Friends was and is a blessing to so many people around the world. And so was Matthew Perry.
The alchemy of brilliant writing, a stellar cast, voice-of-a-generation twentysomethings, and hilarity and emotionality in abundance, made it a wonderful series in 1994 — and unbeknown to all of us, were the ingredients to continue to impact generations almost 30 years after that. As the head of comedy development at Warner Bros. Television at that time, it’s definitely a shining star in my career.
Casting the six Friends, along with creators Marta Kauffman, David Crane and Kevin Bright, was challenging. They all had to be “stars.” The chemistry had to be believable. You just had to love them. And no one was more elusive than Chandler.
We had happily cast David Schwimmer (Ross), Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe), Courteney Cox (Monica) and Matt LeBlanc (Joey), and we had two roles to go just days before we started production on the pilot.
The alchemy of brilliant writing, a stellar cast, voice-of-a-generation twentysomethings, and hilarity and emotionality in abundance, made it a wonderful series in 1994 — and unbeknown to all of us, were the ingredients to continue to impact generations almost 30 years after that. As the head of comedy development at Warner Bros. Television at that time, it’s definitely a shining star in my career.
Casting the six Friends, along with creators Marta Kauffman, David Crane and Kevin Bright, was challenging. They all had to be “stars.” The chemistry had to be believable. You just had to love them. And no one was more elusive than Chandler.
We had happily cast David Schwimmer (Ross), Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe), Courteney Cox (Monica) and Matt LeBlanc (Joey), and we had two roles to go just days before we started production on the pilot.
- 10/31/2023
- by David Janollari
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Back in December of 2020, it was announced that HBO was in the early development stages on a reboot of True Blood, a show that previously ran on HBO for seven seasons, from 2008 to 2014. In December of 2021, we heard that HBO was also in the early stages of development on a follow-up to the series Six Feet Under, which ran for five seasons, from 2001 to 2005. But now HBO and HBO Max content CEO Casey Bloys has confirmed to Variety that neither of those revivals are moving forward.
Here’s what Variety reported (after sharing a quote where Bloys indicated that there’s nothing currently going on with the Watchmen property): Also not in the cards are the rumored “Six Feet Under” revival, which Bloys said was never really in the works. A return to “True Blood” was considered, with HBO developing a few scripts, “but nothing that felt like it got there.
Here’s what Variety reported (after sharing a quote where Bloys indicated that there’s nothing currently going on with the Watchmen property): Also not in the cards are the rumored “Six Feet Under” revival, which Bloys said was never really in the works. A return to “True Blood” was considered, with HBO developing a few scripts, “but nothing that felt like it got there.
- 2/22/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Production is moving forward for Jensen and Danneel Ackles. With their latest endeavor, “The Winchesters” slated to premiere on The CW on Oct. 11, the couple recently renewed their first-look deal with Warner Bros. Television for two more years and teases there’s a few more stories they’re looking to share in the future through their production company, Chaos Machine.
“We are excited to continue our relationship with Warner Bros. as it’s been our home for a long time. It feels only natural that The Winchesters would stay within the Warner Bros. family and continue on the Supernatural legacy,” said the couple in a joint statement.
The “Supernatural” prequel series, is a continuation of the Ackles’ relationship with the CW –– and despite recent changes in leadership as Mark Pedowitz stepped down as CEO and the network’s recent sale to Nexstar, Jensen says he and his wife/business partner...
“We are excited to continue our relationship with Warner Bros. as it’s been our home for a long time. It feels only natural that The Winchesters would stay within the Warner Bros. family and continue on the Supernatural legacy,” said the couple in a joint statement.
The “Supernatural” prequel series, is a continuation of the Ackles’ relationship with the CW –– and despite recent changes in leadership as Mark Pedowitz stepped down as CEO and the network’s recent sale to Nexstar, Jensen says he and his wife/business partner...
- 10/10/2022
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Robert Greenblatt is getting serious for his next TV foray.
The former Showtime, NBC and HBO Max topper has set up limited series Death at Penn State at Hulu via his first-look deal with Lionsgate Television.
The liited series, which is currently in development at the Disney-backed streamer, is based on Caitlin Flanagan’s November 2017 feature Death at a Penn State Fraternity. The project, like Flanagan’s story, explores fraternity life and specifically tells the story of Tim Piazza who fought for his life for 12 hours before his Beta Theta Pi brothers called 911. By then it was too late. Joe Hortua (Better Things, Home Before Dark) is writing the script and will exec produce alongside author Flanagan and Greenblatt. The latter’s The Green Room partner Jon Wu will serve as a co-ep. Kevin Bray will also exec produce and direct, with The Atlantic...
Robert Greenblatt is getting serious for his next TV foray.
The former Showtime, NBC and HBO Max topper has set up limited series Death at Penn State at Hulu via his first-look deal with Lionsgate Television.
The liited series, which is currently in development at the Disney-backed streamer, is based on Caitlin Flanagan’s November 2017 feature Death at a Penn State Fraternity. The project, like Flanagan’s story, explores fraternity life and specifically tells the story of Tim Piazza who fought for his life for 12 hours before his Beta Theta Pi brothers called 911. By then it was too late. Joe Hortua (Better Things, Home Before Dark) is writing the script and will exec produce alongside author Flanagan and Greenblatt. The latter’s The Green Room partner Jon Wu will serve as a co-ep. Kevin Bray will also exec produce and direct, with The Atlantic...
- 10/10/2022
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Bob Greenblatt’s rollercoaster ride as an executive over the past four years is a perfect illustration of the speed and magnitude of industry disruption.
The longtime executive left his post as NBC Entertainment chairman in September 2018 after seven solid years. He joined up with AT&T’s WarnerMedia as head of HBO and Direct-to-Consumer in March 2019, but 17 months later got pushed out of that role in a massive shakeup. In January, he celebrated the launch of “The Gilded Age,” the costume drama series that he produced for HBO, which has a new owner in Warner Bros. Discovery since Greenblatt last worked there in 2020.
Greenblatt has not been idle since he was given “the gift of free time” from WarnerMedia in the second half of 2020, as he quips in an interview with Variety. He seized the moment to reflect in a significant way on his more than 30 years in the entertainment industry.
The longtime executive left his post as NBC Entertainment chairman in September 2018 after seven solid years. He joined up with AT&T’s WarnerMedia as head of HBO and Direct-to-Consumer in March 2019, but 17 months later got pushed out of that role in a massive shakeup. In January, he celebrated the launch of “The Gilded Age,” the costume drama series that he produced for HBO, which has a new owner in Warner Bros. Discovery since Greenblatt last worked there in 2020.
Greenblatt has not been idle since he was given “the gift of free time” from WarnerMedia in the second half of 2020, as he quips in an interview with Variety. He seized the moment to reflect in a significant way on his more than 30 years in the entertainment industry.
- 8/14/2022
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Ben Rappaport (Younger) and Alexandra Chando (The Lying Game) have been cast as the leads of NBC’s untitled drama pilot based on the award-winning Dutch series Adam & Eva. The pilot is written by The Village creator Mike Daniels and will be directed by Stephanie Laing.
The project, described as a funny and heartfelt drama, chronicles the epic love and lives of two complete strangers, Adam (Rappaport) and Eva (Chando), whose multiple run-ins begin to defy coincidence, leading both to believe in fate. The show breaks the mold by pairing a serialized, stand-up-and-cheer romantic comedy with the wildly diverse and often unexpected human stories of anyone who finds themselves six degrees from Adam and Eva.
2022 NBC Pilots & Series Orders
Rappaport’s Adam is a former high school teacher and romantic trying to find his footing in Brooklyn after a devastating breakup. Chando’s Eva is an aspiring artist and...
The project, described as a funny and heartfelt drama, chronicles the epic love and lives of two complete strangers, Adam (Rappaport) and Eva (Chando), whose multiple run-ins begin to defy coincidence, leading both to believe in fate. The show breaks the mold by pairing a serialized, stand-up-and-cheer romantic comedy with the wildly diverse and often unexpected human stories of anyone who finds themselves six degrees from Adam and Eva.
2022 NBC Pilots & Series Orders
Rappaport’s Adam is a former high school teacher and romantic trying to find his footing in Brooklyn after a devastating breakup. Chando’s Eva is an aspiring artist and...
- 4/14/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Stephanie Laing (Veep) has been tapped to direct and executive produce the NBC drama pilot, Untitled Mike Daniels Project, an adaptation of the Dutch series Adam & Eva. The project comes from The Village creator Mike Daniels and producers David Janollari and Rob Golenberg & Alon Aranya.
The series chronicles the epic love and lives of two complete strangers whose multiple run-ins begin to defy coincidence and lead both to believe in fate. The show breaks the mold by pairing a serialized, stand-up-and-cheer romantic comedy with the wildly diverse and often unexpected human stories of anyone who finds themselves six degrees from Adam and Eva.
The Dutch series ran between 2011 and 2016 and was widely considered one of the countries most critically acclaimed television dramas in years. A version of the adaptation had also previously been developed at Fox in 2017.
The adaptation is produced by Universal Television in association with 6107 Productions,...
The series chronicles the epic love and lives of two complete strangers whose multiple run-ins begin to defy coincidence and lead both to believe in fate. The show breaks the mold by pairing a serialized, stand-up-and-cheer romantic comedy with the wildly diverse and often unexpected human stories of anyone who finds themselves six degrees from Adam and Eva.
The Dutch series ran between 2011 and 2016 and was widely considered one of the countries most critically acclaimed television dramas in years. A version of the adaptation had also previously been developed at Fox in 2017.
The adaptation is produced by Universal Television in association with 6107 Productions,...
- 4/14/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
After two-and-a-half years in development, NBC has finally given a pilot order for its adaptation of the Dutch drama series A’dam & E.V.A. Mike Daniels (The Village) is behind the project, alongside producers David Janollari and Rob Golenberg & Alon Aranya. The currently untitled show chronicles the epic love and lives of two complete strangers whose multiple run-ins begin to defy coincidence and lead both to believe in fate. The series pairs serialized, stand-up-and-cheer romantic comedy with wildly diverse and often unexpected human stories of those who find themselves six degrees from Adam and Eva. Daniels serves as writer and executive producer, with Robert Alberdingk Thijm and Norbert ter Hall, who directed and wrote the original Dutch series, also on board as exec producers. Universal Television will produce in association with 6107 Productions, Inc., David Janollari Entertainment, Silver Lining Entertainment and Willy Waltz International. NBC first took on the project...
- 1/28/2022
- TV Insider
NBC has ordered an untitled drama pilot from “The Village” creator Mike Daniels, based on the award-winning Dutch series “A’dam – E.V.A.”
According to the show’s logline, it “chronicles the epic love and lives of two complete strangers whose multiple run-ins begin to defy coincidence and lead both to believe in fate. This show breaks the mold by pairing a serialized, stand-up-and-cheer romantic comedy with the wildly diverse and often unexpected human stories of anyone who finds themselves six degrees from Adam and Eva.” The Dutch series ran from 2011 to 2016 and was critically acclaimed, winning several awards for best TV series, direction and script. Teun Luijkx and Eva van de Wijdeven starred as the titular characters.
The project, which has been in development at NBC since 2019, will be produced by Universal Television in association with 6107 Productions, Inc., David Janollari Entertainment, Silver Lining Entertainment and Willy Waltz International.
According to the show’s logline, it “chronicles the epic love and lives of two complete strangers whose multiple run-ins begin to defy coincidence and lead both to believe in fate. This show breaks the mold by pairing a serialized, stand-up-and-cheer romantic comedy with the wildly diverse and often unexpected human stories of anyone who finds themselves six degrees from Adam and Eva.” The Dutch series ran from 2011 to 2016 and was critically acclaimed, winning several awards for best TV series, direction and script. Teun Luijkx and Eva van de Wijdeven starred as the titular characters.
The project, which has been in development at NBC since 2019, will be produced by Universal Television in association with 6107 Productions, Inc., David Janollari Entertainment, Silver Lining Entertainment and Willy Waltz International.
- 1/28/2022
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
NBC is moving forward with its adaptation of Dutch drama series A’dam & Eva – two and a half years after putting the project in development.
The network has handed the project, which comes from The Village creator Mike Daniels and producers David Janollari and Rob Golenberg & Alon Aranya.
The adaptation – currently known as Untitled Mike Daniels Pilot – is produced by Universal Television in association with 6107 Productions, David Janollari Entertainment, Silver Lining Entertainment, Paper Plane Productions and Willy Waltz International.
The series chronicles the epic love and lives of two complete strangers whose multiple run-ins begin to defy coincidence and lead both to believe in fate. Unusually, it pairs a serialized, stand-up-and-cheer romantic comedy with the wildly diverse and often unexpected human stories of anyone who finds themselves six degrees from Adam and Eva.
The Dutch series ran between 2011 and 2016 and was widely considered one of the countries most critically acclaimed television dramas in years.
The network has handed the project, which comes from The Village creator Mike Daniels and producers David Janollari and Rob Golenberg & Alon Aranya.
The adaptation – currently known as Untitled Mike Daniels Pilot – is produced by Universal Television in association with 6107 Productions, David Janollari Entertainment, Silver Lining Entertainment, Paper Plane Productions and Willy Waltz International.
The series chronicles the epic love and lives of two complete strangers whose multiple run-ins begin to defy coincidence and lead both to believe in fate. Unusually, it pairs a serialized, stand-up-and-cheer romantic comedy with the wildly diverse and often unexpected human stories of anyone who finds themselves six degrees from Adam and Eva.
The Dutch series ran between 2011 and 2016 and was widely considered one of the countries most critically acclaimed television dramas in years.
- 1/28/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
NBC has given a pilot order to an adaptation of the award-winning Dutch drama A’dam – E.V.A.
Based on the three-season Dutch series starring Teun Luijkx and Eva van de Wijdeven — besides the obvious Garden of Eden allusion, A’dam – E.V.A. means “Amsterdam and many others” — the yet-to-be-titled U.S. adaptation will chronicle “the epic love and lives of two complete strangers whose multiple run-ins begin to defy coincidence and lead both to believe in fate.”
More from TVLineSNL Video: Willem Dafoe Gets Nasty as Beauty and the Beast's MauriceSNL: John Mulaney to Host on Feb.
Based on the three-season Dutch series starring Teun Luijkx and Eva van de Wijdeven — besides the obvious Garden of Eden allusion, A’dam – E.V.A. means “Amsterdam and many others” — the yet-to-be-titled U.S. adaptation will chronicle “the epic love and lives of two complete strangers whose multiple run-ins begin to defy coincidence and lead both to believe in fate.”
More from TVLineSNL Video: Willem Dafoe Gets Nasty as Beauty and the Beast's MauriceSNL: John Mulaney to Host on Feb.
- 1/28/2022
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
Six Feet Under may return to HBO. A sequel or reboot for the family drama series is now in early development. The original show aired for five seasons and 63 episodes between 2001 and 2005. Creator Alan Ball and executive producers Bob Greenblatt and David Janollari are all involved in the new project, per Variety. The original series follows the Fisher family as they live their lives while running a funeral home in Los Angeles.
Read More…...
Read More…...
- 12/12/2021
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
A follow-up series to Alan Ball’s Six Feet Under is being explored by HBO, Deadline has learned.
The project is in its very early stages; I hear the premium network has commissioned a script, with no firm concept and no writer attached yet. Series creator/executive producer Ball and executive producers Bob Greenblatt and David Janollari are on board to executive produce the project, which was first reported by Deadline’s sister pub Variety.
Created and produced by Ball, Six Feet Under aired for five seasons on HBO from 2001-2005. It centered around the lives of the Fisher family, who run a funeral home in Los Angeles, along with their friends and lovers.
Peter Krause, Michael C. Hall, Frances Conroy, Lauren Ambrose, Freddy Rodriguez, Mathew St. Patrick, and Rachel Griffiths starred in the ensemble drama. It was produced by Actual Size Films and The Greenblatt/Janollari Studio.
Deadline asked...
The project is in its very early stages; I hear the premium network has commissioned a script, with no firm concept and no writer attached yet. Series creator/executive producer Ball and executive producers Bob Greenblatt and David Janollari are on board to executive produce the project, which was first reported by Deadline’s sister pub Variety.
Created and produced by Ball, Six Feet Under aired for five seasons on HBO from 2001-2005. It centered around the lives of the Fisher family, who run a funeral home in Los Angeles, along with their friends and lovers.
Peter Krause, Michael C. Hall, Frances Conroy, Lauren Ambrose, Freddy Rodriguez, Mathew St. Patrick, and Rachel Griffiths starred in the ensemble drama. It was produced by Actual Size Films and The Greenblatt/Janollari Studio.
Deadline asked...
- 12/10/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
A follow-up to “Six Feet Under” is in very early development at HBO, Variety has learned exclusively from sources.
At this time, no writer is attached to the project. Likewise, no plotline has been decided, meaning it could be a reboot or more of a sequel series following up on existing characters from the show in the present day, but no decision has been made. Original series creator Alan Ball and executive producers Bob Greenblatt and David Janollari are all attached to executive produce the new project.
Reps for HBO declined to comment. Reps for Ball did not immediately respond to Variety’s request for comment.
“Six Feet Under” aired on from 2001-2005 for five seasons and 63 episodes. The show followed the lives of the Fisher family and their associates in the running of a funeral home in Los Angeles.
The cast included Peter Krause, Michael C. Hall, Frances Conroy,...
At this time, no writer is attached to the project. Likewise, no plotline has been decided, meaning it could be a reboot or more of a sequel series following up on existing characters from the show in the present day, but no decision has been made. Original series creator Alan Ball and executive producers Bob Greenblatt and David Janollari are all attached to executive produce the new project.
Reps for HBO declined to comment. Reps for Ball did not immediately respond to Variety’s request for comment.
“Six Feet Under” aired on from 2001-2005 for five seasons and 63 episodes. The show followed the lives of the Fisher family and their associates in the running of a funeral home in Los Angeles.
The cast included Peter Krause, Michael C. Hall, Frances Conroy,...
- 12/10/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
The cast and crew of Six Feet Under reunited for the first time in 15 years this week at PaleyFest LA, sharing recollections of their time on the show and their thoughts on its legacy.
The creatives who joined in the panel included creator and executive producer Alan Ball and EPs Robert Greenblatt, David Janollari and Alan Poul, along with cast members Peter Krause, Rachel Griffiths, Michael C. Hall, Lauren Ambrose, Freddy Rodríguez and Frances Conroy.
Early in the conversation, Ball and Janollari reflected on their experience pitching Six Feet Under to HBO. “I think it was the day after Alan racked up a million nominations for American Beauty, and they sat there and loved what Alan had to say. The next day, [they] called and ordered the pilot,” Janollar said. “We essentially shot 98% of exactly what Alan wrote, and I think they had one big note, which was, ‘Just make it more f*cked up.
The creatives who joined in the panel included creator and executive producer Alan Ball and EPs Robert Greenblatt, David Janollari and Alan Poul, along with cast members Peter Krause, Rachel Griffiths, Michael C. Hall, Lauren Ambrose, Freddy Rodríguez and Frances Conroy.
Early in the conversation, Ball and Janollari reflected on their experience pitching Six Feet Under to HBO. “I think it was the day after Alan racked up a million nominations for American Beauty, and they sat there and loved what Alan had to say. The next day, [they] called and ordered the pilot,” Janollar said. “We essentially shot 98% of exactly what Alan wrote, and I think they had one big note, which was, ‘Just make it more f*cked up.
- 3/31/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The Paley Center for Media announced its full lineup of programming for the virtual PaleyFest LA 2021.
Freshman entries such as Big Sky, Lovecraft Country, and Ted Lasso will be joined by the likes of The Good Doctor, What We Do in the Shadows, and so much more.
What's more, a 20th-anniversary panel for Six Feet Under will also be a part of the milestone event.
“For thirty-eight years, PaleyFest LA has been uniting fans with the casts and creative teams behind the most acclaimed and buzzworthy television shows, delighting audiences with exclusive behind-the-scenes and breaking news stories,” said Maureen J. Reidy, the Paley Center’s President & CEO.
“We are proud to have Citi and Verizon as the official sponsors, and are thankful for their continued support and commitment to highlighting diverse and original voices on television.”
All programs will be available starting Friday, March 26, to view by Citi cardmembers and Paley members.
Freshman entries such as Big Sky, Lovecraft Country, and Ted Lasso will be joined by the likes of The Good Doctor, What We Do in the Shadows, and so much more.
What's more, a 20th-anniversary panel for Six Feet Under will also be a part of the milestone event.
“For thirty-eight years, PaleyFest LA has been uniting fans with the casts and creative teams behind the most acclaimed and buzzworthy television shows, delighting audiences with exclusive behind-the-scenes and breaking news stories,” said Maureen J. Reidy, the Paley Center’s President & CEO.
“We are proud to have Citi and Verizon as the official sponsors, and are thankful for their continued support and commitment to highlighting diverse and original voices on television.”
All programs will be available starting Friday, March 26, to view by Citi cardmembers and Paley members.
- 2/23/2021
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
The Paley Center for Media on Tuesday announced the full lineup of programming for the all-virtual PaleyFest LA 2021.
This year’s selections include freshman entries such as ABC’s Big Sky, HBO’s Lovecraft Country, Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit, Apple TV+’s Ted Lasso and CBS’s Evil as well as more venerable titles such as ABC’s The Good Doctor, FX’s What We Do in the Shadows and CBS’s The Late Late Show with James Corden. There will also be a 20th Anniversary Conversation with members of the cast and creative team from HBO’s Six Feet Under.
“For thirty-eight years, PaleyFest LA has been uniting fans with the casts and creative teams behind the most acclaimed and buzzworthy television shows, delighting audiences with exclusive behind-the-scenes and breaking news stories,” said Maureen J. Reidy, the Paley Center’s President & CEO. “We are proud to have Citi...
This year’s selections include freshman entries such as ABC’s Big Sky, HBO’s Lovecraft Country, Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit, Apple TV+’s Ted Lasso and CBS’s Evil as well as more venerable titles such as ABC’s The Good Doctor, FX’s What We Do in the Shadows and CBS’s The Late Late Show with James Corden. There will also be a 20th Anniversary Conversation with members of the cast and creative team from HBO’s Six Feet Under.
“For thirty-eight years, PaleyFest LA has been uniting fans with the casts and creative teams behind the most acclaimed and buzzworthy television shows, delighting audiences with exclusive behind-the-scenes and breaking news stories,” said Maureen J. Reidy, the Paley Center’s President & CEO. “We are proud to have Citi...
- 2/23/2021
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
The Paley Center for Media has filled out its 2021 PaleyFest LA slate with CBS’ “Evil,” ABC’s “The Good Doctor,” HBO’s “Lovecraft Country,” Netflix’s “The Queen’s Gambit,” Apple TV Plus’ “Ted Lasso” and FX’s “What We Do in the Shadows.”
These six shows join the previously announced three as screenings and panels for the virtual festival, streaming panels March 26 though April 1.
“For 38 years, PaleyFest LA has been uniting fans with the casts and creative teams behind the most acclaimed and buzz-worthy television shows, delighting audiences with exclusive behind-the-scenes and breaking news stories,” said Maureen J. Reidy, the Paley Center’s president and CEO. “We are proud to have Citi and Verizon as the official sponsors, and are thankful for their continued support and commitment to highlighting diverse and original voices on television.”
All programs will be made available to Paley Center members, as well as Citi cardmembers first,...
These six shows join the previously announced three as screenings and panels for the virtual festival, streaming panels March 26 though April 1.
“For 38 years, PaleyFest LA has been uniting fans with the casts and creative teams behind the most acclaimed and buzz-worthy television shows, delighting audiences with exclusive behind-the-scenes and breaking news stories,” said Maureen J. Reidy, the Paley Center’s president and CEO. “We are proud to have Citi and Verizon as the official sponsors, and are thankful for their continued support and commitment to highlighting diverse and original voices on television.”
All programs will be made available to Paley Center members, as well as Citi cardmembers first,...
- 2/23/2021
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
Freshman series Indebted, which marked The Nanny star Fran Drescher’s return to network comedy, has been cancelled at NBC.
It joins Bluff City Law and Sunnyside, which have also both now been officially axed.
Indebted, which comes from writer Dan Levy, Sony Pictures Television and Doug Robinson Productions, launched in February and ran for 12 episodes.
Starring Drescher, Adam Pally, Abby Elliott, Steven Weber and Jessy Hodges, the series was centered around young parents Dave and Rebecca, who were ready to reclaim their lives after years of diapers and sleepless nights, but things take an unexpected turn when Dave’s parents show up unannounced and broke.
2019-20 TV Renewals And Cancellations
It is the latest cancellation at NBC, which earlier this month axed Perfect Harmony and Lincoln Rhyme: Hunt for the Bone Collector. Confirmations for Sunnyside and Bluff City Law were also expected.
Bluff City Law, which starred Jimmy Smits as a civil rights lawyer,...
It joins Bluff City Law and Sunnyside, which have also both now been officially axed.
Indebted, which comes from writer Dan Levy, Sony Pictures Television and Doug Robinson Productions, launched in February and ran for 12 episodes.
Starring Drescher, Adam Pally, Abby Elliott, Steven Weber and Jessy Hodges, the series was centered around young parents Dave and Rebecca, who were ready to reclaim their lives after years of diapers and sleepless nights, but things take an unexpected turn when Dave’s parents show up unannounced and broke.
2019-20 TV Renewals And Cancellations
It is the latest cancellation at NBC, which earlier this month axed Perfect Harmony and Lincoln Rhyme: Hunt for the Bone Collector. Confirmations for Sunnyside and Bluff City Law were also expected.
Bluff City Law, which starred Jimmy Smits as a civil rights lawyer,...
- 6/16/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Jeff Davis is developing a one-hour animated drama project at Fox, Variety has learned exclusively.
The show is the first Davis has set up under his broadcast-only overall deal at the broadcaster, which was announced last August.
The exact details of the potential series are being kept under wraps, but Davis will serve as writer and executive producer. Fox Entertainment will produce with Bento Box Entertainment. Fox also announced in August that it had acquired Bento Box, the animation house behind the hit Fox series “Bob’s Burgers.”
Davis created CBS’ hit series, “Criminal Minds,” which is set to wrap up a 15-season run during the 2019-2020 season. He also developed and served as showrunner on the hit MTV series “Teen Wolf,” which ran for 100 episodes. Michael Thorn, president of entertainment for Fox Entertainment, served as an executive producer on that series. Davis and producer David Janollari are currently working on...
The show is the first Davis has set up under his broadcast-only overall deal at the broadcaster, which was announced last August.
The exact details of the potential series are being kept under wraps, but Davis will serve as writer and executive producer. Fox Entertainment will produce with Bento Box Entertainment. Fox also announced in August that it had acquired Bento Box, the animation house behind the hit Fox series “Bob’s Burgers.”
Davis created CBS’ hit series, “Criminal Minds,” which is set to wrap up a 15-season run during the 2019-2020 season. He also developed and served as showrunner on the hit MTV series “Teen Wolf,” which ran for 100 episodes. Michael Thorn, president of entertainment for Fox Entertainment, served as an executive producer on that series. Davis and producer David Janollari are currently working on...
- 4/2/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: NBC is developing Adam & Eva, a modern-day Adam and Eve drama based on the praised Dutch series, from The Village creator Mike Daniels, producers Rob Golenberg, Alon Aranya and David Janollari and Universal TV, where Daniels and Janollari are under deals.
Golenberg and Aranya originally set up an Adam & Eva Us adaptation at Fox two years ago through their former production company Scripted Words with a different writing and producing partners.
Written by Daniels, the new Adam & Eva is described as a funny and heartfelt drama that chronicles the epic love and lives of two complete strangers whose multiple run-ins begin to defy coincidence and lead both to believe in fate.
Daniels executive produces with Golenberg and Aranya. David Janollari Entertainment produces for Universal TV.
The original Dutch series A’dam – E.V.A.(which also stands for “Amsterdam and many others”), from writer Robert Alberdingk Thijm and director Norbert ter Hall,...
Golenberg and Aranya originally set up an Adam & Eva Us adaptation at Fox two years ago through their former production company Scripted Words with a different writing and producing partners.
Written by Daniels, the new Adam & Eva is described as a funny and heartfelt drama that chronicles the epic love and lives of two complete strangers whose multiple run-ins begin to defy coincidence and lead both to believe in fate.
Daniels executive produces with Golenberg and Aranya. David Janollari Entertainment produces for Universal TV.
The original Dutch series A’dam – E.V.A.(which also stands for “Amsterdam and many others”), from writer Robert Alberdingk Thijm and director Norbert ter Hall,...
- 10/30/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
NBC has opted not to order additional episodes from new series Bluff City Law. The legal family drama starring Jimmy Smits will complete its initial 10-episode order, remaining in its high-profile Monday 10 Pm time slot. While the network has made no decision beyond that, a Season 2 renewal appears highly unlikely.
The news comes after four softly rated airings of Bluff City Law, which had struggled to hold onto its Voice lead-in in the Monday 10 Pm slot, slipping to a Live+Same Day low of 3.4 million viewers and a 0.5 adults 18-49 rating this week. Without big delayed viewing bumps, Bluff City Law faced long odds for survival.
It is a change of fortune for the legal drama, which got an early vote of confidence from NBC in August when the network ordered six additional scripts.
This marks the second decision on a new fall series for NBC, which earlier this week...
The news comes after four softly rated airings of Bluff City Law, which had struggled to hold onto its Voice lead-in in the Monday 10 Pm slot, slipping to a Live+Same Day low of 3.4 million viewers and a 0.5 adults 18-49 rating this week. Without big delayed viewing bumps, Bluff City Law faced long odds for survival.
It is a change of fortune for the legal drama, which got an early vote of confidence from NBC in August when the network ordered six additional scripts.
This marks the second decision on a new fall series for NBC, which earlier this week...
- 10/18/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
“Bluff City Law” will wrap up its first season after the NBC drama airs its initial 10 episodes.
While not an official cancellation, the move clearly does not bode well for the freshman series getting a second season. The show has aired four episodes to date, with the fifth set to air this coming Monday. In the Live+3 ratings through Oct. 13, the series is averaging just a 0.9 rating in adults 18-49 and 6.3 million viewers. That data does not include the most recent episode, which aired on Oct. 14.
“Bluff City Law” focuses on lawyer Sydney Strait (Caitlin McGee), who used to work at her father Elijah’s (Jimmy Smits) celebrated Memphis law firm until their tumultuous relationship got in the way. After barely speaking to him for years, Sydney is suddenly thrust back into the family fold when her philanthropist mother passes away unexpectedly. In the wake of her loss, hoping to...
While not an official cancellation, the move clearly does not bode well for the freshman series getting a second season. The show has aired four episodes to date, with the fifth set to air this coming Monday. In the Live+3 ratings through Oct. 13, the series is averaging just a 0.9 rating in adults 18-49 and 6.3 million viewers. That data does not include the most recent episode, which aired on Oct. 14.
“Bluff City Law” focuses on lawyer Sydney Strait (Caitlin McGee), who used to work at her father Elijah’s (Jimmy Smits) celebrated Memphis law firm until their tumultuous relationship got in the way. After barely speaking to him for years, Sydney is suddenly thrust back into the family fold when her philanthropist mother passes away unexpectedly. In the wake of her loss, hoping to...
- 10/18/2019
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
As a legal procedural emanating from outside the imaginings of Dick Wolf, “Bluff City Law” at least represents something novel for NBC. But its understanding of the workings of the legal profession is frustratingly limited in a familiar way — not merely because it falls so nearly into timeworn cliché but also because it seems to trust its audience so little. In its first two episodes, what works tepidly well here is a family dynamic that at least feels unusual; what does not are heard-them-all-before clichés about the power and responsibilities of attorneys. In its relentless speechifying and overly ingratiating need to constantly show off and burnish its moral compass, “Bluff City Law” resembles no current show more than “This Is Us” — and is proof that what has made that show a hit cannot easily be replicated in the courtroom.
Here, Caitlin McGee plays a young lawyer recruited by her father...
Here, Caitlin McGee plays a young lawyer recruited by her father...
- 9/23/2019
- by Daniel D'Addario
- Variety Film + TV
NBC’s new legal drama Bluff City Law marks Jimmy Smits’ return to the world of legal drama, having starred on L.A. Law, Outlaw and White House drama The West Wing. That said, you would think this would be old hat to the Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning actor, but at TCA, he told us otherwise.
“There was lots of brushing up [to do],” Smits said about getting back into the TV legal game. “You try to take the best from the experience you had.” He added that his Elijah Strait character on Bluff City Law is a lot different from L.A. Law‘s Victor Sifuentes and that he “doesn’t have a lot of balance.”
Co-created by Dean Georgaris and Michael Aguilar and written by Georgaris, Bluff City Law is a character-driven drama that follows the lawyers of an elite Memphis firm that specializes in the most controversial landmark civil rights cases.
“There was lots of brushing up [to do],” Smits said about getting back into the TV legal game. “You try to take the best from the experience you had.” He added that his Elijah Strait character on Bluff City Law is a lot different from L.A. Law‘s Victor Sifuentes and that he “doesn’t have a lot of balance.”
Co-created by Dean Georgaris and Michael Aguilar and written by Georgaris, Bluff City Law is a character-driven drama that follows the lawyers of an elite Memphis firm that specializes in the most controversial landmark civil rights cases.
- 8/8/2019
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
“Bluff City Law” is going to have more episodes in its freshman season than first expected.
NBC had originally ordered the legal drama for a 13-episode debut season, but has now asked for six more scripts from Dean Georgaris and the other writers on the show.
At the show’s Television Critics Association summer press tour panel, Georgaris and the series’ other producers were asked about how they are going to make the legal drama stand out and speak to today’s political climate. Georgaris replied that “Bluff City Law” will explore some of the biggest issues being discussed in the U.S. today and will include questions that are “fundamental to the human experience.”
“I don’t want to say we’ll rip from the headlines…but issues like free speech, privacy are things that we’re talking about right now,” Georgaris said. “Every week we’ll be taking those on,...
NBC had originally ordered the legal drama for a 13-episode debut season, but has now asked for six more scripts from Dean Georgaris and the other writers on the show.
At the show’s Television Critics Association summer press tour panel, Georgaris and the series’ other producers were asked about how they are going to make the legal drama stand out and speak to today’s political climate. Georgaris replied that “Bluff City Law” will explore some of the biggest issues being discussed in the U.S. today and will include questions that are “fundamental to the human experience.”
“I don’t want to say we’ll rip from the headlines…but issues like free speech, privacy are things that we’re talking about right now,” Georgaris said. “Every week we’ll be taking those on,...
- 8/8/2019
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
NBC has commissioned six additional scripts from new legal drama Bluff City Law starring Jimmy Smits.
It is a very early vote of confidence for the series, which is now filming its second episode, based on the strength of the completed 5-6 scripts. Usually backup scripts are ordered around the premiere or after a few airings.
Bluff City Law, from The Brave creator Dean Georgaris and producer David Janollari, has an initial order for 10 episodes, three less than the standard 13-episode broadcast pickups, as networks continue to tinker with order sizes to accommodate their scheduling needs.
Co-created by Georgaris and Michael Aguilar and written by Georgaris, Bluff City Law, whose additional script order was first reported by THR, is a character-driven drama that follows the lawyers of an elite Memphis firm that specializes in the most controversial landmark civil rights cases. Led by legendary lawyer Elijah Strait (Smits) and his brilliant daughter,...
It is a very early vote of confidence for the series, which is now filming its second episode, based on the strength of the completed 5-6 scripts. Usually backup scripts are ordered around the premiere or after a few airings.
Bluff City Law, from The Brave creator Dean Georgaris and producer David Janollari, has an initial order for 10 episodes, three less than the standard 13-episode broadcast pickups, as networks continue to tinker with order sizes to accommodate their scheduling needs.
Co-created by Georgaris and Michael Aguilar and written by Georgaris, Bluff City Law, whose additional script order was first reported by THR, is a character-driven drama that follows the lawyers of an elite Memphis firm that specializes in the most controversial landmark civil rights cases. Led by legendary lawyer Elijah Strait (Smits) and his brilliant daughter,...
- 8/8/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
NBC has ordered additional scripts for upcoming series “Bluff City Law” ahead of its September 23 premiere.
The Jimmy Smits-led legal drama was ordered for 13 episodes, but the network has asked for six more scripts as of Thursday.
Smits is set to play Elijah Strait, the legendary defense lawyer from Tennessee who is well-known to all in the Memphis community. He joins Caitlin McGee on the pilot, who will play his daughter.
Also Read: 'Blood & Treasure' Season Finale Is No TV Ratings Treasure Trove
According to NBC, “Bluff City Law” follows lawyer Sydney Strait (McGee), who after a falling out with her father is suddenly thrust back into the family fold when her philanthropist mother passes away unexpectedly. In the wake of her loss, hoping to reconnect with the daughter he loves, Elijah (Smits) asks Sydney to rejoin his firm. She agrees because despite her lingering resentment and distrust,...
The Jimmy Smits-led legal drama was ordered for 13 episodes, but the network has asked for six more scripts as of Thursday.
Smits is set to play Elijah Strait, the legendary defense lawyer from Tennessee who is well-known to all in the Memphis community. He joins Caitlin McGee on the pilot, who will play his daughter.
Also Read: 'Blood & Treasure' Season Finale Is No TV Ratings Treasure Trove
According to NBC, “Bluff City Law” follows lawyer Sydney Strait (McGee), who after a falling out with her father is suddenly thrust back into the family fold when her philanthropist mother passes away unexpectedly. In the wake of her loss, hoping to reconnect with the daughter he loves, Elijah (Smits) asks Sydney to rejoin his firm. She agrees because despite her lingering resentment and distrust,...
- 8/8/2019
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
NBC is showing early confidence in Bluff City Law, starring Jimmy Smits.
Ahead of its Sept. 23 debut, the series received an order for six scripts beyond its original 10-episode order.
The character-driven drama follows the lawyers of an elite Memphis firm that specializes in the most controversial landmark civil rights cases. Led by legendary lawyer Elijah Strait (Smits) and his brilliant daughter, Sydney Keller (Caitlin McGee, Grey's Anatomy), they take on the toughest David-and-Goliath cases while navigating their complicated relationship.
Dean Georgaris (The Brave) and Michael Aguliar exec produce, with the former having penned the script. David Janollari will ...
Ahead of its Sept. 23 debut, the series received an order for six scripts beyond its original 10-episode order.
The character-driven drama follows the lawyers of an elite Memphis firm that specializes in the most controversial landmark civil rights cases. Led by legendary lawyer Elijah Strait (Smits) and his brilliant daughter, Sydney Keller (Caitlin McGee, Grey's Anatomy), they take on the toughest David-and-Goliath cases while navigating their complicated relationship.
Dean Georgaris (The Brave) and Michael Aguliar exec produce, with the former having penned the script. David Janollari will ...
Jeff Davis has signed an exclusive broadcast-only overall deal with Fox Entertainment. This marks the first such deal for Fox since the broadcaster became a standalone entity following the 21st Century Fox-Disney merger.
“Jeff is a singular talent with a unique voice. His ability to create an incredibly wide range of shows – from character-driven procedurals like ‘Criminal Minds’ to pop culture-piercing coming-of-age stories like ‘Teen Wolf’ – is what makes this deal so significant,” said Michael Thorn, president of entertainment for Fox Entertainment. “As the company’s first direct overall deal, it has even greater significance because it underscores our commitment to being in business with the industry’s best creators – and offering them flexibility and backend, both rare commodities in today’s marketplace.”
Under the terms of the deal, Davis will develop scripted dramas for Fox. Davis created CBS’ hit series, “Criminal Minds,” which is set to wrap...
“Jeff is a singular talent with a unique voice. His ability to create an incredibly wide range of shows – from character-driven procedurals like ‘Criminal Minds’ to pop culture-piercing coming-of-age stories like ‘Teen Wolf’ – is what makes this deal so significant,” said Michael Thorn, president of entertainment for Fox Entertainment. “As the company’s first direct overall deal, it has even greater significance because it underscores our commitment to being in business with the industry’s best creators – and offering them flexibility and backend, both rare commodities in today’s marketplace.”
Under the terms of the deal, Davis will develop scripted dramas for Fox. Davis created CBS’ hit series, “Criminal Minds,” which is set to wrap...
- 8/7/2019
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Jeff Davis has signed a direct, exclusive, broadcast-only overall deal with Fox. Under the agreement, the Criminal Minds and Teen Wolf creator will develop scripted dramas for the Fox network in what marks Fox Entertainment’s first direct, overall term deal.
The pact, announced today during Fox’s presentation at the TCA summer press tour, marks the first talent deal signed by the Fox broadcast network since its split from studio 20th Century Fox TV earlier this year following the completion of the Disney-Fox acquisition.
Signing overall and development/script deals directly with writers and develop projects internally before laying them off at outside studios was a key part of the strategy laid out by Fox brass last summer as it prepared for a future as an independent.
“Jeff is a singular talent with a unique voice. His ability to create an incredibly wide range of shows – from character-driven...
The pact, announced today during Fox’s presentation at the TCA summer press tour, marks the first talent deal signed by the Fox broadcast network since its split from studio 20th Century Fox TV earlier this year following the completion of the Disney-Fox acquisition.
Signing overall and development/script deals directly with writers and develop projects internally before laying them off at outside studios was a key part of the strategy laid out by Fox brass last summer as it prepared for a future as an independent.
“Jeff is a singular talent with a unique voice. His ability to create an incredibly wide range of shows – from character-driven...
- 8/7/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva and Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
“Criminal Minds” and “Teen Wolf” creator Jeff Davis has signed an exclusive, broadcast-only overall deal with Fox Entertainment, the network announced on Wednesday at the Television Critics Association press tour.
Davis will develop scripted dramas for the Fox network. The agreement marks Fox Entertainment’s first direct, overall term deal.
“Jeff is a singular talent with a unique voice. His ability to create an incredibly wide range of shows – from character-driven procedurals like ‘Criminal Minds’ to pop culture-piercing coming-of-age stories like ‘Teen Wolf’ – is what makes this deal so significant,” Michael Thorn, entertainment president of Fox, said. “As the company’s first direct overall deal, it has even greater significance because it underscores our commitment to being in business with the industry’s best creators – and offering them flexibility and backend, both rare commodities in today’s marketplace.”
Also Read: Fox Acquires 'Bob's Burgers' Animation Studio Bento Box Entertainment...
Davis will develop scripted dramas for the Fox network. The agreement marks Fox Entertainment’s first direct, overall term deal.
“Jeff is a singular talent with a unique voice. His ability to create an incredibly wide range of shows – from character-driven procedurals like ‘Criminal Minds’ to pop culture-piercing coming-of-age stories like ‘Teen Wolf’ – is what makes this deal so significant,” Michael Thorn, entertainment president of Fox, said. “As the company’s first direct overall deal, it has even greater significance because it underscores our commitment to being in business with the industry’s best creators – and offering them flexibility and backend, both rare commodities in today’s marketplace.”
Also Read: Fox Acquires 'Bob's Burgers' Animation Studio Bento Box Entertainment...
- 8/7/2019
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Summer technically hasn’t even started yet, but NBC just set its fall premiere dates for new shows — “Bluff City Law,” “Perfect Harmony” and “Sunnyside” — as well as returning ones, like “This Is Us,” “The Voice,” the final season of “The Good Place,” and “The Blacklist.”
Premiere dates for NBC’s new midseason series — dramas “Council of Dads,” “Lincoln” and “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” and comedies “Indebted” and “The Kenan Show” — will be announced at a later date.
TV’s No. 1 show, “Sunday Night Football,” kicks off on Thursday, Sept. 5 at 8:20 p.m. Et/Pt, when the Green Bay Packers head to Chicago to face the Bears.
Also Read: NBCUniversal to Build Production Studio in Albuquerque, Invest $500 Million Over 10 Years
Below is the premiere week schedule (new shows in Caps):
Monday, Sept. 23
8-10 p.m. – The Voice
10 p.m. – Bluff City Law
Tuesday, Sept. 24
8 p.m. – The Voice
9 p.
Premiere dates for NBC’s new midseason series — dramas “Council of Dads,” “Lincoln” and “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” and comedies “Indebted” and “The Kenan Show” — will be announced at a later date.
TV’s No. 1 show, “Sunday Night Football,” kicks off on Thursday, Sept. 5 at 8:20 p.m. Et/Pt, when the Green Bay Packers head to Chicago to face the Bears.
Also Read: NBCUniversal to Build Production Studio in Albuquerque, Invest $500 Million Over 10 Years
Below is the premiere week schedule (new shows in Caps):
Monday, Sept. 23
8-10 p.m. – The Voice
10 p.m. – Bluff City Law
Tuesday, Sept. 24
8 p.m. – The Voice
9 p.
- 6/17/2019
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
NBC is bringing Jimmy Smits back to the small screen on a regular basis.
The Peacock network today unveiled the first official trailer for legal drama, Bluff City Law.
"Follows the lawyers of an elite Memphis law firm that specializes in the most controversial landmark civil rights cases," reads the logline.
"Led by legendary attorney Elijah Strait and his brilliant daughter, Sydney Keller, they take on the toughest David-and-Goliath cases while navigating their complicated relationship."
Related: NBC Fall 2019 Schedule: Manifest, Will and Grace Moved to Midseason
The cast also includes Caitlin McGee, Jayne Atkinson, Benny Sloane, Michael Luwoye, Stony Blyden, MaameYaa Boafa.
Dean Georgaris (The Brave) will write and executive produce. Michael Aguliar and David Janollari will executive produce.
NBC revealed earlier today that the series would be airing Mondays at 10/9c in the fall. It's typical for the broacast network to use The Voice to give new shows solid launching pads.
The Peacock network today unveiled the first official trailer for legal drama, Bluff City Law.
"Follows the lawyers of an elite Memphis law firm that specializes in the most controversial landmark civil rights cases," reads the logline.
"Led by legendary attorney Elijah Strait and his brilliant daughter, Sydney Keller, they take on the toughest David-and-Goliath cases while navigating their complicated relationship."
Related: NBC Fall 2019 Schedule: Manifest, Will and Grace Moved to Midseason
The cast also includes Caitlin McGee, Jayne Atkinson, Benny Sloane, Michael Luwoye, Stony Blyden, MaameYaa Boafa.
Dean Georgaris (The Brave) will write and executive produce. Michael Aguliar and David Janollari will executive produce.
NBC revealed earlier today that the series would be airing Mondays at 10/9c in the fall. It's typical for the broacast network to use The Voice to give new shows solid launching pads.
- 5/12/2019
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
NBC has released a trio of trailers for its new shows which will join the network’s 2019-2020 season lineup.
The new drama “Bluff City Law,” which stars Jimmy Smits, will launch this fall alongside “Perfect Harmony” with Bradley Whitford and “Sunnyside” starring Kal Penn.
The Peacock has also released an exclusive “This Is Us” clip in conjunction with the announcement that the show has been renewed for three seasons. The three-season order marks the show’s second multi-season commitment, after NBC gave it an early pick up for two more seasons when its first season kicked off to stellar numbers and critical acclaim in 2016.
Watch the trailers and read the official series descriptions for the new shows below.
“Perfect Harmony” – Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. Et
Bradley Whitford stars in this comedy about finding inspiration in the most unlikely places. When former Princeton music professor Arthur Cochran unexpectedly stumbles...
The new drama “Bluff City Law,” which stars Jimmy Smits, will launch this fall alongside “Perfect Harmony” with Bradley Whitford and “Sunnyside” starring Kal Penn.
The Peacock has also released an exclusive “This Is Us” clip in conjunction with the announcement that the show has been renewed for three seasons. The three-season order marks the show’s second multi-season commitment, after NBC gave it an early pick up for two more seasons when its first season kicked off to stellar numbers and critical acclaim in 2016.
Watch the trailers and read the official series descriptions for the new shows below.
“Perfect Harmony” – Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. Et
Bradley Whitford stars in this comedy about finding inspiration in the most unlikely places. When former Princeton music professor Arthur Cochran unexpectedly stumbles...
- 5/12/2019
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
‘Bluff City Law,’ ‘Perfect Harmony’ and ‘Sunnyside': Watch Trailers for NBC’s New Fall Shows (Video)
Following the release of its full fall schedule on Sunday, NBC has begun releasing trailers for its new upcoming fall TV shows.
The network has three new shows slated to debut in the fall, the legal drama “Bluff City Law,” starring Jimmy Smits in his return to NBC; the Bradley Whitford-led church choir comedy “Perfect Harmony”; and “Sunnyside,” co-written by and starring Kal Penn.
Here are the full trailers for all three, as well as official descriptions and cast and producer information. You can also find the fall schedule here.
Also Read: NBC's Fall Schedule: 'Bluff City Law' Scores Post-'Voice' Slot, Moves 'Manifest' to Midseason
“Bluff City Law”
Coming from a famous Memphis family known for taking on injustice, brilliant lawyer Sydney Strait used to work at her father Elijah’s celebrated law firm until their tumultuous relationship got in the way. After barely speaking to him for years,...
The network has three new shows slated to debut in the fall, the legal drama “Bluff City Law,” starring Jimmy Smits in his return to NBC; the Bradley Whitford-led church choir comedy “Perfect Harmony”; and “Sunnyside,” co-written by and starring Kal Penn.
Here are the full trailers for all three, as well as official descriptions and cast and producer information. You can also find the fall schedule here.
Also Read: NBC's Fall Schedule: 'Bluff City Law' Scores Post-'Voice' Slot, Moves 'Manifest' to Midseason
“Bluff City Law”
Coming from a famous Memphis family known for taking on injustice, brilliant lawyer Sydney Strait used to work at her father Elijah’s celebrated law firm until their tumultuous relationship got in the way. After barely speaking to him for years,...
- 5/12/2019
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
NBC’s 2019-2020 primetime schedule is heavy on stability with four new dramas and four comedies set to join the Peacock’s lineup.
Here’s the schedule and descriptions of the new scripted series:
NBC Fall 2019-20 Schedule
(New programs in Upper Case; all times Et)
Monday
8-10 P.M. — The Voice
10-11 P.M. — Bluff City Law
Tuesday
8-9 P.M. — The Voice
9-10 P.M. — This Is Us
10-11 P.M. — New Amsterdam
Wednesday
8-9 P.M. — Chicago Med
9-10 P.M. — Chicago Fire
10-11 P.M. — Chicago P.D.
Thursday
8-8:30 P.M. — Superstore
8:30-9 P.M. — Perfect Harmony
9-9:30 P.M. — The Good Place
9:30-10 P.M. — Sunnyside
10-11 P.M. — Law & Order: Svu
Friday
8-9 P.M. – The Blacklist
9-11 P.M — Dateline NBC
Saturday
8-10 P.M. — Dateline Saturday Night Mystery
10-11 P.M. – Saturday Night Live (encores)
Sunday
7-8:20 P.
Here’s the schedule and descriptions of the new scripted series:
NBC Fall 2019-20 Schedule
(New programs in Upper Case; all times Et)
Monday
8-10 P.M. — The Voice
10-11 P.M. — Bluff City Law
Tuesday
8-9 P.M. — The Voice
9-10 P.M. — This Is Us
10-11 P.M. — New Amsterdam
Wednesday
8-9 P.M. — Chicago Med
9-10 P.M. — Chicago Fire
10-11 P.M. — Chicago P.D.
Thursday
8-8:30 P.M. — Superstore
8:30-9 P.M. — Perfect Harmony
9-9:30 P.M. — The Good Place
9:30-10 P.M. — Sunnyside
10-11 P.M. — Law & Order: Svu
Friday
8-9 P.M. – The Blacklist
9-11 P.M — Dateline NBC
Saturday
8-10 P.M. — Dateline Saturday Night Mystery
10-11 P.M. – Saturday Night Live (encores)
Sunday
7-8:20 P.
- 5/12/2019
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
Updated May 10 at 11:47 a.m. with “Speechless” canceled by ABC.
It’s that time of year again! As the broadcast networks consider new series for their fall slates ahead of their upfront presentations to advertisers next week, they’ve also begun to winnow down which current shows will return next season and which will come to an end.
Below is every scripted (and a few unscripted) show that ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox and The CW have renewed or canceled so far, along with those still awaiting their fates for the 2019-20 slate. We’ve also included descriptions of the new shows that have been picked up so far.
Check back throughout the week for updates. You can read our pilot guide to see what projects may soon be ordered to series here.
It’s that time of year again! As the broadcast networks consider new series for their fall slates ahead of their upfront presentations to advertisers next week, they’ve also begun to winnow down which current shows will return next season and which will come to an end.
Below is every scripted (and a few unscripted) show that ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox and The CW have renewed or canceled so far, along with those still awaiting their fates for the 2019-20 slate. We’ve also included descriptions of the new shows that have been picked up so far.
Check back throughout the week for updates. You can read our pilot guide to see what projects may soon be ordered to series here.
- 5/10/2019
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
It's that time of the year again!
We are fast approaching upfronts for the broadcast network, and NBC is the first to start the process of ordering new series for the 2019-20 season.
The Peacock network has placed series orders for Bluff City Law and Sunnyside.
"Coming from a famous Memphis family known for taking on injustice, brilliant lawyer Sydney Strait used to work at her father Elijah’s celebrated law firm until their tumultuous relationship got in the way," reads the logline for Bluff City Law.
"After barely speaking to him for years, Sydney is suddenly thrust back into the family fold when her philanthropist mother passes away unexpectedly."
Related: The Blacklist Fate Confirmed by NBC
"In the wake of her loss, hoping to reconnect with the daughter he loves, Elijah asks Sydney to rejoin his firm. She agrees because despite her lingering resentment and distrust, she knows that...
We are fast approaching upfronts for the broadcast network, and NBC is the first to start the process of ordering new series for the 2019-20 season.
The Peacock network has placed series orders for Bluff City Law and Sunnyside.
"Coming from a famous Memphis family known for taking on injustice, brilliant lawyer Sydney Strait used to work at her father Elijah’s celebrated law firm until their tumultuous relationship got in the way," reads the logline for Bluff City Law.
"After barely speaking to him for years, Sydney is suddenly thrust back into the family fold when her philanthropist mother passes away unexpectedly."
Related: The Blacklist Fate Confirmed by NBC
"In the wake of her loss, hoping to reconnect with the daughter he loves, Elijah asks Sydney to rejoin his firm. She agrees because despite her lingering resentment and distrust, she knows that...
- 5/7/2019
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Drama ‘Bluff City Law’ Starring Jimmy Smits & Kal Penn Comedy ‘Sunnyside’ Picked Up To Series By NBC
As usual, NBC has kicked off its pickups of new series with orders to pilots from its sister studio Universal Television.
The network has picked up to series Memphis legal drama Bluff City Law, starring Jimmy Smits, from The Brave creator Dean Georgaris and producer David Janollari; and Queens immigrant comedy Sunnyside, starring, co-written and executive produced by Kal Penn and executive produced by Michael Schur.
In many cases, the first new series to be picked up go on the fall schedule; for instance, NBC’s first pick last year was Uni TV-produced medical drama New Amsterdam, which landed the Tuesday 10 Pm slot for fall.
The pickup of Sunnyside gives Schur, who just signed a huge new overall deal with Uni TV, four series on the air. He has The Good Place and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, both already renewed for next season, and Sunnyside on NBC as well as Q-Force,...
The network has picked up to series Memphis legal drama Bluff City Law, starring Jimmy Smits, from The Brave creator Dean Georgaris and producer David Janollari; and Queens immigrant comedy Sunnyside, starring, co-written and executive produced by Kal Penn and executive produced by Michael Schur.
In many cases, the first new series to be picked up go on the fall schedule; for instance, NBC’s first pick last year was Uni TV-produced medical drama New Amsterdam, which landed the Tuesday 10 Pm slot for fall.
The pickup of Sunnyside gives Schur, who just signed a huge new overall deal with Uni TV, four series on the air. He has The Good Place and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, both already renewed for next season, and Sunnyside on NBC as well as Q-Force,...
- 5/7/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
NBC has kicked off upfront season with an eye-catching pair of series pickups.
The network has ordered both the Jimmy Smits legal drama “Bluff City Law,” and the Kal Penn comedy “Sunnyside” to series.
“Bluff City Law” is a character-driven legal drama that follows the lawyers of an elite Memphis law firm that specializes in the most controversial landmark civil rights cases. Led by legendary lawyer Elijah Strait (Smits) and his brilliant daughter, Sydney Keller (Caitlin McGee), they take on the toughest David-and-Goliath cases while navigating their complicated relationship.
After barely speaking to her father for years, Sydney is suddenly thrust back into the family fold when her philanthropist mother passes away unexpectedly. In the wake of her loss, hoping to reconnect with the daughter he loves, Elijah asks Sydney to rejoin his firm.
“Bluff City Law” also stars Scott Shepherd, Barry Sloane, Michael Luwoye, MaameYaa Boafo, Stony Blyden and Jayne Atkinson.
The network has ordered both the Jimmy Smits legal drama “Bluff City Law,” and the Kal Penn comedy “Sunnyside” to series.
“Bluff City Law” is a character-driven legal drama that follows the lawyers of an elite Memphis law firm that specializes in the most controversial landmark civil rights cases. Led by legendary lawyer Elijah Strait (Smits) and his brilliant daughter, Sydney Keller (Caitlin McGee), they take on the toughest David-and-Goliath cases while navigating their complicated relationship.
After barely speaking to her father for years, Sydney is suddenly thrust back into the family fold when her philanthropist mother passes away unexpectedly. In the wake of her loss, hoping to reconnect with the daughter he loves, Elijah asks Sydney to rejoin his firm.
“Bluff City Law” also stars Scott Shepherd, Barry Sloane, Michael Luwoye, MaameYaa Boafo, Stony Blyden and Jayne Atkinson.
- 5/7/2019
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
Eunetta T. Boone was funny, sharp and extremely warm-hearted. That’s how WarnerMedia Entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt remembered Boone as he paid tribute to the showrunner who died Wednesday at the age of 63.
Greenblatt worked with Boone in the early 2000s when he was partnered with David Janollari in the Greenblatt-Janollari Studio production venture. Greenblatt-Janollari was the banner behind Boone’s Upn comedy “One on One,” starring Kyla Pratt and Flex Alexander, and the spinoff “Cuts.”
“One on One” ran for five seasons, from 2001 to 2006, making it one of the longest-lived series that Greenblatt-Janollari Studio produced during the banner’s 1997-2003 run.
“I’m so saddened at Eunetta’s passing,” Greenblatt told Variety. “She did three shows with me and David Janollari and she was one of the smartest and funniest writer/producers we ever worked with. But what really set her apart was her huge heart. She cared about...
Greenblatt worked with Boone in the early 2000s when he was partnered with David Janollari in the Greenblatt-Janollari Studio production venture. Greenblatt-Janollari was the banner behind Boone’s Upn comedy “One on One,” starring Kyla Pratt and Flex Alexander, and the spinoff “Cuts.”
“One on One” ran for five seasons, from 2001 to 2006, making it one of the longest-lived series that Greenblatt-Janollari Studio produced during the banner’s 1997-2003 run.
“I’m so saddened at Eunetta’s passing,” Greenblatt told Variety. “She did three shows with me and David Janollari and she was one of the smartest and funniest writer/producers we ever worked with. But what really set her apart was her huge heart. She cared about...
- 3/22/2019
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Writer-producer Eunetta Boone, creator of the Upn comedy “One on One” and showrunner of Disney Channel’s “Raven’s Home,” died Wednesday at her home in Los Angeles. She was 63.
Boone was found dead at her home of an apparent heart attack. Boone had most recently worked as showrunner on the third season of the Disney Channel series starring Raven-Symone.
“Eunetta was a pioneer and an inspiration to everyone she met,” Raven-Symone said. “She was a masterful storyteller, an empathetic leader and a beacon of light to so many. I’m sending love and my deepest sympathies to Eunetta’s family and friends and all who knew and loved her.”
Boone was a vivacious personality who had a throaty laugh that filled a room and a rapid-fire wit. She was known as a mentor to many writers, particularly aspiring African-American scribes.
Boone got her start as a sports reporter for the Baltimore Sun,...
Boone was found dead at her home of an apparent heart attack. Boone had most recently worked as showrunner on the third season of the Disney Channel series starring Raven-Symone.
“Eunetta was a pioneer and an inspiration to everyone she met,” Raven-Symone said. “She was a masterful storyteller, an empathetic leader and a beacon of light to so many. I’m sending love and my deepest sympathies to Eunetta’s family and friends and all who knew and loved her.”
Boone was a vivacious personality who had a throaty laugh that filled a room and a rapid-fire wit. She was known as a mentor to many writers, particularly aspiring African-American scribes.
Boone got her start as a sports reporter for the Baltimore Sun,...
- 3/22/2019
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: MaameYaa Boafo is set as a series regular opposite Jimmy Smits and Caitlin McGee in NBC’s legal drama pilot Bluff City Law (working title) from The Brave creator Dean Georgaris, David Janollari, Michael Aguilar and Universal TV.
Co-created by Georgaris and Aguilar and written by Georgaris, Bluff City Law is a character-driven legal drama that follows the lawyers of an elite Memphis firm that specializes in the most controversial landmark civil rights cases. Led by legendary lawyer Elijah Strait (Smits) and his brilliant daughter, Sydney Keller (McGee), they take on the toughest David-and-Goliath cases while navigating their complicated relationship.
Boafo will play Briana Logan, a private investigator who works for Elijah’s firm.
Boafo won the Drama Desk award, and was just nominated for the Los Angeles Drama Circle Award for best actor for her play School Girls; or the African Mean Girls Play. She also received a...
Co-created by Georgaris and Aguilar and written by Georgaris, Bluff City Law is a character-driven legal drama that follows the lawyers of an elite Memphis firm that specializes in the most controversial landmark civil rights cases. Led by legendary lawyer Elijah Strait (Smits) and his brilliant daughter, Sydney Keller (McGee), they take on the toughest David-and-Goliath cases while navigating their complicated relationship.
Boafo will play Briana Logan, a private investigator who works for Elijah’s firm.
Boafo won the Drama Desk award, and was just nominated for the Los Angeles Drama Circle Award for best actor for her play School Girls; or the African Mean Girls Play. She also received a...
- 3/18/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Jayne Atkinson (House of Cards) is set as a lead opposite Jimmy Smits and Caitlin McGee in NBC’s legal drama pilot Bluff City Law (working title) from The Brave creator Dean Georgaris, David Janollari, Michael Aguilar and Universal TV.
Co-created by Georgaris and Aguilar and written by Georgaris, Bluff City Law is a character-driven legal drama that follows the lawyers of an elite Memphis firm that specializes in the most controversial landmark civil rights cases. Led by legendary lawyer Elijah Strait (Smits) and his brilliant daughter, Sydney Keller (McGee), they take on the toughest David-and-Goliath cases while navigating their complicated relationship.
Atkinson will play Della Bedford, a warm-hearted but incredibly shrewd and wise lawyer in Elijah’s firm.
Atkinson is known for her role as Catherine Durant on Netflix’s House of Cards and recently recurred on Madam Secretary. She’s repped by Industry Entertainment Partners.
Related2019 NBC...
Co-created by Georgaris and Aguilar and written by Georgaris, Bluff City Law is a character-driven legal drama that follows the lawyers of an elite Memphis firm that specializes in the most controversial landmark civil rights cases. Led by legendary lawyer Elijah Strait (Smits) and his brilliant daughter, Sydney Keller (McGee), they take on the toughest David-and-Goliath cases while navigating their complicated relationship.
Atkinson will play Della Bedford, a warm-hearted but incredibly shrewd and wise lawyer in Elijah’s firm.
Atkinson is known for her role as Catherine Durant on Netflix’s House of Cards and recently recurred on Madam Secretary. She’s repped by Industry Entertainment Partners.
Related2019 NBC...
- 3/12/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
The First alum Keiko Agena has booked a series-regular role in Fox’s crime drama pilot Prodigal Son. Written by Feder and Sklaver and directed by Lee Toland Krieger, Prodigal Son is described as a fresh take on a crime franchise with a provocative and outrageous lead character and darkly comedic tone. It centers on Malcolm Bright (Finn Jones), who has a gift. He knows how killers think, how their minds work. Why? His father Martin Whitly (Michael Sheen) was one of the worst — a notorious serial killer called “The Surgeon.” Agena will play Edrisa, the slightly off-center coroner working with the NYPD detective team. She is thrilled by her work, and she is both smitten and fascinated with Bright. Agena is coming a series-regular role on The First, which aired for one season on Hulu, and can be seen recurring in Bravo’s Dirty John. She is repped by...
- 3/9/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
At&T has implemented a massive overhaul of WarnerMedia’s senior management team, bringing major structural changes to HBO, Turner and Warner Bros. as it looks to streamline operations and ramp up original content for the streaming era.
Former NBC Entertainment and Showtime chief Bob Greenblatt has signed on as chairman of WarnerMedia Entertainment and direct to consumer. He’ll oversee HBO and TNT, TBS, and TruTV as well as content for the streaming service planned to launch at year’s end. CNN chief Jeff Zucker, Warner Bros. chairman-ceo Kevin Tsujihara, and Turner International leader Gerhard Zeiler are also gaining more turf in the reorganization.
The shakeup comes nearly nine months after At&T closed its $85.4 billion acquisition of Time Warner. Although At&T leaders were quick to praise the Time Warner’s seasoned executive team, changes were inevitable as HBO, Turner and Warner Bros. took on a new corporate parent.
Former NBC Entertainment and Showtime chief Bob Greenblatt has signed on as chairman of WarnerMedia Entertainment and direct to consumer. He’ll oversee HBO and TNT, TBS, and TruTV as well as content for the streaming service planned to launch at year’s end. CNN chief Jeff Zucker, Warner Bros. chairman-ceo Kevin Tsujihara, and Turner International leader Gerhard Zeiler are also gaining more turf in the reorganization.
The shakeup comes nearly nine months after At&T closed its $85.4 billion acquisition of Time Warner. Although At&T leaders were quick to praise the Time Warner’s seasoned executive team, changes were inevitable as HBO, Turner and Warner Bros. took on a new corporate parent.
- 3/4/2019
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Barry Sloane (Six) and Michael Luwoye (Hamilton) are set to co-star opposite Jimmy Smits and Caitlin McGee in NBC’s legal drama pilot Bluff City Law (working title) from The Brave creator Dean Georgaris, David Janollari, Michael Aguilar and Universal TV.
Co-created by Georgaris and Aguilar and written by Georgaris, Bluff City Law is a character-driven legal drama that follows the lawyers of an elite Memphis firm that specializes in the most controversial landmark civil rights cases. Led by legendary lawyer Elijah Strait (Smits) and his brilliant daughter, Sydney Keller (McGee), they take on the toughest David-and-Goliath cases while navigating their complicated relationship.
Sloane will play Jake Reilly, a smart and confident lawyer who works for Elijah. Luwoye plays Anthony Little, a fantastic lawyer who is also the warm-hearted father of three daughters.
Georgaris executive produces with Janollari and Aguilar. Universal TV produces with studio-based David Janollari Entertainment.
Sloane starred...
Co-created by Georgaris and Aguilar and written by Georgaris, Bluff City Law is a character-driven legal drama that follows the lawyers of an elite Memphis firm that specializes in the most controversial landmark civil rights cases. Led by legendary lawyer Elijah Strait (Smits) and his brilliant daughter, Sydney Keller (McGee), they take on the toughest David-and-Goliath cases while navigating their complicated relationship.
Sloane will play Jake Reilly, a smart and confident lawyer who works for Elijah. Luwoye plays Anthony Little, a fantastic lawyer who is also the warm-hearted father of three daughters.
Georgaris executive produces with Janollari and Aguilar. Universal TV produces with studio-based David Janollari Entertainment.
Sloane starred...
- 2/28/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Jimmy Smits is returning to his roots. The actor has been tapped to star in NBC’s legal drama pilot, “Bluff City Law.”
Smits will play Elijah Strait, the legendary defense lawyer from Tennessee who is well-known to all in the Memphis community. He joins Caitlin McGee on the pilot, who will play his daughter.
Smits starred as Victor Sifuentes for more than 100 episodes on the NBC’s legal drama “L.A. Law,” which ran from 1986 to 1994. He also had a recurring role on NBC’s “The West Wing” as Matt Santos, a congressman and later president-elect. Smits was nominated for Best Actor in a Drama at the Emmys for six consecutive years, winning in 1990.
“Bluff City Law” is a character-driven legal drama that follows the lawyers of an elite...
Smits will play Elijah Strait, the legendary defense lawyer from Tennessee who is well-known to all in the Memphis community. He joins Caitlin McGee on the pilot, who will play his daughter.
Smits starred as Victor Sifuentes for more than 100 episodes on the NBC’s legal drama “L.A. Law,” which ran from 1986 to 1994. He also had a recurring role on NBC’s “The West Wing” as Matt Santos, a congressman and later president-elect. Smits was nominated for Best Actor in a Drama at the Emmys for six consecutive years, winning in 1990.
“Bluff City Law” is a character-driven legal drama that follows the lawyers of an elite...
- 2/25/2019
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Jimmy Smits has been tapped as the male lead in NBC’s legal drama pilot Bluff City Law (working title) from The Brave creator Dean Georgaris, David Janollari, Michael Aguilar and Universal TV.
Co-created by Georgaris and Aguilar and written by Georgaris, Bluff City Law is a character-driven legal drama that follows the lawyers of an elite Memphis firm that specializes in the most controversial landmark civil rights cases. Led by legendary lawyer Elijah Strait (Smits) and his brilliant daughter, Sydney Keller (Caitlin McGee), they take on the toughest David-and-Goliath cases while navigating their complicated relationship.
Georgaris executive produces with Janollari and Aguilar. Universal TV produces with studio-based David Janollari Entertainment.
This marks Smits’ return to NBC and the legal drama arena. He has starred in three previous NBC series: legal dramas L.A. Law and Outlaw as well as White House drama The West Wing.
Dexter and Sons of Anarchy...
Co-created by Georgaris and Aguilar and written by Georgaris, Bluff City Law is a character-driven legal drama that follows the lawyers of an elite Memphis firm that specializes in the most controversial landmark civil rights cases. Led by legendary lawyer Elijah Strait (Smits) and his brilliant daughter, Sydney Keller (Caitlin McGee), they take on the toughest David-and-Goliath cases while navigating their complicated relationship.
Georgaris executive produces with Janollari and Aguilar. Universal TV produces with studio-based David Janollari Entertainment.
This marks Smits’ return to NBC and the legal drama arena. He has starred in three previous NBC series: legal dramas L.A. Law and Outlaw as well as White House drama The West Wing.
Dexter and Sons of Anarchy...
- 2/25/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.