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Back in the 1980s, NBC ran a show called Scrabble, a television version of the popular word-based board game, and now it's being revived by The CW, starting on Thursday October 3. Hosted by Raven-Symoné, Scrabble will see contestants facing off in a bid to win points by virtue of their wordsmithery, putting together the most complex words possible from the letters at their disposal. The show is one of two new acquisitions by The CW, alongside another board game format, Trivial Pursuit, with the two shows airing back-to-back on Thursdays on what the network is dubbing 'Game Night'. Scrabble ran for six years until 1990, before enjoying a brief comeback in 1993, and now, nearly 30 years on, the idea has been rekindled by the production company Hasbro Entertainment and picked up by The CW network, with a new format but the same name as the much-loved old show. LeVar Burton hosts "Trivial Pursuit", a new reality competition series based on the beloved board game. "It's the colors, it's the wheels," Burton shares. "We are all familiar with the wedges of pie, and even if you don't know all six categories by name, you'll be able to immediately recognize it. There are two games in every episode. We begin with three contestants, whittle it down to two, then down to a single player who goes on to play for the $10,000 in the final round." "Trivial Pursuit" had previous TV versions in 1993 (on what would become Freeform), 2004 (on ESPN), and 2008 (in syndication). |
posted 10/3/2024 |
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One Last Spin |
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Break out the tissues, because a date has been set for Pat Sajak's final Wheel of Fortune spin. Sajak has already been replaced by Ryan Seacrest as the host of the original, long-running game show, but he's coming back for one last season of its spin-off program Celebrity Wheel of Fortune. He'll return with his cohost of three-plus decades, Vanna White, for the season premiere on Oct. 14. The season will see celebrity guests competing for $1 million in prize money for a charity of their choice. Those guests include Rainn Wilson, Ellie Kemper, and Oscar Nuñez of The Office; Josh Gad, Justin Long, and Rachael Harris of New Girl; Sam Richardson, Randall Park, and Matt Walsh of Veep; Tiffany Haddish and Regina Hall of Girls Trip; as well as Joe Manganiello, Katharine McPhee, Andrew Rannells, Cameron Brink, and even more to be announced. |
posted 10/3/2024 |
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Australian TV host Fiona MacDonald has announced her own death at age 67 almost three years after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND). On Thursday, Oct. 3, an Instagram post written by the former It's a Knockout game show host, and shared by her sister Kylie, confirmed she'd died the night before. "Farewell my friends. My sister Kylie is posting this because I have left the building — Hopefully I'm looking down from a cloud," the post read. "Last night brought an end to a very tough few months. Was very peaceful the boys [sons Harry and Rafe] and Kylie stayed with me to say goodbye. While I've never wanted to die, the thought of leaving my tortured body was a relief," the message, which was shared alongside two family photographs, added. MacDonald continued, "The last few months have been tough. Unable to swallow normal food, the tube feeding that should have sustained me didn't work because my gut couldn't tolerate any of the multiple brands of protein drinks. It went straight in and straight out." The TV personality — best known for starring on the Australian children's TV series Wombat between 1983 and 1984, as well as being the host of It's a Knockout between 1985-1987 — explained how she'd been "slowly starving" and "growing weaker and weaker" following the diagnosis. "I've also developed terrible back pain because my muscles aren't supporting my frame," she explained. "The black humor that served me well through the first years of this journey turned to despair. I made the decision after much soul searching to cease all medical supports and finally go into hospital for end of life palliative care. When you love life as much as I do, it takes a great deal of courage to make choices that lead to farewell," MacDonald continued. She wrote, "So let's not call it goodbye as I hope to see you again on the other side. Until then: 'May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, May the rain fall softly upon your fields until we meet again, And may God hold you in the hollow of His hand.' " "I carry your love and laughter with me and hope you'll remember mine," MacDonald concluded. Per the MND association website, the disease "affects the nerves known as motor neurones. These nerves are found in the brain and spinal cord and they help tell your muscles what to do." The late star is survived by her two sons Harry and Rafe, as well as sisters Kylie and Jacki MacDonald. The latter was also a former TV host on shows including Hey Hey It's Saturday. |
posted 10/3/2024 |
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WEDNESDAY: Chicago vs. Fiji |
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#OneChicago continues to score for NBC. NBC won the total viewers, while CBS took home the demo. NBC (3.30/11 households; 5.329m viewers; 0.36/5 in the A18-49) was steady with the combination of Chicago Med (3.48/11; 5.518m; 0.36/5), Chicago Fire (3.46/11; 5.654m; 0.36/5) and Chicago PD (2.95/11; 4.815m; 0.36/5). CBS (1.67/5; 2.925m; 0.44/6) had a new Survivor (2.43/8; 4.336m; 0.63/8) and a rerun of The Summit. Fox (1.45/5; 2.479m; 0.32/4) logged in third with new episodes of The Masked Singer (1.67/5; 2.856m; 0.35/5) and The Floor (1.21/4; 2.076m; 0.30/4). ABC (1.39/4; 2.185m; 0.25/3) was on the map with The Golden Bachelorette (1.67/5; 2.644m; 0.30/4) and a rerun of Doctor Odyssey. Rounding out the night on the CW were the season premieres of Sullivan's Crossing (0.26/1; 403k; 0.05/1) and Joan (0.20/1; 285k; 0.03/0). Cable numbers (total/A18-49) |
posted 10/3/2024 |
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A Bit of Bully for Christmas |
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British darts-themed quiz show Bullseye is set to return to ITV with new host Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff, according to reports. Flintoff will reportedly take over from late comedian Jim Bowen, who fronted the ITV game show from 1981 until 1995, for a Christmas TV special. "I love the darts and Bullseye was one of my favourite shows as a kid," 46-year-old Flintoff said in a statement given to the Sun newspaper. "I can't quite believe I'll get to host this Christmas special. "You can't beat a bit of Bully," echoing Bowen's catchphrase. |
posted 10/2/2024 |
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Comedian Whitney Cummings has signed on to host the Max Original four-part game show FAST FRIENDS, a "Friends" fan competition from Warner Bros. Unscripted Television. The special is scheduled to start production next month at The FRIENDS Experience: The One in New York City, the flagship interactive experience, created by Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences, Warner Bros. Television Group, and Original X Productions. FAST FRIENDS will take place in the celebrated series' iconic sets in a fast-paced competition event. From racing through Rachel and Monica's apartment to darting across Joey and Chandler's bachelor pad and grabbing a coffee at Central Perk, fans will re-live their favorite moments while being put to the test with trivia, puzzles, and games that will keep even the most die-hard "Friends" fans on their toes. The quickest team will win the title of Ultimate Friends Fan. "As a longtime fan of 'Friends,' I am beyond thrilled to host the first ever game show. After 30 years, the fandom surrounding this beloved series only continues to grow and now I have the great pleasure of awarding the ultimate fans with bragging rights for life," Whitney Cummings said. Cummings is a comedian, actor, writer, producer, director, entrepreneur, and host of the hit podcast "Good for You." Best known for creating and starring in the series "Whitney," Cummings is also the co-creator and co-writer of the syndicated Emmy®-nominated comedy series "2 Broke Girls." She has appeared in numerous television shows, films, and stand-up specials, including her sixth stand-up special "Mouthy." In 2017, she published her memoir titled "I'm Fine... And Other Lies." That same year, Whitney made her directorial debut with the feature adaptation of Louann Brizendine's best-seller, "The Female Brain." FAST FRIENDS is produced by Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in association with Warner Horizon. The new four-part game show is executive produced by Dan Sacks, Bridgette Theriault and Dan Norris. Richard Burgio serves as co-executive producer. Friends premiered on Sept. 22, 1994, and ran for 10 seasons on NBC, becoming one of the biggest shows of the network's Must-See TV era. It has lived on ever since in syndication and streaming; Max became the show's exclusive streaming home in 2021. In addition to the game show, Max is also marking Friends' 30th anniversary with several themed collections showcasing highlights for each character and the most watched episodes. |
posted 10/3/2024 |
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"Ink Master" Gets Ready for Season 16 |
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Paramount+ today revealed the stacked lineup of tattoo artists who will be competing in season 16 of the hit reality competition series Ink Master, which will premiere exclusively on the service Wednesday, October 23rd with three all-new episodes in the U.S. and Canada, with subsequent episodes dropping weekly. The series will also premiere on Thursday, October 24th in the U.K. and Australia, with Latin America, Brazil, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria at a later date. An official trailer was also released for the season, which will be hosted by artist-entrepreneur Joel Madden. In the new season of Ink Master, 16 new artists enter the shop to battle in the ultimate tattoo competition, where they will put their skills, and their experience, to the test week after week in epic challenges. Only one will win $250,000 and the title of "Ink Master." Ink Master is executive produced by Glenda Hersh, Steven Weinstock and Andrea Richter for Truly Original. Daniel Blau Rogge and Jennifer Aguirre serve as executive producers and Ivanna Palance as executive in charge of production for MTV Entertainment Studios. |
posted 10/3/2024 |
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Wednesday Lightning Round |
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Today, Prime Video revealed its new game show programming block including Are You Smarter Than A Celebrity?, Buy It Now, Wish List Games, and Pop Culture Jeopardy!. New episodes will premiere each Wednesday starting with the premiere of Are You Smarter Than A Celebrity?, hosted by Travis Kelce on October 16. Prime Video also released first look images and announced the release dates for both Wish List Games and Pop Culture Jeopardy!. Wish List Games, hosted by Nick Cannon, will debut on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 with five episodes as a binge. Pop Culture Jeopardy!, hosted by Colin Jost, will debut on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 with a 40-episode season releasing three new episodes each week. Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity? offers a fun, new twist on the premise of the original popular format. Hosted by NFL superstar Travis Kelce, each game will welcome an adult contestant who will rely on a classroom full of celebrities from comedy, screen, and sports to help them answer 11 questions on a range of subjects, pulled from elementary curriculum, in an effort to win a $100,000 prize. They are not competing against the stars... they're enlisting their help and, in some cases, can even "cheat" off of them. And on the final question, worth $100,000, the contestant selects one celebrity to discuss the answer with before locking in. The final question is always at the 6th-grade level. Looking back at his own days as a fifth grader, Travis commented, "Sports fueled me. In terms of school, I was one of those kids that tested rather high. I was playing sports more than studying, that's for sure." Travis said of the questions on the game show, "I'd say the STEM, science, math, things like that, that's kind of where my realm is and I just stay in there. But any history questions, I'm like, 'I don't know if anybody knows that,' and sure enough, everybody does but me.". Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity? is executive produced by Wes Kauble and Mark Burnett, with co-executive producer Sean Kelly, Steve Hughes, Susan Janis-Mashayekhi, and Tamara Akins. The series is produced by MGM Alternative, a division of Amazon MGM Studios, and distributed globally by Amazon MGM Studios Distributions. The original U.S. version of the Emmy-nominated Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? was co-created by Barry Poznick and John Stevens. JB Smoove hosts a business competition where entrepreneurs get 90 seconds to pitch their product to an audience of potential customers: The 100. If The 100 like the product and price, then the entrepreneurs go to a panel of Amazon executives and celebrity entrepreneurs. The panel selects which products join Amazon's exclusive Buy It Now Store and award one entrepreneur $20,000 each episode. Buy It Now premieres Wednesday, October 30, 2024 Wish List Games, a multi-episode holiday event, is produced by MGM Alternative. Content creator Lele Pons will join Emmy-nominated host Nick Cannon on this high-energy, half-hour game show where contestants play for the chance to win everything on their Amazon Wish Lists, totaling up to $25,000. Every episode, contestants are pulled from the audience to play a rotating series of fun and fantastical games. It all builds to the final round, where one contestant plays to win a prize for everyone in the audience. Alycia Rossiter is showrunner and executive producer of Wish List Games. Sean Kelly and Steve Hughes are co-executive producers of the series. Pop Culture Jeopardy! is a brand-new twist on the classic quiz show's "answer-and-question" format that combines the academic rigor of Jeopardy! with the excitement and unpredictability of pop culture. Contestants, playing in teams of three, will need to be experts in categories from Alternative Rock to The Avengers; Broadway to MMA; Gen Z to Zendaya as they compete in a tournament-style event for the grand prize of $300,000 and ultimate bragging rights. |
posted 10/2/2024 |
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New Season of "Last One Laughing UK" Ordered |
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Prime Video has revealed the stellar line-up for UK Original series Last One Laughing UK. The series will feature a multitude of British comics: Bob Mortimer, Daisy May Cooper, Joe Lycett, Judi Love, Rob Beckett, Sara Pascoe, Lou Sanders, Joe Wilkinson, Harriet Kemsley and Richard Ayoade - with Jimmy Carr in the host's seat alongside special guest Rosin Conaty. Famous for his dark humour, one-liners and THAT laugh, Jimmy Carr challenges 10 of Britain's funniest comics to spend the day together without so much as a titter. The rules are simple: laugh and you're out. Over the course of the series, they will use every ounce of their comedic talents to try and break their opponents - without cracking up themselves. And it's not just their rivals they need to watch out for. The series is packed with comedy cameos, format twists and surprises designed to lure laughs from both the players and the viewers. It's a stellar line up of British comedy talent as you've never seen them before, but who will be crowned the inaugural winner of Last One Laughing UK? Last One Laughing UK is the latest adaptation of the successful Amazon Original series from Japan entitled Documental, created by and starring Hitoshi Matsumoto and owned by Yoshimoto Kogyo, where Matsumoto leads 10 comedians betting their own money in an anything goes "battle of laughter behind closed doors." The fan-favourite Last One Laughing format became the most watched title of all time on Prime Video in France, Germany and Italy, and had hugely successful local versions in over 20 territories. Local celebrity hosts include Graham Norton (Ireland), Jay Baruchel (Canada), Eugenio Derbez (Mexico), Fedez (Italy), Michael "Bully" Herbig (Germany), Rebel Wilson (Australia) and Trevor Noah (South Africa). Last One Laughing UK is produced by Banijay UK labels Zeppotron and Initial. |
posted 10/2/2024 |
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"Rhythm+Flow" Heads to Brazil |
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Netflix announces today the special guests participating in Rhythm and Flow: Brazil, its first Brazilian musical reality show. The lineup features prominent names from the rap scene, which is growing in the country, celebrating established artists and creating opportunities for newcomers. The show will include 20 artists from the Brazilian scene: Azzy, Bob13, Dallas, Dexter, Ebony, FBC, Iza Sabino, Jottapê, Karol Conká, KL JAY, Laudz, Marcelo D2, Maru2D, MC Luanna, Negra Li, N.I.N.A, Sidoka, Vulgo FK, WIU and Zegon. Each will support the artistic growth of the new crop of rap and trap artists taking part in the competition. Rhythm and Flow: Brazil is the Brazilian version of the US show Rhythm & Flow. With an authentic, documentary style, the reality show will follow the artistic growth of the participants throughout the competition and will crown a rising star on the Brazilian rap and trap scene. The winner will receive R$ 500,000 to launch their career as well as a spot on Season 5 of Sintonia. Serving as judges are Djonga, from Belo Horizonte; Filipe Ret, from Rio de Janeiro; and sisters Tasha & Tracie, from São Paulo. Following the same format as the US, French and Italian versions, the reality show is shot in the three judges' hometowns, with a focus on the places that impacted their careers - Viaduto Santa Tereza (in Belo Horizonte), Tavares Bastos and Lapa (in Rio de Janeiro) and Cidade Tiradentes (in São Paulo). Rapper and songwriter Kamau hosts, with beats by the fierce DJ Miya B. Rhythm and Flow: Brazil is an Endemol Shine Brasil production, directed by Cacá Marcondes and co-directed by Fábio Ock and Maristela Mattos. |
posted 10/2/2024 |
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Wednesday Lightning Round |
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John Amos, the TV writer turned Emmy-nominated actor who starred as the stoic father on Good Times before he was fired from the landmark sitcom for objecting to stereotypes and admittedly letting his temper get the best of him, has died. He was 84. Amos died Aug. 21 in Los Angeles of natural causes, his son, K.C. Amos, announced. "It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned," he said in a statement. "He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold … and he was loved the world over. Many fans consider him their TV father. He lived a good life. His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor." Amos, who played football at Colorado State University and had training camp tryouts with the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs of the American Football League, saw his showbiz career take off after he landed a gig to play WJM-TV weatherman Gordy Howard on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. The New Jersey native received his Emmy nom for portraying Toby, the older version of Kunta Kinte, on the acclaimed 1977 ABC miniseries Roots, and he had a recurring role as Admiral Percy Fitzwallace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on NBC's West Wing. His career on the big screen began with Melvin Van Peebles' blaxploitation classic Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song (1971), and he played the manager of a McDonald's-like restaurant who hires an African prince (Eddie Murphy) and his right-hand man (Arsenio Hall) in Coming to America (1988). Many years earlier, Amos had been in the McDonald's training program before appearing as an employee for the fast-food chain in a well-known '70s commercial ("Grab a bucket and mop, scrub the bottom and top!") that he said helped put his kids through college. After showing up a dozen times as the good-natured Gordy on the first four seasons of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, the barrel-chested Amos was invited to read for the part of James Evans Sr., the husband of Esther Rolle's Florida Evans and father of their three kids, on a new CBS series, Good Times. The 1974-79 show, created by Eric Monte and Mike Evans and developed by Norman Lear, was set in an inner-city Chicago apartment located in the projects (think Cabrini-Green). A spinoff of Maude (itself a descendant of All in the Family), Good Times was the first sitcom to center on an African-American family. "Everybody knew who Norman Lear was," Amos said in a 2014 interview for the Television Academy Foundation. "I'd seen the pilot episode of All in the Family and thought, 'There's no way in the world they're going to put that on television.' … Sure enough, it became a hit. "So I went in and read with Miss Rolle for Norman Lear, with just the three of us in his office. When we finished the reading, Norman looked at Esther, and Esther looked at me and looked at Norman and said, 'He'll do just fine.'" Amos starred on the show for three seasons, but he soon disapproved of the silly, stereotypical storylines that surrounded their oldest son on the series, J.J. — played by the comic Jimmie Walker — and he went public with his criticism. "We had a number of differences," he said. "I felt too much emphasis was being put on J.J. in his chicken hat, saying 'Dy-no-mite!' every third page. I felt just as much emphasis and mileage could have been gotten out of my other two children, one of whom aspired to become a Supreme Court justice, played by Ralph Carter, and the other, BernNadette Stanis, who aspired to become a surgeon. "But I wasn't the most diplomatic guy in those days, and [the show's producers] got tired of having their lives threatened over jokes. So they said, 'Tell you what, why don't we kill him off? We can get on with our lives!' That taught me a lesson — I wasn't as important as I thought I was to the show or to Norman Lear's plans." James Evans Sr. was the victim of a car accident in a two-part episode that aired in September 1976 to kick off season four. In game shows, Amos featured on episodes of "The Hollywood Squares" and "Liars' Club". |
posted 10/2/2024 |
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MONDAY: New Week, Same Story |
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ABC scored a touchdown with their coverage of Monday Night Football. The Seahawks/Lions contest earned the Alphabet a total of 14.440 million viewers. The game itself rated 7.93/24 in the household rating with 15.030m viewers. Both rose from the week before. Before, Monday Night Kickoff also rose with 3.54/11 with 6.187m viewers. NBC (3.07/9; 5.073m; 0.41/4 was steady with week 2 of The Voice (3.50/10; 5.878m; 0.49/5) and Brilliant Minds (2.22/7; 3.462m; 0.27/3). Rounding out the night on the CW were All American: Homecoming (0.19/1; 279k; 0.06/1) and a rerun of Superman & Lois Cable numbers (total/A18-49) |
posted 10/1/2024 |
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SUNDAY: Welcome to Base Camp |
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Manu Bennett is used to appearing in superhuman properties. From Arrow to The Shannara Chronicles to his role in The Hobbit series, they've all highlighted the incredibly powerful things humans can do. And though the actor is taking on a brand-new role in front of the camera by hosting The Summit, it's a familiar territory (in more ways than one, filming in his home country of New Zealand). The newest reality series from CBS, premiering with a special sneak peek episode tonight, features 16 people from various backgrounds taken to the base of a harrowing mountain. They're given one goal: Summit it in 14 days. Along the way, the mysterious "Mountain's Keeper" will offer them temptations that will test their mettle and resolve. But the biggest test comes when the trekkers reach base camp, as they'll be tasked with voting out one of their own, taking their share of the prize money, which stacks up to a million dollars. "I think everybody's looking for the some kind of conscious involvement, some kind of solution to to the dislocation of society and humanity," Bennett tells Parade. "And, when you get asked to do a show called The Summit, you know, intrinsically, you're doing something that's about human endeavor and the height of human endeavor, the success against adversity and rising up against your own fears and negativities and all that sort of stuff, and just trying to reach this pinnacle. It's a social essay, especially with a diverse group of people with different nationalities, different economic situations, different jobs, it's a good look into American personalities as well." First in the night goes to NBC (8.02/24; 15.807m; 4.21/39) with its coverage of Football Night in America and Sunday Night Football. ABC (1.01/3; 1.652m; 0.11/1) was in third with the season premiere of AFV (2.01/6; 3.507m; 0.23/2). Fox's landmark season premiere of The Simpsons (0.62/2; 1.082m; 0.33/3) helped the rest of the Animation Domination lineup to 4th (0.46/1; 801k; 0.23/2). |
posted 10/1/2024 |
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Frank Fritz, part of a two-man team who drove around the U.S. looking for antiques and collectibles to buy and resell on the reality show "American Pickers," has died. He died Monday night at a hospice facility in Davenport, Iowa, said Annette Oberlander, a longtime friend. She said he was 60, not 58, as some websites and news sources said. She said she was at his bedside, as was Mike Wolfe, who starred with Fritz for more than a decade on the History Channel program. "The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself," Wolfe said an Instagram post mourning the loss of his friend. In American Pickers, Fritz and Wolfe visited mainly small towns and rural areas in search of items. They often would crawl through dusty barns and crowded garages, flashlight in hand to dig out items that they could resell at an antique shop in Iowa. Fritz often was drawn to antique toys, and he would banter in a good-natured way with sellers as they sought to arrive at a price. Occasionally they would stumble upon more notable finds, such as a dilapidated van in the woods of a small Massachusetts town that the band Aerosmith toured in before they started filling stadiums with tens of thousands of fans. Oberlander said Fritz had a stroke in 2022 and never fully recovered. She said a celebration of life, which will include a motorcycle run, will likely happen in the spring. "He was a fierce friend," Oberlander said. "He leaves behind an incredible amount of friendships because that's what was most important to him. A very large amount of friendships. Close friendships." In game shows, Fritz featured on an episode of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?". |
posted 10/1/2024 |
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IFC Films and Sapan Studio have acquired the U.S. rights to "The Luckiest Man in America," a true-life drama about a man who figured out the secret to a popular game show. The deal follows the film's premiere at this month's Toronto International Film Festival. "The Luckiest Man in America" includes an ensemble of acclaimed actors such as Paul Walter Hauser ("Richard Jewell"), David Strathairn ("Good Night, and Good Luck"), Shamier Anderson ("John Wick: Chapter 4"), Walton Goggins ("Justified"), Maisie Williams ("Game of Thrones"), Haley Bennett ("Cyrano"), and Johnny Knoxville ("Jackass"). It was directed by Samir Oliveros, who co-wrote the screenplay with Maggie Briggs. IFC plans to release "The Luckiest Man in America" in theaters in 2025. The film unfolds in 1984 and follows an unemployed ice cream truck driver from Ohio (Hauser), who becomes a contestant on "Press Your Luck," all while harboring a big secret. Because he understands a flaw in the show's central game, he stands to make an unbelievable amount of money. As he goes on an unprecedented winning streak, bewildered executives in the control room start to uncover his real motivations. The film was a hit with critics when it screened at Toronto, with Hauser earning plaudits for his lead performance. "It's a complete thrill to be working with [AMC Networks Film Group head] Scott Shooman and the best in the business IFC Films team to bring audiences this quintessential American story so deftly realized by Samir Oliveros with a stellar performance from Paul Walter Hauser," said Josh Sapan, head of Sapan Studio. |
posted 9/30/2024 |
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Roller Jam... It's... Not What You Think It Is |
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Chip and Joanna Gaines are bringing reality TV to a whole new level with the first-ever roller skating competition series! Roller Jam, which premieres on Thursday, Oct. 10, is hosted by Jordin Sparks. The show showcases some of the most talented roller skating crews in the country as they perform various routines inspired by different decades. Along with receiving $150,000, the winner will also be awarded a $10,000 donation to their local rink. Teams will be judged by two-time U.S. Olympian and national figure skating champion Johnny Weir, roller-skating legend Terrell Ferguson and a celebrity guest judge, including Michelle Williams, Maureen McCormick, Pepa, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Debbie Gibson, and of course, Joanna Gaines. |
posted 9/26/2024 |
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You're a Wizard (of Baking) Harry! |
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Food Network viewers and legions of Harry Potter fans are going to have an extra special holiday season this year with the premiere of new series, Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking, on Thursday, November 14 at 8pm ET/PT and globally on Max where the platform is available (with further broadcasters to be announced). Capitalizing on the enduring love for Harry Potter - a global phenomenon that continues to captivate people of all ages around the world - the ground-breaking series blends legendary storytelling and fantastical edible creations in a never-before-seen competition that will have audiences at the edge of their seats. James and Oliver Phelps (Fred and George Weasley) bring their exceptional charm and behind-the-scenes anecdotes as hosts of this most magical series, joined by esteemed, culinary judges, Carla Hall and Jozef Youssef. Across the six-episode season they will also be joined by special guests Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick), Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood) and Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley) who will help in evaluating the competitors' showpieces and also share their own film stories. The competition kicks off with a super-sized episode in which nine teams of pastry chefs and cake artists are tasked to craft massive, spellbinding edible showpieces inspired by moments and themes from the Harry Potter saga. Each week, the culinary artists will design eye-popping creations not only to tantalize the taste buds, but that also offer surprising and enchanting, visual elements. Fans of Harry Potter will recognize many iconically familiar places, as the series was produced at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, including amidst the backdrop of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter, on some of the original sets where Harry Potter's journey was brought to life on screen. Contenders will have the unprecedented opportunity to present their creations in famed locations such as Platform 9¾, The Great Hall, Gringotts Wizarding Bank, Diagon Alley, the Forbidden Forest and more. "With Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking, the confectionary magic coming this November is splendidly real and unlike anything seen before," said Betsy Ayala, Head of Content, Food, Warner Bros. Discovery. "By tapping into the incredible fandom of Harry Potter, as well as that of Food Network's holiday programming, it is a culinary competition that delivers on multiple levels with elevated culinary craftsmanship executed in an enchanted setting and airing during the most wonderful time of year." Teams competing are: Kimberly Adams (Milwaukee, MI) and Ashley Cardona (Charleston, SC), Lisa Altfest (Orange County, CA) and Mitzi Reyes (Los Angeles, CA), Hemu Basumatary (Katy, TX) and Riccardo Menicucci (Los Angeles, CA), Zoe Burmester (Brooklyn, NY) and Jordan Pilarski (Ojai, CA), Jess Lewis (Washington, DC) and Jamie Louks (Seattle, WA), Kayla Giddings (Lafayette, LA) and Yohann Le Bescond (Ocala, FL), Juan Gutierrez (Chicago, IL) and Elizabeth Rowe (Dallas, TX), Michael Russ II (Modesto, CA) and Conner Strackman (Smithville, TX), and Christopher Teixeira (Chicago, IL) and Miko Uy (Astoria, NY). "Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking" is part of Food Network's annual Season's Eatings campaign. Other highlights... |
posted 9/26/2024 |
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BBC Apologizes to "Sherlock" Actress |
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The BBC has apologized to "Sherlock" actor Amanda Abbington after upholding some of her complaints regarding bullying on competition series "Strictly Come Dancing." "Strictly," the U.K. equivalent of "Dancing With the Stars," is one of the broadcaster's most popular and longest-running formats. But it has been mired in controversy former contestants, including Abbington, claimed they had been bullied and harassed on the show. The BBC said it would investigate after Abbington made specific allegations regarding her dance partner Giovanni Pernice. Now the corporation has confirmed it has "upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made." The report did not find Pernice guilty of threatening or abusive behavior. "We want to apologize to Amanda Abbington and to thank her for coming forward and taking part," the statement continued. "We know this would not have been an easy thing to do." Earlier this summer Abbington said she was still suffering from PTSD after taking part in the show for four weeks before dropping out due to a combination of ill-health and bullying. At the time, Pernice, who has since been dropped from the show, denied the allegations. He has since joined the Italian edition of the show. "It wasn't what I expected it to be," she said of her experience on the show, adding that after she initially made producers aware of Pernice's behaviour they set up cameras in the rehearsal room so they could review the footage. At the time, Abbington also said she hasn't ruled out suing the BBC. |
posted 9/30/2024 |
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Dikembe Mutombo — an NBA Hall of Famer whose pro career began in 1991 with the Denver Nuggets, and who retired in 2009 while with the Houston Rockets — died on Monday after a two-year battle with brain cancer. He was 58. Mutombo's 18-year NBA career, playing center, also included stints with the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets and New York Knicks; a total of three All-NBA selections; and eight All-Star Game appearances. Mutombo blocked a grand total of 3,289 shots, ranking No. 2 all-time behind Hakeem Olajuwon; in rebounds, he ranks No. 20. It was in October 2022 that Mutombo began treatment for a brain tumor. "Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. "On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in the history of the NBA. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others. "There was nobody more qualified than Dikembe to serve as the NBA's first Global Ambassador," the statement continues. "He was a humanitarian at his core. He loved what the game of basketball could do to make a positive impact on communities, especially in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo and across the continent of Africa. I had the privilege of traveling the world with Dikembe and seeing first-hand how his generosity and compassion uplifted people. He was always accessible at NBA events over the years — with his infectious smile, deep booming voice and signature finger wag that endeared him to basketball fans of every generation. "Dikembe's indomitable spirit continues on in those who he helped and inspired throughout his extraordinary life," Silver says. "I am one of the many people whose lives were touched by Dikembe's big heart and I will miss him dearly. On behalf of the entire NBA family, I send my deepest condolences to Dikembe's wife, Rose, and their children; his many friends, and the global basketball community which he truly loved and which loved him hack." Mutombo featured on episodes of "Wheel of Fortune" and "The Apprentice". |
posted 9/30/2024 |
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Monday Lightning Round |
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Drake Hogestyn, a Days of Our Lives veteran who played John Black for nearly four decades, has died. He was 70. The actor's family shared a statement on the long-running soap opera's official Instagram account, announcing he died after a battle with pancreatic cancer. "It's with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Drake Hogestyn," the statement read. "He was thrown the curve ball of his life when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he faced the challenge with incredible strength and determination. After putting up an unbelievable fight, he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones. He was the most amazing husband, father, papa and actor. He loved performing for the Days audience and sharing the stage with the greatest cast, crew, and production team in the business. We love him and we will miss him all the Days of our Lives." Hogestyn first appeared on Days of Our Lives in 1986. He played John Black up until his death, with a hiatus from 2009 to 2011, and starred in more than 4,200 episodes of NBC's popular soap opera. His other acting credits included Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Generation, Beverly Hills Cowgirl Blues, One Stormy Night, Christmas Tree Lane and Night Sins. Hogestyn also had guest roles in episodes of Criminal Minds and Otherworld. Ken Corday, executive producer of Days of Our Lives, wrote in a tribute, per Soap Opera Digest, "This is a very difficult one for all of us. Hogey was the ultimate team player and there are not sufficient words to express how deeply he will be missed. His impact on our show, personally and professionally, was profound and will forever remain unmatched." In game shows, Hogestyn featured on episodes of "Wheel of Fortune", "Top Chef Masters", "Battle of the Network Stars", and "Wordplay". |
posted 9/29/2024 |
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Beloved Australian celebrity chef and MasterChef star Greg Malouf has died at the age of 64. The news comes several years after Greg received a donor heart transplant. The popular TV star was known as 'Australia's godfather of Middle Eastern cuisine' thanks to his passion for Arabic dishes. He was a familiar face to Aussie fans, making frequent appearances on reality TV shows including MasterChef Australia and Food Safari. He was also a Michelin-star rated chef who ran one of Melbourne's most popular restaurants that was often frequented by A-list stars. Former MasterChef Australia judge George Calombaris, 45, confirmed the heart-breaking news of Greg's passing on Instagram on Saturday. Alongside a smiling picture of Greg in his chef's outfit, George penned: "Along with so many, today is a sad day for us all. We lost a giant of a human. A beautiful man. Yes, an amazing chef. I send love to his family. "I will miss the banter of all things Greek vs Lebanese food. RIP great man. See you on the other side. GC xxx". Many of Greg's fellow TV chefs paid tribute in the comments. "One of the giants," wrote fellow celebrity chef Miguel Maestre. Matt Moran, star of The Great Australian Bake Off replied with a crying face emoji. Greg is survived by his ex-wife and fellow culinary expert Lucy Malouf. |
posted 9/28/2024 |
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Maggie Smith, the two-time Oscar and four-time Emmy winner whose work in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and Downton Abbey — plus everything before and after — made her one of the most formidable British actors of all time, died Friday. She was 89. Her sons, actors Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, told the BBC that she died "peacefully in hospital … an intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother." "We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days." Best known in recent years for matriarchal roles in seven of the Harry Potter films and the ITV-PBS series Downton Abbey, Smith earned early acclaim with a best actress Oscar in 1970 for portraying the titular schoolmistress in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969). That was followed nine years later by an Academy Award for best supporting actress for the comedy California Suite (1978), in which she portrayed an Oscar-nominated actress who travels from England for the awards ceremony. She was also nominated for four other Oscars — as best actress for her work in Travels With My Aunt (1972) and for supporting turns in Othello (1965), A Room With a View (1985) and Gosford Park (2001). In a career that flourished well into her 80s, Smith played the stern yet compassionate Professor Minerva McGonagall in the Harry Potter series and the irascible Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, in Downton Abbey. Known for her privileged sensibilities ("What is a weekend?") and zingers, Violet won Smith three best supporting actress Emmys, though she publicly admitted that she had never watched the series, even after it ended. "There came a point when it was too late to catch up," she joked. In 1989, Queen Elizabeth II bestowed Smith with the title of "dame" for her dramatic accomplishments. The queen granted her another distinction in 2014, making her the 47th member of the Order of Companions of Honor, in the company of such other recipients as Sir Ian McKellen and Dame Judi Dench. She won a best actress Tony Award in 1990 for her performance in the comedy Lettice and Lovage. Smith got her start as a co-host of "Double Your Money", a British adaptation of "The $64,000 Question" for ITV. |
posted 9/27/2024 |
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THURSDAY: Bzzzz |
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6 In the latest TV show ratings… but pending possible adjustment due to Hurricane Helene-related news preemptions in some markets… ABC's 9-1-1 was Thursday's most-watched broadcast program, while CBS' Big Brother delivered broadcast's best demo rating. Opening ABC's night, 9-1-1 dialed up 4.77 million total viewers and a 0.5 demo rating, improving on its average Season 7 audience and matching its demo number; TVLine readers gave the episode an average grade of "A-." The freshman Doctor Odyssey led out of that with 4.2 mil and a 0.4, marking ABC's most-watched drama debut in five years and the highest-rated in four. Now airing in its latest (Thursday) time slot ever, Grey's Anatomy opened Season 21 with 2.7 mil and a 0.3 (reader grade "B+"), matching and hitting series lows. Elsewhere….. Though facing stiffer competition, CBS' Big Brother (3.1 mil/0.6) held steady week-to-week. The People's Choice Country Awards on NBC (3.3 mil/0.3) were down 18% in audience from last year, but steady in the demo. A Brilliant Minds rerun added 1.8 mil/0.2 to the freshman drama's opening week tally. Of Fox's kitchen-themed season premieres, Hell's Kitchen (1.6 mil/0.3) returned down from its previous averages, while Crime Scene Kitchen (1.1 mil/0.2) was steady. And on the streaming front: The Cowboys' 20-15 victory over the Giants averaged 16.22 million viewers, marking an all-time high for Thursday Night Football on Prime Video and the most-streamed NFL regular season game in history. |
posted 9/27/2024 |
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Happy Friday Lightning Round |
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WEDNESDAY: Big Game Hump Day |
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In the latest TV show ratings, NBC's Chicago Fire was Wednesday's most-watched broadcast program, while CBS' Survivor dominated the night in the demo. Of the long-awaited #OneChicago season premieres, Chicago Med (with 5.5 million total viewers and a 0.3 demo rating) and Chicago Fire (5.6 mil/0.4) both returned pretty steady versus their May finales, whereas Chicago P.D. (4.3 mil/0.3) was down in both measures. Now facing stiffer competition, Survivor (4.5 mil/0.7) dropped only a handful of eyeballs and was rock steady in the demo; Big Brother (2.4 mil/0.5) also held steady. ABC's The Golden Bachelorette (2.7 mil/0.3) was down just a tick in audience. Fox's The Masked Singer (2.9 mil/0.5) was down 12% in audience but up in the demo versus its previous season opener. The Floor (2.2 mil/0.4) was down 12% in viewers but steady in the demo versus its freshman premiere. Cable numbers (total/A18-49) |
posted 9/26/2024 |
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How Jeopardy! Postseason 2024 Will Look |
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Jeopardy! bosses have taken on board the criticism of "too many tournaments" that sparked a backlash from some viewers in Season 40. And they have announced that Season 41's postseason will include fewer and shorter tournaments. Show producers Michael Davies and Sarah Whitcomb Foss revealed the news on the latest edition of the Inside Jeopardy! podcast, where they confirmed a "much shorter post-season" of "just 10 to 11 weeks." This will include two weeks of Second Chance, which will feed into a two-week Champions Wildcard tournament. Foss also announced that the qualification period for the next Tournament of Champions will be 28 weeks of regular programming, with the October 2 tape day being the cut-off. The Wildcard tournament will include the two Second Chance winners along with 13 other non-qualifiers for the TOC. The winner of the Wildcard will earn the final spot in the next TOC. It wasn't confirmed how the 13 non-Second Chance players will qualify for the Wildcard. |
posted 9/26/2024 |
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Korea, UK Boxes in the US |
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Interstellar, the UK indie that made the British version of Something Special's format Battle in the Box in the UK, is to take the Korean format into the U.S. The format, initially from Nmedia for MBN in Korea, sees two celebrity teams enter an empty box for 24 hours divided by a moveable wall and armed with just a toothbrush. They earn space and luxuries by conquering mental and physical challenges. Interstellar made the UK version of the show for BBC Studios-owned network U&Dave, with comedian Jimmy Carr the host. The company will now take the format to the U.S. after striking a deal with Something Special, which has the international distribution rights. "We cannot wait to take everything we've learned about this groundbreaking reality and gameshow format and apply it to a host of new famous faces in the U.S.," said David Williams, Managing Director of Interstellar. "American celebrities beware, the Box is coming for you." |
posted 9/26/2024 |
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"Rock the Block" To Pit Vets vs. Rooks |
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Rock the Block, HGTV's highest-rated series so far this year, will raise the stakes like never before when two veteran teams return to the block to challenge two rookie teams eager for a win in a new season of the home renovation competition. During the fresh seven episodes slated to premiere in Spring 2025, returning host and popular carpenter, craftsman and design expert Ty Pennington (Battle on the Beach) will charge the HGTV powerhouse duos to face-off in an epic renovation battle - this time with bigger houses and bigger challenges just outside Salt Lake City, Utah - for bragging rights and a street named in their honor. Former competitors and judges headed back to the block on the veteran teams will include star designer Alison Victoria (Windy City Rehab) with past Rock the Block champion and high-end designer Michel Smith Boyd (Luxe for Less) as well as home restoration dynamo Jonathan Knight (Farmhouse Fixer) and his New Kids on the Block bandmate and brother Jordan Knight (Farmhouse Fixer: Camp Revamp). Competing on the series for the first time, the rookie teams will feature married home reno pros Chelsea and Cole DeBoer (Down Home Fab) and house-flipping experts Kamohai and Tristyn Kalama (Renovation Aloha). Each team will have just six weeks and a budget of $250,000 to renovate identical modern properties that boast mountain views, more interior bonus spaces and the largest backyards in series' history, transforming them with their signature vision and personalized design style. "Ratings juggernaut Rock the Block delivered HGTV's top series three years in a row and appeals to millions of fans in our key demos," said Betsy Ayala, Interim Head of Content, HGTV. "We incorporate a surprise element each season, and this season we're taking the format to the next level by mixing returning block vets and some first-time contenders to amp up the competition and create some unexpected twists." |
posted 9/26/2024 |
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Thursday Lightning Round |
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TUESDAY: America's Got Finales |
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In the latest TV show ratings, America's Got Talent went out on a high for NBC. NBC (2.99/10 households; 5.094m viewers; 0.43/6 A18-49) devoted the entire night to AGT with a kickoff show (2.53/8 HH; 4.357m viewers; 0.41/5 A18/49), followed by the season finale (3.22/11; 5.462m; 0.44/6). ABC (2.68/9; 4.486m; 0.61/8) came in second with Oscars Night on Dancing with the Stars? (2.88/9; 4.892m; 0.76/10) and the series premiere of High Potential (2.27/8; 3.675m; 0.31/5). Fox (1.14/4; 1.946m; 0.20/3) landed in fourth with the premiere of Murder in a Small Town (1.32/4; 2.258m; 0.22/3) and the Fox Fall Preview Special (0.6/2; 1.008m; 0.14/2). The CW (0.26/1; 398k; 0.06/1) rounded out the night with four reruns of The Conners. Cable numbers (total/A18-49) |
posted 9/25/2024 |
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Wednesday Lightning Round |
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Ryan Seacrest's first week as host of Wheel of Fortune pulled in a lot of curious viewers — who then seemed to stick around past his debut episode. Seacrest took over as host of the syndicated game show following Pat Sajak's retirement at the end of the 2023-24 season after four decades fronting the show. (Sajak will continue hosting ABC's primetime Celebrity Wheel of Fortune for the 2024-25 season.) The season premiere on Sept. 9 drew 9.63 million viewers, according to Nielsen, the biggest audience for a Wheel season opener since 2015 and within shouting distance of the 11 million people who watched Sajak's last show. The first week of shows averaged 8.31 million viewers, a 21 percent gain over premiere week in September 2023. The four installments after the season premiere averaged just under 8 million viewers, still well ahead of the 6.87 million for last year's opening week. Household ratings (still a key ratings measure for syndicated programming) also rose by 21 percent year-to-year, and all key demographics improved by 10 percent or more. Sajak announced his retirement from the syndicated Wheel before the start of the 2023-24 season. Seacrest's hiring came a couple of weeks later, and co-host Vanna White later extended her contract through 2025-26. Also in week 1 (total viewers/household ratings) |
posted 9/24/2024 |
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MONDAY: Here. We. GO! |
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ABC scored a touchdown with their coverage of Monday Night Football. The Commanders/Bengals contest earned the Alphabet Network a total of 12.649 million viewers. The game itself rated 7.17/21 in the household rating with 13.177m viewers. Before, Monday Night Kickoff scored 3.09/9 with 5.263m viewers. NBC (3.19/10; 5.278m; 0.42/4) took the silver with the season premiere of The Voice (3.55/10 households, 5.957m viewers; 0.5 A18-49) and the series debut of Brilliant Minds (2.48/8; 3.921m; 0.3). Fox and CBS were in a dead heat with Fox (1.60/5; 2.706m; 0.23/2) overtaking the Eye thanks to its all-premiere lineup of 9-1-1: Lone Star (1.79/5; 3.044m; 0.3/3) and Rescue: HI-Surf (1.40/4; 2.345m; 0.20/2). CBS populated night one with the season premiere of The Price Is Right at Night (1.88/5; 3.246m; 0.3) and a rerun of NCIS. Rounding out the night on the CW were All American: Homecoming (0.2/1; 275k; 0.04) and a preview of The Wranglers (0.1/0; 130k; 0.0/0) Cable numbers (total/A18-49) |
posted 9/24/2024 |
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Richard Osman Reopens "House of Games" |
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Richard Osman has an exciting update on his returning BBC show House of Games. The writer and presenter has been quite busy with the film version of his Thursday Murder Club literary franchise, but he's also been working double time on his TV game show. To celebrate the return of House of Games this week — airing Mondays through Fridays at 6pm on BBC Two — he shared the news that 100 new episodes of the game show were being produced. Alongside a photo of this week's guest panelists, he wrote on Instagram: "The brand-new series of #HouseofGames starts today! 100 new episodes on their way to you, and we start with a cracking week starring @voguewilliams [Vogue Williams] @strachan.michaela [Michaela Strachan] @ahirshah [Ahir Shah] and Dr X [Xand van Tulleken]! See you at 6!" Richard Osman's House of Games, which first aired in 2017, invites a crop of new celebrities each week to crown a House of Games champion. |
posted 9/24/2024 |
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Tuesday Lightning Round |
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Kathryn Crosby, an actress and the widow of the late Bing Crosby, has died. She was 90 years old. Publicist Harlan Boll confirms in a release shared that Kathryn was "surrounded by her family" when she died of natural causes at her home in Hillsborough, California, on Friday, Sept. 20. An actress who was born Olive Kathryn Grandstaff and went by the name Kathryn Grant, she first made several uncredited appearances in films throughout the early 1950s, including several of filmmaker Phil Karlson's like The Phenix City Story, 5 Against the House and Tight Spot, all in 1955. Soon after, Kathryn landed roles in movies like Mister Cory (1957) opposite Tony Curtis, The 7th Voyage of Sinbad (1958), Anatomy of a Murder (1959) with Jimmy Stewart and The Big Circus (1959). She also appeared in two more Karlson films: The Brothers Rico (1957) and Gunman's Walk (1958). She largely retired from the screen after 1979's This Is the Life, making one final acting appearance in 2010's Queen of the Lot, which also starred her and Bing's daughter Mary Crosby. Kathryn was married twice: first to Bing for 20 years, before his death in 1977 at age 74 from a heart attack, then to Maurice Sullivan from 2000 to 2010. The latter died in 2010 in a car accident that also left Kathryn with serious injuries. The Texas native met Bing, who was 30 years her senior, while doing interviews for her column on the set of his 1954 film White Christmas. They married in a Las Vegas courthouse in 1957. Bing and Kathryn went on to welcome three children: Harry Crosby III, an investment banker, in 1958, actress Mary in 1959 and Nathaniel Crosby, an amateur golfer, in 1961. (Bing also had four older sons: Gary, Dennis, Phillip and Lindsay Crosby, who are all deceased.) After stepping away from acting, Kathryn hosted a Northern California morning talk show on KPIX-TV during the 1970s, per ABC News. The actress and mother of three also appeared on television Christmas specials with Bing and their kids. Additionally, Kathryn became a teacher and registered nurse in 1963, per the release. She later wrote a memoir published in 1983 following her first husband's death, titled My Life With Bing. In game shows, Crosby featured in episodes of Juke Box Jury, I've Got A Secret and What's My Line? |
posted 9/23/2024 |
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SUNDAY: It's Not a Reboot |
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Consider CBS Matlock'd and loaded. Leading out of 60 Minutes' Season 57 premiere, Sunday night's sneak preview of the Kathy Bates-led, not-a-reboot legal drama delivered 7.73 million total viewers, making it CBS' most-watched series launch not airing after a Super Bowl since Luke Mitchell's The Code drew north of 8 million on April 9, 2019 (following an episode of NCIS). The first episode of Matlock, whose closing twist got everyone talking, is currently streaming on Paramount+, and CBS encores are scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 8 and Thursday, Oct. 10 (both nights at 9/8c). Matlock will then settled into its regular time slot, Thursdays at 9 pm, beginning Oct. 17 with Episode 2. Sunday's other broadcast premiere, Fox's Rescue HI-Surf, drew a 1.1 demo rating leading out of an NFL double header, making it the highest-rated fall drama debut in six years (since CBS' God Friended Me). In total viewers, the lifeguard drama drew 4.7 million viewers. |
posted 9/23/2024 |
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Mega Money Monday Comes to "The Chase" |
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The Chase's Issa Schultz has gained a legion of fans as "The Supernerd" on the beloved quiz show. But on Monday, the bow-tie wearing brainiac opted for a more demure look when he appeared on The Morning Show, speaking about big changes to The Chase. Joining Larry Emdur, who also hosts The Chase, and Kylie Gillies, Schultz described the way contestants will now have the chance to earn massive rewards up to $100,000 through the new Mega Money Spinner. The Mega Money Spinner will allow contestants who have made it through to the final round to answer 10 correct questions to win $50,000 or 15 correct questions for $100,000. "It's the first change we've done to the show, sort of ever really, in all these years … a lot of feedback I get is we should give more money away. So hey, that's what we're going to do," Schultz said. "After their final chase, teams can spin up an amount up to $100,000, which I don't pay for, thankfully. But if I lose then, well, they win it. We have seen very happy teams already." |
posted 9/23/2024 |
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"Golden Bachelorette" Contestant's Past Comes Back to Haunt |
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Golden Bachelorette star Gil Ramirez, who received a rose from star Joan Vassos during this week's Sept. 18 season premiere, saw details from his past come to light on Friday. The 60-year-old educator from Mission Viejo, California, had a temporary domestic violence restraining order filed against him three months ago from an ex-girlfriend over allegations of stalking, People reported. The woman, who claimed to have been dating Ramirez, said, "he made repeated unwanted contact with me, family members and friends" and that he "showed up at places I frequent to confront me on a daily basis." People noted that the court filing was dated June 11, which The Hollywood Reporter can confirm was just days before production started on the hit ABC reality dating competition. A July 2 hearing was then postponed, People reported, because Ramirez was unable to be served — presumably, because he was already at the Bachelor mansion in Agoura Hills, California, filming The Golden Bachelorette. At a later hearing date on July 24, the temporary restraining order was then dropped and dismissed for "lack of prosecution for lack of service." Because of the timing, a source close to the show's production tells THR that the filing "occurred in the brief period between completion of [the show's] thorough background investigation and exhaustive vetting process, and the beginning of production." Now that this information has come to light, the source says ABC and producers Warner Horizon have "further edited his already limited screen time and minimized him in promotional assets moving forward." |
posted 9/23/2024 |
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Jeffrey Dean Morgan ("The Walking Dead," "The Boys") has been named the host of NBC's upcoming adventure reality competition series "Destination X." This marks Morgan's first unscripted project. He also serves as an executive producer on the show. Based on the award-winning Belgian format, the innovative series will combine spectacular adventure travel and immersive gameplay with the ultimate guessing game. "Jeffrey Dean Morgan embodies the mischievous international man of mystery, making him the perfect host and puppet master for this new travel adventure series," said Corie Henson, Executive Vice President, Unscripted Content, Competition and Game Shows, NBCUniversal Entertainment. "He's dashing, charming, playful and the ultimate travel companion!" "When thinking about who we'd want to travel around the world with, Jeffrey Dean Morgan was the first person to come to mind," said Toby Gorman, President, Universal Television Alternative Studio. "'Destination X' is filled with adventure, excitement and intrigue, all the characteristics that Jeffrey exemplifies." Jeffrey Dean Morgan added, "'Destination X' captivated me with its blend of travel, mystery, and gaming. I can't wait to embark on this wild guessing game across the globe as Master of Ceremony, navigating players through challenges that test their mental and physical abilities." Merging fantasy with reality in this larger-than-life adventure competition series, viewers will follow contestants as they embark on the road trip of a lifetime but have no idea where they are. In order to win, they must figure out their mystery locations. Once they're on the blacked-out Destination X bus, the journey transforms into a real-life game board, with challenges designed to offer clever clues as to their location, along with a few misdirects to keep them guessing. At the end of each episode, contestants must guess where they are and the furthest from the actual location is sent packing. The first participant to reach Destination X will be crowned the winner. With high stakes and mind-blowing spectacular gameplay, the series will keep viewers engaged and take them along for the ride. The series is based on the Belgian format created by Geronimo and distributed globally by Be-Entertainment. "Destination X "is one of the fastest-selling unscripted formats and has won several awards, including a Rose d'Or for best Competition Reality, as well as Best Competition Reality Format and Best Multi-Platform Format by C21. The series launched in Belgium in 2023 on commercial broadcaster VTM and consistently won the Monday evening timeslot with an impressive 42% market share over the first eight episodes (18-44, Consolidated). "Destination X" is be produced by Twofour, part of ITV Studios, and Universal Television Alternative Studio, a division of Universal Studio Group. Andy Cadman and Lee Smithurst will exec produce alongside Twofour Managing Director Dan Adamson and Chief Creative Director David Clews. Twofour Director of Production and Operations Shireen Abbott will oversee production. Jeffrey Dean Morgan will also exec produce. "Destination X" marks the second commission between NBC and the BBC following the global phenomenon of "The Traitors." Twofour will produce both versions. BBC will announce their host at a later date. |
posted 9/23/2024 |
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Monday Lightning Round |
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At least five game show contestants were "shamelessly exploited" and subjected to "unreasonable, unsafe" working conditions on Amazon Prime's "Beast Games," a California civil action said this week. The Los Angeles County Superior Court class action lawsuit, filed Monday, names Amazon and a production company linked to YouTube creator Jimmy Donaldson, best known for his digital persona, "MrBeast," as defendants. "Beast Games" has been billed as a reality competition program with $5 million in prize money, according to Amazon, which acquired streaming rights to the show. "Defendant production companies and Amazon shamelessly exploited the labor of approximately [redacted] people who served as contestants," according to lawyers representing the plaintiffs. "Beast Games" reportedly began casting and filming this summer with contestants performing various physical tasks akin to challenges staged on Donaldson's YouTube channel. The five plaintiffs were not named. Four live in California, two of them in Los Angeles County, the suit said. The 50-page complaint also redacted details about how plaintiffs say they suffered and broadly suggested that work conditions were unsuitable. Contestants were "penned into enclosed spaces" and "under conditions where they were underfed, overtired" and "competing in stressful and exhausting challenge for a cash prize that could change their lives," according to the complaint. There was also "insufficient medical staff to attend to potential and actual injuries during" production, lawyers for the contestants said. The defendants "failed to provide a safe and healthful place to work" and "jeopardized the safety of workers" by "not providing sufficient food or drink" and "forcing them not to sleep and forcing them to participate in games that unreasonably risked physical and mental injury," the plaintiffs said. Sexism and misogyny not only ran rampant on the set but were encouraged, according to the lawsuit. "The female contestants particularly and collectively suffered as a result of defendants' actions," the complaint says. "The Beast Game work environment systematically fostered a culture of misogyny and sexism." The suit alleges the production crew worked from a "MrBeast Handbook," which it says encouraged poor behavior. "If talent wants to draw a d--- on a white board in the video or do something stupid, let them," according to the complaint. "Really do everything you can to empower the boys when filming and help them make content. Help them be idiots." The show is reportedly still filming in Canada and Panama, and an air date has not yet been set by Amazon. The lawsuit, however, is unlikely to go to trial, as class actions typically settle before trial, Camron Dowlatshahi, a Los Angeles-based lawyer specializing in entertainment and employment injury cases, tells TIME. "I would expect the same here," he said, adding that the claims outlined in the complaint appear to him to be "a difficult argument to win on." Beast Games has not yet been given a release date. Dowlatshahi, the entertainment lawyer, tells TIME he does not foresee it being canceled as a result of the lawsuit, though he says that backlash from bad publicity "could see subsequent seasons being canceled or not renewed," and that if the defendants do ultimately end up going to trial and are held liable, "then the show would be over." A representative for Donaldson would not comment. An Amazon official could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday. |
posted 9/19/2024 |
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More on "Love Is Blind" Season 7 |
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Which of these hopeful Washginton, D.C. singles will follow their heart and find out whether love is truly blind? Meet the cast of Love is Blind Season 7 before the season premieres on October 2nd - only on Netflix! Singles who want to be loved for who they are have signed up for a less conventional approach to modern dating, and will choose someone to marry without ever meeting them. Over several weeks, the newly engaged couples will move in together, plan their wedding, and find out if their physical connection matches their strong emotional bond developed in the pods. When their wedding day arrives, will real-world realities and external factors push them apart, or will they marry the person they fell blindly in love with? Hosted by Nick and Vanessa Lachey, this addictive series will uncover whether looks, race, or age do matter - or if love really is blind. The hit reality series is back for a seventh season, following a new set of singles from Washington, D.C. - all ready to cut through the static of modern dating and forge authentic relationships, sight unseen. This season, the singles form deep and immediate connections, setting the stage for an unexpected journey full of twists, turns, and shocking revelations that will test each relationship well after the participants leave the pods for the real world. |
posted 9/19/2024 |
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posted 10/3/2024
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Family Feud The Great British Baking SHow Jeopardy! Pictionary RuPaul's Drag Race Global All-Stars 25 Words or Less Wheel of Fortune |
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