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 90-Day Archives |
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Celebrities are getting in the hot seat for Who Wants to Be a Millionaire this summer—but the good news is they won't be doing it alone (and no, we don't just mean via a lifeline). The game show, hosted by late night's Jimmy Kimmel, celebrates its 25th anniversary when the new season premieres on Wednesday, July 10 at 8/7c on ABC. TV Insider has reported a first look at the promo as well as the unveiling of the celeb player pairings. There's a first-time twist this season, with pairs of celebrity contestants playing together in the hopes of winning $1 million for the charity of their choice. The pairings are as follows: As Kimmel says in the promo, which you can watch in full above and shows some of those pairings together, it's "the most dramatic hour of three people sitting on stools in the history of American television." |
posted 6/10/2024 |
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"Naked and Afraid: Last One Standing" to Return |
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Extreme challenges, cutthroat competition, and explosive group dynamics that push even the most elite survivalists to their limits are just a few of the reasons that NAKED AND AFRAID: LAST ONE STANDING was Discovery Channel's #1 series in 2023. Now it returns to the network on Sunday, July 14 at 8PM ET/PT with fourteen Naked and Afraid All-Stars testing their primitive survival skills in the punishing African bush for 45-days. The group, a mix of fan favorites and polarizing personalities, will risk everything for a chance to take home a coveted cash prize and be crowned the Last One Standing. Competitors will arrive empty handed and must earn the tools they need to secure food, water, fire and shelter through grueling, multi-phase challenges. In an unexpected twist, a head-to-head challenge occurs on Day One, resulting in a double elimination before the survivalists even get to camp. The stakes are even higher in this season's competition because survivalists will not be allowed to share any of their tools with fellow participants. The vast expanse of Africa's Munzwa Valley intensifies both the risks and rewards for contestants. In the harsh killing zone, survivalists must compete against lions, leopards and hyena to hunt the same large prey, including warthog, impala and kudu. As rhinos and baboons threaten to push the survivalists out of their territory, one camp is forced to abandon their shelter in the middle of the night. |
posted 6/14/2024 |
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WEDNESDAY: One Game Away |
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In the latest TV ratings, the other networks save for Fox & CW gave the night over to the NBA on ABC. Game 3 of the Finals (Celtics 106-99 Mavericks) was easily the most watched program of the night with 10.973 million viewers and an A18-49 ratings of 3.20. The CW rounded out the night with Walker (500k/0.06) and a Wild Cards rerun. |
posted 6/14/2024 |
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More on "The Traitors" Season 3 |
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Alan Cumming is always looking to one-up himself — and not just with his fashion. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly on the first day of filming The Traitors season 3, the host reveals how he and the team behind the hit Peacock reality competition are changing the game for their third outing. "Having the freedom to push the boundaries like we've been doing, that's made it really exciting," says the Tony winner. "It's great to see that working — with viewers' interest in the show — so that when we come back to it each season, we kind of up the ante a bit more." Cumming reveals he pushed for more queer representation after the early banishment of RuPaul's Drag Race alum Peppermint on season 2, which wasn't a "good look in the world we live in," given that she was the only trans person — and one of the only queer people. But demographic changes aren't the only alterations as the show evolves: "This season's very different, and it's got a whole new series of challenges for me as well as for the contestants," says Cumming, who admits he's still feeling out his role as host. "I'm still working on it all. I don't feel I've figured it all out," he says. "I didn't quite understand why they wanted me to do it. But I met with them and I realized that it was because they wanted me to be theatrical and camp, to play this larger-than-life character, and create the mood of the whole show. Once I understood that, I was really on board." |
posted 6/14/2024 |
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More on "Squid Game: The Challenge" Season 2 |
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It's been six months since Squid Game: The Challenge awarded the biggest prize pot in reality TV history to Player 287, a.k.a. Mai Whelan, after the most high-stakes game of rock/paper/scissors ever. But the show's producers are still in shock a half year later thinking about how they successfully shot, edited, and released the whole thing. Based on Netflix's Emmy-winning scripted drama Squid Game, the reality competition adaptation featured 456 contestants competing for a $4.56 million prize, with the set, costumes, and games meticulously recreated from creator Hwang Dong-hyuk's vision. And Squid Game: The Challenge executive producers John Hay and Stephen Yemoh admit to Entertainment Weekly that for "most of production," they weren't really sure they could even pull off a show of this magnitude. "If you're given a gift like this, the chance to adapt IP this special and successful, if you're not having those moments of doubt at some point in the course of each working day, you're probably not pushing it far enough," Hay tells EW. "The good thing about that is, usually the second season is the one that's burdened with expectations — on this show, the first season was burdened with expectations, so that's nothing new for us." Netflix previously renewed both the scripted drama and reality competition series for second seasons, and Yemoh says he feels "fortunate" to not only return for season 2 but also simply to continue working in TV after they didn't screw up adapting one of the biggest shows in recent years. "It's heartening to know we're not going to lose our jobs," Yemoh says with a smile. "The big thing was we didn't want anyone to say that we've messed up Squid Game. This is such a beloved IP that the nerves are even more jangling because you don't want to ruin it. There was a lot of expectation on this show for various reasons, and so you want to do what's right by the fans, and so until the show's been seen and you start to see the comments and you start to get the messages from your friends and people like that, you start to go, 'Okay, I think we can work again.'" While the producers can't reveal much about season 2, they promise that they're planning to keep things "fresh." "We're very excited, but that's kind of all we can say at this point," Hay says. Yemoh adds that they learned a lot through the process of making the first season, and they're using that knowledge while planning season 2. "You can't underestimate the planning that goes into the tiniest thing with this show," Yemoh says. "Season 1 showed us just the logistics involved in doing a show like this — even the first 15 minutes of our show, just Red Light, Green Light alone, the logistics and the planning and the development and the tech that had to go into that 15 minutes alone is probably more than some shows have to do for a whole season. It's credit to the whole team for making sure we had 456 people on that start line on that first day of shooting, all in a tracksuit, all had a number, all had the rules, they all knew exactly what they were doing, all had their squibs on and they all worked, and stuff like that." |
posted 6/14/2024 |
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Happy Friday Lightning Round |
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Thursday Lightning Round |
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CBS announced today Nate Burleson (co-host of CBS MORNINGS and analyst for THE NFL TODAY) will host the new edition of the legendary game show HOLLYWOOD SQUARES. The celebrity-stacked game show, starring Drew Barrymore as the famed center square, will air Wednesdays (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) starting in January on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. Nate Burleson is a co-host of CBS MORNINGS, a position he started in September 2021 when he joined Gayle King and Tony Dokoupil on the CBS morning news program. Burleson, who joined CBS Sports in 2017, is also an Emmy Award-winning studio analyst for the Network's NFL pre-game, halftime and post-game show, THE NFL TODAY, and is the host of Nickelodeon's NFL SLIMETIME. In 2024, Burleson served as analyst for the first-ever alternate telecast of a Super Bowl, which aired exclusively on Nickelodeon. Burleson played in the NFL for 11 years as a wide receiver with the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions. In 2003, he was drafted in the third round by the Minnesota Vikings. Born in Calgary, Alberta, but raised in Seattle, Burleson now resides in New Jersey with his wife, Atoya, and three children, Nathaniel, Nehemiah and Mia Pearl. Burleson follows in the footsteps of previous "Squares" hosts Peter Marshall, Jon "Bowzer" Bauman, John Davidson, and Tom Bergeron. HOLLYWOOD SQUARES, starring Drew Barrymore, is a classic game show in which two contestants play tic-tac-toe to win money and prizes. The "board" for the game is a vertical stack of open-faced cubes, each occupied by a celebrity seated at a desk and facing the contestants. The celebrities are asked questions and the contestants judge the legitimacy of their answers to win the game. Award-winning actress and talk show host Drew Barrymore will take her place as the famed center square, answering questions for the contestants. HOLLYWOOD SQUARES is produced by Jesse Collins for Jesse Collins Entertainment and Drew Barrymore and Flower Films, Inc. |
posted 6/12/2024 |
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The Coldest, Most Remote "Alone" Awaits |
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Alone, the hit History channel survival series, is moving into the audio space. The History Channel is launching a companion podcast to the show to coincide with the launch of Season 11. Alone: The Official Podcast, a watch-along show, will be hosted by former participants Lucas Miller and Callie North and presenter Dan Brown. It will launch on June 14, the day after the TV show, with episodes dropping weekly the day after the show airs. It is produced by Spacestation. The show will feature special guests including current and former participants to producers, and celebrity fans. In future seasons of the podcast, the trio will go back in time and rewatch every episode starting from season one to the current day. It comes after the Australian version of the show, which airs on public broadcaster SBS, launched its own companion podcast. |
posted 6/12/2024 |
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The Big Wheel Stops at... New York |
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Three major pieces of television history — literally and figuratively — arrived at The Strong National Museum of Play Monday morning: a Showcase Showdown wheel and Magic Number cabinet from "The Price is Right" and a giant Zonks phone from "Let's Make a Deal." All will figure prominently in the first large-scale exhibit in the museum's National Archives of Game Show History, announced in 2021. Tentatively called "Beyond the Buzzer: Game Shows in America," the exhibit will open in 2026. Christopher Bensch, the museum's chief curator and the archive's overseer, said he's thrilled to have received the items and called the Showcase Showdown wheel, aka the Big Wheel, iconic. "With its signature sound and light effects, the wheel has been an enduring element of the show for years," he said. The one given to the museum is seven-eighths the size of the wheel used on the show, he said. "But in every other way, it feels very accurate, and I'm sure it will be a huge magnet for visitors." |
posted 6/12/2024 |
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NBA Hall of Famer Jerry West died on Wednesday morning at the age of 86. The Los Angeles Clippers, for whom West had been working as a consultant, announced his passing, saying, "the personification of basketball excellence and a friend to all who knew him, passed away peacefully this morning at the age of 86. His wife, Karen, was by his side." West played college ball for the West Virginia Mountaineers from 1957-1960. He was then drafted as a first round pick by the Los Angeles née Minneapolis Lakers, and played for the team through 1974. West coached the Lakers from 1976 to 1979, and then as general manager helped build the 1980s Lakers dynasty that was dubbed "Showtime" (and chronicled in the HBO series Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty). "Jerry West was a basketball genius and a defining figure in our league for more than 60 years," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. "He distinguished himself not only as an NBA champion and an All-Star in all 14, of his playing seasons, but also as a consummate competitor who embraced the biggest moments. He was the league's first Finals MVP and made rising to the occasion his signature quality, earning him the nickname Mr. Clutch. "Jerry's four decades with the Lakers also included a successful stint as a head coach and a remarkable run in the front office that cemented his reputation as one of the greatest executives in sports history," Silver continued. "He helped build eight championship teams during his tenure in the NBA – a legacy of achievement that mirrors his on court excellence. And he will be enshrined this October into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor, becoming the first person ever inducted as both a player and a contributor." Also, West's silhouette was the basis for the NBA logo. In game shows, West was featured on an episode of "It's Your Bet". |
posted 6/12/2024 |
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Remember last year when Cameron Mathison took Drew Cain away from General Hospital after he got out of Pentonville? While Drew was taking care of his personal business in Australia, his portrayer was taping a new game show — Beat The Bridge — which debuts tonight on The Game Show Network. NBC came in a close second with American Ninja Warrior (3.063m/0.36) and the season finale of Weakest Link (2.411m/0.24). The CW rounded out the night with a new All-American 470k/0.12). |
posted 6/12/2024 |
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Rita Ora Returning to "Masked Singer" |
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Rita Ora is not giving her final guess on The Masked Singer stage just yet. The British singer-songwriter, who first joined the hit disguised celebrity singing show in season 11 to replace Nicole Scherzinger, will be returning as a panelist once more in its upcoming 12th season, Entertainment Weekly reports. The show welcomes her back alongside series mainstays Ken Jeong, Jenny McCarthy-Walhberg, Robin Thicke, and host Nick Cannon. Although Scherzinger will not be returning to the judges' desk this time around, it's understood that no casting decisions have been made for any future seasons beyond season 12, and the door is open for her return. Scherzinger's representatives have yet to comment. |
posted 6/11/2024 |
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Wednesday Lightning Round |
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CBS today announced its late-night series AFTER MIDNIGHT, hosted by Taylor Tomlinson, has been renewed for the 2024-2025 broadcast season. "Taylor is a gifted comedian who brings a unique voice, energy and plenty of rizz to late night (I learned rizz is a real word thanks to the show.) We're excited for more of her daily smart takes about the dumbest things on the internet," said Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment. Inspired by Comedy Central's Emmy Award-winning series "@midnight," with celebrated comedian Taylor Tomlinson at the helm and a panel of guests from the worlds of entertainment, comedy, music and beyond, AFTER MIDNIGHT is a late-night comedy series about what set the internet abuzz that day. AFTER MIDNIGHT, from CBS Studios, Spartina Industries and Funny Or Die, is executive produced by Stephen Colbert, Carrie Byalick, Tom Purcell and Evelyn McGee Colbert of Spartina Industries; James Dixon of Dixon Talent; Jack Martin; Joe Farrell; Mike Farah; Whitney Hodack and Henry R. Muñoz III of Funny Or Die; and Jason U. Nadler of Serious Business. Jo Firestone is co-executive producer and head writer while Alexx Wells also serves as co-executive producer. Sharon Everitt directs. AFTER MIDNIGHT airs on the CBS Television Network at 12:35 AM, ET/PT and is available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+.* *Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers will have access to stream live via the feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service, as well as on demand. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will not have the option to stream live but will have access to on-demand the day after the show airs. |
posted 6/11/2024 |
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IATSE-AMPTP: June 27 |
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IATSE is hoping to wrap up bargaining a new contract with the studios by June 27, after adding an extra week of talks to the schedule. The union announced Monday that it will restart negotiations on both the Basic Agreement and the Area Standards Agreement on June 24, allotting four more days to close both deals. "We look forward to concluding our bargaining with the AMPTP and reaching an agreement that our members will be proud to ratify," Matt Loeb, the international president, said in a statement. Negotiators have reached agreement on several subjects, including provisions covering the use of artificial intelligence and subcontracting. But the major "economic" issues have yet to be resolved, including overall wage increases and funding a $670 million gap in the pension and health plans. |
posted 6/11/2024 |
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CBS Plans a Year-Long Celebration for "Survivor 50" |
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Survivor is close to heading into its 50th season. CBS just finished airing Season 46 but the network is already thinking ahead. "We're already talking about Season 50 for Survivor. We just wrapped up Season 47 in Fiji. I was texting with Jeff [Probst] last night and he said there's some pretty epic blindsides coming up. I think this show can go on for a really long time," CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach told Deadline. Reisenbach, who was speaking Tuesday at a Deadline-moderated panel at the Banff World Media Festival, said Season 50 will start shooting next spring. "We will absolutely be celebrating and I would consider it kind of a year-long celebration. We do that really well on CBS. We will have a lot of plans in the works… it'd be the first time in the new era that will have returning players. That's really exciting," she added. Probst revealed recently that Season 50, which will likely air in spring 2026, will feature all returning players. Survivor is exec produced by Probst, Mark Burnett, Matt VanWagenen, Kahaia Pearson and Jesse Jensen. It is produced by S.E.G. Holdco. |
posted 6/11/2024 |
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Tuesday Lightning Round |
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James Acaster a "People Person" |
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Channel 4 has ordered a pilot episode of the James Acaster quiz show People Person. Chortle first revealed the comedian was developing the format for television in February, when he hosted a run-through in London. Now a one-hour version is to be filmed – but not aired – to try out the format in which a panel of comedians have to answer questions about a line-up of ordinary people. It is based on a game Acaster played on the Dave show Question Team in 2021. Then he asked his fellow comics to guess which one of his people had the biggest garden, the most battery life left on their phones and who the most friends. And for the final question they had to guess who would bring a chocolate bar back to the studio first. Acaster said: 'This is more than just a pilot. It's the co-pilot, flight attendants, passengers and the bloke with the paddles on the runway. This is about people. And I'm a people person. Let's do this'. Channel 4 commissioning editor Cimran Shah said the show was a 'simple, scalable and clever concept with stellar talent attached and a clear opportunity to develop a new generation of channel-defining comedians'. The show is being made by Tuesday's Child Scotland and Interstellar, which made Question Team with Screen Scotland helping to finance the pilot. |
posted 6/11/2024 |
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TCA Awards: And the Nominees Are... |
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The Television Critics Association (TCA) announced today the nominees for the organization's landmark 40TH Annual TCA Awards, putting the spotlight on the best performances, series, creators, and stars from the 2023-2024 TV season. The TCA is a non-profit organization of more than 230 professional television journalists from the U.S. and Canada. They made their nominations based on programming available on broadcast, cable, and streaming outlets. Winners will be announced at an exclusive ceremony held in-person at The Langham Huntington in Pasadena on Friday, July 12. The TCA presents awards in 12 distinct categories, highlighting outstanding achievements in Drama; Comedy; Miniseries; News and Information; Reality; Variety, Sketch or Talk Shows, and more, headlined by the organization's coveted Program of the Year Award. Two additional awards will be announced on July 12. This year saw a tie for the top spot, FX and Netflix lead all competitors with 16 nominations each, dominating the Program of the Year category with three nominations for FX and two for Netflix. HBO | Max is in second place with 13 nominations, followed by Disney+ with six; while ABC, PBS/PBS KIDS, and Prime Video are tied with three. Rounding out the list is Apple TV+, NBC, and Peacock with two each; and Adult Swim, Bravo, CBS, Comedy Central, ID, Nat Geo, and Showtime with one apiece. In our favorite category... Outstanding Achievement in Reality |
posted 6/10/2024 |
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Trivia Hall of Fame: And the 2024 Nominees Are... |
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Who deserves to be in the Trivia Hall of Fame? Cast your votes! The Trivia Hall of Fame™ recognizes achievements and contributions to the worlds of trivia and quizzing. You may vote ONCE for FOUR nominees. (You must vote for four.) The top four vote-getters will be inducted. The voting will close at midnight, Eastern time, on July 10th. Note that going forward there will be no more acclamations. To the greatest extent possible, we ask permission of living non-celebrities before we nominate them. Some have declined nomination. We can also remove people on request. And the nominations are... |
posted 6/10/2024 |
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An initial post-mortem examination found that Michael Mosley died of natural causes, according to multiple reports. The popular British television doctor, 67, was found dead on Sunday, June 9, after he disappeared in Greece earlier that week, his wife Clare confirmed in a statement previously obtained by PEOPLE. Greek police spokeswoman Konstantia Dimoglidou told the BBC that the initial examination on his body found no injuries that would have caused his death. A local public broadcaster also reported that foul play has been ruled out, per The Guardian. However, his exact cause of death has yet to be determined. British newspaper The Times reported that the coroner was unable to make a determination due to the delay in finding his body during the extreme heat. A toxicology and histology report have been ordered, although results are expected to take months, according to the BBC and The Guardian. In a statement obtained by PEOPLE following his death, Bailey shared her heartbreak at losing her husband of 27 years. "It's devastating to have lost Michael, my wonderful, funny, kind and brilliant husband. We had an incredibly lucky life together," she said. "We loved each other very much and were so happy together." "My family and I have been hugely comforted by the outpouring of love from people from around the world," she added. "It's clear that Michael meant a huge amount to so many of you." In game shows, Mosley appeared as a contestant on the BBC's "Pointless Celebrities". |
posted 6/3/2024 |
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Nicholas Ball, the actor known for playing gangster Terry Bates in EastEnders, has died at the age of 78. The news was announced by Ball's agent, who said in a statement that he "passed away following a short illness", and that his "successful acting career on stage and screen spanned an impressive six decades". Ball played Terry on BBC soap EastEnders between 2007 and 2009, with the character leading a gang who stormed the Queen Vic and took a number of hostages, including Peggy Mitchell and Patrick Trueman. Terry also was part of the murder of Jase Dyer, the character played by Stephen Lord. He was found guilty of the murder and sentenced to life imprisonment, with Terry confirmed to have died in a 2019 episode. Ball was born in 1946 in Leamington Spa, and went on to star in series such as Bergerac, Heartbeat, Red Dwarf, Jonathan Creek, Footballers' Wives, Hustle and Doctors. He also played the title role in detective series Hazell. Ball was married to actress, comedian and psychologist Pamela Stephenson, although the couple later divorced. He is survived by his second wife, Ayda. Fans have been quick to pay tribute to Ball on X, with one saying in a post: "Sorry to hear of the passing of Nicholas Ball. "More commonly seen in our house in the TV series 'Hazell' for me he will always be that conniving trickster (to put it mildly) in the Hammer House TV episode 'The House That Bled to Death.'" Another said: "Very sad to hear that the brilliant Nicholas Ball has passed away. He was Red Dwarf's original simulant, and turned in a hugely memorable performance. RIP." A third added: "Nicholas Ball was absolutely brilliant as Terry Bates in EastEnders. One of the show's more underrated villains." Meanwhile, actor Arthur Wilde posted: "Very sad to hear about the passing of the great Nicholas Ball today. I had the honour of working with him on what will be his final role. He was warm, friendly and so very gracious. I'm honoured to have acted alongside him." In game shows, Ball played Star Games and The Pyramid Game, the British version of our "Pyramid" format. |
posted 6/10/2024 |
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Shania Twain's "Got Talent" |
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Canadian country icon Shania Twain is set to join the upcoming season of the Citytv competition series, Canada's Got Talent. Twain will have a seat on the judges' panel alongside returning stars Howie Mandel and Kardinal Offishall. Another new addition will be Canadian comedian Katherine Ryan. At the time of announcement, there was no confirmation on whether previous judges Lilly Singh or Trish Stratus will be returning. "Canada! I'm really excited to discover the amazing talent you have to share," Twain said in a press release. "Canada is well known for having high calibre creative people and it's my honour to sit back and see you at your best. Let's go my fellow Canadians!" Canada's Got Talent first premiered in 2012, and previous winners include Saguenay, Que. singer Jeanick Fournier and Prince Albert, Sask. singer Rebecca Strong. Season four of Canada's Got Talent will premiere in spring 2025. |
posted 6/10/2024 |
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Contenders, ready! Gladiators, ready! Today, Prime Video announced the revival of the epic competition series, American Gladiators, produced by MGM Alternative and Amazon MGM Studios. The series is set to premiere on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. American Gladiators will once again see a team of Gladiators compete against a brave set of Contenders in the ultimate test of speed and strength. The new show will include classics like "Gauntlet," "Hang Tough," and the ultimate challenge "The Eliminator," as well as some brand-new challenges. "Gladiators is an enduring, physical challenge format that continues to engage families around the world," said Lauren Anderson, head, Brand and Content Innovation, Amazon MGM Studios. "We look forward to delighting our global Prime Video customers with both reimagined and nostalgic elements that celebrate the best of the original series." "Doing a cross-country casting search is exciting for us, and for the fans. Our goal is to find a real cross-section of America's fittest and fiercest competitors. This is the ultimate in sports entertainment," said Barry Poznick, general manager MGM Alternative, Evolution Media and Big Fish Entertainment. American Gladiators first premiered in the United States in 1989 and ran for seven successful seasons until 1996. Originally hosted by Joe Theismann and Mike Adamle, the series featured more than 30 Gladiators during its original run in the U.S. and since then, there have been over 300 superhumans who have donned the coveted Gladiator uniform in franchises around the world including the UK, Australia, Japan, Denmark, South Africa, and more. The sports entertainment show has also seen great success with international formats of Gladiators gaining in popularity around the world. The premiere of Gladiators UK on January 13, 2024 brought in 6 million viewers and climbed to 9.8 million premiere viewers over 28 days. It was the biggest launch for a new entertainment series on BBC One since 2017 and proved that linear television still satisfies audiences during the age of streaming. Over the course of the season, Gladiators UK held steady with the series averaging 8.3 million viewers. The show continues to provide family friendly content, with viewers under the age of 45 making up 56% of audiences. Gladiators also appealed equally to male and female viewers with overall viewership balancing at 48% male and 52% female. Based on the series' massive success, it was announced that the physical competition show had been picked up for Season Two. One of Fox's interesting strategies that has just started on screen is windowing shows from rival streamers. Deadline revealed earlier this year that Fox had taken a second window on Amazon's U.S. reboot of British game show The 1% Club, hosted by Patton Oswalt. That show launched last week on Fox. Alternative head Rob Wade is now looking at other titles, including Amazon's latest reboot of American Gladiators. He said certain streamers, particularly Amazon Prime Video and Max, are now open to these opportunities, both in unscripted and scripted. "We're talking a lot about it. We have to make sure we have our schedule available and also obviously we have a Hulu relationship. We've got to make sure to balance that," he said. "In a world where IP is king, and it's very difficult to break through with new shows, that's obviously a very key piece. You get marketing, you get exposure to a very different audience, and you get a reduction in cost, which is really valuable." MGM Alternative is currently conducting a nationwide search for Contenders. Those who believe that they have what it takes and are ready to prove that they have what it takes to beat some of the greatest athletes in the world, should apply at www.AmericanGladiatorsCasting@gmail.com. American Gladiators is produced by MGM Alternative and Amazon MGM Studios for Prime Video in association with Flor-Jon Films. The American Gladiators series was created by Johnny C. Ferraro, and is based upon the original concept created by Johnny C. Ferraro and Dan Carr. Johnny C. Ferrero is also an executive producer on the revival. The format is distributed by Amazon MGM Studios Distribution. |
posted 6/10/2024 |
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More on "The Bachelorette" Season 21 |
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"The Bachelorette" is back, and it's time to meet the 25 suitors who will be competing for Jenn Tran's final rose on the 21st season of the reality series. Tran, 26, was on Joey Graziadei's season of "The Bachelor" and is described as a "sweet and compassionate woman who has dedicated her life to helping others and is currently studying to become a physician assistant. The bilingual Vietnamese beauty currently resides in Miami and is ready to find love with a man who is as reliable and thoughtful as she is." Among the men vying for Tran's heart include Aaron, the brother of "The Bachelorette" and "Bachelor in Paradise" alum Noah Erb; a sommelier named Dakota; Marcus, an Army Ranger veteran; an algebra teacher named Moze; and Spencer, a pet portrait entrepreneur. Tran's suitors range in age from 24 to 35 and hail mostly from the U.S., though there are two Canadians on the list. Graziadei's season ended with his engagement to Kelsey Anderson, a 25-year-old junior project manager from New Orleans. The two are still going strong, with many fans dubbing them the best "Bachelor" couple in ages. Tran's season of "The Bachelorette" kicks off on Monday, July 8 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, with episodes streaming the next day on Hulu. "The Bachelorette" is produced by Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in association with Warner Horizon. Bennett Graebner, Claire Freeland, Jason Ehrlich, Tim Warner and Peter Gust serve as executive producers. |
posted 6/10/2024 |
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Monday Lightning Round |
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Second Deal Coming |
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Food Network has ordered a second season of primetime series Wildcard Kitchen, it was announced today by Betsy Ayala, Head of Content, Food, Warner Bros. Discovery. In the weekly high-stakes culinary card game, host Eric Adjepong takes over the test kitchen after-hours with an exclusive invitation for three chefs to bring $5,000 to play across three hands of his underground culinary poker game. The competitors, who all know each other well, have scores to settle and personal stakes to lose as they battle to create dishes based on the cards they are dealt and bet using their own instincts and cold hard cash. Wildcard Kitchen season one premiered March 12th and to date, has reached more than 12.3 million total viewers (across Food Network/Max/discovery+) and led Food Network to rank as a Top 5 cable network in its timeslot among W25-54. "Wildcard Kitchen takes viewers to a late-night party with some of Food Network's favorite chefs," said Betsy Ayala, Head of Content, Food, Warner Bros. Discovery. "The creative gameplay resonated with our audience and season two will build on that momentum with more fun, food and games." Wildcard Kitchen is produced by Lando Entertainment for Food Network. |
posted 6/7/2024 |
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Big Brother No Longer Watching... in Canada? |
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The release Wednesday detailing Corus Entertainment's Media Upfront for 2024-25 did not have many surprises. There was news of an NCIS spinoff prequel, plus the re-boot of Matlock with Kathy Bates, an imported series that is finally premiering a year after it was originally hyped. There was one glaring omission, however: no new season of Big Brother Canada has been scheduled. Troy Reeb, executive vice-president of broadcast networks at Corus Entertainment confirmed over a zoom call Wednesday that Big Brother Canada is not currently on the schedule. "No final decision has been made as yet," said Reeb as to the ultimate fate of the series, which is hosted by Arisa Cox and produced by Insight Productions. Reeb says he expects to hear outrage from fans of the series, but ratings were down in Season 12 and at this point there just isn't room for it on the schedule. The Canadian series was dropped by streaming platforms in the United States in 2023. The Big Brother format originated in Holland in 1997, predating Survivor. The Canadian series was previously paused after its fifth season and also shut down during the eighth, when the outbreak of COVID-19 made production of a series which confines people together in the same space impossible. The series did eventually bounce back, however, so Reeb does not rule out that it could rise again — just not likely in 2024-25. |
posted 6/7/2024 |
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Happy Friday Lightning Round |
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Peacock has unveiled a sizzling new cast of Islanders for season 6 of the hit cultural phenomenon LOVE ISLAND USA. Hosted by TV personality Ariana Madix, the new season streams exclusively on Peacock beginning Tuesday, June 11 with new episodes dropping every day at 6pm PT/9pm ET during premiere week. New episodes will stream Thursdays through Tuesdays thereafter. Following the premiere of season 6, Peacock will debut LOVE ISLAND AFTERSUN, a weekly chat series that dives into all the drama inside this season's Love Island USA villa. Episodes of Love Island Aftersun will stream exclusively on Peacock beginning June 15 with new episodes every Saturday. Set in Fiji, season 6 will feature a brand-new vibrant villa including a spicy Casa Amor and an unforgettable Hideaway. Islanders will face more drama than ever before with jaw-dropping revelations, new couples' challenges and even a few surprise guests. Along the way, viewers will be able to vote for their favorite couples via the Love Island USA app to determine which Islanders remain in the villa and who goes home heartbroken and empty-handed. Fan-favorite comedian Iain Stirling will reprise his role as the iconic narrator for the new season. With over 198 hours of Love Island content, Peacock is the ultimate destination to stream your favorite reality dating show. Season 6 of LOVE ISLAND USA joins Peacock's growing Love Island roster which includes seasons 4 and 5 of the hit cultural phenomenon, the franchise's first-ever spinoff LOVE ISLAND. Maura Higgins has been tapped to host the new weekly chat series Love Island Aftersun on Peacock. The talk show will serve as a companion series to Love Island USA Season 6 and will feature Higgins interviewing the eliminated Islanders as they chat about their experiences inside the villa and debut exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Higgins is a Love Island UK fan favorite who entered the villa in Season 5 as a bombshell. She made it to the final and placed fourth overall. Higgins is not new to the Love Island USA family, as she has been hosting social media content throughout Season 5. The TV personality was also the social host for Love Island Games in 2023 and guest-hosted three episodes. |
posted 6/6/2024 |
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More on "Beast Games" |
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MrBeast has just opened applications to his biggest competition yet, Beast Games. With $5,000,000 up for grabs, here's how to apply. No stranger to offering immense cash prizes, MrBeast has just announced he's looking for 5,000 applicants to take part in "the largest game show ever in history." Beast Games will be the popular YouTuber's streaming debut on Amazon's Prime Video. To be eligible for Beast Games, you'll need to be 18 or older at the time of your application. You'll also need to ensure your passport is valid until April 2025. While the dates for filming may be subject to change, you will also need to be available from anywhere between late June to September 2024. As a heads up, the competition is only available for U.S. citizens or those with U.S. immigration status or a Visa beginning no later than July 1, 2024, through to October 31, 2025. Further eligibility requirements can be found below. If you pass all these and want to apply for your chance at $5 million, head over to beastgames.com and submit a one-minute video pitching yourself as a competitor. While this is technically optional, it will likely have a massive impact on your chances. Not only should your video "try and impress" MrBeast and his team, but it should also include your name, age, where you live, and what you do for a living. Other questions your video needs to answer are: The video can then be submitted, either as an unlisted YouTube link in your application or uploaded directly on the site. If uploading directly, ensure the video is an mp4 and smaller than 100 megabytes. |
posted 5/28/2024 |
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Thursday Lightning Round |
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Peacock's Emmy Award(R)-winning competition-reality series THE TRAITORS will return for a third season with an all-new lineup of familiar faces, hosted again by the impossibly stylish and devastatingly witty Alan Cumming. Produced by Studio Lambert and set in a remote castle deep in the Scottish Highlands, five-time Emmy-nominated Alan Cumming plays host to 21 larger-than-life personalities who come together to compete in a series of missions with the objective of earning a cash prize of up to $250,000. The catch? Hidden amongst the Faithful contestants are the Traitors, whose goal is to eliminate the Faithful and claim the prize for themselves. Under the cover of darkness, the Traitors "murder" contestants one by one, but if the Faithful can banish all the Traitors before the end of the game, they'll split the incredible prize. |
posted 6/5/2024 |
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Adam Levine is returning to The Voice. The Maroon 5 frontman and original Voice coach is returning for season 27 in 2025 following 16 consecutive seasons in the role. He'll reclaim his red chair on the NBC show alongside new coach Kelsea Ballerini, who previously served as a season 16 battle advisor. The country artist also filled in as coach during season 20. NBC already revealed that Michael Bublé, Snoop Dogg, Reba McEntire and Gwen Stefani will serve as coaches for season 26 this fall. Bublé is also set to return in the spring along with coach John Legend. Levine left the show in 2019 after serving as as coach on the competition show since its debut in 2012. He lead singers to the big win three times. He was ultimately replaced by Gwen Stefani who served alongside Blake Shelton, John Legend and Kelly Clarkson. At the time, host Carson Daly said Levine will "always be a cherished member of The Voice family." |
posted 6/5/2024 |
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All3Media Closing on Maverick TV USA |
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Maverick TV USA, the All3Media production company behind series including Netflix's Barbeque Showdown and USA Network reality series Chrisley Knows Best, is the latest unscripted business to fall victim to market conditions. All3Media is closing the U.S. business, which has been run for the last few years by Simon Knight. Jeff Zucker's RedBird IMI recently closed on its $1.45B takeover of the British production group, which has around 50 production labels including Squid Game: The Challenge producer Studio Lambert, Tinder Swindler producer Raw TV, Fleabag producer Two Brothers Pictures, Penny Dreadful producer Neal Street and natural history maker Silverback Films. However, the Maverick news is unrelated to this takeover. The move highlights the difficult circumstances for unscripted producers in the U.S. Cable networks are no longer ordering the same volume of nonscripted projects that they used to and it's difficult to get a series greenlit at the broadcast networks. Streamers have been increasing the number of reality shows they commission, but even Netflix recently said that it was refocusing its attention on big broadcast-style formats rather than lifestyle series. Maverick's biggest hit in the States over the last few years has been Barbeque Showdown, which recently aired its second season on Netflix. The food competition series was hosted by Rutledge Wood and Lyric Lewis in its first season with judges including Kevin Bludso and Melissa Cookston overseeing the country's best backyard smokers and competitive barbecuers. Michelle Buteau is hosting the third season, which will premiere on July 4. The company was also hit by the legal troubles of the stars of its USA Network reality series Chrisley Knows Best. That show was one of its biggest earners but the stars, Todd and Julie Chrisley were originally sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison as a result of fraud and tax crimes. It comes after the UK business, which was known for factual entertainment formats such as How To Look Good Naked, 10 Years Younger and Embarrassing Bodies, was merged in 2022 with All3Media's Objective Media Group Scotland. |
posted 6/5/2024 |
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More on "99 to Beat" |
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ITV has commissioned a new game show 99 To Beat hosted by brothers Adam and Ryan Thomas. The duo will offer fun commentary as they lead 100 contestants through a variety of silly and entertaining head-to-head games. Adam & Ryan Thomas said: "It's new, it's fresh, it's fun and we can't wait for people to see it! It really is the ultimate family show, and so we couldn't be more excited to be hosting it together, as a family. It's a dream come true for us. We can already imagine people at home playing these games with their families as it's fun/silly/competitive & heartfelt." 99 to Beat is the game show that anyone can win, but there's one rule players must follow if they're to be in with a chance of walking away with the cash prize – Don't. Come. Last. As contestants battle it out against each other, each round will see the number of players whittled down until one person takes the top prize. The new series is being made by Initial (a Banijay UK company). |
posted 6/5/2024 |
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Wednesday Lightning Round |
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Simon Cowell Is Looking for a Few Good Boys |
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Simon Cowell is embarking on a new kind of talent search. The Got Talent impresario has teamed with Box to Box Films, the prolific producer behind Netflix hit Formula 1: Drive to Survive, to film a hunt for a One Direction-style boy band. Cowell will audition hopefuls across the UK from next month, with open days taking place in Newcastle, Dublin, Liverpool, and London. In a press notice announcing the auditions, organizers said the talent hunt is a stripped-back affair, swapping shiny-floor studios and TV audience votes for core talent discovery. |
posted 6/4/2024 |
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LMAD Gets Rebooted in France |
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Altice Media-owned RMC Story is set to revive the French gameshow Le Bigdil, a format based on US format Let's Make a Deal from US prodco Marcus/Glass. The move comes after RMC Story inked a deal with London-based boutique distributor Can't Stop Media, which distributes the format. Le Bigdil originally aired from 1998 to 2004 on TF1, which aired 1,400 episodes. The revival, produced by Satisfaction Group-owned Ah! Production, will be broadcast in primetime starting early 2025 on RMC Story and its streaming platform, RMC BFM Play. The French show will feature the original host Vincent Lagaf and CGI alien Bill, along with his family. The news follows some recent international success for the Let's Make a Deal format. In Indonesia, gameshow Super Deal – based on the same format – was extended to a seven-day schedule on GTV, reaching 500 episodes since its 2022 relaunch. In Hungary, the show is in its second season on TV2, while the US version on CBS continues to air, with 3,000 daytime episodes since 2009 and a primetime run. So far, Let's Make a Deal, created by American host Monty Hall in 1963, has been produced in 24 countries. |
posted 6/4/2024 |
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The 1% Club, a game show hosted by Patton Oswalt, debuts on Prime Video May 23 and then on Fox June 3. The show is not so much about answering trivia questions, but about applying logic, reasoning skills and common sense, according to Prime Video. The 1% Club "is a chance to test how your brain works through a series of questions that all have a right answer but can also lead to a series of entertaining wrong answers along the way," said Fox. Each episode begins with 100 contestants, and they are whittled down with each wrong answer. At the end, the remaining contestants aim to answer a question that only 1% of the country, based on a scientific survey, can get right. Oswalt has never hosted a game show, and told B+C he never even thought about doing so. "It never crossed my mind in a million years," he said. The 1% Club has aired in the U.K. Oswalt was sent episodes of the show, and started to envision himself as host. "I loved the format, I loved the energy of it," he said, "and how non-conventional it was, with the audience and contestants." The host mixes and mingles with the 100 contestants, and Oswalt saw potential there. "I thought, 'This could be energizing for me,'" he said. How did it fare on Fox? Out of a split celebrity/civilian Name That Tune (1.438m/0.20), it raised to 1.471m/0.23. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49) are forthcoming. |
posted 6/4/2024 |
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Tuesday Lightning Round |
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Penn & Teller Not Done Explaining It All |
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One of the more surprising elements of The CW's fall schedule unveiled last month was that there was no room for Penn & Teller: Fool Us – one of the longest-running anchors of the network's unscripted slate. That's changed now as the network has renewed the show for Season 11. It is one of a handful of renewals at the network; The CW also picked up All American for a seventh season and dated season four of religious drama The Chosen. The magic competition show is centered around the legendary duo, who invite aspiring magicians are invited to perform their best trick to try and fool them. Anyone who succeeds wins the right to perform with Penn & Teller in their show at the Rio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Penn & Teller see the trick only once and have to immediately try to work it out. Brad Schwartz, President of Entertainment, The CW Network recently told Deadline that the show is a "crazy consistent performer". Season 11 will likely launch in early 2025. |
posted 6/3/2024 |
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Janis Paige, who racked up more than 100 film, TV and stage credits over six decades including The Pajama Game, Silk Stockings and Santa Barbara, died June 2 at her home in Los Angeles. She was 101. Her friend Stuart Lambert told The Associated Press about Paige's death. During her long career, Paige toured with Bob Hope and danced onscreen with Fred Astaire, along with originating the Babe Williams role in The Pajama Game on Broadway in 1954. That same year she headlined It's Always Jan, a CBS sitcom about the problems of single-parenthood during which she usually sang a song. It lasted a single season. Born Donna Mae Tjaden on September 16, 1922, in Tacoma, WA, she began singing in talent shows at a tender age and moved to Los Angeles after graduating high school. Paige made her Broadway debut in 1951 opposite Jackie Cooper in the mystery comedy Remains to Be Seen but found her signature stage role three years later in the hit musical comedy The Pajama Game. Babe Williams is a union organizer in a factory who falls in love with the new superintendent. Her role was played by Doris Day in the 1957 film version. Paige later returned to Broadway three times, including starring roles in Here's Love (1963) and Alone Together (1984). In 1968, she played the title role in Mame as part of a replacement cast. Angela Lansbury was the original star. Along the way she appeared in dozens of movies and television series including 1946's Hollywood Canteen, named for the famous nightclub where Paige was discovered. Through the next five years, she appeared in several Warner Bros films, often opposite Jack Carson, Dennis Morgan and/or Robert Hutton. Paige continued to work sporadically in films, but she was a familiar face on TV during the 1970s, '80s and '90s. She appeared on hit shows including All in the Family — during which she kissed Carroll O'Connor's Archie Bunker — Happy Days, Columbo, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Hawaii Five-O, Charlie's Angels, The Rockford Files, Police Story, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, Too Close for Comfort, Night Court, Caroline in the City and Trapper John, M.D. In game shows, Paige appeared on episodes of Pyramid, Super Password, Letters to Laugh-In, You Don't Say, Win with the Stars, Funny You Should Ask, The Hollywood Squares, Dream Girl of '67, The Celebrity Game, PAssword, To Tell the Truth, and I've Got a Secret. |
posted 6/3/2024 |
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Martin Starger, a producer for such films as Robert Altman's Nashville and Peter Bogdanovich's Mask, died Friday at 92 in his Los Angeles home of natural causes. His death was confirmed by his niece, casting director Ilene Starger. "He was a brilliant, elegant, remarkable man," Starger said. "He had wonderful taste in projects, and, on a highly personal level, he was like a father to me, given that his older brother, my father, died very suddenly when I was a teenager." As the first president of ABC Entertainment, he helped bring such projects as Roots, Happy Days and Rich Man, Poor Man to television. As an executive producer, Starger worked on films including Stanley Donen's Movie Movie (1978), Ingmar Bergman's Autumn Sonata, The Muppet Movie (1979) and The Great Muppet Caper (1981), Mark Rydell's On Golden Pond (1981), The Last Unicorn (1982) and Alan J. Pakula's Sophie's Choice (1982). Under his stewardship, ABC, a ratings underdog, found its footing with the creation of the Movie of the Week, miniseries such as Roots and Rich Man, Poor Man, and hit series such as Marcus Welby, M.D. and Happy Days. He developed a creative team which included Barry Diller and Michael Eisner. In subsequent years, Starger expanded his career into films and theater. While at ABC, he championed Robert Altman's project, Nashville, which he executive produced with Jerry Weintraub, who had brought the project to him. This launched Starger's producing career, first in partnership with Sir Lew Grade (later Lord Grade) as Marble Arch Productions, and, after that, with his own production company, Marstar Productions. He produced or executive produced many television projects, such as the Emmy award-winning Friendly Fire, Escape From Sobibor, All Quiet on the Western Front, The Merchant of Venice, and The Elephant Man. Starger's film credits, as producer or executive producer, include Movie Movie, Mask (for which Cher won the female acting prize at Cannes), On Golden Pond, The Muppet Movie, the Great Muppet Caper, Autumn Sonata, and Sophie's Choice. His Broadway credits include Sly Fox, Lend Me a Tenor, Starlight Express, and the original production of Merrily We Roll Along. In game shows, Starger was the executive producer of "Whodunnit?" in 1979. He is survived by his niece, Ilene Starger. |
posted 6/3/2024 |
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Britain's Got Talent semi-finalist Emma Jones has died aged 32 following a battle with cancer. Jones, who took part in the talent show in 2015 when she was 23, sadly passed away earlier in the year. The singer from Wigton in Cumbria died in February. It was confirmed by a post on her Facebook page on February 24, explaining she had ovarian cancer that had likely spread to other organs. "I'm sorry to have to tell you that Emma Jones has died. She died on Valentine's Day after being diagnosed with multiple organ cancer," the post read. "The doctor thinks it began as ovarian cancer and spread to other organs." Her former partner John Hastings remembered her "personality, smile and gorgeous voice". During Jones' funeral at Allonby's Christ Church, John said in the eulogy (via News and Star): "Like everyone else in Cumbria, I was both proud and touched by her exploits on Britain's Got Talent, when she overcame her nerves to wow the judges and viewers. The applause made her cry, but I knew these were good tears." "It's a great shame that we will never see her again, but we still have her performances online to cherish and fondly remember her by." He is survived by his niece, Ilene Starger. |
posted 6/3/2024 |
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The Actual Retail Price (In Nigeria) Is... |
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The excitement and anticipation is growing in leaps and bounds for the much-awaited debut of 'The Price Is Right Nigeria', a reality TV show. The recent public presentation of the show Host and Announcer has ignited excitement, as well as heightened the anxiety among lovers of reality TV shows for the show to make its debut. Thus, the iconic international game show, known for its engaging format and thrilling prizes, is set to launch in Nigeria with a dynamic team at the helm, which will give the audience a real value for their time. Earlier this year, 'The Price Is Right Nigeria' made headlines with a press conference at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, where the owners revealed a groundbreaking partnership with Smartcash, powered by Airtel, as the headline sponsor. Building on this momentum, the show has now revealed its Host: Mannie Essien. A seasoned broadcast journalist, Essien brings into the show over a decade of experience as an on-air-personality with rich background in the Nigerian radio and television presenting genre. His energetic presence and engaging style are expected to enhance the already captivating game show. Essien's role will be pivotal in engaging contestants and ensuring a seamless and entertaining experience for both contestants and viewers. 'The Price Is Right Nigeria' is a beloved international game show where contestants guess the prices of everyday household items and play games that require no prior experience to win cash and prizes. With successful adaptations in over 52 territories, the Nigerian producers, Genesis Studios, promise to maintain high-quality standards while rewarding viewers for their time. Joining Essien is Chioma "BBB" Okpala, who has been presented as the show's Announcer. Known for her work as a podcaster, voice-over artist, and compere, Okpala will bring her expertise and vibrant personality to the show. Together, Mannie Essien and Chioma Okpala are set to infuse the show with a distinct Naija flavor and energy. 'The Price Is Right Nigeria' is scheduled to premiere in August on DSTV's Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family, GoTV, and other terrestrial stations. |
posted 6/3/2024 |
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30 to "One" |
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Fifteen to One, represented by All3Media International, is marking its 30th anniversary on TVP 1 in Poland today, known locally as Jeden z dziesięciu. Jeden z dziesięciu is the longest-running quiz show in Poland, where it has aired continuously since 1994 on Polish national television broadcaster TVP 1. The anniversary also marks the 30th year presenter Tadeusz Sznuk will host the show, as he will also be back to present the upcoming 51st season. Ben Packwood, VP for CEE at All3Media International, commented, "Jeden z dziesięciu has all the ingredients for a compelling quiz show—packed with great competition, fast-paced, entertaining and filled with fascinating facts. However, it offers a deeper significance for Polish audiences as it reaches its 30th anniversary, a source of trustworthiness and stability, which makes it stand out in an ever-changing media landscape. Little has changed since the first episode aired in 1994 with the iconic host Tadeusz Sznuk presenting the show across the last 3 decades and I feel confident Jeden z dziesięciu will continue on air for decades to come in Poland and beyond." Originally created by John M. Lewis, the Fifteen to One format has seen over 6,500 episodes produced around the world. In the U.K., it was on air for 45 seasons on Channel 4, and it ran in Sweden for 12 years on SVT2, with 1,000 episodes produced in the territory. |
posted 6/3/2024 |
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Monday Lightning Round |
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Quiz Show Expo Is On |
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he bright colors, hyperactive contestants and zingy tunes of the TV game show have helped millions of us feel better when we're home sick or liven up a visit with grandma's house. The genre has been a staple of television since the very beginning and long-running shows like Jeopardy and Password have roots dating all the way back to the black and white era. This weekend, officially "National Game Show Day Weekend" for those in the know, America's favorite TV games will be celebrated with a two-day festival and convention in Burbank. The first-of-its-kind Quiz Show Expo brings together vintage superstar hosts and celebrity contestants from Hollywood Squares, The Newlywed Game, and Family Feud for meet-and-greets, panel discussions, and actual game play. The Remotes, L.A.s only band specializing in TV theme songs, will entertain the players, and superfans can pose with relics like the Big Wheel from The Price is Right and retired "Zonks" from Let's Make a Deal. |
posted 5/31/2024 |
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No Deal Yet |
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TThe International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees has concluded its two weeks of scheduled negotiations over the Area Standards Agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers without reaching a deal yet, according to the union. IATSE and the AMPTP have agreed to hold further negotiations later in June. In the meantime, the sides will be shifting back to discussions around its Hollywood Basic Agreement, with negotiations scheduled for Monday, June 3 through Wednesday, June 5. The Area Standards Agreement covers 23 local unions and approximately 20,000 film and TV workers across the country, but it excludes workers in Los ANgeles, New York, San Francisco and Chicago, who are covered by the Hollywood contract. . |
posted 5/31/2024 |
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Netflix Is Building a Better Band |
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Netflix is bolstering its entertainment formats unit with a big new music competition series. The streamer has ordered Building The Band (w/t) as it shifts its focus away from cable-esque fare to competing with the major broadcast networks for the next The Voice or American Idol. Building the Band seeks to discover the next great music group without bandmates initially meeting face-to-face. The series brings together 50 of the most talented singers to compete for a chance to form their own band without ever seeing each other. All they have to go on is musical compatibility, connection, chemistry and merit. What will happen when the bands finally meet and… looks, choreography, and style come into play? |
posted 5/30/2024 |
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Thursday Lightning Round |
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More money, more problems. That seems to be the motto of Netflix's brand new competition series, in which one contestant is saddled with a $1 million prize as the other 11 players fight to hunt them down and claim it for themselves. The series, with the working title "Million Dollar Secret," will be hosted by Peter Serafinowicz, the British comedian and actor whose credits include "Guardians of the Galaxy," "Shaun of the Dead," "John Wick: Chapter 2" and "Spy." Here's how the competition works, in Netflix's own words: "The million-dollar prize is won by one of 12 players right at the start of the first episode. Now, the others will hunt them down – eliminate the millionaire and the money moves to someone new. When should they strike? Too soon and they become the target; too late and they may never get the money. Meanwhile, the millionaire can try to get rid of the cash if the heat becomes too much. This is a game of strategy and alliances, where predators can become prey in the blink of an eye." The cast of "Million Dollar Secret" has yet to be announced. Serafinowicz has had a prolific career in Hollywood, creating and starring in "Look Around You" and his own sketch comedy series "The Peter Serafinowicz Show," as well as landing roles in "Parks and Recreation," "The Gentlemen" and "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace," in which he voiced Darth Maul. Serafinowicz has also lent his voice to the "Sing" animated movies from Illumination, "South Park," "Rick and Morty," "The Simpsons," "Bob's Burgers," "American Dad!" and "Archer." |
posted 5/29/2024 |
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MasterChef's Generation Gap |
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Fourteen seasons in, Gordon Ramsay's Fox cooking competition "MasterChef" has found a way to reinvent itself once more: pitting generation against generation in a battle that will prove whether baby boomers, Gen X, millennials or Gen Z cooks have culinary supremacy. |
posted 5/29/2024 |
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The 2023-24 Season Final Rankings... |
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TV audiences tracked down "Tracker" in a big way this season. The freshman CBS drama, which stars Justin Hartley as a survivalist who helps law enforcement and others solve tough cases, was the 2023-24 TV season's most-watched entertainment series. According to the Eye network, that's the first time a first-year TV series was ranked as the No. 1 show since "Survivor" premiered as an instant phenomenon in 2000 (and that was a summer show, so there's an asterisk on that one). The most-watched comedy of the year was CBS' "Young Sheldon," ending its series run on top (and likely even getting a boost from its popularity on Netflix). In the battle of the music contests, "The Voice" bested "American Idol" in viewers, but "Idol" led in 18-49. And "60 Minutes" kept its top 10 streak going for another year. Besides "Tracker" and football, here are a few more winners and losers of the just-completed TV season. The game shows among the top 100 shows of the season (total viewers and, where applicable, ranking in the A18-49 demo) |
posted 5/29/2024 |
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Talking About a Reboot? |
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Breaking news ahead of National Game Show Day from the inaugural Quiz Show Expo is that the beloved 80's and 90's hit family game show 'Talk About', created by multi-Emmy-nominated game show phenom, Mark Maxwell-Smith, is readying a worldwide comeback. Maxwell-Smith announces a new Board Game Partner and plans for a TV Show relaunch. While details of a new Talk About TV Game Show Reboot are still under wraps, Maxwell-Smith has signed a comprehensive licensing agreement with Toyetic Brands, founded by longtime Toy Industry and Tabletop Game innovator, Dan Rowen, to develop an extensive line of board games based on the Talk About property. The Talk About deal, which includes board games, card games and mobile game apps, was negotiated by global licensing agent Genna Rosenberg from GennComm ImaGENNation. Talk About creator Mark Maxwell-Smith is an internationally recognized game show Writer, Creator, Producer, and multiple Emmy Nominee. Maxwell-Smith's career began as a Production Assistant on the classic game show, Truth Or Consequences hosted by Bob Barker, and evolved to him creating, selling and producing over a dozen television game show formats, including Talk About, Mouth Trap, Chain Letters, Equal Partners, Humdingers, Majority Rules, Knockout, and Now You Know. He has also contributed to the development of formats and content for series like The Joker's Wild, Name That Tune, Let's Make A Deal, Cross-Wits, Tic-Tac-Dough, Beat The Clock and his beloved first show, Truth Or Consequences, too. Dan Rowen from Toyetic Brands said, "Classic reboots resonate with consumers, and this dynamic communication game will bring fresh themes, exciting energy, and attract a whole new fanbase! It's so much fun working with a legend like Mark Maxwell-Smith on the Talk About franchise, and hopefully more of his games in the future." Rowen, who has been producing toys and games for 25 years, indicated that Toyetic Brands will unveil the party game series under its new upcoming game brand which will specialize in bringing fun, playful concepts of this genre to retailer shelves and into consumer's hands. The board game version will be available in 2025 and the company has indicated that there will be some unique aspects to how it is launched. Mark Maxwell-Smith said, "What makes Talk About so special is its ability to go beyond facts and instead, offer insight into the minds and hearts of the game's players. I know that Dan and the team at Toyetic Brands have the vision to adapt the gameplay for different audiences of today in fresh and exciting ways." In North America, Talk About aired on the CBC, USA Network, and in domestic syndication via The Fox Station Group. International versions of the show aired in almost one dozen countries, including Ireland, The United Kingdom, and Japan. Talk About continues to air on YouTube and launched on Buzzr beginning in 2022. Pressman Toys did the original game, which was an important part of the TV Game Show's DNA." |
posted 5/29/2024 |
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Jamie Foxx is back hosting Beat Shazam tonight. The Collateral and Django Unchained actor was hospitalized due to "medical complications" last year and replaced by guest host Nick Cannon for season 6 of the Fox game show, but is back in the presenter seat time around, alongside daughter Corinne Foxx, the show's DJ. He remains an exec producer alongside Jeff Apploff, who created the series with Wes Kauble. In the clip below, the studio audience holler and shout wildly as Foxx is introduced and dances his way on to stage, proclaiming, "We are going to have the greatest season yet." His daughter Corinne Foxx, the show's DJ, laughs as her dad adds, "I love being on this stage, I feel like Lebron James in this… He may be King James on the court but I'm King Jamie in here!" In an exclusive statement, Corinne Foxx told Deadline: "So happy to be back for season 7 of Beat Shazam. This clip is just a taste of the excitement and fun we have in store. I am so proud of this show and just know that families at home are going to love some of the amazing, themed episodes that include teams of fathers, siblings, teachers, heroes and mothers." How the game works is that players will stand on a platform above a pool. The families must work together on a multiple-choice quiz where each question is allocated to a spot with a giant ball positioned behind it. If the team gives the correct answer, the ball rolls down and stops before hitting one of the players. If the answer is wrong, the ball hits one of the players and knocks them into the pool. Each correct answer banks more money for each team, but the questions get harder as more players are knocked into the pool. When there is just one player remaining dry, they get to compete in the final round for the grand prize. The Quiz with Balls originated in The Netherlands, where it premiered last summer and was so popular the country's broadcaster (SBS6) gave it a four-episode winter special and plans to release a new season later this year. |
posted 5/29/2024 |
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Tuesday Lightning Round |
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Bill Walton, who was one of the best college basketball players ever, won the 1978 NBA MVP award and a two NBA championships with the Portland Trail Blazers and Boston Celtics, has died Monday at the age of 71. Walton passed after a prolonged bout with cancer, the NBA announced. "Bill Walton was truly one of a kind. As a Hall of Fame player, he redefined the center position," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a press release. "... But what I will remember most about him was his zest for life. He was a regular presence at league events -- always upbeat, smiling ear to ear and looking to share his wisdom and warmth. I treasured our close friendship, envied his boundless energy and admired the time he took with every person he encountered." Born on Nov. 5, 1952 in La Mesa, California, Walton's basketball career began in grade school at Blessed Sacrament in San Diego, where he learned from a fireman named Frank Graziano, who eventually convinced him to forget about football and focus on basketball. "I was a skinny, scrawny guy," Walton would tell ESPN decades later. "I stuttered horrendously, couldn't speak at all. I was a very shy, reserved player and a very shy, reserved person. I found a safe place in life in basketball." Walton went to Helix High School in La Mesa, where he played basketball with his older brother, Bruce, who eventually went on to play for the Dallas Cowboys and would often serve as an enforcer when opponents got too rough with Bill. Together, they remain the only brothers to play in the Super Bowl and NBA Finals. Early in his high school career, Walton broke his ankle, leg and multiple bones in his foot and underwent knee surgery, which began his lifelong battle with injuries. After his sophomore year, he had a growth spurt that shot him from 6-foot-1 to 6-foot-7 (he would eventually grow to be 6-foot-11), which turned him into a big man instead of a guard. Over his final two high school seasons, Walton led Helix to two California Interscholastic Federation championships and a 49-game winning streak. As a senior, he shot 78.3% from the field, which remains a national high school record for field goal percentage. Hall of Fame coach Denny Crum, who was then an assistant at UCLA under John Wooden, called Walton "the best high school player I'd ever seen" after scouting him. Wooden admonished Crum for such a statement, telling him "it makes you look like an idiot." The Bruins signed Walton anyway, and Crum was proven wholly correct. At that time, freshman were not allowed to play on the varsity team, so he had to begin his career on the freshman team and led that group to a 20-0 record. He was moved up to varsity at the start of the 1972-73 season, which began one of the greatest careers in college basketball history. In three seasons, Walton was named Naismith College Player of the Year three times (a feat matched only by Ralph Sampson), led UCLA to two national championships and was awarded Final Four Most Oustanding Player twice. His 44 points against Memphis State in 1973 remain a national championship game record. The Bruins went 86-4 over Walton's three seasons, and he played a part in what is still a Division I record 88-game winning streak. That run ended in Walton's senior campaign with a loss to Notre Dame, a game Walton was playing in a back brace due to a broken spine he suffered earlier in the season. The Bruins went on to make the national championship game again, but fell to David Thompson and North Carolina State in double-overtime. Walton made just as many waves off the court while he was in Los Angeles. During his junior season, he was arrested at a Vietnam War protest, one of the first indications of his politics, and had to be bailed out by Wooden. "Your generation has screwed up the world. My generation is trying to straighten it out," Walton said in a statement after the incident. "Money doesn't mean anything to me. It can't buy happiness, and I just want to be happy." As the best prospect on the planet, Walton had options when looking to begin his professional career. He had actually first been drafted in 1973 by the ABA's Dallas Chaparrals, who failed to convince him to leave college early. In 1974, he had the chance to join the ABA and play for his hometown San Diego Conquistadors under head coach Wilt Chamberlain, but went the NBA route instead, and was selected No. 1 overall by the Portland Trail Blazers. Walton finished his career with two championships, an MVP, a Finals MVP, a Sixth Man of the Year award, two All-Star appearances, two All-NBA Team nods (one First, one Second) and two All-Defensive First Team honors. Additionally, his No. 32 was retired by the Trail Blazers in 1989. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993, and was selected to the NBA's 50th Anniversary Team in 1996 and 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. Following his retirement, Walton became a successful broadcaster, working with CBS, NBC, ESPN and the Los Angeles Clippers before stepping away in 2009 due to back problems. A few years later, he returned to work with the Sacramento Kings on a part-time basis, then re-joined ESPN and the Pac-12 Network, where he had still been calling games this season. He won an Emmy in 2001 and was known for his entertaining, and at times incoherent, style. "In life, being so self-conscious, red hair, big nose, freckles and goofy, nerdy-looking face and can't talk at all. I was incredibly shy and never said a word," Walton said in 2017. "Then, when I was 28, I learned how to speak. It's become my greatest accomplishment of my life and everybody else's biggest nightmare." In game shows, Bill Walton appeared on episodes of Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy!, and Tic Tac Dough. Tributes flooded in for Walton following the news of his death. None had a negative word to say, and the love and affection for the big man was perhaps best summed up by his friend Abdul-Jabbar's note, which read, in part: "the world feels so much heavier now... he was the best of us." But even in death, the last word should be reserved for Walton, given his propensity for language: "The perfect thing about basketball is that it is the most complete, surreal and special game of all, where all you have to do is wait for the opening tip and then each and every player, each and every component, has a chance to make a contribution on every single play. Basketball, yeah, shine a light." |
posted 5/27/2024 |
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Memorial Day Lightning Round |
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Claudia Perry, who served as SABR's first female and first Black president of the Board of Directors, died at the age of 64 on May 16, 2024, in Evanston, Illinois. "She left SABR in a better position than she found it," said former Board President Dick Beverage when Perry finished her term in 2003. Perry was invited to throw out the first pitch at Fenway Park during the 2002 SABR convention in Boston, an event memorialized in The Fenway Project, a SABR book in which she wrote about her experience: Perry was a distinguished music and sports journalist for nearly 30 years with The Star-Ledger in Newark, New Jersey; the San Jose Mercury News, Houston Post, and Richmond Times-Dispatch. She served for 17 years on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's nominating committee and her work appeared in Rolling Stone, The Crisis, and other publications. In 1999, she was nominated for a Grammy Award with Bill Ivey and others for the liner notes on From Where I Stand: The Black Experience in Country Music. In recent years, she worked in the e-learning and legal services industries in Illinois and as a grant project coordinator for Loyola University Chicago. She was also one of the most popular champions in Jeopardy! history, appearing 11 times on the game show from 1996 to 2014. She won four games in a row in January 1997 and later appeared on Jeopardy's Tournament of Champions (1998), Million Dollar Masters (2002), and Battle of the Decades (2014). She also appeared on two other trivia game shows, ABC's 500 Questions in 2016 and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? in 2018. |
posted 5/24/2024 |
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Morgan Spurlock, best known for the 2004 documentary Super Size Me, has died following a private battle with cancer, Deadline reports. He was 53 years old. Spurlock directed and starred in the aforementioned Super Size Me, which followed the filmmaker over a 30-day period in which he only consumed McDonald's food and charted the drastic changes in his physical and psychological health. The film earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature. His filmography also included Where in the World Is Osama Bin Laden? (2008), Freakonomics (2010) and The Greatest Movie Ever Sold (2011). On TV, Spurlock was the star and executive producer of FX's 30 Days (2005-08). In each episode, Spurlock, or another person or group of people, spent 30 days immersed in an unfamiliar lifestyle. Five years after its cancellation, he resurfaced on CNN with the docuseries Morgan Spurlock: Inside Man (2013-16), in which he investigated topics of national interest using participatory journalism. His first project was a stunt game, MTV's short-lived "I Bet You Will" from 2002. He also appeared on episodes of Hell's Kitchen and The CNN Quiz Show. In December 2017, at the height of #MeToo movement, Spurlock wrote a blog post (via TwitLonger) titled "I Am Part of the Problem." In it, he described an incident in college in which he and an unnamed woman "hooked up" after a night of drinking. He alleged that the sex was consensual; she accused him of rape. He also acknowledged a previous sexual harassment claim from a female assistant who he frequently referred to as "hot pants" or "sex pants." Afterward, YouTube Red halted its release of Super Size Me 2: Holy Chicken! Two years later, it landed a theatrical release. |
posted 5/24/2024 |
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Darryl Hickman, best known for his role in technicolor noir Leave Her to Heaven, has died on Wednesday, May 22, according to an announcement from his family. As a child actor, Hickman appeared in over 40 films, having been a contract player at both Paramount and MGM. His most notable roles include portraying the youngest member of the Joad family, Winfield, in John Ford's 1940 adaptation of The Grapes of Wrath, as well as a role as the younger version of Van Heflin's character in the 1946 noir The Strange Love of Martha Ivers. His most famous role came in 1945's Leave Her to Heaven, in which he plays Danny, younger brother to Cornel Wilde's Richard. Danny is disabled as a result of polio and when he comes to live with Richard and his wife, Ellen (Gene Tierney), he meets a watery end. Ellen rows both she and Danny to the middle of a lake and calmly ignores Danny's pleas for help as he drowns, jealous of Richard's affection for the boy. Hickman later remembered Tierney as cold and aloof, even once telling TCM's Robert Osborne that he much preferred interacting with her in character. In 1951, he briefly retired from acting to enter a monastery but returned to Hollywood a little over a month later. In game shows, Hickman appeared on episodes of Get the Message, Missing Links, Call My Bluff, The Match Game, You Don't Say!, Snap Judgment, What's My Line?, and Tattletales. His younger brother, Dwayne Hickman, was the star of CBS comedy The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis from 1959 to 1963. Hickman appeared in three episodes of the first season alongside his younger brother, portraying Dobie's older brother Davey. In his later years, Hickman published a book on acting techniques, 2007's The Unconscious Actor: Out of Control, in Full Command. Hickman also made the rounds reminiscing about his time as a child actor, speaking out against the damaging effect of a young acting career and the impact of not having a real childhood. Hickman was married to actress Pamela Lincoln, whom he met on the set of The Tingler, from 1960 to 1982. They had two sons; their younger son, Justin, died by suicide at the age of 19 in 1985. |
posted 5/24/2024 |
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THURSDAY: Case Closed |
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In the latest TV ratings, CBS' Elsbeth finale was Thursday's most-watched show, while ABC's 9-1-1 led the night in the demo. Leading out of The Price Is Right at Night (which drew 3.8 million total viewers and a 0.4 demo rating), Elsbeth's freshman finale (4.9 mil/0.3) was up 14% week-to-week. 9-1-1 (4.5 mil/0.5) and Station 19 (2.4 mil/0.2) both hit four-episode highs in audience, with the former also rising in the demo. Grey's Anatomy (3 mil/0.4) added some eyeballs. Leading out of this year's Red Nose Day special (1.5 mil/0.2) on NBC, a rerun of The Wall drew 1.5 mil and a 0.2. Fox's I Can See Your Voice (1.1 mil/0.2) was steady, and Don't Forget the Lyrics returned to a typical 1.15 mil and 0.2. The CW & cable numbers are forthcoming. |
posted 5/24/2024 |
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WEDNESDAY: And That's the Season! |
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In the latest TV ratings, NBC's Chicago Fire finale was Wednesday's most-watched show, while CBS' Survivor finale dominated the night in the demo. Chicago Med (with 5.5 million total viewers and a 0.4 demo rating) was steady, while Chicago Fire (5.8 mil/0.4) and Chicago P.D. (4.9 mil/0.4) each dipped a bit. Survivor (4.5 mil/0.8) was up a tick from its year-ago finale. ABC's Jeopardy! Masters (4.6 mil/0.5) ended with season highs; Abbott Elementary (2.6 mil/0.4) and The Conners (2.2 mil/0.3) were also up. Fox's The Masked Singer (3 mil/0.4) added a few eyeballs, while Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars (1.1 mil/0.2) opened Season 2 by hitting and matching series lows. The CW's Walker (362K/0.1) hit a season low in audience coming off cancellation news, while Sight Unseen (284K/0.0) added viewers. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 5/24/2024 |
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Happy Friday Lightning Round |
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"Drag Race Mexico" Returns |
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Drag Race México is back for Season 2, and World of Wonder has confirmed that the 13 queens are competing for the crown. The new season of the drag competition is set to premiere on June 20th on WOW Presents Plus. Contestants of Drag Race México face off in creative and acting challenges, fashion runways, live performances, music video recordings, and more as they try to impress the judge's panel and avoid elimination. The participants use their charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent to make it to the grand finale and compete in an epic lip-sync battle to snatch the crown. The winner will take home the dazzling crown and scepter, along with a grand cash prize. Drag Race France alum Lolita Banana is set to return as host of the second season and will be joined by Queen of the Universe Season 2 winner Taiga Brava. They will both be joined by Oscar Madrazo as judge. Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, Tom Campbell, and RuPaul Charles executive produce the series for World of Wonder. The queens are... |
posted 5/23/2024 |
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"Food Truck Race" Heads to the Gulf |
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The Great Food Truck Race returns with an all-new route across the country's Gulf Coast this summer with a fresh roster of aspiring food truck operators battling to make the best food on wheels to win a life-changing $50,000 grand prize. Host Tyler Florence kicks off the season welcoming nine teams to NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston for the start of the race. Each team must prove their culinary expertise, marketing savvy and selling skills in themed challenges to beat their rivals and stay in the race. In a new twist this season, the teams are divided into "Stars and Stripes" squads and the top sellers each week are awarded gold, silver and bronze medals that come with a cash bonus. The Great Food Truck Race: Games on the Gulf premieres Sunday, June 30th at 8pm (all times ET/PT) and culminates in an action-packed finale from the renowned South Beach Wine and Food Festival in Miami on Sunday, August 4th at 8pm. "Nothing says summer like The Great Food Truck Race and this season's first-time route across the Gulf Coast brings our trucks to places we've never been before," said Betsy Ayala, Head of Content, Food, Warner Bros. Discovery. "Each time these talented teams roll up to a new location, it's truly an event." Teams competing are: Argentina's Empanadas - Wichita, Kansas (Carolina Freeman, Paola Mentis, Chad Freeman); Bao Bei - Washington DC (Kevin Hsieh, Cody Hoover, Zakary Keres); Cooks with Passion - Atlanta, Georgia (Andrew Bernadine, Terry Jones, Jasmine Smith); Down to Get Tacos - Gilbert, Arizona (Karina Wollangk, Kiana Wollangk, Oz Gudino); Fishnet - Baltimore, Maryland (Ferhat Yalcin, Uswa McDowell, Keyia Yalcin); Kalye - New York, New York (Rob Mallari-D'Auria, Barry Jacinto, Mark Besanna); Plates on Deck - Davenport, Florida (Ken James, Ziomara Taveras, Samuel Jenkins); SOLA Po'Boys - Los Angeles, California (Serrano Barnes, Barenese Butler, Randy Butler) and Wally's Waffles - Chicago, Illinois (Wally Strzepka, Maggie Strzepka, Joe Caiafa). |
posted 5/23/2024 |
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Just in Time for July 4... |
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Netflix announces the renewal of Barbecue Showdown for a third season. Additionally, the cooking competition series is set to premiere on Thursday, July 4th. · Barbecue Showdown is back, and the competition is bigger, and blazing hot! Nine of the best barbecuers from across the country will have to master the flame in an open fire playground, and create mouth-watering, boundary-pushing barbecue, for a $50,000 prize. Actress and comedian Michelle Buteau serves as host, and joins world-class BBQ judges Melissa Cookston and Kevin Bludso to crown the next great pitmaster. Barbecue Showdown Season 3 premieres July 4th, only on Netflix. |
posted 5/23/2024 |
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Double Booked |
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'The Fortune Hotel' is reportedly already set to return for a second series. The strategic gameshow - which is presented by Stephen Mangan sees 10 pairs given a briefcase, with one containing a huge £250,000 prize - has proven to be a hit with fans as the first eight episodes have aired, and ITV is looking into plans for another run. An insider told The Sun newspaper's TVBiz column: "Launching new formats is a gamble these days and an uncommonly large number have fallen by the wayside despite them showing some promise. "Channel 4 poured huge budgets into reality shows 'Scared Of The Dark' and 'Rise And Fall', for example, but couldn't justify taking them to a second series. "That won't be the case for The Fortune Hotel, though. Despite a considerable spend, ITV is working on plans for round two." On the show, the contestants have to decided whether to keep or swap their cases, with another one containing an early checkout card, and the remaining eight being empty. Earlier this week, the show pulled in its biggest audience to date with a peak of over 2.6 million viewers. There have been plenty of comparisons to 'The Traitors' - which hit 3.5 million for its first episode, including online viewing figures - but ITV remains undeterred. The source added: "'The Fortune Hotel' hasn't been able to shake the comparisons to 'The Traitors', but people seem to have forgotten that it was only towards the end of the first series that the BBC One show gained a real following. "ITV has clearly seen enough in the stats, including a solid start with the crucial 16-34 audience, to plough on for series two." |
posted 5/23/2024 |
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Katy Perry took the American Idol stage one last time as a judge before saying goodbye to the ABC reality series competition. The singer, alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, walked into the Season 22 finale hand in hand. Perry was already visibly emotional when she saw Ryan Seacrest, knowing this would be her last appearance on the show. Perry, Bryan, and Richie joined American Idol in 2018 when ABC revived the singing competition after fifteen seasons on Fox. Since Season 16, the judge's panel has remained unchanged until Perry's departure. ABC has not announced who will take Perry's spot when the show returns for Season 23. Ahead of the finale, Perry was already anticipating she would be crying at anything that happened. "I think I will be crying at anything," Perry said in an interview posted by KABC. 'It's been a beautiful journey and I love watching these kids grow and becoming this big beautiful patchwork quilt." CBS' CSI: Vegas hit the jackpot while getting ushered out of the casino by security. With its unplanned series finale on Sunday night, the procedural rose 16% in audience to deliver a series high of 4.8 million total viewers. Opening CBS' Sunday slate, 60 Minutes delivered 7 million total viewers. The Equalizer (6.4 mil) with its season finale was up 14% in audience to mark a 5-episode high, while Tracker (7.4 mil) ticked up 5% with its freshman finale and was, as usual, Sunday's most-watched program. On to cable (totals/A18-49)... Turning to Friday night's finales…. CBS' SWAT (4.4 mil/0.3) and Blue Bloods (5.3 mil/0.3) both hit multi-week audience highs, while Fire Country (5.2 mil/0.4) veritably matched its second-largest of the season and also ticked up in the demo. Elsewhere on Friday, Fox's SmackDown (2.2 mil/0.6) was steady and ABC's Jeopardy! Masters (4.1 mil/0.3) added viewers week-to-week, followed by 20/20 (2.4m/0.21). CW's 100 Days to Indy (187k/0.02) lost viewers from a Penn & Teller rerun. |
posted 5/23/2024 |
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Thursday Lightning Round |
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Hulu's Touched for the Very First Time |
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A collection of single people looking for love will soon be packing their bags and charting a course for Virgin Island — and no, we're not talking about any of overseas territories. On Wednesday, Hulu Originals announced that it has ordered a brand new reality dating series titled Virgin Island. Produced by ITV America (Love Island USA, Queer Eye) and Plimsoll Productions (A Real Bug's Life), the 10-episode series will follow a group of — you guessed it! — virgins who will spend an unforgettable summer dating and going on adventures together at an island resort. A press release reveals that the show's cast, who abstain from sexual intercourse for their own personal reasons, "will date, participate in unique and romantic activities together, and make major decisions and commitments to one another." |
posted 5/22/2024 |
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TUESDAY: A Night to Celebrate |
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It was a night of celebration at The Voice as NBC's singing competition wrapped Season 25. Host Carson Daly paid tribute to Debra Byrd and Ernie Fields Jr., who died this past year and were part of The Voice family. "We'd also like to take a moment to remember two members of The Voice family that we unfortunately lost this year, the very talented Debra Byrd and Ernie Fields Jr.," Daly said. "They were essential to all the music that you hear on this show." In the latest TV ratings, CBS' FBI led a finales-filled Tuesday in total viewers and tied NBC's The Voice for the nightly demo win. FBI (with 6.1 million total viewers and a 0.4 demo rating) ticked up in audience, while FBI: International (4.5 mil/0.3, reader grade "B-") and FBI: Most Wanted (4.1 mil/0.3) each dropped a few eyeballs. ABC's Will Trent (4.1 mil/0.3), The Rookie (3.1 mil/0.3) and The Good Doctor (2.5 mil/0.2) all rose to three-week highs in audience. The Voice (5.1 mil/0.4) was down a few viewers from Monday's half of the finale. Fox's The Cleaning Lady's two-hour finale (850K/0.1, reader grade "A-") easily hit a series low in audience and also dipped in the demo.. On to cable (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 5/22/2024 |
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MONDAY: The War at 8pm (7 Central) |
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In the latest TV ratings, NBC's The Voice was Monday's most-watched show and landed in a three-way tie for the nightly demo win. The Voice (with 5.6 million total viewers and a 0.4 demo rating) was up in audience week-to-week. Weakest Link (3 mil/0.3) was on par with Deal or No Deal Island's freshman average. CBS's The Price is Right at Night (3.4 mil/0.4) tied for the nightly demo win. Leading out of an NCIS rerun, CBS News' interview with the Pope drew 2.3 mil and a 0.2. ABC's Jeopardy! Masters (4.5 mil/0.4) was steady week-to-week. With Fox's season finales, MasterChef Junior (1.5 mil/0.2) added eyeballs, while SYTYCD (803K/0.1) lost some. With Taye Diggs' return, the CW's All American (455K/0.1) was up 21% in viewers to make its second-largest audience of the season. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 5/14/2024 |
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Roxanne Rosedale, the glamorous model and actress who assisted host Bud Collyer on the 1950s game show Beat the Clock and appeared in the Marilyn Monroe-starring The Seven Year Itch, has died. She was 95. Known professionally as Roxanne, she died May 2 in an assisted care facility in her birthplace of Minneapolis, her daughter Ann Roddy told The Hollywood Reporter. Roxanne became a hugely popular TV star after she joined CBS' Beat the Clock, from Mark Goodson-Bill Todman Productions, in 1950. She would introduce the contestants — who were tasked with completing complicated, outrageous stunts in an allotted time — snapped photos with a Sylvania camera and posed alongside the winners' prizes. While on the show, she made the covers of such magazines as Life, Look and (with Collyer) TV Guide and even had a doll named for her. The blue-eyed Roxanne Dolls featured a Beat the Clock tag on her wrist and a tiny camera, and the game show assistant would often hand them out on the program. In 1952, Roxanne had her first onscreen acting assignments on episodes of the CBS drama Casey, Crime Photographer, starring Richard Carlyle, and the syndicated anthology series Broadway Television Theatre. In Billy Wilder's The Seven Year Itch (1955), she played a woman named Elaine who rolls around on a beach with Tom Ewell's Richard Sherman in a fantasy scene that parodies Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr's in From Here to Eternity. Born on March 20, 1929, Dolores Evelyn Rosedale attended Central High School and studied fashion design at the Minneapolis School of Fine Arts. She finished second in the Miss Minneapolis beauty pageant in 1947 and moved to New York, becoming a model with the Harry Conover agency and studying with Lee Strasberg at The Actors Studio (her classmates there included Ben Gazzara). Roxanne made her TV debut in 1948 on the CBS game show Winner Take All, also hosted by Collyer in what was the first game show produced by Goodson & Todman. When that was canceled after two seasons, she and Collyer went to work on Beat the Clock. She left the show in August 1955 — and was replaced by Beverly Bentley — after marrying businessman Tom Roddy in 1954 and becoming pregnant with Ann, her first born. She appeared on Broadway in 1956 in A Hatful of Rain and in the crime drama The Young Don't Cry (1957), starring Sal Mineo and James Whitmore, then moved with her family back to Minnesota and worked for a furrier, modeled and appeared on lots of local commercials. She and her family later relocated to Palo Alto. Roxanne and Roddy had four more children — Thomas, David, Michael and Elizabeth — before divorcing in 1979. She then married Stanley Shanedling, a lawyer and judge in Minneapolis. In addition to her children, survivors include her grandchildren, Erica, Anna, Sarah and John; her great-grandchildren, Adeline, Tatiana, Elijah and Major; and her sister, Kitty.. |
posted 5/22/2024 |
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Wednesday Lightning Round |
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BetMGM Celebrates Wheel's 8000th |
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BetMGM, a leading sports betting and iGaming operator, will celebrate Wheel of Fortune's 8,000th episode during the legendary game show's "Big Money Week" scheduled to air May 20-24. For the first time in the history of the wildly successful syndicated game show, there will be a Nightly Progressive Jackpot sponsored by BetMGM that will be added to whatever a contestant wins if they solve the show's Bonus Puzzle. During game play, there will also be a BetMGM-branded "Double Jackpot" wedge on the famous Wheel giving contestants who earn the opportunity to add double the Nightly Progressive Jackpot to their total if they win the Bonus Round. Meanwhile, Pat Sajak's nearly 43-year run as the host of "Wheel of Fortune" will reportedly end June 7 following a week of looking back at his time on the popular TV game show. Sajak's last episode, which was taped more than a month ago, caps off a weeklong series of shows called "Thanks for the Memories," according to NewsNation. The 77-year-old host said in June 2023 "the time has come" for him to announce his retirement from the nationally televised program, which he joined in 1981 when it was on during the daytime. In 1982, he teamed-up with letter-turning model Vanna White. A year later, "Wheel of Fortune" became the popular prime time lead-in its been for more than four decades. White will stay with the show after television personality Ryan Seacrest, 49, takes over for Sajak, whose 28-year-old daughter, Maggie Sajak, will reportedly fill in for White on occasion.. |
posted 5/21/2024 |
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Another crop of Netflix reality all-stars will soon be looking for the Perfect Match. In Season 2 of the streamer's dating series, cast members from The Mole, Love Is Blind, The Circle, Squid Game: The Challenge and more will couple up to test their romantic relationships through compatibility challenges. "Winning couples gain power in the game to bring in new singles to match with their castmates, setting up potential love matches or stirring trouble in paradise as they compete to be the strongest couple at the villa, crowned the Perfect Match," reads the official description. It will all roll out over the course of three Fridays. Episodes 1-6 will drop June 7; Episodes 7-9 will follow on June 14; and Season 2 will conclude with its last installment on June 21. Nick Lachey returns to host. So who will be stepping into the villa to find their perfect match? Read on for the full list. |
posted 5/21/2024 |
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Tuesday Lightning Round |
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More on "Dress My Tour" |
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As announced during last night's "American Idol" finale, Hulu's new unscripted series "Dress My Tour" will premiere with all ten episodes on July 23rd on Hulu! Hosted by Kate Upton, the series follows 11 aspiring fashion designers as they create looks for some of music's biggest names. Hosted by supermodel and actress Kate Upton, "Dress My Tour" takes fans behind the curtain of the unpredictable fashion and music industries. The series follows 11 aspiring fashion designers on the raw, emotional journey of creating stunning fashion pieces worthy of the music world's biggest names like JoJo Siwa, Paula Abdul, Toni Braxton, Ty Dolla $ign and more. As these designers compete to make their mark in the fashion and music industries, find out which one of them truly has what it takes to design for the stars and win the $100,000 prize. The judges are 7x Emmy(R) award winning costume designer Marina Toybina and creative director, choreographer and Emmy(R) award-nominated director Laurieann Gibson will serve as mentors and judges for the series. Musical guest judges include Paula Abdul, JoJo Siwa, JT of The City Girls, and Ty Dolla $ign, Toni Braxton, Coi Leray, French Montana, and Jessie James Decker. |
posted 5/20/2024 |
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... And Hulu Liked It |
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Hulu has bought the Dannii Minogue-hosted I Kissed a Boy and follow-up I Kissed a Girl – the UK's first ever queer dating series. Produced by ITV Studios-backed Twofour, the award-winning I Kissed A Boy aired last year and I Kissed A Girl is currently on BBC Three and iPlayer. The basic concept is that couples are matched up by experts and kiss in the seconds they first meet. They then live in a Love Island-style villa in which they can remain with the couples they are first paired with or seek alternatives, while some are slowly eliminated. Both seasons are hosted by singer and LGBTQ+ ally Minogue. The BBC said that the launch episode beat BBC Three's slot averages for 16-24 year olds by 290% in volume and 380% in share. |
posted 5/20/2024 |
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Korea's "Agents of Mystery" Invade America |
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Do you like solving a good mystery? Crafted by the visionary producer Jeong Jong-yeon (The Devil's Plan, The Great Escape, High School Mystery Club), the new Korean unscripted series Agents of Mystery weaves together brain games and collaborative problem-solving with six agents - Lee Yong-jin, John Park, Lee Eun-ji, Lee Hye-ri, Kim Do-hoon, and Karina - making one special team. Set to premiere on June 18, this show is all about mystery in detailed large-scale set designs. Fans are treated to a teaser video that offers a glimpse into the adventures that await. From popular comedians to singers, six personalities find themselves as agents transported to secretive sites to investigate cases and complete missions with their combined intellect. Amid mysteries and clues, their skills and teamwork are put to the ultimate test. |
posted 5/20/2024 |
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Outpuzzled |
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Channel 5 has shelved its recent new quiz show Puzzling after just the one season. Dedicated to testing contestants' problem-solving genius, the show was hosted by broadcaster and historian Lucy Worsley in Channel 5's primetime schedule. At the start of each episode, six exceptionally intelligent individuals are divided into two teams of three. These teams compete to accumulate the most points through their skills in puzzling deduction. Each player's mental prowess is challenged across five diverse rounds: In Other Words (language), Pressure Points (calculation), Rule Breakers (lateral thinking), Picture This (visual intelligence), and Memory Bank (memory). In a thrilling twist, the winning team members then compete against each other to be named the Best of the Best, earning a coveted spot in the series Grand Final where the ultimate puzzler will be crowned. Puzzling began on Channel 5 in summer 2023. |
posted 5/20/2024 |
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Eliminated |
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The bad news keeps coming for Channel 10, with Yahoo Lifestyle understanding another show has been axed from the network for the 2024 schedule. The news comes off the back of the network confirming both The Masked Singer Australia and The Bachelor would not be returning to our screens. Yahoo Lifestyle can reveal Gladiators has also been axed after the recent reboot failed to find an audience, with a source saying: "Gladiators is the latest show to be cancelled and there will be more. The talent, crew and those involved have been told it won't be coming back for a second season." |
posted 5/20/2024 |
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Joan Vassos will be staying golden. ABC announced at the 2024 Disney Upfronts at the Javits Center in New York City on Tuesday, May 14, that Vassos, 61, will take the lead as the first Golden Bachelorette this fall after appearing on the first season of The Golden Bachelor. Despite being a frontrunner for Gerry Turner's heart, the school administrator bowed out during Week 3 to be with her daughter after she gave birth. Vassos planned to return to the show if her daughter was doing better, but "it wasn't in the cards," she told TheWrap. Vassos welcomed four children with her husband of 32 years John, who died in January 2021 from pancreatic cancer. "He was the husband that always made me feel safe and cherished," she wrote on Instagram in January. "He was the parent that was always the fun one because that's all he knew how to do...lucky kids because fun in his book was generally epic. I could go on for hours." The decision to do a female-led version of the senior dating show came after The Golden Bachelor ranked as the No. 1 new unscripted series in its season among adults ages 18-49 according to ABC. The show also marked ABC's No. 1 unscripted series premiere ever on Hulu. ABC also revealed on May 14 that The Golden Bachelorette will run for an hour and a half on Wednesdays this fall, up from The Golden Bachelor's one-hour episodes last year. The Golden Bachelorette will air at 8 p.m. ET before Abbott Elementary. |
posted 5/20/2024 |
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Monday Lightning Round |
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"Bring back my girls," RuPaul famously said; now, here they are again in "RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars 9." Angeria Paris VanMichaels, Gottmik, Jorgeous, Nina West, Plastique Tiara, Roxxxy Andrews, Shannel and Vanessa Vanjie are the returning queens and they're doing something good for the world. In a new twist, they're no longer competing for prize money; instead, they're backing their favorite charities. The competition will follow a non-elimination format. Instead, each week will see the top two queens will earn benefactress badges. By the end of the season, the top queens with the most badges will compete for the crown, a space in the "All Stars" Hall of Fame, plus prize money for their charity. The queens also receive a stipend for their wardrobe. Those famous faces belong to Keke Palmer, Stephanie Hsu, Connie Britton, Alec Mapa, Anitta, Jeremy Scott, Colton Haynes, Kristine W, Ruta Lee and the Brothers Osborne. The eight queens returning to RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE ALL STARS and the charities they have chosen to compete for are the following: |
posted 5/17/2024 |
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More on "Outchef'd" Season 3 |
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Food Network's Eddie Jackson gives talented home cooks the surprise of their lives each week in the return of Outchef'd, premiering Thursday, May 30th at 9:30pm ET/PT. In each episode, a confident home cook thinks they are entering an audition and are shocked to find out they are about to go head-to-head in a culinary battle against a renowned world-class chef. To even the odds, the home cook only needs one vote from a panel of random judges selected off the street by Eddie to win the $5,000 grand prize - and this season, they will also win an extra $1,000 for every additional vote. In the season premiere, Eddie welcomes a Boston home cook with the opportunity to go head-to-head against his childhood culinary hero Andrew Zimmern in a wild grain battle. Elite chefs also competing this season are Maneet Chauhan, Rocco Dispirito, Duff Goldman, Alex Guarnaschelli, Stephanie Izard, Antonia Lofaso, Jeff Mauro, Jet Tila, Michael Voltaggio and in a special twist - Eddie Jackson himself will cook against a competitor in an episode hosted by Ted Allen. |
posted 5/17/2024 |
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THURSDAY: Old Sheldon |
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Young Sheldon's series finale on Thursday night drew just shy of 9 million total viewers, up 28% from the hitcom's Season 7 average to mark a four-year audience high (since the Season 3 finale). Part 1 of Young Sheldon's finale opened CBS' night with 8.8 million total viewers. Leading out of Sheldon's send-off, So Help Me Todd (with 4.4 million total viewers) was flat with its unplanned series finale. Elsbeth (4.2 mil) was also steady week-to-week. ABC's TGIT played with 9-1-1 (3.685m/0.44), Grey's Anatomy (2.751m/0.35), and Station 19 (1.930m/0.21). Fox took fourth with the spring premiere of I Can See Your Voice (1.076m/0.17) and the season finale of Farmer Wants a Wife (1.737m/0.19). The CW rounded out the night with Patti Stanger: The Matchmaker (241k/0.03) and Lovers and Liars (164k/0.03). Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 5/17/2024 |
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Dabney Coleman, the prolific, Emmy-winning actor whose six-decade career included a sterling run of 1980s hit movies such as 9 to 5, On Golden Pond, WarGames and Tootsie and whose TV work ranged from Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman and Buffalo Bill to The Guardian and Boardwalk Empire, has died at 92. Coleman's daughter Quincy said he died May 16 at his home in Santa Monica, but did not provide other details. "My father crafted his time here on earth with a curious mind, a generous heart, and a soul on fire with passion, desire and humor that tickled the funny bone of humanity," Quincy Coleman wrote in a statement on behalf of the family. "As he lived, he moved through this final act of his life with elegance, excellence and mastery. A teacher, a hero, and a king, Dabney Coleman is a gift and blessing in life and in death as his spirit will shine through his work, his loved ones and his legacy…eternally." Often playing smarmy, unlikable, even despicable characters — many with tongue in cheek — Coleman would amass six Primetime Emmy nominations during his career, including two for Lead Actor in the acclaimed but short-lived NBC sitcom Buffalo Bill. He won once, for his supporting role in the 1987 telefilm Sworn to Silence. He also won a Golden Globe for his lead role in The Slap Maxwell Story and shared back-to-back SAG Awards for the Boardwalk Empire ensemble in the early 2010s. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2014. In his final screen role, Coleman played the father of Kevin Costner's John Dutton in a flashback during Season 2 of Yellowstone in 2019. In game shows, Coleman was on episodes of "Tattletales" with his wife Jean Hale. Along with daughter Quincy, Coleman is survived by his children Meghan, Kelly and Randy and grandchildren Hale and Gabe Torrance, Luie Freundl, and Kai and Coleman Biancaniello. |
posted 5/17/2024 |
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ITV's "Sorry, I Didn't Know" Makes History |
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ITV panel show Sorry, I Didn't Know has sealed itself in the record books by becoming the network's longest-running show from a production company led by Black creatives. Hosted by Bel-Air star Jimmy Akingbola and shot in front of a live audience in London, the series, which launched just after the Black Lives Matter protests, sees team captains Chizzy Akudolu and Eddie Kadi plus guests take each other on in several quiz rounds mainly centered on Black history. Produced by TriForce Productions, Sorry, I Didn't Know has consistently made history itself, first becoming the inaugural UK TV quiz show to be centered on Black history, before being shifted away from the Black History Month schedules and now becoming "the longest running show produced by a company led by Black creatives," according to the producers. Producers believe it is the longest-running show from a Black-led indie across all UK networks. |
posted 5/17/2024 |
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A Frozen Dilemma |
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Portuguese commercial broadcaster TVI has picked up two formats from the international market for its summer schedules: 14-year-old French reality show Dilemma and new Japanese comedy gameshow Freeze. Dilemma is a reality format that aired on Groupe M6-owned DTT channel W9 and CanalSat in France for one season in 2010. The show was developed and produced by former Endemol exec Alexia Laroche-Joubert's ALJ Productions, part of the Banijay group. Laroche-Joubert is now CEO of Banijay France. The format sees eight people locked inside a large cube for eight weeks, isolated from the outside the world. They go through a series of personal dilemmas and are given the choice of using the situations for personal gain or to benefit the group. TVI has also acquired Freeze from Fremantle, claiming to be the first network outside Japan to do so. Originally developed by Tokyo-based prodco FANY Studio and Yoshimoto Kogyo for Prime Video Japan, the format was being shopped to international buyers by Fremantle at the recent London TV Screenings. The show sees the presenter order contestants to 'freeze' as they navigate a room filled with traps and tricks. Those who move, laugh or react the most will be eliminated, with the last player remaining claiming the grand prize. |
posted 5/17/2024 |
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France Stays in the Light |
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Public broadcaster France 2 has commissioned new gameshow format Qui Restera dans la Lumière? (Who Will Stay in the Ligh?), presented by Bruno Guillon. Created and produced by Banijay Production Media (BPM), part of Banijay France, the show sees 100 contestants try to win up to €100,000 (about $108,000) in a battle of wits and strategy. The show is part of Banijay Entertainment's 2024 portfolio of fresh IP. BPM has previously produced long-running formats such as Taratata and Don't Forget the Lyrics. Nagui, CEO of BPM, said: "With our proven success with hit formats like Chacun son Tour, Votre Vie en Jeux and Tout le Monde Joue, as well as Bruno Guillon's hosting expertise, we are positive the show will be a must-watch for viewers across France." James Townley, chief creative officer, development at Banijay, said: "We're seeing a huge amount of creativity coming out of France right now, and with entertainment formats continuing to be popular with broadcasters around the world, it's perfect timing to add a new gameshow, with a unique visual USP, to our portfolio." |
posted 5/17/2024 |
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The Mole will be returning to Netflix on June 28 for another season of action and intrigue as one player will once again secretly undermine all the other contestants attempting to complete missions and earn money for the prize pot. Not only will there be another completely new cast for the franchise's seventh season (and second since its 2022 reboot on Netflix) but there will also be a new host. EW reports that Ari Shapiro of NPR's All Things Considered will be the new Mole master of ceremonies. It is something of a full-circle moment for Shapiro, who actually applied to be a contestant during The Mole's original run on ABC over 20 years ago. The 45-year-old now becomes the fifth host of the franchise, following Anderson Cooper, Ahmad Rashad (for two celebrity installments), Jon Kelley (a 2008 reboot), and current MSNBC host Alex Wagner (who oversaw the first season on Netflix). And while Shapiro may be new to the reality TV game, he has friends with experience to lean on, as his cabaret touring partner Alan Cumming hosts The Traitors on Peacock. |
posted 5/17/2024 |
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Happy Friday Lightning Round |
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The CW Network today announced it will launch its seven-night 2024-25 primetime schedule in the Fall of 2024 with an exciting array of new and returning original scripted series, family-friendly game shows, fan-favorite unscripted series and the continued expansion of CW Sports with the network debuts of WWE NXT, Pac-12 college football and the NASCAR Xfinity Series. "The Fall 2024 season is another leap forward in the bold transformation of The CW Network, as we continue building a media brand with broadcast at its core," said Brad Schwartz, President of Entertainment, The CW Network. "The CW is currently enjoying three consecutive quarters of growth and we are looking forward to a fall schedule that is stronger than ever, starting with a brand-new game night featuring TRIVIAL PURSUIT and SCRABBLE - two games families have enjoyed for decades and hosted by fan-favorites LeVar Burton and Raven-Symoné. We have new seasons of returning hit scripted series SULLIVAN'S CROSSING and SUPERMAN & LOIS, whose final season is weekly can't-miss event television. Our scripted lineup continues to grow with JOAN, starring the brilliant Sophie Turner, and THE LIBRARIANS: THE NEXT CHAPTER. "We'll also have more live sports than ever before with the addition of WWE NXT, the NASCAR XFINITY SERIES and Pac-12 football alongside second seasons of LIV Golf, INSIDE THE NFL, ACC football and ACC basketball. Anchored by 500 hours of sports in 2025, we continue to get bigger and broader while reaching and growing our audience across broadcast, streaming and local." Mondays (billed as "Family Game Night" by the network) feature the premiere of the original game show TRIVIAL PURSUIT (8:00-9:00pm ET/PT) hosted by Emmy(R) Award-winning actor, director, producer and podcaster LeVar Burton ("Roots," "Star Trek: The Next Generation," "Reading Rainbow"), paired with the all-new game show SCRABBLE (9:00-10:00 pm ET/PT), hosted by the multi-talented actor, singer, producer and director Raven-Symoné ("Raven's Home," "That's So Raven"). The next generation of WWE Superstars take to the ring when WWE NXT airs live every Tuesday (8:00-10:00pm ET). Return to the idyllic town of SULLIVAN'S CROSSING for its second season on Wednesdays (8:00-9:00pm ET/PT), followed by the premiere of the new limited series JOAN (9:00-10:00pm ET/PT) starring Sophie Turner ("Game of Thrones") as notorious jewel thief Joan Hannington. Thursdays are out-of-this-world with the final season of the super hit SUPERMAN & LOIS (8:00-9:00pm ET/PT) followed by the premiere of the all-new installment of "The Librarians" franchise THE LIBRARIANS: THE NEXT CHAPTER (9:00-10:00pm ET/PT) from executive producer Dean Devlin ("Independence Day"). Start the weekend on Fridays with the 13th season premiere of the hit sketch comedy series WHOSE LINE IS IT ANYWAY? (8:00-8:30pm & 8:30-9:00pm ET/PT) followed by the return of INSIDE THE NFL (9:00-10:00pm ET/PT) with host Ryan Clark previewing Sunday's upcoming NFL game action. CW Sports Saturdays kick off with an action-packed season of ACC and Pac-12 college football, as well as the network debut of the NASCAR Xfinity Series playoff races. Sundays continue to showcase top theatrical films and original movies including new entries in the I AM documentary series in The CW Sunday Movie Night (7:00-10:00pm ET/PT). This midseason, The CW will also debut the new procedural comedic drama GOOD COP/BAD COP starring Leighton Meester ("Gossip Girl"), Luke Cook ("Katy Keene") and Clancy Brown ("Dexter: New Blood"), and the mystery thriller SHERLOCK & DAUGHTER starring David Thewlis ("Harry Potter"), Blu Hunt ("The Originals") and Dougray Scott ("Batwoman"). The following is The CW's Fall Primetime Schedule for the 2024-2025 season and accompanying details on each new series. |
posted 5/16/2024 |
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WEDNESDAY: The Finish Line |
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In the latest TV ratings, NBC's Chicago Fire was Wednesday's most-watched show, while CBS' Survivor dominated the night in the demo. The CW's Walker (474k/0.07) was up, while Sight Unseen (270k/0.02) was down. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 5/16/2024 |
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Warner Bros. Discovery kept up with TV upfronts week's biggest trend at their presentation out of The Theater at Madison Square Garden Wednesday: Promoting not just its TV slate as a prime ad-buying opportunity — but also its film franchises. In game shows, the highlights were... |
posted 5/15/2024 |
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A small group of advertisers were serenaded by Metallica's Master of Puppets (one of those songs that Stranger Things brought to a new generation) as they walked into Netflix's first in-person Upfront. Held at Pier 59 Studios in New York, the event had the feeling of an immersive theater experience with a lot of black t-shirt-clad staff handing out drinks. It comes as the streamer unveiled a number of new series and films including a new Kevin Williamson drama, a bull riding drama starring Tim McGraw and a slew of sports docs as well as more episodes of 3 Body Problem. In game shows, the highlights were... |
posted 5/15/2024 |
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TUESDAY: The FBI's Have It |
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In the latest TV ratings, CBS' FBI was Tuesday's most-watched show and landed in a three-way tie for the nightly demo win. FBI (with 6 million total viewers and a 0.4 demo rating) and FBI: International (4.8 mil/0.3) both dipped in the demo, while FBI: Most Wanted (4.6 mil/0.3) held steady. NBC's The Voice (4.7 mil/0.4) added eyeballs week-to-week, leading into the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon anniversary special (3.6 mil/0.4). ABC's Will Trent (3.7 mil/0.3), The Rookie (3 mil/0.3) and The Good Doctor (2.3 mil/0.2) each added some eyeballs heading into next week's finales. Fox's newly renewed The Cleaning Lady (1.1 mil/0.2) ticked up in the demo, while the also-renewed Alert: MPU (1 mil/0.1) was steady with its sophomore finale. The CW's Police 24/7 (414k/0.05) and Hostage Rescue (289k/0.07) rounded out the night Cable numbers (totals/A18-49) are forthcoming. |
posted 5/14/2024 |
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It's day two of the Upfronts and Amazon is making its primetime debut. The streamer is already making news with a series order for a Nic Cage-from Spider-Man noir live-action drama, a Jeopardy! spinoff and a slew of sports docs including a third season of Coach Prime. There have also been renewals for The Boys and Mr. & Mrs. Smith. This comes after Tom Brady was in the huddle for yesterday's Fox Upfront and NBCUniversal held their annual ad blowout at Radio City Music Hall. Paul Kotas, SVP, Advertising was the first exec through the curtain, talking up how Amazon got into advertising, before Mike Hopkins, SVP, Head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, talked about the company's "new chapter", promoted Fallout and The Idea of You. Jen Salke, Head of Amazon and MGM Studios, apologized to the crowd for "whatever you went through to get in". She talked up the company's slate, bringing out Road House star Jake Gyllenhaal, who is involved in a sequel, Reacher star Alan Ritchson and Cross star Aldis Hodge, Reese Witherspoon and Will Ferrell, who are in You're Cordially Invited, Hannah Waddingham and Octavia Spencer, who are fronting an action comedy drama. The new entries of note... - On ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A CELEBRITY?, Natasha Leggero, Nicole Byer, Nikki Glaser, and Ron Funches will join host Travis Kelce, alongside Thursday Night Football analyst Ryan Fitzpatrick, former NFL wide receiver Chad Ochocinco, The Real Housewives star Garcelle Beauvais; Vanderpump Rules' Lala Kent, Lilly Singh and Sophia Stallone. |
posted 5/14/2024 |
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On the heels of its fifth consecutive season as the No. 1 entertainment network among Adults 18-49, ABC announced its 2024-2025 fall primetime schedule today. The lineup features new scripted dramas backed by prolific creative teams and a deep bench of established fan-favorite series. Additionally, "The Bachelor" franchise expands with its newest iteration. "We have a lot to celebrate as we gear up to deliver a fall season that's packed with compelling new series, beloved fan favorites and must-see live events," said Craig Erwich, president, Disney Television Group. "We're focused on driving our viewership with an expanding slate anchored by best-in-class talent and supported by the enviable and combined reach of ABC and Hulu." Joining the beloved competition series "Dancing with the Stars" on Tuesdays is freshman drama "High Potential," from Oscar(R)-nominated writer Drew Goddard and based on the popular French series. The crime procedural stars the incomparable Kaitlin Olson as Morgan, a single mom with an exceptional mind whose unconventional knack for solving crimes leads to an unusual and unstoppable partnership with a by-the-book seasoned detective. After more than 43 million viewers tuned in to the debut of "The Golden Bachelor" across platforms last fall, "The Golden Bachelorette" joins the Wednesday night lineup, where one radiant woman in her golden years will have a second chance at finding love. Then, a new season of Emmy(R) and Golden Globe(R) Award-winning comedy "Abbott Elementary" will premiere, followed by the ABC News Studios documentary series "Scamanda." Based on the No. 1 podcast of the same name, "Scamanda" tells the story of Amanda Riley - a wife, mother, blogger and Christian - whose tragic cancer tale captivates thousands. But Amanda has a secret that she's dying to keep, and after an anonymous tip to an investigative reporter, her own words may prove to be her downfall. These shows will be joined in the fall by previously announced returning unscripted staples "America's Funniest Home Videos," which celebrates a monumental 35th season, and "Shark Tank," as well as popular films under "The Wonderful World of Disney" umbrella. New seasons of returning dramas "The Rookie" and "Will Trent" will debut midseason, along with the celebratory farewell season of legacy comedy "The Conners." Also returning midseason are "American Idol," "The Bachelor," "Celebrity Jeopardy!," "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" and "What Would You Do?" "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," from executive producer Reese Witherspoon and hosted by world-renowned organizing duo Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin of The Home Edit, is also set to debut. All episodes will be available next day on Hulu. |
posted 5/14/2024 |
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MONDAY: So You Think You Can Show Up |
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In the latest TV ratings, NBC's The Voice was Monday's most-watched show and tied ABC's Jeopardy! Masters for the nightly demo win. With CBS' Monday slate now in rerun mode…. The Voice (with 5.1 million total viewers and a 0.4 demo rating) lost a few eyeballs week-to-week, while Deal or No Deal Island (3.1 mil/0.3) added some with its finale. Jeopardy! Masters (4.4 mil/0.4) and Celebrity Wheel of Fortune (2.9 mil/0.3) both added viewers week-to-week. Fox's MasterChef Junior (1/4 mil/0.3) ticked up in the demo, SYTYCD (849K/0.1) hit a six-episode high in audience. The CW's All American (377K) dropped 19% from last week's season high in audience. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 5/14/2024 |
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SUNDAY: The Last of Katy Perry's Annual Cosplay Parties |
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In the latest TV ratings, 60 Minutes gave way to Tracker as the most watched show of the night for CBS, while Disney night on American Idol shows up in the demo. NBC loaded its night with Ninja Warrior, including the 2024 women's championship (1.253m/0.20). Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 5/14/2024 |
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Next on "Australian Survivor": AUS v USA |
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TV Blackbox understands that the next theme for Australian Survivor in 2025 will be… Australia v USA. Also revealed today is that there might be two seasons of Australian Survivor dropping next year, a regular season with all new cast (casting is still open, closes this Sunday) and then the above-mentioned international themed season. The local version of the long-running US format is highly regarded with fans all around the world, ranking right up there close to the original so it makes sense that the Aussie version would want to leverage that for our next season. No word on any casting for the AUS v USA series just yet, but one would imagine that iconic past players from the local and USA version will be brought back alongside new players and pitted against each other in this new twist on the format. |
posted 5/14/2024 |
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More on "The Fortune Hotel" |
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ITV's new mind-bending gameshow sees participants whisked away to an idyllic Caribbean island to win a life-changing sum of money. The Fortune Hotel challenges 10 pairs of contestants to stay in a luxury, five-star resort where they could win a £250,000 jackpot. Fronted by comedian and actor Stephen Mangan, it will see each each pair given a briefcase on check-in. Eight are empty, one has the jackpot and another has the dreaded early check-out card, which sees the unlucky owner's time on the show cut short. Each day, the contestants have to attempt to figure out who has which case via a series of compelling challenges - similar to the hit BBC gameshow The Traitors. The show culminates in the all-important case swap: each pair must decide whether to keep hold of their case or swap with someone else. The first episode debuts on ITV1 and ITVX on Monday night (May 13) at 9pm. |
posted 5/14/2024 |
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Tuesday Lightning Round |
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FOX Entertainment today will unveil its content slate for the 2024-2025 television season to the national advertising community during its in-person Upfront Presentation at the Manhattan Center. FOX is adding new dramas, new comedies and new unscripted series to its lineup. Spanning scripted, reality and animation, the media company continues to increase program ownership from in-house business units under the FOX Entertainment Studios banner. "With outstanding original ideas and world-class talent across both new series and returning favorites, FOX's 2024-25 schedule is filled with unexpected, unforgettable entertainment in every genre," said FOX Entertainment CEO Rob Wade. "Great creative is the center of all we do, and that is reflected in next season's lineup, as is our ability to attract so many of the industry's finest storytellers." Returning FOX series include dramas 9-1-1: Lone Star (Season Five), Accused (Season Two), Alert: Missing Persons Unit (Season Three) and The Cleaning Lady (Season Four); comedy Animal Control (Season Three); animated series Bob's Burgers (Season 15), Family Guy (Season 23), The Great North (Season Five), Grimsburg (Season Two), Krapopolis (Season Two) and The Simpsons (Season 36); and unscripted series Crime Scene Kitchen (Season Three), The Floor (Season Two), Hell's Kitchen (Season 23), LEGO Masters (Season Five), The Masked Singer (Season 12), MasterChef (Season 15), Name That Tune (Season Five), Next Level Chef (Season Four) and Special Forces: World's Toughest Test (Season Three). Additional series renewals to be announced. All-new special event The Real Full Monty joins returning unscripted series Crime Scene Kitchen, The Floor, Hell's Kitchen, LEGO Masters, The Masked Singer, MasterChef, Name That Tune, Next Level Chef, and Special Forces: World's Toughest Test. Also, LEGO Masters will air its annual multiple-night holiday event LEGO Masters: Celebrity Holiday Bricktacular. |
posted 5/13/2024 |
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FOX has renewed its hit quiz series, The Floor, this season's #1 game show, hosted and produced by Emmy Award nominee Rob Lowe (9-1-1: Lone Star), for two additional seasons that will air during the upcoming 2024-2025 season, it was announced today by Michael Thorn, President of the FOX Television Network. Based on the fast-growing global format, The Floor premiered in the U.S. in January, when its debut marked FOX's most-watched Tuesday unscripted debut in more than 13 years, FOX's largest total multiplatform audience for an unscripted debut in two years and the network's most-streamed gameshow debut ever. Its freshman season averaged 5.5 million multiplatform viewers, a lift of +114% from Live + Same Day. The Floor marks the sixth consecutive season FOX has claimed television's #1 new unscripted series, following the success of Special Forces: World's Toughest Test, Next Level Chef, I Can See Your Voice, LEGO Masters and The Masked Singer. In Seasons Two and Three of The Floor, created by John de Mol's Talpa (Big Brother, Deal or No Deal, The Voice) and produced by Eureka Productions (Farmer Wants a Wife, The Quiz With Balls), 100 contestants (up from 81 in Season One) will stand their ground on a massive, interactive LED game floor featuring 100 squares, each representing a different trivia category. The first challenger, selected at random, must choose one of his or her neighboring opponents to go head-to-head in an epic quiz duel in the opponent's category. The winner takes over the loser's square, gaining valuable ground as they expand their territory, while the loser exits the game. The winner must then choose - do they go on the offensive to dominate more of the board? Or do they let The Floor choose a new challenger? The contestant who gains full control over The Floor takes home a life-changing grand prize. Additionally, FOX Entertainment has entered a first-look deal with Lowe to jointly develop unscripted series to air on FOX. Series launched under the agreement would be produced by FOX's in-house unscripted studio, FOX Alternative Entertainment. "Fans loved the first season of The Floor so much that we've ordered two more seasons of this breakthrough game show with plans already underway to make our epic battle of the brains even bigger and bolder," said Thorn. "It's also been a massive win to have a huge star like Rob Lowe as our host, and both our viewers and competitors can't wait to see him back in action." "I couldn't be happier with The Floor phenomenon and the opportunity to create more unscripted projects with my partners at FOX," added Lowe. |
posted 5/13/2024 |
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Fox Adds "Extracted", "The Real Full Monty" |
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Fox is staying in the survival business. The network, which airs Special Forces: The World's Toughest Test, has ordered another survival competition series – Extracted. Giving few details about the show, the network said "for the first time ever, the contestants are not in charge of their destiny". It comes from Sony Pictures Television's B17 Entertainment, Sylvester Stallone's Balboa Productions and Fox Entertainment. B17 was founded by Brien Meagher and Rhett Bachner and is behind series such as Roku's Thanks A Million and Netflix's History of Swear Words. Stallone's Balboa, which has a first-look deal with Amazon Studios, is known for its scripted TV and movies including Paramount+'s Tulsa King and features including Scavenger Hunt and Lost On a Mountain In Maine. It is also behind Stallone's reality series The Family Stallone. Elsewhere on Fox's unscripted slate, which also saw The Floor handed a two-season renewal, are the two-hour special based on The Real Full Monty, which Deadline revealed earlier this year, and Lego Master's annual holiday special. Lego Masters: Celebrity Holiday Bricktacular returns for a multiple-night event. The Real Full Monty will be led by Anthony Anderson and will feature Taye Diggs, Tyler Posey, Bruno Tonioli and James Van Der Beek as well as Kansas City Chiefs' Chris Jones raising awareness for prostate, testicular and colorectal cancer. "Don't die of embarrassment. Get checked. That's the message behind The Real Full Monty special," said Anderson. "I am honored to lead the charge of rallying these fearless men to bare it all, in order to provoke, inspire and in this case, beg you to get screened for cancer. That's our goal…so what are you waiting for!?" |
posted 5/13/2024 |
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NBC has made subtle changes to its schedule for fall, which features three new series, medical drama Brilliant Minds, starring Zachary Quinto; medical comedy St. Denis Medical, headlined by Wendi McLendon-Covey and David Alan Grier; and Reba McEntire's new sitcom, Happy's Place. NBC is creating two clearly defined 8 PM comedy blocks next season — a workplace one on Tuesday and a family one on Friday. Here is NBC's "very stable schedule" for fall, as NBCU's SVP Content Planning Steve Kern described it, followed by analysis with input from Kern and NBCU President of Program Planning Jeff Bader, who also discussed contingencies in case of an IATSE strike, as well as description of NBC's new series. |
posted 5/13/2024 |
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Confirmed at today's upfront presentation at Radio City Music Hall in New York, NBC's four-time Emmy Award-winning musical competition series "The Voice" returns for season 26 in the fall with a powerhouse coaching panel as Snoop Dogg and Michael Bublé join returning coaches Reba McEntire and Gwen Stefani. Bublé, an unstoppable talent known for his world-class showmanship, brings his singular style and vocal power to the dynamic coaching panel. He is a friend of "The Voice," having served as a season 3 advisor to Team Blake. Already known as Coach Snoop in the world of sports, he now takes his skills from the field to the Voice stage. An industry mogul and globally recognized innovator, Snoop Dogg taps into his extensive work in music and unique approach as an entertainer to bolster the competition. He previously took the reins as season 20 mega mentor. Industry trailblazers Reba McEntire and Gwen Stefani reclaim their red chairs for another chance at coaching a fresh crop of rising artists. This marks McEntire's third consecutive season on the show and Stefani's eighth. The season 25 live shows continue today at 8 p.m. ET/PT with a powerful two-hour semi-final. The top nine artists will perform a song specifically dedicated to their hometowns as they vie for a spot in the finale. "The Voice" is the most-watched alternative series for the 2023-24 season (L7). |
posted 5/13/2024 |
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Buzzr... COME ON DOWN! |
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If you grew up in the '80s and '90s, then watching The Price Is Right was a staple of childhood sick days. Now, classic game-show channel Buzzr is giving viewers under the age of 35 the chance to hang out with Bob Barker again. After years of requests from fans, the all-games network is finally adding throwback episodes of the CBS staple to its daily lineup, Vulture has learned. Back-to-back installments of Barker's bargain-hunting bonanza will air daily from 3 to 5 p.m. ET, starting on Tuesday, May 28. Buzzr is planning to kick off its run of TPIR with episodes from the 1984–85 season, shuffling through more than 200 hours of episodes over the next few months. While Buzzr has long been home to most of the biggest game-show titles from the library of parent company Fremantle — Match Game, Password, and Press Your Luck — old-school TPIR has been conspicuously absent. Even after Fremantle launched a free ad-supported streaming channel with nothing but Barker's TPIR at the end of 2020, the Goodson-Todman classic stayed off of traditional TV; ditto when Barker died in August 2023. If you wanted to watch The Price Is Right on a regular TV network, then your only option in recent decades has been Drew Carey's long-running CBS version of the format. Even better, Barker's return to linear TV coincides with the second annual National Game Show Day. |
posted 5/13/2024 |
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Critics Choice Real TV 2024: And the Nominees Are... |
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The nominations for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards have been announced. Did your favorite show make the list? "American Idol" and "Dancing With The Stars" are up for Best Competition Series: Talent/Variety. "Shark Tank" is up for Best Structured Series and Best Business Show. "Celebrity Family Feud," "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" and "Celebrity Jeopardy!" will compete against each other in the Best Game Show Category. "The Golden Bachelor" is nominated for Best Relationship Show and Gerry Turner is up for Male Star of the Year. "RuPaul's Drag Race" and "The Traitors" lead the nominations with 5 each. |
posted 5/13/2024 |
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"Squid Game" Wins at BAFTAs |
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Squid Game — The Challenge has won the Reality category at the BAFTA TV Awards. The UK-produced Netflix show beat off competition from shows such as Banged Up and Married At First Sight. A competition version of Korean drama Squid Game, it pitted 456 payers against each other in a big to win a massive cash prize. The challenges ranged from the infamous "Red Light Green Light" from the 2021 drama, in which contestants had to avoid moving while in the eyeline of a horrifying giant doll, to new ones based on children's games such as Battleship. One player ultimately walked away with $4.56M. The show comes from The Traitors producer Studio Lambert and The Garden, a rare co-production between two major British unscripted producers from different production groups. The Traitors won last year, when the the category was known as Reality and Constructed Factual. |
posted 5/13/2024 |
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Cracked Eggheads? |
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Jeremy Vine has hinted long-running quiz show 'Eggheads' is dead. Its former host, 58, fronted the show from 2008 after it started to air five years earlier, and rumors have been rife the quiz show had been shelved since its last episode screened in April 2023. Jeremy has now told The Sun: "I haven't heard anything about 'Eggheads' for a while now. "I think I have done about 1,200 shows – but whether we are doing any more I don't know. "We last filmed an episode over a year ago. "It may well be we are doing it in 30 years' time, who knows, but no immediate plans for any more." 'Eggheads' started on BBC One before moving to BBC Two and then Channel 5 in in 2021. It saw a group of contestants take on a panel of 'egghead' experts to win money, similar to ITV's 'The Chase'. When it started in 2003 it was hosted by Dermot Murnaghan, 66, before Jeremy came in as co-chair in 2008, with the pair rotating before he became the only presenter of the series for its 16th run. |
posted 5/13/2024 |
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Family Feud Heads to Bangladesh |
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Bongo, a leading OTT platform in Bangladesh, is set to introduce a local version of the popular American TV show 'Family Feud.' The show, a global phenomenon hosted in over 50 countries, marks its debut in Bangladesh with renowned musician Tahsan Rahman Khan as the host. 'Family Feud' involves two families competing to provide the most popular answers to survey questions, aiming to entertain while fostering family bonding. Tahsan expressed his excitement about revitalising family entertainment in Bangladesh through this show. "We hope to bring back family entertainment in a new way with this game show," he said. Faysal Taher, Chief Operating Officer of Bongo, highlighted the show's potential to create memorable experiences for the many joint families in the country. With a nod to its original host, Steve Harvey, the Bangladeshi version promises local flavor and surprises. Interested participants can soon apply on Bongo's official website. |
posted 5/13/2024 |
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Sam Rubin, who was a Los Angeles TV news mainstay as the longtime entertainment reporter for KTLA and regular interviewer on red carpets, died today, the station announced. He was 64. Rubin's family confirmed he died of a heart attack, KTLA reported. He was last on the air Thursday morning and showed no outward signs of illness, according to his co-workers. He had called in sick on Friday. Rubin's KTLA colleagues were remembering him with tears and anecdotes on the air this afternoon. "We don't know what happened, but it was sudden," longtime morning anchor Frank Buckley said. Another longtime colleague, Eric Spillman, called in to say, "I can't believe we are reporting this — it is such a shock." "KTLA 5 is profoundly saddened to report the death of Sam Rubin," the station posted on social media. "Sam was a giant in the local news industry and the entertainment world, and a fixture of Los Angeles morning television for decades. His laugh, charm and caring personality touched all who knew him. Sam was a loving husband and father: the roles he cherished the most. Our thoughts are with Sam's family during this difficult time." Among those calling in was Henry Winkler, who was one of Rubin's favorite guests. "It's the most horrible thing," Winkler said via phone from an airport. "Two things I know: He made you feel special every single time [he interviewed you], and I am not the only person who felt that special warmth." The station also today played a minutes-long segment from the 2020 SAG Awards red carpet in which none other than Tom Hanks stopped to speak with Rubin, turning the tables on the interviewer and extolling the virtues of KTLA, Rubin and "Sky Chopper 5." Rubin joined KTLA Morning News in 1991, about six months after the program debuted. He won multiple News Emmys and Golden Mike Awards and received a lifetime achievement award from the Southern California Broadcasters Association. He also was named Best Entertainment Reporter by the Los Angeles Press Club. Rubin also was a longtime regular on KNX-AM in Los Angeles, provided brief showbiz-news reports, and regularly appeared on BBC TV and radio in the UK and also did radio and TV reports in Australia. Rubin is one of the founding members of the Broadcast Film Critics Association, the largest organization of film and television critics in the United States with more than 200 members. In 1996, the BFCA began the Critics' Choice Movie Awards, and he hosted the 2013 Critics' Choice Movie Awards. In 2021, Rubin ran to represent broadcasters on SAG-AFTRA's L.A. board of directors as part of the MembershipFirst party alongside Matthew Modine and Joely Fisher. Among his chief concerns was changes in eligibility requirements at the SAG-AFTRA Health Plan. After hearing the news, Fisher wrote on Twitter today, "This is a shocking loss!!! #RIP to my friend of so many years." He also was the owner of SRE, Inc., a TV production company that has produced more than 200 hours of broadcast and cable programming, including several Live From red carpet shows and 120 episodes of the talk show Hollywood Uncensored with Sam Rubin which ran on Reelz. Rubin authored two books and has seen his work published in both print and online around the world. Sam regularly appears on BBC television and radio in the United Kingdom, and is a regular contributor to Triple M radio and Channel 9 television network in Australia. His charitable efforts included annually promoting the Bay to Bay bike ride from Orange County to San Diego to raise funds for multiple sclerosis research. In game shows, Rubin appeared on episodes of "The $25,000 Pyramid" and "@midnight". Survivors include his wife, Leslie, and their four children. |
posted 5/13/2024 |
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Paul Walter Hauser (Black Bird, Richard Jewell) will lead the cast of Press Your Luck, a pic based on a true story of an unemployed ice-cream truck driver who won big on a 1980s game show. Set in 1984, the film follows Ohio resident Michael Larson, who steps on to the set of game show 'Press Your Luck' harboring a secret: the key to endless amounts of money. But his winning streak gets threatened when the executives in the control room start to uncover his real motivations. You can see a first look image above. Joining Hauser in an ensemble cast are Walton Goggins (Fallout, The Hateful Eight), David Strathairn (Nomadland, Good Night and Good Luck), Emmy-nominated Maisie Williams (The New Look, Game of Thrones), Haley Bennett (Swallow, The Magnificent Seven), Shamier Anderson (John Wick: Chapter 4, Invasion), David Rysdahl (Fargo, Oppenheimer), Johnny Knoxville (Jackass, Dukes of Hazzard), Brian Geraghty (The Hurt Locker, Chicago P.D.), Patti Harrison (Theater Camp, Together Together) and Shaunette Renée Wilson (Indiana Jones, Black Panther). Samir Oliveros directs from a screenplay co-written with Maggie Briggs (Joyland). His company, Plenty Good (Chronicles Of A Wandering Saint) is the producer, and co-producer is Fabula (El Conde). The film is in post-production, with Protagonist Pictures handling international sales and CAA Media Finance representing North American rights. "Samir has crafted a unique and stylish telling of the incredible true story of a down on his luck everyman gaming the system," said Protagonist Pictures' CEO, Dave Bishop. "We couldn't be happier to be working with the very talented Samir and our friends at Fabula and Plenty Good." Press Your Luck is produced by Amanda Freedman, and executive produced by Andrew Hevia, Juan de Dios Larraín, Pablo Larraín, Hauser, Juan Pablo Solano, Simon Beltran, Sara McFarlane, Damiano Tucci, Tiziano Tucci, Sophia Banks, Arun Thapar, Divya Shahani and Roger Lolly. Constanza Muñoz is co-producer. The idea of turning the story of Michael Larsen on "Press Your Luck" into a theatrical is not new. As early as 2000, Howard Franklin was tapped to direct the project with Bill Murray slated to play Larsen and Nicolas Cage slated to produce. It was placed in "turnaround" at Columbia before Mandalay Entertainment picked it up. It had since languished in development hell. |
posted 5/13/2024 |
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Monday Lightning Round |
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Fox, Gordon Ramsay Take a Bite |
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The iconic Gordon Ramsay and FOX Entertainment have joined forces to launch Bite, a new multi-tiered global food brand and entertainment platform dishing out fresh, fun, accessible and inventive culinary and lifestyle content, products and experiences for fans everywhere. As a brand designed to live at the intersection of content and commerce, Bite also announces its inaugural consumer products partnership with HexClad, one of the world's fastest growing and most respected cookware brands. Through this first-of-its-kind strategic partnership and investment, HexClad becomes an official sponsor across a range of FOX and Studio Ramsay Global-owned food content worldwide. Created under FOX Entertainment and its Gordon Ramsay production partnership, Studio Ramsay Global, Bite brings together Ramsay's unmatched worldwide audience and FOX's dominance in food entertainment, from Next Level Chef and Kitchen Nightmares to Crime Scene Kitchen and Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars. Bite offers food fans more of the culinary content they love, while giving advertisers and brand partners even greater reach and more innovative ways to engage with Ramsay and FOX's massive audience of over 100 million food-loving fans. "Bite is an innovative fusion of my nearly 20-year collaboration with FOX, blending all the experiences, excitement, competition and personality we've created together under this original, singular food and lifestyle venture," said Ramsay. "This new brand will cater to every flavor of food fan with an enticing array of original series, compelling food stories and endless digital content that audiences everywhere will eat up!" "To food fans around the world, the Bite kitchen is open," said Rob Wade, CEO of FOX Entertainment, "and with Gordon and his team at Studio Ramsay Global pulling together all the right ingredients, there's simply no one better to serve up this vibrant, authentic feast of food-themed entertainment and experiences. As the world's most dynamic, comprehensive one-stop culinary destination, we're certain audiences will enjoy discovering and savoring every Bite." |
posted 5/10/2024 |
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THURSDAY: The Farmer Gets a Wife? |
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In the latest TV ratings, CBS' Young Sheldon was Thursday's most-watched show and tied ABC's 9-1-1 for the nightly demo win. Fox's finale doubleshot of Next Level Chef (1.8 mil/0.3) and Farmer Wants a Wife (2.03 mil/0.2) each added eyeballs, with the latter matching a season high in viewers. NBC's Law & Order (3.7 mil/0.3) and SVU (4.1 mil/0.4) each dipped in audience, while Peacock-bound Organized Crime (2.8 mil/0.3) rose in both measures. The CW's Patti Stanger: The Matchmaker (245k/0.05) and Lovers & Liars (159k/0.03) were both down. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49) are forthcoming. |
posted 5/10/2024 |
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Netflix's Golden Ticket |
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Willy Wonka, the eccentric founder of the Wonka Chocolate Factory from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, has been played by Gene Wilder, Johnny Depp and Timothée Chalamet on the big screen. He's now set to come to the small-screen in a much different way. Deadline reports that Netflix is preparing a reality competition series based on the Roald Dahl story. This comes after the streamer acquired the Roald Dahl Story Company in 2021. The site reports that v Netflix went out to a number of production companies, believed to include American Idol producer Fremantle, Wall to Wall, the British production company behind Who Do You Think You Are?, Nobody's Hero, the production company behind Netflix's Bullsh*t: The Game Show and Snack vs. Chef, and The Garden, which was one of the companies behind Squid Game: The Challenge. Nobody's Hero, which is run by Christopher Potts and Jonty Nash, and ITV-backed The Garden are understood to be out of the process, leaving Fremantle and Wall to Wall, which is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, to battle it out. Warner Bros. Discovery, which also operates a number of U.S. unscripted divisions such as Warner Horizon, is expected to be involved in some shape even if Wall to Wall doesn't land the series given its links to the movies. While here is currently no deal between the David Zaslav-run company and Netflix, if the series was to use clips from any of the movies, it would need to work with the studio, for instance. |
posted 5/9/2024 |
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WEDNESDAY: Eight o'Clock Fight |
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In the latest TV ratings, NBC's Chicago Fire was Wednesday's most-watched show, while CBS' Survivor dominated the night in the demo. The CW's Walker (0.38m/0.07) and Sight Unseen (0.28m/0.03) were both down. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 5/9/2024 |
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Bundles... Lots and Lots of Bundles... |
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Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery are breaking ground in streaming with a bundled offering featuring Disney+, Hulu and Max. The companies are aiming to launch the bundle this summer. The exact launch date and the price point have not yet been announced, but plans call for both ad-free and ad-supported versions to be available. The move creates the first cross-company partnership for any of the top-tier services to come to market as the race to catch up with Netflix began in earnest about five years ago. It follows years of speculation and public musings by top executives about when bundling across the industry might reduce friction and begin to make streaming more cost-efficient for programmers and consumers alike. Pay-TV operators long served as third-party bundlers in the cable age, but while distribution deals with the likes of Roku and Amazon are key to any streaming service gaining traction, it's mostly every-app-for-itself in the streaming era. |
posted 5/9/2024 |
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Sean Viator, a dancer and choreographer who performed on TV shows American Idol and Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga on Netflix, died May 3 at 31, his family announced. No cause was given. Viator received a Bachelor's degree of fine arts in dance from the University of Arizona, where he graduated summa cum laude. He was awarded the university's top dance award — The Triple Threat Award. Some of Viator's credits include the Billboard Music Awards, appearing with Christina Aguilera and Demi Lovato, an American Idol season finale performance with Kylie Minogue, the I'm Ready music video for Sam Smith and Demi Lovato, and the Radio City Rockettes' Christmas Spectacular, according to his biography. A celebration of life ceremony for Viator will be held Friday at the Resthaven Funeral Home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Visiting hours will be from 12:30 p.m. until the service at 2:30 p.m. |
posted 5/9/2024 |
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TUESDAY: All Eyes |
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In the latest TV ratings, CBS was THE network to beat thanks to the return of the FBI franchise. NBC took the silver with elevated returns for The Voice's Tuesday premiere (4.422m/0.35), Weakest Link (2.925m/0.31), and Password (2.587m/0.29). Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 5/9/2024 |
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Thursday Lightning Round |
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8 Out of 10 Cats Pauses Countdown |
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Popular Channel 4 panel show 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown appears to be the latest to have been hit by the network's slowdown. Deadline reports that Channel 4 has been sitting on the current series since it was delivered last year and there are no plans to record a new series this year. "We have already shot episodes which are ready to air," said a spokeswoman. "To keep the show current we will shoot further episodes nearer transmission." Channel 4 wasn't able to say when the new episodes will be shot. Deadline reports that talent availability plays a factor in filming and Cats Does Countdown has always been ordered ad hoc but sources tell they feel the delay is a reflection of Channel 4's continued grapple with the ongoing slowdown and attempts to further spread out its shows across the schedule. |
posted 5/8/2024 |
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Phil Keoghan Working on Physical Competition for CBS |
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Phil Keoghan, host of The Amazing Race and Tough As Nails, is plotting another unscripted competition series for CBS. Deadline reports that Keoghan is working on an elite physical competition series, which is understood to be in the early stages of development at the network. The series is expected to feature athletes with brains, brawn, endurance, agility and mental toughness, who will compete to prove themselves as the toughest. The project is certainly on brand for Keoghan, who runs Tough House Productions. It's not clear yet whether Keoghan will host the series or just produce. |
posted 5/8/2024 |
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The Voice Jumps into the Metaverse |
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The Voice is headed to the metaverse. The international format is getting an immersive gaming experience that will accompany the TV singing competition format. The Voice owner ITV Studios is working with virtual gaming world The Sandbox on 'The Voice Coach Battle', which will allow players to act as celebrity coaches and sit in the show's famous red chairs. The Sandbox, part of Animoca Brands, has partnered with metaverse company Virtual Brand Group to launch the Web3 game. Developed off the back of the 155 adaptations of The Voice from around the world, Coach Battle will offer players a similar journey to real-life celebrity coaches on The Voice, starting with a blind audition. As the three contestants perform — a tiger faced pop singer, a rebellious young female rocker and an intense, moody alien balladeer — players hit the red button to select their artist. They then progress through the process, selecting music, wardrobe and stage lighting and offering their star advice at each stage. Additionally, players must complete quizzes on the TV show's real-life celebrity coaches. |
posted 5/8/2024 |
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NBC is heading back to the island with the second-season pickup of "Deal or No Deal Island." The elusive Banker will invite a new crop of players to compete in the season-long, fully immersive competition. "With expert gameplay, adventure and a new layer of strategy, the reimagined 'Deal or No Deal Island' had fans on the edge of their seats, just like the original," said Corie Henson, Executive Vice President, Unscripted Content. "A huge thanks to our crew and the biggest gamer of them all, host Joe Manganiello. Together we're thrilled to be back with another season that will be sure to test the contestants and the Banker's limits." "It was incredible to see how audiences immediately took to the new format of 'Deal or No Deal Island,' welcoming Joe Manganiello and the Banker's guests into their homes and bringing new life to the iconic IP," said Sharon Levy, Chief Executive Officer, Endemol Shine North America. "We're thrilled that NBC has picked up a second cycle and eagerly anticipate seeing how the Banker will physically test and mentally challenge a new season of contestants as they compete for a transformative jackpot." "Deal or No Deal Island" reached 30 million total viewers across linear and digital platforms this season to date. The series is averaging 5.8 million total viewers across all platforms, more than doubling its live audience. The series is currently the #1 NBC unscripted show on Peacock and has the most watched unscripted NBC premiere on Peacock. The season finale of "Deal or No Deal Island" will air on May 13 at 10 p.m. on NBC. All episodes stream next day on Peacock. · Produced by Endemol Shine North America, "Deal or No Deal Island" is an exciting competition format that has been reimagined from the original Banijay format, "Deal or No Deal." Executive producers are Matt Kunitz, Vittoria Cacciatore, Jeffrey Breeden, Joe Manganiello, Howie Mandel, and Endemol Shine North America's Sharon Levy, Michael Heyerman and Sean Loughlin. |
posted 5/8/2024 |
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MONDAY: Aloha |
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In the latest TV ratings, CBS' NCIS finale was Monday's most-watched show, and landed in a six-way tie for the nightly demo win. Fox's MasterChef Junior (1.4 mil/0.2) was down, while So You Think You Can Dance (783K/0.1) added eyeballs. ABC's Jeopardy! Masters drew 4.3 mil and a 0.4, followed by Celeb Wheel's 2.6 mil/0.3. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 5/8/2024 |
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Wednesday Lightning Round |
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CBS announced today premiere dates for its summer slate. The summer lineup launches with the Network debut of TULSA KING Sunday, July 14 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT), followed by the season 26 premiere of BIG BROTHER Wednesday, July 17 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT). The new true-crime series THE REAL CSI: MIAMI launches Wednesday, June 26 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) and LET'S MAKE A DEAL PRIMETIME premieres Wednesday, Aug. 7 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT). CBS will also air summer specials including GREATEST @HOME VIDEOS: FATHER'S DAY EDITION hosted by Cedric the Entertainer Friday, June 14 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT), previously announced THE 51ST ANNUAL DAYTIME EMMY AWARDS Friday, June 7 (8:00-10:00 PM, ET/delayed PT) and THE 77TH ANNUAL TONY AWARDS Sunday, June 16 (8:00-11:00 PM, LIVE ET/5:00-8:00 PM, LIVE PT). All series and specials will also be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+*. Wednesday, July 17 and Thursday, July 18 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) - In a special two-night premiere, BIG BROTHER kicks off its 26th season as a group of all-new Houseguests moves into the BIG BROTHER House. Expect the unexpected this summer with a season full of twists and turns. Following its special two-night premiere, the series will air Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (9:00-10:00 PM, LIVE ET/ delayed PT), featuring the live evictions. 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. Click below for more information. |
posted 5/7/2024 |
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Ariana Madix is trading West Hollywood for Fiji very soon. Peacock has revealed the premiere date for the upcoming sixth season of Love Island USA, which will be hosted by the Vanderpump Rules star. A new teaser trailer gives viewers a first look of the SUR alum getting ready to guide islanders through their summer romance. "I got a text!," announces Madix in the teaser after waking up to the news. "'Ariana Madix, will you host Peacock's Love Island USA?' Yes!" "Look out, world: a hot new bombshell is heading to the villa, where new adventures are going to take flight," announces the show's narrator Iain Stirling, as a Barbie-inspired montage plays of Madix's fantastical journey to paradise. The new season arrives on June 11. Peacock also teased that season six will feature "a brand-new, vibrant villa including a spicy Casa Amor and an unforgettable Hideaway" where islanders "face more drama than ever before with jaw-dropping revelations, brand new couples challenges and even a few surprise guests." As with previous seasons, viewers can determine who gets a chance at love in the villa and who's getting a plane ticket back home by voting at home for their favorite couples via the Love Island USA app. Madix had previously made cameos on Love Island USA and Love Island Games. In the former, she advised islanders to not make the same mistakes in love that she did with her ex and Vanderpump Rules co-star Tom Sandoval, sharing, "If they're not the one for you, trust me, it's better to find out sooner than later." |
posted 5/7/2024 |
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Malmö Hosts Eurovision |
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ABBA's Waterloo has been voted the greatest song in Eurovision history, and with the Song Contest in Sweden this year, the organizers have a surprise ABBA tribute up their sleeves. Changes are also being introduced to both the voting system and the format of the live shows. There will be full live performances in the semi-finals from the artists representing the 'big five' countries for the first time, and the public vote will now open at the start of the live final. The Eurovision Song Contest is organized by the European Broadcasting Union, the alliance of European pubcasters. The huge event, in Malmö, will feature three live shows, covering the semi-finals and final, and nine shows in all, when rehearsals are factored in. Hosted by Malin Åkerman and Petra Mede, Eurovision 2024 returns to Malmö, Sweden, for the third time (following the city's hosting of the 1992 and 2013 editions). The new permanent slogan for the event is "United by Music." The theme for this year's event is "The Eurovision Lights," which the organization defines as, "a concept based on simple linear gradients, inspired by the vertical lines that permeate both the Northern lights and sound equalizers." The contest will take place across three days at Malmö Arena. On May 7 and 9, two semi-finals will take place, and the grand final will follow on Saturday, May 11, starting at 21:00 Central European Summer Time (3 p.m. ET, 12 p.m. PT in the U.S.). Peacock will be the exclusive home of Eurovision 2024 for U.S. audiences and will host all three days of the competition live, with a replay available after each event. The streamer's full schedule is as follows: |
posted 5/7/2024 |
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"Alone" Again for the 11th Time |
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The HISTORY(R) Channel's popular competition series "Alone" returns for an impressive twelve-episode eleventh season on Thursday, June 13 at 9pm ET/PT before moving to its regular timeslot of 8pm ET/PT. The pre-season special "Before the Drop" will air just ahead of the season eleven premiere at 8pm ET/PT and will offer an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the participants' final preparations and safety checks before the official launch day. Additionally, season two of the highly rated international version of the series, "Alone Australia," is set to air on The HISTORY(R) Channel for domestic audiences on Thursday, June 20 at 9:30pm ET/PT. Named "the best reality show ever made" (The New Yorker, 2023), the new season of "Alone" places ten skilled survivalists in the freezing, brutal landscape of Inuvik, Canada, within the Arctic Circle and the northernmost location in series history. Equipped with only ten basic survival tools, the participants face bone-chilling cold, icy landscapes, and intimidating predators including bears, wolves, and moose. Participants must forage for their own food, build shelter, and overcome both physical and mental obstacles while self-recording their journey for a chance to be the last person standing and win the coveted $500,000 cash prize. With no teams, no camera crews, and no gimmicks, "Alone" displays the grit of human endurance and is the ultimate test of human will. From Leftfield Pictures, this season of "Alone" delivers monumental ingenuity and series 'firsts' including remarkable game harvests, clever inventions, painful medical mishaps, and nerve-wracking animal encounters. It also marks one of the longest running seasons in series history. The survivalists push their skills to the limit, and sometimes beyond, in a fight to endure longer than all others. Season two of "Alone Australia" drops ten Australian survivalists in the wild terrain of Aotearoa's Te Waipounamu, also known as the South Island of New Zealand. Throughout ten episodes, each skilled participant is challenged by the merciless forces of nature, dangerous wildlife, extreme hunger, and total isolation to be the last one standing and win $250,000 AUD. For the first time, the participants are permitted to hunt with a bow and arrow, which introduces a whole new set of strategies and skills. With wild pig, possum, tahr, and red deer afoot, the stakes and intensity in their quest for sustenance and survival are higher than ever. Who will overcome these intense hurdles to be the last person standing?. |
posted 5/7/2024 |
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24 in 24 in 2 |
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Heading into the season one finale, Food Network has ordered a second season of 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing, it was announced today by Betsy Ayala, Head of Content, Food, Warner Bros. Discovery. The freshman culinary competition series, hosted by Esther Choi and Michael Symon, features 24 talented and fearless chefs who take on 24 food challenges in 24 consecutive, non-stop hours. At the end of the 24 hours, the chef who cooked the best for the longest, and outlasted the competition, is the only one left standing. The series premiered on April 14th, and to date has reached more than 10 million total viewers (across Food Network/Max/Discovery+) ranking as a Top 3 non-news/sports cable program on Sunday nights among both P/M 25-54 and averaged a 0.58 P25-54 and 0.59 W25-54 L+3 rating. The season to-date has resonated online as well, generating a total of 25M social impressions and 12M video views. "24 in 24: Last Chef Standing enthralled audiences as Food Network's most ambitious and grueling culinary competition, one that is part culinary marathon and part social experiment," said Ayala. "Michael Symon and Esther Choi were a dynamic duo leading this intense competition that demanded the chefs push their skills, creativity, and stamina to the limit. 24 In 24: Last Chef Standing is produced by Lando Entertainment for Food Network. |
posted 5/7/2024 |
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Susan Buckner, best known to moviegoers as Grease's bubbly cheerleader Patty Simcox, died peacefully surrounded by loved ones in Miami on May 2. Her death was announced by family. Buckner's Grease character was the Rydell High cheerleading pal of Olivia Newton-John's Sandy. The 1978 film also starred John Travolta and Stockard Channing. Born on January 28, 1952, in Seattle, Washington, Buckner was crowned Miss Washington in 1971 and represented the state in the Miss America pageant the following year. Soon after, she became one of The Dean Martin Show's Golddiggers dancers, and that led her to become part of the all-girl group Fantasy and the musical duo Buckner and Pratt. She also appeared on such variety shows as The Mac Davis Show, Sonny and Cher and, as a dancer and synchronized swimmer, The Brady Bunch Variety Hour. In 1977, she landed her signature role of perky Patty Simcox, Grease's embodiment of pep and school spirit. "Do the splits, give a yell!" she cheered alongside Newton-John. "Show a little spirit for old Rydell! Way to go, red and white! Go Rydell, fight, fight, fight!" Grease was the top-grossing movie of 1978 with $132.4 million in box office. Its soundtrack spawned four Top 5 singles, earned an Album of the Year Grammy nom and has sold more than 8 million units in the U.S. alone. Buckner later was featured in several TV shows, including The Love Boat, B.J and the Bear, The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries, and co-starred in the ABC series When the Whistle Blows. She starred in the 1981 Wes Craven horror film Deadly Blessing alongside Sharon Stone and in 1989's Police Academy 6: City Under Siege. She later stepped away from show business to raise a family. In game shows, Buckner was a member of the Mob on NBC's "1 vs. 100". Buckner is survived by her son Adam Josephs, daughter Samantha Mansfield, grandchildren Oliver, Riley, Abigail and Ruby as well as her sister Linda, daughter-in-law Noel Josephs, son-in-law Adam Mansfield and longtime partner Al. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Miami's Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Susan's honor. |
posted 5/7/2024 |
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Tuesday Lightning Round |
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Now leading the season for the fifth consecutive year as the No. 1 entertainment network in Adults 18-49, ABC heads into summer with an exciting lineup of fan favorites and will add an all-new game show to its portfolio. As previously announced, the "GOAT" Ken Jennings hosts "Jeopardy! Masters" which wraps up a three-week tournament and will crown its champion WEDNESDAY, MAY 22. "The Wonderful World of Disney" is set to air "Inside Out" on SUNDAY, JUNE 2, kicking off the return of the network's Sunday movie offerings. Jenn Tran will charm audiences when "The Bachelorette" begins MONDAY, JULY 8. "Celebrity Family Feud" celebrates 100 episodes and its 10th anniversary, beginning TUESDAY, JULY 9. The evening will kick off with the previously announced special "Family Feud: Decades of Laughs," honoring 50 years of the iconic game show, followed by the season premiere of "Celebrity Family Feud." Steve Harvey serves as the judge, jury and star when "Judge Steve Harvey" returns the following week on TUESDAY, JULY 16. Renewed for a new season and celebrating the show's 25th anniversary, Jimmy Kimmel hosts "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire," premiering WEDNESDAY, JULY 10. This iteration will feature a new twist with two celebrity contestants playing together with the hope of winning $1 million for the charity of their choice. Joining the Wednesday lineup is the third season premiere of "Claim to Fame," with Kevin and Franklin Jonas returning as hosts. "The 2024 ESPYS Presented by Capital One" returns to ABC, live on THURSDAY, JULY 11, and will feature some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment. A host will be announced at a later date. "Press Your Luck" scores a sixth season renewal, which will debut THURSDAY, JULY 18, followed by the brand-new game show, "Lucky 13," co-hosted by Shaquille O'Neal and Gina Rodriguez. This high-stakes primetime quiz show will test contestants' knowledge with 13 true-or-false trivia questions but with a cunning twist: Just how well do they know what they know ... and, just as importantly, how well do they know what they don't know? If they can accurately predict how successfully they've answered 13 questions, they could take home a $1 million cash jackpot. |
posted 5/6/2024 |
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CBS today announced its 2024-2025 primetime programming lineup of CBS Originals, featuring three new dramas, two new comedies, a new alternative series, a reimagined classic game show, special event programming and 18 returning series. New drama series for fall include NCIS: ORIGINS, starring Austin Stowell as a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs and narrated by flagship NCIS series star Mark Harmon; and MATLOCK, a reimagining of the classic television series, starring Emmy and Academy Award winner Kathy Bates as a brilliant, wily lawyer with unusual and unexpected tactics. Midseason will introduce WATSON, starring Morris Chestnut as a modern version of one of history's greatest detectives solving medical mysteries. The new multi-camera comedies for fall are POPPA'S HOUSE, starring Damon Wayans as happily divorced "Poppa" who finds himself still parenting his adult son, Damon Wayans Jr; and GEORGIE & MANDY'S FIRST MARRIAGE, the sequel to YOUNG SHELDON, following Georgie (Montana Jordan) and Mandy (Emily Osment) as they raise their young family in Texas while navigating the challenges of adulthood, parenting and marriage. The new fall alternative series is THE SUMMIT, hosted by Manu Bennett, which follows 16 strangers embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the treacherous New Zealand Alps in an attempt to reach the peak of a distant, towering mountain and win $1 million. Midseason will launch a new edition of the legendary game show HOLLYWOOD SQUARES, starring Drew Barrymore as the center square, in which two contestants play tic-tac-toe to win money and prizes. The new schedule of CBS Original series also includes the return of the new #1 series on television, TRACKER, starring Justin Hartley; the 2023-2024 season's #2 new program, ELSBETH, starring Carrie Preston; the world's #1 TV franchise, NCIS; and #1 news program 60 MINUTES. "This is another CBS primetime schedule that will break through the clutter and entertain a mass audience," said Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment. "We're grateful to the creative talent who deliver the characters and stories, as well as the viewers who spend nights, seasons and years with them." In addition to CBS' new and returning top series, the Network's year-round schedule of original programming also features annual high-profile events, including the return of the GRAMMY Awards, the Golden Globe Awards, the Tony Awards, the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors, New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash and the recently announced American Music Awards. Fast forwarding one year into the future, the Network also ordered its first new series for the 2025-26 broadcasting season - the drama series SHERIFF COUNTRY, starring Morena Baccarin, an extension of the FIRE COUNTRY universe. - HOLLYWOOD SQUARES (Wednesdays winter): HOLLYWOOD SQUARES, starring Drew Barrymore, is a classic game show in which two contestants play tic-tac-toe to win money and prizes. The "board" for the game is a vertical stack of open-faced cubes, each occupied by a celebrity seated at a desk and facing the contestants. The celebrities are asked questions and the contestants judge the legitimacy of their answers to win the game. Award-winning actress and talk show host Drew Barrymore will take her place as the famed "center square" answering questions for the contestants. HOLLYWOOD SQUARES is produced by Jesse Collins for Jesse Collins Entertainment and Drew Barrymore and Flower Films. The original show aired on NBC in the 1960s. The series piloted in 1965 and debuted in its entirety on the same network in 1966, with reboots airing in syndication (1986-1989, 1998-2004). |
posted 5/3/2024 |
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THURSDAY: The Beginning of the End |
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In the latest TV ratings, CBS' Young Sheldon was Thursday's most-watched program and landed in a three-way tie for the nightly demo win. Young Sheldon (with 7.2 million total viewers and a 0.5 demo rating) was up in both measures, Ghosts (6 mil/0.5) was steady with its Season 2 finale, So Help Me Todd (4.2 mil/0.3) dropped some eyeballs, and Elsbeth (4.2 mil/0.3) rose in the demo. NBC's Law & Order (3.8 mil/0.3), SVU (4.3 mil/0.4) and Organized Crime (2.6 mil/0.2) were all down. ABC's 9-1-1 (4.3 mil/0.5), Grey's Anatomy (2.9 mil/0.4) and Station 19 (2.2 mil/0.2) all dipped. Fox's Next Level Chef (1.7 mil/0.3) and Farmer Wants a Wife (1.9 mil/0.2) were both steady. The CW's Patti Stanger: Matchmaker (320K) lost some viewers, while Lovers and Liars (170K) added some. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 5/3/2024 |
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In the latest TV ratings, NBC's Chicago Fire was Wednesday's most-watched show, while CBS' Survivor dominated the night in the demo. Back from another multi-week break, Chicago Med (with 5.6 million total viewers and a 0.4 rating) was down across the board, Chicago Fire (6.1 mil/0.4) was steady and Chicago P.D. (5 mil/0.4) added eyeballs. Survivor (4.8 mil/0.8) and The Amazing Race (2.7 mil/0.4) both rose in the demo. On ABC, Jeopardy! Masters scored series lows (4.2 mil/0.4) with its Season 2 premiere. Enjoying a better lead-in, Abbott Elementary (2.5 mil/0.4) rose to its best Wednesday audience since Feb. 14 and ticked up in the demo, though - The Conners (2.2 mil/0.3) plunged to a season low in audience. The show has been reportedly picked up for an abbrieviated seventh-and-final. Fox's The Masked Singer (3 mil/0.4) and Animal Control (1.2 mil/0.2) each lost some viewers. The CW's Walker (455K) was down in audience, but Sight Unseen (369K) was up. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 5/2/2024 |
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A Semi-Homemade Comeback |
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A Monday afternoon FaceTime with Sandra Lee quickly turns into a shopping intervention. Anybody who wants to lower their grocery bill, says the Semi-Homemade Cooking host, needs a Costco membership and an affinity for Trader Joe's. When I counter that the crowds at the latter are a real turn-off, she's having none of it. "You just have to get up early and go when they open," she instructs. "Same with Costco." We are speaking on the occasion of her new series, Roku's Dinner Budget Showdown (out May 3). It's her first fully fledged TV show since Sandra's Money Saving Meals ended in 2012 when Lee turned her attention to working alongside then-partner and then-Governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo. But this return for Lee, long an evangelist of stretching a dollar in the kitchen, seemed inevitable. Recent headlines about skyrocketing grocery costs are like the Bat-Signal for Lee. And while this show is new ground for her, blending cooking instruction with competition, she insists that her mission has always been the same. |
posted 5/3/2024 |
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The BBC Is Getting Sneaky |
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The BBC is piloting Sneaky Sneaky, a primetime comedy game show featuring celebrities pranking unsuspecting contestants, British Comedy Guide reports. Developed for BBC One and international audiences, the hour-long family show features five celebrity "secret agents" sneakily playing tricks on members of the public to win them a cash prize. The contestants believe they are taking part in a reality show, unaware of hidden cameras and the celebrity agents observing their every move. The agents must complete ridiculous missions without arousing suspicion to win money for the oblivious contestants. Once the missions have ended and the contestants discover the truth, they face a final challenge to take home the money. A co-production between BBC Studios and Japan's Nippon TV, Sneaky Sneaky is an adaptation of Koso Koso, which aired on the Japanese commercial channel in June. Koso Koso featured missions such as Supermarket Sneak, in which the agents tried to hit targets on the players' backs while they browsed shopping aisles and Night Mission, where the agents undertook tasks while trying not to wake the sleeping contestants. The pilot attracted a 24.9% viewership share of 13-49-year-olds on Japanese television. Details of Nippon partnering with BBC Studios and the Asian-focused content creating company Empire Of Arkadia to develop a British version of Koso Koso were announced in October. But production is only now underway on the BBC One pilot, with the host's identity yet to emerge. |
posted 5/3/2024 |
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Happy Friday Lightning Round |
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The 1% Club has its premiere date. Episodes of the new game show will first be released on Prime Video and then, they'll air on FOX. The outlets announced the release dates for the series with a trailer. The 1% Club is a unique, compelling and funny game show that tests the nation's intelligence, based on a scientific survey. This entertainment format is not about what you learned at school or your ability to memorize facts. Hosted by Emmy and Grammy-winning stand-up comedian, actor and writer Patton Oswalt (The Goldbergs, Ratatouille) the show is a chance to test how your brain works through a series of questions that all have a right answer but can also lead to a series of entertaining wrong answers along the way. Whether you're a contestant vying for the cash prize or a viewer playing with your friends and family, answer enough questions correctly, and you could earn yourself a place in the 1% Club: an elite group of people who can honestly say they've outwitted 99% of the population. The series based on the hit international format, produced by BBC Studios' Los Angeles Productions and Magnum Media, will premiere Monday, June 3 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX following its debut on Prime Video in the U.S. and Canada on May 23. |
posted 5/2/2024 |
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CBS will finish the 2023-24 season as "America's Most-Watched Network" in primetime for the 16th consecutive season. This breaks broadcast television's longest winning streak on record, also previously held by CBS, from 1955-1970. This is CBS' 21st win in the last 22 years. The Network is also poised to win the season in the key demos including A25-54, A18-49 and A18-34. CBS is currently averaging 5.59 million viewers, +580,000 ahead of second place NBC (5.01m), +1.30 million viewers ahead of third place ABC (4.29m) and +2.24 million viewers ahead of fourth place FOX (3.35m). All numbers are according to Nielsen live plus 7-day ratings through April 21. In the 2023-24 season, CBS currently has 13 of the top 20 broadcast series. The Network launched three new series (TRACKER, ELSBETH and NCIS: SYDNEY), all of which are the top new series of the season. CBS is also home to television's four most-watched entertainment programs (TRACKER, NCIS, YOUNG SHELDON and FBI), the top four comedies (YOUNG SHELDON, GHOSTS, THE NEIGHBORHOOD and BOB HEARTS ABISHOLA) and remains the #1 broadcast network in primetime among African American viewers. CBS will close out the broadcast season strong with more top series than any other network while maintaining key #1 positions - #1 in Late Night for the seventh consecutive season, #1 in Daytime for the 38th consecutive season and home to the #1 Primetime News Program (60 MINUTES) since at least 1987. I n multiplatform viewing, since the new season premiered in February, CBS primetime is up +11% compared to the same time frame last year. The Network has three series averaging 12 million or more viewers (TRACKER, YOUNG SHELDON and NCIS), six series averaging 11 million or more viewers (plus GHOSTS, FBI and FIRE COUNTRY) and 10 series averaging 10 million or more viewers (plus BLUE BLOODS, ELSBETH, THE EQUALIZER and NCIS: HAWAI'I) for live plus 35-day viewing and streaming on Paramount + and CBS TVE (CBS.com and the CBS app).. |
posted 5/1/2024 |
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TUESDAY: Lopez vs. Lopez vs. Reruns |
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In the latest TV ratings, ABC won total viewers on the back of Will Trent, while CBS won the demo thanks to FBI reruns. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 5/2/2024 |
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Popmaster TV Pops Back Up |
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Hit music quiz show PopMaster TV will be back on More4 for brand new episodes starting on May 11. The upcoming season, comprised of 16 episodes each lasting an hour, will see legendary radio DJ Ken Bruce return as the host. Adding to the excitement, the season will feature two celebrity specials. In the first celebrity special, singer Toyah Willcox, actor and rapper Richard Blackwood, actor Sally Lindsay, radio DJ and presenter MistaJam and Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt battle it out to see who'll take home the silver or gold disc. Fans can expect more music, more questions, and greater opportunities for contestants to showcase their knowledge of pop music trivia. Glasgow will once again serve as the filming location for the series. PopMaster TV involves five contestants competing in a head-to-head battle to prove their expertise in music knowledge through six knockout rounds. These rounds include engaging segments such as 'Intros, Middles and Ends', 'Video Gaga', 'Pop Years', and 'It's Only Words'. The final stage, 'Original PopMaster', sees two players vying for the top spot, with the ultimate challenge being the '3 in 10' round, determining who takes home the coveted PopMaster TV gold disc. Originating from the iconic radio quiz, which has been a staple for 25 years, the first season of PopMaster TV significantly boosted More4's viewership in 2023. |
posted 5/2/2024 |
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Alan Carr's Endgame |
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ITV has cancelled Alan Carr's Epic Gameshow, opting not to bring the program back for a fourth series. The show, which revived various classic game shows, was first put on hold last year but now has been definitively shelved. A TV insider shared to The Sun: "Alan won't be taking this too hard as the three seasons Epic Gameshow ran for on ITV were well received and it's not like he's short of other projects." Indeed, Alan remains a busy figure on British TV. He's set to host the new prime-time game show Password on ITV later this year and will continue his work on the autobiographical comedy drama Changing Ends, which is heading into its second series. Additionally, Alan has ongoing projects with the BBC, including Picture Slam and Interior Design Masters, which will return for a sixth series. He is also gearing up for another series of his home makeover program with Amanda Holden in Spain. Epic Gameshow, which began airing in 2020 and last aired in December 2022, featured a weekly rotation of beloved game shows such as Play Your Cards Right (Card Sharks), The Price Is Right, Take Your Pick, Strike It Lucky (Strike It Rich), Bullseye, Name That Tune and Child's Play. The show also included special Christmas and celebrity episodes. Despite the show's initial success, ITV made the decision to pull the plug shortly after the third series. While fans of Epic Gameshow may be disappointed, it seems Alan Carr will hardly have a moment to rest with his packed schedule of upcoming TV appearances. |
posted 5/2/2024 |
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Thursday Lightning Round |
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Paramount+ today ru-vealed the legendary cast for the ninth season of RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE ALL STARS, which begins streaming exclusively on the service with two all-new episodes on Friday, May 17. In this new season, eight fan-favorite queens return to use their drag superpowers for good, competing to win a supersized donation of $200,000, provided by The Palette Fund, for a charity of their choosing. The Palette Fund is a private foundation dedicated to breaking down barriers and advancing social change in communities that are under-resourced and facing significant challenges. This season marks the first time in franchise herstory where the queens are competing for charity and harnessing their drag skills to win money for a variety of organizations. Those famous faces belong to Keke Palmer, Stephanie Hsu, Connie Britton, Alec Mapa, Anitta, Jeremy Scott, Colton Haynes, Kristine W, Ruta Lee and the Brothers Osborne. The eight queens returning to RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE ALL STARS and the charities they have chosen to compete for are the following: |
posted 5/1/2024 |
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Curtains for Slotomania |
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Get ready to spin, win and strike deals like never before! Slotomania, the world's #1 free-to-play slots game* from Playtika, has partnered with the hit game show Let's Make a Deal and is giving three lucky Slotomania players the ultimate jackpot - a brand new car! Inspired by the iconic game show, Slotomania players will have the chance to win a brand new car each week**, from now until May 21, 2024. To unlock even more excitement, Slotomania players will have the chance to visit the Let's Make a Deal studio for a live show taping. The partnership also features an exclusive Let's Make a Deal free-to-play slot machine inside the game, so fans from all around the world can experience the popular game show as a slot machine. The slot machine will include popular Let's Make a Deal virtual prizes, free spins and a Wayne Brady in-game avatar! Amnon Calev, General Manager of Slotomania, said: "Slotomania's dynamic partnership with Let's Make a Deal is the ultimate jackpot of entertainment. This collaboration represents a perfect fusion between two entertainment powerhouses, and we can't wait to see the excitement as players, new and old, have the potential to win big." The partnership underscores the growing convergence of gaming and entertainment media, providing players with an immersive experience that goes beyond traditional gaming. In addition to the in-game experience, Let's Make a Deal will have some exciting on-air content exclusive to this partnership, engaging players and viewers nationwide. |
posted 5/1/2024 |
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Celebrate National Game Show Day at the Expo! |
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Quiz Show Expo is proud to announce its inaugural convention, created by game show fans for game show fans. The newest fan expo will take place May 31-June 1, 2024 (National Game Show Day is June 1), at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport and Convention Center located at 2500 N Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505. Passes are on sale now with various levels of access available, from $30 single day access to $639 for 3-day passes for two people that include two nights of hotel accommodations, parking, and shuttles, two celebrity photo opts, and more. View all the available passes at www.QuizShowExpo.com. Quiz Show Expo will offer fans of the genre the opportunity to meet and greet their favorite game show hosts and personalities. Celebrities already scheduled to appear include: Jamie Farr and Loretta Swit (M.A.S.H.), Carnie Wilson (Wilson Phillips, The Newlywed Game, Sounds Delicious), Mindy Cohn (Facts of Life, Palm Royale), John O'Hurley (Seinfeld, Family Feud), Jim J. Bullock (Too Close for Comfort, Hollywood Squares), David Ruprecht (Supermarket Sweep), Bob Eubanks (The Newlywed Game, Card Sharks), author Adam Nedeff (Gong This Book!), SNL alum Gary Kroeger(The Newlywed Game, Beat The Clock), Marc 'Skippy' Price (Family Ties, Teen Win Lose or Draw), Randy West (Press Your Luck, The Price Is Right), Arianna Haut and Muffy Marracco (Jeopardy, Master Minds), Rob Belushi (Get A Clue), Wesley Eure (Land of the Lost, Super Password) and many more. Quiz Show Expo will also give attendees the chance to play in several live games; shop vendors focusing on TV Related memorabilia; and take part in several panel discussions featuring interesting TV Game Show related topics. BUZZR, America's only retro game show network, has also come on board as a key sponsor of the event. Friday night in the 200-seat BUZZR Theatre, there will be a special kick-off party for early- bird attendees featuring The Remotes (formerly The Ceramic Dalmatians), L.A's only TV Theme Song tribute band with an exhilarating 10 person ensemble. Saturday morning Quiz Show Expo will host a live-recording of the hit quiz-based podcast "Go Fact Yourself." Friday and Saturday a series of Q&A game show themed panels will be held hosted by Comedian Frank DeCaro. Saturday evening will feature a live game show called "Quiz Show Live!: The Game Show Trivia Game Show," hosted by Rob Belushi (Get A Clue) and Muffy Marracco (Master Minds, Jeopardy!). Game Show Network is also onboard as a secondary sponsor with several personalities appearing over the weekend. There will also be numerous photo opportunities with previous Zonks from Let's Make A Deal, and games from The Price is Right including a "Big Wheel," (travel size) and the "Magic Number" Game which will be seen for the first time in several years. The "Game Show Gallery," a make-shift museum honoring some fun game show artifacts, will feature the likes of the "Weird Al Yankovic Live Tour" Jeopardy! Set, a set piece from the original Joker's Wild and more. Quiz Show Expo will also hold a silent auction where attendees will have the opportunity to bid on 10 rare, framed prints from the Betty White Fan Club Photo Archives, sponsored in part by frameiteasy.com. Proceeds from the auction benefit Actors and Others for Animals, and SwitHeart, Loretta Swit's Animal Charity. Quiz Show Expo takes place over National Game Show Day weekend, May 31st through June 1st in Burbank, CA. More info and advanced tickets (including discounted host hotel room rates) can be found at www.QuizShowExpo.com. If you would like more information about Quiz Show Expo, please call Tony Pinizzotto at (818) 915-3675, or email TonyPinizzotto@gmail.com |
posted 4/30/2024 |
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MONDAY: Highs and Lows |
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In the latest TV ratings, CBS' NCIS easily drew Monday's largest audience, while ABC's American Idol led the night in the demo. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 4/30/2024 |
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SUNDAY: Case Closed? |
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Three longtime members of the American Idol family returned on Monday to honor one of their own — Season 5 contestant Mandisa, who died on April 18 at age 47. Colton Dixon (Season 11), Melinda Doolittle (Season 6) and Danny Gokey took the stage for an emotional group performance of Mary Mary's "Shackles," a song Mandisa covered when she was in Season 5's Top 10 back in March 2006. Following news of Mandisa's death, the show released this official statement: "Mandisa was an adored icon on American Idol and in the music industry. She had become a platinum-selling artist and had won several Grammys for her music. Her passing has left everyone on the show heartbroken, and we extend our deepest condolences to her family." Mandisa made it all the way to the Top 9 in her original season, the start of what would become an incredibly successful music career. She released six studio albums, beginning with 2007's True Beauty, and she won Best Contemporary Christian Music Album at the Grammy Awards for 2013's Overcomer. Leading out of 60 Minutes (which drew 6.8 million total viewers and a 0.4 demo rating), the newly renewed The Equalizer (6 mil/0.3) was steady, Tracker (7.7 mil/0.5) ticked up in both measures (posting its second-best-since-premiere audience) and the freshly cancelled CSI: Vegas (4.2 mil/0.3) was up 3% in viewers. Leading out of a Simpsons rerun on Fox, Krapopolis (443K/0.1), The Great North (390K/0.1) and Grimsburg (417K/0.1) were all down. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 4/30/2024 |
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FRIDAY: Another Draft Night |
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In the latest TV ratings, ABC captured the night in the demo with coverage of the NFL Draft. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 4/30/2024 |
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Josh Peck Takes a Bite for Roku |
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Roku is getting further into the food TV space, picking up a new series called Best Bite Wins. The food competition series will be hosted and executive produced by actor Josh Peck, with chef Monti Carlo serving as the show's culinary expert. The six-episode series is produced by Velvet Hammer Media and Bongo Pictures. The concept of Best Bite Wins is to turn cocktail party food into a competition, with professional chefs competing to present the best party food to hungry judges and clientele at real events, including birthday parties and retirement celebrations. "We thrilled to partner with Josh Peck, Velvet Hammer Media, and [EP] Michael Bloom to bring a fresh and fun new competition series for our audience to devour," said Olivia LaRoche, head of alternative originals for Roku. "Food content deeply resonates with our streamers, and we're pleased to give them more of what they love and further bolster our Roku Originals slate with Best Bite Wins." Food content has become a big genre for Roku, with programs like The Great American Baking Show, Morimoto's Sushi Master, Emeril Cooks and other food programming doing well for the streaming platform through its Roku Channel FAST offering. |
posted 4/30/2024 |
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Tuesday Lightning Round |
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Actor & TV host Cameron Mathison ("General Hospital") chatted about his latest endeavors, which include hosting a new game show this summer. Mathison is known for playing Drew Cain on the ABC soap opera "General Hospital." On Sunday, April 21, Mathison participated in a virtual fan event, which was hosted by Coastal Entertainment. He described his new upcoming game show "Beat the Bridge" as a "dynamic, super fun, and big production." He revealed that it will be airing on the Game Show Network this June. Produced by STV Studios, the game centers around a massive interactive bridge where teams of players try to cross by stepping on correct answers to the trivia questions asked. |
posted 4/29/2024 |
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Sonja Christopher, who was the first person in Survivor Season 1 to be voted off the show, has died at 87, according to a current contestant. No cause was revealed. Liz Wilcox, who stars in the current season 46 of Survivor, posted the news on X. She met Christopher over Christmas and shared a photo of the two talking on FaceTime on her account. "Today, the legend herself Sonja Christopher of Season One passed away. I had the pleasure of meeting her on Christmas. She had so much spunk + love for Survivor and what the show brought to her life. I hope you're singing + playing your heart out somewhere beautiful, Sonja." Wilcox said people shouldn't send flowers, but advised donations to Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church in Walnut Creek, California, the Cancer Support Community in SF, or the Sjogren's Foundation. The official Survivor Instagram account confirmed Christopher's death in a post on April 27, sharing a photo of the series legend alongside a statement penned by host Jeff Probst. "Sonya [sic] was one of the kindest people to ever play Survivor. Every interaction I had with her over the years was lovely," the host wrote. "She would always greet you with a smile on her face and joy in her heart." Added Probst: "I'm honored that our paths got to cross." Sonja competed on Survivor: Borneo in 2000, and was voted out after several missteps led to her team losing that first week. |
posted 4/29/2024 |
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Monday Lightning Round |
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Survivor host and showrunner Jeff Probst is already teasing the series' upcoming milestone: Survivor Season 50. At a Survivor event in Hollywood on Saturday night, Probst announced that the fiftieth season of the long-running CBS competition series will feature familiar faces. "About 10 seconds ago, we just decided — thanks to all the fans that were in attendance at the 'FYC' event here in Hollywood — that Survivor 50 will be returning players," Probst confirmed in a video on Instagram. The series first started incorporating former players in Season 8 for Survivor: All-Stars, and later saw familiar contestants in Season 11 (Guatemala), Season 16 (Micronesia — Fans vs. Favorites) and Season 20 (Heroes vs. Villains). In 2020, the show celebrated Season 40 (Winners at War) by inviting back 20 former winners. The reality show hasn't seen a returning player since, with the exception of Bruce Perrault, who came back to the competition in Season 45 after leaving Season 44 early due to an injury. |
posted 4/28/2024 |
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Weekend Lightning Round |
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CBS announced today the word-twisting game show LINGO, hosted and executive produced by Emmy Award winner RuPaul Charles, will return for its second season Friday, May 24 with two back-to-back episodes (8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT). Following the premiere, the series will air in its regular time period Fridays (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on-demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. LINGO is the supercharged word-twisting, fast-thinking game show. Host RuPaul Charles brings his one-of-a-kind personality to this clever, competitive and unpredictable game where teams of two face off in fast-paced puzzle rounds to guess letters that reveal seemingly simple words. Brand new for season two is the twist where the winner for each one-hour episode, packed with witty commentary and gameplay, goes on to compete in the next episode, allowing for longer winning streaks and even bigger cash prizes. RuPaul Andre Charles serves as LINGO executive producer for RuCo, Inc. along with Layla Smith and Jilly Pearce for Objective Media Group. Ed de Burgh and Paul Wright serve as executive producers for Triple Brew Media. LINGO is an All3Media / IDTV and Talpa TV format, distributed by All3Media International. |
posted 4/26/2024 |
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THURSDAY: With the First Pick... |
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In the latest TV ratings, CBS' Young Sheldon was Thursday's most watched program, while ABC's coverage of the NFL Draft (Round 1) dominated in the coveted-and-delicious 18-49 demo. Young Sheldon (with 6.9 million total viewers and a 0.4 rating) was down a tick in both measures. Ghosts (6.1 mil/0.5) and the recently cancelled So Help Me Todd (4.5 mil/0.3) were steady, while Elsbeth (4.3 mil/0.2) dipped in the demo. NFL Draft coverage averaged 4.5 mil and a 1.1, up year-over-year. Fox's Next Level Chef (1.8 mil/0.3) and Farmer Wants a Wife (1.8 mil/0.2) both dipped. The CW's Patti Stanger: The Matchmaker (342K) and Lovers and Liars (131K) both lost viewers. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49) are forthcoming... |
posted 4/25/2024 |
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Marla Adams, best known for her 37 years in the role of Dina Abbott Mergeron on the CBS daytime drama The Young and the Restless, died Thursday in Los Angeles. She was 85 and the cause of death was not disclosed. Born in Ocean City, NJ, on August 28, 1938, Adams' love for the stage was ignited after winning the Miss Ocean City and Miss Cape May pageants. She also finished as a runner-up in the Miss New Jersey pageant and was the Miss Diamond Jubilee Queen during the 1954 celebration of the 75th anniversary of Ocean City's founding. A student at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Adams appeared on Broadway in the 1958 production of The Visit at the Morosco Theatre with Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne. She also starred as June in the 1961 feature film Splendor in the Grass. Adams starred as Belle Clemens on The Secret Storm from 1968-1974 and joined the cast of The Young and the Restless in 1982 as the Abbott family matriarch, Dina Abbott Mergeron, who returned to Genoa City to reunite with her estranged family. She appeared on and off in the role though the years, returning full time to Y&R in 2017. She won a Daytime Emmy for her work on the show in 2021 and was previously nominated in 2018. Adams also appeared on The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of our Lives, Generations and Capitol. Over the span of her career, Adams starred in more than 40 productions including The Golden Girls, Hart to Hart, The Love Boat and the feature fil, Beneath the Leaves. In game shows, Adams appeared on episodes of "Tattletales". She is survived by her daughter, Pam Oates; son, Gunnar Garat; grandchildren Gefjon and Stone; and her great grandson, Remi. No information on memorial plans have been revealed. |
posted 4/26/2024 |
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Cal State LA to Offer Game Show Curriculum |
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Cal State LA is has created a three-class series to help students get an advantage in a red hot segment of the entertainment industry: Game shows. The first in the three-class series slated for the fall is called, "Get in the game." "The whole idea is to provide not only a gateway into the industry, but to send people out to be eligible for jobs," said Harry Friedman, the longtime producer of Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, who helped create the classes. He was among those who gathered Thursday in a Cal State LA auditorium filled with students, professors, and entertainment industry professionals for the announcement. Friedman said the idea for the classes began in a conversation between him and California State University administrators about how to help graduates enter the television industry. Friedman said Cal State LA was the first campus to step forward to create a curriculum. "There'll be internships, there'll be on-the-job training, there'll be field trips, there'll be all these things that will help them, hopefully, step right out of school and into jobs," said Kristina Hackel, chair of Cal State LA's department of television, film, and media studies. |
posted 4/25/2024 |
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WEDNESDAY: The Tribe Has Spoken |
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In the latest TV ratings: With NBC's #OneChicago in rerun mode one final time this season, CBS' Survivor dominated Wednesday both in total audience and in the demo. Survivor (with 4.9 million total viewers and a 0.7 demo rating) was down a tick in both measures, while The Amazing Race (2.8 mil/0.3) only dropped some eyeballs. ABC's The Conners (3.2 mil/0.3) lost a few viewers, but Not Dead Yet (2.2 mil/0.2) was steady with its season (series?) finale. Among the three sitcoms that ABC has aired this TV season, it ranks last in both measures. Fox's The Masked Singer (3.4 mil/0.4, read recap) and Animal Control (1.4 mil/0.2) were both steady. The CW's Walker (548K) and Sight Unseen (350K) both rose to their second-best audiences of their young seasons. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 4/25/2024 |
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TUESDAY: FB-Eye |
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In the latest TV ratings, CBS' FBI was Tuesday's most-watched show and tied its two spinoffs for the nightly demo win, with ABC's dramas once again in rerun mode (but back next week!). FBI (with 7.03 million total viewers and a 0.4 demo rating) was down a tick week-to-week (which agent might get benched?), while FBI: International (5.7 mil/0.5) and FBI: Most Wanted (5.1 mil/0.4) both grew in audience. 2 NBC's Lopez vs. Lopez (2 mil/0.2, 1.6 mil/0.2) was steady, while Weakest Link (2.4 mil/0.2) added viewers. Fox's TMZ/"Arnold and Sly" special (1.23 mil/0.2) was right on par with The Cleaning Lady's most recent episode. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49) are forthcoming... |
posted 4/24/2024 |
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MONDAY: The Sing-Off Continues |
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In the latest TV ratings, CBS' NCIS was Monday's most-watched show, while NBC's The Voice tied ABC's American Idol for the nightly demo win. The Neighborhood (with 4.3 million total viewers and a 0.3 demo rating) dipped to what looks like series lows, while Bob Hearts Abishola (4.1 mil/0.3) was steady. NCIS (6.3 mil/0.3) lost some viewers and tied its own demo low, and NCIS: Hawai'i (5.1 mil/0.3) dipped 5% in audience but held steady in the demo as it awaits word on renewal… or, you know, the other thing. The Voice (4.8 mil/0.4) and Deal or No Deal Island (2.6 mil/0.3) were both steady. American Idol (4.2 mil/0.4) was up 7% in audience week-to-week. Fox's MasterChef Junior (1.5 mil/0.3) was steady, while So You Think You Can Dance (840K/0.2) added some eyeballs. The CW's All American (370K/0.1) rebounded from last week's all-time low audience. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 4/24/2024 |
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Two new deals will see local versions of hit quiz show The 1% Club air on Hungary's TV2 and 1+1 Ukraine, the show's first format sales in Central and Eastern Europe. Both versions will go into production this summer and are expected to air later this year. Created by Dean Nabarro and Andy Auerbach at Magnum Media, The 1% Club tests how contestants' brains work through a series of questions based on a scientific survey of the general public. Gameplay starts with the questions answered correctly by the largest number of the survey sample and progresses through to a final challenge which only the cleverest 1% answered correctly. The quiz debuted in the UK where it airs on ITV which recently confirmed an order for two more series following strong audience figures. International distribution and format sales are handled by BBC Studios, the broadcaster's commercial arm. The series has proven popular with international buyers, with local versions being produced in the Netherlands, Australia, Germany, France, Israel, Spain, Turkey, the US and Canada, Greece and Mexico. The American/Canadian version will air this summer on a shared content deal between Prime Video, who'll get the primary rights, and Fox, who'll air the episodes on a week delay. André Renaud, SVP, Global Format Sales, BBC Studios, said: "In fewer than two months since we announced Greece as the milestone tenth territory to commission the format, I'm delighted that the format is now coming to Central and Eastern Europe with Hungary and Ukraine becoming the next countries to join The 1% Club. "With a further two series of The 1% Club commissioned in the UK after stellar ratings, it's clear that the format's unique appeal extends to a global audience. I'm looking forward to seeing both TV2 in Hungary and 1+1 Ukraine deliver their own turns at the entertainment show that's not about what you know, but how your brain works." |
posted 4/24/2024 |
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WEEKEND: And Then There Were 10 |
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CBS' Tracker this week was Sunday's most-watched TV program, while ABC's AFV and American Idol tied for the nightly demo win. Leading out of 60 Minutes (which drew 7.05 million viewers and a 0.4 demo rating), the yet-to-be-renewed The Equalizer returned from a multi-week break to 6 mil and a 0.4, hitting and matching at least season lows. Tracker (7.6 mil/0.4) was down from last week's best-since-premiere outing, and the freshly cancelled CSI: Vegas (4.1 mil/0.3) dropped some eyeballs, matching a season low. AFV (4.4 mil/0.5) dipped from its last outing, American Idol (5.1 mil/0.5) added eyeballs week-to-week, and What Would You Do? (2.3 mil/0.2) also was up in audience. Fox's The Simpsons drew 974K/0.3, followed by Krapopolis' 663K/0.2, The Great North's 591K/0.2 and Grimsburg's 544K/0.2. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 4/24/2024 |
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Wednesday Lightning Round |
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In the latest TV ratings, CBS' recently un-cancelled S.W.A.T. was Friday's most-watched show, with lead-outs Fire Country and Blue Bloods both preempted this week by an encore of Billy Joel: The 100th – Live at Madison Square Garden. S.W.A.T. drew 4.3 million total viewers, down just 6% week-to-week. CBS' Billy Joel concert encore played to 2.9 million viewers, after Sunday's initial, truncated airing racked up 6.3 million (in Live+3 numbers). CBS' S.W.A.T., Fire Country and Blue Bloods will all be back with new episodes next Friday. Over on ABC, the penultimate episode of Shark Tank Season 15 delivered 2.9 million viewers, steady week-to-week. Fox's Friday Night SmackDown ticked down week-to-week but still dominated the night in the demo, with a 0.6 rating. In total viewers (2.19 mil), now further removed from WrestleMania XL fervor, it dipped 12%. The episode also scored the best audience share ever for a Drag Race telecast. The episode was up 88% versus the Season 15 finale among adults 18-34 with a 9.98 share. With the 18-49 demo, the episode saw a 30% increase to a 5.37 share. The finale wasn't alone in its ratings victories, either. Season 16 wrapped as the highest-rated season of Drag Race in four years, since Season 12 in 2020. Season 16 managed some strong growth versus Season 15, up 13% among adults 18-34 to earn a 0.5 rating. The season also saw a 12% uptick within the 18-49 demo, landing around a 0.54 rating. The season also averaged the series' best audience share ever, outperforming last season by 24% among adults 18-34 to score a 5.5. In the 18-49 demo, the share was up 21% to a 3.71. On social media, the season also performed well. According to Paramount Global, this was the "most social" season of Drag Race ever with 514M social views, up 11% versus Season 15.. Elsewhere... |
posted 4/23/2024 |
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"Great American Baking Show" to Return for Third Helping |
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The British invasion continues its spread into the world of reality show baking. The Roku Channel announced that The Great American Baking Show has been renewed for Season 3. The series is the Americanized version of the pop culture sensation, The Great British Bake-Off. The series premiered in 2010, showcasing a group of amateur bakers as they gather in a tent in the British countryside to compete in a series of challenges for baking professionals such as Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith. It was only natural that an American version would hit the airwaves across the pond. Hollywood and Leith turn their attention to American bakers with the addition of two celebrity hosts. This iteration includes Severances's Zach Cherry and Happy Endings comedian, Casey Wilson. Cherry and Wilson said: "What could be sweeter than more of The Great American Baking Show? We can't wait to return to the iconic tent to meet the next batch of bakers and to put your favorite celebrities and athletes to the test. Hosting 'The Great American Baking Show' has already been so much fun -- we can't wait to show viewers what we're baking up for season three and these brand-new specials only on The Roku Channel." Season 2 will air later in 2024 and the series has already been renewed for Season 3. Baking fans should be excited to learn that Season 3 is not the only surprise Roku has up its sleeve this season. |
posted 4/23/2024 |
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Terry Carter, best known for his roles as Colonel Tigh in the original Battlestar Galactica, and as Sgt. Joe Broadhurst on TV series McCloud, died Tuesday at his home in New York City, his son confirmed to The New York Times. He was 95. A native of Brooklyn, NY, Carter broke color barriers from the beginning of his decades-long career. Carter was one of the first Black actors as a regular on a TV sitcom series, in the role of Private Sugarman on The Phil Silvers Show. He appeared in 92 episodes on the show from 1955-1959. Nine years later, he was credited with becoming New England's first Black TV anchor newscaster, for WBZ-TV Eyewitness News in Boston, as well as the station's drama and movie critic, from 1965 to 1968. His first major Hollywood role was as Detective Jaffie in the TV movie Company of Killers, but his most prominent television roles came in the 1970s, beginning with his portrayal of Sergeant Joe Broadhurst in the detective series McCloud from 1970 to 1977. He is best known internationally for his co-starring role as Colonel Tigh, second-in-command of the starship fleet in ABC's original sci-fi series Battlestar Galactica in 1978-79. He also reprised the role in the 1978 Battlestar Galactica film, written by Glen A. Larson and directed by Richard A. Colla. In 1980, Carter was elected to the Board of Governors of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, where he served two terms. Three years later, he was inducted into the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, where he served on the Documentary Committee and the Foreign Films Committee for the Oscars. In 1985, Carter received a Los Angeles Emmy Award for K*I*D*S, a TV miniseries he created, produced and directed, about a multi-racial group of teenagers struggling to cope with some of the adult-sized conflicts confronting youth in America at the time. He later produced and directed Jazz Masters, a series of video portraits of twelve great jazz artists for TV2 Denmark. In 1988, Carter produced and directed the award-winning, Emmy-nominated TV musical documentary A Duke Named Ellington about the life and work of pianist, composer, bandleader and jazz legend Duke Ellington. In game shows, he appeared on episodes of "Celebrity Bowling" and "The Cross-Wits". He is survived by his wife Etaferhu Zenebe-DeCoste, his two children, Mrs. Zenebe-DeCoste's daughter, a granddaughter, and many cousins. Twice widowed, he was preceded in death by his late wives Anna DeCoste (1964–1990) and Beate Glatved DeCoste (1991–2006). |
posted 4/23/2024 |
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ITV Lines Up 99 to Beat |
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ITV1 is set to launch brand new gameshow format 99 to Beat in the UK. This innovative show, already a hit in seven countries including Germany, The Netherlands, Norway and Poland, sees 100 participants of which only one will claim victory. The core challenge for the contestants is as straightforward as it is daunting – avoid finishing last. Spanning eight episodes, '99 to Beat' embarks with 100 competitors. Throughout the series, they face off in various visually engaging and often comical challenges. With each round, the contestant pool narrows, leaving only the winner to take home the prize. The games range from the whimsical, such as locating a dummy in a jelly-filled vat, to the physically challenging, like donning a frozen t-shirt. The primary objective remains the same across all tasks: not to be the last. Katie Rawcliffe, Head of Entertainment Commissioning ITV said: "99 To Beat brings 100 people together to set upon this extraordinary game where there is really only one rule, Don't Come Last. As the contestants compete they also form tight bonds and as they get to know each other, we get to see who plays well, who buckles under the pressure and who has lasting power." Katy Manley, MD of producers Initial, added: "We are really excited about 99 To Beat. What's brilliant about it is that anyone has a real shot at winning. Whether you're 18 or 80, players don't need to be experts in one particular skill. "Winning is not important – it's not coming last that counts! The human stories that sit alongside the gameplay will provide heart, humour and drama throughout." ITV is reportedly in talks to transform soap stars Adam Thomas and Ryan Thomas into "the new Ant and Dec", to front 99 to Beat. A source said: 'This game show will bring plenty of laughs and needs happy-go-lucky hosts at the helm. 'Ryan and Adam fit the bill perfectly and it would be great to see the brothers working together as TV hosts for the first time.' The insider added to The Mirror: 'This could be a really exciting new chapter for them and should be a lot of fun. They are so natural together. Hey, it worked for Ant and Dec…' |
posted 4/23/2024 |
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International hit quiz show Jeopardy! is set to charm Australian audiences when it launches this weekend, hosted by British actor and comedian Stephen Fry. The legendary personality promises to bring his charm and wit to the series, which premieres Saturday April 20 at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now. Ahead of the launch, Fry, 66, spoke to 9Entertainment about what makes the show so special and his fondest memories of Australia after first visiting over 40 years ago. Jeopardy! Australia premieres Saturday April 20 at 7:30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now. "I think the great secret of hosting a show like Jeopardy! is to let the format and the contestants be the show," he explained. "I suppose it's a bit like... I'm picturing a glamorous sailing yacht in some kind of race to Tasmania. A beautiful boat, and I'm just the guy who is gradually steering it this way and that. Jeopardy! Australia, which is filmed in the UK but features Australian contestants, flips the traditional Q&A format and presents answers first in the form of short, written clues. Contestants must then respond in the form of a question that correctly identifies the clue description. |
posted 4/23/2024 |
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Prime Video today announced it has ordered Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?, with Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce set as host. The 20-episode order is a spinoff of Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? and is being produced by MGM Alternative, a division of Amazon MGM Studios. The series will premiere on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity? offers a fun, new twist on the premise of the original popular format. Each game will welcome an adult contestant who will rely on a classroom full of celebrities from stage, screen, and sports to help them answer 11 questions on a range of subjects, pulled from elementary curriculum, in an effort to win a $100,000 prize. They are not competing against the stars... they're enlisting their help and, in some cases, can even "cheat" off of them. And on the final question, worth $100,000, the contestant selects one celebrity to discuss the answer with before locking in. The final question is always at the 6th-grade level. Fresh off his victory at Super Bowl LVIII, Kelce, one of the most recognizable names in sports and pop culture, turns his attention to his first major television role as host of Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity? An eight-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro, Kelce continues to pad his Hall of Fame resume, reaching milestones that make him one of the greatest tight ends of all time. In addition to being a generational talent and the co-host of the top-charting sports podcast, New Heights, Kelce is building a portfolio across industries. He has a passion for the entertainment business and an interest in bringing more live events, entertainment, and community initiatives anchored in music, sports, fashion, and comedy to his diverse global audience. "I grew up loving game shows, and I'm excited to be following in the footsteps of so many TV icons by hosting my very first one with Are you Smarter than a Celebrity. The original show is a great success, so to be bringing a new format with everyone's favorite celebrities to the screen, will definitely be entertaining. I'm just happy to be on the hosting side of the equation here and excited to see how these famous faces keep up," said Travis Kelce. "For years, fans around the world have tested their smarts with this fun, nostalgic game show, and we look forward to bring this reimagined format to Prime Video," says Lauren Anderson, head of AVOD originals unscripted and targeted programming, Amazon MGM Studios. "Travis has proven to be an incredible talent on and off the field, and we appreciate the trust he has placed in us with his first foray into television. His natural, comedic dynamic with our panelists and guests, coupled with some exciting new twists, will keep our global customers coming back week after week." "After producing more than 3,000 episodes of Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? globally, we wanted to come up with a new, loud twist on the format. Replacing the kids with celebrities gives us more laughs and surprises, like a roast, as contestants cheat off their famous classmates," said Barry Poznick, general manager of MGM Alternative and co-creator of the series. "And now, with the ultimate class clown, Travis Kelce, hosting, viewers should expect the unexpected!" The original U.S. version of the Emmy-nominated Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader was co-created by Poznick, Mark Burnett, and John Stevens. The game show premiered in 2007 to a record-breaking 27 million viewers and a cumulative audience of more than 800 million total viewers during its run. Since 2007, it has remained the No. 1 game-show premiere in broadcast television history. Since first being introduced, the series has seen 55 countries produce local versions, with more than 3,000 original episodes produced globally. The Are You Smarter brand continues to be relevant today, inspiring late-night versions of the show and millions of dollars in merchandise, including a board game, a companion book and apparel. Wes Kauble will serve as showrunner, with Kauble and Mark Burnett executive producing. Sean Kelly and Steve Hughes will serve as co-executive producers. The format is distributed by Amazon MGM Studios Distribution. |
posted 4/23/2024 |
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Tuesday Lightning Round |
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Howie Schwab, a longtime ESPN producer and star of the ESPN trivia show Stump the Schwab, died today at 63, according to his family. No cause or location was given. Schwab joined ESPN in 1987 and remained with the company until 2013, having worked on multiple shows before serving as the final challenge for the titular trivia show 'Stump the Schwab' from 2004 to 2006, which included a 64-16 overall record on the program. "I'm proud of that. Eighty percent is pretty darn good," Schwab told The Athletic in 2020. "There were a couple of times when people were better. I'll admit it. I had no problem with it. I remember one time I was disappointed because this guy was a cocky SOB who beat me and it bothered me a little. Bottom line is I've lived through so many things in sports and I've always been into sports, so (getting stumped) was fine." The show aired from 2004 to 2006. The St. John's alum would later work for FOX Sports, as well as serving as a consultant on the game show 'Sports Jeopardy!' hosted by Dan Patrick from 2014 to 2016. ESPN analyst Dick Vitale remembered Schwab on social media. "So sad to learn of the passing of my loyal dedicated buddy @howieschwab," Vitale wrote. "He was recently at my home. Had various health issues but was feeling good when he visited. May he please RIP" Schwab is survived by his wife Suzie. |
posted 4/22/2024 |
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American Idol is set to pay tribute to the late Mandisa, a Season 5 contestant in the singing competition. On the episode set to air on Monday, April 29 on ABC, the show will remember the 2005 Idol alum. "Mandisa was an adored icon on American Idol and in the music industry," the show said in a statement. "She had become a platinum-selling artist and had won several Grammys for her music. Her passing has left everyone on the show heartbroken, and we extend our deepest condolences to her family." Ryan Seacrest took a moment from Sunday's show to announce the special tribute to Mandisa set for next week. "We wanted to take a moment to honor a dear member of the Idol family who we sadly lost this week — Mandisa," Seacrest said. "She was an inspiration on the show and beyond. We're going to celebrate her next week with a very special musical tribute. Our hearts go out to her family and all of those, like us, who called her a friend." Mandisa, the Grammy Award-winning singer who got her break as a contestant on season 5 of Idol, died on Thursday, April 18 at the age of 47. "We can confirm that yesterday Mandisa was found in her home deceased," a rep for the singer tells PEOPLE in a statement. "At this time we do not know the cause of death or any further details. We ask for your prayers for her family and close knit circle of friends during this incredibly difficult time." Born and raised in Citrus Heights, California, Mandisa studied music in college before auditioning for Idol in 2005. A soulful singer with a magnetic personality, she'd go on to gain national attention on the reality competition show's fifth season (which began airing in 2006), making it to the top 10 alongside favorites like Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Chris Daughtry, Paris Bennett, Elliott Yamin and eventual winner Taylor Hicks. On the series, Mandisa earned praise from judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson for her performances of songs like Chaka Khan's "I'm Every Woman" and Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing." She was eliminated in the top 9, and even forgave Cowell after he poked fun at her weight. But an Idol elimination didn't stop Mandisa's quest for success. She went on release her debut album, True Beauty, in 2007. The LP debuted at No. 1 on the Top Christian Albums charts — a historic feat that made Mandisa the first new female artist ever to debut on the top of the chart's 27-year history. True Beauty was the first six albums Mandisa would release throughout her career, including an acclaimed 2008 holiday record, It's Christmas, and her most recent offering, 2017's Out of the Dark. |
posted 4/22/2024 |
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Monday Lightning Round |
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THURSDAY: Young Sheldon, Old Result |
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In the latest TV ratings: With ABC in rerun mode, CBS' Young Sheldon was far and away Thursday's most-watched show, while landing in a three-way tie for the nightly demo win. Young Sheldon (with 7.2 million total viewers and a 0.5 rating) was down a tick in both measures, Ghosts (6.2 mil/0.5) and So Help Me Todd (4.6 mil/0.3) each added viewers yet dipped in the demo, and the newly renewed Elsbeth (4.3 mil/0.3) was steady. NBC's Law & Order (4.5 mil/0.4) drew its best audience in four episodes and rose in the demo, SVU (4.8 mil/0.5) grew to its best audience in two months (five episodes) and also was up in the demo, and on-the-bubble Organized Crime (3.3 mil/0.3) hit a three-episode audience high. Fox's Next Level Chef (2 mil/0.4) and Farmer Wants a Wife (2 mil/0.3) were both up. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 4/19/2024 |
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WEDNESDAY: Playing In |
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In the latest TV ratings, with NBC's #OneChicago in reruns, Survivor laid claim to the most-watched crown of the night for CBS. Survivor (4.839 million viewers/0.77 rating in the A18-49 demo) led off the night, with The Amazing Race (2.782m/0.37) steady behind. Fox took the demo silver with its grouping of The Masked Singer (3.437m/0.40), Animal Control (1.467m/0.18) and Family Guy (786k/0.17). ABC's lineup of The Conners (3.332m/0.39), Not Dead Yet (2.113m/0.23), Abbott Elementary (2.235m/0.27), and a double-shot of the $100,000 Pyramid (1.801m//0.19, 1.765m/0.18) were also on the map. The CW's Walker (506k/0.06) and Sight Unseen (329k/0.05) were both down. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 4/19/2024 |
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Happy Friday Lightning Round |
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Message: The Circle is finally returning with an all-new season after more than a year. Send! Netflix announced on Tuesday that season 6 of the social media reality competition series will return next month — and this time, every player entering the Circle is single and #readytomingle. That's right, this means more flirting than ever between the people sitting alone in their empty apartments, sending spicy emojis and questionable hashtags via DM to someone who is most likely to be a catfish. The new season also promises more drama and surprises as a new set of contestants compete in challenges to earn the ultimate cash prize as top influencer. The first four episodes of The Circle season 6 premiere April 17 on Netflix, with new episodes rolling out every Wednesday after that leading up to the finale on May 8. Artificial Intelligence has entered the chat, catfishing as Max. Can this artificial intelligence chatbot convince the players it is one of them? . |
posted 4/19/2024 |
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A "Golden" End |
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The first Golden Bachelor couple, who met on the show last fall and married in a live ABC televised wedding in January, are divorcing. Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist announced the news on Good Morning America today. "Theresa and I have had a number of heart-to-heart conversations, and we've looked closely at our situation, our living situation, so forth and we've kind of come to the conclusion mutually that it's probably time for us to dissolve our marriage," Turner told Juju Chang in the GMA interview. "Get a divorce?" Chang asked. "Yes," Turner replied. Said Nist, "We have received so much love and support from so many people who watched The Golden Bachelor and I don't think we can tell you how many people told us that it gave them so much hope. We want none of that to change for anybody." The couple were vague, to say the least, about what went wrong in the marriage. "The thing that strikes me the most in our conversations," Turner said, "it's been how dedicated both of us are to our families … So we look at these situations and I think we just feel like it's best for the happiness of each of us to, to live apart." "I still love this person," Turner added. "There's no doubt in my mind, I still am in love with her. I root for her every day." Nist responded, "Yeah, I still love him." The couple said they would return the wedding rings that ABC purchased for the show. "I think that's the rule," Nist said, with Turner adding, "But you know what? We don't have to give back the memories." The couple confirmed they had a prenuptial agreement in place. |
posted 4/19/2024 |
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Celebrity Version of "The Traitors UK" Coming |
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Star traitors and faithfuls are set to face off on in the UK in a celebrity version of smash hit format The Traitors, which Deadline understands is set to launch on the BBC next year. Several sources have told Deadline that an agreement between Studio Lambert, which makes the UK and U.S. versions of The Traitors, and the BBC, which broadcasts it, is close. The hope is that the first celeb version will film next year and go out later in 2025, by which time three seasons of the "civilian" version will have aired. Host Claudia Winkleman is expected to present the celeb version. The U.S. and UK versions of The Traitors — in which contestants live together and take part in challenges while seeking to uncloak the traitors among their number — are filmed back to back in a castle in Scotland. The producers could capitalize upon that model and record the celebrity version before or after these editions. Speaking to The News Agents podcast earlier this year, Studio Lambert boss Stephen Lambert had said a celeb version was "obviously a possibility." Given the roster of big-name Traitors fans, Deadline is told the BBC has big ambitions for the caliber of guest it could attract, and will be aiming high. A recent promo casting call video featuring Courteney Cox had fans wildly speculating that the U.S. star would appear in a celebrity version. Elsewhere, Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders and Mary Berry all featured in a Celebrity Traitors sketch last year for Comic Relief. The BBC and Studio Lambert have cast the UK version differently to the U.S. by going 100% non-celebrity for the former and hybrid celebrity-civilian for the latter. The latest U.S. season featured British celebrities including Love Island winner Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and ex-politician John Bercow.. |
posted 4/18/2024 |
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TUESDAY: Second-Best Audiences for FBI |
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In the latest TV ratings, CBS' FBI was Tuesday's most-watched and highest-rated program. With ABC in rerun mode until April 30… FBI (with 7.1 million total viewers and a 0.5 rating), FBI: International (5.7 mil/0.4) and FBI: Most Wanted (5 mil/0.4) all added viewers and were steady in the demo. In fact, International and Most Wanted delivered best-since-season premiere audiences, while FBI came pretttttty close to doing same. NBC's Lopez vs. Lopez's latest double pump (2.1 mil/0.3, 1.7 mil/0.2) improved on last week's. Weakest Link (2.2 mil/0.2) was steady, while Password (2.3 mil/0.3) ticked up. Fox's The Cleaning Lady (1.3 mil/0.2) and Alert: MPU (1.2 mil/0.2) rebounded from last week's lows. The CW's Crime Nation (414K/0.1) was up across the board. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 4/18/2024 |
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"Don't Forget" This Date: May 23 |
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Hosted by Emmy Award-winner Niecy Nash, Don't Forget The Lyrics challenges contestants' musical memory, as they get one song closer to winning $1 million. Contestants will choose songs from different genres, decades and musical artists. Then they'll take center stage to sing alongside the live in-studio band as the lyrics are projected on screen - but when the music stops and the words disappear, will the contestants belt out the correct missing lyrics, or freeze under pressure? If they sing nine songs correctly, they are presented with a No. 1 hit and sing the final missing lyrics for the top prize of $1 million. It's that simple: 1 contestant, 10 songs, 1 million dollars! Created by Jeff Apploff, Don't Forget The Lyrics! is produced by Apploff Entertainment, Bunim/Murray Productions and BiggerStage. Jeff Apploff, Garry Bormet, Rupert Dobson, Julie Pizzi, Pat Kiely, Sean O'Riordan and Niecy Nash serve as executive producers. Join the #DontForgetTheLyrics conversation: Facebook - @RealityClubFOX Twitter - @RealityClubFOX Instagram - @RealityClubFOX TikTok - @RealityClubFOX |
posted 4/17/2024 |
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"Alone" Again... Naturally |
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Channel 4 has axed its splashy version of U.S. survival format Alone after one season. The series from Squid Game: The Challenge producer The Garden, which has aired in the U.S. for a decade, has been one of a handful under consideration for a second series recommission over the past few months, Deadline reports. Producers had been preparing for a second season. In Alone, 11 contestants are dropped into the remote Canadian Wilderness, where each must survive entirely on their own. Eventual winner Tom Williams took home the £100,000 ($124,000) in September 2023 after battling the elements, wild animals and an extreme test of mental strength. The show had been unveiled by Channel 4 in August 2022 alongside The Traitors-esque format Rise and Fall. |
posted 4/17/2024 |
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MONDAY: #NCIS1000 |
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In the latest TV ratings, CBS' NCIS was Monday's most-watched program and landed in a four-way tie for the nightly demo win. ABC's live American Idol (3.9 mil/0.4) dipped in both measures week-to-week. NBC's competing The Voice (4.8 mil/0.4) dropped some eyeballs week-to-week, while Deal or No Deal Island (2.7 mil/0.3) gained some. Fox's MasterChef Junior (1.5 mil/0.3) returned some viewers, while So You Think You Can Dance (814K/0.2) lost some. The CW's All American (334K/0.1) dipped to a new audience low. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 4/17/2024 |
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Wednesday Lightning Round |
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SUNDAY: Tracker Jackers |
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A quick Sunday ratings catch-up, now that CBS' Masters-scrambled numbers have finally been sorted out…. Airing at a special time — leading out of a Masters tourney-boosted 60 Minutes (which drew 8.6 mil and a 0.9) — Tracker surged to its best Sunday audience yet (8.2 million total viewers) and also rose in the coveted 18-49 demo (to a 0.6 rating). The oops-we-cut-it-short Billy Joel concert was attended by 5.7 million, and scored a 0.5 rating. CBS issued an apology for not snipping "Piano Man" and will rebroadcast the special in its entirety this Friday at 9/8c. ABC's live American Idol (4.2 mil/0.5) was pretty steady week-to-week. Leading out of a Simpsons rerun on Fox, a Great North double pump (550K/0.2, 490K/0.2) was up across the board from the week prior, and Grimsburg (460K/0.1) added some eyeballs. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49) are forthcoming. |
posted 4/16/2024 |
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FRIDAY: The Smackdown After Mania |
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In the latest TV ratings, CBS' Blue Bloods was Friday's most-watched show, while Fox's SmackDown as usual dominated in the coveted-and-delicious 18-49 demo. Over on CBS, the newly un-cancelled S.W.A.T. (with 4.6 million total viewers and a 0.4 rating) and Fire Country's introduction of a potential spinoff character (5.1 mil/0.4) both ticked up a smidgen in audience. Blue Bloods (with 5.4 million viewers) grew 10% week-to-week. Coming out of WrestleMania XL, Friday Night SmackDown on Fox drew 2.5 million total viewers and a 0.8 rating, nearly matching last week's largest audience since December of 2022, and tying last week's best demo delivery since December of the year 2020. ABC's Shark Tank (3 mil/0.3) was steady. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 4/16/2024 |
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Big B Returns for KBC16 |
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Amitabh Bachchan has left his mark on the big screen as well as the small screen. Everyone knows about the country's famous quiz show 'Kaun Banega Crorepati'. Big B has been hosting this show for many years. The 16th season of Kaun Banega Crorepati will once again be hosted by Amitabh Bachchan. It is known that Amitabh had announced during the last season that it would be his last season. After this his fans were disappointed. But seems like their love and affection was enough for the veteran actor to return to the small screen. The promo of the 16th season of 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' has been shared on the official social media of Sony TV. While sharing this, the caption read, "So much love is coming back once again 'Kaun Banega Crorepati'." Along with this, it has been told that the registration for the show will start on 26 April 2024 at 9 pm. |
posted 4/16/2024 |
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ITV's "1% Club" The New King of British Games |
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The 1% Club has become the biggest game show on UK television over 2023 and to date with its current series averaging 5.8 million viewers in consolidated figures. The show's ratings success also makes it ITV's biggest original game show in a decade. Hosted by Lee Mack, the show, which last year won the National Television Award for Best Quiz Game Show, has increased year on year. The show's success has gone from strength to strength, increasing its audience since its launch two years ago. While Series 1, which launched in 2022, reached an average of 5.3 million, the second series climbed to 5.4 million. The 1% Club has proved popular Saturday night viewing for all generations, including young people. The most recent episode of the latest series, on Saturday 6th April was the most watched programme for 16-34 year olds that evening with 44% of that demographic tuning in - and the overall most watched programme of the night, with a 34% overall share of viewers. The show continues on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player on Saturday at 9pm. |
posted 4/16/2024 |
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JEOPARDY! will round out its lineup for Masters 2024 with Amy Schneider as the highly anticipated Producer's Pick, it was announced on Friday. Ken Jennings hosts the six-legend competition, which airs in primetime on ABC, starting on May 1.. Schneider will join "Jeopardy! Masters" 2023 champion James Holzhauer, as well as returning contestants Matt Amodio and Mattea Roach, and newcomers Yogesh Raut (2024 J! TOC winner) and Victoria Groce (2024 J!IT winner). "Jeopardy! Masters" comes from Sony Pictures Television and is executive produced by Michael Davies. Contestants will play for the grand prize of $500,000 and the title of "Jeopardy! Masters" Champion. The "Jeopardy! Masters" episodes will be available next day on Hulu. |
posted 4/16/2024 |
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A Hole New Ballgame |
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The much-loved, albeit short-lived game show Hole in the Wall may soon make a triumphant return to television screens. Originally broadcast on BBC1, the show first graced the airwaves in 2008 with the late Dale Winton of Supermarket Sweep fame as the host. In its subsequent series in 2009, Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke took the helm. Hole in the Wall featured celebrities donned in skintight silver suits and helmets, contorting themselves to match shapes in a swiftly approaching wall. Successful attempts saw them pass through unscathed, while failures resulted in a comedic plunge into a pool of water. A source from within the industry shared that the production company holding the rights to the show has been discussing a revival with various broadcasters. While the BBC was the original home of Hole in the Wall, there's speculation that the reboot could appear on other networks like ITV or even streaming platforms, potentially sparking a bidding war among channels. "The production company that own the rights to the show have been floating the idea of bringing it back with broadcasters," a source told The Sun. |
posted 4/16/2024 |
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Tuesday Lightning Round |
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posted 6/14/2024
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