He’s been known for his musical skills for a long time, but in recent years, Harry Styles has made big inroads into the world of acting. It’s going well for him, even though he’s still not very sure of himself as an actor. But before he landed most of these roles, he dipped his toe into Hollywood as a TV producer. There was a good reason for him to participate in this particular sitcom, however. It was inspired by something in his own life.
‘Happy Together’ aired for just 1 season on CBS
According to Refinery 29, in 2018, CBS debuted a sitcom called Happy Together. It starred Damon Wayans Jr. and Amber Stevens West as Jake and Claire, a married couple. Their peaceful, if somewhat boring, life is changed when Jake’s client Cooper (played by Felix Mallard) moves in unexpectedly.
Cooper is a rock star whose lifestyle...
‘Happy Together’ aired for just 1 season on CBS
According to Refinery 29, in 2018, CBS debuted a sitcom called Happy Together. It starred Damon Wayans Jr. and Amber Stevens West as Jake and Claire, a married couple. Their peaceful, if somewhat boring, life is changed when Jake’s client Cooper (played by Felix Mallard) moves in unexpectedly.
Cooper is a rock star whose lifestyle...
- 2/11/2023
- by Kira Martin
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
One of the key character traits of snotty college duo Olivia (Sydney Sweeney) and Paula (Brittany O’Grady) on HBO’s “The White Lotus” is their choice of poolside reading material. They’re skimming through Nietzsche and Freud when not casting side eye and throwing withering commentary about the people around them.
Later, they also pick up Frantz Fanon, Camille Paglia and Aimé Césaire. But Sweeney, speaking Saturday at the Atx TV Festival in Austin, revealed something more about that character: She believes it’s all an act. “Oh, she was not actually reading any of these books,” Sweeney told moderator Danielle Turchiano.
Sweeney said that that at the very least she was excited to read those books on set — only to learn they were props. “They were blank!” she said. The overall series experience, especially the show’s heavy dose of humor, was a delight for the actor. ““Jennifer Coolidge...
Later, they also pick up Frantz Fanon, Camille Paglia and Aimé Césaire. But Sweeney, speaking Saturday at the Atx TV Festival in Austin, revealed something more about that character: She believes it’s all an act. “Oh, she was not actually reading any of these books,” Sweeney told moderator Danielle Turchiano.
Sweeney said that that at the very least she was excited to read those books on set — only to learn they were props. “They were blank!” she said. The overall series experience, especially the show’s heavy dose of humor, was a delight for the actor. ““Jennifer Coolidge...
- 6/4/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Movie theaters reopened, “Succession” Season 3 is finally here and some of the biggest artists are hitting the road once again to go back on tour. As the entertainment industry mounts a measured comeback amid the global pandemic, here are the films, series and artists that the writers, editors and reporters at Variety are thankful for this Thanksgiving.
I’m thankful for “Succession” Season 3! — Claudia Eller, editor-in-chief
Thankful that finally a woman of color has won an Oscar for best director! Thank you for providing exceptional representation, Chloé Zhao. — Tiana DeNicola, production supervisor
I’m thankful for the “Wonder Years” reboot. It’s wonderful! Makes me laugh out loud. Many scenes I lived. Pure joy! — Sheila Dixon Howard, editorial coordinator
I’m thankful for “Ted Lasso” and “Dopesick” — two shows that moved me deeply this year. — Cynthia Littleton, co-editor-in-chief
I am grateful for the return of live music and Willie Nelson being back on tour.
I’m thankful for “Succession” Season 3! — Claudia Eller, editor-in-chief
Thankful that finally a woman of color has won an Oscar for best director! Thank you for providing exceptional representation, Chloé Zhao. — Tiana DeNicola, production supervisor
I’m thankful for the “Wonder Years” reboot. It’s wonderful! Makes me laugh out loud. Many scenes I lived. Pure joy! — Sheila Dixon Howard, editorial coordinator
I’m thankful for “Ted Lasso” and “Dopesick” — two shows that moved me deeply this year. — Cynthia Littleton, co-editor-in-chief
I am grateful for the return of live music and Willie Nelson being back on tour.
- 11/25/2021
- by David Viramontes
- Variety Film + TV
Matt Long, who plays Zeke Landon on “Manifest,” has confirmed that he will return for the fourth and final season of the show on Netflix. He revealed the news during the Sept. 12 Creative Arts Emmys, where he was asked about the series in the press room.
“I don’t know what’s coming,” Long said. “I just hope that Zeke plays a really big part in it, and I’m just really excited and can’t wait to see what it is. We’ve got a few months before we start up, so we’re all really thrilled.”
Long’s commitment was in doubt as he recently signed on to the upcoming NBC pilot “Getaway.”
When asked for clarification if he meant he was definitely returning to “Manifest,” Long said, “I will be back for some of it, and we are just trying to work out the maximum amount that we can.
“I don’t know what’s coming,” Long said. “I just hope that Zeke plays a really big part in it, and I’m just really excited and can’t wait to see what it is. We’ve got a few months before we start up, so we’re all really thrilled.”
Long’s commitment was in doubt as he recently signed on to the upcoming NBC pilot “Getaway.”
When asked for clarification if he meant he was definitely returning to “Manifest,” Long said, “I will be back for some of it, and we are just trying to work out the maximum amount that we can.
- 9/13/2021
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
Jeff Orlowski is an Emmy-winner documentarian who was a senior at Stuyvesant High School on Sept. 11, 2001. He was also the editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, The Spectator. As the World Trade Center stood burning, Orlowski’s instinct was not to run from the scene but rather to figure out how to cover the news happening just blocks away. In the weeks after, displaced from his school, he and a small team of student reporters created a special edition of the paper that was distributed by the New York Times.
He recalls his 9/11 experience to former classmate and Variety senior features editor, TV, Danielle Turchiano:
I was in music class on the ground floor when the first building was hit, and my first instinct was that there was a truck outside — just some ginormous truck that slammed its doors shut. It didn’t really make sense, but it was extremely...
He recalls his 9/11 experience to former classmate and Variety senior features editor, TV, Danielle Turchiano:
I was in music class on the ground floor when the first building was hit, and my first instinct was that there was a truck outside — just some ginormous truck that slammed its doors shut. It didn’t really make sense, but it was extremely...
- 9/11/2021
- by Jeff Orlowski
- Variety Film + TV
Emmy nominated actress Kate Winslet admits that she has spent the past year eating far too much Cheez Whiz.
In HBO’s Emmy nominated show, “Mare of Easttown” Winslet plays a no-nonsense police detective who eats the liquid spray cheese right from the can. And yes, the British actress confesses she “actually likes Cheez Whiz… I must have gone through about three and a half cans.”
For six weeks, viewers tuned in to follow Winslet’s Mare as she worked to solve the murder and the disappearance of a local teenage girl. By the series finale, 3 million people tuned in to learn who committed the murder — but only after a series of twists that led to a satisfying conclusion.
Winslet joined Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast for a conversation about “Mare of Easttown,” Cheez Whiz, and a lot more. Listen below!
Winslet is not on social media, and admits she...
In HBO’s Emmy nominated show, “Mare of Easttown” Winslet plays a no-nonsense police detective who eats the liquid spray cheese right from the can. And yes, the British actress confesses she “actually likes Cheez Whiz… I must have gone through about three and a half cans.”
For six weeks, viewers tuned in to follow Winslet’s Mare as she worked to solve the murder and the disappearance of a local teenage girl. By the series finale, 3 million people tuned in to learn who committed the murder — but only after a series of twists that led to a satisfying conclusion.
Winslet joined Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast for a conversation about “Mare of Easttown,” Cheez Whiz, and a lot more. Listen below!
Winslet is not on social media, and admits she...
- 8/26/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
In flashing back to college-age Annie on Hulu’s “Shrill,” Aidy Bryant felt as if she had traveled back in time.
“I was getting caught up in my own emotions,” says Bryant. “It was almost like visiting an old self.”
The unflattering costume reminded her of a person who used to hide behind clothing and, to her surprise, Bryant felt trapped. “It was familiar to me in a lot of ways, of a person that I used to be,” she says. “To go back to that mindset of, ‘I’m bad for just existing as a fat woman,’ felt sad. You can’t help but be emotionally drained by that.”
While there is often a catharsis in scenes that touch on our darkest moments, reliving them can be emotional. And Bryant is not alone in experiencing discomfort that comes with simulating vulnerabilities on-screen.
In “Genius: Aretha Franklin,” Cynthia Erivo puts...
“I was getting caught up in my own emotions,” says Bryant. “It was almost like visiting an old self.”
The unflattering costume reminded her of a person who used to hide behind clothing and, to her surprise, Bryant felt trapped. “It was familiar to me in a lot of ways, of a person that I used to be,” she says. “To go back to that mindset of, ‘I’m bad for just existing as a fat woman,’ felt sad. You can’t help but be emotionally drained by that.”
While there is often a catharsis in scenes that touch on our darkest moments, reliving them can be emotional. And Bryant is not alone in experiencing discomfort that comes with simulating vulnerabilities on-screen.
In “Genius: Aretha Franklin,” Cynthia Erivo puts...
- 8/12/2021
- by Carita Rizzo
- Variety Film + TV
I don’t think anyone, including the Television Academy, expected to be back where we are in terms of the Covid-19 pandemic. But thanks to the stubborn fools across the country who have refused to be vaccinated (and the new super-contagious delta variant), we’re back to a spike in cases and wondering what an in-person Emmy Awards ceremony will look like this year, and who might or might not attend.
This much we know: There will be a Primetime Emmys telecast, hosted by Cedric the Entertainer, on CBS on Sept. 19, as well as three Creative Arts shows the weekend before. And the limited Emmy audiences will feature nominees and their guests, all of whom must show proof of vaccination before they enter. (Nominated teams will be kept to just four tickets.)
We also know there won’t be any Governors Ball events, and as far as we know right now,...
This much we know: There will be a Primetime Emmys telecast, hosted by Cedric the Entertainer, on CBS on Sept. 19, as well as three Creative Arts shows the weekend before. And the limited Emmy audiences will feature nominees and their guests, all of whom must show proof of vaccination before they enter. (Nominated teams will be kept to just four tickets.)
We also know there won’t be any Governors Ball events, and as far as we know right now,...
- 8/11/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Before Michelle Visage became known as a producer and judge on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” she was a singer — with quite a few hits under her belt. As one-third of the late 1980s/early 1990s group Seduction, she hit the top 40 four times, and also performed on hits for other artists such as Tka and the S.O.U.L. S.Y.S.T.E.M. When Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast asked Visage about a solo album, she admitted, “I was thinking about it today. ‘What am I waiting for?’ I think I’m stopping myself and talking myself out of it. I’m my own worst enemy.”
Emmy-nominated for “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Visage is also eager to expand her roles as an actor, and wants to spend the next year breaking into scripted. “That acting bug is something that lives inside of me,” she said. “And this year, after the pandemic,...
Emmy-nominated for “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Visage is also eager to expand her roles as an actor, and wants to spend the next year breaking into scripted. “That acting bug is something that lives inside of me,” she said. “And this year, after the pandemic,...
- 8/9/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Reneé Elise Goldsberry is stunned at how “Hamilton” keeps paying career dividends. Five years after winning a Tony for starring in the hit Broadway musical, the filmed version is now a major contender at the Emmys — with Goldsberry among the nominees.
“Sometimes I wake up and pinch myself,” Goldsberry says of her Emmy nomination in the supporting actress in a limited or anthology series or movie category for “Hamilton.” Despite having three chances at landing a nomination, she says she never saw it coming. But in this episode of the Awards Circuit Podcast, Goldsberry calls it a “gift from God.” Listen below!
Goldsberry, who originated the “Hamilton” role of Angelica Schuyler on Broadway, wasn’t just surprised about her nomination. “Hamilton” received an astounding 12 nominations from the Television Academy: Lin-Manuel Miranda and Leslie Odom Jr. earned nods in the lead actor in a limited or anthology series or movie category...
“Sometimes I wake up and pinch myself,” Goldsberry says of her Emmy nomination in the supporting actress in a limited or anthology series or movie category for “Hamilton.” Despite having three chances at landing a nomination, she says she never saw it coming. But in this episode of the Awards Circuit Podcast, Goldsberry calls it a “gift from God.” Listen below!
Goldsberry, who originated the “Hamilton” role of Angelica Schuyler on Broadway, wasn’t just surprised about her nomination. “Hamilton” received an astounding 12 nominations from the Television Academy: Lin-Manuel Miranda and Leslie Odom Jr. earned nods in the lead actor in a limited or anthology series or movie category...
- 7/29/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
The first season of Apple TV Plus’ “Ted Lasso” started with a major change for the titular American coach, played by Jason Sudeikis, who moved across the pond to lead a British Premier League team. But that season ended with another tremendous shift, this time for the once-star player of that team, Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein), who was injured during a match.
“He had no plan beyond football; he wanted to play football until he died, and he’s not dead and part of him is sad about that. His dream version of the ending is, he died on the field,” Goldstein tells Variety on the latest episode of the “Awards Circuit” podcast.
Roy started the series as the gruff AFC Richmond team captain who often preferred to make noises than respond with words, let alone full sentences. His shoulders-back, chest-out stance to exude confidence is something Goldstein feels was...
“He had no plan beyond football; he wanted to play football until he died, and he’s not dead and part of him is sad about that. His dream version of the ending is, he died on the field,” Goldstein tells Variety on the latest episode of the “Awards Circuit” podcast.
Roy started the series as the gruff AFC Richmond team captain who often preferred to make noises than respond with words, let alone full sentences. His shoulders-back, chest-out stance to exude confidence is something Goldstein feels was...
- 7/22/2021
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
“Nailed It” host Nicole Byer remembers her initial reaction to being nominated for an Emmy last year. “Honestly, when people say it’s just an honor to be nominated, you’re like, ‘That’s bullshit. You wanted to win.’ I was up against RuPaul. And like the people of ‘Shark Tank.’ I was not going to win,” she says. “And that’s okay with me. So, it was an honor to be nominated.”
This year, Byer is once again nominated in the host for a reality or competition program category, for “Nailed It.” And as an executive producer of the Netflix series, she’s also part of the team nominated for the show as outstanding competition program.
“It made me feel like yes, like I elevated hosting, like, I brought something very different to hosting and it was recognized,” she told Variety’s Awards Circuit Podcast, in an interview conducted...
This year, Byer is once again nominated in the host for a reality or competition program category, for “Nailed It.” And as an executive producer of the Netflix series, she’s also part of the team nominated for the show as outstanding competition program.
“It made me feel like yes, like I elevated hosting, like, I brought something very different to hosting and it was recognized,” she told Variety’s Awards Circuit Podcast, in an interview conducted...
- 7/15/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
The Hatfields versus the McCoys. Thomas Edison versus Nikola Telsa. DC versus Marvel. Dogs versus cats. … Well, maybe dog people versus cat people.
Great rivalries can inspire creative competition, breed history-making moments and teach those watching the rivalry play out a lot about themselves in the process. All too often, they also cause people to “pick a side” and declare themselves on one team or the other.
Take Netflix’s dueling docuseries “Dogs” and “Cat People,” for example: Launching on July 7, the second season of the former features four episodes dedicated to remarkable dogs (and their pet parents) from Butler University’s mascot Butler Blue to NASA astronaut Leland Melvin’s viral Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Meanwhile, also launching on July 7, the latter series debuts with six episodes focused on felines and their not-as-furry human companions, including rapper Moshow, Wakuneco artist Sachi and trainer Samantha Martin of the Amazing Acro-Cats. While both...
Great rivalries can inspire creative competition, breed history-making moments and teach those watching the rivalry play out a lot about themselves in the process. All too often, they also cause people to “pick a side” and declare themselves on one team or the other.
Take Netflix’s dueling docuseries “Dogs” and “Cat People,” for example: Launching on July 7, the second season of the former features four episodes dedicated to remarkable dogs (and their pet parents) from Butler University’s mascot Butler Blue to NASA astronaut Leland Melvin’s viral Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Meanwhile, also launching on July 7, the latter series debuts with six episodes focused on felines and their not-as-furry human companions, including rapper Moshow, Wakuneco artist Sachi and trainer Samantha Martin of the Amazing Acro-Cats. While both...
- 7/7/2021
- by Danielle Turchiano and Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Greetings from Variety Awards Headquarters! Hold on. ...
- 6/17/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Phoebe Dynevor knows you’re still processing the news that Regé-Jean Page won’t be back on Season 2 of Netflix’s juicy “Bridgerton.” But rest assured, Phoebe and Simon — a.k.a. the Duke and Duchess of Hastings — are doing quite fine. Dynevor has just returned to the set of “Bridgerton,” and confirms Phoebe will still be a major part of the action as she now turns her attention to finding true love for her brother, Anthony (Jonathan Bailey).
Based on Julia Quinn’s best-selling series of novels, “Bridgerton” is set in the lavish and competitive world of London high society during the Regency period of the early 1800s. “Bridgerton” has already been renewed through Season 4, so there’s plenty of your period soapy obsession to come. But because each season will be inspired by a different book in the series, that means the focus on each Bridgerton child will change.
Based on Julia Quinn’s best-selling series of novels, “Bridgerton” is set in the lavish and competitive world of London high society during the Regency period of the early 1800s. “Bridgerton” has already been renewed through Season 4, so there’s plenty of your period soapy obsession to come. But because each season will be inspired by a different book in the series, that means the focus on each Bridgerton child will change.
- 5/20/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Earlier this week, Fox broke the hearts of “Prodigal Son” fans by announcing that the show will not return for a third season. In this week’s penultimate episode, Dr. Vivian Capshaw (Catherine Zeta-Jones) held Martin (Michael Sheen) hostage, and her true colors began to emerge.
On this edition of Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast, Zeta-Jones discusses what drew her to the role, which was her first in TV since “Feud: Bette and Joan.” She shares what it was like to work with Sheen, and dives into her character’s obsession with butterscotch. “My character put perfume on because she knew she was meeting Martin Whitly that day,” he shares. “But he didn’t smell that, he didn’t smell the scent of a woman. He smelled butterscotch.”
Zeta-Jones also opens up about her ideal acting roles, lamenting the fact that she has not had the chance to work with many great female actresses.
On this edition of Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast, Zeta-Jones discusses what drew her to the role, which was her first in TV since “Feud: Bette and Joan.” She shares what it was like to work with Sheen, and dives into her character’s obsession with butterscotch. “My character put perfume on because she knew she was meeting Martin Whitly that day,” he shares. “But he didn’t smell that, he didn’t smell the scent of a woman. He smelled butterscotch.”
Zeta-Jones also opens up about her ideal acting roles, lamenting the fact that she has not had the chance to work with many great female actresses.
- 5/14/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
With her new Showtime variety series, Ziwe Fumudoh, known professionally as just Ziwe, is ready to create her “Ziwe cinematic universe.”
The comedian and author went viral last summer when she hosted an Instagram Live show “from my bedroom.” Not only did she host and interview guests from Alyssa Milano to Alison Roman, but Ziwe was also responsible for the show’s set design, hair and makeup, costume design and talent booking. Then, if she didn’t want to do an episode, she just didn’t do it, because she was only “accountable to myself,” she tells Variety on the first Emmy edition of the “Awards Circuit” podcast. Listen below!
Now, with a new platform on Showtime and partnership with producers at A24, Ziwe finally has collaborators and can “scale the show up to the level in which I think it deserves.”
“Ziwe,” which bows May 9, is a “variety show in the truest sense,...
The comedian and author went viral last summer when she hosted an Instagram Live show “from my bedroom.” Not only did she host and interview guests from Alyssa Milano to Alison Roman, but Ziwe was also responsible for the show’s set design, hair and makeup, costume design and talent booking. Then, if she didn’t want to do an episode, she just didn’t do it, because she was only “accountable to myself,” she tells Variety on the first Emmy edition of the “Awards Circuit” podcast. Listen below!
Now, with a new platform on Showtime and partnership with producers at A24, Ziwe finally has collaborators and can “scale the show up to the level in which I think it deserves.”
“Ziwe,” which bows May 9, is a “variety show in the truest sense,...
- 5/7/2021
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
When Steve McQueen first approached John Boyega about playing London police officer Leroy Logan in his Amazon Prime Video anthology series “Small Axe,” they were both amazed and puzzled by the story of the real-life trailblazer. Logan was a young forensic scientist who gave up that successful career to take on the challenge of a lifetime: He wanted to create change from within by becoming a police officer.
But in doing so, Logan faced the disapproval of his father, was seen as a traitor by his community, and encountered plenty of blatant racism inside the Metropolitan police force.
“That was the key for me see, this guy’s made the decision that a lot of people wouldn’t make, especially during that time,” Boyega tells Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast. “And I was curious as to what kind of mind is behind a man that kind of makes this choice.
But in doing so, Logan faced the disapproval of his father, was seen as a traitor by his community, and encountered plenty of blatant racism inside the Metropolitan police force.
“That was the key for me see, this guy’s made the decision that a lot of people wouldn’t make, especially during that time,” Boyega tells Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast. “And I was curious as to what kind of mind is behind a man that kind of makes this choice.
- 5/6/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Variety has been nominated for 99 National Art and Entertainment Journalism awards, a record-breaking number of nominations for the publication.
“This is an amazing achievement by our stellar team of journalists, accomplished during the most challenging year any of us have ever experienced,” said Claudia Eller, editor-in-chief of Variety.
Variety was nominated for print entertainment publication for its April 29 issue, “The Great Depression,” as well as entertainment website for Variety.com. Features editor Chris Willman was nominated for print journalist of the year, while deputy music editor Jem Aswad and senior correspondent Elizabeth Wagmeister both earned nods for online journalist of the year.
Variety‘s art department earned two nominations for illustration and one for cover art. Deputy art director Haley Kluge, creative director Raul Aguila and Mercedes DeBellard earned a nod for their “Jennifer Aniston” illustration, and Kluge, Aguila and Jen Mann also received an illustration nomination for “Sandra Oh.
“This is an amazing achievement by our stellar team of journalists, accomplished during the most challenging year any of us have ever experienced,” said Claudia Eller, editor-in-chief of Variety.
Variety was nominated for print entertainment publication for its April 29 issue, “The Great Depression,” as well as entertainment website for Variety.com. Features editor Chris Willman was nominated for print journalist of the year, while deputy music editor Jem Aswad and senior correspondent Elizabeth Wagmeister both earned nods for online journalist of the year.
Variety‘s art department earned two nominations for illustration and one for cover art. Deputy art director Haley Kluge, creative director Raul Aguila and Mercedes DeBellard earned a nod for their “Jennifer Aniston” illustration, and Kluge, Aguila and Jen Mann also received an illustration nomination for “Sandra Oh.
- 2/15/2021
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
The hit traumedy “Dead to Me” is a one-of-a-kind series that explores the absurdity and twists and turns of life, according to its show creator and main leads.
Presented by Netflix, the Variety Streaming Room welcomed creator and executive producer Liz Feldman and stars Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini for an exclusive Q&a, hosted by Variety senior features editor, TV, Danielle Turchiano, exploring series highlights, behind-the-scenes experiences and the “torturous fun” that is the show’s creation process.
“For me, I was longing to create a show that felt true to life in its tone, maybe not in the situation, obviously,” Feldman said. “It’s a bit of a heightened situation, sometimes even soap opera-esque at times. But I really wanted the characters to feel grounded. I wanted it to feel like ordinary people in extraordinary situations, because the way that I realized that I look at life is...
Presented by Netflix, the Variety Streaming Room welcomed creator and executive producer Liz Feldman and stars Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini for an exclusive Q&a, hosted by Variety senior features editor, TV, Danielle Turchiano, exploring series highlights, behind-the-scenes experiences and the “torturous fun” that is the show’s creation process.
“For me, I was longing to create a show that felt true to life in its tone, maybe not in the situation, obviously,” Feldman said. “It’s a bit of a heightened situation, sometimes even soap opera-esque at times. But I really wanted the characters to feel grounded. I wanted it to feel like ordinary people in extraordinary situations, because the way that I realized that I look at life is...
- 12/10/2020
- by Natalie Oganesyan
- Variety Film + TV
Amazon Prime Video and IMDb TV, Amazon’s free streaming service, have unveiled their New York Comic Con lineup which includes virtual panels for Truth Seekers, Utopia, Alex Rider, The Boys, and Invincible. Everything will be streamed on Thursday, Oct. 8 starring at 2:15pm Est on Nycc’s official YouTube channel.
Truth Seekers, Oct. 8, 2:15Pm Est
EP and series star Nick Frost (Hot Fuzz), co-stars Samson Kayo (Timewasters), Emma D’Arcy (Hanna), Susan Wokoma (Year of the Rabbit), and Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange) discuss the making of the eight-episode supernatural horror comedy series about a team of part-time paranormal investigators, who team up to uncover and film ghost sightings across the UK, sharing their adventures on an online channel for all to see. Discussion and Q&a moderated by IGN’s Terri Schwartz.
Utopia, Oct. 8 at 3:05 p.m. Est
From Gone Girl scribe Gillian Flynn, a twisted, eight-episode...
Truth Seekers, Oct. 8, 2:15Pm Est
EP and series star Nick Frost (Hot Fuzz), co-stars Samson Kayo (Timewasters), Emma D’Arcy (Hanna), Susan Wokoma (Year of the Rabbit), and Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange) discuss the making of the eight-episode supernatural horror comedy series about a team of part-time paranormal investigators, who team up to uncover and film ghost sightings across the UK, sharing their adventures on an online channel for all to see. Discussion and Q&a moderated by IGN’s Terri Schwartz.
Utopia, Oct. 8 at 3:05 p.m. Est
From Gone Girl scribe Gillian Flynn, a twisted, eight-episode...
- 9/23/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
For two seasons on “The Handmaid’s Tale,” June (Elisabeth Moss) had to repress her feelings and anger for fear of retribution. In Season 3 of the Hulu drama, she was finally able to forge her own path as a leader, to “give people a piece of her mind,” as Moss puts it.
Many of the biggest female roles on TV this year involved capturing that same restraint. From Kaitlyn Dever playing sexual-assault victim Marie Adler in “Unbelievable,” to Michelle Dockery portraying the mother of a potential murderer in “Defending Jacob” and Octavia Spencer’s titular character breaking barriers as she faced discrimination in “Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker,” several top performances involved carefully choosing when to hold things in, and when to let it all go.
For Moss, it was June’s need to hide her emotions that attracted her to the role in the first place,...
Many of the biggest female roles on TV this year involved capturing that same restraint. From Kaitlyn Dever playing sexual-assault victim Marie Adler in “Unbelievable,” to Michelle Dockery portraying the mother of a potential murderer in “Defending Jacob” and Octavia Spencer’s titular character breaking barriers as she faced discrimination in “Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker,” several top performances involved carefully choosing when to hold things in, and when to let it all go.
For Moss, it was June’s need to hide her emotions that attracted her to the role in the first place,...
- 6/18/2020
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
It really depends on whether you like Pete Davidson when it comes to the trailer for his new Netflix special, Alive from New York. Comedy is a funny thing, no pun intended, when it comes to what people find amusing and what they don’t. The SNL comedian will be starring in his own special this February 25th, not too long from now, as Danielle Turchiano from Variety reminds us, and at this point it would appear that a lot of people are willing to tune in to see what he has to say. Like many comedians Davidson is going to
Check Out The Pete Davidson: Alive From New York Trailer...
Check Out The Pete Davidson: Alive From New York Trailer...
- 2/15/2020
- by Tom
- TVovermind.com
It’s no secret that as a content producer, Netflix Originals have contributed heavily to the peak TV era. In fact, earlier this year the streaming behemoth announced a focus on originals to bank new subscribers. But that is far from all the platform does. In fact, in the sea of series on the service, there are more than a few licensed gems. Beloved classic series such as “Friends” and “Frasier” have seen second lives (and picked up quite a few new fans who were too young or — gasp — perhaps not even born yet at all when the shows were on originally), and more modern cult shows have also had a chance to grow their reach.
Here, Variety selects some of the best non-Netflix series streaming on Netflix.
“Breaking Bad”
Original network: AMC
Vince Gilligan’s meth-maker drama featured an antihero at the center of its story, but one that was deeply,...
Here, Variety selects some of the best non-Netflix series streaming on Netflix.
“Breaking Bad”
Original network: AMC
Vince Gilligan’s meth-maker drama featured an antihero at the center of its story, but one that was deeply,...
- 11/29/2019
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
When it comes to Hollywood, there is a lot to give thanks for in 2019. From baby Yoda to Marvel and various aspects of “Succession,” here’s what the Variety staff is thankful for this year.
When it seems so hard to get an honest answer out of anyone in Hollywood, I’m thankful for Werner Herzog and his brutal candidness. It takes a lot for someone to admit they have never seen a Jon Favreau movie despite working with him, they watch “WrestleMania” to keep up with society, and they cried at the first sight of Baby Yoda. — Will Thorne, TV writer
I am thankful that “Succession” has given me a chance to ship and lust over Roman Roy and Gerri. — Meg Zukin, social media editor
There can never be enough said for how important it is to see one’s self represented on-screen and in the media in general.
When it seems so hard to get an honest answer out of anyone in Hollywood, I’m thankful for Werner Herzog and his brutal candidness. It takes a lot for someone to admit they have never seen a Jon Favreau movie despite working with him, they watch “WrestleMania” to keep up with society, and they cried at the first sight of Baby Yoda. — Will Thorne, TV writer
I am thankful that “Succession” has given me a chance to ship and lust over Roman Roy and Gerri. — Meg Zukin, social media editor
There can never be enough said for how important it is to see one’s self represented on-screen and in the media in general.
- 11/27/2019
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
Welcome to “TV Take,” Variety’s television podcast. In this week’s episode, senior features editor Danielle Turchiano talks with Tanya Saracho, executive producer of Starz’s “Vida.”
“Vida” centers around two sisters, Lyn (Melissa Barrera) and Emma (Mishel Prada), who in season 2 embark on the monumental task of rebuilding their mother’s bar in the face of financial constraints, competing developers and the growing anti-gentrification. Only nine days have passed between seasons, and Saracho says the sisters still have to work out exactly how to go about renovating a bar.
She and the other creatives behind the show researched the plot of the second season by formulating an actual business plan that Lyn and Emma would have to carry out in order to make a profit on their endeavor, and using it as a framing device for the season. The result, Saracho says, was that they discovered just how difficult it would be.
“Vida” centers around two sisters, Lyn (Melissa Barrera) and Emma (Mishel Prada), who in season 2 embark on the monumental task of rebuilding their mother’s bar in the face of financial constraints, competing developers and the growing anti-gentrification. Only nine days have passed between seasons, and Saracho says the sisters still have to work out exactly how to go about renovating a bar.
She and the other creatives behind the show researched the plot of the second season by formulating an actual business plan that Lyn and Emma would have to carry out in order to make a profit on their endeavor, and using it as a framing device for the season. The result, Saracho says, was that they discovered just how difficult it would be.
- 6/7/2019
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
Welcome to “TV Take,” Variety’s television podcast. In this week’s episode, senior features editor Danielle Turchiano talks with Craig Mazin, executive producer of HBO’s “Chernobyl,” which premieres May 6.
The five-part miniseries is a dramatization of the nuclear disaster that took place just outside the titular Ukrainian town in 1986, and the far-reaching aftermath of the event.
Mazin, who created and wrote the show, says he deliberately set out to stage the explosion at the very beginning, without a “drumroll please” moment, in order to get at the human side of the tragedy.
“To me, the explosion is actually the least interesting thing that happened,” Mazin says. “I wanted it to occur right away and in an odd way, sort of quasi-silently, because everything in this show is from the perspectives of human beings and we will eventually get to the place at the very end of the story...
The five-part miniseries is a dramatization of the nuclear disaster that took place just outside the titular Ukrainian town in 1986, and the far-reaching aftermath of the event.
Mazin, who created and wrote the show, says he deliberately set out to stage the explosion at the very beginning, without a “drumroll please” moment, in order to get at the human side of the tragedy.
“To me, the explosion is actually the least interesting thing that happened,” Mazin says. “I wanted it to occur right away and in an odd way, sort of quasi-silently, because everything in this show is from the perspectives of human beings and we will eventually get to the place at the very end of the story...
- 5/4/2019
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
Welcome to “TV Take,” Variety’s television podcast. In this week’s episode, Variety senior features editor, TV Danielle Turchiano talks with Aline Brosh McKenna, executive producer of “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” which ends its four-season run on April 5.
With the finale looming, Rebecca Bunch (Rachel Bloom) is left to choose between three guys: one jerk, one “friend-zoned” guy, and one “dreamy high school quarterback.” McKenna says that in setting up such a clichéd final trope of a woman “choosing between romantic suitors,” the show was able to unpack it.
“It gave us a chance to get inside all of those tropes as we were engaging with this idea of a romantic choice being a culminative event in a woman’s life,” McKenna says. “What does that actually mean and what do they represent for her and what choice is actually in front of her?”
One of the trickiest parts of ending the show,...
With the finale looming, Rebecca Bunch (Rachel Bloom) is left to choose between three guys: one jerk, one “friend-zoned” guy, and one “dreamy high school quarterback.” McKenna says that in setting up such a clichéd final trope of a woman “choosing between romantic suitors,” the show was able to unpack it.
“It gave us a chance to get inside all of those tropes as we were engaging with this idea of a romantic choice being a culminative event in a woman’s life,” McKenna says. “What does that actually mean and what do they represent for her and what choice is actually in front of her?”
One of the trickiest parts of ending the show,...
- 4/5/2019
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
Welcome to “TV Take,” Variety’s television podcast. In this week’s episode, Variety Senior Features Editor, TV Danielle Turchiano talks with David Farr, creator and executive producer of Amazon’s “Hanna.”
Based on the 2011 film of the same name, which Farr co-wrote, “Hanna” tells the story of the titular young girl who has lived in a forest her entire life and has gained extraordinary physical abilities as a result. Hanna is thrown into a thrilling chase with an off-book CIA agent, while trying to find out who she really is.
Farr explains that the reason he wanted to tackle the story again was because the film “only told a slice of the story,” and he wanted to “go much further” and tell a “deeper story” this time around.
“The piece hopefully talks to young people…but it also talks to parents and the lies we tell our kids and...
Based on the 2011 film of the same name, which Farr co-wrote, “Hanna” tells the story of the titular young girl who has lived in a forest her entire life and has gained extraordinary physical abilities as a result. Hanna is thrown into a thrilling chase with an off-book CIA agent, while trying to find out who she really is.
Farr explains that the reason he wanted to tackle the story again was because the film “only told a slice of the story,” and he wanted to “go much further” and tell a “deeper story” this time around.
“The piece hopefully talks to young people…but it also talks to parents and the lies we tell our kids and...
- 3/29/2019
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
Welcome to “TV Take,” Variety‘s television podcast. In this week’s installment, Variety’s executive editor of TV, Daniel Holloway, chats with Leslye Headland, the showrunner of Netflix’s new series “Russian Doll.”
The show, co-created by Headland, Amy Poehler, and Natasha Lyonne, who also plays the lead role, follows a woman who is hit by a car after a party and dies, only to wake up and relive that same day over and over again. She has to figure out what the hell is going on, and how she can escape this deadly fate.
There is the “mystery box element” of the series, Headland says, and Nadia (Lyonne) will need to deal with questions about different timelines and the metaphysical. However, it’s far from a sci-fi series, and aims instead to address topics like spirituality and ethics.
Additionally, with a woman at the center, Headland says there...
The show, co-created by Headland, Amy Poehler, and Natasha Lyonne, who also plays the lead role, follows a woman who is hit by a car after a party and dies, only to wake up and relive that same day over and over again. She has to figure out what the hell is going on, and how she can escape this deadly fate.
There is the “mystery box element” of the series, Headland says, and Nadia (Lyonne) will need to deal with questions about different timelines and the metaphysical. However, it’s far from a sci-fi series, and aims instead to address topics like spirituality and ethics.
Additionally, with a woman at the center, Headland says there...
- 2/1/2019
- by Rachel Yang
- Variety Film + TV
Welcome to “TV Take,” Variety’s television podcast. In this week’s episode, Variety’s senior features editor of TV, Danielle Turchiano, talks with Bradley Whitford, star of “Valley of the Boom,” National Geographic’s limited series about Silicon Valley during the dot-com era.
Whitford had no idea what to expect when he signed on to National Geographic’s “Valley of the Boom.” The series’ strange format, which includes documentary-style talking heads, fictional reenactments and several musical numbers, led to a “terrifying feeling,” the actor says — but the unconventional storyline is also the reason he decided to do the show.
“It seemed very pertinent to what’s going on today because it feels as if we’re beginning to understand that we have to assert our humanity on technology or it will take us over,” he explains. “But the way the story was told had the same joy, non-linear, kind...
Whitford had no idea what to expect when he signed on to National Geographic’s “Valley of the Boom.” The series’ strange format, which includes documentary-style talking heads, fictional reenactments and several musical numbers, led to a “terrifying feeling,” the actor says — but the unconventional storyline is also the reason he decided to do the show.
“It seemed very pertinent to what’s going on today because it feels as if we’re beginning to understand that we have to assert our humanity on technology or it will take us over,” he explains. “But the way the story was told had the same joy, non-linear, kind...
- 1/25/2019
- by Nate Nickolai
- Variety Film + TV
Patricia Arquette apologized for dropping an f-bomb while accepting her Golden Globe for lead actress in a limited series for Showtime’s “Escape at Dannemora.”
“I didn’t plan that. It was an unplanned f-bomb,” she said. “I’m so sorry.” She held up her trophy and joked: “You can’t take it back, can you?”
Arquette won for her extraordinary performance as Joyce Mitchell in the true story of a woman who helped two inmates stage a prison break in upstate New York in 2015. Arquette gained more than 40 pounds for a role that was anything but glamorous.
“I felt so free,” Arquette said. “I never once heard this refrain that I have heard so often in my career — ‘Is she likable enough? Is she attractive enough?'”
Mitchell is a large woman who was unabashedly sexual, which made the role appealing to Arquette. She echoed the calls of other...
“I didn’t plan that. It was an unplanned f-bomb,” she said. “I’m so sorry.” She held up her trophy and joked: “You can’t take it back, can you?”
Arquette won for her extraordinary performance as Joyce Mitchell in the true story of a woman who helped two inmates stage a prison break in upstate New York in 2015. Arquette gained more than 40 pounds for a role that was anything but glamorous.
“I felt so free,” Arquette said. “I never once heard this refrain that I have heard so often in my career — ‘Is she likable enough? Is she attractive enough?'”
Mitchell is a large woman who was unabashedly sexual, which made the role appealing to Arquette. She echoed the calls of other...
- 1/7/2019
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Carol Burnett paid emotional tribute to the medium that made her famous as she accepted the inaugural Golden Globe kudo for achievement in television at the 69th awards. But she also made a point of calling out major networks for failing to invest in high-end variety shows such as “The Carol Burnett Show,” which ran for 11 seasons on CBS.
“Nothing like our show, and I might add other variety shows at the time, could ever see the light of day today because the networks just wouldn’t spend the money,” Burnett said. “And because there are so many cable competitors, they are not going to take a chance. And sad to say today’s audiences might never know what they are — so here’s to reruns and YouTube.”
Burnett spoke of her childhood love of movies and her gratitude for enjoying such a long career.
“For every person who is...
“Nothing like our show, and I might add other variety shows at the time, could ever see the light of day today because the networks just wouldn’t spend the money,” Burnett said. “And because there are so many cable competitors, they are not going to take a chance. And sad to say today’s audiences might never know what they are — so here’s to reruns and YouTube.”
Burnett spoke of her childhood love of movies and her gratitude for enjoying such a long career.
“For every person who is...
- 1/7/2019
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Sometimes the truth is wilder than anything a writer could dream up. A woman calling her arresting officer “my love” as she’s being put into a cop car? A knock-down, drag-out fight over pasta? A nationally televised proposal that turns into a breakup? All of these things would seem completely over the top or perhaps even implausible if done in a scripted series, but they were all very real occurrences that happened to be caught on camera for unscripted series this year.
Here, Variety selects the most memorable moments in unscripted television for 2018.
“American Ninja Warrior”
The show is full of astonishing athletic feats, but standouts include the run of deaf Ninja Warrior Kyle Schulze, with the crowd cheering him on in sign language; women Ninjas like Allyssa Beird and Michelle Warnky, who inspire young girls; and All of the reactions — every emotion from joy to amazement to incredulity...
Here, Variety selects the most memorable moments in unscripted television for 2018.
“American Ninja Warrior”
The show is full of astonishing athletic feats, but standouts include the run of deaf Ninja Warrior Kyle Schulze, with the crowd cheering him on in sign language; women Ninjas like Allyssa Beird and Michelle Warnky, who inspire young girls; and All of the reactions — every emotion from joy to amazement to incredulity...
- 12/18/2018
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
Welcome to “Remote Controlled,” a podcast from Variety featuring the best and brightest in television, both in front of and behind the camera.
In this week’s episode, “Dirty John” showrunner Alexandra Cunningham sits down with Variety‘s senior features editor of TV, Danielle Turchiano, to talk about working with Connie Britton to develop a scripted version of Debra Newell and the importance of offering not only Newell’s perspective in the storytelling but that of the others in her life, including John Meehan (Eric Bana).
One of the things Cunningham notes she specifically wanted to do when setting out to write a scripted series inspired by Christopher Goffard’s podcast of the same name was play with perspective.
“That was a thing that I could do, that Chris couldn’t do, was hear from John, as opposed to about John,” she explains.
As a podcast listener, Cunningham recalls moments...
In this week’s episode, “Dirty John” showrunner Alexandra Cunningham sits down with Variety‘s senior features editor of TV, Danielle Turchiano, to talk about working with Connie Britton to develop a scripted version of Debra Newell and the importance of offering not only Newell’s perspective in the storytelling but that of the others in her life, including John Meehan (Eric Bana).
One of the things Cunningham notes she specifically wanted to do when setting out to write a scripted series inspired by Christopher Goffard’s podcast of the same name was play with perspective.
“That was a thing that I could do, that Chris couldn’t do, was hear from John, as opposed to about John,” she explains.
As a podcast listener, Cunningham recalls moments...
- 12/14/2018
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
With approximately 500 scripted series premiering new seasons in 2018, sometimes it feels like the television landscape is like a bubble. If it keeps getting inflated larger and larger, eventually something will have to give and it will pop, right? Well, maybe not for the platforms on which these shows are released — after all, new ones are created there often, as well. However, for the average television viewer — and even members of Variety‘s dedicated, professional staff — the limit has been reached.
Here, Variety staff selects the series they had to leave behind in 2018 — from the longest-running staple of Dick Wolf’s “One Chicago” franchise, to the headline-grabbing “Roseanne,” to Emmy darling “Saturday Night Live.”
“Chicago Fire” (NBC)
File this one under: probably about time. After being invested (enough) for six seasons to want to be a completist, it came time to say goodbye to this first of Dick Wolf’s “One...
Here, Variety staff selects the series they had to leave behind in 2018 — from the longest-running staple of Dick Wolf’s “One Chicago” franchise, to the headline-grabbing “Roseanne,” to Emmy darling “Saturday Night Live.”
“Chicago Fire” (NBC)
File this one under: probably about time. After being invested (enough) for six seasons to want to be a completist, it came time to say goodbye to this first of Dick Wolf’s “One...
- 12/12/2018
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
Michael Schneider has been named senior editor of TV awards at Variety. He begins his new role Jan. 1.
Schneider returns to Variety full time after more than two years at sister site IndieWire, where he was executive editor. During that time he also served as editor-at-large for Variety.
In his new role, Schneider will report to Daniel Holloway, Variety‘s executive editor of TV.
“Mike’s extensive experience covering the television industry over the past 20-plus years will be an incredible asset as we work to bolster our awards coverage in the coming year in print, online, and through our events,” said Holloway. “I am excited to welcome him back to Variety.”
At IndieWire, Schneider played a critical role as the site expanded its coverage of the television industry from programming to the executive suite to the Emmys. Prior to joining IndieWire in 2016, he served as the chief content officer for TV Guide,...
Schneider returns to Variety full time after more than two years at sister site IndieWire, where he was executive editor. During that time he also served as editor-at-large for Variety.
In his new role, Schneider will report to Daniel Holloway, Variety‘s executive editor of TV.
“Mike’s extensive experience covering the television industry over the past 20-plus years will be an incredible asset as we work to bolster our awards coverage in the coming year in print, online, and through our events,” said Holloway. “I am excited to welcome him back to Variety.”
At IndieWire, Schneider played a critical role as the site expanded its coverage of the television industry from programming to the executive suite to the Emmys. Prior to joining IndieWire in 2016, he served as the chief content officer for TV Guide,...
- 12/6/2018
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
Welcome to “Remote Controlled,” a podcast from Variety featuring the best and brightest in television, both in front of and behind the camera.
In this week’s episode, “Bodyguard” star Richard Madden sits down with Variety‘s features editor of TV, Danielle Turchiano, to talk about playing a former soldier with Ptsd, who is tasked with protecting Britain’s Home Secretary.
“In a lot of movies and television we see Ptsd as someone closes a door too loud or a car backfires and our subject suddenly is transported back to Afghanistan in the middle of this fighting and men are dying,” Madden says. “That does happen sometimes for people with Ptsd — they have flashbacks like that — but that’s not the only thing that happens.”
Madden shares that he was most interested in bringing to life the daily struggle of someone in that position — the anxiety and depression that comes with the disorder.
In this week’s episode, “Bodyguard” star Richard Madden sits down with Variety‘s features editor of TV, Danielle Turchiano, to talk about playing a former soldier with Ptsd, who is tasked with protecting Britain’s Home Secretary.
“In a lot of movies and television we see Ptsd as someone closes a door too loud or a car backfires and our subject suddenly is transported back to Afghanistan in the middle of this fighting and men are dying,” Madden says. “That does happen sometimes for people with Ptsd — they have flashbacks like that — but that’s not the only thing that happens.”
Madden shares that he was most interested in bringing to life the daily struggle of someone in that position — the anxiety and depression that comes with the disorder.
- 11/30/2018
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
Welcome to “Remote Controlled,” a podcast from Variety featuring the best and brightest in television, both in front of and behind the camera.
In this week’s episode, Variety’s executive editor of TV, Debra Birnbaum, talks with Nathan Fillion, star of the new ABC drama “The Rookie.”
Listen to this week’s podcast for free below and at Apple Podcasts:
The project marked the first time Fillion ever pitched and sold a show to a network without having a pilot written. He jokingly likens the experience to selling a sandwich.
“If I told you I was gonna make you an amazing sandwich — the bread’s gonna be fresh, it’s all your favorites, the tomato’s perfect, the shredded lettuce — you haven’t tasted it yet, but you know it’s gonna be a great sandwich,” he says of his blind confidence that the show would work.
Fillion’s character,...
In this week’s episode, Variety’s executive editor of TV, Debra Birnbaum, talks with Nathan Fillion, star of the new ABC drama “The Rookie.”
Listen to this week’s podcast for free below and at Apple Podcasts:
The project marked the first time Fillion ever pitched and sold a show to a network without having a pilot written. He jokingly likens the experience to selling a sandwich.
“If I told you I was gonna make you an amazing sandwich — the bread’s gonna be fresh, it’s all your favorites, the tomato’s perfect, the shredded lettuce — you haven’t tasted it yet, but you know it’s gonna be a great sandwich,” he says of his blind confidence that the show would work.
Fillion’s character,...
- 10/19/2018
- by Margeaux Sippell
- Variety Film + TV
Welcome to “Remote Controlled,” a podcast from Variety featuring the best and brightest in television, both in front of and behind the camera.
In this week’s episode, Variety’s associate features editor of TV, Danielle Turchiano, talks with “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” co-creators Rachel Bloom and Aline Brosh McKenna about the final season of their CW musical comedy.
Listen to this week’s podcast for free below and at Apple Podcasts:
McKenna says the series’ four seasons are “remarkably accurate” to the initial pitch to the network in 2015. “We really conceived of it beginning, middle, and end,” she says. “We really knew this was just going to be about this period in this girl’s life where she’s subject to a very intense romantic obsession and then recovers from it.”
While the season starts with her in jail after pleading guilty to pushing her stalker ex, Trent (Paul Welsh), off a building,...
In this week’s episode, Variety’s associate features editor of TV, Danielle Turchiano, talks with “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” co-creators Rachel Bloom and Aline Brosh McKenna about the final season of their CW musical comedy.
Listen to this week’s podcast for free below and at Apple Podcasts:
McKenna says the series’ four seasons are “remarkably accurate” to the initial pitch to the network in 2015. “We really conceived of it beginning, middle, and end,” she says. “We really knew this was just going to be about this period in this girl’s life where she’s subject to a very intense romantic obsession and then recovers from it.”
While the season starts with her in jail after pleading guilty to pushing her stalker ex, Trent (Paul Welsh), off a building,...
- 10/5/2018
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
The Emmys weren’t over when the credits rolled on the NBC telecast.
In fact, the ceremony, hosted by Colin Jost and Michael Che for the first time, was just the beginning of what turned out for many television stars and executives to be a very long night of party hopping.
First up was the Governors Ball followed by a slew of network and streaming service soirees held from downtown to West Hollywood.
Read on to get the inside details of what was happening into the wee hours of Tuesday morning…
Netflix
NeueHouse Hollywood
There was no one having a better time at the Netflix party than the young stars of “Stranger Things.”
Millie Bobby Brown hit the dance floor for a good part of the night along with her costars Noah Schnapp and Finn Wolfhard.
The @Stranger_Things kids are having a better time than anyone else at the @Netflix party.
In fact, the ceremony, hosted by Colin Jost and Michael Che for the first time, was just the beginning of what turned out for many television stars and executives to be a very long night of party hopping.
First up was the Governors Ball followed by a slew of network and streaming service soirees held from downtown to West Hollywood.
Read on to get the inside details of what was happening into the wee hours of Tuesday morning…
Netflix
NeueHouse Hollywood
There was no one having a better time at the Netflix party than the young stars of “Stranger Things.”
Millie Bobby Brown hit the dance floor for a good part of the night along with her costars Noah Schnapp and Finn Wolfhard.
The @Stranger_Things kids are having a better time than anyone else at the @Netflix party.
- 9/18/2018
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
Welcome to “Remote Controlled,” a podcast from Variety featuring the best and brightest in television, both in front of and behind the camera.
In this week’s episode, the team behind FX’s “Mayans M.C.” — co-creators and executive producers Kurt Sutter and Elgin James, and star J.D. Pardo — talks with Variety’s executive editor of TV, Debra Birnbaum, about their “fierce” sequel to the hit series “Sons of Anarchy.”
And in the second half of the podcast, the team behind Lifetime’s “You” — showrunner Sera Gamble, and stars Penn Badgley and Elizabeth Lail — discusses with associate features editor Danielle Turchiano the challenges of their stalker drama.
Listen to this week’s podcast for free below and at Apple Podcasts:
Asked why he wanted to revisit the world of “Sons of Anarchy,” Sutter jokes that the reason was “money.” But the truth is, he always had the idea for setting...
In this week’s episode, the team behind FX’s “Mayans M.C.” — co-creators and executive producers Kurt Sutter and Elgin James, and star J.D. Pardo — talks with Variety’s executive editor of TV, Debra Birnbaum, about their “fierce” sequel to the hit series “Sons of Anarchy.”
And in the second half of the podcast, the team behind Lifetime’s “You” — showrunner Sera Gamble, and stars Penn Badgley and Elizabeth Lail — discusses with associate features editor Danielle Turchiano the challenges of their stalker drama.
Listen to this week’s podcast for free below and at Apple Podcasts:
Asked why he wanted to revisit the world of “Sons of Anarchy,” Sutter jokes that the reason was “money.” But the truth is, he always had the idea for setting...
- 8/31/2018
- by Danielle Turchiano and Debra Birnbaum
- Variety Film + TV
Each year there are a few programs and performers that sit atop the predictions’ list at the Emmys, and this year, even with incumbent comedy champ “Veep” sitting out, that’s no different (see: “The Handmaid’s Tale” in the drama races). However, predictions are not perfect, and there are a number of underrated nominees that could take the trophy Sept. 17 if the Academy voters want to prove they aren’t so predictable. They did it in the nomination-voting round, after all, honoring veteran comedy king Ted Danson for the first time in over two decades, and Sandra Oh, the first actress of Asian descent to see recognition in the lead drama actress category.
Here, Variety’s staff makes a case for some of those nominees.
Drama Series
“The Americans”
Given its love for slow, simmering storytelling, it’s not entirely surprising that “The Americans” has only been nominated for drama series twice.
Here, Variety’s staff makes a case for some of those nominees.
Drama Series
“The Americans”
Given its love for slow, simmering storytelling, it’s not entirely surprising that “The Americans” has only been nominated for drama series twice.
- 8/21/2018
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
Harry Styles is apparently the ideal house guest. In a TCA panel Sunday night, the executive producer of upcoming CBS sitcom Happy Together Ben Winston divulged how the former One Direction star became a tenant in his London home. Variety's TV features editor Danielle Turchiano tweeted the details of Winston's former housemate situation. According to Turchiano, Styles lived in Winston's attic for 18 months. It appears that Styles appeared relatively incognito throughout his time there. "No one knew he was there," Turchiano wrote. Styles crashing in Winston's attic provided some artistic inspiration for the producer. "He said living in a quiet 'boring' family...
- 8/6/2018
- E! Online
The upcoming Netflix comedy “Insatiable” is still under review embargo, but the recent release of a trailer elicited a storm of controversy, with over 130,000 people signing a petition asking Netflix not to release the show over concerns that the premise encourages body-shaming.
But addressing journalists at the Television Critics Association press tour, vice president of original content Cindy Holland responded to a question about the show by saying that the show’s creator, Lauren Gussis, “felt very strongly about exploring those issues, based on her experience, in an over-the-top satirical way,” but that the ultimate message of the show was about being “comfortable with yourself.”
As for the concern that the message of the series promotes body-shaming, Holland observed that “criticism [of fat-shaming] is embedded within the show itself.”
The official description of “Insatiable,” provided by Netflix, is as follows:
“Insatiable” is a dark, twisted revenge comedy starring Debby Ryan, Dallas Roberts,...
But addressing journalists at the Television Critics Association press tour, vice president of original content Cindy Holland responded to a question about the show by saying that the show’s creator, Lauren Gussis, “felt very strongly about exploring those issues, based on her experience, in an over-the-top satirical way,” but that the ultimate message of the show was about being “comfortable with yourself.”
As for the concern that the message of the series promotes body-shaming, Holland observed that “criticism [of fat-shaming] is embedded within the show itself.”
The official description of “Insatiable,” provided by Netflix, is as follows:
“Insatiable” is a dark, twisted revenge comedy starring Debby Ryan, Dallas Roberts,...
- 7/29/2018
- by Liz Shannon Miller
- Indiewire
One of Emmy’s deep, dark secrets is that she loves serial killers. In fact, over the past two decades many actors have won Best Drama Guest Actor for playing such psychotic murderers. Remember Pruitt Taylor Vince on “Murder One” (1997)? How about John Larroquette (1998) and Michael Emerson (2001) for “The Practice”? More recently there was John Lithgow for “Dexter” (2010) and (to a lesser extent) Joe Morton for “Scandal” (2014). All of this is great news, of course, for Cameron Britton on Netflix’s “Mindhunter,” who portrays TV’s latest serial killer Edmund Kemper.
SEEJonathan Groff (‘Mindhunter’): Emmy Experts say the Netflix G-Man could track down his first nomination
Britton may not have a recognizable name, but that didn’t stop Vince or Emerson from winning Emmys thanks in part to the lasting impact of their characters. All of Kemper’s scenes take place in prison many years after he was arrested for his spree killings.
SEEJonathan Groff (‘Mindhunter’): Emmy Experts say the Netflix G-Man could track down his first nomination
Britton may not have a recognizable name, but that didn’t stop Vince or Emerson from winning Emmys thanks in part to the lasting impact of their characters. All of Kemper’s scenes take place in prison many years after he was arrested for his spree killings.
- 6/27/2018
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
The Peabody Awards have always been about more than a gorgeous face and a compelling tale told right — they also recognize stories that reflect where we are as a society. The 77-year-old awards pride themselves on maintaining relevance. And this year’s winners grapple with women’s rights, racism, nationalism, guns and environmentalism.
The Peabody Awards examines how TV does “something for us as citizens,” says Jeffrey Jones, director of the Peabody Awards. “It was formed as the Pulitzer Prize for broadcasting. When we gave an award to Amy Schumer, it was not just because she’s funny, but because she’s saying important things about misogyny and rape and sexism in the industry.”
Though Jones cites Schumer’s win from 2014, these topics have only intensified, and this year’s awards recipients — including, in the entertainment categories alone, HBO’s “Insecure,” NBC’s “Saturday Night Live,” Netflix’s “American Vandal,...
The Peabody Awards examines how TV does “something for us as citizens,” says Jeffrey Jones, director of the Peabody Awards. “It was formed as the Pulitzer Prize for broadcasting. When we gave an award to Amy Schumer, it was not just because she’s funny, but because she’s saying important things about misogyny and rape and sexism in the industry.”
Though Jones cites Schumer’s win from 2014, these topics have only intensified, and this year’s awards recipients — including, in the entertainment categories alone, HBO’s “Insecure,” NBC’s “Saturday Night Live,” Netflix’s “American Vandal,...
- 5/18/2018
- by Jacqueline Cutler
- Variety Film + TV
After the first season of “Dear White People,” creator Justin Simien and his writers saw a lot of negative comments on social media that took umbrage at the show and its title. But he always intended for the show (and its title) to be an invitation into the conversation. And thankfully, he and his cast said at the Netflix FYSee event for his series in Los Angeles, Calif. on Wednesday, the response to the second season has embraced the intention.
“I think the trolls on Twitter had a few other things to do,” Simien only half-joked.
“It gave a prime example of why the show was so needed and so relevant,” series star Logan Browning added. “I think Justin did a great job of bringing things we experienced in every day life to the screen with Sam constantly on her laptop and the instant gratification of getting those likes.”
But even more seriously,...
“I think the trolls on Twitter had a few other things to do,” Simien only half-joked.
“It gave a prime example of why the show was so needed and so relevant,” series star Logan Browning added. “I think Justin did a great job of bringing things we experienced in every day life to the screen with Sam constantly on her laptop and the instant gratification of getting those likes.”
But even more seriously,...
- 5/10/2018
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
Brooklyn, New York was well represented at TBS’ Fyc event in Burbank, Calif. Sunday.
The cabler held a joint screening and panel for its comedies “The Last O.G.” and “Search Party,” both of which film in the Big Apple and use its setting as a way to inform the characters’ worlds. On “The Last O.G.,” Tray (Tracey Morgan) gets out of prison after 15 years to barely recognize his gentrified borough neighborhood, while on “Search Party,” the characters are representations of the new residents post-gentrification.
“People want to say gentrification is all bad, but no, it’s good. Clean the place up. I’ve got grandparents, I’ve got people that work and walk there, and they’re safer,” Morgan said to Variety. “I’m not going to get too into politics. Politics is a pile of tricks!”
Moderated by Jack McBrayer, the panel featured “The Last O.G.” stars Morgan and Tiffany Haddish,...
The cabler held a joint screening and panel for its comedies “The Last O.G.” and “Search Party,” both of which film in the Big Apple and use its setting as a way to inform the characters’ worlds. On “The Last O.G.,” Tray (Tracey Morgan) gets out of prison after 15 years to barely recognize his gentrified borough neighborhood, while on “Search Party,” the characters are representations of the new residents post-gentrification.
“People want to say gentrification is all bad, but no, it’s good. Clean the place up. I’ve got grandparents, I’ve got people that work and walk there, and they’re safer,” Morgan said to Variety. “I’m not going to get too into politics. Politics is a pile of tricks!”
Moderated by Jack McBrayer, the panel featured “The Last O.G.” stars Morgan and Tiffany Haddish,...
- 4/30/2018
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
“Black-ish” has never been afraid to go all-in on tough storytelling topics, but in this fourth season alone the show has tackled everything from the details behind the end of slavery that are not often taught in schools, to the deeper meaning behind soul food, to postpartum depression and a diabetes diagnosis.
“This year was a special year because it really, for us, pushed us over. It really, for us, made us feel like we’re a show — we have our fans, we feel like people know our characters, and we get to tell stories that we might not have been able to tell that first season,” series creator Kenya Barris said at the Emmy Fyc event for his ABC comedy Saturday. “In this day and age when so many things are pulling people apart, one of the things we actually like to do is bring people together through conversation.
“This year was a special year because it really, for us, pushed us over. It really, for us, made us feel like we’re a show — we have our fans, we feel like people know our characters, and we get to tell stories that we might not have been able to tell that first season,” series creator Kenya Barris said at the Emmy Fyc event for his ABC comedy Saturday. “In this day and age when so many things are pulling people apart, one of the things we actually like to do is bring people together through conversation.
- 4/29/2018
- by Danielle Turchiano
- Variety Film + TV
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