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 90-Day Archives |
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A scathing New York Times investigation into a reality series produced by YouTube star MrBeast with Amazon MGM studios paints an extremely negative picture of what contestants experienced. The show, called Beast Games, brought thousands of people to Las Vegas to participate in various stunts, all for a shot at a grand prize of $5 million. Shooting for the competition started in July, with 2,000 contestants gathered in Nevada at Allegiant Stadium for several days. Competitors ate, slept, and lived inside the stadium. While fans of MrBeast's YouTube contests likely expected strange and risky challenges, the Lord of the Flies atmosphere they encountered went beyond the usual. Several contestants told The Times that they had been asked whether they would be willing to be buried alive or travel to outer space. Contestants had to sign nondisclosure agreements. Casino.org's Virtual Vegas column reported a long list of contestant abuses by participants. Speaking with The New York Times, more than a dozen people who participated in the first installment of Beast Games said that they had not received adequate food or medical care, and said some competitors had suffered injuries from the physical challenges. "The MrBeast promotional video shoot, which included over 2,000 participants, was unfortunately complicated by the CrowdStrike incident, extreme weather, and other unexpected logistical and communications issues, which we are currently reviewing, but we are grateful that virtually all of those invited to Toronto for our next production have enthusiastically accepted our invitation," a spokesperson for MrBeast, real name Jimmy Donaldson, said in a statement. "We have communicated directly with 97% of the 2,000 people who attended to ask for feedback, have launched a formal review of the process, and have taken steps to ensure that we learn from this experience and we are excited to welcome hundreds of men and women to the world's largest game show in history." The 1,000 participants who made it through all four challenges in the stadium without being eliminated are now preparing for the next stage of the competition, which is set to be filmed in Canada in early August. "We are grateful that virtually all of those invited to Toronto for our next production have enthusiastically accepted our invitation," the MrBeast spokesperson wrote to the Times. |
posted 8/5/2024 |
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The BBC Has Spoken... |
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Survivor UK has reportedly been dropped by the BBC after months of questions over its fate. The iconic reality show made a return to British TV screens last year on BBC One. However the show struggled in the ratings in a competitive Saturday night slot. Survivor aired right after Strictly Come Dancing in the autumn, averaging an audience of around 2.5 million viewers. In January it was revealed that work was underway on a 'potential' second series, with casting open for contestants. |
posted 8/5/2024 |
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American Idol has found its new Katy Perry. Deadline reports that Carrie Underwood has replaced the I Kissed A Girl star on the judging panel. Underwood, of course, rose to fame for winning the fourth season of the ABC show. She is expected to sit alongside Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan on the panel for Season 25. The Disney-owned network has been searching for a replacement for the last few months and Deadline heard that other names that were in talks before Underwood included Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber, something that Luke Bryan alluded, highlighting Pink and Meghan Trainor as well. Underwood, who has sold around 85M records, is widely considered the most successful of the American Idol winners. She auditioned for the show with Bonnie Raitt's I Can't Make You Love Me and her version of Alone was thought to be one of the reasons for her win. Perry, Bryan, and Lionel Richie joined American Idol in Season 16 when ABC rebooted the competition. Following her American Idol exit, Perry said she would focus on her music career and revealed her new song would be Woman's World, which was released earlier this month. ABC renewed the show earlier this spring, Season 8 for the network, ahead of the finale of this season. American Idol has provided consistently strong ratings for ABC since the network picked it up in 2018 (after it ended its run at Fox in 2016). |
posted 8/5/2024 |
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Monday Lightning Round |
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Game Over |
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Game show fans are not very happy right now. Via The U.S. Sun, both Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune are no longer streaming on Pluto TV. The long-running game shows once had 24/7 channels dedicated to them, streaming for free on Pluto TV. As of Wednesday, July 31, however, that is no longer the case. The Jeopardy! channel also included reruns from Alex Trebek's era, making the removal even more heartbreaking. The removals come in the midst of Jeopardy! and Wheel's summer hiatuses, meaning that, aside from reruns on broadcast TV, fans aren't able to go back whenever they want and watch fan-favorite episodes. Viewers had taken to Reddit to share their disapproval for the removals, expressing how sudden it was and how devastated they truly are. |
posted 8/2/2024 |
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Kyle Aletter Oldham, long the model on call during the 1980s & 1990s on "The Price Is Right", has died. She was 64. Per a statement on Oldham's Instagram, she "traveled home yesterday morning (Sunday) peacefully and surrounded by myself and her sister." The daughter of TV & movie actor Frank Aletter & former Miss America Lee Meriwether, Oldham got her start as a contestant in 1983. Roughly one year later, she was called to be a longterm substitute model, a role that she would hold until 1996. In addition, she was a substitute dealer on CBS' run of "Card Sharks" for two weeks. In addition to her work at TV City, Oldham was also featured on episodes of "Barnaby Jones", "Adam-12", "Finder of Lost Loves", and the epic TV movie "The Day After". Survivors include her mother, her partner Rory Oldham, her sister Lesley, and her daughter Ryan Isabelle. |
posted 8/1/2024 |
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Randal Malone, who showed up in dozens of low-budget movies and played a "film star" on the 1990s MTV dating game show Singled Out, has died. He was 66. Malone died Sunday at Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys after a long battle with kidney disease, his family announced. Since 2004, Malone served as president of the Southern California Motion Picture Council, a charitable organization that was founded in 1936 and remains one of the longest-running groups of its kind. While signing autographs to promote Sunset After Dark (1996), in which he appeared alongside former child star Margaret O'Brien and onetime silent-film star Anita Page, Malone was spotted by producer Keven Undergaro. He was then hired for Singled Out, which counted among its hosts Chris Hardwick, Jenny McCarthy and Carmen Electra. He portrayed various characters during the show's three seasons, including "Film Star Randal Malone"; he wore gloves and used a cigarette holder as a male version of Norma Desmond from Sunset Boulevard. Following the show's cancellation in 1998, he hosted segments for the Game Show Network. Malone was born on May 29, 1958, in Owensboro, Kentucky. As a child, he got interested in show business when his father, a micro-midget car racer, introduced him to Marty Robbins, Patsy Cline and other performers who were visiting the racetrack. At 13, he had an uncredited role in The Marshall of Windy Hollow (1972), a film that starred veteran Hollywood cowboys Ken Maynard and Tex Ritter but was never released. After earning a bachelor's degree in theater from Murray State University, Malone made his Los Angeles stage debut in a production of Annie Get Your Gun in Glendale. He was honored as the "Most Promising Actor in Hollywood" by the Southern California Motion Picture Council and presented with the award by Bob Hope. Known for his over-the-top personality, Malone appeared in more than 50 films — many horror, many going straight to video — including The Triggerman (1997), Vampire Femmes (1999), Hollywood Mortuary (2000), The Crawling Brain (2002), Creepies 2 (2006), Psychon Invaders (2006), Dahmer vs. Gacy (2010), Frankenstein Rising (2010) and Rat Scratch Fever (2011). Over the years, he developed close friendships with many actors from Hollywood's Golden Age, among them O'Brien, Page, Rose Marie and Jerry Maren. He played backgammon with Lucille Ball, served as a pallbearer at Ann Miller's funeral and delivered a keynote speech at Ginger Rogers' funeral. He also was active in philanthropic pursuits, such as assisting the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills. Survivors include his mother, Shirley; brothers Donald and James; sister Allison; and his partner of 38 years, Michael Schwibs. A memorial service is being scheduled. |
posted 8/1/2024 |
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More on "Drag Race Global all-Stars" |
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Paramount+ today ru-vealed the official trailer for RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE GLOBAL ALL STARS, along with the sickening lineup of guest judges for the season who will join host RuPaul Charles, resident judge Michelle Visage, and director/choreographer Jamal Sims on the panel each week. Premiering exclusively on the service Friday, August 16 with two all-new episodes, the first-ever Global All Stars season will include Adriana Lima, Ariadna Gutiérrez-Arévalo, Carson Kressley, Danna Paola, Dianne Brill, Graham Norton, Jasmine Tookes, Javier Ambrossi & Javier Calvo, Matt Rogers, Ross Mathews and Ts Madison as guest judges. The series will also be available on Paramount+ in Latin America, Brazil, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Austria on Tuesday, September 20 and in France the following day, with Japan to follow later this year. In RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE GLOBAL ALL STARS, 12 fan favorites from around the world will each represent their countries as they compete for the title of "Queen of the Mothertucking World," a grand prize of $200,000, and a spot in the International Pavilion at the Drag Race Hall of Fame. The queens competing in the once-in-a-lifetime global drag competition include Alyssa Edwards ("RuPaul's Drag Race," RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE ALL STARS), Athena Likis ("Drag Race Belgique"), Eva Le Queen ("Drag Race Philippines"), Gala Varo ("Drag Race México"), Kitty Scott-Claus ("RuPaul's Drag Race UK"), Kween Kong ("Drag Race Down Under"), Miranda Lebrão ("Drag Race Brasil"), Nehellenia ("Drag Race Italia"), Pythia ("Canada's Drag Race"), Soa de Muse ("Drag Race France"), Tessa Testicle ("Drag Race Germany"), and Vanity Vain ("Drag Race Sverige"). In celebration of the new series, MTV, home of the flagship "RuPaul's Drag Race" series, and World of Wonder have partnered with All Out - an international organization that fights for LGBTQ+ rights around the world - making a $100,000 donation to start the new fund. To find out more and make a donation, look for the "Drag Saves the World'' QR code at the end of every episode. |
posted 8/1/2024 |
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Putting the "Sing" in "Singapore" |
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Singapore will have its own version of the hit South Korean mystery music game show I Can See Your Voice. The show will be organised by Mediacorp, the company stated recently. Mediacorp has also urged Singaporeans to audition for the upcoming show. I Can See Your Voice is a successful format by South Korea-based leading entertainment company CJ ENM and is available in more than 30 countries. The Singapore edition will premiere in January 2025, joining Mediacorp's suite of unscripted formats like Star Search, Vasantham Star and Berani Nyanyi as the company continues to expand its diverse content offerings for its audiences. Participants can be either skillful singers with amazing stage presence, or off-key but charismatic and highly expressive individuals with the confidence to fool the world. Hopefuls aged 18 and above (as of 31 July 2024) can apply by submitting a one-minute video clip featuring a brief self-introduction and performance of their favourite song without a backing track via mediacorp.sg/icanseeyourvoice by 31 August. |
posted 7/31/2024 |
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Today, Prime Video and Sony Pictures Television (SPT) have announced Colin Jost as host of Pop Culture Jeopardy!, the first Jeopardy! series created exclusively for a major streaming service. The multiple Emmy(R) Award-winning writer, actor, and comedian will be behind the lectern when Pop Culture Jeopardy! premieres on Prime Video. "Colin's sharp wit and intelligence epitomize Pop Culture Jeopardy!," said Suzanne Prete, President, Game Shows, Sony Pictures Television. "He's smart and quick, like our contestants, and we know he'll be able to keep up with them while making this new series his own. We could not be happier that he is joining us for this new journey." "What is: I'm excited," said Jost. "We're thrilled to welcome the multi-talented Colin Jost as the host of Pop Culture Jeopardy!," said Lauren Anderson, head of brand and content innovation, Amazon MGM Studios. "Colin's wry affability and pop culture fluency make him uniquely qualified as the perfect host for this new iteration of the beloved franchise." Pop Culture Jeopardy! is a brand-new twist on the classic quiz show's "answer-and-question" format that combines the academic rigor of Jeopardy! with the excitement and unpredictability of pop culture. Contestants, playing in teams of three, will need to be experts in categories from Alternative Rock to The Avengers; Broadway to MMA; Gen Z to Zendaya as they compete in a tournament-style event for the grand prize and ultimate bragging rights. Pop Culture Jeopardy! is produced by Sony Pictures Television for Prime Video. Seven-time Emmy(R) Award winner, Michael Davies, serves as executive producer. |
posted 7/31/2024 |
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Hailey Merkt, a contestant on The Bachelor Season 21, has died. She was 31. Merkt, who appeared on the ABC dating reality series in 2016 with Nick Viall as The Bachelor, died July 26 following a battle with leukemia. "It is with broken hearts we share that our beloved Hailey has passed away after a courageous fight for her life," read a post on Merkt's Instagram page. "Hailey faced this journey with unimaginable strength, grace, and selflessness. Her determination, courage, and will to live surpassed every timeline the doctors gave her, and she chose to spend her final moments surrounded by loved ones and doing what she cherished most with no regrets." The post noted that Merkt would "be remembered as anything but boring, always hysterically funny, and as someone who lived fully in the present moment. Hailey embraced life with an unmatched zest; her beautiful spirit has touched countless lives." "Hailey will be profoundly missed by all who knew her," the post continued. "Her laughter, her love, and her vibrant spirit have left an undeniable mark on our hearts. While we grieve her loss, we find comfort in knowing that her spirit will live on in all the lives she touched. Rest in peace, Hailey." The post thanked everyone who followed Merkt "during this difficult journey" and invited everyone to share their favorite memories of her. A GoFundMe page was set up to help support Merkt's family. The crowdfunding page provided more details of Merkt's battle saying that "after a bone marrow transplant she was told she had nine months to not even think about cancer, but in truth she only had 6 weeks before she got the terrible news that leukemia cells were back and moving fast." |
posted 7/31/2024 |
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Survivor Africa runner up Kim Johnson, who remains the oldest woman to ever reach the final stage in the longlived reality competition, died on July 23 according to her children. She was 79. Johnson, then 56 and a onetime elementary school teacher, was underestimated in her time on the show and seen mostly as riding on the coattails of eventual winner Ethan Zohn. But she won the last two immunity challenges to make it to the final vote, which went 5-2 against her. "Our mom leaves a legacy of strength, resilience, kindness and generosity," read a statement from her children given to Entertainment Weekly. "She wore her rose-colored glasses right up until the end. She was the coolest mom and grandmother in the world. We will miss her forever…" Zohn posted a video compilation from their time on the show and wrote, "Rest in peace Kim Johnson. It was a blessing to call you my friend and a privilege to experience the final tribal council with you. I will forever have that planters punch in your honor!" Survivor Africa remains one of the most dangerous in the show's history, with lions roaring right outside camp at night. Given the danger, tribes needed to take shifts keeping watch at night and construct walls made of thorny acacia bushes and to hold them at bay. |
posted 7/31/2024 |
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Wednesday Lightning Round |
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To the Four Bridges |
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The BBC have commissioned a fourth series of Bridge Of Lies with Ross Kemp for BBC One daytime. Ross Kemp, fondly remembered for his role as Grant Mitchell in EastEnders as well as presenting a number of critically-acclaimed documentaries, will return to preside over teams of contestants as they compete for cash by crossing the Bridge – a collection of stepping stones featuring various truths and lies based on general knowledge categories. Each player must try to safely step on the truths and avoid the lies, or risk falling off and out of the game. Once they've conquered the Bridge on their own, successful contestants will join forces to face the dramatic final crossing for a chance to take home some cash. Filmed in Glasgow and featuring teams of contestants from across the UK, Bridge of Lies is produced by STV Studios (makers of Catchphrase) and was commissioned by Alex McLeod and Neil McCallum for BBC Daytime as part of a competitive initiative to find new quiz formats made in Scotland. |
posted 7/30/2024 |
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Tuesday Lightning Round |
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John Anderson, the iconic voice of physical gameshow Gladiators in the 1990s and 2000s, has died aged 92. The official Gladiators Instagram account confirmed Anderson's passing. According to Athletics Weekly, he died in the early hours of Sunday (July 28). Anderson is known for being the head official during Gladiators run on ITV between 1992 and 2008, with his unmistakable voice eternally connected with the show in the UK. He also officiated a short-lived Sky revival of the show, which aired in 2008, 16 years before the BBC reprised the show earlier this year to ratings success. Tributes have poured in, with many referencing Anderson's iconic catchphrase, "Contender, ready! Gladiator, ready! Three… two… one…," which was delivered with gusto in his recognizable Glasgow accent as games got underway in the show, which pits contestants against a group of physically-gifted 'gladiators.' The BBC Gladiators account said: "We send our deepest sympathy to his family and friends." Mark Clattenburg, the head official on the BBC series, shared a note from an official Gladiators account mourning Anderson's death, and captioned it: "RIP Legend." Outside of his TV work, Anderson was head coach for the Amateur Athletics Association of England and Scottish national coach and worked with athletes such as Scottish Olympic runner Liz McColgan, who won silver at in the 10,000m at the Olympics in 1988, and former 5,000m world record holder David Moorcroft. |
posted 7/29/2024 |
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Teamsters, Basic Crafts Reach a Deal |
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It was getting a little too close to the deadline for comfort, but the Teamsters and the studios have a deal. After a long final sprint of talks that had more than a few executives and labor leaders on edge, Teamsters Local 399 announced just before midnight Saturday that the Hollywood Basic Crafts and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers reached an agreement. A tentative agreement that is. A tentative agreement that sources on both sides confirm, but are keeping the details very closer for now to the proverbial chest. "After a long last 48-hours, we are proud to report that ALL Hollywood Basic Crafts Locals have reached a tentative agreement with the AMPTP late this evening," the Lindsay Dougherty-led Local 399 said late on July 27. "The basic crafts spent today working closely with our member-led negotiating committees to finalize a deal with the AMPTP that we can now say is being unanimously recommended by our member-led bargaining committees." "More information to follow tomorrow afternoon after Teamsters Local 399 General Membership Meeting." Swirling around the past few hours before it was made official and with wage increases the last significant hurdle, the deal comes just over 24 hours after Local 399 sent out a missive that painted a bleak picture of the weeks long talks. Late Friday, the Teamsters said the AMPTP had put on the table a 'last, best and final' offer" earlier that day. In response, the Teamsters and Basic Crafts put forth a counterproposal "with what we know to be a deal that would be recommended for ratification." |
posted 7/29/2024 |
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Erica Ash, who starred on the Starz dramedy Survivor's Remorse and the BET series Real Husbands of Hollywood and In Contempt and appeared in dozens of other films and TV shows including Mad TV, has died. She was 46. Her family confirmed that Ash died after a long cancer battle but didn't not provide other details. "Erica was an amazing woman and talented entertainer who touched countless lives with her sharp wit, humor and genuine zest for life," her family said in a statement. "Her memory will live eternally in our hearts." Born on September 19, 1977, in Florida, Ash broke out as a regular on the first two seasons of Logo's The Big Gay Sketch Show in 2006-07 and then Fox's Mad TV. Into the 2010s, she worked in films including Scary Movie V, Horror Noire, Sister Code, Kristy, two 2017 Christmas picks and the 2018 basketball comedy Uncle Drew, starring Kyrie Irving, Shaquille O'Neal and others. Among her first big roles was recurring from 2013-16 on the parody series Real Husbands of Hollywood, which starred Kevin Hart, Duane Martin, Nick Cannon, JB Smoove, Nelly and others. During that time, Ash also starred in all four seasons of Survivor's Remorse, opposite Jessie T. Usher, RonReaco Lee, Tichina Arnold and Mike Epps. Ash made appearances on Hip Hop Squares, Face Value, 25 Words or Less, RuPaul's Drag Race All-Stars, and Hell's Kitchen. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ash's name to the Susan G. Komen Cancer Foundation or other breast cancer charities. |
posted 7/29/2024 |
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Eye TV2 |
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A new season of Big Brother UK will air this fall on ITV2 and ITVX, and the new eye logo has been unveiled. During the Love Island UK final, ITV2 teased the graphic for the new season, which AJ Odudu and Will Best are set to co-host. The new logo is a multi-color eye that resembles paint dripping, which you can see in the image below. Big Brother UK 2024 is set to be the second civilian series since ITV acquired the format in August 2022, but the 21st season overall. ITV relaunched the format in October 2023 to tepid overnight results on their main channel before ending its run on ITV2, where the ratings averaged about 1M per night. |
posted 7/29/2024 |
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Monday Lightning Round |
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Deck the Halls with LEGO Masters |
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The sleigh bells are jingling, the snowflakes are falling and the LEGO(R) bricks are twinkling! Host Will Arnett returns alongside Brickmasters Amy Corbett and Jamie Berard as judges for the third installment of the holiday-themed event special LEGO Masters: Celebrity Holiday Bricktacular, airing this holiday season on FOX. The four episode two-night event series will coldly go where no snowman has gone before, with unpredictable twists and surprises. Special celebrity guests include Sophia Bush (One Tree Hill, Chicago P.D.), Holly Robinson Peete (Queens Court, Meet the Peetes), Eric McCormack (Will & Grace, The Other Black Girl) and Lil Rel Howery (Get Out, Harold and the Purple Crayon) pairing up with fan-favorite former contestants - Christine Blandino (Season 3), Stephen Joo (Season 3), Aaron Newman (Season 1) and Corey D. Samuels (Season 1) - to compete in jaw-dropping holiday-themed challenges for charities of their choice. In the end, one team will earn the title of LEGO Masters: Celebrity Holiday Bricktacular champions and leave with the coveted trophy. Raise a glass and make an early mistle-toast to the holiday season! FOX's competition series LEGO Masters, based on the hit British reality-competition series of the same name, brings imagination, design and creativity to life when teams of LEGO enthusiasts go head-to-head, with infinite possibilities and an unlimited supply of LEGO bricks. In the series, teams of two compete against each other in ambitious brick building challenges to be crowned the country's most talented amateur LEGO builders. In each episode, the competing pairs who impress the judges the most progress to the next round, until the finale, during which the top teams will face off for a cash prize, the ultimate LEGO trophy, and the grand title of LEGO Masters. The fifth season is scheduled to air in the upcoming 2024-2025 season and will feature a new batch of masterful builders from across the country challenged with creating the most inventive designs to date. |
posted 7/26/2024 |
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Friday Lightning Round |
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Summer Fun Time Paying Off for ABC |
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ABC's game shows have seen a rating boost this summer. "Who Wants to be a Millionaire," "Celebrity Family Feud" and "Claim to Fame" ranked as the three most-watched game shows in the key broadcast demo among adults 18-49, with all three programs ranking in the top five game shows when it comes to total viewers, according to Nielsen live-plus-seven-day viewing figures. The season premiere of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" on July 10 scored a live-plus-seven-day rating of 0.48, making it the highest rated program of the night. The Jimmy Kimmel-hosted series ranked as the No. 4 most-watched series this summer, behind only WWE on Fox, "America's Got Talent" on NBC and ABC's "The Bachelorette," with its total viewers seeing a 14% uptick since last season. The night before, the July 9 season premiere of "Celebrity Family Feud" brought in a 0.39 rating at 8 p.m., knocking out "America's Got Talent" as the timeslot's top entertainment program in the demo (The show made its normal timeslot debut at 8 p.m. on July 16). "Celebrity Family Feud" is also seeing year-over-year growth, with a 0.06% uptick from last season's average. "Claim to Fame" also debuted on July 10, and became both the highest-rated program in the 9 p.m. timeslot with a 0.35 rating, as well as the hour's most-watched program with 2.64 million viewers. As the network launched its new competition show, "Lucky 13," which is cohosted by Shaquille O'Neal and Gina Rodriguez, on July 18, the show became the most-watched summer series premiere. Tallying up a live-plus-same-day rating of 0.27 and a viewership of 2.71 million, "Lucky 13" outpaced Fox's "Quiz with Balls," which scored a 0.25 rating and 1.51 million viewers, "The 1% Club," which scored a 0.23 rating and a viewership of 1.47 million, and CBS' "Real CSI: Miami," which tallied a 0.17 rating and 2.06 million viewers. "Lucky 13" stood as the second most-watched game show in the 9 p.m. hour — beating viewership for "Big Brother" by 18% — behind only NBC's coverage of the RNC. When looking at the top five game shows, ABC's "Who Wants to be a Millionaire," "Celebrity Family Feud," "Press Your Luck," "Lucky 13" and "Claim to Fame" rank within all five spots. |
posted 7/25/2024 |
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A first-day-of-issue ceremony for a stamp honoring the late "Jeopardy!" host Alex Trebek was held in Culver City Monday on the 84th anniversary of his birth and in connection with the ongoing celebration of the game show's 60th anniversary. "My family and I were completely surprised about Alex being honored by the U.S. Postal Service. It is a such an extraordinary honor and a wonderful way to recognize what Alex meant to so many people," Trebek's widow Jean Trebek said at the ceremony at John Calley Park at Sony Pictures Studios. "Jeopardy!" is taped at what is now the Alex Trebek Stage at the studio. "Alex would be over the moon about this distinctive honor and, he'd feel very humbled. I think the stamp design is very creative because Alex Trebek is the answer to all the clues." The stamp pays homage to the show's answer-and-question format. On the stamp is written the prompt, "This naturalized U.S. citizen hosted the quiz show `Jeopardy!' for 37 seasons" and underneath, upside down, is the correct response: "Who is Alex Trebek?" The stamp's 20-stamp sheet resembles the array of video monitors that form the "Jeopardy!" game board. Category headers appear at the top of each column of stamps, and to the left is a photograph of Trebek with a portion of the "Jeopardy!" set behind him. "It's so appropriate that the stamp illustration commemorates Alex with a `Jeopardy!' clue. He loved the game so much, and he always insisted the clues were the true star of the show," said Ken Jennings, "Jeopardy's!" greatest contestant and Trebek's successor as host. "Alex Trebek was an American institution and so it makes perfect sense to honor him on a postage stamp. And of course, I had to geek out when I saw that the full sheet of stamps looks like a `Jeopardy!' game board." Trebek began hosting "Jeopardy!" from the start of its syndicated revival in 1984 until his death at the age of 80 from pancreatic cancer in 2020. |
posted 7/25/2024 |
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"Dating Naked" Returns... Sort of |
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Paramount+ U.K. and MTVE Studios have set an Aug. 23 premiere for "Dating Naked U.K.," hosted by Rylan Clark. The reality series, produced by Nest Productions, will release new episodes weekly on Fridays. The show follows 10 singles seeking romance while living au naturel in a tropical setting. Contestants face challenges as new arrivals join, potentially disrupting existing relationships. Each episode includes dates and an elimination round dubbed the "Dumping Ground." "This show contains full nudity without any blurring or pixelation," the platform said. The U.K. cast includes Billy Field, a 24-year-old builder from Essex; Chrislove Brandt, a Las Vegas hairdresser; Dan Ash, a 32-year-old personal trainer; and Dominik Herbert, a 27-year-old Canadian. Other participants are Emily Read, 26; Lauren Beschi, 26; Mike Durrant, 29; Rico Hammett, 30; Romeo, 32; and Tiegan Rudge, 26. A cash prize awaits those who make it to the end of the experience. "Dating Naked U.K." joins a growing roster of nude dating formats. VH1's "Dating Naked" ran for three seasons in the U.S. from 2014 to 2016. Channel 4 in the UK previously aired "Naked Attraction," a dating game show where contestants choose partners based on gradual reveals of naked bodies. The format has been adapted in several countries, including Germany's "Adam sucht Eva" (Adam Seeks Eve). |
posted 7/25/2024 |
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Thursday Lightning Round |
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A Golden Twist |
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America's Got Talent is taking a few weeks off as NBC and Peacock pivot to round-the-clock coverage of the Paris Olympics — and Tuesday's episode gave us plenty to think about during the hiatus. At the end of the two-hour broadcast, which also marked the end of Season 19 auditions, host Terry Crews made a dramatic announcement that will change the way this year's live shows pan out. "For the first time ever in America's Got Talent history, the Golden Buzzer is about to go live," Crews revealed. "One more from each judge will send acts straight to the finals. This summer, anything can happen." In other words, when AGT returns on Aug. 13, each of the four judges will have another Golden Buzzer at their disposal, giving them the power to send an act straight to the finals, regardless of how viewers vote. |
posted 7/24/2024 |
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More on "Silence Is Golden" |
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Fronted by the ever-charming Dermot O'Leary, U&Dave has announced new show Silence is Golden. Each episode kicks off with the studio audience receiving £250,000 to share. The catch? They must remain silent to keep it. Silence is Golden, a six-part series, promises a unique twist on entertainment. Created by Richard Bacon and produced by Yes Yes Media, the show tasks the audience with staying quiet while comedians, led by team captains including Katherine, do everything they can to make them laugh, gasp, or even whisper. Every sound brings the prize money down. If the pot hits zero, the comedians donate the money to charity. It's entertainers versus the audience in a battle of wits and wills. Katherine Ryan (Canada's Got Talent), Seann Walsh (Flinch), and Fatiha El-Ghorri (Outsiders) have been confirmed as the three returning comedian captains who will feature in each episode. Dermot, thrilled about his new gig, said, "I'm so looking forward to Silence is Golden. When a show like this falls into your lap, you can't quite believe your luck. "Looking forward to having lots of fun with the audience, our comedians and assorted cast of regulars, all trying to make the audience laugh, gasp and giggle." Katherine Ryan said, "I wonder whether the studio audience will laugh so the cash goes to charity or do the right thing and keep the money for themselves." Seann Walsh said, "I've been chosen for a show where the audience isn't allowed to laugh, and apparently I should be flattered by that." Fatiha El-Ghorri said "I can't wait to see the money going down Mwahahahahahahaha!" Richard Bacon, founder of Yes Yes Media, likened the show to a funeral, saying "You know the feeling when you're not allowed to laugh at a funeral? Well, it's that: the Game Show. "And I commend U&Dave for boldly commissioning a show that will cost them a quarter million a week – if the audience is better at playing the game than we are." Silence is Golden will air on U&Dave and stream on U next year, marking an exciting addition to U&Dave's line-up, which includes Battle In The Box with Jimmy Carr and Follow The Leader with Jamali Maddix. |
posted 7/24/2024 |
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Wednesday Lightning Round |
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Tuesday Lightning Round |
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America has crowned fan favorites Serena Page and Kordell Beckham as the winners of Peacock's sixth season of LOVE ISLAND USA, splitting the coveted $100,000 cash prize. The two fan-favorite Islanders coupled up on the first day and despite setbacks and temptation, their bond grew stronger resulting in the ultimate love story. Peacock has announced it will add a special reunion episode streaming Monday, August 19 at 9pm ET. Hosted by Ariana Madix, the reunion special will feature this season's winners of LOVE ISLAND USA, fan favorite couples and this season's bombshells for an up close and personal look back at their experience in the villa. The sixth season of Peacock's LOVE ISLAND USA has been the #1 reality series in the U.S. across all streaming platforms since launch, according to preliminary data by Nielsen. The love and competition show has also ranked in the Top 10 SVOD Original Series for four consecutive weeks since the sixth season debuted on June 11. LOVE ISLAND USA Season 6 is Peacock's most-watched and most-talked about series by minutes watched and volume of social conversation. Streaming reach is up 2x from previous seasons. |
posted 7/22/2024 |
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Monday Lightning Round |
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Reservation Dogs, The Gilded Age and The Traitors finally made the cut for the top categories, while Shōgun, The Bear and Abbott Elementary lived up to expectations that they would earn nominations for the 76th annual Emmy Awards, which were unveiled Wednesday morning. Announced this morning from the El Capitan theatre in Hollywood, the nominations also included shout-outs for Netflix's addictive but controversial limited series Baby Reindeer, along with well-deserved noms for the fourth season of True Detective featuring Jodie Foster. The limited series race, in fact, is shaping up to be an exciting one, with Netflix's Ripley competing against Reindeer along FX's Fargo, Apple's Lessons in Chemistry and HBO's True Detective: Night Country. If it seems like the 75th Emmys just happened, it's because they pretty much just did. The 2023 ceremony, after being delayed due to the impact of the Hollywood strikes, took place January 15 — right as the film awards season was ramping up. For this year, the Emmys return to their regular September slot: the 2024 Emmys ceremony is September 15 live on ABC. No host for that yet. Outstanding Reality Competition Program |
posted 7/17/2024 |
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Chloe Veitch Goes from Player to Host |
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Five years ago, Chloe Veitch was a model from Clacton-on-Sea in the UK with aspirations to make it on a reality show. After appearing on and winning spicy dating show Too Hot To Handle, she quickly became a major figure in the Netflix Reality Universe, becoming runner up on The Circle and a finalist on Perfect Match. Veitch, who recently moved to Los Angeles, is now hosting Netflix's next big dating social experiment– Sneaky Links: Dating After Dark "Honestly, if I spoke to a 13-year-old me back in the day and said that this is going to be my life, she would cry, she would not believe me. I literally came from nothing. The fluke, the luckiness of me modeling to being cast in Netflix reality shows back-to-back-to-back for five years and then to be the host of a dating show, I can't believe it, it's insane. It's what I'm meant to do," Veitch told Deadline. For those unaware of the phenomenon, a sneaky link is essentially a regular late-night casual hook up. The ten-part show will ask contestants 'Is your sneaky link 'the one' or are they getting in the way of you finding the one?' Spicy Mari, founder of the relationship consulting firm The Spicy Life, who has appeared on MTV's The Love Experiment and Paramount+'s Love Allways, also stars in the show as a dating and relationship expert. It comes from Love Island producer ITV America and Nobody's Hero, the company behind Netflix's Howie Mandel-fronted Bullsh*t: The Game Show and Snack vs. Chef. Founders Christopher Potts and Jonty Nash, who have a deal with ITV America, exec produce alongside ITV America's Bernie Schaeffer as well as Too Hot To Handle showrunner Viki Kolar and Fboy Island exec producer Audrey E. Smith. The show, which is set to premiere in summer 2025, joins Netflix's swathe of dating shows, which also include Love is Blind, The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On, The Ultimatum: Queer Love and Love on the Spectrum. Although the show was ordered before the arrival of new reality boss Jeff Gaspin, it is in line with his strategy of searching for broadcast-style shows that have a "fresh take on the familiar". |
posted 7/17/2024 |
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James Beard award-winning chef and cookbook author Naomi Pomeroy has died at age 49, according to multiple reports. Pomeroy's family confirmed the death to Portland Monthly, which reported that Pomeroy drowned after being involved in an inner tubing accident over the weekend. Her husband, Kyle Linden Webster, and an unnamed third person were also on the float, but both survived, according to The Oregonian. KEZI reports that the accident occurred after the inner tubes, which were tied together, snagged while floating down the Willamette River on the evening of July 13. Efforts by the Benton County Oregon Sheriff's Office to recover Pomeroy's body are ongoing. "Both yesterday and today, the Benton County Sheriff's Office had staff ... both Marine Patrol Deputies and Search and Rescue personnel, on the water, continuing the effort to recover the victim. Debris in river, currents, and ragged rocks, make it unsafe for divers to conduct any exploratory search under water. We will continue our efforts to recover the victim, to bring [closure] to the family and the community," sheriff Jef Van Arsdall told Eater over email. Pomeroy was beloved in the Portland area for her innovative cooking at restaurants like Beast, which later transformed into Ripe Cooperative. Recently, she opened a permanent location for her custard shop, Cornet Custard, and was at work on a restaurant in the former Woodsman Tavern space. She was also well-known for her run on Top Chef Masters, and, early in her career, widely recognized as a new chef to watch by publications like Food & Wine and Oprah. In 2014, she was the recipient of the James Beard Award for Best Chef Pacific Northwest after being nominated three times before. This summer, Pomeroy was slated to host a dinner series called Garden Party with restaurateur Luke Dirks. Pomeroy also made appearances on culinary competitions "The Taste", "Knife Fight", and "Iron Chef America". |
posted 7/17/2024 |
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Wednesday Lightning Round |
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The classic winning formula "Big Brother" has implemented for years is getting a facelift this season -- 'cause you won't be able to hit rewind anymore ... and fans are pissed. Paramount+ dropped the news on their streaming site -- noting archives and flashbacks won't be available for the live feed on Season 26 of their long-running CBS reality show -- but they've told fans they could still catch all the live feed action on four different cameras. 'BB' diehards who usually rewind to catch up on what they missed or what might've happened inside the house, are out of luck now -- 'cause they can't do that anymore, and they can't save clips either. The notice was buried in a bunch of other Q&As about the 'BB' show's live feeds ... so it seems like Paramount+ didn't want to make a big deal out of this -- but viewers are already sounding off on the new pivot online, fuming that they can't catch contestants in bad acts. BIG BROTHER announced today the 16 new Houseguests who will move into the BIG BROTHER house and, for the first time ever, have the power to vote in a 17th houseguest. The season 26 special two-night premiere event airs Wednesday, July 17 and Thursday, July 18 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network and available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.* Following the two-night premiere, the series will air Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (9:00-10:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT), featuring the live eviction show hosted by Julie Chen Moonves. Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers and Pluto TV viewers can catch all the action on the BIG BROTHER Live Feeds. "This season of Big Brother, it's all about what everyone is talking about, artificial intelligence," Chen Moonves tells Entertainment Weekly. "And we're going to show you it's more artificial than intelligent. We're calling it BB AI." This season's Houseguests include a celebrity chef, a former undercover cop, an event bartender, a former marine, a physical therapist and a crochet business owner, among others. This new group of Houseguests will experience an unforgettable summer with jaw-dropping surprises as "BB AI" takes over the BIG BROTHER house. The following are the 16 new Houseguests competing this summer (age; hometown, current town (where applicable), occupation)... BIG BROTHER is produced by Emmy Award-winning producer Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan for Fly on the Wall Entertainment in association with Endemol Shine North America. *Only Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers will have access to stream BIG BROTHER live via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service, as well as on-demand. Pluto TV, the leading free streaming television service, will also offer a dedicated category titled BIG BROTHER LIVE on July 18, hosting five distinct Pop-Up channels, each with dedicated live feeds. |
posted 7/16/2024 |
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More on "Lucky 13" |
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Do you love TV game shows and trivia questions? What about watching people from across the country putting their brains to the test to try winning a boatload of money? Well, if you do, it's time to add an incredible new game show to your watch list this summer! Lucky 13 is an upcoming game show that is ready to go above and beyond to shake up the traditional trivia formula, but how, you ask? The official description of the series reads as follows: "Co-hosted by Shaquille O'Neal and Gina Rodriguez , 'Lucky 13' is a high-stakes prime-time game show that'll have viewers on the edge of their seats while shouting answers at their screens. From the creative who introduced the world to 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,' 'Lucky 13' tests contestants' knowledge with 13 true-or-false trivia questions but with a cunning twist: Just how well do they know what they know ... and, just as importantly, how well do they know what they don't know? If they can accurately predict how successfully they've answered 13 questions, they could take home a $1 million cash jackpot." Lucky 13 will premiere on Thursday, July 18th, at 9/8c on ABC. Lucky 13 will join the channel's already impressive summertime roster of popular game shows, which includes returning series such as Celebrity Family Feud, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, and Press Your Luck. Following its premiere, new episodes of Lucky 13 will air every Thursday on ABC in the same time slot. The number of episodes in the first season is currently unconfirmed, so keep an eye on this space for updates as they are announced. |
posted 7/16/2024 |
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FOX is set to deliver a 2024-2025 television season filled with all-new original entertainment, and today announces premiere dates for its fall 2024 schedule, including new and returning scripted, unscripted and animation series. Commenting on the fall season and beyond, FOX Television Network President Michael Thorn said: "This year, we created a terrific collection of originals that deepens our network's legacy of delivering unexpected, unforgettable characters and stories. We're bullish about the future and optimistic about the fun and engaging entertainment in store for our viewers everywhere." Returning FOX series include dramas 9-1-1: Lone Star (Season Five), Accused (Season Two), Alert: Missing Persons Unit (Season Three) and The Cleaning Lady (Season Four); comedy Animal Control (Season Three); animated series Bob's Burgers (Season 15), Family Guy (Season 23), The Great North (Season Five), Grimsburg (Season Two), Krapopolis (Season Two) and The Simpsons (Season 36); and unscripted series Crime Scene Kitchen (Season Three), The Floor (Season Two), Hell's Kitchen (Season 23), LEGO Masters (Season Five), The Masked Singer (Season 12), MasterChef (Season 15), Name That Tune (Season Five), Next Level Chef (Season Four) and Special Forces: World's Toughest Test (Season Three). Additional series renewals to be announced. All-new special event The Real Full Monty joins returning unscripted series Crime Scene Kitchen, The Floor, Hell's Kitchen, LEGO Masters, The Masked Singer, MasterChef, Name That Tune, Next Level Chef, and Special Forces: World's Toughest Test. Also, LEGO Masters will air its annual multiple-night holiday event LEGO Masters: Celebrity Holiday Bricktacular. |
posted 7/16/2024 |
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BBC Reforms "Strictly" Welfare Measures |
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The BBC has confirmed a chaperone will be present for every rehearsal of the U.K.'s beloved celebrity dance show, Strictly Come Dancing, following complaints about the behavior of two former professionals. Strictly fan-favorites Giovanni Pierce and Graziano Di Prima will not return for this year's series, as the channel pledges two new dedicated welfare producers as part of a string of extra measures on set. The new position follows an Instagram statement from ex-reality star Zara McDermott, who was assigned Di Prima as her dance partner in last year's series. She described watching videos back of her time on the show as "incredibly distressing." "I have wrestled with the fear of opening up. I was scared about public backlash. I was scared about my future. I was scared of victim shaming," McDermott said. "But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I've gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show." Di Prima has since left the show after claims of "gross misconduct" against one of his female partners, believed to be McDermott. Upon his exit, the 30-year-old Italian apologized and said he "deeply regrets" his actions. "My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime," he added. The fallout also follows the departure of another professional dancer, Pernice, in June. He was axed after his partner, Sherlock's Amanda Abbington, left the series early and accused him of inappropriate, bullying behavior. At the time, she lodged a complaint about his misconduct to the BBC. The BBC said on Tuesday: "Concerns that have arisen in recent months have been fundamentally about training and rehearsals. The actions we announce today are designed to address that." Among a production team member being present during rehearsals, new measures include a celebrity welfare producer and a professional dancer welfare producer, as well as further training for the production team and crew. Kate Phillips, BBC's director of unscripted, said: "Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for the vast majority of those who have taken part, if issues are raised with us, or we're made aware of inappropriate behaviour, we will always take that seriously and act." Strictly Come Dancing is a staple of British television and has run every year on the BBC since 2004. Its 22nd season will commence this year. |
posted 7/16/2024 |
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And Now the Layoffs Begin... Again |
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The fragile state of the film and television business continues with another set of layoffs hitting the industry. Deadline reports that Warner Bros. Discovery is making more cuts this week as part of another round of cost-cutting measures. We hear that pink slips have started being distributed across the company including at Max and in some areas of production, business affairs and finance. It comes a year after a round of layoffs that led to the departure of a number of network executives in its cable business. Insiders say that this round is significantly smaller than previous cuts and it will impact small pockets of people in a variety of business areas. People are being informed today and through the week and we'll update you as we hear more. This comes a week after around 100 people were laid off at Warner Bros. Discovery-owned news network CNN last week. CNN Worldwide CEO Mark Thompson said that about 2.9% of its 3,500 employee workforce was impacted. However, Warner Bros. Discovery is very much not alone this time when it comes to layoffs. Paramount is expected to make more layoffs as part of its cost-cutting measures ahead of the close of its acquisition by David Ellison's Skydance, a move that comes after it already cut around 800 people earlier this year. Disney is also expected to make more cuts over the coming months. At the end of last year, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav addressed previous cuts. "I remember our first big layoff. It was brutal. But, Warner Bros. and Time Warner and even Discovery, these are companies that had never really been restructured for the future. And so, we decided that we have to have courage; we have to figure out how to restructure these businesses for the future. |
posted 7/16/2024 |
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No Love for Lifted |
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Love Island producer Lifted Entertainment is making layoffs. Deadline reports that between 15 and 20 roles at the ITV Studios-owned production outfit are at risk of redundancy and a consultation has started. The number represents around 10% of the circa-160-staff Lifted Entertainment operation. Run by Richard Cowles, Lifted also produces ITV juggernauts like Saturday Night Takeaway, I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, The Voice and My Mum, Your Dad, along with BBC quiz University Challenge. It makes Love Island out of the UK and Cowles is an exec producer with Mike Spencer on Peacock's U.S. version. An ITV Studios spokesman said: "We can confirm that we are in formal consultation with colleagues and are supporting them during this time. As you can imagine, it would be inappropriate to share any further details at this stage." The move comes as big UK production outfits and broadcasters futureproof in the face of the economic downturn. News of Lifted's consultation comes a few weeks after commercial network ITV was revealed to be laying off dozens of staff as it ramps up cost-cutting measures worth £50M ($63M) per year. Several months before that, another ITV Studios label, MultiStory Media, made a small number of redundancies. |
posted 7/16/2024 |
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The Challenge Celebrates 40 |
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MTV today announced that the longest-running reality competition series The Challenge will embark on its monumental 40th season beginning Wednesday, August 14 at 8PM ET/PT. The Challenge 40: Battle of the Eras will feature 40 legendary competitors from the series' 26-year history representing their "Challenge Era" in an epic battle for the ages where legends will collide as they strive to immortalize their names as Challenge 40 Champions and earn their share of the one million dollar prize. This season's stacked roster features the most Challenge champions ever including 7x winner Johnny "Bananas" Devenanzio, 5x winner CT Tamburello, 4x winners Darrell Taylor and Jordan Wiseley, 3x winner Derrick Kosinski, 2x winners Mark Long, Jonna Mannion, Rachel Robinson, Cara Maria Sorbello, Laurel Stucky, and Jodi Weatherton, and 1x winners Kaycee Clark, Nehemiah Clark, Katie Cooley, Tori Deal, Brad Fiorenza, Aviv Melmed, Emily Schromm, Devin Walker, and Jenny West alongside fan-favorite Challengers Tina Barta, Paulie Calafiore, Theo Campbell, Derek Chavez, Aneesa Ferreira, Michele Fitzgerald, Amanda Garcia, Leroy Garrett, Horacio Gutiérrez Jr., KellyAnne Judd, Olivia Kaiser, Ryan Kehoe, Josh Martinez, Nurys Mateo, Nia Moore, Brandon Nelson, Tony Raines, Averey Tressler, Cory Wharton, and Kyland Young. In the monumental 40th Season, The Challenge 40: Battle of the Eras, the path to glory is far from easy, as they must first compete at the Era Invitational and eliminate the weakest links from within their own Challenge Era for only the best will earn a coveted spot on their team. With relentless, new challenges and twists, these seasoned Veterans are perpetually kept on their toes in the game they thought they had mastered. Challenge Competitors representing Era 1 (Seasons 1-10): |
posted 7/16/2024 |
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Another Battle on the Beach... |
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HGTV's winningest duo Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt, who were champions of Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge and season two of Rock the Block, will now go head-to-head in the new beach renovation competition series 100 Day Hotel Challenge. Focused on transforming two dated hotels in the city of Salter Path on North Carolina's Crystal Coast in just 100 days, the series, premiering Tuesday, Aug. 13, at 8 p.m. ET/PT, will feature the married real estate developers, stars of the popular series 100 Day Dream Home, as they take on their biggest competitors yet - each other. During the six-episode showdown of the spouses, Brian and Mika will hold nothing back as they manage a tight three-month timeline, a budget of $225,000 each and their own team of HGTV all-stars to turn the tired 1950s family-owned properties, The Beacon Hotel (formerly known as The Salter Path Inn) and The William & Garland Motel, into charming waterside retreats just in time for the peak summer vacation season. At the end of every episode, HGTV stars and series' judges Drew and Jonathan Scott (Backed By The Bros, Celebrity IOU and Don't Hate Your House) will pick the victorious spaces, including various guest rooms, the lobbies and the outdoor lounge areas, based on the following criteria: amenities, overall guest experience, design, hotel owners' requests and room rate increases. While the weekly winning team will earn $5,000 for their chosen charity, the spouse who claims the top hotel at the end of the competition will walk away with bragging rights and $50,000 to the charity of their choice. "Ever since we renovated our first hotel last year, Mika and I have been looking for our next one to fix up," said Brian. "This time, we found two hotels right next to each other, and they need major updates. We decided instead of working together, let's turn this into a friendly husband-wife competition." "So we're each taking one hotel and bringing in our talented friends to help us renovate them inside and out," said Mika. "This will be fun, because the only person more competitive than me is Brian. May the best hotel win." |
posted 7/16/2024 |
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Tuesday Lightning Round |
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Queens Going Global |
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Category is: "Queen of the Mothertucking World." Start your engines and save the date. The first-ever "RuPaul's Drag Race Global All Stars" is coming to Paramount+ on Aug. 16, featuring 12 queens from around the world competing for a grand prize of $200,000 and a spot in the international pavilion at the Drag Race Hall of Fame. Host RuPaul Charles will lead the panel of judges, alongside resident judge Michelle Visage and choreographer Jamal Sims. Joining them will be a rotation of stars from across the show's international franchise. " The world is not ready for 'RuPaul's Drag Race Global All Stars'," Charles said in a statement. "Twelve queens representing their home countries raises the stakes to a whole new level. Plus, the international mix of charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent will, pardon my French, blow your f***ing minds." MTV and the show's production company World of Wonder have partnered with All Out — an international organization that fights for LGBTQ+ rights around the world — making a $100,000 donation to start the new Drag Saves the World fund. "We are thrilled to collaborate with 'RuPaul's Drag Race Global All Stars' on the 'Drag Saves the World' fund," said Matt Beard, executive director of All Out. "This partnership is not only a celebration of drag culture; it's also a powerful statement of love, solidarity and support for LGBTQ+ people around the world who are facing violence and bigotry. The funds raised will directly transform and protect lives, supporting safe houses, evacuation, emergency support and more to those bravely defending human rights in the most challenging environments. Together, we can ensure that everyone, regardless of who they are or who they love, can live with dignity, safety and pride." The series will premiere with two brand new episodes on Aug. 16. It will be available on Paramount+ in Latin America, Brazil, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Austria on Sept. 20 and in France the following day, with Japan to follow later this year. The Season 1 queens for "Global All Stars" are: |
posted 7/15/2024 |
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CBS on Saturday became the fourth broadcast network (after ABC, The CW and NBC) to lock down premiere dates for the Fall TV season. Survivor is first out the gate when it returns for Season 47 on Wednesday, Sept. 18. Meanwhile, two of the Eye network's high-profile launches will receive "sneak peeks" later that month, with Kathy Bates' Matlock reimagining premiering on a special night, Sunday, Sept. 22, followed by reality competition series The Summit, which will bow Sunday, Sept. 29. CBS Premiere Week then officially kicks off on Monday, Oct. 14, with Season 22 of NCIS and the two-hour series premiere of Gibbs prequel series NCIS: Origins (narrated by Mark Harmon). The following four nights will feature the returns of FBI, Ghosts, Elsbeth, S.W.A.T., Fire Country and Blue Bloods, plus the debut of Young Sheldon spinoff Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage. A week later, The Neighborhood resurfaces on Mondays, where it will lead into new Wayans family comedy Poppa's House. CBS' final two premieres — Tracker and The Equalizer — land on Sunday, Oct. 27. All told, CBS' primetime rollout for games looks like this |
posted 7/15/2024 |
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TCA Awards: And the Winners Were... |
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Shōgun and Hacks were among the big winners Friday at the 40th Annual The Television Critics Association Awards. The TCA Awards honor outstanding programming from the 2023-2024 television season. The winners were selected by the TCA's membership of more than 230 TV journalists from across the United States and Canada. Trophies went to FX's first-year period piece Shōgun for Program of the Year as well as in Outstanding Achievement in Drama, Outstanding New Program and Individual Achievement in Drama for star Anna Sawai. And Jean Smart took home her second Individual Achievement in Comedy Award for her portrayal as comedian Deborah Vance in Hacks. Peacock's "The Traitors" won for Outstanding Achievement in Reality, beating out former champs "The Amazing Race", as well as "Conan O'Brien Must Go", "Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show", "Top Chef", "We're Here", and "Welcome to Wrexham". |
posted 7/15/2024 |
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KCAs: And the Winners Were... |
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Barbie was named Favorite Movie and its star Margot Robbie Favorite Movie Actress at the 2024 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards tonight. Other big winners included Percy Jackson and the Olympians as Favorite Kids TV Show, along with the show's Walker Scobell as Favorite Male TV Star (Kids). Young Sheldon and star Iain Armitage also took top honors as Favorite Family TV Show and Favorite Male TV Star (Family), respectively. Spider-Man: Across The Spiderverse landed Favorite Animated Movie, while the long-running SpongeBob SquarePants took the Favorite Cartoon trophy. Timothée Chalamet snagged the Favorite Movie Actor honor for his role as Willy Wonka in Wonka. Olivia Rodrigo took the Favorite Female TV Star (Kids) trophy for her role as Nini in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. Taylor Swift snagged three awards including Favorite Female Artist and "Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?" host Travis Kelce was named Favorite Male Sports Star. Post Malone received the Favorite Male Artist award, which also saw a surprise sliming of presenter Henry Golding. Hosted by SpongeBob SquarePants (voiced by Tom Kenny) and Patrick Star (voiced by Bill Fagerbakke), Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards 2024 aired live from their undersea home of Bikini Bottom, and simulcast across Nickelodeon, TeenNick, Nicktoons, the Nick Jr. channel, TVLand, CMT and MTV2. Highlights included Kelly Rowland presenting Serena Williams with the Legend Gold Blimp award for her career spanning sports, fashion, beauty and lifestyle. "America's Got Talent" took the Blimp for Favorite Reality Show. |
posted 7/15/2024 |
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James B. Sikking, the Steven Bochco favorite who portrayed the no-nonsense Lt. Howard Hunter on Hill Street Blues and the good-hearted doctor dad on Doogie Howser, M.D., has died. He was 90. Sikking died Saturday at his Los Angeles home of complications from dementia, publicist Cynthia Snyder announced. Although best known for his TV work, Sikking did have notable turns on the big screen as a mocking hitman in John Boorman's Point Blank (1967), as the stuffy Captain Styles in Leonard Nimoy's Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984) and as the director of the FBI in Alan J. Pakula's The Pelican Brief (1993). After spending the better part of two decades showing up on such shows as The Outer Limits, Honey West, The Fugitive, Hogan's Heroes and Mannix, Sikking was cast as the pipe-smoking Hunter, leader of the SWAT-like Emergency Action Team, on NBC's Hill Street Blues. Bochco, who created the series with Michael Kozoll, afforded Sikking the opportunity to shape his character, and the actor based Hunter on a drill instructor he had encountered during basic training at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. "The drill instructor looked like he had steel for hair and his uniform had so much starch in it, you knew it would [stand] in the corner when he took it off in the barracks," he said in a 2014 interview with The Fresno Bee. "So when I started to play Howard, I picked out the way he should be dressed. It had to be a very military look." Sikking appeared on 144 episodes across all seven seasons (1981-87) of the acclaimed drama and received an Emmy nomination in 1984. Bochco turned to Sikking again for Doogie Howser, and he played Vietnam veteran turned family practitioner David Howser, husband of Belinda Montgomery's Katherine and dad of Doogie (Neil Patrick Harris), on all four seasons (1989-93) of that ABC show. He then portrayed a cop again for Bochco on Brooklyn South, which lasted one season (1997-98) on CBS. In game shows, Sikking featured on episodes of "Password Plus" and "The Match Game/Hollywood Squares Hour". Sikking was devoted to raising funds for cystic fibrosis and the Susan G. Koman Foundation, and through the SAG Book Pals program, he read to public school third-grade classes for 19 years and was affectionately known as "Jim the Reader." Survivors include his second wife, Florine, an author whom he met at UCLA and married in September 1962; children Emily and Andrew; and grandchildren Lola, Gemma, Hugh and Madeline. |
posted 7/15/2024 |
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Super Bowl champion Jacoby Jones, a former wide receiver and kick return specialist for the Baltimore Ravens, has died, the National Football League (NFL) confirms. He was 40 years old. A cause of death has not been disclosed as of press time. "We are completely heartbroken to learn about the passing of Jacoby Jones," the Baltimore Ravens said in a statement. "Jacoby had the unique ability to connect with everyone he encountered. His charisma, joy and love created a one-of-a-kind presence that could light up any room or brighten any dark day. Jacoby will long be remembered not just for his success on the football field, but for the lasting personal connections he made with countless people in the Ravens organization, Baltimore community and every area he called home. We share our deepest condolences with Jacoby's family as we all begin to process this devastating loss." Added head coach John Harbaugh: "I loved Jacoby Jones. We all did. His spirit, enthusiasm and love for people were powerful. He was a light. He was the cherished son of his loving mom, Ms. Emily. They were so close. He was a man of faith. My favorite football play was when Jacoby was talking to his mom in the end zone, just before a late-game kickoff return against the Vikings in a snowstorm shootout. Jacoby then raced to catch the ball and run it back for a touchdown. My favorite Jacoby personal moment was every time I saw his smiling face full of Joy. Rest in peace, Jacoby, in the arms of Jesus." Jones' NFL career started in 2007, when he was drafted by the Houston Texans. He went on to play for the Baltimore Ravens from 2012 to 2014. (For his debut season with the Ravens, he was named a Pro Bowl and All-Pro returner.) During a memorable divisional-round playoff game against the Denver Broncos, Jones caught a 70-yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco, with 31 seconds left to force overtime. The Ravens went on to defeat the Broncos in double overtime, 38-35, and the catch was dubbed the "Mile High Miracle." Then in Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers, he became the first player in Super Bowl history to score both a receiving touchdown and return touchdown in the same game. After being released by the Ravens in 2015, Jones played briefly for both the San Diego Chargers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. In September 2017, he retired with the Ravens after signing a one-day contract. His post-NFL career included a college coaching gig at Morgan State University, and an indoor football coaching stint in Houston, for the Beaumont Renegades. Jones also competed during Season 16 of ABC's Dancing With the Stars, where he came in third place with dance pro Karina Smirnoff. Cheryl Burke, despite not being partnered with Jones on DWTS, said she had special memories with him during his time on the show in 2013. She also joined Jones and his dance partner Karina Smirnoff to dance the paso doble. Sharing a clip of the trio's performance on Instagram on Sunday, Burke wrote, "Absolutely devastated by the loss of my dear friend and fellow #dwts co-star, Jacoby Jones, who passed away in his sleep early this morning." . |
posted 7/15/2024 |
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The season premiere of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" scored 3.71 million viewers on July 10, making it the most-watched telecast of the night among broadcasters. Hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, "Millionaire" is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The show, returning for the first time in several years (and marking the return of a studio audience after two seasons without one due to COVID-19) opened with John Mulaney and Nick Kroll paired for one segment, and Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell and paired for the other. The episode outperformed its most recent season finale in 2021 by 28% in total viewers, and stood as the night's top entertainment telecast in adults ages 18 to 49 (0.44 rating). |
posted 7/15/2024 |
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Richard Simmons, the energetic, frizzy-haired TV personality and fitness coach who made exercise accessible to millions and then became reclusive in recent years, has died. He was 76. Simmons died at his home in Los Angeles on Saturday, one day after his birthday. His rep Tom Estey confirmed the news to Variety. On Friday, Simmons posted a message on social media thanking his fans for the birthday wishes. "Thank you…I never got so many messages about my birthday in my life!" Simmons wrote. "I am sitting here writing emails. Have a most beautiful rest of your Friday." While other fitness stars like Jack Lalanne, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jane Fonda exhibited impressive physiques and movie-star good looks, Simmons appealed to the average viewer with plucky cheer rather than huge muscles. His neon-hued, sequined exercise wear made him a kitsch icon, although he avoided discussing his sexuality. "The Richard Simmons Show," which featured recipes, exercise routines and celebrity guests, ran from 1984 to 1989 and garnered Daytime Emmys for best direction and best talk show. A series of DVD workouts including "Sweatin' to the Oldies" sold well for years, bringing his upbeat motivation to viewers around the country. Born Milton Teagle Simmons on July 12, 1948, in New Orleans to a showbiz family, he suffered from asthma as an obese teenager. Simmons worked as a maître d' at Derek's restaurant and began developing an interest in fitness. He was able to lose 123 pounds and in 1974 opened a Beverly Hills fitness studio called The Anatomy Asylum. As the studio became more successful, he began making appearances on shows such as "Real People" and had a recurring role as himself on "General Hospital." After his "Richard Simmons Show" went off the air, he stayed in the public eye with guest appearances on numerous shows such as "Whose Line Is It Anyway?," "CHiPs" and "Arrested Development." Other game show appearances include "Sing Your Face Off", "Dancing with the Stars", "Hollywood Squares", "Wheel of Fortune", "Figure It Out", "Match Game", "Family Feud", "Super Password", "Wordplay", "Body Language", "Dance Fever", and "Battlestars". Simmons was active in charity events, particularly those promoting a healthful lifestyle, and taught classes at his exercise studio. He made himself available for frequent interactions with his many fans, whether they were on movie stars' homes bus tours, clients of his exercise studio, or passengers on his "Cruise to Lose" cruises. His exercise studio remained in business in Beverly Hills until 2016. Simmons is survived by a brother. |
posted 7/13/2024 |
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Monday Lightning Round |
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Shannen Doherty, who starred on Beverly Hills, 90210 and Charmed before exiting both Aaron Spelling-produced shows amid conflicts with co-workers, has lost her long battle with cancer. She was 53. Doherty died Saturday. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2015; after treatment and several surgeries, she announced in April 2017 that she was in remission. In February 2020, she tearfully revealed on Good Morning America, "I'm stage 4 — my cancer came back," then said in June 2023 that cancer had spread to her brain. "I definitely have days where I say, 'Why me?' And then I go, 'Well, why not me? Who else? Who else besides me deserves this?' None of us do," she said. "It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the passing of actress Shannen Doherty. On Saturday, July 13, she lost her battle with cancer after many years of fighting the disease," publicist Leslie Sloane said in a statement to People. "The devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend was surrounded by her loved ones as well as her dog, Bowie. The family asks for their privacy at this time so they can grieve in peace." After holding down regular roles on the NBC shows Little House on the Prairie and Our House and starring in the critically acclaimed Heathers (1988), Doherty in 1990 was hired to play Brenda Walsh on Beverly Hills, 90210, created by Darren Star. Her character and twin brother, Brandon (Jason Priestley), move with their dad from Minnesota to Southern California, and they try to fit in at West Beverly High. Doherty, however, was dismissed from the show after the fourth season concluded in May 1994 amid reported clashes with her co-stars and producers. She did not do herself any favors when, halfway through shooting the season finale, she cut her hair, which made continuity on the episode difficult. "There was definitely a time that I did not want to be there. I was unhappy," she told Entertainment Weekly in 2005. "It sounds odd to say that I was on a hit show making a lot of money and I was unhappy, because it makes me sound unappreciative — I wasn't. "It's just that the sacrifice at the time seemed too large to me. The sacrifice of a camera pointed in my face 24 hours a day while I was desperately trying to grow up, to figure out my spirituality, to figure out my boyfriends. I mean, I was a teenager." Doherty starred with Ben Affleck and Jason Lee in Kevin Smith's Mallrats (1995), then returned to primetime when she was cast as Prue Halliwell, the oldest of three sister witches — Alyssa Milano as Phoebe and Holly Marie Combs as Piper were the others — on The WB series Charmed, created by Constance M. Burge. Doherty and Milano were said not to get along, and then Prue was killed by a demon assassin in the season-three finale in May 2001. Rose McGowan ostensibly replaced her in the cast. "Diplomacy wasn't my forte back then, and I was too vocal about things that really could have been left alone," Doherty wrote in her 2010 book, Badass: A Hard-Earned Guide to Living Life With Style and (the Right) Attitude. "Who cared if I thought an episode was stupid? Who cared what I thought of the script? It was my job to do my best with what was in front of me." 90210 went six more seasons without her and Charmed lasted another five while Doherty found herself a focus of the tabloid media. On the cover of People in 1993, she was described as a "hard-partying, check-bouncing bad girl [who] may be going way too far." In game shows, Doherty competed on "Dancing with the Stars", "Celebrity Name Game", "Celebrity Blackjack", "Win Lose or Draw", and "I'm Telling!". |
posted 7/14/2024 |
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Ruth Westheimer, who brought frank talk about sex into America's living rooms for the first time as radio and television talk show host Dr. Ruth, has died. She was 96. Westheimer died on Friday at her home in New York City, a spokesperson told the New York Times. The diminutive educator with a thick German accent was known for dispensing explicit, down-to-earth advice on matters that weren't previously discussed on-air. Westheimer hosted at least five shows on Lifetime and other cable stations from 1984 to 1993, and wrote dozens of books on sex. The college professor was already in her 50s when she started her radio show on New York radio station WYNY in 1980. She later said that being middle-aged probably helped her be accepted as an expert rather than a sex object, as discussing erotic pleasure was largely taboo on radio and television before her show. Debuting as a 15-minute segment at midnight on Saturdays, the advice show quickly gained popularity and by 1984 it was syndicated nationwide as "The Dr. Ruth Show." That same year, she moved to television and began hosting Lifetime's "Good Sex! With Dr. Ruth Westheimer," which became "The Dr. Ruth Show" when it expanded the next year to a full hour. In 1987, she began another half hour syndicated series called "Ask Dr. Ruth." Westheimer went on to host "The All New Dr. Ruth Show" and teen advice shows "What's Up, Dr. Ruth" and "You're on the Air With Dr. Ruth." In game shows, Westheimer featured on episodes of "1 vs. 100", "Hollywood Squares", and "Win Lose or Draw". Westheimer was married three times; her last husband, Fred Westheimer, died in 1997. She is survived by two children and four grandchildren. |
posted 7/13/2024 |
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Fox's Summer Boom |
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As the European Championship and Copa America finals approach, Fox is touting its success across entertainment programming this summer, which has been led by its deluge of soccer coverage. Viewing across Fox entertainment and sports programming is up 57% from last year to 18.5B minutes across platforms. A majority of that viewing is coming from sports, which have seen 66% growth to put up a whopping 12.4B minutes. Meanwhile, entertainment content has generated 6.1B minutes, a 42% lift from last summer, according to the company. Fox has been setting records with its viewership for both the Euros and Copa America, as Deadline has been reporting throughout the tournaments. Recently, all four semifinal matches amassed stunning viewership for soccer on U.S. English-language television, especially with the USMNT out. Luckily for Fox, the interest generated by soccer has translated to more eyeballs on the network in general, with all its entertainment programming benefitting from a viewership boost as well. "With audiences expecting year-round originals and sports, there's no vacation in television," said Fox Entertainment CEO Rob Wade. "Getting Fox to the top spot are popular series like our new game shows The Quiz with Balls and The 1% Club, plus an outstanding lineup from our friends at Fox Sports. It's great to see audiences beating the heat and enjoying our refreshing summer schedule." In the first five weeks of summer, Fox is ranking as No. 1 in entertainment programming in adults 18-49 with a 0.38 rating and adults 25-54 with a 0.54 rating after seven days of viewing. In primetime, the network is up 43% in adults 18-49, which is a significant boost. Among total viewers, Fox is up 40% year-over-year. Particularly, Fox has been seeing success with its new game shows, The 1% Club and The Quiz with Balls. The shows are tied with a 0.3 rating in the 18-49 demo after seven days of viewing. Other unscripted programming that is helping support Fox's numbers this summer are WWE's Smackdown, Masterchef: Generations, and Beat Shazam. |
posted 7/12/2024 |
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Happy Friday Lightning Round |
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USA Network is making dishonesty the best policy this summer when its new social competition series, "The Anonymous," debuts on Monday, Aug. 19 with a three-episode premiere event starting at 11 p.m. ET/PT. Episodes will also air simultaneously across Bravo and SYFY on premiere night and repeat in primetime daily on USA throughout the week. In the ultimate game of covert deception, 12 players will manipulate, mislead and do whatever it takes to secure up to $100,000. "The Anonymous" is a strategic competition played in two worlds, the real world and anonymous mode. The Digital Anonymous Networking Interface, or "DANI" for short, has invited 12 players to live in her domain and work side-by-side to raise a prize fund of up to $100,000. Despite their close quarters, all players will have their own private underground hideouts, where each is completely anonymous and can say anything and everything behind the mask of a unique handle. In their hideouts, players can provide raw, unfiltered takes on their fellow contestants. They will scheme, connive and deceive to build influence and advance their game. The question is: Can they stay anonymous while doing so, or will the other players guess their identity? Each week DANI conducts tests where all contestants must try and match players to their handles. The player who is best at staying anonymous becomes the one with the power to eliminate their competitors. In a game where every move is calculated and a single misstep can expose who you truly are, only one will take home the grand prize. Among those straddling two realities are TV veterans, Xavier E. Prather and Nina Twine as well as Fyre Festival event producer, Andy King. The full list of contestants are: - Marcel Cunningham, 33 | Seattle, WA "The Anonymous" is produced by Studio Lambert. Jack Burgess, Andy Cadman, Tim Harcourt, Toni Ireland, Stephen Lambert and Stephen Yemoh will executive produce. |
posted 7/11/2024 |
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Love Island Heating Up! |
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It appears Peacock has a bombshell on its hands with the new season of Love Island USA. Season 6 began attracting an unprecedented audience for the American version of the well-loved reality dating series after premiering on June 11. According to Nielsen, for the week of June 24 to 30, Love Island USA was the most-watched streaming reality series in the U.S. During that interval, the series amassed 434M minutes viewed, coming in seventh among streaming originals for the week. Nielsen streaming data is reported on a delay, which is why this data doesn't include streaming in July. However, Love Island USA is releasing new episodes every day but Wednesday until July 21, giving it plenty of opportunity to continue building on this audience. The show hosted by Ariana Madix is also preparing for a "blood bath" that will likely cause turmoil in the villa. "Well, the villa is very full right now, I'll just say that," Madix told Love Island USA Aftersun host Maura Higgins on Saturday's episode after she asked about the blood bath she had teased. Madix continued, "People gotta go. There's only so many beds." |
posted 7/11/2024 |
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Benji Gregory, who starred as young Brian Tanner in the 1980s sitcom ALF, has passed away. He was 46. The actor was found dead on June 13 in his car parked at a Chase Bank in Peoria, Ariz., according to TMZ. It is believed that he visited the bank the previous day and fell sleep, possibly dying from vehicular heatstroke caused by Arizona's blistering summer heat. Gregory's service dog Hans, who was with him, also perished. His sister says he dealt with depression, bipolar disorder and a sleep disorder that kept him awake for days. An official cause of death for the actor is pending. Gregory rose to fame as Brian Tanner on ALF, which aired for four seasons (from 1986-1990) on NBC and produced four hour-long specials: "Try to Remember," "ALF's Special Christmas," "Someone to Watch Over Me" and "Tonight, Tonight." Benjamin Gregory Hertzberg was born May 26, 1978 in Encino. Per IMDB, his father, uncle and sister were all actors, and his grandmother was his agent. Alongside his child stardom on Alf, he also appeared in many commercials and in 1980s shows such as The Twilight Zone, The A-Team, Punky Brewster and Amazing Stories. In 1986, he appeared as Harry Carlson Jr. in Jumpin' Jack Flash, which also starred Whoopi Goldberg, and played Edgar the mole in the 1993 animated movie, Once Upon a Forest. Gregory left entertainment in 2003 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, later becoming an aerographer's mate. In 2005, he received an honorable medical discharge from the Navy. In game shows, Gregory featured on episodes of "I'm Telling!", "Fun House", and a young people's edition of "The Dating Game". |
posted 7/11/2024 |
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ABC announced premiere dates for the network's action-packed fall, featuring previously announced fan-favorite series, high-octane new dramas and "The Bachelor" franchise's newest iteration. This news comes on the heels of the network closing out the 2023-2024 season as No. 1 in entertainment among Adults 18-49 for the fifth consecutive season, marking the longest winning streak in over 10 years. "Monday Night Football" returns for select weeks beginning SEPT. 9 (New York Jets at San Francisco 49ers). Then, on MONDAY, OCT. 7, beloved game shows join the lineup with Pat Sajak's final spin hosting "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" leading into Elizabeth Banks-hosted "Press Your Luck." The full ABC/ESPN "Monday Night Football" schedule can be found here. Pat Sajak, who retired in June as the longtime host of Wheel of Fortune, will be back for a final run as host of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, which premieres October 7 on ABC. The news was revealed today in the network's fall premiere dates announcement. Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, along with Press Your Luck, will air Mondays when ABC doesn't have a Monday Night Football game. The 10 p.m. slot is still TBA. Sajak passed off Wheel of Fortune hosting duties to Ryan Seacrest in his final episode, which aired on June 7. Seacrest will share hosting duties with longtime co-host Vanna White. Sajak has agreed to stay on as a consultant on Wheel for the next three years, said Suzanne Prete, EVP Game Shows at Sony Pictures Television. After more than 43 million viewers tuned in to the debut of "The Golden Bachelor" across platforms last fall, "The Golden Bachelorette" joins the Wednesday night lineup, where one radiant woman in her golden years will have a second chance at finding love. Meanwhile, Bachelor in Paradise is returning to the airwaves in 2025. The ABC series has officially been renewed for Season 10, after taking a hiatus this year, the network announced during Disney's summer Television Critics Association panel on Wednesday. So far, no word on when exactly the season will air. Last year, Season 9 aired in the fall, alongside the inaugural season of The Golden Bachelor. But prior seasons generally aired in the summer. "America's Funniest Home Videos" celebrates its monumental 35th season beginning SUNDAY, SEPT. 29, before "The Wonderful World of Disney" world television premiere of the live-action "The Little Mermaid." Additional films to debut this season include the world television premieres of "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" and "Haunted Mansion," as well as the broadcast premiere of "Hocus Pocus 2." Airdates and additional movies to be announced at a later date. As previously announced, new seasons of returning dramas "The Rookie" and "Will Trent" will debut midseason, along with the celebratory farewell season of legacy comedy "The Conners." Also returning midseason are "American Idol," "The Bachelor," "Celebrity Jeopardy!" and "What Would You Do?" "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," from executive producer Reese Witherspoon and hosted by world-renowned organizing duo Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin of The Home Edit, is also set to debut. These premiere dates will be announced at a later date. |
posted 7/10/2024 |
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It's been nearly two weeks since IATSE reached a tentative agreement with the studios on a new film and TV contract, and the union is now ready to reveal the full contract to its members. Until now, IATSE had released only a general summary of the deal points, touting wage gains, AI guardrails and pension and health plan increases. The union also assured that workplace safety had been a large part of the discussions, revealing that the new contract includes increased penalties for extended workdays. The new deals cover about 50,000 film and TV workers within IATSE's 13 West Coast studio locals as well as another 20,000 in the 23 locals across the United States. The complete memorandum of agreements between IATSE and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers for the Area Standards, Videotape and Basic Agreement were sent in a memo to members on Wednesday, which Deadline has obtained. The key provisions include a 7% raise in minimums in the first year, followed by raises of 4% and 3.5%, matching the terms won by SAG-AFTRA last fall. "We got a deal!" the union announced in an email to members on Tuesday night. The three-year contract still must be ratified by the union's membership. The AMPTP still has to negotiate deals with the Teamsters and the other Basic Crafts unions, as well as the Area Standards Agreement with IATSE. But the tentative Basic Agreement — which comes more than a month before the current contract was due to expire on July 31 — will calm fears of another industry shutdown so soon after last year's double strikes. The full terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but they include "new streaming residuals" to address a $670 million shortfall in the pension and health plans — one of the key issues in the talks. The union also reports that the tentative deal includes new protections around the thorny subject of artificial intelligence, "including language that ensures no employee is required to provide AI prompts in any manner that would result in the displacement of any covered employee. This time last year, Hollywood writers were picketing outside the offices of major studios and streaming companies. Throughout their nearly five month-long strike, writers often convened at Bob's Big Boy, where TV host Drew Carey often picked up the check. The WGA spent nearly five months on strike last year starting in May. Actors and performers in the union SAG-AFTRA also went on strike last summer. The writers union reached a tentative deal with studios in September, with new residual models in streaming, new minimum lengths of employment for TV gigs, more guaranteed paid work for feature films and other protections. Then, SAG-AFTRA reached their own tentative agreement in November. "When we all returned to work, the decline continued, meaning not as much content is being ordered," WGA West president Meredith Stiehm says. "And it seems that the studios are sort of regrouping, and writers are feeling the post-Peak TV pinch." During a recent earnings call, SONY Pictures Entertainment CEO Tony Vinciquerra said his company was hit by more than just the streaming revolution. "We had to go from a pandemic where production was severely limited, to a strike, where there was no creative work being done for literally seven or eight months," he said. "It had to restart. And that's what you're seeing right now." The industry continues to transform, with shrinking ad revenue and layoffs at just about every entertainment and media company. Last month, Netflix announced it would produce more non-scripted material, like reality shows and game shows. Disney said it will offer even more live sports through ESPN over the coming years. The ratification vote begins on July 14 and runs through July 17. IATSE is expected to announce the results of the vote on July 18. |
posted 7/10/2024 |
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Pat Colbert, who played the role of Dora Mae in the series Dallas, has died. She was 77. According to multiple reports, Colbert died on June 23 at her home in Compton. Colbert had suffered three strokes over the last decade. Colbert's first television appearance was in 1979's Eischiled, playing a model in the series which starred Joe Don Baker. The actress would soon co-star in Flamingo Road, sharing credits with John Beck, Woody Brown, Peter Donat, Howard Duff, Morgan Fairchild, Barbara Rush, and many more. During the interim where Holly Hallstrom left "The Price Is Right" to pursue an acting career in 1982 to 1983, Colbert was one of a slew of models hired to substitute, making her the first African American person to do so, albeit temporarily. Throughout the 1980s, Colbert made appearances in shows like Benson (1982), The Fall Guy (1982), Knots Landing (1983), and A Death in California (1985). Colbert also starred in CBS's Capitol, a soap about politics in D.C., playing the character named Cora Mullens. She first appeared in Dallas Season 7 in 1983, portraying Dora Mae, the host and manager of the Oil Baron's Club. Colbert stayed on the nighttime soap until its final season in 1991. After Dallas ended, she appeared in episodes of Sisters (1991) and True Colors (1991). In film, Colbert played The Nurse in 1981's S.O.B. and a hooker in the 1982 film Hysterical. Colbert starred opposite Bill Cosby in the 1987 spy spoof film Leonard Part 6, playing the role of Allison Parker, the wife of Cosby's character. The actress would go on to have credits in films like Thom & Dusty Go to Mexico: The Lost Treasure (2014) and If Not for His Grace (2015). A funeral for Colbert is set for July 20. |
posted 7/10/2024 |
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They're Gonna Play ShowCity |
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Love Island and I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! are the latest unscripted TV franchises to enter the metaverse. The ITV Studios-owned formats will form part of ShowCity, an online neighborhood created by gaming platform The Sandbox that will also feature ITV shows The Voice and Hell's Kitchen. ITV Studios, in partnership with the Virtual Brand Group, has struck a deal expanded its existing pact with Animoca Brands-owned platform The Sandbox to create reality TV virtual world ShowCity, which will provide users with gaming experiences and tie ins with the shows. ShowCity will offer exclusive digital and physical perks to users who buy one 'LAND' during a sale that starts today, comprising 296 regular plots and 28 premium spots. Besides receiving ShowCity merchandise, premium LAND owners will get as asset bag featuring items such as the iconic Love Island water bottle, I'm a Celebrity… winner's crown and a buzzer from The Voice. Players will be able to use these items digitally in gaming experiences in ShowCity, where they can also interact with others. |
posted 7/10/2024 |
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The Great American State Fair Bakeoff |
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For over 100 years, the American state fair has been the proving ground for the most wildly talented bakers across the United States. Now, for the first time ever, Blue Ribbon winning bakers from state fairs across the nation get the chance to compete against each other in the Blue Ribbon Baking Championship. Featuring host Jason Biggs and co-host and judge Sandra Lee, 10 award-winning pastry masters from across the US gather to compete in the biggest blue ribbon bake off yet - and the chance to win $100,000. Former White House pastry chef, Bill Yosses, and award-winning artisan baker, Bryan Ford, also serve as judges. Only the baker with the most delicious, inventive, and masterful delicacies will win the nation's ultimate blue ribbon. |
posted 7/10/2024 |
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Just... Don't Quiz and Drive... |
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AirConsole, the leading in-car gaming platform, in collaboration with Sony Pictures Television, launches today the exclusive "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" game for BMW vehicles. This thrilling new version of the iconic quiz show brings the excitement of the hot seat directly to the car, offering an unmatched entertainment experience for drivers and passengers alike. "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" by AirConsole transforms your BMW into a high-stakes game show arena. Whether competing solo for the million-dollar prize or challenging friends in Party Mode, the game offers an immersive quiz show experience. The advanced text-to-speech technology reads out questions and personalizes gameplay by recognizing and using players' names, providing an engaging sonic experience. Players can use lifelines like removing incorrect answers, asking the audience, or swapping questions, all accessible through their smartphones. With a dynamic soundtrack and the iconic question "Is that your final answer?", the game delivers an authentic and thrilling quiz show atmosphere. "We are thrilled to see 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?' come to life in BMW cars through AirConsole," said Michael Fuller, VP of Games at AirConsole. "We've dedicated ourselves to pioneering in-car gaming, and it's incredibly rewarding to now offer renowned games like this with a personalized, immersive experience to our users." |
posted 7/10/2024 |
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Wednesday Lightning Round |
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NBC sets Premiere Week to begin on Monday, Sept. 23, kicking off the 2024-25 season which includes a strong lineup of returning favorites as well as the debut of new medical drama "Brilliant Minds" starring Zachary Quinto and a pair of freshmen comedies - "Happy's Place," starring Reba McEntire, and "St. Denis Medical," from the team behind "Superstore" and "American Auto." The week begins with award-winning competition series "The Voice," featuring first-time coaches Snoop Dogg and Michael Bublé alongside returning coaches Reba McEntire and Gwen Stefani. The Sept. 23 season premiere of "The Voice" will immediately be followed by the Zachary Quinto drama "Brilliant Minds," inspired by the extraordinary life and work of world-famous author and physician Oliver Sacks. Premiere Week will continue Tuesday, Sept. 24 with the highly anticipated season finale of "America's Got Talent," summer's longstanding #1 show. Wednesday, Sept. 25 brings the return of #OneChicago as "Chicago Med," "Chicago Fire" and "Chicago P.D." all begin their new exploits in the Windy City at 8, 9 and 10 p.m., respectively. The second annual People's Choice Country Awards, featuring some of the greatest performers in country music today, will air live Thursday, Sept. 26 on NBC and Peacock. Last year's show was seen by 4.4 million viewers, a double-digit increase over the previous year's People's Choice Awards. The next week, following the Tuesday premiere of "The Voice," marks the debut of second-year drama series "The Irrational," starring Jesse L. Martin, on Oct. 1 at 10 p.m. On Thursday, Oct. 3, "Law & Order" and "Law & Order: SVU" begin their 24th and 26th seasons, respectively, at 8 and 9 p.m. Immediately after, Shanola Hampton begins her second season as missing persons advocate Gabi Mosely in the hit series "Found." NBC's comedy series will debut this fall season on Friday, Oct. 18 with the premiere of "Happy's Place," starring Reba McEntire, at 8 p.m., immediately followed by the season three launch of "Lopez vs. Lopez" at 8:30 p.m. "St. Denis Medical," starring Wendi McLendon-Covey, David Alan Grier and Allison Tolman and executive produced by Justin Spitzer and Eric Ledgin ("Superstore"), opens its hospital doors on Tuesday, Nov. 12 with back-to-back episodes. The series will continue the following week in its regular 8 p.m. timeslot followed by the season three premiere of "Night Court" at 8:30 p.m. In addition to NBC's entertainment slate, the network will continue to have a robust sports offering for the Fall, including "Big Ten Saturday Night," which is back in primetime on Aug. 31 as an expanded conference of storied college programs vie for dominance. "NBC Sunday Night Football," the #1 primetime television show for a record 13 consecutive years, will also broadcast 20 regular-season games throughout the NFL season, beginning on Sept. 5. Midseason and/or summer shows previously announced include "The Hunting Party," "Deal or No Deal Island," "The Americas" and "Destination X." |
posted 7/9/2024 |
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Bad Lana? |
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Netflix's Too Hot to Handle will sizzle again soon. The Seinfeld-inspired reality series returns July 19 with 10 new singles, more than one of them models and all of them ridiculously attractive. As always, they'll gather at a retreat be encouraged to mix and mingle, but forbidden from having sexual contact for four weeks in order to win a considerable cash prize. New this season is that there's a bad version of LANA, the virtual assistant who monitors the singles. Plus, "For the first time ever this year's naughty nymphos think they know what they signed up for, but retreat warden LANA has some tricks up her sleeve with a new prize, new twists and some old, familiar faces." Previous contestants were lured into going to the venue with the promise of a sexy vacation. The first four episodes will debut at once, with three more coming on July 26. The season's final three eps premiere Aug. 2. |
posted 7/9/2024 |
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Tuesday Lightning Round |
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Actor Doug Sheehan, best known to TV fans for his work on soap operas General Hospital and Knots Landing, has died. He was 75. News of Sheehan's death was made public by the Wyoming-based Kane Funeral Home, where memorial services are being arranged. Per the announcement, Sheehan passed away "peacefully at his home on Saturday morning, June 29, 2024, with his loving wife at his side." A cause of death was not disclosed. Sheehan's first major TV role was that of lawyer Joe Kelly on ABC's General Hospital, where he appeared from 1979 to 1982. He picked up a Daytime Emmy nomination (for Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role in a Daytime Drama Series) for his work on the soap. The following year, Sheehan joined the cast of CBS' Dallas spinoff Knots Landing, arriving in Season 5 as journalist (and Val's eventual second husband) Ben Gibson. Sheehan stayed on the show until Season 8, when Ben left for South America and never returned. The actor also held memorable roles on NBC's short-lived sitcom Day by Day (where he starred as stockbroker Brian Harper) and ABC/UPN's series adaptation of Clueless (where he took over the role of Cher's father, Mel Horowitz, from Michael Lerner after Season 1). Other TV credits included episodes of Cheers, the original MacGyver, Columbo, Diagnosis Murder, What I Like About You and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. In game shows, Sheehan featured on episodes of "Pyramid", "Just Men!", "Family Feud", and several Battles of the Network Stars. |
posted 7/8/2024 |
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Meet the New Face Behind the Feud |
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As a child of the 1970s, Myeshia Mizuno still remembers watching the Richard Dawson incarnation of "Family Feud" at home. Now, she's the new showrunner on the Steve Harvey-hosted daytime version in syndication and the primetime "Celebrity Family Feud" on ABC — which returns July 9 for its 10th anniversary and landmark 100th episode. And in taking on those roles — which she began earlier this year, Mizuno is also making history. After much research by the folks at series producer Fremantle, they can confirm that Mizuno is indeed the first-ever Black woman to serve as a network game show showrunner. "I grew up watching game shows, everyone watched game shows," Mizuno says. "They have traditionally been run by white males. So, to be the first Black woman to run a primetime network game show is huge. And not just any game show, but an iconic franchise at that! I'm very appreciative of it. I don't know why it has taken such a long time, but I'm happy to know that it's now a genre that has been cracked open for someone like me to be a part of it." Now that she's in charge "Feud," Mizuno knows her most important job is to also make sure the show continues to run like a piece of cake. "It's daunting, but definitely what I'm up for," she says. "It's a well-built machine, but coming in and adding some oil to the spokes is how I look at it." That includes small tweaks like replacing one of the giveaways on the syndicated version from a car to a vacation package. "Because every time you ask the families what they want to do, they always say they want to go on a vacation. So, we partnered with Marriott this year." On "Celebrity Family Feud," the production added a plush backstage area for the contestants to relax before or after their episode taping. "We're finding that they're still hanging out and sticking around for the next game afterwards," Mizuno says. "Rather than just packing up ad leaving. I think we brought an environment of excitement and fun. And everyone is enjoying it — myself, the staff, the audience. It's family." |
posted 7/8/2024 |
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The Chase Is On.... and It's Live |
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Global sports betting and gaming group built on proprietary technology, Entain, has announced the exciting launch of a brand new live gameshow with support from the leading platform, content, and services provider in the online gambling industry, Playtech. The Chase, which is the name of the new game, follows the proven model carried by the iconic ITV gameshow that constantly gathers a daily UK viewership of roughly four million. Described as "a quiz with a difference," the TV gameshow reunites four contestants who need to "pit their wits against the Chaser, a ruthless quiz genius" determined to prevent them from winning the cash prize. Entain's new release, which seems to be the first of its kind, is hosted by Playtech from its nonstop live studio in Riga, Latvia. Originally, the new live gameshow went live for Entain's customers based in the UK, then reached the regulated markets in Canada (Ontario), Brazil, and Belgium. Italian and South African players can expect to get official access to the game that is exclusive to Entain's brands sometime in the near future. The Chase displays a plinko board and counts two separate bonus features aimed at keeping players well engaged until the "Final Chase" is initiated. Just one month after its release, the game's performance peaked, reaching a whopping 56% increase in terms of player spending. " |
posted 7/8/2024 |
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They're Playing the Feud in Malta |
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Popular US gameshow Family Feud is the latest international TV franchise set for Malta, where it will hit screens in October. The show, which sees two families pitted against each other as they guess survey answers to win cash prizes, has already been adapted to 50 other countries. In a Facebook post on Monday, Media Exclusive Limited – the production company behind Love Island Malta – said Family Feud would be broadcast on TVM every Sunday at 12.15pm starting in October and the public has been invited to apply. |
posted 7/8/2024 |
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Dawn Hollyoak, who competed on The Great British Baking Show in 2022, has died. She was 61 years old. Hollyoak's death was announced on her Instagram page on Friday. "It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our star baker Dawn," the post read. "Not only a wonderfully talented baker but first and foremost an amazing mother, grandmother, wife and friend. Dawn passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. We will miss her forever, but promise to continue her baking legacy!" Her cause of death is not yet known. Hollyoak competed in Season 10 of The Great British Baking Show (aka The Great British Bake Off). She was eliminated in Episode 6 after Halloween Week. Upon receiving the news of her elimination, Hollyoak called competing on the show "one of the absolute best experiences of my life." Great British Baking Show judge Paul Hollywood offered his condolences to Hollyoak's family in an Instagram comment on Friday. "I'm so sorry to hear that, send my love to the family," he wrote, calling Hollyoak a "lovely lady." Carole Edwards, who competed alongside Hollyoak before being eliminated in Episode 5, commented: "I will miss my friend terribly, a beautiful and talented lady inside and out, fly high my friend, life just won't be the same without you. Sending all my love to the family." |
posted 7/8/2024 |
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Monday Lightning Round |
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Silent Audience |
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Katherine Ryan will lead a group of 30 entertainers trying to stop an audience from remaining silent and pocketing a quarter of a millions pounds (around $320,000) in a new TV series. Silence Is Golden is a new comedy game show coming to Dave, hosted by television and radio presenter Dermot O'Leary, in which the studio audience must try to not utter a sound. Six hour-long episodes of the show have been ordered to air in 2025, when the channel will have become known as U&Dave. The group of entertainers, led by three as-yet-to-be-announced comics and headed up by Ryan, wage war on the audience, who are all individually miked up, with each sound forced out of them by the acts bringing the £250,000 prize pot down. If the entertainers get the pot to zero, they get to give the money to charity. "I'm so looking forward to Silence Is Golden," said O'Leary. "When a show like this falls into your lap, you can't quite believe your luck. Looking forward to having lots of fun with the audience, our comedians and assorted cast of regulars, all trying to make the audience laugh, gasp and giggle." The show is one of the first commissions for Yes Yes Media, the company founded by former Blue Peter presenter Richard Bacon, and bears a superficial resemblance to Amazon's LOL: Last One Laughing format, in which comedians must try to resist other comedians trying to make them laugh. Having aired multiple different versions internationally, including in Australia, Canada and Ireland, a UK adaptation of LOL is reportedly in development. Bacon said: "You know the feeling when you're not allowed to laugh at a funeral? Well, it's that: the Game Show. And I commend U&Dave for boldly commissioning a show that will cost them a quarter million a week - if the audience is better at playing the game than we are." Ryan is already a team captain on Rosie Jones's Comedy Central panel show Out Of Order alongside Judi Love, and was recently announced as a judge on the next series of Canada's Got Talent. Silence Is Golden is produced by Tim Dean (Late Night Lycett) and was commissioned for UKTV by Mark Iddon, senior commissioning editor, comedy and entertainment, and Jason Dawson, commissioning executive. |
posted 7/3/2024 |
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Wednesday Lightning Round |
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What better way to celebrate the 4th of July than with the iconic game show The Price is Right? CBS is getting in the holiday spirit during its daytime shows on Thursday, July 4, with special episodes of the Drew Carey-hosted game show and the soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful. The Price Is Right celebrates Independence Day with Plinko, which, as you can see in the sneak peek below, gives the chance to win up to $50,000. The contestant starts off with one chip, and he then has the chance to win four more. In the episode, players have the chance to win all-American cars, the ultimate backyard BBQ, and a 20' party boat. The special holiday-themed episode also marks the 50th anniversary of the popular "Card Game," in which contestants take their chances with a deck of cards to win a new car. |
posted 7/2/2024 |
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Who Wants to Be Katy Perry? |
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Katy Perry left American Idol after seven seasons, and Luke Bryan is sharing names that could potentially replace her. In a new interview, the country star name-dropped the stars that have "been in talks" to judge the competition next season. "I've said several names. I think Pink has been in the talks, Miley Cyrus has been in the talks, Meghan Trainor has been in the talks," Bryan told Billboard. He continued, "It's been interesting. It's been something Disney been really tightlipped about with me and Lionel and Ryan. We currently haven't heard what the story is on who's coming back, and if Lionel and I are coming back. I think Disney is just trying to figure out what they want to do and we're just kind of sitting back and waiting until they decide." Perry, Bryan, and Lionel Richie joined American Idol in Season 16 when ABC rebooted the competition. Bryan said that Perry was really perfect for that job, and I think they're just working real hard to find somebody that can really come in and do the job that Katy did." Following her American Idol exit, Perry said she would focus on her music career and recently revealed the title of her new song, "Woman's World," which is set to drop on July 11. |
posted 7/2/2024 |
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First Look at "Password UK" |
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Hit US guessing game show, Password is to make its debut in the UK with a brand-new series for ITV and ITVX. Produced by Talkback (a Fremantle label), Password stars one of the UK's biggest comics Alan Carr and award-winning actor and writer Daisy May Cooper as resident Team Captains, with the multi-talented Stephen Mangan running the show as host. Password is a hilarious word association game where Alan and Daisy each pair up with contestants and give one-word clues to help their teammate guess a mystery "password". The teams must try and get on each other's wavelengths, as they take it in turns to guess the all-important password across multiple rounds. There will be hilarious clues, guesses and lots more laughs as Daisy and Alan try & help our plucky contestants win a cash prize in our Jackpot final. Stephen Mangan says: "Password is a fantastic game show so it's an absolute pleasure to be the host. Although how I'm going to keep Daisy and Alan in line I don't know!" Alan Carr says: "I can't wait to wipe the floor with Daisy, she'll be heading back to the West Country with her tail between her legs. If only her brain was as big as her mouth". Daisy May Cooper adds: "I'm looking forward to knocking the glasses off Alan with my exceptional talent for this game. I know that…given both our training (Me – drama school, Alan – Tesco) that between us (meaning mostly me) we will be able to win people lots of cash (just to reiterate when I say 'we' I mean 'me')". Jonno Richards, Managing Director, Talkback, a Fremantle label, says: "We're so excited to be launching Password in the UK with the fantastic Alan, Daisy and Stephen. These three stars combined with some brilliant contestants & a cracking game promises to be a real treat for the ITV viewer." |
posted 7/2/2024 |
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Tuesday Lightning Round |
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Hollywood... New York... Atlanta.... Chicago? |
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Illinois is hoping to lure more talk show and game show productions to the state now that Gov. JB Pritzker has signed a bill that removes some restrictions that kept unscripted shows from participating in the state's production tax credit program. The Illinois Production Alliance announced Monday that Pritzker has signed bill HB 5005 into law, which allows national talk shows, contest-based shows and game shows to participate in the state's Film Production Services Tax Credit program. The expansion of production tax credits was part of an omnibus economic development bill also includes incentives for quantum computing development and redevelopment zones across Illinois. Charles Rivkin, chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association, praised Pritzker as "a champion of the film, television and streaming industry," and asserted that with his signing of HB 5005, "Illinois will continue to be a global leader in motion picture production." Illinois leaders have made the case that production tax credits handed out by the state more than pay for themselves. According to an economic impact study commissioned by the Illinois Production Alliance, the state's program brings a $6.81 return on investment for every dollar given out in tax credits. Illinois generated more than $3.6 billion in economic activity from 2017 to 2022. About 94% of film and television production that lensed in Illinois took part in the program. "One thing that everyone agrees on – labor, business, and government alike – is that bringing more film, television and commercial production to Illinois benefits our state's economy and workforce," said Christine Dudley, executive director of Illinois Production Alliance. "With the tremendous support that Governor Pritzker has shown the industry, Illinois is well positioned to be a production hub and cultural touchpoint, for many years to come." |
posted 7/1/2024 |
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Eurovision Creates New Director Role |
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The organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) have introduced a new director role following an independent report into this year's competition. It has also been recommended the contest, which is organized by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), appoint a welfare producer to ensure contestants' wellbeing. The new ESC director will report to the EBU's deputy director general and media director Jean Philip De Tender. They will also oversee the show's executive supervisor Martin Österdahl. The new director, who has not yet been appointed, will also oversee another new role, the head of ESC brand and commercial, which is also yet to be recruited. |
posted 7/1/2024 |
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"Top Chef" Moves MENA Version to Saudi Arabia |
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"Top Chef Middle East," the hit Arabic-language adaptation of Bravo's TV series, is moving to Saudi Arabia's innovative Neom production hub. Leading Middle East broadcaster MBC – which is Saudi-owned – is teaming up with Neom Media Industries to launch production of the eighth season of the reality culinary contest near the planned futuristic city known as "the Line." The partnership "promises a fusion of competitive culinary arts with ultra-modern urban development," MBC said in a statement. The full-service Neom Media Village, which is becoming a major driver of the kingdom's effort to build a film and TV industry almost from scratch, will be the new production hub for "Top Chef Middle East" that is currently among the most successful of the 29 "Top Chef" versions around the world. |
posted 7/1/2024 |
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Monday Lightning Round |
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Veteran comedic actor Martin Mull, who tallied dozens of TV roles over the years, including memorable turns on Roseanne and Sabrina the Teenage Witch, has died at the age of 80. Mull's daughter Maggie announced the news on Instagram: "I am heartbroken to share that my father passed away at home on June 27th, after a valiant fight against a long illness. He was known for excelling at every creative discipline imaginable and also for doing Red Roof Inn commercials. He would find that joke funny. He was never not funny. My dad will be deeply missed by his wife and daughter, by his friends and coworkers, by fellow artists and comedians and musicians, and — the sign of a truly exceptional person — by many, many dogs. I loved him tremendously." Mull's Roseanne co-star Michael Fishman, who played D.J., shared a tribute to Mull on social media: "Martin Mull is a legend. He was a tremendous talent, who was always funny. As amazing as he was on camera, he was even more incredible off. The world was better with him in it. Perhaps the other side needed more laughter." Mull began his career as a musical comedian, writing and performing satirical songs and opening for the likes of Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen in the early 1970s. Mull then broke into acting with roles on Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman and its spinoffs Fernwood 2 Night and America 2 Night. He also appeared in a string of films in the 1980s, including Mr. Mom and Clue. He joined the cast of Roseanne in 1991, playing Roseanne's gay boss Leon and recurring throughout most of the series' original run. He went on to play Principal Willard Kraft on Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and was a regular celebrity guest on Hollywood Squares. He later played private eye Gene Parmesan on Arrested Development and Charlie's pharmacist Russell on Two and a Half Men. Mull's career continued throughout the 2010s, with appearances on Community, Psych and Veep, the latter of which earned him his lone Emmy nomination. He starred in two short-lived Fox sitcoms: Dads, from executive producer Seth MacFarlane; and The Cool Kids, alongside Vicki Lawrence, David Alan Grier and Leslie Jordan. His most recent TV appearance was a pair of episodes of Apple TV+'s The Afterparty that aired last year. Grier paid tribute to Mull on Threads: "Rest in Peace. So, so sad. One of my comedy heroes is gone. Loved him to death. I had the honor of working with and befriending Martin and I will miss his intelligence, wit and brilliance. A wonderful painter, performer and raconteur." |
posted 6/30/2024 |
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"Ninja Warrior" Drew Drechsel Sentenced |
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A former American Ninja Warrior champion has been sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for having an intimate relationship with a teenage girl. After prison, Andrew Drechsel, age 35, must additionally serve 15 years of supervised release and pay the victim $100,000 in restitution, Chief U.S. District Judge Renée M. Bumb ruled in New Jersey on Wednesday. Drechsel pled guilty on June 1 to receiving illicit material and knowingly enticing and coercing a minor to travel interstate to engage in an improper relationship, the U.S. Attorney's Office in New Jersey announced. Dreschel won season 11 of American Ninja Warrior. NBC has since cut all ties with the athlete. He won $1 million on the competition show and competed in eight seasons. |
posted 6/27/2024 |
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Netflix has renewed unscripted dating series "Perfect Match" for a third season. The show's first season was released last year and debuted at No. 2 on the English-language TV rankings for the streamer. The Kinetic Content series follows singles from across Netflix's roster of unscripted relationship sudsers — including "Too Hot to Handle" and "Love is Blind" – who couple up and test their romantic relationships by engaging in compatibility challenges. Hosted by Nick Lachey, "Perfect Match" also sees "winning couples gain power in the game to bring in new singles to match with their castmates – setting up potential love matches or stirring trouble in paradise as they compete to be the strongest couple at the villa, crowned the Perfect Match," per the Netflix synopsis. The first six episodes of "Perfect Match" Season 2 debuted June 7, with three additional episodes dropped on June 14 and the finale bowing June 21. Season 1 of "Perfect Match" saw Dom Gabriel and Georgia Hassarati as the winning couple, despite the pair announcing their split soon after the season dropped. Gabriel, along with "Too Hot to Handle" contestant Harry Jowsey returned to the second season of the series. The second season's cast included Alara Taneri ("Dated and Related"), Brittan Byrd ("Too Hot to Handle"), Bryan Constantin ("Squid Game: The Challenge"), Chris Hahn ("Dated and Related"), Christine Obanor ("Too Hot to Handle"), Tolu Ekundare ("The Trust"), Dominique Defoe ("Too Hot to Handle"), Elys Hutchinson ("Too Hot to Handle"), Jowsey ("Too Hot to Handle"), Holly Scarfone ("Too Hot to Handle") and Izzy Zapata ("Love Is Blind"). Additional contestants included Jake Cunningham ("The Ultimatum: Marry or Move on"), Jessica Vestal ("Love Is Blind"), Justin Assad ("Surviving Paradise"), Kaz Bishop ("Dated and Related"), Melinda Melrose ("Too Hot to Handle"), Micah Lussier ("Love Is Blind"), Nigel Jones ("To Hot to Handle"), Stevan Ditter ("Too Hot to Handle"), Trevor Sova ("Love Is Blind"), Xanthi Perdikomas ("The Circle") and Gabriel ("The Mole"). Executive producers for "Perfect Match" include Chris Coelen, Eric Detwiler, Brent Gauches and Heather Crowe. |
posted 6/27/2024 |
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"Big Brother Canada" Evicted |
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"Big Brother Canada" host Arisa Cox said Thursday she's "heartbroken" the reality competition series has been evicted from Global TV's lineup, but is hopeful it can continue elsewhere. Shortly after Corus Entertainment announced Thursday that it was cancelling the Toronto-shot show, the TV personality said she felt "oddly very proud." "We're in that mode of just looking back and fully understanding what we've done for 12 years, which is so very rare in this industry, and we're filled with pride," said Cox, who also executive produces the show. "Canada has that tall poppy syndrome. You're never supposed to big yourself up too much, but I feel very comfortable bigging ourselves up." "Big Brother Canada" was produced by Insight Productions in association with Corus and Banijay Rights. Showrunner Erin Brock, who is also Insight's senior vice-president, said the show's cancellation will result in "between 200 and 250" people losing their contract jobs. "I feel sad for the TV landscape. I feel sad that such a brilliant show that tells so many Canadian stories is not going to be on the air. I feel sad for all of us who made it," Brock said. "I feel grateful, and I also feel like it's a big loss, honestly." Corus said in a statement it considered many factors in the decision, including "audience trends, available support from sponsors and advertisers, and production and licensing costs." |
posted 6/27/2024 |
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Turkiye Boxes In |
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All3Media International has inked its first format deal for the family game show Letterbox, securing a local adaptation with CNBC-e in Turkiye. The 60-part local adaptation will be part of the CNBC-e channel relaunch and features Yiğit Kirazcı as host. The CNBC-e version features contestants from all over Turkiye getting the chance to win 50,000 TL (about $1500) in just 50 minutes. Letterbox is the latest All3Media International format to be developed by Shine Medya, which is also producing a local adaptation of Lingo for the Turkish market. Letterbox was created by David Young, founder of Hindsight Productions and producer of renowned quiz shows such as The Weakest Link, Eggheads, Without Prejudice? and The Rich List. Gabriel Andrews, sales executive for Balkans, Greece, Turkiye and CIS at All3Media International, commented, "We're delighted that this highly entertaining game of wordplay has received its first format commission, for 60 episodes, and is one of the lead titles on the CNBC-e channel relaunch. The brilliant production team at Shine Medya has extensive experience in adapting international formats for Turkey and is already doing a fantastic job with a local version of our iconic quiz Lingo. So we know Letterbox is in excellent hands, and promises unforgettable moments filled with intelligence, excitement, and a grand prize! Offering an easy-to-adapt format originally developed by an acclaimed creative team, this innovative game show holds strong appeal for a wide range of viewer demographics, and we're confident this is just the start of the international journey for Letterbox." |
posted 6/27/2024 |
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Thursday Lightning Round |
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Alex vs. America vs. Season 3 |
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Chef Alex Guarnaschelli returns with more intense culinary battles on a new season of Alex vs America, premiering Sunday, July 14th at 9 pm ET/PT. In each episode, host Eric Adjepong invites three talented chefs from across the United States who share the same mastery of a specific culinary genre to battle it out in two rounds of intense cooking challenges where anyone can be sent home -- even Alex. This season will feature chefs with even more culinary credentials and notoriously extreme cuisines, meaning Alex must bring her A-game to land on top against her ambitious challengers. With ultimate bragging rights and $15,000 on the line, the chefs will put their specialty skills to the test to see if they have what it takes to beat the best. |
posted 6/26/2024 |
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Canada Takes on the World |
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Following a long-awaited announcement on Wednesday, we finally know which nine queens will be heading (or remaining) north for Season 2 of Canada's Drag Race: Canada Vs. the World — nearly two years after Ra'Jah O'Hara was crowned the winner of Season 1. Let's start with the three queens representing the host country: Lemon, who placed fifth in the first season of Canada's Drag Race, before returning for Season 1 of UK Vs. the World and finishing in ninth; Miss Fiercalicious, who narrowly missed making the top two in Canada's Drag Race Season 3; and Tynomi Banks, who's back with a vengeance after finishing Canada's Drag Race Season 1 in ninth place. And it's nothing but legends from the United States: Alexis Mateo, who "Bam!"d her way into our hearts in Season 3 of RuPaul's Drag Race, eventually returning for All Stars 1 and All Stars 5; Eureka O'Hara, who was sidelined by an injury in Drag Race Season 9, then returned to crush Season 10 and All Stars 6; and Kennedy Davenport, who left an unforgettable impression on viewers in Drag Race Season 7 and All Stars 3. The cast also includes two UK queens Cheryl Hole (Drag Race UK Season 1 and UK Vs. the World Season 1) and Le Fil (UK Season 4), as well as French queen La Kahena (Drag Race France Season 1). Brooke Lynn Hytes will return to judge the season, joined once again by Brad Goreski and Traci Melchor. The new season premieres Friday, July 19 on WOW Presents Plus in the States, on Crave in Canada and on BBC Three in the UK. |
posted 6/26/2024 |
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Finally Addressing the Elephant in the Room... |
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After seasons of silence, the executive producers of ABC's "The Bachelor" and "Bachelorette" franchise have addressed the history of racism surrounding the reality dating series in an extensive interview with the L.A. Times. Executive producers Claire Freeland and Bennett Graebner discussed (among many things) the franchise's lack of diversity and inclusion, the show's failure to protect the stars of its series and the inability to create a space to discuss and actually use the word "racism" in context on-camera. This conversation happened just days before the July 8 premiere of the newest season of "The Bachelorette" (which cast Jenn Tran, the first Asian woman to spearhead the show). "It's hard to say out loud, that people of color didn't see themselves represented, that they did not see 'The Bachelor' franchise as a safe place," Graebner said. "We didn't have a Black lead in this franchise for 15 years, and that's inexcusable. It created a vicious cycle, and it's taken a lot of work to get back to a place where we feel at least we're working for the positive." The producers admitted they were disappointed in how the series handled Matt James' season in particular. In 2020, James was cast as the first Black lead of "The Bachelor," his historic season soon became swept up in controversy after photos of frontrunner Rachael Kirkconnell at an Old South-themed fraternity formal resurfaced on a plantation. Former host Chris Harrison also became involved after he made insensitive statements minimizing the damage to the photos in an interview with the first Black Bachelorette, Rachel Lindsay. Harrison then left the franchise after hosting for nearly 20 years. "I'm going to be really frank — we let Matt down," Graebner said. "That season went wrong on so many levels. We did not protect him as we should have. The finale of that season was the darkest day I've had on this franchise. Here was this great Black man, and we should have been celebrating his love story. Instead, what we saw was a man burdened and overwhelmed by issues of racism. It was really sad for me personally. " Freeland and Graebner said it is a "priority" to cast a Black Bachelor in the near future and to correct mistakes made during James' season. More recently, during the "Women Tell All" episode of this past year's season of "The Bachelor," contestant Rachel Nance detailed the racism she faced on social media after her Hometown episode. Nance, who is Filipino, Black and Arab, said she got a storm of racist messages online after the episode aired. Current host of the franchise Jesse Palmer apologized to Nance, stating: "I'm so, so sorry that you and your family had to go through that." He avoided using the word racism and asked the audience to put up their hands if they had ever received hate on social media. |
posted 6/26/2024 |
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Fremantle, Scientific Games Reup Brand Deal |
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Scientific Games and Fremantle, a world leader in creating, producing and distributing entertainment content worldwide for over 100 years, will continue their longtime partnership to bring iconic TV game show brands including THE PRICE IS RIGHT, FAMILY FEUD and PRESS YOUR LUCK to lottery players. THE PRICE IS RIGHT themed games and promotions are available to lotteries in Australia, Canada, France, the UK and the U.S., with FAMILY FEUD themed games available in Canada and the U.S. and PRESS YOUR LUCK games in the U.S. "We are delighted to continue this incredible partnership with Scientific Games," said Erica Gadecki, SVP Partnership Solutions for Fremantle. "Their continued success with bringing our iconic brands to lottery fans around the world is unparalleled." |
posted 6/26/2024 |
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Wednesday Lightning Round |
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CLUE: This long-time host of 'Jeopardy!' is now honored with a United States Postal Service 'Forever Stamp.' RESPONSE: Who is Alex Trebek? That's right, the beloved Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek will be honored with a "Forever Stamp" to celebrate his legacy and the show's 60th Diamond Celebration. The sheet of 20 identical stamps resembles the array of video monitors that make up the 'Jeopardy!' game board. Written on each stamp is the prompt "This naturalized U.S. citizen hosted the quiz show 'Jeopardy!' for 37 seasons.' Underneath, written upside down, is the correct response: "Who is Alex Trebek?" Trebek became the legendary game show host of Jeopardy beginning in 1984. He served as the host of the popular quiz show until his death from pancreatic cancer in 2020. The show has since been hosted by Mike Richards, "Big Bang Theory" star Mayim Bialik, and long-time Jeopardy! champion Ken Jennings. Currently, Jennings serves as the sole host of the quiz show. Forever Stamps can be used at any time for one-ounce letters, regardless of when they were purchased. The stamps cover the cost of mailing a one-ounce letter, even if the rate for mailing the letter increases after buying the stamps. |
posted 6/25/2024 |
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Top Chef Heads North of the Border |
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Top Chef is packing up its knives and aprons and heading to Canada for season 22. The Bravo series is making a rare foray outside the U.S. after the 20th season was shot in London and after the Wisconsin-themed 21st season. Top Chef judges Kristen Kish, Tom Colicchio and Gail Simmons announced their Canadian road trip on Instagram on Tuesday, with Kish at point standing in the shadow of Toronto's CN Tower. The 22nd season will be a bit of a homecoming for Simmons as she hails from Toronto. "I'm here checking out the new season location. That's right, season 22: destination, Canada," she announced in the social media post modeled like a FaceTime session between the trio. Bravo has yet to announce a premiere date for the upcoming season of Top Chef or which Canadian contestants will compete. Canada's Michelin-starred chefs and restaurateurs, along with its top mixologists and winemakers, have long had leading and guest roles on popular reality TV series shot on both sides of the border for Food Network and other American channels. |
posted 6/25/2024 |
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The Chase Is On... in Slovenia |
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ITV Studios' quiz show The Chase is to expand its European footprint with new local versions licensed in Slovenia for POP TV and Romania for Pro TV. Following its debut in Bulgaria and Slovakia in 2022, the format continues with versions in the Czech Republic, Croatia, Serbia and more. The Chase is in 21 territories to date. Spin-off Beat The Chasers is making its way to Southern Europe, with new adaptations set to premiere in Greece on Mega TV and in Cyprus on Alpha TV Cyprus, bringing the total number of territories for this format to ten. Ruth Berry, MD, Global Partnerships, ITV Studios said: "We're thrilled to announce the expansion of The Chase and its spin-off Beat The Chasers into new markets, showcasing the strength and scalability of ITV Studios' extensive format catalogue. The success of this hit format in the Czech Republic has spurred demand across the Central and Eastern European region, leading to new commissions in Romania, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Greece, and Cyprus." The tenth season of the German version launched with an 18% audience share and delivered 2.19 million viewers. The new episodes in the UK, airing from January to March, have averaged 3 million viewers and a 29.7% audience share, making it ITV1's third most-watched game show of 2024 year-to-date and the top game show not airing in primetime. In Australia, The Chase has maintained its dominance as the number one game show on Seven Network every week of 2024, continuing a five-year streak. The show consistently wins its time slot and ranks among the top three non-scripted titles on Australian TV each day it airs. The first season of the Greek version averaged 423k viewers and a 13.6% share, more than doubling the MEGA channel's slot average. By its third season, the viewership rating climbed to 16.2% on MEGA TV. The show reaches 7.5 million people across MEGATV's social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X, and Threads. |
posted 6/25/2024 |
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Tuesday Lightning Round |
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Ink Master star Ryan Hadley has died after he was diagnosed with seminoma cancer. He was 46. Hadley's family announced the tattoo artist died on Thursday, June 20, in an Instagram post to his profile the next day. He was known for his time on season 6 of the Paramount Network (formerly Spike) reality competition series Ink Master. "Ryan left this world last night surrounded by loved ones," the announcement began. "While his life was cut short, in that time he left a legacy behind in both the art and tattoo world. He loved his many fans, his friends and clients, and most of all his children." "He'll be missed and always remembered. A legend forever. #rip #f---cancer," concluded the message. The photo shared was of Hadley grinning ear to ear while he tattooed a customer's arm. "Forever a Legend RIP," read text overlaid on the picture. Hadley first revealed in December 2023 that he was diagnosed with seminoma cancer —which is a malignant germ cell tumor that is typically found in the testicle, per the National Library of Medicine. At the time, Hadley explained that the seminoma cancer "came from testicular cancer and is a very fast moving cancer cell that seems to make tumors wherever it goes to." He explained that he was undergoing "approximately 122 hours" of chemotherapy, which would entail one week of treatment and two weeks without. In April, Hadley announced via Instagram that the chemotherapy "wasn't a success at all." He explained that the "non-treatable" cancer spread to his liver and lungs. "I may be around for another week or maybe another 3 months, either way it tears me apart that I'm leaving my children behind. Death doesn't scare me in any way.. it's the fact of abandonment with my kids is what pisses me off and there's nothing I can do about it. I'll keep everyone updated to a certain point in all this. I'll be signing off very soon forever," he wrote. |
posted 6/24/2024 |
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Jamie Kellner, an extremely well-respected TV executive who helped launch Fox and The WB broadcast networks, has died at the age of 77. At Fox, Kellner developed The Simpsons, Married…With Children, In Living Color, Beverly Hills 90210 and Cops. While at The WB, he developed Dawson's Creek, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Gilmore Girls, and 7th Heaven, which he created with Aaron Spelling and Brenda Hampton. While at the Frog Network, Kellner helped launch the careers of Greg Berlanti, JJ Abrams, Kevin Williamson, and Joss Whedon, and comedians like Jamie Foxx, Steve Harvey, and The Wayans Bros. Berlanti paid tribute to the late executive, saying, "I don't think there's another person in the history of TV that can say they helped start two new major broadcast networks (Fox and The WB). Jamie Kellner was a titan and a visionary in our industry and yet he will be remembered by anyone lucky enough to work for him as an executive or as a showrunner as a warm, funny, charismatic, creative and kind mentor, friend, husband and Dad. He dedicated his life in TV to fostering and betting on generations of talent both in front of and behind the camera. I know I speak for so many others when I say my life was changed by the Camelot-esque home he created for all of us who worked at The WB. He will be greatly missed." Kellner also predicted the TV future that we now occupy. In 2002, he was memorably asked to comment on the development of DVRs and how it would give TV viewers the ability to fast-forward through commercials. At the time, one in five people who own a DVR like TiVo or ReplayTV said they never watched commercials. "The free television that we've all enjoyed for so many years is based on us watching these commercials," said Kellner, who was the CEO of Turner Broadcasting at the time. "There's no Santa Claus. If you don't watch the commercials, someone's going to have to pay for television and it's going to be you." The former executive is credited with reshaping and modernizing CNN to compete against upstarts Fox and MSNBC. He also oversaw TNT, TBS, TCM, Cartoon Network, TNT Sports, the Atlanta Braves, Hawks, and NHL Thrashers. Before becoming president of Fox at its launch, Kellner was at Orion, where he worked alongside Arthur Krim and conceived a partnership with Lorne Michaels to buy the rights to the original seasons of Saturday Night Live. The idea was to recut the 90-minute shows of the NBC sketch show into 30-minute episodes for syndication. Following the idea's success, Barry Diller and Rupert Murdoch hired Kellner as the network's first president. "The TV industry lost a historically significant entrepreneur and executive," said Sandy Grushow, who worked for Kellner at Fox as an EVP and eventually the President of Entertainment. "That he happened to have been a sweetheart of a guy and close friend and former Fox colleague makes the loss even more profound. If there's a silver lining, it's that he had the courage and, as it turns out, foresight to take his chips off the table in the prime of his career then go pack 10 lifetimes of adventure into one, with his beautiful wife Julie by his side. The only other silver lining is that a few weeks back, I got to tell him how much I respected that decision. We could all learn a thing or two from Jamie Kellner's remarkable life and the audacious choice(s) he made. That's the gift he left behind." "My first meeting with Jamie happened at Fox where I had just started as an assistant," added Mike Clements, who worked as a comedy exec for Kellner at Fox and The WB. "We were all summoned to the commissary to say farewell to the man who did the actual building of the network. Blah blah Rupert and Diller … Jamie did the real work. He gave a funny and gracious speech and then proceeded to thank and shake the hand of every employee in attendance. The next time I would shake that hand was my first day as an exec at The WB, which also happened to be the first day of the programming retreat in Montecito. As a valet took my car, there was Jamie handing me a Mai-Tai and welcoming me to the team and his beautiful home. Thus began a great chapter in my life, where under his leadership, we were all encouraged to find the next generation of talent behind and in front of the camera… a chapter where I had incredible bosses, a kick-ass and super smart partner in comedy crime and colleagues who were talented, passionate and cared… a place where everyone seemed to have a common goal… a place where I have made some lifelong friendships… enjoyed many laughs, fun times and thanks to Jamie… some really nice wine. I will have to raise a glass of something else tonight but do so with huge amounts of gratitude in honor of one of the true greats in our business." Kellner retired at the age of 57 after leading Turner. He turned down offers to return to work and left the entertainment industry to pursue his passions, such as sailing, playing golf, and launching a winery in Santa Ynez Valley called Cent'Anni. Kellner is survived by his wife of 38 years, Julie, daughter Melissa, son Christopher, and three grandchildren, Jake, Scarlett, and Oliver. |
posted 6/24/2024 |
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Big Brother Watches Malta |
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Banijay's landmark reality show "Big Brother" will launch in Malta later this year, thanks to a new pact inked by Banijay Rights with local producer, greatt company, run by co-founder Mark Grech. The new deal marks the 70th adaptation of the original Dutch television series where a group of total strangers are cooped up in a custom-built house equipped with cameras throughout. While under constant surveillance, the contestants compete in various challenges and try to avoid being kicked out by fellow houseguests. Under the process of elimination, the remaining two vie for the grand cash prize. "A pioneering format with consistently excellent ratings, 'Big Brother' needs little introduction as a global television hit," said Marion Vergnaud, SVP Iberia, Italy and Malta, Banijay Rights, who brokered the agreement, adding: "We are thrilled to be working with our local broadcast and production partners on this new version in Malta, and we relish the opportunity to delight an even wider audience." |
posted 6/24/2024 |
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Jimmy Carr Living in a Box |
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Battle in the Box will see pairs of comics and some of the nation's favourite celebrities battle it out for pride, prizes and most importantly floorspace, in this comedy entertainment and reality hybrid. The eight-episode series will comprise of four tense double bills which will see eight pairs spend 24 hours in the box. When the clock starts two celebrity teams will move into a completely empty box divided by a moveable wall with nothing but a toothbrush. Once inside, they will only have cameras and each other for company – no beds, tables, chairs or home comforts. Over the course of the day and night, they will need to earn everything by winning a series of physical and mental challenges all set by the orchestrator of this chaos, Jimmy Carr. Winning a game means more space and luxuries for the lucky duo. But there's a catch: more room for one team means less for the losers, as the Box's sliding wall forces them into an ever-smaller space. And, with games set around the clock, the tide – and the wall – can turn at any time. |
posted 6/24/2024 |
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Monday Lightning Round |
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Taylor Wily, the sumo wrestler-turned-Hawaii Five-0 actor, died Thursday, June 20, according to local Hawaii TV outlet KITV. He was 56. Although specifics regarding the death — where, and a cause — were not immediately known, his passing was confirmed by Peter M. Lenkov, executive producer of the 2010-20 Hawaii Five-0 reboot. Initially posting an Instagram message saying simply, "I am devastated. Heartbroken. I'll post some detailed feelings later. Just too hard right now," Lenkov followed up with a lengthier post, addressing Wily directly: "T, as I told you many times, I fell in love with you at the first audition. You came in with a towel on your head mopping up sweat, and I was smitten. You charmed me into making you a regular… on the show… and in my life. You were family. And I will miss you every day, brother. "PS: when we spoke last week, we laughed at how right you were from Day 1. Five-0 was our dream job. And I was so lucky we got to share that magic together." Born Teila Tuli on June 14, 1968, Wily was from Laie, Hawaii and was of American Samoan descent. Prior to becoming an actor, he was a successful and popular sumo wrester and mixed martial artist. After leaving sumo, Wily began competing in Ultimate Fighting Championships, competing as Teila Tuli in his first UFC bout in November 1993. His first notable acting role in a major film came in the comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall in 2008 in which he played a hotel worker who befriends Jason Segel's main character Peter Bretter. Two years later, he was cast in a recurring role on Hawaii Five-0 as informant Kamekona, a character he would play for the next ten years on the show. He played the same character in seven episodes of Magnum P.I. from 2018 to 2020. During the run on "Hawaii Five-0", Wily made a special appearance on "The Amazing Race". Wily is survived by wife Halona and their two children. |
posted 6/21/2024 |
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Happy Friday Lightning Round |
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Stephen Fry is reportedly returning to host a second series of 'Jeopardy!' for ITV. ITV is reportedly set to green light another series of 'Jeopardy' in the UK ITV is reportedly set to green light another series of 'Jeopardy' in the UK. The 66-year-old former 'QI' host will be back on screens presenting the UK version of the iconic quiz show on weekdays, which, according to The Sun, is set to be recommissioned The show sees him challenge contestants to win money by phrasing answers as a question. Stephen previously begged ITV bosses not to dumb down the show. As quoted by the Daily Star newspaper's Hot TV column, he said: "I was fairly insistent from the outset that we shouldn't compromise one the standard and or dicker about with the rules and procedures, which are time-honoured and proven. "Fortunately, ITV and the production company behind the series were in complete agreement. It's not very different at all. "The only real difference is that the UK version is a little longer with an extra round." There's plenty of cash up for grabs. He said: "It builds and builds for as long as the champion stays on. In theory, a really brilliant champion could win hundreds of thousands of pounds or more." Before his return to the small screen, Stephen is currently on screen in the film 'Treasure' alongside 'Girls' creator Lena Dunham. It sees him play Edek, a Polish Holocaust survivor, reluctantly turning to his homeland with his journalist daughter played by 38-year-old Lena. Stephen said of the part: "Just occasionally, roles come along that ask for something else, and to have someone like Lena to work with – I fell in love with her straight away." |
posted 6/19/2024 |
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Willie Mays, the electrifying "Say Hey Kid" whose singular combination of talent, drive and exuberance made him one of baseball's greatest and most beloved players, has died. He was 93. Mays' family and the San Francisco Giants jointly announced Tuesday night he had died earlier in the afternoon in the Bay Area. "My father has passed away peacefully and among loved ones," son Michael Mays said in a statement released by the club. "I want to thank you all from the bottom of my broken heart for the unwavering love you have shown him over the years. You have been his life's blood." The center fielder, who began his professional career in the Negro Leagues in 1948, had been baseball's oldest living Hall of Famer. He was voted into the Hall in 1979, his first year of eligibility, and in 1999 followed only Babe Ruth on The Sporting News' list of the game's top stars. The Giants retired his uniform number, 24, and set their AT&T Park in San Francisco on Willie Mays Plaza. Mays died two days before a game between the Giants and St. Louis Cardinals to honor the Negro Leagues at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama. "All of Major League Baseball is in mourning today as we are gathered at the very ballpark where a career and a legacy like no other began," Commissioner Rob Manfred said. "Willie Mays took his all-around brilliance from the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro American League to the historic Giants franchise. From coast to coast ... Willie inspired generations of players and fans as the game grew and truly earned its place as our National Pastime." Few were so blessed with each of the five essential qualities for a superstar — hitting for average, hitting for power, speed, fielding and throwing. Fewer so joyously exerted those qualities — whether launching home runs; dashing around the bases, loose-fitting cap flying off his head; or chasing down fly balls in center field and finishing the job with his trademark basket catch. In game shows, Mays was featured in episodes of "Home Run Derby", "What's My Line", "Frontpage Challenge", and "Dream Girl of '67" |
posted 6/19/2024 |
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Wylleen May Exits Fremantle After 22 Years |
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Wylleen May, who has worked on American Idol since its launch over twenty years ago, has been let go by producer Fremantle. Executive in Charge of Production May has been on the show for 22 years, having stewarded it during its initial run on Fox as well as its reboot on ABC. She left after the most recent run, season 22 (or season 7, per ABC), which ended on May 19. "It is hard to express the gratitude I have to the team at Fremantle and American Idol, the place I knew as home for the last 22 years. It may sound cliche, but it was my absolute honor to work day in and day out with people I consider to be some of the most talented, dedicated, and devoted in the business. I will miss you terribly," she said in a statement to Deadline. She continued, "That being said, I am sad to be leaving. I will forever cherish my time with Idol, and hope I am remembered for my experience, passion, and dedication to my role. All we want for ourselves is to know that our work had a lasting impact. I am excited for my next journey, and what that will bring. Sometimes you need a little push forward, and I am grateful for all of it – beginning, middle, and end." May's departure comes after an HR investigation at the end of last year. "Unfortunately, my exit has been the subject of hurtful speculation and innuendo. Yes, at the end of 2023, I was the subject of an HR investigation following a complaint about how I interacted with certain members of my team. I fully and completely cooperated with this investigation, and it was closed quickly without any action taken. The decision to move on from me to a new EIC is not related, and any implication otherwise is completely misleading and inaccurate," she added. "Wylleen has played a crucial role in helping build the lasting legacy of American Idol over the course of 22 seasons. She steered the production to enduring success, and we are deeply grateful for her contributions and dedication to the show. The decision to make staffing changes for the next season was not based on the conclusion of any investigation," a Fremantle spokeswoman told Deadline. May, who has also worked on shows including So You Think You Can Dance, has seen a large number of changes on the show, which began on Fox in June 2002. |
posted 6/19/2024 |
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Juneteenth Lightning Round |
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Pat Sajak closed out his final day on Wheel of Fortune with 11.03 million viewers, the largest audience to have tuned into the access game show in more than four years. Sajak's last episode, which aired on Friday, June 7, was the most-watched telecast in all of television, excluding sports, among households with a 6.2 rating in the week ended Sunday, June 9, according to Nielsen. All five of that week's episodes landed in TV's top 15 telecasts among homes and total viewers, according to the show's distributor, CBS Media Ventures. Across the total week, the Sony Pictures Television-produced show averaged a 5.0 rating in households, up 16% compared to the same week last year, and 8.5 million viewers. Sajak, 77, has hosted Wheel of Fortune for all of the 8,000 episodes and 41 seasons it has aired in syndication, making him the longest-running game-show host in television history. He surpassed The Price is Right's late Bob Barker to take that title in 2018. Along the way, Sajak has won three Emmys for outstanding game-show host, as well as received the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences' 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award. He is expected to remain with the show for three more years as a consultant. Sajak's co-host, Vanna White, 67, joined the show in 1982. Sajak will be replaced by Ryan Seacrest in September while White has signed to remain with Wheel of Fortune through the 2025-26 season. Bellamie Blackstone is the executive producer, having joined Wheel of Fortune in March 2022. |
posted 6/18/2024 |
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Tuesday Lightning Round |
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Critics Choice Real TV Awards: And The Winners Were... |
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The Traitors was the top winner at the 2024 Critics Choice Real TV Awards, with the Peacock series taking home four awards, including best competition series, best ensemble cast in an unscripted series, best show host and male star of the year, the latter two won by Traitors emcee Alan Cumming. Apple TV+'s The Reluctant Traveler With Eugene Levy won two awards, including best unstructured series and best travel/adventure show, the only other multiple award-winning program on Saturday night. Though RuPaul's Drag Race went into the evening tied with The Traitors for the most nominations this year (five each), Drag Race only won one award, for best lifestyle show: fashion/beauty. Best structured show went to HBO's We're Here. Vanderpump Rules' Ariana Madix was named female star of the year. In addition to the competitive awards, the Critics Choice Association honored Tom Bergeron with the first ever Sam Rubin Award, named for the KTLA anchor and longtime Critics Choice board member who died last month, and John Walsh with the career achievement award. Alfonso Ribeiro presented Bergeron with his honor and Walsh's son, Callahan, presented his dad with his award. Hosted by Randy and Jason Sklar, the sixth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards recognized excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming. Presenters at the Fairmont Century Plaza ceremony in Los Angeles included Brock Davies, Chelsea Lazkani, Drew and Jonathan Scott, Duff Goldman, Jane Lynch, Joe Manganiello, Justin Willman, Kamie Crawford, Kirsten Dunst, Mary Bonnet, Matt Iseman, Nicole Young, Patti Stanger, Phil Keoghan, Retta, Sandra Lee, Scheana Shay and more. Other winners of note include... |
posted 6/17/2024 |
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Monday Lightning Round |
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Celebrities are getting in the hot seat for Who Wants to Be a Millionaire this summer—but the good news is they won't be doing it alone (and no, we don't just mean via a lifeline). The game show, hosted by late night's Jimmy Kimmel, celebrates its 25th anniversary when the new season premieres on Wednesday, July 10 at 8/7c on ABC. TV Insider has reported a first look at the promo as well as the unveiling of the celeb player pairings. There's a first-time twist this season, with pairs of celebrity contestants playing together in the hopes of winning $1 million for the charity of their choice. The pairings are as follows: As Kimmel says in the promo, which you can watch in full above and shows some of those pairings together, it's "the most dramatic hour of three people sitting on stools in the history of American television." |
posted 6/10/2024 |
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"Naked and Afraid: Last One Standing" to Return |
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Extreme challenges, cutthroat competition, and explosive group dynamics that push even the most elite survivalists to their limits are just a few of the reasons that NAKED AND AFRAID: LAST ONE STANDING was Discovery Channel's #1 series in 2023. Now it returns to the network on Sunday, July 14 at 8PM ET/PT with fourteen Naked and Afraid All-Stars testing their primitive survival skills in the punishing African bush for 45-days. The group, a mix of fan favorites and polarizing personalities, will risk everything for a chance to take home a coveted cash prize and be crowned the Last One Standing. Competitors will arrive empty handed and must earn the tools they need to secure food, water, fire and shelter through grueling, multi-phase challenges. In an unexpected twist, a head-to-head challenge occurs on Day One, resulting in a double elimination before the survivalists even get to camp. The stakes are even higher in this season's competition because survivalists will not be allowed to share any of their tools with fellow participants. The vast expanse of Africa's Munzwa Valley intensifies both the risks and rewards for contestants. In the harsh killing zone, survivalists must compete against lions, leopards and hyena to hunt the same large prey, including warthog, impala and kudu. As rhinos and baboons threaten to push the survivalists out of their territory, one camp is forced to abandon their shelter in the middle of the night. |
posted 6/14/2024 |
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WEDNESDAY: One Game Away |
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In the latest TV ratings, the other networks save for Fox & CW gave the night over to the NBA on ABC. Game 3 of the Finals (Celtics 106-99 Mavericks) was easily the most watched program of the night with 10.973 million viewers and an A18-49 ratings of 3.20. The CW rounded out the night with Walker (500k/0.06) and a Wild Cards rerun. |
posted 6/14/2024 |
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More on "The Traitors" Season 3 |
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Alan Cumming is always looking to one-up himself — and not just with his fashion. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly on the first day of filming The Traitors season 3, the host reveals how he and the team behind the hit Peacock reality competition are changing the game for their third outing. "Having the freedom to push the boundaries like we've been doing, that's made it really exciting," says the Tony winner. "It's great to see that working — with viewers' interest in the show — so that when we come back to it each season, we kind of up the ante a bit more." Cumming reveals he pushed for more queer representation after the early banishment of RuPaul's Drag Race alum Peppermint on season 2, which wasn't a "good look in the world we live in," given that she was the only trans person — and one of the only queer people. But demographic changes aren't the only alterations as the show evolves: "This season's very different, and it's got a whole new series of challenges for me as well as for the contestants," says Cumming, who admits he's still feeling out his role as host. "I'm still working on it all. I don't feel I've figured it all out," he says. "I didn't quite understand why they wanted me to do it. But I met with them and I realized that it was because they wanted me to be theatrical and camp, to play this larger-than-life character, and create the mood of the whole show. Once I understood that, I was really on board." |
posted 6/14/2024 |
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More on "Squid Game: The Challenge" Season 2 |
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It's been six months since Squid Game: The Challenge awarded the biggest prize pot in reality TV history to Player 287, a.k.a. Mai Whelan, after the most high-stakes game of rock/paper/scissors ever. But the show's producers are still in shock a half year later thinking about how they successfully shot, edited, and released the whole thing. Based on Netflix's Emmy-winning scripted drama Squid Game, the reality competition adaptation featured 456 contestants competing for a $4.56 million prize, with the set, costumes, and games meticulously recreated from creator Hwang Dong-hyuk's vision. And Squid Game: The Challenge executive producers John Hay and Stephen Yemoh admit to Entertainment Weekly that for "most of production," they weren't really sure they could even pull off a show of this magnitude. "If you're given a gift like this, the chance to adapt IP this special and successful, if you're not having those moments of doubt at some point in the course of each working day, you're probably not pushing it far enough," Hay tells EW. "The good thing about that is, usually the second season is the one that's burdened with expectations — on this show, the first season was burdened with expectations, so that's nothing new for us." Netflix previously renewed both the scripted drama and reality competition series for second seasons, and Yemoh says he feels "fortunate" to not only return for season 2 but also simply to continue working in TV after they didn't screw up adapting one of the biggest shows in recent years. "It's heartening to know we're not going to lose our jobs," Yemoh says with a smile. "The big thing was we didn't want anyone to say that we've messed up Squid Game. This is such a beloved IP that the nerves are even more jangling because you don't want to ruin it. There was a lot of expectation on this show for various reasons, and so you want to do what's right by the fans, and so until the show's been seen and you start to see the comments and you start to get the messages from your friends and people like that, you start to go, 'Okay, I think we can work again.'" While the producers can't reveal much about season 2, they promise that they're planning to keep things "fresh." "We're very excited, but that's kind of all we can say at this point," Hay says. Yemoh adds that they learned a lot through the process of making the first season, and they're using that knowledge while planning season 2. "You can't underestimate the planning that goes into the tiniest thing with this show," Yemoh says. "Season 1 showed us just the logistics involved in doing a show like this — even the first 15 minutes of our show, just Red Light, Green Light alone, the logistics and the planning and the development and the tech that had to go into that 15 minutes alone is probably more than some shows have to do for a whole season. It's credit to the whole team for making sure we had 456 people on that start line on that first day of shooting, all in a tracksuit, all had a number, all had the rules, they all knew exactly what they were doing, all had their squibs on and they all worked, and stuff like that." |
posted 6/14/2024 |
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Happy Friday Lightning Round |
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Thursday Lightning Round |
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CBS announced today Nate Burleson (co-host of CBS MORNINGS and analyst for THE NFL TODAY) will host the new edition of the legendary game show HOLLYWOOD SQUARES. The celebrity-stacked game show, starring Drew Barrymore as the famed center square, will air Wednesdays (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) starting in January on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. Nate Burleson is a co-host of CBS MORNINGS, a position he started in September 2021 when he joined Gayle King and Tony Dokoupil on the CBS morning news program. Burleson, who joined CBS Sports in 2017, is also an Emmy Award-winning studio analyst for the Network's NFL pre-game, halftime and post-game show, THE NFL TODAY, and is the host of Nickelodeon's NFL SLIMETIME. In 2024, Burleson served as analyst for the first-ever alternate telecast of a Super Bowl, which aired exclusively on Nickelodeon. Burleson played in the NFL for 11 years as a wide receiver with the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions. In 2003, he was drafted in the third round by the Minnesota Vikings. Born in Calgary, Alberta, but raised in Seattle, Burleson now resides in New Jersey with his wife, Atoya, and three children, Nathaniel, Nehemiah and Mia Pearl. Burleson follows in the footsteps of previous "Squares" hosts Peter Marshall, Jon "Bowzer" Bauman, John Davidson, and Tom Bergeron. HOLLYWOOD SQUARES, starring Drew Barrymore, is a classic game show in which two contestants play tic-tac-toe to win money and prizes. The "board" for the game is a vertical stack of open-faced cubes, each occupied by a celebrity seated at a desk and facing the contestants. The celebrities are asked questions and the contestants judge the legitimacy of their answers to win the game. Award-winning actress and talk show host Drew Barrymore will take her place as the famed center square, answering questions for the contestants. HOLLYWOOD SQUARES is produced by Jesse Collins for Jesse Collins Entertainment and Drew Barrymore and Flower Films, Inc. |
posted 6/12/2024 |
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The Coldest, Most Remote "Alone" Awaits |
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Alone, the hit History channel survival series, is moving into the audio space. The History Channel is launching a companion podcast to the show to coincide with the launch of Season 11. Alone: The Official Podcast, a watch-along show, will be hosted by former participants Lucas Miller and Callie North and presenter Dan Brown. It will launch on June 14, the day after the TV show, with episodes dropping weekly the day after the show airs. It is produced by Spacestation. The show will feature special guests including current and former participants to producers, and celebrity fans. In future seasons of the podcast, the trio will go back in time and rewatch every episode starting from season one to the current day. It comes after the Australian version of the show, which airs on public broadcaster SBS, launched its own companion podcast. |
posted 6/12/2024 |
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The Big Wheel Stops at... New York |
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Three major pieces of television history — literally and figuratively — arrived at The Strong National Museum of Play Monday morning: a Showcase Showdown wheel and Magic Number cabinet from "The Price is Right" and a giant Zonks phone from "Let's Make a Deal." All will figure prominently in the first large-scale exhibit in the museum's National Archives of Game Show History, announced in 2021. Tentatively called "Beyond the Buzzer: Game Shows in America," the exhibit will open in 2026. Christopher Bensch, the museum's chief curator and the archive's overseer, said he's thrilled to have received the items and called the Showcase Showdown wheel, aka the Big Wheel, iconic. "With its signature sound and light effects, the wheel has been an enduring element of the show for years," he said. The one given to the museum is seven-eighths the size of the wheel used on the show, he said. "But in every other way, it feels very accurate, and I'm sure it will be a huge magnet for visitors." |
posted 6/12/2024 |
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NBA Hall of Famer Jerry West died on Wednesday morning at the age of 86. The Los Angeles Clippers, for whom West had been working as a consultant, announced his passing, saying, "the personification of basketball excellence and a friend to all who knew him, passed away peacefully this morning at the age of 86. His wife, Karen, was by his side." West played college ball for the West Virginia Mountaineers from 1957-1960. He was then drafted as a first round pick by the Los Angeles née Minneapolis Lakers, and played for the team through 1974. West coached the Lakers from 1976 to 1979, and then as general manager helped build the 1980s Lakers dynasty that was dubbed "Showtime" (and chronicled in the HBO series Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty). "Jerry West was a basketball genius and a defining figure in our league for more than 60 years," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. "He distinguished himself not only as an NBA champion and an All-Star in all 14, of his playing seasons, but also as a consummate competitor who embraced the biggest moments. He was the league's first Finals MVP and made rising to the occasion his signature quality, earning him the nickname Mr. Clutch. "Jerry's four decades with the Lakers also included a successful stint as a head coach and a remarkable run in the front office that cemented his reputation as one of the greatest executives in sports history," Silver continued. "He helped build eight championship teams during his tenure in the NBA – a legacy of achievement that mirrors his on court excellence. And he will be enshrined this October into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor, becoming the first person ever inducted as both a player and a contributor." Also, West's silhouette was the basis for the NBA logo. In game shows, West was featured on an episode of "It's Your Bet". |
posted 6/12/2024 |
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Remember last year when Cameron Mathison took Drew Cain away from General Hospital after he got out of Pentonville? While Drew was taking care of his personal business in Australia, his portrayer was taping a new game show — Beat The Bridge — which debuts tonight on The Game Show Network. NBC came in a close second with American Ninja Warrior (3.063m/0.36) and the season finale of Weakest Link (2.411m/0.24). The CW rounded out the night with a new All-American 470k/0.12). |
posted 6/12/2024 |
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Rita Ora Returning to "Masked Singer" |
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Rita Ora is not giving her final guess on The Masked Singer stage just yet. The British singer-songwriter, who first joined the hit disguised celebrity singing show in season 11 to replace Nicole Scherzinger, will be returning as a panelist once more in its upcoming 12th season, Entertainment Weekly reports. The show welcomes her back alongside series mainstays Ken Jeong, Jenny McCarthy-Walhberg, Robin Thicke, and host Nick Cannon. Although Scherzinger will not be returning to the judges' desk this time around, it's understood that no casting decisions have been made for any future seasons beyond season 12, and the door is open for her return. Scherzinger's representatives have yet to comment. |
posted 6/11/2024 |
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Wednesday Lightning Round |
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CBS today announced its late-night series AFTER MIDNIGHT, hosted by Taylor Tomlinson, has been renewed for the 2024-2025 broadcast season. "Taylor is a gifted comedian who brings a unique voice, energy and plenty of rizz to late night (I learned rizz is a real word thanks to the show.) We're excited for more of her daily smart takes about the dumbest things on the internet," said Amy Reisenbach, president of CBS Entertainment. Inspired by Comedy Central's Emmy Award-winning series "@midnight," with celebrated comedian Taylor Tomlinson at the helm and a panel of guests from the worlds of entertainment, comedy, music and beyond, AFTER MIDNIGHT is a late-night comedy series about what set the internet abuzz that day. AFTER MIDNIGHT, from CBS Studios, Spartina Industries and Funny Or Die, is executive produced by Stephen Colbert, Carrie Byalick, Tom Purcell and Evelyn McGee Colbert of Spartina Industries; James Dixon of Dixon Talent; Jack Martin; Joe Farrell; Mike Farah; Whitney Hodack and Henry R. Muñoz III of Funny Or Die; and Jason U. Nadler of Serious Business. Jo Firestone is co-executive producer and head writer while Alexx Wells also serves as co-executive producer. Sharon Everitt directs. AFTER MIDNIGHT airs on the CBS Television Network at 12:35 AM, ET/PT and is available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+.* *Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers will have access to stream live via the feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service, as well as on demand. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will not have the option to stream live but will have access to on-demand the day after the show airs. |
posted 6/11/2024 |
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IATSE-AMPTP: June 27 |
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IATSE is hoping to wrap up bargaining a new contract with the studios by June 27, after adding an extra week of talks to the schedule. The union announced Monday that it will restart negotiations on both the Basic Agreement and the Area Standards Agreement on June 24, allotting four more days to close both deals. "We look forward to concluding our bargaining with the AMPTP and reaching an agreement that our members will be proud to ratify," Matt Loeb, the international president, said in a statement. Negotiators have reached agreement on several subjects, including provisions covering the use of artificial intelligence and subcontracting. But the major "economic" issues have yet to be resolved, including overall wage increases and funding a $670 million gap in the pension and health plans. |
posted 6/11/2024 |
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CBS Plans a Year-Long Celebration for "Survivor 50" |
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Survivor is close to heading into its 50th season. CBS just finished airing Season 46 but the network is already thinking ahead. "We're already talking about Season 50 for Survivor. We just wrapped up Season 47 in Fiji. I was texting with Jeff [Probst] last night and he said there's some pretty epic blindsides coming up. I think this show can go on for a really long time," CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach told Deadline. Reisenbach, who was speaking Tuesday at a Deadline-moderated panel at the Banff World Media Festival, said Season 50 will start shooting next spring. "We will absolutely be celebrating and I would consider it kind of a year-long celebration. We do that really well on CBS. We will have a lot of plans in the works… it'd be the first time in the new era that will have returning players. That's really exciting," she added. Probst revealed recently that Season 50, which will likely air in spring 2026, will feature all returning players. Survivor is exec produced by Probst, Mark Burnett, Matt VanWagenen, Kahaia Pearson and Jesse Jensen. It is produced by S.E.G. Holdco. |
posted 6/11/2024 |
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Tuesday Lightning Round |
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James Acaster a "People Person" |
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Channel 4 has ordered a pilot episode of the James Acaster quiz show People Person. Chortle first revealed the comedian was developing the format for television in February, when he hosted a run-through in London. Now a one-hour version is to be filmed – but not aired – to try out the format in which a panel of comedians have to answer questions about a line-up of ordinary people. It is based on a game Acaster played on the Dave show Question Team in 2021. Then he asked his fellow comics to guess which one of his people had the biggest garden, the most battery life left on their phones and who the most friends. And for the final question they had to guess who would bring a chocolate bar back to the studio first. Acaster said: 'This is more than just a pilot. It's the co-pilot, flight attendants, passengers and the bloke with the paddles on the runway. This is about people. And I'm a people person. Let's do this'. Channel 4 commissioning editor Cimran Shah said the show was a 'simple, scalable and clever concept with stellar talent attached and a clear opportunity to develop a new generation of channel-defining comedians'. The show is being made by Tuesday's Child Scotland and Interstellar, which made Question Team with Screen Scotland helping to finance the pilot. |
posted 6/11/2024 |
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TCA Awards: And the Nominees Are... |
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The Television Critics Association (TCA) announced today the nominees for the organization's landmark 40TH Annual TCA Awards, putting the spotlight on the best performances, series, creators, and stars from the 2023-2024 TV season. The TCA is a non-profit organization of more than 230 professional television journalists from the U.S. and Canada. They made their nominations based on programming available on broadcast, cable, and streaming outlets. Winners will be announced at an exclusive ceremony held in-person at The Langham Huntington in Pasadena on Friday, July 12. The TCA presents awards in 12 distinct categories, highlighting outstanding achievements in Drama; Comedy; Miniseries; News and Information; Reality; Variety, Sketch or Talk Shows, and more, headlined by the organization's coveted Program of the Year Award. Two additional awards will be announced on July 12. This year saw a tie for the top spot, FX and Netflix lead all competitors with 16 nominations each, dominating the Program of the Year category with three nominations for FX and two for Netflix. HBO | Max is in second place with 13 nominations, followed by Disney+ with six; while ABC, PBS/PBS KIDS, and Prime Video are tied with three. Rounding out the list is Apple TV+, NBC, and Peacock with two each; and Adult Swim, Bravo, CBS, Comedy Central, ID, Nat Geo, and Showtime with one apiece. In our favorite category... Outstanding Achievement in Reality |
posted 6/10/2024 |
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Trivia Hall of Fame: And the 2024 Nominees Are... |
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Who deserves to be in the Trivia Hall of Fame? Cast your votes! The Trivia Hall of Fame™ recognizes achievements and contributions to the worlds of trivia and quizzing. You may vote ONCE for FOUR nominees. (You must vote for four.) The top four vote-getters will be inducted. The voting will close at midnight, Eastern time, on July 10th. Note that going forward there will be no more acclamations. To the greatest extent possible, we ask permission of living non-celebrities before we nominate them. Some have declined nomination. We can also remove people on request. And the nominations are... |
posted 6/10/2024 |
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An initial post-mortem examination found that Michael Mosley died of natural causes, according to multiple reports. The popular British television doctor, 67, was found dead on Sunday, June 9, after he disappeared in Greece earlier that week, his wife Clare confirmed in a statement previously obtained by PEOPLE. Greek police spokeswoman Konstantia Dimoglidou told the BBC that the initial examination on his body found no injuries that would have caused his death. A local public broadcaster also reported that foul play has been ruled out, per The Guardian. However, his exact cause of death has yet to be determined. British newspaper The Times reported that the coroner was unable to make a determination due to the delay in finding his body during the extreme heat. A toxicology and histology report have been ordered, although results are expected to take months, according to the BBC and The Guardian. In a statement obtained by PEOPLE following his death, Bailey shared her heartbreak at losing her husband of 27 years. "It's devastating to have lost Michael, my wonderful, funny, kind and brilliant husband. We had an incredibly lucky life together," she said. "We loved each other very much and were so happy together." "My family and I have been hugely comforted by the outpouring of love from people from around the world," she added. "It's clear that Michael meant a huge amount to so many of you." In game shows, Mosley appeared as a contestant on the BBC's "Pointless Celebrities". |
posted 6/3/2024 |
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Nicholas Ball, the actor known for playing gangster Terry Bates in EastEnders, has died at the age of 78. The news was announced by Ball's agent, who said in a statement that he "passed away following a short illness", and that his "successful acting career on stage and screen spanned an impressive six decades". Ball played Terry on BBC soap EastEnders between 2007 and 2009, with the character leading a gang who stormed the Queen Vic and took a number of hostages, including Peggy Mitchell and Patrick Trueman. Terry also was part of the murder of Jase Dyer, the character played by Stephen Lord. He was found guilty of the murder and sentenced to life imprisonment, with Terry confirmed to have died in a 2019 episode. Ball was born in 1946 in Leamington Spa, and went on to star in series such as Bergerac, Heartbeat, Red Dwarf, Jonathan Creek, Footballers' Wives, Hustle and Doctors. He also played the title role in detective series Hazell. Ball was married to actress, comedian and psychologist Pamela Stephenson, although the couple later divorced. He is survived by his second wife, Ayda. Fans have been quick to pay tribute to Ball on X, with one saying in a post: "Sorry to hear of the passing of Nicholas Ball. "More commonly seen in our house in the TV series 'Hazell' for me he will always be that conniving trickster (to put it mildly) in the Hammer House TV episode 'The House That Bled to Death.'" Another said: "Very sad to hear that the brilliant Nicholas Ball has passed away. He was Red Dwarf's original simulant, and turned in a hugely memorable performance. RIP." A third added: "Nicholas Ball was absolutely brilliant as Terry Bates in EastEnders. One of the show's more underrated villains." Meanwhile, actor Arthur Wilde posted: "Very sad to hear about the passing of the great Nicholas Ball today. I had the honour of working with him on what will be his final role. He was warm, friendly and so very gracious. I'm honoured to have acted alongside him." In game shows, Ball played Star Games and The Pyramid Game, the British version of our "Pyramid" format. |
posted 6/10/2024 |
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Shania Twain's "Got Talent" |
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Canadian country icon Shania Twain is set to join the upcoming season of the Citytv competition series, Canada's Got Talent. Twain will have a seat on the judges' panel alongside returning stars Howie Mandel and Kardinal Offishall. Another new addition will be Canadian comedian Katherine Ryan. At the time of announcement, there was no confirmation on whether previous judges Lilly Singh or Trish Stratus will be returning. "Canada! I'm really excited to discover the amazing talent you have to share," Twain said in a press release. "Canada is well known for having high calibre creative people and it's my honour to sit back and see you at your best. Let's go my fellow Canadians!" Canada's Got Talent first premiered in 2012, and previous winners include Saguenay, Que. singer Jeanick Fournier and Prince Albert, Sask. singer Rebecca Strong. Season four of Canada's Got Talent will premiere in spring 2025. |
posted 6/10/2024 |
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Contenders, ready! Gladiators, ready! Today, Prime Video announced the revival of the epic competition series, American Gladiators, produced by MGM Alternative and Amazon MGM Studios. The series is set to premiere on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. American Gladiators will once again see a team of Gladiators compete against a brave set of Contenders in the ultimate test of speed and strength. The new show will include classics like "Gauntlet," "Hang Tough," and the ultimate challenge "The Eliminator," as well as some brand-new challenges. "Gladiators is an enduring, physical challenge format that continues to engage families around the world," said Lauren Anderson, head, Brand and Content Innovation, Amazon MGM Studios. "We look forward to delighting our global Prime Video customers with both reimagined and nostalgic elements that celebrate the best of the original series." "Doing a cross-country casting search is exciting for us, and for the fans. Our goal is to find a real cross-section of America's fittest and fiercest competitors. This is the ultimate in sports entertainment," said Barry Poznick, general manager MGM Alternative, Evolution Media and Big Fish Entertainment. American Gladiators first premiered in the United States in 1989 and ran for seven successful seasons until 1996. Originally hosted by Joe Theismann and Mike Adamle, the series featured more than 30 Gladiators during its original run in the U.S. and since then, there have been over 300 superhumans who have donned the coveted Gladiator uniform in franchises around the world including the UK, Australia, Japan, Denmark, South Africa, and more. The sports entertainment show has also seen great success with international formats of Gladiators gaining in popularity around the world. The premiere of Gladiators UK on January 13, 2024 brought in 6 million viewers and climbed to 9.8 million premiere viewers over 28 days. It was the biggest launch for a new entertainment series on BBC One since 2017 and proved that linear television still satisfies audiences during the age of streaming. Over the course of the season, Gladiators UK held steady with the series averaging 8.3 million viewers. The show continues to provide family friendly content, with viewers under the age of 45 making up 56% of audiences. Gladiators also appealed equally to male and female viewers with overall viewership balancing at 48% male and 52% female. Based on the series' massive success, it was announced that the physical competition show had been picked up for Season Two. One of Fox's interesting strategies that has just started on screen is windowing shows from rival streamers. Deadline revealed earlier this year that Fox had taken a second window on Amazon's U.S. reboot of British game show The 1% Club, hosted by Patton Oswalt. That show launched last week on Fox. Alternative head Rob Wade is now looking at other titles, including Amazon's latest reboot of American Gladiators. He said certain streamers, particularly Amazon Prime Video and Max, are now open to these opportunities, both in unscripted and scripted. "We're talking a lot about it. We have to make sure we have our schedule available and also obviously we have a Hulu relationship. We've got to make sure to balance that," he said. "In a world where IP is king, and it's very difficult to break through with new shows, that's obviously a very key piece. You get marketing, you get exposure to a very different audience, and you get a reduction in cost, which is really valuable." MGM Alternative is currently conducting a nationwide search for Contenders. Those who believe that they have what it takes and are ready to prove that they have what it takes to beat some of the greatest athletes in the world, should apply at www.AmericanGladiatorsCasting@gmail.com. American Gladiators is produced by MGM Alternative and Amazon MGM Studios for Prime Video in association with Flor-Jon Films. The American Gladiators series was created by Johnny C. Ferraro, and is based upon the original concept created by Johnny C. Ferraro and Dan Carr. Johnny C. Ferrero is also an executive producer on the revival. The format is distributed by Amazon MGM Studios Distribution. |
posted 6/10/2024 |
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More on "The Bachelorette" Season 21 |
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"The Bachelorette" is back, and it's time to meet the 25 suitors who will be competing for Jenn Tran's final rose on the 21st season of the reality series. Tran, 26, was on Joey Graziadei's season of "The Bachelor" and is described as a "sweet and compassionate woman who has dedicated her life to helping others and is currently studying to become a physician assistant. The bilingual Vietnamese beauty currently resides in Miami and is ready to find love with a man who is as reliable and thoughtful as she is." Among the men vying for Tran's heart include Aaron, the brother of "The Bachelorette" and "Bachelor in Paradise" alum Noah Erb; a sommelier named Dakota; Marcus, an Army Ranger veteran; an algebra teacher named Moze; and Spencer, a pet portrait entrepreneur. Tran's suitors range in age from 24 to 35 and hail mostly from the U.S., though there are two Canadians on the list. Graziadei's season ended with his engagement to Kelsey Anderson, a 25-year-old junior project manager from New Orleans. The two are still going strong, with many fans dubbing them the best "Bachelor" couple in ages. Tran's season of "The Bachelorette" kicks off on Monday, July 8 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, with episodes streaming the next day on Hulu. "The Bachelorette" is produced by Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in association with Warner Horizon. Bennett Graebner, Claire Freeland, Jason Ehrlich, Tim Warner and Peter Gust serve as executive producers. |
posted 6/10/2024 |
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Monday Lightning Round |
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Second Deal Coming |
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Food Network has ordered a second season of primetime series Wildcard Kitchen, it was announced today by Betsy Ayala, Head of Content, Food, Warner Bros. Discovery. In the weekly high-stakes culinary card game, host Eric Adjepong takes over the test kitchen after-hours with an exclusive invitation for three chefs to bring $5,000 to play across three hands of his underground culinary poker game. The competitors, who all know each other well, have scores to settle and personal stakes to lose as they battle to create dishes based on the cards they are dealt and bet using their own instincts and cold hard cash. Wildcard Kitchen season one premiered March 12th and to date, has reached more than 12.3 million total viewers (across Food Network/Max/discovery+) and led Food Network to rank as a Top 5 cable network in its timeslot among W25-54. "Wildcard Kitchen takes viewers to a late-night party with some of Food Network's favorite chefs," said Betsy Ayala, Head of Content, Food, Warner Bros. Discovery. "The creative gameplay resonated with our audience and season two will build on that momentum with more fun, food and games." Wildcard Kitchen is produced by Lando Entertainment for Food Network. |
posted 6/7/2024 |
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Big Brother No Longer Watching... in Canada? |
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The release Wednesday detailing Corus Entertainment's Media Upfront for 2024-25 did not have many surprises. There was news of an NCIS spinoff prequel, plus the re-boot of Matlock with Kathy Bates, an imported series that is finally premiering a year after it was originally hyped. There was one glaring omission, however: no new season of Big Brother Canada has been scheduled. Troy Reeb, executive vice-president of broadcast networks at Corus Entertainment confirmed over a zoom call Wednesday that Big Brother Canada is not currently on the schedule. "No final decision has been made as yet," said Reeb as to the ultimate fate of the series, which is hosted by Arisa Cox and produced by Insight Productions. Reeb says he expects to hear outrage from fans of the series, but ratings were down in Season 12 and at this point there just isn't room for it on the schedule. The Canadian series was dropped by streaming platforms in the United States in 2023. The Big Brother format originated in Holland in 1997, predating Survivor. The Canadian series was previously paused after its fifth season and also shut down during the eighth, when the outbreak of COVID-19 made production of a series which confines people together in the same space impossible. The series did eventually bounce back, however, so Reeb does not rule out that it could rise again — just not likely in 2024-25. |
posted 6/7/2024 |
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Happy Friday Lightning Round |
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Peacock has unveiled a sizzling new cast of Islanders for season 6 of the hit cultural phenomenon LOVE ISLAND USA. Hosted by TV personality Ariana Madix, the new season streams exclusively on Peacock beginning Tuesday, June 11 with new episodes dropping every day at 6pm PT/9pm ET during premiere week. New episodes will stream Thursdays through Tuesdays thereafter. Following the premiere of season 6, Peacock will debut LOVE ISLAND AFTERSUN, a weekly chat series that dives into all the drama inside this season's Love Island USA villa. Episodes of Love Island Aftersun will stream exclusively on Peacock beginning June 15 with new episodes every Saturday. Set in Fiji, season 6 will feature a brand-new vibrant villa including a spicy Casa Amor and an unforgettable Hideaway. Islanders will face more drama than ever before with jaw-dropping revelations, new couples' challenges and even a few surprise guests. Along the way, viewers will be able to vote for their favorite couples via the Love Island USA app to determine which Islanders remain in the villa and who goes home heartbroken and empty-handed. Fan-favorite comedian Iain Stirling will reprise his role as the iconic narrator for the new season. With over 198 hours of Love Island content, Peacock is the ultimate destination to stream your favorite reality dating show. Season 6 of LOVE ISLAND USA joins Peacock's growing Love Island roster which includes seasons 4 and 5 of the hit cultural phenomenon, the franchise's first-ever spinoff LOVE ISLAND. Maura Higgins has been tapped to host the new weekly chat series Love Island Aftersun on Peacock. The talk show will serve as a companion series to Love Island USA Season 6 and will feature Higgins interviewing the eliminated Islanders as they chat about their experiences inside the villa and debut exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Higgins is a Love Island UK fan favorite who entered the villa in Season 5 as a bombshell. She made it to the final and placed fourth overall. Higgins is not new to the Love Island USA family, as she has been hosting social media content throughout Season 5. The TV personality was also the social host for Love Island Games in 2023 and guest-hosted three episodes. |
posted 6/6/2024 |
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More on "Beast Games" |
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MrBeast has just opened applications to his biggest competition yet, Beast Games. With $5,000,000 up for grabs, here's how to apply. No stranger to offering immense cash prizes, MrBeast has just announced he's looking for 5,000 applicants to take part in "the largest game show ever in history." Beast Games will be the popular YouTuber's streaming debut on Amazon's Prime Video. To be eligible for Beast Games, you'll need to be 18 or older at the time of your application. You'll also need to ensure your passport is valid until April 2025. While the dates for filming may be subject to change, you will also need to be available from anywhere between late June to September 2024. As a heads up, the competition is only available for U.S. citizens or those with U.S. immigration status or a Visa beginning no later than July 1, 2024, through to October 31, 2025. Further eligibility requirements can be found below. If you pass all these and want to apply for your chance at $5 million, head over to beastgames.com and submit a one-minute video pitching yourself as a competitor. While this is technically optional, it will likely have a massive impact on your chances. Not only should your video "try and impress" MrBeast and his team, but it should also include your name, age, where you live, and what you do for a living. Other questions your video needs to answer are: The video can then be submitted, either as an unlisted YouTube link in your application or uploaded directly on the site. If uploading directly, ensure the video is an mp4 and smaller than 100 megabytes. |
posted 5/28/2024 |
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Thursday Lightning Round |
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posted 8/5/2024
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