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 90-Day Archives |
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NBC is the summer home for both the Paris Olympic Games and high-stakes competition with a robust lineup of returning powerhouse favorites, including "America's Got Talent," "American Ninja Warrior," "Password," "The Wall" and "Weakest Link." With all-new programming alongside the Summer Games, NBC looks to extend its summer dominance for 13 consecutive years. Leading into summer, "Weakest Link" will air new episodes beginning Tuesday, April 2 at 9 p.m. ET/PT and will move to Mondays starting May 20. "American Ninja Warrior" will also air two specials, including a women's championship on May 12 at 9 p.m. and a couples' championship on May 27 at 8 p.m. " America's Got Talent" takes the stage May 28 followed by new episodes of "Password." The competition continues June 3 with a new season of "American Ninja Warrior" while "The Wall" returns to the schedule July 1. All programs will stream on Peacock the day following their NBC telecast. The 2024 Olympic Games will take place July 26-Aug.11 in Paris. NBC will provide Olympic fans with at least nine hours of daily coverage from each day's most exciting events. In a Summer Games first, Peacock will stream every sport and event, including all 329 medal events, providing fans with the most-comprehensive Olympic destination in U.S. media history. The 2024 Paris Olympics will be NBC's 19th Olympic games. NBCUniversal owns the U.S. media rights to the Olympic Games through 2032. - WEAKEST LINK (May 20) Hosted by Emmy Award winner Jane Lynch, the iconic British import and international game show phenomenon returns with a new batch of episodes, including a special veteran-themed show saluting the troops. In each episode of the lightning-fast quick-witted series, eight contestants enter the studio as total strangers but must work together to bank the maximum amount of prize money available in each round. The contestants take turns answering general knowledge questions to build chains of correct answers. Consecutive correct answers greatly increase the value of the chain while incorrect answers break the chain and force the contestants to start over from the bottom of the money ladder. The top prize increases with each round but contestants must first vote to eliminate the fellow competitor they consider to be the "Weakest Link" in the chain. The contestant who receives the highest number of votes leaves the game as the host declares the iconic phrase, "You are the Weakest Link. Goodbye." |
posted 3/18/2024 |
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David Tennant has confirmed his next TV role. The Doctor Who star will front new ITV game show Genius Game, which will see "the country's most brilliant minds" take part in challenges in order to win a cash prize. Contestants, chosen due to their "high intellectual prowess" and "social IQ" will take part in unique, never-before-seen games to test these skills head-to-head in the show which originated in Korea. BAFTA (Doctor Who, The Escape Artist) and Emmy (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Des) Award-winning actor Tennant will take on the role of The Creator in the eight-part series, guiding players through each challenge. Katie Rawcliffe, Head of Entertainment at ITV, said the show will be nerve-racking not just for the players, but also those watching at home. "This exciting reality format is designed to keep not just the players but the audience on the edge of their seats with each episode containing compelling gameplay and thrilling twists," she said. Rawcliffe went on to praise Tennant's casting on the show, adding: "David Tennant is the perfect ringmaster to preside over this battle of brainpower, teamwork and deception. We're delighted to be bringing Genius Game to the ITV audience." Tamara Gilder, joint MD of Remarkable added: "We are so thrilled that David will be guiding the players through the twists and turns of the show. There's nothing quite like Genius Game, it's smart and funny – just like he is – he's the perfect frontman." A release date for the show has not yet been announced. |
posted 3/18/2024 |
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FRIDAY: Prelude to Madness |
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In the latest TV ratings, CBS' Blue Bloods was Friday's most-watched show, while Fox's Friday Night SmackDown coverage dominated the night in the coveted 18-49 demo. With the start of Luca/original cast member Kenny Johnson's two-part sendoff, CBS' S.W.A.T. (with 4.7 million total viewers and a 0.4 demo rating) ticked up in audience week-to-week. Fire Country (5.1 million total viewers, 0.4 demo rating) and Blue Bloods (5.5 million viewers, 0.4 demo rating) in turn were pretty steady, and easily delivered Friday night's two largest audiences. The three CBS dramas, following some March Madness preemptions, will resume their seasons on Friday, April 5. Elsewhere: Cable numbers (totals/A18-49) are forthcoming. |
posted 3/18/2024 |
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Monday Lightning Round |
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THURSDAY: 9-1-1 Is No Joke |
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In the latest TV ratings, CBS' Young Sheldon was Thursday's most-watched show, while ABC's 9-1-1 and Grey's Anatomy led the night in the demo. 9-1-1 christened its new network with 4.93 million total viewers and a 0.6 demo rating (per Nielsen finals), improving on its average Season 6 audience while rock-steady in the demo. (In fact, it looks to be 9-1-1's biggest audience since 6×10.) The first responders drama also improved 26% and 20% on what Station 19 did in the Thursday leadoff spot last season, giving the ABC time slot its largest audience in a little over two years (since Feb. 24, 2022). Enjoying a beefier lead-in, Grey's Anatomy (3.6 mil/0.6) improved on its previous averages (3.3 mil/0.4), while Station 19 (2.8 mil/0.4) — now closing out Thursday nights, with its farewell run — hit and matched series lows. Facing stiffer competition, CBS' Young Sheldon (6.5 mil/0.5), Ghosts (5.5 mil/0.5) and So Help Me Todd (4.2 mil/0.4) each dropped a handful of eyeballs, though Todd rose in the demo. NBC's Law & Order (4.2 mil/0.4) dropped some eyeballs, SVU (4.7 mil/0.5) was steady and Organized Crime (3.4 mil/0.3) dipped in the demo. Fox's Next Level Chef (1.8 mil/0.3) ticked down, Farmer Wants a Wife (1.8 mil/0.2) held steady. The CW's Son of a Critch (349K/0.1) and the Children Ruin Everything season finale (239K/0.1) each added some eyeballs. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 3/15/2024 |
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GLAAD Media Awards: And the Winners Were... |
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"Ted Lasso," "RuPaul's Drag Race," "Yellowjackets" and "Bottoms" were among the 35th Annual GLAAD Media Awards' list of winners. On Thursday, TV personality and comedian Wayne Brady hosted the awards show for LGBTQ-friendly media, complete with performances from Chlöe and Kate Hudson debuting their songs "FYS" and "Talk About Love," respectively. Talk show icon Oprah Winfrey received the Vanguard Award, while Emmy-winning actress Niecy Nash-Betts was honored with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award for her work toward eliminating homophobia. As far as the other winners go, the list included "Ted Lasso," "RuPaul's Drag Race," "Bottoms," "Yellowjackets" and many more. Singer-songwriter Reneé Rapp was given the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Music Artist, presented by Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong. |
posted 3/15/2024 |
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FREEZE! |
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Fremantle has acquired global production rights to the Japanese format "Freeze." The high-energy comedic game show, which has aired for two seasons in Japan, was developed and produced by FANY Studio and Yoshimoto Kogyo for Amazon Prime Video. It is FANY Studio's first global deal since it was set up in May 2023. In "Freeze," contestants battle it out for a grand prize. The rules are simple: Players enter a closed room and simply must "freeze" until the presenter releases them. With traps and tricks along the way that provoke reaction from the players, such as flying mannequins and giant popping balloons, only those who remain still, will survive to battle it out for a place in the grand finale. Those who move, laugh or react the most will be eliminated. The player who remains still for the longest time throughout the game is crowned the winner and will receive a prize. Vasha Wallace, exec VP global acquisitions and development at Fremantle, said: "When the team at FANY Studio first showed us a clip of 'Freeze,' we all thought it was hilarious and we knew this would resonate with audiences everywhere." Wallace added: "'Freeze' is all about having nerves of steel and a fun and unique mechanism that is bound to keep viewers of all ages entertained." Mari Kawamura, head of global business at FANY Studio, said: "Many Japanese children grew up playing games 'Freeze (Do Not Move)' with their friends, and we believe this simple rule is universal which can make audiences laugh." |
posted 3/15/2024 |
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Happy Friday Lightning Round |
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WEDNESDAY: GO! |
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In the latest TV ratings, CBS' Survivor was Wednesday's most-watched and highest-rated show, with NBC's #OneChicago still in rerun mode. Survivor (with 4.6 million total viewers and a 0.7 demo rating) ticked up in both measures. The Amazing Race's Season 36 premiere (2.8 mil/0.4) was up 7% in audience from its previous premiere and steady in the demo. Fox's The Masked Singer (3.3 mil/0.4) was steady, Animal Control (1.7 mil/0.2) added some viewers, and Family Guy (810K/0.2) dropped some eyeballs vs. its Wednesday debut. ABC's The Conners (3.4 mil/0.4) and Not Dead Yet (2.2 mil/0.3) were steady, Abbott Elementary (2.4 mil/0.4) grew in both measures, and Judge Steve Harvey (1.5 mil/0.1) dipped in the demo with an Abbott rerun as a lead-in this week. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 3/14/2024 |
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Holly Willoughby Goes on a Bear Hunt |
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Holly Willoughby will host a brand new British game show for Netflix. The Dancing on Ice star is joining forces with naturalist Bear Grylls for Bear Hunt, a new reality format taking place in a Central American jungle. Bear Hunt will involve a crop of brave celebrities being hunted by Bear in the jungle and eliminated one by one until only the strongest survive. The streaming service has teased on Twitter / X: "Bear Hunt – a new action-packed competition show where a group of unlikely British celebrities are dropped into the Central American jungle as prey for one of the world's most fearsome predators... Bear Grylls." The series will premiere on the streaming service next year, with more information on the celebrity cast to follow. |
posted 3/14/2024 |
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More on "Lovers and Liars" |
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Nice gals and FGirls, it's time for a rebrand: you will henceforth be known as Lovers and Liars! EW can exclusively report the three leads of the FBoy Island spinoff formerly known as FGirl Island — and they're all familiar faces. FBoy Island season 1's Casey Johnson, season 2's Benedict Polizzi, and season 3's CJ Weathers will be tasked with deciding who of the 24 women that join them are looking for love, and who are just in it for the chance to win $100,000. If you're caught up on the title switch from FGirl Island to Lovers and Liars, don't worry. In the exclusive video below, host Nikki Glaser is a little bit, too: "One might think this show is called FGirl Island, but it's not, you silly goose. You wish!" "All of us are immensely proud to present Lovers and Liars, a show that is definitely not FGirl Island," executive producer Elan Gale tells EW. "Honestly, we have no idea where that rumor came from. We've never even heard of her. She doesn't even go here." The men are looking forward to flipping the script on the FBoy Island format. "It feels a whole lot better when 24 girls are dating YOU," Benedict — who made it to the finale of season 2 as a Nice Guy and made a second appearance in season 3 as an FBoy — tells EW, adding that "it's a relief knowing I'm not gonna get eliminated just [because] of my resting FBoy face." CJ calls Lovers and Liars a "full 360" from his experience on FBoy Island. "I was in control of my destiny and could make a decision," he tells EW. Casey adds that while it was nice not to be worried about being sent home, there was now "a fear or picking the wrong girl, which is equally worrisome." |
posted 3/14/2024 |
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France Has the Power |
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France's W9 is preparing to launch a new gameshow from European prodco Dreamspark and RTL Group-owned Studio 89. The Power is set in an isolated house and features 13 celebrities who must live together while facing a series of challenges. However, each week one of the contestants gains control over the house – with power over what they eat, when they sleep and who faces which challenges. The contestant will also pick out a single player for elimination, whose only chance of survival is to guess who the player with the power is. It will debut on RTL-owned W9 at the start of April. Moe Bennani, CEO of Dreamspark & executive producer on The Power, said the show "is born from a simple yet profound question that resonates through the corridors of our society: Who really holds the power?" |
posted 3/14/2024 |
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NAACP Image Awards: And the Winners Were... |
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HBO's A Black Lady Sketch Show was named Outstanding Variety Show, DC Young Fly of Celebrity Squares was named Outstanding Host and Issa Rae of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse won for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance on Night 2 of the NAACP Image Awards. The winners in the mostly TV categories were announced Tuesday during a virtual awards ceremony as part of a weeklong rollout of winners across various events. That all comes ahead of Saturday's main 55th NAACP Image Awards, hosted by Queen Latifah and airing live on BET and CBS. |
posted 3/13/2024 |
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Keke Palmer may be a game show host, but she's not playing when it comes to how seriously she takes games. The host of NBC's "Password," who made Emmy history this year for her role by becoming the first Black woman to win for outstanding game show host, isn't messing around with games of any kind − especially her childhood favorite board game: "Monopoly will have people cussing you out; it's worse than Spades!" "Monopoly I still play on my phone," Palmer says. "My family had stopped playing with me because I was always taking up their property and putting them in bankruptcy. But I absolutely love that game to this day." Executive producer and star Jimmy Fallon, who pairs with contestants to compete against another celebrity-civilian duo for a chance at $25,000, says viewers "are going to fall in love with these contestants this year." This season's celebrity guests are an A-list lineup of talent, including Wiz Khalifa, Jimmy Kimmel, Johnny Knoxville, Chance the Rapper, Meghan Trainor and Lindsey Vonn. Who's best? Comedian and former "Daily Show" correspondent Roy Wood Jr. was "amazing at the game," Palmer says. "Down to the wire, he was getting everything." Joe Manganiello, who appears in the season premiere − "a stud, and everyone just goes crazy, the audience loves him," Fallon says − was also a favorite. "I think by the end of the game he thought that he might be a psychic," Fallon says. In the latest TV ratings, CBS' FBI was Tuesday's most-watched program, and it also tied for the nightly demo win. With ABC's Tuesday dramas in rerun mode…. FBI (with 7 million viewers and a 0.4 rating) was up 11% in audience though down a tick in the demo. FBI: International (5.3 mil/0.4) and FBI: Most Wanted (4.9 mil/0.3) were both up in audience and steady in the demo. NBC's Night Court (3 mil/0.3), Extended Family (2.5 mil/0.2) and The Voice (4.3 mil/0.3) all were up in audience, though Extended Family dipped in the demo. Password opened Season 2 with 3.1 mil and a 0.3 — on par with its Christmas special, but down from its summer 2022 averages (4 mil/0.4). Fox's The Cleaning Lady (1.4 mil/0.2) and Alert: MPU (1.2 mil/0.2) both lost veiwers but were steady in the demo. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 3/13/2024 |
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It's Happening Again |
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Season two of Wait, What Happened?, a trivia game show hosted by Frank Nicotero that streams on Hearst Television's Very Local app, debuts March 13. The first six of the 10 episodes are set in Cincinnati, while the remaining four are set in New Orleans. |
posted 3/13/2024 |
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Robyn Bernard, who starred on General Hospital for several years in the 1980s, has died. She was 64. According to the Riverside County Coroner's Office, the actress' body was found in a field behind a business in San Jacinto, California, early Tuesday morning. The cause of death was not immediately available, and the Riverside County Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate. Bernard, the older sister of Wings actress Crystal Bernard, was born on May 26, 1959, in Gladewater, Texas. She landed her first acting role in Diva in 1981. But she didn't score her big break until 1984, when she was cast as Terry Brock on the ABC soap opera General Hospital. She played the daughter of David Groh's villainous D.L. Brock for 145 episodes until her exit in 1990. On the show, Terry developed a drinking problem, which ultimately impacted her character's music career. Bernard's other acting credits included appearances on such TV shows as Simon & Simon, Whiz Kids, The Facts of Life, Tour of Duty and Maigret and in movies including Betty Blue (1986), Roselyne and the Lions (1989) and Kings for a Day (1997). In game shows, Bernard appeared on episodes of Hollywood Squares and Win, Lose or Draw. Her last onscreen appearance was in Voices From the High School (2002), where she played a psychologist. |
posted 3/13/2024 |
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DJ Nurre Fired |
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Details have emerged about the circumstances surrounding DJ Nurre's rather abrupt exit from Endemol Shine North America. As Deadline reported exclusively Monday, Nurre, one of the company's top unscripted executives, has left after six years. According to sources, Nurre was let go for violating company policy following an investigation into alleged misconduct. Deadline reports an outside firm was hired to examine claims of alleged sexual harassment related to an incident during production and its aftermath. "As per our policy, we do not share specifics about employees leaving the company," a spokesperson for Endemol Shine North America said in a statement to Deadline, declining further comment. Nurre's attorney, Michael Weinsten, issued a statement to Deadline about the firing. "My client was terminated for allegedly violating company policy," he said. "To be 100% clear, he vehemently denies having engaged in harassment of anyone in any form at any time in his career." Nurre, who was EVP Unscripted Series at the Banijay-owned production company, has exec produced such series as Fox's MasterChef, Lego Masters and MasterChef Junior; CBS' Come Dance with Me; TBS' Wipeout, ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition; and NBC's recent Deal or No Deal reboot Deal or No Deal Island. |
posted 3/13/2024 |
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MONDAY: Louder! |
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In the latest TV ratings, NBC's The Voice was Monday's most-watched program (with CBS' NCIS in rerun mode), while ABC's The Bachelor led the night in the demo. The Voice (with 5.9 million total viewers and a 0.5 demo rating) was steady week-to-week. Deal or No Deal Island (2.9 mil/0.3) added some eyeballs. The Bachelor (3.7 mil/0.6) dipped in the demo. Fox's MasterChef Junior (1.5 mil/0.2) ticked down in both measures. So You Think You Can Dance (1.2 mil/0.1) added some eyeballs but slipped to a new all-time demo low. CBS's The Neighborhood (4.7 mil/0.4) dropped a few eyeballs, while Bob Hearts Abishola (4.2 mil/0.3) dipped in both measures to match series lows. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 3/13/2024 |
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SUNDAY: Doing Just... Kenough |
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The 2024 Oscars were the most watched in four years. The Jimmy Kimmel-hosted telecast on ABC averaged 19.5 million viewers, according to time zone-adjusted fast national ratings from Nielsen. That's a 4 percent increase from a year ago. The 96th Academy Awards scored the biggest audience for any awards show since 2020, when that year's Oscars — held a month before the U.S. went into lockdown in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic — drew 23.64 million viewers. Last year's ceremony drew 18.76 million viewers. The Oscar telecast has slowly built back its audience after bottoming out with the pandemic-affected 2021 awards, which drew only 10.4 million viewers for a vastly scaled-down telecast (which also aired in late April, not its usual March spot). Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 3/13/2024 |
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Wednesday Lightning Round |
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CBS and the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences have announced the details for the 51st Annual Daytime Emmy Awards. The event will take place on Friday, June 7, at the Westin Bonaventure in Los Angeles and air live on CBS from 8:00pm to 10:00pm Eastern (tape delayed on the west coast). You'll also be able to stream the program live on Paramount+. The Lifetime Achievement recipient, nominations, host, and additional information will be announced in the coming weeks. Adam Sharp, president and CEO of the NATAS, said in a statement, "We eagerly anticipate our return in June as we once again partner with CBS to recognize the exceptional and talented individuals who make daytime television great. We're thrilled to kick off our second half-century of the Daytime Emmys." These Daytime Emmys come just a few months after the 50th anniversary show. That 2023 event was originally scheduled for June 16, 2023, but was delayed until December 15 due to the Writers Guild and SAG-AFTRA strikes that shut down productions across the entertainment industry. But to be clear, those awards honored the best achievements from the calendar year 2022, while these awards will focus on the calendar year 2023. These awards celebrate the best achievements in daytime television, including soap operas like "General Hospital" and "The Young and the Restless" and daytime talk shows like "The Kelly Clarkson Show" and "Live with Kelly and Mark." They also celebrate lifestyle shows, culinary shows, and legal/courtroom programs. Game shows used to be celebrated here, but those prizes have been moved to the Primetime Emmys, while animated and children's shows were spun off to their own Children's and Family Emmys ceremony. |
posted 3/12/2024 |
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Chef-fle Up and Deal |
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Are you feeling lucky? A new Food Network competition show is bringing elements of poker into the kitchen. "Wildcard Kitchen" is a first-of-its-kind competition show that blends poker with a fast-paced cooking competition. The show is hosted by New York City chef Eric Adjepong. "I'm a food nut. I love food, cooking it, the science of it, the nutrition, the service of it all. I've dedicated my life to food and everything that revolves around it," said Adjepong. "I fell in love with food at a really, really young age watching TV, ironically cooking shows. It's so ironic but really cool for me and surreal to be in this position to actually be hosting a show that hopefully kids young enough to be influenced, can be influenced by it as well." Adjepong says that "Wildcard Kitchen" brings a cool, speakeasy vibe to the competition, with similar elements to what you'd have on a night out playing poker. The chefs who will be competing this season include Maneet Chauhan, Brian Malarkey and Marc Murphy; Gabriele Bertaccini, Rocco Dispirito and Antonia Lofaso; Jet Tila, Eddie Jackson and Viet Pham; and Stephanie Izard, Joe Sasto and Justin Sutherland. Anne Burrell, Esther Choi and Scott Conant will be judging the fierce competition. In each episode, the contestants are up against three rounds of competition. As the host, Adjepong acts as the house and deals cards to the competitors, which can range from ingredients they must use, a style they have to cook in, and more, and each person is given a wild card. They are tasked to create unpredictable dishes based on the cards they are dealt, which can throw the chefs into a loop. "There's Community Cards where everyone has to pretty much adhere to. Let's say everyone has to make fish and chips in 20 minutes, but you have to use anchovies. But then let's say I give you a wild card where you have the exclusive use of all the salt in the kitchen, and another wild card is that someone else has an extra 20 minutes to cook. The chefs bid depending on their hand and also knowing their opponent as well, it's competitive," said Adjepong. "It's fun, it's competitive. kind of see the true competitive nature of the chefs." |
posted 3/12/2024 |
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Michael Davies Teases Change to Jeopardy! |
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Changes could be afoot for the syndicated iteration of Jeopardy! Michael Davies, the iconic game show's executive producer, has some ideas about how to make it easier for viewers to play along at home. In the latest edition of the Inside Jeopardy! Podcast, he revealed his belief that some audience members "get very lost in our gameplay." "Now, with all of the Daily Double hunting, people jump all over. They go to the deeper dollar value first and jump all over the board," he added. "I don't think it would ever be natural to dictate players to play in a certain order." Celebrity Jeopardy! previously tried to remedy this by using clues displayed on a split screen instead of a whole screen. Changing anything regarding the show usually comes with caveats because fans have watched the show for many years, so they expect most things to remain the same. The change on Celebrity Jeopardy! didn't cause as much controversy as he anticipated, which could mean he will implement it in the daily iteration of the show in the near future. "One change we made in Celebrity [Jeopardy!] that I still find remarkable is that we didn't get more people commenting on was that we left the three contestants on the right side of the screen," Davies explained. "So you could see the full game board when people choose the categories, and we also highlighted where people chose them so you had a real geographical sense of where the clue was coming from," he added. |
posted 3/12/2024 |
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FRIDAY: Cops and Jobbers |
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In the latest TV ratings, the first of S.W.A.T.'s two episodes on CBS delivered 4.6 million total viewers, easily marking Friday night's largest audience. The second S.W.A.T. episode — which wrote out original cast member Alex Russell's Jim Street — retained 4.3 million total viewers. (Closing out CBS' night, a Blue Bloods rerun drew 2.8 million.) Next week, CBS returns to a line-up of all-new S.W.A.T., Fire Country and Blue Bloods episodes. Dominating Friday in the demo this week, like most every week, was Fox's Friday Night SmackDown, which was up 11% and scored a 0.6 rating. In total audience, SmackDown was up 6% to deliver a three-week high of 2.37 million viewers. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 3/12/2024 |
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Bear Grylls Finds No Way Back |
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Talpa Studios has teamed up with Bunim/Murray Productions and The Natural Studios to bring the new adventure reality show No Way Back to the U.S., led by Bear Grylls. The adventure reality show originally premiered on SBS6 in the Netherlands, with a market share peak of 17.3 percent among the key demographic of 25 to 59. In the U.S. treatment, former British SAS trooper Grylls takes on the leading role and encourages the 16 diverse contestants to grow and surpass their own expectations as they navigate unique challenges. Grylls said: "No Way Back is a proven phenomenon, and it's easy to see why. You mix adventure, hard cash and even harder decision-making under pressure, and you have the ingredients for drama. I'm excited and proud to be bringing this show to new territories and reminding global audiences that the wild takes away, but it also rewards…Get ready for the adventure!" Julie Pizzi, president of Bunim/ Murray, added: "We are thrilled to be teaming up with John and the team at Talpa Studios on No Way Back, which clearly resonated with Dutch viewers right out of the gate, and we expect it to do likewise here in the U.S., especially with someone as experienced in adventure as Bear Grylls onboard." John de Mol, owner of Talpa Studios, said: "Following the introduction of two successful quiz show formats in the U.S., we are excited to now bring No Way Back, our new adventure reality format, to the world's most significant TV market. With No Way Back, we are introducing a pioneering format to the global stage, underscored by our collaboration with Bear Grylls, an international phenomenon in the world of survival. Bear's involvement, given his vast experience and the groundbreaking shows he has led, elevates this format to new heights, promising an unparalleled adventure for both participants and viewers." Bunim/Murray Productions and The Natural Studios recently produced I Survived Bear Grylls for TBS. |
posted 3/12/2024 |
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Celebrity Big Brother UK: Sharon Osbourne Exits |
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Sharon Osbourne exited Celebrity Big Brother after spending eight days in the most famous house in the UK. Osbourne was a "lodger" and wasn't an official housemate, having agreed to appear in the reality competition for only one week. The former The Talk co-host was not evicted from the house and didn't face the public vote. "It's been a great party. I have loved it," Osbourne said after Big Brother announced her time had ended. |
posted 3/12/2024 |
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Tuesday Lightning Round |
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Michelle Visage Takes Over "Down Under" |
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For the first time in "Drag Race" history, Emmy-award winner Michelle Visage, who has been a judge on "RuPaul's Drag Race" and "RuPaul's Drag Race: U.K.," will step onto the main stage and host the fourth season of "RuPaul's Drag Race: Down Under." As he hands the hosting baton to Visage, RuPaul will remain on the series as an executive producer. He said, "It has been my great honor to bring Drag Race to Australasia. I can't wait to see the franchise continue to flourish under the leadership of the incredible Michelle Visage." In a statement to Variety, Visage said, "As the 'RuPaul's Drag Race' universe continues to expand, I am thrilled and honored to host 'Drag Race Down Under' Season 4. From my early days in the Harlem ballroom scene to the past 13 years as RuPaul's head judge, I've loved and lived for drag queens. I'd do anything to help these extraordinaire queer artists share their charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent with the world." Visage is no stranger to hosting. She gave audiences a taste of what she could do last year when she had to fill in for RuPaul on "RuPaul's Drag Race: U.K." She joined the show as a regular back on Season 3 of "RuPaul's Drag Race" and has been a staple ever since. Visage also hosts "Whatcha Packing," an exit interview style series where she sits down with the eliminated queen from the show to talk about their journey and experience. |
posted 3/11/2024 |
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The United States of K-Pop |
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America's undiscovered K-pop stars are getting their shot at fame. LA producer-distributor The Gurin Company and Titan Content, the U.S.-based K-pop company launched by former SM Entertainment CEO Nikki Semin Han, have teamed to created TV talent search format K-Pop Dreams (working title). UTA packaged the deal. K-Pop Dreams is being billed as a "ten-episode non-conventional talent search format aimed at making "American K-pop dreams come true." It will look to open doors for undiscovered K-pop talent in cities across the U.S. The Gurin Company will produce the series and sell it through its distribution subsidiary, TGC Global Entertainment. Gurin, who switched representation from CAA to UTA last September, has finished tape and format rights. Viewers will follow an immersive journey that goes from initial talent discovery and planning sessions to the meticulous development and shaping of K-pop spectacles. The producers say it will offer "unparalleled insights from discovery to the debut show of the new group." |
posted 3/11/2024 |
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ZDF Races Around the World |
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A six-part series based on Studio Lambert's Race Across the World is set to air on German pubcaster ZDF in spring 2025. Planning is underway for casting and filming is set for the fall, with All3Media's German producer, Tower, attached to make the show. Kirstin Benthaus-Gebauer will be the producer with Friederike Haedecke, Johannes Geiger, Thorsten Haas and Daniel Nemetschek the editors. The original BBC show has run to strong ratings in the UK for three seasons and one celebrity series. New seasons of both versions have been commissioned after the the first ep of the celebrity run drew 6.2 million viewers, consolidating the format's position among the BBC's top factual programs. The German deal, struck with distributor All3Media International, marks the fifth international version of the show, coming after three seasons on TV2 in Denmark, an upcoming production on MTV Katsomo and MTV3 in Finland, and a trio of seasons in the Netherlands on RTL, where IDTV, the company behind The Traitors, produces. The format follows competing teams of two tasked with finding quick and inexpensive ways through countries and climates without smartphones, internet access or credit cards. |
posted 3/11/2024 |
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Monday Lightning Round |
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THURSDAY: The State of the Union |
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More than 32.2 million total people tuned in on Thursday night for President Joe Biden's 2024 State of the Union address followed by the Republican response (provided by Alabama Sen. Katie Britt), according to updated tallies from Nielsen. That marks an 18% gain over last year's SOTU. Nielsen notes that 5% of viewers were aged 18-34,19% were 35-54, and 74% of viewers were aged 55 and older. Fox News Channel once again led the TV pack with an average SOTU audience of 5.64 million viewers (from 9:15-10:45pm ET, up 20% from the cabler's coverage of Biden's 2023 address), followed by ABC (5 million, up 16% YOY), NBC (4.3 million), MSNBC (4.2 million), CBS (3.9 million), CNN (2.6 million, including CNN.com), Fox (1.7 million), Fox News Business (210K) and CNBC (112K). Elsewhere... Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 3/8/2024 |
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WEDNESDAY: Rita Ora Takes Her Seat at "The Masked Singer" |
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"The Masked Singer" didn't have to look far to find a fill-in for panelist Nicole Scherzinger, who spent the fall starring in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard on London's West End. Singer/songwriter Rita Ora has served as a panelist on "The Masked Singer UK" for several seasons — making it an easy trip across the pond to take Scherzinger's chair alongside Ken Jeong, Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg and Robin Thicke. U.S. audiences will get their first look at Ora behind the panelists' table as "The Masked Singer" returns on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on Fox. The show opens with Ora singing The Who's "Who Are You?" (one of the signature "Masked Singer" themes). In arriving on these shores, Ora said she was immediately blown away by the level of celebrity talent that signed up for the Fox series. "I think here in the U.S. it's just definitely bigger," Ora said of the comparison between the two countries' "Masked Singer" editions. "I've been doing it in the UK for five seasons and it's such a joy doing it back home. I've obviously seen the level of talent on the US version and I just had to be a part of the madness. It feels very similar, but it's nice because I think there's a lot more leeway here in the States. Especially this season. There's so many surprises that I'm like, 'Oh, is this allowed?'" The Masked Singer (3.3 mil/0.4) returned down from its fall season averages. Animal Control (1.6 mil/0.2) returned to a bigger audience than its freshman average (1.3 mil), now that it has something actually resembling a lead-in. Family Guy christened its brand-new night with 919,000 viewers and a 0.2 rating, which is up a bit in audience vs. last season's post-football average (893K) but down a tick in the demo. CBS' Survivor was Wednesday's most-watched and highest-rated show, with NBC's #OneChicago in rerun mode for a few weeks. Survivor (with 4.4 million total viewers and a 0.6 demo rating per Nielsen finals) was down week-to-week. Leading out of two hours' worth of reruns on ABC, Judge Steve Harvey (1.5 mil/0.2) was down in audience yet up in the demo. The CW'sild Cards (605K) swelled to a season high in audience; Family Law (457K) was also up sharply. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 3/8/2024 |
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TUESDAY: When the FBI's Away... |
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In the latest TV ratings, with #TheFBIs in rerun mode: ABC's Will Trent was Tuesday's most-watched show and landed in a five-way tie for the nightly demo win. Will Trent (with 4.7 million total viewers and a 0.3 demo rating) was up in eyeballs (possibly hitting a series high) but down a tick in the demo. The Rookie (3.3 mil/0.3) was steady in audience and also down in the demo. NBC's Night Court (2.9 mil/0.3) and Extended Family (2.3 mil/0.2) returned steady, while The Voice (3.7 mil/0.3) was down week-to-week. Fox's The Cleaning Lady (1.8 mil/0.2) posted its second-smallest audience ever and tied its demo low with its Season 3 opener. Alert: MPU matched series lows with its Season 2 premiere. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 3/8/2024 |
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Happy Friday Lightning Round |
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Steve Lawrence, the entertainer who spent decades as one half of the iconic singing duo Steve & Eydie with wife Eydie Gorme, has died at 88. A rep for the Emmy and Grammy winner tells ABC News Lawrence died on Thursday from complications due to Alzheimer's disease. Born Sidney Liebowitz, the Brooklyn, New York, native began his entertainment career at just 16-years-old after winning a talent competition. He met his wife and singing partner-to-be when they both appeared on Steve Allen's "Tonight Show." The pair were married in Las Vegas in 1957. They gigged regularly in Vegas throughout the '60s, also playing New York, Chicago and Miami, and were mainstays on TV during the variety show heyday, appearing on "The Ed Sullivan Show" and others. Lawrence and Gorme also appeared on Broadway in productions like "Golden Rainbow," and Lawrence was nominated for a Tony for his solo turn in 1954's "What Makes Sammy Run?" He also had 33 songs on the Billboard chart between 1952 and 1966, with five reaching the top 10. The performer was also a regular guest on "The Carol Burnett Show" in the '70s; in the '80s, he and his fellow New Yorker Gorme played a series of sold-out concerts at Carnegie Hall. Lawrence appeared on dozens of TV shows over the years, from "Two and a Half Men" to "C.S.I.," and he made one appearance as Morty Fine, the mysterious dad of Fran Drescher's character in "The Nanny." In game shows, Lawrence featured on episodes of Juke Box Jury, I've Got a Secret, Password, What's My Line?, and Tattletales. On the big screen, he logged appearances in films including 1980's "The Blues Brothers" opposite John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, and its sequel in 2000 with Aykroyd and John Goodman. Gorme passed away in 2013, and the eldest of their sons, Michael, died in 1986. |
posted 3/7/2024 |
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Debra Byrd, a vocal coach for such shows as American Idol, The Voice and others, died March 5 in Los Angeles. She was 72 and no cause or location was given. Byrd's students included Grammy winners, recording artists, actors, musicians and Broadway stars. She worked closely with Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, Bob Dylan, Barry Manilow and many others. Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, Byrd attended Kent State University and studied at the Karamu and Dobama Theaters. She went on to perform with Barry Manilow for many years, touring around the world as part of Ladyflash, the featured backup group for Manilow. They released one hit of their own in 1976, "Street Singin'." The tune, which was written and arranged by Manilow, reached No. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. "This is one of the saddest days of my life," Manilow wrote on X/Twitter. "I just can't wrap around the fact that Debra Byrd is no longer with me. She was one of the most wonderful friends I've ever had. I will miss you forever, my love." "I don't think it would be an exaggeration to say that no one was a better mentor, coach, teacher, or champion to us Idol contestants than Byrd was," said Clay Aiken. "No one spent more time with us. I'll never forget her drilling into us how we needed to look right into the camera and connect with the audience at home. She was a light in so many lives. I am so lucky that I got to call her a friend." Jennifer Hudson took to social media and wrote that she was "heartbroken" at the news of Byrd's passing. "She encouraged and supported us from the very beginning ! I am so grateful for everything she taught us," wrote the Season 3 standout. "She will be dearly missed, but her legacy lives on through the music of countless artists she influenced during her lifetime." Byrd collaborated with Bob Dylan in Australia on his tour, "Hard to Handle: Bob Dylan in Concert," where he played with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Byrd worked with Dylan again on "Band of the Hand" with Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks. She also gave voice lessons to Dylan. As an actor-performer, Byrd garnered acclaim for her starring role as Da Singer in the national touring company of Broadway's Bring In 'Da Noise, Bring In 'Da Funk. She was nominated for a 2001 Black Theatre Alliance Award for Could It Be Magic. Her theatrical credits on Broadway productions included The Human Comedy, Barry Manilow on Broadway, Haarlem Nocturne," and her contributions to the Broadway and national tour renditions of Ain't Misbehavin'." Byrd also lent her vocal talents to film soundtracks, including The Lion King, 2 1/2, and Sister Act II. Byrd was the vocal coach on American Idol from the first episode through Season 10, when she was also a coach on the show's Canadian counterpart. She was then tapped to be a vocal coach on The Voice. She sang in the choir of the performance of Mighty River at the 2018 Oscars and served as a vocal coach on the 2014 Oscars. Additionally, Byrd was hired by NBC to oversee vocal production for their 2019 Super Bowl tribute to Prince, directed by Spike Lee. In the academic world, Byrd was chair of the vocal department at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles. She also served as an artist in residence at the prestigious Berklee College of Music. No information on survivors or memorial plans was immediately available, |
posted 3/7/2024 |
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1% Club... TWO More Seasons |
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It might come as no surprise to fans that The 1% Club will be back for more, but it was a bit of a shock for its host Lee Mack. The ITV series took the Quiz Game Show gong at the National Television Awards in 2023, the same year it successfully launched a live play-along app, which topped the download charts. Now running for its third series on Saturday nights, The Sun reports it has already been locked in for two more seasons. An insider said: "The show has well and truly proved its popularity with viewers, and so it's only natural to bring it back for not one, but two more rounds. "This will also include two Christmas specials, which will air on ITV after the main series have run." The fourth and fifth series will follow the usual format, which sees 100 contestants battle it out to win a top prize of £100,000 ($127,320) by answering logic-based questions. |
posted 3/7/2024 |
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We Know You're Sorry... NOW APOLOGIZE! |
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A Conservative Party peer in the UK has been forced to apologize and pay damages to a University Challenge contestant who she accused of making a coded antisemitic attack via an octopus mascot and jacket supposedly emblazoned with the colors of the Palestinian flag. Baroness Jacqueline Foster took to X today to apologize "for my part in posts made about" Melika Gorgianeh in the aftermath of the episode, which had caused a furore on social media as people believed the mascot and colors to be coded. "I wrongly alleged that Ms Gorgianeh chose one of the most disgusting antisemitic symbols, a blue octopus as her team's mascot which I held her responsible for," said Foster. "I accept that these allegations were completely false and unfounded. I made a grave mistake in making those posts and I should not have done so." Foster added that she has "agreed to pay substantial damages and costs" to Gorgianeh, and the pair have reached an "amicable resolution." In statement issued through her solicitors, Gorgianeh said the impact of Baroness Foster's comments had made her afraid to leave her house. She said: "The false allegation of antisemitism has had a profound and deeply damaging impact on my life. "I was a student appearing on my favourite TV quiz show. All of a sudden, lies told about me, and only me, led to me receiving death threats and to my mental health deteriorating." Gorgianeh's solicitor, Zillur Rahman of Rahman Lowe Solicitors, said the Baroness's comments had been "deeply disturbing". He added: "Baroness Foster's apology, and her payment of substantial damages, goes some way to healing the damage that she has caused to our client."" |
posted 3/7/2024 |
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Thursday Lightning Round |
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CBS is developing a soap opera about a wealthy family that could become the first daytime TV drama with a predominately Black cast in decades. The project is titled The Gates, and it follows the lives of a wealthy Black family living in a posh, gated community. The show will be produced by a CBS Studios/NAACP production venture in partnership with P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble. The Gates will be written by Emmy-winning daytime veteran Michele Val Jean (The Bold & the Beautiful), who will also serve as showrunner. Val Jean has also written more than 2,000 episodes of daytime TV. The last Black daytime soap was NBC's short-lived Generations, which launched in 1989 as a half-hour drama and was reportedly the first U.S. soap to center around a Black family from its inception. Also, Fox's 2015 hit drama Empire was regarded by some as a soap opera, though one that aired in primetime. "The Gates will be everything we love about daytime drama, from a new and fresh perspective," said Sheila Ducksworth, president of the CBS Studios NAACP venture. "This series will salute an audience that has been traditionally underserved, with the potential to be a groundbreaking moment for broadcast television. With multi-dimensional characters, juicy storylines and Black culture front and center, The Gates will have impactful representation, one of the key touchstones of the venture. I'm excited to develop this project with CBS and P&G, two of the longest and most passionate champions of broadcast and daytime television, and the NAACP, whose enduring commitment to Black voices and artists is both powerful and inspiring." Launching any new daytime soap would actually break a decades-long streak, as the genre has fallen out of favor given its declining ratings amid competition from streaming. The last time a broadcaster launched a new soap opera was in 1999 (NBC's Passions), while CBS' last new soap was The Bold & the Beautiful, which debuted in 1987. There are currently only three surviving daytime soaps on broadcast: The Young & the Restless, Bold & the Beautiful and General Hospital (with Days of Our Lives on Peacock). In 2011, ABC made headlines for axing two of the long-running soaps, All My Children and One Life to Live. Two years later, Prospect Park attempted to relaunch the soaps online. But CBS recently renewed the 51-year-old Young & the Restless for four additional years. |
posted 3/6/2024 |
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Chris Harrison Looks for a Dating Game Return |
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Former Bachelor host Chris Harrison has set his return to television with a new reality dating series and morning show. As well as hosting the untitled weekday morning talk show with his wife Lauren Zima, Harrison will also contribute to Dr. Phil McGraw's Dr. Phil Primetime. This is part of an overall deal that Harrison signed with McGraw's Merit Street Media, a new streaming and broadcast network that launches on April 2 with Dr. Phil Primetime. Not many details were released about the reality dating program, but Harrison is co-creating and hosting it. The show will be filmed at Merit Street's headquarters studios in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. Harrison told Entertainment Tonight that he thought "long and hard about" this new venture following his public exit from The Bachelor franchise. "Call it divine intervention, karma, kismet, whatever it is, the fact that Dr. Phil created this network in my own backyard here in Dallas, it means the world to me to, not only be returning to television, but to be doing it here in a hometown crowd," he said. Harrison departed the ABC reality show in 2021 following backlash for an Extra interview he did with former Bachelorette star Rachel Lindsay. In the interview, the host did not denounce allegations of past racism against season 25 contestant Rachael Kirkconnell, who went on to win that season with the first-ever Black star of The Bachelor, Matt James. Following the criticism, the host took an unplanned hiatus from the reality series and never returned amid the firestorm that ultimately led to his exit. |
posted 3/6/2024 |
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"Beat Shazam" Season 7... The Comeback |
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Award-winning actor, singer and comedian Jamie Foxx will make his return as host and executive producer of the hit interactive music game show Beat Shazam alongside his daughter, producer and activist Corinne Foxx, who will return as co-host and deejay. The series, produced by Apploff Entertainment, MGM Alternative Television and BiggerStage in association with Shazam, kicks off Season Seven on Tuesday, May 28 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX and will stream on Hulu. "Jamie and Corinne are the heart and soul of Beat Shazam," said Allison Wallach, FOX Entertainment's President of Unscripted Entertainment. "As our undeniably dynamic father-daughter hosting team, they bring a relationship like no other to a show like no other, and it's wonderful having them back on set this season." Beat Shazam is an interactive game show that pits teams of two against the clock and each other, as they attempt to identify the biggest hit songs of all time. In the end, the team with the most money banked will outlast the competition and go against Shazam, the world's most popular song identification app, for the chance to win $1 million dollars. Over the course of its six previous seasons, the show has given away more than $10 million dollars. This season, the series will have special themed episodes that include teams of fathers, siblings, teachers, heroes and mothers - all battling it out to win the prize of a lifetime. Beat Shazam was created by Jeff Apploff and Wes Kauble, and is produced by Apploff Entertainment, MGM Alternative Television and BiggerStage in association with Shazam. Apploff, Mark Burnett, Barry Poznick, Lauren Zalaznick, Pat Kiely, Sean O'Riordan and Jamie Foxx serve as executive producers. |
posted 3/6/2024 |
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Another One... |
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So You Think You Can Dance co-creator and former judge Nigel Lythgoe has been accused of sexual assault for the fourth time in less than three months. "Lythgoe's sexual assault and battery were so traumatizing that Plaintiff no longer feels like the confident, capable, and independent woman that she was before the incident," says Jane Doe of the alleged 2018 incident in a filing today in LA Superior Court. Similar to an alleged 2015 attack Paula Abdul detailed in her own suit late last year, and the early January a sexual assault/battery, sexual harassment and negligence civil suit by Jane Doe K.G. and Jane Doe K.N., this latest Jane Doe's claim occurred at Lythgoe's LA residence. In this case a meeting that seemingly turned toxic fast: "After a few minutes of professional discourse, Lythgoe suddenly forced Plaintiff against the property's exterior side wall by shoving his knee between her legs and then started licking Plaintiff's neck, touching her genitalia, and grouping her all over. Plaintiff tried to push Lythgoe away from her but he had her pinned against the wall so that she could not move. Lythgoe continued to grope and tried to kiss Plaintiff. Once Plaintiff could break free of Lythgoe, she immediately left the property and drove away. However, Plaintiff was so shaken by the attack that she had to pull her car over only a block away from Lythgoe's residence. Plaintiff then sat in her car shaking and crying for approximately thirty minutes before she was able to drive the remainder of the way home. As a result of the indicent (sic), Plaintiff has suffered severe emotional and psychological distress, guilt, humiliation, and embarrassment, all of which have greatly impacted her professional and personal life." The filing from the lawyer firm of Johnson & Johnson comes mere hours after Lythgoe filed a response to Abdul's December 29 complaint calling his former SYTYCD colleague a "well-documented fabulist" and just stopping short of labelling her crazy. "Mr. Lythgoe's answer to Ms. Abdul's complaint is classic victim shaming," reads a statement from Abdul's lawyers obtained by Entertainment Weekly. "Mr. Lythgoe fails to appreciate that he held a position of power over Ms. Abdul. He was a producer on American Idol and SYTYCD and she was the talent. He held the cards to her career in his hand and he knew it. It thus is no surprise that Ms. Abdul placated to his ego with positive messaging and seeming adoration. These are the defenses that many women like Ms. Abdul had to adopt to deal with men who abuse their power." Abdul is also represented by Johnson & Johnson, as is another Jane Doe who sued Lythgoe in late February over an alleged 2016 assault in a chauffeured car. In this case, this Jane Doe is seeking unspecified damages and "such other relief as the Court deems proper." |
posted 3/6/2024 |
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Wednesday Lightning Round |
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MONDAY: So You Think Anyone Cares? |
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In the latest TV ratings, CBS' NCIS was Monday's most-watched show, while ABC's The Bachelor led the night in the demo. The Bachelor this week drew 3.4 million total viewers and a 0.6 rating, down 6% in audience yet steady in the demo. Back from a 19-month break, So You Think You Can Dance returned to a hair over 1 million total viewers (down 50% from its previous premiere) and a 0.2 demo rating (down 33% from its Season 17 average). Opening Fox's night, MasterChef Junior (1.6 mil/0.3) returned down 20% and 25% from its own previous averages. A double helping of Bob Hearts Abishola on CBS did 4.7 mil/0.4 and 4.5 mil/0.4, steady week-to-week. NCIS (6.8 mil/0.4) was also steady across the board, while NCIS: Hawai'i (5.4 mil/0.4) was up 3% in audience. NBC's The Voice (5.7 mil/0.5) dropped a few eyeballs from last week's premiere, but was steady in the demo. Deal or No Deal Island (2.5 mil/0.2) dropped 20% and 33% from its premiere. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 3/5/2024 |
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THURSDAY: The Good Network |
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1CBS' Elsbeth cracked her first case on Thursday night in front of 4.5 million total viewers, delivering nearly 100% retention of lead-in So Help Me Todd's audience. In the demo, it scored a 0.3 rating. The Carrie Preston-led Good Wife offshoot also improved on what CSI: Vegas did in the time slot a year ago by 45%, and outdrew its NBC (Law & Order: Organized Crime) and ABC (a Will Trent rerun) competition combined. The catch? Due to the State of the Union Address airing next week… presumably a decision to dodge the return of ABC's Thursday slate on March 14… and then CBS' March Madness coverage, Elsbeth Episode 2 won't arrive until April 4. In five weeks. Which is its own kind of madness. Opening CBS' night, Young Sheldon (with 7 million total viewers and a 0.5 rating) was up a tick in audience week-to-week, as were Ghosts (6.1 mil/0.5) and So Help Me Todd (4.53 million/0.3). Over on NBC, Law & Order (4.7 mil/0.4) and SVU (4.7 mil/0.5) dipped in both measures, while Organized Crime (4.3 mil/0.4) was only down in viewers. Fox's Next Level Chef (2 mil/0.3) was steady, while Farmer Wants a Wife (1.9 mil/0.2) rose to its second-best audience of the season. The CW rounded out the night with new episodes of Son of a Critch (243k/0.05) and Children Ruin Everything (210k/0.04) Next Level Chef is Fox's most-streamed unscripted series this season-to-date, and it claims the largest multiplatform audience of any non-animated Fox series this season. The network says that, on Hulu, the series managed to draw 75,000 new unique subscribers per day from January 28 to February 18. Then there's The Floor, which wrapped its inaugural season on February 27. Those final two episodes have since generated a series-high 1.6M "starts" in four days of availability on Hulu, giving the series its most-streamed day on Hulu so far. On average, over the 47 days since The Floor began streaming on Hulu, it has drawn more than 42,000 new unique subscribers per day. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 3/5/2024 |
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Tuesday Lightning Round |
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Amazon Prime Video's remake of British game show The 1% Club has found its host as well as a broadcast partner. Patton Oswalt has been tapped to host the format, which tests the nation's intelligence, based on a scientific survey, and Fox has taken the second window in an interesting and unusual partnership between the two companies. It marks the game show hosting debut for The Goldbergs and A.P. Bio actor Oswalt, who has previously appeared as a contestant on a number of quizzers including To Tell The Truth and Celebrity Wheel of Fortune. Oswalt has been circling the format for a while; Deadline reports that he was lined up as the host last year but the actors strike pushed this back. The series, which is produced by BBC Studios Los Angeles Productions and Magnum Media, will premiere on Prime Video, likely in the spring, and Fox will broadcast each episode after its streaming debut. This is a new model for the broadcaster. Generally in the past, streamers have taken a second window for broadcast shows, but this marks one of the first times that a non-sibling broadcaster has aired a streaming original after it has premiered on a digital platform. Fox and Prime Video have previously worked together on animated series Hazbin Hotel, which is produced by Fox's Bento Box Entertainment for the streamer. The series was originally produced for the UK's ITV and was created by Dean Nabarro and Andy Auerbach at Magnum Media. The premise: It's not about what you learned at school or your ability to memorize facts. It's a chance to test how your brain works through a series of questions that often lead to entertaining answers. The series has been adapted in a number of international markets including the Netherlands, Australia, Germany, France, Israel, Spain and Turkey with versions coming in Mexico and Greece. The 1% Club is executive produced by Ryan O'Dowd and Krystal Whitney for BBC Studios Los Angeles Productions, Dean Nabarro and Andy Auerbach for Magnum Media; and Amazon MGM Studios. Wes Kauble serves as the showrunner. "As a proud member of the 90%, it's a privilege to host this show," said Oswalt. "Patton exudes all attributes of an iconic host, and we are thrilled he has joined us for the first ever game show on Prime Video," says Lauren Anderson, head of AVOD Originals, unscripted and targeted programming, Amazon MGM Studios. "Patton's distinct combination of warmth and wit made him the ideal person to bring this addictive format to life for North American Prime Video customers and Fox's linear audience. In addition to our creative passion for the series, The 1% Club marks a strategic business growth opportunity, expanding our ad-friendly content portfolio and allowing us to explore unique dual premiere strategies. Thanks to Fox, BBC Studios, Patton, Andy, and Dean for being such great partners as we break new ground." |
posted 3/4/2024 |
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Second Course of "Food Stars" Coming |
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Gordon Ramsay will welcome famed hospitality industry leader and TV personality Lisa Vanderpump to Season Two of FOX's high-stakes competition series, Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars, premiering Wednesday, May 22 (9:00-10:00PM ET/PT), it was announced today by Allison Wallach, President of Unscripted Programming, FOX Entertainment. Ramsay and Vanderpump - two prominent, influential personalities and tycoons in their respective industries - will face-off as they each select food and beverage industry entrepreneurs to join their teams and then put them through a gauntlet of real-world challenges designed to showcase their business skills, test their drive and prove they have what it takes to become the next great culinary entrepreneur. As for Ramsay vs. Vanderpump, the ultimate outcome will be whose mentorship leads to victory for one of their team's Food Stars hopefuls. "Lisa is a tough, shrewd restaurateur and TV star," said Ramsay. "She is a real force in business and true friend. However, make no mistake, the competition will be fierce between us!" "Gordon is quite literally larger-than-life, an iconic figure and a dear friend," said Vanderpump. "Setting that aside, we're both tenacious, tireless, competitive and demanding of ourselves and others, so while I salute the man and his many successes and defer to his mastery in the kitchen, I will never defer to him on this show. Game on, Gordon!" "Pitting Gordon against Lisa creates a new layer of intensity for the Food Stars competition," said Wallach. "Matching these brilliant and uncompromising industry titans who know what they want and how to get it, will give both our contestants and viewers a unique window into how industry heavyweights strategize, lead, win and entertain." Ramsay and Vanderpump will each bring their expert knowledge and unique leadership styles to the competition, and in a first-of-its kind twist, the entrepreneurs will pitch themselves and their products, services or business ideas to the moguls, who will then choose contestants to build their respective teams. The battle commences as teams are put through "Business Bootcamp," designed to test their tenacity, initiative, perseverance and ambition as business leaders. With a $250,000 prize on the line, these entrepreneurs will be challenged in all aspects of running a food or beverage enterprise, including re-marketing a food product, innovating a new product, building brand loyalty, sales pitching and management. In addition to Ramsay and Vanderpump, the challenges will be evaluated by guest judges, curated focus groups and customer feedback, profit and loss metrics, and market and corporate feedback. Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars is produced by Studio Ramsay Global, a FOX Entertainment company. Ramsay serves as an executive producer, while Deborah Sargeant serves as executive producer and showrunner. |
posted 3/4/2024 |
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Back on the Case! |
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FOX whisks up a third season of the baking mystery competition Crime Scene Kitchen, it was announced today by Allison Wallach, President, Unscripted Programming, of FOX Entertainment. Season Three of the popular FOX food franchise Crime Scene Kitchen will premiere during the upcoming 2024-25 season, with Joel McHale returning as host and executive producer and chef Curtis Stone and cake artist Yolanda Gampp returning as celebrity judges. In the culinary guessing game, bakers must decode and decipher what type of dessert was made with only crumbs, food trails and humorous hints as clues, and then teams must recreate the tasty treat, attempting to best capture its original form and flavor in order to win a $100,000 grand prize. Regarding the renewal, Wallach said, "Crime Scene Kitchen is a fun, fresh show with an entirely original mix of culinary sleuthing and brilliant baking that the whole family can enjoy. Joel, Curtis and Yolanda's irresistible chemistry have made Crime Scene Kitchen a clear fan favorite, and we're excited to bring a new season to the table." In Crime Scene Kitchen's freshman season, it was Summer 2021's #1 new series, while Season Two averaged 2.5 million multi-platform viewers, up +130% from Live + Same Day. |
posted 3/4/2024 |
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And The Rest of the Fox Summer... |
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FOX is announcing return and premiere dates for the summer 2024 slate of original programming, including I Can See Your Voice (May 16), Don't Forget The Lyrics (May 16), Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars (May 22), Beat Shazam (May 28), The Quiz With Balls (May 28), MasterChef (May 29) and Name That Tune (June 3). Additional summer programming to be announced. Thursdays are filled with music and mystery beginning Thursday, May 16 with all-new episodes of hit competition show I Can See Your Voice (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) hosted by Ken Jeong, followed by an all-new season of popular game show Don't Forget The Lyrics! (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) hosted by recent Emmy Award winner Niecy Nash. I Can See Your Voice host and executive producer Ken Jeong is joined by Emmy Award-nominated actress Cheryl Hines and Daytime Emmy Award-winning television host and vocalist Adrienne Bailon-Houghton along with a rotating panel of celebrity detectives to help one contestant tell the difference between good and bad singers... without ever hearing them sing a note. I Can See Your Voice is produced by FOX Alternative Entertainment. Daniel Martin and Ken Jeong serve as executive producers, with Martin serving as showrunner. The series is based on a South Korean format from CJ ENM. Hosted by Emmy Award-winner Niecy Nash, Don't Forget The Lyrics challenges contestants' musical memory, as they get one song closer to winning $1 million. Contestants will choose songs from different genres, decades and musical artists. Then they'll take center stage to sing alongside the live in-studio band as the lyrics are projected on screen - but when the music stops and the words disappear, will the contestants belt out the correct missing lyrics, or freeze under pressure? If they sing nine songs correctly, they are presented with a No. 1 hit and sing the final missing lyrics for the top prize of $1 million. It's that simple: 1 contestant, 10 songs, 1 million dollars! Created by Jeff Apploff, Don't Forget The Lyrics! is produced by Apploff Entertainment, Bunim/Murray Productions and BiggerStage. Jeff Apploff, Garry Bormet, Rupert Dobson, Julie Pizzi, Pat Kiely, Sean O'Riordan and Niecy Nash serve as executive producers. On Wednesday, May 22, following the 11th season finale of The Masked Singer (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), culinary titan Gordon Ramsay welcomes famed hospitality industry leader and TV personality Lisa Vanderpump in the all-new season of the hit competition series Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars, (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). Ramsay and Vanderpump - two prominent, influential personalities and tycoons in their respective industries - will face-off as they each select aspiring food and beverage industry entrepreneurs to join their teams and then put them through a gauntlet of real-world challenges designed to showcase their business skills, test their drive and prove they have what it takes to become the next great culinary entrepreneur. With a $250,000 prize on the line, the aspiring enterprisers will be challenged in all aspects of running a food or beverage enterprise, including re-marketing a food product, innovating a new product, building brand loyalty, sales pitching and management. Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars is produced by Studio Ramsay Global. Ramsay serves as an executive producer, while Deborah Sargeant serves as executive producer and showrunner. Hosted and executive-produced by award-winning actor, singer and comedian Jamie Foxx, who is joined by his daughter, producer and activist Corinne Foxx as co-host and deejay, Beat Shazam returns with an all-new season on Tuesday, May 28 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). Beat Shazam is an interactive game show that pits teams of two against the clock and each other, as they attempt to identify the biggest hit songs of all time. In the end, the team with the most money banked will outlast the competition and go against Shazam, the world's most popular song identification app, for the chance to win $1 million dollars. This season, the series will have special themed episodes that include teams of fathers, siblings, teachers, heroes and mothers - all battling it out to win the prize of a lifetime. Beat Shazam was created by Jeff Apploff and Wes Kauble, and is produced by Apploff Entertainment, MGM Alternative Television and BiggerStage in association with Shazam. Apploff, Mark Burnett, Barry Poznick, Lauren Zalaznick, Pat Kiely, Sean O'Riordan and Jamie Foxx serve as executive producers. Following Beat Shazam is new game The Quiz with Balls (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) pitting brains against balls, while combining a high-stakes quiz show with a large-scale physical competition. Hosted by actor and comedian Jay Pharoah (SNL, The Blackening) each episode of The Quiz with Balls features two families competing for $100,000 in a "battle of the balls." Standing on a high platform over a glistening pool, they must all work together as they face a multiple-choice quiz where each answer is allocated to a spot with a giant ball positioned up behind it. If the correct answer is chosen, the ball rolls down and stops just before colliding with the player... if the answer is wrong, the massive ball rapidly descends and mercilessly whacks them into the pool below. The more players each team loses, the harder the questions get. The longer they last, the more money they bank, until one "dry" family member plays the final round for The Quiz with Balls' $100,000 Grand Prize. The Quiz With Balls is produced by Eureka Productions and Talpa Studios. John de Mol, Maarten Meijs, Chris Culvenor, Paul Franklin, Wes Dening and John Leahy serve as executive producers. Anthony Carbone serves as showrunner and executive producer. MasterChef: Generations enters its 14th season with an all-new theme beginning Wednesday, May 29 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). Gordon Ramsay, acclaimed chef Aarón Sánchez and renowned restaurateur Joe Bastianich return for the ultimate cook-off, as the top home cooks from four different generations, inclusive of Gen Z, Millenials, Gen X and Baby Boomers, battle it out. The home cooks will face a multitude of cooking trials, including a restaurant takeover challenge, a series of iconic Mystery Box challenges, cooking a meal at the Major League Soccer LAFC stadium, and the fan-favorite Tag Team event, where they must create a Michelin-star quality three-course meal! Only one home cook will win it all and take home the cash prize of $250,000 and the title of America's MasterChef. MasterChef is produced by Endemol Shine North America and One Potato Two Potato, and is based on a format created by Franc Roddam. Elisabeth Murdoch, Danny Schrader, Gordon Ramsay, Jennifer Fazey, Pat Llewellyn, Ben Adler, Sharon Levy and DJ Nurre serve as executive producers.Following MasterChef: Generations, all-new episodes of Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars continue in its regular time-period (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT Beginning Monday, June 3, all-new episodes of Name That Tune (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), hosted by Jane Krakowski and band leader Randy Jackson continue to test the musical knowledge of contestants playing for a chance to win over $100,000. Name That Tune is produced by FOX Alternative Entertainment, Prestige Entertainment, and BiggerStage. On behalf of BiggerStage, Sean O'Riordan serves as executive producer and Shane Byrne serves as the series' showrunner. Ralph Rubenstein and Noah Rubenstein also are executive producers. |
posted 3/4/2024 |
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SUNDAY: That Tracks |
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In the latest TV show ratings, CBS' freshman hit Tracker was for a second straight week the most-watched show on Sunday night. The venerable newsmagazine 60 Minutes this week opened CBS' Sunday slate with 7.1 million total viewers. Leading out of that, The Equalizer (6.5 mil) was up 6% in total audience, to a season high. Justin Hartley's Tracker once again built on its lead-in by delivering 7.4 million total viewers, up 8% week-to-week and marking the freshman drama's third straight week of growth. CBS notes that Tracker — which enjoyed a post-Super Bowl launch, mind you — currently stands as the most-watched new show on TV since Young Sheldon (which in 2017-18 averaged 16.49m viewers) and is the most-watched new drama since Empire (which in 2014-15 averaged 17.33m viewers). Closing out CBS' night, CSI: Vegas (4.3 mil) was up 6% in audience to mark an all-time high for the offshoot. ABC was close behind with America's Funniest Home Videos (5.15m/0.53), American Idol (5.11m/0.62), and What Would You Do? (2.94m/0.34). NBC went with a theatrical rerun of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (1.12m/0.16). Fox's Animation Domination started with reruns and finished with new eps of Krapopolis (613k/0.14), The Great North (468k/0.12), and Grimsburg (456k/0.12). Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 3/4/2024 |
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"Quiz with Balls" Comes to Spain |
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The fun quiz show The Quiz With Balls, a Talpa Studios format, is coming to Spain through Atresmedia's Antena 3. The show will be produced at Talpa Studios' operations center in Holland in collaboration with Spanish production company Warner Bros. The eight episodes of the first season will air in 2024. This is not the first time Atresmedia has partnered with Talpa Studios, having acquired the popular show The Floor last year. After the Netherlands and the United States, Spain will be the third market for this successful format of The Quiz With Balls. Carmen Ferreiro, Director of Entertainment Programming at Atresmedia TV, commented that they always look for fresh, innovative formats that fit their television model. "The Quiz With Balls brings together all the characteristics we look for in a quiz show: it's a fun and innovative program for all audiences." Sebastian van Barneveld, Director of Global Distribution at Talpa Studios, noted that last summer, The Quiz With Balls premiered on SBS6 in the Netherlands, where it became an instant hit and was rewarded with an order for a four-episode winter special. "The second season of the show will air on SBS6 later this year, and of course, we are delighted that the format is going international, traveling to the U.S. and now Spain." |
posted 3/4/2024 |
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Former darts commentator Tony Green, also known for his role on television show Bullseye, has died aged 85. Bullseye creator Andrew Wood announced the news on Monday, saying Green "passed away peacefully today after a long battle with Alzheimer's". Green was a BBC commentator at the BDO World Championships from 1978 to 2016. He was also more widely known for being the scorer and announcer on long-running quiz show Bullseye, hosted by Jim Bowen on ITV between 1981 and 1995. Green's death was announced on Bullseye's Facebook page with "a very heavy heart" by Wood and his family. "Our love, thoughts and prayers go out to all of Tony's family, who we hold such affection for, to all of Tony friends and those who were lucky enough to work with him," they said. "Thank you Tony for all the memories, all the laughs (and trust us there were many!) and all the special times filming Bullseye together. "What wonderful years those were and we are honoured to have shared them with you." Bobby George, a two-time BDO finalist and long-time BBC commentator, was among a number of former players to express their sadness at Green's death. "So sorry and sad to hear of Tony Green's passing. He was a good dart player, caller, commentator and an icon of the Bullseye show," said George. Keith Deller, who won the BDO title in 1983, described Green as "one of the great darts commentators". Philip Bernie, interim director of BBC Sport, said Green was "truly a legendary figure". "He was a wonderful commentator on it for the BBC for nearly 40 years, where the great warmth and generosity of his personality always shone through. He served the sport he loved brilliantly," added Bernie. |
posted 3/4/2024 |
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Monday Lightning Round |
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ITV Thinks Outside the BritBox |
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BBC Studios has paid £255M ($322M) to acquire ITV's shareholding in their joint venture streamer, BritBox International — the biggest ever single transaction for the BBC's commercial wing. In a regulatory note confirming the sale this morning, ITV confirmed it had sold its 50%, with the proceeds set to return to shareholders through a share buyback scheme that will launch after full-year results are posted on March 7. The BBC subsequently confirmed the deal in a separate statement. Episodes of several game shows including Pointless, 8 Out of 10 Cats, and the spin-off 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, stream on the service. As a result, BritBox International CEO Reemah Sakaan will exit the business, which will join the BBC Studios Global Media & Streaming division alongside the likes of BBC.com, BBC Select and BBC Podcast Premium. The BBC said new leaderships plans are "in place to ensure a smooth transition" and will be announced "imminently," with Sakaan understood to be remaining with BritBox during the transition period. |
posted 3/1/2024 |
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Have We Got News for Sports Fans |
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The BBC is working on a spin-off from Have I Got News For You – all about sports. The news comes after the broadcaster cancelled A Question Of Sport after 53 years amid its plummeting rating. Trade website Broadcast reports that the new program – inevitably using the title Have I Got Sport For You – is in development with 'high profile comedic and sporting talent attached'. It is being made by Hat Trick Productions, which also produces the long-running news quiz. Broadcast says Have I Got Sport For You is expected to launch at the end of this year but the BBC declined to comment. When Question of Sport was axed, the BBC blamed 'inflation and funding challenges'. Audience numbers for the show dropped below one million with Paddy McGuinness in the chair having regularly five million under previous host Sue Barker. Hat Trick previously made an episode of Have I Got Sport For You for Radio 4, which aired in 2012 to coincide with the London Olympics. It was hosted by Nick Hancock – who previously chaired the TV sports comedy quiz They Think It's All Over from 1995 to 2004 – with panellists Paul Merton, Andy Hamilton, Mark Steel and badminton player Gail Emms. |
posted 3/1/2024 |
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"Cash Cab Music" Heads to Global |
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If you've ever dreamed of being picked up by the "Cash Cab," buckle up and delete that Uber app. Your second chance is here. Nine years after Cash Cab Canada ended, the beloved game show is being revived in a new form, as Cash Cab Music. The original host, Adam Growe, is back behind the steering wheel of a newly-renovated disco taxi, testing commuters in downtown Toronto on musical trivia. Offer three incorrect answers and you're out in the cold before you reach your destination. |
posted 3/1/2024 |
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WEDNESDAY: Survivors Ready... GO! |
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The kinder, gentler new era of Survivor that began with season 41 has, for the most part, featured casts of players who now seem more inclined as a jury to build people up at final Tribal Council rather than tear them down. But the post-Covid stretch of seasons has also featured a more genial host. And that move was very much intentional. "When the new era started, I was definitely full of positivity, and I wanted to be a show that parents felt good about watching with their kids," Jeff Probst tells EW. "There was so much going on in the world. I wanted to say, 'Hey man, this is a safe show. We're still going to talk about uncomfortable things. You'll still root for and against people and all that stuff. But there's going to be an air of: Come on man, let's just do this. Let's figure this out. Let's bring a bunch of people together from different walks of life. Let's just have some fun and play a game. Somebody wins, a lot of people lose.'" But that era of complete positivity and good vibes may be starting to shift just a bit. Not only did several players in the Survivor 46 cast predict "explosions and arguments" this season after spending a few days together on location before the game began, but they may no longer be getting a free pass from the master of ceremonies at Tribal Council. "I did find a different part of my personality coming out at Tribal," Probst says about the upcoming Survivor 46 (which premieres Feb 28 on CBS). "And I think you're going to see it and feel it." In the latest TV ratings, NBC's Chicago Fire was Wednesday's most-watched show, while the return of CBS' Survivor dominated the night in the demo. Survivor opened Season 45 with 4.9 million total viewers and a 0.8 rating (per Nielsen finals), up from its previous opener (4.8 mil/0.66). Chicago Med (6.4 mil/0.5) and Chicago P.D. (5.2 mil/0.5) were both steady, whereas Chicago Fire (6.6 mil/0.6) ticked up in both measures with its lovely wedding/sad Kara Killmer sendoff. ABC's The Conners (3.4 mil/0.4) was steady, Not Dead Yet (2.3 mil/0.3) ticked up, and Abbott Elementary (2.3 mil/0.3) dipped in the demo. Judge Steve Harvey (1.6 mil/0.1) added some eyeballs. Fox's We Are Family (averaging 1.4 mil and a 0.2) hit an audience low with its two-hour finale. The CW's Wild Cards (471K) gained viewers, while Family Law (331K) lost some. |
posted 3/1/2024 |
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MONDAY: "Deal or No Deal Island" Stranded |
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Imagine "Deal or No Deal" set on an exotic island, with its 13 participants facing extreme challenges, testing their limits and literally crawling through mud. Except you don't have to – it's already here. "What if the Banker had a private island and decided to put his contestants through an extreme game to find one winner? The craziness of the idea is, I think, what we and NBC rallied around," says Sharon Levy, CEO at Endemol Shine North America. Levy also executive produces "Deal or No Deal Island" alongside Matt Kunitz, Matt Apps, Sarah Happel Jackson, Howie Mandel, DJ Nurre and Sean Loughlin. "You say the title and people are like: 'Is that for real?' Our favorite comments on social media have been about whether this is a '30 Rock' pitch. I take that as the highest, and best, compliment," she adds, referencing the sitcom created by Tina Fey. "I am a firm believer that not everything deserves a reboot, but I like taking classic IP and reimagining it for today's audiences. NBC got the idea immediately – they truly got behind the audacity of the concept." NBC's The Voice opened its new season with 6.2 million total viewers and a 0.5 demo rating, down from both its fall (6.3 mil/0.6) and year-ago (6.4 mil/0.7) premieres. Deal or No Deal Island debuted to 3 mil and a 0.3. The Neighborhood (5.1 mil/0.4) and NCIS: Hawaii (5.2 mil/0.4) were both steady, whle Bob Hearts Abishola (4.6 mil/0.3) and NCIS proper (6.8 mil/0.4) dipped. The Bachelor (3.4 mil/0.6) was steady. FOX | America's Most Wanted (1.6 mil/0.2) hit and tied lows with its revival finale; TMZ Investigates (1 mil/0.1) hit lows across the board. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)...
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posted 3/1/2024 |
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24 Hours, 24 Chefs, ONE Winner |
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Michael Symon and Esther Choi host the new series 24 In 24: Last Chef Standing, premiering on Sunday, April 14th at 8pm ET/PT, Food Network's most ambitious and grueling culinary competition to date. Featuring 24 talented and fearless chefs who take on 24 food challenges in 24 consecutive, non-stop hours, the 24-hour competition takes the chefs to the extreme, demanding they display the skills, creativity and stamina needed to be an elite chef. At the end of the 24 hours, there can be only one true master left standing - and it's one selected by expert judges Eric Adjepong, Maneet Chauhan, Scott Conant, Stephanie Izard, Jet Tila, Bryan and Michael Voltaggio, and Brooke Williamson. The chef who cooked the best, for the longest and outlasted the competition will take home $50,000 and win a trip of a lifetime. "This competition is as extreme as it sounds," said Symon. "Chefs often talk about the 24/7 nature of our industry, but this is the first competition to truly capture that intensity." Added Choi, "It's a culinary battle like no other with surprising twists and curveballs along the way. It's a test of endurance, creativity, and collaboration that push these chefs to their limits." The 24 competing chefs are comprised of culinary icons, rising stars, and competition rookies, including: Carlos Anthony, Gabriella Baldwin, Emilie Rose Bishop, Josephine Clemens, Chris Dodson, Kess Eshun, Elizabeth Falkner, Declan Horgan, Christopher Ingram, Airis Johnson, Matt Jordan, Camille La Caer, Danielle Lee, Mika Leon, Chris Oh, Viet Pham, Marc Quinones, Nadine Charlie Ray, Chad Rosenthal, Vijay Sadhu, Aarthi Sampath, Martel Stone, Michael Toscano, and Marcel Vigneron. "We are always looking to innovate and bring our audience fresh and compelling content and we are redefining cooking competitions with 24 in 24: Last Chef Standing, as it's a combination of a culinary marathon and a social experiment," Betsy Ayala, Head of Content, Food, Warner Bros. Discovery. "No competition has ever captured intensity like this, breaking the fourth wall to keep viewers at the edge of their seats." |
posted 3/1/2024 |
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Happy Friday Lightning Round |
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The 50th Den |
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It's 50 and counting for Dragon's Den. The Sony Pictures Television and Nippon TV entrepreneurial business format, known in the U.S. as Shark Tank, has scored a remake in Bangladesh, marking its fiftieth version around the world. The Bangladeshi version, Shark Tank Bangladesh, will launch on Bongo and Deepto TV this spring, having first launched as Money Tigers in 2001. The UK remake launched in 2005 on the BBC, where it remains on air, and ABC's version launched four years later. It hit 40 remakes in 2020 when it debuted in France. In South Asia, SonyLIV and Sony Entertainment Television's series launched in 2021 and has garnered upward of 75 million viewers on linear. Pakistan and Nepal productions are also planned, with Bangladesh the next up. Ahad Bhai, CEO and co-founder of Bongo and producer of Shark Tank Bangladesh, said: "Being the 50th edition of Shark Tank is very special. We are doing our best to make Shark Tank Bangladesh on par with the global standard as an entertainment platform, and also to help change lives, one business at a time." "Bangladesh is a land of dynamic entrepreneurs full of grit and determination, but lacks the infrastructure and platforms to support young individuals and businesses as they grow," said Bhai. "It is such an honor to have the opportunity to bring a global platform like Shark Tank to our country. Shark Tank has been my favorite show for many years, and to be a part of this global movement, to help contribute to improving lives and empower entrepreneurs, truly is a dream come true." "Embarking on a global journey that began with the ferocious success of Tiger in Japan, from the mystical Dragon in some regions to the powerful Shark and even the majestic Lion in others, our entrepreneurial spirit has evolved into a truly global phenomenon across more than 50 territories worldwide," said Tom Miyauchi, Head of Formats, Nippon TV. "We are rewriting the story of innovation, resilience, and the undeniable power of the entrepreneurship through prime-time entertainment and partnerships with Sony Pictures Television, all licensees and networks involved across the globe." Laura St. Clair, VP International Formats, Sony Pictures Television, added that it was "a testament to the true universality of the format that each of these 50 versions have been uniquely tailored to and reflective of their territory, but are instantly recognisable the world over. "Following the incredibly strong recent launches in countries including India, we are very excited to bring Shark Tank to Bangladesh this year, and look forward to working with partners in Pakistan, and many further territories, with some new and very exciting plans for the format to be announced soon". |
posted 2/29/2024 |
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TUESDAY: A Narrow Victory |
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In the latest TV ratings, CBS' FBI was Tuesday's most-program and it also landed in a five-way tie for the nightly demo win. FBI (with 6.3 million total viewers and a 0.4 demo rating) and FBI: Most Wanted (4.5 mil/0.3) were down in both measures, whereas FBI: International (5.1 mil/0.4) only dipped a bit in audience. NBC's The Voice (6.2 mil/0.4) was down just a tick from Monday's season premiere. ABC's Will Trent (4.2 mil/0.4) ticked up in the demo but slipped 12% from last week's audience high. The Rookie's 100th episode (3.2 mil/0.3) and The Good Doctor (2.5 mil/0.2) were both down, with the latter hitting new series lows. Fox's The Floor (averaging 2.2 mil/0.4) was steady with its two-hour season finale. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 2/29/2024 |
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Thursday Lightning Round |
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Richard Lewis, one of America's most beloved and revered stand-up comics who also played a fictionalized version of himself on HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm, died Tuesday night at his home in Los Angeles after suffering a heart attack. He was 76. His death was confirmed by his publicist Jeff Abraham. Lewis had been living with Parkinson's disease, a diagnosis he revealed in April 2023. "His wife, Joyce Lapinsky, thanks everyone for all the love, friendship and support and asks for privacy at this time," Abraham said. Complete information on survivors was not immediately available. Born Richard Philip Lewis on June 29, 1947, in Brooklyn and raised in Englewood, NJ, Lewis — after a childhood he would describe as difficult — graduated from Ohio State University before landing in the New York and Los Angeles comedy scenes of the 1970s. There, he took his place along such soon-to-be-stars as Andy Kaufman, Richard Belzer and Elayne Boosler, and quickly became a favorite of late-night shows including The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. He soon developed a singular stage persona nearly as dark as the all-black clothes he favored. His stand-up performances could best be described as straddling comedy and therapy. Lewis' website prominently features a quote from comedy great Mel Brooks: "Richard Lewis may just be the Franz Kafka of modern-day comedy." Self-deprecating, razor-sharp and brutally honest about his addictions and neuroses, Lewis was the rare comic who could rival the curmudgeonly but highly relatable outlook on life honed by his longtime pal and Curb Your Enthusiasm co-star Larry David. Making his acting debut in the 1979 NBC special Diary of a Young Comic, a 90-minute film that aired in the Saturday Night Live slot, Lewis' national profile grew significantly during the next two decades as his edgy observations were welcomed and celebrated by talk hosts David Letterman, Jay Leno and, on radio, Howard Stern. TV comedy specials followed, his first Showtime special, pointedly titled I'm In Pain, aired in 1985. He became one of the premier presences on HBO with comedy specials in 1988, 1990 and 1997. Although his humor was hardly an easy fit for sitcoms of the era, he co-starred for several seasons in the late '80s/early '90s with Jamie Lee Curtis on Anything but Love and with Don Rickles on 1993's Daddy Dearest. In 1998 he co-starred with Kevin Nealon in the sitcom Hiller and Diller. Film credits included 1993's Robin Hood: Men in Tights, in which he played Prince John, and 1995's Drunks. He also appeared that year in Leaving Las Vegas. Lewis began what arguably would be his signature role — based, fittingly enough, on himself — in 2000 when he was cast by his childhood friend Larry David on HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm. The two New Yorkers had met at summer camp when they were 12 and re-established their friendship on the New York comedy circuit a decade later. In a statement Wednesday, HBO said: "We are heartbroken to learn that Richard Lewis has passed away. His comedic brilliance, wit and talent were unmatched. Richard will always be a cherished member of the HBO and Curb Your Enthusiasm families, our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and all the fans who could count on Richard to brighten their days with laughter." Although he largely retired from performing following his Parkinson's diagnosis, he returned to Curb periodically, most recently during the show's current (and final) season. In game shows, Lewis was on episodes of "Hollywood Squares" with John Davidson & Tom Bergeron. |
posted 2/28/2024 |
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Sony Sells "So You Think You Can Dance" Nordics/Benelux Rights to WB |
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In what marks Sony Pictures Television's (SPT) first international format deal for its non-fiction unit since its distribution takeover in 2022, SPT has sold the Nordics and Benelux region format rights of "So You Think You Can Dance" to Warner Bros. International Television Production (WBITVP). The deal comes just as the dance competition series returns to Fox in the U.S. for a milestone 18th season on March 4. WBITVP has optioned the title for six of their European production companies and extends to the Netherlands, Belgium (Flemish), and across the Nordics in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland. Attendees at SPT's London Screenings Showcase on Thursday Feb. 29 will get a sneak peek preview of the new U.S. Season. Since its U.S. debut in 2005, the reality show has become a global phenomenon, adapted in 32 territories worldwide and spawning a Next Generation Junior version in the Netherlands and most recently in Poland. Laura St Clair, VP international formats, Sony Pictures Television, said: "'So You Think You Can Dance' is one of the entertainment titans of the 21st century. This deal is a testament to the universality and evergreen potential of the format, and we can't wait to see WBITVP's companies developing it for the Nordics and Benelux audience." Andrew Zein, SVP, creative, format development and sales, concurred: "We are delighted to be trusted by Sony Pictures Television to bring their iconic dance format, SYTYCD to Nordics and Benelux broadcasters and audiences. Roll on the auditions…." Season 18 of "So You Think You Can Dance" on Fox aims to revitalize the beloved series with a fresh format that mirrors the real journey behind the efforts to forge a prosperous dance career, much like many of its alumni have done. Contestants will engage in rigorous dance challenges weekly, immersing themselves in the realities of the profession. They'll be made to experience everything from starring in a music video or performing during a football halftime show to sharing the stage with Broadway luminaries. Moreover, the upcoming season will introduce storytelling elements that portray the highs and lows inherent in the lives of professional dancers. Breaking new ground, alongside the show's signature dazzling dance numbers, viewers will gain unprecedented access to the personal and competitive odysseys of the contestants through a documentary-style lens. "So You Think You Can Dance" is produced by 19 Entertainment, a part of Sony Pictures Television, and Dick Clark Productions. |
posted 2/28/2024 |
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The Starting Line for AR36 Revealed |
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The 13 teams racing across the globe in the hopes of winning $1 million on season 36 of The Amazing Race have been revealed and include twins, a pair of Air Force pilots, a duo of firefighter moms, and a former first-round NFL draft pick racing with his wife. This season (which premieres March 13 on CBS and once again features no non-elimination legs) begins in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, as teams will have to participate in a Mexican rodeo and must "lasso their way to the finish line without coming in last." Other tasks this season include paragliding in Colombia and rally car racing in Argentina. The course will also wind its way through two new countries for the show as players will swim through waterfalls in the Dominican Republic while also visiting Rihanna's childhood home in Barbados. Yes, that Rihanna. It has been a long wait for the season 36 cast, who originally filmed this installment back in the fall of 2022 as what was then supposed to be the 35th season of the reality franchise. With the writers and actors strikes of 2023, however, CBS decided to specifically film a season that could run as 90-minute episodes, so flipped seasons 35 and 36. Once the strikes were over, the network then decided to keep the show at 90 minutes, so the new season 36 will be running at the longer airtime anyway. That means we'll get to see even more of contestants like Rod Gardner, who played six seasons in the NFL after being selected 15th overall in the 2001 draft by Washington. He will be joined by wife Leticia in his quest for more competition glory. But they will have to battle 12 other teams to take home the loot. Get your official first look at those teams below. - Derek (57, retired chief of police) and Shelisa Williams (55, retired sheriff's lieutenant) Married Alta Loma, Calif. The Amazing Race premieres March 13 on CBS. |
posted 2/28/2024 |
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Wednesday Lightning Round |
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The 2024 Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions, technically the 2023 TOC that was delayed due to the WGA strikes, finally arrives this week, and fans are amped up to see the best-of-the-best battle it out. There are 27 contestants taking part in the TOC, making it the largest playing field ever. The quarterfinals kick off on Friday, February 23, and will run until late March. The TOC was pushed back due to last summer's WGA strike, which massively affected Jeopardy's filming schedule. Despite the show continuing to air with former contestants and recycled clues, many TOC qualifiers refused to participate until the strikes were resolved. Instead of recording the TOC or episodes with new contestants, Jeopardy! chose to air Second Chance and Champions Wildcard tournaments with former contestants from Seasons 37, 38, and 39. This year's line-up consists of Season 39 super-champs, including fan favorites Cris Pannullo, Hannah Wilson, and Ben Chan. In addition, all three-day champions from Season 39 were invited back, along with Celebrity Jeopardy! winner Ike Barinholtz and 2023 High School Reunion Tournament winner Justin Bolsen. Rounding out the field are the post-season comeback tournament winners. This includes Wildcard 1 winners Emily Sands, Nick Cascone, Josh Saak, and Yungsheng Wang, and Wildcard 2 winners Juveria Zaheer (who also won Second Chance) and the yet-to-be-determined winner of the still-airing episodes. 2024 Tournament of Champions Match-Ups After the champion has been crowned, there will be an all-new Jeopardy! Invitational Tournament, airing from March 31 until April 8, featuring "the best players from all time." Jeopardy! announced the new tournament on Monday, which will air following the ongoing Tournament of Champions. Unlike other events this season, JIT will open the floodgates to iconic older champions returning after "decades" away from the buzzer. Producer Sarah Foss shared on the podcast Inside Jeopardy!: "Right now we are taping the Jeopardy! Invitational Tournament, the last tournament of Season 40. "Right after this, we're getting into regular shows," she assured.. |
posted 2/27/2024 |
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That's My Jammed |
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That's My Jam, Jimmy Fallon's music-themed game show, may take slightly longer to return to screens than previously planned. The NBC show was set to start production on its third season imminently but Deadline reports that it has now been paused. "The reason, we hear, is scheduling, largely as a result of the vast number of celebrities that are required to film each episode," says the report. Each episode features two teams of two celebrities competing in a series of music, dance and trivia-based games and musical performances. |
posted 2/27/2024 |
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The Challenge: All-Stars to Return April |
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Paramount+ today announced that the fourth season of the hit reality competition series THE CHALLENGE: ALL STARS will premiere exclusively on the service on Wednesday, April 10 with back-to-back episodes in the U.S. and Canada, and on April 11 in the UK, Ireland, Australia, Latin America, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Following the premiere, new episodes will drop weekly on Wednesdays. Additionally, a stacked lineup of cast was revealed, along with an official trailer and key art. On the fourth season of THE CHALLENGE: ALL STARS, old-school legends, modern power players, redemption-seekers and ex-lovers reunite in Cape Town, South Africa to compete for $300,000. In this game, anyone can win, relationships matter, and only one All Star will claim the title champion. Meet THE CHALLENGE: ALL STARS season four contestants: Returning alongside THE CHALLENGE: ALL STARS, a new season of MTV's Official Challenge Podcast will premiere on April 11 with episodes dropping every Thursday. Hosted by veteran competitors Aneesa Ferreira and Tori Deal, the season will feature in-depth recaps with first-hand anecdotes from the most recent episodes. Fans can follow MTV's Official Challenge Podcast to catch up on past seasons and receive new episodes in their feeds HERE. The podcast is produced by Paramount Audio and MTV Entertainment in collaboration with iHeartRadio and is available across all major podcast platforms. |
posted 2/27/2024 |
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Warner Bros. Discovery is halting talks with Paramount Global about a potential merger, according to a new report from CNBC citing sources familiar with the matter. The move comes after CEOs David Zaslav and Bob Bakish met to discuss the matter back in December. Representatives for Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount declined to comment. Shares of Paramount, which have fallen 48% in the past year, are up 0.9% during Tuesday's trading session, while WBD stock, which has fallen 45% in the past year, is up 0.76% following the report.
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posted 2/27/2024 |
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"Deal or No Deal" Cruises to Holland America Line |
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Holland America Line has expanded its entertainment offering to launch the popular TV game show brand Deal or No Deal on nine of its cruise ships. Powered by TimePlay, a leader in interactive technology, this show format has a proven track record due to its highly adaptable design and strong brand identity and is now on over 85 ships worldwide. This high-energy live hosted experience invites contestants on stage to deal for cash, and what makes this game unique is that everyone in the audience also gets to play along for a chance to win big, including a free cruise. The program will run once or twice per voyage, hosted on the World Stage or Rolling Stone Lounge, depending on the Holland America Line ship. "With the growing demand for entertainment options, Deal or No Deal is a perfect addition to Holland America's offerings." Aaron Silverberg, SVP of Entertainment, TimePlay. "We're excited to add this brand to add this program to our lineup and we look forward to guests enjoying this interactive game," said Daniel Materassi, senior vice president of guest commerce for Holland America Line. |
posted 2/27/2024 |
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SurVivoR |
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Want to play Survivor? Pretty soon, you'll be able to. And all you need is a headset. EW can exclusively report that the long-running CBS reality franchise is launching a virtual reality version of the popular TV show titled Survivor: Horizon Island. CBS has partnered with Meta on the game, which was developed by Albyon, VR in Review, and Well Played Studios, and can be played on Meta Horizon Worlds beginning on March 8. The custom world of Survivor: Horizon Island will allow players to take part in all the classic elements from the show, including forming alliances, competing in challenges, and searching for hidden immunity idols. They can also deal with everyday Survivor tasks like tending to the fire, fishing for food, and of course, trying not to get eliminated. And presiding over it all is the Hostmaster General himself, Jeff Probst, whose voice will no doubt at some point implore you to "Dig deep!" Not only can we report about this new VR extension into the Survivor universe, but we can show you some of it as well. Check out the video above to see footage of the game as well as some of the challenges that await. |
posted 2/27/2024 |
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SUNDAY: Tracked |
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In the latest TV ratings, CBS' Tracker this week was Sunday's most-watched program, while also tying ABC's American Idol for the nightly demo win. Leading out of 60 Minutes (which was down a tick with 6.6 million total viewers and a 0.4 demo rating), The Equalizer (6.1 mil/0.4) also dipped just a bit in both measures. Tracker (6.9 mil/0.5) and CSI: Vegas (4 mil/0.3) were both up a smidgen in audience vs. last week's prelims and held steady in the demo. America's Funniest Home Videos (4.4 mil/0.4) and American Idol (4.6 mil/0.5) both dipped in the demo week-to-week, but What Would You Do? (2.7 mil/0.3) was steady. Animation Domination on Fox: The Simpsons (880K/0.2) and Krapopolis (570K/0.1) added viewers, whereas The Great North (440K/0.1) and Grimbsurg (450K/0.1) both lost some. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 2/27/2024 |
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THURSDAY: Vaya con Dios, Sam Waterston |
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In the latest TV ratings, NBC's SVU was Thursday's top-rated program and CBS' Young Sheldon drew the largest crowd. With all the Laws and every Order fresh over on NBC, Young Sheldon (with 7 million viewers and a 0.5 demo rating), Ghosts (5.9 mil/0.4) and So Help Me Todd (4.1 mil/0.3) all were down versus their strong season openers. Law & Order (4.8 mil/0.5) and SVU (4.9 mil/0.6) each rose in both measures, while Organized Crime (3.5 mil/0.4) returned steady. Fox's Next Level Chef (1.9 mil/0.3) dipped, Farmer Wants a Wife (1.6 mil/0.2) was relatively steady. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 2/27/2024 |
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Tuesday Lightning Round |
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FRIDAY: Smack Game |
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0 In the latest TV ratings, CBS' Blue Bloods was Friday's most-watched program this week, while Fox's SmackDown easily led the night in the demo. S.W.A.T. (with 4.9 million total viewers and a 0.4 demo rating), Fire Country (5.1 mil/0.3) and Blue Bloods (5.3 mil/0.3) all dipped from their season premieres, yet still delivered the night's three biggest audiences. Friday Night SmackDown (2.2 mil/0.6) was down just a tick from last week's prelims. ABC's Shark Tank (3.4 mil/0.3) added some eyeballs while steady in the demo; 20/20 (2.9 mil/0.3) drew one of its larger audiences of the season. NBC's Dateline (2.2 mil/0.3) drew its smallest audience since Jan. 5, but was steady in the demo. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 2/26/2024 |
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Monday Lightning Round |
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Paramount Minus |
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Paramount Global is on a watch by S&P Global for a possible credit rating downgrade over weaker cash flow concerns as the major studio pivots from linear TV to the streaming space. "The margin and cash flows generated by DTC [direct to consumer] streaming businesses, which are replacing the linear TV segment, will be lower in comparison due to greater required content spending, higher technology investments, and higher marketing and subscriber acquisition costs," S&P ratings director Jawad Hussain said in a statement Friday. Stock in Paramount Global, which is led by CEO Bob Bakish, slid by 53 cents, or 4.5 percent, to $11.18 on Friday during late-morning trading, with shares in the Hollywood studio last week taking another hit when Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway reported a one-third stake cut in the media conglomerate. Last year, the studio's credit rating was lowered from BBB to BBB-, and its debt is now under renewed scrutiny, "with negative implications," including for another possible downgrade as S&P starts to weigh cash flow along with leverage metrics when measuring Paramount's debt worthiness. "We believe FOCF [free operating cash flow] will be weaker than historical levels because the significant cash flows from the linear TV businesses will degrade rapidly as pay TV subscribers continue to decline and advertisers migrate spending to streaming platforms," S&P warned in its report. |
posted 2/23/2024 |
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The Chase Australia will welcome its newest Chaser to the afternoon quiz show from Monday, February 26, at 5.00pm on Channel 7 and 7plus. Brandon Blackwell, aka The Lightning Bolt, is regular in high-level quiz competitions around the world. He is a World Speed Quizzing Champion and is one of the highest-scoring players of all time on the prestigious British quiz show University Challenge. He also secured second place in the under-30 World Quizzing Championship in 2020. Blackwell, a familiar face on The Chase America, joins a formidable line-up of Chasers: The Shark (Brydon Coverdale), Goliath (Matt Parkinson), The Supernerd (Issa Schultz), The Governess (Anne Hegerty), The Tiger Mum (Cheryl Toh) and The Beast (Mark Labbett). "I'll beat you before you even turn up," Blackwell said. The Chase Australia is an ITV Studios Australia production for the Seven Network based on the original ITV quiz show. |
posted 2/23/2024 |
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WEDNESDAY: One Chicago vs. Three Doors |
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In the latest, holiday-delayed TV ratings, NBC's #OneChicago trio led Wednesday in both viewers and the demo. Chicago Med (6.4 mil/0.5), Fire (6.5 mil/0.5) and P.D. (5.3 mil/0.5) were all steady. ABC's The Conners (3.5 mil/0.4) was steady, Not Dead Yet (2.3 mil/0.2) dipped, and both Abbott Elementary (2.4 mil/0.4) and Judge Steve Harvey (1.4 mil/0.1) dropped some eyeballs. Leading out of TPIR at Night (3.9 mil/0.4) on CBS, Dolly Parton's Pet Gala retained 2.2 mil and a 0.2. Fox's I Can See Your Voice (1.6 mil/0.2) and We Are Family (1.7 mil/0.2) were steady. The CW's Wild Cards (450K/0.1) and Family Law (370K/0.1) both lost viewers. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49) are forthcoming. |
posted 2/23/2024 |
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TUESDAY: Will vs. the FBI |
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In the latest TV ratings, CBS' FBI was Tuesday's most-watched program and led the night in the demo. FBI (with 7 million total viewers and a 0.5 demo rating) dipped in both measures week-to-week, facing stiffer procedural competition. FBI: International (5.3 mil/0.4) and FBI: Most Wanted (4.8 mil/0.4) each lost viewers but held steady in the demo. Christening its earlier time slot, the Will Trent Season 2 opener (4.6 mil/0.3) soared to an easy series high in audience on ABC while matching its freshman average in the demo. The Rookie (3.6 mil/0.3) returned down from its previous averages (3.9 mil/0.4). The Good Doctor (2.8 mil/0.2) opened its farewell run with series lows. NBC's Night Court (2.5 mil/0.3) and Extended Family (1.9 mil/0.2) were down in audience but steady in the demo. The yet-to-be-renewed Quantum Leap's double episode finale (1.4 mil/0.2, 1.34 mil/0.2) was on par with last week. Fox's season finale of Name That Tune (1.5 mil/0.2) dipped, but The Floor (2.4 mil/0.4) was steady. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 2/23/2024 |
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Happy Friday Lightning Round |
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Wendy Williams Diagnosed with Aphasia, Frontotemporal Dementia |
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Wendy Williams has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), her medical care team announced. According to a press release, the former "Love Triangle" host, 59, received her diagnosis last year and her medical team said the conditions "have already presented significant hurdles in Wendy's life." "Wendy is still able to do many things for herself," the team said in a statement. "Most importantly she maintains her trademark sense of humor and is receiving the care she requires to make sure she is protected and that her needs are addressed. She is appreciative of the many kind thoughts and good wishes being sent her way." According to Mayo Clinic, aphasia "robs you of the ability to communicate" and "can affect your ability to speak, write and understand language, both verbal and written." The group adds that the condition "typically occurs suddenly after a stroke or a head injury. But it can also come on gradually from a slow-growing brain tumor or a disease that causes progressive, permanent damage (degenerative)." |
posted 2/22/2024 |
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Buzzfeed Sells Complex |
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BuzzFeed has sold Complex — the youth-culture media company it bought three years ago — and will pink-slip another 16% of BuzzFeed's remaining staffers in a restructuring designed to get back on financial track. BuzzFeed announced Wednesday that it closed the sale of Complex to ecommerce platform Ntwrk in a $108.6 million all-cash deal. L.A.-based Ntwrk said that together with Complex, it will build a "next-generation content and shopping experience" that it described as a "new destination for 'superfan' culture that will define the future of commerce, digital media and music." Investors in the newly merged company include Universal Music Group, Jimmy Iovine, Main Street Advisors and Goldman Sachs. In addition to the $108.6 million purchase price, BuzzFeed received approximately $5.7 million related to Complex's use of the company's New York offices and "severance- and other employment-related costs." BuzzFeed acquired Complex Networks in December 2021 for approximately $198 million in cash and $96 million in equity — for a total price tag of $294 million. However, that included Complex's First We Feast brand, producer of the popular "Hot Ones" series, which was not sold to Ntwrk and remains with BuzzFeed. Along with the Complex sale, BuzzFeed announced a new round of layoffs to cut expenses, implementing a 16% reduction in its remaining workforce of a bit under 1,000 across the company (excluding Complex employees who are joining Ntwrk). The BuzzFeed job cuts are expected to yield approximately $23 million in annualized compensation cost savings, the company said. The layoffs come after BuzzFeed in April 2023 announced it was shuttering its unprofitable BuzzFeed News division and laying off about 180 people across the organization. |
posted 2/22/2024 |
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Jay Pharoah, known for "Saturday Night Live" and "The Blackening," will host "The Quiz with Balls," a new Fox game show. Each episode will feature two families competing for $100,000 in a "battle of the balls," combining a high-stakes quiz show with a large-scale physical competition. "When I got hit up about hosting an epic face-off between big brains and even bigger balls, I was like … 'I got this,'" Pharoah said in a statement. "Then I found out it was a game show series on Fox and thought … even better!" The contestants stand on a high platform over a pool, where they must work together during a multiple choice quiz. Each answer is allocated to a spot with a giant ball positioned behind it. If the answer is chosen correctly, the ball will roll down and stop just before hitting the player. However, if the answer is wrong, the ball will fall and whack the player into the pool below. The questions get harder the more players each team loses. The longer they last, the more money they bank until one "dry" family member plays the final round for the $100,000 grand prize. "Playful, quick-witted and high-energy, Jay's going to make a huge splash as our host of 'The Quiz with Balls,'" Allison Wallach, Fox Entertainment's president of unscripted programming, said in a statement. "No matter the stage or show, Jay's singular brand of humor and comedic timing elevates everything he does. With him at the helm of 'The Quiz with Balls,' viewers of all ages are assured an exciting and hilarious hour of fun playing along with Jay and our family contestants." Executive produced by Talpa Studios and Eureka Productions, the new series is set to premiere this summer of Fox. "The Quiz with Balls" premiered on SBS6 in The Netherlands, where it became an instant summer hit, receiving an order for a four-episode winter special. A second season of the show will air on SBS6 later this year. Talpa Studios will soon announce other markets where the format will travel to, following the U.S. launch. Showrunner Anthony Carbone, John de Mol, Maarten Meijs, Chris Culvenor, Paul Franklin, Wes Dening and John Leahy executive produce. |
posted 2/21/2024 |
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WGA Awards: And The Nominees Are... |
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The Writers Guild of America's west and east arms have announced nominations for this year's honors in screenwriting, television, new media, news, radio/audio, and promotional writing during 2023. Delayed due to the Hollywood strikes, this year's ceremony will take place on Sunday, April 14, 2024. Here are the nominees: QUIZ AND AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION |
posted 2/21/2024 |
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The Era of Freevee Love Is Over? |
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Amazon is pushing back against reports that its Freevee service is shuttering. AdWeek reported the news, which it said is part of an effort by the tech giant to shift its focus to Prime Video. Sources familiar with the matter told the outlet that sunsetting Freevee could happen sometime within the second quarter. However, a spokesperson for Amazon said there are "no changes" coming to Freevee. "Amazon Freevee remains an important streaming offering providing both Prime and non-Prime customers thousands of hit movies, shows and originals, all for free," they added. Freevee, which was formerly known as IMDb TV until a rebrand in 2022, offers thousands of premium movies and TV shows, including originals such as "Bosch: Legacy," "Judy Justice" and "Jury Duty" and over 150 free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channels. Some Freevee originals, such as "Leverage: Redemption" and "American Rust," have even been moved to Prime Video for their upcoming seasons. AdWeek's report follows the launch of Prime Video's ad tier on Jan. 29, which will be the default for all subscribers. The streamer will offer a new ad-free option for an additional $2.99 per month for U.S. members. Currently, Amazon Prime, which includes Prime Video, costs $14.99 per month or $139 a year. A membership that only includes Prime Video and none of the company's shipping benefits costs $8.99 a month. |
posted 2/21/2024 |
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Syndicators Go All-In on Game Shows |
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Talk won't be the talk of syndication this fall — instead, producers are bringing out much more economical true-crime series and games to fill station slates. In January, Warner Bros. renewed talk strip Jennifer Hudson for a third season, airing on Fox-owned stations in the country's biggest markets. That caused Debmar-Mercury to withdraw its talk show starring Ken Jeong from the marketplace. After that, several pieces of the fall 2024 syndication puzzle fell into place. Two new first-run shows have been cleared for launch this fall, Warner Bros.'s True Crime News and The Flip Side from CBS Media Ventures, and the potential is there for a few more shows to emerge. While stations build up their true-crime schedules, many of them are leaning heavily on game shows. In January, the CBS-owned stations picked up The Flip Side, which is the first new syndicated series to be produced under the leadership of Wendy McMahon, president and CEO of CBS News and Stations and CMV. The Flip Side will be hosted by Jaleel White, known for his role as Steve Urkel on Family Matters, which aired on ABC from 1989 to 1997. Since then, White, who also works as a writer, producer and comedian, has starred in Netflix's Hustle, CBS's Me, Myself and I and Apple TV Plus's The Afterparty. The Flip Side pits two teams of players against each other, testing them on how they think two different groups of people feel about the same issue. Teams choose from multiple-choice answers, and whoever reveals the best intuition regarding human behavior will find themselves richer. Overall, game shows are popular in syndication right now, often taking the place of more expensive off-network sitcoms. The Flip Side will air on CBS's duopoly stations in big markets, and Fox also has renewed most of its game slate for next year. That includes Pictionary, starring Jerry O'Connell; Debmar-Mercury's People Puzzler, starring Leah Remini; 25 Words or Less, starring and executive produced by Meredith Vieira; and Person, Place or Thing, starring Melissa Peterman. Fox also renewed Dish Nation, which features radio deejays chatting about the entertainment gossip of the day, for a 13th season after doing some cost-cutting. Going away after one season is the TMZ-produced Who the Bleep Is That? |
posted 2/21/2024 |
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Ewen MacIntosh, who played lovable loser Keith in Ricky Gervais' seminal BBC comedy The Office, has died. He was 50. Gervais was among those paying tribute to the actor, whose passing was confirmed by his talent agency, JustRight Management. "With great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved comedy genius Ewen MacIntosh. His family thank all who supported him, especially Willow Green Care Home," read the statement. No cause of death was revealed, but JustRight noted there will be a private cremation for family and close friends "soon" and a celebratory memorial later in the year. Gervais, who starred in the The Office alongside MacIntosh between 2001 and 2003, wrote on social media that the passing was "extremely sad news." "The very funny and very lovely Ewen Macintosh, known to many as 'Big Keith' from The Office, has passed away. An absolute original. RIP," he added. MacIntosh's character in The Office, Keith Bishop, was known for his deadpan delivery. The character was central to several famous episodes, including 'Big Keith's Appraisal', in which Gervais' office branch manager, David Brent, run through his strengths and weaknesses. UKTV channel Gold, which often runs repeats of The Office, said in a statement: "We at Gold are saddened to hear that Ewen MacIntosh has passed away at the age of 50. We loved him as Keith in The Office and were lucky enough to work with him over the years on the channel. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at such a difficult time." According to IMDb, Macintosh's most recent role was in 2023 indie horror film Nightmare on 34th Street. He had also appeared in films such as Drew Cullingham's Shed of the Dead, Steve M Kelly's The Bromley Boys and Raza Mallal's Snapshot Wedding. TV credits include appearances in UK comedy series Little Britain, Lead Balloon and Miranda. In game shows, Macintosh was on episodes of "Celebrity Mastermind" and "Celebrity Poker Live". |
posted 2/21/2024 |
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MONDAY: Remembering Ducky |
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In the latest TV ratings, CBS' NCIS was Monday's most-watched program and tied ABC's The Bachelor for the nightly demo win. The Neighborhood (with 5.1 million total viewers and a 0.4 demo rating) and Bob Hearts Abishola (4.8 mil/0.4) both dipped from their season premieres. NCIS (7.3 mil/0.5) added some viewers and was steady in the demo, while NCIS: Hawaii (5.1 mil/0.4) dropped a few eyeballs but held steady in the demo. The Bachelor (3.2 mil/0.5) dipped week-to-week. NBC's AGT: Fantasy League (3.9 mil/0.3) was pretty steady with its finale. The already-renewed The Irrational slipped to a series low in audience (2.4 mil) while putting up its third straight 0.2 rating. Slightly delayed by Indy 500 overrun, America's Most Wanted (1.5 mil/0.2) actually lost some eyeballs on Fox whereas TMZ Investigates (1.4 mil/0.4) added a few. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 2/21/2024 |
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Meet the Pint-Sized Cheftestants of MasterChef Junior 9 |
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Judges and Mentors Gordon Ramsay, Daphne Oz and Aarón Sánchez return alongside new judge Tilly Ramsay. MEET THE YOUNG CULINARY CONTESTANTS: One talented young chef will be named America's newest MasterChef Junior, taking home a trophy and $100,000 grand prize! |
posted 2/21/2024 |
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Wednesday Lightning Round |
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Professional dancer Robin Windsor, best known to TV audiences for his four-season stint on the UK's Strictly Come Dancing, has died at the age of 44. A cause of death has not been disclosed.\ His death was first announced by the official Facebook page of Burn the Floor, a dance company he founded in 1997: Windsor made his Strictly Come Dancing debut in 2010 and was paired with Eighth Wonder frontwoman Patsy Kensit (eliminated in Week 9). He returned for three additional seasons and was paired with EastEnders vet Anita Dobson (also eliminated in Week 9), Emmerdale star Lisa Riley (eliminated in Week 11) and Dragon's Den investor Deborah Meaden (eliminated in Week 5). "The whole Strictly family are deeply saddened to hear the news about our dear friend Robin Windsor," the BBC reality competition said in a statement on Instagram. "He was not only an exceptionally talented dancer and choreographer but also a caring, considerate and kind person both on and off the dance floor. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this extremely difficult time." Prior to his death, Windsor was featured in Come What May, a Moulin Rouge tribute show. The stage play's production company, Sisco Entertainment Group, put out the following statement: "It is with heavy hearts that we announce the tragic passing of our beloved friend, Robin Windsor. Robin's presence in Come What May was more than just a performance; it was an embodiment of passion, grace and sheer talent. His extraordinary ability to express emotion through movement captivated audiences, leaving them spellbound with every step. Beyond his impeccable dancing, Robin's vibrant spirit lit up the room, infusing rehearsals and performances with infectious energy and warmth. His laughter was contagious, his kindness boundless. His friendship was a gift cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Robin, you will be deeply missed. Though Come What May will continue without you, your legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to share in your light." |
posted 2/20/2024 |
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"Millionaire" Goes to the Casino |
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In its quest to expand its footprint in live dealer casino game vertical, Playtech has announced that it will bring its Who Wants To Be a Millionaire? (WWTBAM) branded live games to North American markets. The announcement came alongside news of a two-year partnership extension between Playtech and Sony Pictures Television, which owns the rights to WWTBAM. Now good until 2028, that deal has allowed Playtech to develop three live dealer games using the WWTBM intellectual property: These games incorporate various features of the popular game show of the same name, including its "lifelines": 50/50, Ask the Audience, and Ask the Host lifelines. In addition to the three current titles, Playtech plans to develop additional games using the brand. These would be available to the company's global partners, including those in its new North American markets — the US, Canada, and Mexico. Sasha Uman, chief commercial officer at Playtech Live, said that the collaboration with Sony has been an enormous opportunity for the company. She added: "It showcases our commitment to securing top iconic brands in the game show and entertainment industry, and our dedication to offering high-quality and innovative gaming options to the audience. It has allowed us to bring a diverse range of interactive games, including Live Roulette, Live Trivia, and the latest addition, Video Poker Live, inspired by the beloved 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?' brand. 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?' has been a global favourite for many years, and we are thrilled to be able to bring the excitement of this iconic game show to players worldwide, especially to our North American audience." |
posted 2/20/2024 |
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SUNDAY: CBS Premiere Week Concludes |
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In the latest TV ratings, CBS' 60 Minutes and Tracker were among Sunday's most-watched programs, with the latter also landing in a three-way tie for the nightly demo win. Leading out of 60 Minutes (which had 7.2 million total viewers and a 0.4 demo rating), The Equalizer (6.3 mil/0.5) returned pretty steady with its Season 3 averages. Tracker (6.6 mil/0.5) found Sunday's second-largest audience, building on its lead-in. CSI: Vegas christened its brand-new time slot with 3.95 million viewers (matching its second-largest audience to date), while steady in the demo with a 0.3 rating. ABC's AFV (4 mil/0.4) scored its second-largest audience of the season and matched its demo high. American Idol (4.5 mil/0.5) was down double digits from both from Season 21's premiere and Sunday averages. What Would You Do? returned to 2.7 mil and a 0.3. The People's Choice Awards on NBC averaged 2.2 mil and a 0.2. Fox's The Simpsons did 720K and a 0.2, followed by Krapopolis' 500K/0.1, The Great North's 420K/0.1 and Grimsburg's 360K/0.1. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49) are forthcoming. |
posted 2/20/2024 |
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Tuesday Lightning Round |
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Lionel Richie is ready to see his American Idol co-judge Katy Perry sail on to her next adventure. The "Hello" crooner has addressed Perry's recent announcement that she would be exiting the singing competition series after its 22nd season. "I'm not mad," he said while visiting Jimmy Kimmel Live on Thursday. "It just made me run off the road when I first heard about it," he continued, joking about Perry's upcoming departure. "My phone blew up." The Grammy winner also confirmed that he wasn't aware of Perry's decision before she spilled the beans on Monday's episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live. "No, we didn't know about it, but it makes sense," he said. "In other words: The reason I love coming on the show with you and the reason I'm doing American Idol is because I have 400 years of stories and a life in the music business. I have things that I've done." Perry joined American Idol when the revival landed on ABC in 2018. The singer said she didn't know what the succession plan was but noted that former judges, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy all stayed together as a trio for seven seasons, just like Perry, Bryan, and Richie. However, the original trio was together for eight seasons but were joined by fourth judge Kara DioGuardi in Season 8. "I love the show so much but I want to go and see the world and maybe bring new music," Perry added. "Maybe I'll come back if they have me one day." Perry's last season on American Idol will be Season 22 which premieres on Sunday on ABC. |
posted 2/16/2024 |
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The CW is officially in the Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit business, closing deals on a pair of game shows based on the classic board games. Both have been in the works for some time; Deadline reported on Trivial Pursuit being in the works last summer. The CW declined comment Wednesday, but an official announcement is expected shortly. The all-time classic trivia game TRIVIAL PURSUIT is reimagined in a question-packed entertainment format. Gameplay takes place on a giant version of the iconic Trivial Pursuit game board, as contestants battle it out over a range of play-along question categories to win wedges and beat each other to the center. The victor then takes on a dramatic finale against the clock to claim the big money jackpot. Gabriel Marano, John De Mol, Matt Walton and Matt Pritchard, and David Garfinkle serve as executive producers. SCRABBLE is a captivating, fast-paced take on the global board-game phenomenon. In each episode, wordsmiths battle it out playing a series of addictive, word-based games to win points and add words to a giant SCRABBLE board in the center of the set. Gabriel Marano, David Garfinkle and Michelle Mendelovitz serve as executive producers. Both game shows come from Hasbro Entertainment; Lionsgate Alternative Entertainment, which acquired the eOne assets from Hasbro last year; and The CW. Scrabble is also produced by Mattel Television Studios. There are no hosts attached to either project, but LeVar Burton has previously been attached to the Trivial Pursuit adaptation. Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit are the latest unscripted orders from The CW's reality chief Heather Olander, who last year told Deadline she was looking to launch a game show with "some IP along with it." Both games have been adapted for the screen before. Freeform precursor The Family Channel ran a Trivial Pursuit series hosted by Wink Martindale in 1993-94 that was loosely based on the game, while a syndicated version, Trivial Pursuit: America Plays, ran in 2008-09. Meanwhile, Scrabble ran on NBC between 1984 and 1990 and again in 1993. A different version, Scrabble Showdown, launched on The Hub, the Hasbro and Warner Bros Discovery joint venture, in 2011. The CW's unscripted slate currently includes FBoy Island and spinoff FGirl Island as well as The Great American Bakeover, The Force from Jersey Shore creator SallyAnn Salsano, and Patti Stanger: Millionaire Matchmaking. This is on top of long-running shows such as Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Penn & Teller: Fool Us and Masters of Illusion. |
posted 2/16/2024 |
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Suzanne Prete has been promoted to president, game shows, Sony Picture Television (SPT), Ravi Ahuja, chairman of global television studios and corporate development at SPT, said Thursday. SPT established its game-show group two years ago, and the new division focused on expanding its well-known game-show brands, including Jeopardy!, Wheel of Fortune and other franchises. "Under Suzanne's leadership, our game show division has excelled beyond even our lofty expectations," Ahuja said. "The team has expanded SPT's established franchises and leveraged our extensive library of formats to create innovative 'radical reboots,' while simultaneously developing original content for today's buyers and audiences." Over the past two years, Prete and her team worked closely with Disney-owned ABC to renew both of its powerhouse access game shows, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!, for five more years, taking both shows through the 2027-28 season. The division also has been actively spinning off shows from both brands to air on ABC's primetime. These new series include Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, Celebrity Jeopardy! and Jeopardy! Masters. Prete has been at Sony Pictures Television for 29 years, during which time she expanded the studio's game show ancillary businesses through strategic licensing deals, in-show product integrations, and business partnerships. This includes a multi-year agreement with IGT that puts Wheel of Fortune in casinos and on lottery tickets. Prete and her team recently produced a U.S. adaptation of Raid the Cage, hosted by Damon Wayans Jr., for CBS, and they oversee The $100,000 Pyramid, hosted by Michael Strahan, on ABC. That show is currently in its seventh season. |
posted 2/16/2024 |
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THURSDAY: Bazinga! |
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In the latest TV ratings, CBS' Young Sheldon final-season premiere was Thursday's most-watched show while tying lead-out Ghosts for the nightly demo win. Young Sheldon (with 7.99 million total viewers and a 0.6 rating per Nielsen finals) opened its farewell run with its largest audience since April 30, 2020 (its Season 3 finale), while matching its previous season's demo average. Ghosts (7.05 mil/0.70) hit a series high in audience while matching its previous season's demo average. So Help Me Todd (4.9 mil/0.4) returned a bit up in audience and steady in the demo. Fox's Next Level Chef (2 mil/0.4) was steady, while Farmer Wants a Wife (1.8 mil/0.3) rose in the demo. Leading out of Conners reruns (that averaged 480K and a 0.1) on the CW, Son of a Critch (370K/0.1) and Children Ruin Everything (290K/0.0) were both up in aduience. ABC's Truth & Lies: The Doomsday Project averaged 2.2 mil and a 0.2. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 2/16/2024 |
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WEDNESDAY: Feel the Love |
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In the latest TV ratings, with NBC's #OneChicago in rerun mode, CBS' The Price Is Right at Night was easily Wednesday's most-watched program, while tying ABC's The Conners and Abbott Elementary for the nightly demo win. TPIR at Night (with 4.3 million total viewers and a 0.5 demo rating) dipped in the demo but was steady in audience. Let's Make a Deal Primetime (3.2 mil0.3) and FBI TRUE (1.7 mil/0.2) both added viewers while steady in the demo. The Conners (3.4 mil/0.4) and Not Dead Yet (2.5 mil/0.3) both added viewers while steady in the demo. Abbott Elementary (2.6 mil/0.4) and Judge Steve Harvey (1.6 mil/0.1) both dipped. Fox's I Can See Your Voice (1.5 mil/0.2) was steady, but We Are Family (1.4 mil/0.2) dipped. The CW's Wild Cards (520K/0.1) was steady, while Family Law (460K/0.1) matched its largest Stateside audience to date. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49) ... |
posted 2/16/2024 |
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TUESDAY: Calling in the Feds |
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In the latest TV ratings, CBS' FBI was Tuesday's most-watched program; it also tied ABC's The Bachelor for the nightly demo win. With their respective season openers, FBI (7.6 million total viewers and a 0.5 demo rating), FBI: International (5.8 mil/0.4) and FBI: Most Wanted (5.2 mil/0.4) all returned to larger audiences than their previous averages, and were steady in the demo. In fact, FBI proper drew its largest audience in almost two years (since March 2022). Facing stiffer competition, Night Court (2.9 mil/0.3), Extended Family (2.2 mil/0.2), the La Brea series finale (2 mil/0.2) and Quantum Leap (another series low 1.3 mil/0.2) each lost some eyeballs for NBC, yet all held steady in the demo. Fox's Name That Tune (1.6 mil/0.2) and The Floor (2.3 mil/0.4) both slipped. ABC's The Bachelor drew 3 mil and a 0.5. The CW's Inside the NFL (270K) dropped a lot. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49) ... |
posted 2/16/2024 |
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NBCBS? |
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Could Paramount+ and NBCUniversal's Peacock join forces to take on the streaming sector's bigger guns? Maybe — but while Paramount Global and Comcast, NBCU's parent, recently discussed the possibility of uniting the services in some kind of a partnership or joint venture, there's no imminent deal expected. Talks between Comcast and Paramount Global were first reported Friday by the Wall Street Journal. Sources confirmed early discussions between the two, whose respective subscription-streaming platforms are significantly smaller than Netflix and Disney+. But those haven't progressed beyond the spit-balling stage. Reps for Paramount Global and Comcast declined to comment. The two companies already are JV partners for European streaming service SkyShowtime. Established in 2021, it's designed as a streaming service for both Comcast and Paramount Global that targets European markets that weren't already being served by Peacock or Paramount+. Word of the talks about a possible Paramount+-Peacock combination comes as Paramount Global has been the subject of M&A chatter, including speculation that the company could merge with Comcast. Comcast CEO Brian Roberts, on the Q4 earnings call last month, signaled again that the cable and media conglomerate doesn't expect to pursue large M&A deals. "While there may be speculation of what we could do next, I'd like you to hear it directly from me: I love the company we have," he told analysts. "So the bar continues to be even higher for us to do anything other than the plan you heard today." Peacock had 31 million subscribers at the end of 2023, adding about 3 million in the fourth quarter. As of September 2023, Paramount+ reached more than 63 million global subscribers, gaining a net 2.7 million in the third quarter. (Paramount Global is slated to report fourth-quarter 2023 earnings Feb. 28 after the market closes.) |
posted 2/16/2024 |
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"The Price Is Right" Heads to Nigeria |
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In a groundbreaking partnership aimed at elevating the entertainment landscape in Nigeria, Genesis Studios has announced SmartCash by Airtel as the official headline sponsor of the classic game show The Price Is Right, which will debut on Nigerian screens this year. According to Genesis Studios, which is the domestic production company of the iconic game show, the relaunch of The Price Is Right in Nigeria is more than just a comeback; it is a celebration of the Fremantle-owned format, which is recognized as the world's longest-running game show, with millions of global viewers amassed for decades. While the prestigious program is brought to the Nigerian audience, the producers have have promised that the program would be blessed with a legacy of fun, excitement, and the opportunity for the viewing public to win mouthwatering prizes. Partnering with Genesis Studios as headline sponsor of The Price is Right in Nigeria, SmartCash has also assured fans of the show of an enhanced viewing experience, courtesy of the mobile money platform's dynamic features. "The time is right for The Price Is Right in Nigeria," noted Olatubosun Olaegbe, the Chief Executive Officer of Genesis Studios, as he mused over the partnership with Smartcash. "This partnership adds a layer of innovation to the show, and we are excited to create a game show that will be remembered for its captivating entertainment and engagement. It has been a beacon of entertainment globally for generations, and with SmartCash by Airtel as our sponsor, we are taking it to new heights the way only Nigerians can." |
posted 2/16/2024 |
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Michael Davies Finally Speaks... |
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Though Mayim Bialik was fired from the "Jeopardy!" flagship syndicated series in December, the door is still open to bring her back for other versions, according to executive producer Michael Davies. On a panel about unscripted television during ABC's presentation at the Television Critics Association winter 2024 press tour, Davies said the decision to remove Bialik and keep Ken Jennings as solo host came from a pursuit of "more consistency." "When I took over the show, we were forced into that situation," said Davies, referring to the two-host setup. "Over the past two and a half seasons, what we've heard from a lot of from television stations and other interested parties is that they wanted more consistency. They wanted a single host. "Mayim is a superb host," he added. "We hope to continue working with her on primetime versions — this conversation is ongoing." Bialik in December announced her exit via social media. Her post, and then Sony Pictures Television's statement about Bialik's departure, emphasized that she would no longer host the syndicated version of "Jeopardy." Neither made any reference to primetime versions of the franchise like "Celebrity Jeopardy," which Bialik hosted alone for its first season (before passing duties to Ken Jennings in Season 2 due to the Hollywood strikes). "Celebrity Jeopardy" has not yet been renewed for a third season. Bialik first joined "Jeopardy!" in 2021, serving as a guest host alongside Jennings after the quick exit of Mike Richards, who resigned just one week into his post due to the resurfacing of offensive comments he'd made in the past. Richards had also served as EP on "Jeopardy," and also stepped down from that role. Davies took over as interim EP during this period, and announced Bialik and Jennings as cohosts in July 2022. (Davies has since become the permanent EP of "Jeopardy.") Davies previously spoke positively of the multi-host model. After winning the Daytime Emmy for best game show in December 2021 — when Jennings and Bialik still held guest positions — he told Variety: "We're going to need multiple hosts to represent the entire audience, to represent the entire country, in order to take this franchise forward." |
posted 2/16/2024 |
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Happy Friday Lightning Round |
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Draftkings Buys Jackpocket |
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DraftKings stock stayed flat in late trading after the sports betting company released fourth quarter earnings and announced an agreement to buy online lottery app Jackpocket for $750 million. For the quarter ending in December, DraftKings reported revenue of $1.23 billion, almost exactly in line with consensus estimates of $1.24 billion. Losses per share of $0.10 trailed estimates of $0.08. DraftKings announced the Jackpocket deal at the same time. The company said it will fund the deal with $412.5 million in cash and $337.5 million in stock. Should it close, it would allow DraftKings to get into the online lottery business, which has a much bigger addressable market than sports betting. "This transaction will create significant value for DraftKings not only by giving our customers another differentiated product to enjoy but also by improving our overall marketing efficiency similar to how our daily fantasy sports database created an advantage for DraftKings in OSB and iGaming," CEO Jason Robins said in a statement. Roughly 53% of Americans purchased a lottery ticket in 2021, and the total addressable market in the U.S., by some estimates, is about $100 billion. Jackpocket is one of a handful of companies rushing to fill the white space as more states allow online lottery games. Like sports betting, it's going state-by-state, but some of the most populous states in the U.S. (like Texas, New York, Ohio and New Jersey) already allow it. Jackpocket's investors include comedian Kevin Hart, former Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, and MLB player Manny Machado. Jackpocket had $78 million in revenue in 2023, and projects that to grow 73% to $135 million in 2024, according to a DraftKings presentation on the deal. Jackpocket's customer acquisition costs in 2023 were also 80% lower than those seen by DraftKings, the company said. As another data point, DraftKings said it looked into the tendencies of its existing customer that already overlap with Jackpocket, and concluded that those customers are worth 53% more over a lifetime of gaming than the customers that hadn't engaged with Jackpocket. Put another way, Jackpocket can attract more valuable customers, and at a cheaper price, DraftKings said. The price of DraftKings stock (Nasdaq: DKNG) has more than doubled to $44.46 in the past 12 months. |
posted 2/15/2024 |
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"FGirl Island" Rebrands, Slates Premiere |
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FGirl Island is no more. The CW has rebranded its FBoy Island spinoff. The network revealed that the show, which is a female take on the raunchy dating format, will be known as Lovers and Liars. The show will premiere a sneak peek episode at 9 p.m. Monday April 1, following the season premiere of All American, before moving to its regular timeslot of 9 p.m. Thursday on April 11. The series sees three single men on a tropical island must determine which of the 24 women are there for love or cash in order to win $100,000. It comes after the third season of FBoy Island aired in the fall, premiering in October. However, the show — which was originally commissioned and aired by HBO Max before it moved out of unscripted originals — didn't quite hit the numbers that The CW was expecting. The two series were shot back-to-back in order to make them more cost-effective. They were also shot in Malibu rather than the Cayman Islands. |
posted 2/15/2024 |
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Thursday Lightning Round |
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Today, Peacock announced the premiere date and first look of LOVE UNDERCOVER, the new reality series launching May 9 exclusively on Peacock. The series follows five international soccer players on an epic journey filled with drama, heartbreak and self- discovery, as they leave their lavish lives behind to date over 18 single women who don't know of their fame overseas. · Additionally, the hit cultural phenomenon LOVE ISLAND USA will return Summer 2024 along with the second season of the Will Packer produced dating series QUEENS COURT hosted by real-life husband and wife duo Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete. Today's athletes are mega stars with extreme wealth, giant fandoms and lavish lifestyles. You could even call them royalty. And naturally, with any royal story, a fairytale is never too far away. LOVE UNDERCOVER is a modern-day fairytale meets buddy comedy about a small group of international soccer stars who come to the United States on a secret quest for true love. We'll follow them on an epic journey filled with drama, heartbreak and self-discovery. Can they win over the ladies without their fame and fortune? And will any of them fall for an American princess before returning to the global stage? For these men, finding love is the #1 goal. The show, run by Alycia Rossiter, Jessica Nahmias, Sonya Wilkes, Michael Krupat, and John Luscombe for Beyond Media, will premiere May 9. Season 6 of the hit cultural phenomenon LOVE ISLAND USA will premiere Summer 2024 on Peacock. Logline: Peacock Original LOVE ISLAND USA features a group of sexy singles on a search for love in a beautiful villa. Throughout their stay in a tropical oasis, Islanders will couple up to face brand new heart-racing challenges and bigger twists and turns than ever before. Temptations will rise and drama will ensue as new "bombshells" arrive, forcing Islanders to decide if they want to remain with their current partners or recouple with someone new. QUEENS COURT is back with three new celebrity queens who embark on a journey of a lifetime to find their King by dating 22 confident, successful men. Guided by Hollywood "couple goals" hosts, Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete, the Queens must let go of past heartbreak, embrace new connections, and find a man worthy of sharing their throne! |
posted 2/14/2024 |
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The 1% Club Returns to Australia |
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The 1% Club: the show that tests how you think – or if you can think at all – is back in 2024. The #1 new entertainment show of 2023, hosted by Aussie comedian Jim Jefferies, will showcase new questions aimed at differentiating the rocket scientists from the space cadets. Each episode, 100 everyday Aussies of all ages and backgrounds play for their chance at $100,000 and the opportunity to join the elite ranks of the 1%. Unlike most quizzes, general knowledge isn't what players need to excel. This game is all about logic and common sense. Play along at home to see if you are smarter than 99% of the population and can make it to the 1% question. The 1% Club is produced by BBC Studios Australia and New Zealand from a format created by Magnum Media and distributed by BBC Studios. "The 1% Club" season 2 launches February 21 at 7:30p on Channel 7 & 7plus. |
posted 2/14/2024 |
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MONDAY: ... Did You Miss Us? |
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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. With their season premieres following a nine-month, strikes-extended hiatus, The Neighborhood (with 5.8 million total viewers and a 0.5 demo rating), Bob Hearts Abishola (5.2 mil/0.5), NCIS (7.2 mil/0.5) and NCIS: Hawaii (5.4 mil/0.4) all improved on their previous audidience averages, with Bobishola and NCIS also rising in the demo. Now facing stiffer competition…. NBC's AGT: Fantasy League (4 mil/0.3) dropped a few eyeballs, while The Irrational (2.5 mil/0.2) fell to an audience low opposite an NCIS for the very first time. ABC's The Bachelor (3.3 mil/0.5) dipped in the demo. Fox's America's Most Wanted (1.6 mil/0.2) and TMZ Investigates (1.1 mil/0.1) both slipped. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 2/14/2024 |
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Dan, Phaedra and "Par-va-tay" won't be the last ones to don those villainous hooded robes: Peacock's The Traitors has been renewed for Season 3. |
posted 2/14/2024 |
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Valentine's Day Lightning Round |
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Alan Carr Slams for BBC1 |
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The BBC has ordered a second 10×45 run of Alan Carr's Picture Slam from Triple Brew Media for BBC One later this year. The first season of Alan Carr's Picture Slam averaged 3.3 million viewers across its eight-episode run, and saw its strongest audience in the penultimate episode, which averaged 4.6 million, making this the biggest Entertainment launch on the BBC last year and the second biggest new Entertainment launch across the market in 2023. Alan Carr says: "I am over the moon that Picture Slam is coming back, I love the show so much and I'm bowled over by how popular it's become. It's manic, a little bit random and full of fun – it's like if I was a quiz show!!! Let's do it all over again!" Ed De Burgh and Ben Shephard, Executive Producers for Triple Brew Media say "Picture Slam's fast-paced, play along nature combined with Alan's unique blend of wit and humour, captivated audiences last year. We can't wait to get back into the studio and bring more Picture Slam to everyone!" Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC adds: "With even more episodes to look forward to in the second series and our funny host Alan Carr at the helm, Picture Slam is the perfect teatime treat that the whole family can play along with!" A production of Triple Brew Media, a division of All3Media's Objective Media Group, Alan Carr's Picture Slam will be filmed at Pacific Quay in Glasgow. |
posted 2/13/2024 |
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Tuesday Lightning Round |
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ABC announced today that two of its fan-favorite game shows, "Celebrity Family Feud" and "Jeopardy! Masters," have been renewed for new seasons set to air later this year. "Celebrity Family Feud" returns for a 10th season, hosted by stand-up comedian, actor, author and Emmy(R) Award winner Steve Harvey. Myeshia Mizuno is set to join this season as showrunner. Mizuno also serves as showrunner on the network's unscripted courtroom comedy series, "Judge Steve Harvey." Two specials will also air later this year in celebration of the iconic show, "Family Feud: Decades of Laughs" and "Family Feud: The Best of Steve Harvey," highlighting some of the best moments from the syndicated and primetime shows throughout the years. The renowned game show and specials will air this summer on ABC and stream next day on Hulu. "Celebrity Family Feud" stood as ABC's No. 1 series and ranked No. 1 in the Sunday 8 p.m. hour last summer. "Jeopardy! Masters," produced by Sony Pictures Television and hosted by "G.O.A.T." Ken Jennings, is returning for another tournament-style season to air later this spring. Each hourlong episode will showcase some of the highest-ranked current "Jeopardy!" contestants, with two action-packed and high-stakes games. The full field of contestants competing for the coveted title of "Jeopardy! Masters" Champion will be announced at a later date. The high-stakes competition will air on ABC and stream next day on Hulu. "Jeopardy! Masters" finished among the top three new series last season in both Total Viewers and Adults 18-49 and averaged 7.27 million Total Viewers after 35 days of delayed viewing on linear and streaming platforms. "Celebrity Family Feud" is produced by Fremantle. Myeshia Mizuno is the showrunner and executive producer. "Jeopardy! Masters" is executive produced by Michael Davies. |
posted 2/12/2024 |
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"I Guess We Have Our Answer" |
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Tensions were high on an ABC panel at the Television Critics Association's winter 2024 press tour, during which the three showrunners were asked about the racial issues often present in unscripted television. "Bachelor" executive producers Jason Ehrlich, Claire Freeland and Bennett Graebner appeared caught off guard when NPR journalist Eric Deggans brought up multiple controversies surrounding the treatment of the franchise's Black cast members, saying, "During Matt James' season, you had a controversy that led to Chris Harrison leaving the show. Matt was a little critical of how you presented his father. Rachel Lindsay, the first black Bachelorette, has been critical of how the show talks about race." "Why does it seem that 'The Bachelor' and 'The Bachelorette' have such a hard time dealing with racial issues?" Deggans asked. "Have you learned anything from these past scandals that led to the departure of Chris Harrison?" "I can speak to where we are now," Freeland said after a long pause. "Our goal is to represent the fabric of the country, not just in terms of diversity and ethnicity, but also ability and body types and representing where people are from in the country as well." "I can speak for the seasons that I have been on," continued Freeland, who joined the American iterations of the franchise in 2023 after previously working on the Canadian "Bachelor" series. "I think, so far, we've been putting our money where our mouth is. This is something that we're always working on, and we'll continue to do so moving forward." Deggans pushed back on Freeland's focus on the present: "That doesn't really answer the question. Why has 'The Bachelor' struggled to deal with race, particularly when Black people are the star of the show?" Freeland didn't answer; nor did Ehrlich and Graebner, who have worked on the Bachelor franchise since 2004 and 2008, respectively. After another long pause, Deggans spoke again: "I guess we have our answer." Following the panel, the producers spoke with Decider about what had happened on stage. "I was there for Matt James' season. I was there for Rachel Lindsay's season. I was also there for Michelle Young's season, Tayshia Adams' season, Charity Lawson's season," Graebner said. "I think as stewards of this franchise, which has been such a part of the cultural zeitgeist for over two decades, there's a tremendous responsibility to have conversations on camera that are difficult and challenging — conversations about race, conversations about class, conversations about gender. We have done that. Have we always done it perfectly? No. We've certainly made some mistakes along the way. But moving forward we're going to do everything in our power to correct this." Meanwhile, this year will mark 10 years of "Bachelor in Paradise" — something they've previously said they'd also like to do a "Golden" edition of. With "Golden Bachelorette" officially coming, it could be closer than people think. "We'd love to do that eventually. I mean, how fun would it be to see single men and women in their 60s and 70s on the beach or in the Bachelor pad or somewhere, hanging out and falling in love? We'd love to do that and hope we get the opportunity," Ehrlich says, with Graebner admitting there have been "a number of conversations with the network and the studio" and while they don't know when or where it will take place, they know the audience is there. While "Bachelor in Paradise" has featured members of the LGBTQ+ community, the flagship series has yet to have a gay lead. But the producers do want to explore it, Ehrlich says. "We hope to get the opportunity to do that," he says. "The most wonderful thing is that love is universal and so is the frustration of not finding love. We'd love the opportunity to tell all kinds of people's stories." Graebner adds, "During my tenure on the show, the two spinoffs that have been pitched to be the most frequently are a Bachelor for older people and a gay Bachelor. We checked one of those boxes. We're talking about checking out the other box."" |
posted 2/12/2024 |
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Jason Manford Goes for a Run |
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Jason Manford is set to host the new BBC One daytime quiz 'The Answer Run'. The 42-year-old comedian will front the new show that will see pairs of contestants presented with two answers to select the correct one from. BBC One has commissioned 25, 45-minute episodes of the 'quick-thinking' general knowledge show, which will be filmed in Glasgow this month. The format is based on 50/50 decisions where each question can only fit into one of the two answers, such as 'Beyonce or Barbie' , 'Neptune or Mars' or 'football or basketball'. Three pairs of contestants have to decide which way to swipe in a race against time. Jason told The Sun: "I'm chuffed to bits to be back on BBC daytime again with The Answer Run. I really feel like this is going to be one of those addictive TV quiz shows where you're sat at home shouting at the telly because you reckon you could've done better... "It's fast-paced, full of jeopardy and requires contestants to be able to make split-second decisions. But I promise we'll have a laugh too." His return to the BBC comes after his game show 'Unbeatable' was axed after two seasons. |
posted 2/12/2024 |
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Monday Lightning Round |
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"Bachelorette" Goes Gold |
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The Golden Bachelorette is ready to bloom as ABC launches the latest spinoff in its long-running dating franchise. At the Television Critics Association's winter press tour on Saturday, the network announced that the new series will launch this fall following the success of the inaugural season of The Golden Bachelor, which aired the finale of its Gerry Turner-led run in November. Turner and show pick Theresa Nist tied the knot in a lavish wedding ceremony that aired live on ABC last month. Additionally, the network announced Saturday that The Bachelorette has been renewed for its 21st season, which is scheduled to air in the summer. Cast details for both series are set to be revealed at a later date. |
posted 2/10/2024 |
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Weekend Lightning Round |
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Atari has enlisted executive producers Jay Blumenfield and Tony Marsh to create a game show centered on the famed gaming brand, tentatively titled The Great Atari Celebrity Showdown. The pair comes to the project after exec producing such series as The Chelsea Handler Show (E!), Here Come the Newlyweds (ABC), Restaurant Stakeout (Food Network), Gigolos (Showtime), and Tournament of Laughs (TBS). "We're beyond excited to partner with Atari to bring you the ultimate celebrity game show, with all the drama, comedy, and nostalgia that comes with it," Blumenfield said. "This show celebrates the history of gaming, the culture of entertainment, and the joy of competing like we're kids — it's one the whole family won't want to miss!" Stated Marsh, "It's going to be amazing! You'll get to watch celebrities do something they rarely ever get to do – which is actually have fun. And sometimes a walk down memory lane is just what we need to keep our sanity in this crazy world." Added Atari's Chairman and CEO, Wade Rosen: "Atari has remained a widely recognized and loved brand in pop culture for over 50 years, so it is no surprise that many celebrities have a strong connection to the brand. I look forward to seeing them share their personal stories and compete in a fun, game-show setting." Founded in 1972, Atari is an arcade game pioneer also responsible for video game consoles like the Atari 2600. The company owns and/or manages a portfolio of more than 200 games and franchises, including world-renowned brands like Asteroids, Centipede, Missile Command, Pong, and RollerCoaster Tycoon. Among other upcoming TV projects for the company is the docuseries Game Changers: The Story of Atari (wt) from Emmy and IDA Award-winning filmmakers Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz. |
posted 2/8/2024 |
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Food + Poker = ... Cooking? |
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Food Network is placing its bet on a new eight-episode series called Wildcard Kitchen, where fan-favorite chefs put their money where their mouth is during a high-stakes culinary card game. In each episode, 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. Chefs competing against each other include Chopped judges Maneet Chauhan, Brian Malarkey and Marc Murphy; Italian cuisine masters Gabriele Bertaccini, Rocco Dispirito and Antonia Lofaso; and best friends Stephanie Izard, Joe Sasto and Justin Sutherland. Guest judges include Anne Burrell, Esther Choi and Scott Conant. T he luck of the draw determines the dishes and cooking time, while wildcards deal unpredictable challenges into the mix that test the chefs like never before. Wildcard Kitchen premieres March 12 at 9 p.m. ET. "Wildcard Kitchen makes viewers feel like they are behind-the-scenes for an exclusive late-night poker game with their favorite chefs," said Betsy Ayala, Head of Content, Food, Warner Bros. Discovery. "The competition and good-natured trash talk is fierce, funny and unlike anything Food Network has offered." Wildcard Kitchen is produced by Lando Entertainment for Food Network. |
posted 2/8/2024 |
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Yep. We're Doing This Again... |
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IATSE is ready to go on strike if upcoming contract negotiations with the studios don't go their way. The guild will begin negotiating two major labor contracts with the AMPTP next month, the Basic Agreement and the Area Standards Agreement. Both current contracts are set to expire on July 31. New campaign websites for each lay out the timelines that IATSE expects, both before and after negotiations begin. Within those timelines, IATSE is making it clear that there will either be an agreement, or the union will look to its members for a potential strike authorization vote. If an agreement isn't reached by July 31, IATSE's websites state "The Negotiating Committee is not interested in extending this agreement." "Depending on the status of negotiations around this time, there will either be a strike authorization vote, or a ratification vote," the websites read. Coming on the heels of last year's major labor movement, this stance is to be expected. IATSE leadership has already made it clear that the union is looking to make considerable gains in its contract, and it won't allow last year's dual WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes scare members from authorizing another work stoppage, if necessary. Last month, IATSE President Matthew Loeb assured that "nothing is off the table" when it comes to the March negotiations. "Everybody's bank account got sapped because [the studios] were unreasonable for months and months. My folks aren't going to just settle," he said, which was met with cheers from the crowd, as well as the labor leaders who joined him on a panel at CES. |
posted 2/8/2024 |
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WEDNESDAY: Welcome Back, Welcome Back, Welcome Back... |
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In the latest TV ratings, NBC's Chicago Med was Wednesday's most-watched show, while ABC's Abbott Elementary tied Chicago Med and Fire for the nightly demo win. Chicago Med (with 6.3 million total viewers and a 0.5 demo rating) and Chicago Fire (6.2 mil/0.5) were steady in the demo, while Chicago P.D. (5 mil/0.4) dipped — and all three were down a bit in audience with ABC originals now back in the mix. Speaking of... The Conners (3.5 mil/0.4) returned down a tick vs. its previous averages (3.8 mil/0.5), Not Dead Yet (2.5 mil/0.3) was more than on par with its freshman numbers (2.3 mil/0.3), and Abbott Elementary (2.8 mil/0.5, 2.7 mil/0.5) matched its sophomore numbers. Judge Steve Harvey (1.6 mil/0.2) returned down vs. its summer numbers. CBS was on the map with steady performances from TPIR at Night (4.2 mil/0.5) and FBI TRUE (1.4 mil/0.2), while Let's Make a Deal Primetime (2.7 mil/0.3) slipped in both measures. Fox's I Can See Your Voice (1.5 mil/0.2) and We Are Family (1.2 mil/0.1) slipped opposite stronger competition. The CW's Wild Cards (500K/0.1) added a few eyeballs, Family Law (370K/0.0) was steady. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49) are forthcoming. |
posted 2/8/2024 |
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TUESDAY: Raising the Floor |
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In the latest TV ratings, an FBI rerun on CBS was Tuesday's most-watched program, while Fox's The Floor led the night in the demo. Name That Tune (with 1.7 million total viewers and a 0.3 demo rating) was steady, while The Floor (2.5 mil/0.4) dipped in both measures. Night Court (3.2 mil/0.3) added viewers, while Extended Family (2.5 mil/0.2) was steady. The penultimate episode of La Brea (2 mil/0.2) and the yet-to-be-renewed Quantum Leap (1.5 mil/0.2) both slipped to new audience lows. ABC's Celebrity Wheel of Fortune drew 3.1 million viewers and a 0.3 rating. The aforementioned FBI repeat delivered 3.8 million viewers. The CW's Inside the NFL (320K) and Whose Line Is It Anyway? (460K) both were down in audience. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 2/8/2024 |
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Meet the Chefs Heading to Wisconsin |
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Top Chef is heading to the Badger State... but of course, the chefs competing in season 21 of the beloved reality competition will be focused on something else Wisconsin is known for: cheese! In the season 21 trailer, which EW revealed below, the cheftestants are joined by host Kristen Kish and judges Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons in both Milwaukee and Madison for some dairy-filled challenges (including one at a cheese festival!). The season marks Kish's first season as host after Padma Lakshmi announced her departure from the series last year. With a new host comes new twists: Kish, who won season 10, and Colicchio explain the latest rules to the competing chefs. They'll have the chance to win cash at every Quickfire Challenge, and immunity will be up for grabs at Elimination Challenges, meaning the winner will be automatically safe in the next episode. Oh, and did we mention that episodes will be 75 minutes this season? "I love when s--- gets shaken up," Kish says in the trailer as the contestants express their shock... and pop some champagne. This season's competitors come from all around the world and boast culinary careers that include Michelin-star restaurants, James Beard Award nominations, and more. Below, meet the cheftestants of season 21. |
posted 2/8/2024 |
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Thursday Lightning Round |
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Joel McHale Takes Over Fox Wednesday |
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Watch out, Ken Jeong: Your "Community" co-star Joel McHale is coming for your "Kensday" crown. Through a series of fill-in gigs, McHale — who also stars on Fox's sitcom "Animal Control" — will be all over Fox's Wednesday night lineup in the coming weeks. That's because McHale is set to fill in for Jeong as guest host of the network's musical gamer "I Can See Your Voice" on both Wednesday, Feb. 14 and Wednesday, Feb. 21. Then, on Wednesday, Feb. 28, McHale is back — but as guest host on "We Are Family," filling in for regular host Anthony Anderson. (McHale will host the special two-hour season finale of "We Are Family" in its entirety.) All of that leads to the Season 2 premiere of "Animal Control" on Wednesday, March 6, on Fox. The network is definitely invested in McHale: On Tuesday, Fox revealed that it had already picked up a Season 3 of "Animal Control." Fox is marketing the full McHale press as… "Joel Control." Which doesn't quite rhyme with "Animal Control," but we get it. (Maybe "McHale's Wednesday Navy"? "Joel McWednesday"? Maybe not. Branding is hard.) McHale was ready and able to fill in for both Jeong and Anderson when they were under the weather at different times during their shows' productions. McHale is already a very familiar face on Fox — someone may need to take a timer to record whether he or Jeong (the panelist on "The Masked Singer" and host of "I Can See Your Voice") have had more screen time in recent years on the network. (Seriously, someone do it!) |
posted 2/7/2024 |
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More on "Love Is Blind" |
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Netflix has unveiled a new trailer for Love Is Blind Season 6, which is decidedly less awkward than the streamer's previous sneak peek. In fact, this latest preview teases major drama ahead with a potential love triangle occurring after the newly engaged couples have left the pods. So, who's having second thoughts about their fiancè? Watch the below video and make your best guesses. The upcoming season, hosted by Nick and Vanessa Lachey and set in Charlotte, N.C., will see a new group of singles hit the pods in the hopes of falling in love. After getting engaged without first meeting, the newly committed couples will then move in together and, over the course of several weeks, plan their wedding and decide if their physical connection matches their emotional bond forged in the pods. When their wedding day arrives, viewers will find out if real-world realities and external factors push the remaining pairings apart, or they end up marrying the person they fell blindly in love with. Just in time for Valentine's Day, the first six (!!!) episodes of the 12-episode season will arrive on Wednesday, Feb. 14; followed by Episodes 7-9 on Feb. 21; Episodes 10-11 on Feb. 28; and Episode 12, the finale, on March 6. |
posted 2/7/2024 |
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Jackpocket Draws a Blank |
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Jackpocket, the #1 lottery app in the U.S.*, today announced its first major national television sweepstakes, which will run in the newly premiered game show Blank Slate on Game Show Network. The Jackpocket "Blank Slate Sweepstakes" will run from February 5th through February 23rd, offering entrants a chance to win a $5,000 grand prize. "Jackpocket is thrilled to join forces with Game Show Network to reach a new national television audience," said Peter Sullivan, Jackpocket Founder and CEO. "We can't wait to share this interactive experience with its loyal viewers." As part of the sweepstakes, Game Show Network will air Jackpocket-sponsored "Watch and Enter" TV advertisements, encouraging viewers to tune in to receive a daily entry code during each telecast of Blank Slate Monday through Friday at 6pm/5c. Jackpocket-sponsored "Word Reveal" segments will then air daily unveiling unique codes. Eligible Game Show Network viewers can enter the sweepstakes by visiting Jackpocket.com/GSN and inputting the applicable daily word code, earning a chance to win the grand prize. The more times a viewer enters the sweepstakes, the greater chance they have of winning. The national television sweepstakes on Game Show Network comes on the heels of Jackpocket's continued remarkable growth in 2023. Jackpocket launched its lottery app in multiple new jurisdictions like Arizona, Massachusetts, and Puerto Rico, formed new partnerships with Gannett and professional sports teams like the Boston Red Sox, and expanded its entertainment options beyond the lottery. Jackpocket has fulfilled over $1 billion in lottery ticket orders since its launch, and users have now won over $400 million in lottery prizes while using the app. No purchase necessary. Complete rules are available on the sweepstakes website at Jackpocket.com/GSN. |
posted 2/7/2024 |
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MONDAY: Got Talent Reveals Fantasy Finals |
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What follows are the fast affiliate results for Monday, February 5, 2024 broken out by network and by each half-hour. Although their fast affiliate figures were not yet available at post time, USA Network ("WWE Raw") is likely among the top TV outlets at least in key demos on this prime time. NBC's America's Got Talent Fantasy League (4.23 million viewers; 0.31/3 in the demo) led the night in broadcast, followed by a new The Irrational (3.091m, 0.24/3). ABC took the total silver with the demo-friendly The Bachelor (3.07m, 0.54/6) and a new 20/20 Bad Romance (1.625m, 0.21/3) CBS' all-rerun lineup attracted an average of 2.673m with a 0.20/2 in the demo. Fox's America's Most Wanted (1.891m, 0.22/3) and TMZ Investigates (1.121m, 0.15/2) kept them in the night. Reruns of Wild Cards and Ride averages 322,000 and a rating of 0.04/0 for the CW. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 2/7/2024 |
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SUNDAY: Music's Biggest Night |
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The 66th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday turned out to be a very good night to be Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Joni Mitchell and Tracy Chapman. As well as delivering for music fans, and allowing Jay-Z to get a few things off his chest, the Grammys turned out to be great for CBS and the Recording Academy. The live ceremony from DTLA hit a years-long high note with 16.9 million viewers on average tuning in across CBS, Paramount+ and other digital platforms, according to early data from Nielsen. Pulling in the best Grammy numbers ever for the streamer, according to CBS, the show peaked with nearly 18.3 million watching at the 9:45 PM quarter during the In Memoriam segment. Snagging the best numbers for the Grammys since 2020, last night's Trevor Noah-hosted show was up 34% from last year's audience of 12.4 million, which was a double-digit jump from the low of 2022. Much like the CBS-hosted Golden Globes, this is a positive sign for award shows, which largely have struggled to bounce back to pre-pandemic numbers. Overall, Music's Biggest Night has seen a nice boost over the past several years after bringing in just 8.93M viewers two years ago and had failed to grow meaningfully year-over-year from 2021 to 2022. With The Conners reruns now opening the night (with 411K and 419K) on the CW, Son of a Critch (267K) and Children Ruin Everything (187K)… were both down in viewers. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49) |
posted 2/7/2024 |
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Wednesday Lightning Round |
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Deb Antney Looks for Female Rapper in "Deb's House" |
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Music managing mogul Deb Antney is on the hunt for the world's next female rap star. Deb's House, a new unscripted series that follows Antney on her search will debut on ALLBLK, the streaming service for Black television and film from AMC Networks, this summer. AMC Networks made the announcement during Tuesday's Television Critics Association panel. According to AMC, the series will feature eight up-and-coming female artists who move into a shared house to compete to become Antney's next "rap protégé." In additional to exceptional lyricism, Antney will also be on the lookout for dedication and the willingness to make sacrifices on the road to hip-hop stardom. "I envisioned a competition show that deviates from the norm—one centered around personal growth and self-competition," Antney said in a statement. "Collaborating with (co-creator and co-EP) Rasheed to bring this vision to life has been an incredible journey. Witnessing the music industry veer away from artist development towards a focus on superficiality and explicit content prompted my desire to return to the core values of true lyricism and mentorship. The search for the next female rap sensation in Deb's House is my way of reigniting that passion. The selection of our show as ALLBLK's first commissioned competition reality series is truly thrilling. My sincere appreciation goes to my AMC Networks family, particularly Brett Dismuke, for their steadfast belief in this transformative project." Added Brett Dismuke, Head of Content, ALLBLK & WE tv: "Deb Antney is no stranger to the AMC Networks family, appearing on popular WE tv series Growing Up Hip Hop Atlanta, Waka & Tammy and Executive Producing the upcoming scripted series Bev Is Boss. Ms. Deb is a pioneer and influential voice across the music industry who has discovered, established, and guided the careers of some of hip-hop's most prolific and successful artists. We cannot wait for our ALLBLK audience to join the search and ultimately see who Ms. Deb crowns as the next iconic female MC." Antney rose to fame for breaking the careers of several high-profile artists, such as Gucci Mane, French Montana and Nicki Minaj. She is the mother of acclaimed rapper Waka Flocka Flame and is infamous for her 'no holds barred' approach to the business. Deb's House is executive produced and created by the partnership of Antney and Rasheed J. Daniel. Vanessa Phillips serves as co-executive producer for TeamSheed and Tina Brinkley Potts serves as co-executive producer for TAG Multimedia. |
posted 2/6/2024 |
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Netflix Slots "Physical: 100" Season 2 |
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Netflix revealed its annual slate of Korean films and series on Monday, and 2024 is shaping up to be another strong year of K-content, including returns for some of the streamer's most popular global shows. As previously announced, there will be a second season of Netflix's marquee international show Squid Game coming this year but no release date has been confirmed yet. There will be second seasons for reality survival series Physical 100, the fantasy series Hellbound, the reality show Zombieverse and mystery drama Gyeongseong Creature. Survival reality show Physical 100 is back for a new season. The show, which according to the streamer was the first Korean unscripted series to be #1 on the Netflix Global Top 10 TV (Non-English) list, will see a new group of 100 contestants challenge each other in punishing physical games to become the last person standing. Release date: Q1 2024 |
posted 2/6/2024 |
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"Traitors" Series 2 Ends on a High Note |
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The Traitors has confirmed its status as one of British television's hits of the year after Season 2's final episode drew record ratings. The Claudia Winkleman-fronted BBC reality series ended with an audience of 8M after seven days of streaming and catch-up viewing was accounted for, according to UK ratings body Barb. This was a million more than its overnight audience of 6.9M and made it the most-watched show on British TV in the week to January 28. The Traitors has not had a higher-rated episode over the course of its two seasons, with people flocking to the wink-murder-style game to watch Harry Clark be crowned winner. Produced by All3Media-backed Studio Lambert, the show steadily built its audience throughout its 12-part run, with BBC1 broadcasting batches of three episodes on a Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday night during January. Only Mr. Bates vs The Post Office, ITV's hit drama series, and BBC1's reboot of game show Gladiators have performed better than The Traitors in 2023. |
posted 2/6/2024 |
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Toby Keith, the country singer who scored the genre's most-played song of the '90s with "Should've Been a Cowboy," died on Monday night of stomach cancer. He was 62. The news was announced on Keith's official website as well as his social media channels. "Toby Keith passed peacefully last night on Feb. 5, surrounded by his family," the statement reads. "He fought his fight with grace and courage. Please respect the privacy of his family at this time." In June 2022, Keith revealed that he had been diagnosed with stomach cancer. "I've spent the last 6 months receiving chemo, radiation and surgery," Keith wrote at the time. "So far, so good. I need time to breathe, recover and relax." Taking into account studio albums, Christmas records and greatest hits compilations, Keith released a project nearly every year for almost two decades. He was a prolific songwriter and hit machine, with some of his most well-known songs including "Red Solo Cup," "As Good as I Once Was," "Beer for My Horses" with Willie Nelson, "Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue (The Angry American)" and "How Do You Like Me Now?!" Born in Clinton, Okla., on July 8, 1961, Keith started his career in music at the age of 20 by forming the Easy Money Band with his friends. In the mid-'80s, the group began playing at honky-tonks in Oklahoma and Texas, and by the '90s Keith was busking in Nashville in hopes of getting a record deal. His big break finally came when a flight attendant gave his demo tape to Mercury Records exec Harold Shedd, who had worked with Shania Twain and Billy Ray Cyrus. Shedd signed Keith and released his 1993 debut single, "Should've Been a Cowboy," which reached No. 1 on Billboard's country songs chart. The song would go on to become the most-played country song of the decade. The success of "Should've Been a Cowboy" continued with Keith's self-titled debut album, which was certified platinum and produced three more hits: "He Ain't Worth Missing," "A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action" and "Wish I Didn't Know Now." Keith signed with Polydor Records to release his second album, "Boomtown," in 1994. Its lead single, "Who's That Man," reached No. 1 on the country charts and the album was certified platinum. In 1995, Keith released his first Christmas album, "Christmas to Christmas." Keith's third album "Blue Moon" followed in 1996, reaching platinum status with single "Does That Blue Moon Ever Shine on You" peaking at No. 2. He returned to Mercury in 1997 and put out his fourth album "Dream Walkin'," which scored two No. 2 songs, "We Were in Love" and a cover of Sting's "I'm So Happy I Can't Stop Crying," on which Sting provided vocals and bass guitar. Keith ended his tenure at Mercury with 1998's "Greatest Hits Volume One." Keith was also on a week's worth of episodes of "Hollywood Squares". Keith is survived by his wife Tricia Lucus, who he has been married to since 1984, and their three children Shelley, Krystal and Stelen. |
posted 2/6/2024 |
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Tuesday Lightning Round |
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James Acaster's a People Person |
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James Acaster is developing a late-night comedy gameshow. In People Person, the stand-up will challenge a panel of comedians to answer some probing questions about a line-up of three members of the public. It is based on a game he played on's Dave show Question Team in 2021. On that show he asked his fellow comics to guess which one of his people had the biggest garden, who had the most battery life left on their phones, who had the most friends and who was the tallest, when they were hidden behind screens. And for the final question they had to guess who would bring back a chocolate bar first. Acaster is hosting a rehearsal run-through of People Person in an East London arts centre |
posted 2/5/2024 |
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Malin Åkerman Plays Eurovision |
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"Watchmen" star Malin Åkerman is set to host this year's Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden alongside Swedish singer and comedian Petra Mede. 'I can't really describe my feelings about this," said Åkerman, who has also appeared in projects including "The Heartbreak Kid" and "Entourage." "I am very excited and a little nervous, but in a positive way. I have always liked Eurovision and to be a part of this fantastic show together with Petra is a dream come true. Additionally, Petra is one of the funniest women I've ever met." Mede is a television host, comedian and singer who has her own show titled "Petra Mede Show." She has hosted the contest twice before, the first time alone, in 2013, and subsequently alongside Swedish pop star Måns Zelmerlöw in 2016. 'Imagine getting the chance to host Eurovision once again! It's such an incredible honor. After first hosting it alone and then together with the delightful Måns Zelmerlöw by my side, I am now really looking forward to working with Malin. We don't know each other from before, but we have met a couple of times now, and I'm already completely sold. It's going to be a joy to work with her!' The Eurovision Song Contest is set to take place in Malmö on May 11 after Swedish contestant Loreen won last year's competition in the U.K. with her song "Tattoo." It is Eurovision tradition that the winning country hosts the following year's contest. This year's extravaganza also mark the fifty year anniversary of ABBA — probably Sweden's best known musical export — making their debut in the competition with iconic track "Waterloo." |
posted 2/5/2024 |
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Ian Lavender, the last remaining cast member of beloved BBC sitcom Dad's Army, has died. He was 77. An X statement from the official Dad's Army Radio Show account announced that Lavender, who played Private Frank Pike in the sitcom that ran for a decade, ending in 1977, had died on Friday.. "We are deeply saddened to hear the passing of the wonderful Ian Lavender," said the statement. "In what truly marks the end of an era, Ian was the last surviving member of the Dad's Army main cast. His wonderful performance as Private Frank Pike will live on for decades to come." The statement added that Lavender, who appeared in the 2016 Dad's Army movie and whose other work included EastEnders, Parsley Sidings and Rising Damp, "leaves behind a legacy of laughter enjoyed by millions." It said it would dedicate this year's Dad's Army tour to Lavender's memory. Born in Birmingham in 1946, Lavender appeared in plays at school and made his first TV appearance in a half hour play in the late 1960s. Aged just 22, he was talent spotted by the BBC and cast as Private Frank Pike, the youngest member and "stupid boy" of the platoon that became famous across the nation. He acted across nine series in the smash sitcom alongside the likes of Arthur Lowe, John Le Mesurier, Clive Dunn and John Laurie. Running from 1968 to 1977, Dad's Army was one of the biggest hits on British TV of that generation and Lavender played a huge part in its success. His character was lovable – a frequent target of notorious Captain Mainwaring's derision, often finding himself on the end of one of Mainwaring's "You stupid boy" rants. Lavender also featured in a 1971 Dad's Army spin-off movie, 1980s radio spin-off titled It Sticks Out Half a Mile and the 2016 pic, in which he played a cameo as Brigadier Pritchard, his last major role. After Dad's Army ended, he landed big roles in the theater including The Merchant of Venice opposite Dustin Hoffman. Later, he had TV parts in the likes of Yes Minister, Cluedo and Keeping Up Appearances. He played Derek Harkinson, a gay friend of Pauline Fowler, in BBC soap EastEnders in the early noughties. Other game shows featuring Lavender include Celebrity Chase, Pointless Celebrities, All Star Mr & Mrs, Ready Steady Cook, Celebrity Mastermind, The Weakest Link, Telly Addicts, Celebrity Squares, Tell the Truth, Sale of the Century, It's a Knockout, Give Us a Clue, and He Said She Said. He is survived by his wife Michelle Hardy and two sons. |
posted 2/5/2024 |
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Monday Lightning Round |
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Carl Weathers, the actor known for roles in Rocky, Predator and The Mandalorian, has died. He was 76. His family said in a statement Friday, according to Deadline and Variety, that Weathers "died peacefully in his sleep" on Thursday, Feb. 1. "We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers," said the family, adding, "Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. Through his contributions to film, television, the arts and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner and friend." Weathers, a former NFL linebacker, starred as boxer Apollo Creed opposite Sylvester Stallone in the Rocky films, starting with the 1976 original. He costarred with Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1987's Predator, and he most recently starred as Greef Karga on the Star Wars series The Mandalorian, which earned him an Emmy nomination. The star took the lead in 1988's Action Jackson, and he had memorable comedic roles as well: Playing Chubbs in the 1996 golf comedy Happy Gilmore with Adam Sandler, plus as a version of himself on the series Arrested Development. In game shows, he featured on episodes of "The Contender" and "Celebrity Poker Live". Weathers, who was born in New Orleans, told the newspaper Gambit that he discovered a passion for performing at a young age, performing in plays. "I was bitten by the bug, as they say. On stage having people laugh at the good lines and applaud at the end — it's pretty, pretty infectious. Once that bug gets inside you, it's kind of hard to give it up," he said in 2020. |
posted 2/2/2024 |
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Don Murray, who rose to fame co-starring with Marilyn Monroe in 1956's Bus Stop and enjoyed a prolific career that stretched into the 21st Century with Twin Peaks: The Return in 2017, has died. He was 94. His death was announced by his son Christopher to The New York Times. No additional details were provided. Murray was Oscar-nominated for his debut performance as Beauregard "Beau" Decker, the lovestruck cowboy who falls for Monroe's saloon singer Cherie in Joshua Logan's Bus Stop, an adaptation of the William Inge play. A conscientious objector during the Korean War who fulfilled his service obligation by working in German and Italian refugee camps, Murray became known for building an acting career in what were once called "message" movies, films with socially responsible themes. In Fred Zinnemann's A Hatful of Rain (1957), he played a morphine-addicted war veteran, and in 1962 starred as a closeted (and blackmailed) gay senator in Otto Preminger's Advise & Consent. Numerous other films would follow, including a co-starring role opposite Steve McQueen in 1965's Baby the Rain Must Fall. In 1972 he appeared in Conquest of the Planet of the Apes as a governor out to destroy a pair of earth-stranded apes, and in 1986 he played the father of Kathleen Turner's title character in Peggy Sue Got Married. Murray also had a busy television career, most prominently in a starring role on Knot's Landing (1979–1981). He co-starred with Otis Young in the short-lived 1968-69 Western series The Outcasts, a series notable for teaming a Black actor with a white actor: Their characters had fought on opposite sides of the Civil War before becoming bounty-hunting partners. In game shows, he featured on episodes of "The Match Game", "Made in America", "Stump the Stars", and "What's My Line?" His first of two marriages was to Hope Lange, who had co-starred with Murray and Monroe in Bus Stop. He later married actress Elizabeth Johnson. Information on survivors was not immediately available. |
posted 2/2/2024 |
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THURSDAY: NBC Wins the Bye Week |
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In the latest TV ratings, NBC's Law & Order: SVU — with only one week left of CBS-free competition — was Thursday's most-watched program, as well as the top-rated show in the covered 18-49 age demographic. Law & Order (with 4.75 million total viewers and a 0.4 rating) and Law & Order: SVU (5.1 million/0.5) were steady in the demo and also added a few eyeballs. Organized Crime (3.6 mil/0.3) however dipped in both measures. ABC's Press Your Luck (3.1 mil/0.4) was steady with its finale, while a simulcast of Nat Geo's Genius: MLK/X premiere averaged 1.2 mil and a 0.2. Fox's Next Level Chef(2 mil/0.4) matched its first regularly scheduled episode of last season, while Farmer Wants a Wife's Season 2 opener (2 mil/0.3) matched the dating series' freshman averages. With The Conners reruns now opening the night (with 411K and 419K) on the CW, Son of a Critch (267K) and Children Ruin Everything (187K)… were both down in viewers. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 2/2/2024 |
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WEDNESDAY: The Price Is Most Definitely Right |
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In the latest TV ratings, NBC's Chicago Fire was Wednesday's most-watched program and also tied Chicago Med and CBS' The Price Is Right at Night for the demo win. Chicago Med (with 6.5 million total viewers and a 0.5 demo rating), Chicago Fire (6.6 mil/0.5) and Chicago P.D. (5.4 mil/0.4) all ticked down in the demo, with Fire the only one holding steady in audience. TPIR at Night (4.2 mil/0.5) and FBI TRUE (1.4 mil/0.2) were steady in the demo but dropped some eyeballs, while Let's Make a Deal Primetime (2.8 mil/0.3) slipped in both measures. Fox's I Can See Your Voice (1.6 mil/0.3) and We Are Family (1.6 mil/0.3) were both up in the demo, down in total audience. ABC's NBA coverage averaged 1.3 mil and a 0.2. CW's Wild Cards (470K/0.1) and Family Law (370K/0/0) both shed some viewers. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 2/2/2024 |
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It seems like only yesterday The Masked Singer unmasked season 10 winner Cow to reveal Ne-Yo, and here we are already with another batch of costumes concealing a new group of celebrity contestants. If the season 11 masks are anything to go by, the upcoming episodes should be pretty wild: From the Gumball to the Ugly Sweater, these seem to be some of the zaniest costumes on the show to date. Before March Mask-ness officially commences with the season 11 premiere on March 6, EW is reporting all 16 of the new costumes SO FAR. Be sure to check back, because this story will be updated as more costumes are revealed. - Gumball |
posted 2/1/2024 |
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But Will Taylor Make an Appearance? |
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NFL mom Donna Kelce will cameo on The Price Is Right at Night's upcoming Super Bowl edition, with sons Travis and Jason on hand to make a swift introduction for her. Ahead of the "Ultimate Super Bowl Party" episode (airing Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 8/7c), CBS has released a sneak peek of Mama Kelce's appearance on the show, in which Travis and Jason interrupt their usual New Heights podcast taping to introduce their mom to the game show stage. In the video below, Jason hypes up his mother as "the First Lady of football, America's mom and also our mom — and, more importantly, the woman whose dinner rolls belong in the Showcase Showdown." But it's Travis who gets the honor of telling Donna to "come on down!" to unveil one of the episode's extravagant NFL-themed prizes. The Kelce family has been in an especially large spotlight this NFL season after Travis began dating pop superstar Taylor Swift. Most recently, Swift and her beau made headlines for their romantic on-field celebration after the Kansas City Chiefs — where Travis plays as a tight end — clinched the AFC Championship on Jan. 28. But Jason has found himself at the center of the narrative, too, namely when he celebrated one of his brother's recent touchdowns by taking off his shirt and leaning out of his family's luxury box to cheer with what can only be described as frenzied enthusiasm. Super Bowl 58, where the Chiefs will face the San Francisco 49ers, airs Sunday, Feb. 11, on CBS. |
posted 2/1/2024 |
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E!... But Make It Fashun |
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Julia Fox is set to host and executive produce "OMG Fashun," a new design competition series at E!, with Law Roach co-hosting. The series premieres with two episodes on May 6 at 9 p.m. In each episode, three contestants are challenged to create "create a boundary-breaking look born of Fox's beautifully bold brain using materials and techniques that would make fashion's so-called gatekeepers squirm." Fox, Roach and a rotating expert guest judge will then select a winner who received a $10,000 cash prize and gets their garment modeled by Fox. "'OMG Fashun' is shaping the future of fashion, emphasizing sustainability, upcycling and creative craftsmanship to restore integrity to this art form," said Fox in a statement. "Being the most stylish person in the room doesn't require breaking the bank; all it takes is creativity and a dash of confidence. My biggest hope is that our viewers will get inspired by what we create on the show and recreate the looks at home using all their old junk they have lying around!" "Julia is a tour de force in the industry and a champion for up-and-coming designers," said Rachel Smith, NBCUniversal Entertainment's executive vice president of unscripted content, lifestyle and documentaries. "This show celebrates fashion's newest disruptors as they push the boundaries for their ultimate muse, Julia, and we're excited to share their original and unique perspectives with our audience." "OMG Fashun" is produced by Scout Productions. Along with Fox, executive producers include Rob Eric, David Collins, Michael Williams and Renata Lombardo. |
posted 2/1/2024 |
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Jon Kelley Re-Ups with AMG |
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Jon Kelley has renewed his overall deal with Allen Media Group. The multi-year agreement will see the veteran television news, sports and entertainment host continue to serve as on-air talent and an executive producer for AMG programming across its television and digital platforms. Kelley has hosted "Funny You Should Ask" since its fall 2017 launch in national broadcast syndication. The comedy game show is also carried on AMG television networks Comedy.TV and The Grio Television Network. He also hosts and delivers color commentary and analysis for HBCU college sports carried on AMG's platforms HBCUGo, Sports.TV and CBS owned and operated stations nationwide. Additionally, Kelley hosts some of AMG's lifestyle and entertainment content. "Jon Kelley is an incredibly talented, brilliant and charismatic television host and executive producer," Allen Media Group founder Byron Allen said in a statement. "We are blessed to have the skillful and enthusiastic participation he brings each and every day." Kelley's three-decade career started at NBC5 (WMAQ-TV) in Chicago as a sports anchor and director, followed by anchoring on the national scene for Fox Sports Network. He would go on to be a host and primary correspondent for the nationally-syndicated entertainment news show "Extra!" as well as a host for the ABC network reality series "The Mole." Prior to his broadcast journalism career, Kelley was signed as a free agent running back by the Denver Broncos. "I'm energized and honored to continue my journey as a part of Allen Media Group's historic movement and explosive business growth," Kelley said in a statement. "Byron Allen's passionate leadership is eternally changing the game—delivering cultural impact and inspiration on multiple levels." |
posted 2/1/2024 |
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Return of the Rhythm.... +Flow |
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The second season finale of music series Rhythm + Flow could be live as part of Netflix's new push into live programming. The second season of the competition series, which is expected to air later this year, comes four years after the first and will feature new judges DJ Khaled, Ludacris and Latto with Eminem as a special guest. Brandon Riegg, VP of Nonfiction Series, Netflix, said that it is considering its options when it comes to a live finale. "Rhythm + Flow season two, down the road, I can see the finale perhaps being live or maybe we'll try it in other ways. But I'm excited about it. I think live drives a lot of conversation," he said. More than four years after Rhythm + Flow debuted on Netflix, the hip-hop music competition series is back with a second season featuring new judges, DJ Khaled, Ludacris and Latto. The streamer also announced Eminem as a special guest who will join the battles round "from a surprise location." Additional music industry guests for the show, in which a panel of judges aim at discovering the next generation's rap star, will be revealed at a later date. The series is currently in production for a premiere later this year. In fact, Rhythm + Flow executive producers Jesse Collins & Dionne Harmon left Los Angeles immediately after the Emmy Awards ceremony, which they executive produced, on Monday night. They flew to Atlanta, the main production hub for Season 2 of Rhythm + Flow, which also is filming in other cities across the country. "This season features a powerhouse panel of judges, each with a distinct and influential role in hip-hop culture," the duo said. "In this significant moment for the genre, the focus extends beyond the music alone. We're seeking unconventional voices and authentic stories that peel back layers and invite fans to immerse themselves in the contestants' world as we spotlight the continually evolving spirit of hip-hop." Rhythm + Flow features contestants from all over the country who are hungry and ready to prove themselves to see if they have what it takes to take home the grand prize of $250,000 and the title of hip hop's newest star. |
posted 2/1/2024 |
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TUESDAY: I Fought the Law... and the Law Won |
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In the latest TV ratings, an FBI rerun on CBS was Tuesday's most-watched program (with 4.1 million total viewers), while Fox's The Floor easily led the night in the coveted 18-49 age demo. In fact, FBI franchise reruns topped every hour this Tuesday in viewers; their new seasons arrive Feb. 13! NBC's Night Court (with 2.9 million viewers and a 0.3 demo rating), Extended Family (2.3 mil/0.2) and the antepenultimate La Brea (2.1 mil/0.2) were all steady. Back from a seven-week break, and in a much later, Tuesday time slot, the yet-to-be-renewed Quantum Leap slipped to series lows (1.7 mil/0.2), down 35% from its fall finale. Fox's Name That Tune (1.8 mil/0.3) was steady, while The Floor (2.5 mil/0.5) ticked up in the demo. ABC's Celebrity Wheel of Fortune (3 mil/0.3) was a far cry from last week's Celebrity Jeopardy! finale. CW's Inside the NFL (310K) lost viewers, while Whose Line Is It Anyway? (460K) gained some. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 2/1/2024 |
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Thursday Lightning Round |
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Springing Into Baking |
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Food Network's seasonal baking competition, Spring Baking Championship, returns with a supersized new season full of celebrations. Beginning on Monday, March 4th at 8pm ET/PT, host Jesse Palmer puts a dozen talented bakers to the test to transform springtime soirees into spectacular desserts. From Earth Day to Jazz Fest, to Derby Day and more, the bakers must showcase their baking abilities and craftsmanship as they whip up the most delectable, edible creations to win over judges Kardea Brown, Nancy Fuller, and Duff Goldman. Only one baker will rise to the top and earn $25,000 and the title of Spring Baking Champion. "Spring Baking Championship is the ultimate celebration of delectable desserts," said Betsy Ayala, Head of Content, Food, Warner Bros. Discovery. "Viewers will be captivated by the creativity of the talented bakers as they make the most eye-popping creations." Spring Baking Championship kicks off with a two-hour episode on Monday, March 4th at 8pm ET/PT. In the premiere, 12 bakers enter the Spring Baking kitchen to get the celebration started with some fun in the sun as they are tasked with creating sweet treats inspired by a tropical spring break. With two hours on the clock, the bakers must create a dessert that takes the judges on a spring break adventure using ingredients and flowers found on a tropical trip. Over the course of the competition the bakers face themed challenges including, floral dome cakes for the Spring equinox, ice cream filled baked Alaska desserts decorated to resemble different geographical locations and cocktail flavored eclairs inspired by the Kentucky Derby. In the two-part finale it's the biggest celebration of all - weddings! Two of the bottom bakers face off on Monday, April 29th at 8pm ET/PT in a challenge where they honor the wedding tradition of "something borrowed" by borrowing recipes from the other bakers. Then on Monday, May 6th at 8pm ET/PT, the three remaining bakers must design and create a dream wedding cake inspired by stain glass. Only one baker is crowned the new Spring Baking Champion and takes home the cash prize. Fans can meet the newest batch of bakers and see the best creations from past seasons of Spring Baking Championship at FoodNetwork.com/SpringBakingChampionship. Get an exclusive look behind the scenes with Jesse, Kardea, Duff and Nancy, as they take on their own challenges on social media using #SpringBakingChampionship. Spring Baking Championship is produced by Triage Entertainment for Food Network. |
posted 1/31/2024 |
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MONDAY: NBC Is So Irrational... |
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In the latest TV ratings, NBC's America's Got Talent: Fantasy League was Monday's most-watched program, while ABC's The Bachelor led the night in the coveted 18-49 age demographic. AGT: Fantasy League drew 4 million total viewers and a 0.4 demo rating, holding steady week-to-week. The already-renewed freshman drama The Irrational returned from an 11-week, production-dictated break to a season-low 3.1 million viewers but its eighth 0.3 demo rating in nine outings. The Bachelor (3.1 mil/0.5) and 20/20: Bad Romance (1.6 mil/0.2) were both steady in the demo, but the latter dropped 20% in audience from its debut. Fox's America's Most Wanted (1.9 mil/0.3) and TMZ Investigates (1.3 mil/0.2) were both steady in the demo but lost viewers. This week's broadcast rerun of Hallmark's one-and-done Ride (420K/0.1) was down just 7% in audience on CW but steady in the demo. Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 1/31/2024 |
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Wednesday Lightning Round |
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After an absence of over 30 years, "Tic Tac Dough", the classic quiz show version of noughts & crosses, is set for a return on Game Show Network. A casting link has been made public looking for "trivia buffs" who "love pop culture and trivia" and "is an expert with X's and O's". The casting side says, "If you have the smarts to beat the Dragon and win $10,o00, then apply now!". Created by the legendary team of Jack Barry & Dan Enright, "Tic Tac Dough" first aired on NBC in 1956, but canceled as a result of the Quiz Show Scandals. It was later rebooted for CBS in the summer of 1978 with Wink Martindale as host, but that show moved to syndication, where it would find greater acclaim. The show would be rebooted again for a single season in 1990 with Patrick Wayne hosting. In 2021, a leaked pilot featured Tom Bergeron hosting the show for possible syndication through NBCUniversal, who owns the pre-scandal edition of the series. The post-scandal library is retained by Sony Pictures TV Studios, the owner of Game Show Network. More information is expected to be revealed in due course, but prospective contestants must be living in or planning to visit the Los Angeles area April 2024 and must be at least 18 years or older before that time. Full details and application at the link below. |
posted 1/30/2024 |
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Hosted by Emmy Award winner Jane Lynch, NBC's "Weakest Link" returns Tuesday, April 2 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The series will air next day on Peacock. The games begin with a "Days of our Lives" special featuring cast members Lindsay Arnold, Bryan Dattilo, Galen Gering, Tina Huang, Victoria Konefal, Martha Madison, Eric Martsolf and Zach Tinker competing to earn money for charity. In each episode, eight contestants enter the studio as total strangers but must work together to bank the maximum amount of prize money available in each round. The contestants take turns answering general knowledge questions to build chains of correct answers. Consecutive correct answers greatly increase the value of the chain while incorrect answers break the chain and force the contestants to start over from the bottom of the money ladder. The top prize increases with each round but contestants must first vote to eliminate the fellow competitor they consider to be the "Weakest Link" in the chain. The contestant who receives the highest number of votes leaves the game as the host declares the iconic phrase, "You are the Weakest Link. Goodbye." Stuart Krasnow, who executive produced the original NBC run, serves in the same role and is showrunner. Jane Lynch also executive produces with Aaron Solomon. |
posted 1/30/2024 |
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CBS Daytime Hits Biggest Audience in a Year |
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CBS' daytime programming lineup has scored its biggest weekly audience of the 2023-2024 season, TheWrap reports. Boosted by daytime staples "The Talk," "The Price Is Right," "Let's Make a Deal" and dramas "Young and the Restless" and "Bold and the Beautiful," CBS averaged 3.11 million viewers during the week of Jan. 15, according to Nielsen live-plus-same-day figures, marking the network's most-watched week in nearly a year since week of Feb. 13, 2023. During the week of Jan. 15, CBS scored the highest viewership among its broadcast competitors for the 1,432nd consecutive week, with CBS outpacing ABC by over 972,000 viewers during the week. Likewise, game shows "The Price Is Right" and "Let's Make a Deal" also posted impressive audience figures, with the 4.63 million viewers brought in by "The Price Is Right" marking the show's best performing week since the week of Jan. 30, 2023, while "Let's Make a Deal" scored its biggest audience since Feb. 13, 2023, with 2.67 million viewers. |
posted 1/30/2024 |
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"Deal or No Deal" to Return in Australia |
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Deal or No Deal is returning to 10 and 10 Play in 2024, with the new iteration set to be hosted by Gold Logie winner Grant Denyer. Grant said: "We're back baby! I'm incredibly excited to be bringing this global mega-format back to Aussie screens. It's an absolute gem of a show with an enormous and much-deserved worldwide following." Having 325 productions worldwide, the format follows a high-pressure, high-stakes game of risk versus reward in which contestants face a series of decisions about which briefcase to open. With an array of sealed briefcases filled with varying amounts of cash, contestants must decide whether or not to accept an offer from the mysterious Banker in exchange for what might be contained in their chosen briefcase. Grant added: "The show is steeped in suspense and loaded with risk at every turn, but there's always the chance of massive riches for contestants who can hold their nerve. Suspense, risk and big money – those are the key ingredients that will ensure everyone is on the edge of their couch." |
posted 1/30/2024 |
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ITV Says "Deal" to Season 2 |
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A hit ITV game show's return has finally been confirmed as its host says he's 'over the moon'. The broadcaster has announced Deal or No Deal will return for another series. Fans will be delighted to know the rebooted quiz show, which made an epic comeback last November, is also back with an extended run. Dancing On Ice star Stephen Mulhern will also return as host, having taken over from Noel Edmonds who originally hosted the show on Channel 4. Speaking about its recommission, the 46-year-old said: "I am absolutely over the moon that Deal or No Deal is returning to our screens. "The response has been incredible and series one was an absolute rollercoaster of emotions. I loved it! The contestants were a fantastic bunch facing the banker and our new batch of players need to hold their nerve if they want to walk away with the huge jackpot! It's such a phenomenal show and I'm absolutely chuffed to bits that we're going to be doing it all over again. I can't wait to get back to that studio!" ITV bosses said they were "blown away" by the response to the revival, with a staggering 13.7 million viewers reached to date on all devices. |
posted 1/30/2024 |
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Netflix Can't Fight the Temptation |
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4 Netflix has tempted Temptation Island away from its home at USA. After five seasons at USA, the tropical-set dating show is moving to Netflix for new episodes, according to a report by Vulture. The streamer has acquired the rights in a deal with series producer Banijay Studios North America and will reportedly offer "a new take" on the long-running format. Debuting on Fox back in 2001, Temptation Island takes a number of committed couples facing a crossroads in their relationship and puts them on a tropical island with a bevy of eager singles. The couples split up and live in separate houses, dating the singles and ultimately deciding if they want to stick with their original partner or leave the island with someone new. Temptation Island ran for three seasons on Fox, and then was resurrected by USA in 2019. There, it ran for five more seasons, with the most recent season wrapping up in August. Mark L. Walberg has served as host for all eight seasons. |
posted 1/30/2024 |
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Tuesday Lightning Round |
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Season 2 of NBC's Password will bring on some first-time celebrity players, as well as a flurry of new game play elements. Premiering Tuesday, March 12 at 10/9c (with episodes streaming next day on Peacock), Password's sophomore run finds Chance the Rapper, Laverne Cox, Nikki & Brie Garcia, Lauren Graham, Wiz Khalifa, Jimmy Kimmel, Johnny Knoxville, Liza Koshy, Howie Mandel, Joe Manganiello, Lindsey Vonn and Roy Wood Jr. each partnering up with a non-celeb player. Joel McHale and Meghan Trainor, meanwhile, are set for encore appearances. Keke Palmer, who made Emmy history this year by becoming the first Black woman to win for Outstanding Host for a Game Show, returns to oversee the proceedings, and executive producer Jimmy Fallon is if course back as a recurring player. New for Season 2 is an element carried over from December's holiday episode called "Shoot the Moon!," where if a contestant is confident that they can get their teammate to guess it with just one clue and succeeds in doing so, they'll get eight points instead of the usual six. But if they get it wrong after their "Shoot the Moon!" declaration, their opponents get a chance to steal. Additionally, the second round of games in each episode now includes a special category or theme that relates to all the passwords in that round, and "Password Prize of the Night" randomly selects a moment during the game where a special sound will play to signify that the next password is worth a fabulous prize. Lastly, when it comes to tiebreakers, host Palmer will have "creative license to deliver clues in her own voice, with the opportunity to 'perform' the words until one contestant buzzes in with an answer" (instead of the show just feeding clues). |
posted 1/29/2024 |
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Netflix is continuing to have its cake and eat it too, sometimes. The streamer has renewed Is It Cake?, its baking show based on the viral meme, for a third season. The Mikey Day-hosted series is returning for Season 3 on March 29. Last year, the second season, titled Is It Cake Too? premiered on June 30. Season one launched in March 2022. The show will return with bigger cakes, higher stakes, and wilder bakes. A new batch of bakers will push the boundaries of culinary craftsmanship, creating hyper-realistic cakes to trick and deceive their way to the ultimate cash prize. Once again, you'll find yourself asking the question – is it real? Or… Is It Cake? |
posted 1/29/2024 |
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JoJo Siwa will replace Nigel Lythgoe as a judge on the hit reality TV dance series So You Think You Can Dance. Fox announced the 20-year-old TV and social media personality will join co-hosts Allison Holker and Maksim Chmerkovskiy with the launch of season 18 on Mar. 4, following Lythgoe's decision to step down as he faces two sexual assault lawsuits. The 74-year-old producer and choreographer is accused of assaulting his high-profile co-host, TV personality, actor and singer Paula Abdul, who filed a sexual assault lawsuit against Lythgoe at the end of last year. Two other women, former contestants on the reality TV show All American Girl, launched a separate sexual assault lawsuit against Lythgoe soon after. "I have informed the producers of So You Think You Can Dance of my decision to step back from participating in this year's series," Lythgoe said in a statement shared with NPR on Jan. 6. "I did so with a heavy heart but entirely voluntarily because this great program has always been about dance and dancers, and that's where its focus needs to remain. In the meantime, I am dedicating myself to clearing my name and restoring my reputation." The show's producers — Fox, 19 Entertainment and Dick Clark Productions — also shared a statement at that time about its decision to move forward without Lythgoe, "to ensure the show remains committed to the contestants, who have worked incredibly hard for the opportunity to compete on our stage." |
posted 1/29/2024 |
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A huge winner in its first few seasons, 25 Words or Less is a fast-paced game show that is based on the popular board game of the same name. Two teams have twenty-five words or less to convey clues to their partners. Each team has a celebrity guest playing along, as well as at-home audience members who can benefit from the winning team. The game show is hosted by Meredith Vieira, an extraordinary host with a legendary career spanning news, talk, and game. Meredith Vieira has won 15 daytime Emmy awards and is the perfect host. Renewed for a 6th season, it's the #1 Game Show in the 2nd tier with impressive ratings with adults and women 25-54 and full of excitement and fun! |
posted 1/29/2024 |
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"Traitors" Breaks into Top 10 |
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The Traitors is making the jump from word-of-mouth hit to quantified success. The Peacock unscripted series is set to make its first appearance on Nielsen's streaming charts for the week of Jan. 15-21. The show had about 384 million minutes of viewing for that week, which encompasses the first four episodes of season two (three debuted on Jan. 12 and the fourth on Jan. 18) as well as any viewing for the first season, as Nielsen counts all episodes of a series in its streaming totals. Peacock says season two of The Traitors had the biggest debut for any original reality series on the streamer, growing by 75 percent over its first season. The show will be the first unscripted offering from the NBCUniversal platform to hit the Nielsen rankings (complete charts for Jan. 15-21 will be available in mid-February). It's likely to be joined by Seth MacFarlane's Ted prequel series, which would mark the first time Peacock has placed two original shows in the top 10. |
posted 1/29/2024 |
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"Love Island All-Stars" Heads to Peacock |
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Peacock is now the exclusive U.S. streaming home for the hit U.K. reality series "Love Island: All Stars." The first three episodes of the series will premiere on Jan. 29, with new episodes airing six days a week after that. Hosted by Maya Jama, "Love Island: All Stars" follows legendary U.K. Islanders as they return for a second chance at love. "Relationships will be put to the test as bombshells enter and heads turn, leaving some lovestruck hopefuls heartbroken in the ultimate quest for love," the show's description reads. "As the couples explore their connections and attempt to win the hearts of each other, only one pair will be crowned the winners of 'Love Island: All Stars' 2024." "Love Island: All Stars" premiered on Jan. 15 in the U.K., launching on ITV and ITV2 simultaneously for the first time in the show's history. This season's cast features Chris Taylor, Georgia Harrison, Georgia Steel, Hannah Elizabeth, Josh Ritchie, Kaz Kamwi, Liberty Poole and more. "Love Island: All Stars" joins Peacock's growing library of "Love Island" content, which includes "Love Island USA" and franchise spinoff "Love Island Games." "Love Island South Africa" and "Love Island Spain" are also available to stream on Peacock. "Love Island USA" was recently renewed for two more seasons. |
posted 1/29/2024 |
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BBC One's popular daytime quiz show, Pointless, is set to welcome a new array of celebrity guest hosts alongside the show's mainstay, Alexander Armstrong. The upcoming series boasts an impressive line-up of familiar faces from British television. Co-hosts of Pointless Mel Giedroyc, Liza Tarbuck, Chris Ramsey, Gok Wan, Anita Rani, Gabby Logan, Josh Widdicombe, Phil Wang, Hugh Dennis, Ellie Taylor, Rob Rinder, and Desiree Burch are among the celebrities slated to join Armstrong in the new series. They will guest host the weekday series with applications to take part from members of the public. Alexander Armstrong expressed his excitement about the new series, saying: "I can't wait to get my teeth into a new run of Pointless with all these brilliant people. I'm so enjoying glancing over to the desk to find so many fabulous faces looking back and furnishing me, and our lovely viewers, with facts." Mel Giedroyc considers it a privilege to sit behind the "iconic" Pointless desk, while Liza Tarbuck looks forward to amusing her parents and working with Armstrong. Chris Ramsey humorously likens himself to a "game show Neo," knowing all the answers in advance. Gok Wan, who previously appeared on the show as a contestant, sees this as a chance for redemption. Anita Rani, a regular viewer of the show, is thrilled to be part of the studio action. Gabby Logan is eager to join Alexander and learn new things, and Josh Widdicombe jests about his temporary role as Richard Osman and a potential foray into murder mystery writing. Phil Wang, boasting two Pointless trophies, is excited to dominate from behind the desk. Hugh Dennis has been practicing his co-hosting skills, while Ellie Taylor is looking forward to discovering the behind-the-scenes workings of the show. Rob Rinder relishes the opportunity to be the "gatekeeper to all the obscure trivia," and Desiree Burch humorously refers to her participation as a chance at "failing upwards and onwards. Fans of the show can catch the new series on weekdays at 5:15PM on BBC One, with all episodes available on BBC iPlayer. |
posted 1/29/2024 |
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"High Stakes Poker" to Return for Season 12 |
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High Stakes Poker, the most iconic poker cash game show, returns for its 12th season this February. The new season premieres exclusively on PokerGO® on Monday, February 19, 2024, with commentators A.J. Benza and Nick Schulman back to invite everyone inside the world of the high-stakes scene. The new season will be jam-packed with big names and bigger action, as players battle at stakes of $200-$400 to $1,000-$2,000 from inside the luxurious PokerGO Studio in Las Vegas. Season 12 features a mix of new and old faces, including the popular Jennifer Tilly, Jean-Robert Bellande, and Andrew Robl back at the table. Plus, the legendary Phil Laak makes his High Stakes Poker return for the first time since Season 7. "There is nothing quite like High Stakes Poker," said Mori Eskandani, President of PokerGO. "We've seen some truly unforgettable moments through the first 11 seasons of High Stakes Poker, and you can believe me when I tell you that Season 12 will deliver many more phenomenal ones." Season 12 of High Stakes Poker premieres February 19 exclusively on PokerGO, with episodes scheduled to run weekly on Mondays into May. In addition to watching brand new episodes from Season 12, PokerGO subscribers can find every episode from every past season of High Stakes Poker on demand on the PokerGO platform. Select highlights from the show can be found on the PokerGO YouTube channel. |
posted 1/29/2024 |
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NAACP Image Awards: And the Nominees Are... |
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Nominations were revealed Thursday for the 55th NAACP Image Awards, with newly minted Oscar nominee Colman Domingo, Emmy winners Ayo Edebiri and Keke Palmer, and Victoria Monét and Usher among those scoring multiple nominations. The awards, which honor the year's best in Black excellence in the fields of motion pictures, television, music, books and podcasts and are voted on by the public, will be handed out March 16 in a primetime ceremony to air on BET and CBS. Netflix leads all companies repping 575 nominees across the 94 categories — organizers added eight new categories this year — followed by Amazon with 27 and RCA Records with 20. Public voting runs through February 24. Winners in non-televised categories will roll out in the week ahead of the March 16 ceremony. And the nominees of great importance are... |
posted 1/29/2024 |
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LET'S MAKE A DEAL PRIMETIME returns on Wednesday, Jan. 24, at 9:00 PM, ET/PT on CBS, with a special Diamond Jubilee episode honoring the 60th broadcast anniversary of LET'S MAKE A DEAL as one of the longest-running game shows in television history. Complete with a rousing opening number, "Working for the Dealin'" led by Wayne Brady and his musical group, "Dëaler," the special episode offers up over $600,000 in prizes in the show's trademark games, including a guaranteed $60,000 cash prize, a chance to win an Aston Martin valued at over $300,000, and more, as long as contestants can avoid the dreaded Zonks. The show also pays tribute to its original stars - host and creator Monty Hall and model Carol Merrill - with an antique living room setup from the '60s, classic clips and sentimental memories of Monty and Wayne together. This season of the daytime show also marks Emmy Award winner Wayne Brady's 15th anniversary of his signature improvisational and musical stylings as host, beginning in 2009. Along with Brady, the cast includes announcer Jonathan Mangum, who is also marking 15 years on the show, model Tiffany Coyne and musician Cat Gray. LET'S MAKE A DEAL originally premiered on Dec. 30, 1963, hosted by the late Monty Hall, model Carol Merrill and announcer Jay Stewart. In addition to streaming on Paramount+, the "Let's Make a Deal Channel," is available to all Pluto TV viewers featuring episodes 24 hours, seven days a week, and will encore the LET'S MAKE A DEAL PRIMETIME 60th Diamond Jubilee on Jan. 27-28 and Feb. 3-4 at 7:00 PM, ET/PT. |
posted 1/24/2024 |
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The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and After Midnight are heading into the endzone on Super Bowl Sunday. CBS' two late-night shows will air on Sunday, February 11, after the late local news. The Late Show has previously aired special episodes after the Super Bowl game in 2016, 2019 and 2021. In fact, in 2016, the show got the postgame timeslot. Guests in 2021 included Robert Downey Jr., Tiffany Haddish and Metallica. It obviously marks the first time that late-night game show After Midnight, hosted by Taylor Tomlinson, will be coming after the big game. The first week of After Midnight on CBS brought in viewing numbers that are, well, about what would be expected for a network show airing at 12:37 a.m. in 2024. The show, an expanded and updated take on Comedy Central's @midnight that's hosted by Taylor Tomlinson, averaged 579,000 same-day viewers for its first three installments, according to Nielsen. The Jan. 16 premiere drew 686,000 viewers, based on preliminary figures, which would mean the subsequent two episodes averaged about 525,000 viewers. Delayed viewing numbers are somewhat rosier: After three days (and not including streaming), After Midnight rose to 819,000 viewers for its first week. Its DVR lift of 240,000 viewers is more than three times bigger than that of The Late Late Show With James Corden (77,000) in the 2022-23 season.. |
posted 1/24/2024 |
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In the latest TV ratings, CBS' NCIS: Sydney finale was Tuesday's most-watched show, while ABC's Celebrity Jeopardy! tied Fox's The Floor for the night's highest demo rating. Whilst still awaiting a decision on possible Season 2 renewal, NCIS: Sydney — this TV season's most-watched freshman series — wrapped its Stateside run with 4.6 million total viewers and a 0.3 demo rating, dipping week-to-week opposite New Hampshire primary coverage (which amassed nearly 11 million viewers on the Big 3 cabler newsers). Night Court (2.9 mil/0.3) matched its demo low, Extended Family (2.1 mil/0.2) hit lows, and La Brea (2.1 mil/0.2) was steady. Fox's Name That Tune (1.6 mil/0.3) was steady, while The Floor (2.5 mil/0.4) ticked down vs. last week's highs. Celeb Jeop! (4.2 mil/0.4) was steady, while the final two Only Murders in the Building Season 1 reruns averaged 2.3 mil and a 0.2. The CW's Inside the NFL (310K) was steady, while Whose Line Is It Anyway? (420) grew." Cable numbers (totals/A18-49)... |
posted 1/24/2024 |
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"Family Feud" Heads Back to Mexico |
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Broadcaster TV Azteca has sealed an agreement with Fremantle to bring the revamped version of the Family Feud franchise to Mexico, a format that has been present in the international market for 48 years. Albeit without a production schedule or a defined premiere date, Family Feud represents the Mexican company's commitment to programming powerful entertainment formats such as gameshows and reality shows, according to Azteca executives. "We are excited to bring Family Feud to TV Azteca screens. This programme has been a success around the world, and we are sure the Mexican audience will enjoy the excitement and fun it offers," said Adrián Ortega, content director at TV Azteca. The Family Feud format is based on a competition between two teams who face each other in various rounds to guess the most popular answers that 100 people have given to questions of all kinds. The TV Azteca deal comes soon after the Mexican network acquired UK gameshow format The 1% Club from BBC Studios. Coty Cagliolo, head of Fremantle in Latin America and general director of Fremantle Mexico, added: "This collaboration with TV Azteca marks a new chapter for Family Feud. We are excited to see how the audience connects with the show." |
posted 1/24/2024 |
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Vivica A. Fox Wants Family Recipes to Rumble |
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Vivica A. Fox is jumping into the kitchen for her latest unscripted series. The Independence Day star is set to host a new food competition series. She has teamed with Rainbow Heads Productions and Woody Woodbeck, a producer on Bravo's Southern Hospitality, to develop Family Recipe Rumble (w/t). The series will follow two families battling it out for culinary supremacy and a $10,000 prize. They will put their family recipes to the test, while sharing their stories. The format will include three courses, where the families share their recipes on classic favorites. While they are preparing, viewers learn about their lives, their culture and their sweet and savory creations along the way. Then Fox invites her special guest judges to taste the results and award the grand prize of $10,000 to one lucky family per episode. Rainbow Heads, which was founded by former Discovery exec Jodi Tovay and 1000lb Sisters exec producer Daniel Keller-Bradshaw, is currently taking the project out to networks and streamers. "This isn't your typical food competition show," said Fox. "Recipes passed down by generations sometimes tell the story of a family's rich traditions, that nourish not only the appetite but the soul. We hope to show that meals made with love, and a little bit of friendly competition, can be satisfying to everyone who watches." "We are thrilled to be working with Ms. Fox and veteran executive producer, Woody Woodbeck, on this project." added Tovay and Keller-Bradshaw. "The goal is to showcase that culture and tradition shine through with each family's passion for cooking; serving the viewer with a truly unique culinary competition experience." |
posted 1/24/2024 |
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Wednesday Lightning Round |
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MONDAY: The Regular People Bachelor Returns |
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5 In the latest TV show ratings, the return of ABC's The Bachelor led Monday in the demo, while NBC's AGT: Fantasy League was the night's most-watched program. The Bachelor opened Season 28 with 3.1 million total viewers and a 0.5 demo rating, up a bit in audience but down a tick in the demo from its previous averages. Bad Romance (a 20/20 microseries) led out of that with 2 mil and a 0.2. AGT: Fantasy League (4.2 mil/0.4) rose in Week 4 to hit and match season highs. An episode of Peacock's The Traitors retained 1.3 mil and a 0.2. Fox's America's Most Wanted (and John Walsh!) returned to 2.1 mil and a 0.3, followed by TMZ Investigates' 1.5 mil/0.2. CW's broadcast premiere of Hallmark's one-and-done Ride drew 442,000 total viewers — the CW time slot's largest audience since a Dec. 18 airing of a Freddy Mercury documentary — and a 0.1 demo rating. Cable numbers (total; A18-49)... |
posted 1/23/2024 |
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CBS Media Ventures' syndicated game show The Flip Side, hosted by Jaleel White, is set to launch this fall on CBS Stations. It is the first official syndicated greenlight for next season. Debmar-Mercury had previously announced a Ken Jeong talk show targeting next fall. It has not been decided yet what stations and what time slots The Flip Side will run on as the CBS Stations have duopolies in most major markets. CBS Media Ventures' The Drew Barrymore Show was recently renewed for next season on the CBS Stations. "Game shows have been a bright spot in syndication — and network prime-time — the last few years," said Wendy McMahon, President and CEO of CBS News and Stations and CBS Media Ventures in making the announcement. "Their loyal viewers tune in more times per week than any other genre. We are excited to bring a fun concept, combined with the exceptional comedic skills of host Jaleel White, to the marketplace with The Flip Side. It's a perfect addition to any station's lineup with the flexibility to play in multiple time periods or a game show block." The Flip Side is described as a fresh take on a traditional game show. The easy to play-along game show pits two teams of players against each other to test them on how they think two different groups of people feel about the same issue. Teams choose from multiple choice answers, and whoever has the best intutition on human behavior will find themselves richer. "I have had fun being a celebrity contestant on numerous game shows, but I've always really wanted to be the host, giving people money and making their day!" White said. "When I first heard this concept I immediately wanted to be the ringleader of this entertaining, funny game show where the only requirement is being in tune with human nature." |
posted 1/23/2024 |
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More on "Tournament of Champions" Season 5 |
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Guy Fieri will be returning to Food Network on Feb. 18 for another installment of "Tournament of Champions". The culinary competition show will debut at 8 p.m. ET/PT and will air its final episode on April 7. "As the wildest, most anticipated culinary competition year-after-year, you know that we had to go big for Season 5," said Fieri in a statement to press. "So here's the deal, in order to win, you've gotta either be a past champ or take down a champ, as all the winners from previous seasons are back to defend their titles. We're crankin' up the already fierce competition with heated culinary rivalries, wild cards, and of course, off-the-charts flavor on 'Tournament of Champions V!'" "Viewers cannot get enough of this exhilarating, unpredictable competition as 'Tournament of Champions' is consistently Food Network's highest-rated series, with nearly 11 million viewers at the edge-of-their-seats last season," said Betsy Ayala, head of food content for Warner Bros. Discovery, in a statement to the press. The chefs representing the East Coast are: Eric Adjepong, Karen Akunowicz, Kelsey Barnard Clark, season 2 champion Maneet Chauhan, Tobias Dorzon, season 3 champion Tiffani Faison, Amanda Freitag, Jose Garces, Stephanie Izard, Marc Murphy, Britt Rescigno, Jonathon Sawyer, and Dale Talde. The chefs showing off their chops from the West Coast are: Carlos Anthony, Shirley Chung, season 4 champion Mei Lin, Antonia Lofaso, Crista Luedtke, Brian Malarkey, Shota Nakajima, Joe Sasto, Adam Sobel, Casey Thompson, Jet Tila, Michael Voltaggio, season 1 champion Brooke Williamson, and Lee Anne Wong. Before the new season begins, fans can get even more competition on Tournament of Champions: The Qualifiers, on Wednesday, February 7th and 14th at 8pm, as 16 chefs go head-to-head to win four coveted 8th seed slots in the tournament bracket. Plus, on Wednesday, February 14th at 10pm catch up on all the action from last year in an hour-long special Road to Tournament of Champions V. The East Coast is listing only 13 competitors to the West Coast's 14. It is suggested that the 14th from the West Coast is Darnell Ferguson, who appeared on the four previous seasons and is currently on trial for DV and has been otherwise rendered persona non grata by Food Network. |
posted 1/23/2024 |
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Valerie Bertinelli's departure from "Kids Baking Championship" is not a cut-and-dry case of Food Network firing the "One Day at a Time" alum from her role as co-host and judge of the show. Rather, it's the aftermath of the Warner Bros. Discovery-owned channel deciding not to renew Bertinelli's larger exclusive deal with the network when it ended in 2022, sources tell Variety. Bertinelli signed a multi-series deal with Food Network in 2018, which expired in 2021. The pact was extended for an additional year and came to an end in 2022, when the currently airing Season 12 of "Kids Baking Championship" was taped back to back with Season 11. Bertinelli has co-hosted and judged 'Kids," a spinoff of Food Network's larger "Baking Championship" competition franchise that includes holiday and seasonal iterations, alongside Duff Goldman since it first debuted on Food Network in 2015. "Her deal expired, they opted not to renew it. They could have come to me with an offer just for 'Kids.' They never did. Simple as that," Bertinelli's longtime manager Marc Schwartz told Variety Tuesday. According to insiders, the choice to not renew Bertinelli's deal in 2022 was made by development execs that no longer work at the network: Former president Courtney White exited Food Network in March 2022 ahead of the close of the Discovery-WarnerMedia merger, followed soon by her replacement Jane Latman in December 2022. Betsy Ayala has been in the chief post since that time. Bertinelli's deal ended more than a year ago, and she has no projects currently filming or in development at Food Network. A source close to the situation says an offer was not made by the network for Bertinelli to continue as co-host on "Kids" because Food Network was led to believe that if it didn't also renew her exclusive multi-series overall deal, Bertinelli would not accept an offer to continue on "Kids." (Food Network opted not to renew Bertinelli's overall deal amid budget cuts and mass layoffs across Warner Bros. Discovery in its post-merger consolidation.) "There were never any talks, so no talks could be stalled," she said in response to a headline that indicated she wanted to continue on the cable net but talks stalled. "I got an inkling I might not be asked back when I saw I was not in the holiday specials. I got a text by a third party on Friday that told me I would not be back. LOL I was basically ghosted.". She went on to write that "I have zero ill will toward anyone at FN, I enjoyed every single moment I worked for them, and they are all lovely, kind, hard-working people. And I understand business is business. But I won't tolerate lies. I am a lot of things, but I am not greedy, nor am I a liar." On Jan. 20, Bertinelli shared a video on IG saying how it "really hurt my feelings," that she was dropped from the show. "I know it's not supposed to. Logically, I know it's business [and] budget cuts, right? But it really hurt my feelings to know that I'm not going to be asked back to be on Kids Baking Championship really sucks." Bertinelli acknowledged her co-host and the crew from Kids Baking Championship and gave some words of encouragement to all the bakers taking on the challenge. |
posted 1/23/2024 |
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More on "Love Is Blind" Season 6 |
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Meet the 30 singles ready to find real connection through the pod walls. Love is Blind Season 6 premieres on Friday, February 14th only on Netflix. The hit reality series is back for a sixth season, following a new set of singles from Charlotte, North Carolina - all ready to cut through the static of modern dating and forge authentic relationships, sight unseen. This season, the singles form deep and immediate connections, setting the stage for an unexpected journey full of twists, turns, and shocking revelations that will test each relationship well after the participants leave the pods for the real world. |
posted 1/23/2024 |
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Amazon Studios is getting into business with YouTube personality MrBeast. The 25-year-old comedian, né Jimmy Donaldson, who has over 230M subscribers on the Google-owned platform, is nearing a deal with the streamer for an unscripted competition series. Details about the series are still under wraps and Amazon declined comment. MrBeast is the most-subscribed individual and second-most subscribed account overall on YouTube. His social media career began when he first posted on the platform at 13, though he rose to fame in 2017 when a video of MrBeast counting to 100,000 went viral. He also has a number of other business interests including food company Feastables, which launched his own line of chocolate bars and launched a FAST channel on Roku last year. He was also a judge on Fox's Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars last May. The news was first reported by Puck. |
posted 1/22/2024 |
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More on "Rock the Block" New Season |
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Rock the Block, HGTV's home renovation competition juggernaut, will return for a new season on Monday, March 4, at 9 p.m. ET/PT and, for the first time in series' history, four returning teams will get a shot at redemption as they compete to add the most value to waterfront homes in Treasure Island, Florida. During the seven-episode season, hosted by popular carpenter, craftsman and design expert Ty Pennington (Battle on the Beach), the pressure will be at an all-time high as the HGTV powerhouse duos arrive on 'The Block' for an epic renovation showdown to settle old scores and achieve victory - winning bragging rights and a street named in their honor. The series also will be available to stream every Monday at 9 p.m. on Max(R) beginning March 4. Competitors will include renovation aces Bryan and Sarah Baeumler (Battle on the Beach); home renovation visionaries and partners Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas (Bargain Block); dynamic twin sisters and real estate and design experts Lyndsay Lamb and Leslie Davis (Unsellable Houses); and billion-dollar real estate broker and house-flipping expert Page Turner and contractor extraordinaire Mitch Glew (Fix My Flip). Each team will have just six weeks and a budget of $250,000 to renovate attached waterfront homes, each featuring a pool, boat dock and dazzling views of Boca Ciega Bay, and transform them into luxurious homes that reflect their signature vision and stunning design style. "Rock the Block is consistently among HGTV's highest-rated series, so we know fans are eager to watch this rematch and root for their favorite HGTV stars," said Loren Ruch, Head of Content, HGTV. "For the first time in the series' history, the teams will work with waterfront homes, pools and boat docks, which will test the competitors' skills like never before." |
posted 1/22/2024 |
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Monday Lightning Round |
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The Boulet Brothers' GLAAD-ula |
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Horror hosts, writers, directors and drag icons The Boulet Brothers have earned their first GLAAD Media Award nomination this week when their hit drag competition show The Boulet Brothers' Dragula (Shudder/AMC+) scored a nod for Outstanding Reality Competition Program at the forthcoming 35th annual ceremony. The nomination fittingly comes the same week that the groundbreaking Shudder original series wrapped its fifth season with the crowning of contestant Niohuru X.The honor also follows two nominations from the Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild for its 11th Annual MUAHS Awards for Best Period And/Or Character Makeup (Television Special, One Hour or More Live Program Series) for The Boulet Brothers' Halfway to Halloween TV Special and Best Makeup (Daytime Television Game Show or Talk Show) for TheBoulet Brothers' Dragula. The fifth season of The Boulet Brothers' Dragula was the most epic season yet featuring a fully redesigned state of the art set, and one of the most diverse casts of drag artists in television history (including drag kings, drag queens, and non binary artists, and competitors from China, the United Kingdom, and Argentina). The season also saw the Boulet Brothers (Dracmorda and Swanthula) serving not only as hosts and producers of the show, but also as the show's directors for the first time to wide praise. A sixth season of the show was recently announced via Shudder and AMC+, following the fifth season becoming a runaway hit with audiences, and ranking among Shudder's most-watched titles and top acquisition drivers of last year. "We are deeply honored and grateful to be recognized by GLAAD with this nomination. As advocates for LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion, this acknowledgment reaffirms our commitment to celebrating the diverse voices within our community. We are proud to continue using our platform to uplift and empower the stories that deserve to be heard. This nomination is a testament to the power of representation, and we are thankful for the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through our work." - Dracmorda Boulet Hosted and created by "horror's new icons" (Fangoria) the Boulet Brothers, The Boulet Brothers' Dragula has become must-see television for horror, drag and reality fans alike. Showcasing some of the finest artists in the world specializing in the franchise's pillars of Drag, Filth, Horror, & Glamour, The Boulet Brothers' Dragula has cultivated a devoted and continually growing fan base. The announcement of season six continues a hugely successful past two years for the Boulets, who've released the acclaimed The Boulet Brothers' Dragula: Titansspinoff series, embarked on a world tour of live performances, released The Boulet Brothers' Halfway to Halloween TV Special (written and directed by the Boulet Brothers), won "Best Makeup - Daytime TV" at the 2023 Makeup and Hair Stylists Awards, were named to the influential OUT100 list, and more. |
posted 1/19/2024 |
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posted 3/18/2024
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