30pm ET/PT on Food Network. In each episode hosted by Eddie Jackson, a confident home cook arrives thinking they are entering an audition - but to their surprise, it's "lights, cameras, action" as they are immediately ushered into a head-to-head culinary battle against a renowned world-class chef. After an ingredient-themed cooking round, Eddie hits the streets to find four regular folks for a blind tasting panel that will determine the winner. To level the playing field between the competitors and pros, the home chef only needs to receive one vote to win a $5,000 prize. In the premiere episode, a home cook is stunned when Eddie Jackson gives them the chance to face off against celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito and the entrepreneur will have to wow the judges to get that one coveted vote to keep Rocco from taking the win. Elite chefs competing against home cooks this season are: Eric Adjepong, Kelsey Bernard Clark, Tiffani Faison, Darnell Ferguson, Alex Guarnaschelli, Robert Irvine, Antonia Lofaso, Joe Sasto and Geoffrey Zakarian. "Capturing the mind-blowing moment these home cooks find out they are heading straight to set to battle a culinary superstar is such fun - and the action only heightens from there," said Betsy Ayala, Head of Content, Food, Warner Bros. Discovery. "They have all watched cooking competitions and thought they have what it takes to win - and in Outchef'd, we actually find out if they do!" Viewers can head to Food Network's social pages to relive unforgettable moments from the competition and hear from the chefs about their best culinary tips for home cooks. Fans can also join weekly Twitter parties @FoodNetwork and follow the conversation using #OutChefd. Outchef'd is produced by Frank for Food Network. |
posted 5/5/2023 |
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More on "Deal or No Deal UK's" Reboot |
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Deal or No Deal has a brand-new look ahead of its return on ITV, with the gameshow returning to our screens later this year. The original series ran from 2005 - 2016 with Noel Edmonds at the helm, as he oversaw contestants trying to negotiate with the banker and open the right boxes, in order to take home a huge cash prize. With the revamped series right around the corner, ITV has released a brand new logo for the program, featuring a neon red box framed by red and gold text and plenty of sparkles. It's a very different look for Deal or No Deal, with the original logo having a blue background and a red box in the middle, with a question mark between the show's title. |
posted 5/5/2023 |
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CBS has ordered the Jaime Camil game show Loteria Loca. The series is based on the Latin board game of chance known as Loteria. Camil will be host and executive producer. From Mexico, he's an actor and singer. His TV credits include Jane the Virgin, where he portrayed Rogelio. "As soon as the Unscripted team and I heard the pitch from Jaime and the producers, we were immediately sold on Loteria Loca," said Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment. "This is a fresh new take on the game show format and a fun, lively addition to our lineup. Jaime Camil's incredible charisma and passion for this project make him the perfect host to engage viewers and bring this show to life." In each episode, two players go head-to-head and take turns picking cards to get four-in-a-row, which is Lotería. Each time a card appears on their bingo-style card, they bank money. Landing on one of the "Loca Cards" gives players the opportunity to bank even more cash by competing in interactive challenges. The player who gets the most "Loterías" on their board the fastest moves on to the final round for a chance to win the cash prize. "I grew up playing Lotería with my family and friends back in México. I could say, without a shadow of a doubt, that every single Mexican family owned (and still owns) a Lotería game," said Camil. "Even though this board game, which is similar to bingo, is still played and owned by millions of people around the globe, it's something that resonates even more with every single Latinx person, because it helps connect with our heritage and emotional memories. There are restaurants, clothes, accessories, etc, all with Lotería designs; I mean, it's just massive!" Loteria Loca was created by Jeff Apploff, Aaron Solomon and Alejandro Trevino. The series is produced by Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in association with Warner Horizon and Apploff Entertainment. Apploff, Camil, Mike Darnell, Dan Sacks, Bridgette Theriault and Solomon are executive producers, and Apploff is showrunner. Trevino is co-executive producer. "As a Mexican American, it means the world to be producing, alongside game show-producing legend Jeff Apploff, and hosting a show that will entertain and connect so powerfully with everyone in the U.S., but especially because it will resonate tremendously with an underserved audience," added Camil. |
posted 5/5/2023 |
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More on "Stars on Mars" |
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FOX announces the 12 fearless celebrities who will pack their bags and prepare for launch to the red planet as crew members on Stars on Mars, an out-of-this-world new unscripted series, premiering Monday, June 5 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. This summer, professional athletes, reality world megastars, triumphant entrepreneurs, renowned television and film actors, uproarious comedians and trailblazing entertainers will colonize, compete and conquer "Mars" until there is one victorious space invader, who will claim the title of "the brightest star in the galaxy." Celebrities will ditch their jerseys, business suits and red carpet gowns for the ultimate attire - an astronaut suit. Once on "Mars," this group of stars will receive interstellar assignments from legendary actor and Star Trek icon William Shatner, who serves as Mission Control. Colonizing Mars could be our future... let's send them first! Meet the 12 crewmates joining Stars on Mars: |
posted 5/4/2023 |
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WEDNESDAY: One Big Farewell |
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In the latest TV show ratings, CBS' Survivor led Wednesday in the demo, while NBC's Chicago Fire drew the night's largest audience. ABC's The Conners (with 3.7 million viewers and a 0.4 demo rating) was steady, The Goldbergs' series finale (2.6 mil/0.3) drew its best audience since Jan. 18, Not Dead Yet (2 mil/0.3 and 1.7 mil/0.2) was steadyish with a season-ending double pump, and A Million Little Things (1.9 mil/0.2) drew its best audience since March 15. Back from a month-long break, Chicago Med (5.7 mil0.5), Fire (6 mil/0.5) and P.D. (4.9 mil/0.5) were all down in viewers. Fire also dipped in the demo, but P.D. ticked up. The CW's The Flash (450K/0.1) slipped to its second-smallest audience of the final season, whereas Riverdale (220K/0.1) rose in both measures. Survivor (4.7 mil/0.6) dipped, and True Lies (2.1 mil/0.2) slipped to an audience low. Fox's Masked Singer (3.3 mil/0.5) and Farmer Wants a Wife (2.1 mil/0.3) were steady. |
posted 5/4/2023 |
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Battle on the Beach Returns |
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Hit HGTV competition series Battle on the Beach heads to vacation hotspot Gulf Shores, Alabama, when it premieres Sunday, June 4, at 9 p.m. ET/PT with six fresh episodes. Three skilled teams of up-and-coming home renovators coached by celebrated mentors and design experts Taniya Nayak (Build it Forward), Ty Pennington (Rock the Block) and Alison Victoria (Windy City Rehab) will work nonstop to complete weekly renovation challenges across three seaside homes - but, this year, there's a twist. All three properties have two bedrooms and two bathrooms, yet they are not identical. One house is 200-square- feet larger than the others, so the teams will go head-to-head in a kick-off challenge to determine which property they will overhaul. With just six weeks and a tight $90,000 budget, Taniya, Ty and Alison will help their teams complete stunning room transformations while expert judges Bryan and Sarah Baeumler (Renovation Island) and a team of local real estate experts ultimately determine which team adds the most value to their shorefront escape to clinch the $50,000 cash prize. |
posted 5/4/2023 |
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"Million Dollar Island" Heads to EMEA |
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Saudi Arabia-based broadcaster MBC is launched Ard Al-Million (Million Dollar Land), am Arab remake of Dutch format Million Dollar Island. MBC Group will produce the show from Neom, the Saudi smart city, in partnership with Blue Engine Studios. The "high-stakes social experiment" will see 100 Arab contestants compete for $1M through a series of mental and physical challenges. Each is given a bracelet worth $10,000, which can be won or lost on various tasks. Actor and host Mohamed El Shehri will present and the show will go out on MBC1 and MBC Iraq. A U.S. version of the show was shelved last year ahead of production for budgetary reasons. The format comes from John de Mol's Talpa. |
posted 5/4/2023 |
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Thursday Lightning Round |
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Gladiators Ready! |
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Gladiators 2023 has revealed the first two superhumans who will be taking part in the popular reality competition series when it returns to our screens. The iconic show is back and bigger than ever, with plenty of exciting things to look forward to when Gladiators 2023 kicks off later this year. Fans have been waiting patiently for updates, and The One Show exclusively announced the first two superhuman gladiators on Wednesday, May 3. The first is Fury, with her name being inspired by her power and passion for competition. Her real name is Jodie Ounsley, she's a professional Exeter Chiefs Rugby Player, as well as a former England Women's Rugby Seven's player, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu British Champion, and five times World Coal Carrying champion. Her father was a contender on the 2008 season of the show and she's keen to outdo him when she takes on the role. Speaking about the opportunity, Jodie said: "Watching Gladiators growing up I was always in awe of their strength and power and now I am one! I hope contenders are ready to feel the Fury." Meanwhile, the second superhuman is Steel, whose real name is Zack George. His gladiator name is inspired by his strength, as he won the title of the UK's Fittest Man in 2020. As well as this, he's a CrossFit star and ranked number 26 out of a whopping 126,461 on the global CrossFit leaderboard. Zack said: "I was inspired by the Gladiators as a child, but never imagined I'd be physically fit enough to be considered a 'superhuman'! I hope a new generation of fans will look up to me as their new strong, unbreakable hero, Steel." It's been a big week for Gladiators 2023, as they have also announced the hosts of the upcoming series. The BBC has confirmed that Bradley Walsh and his son Barney would be taking on presenting duties for the new series. In a statement, Bradley said: "Wow! I can't believe that I've been asked to be part of this iconic show. I used to sit backstage, or in the audience, every week watching my wife be part of this juggernaut and now I get to co-host a new version of GLADIATORS!!! Saturday night family entertainment at its best...ARE YOU READY ?!" |
posted 5/3/2023 |
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TUESDAY: ABC Jumps Up |
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In the latest TV show ratings, and with CBS' #TheFBIs in rerun mode, ABC's The Rookie season finale led Tuesday both in total audience and in the demo. The Rookie ended Season 5 with 4.2 million total viewers and a 0.5 rating, marking a three-episode high in audience and also up an uptick in the demo. On-the-bubble The Rookie: Feds (2.9 mil/0.3) closed its freshman run with its best audience since Jan. 31 and also ticked up in the demo; grade the season below. Will Trent (3.2 mil/0.3) wrapped Season 1 with a three-episode high in audience while steady in the demo. The CW's Superman & Lois (670K/0.1) grew to its third-largest audience of the season thus far, whereas Gotham Knights (340K/0.1) slipped to a new low. Fox's 9-1-1: Lone Star (3.5 mil/0.4) and Accused (2 mil/0.2) both added viewers while steady in the demo. NBC's Night Court (3 mil/0.3) and The Wall (1.9 mil/0.2) dipped, while Lopez vs. Lopez (1.9 mil/0.2) and Weakest Link (1.9 mil/0.3) were steady. |
posted 5/3/2023 |
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Lucy Worsley Is Puzzling |
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Channel 5 has announced a brand new quiz show, dedicated to testing contestants' problem-solving genius. Provisionally titled Puzzling, the series will be hosted by broadcaster and historian Lucy Worsley in Channel 5's primetime schedule. A teaser shares: "At the start of each episode, six super smart strangers are split into two teams of three. The two teams try to accrue the most points through their powers of puzzling deduction. "Every area of our player's mind will be tested across five puzzling rounds – In Other Words (language), Pressure Points (calculation), Rule Breakers (lateral thinking), Picture This (visual intelligence) and Memory Bank (memory). "Then, in a dramatic plot twist, the winning team turn on each other to be named the 'Best of the Best' and earn a place in the series Grand Final where the ultimate puzzler will be crowned." Lucy Worsley said: I'm delighted to be taking on the role of puzzle-mistress in this brand-new quiz show. I've spent most of my career finding answers to historical questions so getting to ask the questions is going to be an exciting new adventure for me, I can't wait to get puzzling! Daniel Pearl , Commissioning Editor, Unscripted, Channel 5 and Paramount+ added: "Britain is a nation of puzzlers and bringing the best puzzling minds together with some challenging, play-along-at-home brain teasers in this brand new format will be fantastic fun. With Lucy and her incredible knowledge at the helm, Puzzling is in great hands." |
posted 5/3/2023 |
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Back to the Network Floor |
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It's out with the new, in with the old for Dancing With the Stars' upcoming season. The reality competition series will return to its original home on ABC for the forthcoming Season 32 after a brief streaming-only stint on Disney+ last fall. Per Vulture, which was first to report the news, Season 32 will air live weekly on ABC, but will also stream live on Disney+ at the same time. ABC declined to comment. Dancing With the Stars had aired on ABC since its premiere in 2005, and its relocation to Disney+ for Season 31 came as a surprise. TikTok star Charli D'Amelio and pro dancer Mark Ballas emerged victorious from Dancing's lone Disney+ cycle. The move back to ABC is one of several changes ahead for the show: As reported in March, Tyra Banks has stepped down as host after three seasons, and Dancing vet Julianne Hough will now serve as co-host alongside Alfonso Ribeiro. Meanwhile, longtime pro dancers Ballas and Cheryl Burke have retired from the series ahead of Season 32. Judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli will all return for the next season; it remains to be seen if the show will replace former head judge Len Goodman, who retired at the end of Season 31 and sadly passed away in April after a battle with bone cancer. |
posted 5/3/2023 |
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Jock Zonfrillo's Family Backs "Masterchef" Return |
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Jock Zonfrillo, the colorful and controversial chef and TV personality who died suddenly on Sunday, is to be honored on air with twin broadcasts this weekend on Australia's Network Ten. A new season of "MasterChef," the reality TV show on which Zonfrillo was a judge, will now launch on Sunday evening, the broadcaster said on Wednesday. The show was due to have begun airing on Monday, but transmission was postponed as news of Zonfrillo's sudden death was digested by the industry and public. The network said that it had the Zonfrillo family's blessing for the move. "With the full support of Jock Zonfrillo's family, MasterChef Australia will air at 7.30pm on Sunday, 7 May," Network Ten said in a statement. The delayed show will be preceded by a special edition of "The Sunday Project," a long-running talk show. With contributions from friends he held closely, "The Sunday Project" will "honor [Zonfrillo] by reflecting on his personal and professional life in what the broadcaster described as "a celebration of his incredible achievements." " 'MasterChef Australia' judge Jock Zonfrillo took great pride in challenging and coaching the contestants and of course inspiring a nation of home cooks," said the broadcaster in a statement. "It is with Jock in our hearts that we cherish this season and remember the charismatic and big-hearted judge and chef who we knew and loved. Jock will be remembered in the 'MasterChef Australia' kitchen for years to come." |
posted 5/3/2023 |
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Today, Roku, the #1 TV streaming platform in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, hosted its second in-person IAB NewFront at the Chelsea Factory in New York City. During the presentation, Roku highlighted several new Roku Original titles that will debut in the 2023-2024 broadcast year. Newly announced series include "Charlie Makes a Record" (wt) starring Charlie Puth; "Celebrity Family Cook Off" (wt) hosted by Manolo Gonzalez Vergara and executive produced by Sofia Vergara; "Carpe DM with Juanpa" starring and executive produced by Juanpa Zurita; "Side Hustlers" featuring Emma Grede and executive produced by Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine in association with Ally; and the first-of-its-kind food competition show "Special Delivery," which gives audiences the opportunity to immediately enjoy the winning dishes from the show. Additionally, Roku revealed that it has renewed several series for new seasons. Roku Original "Honest Renovations," hosted and executive produced by Jessica Alba and Lizzy Mathis, will return for a second season. Roku will also partner with Hello Sunshine and Cinestar Pictures once again to build onto its "Meet Me" franchise. The second installment of the reality rom-com, "Meet Me in Rome," will follow a new group of single women looking for love like in the movies. "The Great American Baking Show" will also return for a second season, and Roku will bring audiences its second "The Great American Baking Show: Celebrity Holiday" special, featuring a new lineup of celebrity bakers, this holiday season. |
posted 5/2/2023 |
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F(all)Boy Island |
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F-un, F-ancy and F-antastic! The CW Network has picked up the critically-acclaimed reality dating franchise FBOY ISLAND, it was announced today by Heather Olander, Head of Unscripted Programming, The CW Network. Produced by STXtelevision and Elan Gale ("The Bachelor" franchise), a new season of FBOY ISLAND hosted by F-abulous comedian and actress Nikki Glaser ("One Night with Nikki Glaser") will air on The CW in Fall 2023. Additionally, the franchise will add a brand new spinoff series, FGIRL ISLAND, also hosted by Glaser. Both series will go into production back-to-back this summer, with FGIRL ISLAND slated for a midseason debut. The first two seasons of FBOY ISLAND became a pop culture sensation and have been hailed by critics as a "f-ing tour de force" (Vanity Fair), "reality dating television at its finest" (W Magazine), a "compelling and clever masterpiece" with "smart execution" (TIME) and "an unpredictable and sexy breath of fresh air" with a "refreshing dose of self awareness and humor" (Insider). The series was also nominated for a prestigious DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Reality Programs in 2023. "With its innovative and modern twist on the reality dating genre, incredibly talented host Nikki Glaser, and truly unforgettable title, FBOY ISLAND on The CW is a perfect match," commented Olander. "Along with our partners at STXtelevision, we look forward to growing the franchise on The CW with the gender-flipping spinoff FGIRL ISLAND and cannot wait to introduce the next generation of FBoys and FGirls to existing fans as well as a new broadcast audience." "I'm so damn excited that my favorite reality TV show is coming back," said host and executive producer Nikki Glaser. "It's icing on the cake that I get to host it again. I hope I forget everything that happens while I make the show so that I can relive it all when it airs. I couldn't be prouder to have my name on such a hilarious, captivating and ridiculous show." "STXtelevision is thrilled to partner with The CW in giving FBOY ISLAND a wonderful new home," said Jason Goldberg, Chief Creative Officer of STX Digital/New Media Group and Alternative Content. "What's more, we'll be expanding the fan-favorite franchise with the launch of the highly anticipated FGIRL ISLAND, which will be just as exciting, hilarious and outrageous. To date, FBOY ISLAND has original local formats in Sweden, Spain, Holland, Denmark, New Zealand, Australia, Portugal, and the UK. The best in the FBOY and FGIRL ISLAND universe is yet to come." |
posted 5/2/2023 |
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MONDAY: Beginning of the End |
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In the latest TV show ratings, ABC's American Idol led Monday in the demo, while CBS' NCIS copped the night's biggest audience. American Idol (with 4.7 million total viewers and a 0.5 demo rating) dipped week-to-week, while The Good Doctor (3.8 mil/0.3) hit a new season high in viewers with its finale. NBC's The Voice (4.8 mil/0.4) dipped week-to-week, while That's My Jam (2.2 mil/0.3) was steady. Fox's ABC-bound 9-1-1 (4.1 mil/0.4) ticked down, while Fantasy Island (1.6 mil/0.2) was steady heading into next week's finale. The Neighborhood (5 mil/0.4) and Bobishola (4.7 mil/0.4) both added viewers, with the latter also ticking up in the demo. NCIS (6.6 mil/0.4) and NCIS: Hawaii (4.7 mil/0.3) each dropped a handful of eyeballs whilst steady in thine demos. The CW's All American (410K/0.1) went from last week's second-best audience of the season to its second-smallest audience of the season. Huh. |
posted 5/2/2023 |
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Romania Gets on The Floor |
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After a successful run in the Netherlands and major broadcast commissions from France and Spain, Talpa's extraordinary quiz show The Floor has found its next home in Romania. The quiz show will be produced and broadcast by Kanal D Romania, part of Dogan Media International. The show is set to air - weekly, primetime - in the fall of 2023. Further information about the production will be communicated by Kanal D Romania officials soon. The Floor's first season in the Netherlands scored impressive ratings on RTL4, with an average market share of 24% in the key demo. The local #1 SVOD platform, Videoland, obtained the second window, and The Floor was the most-watched entertainment show on their platform. More announcements are to be expected soon. Sebastian van Barneveld, Talpa's Director of International Distribution is thrilled to see the format travel even further and at such a high pace. 'The Floor's flexible arced structure ensures all markets can localize and enjoy this high stakes combination of strategy, gameplay and knowledge' Clara Bomboe, Programming and Strategy Director of Kanal D Romania, adds: 'We are very excited to have The Floor among our formats. We are constantly investing in quality content and we are already trendsetters on the smart quiz and game show segments, with some successful productions. We believe we can enter another level with the spectacular and dynamic The Floor. We'll have an experienced internal production team work on the project'. |
posted 5/2/2023 |
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Gordon Lightfoot, the folk singer-songwriter known for "If You Could Read My Mind" and "Sundown" and for songs that told tales of Canadian identity, died Monday. He was 84. Representative Victoria Lord said the musician died at a Toronto hospital. His cause of death was not immediately available. One of the most renowned voices to emerge from Toronto's Yorkville folk club scene in the 1960s, Lightfoot recorded 20 studio albums and penned hundreds of songs, including "Carefree Highway," "Early Morning Rain" and "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." In the 1970s, Lightfoot garnered five Grammy nominations, three platinum records and nine gold records for albums and singles. He performed in well over 1,500 concerts and recorded 500 songs. He toured late into his life. Just last month he canceled upcoming U.S. and Canadian shows, citing health issues. "We have lost one of our greatest singer-songwriters," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted. "Gordon Lightfoot captured our country's spirit in his music – and in doing so, he helped shape Canada's soundscape. May his music continue to inspire future generations, and may his legacy live on forever." Lightfoot was in the audience of "Canadian Idol" in 2004, serving as a mentor on that season. |
posted 4/27/2023 |
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Guest Judges to Invade Idol Sunday |
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Alanis Morissette and Ed Sheeran are helping Luke Bryan hold down the fort at American Idol on Sunday. The pair will be guest judges on the singing competition show, filling in for Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, who will be in the UK for the coronation of King Charles III. But not to worry, the pair will still make an appearance from Windsor Castle, according to ABC. Morissette will also be a mentor to the remaining contestants, as they will perform one of her songs live on stage. The contestants will also pair up to perform duets of Sheeran's hits. Both singers will also take the stage themselves to perform. Morissette will perform one of her hits, while Sheeran will give viewers an exclusive performance of his new single. American Idol airs live coast to coast on Sunday, May 7 from 8 to 10 p.m. EDT/5 to 7 p.m. PDT on ABC. |
posted 5/2/2023 |
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Tuesday Lightning Round |
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Jock Zonfrillo, a Scottish TV presenter and former chef, known for his recent role as a judge on "MasterChef Australia," has died suddenly. He was 46. Zonfrillo died on April 30 in Melbourne, TV broadcaster Network Ten said in a statement on Monday. No cause of death was disclosed. The network was due to begin screening a new season of the show with Jamie Oliver as a guest judge. The broadcaster said that "MasterChef Australia" will not air this week. "With completely shattered hearts and without knowing how we can possibly move through life without him, we are devastated to share that Jock passed away yesterday," said Zonfrillo's family in a statement carried as part of a Network Ten news release. "So many words can describe him, so many stories can be told, but at this time we're too overwhelmed to put them into words. For those who crossed his path, became his mate, or were lucky enough to be his family, keep this proud Scot in your hearts when you have your next whisky." Zonfrillo was born in Glasgow to an Italian father and a Scottish mother and obtained an apprenticeship at The Turnberry Hotel at 15 years of age. By 17 he was working alongside Marco Pierre White at his eponymous Restaurant Marco Pierre White. After moving to Australia, Zonfrillo opened Bistro Blackwood and Restaurant Orana in Adelaide, with the latter winning significant culinary awards. "In 2019, Jock was named as a judge on MasterChef Australia in which he took great pride in challenging and coaching the contestants and of course inspiring a nation of home cooks," Network Ten said. He led a colorful and controversial life. In 2002, he set fire to an apprentice in his restaurant, apparently for working too slowly. Damages were awarded by a court, but he was declared bankrupt in 2007, after failing to pay. Other controversies surrounded his Orana Foundation (intended to preserve historic cooking techniques) and the bankruptcy of the two Adelaide restaurants. Zonfrillo published a memoir in 2021, "Last Shot." Shortly after, the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper debunked many of its claims and descriptions, including stories of drug use. It quoted White as saying: "Jock is not a bad man. He has a natural intellect and is very nice. The only problem is that almost everything he has written about me is untrue." Zonfrillo was married three times and reportedly met his third wife, Lauren Fried, via Twitter. "Jock was known to Australians as a chef, best-selling author, philanthropist and MasterChef judge but he will be best remembered as a loving father, husband, brother and son," said Network Ten. "Jock's charisma, wicked sense of humor, generosity, passion and love for food and his family cannot be measured. He will be greatly missed." "Jock was an extraordinary man. He was a wonderful colleague and friend, and we feel very privileged to have had him play such an important and impactful role in MasterChef. Despite all his notable professional milestones, nothing brought him more joy or happiness than his family. Our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time," said Beverley McGarvey, executive VP, Paramount ANZ, the owner of Network Ten. "We are shocked and extremely saddened by the news of Jock's passing. Jock was an incredible talent, not just as a renowned chef, but as someone who could bring joy into the homes of people in Australia and around the world in his role as judge on MasterChef Australia," said Peter Newman, CEO of Endemol Shine Australia, the show's producer. "On set he was loved by the team and his passion for food and the show was infectious. He was also a brilliant champion for the contestants on MasterChef, always wanting the very best for them." |
posted 4/27/2023 |
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Freevee Looks for The GOAT |
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Grab your roses, tiki torches, dancing shoes, passports, wigs, and whisks, and ready your game face, because the search for the "greatest reality show contestant" of all time is on! Today, Amazon Freevee announced the series greenlight, host, and celebrity cast for a hilarious new reality competition series called The GOAT. The show will feature some of the buzziest names from the last 25 years of reality television, who will take up residence in GOAT Manor, where they will face a series of mental, physical, and social challenges. Fourteen will enter, but only one will win the cash prize and America's respect as they claim the coveted GOAT title. Comedian Daniel Tosh (Tosh.0) is confirmed to host the series. The series started production last month in Atlanta. The celebrity cast is: |
posted 5/1/2023 |
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... and Mocks the Week |
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Today, ahead of its presentation at the 2023 Amazon NewFront, Amazon Freevee announced a series pickup for a U.S. version of the long-running UK television hit series Mock the Week. Originally created by BAFTA Award-winning executive producers Dan Patterson and Mark Leveson (Whose Line Is It Anyway?), the half-hour comedy program combines the best elements of panel shows, stand-up comedy, and improvised games, with two teams of comedians taking a satirical swipe at current news, pop culture, and world events. Emmy-winning comedian Trevor Noah (The Daily Show) will executive produce the U.S. series with Patterson. Production on the series will begin in 2024. The host will be announced at a later date. "Two things I'm most passionate about in life are paying my landlord and making people laugh. We could all use a little bit more laughter as we continue to navigate today's crazy world," said Trevor Noah, executive producer. "By bringing Mock the Week to America with the talented Dan Patterson, I'm looking forward to doing just that." "After 21 successful seasons on the BBC, we can't wait to bring the format to the U.S. and work with America's deep pool of brilliant comedians," said Dan Patterson, executive producer. "For years, Mock the Week delivered a witty spin on the news - entertaining a broad cross-section of the UK audience through funny conversations, one-liners, and improv comedy. In one episode, you can catch up on weekly headlines, hear multiple points of view on a topic, and find your next favorite stand-up comedian," said Lauren Anderson, head of AVOD Originals, unscripted, and targeted programming, Amazon Studios. "We are thrilled to expand our comedic slate on Amazon Freevee, with this much-needed series from Dan Patterson and Trevor Noah, two enormously talented producers with the exceptional ability to marry laughter and learning." The U.S. version of Mock the Week will be executive produced by Dan Patterson, Trevor Noah, Mark Leveson, Norman Aladjem, Sanaz Yamin, Derek Van Pelt, and Rob Lee. The series is produced by Angst Productions, Day Zero Productions, Mainstay Entertainment, and Amazon Studios. The UK version of Mock the Week aired new episodes for nearly two decades from 2005-2022. The show and its performers were nominated for several awards, including the BAFTA Awards, British Comedy Awards, and National Television Awards. |
posted 5/1/2023 |
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SUNDAY: And Then There Were 10 |
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In the latest TV ratings, ABC's American Idol dominated Sunday in the demo, while CBS' 60 Minutes easily clocked in with the night's biggest audience. The Time 100 special (with 2.5 million viewers and a 0.4 rating) drew a markedly smaller audience than your typical AFV. Idol (5.1 mil/0.6) dipped week-to-week, while "bubble" drama The Company You Keep (2.2 mil/0.3) ticked up in the demo ahead of next Sunday's finale. 60 Minutes did 6.8 mil and a 0.4. Leading out of Carol Burnett birthday special and Magnum P.I. reruns on NBC, The Blacklist posted its fourth-best audience of the season so far (1.9 mil) and its ninth 0.2 rating in 10 episodes. (Note: The Blacklist is confirmed to be moving to Thursdays effective June 1.) Fox's The Simpsons did 850K and a 0.2, followed by The Great North (640K/0.2), Bob's Burgers (830K/0.3) and Family Guy (910K/0.3). |
posted 5/1/2023 |
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The British Password Is... |
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ITV has announced an exciting new game show called Password with applications now open. The broadcaster is introducing yet another game show into their schedules. The show, which has already found success in the US, sees two teams attempt to convey mystery words to each other. A celebrity and regular contestant will work together to guess the word correctly using only single-world clues. If they are successful, they'll scoop a cash prize jackpot. Casting is now underway for the new series, with filming expected to take place in June. Password previously aired in the US on network CBS in the 60s before moving to rival station ABC in the 70s. Over the years the show has been revived and rested before NBC brought it back in 2022. |
posted 5/1/2023 |
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Spain Hits The Floor |
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Spain's Atresmedia has commissioned a weekly primetime version of Talpa's new quizshow format The Floor, to be produced locally by Mediacrest. Created by Holland's Talpa Concepts and distributed by Talpa Distribution, the format has already aired on RTL4 and SVoD service Videoland in the Netherlands, while Eureka Productions is working on a US adaptation. In The Floor, 100 quiz fanatics face off in quiz duels on a giant LED floor divided into 100 equal squares, each representing its own field of knowledge. The goal is to conquer the entire floor and take home a cash prize. |
posted 5/1/2023 |
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Monday Lightning Round |
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THURSDAY: With the First Pick in the 2023 NFL Draft... |
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In the latest TV ratings, ABC's NFL Draft coverage dominated Thursday in the demo while CBS' Young Sheldon easily drew the night's biggest audience. NFL Draft coverage averaged more than 4 million total viewers along with a 0.9 demo rating. Young Sheldon (7 mil/0.5), Ghosts (6.2 mil/0.4) and So Help Me Todd (4.7 mil/0.3) all added viewers, though Ghosts dipped in the demo. The Late Late Show's Carpool Karaoke special closed out the night with 3.7 mil and a 0.3. NBC's Law & Order (3.8 mil/0.3) drew its second-smallest revival audience and hit a demo low. SVU (4.3 mil/0.5) was steadier, but Organized Crime (3.1 mil/0.3) hit a demo low. Back from a month-long break, the CW's Walker (560K/0.1) dipped to an audience low. 100 Days to Indy debuted to 210K and a 0.0 (which does look like car tires!). Fox's Next Level Chef (1.7 mil/0.3) and Call Me Kat (1 mil/0.2) dipped, but Animal Control (1 mil/0.2) held steady. |
posted 4/28/2023 |
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Back in the 1% Club |
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UK commercial broadcaster ITV has renewed original gameshow format The 1% Club, hosted by Lee Mack and produced by Magnum Media, for a third season. Season three will see double the number of episodes, going from eight to 16, with Christmas specials planned for this year and 2024. BBC Studios distributes the format internationally and has already sold it to France, Germany, Spain, Netherlands, Israel and Australia. |
posted 4/28/2023 |
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Daytime TV personality Jerry Springer has died at the age of 79. A family spokesperson tells us that Springer died at his home in Chicago, Ill., after a "brief illness," surrounded by his family. His publicist tells People that he died of pancreatic cancer. "Jerry's ability to connect with people was at the heart of his success in everything he tried whether that was politics, broadcasting or just joking with people on the street who wanted a photo or a word," family spokesman Jene Galvin said in a statement. "He's irreplaceable and his loss hurts immensely, but memories of his intellect, heart and humor will live on." Producer NBCUniversal said in a statement, "Jerry Springer was much more than a talk show host who redefined television. He was a savvy politician, pop cultural icon, and devout and loyal friend who was most proud when he spoke up for the marginalized and unrepresented. He connected equally with both the powerful and the man on the street. Strangers would open up to him and he loved nothing more than to give them a voice. We deeply mourn his loss and are fortunate to have been partners in a career that was truly astounding and a life that emulated the very best of us." Springer was best known for his long-running, eponymous talk show, which ran for 27 years before ending in 2018. Debuting way back in 1991, Jerry Springer became notorious for its provocatively lowbrow topics and frequent on-screen fistfights. (The show's bouncer, Steve Wilkos, even landed his own talk show in 2007.) Springer became synonymous with trash TV and soared in the ratings, even topping daytime titan The Oprah Winfrey Show during one late-'90s stretch. More than 3,800 episodes aired, each ending with Springer's "Final Thought" on the chaos that preceded it. A year after Jerry Springer's end, Springer returned to daytime TV with the syndicated courtroom show Judge Jerry, which ran for three seasons and ended in 2022. Additional TV credits included a two-season stint as host of NBC's America's Got Talent, Game Show Network's Baggage, & the UK version of Greed, as well as turns as a contestant on Season 3 of ABC's Dancing With the Stars (finishing in fifth place) and Season 8 of Fox's The Masked Singer (competing as the Beetle). Prior to becoming a TV star, Springer worked as a lawyer for 15 years, having received his law degree in 1968 from Northwestern University. He also had a career in politics, and served as the mayor of Cincinnati from 1977 to 1978. After his time in politics, he went on to become a news anchor and commentator for WLWT before becoming the host of "Jerry Springer" in 1991. He is survived by his wife, Micki Velton, to whom he had been married since 1973, and a daughter, Katie. Funeral services and a memorial gathering are currently being developed. To remember Jerry, the family asks that in lieu of flowers you consider following his spirit and make a donation or commit to an act of kindness to someone in need or a worthy advocacy organization. |
posted 4/27/2023 |
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More on "Drag Race All-Stars" |
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RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars is revving up for quite the season. On Thursday, the guest judges for Season 8 were revealed. The lineup includes Maude Apatow, Brandon Boyd, Zooey Deschanel, Thom Filicia, Javicia Leslie, Idina Menzel, Ego Nwodim, Matt Rogers, Adam Shankman, JoJo Siwa, Robin Thede and Bowen Yang. And, of course, mainstay judges Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, Ross Mathews and Ts Madison are returning. Along with the slate of guest judges, a trailer for the upcoming season also shows a new twist that will allow eliminated Queens another chance to win. For the first time in Drag Race herstory, RuPaul is giving viewers the power to crown their own queen. During Untucked and online, the season's eliminated queens will Ru-veal their runway looks in the hopes of earning fans' votes. In addition to the $200,000 winner of All Stars, chosen by Ru, the show will also crown a "Queen of the Fame Games," who will earn a not-too-shabby $50,000 based on how viewers vote throughout the season.. The 12 queens returning to the runway in hopes of snatching the crown are Alexis Michelle, Darienne Lake, Heidi N Closet, Jaymes Mansfield, Jessica Wild, Jimbo, Kahanna Montrese, Kandy Muse, LaLa Ri, Monica Beverly Hillz, Mrs. Kasha Davis, and Naysha Lopez. RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars will begin streaming on Paramount+ with two new episodes on May 12. The queens will compete for a spot in the "Drag Race Hall of Fame"' along with a cash prize of $200,000. New episodes of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars: Untucked will premiere alongside Season 8 to bring viewers behind the scenes to the backstage drama as the queens anxiously await their fate each week. Additionally, "Queen of the Universe" judges Vanessa Williams and Michelle Visage were on-hand at the finale to unveil an exclusive look of the world's most talented queens battling it out for global domination in the first-ever international drag singing competition - further building anticipation of the show's second season on Friday, June 2, exclusively on Paramount+. Highlights from the "RuPaul's Drag Race" Season 15 finale included: · Celebrity guest judge Orville Peck took the stage to sing "Built on Drag" from "Wigloose: The Rusical" with Leland, the resident composer for "RuPaul's Drag Race." The duo were joined by this season's queens who helped deliver a moving rendition of the song. · Two-time "RuPaul's Drag Race" winner Jinkx Monsoon (season 5 and All Stars season 7) surprised fans with a performance of "When You're Good To Mama" from the long-running Broadway musical "Chicago," in which she made herstory as the first drag queen to play Matron "Mama" Morton. · RuPaul honored legendary fashion designer Bob Mackie with the first-ever "Giving Us Lifetime Achievement Award" and played a video tribute to celebrate the icon. |
posted 4/27/2023 |
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WEDNESDAY: I'm So Glad We Had This Time Together |
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In the latest TV ratings, CBS' Survivor dominated Wednesday in the demo, while NBC's birthday party for Carol Burnett easily drew the night's biggest audience. Survivor (with 5.1 million total viewers and a 0.7 rating) dipped week-to-week, as did "bubble" drama True Lies (2.7 mil/0.2). Carol Burnett: 90 Years of Laughter + Love averaged 7.3 million viewers, but just a 0.4 demo rating. The CW's The Flash (547K/0.1) rose to its fourth-best audience of the season, whereas Riverdale (190K/0.0) slipped to a new audience low. Fox's The Masked Singer (3.2 mil/0.5) and Farmer Wants a Wife (2.2 mil/0.3) were both pretty steady. ABC's The Conners (3.2 mil/0.4), The Goldbergs (2 mi/0.3) and Not Dead Yet (1.6 mi/0.3) all drew audience lows and matched demo lows. The penultimate A Million Little Things (1.7 mil/0.2), however, was steady. |
posted 4/27/2023 |
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I Can See Hungary's Voice |
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Leading entertainment company CJ ENM's 'I Can See Your Voice' expands its footprint, being commissioned in Hungary. The show is scheduled to be broadcast on TV 2, one of Hungary's most popular TV channels, in Fall of 2023. 'The Good Wife', 'NCIS', 'The Desperate Housewives', and 'Joey' are just a few of the many famous shows that premiere on TV2. Viewers can anticipate a total of five episodes filled with lively performances and the thrill of guessing which is unique to 'I Can See Your Voice'. Gábor Fischer, programing director of TV2 Media Group, said that 'I'm happy that after 29 countries the worldwide phenomenon format I can see your voice is coming to the market leader TV2 in Hungary'. Diane Min, Head of Format Sales at CJ ENM, added 'We are thrilled about the new commission deal in Hungary, and the fact that 'I Can See Your Voice' is gaining traction not just in Europe, but as a representative format globally. Its continuous success worldwide is an impressive accomplishment, and we look foward to its future growth'. 'I Can See Your Voice' is also coming back with its 5th season in the Netherlands, proving its continuance in popularity. Its new season 5 produced by WBITVP Netherlands will be available officially in RTL4. The program first aired in Netherlands in October 29th, 2020. Since then, the program's one and only format has continued to induce viwers of all age groups. |
posted 4/27/2023 |
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Sony Music Entertainment and Sony Pictures Television launched "This Is Jeopardy! America's Favorite Quiz Show," a new podcast that goes behind the scenes of the long-running game show hosted by former "Jeopardy!" champion and guest host Buzzy Cohen. The podcast, which premiered Wednesday (April 26) promises listeners "an exciting journey through the history of the quiz show," featuring notable guests including contestants and producers. "I am so excited for the opportunity to give listeners a never-before-seen look at the show," Cohen, who won the "Jeopardy!" 2017 Tournament of Champions, said in a statement. "This is Jeopardy!" is produced by Somethin' Else and Sony Music Entertainment. Lizzie Jacobs, Tom Koenig and Sarah Kramer are the executive producers; Mia Warren is senior producer; and Julia Doyle and Sylvie Lubow are producers. |
posted 4/26/2023 |
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Len Goodman, the former Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing with the Stars judge, has died. He was 78. Goodman's agent confirmed his April 22 death and said he had "died peacefully, surrounded by his family" in hospital. Goodman was a popular judge on the BBC's smash entertainment format Strictly Come Dancing from its inception in 2004 until 2016, where he became well known for his light-hearted enthusiasm and witty banter. He was replaced by Shirley Ballas in 2016. Goodman was simultaneously head judge on Strictly Come Dancing's U.S. version Dancing with the Stars, taking on that role from 2005 until last year, when he announced he would be retiring during the semi finals of the show to spend more time with his family back in the UK. He was born April 25, 1944, in London and was a professional dancer in the decades prior to his TV work, winning numerous awards. Alongside Strictly Come Dancing, Goodman made multiple TV appearances including hosting the likes of Len Goodman's Dance Band Days and Len Goodman's Perfect Christmas on the BBC. He also hosted BBC One's Holiday of My Lifetime and most recently made a surprise appearance on Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks. Tributes from the broadcasting world flooded in. BBC Director General Tim Davie called Goodman a "wonderful, warm entertainer who was adored by millions." "Len was at the very heart of Strictly's success," he added. "He will be hugely missed by the public and his many friends and family." Goodman's fellow Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood wrote: "I've just woken up to the sad news that my gorgeous colleague and dear friend Len Goodman has passed away. My heart and love go out to his family." Dan Walker, a former BBC Breakfast host, hailed Goodman as "an incredible man and an extraordinary talent," adding that he would "never forget the little tips he would send every week on Strictly." "Len Goodman will always be an icon in the world of ballroom dance," according to a statement on DWTS' official Instagram account. "We were lucky to have him as part of our 'Dancing with the Stars' family for 31 seasons. He was warm and caring, and always delivered genuine guidance." "You will always be my perfect 10," added fellow DWTS judge Bruno Tonioli. Carrie Ann Inaba, who has also judged DWTS since its debut, posted a video montage of fond memories with Goodman on Instagram, calling him a "special soul" and "treasured friend." "Saying goodbye at the end of last season broke my heart," Inaba wrote. "But today's news has shattered it all over again. I can't believe that you're gone. You were one of a kind my dear friend. And I will cherish our memories and hold them close, while I join so many others in mourning your loss." Disney CEO Bob Iger called him a "special soul." Former DWTS host Tom Bergeron posted a collage in tribute to his late cohost over the years with the caption "A Good Man, indeed. �� #rip," he wrote in the caption. Strictly host Claudia Winkleman added, "I'm so sad about Len. He was one of a kind, a brilliant and kind man. Full of twinkle, warmth and wit. Sending all love to his family and friends." "I was on the show quite a bit" to stop by and support the Bachelor and Bachelorette stars competing on the show, former "Bachelor" host Chris Harrison shared on his podcast, adding that he "spent a lot of time with the judges. I knew Carrie Ann Inaba very well and got to meet Len and spend a lot of time with him. We'd be at ABC events, just always such a kind, good man. Just a gentleman. Always a smile on his face, a twinkle in his eye, always light on his step. He looked and carried himself like a dancer." Goodman is survived by his wife Sue Barrett and son James Goodman. |
posted 4/26/2023 |
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TUESDAY: Everything's New Again! |
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In the latest TV show ratings, there was a four-way tie for the nightly demo win, while CBS' FBI copped Tuesday's biggest audience. ABC's The Rookie (with 3.4 million total viewers and a 0.3 rating) and the still-on-the-bubble Feds (2.4 mil/0.2) both dipped in the demo to match their series lows. The recently renewed Will Trent (2.6 mil/0.2) similarly hit a demo low, with quite an eventful episode. CBS's FBI (6.6 mil/0.4), International (5.4 mil/0.4) and Most Wanted (5 mil/0.4) were all steady in the demo, with the first two also adding viewers week-to-week. NBC's Night Court (2.8 mil/0.4) ticked up in the demo, Lopez vs Lopez (1.6 mil/0.2) was a bit down from its Friday averages in its Tuesday debut, The Wall (1.9 mil/0.3) was flat and Weakest Link (1.9 mil/0.3) ticked up. The CW's Superman & Lois (610K/0.1) dropped some eyeballs, whereas Gotham Knights (430K/0.1) added some with arguably its best episode thus far. Fox's 9-1-1: Lone Star (3.2 mil/0.3) dipped to at least season lows, while Accused (1.7 mil/0.2) was steady. |
posted 4/26/2023 |
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Prime Goes All-In on Live Video in Spain |
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Amazon Prime Video is moving into live content in Spain later this year with the launch of Operación Triunfo, one of the most successful talent shows in the country. The show, which is being produced by Banijay Iberia's Gestmusic, had been a flagship program for pubcaster RTVE from 2001 to 2003 and from 2017 to 2020. It was also part of Telecinco's schedule from 2005 to 2011, making Prime Video the third home for Operación Triunfo. David Bisbal, Aitana or Edurne are some of the singers who were born on the show, with the 12th edition also available in Latin America via Prime Video. The streamer will offer weekly live galas, as well as access via a YouTube channel. "We've been listening to the fans and we will [revive] this iconic show. Prime Video is always looking for innovative and emotional content and Operación Triunfo is a great example," said Óscar Prol, head of unscripted originals at Amazon Studios in Spain. The company also talked up its ability to host live content, with Prol adding that "we already offer live sports and music events in other territories." Netflixmade headlines last week after it tried but failed to live stream a special around Love Is Blind. |
posted 4/26/2023 |
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Wednesday Lightning Round |
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Slotomania Partners with the Feud |
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Slotomania, the world's #1 free-to-play slots game* from Playtika, has teamed up with Family Feud, the smash-hit American TV show, to bring the excitement of the classic TV game show to its players with the first-ever free-to-play Family Feud slot machine! Slotomania is a pioneer in the free-to-play social casino-themed game industry, with millions of monthly active users, and much like Family Feud, has become known for bringing people together to create fun and exciting moments to look forward to every day. To reflect its player-focused outlook, Slotomania is tapping into its tight-knit community of over 13M social media followers as part of the campaign and will feature five lucky winners on the very first Family Feud in-game slot machine which will incorporate some of the show's iconic Q&As. To add extra fun, the new slot machine will be joined by an in-app avatar of Family Feud's legendary host, the one-and-only Steve Harvey. As well as the new celebrity avatar and themed free–to–play slot machine, Slotomania will incorporate other iconic elements of the popular game show into its gameplay, including a Slotomania special Family Feud Super Cup competition, exclusive Family Feud stickers in the Clans Chat feature, new themed mini-games, and a special Family Feud live activity hosted on Slotomania's social platform. The partnership will also see Slotomania integrated into the Family Feud TV show, the first feature of its kind for the Emmy-award-winning game show. The on-air appearances will launch on April 18 and will continue throughout the year. |
posted 4/25/2023 |
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"Barbecue Showdown" to Refire |
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Barbecue Showdown is back, and the competition is bigger, and blazing hot! Eight of the best barbecuers from across the country will have to master the flame in an open fire playground, and create mouth-watering, boundary-pushing barbecue, for a $50,000 prize. Actress and comedian Michelle Buteau serves as host, and joins world-class BBQ judges Melissa Cookston and Kevin Bludso to crown the next great pitmaster. Barbecue Showdown Season 2 premieres May 26th, only on Netflix. |
posted 4/25/2023 |
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Meet the New Eyes Behind Big Brother UK |
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ITV's rebooted Big Brother has landed AJ Odudu and Will Best as hosts. A teaser unveiling the pair can be seen below. The duo will share the iconic hosting role on the main show previously occupied by Davina McCall, presiding over the weekly evictions and quizzing housemates on all of the goings on in house over six weeks. The duo will also host an additional nightly live show. ITV revealed it would be rebooting Big Brother last year and the network is now the third channel to have hosted the show in the UK, following Channel 4 and Channel 5. Big Brother airs around the world in numerous territories and is produced by Banijay-backed Initial in the UK, helmed by reality vet Natalka Znak, who recently joined Banijay. |
posted 4/25/2023 |
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MONDAY: Meet the Top 12 |
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In the latest TV show ratings, ABC's American Idol led Monday in the demo, while NBC's The Voice (just barely) scored the night's biggest audience. American Idol (with 4.7 million total viewers and a 0.6 demo rating) ticked up week-to-week. The Good Doctor hit a season high in audience (3.7 mil) while steady in the demo (0.3). The Voice (5 mil/0.5) was steady week-to-week, while That's My Jam (2.4 mil/0.3) dipped. Fox's 9-1-1 (4.4 mil/0.5) and Fantasy Island (1.9 mil/0.2) were both steady in the demo, though the latter rose to, like, its fourth-largest audience of the season. The CW's All American (602K/0.1) surged to its second-largest audience of the season. |
posted 4/25/2023 |
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SUNDAY: Hawai'i Showcase |
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In the latest TV show ratings, ABC's AFV and American Idol tied for the Sunday demo win, while CBS' 60 Minutes clocked in with the night's largest audience. AFV (with 4.7 million total viewers and a 0.6 rating) ticked up in the demo, while Idol (5.1 mil/0.6) was steady week-to-week. Leading out of 60 Minutes (7.2 mil/0.4), The Equalizer (6.3 mil/0.4), East New York (4.8 mil/0.3) and NCIS: Los Angeles (4.1 mil/0.3) were all steady in the demo, with East New York also gaining viewers week-to-week. NBC's Magnum P.I. with its midseason finale slipped to its second-smallest audience of Season 5A (barely 3 mil) while posting its third 0.2 rating in four episodes. The Blacklist (1.7 mil/0.2) was steady. Fox's The Simpsons drew 910K and a 0.3, followed by The Great North (710K/0.2), Bob's Burgers (750K/0.2) and Family Guy (850K/0.2). |
posted 4/25/2023 |
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Harry Belafonte, the civil rights and entertainment giant who began as a groundbreaking actor and singer and became an activist, humanitarian and conscience of the world, has died. He was 96. Belafonte died Tuesday of congestive heart failure at his New York home, his wife Pamela by his side, said publicist Ken Sunshine. With his glowing, handsome face and silky-husky voice, Belafonte was one of the first Black performers to gain a wide following on film and to sell a million records as a singer; many still know him for his signature hit "Banana Boat Song (Day-O)," and its call of "Day-O! Daaaaay-O." But he forged a greater legacy once he scaled back his performing career in the 1960s and lived out his hero Paul Robeson's decree that artists are "gatekeepers of truth." Belafonte stands as the model and the epitome of the celebrity activist. Few kept up with his time and commitment and none his stature as a meeting point among Hollywood, Washington and the civil rights movement. Belafonte not only participated in protest marches and benefit concerts, but helped organize and raise support for them. He worked closely with his friend and generational peer the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., often intervening on his behalf with both politicians and fellow entertainers and helping him financially. He risked his life and livelihood and set high standards for younger Black celebrities, scolding Jay-Z and Beyoncé for failing to meet their "social responsibilities," and mentoring Usher, Common, Danny Glover and many others. In Spike Lee's 2018 film "BlacKkKlansman," he was fittingly cast as an elder statesman schooling young activists about the country's past. He often appeared on episodes of "What's My Line?" from 1955 to 1966. Belafonte is survived by his wife; children Adrienne Belafonte Biesemeyer, Shari Belafonte, Gina Belafonte and David Belafonte; and two stepchildren Sarah Frank and Lindsey Frank. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Rachel Blue Biesemeyer, Brian Biesemeyer, Maria Belafonte McCray, Sarafina Belafonte, Amadeus Belafonte, Mateo Frank, Olive Scanga and Zoe Frank. |
posted 4/25/2023 |
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Ginnie Newhart, the wife of famed comedian Bob Newhart who came up with the innovative idea for how to conclude his Vermont-based sitcom by combining with it with his earlier Chicago-based show, has died. She was 82. She died Sunday at their home in Century City after a long illness, publicist Jerry Digney told The Hollywood Reporter. She and Bob recently celebrated their 60-year wedding anniversary. In one of the most admired series finales in TV history, Newhart winds up with a cheeky scene in which Dick wakes up in the middle of the night as Bob Hartley — he's in bed with Pleshette in their Chicago apartment — suggesting that his entire second series had been a dream. The idea for the ending came to Ginnie during a Christmas party that Pleshette happened to be attending. On Twitter, Newhart actress Julia Duffy wrote that Ginnie "gave me the best advice in everything from decorating to childbirth and children and yes, husbands. I loved her." One of three daughters, Virginia Lillian Quinn was born in New York on Dec. 9, 1940. Her dad was prolific character actor Bill Quinn, who started out in vaudeville. He went on to portray Mary Richards' father on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, the blind bar patron Mr. Van Ranseleer on Archie Bunker's Place and the father of Leonard "Bones" McCoy (DeForest Kelley) in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989). He was married to Mary Catherine Roden for 54 years until his 1994 death. Ginnie and Bob were set up on a blind date by comedian Buddy Hackett (Ginnie was baby-sitting Hackett's kids at the time). "Buddy came back one day and said in his own inimitable way, 'I met this young guy and his name is Bobby Newhart, and he's a comic and he's Catholic and you're Catholic and I think maybe you should marry each other,' " she recalled in a 2013 interview. They played pool at Buddy and his wife's home the first time they met. "It was just silly," she said in 2005. "I was 20, 21, 21, and I think Bob was 32. And every time somebody would sink a ball in the pocket or whatever you're supposed to do, [we'd] run around the table with our cue stick singing 'Bridge on the River Kwai.' "We didn't see each other for a while. And then I was working as an extra on a Jerry Lewis movie that I couldn't tell you the name of, but it was at Paramount. And Bob was doing [the 1962 film] Hell Is for Heroes. He came to visit me on the set and I wasn't there. … So I went over to his set. He wasn't there. And we sort of lost touch because he was traveling a lot." They eventually got together, and after they dated for a while, he proposed, saying, "Would you go to St. Louis in the winter if you had a ring on your finger? Would your parents let you go?" They wed on Jan. 12, 1963. She often appeared in the background of his shows and with him on the couples' game show Tattletales. She was a celebrity player on Super Password as well. The Newharts were great friends with Don Rickles and his wife, Barbara, and the couples often vacationed together. Last year, Bob, 93, revealed to Parade magazine his secret to a long marriage. "The marriages of comedians, no matter how stormy, seem to last a long time, and I attribute it to laughter," he said. "No matter how intense the argument you're having, you can find a line, and then you both look at each other and start laughing. It's over, you know?" In addition to her husband, survivors include their children, Robert Jr., Timothy, Courtney and Jennifer, and 10 grandchildren. (One of their daughters is nicknamed "Buddy.") |
posted 4/25/2023 |
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ABC News announced "The Game Show Show," a four-part series that celebrates one of the most beloved and durable television genres of our time from ABC News Studios. Spin the wheel, beat the clock, guess the answer and play along through 80 years of game show history! Reflecting on the changing face of America, the series explores the contestants, hosts, visionary creators, and industry scandals that encapsulate iconic game shows. "The Game Show Show" debuts Wednesday, May 10 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT), on ABC, following a new episode of "Jeopardy! Masters" (8:00-9:00 p.m. EDT) and a special episode of "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" (9:00-10:00 p.m. EDT) featuring Vanna White competing as a contestant for the first time. Be sure to watch on the ABC app from your smartphone and tablet (iOS and Android), computer on ABC.com and connected devices (Roku, AppleTV and Amazon Fire TV). |
posted 4/25/2023 |
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Tuesday Lightning Round |
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Prime Video has cast Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning Scottish actor Brian Cox (Succession) as "The Controller," the enigmatic character who controls the fate of the contestants in the upcoming UK Original series 007's Road to a Million, the latest addition to the Prime membership. Prime members in the UK enjoy savings, convenience, and entertainment, all in a single membership. 007's Road to a Million will see contestants competing in teams of two on a global adventure to win the ultimate prize of up to £1million ($1.25 million). Filmed in many iconic Bond locations - from the Scottish Highlands to Venice and Jamaica - this cinematic format will be a true test of intelligence, endurance, and heroism. In addition to conquering obstacles, the contestants, who will compete in two-person teams, must correctly answer questions hidden in the different locations around the world to advance to the next challenge. The Controller is villainous and cultured, and revels in the increasingly difficult journeys and questions the contestants must overcome. He has millions of pounds to give away - up to £1m per couple - but he doesn't make it easy. Whilst he lurks in the shadows, he is watching and controlling everything. Brian Cox said, "I got to see how ordinary people would cope with being on a James Bond adventure. As they travel the world to some of the most iconic Bond locations, it gets more intense and nail-biting. I enjoyed my role as both villain and tormentor, with license to put the hopeful participants through the mangle." 007's Road to a Million is a unique collaboration between Amazon Studios, EON Productions, 72 Films, and MGM Alternative. The unscripted series will launch exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories later this year. |
posted 4/24/2023 |
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The Password Is.... Returning to Mexico |
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Mexican channel TV Azteca is to adapt Fremantle gameshow format Password, marking its return to the territory after a 10-year hiatus. The new show will be presented by Lola Cortés and coproduced by TV Azteca and Fremantle. Last year a reboot of the format was announced in Spain through Atresmedia following a successful revival on NBC in the US with Jimmy Fallon and Keke Palmer. The latter was the most popular unscripted premiere of the summer in the country. Password sees teams of celebrities and contestants guess a password using a single word as a clue. The Mexican version will have three games: Hand in Hand, The Password and The Money Ladder. In the first two, participants will have to guess the greatest number of secret words using clues against the clock. Depending on the points earned, only one of the participants will be able to reach The Money Ladder, where each level passed will accumulate a certain amount. Created by Bob Stewart, the format originated in the US in the 1960s and has been adapted internationally a number of times, including in Australia, Brazil, Germany and the UK. |
posted 4/24/2023 |
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Jeff Shell Exits NBCUniversal |
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Comcast dropped a bombshell Sunday, announcing that NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell is leaving the company, effective immediately. The "mutual" decision comes after an investigation led by outside counsel into a complaint on inappropriate conduct by Shell. "Today is my last day as CEO of NBCUniversal," Shell said in a statement. "I had an inappropriate relationship with a woman in the company, which I deeply regret," said Shell, who is married. "I'm truly sorry I let my Comcast and NBCUniversal colleagues down, they are the most talented people in the business and the opportunity to work with them the last 10 years has been a privilege." As Comcast manages through the shocking and abrupt exit of Shell, the company has put senior exec Mike Cavanagh at the controls on a permanent basis. Cavanagh, who was promoted last October to president of Comcast, will play a central role in guiding the executive changeover and trying to keep NBCU on course. Although well-known and respected in corporate and financial circles, the Philadelphia-based exec has a much lower profile in Hollywood. The unexpected new duties are landing on Cavanagh's plate just months after he earned an important vote of confidence from CEO Brian Roberts and the company's board of directors. His promotion from CFO to president made him the first person to hold the title outside of the Roberts family, and along with the new title came a contract extension through 2027. Cavanagh joined Comcast as CFO in 2015, after working for 20 years in financial services, including stints at JPMorgan Chase and the Carlyle Group. |
posted 4/24/2023 |
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FRIDAY: Swish! |
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In the latest TV ratings, ABC's NBA Playoffs coverage and Fox's SmackDown led Friday in the demo, while two CBS dramas delivered the night's biggest audiences. NBA Playoffs Round 1 coverage of the Knicks vs. Cavs averaged 2.1 million total viewers and a 0.5 demo rating. Friday Night SmackDown (2.1 mil/0.5) dipped week-to-week. SWAT (5.2 mil/0.4) and Fire Country (5.7 mil/0.4) were both steady in the demo, with the former also copping its best audience since Feb. 10 (as it still awaits word on renewal). Blue Bloods (5.7 mil/0.3) dipped in both measures, tying its demo low. Leading out of a Penn & Teller rerun, Whose Line (520K/0.1) and The Great American Joke Off (370K/0.1) both dropped some eyeballs on the CW. NBC's Tuesday-bound Lopez vs. Lopez (1.2 mil/0.3) was steady, as was Grand Crew (1.2 mil/0.2) ahead of next week's season (?) finale. |
posted 4/24/2023 |
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Australian comedian Barry Humphries, best known for his comedic character Dame Edna Everage, has died at age 89, his family has confirmed. The veteran entertainer had been unwell in a Sydney hospital, suffering complications following hip surgery last month. Humphries' most celebrated creation Dame Edna became a star in the 1970s in the UK, getting her own chat show on ITV a decade later. She was known for her quick wit, smiling-assassin putdowns to even the most lauded guest, and for throwing gladioli out among the audience. Humphries had been inspired to create the character after watching his mother and other suburban housewives as a child in his native Australia. He was born in Melbourne, and moved to the UK in 1959, where he appeared on the West End stage. Other characters created by Humphries included drunken diplomat Sir Les Patterson and the always grumbling Sandy Stone. He also voiced the shark Bruce in 2003 Pixar animated film Finding Nemo, as well as making appearances in 1967 comedy Bedazzled, Spice World, The Hobbit and Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie. The Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese was one of the first to pay tribute Saturday, calling Humphries "a great wit, satirist, writer and an absolute one-of-kind, he was both gifted and a gift." Humphries featured as either himself or Dame Edna on "Millionaire", "Hollywood Squares," "Celebrity Squares", "Dancing with the Stars", and "The Comic Relief Bake Off." Humphries is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Spender, and four children. |
posted 4/23/2023 |
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Fur-ever Friends |
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CBS is creating a little synergy between The Price is Right, The Young and the Restless, and The Bold and the Beautiful to help some pets! To that end, CBS Soap Stars Tracey Bregman (Lauren, Y&R), Christian Le Blanc (Michael, Y&R), and Scott Clifton (Liam, B&B) are set to drop by the popular game show. On Monday, April 24, Bregman and Le Blanc will pop up on The Price Is Right as they help the CBS game show find a home for a senior dog. Later, on Wednesday, April 26, Clifton drops by TPIR to help some adorable kittens that are looking for a home. Other CBS shows are joining forces with TPIR to help pets. Eric Wiese and Rashi Khanna Wiese from Lucky Dog will appear on Tuesday, April 25 along with a variety of pups that are available for adoption. On Thursday, April 27, TPIR's own model James O'Halloran shines a spotlight on a rescue dog. The Talk's Natalie Morales (ex-Talia Morgan, Y&R) and Akbar Gbajabiamila (ex-Max, B&B) appear on the show on Friday, April 28, to close out the week. |
posted 4/23/2023 |
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Jeff Sutphen Plays Late Night |
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Following the success of BAHAKEL ENTERTAINMENT'S Christmas at Dollywood and the Valentine special Love Is On The Air, Bahakel Entertainment presents f.u.n *with Jeff. It's the next big thing in late night TV! Anything goes on this 30-minute comedy blitz hosted by television game show host Jeff Sutphen. Before it premieres in the fall, we're giving you a sneak peek of the series. This brand-new bite-size of fun broadcasts on all Bahakel television stations and streams @bahakelentertainment.com on Saturday, June 3rd and features all things Fun, Unique and Nonsense. FUN – Spontaneous gems, hidden camera pranks, man on the street interviews, skits and bits. Whether it's a funny website, article, or a news story – if it tickles the funny bone, it makes the cut. UNIQUE – Have f.u.n with pancake artists, bubble experts and one-man band types. Lots of oddball interviews and maybe even a few pointless inventions. NONSENSE – The unsuspecting public becomes instant contestants in short nonsense games played on location. And they could win a real prize! "We've assembled an A+ team of top talent led by Daytime EMMY Award winning Executive Producer Andrew Scher, along with two-time EMMY-nominated Host/Producer Jeff Sutphen and two-time EMMY nominated Producer Tim Beggy," said Beverly Bahakel, CEO of Bahakel Entertainment. "Bahakel Entertainment is committed to producing unique, top quality entertainment programming like f.u.n *with Jeff," said Bahakel. |
posted 4/23/2023 |
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Weekend Lightning Round |
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THURSDAY: The Calm Before the Storm |
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In the latest TV show ratings, with CBS, NBC (and, sure, The CW) all in rerun mode, ABC's Station 19 led this Thursday in the demo, while a Young Sheldon repeat delivered the night's biggest audience. Station 19 (with 3.8 million total viewers and a 0.5 rating) celebrated its Season 7 renewal by ticking up in the demo. Grey's Anatomy (3.3 mil/0.4) added a few eyeballs and was steady in the demo. The aforementioned Young Sheldon rerun drew just shy of 4 million total viewers. Fox's Next Level Chef (1.8 mil/0.4) and Animal Control (1.1 mil/0.2) were both steady. |
posted 4/21/2023 |
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WEDNESDAY: Class Act |
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In the latest TV show ratings, with NBC's #OneChicago still in rerun mode, CBS' Survivor easily led Wednesday in both total viewers and in the demo. Survivor (with 5 million viewers and a 0.7 rating) was steady, while True Lies (2.5 mil/0.3) ticked up in the demo. Fox's The Masked Singer (3.3 mil/0.5) slipped to at least a season low in audience, while Farmer Wants a Wife (2.1 mil/0.3) was up. Again leading out of a Flash rerun on the CW, Riverdale (240K/0.0) added a few eyeballs. Next week, Oliver Queen returns! ABC's The Conners (3.6 mil/0.5), The Goldbergs (2.3 mil/0.3), the Abbott Elementary season finale (2.9 mil/0.5) and A Million Little Things (1.8 mil/0.2) were all steady in the demo, with Abbott rising to its best audience since Feb. 8. Not Dead Yet (2.3 mil/0.4) drew its best crowd since Feb. 22 and also rose in the demo. |
posted 4/20/2023 |
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"Feud" Goes for Three in Malaysia |
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Television game shows have been around since the 1940s. Since then, there have been many shows that have entertained families around the globe. In the list of many is the world famous Family Feud. The show started in the US under ABC in 1976 hosted by Richard Dawson. After 47 years, Family Feud now has a Malaysian version in three languages; Bahasa Malaysia, English and Tamil. For Bahasa Malaysia, the show is hosted by celebrity host, comedian and actor Nabil Ahmad. As for the English show, it is being hosted by stand-up comedian, actor and FlyFM deejay Douglas Lim. In Tamil, THR Raaga's Ram will be hosting it. The original Family Feud which is still in production in the US has seen several hosts over the years. The show gained worldwide popularity when Steve Harvey took over as the host. His comedic timing and the way he communicates and connects with the players attracted viewers' attention. Not to forget, his reaction to the answers that players in the game gives is one worth watching. In that sense, it is safe to say, the selection of the hosts for our Malaysian Family Feud could not have been better. Harvey, in helping to promote our local version sent his well wishes in a video where he also said "Malaysia Boleh". The Bahasa Melayu version of "Family Feud Malaysia" debuted on Astro on March 27 and is aired every Monday and Tuesday at 11pm on Astro Ria (Ch. 104). The Tamil and English versions of "Family Feud Malaysia" will debut on Astro in May and September of 2023 via Astro Vinmeen (Ch 202) and PRIMEtime (Ch 704), respectively. |
posted 4/20/2023 |
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So... About That Reunion... |
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They say all's fair in love and war, but does that include "emotional warfare"? The production company behind the hit Netflix reality series Love Is Blind has responded to a Business Insider report in which multiple contestants alleged that they were mistreated, traumatized, and exhausted while filming the show, which centers on young singles dating and getting engaged sight unseen. Kinetic Content said a statement provided to EW on Wednesday, "The wellbeing of our participants is of paramount importance to Kinetic." The company added, "We have rigorous protocols in place to care for each person before, during, and after filming." Representatives for Netflix didn't immediately respond to EW's request for comment. According to the BI report, published Tuesday, former contestants said they experienced grueling days of filming, endured sleep deprivation, were pressured to remain on the show, and were pushed to reveal insecurities and traumas on camera. One contestant called it "emotional warfare." The Love Is Blind reunion didn't end up being live on April 16 due to "technical difficulties," but apologetic Netflix brass are very pleased with the viewership the streamer had once the special finally aired. "We hate when these things happen, but we'll learn from it and will get better," co-CEO Greg Peters said today on Netflix's Q1 earnings video of the Love Is Blind SNAFU. "We do have the fundamental infrastructure that we need," Peters added, and noted "the good news is that you know ultimately 6.5 million viewers watched and enjoyed the show." Netflix's reunion special for Love Is Blind Season 4 will finally make it to the air on Monday, April 17 at 12 p.m. PT, 19 hours after initially planned. Netflix made the announcement in a message posted to its social media accounts on Sunday night. "Love Is Blind: The Reunion will be available globally at 12pm PT on April 17," wrote a spokesperson. "Promise." Netflix has issued a new statement on its social media channels regarding the more than 90-minute delay on the live reunion of Love Is Blind Season 4. While the program was supposed to mark the streamer's second ever in the live-event space, unspecified technical issues forced that plan to be scrapped Sunday. The show did go on, though, with a taping before an in-person audience last night. "To everyone who stayed up late, woke up early, gave up their Sunday afternoon… we are incredibly sorry that the Love is Blind Live Reunion did not turn out as we had planned," wrote a spokesperson via the streamer's official Twitter account. "We're filming it now and we'll have it on Netflix as soon as humanly possible. Again, thank you and sorry." |
posted 4/20/2023 |
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Thursday Lightning Round |
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Keith Nale, who appeared on Survivor: San Juan del Sur and Survivor: Cambodia, has died. Family members told ET Online that Nale, 62, passed away Tuesday afternoon in Shreveport, Louisiana. His son Wes, who also participated in Survivor: San Juan del Sur, said, "He'd been battling cancer for the past few months and we found out about it in January." Firefighter Nale, who became a fan-favorite, was never a core member of a long-term alliance, but did make it all the way to the final four of 2014's Survivor: San Juan del Sur thanks to his skill in Immunity Challenges, ET noted. He was voted out a day before the Final Tribal Council and later returned for Survivor: Cambodia in 2015. F ollowing his fourth-place exit from Survivor: San Juan del Sur, Nale told Uproxx, "You"re so close you can see it, you know what I mean. I want to say, 'Well heck, I'd rather come in 10th than fourth or I'd rather come in 15th than fourth,' but not really. You just feel like that at the moment." He also said his firefighter colleagues had been encouraging and "impressed" given he was 53 at the time. "Now granted that's not 93, but that's not 23 either." When Nale returned for season 31, he said during an episode, "When do you get a second chance for something crazy like this?" |
posted 4/19/2023 |
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TUESDAY: Auto Recall |
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In the latest TV show ratings, there was a four-way tie for the Tuesday demo win, while CBS' FBI easily copped the night's biggest audience. FBI (with 6.5 million total viewers and a 0.4 demo rating) and International flavor (5.1 mil/0.3) both dipped — with the latter marking series lows — while Most Wanted (4.9 mil/0.4) held steady. Fox's 9-1-1: Lone Star (3.2 mil/0.4) slipped to an audience low but was steady in the demo. ABC's The Rookie (3.4 mil/0.4) slipped to Tuesday lows, while on-the-bubble Feds (2.2 ml/0.3) lost eyeballs but held steady in the demo. Will Trent (2.5 mil/0.3) celebrated its renewal with its smallest audience yet and an eighth straight 0.3 rating. Leading out of a Night Court rerun on NBC, American Auto (1.4 mil/0.2) hit and matched series lows with its Season 2 finale, and both The Wall (1.8 mil0.2) and Weakest Link (1.8 mil0.2) dipped. |
posted 4/19/2023 |
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Amelia Brown Promoted to Fremantle UK CEO |
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Amelia Brown has been named chief executive officer of Fremantle's business in the U.K. In her new role, Brown will oversee the strategic direction of U.K. corporate functions as well as the output of labels Thames, Talkback and Naked — the producers behind programming that includes "Britain's Got Talent," "Too Hot To Handle," "Never Mind the Buzzcocks," "QI," "The Apprentice" and "The Rap Game UK." Majority investment Label 1 ("Hospital," "World's Collide: The Manchester Bombing") will also report to Brown. Brown, who has worked with Fremantle for 20 years, most recently served as managing director of the Thames label. She first joined the company in 2003 as a freelancer before being placed on a permanent basis in 2013. In 2017, Brown as appointed as a managing director. During her tenure, Brown has been a key creative on almost every series of "Britain's Got Talent" and "The X Factor" via series producer and executive producer roles. She also has been instrumental in strengthening Thames' slate of programming and has led the expansion of the label into the world of reality television and factual entertainment with programs including "Too Hot To Handle" for Netflix, a co-production with fellow U.K. label Talkback, and commissions including "Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream" for ITV and "The Big Celebrity Detox" for E4. "I am thrilled to be taking on this role to lead the UK and I am beyond proud and excited to champion our incredible people and best-in-class programming," Brown said in a statement. "Having worked here for twenty years, I know that this is a very special place that celebrates creativity; I can't wait to work with our brilliant teams as we are lucky enough to have some of the very best programme makers and continue to grow Fremantle UK." Brown will report to Group CEO Jennifer Mullin and join Fremantle's global leadership team, effective immediately. Outgoing CEO Simon Andreae has held several senior positions in the television industry on both sides of the Atlantic. He worked as Channel 4's Head of Science and Education for three years, and later joined Discovery as Senior Vice President of Development and Production. He served as Fox's Alternative Entertainment chief, replacing Mike Darnell, but exited after a rocky year-and-a-half tenure. |
posted 4/19/2023 |
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So Much for "Friends" |
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Alison Hammond and Vernon Kay's 'Friends Like These' reboot has reportedly been shelved. The pair had been due to front a new version of the BBC gameshow - which originally ran from 2000 until 2003 - and they even got together to film a pilot episode last month but The Sun newspaper now reports the project has been canned because TV bosses were worried there might not be a place for it in the schedule. A source told the publication: "Bringing back 'Friends Like These' seemed a no-brainer but bosses felt it wasn't the right time, as the light entertainment schedule is just so packed. "It's no reflection on either Alison or Vernon, who did a sterling job as hosts. There's hope it could be reignited further down the line." Neither Alison or Vernon will be left short of work though - the former 'Big Brother' star has just landed a new role hosting 'The Great British Bake Off' while Vernon has taken over Ken Bruce's slot on BBC Radio 2. 'Friends Like These' first aired as a one-off episode in 1999 before returning as a full series the following year. It was originally hosted by Ant and Dec before footballer-turned-TV pundit Ian Wright took over. The format featured two groups of friends competing in challenges in a bid to win a holiday. It spawned a series of celebrity specials which saw the cast of BBC soap 'EastEnders' take on the actors of medical drama 'Holby City' while pop groups Steps and Damage also competed against each other. |
posted 4/19/2023 |
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Jeopardy! is officially heading Down Under. The iconic NBC gameshow's international revival continues apace and Stephen Fry, the host of ITV's upcoming British version, has been confirmed to helm for Channel 9. Badged Jeopardy! Australia, the Australian version will be filmed in Manchester around the same time as the British version, but feature Australian contestants, with Sony-backed Whisper North producing both. It will be forged as six primetime specials and Channel 9 has also acquired the 20 UK episodes, which have been commissioned by ITV. "Nine is thrilled to welcome two great institutions to the network: Jeopardy! the world's greatest quiz show format and Stephen Fry the doyen of TV hosts," said Adrian Swift, Channel Nine's Head of Content, Production and Development. Fry is already lined up to host an ITV reboot of iconic gameshow Jeopardy!. The show, which will air as a 20-part order in the daytime, sees contestants using general knowledge skills to win rounds and amass winnings. In each round, contestants are presented trivia clues phrased as answers, to which they must respond in the form of a question that correctly identifies whatever the clue is describing. An extra round is being forged for the rebooted UK version. The American classic first appeared in the UK in the late 1980s on Channel 4 and was also on ITV and Sky in the 1990s. ITV said Fry will "bring a modern twist to the cult classic." Paramount Global Content Distribution handles format rights and Sony-backed Whisper North is producing in the UK. Jeopardy! has aired on US screens for nearly 60 years. The show will be filmed at dock10 studios and is set to air this Autumn. "In the United States, Jeopardy! is a phenomenon like no other," said Fry. "Whenever I'm in America, I do my damnedest to catch it every weekday. The idea of hosting it here in the UK makes me dizzy with delight. Such a dedicated quizzing nation as ours will, I hope, welcome this uniquely beguiling and endlessly rewarding game." ITV Head of Entertainment Katie Rawcliffe said: "There is no one better to host this classic game show than Stephen, bringing knowledge and entertainment to all of our viewers." |
posted 4/19/2023 |
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Fox Fakes Out with "Snake Oil" |
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FOX has ordered an all-new game show Snake Oil, hosted and produced by Emmy and Golden Globe Award-nominated comedian David Spade (SNL, Just Shoot Me) and executive-produced by Emmy nominee Will Arnett (LEGO Masters, Arrested Development), through his Electric Avenue Productions. In the show's all-new original format, contestants are pitched unique products by convincing entrepreneurs - some of whom are showcasing real business ventures, while the others are "Snake Oil Salesmen" whose products are fake. With the help of guest celebrity advisors, contestants must determine which products are real and which are a sham, for a chance to win life-changing money. Snake Oil is set to debut during the 2023-2024 season on FOX. "When FOX asked me to host their new show, I was flattered, said host Spade. "But then they told me it was about a shady snake oil salesman, and I was a little less flattered to be the guy that immediately comes to mind." "As someone who spends way too much time online shopping and specializes in buying random products I may never use, Snake Oil really speaks to me," said Allison Wallach, President of Unscripted Programming, FOX Entertainment. "David Spade's signature brand of irreverent comedy and Will Arnett's ingenuity, combined with the most bizarre consumer products ever devised, creates an incredibly entertaining guessing game that embodies everything Snake Oil is all about." In each round of Snake Oil, contestants choose a pair of entrepreneurs and learn about their extremely unique (and often bizarre) products through visuals, a custom-made infomercial exclusively produced for Snake Oil, and by quizzing the business representative themselves. With the help of their celebrity advisors, the contestants must then decide who is selling an authentic product and who is hawking a sham. Will they make the right choice or be duped by snake oil?! |
posted 4/19/2023 |
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Peacock has announced a series order for LOVE ISLAND GAMES, the first ever spinoff of the hit cultural phenomenon LOVE ISLAND. Set to premiere in Fall 2023, the first season of LOVE ISLAND GAMES brings together cross-franchise fan-favorite Islanders from the US, UK, Australia and beyond for a second shot at love as they compete in a brand-new format to be crowned the champion of LOVE ISLAND GAMES. In this cheeky new iteration, romance will meet reality as Islanders are faced with both team and couples' challenges, all while navigating dating, eliminations, recoupling and dramatic new arrivals. The first season of LOVE ISLAND GAMES will premiere on the heels of Peacock's upcoming fifth season of LOVE ISLAND USA. The complete fourth season of LOVE ISLAND USA, the streamer's most-watched original reality competition series in the platform's history, is currently available to stream on Peacock. With 26 versions of the series internationally, LOVE ISLAND has entertained viewers worldwide, delivering love, laughs, heartbreak and an unending supply of "bombshell" Islanders. Now, for the first time ever, some of the most memorable Islanders in show history - hailing from across the globe - are getting together under one roof for LOVE ISLAND GAMES. Details around cast, schedule and location will be announced at a later date. LOVE ISLAND GAMES is produced by ITV Entertainment, an ITV America company. David George, Adam Sher, Simon Thomas, Andy Cadman and Ben Thursby-Palmer are the executive producers, alongside Tom Gould, Richard Cowles, Mike Spencer, Richard Foster and Chet Fenster. The series is based on a format owned by Lifted Entertainment and GroupM Motion Entertainment and distributed by ITV Studios. |
posted 4/19/2023 |
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Wednesday Lightning Round |
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| MORE NEWS GSNN 3-Month News Archive |
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posted 5/8/2023
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