Perhaps, like Jerry Seinfeld, you too have spent hours wondering: What’s the deal with Pop Tarts?! Is it a breakfast item or just undercover dessert? How do they get all that delicious fruity goo inside the tiny squares? Is there a goo gun? Who came up with the idea of putting “docker holes” on the top to keep the toaster steam out? Was it Bob from Engineering? And why the frosting, people? Was there not enough sugar already in there already? I wanna know!
Seinfeld has, of course, been...
Seinfeld has, of course, been...
- 5/3/2024
- by David Fear
- Rollingstone.com
For years various producers have pitched doing something like a zany It’s A Mad Mad Mad Mad World, only populated by an epic cast of contemporary comedy stars just like that Stanley Kramer supercomedy did during its time in 1963. So it is probably not a coincidence that Jerry Seinfeld selected that very year in which to set his live action filmmaking debut, Unfrosted, as a quadruple threat of star, director, co-writer, producer.
Placing it in Battle Creek, Michigan and taking the real life story of the rivalry of cereal kingpins Kellogg’s and Post in their race to create a revolutionary breakfast pastry, Seinfeld and his longtime writing partner Spike Feresten, along with their Bee Movie collaborators Andy Rubin & Barry Marder, have chosen to use some real life people, made up several others, salted it all with some basic truths, and basically let the laughs and comedy lead the way in the telling.
Placing it in Battle Creek, Michigan and taking the real life story of the rivalry of cereal kingpins Kellogg’s and Post in their race to create a revolutionary breakfast pastry, Seinfeld and his longtime writing partner Spike Feresten, along with their Bee Movie collaborators Andy Rubin & Barry Marder, have chosen to use some real life people, made up several others, salted it all with some basic truths, and basically let the laughs and comedy lead the way in the telling.
- 5/3/2024
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
If you are a fan of the classic TV sitcom Seinfeld, then you have seen how big a role cereal plays in Jerry’s life. However, the famous comedian has taken his love to a whole new level with the over-the-top portrayal of the reinvention of breakfast as Pop-Tarts hit the market in Unfrosted. Unfrosted is a comedy that stars Seinfeld, but it also marks his directorial debut for a comedy feature film. The cast list is also an amazing who’s who of comedy actors which features Jerry Seinfeld, Melissa McCarthy, Jim Gaffigan, Hugh Grant, Amy Schumer, Max Greenfield, Christian Slater, Bill Burr, Daniel Levy, James Marsden, Jack McBrayer, Thomas Lennon, Bobby Moynihan, Adrian Martinez, Sarah Cooper and Fred Armisen. You can watch the trailer in the embed above.
The official synopsis from Netflix reads,
“Battle Creek, Michigan, 1963. Kellogg’s and Post, sworn cereal rivals, race to create a...
The official synopsis from Netflix reads,
“Battle Creek, Michigan, 1963. Kellogg’s and Post, sworn cereal rivals, race to create a...
- 3/28/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
NBC is only dipping into a recent “Vintage” when it comes to showing primetime repeats of “Saturday Night Live.”
The network has since 2014 used its 10 p.m. slot on Saturdays to run “SNL” repeats from across the show’s decades-long run, a move that whets fans appetites’ for the 11:30 p.m. main showing of the popular late-night series. The 60-minute cut-down of the archival selection is known as “SNL Vintage.”
In recent weeks, however, the archives have stayed shut. Instead, NBC has been sticking with repeats of episodes from this season or last — a bid, perhaps, to keep the focus on the show’s current cast of players.
NBC declined to make “SNL” producers available for comment.
The “Vintage” broadcasts give fans access to memorable sketches and monologues from years gone by, and often play off events in the news. When a popular celebrity or musician passes away, the...
The network has since 2014 used its 10 p.m. slot on Saturdays to run “SNL” repeats from across the show’s decades-long run, a move that whets fans appetites’ for the 11:30 p.m. main showing of the popular late-night series. The 60-minute cut-down of the archival selection is known as “SNL Vintage.”
In recent weeks, however, the archives have stayed shut. Instead, NBC has been sticking with repeats of episodes from this season or last — a bid, perhaps, to keep the focus on the show’s current cast of players.
NBC declined to make “SNL” producers available for comment.
The “Vintage” broadcasts give fans access to memorable sketches and monologues from years gone by, and often play off events in the news. When a popular celebrity or musician passes away, the...
- 3/7/2024
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Late Night viewers may not have initially understood Conan O’Brien’s brand of humor, but there was an important demographic who did: college kids.
In Vanity Fair‘s oral history of Late Night with Conan O’Brien for the show’s 30th anniversary, its cast and crew detailed how the college demographic ended up inadvertently saving the series from cancellation.
Months after the show premiered in September 1993, producer Jeff Ross received a call from NBC execs saying the show was in “imminent danger of being canceled.” Greg Kinnear was rumored to take over for O’Brien, as the gamble of hiring an unknown name to host Late Night had seemingly not paid off. However, exec Rick Ludwin convinced NBC to give the show another chance to find its audience.
While Late Night with Conan O’Brien received a significant boost from David Letterman’s guest appearance the same year O’Brien made his debut,...
In Vanity Fair‘s oral history of Late Night with Conan O’Brien for the show’s 30th anniversary, its cast and crew detailed how the college demographic ended up inadvertently saving the series from cancellation.
Months after the show premiered in September 1993, producer Jeff Ross received a call from NBC execs saying the show was in “imminent danger of being canceled.” Greg Kinnear was rumored to take over for O’Brien, as the gamble of hiring an unknown name to host Late Night had seemingly not paid off. However, exec Rick Ludwin convinced NBC to give the show another chance to find its audience.
While Late Night with Conan O’Brien received a significant boost from David Letterman’s guest appearance the same year O’Brien made his debut,...
- 12/22/2023
- by Tatiana Tenreyro
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Conan O’Brien hosted more than 2,700 episodes of Late Night for NBC.
The series ran from September 13, 1993 through February 20, 2009 before he briefly took over The Tonight Show and then Conan for TBS.
But the comedian didn’t necessarily want to use the title, which began with David Letterman, who hosted it between 1982 and 1993.
He wanted to call it Nighty Night with Conan O’Brien.
“We thought was just really cartoony and funny,” he said on the Inside Conan podcast, which is produced by his Team Coco.
O’Brien and longtime exec producer Jeff Ross were speaking about the early days of the show, before it launched on the show, which is hosted by Conan writers Mike Sweeney and Jessie Gaskell.
However, the former Simpsons writer said that he was worried about being compared to Letterman, but was talked out of calling it Nighty Night by former NBC late-night chief Rick Ludwin.
The series ran from September 13, 1993 through February 20, 2009 before he briefly took over The Tonight Show and then Conan for TBS.
But the comedian didn’t necessarily want to use the title, which began with David Letterman, who hosted it between 1982 and 1993.
He wanted to call it Nighty Night with Conan O’Brien.
“We thought was just really cartoony and funny,” he said on the Inside Conan podcast, which is produced by his Team Coco.
O’Brien and longtime exec producer Jeff Ross were speaking about the early days of the show, before it launched on the show, which is hosted by Conan writers Mike Sweeney and Jessie Gaskell.
However, the former Simpsons writer said that he was worried about being compared to Letterman, but was talked out of calling it Nighty Night by former NBC late-night chief Rick Ludwin.
- 8/3/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Many TV legends and contributors were included for the “In Memoriam” segment on Sunday’s Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony for ABC. But producers are always forced to omit some of the 100+ insiders who died since the last ceremony. Who was left out of the group that was honored?
With dozens of television veterans having died since last year’s mid-September ceremony, people certainly included were these six TV Academy Hall of Fame members:
Diahann Carroll
Leonard Goldberg (executive at 20th Century Fox and ABC; producer of “Charlie’s Angels” and more)
Jim Lehrer (anchor/reporter of “MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour)
Regis Philbin
Carl Reiner
Fred Silverman
SEECelebrity Deaths 2020: In Memoriam Gallery
Even though he wasn’t known for his TV work, blockbuster film actor Chadwick Boseman was featured in the final slot. NBA Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant was not mentioned, even though the event was being held in the Staples Center.
With dozens of television veterans having died since last year’s mid-September ceremony, people certainly included were these six TV Academy Hall of Fame members:
Diahann Carroll
Leonard Goldberg (executive at 20th Century Fox and ABC; producer of “Charlie’s Angels” and more)
Jim Lehrer (anchor/reporter of “MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour)
Regis Philbin
Carl Reiner
Fred Silverman
SEECelebrity Deaths 2020: In Memoriam Gallery
Even though he wasn’t known for his TV work, blockbuster film actor Chadwick Boseman was featured in the final slot. NBA Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant was not mentioned, even though the event was being held in the Staples Center.
- 9/21/2020
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
For Sunday’s Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony on ABC, producers will have the always difficult task of assembling a memoriam segment. Even though the event hosted by Jimmy Kimmel will be virtual, it’s a certainty they will include the popular “In Memoriam” on the show.
With over 100 television veterans having died since last year’s mid-September ceremony, those expected to be honored would include such TV legends and TV Academy Hall of Fame members:
Diahann Carroll
Leonard Goldberg (executive at 20th Century Fox and ABC; producer of “Charlie’s Angels” and more)
Jim Lehrer (anchor/reporter of “MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour)
Regis Philbin
Carl Reiner
Fred Silverman
SEECelebrity Deaths 2020: In Memoriam Gallery
Even though they weren’t known for their TV work, it’s very likely NBA Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant and blockbuster film actor Chadwick Boseman will be honored. Also among the dozens most likely included since they...
With over 100 television veterans having died since last year’s mid-September ceremony, those expected to be honored would include such TV legends and TV Academy Hall of Fame members:
Diahann Carroll
Leonard Goldberg (executive at 20th Century Fox and ABC; producer of “Charlie’s Angels” and more)
Jim Lehrer (anchor/reporter of “MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour)
Regis Philbin
Carl Reiner
Fred Silverman
SEECelebrity Deaths 2020: In Memoriam Gallery
Even though they weren’t known for their TV work, it’s very likely NBA Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant and blockbuster film actor Chadwick Boseman will be honored. Also among the dozens most likely included since they...
- 9/20/2020
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
In a different era, the episode of “Saturday Night Live” that was broadcast last night would never be shown again.
“SNL” took itself out of a weeks-long production hiatus spurred by the coronavirus pandemic and tried to give the world a substitute for its more traditional efforts. The show was filled with attempts to emulate the look and feel of a regular “SNL” gig, with a quick introduction by Tom Hanks, a Bob Dylan cover by Chris Martin, a low-fi “Weekend Update” with a Zoom-infused laugh track, and a series of quick sketches that had no in-studio audience to help them bounce along between commercial breaks. Of all the offerings, only Chloe Fineman’s “MasterClass” impressions of Timothee Chalmaet, JoJo Siwa and “Tiger King” figure Carole Baskin even approached the production quality of a “real” episode.
“That’s our show. We hope it gave you something to do for a while,...
“SNL” took itself out of a weeks-long production hiatus spurred by the coronavirus pandemic and tried to give the world a substitute for its more traditional efforts. The show was filled with attempts to emulate the look and feel of a regular “SNL” gig, with a quick introduction by Tom Hanks, a Bob Dylan cover by Chris Martin, a low-fi “Weekend Update” with a Zoom-infused laugh track, and a series of quick sketches that had no in-studio audience to help them bounce along between commercial breaks. Of all the offerings, only Chloe Fineman’s “MasterClass” impressions of Timothee Chalmaet, JoJo Siwa and “Tiger King” figure Carole Baskin even approached the production quality of a “real” episode.
“That’s our show. We hope it gave you something to do for a while,...
- 4/12/2020
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Jerry Seinfeld has set a new stand-up comedy special at Netflix.
“Jerry Seinfeld: 23 Hours to Kill” premieres May 5. The hourlong special was taped at the Beacon Theater in New York City.
This is his second stand-up special with Netflix, having been proceeded by “Jerry Before Seinfeld,” which came out in 2017. He signed a production deal with Netflix that same year that guaranteed two comedy specials.
Also Read: Rick Ludwin, Former Head of NBC Late-Night, Dies at 71
The comedian also has his popular interview series “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” on the streamer, during which he casually chats with some of the world’s greatest comedians behind the wheel and over breakfast. It debuted on Sony Crackle in 2012 before it later moved to Netflix, where it has now reached a total of 11 seasons.
The “23 Hours to Kill” special will showcase Seinfeld’s “sharp angles on everyday life, uncovering comedy in the commonplace,...
“Jerry Seinfeld: 23 Hours to Kill” premieres May 5. The hourlong special was taped at the Beacon Theater in New York City.
This is his second stand-up special with Netflix, having been proceeded by “Jerry Before Seinfeld,” which came out in 2017. He signed a production deal with Netflix that same year that guaranteed two comedy specials.
Also Read: Rick Ludwin, Former Head of NBC Late-Night, Dies at 71
The comedian also has his popular interview series “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” on the streamer, during which he casually chats with some of the world’s greatest comedians behind the wheel and over breakfast. It debuted on Sony Crackle in 2012 before it later moved to Netflix, where it has now reached a total of 11 seasons.
The “23 Hours to Kill” special will showcase Seinfeld’s “sharp angles on everyday life, uncovering comedy in the commonplace,...
- 4/10/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Late-night television is the subject of an original documentary series for CNN.
Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal, Trevor Noah, Seth Meyers and Lorne Michaels are among the contributors to The Story of Late Night, from Canadian producer Cream Productions (The Dictator’s Playbook).
The series will track the history of late-night TV from its inception, featuring stories about hosts such as Johnny Carson, Jay Leno, David Letterman, O’Brien, Jimmy Fallon, Kimmel, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. It will lift the curtain on some of late-night’s most memorable moments as these legendary hosts tackled politics, pop culture and entertainment.
Other interview subjects include James Corden, Chelsea Handler, Hasan Minhaj, Andy Richter, Ray Romano, Busy Philipps and Andy Cohen as well as executives including Paul Telegdy, George Cheeks, Jeff Zucker, Warren Littlefield, Rick Ludwin, Debbie Vickers, Lloyd Braun, Nina Tassler, Jeff Ross, Dick Cavett and Merrill Markoe.
Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal, Trevor Noah, Seth Meyers and Lorne Michaels are among the contributors to The Story of Late Night, from Canadian producer Cream Productions (The Dictator’s Playbook).
The series will track the history of late-night TV from its inception, featuring stories about hosts such as Johnny Carson, Jay Leno, David Letterman, O’Brien, Jimmy Fallon, Kimmel, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. It will lift the curtain on some of late-night’s most memorable moments as these legendary hosts tackled politics, pop culture and entertainment.
Other interview subjects include James Corden, Chelsea Handler, Hasan Minhaj, Andy Richter, Ray Romano, Busy Philipps and Andy Cohen as well as executives including Paul Telegdy, George Cheeks, Jeff Zucker, Warren Littlefield, Rick Ludwin, Debbie Vickers, Lloyd Braun, Nina Tassler, Jeff Ross, Dick Cavett and Merrill Markoe.
- 12/18/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Saturday Night Live tonight remembered Rick Ludwin, the longtime NBC head of late-night who oversaw the sketch comedy program for more than two decades. Ludwin, who spent 30+ years at NBC and headed the network’s specials and late-night programming from 1989- 2011, died last Sunday at age 71. SNL‘s In Memoriam card for him ran immediately after Weekend Update.
Known as early champion of Seinfeld who is credited with getting the comedy series on the air, Ludiwn was a towering figure in NBC’s late-night. Following his death, three current/former NBC late-night hosts — all former SNL-ers — paid tribute to the late executive. Here is what Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers and Conan O’Brien said on their shows Monday:...
Known as early champion of Seinfeld who is credited with getting the comedy series on the air, Ludiwn was a towering figure in NBC’s late-night. Following his death, three current/former NBC late-night hosts — all former SNL-ers — paid tribute to the late executive. Here is what Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers and Conan O’Brien said on their shows Monday:...
- 11/17/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Niall Tóibín, famed Irish actor who starred alongside actors like Tom Cruise and Pierce Brosnan, died Wednesday after a long battle with an undisclosed illness. He was 89.
Born in Cork to native Irish speakers, Tóibín began his career in acting in the 1950s with the Radio Éireann Players and went on to appear in several Irish television dramas. In film, he played Tom Cruise’s father in “Far and Away” and as an islander alongside Pierce Brosnan in “The Nephew.” He was also known for his comic work, appearing in a production of Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot” at the National Theatre in London.
In 2005, his handprints were added to the entrance of Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre, and in 2011, he received a lifetime achievement award from the Irish Film & Television Academy.
Also Read: Rick Ludwin, Former Head of NBC Late-Night, Dies at 71
In a statement honoring Tóibín, Ireland’s President Michael D.
Born in Cork to native Irish speakers, Tóibín began his career in acting in the 1950s with the Radio Éireann Players and went on to appear in several Irish television dramas. In film, he played Tom Cruise’s father in “Far and Away” and as an islander alongside Pierce Brosnan in “The Nephew.” He was also known for his comic work, appearing in a production of Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot” at the National Theatre in London.
In 2005, his handprints were added to the entrance of Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre, and in 2011, he received a lifetime achievement award from the Irish Film & Television Academy.
Also Read: Rick Ludwin, Former Head of NBC Late-Night, Dies at 71
In a statement honoring Tóibín, Ireland’s President Michael D.
- 11/14/2019
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
NBC has given a put pilot commitment to a new comedy from Larry Wilmore and London Hughes.
The untitled single-camera sitcom hails from studio Universal Television and Wilmore’s own production company, Wilmore Films. Wilmore and Hughes will write and executive produce together; Hughes will star.
The project focuses on character London Jones (Hughes), who after getting dumped by her boyfriend in England, comes to America to find success, herself, and maybe even love, according to NBC.
In general, a “put pilot” practically guarantees a show will be picked up to series, as by the nature of the agreement the pilot must air as either a special or a series. Should the network, NBC in the case, decide not to air it in any capacity, the network will have to pay substantial money to the studio. Of course, in this case, the studio is also owned by NBC.
Also Read: Conan O'Brien,...
The untitled single-camera sitcom hails from studio Universal Television and Wilmore’s own production company, Wilmore Films. Wilmore and Hughes will write and executive produce together; Hughes will star.
The project focuses on character London Jones (Hughes), who after getting dumped by her boyfriend in England, comes to America to find success, herself, and maybe even love, according to NBC.
In general, a “put pilot” practically guarantees a show will be picked up to series, as by the nature of the agreement the pilot must air as either a special or a series. Should the network, NBC in the case, decide not to air it in any capacity, the network will have to pay substantial money to the studio. Of course, in this case, the studio is also owned by NBC.
Also Read: Conan O'Brien,...
- 11/13/2019
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Do you want to build a snowman? Or how about just remember the entire storied history of songs from Disney movies in all of five minutes? Jimmy Fallon and Kristen Bell kinda did both on Tuesday.
The “Good Place” and “Frozen II” star dropped by “The Tonight Show” Tuesday night to belt out 18 Disney tunes with the main NBC late-night host. Lest you forget, girl can sing.
Fallon? Well, he’s Ok.
Also Read: Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers Remember NBC Late-Night Exec Rick Ludwin (Videos)
Yes, “Let It Go” from “Frozen” anchors the whole thing, though that’s actually a Queen Elsa (Idina Menzel) song, and not Princess Anna’s (Bell). We’ll look past that.
Watch the video above.
Below is their full setlist.
Also Read: Kristen Bell to Narrate HBO Max's 'Gossip Girl' Sequel Series
“When You Wish Upon a Star”
“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”
“Heigh...
The “Good Place” and “Frozen II” star dropped by “The Tonight Show” Tuesday night to belt out 18 Disney tunes with the main NBC late-night host. Lest you forget, girl can sing.
Fallon? Well, he’s Ok.
Also Read: Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers Remember NBC Late-Night Exec Rick Ludwin (Videos)
Yes, “Let It Go” from “Frozen” anchors the whole thing, though that’s actually a Queen Elsa (Idina Menzel) song, and not Princess Anna’s (Bell). We’ll look past that.
Watch the video above.
Below is their full setlist.
Also Read: Kristen Bell to Narrate HBO Max's 'Gossip Girl' Sequel Series
“When You Wish Upon a Star”
“Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”
“Heigh...
- 11/13/2019
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Late-night hosts Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers all took time out of their Monday shows to remember former NBC executive Rick Ludwin, who passed away Sunday night at age 71.
As the head of NBC’s late-night until 2012, a job that included oversight of “Saturday Night Live,” Ludwin played a role in each of their careers. Yes, Ludwin was their boss — he was also their friend.
Watch their lovely remembrances below, beginning with Conan, whom Ludwin backed during that whole messy Jay Leno to Conan and back to Leno “Tonight Show” fiasco. Each comedian individual shared the history of Ludwin single-handedly saving “Seinfeld.” And why not? It’s a story worth telling.
Yes, all of us comedy fans owe a debt of gratitude to Rick Ludwin.
Also Read: Rick Ludwin, Former Head of NBC Late-Night, Dies at 71
And Fallon:
Finally, here is Meyers:
Also Read: NBC's Midseason Schedule:...
As the head of NBC’s late-night until 2012, a job that included oversight of “Saturday Night Live,” Ludwin played a role in each of their careers. Yes, Ludwin was their boss — he was also their friend.
Watch their lovely remembrances below, beginning with Conan, whom Ludwin backed during that whole messy Jay Leno to Conan and back to Leno “Tonight Show” fiasco. Each comedian individual shared the history of Ludwin single-handedly saving “Seinfeld.” And why not? It’s a story worth telling.
Yes, all of us comedy fans owe a debt of gratitude to Rick Ludwin.
Also Read: Rick Ludwin, Former Head of NBC Late-Night, Dies at 71
And Fallon:
Finally, here is Meyers:
Also Read: NBC's Midseason Schedule:...
- 11/12/2019
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Conan O'Brien, Seth Meyers and Jimmy Fallon paid tribute to former NBC Late Night executive Rick Ludwin on their late-night shows Monday night.
Ludwin ran specials and late-night programming at NBC for over 30 years. He died Sunday in Los Angeles after a brief illness. He was 71.
His time at NBC spanned the early days of Saturday Night Live and iterations of The Tonight Show hosted by Johnny Carson and Jay Leno. He also worked on the Late Night franchise with David Letterman, O'Brien and Fallon.
Additionally, he commissioned and famously backed Seinfeld while other NBC executives speculated about ...
Ludwin ran specials and late-night programming at NBC for over 30 years. He died Sunday in Los Angeles after a brief illness. He was 71.
His time at NBC spanned the early days of Saturday Night Live and iterations of The Tonight Show hosted by Johnny Carson and Jay Leno. He also worked on the Late Night franchise with David Letterman, O'Brien and Fallon.
Additionally, he commissioned and famously backed Seinfeld while other NBC executives speculated about ...
- 11/12/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Conan O’Brien took time out this evening on Conan to remember longtime NBC late-night executive Rick Ludwin, who died Sunday in Los Angeles at age 71.
Ludwin was famously known around the network for championing Seinfeld when it was a struggling comedy. He also worked in late-night at the network from the Johnny Carson through the Jimmy Fallon eras of The Tonight Show.
On tonight’s episode of his TBS late-night show, O’Brien said Ludwin was always supportive when the comedian was with NBC — from the time he worked on Late Night with Conan O’Brien to his brief stint as Tonight host.
“In 1993, when I took over the late-night show — it was a long time ago — but I had a very rocky start,” O’Brien recalled. “Pretty much everyone at the network thought that I should be canceled, but one executive disagreed and that was Rick Ludwin. Rick...
Ludwin was famously known around the network for championing Seinfeld when it was a struggling comedy. He also worked in late-night at the network from the Johnny Carson through the Jimmy Fallon eras of The Tonight Show.
On tonight’s episode of his TBS late-night show, O’Brien said Ludwin was always supportive when the comedian was with NBC — from the time he worked on Late Night with Conan O’Brien to his brief stint as Tonight host.
“In 1993, when I took over the late-night show — it was a long time ago — but I had a very rocky start,” O’Brien recalled. “Pretty much everyone at the network thought that I should be canceled, but one executive disagreed and that was Rick Ludwin. Rick...
- 11/12/2019
- by Anita Bennett
- Deadline Film + TV
Rick Ludwin was the unsung hero of “Seinfeld.” That’s how Alan Horn, Walt Disney Studios chairman and former head of “Seinfeld” producer Castle Rock Entertainment, remembered the longtime NBC executive who died Nov. 10 at the age of 71.
Ludwin was instrumental in getting the beloved “show about nothing” on to NBC as a regular series. Castle Rock had produced an offbeat pilot starring Jerry Seinfeld as a standup comedian in New York. NBC decided to burn off “The Seinfeld Chronicles” pilot with an airing in the dog days of summer — on July 5, 1989.
Horn told Variety that Castle Rock figured the show had no future at NBC. But Ludwin, who ran NBC’s late-night and variety specials division, thought “Seinfeld” concept had potential. He went out on a limb with his boss, then-nbc chief Brandon Tartikoff, to prove it.
Ludwin “went to Brandon Tartikoff after he saw that the pilot was being burned off.
Ludwin was instrumental in getting the beloved “show about nothing” on to NBC as a regular series. Castle Rock had produced an offbeat pilot starring Jerry Seinfeld as a standup comedian in New York. NBC decided to burn off “The Seinfeld Chronicles” pilot with an airing in the dog days of summer — on July 5, 1989.
Horn told Variety that Castle Rock figured the show had no future at NBC. But Ludwin, who ran NBC’s late-night and variety specials division, thought “Seinfeld” concept had potential. He went out on a limb with his boss, then-nbc chief Brandon Tartikoff, to prove it.
Ludwin “went to Brandon Tartikoff after he saw that the pilot was being burned off.
- 11/12/2019
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Rick Ludwin, an NBC stalwart of three decades who proved his value to the network both as a trusted liaison to Johnny Carson and an early champion of Jerry Seinfeld, died Sunday in Los Angeles, according to the network. He was 71.
Ludwin launched his show-biz odyssey with one legendary funnyman — the future executive did some joke-writing for Bob Hope — and later cemented his legacy with another comedy icon by supporting the game-changing Seinfeld when other executives at NBC were skeptical of airing a show that was infamously “about nothing.”
Seinfled (1989-1998) became one of the most lucrative primetime ventures in television history but Ludwin’s primary focus at NBC was guiding the network’s specials and late-night programming. Taking over the speciality in 1989, Ludwin held the high-profile post through 2011. That 22-year tenure made him a linchpin figure for Saturday Night Live — it also put him in the crossfire of the...
Ludwin launched his show-biz odyssey with one legendary funnyman — the future executive did some joke-writing for Bob Hope — and later cemented his legacy with another comedy icon by supporting the game-changing Seinfeld when other executives at NBC were skeptical of airing a show that was infamously “about nothing.”
Seinfled (1989-1998) became one of the most lucrative primetime ventures in television history but Ludwin’s primary focus at NBC was guiding the network’s specials and late-night programming. Taking over the speciality in 1989, Ludwin held the high-profile post through 2011. That 22-year tenure made him a linchpin figure for Saturday Night Live — it also put him in the crossfire of the...
- 11/11/2019
- by Geoff Boucher
- Deadline Film + TV
Rick Ludwin, a former NBC executive and its head of late-night, has died. He was 71.
The native of Cleveland, Ohio died after “a brief illness,” an NBC spokeswoman told TheWrap. Ludwin was born on May 27, 1948.
Ludwin is perhaps best known for backing “Seinfeld,” a sitcom that at the time was not a particularly popular choice for NBC’s airwaves. After a shaky start, “Seinfeld” would go on to become one of television’s most popular and most successful comedies of all time.
Also Read: Laurel Griggs, Broadway and 'SNL' Actress, Dies at 13
Ludwin, pictured above in 2004 documentary “Seinfeld: How It Began,” got his start in showbusiness by writing jokes for Bob Hope in the 1970s. He joined NBC in 1980.
By the end of his first decade there, Ludwin commissioned what was then called “The Seinfeld Chronicles.” He used money from his budget for TV specials to pay for four additional episodes...
The native of Cleveland, Ohio died after “a brief illness,” an NBC spokeswoman told TheWrap. Ludwin was born on May 27, 1948.
Ludwin is perhaps best known for backing “Seinfeld,” a sitcom that at the time was not a particularly popular choice for NBC’s airwaves. After a shaky start, “Seinfeld” would go on to become one of television’s most popular and most successful comedies of all time.
Also Read: Laurel Griggs, Broadway and 'SNL' Actress, Dies at 13
Ludwin, pictured above in 2004 documentary “Seinfeld: How It Began,” got his start in showbusiness by writing jokes for Bob Hope in the 1970s. He joined NBC in 1980.
By the end of his first decade there, Ludwin commissioned what was then called “The Seinfeld Chronicles.” He used money from his budget for TV specials to pay for four additional episodes...
- 11/11/2019
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Rick Ludwin, the longtime NBC executive who championed “Seinfeld” and worked in late-night from the Johnny Carson era through Jimmy Fallon, died Sunday at his home in Los Angeles. He was 71.
Ludwin was well-liked throughout the TV industry and was highly regarded as a student of the medium. He retired from NBC after 31 years in 2011. He was hired at NBC in 1980 by the legendary Brandon Tartikoff, who had worked with Ludwin at Wls-tv Chicago.
Ludwin died Sunday after a brief illness, NBC confirmed. In his retirement, Ludwin remained an active TV biz commentator on TV via his Twitter account, @riclud. His last tweet on Oct. 13 offered praise for a “Saturday Night Live” skit: “#SNL airing right now. Very funny movie trailer parody — From director Todd Phillips, “Grouch,” origin story of Oscar the Grouch. Great!!”
“Seinfeld” star Jerry Seinfeld said he felt it was a “privilege” to have known Ludwin. The...
Ludwin was well-liked throughout the TV industry and was highly regarded as a student of the medium. He retired from NBC after 31 years in 2011. He was hired at NBC in 1980 by the legendary Brandon Tartikoff, who had worked with Ludwin at Wls-tv Chicago.
Ludwin died Sunday after a brief illness, NBC confirmed. In his retirement, Ludwin remained an active TV biz commentator on TV via his Twitter account, @riclud. His last tweet on Oct. 13 offered praise for a “Saturday Night Live” skit: “#SNL airing right now. Very funny movie trailer parody — From director Todd Phillips, “Grouch,” origin story of Oscar the Grouch. Great!!”
“Seinfeld” star Jerry Seinfeld said he felt it was a “privilege” to have known Ludwin. The...
- 11/11/2019
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
CNN’s Don Lemon recently delivered some amusing quips about bickering with his mother; his looming bachelor party; and his colleague Chris Cuomo’s diet.
He wasn’t holding forth on CNN.
Lemon, like so many other prominent news anchors, found himself in conversation with one of TV’s many late-night hosts. Lemon had paid a visit to ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and is among the throng of TV journalists filling what seems to be a new demand at programs that once catered mainly to movie stars. comedians and offbeat animal trainers.
TV anchors “have certainly become more prominent” in late-night guest lineups, says Rick Ludwin, a former head of late-night at NBC whose oversight included Johnny Carson and David Letterman. In an era when news programming is some of the most watched on traditional television and when the erratic movements of the Trump administration spark smartphone alerts throughout the day,...
He wasn’t holding forth on CNN.
Lemon, like so many other prominent news anchors, found himself in conversation with one of TV’s many late-night hosts. Lemon had paid a visit to ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and is among the throng of TV journalists filling what seems to be a new demand at programs that once catered mainly to movie stars. comedians and offbeat animal trainers.
TV anchors “have certainly become more prominent” in late-night guest lineups, says Rick Ludwin, a former head of late-night at NBC whose oversight included Johnny Carson and David Letterman. In an era when news programming is some of the most watched on traditional television and when the erratic movements of the Trump administration spark smartphone alerts throughout the day,...
- 10/8/2019
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
The feud between late-night hosts David Letterman and Jay Leno has been well documented, but the new biography Letterman: The Last Giant of Late Night by Jason Zinoman (obtained by People) reveals more details surrounding the legendary host’s competitive and angsty nature.
“Letterman assumed one day he would get a call from Carson or the head of NBC to offer him the job . It never happened,” writes Zinoman. “Rick Ludwin, head of late-night programming at NBC, respected Letterman as a great entertainer but was skeptical that he could draw the broad swath of viewers that made up the Tonight Show audience.
“Letterman assumed one day he would get a call from Carson or the head of NBC to offer him the job . It never happened,” writes Zinoman. “Rick Ludwin, head of late-night programming at NBC, respected Letterman as a great entertainer but was skeptical that he could draw the broad swath of viewers that made up the Tonight Show audience.
- 4/11/2017
- by Sam Gillette
- PEOPLE.com
Initially, Seinfeld met with a lukewarm response, a baffled network, low ratings and a volatile creator. So how did it become such a hit?
“Pilot performance: Weak”. That was the research report verdict on the 1989 pilot of new NBC sitcom Stand Up, written by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld. The episode had excited “lukewarm reactions among adults and teens and very low reactions among kids”. The audience found it annoying that the main character, a fictionalised version of comedian Jerry Seinfeld, “needed things to be explained to him”. The lead was too wimpy, the show was “too New York” (and therefore too Jewish) and worst of all, nothing happened in it. “You can’t get too excited about going to the Laundromat”, as one respondent put it. The report’s conclusion was stark: “no viewer was eager to watch the show again.”
Fast forward nine years and the Seinfeld finale...
“Pilot performance: Weak”. That was the research report verdict on the 1989 pilot of new NBC sitcom Stand Up, written by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld. The episode had excited “lukewarm reactions among adults and teens and very low reactions among kids”. The audience found it annoying that the main character, a fictionalised version of comedian Jerry Seinfeld, “needed things to be explained to him”. The lead was too wimpy, the show was “too New York” (and therefore too Jewish) and worst of all, nothing happened in it. “You can’t get too excited about going to the Laundromat”, as one respondent put it. The report’s conclusion was stark: “no viewer was eager to watch the show again.”
Fast forward nine years and the Seinfeld finale...
- 11/7/2014
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
Earlier this week, a former NBC sitcom made headlines by improbably returning from the dead, thanks to a website most people didn't even know was in the streaming video business. But the story of how "Community" will live again on Yahoo isn't nearly as far-fetched as the tale of another NBC Thursday sitcom, which few of the executives at the network understood, which was considered too weird and self-referential to ever succeed, and which — unlike "Community," the little cult engine that could — actually turned into the most popular show on television. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Let's look back at some of the key markers on the road from when NBC premiered a pilot called "The Seinfeld Chronicles" — 25 years ago this Saturday, in fact — to when the show that became "Seinfeld" turned into a pop culture-altering smash: * On July 5, 1989, NBC aired "The Seinfeld Chronicles" pilot, starring Jerry Seinfeld,...
- 7/3/2014
- by Alan Sepinwall
- Hitfix
NBC has renewed its contract with Svp Special Programs and Alternative Doug Vaughan, with his expanded responsibilities including and oversight of most of the network’s late-night programs. Now Svp Special Programs and Late Night, he will shepherd Saturday Night Live, Late Night With Jimmy Fallon and Last Call With Carson Daly. He will remain based in New York and report to alternative and late-night president Paul Telegdy, who will continue to oversee The Tonight Show With Jay Leno on the West Coast. The move is part of the restructuring in NBC late night, which started last month when Telegdy added late-night to his purview and the network’s long-time head of late-night Rick Ludwin stepped down, followed by the exit of VP Nick Bernstein. A former supervising producer on Today, Vaughan will retain responsibility for NBC’s specials and several alternative series including such East Coast-based fare as the...
- 11/1/2011
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
In this week's exciting installment of 10 Stories You Might Have Missed: 'Amazing Spider-Man' co-star Rhys Ifans says his character The Lizard will be a 9 ft tall CGI monster, Madonna courts controversy in Toronto, 'The Walking Dead's' Greg Nicotero scores development deal at AMC, NBC's late night guru Rick Ludwin steps down, more 'Bones' may be coming our way, Iran chooses its Oscar contender, and more...
- 9/17/2011
- by HitFix Staff
- Hitfix
NBC Entertainment chairman Robert Greenblatt has elevated Paul Telegdy to the newly created position of president, alternative and late night programming, adding late-night oversight to the network reality chief's job description Telegdy is the chief program executive who ushered in NBC’s recent hit series “The Voice,” as well as reinvigorated “America’s Got Talent” and “Sing-Off,” to name a few. He takes over for the departing Rick Ludwin, who has overseen NBC's late night operation for three decades. Here's the release: Universal City, Calif. – September 15, 2011 – Program executive Paul Telegdy has been...
- 9/16/2011
- by Fred Schruers
- The Wrap
With The Voice turning the lights on for fourth-place NBC this past season and considered a cornerstone in the network’s quest for a ratings turnaround, the man who developed it at NBC, Paul Telegdy, is getting a promotion: a president title and the addition of late-night to his purview. NBC’s current late-night head, 31-year NBC veteran Rick Ludwin, is stepping down and segue to a consultancy for the network. In addition to The Voice, Telegdy has overseen series America’s Got Talent and The Sing-Off as well as the Golden Globes specials. “Paul is an exemplary executive who has tremendous creative vision in the area of unscripted programming which makes him perfect for this expanded role,” said NBC Entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt. “I know he will bring his uniquely inventive eye to our venerable late-night institutions and I’m personally pleased that he is extending his relationship with...
- 9/15/2011
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Carson Daly and his staff can relax much earlier this year. Last time, NBC waited until August to renew Last Call with Carson Daly for season 10. They've now renewed the program for season 11 some five months earlier.
Here's the press release from NBC:
NBC Renews Late-night's 'Last Call With Carson Daly' For 11th Season In 2011-12
Universal City, Calif. - March 15, 2011 - NBC has renewed its late-night show "Last Call with Carson Daly" (Monday-Friday, 1:35 a.m.-2:05 a.m. Et) for an 11th season in 2011-12. The announcement was made today by NBC's Rick Ludwin, Executive Vice President, Late Night & Primetime Series, and Nick Bernstein, Vice President, Late Night & Primetime Series.
"I am excited to continue with what we are doing here at 'Last Call,'" said Daly. "We give our viewers something unique and...
Here's the press release from NBC:
NBC Renews Late-night's 'Last Call With Carson Daly' For 11th Season In 2011-12
Universal City, Calif. - March 15, 2011 - NBC has renewed its late-night show "Last Call with Carson Daly" (Monday-Friday, 1:35 a.m.-2:05 a.m. Et) for an 11th season in 2011-12. The announcement was made today by NBC's Rick Ludwin, Executive Vice President, Late Night & Primetime Series, and Nick Bernstein, Vice President, Late Night & Primetime Series.
"I am excited to continue with what we are doing here at 'Last Call,'" said Daly. "We give our viewers something unique and...
- 3/16/2011
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Carson Daly, who recently landed a primetime NBC gig hosting the new reality series The Voice, has also secured his late-night job at the network. NBC has renewed late-night show Last Call with Carson Daly for the 2011-12 season, Last Call's 11th. "Last Call is enjoying its best season yet and its ratings are up," said NBC's Evp late night Rick Ludwin. Last Call with Carson Daly is produced by Universal Media Studios. Stewart Bailey and Guy Oseary continue as executive producers.
- 3/15/2011
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Another year of Carson Daly and his late-night show are on the way. Last Call with Carson Daly has been renewed for a 10th season by NBC.
For the second year, Daly will be an executive producer on the program with Guy Oseary. Of the renewal, Daly said, "I really feel that Last Call has hit its stride. It took 10 years, but it feels brand new and great."
NBC's head of night-time, Rick Ludwin, added, "Last Call has been a trend-setter in late-night since it began, but particularly in its most recent two seasons. Carson and Stewart continue to give viewers a series that's distinctive, cool and entertaining."
In addition, Daly will continue as the host of the peacock network's annual New Year's Eve special. Alex Coletti has been named as the new executive producer of NBC's New Year's...
For the second year, Daly will be an executive producer on the program with Guy Oseary. Of the renewal, Daly said, "I really feel that Last Call has hit its stride. It took 10 years, but it feels brand new and great."
NBC's head of night-time, Rick Ludwin, added, "Last Call has been a trend-setter in late-night since it began, but particularly in its most recent two seasons. Carson and Stewart continue to give viewers a series that's distinctive, cool and entertaining."
In addition, Daly will continue as the host of the peacock network's annual New Year's Eve special. Alex Coletti has been named as the new executive producer of NBC's New Year's...
- 8/20/2010
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
"Saturday Night Live" wants you to have a few laughs on Tax Day.
The sketch comedy show will present a special documentary ",Saturday Night Live in the 2000s: Time and Again," on Thursday, April 15 at 9 p.m. Et/Pt on NBC.
It will take a look back at how the show changed and became water cooler fare in the new millennium, from the viral digital shorts like "D*** in a Box" and "Lazy Sunday" to the presidential campaign satire and unforgettable impersonations.
Besides retrospective clips, past hosts Justin Timberlake, Alec Baldwin, John McCain and Christopher Walken will offer insights.
"SNL" cast and alums Tina Fey Jimmy Fallon, Tracy Morgan, Amy Poehler, Andy Samberg, Kenan Thompson, Will Ferrell, Seth Meyers, Bill Hader and many more will also offer up candid interviews about the show.
"This special features the funniest clips and most dramatic moments of the decade on 'SNL,'...
The sketch comedy show will present a special documentary ",Saturday Night Live in the 2000s: Time and Again," on Thursday, April 15 at 9 p.m. Et/Pt on NBC.
It will take a look back at how the show changed and became water cooler fare in the new millennium, from the viral digital shorts like "D*** in a Box" and "Lazy Sunday" to the presidential campaign satire and unforgettable impersonations.
Besides retrospective clips, past hosts Justin Timberlake, Alec Baldwin, John McCain and Christopher Walken will offer insights.
"SNL" cast and alums Tina Fey Jimmy Fallon, Tracy Morgan, Amy Poehler, Andy Samberg, Kenan Thompson, Will Ferrell, Seth Meyers, Bill Hader and many more will also offer up candid interviews about the show.
"This special features the funniest clips and most dramatic moments of the decade on 'SNL,'...
- 3/25/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
As Jay Leno, Conan O'Brien and Jimmy Kimmel plan their return to late-night, their respective networks mostly were keeping mum on plans for the hosts' three shows as they tape their first new episodes Wednesday without their writing staffs.
Meanwhile, the WGA told its membership during the weekend that it was planning to picket all three shows, as well as Comedy Central's The Daily Show With Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report, both of which return with new episodes Monday.
Worldwide Pants worked out a deal late last week with the WGA that would let CBS' The Late Show With David Letterman and The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson return to the air with their writing staffs.
That puts the other three network shows -- NBC's The Tonight Show With Jay Leno and Late Night With Conan O'Brien and ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live -- at a competitive disadvantage.
It was unclear what the plans were for the NBC and ABC shows, with much of the planning expected to take place down to the wire ahead of Wednesday's telecasts.
Leno, O'Brien and Kimmel all are guild members, and a WGA representative said last week that, under the strike rules, the trio are not allowed to perform any "writing services" for their shows, including writing their own monologues. However, network sources disputed that stipulation, arguing that the late-night hosts are exempt and would be allowed to write monologues.
When former "Tonight Show" host Johnny Carson returned after two months during the 1988 writers strike, he did a scaled-down monologue. But the guild said that Carson was able to write a monologue because he wasn't a WGA member.
Addressing the return, "Late Night" executive producer Jeff Ross said last month: "Obviously, the shows may look a little different. We're going to have to fill time with things that we haven't before".
However, it is likely that the hosts will address the writers strike in some form as Carson did in his return.
"I think it's fair game", said Rick Ludwin, executive vp late night at NBC.
Meanwhile, the two CBS shows will be able to benefit from full monologues and skits without fear of running afoul of guild rules.
Meanwhile, the WGA told its membership during the weekend that it was planning to picket all three shows, as well as Comedy Central's The Daily Show With Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report, both of which return with new episodes Monday.
Worldwide Pants worked out a deal late last week with the WGA that would let CBS' The Late Show With David Letterman and The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson return to the air with their writing staffs.
That puts the other three network shows -- NBC's The Tonight Show With Jay Leno and Late Night With Conan O'Brien and ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live -- at a competitive disadvantage.
It was unclear what the plans were for the NBC and ABC shows, with much of the planning expected to take place down to the wire ahead of Wednesday's telecasts.
Leno, O'Brien and Kimmel all are guild members, and a WGA representative said last week that, under the strike rules, the trio are not allowed to perform any "writing services" for their shows, including writing their own monologues. However, network sources disputed that stipulation, arguing that the late-night hosts are exempt and would be allowed to write monologues.
When former "Tonight Show" host Johnny Carson returned after two months during the 1988 writers strike, he did a scaled-down monologue. But the guild said that Carson was able to write a monologue because he wasn't a WGA member.
Addressing the return, "Late Night" executive producer Jeff Ross said last month: "Obviously, the shows may look a little different. We're going to have to fill time with things that we haven't before".
However, it is likely that the hosts will address the writers strike in some form as Carson did in his return.
"I think it's fair game", said Rick Ludwin, executive vp late night at NBC.
Meanwhile, the two CBS shows will be able to benefit from full monologues and skits without fear of running afoul of guild rules.
Carson Daly has extended his contract with NBC to continue as host of late-night talk show Last Call With Carson Daly for another two years.
In addition, Daly will again host the special "NBC's New Year's Eve With Carson Daly," which will air live from New York's Times Square at 11:35 p.m. ET on Dec. 31.
Meanwhile, David Friedman also has inked a new two-year deal to remain as executive producer of Last Call. He also will again exec produce the Daly-hosted New Year's Eve special.
NBC said Last Call, which debuted in January 2002, is pulling in higher figures in the adults 18-34 demo than other late-night competitors including ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live and CBS' "The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson" for the year to date despite airing later than both shows. Last Call airs at 1:35 a.m. Monday-Friday.
"Carson Daly and David Friedman have reinvented 'Last Call' by adding comedy elements, a pace and an energy that have made the show a winner," said Rick Ludwin, executive vp late-night and primetime series at NBC.
In addition, Daly will again host the special "NBC's New Year's Eve With Carson Daly," which will air live from New York's Times Square at 11:35 p.m. ET on Dec. 31.
Meanwhile, David Friedman also has inked a new two-year deal to remain as executive producer of Last Call. He also will again exec produce the Daly-hosted New Year's Eve special.
NBC said Last Call, which debuted in January 2002, is pulling in higher figures in the adults 18-34 demo than other late-night competitors including ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live and CBS' "The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson" for the year to date despite airing later than both shows. Last Call airs at 1:35 a.m. Monday-Friday.
"Carson Daly and David Friedman have reinvented 'Last Call' by adding comedy elements, a pace and an energy that have made the show a winner," said Rick Ludwin, executive vp late-night and primetime series at NBC.
Conan O'Brien has signed up for his second tour of duty as host of the Primetime Emmy Awards. O'Brien will handle emcee duties on the 58th annual Primetime Emmy ceremony, to be held Aug. 27 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles and telecast live on NBC. O'Brien drew raves from critics for his deft handling of hosting duties at the 2002 ceremony, the last time the awards show aired on NBC. Jeff Ross, executive producer of NBC's Late Night With Conan O'Brien, and awards show veteran Ken Ehrlich have been tapped as executive producers of this year's Emmy telecast. "Conan has proven to be a perfect Emmy host. He loves TV and is very funny and unpredictable," said Rick Ludwin, NBC's executive vp latenight and primetime series.
- 5/19/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.