Where Lifestyle Cultures Blend
September 24, 2017
Trevor Noah & the writers of “The Daily Show”
Trevor Noah offered a peek at what goes on behind the scenes at “The Daily Show” and talked about being the new kid on the late night block. He compared their work environment to “working in trauma,” noting that the “time from shock to laugh is the shortest amount of time possible.” He went on to call Trump “the most dishonest, authentic person you will ever come across in your life,” and noted Hillary Clinton’s shortcomings in the election, remarking that she couldn’t “get to the emotion that was needed.”
View the livestream here
“Ten Days in the Valley”
Kyra Sedgwick joined her all-female creative team from “Ten Days in The Valley” for an illuminating conversation about their smart take on the TV mystery-procedural. Kyra challenged the notion that a female character has to be likable, and noted the double standard, saying, “Did we ever ask if Walter White was a good father?….We really didn’t. I think [my character] is real. When I’m in people’s living rooms…I want to play a real character.”
View the livestream here
“Designated Survivor”
ABC’s “Designated Survivor” stars Maggie Q, Kal Penn, Italia Ricci and Paulo Costanzo discussed the striking similarities between their show’s storylines and what’s happening in Washington, noting that they had to adjust the ending of season one because it was “too close” to reality. The cast recollected about co-star Kiefer Sutherland’s intense chess skills and quipped about his dramatic delivery when he says “check.”
View the livestream here
“Red Oaks”
The ensemble cast and crew of “Red Oaks” reflected on what new and returning audiences can look forward to in their final season, and reminisced about their love of working together. The cast chatted about their favorite things about the 80s, and executive producer Steven Soderbergh quipped that he didn’t remember the ’80s because he was born in 1989.
View the livestream here
“Queen Sugar”
“Queen Sugar” stars Rutina Wesley, Dawn-Lyen Gardner and Kofi Siriboe discussed their mutual love and how they enjoy working with such “fierce” female directors. They called out Executive Producer Ava Duverney and said they wanted to direct an episode together. Diving into the more serious topics tackled within the series, the co-stars discussed the importance of accurately depicting race and culture.
View the livestream here
August 16, 2017
The following is a press release from the Tribeca TV Festival:
TRIBECA LAUNCHES ITS FIRST EVER TV FESTIVAL; TRIBECA TV® FESTIVAL DEBUTS SEPTEMBER 22-24, 2017
Series Premieres include truTV’s “At Home with Amy Sedaris,” SundanceTV’s “Liar,” and ABC’s “Ten Days in the Valley”
Sneak Peeks of Upcoming Episodes of FX’s “Better Things” and FOX’s “Gotham”; Season Premieres of ABC’s “Designated Survivor,” and Amazon’s “Red Oaks”
NBC’s “Will & Grace’s” Cast and Creators to Reunite for Exclusive Celebration and Talk
With an overwhelming amount of TV programming currently available to viewers, the Tribeca TV Festival in New York City will be a trusted curator to help audiences connect with the most compelling episodic storytelling in the new age of TV—presenting work premiering on TV, online, as well as VR. Like its cousin in April, the Festival will highlight highly-anticipated new premieres, and also draw attention to under-the-radar work and talent. It will give audiences the opportunity to experience tomorrow’s watercooler moments before they start to trend, and for the fan community to come together to celebrate their love for TV.
”Ten years ago we wouldn’t have needed a TV festival. Now, with the change in the TV landscape, both the quality and quantity of shows, it makes sense,” said Robert De Niro, Co-Founder of Tribeca. “As the Tribeca Film Festival has done, the Tribeca TV Festival will act as a curator in bringing people together for this emerging experience.”
Tribeca TV Festival will bring the small screen (and the even smaller screen) to the big screen, offering TV fans a communal, curated experience where they can get an advance look at brand new series and fan-favorite shows and hear from creators. Programming highlights include a special conversation with “Will & Grace” stars Debra Messing, Eric McCormack, Sean Hayes, Megan Mullally and show creators Max Mutchnick and David Kohan ahead of the highly anticipated reboot this fall; a sneak peek of an upcoming episode of the FX show “Better Things,” followed by a conversation with Emmy® winner Pamela Adlon speaking with show co-creator Louis C.K.; the series premiere of the upcoming truTV show “At Home with Amy Sedaris,” followed by a conversation with co-creator Amy Sedaris, the series premiere of ABC’s “Ten Days in the Valley,” followed by a conversation with star/EP Kyra Sedgwick, and more.
Television programming has been a part of the Tribeca Film Festival since it screened the series finale of the hit show “Friends” in 2004 at the Tribeca Drive-In®. In 2016, Tribeca launched an official section of the festival dedicated to TV programming, which has featured world premieres of new series and seasons of anticipated shows and special events, including the world premieres of Emmy®-nominated programs “The Night Of” and “The Handmaid’s Tale.” Television – along with VR, gaming, and online work – has become a key pillar of the Festival as part of Tribeca’s commitment to showcasing the best stories across any screen.
“Tribeca has proven itself to be the ideal home for showcasing excellence in storytelling, no matter the medium,” said Jane Rosenthal, Co-Founder and Executive Chair of Tribeca. “The expansion into television is a natural progression in this evolving entertainment landscape.”
“Some of the best stories are being told on television,” said Paula Weinstein, Executive Vice President of Tribeca Enterprises. “The programming team has developed a slate of fan favorites and discoveries to bring these stories to the Tribeca audience.”
Advance selection presale tickets for Citi® Private Pass members go on sale Tuesday, August 22nd (11 am EST) and for general public on Friday, August 25th (11 am EST). All Citi® Private Pass® presale tickets and general public tickets can be purchased online at tribecafilm.com/tvfestival. For additional information on ticket sales, email [email protected].
The programming slate for the Tribeca TV Festival is as follows:
At Home with Amy Sedaris (truTV) – Series Premiere – World Premiere
“Strangers with Candy,” “BoJack Horseman,” “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”: Amy Sedaris is one of the great comic performers of our day. But did you know she is also a superlative homemaker and entertainer of guests? In this comedy series, a long-gestating passion project for its star, Amy will show off her diverse but necessary homemaking skills, which range from creating popsicle stick buddies and gutting a fish, to making raisin necklaces and entertaining businessmen.
After the world premiere of their new series, Amy Sedaris and Paul Dinello will joined by moderator Andy Cohen to discuss the creation of this truly one-of-a-kind project, how they’ve partnered together through the years and how Amy maintains her unique vision across mediums of film, TV, print, publishing, and live performance.
“Better Things” (FX) – Special Sneak Peek
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrG3ho-dTf4
Emmy winner and New York City native Pamela Adlon is the creative mind behind breakout hit “Better Things,” in which she also stars as working actor and single mom-of-three Sam. Consistently hilarious, but always grounded, “Better Things” is a truly refreshing take on the tried-and-true family sitcom, with Adlon’s signature all over it (in addition to writing and starring duties, Adlon also directs every episode). In the midst of launching Season 2, and in the wake of her Best Actress Emmy nomination, Adlon will be joined by her co-creator Louis C.K. for an only-at-Tribeca conversation about her funny, bawdy, bittersweet brainchild, including the world premiere of Better Things’ upcoming episode Robin.
“Designated Survivor”(ABC) – Season 2 Premiere – World Premiere
Kiefer Sutherland stars as Tom Kirkman, a lower-level cabinet member who is suddenly appointed President of the United States after a catastrophic attack on the US Capitol, on ABC’s hit drama “Designated Survivor.” In the second season of the dramatic thriller, President Kirkman is a year into his presidency and continuing to navigate the volatile – and sometimes dangerous world of Washington politics – while continuing the search for Patrick Lloyd, the mastermind behind one of the biggest conspiracies in American history.
After the screening we will be joined by stars Maggie Q, Kal Penn, and Italia Ricci for an exclusive conversation about the new season of this propulsive political thriller.
“Gotham” (FOX) – Special Sneak Peek
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pp3ITy5a7Hk
Revealing an entirely new chapter in the rise of the great DC Super-Villains, “Gotham” follows one cop as he navigates a dangerously corrupt city, and chronicles the birth of one of the most popular superheroes of our time. Season Four will witness the emergence of the criminal landscape Gotham City is best known for, with Jim Gordon (Ben McKenzie) at the forefront of the fight against the most depraved and unhinged villains. While Gotham City fights for normalcy, a new hero will rise, as Bruce Wayne (David Mazouz) begins to assume responsibility for the city’s well-being.
Executive producer Danny Cannon will be joined by several of the remarkable ensemble cast, including
Ben McKenzie, Robin Lord Taylor, Camren Bicondova, David Mazouz, Sean Pertwee, Jessica Lucas & Erin Richards. The panelists will offer a sneak peek at this new phase of New York’s best known alter-ego, as Gotham (the city) and “Gotham” (the show) both enter a new and exciting chapter. The conversation will also feature the world premiere of the show’s upcoming “The Fear Reaper” episode.
“Liar” (SundanceTV) – Series Premiere – International Premiere
After a seemingly innocent date between devoted teacher Laura (Joanne Froggatt) and renowned surgeon Andrew (Ioan Gruffudd), a series of volatile accusations threaten to capsize their lives. Secrets and lies slowly unravel in this tense and gripping psychological thriller, where everyone is lying in some way until the truth ultimately reveals itself. Creators Jack and Harry Williams, who have previously brought us crossover UK hits “The Missing” and “Fleabag,” now debut an intimate, twisting crime thriller where each new clue peels back another layer of these two complex characters.
After the premiere, the creators will be joined by star Joanne Froggatt (“Downton Abbey”) for a conversation about their six-episode shocker: how they use current events to create dramatic tension and approach the thriller from a distinctly character-driven POV and what we can expect next after episode one’s bombshell first date.
“Look But With Love (Within)” – VR Series – World Premiere
Pioneering virtual reality and augmented reality company Within brings us the original documentary series “Look But With Love,” from Academy Award-winning Tribeca alum Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, produced by SOC Films and Here Be Dragons. As the medium of VR continues to evolve, it has emerged as a perfect platform for episodic storytelling. Viewers are encouraged to revisit worlds that they would otherwise be unable to, developing a deeper understanding of story and place through the immersive technology. This 5-episode series follows the fearless and passionate citizens of Pakistan who are changing the socio-political landscape through brave and inspiring actions. From a group of women fighting terrorist insurgency with paramilitary training, to a woman teaching arts-deprived children to tell stories through dance, these subjects are remarkably introduced through moving live-action virtual reality rendered by a master documentarian.
“Red Oaks” (Amazon) – Season 3 Premiere – World Premiere
It’s the summer of ’87 and change is in the air at Red Oaks. David is chasing his dream to become a director in NYC. Wheeler and Misty have taken their relationship to the next level but face unforeseen obstacles. Getty is making lemonade of lemons in prison. Sam (Richard Kind) and Judy (Jennifer Grey) are finding new and unexplored passions in Jersey. Meanwhile, back at Red Oaks, Nash finds that the club’s future might in danger….
Executive Produced by independent film stalwarts Steven Soderbergh & David Gordon Green, Amazon’s nostalgic coming-of-age comedy returns for a third and final season of life lessons couched in summer shenanigans at Red Oaks country club. Following the premiere of Season 3, stars Paul Reiser, Craig Roberts, Alexandra Turshen, Ennis Esmer & Richard Kind will be joined by Creators Joe Gangemi & Gregory Jacobs to reflect on their delightful gem of a show, its deft balance of comedy, drama, and nostalgia, and what new and returning audiences can look forward to this season.
“Queen Sugar” (OWN) – Season 2 – Midseason Premiere
Executive Produced by Ava Duvernay, Oprah Winfrey and Monica Macer, “Queen Sugar” follows the Bordelon siblings as they struggle to move forward with their lives and strive to honor the legacy of their father following his unexpected passing. Directed by Julie Dash, Season 2’s midseason premiere finds Darla sharing engagement news with the family, Micah finally coming to terms with his emotions, and Charley receiving an unexpected visit.
Following the episode, the cast of “Queen Sugar,” Rutina Wesley, Dawn-Lyen Gardner and Kofi Siriboe, will join us to discuss their acclaimed performances and rich characters, working with an all-female directing team, and maybe providing a few clues as to how Season 2 will end.
“Ten Days in the Valley” (ABC) – Series Premiere
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbQLFRVuDk8
Jane Sadler is an overworked television producer and single mother, in the middle of a fractious separation, whose life is turned upside down when her young daughter goes missing in the middle of the night. And just like her controversial police TV show, everything is a mystery, everyone has a secret and no one can be trusted.
Emmy winner Kyra Sedgwick, riveting as the complex Jane, also executive produces this new character-driven thriller. She will be joined after the premiere of the series’ first two episodes by the rest of her all-female creative team, Creator Tassie Cameron and fellow Executive Producers Marcy Ross & Jill Littman, for an illuminating conversation about their smart and surprising take on the TV mystery-procedural.
“Will & Grace” (NBC) – Exclusive Special Conversation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aSzkUxVEdg
In our era of ubiquitous remakes and reboots, is there any more anticipated reunion than the original cast of “Will & Grace”? A decade after their unforgettable eight-season run, Debra Messing, Eric McCormack, Sean Hayes and Megan Mullally reprise their iconic roles as Will, Grace, Jack and Karen. On the eve of their new series launching September 28th, the fabulous foursome will be joined by co-creators/executive producers Max Mutchnick and David Kohan for an intimate, and sure-to-be hilarious conversation about what to expect from our favorite 2000s New Yorkers in 2017.
YouTube’s Creators for Change
In September 2016, YouTube launched Creators for Change, to support positive messages of change and tolerance. YouTube tapped top personalities, like John Green, Franchesca Ramsey and Natalie Tran, as Ambassadors to mentor up-and-coming Creators from across the globe in creating original pieces dedicated to spreading messages of tolerance in a particularly divisive time globally.
Join us for a premiere of the much-anticipated Creators for Change pieces, followed by a conversation with an exciting international group of cutting-edge Creators, led by a special guest Ambassador. Audience members will have the opportunity to hear how each Creator chose to creatively speak to their fans using the power of storytelling, music, poetry and more—plus, how they themselves can use the platform to promote the causes they care about
Twitter: @Tribeca
Instagram: @tribeca
Facebook: facebook.com/Tribeca
Snapchat: TribecaFilmFest
Hashtag: #TribecaTVFestival
May 16, 2017
by Carla Hay
ABC officially announced its 2017-2018 schedule during the network’s upfront presentation at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall in New York City on May 16, 2017. Most of the existing shows had previously been announced as renewed. However, the upfront presentation made it official that “Toy Box” has been cancelled.
ABC is also reviving its Emmy-winning comedy “Roseanne” for eight episodes in 2018, with all of the show’s original stars back on board: Roseanne Barr, John Goodman, Sara Gilbert, Laurie Metcalf, Michael Fishman and Lecy Goranson. Sarah Chalke, who played the character Becky in later seasons, will also appear in another role.
New scripted shows include “Alex, Inc.,” “The Crossing,” “Deception,” “For The People,” “The Good Doctor,””The Gospel of Kevin,” “Marvel’s Inhumans,” “The Mayor” and “Splitting Up Together,” “Ten Days in The Valley.” New reality shows are “American Idol,” “The Bachelor Winter Games” and “Dancing With the Stars Junior.” Some of actors starring in these shows are known for being in past long-running hit shows. Kyra Sedgwick of “Ten Days in the Valley” formerly starred in “The Closer.” Freddie Highmore (“The Good Doctor”) previously starred in “Bates Motel.” Zach Braff (“Alex, Inc.”), who used to star in “Scrubs,” returns to a starring role on a TV series. Jenna Fischer (“Splitting Up Together”) is best known for being on the U.S. version of “The Office.” Jason Ritter (“The Gospel of Jason”) was a co-star of “Parenthood.”
There will be two new live musical event specials: “The Wonderful World of Disney: The Little Mermaid Live!’ and “Rolling Stone 50.”
Fall premiere dates will be announced at a later time. Please note that shows picked up but not listed on the schedule below will debut later in the 2017-18 season.
The following is an excerpt from an ABC press release:
ABC FALL 2017-18 SCHEDULE
All times listed are Eastern/Pacific Time.
MONDAY
8-10 p.m. “Dancing with the Stars”
10-11 p.m. “The Good Doctor”
TUESDAY
8-8:30 p.m. “The Middle”
8:30-9 p.m. “Fresh Off the Boat”**
9-9:30 p.m. “Black-ish”***
9:30-10 p.m. “The Mayor”
10-11 p.m. “The Gospel of Kevin”
WEDNESDAY
8-830 p.m. “The Goldbergs”
8:30-9 p.m. “Speechless”
9:30-10 p.m. “Modern Family”
9:30-10 p.m. “American Housewife”***
10-11 p.m. “Designated Survivor”
THURSDAY
8-9 p.m. “Grey’s Anatomy”
9-10 p.m. “Scandal”
10-11 p.m. “How to Get Away with Murder”
FRIDAY
8-9 p.m. “Once Upon a Time”***
9-10 p.m. “Marvel’s Inhumans”
10-11 p.m. “20/20”
SATURDAY
8 p.m. “Saturday Night Football”
SUNDAY
7-8 p.m. “America’s Funniest Home Videos”
8-9 p.m. “To Tell the Truth” ***
9-10 p.m. “Shark Tank”***
10-11 p.m. “Ten Days in the Valley”
** = new time period
*** = new day and time period
NEW DRAMA SERIES
“THE CROSSING”
Refugees from a war-torn country seek asylum in a small American fishing town, only the country these people are from is America—and the war they are fleeing hasn’t happened yet. As the government tries to uncover the truth behind this mysterious migration only one thing is certain: The lives of the people here—both the townspeople and these newcomers—will never be the same. Writers Dan Dworkin & Jay Beattie executive produce with Jason Reed.
“The Crossing” stars Steve Zahn as Jude Miller, Natalie Martinez as Reece, Sandrine Holt as Emma Ren, Rick Gomez as Nestor, Jay Karnes as Craig Lindauer, Marcuis Harris as Caleb, Simone Kessel as Rebecca, Kelly Missal as Hannah, Rob Campbell as Paul, Grant Harvey as Roy, Bailey Skodje as Leah, Jon D’Leo as Will, Luc Roderique as Bryce and Tommy Bastow as Marshall.
The pilot is directed by Rob Bowman. The series is from ABC Studios.
“DECEPTION”
When his career is ruined by scandal, superstar magician Cameron Black has only one place to turn to practice his art of deception, influence and illusion—the FBI. Using every trick in the book and inventing new ones, he will help the government catch the world’s most elusive criminals while staging the biggest illusions of his career. The series is from writer/executive producer Chris Fedak (“Chuck”) and executive producers Greg Berlanti, Martin Gero and Sarah Schechter. Illusionist David Kwong (“Now You See Me”) will co-produce.
“Deception” stars Jack Cutmore-Scott as Cameron Black/Jonathan Black, Ilfenesh Hadera as Kay Daniels, Lenora Crichlow as Dina Clark, Amaury Nolasco as Mike Alvarez, Justin Chon as Jordan Kwon, Laila Robins as Special Agent Deakins and Vinnie Jones as Gunter Gustafsen.
The series is from Berlanti Productions and Quinn’s House in association with Warner Bros. Television. “Deception” is directed by David Nutter, who is also executive producer.
“FOR THE PEOPLE”
Set in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, aka “The Mother Court,” this new Shondaland drama follows brand-new lawyers working for both the defense and the prosecution handling the most high-profile and high-stakes federal cases in the country – all as their lives intersect in and out of the courtroom. The series is created by Shondaland’s Paul William Davies and is executive produced by Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers.
The series, from ABC Studios, stars Ben Rappaport as Seth Oliver, Susannah Flood as Kate Littlejohn, Wesam Keesh as Jay Simmons, Regé-Jean Page as Leonard Knox, Ben Shenkman as Roger Gunn, Hope Davis as Jill Carlan, Vondie Curtis-Hall as Judge Nicholas Byrne and Anna Deavere Smith as Tina Krissman.
“THE GOOD DOCTOR”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYlZDTru55g
Shaun Murphy (Freddie Highmore, “Bates Motel”), a young surgeon with autism and savant syndrome, relocates from a quiet country life to join a prestigious hospital’s surgical unit. Alone in the world and unable to personally connect with those around him, Shaun uses his extraordinary medical gifts to save lives and challenge the skepticism of his colleagues. The series is from David Shore (“House”), and “Lost” and “Hawaii Five-O” star Daniel Dae Kim.
The series stars Freddie Highmore as Dr. Shaun Murphy, Antonia Thomas as Dr. Claire Brown, Nicholas Gonzalez as Dr. Neal Melendez, Chuku Modu as Dr. Jared Kalu, Beau Garrett as Jessica Preston, Hill Harper as Dr. Marcus Andrews and Richard Schiff as Dr. Aaron Glassman.
The series is from Sony Pictures Television and ABC Studios. David Shore is writer and executive producer. Daniel Dae Kim, David Kim and Sebastian Lee are also executive producers. Seth Gordon directed the pilot and is also an executive producer.
“THE GOSPEL OF KEVIN”
Kevin Finn (Jason Ritter, “Parenthood”), a cluelessly self-serving person, is on a dangerous path to despair. In a downward spiral, Kevin returns home to stay with his widowed twin sister (JoAnna Garcia Swisher, “Once Upon a Time”) and niece. On his first night there, an unlikely celestial being named Yvette appears to him and presents him with a mission: to save the world. A light drama from executive producers Michele Fazekas & Tara Butters (“Marvel’s Agent Carter,” “Resurrection,” “Reaper”).
“The Gospel of Kevin” stars Jason Ritter as Kevin Finn, JoAnna Garcia Swisher as Amy, J. August Richards as Nate, Chloe East as Reese, Dustin Ybarra as Tyler and India de Beaufort as Kristin.
The pilot is directed by Paul McGuigan. The series is from ABC Studios.
“MARVEL’S INHUMANS”
“Marvel’s Inhumans” explores the never-before-told epic adventure of the royal family including Black Bolt, the enigmatic, commanding King of the Inhumans, with a voice so powerful that the slightest whisper can destroy a city. After the Royal Family of Inhumans is splintered by a military coup, they barely escape to Hawaii where their surprising interactions with the lush world and humanity around them may prove to not only save them, but Earth itself. The legendary comic book series will be brought to life in a way that has never been done before, as a version of the first two episodes will be shown globally in IMAX theaters for a two-week period beginning September 1, 2017. ABC will then air the entirety of the series on the network, with additional exclusive content that can only been seen on ABC.
“Marvel’s Inhumans” stars Anson Mount as Black Bolt, Iwan Rheon as Maximus, Serinda Swan as Medusa, Eme Ikwuakor as Gorgon, Isabelle Cornish as Crystal, Ken Leung as Karnak, Ellen Woglom as an undisclosed character, Sonya Balmores as Auran and Mike Moh as Triton.
The series is executive produced by Scott Buck, along with Marvel’s Jeph Loeb and Jim Chory with Buck serving as showrunner. Roel Reiné will direct the first two episodes. This series is a Marvel and IMAX project and is co-produced by Marvel Television and ABC Studios.
“TEN DAYS IN THE VALLEY”
“Ten Days in the Valley” stars Kyra Sedgwick as Jane Sadler, an overworked television producer and single mother in the middle of a separation whose life is turned upside down when her young daughter goes missing in the middle of the night. Just like her controversial police TV show, everything is a mystery, everyone has a secret and no one can be trusted.
“Ten Days in the Valley” stars Kyra Sedgwick as Jane Sadler, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as John Bird, Kick Gurry as Pete Greene, Erika Christensen as Ali Petrovich, Felix Solis as David Gomez, Josh Randall as Tom Petrovich, Malcolm-Jamal Warner as Matt, Abigail Pniowsky as Lake and Francois Battiste as Gus.
“Ten Days in the Valley” is from Skydance Television. It is created and written by Tassie Cameron. Executive producers are Tassie Cameron, Kyra Sedgwick, Jill Littman, Dana Goldberg, David Ellison and Marcy Ross.
NEW COMEDY SERIES
“ALEX, INC.”
Based on the podcast StartUp, Alex Schuman (Zach Braff, “Scrubs”) is a brilliant radio journalist, husband and father of two who is about to do something crazy – quit his job and start his own company. He quickly discovers it’s going to be a lot harder than he thought. Zach Braff stars, directs and is executive producer with Matt Tarses (“Scrubs”) and Davis Entertainment (“Dr. Ken,” “Blacklist”).
Matt Tarses is writer and executive producer. Zach Braff is director and executive producer. John Davis and John Fox are executive producers of the series, from Davis Entertainment, as are Alex Blumberg, Chris Gilberti and Matt Lieber (Gimlet Media) in association with Sony Pictures Television and ABC Studios.
“THE MAYOR”
Young rapper Courtney Rose (Brandon Micheal Hall) needs his big break. For years he’s toiled away in a small inner-city apartment, making music in his junk-filled bedroom closet. Tired of waiting for opportunity, Courtney cooks up the publicity stunt of the century—running for mayor of his hometown in California to generate buzz for his music career. Unfortunately for Courtney, his master plan goes wildly awry, ending in the most terrifying of outcomes: an election victory. With the help of his mother (Yvette Nicole Brown, “Community”) and friends, including Valentina (“Glee’s” Lea Michele), Courtney will have to overcome his hubris if he wants to transform the struggling city he loves.
The series stars Brandon Micheal Hall as Courtney Rose, Lea Michele as Valentina, Bernard David Jones as Jermaine Hardaway, Marcel Spears as TK and Yvette Nicole Brown as Dina.
From executive producer Daveed Diggs (Tony winner for Broadway’s “Hamilton”), writer/executive producer Jeremy Bronson (“Speechless,” “The Mindy Project,” “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon”) and executive producer Jamie Tarses (“Happy Endings”), the series is from ABC Studios. The pilot is directed by executive producer James Griffiths (“black-ish”).
“SPLITTING UP TOGETHER”
Based on the Danish series, “Splitting Up Together” is the story of a couple (Jenna Fischer, “The Office,” Oliver Hudson, “Scream Queens”) whose marriage is reignited by their divorce. Emily Kapnek (“Suburgatory”) writes and serves as executive producer of this new comedy, along with Ellen DeGeneres.
The series stars Jenna Fischer as Lena, Oliver Hudson as Martin, Bobby Lee as Arthur, Diane Farr as Maya, Lindsay Price as Camille, Olivia Keville as Mae, Van Crosby as Mason and Sander Thomas as Milo.
Jeff Kleeman, Mette Heeno, Mie Andreasen and Hella Joof are also executive producers of “Splitting Up Together,” which is based on the original series created by Heeno. It is produced by A Very Good Production and Piece of Pie Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television. Dean Holland directed the pilot.
NEW ALTERNATIVE SERIES
“AMERICAN IDOL”
ABC is bringing back “American Idol.” The network, along with producers FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment, a division of CORE Media Group, will revive television’s most successful and recognized music competition series for the 2017-2018 season, bringing back the fan-favorite and making more dreams come true. A host and judges will be announced at a later time.
“American Idol”‘s profound effect on the music industry is far-reaching and continually growing, launching the careers of superstars Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Katharine McPhee, Adam Lambert and Chris Daughtry, among many others. “American Idol” contestants have sold more than 60 million albums, resulting in more than 80 Platinum records and 95 Gold records. Its participants have generated more than 450 Billboard No. 1 hits and sold more than 260 million digital downloads.
“American Idol” is produced by FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment, a division of CORE Media Group. Executive producers include FremantleMedia North America’s Trish Kinane and Jennifer Mullin. FremantleMedia International distributes the series worldwide.
“THE BACHELOR WINTER GAMES”
America’s favorite participants from past seasons of “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette,” from arch rivals to villains, will take competitive dating to a chilling new level. In an ode to the Winter Olympic Games and slated to premiere in February 2018, “The Bachelor Winter Games” will reunite the all-stars at a luxurious winter resort, where they will go head-to-head in winter-themed athletic challenges, including the toughest sport of all—love.
“The Bachelor Winter Games” is a production of Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Unscripted Television. Mike Fleiss and Martin Hilton to executive produce.
“DANCING WITH THE STARS JUNIOR”
A fresh new take on an established favorite, “Dancing with the Stars Junior” will pair celebrity kids and kids of celebrities with professional junior ballroom dancers to perform choreographed routines, which will be judged by a panel of renowned ballroom experts, to be announced at a later date.
Slated to debut in Spring 2018, “Dancing with the Stars Junior” is produced by BBC Worldwide Productions.
NEW SPECIALS
“THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF DISNEY: THE LITTLE MERMAID LIVE!”
In a two-hour special event, ABC will take the iconic “The Little Mermaid” animated feature film and intertwine it with show stopping LIVE musical performances via cutting-edge technology for an explosive evening honoring one of Walt Disney’s most celebrated classics. Fans of “The Little Mermaid” and Alan Menken and Howard Ashman’s Oscar-winning songs will enjoy this never-before-seen live action/animation hybrid television experience featuring a soon-to-be announced roster of some of their favorite celebrity artists, whose performances will weave seamlessly throughout the original animated film.
“The Wonderful World of Disney: The Little Mermaid Live!” is set to premiere on Tuesday, October 3. The special is produced by Done + Dusted with Hamish Hamilton, Ian Stewart, David Jammy, Katy Mullan, and Richard Kraft, of Kraft-Engel Productions, serving as executive producers.
“ROLLING STONE 50”
For half a century, Rolling Stone has remained an iconic and important voice in American music, culture and politics. Now, the people who have told their stories through the Rolling Stone lens are coming together to reflect on the last 50 years. “Rolling Stone 50” will pay homage to the brand’s influence and impact through a curated journey of its most seminal moments. Live from New York City, the three-hour special television event, set to debut Wednesday, February 7, 2018, will showcase live performances, short films, iconic on-stage moments, never-before-seen musical pairings, and celebrities that have shaped pop culture, music and politics.
The special is a production of Done + Dusted and Wenner Media. Jann Wenner and Gus Wenner of Wenner Media and Ian Stewart, David Jammy and Katy Mullan of Done + Dusted serve as executive producers.