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

May 14, 2019

by Carla Hay

Mykal-Michelle Harris, Ethan William Childress, Arica Himmel and Christina Anthony in “Mixed-ish” (Photo by Richard Cartwright/ABC)

ABC officially announced its 2019-2020 schedule during the network’s upfront presentation at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall in New York City on May 14, 2019. Most of the existing shows had previously been announced as renewed. However, the upfront presentation made it official that “The Kids Are Alright,” “Splitting Up Together,” “Speechless,” “Child Support,” “The Alec Baldwin Show,” “For the People,” “The Fix,” “Grand Hotel,” “Dancing With the Stars: Junior” and “Whiskey Cavalier” have been cancelled.

New scripted shows include “Mixed-ish,” “Stumptown,” “Emergence,” “United We Fall,” “For Life” and “The Baker and the Beauty.” The network is putting a lot of weight on unscripted programs, since half of its new shows are reality shows and game shows. They include “Card Sharks,” “Don’t,” “Family Food Fight,” “Holey Moley,” “Kids Say the Darndest Things” (a reboot hosted by Tiffany Haddish) and “Press Your Luck.” Some of the stars of the new shows are familiar to TV audiences. They include “Stumptown” stars Cobie Smulders (formerly of “How I Met Your Mother”) and Camryn Manheim (formerly of “The Practice”); “Mixed-ish” co-star Tika Sumpter (“The Haves and the Have-Nots”); “The Baker and the Beauty” co-star Nathalie Kelley (who was previously on the reboot of “Dynasty”); “United We Fall” co-star Jane Curtin (formerly of “Kate & Allie” and “Third Rock From the Sun”); and “Card Sharks” host Joel McHale (formerly of “Community”).

Most of the premiere dates will be announced at a later time. 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 “United We Fall,” “For Life,” “The Baker and the Beauty,” “Card Sharks,” “Don’t,” “Family Food Fight,” “Holey Moley,” “Press Your Luck” and renewed shows “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” “American Idol,” “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette.”

The following is an excerpt from an ABC press release:

ABC FALL 2019 SCHEDULE

All times listed are Eastern/Pacific Time.

MONDAY

8-10 p.m. “Dancing with the Stars”
10-11 p.m. “The Good Doctor”

TUESDAY

8-8:30 p.m. “The Conners”
8:30-9 p.m. “Bless This Mess”
9-9:30 p.m. “Mixed-ish”
9:30-10 p.m. “Black-ish”
10-11 p.m. “Emergence”

WEDNESDAY

8-8:30 p.m. “The Goldbergs”
8:30-9 p.m. “Schooled”
9:30-10 p.m. “Modern Family”
9:30-10 p.m. “Single Parents”
10-11 p.m. “Stumptown”

THURSDAY

8-9 P.M. “Grey’s Anatomy”
9-10 P.M. “A Million Little Things”
10-11 P.M. “How to Get Away with Murder”

FRIDAY

8-8:30 p.m. “American Housewife”
8:30-9 p.m. “Fresh Off the Boat”
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. “Kids Say the Darndest Things”
9-10 p.m. “Shark Tank”
10-11 p.m. “The Rookie”

 

NEW DRAMA SERIES

“THE BAKER AND THE BEAUTY”

Victor Rasuk and Nathalie Kelley in “The Baker and the Beauty” (Photo by Guy D’Alema/ABC)

Daniel Garcia is working in the family bakery and doing everything that his loving Cuban parents and siblings expect him to do. But on a wild Miami night he meets Noa Hamilton, an international superstar and fashion mogul, and his life moves into the spotlight. Will this unlikely couple upend their lives to be together and pull their families into a culture clash?

Dean Georgaris writes and executive produces with Becky Hartman Edwards and director David Frankel. In addition, Keshet’s Avi Nir, Alon Shtruzman, Peter Traugott and Rachel Kaplan are executive producers, along with Assi Azar. Based on a hit Israeli show created by Assi Azar originally for Keshet Broadcasting, the series is produced by Universal Television and ABC Studios in association with Keshet Studios. ABC Studios is a part of Disney Television Studios, a collection of studios comprised of 20th Century Fox Television, ABC Studios and Fox 21 Television Studios.

Cast: Victor Rasuk as Daniel, Nathalie Kelley as Noa Hamilton, Carlos Gómez as Rafael Garcia, Dan Bucatinsky as Lewis, Lisa Vidal as Mari Garcia, David Del Rio as Mateo Garcia, Belissa Escobedo as Natalie and Michelle Veintimilla as Vanessa.

“EMERGENCE”

Allison Tolman and Alexa Swinton in “Emergence” (Photo by Virginia Sherwood/ABC)

A character-driven genre thriller, “Emergence” is about a police chief who takes in a young child she finds near the site of a mysterious accident who has no memory of what has happened. The investigation draws her into a conspiracy larger than she ever imagined, and the child’s identity is at the center of it all.

Written and executive produced by Michele Fazekas & Tara Butters, Paul McGuigan directs the pilot and is an executive producer. “Emergence” is produced by ABC Studios. ABC Studios is a part of Disney Television Studios, a collection of studios comprised of 20th Century Fox Television, ABC Studios and Fox 21 Television Studios.

Cast: Allison Tolman as Jo, Alexa Swinton as Piper, Owain Yeoman as Benny, Ashley Aufderheide as Bree, Robert Bailey Jr. as Officer Chris, Zabryna Guevara as Abby with Donald Faison as Alex and Clancy Brown as Ed.

“FOR LIFE”

Nicholas Pinnock in “For Life” (Photo by Giovanni Rufino/ABC)

Inspired by the life of Isaac Wright Jr., “For Life” is a fictional serialized legal and family drama about a prisoner who becomes a lawyer, litigating cases for other inmates while fighting to overturn his own life sentence for a crime he didn’t commit. His quest for freedom is driven by his desperate desire to get back to the family he loves and reclaim the life that was stolen from him. The show will also, through the window of his ferocious struggle and his complicated relationship with a progressive female prison warden, examine the flaws and challenges in our penal and legal systems.

From Hank Steinberg, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson via G-Unit Film & Television, Doug Robinson and Alison Greenspan of Doug Robinson Productions and Isaac Wright Jr. The pilot is directed and executive produced by George Tillman Jr. (“The Hate U Give”). “For Life” is a co-production of Sony Pictures Television Inc. and ABC Studios. ABC Studios is a part of Disney Television Studios, a collection of studios comprised of 20th Century Fox Television, ABC Studios and Fox 21 Television Studios.

Cast: Nicholas Pinnock as Aaron, Indira Varma as Safiya, Joy Bryant as Marie, Glenn Fleshler as Frank, Dorian Missick as Jamal, Tyla Harris as Jasmine with Mary Stuart Masterson as Anya and Boris McGiver as DA Maskins.

“STUMPTOWN”

Cobie Smulders in “Stumptown” (Photo by Kailey Schwerman/ABC)

Based on the “Stumptown” graphic novel series, “Stumptown” follows Dex Parios (Cobie Smulders)—a strong, assertive and sharp-witted army veteran with a complicated love life, gambling debt and a brother to take care of in Portland, Oregon. Her military intelligence skills make her a great PI, but her unapologetic style puts her in the firing line of hardcore criminals and not quite in alliance with the police.

Writer Jason Richman produces the series with Ruben Fleischer and David Bernad (The District), Greg Rucka (author of the “Stumptown” graphic novel series), Matthew Southworth, and Justin Greenwood (illustrators of the “Stumptown” graphic novel series).

James Griffiths is an executive producer and directed the pilot. The series is produced by ABC Studios. ABC Studios is a part of Disney Television Studios, a collection of studios comprised of 20th Century Fox Television, ABC Studios and Fox 21 Television Studios.

Cast: Cobie Smulders as Dex Parios, Tantoo Cardinal as Sue Lynn Blackbird, Cole Sibus as Ansel Parios, Adrian Martinez as Tookie with Camryn Manheim as Lieutenant Cosgrove and Michael Ealy as Detective Miles Hoffman.

 

NEW COMEDY SERIES

“MIXED-ISH”

Mykal-Michelle Harris, Arica Himmel and Ethan William Childress in “Mixed-ish” (Photo by Kelsey McNeal/ABC)

In “Mixed-ish,” Rainbow Johnson recounts her experience growing up in a mixed-race family in the ‘80s and the constant dilemmas they had to face over whether to assimilate or stay true to themselves. Bow’s parents Paul and Alicia decide to move from a hippie commune to the suburbs to better provide for their family. As her parents struggle with the challenges of their new life, Bow and her siblings navigate a mainstream school in which they’re perceived as neither black nor white. This family’s experiences illuminate the challenges of finding one’s own identity when the rest of the world can’t decide where you belong.

Peter Saji and Kenya Barris are writers and executive producers along with Tracee Ellis Ross, Randall Winston, Artists First (Brian Dobbins), Cinema Gypsy (Laurence Fishburne and Helen Sugland) and Anthony Anderson. Anton Cropper directed the pilot. The series is produced by ABC Studios. ABC Studios is a part of Disney Television Studios, a collection of studios comprised of 20th Century Fox Television, ABC Studios and Fox 21 Television Studios.

Cast: Arica Himmel as Bow Johnson, Tika Sumpter as Alicia Johnson, Gary Cole as Harrison Johnson, Christina Anthony as Denise, Mykal-Michelle Harris as Santamonica Johnson and Ethan Childress as Johan Johnson.

“UNITED WE FALL”

Jane Curtin, Christina Vidal, Will Sasso, Ella Grace Helton, Ireland Carvajal and Sedona Carvajal in “United We Fall” (Photo by Christopher Willard/ABC)

“United We Fall” is a profoundly realistic family sitcom that follows the trials and tribulations of Jo (Christina Vidal) and Bill (Will Sasso), parents of two young kids, as they try to make it day to day as a functioning family. Bill’s very judgmental live-in mother and Jo’s large, Latinx Catholic family will never hesitate to let our couple know they’re seemingly screwing up, but Bill and Jo will always have each other’s backs, united against everyone – other parents, teachers, doctors, specialists, coaches, co-workers and, especially, their kids.

Julius “Goldy” Sharpe (“Making History”) wrote and executive produced the pilot. Seth Gordon and Julia Gunn are also executive producers. Mark Cendrowski directed the pilot, which was produced by Sony Pictures, Exhibit A Film and ABC Studios. ABC Studios is a part of Disney Television Studios, a collection of studios comprised of 20th Century Fox Television, ABC Studios and Fox 21 Television Studios.

Cast: Will Sasso as Bill Ryan, Christina Vidal as Jo Ryan, Jane Curtin as Sandy Ryan and Ella Grace Helton as Emily Ryan.

NEW ALTERNATIVE SERIES

“CARD SHARKS”

Joel McHale of “Card Sharks” (Photo by Cliff Lipson/CBS)

“Card Sharks” is a suspenseful game where a fortune can be won on the turn of a single playing card! The road to glory and riches begins with two players facing off in a head-to-head elimination race where the winning player claims a $10,000 cash prize and a chance to turn that amount into a life-changing payday. The anticipation builds as the winning contestant risks their prize on predicting seven final cards. The player leaves the game with whatever amount of money they have in their bank after their prediction and results are revealed with the flip of their seventh and final card.

Hosted by comedian and actor Joel McHale, “Card Sharks” is produced by Fremantle. Scott St. John is showrunner and executive producer, and Jack Martin and Jennifer Mullin are also executive producers.

“DON’T”

This comedic physical game follows one family of four who must work together throughout five mental and physical challenges with only one rule: Don’t. For example, “Don’t Slip,” “Don’t Forget,” “Don’t Laugh,” “Don’t Say It,” “Don’t Scream” and a slew of “Don’t” challenges you didn’t even know existed.

“FAMILY FOOD FIGHT”

Ayesha Curry of “Family Food Fight” (Photo by Mark Bourdillion/ABC)

Hosted by Ayesha Curry, a renowned restaurateur, founder of Homemade and a New York Times best-selling cookbook author, “Family Food Fight” will feature family teams dishing out their best culinary skills. Tapping into each family’s uniquely diverse cultural heritage, “Family Food Fight” takes homestyle cooking to a new level as teams square off with their most prized family recipes. With a mix of fast-paced cooking fun, good humor and healthy rivalries, everyone will cook their hearts out as they strive to impress a panel of culinary experts including host and judge, Curry, and world-renowned chefs, authors, restaurateurs and television personalities Cat Cora and Graham Elliot. Despite the many delectable dishes, only one family will claim the coveted title of America’s No. 1 Food Family and take home the $100,000 prize.

Produced by Endemol Shine North America, “Family Food Fight” was created by Endemol Shine Australia with Nine in Australia. Curry, Robert Flutie and Shab Azma are serving as executive producers through Yardie Girl Productions; and Sharon Levy, DJ Nurre, Georgie Hurford-Jones and Faye Stapleton are serving as executive producers for Endemol Shine North America.

“HOLEY MOLEY”

“Holey Moley,” a 10-episode mini-golf competition series, will showcase self-proclaimed mini-golf lovers from around the country as they compete head-to-head through an epic obstacle golf course. In each episode, 12 contestants will put their miniature golf—and physical—skills to the test and face off in never-before-seen challenges on a supersized miniature golf course.

“Holey Moley” is produced by Eureka Productions and Unanimous Media. Chris Culvenor, Paul Franklin, Wes Dening, Charles Wachter, Michael O’Sullivan, Jeron Smith, Erick Peyton and Stephen Curry serve as executive producers. Rob Riggle, Joe Tessitore and Jeannie Mai are featured as on-camera commentators and sideline correspondent, respectively. “Holey Moley” is an original format created by Chris Culvenor of Eureka Productions.

“KIDS SAY THE DARNDEST THINGS”

Tiffany Haddish of “Kids Say the Darndest Things” (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)

Hosted and executive produced by Tiffany Haddish. The hilarious reimagined format showcases a mix of in-studio segments and taped pieces from across the country, all set in front of a live studio audience. The series will capture Haddish’s unique voice and sensibility as she interacts with real kids—and their innocently entertaining points of view.

Produced by CBS Television Studios in association with Anvil 1893 Entertainment, Inc. and She Ready Productions, “Kids Say the Darndest Things” is executive produced by Eric Schotz and Tiffany Haddish.

“PRESS YOUR LUCK”

“Press Your Luck” is a game of wits, strategy and even higher stakes as contestants try to avoid the iconic and devilish WHAMMY for a chance at life-changing cash and prizes. During each game, three contestants compete against each other answering questions to earn spins on the Big Board. Contestants then use their spins to win cash and prizes while trying to avoid the WHAMMY, who could take all of their winnings and leave them with nothing. The winning contestant moves on to the All-New Bonus Round to face the WHAMMY in a final battle for the chance to win a fortune.

Produced by Fremantle, “Press Your Luck” is executive produced by Jennifer Mullin and John Quinn, who also serves as showrunner.

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

May 13, 2019

by Carla Hay

Tom Payne and Michael Sheen in “Prodigal Son” (Photo by David Giesbrecht/Fox)

Fox has officially announced its 2019-2020 schedule, in advance of the network’s upfront presentation at the Beacon Theater in New York City on May 13, 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: “Lethal Weapon,” “The Gifted,” “Star,” “Rel,” “The Cool Kids,” “The Passage,” “Proven Innocent,” “Gotham,” “The Four: Battle for Stardom,” “Showtime at the Apollo,” “Cosmos” (which was a limited series) and “Love Connection.”

New scripted shows on Fox include “Prodigal Son,” “Filthy Rich,” “Bless the Harts,” “Duncanville,” “9-1-1: Lone Star,” “Not Just Me,” “Outmatched,” “neXt,” “Deputy” and “The Great North.” New unscripted shows on Fox include “Ultimate Tag” and “Spin the Wheel.” Several actors who are familiar to TV audiences are starring in these shows, including “Prodigal Son” stars Tom Payne (formerly of “The Walking Dead”) and Michael Sheen (who used to be on “Masters of Sex” and is currently on “The Good Fight”); “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 Rob Lowe of “9-1-1: Lone Star” (a spin-off of “9-1-1”), who is also a veteran of several TV shows, including “Parks and Recreation,” “The West Wing,” “Californication” and “Brothers and Sisters.”

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 2019-2020 season. They include new shows such as “The Great North,” “Ultimate Tag,” “Deputy,” “9-1-1: Lone Star,” “next,” “BH90210” and “Spin the Wheel” and renewed shows such as  “Last Man Standing,” “The Orville,” “Beat Shazam,” “Gordon Ramsay’s 24 Hours to Hell & Back,” “Hell’s Kitchen,” “MasterChef,” “MasterChef Junior,” “So You Think You Can Dance.” It has not been announced yet if the “Paradise Hotel” reboot (which debuted on May 9, 2019) will be renewed or cancelled. In addition, Fox has announced at the limited series “BH90210” will premiere on August 7, 2019. The show, which is a satirical look at the lives of the stars of “Beverly Hills, 90210,” reunites several of the original “Beverly Hills, 90210” cast members, including Shannen Doherty, Jason Priestley, Jennie Garth, Tori Spelling, Ian Ziering, Brian Austin Green and Gabrielle Carteris.

The following is an excerpt from a Fox press release:

FOX FALL 2019-2020 SCHEDULE

All times listed are Eastern Time only.

MONDAY

8-9 p.m.   “9-1-1”
9-10 p.m. “Prodigal Son”

TUESDAY

8-9 p.m.   “The Resident”
9-10 p.m. “Empire”

WEDNESDAY

8-9 p.m.   “The Masked Singer”
9-10 p.m. “Not Just Me”

THURSDAY

7:30-8 p.m. “Thursday Night Football Pre-Game Show”
8-10 p.m.      “NFL Football”

FRIDAY

8-10 p.m.      “WWE’s Smackdown Live”

SATURDAY

7-10:30 p.m. “Fox Sports Saturday: Fox College Football”

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

“BH90210”

Gabrielle Carteris, Tori Spelling, Brian Austin Green, Jason Priestley, Shannen Doherty, Jennie Garth and Ian Ziering in “BH90210” (Photo by Brian Bowen Smith/Fox)

Jason Priestley, Shannen Doherty, Jennie Garth, Ian Ziering, Gabrielle Carteris, Brian Austin Green and Tori Spelling, the original stars of “Beverly Hills, 90210,” the groundbreaking teen drama that defined Southern California life, return to FOX, the network they called home for the entire decade of the 1990s, in an all-new event series the takes the concept of a series reboot to a whole new meta-level.  When the cast gets back together, it will come with a big twist: the seven former teen idols will be playing heightened versions of themselves in the brand-new serialized drama – with a healthy dose of irreverence – that is inspired by their real lives and relationships with each other.

Having gone their separate ways since the original series ended 19 years ago, Jason, Shannen, Jennie, Ian, Gabrielle, Brian and Tori reunite when one of them suggests it’s time to get a “Beverly Hills, 90210” reboot up and running. But getting it going may make for an even more delicious soap than the reboot itself. What will happen when first loves, old romances, friends and frenemies come back together, as this iconic cast – whom the whole world watched grow up together – attempts to continue from where they left off?

Spawning generations of imitators, “Beverly Hills, 90210” premiered on FOX on October 4, 1990, when it became an instant pop culture sensation and one of the most adored programs in the network’s history.  Centered on the tony Los Angeles community identified in its title, the show aired for 10 seasons, during which it documented the trials and tribulations of a group of friends from high school to college and into early adulthood, as they navigated a myriad of coming-of-age dramas and complex rivalries, often making real-world headlines by tackling controversial and socially relevant topics.

PRODUCTION COMPANIES: CBS Television Studios, FOX Entertainment

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Patrick Sean Smith, Chris Alberghini, Mike Chessler, Gabrielle Carteris, Shannen Doherty, Jennie Garth, Brian Austin Green, Jason Priestley, Tori Spelling, Ian Ziering*

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER/WRITERS: Patrick Sean Smith, Chris Alberghini, Mike Chessler*

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER/DIRECTOR: Patrick Sean Smith*

CAST: Gabrielle Carteris, Shannen Doherty, Jennie Garth, Brian Austin Green, Jason Priestley, Tori Spelling and Ian Ziering as themselves

*May 16, 2019 UPDATE: According to Variety: “Patrick Sean Smith and several senior writers have quit the six-episode series…The exact reason for the exodus is unclear. One source said the dispute was over interference from two of the show’s lead actresses, while another noted that the writers were unhappy with one of the executives overseeing the project. Paul Sciarrotta has been named the new showrunner along with series’ creators Chris Alberghini and Mike Chessler. Sciarrotta, a member of the show’s writing staff, is currently under an overall deal with CBS Television Studios, which is producing the series.”

“NOT JUST ME”

Emily Osment, Megalyn Echikunwoke and Brittany Snow in "Not Just Me" (Photo by Linda Kallerus/Fox)
Emily Osment, Megalyn Echikunwoke and Brittany Snow in “Not Just Me” (Photo by Linda Kallerus/Fox)

Executive producer Jason Katims (“Friday Night Lights,” “Parenthood”) and writer Annie Weisman (“About A Boy,” “Desperate Housewives”) bring you the story of an unusual family formed through extreme odds. Exploring such hot-button issues as identity, human connection and what it truly means to be a family, this unconventional dramedy taps directly into the zeitgeist, harnessing the emotional complications that new generations of IVF-bred children all face. Only child JULIA BECHLEY (Brittany Snow, the “Pitch Perfect” franchise, “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”) finds her life turned upside down when her father, LEON BECHLEY (Academy Award winner Timothy Hutton, “American Crime,” “Leverage,” “Ordinary People”), reveals that, over the course of his prize-winning career as a pioneering fertility doctor, he used his own sperm to conceive upwards of a hundred children.

Reeling from this explosive revelation, Julia discovers two new sisters – her former best friend, EDIE PALMER (Megalyn Echikunwoke, “The Following,” “90210”), and an ex-Olympic athlete, ROXY DOYLE (Emily Osment, “The Kominsky Method,” “Young & Hungry”). As these three young women begin to embrace their new reality, Julia must figure out what life is like without Leon by her side; Edie comes to grips with her burgeoning sexuality, as her marriage falters; and Roxy faces adulthood out of the spotlight. Against all odds, the three women will attempt to form an untraditional bond as sisters, even as they must welcome a tidal wave of new siblings into their rapidly expanding family.

PRODUCTION COMPANIES: Universal Television, FOX Entertainment

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Jason Katims, Jeni Mulein, Imogen Banks, Sharon Levy

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER/WRITER: Annie Weisman

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER/DIRECTOR: Leslye Headland

CAST: Brittany Snow as Julia Bechley, Megalyn Echikunwoke as Edie Palmer, Emily Osment as Roxy Doyle, Mustafa Elzein as Dr. Isaac Abadi, Mo McRae as Tim Moore, Victoria Cartagena as Amanda and Timothy Hutton as Leon Bechley

“PRODIGAL SON”

Tom Payne and Michael Sheen in “Prodigal Son” (Photo by David Giesbrecht/Fox)

From Emmy Award-nominated executive producers Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter (“Riverdale,” “The Flash”) and writers Chris Fedak (“Deception,” “Chuck”) and Sam Sklaver (“Deception,” “Bored to Death”), PRODIGAL SON is a fresh take on a crime franchise with a provocative and outrageous lead character and a darkly comedic tone. MALCOLM BRIGHT (Tom Payne, “The Walking Dead”) has a gift. He knows how killers think, how their minds work. Why? Back in the 1990s, his father was one of the best, a notorious serial killer called “The Surgeon.” That’s why Bright is the best criminal psychologist around; murder is the family business. He will use his twisted genius to help the NYPD solve crimes and stop killers, all while dealing with a manipulative mother, annoyingly normal sister, a homicidal father still looking to bond with his prodigal son and his own constantly evolving neuroses.

Meet the happy family. DR. MARTIN WHITLY (Emmy Award and Golden Globe nominee Michael Sheen, “Masters of Sex,” “Frost/Nixon”) is intelligent, wealthy and charismatic, and also happens to be a predatory sociopath who killed at least 23 people. Bright’s mother, JESSICA WHITLY (Bellamy Young, “Scandal,” “Criminal Minds”), an elegant and WASPy New Yorker, wields sarcasm like a samurai sword and has an opinion on every aspect of Bright’s life. Perhaps Bright’s only ally is his sister, AINSLEY WHITLY (Halston Sage, THE ORVILLE), a TV journalist who wishes her brother would “take a break from murder” and have a normal life.

Unfortunately for his sister, the only way Bright feels normal is by solving cases with the help of his longtime mentor, NYPD Detective GIL ARROYO (Emmy Award and Golden Globe nominee Lou Diamond Phillips, “Longmire,” “Stand and Deliver”). Arroyo’s one of the best detectives around, and he expects no less from his team – Detective DANI POWELL (Aurora Perrineau, “The Carmichael Show,” “Jem and the Holograms”), a headstrong no-nonsense cop who quickly becomes impressed with Bright’s work; and Detective JT TARMEL (Frank Harts, “The Path,” “Billions”), a born-and-bred New Yorker who questions whether Bright is a psychopath himself. So much for normal.

PRODUCTION COMPANIES: Warner Bros. Television, Berlanti Productions, FOX Entertainment

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS/WRITERS: Chris Fedak, Sam Sklaver

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER/DIRECTOR: Lee Toland Krieger

CAST: Tom Payne as Malcolm Bright, Michael Sheen as Dr. Martin Whitly, Bellamy Young as Jessica Whitly, Lou Diamond Phillips as Gil Arroyo, Halston Sage as Ainsley Whitly, Aurora Perrineau as Dani Powell, Frank Harts as JT Tarmel, Keiko Agena as Edrisa Tanaka

“9-1-1: LONE STAR”

FOX’S #1 drama, 9-1-1, expands its reach to the city of Austin, TX, with new installment, 9-1-1: LONE STAR, starring Rob Lowe. 9-1-1: LONE STAR debuts with a special two-night event beginning Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, following the NFC CHAMPIONSHIP, and continuing with its time period premiere on Monday, Jan. 20, 2020. From 9-1-1 co-creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Tim Minear, 9-1-1: LONE STAR follows a sophisticated New York cop (Lowe), who, along with his son, re-locates, and must try to balance saving those who are at their most vulnerable with solving the problems in his own life.

PRODUCTION COMPANIES: 20th Century Fox Television, Ryan Murphy Television, Brad Falchuk Teley-Vision

CO-CREATORS/WRITERS/EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, Tim Minear

CO-EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Rob Lowe

“DEPUTY”

Stephen Dorff in “Deputy” (Photo by Tyler Golden/Fox)

From writer/executive producer Will Beall (“Aquaman,” “Gangster Squad”) and director/executive producer David Ayer (“Training Day,” “End of Watch”), DEPUTY blends the spirit of a classic Western with a modern-day attitude and emotionally driven, visceral storytelling. Featuring an ensemble of ambitious and complicated human beings who won’t rest until justice is served, DEPUTY brings a gritty authenticity to the modern cop drama. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is one of the largest police forces in the world, but when the elected Sheriff dies, an arcane rule in the county charter, forged back in the Wild West, suddenly thrusts the most unlikely man into the job.

That man is BILL HOLLISTER (Stephen Dorff, “True Detective,” “Star”). A fifth-generation lawman, Bill is only interested in justice; his soul wears a white hat. The bad guys don’t stand a chance, but neither do the politicos in the Hall of Justice. Under Bill’s command is a county-wide crew of LA’s finest, including Deputy CADE WARD (Brian Van Holt, “Cougar Town”), a former Marine stationed in Afghanistan, eight years sober and one of Bill’s few confidantes; Deputy RACHEL DELGADO (Siena Goines, “Andi Mack,” “Chase”), Walker’s partner, a meticulous officer who is knee-deep in a nasty divorce; Deputy BREANNA BISHOP (Bex Taylor-Klaus, “Arrow,” “Voltron”), the whip-smart, sarcastic driver in charge of Bill’s security detail; and Deputy JOSEPH BLAIR (Shane Paul McGhie, “What Men Want”).

The dangers associated with the job often lead the police to LA County General Hospital, where Bill buts heads with Dr. PAULA REYES (Yara Martinez, “Jane the Virgin,” “True Detective”), the hospital’s chief trauma surgeon – and his wife. Given a job he never wanted, in an unfamiliar sea of politics, Bill quickly learns that doing what is expected and doing what is right are two different things, and that his innate, dogged pursuit of justice is the only skill the job truly requires.

PRODUCTION COMPANIES: Entertainment One, FOX Entertainment

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER/WRITER: Will Beall

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER/DIRECTOR: David Ayer

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Chris Long, Barry Schindel

CAST: Stephen Dorff as Bill Hollister, Yara Martinez as Dr. Paula Reyes, Brian Van Holt as Cade Ward, Siena Goines as Rachel Delgado, Bex Taylor-Klaus as Breanna Bishop, Shane Paul McGhie as Joseph Blair, Mark Moses as Jerry London

“FILTHY RICH “

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

PRODUCTION COMPANIES: 20th Century Fox Television, Imagine Entertainment, FOX Entertainment

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER/WRITER/DIRECTOR: Tate Taylor

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Brian Grazer, Francie Calfo, John Norris, Abe Sylvia

PRODUCER: Kim Cattrall

CAST: Kim Cattrall as Margaret Monreaux, Melia Kreiling as Ginger Sweet, Aubrey Dollar as Rose Monreaux, Corey Cott as Eric Monreaux, Benjamin Levy Aguilar as Antonio Rivera, Mark L. Young as Jason Conley, Olivia Macklin as Becky Monreaux, with Steve Harris as Franklin Lee and Gerald McRaney as Eugene Monreaux

“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.

PRODUCTION COMPANIES: 20th Century Fox Television, FOX Entertainment

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER/WRITER: Manny Coto

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS/DIRECTORS: John Requa, Glenn Ficarra

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Charlie Gogolak

CAST: John Slattery as Paul LeBlanc, Fernanda Andrade as Shea Salazar, Jason Butler Harner as Ted LeBlanc, Michael Mosley as CM, Eve Harlow as Gina, Aaron Moten as Ben, Gerardo Celasco as Ty Salazar, Elizabeth Cappuccino as Abby, Evan Whitten as Ethan Salazar, Olenka Wos Kimball as Iliza, Dann Fink as neXt

NEW COMEDY SERIES

“BLESS THE HARTS”

Created and executive-produced by Emmy Award winner Emily Spivey (“The Last Man on Earth,” “Parks and Recreation,” “Saturday Night Live”), BLESS THE HARTS is a new half-hour animated comedy that follows the Harts, a Southern family that is always broke, and forever struggling to make ends meet. They one day hope to achieve the American dream, but they’re already rich – in friends, family and laughter. JENNY HART (Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee Kristen Wiig, “Bridesmaids,” “Saturday Night Live”) is a single mother supporting her family working as a waitress in the small town of Greenpoint, NC. While Jenny’s the head of her family, she’s often at odds with, or scheming with, her lottery scratcher-obsessed mother, BETTY (Emmy Award and Screen Actors Guild Award nominee Maya Rudolph, “The Good Place,” “Bridesmaids”), and her witty, creative daughter, VIOLET (Emmy Award nominee Jillian Bell, “Workaholics,” “Fist Fight”). Jenny’s doting, eternal optimist boyfriend of 10 years, WAYNE EDWARDS (Ike Barinholtz, “Neighbors,” “Blockers”), is the love of her life and a surrogate father to Violet. He’s a charming dreamer who may never hit the big time, but he’s not going to give up the fight. In the end, the Harts may not have much, but they may just have everything they need.

PRODUCTION COMPANY: 20th Century Fox Television, FOX Entertainment

CREATOR/EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Spivey

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Kristen Wiig, Seth Cohen

VOICE CAST: Kristen Wiig as Jenny Hart, Maya Rudolph as Betty Hart, Jillian Bell as Violet Hart, Ike Barinholtz as Wayne Edwards

GUEST VOICE CAST: Fortune Feimster as Brenda, Drew Tarver as Randy, Mary Steenburgen as Crystalynn

“DUNCANVILLE”

From Golden Globe winner Amy Poehler (“Parks and Recreation,” “Saturday Night Live”) and Emmy Award winners Mike and Julie Scully (THE SIMPSONS, “The Carmichael Show,” (“Parks and Recreation”) comes DUNCANVILLE, an animated family comedy centered around a spectacularly average 15-year-old boy with a rich fantasy life, and the people in his world. Like most 15-year-olds, DUNCAN (Poehler) can see adulthood on the horizon: money, freedom, cars, girls…but the reality is more like: always being broke, driving with your mom sitting shotgun and babysitting your little sister. He’s not exceptional, but he has a rich fantasy life where he’s never anything less than amazing. Duncan’s mom, ANNIE (Poehler), a parking enforcement officer who dreams of someday being a detective, lives in perpetual fear that her teenage son is one bad decision from ruining his life and will do anything to stop him from doing so. Duncan’s father, JACK (Emmy Award winner Ty Burrell, “Modern Family”), a classic-rock-obsessed plumber who’s determined to be a better dad than the one he had, is constantly posting on Facebook – and annoyed that his kids won’t “friend” him. Duncan’s younger sisters are 12-year-old KIMBERLY (Emmy Award nominee Riki Lindhome, “Garfunkel and Oates: Trying to be Special,” “Another Period”), an awkward, emotional girl who can hold grudges forever; and six-year-old JING, who adores her older brother maybe a little too much and whose catchphrase is, “Watch me!,” followed by the world’s slowest cartwheel. Helping Duncan navigate adolescence are his friends, class clown BEX (Betsy Sodaro, “Another Period,” “Disjointed”); trendy influencer YANGZI (Yassir Lester, “Making History”); aspiring troubled youth WOLF; and his on-again, off-again crush, MIA (Rashida Jones, “Parks and Recreation,” “Angie Tribeca”), who never met a cause she wouldn’t dedicate her life to. The coolest guy in their school is MR. MITCH (Wiz Khalifa, “American Dad!,” “BoJack Horseman”), the universally loved teacher/guidance counselor, and occasional gym coach and school nurse, due to budget cuts. Animated by Bento Box Entertainment (BOB’S BURGERS), DUNCANVILLE is in the long tradition of FOX Sunday night animation, and has just started production on a line of over-priced, shoddily produced merchandise for the whole family.

PRODUCTION COMPANIES: 20th Century Fox Television, Universal Television, FOX Entertainment

CO-CREATORS/EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Mike Scully, Julie Scully, Amy Poehler

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Dave Becky

VOICE CAST: Amy Poehler as Duncan/Annie, Ty Burrell as Jack, Riki Lindhome as Kimberly, Betsy Sodaro as Bex, Yassir Lester as Yangzi

GUEST VOICE CAST: Rashida Jones as Mia, Wiz Khalifa as Mr. Mitch

“OUTMATCHED”

Jason Biggs, Maggie Lawson, Connor Kalopsis and Ashley Boettcher in “Outmatched” (Photo by Michael Becker/Fox)

From writer/executive producer Lon Zimmet (“LA to Vegas”) comes OUTMATCHED, a multi-camera family comedy about a blue-collar couple in Atlantic City trying to raise four kids – three of whom just happen to be certified geniuses. For most parents, parenting is hard. But for CAY (Maggie Lawson, “Lethal Weapon,” “Psych”), a caustic, take-no-prisoners casino pit boss, and husband MIKE (Jason Biggs, “Orange Is the New Black,” the “American Pie” franchise), a handyman and uncultivated guy’s guy, parenting may as well be advanced calculus. Dealing with the demands and egos of three high-IQ children would be tricky for any parent, but it’s especially hazardous for two working stiffs who barely got through high school. Mike and Cay are committed to bringing some normalcy to their kids’ hectic, unconventional childhoods, but these geniuses don’t make it easy. Leading the charge is BRIAN (Connor Kalopsis, “The Grinder”), a condescending and pretentious 16-year-old math whiz, who thinks he already knows more about the world than Mike and Cay ever will, even though he’s never actually been out of New Jersey. His 15-year-old sister, NICOLE (Ashley Boettcher, “Lost in Oz”), is a deceptive and fiercely competitive language prodigy who can manipulate her parents into getting anything she wants. The youngest and most recently anointed child prodigy is MARC (Jack Stanton, “The Mick”), a 10-year-old music savant. Introverted and idiosyncratic, he just wants everyone to leave him alone, so he can become the next Beethoven in peace. The only child not driving their parents crazy is eight-year-old LEILA (Oakley Bull, “Beautiful Boy”), who is decidedly not a genius. In fact, she might be kind of dumb. She’s the only kid Mike and Cay even remotely understand. OUTMATCHED takes an honest and heightened look at every parent’s worst fear – that they’re “ruining” their kids. When you have children with the type of gifts that can change the world, the pressure is really on. Raise them right, and these kids could cure cancer, stop global warming or invent time travel. But screw it up, and you could unleash three new super villains into the universe – good luck!

PRODUCTION COMPANIES: 20th Century Fox Television, FOX Entertainment

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER/WRITER: Lon Zimmet

DIRECTOR: Jonathan Judge

CAST: Jason Biggs as Mike, Maggie Lawson as Cay, Tisha Campbell-Martin as Rita, Jack Stanton as Marc, Connor Kalopsis as Brian, Ashley Boettcher as Nicole, Oakley Bull as Leila

“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.

PRODUCTION COMPANIES: 20th Century Fox Television, FOX Entertainment

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Loren Bouchard

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS/WRITERS: Wendy Molyneux, Lizzie Molyneux, Minty Lewis

VOICE CAST: Nick Offerman, Megan Mullally, Jenny Slate, Will Forte, Paul Rust, Aparna Nancherla, Dulcé Sloan

GUEST VOICE CAST: Alanis Morissette

NEW ALTERNATIVE SERIES

“ULTIMATE TAG”

Hosted by football superstars and brothers JJ, TJ and Derek Watt, ULTIMATE TAG is a high-octane physical competition show based on the classic playground game of chase. The thrilling, energy-sapping competition will premiere in 2020.

PRODUCTION COMPANIES: Znak & Co., FOX Alternative Entertainment

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS:  Natalka Znak, Conrad Green, Glenn Coomber, JJ Watt

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

May 12, 2019

by Carla Hay

Caitlin McGee, Jimmy Smits and Michael Luwoye in “Bluff City Law” (Photo courtesy of NBC)

NBC has officially announced its 2019-2020 schedule, which will be unveiled during parent company NBCUniversal’s upfront presentation at New York City’s Radio Music Hall on May 13, 2019. Most of the existing shows had previously been announced as renewed. However, the upfront presentation made it official that these shows have been cancelled: “I Feel Bad” and  “Midnight, Texas.” NBC says it has not yet decided the fate of “Abby’s,” “A.P. Bio,” “The Enemy Within,” “The InBetween,” “The Titan Games” and “The Village.”

New scripted shows include “Bluff City Law,” “Council of Dads,” “Lincoln,” “Indebted,” “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist,” “Perfect Harmony,” “The Kenan Show” and “Sunnyside.”  Several familiar names in television will have new shows on NBC as stars and/or executive producers, including “Bluff City Law” star Jimmy Smits (formerly of “L.A. Law”); “Lincoln” co-stars Russell Hornsby (formerly of “Grimm”) and Michael Imperioli (formerly of “The Sopranos”); “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” co-star Peter Gallagher (formerly of “The O.C.”); “Indebted” co-stars Fran Drescher (formerly of “The Nanny”), Adam Pally (formerly of “New Girl”) and Steven Weber (formerly of “Wings”); “The Kenan Show” star Kenan Thompson (“Saturday Night Live”); “Perfect Harmony” star Bradley Whitford (formerly of “The West Wing”); and “Sunnyside” star Kal Penn (formerly of “House”).

Ahead of the upfront presentation, NBC announced that the drama series “This Is Us” has been renewed for an unprecedented three additional seasons. TV series are typically renewed one season at a time. In addition, Ellen DeGeneres will host and executive produce “Ellen’s Greatest Night of Giveaways,” three one-hour specials airing during the end-of-year 2019 holiday season. In the specials, DeGeneres and some of her celebrity friends “will deliver life-changing gifts to unsuspecting people who’ve topped her nice list,” according to a press release from NBC.

Stars from NBC are expected to attend NBCUniversal’s upfront event to promote their shows, as well as stars from several other NBCUniversal networks, including USA Network, Telemundo, Universo, Bravo, E!, Oxygen and Syfy.

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 2019-2020 season. They include new shows “Council of Dads,” “Lincoln,” “Indebted,” “Small Fortune,” “Songland,” “Bring the Funny” and “That’s My Jam” and renewed shows “Blindspot” (for its final season), “World of Dance,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “Will & Grace,” “American Ninja Warrior,” “Good Girls,” “America’s Got Talent,” “America’s Got Talent: The Champions,” “Hollywood Game Night,” “The Wall,”  “Little Big Shots” (with new host Melissa McCarthy), “Who Do You Think You Are?” and “Manifest.”

The following is an excerpt from an NBC press release:

NBC FALL 2019-2020 SCHEDULE

All times listed are Eastern Time only.

MONDAY

8-10 p.m.    “The Voice”
10-11 p.m.   “Bluff City Law”

TUESDAY

8-9 p.m.      “The Voice”
9-10 p.m.    “This Is Us”
10-11 p.m.   “New Amsterdam”

WEDNESDAY

8-9 p.m.      “Chicago Med”
9-10 p.m.    “Chicago Fire”
10-11 p.m.   “Chicago P.D.”

THURSDAY

8-8:30 p.m.  “Superstore”
8:30-9 p.m.  “Perfect Harmony”
9-9:30 p.m.  “The Good Place”
9-10 p.m.  “Sunnyside”
10-11 p.m.   “Law & Order: SVU”

FRIDAY

8-9 p.m.       “The Blacklist”
9-11 p.m.      “Dateline NBC”

SATURDAY

8-10 p.m.    “Dateline Saturday Night Mystery”
10-11 p.m.   “Saturday Night Live” (encores)

SUNDAY

7-8:20 p.m.  “Football Night in America”
8:20-11 p.m. “NBC Sunday Night Football”

NEW DRAMA SERIES

“BLUFF CITY LAW”

Caitlin McGee and Jimmy Smits in “Bluff City Law” (Photo by Jake Giles Netter/NBC)

Coming from a famous Memphis family known for taking on injustice, brilliant lawyer Sydney Strait used to work at her father Elijah’s celebrated law firm until their tumultuous relationship got in the way. After barely speaking to him for years, Sydney is suddenly thrust back into the family fold when her philanthropist mother passes away unexpectedly. In the wake of her loss, hoping to reconnect with the daughter he loves, Elijah asks Sydney to rejoin his firm. She agrees because despite her lingering resentment and distrust, she knows that working alongside her father is her best hope at changing the world … if they can ever get along.

The cast includes Jimmy Smits, Caitlin McGee, Scott Shepherd, Barry Sloane, Michael Luwoye, MaameYaa Boafo, Stony Blyden and Jayne Atkinson.

Dean Georgaris will write and executive produce. Michael Aguliar and David Janollari will executive produce.

“Bluff City Law” is produced by Universal Television in association with David Janollari Entertainment.

“COUNCIL OF DADS”

Sarah Wayne Callies and Michele Weaver in “Council of Dads” (Photo by Quantrell Colbert/NBC)

When Scott, a loving father of four, has his entire life’s plan thrown into upheaval by an unexpected health scare, he calls on a few of his closest allies to step in as back-up dads for every stage of his growing family’s life. Scott assembles a trusted group of role models that includes Anthony, his oldest friend; Larry, his AA sponsor; and Oliver, his surgeon and best friend to his wife, Robin. These men agree to devote themselves to supporting and guiding Scott’s amazing family through all the triumphs and challenges life has to offer – just in case he ever can’t be there to do so himself.

The cast includes Sarah Wayne Callies, Clive Standen, Tom Everett Scott, J. August Richards, Blue Chapman, Emjay Anthony, Michele Weaver, Thalia Tran, Steven Silver and Michael O’Neill.

Tony Phelan & Joan Rater will write and executive produce. Jerry Bruckheimer, Jonathan Littman and KristieAnne Reed will executive produce. James Oh and Bruce Feiler will produce.

“Council of Dads” is produced by Universal Television in association with Jerry Bruckheimer Television and Midwest Livestock Productions.

“LINCOLN”

Russell Hornsby, Michael Imperioli and Arielle Kebbel in “Lincoln” (Photo by Zach Dilgard/NBC)

Inspired by the best-selling book “The Bone Collector,” former NYPD detective and forensic genius Lincoln Rhyme was at the top of his game until a serious accident at the hands of a notorious serial killer forces him out of the field. When Amelia Sachs, an intuitive young officer who’s got her own gift for profiling, finds herself hot on the killer’s trail, Rhyme in turn finds a partner for this new game of cat and mouse. As the unlikely detective duo joins forces to crack the city’s most confounding cases, they must also race to take down the enigmatic “Bone Collector” who brought them together.

The cast includes Russell Hornsby, Arielle Kebbel, Brían F. O’Byrne, Tate Ellington, Courtney Grosbeck, Ramses Jimenez, Brooke Lyons, Roslyn Ruff and Michael Imperioli.

VJ Boyd and Mark Bianculli will write and executive produce. Seth Gordon will direct and executive produce. Avi Nir, Peter Traugott and Rachel Kaplan will executive produce.

“Lincoln” is produced by Universal Television and Sony Pictures Television and in association with Keshet Studios.

“ZOEY’S EXTRAORDINARY PLAYLIST”

Jane Levy in “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” (Photo by Sergei Bachlakov/NBC)

In this joyous and celebratory drama, Zoey Clarke is a whip-smart computer coder forging her way in San Francisco. After an unusual event she starts to hear the innermost wants and desires of the people around her through songs. At first, she questions her own sanity but soon realizes this unwanted curse may just be an incredibly wonderful gift.

The cast includes Jane Levy, Skylar Astin, Peter Gallagher, Alex Newell, John Clarence Stewart, Carmen Cusack and Mary Steenburgen.

Austin Winsberg will write and executive produce. Richard Shepard will direct and executive produce (pilot only). Paul Feig, Jessie Henderson, Kim Tannenbaum, Eric Tannenbaum, David Blackman and Daniel Inkeles will executive produce.

“Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” is produced by Lionsgate in association with the Tannenbaum Company, FeigCo Entertainment and Universal Music Group.

NEW COMEDY SERIES

“INDEBTED”

Steven Weber, Fran Drescher, Abby Elliott, Adam Pally and Jessy Hodges in “Indebted”  (Photo by Trae Patton/NBC)

Young parents Dave and Rebecca are ready to reclaim their life after years of diapers and sleepless nights. However, things take an unexpected turn when Dave’s parents show up unannounced and broke, leaving Dave with no choice but to open the door to the people who gave him everything. But these boomerang parents aren’t great with boundaries and the question of who’s parenting who quickly becomes blurred in this multi-generational comedy starring Fran Drescher and Adam Pally as mother and son.

The cast includes Adam Pally, Abby Elliott, Steven Weber and Fran Drescher.

Dan Levy will write and executive produce. Doug Robinson will executive produce.

“Indebted” is produced by Sony Pictures Television in association with Doug Robinson Productions.

“THE KENAN SHOW”

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.

“PERFECT HARMONY”

Geno Segers, Rizwan Manji, Bradley Whitford, Anna Camp and Tymberlee Hill in “Perfect Harmony” (Photo by Justin Lubin/NBC)

Bradley Whitford stars in this comedy about finding inspiration in the most unlikely places. When former Princeton music professor Arthur Cochran unexpectedly stumbles into choir practice at a small-town church, he finds a group of singers that are out of tune in more ways than one. Despite the ultimate clash of sensibilities, Arthur and his newfound cohorts may just be the perfect mix of individuals to help each other reinvent and rediscover a little happiness, just when they all need it most.

The cast includes Bradley Whitford, Anna Camp, Tymberlee Hill, Rizwan Manji, Will Greenberg, Geno Segers and Spencer Allport.

Lesley Wake Webster will write and executive produce. Jason Winer will direct and executive produce. Bradley Whitford, Adam Anders and Jon Radler will executive produce.

“Perfect Harmony” is produced by 20thCentury Fox Television and Small Dog Picture Company.

“SUNNYSIDE”

Joel Kim Booster, Poppy Liu, Samba Schutte, Kal Penn, Diana Marie Riva and Moses Storm in “Sunnyside” (Photo by Colleen Hayes/NBC)

Garrett Modi was living the American Dream. As the youngest New York City Councilman ever, he was rubbing elbows with the political elite, attending star-studded parties and was the pride of Queens. But instead of spending his time in office helping the people that got him elected, he lost his way amidst the power and glamour of politics. When his downward spiral got him busted for public intoxication (and downright stupidity), it was all caught on tape and ended his career. Now, Garrett’s crashing with his sister, Mallory, and wondering where it all went wrong. That is, until he’s hired by a diverse group of hopefuls who dream of becoming American citizens and believe he can help – giving him a new sense of purpose and a chance for redemption, as long as he remembers where he came from.

The cast includes Kal Penn, Diana Maria Riva, Joel Kim Booster, Kiran Deol, Poppy Liu, Moses Storm and Samba Schutte.

Kal Penn and Matt Murray will write and executive produce. Michael Schur will be supervising executive producer. David Miner and Dan Spilo will executive produce.

“Sunnyside” is produced by Universal Television in association with Fremulon and 3 Arts Entertainment.

2018 TV Upfronts: The CW announces 2018-2019 schedule; see photos and videos

May 17, 2018

by Carla Hay

Sarah Jeffery, Madeleine Mantock, Rupert Evans and Melonie Diaz in "Charmed" (Photo courtesy of The CW)
Sarah Jeffery, Madeleine Mantock, Rupert Evans and Melonie Diaz in “Charmed” (Photo courtesy of The CW)

The CW officially announced its 2018-2019 schedule during the network’s upfront presentation at the New York City Center in New York City on May 17, 2018. 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: “Valor,” “The Originals,” “The 100” and “Life Sentence.” “Jane the Virgin,” “iZombie” and “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” will be ending, and their final seasons will premiere sometime in 2018-2019 season.

As previously reported, The CW is expanding its programming to six nights, by adding Sunday to its lineup.

The CW’s new scripted shows are all dramas: “All American,” “Legacies,” “Roswell, New Mexico” (a reboot of Roswell”),”In the Dark” and a reboot “Charmed” with a new cast.

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 2018-19 season. These shows include “Roswell, New Mexico” and “In the Dark.”

The following is an excerpt from a CW press release:

The CW FALL 2018-19 SCHEDULE

All times listed are Eastern/Pacific Time.

SUNDAY

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

MONDAY

8-9 p.m.  “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow”
9-10 p.m. “Arrow”

TUESDAY

8-9 p.m.  “The Flash”
9-10 p.m. “Black Lightning”

WEDNESDAY

8-9 p.m.  “Riverdale”
9-10 p.m. “All American”

THURSDAY

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

FRIDAY

8-9 p.m.  “Dynasty”
9-10 p.m. “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”

NEW DRAMA SERIES

“ALL AMERICAN”

Taye Diggs and Daniel Ezra in “All American” (Photo by Ray Mickshaw/The CW)

Spencer James is a rising high school football player and A student at South Crenshaw High. Compton is the place he calls home. But when Beverly High School’s football coach Billy Baker recruits him to join his team in Beverly Hills, Spencer’s mother, Grace, and his best friend, Coop, convince Spencer it’s an opportunity he has to seize. Now Spencer must navigate two worlds, the south side neighborhood that he knows and the affluent Beverly Hills world that has offered him an opportunity for something bigger. When Spencer is forced to move in with Billy and his family to protect his transfer permit to Beverly, Billy’s son, Jordan (the team’s starting quarterback), is less than thrilled to be sharing his father’s attention — or the team spotlight — with Spencer. While Spencer struggles to find his footing, he makes an unlikely friend in Jordan’s sister, Olivia, who is dealing with her own demons. He also quickly develops a crush on his classmate, Layla, something her boyfriend, Asher, quickly realizes — and so, he sets out to drive Spencer off the football team and out of Beverly Hills for good. Inspired by the life of NFL player Spencer Paysinger.

“All American” stars Daniel Ezra, Taye Diggs, Samantha Logan, Bre-Z, Greta Onieogou, Monet Mazur, Michael Evans Behling, Cody Christian and Karimah Westbrook.  “All American” is from Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios in association with Berlanti Productions, with executive producers April Blair (“Reign”), Greg Berlanti (“The Flash,” “Riverdale”), Sarah Schechter (“The Flash,” “Riverdale”) and Rob Hardy (“Power”).

“CHARMED”

Melonie Diaz, Sarah Jeffery and Madeleine Mantock in “Charmed” (Photo by Katie Yu/The CW)

“Stronger together.” That’s what Marisol tells her daughters, firebrand social justice warrior Melanie “Mel” Vera, and her sister, fun-loving Maggie, about their family. Mel is a graduate student in the women’s studies department her mother heads at Hilltowne University; Maggie is a freshman considering rushing a sorority (to Mel’s amused dismay) and going “on” again with her on-again off-again boyfriend Brian. But then, a shocking tragedy shatters their world and threatens their sibling bond: Marisol dies in a horrifying accident. Or was it? Three months later, we find Mel unable to accept the official explanation of their mother’s death, while Maggie accuses her of being morbidly obsessed. And then, another huge shock shows up at their front door: they have an older sister, brilliant geneticist Macy, whom their mother kept a secret all these years! Macy is new in town and doesn’t know a soul (except for Galvin, the cute fellow scientist who’s been showing her around). Macy is eager to connect with Mel and Maggie, but Mel can’t handle another shock, and shuts her out. With the emotions of all three sisters running high, each of the girls suddenly exhibit impossible new abilities: Mel can freeze time, Maggie starts hearing others’ thoughts, and Macy has telekinetic powers. But don’t worry, there’s a perfectly reasonable explanation…or so says Harry Greenwood (who as far as they know is the officious new chair of the women’s studies department), when he gathers the three sisters together to reveal they’re actually powerful witches, as was their mother. And he’s not really a professor, he’s their “Whitelighter,” a witch’s advisor and guide! Not only that, but Mel was right: their mother’s death was no accident – she was murdered by unknown dark forces. It’s a lot to take in, but ultimately the sisters accept their new destiny as The Charmed Ones…and their new duty to protect humankind from the demons that walk among us…one of whom killed their mother. With the Power of Three, they are stronger together… even if they have no idea what they’re really up against.

Starring Melonie Diaz, Sarah Jeffery, Madeleine Mantock, Rupert Evans, Ser’Darius Blaine, Charlie Gillespie, and Ellen Tamaki. Based on the original series, “Charmed”  is from CBS Television Studios in association with Propagate Content, with executive producers Jessica O’Toole (“Jane The Virgin”), Amy Rardin (“Jane The Virgin”), Jennie Snyder Urman (“Jane The Virgin”), Ben Silverman (“The Office”), Brad Silberling (“Jane The Virgin”) and Carter Covington (“Faking It”).

“IN THE DARK”

Murphy is a hard-living, hard-drinking, disaffected twentysomething with a penchant for cigarettes and casual sex. She’s also blind. Murphy lives with her understanding roommate, Jess, and more reluctantly also lives with her guide dog, Pretzel, whose presence she resents. Her parents, Hank and Joy, own a guide dog school, a venture they opened hoping it would give Murphy a job with some purpose, but so far it’s just another place where she sleeps off her hangovers, much to the particular chagrin of Joy and Felix, the school administrator tasked with attempting to keep the unprofitable school going. Murphy’s closest friend is a sweet teenager named Tyson. Tyson and Murphy became friends after he saved her from a violent mugging, and his kindness and intelligence are currently going to waste as he deals drugs on the street for his older cousin, Darnell. Then Murphy’s life comes crashing down when, while out for a walk with Pretzel, she stumbles upon what she’s sure is the lifeless body of Tyson in the alley outside her apartment. But when the police arrive, including a charming detective named Dean, there is no body to be found – and with Murphy not exactly sober, the police aren’t especially inclined to investigate. Murphy is devastated, and is only held back from spiraling downward even further by her resolve to learn what happened to Tyson. With the help of Jess – and Pretzel – Murphy is determined to find the truth, no matter the risk… even if it means she has to sober up a little.

“In the Dark” stars Perry Mattfeld, Brooke Markham, Keston John, Kathleen York, Derek Webster and Morgan Krantz. “In the Dark” is from CBS Television Studios and Warner Bros. Television, in association with Red Hour Films, with executive producers Corinne Kingsbury, Jon Collier (“Bones”), Ben Stiller (“Zoolander”), Jackie Cohn, Nicky Weinstock and Michael Showalter (“The Big Sick”).

“LEGACIES”

Danielle Rose Russell in “Legacies” (Photo by Annette Brown/The CW)

For the last decade, the iconic heroes and villains of “The Vampire Diaries” and “The Originals” have captivated audiences worldwide. They left an enduring legacy of love and family in their wake, which continues in “Legacies,” a thrilling new drama that tells the story of the next generation of supernatural beings at The Salvatore School for the Young and Gifted. It’s here that Klaus Mikaelson’s daughter, 17-year-old Hope Mikaelson; Alaric Saltzman’s twins, Lizzie and Josie Saltzman; and other young adults — including political scion MG and the mysterious Landon Kirby — come of age in the most unconventional way possible, nurtured to be their best selves…in spite of their worst impulses. Will these young witches, vampires and werewolves become the heroes they want to be — or the villains they were born to be? As they fight to protect their secret, their town of Mystic Falls and eventually the world, they will have to rely on ancient folklore and tales to learn how to battle their far-reaching enemies.

“Legacies” stars Danielle Rose Russell, Jenny Boyd, Kaylee Bryant, Quincy Fouse and Aria Shaghasemi, with Matt Davis. “Legacies” is from Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios in association with My So-Called Company, with executive producers Julie Plec (“The Vampire Diaries”), Brett Matthews (“The Vampire Diaries”), Leslie Morgenstein (“The Vampire Diaries,” “Pretty Little Liars”) and Gina Girolamo (“The Originals”).

“ROSWELL, NEW MEXICO”

More than maybe anywhere else on Earth, Roswell, New Mexico is ground zero for those who seek proof that aliens exist. Roswell native Liz Ortecho left it all behind 10 years ago, after the death of her beloved older sister, Rosa. But with her father ailing, she reluctantly returns to her tourist-trap hometown to move back in with him. When Liz arrives, she reconnects with Max Evans, her teenage crush who is now a Roswell police officer. Their chemistry is instantly electric. But Liz soon discovers a shocking truth: Max is an alien who has kept his unearthly abilities hidden his entire life, along with those of his otherworldly siblings, Isobel and Michael. As the two grow closer after a decade apart, Liz finds it difficult to keep the truth from her best friend, Maria De Luca, and her trusting high school ex, Dr. Kyle Valenti. Also hiding their extraterrestrial origins are Isobel and Michael, with Isobel not even revealing the truth to her husband, Noah, and Michael keeping his identity hidden beneath a bad-boy exterior of hard living and casual hookups. Meanwhile, a long-standing government conspiracy spearheaded by Master Sgt. Jesse Manes, along with the politics of fear and hatred that run rampant in Roswell, threatens to expose Max and his family, and could endanger his deepening romance with Liz…as well as their lives.

“Roswell, New Mexico” stars Jeanine Mason, Nathan Parsons, Michael Trevino, Lily Cowles, Michael Vlamis, Tyler Blackburn, Heather Hemmens, Trevor St. John and Karan Oberoi. “Roswell, New Mexico” is from Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios, in association with Amblin Television and Bender Brown Productions, with executive producers Carina Adly MacKenzie (“The Originals”), Chris Hollier (“Once Upon A Time”), Julie Plec (“The Vampire Diaries”), Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey (“The Americans”), Lawrence Bender (“Pulp Fiction”) and Kevin Kelly Brown (“Roswell”).

 

2018 TV Upfronts: CBS announces 2018-2019 schedule; see photos and videos

May 16, 2018

by Carla Hay

Damon Wayans Jr., Amber Stevens West and Felix Mallard in “Happy Together” (Photo by Cliff Lipson/CBS)

CBS officially announced its 2018-2019 schedule during the network’s upfront presentation at Carnegie Hall in New York City on May 16, 2018. 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: “Kevin Can Wait,” “Wisdom of the Crowd,” “Superior Donuts,” “Me, Myself & I,” “9JKL” and “Code Black.”

New scripted shows include “FBI,” “The Neighborhood,” “Fam,”  “The Red Line,” “The Code” Some of actors starring in these shows are known for starring in past long-running hit shows. “The Neighborhood” co-stars Cedric the Entertainer and Tichina Arnold previously starred in “The Soul Man” and “Martin, ” respectively. Nina Dobrev (“Fam”) is a former star of “The Vampire Diaries.” “The Red Line” star Noah Wylie is best known for being an alum of “ER.” Damon Wayans Jr.  of “Happy Together” previously starred in “Happy Endings.”

CBS will have two reboots of TV series from the 1980s: “Magnum P.I.” will have a new cast, including Jay Hernandez as the title character. Meanwhile, “Murphy Brown” is returning with mostly the same cast, including title character Candice Bergen.

Please note that shows picked up but not listed on the schedule below will debut at other times in the 2018-2019 season. They include new shows “The Red Line,” “The Code” and “Fam” and renewed shows “Life in Pieces,” “Instinct,” “Elementary,” “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 2018-19 SCHEDULE

All times listed are Eastern/Pacific Time.

MONDAY

8-8:30 p.m.   “The Neighborhood”
8:30-9 p.m.   “Happy Together”
9-10 p.m.        “Magnum P.I.”
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.     “Criminal Minds”

THURSDAY

8-8:30 p.m.   “The Big Bang Theory”
8:30-9 p.m.   “Young Sheldon”
9-9:30 p.m.   “Mom”
9:30-10 p.m. “Murphy Brown”
10-11 p.m.       “S.W.A.T.”

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

“FBI”

Zeeko Zaki and Missy Peregrym in “FBI” (Photo by Michael Parmelee/CBS)

From Emmy Award winner Dick Wolf and the team behind the “Law & Order” franchise, “FBI” is a fast-paced drama about the inner workings of the New York office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. These first-class agents bring all their talents, intellect and technical expertise to tenaciously investigate cases of tremendous magnitude, including terrorism, organized crime and counterintelligence, in order to keep New York and the country safe. Craig Turk, Dick Wolf, Arthur W. Forney, Peter Jankowski and Niels Arden Oplev (pilot only) are executive producers for Universal Television in association with CBS Television Studios. Oplev directed the pilot from a story by Wolf and Turk, and a script by Turk.

“FBI” stars Missy Peregrym as Maggie Bell, Zeeko Zaki as Omar Adom “OA” Zidan, Jeremy Sisto as Jubal Valentine, and Ebonée Noel as Kristen Chazal.

“GOD FRIENDED ME”

Brandon Micheal Hall and Violett Beane in “God Friended Me” (Photo by Jonathan Wenk/CBS)

“God Friended Me” stars Brandon Micheal Hall in a humorous, uplifting drama about Miles Finer (Hall), an outspoken atheist whose life is turned upside down when he receives a friend request on social media from God and unwittingly becomes an agent of change in the lives and destinies of others around him. After repeated pokes by God, Miles’ curiosity takes over, and he accepts the ultimate friend request and follows the signs to Cara Bloom (Violett Beane), an online journalist. Brought together by the “God Account,” the two find themselves investigating God’s friend suggestions and inadvertently helping others in need. Miles is set on getting to the bottom of what he believes is an elaborate hoax, but in the meantime he’ll play along and, in the process, change his life forever. Steven Lilien & Bryan Wynbrandt, Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and Marcos Siega are executive producers for Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios. Siega directed the pilot from a script by Lilien & Wynbrandt.

“God Friended Me” stars Brandon Micheal Hall as Miles Finer, Violett Beane as Cara Bloom, Suraj Sharma as Rakesh Singh, Javicia Leslie as Ali Finer and Joe Morton as Reverend Arthur Finer.

“THE CODE”

(Image courtesy of CBS)

“The Code” is a drama about the military’s brightest minds who take on our country’s toughest legal challenges, inside the courtroom and out, in the only law office in the world where every attorney is trained as a prosecutor, a defense lawyer, an investigator – and a Marine. Operating out of Judge Advocate General Headquarters in Quantico, these active-duty Marines are attorneys who have chosen to serve their country in pursuit of military justice at home and abroad. Craig Sweeny, Marc Webb, Carl Beverly, Sarah Timberman and Craig Turk are executive producers for CBS Television Studios. Webb directed the pilot from a teleplay by Sweeny, and story by Sweeny and Turk.

“The Code” stars Anna Wood as Major Maya Dobbins, Ato Essandoh as Major Trey Ferry, Phillipa Soo as Lt. Harper Rein and Raffi Barsoumian as Warrant Officer Rami Ahmadi.

“MAGNUM P.I.”

Jay Hernandez in “Magnum P.I.” (Photo by Karen Neal/CBS)

“Magnum P.I.” is a modern take on the classic series starring Jay Hernandez as Thomas Magnum, a decorated former Navy SEAL who, upon returning home from Afghanistan, repurposes his military skills to become a private investigator. A charming rogue, an American hero and a die-hard Detroit Tigers fan, Magnum has Juliet Higgins and her Dobermans to keep him in line, as well as his trusted buddies and fellow POW survivors TC and Rick when he needs back-up on a job. With keys to a vintage Ferrari in one hand, aviator sunglasses in the other, and an Old Düsseldorf longneck chilling in the fridge, Thomas Magnum is back on the case! Peter Lenkov, Eric Guggenheim, Justin Lin, John Davis, John Fox and Danielle Woodrow are executive producers for CBS Television Studios in association with Universal Television. Lin directed the pilot from a script by Lenkov and Guggenheim.

“Magnum P.I.” stars Jay Hernandez as Thomas Magnum, Perdita Weeks as Juliet Higgins, Zachary Knighton as Orville “Rick” Wright and Stephen Hill as Theodore “TC” Calvin.

“THE RED LINE”

Noah Wyle and Aliyah Royale in “The Red Line” (Photo by Elizabeth Morris/CBS)

From acclaimed producers Ava DuVernay and Greg Berlanti, “The Red Line” is a drama that follows the lives of three vastly different Chicago families whose stories of loss and tragedy intersect in the wake of the mistaken shooting of an African American doctor by a white cop. As the stories of the Calder, Young and Evans families crisscross and converge, a message of hope appears – it’s possible to emerge from tragedy stronger, and it’s important to come together with others, not just to survive, but to thrive. Academy Award, Golden Globe and Emmy Award nominee Ava DuVernay, Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter are executive producers, and Caitlin Parrish and Erica Weiss are co-executive producers for Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios. Victoria Mahoney directed the pilot from a script by Parrish and Weiss.

“The Red Line” stars Noah Wyle as Daniel Calder, Emayatzy Corinealdi as Tia Young, Aliyah Royale as Jira Calder-Brennan, Noel Fisher as Paul Evans, Howard Charles as Ethan Young, Elizabeth Laidlaw as Vic Renna, Vinny Chhibber as Liam Bhatt and Michael Patrick Thornton as Jim Evans.

NEW COMEDY SERIES

“HAPPY TOGETHER”

Felix Mallard, Amber Stevens West and Damon Wayans Jr. in “Happy Together” (Photo by Cliff Lipson/CBS)

“Happy Together” stars Damon Wayans Jr. and Amber Stevens West in a comedy about a 30-something happily married couple who begin to reconnect with their younger, cooler selves when Cooper (Felix Mallard), an exuberant young pop star drawn to their super-ordinary suburban life, unexpectedly moves in with them. Austen Earl, Tim McAuliffe, Ben Winston, Harry Styles, Michael Rotenberg and Jonathan Berry are executive producers for CBS Television Studios. Phill Lewis directed the pilot from a script by McAuliffe and Earl.

“Happy Together” stars Damon Wayans Jr. as Jake, Amber Stevens West as Claire, Felix Mallard as Cooper James, Stephnie Weir as Bonnie and Chris Parnell as Wayne.

“THE NEIGHBORHOOD”

Sheaun McKinney and Cedric the Entertainer in “The Neighborhood” (Photo by Monty Brinto/CBS)

“The Neighborhood” stars Cedric the Entertainer as an opinionated neighbor in a comedy about what happens when the friendliest guy in the Midwest moves his family to a neighborhood in Los Angeles where not everyone looks like him or appreciates his extreme neighborliness. When Dave Johnson (Max Greenfield) and his family arrive from Michigan, they’re unfazed that their new dream home is located in a community quite different from their small town. However, their opinionated next-door neighbor, Calvin Butler (Cedric the Entertainer), is wary of the newcomers, certain that they’ll disrupt the culture on the block. Dave realizes that fitting into their new community is more complex than he expected, but if he can find a way to connect with Calvin, they have an excellent chance of making their new neighborhood their home. Jim Reynolds, Aaron Kaplan, Dana Honor (Kapital Entertainment), Wendi Trilling, Cedric the Entertainer, Eric Rhone and James Burrows (pilot) are executive producers for CBS Television Studios. Burrows directed the pilot from a script by Reynolds.

“The Neighborhood” stars Cedric the Entertainer as Calvin, Max Greenfield as Dave, Sheaun McKinney as Malcolm, Tichina Arnold as Tina, Dreama Walker as Gemma, Marcel Spears as Marty and Hank Greenspan as Grover.

“FAM”

Tone Bell and Nina Dobrev in “Fam” (Photo by Sonja Flemming/CBS)

“Fam” stars Nina Dobrev and Tone Bell in a comedy about a woman whose vision of a perfect life with her adoring fiancé and his wonderful parents is radically altered when her 16-year-old, out-of-control half-sister unexpectedly comes to live with her. As the family Clem (Dobrev) chose and the family she has blend, Clem realizes that this new happy fam may be the perfection she’s always been seeking. Corinne Kingsbury, Bob Kushell, Aaron Kaplan, Wendi Trilling, Dana Honor and Scott Ellis (pilot only) are executive producers for CBS Television Studios in association with Kapital Entertainment. Ellis directed the pilot from a script by Kingsbury.

“Fam” stars Nina Dobrev as Clem, Tone Bell as Nick, Odessa Adlon as Shannon, Brian Stokes Mitchell as Walt and Sheryl Lee Ralph as Rose.

“MURPHY BROWN”

Multiple Emmy Award winners Candice Bergen and series creator Diane English reunite for “Murphy Brown,” the revival of the groundbreaking comedy about the eponymous broadcast news legend and her biting take on current events, now in a world of 24-hour cable, social media, “fake news” and a vastly different political climate. Amid a divided nation, chaotic national discourse and rampant attacks on the press, Murphy returns to the airwaves with her original FYI team: lifestyle reporter Corky Sherwood, investigative journalist Frank Fontana and producer Miles Silverberg. Murphy’s son, Avery, shares his mother’s competitive spirit and quick wit, and has followed in her journalistic footsteps – perhaps too closely. Now back in the game, Murphy is determined to draw the line between good television and honest reporting, proving that the world needs Murphy Brown now more than ever. Diane English returns as executive producer with Candice Bergen for Bend in the Road Productions, Inc., in association with Warner Bros. Television. English created the series. Pamela Fryman will direct the pilot from a script by English.

“Murphy Brown” stars Candice Bergen as Murphy Brown, Faith Ford as Corky Sherwood, Joe Regalbuto as Frank Fontana, Grant Shaud as Miles Silverberg, Jake McDorman as Avery, Tyne Daly as Phyllis and Nik Dodani as Pat Patel.

2018 TV Upfronts: ABC announces 2018-2019 schedule; see photos and videos

May 15, 2018

by Carla Hay

Devin Trey Campbell, Kimrie Lewis, Sadie Hazelett, Grace Hazelett, Brad Garrett, Taran Killam, Marlow Barkley, Jake Choi, Leighton Meester and Tyler Wladis in “Single Parents” (Photo by Ed Herrera/ABC)

ABC officially announced its 2018-2019 schedule during the network’s upfront presentation at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall in New York City on May 15, 2018. Most of the existing shows had previously been announced as renewed. However, the upfront presentation made it official that “Alex Inc.,” “Marvel’s Inhumans,” “The Mayor,” “Kevin (Probably) Saves the World,” “The Crossing,” “Designated Survivor,” “Quantico” and “Ten Days in the Valley” have been cancelled. The end of “Scandal” was announced one year before it happened.

New scripted shows include “Single Parents,” “The Rookie,” “A Million Little Things,” “Whiskey Cavalier,” “Child Support,” “The Fix,” “Schooled,” “The Kids Are Alright” and “Grand Hotel.”  Some of actors starring in these shows are known for being in past long-running hit shows. Nathan Fillion of “The Rookie” formerly starred in “Castle.” “A Million Little Things” cast member James Roday is best known for starring in “Psych.” “The Fix” star Robin Tunney is an alum of “Prison Break.” Scott Foley (“Whiskey Cavalier”) previously starred in “Scandal,” while his “Whiskey Cavalier” co-star Lauren Cohan is best known for being on “The Walking Dead.” Another “Walking Dead” alum is Michael Cudlitz, who stars in “The Kids Are Alright,” whose cast includes Mary McCormack, formerly of “The West Wing.” Meanwhile, “Schooled” star Tim Meadows is best known for being on “Saturday Night Live.” And “Gossip Girl” alum Leighton Meester returns to series television with “Single Parents,” which co-stars Brad Garrett, formerly of “Everybody Loves Raymond.”

“The Alec Baldwin Show” will be ABC’s first prime-time talk show in years. Baldwin is best known to TV audiences for his Emmy-winning roles in “30 Rock” and “Saturday Night Live.”

Premiere dates will be announced at a later time. Please note that shows picked up but not listed on the schedule below will debut later in the 2017-2018 season. They include new shows “For The People,” “The Fix,” “Schooled,” “Grand Hotel” and “Whiskey Cavalier” and renewed shows “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” “American Idol,” “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette.”

The following is an excerpt from an ABC press release:

ABC FALL 2018-19 SCHEDULE

All times listed are Eastern/Pacific Time.

MONDAY

8-10 p.m.            “Dancing with the Stars”
10-11 p.m.           “The Good Doctor”

TUESDAY

8-8:30 p.m.         “Roseanne”
8:30-9 p.m.         “The Kids Are Alright”
9-9:30 p.m.         “Black-ish”
9:30-10 p.m.       “Splitting Up Together”
10-11 p.m.            “The Rookie”

WEDNESDAY

8-8:30 p.m.         “The Goldbergs”
8:30-9 p.m.         “American Housewife”
9:30-10 p.m.       “Modern Family”
9:30-10 p.m.       “Single Parents”
10-11 p.m.             “A Million Little Things”

THURSDAY 

8-9 P.M.        “Grey’s Anatomy”
9-10 P.M.       “Station 19”
10-11 P.M.      “How to Get Away with Murder”

FRIDAY 

8-8:30 p.m.    “Fresh Off the Boat”
8:30-9 p.m.     “Speechless”
9-10 p.m.         “Child Support”
10-11 p.m.        “20/20”

SATURDAY 

8 p.m.               “Saturday Night Football”

SUNDAY 

7-8 p.m.          “America’s Funniest Home Videos”
8-9 p.m.         “Dancing With the Stars: Juniors”
9-10 p.m.        “Shark Tank”
10-11 p.m.      “The Alec Baldwin Show”

 

NEW DRAMA SERIES

“A MILLION LITTLE THINGS”

David Giuntoli, James Roday and Romany Malco in “A Million Little Things” (Photo by Jack Rowand/ABC)

They say friendship isn’t one big thing, it’s a million little things; and that’s true for a group of friends from Boston who bonded under unexpected circumstances. Some have achieved success, others are struggling in their careers and relationships, but all of them feel stuck in life. After one of them dies unexpectedly, it’s just the wake-up call the others need to finally start living. Along the way, they discover that friends may be the one thing to save them from themselves.

“A Million Little Things” stars David Giuntoli as Eddie, Ron Livingston as Jon, Romany Malco as Rome, Allison Miller as Maggie, Christina Moses as Regina, Christina Ochoa as Ashley, James Roday as Gary, Stephanie Szostak as Delilah and Lizzy Greene as Sophie.

DJ Nash is writer and executive producer; Aaron Kaplan and Dana Honor are executive producers; and James Griffiths is the director on the pilot and an executive producer, from ABC Studios/Kapital Entertainment.

“THE FIX”

Robin Tunney in “The Fix” (Photo by Eric McCandless/ABC)

Attorney and author Marcia Clark co-writes and executive produces a new legal drama about Maya Travis, an L.A. district attorney who suffers a devastating defeat when prosecuting an A-list actor for double murder. With her high-profile career derailed, she flees for a quieter life in Washington. Eight years later when this same celebrity is under suspicion for another murder, Maya Travis is lured back to the DA’s office for another chance at justice. This legal thriller is executive produced/co-written by Clark, Liz Craft and Sarah Fain, and is from Mandeville TV and ABC Studios.

“The Fix” stars Robin Tunney as Maya Travis, Adam Rayner as Matthew Collier, Merrin Dungey as CJ, Breckin Meyer as Alan Wiest, Marc Blucas as Riv, Mouzam Makkar as Loni Kampoor, Alex Saxon as Gabriel Johnson, with Scott Cohen as Ezra Wolf and Adewale Akinnouye-Agbaje as Sevvy Johnson.

Elizabeth Craft & Sarah Fain and Marcia Clark are writers and executive producers. David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman and Laurie Zaks are executive producers (Mandeville). Larysa Kondracki directed the pilot.

“GRAND HOTEL”

Demián Bichir and Roselyn Sánchez in “Grand Hotel” (Photo by Eric McCandless/ABC)

Eva Longoria executive produces this bold, provocative drama set at the last family-owned hotel in multicultural Miami Beach. Charismatic Santiago Mendoza owns the hotel, while his glamorous second wife, Gigi, and their adult children enjoy the spoils of success. The hotel’s loyal staff round out a contemporary, fresh take on an upstairs/downstairs story. Wealthy and beautiful guests bask in luxury, but scandals, escalating debt and explosive secrets hide beneath the picture-perfect exterior. The show is based on the Spanish series.

The series stars Demian Bichir as Santiago Mendoza, Roselyn Sanchez as Gigi Mendoza, Denyse Tontz as Alicia Mendoza, Bryan Craig as Javi Mendoza, Wendy Raquel Robinson as Mrs. P, Lincoln Younes as Danny, Shalim Ortiz as Mateo, Anne Winters as Ingrid, Chris Warren as Jason, Feliz Ramirez as Carolina and Justina Adorno as Yoli.

Brian Tanen is the writer and executive producer; Eva Longoria and Ben Spector (UnbeliEVAble), Ramon Campos and Teresa Fernandez-Valdes (Beta) are executive producers of the series. Ken Olin directed the pilot. The series is produced by ABC Studios.

“THE ROOKIE”

Nathan Fillion in “The Rookie” (Photo by Tony Rivetti/ABC)

Starting over isn’t easy, especially for small-town guy John Nolan who, after a life-altering incident, is pursuing his dream of being an LAPD officer. As the force’s oldest rookie, he’s met with skepticism from some higher-ups who see him as just a walking midlife crisis. If he can’t keep up with the young cops and the criminals, he’ll be risking lives including his own. But if he can use his life experience, determination and sense of humor to give him an edge, he may just become a success in this new chapter of his life.

The series stars Nathan Fillion as John Nolan, Alyssa Diaz as Angela Lopez, Richard T. Jones as Sergeant Wade Grey, Titus Makin as Jackson West, Mercedes Mason as Captain Zoe Andersen, Melissa O’Neil as Lucy Chen, Afton Williamson as Talia Bishop and Eric Winter as Tim Bradford.

Alexi Hawley is writer and executive producer; Mark Gordon, Nathan Fillion, Michelle Chapman and Jon Steinberg are executive producers on the series. Liz Friedlander directed and executive produced the first episode. Entertainment One (eOne) is the lead studio on “The Rookie,” a co-production with ABC Studios.

“WHISKEY CAVALIER”

Scott Foley and Lauren Cohan in “Whiskey Cavalier” (Photo by Larry D. Horricks/ABC)

“Whiskey Cavalier” is a high-octane, hour-long action dramedy that follows the adventures of tough but tender FBI super-agent Will Chase (codename: “Whiskey Cavalier”), played by Scott Foley. Following an emotional breakup, Chase is assigned to work with badass CIA operative Francesca “Frankie” Trowbridge (codename: “Fiery Tribune”), played by Lauren Cohan. Together, they lead an inter-agency team of flawed, funny and heroic spies who periodically save the world (and each other) while navigating the rocky roads of friendship, romance and office politics. The series is from writer/executive producer Dave Hemingson and executive producer Bill Lawrence with Warner Bros. Television.

The series stars Scott Foley as Will Chase, Lauren Cohan as Francesca “Frankie” Trowbridge, Ana Ortiz as Susan Sampson, Tyler James Williams as Edgar Standish and Vir Das as Jai Datta.

Dave Hemingson is writer and executive producer; Bill Lawrence and Jeff Ingold (Doozer Productions) are executive producers; Peter Atencio is director and executive producer (pilot), and Scott Foley is producer of the series from Warner Bros. Television.

NEW COMEDY SERIES

“THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT”

Sawyer Barth, Santino Barnard, Caleb Martin Foote, Christophe Paul Richards, Jack Gore, Michael Cudlitz and Mary McCormack in “The Kids Are Alright” (Photo by Tony Rivetti/ABC)

Set in the 1970s, this ensemble comedy follows a traditional Irish-Catholic family, the Clearys, as they navigate big and small changes during one of America’s most turbulent decades. In a working-class neighborhood outside Los Angeles, Mike and Peggy raise eight boisterous boys who live out their days with little supervision. The household is turned upside down when oldest son Lawrence returns home and announces he’s quitting the seminary to go off and “save the world.” Times are changing and this family will never be the same. There are 10 people, three bedrooms, one bathroom and everyone in it for themselves.

The series stars Michael Cudlitz as Mike Cleary, Mary McCormack as Peggy Cleary, Sam Straley as Lawrence, Caleb Martin Foote as Eddie, Sawyer Barth as Frank, Christopher Paul Richards as Joey, Jack Gore as Timmy, Andy Walken as William and Santino Barnard as Pat.

The series is inspired by the childhood of writer/executive producer Tim Doyle.  Randall Einhorn directed and was an executive producer on the pilot. The series is from ABC Studios.

“SCHOOLED”

Bryan Callen, AJ Michalka and Tim Meadows in “Schooled” (Photo courtesy of ABC)

This spinoff of the hit series “The Goldbergs” will be set in 1990-something and follow the hilarious teachers of William Penn Academy – led by Tim Meadows (Principal Glascott), Bryan Callen (Coach Mellor) and AJ Michalka (Lainey Lewis) – who, despite their eccentricities and crazy personal lives, are heroes to their students.

Story by Marc Firek and Adam F. Goldberg. Teleplay by Marc Firek. The series is from Sony Pictures Television and ABC Studios. Adam F. Goldberg, Doug Robinson and Marc Firek are executive producers.

“SINGLE PARENTS”

Kimrie Lewis, Jake Choi, Leighton Meester, Brad Garrett and Taran Killam in “Single Parent” (Photo by Richard Cartwright/ABC)

This ensemble comedy follows a group of single parents as they lean on each other to help raise their 7-year-old kids and maintain some kind of personal lives outside of parenthood. The series begins when the group meets Will, a 30-something guy who’s been so focused on raising his daughter that he’s lost sight of who he is as a man. When the other single parents see just how far down the rabbit hole of PTA, parenting and princesses Will has gone, they band together to get him out in the dating world and make him realize that being a great parent doesn’t mean sacrificing everything about your own identity.

The series stars Taran Killam as Will, Leighton Meester as Angie, Kimrie Lewis as Poppy, Jake Choi as Miggy, Marlow Barkley as Sophie, Tyler Wladis as Graham, Devin Trey Campbell as Rory, Grace Hazelett as Emma, Sadie Hazelett as Amy and Brad Garrett as Douglas.

The series is from 20th  Century Fox Television and ABC Studios. JJ Philbin and Liz Meriwether are creators and executive producers, and Katherine Pope is executive producer. The pilot was directed by Jason Winer, who is also an executive producer.

NEW ALTERNATIVE SERIES

“THE ALEC BALDWIN SHOW”

Jerry Seinfeld and Alec Baldwin in “The Alec Baldwin Show” (Photo by Heidi Gutman/ABC)

“DANCING WITH THE STARS: JUNIORS”

[NOTE: This show was previously announced for ABC’s 2017-2018 season but will instead have its series premiere in the 2018-2019 season.]

A fresh new take on an established favorite, “Dancing with the Stars Junior” will pair celebrity kids and kids of celebrities with professional junior ballroom dancers to perform choreographed routines, which will be judged by a panel of renowned ballroom experts, to be announced at a later date.

Slated to debut in Spring 2018, “Dancing with the Stars Junior” is produced by BBC Worldwide Productions.

2018 TV Upfronts: Fox announces 2018-2019 schedule; see photos and videos

May 14, 2018

by Carla Hay

Lil Rel Howery, Sinbad and Jordan L. Jones in “Rel” (Photo by Ray Mickshaw/Fox)

Fox has officially announced its 2018-2019 schedule during the network’s upfront presentation at the Beacon Theater in New York City on May 14, 2018. 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: “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “New Girl,” “The Mick,” “LA to Vegas,” “The Exorcist,” “The Last Man on Earth,” “Ghosted” and “Lucifer.” However, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” is getting a second chance at NBC, which has picked up the show.

New scripted shows on Fox include “Rel,” “The Cool Kids,” “The Passage” and “Proven Innocent.” Several actors who are familiar to TV audiences star in these shows, including Mark-Paul Gosselaar (“The Passage”), formerly of “Saved by the Bell”; Lil Rel Howery (“Rel”), who used to be on “The Carmichael Show”; and “Proven Innocent” stars Rachelle Lefevre, formerly of “Under the Dome,” and Vincent Kartheiser, who used to be on “Mad Men.” All the stars of “The Cool Kids” are TV veterans: Vicki Lawrence (“Mama’s Family,” “The Carol Burnett Show”), David Alan Grier (“In Living Color,” “The Carmichael Show”), Martin Mull (“Veep”) and Leslie Jordan (“Will and Grace,” “American Horror Story”). Meanwhile, Fox has picked up “Last Man Standing,” starring TV veteran Tim Allen. “Last Man Standing” was previously on ABC from 2011 to 2017. ABC reportedly cancelled the show because of high production costs.

Fox’s “Lethal Weapon” has announced a major cast change: Clayne Crawford (who played Martin Riggs) has been fired, and he has been replaced by “American Pie” star Seann William Scott. Crawford’s exit from the show, which was announced on May 8, wasn’t too surprising, since there were reports in April 2018 that several “Lethal Weapon”cast and crew members no longer wanted to work with him because of his alleged abusive behavior. Crawford later issued a public apology. In a Fox press release, Scott’s role in “Lethal Weapon” is described as “a new character who folds into a partnership with Murtaugh (Damon Wayans).” This is Scott’s first starring role in a TV series. In  addition to being in several “American Pie” movies, Scott is also known for the movies “Role Models,” “Dude, Where’s My Car?” and “Road Trip.”

As previously announced, there will be a live musical event special of “Rent,” which premieres on January 27, 2019, at 7 p.m. ET/PT.

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 2018-2019 season. They include new shows “The Passage” and “Proven Innocent” and renewed shows such as “The Orville,” “Gotham” (in its fifth and final season), “Cosmos” (a limited series), “Beat Shazam,” “The Four: Battle for Stardom,” “Gordon Ramsay’s 24 Hours to Hell & Back,” “Hell’s Kitchen,” “Love Connection,” “MasterChef,” “MasterChef Junior,” “Showtime at the Apollo” and “So You Think You Can Dance.”

The following is an excerpt from a Fox press release:

FOX FALL 2018-19 SCHEDULE

All times listed are Eastern Time only.

MONDAY

8-9 p.m.               “The Resident”
9-10 p.m.             “9-1-1”

TUESDAY

8-9 p.m.               “The Gifted”
9-10 p.m.             “Lethal Weapon”

WEDNESDAY

8-9 p.m.               “Empire”
9-10 p.m.             “Star”

THURSDAY

7:30-8 p.m.        “Thursday Night Football Pre-Game Show”
8-10 p.m.             “NFL Football”

FRIDAY

8-8:30 p.m.         “Last Man Standing”
8:30-9 p.m.         “The Cool Kids”
9-10 p.m.              “Hell’s Kitchen”

SATURDAY

7-10:30 p.m.      “Fox Sports Saturday: Fox College Football”

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.       “Bob’s Burgers”
9-9:30 p.m.       “Family Guy”
9:30-10 p.m.     “Rel”

NEW DRAMA SERIES

“THE PASSAGE”

Saniyya Sidney and Mark-Paul Gosselaar in “The Passage” (Photo by Steve Dietl/Fox)

Based on author Justin Cronin’s best-selling trilogy of the same name, THE PASSAGE is an epic, character-driven thriller written by Liz Heldens (“Friday Night Lights”). Executive-produced by Emmy Award winner and Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee Ridley Scott (“The Martian,” “Gladiator”) and writer/director Matt Reeves (“Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” “Cloverfield”), THE PASSAGE focuses on Project Noah, a secret medical facility where scientists are experimenting with a dangerous virus that could lead to the cure for all disease, but also carries the potential to wipe out the human race. When a young girl, AMY BELLAFONTE (Saniyya Sidney, “Fences,” “Hidden Figures”) is chosen to be a test subject, Federal Agent BRAD WOLGAST (Mark-Paul Gosselaar, “Pitch”) is the man who is tasked with bringing her to Project Noah. Ultimately, however, Wolgast becomes her surrogate father, as he tries to protect her at any cost. Brad and Amy’s journey will force them to confront Project Noah’s lead scientist, MAJOR NICHOLE SYKES (Caroline Chikezie, “The Shannara Chronicles”), and the hardened ex-CIA operative in charge of operations, CLARK RICHARDS (Vincent Piazza, “Boardwalk Empire,” “Rescue Me”), whom Brad trained. It likewise brings them face-to-face with a dangerous new race of beings confined within the walls of Project Noah, including former scientist TIM FANNING (Jamie McShane, “Bosch,” “Bloodline,” “Sons of Anarchy”) and death-row inmate SHAUNA BABCOCK (Brianne Howey, “The Exorcist”). In seeking out any allies he can find, Brad also turns to his former wife, DR. LILA KYLE (Emmanuelle Chriqui, “Entourage,” “Murder in the First”), for help. But as Project Noah’s scientists hone in on a cure that could save humanity, these new beings begin to test their own powers, inching one step closer to an escape that could lead to an unimaginable apocalypse.

PRODUCTION COMPANY: 20th Century Fox Television

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Matt Reeves, Adam Kassan, Ridley Scott, David W. Zucker, Liz Heldens, Marcos Siega, Jason Ensler

WRITER: Liz Heldens

DIRECTOR: Jason Ensler, Marcos Siega

CAST: Saniyya Sidney as Amy Bellafonte, Mark-Paul Gosselaar as Brad Wolgast, Brianne Howey as Shauna Babcock, Vincent Piazza as Clark Richards, Jamie McShane as Tim Fanning, Caroline Chikezie as Major Nichole Sykes, Emmanuelle Chriqui as Dr. Lila Kyle              

“PROVEN INNOCENT”

Liza Colón-Zayas, Russell Hornsby and Rachelle Lefevre in “Proven Innocent” (Photo by Adrian Burrows/Fox)

Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Danny Strong (EMPIRE) partners with David Elliot (“Four Brothers”) to tell the emotional story of one woman’s fight for the innocence of others, as well as her own. PROVEN INNOCENT follows an underdog criminal defense firm led by MADELINE SCOTT (Rachelle Lefevre, “Under the Dome,” “A Gifted Man”), a fierce and uncompromising lawyer with a hunger for justice. There is no one who understands the power of setting an innocent person free more than Madeline. At age 18, she was wrongfully convicted, along with her brother, LEVI (Riley Smith, “Frequency”), in a sensational murder case that made her an infamous media obsession, a household name and a national cause célèbre. Madeline runs the firm with her partner, EASY BOUDREAU (Russell Hornsby, “Seven Seconds,” “Grimm”), the very lawyer who helped set her free after seven years in prison. Their team also includes investigator BODIE QUICK (Vincent Kartheiser, “Mad Men”) and communications director VIOLET BELL (Tony Award winner Nikki M. James, “BrainDead,” “The Good Wife,” “The Book of Mormon”), who runs a true-crime podcast that follows each investigation. While a hero and a victim to some, Madeline’s bold and bullish tactics earn her a number of enemies – especially GORE BELLOWS (Brian d’Arcy James, “13 Reasons Why,” “Spotlight”), the prosecutor who initially put her away and still believes in her guilt. Despite Bellows’ ceaseless quest to see her behind bars again, Madeline will continue to defend others, even as she fights to maintain her innocence and searches for the real killer in her own case.

PRODUCTION COMPANIES: Danny Strong Productions, 20th Century Fox Television

WRITER: David Elliot

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: David Elliot, Danny Strong, Stacy Greenberg

CAST: Rachelle Lefevre as Madeline Scott, Russell Hornsby as Easy Boudreau, Vincent Kartheiser as Bodie Quick, Riley Smith as Levi Scott, Brian d’Arcy James as Gore Bellows, Nikki M. James as Violet Bell, Clare O’Connor as Young Madeline

NEW COMEDY SERIES

“THE COOL KIDS”

Leslie Jordan, Vicki Lawrence, David Alan Grier and Martin Mull in "The Cool Kids" (Photo by Patrick McElhenney/Fox)
Leslie Jordan, Vicki Lawrence, David Alan Grier and Martin Mull in “The Cool Kids” (Photo by Patrick McElhenney/Fox)

From executive producer Charlie Day (“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”) and starring Tony Award nominee David Alan Grier (“The Carmichael Show,” “In Living Color”), Emmy Award nominee Martin Mull (“Veep”, “Roseanne”), Emmy Award winner Leslie Jordan (“Will and Grace,” “American Horror Story”) and Emmy Award winner Vicki Lawrence (“Mama’s Family,” “The Carol Burnett Show”), THE COOL KIDS is a multi-camera comedy about a rag-tag group of friends living in a retirement community who are willing to break every rule in order to have fun – because, at their age, what do they really have to lose. HANK (Grier) is the leader of this motley crew, a gruff, opinionated, 21st century Archie Bunker who will go to any lengths to have a good time. His loyal, but less than helpful, friends include CHARLIE (Mull), a bumbling storyteller who constantly goes off on tangents about some bizarre, barely believable episode from his life; and SID (Jordan), a naysaying, pill-popping hypochondriac who shoots down every scheme, but still gets roped in. Complicating matters is MARGARET (Lawrence), a brash, confident woman who forces her way into their group and refuses to leave because she’s not going to take crap from anyone – especially not these three. But what unites them all is their shared belief that they’re not done yet – not by a long shot. Growing old with dignity is for chumps. Our self-proclaimed “cool kids” are determined to make the third act of the lives the craziest one yet.

 PRODUCTION COMPANY: 20th Century Fox Television, FX Productions

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Charlie Day, Kevin Abbott (pilot only)

Nick Frenkel, Don Scardino (pilot only)

WRITERS: Charlie Day, Paul Fruchbom

DIRECTOR: Don Scardino

CAST: David Alan Grier as Hank, Martin Mull as Charlie, Leslie Jordan as Sid, and Vicki Lawrence as Margaret

“LAST MAN STANDING”

Tim Allen in “Last Man Standing” (Photo courtesy of Fox)

Multi-cam comedy LAST MAN STANDING, starring Tim Allen, comes to FOX. A fan-favorite for six seasons, LAST MAN STANDING stars Allen as MIKE BAXTER, a married father of three girls, who tries to maintain his manliness in a world increasingly dominated by women. Produced by 20thCentury Fox Television, the series also stars Nancy Travis, Jonathan Adams, Amanda Fuller, Christoph Sanders and Jordan Masterson. “Last Man Standing” averaged 8.3 million viewers in Live + 7 ratings for the 2016-2017 season on ABC.  It was the network’s second most-watched comedy, after “Modern Family.” Among the key Adults 18-49 demographic, the series averaged a 1.7/7. The series ranked as the No. 1 new program across all syndication when it debuted off-net during the 2016-2017 season.

PRODUCTION COMPANY: 20th Century Fox Television

CAST: Tim Allen as Mike Baxter, Nancy Travis as Vanessa Baxter, Jonathan Adams as Chuck Larabee, Amanda Fuller as Kristin Baxter, Christoph Sanders as Kyle Anderson, Jordan Masterson as Ryan Vogelson  

“REL”

Lil Rel Howery in “Rel” (Photo by Ray Mickshaw/Fox)

Based on the life of Lil Rel Howery (“Get Out,” “Insecure,” “The Carmichael Show”), REL is a multi-camera comedy starring Howery as a loving husband and father living on the West Side of Chicago, who finds out his wife is having an affair. And not just any affair. An affair with Rel’s own barber. Quite easily the worst person for your wife to sleep with, because as hard it is to find a good spouse, it’s even harder to find a reliable barber. Plus, with the barbershop being one of the epicenters of neighborhood gossip, Rel finds his embarrassing business is known by everyone, including the Pastor (also played by Howery), before Rel can even process the emotions himself. Offering Rel support – that is, when they themselves aren’t butting heads – are Rel’s tough-talking, no-B.S. best friend, BRITTANY (Jess “Hilarious” Moore, “Wild ’N Out”), and his recently out-of-jail younger brother, NAT (Jordan L. Jones, “NCIS: Los Angeles,” “Wisdom of the Crowd”), as well as Rel’s prideful DAD (Sinbad, “A Different World,” “The Sinbad Show,” “Jingle All The Way”), who perhaps has taken the barber news even harder than Rel. After his beloved kids move to Cleveland with their mom, Rel must begin the difficult task of rebuilding his life as a long-distance dad. He also jumps back into the dating pool – and often finds himself the victim of his own well-intentioned hubris. But, ever the optimist, he continues his search for love, respect…and a new barber.

PRODUCTION COMPANY: 20th Century Fox Television

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Jerrod Carmichael, Mike Scully, Lil Rel Howery, Josh Rabinowitz, Kevin Barnett

WRITERS: Lil Rel Howery, Kevin Barnett, Josh Rabinowitz

DIRECTOR: Gerry Cohen

CAST: Lil Rel Howery as Lil Rel Howery, Sinbad as Dad, Jess “Hilarious” Moore as Brittany, Jordan L. Jones as Nat

NEW SPECIALS

“RENT”

The live musical production of the groundbreaking, Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical RENT comes to FOX on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019 (7:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed). A re-imagining of Puccini’s “La Bohème,” and set in New York City’s gritty East Village, “Rent” tells the unforgettable story of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams during a time of great social and political turmoil. Winner of four Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize, writer/composer Jonathan Larson’s tour de force continues to offer an inspiring message of hope and friendship. Acclaimed film, television and theater producer Marc Platt (“Grease: Live,” “La La Land,” “Wicked”), along with the estate of writer/composer Jonathan Larson, will executive-produce the event. Additional details and auspices to be announced. “Rent” originally was produced in New York by New York Theatre Workshop and on Broadway by Jeffrey Seller, Kevin McCollum, Allan S. Gordon and New York Theatre Workshop. The television adaptation will be broadcast from the historic Fox Studios in Los Angeles.

PRODUCTION COMPANY: 20th Century Fox Television

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Marc Platt, Adam Siegel, Julie Larson, Al Larson, Vince Totino, Scott Hemming, Marla Levine

CASTING DIRECTORS: Bernard Telsey, Tiffany Little Canfield

October 29, 2018 UPDATE: The cast of Fox’s “Rent” has been announced:

  • Kiersey Clemons as Joanne Jefferson, Maureen’s girlfriend and an Ivy League-educated lawyer.
  • Brandon Victor Dixon as Tom Collins, the computer scientist who returns to New York after being expelled from MIT.
  • Jordan Fisher as Mark Cohen, an aspiring filmmaker, who serves as the show’s narrator, while filming the lives of his friends.
  • Vanessa Hudgens as Maureen Johnson, the outgoing performance artist who’s not afraid to take on the establishment.
  • Brennin Hunt as Roger Davis, a struggling musician and Mark’s roommate and best friend.
  • Mario as Benjamin Coffin III, Mark and Roger’s former roommate-turned-landlord, who is after their rent.
  • Tinashe as Mimi Marquez, the dancer who struggles with addiction.
  • Valentina as Angel Dumont Schunard, a young drag queen and street percussionist who embraces life and lives it to its fullest.

2018 TV Upfronts: NBC announces 2018-2019 schedule; see photos and videos

May 14, 2018

by Carla Hay

Melissa Roxburgh, Josh Dallas and Jack Messina in “Manifest” (Photo by Craig Blankenhorn/NBC/Warner Brothers)

NBC has officially announced its 2018-2019 schedule during parent company NBCUniversal’s upfront presentation at New York City’s Radio Music Hall on May 14, 2018. Most of the existing shows had previously been announced as renewed. However, the upfront presentation made it official that these shows have been cancelled: “The Brave,” “Law & Order True Crime,” “Marlon,”  “Shades of Blue,” “Rise” and “Taken.” NBC says it has not yet decided the fate of “Timeless” and “Champions.”

Several familiar names in television will have new shows on NBC as stars and/or executive producers, including Simon Cowell (“America’s Got Talent”),  “I Feel Bad” executive producer Amy Poehler (formerly of “Parks & Recreation”), “The Titan Games” executive producer Dwayne Johnson (“Ballers”), “Manifest” star Josh Dallas (formerly of “Once Upon a Time”), “The Enemy Within” star Morris Chestnut ( formerly of “Rosewood”), “The Enemy Within” star Jennifer Carpenter (formerly of “Dexter”) and “New Amsterdam” star Ryan Eggold (formerly of “The Blacklist”).

As previously reported, NBC has picked up the comedy series “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” which was cancelled by Fox.

During NBCUniversal’s upfront event, Jennifer Lopez of “World of Dance” performed. Stars also attended to promote their shows on several other NBCUniversal networks, including USA Network,  Telemundo, Universo, Bravo, E!, Oxygen and Syfy.

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 later in the 2018-19 season. They include “Abby’s,” “America’s Got Talent: The Champions,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “The Enemy Within,” “The InBetween,” “The Titan Games,” “The Village,” “America’s Got Talent,” “A.P. Bio,” “Ellen’s Game of Games,” “Good Girls,” “The Wall” and “World of Dance.”

The following is an excerpt from an NBC press release:

NBC FALL 2018-19 SCHEDULE

All times listed are Eastern/Pacific Time.

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.   “The Good Place”

9-9:30 p.m.    “Will & Grace”

9:0-10 p.m.    “I Feel Bad”

10-11 p.m.       “Law & Order: SVU”

FRIDAY

8-9 p.m.          “Blindspot”

9-10 p.m.       “Midnight, Texas”

10-11 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 DRAMA SERIES

“THE ENEMY WITHIN”

Morris Chestnut, John Finn, Jennifer Carpenter and an unidentified actor in “The Enemy Within” (Photo by Will Hart/NBC)

In this fast-paced, spy-hunting thriller, Erica Shepherd (Jennifer Carpenter) is a brilliant former CIA operative, now known as the most notorious traitor in American history serving life in a Supermax prison. Against every fiber of his being but with nowhere else to turn, FBI Agent Will Keaton (Morris Chestnut) enlists Shepherd to help track down a fiercely dangerous and elusive criminal she knows all too well. For Keaton, it’s not easy to trust the woman who cost him so much. While Shepherd and Keaton have different motivations for bringing the enemy to justice, they both know that to catch a spy… they must think like one.

The cast includes Jennifer Carpenter, Morris Chestnut, Raza Jaffrey and Kelli Garner.

Ken Woodruff will write and executive produce. Mark Pellington will direct and executive produce the pilot. Vernon Sanders also executive produces. “The Enemy Within” is produced by Universal Television.

“THE INBETWEEN”

Harriet Dyer in “The InBetween” (Photo by Chris Large/NBC)

Cassie Bishop was born with a gift, though she may call it a curse. She can see and communicate with the dead, helping them with their unresolved problems … whether she likes it or not. When her longtime friend Det. Tom Hackett and his new partner, former FBI Agent Damien Asante, need help solving a darkly puzzling murder, Cassie agrees to use her abilities. Despite her reluctance, she may have found a way to keep her demons at bay, all while solving some of the city’s most challenging cases. From writer/executive producer Moira Kirland (“Castle,” “Madam Secretary”) comes this suspenseful, new character-driven procedural drama.

The cast includes Harriet Dyer, Anne-Marie Johnson, Cindy Luna, Chad James Buchanan and Paul Blackthorne.

Moira Kirland will write and executive produce. Charlotte Sieling will direct and executive produce the pilot. David Heyman and Nancy Cotton also executive produce. “The InBetween” is produced by Universal Television, NBCU International Television Studio and Heyday Television.

“MANIFEST”

Melissa Roxburgh and Josh Dallas in “Manifest” (Photo by Craig Blankenhorn/NBC/Warner Brothers)

When Montego Air Flight 828 landed safely after a turbulent but routine flight, the crew and passengers were relieved. Yet in the span of those few hours, the world had aged five years and their friends, families and colleagues, after mourning their loss, had given up hope and moved on. Now, faced with the impossible, they’re all given a second chance. But as their new realities become clear, a deeper mystery unfolds and some of the returned passengers soon realize they may be meant for something greater than they ever thought possible. From Robert Zemeckis and Jack Rapke comes an emotionally rich, unexpected journey into a world grounded in hope, heart and destiny.

The cast includes Melissa Roxburgh, Josh Dallas, Athena Karkanis, J.R. Ramirez, Luna Blaise, Jack Messina and Parveen Kaur.

Jeff Rake will write and executive produce. David Frankel will direct and executive produce the pilot. Robert Zemeckis and Jack Rapke also executive produce. “Manifest” is produced by Warner Bros. Television and Compari Entertainment.

“NEW AMSTERDAM”

Ryan Eggold in “New Amsterdam” (Photo by Francisco Roman/NBC)

Inspired by Bellevue, the oldest public hospital in America, this unique medical drama follows the brilliant and charming Dr. Max Goodwin, the institution’s newest medical director who sets out to tear up the bureaucracy and provide exceptional care. How can he help? Well, the doctors and staff have heard this before. Not taking “no” for an answer, Dr. Goodwin must disrupt the status quo and prove he will stop at nothing to breathe new life into this understaffed, underfunded and underappreciated hospital — the only one in the world capable of treating Ebola patients, prisoners from Rikers and the President of the United States under one roof — and return it to the glory that put it on the map.

The cast includes Ryan Eggold, Freema Agyeman, Janet Montgomery, Jocko Sims, Anupam Kher and Tyler Labine.

David Schulner will write and executive produce. Kate Dennis will direct and executive produce the pilot. Peter Horton also executive produces. Dr. Eric Manheimer will produce. “New Amsterdam” is produced by Universal Television, Pico Creek Productions and Mount Moriah.

“THE VILLAGE”

Frankie Faison and Lorraine Toussaint in “The Village” (Photo by Peter Kramer/NBC)

Welcome to the Village, an apartment building in Brooklyn that appears like any other from the outside but is quite unique inside. The people who reside here have built a bonded family of friends and neighbors. Sarah’s a nurse and single mom raising a creative teen; Gabe’s a young law student who got a much older and unexpected roommate; Ava must secure the future of her young, U.S.-born son when ICE comes knocking; Nick’s a veteran who’s returned from war; and the heart and soul of the building, Ron and Patricia, have captivating tales all their own. These are the hopeful, heartwarming and challenging stories of life that prove family is everything — even if it’s the one you make with the people around you.

The cast includes Moran Atias, Dominic Chianese, Warren Christie, Frankie Faison, Jerod Haynes, Daren Kagasoff, Michaela McManus, Lorraine Toussaint and Grace Van Dien.

Mike Daniels will write and executive produce. Minkie Spiro will direct and executive produce the pilot. Jessica Rhoades also executive produces. “The Village” is produced by Universal Television and 6107 Productions.

NEW COMEDY SERIES

“ABBY’S”

Natalie Morales and Neil Flynn in “Abby’s” (Photo by Justin Lubin/NBC)

From the producers of “The Good Place” comes a hilariously aspirational new comedy about the best bar in San Diego, home to good prices, great company and, of course, Abby. This unlicensed, makeshift bar nestled in her backyard is the opposite of everything annoying about today’s party scene. There are rules at Abby’s: no cell phones (not even to “look something up”), earning a seat at the bar takes time and losing a challenge means drinking a limey, sugary “not-beer” drink. As the oddball cast of regulars will tell you, hanging out at Abby’s is a coveted honor. But once you’re in, you’re family.

The cast includes Natalie Morales, Nelson Franklin, Kimia Behpoornia, Jessica Chaffin, Leonard Ouzts and Neil Flynn.

Josh Malmuth will write and executive produce. Pamela Fryman will direct and executive produce the pilot. Michael Schur and David Miner also executive produce. “Abby’s” is produced by Universal Television, Fremulon and 3 Arts Entertainment.

“BROOKLYN NINE-NINE”

“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” cast members Melissa Fumero, Dirk Blocker, Joel McKinnon Miller, Terry Crews, Andy Samberg, Andre Braugher, Chelsea Peretti, Joe Lo Truglio and Stephanie Beatriz (Photo by Scott Schafer/NBC)

“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” follows the exploits of the hilarious Detective Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg), his diverse, lovable colleagues and their more-serious-than-a-hunk-of-actual-granite boss, Captain Holt (Andre Braugher), as they police the NYPD’s 99th precinct. The series celebrated two major milestones this season – it filmed its 99th episode and the season finale features the long-awaited wedding of Jake and Amy (Melissa Fumero).

From Emmy Award-winning writer/producers Dan Goor and Michael Schur, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” won the 2014 Golden Globe Awards for Best Television Series – Comedy or Musical and Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Comedy or Musical (Samberg). Emmy winner Braugher earned three consecutive Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series, from 2014-2016.

Rounding out the ensemble are Holt’s next-in-command, Sergeant Terry Jeffords (Terry Crews), a muscle-bound human mountain who loves nothing more than his three little daughters, except for a fresh carton of full-fat yogurt. The man loves yogurt. Amy Santiago is Jake’s fiancée who recently became a Sergeant. Jake’s fellow detectives include his best friend and human puppy-dog, Detective Charles Boyle (Joe Lo Truglio), and the incredibly secretive, tough-as-nails Detective Rosa Diaz (Stephanie Beatriz). Holt’s civilian assistant is Gina Linetti (Chelsea Peretti), the living embodiment of the “100” emoji. Also part of the Nine-Nine are veteran officers Detective Scully (Joel McKinnon Miller) and Detective Hitchcock (Dirk Blocker), whose only skill as police officers is their ability to make a passable pot of coffee.

“Brooklyn Nine-Nine” is produced by Universal Television, 3 Arts Entertainment, Fremulon and Dr. Goor Productions.  The series was created by Dan Goor and Michael Schur. The series is executive-produced by Goor, Schur, David Miner and Luke Del Tredici.

“I FEEL BAD”

Sarayu Blue and Paul Adelstein as David in “I Feel Bad” (Photo by Evans Vestal Ward/NBC)

Emet is the perfect mom, boss, wife, friend and daughter. OK, she’s not perfect. In fact, she’s just figuring it out like the rest of us. Sure, she feels bad when she has a sexy dream about someone other than her husband, or when she pretends not to know her kids when they misbehave in public, or when she uses her staff to help solve personal problems. But that’s OK, right? Nobody can have it all and do it perfectly. From executive producer Amy Poehler comes a modern comedy about being perfectly OK with being imperfect.

The cast includes Sarayu Blue, Paul Adelstein, Aisling Bea, Zach Cherry, Johnny Pemberton and James Buckley.

Aseem Batra will write and executive produce. Julie Anne Robinson will direct and executive produce the pilot. Amy Poehler, Dave Becky and Josh Maurer also executive produce. “I Feel Bad” is produced by Universal Television, Paper Kite Productions, CannyLads Productions and 3 Arts Entertainment.

NEW ALTERNATIVE SERIES

“THE TITAN GAMES”

Inspired by Dwayne Johnson’s desire to motivate global audiences to reach their potential both mentally and physically, this inspiring new reality series offers everyday people the opportunity to step inside the Titan arena and achieve the impossible. Every episode, six contenders compete against one of six reigning Titans. They will be challenged in incredible, head-to-head battles designed to test the mind, body and heart of our competitors. Sheer brute strength won’t be enough. If a contender rises to the occasion and defeats one of the Titans, they take their place and join the elite Titan group. But once one becomes a Titan, they must be victorious every week to keep their spot. In the epic season finale, Titans battle it out against one another in the hope of becoming the last male and female standing.

Dwayne Johnson, Arthur Smith, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, Brian Gewirtz and Toby Gorman executive produce. “The Titan Games” is produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio, A. Smith & Co. Productions and Seven Bucks Productions.

“AMERICA’S GOT TALENT: THE CHAMPIONS”

Simon Cowell of “America’s Got Talent” (Photo by Andrew Eccles/NBC)

Warming up winter with summer’s hottest show, NBC, Syco Entertainment, FremantleMedia North America and executive producer Simon Cowell will be bringing back the most talented and memorable acts in series history to compete with one another when “America’s Got Talent: The Champions” arrives on the 2018-19 winter schedule.

“America’s Got Talent: The Champions” will bring together the most talented, memorable, wackiest and all-around favorites from past seasons of “AGT” for the ultimate display of talent. Additionally, some of the most popular acts from the other global “Got Talent” franchises, spanning 184 countries, will come to share their talents and compete against one other.

With the search open to acts of all ages, “America’s Got Talent” has brought the variety format back to the forefront of American culture by showcasing unique performers from around the world. The series is a true celebration of creativity and talent, featuring a colorful array of singers, dancers, comedians, contortionists, impressionists, magicians, ventriloquists and hopeful stars, all vying to win America’s hearts and $1 million.

“America’s Got Talent” was created by Simon Cowell and is co-produced by FremantleMedia North America and Syco Entertainment. Simon Cowell, Sam Donnelly, Jason Raff, Trish Kinane and Richard Wallace are the executive producers.

2017 TV Upfronts: The CW announces 2017-2018 schedule; see photos and videos

May 18, 2017

by Carla Hay

Nathalie Kelley and Grant Show in “Dynasty” (Photo by Mark Hill/The CW)

The CW officially announced its 2017-2018 schedule during the network’s upfront presentation at the New York City Center in New York City on May 18, 2017. 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: “The Vampire Diaries,” “Reign,” “Frequency” and “No Tomorrow.” The end of “The Vampire Diaries” had been announced a year before it happened.

New scripted shows include  the drama “Valor,” a new version of the iconic 1980s soap opera “Dynasty,” the comedy “Life Sentence” and the superhero drama “Black Lightning,” which is based on the DC Comics character.

Fall premiere dates will be announced at a later time. Please note that shows picked up but not listed on the schedule below will debut later in the 2017-18 season. These shows include “The 100,” “iZombie” and “The Originals.”

The following is an excerpt from a CW press release:

The CW FALL 2017-18 SCHEDULE

All times listed are Eastern/Pacific Time.

MONDAY

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

TUESDAY

8-9 p.m.  “The Flash”
9-10 p.m. “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow”

WEDNESDAY

8-9 p.m.  “Riverdale”**
9-10 p.m. “Dynasty”

THURSDAY

8-9 p.m.  “Supernatural”
9-10 p.m. “Arrow”**

FRIDAY

8-9 p.m.  “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”
9-10 p.m. “Jane the Virgin”

**=new night

NEW DRAMA SERIES

“VALOR”

Matt Barr and Christina Ochoa in “Valor” (Photo by Jordon Nuttall/The CW)

An elite unit of U.S. Army helicopter pilots called the Shadow Raiders are sent on a top secret mission to Somalia, a mission that goes terribly awry. Only two members of the team return safely: Warrant Officer Nora Madani (Christina Ochoa), one of the unit’s first female helicopter pilots, and her commanding officer, Captain Leland Gallo (Matt Barr), while the whereabouts of their comrade Jimmy Kam (W. Tre Davis) are unknown. Now back in the U.S., Madani and Gallo are the only ones who know the truth about what really went wrong in Somalia. Nora’s boyfriend, First Lieutenant Ian Porter (Charlie Barnett), suspects she’s not telling him the full story, and Jess Kam (Corbin Reid), Jimmy’s wife and Nora’s friend, is frustrated and furious at being kept in the dark. Meanwhile Thea, (Melissa Roxburgh) the enigmatic CIA officer charged with investigating the failed mission, has her own suspicions about what occurred. With Nora still recovering from a gunshot wound suffered during the mission, the commander of the Shadow Raiders, Col. Robert Haskins (Nigel Thatch), grounds her from flying. But when it’s discovered that Jimmy is alive and being held captive by a group of ruthless terrorists, Nora is determined to join Gallo back in the cockpit to rescue their friend. As preparation and training intensify, Nora and Gallo grow closer, and soon find themselves torn between duty, honor and desire as they wonder who they can trust, and whether the secrets they’re hiding will help save Jimmy—or put them all in terrible danger.

“Valor” stars Matt Barr (“Sleepy Hollow”), Christina Ochoa (“Animal Kingdom”), Charlie Barnett (“Chicago Fire”), W. Trè Davis (“Shades of Blue”), Corbin Reid (“How to Get Away With Murder”), Nigel Thatch (“Selma”) and Melissa Roxburgh (“Star Trek Beyond”). From CBS Television Studios and Warner Bros. Television, with executive producers Bill Haber (“Rizzoli & Isles”), Anna Fricke (“Being Human”), Kyle Jarrow (“Lost Generation”) and Michael Robin (“Nip/Tuck”).

“DYNASTY”

Nathalie Kelley and Grant Show in “Dynasty” (Photo by Mark Hill/The CW)

Fallon Carrington (Elizabeth Gillies) is charismatic, cunning, and poised to become the new COO of her father’s global energy empire – or so she thinks. When her father, Blake Carrington, (Grant Show) summons Fallon and her brother, Steven, (James Mackay) home to the family compound in Atlanta, Fallon is horrified to learn that the reunion isn’t to announce her promotion—but rather to make the acquaintance of their stepmother-to-be, Cristal (Nathalie Kelley). Cristal is stunning—and almost as young as Fallon, as Fallon is quick to point out—but she isn’t just some flimsy gold-digger to be scared off. Cristal is driven, principled, a savvy publicity maven at Carrington Atlantic, and she truly loves Blake. However, the wealth and privilege of the Carringtons’ world proves challenging to her, as she clashes with the staff, including Blake’s butler Anders (Alan Dale), as well as Fallon, who all make it very clear Cristal doesn’t belong. Family dynasties flow through blood, and Fallon would sooner draw blood than call Cristal “Mom.” Fallon asks Culhane (Robert Christopher Riley), the family’s chauffeur—and Fallon’s secret lover—to help expose Cristal for the fraud Fallon thinks she is. But when that backfires, and Blake chooses Cristal over his own daughter, Fallon sidles up to Blake’s biggest rival, Jeff Colby (Sam Adegoke), mixing business and pleasure to seek her revenge—leaving a jealous Culhane to watch from the sidelines. While the Carringtons’ rocky relationships prove the theory that family sticks together no matter what, Cristal is reminded of exactly that when her nephew, Sammy Jo (Rafael de la Fuente), arrives with a suitcase full of secrets from Cristal’s past. Now Cristal’s carefully concealed history could bring her future crashing down – and who knows who else she might take down with her.

“Dynasty” stars Grant Show (“Melrose Place”), Elizabeth Gillies (“Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll”), Nathalie Kelley (“UnReal,” “The Vampire Diaries”), James Mackay (“The Leftovers”), Alan Dale (“The O.C.”), Sam Adegoke (“Murder in the First”), Robert Christopher Riley (“Hit the Floor”), and Rafael de la Fuente (“Empire”). From CBS Television Studios in association with Fake Empire, with executive producers Josh Schwartz (“Gossip Girl), Stephanie Savage (“Gossip Girl”), Sallie Patrick (“Revenge”), Esther and Richard Shapiro (the creators of the original “Dynasty”) and Brad Silberling (“Jane The Virgin”).

“BLACK LIGHTNING”

Cress Williams in “Black Lightning” (Photo courtesy of J Squared Photography/The CW)

Jefferson Pierce (Cress Williams) is a man wrestling with a secret. As the father of two daughters and principal of a charter high school that also serves as a safe haven for young people in a New Orleans neighborhood overrun by gang violence, he is a hero to his community. Nine years ago, Pierce was a hero of a different sort. Gifted with the superhuman power to harness and control electricity, he used those powers to keep his hometown streets safe as the masked vigilante Black Lightning. However, after too many nights with his life on the line, and seeing the effects of the damage and loss that his alter ego was inflicting on his family, he left his Super Hero days behind and settled into being a principal and a dad. Choosing to help his city without using his superpowers, he watched his daughters Anissa (Nafessa Williams) and Jennifer (China Anne McClain) grow into strong young women, even though his marriage to their mother, Lynn (Christine Adams), suffered. Almost a decade later, Pierce’s crime-fighting days are long behind him—or so he thought. But with crime and corruption spreading like wildfire, and those he cares about in the crosshairs of the menacing local gang The One Hundred, Black Lightning returns—to save not only his family, but also the soul of his community. Based on the characters from DC,

“Black Lightning” is from Berlanti Productions and Akil Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, with executive producers Greg Berlanti (“Arrow,” “The Flash”), Salim Akil & Mara Brock Akil (“Being Mary Jane,” “The Game,” “Girlfriends”), and Sarah Schechter (“Arrow,” “The Flash”). The Black Lightning character was created by Tony Isabella with Trevor Von Eeden.

NEW COMEDY SERIES

“LIFE SENTENCE”

Lucy Hale in "Life Sentence" (Photo by Jordon Nuttall/The CW)
Lucy Hale in “Life Sentence” (Photo by Jordon Nuttall/The CW)

“Life Sentence” follows Stella (Lucy Hale), a girl who has spent the last eight years living like she was dying (because she was). Just like the “manic pixie dream girl” heroines in her favorite sappy cancer movies, Stella traveled the world, faced her darkest fears and found true love on a whirlwind trip to Paris. But when Stella finds out that her cancer has been cured, she is suddenly forced to face the long-term consequences of the “live in the moment” decisions she made, including marrying a total stranger. And if that’s not enough, she also finds out that her “perfect family” isn’t so perfect after all. Turns out, because she was dying, everyone in her life hid their problems from her. But, now that she’s well, all bets are off. Stella is shocked to learn that her parents, Peter (Dylan Walsh) and Ida (Gillian Vigman), have fallen out of love, partly because Peter spent their retirement helping Stella make the most of her final days, and partly because Ida has fallen in love with her best friend (Stella’s godmother), Poppy. Also, it turns out Stella may be responsible for the fact that her sister, Elizabeth (Brooke Lyons), gave up her own dreams to take care of Stella and start a family with her husband Diego (Carlos PenaVega), just to give her parents something positive to focus on. Then there’s Stella’s often overlooked brother, Aiden (Jayson Blair), who’s pushing 30 and still lives above the garage, sells Adderall to soccer moms and uses Stella’s cancer to guilt them into sleeping with him. And, of course, there’s her husband Wes (Elliot Knight), a handsome Londoner who she agreed to spend the rest of her life with, thinking that would only be six to eight months, tops. Now that their forever just got a whole lot longer than they were expecting, Wes begins to worry that he can’t continue to pretend to be her perfect husband for the rest of his life. With a real future suddenly in front of her, Stella’s cinematic life snaps into reality, and instead of living like she’s dying, she will have to learn to live like she’s living, and help her family and friends do the same. This multi-generational, coming-of-age story proves that we all end up living somewhere between our dreams and reality… and maybe that’s okay.

“Life Sentence” stars Lucy Hale (“Pretty Little Liars”), Elliot Knight (“Once Upon A Time”), Dylan Walsh (“Nip/Tuck”), Gillian Vigman (“The Hangover”), Jayson Blair (“Whiplash”), Brooke Lyons (“The Affair”) and Carlos PenaVega (“Big Time Rush”). From Doozer Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios, with executive producers Erin Cardillo (“Fuller House,” “Significant Mother”) Richard Keith (“Fuller House,” “Significant Mother”), Bill Lawrence (“Scrubs,” “Cougar Town”), Jeff Ingold (“Ground Floor”), Oliver Goldstick (“Pretty Little Liars”) and Lee Toland Krieger (“The Age of Adaline,” “Riverdale”).

2017 TV Upfronts: CBS announces 2017-2018 schedule; see photos and videos

May 17, 2017

by Carla Hay

Iain Armitage and Zoe Perry in “Young Sheldon” (Photo by Robert Voets/CBS)

CBS officially announced its 2017-2018 schedule during the network’s upfront presentation at Carnegie Hall in New York City on May 17, 2017. 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: ‘Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders,” “The Great Indoors,” “Hunted” and “The Odd Couple.”

New scripted shows include “SEAL Team,” “S.W.A.T.,”‘Wisdom of the Crowd,” “9JKL,” “Me, Myself & I,” “Young Sheldon” (which is a prequel of sorts to “The Big Bang Theory”), “Instinct” and “By the Book.” Some of actors starring in these shows are known for starring in past long-running hit shows. David Boreanaz (“SEAL Team”) previously starred in “Bones.” Shemar Moore (“S.W.A.T.”) is a former star of “Criminal Minds.” Jeremy Piven (“Wisdom of the Crowd”) is best known for his Emmy-winning role on “Entourage.” Mark Feuerstein previously headlined “Royal Pains,” while his “9JKL” co-star Linda Lavin had her most famous role in the sitcom “Alice.” Bobby Moynihan, Jaleel White and John Larroquette (“Me, Myself & I”) are best known for their stints on, respectively, “Saturday Night Live,” “Family Matters” and “Night Court.” Alan Cumming of “Instinct” previously starred in “The Good Wife.”

Premiere dates will be announced at a later time for the following renewed shows: “Code Black,” “Elementary,” “Man With a Plan,” “The Amazing Race” and “Undercover Boss.” Please note that shows picked up but not listed on the schedule below will debut later in the 2017-18 season.

The following is an excerpt from a CBS press release:

CBS FALL 2017-18 SCHEDULE

All times listed are Eastern/Pacific Time.

MONDAY

September 25  to October 23, 2017:

8-8:30 p.m.   “The Big Bang Theory”
8:30-9 p.m.    “Young Sheldon”
9-9:30 p.m.    “Kevin Can Wait”
9:30-10 p.m.  “Me, Myself & I”
10-11 p.m.         “Scorpion”

As of October 30, 2017:

8-8:30 p.m.   “Kevin Can Wait”
8:30-9 p.m.    “9JKL”
9-9:30 p.m.    “Me, Myself & I”
9:30-10 p.m.  “Superior Donuts”
10-11 p.m.         “Scorpion”

TUESDAY

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

WEDNESDAY

8-9 p.m.        “Survivor”
9-10 p.m.      “SEAL Team”
10-11 p.m.     “Criminal Minds”

THURSDAY

September 28 – October 26, 2017

8-11 p.m.       “NFL Football”

As of November 2, 2017

8-8:30 p.m.   “The Big Bang Theory”
8:30-9 p.m.   “Young Sheldon”
9-9:30 p.m.   “Mom”
9:30-10 p.m. “My Life in Pieces”
10-11 p.m.        “S.W.A.T.”

FRIDAY

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

SATURDAY

8-9 p.m.        Repeat episode of a show to be announced
9-10 p.m.      Repeat episode of a show to be announced
10-11 p.m.     “48 Hours”

SUNDAY

7-8 p.m.       “60 Minutes”
8-9 p.m.      “Wisdom of the Crowd”
9-10 p.m.     “NCIS Los Angeles”
10-11 p.m.    “Madam Secretary”

NEW DRAMA SERIES

“SEAL TEAM”

David Boreanaz, Neil Brown Jr. and Max Theriot in SEAL Team (Photo by Skip Bolen/CBS)
David Boreanaz, Neil Brown Jr. and Max Theriot in SEAL Team (Photo by Skip Bolen/CBS)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKMPAOGIA7I

“SEAL Team” stars David Boreanaz in a military drama that follows the professional and personal lives of the most elite unit of Navy SEALs as they train, plan and execute the most dangerous, high stakes missions our country can ask of them. Deployed on clandestine missions worldwide at a moment’s notice, and knowing the toll it takes on them and their families, this tight-knit SEAL team displays unwavering patriotism and fearless dedication, even in the face of overwhelming odds. Ben Cavell, Ed Redlich, Chris Chulack, Sarah Timberman and Carl Beverly are executive producers for CBS Television Studios. Emmy Award winner Chulack directed the pilot.

“SEAL Team” stars David Boreanaz as Jason Hayes, Max Thieriot as Clay Spenser, Neil Brown Jr. as Ray, A.J. Buckley as Sonny, Toni Trucks as Diaz and Jessica Paré as Mandy Ellis.

“S.W.A.T.”

Shemar Moore in “S.W.A.T.” (Photo by Michael Yarish/CBS)

Inspired by the television series and feature film, “S.W.A.T.” stars Shemar Moore as a locally born S.W.A.T. sergeant newly tasked to run a specialized tactical unit that is the last stop in law enforcement in Los Angeles. Torn between loyalty to the streets where he was raised and allegiance to his brothers in blue, former Marine Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson (Moore) has everything it takes to successfully bridge the divide between his two worlds and excel at leading his dedicated team of brave men and women as they risk their lives to protect the community. Aaron Thomas, Shawn Ryan, Justin Lin, Neal Moritz, Marney Hochman, Danielle Woodrow and Pavun Shetty are executive producers for Sony Pictures Television in association with CBS Television Studios. Lin directed the pilot.

“S.W.A.T.” stars Shemar Moore as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, Stephanie Sigman as Jessica Cortez, Alex Russell as Jim Street, Jay Harrington as David “Deacon” Kay, Lina Esco as Christina “Chris” Alonso, Kenny Johnson as Dominique Luca and Peter Onorati as Mumford.

“WISDOM OF THE CROWD”

Jeremy Piven and Richard T. Jones in “Wisdom of the Crowd” (Photo by Diyah Pera/CBS)

“Wisdom of the Crowd” stars Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Jeremy Piven as a visionary tech innovator who creates a cutting-edge crowdsourcing app to solve his daughter’s murder, and revolutionizes crime solving in the process. Inspired by the notion that a million minds are better than one, Silicon Valley entrepreneur Jeffrey Tanner (Piven) develops “Sophe,” an online platform for publicly shared information, and recruits the original cop who searched for his daughter’s killer, Det. Tommy Cavanaugh (Richard T. Jones), to work with him. As Tanner taps into the “wisdom of the crowd,” his unexpected success fuels his determination to solve even more cases than just the one that’s personal to him. Ted Humphrey; Adam Davidson (pilot); Avi Nir, Alon Shtruzman, Peter Traugott, Rachel Kaplan (Keshet Media Group); and Dror Mishani and Shira Hadad are executive producers for CBS Television Studios in association with Universal Television. Davidson directed the pilot. Based on the Israeli format of the same name.

“Wisdom of the Crowd” stars Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Jeremy Piven as Jeffrey Tanner, Richard T. Jones as Det. Tommy Cavanaugh, Natalia Tena as Sara Morton, Blake Lee as Josh Novak, Jake Matthews as Tariq Bakari and Monica Potter as Alex Hale.

“INSTINCT”

“Instinct” stars Alan Cumming as a former CIA operative who is lured back to his old life when the NYPD needs his help to stop a serial killer. Dr. Dylan Reinhart (Cumming) is a gifted author and university professor living a quiet life teaching psychopathic behavior to packed classes of adoring students. But when top NYPD detective Lizzie Needham appeals to him to help her catch a serial murderer who is using Dylan’s first book as a tutorial, Dylan is compelled by the case, comes out of retirement and taps into his old skill set. Though Dylan and Lizzie initially clash, when it comes to catching killers, they realize they will make an ideal team if they both trust their instincts. Based on the soon to be published James Patterson book. Michael Rauch, Marc Webb, Alex Kurtzman and Heather Kadin (Secret Hideout), James Patterson, Bill Robinson, Leopoldo Gout and Alan Cumming are executive producers for CBS Television Studios. Webb directed the pilot.

“Instinct” stars Alan Cumming as Dr. Dylan Reinhart, Bojana Novakovic as Lizzie Needham, Daniel Ings as Andy, Naveen Andrews as Julian Cousins and Khandi Alexander as Lt. Monica Ford.

NEW COMEDY SERIES

“9JKL”

Elliott Gould, Linda Lavin, David Walton, Liza Lapira and Mark Feuerstein in “9JKL” (Photo by Cliff Lipson/CBS)

“9JKL” stars Mark Feuerstein in a family comedy inspired by his real life. Josh Roberts (Feuerstein) is a new divorcé and actor between projects who moves home to New York to regroup, living in an apartment sandwiched between his doting, meddlesome parents on one side and his competitive brother, sister-in-law and their new baby on the other. As Josh’s family literally comes at him from both sides, he realizes he desperately needs to establish some personal boundaries, because his loving family is always going to be right there for him. Always. Dana Klein, Mark Feuerstein, Aaron Kaplan, Wendi Trilling, Dana Honor and Pam Fryman are executive producers for Kapital Entertainment in association with CBS Television Studios. Fryman directed the pilot.

“9JKL” stars Mark Feuerstein as Josh Roberts, Linda Lavin as Judy, Elliott Gould as Harry, David Walton as Andrew, Liza Lapira as Eve and Matt Murray as Nick.

“BY THE BOOK”

“By the Book” is a comedy about a modern day man at a crossroads in his life who decides to live strictly in accordance with the Bible. Chip Curry (Jay R. Ferguson) is the film critic for a New York newspaper and a soon-to-be father who wants to be a better man following the loss of his best friend. As he begins his sincere spiritual journey toward a more moral life with the help of his wife and friends, he wonders if he’ll be able to take a page – or every page – out of the Good Book, and if the effect will be of Biblical proportions. Based on The New York Times bestselling book “The Year of Living Biblically” by A.J. Jacobs. Patrick Walsh, Johnny Galecki, Andrew Haas, Spencer Medof and multiple Emmy Award winner Andy Ackerman (pilot) are executive producers for Alcide Bava Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios. Ackerman directed the pilot.

“By the Book” stars Jay R. Ferguson as Chip, Lindsey Kraft as Leslie, Ian Gomez as Father Gene, David Krumholtz as Rabbi Ableman, Tony Rock as Vince and Camryn Manheim as Ms. Meadows.

“ME, MYSELF & I”

Jack Dylan Grazer, Bobby Moynihan and John Larroquette in “Me, Myself & I” (Photo by Neil Jacobs-Robert Voets/CBS)

“Me, Myself & I” stars Bobby Moynihan in a comedy about the defining moments in one man’s life over three distinct periods: as a 14-year-old in 1991, at age 40 in present day and at age 65 in 2042. During these pivotal periods of yesterday, today and tomorrow, Alex always finds a way to move forward with determination and humor, knowing his life story isn’t defined by the bad things that happen to him, but instead by how he chooses to deal with them. Dan Kopelman, Aaron Kaplan, Dana Honor and Randall Einhorn (pilot only) are executive producers for Kapital Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios. Einhorn directed the pilot.

“Me, Myself & I” stars Bobby Moynihan (Alex, present day), Jack Dylan Grazer (Alex, 1991), Brian Unger (Ron, 1991, present day), Jaleel White (Darryl, present day), Kelen Coleman (Abby, 2042), Skylar Gray (Abby, present day), Christopher Paul Richards (Justin, 1991), Mandell Maughan (Maggie, 1991), Reylynn Caster (Nori, 1991), with Sharon Lawrence (Eleanor, 2042) and John Larroquette (Alex, 2042).

“YOUNG SHELDON”

Iain Armitage in “Young Sheldon” (Photo by Robert Voets/CBS)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XR-jIhwIfIw

For 9-year-old Sheldon Cooper (Iain Armitage), it isn’t easy growing up in East Texas. Being a once-in-a-generation mind capable of advanced mathematics and science isn’t always helpful in a land where church and football are king. And while the vulnerable, gifted and somewhat naïve Sheldon deals with the world, his very normal family must find a way to deal with him. “The Big Bang Theory’s” multiple Emmy Award winner Jim Parsons narrates as Adult Sheldon. This single-camera, half-hour comedy gives us the chance to meet Sheldon in childhood, as he embarks on his innocent, awkward and hopeful journey toward the man he will become. Chuck Lorre and Steve Molaro created the series and executive produce along with Jim Parsons and Todd Spiewak for Warner Bros. Television. Jon Favreau directed the pilot.

“Young Sheldon” stars Iain Armitage as Sheldon, Zoe Perry as Mary, Lance Barber as George Sr., Raegan Revord as Missy and Montana Jordan as Georgie Jr. “The Big Bang Theory’s” multiple Emmy Award winner Jim Parsons narrates the comedy as Adult Sheldon.

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