Judging an ensemble can be tricky, but it all comes down to what, exactly, you’re being asked to assess: Are you quantifiably measuring which cast members give the best individual performances, or are you judging how well a cast comes together overall? Are you counting award-worthy solo turns and rewarding the cast with the most? Or are you measuring the chemistry between a giant team all called upon to help create one specific story?
Read More:The Best TV Lines of 2017: ‘Game of Thrones,’ ‘The Leftovers,’ and More of the Year’s Most Memorable Quotes
Maybe you’re doing all of the above, you might be swayed toward giving one or the other more weight. Honestly, it seems likely these questions aren’t often consciously considered so much as they’re instinctually chosen by each voter when asked, “Which cast is best?”
So let’s give it a try:...
Read More:The Best TV Lines of 2017: ‘Game of Thrones,’ ‘The Leftovers,’ and More of the Year’s Most Memorable Quotes
Maybe you’re doing all of the above, you might be swayed toward giving one or the other more weight. Honestly, it seems likely these questions aren’t often consciously considered so much as they’re instinctually chosen by each voter when asked, “Which cast is best?”
So let’s give it a try:...
- 12/18/2017
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: A body, dead, wrapped in plastic.
And so begins “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” as recorded in 1990 for Kroq-fm’s “The Kevin and Bean Show.” The morning drive radio program used to put out an annual Christmas album, and for the first one, Jack Nance, Dana Ashbrook, Frank Silva, Kyle MacLachlan, Kimmy Robertson, and Robert Bauer created their own rendition of the classic holiday tune. Among the highlights: Twelve cups of coffee, 11 cherry pies, eight dancing midgets, five dozen donuts, four talking logs, three possessed souls and two secret diaries. And of course, the dead body of Laura Palmer.
You can listen to that, and several more holiday songs from and inspired by TV shows, as part of Turn It On’s special Christmas episode! Listen below!
Among the songs: Julian Casablancas does a rendition of the “Saturday Night Live...
And so begins “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” as recorded in 1990 for Kroq-fm’s “The Kevin and Bean Show.” The morning drive radio program used to put out an annual Christmas album, and for the first one, Jack Nance, Dana Ashbrook, Frank Silva, Kyle MacLachlan, Kimmy Robertson, and Robert Bauer created their own rendition of the classic holiday tune. Among the highlights: Twelve cups of coffee, 11 cherry pies, eight dancing midgets, five dozen donuts, four talking logs, three possessed souls and two secret diaries. And of course, the dead body of Laura Palmer.
You can listen to that, and several more holiday songs from and inspired by TV shows, as part of Turn It On’s special Christmas episode! Listen below!
Among the songs: Julian Casablancas does a rendition of the “Saturday Night Live...
- 12/18/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
It took “fake news” to bring Ed Helms back to Comedy Central. Since leaving “The Daily Show” in 2006, Helms has found plenty of success as a comedic actor in both TV and film, starting with “The Office,” and then, of course, “The Hangover” trilogy and a successful voice over career in animated hits like “The Lorax” and “Captain Underpants.”
But Helms missed his time satirizing the news, especially given his experience working alongside legendary talent like Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Samantha Bee, and many more. Now he’s back behind the desk, at least for one night, as the fictional host of Comedy Central’s “The Fake News with Ted Nelms.”
“I’ve just been missing being a part of the media commentary world ever since I left ‘The Daily Show,’ Helms said. “I really feel back in the saddle in a way. It’s really scratching that itch.
But Helms missed his time satirizing the news, especially given his experience working alongside legendary talent like Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Samantha Bee, and many more. Now he’s back behind the desk, at least for one night, as the fictional host of Comedy Central’s “The Fake News with Ted Nelms.”
“I’ve just been missing being a part of the media commentary world ever since I left ‘The Daily Show,’ Helms said. “I really feel back in the saddle in a way. It’s really scratching that itch.
- 12/8/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
Season 2 of Joe Swanberg’s “Easy” premiered on Netflix with eight episodic episodes, following the format of the previous season. The show features an assortment of characters living in Chicago, each dealing with their own relationships. In the age of infinite television, “Easy” becomes a bit of a luxury simply because the episodes are not serialized, so theoretically, the viewer is allowed to watch the episodes in whatever order they like.
TV Editor Liz Shannon Miller and TV Critic Ben Travers discuss the anarchy of the anthology series in the latest Very Good TV Podcast. Is it against the viewer’s best interest to watch episodes out of order, even though it technically doesn’t matter?
Considering that for the purposes of streaming series like Netflix and Amazon, the creator of the series has ultimately chosen the order of the episodes in a way that is purposeful to the series and those at home watching,...
TV Editor Liz Shannon Miller and TV Critic Ben Travers discuss the anarchy of the anthology series in the latest Very Good TV Podcast. Is it against the viewer’s best interest to watch episodes out of order, even though it technically doesn’t matter?
Considering that for the purposes of streaming series like Netflix and Amazon, the creator of the series has ultimately chosen the order of the episodes in a way that is purposeful to the series and those at home watching,...
- 12/5/2017
- by Raelyn Giansanti
- Indiewire
Glenn Gordon Caron is almost midway through his first season as showrunner of “Bull,” CBS’ Michael Weatherly drama about a high-powered trial consultant loosely based on the real-life work of Dr. Phil McGraw. But, of course, it’s hard not to first ask him about “Moonlighting,” the legendary romantic comedy starring Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd, which broke every television rule back in the 1980s.
And indeed, in this era of remakes and reboots, Caron told IndieWire that he’s often approached about putting “Moonlighting” back on television. He’s torn on whether to do it — but has some great ideas should it go.
“Maybe you do it with Channing Tatum and Emma Stone? Or for a moment I had this idea of doing it [again] with Bruce and Cybill. I can’t tell you all the ideas I’ve had. But at the same time there’s a voice in my head that goes,...
And indeed, in this era of remakes and reboots, Caron told IndieWire that he’s often approached about putting “Moonlighting” back on television. He’s torn on whether to do it — but has some great ideas should it go.
“Maybe you do it with Channing Tatum and Emma Stone? Or for a moment I had this idea of doing it [again] with Bruce and Cybill. I can’t tell you all the ideas I’ve had. But at the same time there’s a voice in my head that goes,...
- 11/30/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
In bringing “Marvel’s Runaways” to Hulu, Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage were asked to do something they almost never hear: Slow it down.
“In network television, you can’t have enough story in your pilot,” Schwartz told IndieWire’s Turn It On podcast. “So you’ll get the note, ‘Can you take Act Four and make that the end of your teaser?'”
Savage, who was a TV executive before she became a producer and writer, said the idea is to enact the premise as quickly as possible. But they got the opposite note at Hulu: “Can you take your teaser and make it the end of Act Four?”
Said Schwartz: “That turned out to be a great note and a great challenge. It became about character and not about plot.”
Schwartz admits that he and Savage have been accused of blowing through story too quicky, going back to “The O.C.,...
“In network television, you can’t have enough story in your pilot,” Schwartz told IndieWire’s Turn It On podcast. “So you’ll get the note, ‘Can you take Act Four and make that the end of your teaser?'”
Savage, who was a TV executive before she became a producer and writer, said the idea is to enact the premise as quickly as possible. But they got the opposite note at Hulu: “Can you take your teaser and make it the end of Act Four?”
Said Schwartz: “That turned out to be a great note and a great challenge. It became about character and not about plot.”
Schwartz admits that he and Savage have been accused of blowing through story too quicky, going back to “The O.C.,...
- 11/22/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
For his new YouTube Red series, Rob Huebel couldn’t find a nude beach to shoot a scene. So he forced a nude Justin Long on unsuspecting families at a beach in Malibu.
“We’re naked, and families are out there, children are crying, and other people are out there filming us with their phones,” Huebel told IndieWire’s Turn It On podcast. “The producers had to go up to people and say, ‘hey man, please don’t post that naked photo of Justin Long on the Internet or sell it to TMZ!”
Long is one of the guests on Huebel’s new irreverent YouTube Red series “Do You Want to See A Dead Body?” The comedy features Huebel and celebrity friends as they search for a dead body that Huebel has found.
“It’s such an absurd premise,” Huebel admitted. “Sometimes we find the body, sometimes we don’t find the body,...
“We’re naked, and families are out there, children are crying, and other people are out there filming us with their phones,” Huebel told IndieWire’s Turn It On podcast. “The producers had to go up to people and say, ‘hey man, please don’t post that naked photo of Justin Long on the Internet or sell it to TMZ!”
Long is one of the guests on Huebel’s new irreverent YouTube Red series “Do You Want to See A Dead Body?” The comedy features Huebel and celebrity friends as they search for a dead body that Huebel has found.
“It’s such an absurd premise,” Huebel admitted. “Sometimes we find the body, sometimes we don’t find the body,...
- 11/16/2017
- by Michael Schneider and Steve Greene
- Indiewire
Sorry Twitter, add famed astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson to the list of users who doesn’t understand the move from 140 to 280 characters.
“I don’t want 280 characters,” Tyson said. “It’s an excuse to not be succinct. If you cant do it in 140 characters then write a book. Choose another medium.”
Tyson has 10.1 million followers on the social media platform, so his opinion ought to carry some weight. Tyson said he uses Twitter as a means to share what’s on his mind — sometimes humorous, sometimes ponderous but usually insightful.
But he’s not under the illusion that the rise of these platforms has helped educate the public. Rather, he notes, “the fact that I have 12 different platforms to communicate also means that so does everybody else who is either scientifically illiterate or doesn’t have your best interests in mind.”
Tyson is heartened that his latest book, “Astrophysics for People in a Hurry,...
“I don’t want 280 characters,” Tyson said. “It’s an excuse to not be succinct. If you cant do it in 140 characters then write a book. Choose another medium.”
Tyson has 10.1 million followers on the social media platform, so his opinion ought to carry some weight. Tyson said he uses Twitter as a means to share what’s on his mind — sometimes humorous, sometimes ponderous but usually insightful.
But he’s not under the illusion that the rise of these platforms has helped educate the public. Rather, he notes, “the fact that I have 12 different platforms to communicate also means that so does everybody else who is either scientifically illiterate or doesn’t have your best interests in mind.”
Tyson is heartened that his latest book, “Astrophysics for People in a Hurry,...
- 11/11/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
Surprises don’t alway work out so well for everyone, but “Broad City” co-creator and star Abbi Jacobson is pretty good about rolling with the punches these days. That includes both nice shockers, like her winning the Harold Ramis Film School Comedic Storytelling prize at this year’s inaugural IndieWire Honors — an honor that was unannounced before the event rolled out last week in Los Angeles — and also bad ones, like the election of Donald Trump over known “Broad City” icon Hillary Clinton.
As Jacobson told IndieWire’s Michael Schneider at last week’s ceremony, the events of last November irrevocably shaped the series, including the recent episode “Witches,” which directly deals with the fallout of the election on both Abbi (Jacobson) and her best pal Ilana (co-creator Ilana Glazer). As the pair had penned their episodes in the spring before going on hiatus — a rarity for the hard-working duo...
As Jacobson told IndieWire’s Michael Schneider at last week’s ceremony, the events of last November irrevocably shaped the series, including the recent episode “Witches,” which directly deals with the fallout of the election on both Abbi (Jacobson) and her best pal Ilana (co-creator Ilana Glazer). As the pair had penned their episodes in the spring before going on hiatus — a rarity for the hard-working duo...
- 11/9/2017
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
The Critics’ Choice Documentary Awards returned to Brooklyn’s Bric on Nov. 2 and anointed Brett Morgen’s “Jane” the Oscar frontrunner for Best Documentary Feature. That bodes well for the Jane Goodall profile as it continues its awards season run. Presented by the Broadcast Film Critics Association and the Broadcast Television Journalists Association, the inaugural ceremony last year correctly augured that “O.J.: Made in America” and “13th” would win that season’s top documentary film and television prizes.
When the 2017 nominees were unveiled this October, so was a rule change that merged the Best Documentary categories for films released in theaters versus via television or a streaming platform. This meant that the latest field was extremely stacked — 16 titles — making the win for a feature on the Tanzania expeditions of beloved, now-octogenarian primatologist Dame Jane Goodall extra fortuitous. “Jane” premiered this fall at the Toronto Film Festival, earning an A- from IndieWire.
When the 2017 nominees were unveiled this October, so was a rule change that merged the Best Documentary categories for films released in theaters versus via television or a streaming platform. This meant that the latest field was extremely stacked — 16 titles — making the win for a feature on the Tanzania expeditions of beloved, now-octogenarian primatologist Dame Jane Goodall extra fortuitous. “Jane” premiered this fall at the Toronto Film Festival, earning an A- from IndieWire.
- 11/3/2017
- by Jenna Marotta
- Indiewire
Ann Dowd is known for ferocious characters, including recent turns on “The Leftovers” and “The Handmaid’s Tale.” But TNT’s “Good Behavior” is giving her something different to play with: a saucy FBI agent who knows how to enjoy the finer things in life.
“I’m not offered roles often like this,” Dowd said. “The fact that I would have eyelashes and makeup and pretty hair and a manicure — I’d never been considered in that way — to tell you what that meant to me. I’m always thinking, ‘You gotta lose 50 pounds, no one’s going to consider you for this or that.’ And then this role came along, and on top of it all, she’s funny. I was taken by the hand in the best way to find this character.”
Read More:The Case for Ann Dowd: Justin Theroux and Carrie Coon on Why the Lone...
“I’m not offered roles often like this,” Dowd said. “The fact that I would have eyelashes and makeup and pretty hair and a manicure — I’d never been considered in that way — to tell you what that meant to me. I’m always thinking, ‘You gotta lose 50 pounds, no one’s going to consider you for this or that.’ And then this role came along, and on top of it all, she’s funny. I was taken by the hand in the best way to find this character.”
Read More:The Case for Ann Dowd: Justin Theroux and Carrie Coon on Why the Lone...
- 11/2/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
Sterling K. Brown graduated to superstar status after his Emmy-winning turn as Christopher Darden on “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.” Executive producer and director Ryan Murphy remains tight with the star, who has even been advising him recently on how to live a vegan lifestyle.
Brown is busy starring in “This Is Us,” but the two are already discussing ways to work together again. “We’ve talked a lot about it,” Murphy said. “I’m trying to figure out a way to give America what they want, and reunite Sterling and Sarah Paulson. I would love for him to be a part of ‘Five Days at Memorial’ [the Hurricane Katrina-themed “American Crime Story” installment] that we’re doing. I always want to work with Sterling. I’m a busy guy, but he’s just as busy as hell. How are we gonna make it work? We will. We had a really great director/actor...
Brown is busy starring in “This Is Us,” but the two are already discussing ways to work together again. “We’ve talked a lot about it,” Murphy said. “I’m trying to figure out a way to give America what they want, and reunite Sterling and Sarah Paulson. I would love for him to be a part of ‘Five Days at Memorial’ [the Hurricane Katrina-themed “American Crime Story” installment] that we’re doing. I always want to work with Sterling. I’m a busy guy, but he’s just as busy as hell. How are we gonna make it work? We will. We had a really great director/actor...
- 11/1/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
The recent “Will & Grace” episode “Grandpa Jack” included a storyline in which a young boy is forced to attend a “conversion” camp after his religious parents fear he may be gay. The joke, of course, is the camp is run by two obviously closeted leaders, played by real-life openly gay actors Jane Lynch and Andrew Rannells.
It was classic “Will & Grace” — poking at a real-life issue and injustice, but with plenty of humor. The episode also happened to air the same week that Donald Trump made headlines for reportedly making a quip that Vice President Mike Pence wanted to “hang” all gays.
“How is that not somebody who’s gay?” Mutchnick said of Pence. “Who gives a shit about someone that much? It’s just crazy, I can’t imagine caring that much about who somebody sleeps with as long as they’re of age.”
Added co-creator David Kohan:...
It was classic “Will & Grace” — poking at a real-life issue and injustice, but with plenty of humor. The episode also happened to air the same week that Donald Trump made headlines for reportedly making a quip that Vice President Mike Pence wanted to “hang” all gays.
“How is that not somebody who’s gay?” Mutchnick said of Pence. “Who gives a shit about someone that much? It’s just crazy, I can’t imagine caring that much about who somebody sleeps with as long as they’re of age.”
Added co-creator David Kohan:...
- 10/26/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
Ron Perlman fans know he doesn’t shy away from speaking his mind on social media. And lately, he has focused that ire on the assault on democracy coming out of Washington.
“We’re in a very dangerous, very degraded moment in time where the values that everybody who came before us fought and died for are all being tromped upon,” Perlman said. “For no good end except power and greed.”
Perlman has been joking online about his own run for president: Perl2020. But what he’s really trying to do is hammer home the gravity of the situation: “If we don’t get our shit together quickly, we’re in danger of ending our days,” he told IndieWire. “I feel it’s that serious.”
Perlman is back on TV via the streaming service Crackle, and its drama “StartUp,” which recently returned for Season 2. The actor/producer dropped by IndieWire...
“We’re in a very dangerous, very degraded moment in time where the values that everybody who came before us fought and died for are all being tromped upon,” Perlman said. “For no good end except power and greed.”
Perlman has been joking online about his own run for president: Perl2020. But what he’s really trying to do is hammer home the gravity of the situation: “If we don’t get our shit together quickly, we’re in danger of ending our days,” he told IndieWire. “I feel it’s that serious.”
Perlman is back on TV via the streaming service Crackle, and its drama “StartUp,” which recently returned for Season 2. The actor/producer dropped by IndieWire...
- 10/20/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
On October 8, when Gillian Anderson and other stars of “The X-Files” took part in interviews before the show’s New York Comic-Con panel, the actress told Screenrant she likely wouldn’t continue after Season 11.
“I think this will be it for me,” Anderson said.
If that’s true, then this should be it for “The X-Files,” too.
Read More:‘The X-Files’ Season 11 Trailer: Our First Look at the Return of Mulder and Scully in 2018
There are many reasons that Scully is integral to the long-running “X-Files” franchise, ranging from narrative relevance to the thespian’s off-screen impact. Here are just a few of the most obvious factors:
“The X-Files” thrives on the yin and yang relationship between Mulder and Scully. He’s a believer, and she’s a skeptic. He pushes her to new heights, and she keeps him from drifting into space. They balance each other out, and the show needs that balance.
“I think this will be it for me,” Anderson said.
If that’s true, then this should be it for “The X-Files,” too.
Read More:‘The X-Files’ Season 11 Trailer: Our First Look at the Return of Mulder and Scully in 2018
There are many reasons that Scully is integral to the long-running “X-Files” franchise, ranging from narrative relevance to the thespian’s off-screen impact. Here are just a few of the most obvious factors:
“The X-Files” thrives on the yin and yang relationship between Mulder and Scully. He’s a believer, and she’s a skeptic. He pushes her to new heights, and she keeps him from drifting into space. They balance each other out, and the show needs that balance.
- 10/16/2017
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
“Big Mouth” creators Nick Kroll (“Kroll Show,” “The League”) and Andrew Goldberg (“Family Guy”) have known each other since the first grade, and became best friends in middle school — right when the hormone monster began its attack.
Well, at least his attack on Goldberg. Kroll was a late bloomer — and it was that awkward puberty that inspired Kroll, Goldberg, Mark Levin and Jennifer Flackett to come up with “Big Mouth.” The animated series stars Kroll as Nick and John Mulaney as Andrew, and centers on their friendship as puberty — personified on the show as the hormone monster — puts it through the test.
Maya Rudolph, Jason Mantzoukas, Jordan Peele, Fred Armisen, Jenny Slate and Jessi Klein also star on the show, which IndieWire TV critic Ben Travers touted as a show that honestly captures the horrors of adolescence: “The show is unafraid to tell the embarrassing truths of pubescence, but knows...
Well, at least his attack on Goldberg. Kroll was a late bloomer — and it was that awkward puberty that inspired Kroll, Goldberg, Mark Levin and Jennifer Flackett to come up with “Big Mouth.” The animated series stars Kroll as Nick and John Mulaney as Andrew, and centers on their friendship as puberty — personified on the show as the hormone monster — puts it through the test.
Maya Rudolph, Jason Mantzoukas, Jordan Peele, Fred Armisen, Jenny Slate and Jessi Klein also star on the show, which IndieWire TV critic Ben Travers touted as a show that honestly captures the horrors of adolescence: “The show is unafraid to tell the embarrassing truths of pubescence, but knows...
- 10/12/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
Michele Fazekas and Tara Butters admit their new ABC series, “Kevin (Probably) Saves the World,” is a bit hard to explain at first. But it comes down to this easy message: “Don’t be a jerk.”
Jason Ritter stars as Kevin Finn, a selfish and clueless man who hits rock bottom and decides to move home to Texas and live with his widowed twin sister Amy, played by JoAnna Garcia Swisher, and his teenage niece Reese. Once night, a mysterious meteor lands near their house, and Kevin starts to see visions – of a woman named Yvette, who claims to be a warrior for God. Yvette tells Kevin he’s the last of the 36 righteous on earth. Now, he needs to recruit the rest of a new batch of 35.
“In the last couple years and with the election, it didn’t matter politically if you were left or right — it felt like people felt hopelessness,...
Jason Ritter stars as Kevin Finn, a selfish and clueless man who hits rock bottom and decides to move home to Texas and live with his widowed twin sister Amy, played by JoAnna Garcia Swisher, and his teenage niece Reese. Once night, a mysterious meteor lands near their house, and Kevin starts to see visions – of a woman named Yvette, who claims to be a warrior for God. Yvette tells Kevin he’s the last of the 36 righteous on earth. Now, he needs to recruit the rest of a new batch of 35.
“In the last couple years and with the election, it didn’t matter politically if you were left or right — it felt like people felt hopelessness,...
- 10/5/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
Remember the time when an actor was perceived to be taking a fall when moving from the big screen to the small screen? Well, thankfully, those times are gone and we can see A-listers grace all screens without judgement. Just look at the gang from “Big Little Lies” or Dwayne Johnson in “Ballers.” And yet there are still some actors that have not (yet) dipped their toes in television and the crucial question is: Should they even try?
Read More:i’ve Seen the Future of Tom Cruise, and It’s Not the Movies
Tom Cruise — whose most recent film, “American Made,” just debuted in the No. 2 spot during a particularly slow box office weekend — is the actor in question for this week’s Very Good TV Podcast. IndieWire’s TV Editor Liz Shannon Miller and TV Critic Ben Travers weigh in on the pros and cons of Tom Cruise trying out television.
Read More:i’ve Seen the Future of Tom Cruise, and It’s Not the Movies
Tom Cruise — whose most recent film, “American Made,” just debuted in the No. 2 spot during a particularly slow box office weekend — is the actor in question for this week’s Very Good TV Podcast. IndieWire’s TV Editor Liz Shannon Miller and TV Critic Ben Travers weigh in on the pros and cons of Tom Cruise trying out television.
- 10/2/2017
- by Alberto Achar
- Indiewire
After seven seasons in her Emmy-winning role as “The Closer,” Kyra Sedgwick was excited to try something different with “Ten Days in the Valley.”
This time, Kyra executive produces and stars as Jane Sadler, an overworked single mother who’s the executive producer of a popular TV cop drama. When her daughter goes missing, Jane’s world starts to implode and she doesn’t know who to trust — including her ex-husband, the cop informant she’s working with, and her secret drug dealer.
The series is deeply influenced by a recurring nightmare that creator and showrunner Tassie Cameron had. Cameron shared that dream with TV critics this summer: “I was working alone late at night in my writing shed about 10 feet away from my house, and that it would be I’d finish writing, and I would come, and my back door would be locked, and I’d break in,...
This time, Kyra executive produces and stars as Jane Sadler, an overworked single mother who’s the executive producer of a popular TV cop drama. When her daughter goes missing, Jane’s world starts to implode and she doesn’t know who to trust — including her ex-husband, the cop informant she’s working with, and her secret drug dealer.
The series is deeply influenced by a recurring nightmare that creator and showrunner Tassie Cameron had. Cameron shared that dream with TV critics this summer: “I was working alone late at night in my writing shed about 10 feet away from my house, and that it would be I’d finish writing, and I would come, and my back door would be locked, and I’d break in,...
- 9/27/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
Usually, it’s a bit unrealistic to piece together what a comedy show is after only one episode. Especially in the world of late night, each successive half-hour brings host, writers, and assorted crew alike a chance to really drill down on a show’s strengths.
But “The Opposition,” the latest 11:30 slot-holder on Comedy Central, took its first episode as a chance to deliver what seemed like an effective mission statement for what this conspiracy-adjacent satire would be going forward. Not only did host Jordan Klepper take the opportunity to define some of the edges of this particular brand of late-night blowhard, he introduced the various members of his staff and doubled down on the logical loopholes that will theoretically provide most of the laughs as the show progresses.
In doing so, the show might not be the show at its funniest, but it did indirectly touch on the...
But “The Opposition,” the latest 11:30 slot-holder on Comedy Central, took its first episode as a chance to deliver what seemed like an effective mission statement for what this conspiracy-adjacent satire would be going forward. Not only did host Jordan Klepper take the opportunity to define some of the edges of this particular brand of late-night blowhard, he introduced the various members of his staff and doubled down on the logical loopholes that will theoretically provide most of the laughs as the show progresses.
In doing so, the show might not be the show at its funniest, but it did indirectly touch on the...
- 9/26/2017
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
We’ve all been there. You’re feeling a little under the weather (after catching a cold or catching too many shots at the bar, you know, whichever reason it may be), and you hear your mother’s voice in your head: “Stay in bed,” she says. “Get your rest. I’ll just turn on the TV for you, so you can relax.”
Lying in bed is generally awesome, but when you’re not feeling great, it can be more of a bitter experience than a sweet one. You’re sweltering under the covers until you kick them off and freeze to death. You can’t get comfortable because of the itchy sheets or baggy pajamas. You need to rest, but you need a distraction. The solution? A good TV show to accompany you and your grogginess!
Life (and all its knacks) can sometimes prevent us from keeping up with our favorite shows,...
Lying in bed is generally awesome, but when you’re not feeling great, it can be more of a bitter experience than a sweet one. You’re sweltering under the covers until you kick them off and freeze to death. You can’t get comfortable because of the itchy sheets or baggy pajamas. You need to rest, but you need a distraction. The solution? A good TV show to accompany you and your grogginess!
Life (and all its knacks) can sometimes prevent us from keeping up with our favorite shows,...
- 9/25/2017
- by Alberto Achar
- Indiewire
It’s perhaps the question the IndieWire TV team gets asked the most right now: “Is there anything good to watch this fall?” That’s sort of a loaded question, and always hard to answer. With so much TV available, there’s almost something suited to anyone’s taste.
IndieWire’s TV team — including Hanh Nguyen, Liz Shannon Miller, Steve Greene and Ben Travers — joins host Michael Schneider to discuss what they’re most excited to see in the coming months, on this edition of “Turn It On.” Listen below!
Among the highlights: Everyone is looking forward to see what creator Mike Schur does with Season 2 of NBC’s “The Good Place,” and there’s also interest in Dick Wolf’s “Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders”; Netflix’s “Alias Grace,” based on a Margaret Atwood novel; and ABC’s “The Good Doctor,” adapted from a South Korean drama.
IndieWire’s TV team — including Hanh Nguyen, Liz Shannon Miller, Steve Greene and Ben Travers — joins host Michael Schneider to discuss what they’re most excited to see in the coming months, on this edition of “Turn It On.” Listen below!
Among the highlights: Everyone is looking forward to see what creator Mike Schur does with Season 2 of NBC’s “The Good Place,” and there’s also interest in Dick Wolf’s “Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders”; Netflix’s “Alias Grace,” based on a Margaret Atwood novel; and ABC’s “The Good Doctor,” adapted from a South Korean drama.
- 9/20/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
TV seasons are a thing of the past, but the fall still sees a lot of new releases. Among the flurry of untested series — a.k.a. brand new shows — there are quite a few returning favorites ready to top their already stellar past seasons. They’re reliable picks for an audience already overwhelmed with options, but even these highly anticipated entries can still get lost in the shuffle.
So fear not, dear readers. The Very Good TV Podcast has got your back. On this week’s episode, IndieWire TV Editor Lisa Shannon Miller and TV Critic Ben Travers have collected the 10 most important, exciting, or intriguing returning series to make sure your favorites don’t go overlooked. Or, if you missed some of these the first time through, maybe there’s a new favorite to be had.
Read More:‘The Vietnam War’ Review: Ken Burns’ Exhaustive Conflict Biography Shows...
So fear not, dear readers. The Very Good TV Podcast has got your back. On this week’s episode, IndieWire TV Editor Lisa Shannon Miller and TV Critic Ben Travers have collected the 10 most important, exciting, or intriguing returning series to make sure your favorites don’t go overlooked. Or, if you missed some of these the first time through, maybe there’s a new favorite to be had.
Read More:‘The Vietnam War’ Review: Ken Burns’ Exhaustive Conflict Biography Shows...
- 9/18/2017
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
The characters on “You’re the Worst” have always been a bit troubled, but the show’s Season 3 ended with the kind of cliffhanger that blew everything up. Moments after alcoholic writer Jimmy proposed to his live-in signficant other Gretchen, he hopped in a car and sped off. Now, as Season 4 opens, it turns out three months have passed, and Jimmy has started a new life at a retirement Rv village hundreds of miles away. Gretchen, who already struggles from depression, has become a shut-in. And their best friends, Edgar and Lindsay, have moved on and are weirdly thriving.
“I always believe in taking bold storytelling choices,” creator Stephen Falk told IndieWire’s Turn It On podcast. “They’re not always right, but sometimes it’s exactly what you need in the moment. We’re a heightened version of a romantic comedy. It felt in character for everything we built and good for the show.
“I always believe in taking bold storytelling choices,” creator Stephen Falk told IndieWire’s Turn It On podcast. “They’re not always right, but sometimes it’s exactly what you need in the moment. We’re a heightened version of a romantic comedy. It felt in character for everything we built and good for the show.
- 9/8/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
He may still be best known as the star of seminal 1990s drama “Dawson’s Creek,” but these days James Van Der Beek is more often known for playing … James Van Der Beek. After all, he did star as himself in the critically acclaimed but short lived “Don’t Trust the B in Apartment 23.” Now he’s having fun parodying another celebrity, the famed DJ Diplo, in Viceland’s new series “What Would Diplo Do?”
Van Der Beek is not only the star of the show, but he’s also the executive producer and showrunner. He and director Brandon Dermer first had fun with the world famous DJ in the web short “Day in the Life of Diplo,” an over-the top take on what Diplo’s life might be like. But then Viceland came to him about a series. Viceland creative director Spike Jonze knows a thing or two about playing with celebrity personas,...
Van Der Beek is not only the star of the show, but he’s also the executive producer and showrunner. He and director Brandon Dermer first had fun with the world famous DJ in the web short “Day in the Life of Diplo,” an over-the top take on what Diplo’s life might be like. But then Viceland came to him about a series. Viceland creative director Spike Jonze knows a thing or two about playing with celebrity personas,...
- 8/31/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
“The Handmaid’s Tale” is on a tear, but keep an eye on “Stranger Things.” The period Netflix thriller was a fan favorite, a surprise hit, and could wind up taking the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series this year. The are indeed upside-down times.
“Stranger Things” would be the latest genre series to defy convention and win the top drama prize, now that “Game of Thrones” isn’t eligible this year due to timing. Also in the hunt: “The Crown,” “This Is Us,” “Better Call Saul,” “House of Cards” and “Westworld.”
But even if “The Handmaid’s Tale” doesn’t win the top prize, star Elisabeth Moss is currently the shoo-in to win the outstanding drama actress prize. On the best actor side, it’s “This Is Us” star Sterling K. Brown’s to lose.
Meanwhile, on the supporting actor and actress side, it’s the best chance for a...
“Stranger Things” would be the latest genre series to defy convention and win the top drama prize, now that “Game of Thrones” isn’t eligible this year due to timing. Also in the hunt: “The Crown,” “This Is Us,” “Better Call Saul,” “House of Cards” and “Westworld.”
But even if “The Handmaid’s Tale” doesn’t win the top prize, star Elisabeth Moss is currently the shoo-in to win the outstanding drama actress prize. On the best actor side, it’s “This Is Us” star Sterling K. Brown’s to lose.
Meanwhile, on the supporting actor and actress side, it’s the best chance for a...
- 8/30/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
“Veep” isn’t trying to eviscerate any one politician — not even an easy, tiny-handed target — but history is doomed to repeat itself. And David Mandel, the “Veep” showrunner since Season 5, takes his history very, very seriously.
Read More:‘Veep’ Showrunner on the Season 6 Finale, Plans for Season 7, and Who’s Coming Back After That Wild Ending
Before each season, the writer-producer gets his staff together with political advisors to break down new arcs and study the relevant history related to them. Presidents — and vice-presidents — set precedent for each other, and knowing as much can create stories with unexpected topicality.
Take, for instance, the vagi-brary.
In the Season 6 finale of “Veep,” Selina Meyer (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) is shown the design for her presidential library, invoking a quick realization — and fun new nickname for it — from the staff. A few days after the episode aired, a photo surfaced of George Lucas’ Museum of Narrative Art and there were…...
Read More:‘Veep’ Showrunner on the Season 6 Finale, Plans for Season 7, and Who’s Coming Back After That Wild Ending
Before each season, the writer-producer gets his staff together with political advisors to break down new arcs and study the relevant history related to them. Presidents — and vice-presidents — set precedent for each other, and knowing as much can create stories with unexpected topicality.
Take, for instance, the vagi-brary.
In the Season 6 finale of “Veep,” Selina Meyer (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) is shown the design for her presidential library, invoking a quick realization — and fun new nickname for it — from the staff. A few days after the episode aired, a photo surfaced of George Lucas’ Museum of Narrative Art and there were…...
- 8/28/2017
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
“American Ninja Warrior” has become much more than just a TV show.
There’s an entire Ninja Warrior cottage industry now: Ninja gyms and local competitions have popped up across the country. Fan favorites like Kevin Bull, who started competing as a walk-on contestant in Season 6, have turned being a ninja into a career. There’s even talk of making it an Olympic sport. (Given the NBC connection, of course.)
“These ninjas have sacrificed a lot personally, financially, just to go after the thing that means the most to them,” said host Akbar Gbajabiamila.
For Bull, that meant putting aside his career as a stock trader to work full-time as a ninja warrior. As one of the show’s ambassadors, that also includes a lot of travel. He also has donated his time in working with the Children’s Alopecia Project, a cause he has spotlighted on the show.
Gbajabiamila...
There’s an entire Ninja Warrior cottage industry now: Ninja gyms and local competitions have popped up across the country. Fan favorites like Kevin Bull, who started competing as a walk-on contestant in Season 6, have turned being a ninja into a career. There’s even talk of making it an Olympic sport. (Given the NBC connection, of course.)
“These ninjas have sacrificed a lot personally, financially, just to go after the thing that means the most to them,” said host Akbar Gbajabiamila.
For Bull, that meant putting aside his career as a stock trader to work full-time as a ninja warrior. As one of the show’s ambassadors, that also includes a lot of travel. He also has donated his time in working with the Children’s Alopecia Project, a cause he has spotlighted on the show.
Gbajabiamila...
- 8/24/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
“Veep” appears unstoppable.
The HBO comedy broke “Modern Family’s” streak of five consecutive outstanding comedy wins in 2015, and launched a streak of its own. After repeating the win in 2016, “Veep” is the favorite this year to take the category once again.
Read More:Emmys: Even With ‘Atlanta,’ The Comedy Category is Still Frustratingly Resistant to Change
Ditto star Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who is a favorite to win yet again as former President Selina Meyer. If she pulls off her sixth consecutive Emmy, Louis-Dreyfus will beat the record for most Emmys won by a performer in the same role for the same series. She’s also in line this year to tie Cloris Leachman for the most Emmys ever won by a female performer (at eight).
But while “Veep” is rightfully getting all of the attention this year, freshman comedy “Atlanta” could play spoiler. (More likely, star Donald Glover is in...
The HBO comedy broke “Modern Family’s” streak of five consecutive outstanding comedy wins in 2015, and launched a streak of its own. After repeating the win in 2016, “Veep” is the favorite this year to take the category once again.
Read More:Emmys: Even With ‘Atlanta,’ The Comedy Category is Still Frustratingly Resistant to Change
Ditto star Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who is a favorite to win yet again as former President Selina Meyer. If she pulls off her sixth consecutive Emmy, Louis-Dreyfus will beat the record for most Emmys won by a performer in the same role for the same series. She’s also in line this year to tie Cloris Leachman for the most Emmys ever won by a female performer (at eight).
But while “Veep” is rightfully getting all of the attention this year, freshman comedy “Atlanta” could play spoiler. (More likely, star Donald Glover is in...
- 8/23/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Thompson on Hollywood
“Veep” appears unstoppable.
The HBO comedy broke “Modern Family’s” streak of five consecutive outstanding comedy wins in 2015, and launched a streak of its own. After repeating the win in 2016, “Veep” is the favorite this year to take the category once again.
Read More:Emmys: Even With ‘Atlanta,’ The Comedy Category is Still Frustratingly Resistant to Change
Ditto star Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who is a favorite to win yet again as former President Selina Meyer. If she pulls off her sixth consecutive Emmy, Louis-Dreyfus will beat the record for most Emmys won by a performer in the same role for the same series. She’s also in line this year to tie Cloris Leachman for the most Emmys ever won by a female performer (at eight).
But while “Veep” is rightfully getting all of the attention this year, freshman comedy “Atlanta” could play spoiler. (More likely, star Donald Glover is in...
The HBO comedy broke “Modern Family’s” streak of five consecutive outstanding comedy wins in 2015, and launched a streak of its own. After repeating the win in 2016, “Veep” is the favorite this year to take the category once again.
Read More:Emmys: Even With ‘Atlanta,’ The Comedy Category is Still Frustratingly Resistant to Change
Ditto star Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who is a favorite to win yet again as former President Selina Meyer. If she pulls off her sixth consecutive Emmy, Louis-Dreyfus will beat the record for most Emmys won by a performer in the same role for the same series. She’s also in line this year to tie Cloris Leachman for the most Emmys ever won by a female performer (at eight).
But while “Veep” is rightfully getting all of the attention this year, freshman comedy “Atlanta” could play spoiler. (More likely, star Donald Glover is in...
- 8/23/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
“Big Little Lies” is a favorite in most of this year’s longform categories — and that’s the big little truth.
The seven-part series scored 16 Emmy nominations this year, including outstanding limited series, two for outstanding lead actress in a limited series or movie (Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon) and three in outstanding supporting categories (Alexander Skarsgard, Laura Dern and Shailene Woodley).
Read More:Emmy Predictions 2017: Outstanding Limited Series
Director Jean-Marc Vallee and writer David E. Kelley are also nominated. Both are considered front-runners, as is “Big Little Lies” in the top limited series category.
But hold on — don’t count out “Feud: Bette and Joan” just yet. The series is about Hollywood, after all, and comes from Emmy favorite Ryan Murphy, who won the category last year for “The People vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.”
Read More:Emmy Predictions 2017: Outstanding TV Movie
Just like last year, IndieWire...
The seven-part series scored 16 Emmy nominations this year, including outstanding limited series, two for outstanding lead actress in a limited series or movie (Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon) and three in outstanding supporting categories (Alexander Skarsgard, Laura Dern and Shailene Woodley).
Read More:Emmy Predictions 2017: Outstanding Limited Series
Director Jean-Marc Vallee and writer David E. Kelley are also nominated. Both are considered front-runners, as is “Big Little Lies” in the top limited series category.
But hold on — don’t count out “Feud: Bette and Joan” just yet. The series is about Hollywood, after all, and comes from Emmy favorite Ryan Murphy, who won the category last year for “The People vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.”
Read More:Emmy Predictions 2017: Outstanding TV Movie
Just like last year, IndieWire...
- 8/17/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
Read MoreLAST Week’S Episode: Tony Hale on the Return of ‘Arrested Development,’ and Working on ‘Veep’ In the Time of Trump — Turn It On Podcast
This fall will mark 25 years since the release of “Supermodel (You Better Work),” RuPaul’s smash hit single that quickly made him a household name. The superstar hasn’t stopped working since then, and is now enjoying more success than ever with the Emmy-nominated “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” about to enter its tenth season.
Following a move to VH1, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” just delivered its most viewed season ever. And the show and its companion series “Untucked” has been nominated for 8 Emmys, including outstanding reality competition series and outstanding reality host for RuPaul, who won the category last year as well.
“My whole career, it’s never been about getting validation from the status quo,” the icon told IndieWire’s Turn It On podcast.
This fall will mark 25 years since the release of “Supermodel (You Better Work),” RuPaul’s smash hit single that quickly made him a household name. The superstar hasn’t stopped working since then, and is now enjoying more success than ever with the Emmy-nominated “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” about to enter its tenth season.
Following a move to VH1, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” just delivered its most viewed season ever. And the show and its companion series “Untucked” has been nominated for 8 Emmys, including outstanding reality competition series and outstanding reality host for RuPaul, who won the category last year as well.
“My whole career, it’s never been about getting validation from the status quo,” the icon told IndieWire’s Turn It On podcast.
- 8/16/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
As Emmy campaigning hits critical mass, IndieWire executive editor Michael Schneider and awards editor Anne Thompson go toe to toe on this week’s Emmy predictions for various variety and guest star Emmys.
Will “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” repeat its win for Best Variety Talk Series and writing, now that newbies “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee” and “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” are competing with more anti-Trump fodder?
“Saturday Night Live’ is up for a whopping 22 nominations, including several hosts nominated as Guest Actors and Actresses, although the late Carrie Fisher could take a sentimental win in comedy for “Catastrophe,” and Matthew Rhys and Riz Ahmed could cancel each other out as guests on “Girls.”
Listen to our Emmy Episode 5 on iTunes here.
Related storiesNostalgic 'Feud' vs. 'Stranger Things' Vie for Best Main Title Theme EmmyTony Hale on the Return of 'Arrested Development,' and Working...
Will “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” repeat its win for Best Variety Talk Series and writing, now that newbies “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee” and “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” are competing with more anti-Trump fodder?
“Saturday Night Live’ is up for a whopping 22 nominations, including several hosts nominated as Guest Actors and Actresses, although the late Carrie Fisher could take a sentimental win in comedy for “Catastrophe,” and Matthew Rhys and Riz Ahmed could cancel each other out as guests on “Girls.”
Listen to our Emmy Episode 5 on iTunes here.
Related storiesNostalgic 'Feud' vs. 'Stranger Things' Vie for Best Main Title Theme EmmyTony Hale on the Return of 'Arrested Development,' and Working...
- 8/11/2017
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Read MoreLAST Week’S Episode: How Squeaky Clean Kellie Martin Wound Up on Greg Garcia’s Quirky Cable Comedy ‘The Guest Book’ — Turn It On Podcast
“Veep” star Tony Hale admits it’s a little strange to turn on CNN these days.
As much as the writers on “Veep” go to “such extremes,” Hale said he’ll then watch the news. “What? That was supposed to be a plot line, that wasn’t supposed to be actually happening!”
Welcome to 2017, when the awful characters on “Veep” seem more competent than our real-life leaders. At least on “Veep,” Hale noted, Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Selina Meyer knows how to fake it.
“The wild thing is Selina behind the scenes is a nightmare,” Hale said. “But when the cameras are on, she turns it on. Some people in the news, they’re not even worried about game face. She turns it on and off...
“Veep” star Tony Hale admits it’s a little strange to turn on CNN these days.
As much as the writers on “Veep” go to “such extremes,” Hale said he’ll then watch the news. “What? That was supposed to be a plot line, that wasn’t supposed to be actually happening!”
Welcome to 2017, when the awful characters on “Veep” seem more competent than our real-life leaders. At least on “Veep,” Hale noted, Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Selina Meyer knows how to fake it.
“The wild thing is Selina behind the scenes is a nightmare,” Hale said. “But when the cameras are on, she turns it on. Some people in the news, they’re not even worried about game face. She turns it on and off...
- 8/11/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
Read MoreLAST Week’S Episode: Matt Groening and ‘The Simpsons’ Producers on 30 Years, Beating ‘Gunsmoke’ and Taking On Trump — IndieWire’s Turn It On Podcast
The idea behind “The Guest Book” has become almost the stuff of TV legend by now. It all started when Greg Garcia — the Emmy-winning creator behind hits like “My Name Is Earl” and “Raising Hope” – began writing fictitious stories in the guest books of various rental cabins. What was originally meant as a creative exercise, and also as a side benefit to freak out the next renters, quickly became something more.
“I saw a guest book and began to read it,” he said. “I thought, ‘I’m going to write a story in this guest book that blows peoples minds!'”
Eventually, he became addicted to the idea, and would even rent houses just to write in the guest book – “which my wife thought was insane,...
The idea behind “The Guest Book” has become almost the stuff of TV legend by now. It all started when Greg Garcia — the Emmy-winning creator behind hits like “My Name Is Earl” and “Raising Hope” – began writing fictitious stories in the guest books of various rental cabins. What was originally meant as a creative exercise, and also as a side benefit to freak out the next renters, quickly became something more.
“I saw a guest book and began to read it,” he said. “I thought, ‘I’m going to write a story in this guest book that blows peoples minds!'”
Eventually, he became addicted to the idea, and would even rent houses just to write in the guest book – “which my wife thought was insane,...
- 8/2/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
Six months into Donald Trump’s presidency, it’s hard to remember a time when the concept of the former “Apprentice” host becoming the Commander-in-Chief was a joke.
And yet for some time, it really was, thanks to decades of Trump’s standing as a pop culture icon, a notion he more than encouraged with frequent media appearances. The mogul was game for any joke as long as it didn’t imply that he wasn’t as rich or powerful as he said he was.
Read MoreTrump News: Late Night Show Writers Talk About the Challenges of Keeping Audiences Laughing As The World Burns
Since Trump took office, any attempt to keep up with political news inspires a wide range of emotions, but it’s rare that the headlines coming out of Washington inspire much in the way of funny. And it’s an especially acute problem faced by comedians...
And yet for some time, it really was, thanks to decades of Trump’s standing as a pop culture icon, a notion he more than encouraged with frequent media appearances. The mogul was game for any joke as long as it didn’t imply that he wasn’t as rich or powerful as he said he was.
Read MoreTrump News: Late Night Show Writers Talk About the Challenges of Keeping Audiences Laughing As The World Burns
Since Trump took office, any attempt to keep up with political news inspires a wide range of emotions, but it’s rare that the headlines coming out of Washington inspire much in the way of funny. And it’s an especially acute problem faced by comedians...
- 8/1/2017
- by Liz Shannon Miller
- Indiewire
Read MoreLAST Week’S Episode: Zachary Levi on Returning to Comic-Con In a New Role For Syfy — IndieWire’s Turn It On Podcast
At this past weekend’s annual San Diego Comic-Con, IndieWire’s Turn It On moderated the Simpsons panel in Ballroom 20, in front of thousands of fans. Listen to the festivities below:
“The Simpsons” has already been renewed for Seasons 29 and 30, which means that the show sometime next year will hit episode 636 –
breaking the record for most episodes of any scripted show, among both animated and live-action series. Previously, that record was held by “Gunsmoke,” the Western drama that aired from 1955 to 1975, hitting 635 episodes.
Read More‘The Simpsons’ Comic-Con Poster Celebrates The Animated Family’s Landmark 30th Anniversary — Exclusive
That’s not the only big landmark this year for “The Simpsons.” Creator Matt Groening recently marked the 30th anniversary of the first time they appeared on television, as...
At this past weekend’s annual San Diego Comic-Con, IndieWire’s Turn It On moderated the Simpsons panel in Ballroom 20, in front of thousands of fans. Listen to the festivities below:
“The Simpsons” has already been renewed for Seasons 29 and 30, which means that the show sometime next year will hit episode 636 –
breaking the record for most episodes of any scripted show, among both animated and live-action series. Previously, that record was held by “Gunsmoke,” the Western drama that aired from 1955 to 1975, hitting 635 episodes.
Read More‘The Simpsons’ Comic-Con Poster Celebrates The Animated Family’s Landmark 30th Anniversary — Exclusive
That’s not the only big landmark this year for “The Simpsons.” Creator Matt Groening recently marked the 30th anniversary of the first time they appeared on television, as...
- 7/26/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
The Shark Week stunt with Michael Phelps racing a shark didn’t go quite swimmingly, as some viewers complained that they felt robbed of seeing man vs. fish in the flesh.
But Discovery Channel group president Rich Ross told IndieWire on Wednesday that the network made it clear several times that Phelps was not literally swimming next to a shark (that would be a bit dangerous, after all) and that he was a bit surprised by the controversy.
“Every Shark Week show is an experiment and everyone is handled as safely as we possibly can do it. So was this,” Ross said. “Certainly of a scale and a scope that was far bigger. People came away with it understanding more about him, more about the sharks, about how they work together. We would never put people’s life at risk.”
Read More Catch Up With All of IndieWire’s TCA News
On Sunday,...
But Discovery Channel group president Rich Ross told IndieWire on Wednesday that the network made it clear several times that Phelps was not literally swimming next to a shark (that would be a bit dangerous, after all) and that he was a bit surprised by the controversy.
“Every Shark Week show is an experiment and everyone is handled as safely as we possibly can do it. So was this,” Ross said. “Certainly of a scale and a scope that was far bigger. People came away with it understanding more about him, more about the sharks, about how they work together. We would never put people’s life at risk.”
Read More Catch Up With All of IndieWire’s TCA News
On Sunday,...
- 7/26/2017
- by Hanh Nguyen
- Indiewire
The anticipation that surrounds the lead-up to the San Diego Comic-Con is always intriguing, because there’s a legitimate potential for things to fall apart. You can’t always anticipate how fans will react to big reveals or changes, not to mention new properties that are hoping to gain traction with the convention’s geek-inclined audience.
Read MoreComic-Con Stunts Prove That The Future of Entertainment Isn’t Technology, But Live Interaction
In this week’s Very Good Television Podcast, Liz and Ben are joined by IndieWire executive editor Michael Schneider, as the three of them spent the last several days running around San Diego (literally) to check out all of the excitement to be had at Comic-Con.
While there was so much to experience — in the podcast above, the trio mentions a ton of things they enjoyed over the course of the convention — there were even more notable winners and losers.
Read MoreComic-Con Stunts Prove That The Future of Entertainment Isn’t Technology, But Live Interaction
In this week’s Very Good Television Podcast, Liz and Ben are joined by IndieWire executive editor Michael Schneider, as the three of them spent the last several days running around San Diego (literally) to check out all of the excitement to be had at Comic-Con.
While there was so much to experience — in the podcast above, the trio mentions a ton of things they enjoyed over the course of the convention — there were even more notable winners and losers.
- 7/24/2017
- by Liz Shannon Miller and Ben Travers
- Indiewire
Last Week’S Podcast: Danny Trejo on Weapons, Tacos, the Los Angeles Rams and Weird Looks from Parents — IndieWire’s Turn It On Podcast
Zachary Levi first attended San Diego Comic-Con 11 years ago, when his NBC series “Chuck” first premiered. Not only did he fall in love with the fan event, he soon found a way to put his own stamp on the gathering with his Nerd Machine brand. That led to Nerd HQ, an annual fan event that traditionally was held simultaneously with Comic-Con in San Diego.
But don’t call him the “King of Con” – a label that Levi thinks only comic book royalty have earned. “I don’t know if I love that title,” he said. “Even though I’ve been a nerd my whole life this will only be my 11th year at Comic-Con. You gotta be Stan Lee status. Every one else is vying for...
Zachary Levi first attended San Diego Comic-Con 11 years ago, when his NBC series “Chuck” first premiered. Not only did he fall in love with the fan event, he soon found a way to put his own stamp on the gathering with his Nerd Machine brand. That led to Nerd HQ, an annual fan event that traditionally was held simultaneously with Comic-Con in San Diego.
But don’t call him the “King of Con” – a label that Levi thinks only comic book royalty have earned. “I don’t know if I love that title,” he said. “Even though I’ve been a nerd my whole life this will only be my 11th year at Comic-Con. You gotta be Stan Lee status. Every one else is vying for...
- 7/20/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
TV won’t feel the full effects of the 2016 election until next year’s Emmy nominations. The shows that were in contention this year were already in production or wrapped long before the first few weeks of November played out.
The one exception has been the talk show world. As late night took a noticeable swing towards the political, some of these shows’ best work often followed. On Emmy nominations morning, that shift helped the category get it right for the first time in a while.
Read More: TV’s Newest Late Night Hosts Need to Follow Trevor Noah’s Advice in Order to Survive
After a resurgence in viewership and a warmer embrace of the kind of comedy that used to fuel the host’s previous show, “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” was a shoo-in. Popularity in viewers doesn’t necessarily translate to Emmys success, but for a...
The one exception has been the talk show world. As late night took a noticeable swing towards the political, some of these shows’ best work often followed. On Emmy nominations morning, that shift helped the category get it right for the first time in a while.
Read More: TV’s Newest Late Night Hosts Need to Follow Trevor Noah’s Advice in Order to Survive
After a resurgence in viewership and a warmer embrace of the kind of comedy that used to fuel the host’s previous show, “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” was a shoo-in. Popularity in viewers doesn’t necessarily translate to Emmys success, but for a...
- 7/13/2017
- by Steve Greene
- Indiewire
Last Week’S Podcast: Michael K. Williams on Why ‘The Night Of’ Doesn’t Need to Return, and His ‘Emotional Void’ After ‘Black Market’ — Turn It On Podcast
Danny Trejo loves the quote “a busy man has time to do everything,” and he lives up to that proverb.
Just take a look at his IMDb page: The actor has 23 different projects listed just in 2017. Of course, he’s known for a wide range of movies and TV projects from over the years, including his ongoing partnership with filmmaker Robert Rodriguez, which has led to “From Dusk Till Dawn,” “Machete” and “Spy Kids.” In Los Angeles, Trejo’s name is on taco stands and even a donut shop.
Now, you can add reality TV show host to Trejo’s resume. Trejo is the host of El Rey Network’s “Man at Arms: Art of War,” which spotlights iconic weapons from history and pop culture,...
Danny Trejo loves the quote “a busy man has time to do everything,” and he lives up to that proverb.
Just take a look at his IMDb page: The actor has 23 different projects listed just in 2017. Of course, he’s known for a wide range of movies and TV projects from over the years, including his ongoing partnership with filmmaker Robert Rodriguez, which has led to “From Dusk Till Dawn,” “Machete” and “Spy Kids.” In Los Angeles, Trejo’s name is on taco stands and even a donut shop.
Now, you can add reality TV show host to Trejo’s resume. Trejo is the host of El Rey Network’s “Man at Arms: Art of War,” which spotlights iconic weapons from history and pop culture,...
- 7/12/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
Summer is the season of vacations, both in reality and on television. So in this week’s Very Good Television Podcast, TV Editor Liz Shannon Miller and TV Critic Ben Travers discuss their favorite special vacation episodes and what they learned from watching faux families take fantastical trips.
Read More: How to Recover From the End of a Great Show — Very Good TV Podcast
Vacation episodes used to be a staple for any sitcom on television, but at some point even the most dramatic series began partaking in quick and lengthy getaways. It’s not uncommon for a vacation episode to be meaningless overall, just being used for a moment of good fun without introducing or furthering heavy plot points seen throughout the series’ regularly scheduled programming. But sometimes vacation episodes are used to start new plots to bring home with the characters once the vacation is over, or serve...
Read More: How to Recover From the End of a Great Show — Very Good TV Podcast
Vacation episodes used to be a staple for any sitcom on television, but at some point even the most dramatic series began partaking in quick and lengthy getaways. It’s not uncommon for a vacation episode to be meaningless overall, just being used for a moment of good fun without introducing or furthering heavy plot points seen throughout the series’ regularly scheduled programming. But sometimes vacation episodes are used to start new plots to bring home with the characters once the vacation is over, or serve...
- 7/3/2017
- by Gabrielle Kiss
- Indiewire
Last Week’S Podcast: Vice’s Shane Smith on Trying to Avoid the ‘Crack Cocaine’ of Donald Trump — IndieWire’s Turn It On Podcast
There aren’t many actors as busy as Michael Kenneth Williams. Probably still best known as Omar on HBO’s classic “The Wire,” these days he’s all over the place: Playing Leonard Pine, opposite James Purefoy, in SundanceTV’s “Hap and Leonard”; as Ken Jones in the ABC limited series “When We Rise,” about the gay rights movement; or as Freddy Knight in HBO’s “The Night Of,” playing a Rikers inmate who befriends Naz (Riz Ahmed).
All of those roles are Emmy-eligible. But possibly the most personal work Williams has done recently wasn’t an acting gig at all. On Viceland’s “Black Market,” the actor served as a real-world journalist – entering the dangerous world of illicit trade, such as gambling underworld in New York,...
There aren’t many actors as busy as Michael Kenneth Williams. Probably still best known as Omar on HBO’s classic “The Wire,” these days he’s all over the place: Playing Leonard Pine, opposite James Purefoy, in SundanceTV’s “Hap and Leonard”; as Ken Jones in the ABC limited series “When We Rise,” about the gay rights movement; or as Freddy Knight in HBO’s “The Night Of,” playing a Rikers inmate who befriends Naz (Riz Ahmed).
All of those roles are Emmy-eligible. But possibly the most personal work Williams has done recently wasn’t an acting gig at all. On Viceland’s “Black Market,” the actor served as a real-world journalist – entering the dangerous world of illicit trade, such as gambling underworld in New York,...
- 6/28/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
The Television Critics Association’s TCA Awards nominations are out, and it looks a lot like the Emmy race.
That wasn’t always the case, as TV critics and Television Academy voters were traditionally on very different pages. But that has changed in recent years, as Emmy nominations began to recognize more critics faves, such as “The Americans” and “Orphan Black” star Tatiana Maslany (who even won last year).
On this week’s “Screen Talk Emmy Edition,” we look at the TCA Award nominees, plus go through IndieWire’s list of 10 shows that Emmy voters ought to take a second look at before filling out their ballots. And later in the episode, we examine the best comedy series odds.
Read More: 10 TV Shows Emmy Voters Need to Watch Before They Fill Out Their Ballots
Just like last year, IndieWire’s Screen Talk podcast will continue its weekly Emmy edition over the next few months to highlight the most interesting storylines and races. IndieWire editor-at-large Anne Thompson and executive editor Michael Schneider will banter each week, and also bring on the occasional guest. Here’s Episode 3.
Listen to the full episode above.
Screen Talk is available on iTunes.
Read More: Vice’s Shane Smith on Trying to Avoid the ‘Crack Cocaine’ of Donald Trump — IndieWire’s Turn It On Podcast
You can subscribe here or via RSS. Share your feedback with Anne Thompson and Michael Schneider on Twitter or sound off in the comments. Browse previous installments here. Check out the rest of Indiewire’s podcasts on iTunes right here.
Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Festival newsletters here.
Related stories'The Handmaid's Tale': Finding Lenses (and Cameras) to Create the Unfamiliar World of GileadHow 'Stranger Things' Created That Awesomely Retro Title Sequence'Kingdom' and 'American Gods' Star Jonathan Tucker Bled for His Art, and That's Just the Beginning...
That wasn’t always the case, as TV critics and Television Academy voters were traditionally on very different pages. But that has changed in recent years, as Emmy nominations began to recognize more critics faves, such as “The Americans” and “Orphan Black” star Tatiana Maslany (who even won last year).
On this week’s “Screen Talk Emmy Edition,” we look at the TCA Award nominees, plus go through IndieWire’s list of 10 shows that Emmy voters ought to take a second look at before filling out their ballots. And later in the episode, we examine the best comedy series odds.
Read More: 10 TV Shows Emmy Voters Need to Watch Before They Fill Out Their Ballots
Just like last year, IndieWire’s Screen Talk podcast will continue its weekly Emmy edition over the next few months to highlight the most interesting storylines and races. IndieWire editor-at-large Anne Thompson and executive editor Michael Schneider will banter each week, and also bring on the occasional guest. Here’s Episode 3.
Listen to the full episode above.
Screen Talk is available on iTunes.
Read More: Vice’s Shane Smith on Trying to Avoid the ‘Crack Cocaine’ of Donald Trump — IndieWire’s Turn It On Podcast
You can subscribe here or via RSS. Share your feedback with Anne Thompson and Michael Schneider on Twitter or sound off in the comments. Browse previous installments here. Check out the rest of Indiewire’s podcasts on iTunes right here.
Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Festival newsletters here.
Related stories'The Handmaid's Tale': Finding Lenses (and Cameras) to Create the Unfamiliar World of GileadHow 'Stranger Things' Created That Awesomely Retro Title Sequence'Kingdom' and 'American Gods' Star Jonathan Tucker Bled for His Art, and That's Just the Beginning...
- 6/22/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
Last Week’S Podcast: ‘Better Call Saul’ Star Rhea Seehorn and Producer Peter Gould Discuss the Road to ‘Breaking Bad’ — IndieWire’s Turn It On Podcast
Shane Smith is a year into his multi-prong TV extension of the Vice brand and he remains bullish — as he should be. Vice Media just landed a $450 million investment from asset firm Tpg, which puts its valuation up to $5.7 billion. Not bad for a company that started as an edgy street magazine in Canada.
Now Vice Media’s assets include the TV network Viceland, the nightly HBO news program “Vice News Tonight” and the HBO documentary series “Vice,” several digital channels, and a film unit, among many other things. Viceland is on tap to expand into 80 territories. And in a world where Facebook and Google dominate, Smith is growing Vice’s library to be what he calls the largest collection of millennial intellectual property out there.
IndieWire’s Turn It On sat down with Smith to discuss the status of Vice’s expansion, plus running a company that prides itself on reporting the truth despite living in a time of a president who spreads lies and is stirring up hatred against the media. Listen below!
Smith has ambitious plans for Viceland over the next year and a half, as he looks to the future and realizes that only the strongest networks will be included in “skinny bundle” offerings.
“Online and TV, it’s all going to merge,” he said. “If you look at skinny bundles, it will be skinny bundles for cable but also Ott [over-the-top] providers. Unless you’re in on the skinny bundle on both sides, you’re going to be screwed. We want to get into the top 30 [of networks], that’s our goal for the next 18 months.”
How might Viceland reach that goal? “Having the largest library of millennial IP is important for us,” he said. Smith is also watching as other networks – such as Pivot and Esquire – fade away. “People are looking at us and mimicking what we’ve done,” Smith said of using a linear platform to build up that video library.
As for operating multiple operations with multiple partners (A+E, HBO), Smith admits that there is a bit of confusion out there. But he lays it out this way: News goes to Vice News via the HBO properties, and lifestyle goes to Viceland via A+E. “The good news for me as a megalomaniac is that I vote the board, 95% of the parent. I can Napoleon or Stalin it between the networks.”
While we live in an age of outrage, Vice built its brand on usurping tradition and occasionally courting controversy. “If you are trying to manage out of fear of what will happen, you’re not going to do anything new or innovative,” he said.
But Smith said Vice has gotten more careful: “In this day and age of opposition research, we have to be buttoned up and squeaky clean. At some point there has to be a backlash. Everyone goes after everybody. It becomes mud slinging.”
As for his partners, “I think they’d like us to be a little more controversial because controversy brings in ratings. They would like to see more Kim Jong-un [who appeared on the first episode of “Vice” on HBO] in the mix.”
How does Vice navigate the current Trump administration? “Early on we said we can’t fall prey to the crack cocaine that is Trump because if you get addicted to it you have to ween yourself off,” Smith said. “What we did say to differentiate ourselves was we were going to follow policy. Trump can tweet and do all these things but, what does it mean to have [Scott] Pruitt running the Epa who tried to shut down the Epa? What does it mean to have [Rick] Perry running the Department of Energy when he campaigned to undo the Department of Energy?
“What does it mean that the entirety of Trump’s cabinet are climate change deniers? Thats being lost in the headlines. We are literally marching backwards as fast as we can. Not just for the environment but social justice, Lgbtq rights, and were obsessed with lunatic fringe tweets. It’s the greatest reality show ever but the symptoms are dire.”
With Vice reporters risking their lives in hotspots around the globe, Smith is particularly sensitive to Trump’s attacks on the press.
“He calls the press the opposition, but that’s the press’ job,” Smith said. “Without free press there is no democracy, it’s just propaganda.”
Does Smith think he could get anything out of interviewing Trump? “Anyone who gets an interview with him is going to get something. He’s not like Putin, who’s sort of strategic and well thought out. He’s got buttons that you can push.”
IndieWire’s “Turn It On with Michael Schneider” is a weekly dive into what’s new and what’s now in TV – no matter what you’re watching or where you’re watching it. With an enormous amount of choices overwhelming even the most sophisticated viewer, “Turn It On” is a must-listen for TV fans looking to make sense of what to watch and where to watch it.
Listen: How to Recover From the End of a Great Show — Very Good TV Podcast
Be sure to subscribe to “Turn It On” on iTunes, Stitcher, Soundcloud or anywhere you download podcasts. New episodes post every week.
Stay on top of the latest TV news! Sign up for our TV email newsletter here.
Related storiesHow to Recover From the End of a Great Show -- Very Good TV PodcastHow a Chance Encounter With Terrence Malick Turned Trey Edward Shults Into a FilmmakerWhy 'The Book of Henry' Isn't As Bad As Everybody Says -- IndieWire's Movie Podcast (Screen Talk Episode 153)...
Shane Smith is a year into his multi-prong TV extension of the Vice brand and he remains bullish — as he should be. Vice Media just landed a $450 million investment from asset firm Tpg, which puts its valuation up to $5.7 billion. Not bad for a company that started as an edgy street magazine in Canada.
Now Vice Media’s assets include the TV network Viceland, the nightly HBO news program “Vice News Tonight” and the HBO documentary series “Vice,” several digital channels, and a film unit, among many other things. Viceland is on tap to expand into 80 territories. And in a world where Facebook and Google dominate, Smith is growing Vice’s library to be what he calls the largest collection of millennial intellectual property out there.
IndieWire’s Turn It On sat down with Smith to discuss the status of Vice’s expansion, plus running a company that prides itself on reporting the truth despite living in a time of a president who spreads lies and is stirring up hatred against the media. Listen below!
Smith has ambitious plans for Viceland over the next year and a half, as he looks to the future and realizes that only the strongest networks will be included in “skinny bundle” offerings.
“Online and TV, it’s all going to merge,” he said. “If you look at skinny bundles, it will be skinny bundles for cable but also Ott [over-the-top] providers. Unless you’re in on the skinny bundle on both sides, you’re going to be screwed. We want to get into the top 30 [of networks], that’s our goal for the next 18 months.”
How might Viceland reach that goal? “Having the largest library of millennial IP is important for us,” he said. Smith is also watching as other networks – such as Pivot and Esquire – fade away. “People are looking at us and mimicking what we’ve done,” Smith said of using a linear platform to build up that video library.
As for operating multiple operations with multiple partners (A+E, HBO), Smith admits that there is a bit of confusion out there. But he lays it out this way: News goes to Vice News via the HBO properties, and lifestyle goes to Viceland via A+E. “The good news for me as a megalomaniac is that I vote the board, 95% of the parent. I can Napoleon or Stalin it between the networks.”
While we live in an age of outrage, Vice built its brand on usurping tradition and occasionally courting controversy. “If you are trying to manage out of fear of what will happen, you’re not going to do anything new or innovative,” he said.
But Smith said Vice has gotten more careful: “In this day and age of opposition research, we have to be buttoned up and squeaky clean. At some point there has to be a backlash. Everyone goes after everybody. It becomes mud slinging.”
As for his partners, “I think they’d like us to be a little more controversial because controversy brings in ratings. They would like to see more Kim Jong-un [who appeared on the first episode of “Vice” on HBO] in the mix.”
How does Vice navigate the current Trump administration? “Early on we said we can’t fall prey to the crack cocaine that is Trump because if you get addicted to it you have to ween yourself off,” Smith said. “What we did say to differentiate ourselves was we were going to follow policy. Trump can tweet and do all these things but, what does it mean to have [Scott] Pruitt running the Epa who tried to shut down the Epa? What does it mean to have [Rick] Perry running the Department of Energy when he campaigned to undo the Department of Energy?
“What does it mean that the entirety of Trump’s cabinet are climate change deniers? Thats being lost in the headlines. We are literally marching backwards as fast as we can. Not just for the environment but social justice, Lgbtq rights, and were obsessed with lunatic fringe tweets. It’s the greatest reality show ever but the symptoms are dire.”
With Vice reporters risking their lives in hotspots around the globe, Smith is particularly sensitive to Trump’s attacks on the press.
“He calls the press the opposition, but that’s the press’ job,” Smith said. “Without free press there is no democracy, it’s just propaganda.”
Does Smith think he could get anything out of interviewing Trump? “Anyone who gets an interview with him is going to get something. He’s not like Putin, who’s sort of strategic and well thought out. He’s got buttons that you can push.”
IndieWire’s “Turn It On with Michael Schneider” is a weekly dive into what’s new and what’s now in TV – no matter what you’re watching or where you’re watching it. With an enormous amount of choices overwhelming even the most sophisticated viewer, “Turn It On” is a must-listen for TV fans looking to make sense of what to watch and where to watch it.
Listen: How to Recover From the End of a Great Show — Very Good TV Podcast
Be sure to subscribe to “Turn It On” on iTunes, Stitcher, Soundcloud or anywhere you download podcasts. New episodes post every week.
Stay on top of the latest TV news! Sign up for our TV email newsletter here.
Related storiesHow to Recover From the End of a Great Show -- Very Good TV PodcastHow a Chance Encounter With Terrence Malick Turned Trey Edward Shults Into a FilmmakerWhy 'The Book of Henry' Isn't As Bad As Everybody Says -- IndieWire's Movie Podcast (Screen Talk Episode 153)...
- 6/21/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
“The Leftovers” is over. “The Handmaid’s Tale” just ended. Life feels a little less alive today.
It can be hard to let go of your favorite series, even after it’s already ended. On this week’s Very Good TV Podcast, TV Editor Liz Shannon Miller and TV Critic Ben Travers discuss how to recover after your favorite show airs its final episode.
Here’s one option: It’s kind of the same idea as turning all of the lights on and watching an innocent cartoon, after indulging in a horror movie right before bed. You flood your brain with the most harmless images and sounds you can think of, in the hope it will forget everything it just witnessed and let you sleep peacefully through the night.
Read More: ‘The Leftovers’ and ‘Twin Peaks’: How Faith Can Color Your Opinion of a TV Show
Similarly, the void...
It can be hard to let go of your favorite series, even after it’s already ended. On this week’s Very Good TV Podcast, TV Editor Liz Shannon Miller and TV Critic Ben Travers discuss how to recover after your favorite show airs its final episode.
Here’s one option: It’s kind of the same idea as turning all of the lights on and watching an innocent cartoon, after indulging in a horror movie right before bed. You flood your brain with the most harmless images and sounds you can think of, in the hope it will forget everything it just witnessed and let you sleep peacefully through the night.
Read More: ‘The Leftovers’ and ‘Twin Peaks’: How Faith Can Color Your Opinion of a TV Show
Similarly, the void...
- 6/20/2017
- by Gabrielle Kiss
- Indiewire
It’s a question that’s asked often during Emmy season: Does campaigning matter?
In an age of hundreds of scripted series and countless awards contenders, a well-crafted campaign can actually cut through the clutter. And on the flip side, if a network is spending its resources on one show and not another, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. One show gets the buzz – and helps, even subconciously, prod voters into paying attention.
On this week’s “Screen Talk Emmy Edition,” we look at how some shows (and performers) end up as frontrunners, while others don’t seem to be in the game. Also, we take a look at the odds for some of the key drama races, and whether they match up with expectations. And we discuss some of the burning questions facing Emmy voters, as phase one voting continues through June 26.
Read More: Emmy Nomination Burning Questions: How Far Can ‘This Is Us,...
In an age of hundreds of scripted series and countless awards contenders, a well-crafted campaign can actually cut through the clutter. And on the flip side, if a network is spending its resources on one show and not another, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. One show gets the buzz – and helps, even subconciously, prod voters into paying attention.
On this week’s “Screen Talk Emmy Edition,” we look at how some shows (and performers) end up as frontrunners, while others don’t seem to be in the game. Also, we take a look at the odds for some of the key drama races, and whether they match up with expectations. And we discuss some of the burning questions facing Emmy voters, as phase one voting continues through June 26.
Read More: Emmy Nomination Burning Questions: How Far Can ‘This Is Us,...
- 6/14/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
Last Week’S Podcast: Jim Carrey on The Perils of Standup Comedy In Our Outrage Culture — IndieWire’s Turn It On Podcast
“Better Call Saul” quickly became more than just the “Breaking Bad” prequel that fans of the landmark series desired. A look at how sweet hustler Jimmy McGill lost a bit of his soul and became sleazy Saul Goodman, lawyer to Albuquerque’s best drug kingpins, is more nuanced and more tragic than you’d ever expect.
As Season 3 comes to a close, “Better Call Saul” fans got to see more familiar faces from the “Breaking Bad” universe, including the arrival of Gus Fring (Giancarlo Esposito). But the focus continues to be on both Bob Odenkirk and Jonathan Banks, as viewers watch the descent of Jimmy/Saul and Mike Ehrmantraut into that dark world. This year has seen the origins of the Saul Goodman character, the origins of Mike and Gus’ unholy alliance,...
“Better Call Saul” quickly became more than just the “Breaking Bad” prequel that fans of the landmark series desired. A look at how sweet hustler Jimmy McGill lost a bit of his soul and became sleazy Saul Goodman, lawyer to Albuquerque’s best drug kingpins, is more nuanced and more tragic than you’d ever expect.
As Season 3 comes to a close, “Better Call Saul” fans got to see more familiar faces from the “Breaking Bad” universe, including the arrival of Gus Fring (Giancarlo Esposito). But the focus continues to be on both Bob Odenkirk and Jonathan Banks, as viewers watch the descent of Jimmy/Saul and Mike Ehrmantraut into that dark world. This year has seen the origins of the Saul Goodman character, the origins of Mike and Gus’ unholy alliance,...
- 6/13/2017
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
Does nostalgia and our desire to like something cloud our judgement when it comes to television? 2017 seems to be the year of reboots, with both film and television being revisited by familiar characters and storylines, but can the desire to enjoy something that once made us so happy warp our opinions on its current form? When it comes to revivals of shows like “Twin Peaks” and “The X-Files,” we want to believe (that the content is actually good!). But is it possible that we’re granting too much leniency with both old and new shows alike for the sake of nostalgia? Of a time when these shows were actually good?
Read More: Tom Cruise Could Learn a Few Things From Sam Elliott — IndieWire’s Movie Podcast (Screen Talk Episode 152)
While it may be difficult to admit, some shows hit their peak within the first two seasons. But a show that...
Read More: Tom Cruise Could Learn a Few Things From Sam Elliott — IndieWire’s Movie Podcast (Screen Talk Episode 152)
While it may be difficult to admit, some shows hit their peak within the first two seasons. But a show that...
- 6/13/2017
- by Gabrielle Kiss
- Indiewire
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