Tag: TV Upfronts

2021 TV Upfronts: CBS announces 2021-2022 schedule; see photos and videos

May 19, 2021

by Carla Hay

Heida Reed, Luke Kleintank, Vinessa Vidotto and Carter Redwood in “FBI: International” (Photo by Katalin Vermes/CBS)

CBS officially announced its 2021-2022 schedule. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the network’s upfront presentation, which traditionally takes place at Carnegie Hall in New York City, was cancelled. Instead, the announcement was made online. Most of the existing shows had previously been announced as renewed. Most of the existing shows had previously been announced as renewed. However, the upfront presentation made it official that the following shows have been cancelled: “All Rise,” “Clarice,” “MacGyver,” “NCIS: New Orleans” and “The Unicorn.” New scripted shows include “FBI International,” “CSI: Vegas,” “NCIS: Hawai’i,” “Good Sam,” “Smallwood” and “Ghosts.” New unscripted shows are “The Activist” and “Come Dance With Me.”

Some of actors starring in these new programs are known for starring in past long-running hit shows. “CSI: Vegas” is a sequel to “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” and will include original “CSI” stars William Petersen and Jorja Fox. “NCIS: Hawai’i” stars Vanessa Lachey, a former MTV VJ who has hosted numerous TV shows. “Good Sam” star Sophia Bush is best known for co-starring in “One Tree Hill,” while “Good Sam” co-star Jason Isaacs had a stint on “Star Trek: Discovery.” “Come Dance With Me” star Jenna Dewan was previously a judge on “World of Dance.”

The premiere dates will be announced at a later time. CBS has renewed the following shows: “NCIS,” “NCIS: Los Angeles,” “FBI,” “FBI: Most Wanted, ” “Survivor,” “The Amazing Race,” “The Neighborhood,” “Bob ♥ Abishola,” “Tough as Nails,” “Young Sheldon,” “The United States of Al,” “Blue Bloods,” “SEAL Team,” “Magnum P.I.,” “S.W.A.T.,” “The Equalizer,” “48 Hours” and “60 Minutes.”

Please note that shows picked up but not listed on the schedule below will debut at other times in the 2021-2022 season. They include new shows “Smallwood,” “Good Sam,” “The Activist” and “Come Dance With Me” and renewed shows “Undercover Boss,” “Blood & Treasure” and “Celebrity Big Brother.” Season premiere dates for all of these shows are to be announced.

The following is an excerpt from a CBS press release:

CBS FALL 2021 SCHEDULE

All times listed are Eastern/Pacific Time.

MONDAY

8-8:30 p.m. “The Neighborhood”
8:30-9 p.m. “Bob ♥ Abishola”
9-10 p.m. “NCIS”
10-11 p.m. “NCIS: Hawai’i”

TUESDAY

8-9 p.m. “FBI”
9-10 p.m. “FBI: International”
10-11 p.m. “FBI: Most Wanted”

WEDNESDAY

8-9 p.m. “Survivor”
9-10 p.m.  “Tough as Nails”
10-11 p.m. “CSI: Vegas”

THURSDAY

8-8:30 p.m. “Young Sheldon”
8:30-9 p.m. “United States of Al”
9-9:30 p.m. “Ghosts”
9:30-10 p.m. “Bull”
10-11 p.m. “Evil”

FRIDAY

8-9 p.m. “S.W.A.T.”
9-10 p.m. “Magnum P.I.”
10-11 p.m. “Blue Bloods”

SATURDAY

8-9 p.m. Saturday Encores
9-10 p.m. Saturday Encores
10-11 p.m. “48 Hours”

SUNDAY

7-8 p.m. “60 Minutes”
8-9 p.m. “The Equalizer”
9-10 p.m. “NCIS: Los Angeles”
10-11 p.m. “SEAL Team”

NEW DRAMA SERIES

“CSI: VEGAS”

William Petersen in the original “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (Photo by Sonja Flemming/CBS)

CSI: VEGAS, the sequel to the Network’s global hit “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” opens a brand-new chapter in Las Vegas – the city where it all began. Facing an existential threat that could bring down the entire Crime Lab and release thousands of convicted killers back onto the neon-lit streets of Vegas, a brilliant new team of investigators led by Maxine Roby (Paula Newsome) must enlist the help of old friends, Gil Grissom (William Petersen), Sara Sidle (Jorja Fox) and David Hodges (Wallace Langham). This combined force will deploy the latest forensic techniques to do what they do best – follow the evidence – in order to preserve and serve justice in Sin City. Jason Tracey serves as executive producer and showrunner; Jerry Bruckheimer, Jonathan Littman, KristieAnne Reed, Anthony Zuiker, Carol Mendelsohn, Ann Donahue, Craig O’Neill, William Petersen and Cindy Chvatal are also executive producers. Uta Briesewitz is an executive producer and directed (initial episode only) from a script by Tracey. The series is produced by CBS Studios in association with Jerry Bruckheimer Television.

CSI: VEGAS stars original “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” cast members William Petersen, Jorja Fox and Wallace Langham, who will reprise their roles as Gil Grissom, Sara Sidle and David Hodges, respectively; Paula Newsome as Maxine Roby; Matt Lauria as Joshua Folsom; Mandeep Dhillon as Allie Rajan; and Mel Rodriguez as Hugo Ramirez.

“FBI: INTERNATIONAL”

Vinessa Vidotto, Carter Redwood, Heida Reed and Luke Kleintank in “FBI: International” (Photo by Katalin Vermes/CBS)

From Emmy Award-winning executive producer Dick Wolf, fast-paced drama FBI: INTERNATIONAL is the third iteration of the successful FBI brand that follows the elite operatives of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s International Fly Team. Headquartered in Prague, they travel the world with the mission of tracking and neutralizing threats against American citizens wherever they may be. Not allowed to carry guns, the Fly Team relies on intelligence, quick thinking and pure brawn as they put their lives on the line to protect the U.S. and its people. Dick Wolf, Derek Haas, Matt Olmstead, Arthur Forney and Peter Jankowski are the executive producers. The series is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, in association with CBS Studios.

FBI: INTERNATIONAL stars Vinessa Vidotto as Special Agent Cameron Vo, Carter Redwood as Special Agent Andre Raines, Heida Reed as Special Agent Jamie Kellett and Luke Kleintank as Special Agent Scott Forrester.

“GOOD SAM”

Jason Isaacs and Sophia Bush in “Good Sam” (Photo by Ramona Diaconescu/CBS)

GOOD SAM stars Sophia Bush (“Chicago” franchise, “One Tree Hill”) and Jason Isaacs (STAR TREK: DISCOVERY, “Harry Potter” films) in a drama about Dr. Sam Griffith (Bush), a gifted heart surgeon who excels in her new leadership role as Chief of Surgery after her renowned boss falls into a coma. When her former boss wakes up months later demanding to resume his duties, Sam is tasked with supervising this egotistical expert with a scalpel who never acknowledged her stellar talent. Complicating matters is that the caustic and arrogant Dr. Rob “Griff” Griffith (Isaacs) also happens to be her father. As Griff defies Sam’s authority and challenges her medical expertise, the big question becomes whether this father and daughter will ever be able to mend their own relationship as expertly as they heal the hearts of their patients. Katie Wech, Jennie Snyder Urman and Joanna Klein serve as executive producers for CBS Studios. Tamra Davis is an executive producer (pilot only) and directed the pilot from a script by Wech.

GOOD SAM stars Sophia Bush as Dr. Sam Griffith, Jason Isaacs as Dr. Rob “Griff” Griffith, Skye P. Marshall as Dr. Lex Trulie, Michael Stahl-David as Dr. Caleb Tucker, Davi Santos as Dr. Joey Costa, Omar Maskati as Dr. Isan M. Shah, Wendy Crewson as Vivian Katz, and Edwin Hodge as Malcolm A. Kingsley.

“NCIS: HAWAI’I”

Vanessa Lachey in “NCIS: Hawai’i” (Photo by Karen Neal/CBS)

The world’s most successful television series continues on the seductive shores of the Aloha State with NCIS: HAWAI ‘ I, where the first female Special Agent in Charge of NCIS Pearl Harbor, Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey), has thrived and risen through the ranks by equal parts confidence and strategy in a system that has pushed back on her every step of the way. Together with her unwavering team of specialists, they balance duty to family and country while investigating high-stakes crimes involving military personnel, national security and the mysteries of the sun-drenched island paradise itself. Matt Bosack, Jan Nash and Christopher Silber serve as executive producers for CBS Studios. Larry Teng is an executive producer and directed (initial episode only) from a script by Bosack, Nash and Silber.

NCIS: HAWAI ‘I stars Vanessa Lachey as Special Agent in Charge Jane Tennant, Yasmine Al-Bustami as Lucy, Jason Antoon as Ernie, and Noah Mills as Jesse.

NEW COMEDY SERIES

“GHOSTS“

Rose McIver, Rebecca Wisocky, Román Zaragoza, Brandon Scott Jones, Devan Chandler Long and Utkarsh Ambudkar in “Ghosts” (Photo by Cliff Lipson/CBS)

GHOSTS is a single-camera comedy about Samantha (Rose McIver) and Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar), a cheerful freelance journalist and up-and-coming chef from the city, respectively, who throw both caution and money to the wind when they decide to convert a huge rundown country estate they inherited into a bed & breakfast – only to find it’s inhabited by the many spirits of deceased residents who now call it home. The departed souls are a close-knit, eclectic group that includes a saucy Prohibition-era lounge singer, a pompous 1700’s Militiaman, a ’60s hippie fond of hallucinogens, an overly upbeat ’80s scout troop leader, a cod-obsessed Viking explorer from 1009, a slick ’90s finance bro, a sarcastic and witty Native from the 1500s, and a society woman and wife of an 1800’s robber baron who is Samantha’s ancestor, to name a few. If the spirits were anxious about the commotion a renovation and B&B will create in their home, it’s nothing compared to when they realize Samantha is the first live person who can see and hear them. Joe Port & Joe Wiseman, Mathew Baynton, Jim Howick, Simon Farnaby, Laurence Rickard, Ben Willbond and Martha Howe-Douglas; Alison Carpenter, Debra Hayward, and Alison Owen (Monumental Television); and Angie Stephenson (BBC Studios) are the executive producers for CBS Studios in association with Lionsgate Television and BBC Studios’ Los Angeles production arm. Trent O’Donnell is an executive producer (pilot only) and directed the pilot from a script by Port & Wiseman. Based on the BBC Studios distributed format.

GHOSTS stars Rose McIver as Samantha, Utkarsh Ambudkar as Jay, Danielle Pinnock as Alberta, Brandon Scott Jones as Isaac, Richie Moriarty as Pete, Asher Grodman as Trevor, Sheila Carrasco as Flower, Román Zaragoza as Sasappis, Devan Chandler Long as Thorfinn, and Rebecca Wisocky as Hetty.

“SMALLWOOD”

SMALLWOOD, based on professional bowler Tom Smallwood’s life, stars Pete Holmes as Tom, a stoic Midwest husband and dad who gets laid off from a car assembly line and makes the extraordinary decision to provide for his family by following his dream of becoming a professional bowler. As a skilled player, Tom knows that in bowling you get two chances; no matter what you do with the first ball, you get another one to make it right – the ultimate second chance. Keeping that in mind, Tom begins his new career with the loving okay from his wife, Jen (Katie Lowes), and the unfaltering support of Archie (Chi McBride), his mentor and the proud owner of Archie’s Lanes: Home of the Curly Fry. It remains to be seen if Tom will strike it big on the Pro Bowler circuit, but right now, the pins are set, he’s taking his second shot and it’s 300 or bust! Mark Gross, David Hollander and Brian D’Arcy James serve as executive producers for CBS Studios. Mark Cendrowski directed the pilot from a script by Gross.

SMALLWOOD stars Pete Holmes as Tom, Chi McBride as Archie, and Katie Lowes as Jen.

UNSCRIPTED SERIES

“COME DANCE WITH ME”

In COME DANCE WITH ME, exceptionally talented young dancers from across the country invite one inspirational, untrained family member or other adult who has supported their dance dreams, to become their dance partner for a chance to strut their stuff for a grand prize. The series is hosted by Philip Lawrence with judges Jenna Dewan, Tricia Miranda and Dexter Mayfield. Each week, these aspiring kids will share their love of dance with their mother, father, grandparent or other hero on an uplifting and emotional journey to learn and perform challenging routines, with the assistance of professional choreographers, in a competition with other duos. COME DANCE WITH ME is produced by CBS Studios and 3 Ball Productions. LL COOL J, Chris O’Donnell, Reinout Oerlemans, Ross Weintraub and Jeff Altrock, Jeff Thacker, Nick Florez and RJ Durell are executive producers.

SPECIAL EVENT PROGRAMMING

“THE ACTIVIST”

“The Activist” co-host User (Photo by Thomas Falcone/Courtesy of Usher/CBS)

THE ACTIVIST is a competition series featuring six inspiring activists teamed with three high-profile public figures working together to bring meaningful change to one of three vitally important world causes: health, education and environment. Activists go head-to-head in challenges to promote their causes, with their success measured via online engagement, social metrics and hosts’ input. The three teams have one ultimate goal: to create impactful movements that amplify their message, drive action, and advance them to the G20 Summit in Rome, Italy. There, they will meet with world leaders in the hope of securing funding and awareness for their causes. The team that receives the largest commitment is celebrated as the overall winner at the finale, which will also feature musical performances by some of the world’s most passionate artists. The series is produced by Global Citizen (“Vax Live: A Concert to Reunite the World”), and Deviant Media, Inc.

THE ACTIVIST hosts are Usher, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Julianne Hough.

2021 TV Upfronts: ABC announces 2021-2022 TV schedule; see photos and videos

May 18, 2021

by Carla Hay

“The Wonder Years” cast members, from left to right: Amari O’Neil, Milan Ray, Laura Kariuki, Elisha Williams, Saycon Sengbloh, Julian Lerner and Dulé Hill. (Photo by Matt Sayles/ABC)

ABC officially announced the lineup of the network’s shows for the 2021-2022 TV season. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the network’s upfront presentation, which traditionally takes place at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall in New York City, was cancelled this year. Instead, the announcement was made online. Most of the existing shows had previously been announced as renewed. However, the upfront presentation made it official that “American Housewife,” “For Life,” “Mixed-ish,” “Call Your Mother” and “Rebel” have been cancelled.

New scripted shows include the drama “Queens” and the comedies “Abbott Elementary,” “Maggie” and a reboot of “The Wonder Years.” Some of the stars of the new shows are familiar to TV audiences. “Queens” co-stars Brandy and Eve, who first shot to fame as music artists, also have experience starring in TV shows. Brandy famously starred in the 1990s sitcom “Moesha,” while Eve headlined her self-titled sitcom from 2003 to 2006, as well as co-hosted “The Talk” from 2017 to 2020. “Queens” star Naturi Naughton is an alum of the drama series “Power.” “Abbott Elementary” co-star Tayler James Williams is best-known for starring in the sitcom “Everybody Hates Chris,” while Sheryl Lee Ralph is an alum of several TV series, including “It’s a Living” and “Moesha.” “The Wonder Years” co-star Dulé Hill is also known for co-starring in the “Psych” franchise.

The premiere dates will be announced at a later time. ABC has renewed the following shows: “Black-ish” (for its eighth and final season), “The Conners,” “The Goldbergs,” “The Good Doctor,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Station 19,” “A Million Little Things,” “Home Economics,” “The Rookie,” “20/20,” “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” “American Idol,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “Shark Tank,” “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune,” “Supermarket Sweep,” “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette.”

The following is an excerpt from an ABC press release:

ABC FALL 2021 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

8-10 p.m. “The Bachelorette”
10-11 p.m. “Queens”

WEDNESDAY

8-8:30 p.m. “The Goldbergs”
8:30-9 p.m. “The Wonder Years”
9:30-10 p.m. “The Conners”
9:30-10 p.m. “Home Economics”
10-11 p.m. “A Million Little Things”

THURSDAY

8-9 P.M. “Station 19”
9-10 P.M. “Grey’s Anatomy”
10-11 P.M. “Big Sky”

FRIDAY

8-9 p.m. “Shark Tank”
9-11 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. “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune”
9-10 p.m. “Supermarket Sweep”
10-11 p.m. “The Rookie”

NEW DRAMA SERIES

“QUEENS”

Brandy. Eve, Naturi Naughton and Nadine Velazquez in “Queens” (Photo by Jeff Daly/ABC)

Estranged and out of touch, four women in their 40s reunite for a chance to recapture their fame and regain the swagger they had as the Nasty Bitches – their ’90s group that made them legends in the hip-hop world.

Zahir McGhee, Sabrina Wind and Tim Story are executive producers. The series is produced by ABC Signature, a part of Disney Television Studios. The pilot episode is written by Zahir McGhee and directed by Tim Story.

Cast: Eve as Brianna aka Professor Sex, Naturi Naughton as Jill aka Da Thrill, Nadine Velazquez as Valeria aka Butter Pecan, Taylor Selé as Eric Jones, Pepi Sonuga as Lil Muffin and Brandy as Naomi aka Xplicit Lyrics.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEGEsqgMkew

NEW COMEDY SERIES

“ABBOTT ELEMENTARY”

Tyler James Williams, Chris Perfetti, Quinta Brunson, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Lisa Ann Walter (Photo by Prashant Gupta/ABC)

 In this workplace comedy, a group of dedicated, passionate teachers—and a slightly tone-deaf principal—are brought together in a Philadelphia public school where, despite the odds stacked against them, they are determined to help their students succeed in life. Though these incredible public servants may be outnumbered and underfunded, they love what they do, even if they don’t love the school district’s less-than-stellar attitude toward educating children.

Quinta Brunson serves as writer and executive producer alongside Justin Halpern and Patrick Schumacker of Delicious Non-Sequitur Productions. The series is produced by Warner Bros. Television and 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios. The pilot episode is written by Quinta Brunson and directed by Randall Einhorn.

Cast: Quinta Brunson as Janine Teagues, Tyler James Williams as Gregory Eddie, Janelle James as Ava Coleman, Chris Perfetti as Jacob Hill, Lisa Ann Walter as Melissa Schemmenti and Sheryl Lee Ralph as Barbara Howard.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RltoT1ac6zA

“MAGGIE”

Rebecca Rittenhouse, Kerri Kenney and Chris Elliott in “Maggie” (Photo by Richard Cartwright/ABC)

Based on the short film “Maggie” by Tim Curcio, “Maggie” follows a young woman trying to cope with life as a psychic. Maggie regularly sees the fate of her friends, parents, clients and random strangers on the street, but when she suddenly sees a glimpse of her own future, Maggie is forced to start living in her own present.

“Maggie” is written and executive produced by Justin Adler and Maggie Mull. Evan Hayes and Jeff Morton also serve as executive producers. The series is produced by 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios. The pilot episode is written by Maggie Mull and Justin Adler, and directed by Natalia Anderson.

Cast: Rebecca Rittenhouse as Maggie, David Del Rio as Ben, Nichole Sakura as Louise, Angelique Cabral as Amy, Leonardo Nam as Dave, Ray Ford as Angel, Chloe Bridges as Jessie, Kerri Kenney as Maria and Chris Elliott as Jack.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRNZarh2I9g

“THE WONDER YEARS”

Laura Kariuki, Elisha Williams, Allen Maldonado, Charity Jordan and Dulé Hill in “The Wonder Years” (Photo by Erika Doss/ABC)

 Inspired by the beloved award-winning series of the same name, “The Wonder Years” is a coming-of-age story set in the late 1960s that takes a nostalgic look at a black middle-class family in Montgomery, Alabama, through the point of view of imaginative 12-year-old Dean. With the wisdom of his adult years, Dean’s hopeful and humorous recollections show how his family found their “wonder years” in a turbulent time.

Saladin Patterson serves as writer and executive producer. Lee Daniels and Marc Velez of Lee Daniels Entertainment also executive produce along with original series star, Fred Savage. The series is produced by 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios. The pilot episode is written by Saladin Patterson and directed by Fred Savage.

Cast: Don Cheadle, narrating the series as Adult Dean Williams, Elisha “EJ” Williams as Dean Williams, Dulé Hill as Bill Williams, Saycon Sengbloh as Lillian Williams, Laura Kariuki as Kim Williams, Julian Lerner as Brad Hitman, Amari O’Neil as Cory Long and Milan Ray as Keisa Clemmons.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koMKUP2o08w

2021 TV Upfronts: Fox announces 2021-2022 schedule; see photos and videos

May 17, 2021

by Carla Hay

Elodie Yung in “The Cleaning Lady”  (Photo by Ursula Coyote/Fox)

Fox has officially announced its 2021-2022 schedule. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, Fox’s in-person upfront presentation (which is usually held at the Beacon Theatre in New York City) was made online instead, for the second consecutive year. Most of the existing shows had previously been announced as renewed. However, the upfront presentation made it official that the following shows have been cancelled: “Filthy Rich,” “Prodigal Son,” “Last Man Standing,” “neXt,” “Outmatched,” “Bless the Harts,” “Gordon Ramsay’s 24 Hours to Hell & Back,” “Cosmos: Possible Worlds” and “L.A. Finest.” Fox has not yet announced the fates of “Outmatched,” “Spin the Wheel,” “Labor of Love” and “The Ultimate Tag.” “So You Think You Can Dance” has been renewed for a 17th season, but production is on hiatus do to the COVID-19 pandemic.

New scripted shows on Fox include “The Big Leap,” “Our Kind of People,” “The Cleaning Lady,” “Welcome to Flatch,” “Pivoting,” “Accused,” “Krapopolis” and “Fantasy Island.” New unscripted shows include “Alter Ego,” “Next Level Chef,” “Don’t Forget the Lyrics!” and “Domino Masters.”

Several actors who are familiar to TV audiences are starring in these shows, including “The Big Leap” star Scott Foley (formerly of “Scandal”); “Our Kind of People” stars YaYa Da Costa (formerly of “Chicago Med”) and Morris Chestnut (who currently co-stars in “The Resident”); “Welcome to Flatch” star Seann William Scott (formerly of “Lethal Weapon”); and “Pivoting” stars Eliza Coupe (formerly of “Happy Endings”), Ginnifer Goodwin (formerly of “Once Upon a Time”) and Maggie Q (formerly of “Designated Survivor”).

Fall premiere dates will be announced at a later time. Please note that shows picked up but not listed on the schedule below will have their season debuts at other times in the 2021-2022 season. They include new shows such as “Monarch,” “The Cleaning Lady,” “Welcome to Flatch,” “Pivoting,” “Accused,” “Krapopolis” and “Fantasy Island,” as well as renewed shows such as “9-1-1,” “9-1-1: Lone Star,” “Call Me Kat,” “Beat Shazam,” “Crime Scene Kitchen,” “Duncanville,” “I Can See Your Voice,” “Lego Masters,” “Hell’s Kitchen” and “MasterChef.”

The following is an excerpt from a Fox press release:

FOX FALL 2021 SCHEDULE

All times listed are Eastern Time only.

MONDAY

8-9 p.m.   “9-1-1”
9-10 p.m. “The Big Leap”

TUESDAY

8-9 p.m.   “The Resident”
9-10 p.m. “Our Kind of People”

WEDNESDAY

8-9 p.m.   “The Masked Singer”
9-10 p.m. “Alter Ego”

THURSDAY

8 p.m. “Thursday Night Football on Fox”

FRIDAY

8-10 p.m.      “WWE’s Friday Night Smackdown”

SATURDAY

7-10:30 p.m. “Fox Sports Saturday”

SUNDAY

7-7:30 p.m.  “NFL on Fox”
7:30-8 p.m.  “The OT”/Fox Encores
8-8:30 p.m.  “The Simpsons”
8:30-9 p.m.  “The Great North”
9-9:30 p.m.  “Bob’s Burgers”
9:30-10 p.m. “Family Guy”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nEmf_td9xU

NEW DRAMA SERIES

“ACCUSED”

From executive producers Howard Gordon (“24,” “Homeland”), Alex Gansa (“24,” “Homeland”) and David Shore (“The Good Doctor,” “House”), ACCUSED is based on the BBC’s BAFTA-winning crime anthology, in which each episode opens in a courtroom on the accused without knowing their crime or how they ended up on trial, the drama is told from the defendant’s point of view. In ACCUSED, viewers discover how an ordinary person got caught up in an extraordinary situation, ultimately revealing how one wrong turn leads to another, until it’s too late to turn back.

“THE BIG LEAP”

Kevin Daniels, Mallory Jansen, Scott Foley, Simone Recasner, Raymond Cham Jr., Ser’Darius Blain, Teri Polo, Piper Perabo, Jon Rudnitsky, and guest stars Karen Rodriguez, Adam Kaplan, Anna Grace Barlow and Donnetta Jackson in “The Big Leap” (Photo by George Burns/Fox)

THE BIG LEAP is a modern tale about second chances, chasing your dreams and taking back what’s yours. From creator/executive producer Liz Heldens (“The Passage,” “Friday Night Lights”), director/executive producer Jason Winer (“Modern Family”) and executive producer Sue Naegle (“The Plot Against America”), the show revolves around a group of diverse, down-on-their-luck characters attempting to change their lives by participating in a potentially life-ruining reality dance show that builds to a live production of “Swan Lake.” Inspired by a U.K. reality format, THE BIG LEAP is an innovative show-within-a-show that takes viewers on a journey of self-acceptance and empowerment at any age. The series stars Scott Foley (“Scandal”), Teri Polo (“Meet the Parents” franchise), Piper Perabo (“Covert Affairs,” “Coyote Ugly”), newcomer Simone Recasner, Ser’Darius Blain (“Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle”), Jon Rudnitsky (“Catch-22”), Raymond Cham Jr. (“Five Points”), Mallory Jansen (“Galavant”), Kevin Daniels (“Modern Family”) and Anna Grace Barlow (“The Goldbergs”).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yh-GxTzbKRw

“THE CLEANING LADY”

Elodie Yung in “The Cleaning Lady” (Photo by Ursula Coyote/Fox)

From executive producer/writer Miranda Kwok (“The 100”), executive producer/showrunner Melissa Carter (“Queen Sugar”), executive producer/director Michael Offer (“Homeland,” “How to Get Away with Murder”) and executive producers Shay Mitchell (“You,” “Pretty Little Liars”), Rose Marie Vega and Paola Suarez, THE CLEANING LADY is a thrilling and emotionally driven character drama about a whip-smart Cambodian doctor who comes to the U.S. for a medical treatment to save her ailing son. However, when the system fails and pushes her into hiding, she refuses to be beaten down and marginalized. Instead, she becomes a cleaning lady for organized crime, using her cunning and intelligence to forge her own path in the criminal underworld. The series stars Elodie Yung (“The Hitman’s Bodyguard”), Adan Canto (“Designated Survivor,”), Martha Millan (“The OA”) and newcomers Valentino and Sebastien LaSalle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YmSBMlHdI4

“FANTASY ISLAND”

“Fantasy Island” star Roselyn Sanchez (Photo courtesy of Fox)

This August, FOX travels to FANTASY ISLAND, with an all-new version of the classic show. A modern drama series, FANTASY ISLAND takes place at a luxury resort, where literally any fantasy requested by guests is fulfilled, although they rarely turn out as expected. Delving into the “what if” questions — both big and small — that keep us awake at night, each episode will tell emotional, provocative stories about people who arrive with dreams and desires, and depart enlightened and transformed through the magical realism of Fantasy Island. Serving as steward of this mysterious island is ELENA ROARKE (Roselyn Sanchez, “Devious Maids,” “Grand Hotel”), a descendant of the iconic Mr. Roarke. Elena set aside her own ambitions, and even the love of her life, to uphold her family’s legacy. Sophisticated, insightful and always charming, her calm exterior masks the challenges of the responsibilities she has assumed. Assisting Elena is RUBY OKORO (Kiara Barnes, “The Bold and the Beautiful”), a young woman with an old soul who arrives on Fantasy Island with a terminal illness, and is given a new lease on life there; and pilot JAVIER (John Gabriel Rodriquez, “Miranda’s Rights,” “Rosewood”), who also is the head of island transportation and a jack of all trades.

“MONARCH”

MONARCH is an epic, multi-generational musical drama about America’s first family of country music. The series debuts with a special two-night event beginning Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, immediately following the NFC CHAMPIONSHIP, and continuing on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022. In MONARCH, from FOX Entertainment, the Romans are passionate and fiercely talented, but while their name is synonymous with honesty, the very foundation of this family’s success is a lie. When dangerous truths bubble to the surface, the Romans’ reign as country royalty is put in jeopardy. Nicky Roman, the brilliant and fierce heir to the crown, already battling an industry and world stacked against her, will stop at nothing to protect her family’s legacy. It’s finally her turn. But is it too late? MONARCH is produced by FOX Entertainment. Melissa London Hilfers (“Instinct”) serves as creator, writer and executive producer. Michael Rauch (“Royal Pains”) is an executive producer and showrunner. Gail Berman and Hend Baghdady (The Jackal Group) and Jason Owen (Sandbox Entertainment) also serve as executive producers.

“OUR KIND OF PEOPLE”

Inspired by Lawrence Otis Graham’s provocative, critically acclaimed book, “Our Kind of People: Inside America’s Black Upper Class,” the series takes place in the aspirational world of Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard, a historical stronghold where the rich and powerful black elite have come to play for over 50 years. From executive producer Lee Daniels (“Empire,” “The United States Vs. Billie Holiday”) and writer and executive producer Karin Gist (“Star,” “Grey’s Anatomy”), OUR KIND OF PEOPLE follows a strong-willed, single mom as she sets out to reclaim her family’s name and make an impact with her revolutionary haircare line that highlights the innate, natural beauty of black women. But she soon discovers a dark secret about her own mother’s past that will turn her world upside-down and shake up this community forever. The show is a soapy, thrilling exploration of race and class in America and an unapologetic celebration of black resilience and achievement.  The series stars Yaya DaCosta (“Chicago Med,” “Whitney”) as Angela Vaughn and Morris Chestnut (THE RESIDENT) as Raymond DuPont.

NEW COMEDY SERIES

“KRAPOPOLIS”

KRAPOPOLIS is an animated comedy set in mythical ancient Greece from Emmy Award-winning creator Dan Harmon (“Rick and Morty,” “Community”). Centered on a flawed family of humans, gods and monsters that tries to run one of the world’s first cities without killing each other. Fully owned and financed by FOX Entertainment, the comedy will be produced by its Emmy Award-winning animation studio, Bento Box Entertainment. Additionally, KRAPOPOLIS will serve as the first-ever animated series curated entirely on the Blockchain, as FOX and Bento Box enter the NFT business. The company will launch a dedicated marketplace for KRAPOPOLIS that will curate and sell digital goods, ranging from NFTs of one-of-a-kind character and background art and GIFs, as well as tokens that provide exclusive social experiences to engage and reward super fans. 

“PIVOTING”

Maggie Q, Ginnifer Goodwin and Eliza Coupe in “Pivoting” (Photo by Joe Viles/Fox)

PIVOTING is a single-camera comedy about how we deal with life, death and all the crazy things that happen in between. Set in a small, middle-class town in Long Island, NY, the series follows three women – and close-knit childhood friends – as they cope with the death of the fourth member of their group. When faced with the reality that life is short, these women pivot, and alter their current paths, by way of a series of impulsive, ill-advised and self-indulgent decisions. These pivots will strengthen their bond and prove it’s never too late to screw up your life in the pursuit of happiness. Written and executive-produced by Liz Astrof (“The Conners,” “2 Broke Girls”), the series stars Eliza Coupe (“Happy Endings”), Ginnifer Goodwin (“Once Upon a Time”), Maggie Q (“Designated Survivor”), Tommy Dewey (“Casual”), JT Neal (“Bless This Mess”) and Marcello Reyes (“Modern Family”).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJNyTpO1Xbk

“WELCOME TO FLATCH”

Inspired by BBC Studios’ BAFTA-winning BBC format, “This Country,” WELCOME TO FLATCH (fka “This Country”) is a half-hour comedy written and executive-produced by Emmy Award winner Jenny Bicks (“Sex and the City,” “The Greatest Showman”) and directed and executive-produced by Emmy Award nominee Paul Feig (“The Office,” “Bridesmaids”). When a documentary crew sets out to explore the lives of residents in a small American town – their dreams, their concerns – they stumble upon the midwestern town of Flatch, which is made up of many eccentric personalities. It’s a place you want to visit and maybe even stay. If there was a decent motel. Which there is not. The series stars newcomers Chelsea Holmes and Sam Straley, Seann William Scott (“Lethal Weapon,” “American Pie” franchise), Aya Cash (“The Boys,” “You’re The Worst”), Taylor Ortega (“Succession”) and newcomers Krystal Smith and Justin Linville.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzJWIGGo40U

NEW ALTERNATIVE SERIES

“ALTER EGO”

From FOX Alternative Entertainment and executive-produced by Matilda Zoltowski (“Dancing with the Stars,” “World of Dance”), ALTER EGO is an all-new original singing competition where lost dreams and second chances are reignited when singers from all walks of life become the stars they’ve always wanted to be. However, these contestants won’t perform as themselves. Rather, they’ll be given the chance to show how they’ve always wanted to be seen, creating their dream avatar ALTER EGO to reinvent themselves and perform like never before.

“DOMINO MASTERS”

“Domino Masters” host Eric Stonestreet (Photo courtesy of Fox)

Hosted by multi-Emmy-Award-winning actor and comedian Eric Stonestreet (“Modern Family”), DOMINO MASTERS brings imagination and creative ingenuity to life when teams of domino enthusiasts go head-to-head in a toppling tournament to create mind-blowing masterpieces, with infinite possibilities and thousands of tiles and unique kinetic devices. Stonestreet is joined by a panel of judges, including best-selling author and actress Danica McKellar (“Matchmaker Mysteries”), NFL Pro-Bowler and Super Bowl Champion Vernon Davis (“The Challenge”) and professional domino artist Steve Price, as 16 skilled teams compete against each other in ambitious building challenges to be crowned the country’s most talented amateur domino topplers. In each episode, the teams will be given a bold theme and exciting custom elements to incorporate into their topple. The competing pairs who most impress the judges will progress to the next round, until the finale, during which the top teams will face off for a cash prize, the ultimate trophy and the grand title of DOMINO MASTERS. 

“DON’T FORGET THE LYRICS!”

“Don’t Forget the Lyrics” host Niecy Nash (Photo courtesy of Fox)

Emmy Award nominee Niecy Nash hosts the all-new version of the popular game show DON’T FORGET THE LYRICS!, challenging contestants’ musical memory, as they get one song closer to winning $1 million if they DON’T FORGET THE LYRICS! Contestants will choose songs from different genres, decades and musical artists, then they’ll take center stage to sing alongside the studio band as the lyrics are projected on screen – but suddenly the music will stop, and the words will disappear. Will the contestants belt out the correct missing lyrics, or freeze under pressure? If they sing nine songs correctly, they are presented with a No. 1 hit and sing the final missing lyrics for the top prize of $1 million. It’s that simple: 10 songs, some missing lyrics, $1 million.

“NEXT LEVEL CHEF”

“Next Level Chef” star Gordon Ramsay (Photo courtesy of Fox)

Gordon Ramsay is back with NEXT LEVEL CHEF, the next evolution in cooking competitions. Produced by FOX Alternative Entertainment and Studio Ramsay, the series features a one-of-a-kind culinary gauntlet – which Chef Ramsay designed — set on an iconic stage like you’ve never seen. Over three stories high, each floor contains a stunningly different kitchen. From the glistening top floor to the challenging bottom of the basement, the ingredients will match the environment, because Ramsay believes the true test of a great chef is not only what they can do in the best of circumstances, but what kind of magic they can create in the worst!  With a level playing field, Chef Ramsay has opened up the competition and scoured the country for the very best line cooks, home chefs, social media stars, food truck owners and everything in between, all competing against one and other with the goal of finding the food world’s newest superstar. Joined by two elite names in the food world, chefs Nyesha Arrington and Gino D’Acampo, Ramsay and his co-mentors will leave no stone unturned, as they each recruit a group of the talented young chefs and take them under their wings. Ramsay and his friends will attempt to bring out the very best in their cooks, as they all try to find “the one.” 

2020 TV Upfronts: NBC announces 2020-2021 schedule; see photos and videos

June 16, 2020

by Carla Hay

Torri Higginson, John Hannah, Hamza Haq, Jim Watson, Laurence Leboeuf, Ayiah Issa in “Transplant” (Photo by Fabrice Gaetan/Sphere Media/NBC)

NBC has officially announced its 2019-2020 schedule, which traditionally takes place during parent company NBCUniversal’s upfront presentation at New York City’s Radio Music Hall. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the event was cancelled and the schedule was announced online on June 16, 2020. Most of the existing shows had previously been announced as renewed. However, the announcement made it official that these shows have been cancelled: “Bluff City Law,” “Perfect Harmony,” “Sunnyside,” “The Good Place,” “Blindspot,” “Lincoln Rhyme: Hunt for the Bone Collector,” “Indebted,” “The InBetween,” “The Village” and “Will & Grace.”

NBC has not yet decided the fates of  “America’s Got Talent: The Champions,” “World of Dance,” “Songland,” “The Titan Games,” “Bring the Funny,” “Hollywood Game Night,” “Council of Dads,” “Little Big Shots” and “The Wall.” Meanwhile, “A.P. Bio” moves from NBC to Peacock, the NBCUniversal-owned streaming service that expands from the Comcast Xfinity subscriber base to a more comprehensive launch on July 15, 2020.

New scripted shows include “Young Rock,” “Mr. Mayor,” “Kenan,” “Transplant” (which previously aired in Canada on CTV) and “Law & Order: Organized Crime.” Unscripted/alternative shows include “True Story,” “Small Fortune,” “That’s My Jam” and “Who Do You Think You Are?,” a celebrity ancestry show that originally aired on NBC from 2010 to 2012, then on TLC from 2013 to 2018. Several familiar names in television will have new shows on NBC as stars and/or executive producers, including “Mr. Mayor” star Ted Danson (formerly of “Cheers” and “The Good Place”); “Law & Order: Organized Crime” star Christopher Meloni (formerly of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”); “Kenan” star Kenan Thompson (“Saturday Night Live”); and “True Story” hosts Ed Helms (formerly of “The Office”) and Randall Park (formerly of “Fresh Off the Boat”).

Fall premiere dates will be announced at a later time. Please note that shows picked up but not listed on the schedule below will have their season premieres at other times in the 2020-2021 season. They include new shows “Kenan,” “Mr. Mayor,” “Small Fortune,” “Transplant,” “That’s My Jam,” “True Story,” “Who Do You Think You Are?” and “Young Rock,” as well as renewed shows “American Ninja Warrior,” “Good Girls,” “America’s Got Talent,” “Making It”  and “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist.”

The following is an excerpt from an NBC press release:

NBC FALL 2020-2021 SCHEDULE

All times listed are Eastern Time only.

MONDAY

8-10 p.m.    “The Voice”
10-11 p.m.   “Manifest”**

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.  “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”
9-10 p.m.  “Law & Order: SVU”**
10-11 p.m. “Law & Order: Organized Crime”**

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.m.  “Football Night in America”
8:20-11 p.m. “NBC Sunday Night Football”

**=New episodes available on Peacock

NEW DRAMA SERIES

“LAW & ORDER: ORGANIZED CRIME”

 The drama features Christopher Meloni reprising his beloved “Law & Order: SVU” role as Elliot Stabler, who returns to the NYPD to battle organized crime after a devastating personal loss. However, the city and police department have changed dramatically in the decade he’s been away, and he must adapt to a criminal justice system in the midst of its own moment of reckoning. Throughout the series, we will follow Stabler’s journey to find absolution and rebuild his life, while leading a new elite task force that is taking apart the city’s most powerful criminal syndicates one by one.

“TRANSPLANT”

(previously aired on CTV)

Torri Higginson, John Hannah, Hamza Haq, Jim Watson, Laurence Leboeuf, Ayiah Issa in “Transplant” (Photo by Fabrice Gaetan/Sphere Media/NBC)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXLC10t9O4s

The 13-episode series centers on Dr. Bashir “Bash” Hamed, a Syrian doctor with battle-tested skills in emergency medicine who fled his country with his younger sister, Amira. Together they struggle to build a new life in Canada as Bash strives to rebuild his career in medicine.

“Transplant” stars Hamza Haq (“Quantico”), Laurence Leboeuf (“The Disappearance”), John Hannah (“Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”), Jim Watson (“Mary Kills People”) and Ayisha Issa (“Polar”).

Creator Joseph Kay serves as executive producer along with Jocelyn Deschenes, Bruno Dube, Randy Lennox, Virginia Rankin, Jeremy Spry and Tara Woodbury.

Developed at CTV, “Transplant” is produced by Sphère Média Plus in association with CTV and NBCUniversal International Studios, a division of NBCUniversal Content Studios. NBCUniversal Global Distribution handles worldwide distribution for the series.

NEW COMEDY SERIES

“KENAN”

Dani Lockett, Kenan Thompson and Dannah Lockett in “The Kenan Show” (Photo by Ron Batzdorff/NBC)

In this family comedy, Kenan Thompson strives to be a super dad to his two adorable girls while simultaneously balancing his job and a father-in-law who “helps” in the most inappropriate ways.

The cast includes Kenan Thompson, Punam Patel, Dani Lockett, Dannah Lockett and Andy Garcia.

Jackie Clarke will write and executive produce. Chris Rock will direct and executive produce. Kenan Thompson, Lorne Michaels and Andrew Singer will executive produce.

“The Kenan Show” is produced by Universal Television in association with Broadway Video.

“MR. MAYOR”

Ted Danson (Photo by Zach Pagano/NBC)

“Mr. Mayor” follows a wealthy businessman (Ted Danson) who runs for mayor of Los Angeles for all the wrong reasons. Once he wins he has to figure out what he stands for, gain the respect of his staff, and connect with his teenage daughter, all while controlling the coyote population.

From Universal Television, Tina Fey and Robert Carlock (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”, “30 Rock”), and 3 Arts Entertainment. Ted Danson, Holly Hunter, Bobby Moynihan, and Vella Lovell are set to star.

“YOUNG ROCK”

From Nahnatchka Khan and Dwayne Johnson, NBC has given an 11-episode series order to “Young Rock,” a single-cam comedy inspired by Johnson himself.

The series will be executive produced by Nahnatchka Khan, Dwayne Johnson, Jeff Chiang, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, Brian Gewirtz and Jennifer Carreras. The show will be produced by Universal Television, Seven Bucks Productions and Fierce Baby Productions.

The pilot was co-written by Khan and Chiang. Johnson will appear in each episode as the focus and inspiration of the series will be about his formative years.

Johnson and Garcia’s Seven Bucks Productions is a global entertainment force with film revenues exceeding $10 billion worldwide. Johnson currently stars in “Jumanji: The Next Level” which has grossed over $600M worldwide and will next star in Disney’s “Jungle Cruise.” Johnson and Garcia will also return to executive produce the second season of NBC’s “The Titan Games,” Johnson also serves as host.

Writer/director/showrunner Khan’s Fierce Baby Productions is a film and TV production company focused on amplifying new voices and perspectives in both comedy and drama. Khan is the creator and executive producer of the groundbreaking television series “Fresh Off the Boat,” currently airing its sixth and final season, and previously “Don’t Trust the B—- In Apartment 23,” which ran for two seasons on ABC.

NEW ALTERNATIVE SERIES

“SMALL FORTUNE”

NBC is offering contestants the opportunity to amass a “Small Fortune” as the network has nabbed a six-episode order of Youngest Media’s unscripted competition series. The U.S. series will be based on the popular U.K. format that launched on ITV in February.

“Small Fortune” will see teams of three friends compete in the tiniest of challenges for a chance to win big money. From a shrunk down Oval Office (“The Waste Wing”) to a mini Arc de Triomphe (“Arc de Wee-Omph”) each team must prove their skills on playing fields that have been squeezed down to the size of a dollhouse. Challenges will require considerable dexterity and intense focus because with games this small, there’s no room for error as the slightest miscalculation or tremble may result in elimination.

To take home the ultimate Small Fortune, teams that make it to the end must tackle one last teeny-tiny but epic game. If players can control their nerves and avoid the slightest mistake they will walk away with a big cash prize.

As the saying goes, good things come in small packages.

“Small Fortune” will be co-produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio and entertainment studio Youngest Media, which created and produced the U.K. format. Lucas Church and David Flynn will serve as executive producers for Youngest Media alongside Michael Binkow, who will serve as executive producer and showrunner for the series.

“THAT’S MY JAM”

Jimmy Fallon (Photo by Art Streiber/NBC)

It turns out Jimmy Fallon’s viral smash “Wheel of Musical Impressions” was only the beginning. Drawing inspiration from the wildly popular, celebrity-fueled musical segments made famous on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” NBC has hit play on a 10-episode order for the new unscripted series “That’s My Jam.”

Executive produced by Jimmy Fallon, the hourlong competition series will be infused with Fallon’s one-of-a-kind comedic style, feel-good energy, and a carousel of his classic and brand-new music-based games, featuring a new group of celebrities each week.

The format was brought to Universal Television Alternative Studio by Fallon, longtime “Tonight Show” producer Jim Juvonen and writer Josh Knapp. Jeff Apploff will serve as showrunner.

“TRUE STORY”

“True Story” is a hilarious new series co-hosted by award-winning actor-comedians Ed Helms (“The Office,” “The Hangover”) and Randall Park (“Fresh Off the Boat,” “Always Be My Maybe”). Helms will also executive produce.

Based on the critically acclaimed Australian megahit “True Story with Hamish & Andy,” “True Story” is a six-episode hybrid alternative-scripted series in which everyday Americans sit down with Helms and Park to share their most extraordinary and unbelievably true stories for the first time.

As the stories unfold, events are humorously brought to life by a star-studded cast of comedians and actors in heightened, dramatized re-enactments of cinematic proportions. In a first-of-its-kind format, “True Story” will give real people their very own biopic with well-known celebrities cast in the title role.

Each hourlong episode will feature two real-life stories. A premiere date will be announced in the future.

“True Story” is executive produced by Tim Bartley, Hamish Blake, Andy Lee, Ryan Shelton, Ed Helms, Mike Falbo and Nicolle Yaron, who will also serve as showrunner. The series is produced by Warner Horizon in association with Pacific Electric Picture Co. and Universal Television Alternative Studio.

“WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?”

The Emmy Award-winning documentary series “Who Do You Think You Are?” returns to celebrate all new journeys of self-discovery, connection and diversity on NBC with 13 episodes. A new group of celebrities will celebrate culture and set sail on their mission to connect with their personal history.

From executive producers Lisa Kudrow, Dan Bucatinsky and Ancestry, the global leader in family history and consumer genomics, the series returns to NBC at a time when ancestral and genealogical exploration is enjoying unprecedented popularity. Cutting-edge research tools and billions of digitized records from Ancestry will provide remarkable insights into the star’s background and illustrate the cultural mosaic that connects us all together.

Each week a different celebrity will go on a poignant search to trace their family tree with the help of historians and experts, unlocking past mysteries and unbelievable real-life stories across the world and through time.

“Who Do You Think You Are” will be produced by Shed Media and Is or Isn’t Entertainment. Lisa Kudrow, Dan Bucatinsky, Pam Healey and Stephanie Schwam will executive produce.

2020 TV Upfronts: ABC announces 2020-2021 TV schedule; see photos and videos

May 21, 2020

Updated September 16, 2020

by Carla Hay

“A Million Little Things” cast members, from left to right in front row: Stephanie Szostak, Lizzy Greene, Chance Hurstfield, Romany Malco and Tristan Byon. Pictured from left to right in back row: James Roday, Allison Miller, Christina Moses, David Giuntoli and Grace Park. (Photo by Robert Trachtenberg/ABC)

ABC officially announced the lineup of the network’s shows for the 2020-2021 TV season. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the network’s upfront presentation, which traditionally takes place at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall in New York City, was cancelled this year. Instead, the announcement was made online. Most of the existing shows had previously been announced as renewed. However, the upfront presentation made it official that “Emergence,” “Fresh Off the Boat,” “Modern Family,” “How to Get Away With Murder,” “Bless This Mess,” “Schooled,” “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” “Kids Say the Darndest Things” and “Single Parents” have been cancelled. ABC has not yet announced the fates of “United We Fall,” “For Life,” “The Baker and the Beauty,” “Don’t” and “Family Food Fight.”*

New scripted shows include the drama “Big Sky” and the comedy “Call Your Mother” (formerly “My Village”). The network’s new unscripted show is “Supermarket Sweep,” hosted by Leslie Jones. Some of the stars of the new shows are familiar to TV audiences. Jones was previously a “Saturday Night Live” cast member. “Call Your Mother” star Kyra Sedgwick is best known for starring in “The Closer.” “Big Sky” star Katheryn Winnick was previously a series regular on “Vikings.”

The premiere dates will be announced at a later time. ABC has renewed the following shows: “American Housewife,” “Black-ish,” “The Conners,” “The Goldbergs,” “The Good Doctor,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Station 19,” “A Million Little Things,” “Mixed-ish,” “The Rookie,” ”Stumptown,”* “20/20,” “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” “American Idol,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “Holey Moley,” “Shark Tank,” “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune,” “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette.”

*September 16, 2020 UPDATE: ABC has cancelled “Stumptown” after announcing that it was renewed for a second season. In addition, ABC has cancelled “The Baker and the Beauty” and “United We Fall.”

The following is an excerpt from an ABC press release:

ABC FALL 2020 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

8-10 p.m. “The Bachelorette”
10-11 p.m. “Big Sky”

WEDNESDAY

8-8:30 p.m. “The Goldbergs”
8:30-9 p.m. “American Housewife”
9:30-10 p.m. “The Conners”
9:30-10 p.m. “Call Your Mother”
10-11 p.m. “Stumptown”*

*September 16, 2020 UPDATE: ABC has cancelled “Stumptown” after announcing that it was renewed for a second season.

THURSDAY

8-9 P.M. “Station 19”
9-10 P.M. “Grey’s Anatomy”
10-11 P.M. “A Million Little Things”

FRIDAY

8-9 p.m. “Shark Tank”
9-11 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. “Supermarket Sweep”
9-10 p.m. “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire”
10-11 p.m. “The Rookie”

NEW DRAMA SERIES

“BIG SKY”

From visionary storyteller David E. Kelley (“Big Little Lies”) comes “Big Sky,” a thriller created by Kelley, who will write multiple episodes and serve as showrunner in its premiere season. Private detectives Cassie Dewell and Cody Hoyt join forces with his estranged wife and ex-cop, Jenny Hoyt, to search for two sisters who have been kidnapped by a truck driver on a remote highway in Montana. But when they discover that these are not the only girls who have disappeared in the area, they must race against the clock to stop the killer before another woman is taken. Based on the series of books by C.J. Box, “Big Sky” is executive produced by David E. Kelley, Ross Fineman, Matthew Gross, Paul McGuigan and C.J. Box and is produced by A+E Studios in association with 20th Century Fox Television. A+E Studios is the award-winning studio unit of the global media company A+E Networks, LLC. 20th Century Fox Television is a part of Disney Television Studios, alongside ABC Studios and Fox 21 Television Studios.

Cast: Katheryn Winnick as Jenny Hoyt, Kylie Bunbury as Cassie Dewell, Brian Geraghty as Ronald Pergman, Dedee Pfeiffer as Denise Brisbane, Natalie Alyn Lind as Danielle Sullivan, Jesse James Keitel as Jerrie, with John Carroll Lynch as Rick Legarski and Ryan Phillippe as Cody Hoyt.

NEW COMEDY SERIES

“CALL YOUR MOTHER”

“Call Your Mother” star Kyra Sedgwick (Photo by Melanie Acevedo)

From Kari Lizer (“The New Adventures of Old Christine”), this multicamera comedy follows an empty-nester mom who wonders how she ended up alone while her children live their best lives thousands of miles away. She decides her place is with her family and as she reinserts herself into their lives, her kids realize they might actually need her more than they thought. “Call Your Mother” is produced by Sony Pictures Television & ABC Studios. ABC Studios is a part of Disney Television Studios, alongside 20th Century Fox Television and Fox 21 Television Studios.

Cast: Kyra Sedgwick as Jean Raines, Rachel Sennott as Jackie Raines, Joey Bragg as Freddie Raines, Patrick Brammall as Danny, Emma Caymares as Celia and Austin Crute as Lane.

NEW ALTERNATIVE SERIES

“SUPERMARKET SWEEP”

“Supermarket Sweep” host Leslie Jones  (Photo by Blair Raughley/Invision for Sony/AP Images)

ABC has not yet announced details about this game show.

2020 TV Upfronts: CBS announces 2020-2021 schedule; see photos and videos

May 19, 2020

by Carla Hay

Annaleigh Ashford and Thomas Middleditch in “B Positive” (Photo by Pamela Littky/Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.)

CBS officially announced its 2020-2021 schedule. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the network’s upfront presentation, which traditionally takes place at Carnegie Hall in New York City, was cancelled. Instead, the announcement was made online. Most of the existing shows had previously been announced as renewed. Most of the existing shows had previously been announced as renewed. However, the upfront presentation made it official that the following shows have been cancelled: “Broke,” “Carol’s Second Act,” “Tommy,” “Hawaii Five-O,” “Madam Secretary,” “God Friended Me” and “Man With a Plan.” New scripted shows include “B Positive,” “The Equalizer” and “Clarice.”

Some of actors starring in these new programs are known for starring in past long-running hit shows. They include “B Positive” co-stars Thomas Middleditch (formerly of “Silicon Valley”) and Annaleigh Ashford (formerly of “Masters of Sex”); “The Equalizer” star Queen Latifah, who co-starred on “Living Single,” and “The Equalizer” supporting actor Chris Noth, who is best known for his stints on “Sex and the City” and “Law & Order”; and “Clarice” co-star Kal Penn, who is best known for previous roles on “House” and “Scrubs.”

Please note that shows picked up but not listed on the schedule below will debut at other times in the 2020-2021 season. They include new show “Clarice” and renewed shows “Undercover Boss,” “S.W.A.T.” and “Celebrity Big Brother.” Season premiere dates for all of these shows are to be announced.

The following is an excerpt from a CBS press release:

CBS FALL 2020 SCHEDULE

All times listed are Eastern/Pacific Time.

MONDAY

8-8:30 p.m. “The Neighborhood”
8:30-9 p.m. “Bob ♥ Abishola”
9-10 p.m. “All Rise”
10-11 p.m. “Bull”

TUESDAY

8-9 p.m. “NCIS”
9-10 p.m. “FBI”
10-11 p.m. “FBI: Most Wanted”

WEDNESDAY

8-9 p.m. “Survivor”
9-10 p.m.  “The Amazing Race”
10-11 p.m. “SEAL Team”

THURSDAY

8-8:30 p.m. “Young Sheldon”
8:30-9 p.m. “B Positive”
9-9:30 p.m. “Mom”
9:30-10 p.m. “The Unicorn”
10-11 p.m. “Evil”

FRIDAY

8-9 p.m. “MacGyver”
9-10 p.m. “Magnum P.I.”
10-11 p.m. “Blue Bloods”

SATURDAY

8-9 p.m. Crimetime Saturday
9-10 p.m. Crimetime Saturday
10-11 p.m. “48 Hours”

SUNDAY

7-8 p.m. “60 Minutes”
8-9 p.m. “The Equalizer”
9-10 p.m. “NCIS: Los Angeles”
10-11 p.m. “NCIS: New Orleans”

NEW DRAMA SERIES

“THE EQUALIZER”

“The Equalizer” star Queen Latifah

THE EQUALIZER is a reimagining of the classic series starring Academy Award nominee and multi-hyphenate Queen Latifah (“Chicago,” “Bessie”) as Robyn McCall, an enigmatic woman with a mysterious background who uses her extensive skills to help those with nowhere else to turn. McCall presents to most as an average single mom who is quietly raising her teenage daughter. But to a trusted few, she is The Equalizer – an anonymous guardian angel and defender of the downtrodden, who’s also dogged in her pursuit of personal redemption. Andrew Marlowe, Terri Miller, Dana Owens (Queen Latifah), John Davis, John Fox, Debra Martin Chase, Richard Lindheim (co-creator of the original “Equalizer” TV series that ran on CBS for four seasons), Shakim Compere and Liz Friedlander (pilot only) are executive producers for Universal Television, a division of NBCUniversal Content Studios, in association with CBS Television Studios. Friedlander will direct the pilot episode from a script by Marlowe and Miller.

THE EQUALIZER stars Queen Latifah as Robyn McCall, Chris Noth as William Bishop, Lorraine Toussaint as Viola “Aunt Vi” Lascombe, Tory Kittles as Marcus Dante, Liza Lapira as Melody Zhao and Laya DeLeon Hayes as Delilah.

NEW DRAMA SERIES

“CLARICE”

“Clarice” star Rebecca Breeds (Photo by Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Hulu)

CLARICE, from acclaimed executive producers Alex Kurtzman and Jenny Lumet, and starring Rebecca Breeds (“Pretty Little Liars”) in the title role, is a deep dive into the untold personal story of FBI Agent Clarice Starling as she returns to the field in 1993, six months after the events of “The Silence of the Lambs.” Brilliant and vulnerable, Clarice’s bravery gives her an inner light that draws monsters and madmen to her. However, her complex psychological makeup that comes from a challenging childhood empowers her to begin to find her voice while working in a man’s world, as well as escape the family secrets that have haunted her throughout her life. Alex Kurtzman, Jenny Lumet, Elizabeth J.B. Klaviter and Heather Kadin are executive producers for MGM Television and CBS Television Studios in association with Secret Hideout. Aaron Baiers is a co-executive producer. Maja Vrvilo will direct the pilot episode from a script by Lumet and Kurtzman.

CLARICE stars Rebecca Breeds as Clarice Starling, Kal Penn as Emin Grigoriyan, Nick Sandow as Murray Clarke, Lucca de Oliveira as Tomas Esquivel, Michael Cudlitz as Paul Krendler and Devyn A. Tyler as Ardelia Mapp.

NEW COMEDY SERIES

“B POSITIVE”

Annaleigh Ashford and Thomas Middleditch in “B Positive” (Photo by Pamela Littky/Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.)

B POSITIVE is from award-winning executive producer, writer and creator Chuck Lorre and Marco Pennette, and stars Emmy Award nominee Thomas Middleditch (“Silicon Valley”) and Tony Award winner Annaleigh Ashford (“Masters of Sex”). The comedy revolves around Drew (Middleditch), a therapist and newly divorced dad who is faced with finding a kidney donor when he runs into Gina (Ashford), a rough-around-the-edges woman from his past who volunteers her own. Together, they form an unlikely and life-affirming friendship as they begin a journey that will forever impact both of their lives. Chuck Lorre and Marco Pennette are executive producers for Warner Bros. Television and Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc. James Burrows directed the pilot from a script by Pennette.

B POSITIVE stars Thomas Middleditch as Drew, Annaleigh Ashford as Gina, Kether Donohue as Leanne, Sara Rue as Julia and Kamryn Kunody as Maddie.

2020 TV Upfronts: The CW announces 2020-2021 TV schedule; see photos and videos

May 14, 2020

by Carla Hay

Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch in “Superman & Lois” (Photo courtesy of The CW)

The CW officially announced its 2020-2021 schedule on May 14, 2020. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the network’s upfront presentation, which traditionally takes place at the New York City Center in New York City, was cancelled. Instead, the announcement was made online. Most of the existing shows had previously been announced as renewed. The CW has renewed these shows that premiered in the 2019-2020 TV season: “Batwoman,” “Nancy Drew,” “Penn & Teller: Fool Us,” “Whose Line Is It Anyway?,” “Masters of Illusion,” “The Outpost,” “Pandora” and “Two Sentence Horror Stories.”

The CW has not yet announced the fates of “Katy Keene” and “Stargirl” (which premiered in the 2019-2020 TV season) and “The 100.” As previously announced, the final season of the long-running series “Supernatural” is set to air in the fall of 2020. “Arrow” aired its final episode in January 2020.

The CW’s new scripted shows for the 2020-2021 TV season are all dramas: “Walker,” “Superman & Lois,” “Kung Fu” and “The Republic of Sarah.” The new alternative/reality show to the lineup is “World’s Funniest Animals.” The CW has also acquired these series that originally aired on other networks or streaming services: “Coroner,” “Dead Pixels,” “Swamp Thing” and “Tell Me a Story.”

The CW will launch its 2020-2021 season in January 2021, with premiere dates to be announced later. Please note that shows picked up but not listed on the schedule below will debut sometime in the 2020-2021 season. These shows include returning shows “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow” “Roswell, New Mexico,” “In the Dark” and “The Outpost.”

June 3, 2020 UPDATE: 

The following is an excerpt from a CW press release:

The CW Network announced to the acquisition of the international thriller DEVILS, starring Alessandro Borghi and Patrick Dempsey, adding the series to its Fall 2020 schedule airing on Wednesdays (8:00-9:00pm, ET/PT), followed by the investigative drama CORONER (9:00-10:00pm, ET/PT).

 

Following is The CW’s revised primetime line-up for Fourth Quarter 2020, including the addition of DEVILS now on Wednesdays (8:00-9:00pm, ET/PT). Additional changes to the previously announced Fourth Quarter, include DEAD PIXELS, which will now premiere this Summer, TWO SENTENCE HORROR STORIES moving to Sundays, and MASTERS OF ILLUSION, which is already slated for Fridays this Summer, will remain in same time period for the Fall, while WORLD’S FUNNIEST ANIMALS moves to 9:00pm on Friday.

The following is an excerpt from a CW press release:

The CW FALL 2020 SCHEDULE

All times listed are Eastern/Pacific Time.

MONDAY

8-8:30 p.m. “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”
8:30-9 p.m. “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”
9-10 p.m. “Penn and Teller: Fool Us”

TUESDAY

8-9 p.m. “Swamp Thing”
9-10 p.m. “Tell Me a Story”

WEDNESDAY

8-9 p.m. “Devils”
9-10 p.m. “Coroner”

THURSDAY

8-9 p.m. “Supernatural”
9-10 p.m. “The Outpost”

FRIDAY

8-8:30 p.m. “Masters of Illusion”
8:30-9 p.m. “Masters of Illusion”
9-9:30 p.m. “World’s Funniest Animals”
9:30-10 p.m. “World’s Funniest Animals”

SUNDAY

8-8:30 p.m. “Two Sentence Horror Stories”
8:30-9 p.m. “Two Sentence Horror Stories”
9-10 p.m. “Pandora”

The CW JANUARY 2021 SCHEDULE

All times listed are Eastern/Pacific Time.

MONDAY

8-9 p.m. “All American”
9-10 p.m. “Black Lightning”

TUESDAY

8-9 p.m. “The Flash”
9-10 p.m. “Superman & Lois”

WEDNESDAY

8-9 p.m. “Riverdale”
9-10 p.m. “Nancy Drew”

THURSDAY

8-9 p.m. “Walker”
9-10 p.m. “Legacies”

FRIDAY

8-9 p.m. “Penn and Teller: Fool Us”
9-9:30 p.m. “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”
9:30-10 p.m. “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”

SUNDAY

8-9 p.m. “Batwoman”
9-10 p.m. “Charmed”

NEW DRAMA SERIES

“CORONER”

(previously aired on CBC)

Serinda Swan (pictured at right) in “Coroner” (Photo courtesy of Muse Entertainment Enterprises, Inc.)

CORONER is a character driven one-hour drama about Dr. Jenny Cooper (Serinda Swan, “Ballers”), a recently widowed, newly appointed coroner who investigates any suspicious, unnatural or sudden deaths in Toronto. Each death brings Jenny into a new arena in the city and sparks buzzworthy themes … Jenny taps into her intuition, as much as her intellect and heart, as she solves cases along with the help of Homicide Detective Donovan “Mac” McAvoy (Roger Cross, “Arrow,” “The X-Files”), a man who isn’t afraid of challenging the status quo; pathologist Dr. Dwayne Allen (Lovell Adams-Gray, “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow,” “Power Book II: Ghost”), his assistant River Baitz (Kiley May, “It: Chapter Two”); and Alison Trent (Tamara Podemski, “Run,” “Unsettled”), Jenny’s assistant who keeps it real.

And while Jenny solves mysterious deaths, she also deals with clinical anxiety, a teenage son, Ross (Ehren Kassam, “Degrassi: Next Class,” “Degrassi: The Next Generation”), who is still grieving the death of his father, and the prospect of starting a new relationship with the enigmatic Liam (éric Bruneau, “Trop”). Soulful. Warm. Energy. Coroner.

Executive produced by Morwyn Brebner (“Saving Hope,” “Rookie Blue”), Adrienne Mitchell (“Bellevue,” “Played”), Jonas Prupas (“Collision Course”), Brett Burlock (“Pure,” “Ascension”) and Peter Emerson (“Pure,” “The Firm”), CORONER is a CBC original series produced by Muse Entertainment, Back Alley Films and Cineflix Studios.

“DEVILS”

(previously aired on Sky)

DEVILS is an international thriller that follows Massimo Ruggero (Alessandro Borghi, “The First King: Birth of an Empire,” “Suburra”), the charismatic yet ruthless Head of Trading at NYL, one of the world’s most important investment banks, and his mentor, NYL’s CEO Dominic Morgan (Patrick Dempsey, “The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair”). After Dominic appoints another colleague over Massimo following a bitter promotion battle, Massimo finds himself named prime suspect in a murder investigation. Fighting to clear his name, Massimo becomes involved in an intercontinental financial war and is forced to choose between supporting Dominic or going up against him.

The series also stars Laia Costa (“Victoria,” “Newness”), Kasia Smutniak (“Loro,” “Perfetti Sconosciuti”), Lars Mikkelsen (“The Killing,” “Sherlock”), Malachi Kirby (“Roots”), Paul Chowdhry (“Live at the Apollo,” “Swinging with the Finkels”), Pia Mechler (“Everything Is Wonderful”), Harry Michell (“Chubby Funny”) and Sallie Harmsen (“Blade Runner 2049”).

Based on the novel I Diavoli by Guido Maria Brera, DEVILS is produced by Sky Italia and Lux Vide, in association with Sky Studios, Orange Studio and OCS. Created by Alessandro Sermoneta, Mario Ruggeri, Elena Bucaccio, Guido Maria Brera, Daniele Cesarano, Barbara Petronio, Ezio Abbate, the series is executive produced by Luca Bernabei, Matilde Bernabei, Daniele Passani, Nick Hurran, Sara Melodia, Luisa Cotta Ramosino, Ben Harris, Christopher Lunt & Michael A. Walker, and Nils Hartmann and Sonia Rovai for Sky. DEVILS is produced by Luca Bernabei and directed by Nick Hurran and Jan Maria Michelini. NBCUniversal Global Distribution is handling international distribution of the series on behalf of Sky Studios.

“KUNG FU”

Olivia Liang in “Kung Fu” (Photo by Katie Yu/The CW)

A quarter-life crisis causes a young Chinese-American woman, Nicky Shen (Olivia Liang), to drop out of college and go on a life-changing journey to an isolated monastery in China. But when she returns to San Francisco, she finds her hometown is overrun with crime and corruption and her own parents (Tzi Ma and Kheng Hua Tan) are at the mercy of a powerful Triad. Nicky will rely on her tech-savvy sister (Shannon Dang), pre-med brother (Jon Prasida), Assistant District Attorney and ex-boyfriend (Gavin Stenhouse), and new love interest (Eddie Liu) as well as her martial arts skills and Shaolin values to protect her community and bring criminals to justice … all while searching for the ruthless assassin (Gwendoline Yeo) who killed her Shaolin mentor and is now targeting her.

Inspired by the original series created by Ed Spielman, KUNG FU is from Warner Bros. Television in association with Quinn’s House and Berlanti Productions, with writer/executive producer Christina M. Kim (“Blindspot,” “Lost”) and executive producers Martin Gero (“Blindspot,” “LA Complex”), Greg Berlanti (“Arrow,” “The Flash,” “Riverdale”) and Sarah Schechter (“Arrow,” “The Flash,” “Riverdale”).

“THE REPUBLIC OF SARAH”

The bucolic tranquility of Greylock, New Hampshire is upended when a massive vein of coltan – an incredibly valuable mineral used in tech – is discovered under the town. State-backed mining company Lydon Industries swoops in with plans to extract the mineral … plans that include wiping Greylock off the map. With her friends and family in danger of losing their homes, rebellious high school teacher Sarah Cooper (Stella Baker) vows to stop Lydon’s bulldozers. It won’t be easy. Leading Lydon’s efforts is Sarah’s estranged brother, Danny Cooper (Luke Mitchell).

After enduring a difficult childhood at the hands of his mother, former state senator Ellen Cooper (Megan Follows), Danny is eager to exact his revenge on a community he feels abandoned him. Sarah enlists her friends – fellow teacher Corinne Dearborn (Hope Lauren), police officer Amy “AJ” Johnson (Nia Holloway), and diner manager Grover Simms (Ian Duff) – in the fight against Danny, but there seems to be no way to stop the town’s impending demise … Until Sarah proposes an oddly intriguing solution: Greylock could declare independence. Citing various historical maps, she explains that the land on which Greylock sits was never properly claimed by the United States. If Sarah and her friends can convince the town to vote for independence, Greylock would gain international sovereignty and could protect its land for good.

With the help of a group of supporters that includes three of her teenage students – LA transplant Maya Jimenez (Izabella Alvarez), introspective outsider Tyler Easterbrook (Forrest Goodluck), and preppy “popular girl” Bella Whitmore (Landry Bender) – Sarah and her friends win the vote. And after a federal judge agrees that Greylock isn’t – and never was – part of the United States, the town becomes a new nation. Now, Sarah and her allies must confront an even more daunting task: building a country from scratch.

Executive Produced by Jeffrey Paul King (“Elementary”), Marc Webb (“Why Women Kill), Mark Martin (“Rendition”), Jeff Grosvenor and Leo Pearlman, THE REPUBLIC OF SARAH is a production of CBS Television Studios in association with Fulwell 73 and Black Lamb.

“SUPERMAN & LOIS”

Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch in “Superman & Lois” (Photo courtesy of The CW)

In SUPERMAN & LOIS, after years of facing megalomaniacal supervillains, monsters wreaking havoc on Metropolis, and alien invaders intent on wiping out the human race, the world’s most famous superhero, The Man of Steel aka Clark Kent (Tyler Hoechlin, “Teen Wolf”) and comic books’ most famous journalist, Lois Lane (Elizabeth Tulloch, “Grimm”), come face to face with one of their greatest challenges ever – dealing with all the stress, pressures and complexities that come with being working parents in today’s society. Complicating the already daunting job of raising two boys, Clark and Lois must also concern themselves with whether or not their sons Jonathan (Jordan Elsass, “Little Fires Everywhere”) and Jordan (Alexander Garfin, “The Peanuts Movie”) could inherit their father’s Kryptonian superpowers as they grow older.

Returning to Smallville to handle some Kent family business, Clark and Lois are reacquainted with Lana Lang (Emmanuelle Chriqui, “Entourage”), a local loan officer who also happens to be Clark’s first love, and her Fire Chief husband Kyle Cushing (Erik Valdez, “Graceland”). The adults aren’t the only ones rediscovering old friendships in Smallville as the Kent sons are reacquainted with Lana and Kyle’s rebellious daughter, Sarah (Inde Navarrette, “Wander Darkly”). Of course, there’s never a dull moment in the life of a superhero, especially with Lois’ father, General Samuel Lane (Dylan Walsh, “Nip/Tuck”) looking for Superman to vanquish a villain or save the day at a moment’s notice. Meanwhile, Superman and Lois’ return to idyllic Smallville is set to be upended when a mysterious stranger (Wolé Parks, “All American”) enters their lives.

Based on the characters from DC created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, SUPERMAN & LOIS is written and executive produced by Todd Helbing (“The Flash”) and executive produced by Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Geoff Johns. The series is from Berlanti Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.

“SWAMP THING”

(previously aired on DC Universe)

Crystal Reed in “Swamp Thing” (Photo by Brownie Harris/Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.)

SWAMP THING follows Dr. Abby Arcane (Crystal Reed, “Gotham,” “Teen Wolf”) as she investigates what seems to be a deadly swamp-born virus in a small town in Louisiana but when a mysterious creature emerges from the murky marsh, she finds herself facing the nightmares of a supernatural world where no one is safe. The series also stars Virginia Madsen (“Sideways,” “Dune”), Andy Bean (“Power,” “It: Chapter Two”), Henderson Wade (“Riverdale,” “Extant”), Derek Mears (“The Flash,” “Predators”), Maria Sten (“Persuasion,” “Channel Zero”) and Jeryl Prescott (“The Walking Dead,” “Ray Donovan”) with Jennifer Beals (“Flashdance,” “The L Word”) and Will Patton (“Falling Skies,” “Halloween”).

Based on the DC characters created by Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson, SWAMP THING is produced by Atomic Monster in association with Warner Bros. Television. The series is executive produced by James Wan (“Aquaman,” “The Conjuring” films), Mark Verheiden (“Battlestar Galactica,” “Constantine”), Gary Dauberman (“It” and “Annabelle” films), Michael Clear (“The Nun,” “Annabelle: Creation”) and Len Wiseman (“Lucifer,” “Sleepy Hollow”).

“TELL ME A STORY”

(previously aired on CBS All Access)

Paul Wesley in “Tell Me a Story” (Photo by Michael Parmelee/CBS)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkQ80NVqt0c

TELL ME A STORY takes the world’s most beloved fairy tales and reimagines them as a dark and twisted psychological thriller. Set in modern-day New York City, the first season of this serialized drama interweaves “The Three Little Pigs,” “Little Red Riding Hood” and “Hansel and Gretel” into an epic and subversive tale of love, loss, greed, revenge and murder.

The cast of the first season of TELL ME A STORY includes James Wolk (“Watchmen,” “Mad Men”), Billy Magnussen (“The People V. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story”), Dania Ramirez (“Jumanji: The Next Level,” “Entourage”), Danielle Campbell (“The Originals,” “Runaways”), Dorian Missick (“Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G.”), Michael Raymond-James (“Frontier,” “True Blood”), Davi Santos (“Power Rangers Beast Morphers”), Sam Jaeger (“The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Why Women Kill”), Zabryna Guevara (“Emergence,” “New Amsterdam”) with Paul Wesley (“The Vampire Diaries,” “24”) and Kim Cattrall (“Filthy Rich,” “Sex and the City”).

From Aaron Kaplan’s Kapital Entertainment, TELL ME A STORY season one is written and executive produced by Kevin Williamson alongside Aaron Kaplan, Dana Honor and Liz Friedlander, who directs and executive produces the first two episodes

Exploring an entirely new set of characters, season two of TELL ME A STORY features the stories of three legendary princesses – “Beauty and the Beast,” “Sleeping Beauty” and “Cinderella” – like you’ve never seen them before.

Filmed on location in Nashville, season two of TELL ME A STORY stars Paul Wesley (“The Vampire Diaries”) as Tucker Reed, Carrie-Anne Moss (“The Matrix,” “Jessica Jones”) as Rebecca Pruitt, Odette Annable (“House,” “Supergirl”) as Maddie Pruitt, Eka Darville (“Jessica Jones”) as Beau Morris, Matt Lauria (“Kingdom,” “Friday Night Lights”) as Jackson Pruitt, Natalie Alyn Lind (“The Gifted,” “The Goldbergs”) as Ashley Rose Pruitt and Ashley Madekwe (“Salem,” “Revenge”) as Simone Garland.

In addition, Danielle Campbell (“The Originals”) returns to TELL ME A STORY this season in a recurring role as Olivia Moon. Garcelle Beauvais (“Spider-Man Homecoming”) as Veronica Garland, Caleb Castille (“Wu Tang: An American Saga”) as Ron and Christopher Meyer (“The Affair”) as Derek round out the cast with recurring roles.

“TWO SENTENCE HORROR STORIES”

(previously aired on TheCWTV.com)

Greta Quispe in “Two Sentence Horror Stories” (Photo courtesy of Stage 13)

TWO SENTENCE HORROR STORIES is the critically acclaimed, psychological horror series from award-winning studio Stage 13, created by Vera Miao. Inspired by the viral fan fiction, the anthology series features diverse characters and a different sub-genre of horror in each episode, tapping into universal primal fears while tackling provocative social issues that exist within our modern society.

“WALKER”

Jared Padalecki in “Walker” (Photo courtesy of The CW)

WALKER, a reimagining of the long-running series “Walker, Texas Ranger,” stars Jared Padalecki (“Supernatural”) as Cordell Walker, a widower and father of two with his own moral code, who returns home to Austin after being undercover for two years, only to discover there’s harder work to be done at home. He’ll attempt to reconnect with his creative and thoughtful son (Kale Culley, “Me, Myself and I”) and his headstrong, somewhat rebellious teenaged daughter (Violet Brinson, “Sharp Objects”) and navigate clashes with his family – an ADA brother (Keegan Allen, “Pretty Little Liars”) who stepped in during Walker’s absence, his perceptive mother (Molly Hagen, “Herman’s Head”) and his traditional rancher father (Mitch Pileggi, “The X-Files”).

Walker’s former colleague is now his Ranger Captain, (Coby Bell, “The Game”). Walker finds unexpected common ground with his new partner (one of the first women in Texas Rangers’ history) played by Lindsey Morgan (“The 100”), while growing increasingly suspicious about the circumstances surrounding his wife’s death.

The show also stars Jeff Pierre as Trey Barnett. WALKER is written and executive produced by Anna Fricke (“Being Human,” “Valor”), and executive produced by Dan Lin and Lindsay Liberatore and Jared Padalecki. WALKER is from CBS Television Studios in association with Rideback.

NEW COMEDY SERIES

“DEAD PIXELS”

(previously aired on E4)

Will Merrick in “Dead Pixels” (Photo courtesy of E4)

Created by Jon Brown (“Succession,” “Veep”), DEAD PIXELS follows Meg (Alexa Davies, “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again”), Nicky (Will Merrick, “Poldark”) and Usman (Sargon Yelda, “Strike”) who are obsessed with the online fantasy game “Kingdom Scrolls.” Meg would happily cut a date short to go home and defend Castle Blackfinger. Nicky thinks the miscasting of Vince Vaughn as Tanadaal in the “Kingdom Scrolls” movie is an international outrage. And Usman has made a plywood lid for his child’s playpen, so he can play the game in peace. Oh, and Nicky definitely isn’t into Meg. That would be a cliché. DEAD PIXELS is split equally between the characters’ tragicomic real lives and their computer-animated misadventures in “Kingdom Scrolls.”

Executive Produced by Jesse Armstrong, Sam Bain, Phil Clarke and Jon Brown, DEAD PIXELS is a Various Artists Limited production for Channel 4 that airs on E4 in the UK and distributed by BBC Studios.

NEW ALTERNATIVE SERIES

“WORLD’S FUNNIEST ANIMALS”

WORLD’S FUNNIEST ANIMALS is an all-new series hosted by Elizabeth Stanton (“Popstar This Week”) who, along and her celebrity guest panel, looks at animals doing the funniest things ever caught on video. The series includes viral internet clips of funny animal moments, hilarious animal clips from major motion pictures and your favorite TV series, animal outtakes that surprise the whole cast and crew, videos of babies and pets as well as celebrities and their pets. From Associated Television International, WORLD’S FUNNIEST ANIMALS is from Associated Television International with executive producers David McKenzie, David Martin and Laura McKenzie.

2020 TV Upfronts: Fox announces 2020-2021 schedule; see photos and videos

May 11, 2020

by Carla Hay

Gerald McRaney, Aubrey Dollar and Kim Cattrall in “Filthy Rich” (Photo by Alan Markfield/Fox)

Fox has officially announced its 2020-2021 schedule. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, Fox’s in-person upfront presentation (which is usually held at the Beacon Theatre in New York City) was cancelled and the announcement was made online instead. Most of the existing shows had previously been announced as renewed. However, the upfront presentation made it official that the following shows have been cancelled: “Empire,” “BH90210,” “Almost Family” (originally titled “Not Just Me”), “What Just Happened??! With Fred Savage,” “The Orville” (which has moved to Hulu) and “Deputy.” Fox has not yet announced the fates of “Last Man Standing,” “Prodigal Son,” “The Resident,” “Outmatched,” “Spin the Wheel,” “Labor of Love” and “The Ultimate Tag.”*

*[May 19, 2020 UPDATE: Fox has announced that it has renewed “Last Man Standing” and “The Resident.”]

*[May 21, 2020 UPDATE: Fox has announced that it has renewed “Prodigal Son.”]

New scripted shows on Fox include “Call Me Kat,” “Filthy Rich,” “The Great North,” “Housebroken,” and “neXt.” The cop drama “L.A.’s Finest,” which originally premiered exclusively on the Spectrum cable system in 2019, will be re-aired on Fox. Also moving from cable TV for repeat airings on Fox is National Geographic’s alternative programming series “Cosmos: Possible Worlds,” hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson.

Several actors who are familiar to TV audiences are starring in these shows, including “Call Me Kat” star Mayim Bialik (formerly of “The Big Bang Theory” and “Blossom”); “neXt” star John Slattery (formerly of “Mad Men”); “Filthy Rich” stars Kim Cattrall (an alum of “Sex and the City”) and Gerald McRaney, whose numerous former TV shows include “House of Cards,” “Promised Land,” “Major Dad” and “Simon & Simon”; and “L.A.’s Finest” stars Jessica Alba (who became famous for starring in the “Dark Angel” TV series) and Gabrielle Union, who previously starred in “Being Mary Jane.”

Fall premiere dates will be announced at a later time. Please note that shows picked up but not listed on the schedule below will have their season debuts at other times in the 2020-2021 season. They include new shows such as “Call Me Kat,” “The Great North” and “Housebroken,” as well as renewed shows such as “9-1-1,” “9-1-1: Lone Star,” “Beat Shazam,” “Duncanville,” “Gordon Ramsay’s 24 Hours to Hell & Back,” “Hell’s Kitchen,” “MasterChef” and “So You Think You Can Dance.”

The following is an excerpt from a Fox press release:

FOX FALL 2020 SCHEDULE

All times listed are Eastern Time only.

MONDAY

8-9 p.m.   “L.A.’s Finest”
9-10 p.m. “neXt”

TUESDAY

8-9 p.m.   “Cosmos: Possible Worlds”
9-10 p.m. “Filthy Rich”

WEDNESDAY

8-9 p.m.   “The Masked Singer”
9-10 p.m. “MasterChef Junior”

THURSDAY

7:30-8 p.m. “Fox NFL Thursday Presented by Verizon”
8-8:19 p.m.  “GMC Kickoff”
8:20 p.m.      “Thursday Night Football Presented by Bud Light Platinum”

FRIDAY

8-10 p.m.      “WWE’s Smackdown Live”

SATURDAY

7-10:30 p.m. “Fox Sports Saturday”

SUNDAY

7-7:30 p.m.  “NFL on Fox”
7:30-8 p.m.  “The OT”/Fox Encores
8-8:30 p.m.  “The Simpsons”
8:30-9 p.m.  “Bless the Harts”
9-9:30 p.m.  “Bob’s Burgers”
9:30-10 p.m. “Family Guy”

NEW DRAMA SERIES

“FILTHY RICH”

Aaron Lazar, Deneen Tyler, Mark L. Young, Melia Kreiling, Benjamin Aquilar, Gerald McRaney, Kim Cattrall, Aubrey Dollar, Corey Cott, Olivia Macklin and Steve Harris in “Filthy Rich” (Photo by Justin Stephens/Fox)

From writer/director Tate Taylor (“Ma,” “The Help,” “The Girl on the Train”) comes FILTHY RICH, a southern Gothic family drama in which wealth, power and religion intersect – more correctly, collide – with outrageously soapy results. Meet the Monreauxes, a mega-rich Southern family famed for creating a wildly successful Christian television network. On the cusp of launching a digital retail arm of the company, the family’s patriarch, EUGENE (Emmy Award winner Gerald McRaney, “This Is Us,” “24: Legacy”), dies in a plane crash (or so we think), leaving MARGARET (Emmy Award and Golden Globe nominee Kim Cattrall, “Sex and the City”), a now-“Oprah” to the religious and Southern communities, to take charge of the family business.

Not surprisingly, Eugene’s apparent death greatly impacts the Monreaux children: ERIC (Corey Cott, “The Good Fight,” “Z: The Beginning of Everything”), the couple’s ambitious son, who assumes he will now run the show; and daughter ROSE (Aubrey Dollar, “Battle Creek”), a budding fashion designer, who constantly struggles to evade the vast shadow cast by her mother. If that wasn’t enough, the Monreauxes are stunned to learn that Eugene fathered three illegitimate children, all of whom are written into his will.

Now, Margaret must use her business savvy and Southern charm to control her newly legitimized heirs, whose very existence threatens the Monreaux family name and fortune: GINGER (Melia Kreiling, “Tyrant,” “The Borgias”), the tough-as-nails daughter of a Vegas cocktail waitress, whose life was virtually destroyed by Eugene’s rejection; ANTONIO (Benjamin Levy Aguilar, “Straight Outta Compton”), a single dad and boxer from Queens, NY; and JASON (Mark L. Young, “The Comeback,” “We’re the Millers”), another scion, who is not what he seems to be. With monumental twists and turns, not to mention lies, deceit and shade from every direction, FILTHY RICH presents a world in which everyone has an ulterior motive – and no one is going down without a fight. The series is based on the New Zealand format created by Filthy Productions Limited.

“L.A.’S FINEST”

(previously aired on Spectrum)

Gabrielle Union and Jessica Alba in “L.A.’s Finest” (Photo by Erica Parise/Sony Pictures Television)

From the universe of the Jerry Bruckheimer “Bad Boys” franchise and Sony Pictures Television, the one-hour series L.A.’S FINEST follows Syd Burnett (Gabrielle Union), last seen in Miami taking down a drug cartel, who has seemingly left her complicated past behind to become an LAPD detective. Paired with a new partner, Nancy McKenna (Jessica Alba), a working mom with an equally complex history, Syd is forced to confront how her unapologetic lifestyle may be masking a greater personal secret. Taking on the most dangerous criminals in Los Angeles while skirting the rules, and speed limits, Syd and Nancy become a force to be reckoned with – on the streets, and in each other’s lives.

“neXt”

John Slattery in “neXt” (Photo by Ed Ariquel/Fox)

From creator and executive producer Manny Coto (“24: Legacy”) and executive producers and directors John Requa and Glenn Ficarra (“This Is Us”), neXt is a propulsive, fact-based thriller about the emergence of a deadly, rogue artificial intelligence, a series that asks us to look closely not only at our relationship to technology, but to one another. Silicon Valley pioneer PAUL LEBLANC (Emmy Award nominee John Slattery, “Mad Men,” “Veep”) built a fortune and legacy on the world-changing innovations he dreamed up, while ignoring and alienating the people around him, including his own daughter, ABBY (Elizabeth Cappucino, “Jessica Jones,” “Deception”), and his short-sighted younger brother, TED (Jason Butler Harner, “Ozark,” “Ray Donovan”), who now runs Paul’s company.

After discovering that one of his own creations – a powerful A.I. called neXt – might spell doom for humankind, Paul tried to shutter the project, only to be kicked out of the company by his own brother, leaving him with nothing but mounting dread about the fate of the world. When a series of unsettling tech mishaps points to a potential worldwide crisis, LeBlanc joins forces with Special Agent SHEA SALAZAR (Fernanda Andrade, “The First,” “Here and Now”).

Having escaped crime, poverty and a deadly criminal father to remake herself as a force for good, Salazar’s strict moral code and sense of duty have earned her the respect of her team – a talented but contentious group held together by her faith in their ability to defy expectations and transcend their differences, including GINA (Eve Harlow, “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” “Heroes Reborn”), a high-strung cybercrime agent; BEN (Aaron Moten, “Disjointed,” “Mozart in the Jungle”), a straight-laced, buttoned-up hard worker, who is boring to the point of being interesting; and CM (Michael Mosley, “Ozark,” “Seven Seconds”), an ex-con hacker with a genius IQ.

But the demands of Shea’s challenging job have taken their toll on her home life, where Salazar’s young son, OWEN (Evan Whitten, THE RESIDENT, “Mr. Robot”), has been raised primarily by his father, TY (Gerardo Celasco, “How to Get Away with Murder,” “The Haves and the Have Nots”), a recovering alcoholic. Now, LeBlanc and Salazar are the only ones standing in the way of a potential global catastrophe, fighting an emergent superintelligence that, instead of launching missiles, will deploy the immense knowledge it has gleaned from the data all around us to recruit allies, turn people against each other and eliminate obstacles to its own survival and growth. Marrying pulse-pounding action with a layered examination of how technology is invading our lives and transforming us in ways we don’t yet understand, neXt presents us with a villain unlike anything we’ve ever seen – one whose greatest weapon against us is ourselves.

NEW COMEDY SERIES

“CALL ME KAT”

CALL ME KAT stars Mayim Bialik and is executive produced by Bialik and Jim Parsons. Nor further details were provided by Fox.

“THE GREAT NORTH”

From executive producer Loren Bouchard (BOB’S BURGERS), animated comedy THE GREAT NORTH follows the Alaskan adventures of the Tobin family, as a single dad does his best to keep his weird bunch of kids close, especially as the artistic dreams of his only daughter lead her away from the family fishing boat and into the glamorous world of the local mall. The voice cast includes Nick Offerman, Megan Mullally, Jenny Slate, Will Forte, Paul Rust, Aparna Nancherla and Dulcé Sloan. Alanis Morissette makes a guest appearance in the voice cast.

“HOUSEBROKEN”

Details are to be announced for this animated series.

NEW ALTERNATIVE SERIES

“COSMOS: POSSIBLE WORLDS”

(previously aired on National Geographic)

Neil deGrasse Tyson in “Cosmos: Possible Worlds” (Photo by Patrick McElhenney/Fox)

Returning for its third installment, the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning COSMOS will once again be executive-produced, written and directed by Ann Druyan (NASA’s Voyager Record, “Cosmos: A Personal Voyage,” “Contact”); executive produced by Seth MacFarlane, Brannon Braga and Jason Clark; and hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson, the famed pop-culture icon and astrophysicist. Continuing the legacy of its predecessors, COSMOS: POSSIBLE WORLDS will translate the revelations of science into a lavishly transporting experience, taking audiences on a series of spiritual voyages of exploration. Created and produced in partnership with the National Geographic Channel, which aired the series this spring, the new season will reveal previously uncharted realms, including lost worlds and worlds to come, and those that we may one day inhabit in a thrilling future we can still have.

2019 TV Upfronts: The CW announces 2019-2020 TV schedule; see photos and videos

May 16, 2019

by Carla Hay

Ruby Rose and Camrus Johnson in “Batwoman” (Photo by Elizabeth Morris/The CW)

The CW officially announced its 2019-2020 schedule during the network’s upfront presentation at the New York City Center in New York City on May 16, 2019. Most of the existing shows had previously been announced as renewed. The CW has renewed all of the new shows that premiered in the 2018-2019 TV season: “Charmed,” “Legacies,” “All American,” “In the Dark,” and “Roswell, New Mexico.”

The CW’s new scripted shows for the 2019-2020 TV season are all dramas: “Batwoman”; a reboot of the “Nancy Drew” series; and “Katy Keene,” a spinoff of “Riverdale.”

The CW will launch its 2018-19 season in October, with premiere dates to be announced later. The season will once again kick off with the exclusive two-night telecast of the iHeartRadio Music Festival; air dates are to be announced. Please note that shows picked up but not listed on the schedule below will debut later in the 2019-2020 season. These shows include new shows “Katy Keene” and returning shows “The 100,” “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow” “Roswell, New Mexico” and “In the Dark.”

The following is an excerpt from a CW press release:

The CW FALL 2019 SCHEDULE

All times listed are Eastern/Pacific Time.

SUNDAY

8-9 p.m. “Batwoman”
9-10 p.m. “Supergirl”

MONDAY

8-9 p.m. “All American”
9-10 p.m. “Black Lightning”

TUESDAY

8-9 p.m. “The Flash”
9-10 p.m. “Arrow”

WEDNESDAY

8-9 p.m. “Riverdale”
9-10 p.m. “Nancy Drew”

THURSDAY

8-9 p.m. “Supernatural”
9-10 p.m. “Legacies”

FRIDAY

8-9 p.m. “Charmed”
9-10 p.m. “Dynasty”

NEW DRAMA SERIES

“BATWOMAN”

Ruby Rose in “Batwoman” (Photo by Elizabeth Morris/The CW)

Kate Kane (Ruby Rose) never planned to be Gotham’s new vigilante. Three years after Batman mysteriously disappeared, Gotham is a city in despair. Without the Caped Crusader, the Gotham City Police Department was overrun and outgunned by criminal gangs. Enter Jacob Kane (Dougray Scott) and his military-grade Crows Private Security, which now protects the city with omnipresent firepower and militia. Years before, Jacob’s first wife and daughter were killed in the crossfire of Gotham crime. He sent his only surviving daughter, Kate Kane, away from Gotham for her safety.

After a dishonorable discharge from military school and years of brutal survival training, Kate returns home when the Alice in Wonderland gang targets her father and his security firm, by kidnapping his best Crow officer Sophie Moore (Meagan Tandy). Although remarried to wealthy socialite Catherine Hamilton-Kane (Elizabeth Anweis), who bankrolls the Crows, Jacob is still struggling with the family he lost, while keeping Kate –– the daughter he still has –– at a distance. But Kate is a woman who’s done asking for permission. In order to help her family and her city, she’ll have to become the one thing her father loathes –– a dark knight vigilante.

With the help of her compassionate stepsister, Mary (Nicole Kang), and the crafty Luke Fox (Camrus Johnson), the son of Wayne Enterprises’ tech guru Lucius Fox, Kate Kane continues the legacy of her missing cousin, Bruce Wayne, as Batwoman. Still holding a flame for her ex-girlfriend, Sophie, Kate uses everything in her power to combat the dark machinations of the psychotic Alice (Rachel Skarsten), who’s always somewhere slipping between sane and insane. Armed with a passion for social justice and a flair for speaking her mind, Kate soars through the shadowed streets of Gotham as Batwoman. But don’t call her a hero yet. In a city desperate for a savior, she must first overcome her own demons before embracing the call to be Gotham’s symbol of hope.

Based on the characters from DC, “Batwoman” is from Berlanti Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television with executive producers Greg Berlanti (“Arrow,” “The Flash,” “Supergirl”), Caroline Dries (“The Vampire Diaries,” “Smallville”), Geoff Johns (“Arrow,” “The Flash,” “Titans”) and Sarah Schechter (“Arrow,” “The Flash,” “Supergirl”). David Nutter (“Game of Thrones,” “The Flash,” “Arrow”) and Marcos Siega (“The Vampire Diaries,” “You”) executive produced the pilot.

“NANCY DREW”

Kennedy McMann in “Nancy Drew” (Photo by Robert Falconer/The CW)

Nancy Drew (Kennedy McMann) is a brilliant teenaged detective whose sense of self had come from solving mysteries in her hometown of Horseshoe Bay, Maine – until her mother’s untimely death derails Nancy’s college plans. Devastated by her mother’s passing, Nancy swears off crime-solving while crossing off the days until she can re-apply to college. But when a socialite is murdered, Nancy finds herself a prime suspect in the crime, along with a group of other teens present at the scene: Nancy’s nemesis from high school, George Fan (Leah Lewis); a rich girl with a mysterious past, Bess Marvin (Maddison Jaizani); Nancy’s secret boyfriend, Ned “Nick” Nickerson (Tunji Kasim), and amiable burnout Ace (Alex Saxon). The five of them must team up to clear their own names – encountering emotional entanglements and even more mysteries along the way.

Nancy’s reawakening brings her into conflict with her widowed father, Carson Drew (Scott Wolf), who is dating Detective Karen Hart (Alvina August). And, when a supernatural presence begins to haunt Nancy’s investigation, she discovers that the current crime has an astonishing connection to the unsolved murder of a local girl. Whether the ghost is here to help, or hinder Nancy remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: Nancy’s going to have to unravel the clues from both the living and the dead to solve the crimes.

Executive produced by Noga Landau (“The Magicians”), Melinda Hsu Taylor (“The Gifted,” “The Vampire Diaries”), Josh Schwartz (“Gossip Girl,” “Dynasty,” “Runaways”), Stephanie Savage (“Gossip Girl,” “Dynasty,” “Runaways”) and Lis Rowinski (“Dynasty,” “Runaways”), “Nancy Drew” is a production of CBS Television Studios in association with Fake Empire.

“KATY KEENE”

Lucy Hale in “Katy Keene” (Photo courtesy of JSquared Photography/The CW)

A “Riverdale” spinoff, “Katy Keene” follows the lives and loves of four iconic Archie Comics characters — fashion legend-to-be Katy Keene (Lucy Hale), singer/songwriter Josie McCoy (Ashleigh Murray), performer Jorge Lopez/Ginger (Jonny Beauchamp), and “It Girl” Pepper Smith (Julia Chan) — as they chase their twenty-something dreams in New York City…together. Katy designs clothes for anyone she can, including her friend and roommate Josie, whose singing talent catches the attention of Alexander Cabot (Lucien Laviscount), a CEO who hopes to reboot the record label division of his father’s corporate empire.

But Alexander’s dream of signing Josie to a recording contract meets resistance from Cabot Media’s powerful senior vice president Alexandra (Camille Hyde), who also happens to be his twin sister. Josie and Katy’s roommate Jorge works at his family’s bodega and has his eye on Broadway, but after a series of rejections, he hopes to take his drag performance career as Ginger to the next level. The mysterious Pepper Smith plans to open her own version of Andy Warhol’s Factory. She has the connections, but no one seems to know where she got her money — or if she really has any at all.

Katy struggles to manage the pressures of her day job at Lacy’s Department Store and her very demanding boss, Gloria (Katherine LaNasa), who is a legendary personal shopper. But Katy has the support of her longtime boyfriend, KO Kelly (Zane Holtz), who has his own dream of becoming a professional boxer. As these aspiring artists take on the runway, the recording studio, Broadway, and the NYC social scene, they will find more than just a career in the big city — they’ll find long-lasting friendship.

Executive produced by Greg Berlanti (“Arrow,” “The Flash,” “Supergirl,” “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow”), Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (“Supergirl,” “Glee”), Michael Grassi (“Riverdale,” “Supergirl”), Sarah Schechter (“Arrow,” “The Flash,” “Supergirl,” “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow”) and Jon Goldwater (Archie Comics Publisher & CEO), “Katy Keene” is from Berlanti Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios.

2019 TV Upfronts: CBS announces 2019-2020 schedule; see photos and videos

May 15, 2019

by Carla Hay

Wilson Bethel and Simone Missick in “All Rise”(Photo by Michael Yarish/CBS)

CBS officially announced its 2019-2020 schedule during the network’s upfront presentation at Carnegie Hall in New York City on May 15, 2019. Most of the existing shows had previously been announced as renewed. However, the upfront presentation made it official that the following shows have been cancelled: “Happy Together,” “Elementary,” “Life in Pieces,” “Fam,” “Instinct,” “Murphy Brown,” “The Red Line” and “The Big Bang Theory,” whose end had been announced in 2018.

New scripted shows include “Bob ♥ Abishola,” “Carol’s Second Act,” “The Unicorn,” “All Rise,” “Evil,” “FBI: Most Wanted,” “Tommy” and “Broke.”

Some of actors starring in these shows are known for starring in past long-running hit shows. They include “Tommy” star Edie Falco (formerly of “The Sopranos); “Carol’s Second Act” stars Patricia Heaton (formerly of “Everybody Loves Raymond” and “The Middle”) and Kyle MacLachlan (formerly of “Twin Peaks”); “Bob ♥ Abishola” star Billy Gardell (formerly of “Mike & Molly”); “Broke” star Pauley Perrette (formerly of “NCIS”); “FBI: Most Wanted” star Julian McMahon (formerly of “Nip/Tuck”); and “The Unicorn” star Walton Goggins (formerly of “Sons of Anarchy”).

Please note that shows picked up but not listed on the schedule below will debut at other times in the 2019-2020 season. They include new shows “FBI: Most Wanted,” “Tommy” and “Broke” and renewed shows “Undercover Boss,” “Man With a Plan,” “The Amazing Race” and “Celebrity Big Brother.” Season premiere dates for all of these shows are to be announced.

The following is an excerpt from a CBS press release:

CBS FALL 2019 SCHEDULE

All times listed are Eastern/Pacific Time.

MONDAY

8-8:30 p.m. “The Neighborhood”
8:30-9 p.m. “Bob ♥ Abishola”
9-10 p.m. “All Rise”
10-11 p.m. “Bull”

TUESDAY

8-9 p.m. “NCIS”
9-10 p.m. “FBI”
10-11 p.m. “NCIS: New Orleans”

WEDNESDAY

8-9 p.m. “Survivor”
9-10 p.m. “SEAL Team”
10-11 p.m. “S.W.A.T.”

THURSDAY

8-8:30 p.m. “Young Sheldon”
8:30-9 p.m. “The Unicorn”
9-9:30 p.m. “Mom”
9:30-10 p.m. “Carol’s Second Act”
10-11 p.m. “Evil”

FRIDAY

8-9 p.m. “MacGyver”
9-10 p.m. “Hawaii Five-O”
10-11 p.m. “Blue Bloods”

SATURDAY

8-9 p.m. Crimetime Saturday
9-10 p.m. Crimetime Saturday
10-11 p.m. “48 Hours”

SUNDAY

7-8 p.m. “60 Minutes”
8-9 p.m. “God Friended Me”
9-10 p.m. “NCIS: Los Angeles”
10-11 p.m. “Madam Secretary”

NEW DRAMA SERIES

“ALL RISE”

Simone Missick in “All Rise” (Photo by Michael Yarish/CBS)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlrHu2TgC1s

“All Rise” is a courthouse drama that follows the chaotic, hopeful and sometimes absurd lives of its judges, prosecutors and public defenders, as they work with bailiffs, clerks and cops to get justice for the people of Los Angeles amidst a flawed legal process. Among them is newly appointed Judge Lola Carmichael (Simone Missick), a highly regarded and impressive deputy district attorney who doesn’t intend to sit back on the bench in her new role, but instead leans in, immediately pushing the boundaries and challenging the expectations of what a judge can be. Greg Spottiswood, Len Goldstein and Emmy Award winner Michael M. Robin are executive producers for Warner Bros. Television. Robin directed the pilot from a script by Spottiswood.

“All Rise” stars Simone Missick as Lola Carmichael, Wilson Bethel as Mark Callan, Marg Helgenberger as Judith Benner, Jessica Camacho as Emily Lopez, J. Alex Brinson as Luke Watkins, Lindsay Mendez as Sara Pratt and Ruthie Ann Miles as Sherri Kanski.

“EVIL”

Mike Colter and Katja Herbers in “Evil” (Photo by Elizabeth Fisher/CBS)

“Evil” is a psychological mystery that examines the origins of evil along the dividing line between science and religion. The series focuses on a skeptical female psychologist who joins a priest-in-training and a carpenter as they investigate the Church’s backlog of unexplained mysteries, including supposed miracles, demonic possessions and hauntings. Their job is to assess if there is a logical explanation or if something truly supernatural is at work. Michelle King, Robert King and Liz Glotzer are executive producers for CBS Television Studios. Robert King directed the pilot.

“Evil” stars Katja Herbers as Kristen Bouchard, Mike Colter as David Acosta, Aasif Mandvi as Ben Shroff, Michael Emerson as Leland Townsend, Brooklyn Shuck as Lynn Bouchard, Skylar Gray as Lila Bouchard, Maddy Crocco as Lexis Bouchard and Dalya Knapp as Laura Bouchard.

“FBI: MOST WANTED”

Julian McMahon, Jeremy Sisto, Alana De La Garza and Missy Peregrym in “FBI: Most Wanted” (Photo by Michael Parmelee/CBS)

From Emmy Award winner Dick Wolf and the team behind FBI and the “Law & Order” franchise, “FBI: Most Wanted” is a high-stakes drama that focuses on the Fugitive Task Force, which relentlessly tracks and captures the notorious criminals on the Bureau’s Most Wanted list. Seasoned agent Jess LaCroix (Julian McMahon) oversees the highly skilled team that functions as a mobile undercover unit that is always out in the field, pursuing those who are most desperate to elude justice. Dick Wolf, René Balcer, Arthur W. Forney and Peter Jankowski are executive producers for Wolf Entertainment and Universal Television in association with CBS Television Studios. Fred Berner directed the pilot from a script by Balcer.

“FBI: Most Wanted” stars Julian McMahon as Jess LaCroix, Alana De La Garza as Isobel Castille, Keisha Castle-Hughes as Hana Gibson, Kellan Lutz as Crosby, Roxy Sternberg as Sheryll Barnes and Nathaniel Arcand as Clinton Skye.

“TOMMY”

Edie Falco and Russell G. Jones in “Tommy” (Photo by Cliff Lipson/CBS)

Multiple Emmy Award winner Edie Falco stars in “Tommy” as a former high-ranking NYPD officer who becomes the first female Chief of Police for Los Angeles. A true blue New Yorker, Abigail “Tommy” Thomas (Falco) uses her unflinching honesty and hardball tactics to keep social, political and national security issues from hindering effective law enforcement in the Southland. Equal parts political, procedural and family drama, TOMMY comes from Paul Attanasio, the creator of the acclaimed series BULL, “House M.D.” and “Homicide: Life on the Street.” Paul Attanasio, Darryl Frank, Justin Falvey and Kate Dennis (pilot only) are executive producers for CBS Television Studios. Kate Dennis directed the pilot from a script by Attanasio.

“Tommy” stars Edie Falco as Abigail “Tommy” Thomas, Michael Chernus as Ken Rosey, Adelaide Clemens as Blake Sullivan, David Fierro as Buddy Boyardi, Russell G. Jones as Aurelius Looper, Olivia Lucy Phillip as Kate Jones, and Joseph Lyle Taylor as Treat Dudik.

NEW COMEDY SERIES

“BOB ♥ ABISHOLA”

Billy Gardell and Folake Olowofoyeku in “”Bob ♥ Abishola” (Photo by Sonja Flemming/CBS)

From award-winning creator, executive producer and writer Chuck Lorre, “Bob ♥ Abishola” is a love story about a middle-aged compression sock businessman from Detroit who unexpectedly falls for his cardiac nurse, a Nigerian immigrant, while recovering from a heart attack and sets his sights on winning her over. Undaunted by Abishola’s (Folake Olowofoyeku) lack of initial interest or the vast differences in their backgrounds, Bob (Billy Gardell) is determined to win Abishola’s heart, in this comedic examination of immigrant life in America. Chuck Lorre, Eddie Gorodetsky, Al Higgins and Beth McCarthy-Miller (pilot only) are executive producers for Chuck Lorre Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television. McCarthy-Miller directed the pilot from a script by Lorre, Gorodetsky, Higgins and Gina Yashere.

“Bob ♥ Abishola” stars Billy Gardell as Bob, Folake Olowofoyeku as Abishola, Christine Ebersole as Dottie, Matt Jones as Douglas, Maribeth Monroe as Christine, Vernee Watson as Gloria, Shola Adewusi as Auntie Olu, Barry Shabaka Henley as Uncle Tunde and Travis Wolfe Jr. as Dele.

“BROKE”

Pauley Perrette, Jaime Camil and Natasha Leggero in “Broke” (Photo by Sonja Flemming/CBS)

Jaime Camil and Pauley Perrette star in “Broke,” a comedy about Jackie (Perrette), a single suburban mother who’s shocked when her estranged sister, Elizabeth (Natasha Leggero), her sister’s outrageously wealthy, big-hearted husband, Javier (Camil), and Javier’s fiercely loyal assistant/driver/friend, Luis (Izzy Diaz), land on her doorstep in need of a place to live after the couple’s money dries up. Though class differences may separate the women, and the size of the house and the number of people living in it will test the limits of family ties, the familial bond of sisterhood might be the catalyst they need to restore their relationship. Emmy Award winner Alex Herschlag (“Will & Grace,” “Modern Family”), Jennie Snyder Urman (“Jane the Virgin”), Joanna Klein, Ben Silverman, Jaime Camil, Guillermo Restrepo, Gonzalo Cilley and Maria Lucia Hernandez are executive producers for CBS Television Studio/Sutton Street Prods./Propagate, with creative partners RCN TV and Resonant TV. Victor Gonzalez directed the pilot from a script by Herschlag.

“Broke” stars Jaime Camil as Javier, Pauley Perrette as Jackie, Natasha Leggero as Elizabeth, Izzy Diaz as Luis and Antonio Corbo as Sammy.

“CAROL’S SECOND ACT”

Kyle MacLachlan and Patricia Heaton in “Carol’s Second Act” (Photo by Sonja Flemming/CBS)

Emmy Award winner Patricia Heaton stars in “Carol’s Second Act,” a comedy about a woman who embarks on a unique second act after raising her children, getting divorced and retiring from teaching: pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor. At age 50, Carol is a medical intern and must sink or swim with peers who are half her age. It’s her enthusiasm, perspective and yes, even her age, that may be exactly what will make her second act a great success. Emily Halpern, Sarah Haskins; Patricia Heaton, Adam Griffin, David Hunt and Rebecca Stay (Four Boys Entertainment); Aaron Kaplan and Dana Honor (Kapital Entertainment); and Pamela Fryman (pilot only) are executive producers for CBS Television Studios. Fryman directed the pilot from a script by Halpern and Haskins.

“Carol’s Second Act” stars Patricia Heaton as Carol Kenney, Kyle MacLachlan as Dr. Frost, Ito Aghayere as Dr. Maya Jacobs, Jean-Luc Bilodeau as Daniel and Sabrina Jalees as Lexie. Lucas Neff guest stars as Caleb.

“THE UNICORN”

Michaela Watkins, Rob Corddry, Walton Goggins, Omar Benson Miller, Maya Lynne Robinson in “The Unicorn” (Photo by Darren Michaels/CBS)

“The Unicorn” is a single-camera comedy about a tight-knit group of best friends and family who helps Wade (Walton Goggins) embrace his “new normal” in the wake of the loss of his wife one year ago. As a sometimes ill-equipped but always devoted single parent to his two adolescent daughters, he is taking the major step of dating again. To Wade’s amazement, he’s a hot commodity with women, and his friends explain that he’s the perfect single guy – a “unicorn”: employed, attractive, and with a proven track record of commitment. With his daughters and best friends rooting him on and hoping he’ll find happiness again, Wade and his healing heart are ready to try life… and love… again. Bill Martin, Mike Schiff, Aaron Kaplan, Dana Honor, Wendi Trilling, Peyton Reed, and John Hamburg (pilot only) are executive producers for CBS Television Studios. Hamburg directed the pilot from a script by Martin and Schiff.

“The Unicorn” stars Walton Goggins as Wade, Rob Corddry as Forrest, Michaela Watkins as Delia, Omar Benson Miller as Ben, Maya Lynne Robinson as Michelle, Ruby Jay as Grace, and Makenzie Moss as Natalie.

Copyright 2017-2024 Culture Mix
CULTURE MIX