‘The Obituary of Tunde Johnson’ Combines Black Lives Matter Themes with the Evolving Time Loop Genre
Photo: ‘The Obituary of Tunde Johnson'/Wolfe Releasing Diabolus Ex Machina Ali LeRoi’s ‘The Obituary of Tunde Johnson’ has a tightrope walk of a premise. Tunde, a gay African American teenager, is trapped in a time loop that always ends with him dying at the hands of the police. It’s a tricky balance, combining this popcorn movie conceit with a serious social issue, but the film mostly pulls it off. It’s anchored by a strong performance from Steven Silver, an up-and-coming actor from Netflix’s ‘13 Reasons Why’. As Tunde, Silver commits entirely as the narrative moves from high school soap opera to forbidden love story to coming-out drama to police brutality suspense to sci-fi mystery. At times, it feels like the film has bitten off more than it can chew, but in its best moments it has the idiosyncratic genre-hopping charm of ‘Donnie Darko’. Related article: Watch:...
- 3/4/2021
- by Trent Kinnucan
- Hollywood Insider - Substance & Meaningful Entertainment
With a seemingly endless amount of streaming options—not only the titles at our disposal, but services themselves–each week we highlight the noteworthy titles that have recently hit platforms. Check out this week’s selections below and past round-ups here.
Audition (Takashi Miike)
Perhaps I’ve been subconsciously squeamishly avoiding it, but I’ve been waiting to see Takashi Miike’s Audition for some time and now the opportunity has easily arrived courtesy of Mubi. As Daisy Phillipson writes for Little White Lies, “On closer inspection, however, Miike asks us to consider the cultural context in which the film is set. Based on a novel by Ryu Murakami, who often uses social commentary to skewer concerns facing modern Japan, Audition offers an ingenious twist on national femininity by subverting the passive female horror narrative.”
Where to Stream: Mubi (free for 30 days)
The Conformist (Bernardo Bertolucci)
One of the most ravishing movies ever made,...
Audition (Takashi Miike)
Perhaps I’ve been subconsciously squeamishly avoiding it, but I’ve been waiting to see Takashi Miike’s Audition for some time and now the opportunity has easily arrived courtesy of Mubi. As Daisy Phillipson writes for Little White Lies, “On closer inspection, however, Miike asks us to consider the cultural context in which the film is set. Based on a novel by Ryu Murakami, who often uses social commentary to skewer concerns facing modern Japan, Audition offers an ingenious twist on national femininity by subverting the passive female horror narrative.”
Where to Stream: Mubi (free for 30 days)
The Conformist (Bernardo Bertolucci)
One of the most ravishing movies ever made,...
- 2/26/2021
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
While recent time loop movies like Palm Springs have presented a rather bright and bubbly approach to the concept, The Obituary of Tunde Johnson takes a different path. Directed by Ali LeRoi, the drama follows a Nigerian-American teenager who is pulled over by police, shot to death, and then immediately awakens to relive the same day. Starring Steven Silver, Spencer Neville, Nicola Peltz, Sammi Rotibi, and David James Elliott, the TIFF premiere will now arrive this month and the first trailer has landed.
Jared Mobarak said in his review, “While not in control of the response, Tunde Johnson (Steven Silver) does control the conversation when deciding to come out as gay to his wealthy, Nigerian-born parents the night of his secret boyfriend’s (Spencer Neville’s Soren) birthday. He sits them down, diverts their attention from the busy intellectual discourse that runs through their heads, and says his peace. He...
Jared Mobarak said in his review, “While not in control of the response, Tunde Johnson (Steven Silver) does control the conversation when deciding to come out as gay to his wealthy, Nigerian-born parents the night of his secret boyfriend’s (Spencer Neville’s Soren) birthday. He sits them down, diverts their attention from the busy intellectual discourse that runs through their heads, and says his peace. He...
- 2/18/2021
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
Ever since the very first episode of Deadline’s New Hollywood Podcast with actor Sinqua Walls, the New Hollywood Podcast celebrates Black culture and talent 12 months out of the year. February is Black History Month so we like to put extra shine on Black Hollywood and recognize the achievements of the community and how they have paved the way and pushed the needle further when it comes to diversity and representation in film & TV.
From trailblazers like Ava DuVernay, RuPaul Charles, Janet Mock, Lena Waithe and Issa Rae to talent like Michael B.Jordan, Robin Thede, Daveed Diggs, Yahya Abdul Mateen II and Renee Elise Goldsberry that has taken the industry by storm, New Hollywood has always championed Black actors, filmmakers, producers and writers and will continue to do so after February.
That said, we have compiled a list of our Black guests that have appeared on New Hollywood out of our 134 episodes.
From trailblazers like Ava DuVernay, RuPaul Charles, Janet Mock, Lena Waithe and Issa Rae to talent like Michael B.Jordan, Robin Thede, Daveed Diggs, Yahya Abdul Mateen II and Renee Elise Goldsberry that has taken the industry by storm, New Hollywood has always championed Black actors, filmmakers, producers and writers and will continue to do so after February.
That said, we have compiled a list of our Black guests that have appeared on New Hollywood out of our 134 episodes.
- 2/16/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos and Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
"Your life is more important than your pride!" More loop films! Wolfe has debuted an official US trailer for the indie time loop thriller called The Obituary of Tunde Johnson, which originally premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in 2019. It's finally getting a theatrical debut later this month, after also playing at the Nightstream Film Festival last year. A wealthy, Nigerian-American teen named Tunde Johnson, played by Steven Silver, is pulled over by police, shot to death and immediately awakens, reliving the same day over and over, trapped in a terrifying time loop - forced to confront difficult truths about his life and himself. Nightstream explains: "Featuring one of the best and most radical uses of the time loop narrative device, [the film] offers a striking, crucial perspective of a long underrepresented voice paired with an unwavering appreciation for the beautiful moments in life, and a hope for a better tomorrow." Sounds cool.
- 2/3/2021
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Wolfe Releasing has picked up the North American distribution rights to The Obituary of Tunde Johnson, the drama that premiered at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival and will get a theatrical and digital release on February 26. Ali LeRoi directed the film from a screenplay by Stanley Kalu.
13 Reasons Why actor Steven Silver stars as the title character, a wealthy, Nigerian-American teenager who is pulled over by police, shot to death, and immediately awakens, trapped in a terrifying time loop that forces him to confront difficult truths about his life and himself. The film tackled a number of issues prevalent in American society including racism, police brutality, LGBTQ acceptance, mental health, and addiction. Spencer Neville (Ozark) and Nicola Peltz (Transformers: Age of Extinction) also star.
“I’m proud to be partnering with Wolfe to bring this film to audiences,” said LeRoi. “Tunde Johnson speaks to this moment in our society as...
13 Reasons Why actor Steven Silver stars as the title character, a wealthy, Nigerian-American teenager who is pulled over by police, shot to death, and immediately awakens, trapped in a terrifying time loop that forces him to confront difficult truths about his life and himself. The film tackled a number of issues prevalent in American society including racism, police brutality, LGBTQ acceptance, mental health, and addiction. Spencer Neville (Ozark) and Nicola Peltz (Transformers: Age of Extinction) also star.
“I’m proud to be partnering with Wolfe to bring this film to audiences,” said LeRoi. “Tunde Johnson speaks to this moment in our society as...
- 1/5/2021
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Wolfe Releasing has acquired the North American rights to The Obituary of Tunde Johnson, setting a day-and-date release for Feb. 26.
Everybody Hates Chris co-creator Ali LeRoi made his feature directorial debut on the movie, which was written by Stanley Kalu and premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in 2019.
Steven Silver stars as a wealthy, Nigerian-American teenager, who is pulled over by police, shot to death and immediately awakens, trapped in a terrifying time loop that forces him to confront difficult truths about his life and himself. Spencer Neville and Nicola Peltz also star.
Zachary Green, who negotiated the deal on behalf of ...
Everybody Hates Chris co-creator Ali LeRoi made his feature directorial debut on the movie, which was written by Stanley Kalu and premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in 2019.
Steven Silver stars as a wealthy, Nigerian-American teenager, who is pulled over by police, shot to death and immediately awakens, trapped in a terrifying time loop that forces him to confront difficult truths about his life and himself. Spencer Neville and Nicola Peltz also star.
Zachary Green, who negotiated the deal on behalf of ...
Wolfe Releasing has acquired the North American rights to The Obituary of Tunde Johnson, setting a day-and-date release for Feb. 26.
Everybody Hates Chris co-creator Ali LeRoi made his feature directorial debut on the movie, which was written by Stanley Kalu and premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in 2019.
Steven Silver stars as a wealthy, Nigerian-American teenager, who is pulled over by police, shot to death and immediately awakens, trapped in a terrifying time loop that forces him to confront difficult truths about his life and himself. Spencer Neville and Nicola Peltz also star.
Zachary Green, who negotiated the deal on behalf of ...
Everybody Hates Chris co-creator Ali LeRoi made his feature directorial debut on the movie, which was written by Stanley Kalu and premiered at the Toronto Film Festival in 2019.
Steven Silver stars as a wealthy, Nigerian-American teenager, who is pulled over by police, shot to death and immediately awakens, trapped in a terrifying time loop that forces him to confront difficult truths about his life and himself. Spencer Neville and Nicola Peltz also star.
Zachary Green, who negotiated the deal on behalf of ...
The Film Life Foundation’s inaugural Social Justice Now Film Festival (Sjnff) has unveiled its robust program including its spotlight screenings including the documentaries 40 Years A Prisoner from HBO, Us Kids, and Sncc executive produced by Pharell Williams as well as I Am Other. and the narrative feature Reefa. The fest will also feature the Destin Daniel Cretton-directed Just Mercy and Ryan Coogler’s award-winning Fruitvale Station as opening night films which will screen at Paramount’s Drive-In Theater on Wednesday, October 21. Both films star Michael B. Jordan, who was previously announced as Co-Ambassador alongside Black Lives Matter Co-Founder Opal Tometi. All official selections and spotlight screenings will be available to stream for free on abffplay.com, a new digital platform, powered by Endeavor Streaming from October 21-25.
“Through these films, we hope to advance the dialogue and help to reshape the narrative of racial and social justice in this country.
“Through these films, we hope to advance the dialogue and help to reshape the narrative of racial and social justice in this country.
- 10/12/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
While not in control of the response, Tunde Johnson (Steven Silver) does control the conversation when deciding to come out as gay to his wealthy, Nigerian-born parents the night of his secret boyfriend’s (Spencer Neville’s Soren) birthday. He sits them down, diverts their attention from the busy intellectual discourse that runs through their heads, and says his peace. He fends off his mother’s desire to hold him (a source of physical affection he’s been trying to get her to stop) and implores his father to end the silent stare into the distance he’s adopted since the words were spoken. It becomes a weight off Tunde’s shoulders internally to have his truth heard and externally to see they won’t waver in their support. But it won’t prevent his death.
It is a start, though. That feeling of euphoria and freedom when Tunde hops...
It is a start, though. That feeling of euphoria and freedom when Tunde hops...
- 10/12/2020
- by Jared Mobarak
- The Film Stage
Steven Silver has signed with A3 Artists Agency for representation. Silver, known for his role as Marcus Cole on Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why, most recently was seen at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival, premiering The Obituary of Tunde Johnson. Silver received critical praise for his portrayal of the titular role of Tunde Johnson. He also recently wrapped a series regular role on Council of Dads, which aired for one season on NBC. Silver also is repped by Management 360 and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush, Kaller & Gellman.
Actress Gia Mantegna has signed with APA. Mantegna’s credits include series regular roles on Snapchat’s Dead Girls Detective Agency, The CW’s Life At First Failure and Cheerleader Death Squad, and Nickelodeon’s Gigantic. She has also had recurring roles on The Middle, Criminal Minds, and Under The Dome, among others.Her numerous film credits include All for Nikki,...
Actress Gia Mantegna has signed with APA. Mantegna’s credits include series regular roles on Snapchat’s Dead Girls Detective Agency, The CW’s Life At First Failure and Cheerleader Death Squad, and Nickelodeon’s Gigantic. She has also had recurring roles on The Middle, Criminal Minds, and Under The Dome, among others.Her numerous film credits include All for Nikki,...
- 8/18/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The 2020 Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ Film Festival has unveiled their schedule for livestream events and their program for its “Under the Stars” drive-in experience.
For Outfest LA’s digital space, Tony Award-winning John Cameron Mitchell (Hedwig and the Angry Inch) will host a livestream marathon listening party of his critically acclaimed musical podcast, Anthem: Homunculus with performances from himself, Glenn Close, Cynthia Erivo, Patti LuPone, Nakhane, Denis O’Hare, Laurie Anderson, among others. The podcast will play in its entirety via digitalpridefest.com, paired with specially-created visuals, live drop-ins and Q&a between Mitchell and special guests.
Lily Tomlin and her longtime life partner Jane Wagner will join Outfest for a livestream discussion with director Joan Churchill about the long-unavailable 1986 documentary Lily Tomlin: The Film Behind the Show, which follows the titular icon’s Broadway show, The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe. In addition, queer filmmaker...
For Outfest LA’s digital space, Tony Award-winning John Cameron Mitchell (Hedwig and the Angry Inch) will host a livestream marathon listening party of his critically acclaimed musical podcast, Anthem: Homunculus with performances from himself, Glenn Close, Cynthia Erivo, Patti LuPone, Nakhane, Denis O’Hare, Laurie Anderson, among others. The podcast will play in its entirety via digitalpridefest.com, paired with specially-created visuals, live drop-ins and Q&a between Mitchell and special guests.
Lily Tomlin and her longtime life partner Jane Wagner will join Outfest for a livestream discussion with director Joan Churchill about the long-unavailable 1986 documentary Lily Tomlin: The Film Behind the Show, which follows the titular icon’s Broadway show, The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe. In addition, queer filmmaker...
- 8/17/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Does Scott's plan work in the first season of the Council of Dads TV show on NBC? As we all know, the Nielsen ratings typically play a big role in determining whether a TV show like Council of Dads is cancelled or renewed for season two. Unfortunately, most of us do not live in Nielsen households. Because many viewers feel frustration when their viewing habits and opinions aren't considered, we invite you to rate all of the first season episodes of Council of Dads here. Status update below.
An NBC family drama, the Council of Dads TV show stars Sarah Wayne Callies, Clive Standen, J. August Richards, Blue Chapman, Emjay Anthony, Michele Weaver, Thalia Tran, Steven Silver, Michael O’Neill, and Tom Everett Scott. Scott Perry (Scott) is a loving father of five who has his entire life's plan thrown into upheaval by an unexpected...
An NBC family drama, the Council of Dads TV show stars Sarah Wayne Callies, Clive Standen, J. August Richards, Blue Chapman, Emjay Anthony, Michele Weaver, Thalia Tran, Steven Silver, Michael O’Neill, and Tom Everett Scott. Scott Perry (Scott) is a loving father of five who has his entire life's plan thrown into upheaval by an unexpected...
- 6/26/2020
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
After the success of NBC's This Is Us, the peacock seems to hoping that the new Council of Dads series will also be a hit in the ratings. Does this family drama have what it takes to survive? Will Council of Dads be cancelled or renewed for season two? Stay tuned. Status update below.
Based on the book by Bruce Feiler, the Council of Dads TV show stars Sarah Wayne Callies, Clive Standen, J. August Richards, Blue Chapman, Emjay Anthony, Michele Weaver, Thalia Tran, Steven Silver, Michael O’Neill, and Tom Everett Scott. A loving father of five, Scott Perry (Scott) has his entire life's plan thrown into upheaval by an unexpected health scare. He and his wife, Robin (Callies), call on a few of their most trusted friends to step in as back-up dads to help guide and support his growing family – just in case he can't...
Based on the book by Bruce Feiler, the Council of Dads TV show stars Sarah Wayne Callies, Clive Standen, J. August Richards, Blue Chapman, Emjay Anthony, Michele Weaver, Thalia Tran, Steven Silver, Michael O’Neill, and Tom Everett Scott. A loving father of five, Scott Perry (Scott) has his entire life's plan thrown into upheaval by an unexpected health scare. He and his wife, Robin (Callies), call on a few of their most trusted friends to step in as back-up dads to help guide and support his growing family – just in case he can't...
- 6/26/2020
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Network: NBC
Episodes: 10 (hour)
Seasons: One
TV show dates: March 24, 2020 -- July 2, 2020
Series status: Cancelled
Performers include: Sarah Wayne Callies, Clive Standen, J. August Richards, Blue Chapman, Emjay Anthony, Michele Weaver, Thalia Tran, Steven Silver, Michael O’Neill, and Tom Everett Scott.
TV show description:
Based on the book by Bruce Feiler, the Council of Dads TV show follows the Perry clan and their extended surrogate family.
Scott Perry (Scott) is a loving father of five who has his entire life's plan thrown into upheaval by an unexpected health scare. After being diagnosed with cancer, he and his wife call on a few of their most trusted friends to step in as back-up dads to help guide and support his growing...
Episodes: 10 (hour)
Seasons: One
TV show dates: March 24, 2020 -- July 2, 2020
Series status: Cancelled
Performers include: Sarah Wayne Callies, Clive Standen, J. August Richards, Blue Chapman, Emjay Anthony, Michele Weaver, Thalia Tran, Steven Silver, Michael O’Neill, and Tom Everett Scott.
TV show description:
Based on the book by Bruce Feiler, the Council of Dads TV show follows the Perry clan and their extended surrogate family.
Scott Perry (Scott) is a loving father of five who has his entire life's plan thrown into upheaval by an unexpected health scare. After being diagnosed with cancer, he and his wife call on a few of their most trusted friends to step in as back-up dads to help guide and support his growing...
- 6/26/2020
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
The dads aren't coming back for a second season. Co-star J. August Richards has revealed that the NBC family drama series, Council of Dads, has been cancelled a week ahead of its season (now series) finale.
Airing on Thursday nights, the drama series begins as Scott Perry (Tom Everett Scott), a loving father of five, has his entire life’s plan thrown into upheaval by an unexpected health scare. After being diagnosed with cancer, he and his wife call on a few of their most trusted friends to step in as back-up dads to help guide and support his growing family – just in case Scott can’t be there to do it himself. The show also stars Richards, Sarah Wayne Callies, Clive Standen, Blue Chapman, Emjay Anthony, Michele Weaver, Thalia Tran, Steven Silver, Kevin Daniels, and Michael O’Neill.
Read More…...
Airing on Thursday nights, the drama series begins as Scott Perry (Tom Everett Scott), a loving father of five, has his entire life’s plan thrown into upheaval by an unexpected health scare. After being diagnosed with cancer, he and his wife call on a few of their most trusted friends to step in as back-up dads to help guide and support his growing family – just in case Scott can’t be there to do it himself. The show also stars Richards, Sarah Wayne Callies, Clive Standen, Blue Chapman, Emjay Anthony, Michele Weaver, Thalia Tran, Steven Silver, Kevin Daniels, and Michael O’Neill.
Read More…...
- 6/26/2020
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
NBC has canceled the family drama “Council of Dads” after one season.
Series star J. August Richards broke the news in an Instagram post on Thursday. “I want to thank @joanrater and @tvphelan for the willingness to give voice and representation to #gayfamilies, #blacklgbt, #qpoc and the worldwide #lgbtq community by telling the story of Oliver, Peter and Tess Post-Richards,” he wrote in the post, also thanking the show’s fans for watching.
View this post on Instagram
So that’s a series wrap on @nbccouncilofdads (aka the show has been cancelled)… I want to thank @joanrater and @tvphelan for the willingness to give voice and representation to #gayfamilies, #blacklgbt, #qpoc and the worldwide #lgbtq community by telling the story of Oliver, Peter and Tess Post-Richards… I also want to thank You! Yes, You! I took a big risk and you let me know you have my back… And, in truth,...
Series star J. August Richards broke the news in an Instagram post on Thursday. “I want to thank @joanrater and @tvphelan for the willingness to give voice and representation to #gayfamilies, #blacklgbt, #qpoc and the worldwide #lgbtq community by telling the story of Oliver, Peter and Tess Post-Richards,” he wrote in the post, also thanking the show’s fans for watching.
View this post on Instagram
So that’s a series wrap on @nbccouncilofdads (aka the show has been cancelled)… I want to thank @joanrater and @tvphelan for the willingness to give voice and representation to #gayfamilies, #blacklgbt, #qpoc and the worldwide #lgbtq community by telling the story of Oliver, Peter and Tess Post-Richards… I also want to thank You! Yes, You! I took a big risk and you let me know you have my back… And, in truth,...
- 6/26/2020
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
NBC has opted not to renew family drama Council of Dads, sources confirm to Deadline. The decision comes two episodes before the end of the drama’s Season 1 run. Co-star J. August Richards revealed the cancellation in an Instagram post, noting that “tonight is my favorite episode of the season!!!” (You can read his message to fans below)
Council of Dads premiered on March 24 following the season finale of This Is Us. It was the second consecutive drama series in the mold of This Is Us launched by NBC that did not go beyond one season, following last season’s The Village. Council of Dads ranks as one of NBC’s lowest rated drama series of the season. It joins fellow freshman NBC series Bluff City Law, Lincoln Rhyme, Perfect Harmony, Indebted and Sunnyside which all have been canceled. The one NBC first-year scripted show to make it to Season 2 is Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist.
Council of Dads premiered on March 24 following the season finale of This Is Us. It was the second consecutive drama series in the mold of This Is Us launched by NBC that did not go beyond one season, following last season’s The Village. Council of Dads ranks as one of NBC’s lowest rated drama series of the season. It joins fellow freshman NBC series Bluff City Law, Lincoln Rhyme, Perfect Harmony, Indebted and Sunnyside which all have been canceled. The one NBC first-year scripted show to make it to Season 2 is Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist.
- 6/26/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva and Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The “Council of Dads” will not be re-convening for a second season.
A source has confirmed to Variety that NBC has canceled the one-hour drama. News of the cancelation comes as the series is about to air its ninth episode.
“Council of Dads” tells the story of an extended family which forms when Scott, a loving father of four, has his entire life’s plan thrown into upheaval by a cancer diagnosis [and] calls on a few of his closest allies to step in as back-up dads for every stage of his growing family’s life.
The trusted group of role models Scott has assembled to help his family include his oldest friend Anthony (Clive Standen), his AA sponsor Larry (Michael O’Neill) and his surgeon and wife’s (Sarah Wayne Callies) best friend Oliver (J. August Richards). The three men agree to devote themselves to supporting and guiding Scott’s family...
A source has confirmed to Variety that NBC has canceled the one-hour drama. News of the cancelation comes as the series is about to air its ninth episode.
“Council of Dads” tells the story of an extended family which forms when Scott, a loving father of four, has his entire life’s plan thrown into upheaval by a cancer diagnosis [and] calls on a few of his closest allies to step in as back-up dads for every stage of his growing family’s life.
The trusted group of role models Scott has assembled to help his family include his oldest friend Anthony (Clive Standen), his AA sponsor Larry (Michael O’Neill) and his surgeon and wife’s (Sarah Wayne Callies) best friend Oliver (J. August Richards). The three men agree to devote themselves to supporting and guiding Scott’s family...
- 6/26/2020
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
Longtime Kew Media Group exec Steven Katz has landed at Shout! Factory to head up its business and legal affairs.
Named vp of business and legal affairs at Shout, based in Los Angeles, Katz will oversee dealmaking in film and TV acquisitions, development, production, distribution and other company divisions.
He left Kew Media as vp of business and legal affairs in February 2020 as co-founders Peter Sussman and Steven Silver tipped the company into a court-directed bankruptcy, before their assets were sold off. That corporate collapse followed Kew Media in 2017 bulking up by acquiring six TV producers to avoid ...
Named vp of business and legal affairs at Shout, based in Los Angeles, Katz will oversee dealmaking in film and TV acquisitions, development, production, distribution and other company divisions.
He left Kew Media as vp of business and legal affairs in February 2020 as co-founders Peter Sussman and Steven Silver tipped the company into a court-directed bankruptcy, before their assets were sold off. That corporate collapse followed Kew Media in 2017 bulking up by acquiring six TV producers to avoid ...
Longtime Kew Media Group exec Steven Katz has landed at Shout! Factory to head up its business and legal affairs.
Named vp of business and legal affairs at Shout, based in Los Angeles, Katz will oversee dealmaking in film and TV acquisitions, development, production, distribution and other company divisions.
He left Kew Media as vp of business and legal affairs in February 2020 as co-founders Peter Sussman and Steven Silver tipped the company into a court-directed bankruptcy, before their assets were sold off. That corporate collapse followed Kew Media in 2017 bulking up by acquiring six TV producers to avoid ...
Named vp of business and legal affairs at Shout, based in Los Angeles, Katz will oversee dealmaking in film and TV acquisitions, development, production, distribution and other company divisions.
He left Kew Media as vp of business and legal affairs in February 2020 as co-founders Peter Sussman and Steven Silver tipped the company into a court-directed bankruptcy, before their assets were sold off. That corporate collapse followed Kew Media in 2017 bulking up by acquiring six TV producers to avoid ...
The long-tail effect of “This Is Us” — the only network drama launch in recent memory to achieve its particular alchemical blend of popular and critical acclaim along with awards attention — remains very much in effect, as evidenced by “Council of Dads.” This new NBC drama would seem to take its network-mate as a template, incorporating, through shifts through time, a foundational family trauma that gives way to a clan whose structure’s unconventionality is, perhaps its strength.
Which means that “Council of Dads” — in which the widow and children of a recently deceased pillar of his community are attended to by a council of dads — has an unshakable solidity to its foundation. At its core, the family story here works, and mysteries seeded through time are intriguing enough to make staying tuned seem like an appealing proposition. Where “Council of Dads” falters is when it ventures too far onto the...
Which means that “Council of Dads” — in which the widow and children of a recently deceased pillar of his community are attended to by a council of dads — has an unshakable solidity to its foundation. At its core, the family story here works, and mysteries seeded through time are intriguing enough to make staying tuned seem like an appealing proposition. Where “Council of Dads” falters is when it ventures too far onto the...
- 4/29/2020
- by Daniel D'Addario
- Variety Film + TV
Vulture Watch
Will this series be as successful as This Is Us for NBC? Has the Council of Dads TV show been cancelled or renewed for a second season on NBC? The television vulture is watching all the latest cancellation and renewal news, so this page is the place to track the status of Council of Dads, season two. Bookmark it, or subscribe for the latest updates. Remember, the television vulture is watching your shows. Are you?
What's This TV Show About?
Airing on the NBC television network, the Council of Dads TV show stars Sarah Wayne Callies, Clive Standen, J. August Richards, Blue Chapman, Emjay Anthony, Michele Weaver, Thalia Tran, Steven Silver, Michael O’Neill, and Tom Everett Scott. Scott Perry (Scott) is a loving father of five who has his entire life's plan thrown into upheaval by an unexpected health scare.
Will this series be as successful as This Is Us for NBC? Has the Council of Dads TV show been cancelled or renewed for a second season on NBC? The television vulture is watching all the latest cancellation and renewal news, so this page is the place to track the status of Council of Dads, season two. Bookmark it, or subscribe for the latest updates. Remember, the television vulture is watching your shows. Are you?
What's This TV Show About?
Airing on the NBC television network, the Council of Dads TV show stars Sarah Wayne Callies, Clive Standen, J. August Richards, Blue Chapman, Emjay Anthony, Michele Weaver, Thalia Tran, Steven Silver, Michael O’Neill, and Tom Everett Scott. Scott Perry (Scott) is a loving father of five who has his entire life's plan thrown into upheaval by an unexpected health scare.
- 3/26/2020
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
NBC convened its Council of Dads this Tuesday night, with a sneak preview airing more than a month ahead of its Thursdays-at-8/7c premiere. Will you (remember to) follow the family drama to its regular home?
Inspired by Bruce Feiler’s book of the same name, Council of Dads‘ verrrrry table-setty pilot opens up in the summer, where we meet Scott and Robin Perry (played by Tom Everett Scott and Prison Break‘s Sarah Wayne Callies) and their already sizable Georgia family: Luly (Love Is___‘ Michele Weaver), Scott’s daughter by another woman, who is waiting to hear about a...
Inspired by Bruce Feiler’s book of the same name, Council of Dads‘ verrrrry table-setty pilot opens up in the summer, where we meet Scott and Robin Perry (played by Tom Everett Scott and Prison Break‘s Sarah Wayne Callies) and their already sizable Georgia family: Luly (Love Is___‘ Michele Weaver), Scott’s daughter by another woman, who is waiting to hear about a...
- 3/25/2020
- TVLine.com
Greg Quail.
Essential Media Group (Emg) CEO Greg Quail and North American president Jesse Fawcett have purchased the Essential companies from the collapsed Kew Media Group.
The deal gives Quail and Fawcett full control of the group’s Us, Australian and New Zealand operations while Dave Cole, managing director of post house Two Dogs.TV, regains a minority stake.
“It’s been a very distracting time. We’re looking forward to getting back to business and making TV shows,” Quail told If today.
Emg was formed by the merger of Australia’s Essential Media and Entertainment, Fawcett’s La- based 11 Television, Quail Entertainment Us and the North American joint venture Essential Quail Television (Eqtv).
Jesse Fawcett.
Canada’s Kew Media bought Emg in 2018 for $32.8 million, $20 million in cash and the balance in shares.
The Toronto-based media conglomerate collapsed in February and Fti Consulting Canada was appointed to sell its assets to repay creditors.
Essential Media Group (Emg) CEO Greg Quail and North American president Jesse Fawcett have purchased the Essential companies from the collapsed Kew Media Group.
The deal gives Quail and Fawcett full control of the group’s Us, Australian and New Zealand operations while Dave Cole, managing director of post house Two Dogs.TV, regains a minority stake.
“It’s been a very distracting time. We’re looking forward to getting back to business and making TV shows,” Quail told If today.
Emg was formed by the merger of Australia’s Essential Media and Entertainment, Fawcett’s La- based 11 Television, Quail Entertainment Us and the North American joint venture Essential Quail Television (Eqtv).
Jesse Fawcett.
Canada’s Kew Media bought Emg in 2018 for $32.8 million, $20 million in cash and the balance in shares.
The Toronto-based media conglomerate collapsed in February and Fti Consulting Canada was appointed to sell its assets to repay creditors.
- 3/12/2020
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Exclusive: After nearly three months navigating perilously choppy waters, with some of its best talent abandoning ship and a steady drip of damaging press, Canada’s Kew Media Group (Kmg) finally sunk last Friday. The global producer-distributor’s eight directors resigned, scores of others lost their jobs, and the company will now be stripped of its assets. For insiders caught up in the wreckage, the post-mortem has begun on how this still-young company unraveled, taking down with it a profitable UK distribution arm that had a library boasting some of the biggest TV shows of 2019.
Founded by media financiers Peter Sussman and Steven Silver, Kmg announced itself to the world with a $50M Ipo on the Toronto Stock Exchange in 2016. It embarked on a spending spree, acquiring or taking stakes in around 15 companies over two years, including Dance Moms producer Collins Avenue, Alex Gibney’s Jigsaw Productions, which made HBO...
Founded by media financiers Peter Sussman and Steven Silver, Kmg announced itself to the world with a $50M Ipo on the Toronto Stock Exchange in 2016. It embarked on a spending spree, acquiring or taking stakes in around 15 companies over two years, including Dance Moms producer Collins Avenue, Alex Gibney’s Jigsaw Productions, which made HBO...
- 3/3/2020
- by Jake Kanter
- Deadline Film + TV
“Baroness Von Sketch Show” producer Frantic Films has bought back the company from embattled parent Kew Media Group.
Frantic Films founder Jamie Brown has personally financed the deal to reacquire 100% ownership of the firm, which was bought by Kew in March 2017. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
Following the deal, Brown will continue to helm Frantic Films out of Winnipeg and Toronto, with the leadership, wider staff and production pipeline unaffected.
The 20-year-old Frantic Films produces programming across lifestyle, factual, reality, sports, comedy and scripted, with stand-out titles including “Backyard Builds” (Hgtv), “The Stats of Life” (CBC) and the 2019 Rose d’Or-winning “Baroness Von Sketch Show” (CBC/IFC) and “Still Standing” (CBC). The business recently racked up 13 nominations for the 2020 Canadian Screen Awards.
Brown, CEO and executive producer of Frantic Films, said: “After 20 years of domestic and international production success, this marks the beginning of a new chapter for our company.
Frantic Films founder Jamie Brown has personally financed the deal to reacquire 100% ownership of the firm, which was bought by Kew in March 2017. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed.
Following the deal, Brown will continue to helm Frantic Films out of Winnipeg and Toronto, with the leadership, wider staff and production pipeline unaffected.
The 20-year-old Frantic Films produces programming across lifestyle, factual, reality, sports, comedy and scripted, with stand-out titles including “Backyard Builds” (Hgtv), “The Stats of Life” (CBC) and the 2019 Rose d’Or-winning “Baroness Von Sketch Show” (CBC/IFC) and “Still Standing” (CBC). The business recently racked up 13 nominations for the 2020 Canadian Screen Awards.
Brown, CEO and executive producer of Frantic Films, said: “After 20 years of domestic and international production success, this marks the beginning of a new chapter for our company.
- 2/28/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s TV News Roundup, Tony Hale was cast in a dual role in Hulu’s upcoming adaptation of “The Mysterious Benedict Society” and Epix announced a slew of new series regulars for Season 2 of “Pennyworth.”
Casting
Tony Hale has been cast in the upcoming Hulu original series “The Mysterious Benedict Society.” Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, “The Mysterious Benedict Society” tells the story of four gifted orphans who are recruited to go on a secret mission. Hale has been cast in a dual role, playing the children’s eccentric benefactor, Mr. Benedict, and his villainous twin brother, Mr. Curtain. The show comes from Sonar Entertainment and Twentieth Century Fox Television. Darren Swimmer and Todd Slavkin serve as showrunners.
“Pennyworth” has added a slew of new series regulars for its second season on Epix. James Purefoy will play Alfred Pennyworth’s former Sas Captain; Edward Hogg...
Casting
Tony Hale has been cast in the upcoming Hulu original series “The Mysterious Benedict Society.” Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, “The Mysterious Benedict Society” tells the story of four gifted orphans who are recruited to go on a secret mission. Hale has been cast in a dual role, playing the children’s eccentric benefactor, Mr. Benedict, and his villainous twin brother, Mr. Curtain. The show comes from Sonar Entertainment and Twentieth Century Fox Television. Darren Swimmer and Todd Slavkin serve as showrunners.
“Pennyworth” has added a slew of new series regulars for its second season on Epix. James Purefoy will play Alfred Pennyworth’s former Sas Captain; Edward Hogg...
- 2/27/2020
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
NBC has delayed the launch of its new drama series Council of Dads. Originally scheduled to premiere on March 10, Council of Dads now will debut on Tuesday, March 24 at 10 Pm Et/Pt, immediately following the season finale of This Is Us.
The scheduled shift was revealed in a New Amsterdam promo that aired last night on NBC. The hit medical drama series will now air March 10 and 17 in its 10 Pm time slot
NBC has made a big investment in sophomore New Amsterdam, which was recently given a massive three-season renewal. The scheduling tweak will give the Ryan Eggold-starring series two more airings in the coveted post-This Is Us slot where it has excelled, logging its best Live+ Same Day numbers since the fall last night.
Under the new arrangement, the Council Of Dads premiere still will benefit from the and buzz generated by the This Is Us Season 4 finale,...
The scheduled shift was revealed in a New Amsterdam promo that aired last night on NBC. The hit medical drama series will now air March 10 and 17 in its 10 Pm time slot
NBC has made a big investment in sophomore New Amsterdam, which was recently given a massive three-season renewal. The scheduling tweak will give the Ryan Eggold-starring series two more airings in the coveted post-This Is Us slot where it has excelled, logging its best Live+ Same Day numbers since the fall last night.
Under the new arrangement, the Council Of Dads premiere still will benefit from the and buzz generated by the This Is Us Season 4 finale,...
- 2/26/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva and Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
NBC has shifted back the series premiere of its new drama “Council of Dads” by two weeks so that it will now air immediately after the Season 4 finale of “This Is Us.”
The freshman show will also be changing weeknights when it returns, as it was originally scheduled to settled into the Dan Fogelman-created drama’s 9 p.m. Tuesday slot once that series ended its current run. Now it’s going to Thursdays, with “Ellen’s Game of Games” taking over the time period from “This Is Us.”
“Council of Dads,” which was set to debut at 10/9c on Tuesday, March 10, will now premiere in that same hour on Tuesday, March 24, just after the final episode of the fourth season of “This Is Us.”
Also Read: CBS Dominates in Early Ratings With Dem Debate Topping 13 Million Viewers
That means “New Amsterdam,” which usually occupies that 10 p.m. hour on Tuesdays,...
The freshman show will also be changing weeknights when it returns, as it was originally scheduled to settled into the Dan Fogelman-created drama’s 9 p.m. Tuesday slot once that series ended its current run. Now it’s going to Thursdays, with “Ellen’s Game of Games” taking over the time period from “This Is Us.”
“Council of Dads,” which was set to debut at 10/9c on Tuesday, March 10, will now premiere in that same hour on Tuesday, March 24, just after the final episode of the fourth season of “This Is Us.”
Also Read: CBS Dominates in Early Ratings With Dem Debate Topping 13 Million Viewers
That means “New Amsterdam,” which usually occupies that 10 p.m. hour on Tuesdays,...
- 2/26/2020
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Canada’s embattled Kew Media Group will continue to cease all trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (Tsx) following a permanent cease trade order by the Ontario Securities Commission, as the firm’s portfolio of production companies scrambles to exit what one executive has called “a sinking ship.”
Several people with direct knowledge of the company’s finances have told Variety that the producers of HBO and Channel 4 documentary “Leaving Neverland,” one of Kew Media Distribution’s top-earning titles last year – selling into every territory in the world except China, Kew said in July – are among those who are heavily out of pocket, with large amounts of royalties still unpaid.
It is understood that discussions around payment are still ongoing with Kew Media Group, whose financial turmoil was first revealed in its third-quarter earnings in November, which showed a net loss of Cad$6.4 million ($4.8 million) for the period and...
Several people with direct knowledge of the company’s finances have told Variety that the producers of HBO and Channel 4 documentary “Leaving Neverland,” one of Kew Media Distribution’s top-earning titles last year – selling into every territory in the world except China, Kew said in July – are among those who are heavily out of pocket, with large amounts of royalties still unpaid.
It is understood that discussions around payment are still ongoing with Kew Media Group, whose financial turmoil was first revealed in its third-quarter earnings in November, which showed a net loss of Cad$6.4 million ($4.8 million) for the period and...
- 2/1/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Two Rivers Media has bought out parent group Kew Media Group’s minority stake in the business.
Formed by former Stv Productions head Alan Clements in January 2019, the production outfit behind Channel 5’s recent “Susan Hill’s Ghost Story” launched with the backing of Kew, Noble Grossart Investments and Channel 4’s Indie Growth Fund.
Noble Grossart Investments and Channel 4’s Indie Growth Fund are increasing their interests to facilitate the buy-out.
The buy-out comes a month after Kew Media Group triggered a strategic review of its business, revealing that the company could be broken up or sold completely following a financially turbulent period for Kew.
Kew was launched by Steven Silver and Peter Sussman in 2017, and owns a roster of Canadian production companies such as Bristow Global Media, Frantic Films and Our House Media, as well as distribution outfits Content Media, which became Kew Media Distribution, and Tcb Media Rights.
Formed by former Stv Productions head Alan Clements in January 2019, the production outfit behind Channel 5’s recent “Susan Hill’s Ghost Story” launched with the backing of Kew, Noble Grossart Investments and Channel 4’s Indie Growth Fund.
Noble Grossart Investments and Channel 4’s Indie Growth Fund are increasing their interests to facilitate the buy-out.
The buy-out comes a month after Kew Media Group triggered a strategic review of its business, revealing that the company could be broken up or sold completely following a financially turbulent period for Kew.
Kew was launched by Steven Silver and Peter Sussman in 2017, and owns a roster of Canadian production companies such as Bristow Global Media, Frantic Films and Our House Media, as well as distribution outfits Content Media, which became Kew Media Distribution, and Tcb Media Rights.
- 1/20/2020
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: The 26th annual Austin Film Festival (Aff) has set The Obituary of Tunde Johnson as their opening night film. The fest takes place on October 24-31.
The film, written by up-and-comer Stanely Kalu and directed by Ali LeRoi, will make its U.S. premiere after debuting to critical acclaim at the Toronto International Film Festival. The story follows the titular character (played by 13 Reasons Why actor Steven Silver), a gay, black teenager trapped in a time loop that forces him to relive his own brutal murder at the hands of a police officer on duty. The Obituary of Tunde Johnson marks LeRoi’s feature directorial debut and Kalu’s first produced feature screenplay.
In addition, Mati Diop’s directorial debut Atlantics will make its U.S. premiere at the fest. The romance set in Senegal was awarded the Sutherland Award at the BFI London Film Festival as well as...
The film, written by up-and-comer Stanely Kalu and directed by Ali LeRoi, will make its U.S. premiere after debuting to critical acclaim at the Toronto International Film Festival. The story follows the titular character (played by 13 Reasons Why actor Steven Silver), a gay, black teenager trapped in a time loop that forces him to relive his own brutal murder at the hands of a police officer on duty. The Obituary of Tunde Johnson marks LeRoi’s feature directorial debut and Kalu’s first produced feature screenplay.
In addition, Mati Diop’s directorial debut Atlantics will make its U.S. premiere at the fest. The romance set in Senegal was awarded the Sutherland Award at the BFI London Film Festival as well as...
- 10/17/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
A hybrid of Groundhog Day, Russian Doll, The Hate U Give and Moonlight, The Obituary of Tunde Johnson made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival — and the filmmakers and leading man stopped by for a live recording of the New Hollywood Podcast.
As Stanley Kalu’s first screenplay and Ali LeRoi’s (co-creator of Everybody Hate Chris) feature debut The Obituary of Tunde Johnson, tells the story of the titular Black gay teen (Steven Silver) from a Nigerian immigrant family who is forced to relive the day he was killed by police. The premise is cut from cloth of time loop films, but this one stands out as a queer film that expands beyond the run-of-the-mill “coming out” story, tackling topics such as police brutality, interracial relationships, being gay in an immigrant family from Nigeria, mental health, high school pressures and other topics that are on top of mind today.
As Stanley Kalu’s first screenplay and Ali LeRoi’s (co-creator of Everybody Hate Chris) feature debut The Obituary of Tunde Johnson, tells the story of the titular Black gay teen (Steven Silver) from a Nigerian immigrant family who is forced to relive the day he was killed by police. The premise is cut from cloth of time loop films, but this one stands out as a queer film that expands beyond the run-of-the-mill “coming out” story, tackling topics such as police brutality, interracial relationships, being gay in an immigrant family from Nigeria, mental health, high school pressures and other topics that are on top of mind today.
- 9/10/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos and Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Eighteen-year-old Tunde Johnson (Steven Silver) isn’t consciously able to explain why he wakes up gasping every day. Every day is the same day, May 28, and every night, he’s murdered by the cops and “The Obituary of Tunde Johnson” is read anew: an upper-middle class, gay high schooler destined to be shot by jumpy officers who don’t know him at all. The interesting crinkle in Ali LeRoi’s coiling drama is that (Besides, notes LeRoi, the first time he dies, he does everything perfectly, placing both hands visibly on the wheel as though he’s been expecting danger his whole life.)
Instead, LeRoi (who created the TV series “Everybody Hates Chris”) and screenwriter Stanley Kalu chooses to wipe the majority of his memories, freeing Tunde to spend this slick, chillwave-injected film embracing life instead of dodging death. But death is coming from someone’s nervous trigger fingers and...
Instead, LeRoi (who created the TV series “Everybody Hates Chris”) and screenwriter Stanley Kalu chooses to wipe the majority of his memories, freeing Tunde to spend this slick, chillwave-injected film embracing life instead of dodging death. But death is coming from someone’s nervous trigger fingers and...
- 9/8/2019
- by Amy Nicholson
- Variety Film + TV
Stability is the name of the game at NBC as the network heads into the 2019-20 TV season.
With only one new drama and two new comedies on the fall schedule, the network is keeping things simple.
New Jimmy Smitts legal drama, Bluff City Law is taking the 10/9c post-The Voice slot.
NBC typically uses that slot to launch new dramas, but given that The Voice has been fading this season, there's a good chance it won't be the solid launch pad it once was.
This move leaves Manifest off the fall schedule to allow for uninterupted 2020 run, which is probably a good thing given the serialized nature of the series.
The Good Place is moving to 9/8c on a permanent basis for its fourth season. It will be sandwiched between new comedies, Perfect Harmony and Sunnyside.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Will & Grace are both being held for midseason.
The...
With only one new drama and two new comedies on the fall schedule, the network is keeping things simple.
New Jimmy Smitts legal drama, Bluff City Law is taking the 10/9c post-The Voice slot.
NBC typically uses that slot to launch new dramas, but given that The Voice has been fading this season, there's a good chance it won't be the solid launch pad it once was.
This move leaves Manifest off the fall schedule to allow for uninterupted 2020 run, which is probably a good thing given the serialized nature of the series.
The Good Place is moving to 9/8c on a permanent basis for its fourth season. It will be sandwiched between new comedies, Perfect Harmony and Sunnyside.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Will & Grace are both being held for midseason.
The...
- 5/12/2019
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
NBC’s 2019-2020 primetime schedule is heavy on stability with four new dramas and four comedies set to join the Peacock’s lineup.
Here’s the schedule and descriptions of the new scripted series:
NBC Fall 2019-20 Schedule
(New programs in Upper Case; all times Et)
Monday
8-10 P.M. — The Voice
10-11 P.M. — Bluff City Law
Tuesday
8-9 P.M. — The Voice
9-10 P.M. — This Is Us
10-11 P.M. — New Amsterdam
Wednesday
8-9 P.M. — Chicago Med
9-10 P.M. — Chicago Fire
10-11 P.M. — Chicago P.D.
Thursday
8-8:30 P.M. — Superstore
8:30-9 P.M. — Perfect Harmony
9-9:30 P.M. — The Good Place
9:30-10 P.M. — Sunnyside
10-11 P.M. — Law & Order: Svu
Friday
8-9 P.M. – The Blacklist
9-11 P.M — Dateline NBC
Saturday
8-10 P.M. — Dateline Saturday Night Mystery
10-11 P.M. – Saturday Night Live (encores)
Sunday
7-8:20 P.
Here’s the schedule and descriptions of the new scripted series:
NBC Fall 2019-20 Schedule
(New programs in Upper Case; all times Et)
Monday
8-10 P.M. — The Voice
10-11 P.M. — Bluff City Law
Tuesday
8-9 P.M. — The Voice
9-10 P.M. — This Is Us
10-11 P.M. — New Amsterdam
Wednesday
8-9 P.M. — Chicago Med
9-10 P.M. — Chicago Fire
10-11 P.M. — Chicago P.D.
Thursday
8-8:30 P.M. — Superstore
8:30-9 P.M. — Perfect Harmony
9-9:30 P.M. — The Good Place
9:30-10 P.M. — Sunnyside
10-11 P.M. — Law & Order: Svu
Friday
8-9 P.M. – The Blacklist
9-11 P.M — Dateline NBC
Saturday
8-10 P.M. — Dateline Saturday Night Mystery
10-11 P.M. – Saturday Night Live (encores)
Sunday
7-8:20 P.
- 5/12/2019
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
Updated May 10 at 11:47 a.m. with “Speechless” canceled by ABC.
It’s that time of year again! As the broadcast networks consider new series for their fall slates ahead of their upfront presentations to advertisers next week, they’ve also begun to winnow down which current shows will return next season and which will come to an end.
Below is every scripted (and a few unscripted) show that ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox and The CW have renewed or canceled so far, along with those still awaiting their fates for the 2019-20 slate. We’ve also included descriptions of the new shows that have been picked up so far.
Check back throughout the week for updates. You can read our pilot guide to see what projects may soon be ordered to series here.
It’s that time of year again! As the broadcast networks consider new series for their fall slates ahead of their upfront presentations to advertisers next week, they’ve also begun to winnow down which current shows will return next season and which will come to an end.
Below is every scripted (and a few unscripted) show that ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox and The CW have renewed or canceled so far, along with those still awaiting their fates for the 2019-20 slate. We’ve also included descriptions of the new shows that have been picked up so far.
Check back throughout the week for updates. You can read our pilot guide to see what projects may soon be ordered to series here.
- 5/10/2019
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
We are just weeks away from Upfronts, and the broadcast networks have already started the process of picking up some of the pilots series.
We have some sad news for Jane the Virgin fans: The CW has confirmed it is no longer moving forward with Jane the Novella, an anthology series which would have been narrated by original series star Gina Rodriguez.
Each season was said to be about one of Jane Villanueva's novels
The first installment was to be set “at a Napa Valley vineyard, where family secrets (and family members) don’t stay buried for long,” per the network.
Related: Batwoman, Katy Keene, and Nancy Drew Ordered at CW
The cast for the pilot to included Marcia Cross (Desperate Housewives), Hunter Parrish (Weeds), Jane the Virgin star Ivonne Coll.
It will be bittersweet news for fans of the original series given that Jane the Virgin is set to...
We have some sad news for Jane the Virgin fans: The CW has confirmed it is no longer moving forward with Jane the Novella, an anthology series which would have been narrated by original series star Gina Rodriguez.
Each season was said to be about one of Jane Villanueva's novels
The first installment was to be set “at a Napa Valley vineyard, where family secrets (and family members) don’t stay buried for long,” per the network.
Related: Batwoman, Katy Keene, and Nancy Drew Ordered at CW
The cast for the pilot to included Marcia Cross (Desperate Housewives), Hunter Parrish (Weeds), Jane the Virgin star Ivonne Coll.
It will be bittersweet news for fans of the original series given that Jane the Virgin is set to...
- 5/8/2019
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
NBC has ordered one-hour drama “Council of Dads” to series.
“Council of Dads” tells the story of an extended family when Scott, a “loving father of four, has his entire life’s plan thrown into upheaval by a cancer diagnosis [and] calls on a few of his closest allies to step in as back-up dads for every stage of his growing family’s life.”
The trusted group of role models Scott has assembled to help his family include his oldest friend Anthony, his AA sponsor Alrry and his surgeon and wife’s best friend Oliver. The three men agree to devote themselves to supporting and guiding Scott’s family through “all the triumphs and challenges life has to offer — just in case he ever can’t be there to do so himself.”
“Council of Dads” stars Sarah Wayne Callies, Clive Standen, Tom Everett Scott, J. August Richards, Blue Chapman, Emjay Anthony,...
“Council of Dads” tells the story of an extended family when Scott, a “loving father of four, has his entire life’s plan thrown into upheaval by a cancer diagnosis [and] calls on a few of his closest allies to step in as back-up dads for every stage of his growing family’s life.”
The trusted group of role models Scott has assembled to help his family include his oldest friend Anthony, his AA sponsor Alrry and his surgeon and wife’s best friend Oliver. The three men agree to devote themselves to supporting and guiding Scott’s family through “all the triumphs and challenges life has to offer — just in case he ever can’t be there to do so himself.”
“Council of Dads” stars Sarah Wayne Callies, Clive Standen, Tom Everett Scott, J. August Richards, Blue Chapman, Emjay Anthony,...
- 5/8/2019
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
NBC has given a series order to drama pilot Council of Dads, from Doubt creators Joan Rater and Tony Phelan, Jerry Bruckheimer Television and Universal TV.
The project, inspired by Bruce Feiler’s best-selling memoir, had been a standout throughout the pilot process. Having a similar sensibility to This Is Us, Council of Dads is considered a potential companion for the hit family drama.
Council of Dads, starring Sarah Wayne Callies, Clive Standen, Tom Everett Scott and J. August Richards, marks NBC’s third new series pickup for next season, joining legal drama Bluff City Law starring Jimmy Smits and Kal Penn’s immigrant comedy Sunnyside. All three come from NBC sibling Uni TV.
Feiler’s memoir The Council of Dads: My Daughters, My Illness and the Men Who Could Be Me was first adapted for TV eight years ago as a half-hour comedy by Peter Tolan, which went to...
The project, inspired by Bruce Feiler’s best-selling memoir, had been a standout throughout the pilot process. Having a similar sensibility to This Is Us, Council of Dads is considered a potential companion for the hit family drama.
Council of Dads, starring Sarah Wayne Callies, Clive Standen, Tom Everett Scott and J. August Richards, marks NBC’s third new series pickup for next season, joining legal drama Bluff City Law starring Jimmy Smits and Kal Penn’s immigrant comedy Sunnyside. All three come from NBC sibling Uni TV.
Feiler’s memoir The Council of Dads: My Daughters, My Illness and the Men Who Could Be Me was first adapted for TV eight years ago as a half-hour comedy by Peter Tolan, which went to...
- 5/8/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Michael O’Neill (Jack Ryan), Steven Silver (13 Reasons Why), Emjay Anthony (Chef) and Thalia Tran are set as series regulars opposite Sarah Wayne Callies and Clive Standen in Council of Dads, NBC’s drama pilot inspired by Bruce Feiler’s book, from Doubt creators Joan Rater and Tony Phelan, Jerry Bruckheimer Television and Universal TV.
Written by Rater and Phelan, Council of Dads is the story of Scott Perry and his family, whose lives are thrown into upheaval when he gets a potentially terminal diagnosis. Facing his mortality, he and his wife, Robin (Callies), assemble a unique group (council) of carefully chosen friends to support his family and guide them through the ups and downs of life’s many challenges.
O’Neill will play Larry Malvern, a calming presence who is used to being in charge.
Silver will portray Evan, a smart, caring young man with a great sense of...
Written by Rater and Phelan, Council of Dads is the story of Scott Perry and his family, whose lives are thrown into upheaval when he gets a potentially terminal diagnosis. Facing his mortality, he and his wife, Robin (Callies), assemble a unique group (council) of carefully chosen friends to support his family and guide them through the ups and downs of life’s many challenges.
O’Neill will play Larry Malvern, a calming presence who is used to being in charge.
Silver will portray Evan, a smart, caring young man with a great sense of...
- 3/7/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
The NBC pilot “Council of Dads” has added four more regulars to its cast, Variety has learned.
Michael O’Neill, Steven Silver, Thalia Tran, and Emjay Anthony have all been cast in the drama pilot. They join previously announced cast members Sarah Wayne Callies, Clive Standen, Michele Weaver, Blue Chapman, and J. August Richards.
Based on Bruce Feiler’s memoir of the same name, the show follows Scott Perry and his family, whose lives are thrown into upheaval when he gets a potentially terminal diagnosis. Facing his mortality, he and his wife, Robin (Callies), assemble a unique group of carefully chosen friends to support his family and guide them through the ups and downs of life’s many challenges.
O’Neill will play Larry Malvern, described as a calming presence who is used to being in charge. O’Neill’s recent TV roles include “Swat,” “The Romanoffs,” “Shooter,” “Scandal,” and “Rectify.
Michael O’Neill, Steven Silver, Thalia Tran, and Emjay Anthony have all been cast in the drama pilot. They join previously announced cast members Sarah Wayne Callies, Clive Standen, Michele Weaver, Blue Chapman, and J. August Richards.
Based on Bruce Feiler’s memoir of the same name, the show follows Scott Perry and his family, whose lives are thrown into upheaval when he gets a potentially terminal diagnosis. Facing his mortality, he and his wife, Robin (Callies), assemble a unique group of carefully chosen friends to support his family and guide them through the ups and downs of life’s many challenges.
O’Neill will play Larry Malvern, described as a calming presence who is used to being in charge. O’Neill’s recent TV roles include “Swat,” “The Romanoffs,” “Shooter,” “Scandal,” and “Rectify.
- 3/7/2019
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Kew Media Group is among the investors in British production company Two Rivers Media, set up by former Stv content chief Alan Clements.
The company, which also owns stakes in businesses including Alex Gibney’s Jigsaw Productions, has purchased a stake in the business alongside Scottish media bank Noble Grossart and British broadcaster C4. Kew has also taken the option to acquire a controlling stake in the company but has not disclosed how much it paid, saying it was “not seen as material from Kew’s perspective”.
This comes after Two Rivers Media scored its first commission, Children of the Devolution, a BBC Scotland documentary series celebrating the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Scottish parliament.
The company will produce factual, daytime series and features, entertainment shows and scripted with Mick McAvoy, former head of Documentaries and Factual at Stv Production, heading Two Rivers’ factual business.
Alan Clements, CEO of Two Rivers Media,...
The company, which also owns stakes in businesses including Alex Gibney’s Jigsaw Productions, has purchased a stake in the business alongside Scottish media bank Noble Grossart and British broadcaster C4. Kew has also taken the option to acquire a controlling stake in the company but has not disclosed how much it paid, saying it was “not seen as material from Kew’s perspective”.
This comes after Two Rivers Media scored its first commission, Children of the Devolution, a BBC Scotland documentary series celebrating the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Scottish parliament.
The company will produce factual, daytime series and features, entertainment shows and scripted with Mick McAvoy, former head of Documentaries and Factual at Stv Production, heading Two Rivers’ factual business.
Alan Clements, CEO of Two Rivers Media,...
- 1/24/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Steven Silver (13 Reasons Why), Nicola Peltz (Transformers: Age of Extinction), and Spencer Neville (Ozark) are set to star in The Obituary of Tunde Johnson, with production slated to commence this week in Los Angeles. Ali LeRoi is directing the indie drama based on a script written by Nigerian-born USC student Stanley Kalu.
Set in Southern California, the film centers on Tunde Johnson (Silver), a queer, black prep school senior who finds himself in an endless loop of police brutality. Soren O’Connor (Neville) is Johnson’s all-American athlete boyfriend who hides his sexuality from both his conservative father and society by maintaining a relationship with Tunde’s best friend Marley Meyers (Peltz).
Producers are Jason Shuman and Zachary Green, co-creators of the million-dollar screenplay competition called The Launch, which selected Kalu’s script as its first winner. Philanthropists Chuck and Marni Bond are also producing.
Silver, who stars as...
Set in Southern California, the film centers on Tunde Johnson (Silver), a queer, black prep school senior who finds himself in an endless loop of police brutality. Soren O’Connor (Neville) is Johnson’s all-American athlete boyfriend who hides his sexuality from both his conservative father and society by maintaining a relationship with Tunde’s best friend Marley Meyers (Peltz).
Producers are Jason Shuman and Zachary Green, co-creators of the million-dollar screenplay competition called The Launch, which selected Kalu’s script as its first winner. Philanthropists Chuck and Marni Bond are also producing.
Silver, who stars as...
- 11/1/2018
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix unveiled a brand image spot during Sunday’s Bet Awards telecast that highlights black artists who work for the streaming giant.
The spot dubbed “A Great Day in Hollywood” was inspired by the famed 1958 photograph “A Great Day in Harlem” featuring 57 jazz legends — including Charles Mingus, Thelonious Monk, and Count Basie — on the stairs of New York brownstone snapped by photographer Art Kane.
The Netflix spot from director Lacey Duke features 47 black writers, showrunners, actors, and producers. The plan for the spot and the image campaign stemmed from Netflix’s Strong Black Lead initiative designed to foster an “ongoing, intentional focus to talk authentically with the black audience.” A photo similar to “Great Day in Harlem” was taken earlier this month by photographer Kwaku Alston to commemorate the gathering.
The debut comes just two days after Netflix was rocked by the abrupt departure of corporate communications chief Jonathan Friedland...
The spot dubbed “A Great Day in Hollywood” was inspired by the famed 1958 photograph “A Great Day in Harlem” featuring 57 jazz legends — including Charles Mingus, Thelonious Monk, and Count Basie — on the stairs of New York brownstone snapped by photographer Art Kane.
The Netflix spot from director Lacey Duke features 47 black writers, showrunners, actors, and producers. The plan for the spot and the image campaign stemmed from Netflix’s Strong Black Lead initiative designed to foster an “ongoing, intentional focus to talk authentically with the black audience.” A photo similar to “Great Day in Harlem” was taken earlier this month by photographer Kwaku Alston to commemorate the gathering.
The debut comes just two days after Netflix was rocked by the abrupt departure of corporate communications chief Jonathan Friedland...
- 6/25/2018
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
When we say the 13 Reasons Why cast showed up at Saturday night's MTV Movie and TV Awards in La, we mean it. Pretty much every major star of the show was on the red carpet for the event: Dylan Minnette, Katherine Langford, Christian Navarro, Tommy Dorfman, Miles Heizer, Ross Butler, Alisha Boe, Brandon Flynn, Justin Prentice, Devin Druid, Timothy Granaderos, and Steven Silver. If it sounds like a huge list, wait until you see the massive cast photo! 13 Reasons Why only just dropped its second season on Netflix, but luckily it's already been renewed for a third go-round. So rejoice and look at all your faves at their glammed-up best!
Related: 13 Reasons Why Is Confusing, So Here's the Order of the Tapes...
Related: 13 Reasons Why Is Confusing, So Here's the Order of the Tapes...
- 6/17/2018
- by Ryan Roschke
- Popsugar.com
Industry veteran was formerly head of Content Film.
Jamie Carmichael
La-based international sales veteran Jamie Carmichael is stepping down from his role as president of film at Kew Media Group.
The long-time Content Film head is understood to be lining up another venture in the film and TV sector but details have yet to be confirmed.
Kew told Screen in a statement:
”Kew is further combining its film and television units. This allows for more cohesion and synergies across our sales and marketing teams and better positions the company for its growth and expansion. The new joint division will be led by Greg Phillips, President, Distribution. Jamie Carmichael, President of Film, has decided to leave the company to pursue new opportunities.”
Recent titles on the Kew slate include Zach Fox and Omri Dorani’s teen comedy How To Get Girls, Bees Make Honey starring Alice Eve, comedy An Actor Prepares with Jeremy Irons and Jack Huston and sci-fi...
Jamie Carmichael
La-based international sales veteran Jamie Carmichael is stepping down from his role as president of film at Kew Media Group.
The long-time Content Film head is understood to be lining up another venture in the film and TV sector but details have yet to be confirmed.
Kew told Screen in a statement:
”Kew is further combining its film and television units. This allows for more cohesion and synergies across our sales and marketing teams and better positions the company for its growth and expansion. The new joint division will be led by Greg Phillips, President, Distribution. Jamie Carmichael, President of Film, has decided to leave the company to pursue new opportunities.”
Recent titles on the Kew slate include Zach Fox and Omri Dorani’s teen comedy How To Get Girls, Bees Make Honey starring Alice Eve, comedy An Actor Prepares with Jeremy Irons and Jack Huston and sci-fi...
- 1/12/2018
- by Andreas Wiseman
- ScreenDaily
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