Thanks for Playing!
MONDAY | TUESDAY | WEDNESDAY | THURSDAY | WEEKEND | PRIMETIME | SCHEDULE | ARCHIVES: 30 90 | WLTI | STATE OF PLAY | ABOUT Facebookbird, new, square, twitter icon

30-Day Archives


Sony Pictures TV/CBS Media Ventures

America's Game Celebrates America's Semiquincentennial
Catch It This June
From Variety

“Wheel of Fortune” is showing its patriotic side this summer with two weeks of USA-themed episodes in honor of America’s 250th birthday sponsored by Coca-Cola.

Titled “Drink In America Presented by Coca-Cola,” the themed episodes of the syndicated “Wheel of Fortune” will air nationwide the week of June 1 and again, “with added elements,” the week of June 29.

The special editions of the Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White-hosted game show will invite “viewers to ‘drink in’ the spirit, sights, and stories of America through the lens of one of television’s most beloved shows.”

Per “Wheel of Fortune” producer Sony Pictures Television, the episodes will feature custom Coca-Cola integrations, like a branded wheel wedge that offers “iconic trips to beloved American cities,” including Los Angeles for July 4th celebrations, New York City for an exclusive Times Square ball drop, or Seacrest’s hometown (and Coca-Cola headquarters) in Atlanta.

At-home viewers can enter the “Drink in America Giveaway” for a chance to win a trip to an American National Park or to Universal Studios.

“’Wheel of Fortune’ has long been a staple of American viewing, and collaborating with Coca-Cola, one of the most globally recognizable brands, feels like a natural way to celebrate America250,” Sony Pictures Television game shows president Suzanne Prete. “Both brands have been part of the cultural fabric for generations, creating shared moments of joy and connection, and we’re honored to bring that spirit to life in a way that celebrates what makes this country so special.”

“Few brands are as deeply woven into American culture as Coca-Cola and ‘Wheel of Fortune,'” Coca-Cola trademark category vice president Stacy Jackson said. “As a signature partner of America250, we’re proud to celebrate this once in a generation moment by teaming up with ‘Wheel of Fortune’ to invite fans across the country to drink in the stories, places, and spirit that make America special. This collaboration is a celebration of that shared legacy—bringing America250 to life through pop culture, iconic destinations, and moments worth savoring together.”

The Coca-Cola and America250 integration for “Wheel of Fortune” was led by Sally Umsted, senior vice president of brand partnerships, licensing and experiences for Sony Pictures Television, game shows division.

Variety
TV Insider

posted 5/18/2026


Getty Images
TOM KANE: 1962-2026
Voice Actor Voiced AFV
From Deadline

Tom Kane, the prolific voice actor whose credits include Yoda on Star Wars: The Clone Wars, The Powerpuff Girls, Archer and scores of video games, died today, May 18, in Kansas City after having suffered a stroke more than five years ago. He was 64.

His death was announced on social media by Galactic Productions, his talent agency.

“Today we say goodbye to Tom Kane — a legendary voice actor whose work shaped the childhoods and imaginations of millions around the world,” the statement reads. “From his unforgettable performances in Star Wars to countless animated series, documentaries, and games, Tom brought wisdom, strength, humor, and heart to every role he touched. His voice became part of our lives, our memories, and the stories we carry with us.”

Kane, who retired in 2021, provided voice performances for numerous series and episodes going back to the early 1990s when his early credits included such animated programs as The Legend of Prince Valiant, Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Team Knight Rider, The Angry Beavers and many others.

In game shows, Kane was a sub-announcer on America's Funniest Home Videos, often substituting for Ernie Anderson.

His signature roles were in the Star Wars animated universe, including C-3PO, various soldiers and imperial officers and, most notably, Yoda, a character he first played in a 1999 video game called Star Wars – Yoda’s Challenge. He’d return to the character in various video games as well as the TV series Star Wars: Clone Wars.

Born Thomas Kane Roberts on April 15, 1962, in Overland Park, Kansas, Kane would become one of the most prolific voice actors of his generation. In addition to the Star Wars projects, he voiced various characters on Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, Kim Possible and The Wild Thornberrys, among many others.

For Marvel he voiced the characters Magneto and Ultron.

His most recent credits were in the 2023 video game Harry Potter: Magic Awakened and, also that year, the YouTube series Presidents Discord Server.

Kane is survived by wife Cindy and nine children..

Deadline
The Hollywood Reporter
The Wrap
TV Insider

Variety

posted 5/18/2026

Monday Lightning Round
... or "Don't Overthink It"

  • Chris Hardwick reunites with AMC Networks for "I Think You're Overthinking It" podcast (The Futon Critic)

  • #ICYMI: A hair-raising joke swap (Deadline)

  • Jeremy Clarkson's heart episode is front and center of "Clarkson's Farm" season 5 (Deadline)

  • #ICYMI #2: Win Jay Leno's car (TV Insider)

  • Witney Carson dancing with Spider-Man? She hopes... (People)

  • Ilona Maher wants to be "The Bachelorette".... or go dancing, whatever. (Reality Tea)

  • Danny Dyer compares "Nobody's Fool" to "The Traitors" (Digital Spy)

  • A FEW GOOD MINUTES with Julianne Hough & Bruno Tonioli (Deadline)

  • #ICYMI #3: And the winner of Eurovision 2026 is.... (Deadline)

posted 5/18/2023

School's Out for Summer!
TPIR Plots Its School's Out Episode June 8
From Variety

School’s out for the summer, and that means students have more time on their hands to do fun activities like being on The Price Is Right.

The game show is set to host a kick-off-to-summer episode where the entire audience is filled with students. Monday, June 8, although not the first day of Summer, will be the “School’s Out” episode, according to a press release.

The students will kick off vacation in style. Host Drew Carey will welcome the high-energy crowd who will compete in iconic pricing games, such as Punch A Bunch, Hole In One, Money Game, Push Over, and more. They will have the chance to win huge cash prizes, dream vacations, and luxury cars during the one-hour episode to mark the end of school.

TV Insider
Paramount Press Express

posted 5/15/2026

Physical 100 Arrives in Sweden
Production Begins on Adaptation
From the Futon Critic

The production of Physical 100: Sweden has just started in Sandviken, Sweden. Today, Netflix unveiled the 100 participants who will go head-to-head in the high-stakes competition.

Physical 100: Sweden brings together some of Sweden's most accomplished athletes, as well as firefighters, construction workers, gym rats, military professionals and celebrities. Amongst the 100 competitors fighting for the top spot are global swimming icons Sarah Sjöström and Therese Alshammar, UFC legend Alexander "The Mauler" Gustafsson, Olympic alpine champion André Myhrer, multitalented artist Daniel Adams-Ray, 7-time parkour World Cup winner Miranda Tibbling, boxing star Mikaela Laurén, elite calisthenics athletes Simon Imhäuser and Malin Migdal Flefil, actor Björn Bengtsson, and influencers Hissy Elhissy and Ludwig Blomqvist.

During the extensive casting process, more than 1,300 people across Sweden either applied or were contacted, resulting in over 450 casting interviews. The selected participants range in age from 20 to 57 and represent a wide array of disciplines - from different styles of Martial arts to swimming, calisthenics, ice hockey and wrestling.

In Physical 100: Sweden, 100 contestants across gender, age, and athletic backgrounds face off in challenges that test strength, endurance, courage, determination, teamwork, focus, and mental resilience. They will push their bodies and minds to the absolute limit to determine who has the most complete physique, with only one winner taking home the grand prize of 1 million SEK ($105,679.09).

Physical 100: Sweden is produced by Banijay Nordic label Meter Entertainment and is currently shooting in Sandviken, Sweden. The reality competition series will have a global premiere on Netflix in 2027.

Building on the Korean original series, the Swedish adaptation joins the expanding franchise, following recent announcements of Physical 100: Italy, Physical 100: Mexico, Physical: Asia and Physical 100: USA.

The Futon Critic

posted 5/15/2026

Try Guys Phone It In (Not Like That)
More on Season 4
From Variety

The Try Guys‘ bonkers cooking competition “Phoning It In” has rounded out its slate of judges, cast members and contestants for Season 4. The show premiered its fourth installment on the independent streamer 2nd Try TV on May 6 before it rolls onto YouTube starting May 30.

Chris Ying, Justin Pichetrungsi, Elizabeth Falkner, Jordan Myrick, Jimmy Wong, Jen Yee, Nick Schreiber and Rie McClenny have joined the series as judges. Melissa King and Kat Turner are contestants.

The competition locks elite chefs out of the kitchen, instead forcing them to coach unqualified comedians from afar, guiding them only via telephone to bring their culinary visions to the plate. Previously announced chefs and judges this season include: Kristen Kish, Josh Scherer, Jonny Manganello, Mitzi Reyes and Monique Chan.

The contestants include comedians from the TryCast universe: Ash Perez, Ryan Garcia, Jared Popkin, Kwesi James, Ryann Graham, Joyce Louis-Jean and Rainie Toll. Previously announced contestants include Try Guys Keith Habersberger and Zach Kornfeld, as well as Miles Bonsignore and “Smosh’s” Angela Giarratana.

“We’re making the biggest food competition show on YouTube with the biggest chefs in the world, and it’s been awesome to step our game up every season,” said Kornfeld and Habersberger in a statement.

Variety

posted 5/15/2026

Happy Friday Lightning Round
... or "Don't Eff with the Teamsters"

  • MrBeast faces standoff with Teamsters over Beast Games season 3 (Deadline)

  • Byron Allen says he'll save CBS $150 million (The Wrap)

  • WHY THE BLEEP IS THIS NEWS?: Joe Hunter blocks people on SM, putting him in an elite club called EVERYONE. (Reality Tea)

  • Cirie Fields announces her retirement from Survivor (Reality Tea)

  • Mark Ballas wonders about his future on DWTS (Us Weekly)

posted 5/15/2023


EndemolShine North America/CBS

Big Brother Promises "Biggest Season Ever"
Catch It on CBS July 9!
From the Futon Critic

BIG BROTHER returns with its most programming hours ever, kicking off with a special 90 minute premiere on Thursday, July 9 (8:00-9:30 PM, ET/PT), the return of BIG BROTHER: UNLOCKED on Friday, July 10 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) and a 90-minute Sunday episode on Sunday, July 12 (8:00-9:30 PM, ET/PT). Julie Chen Moonves returns as host. Paramount+ subscribers and Pluto TV viewers can continue to catch all the action on the BIG BROTHER live feeds.

Reaching a historic milestone as the first primetime series to hit 1,000 original episodes, BIG BROTHER returns for its 28th season. The season ushers in a landmark summer as Houseguests enter the iconic BIG BROTHER house, with unexpected moments and a season packed with twists and turns. After its premiere, the series will air Wednesdays (8:00-9:30 PM, ET/delayed PT), followed by hour-long shows on Thursdays, featuring live evictions, and Sundays (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/delayed PT).

BIG BROTHER: UNLOCKED returns with exclusive footage from inside the house, extended interviews, surprise guest appearances and behind-the-scenes access. For the first time ever, the series will feature a live studio audience, bringing fans directly into the action. Packed with new segments and returning fan favorites, the series breaks down gameplay, evaluates the competition and shares insider perspectives, starting Friday, July 10 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT).

The Futon Critic
Deadline
TV Line
Reality Tea
Variety
Reality Tea

posted 5/14/2026

Back to the Beach
"Battle on the Beach" Returns June 1 to HGTV After Reported Cancellation
From The Futon Critic

Reports of the demise of "Battle on the Beach" have apparently been exaggerated.

HGTV's epic surfside home renovation competition Battle on the Beach will head to the Grand Strand, South Carolina's hot vacation destination, in its latest seven-episode season premiering Monday, June 1, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. During the series, which attracted 15.5 million viewers across linear and streaming to its last run, HGTV stars Sarah Baeumler (Rock the Block), Mika Kleinschmidt (100 Day Dream Home) and Ty Pennington (Rock the Block) will each mentor a two-person team of promising renovators as they vie to transform lackluster beachfront vacation properties - and the biggest homes in Battle on the Beach history - into stunning waterfront escapes that deliver top reviews and top dollar.

Armed with $100,000, seven weeks and invaluable advice from their respected mentors, the teams will overhaul the dated digs while navigating unprecedented design challenges, including repurposing discarded roadside finds in their homes and swapping partners for the chance at additional prize money. Husband-and-wife renovation duo Tristyn and Kamohai Kalama (Renovation Aloha) will determine which team increases the rental value of each week's revamped space, with the winner given a critical choice: take home $3,000 now or apply $6,000 to the final grand prize. When the stunning renos are complete, the team who clinches the highest peak season rate for their short-term rental will claim a cash prize of at least $50,000, with their mentor boasting ultimate bragging rights.

The Futon Critic
NewsNation
TV Insider
TV Insider

posted 5/14/2026

Thursday Lightning Round
... or "How Did We Get Here?"

  • AUDIO CLUE: How a Briton created a series in Sweden that captured America for 50 seasons (BBC)

  • Nic Vansteeberghe has a lot to say about his romance with Olandria (Reality Tea)

  • Newly-minted American Idol Hannah Harper will join her fellow finalists at CMA Fest (TV Insider)

posted 5/14/2023


Everett Collection
JOHN BARBOUR: 1933-2026
"Godfather of Reality Television" Active on Game Shows
From Deadline

John Barbour, whose role in creating, producing and co-hosting the 1979-1984 NBC series Real People is recognized as a pioneering effort in the popularity of reality TV, died from natural causes on Sunday, May 10, at his home in Las Vegas. He was 93.

His death was announced by family.

Executive produced by Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In creator George Schlatter, Real People featured a panel of co-hosts, including Barbour, who introduced pre-taped segments about people with odd or unusual hobbies – or just odd and unusual people – and then riffed on the short films.

The popularity of the show and its pliable format would inspire any number of subsequent series, from That’s Incredible! and America’s Funniest Home Videos to MTV’s long-running Ridiculousness.

In addition to Barbour, the panel of hosts included, at one time or another, Sarah Purcell, Byron Allen, Skip Stephenson, Bill Rafferty, Mark Russell, Peter Billingsley, David Ruprecht and Fred Willard.

Born April 24, 1933, in Toronto, Canada, Barbour dropped out of high school at age 15 and moved to the U.S. in the 1950s. He began his show business career as a standup comic, which eventually led to appearances on The Dean Martin Show and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. He released two comedy albums, It’s Tough To Be White (1965) and I Met A Man I Didn’t Like (1978).

Barbour was the first host of AM Los Angeles, where he won the first of his five Emmy awards. He courted controversy with interviews with anti-Vietnam War guests including Mohammed Ali and Jane Fonda. His additional Emmys came from his years as the critic-at-large on Los Angeles’ KNBC.

He was the pilot host for The Gong Show, and, over the years, made appearances on several television shows, such as Get Smart, Sanford and Son, The Liars Club, CSI, and Breaking Bad.

Barbour wrote, produced, and narrated the documentary film Ernie Kovacs: Television’s Original Genius, and, in 1992, he won the prize for best documentary at the San Sebastian Film Festival for The JFK Assassination: The Jim Garrison Tapes, which profiled New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison and his investigation of the Kennedy murder. In 2017, Barbour wrote and directed the sequel, The American Media and the Second Assassination of John F. Kennedy.

Barbour wrote a 2019 autobiography entitled Your Mother’s Not A Virgin: The Bumpy Life and Times of the Canadian Dropout who Changed the Face of American TV!

He is survived by his wife Sarita and their son Christopher.

Deadline
The Hollywood Reporter
The Wrap
The Daily Beast

posted 5/13/2026

Love... Boston Style
New Season of "Love Is Blind" Goes to Boston
From Variety

Love is wicked blind.

The next season of Netflix‘s hit dating experiment is heading to Boston. The streamer announced the Season 11 renewal of “Love Is Blind” during its upfronts presentation in New York, revealing that the new installment would arrive sometime in fall 2026.

The series, hosted by married couple Vanessa and Nick Lachey, centers on a crop of singles who get to know each other without ever seeing each other’s faces. They go on truly “blind” dates before agreeing to marry someone without ever actually meeting them. Over several weeks, the engaged couples move in together and plan their weddings, figuring out whether their physical connection lives up to the emotional bond they developed in the “pods.” Per the logline, “When their wedding day arrives, will real-world realities and external factors push them apart, or will they marry the person they fell blindly in love with? … This addictive social experiment will uncover whether looks, race, or age do matter — or if love really is blind."

Elsewhere, Love is Blind is coming to Denmark! In this popular social experiment, singles who want to be loved for who they are on the inside will date and get engaged without ever seeing each other - putting the ultimate question to the test: is love truly blind?

Love is Blind: Denmark will be produced by Mastiff DK, with production scheduled to begin this year. The casting is now open and Danish singles eager to take part in the dating experiment are encouraged to apply here.

Love is Blind premiered in the US in 2020 and has since become a global phenomenon. The original series has been adapted in many countries, including Japan, Brazil, UK, Germany, France and Poland among others. Every episode of the European adaptations featuring the pods are filmed in Strängnäs, Sweden. Up until now over 330 hopeful singles have entered the pods in the search of finding love.

The global Netflix premiere of Love is Blind: Denmark is set for 2027.

Variety
Deadline
The Futon Critic
The Daily Beast
The Futon Critic

posted 5/13/2026


Warner Bros. Discovery

UPFRONTS: Warner Bros. Discovery
IN: 100 Cooks, HIGNFY
From the Futon Critic

The US Networks at Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) - which boasts more top-performing cable networks, series and freshman hits than any other portfolio - unveiled its robust content lineup during WBD's 2026 New York Upfront presentation. Claiming five of the top 10 cable networks, 208 million average monthly viewers and nearly 30 percent of primetime cable viewing in the first quarter of 2026, WBD's entertainment brands have primed this year's programming pipeline with over 3,000 premiere hours which encompasses 98 new series and fresh episodes of 127 popular returning titles. The WBD portfolio, including Discovery Channel, Food Network, HGTV, Investigation Discovery, TBS, TNT, TLC, Magnolia Network, Adult Swim, OWN and others, also owns seven of the top 10 unscripted freshman/limited series among Adults 25-54 so far in 2026, with TLC's breakout title Suddenly Amish in the #1 spot.

"Our brands are unstoppable, delivering the most talked about and must-watch unscripted series on TV today," said Channing Dungey, Chairman and CEO of the Warner Bros. Television Group and WBD US Networks. "We have the best creative team in the business and will continue to produce innovative, genre-defining programming that super serves our fans."

CNN announced today that Have I Got News For You has been renewed for a fifth season. The American version of the long-running UK comedy series is hosted by Roy Wood Jr. along with team captains Amber Ruffin and Michael Ian Black. Produced by Hat Trick Productions for CNN Originals, the fifth season of Have I Got News for You premieres Saturday, September 12 at 9pm ET/PT on CNN, and will be available to stream on the CNN app and at CNN.com/Watch the next day.

"We're thrilled to return for season five and continue covering the nation's most important stories, most of which still sound made up," said Wood Jr., Ruffin and Black in a joint statement. Since its debut in 2024, Have I Got News For You has become a staple of CNN's Saturday night lineup, offering audiences a comedic lens on the ever-evolving news cycle. The series blends humor and insight, creating a space where politics, culture and current events collide in unexpected and entertaining ways.

"Season four demonstrated just how strongly this series is resonating with audiences, becoming a standout performer across CNN's platforms and a meaningful part of the weekly conversation online," said Amy Entelis, executive vice president of talent, CNN Originals and creative development for CNN Worldwide. "At a time when people are looking for entertaining ways to engage with the nonstop news cycle, Roy, Amber and Michael continue to deliver something that feels timely and culturally relevant - and we will continue building on that success with a fifth season this fall."

Notable guests from season four of Have I Got News For You included U.S. Senator Adam Schiff, Hasan Minhaj, Andy Richter, Kara Swisher, Ari Shapiro, Larry Wilmore, Gianmarco Soresi, Bomani Jones, Nimesh Patel and more. All episodes of Have I Got News For You are available to stream now on the CNN app. Companion podcast Have I Got News For Your Ears hosted by Michael Ian Black continues to release new episodes every Wednesday wherever you get your podcasts. Episodes are also available to stream on the @HIGNFYUS official YouTube page. Have I Got News For You is executive produced by Jim Biederman, Jimmy Mulville and Richard Wilson for Hat Trick Productions.

Elsewhere, Food Network announced its biggest home cook competition of all time, 100 Cooks, hosted by actor, television host and former pro football player Terry Crews, and an exciting new no-holds-barred tournament Wildcard Kitchen: High Rollers at Sea;

The Futon Critic
The Futon Critic
Deadline
Deadline
Deadline
The Wrap
Variety

posted 5/13/2026

ITV Reups with "The 1% Club"
Deal Keeps Show on the Air for 3 Years
From Televisual

ITV has announced a new three-year deal for The 1% Club.

The 1% Club remains the biggest original quiz show in more than a decade. It regularly exceeds 5 million viewers an episode and since launching three years ago, it has been streamed over 60 million times and reached over 43 million viewers.

The 1% Club has also enjoyed major international success, establishing itself as one of the best-selling original British entertainment formats of recent years.

The 1% Club host, Lee Mack says: “I’m delighted that ITV have given us three more series to discover Great British clever clogs. I just told my family how old I would be when these three series are over, but apparently I got it wrong. Which shows you how well I’d do as a contestant.”

ITV’s Director of Factual Entertainment, Sue Murphy, said: “We’re thrilled to be renewing The 1% Club for a further three years. The show has become a huge hit with viewers of all ages. With Lee at the helm as always, we can’t wait to bring more series and specials to the viewers. It’s a brilliant entertainment show with a unique format that viewers love to play along with at home, and its broad appeal makes it a hugely valuable part of our slate on ITV.”

Executive Producers and creators of The 1% Club, Dean Nabarro and Andy Auerbach, said: “It’s a wonderful vote of confidence that ITV have commissioned three more years of the show and we’re delighted that so many more people will now get the chance to join The 1% Club.”

ITV will commission further series and specials of The 1% Club over the next three years, alongside the return of The 1% Club Rollover later this year and The 1% Club Kids Special, due to air later this month.

The series is commissioned for ITV by Director of Factual Entertainment, Sue Murphy. The 1% Club was created by Dean Nabarro and Andy Auerbach, and is a Magnum Media production for ITV.

Televisual

posted 5/13/2026


Getty Images
REX REED: 1938-2026
Caustic Movie Critic Played Games
From Deadline

Rex Reed, one of the most widely known, influential and biting film critics of the new wave ushered into prominence by Pauline Kael in the 1960s, died today, May 12, at his home in Manhattan following a short illness. He was 87.

His death was confirmed by longtime friend William Kapfer, who noted that Reed died “surrounded by his closest loved ones.”

Reed, whose stylishly written film reviews, celebrity profiles and interviews with Hollywood and Broadway stars were featured in such publications as The New York Times, GQ, Esquire, Vogue and, most recently, the New York Observer, was a ubiquitous presence on talk shows throughout the 1960s and ’70s, prized by hosts like Johnny Carson and Dick Cavett for his wit and candor.

In a telling sample of his quotes collected for his obituary in The New York Times, Reed could be both worshipful and scathing. In 1968 he said the aging Bette Davis was exciting enough “to make the latest youth idols about as interesting as a withered logarithm.” Broadway’s Gwen Verdon was one of those performers “rare as blue butterflies, who carry around their own lightning.”

Not all of his subjects got off so easy. “If there is anything more excruciating than sitting through a Michelangelo Antonioni film, it’s sitting through a Michelangelo Antonioni interview,” he wrote in 1967. He called Peter Lawford a Rat Pack “court jester” with limited intelligence, and drew the ire of Frank Sinatra when he said daughter Nancy Sinatra looked like a “pizza waitress.” After he wrote that a drunk Ava Gardner quipped about Sinatra’s marriage to Mia Farrow, “Hah! I always knew Frank would end up in bed with a boy,” Gardner called “a son of a bitch is either at your feet or at your throat.”

Reed’s writings were collected in numerous books, including his notoriously titled first, Do You Sleep in the Nude?, the question an example of the kind of query he designed to provoke noteworthy responses from his interview subjects.

Even in the latter part of his career, at the weekly newspaper New York Observer, his writings lost none of their sting, and indeed often seemed like an unappetizing leftover from an era when sour personal swipes were more tolerated.

In games, Reed appeared on episodes of "Hollywood Squares", "To Tell the Truth", "All Star Secrets", "The Gong Show", "You Don't Say!", and "What's My Line?".

He ascribed the Oscar win by deaf Children of a Lesser God actor Marlee Matlin to a “pity vote” and described Melissa McCarthy as “tractor-sized” and a “hippo.”

Reed’s victims relished a chance at payback when the writer tried his hand at acting in the atrocious 1970 film adaptation of Gore Vidal’s novel Myra Breckinridge. He would later appear in better films, but it was Breckinridge – a film that routinely lands on Worst Films Ever lists and was disavowed by Vidal himself – that made headlines. Time magazine wrote at the time that “Myra Breckinridge is about as funny as a child molester. It is an insult to intelligence, an affront to sensibility and an abomination to the eye.”

Both Reed and costar Raquel Welch were pilloried for their performance as the same character before and after what would now be called gender-affirming surgery.

In keeping with his own standards, Reed, too, panned Myra Breckinridge. It was, he wrote, “a train wreck.”

Deadline
The Hollywood Reporter
Forbes
The New York Times
Variety

posted 5/13/2026


Savannah Bananas

Banana Mirrorball
Jackson Olson Joins "Dancing with the Stars"
From Deadline

Dancing with the Stars has added another celebrity contestant to its Season 35 lineup. Jackson Olson, the second baseman for the Savannah Bananas, has joined the competition, Disney announced during its upfront presentation on Tuesday.

Olson is the third contestant to be revealed so far. He joins The Traitors and Love Island breakout Maura Higgins and Summer House favorite Ciara Miller, who the network revealed at Disney’s Get Real unscripted TV event last month.

Per Disney, the rest of the Season 35 celebrities as well as their professional dance partners will be announced on Wednesday, September 2, exclusively on Good Morning America.

There’s no premiere date for Season 35 just yet, but ABC has confirmed the series will return in the fall. It will simulcast live across ABC and Disney+ and stream next-day on Hulu.

In addition to being a second baseman for the Savannah Bananas, Olson is a content creator known for his macro baseball insights and captivating storytelling on family, relationships, food, and the journey of coming-of-age. Whether he’s sharing the joys of eating ballpark food or something over-the-top delicious, the triumphs and tribulations of love and family, or the intricacies of life on and off the field, Jackson Olson invites followers into his world with authenticity and warmth, leaving a lasting impression on all who engage with his content.

Deadline
The Futon Critic
The Wrap
TV Line
Reality TV World

posted 5/13/2026

Big Re-Break
BBC Two Options Remake with Paddy McGuinness, Stephen Hendry
From RTE

The hit 90s snooker-themed game show Big Break will return with broadcaster Paddy McGuinness and seven-time world snooker champion Stephen Hendry at the helm.

The popular program will return to BBC Two over two decades after it last aired, with the channel saying it will keep the "spirit of the original show" with a "brand new look and feel".

The revived series will follow three contestants who will be paired up with professional snooker players, straight off the competition circuit, as they battle it out over three rounds in a bid to win a cash prize in a dramatic finale.

McGuinness said: "I am absolutely delighted to be a part of Big Break. "It is one of those shows everyone knows and loves, so to be hosting it alongside legend Stephen Hendry will be something special. Bring it on!"

The game show previously aired on BBC screens between 1991 and 2002 and was hosted by Jim Davidson and the late snooker star John Virgo, who died earlier this year aged 79.

Hendry, who will take over Virgo's role of performing trick shots, is hoping the series can inspire a new generation of snooker players to get into the sport.

He said: "Big Break was a unique mix of trick shots and great entertainment, and I can't wait to be back at the table and bringing this incredible show to a whole new audience - and who knows, we might inspire the next generation of snooker players to get into the sport."

Production for the series will begin shortly for the twenty 30-minute-long episodes, with the series set to air on BBC Two and the BBC iPlayer.

RTE
The Mirror
Fremantle
TV Zone
Radio Times
License Global
C21 Media

posted 5/13/2026

Wednesday Lightning Round
... or "Prize Picks"

  • Sia returns her $100,000 fan favorite award (Variety) PLUS 50 seasons of stories (Variety)

  • Travis Kelce & Colin Jost have one thing in common... they're the beta in the couple (The Wrap)

  • Nick Cannon drops new docuseries on Netflix (The Futon Critic)

  • Whitney, Conner Leavitt launch new production shingle (Reality Tea)

  • Maggie Sajak reacts to her boyfriend being cast for "DWTS" (Us Weekly)

  • CROWNING MOMENT OF AWESOME: That time Jay Leno donated a $70K Corvette to TPIR (WRCB Chattanooga)

posted 5/13/2023


ABC

UPFRONTS: ABC/Disney
IN: Summer Game Shows, DWTS, Celeb J! & Wheel... But No Bachelors
From various sources

ABC on Tuesday became the fourth broadcast network (following CBS, NBC, and Fox) to unveil its schedule for the Fall TV season.

In an unexpected move, "High Potential" is being held for 2027, alongside fellow dramas "The Rookie," newly ordered spin-off "The Rookie: North," and "Will Trent." In its place, "R.J. Decker" will return for Season 2 this fall, airing Tuesdays at 10 p.m. behind Season 35 of "Dancing With the Stars."

The "Scrubs" revival is likewise on tap for fall, once again leading out of "Abbott Elementary." As a result, "Shifting Gears" is being held back for 2027.

New seasons of "The Bachelor" and "Bachelor in Paradise" are being reserved for next year.

ABC FALL 2026-27 SCHEDULE (all times ET/PT) with new shows in caps, & game shows bolded.

MONDAY
- 8p: ESPN NFL Monday Night Football

TUESDAY
- 8p: Dancing with the Stars

- 10p: RJ Decker

WEDNESDAY
- 8p: Scrubs
- 8:30p: Abbott Elementary
- 9p: Celebrity Jeopardy!
- 10p: Shark Tank


THURSDAY
- 8p: 9-1-1
- 9p: 9-1-1: Nashville
- 10p: Grey's Anatomy

FRIDAY
- 8p: Celebrity Wheel of Fortune

- 9p: 20/20

SATURDAY
- 7:30p: ESPN Saturday Night Football

SUNDAY
- 7p: America's Funniest Home Videos

- 8p: The Wonderful World of Disney

MIDSEASON TBA
- The Bachelor
- Bachelor in Paradise

- High Potential
- The Rookie
- THE ROOKIE: NORTH
- Shifting Gears
- Will Trent


The Futon Critic
TV Line
Deadline
Us Weekly

posted 5/12/2026


Getty Images

The Queen Holds Court
Music Icon/Actress Queen Latifah Joins "The Voice"
From TV Line

Forget a swivel chair, the newest coach on the "The Voice" is going to need a swivel throne. Queen Latifah is confirmed to be joining the show for Season 30.

For her inaugural season of "The Voice," Latifah will be joined by returning coaches Kelly Clarkson and Adam Levine, as well as fellow first-timer Riley Green, who recently wrapped a multi-episode arc on CBS' "Yellowstone" spin-off "Marshals."

While most people probably think of Latifah as an actress, she also boasts an impressive career in the music industry. She won a Grammy Award in 1995 for her song "U.N.I.T.Y.," and has amassed six additional Grammy nominations over the years. She was also nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for her performance in the movie-musical "Chicago."

Unlike newcomers Latifah and Green, Clarkson and Levine have a long history with "The Voice." Levine was a mainstay for the show's first 16 seasons before taking a nine-year break, eventually returning for Seasons 27, 29, and now 30. Meanwhile, Clarkson's coaching tenure spanned from Seasons 14 to 21; she later returned for Seasons 29 and now 30.

New episodes of "The Voice" will air Mondays at 8/7c on NBC, leading into the new Peter Krause-led crime drama "Line of Fire." A premiere date has not yet been announced. Read More: https://www.tvline.com/2170763/queen-latifah-the-voice-season-30-coaches-confirmed/

TV Line
The Futon Critic
Reality Tea

posted 5/12/2026

Going Up
Richard Osman to Host "Golden Elevators" for ITV
From ATV Today

ITV is heading back into the gameshow arena with The Golden Elevators, a new high-concept quiz format hosted by Richard Osman — and there’s little doubt the broadcaster will be hoping this one reaches the penthouse rather than stalling between floors.

The series, produced by Studio Lambert and Talpa Studios, turns deceptively simple A-or-B questions into a strategic social experiment, with contestants forced to decide not only what answer is right, but who around them can actually be trusted.

Set inside a towering skyscraper, ten players begin in the lobby and must choose between two elevators for every question. One lift contains the correct answer and moves contestants closer to the jackpot. The other sends everyone inside crashing back to the lobby and out of the game entirely. The twist is where the format may find its sweet spot. Before each decision, contestants are free to debate, persuade, bluff and manipulate each other — turning what could have been a straightforward trivia contest into something much closer to psychological warfare in a shiny ITV primetime wrapper.

It’s also another significant entertainment commission for ITV at a time when the broadcaster is under growing pressure to land a breakout non-scripted hit. Recent attempts to launch fresh event entertainment formats have delivered mixed results at best, with The Neighbourhood — fronted by Graham Norton — struggling badly in the ratings before being quietly shifted out of primetime to burn off its remaining episodes.

Against that backdrop, The Golden Elevators feels like a calculated pivot towards something cleaner, simpler and more format-friendly. The premise is instantly understandable, visually strong and deliberately designed for audience play-along — the kind of broad entertainment mechanic ITV executives traditionally love.

And if there’s one person who knows how to sell a format built on simplicity, it’s Osman. Already synonymous with modern British quiz television thanks to Pointless and his hugely successful publishing career, Osman brings an affable authority that ITV will hope helps elevate the format above gimmick territory.

“I signed up the moment they showed me the game,” Osman said. “It’s so simple, but it takes such skill to win — I’ve never seen a quiz show quite like it.”

ATV Today
The Sun
The London Standard
ITV Press Centre
Radio Times

posted 5/12/2026



Sony Pictures TV/CBS

NBC P-I-C-K-S Up "Wordle" For 2027
Savannah Guthrie to Host
From the Futon Critic

NBC has greenlit a new game show series based on "Wordle," the globally beloved word game from The New York Times Games.  Produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio (UTAS), in partnership with Jimmy Fallon's Electric Hot Dog and The New York Times, the series brings the global phenomenon to television with a fresh, fast-paced format. 

Originally launched in 2021 and acquired by The New York Times in 2022, Wordle has become a cultural phenomenon, engaging millions of daily players worldwide and inspiring conversation across generations.  An avid "Wordle" player, "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie will serve as host of the primetime gameshow. 

The new format challenges players to solve five-letter word puzzles in a supersized battle of smarts, speed and fun. It builds on the way the puzzle community engages with Wordle every day - solving together, sharing wins, debating strategies and cheering one another on. Now, that style of play comes to life as the most-obsessed and competitive players will team up in squads and go head-to-head in the "Wordle" arena, playing for an incredible cash prize.

"I feel very honored to be working with Savannah Guthrie on this show," said Fallon "Savannah has that rare combination of intelligence, charm, and warmth that makes everyone feel instantly welcome. And she obviously knows how to host a show. I am SUPER PROUD and HAPPY and I think we developed a SOLID GAMER for PRIME-time."

"Wordle is one of the most successful and culturally resonant games of the past decade," said Sharon Vuong, Executive Vice President, Unscripted Programming, NBC. "This series is a natural extension of NBC's legacy in the game show space, and with the incredible Savannah at the helm and our partners at UTAS, Electric Hot Dog and The New York Times, we're excited to bring a smart, joyful and distinctly NBC take to this global phenomenon."

"We're eager, happy, giddy - all of those five-letter words and more - to bring Wordle to life for television," said Toby Gorman, President, Universal Television Alternative Studio. "The New York Times word game has been played billions of times, and our goal is to create an equally addictive show. Savannah brings the perfect blend of warmth and wit to deliver exactly that."

"Several years ago, The New York Times began developing a Wordle game show. Teaming up with Jimmy Fallon to develop the game for NBC was a perfect fit," says Caitlin Roper, executive editorial director of film and tv at the Times. "We wanted to honor the specific thrill of Wordle, the way people play and share their scores with each other, but also make something new for TV. Like Jimmy, Savannah is a passionate Wordle player-she even solved on TV in Times Square. No one gets what our contestants will go through like she does."

Casting for the season is currently open, interested applicants can visit wordle.castingcrane.com. Production on the show is set to begin later this year and is slated to premiere in 2027.

"Wordle" is produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio, a division of Universal Studio Group, in association with Fallon's production company, Electric Hot Dog and The New York Times.  Jimmy Fallon and Jim Juvonen serve as executive producers for Electric Hot Dog with Caitlin Roper and Jonathan Knight serving as executive producers for The New York Times.   Wes Kauble will also executive produce and serve as showrunner.  The "Wordle" format will be licensed globally by NBCUniversal Formats, a division of Universal Studio Group.

The Futon Critic
Deadline
BBC News
Variety
Newscast Studio
TMZ
Realscreen
Sky News
Daytime Confidential
The Guardian
USA Today
CNN
The Hill
The New York Times
NBC News Today
Deadline
KROC-FM Rochester
Distractify
Pocket Gamer

posted 5/12/2026


NBCUniversal

UPFRONTS: NBCUniversal
IN: The Voice, The Traitors, Wordle
From various sources

NBC unveils its 2026-27 schedule highlighted by the addition of four new series - "Line of Fire," an intense and compelling family drama starring award winners Peter Krause and Hope Davis; "The Rockford Files," a modern-day retelling of the iconic IP starring David Boreanaz; "Newlyweds," played by real-life couple Téa Leoni and Tim Daly, who find love after a whirlwind courtship; and "Sunset P.I.," a comedy from the executive producers of "Brooklyn Nine-Nine."

NBC's primetime lineup will continue to offer viewers unparalleled fare with its fan-favorite franchise dramas, huge unscripted hits as well as a new civilian version of the hit show "The Traitors" on Thursdays this fall and a three-hour special celebrating the 100th anniversary of the network.

With its unprecedented mix of entertainment, sports, news and specials, NBC comes off the 2025-26 season as the #1 network in both total viewers and the 18-49 demo.

In what is certain to be one of the biggest television events of the year, NBC will celebrate its monumental 100th anniversary on Dec. 10 with a live three-hour variety special from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The network will commemorate its once-in-a-lifetime anniversary with a telecast that will honor a century of must-see television, groundbreaking moments and iconic stars.

On the unscripted side, NBC has greenlit a new game show series based on "Wordle," the globally beloved word game from The New York Times Games. An avid "Wordle" player, "Today" co-host Savannah Guthrie will serve as host of the primetime gameshow executive produced by Jimmy Fallon. The new format challenges players to solve five-letter word puzzles in a supersized battle of smarts, speed and fun. It builds on the way the puzzle community engages with Wordle every day - solving together, sharing wins, debating strategies and cheering one another on. Now, that style of play comes to life as the most-obsessed and competitive players will team up in squads and go head-to-head in the "Wordle" arena, playing for an incredible cash prize. Produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio (UTAS), in partnership with Jimmy Fallon's Electric Hot Dog and The New York Times, the series brings the global phenomenon to television with a fresh, fast-paced format. Originally launched in 2021 and acquired by The New York Times in 2022, Wordle has become a cultural phenomenon, engaging millions of daily players worldwide and inspiring conversation across generations.

NBC's four-time Emmy Award-winning musical competition series "The Voice" returns this fall for season 30 with coaches Kelly Clarkson, Adam Levine and Riley Green, who confirmed his participation this past weekend at his concert in Alpharetta, Ga. A fourth coach joining the superstar panel will be announced shortly. "The Voice" is a presentation of MGM Television, Warner Horizon Unscripted Television, a Warner Bros. Television Group, and ITV Studios The Voice USA, Inc. The series was created by John de Mol, who serves as an executive producer along with Mark Burnett, Audrey Morrissey, Amanda Zucker, Kyra Thompson, Adam H. Sher and Barry Poznick.

"The Traitors" is coming to NBC with an all-new all-civilian version of Peacock's Emmy Award-winning competition reality series known for strategic gameplay and skillful saboteurs. In this brand-new iteration of "The Traitors" for NBC, Emmy-winning host Alan Cumming is opening the doors to his now infamous castle in the Scottish Highlands to everyday Americans. There he will ask them, "Are you a Faithful? Or are you a Traitor?" "The Traitors" is a nail-biting psychological adventure in which treachery and deceit are the name of the game. Set at an ancient castle set deep in the Scottish Highlands, contestants work together on a series of exhilarating missions to build a prize fund worth up to $250,000. Hidden amongst the Faithful are the Traitors, whose goal is to eliminate the Faithful and claim the prize for themselves. Under the cover of darkness, the Traitors murder the Faithful one by one in a treacherous spree while the Faithful try to uncover the Traitors and banish them from the game. If the Faithful contestants banish all the Traitors, they will share the prize fund, but if a Traitor (or Traitors) makes it to the end, they will steal all the money. "The Traitors" is produced by Studio Lambert, part of All3 Media. Alan Cumming hosts as well as serves as an executive producer along with Mike Cotton, Sam Rees-Jones, Rosie Franks, Jack Burgess, Stephen Lambert and Tim Harcourt.

Other unscripted series returning to NBC this summer are "America's Got Talent," "American Ninja Warrior" and "Password." As previously announced, "Destination X" will return in 2027.

NBC FALL 2026-27 SCHEDULE (New programs in UPPER CASE; all times ET/PT). Game shows are in bold.

MONDAY (September/October)
- 8p: The Voice
- 10p: LINE OF FIRE
MONDAY (November)
- 8p: St. Denis Medical
- 8:30p: The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins
- 9p: The Voice
- 10p: LINE OF FIRE

TUESDAY
- 8p: NBA Coast 2 Coast

WEDNESDAY
- 8p: Chicago Med
- 9p: Chicago Fire
- 10p: Chicago PD

THURSDAY
- 8p: THE TRAITORS
- 9p: Law & Order: SVU
- 10p: Law & Order

FRIDAY
- 8p: Happy's Place
- 8:30p: NEWLYWEDS
- 9p: Dateline NBC

SATURDAY
- 7p: Big Ten/Notre Dame Pregame
- 7:30p: Big Ten Saturday Night/Notre Dame Football

SUNDAY
- 7p: Football Night in America
- 8:20p: Sunday Night Football

MIDSEASON TBA
- THE ROCKFORD FILES
- SUNSET PI
- WORDLE

Other upfront notes....
- Jimmy Fallon spent a lot of time last year promoting his business reality format On Brand. Unfortunately, it was one and done for The Tonight Show host after NBC elected to cancel the unscripted series. The show, which was created, hosted and exec produced by Fallon, follows him as he starts a marketing agency “and fills it with the most creative, clever, and competitive go-getters he can find”. He was joined by former Netflix marketing chief Bozoma Saint John, who was also a cast member of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, as On Brand Agency’s Chief Marketing Offer, where she mentored the creatives and evaluated their work.
- Peacock has renewed Love Island Games for a third season, with Ariana Madix set to return as host. The streamer made the announcement during the NBCUniversal Upfront, revealing that Season 3 of the competition-dating series will launch in the Fall of 2027.
- Staying on Love Island, a hot new bombshell enters the Love Island USA villa as Ciara Miller has been set to co-host companion series Aftersun. The Summer House star will be hosting Peacock‘s dating series after show alongside Tefi Pessoa.

The Futon Critic
The Futon Critic
Deadline
Deadline
Deadline
Deadline
Deadline
The Wrap
Variety
The Wrap
Variety
Realtiy Tea

posted 5/11/2026


Fox

UPFRONTS: Fox
IN: ... Everything.
From various sources

FOX today unveils its 2026-2027 programming slate to the national advertising community during its Upfront Presentation at the New York City Center. Followed by a powerful breakout season, FOX delivers a full lineup of hit shows this fall and expands its winning slate with the return of a global sensation, fresh creative voices and compelling new series. The lineup is anchored in accessible, high-energy programming designed for co-viewing audiences across scripted, unscripted and animation. FOX Entertainment Studios continues to play a strategic role in growing a portfolio of owned and produced content.

"Our 2026-27 slate reflects what FOX does best - putting creative first with distinctive, returnable series and bold, character-driven storytelling," said Rob Wade, CEO of FOX Entertainment. "With a strong foundation of returning hits and a carefully curated pipeline of new original series, we're building a lineup designed to connect with broad audiences, drive performance in both the U.S. and around the world, and bring the consistency, scale, and momentum that position us strongly for the year ahead."

All-new series include new dramas Baywatch and The Interrogator and unscripted series Marriage Market.

FOX has renewed the following unscripted series for additional seasons: Beat Shazam (Season Eight), Celebrity Name That Tune (Season Six), Celebrity Weakest Link (Season Two), Crime Scene Kitchen (Season Four), Don't Forget The Lyrics (Season Four), Extracted (Season Three), Fear Factor: House of Fear (Season Two), The Floor (Seasons Six and Seven), Gordon Ramsay's Secret Service (Season Two), Hell's Kitchen (Seasons 25 and 26), Kitchen Nightmares (Season Three), LEGO Masters (Season Six), The Masked Singer (Season 15), Next Level Baker (Seasons Two and Three), Next Level Chef (Season Six), 99 to Beat (Season Two), and Special Forces: World's Toughest Test (Season Five). Additional series renewals to be announced.

FOX's new unscripted programming includes:
-
FOX flips the script on dating with its bold new series Marriage Market, in which real singles ready for marriage relinquish total control of their love lives to their closest family members, who marry them off at a market like no other! From FOX Entertainment Studios, Marriage Market is an original FOX-owned unscripted series slated for 2027. Hosted by actress, comedian and podcaster Whitney Cummings, the series welcomes singles - who are officially over swiping, ghosting and endless first dates - into an actual Marriage Market, where they're up for trying something radical... putting their love lives in the hands of family members that know them best and risking it all for one shot at forever - in an arranged marriage. Filled with humor, heart, heartbreak and unpredictable outcomes, Marriage Market is a one-of-a-kind, immersive matchmaking experience where families come together with one goal in mind: helping their single family member find a meaningful, lasting match. Inside this vibrant, real-world setting, families meet, connect and advocate for their loved one as they search for a perfect partner. The rules are simple. When two families believe they've found a match, their singles are introduced and engaged on the spot - with the ultimate goal of making it to the altar. From there, the couples and their families move in together, navigating real-life compatibility, big personalities and even bigger expectations. At any point, each of the newly matched singles' families can decide they've found them "the one," or send their single loved one back into the Marriage Market for another chance at finding them love. Marriage Market is produced by FOX Entertainment Studios and will be distributed worldwide by FOX Entertainment Global. The series is executive-produced by Alycia Rossiter and John Carr, with Rossiter serving as showrunner.
- Last season, Gordon Ramsay and Next Level Baker turned the holidays into must-watch, family-friendly television - shattering streaming records and delivering unforgettable bakers and bakes, instant nostalgia, nonstop action and pressure unlike any other baking competition on television. Beloved chef, entrepreneur and television personality Carla Hall returns, and Season Two welcomes award-winning pastry chef and author Waylynn Lucas to the fun. The new season kicks off with a fast-paced team reveal, when each mentor selects a Home, Pro and Social baker. From there, in true Next Level fashion, the competition unfolds with festive flair, special guests and shocking mid-bake twists - while delivering the joy that makes the holidays unforgettable. It all builds toward the most daunting finale in baking competition history: the legendary three-tier cake challenge.

FOX FALL 2026-27 SCHEDULE (All Times ET/PT). New series in all caps, game shows are in bold.

MONDAY
- 8p: Celebrity Name That Tune
- 9p: Celebrity Weakest Link


TUESDAY
- 8p: Best Medicine
- 9p: Doc

WEDNESDAY:
- 8p: The Floor
- 9p: 99 to Beat


THURSDAY
- 8p: Hell's Kitchen
- 9p: Special Forces: World's Toughest Test


FRIDAY
- 8p: Fox CFB Friday

SATURDAY
- 8p: Fox Sports Saturday

SUNDAY
- 7p: NFL on Fox overrun
- 7:30p: The OT/Animation Domination encores
- 8p: The Simpsons
- 8:30p: Animal Control
- 9p: Universal Basic Guys
- 9:30p: Grimsburg

FOX's midseason slate will include:
- Dramas: Baywatch, The Interrogator, Memory of a Killer and Murder in a Small Town
- Comedies: American Dad!, Bob's Burgers, Family Guy and Krapopolis
- Unscripted: Crime Scene Kitchen, Don't Forget The Lyrics, Extracted, Fear Factor: House of Fear, Gordon Ramsay's Secret Service, LEGO Masters, The Masked Singer, MasterChef, Next Level Chef.

Additional programming to be announced.

Other upfront notes....
- While Fox has renewed the vast majority of its unscripted slate, there were a couple of shows that didn’t make the cut this year. The network is benching So You Think You Can Dance and Jim Jeffries-hosted The Snake.
- Peacock has renewed Love Island Games for a third season, with Ariana Madix set to return as host. The streamer made the announcement during the NBCUniversal Upfront, revealing that Season 3 of the competition-dating series will launch in the Fall of 2027.
- Staying on Love Island, a hot new bombshell enters the Love Island USA villa as Ciara Miller has been set to co-host companion series Aftersun. The Summer House star will be hosting Peacock‘s dating series after show alongside Tefi Pessoa.

The Futon Critic
Deadline
Deadline
Deadline
Deadline
Deadline
TV Line
TV Line
The Wrap
Variety
Variety
Realtiy Tea

posted 5/11/2026


Riley Green

A New Coach in Town
Riley Green to Join "Voice" Season 30
From Deadline

The Voice will have some new blood for Season 30. Country singer Riley Green will join Kelly Clarkson and Adam Levine as a coach on the NBC show. Season 29, which just ended, saw Clarkson, Levine and John Legend as the three coaches. Season 30, which returns in the fall, will feature four coaches with one other star joining the trio soon.

Green has released three albums and is known for hits including There Was This Girl, I Wish Grandpas Never Died, Half of Me and Different ‘Round Here, which he did with Luke Combs.

While the move marks Green’s first role as a judge on a singing competition, he was one of the stars on CMT’s 2012 reality series Redneck Island. He also recently appeared in a four-episode arc on CBS’ Yellowstone spinoff Marshals as one of Kayce Dutton’s former Navy SEAL teammates. Green revealed his new gig on his Instagram page with a voicemail from Kelly Clarkson.

Clarkson said, “We have never officially met… I am super stoked to coach alongside you. Welcome to The Voice. I was stoked when I heard you’re going to be a coach because I actually am a super fan of your music, man, you’re so good. You probably know that, because I’ve covered your songs, big fan. But, needless to say, fan and all, it’s a competition. So I, as a future friend, I sent you something, a little gift, while you’re out on the road doing shows to get your head in the game for The Voice coming up, because I think you’re gonna need the practice, because team Kelly’s gonna whoop that ass.”

“I guess y’all can start calling me coach… see ya this fall,” Green added.

Deadline
The Futon Critic

posted 5/11/2026


Sony Pictures TV Studios

More on "Pop Culture Jeopardy!" Season 2
Catch It on Netflix
From the Futon Critic

A new platform means new rules for Pop Culture Jeopardy!. Season 2 of the game show premiered on May 11 and gives the winner an opportunity to win more games and money.

Instead of the teams winning one game and then advancing to the quarterfinals, they can now win up to five games.

“Things are going to be slightly different this time. Here’s how it works,” host Colin Jost said. “The winners of each game will advance to play in the next episode, where they cap at five games maximum. After 15 games, the top nine teams will compete in the semifinals for a chance to win $300,000 and be named the next Pop Culture Jeopardy! champion.”

The recently introduced version of the syndicated game show focuses solely on — you guessed it — pop culture questions, ranging from TV to sports to music and more. Jeopardy! has produced many spinoffs, including Tournament of Champions, Masters, Invitational Tournament, Celebrity Jeopardy!, College Tournaments, and more. But they all focus on everyday trivia. Pop Culture Jeopardy! is solely for the fangirls and boys.

The Personality Hires (Emily Hogg, Zach Gozlan, and Miranda Onnen) won Season 1 in March and took home the grand prize and the PC Jeopardy! trophy.

Hosted by SNL Weekend Update anchor Colin Jost, Pop Culture Jeopardy! is a prudciton of Sony Pictures Television Studios, Michael Davies executive producer and Bari Jean Dorman co-exective producer.

The Futon Critic
TV Insider
ComingSoon.net

The Futon Critic

TV Insider

Hollywood Outbreak

TV Insider

posted 5/11/2026


Brent Probst
SCOTT PROBST: c.1968-2026
"Survivor" Cameraman, Art Director; Jeff's Younger Brother
From People

Survivor host Jeff Probst's brother Scott has died, their brother Brent announced on Instagram Monday, May 11.

"Some sad news, our brother Scott is no longer with us," Brent captioned a photo of Scott. "He was a great brother, son and friend. I will miss him so much. I’m so sad he is gone." A cause of death was not revealed.

Scott previously worked alongside his brother on Survivor. While Jeff, 64, has hosted the reality series since May 2000, his brother has been credited on a few episodes as both an art assistant and camera assistant.

Scott's death comes nearly two years after the death of their mother, Barb Probst, who died in November 2024. A season 47 episode paid tribute to the family matriarch, with a tribute card reading, “Dedicated to Barb, the biggest Survivor fan of all time. See you on our next adventure.” Brent confirmed the death of their mother on Instagram at the time.

“She was the best mom, grandma and just a fantastic person full of love and life," he wrote. "For the last couple years, she had full-time care for dementia and died one week before her 86th birthday." He added, "She had a great life and I am certain that I am a good person because she and my dad raised me with love and humor. I will miss her every single day for the rest of my life.”

People
TMZ

posted 5/11/2026

Monday Lightning Round
... or "Surprise!"


posted 5/11/2023


ABC

SFG: 2026 Edition
Here's the Calendar!
From the Futon Critic

Today, ABC announced its summer premiere dates, which include a slate of high-stakes, fan-favorite game shows and the brand-new competition series, "Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro."

"Celebrity Family Feud" premieres THURSDAY, JULY 9, with host Steve Harvey, followed by new episodes of "Press Your Luck," hosted by Elizabeth Banks. Later in the month, Jimmy Kimmel hosts a new season of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire," starting WEDNESDAY, JULY 22. As previously announced, the latest spinoff series from the hit franchise, "Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro," is set to debut MONDAY, JULY 13, hosted by Robert Irwin.

As previously announced, "The Bachelor," "Bachelor in Paradise" and "Dancing with the Stars" have been renewed for new seasons. Premiere dates for these series will be announced at a later date.

CELEBRITY FAMILY FEUD Hosted by stand-up comedian, actor, author and Emmy(R) Award winner Steve Harvey, the iconic game show features celebrities, along with their family members or their extended TV families, going head-to-head in a contest to name the most popular responses to survey-type questions posed to 100 people for a chance to win $25,000 for a charity of their choice. "Celebrity Family Feud" is produced by Fremantle. Myeshia Mizuno is the showrunner and executive producer. Follow "Celebrity Family Feud" (#CelebrityFamilyFeud) on Instagram, X and Facebook.

DANCING WITH THE STARS: THE NEXT PRO Hosted by wildlife conservationist and "Dancing with the Stars" Season 34 Len Goodman Mirrorball Champion Robert Irwin, "Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro" features 12 exceptional up-and-coming dancers who move into one house and compete in a grueling audition process, all vying for a coveted spot as a pro dancer on Season 35 of "Dancing with the Stars." Three-time Mirrorball champion Mark Ballas and his mother, "The Queen of Latin" Shirley Ballas, will serve as judges. They will be joined by a star-studded lineup of returning pros who will serve as rotating mentors/guest judges. Follow "DWTS" (#DWTSNextPro) on Instagram, Facebook, Threads, TikTok, X and YouTube.

PRESS YOUR LUCK Hosted by Elizabeth Banks, "Press Your Luck" is a game of wits, strategy and high stakes as contestants compete for a chance at life-changing cash and prizes. During each game of "Press Your Luck," three contestants battle each other, answering questions to earn spins on the Big Board. Contestants then use their spins to win cash and prizes while trying to avoid the WHAMMY, which could take all their winnings and leave them with nothing. The winning contestant then moves on to the bonus round to face the WHAMMY in a final battle for the chance to win $1 million. "Press Your Luck" is produced by Fremantle. The show is executive produced by Elizabeth Banks, Max Handelman and John Quinn, who also serves as showrunner. Follow "Press Your Luck" (#PressYourLuck) on Instagram, X and Facebook.

WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE Hosted by Emmy Award-winning Jimmy Kimmel, "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" features pairs of celebrity contestants playing together in the hopes of winning $1 million for the charity of their choice. "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" is executive produced by Michael Davies and Jimmy Kimmel. The series is produced by Sony Pictures Television's Embassy Row and Kimmelot. Follow "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" (#WhoWantsToBeAMillionaire) on Instagram, X and Facebook.

The Futon Critic
Deadline
TV Line
Variety
The Wrap

posted 5/8/2026

A Record-Shattering Lion's Share
TPIR Contestant Breaks Single-Game Record
From E!

The next contestant on The Price is Right is none other than the biggest single-game winner of all time.

The longtime CBS game show had a price that was extra right for contestant Vanesa McCaskel from Virginia, who took home more than $240,000 in cash and prizes on the May 8 episode, setting the record for the largest amount won in a single pricing game in the show’s 54-year history.

The retired vet tried her luck on the BetMGM sponsored “The Lion’s Share” on the Mother’s Day-themed episode. She started off winning $2,500 then $25,000 before landing on $100,000 twice and even picking up a mother-daughter trip to Morocco, ultimately giving her a $240,150 haul.

"From ‘Come on Down’ to playing ‘The Lion’s Share,’ it all felt so surreal,” Vanesa raved in a press release, “a dream moment that only kept getting bigger. I was nervous, excited and everything at once. Winning over $200,000 is life changing.”

As for what she plans to do with her winnings? “Invest wisely, enjoy a little and treat my mom to a special surprise.”

McCaskel's win of $240,150 surpasses the previous record single game win of $210,000, which was set on a 2016 episode.

Since taking over hosting duties from the late Bob Barker in 2007, Drew has constantly found himself amazed by the continued love and adoration for The Price is Right—even if he was slightly overwhelmed by the audiences at first.

“I couldn’t believe how loud it was,” he recalled to Variety in 2025. “I thought my hair was gonna blow back. I used to wear an Apple watch. I had to change the settings because all of a sudden, my watch was going off all the time during the show, telling me I was in a loud environment.”

And of course, it was important to him to “keep the memory of Bob alive.”

“I’m not replacing anybody,” he explained. “I’m just doing a show that he used to do.”

E!
Variety
TV Line
Deadline
USA Today
WTSP Tampa-St. Petersburg

posted 5/8/2026

"Masked Singer" to Return
Season 15 Comes with Numerous Changes
From Deadline

The Masked Singer is heading into Season 15 with a new production company and likely a new, East Coast location.

Fox has renewed the singing competition for a midseason bow in the 2026-27 broadcast season. However, it no longer will be produced by Fox Entertainment Studios after Fremantle-owned Eureka Productions beat a number of rivals for the right to make the show.

Masked Singer also is going to stick with one season per year, which it brought in for Season 14.

The move is interesting because it puts production of one of Fox’s biggest hits – arguably the show that had the most impact on the unscripted business in the States before The Traitors came along – into the hands of a third party.

It’s not the show’s first production change; the first season in 2019 was produced by Endemol Shine North America before it was taken over by the then-named Fox Alternative Entertainment for Season 2.

The Masked Singer also is likely to move from Los Angeles, where its most recent season was shot, to the East Coast.

Eureka is keen to cement a deal for the production in New Jersey. The Garden State offers production tax incentives of 30% on qualified expenses with up to 40% on certain studio projects. New Jersey, unlike California and many other states, also accepts unscripted in its tax incentive scheme.

Fox insiders noted that the move also could benefit the show from a talent perspective; it now will have more access to East Coast stars, including Broadway performers and those working in New York.

Eureka Productions, which is owned by Fremantle, is no stranger to big-budget productions. It is producing Netflix’s upcoming Willy Wonka-themed series The Golden Ticket and has produced series including Megan Thee Stallion-starring KPopped for Apple TV and The Mole for Netflix. The company also has worked regularly with Fox; it produces Rob Lowe’s The Floor, Jay Pharoah-hosted game show The Quiz with Balls and dating show Farmer Wants a Wife.

Deadline
Primetimer
Yahoo!/Parade

posted 5/8/2026

Quick! Hide!
RTVE Spain Option for "Hide & Seek"
From C21 Media

Spanish public broadcaster RTVE has commissioned Warner Bros ITVP Spain to create a local adaptation of Talpa Studios’ format The House of Hide & Seek.

RTL 4’s original The House of Hide & Seek Locally titled El Escondite the show is based on the classic hide and seek game using a set with more than 120 hiding places, where the audience will follow every move of the contestants in real time.

The House of Hide & Seek was created by Talpa Studios and David Grifhorst and developed in collaboration with Fox Entertainment Studios in the US. The project was originally commissioned by RTL 4 in the Netherlands in conjunction with the Videoland platform, which will release its first version this year.

The Spanish version will be produced at Talpa Studios’ hub in the Netherlands. Its sale into Spain marks the first international agreement for the format.

In each episode, six celebrities compete in a series of rounds that combine riddles, tension and strategy, alternating on-set challenges with intense searches inside the set in front of a live audience.

C21 Media

posted 5/8/2026


Fox

Fox Lines Up "Nation's Dumbest"
Jack Whitehall to Host
From the Futon Critic

FOX today announced the debut of Nation's Dumbest, a new celebrity competition series that flips the traditional format on its head - because this is the only show where winning is the last thing anyone wants. Taking attendance as host is acclaimed comedian Jack Whitehall, who presides over the chaos as contestants relive the highs and humiliations of school life - from pop quizzes and report cards to recess and parent teacher conferences - all while trying to stay out of last place. The series will debut this summer starting Wednesday, July 15 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

Nation's Dumbest, a proven format across multiple international territories, channels celebrities' inner school spirit as they head back to summer school, facing a mix of brain-teasing tasks, fast-paced physical challenges, and long-buried classroom knowledge. Each week, the 'smartest' celebrity graduates, narrowing the field until a high-stakes final exam determines who will be left standing with the distinction no one wants - the title of The Nation's Dumbest.

Enrolled in this season's all-star class are television personality Hilaria Baldwin, actress and model Carmen Electra, actor Anthony Michael Hall, actor Jon Heder, musician and actor Chase Hudson, rapper and actor Ice-T, singer-songwriter Elle King, former NFL quarterback Matt Leinart, television personality and physician Dr. Drew Pinsky, stunt performer and comedian Steve-O, singer and performer JoJo Siwa, and entrepreneur and former presidential candidate Andrew Yang.

"Nation's Dumbest takes an instantly relatable format and flips it in a way that's 'smart,' unpredictable, and genuinely funny," said Michael Thorn, President of FOX Television Network. "It's a competition where the goal is to avoid winning, and that twist - combined with Jack Whitehall's sharp comedic voice and a great celebrity cast - makes it a bold, high-energy series built for big, co-viewing audiences."

"I can confidently say we have the absolute dumbest television format in the world - and for once, that's by design, said Ryan O'Dowd, President of Unscripted, BBC Studios. "Nation's Dumbest celebrates humor, humility and the universal experience of not always getting it right. With Jack Whitehall leading the chaos and a cast fully in on the joke, it's a bold, irreverent series packed with big laughs and real surprises."

Based on a format from Montreaux Films, Nation's Dumbest is executive produced by Ryan O'Dowd, Krystal Whitney and Jenny Groom for BBC Studios. James Breen and Michael O'Sullivan also executive produce, with Breen serving as showrunner.

Jack Whitehall is an award-winning comedian, actor, presenter and writer. He most recently starred in the series, "The 'Burbs" opposite Keke Palmer; and opposite David Duchovny and Carice Van Houton in the thriller, "Malice." He's recently wrapped production on the indie rom-com, "Whodunnit" opposite Lana Condor and Randall Park; and the thriller "Legacy" opposite Anjelica Huston and Lucy Hale. Up next, he'll be back on tour with his Jack Whitehall: Bad Influence UK tour.

The Futon Critic
Deadline
Deadline

posted 5/8/2026

Happy Friday Lightning Round
... or "Splitsville"

  • Will Arnett, Carolyn Murphy break up (TMZ)

  • Cameron Mathison, wife file for legal separation (TMZ)

  • Grant Ellis threw shade on Taylor Frankie Paul... Taylor Frankie Paul threw it right back (Reality Tea)

  • Savannah Louie reveals how much taxes she had to pay on her "Survivor" winnings (Reality Tea)

  • Blake Shelton blames manager for missing No Doubt show (TMZ)

posted 5/8/2023


E!

E! Bellies Up to the Bar
Joey Fatone, Lance Bass to Host "Cocktail Wars"
From the Futon Critic

E!, the go-to destination for high-quality pop culture and entertainment news, is expanding their unscripted slate with the addition of new original mixology competition series Cocktail Wars. Hosted by Lance Bass and Joey Fatone, the 10-episode series will debut this summer.

Cocktail Wars pits America's buzziest mixologists against each other in a lively, high-stakes showdown for $10,000 per episode. Hosted by Joey Fatone and Lance Bass, who are joined by a series of celebrities and an expert judge, each episode features a fast, fiery battle of skill, creativity, humor, and flair. From playful flavor combinations to eye-catching technique, the focus is on having a good time, taking risks, and serving up drinks with personality. Each shake, stir, and splash could be the winning touch or the one that sends them home. It's a cocktail competition where the vibes are high, the drinks are strong, and the bragging rights are everything.

"We're excited to be part of Cocktail Wars and team up again for something this fun," said Lance Bass and Joey Fatone. "With this much talent, a little competition, a lot of cocktails and just enough chaos to keep things interesting - that's usually where we thrive."

"We are beyond thrilled to welcome Lance and Joey to E! with Cocktail Wars," said Val Boreland, President of Entertainment, VERSANT. "Blending competition, creativity and personality, this show will deliver must-watch moments where nostalgia, pop culture, and mixology are in sync."

Cocktail Wars is executive produced by Texas Crew Productions and R&D Media. David Karabinas, Rick Cikowski, Chip Rives, James Macnab and Brad Bernstein are executive producers for Texas Crew; Russ McCarroll is showrunner and executive producer for R&D.

The Futon Critic
Deadline

posted 5/7/2026

Wells Adams Goes Golfing
"Bachelor in Paradise" Bartender to Co-Host "Big Break x Good Good"
From the Futon Critic

Television and entertainment personality Wells Adams - best known for his work on The Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise and current co-host of The Vanity Index on Golf Channel - will serve as co-host for Big Break x Good Good Presented by Golf Galaxy, as the ground-breaking golf reality competition show returns to Golf Channel this August.

A self-admitted golf nut and long-time fan of Big Break, Adams joins Big Break Dominican Republic winner, former LPGA Tour pro and Golf Channel personality Blair O'Neal as co-host for Season 24.

"As a self-proclaimed 'golf-sicko,' Wells is the perfect person to pair with Blair to host the return of Big Break," said Tom Knapp, Golf Channel EVP and GM. "His well-documented experience and success in reality television combined with the interviews and "inside golf" conversations he has on The Vanity Index on Golf Channel make him a bit of a Big Break unicorn. I also think he'll be a really good fit for fans of Good Good Golf. We're very happy to have Wells on our Big Break team."

Adams initially gained recognition as a contestant on the reality series The Bachelorette and currently serves as the bartender on Bachelor in Paradise. He currently co-hosts and produces The Vanity Index Podcast alongside Full Swing producer Chad Mumm, airing Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m. ET on Golf Channel. He has also hosted the baking reality competition show Sweet Empire and recently appeared on the reality series The Traitors.

Taking place at Horseshoe Bay Resort in Horseshoe Bay, Texas, Big Break x Good Good Presented by Golf Galaxy renews Golf Channel's transformative golf reality competition series, in partnership with Good Good Golf. The original series broke ground in television entertainment beginning in the early 2000s and ran for a record-breaking 23 seasons.

The Futon Critic
E!

posted 5/7/2026

Netflix Heads Back to the Island
"Temptation Island" to Return for Season 3
From Deadline

A new group of couples are preparing to have their relationships tested after Netflix renewed Temptation Island for a third season.

The renewal comes less than a month after the second season dropped on the platform.

The dating series has performed well for the streamer, with Season 2 hitting Netflix’s Global Top 10 ratings with 2.5M views in its first week. This was broadly in line with the ratings for the first season, which also made it into the Top 10 when it was released in March 2025, where it averaged 2.7M views in its first week.

It’s the latest dating hit for Netflix, which has found success in the genre with Love Is Blind, and more recently, Age of Attraction, which was renewed for a second season after debuting with 3.8M views over its first week.

Deadline
Swooon

posted 5/7/2026


NBCUniversal

UPFRONTS: Telemundo
IN: Hispanophone Version of "House of Villains" Joining Reality Favorites
From Deadline

Telemundo is leading the way in unscripted programming, and in their 2026-2027 programming slate, we’ll see more of their leading franchises, including La Casa de los Famosos, Exatlón Estados Unidos, and Top Chef VIP.

Joining the slate is the singing competition Operación Triunfo and an adaptation of Peacock’s House of Villains.

For Latinos, live content is not just a form of entertainment; it’s how they spend time together and connect across generations, ages, and distance. Telemundo’s reality franchises fuel daily engagement, social conversation, and cross-platform viewing. These formats are designed as multiplatform ecosystems—extending beyond linear to streaming, and from digital to social — to build lasting audience connection and loyalty.

Capitalizing on the success of La Casa de los Famosos, Telemundo is upping the stakes with a new competition featuring aspiring singers. Operación Triunfo is set to premiere this summer on the network with Natalia Téllez tapped to host the show.

Also joining the lineup is Juego de Villanos (working title), an adaptation of House of Villains, which brings reality stars together under one roof to find out who is the most villanous of them all.

“I think we have a very interesting, not only lineup, but a future in terms of the way that we are not only producing these reality shows, but also creating the whole 360 environment around the properties that we are producing, there’s an exciting moment for the content and the TV,” SVP of Unscripted Content, Adrián Santucho, told Deadline previewing Telemundo’s Unscripted slate. “What we are doing now is not only producing the show, but programming our shows, Monday through Friday, Sundays, two, three hours per day. It’s a very strong way to create the fandom that we are creating around the properties.”

He continued, “It’s not about a TV show … is more of a community. And I think this is an opportunity for us to keep growing and bring people, not only to our screen, but to our ecosystem.” Santucho, who joined Telemundo earlier this year, said that although the network has produced existing formats, he sees a future where they start setting new trends with new formats, adding, “It’s those shows that we have to start pushing now at some point [as] we are in the position we can create trends now.”

Check out Telemundo’s Unscripted slate below.
- La Casa de los Famosos Season 7: The multiplatform reality phenomenon La Casa de los Famosos returns with a new cast of fan-favorite celebrities living in complete isolation from the outside world. The series delivers an unfiltered, 24/7 viewing experience across platforms—including its wildly popular 24/7 live stream—powered by more than 100 cameras capturing every moment. As alliances form and rivalries intensify, audiences ultimately decide who will be crowned the winner of Telemundo’s highest-rated reality series.
- Top Chef VIP: Top Chef VIP brings together celebrities in a high-stakes culinary competition judged by three renowned Latino chefs. Hosted by acclaimed actress Carmen Villalobos, the series combines skill, pressure and personality as contestants compete for the title and a $200,000 prize.
- Exatlón Estados Unidos: Telemundo’s longest-running reality competition, Exatlón Estados Unidos, returns for its 11th season, pushing elite athletes to their physical and mental limits through demanding circuits and head-to-head challenges. Living in isolation, competitors face intense daily competition until one is crowned champion.
- Operación Triunfo Estados Unidos: Hosted by Mexican actress, host and media personality Natalia Téllez, Operación Triunfo is a global music competition where a group of young artists live and train together at an academy while being filmed 24/7. Each week, they take the stage in high-profile live gala concerts, performing solo and in groups as they compete for the opportunity to launch a professional music career. Guided by a panel of judges and industry mentors, contestants are evaluated on their talent, growth and performance, while audiences play a key role in determining who advances. Blending artistic training, real-life moments and top-tier musical performances, the series delivers a compelling journey of personal ambition, creativity and transformation.
- Juego de Villanos (Working Title): House of Villains brings together some of the most notorious personalities from Spanish-language reality TV in a high-stakes competition built on strategy, conflict and survival. Living under one roof, contestants must navigate shifting alliances, outmaneuver their rivals and adapt to an ever-changing game where trust is limited and every move has consequences. Through a series of physical, mental and social challenges, they compete to avoid elimination and gain control of the house. In the end, only one will rise above the rest to claim the title of ultimate “Supervillain” and a cash prize.


Deadline
The Wrap

posted 5/7/2026

MasterChef Goes 24/7
EndemolShine Mexico to Launch Real-Time Version of Competition Series
From Variety

“MasterChef” is going all-live, all-the-time in Mexico. EndemolShine Boomdog, part of Banijay Americas, announced Thursday that “MasterChef 24/7” — the the first live, 24/7 version of the culinary competition franchise, will launch this spring. “MasterChef 24/7” will feature both a broadcast component via TV Azteca, along with a 24/7 stream via Disney+ and a digital element as well.

“MasterChef México 24/7” will premiere May 17 on TV Azteca. Per the logline, “For the first time, contestants will live, train and compete under one roof in a purpose-built environment designed to elevate technique, mentorship and professional development. The format increases transparency around the discipline and craft required to succeed, shifting the focus from observation to skill-based progression.”

Along with the live streaming across digital platforms, TV Azteca will air live episodes including 2-hour primetime episodes Monday through Friday, along with a three-hour Sunday episode featuring the show’s “Grand Elimination Challenge.” On digital, audiences will see training sessions, technical instruction, team challenges and judges deliberations in real-time. Weekday elements include a defined culinary test (including the “MasterChef Mystery Box”), technical pressure challenges, team competitions, creativity focused assignments and a “Salvation Challenge.”

“MasterChef México” is hosted by Claudia Lizaldi, with judges Chef Adrián Herrera, Chef Zahie Téllez and Chef Poncho Cadena.

“MasterChef has sustained global relevance because it evolves without compromising its core,” said EndemolShine Boomdog chief content officer Frank Scheuermann. “This model expands access to the process while protecting the integrity of the competition as viewers gain greater visibility into mentorship, technique, and progression.”

Variety
Variety

posted 5/7/2026

Thursday Lightning Round
... or "A Few Good Minutes With...."

  • ... Kardea Brown on Baking Championship Next Gen MAYBE returning? (TV Insider)

  • ... Kelly Clarkson definitely returning for "The Voice" Season 30 (Variety)

  • ... Billie Eilish on the Boomerang Idol (Deadline)

  • ... David Archuleta on his new song in "Only Murders in the Building" (Deadline)

  • ... Bob Boden on Michael Larson (Wide Open Country)

  • ... question setters! (The Royal Television Society)


posted 5/5/2023


CNN
TED TURNER: 1938-2026
Entrepreneur Created Broadcasting Empire
From People

Ted Turner, one of the most impactful media entrepreneurs of the 20th Century through his founding of CNN, the first 24-hour cable news channel, has died. He was 87.

Turner’s family said in a statement that he died after a long battle with Lewy body dementia. CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer announced his death on the air Wednesday, reading from a family statement that he passed away peacefully and was surrounded by his family.

Nicknamed the “mouth of the south” early in his career, for his brash pronouncements as he capitalized on his ownership of local independent station WTBS-TV in Atlanta, Turner used the asset as the foundation for a media empire. During his tenure, he launched the station's first original game show, "Starcade", capitalizing on the wave of video game & arcade culture.

As cable TV was revving up in the late 1970s and 1980s, he launched a wave of channels, including a nationwide reach for his cable station, Turner Network Television and later The Cartoon Network and Turner Classic Movies.

But it was his decision to disrupt the news business that will be his most lasting legacy. CNN launched in 1980 with a team of largely unknown on-air personalities, but its starting innovation was its round-the-clock headlines and reporting.

Over the next decade, the network built up its resources and launched an international network in 1985. What really put CNN on the map was the first war in Iraq in 1991, as the network placed correspondents on the ground in Baghdad as the U.S. coalition began its bombing campaign. Inside a hotel in the city, anchor Bernard Shaw reported live as airstrikes bombarded the city. The network provided live images of the strikes, a real time account of the start of a war that was largely unheard of in television journalism.

On CNN on Wednesday, Tom Johnson, who was president of the network at the time, recalled going to Turner up in the build up to the war and telling him, “In order for us to cover this impending war, you’re going to need to spend perhaps over $30 million more than our budget. And I said, ‘What am I authorized to spend?’ …And he said in the clearest tone, and he was very emphatic, ‘You spend whatever it takes, pal.’ And we did.”

Wolf Blitzer, who had just started at the network as its Pentagon correspondent, recalled that “all sorts of networks around the world were dumping their own coverage and just asking CNN, ‘Can we report? Can we have access to your video from Baghdad?’ And CNN was seen on state media from all these countries all over the world. It was just a very, very powerful moment.”

Blitzer called the coverage a turning point for the network, because “all of the sudden, people all over the world wanted to watch CNN for good reason. We were reporting the news fairly and accurately and powerfully with unique capabilities.”

Later in 1991, Time recognized Turner as its Man of the Year for “influencing the dynamic of events and turning viewers in 150 countries into instant witnesses of history,” as the AP noted at the time.

CNN’s rise helped create the news landscape today, as round-the-clock, breaking news is ubiquitous on cable, streaming, online and social media. In 1996, NBC launched a 24-channel with Microsoft, MSNBC, and Rupert Murdoch started Fox News. Four years later, Turner announced the sale of his company to Time Warner, a reflection of the extent to which it had become a prized asset in 1990s, a high point in the cable and media business.

At the time, Turner had sought to purchase a broadcast TV network, including CBS, but no deal ever materialized. In announcing the sale, Turner said, per The New York Times, “I’m tired of being little for my whole life. This is a chance to see the world from a different perspective.”

Turner then turned his attention to philanthropy, giving away huge amounts of his wealth to support global causes, including $1 billion to the United Nations Foundation and other sums to support the environment and nuclear non-proliferation. He co-chaired the Nuclear Threat Initiative, drawing in lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to focus on the risk of nuclear and biological disaster.

“The bottom line is that we’ve got to start acting globally like civilized, educated, decent, kind-hearted human beings, and we have to trust each other,” Turner said at NTI’s 20th anniversary in 2020. We can’t live in a world where nobody trusts anybody because then we’ll never make progress with these weapons or with anything else.”

After his sale of his company, he became a Time Warner board member, serving as vice chairman until 2003 and director until 2006. By that point, he had soured on media consolidation, writing in Washington Monthly in 2004 that “without the proper rules, healthy capitalist markets turn into sluggish oligopolies, and that is what’s happening in media today. Large corporations are more profit-focused and risk-averse. They often kill local programming because it’s expensive, and they push national programming because it’s cheap–even if their decisions run counter to local interests and community values.”

Well after he departed the company, Turner continued to meet with executives, including future leaders of CNN. Its current CEO, Mark Thompson, said on air on Wednesday that when he started running the network in 2023, he went to visit Turner. Thompson said that he was not in good health, but he “wanted to do my best to keep his vision going, and his spirit of disruption and change and risk-taking.”

Deadline
Deadline
Deadline
Deadline
TV Line
Variety

posted 4/15/2026

Wednesday Lightning Round
... or "Return on Investment"

  • "Charlotte's got a lot"... but what did it get for "Top Chef Carolinas"? (Reality Blurred)

  • #ICYMI: The winner of Funny AF.... (Deadline)

  • VIDEO WALL: Buzzr releases its 2026 National Game Show Day trailer (YouTube)

posted 5/6/2023

$1.6 Million? Now THAT's a Game Changer!
Dropout Launches Kickstarter, Meets Goal Almost Instantly
From Cracked

Everyone knows that Sam Reich makes up the scoring system of Game Changer as he goes along, but 1,664,928 (and counting) is a ridiculous number even by his standards.

After years of delighting improv nerds and D&D geeks with numerous live-action roleplaying series, the independent comedy streaming service Dropout is finally ready to take over game night with Game Changer: Home Edition, its first-ever party game based on the company’s flagship game show.

Dropout announced the Kickstarter campaign that will support the launch of Game Changer: Home Edition earlier today in a teaser video that aptly nodded to predecessors in the comedic party game space like Cards Against Humanity while giving Reich his viewer-recommended dose of physical abuse by his own employees.

Within minutes, Dropout reached its modest goal of $40,000 raised – and within hours, the ravenous Dropout fandom broke seven figures with their donations/preorders, suggesting that Reich and his ragtag crew of ethical comedians probably should have started selling board games a long time ago.

The Nerdist
Polygon
Gamespot
Cracked
Tubefilter
The Beat
Variety
Game Informer
Slashfilm

posted 5/5/2026

The Celebrity Traitors Season 2 Names Lineup
Catch It on BBC, iPlayer, Peacock?
From Deadline

The Celebrity Traitors, the highest-rated show on British TV last year, is back for a second season.

Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, the BBC reality series has assembled another impressive cast as filming gets underway at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands over the summer.

The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey, Good Omens actor Michael Sheen, and Oscar-nominated Richard E. Grant will be among the names entering the wink murder-style game.

The Celebrity Traitors cast also boasts Industry star Myha’la, Barbie actress Sharon Rooney, Love Island host Maya Jama, Broadchurch’s Julie Hesmondhalgh, and Jerry Hall, the model and actress who was married to Mick Jagger.

Below is the full cast:
- TV host Amol Rajan (University Challenge)
- Actor Bella Ramsey (The Last of Us)
- Comedian James Acaster (Hypothetical)
- Singer James Blunt
- Model Jerry Hall
- Comedian Joanne McNally
- TV host Joe Lycett (Late Night Lycett)
- Actress Julie Hesmondhalgh (Mr Bates vs the Post Office)
- Social media personality King Kenny
- Singer Leigh-Anne Pinnock
- TV host Maya Jama (Love Island)
- Actor & TV host Michael Sheen (Good Omens)
- Actress Miranda Hart (Call the Midwife)
- Actress Myha’la (Industry)
- Professor Hannah Fry
- Actor Richard E. Grant (Can You Ever Forgive Me?)
- Comedian Rob Beckett (8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown)
- TV host Romesh Ranganathan (The Weakest Link)
- TV host Ross Kemp (Bridge of Lies)
- Actor Sebastian Croft (Game of Thrones)
- Actress Sharon Rooney (Barbie)

Season 1 of The Celebrity Traitors debuted on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in October 2025 and was watched by an average audience of 14.9M, with a peak of 15.4M for the finale. Comedian Alan Carr emerged victorious in a game that featured Stephen Fry and Celia Imrie.

Season 2 will debut later this year. It's expected to stream stateside on Peacock, the home of the US version of The Traitors.

The Celebrity Traitors will be produced by Studio Lambert Scotland for BBC One and iPlayer and has been commissioned by Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment Commissioning for the BBC. The Executive Producers for All3Media-backed Studio Lambert are Mike Cotton, Sarah Fay, Lewis Thurlow and Katy Fox with Production Executives, Lynette Woods-Reynolds, Gemma Scholes and Faye Donaldson. The Commissioning Editors for the BBC are Neil McCallum and Michael Jochnowitz.

Deadline
Times Now
The Scotsman
TV Insider
The Hollywood Reporter
BBC News

Deadline

posted 5/5/2026

Tuesday Lightning Round
... or "Pointless Honor"

  • Richard Osman receives OBE honor (Yahoo!/BBC News)

  • David Letterman calls CBS "lying weasels" over "Late Show" cancellation (TV Insider)

  • Ken Jennings continues a Jeopardy! tradition on his first USO tour (TV Insider)

  • Bri McNeese, Connor Spies call it off (TMZ)

  • Pussycat Dolls call of North American leg of tour, citing weak ticket sales (Variety)

  • A FEW GOOD MINUTES with Jay Pharaoh (Deadline)


posted 5/5/2023

SAG-AFTRA, AMPTP Come to Terms
Tentative Deal Averts Possible Strike
From Deadline

SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers have nailed down a new contract.

Of course, until this is voted on by some 160,000 members of the actors’ guild, everything will remain tentative for the time being. Yet, with AI protections, a four-year agreement and a bumping up of the guild pension fund now semi-written-in-stone, this agreement with undoubtedly follow getting an approval just like the recent WGA one did.

In a statement, the guild noted the deal is now heading to its national board for review, which will meet in the coming days to go over terms. Per procedure, specific details will not be revealed in advance of the review.

“SAG-AFTRA and the AMPTP have reached a tentative agreement on terms for a successor contract to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA TV/Theatrical Contracts covering motion pictures, scripted primetime dramatic television, streaming content and new media,” SAG-AFTRA said in a statement posted to its website.

Negotiations began Feb. 9 and recessed March 15 to make way for the WGA’s earlier deal. Talks resumed April 27 and concluded May 2.

As Deadline reported earlier, labor sources said that SAG-AFTRA has received a “sizable” contribution to its pension fund from the AMPTP. This follows the WGA, which similarly agreed to an extended-length contract with the studios and streamers last month in its own negotiations, accepting a multi-million contribution to its ailing healthcare plan. As with the WGA, there were a series of AI “guardrail” measures put in place between the SAG-AFTRA and AMPTP parties.

The news comes after last week’s resumption of talks between SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, after the guild had previously paused negotiations to make way for the WGA in March. Both guild and union sources had told Deadline that they were not far off from a deal, but a few key issues — including regarding AI measures — still needed to be ironed out.

Deadline
Los Angeles Times
Deadline

posted 5/4/2026

Tubi Asks "Why Are You Single?"
Live Stage Show Heads to TV
From Deadline

Tubi has picked up the first season of Why Are You Single?, a dating game show hosted by comedian Marie Faustin, which she co-created and exec produces alongside Dave Mizzoni, with All Things Comedy as studio partner.

In each episode of the show, streaming for free on Tubi later this year, Faustin introduces a hero single dater while seeking to answer the rhetorical question, “why are you single?“. Joining our single are four potential suitors, who each unveil their dating history, as well. As the contestants’ dating past unravels, Faustin and the live audience hand out red flags that force our dater to decide which contestant is worth the baggage.

“I can’t wait for the world to see what we’ve created in Brooklyn, with Why Are You Single?…because everyone deserves love but more importantly, they deserve to laugh,” Faustin said in a report.

Faustin and Mizzoni have been performing and developing the format for Why Are You Single? on stage since 2023. The first three episodes will be filmed live at The Bell House in Brooklyn on May 21st and 22nd.

All Things Comedy produces the series, with Cassie Lambert Scalettar set as showrunner, EP and director for the first season. ATC’s Co-CEOs Billy Rosenberg and Drew Eller are exec producing on behalf of the company, along with Head of Finance and Production Drew Agan, with ATC’s Chance Nichols and Lauren Midler overseeing for the studio.

Why Are You Single? marks All Things Comedy’s second unscripted series, produced and co-created with comedians, that we’ve announced recently, following the recent filming of The Bad Game Show with the Bad Friends podcast’s Bobby Lee and Andrew Santino.

Deadline
Blex Media

posted 5/4/2026


Getty Images

Alison Hammond Can Name That Tune in 5 Notes
ITV to Reboot Series
From Deadline

ITV is reviving iconic gameshow Name That Tune with Great British Bake Off host Alison Hammond taking the reins.

The show, which aired on ITV decades ago and has recently been performing well in the U.S. on Fox, sees contestants pitted against each other as their music knowledge is tested in a series of fast-paced rounds, featuring tracks from much-loved artists and bands from across every genre – all building towards a finale.

The band who play in the Fox version will join Hammond for ITV. They have played with the likes of Adele and the Spice Girls down the years.

Name That Tune has been around for decades and has now aired for five seasons on Fox after being revived in 2020 as both a celebrity and non-celeb version, hosted by Jane Krakowski. Created by Harry Salter in the 1950s, it originally aired on ITV from 1976 to 1987 and was briefly revived by Channel 5 (now 5) in the 1990s. In the U.S., it has aired on-and-off for for 70 years on NBC, CBS, syndication, and now Fox.

Hammond is a presenter at the top of her game. She already presents ITV’s This Morning along with Channel 4’s Great British Bake Off, and she just started hosting a new Channel 4 music series, Your Song.

ITV Studios’ nascent label Bright Entertainment is behind the Name That Tune reboot alongside BiggerStage.

Katie Rawcliffe, ITV’s Director of Entertainment, Reality & Daytime, said: “Name That Tune is such an iconic brand and we are excited to be bringing this refreshed global format to the UK audience. It’s a fun family series that not only sees contestants challenged in the studio, but viewers can play along with all the family, providing an unique playlist that spans generations.”

Fox Entertainment Global President Prentiss Fraser added: “With the continued success of the hit Fox series in the U.S, we’re thrilled to see it find a new home on such a fantastic network and excited to be part of bringing the UK version to life.”

The series has been commissioned by Rawcliffe and Louise Major, Entertainment Commissioning Editor ITV. Executive producers for Bright are Clara Elliott and Martin Scott. Executive producers for BiggerStage are Pat Kiely and Sean O’Riordan.

Name That Tune is owned by Prestige Entertainment Group and is based on the format created by Salter. Fox Entertainment Global facilitated the agreement between Prestige Entertainment Group, BiggerStage and ITV.

The Mirror
TV Zone
Deadline
ITVX Press Centre
Radio Times
ATV Today
Birmingham Live
Manchester Evening News
Digital Spy
Prensario

posted 5/4/2026

The Cube Returns.... Sort Of
Interactive Experience to Launch on Chicago's Magnificent Mile
From WGN-TV Chicago

A new entertainment center is set to debut on Michigan Avenue this summer.

The Cube, based on the TBS game show, will open at 600 North Michigan Avenue in June, according to a news release. It will feature 21 cubes measuring 13 feet by 13 feet.

“Using custom technology, each group of four will face seven specially selected one and two player games, each designed to test their mental and physical abilities,” the press release said. “With spectators observing every move, the pressure is on, and players will need to master their skills of balance, memory, speed and judgement, in an attempt to win points and ultimately, beat The Cube.”

Along with the immersive gaming environment, The Cube will also serve food and drinks and include three “mixologist-led bars.”

More information at https://bookthecube.com/

Additionally, The Cube is expected to bring an estimated “260 to 300 new jobs to the city,” according to the press release, including construction jobs and permanent employee positions.

It will be the U.S. flagship Cube, the first outside the United Kingdom.

WGN-TV Chicago
Hoodline
WMAQ Chicago

posted 5/4/2026

Monday Lightning Round
... or "Are We Ready to Laugh?"

  • Ophira Eisenberg to headline her own special on Veeps (Deadline)

  • BRUTALLY HONEST REVIEW: American Gladiators (Prime) (Reality Blurred)

  • Jay Pharaoh talks about filming seasons 2 & 3 of "The Quiz with Balls" in Belgium (Deadline)

  • Heidi Klum goes full living statue at the Met Gala (Varlety)

  • In a perfect world, Kristen Kish would love to bring "Top Chef to Japan (Deadline)

  • Amazon is finally "talking about" bringing "LOL Last One Laughing" to the US (Deadline)

  • Joel McHale calls "The 1% Club" "the best job in the world" (Deadline)

  • FIRST LOOK: Danny Dyer & Emily Atack's "Nobody's Fool" (The Mirror)

  • Phil Keoghan on how he pulled off the "Hacks" cameo. (TV Insider)

  • Whitney Leavitt leaving her secret life behind (The Hollywood Reporter)


posted 5/4/2023


Sony Pictures TV/CBS

Pass Is..... Jeopardy!
Joe Buck Tapped to Host Sports Spinoff for Hulu, Disney+
From Deadline

The Jeopardy! franchise is expanding yet again with new sports spinoff ESPN Jeopardy!, from Sony Pictures Television. Hosted by Emmy winner Joe Buck, the spinoff, which had been rumored and now is confirmed, will stream on Disney+ and Hulu. A premiere date is TBA.

ESPN talent will feature as contestants on the series, representing charities of their choice as they compete in a tournament-style event for a $500,000 grand prize and title of ESPN Jeopardy! champion.

Billed as Jeopardy! for sports fanatics with material covering the full spectrum of ESPN content, ESPN talent will “face off to experience the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat in a new arena: the Alex Trebek Stage,” per Sony’s description.

A previous sports spinoff, Sports Jeopardy!, aired on Crackle for two seasons.

ESPN Jeopardy! joins Celebrity Jeopardy!, which is airing on ABC and streaming next day on Hulu; Jeopardy!, the syndicated main daily show hosted by Ken Jennings; Pop Culture Jeopardy!, hosted by Colin Jost, which has moved from Prime Video to Netflix for its second season, premiering May 11; and the recently launched Jeopardy! YouTube Edition digital spinoff, also hosted by Jennings.

ESPN Jeopardy! is produced by Sony Pictures Television and executive-produced by Michael Davies.

Longtime Fox broadcasters Buck and Troy Aikman moved to ESPN in 2022 with a multiyear deal as play-by-play announcers for Monday Night Football. They began their partnership in 2002 as a three-man booth with analyst Cris Collinsworth before becoming a duo in 2005. Over their 22 seasons together, they have called more than 300 regular-season games, more than 40 playoff matchups, 18 NFC Championships and six Super Bowls. Both have been nominated for Sports Emmy Awards multiple times, with Buck winning a record-tying eight times for play-by-play. In December 2022, Buck was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Working along sideline reporter Lisa Salters, the trio won the Sports Emmy for Outstanding Live Sports Series for the 2023 season.

Deadline
NJ.com
The Hollywood Reporter
Variety
Front Office Sports
Awful Announcing
USA Today
KSDK St. Louis
Daytime Confidential
The Spun

posted 5/1/2026

Fox On the Market
Whitney Cummings to Host New Series to Arrange Marriage
From the Futon Critic

FOX flips the script on dating with its bold new series Marriage Market, where real singles ready for marriage relinquish total control of their love lives to their closest family members, who marry them off at a market like no other!

From FOX Entertainment Studios, Marriage Market is an original FOX-owned unscripted series that is slated for FOX's 2026-27 Season. Hosted by actress, comedian, and podcaster Whitney Cummings, the series welcomes singles - who are officially over swiping, ghosting, and endless first dates - into an actual Marriage Market, where they're up for trying something radical... putting their love lives in the hands of family members that know them best and risking it all for one shot at forever - in an arranged marriage.

Filled with humor, heart, heartbreak, and unpredictable outcomes, Marriage Market is a one-of-a-kind, immersive matchmaking experience where families come together with one goal in mind: helping their single family member find a meaningful, lasting match. Inside this vibrant, real-world setting, families meet, connect, and advocate for their loved one as they search for a perfect partner.

The rules are simple. When two families believe they've found a match, their singles are introduced and engaged on the spot - with the ultimate goal of making it to the altar. From there, the couples and their families move in together, navigating real-life compatibility, big personalities, and even bigger expectations. At any point, each of the newly matched singles' families can decide they've found them "the one," or send their single loved one back into the Marriage Market for another chance at finding them love.

"Marriage Market gives all new meaning to shotgun wedding, turning dating on its head with one of the most extreme marketplace spectacles you've ever seen,'" said Michael Thorn, President of FOX Television Network. "Watching families come together to make these matches is deeply relatable and wildly emotional, giving this distinctive concept all the ingredients of a signature FOX unscripted series."

"Marriage Market is a bold new format that reflects our strategy of creating distinctive IP that take the kind of big and culturally relevant risks that viewers love," said Allison Wallach, Head of Unscripted, FOX Entertainment Studios. "We've taken a timeless idea and reimagined it in a modern, high-stakes way with the families in full control and the talented, always funny Whitney Cummings presiding over it all as host."

Marriage Market is produced by FOX Entertainment Studios and will be distributed worldwide by FOX Entertainment Global. The series is executive produced by Alycia Rossiter and John Carr, with Rossiter serving as showrunner.

The Futon Critic
Deadline
Variety

The Hollywood Reporter

posted 5/1/2026

"Dancing with the Stars" Renewed and Casting!
First Up, "Traitors" Stars Maura Higgings, Ciara Miller
From Deadline

Dancing with the Stars will return for Season 35, and ABC is already giving viewers a taste of what to expect this fall. The Traitors and Love Island breakout Maura Higgins and Summer House favorite Ciara Miller will both compete on the upcoming season of DWTS, the network revealed at Disney’s Get Real unscripted TV event on Wednesday.

Higgins originally broke out of Love Island UK in 2019 but rose to greater celebrity last year as one of the stars of Peacock‘s The Traitors US. As a dedicated Faithful, her allegiance to Love Island USA star Rob Rausch got her to the finale only to leave empty handed when she found out he was, in fact, a Traitor.

Miller also previously appeared on The Traitors US, but she is best known for her role for the last five seasons on Bravo‘s Summer House. There’s been some recent drama surrounding Season 10 of the popular unscripted series. Rumors began circulating in recent months as the episodes aired that Miller’s confidante Amanda Batula might have betrayed her by becoming romantically involved with Miller’s ex-boyfriend West Wilson. Batula and Wilson later confirmed the relationship, sending shockwaves through the Bravoverse. It will undoubtedly be a topic of conversation at the upcoming Season 10 reunion, where Batula recently vowed she will “be addressing any and all questions honestly and directly”.

Dancing with the Stars exploded in popularity last season, raking in its largest audience in years driven by interest from younger viewers. In November, Season 34 posted the show’s highest-rated finale in nearly a decade.

The series is produced by BBC Studios. Conrad Green serves as showrunner and executive producer. Ryan O’Dowd, Krystal Whitney, Alex Cross and Jenny Groom are executive producers. Deena Katz and Quinn Lipton are co-executive producers.

Deadline
TV Line
TV Insider
Reality Tea

The Hollywood Reporter

Reality TV World

TV Insider

posted 5/1/2026

Back to the Boardroom? Not Today...
Amazon Responds to Reports of "Apprentice" Reboot
From TV Line

Is Prime Video rebooting The Apprentice?

Amazon’s Head of Unscripted and Documentary Television Jenn Levy remained quite coy while answering this question at Deadline’s Reality TV Summit on Friday, opting only to confirm that the series “is not in active development” at the moment.

Apprentice revival talk began thanks to a Wall Street Journal report late Wednesday. Per the report, executives at the streamer have been toying with the idea of bringing the series back, but it quickly became clear that these discussions were in the early stages.

TV Line
Deadline
The Wrap
Variety
The Hollywood Reporter
Deadline
Reality TV World

Deadline

posted 5/1/2026

Happy Friday Lightning Round
... or "Marty's BLANK"

  • VIDEO WALL: Martin Short's doc for Netflix (The Futon Critic)

  • BETTERIDGE'S LAW: "Will Taylor Frankie Paul's season of 'The Bachelorette' EVER air?" (Deadline)

  • PROGRAMMING NOTE: Celebrity Jeopardy!: six episodes in three weeks. (Instagram @jeopardy)

  • A FEW GOOD MINUTES with the Boulet Brothers (TV Insider)


posted 5/1/2023


Getty Images

More on "48 Hours of Fear"
Fox Lines Up Special Run of "Fear Factor"
From Deadline

Fox has set the cast and release date for the Fear Factor special titled Fear Factor: 48 Hours of Fear. Hosted by Johnny Knoxville, the two-episode special will feature six contestants competing in five challenges, with the catch that they can’t sleep. The first episode will premiere on Thursday, May 14, at 9 p.m. ET/PT, with the second part premiering on Thursday, May 21, at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Both episodes will be available to stream on Hulu the next day after their broadcast on Fox.

Fear Factor: 48 Hours of Fear features a cast of six, which includes Adrienne (26 — Sachse, TX), Blake (26 — Delray Beach, FL), Brion (42 — Oxford, MS), Jeff (48 — New Jersey City, NJ), Meg (45 — Murrells Inlet, SC), and Tatum (25 — Scottsdale, AZ).

Part 1: Six new players discover that fear never sleeps in this grueling two-part Fear Factor: House of Fear special. Competing for $50,000, they must carry darkling beetles in their mouths, endure a spelling bee while covered by bees and wear shock collars all night to stay awake! The first 24 hours comes to an end with the start of an all-new Pain Auction!

Part 2: Five sleep-deprived contestants push through another 24 hours with no sleep – facing tarantulas, needles, electrocution, and a disgusting sushi showdown that pushes one contestant over the edge. The explosive conclusion of the two-part special features a harrowing game of ATV chicken to decide who wins the $50,000 grand prize and the right to say, “Fear is not a factor!”

Deadline
The Futon Critic

posted 4/30/2026

Critics Choice Real TV Awards Faithful to "Traitors"
The Full List of Nominees Below
From Deadline

Peacock’s competition series The Traitors scored six nominees to lead the pack for a third year in a row at the Critics Choice Real TV Awards, which revealed its noms list Thursday. Winners of the eighth annual awards recognizing excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming will be revealed June 3.

Traitors scored noms this morning for Best Competition Series and Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series, categories it has won the past two years running. Alan Cumming earned a spot in two categories, Best Show Host and Male Star of the Year, where he also has won the past two years. In addition, the show’s Lisa Rinna was nominated for Female Star of the Year and Rob Rausch for Male Star of the Year.

ABC’s Dancing With the Stars followed with four nominations, including noms for Robert Irwin for Male Star of the Year and Whitney Leavitt or Female Star of the Year.

Netflix led with the most nominations among networks and streamers with 18, followed by Bravo with 12 and ABC with 10.

Below is the full list of nominees.

Competition Series
- Finding Mr. Christmas (Hallmark Channel)
- RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV)
- Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix)
- Survivor 50 (CBS)
- Top Chef (Bravo)
- The Traitors (Peacock)

Competition Series: Talent/Variety
- America’s Got Talent (NBC)
- American Idol (ABC)
- The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula: Titans (Shudder)
- Dancing with the Stars (ABC)
- KPOPPED (Apple TV)
- The Voice (NBC)

Structured Series
- Age of Attraction (Netflix)
- Couples Therapy (Paramount+ Premium)
- Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives (Food Network)
- It’s Florida, Man (HBO Max)
- Love Is Blind (Netflix)
- Queer Eye (Netflix)

Culinary Show
- America’s Culinary Cup (CBS)
- Be My Guest with Ina Garten (Food Network)
- The Great British Baking Show (Netflix)
- Magnolia Table: At the Farm (Magnolia Network)
- Top Chef (Bravo)
- Tucci in Italy (National Geographic)

Game Show
- Celebrity Family Feud (ABC)
- The Floor (Fox)
- Jeopardy! (Syndicated)
- Match Game (ABC)
- The Wall (NBC)
- Wheel of Fortune (Syndicated)

Travel/Adventure Show
- The Amazing Race (CBS)
- Expedition Unknown (Discovery Channel)
- The Reluctant Traveler (Apple TV)
- Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross (Roku Channel)
- Somebody Feed Phil (Netflix)
- Tucci In Italy (National Geographic)

Business Show
- Bar Rescue (Paramount Network)
- The Fixer (Fox)
- On Brand with Jimmy Fallon (NBC)
- Maxxed Out (OWN)
- Shark Tank (ABC)

Relationship Show
- Age of Attraction (Netflix)
- Couples Therapy (Paramount+ Premium)
- Farmer Wants a Wife (Fox)
- Love Is Blind (Netflix)
- Love on the Spectrum (Netflix)
- Neighbors (HBO Max)

Lifestyle Show: Home/Garden
- Bargain Block (HGTV)
- Castle Impossible (HGTV)
- Home Town (HGTV)
- The Last Wright: Building the Final Home Design of America’s Greatest Architect (Magnolia Network)
- That Thrifting Show with Lara Spencer (Freeform)
- Ugliest House in America (HGTV)

Lifestyle Show: Fashion/Beauty
- Botched Presents: Plastic Surgery Rewind (E!)
- Dr. Pimple Popper: Breaking Out (Lifetime)
- Project Runway (Freeform)
- Queer Eye (Netflix)
- RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV)

Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series
- Dancing with the Stars (ABC)
- Finding Mr. Christmas (Hallmark Channel)
- House of Villains (E!)
- The Real Housewives of Rhode Island (Bravo)
- Summer House (Bravo)
- The Traitors (Peacock)

Show Host
- Jonathan Bennett – Finding Mr. Christmas (Hallmark Channel)
- Alan Cumming – The Traitors (Peacock)
- Kristen Kish – Top Chef (Bravo)
- Padma Lakshmi – America’s Culinary Cup (CBS)
- Joel McHale – House of Villains (E!)
- RuPaul – RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV)

Male Star of the Year:
- Alan Cumming – The Traitors (Peacock)
- Chris Hemsworth – Limitless: Live Better Now (National Geographic)
- Robert Irwin – Dancing with the Stars (ABC)
- Rob Rausch – The Traitors (Peacock)
- Ryan Seacrest – American Idol (ABC) and Wheel of Fortune (Syndicated)
-
Stanley Tucci – Tucci in Italy (National Geographic)

Female Star of the Year
- Heather Gay – The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City (Bravo) and Surviving Mormonism with Heather Gay (Bravo)
- Whitney Leavitt – Dancing with the Stars (ABC) and The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives (Hulu)
- Dr. Sandra Lee – Dr. Pimple Popper: Breaking Out (Lifetime)
- Ciara Miller – Summer House (Bravo)
- Tiffany “New York” Pollard – House of Villains (E!)
- Lisa Rinna – The Traitors (Peacock)

Deadline

posted 4/30/2026

MasterChef to Return to Asia
Banijay Deals with WBD, CreAsia
From Variety

“MasterChef Asia” is coming back. Banijay Rights has closed a deal with Warner Bros. Discovery and CreAsia Studio – part of Endemol Shine India – to produce a new 10-episode series of the pan-Asian cooking competition, marking the format’s return to the region after a 10-year break.

The new run, a 10 x 60-minute series, will be shot in Macao, which holds designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.

Rather than casting fresh faces, the series will bring back 10 former “MasterChef” contestants from across the continent, each competing for a second shot at the title.

The show will broadcast across TLC, Discovery and the Asian Food Network in India, Southeast Asia, Greater China and Korea, on Lala TV in Japan, and on the Fatafeat channel in the Middle East. The Macao Government Tourism Office is a production partner on the series.

Variety

posted 4/29/2026

Thursday Lightning Round
... or "Katie's Fight"

  • "Bachelorette" beautiful badass Katie Thurston preps for masectomy (Reality Tea)

  • Kaitlyn Bristowe is moving to New York City (Reality TV World)

  • If you live in or are planning to visit Metro Atlanta, Celebrity Family Feud is taping! (On Camera Audiences)

  • Press Your Luck wraps on the new season. All we need now is a date.... (TV Series Finale)

  • Having kept the "Million Dollar Secret", Nick Pellecchia is looking for a "Perfect Match" (Reality Shrine)

  • A FEW GOOD MINUTES with a secretly "relieved" Jamie Ding (Substack)


posted 4/30/2023


MrBeast

I Offered a TWIST on Survivor!
MrBeast Episode Airs Tonight
From Surviving Tribal

CBS is shaking things up for the next episode of Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans.

For the second time this season, CBS has big plans for a new episode of Survivor 50. Survivor 50 episode 10, "A Side Dish of Chaos," will air in its normal time slot on Wednesday, April 28, at 8 p.m. ET. For this special episode, CBS is extending the episode from 90 minutes to two hours, so the episode will actually air from 8 to 10 p.m. ET, not 8 to 9:30 p.m. ET, like most episodes of the season.

Obviously, this is big news. So far, the only Survivor 50 episodes to exceed 90 minutes were the season premiere, which resulted in two players getting eliminated from the game, and the Blood Moon twist, which saw three players voted out. Will we see two players sent home in this episode? It's definitely possible.

We have 10 players remaining, and we need to get down to five or six players remaining before the season finale, which is only three episodes away.

Here's the synopsis for the episode:

“A Side Dish of Chaos – One castaway comes clean to the tribe about a previously deceptive move. The crowd favorite SURVIVOR auction returns, with an extra special season 50 spin. Chaos ensues when social media icon MrBeast arrives on the scene, on SURVIVOR 50, Wednesday, April 29 (8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT)..."

Unfortunately, it's hard to say if Survivor is setting up another double elimination for the upcoming episode or if it's just devoting more time to the special guest coming to visit the players in Fiji.

Surviving Tribal
Entertainment Weekly
Parade
Reality Blurred

posted 4/29/2026

Hulu's Latest Is Literally "Designed to Last"
American Family Insurance to Sponsor Four-Episode Series
From the Futon Critic

American Family Insurance announced the launch of "Designed To Last," a first-of-its-kind branded reality competition series that reimagines how to think about protecting homes and families in an era of increasing climate risk. The four-episode series sponsored by American Family Insurance, premieres May 5 and will stream on Hulu.

At the intersection of home protection, innovation and entertainment, "Designed To Last" brings together architects, engineers, and inventors to tackle one of today's most urgent challenges: safeguarding homes against unpredictable and extreme real-world conditions.

Each of the four episodes focuses on a specific environmental threat - wind, water, snow/ice, and fire - highlighting vulnerabilities faced by homeowners across the country and exploring practical, forward-thinking ways for proactive structural protection and to prevent costly damage.

Hosted by Maria Menounos, the series follows three teams of architects, engineers, and inventors as they compete in 10-hour build challenges, modifying tiny homes to withstand specific environmental hazards.

Their work is guided and evaluated by award-winning contractor Eric Eremita and renowned designer Wendell Holland, who judge each design on resilience, craftsmanship, practicality, and creativity under real-world testing conditions. The winning team earns a $100,000 grant to further develop their innovation, helping turn ideas into tangible solutions that can make a lasting impact.

The series was executive produced by 3Ball Entertainment's Ross Weintraub, Reinout Oerlemans, and Matthew C. Allyn, alongside Claire Kosloff and Known's Mark Feldstein and Ross Martin. Supporting media plan developed by Infinite Roar, A Publicis Agency. Directed by Anna Moulaison, the series was created in partnership with Disney CreativeWorks, Elite Media and American Family Insurance.

The Futon Critic
LaughingPlace
PR Newswire

posted 4/29/2026

Re-Start Your Engines!
"Drag Race All-Stars" Returns May 8, Meet the Guest Judges
From the Futon Critic

The guest judges have entered the werk room - and they did not come to play. Brian Tyree Henry, Bronwyn Newport, Christina Ricci, Cooper Koch, Evan Mulrooney, Gina Gershon, Jamal Sims, Janelle James, Juno Temple, Kate Hudson, La Toya Jackson, Law Roach and Reneé Rapp will serve as celebrity guest judges for the eleventh season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars.

The star-studded lineup joins Emmy(R) Award-winning host RuPaul alongside fan-favorite panelists Michelle Visage, Carson Kressley, Ross Mathews, and Ts Madison. The trailer for the new season is here, teasing fierce competition, shocking twists, and Grammy(R) Award-winning icon LaToya Jackson as the premiere guest judge. The new season premieres exclusively with two all-new episodes on Paramount+ Friday, May 8.

In the preliminary round, the queens will be divided into three brackets of six, each competing in their own bracket across three episodes. At the end of each bracket, the top two queens with the highest point totals will advance to the semi-finals and go head-to-head with the top queens from the other groups in another round of fierce competition. The tournament will culminate in an epic Lip Sync Smackdown for the Crown grand finale episode, where the finalists will battle it out for a grand prize of $200,000, an official makeup collaboration with Anastasia Beverly Hills, and a place in the coveted Drag Race Hall of Fame.

This season, 18 fierce fan-favorite queens are back with one thing on their minds: dominate! With the return of the high-stakes "Tournament of All Stars" format, the competition reaches new heights across 12-episodes packed with jaw-dropping runway looks, unforgettable performances, and the kind of drama only Drag Race can deliver. The queens will be divided into three groups of six, each competing in their own bracket across three episodes. At the end of each bracket, the top two queens with the highest point totals will advance to the semi-finals and go head-to-head with the top queens from the other groups in another round of fierce competition. The tournament will culminate in an epic Lip Sync Smackdown for the Crown grand finale episode, where the finalists will battle it out for a grand prize of $200,000 and a place in the coveted Drag Race Hall of Fame.

Additionally, new episodes of RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE ALL STARS: UNTUCKED - available to stream exclusively on Paramount+ on May 8 - will take viewers behind the scenes to the backstage drama as the queens anxiously await their fate each week.

The 18 queens returning to RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE ALL STARS are the following:
- A'Keria C. Davenport (Season 11, All Stars 6), @mizakeriachanel Ms. Ass Almighty, A'keria C. Davenport, is back, serving up her signature sass, class, and, of course, all that ass! This Davenport family femme fatale made a big impression on Season 11 and All Stars 6. Now, this pageant powerhouse is ready to conquer the competition and bring the coveted All Stars champion title home to Texas.
- April Carrion (Season 6), @aprilcarrion Since serving sizzle and sass on Season 6, the Puerto Rican princess April Carrión has evolved into a picante powerhouse serving gorgeous looks and body-ody-ody. A veteran of the L.A. stages who's also toured internationally, April plans to keep calm and "Carrión" all the way to the Drag Race Hall of Fame!
- Aura Mayari (Season 15), @auramayari The Filipina moon goddess from Season 15, Aura Mayari has re-emerged on a quest for All Stars Glory. An otherworldly, high-energy Chicago performer who's been wowing L.A. stages, Aura is primed and poised to light up the Main Stage and collect the ultimate cash tip of $200,000!
- Crystal Methyd (Season 12), @crystalmethyd Crystal Methyd is back to make America glitter again! Crystal's colorful aesthetics, kooky personality, and screwball performances have made her a staple on stages all over the world. Always surprising, the Season 12 finalist has proven there's a method to her madness, which may just take her all the way to the top!
- Hershii LiqCour-Jete (Season 16), @hershiiliqcour Hershii Liqcour-Jeté is bringing her signature glam auntie drag back to the Main Stage, claiming the first time was a trial run. The dazzling down-to-earth L.A. mama who sashayed into our hearts in Season 16 is clocking in to work, and will do anything it takes to collect the ultimate payday of $200,000.
- Jasmine Kennedie (Season 14), @jasminekennedie The Mouth Almighty, Jasmine Kennedie, is a fierce firecracker both on the stage and in the werkroom. A Season 14 diva who can dance, deliver drama, and serve goofy and gorgeous, Jasmine has perfected her showgirl skills in Drag Race Live in Vegas, and has proven that she's ready for the Hall of Fame. This is her moment!
- Joey Jay (Season 13), @joeyjayisgay Back and gayer than ever, all the way from Season 13, it's funny and fresh Joey Jay! Get ready to get to know this dishy drag dynamo all over again. The once wigless wonder has manifested and marinated in her own drag finishing school, and is ready to graduate as the ponytailed star pupil of All Stars 11.
- Kennedy Davenport (Season 7, All Stars 3), @kennedyddoftx Fresh from Drag Race Live in Vegas, Kennedy Davenport is kicking down the tournament doors to snatch the one title that has eluded her. A glamazon bitch always ready for the runway, Kennedy also packs killer comedy chops! This Season 7 and All Stars 3 veteran has come close to winning every time she's competed, so it's safe to say that this Dancing Diva of Texas is the ultimate contender for the crown!
- Lucky Starzzz (Season 17), @theluckystarzzz A cartoon come to life, Lucky Starzzz is a one-of-a-kind queen who mixes kitsch, couture and crazy club-kid energy! A colorful artiste with over-the-top aesthetics, Lucky has been honing her craft since Season 17 and is ready to shine like the stellar queen she is! Trust - you will be feeling Lucky!
- Dawn (Season 16), @upuntil.dawn Good Morning! Brooklyn's dynamic drag elf, Dawn, is ready to wake up All Stars 11. The high-concept queen from Season 16 returns with her mischievous spirit and her unfiltered attitude. Undaunted, this quirky contender is gonna give her competitors beautiful nightmares as she follows her drag dreams to the Hall of Fame.
- Morphine Love Dion (Season 16), @morphinelovemua The OG Drag Race Dion is back! Serving beauty and booty, Morphine Love Dion has returned to mesmerize the Main Stage. This BBL goddess and Miami icon was the Lipsync Assassin of Season 16, snatching the crown of "Queen of She Already Done Had Herses." This time, she's all about that mug, those moves, and making herself the All Stars winner!
- Morgan McMichaels (Season 2, All Stars 3), @morganmcmichaels Fix your mug, because the Queen of the L.A. scene, Morgan McMichaels, is back to storm the competition! A beloved Drag Race veteran (Season 2, All Stars 3) and a recent "Entertainer of the Year" winner, Morgan is one powerful prize fighter who's coming out swinging in her quest for a spot in the Drag Race Hall of Fame. So why you mad, tho?
- Mystique Summers (Season 2), @mystiquesummers Bitch, she used to be from Chicago, but Season 2 sensation Mystique Summers is now a Texas girl, definitely ready to whoop some Drag Race ass all over again! 16 years later, she's returning as a sleek seasoned veteran, so clock the curves and clock the skin, because Mystique is ready to snatch the win!
- Salina Es Titties (Season 15), @estitties Lights, camera, action! Season 15's Salina Estitties is ready for her closeup. A true Hollywood girl, when this luscious and lively Latina isn't performing on the best L.A. stages, she's a one-stop production shop serving up her own viral videos. With big ideas and bodacious drag, she's hot and hustling for the crown!
- Sam Star (Season 17), @samstarqueen The Southern supermodel with a Drag Race pedigree, Sam Star puts the "bam" in Alabama! Returning to the competition following her impressive Season 17 Top 4 placement, Sam's a quadruple threat - she can sing, dance, sew, and act. This time around, this killer competitor plans to deliver pageant perfection - with a few tricks up her sleeve.
- Shuga Cain (Season 11), @missshugacain How sweet it is to be reunited with the delightful and delectable Shuga Cain! As a queen who had ditched a corporate career for Drag Race Season 11, she was instantly known for her comedy prowess and gorgeous gowns. Now she's back, even more seasoned, and still giving us a Shuga rush! Yum!
- Silky Nutmeg Ganache (Season 11, All Stars 6), @silkyganache Must-see TV, the Reverend Doctor Silky Nutmeg Ganache is making a housecall to secure her place in the Drag Race Hall of Fame. The undeniable star of Season 11, All Stars 6, and several franchise spinoffs, Miss Silk always serves up the good milk. An author, chef, and entrepreneur, Silky is a true renaissance woman, always ready to munch-munch and crunch-crunch the competition.
- Vivacious (Season 6), @vivaciousnyc Mother has arrived - again! The iconic New York club queen, Vivacious, is back to school the children, with the one and only Ornacia in tow. The Jamaican drag legend from Season 6 is geared up to gag us all with lively looks, unforgettable one-liners, and fresh flavor as she stakes her claim on the All Stars crown.


The Futon Critic
Deadline
Deadline
TV Line
Reality Tea

The Hollywood Reporter

The Futon Critic

Deadline

TV Line

The Hollywood Reporter

posted 4/29/2026

Idol Rules on Swiftie Night
Biggest Audience in Over 5 Months
From the Futon Critic

"American Idol" celebrated the music of Taylor Swift live on ABC and Disney+, ranking as the No. 1 entertainment program on the night among Total Viewers (5.34 million) and Adults 18-49 (0.42 rating), as the Top 7 put their own unique spin on some of Swift's iconic hits.

With special guest Nikki Glaser joining the all-star judges panel, "American Idol" rose for the sixth consecutive week, notching week-to-week gains in Total Viewers (+5%; vs. 5.08 million) with its best audience in over 2 months - since 2/23/26.

The show also grew over its year-ago Monday telecast (+5% - 5.34 million vs. 5.09 million on 4/28/25).

"American Idol" was the No. 1 most social entertainment program of the night, earning 1.6 million total social interactions.

Coming up next week (Monday, May 4, at 8 p.m. on ABC and Disney+, streaming next day on Hulu), it's a special night marking the "American Idol" 20th high school reunion featuring fan-favorite Idols from the class of 2006, along with special guests and the return of "Dancing with the Stars" pros, who will bring some ballroom flair to the celebration. America will vote live for the Top 3.

The Futon Critic

posted 4/29/2026


Sony Pictures TV Studios

Farewell... or Should We Say "TTFN"
Jamie Ding Reacts to His Run, Defeat
From Entertainment Weekly

After winning $882,605 on Jeopardy, contestant Jamie Ding has reacted to his surprise exit from the legendary game show — and dedicated his run to fellow immigrants at a volatile time in American politics.

Ding's 31-episode winning streak came to an end on Monday night's edition of the Ken Jennings-hosted series, cementing him at No. 5 on the Jeopardy Leaderboard of Legends ranking of past players.

Ding lost to fellow contestant Greg Shahade, a chess player from Philadelphia, in Monday night's episode. Ding knew he wouldn't be able to catch up to Shahade going into the Final Jeopardy round with $16,000, compared to Shahade's $32,600.

"I think my last game is unusual, because I was a super champ, but I also lost in a runaway, which I feel like is the first time that ever happened," Ding told PEOPLE.

"It almost makes me feel better," Ding said of fellow contestant Shahade's clear dominance over the episode, because "there wasn't really one clue or whatever that everything hinged on" in the end. This, he said, allowed him to go out with a message written on his answer board, as he wrote,"TTFN" (which stands for "ta ta for now") as his official parting phrase.

"Part of me is not okay and thinks that it would've been nice to go for more games. But on the other hand, it could have ended much earlier than it did," Ding said. "There were several people who were really strong and played well, and had a couple of things broken differently, I would have been done for weeks ago. So I'm both upset and pleased. Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened kind of thing."

Speaking on his place in Jeopardy history, the 33-year-old champion told PEOPLE he wanted to honor his lineage "as an immigrant and a person of color" who "was able to become part of the history of an American institution." Ding's parents emigrated from Beijing, China. He was born in Australia, and is a naturalized U.S. citizen.

"Jeopardy really is an institution and America's turning 250 years old and the federal government is going after immigrants in a way unlike anything that we've seen in the recent past," he continued. "So I hope that immigrants can be seen in a positive light too."

If Ding had won one more episode, his run would've tied that of James Holzhauer, who won 32 consecutive Jeopardy episodes in 2019. Ding and Holzhauer's respective streaks put them behind Matt Amodio (38), Amy Schneider (40), and current host Jennings (74) on the show's all-time leader board.

Ding's $882,605 winnings might be a large sum, but it still trails that of Jennings, who earned $2.5 million in his initial run. With special tournament numbers factored in, Brad Rutter takes the lead with over $5 million in earnings, with Jennings trailing just behind at $4.5 million.

The Final Jeopardy! clue in the category of "World Languages": Of South Africa's 12 official languages, these 2 are alphabetically first & last. The correct response: what are Afrikaans & Zulu?

Entertainment Weekly
ABC News Good Morning America
People
PopCulture
ABA Journal

Variety

posted 4/29/2026

Wednesday Lightning Round
... or "Can't Blame a Girl for Trying"

  • Taylor Frankie Paul seen "trying to make it work" with the "winner" of her canceled "Bachelorette" season (Us Magazine)

  • Heather Martin's "Farmer Wants a Wife" is actually a second chance at love (Swooon)

  • Adam Growe has one request for the new Cash Cab as it rolls on Canadian streets... Don't punch the ceiling (Bell Media)

  • How Jeopardy! changed Ken Jennings' life (TV Insider)

  • Huda Mustafa allegedly dodging TRO (Reality Tea)

  • A FEW GOOD MINUTES with LeVar Burton (TV Insider) and the new champion (Philadelphia Magazine)


posted 4/28/2023

Tournament of Champions Wins Sunday
Food Network's Top Draw Went Out on a High
From the Futon Critic

Food Network's Tournament of Champions aired its seventh season finale on Sunday, April 19 reaching more than 18 million P2+ cross-platform viewers across Food Network/HBO Max/Discovery+ and became the highest-rated season ever for W25-54. On average the seventh season garnered 1.00 P25-54 / 1.26 W25-54 L3 ratings and remains on track to be Food Network's highest-rated series among P25-54 for the sixth year in a row. Ratings grew 96% among P25-54 and 110% among W25-54 over prior six-week benchmarks and the show currently ranks as Sunday night's #1 non-news/sports ad-supported cable program for M25-54 this year and the #2 non-news/sports for P25-54, and #3 non-news/sports for W25-54. This season also had the highest social engagement to date with related content earning 75 million impressions and 58 million video views, a 32% and 53% increase over year ago levels across Food Network's platforms.

"TOC consistently delivers on so many levels with its high-stakes action, big drama and incredible cooking by world-class competitors" said Betsy Ayala, President, Food Network. "The combination of unpredictable culinary challenges and blind judging make each head-to-head battle more compelling than the last, keeping fans cheering until the winner is finally crowned."

Throughout the action-packed tournament, host and executive producer Guy Fieri put the culinary skills of 32 of the nation's most celebrated chefs including four surprise food world icons to the test in the bracket-style, single elimination tournament. After weeks of dominating the randomizer and going head-to-head with some of the most talented chefs in the culinary world, Bryan Voltaggio emerged the victor of the win-or-go-home competition.

Tournament of Champions VII was produced by Knuckle Sandwich and Lando Entertainment for Food Network.

The Futon Critic
Reality Blurred

posted 4/28/2026

Battle of the Games Down Under
The Floor, Tipping Point, The Chase Come 1-2-3
From B&T

It was a battle of the game shows overnight, with Nine The Floor, Tipping Point Australia and Seven’s The Chase Australia coming in top three most watched non-news programs.

The Floor is a competitive quiz-style game with contestants facing off on an LED grid floor. Each square represents a different category. Players must go head-to-head in duels, fighting to win territory and take over the board. It blends general knowledge with strategy. As the game progresses, the board starts to shrink, increasing the stakes and the pressure.

It boasted a Total TV National Reach of 1,837,000 and a Total TV National Average Audience of 901,000. Tipping Point brought in a National Reach of 1,587,000 and an Average Audience of 837,000. The Chase brough in a National Reach of 1,532,000 and an Average Audience of 777,000.

B&T

posted 4/28/2026

Tuesday Lightning Round
... or "American on Purpose"

  • Craig Ferguson releases the trailer for his CNN series "American on Purpose" (The Futon Critic)

  • FIRST LOOK: Perfect Match season 4 (Netflix, May 13) (The Futon Critic)

  • FIRST LOOK #2: Meet the semifinalists of Funny AF (The Futon Critic)

  • It's prom season, and Clay Aiken's son has a date (TV Insider)

  • CT Tamburello heads to court for more child support for his ex (TMZ)

  • A FEW GOOD MINUTES with LeVar Burton (TV Insider) and the new champion (Philadelphia Magazine)


posted 4/28/2023



Paramount/Netflix/Warner Bros. Discovery

WBD Shareholders Vote to Merge
Move Puts Companies One Step Closer to Closing
From Variety

As expected, Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders gave the green light to Paramount Skydance‘s $111 billion deal to acquire the media company — moving David Ellison one step closer to controlling a new Hollywood empire.

But investors weren’t OK with the lavish golden parachutes that CEO David Zaslav and other WBD top brass are set to receive through the merger.

At the special meeting of WBD shareholders Thursday morning, which was held virtually, investors voted “overwhelmingly” in favor of the Paramount deal, comprising $31 per share in cash for Warner Bros. Discovery, according to WBD.

However, a majority of Warner Bros. shareholders voted against the compensation packages for Zaslav and WBD’s other named executive officers in connection with the Paramount merger.

It’s a purely symbolic rebuke: The shareholder advisory vote is non-binding, meaning the Warner Bros. Discovery board can go ahead with the payouts as planned anyway. But it shows WBD shareholders aren’t happy by the generous payments to the company’s outgoing executive team and comes after shareholders last year also voted against the WBD executive compensation packages. Shareholder advisory firm ISS recommended a vote against the compensation measure over its “problematic” tax reimbursements to Zaslav and the full vesting of the CEO’s stock awards.

Under the terms of the exit compensation package for Zaslav, he will receive $34.2 million in cash severance; $517.2 million in equity in the combined company; and $44,195 in continued health coverage reimbursement benefits, according to a WBD filing with the SEC. That’s at least $550 million.

In addition, Warner Bros. Discovery has agreed to reimburse Zaslav up to $335 million for taxes assessed by the IRS on his accelerated stock vesting (although WBD says that figure will decline over time, with the final amount depending on the closing date of the Paramount pact).

In addition, Zaslav as of March 11 had $115.85 million worth of vested stock awards from Warner Bros. Discovery, according to the filing. And last month, Zaslav sold $114 million worth of WBD stock. Zaslav is subject to a non-competition covenant and a non-solicitation of customers and employees covenant, both of which are applicable for two years after Paramount-WBD closes.

The latest:
- Paramount has noted it will be 49.5%-owned by non-U.S. investors after completing a planned merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. The stat came to light in a request Monday by Paramount for approval of the foreign ownership stake by the FCC. The company said the arrangement, including a 38.5% holding shared by three Middle East investment funds, will give the combined company “greater access to capital.” The infusion of financial resources will enable Paramount to “compete more effectively in the provision of television broadcast services and in the broader video programming marketplace,” the filing said. .

The Futon Critic
Deadline
Deadline
The Wrap
Entertainment Weekly
Variety
Variety
Deadline
Deadline
The Wrap
Variety
Variety
Variety
Variety
Deadline
Variety
Deadline
The Wrap
Variety
The Wrap
Deadline
Variety
The Wrap
Deadline
The Futon Critic
The Futon Critic
Deadline
The Wall Street Journal
The Wrap
Variety
Variety
Deadline
The Wrap
Deadline
The Futon Critic
Variety
Variety
Deadline
Variety
Deadline
Deadline
Deadline
The Futon Critic
The Futon Critic
The Futon Critic
The Wrap
Deadline
Deadline
Deadline
The Futon Critic
The Futon Critic
Variety
Variety
The Wrap
The Wrap
Deadline
The Futon Critic
The Futon Critic
The Futon Critic
Deadline
The Wrap
The Wrap
The Wrap
The Wrap
The Futon Critic
Deadline
Deadline
Deadline
The Wrap
The Wrap
Variety
Variety
Variety
Variety
Deadline
Deadline
Deadline
Variety
The Hollywood Reporter
The Hollywood Reporter
Variety
Variety
The Wrap
The Wrap
Deadline
Variety
The Wrap
Variety
Variety
Variety
The Wrap
Deadline
The Wrap
Deadline
Variety
The Wrap
Deadline

posted 4/27/2026


NBC/Amazon MGM Studios/Talpa/Warner Horizon TV
DYLAN CARTER: c.2002-2026
"The Voice" Season 24 Contestant
From Deadline

Dylan Carter, a country singer from South Carolina who appeared during Season 24 on NBC’s The Voice in 2023, died Saturday, April 25, in a car accident. He was 24.

His death occurred in Colleton County, South Carolina, and was announced by the Local Voice, a South Carolina non-profit organization he co-founded to benefit women battling cancer. Details on the accident were not immediately available.

“With heavy hearts we share the passing of Dylan Carter, co-founder of The Local Voice, talented musician, and someone who meant so much to our community,” the organization posted on its Facebook page. “Dylan was the heart of what we do. He believed every voice matters and lived that every day. Through his music, his kindness, and his smile, he brought people together and made everyone feel seen.

“We are heartbroken, but find comfort knowing he is in heaven with his mother,” the post continues. “We are so grateful for Dylan, for the love he gave this community, and for the impact he leaves behind. We will carry his light forward and continue this mission in his honor."

Described by the group as a “proud Lowcountry native,” Carter owned Sunny Days RV & Campground and worked as a realtor.

Carter impressed Voice judges in 2023 with his audition performance of Whitney Houston’s “I Look to You.” He chose Reba McEntire to serve as his coach, explaining that he was a longtime fan and that his audition was in honor of his late mother, who had died the year prior.

Carter had been scheduled to perform a concert in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, tonight, April 27. Today, the mayor of Moncks Corner, Thomas Hamilton Jr., posted a tribute to Carter on Facebook.

“Our family is heartbroken to hear about the passing of Dylan Carter in a car accident,” Hamilton writes. “As a gifted singer, he frequently entertained our community with his performances at Town events. His kindness and charm earned him immense respect, and his absence will be deeply felt. To the loved ones and acquaintances of Dylan, we offer our sincerest condolences during this difficult period. The Town of Moncks Corner, its Council, and entire staff extend their deepest sympathies. He was much more to our family than an entertainer he was our friend and we are deeply saddened.”

Deadline
People
TMZ

TV Line

TV Insider

Variety

posted 4/27/2026

Matches of the Day
ITV Games Team with Soccer Aid
From TV Zone

ITV have announced a range of gameshow celebrity specials in aid of Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2026.

Bullseye for Soccer Aid: Freddie Flintoff hosts a very special episode of Bullseye as he is joined by Olly Murs and Mark Wright, Kym Marsh and Jon Richardson as they show off their darts prowess, all to raise money for UNICEF.

Deal or No Deal for Soccer Aid: Jill Scott takes on the banker in this very special star-studded edition of Deal or No Deal for Soccer Aid. Stephen Mulhern and Jill are joined by a host of famous faces including, Seann Walsh, Chris Kamara, Rickie H-Williams and Peter Andre.

Celebrity Lingo for Soccer Aid: Toni Duggan, David James and Livi Sheldon take on Celebrity Lingo for Soccer Aid, as they aim to raise funds for UNICEF.

Tipping Point for Soccer Aid: Ben Shephard hosts Tipping Point with a twist as he is joined by three famous faces, Suzy Izzard, Bobby Brazier and Kelle Bryan, all hoping to raise money for Soccer Aid for UNICEF.

The Chase for Soccer Aid: Maisie Adam, David James, Nitro and Sam Quek take on the mammoth task of facing The Chasers in this special The Chase for Soccer Aid.

Transmission details will be announced in due course.

TV Zone

posted 4/27/2026

Monday Lightning Round
... or "A Good Night"

  • Ben Gleib resurfaces with a new late night talker for YouTube (Deadline)

  • A look inside the Taskmaster House (TV Line)

  • Brandon Armstrong breaks his elbow (Reality Tea)

  • #ICYMI: The latest million-pound-question (BBC News)

  • Scott Mills replaced on Radio 2 (Variety)

  • A FEW GOOD MINUTES with Ariana Madix (Deadline)


posted 4/27/2023

MORE NEWS
GSNN 3-Month News Archive

Friends of GSNN
SpectrumOneBuzzerblog

TriviaNYCReality Wanted
The Jeopardy! FanRock 104's RockTrax
Home Game EnterprizesQuizzing North America

·
FlashGames
·
Bother's Bar
·
About.com Game Shows
·
QWIZX.com
·
The Futon Critic
·
Reality TV World
·
Hollywood Junket
·
Hal Boedeker: the TV Guy
·
F*** Yeah Game Shows @ Tumblr
·
GSNtheKnow

·
Gay Geeks of New York

Copyright Statement
ALL ORIGINAL MATERIAL COPYRIGHT 1999-2021 GAMESHOWNEWSNET.COM. All rights reserved.

No infringement of copyright is intended by these fan pages; production companies of shows this site covers retain all rights to the sounds, images, and information contained herein. No challenge to copyright is implied. 

Web design by Jason Elliott. Logo by Chico Alexander. 
Full Copyright Statement
 

Powered by 1&1 Internet