It was standing-room only crowd at the Fox upfront — mostly because there was no place to sit. But there were cocktails and lots of f-bombs from Gordon Ramsay, who helped to keep the 55-minute presentation moving at NYC’s Manhattan Center Monday.
Just like it did last year, Fox unveiled its 2023-24 content slate without showing a schedule. Instead, there was lots of small talk about Fox Sports, Fox News, and Tubi. Here were some of the highlights:
There was an opening “act” featuring dancers in space suits, football uniforms and Masked Singer costumes. That’s all we have to say about that.
Fox Sportscaster Michael Strahan and an f-bomb dropping Gordon Ramsay opened the presentation by standing on top of a bar in the center of NYC’s Manhattan Center. Yes folks, presentation-goers could load up on booze — and stay standing — while seeing what the “Fox Community” has to offer.
Just like it did last year, Fox unveiled its 2023-24 content slate without showing a schedule. Instead, there was lots of small talk about Fox Sports, Fox News, and Tubi. Here were some of the highlights:
There was an opening “act” featuring dancers in space suits, football uniforms and Masked Singer costumes. That’s all we have to say about that.
Fox Sportscaster Michael Strahan and an f-bomb dropping Gordon Ramsay opened the presentation by standing on top of a bar in the center of NYC’s Manhattan Center. Yes folks, presentation-goers could load up on booze — and stay standing — while seeing what the “Fox Community” has to offer.
- 5/15/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Production on the Fox game show You Bet Your Life has halted amid the ongoing writers strike as the AMPTP continues to stall negotiations with the WGA. Series host Jay Leno, who has been seen at multiple picket lines delivering donuts, supports the move.
“As a member of the Writers Guild for almost 40 years, I truly understand and stand in solidarity with my fellow union members,” Leno said in a statement. “For that reason, we are suspending production of our game show, You Bet Your Life until such time when an agreement can be reached. I’m sorry I ran out of glazed, I now realize powdered sugar is not the same thing. Yours truly, Jay Leno.”
The news arrives as Fox’s Upfront presentation is set to begin in just under an hour in New York City on the fourteenth day of the writers strike. Picketers were out in...
“As a member of the Writers Guild for almost 40 years, I truly understand and stand in solidarity with my fellow union members,” Leno said in a statement. “For that reason, we are suspending production of our game show, You Bet Your Life until such time when an agreement can be reached. I’m sorry I ran out of glazed, I now realize powdered sugar is not the same thing. Yours truly, Jay Leno.”
The news arrives as Fox’s Upfront presentation is set to begin in just under an hour in New York City on the fourteenth day of the writers strike. Picketers were out in...
- 5/15/2023
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
The last-ever episode of “9-1-1” on Fox airs Monday, and it’s a bittersweet occasion for Oliver Stark, who has starred as Evan “Buck” Buckley on the Ryan Murphy-produced first-responder drama since its debut six seasons ago.
While the show is ending its run on one network, it will be alive and well next season on ABC — the broadcaster that is owned by Disney, the parent company of “9-1-1” studio 20th Television, which not too long ago was owned by Fox — so Stark isn’t saying goodbye to his character, so much as a family he and his co-stars have established behind-the-scenes.
Here, Stark discusses with Variety his reaction to the move to ABC for Season 7, and if he thinks spinoff “9-1-1: Lone Star” (which also hails from 20th Television) remaining at Fox for its fifth season means the chance at another crossover episode between the two series is slim.
While the show is ending its run on one network, it will be alive and well next season on ABC — the broadcaster that is owned by Disney, the parent company of “9-1-1” studio 20th Television, which not too long ago was owned by Fox — so Stark isn’t saying goodbye to his character, so much as a family he and his co-stars have established behind-the-scenes.
Here, Stark discusses with Variety his reaction to the move to ABC for Season 7, and if he thinks spinoff “9-1-1: Lone Star” (which also hails from 20th Television) remaining at Fox for its fifth season means the chance at another crossover episode between the two series is slim.
- 5/15/2023
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Fox has confirmed what analysts and industry insiders have speculated: “9-1-1” was canceled for financial reasons. During a conference call ahead of Fox’s upfront, CEO Rob Wade addressed the cancellation of the network’s highest-rated scripted series.
“We felt moving forward into what is really a new era of television, the economics weren’t going pan out for this show for us,” Wade said. The network head also added that “the business model wasn’t right for us,” which is why 20th Television took the series back.
The decision to axe “9-1-1” was made a year ago and before Wade was named as Fox’s CEO last October. Earlier this month it was announced that ABC would take over the beloved series. Wade emphasized that he “can’t speak to” how ABC came to acquire the series after 20th Television regained control of it.
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“We felt moving forward into what is really a new era of television, the economics weren’t going pan out for this show for us,” Wade said. The network head also added that “the business model wasn’t right for us,” which is why 20th Television took the series back.
The decision to axe “9-1-1” was made a year ago and before Wade was named as Fox’s CEO last October. Earlier this month it was announced that ABC would take over the beloved series. Wade emphasized that he “can’t speak to” how ABC came to acquire the series after 20th Television regained control of it.
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- 5/15/2023
- by Kayla Cobb
- The Wrap
With 9-1-1 and 9-1-1: Lone Star now airing on competing networks, it looks like crossovers are out of the question.
News broke earlier this month that Fox had canceled the original series after six seasons.
However, ABC dialed 9-1-1 mere moments after the official decision, revealing that 9-1-1 Season 7 would air on the Disney-owned network in the fall.
Spinoff series 9-1-1: Lone Star was retained by Fox with a Season 5 pickup and one of the biggest questions surrounded whether there will still be a shared universe between the shows.
Speaking to TV Line, Michael Thorn, President of Scripted Programming for Fox Entertainment, told TV Line that "crossovers have always been really hard because they're such ambitious schedules."
"We weren't able to do it every year when both shows were on our network anyway, so I would say it's extremely unlikely" to have future crossovers.
Many shows on TV nowadays...
News broke earlier this month that Fox had canceled the original series after six seasons.
However, ABC dialed 9-1-1 mere moments after the official decision, revealing that 9-1-1 Season 7 would air on the Disney-owned network in the fall.
Spinoff series 9-1-1: Lone Star was retained by Fox with a Season 5 pickup and one of the biggest questions surrounded whether there will still be a shared universe between the shows.
Speaking to TV Line, Michael Thorn, President of Scripted Programming for Fox Entertainment, told TV Line that "crossovers have always been really hard because they're such ambitious schedules."
"We weren't able to do it every year when both shows were on our network anyway, so I would say it's extremely unlikely" to have future crossovers.
Many shows on TV nowadays...
- 5/15/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
In one of the biggest twists of the 2023 upfront, Fox opted not to renew its highest rated scripted series, 9-1-1. As Deadline reported first, the drama, produced by 20th Television, was instead picked up for a seventh season by 20th TV sibling ABC.
While the announcement came earlier this month, during Fox’s pre-upfront press call Monday morning, the network’s CEO Rob Wade revealed that the decision for 9-1-1‘s run to end with Season 6 was actually made a year ago by his predecessor, Charlie Collier, as part of the difficult, down-to-the-wire renewals of 9-1-1 and The Resident, which finally closed a couple of hours before the network’s upfront presentation.
“But needless to say, you look at shows in two different ways. It’s first and foremost from the creative lens and how much we love to create, and the second thing is really the economics of that,...
While the announcement came earlier this month, during Fox’s pre-upfront press call Monday morning, the network’s CEO Rob Wade revealed that the decision for 9-1-1‘s run to end with Season 6 was actually made a year ago by his predecessor, Charlie Collier, as part of the difficult, down-to-the-wire renewals of 9-1-1 and The Resident, which finally closed a couple of hours before the network’s upfront presentation.
“But needless to say, you look at shows in two different ways. It’s first and foremost from the creative lens and how much we love to create, and the second thing is really the economics of that,...
- 5/15/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Things aren’t looking great for Fox comedy Welcome To Flatch.
The series, which is a remake of British comedy This Country, was the only live-action series that the network hasn’t made a decision on and it take a while.
Michael Thorn, President of Scripted Programming, Fox Entertainment, said that “launching our next great live action comedy is a top priority, so you can expect some announcements as soon as the strike ends”.
Welcome To Flatch, which comes from Jenny Bicks and Paul Feig, has aired for two seasons on Fox with its second season finishing in February.
The series, which stars Sean William Scott, Holmes, Sam Straley and Aya Cash, is produced by Lionsgate, BBC Studios’ LA production arm and Fox Entertainment.
When asked about a renewal decision on Flatch, Thorn pointed to the renewal of Joel McHale-fronted Animal Control for a second season. “Right now we...
The series, which is a remake of British comedy This Country, was the only live-action series that the network hasn’t made a decision on and it take a while.
Michael Thorn, President of Scripted Programming, Fox Entertainment, said that “launching our next great live action comedy is a top priority, so you can expect some announcements as soon as the strike ends”.
Welcome To Flatch, which comes from Jenny Bicks and Paul Feig, has aired for two seasons on Fox with its second season finishing in February.
The series, which stars Sean William Scott, Holmes, Sam Straley and Aya Cash, is produced by Lionsgate, BBC Studios’ LA production arm and Fox Entertainment.
When asked about a renewal decision on Flatch, Thorn pointed to the renewal of Joel McHale-fronted Animal Control for a second season. “Right now we...
- 5/15/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Fox Entertainment’s CEO addressed the decision to cancel “9-1-1” and the show’s subsequent move to ABC during a conference call with the press ahead of the network’s upfront presentation to advertisers in New York.
“We look at shows in two different ways,” said Rob Wade, CEO of Fox Entertainment. “First and foremost from a creative lens and how much we like the creative. And the second thing is really the economics of that. I think we felt moving forward into what is really a new era of television, the economics weren’t going to pan out on this show for us. The decision was made there that the business model wasn’t right for us and that 20th TV would take the show back.”
Wade also said that the decision was made “a year ago” and that he found out about it when he “took over as CEO in October.
“We look at shows in two different ways,” said Rob Wade, CEO of Fox Entertainment. “First and foremost from a creative lens and how much we like the creative. And the second thing is really the economics of that. I think we felt moving forward into what is really a new era of television, the economics weren’t going to pan out on this show for us. The decision was made there that the business model wasn’t right for us and that 20th TV would take the show back.”
Wade also said that the decision was made “a year ago” and that he found out about it when he “took over as CEO in October.
- 5/15/2023
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Future crossovers between 9-1-1 and 9-1-1: Lone Star are “extremely unlikely,” a Fox exec says — though not simply because the mothership is, a bit surprisingly, moving to ABC for Season 7.
Earlier this month, it was announced that 9-1-1‘s current sixth season would be its last on Fox, and that the procedural had been renewed for a Season 7 on ABC. Meanwhile, 9-1-1: Lone Star was renewed for a fifth season, staying put on Fox. (In a nutshell, since Fox hasn’t produced/owned the 9-1-1 shows for a couple of years, it decided to...
Earlier this month, it was announced that 9-1-1‘s current sixth season would be its last on Fox, and that the procedural had been renewed for a Season 7 on ABC. Meanwhile, 9-1-1: Lone Star was renewed for a fifth season, staying put on Fox. (In a nutshell, since Fox hasn’t produced/owned the 9-1-1 shows for a couple of years, it decided to...
- 5/15/2023
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
Jamie Foxx, Hannah Waddingham, Will Arnett and “Shameless” producer John Wells are among the big names set to bring their talents to Fox’s 2023-24 programming slate. Whether the broadcast network’s next TV season will begin this fall, however, remains unclear.
In an unusual and astute turn, Fox opted to go vague ahead of their upfronts presentation to advertisers Monday, not promising new programming for the fall as the writers’ strike puts most productions on pause.
“Rather than announce a schedule today that we may not be able to meet this fall, we will hold back until we have a better handle on what programming will be available,” Executive Vice President of Program Planning and Content Strategy for Fox Entertainment Dan Harrison said in a conference call. Executives repeatedly emphasized that the Covid-19 pandemic taught the network “how to pivot and be flexible.” Fox will be using the same...
In an unusual and astute turn, Fox opted to go vague ahead of their upfronts presentation to advertisers Monday, not promising new programming for the fall as the writers’ strike puts most productions on pause.
“Rather than announce a schedule today that we may not be able to meet this fall, we will hold back until we have a better handle on what programming will be available,” Executive Vice President of Program Planning and Content Strategy for Fox Entertainment Dan Harrison said in a conference call. Executives repeatedly emphasized that the Covid-19 pandemic taught the network “how to pivot and be flexible.” Fox will be using the same...
- 5/15/2023
- by Jose Alejandro Bastidas
- The Wrap
Animal Control is sticking around at Fox.
The workplace comedy, starring Emmy Award nominee Joel McHale, has been renewed for a second season, it was announced today by Michael Thorn, President of Scripted Programming, Fox Entertainment.
The single-camera show, Fox's first wholly-owned live-action comedy, launched as the network's most-streamed scripted debut ever and most-watched comedy series this season to date.
"We are thrilled our viewers have responded to Animal Control as much as we did," said Thorn.
"The incredibly talented ensemble cast, led by Joel McHale, along with our creative team, Bob Fisher, Rob Greenberg, Dan Sterling and Tad Quill - not to mention a menagerie of wild animal method actors -- have delivered a hilarious series that is sharp, witty, and warm, week after week."
Created by Bob Fisher, Rob Greenberg and Dan Sterling, Animal Control follows a group of local Animal Control workers whose lives are complicated by...
The workplace comedy, starring Emmy Award nominee Joel McHale, has been renewed for a second season, it was announced today by Michael Thorn, President of Scripted Programming, Fox Entertainment.
The single-camera show, Fox's first wholly-owned live-action comedy, launched as the network's most-streamed scripted debut ever and most-watched comedy series this season to date.
"We are thrilled our viewers have responded to Animal Control as much as we did," said Thorn.
"The incredibly talented ensemble cast, led by Joel McHale, along with our creative team, Bob Fisher, Rob Greenberg, Dan Sterling and Tad Quill - not to mention a menagerie of wild animal method actors -- have delivered a hilarious series that is sharp, witty, and warm, week after week."
Created by Bob Fisher, Rob Greenberg and Dan Sterling, Animal Control follows a group of local Animal Control workers whose lives are complicated by...
- 5/10/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Michael Rowland and Joel McHale in ‘Animal Control’ (Photo by Serguei Bachlakov © 2023 Fox Media LLC)
Fox has closed up Fantasy Island after two seasons but Animal Control managed to escape the ax and will return for season two. The network announced the half-hour comedy starring Joel McHale has been renewed for season two after coming off a hot first season that included setting a record for Fox’s most-streamed scripted series premiere.
“We are thrilled our viewers have responded to Animal Control as much as we did,” said Michael Thorn, President of Scripted Programming, Fox Entertainment. “The incredibly talented ensemble cast, led by Joel McHale, along with our creative team, Bob Fisher, Rob Greenberg, Dan Sterling and Tad Quill – not to mention a menagerie of wild animal method actors – have delivered a hilarious series that is sharp, witty, and warm, week after week.”
In addition to McHale, the season one...
Fox has closed up Fantasy Island after two seasons but Animal Control managed to escape the ax and will return for season two. The network announced the half-hour comedy starring Joel McHale has been renewed for season two after coming off a hot first season that included setting a record for Fox’s most-streamed scripted series premiere.
“We are thrilled our viewers have responded to Animal Control as much as we did,” said Michael Thorn, President of Scripted Programming, Fox Entertainment. “The incredibly talented ensemble cast, led by Joel McHale, along with our creative team, Bob Fisher, Rob Greenberg, Dan Sterling and Tad Quill – not to mention a menagerie of wild animal method actors – have delivered a hilarious series that is sharp, witty, and warm, week after week.”
In addition to McHale, the season one...
- 5/10/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
“Animal Control” has been renewed for Season 2 at Fox, Variety has learned.
The renewal comes as little surprise, given the fact that the show is Fox’s first wholly owned live-action comedy. Per Fox, the show’s premiere was the network’s most streamed scripted debut ever, drawing an estimated 4.5 million viewers across all platforms in its first three days of availability.
As the name suggests, the series centers on a group of animal control workers. The cast is led by Joel McHale, who stars alongside Michael Rowland, Vella Lovell, Ravi Patel, Grace Palmer, Alvina August, Kelli Ogmundson, and Gerry Dee.
“We are thrilled our viewers have responded to ‘Animal Control’ as much as we did,” said Michael Thorn, president of scripted programming for Fox Entertainment. “The incredibly talented ensemble cast, led by Joel McHale, along with our creative team, Bob Fisher, Rob Greenberg, Dan Sterling and Tad Quill – not...
The renewal comes as little surprise, given the fact that the show is Fox’s first wholly owned live-action comedy. Per Fox, the show’s premiere was the network’s most streamed scripted debut ever, drawing an estimated 4.5 million viewers across all platforms in its first three days of availability.
As the name suggests, the series centers on a group of animal control workers. The cast is led by Joel McHale, who stars alongside Michael Rowland, Vella Lovell, Ravi Patel, Grace Palmer, Alvina August, Kelli Ogmundson, and Gerry Dee.
“We are thrilled our viewers have responded to ‘Animal Control’ as much as we did,” said Michael Thorn, president of scripted programming for Fox Entertainment. “The incredibly talented ensemble cast, led by Joel McHale, along with our creative team, Bob Fisher, Rob Greenberg, Dan Sterling and Tad Quill – not...
- 5/10/2023
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
“Animal Control,” the workplace comedy led by Joel McHale, has locked down a Season 2 renewal at Fox, the studio announced Wednesday.
“We are thrilled our viewers have responded to ‘Animal Control’ as much as we did,” Fox Entertainment president of scripted programming Michael Thorn said in a statement. “The incredibly talented ensemble cast, led by Joel McHale, along with our creative team, Bob Fisher, Rob Greenberg, Dan Sterling and Tad Quill – not to mention a menagerie of wild animal method actors — have delivered a hilarious series that is sharp, witty, and warm, week after week.”
The series premiere, which launched Feb. 16, debuted as Fox’s most-streamed premiere in network history and became most-streamed comedy episode ever in the network’s history. “Animal Control” currently averages 4.7 million total viewers across platforms, marking a +236% boost from live plus same-day Nielsen figures.
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“We are thrilled our viewers have responded to ‘Animal Control’ as much as we did,” Fox Entertainment president of scripted programming Michael Thorn said in a statement. “The incredibly talented ensemble cast, led by Joel McHale, along with our creative team, Bob Fisher, Rob Greenberg, Dan Sterling and Tad Quill – not to mention a menagerie of wild animal method actors — have delivered a hilarious series that is sharp, witty, and warm, week after week.”
The series premiere, which launched Feb. 16, debuted as Fox’s most-streamed premiere in network history and became most-streamed comedy episode ever in the network’s history. “Animal Control” currently averages 4.7 million total viewers across platforms, marking a +236% boost from live plus same-day Nielsen figures.
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- 5/10/2023
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
Fox is preparing to handle more animals. The network has renewed Joel McHale-fronted comedy Animal Control for a second season.
The move is a boon for the company’s first wholly owned live-action company, which it said was its most-streamed scripted debut of all time.
It comes after Call Me Kat was canceled after three seasons. No word on the future of Welcome To Flatch and a decision is not expected before the Upfronts next week.
The series is a workplace comedy following a group of animal control workers whose lives are complicated by the fact that animals are simple, but humans are not.
It stars McHale, who hosted Fox reality series Crime Scene Kitchen, as Frank Shaw, an opinionated, eccentric Animal Control officer who may not have gone to college but is still the most well-read person in the room. A former cop, Frank tried to expose corruption in his department,...
The move is a boon for the company’s first wholly owned live-action company, which it said was its most-streamed scripted debut of all time.
It comes after Call Me Kat was canceled after three seasons. No word on the future of Welcome To Flatch and a decision is not expected before the Upfronts next week.
The series is a workplace comedy following a group of animal control workers whose lives are complicated by the fact that animals are simple, but humans are not.
It stars McHale, who hosted Fox reality series Crime Scene Kitchen, as Frank Shaw, an opinionated, eccentric Animal Control officer who may not have gone to college but is still the most well-read person in the room. A former cop, Frank tried to expose corruption in his department,...
- 5/10/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Fox will continue to go to the dogs, and cats, and other household and exotic animals.
The network has renewed its comedy series Animal Control, about a group of municipal animal control officers who work better with the creatures they handle than other humans. The show, starring Joel McHale, is Fox’s first wholly owned live-action comedy.
“We are thrilled our viewers have responded to Animal Control as much as we did,” said Michael Thorn, president scripted programming at Fox Entertainment. “The incredibly talented ensemble cast, led by Joel McHale, along with our creative team, Bob Fisher, Rob Greenberg, Dan Sterling and Tad Quill — not to mention a menagerie of wild animal method actors — have delivered a hilarious series that is sharp, witty, and warm, week after week.”
Animal Control has put up fairly modest on-air ratings, averaging a shade above 2.2 million viewers per episode over seven days of Nielsen-measured viewing.
The network has renewed its comedy series Animal Control, about a group of municipal animal control officers who work better with the creatures they handle than other humans. The show, starring Joel McHale, is Fox’s first wholly owned live-action comedy.
“We are thrilled our viewers have responded to Animal Control as much as we did,” said Michael Thorn, president scripted programming at Fox Entertainment. “The incredibly talented ensemble cast, led by Joel McHale, along with our creative team, Bob Fisher, Rob Greenberg, Dan Sterling and Tad Quill — not to mention a menagerie of wild animal method actors — have delivered a hilarious series that is sharp, witty, and warm, week after week.”
Animal Control has put up fairly modest on-air ratings, averaging a shade above 2.2 million viewers per episode over seven days of Nielsen-measured viewing.
- 5/10/2023
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Animal Control isn’t done horsing around. Fox has renewed the Joel McHale-led comedy for Season 2, TVLine has learned.
Season to date, Animal Control is averaging 2.25 million total viewers and a 0.4 demo rating (with Live+7 playback), Out of the eight comedies that Fox has aired this TV season, it ranks No. 2 in audience (right behind The Simpsons) and ties for No. 4 in the demo.
More from TVLine9-1-1: Lone Star Leaves Two Characters' Fates in Limbo Ahead of Season FinaleFantasy Island Cancelled at FoxAccused EP Howard Gordon on Early Casting Hurdles, 'Full Circle' Finale and...
Season to date, Animal Control is averaging 2.25 million total viewers and a 0.4 demo rating (with Live+7 playback), Out of the eight comedies that Fox has aired this TV season, it ranks No. 2 in audience (right behind The Simpsons) and ties for No. 4 in the demo.
More from TVLine9-1-1: Lone Star Leaves Two Characters' Fates in Limbo Ahead of Season FinaleFantasy Island Cancelled at FoxAccused EP Howard Gordon on Early Casting Hurdles, 'Full Circle' Finale and...
- 5/10/2023
- by Ryan Schwartz
- TVLine.com
Fox Entertainment has renewed workplace comedy Animal Control, starring Emmy Award nominee Joel McHale, for a second season, it was announced today by Michael Thorn, President of Scripted Programming, Fox Entertainment. The single-camera show, Fox’s first wholly owned live-action comedy, launched as the network’s most-streamed scripted debut ever and most-watched comedy series this season to date. ... Read more...
- 5/10/2023
- by Thomas Miller
- Seat42F
When Fox Entertainment president Michael Thorn heard what “Accused” showrunner Howard Gordon wanted to do for what would become the Season 1 finale, he initially rejected it.
“I said, ‘Well, then you only get 14 episodes,'” Gordon told TheWrap.
But after Thorn saw “Billy’s Story” — an emotional saga starring Keith Carradine about a rockstar father’s complicated relationship with his drug-addicted son — the exec changed his tune and apologized. “That’s what’s great about having partners at whatever platform. You have to have people who you trust, who you can be honest with and and push up against — capitulate when you need to, but also say, ‘Hey, I know there’s a good story here. Please let me do it.'”
It’s not difficult to understand why there was hesitation on Fox’s end. Though “Billy’s Story” starts as a somewhat predictable drama about an aging rockstar...
“I said, ‘Well, then you only get 14 episodes,'” Gordon told TheWrap.
But after Thorn saw “Billy’s Story” — an emotional saga starring Keith Carradine about a rockstar father’s complicated relationship with his drug-addicted son — the exec changed his tune and apologized. “That’s what’s great about having partners at whatever platform. You have to have people who you trust, who you can be honest with and and push up against — capitulate when you need to, but also say, ‘Hey, I know there’s a good story here. Please let me do it.'”
It’s not difficult to understand why there was hesitation on Fox’s end. Though “Billy’s Story” starts as a somewhat predictable drama about an aging rockstar...
- 5/10/2023
- by Kayla Cobb
- The Wrap
Hey, "Accused" fans. We hope you guys totally enjoyed episode 15 tonight, especially since it was indeed the season 1 finale episode to wrap up the season. This means you guys won't be getting a new episode of Accused for quite some time. However, here's the good news. We can officially tell you that Fox has indeed renewed Accused for a brand new season 2! So, you guys will get some more new episodes of this show at some point in the future. According to the folks over at Deadline.com, Fox actually gave Accused an early renewal way back in March 2023. So, they were apparently quite pleased with its performance. In fact, we've got some positive statements from the president of scripted programming over at Fox Michael Thorn, and the president of Sony Pictures Television Katherine Pope. Sony actually owns this show and sold it to Fox, and both of these companies...
- 5/9/2023
- by Andre Braddox
- OnTheFlix
Fox is adding a new drama franchise focused on lifeguards to its 2023-24 schedule.
The network has announced a green light for the pulse-pounding Hawaii lifeguard drama Rescue: Hi-Surf.
The new John Wells Productions (Jwp) action franchise, to be co-produced by Warner Bros. Television and Fox Entertainment, will premiere on Fox in 2023-2024.
The new franchise comes from prolific, award-winning executive producer John Wells and executive producer/writer Matt Kester.
Rescue: Hi-Surf, is an action-packed drama that follows the personal and professional lives of the heavy-water lifeguards who patrol and protect the North Shore of O’ahu—the most famous and dangerous stretch of coastline in the world.
Each episode will feature these dedicated, heroic, and adrenaline-seeking first-responders saving lives in the difficult and often life-threatening conditions of Hawaii’s Seven Mile Miracle. Kester will write the first episode, and Wells will direct the first two episodes.
“Rescue: Hi-Surf brings...
The network has announced a green light for the pulse-pounding Hawaii lifeguard drama Rescue: Hi-Surf.
The new John Wells Productions (Jwp) action franchise, to be co-produced by Warner Bros. Television and Fox Entertainment, will premiere on Fox in 2023-2024.
The new franchise comes from prolific, award-winning executive producer John Wells and executive producer/writer Matt Kester.
Rescue: Hi-Surf, is an action-packed drama that follows the personal and professional lives of the heavy-water lifeguards who patrol and protect the North Shore of O’ahu—the most famous and dangerous stretch of coastline in the world.
Each episode will feature these dedicated, heroic, and adrenaline-seeking first-responders saving lives in the difficult and often life-threatening conditions of Hawaii’s Seven Mile Miracle. Kester will write the first episode, and Wells will direct the first two episodes.
“Rescue: Hi-Surf brings...
- 4/28/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Exclusive: Fox has given a straight-to-series order to Rescue: Hi-Surf, a Hawaii lifeguard drama from John Wells Productions in Wells’ broadcast return. The series, slated to premiere during the 2023-24 season, will be co-produced by Warner Bros. Television, where Jwp is based, and Fox Entertainment. It is envisioned as potential franchise for the network.
Matt Kester, who worked on Jwp’s TNT series Animal Kingdom, is writer, executive producer and showrunner and Wells executive producer on Rescue: Hi-Surf, an action drama that follows the personal and professional lives of the heavy-water lifeguards who patrol and protect the North Shore of O’ahu—the most famous and dangerous stretch of coastline in the world. Each episode will feature these dedicated, heroic, and adrenaline-seeking first-responders saving lives in the difficult and often life-threatening conditions of Hawaii’s Seven Mile Miracle.
The series order comes after the pilot script by Kester impressed Fox brass.
Matt Kester, who worked on Jwp’s TNT series Animal Kingdom, is writer, executive producer and showrunner and Wells executive producer on Rescue: Hi-Surf, an action drama that follows the personal and professional lives of the heavy-water lifeguards who patrol and protect the North Shore of O’ahu—the most famous and dangerous stretch of coastline in the world. Each episode will feature these dedicated, heroic, and adrenaline-seeking first-responders saving lives in the difficult and often life-threatening conditions of Hawaii’s Seven Mile Miracle.
The series order comes after the pilot script by Kester impressed Fox brass.
- 4/28/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Scott Greenberg, CEO of the Fox animation studio Bento Box and Fox’s Web3 media and creative technology company Blockchain Creative Labs, is leaving his roles at the company next month.
In his place, Brett Coker, former COO of Bento Box, has been named president. He will report to Michael Thorn, president of scripted programming at Fox Entertainment. Blockchain Creative Labs will be overseen by president Melody Hildebrandt.
“It’s been an incredible honor and privilege to work alongside the many people who have helped build Bento Box and Blockchain Creative Labs into two great companies,” said Greenberg, whose last day will be May 19. “The many series and projects we launched together are a great source of lasting pride to me. Deep down, I’m an entrepreneur at heart who enjoys building organizations and nurturing their teams to bring out the best in themselves. With Bento Box and Bcl running...
In his place, Brett Coker, former COO of Bento Box, has been named president. He will report to Michael Thorn, president of scripted programming at Fox Entertainment. Blockchain Creative Labs will be overseen by president Melody Hildebrandt.
“It’s been an incredible honor and privilege to work alongside the many people who have helped build Bento Box and Blockchain Creative Labs into two great companies,” said Greenberg, whose last day will be May 19. “The many series and projects we launched together are a great source of lasting pride to me. Deep down, I’m an entrepreneur at heart who enjoys building organizations and nurturing their teams to bring out the best in themselves. With Bento Box and Bcl running...
- 4/27/2023
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
Scott Greenberg, the co-founder and CEO of Fox-owned animation studio Bento Box Entertainment, is exiting the company, Variety has confirmed.
Greenberg is also the CEO of Fox’s Web3 media and creative technology company Blockchain Creative Labs (Bcl). He will officially depart both roles on May 19.
“It’s been an incredible honor and privilege to work alongside the many people who have helped build Bento Box and Blockchain Creative Labs into two great companies,” Greenberg said. “The many series and projects we launched together are a great source of lasting pride to me. Deep down, I’m an entrepreneur at heart who enjoys building organizations and nurturing their teams to bring out the best in themselves. With Bento Box and Bcl running full steam ahead on the path for continued growth and success, now is the time to explore new opportunities.”
Brett Coker, formerly the COO of Bento Box, has...
Greenberg is also the CEO of Fox’s Web3 media and creative technology company Blockchain Creative Labs (Bcl). He will officially depart both roles on May 19.
“It’s been an incredible honor and privilege to work alongside the many people who have helped build Bento Box and Blockchain Creative Labs into two great companies,” Greenberg said. “The many series and projects we launched together are a great source of lasting pride to me. Deep down, I’m an entrepreneur at heart who enjoys building organizations and nurturing their teams to bring out the best in themselves. With Bento Box and Bcl running full steam ahead on the path for continued growth and success, now is the time to explore new opportunities.”
Brett Coker, formerly the COO of Bento Box, has...
- 4/27/2023
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Scott Greenberg, co-founder and CEO of Fox’s animation studio Bento Box Entertainment, the company behind Dan Harmon’s Krapopolis and Apple TV+’s Central Park, is leaving.
Greenberg, who is also CEO of Fox’s Web3 media and creative technology company Blockchain Creative Labs, is leaving on May 19.
“Deep down, I’m an entrepreneur at heart who enjoys building organizations and nurturing their teams to bring out the best in themselves. With Bento Box and Bcl running full steam ahead on the path for continued growth and success, now is the time to explore new opportunities,” he said.
Brett Coker, who was previously COO, has been promoted to President of the company and will now report to Michael Thorn, President, Scripted Programming, Fox Entertainment.
Daniel Weidenfeld, SVP, Animation, of Fox Entertainment, will transition over to Bento Box, where he and Creative Director Ben Jones will oversee development. The pair will report to Coker.
Greenberg, who is also CEO of Fox’s Web3 media and creative technology company Blockchain Creative Labs, is leaving on May 19.
“Deep down, I’m an entrepreneur at heart who enjoys building organizations and nurturing their teams to bring out the best in themselves. With Bento Box and Bcl running full steam ahead on the path for continued growth and success, now is the time to explore new opportunities,” he said.
Brett Coker, who was previously COO, has been promoted to President of the company and will now report to Michael Thorn, President, Scripted Programming, Fox Entertainment.
Daniel Weidenfeld, SVP, Animation, of Fox Entertainment, will transition over to Bento Box, where he and Creative Director Ben Jones will oversee development. The pair will report to Coker.
- 4/27/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
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