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ESPN
BILL RASMUSSEN: 1932-2026
ESPN Founder
From Variety

Bill Rasmussen, a former local-news sports director who parlayed an interest in the nascent business of satellite television into the launch of the sports-media giant known as ESPN, has died after a battle with Parkinson’s disease. The entrepreneur and founder was 93 years old.

Rasmussen in 1978 was idling in traffic on Connecticut’s Interstate 84 after acquiring a satellite transponder from RCA, and decided to launch a new network devoted only to sports on a single acre near the small town of Bristol. Their Entertainment and Sports Programming network employed just 80 staffers at the time of its launch in September of 1979, and telecast Connecticut sports to state residents. Within months, Getty Oil would buy up a majority of the enterprise, while brewing giant Anheuser-Busch agreed to a substantial advertising contract. But investors pushed the founder out by 1980. ABC bought out the stakes of both Getty and Rasmussen family members in 1984.

“Bill was a remarkable man — a visionary and an innovator who conceived the idea of a network entirely devoted to sports,” said ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro, in a statement. “Quite simply, none of us would be here today if it wasn’t for Bill’s passion and all the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit he put into building ESPN in the late 1970s — key aspects of our company culture that still carry on to this day.”

Indeed, some key elements of ESPN were birthed under Rasmussen. The opening program on ESPN was a show called “SportsCenter,” hosted at the time by Lee Leonard and George Grande. The series remains on air at the network. Rasmussen also introduced round-the-clock sports programming and coverage of the early rounds of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament in the spring of 1980, which drew national attention to ESPN.

In 2026, ESPN employs more than 5,900 employees around the world, and programs eight U.S. television networks plus the sports programming on ABC, along with a mobile app and a burgeoning and direct-to-consumer service, a suite of radio programs and podcasts and social and digital feeds. The outlet, now controlled by Disney, with Hearst and the NFL counted as minority investors, is home to such sports staples as “Monday Night Football,” the hot-talk show “First Take” and hours and hours of NFL and NBA telecasts, among other sports coverage.

While not directly involved with game shows as an industry, shows on his network would include "2-Minute Drill", "Dream Job", and "Stump the Schwab".

“Bill was our George Washington and a good friend,” said Chris Berman, who joined ESPN three weeks after the network launched in 1979, in a statement. “He was such a grateful person and every sports fan can be grateful for Bill. He wasn’t a glass half-full guy; his glass was always overflowing with optimism. He greeted everyone with a smile and we can all smile knowing Bill’s legacy.”

Bill Rasmussen was born in Chicago on October 15, 1932, in Chicago and raised in nearby Columbus Manor, IL. He played sports in his youth, earning an invitation to a minor league affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. Instead, he gravitated to business, earnings a bachelor’s degree in economics from DePauw University in Greencastle, IN. After graduating in 1954, he served in the United States Air Force and later earned an MBA from Rutgers University.

His media career began at WTTT radio in Amherst, Mass., in 1962. In 1965, he moved to WWLP, a TV station in Springfield, Mass., where he spent eight years as sports director and two years as news director. During these years, he handled numerous football, basketball, baseball and hockey play-by-play assignments on both radio and television. In 1974, he joined the New England Whalers of the World Hockey Association as communications director, serving until the conclusion of the 1977-78 season.

After leaving ESPN, Rasmussen worked as a consultant to sports rights holders and media companies. He also remained active with his own start-up ventures in sports. He remained a frequent guest on business and sports radio talk shows and authored two books, “Sports Junkies Rejoice! The Birth of ESPN” and most recently “ESPN: One Giant Leap for Fankind,” published in 2023. Rasmussen collaborated with Tenero Productions for a documentary and book project “Sports Heaven: The Birth of ESPN” on his life that was released in 2026.

Rasmussen was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Lois, in 2011 and is survived by two sons, Scott Rasmussen and his wife Laura and Glenn Rasmussen; his daughter Lynn Van Hollebeke and her husband Louie; seven grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Bill was predeceased by his brothers Robert and Donald Rasmussen, sister Vivien and grandson Justin Van Hollebeke.

Variety
TV Newscheck
Deadline
The Hollywood Reporter
ESPN PR

The Hollywood Reporter

posted 8/18/2026


Variety/Getty Images
PHYLLIDA LAW: 1932-2026
Actress, Mother of Emma Thompson Played Games
From Variety

Phyllida Law, the Scottish actress and mother of Emma and Sophie Thompson, has died. She was 94.

“It is with great sadness we have to announce that Phyllida Law died supremely peacefully at home, surrounded by all of her family, on Monday 27th July,” her manager, Jacky Leggo, reportedly told the BBC. “We had worked together for over fifty years and she was a beautiful person inside and out.”

Her granddaughter posted a tribute on Instagram, writing: “Rest well my Queen.”

Law was born in Glasgow in 1932. She attended the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School where she studied acting, going on to appear in the Gwyneth Paltrow-fronted adaptation of Jane Austen novel “Emma” as Mrs Bates alongside her daughter Sophie, who played Miss Bates.

She also starred alongside her other daughter Emma in a number of productions, including her former son-in-law Kenneth Branagh’s 1993 film adaptation of “Much Ado About Nothing, which also starred Branagh, Keanu Reeves and Kate Beckinsale, as well as another Branagh production, 1992’s “Peter’s Friends.”

Law and Thompson also played together in “Nanny McPhee,” which Thompson co-wrote and which also featured Colin Firth and Angela Lansbury, and played mother and daughter in Alan Rickman’s 1997 directorial debut, “The Winter Guest.”

She also frequently appeared in the West End, including the London Palladium, where she was part of the original London cast of “La Cage Aux Folles.” In 2014 she was awarded an OBE for her services to drama and charity.

In game shows, Law appeared on episodes of "Call My Bluff" and "Going, Going, Gone."

In 1957 Law married Eric Thompson, an actor who co-created beloved British children’s show “The Magic Roundabout.” He died in 1982 following a heart attack. He was 53.

Law is survived by her two daughters and her three grandchildren.

Variety
BBC News
Deadline
Us Magazine

posted 8/18/2026

(Haunted) HGTV
Network Greenlights "A Very Haunted Renovation"
From the Futon Critic

Notorious Bihl Manor, a tormented mansion in Fremont, Ohio, will undergo A Very Haunted Renovation in HGTV's eerie new competition series premiering Tuesday, September 15, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. In the six-episode season, hosted by actress Anna Camp (Scream 7), six daring designers, SK Stokes Kennedy, Patrick Peel, John Ryan, Bershan Shaw, Logan Wright and Diana Vogel, will live inside the uncanny abode for 31 days while completing a top-to-bottom transformation - all in pursuit of a $50,000 dollar cash prize. In each episode, the brave renovators will face elimination challenges that put their nerve, creativity and design skills to the test as they bring the home's spine-tingling spaces back from the dead. Throughout the season, design expert Michel Smith Boyd will mentor and evaluate each unnerving overhaul alongside esteemed guest judges including: production designer Hannah Beachler, paranormal investigator Jack Osbourne, actor Billy Porter, actress Cassandra Peterson, horror film director Eli Roth and actress LuLu Wilson.

"Bihl Manor is one of the most haunted homes in America," said Anna. "Unoccupied, falling apart and on the verge of demolition, no one is brave enough to step foot inside - until now."

Fans can check HGTV's digital platforms for the latest A Very Haunted Renovation announcements and exclusive content at HGTV.com and via @HGTV and #AVeryHauntedRenovation on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, Threads and YouTube. Each new episode of A Very Haunted Renovation will be available to stream the next day on HBO Max(R) beginning Sept. 16.

A Very Haunted Renovation is produced by Grandma's House Entertainment.

The Futon Critic
Realscreen
People

posted 8/18/2026

Witney Carson Pairs.... and Pairs?
"DWTS" Pro to Dance for... Three?
From Entertainment Weekly

Cue the drumroll, we have our first pairing for Dancing With the Stars season 35. Longtime Jimmy Kimmel Live sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez will have the great fortune to dance with season 34 champion Witney Carson on the upcoming 35th season.

Carson revealed the casting on a segment of Monday’s Good Morning America — where the rest of the cast of celebrity contestants will be unveiled on Sept. 2.

Rodriguez was the last of four contestants to be announced ahead of the upcoming season. The late-night mainstay joins The Traitors season 4 finalist Maura Higgins, Summer House breakout star Ciara Miller, and Savannah Bananas second baseman Jackson Olson in the running for the Len Goodman Mirrorball trophy.

Rodriguez originally worked as a parking lot security guard for Jimmy Kimmel Live before rising through the ranks to find himself planted permanently on the couch next to host Jimmy Kimmel, where he’s remained for 23 years. Carson, meanwhile, competed on So You Think You Can Dance season 9 before joining DWTS as a member of the troupe in season 16. She was promoted to full pro status in season 18 and has since logged a stellar track record, winning season 19 with current cohost Alfonso Ribeiro and season 34 with Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro host Robert Irwin and taking her partners to the finals an additional six times.

Carson also has another hotly anticipated dance gig on the horizon, before season 35 kicks off on Sept. 15. She is set to be the final visiting pro on the new spinoff, The Next Pro, which has seen the likes of Brandon Armstrong, Daniella Karagach, and Britt Stewart help coach a group of aspiring dance stars through trials to determine who among them is fit to join the anchor series as, well, the next pro.

On top of all that, Carson will be the first pro dancer on the series to enter an installment while pregnant.

Entertainment Weekly
TV Insider
The Hollywood Reporter
Reality TV World

The Hollywood Reporter

posted 8/18/2026

Tuesday Lightning Round
... or "What'cha Drinking?"

  • BRUTALLY HONEST REVIEW: Cocktail Wars (E!) (Reality Blurred)

  • Peter Weber hard launches relationship (Reality TV World)

  • Tyler Cameron hard launches forever (Reality TV World)

  • Ezra Sosa says "same pros" get paired with top talent (People)

  • PROGRAMMING NOTE: A big spoiler just dropped about the upcoming "Totally 90s House". Do not click if you do not want to be spoiled (Reality Tea)

  • Bobby Flay celebrates Brooke Williamson's 48th birthday. Because of course he does. (TV Insider)

  • Georgie Grasso diagnosed with bipolar disorder (BBC News)

  • Having conquered the world of game shows, Keke Palmer looks to conquer microdramas (The Wrap)

posted 8/18/2026


People/Getty Images
HAYDEN PANETTIERE: 1989-2026
"Heroes", "Nashville" Actress/Singer Featured on "Chopped Junior", "Project Runway"
From Variety

Hayden Panettiere, known for her roles on “Heroes,” “Nashville” and in “Scream 4” and “Scream VI,” died on Sunday in Greenville, South Carolina aged 36. A cause of death was not immediately known.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen,” her father, Skip Panettiere, told ABC.

No foul play was suspected, the Greenville Police Department confirmed to Variety. At around 1:51 p.m. on Sunday, Greenville police and EMS responded to a report of an “unresponsive female,” a police spokesperson said. “Upon arrival, medical assistance was administered; however, the individual, later identified as Hayden Panettiere, was pronounced deceased at the scene.”

The spokesperson added, “The case is under investigation by the Greenville Police Department in conjunction with the Greenville County Coroner’s Office. The preliminary investigation has not indicated any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances. An acquaintance of Ms. Panettiere placed the 911 call.”

Panettiere had been on screen since 1994, at age 5, starting on soap operas “One Life to Live” — appearing on 27 episodes — and later, “Guiding Light,” starring on 45. In 2000, she landed a breakout role in “Remember the Titans,” and in 2006, she joined the cast of “Heroes” as Claire Bennett, portraying the cheerleader in 73 episodes of the NBC drama.

Panettiere later earned two Golden Globe nominations for playing Juliette Barnes on “Nashville.” She starred in 128 episodes from 2012 to 2018.

In reality games, Panettiere featured on episodes of "Chopped Junior", "Project Runway", and "The Xtra Factor".

On the film side, she is most known for her role as Kirby in 2011’s “Scream 4.” She became such a fan favorite that she was then asked to return for 2023’s “Scream VI.” She also co-starred with Michelle Trachtenberg in “Ice Princess” and appeared in “Bring It On: All or Nothing.”

Raised in Palisades, N.Y., her mother was a soap opera actress and her father was a fire captain. As a child, she appeared on shows including “Ally McBeal” and “Malcolm in the Middle.” Panettiere published her first book, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” in May of this year. In it, she shared many stories from her life in the limelight, including details of her troubled relationship with her mother and abuse she endured through her life in Hollywood. She had also been open through the years about her struggle with alcohol and drugs. In 2020, she spent time at a rehab facility and got sober. In 2023, her younger brother Jansen died unexpectedly of a heart condition at 28.

“When something that massive has happened to you, you really learn to pick your fights and just not let the little things upset you,” she told People magazine in 2024 about the death. “Because once something so horrific, so deep, so catastrophic happens in your life, there’s not much that can really rock you.” She made headlines following the People interview, when fans voiced concerns over her slurred speech, something she later spoke about via an Instagram post.

“I hadn’t slept for two days prior to the shoot due to one of my dogs who was recovering from an emergency surgical procedure,” she shared at the time, also responding to claims about medication she may be on. “I was exhausted. My rep stopped the interview early as it became obvious that I was fading — especially as the subject matter became heavier… Grief looks different on everyone. Whether or not I am on medication is none of anyone’s business and is between me and my doctor.” She continued, “Mental health is so important, and I hope those reading this now understand that what you say hiding behind a computer screen can have a detrimental impact on someone.”

She had a daughter, Kaya, with boxer Wladimir Klitschko, who retained custody due to Panettiere’s struggles with addiction and postpartum depression.

Variety
The Hollywood Reporter
Deadline
Entertainment Weekly
Reality Tea

Variety

Deadline

posted 8/17/2026


World of Wonder/MTV

"Drag Race" Returns in 2027
MTV, Paramount+ Commission New Seasons for the Trifecta
From Deadline

Condragulations are in order for RuPaul’s Drag Race and RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars as MTV and Paramount+ have renewed the shows for additional seasons.

MTV has picked up RuPaul’s Drag Race for Season 19 alongside its companion series RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked, while Paramount+ has ordered RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars for Season 12 alongside its companion series RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars: Untucked.

The pickups for the RuPaul’s Drag Race franchise come as they celebrate 11 Emmy nominations with host RuPaul Charles record-extending 11th consecutive nomination for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program.

“Nearly twenty years later, what began as a dream has become an extraordinary global movement. We owe endless thanks to our partners at MTV and Paramount+, along with every queen, judge, crew member, and fan who has built RuPaul’s Drag Race,” World of Wonder said in a statement. “Drag brings people together in powerful ways – and we are honored to keep celebrating new voices and sharing iconic moments with the world.”

RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 saw strong viewership with double-digit growth from its previous season. The season saw Myki Meeks take the crown and becoming the newest drag superstar.

Spinoff RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 11 played with the format with the Tournament of All Stars, which brought together returning queens to compete for a coveted spot in the “Drag Race Hall of Fame.” Crystal Methyd earned the title during the latest season.

RuPaul’s Drag Race, RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked, RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, and RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars: Untucked are produced by World of Wonder Productions.

Deadline
The Hollywood Reporter
The Wrap

posted 8/17/2026


Studio Lambert/NBCUniversal

Meet the "New Blood"
Catch It on NBC September 17
From the Futon Critic

No celebrities. No socialites. Emmy-winning host Alan Cumming is opening the doors to his now-infamous castle in the Scottish Highlands to 22 everyday Americans, hand-selected from a nationwide search resulting in over 80,000 hopeful applicants.

The 22 players entering the castle for the newest all-civilian season are:
· Abbey Benjamin - Mangham, LA
· Abby Lee - Saint Paul, MN
· Arisa Thomas - Los Angeles, CA
· Ben McDonnell - Granbury, TX
· Clyde Moser - Charleston, SC
· Jay Vinnedge - Oklahoma City, OK
· Joe Vanella - Wantagh, NY
· Katie Fites - Jacksonville, FL
· Kim Daily - Houston, TX
· Kriste Lewis - Hattiesburg, MS
· Logan Smith - Gatlinburg, TN
· Madeline Kostopulos - San Diego, CA
· Mark Zgoda - Phillipsburg, NJ
· Michael Foote - New York, NY
· Morgan Cook - Midland, MI
· Niyyah Hayes - Indianapolis, IN
· Shane Beatty - Staten Island, NY
· Sherry Kuehl - Leawood, KS
· Tomica Adams - Boston, MA
· Victor Vollbrechthausen - New York, NY
· Wyatt Gillespie - Ligonier, PA
· Xavier Scruggs - Wesley Chapel, FL

The first two episodes of The Traitors: New Blood will debut Thursday, September 17 in a special two-hour extended premiere on NBC. New episodes will continue to air Thursdays at 8:00 PM ET/PT on NBC and stream the next day on Peacock.

Season 4 of The Traitors on Peacock recently garnered six Primetime Emmy(R) nominations, including third-consecutive nominations for Outstanding Reality Competition Program and for Alan Cumming in the Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program category. Earlier this year, Season 4 led the winners of this year's Critics Choice Real TV Awards with five wins, including Best Competition Series, Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series and Best Show Host (Alan Cumming). Last year, The Traitors Season 3 took home five Primetime Emmy Awards, including wins for Host (Alan Cumming), Reality Competition Program, Directing, Cinematography and Picture Editing.  

The Futon Critic
Deadline
Gold Derby
TV Insider
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The Futon Critic

Deadline

TV Line

The Wrap

TV Insider

Reality Tea

posted 8/17/2026

"Weakest Link" Embraces Villain Era
Reality Foes to Compete on New Season
From Entertainment Weekly

You don’t have to go to the House of Villains to see a collection of reality television baddies, because many of them will be making like the Avengers and assembling on a game show set this fall. Celebrity Weakest Link will kick off its second season (which premieres Sept. 21 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Fox and the next day on Hulu) with an episode featuring eight of reality TV’s most famous — and infamous — personalities.

The “reality villains” episode features:
- Richard Hatch: The original reality competition villain who won the very first season of Survivor, Hatch returned for Survivor: All-Stars and recently appeared on House of Villains.
- Omarosa: The former White House aide began her reality TV career on the first season of The Apprentice, before returning for two more celebrity installments of the Donald Trump-hosted show. She has since competed on Celebrity Big Brother, Big Brother Australia VIP, and House of Villains.
- Tiffany Pollard: The one-time VH1 mainstay started as a contestant on the first two seasons of Flavor of Love before scoring her own spin-off with I Love New York. Since then, she has competed on Celebrity Big Brother in the U.K., Worst Cooks in America: Celebrity Edition, and all three seasons of House of Villains.
- Bob the Drag Queen: The RuPaul’s Drag Race season 8 winner also made a splash on The Traitors, getting into a game-ending feud with fellow Traitor Boston Rob.
- Tom Sandoval: The Vanderpump Rules star has been appearing all over the reality competition spectrum, doing turns on Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, The Masked Singer, The Traitors, America’s Got Talent, and House of Villains.
- Monica Garcia: Garcia only appeared on one season of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, but what a season it was, as she feuded with castmates and was then let go from the show. She then provided the voice of EVA 2.0 on season 2 of — what else? — House of Villains.
- Big Ed: Big Ed has managed to extend his 15 minutes of fame thanks to his exploits on 90 Day Fiancé and various franchise offshoots.
- Christine Quinn: The realtor-turned-Selling Sunset star left the Netflix series after five seasons, and has since competed on The Masked Singer and, you guessed it, House of Villains.

Who will emerge triumphant and win up to one million dollars for their charity, and who will emerge as the weakest link? We’ll find out this fall.

Entertainment Weekly
TV Insider

The Futon Critic

posted 817/2026


Paramount/Warner Bros. Discovery

PAUSE.
Antitrust Trial Set for March 2027
From Variety

Paramount has requested a court order that would require a group of 12 state attorneys general and the Writers Guild of America to post a $1.88 billion bond to cover financial damages as their litigation delays the closing of its pending $110 billion Warner Bros. Discovery merger.

The bond amount is based on the straightforward calculation of the maximum potential ticking fee consideration and other financing costs. Per the terms of the merger, CEO David Ellison is on the hook to pay WBD shareholders a 25 cent per share ticking fee starting Oct. 1, which translates to a payout of $7 million per day or $650 million per quarter until the deal closes.

The final deadline for the deal to close is June 4, 2027.

Paramount has agreed to delay the closing until five days after the outcome of a trial, or June 1, 2027, whichever comes earliest. The antitrust trial is set to start on March 2 and end on March 19, 2027. By the time trial concludes and the parties submit their final briefs, Paramount expects to pay WBD shareholders at least $1.3 billion in ticking fees.

It also said that the delay threatens to nullify the regulatory approvals that Paramount has spent months securing, noting that it would have to take additional steps at “substantial expense” if the transaction still hasn’t closed by the end of the trial.

“We have satisfied all closing conditions under our merger agreement, having received regulatory clearances from 68 jurisdictions. These two lawsuits are the only barrier to closing this transaction,” a Paramount spokesperson told TheWrap. “Both the Clayton Act, the federal antitrust law upon which these suits are based, and other federal law expressly provide that plaintiffs are required to post a bond covering the potential harm from halting a transaction to litigate, so that if they lose, the injured party has a source of recovery for the damage caused. Here, every month of delay carries substantial and quantifiable financial consequences.”

In addition to the financing costs and ticking fee, the Ellison-led media giant warned that there would be “no integration and no ramped-up investment in content, production, and creative talent by the combined company” for at least eight months. The spokesperson also said that employees of both companies would be harmed by the uncertainties caused by the delay. “We remain confident that plaintiffs’ case is without merit and will defend our pro-competitive transaction in court,” Paramount’s statement concluded. “We look forward to closing this transaction and delivering its benefits to consumers and entertainment industry workers in California, the United States and around the world.”

California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office responded to the bond request in a statement to media later Monday, saying that it was an additional “blackmail” effort “to get us to back down” from going to trial.

“Paramount and Warner Bros. are two sophisticated companies who willfully decided to include a costly ticking fee as a provision in their merger contract,” the statement read. “They knew this merger would undergo regulatory review; they knew it was not a done deal; and they chose to include it anyway.

“What’s more, Paramount itself stipulated to the timing it is now protesting — they agreed to the dates and did not request a bond as a condition of agreeing not to close until after the trail, and potentially as late as June 2027. Now, they’re trying to get a do-over.

“Bottom line: Paramount went into this process with eyes wide open. They are lying a bed of their own making, and once again, trying to blackmail us to get us to back down.”

The Futon Critic
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posted 8/17/2026


MTV/Paramount Skydance
TYLER DUCKWORTH: 1982-2026
"The Challenge" Champion
From Variety

Tyler Duckworth, who competed on six seasons of reality show “The Challenge” and also appeared on MTV’s “The Real World: Key West,” has died in North Dakota. He was 44.

His mother, Joni, announced his death on Facebook Thursday, writing, “My son, Tyler, passed away earlier this week. Cause of death has yet to be determined. I will post on Facebook about services as soon as his dad and I figure it out.”

Duckworth first appeared on MTV’s “The Real World: Key West” in 2006 and went on to compete on four seasons of “The Challenge” — “The Duel,” “The Gauntlet III,” “Cutthroat,” “Rivals” — and two of the spinoffs, “All Stars 2” in 2021 and “All Stars 3” in 2022. He won “Cutthroat,” with team members Brad Fiorenza, Dunbar Merrill and Tori Fiorenza, and “Rivals” alongside partner Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio.

“Tyler was truly part of the Bunim/Murray family, he was an exceptional human being and beloved by both fans and his fellow contestants alike on ‘The Challenge,'” the Bunim/Murray Productions team said in a statement to Variety. “He will be missed by us all and our heart goes out to his family, his friends and everyone who enjoyed watching him compete on the show across so many seasons.”

Showrunner Justin Booth adds, “‘The Challenge’ community is gutted to hear of Tyler Duckworth’s remarkably untimely passing. The young man who first came into our universe as a comical and sensitive personality developed into a force who would become a two-time champion, and he will be sorely missed. We are devastated, and we send our most heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace, young man.”

Duckworth made his last public appearance at a “Challenge Mania” fan event in Minneapolis on July 31, and posted about it on his Instagram alongside “Challenge” competitors Rachel Robinson, Fiorenza, Tina Barta, Paul Califiore and Mark Long.

Many cast members have since taken to social media to share their shock and sadness over the passing, including Barta, who competed alongside Duckworth multiple times over the last 20 years. “It’s hard to find the right words when someone who was part of such a meaningful chapter of your life is suddenly gone,” she captioned a video of the pair together. “We shared an experience that very few people will ever fully understand, and somewhere along the way, it became more than a show or an adventure. It became friendship. It became history. It became family. How blessed am I to be surprised by your visit to Challengemania where I got to hug and kiss you one last time. We didn’t want to leave each other. We never do. I love you.”

Variety
The Hollywood Reporter
TV Insider
Deadline
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Variety

posted 8/17/2026

Monday Lightning Round
... or "Oh Yeah?!"

  • Netflix fires back against Tyra Banks' defamation lawsuit (The Hollywood Reporter)

  • FIRST LOOK: Nigella Lawson in "The Great British Baking Show" (TV Insider) and Robin Thicke on "Name That Tune" (TV Insider)

  • Ariana Madix to return to Broadway... with Connie Francis?! (Reality Tea)

  • Howie Mandel plays favorites on "Got Talent" (Entertainment Weekly)

  • Joe Amabile will require lifelong care after his tumor comes back malignant (Reality TV World)

  • A FEW GOOD MINUTES with Kristen Kish (Variety)

posted 8/17/2026


Getty Images
CHRISTY KNOWINGS: 1980-2026
"All That" Troupe Member Played "Figure It Out"
From Variety

Christy Knowings, who was a cast member on Nickelodeon’s children sketch comedy show “All That,” died Tuesday. She was 46.

Knowings suffered an asthma attack that left her with brain damage, according to TMZ, and she was hospitalized on Friday. TMZ, which broke the news of Knowings’ death, reported that she was placed on life support in Los Angeles and was removed on Tuesday night. Her aunt, Tyleah Joseph, announced Knowings’ death on Wednesday on Facebook.

“Christy was a multi-talented lady. Whether it was singing, acting, dancing, she was always creating. Always professional and dedicated to her work,” her manager Al Hill said in a statement to Variety.

Knowings was a main cast member on “All That” for three season between 1997 and 2001, and she rejoined as a guest star in Season 10. She joined the cast alongside Leon Frierson and Danny Tamberelli for Season 4 after being first discovered on the pilot for a Rosie O’Donnell-produced sketch show called “And Now This.” The trio of “All That” newcomers crossed over with original series stars like Amanda Bynes, Kenan Thompson, Kel Mitchell, Lori Beth Denberg and Josh Server. During their run, the show later added comedians like Nick Cannon and Gabriel Iglesias to their ranks.

“Man this one hit hard!!!,” Thompson wrote on Facebook. “Rest well Christy!!! Never could have imagined this day!! Sending so much love to her family!! She was a real one and one of the funniest people out here!!! Gonna miss you buddy!!! Show christyknowings ★ some love y’all!!!”

Outside of “All That,” Knowings also appeared on three episodes of “Sesame Street” along with her twin brother, Chris — who was a fellow member of Nickelodeon shows like “Taina” and “The Nick Cannon Show.” She was also a panelist on Nickelodeon's panel show "Figure It Out".

After acting on “All That,” Knowings took a step back from Hollywood but released a folk music single in 2020 titled “To the World.”

Variety
The Hollywood Reporter
TV Insider
Deadline
TV Line
The Wrap
Entertainment Weekly

posted 8/13/2026

New Season, New Eye
ITV Confirms the Return of Big Brother UK
From Deadline

ITV has confirmed the return of Big Brother UK this fall, unveiling a new redesigned logo for the new season.

The British broadcaster has done away with the graphic, colorful eye logo and replaced it with a more realistic eye as the new image for the reality TV competition.

Set to premiere this fall on ITV2 and stream on ITVX, Big Brother UK is said to be the “channel’s biggest series yet” and will run for 8 weeks. AJ Odudu and Will Best are back at the helm as a new group of strangers moves into the nation’s most famous residence.

Reimagined as a house of surprises, this year’s Big Brother house will keep Housemates on their toes with unexpected twists and game-changing moments around every corner.

Across the extended run, viewers can expect ambitious tasks, high-stakes nominations and dramatic live evictions as the housemates face challenges at every turn in their bid to outlast their rivals. Who will be crowned this year’s winner and take home a life-changing cash prize? Who wins? You decide.

The Big Brother brand has received over 157 million streams on ITVX. Big Brother is produced by Initial (part of Banijay UK) for ITV2 and ITVX.

ITV didn’t air Celebrity Big Brother this year, and Big Brother UK last aired November 14, when Richard Storry was crowned the winner of the season.

Deadline

posted 8/13/2026

Thursday Lightning Round
... or "Spreading the Love?"

  • Juliana Pasquarosa engaged (Reality TV World)

  • Becca Devens breaks silence on trolls, controversy, and her husband in the Big Brother house (Reality Tea)

  • YOU CAN'T SCRIPT THIS! In 2006, a man won The Price Is Right Showcase. He also won the heart of his current signficant other (The Mary Sue)

  • Fremantle revenue slides, but earnings shoot to $69m (Deadline)

posted 8/13/2026

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