WE tv 'Growing Up Hip Hop: ATL' Premiere

 Last night, WE tv hosted a star-studded Atlanta season two premiere of its original series, "Growing Up Hip Hop Atlanta." Hundreds convened at Woodruff Arts Center to preview the much-buzzed-about ATL edition of the hit franchise, which stars Bow Wow, Shaniah Mauldin (daughter of Jermaine Dupri), Reginae Carter (daughter of Lil Wayne and Toya Wright), Zonnique Pullins (daughter of T.I. & Tiny), Brandon Barnes (son of Debra Antney and brother to Waka Flocka) and Ayana Fite (daughter of DJ Hurricane).

The cast was in attendance along with their famous parents Jermaine Dupri, Debra Antney and DJ Hurricane. Additional VIPs included Da Brat, Datari Turner (producer, "GrowingUp Hip Hop Atlanta"); "Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta" stars Estelita Quintero, Karlie Redd and Melissa Scott; Kenya Moore andCynthia Bailey ("Real Housewives of Atlanta"); Mama June and daughter Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson ("From Not to Hot"); Trina and Towanda Braxton ("Braxton Family Values"); Gocha Hawkins ("LA Hair"); Quad Webb-Lunceford ("Married to Medicine"); Demetria McKinney (eOne Recording Artist), Gary Hayes (“Dish Nation”), Juicy (“Rickey Smiley Morning Show”), Syleena Johnson (“Sister Circle”), Dawn Halfkenny (“Saints & Sinners”), Bangladesh (music producer) and more.

After opening remarks from Lauren Gellert, EVP of programming at WE tv, and Marc Juris, president at WE tv, guests were treated to a sneak peak of the upcoming "Growing Up Hip Hop: ATL" season 2, which was introduced by executive producer, Bow Wow. Following the screening, was a lively cast Q&A moderated by radio/tv personality Gary With Da Tea.

After the screening, guests headed over to Revel ATL, where DJ Infamous kept the energy high well into the morning.

"Growing Up Hip Hop: ATL" premieres Thursday, January 11 at 10/9c on WE tv. Follow @GUHH_WEtv and @WEtv on social using hashtag #GUHHATL.

Catch a sneak peek of the show here: http://www.wetv.com/shows/growing-up-hip-hop-atlanta; watch the season trailer below:

Bounce, Grit, Escape, & Laff Post Strong Ratings Gains, Best Yrs Ever in '17

Bounce, Grit, Escape and Laff each racked up significant viewership increases across all dayparts and enjoyed their most-watched calendar years ever in 2017.

Bounce

  • Bounce delivered its highest-rated and fourth consecutive year of growth in both Primetime and Total Day in 2017. Prime delivery increases over 2016 included +10% in Households, +6% in Persons 25-54, +9% in P18+ and +3% in P2+. Bounce was up +14% in HHs, +2% in P18-49, +7% in P25-54, +12 % in P18+ and +7 in P2+ in Total Day.
  • Original series were among Bounce’s most-watched programming last year led by the popular drama Saints & Sinners (Reaching 7.3 million viewers 2+) which returns for season three this April and the original sitcoms Family Time (5.4 million), Grown Folks (nearly 5 million) and In The Cut (4.7 million).
  • Bounce finished the year as the fastest-growing African-American network on television, outpacing BET, TV1 and OWN in growth among Households, P2+ and P18+ in Primetime and in HHs, P25-54, P2+ and P18+ in Total Day.

Grit

  • Grit increased both Prime and Total Day viewership for the second consecutive year in 2017. Grit posted primetime gains over 2016 of +9% in HHs, +5% in P18+ and +3% in both P2+ and Men 2+. The gains were even stronger in Total Day as Grit garnered double-digit increases in HHs (+22%), P18+ (+17%), P2+ (+14%) & M2+ (+15%).
  • Grit saw movie airings begin to reach over half a million Persons 2+ (The Sons of Katie Elder) and weekend programming festivals reach nearly three million unique viewers P2+ (Lethal Weapon and sequels marathon.)

Escape

  • Escape also posted Prime and Total Day viewership increases for the second consecutive year since becoming rated. Escape delivered double-digit gains in prime of +13% in HHs, +12% in Women 2+ and +10% in P2+. Escape also delivered double-digit gains in HHs (+15%), W2+ (+16%) and P2+ (+13%) in Total Day.
  • Escape had over half a dozen true crime show marathons reach two million viewers 2+ including those featuring American Greed, Forensic Files and It Takes a Killer.

Laff

  • Laff racked up strong double-digit Primetime increases in HHs (+60%), P18-49 (+85%), P25-54 (+79%), P18+ (+56%), P2+ (+58%), Women 2+ (+71%) and W18+ (+70%) vs. 2016. Laff’s Total Day increases over 2016 were equally impressive, including +64% in HHs, +87% in P18-49, +83% in P25-54, +63% in P18+ and +64% in P2+.
  • The fourth quarter of 2017 was Laff’s ninth consecutive quarter of Primetime growth in Households and the network’s highest-rated quarter to-date in HHs, P18-49, P25-54, P18+ and P2+.

About Katz Networks

The Katz networks are targeted, demo-specific brands leading a new generation of fast-growing broadcast networks created to serve cord-cutters, cord-nevers and subscription-video-on-demand (SVOD) subscribers. Bounce, seen in 86 percent of U.S. households and 95 percent of all target-market, African-American television homes, is the first and only African-American broadcast network and features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more. Escape, currently in 89 percent of the U.S., reaches women 25-54 with a brand of programming anchored in stories of investigation and mystery. Grit, available in 87 percent of U.S. households, targets men 25-54 with a lineup of western and action movies and series. Laff, covering 90 percent of the U.S., is the nation’s first over-the-air network devoted to comedy around-the-clock, and presents contemporary off-network sitcoms and popular movies geared toward an audience of adults 18-49. The Katz networks are part of The E.W. Scripps Company (NYSE: SSP).

#  #  #

Source: Nielsen, L+SD, CY17 (12/26/16-12/31/17) VS. CY16 (12/28/15-12/25/16), Total Day (Mon-Su 6a-6a), Prime (Mon-Su 7p-11p

MARC PLATT brings LIVE MUSICAL EVENT “A CHRISTMAS STORY LIVE!” Sunday, Dec 17, on FOX

Don’t miss the all-new holiday musical event A CHRISTMAS STORY LIVE! airing Sunday, Dec. 17 (7:00-10:00 PM) on FOX. A live musical event inspired by the holiday classic feature “A Christmas Story” and the Tony Award-nominated Broadway production “A Christmas Story: The Musical,” A CHRISTMAS STORY LIVE! follows nine-year-old “Ralphie Parker,” whose only dream is to get a Red Ryder Range Model Carbine Action BB Gun for Christmas. The three-hour musical event stars Emmy Award nominee Maya Rudolph (“Saturday Night Live,” “Bridesmaids”), two-time Tony Award winner Matthew Broderick (“How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying,” “The Producers,” “Manchester by the Sea”), Tony Award winner Jane Krakowski (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” “30 Rock”), Emmy Award nominee Chris Diamantopoulos (“Good Girls Revolt,” “Silicon Valley,” “Episodes”), Ana Gasteyer (“Saturday Night Live”) and newcomer Andy Walken.

Marc Platt is the Executive Producer of the program. He is the Emmy Award-winning producer of FOX’s “Grease: Live.” He is an Academy Award-nominated producer, most recently for director Damien Chazelle's “La La Land” and Steven Spielberg's “Bridge of Spies.” Platt is also the Tony-nominated producer of the Broadway mega-hit “Wicked,” which has been seen by more than 50 million fans worldwide and globally has racked up $4 billion. Platt has developed some of the most successful film, theater and television projects of the last 30 years. His film resume also includes such titles as “Legally Blonde,” “Into the Woods,” “Drive,” “Rachel Getting Married,” “Scott Pilgrim” and “Wanted.” A former film executive, Platt served as president of production for three movie studios, where he oversaw box office and critical successes, including “Philadelphia,” “Rudy,” “As Good As It Gets,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” “Jerry Maguire” and “The Silence of the Lambs.”

We talked to Marc, and here are the excerpts:

Art Shrian: Hi, Marc.  How are you doing?

Marc Platt:    Good.  How are you?

AS: Great.  Thank you for taking the time.  I just wanted to share that growing up in India as a non-Christian, we always loved Christmas and A Christmas Story, so I’m so excited for this to be coming soon.  

As a storyteller, I know you talked a little bit about it, but if you could talk a little bit more about that, why do you think that A Christmas Story as a film and as a production—many Christmas films have such a wide reach beyond boundaries worldwide and to everybody, and why these stories connect with people and how that was important for you as a storyteller to make sure that that essence remains and it speaks to everyone.

MP:    Well, it’s somewhat what I said, I don’t celebrate Christmas either, by the way, but I celebrate the holiday season because it’s a time of connectivity and connection and family and tradition, whatever your traditions are, it yields that feeling and that warmth and I think all people yearn for that.  What makes A Christmas Story universal, whether you celebrate Christmas or not, is that feeling of I recognize that family.  I recognize when the brothers don’t get along but they really love each other, or when mom and dad have a fight and then they make up.  Or when disaster strikes, and the dinner is ruined they find a way as a family to get through it.  The one thing that I wanted the most and I get, and I always thought my dad wasn’t listening, but he was.  I think those are very universal, relatable ideas that are found in the movie that are centered around Christmas, which is why I think it’s so beloved.

Get a BTS look at the making of the choreography for A CHRISTMAS STORY Live! Subscribe now for more FOX clips: http://fox.tv/SubscribeFOX See More A Christmas Story Live! On Our Official Website: http://fox.tv/AChristmasStoryLive Like A Christmas Story Live! on Facebook: http://fox.tv/2gGZ06d Follow Christmas Story Live! on Twitter: http://fox.tv/AChristmasStory_TW Follow Christmas Story Live!

The other thing about A Christmas Story that distinguishes it from all the other beloved Christmas films is that it’s not sentimental.  Most Christmas films are wonderful, by the way, and I love so many of them, they’re very sentimental and they wear that sentiment on their sleeve.  If you think of It’s a Wonderful Life, which is just a magnificent film, it was very sentimental.

A Christmas Story sort of undercuts that and was the unsentimental Christmas Story.  There is tremendous sentiment underneath it because ultimately it is about a family connecting, a family being glued together through the holiday season, parents who love their children, and a grownup remembering what it was like to be loved by his family and his parents.

But it’s not done in a sentimental way, the film, and that’s what sort of made it so original, and it’s funny, it’s subversive.  Just when you think it’s the perfect holiday dinner, the dogs eat the turkey and you have to go out for Chinese food.  It sort of undercuts and takes a left turn away from every Christmas movie, but the feeling is honestly exactly the same.

And what the musical did so brilliantly is it brought out the sentiment that was in the subtext and it put it in the music, and if you don’t know the musical, that’s what you’ll experience in the telecast.  You will laugh, you’ll see where it’s funny, you’ll see where it goes a left turn from every other Christmas movie, but at the end of the day you’re going to feel a warmth, and you’re going to feel a nostalgia and you’re going to feel comfort and a lot of that does come from the music.

Get to know the talented kids of A CHRISTMAS STORY LIVE! Subscribe now for more FOX clips: http://fox.tv/SubscribeFOX See More A Christmas Story Live! On Our Official Website: http://fox.tv/AChristmasStoryLive Like A Christmas Story Live! on Facebook: http://fox.tv/2gGZ06d Follow Christmas Story Live! on Twitter: http://fox.tv/AChristmasStory_TW Follow Christmas Story Live!

AS: Thank you. I also want to congratulate you on the wonderful casting and the diversity of cast as well with Maya and Ken and David, which people may not expect, but they’re amazing performers and they’re also part of this diverse cast.  So, congratulations, I’m really excited.

MP: Well, thank you for that and of course they are.  Like I said, A Christmas Story is a universal story, and although it takes place in a particular period, in the 1940s, it’s a story and a family that feels like it’s a family from today.  So, we wanted to make sure that our world and our Christmas Story reflected the world that we live in.    

Art: Congratulations, And  thank you.

MP:  You bet.

Don’t miss the all-new holiday musical event A CHRISTMAS STORY LIVE! airing Sunday, Dec. 17 (7:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. 

NEW ON NETFLIX | Holiday Edition

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and Netflix has restocked its selection with original and nostalgic releases coming this December to close out the year in peace, happiness and laughs. Lining up the must-watch list are the Will Smith led blockbuster, BRIGHT, Dave Chappelle’s original produced comedy special, Dave Chappelle: Equanimity, the Eminem-led 8 Mile and more.

Find your complete need-to-watch list this month below:

  • These aren’t Santa’s elves. Shine BRIGHT this holiday with the help of everyone’s favorite hero, Will Smith and Joel Edgerton in Netflix’s original film, Bright. Ride through an LA rife with interspecies tensions, a human cop and his orc partner who become embroiled in a prophesied turf war. When isn’t Will Smith saving the world on everyone’s Christmas list. (Dec. 22)
  • Netflix is a Joke. This year’s been a doozy, start your new year off with a laugh with Dave Chappelle’s third Netflix stand-up special, Dave Chappelle: Equanimity. The new special launches on Dec. 31 and will be the first release produced exclusively from Chappelle for Netflix Original Comedy. (Dec. 31)
  • Reggie Yates Outside Man: Volume 2: A second season is here as you ride with award-winning filmmaker Reggie Yates who travels the world and confronts a new slate of challenging issues facing the world today. (Dec. 15)
  • Feeling the love for Eminem after his duet with Beyoncé? Let Netflix take you back to where it all began with 8 Mile. This holiday season re-ignite the yule log that B-Rabbit instilled in you 15 years ago. Pull up a bowl of mom’s spaghetti and re-watch the Rap God as he battles for the top. (Dec. 1)

Cozy up with your family this holiday season with all the new shows and films on Netflix. Fuller House, Bright, and The Crown Season 2 is on your way soon!

Check out the new and old this month with the full list here

Terence Carter Promoted to EVP, Development/Drama/Comedy, 20th Century Fox TV; Charlie Andrews Named EVP, Drama Programming/Development/EventSeries, FBC

TERENCE CARTER PROMOTED TO EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, DEVELOPMENT, DRAMA AND COMEDY, TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX TELEVISION

CHARLIE ANDREWS NAMED EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, DRAMA PROGRAMMING, DEVELOPMENT AND EVENT SERIES, FOX BROADCASTING COMPANY

Today, Fox Television Group (FTG) Chairmen and CEOs Gary Newman and Dana Walden confirmed two executive appointments at Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX) and Twentieth Century Fox Television.

Terence Carter, Executive Vice President, Drama Programming, Development and Event Series, FOX, has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Development, Drama and Comedy, Twentieth Century Fox Television. Reporting to Jonnie Davis, President of Creative Affairs, Twentieth Century Fox Television, Carter will be responsible for overseeing all program development for the studio. He replaces Michael Thorn, who in August was named President of Entertainment for FOX. 

Charlie Andrews will replace Carter as the network’s Executive Vice President, Drama Programming, Development and Event Series. Responsible for all drama and event programming for FOX, he will report directly to Thorn.

“Terence is a spectacular creative executive who has been responsible for some of the network’s biggest and boldest hits,” commented Davis. “When Michael was tapped for the network Presidency, there was only one executive I thought of who could possibly fill his shoes. Terence is a smart and strategic programmer who already has a shorthand with our creative teams. I couldn’t be happier he will be joining us.”

“Charlie is an extremely well respected executive with impeccable taste and longstanding relationships throughout the creative community,” said Thorn. “We’ve been friends and colleagues for almost a decade and I can’t wait for him to return to the FOX family and re-join the incredible team we have in place.”

Named Executive Vice President, Drama Development and Programming of FOX in 2014, Carter’s purview expanded last year when he was named Executive Vice President, Drama Development, Programming and Event Series. While at FOX, he was responsible for developing and overseeing EMPIRE, as well as many other acclaimed shows, including LETHAL WEAPON, GOTHAM, STAR, LUCIFER, THE EXORCIST, THE X-FILES, “Glee,” “Bones,” “24: Legacy,” “Sleepy Hollow” and “Wayward Pines,” as well as FOX’s 2017-18 dramas THE GIFTED, THE ORVILLE, 9-1-1 and THE RESIDENT.

Prior to that, he served as Senior Vice President, Drama Development for the network. Carter joined FOX in 2009 from NBC Entertainment/Universal Media Studios, where he served as Vice President, Drama Programming, and developed such shows as “Parenthood” and “Southland.” Prior to joining the drama team at NBC, he served as Director of Comedy Development for the network.

Before NBC, Carter served as a head of Development at Tonic Films, specializing in genre films. He also served as a partner at TruEntertainment, and held positions at Artists Production Group and Artists Management Group. Carter graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University with a bachelor’s degree in African-American Studies and a focus in Film and Media.

Most recently, Andrews was Director of Original Series at Netflix. Before that, he was Senior Vice President, Drama Development and Programming, for FOX. In this role, he served as the network’s program executive on the hit drama EMPIRE and developed many acclaimed series, including STAR, LETHAL WEAPON, “The Following” and “Sleepy Hollow.”

Andrews joined FOX from NBC Universal Television Studio, where he served as Director of Comedy Development. Before that, he was Director of Drama Programming at the studio, having developed “Parenthood,” while overseeing the day-to-day operations for “FridayNight Lights,” “House” and “Heroes.” Andrews graduated from Georgetown University with a bachelor’s degree in Government and a double minor in Spanish and Theology.

HOTSTAR, YOUR TICKET TO THE BEST OF INDIAN ENTERTAINMENT IS NOW AVAILABLE IN THE UNITED STATES

~ Hotstar makes a splash at New York’s iconic attraction Times Square ~

New York, 7th November 2017: Hotstar, India’s largest premium streaming platform synonymous for changing the landscape of digital content consumption in India, is now available in the United States. Hotstar will treat users in the US to a highly evolved video streaming experience and attention to quality while they enjoy the best of Indian entertainment from everyone’s favourite Star TV channels.

Hotstar makes a splash at New York’s iconic attraction, Times Square, where passers-by are in for a feast of colors and glamor this fortnight. Presenting a glimpse of the eclectic entertainment, the screens showcase the range of content from the hottest cricket action, Pro Kabaddi league and other premium sports, to the best in television drama and the biggest movie titles from across India.

Hotstar is your ticket to India’s leading TV shows, movies and sports available in 8 languages. In line with its offering to watch your favourite content on demand anywhere, anytime, Hotstar is available across a variety of devices and on platforms like the Apple Store, Google play store, Roku and Amazon fire stick.

Apart from showcasing the content from Star’s leading channels like Star Plus, Star Bharat, Star Gold in Hindi and Star Jalsha, Star Maa, Star Vijay and Asianet amongst the regional languages, the streaming platform also has a line-up of original shows likeSarabhai vs Sarabhai, AIB and Tanhaiya amongst others.

What is perhaps the biggest draw for all sporting enthusiasts is the upcoming Indian Premier League. With Star India’s winning bid for the IPL, Hotstar will be home to the world’s greatest cricket spectacle come April with fans having the benefit of watching cricket across multiple languages.

ABOUT HOTSTAR:

Hotstar, India’s leading video streaming platform for Indian TV shows, movies and live sports, is now in the US and Canada. Hotstar membership offers full and unlimited access to more than 2000 movies and TV shows across 8 languages with over 60,000 hours of content, from popular Star channels, all ad-free in High Definition.

Hotstar also features live sporting events such as Cricket, Pro Badminton League, Hockey India League and the new sports sensation sweeping India, Pro Kabaddi League. Now no matter where you are from or what language you speak, Hotstar ensures you are never too far from your favourite entertainment.

Watch your favorite entertainment from the following channels: Star Plus, Star Bharat, Asianet, Asianet plus, Star Maa, Star Jalsha, Star Pravah, Star Utsav, Star Vijay, Star Sports and NGC.

Movie buffs get the latest movies on offer such as Judwaa 2 and Jolly LLB as well as blockbusters such as Pink, Bajrangi Bhaijan, Phillauri, Housefull 3, Prem Rattan Dhan Payo and Zindigi Na Milegi Dobara.

Hotstar also has the latest and most popular movies in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Bengali and Marathi languages. Catch content that you won’t see anywhere on television, Hotstar Originals includes a variety of exclusive content for Hotstar. It ranges from the most talked about stand up group AIB to your favorite characters from Sarabhai vs Sarabhai 2, cinematic renditions of leading plays and much more.

Hotstar can be accessed through us.hotstar.com, ca.hotstar.com and via iOS AppStore, Android Google Play and Roku etc. Concurrent viewing across two screens is allowed to the subscribers, making it an attractive option for family members with different entertainment needs.

Top content on Hotstar:

Shows: Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, The Great Indian Laughter Challenge, Ye Hai Mohabbatein, Dance Champions, Ishqbaaaz, Tu Sooraj Main Saanjh, Piyaji and Naamkarann
Movies: A Gentleman, Jolly LLB 2, Golmaal 3, Baahubali 2: The Conclusion and 2 States
Sports: Cricket – India vs Sri Lanka series, Indian Premier League (Upcoming) and Pro Kabaddi League

TV ONE'S 'BOBBI KRISTINA' PREMIERES #1!

TV ONE'S BOBBI KRISTINA PREMIERES #1 IN TIME SLOT AMONG AA AND RANKS AS NETWORK'S #3 ORIGINAL MOVIE PREMIERE OF ALL TIME ACROSS ALL DEMOS

FOR THE NIGHT, BOBBI KRISTINA HAD A COMBINED REACH OF 2.2 MILLION UNIQUE VIEWERS P2+

The premiere of TV One's original film, Bobbi Kristina, premiered at #1 among African Americans on ad-supported cable in the Sunday 7pm-9pm timeslot: (HH, P25-54, W25-54, P18-49, W18-49, P2+). The film now ranks as TV One's third most watched original movie premiere ever, across all key demos. The three airings of Bobbi Kristina on premiere night had a combined reach of 2.2 Million Unique Viewers 2+. TV One will air an encore presentation of the highly anticipated film tonight, October 10 at 8 p.m. ET and Wednesday, October 11 at 10 p.m. ET.

Driven by Bobbi Kristina, TV One was the #3 Rated non-sports Ad Supported Cable Net from 7pm-9pm among Adult W25-54. This was also the network's best Sunday Primetime Performance since the record-setting debut of Love Under New Management: The Miki Howard Story (6/12/16). Additionally on Twitter, the #BobbiKristina premiere trended nationally, ranking as high as #3 nationally.

Beginning immediately after the passing of her mother, this poignant story delves into Bobbi Kristina's struggle to come to terms with Houston's sudden departure and the complexities of her own life. Starring breakout Joy Rovaris in the title role, Bobbi Kristina presents the first three-dimensional look at a story - and a life - that deserve better.  In 2012, Whitney Houston's tragic demise put her entire family in the worldwide media spotlight, with most of the glare falling on her grieving daughter, Bobbi Kristina. Krissi became one of the main characters in the story of Houston's death and its devastating aftermath as she struggled with her grief, her personal relationships, upholding her mother's legacy and her plans for the future. Bobbi Kristina offers a rare glimpse into the world of this young woman whose brief life and untimely end remain shrouded in mystery.

Opposite Rovaris, Bobbi Kristina stars Demetria McKinney who delivers an uncanny performance as she embodies the heart, flair and essence of the legendary Whitney Houston. The film also stars Nadji Jeter as Nick Gordon, Hassan Johnson as Bobby Brown, and Vivica A. Fox as Pat Houston. Le'Azionna Braden makes her screen debut as young Bobbi Kristina.

The film is directed by Ty Hodges, with screenplay by Rhonda Baraka.  Executive Producers Tracey Baker Simmons and Wanda Shelley, creators of the docu-series' "Being Bobby Brown" and "The Houstons," developed the underlying story.

On Sunday, October 8 at 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT, TV One will premiere the powerful original movie BOBBI KRISTINA, an honest and moving look at the young woman at the center of one of the most talked-about stories in recent years. Biopic stars Demetria McKinney, Vivica A.

Bobbi Kristina is produced for TV One by Eric Tomosunas (executive producer), Keith Neal and James Seppelfrick of Swirl Films. Casting was provided by Leah Daniels Butler. For TV One, Donyell McCulloughis Senior Director of Talent & Casting; Robyn Greene-Arrington is VP of Original Programming and Executive in Charge of Production, and D'Angela Proctor is Head of Original Programming and Production. 

For more information about TV One's upcoming programming, including original movies, visit the network's companion website at  www.tvone.tv. TV One viewers can also join the conversation by connecting via social media on Twitter, Instagram  and Facebook (@tvonetv) using the hash tag #REPRESENT.

* Source:  Nielsen TV ToolBox; L+SD; Further qualifications available upon request.

ABOUT TV ONE

Launched in January 2004, TV One serves 59 million households, offering a broad range of real-life and entertainment-focused original programming, classic series, movies and music designed to entertain and inform a diverse audience of adult black viewers. The network represents the best in black culture and entertainment with fan favorite shows Unsung, Rickey Smiley For Real, Fatal Attraction, The Manns and The NAACP Image Awards.  In addition, TV One is the cable home of blockbuster drama Empire, and NewsOne Now, the only live daily news program dedicated to black viewers. In December 2008, the company launched TV One High Def, which now serves 14 million households. TV One is solely owned by Urban One, Inc., formerly known as Radio One, Inc. [NASDAQ: UONE and UONEK, www.urban1.com], the largest African-American owned multi-media company primarily targeting Black and urban audiences.

THE GIFTED (3/4) - Another gift from Marvel!

MARVEL has turned into an entertainment machine with multiple films and TV shows all over. Outside of the main MCU, there's another universe of X Men's world. Legion has been widely loved and Inhumans is a different story. The Gifted is definitely a gift. And it had Stan Lee in it. Another gift!

The series stars Stephen Moyer and Amy Acker as ordinary parents who take their family on the run after they discover their children's mutant abilities. Sean Teale, Jamie Chung, Coby Bell, Emma Dumont, Blair Redford, Natalie Alyn Lind, and Percy Hynes White also star in the show. 

So, here's some thoughts

THE GOOD

  • The cast. It's a beautiful cast, literally (they are all too good looking, like they walked out of a catalogue). I may not be excited about age/looks diversity, but that never hurt a show.
  • The cast. It's kind of a talented dream cast
    • Stephen Moyer is stellar as Reed Strucker. Who better could you ask for! he makes a good passionate father, wicked lawyer and a cool character.
    • Our favorite Jamie Chung. She's a mutant, BLINK. And she got character. (She destroys a puppy's favorite toy, and then "puts it back" together).
    • Natalie Alyn Lind as Lauren Strucker is quite something. She makes her character interesting, and not your atypical teenaged girl. Good job!
    • Emma Dumont as Lorna Dane / Polaris, Magneto's daughter is pretty cool. Would we see Magneto too? Yes please!
  • It's quite interesting, fast paced and filled with plot twists. A lot happens in first episode itself. We find a normal human family, that turns out to have mutant kids, that's getting chased by government, so they are on run, and they get separated. And that's just half of it. There's also an underground Mutant network, that we will learn more about.
  • It's our favorite X-Men. They establish the connection quite well, for the fans to keep them excited and connected.
  • There's impressive social commentary, from prosecution of minorities, to immigration, to bullying to lot more. Job well done!

NOT-SO-GOOD

  • Reed Strucker seems kind of a rushed character. From being Government agent/lawyer prosecuting mutants, to suddenly making deals with them, it was not fully palatable in just one episode. I understand it's his family, bit you would expect him to try the system first.
  • Amy Acker as Caitlin Strucker is grossly underused. She's just there to bash her kids and respond to surprises that come her way. It's just the pilot, so hopefully it changes as we move forward.
  • Several other characters or not fussed out yet, but it is just pilot, and there are lot of characters. So I guess we shall wait.
  • Not enough action, one may say!
  • Reminded me of Heroes. Not that it's a bad thing necessarily, but not very original.

So, if you are not into sci-fi, comic book, superhero/superpower shows, you may wanna stay clear of this (I'll still suggest you check it out, for social commentary etc). But otherwise, enjoy this good pilot of hopefully a good show!

This is the story of two families who came together to protect each other. THE GIFTED premieres MON, OCT 2 on FOX!

E!'S “REVENGE BODY WITH KHLOÉ KARDASHIAN” RETURNS FOR SEASON TWO SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10 AT 10pm ET/PT

E!'S “REVENGE BODY WITH KHLOÉ KARDASHIAN” RETURNS FOR SEASON TWO
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10 AT 10pm ET/PT

THE SECOND SEASON SHOWS THE PASSION, POWER AND DEDICATION
IT TAKES TO LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE

Notable Appearance from Entrepreneur Kim Kardashian West

E!’s inspirational transformation series “Revenge Body with Khloé Kardashian” returns for season two on Sunday, December 10th at 10 pm ET/PT.   With the help of model and TV personality Khloé Kardashian, author of the New York Times bestselling book “Strong Looks Better Naked,” and her team of fitness, style and beauty experts, participants get the individualized help and encouragement to transform into the person they always dreamed of becoming inside and out.

During this eight-episode season, famous celebs stop by to provide advice and tough love, including pop-culture icon Kim Kardashian West. For a full list of the participants, before photos, and what has inspired them to make a change, please visit http://eonli.ne/2xyk7hC, and for a sneak peek of the series visit: http://eonli.ne/2y9ueKG. This original unscripted series is produced by Khlomoney Entertainment, Rogue Atlas Productions in association with Lionsgate and Ryan Seacrest Productions.  Eli Frankel, Khloé Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Ryan Seacrest and Larissa Matsson serve as executive producers.

This season, 17 men and women commit to a physically and emotionally challenging journey to prove to themselves and those who have been negative forces in their lives that they’re worthy of love and respect. People from all walks of life confront their past, present, and future and reveal what has brought them to this pivotal point in their lives. Whether these men and women have experienced bullying, are trying to mend relationships, or facing any other tough challenges, Khloé – who has overcome her own body issues – is there to help and will meet and check in with the participants throughout their entire process.

Khloé personally gets to know them, finds out what has broken them down, and gives them the tools they need to build themselves back up. From an honorably discharged military veteran struggling with the loss of his identity to newlyweds who want to get healthy before starting a family, each episode will feature everyday people tackling what’s holding them back from being the best they can be. However, even with the best intentions, not every journey is smooth, and not everyone makes it across the finish line.

Meet the Trainers:  

Returning:

Gunnar Peterson: Gunnar is a Beverly Hills-based personal trainer whose clients include celebrities, professional athletes, and everyday people.  His "do it right or do it over" approach to fitness focuses on achieving long-term results through challenging and constantly varied workouts.

Harley Pasternak: A seven-time bestselling nutrition and fitness author and former military exercise scientist, Harley boasts one of the biggest celebrity rosters in the business and has clients follow the “Body Reset Diet” to get lean and stay lean. 

Simone De La Rue: Simone is one of Hollywood's hottest celebrity trainers. Her clients include Oscar® and Grammy® winners, super models and yummy mummies. She is the creator of Body By Simone with three studios on the east and west coast, she is also author of the “Eight-Week Total Body Transformation.” 

Corey Calliet: Corey’s cutting-edge training style, known as “The Calliet Way,” pulls from athletic strength and conditioning techniques and professional bodybuilding fundamentals. With the desire to make his clients look amazing, his no-nonsense, and no turning back method has proven results with his A-list clients.

Latreal Mitchell: Latreal is one of the top celebrity fitness trainers in the industry. Her tough love approach to her fitness methodology yields chiseled and sculpted bodies.  

Luke Milton: A former professional rugby player from Australia, Luke is a huge advocate of living a healthy lifestyle and having a laugh with your mates to get the most out of your workout. His fitness studio, Training Mate, is an extension of that positive team environment where he helps his clients achieve a healthy lifestyle through physical, social and mental health. 

Lacey Stone: Creator of “The Stone Method” and “8 Weeks to Change,” Lacey is focused on invoking a real lifestyle change for her clients. Fitness therapy is what she calls it, starting in the mind, down to their social environment, ensuring her clients are prepared and ready for the physical change. She says if the mindset isn’t right, the lifestyle change will never happen.

New: 

Aaron Williamson: Upon returning to the United States after years in Iraq, military veteran Aaron jumped knee-deep into fitness to fulfill his dream to compete as a bodybuilder and coach athletes. In the process, he found himself in an entirely new and amazing journey. Aaron now offers comprehensive fitness training to celebrities and athletes around the world.

Ashley Borden: A fitness and lifestyle consultant to Hollywood A-List crowd and world-class athletes, Ashley’s unique approach to fitness can be attributed to having tackled her own struggles, transforming them into a positive philosophy and dynamic training program – making her one of the most sought-after experts in her field.  

Nicole Winhoffer:  Created to sculpt your curves and free your spirit, Nicole’s dynamic and original workout method delivers powerful results. Inspired by art, dance, fashion, music and eastern philosophy, the NW™ (Nicole Winhoffer) method uses rhythmic movement to empower and strengthen your authentic self.

Eli Frankel, Khloé Kardashian, Kris Jenner, Ryan Seacrest and Larissa Matsson are Executive Producers for "Revenge Body with Khloé Kardashian," which is produced by Khlomoney Entertainment, Rogue Atlas Productions in association with Lionsgate Television and Ryan Seacrest Productions.  

E! Story:

http://www.eonline.com/shows/revenge_body_with_khloe_kardashian/news/883006/watch-a-first-look-at-revenge-body-with-khloe-kardashian-season-2-even-kim-k-makes-a-cameo 

Eonline Show Page:

http://www.eonline.com/shows/revenge_body_with_khloe_kardashian 

Twitter: 

https://twitter.com/revengebody

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/revengebody/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/RevengeBodyWithKhloeKardashian/

Hashtag:

#RevengeBody

Media Village:  

https://www.nbcumv.com/programming/e-entertainment/revenge-body-khloe-kardashian?network=33136 

# # #

About E! Entertainment
E! is the only global, multi-platform brand for all things pop culture. The network is currently available to 91 million cable and satellite subscribers in the U.S. "E! News" airs nightly on the network and is the leading multi-platform publisher delivering breaking entertainment news and pop culture coverage 24/7 across all digital and social media. E! programming includes popular series "Keeping Up with the Kardashians," "Total Divas," "Botched," "Hollywood Medium with Tyler Henry," "WAGS," and "Fashion Police," as well as the network's scripted series "The Royals" and “The Arrangement.” Additionally, E!'s "Live from the Red Carpet" signature events keep fans connected to their favorite stars on pop culture's biggest nights. E! is a network of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. For more corporate information, visit www.nbcuniversal.com.

About Lionsgate
The first major new studio in decades, Lionsgate is a global content platform whose films, television series, digital products and linear and over-the-top platforms reach next generation audiences around the world.  In addition to its filmed entertainment leadership, Lionsgate content drives a growing presence in interactive and location-based entertainment, gaming, virtual reality and other new entertainment technologies.  Lionsgate’s content initiatives are backed by a 16,000-title film and television library and delivered through a global licensing infrastructure.  The Lionsgate brand is synonymous with original, daring and ground-breaking content created with special emphasis on the evolving patterns and diverse composition of the Company’s worldwide consumer base. 

About Ryan Seacrest Productions
Ryan Seacrest Productions (RSP) is an Emmy-winning entertainment production company creating unscripted, scripted and digital programming. RSP produces the E! hit cable series “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” and its spin-offs, as well as “E! Live from the Red Carpet” award shows, Bravo’s “Shahs of Sunset” and CMT’s “I Love Kellie Pickler,” and YouTube’s “Best.Cover.Ever.” Additionally, RSP produces “Shades of Blue,” a NBC drama series starring Jennifer Lopez, and the upcoming dark comedy, “Insatiable,” for Netflix. The company produced the Emmy Award-winning reality series "Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution."

Hulu Inks Deal with NBCUniversal for Hundreds of Episodes of TV Favorites Including 30 Rock, Parenthood and More

Hulu Inks Deal with NBCUniversal for Hundreds of Episodes of TV Favorites Including 30 Rock, Parenthood and More

New Licensing Agreement to Mark Premiere of Paul Reiser’s Comedy Series, There’s Johnny and SVOD Premiere of Syfy’s Face Off, as well as the U.S. Streaming Debut of the complete Made in Chelsea Library

SANTA MONICA, CA (September 27, 2017) – Following a groundbreaking licensing agreement that marked the streaming debut of iconic series Will & Grace, Hulu and NBCUniversal Television and New Media Distribution today announced a new agreement that will make Hulu the exclusive SVOD home to all episodes of Emmy Award winning comedy series, 30 Rock, beginning October 1st, as well as add hundreds of episodes of shows for the whole family to Hulu.

In addition to bringing the complete library of the critically acclaimed and Emmy Award-winning comedy series from creator and star Tina Fey - 30 Rock - to a new streaming home, the new deal includes a full suite of premium programming that will become available to stream on Hulu:

30 Rock. A three-time Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Comedy Series as well as a critical darling, 30 Rockcomes from the brilliant mind of creator and star Tina Fey, whose character Liz Lemon is asked by her ultra corporate boss Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) to somehow make the fictional program “TGS with Tracy Jordan” a success. Working with an oddball staff, no budget and no sleep, Liz keeps up the good fight against long odds. Also starring Tracy Morgan, Jack McBrayer, Scott Adsit, Judah Friedlander and Jane Krakowski, 30 Rock aired for seven seasons and arrives in its entirety on Hulu on October 1st.

Parenthood. The family favorite, hit drama series will stream in its entirety in early 2018 on Hulu. The critically-acclaimed series, which aired for six seasons, has remained popular with viewers since its finale. Parenthood is a one-hour drama from Award-winning executive producers Jason Katims, Ron Howard and Brian Grazer.  It follows the trials and tribulations of the very large, colorful and imperfect Braverman family and features stars including Peter Krause, Lauren Graham, Craig T. Nelson, Bonnie Bedelia, Dax Shepard, Erika Christensen, Monica Potter, Sam Jaeger and Joy Bryant. 

There’s Johnny. Paul Reiser’s highly-anticipated series, There’s Johnny, will make its debut on Hulu. The deal marks the premiere for the NBCUniversal period comedy, set in the world of “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” circa 1972, starring Tony Danza.

Made in Chelsea. The first 13 seasons of the BAFTA award-winning, reality television series from the UK will make their US SVOD debut on Hulu. Since its premiere, the hit series has captivated audiences in the UK and resulted in many spin-offs. Through the deal, the complete series will be made available to stream in the US on Hulu later this year.

Face Off. The first 10 seasons of SYFY’s hit reality competition series, Face Off, will become available to stream on Hulu. The series will make its SVOD debut in early 2018. Face Off follows special effects make-up artists as they participate in elaborate challenges for a grand prize and the honor of being Hollywood's next great effects artist.

The new deal expands Hulu’s growing library of premium programming with even more hit series from the NBCUniversal Television library. Earlier this month, Hulu and NBCUniversal announced a joint agreement that made all episodes of the Emmy-winning, iconic series Will & Grace available to stream for the first time ever. Hulu is also home to top series from NBC including This Is Us, Blindspot, and the Emmy-winning Saturday Night Live. 

About Hulu

Hulu is a leading premium streaming service that offers instant access to live and on demand channels, original series and films, and a premium library of TV and movies to millions of subscribers in the U.S. Since its launch in 2008, Hulu has consistently been at the forefront of entertainment and technology.  Hulu is the only streaming service that offers both ad-supported and commercial-free current season shows from the largest U.S. broadcast networks; libraries of hit TV series and films; and acclaimed original series including Emmy Award-winning series The Handmaid’s Tale, The Mindy Project, The Path, 11.22.63, the Golden Globe® nominated comedy series Casual, as well as the upcoming Future Man, Castle Rock, Marvel’s Runaways and The Looming Tower. In 2017, Hulu added live news, entertainment and sports from 21st Century Fox, The Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal, CBS Corporation, The CW, Turner Networks, A+E Networks and Scripps Networks Interactive to its offering – making it the only TV service that brings together live, on-demand, originals, and library content all in one place, across living room and mobile devices.

About NBCUniversal Television and New Media Distribution 

NBCUniversal Television and New Media Distribution is responsible for the sales and distribution of NBCUniversal product to all forms of television within the U.S. and Canada.  This includes current television and film product as well as content from NBCUniversal's vast library (Universal Pictures, Focus Features, Universal Television, Universal Cable Productions, NBC Late Night properties, etc.) distributed in basic cable, pay cable and subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) markets. The division is also responsible for the sales of NBCUniversal content to non-theatrical markets including airlines worldwide. 

Edi Gathegi is back for season 2 of STARTUP, Greed In a New Tech World

New Yorker and Kenya-born Edi Gathegi plays Ronald Dacey in
Crackle’s hit show StartUp. He admits that he “misses New York” the
city that he “loves” the most. It’s been six long years of Los Angeles
living a sacrifice that he’s made to get his career up and running.
In retrospect, it was a sound career move because Gathegi's career is
soaring. Some of his credits include The Blacklist, The Blacklist:
Redemption, AMC kung fu series Into the Badlands and on the film
side he can be seen in “Twilight,” “New Moon” and “X-MEN: First
Class” to name a few. This fall he will appear in the horror/thriller
“Raven’s Watch” and “Pimp.”

In Startup, he plays a Miami based Haitian gangster-turned- tech
entrepreneur whose bid to “clean his money” turns out to be much
more dangerous venture than any street game he’s engaged in the
past.

In Startup, the name of the game is introducing a new monetary
currency—GenCoin.

In season two the fight continues over GenCoin and the story returns
to the streets of Miami following the takeover of the unregulated global
cryptocurrency. Now GenCoin is now in the ruthless hands of the
Russian Mob. The trio left standing is
Izzy Morales, Ronald Dacey (Edi Gathegi), and Nick Talman. In a
surprising move, they reinvest in their partnership and launch an
exciting new endeavor, a darknet prototype called ArakNet. 

But as their decentralized network begins to grow, so too does the
peril, the corruption, and the moral turpitude.
Here is a very brief excerpt from a conversation with Mr. Gethegi

LS:
You were trained in acting at NYU (New York University). Where do
you live now?
Edi Gathegi:
My heart will always belong to New York but now I call L.A. home. It
took me about six years to learn to love California.
LS:
Where were you born?
EG:
I was born in Nairobi, Kenya. I came to the San Francisco Bay area
when I was a baby.
LS:
What tribe do you belong too and what languages do you speak
besides English?
EG:
I come from the Kalenjin tribe and our mother tongue is Kikuyu but
Swahili is the national language. Swahili was the first language that I
learned but I forgot it as soon as we came to the States. I had a
culture shock. I was in pre-school and I came home crying. I told my
parents that the [African-American] kids look like me but they don’t
sound like me. I did not speak for two-weeks. The teachers thought
that I had a learning disability. My parents assured them that I was a-
ok but they [teachers] were confused. When I spoke for the first time I
spoke English without [a Kenyan] an accent. I had been studying.
That was the greatest acting performance of my life.

LS:
O.M.G. You are a great storyteller. I could see you— the little
boy—confused, watching everything and everyone around him. Hey,
you should make this into a short film. Do you like short film content?

EG:
Actually, I just did my first short film, last winter and I caught the bug. I
am never going to give up acting because that’s my first love and it’s
what I was trained to do. All of this expands my abilities to share
stories. I just produced a film that just wrapped [principal photography
has been completed] it’s called “Princess of the Row” and it’s about a
12 year-old- girl who runs away from her foster family to live with her
father, who is homeless and mentally ill and living on skid row. It’s a
love story between father and daughter. I play the father.
I love storytelling. I love directing and I will pursue that. I enjoy
producing. Moving forward I want to incorporate all the ways in which
a film is made: acting, writing, directing, producing the whole 9 [yards].
It’s very exciting to me. It never gets boring. It’s a constant challenge
for me and hopefully, I will bring something good into the world.
Crackle’s hit show, StartUp, now in season two

TOMMY DAVIDSON brings families together in ABC’s Vacation Creation Season 2

My Goggle calendar gave me an alert that my presence was expected at the Viceroy Hotel. I was scheduled to interview iconic comedic actor Tommy Davidson—from “In Living Color” fame—about season two of his new show, ABC’s Vacation Creation which premieres on September 30th.  Vacation Creation is not your typical travel show. People facing crisis or hardships; couples, individuals and families are treated to a vacation of a lifetime aboard an exotic bound cruise ship.

The Viceroy hotel is very easy to miss even though it’s near central park and just a stone's throw away from Carnegie Hall.  Once you cross the heavy glass doors that separate the busting city from the dimply lit and surprisingly comforting interior, you realize that you are standing square inside understated elegance.  The guests clamoring around the check-in desk are “dressed down” with big diamond rings anchoring their fingers and expensive limited edition designer handbags swinging off their shoulders.  I don’t exactly blend and it seemed that all eyes turned in my direction when I asked the fashionable man behind the concierge desk where the press event for ABC’s Vacation Creation was being held? He blinked, smiled and checked his computer and said: “I have no idea what you are talking about.”

Ring: Beyonce’s “Diva”  “I'm a, a diva, hey, I'm a, I'm a, a diva, hey..” —my ringtone—drowned the hotels’ house music. Turning I was face-to-face with Mrs. Tommy Davidson. On her feet she wore a pair of classic Jimmy Choo heels that made her long legs seemed like they had no end. She was clad in ripped blue jeans and was wearing a diamond on her ring finger—squared shaped and magnificent—that was so big and cut so splendidly that I dubbed it “light catcher.”

Tommy Davidson hugged me, greeting me like we were old pals about to jump into a catch-up session but in truth we never met. In person he’s not changed much from when he appeared on the Wayans’ In Living Color (1990 to 1994). 

“Before you ask, I do not get sea sick. I love boats. I love traveling and I love giving deserving families an opportunity to relax and deal with important issues or honor those that they love….on a cruise ship.

What I really love about our show [Vacation Creation] is that it’s not like you gotta watch somebody learn to dance, or watch some dude make cakes, or somebody trying to sell something to sharks, or the I wanna see a bitch get slapped [on] TV.  This is great life-changing TV and I get to watch people smile, a lot.”

In one hour with Davidson I came away with enough to write a small book including a children story about how Eagles are best friends and care about their communities. I also learned that he was member of the Choctaw Nation, a Black Indian like myself. I am part of the Miccosukee Tribe who were originally part of the Seminole nation but gained Federally recognized independence in 1962. According to Wikipedia the Choctaw, who originally occupied what is now the Southeastern United States, share a language that belongs to the Muskogean language family group. That group includes Creek-Seminole (also called Muskogee, Maskoke, Seminole).

So when Tommy Davidson greeted me like a long lost friend, he saw something inside of me; he saw that we were family.

Game Of Thrones: Dragonstone - S 7: Ep 1 review (3/4) | Dany is at Dragonstone, Cersei is going mad, Jon is King of North... & Winter is here!

The long awaited Season 7 of HBO's GAME OF THRONES is here, and it did not disappoint. Although, it wasn't specially exciting either, which is quite normal for season premieres of GOT. It's usually a set up for the upcoming season, and this episode did that beautifully. You almost get to see all the major characters, and all their stories seem to converging soon. And it had some beautiful, strong and also disgusting moments spread through out the episode.

***SPOILERS***

So here's what happened and what was good:

  • Arya Stark killed all the Freys, and she's heading to Kings Landing to kill the queen. she has become more and more exciting, snd it's good to see her finally in action.
  • Whitewalkers are coming. And this time, they have Giant white walkers too. Yep!!!
  • Bran Stark & Meera Reed make it in, through the wall. The scene with brothers of the Night's Watch was interesting. And its always exciting to see the "giant wall".
  • Jon Snow/Stark/Targaryen v/s Sansa Stark/Baratheon/Bolton. Sansa "loves" Jon but is not really with him in his methods. Jon is still Jon, kind and considerate. Sansa wants to be Cersei. An exciting scene of their confrontation, Jon holding his ground and showing he's the King of North.
  • Littlefinger is still creepy, but Sansa seems to be handling it. Sansa tells him "he doesn't have to seize the last word. I'm sure it's something clever." Quite fitting!
  • Cersei sends a threat to Jon about giving in, or facing destruction. Seriously?
  • Cersei has gone mad. I think. After blowing ups the crypt, and killing 11 regular stars of the show, she thinks she' super powerful. Her brother & lover, Jamie on the other hand still has some sense. He tells her that she's not the queen of seven lands, three at best, with no support. She's still going crazy. She thinks she has a way.
  • Euron Greyjoy is the way. He wants her as his queen, offering his support in return. She doesn't trust him, so he promises to return with a "priceless gift". Any ideas what it'll be? A dragon? Or Tyrion? We'll find out.
  • The Hound, who met up with Beric Dondarrion and Thoros of Myr and the rest of the Brotherhood in Season 6, travels with them now. He lands at the farmer's house from Season 4, where he stole their gold despite Arya's protests. Now the farmer and daughter are dead, and he's filled with guilt, which he doesn't/can't show.
  • The scene where he sees whitewalkers in fire, very intense. Overall good scene for Rory McCann.
  • Now comes one of the most disgusting scene of GOT, with our favorite Samwell Tarly. Apparently, the part of training for being a maester in Citadel, is to clean up shit, literal shit. A long funny & disgusting montage of Sam cleaning shit.
  • He can't get Grand Maester to help him with training for killing whitewalkers, so he steals the book and finds out what? That there's a mountain of dragon glass under, you guessed it Dragonstone.
  • We see Jorah Mormont is still sick, waiting for the Dragon Queen, and a cure.
  • DRAGONSTONE! Dany arrives at Dragonstone, a long montage of walking to and inside. And finally arriving in the "infamous" map room, asking his hand Tyrion, "Shall we begin?". Pretty Cool!

Not so good

  • Why is Arya going to Kings Landing? Go to your family. Seriously!
  • The scene with Ed Sheeran. I mean UGH. Is she going to kill them all? She should!
  • Bran Stark is so boring. Do something cool. Be useful.
  • Long scene with Cersei and Jamie. Too much talk and exposition, not much action.
  • The long disgusting montage of poop & puke and shit cleaning by Sam was necessary? I guess so...
  • Dany didn't take the throne. I mean... There was a cool throne to sit on.
  • We didn't hear Tyrion's banter. He was there. We want him more!

Anyways, there are only 12 episodes left in the show, 6 in Season 7, and 6 in Season 8. Savor it as much as you can. Enjoy it. GOT is going to end. Yes, it's going to happen. But until then, we have a lot to look forward to. And it's going to be awesome!

It may be the first day of summer, but #WinterisHere on 7.16. Game of Thrones Season 7 premieres this July. Learn more at http://www.gameofthrones.com

Allen Hughes, creator of "The Defiant Ones", on HBO July 9-12

Allen Hughes has made a lasting imprint in the documentary world with HBO’s“The Defiant Ones.”

As the director, writer and executive producer of the four-part documentary that —HBO is keen on stressing is “event viewing” and will air in successive order, July 10, 11 and 12th—the journey started almost five years ago when he pitched the idea to the President of HBO and 90 seconds later it was approved. 

“It was one of the fastest green-lights that I ever received,” stated Hughes. “Then it took years to complete.”

Set amid many of the defining events of the past four decades, "The Defiant Ones" tells the stories of two men – one black, one white – Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine — both from  different tough neighborhoods and explores their improbable partnership and surprising leading roles in a series of transformative events in contemporary culture.

Storyteller Hughes, digs deep and keeps the pacing of the journey slick. Taking us into the recording studios, homes, criminal courts and in the highest corridors of corporate power.

All this because they happily provided Hughes with unfettered access (over a three-year period) in making the documentary and everyone that participated spoke frankly about the good and the bad of their lives, includingSnoop Dogg, Bruce Springsteen, Gwen Stefani, Bono, David Geffen, Eminem, Nas, Stevie Nicks, Kendrick Lamar, Ice Cube, Jon Landau, Patti Smith, Lady Gaga, Doug Morris, Tom Petty, Trent Reznor, Diddy, Alonzo Williams and will.i.am. 

Under Hughes’ direction the explosive series also features never-before-seen footage from a multitude of recording and writing sessions with Eazy-E, JJ Fad, Stevie Nicks, N.W.A., Tom Petty, The D.O.C., Bruce Springsteen and U2, among others.

Here is a brief excerpt for an hour long interview with Allen Hughes about making of "The Defiant Ones.”

Lapacazo Sandoval: How long did it take to make “The Defiant Ones?

Allen Hughes: Wow.  I thought it would take one year. It did not. It took three years.  That was surprising to me.  It consumed me.  There is no working script.  You don’t know what’s going to happen.

LS: Episode one.  The prologue where the Apple deal almost fell apart, what an exciting opening!

AH: Thank you. I was already shooting the documentary when the Facebook leak [in 1994] with Dr. Dre and Tyrese celebrating the billion dollar deal was all over the net. I thought that I did not have a film anymore. But then I realized that it was the best way to open the movie because it showed that this film was not bull shit.  These guys were going to revel and be vulnerable and open up. I wanted to send the signal — right away — this is not going to be your run-of-the mill doc. 

Celebrate Apple Buying ...www.complex.com/pop-culture/2014/05/dr-dre-tyrese-apple
May 9, 2014 - Late last night the Financial Times broke the news that Apple is in talks with Beats Electronics to purchase the company for $3.2 billion.

LS: When this is all said and done, after it’s had it’s run on HBO—do you think you will use “The Defiant Ones” as a teaching tool?  The filmmaking is extraordinary and the life lessons that are shared, I feel, are important for others to see.

AH: Yes. Anytime someone wants to show a film and have a Q&A [I would] I love that. I love talking to students—even if they are older than me—any student that wants to learn about film, they teach me as I am engaging with them.  So absolutely, that would be great. 

LS: Duly noted. What I took away from Jimmy’s [Iovine] story, in episode one, is to follow your passion because if you do not, you should not be surprised when you keep getting fired. Thoughts?

AH: (laughing) Oh, that is so true, right? My advice. Find out what your calling is, early, and you won’t be getting fired like that! You are right. It’s a great lesson, learned [from Jimmy], wow.  

When two unexpected music moguls come together, history is made. The Defiant Ones, a four part documentary series about Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre, premieres July 9 at 9PM on HBO. Follow The Defiant Ones: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defiantones/ www.defiantones.com www.twitter.com/hbo www.facebook.com/hbo

"The Defiant Ones" 
HBO Event Documentary
Part 1 July 9th, parts 2, 3 and 4 debuting on successive nights, JULY 10, 11 and 12,

‘WORLD OF DANCE’ POPS, LOCKS AND TAPS ITS WAY TO A SECOND SEASON RENEWAL

America is in Lockstep with NBC’s New Tuesday Hit Series as Judges Jennifer Lopez, NE-YO, Derek Hough and Host Jenna Dewan Tatum Mentor Artists Vying for $1 Million Prize 

Official Show Website: http://www.nbc.com/world-of-dance?nbc=1

Facebook l Instagram l Twitter: @nbcworldofdance

“World of Dance,” which was the #1 regular timeslot premiere of 2017 on the broadcast networks in the 18-49 demo as well as the most-watched summer alternative series debut on cable or broadcast in nine years, has been renewed for a second season.

“World of Dance” gives dancers the platform to showcase their talents and compete for a life-altering grand prize of $1 million, led by a judging team of extraordinary dance superstars — Jennifer Lopez (who also serves as an executive producer), Derek Hough, NE-YO and host/mentor Jenna Dewan Tatum.

In partnership with preeminent global dance brand World of Dance, the series brings the world’s elite dancers together to compete in epic battles of artistry, precision and athleticism. Solo dancers will compete against duos and crews in an unlimited range of dance, including hip-hop, popping, locking, tap, ballet, break dancing, ballroom, stomping and more.

Handpicked from qualifying events around the nation and thousands of online submissions, competitors are divided into three divisions: Junior (any size act, 17 years old and under), Upper (groups of 1-4, 18 and older) and Team (groups of 5+, 18 and older). A panel of experts scores the acts using a precise point system developed by World of Dance, using the following criteria: Performance, Technique, Choreography, Creativity and Presentation. The competition consists of five rounds: Qualifiers, Duels, The Cut, Divisional Final and the World Final. In the first four rounds, dancers only compete within their division, but in the World Final — the winner from each division will compete against each other for the $1 million grand prize.

For those interested in participating in season two, please go to https://worldofdancecasting.com/index.

Jennifer Lopez, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas & Benny Medina executive produce for Nuyorican Productions. Also executive producing are Kris Curry, Matilda Zoltowski, Alex Katz, David Gonzalez, Matthew Everitt and Al Hassas. The series is produced by Universal Television Alternative Studio in association with Nuyorican Productions and World of Dance.

BETTER CALL SAUL - Season 3, (mostly) SPOILER FREE review

I have been Better Call Saul fan since season-1. This spinoff of Breaking Bad, is coming to a point where it can turn out to be a show better than the parent. At least in some ways. The last night season finale makes a string case for that. And if you haven't caught the bug yet, please jump online to find it on Netflix or any other streaming or on-demand service you use. You have a lot to catch up on!

Better Call Saul is an American television crime drama series created by Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould. It is a spin-off prequel of Gilligan's prior series Breaking Bad. Set in 2002, Better Call Saul follows the story of small-time lawyer James Morgan "Jimmy" McGill (Bob Odenkirk), six years before his appearance on Breaking Bad as Saul Goodman; events after the original series are briefly explored as well.

This Emmy-nominated prequel to "Breaking Bad" follows small-time attorney Jimmy McGill as he transforms into morally challenged lawyer Saul Goodman. SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/29kBByr About Netflix: Netflix is the world's leading Internet television network with over 100 million members in over 190 countries enjoying more than 125 million hours of TV shows and movies per day, including original series, documentaries and feature films. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on nearly any Internet-connected screen.

So what's good...

  • Initially a show that was supposed to be mostly comedy, has become emotional drama, crime thriller, and still a very funny comedy. It has everything, and everything is wonderful.
  • The sub-plot of 2 brothers Jimmy and Chuck took a larger role this season. And boy, was Michael McKean amazing! He brings so much depth to a seemingly despicable lunatic character, and makes him just a treat to watch. We do hope to see more of him in next season...
  • Season 3 introduces some familiar characters from Breaking Bad. It's a pleasure to see Francesca and Huell back. Specially Francesca's origin story is wonderful, and Tina Parker is just marvelous in her portrayal.
  • Gus Fring is back too. And as usual, Giancarlo Esposito is the same calm, composed mastermind criminal who we all love. Hopefully we see some new shades of his charger in next season.
  • The entire cast is wonderful. Casting makes a show great, and this show has a great cast. Special mention to Rhea Seehorn, Michael Mando, and Patrick Fabian. Kudos to all other actors. Absolutely!
  • Thanks to wonderful storytelling by Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould, the show is a joy to watch. The long action scenes (not fight), with almost no dialogue are amazing to watch. And it's a joy how the story unfolds.
  • Last but not the least, Bob Odenkirk (Who became Saul Goodman). He's just AWESOME!

Not-so-good

  • Jonathan Banks as Mike Ehrmantraut was kinda boring. Jon is so talented and it seems the character was made more uni-dimensional this season.
  • It's getting less funny, and more dramatic & serious. 
  • The LONG action-shots of things just happening, or people doing things, can be annoying. Mostly fun (and meaningful), but sometimes it's too much.

It's a show you must be watching. So get on it NOW!

The cast and creators discuss the state of Jimmy's morals, Mike's deepening partnership with Gus, and what's next for everyone as their paths cross more in the future.

AMERICAN GODS - Season 1 (mostly) SPOILER FREE review!

There's a reason why a show was being called "one of the best shows on TV", even before it was airing. The show called AMERICAN GODS. And in all honesty, it hasn't disappointed at all. The show is truly amazing in more than one ways. And yesterday's finale sealed it's fate as a show that is not going to be forgotten, but people are already waiting for the second season. If you haven't watched it yet, it's time you jump on to Amazon (Each episode becomes available internationally on Amazon Video the day after the U.S. broadcast.) or on-demand, and watch it right now!

If you do not know about the show, American Gods is based on the novel of the same name, written by Neil Gaiman and originally published in 2001. The television series was developed by Bryan Fuller and Michael Green for Starz. Fuller and Green are the showrunners for the series. The series focuses on Shadow Moon, who meets a strange man named Mr. Wednesday after being released from prison, and soon becomes embroiled in a large-scale conflict between the Old Gods and the New Gods, who grow stronger each day.

Get your free trial of the STARZ app: http://starz.tv/29ZEg2m Subscribe now for more: http://bit.ly/1kalhP0 Connect with American Gods online: http://starz.com/series/americangods Follow American Gods on Twitter: http://twitter.com/americangodsstz Follow American Gods on Facebook: http://facebook.com/americangodsstarz Follow American Gods on Tumblr: http://americangods.tumblr.com When Shadow Moon is released from prison, he meets the mysterious Mr. Wednesday and a storm begins to brew.

So, what's good about the show?

  • The story of gods, in modern world. The old gods, or "the gods" as we know them, who exist and feed on our their believers and followers. The new gods, the marvels new-age like technology, media, globalization etc.m who exist because they rule & run today's world. The concept is fascinating, the story is amazing, and the presentation by Fuller and Green is just awesome!
  • The visuals are stunning. When it comes to visual story telling, Bryan Fuller and Michael Greene are the men to go to. Bryan's wonderful Hannibal, was a canvas filled with amazing imagery. American Gods being a fantasy, takes it a step further. It's surreal, it's astonishing, it's beautiful and it's crazy (at times).
  • The cast is just perfect. Ricky Whittle's first LEAD role is just seems to be made for him. Everyone is just cast perfect for the part. But few standouts are Ian McShane as Mr. Wednesday (A role already played by Anthony Hopkins, and we still love Ian even more), Pablo Schreiber as Mad Sweeney, (does he make a crazy leprechaun or what), Emily Browning as Laura Moon (The lil girl is grown up, and she's cute & crazy & disgusting & weird & more, all at the same time), Yetide Badaki as Bilquis (what can I say, she's just perfect. The eyes, the look, the body language, everything) and definitely Gillian Anderson as Media (what can I not say, she's just WOW!).
  • When hit comes to diversity & inclusion for women and African American, it is very good. Black lead - check. Strong female characters - check. More interesting & important black characters, both male & female - check.
  • Is it super relevant or what? A fantasy show about gods but you can take about race, immigration, sexuality, globalization, inner demons etc etc etc. is there any topic that this show doesn't touch, and comes out handling it beautifully?
  • And some shockers along the way too... The most explicit gay sex scene on screen. Not just Mexican Jesus, but over a dozen different Christs. Lynching of a black man. Running over cute bunnies (I mean, seriously!). 

What's not so good about the show (hmmm...)

  • Inclusion for other ethincities... There are 2 middle eastern characters, but that's it. Right? No major Asian characters. And no Indian gods yet. Krishna? Siva? Durga? Buddha? (I'm perfect for all of them, specially Krishna or Siva). I mean... Seriously?
  • Why Dane Cook? Although he was good in the role. But why him? Who wants to see more of him? (ME!!)
  • Some episodes seem to move really slow (Good news, season-2 episodes will move faster)
  • Why only 8 episodes? I mean, why? Didn't we need/want like 20 episodes? (Good News, the Season-2 has 10 episodes)

So, if you are not on the band wagon yet, please jump on immediately and start watching AMERICAN GODS. It is AWESOME!

Shadow drops by to visit Jesus. Get your free trial of the STARZ app: http://starz.tv/29ZEg2m Subscribe now for more: http://bit.ly/1kalhP0 Connect with American Gods online: http://starz.com/series/americangods Follow American Gods on Twitter: http://twitter.com/americangodsstz Follow American Gods on Facebook: http://facebook.com/americangodsstarz Follow American Gods on Tumblr: http://americangods.tumblr.com When Shadow Moon is released from prison, he meets the mysterious Mr. Wednesday and a storm begins to brew.

David Chase, Steve Buscemi & Terence Winter, watch & discuss "PINE BARRENS" from THE SOPRANOS

David Chase’s gangster series shattered the industry’s preconceptions and showed what TV drama could be. Part crime thriller, part domestic drama, and part social satire, The Sopranos was also innovative in its structure. It split the difference between serialized, long-form storytelling, in which an entire season was united by ongoing plot strands, and more traditional TV narrative, where characters and conflicts were introduced at the start of an episode and resolved neatly at the end.

These qualities and more are exemplified by Season Three’s “Pine Barrens,” in which Paulie Walnuts and Christopher Moltisanti ineptly try to kill a Russian gangster in a snowy stretch of New Jersey forest, with an ending that is classic Sopranos, offering a conclusion at once inevitable and surprising—and also prankishly frustrating, denying both characters and viewers the closure they crave. In that respect, it feels like a harbinger of the show’s notorious 2007 cut-to-black ending, which Sopranos fans argue about to this day.

Yesterday at Split Screens Festival at IFC Center in NYC, the episode’s screenwriter (and executive producer on the show) Terence Winter and director Steve Buscemi presented David Chase with Split Screens’ first-ever Vanguard Award, then took us behind the scenes of one of the greatest of all Sopranos episodes. Here are some excerpts

How did the idea for the episode originated?

How did the idea for "PINE BARRENS" Originated? | SOPRANOS panel with David Chase, Steve Buscemi and Terence Winter, at Split Screens Festival 2017 NYC

The episode has so much more than just "The Russian"

"Pine Barrens" has so much more than the Russian - Scrabble, Steak, Ari Graynor! | SOPRANOS panel with David Chase, Steve Buscemi and Terence Winter, at Split Screens Festival 2017 NYC

Why is "What happens to the Russian", not an important question.

"Pine Barrens" (SPORANOS) - Why is it not important to know, "What happens to the Russian" - David Chase & Terence Winter | SOPRANOS panel Split Screens Festival

How to make a great TV show - David Chase.

David Chase (SOPRANOS) - How to make a great TV show | Split Screens Festival 2017 NYC

Julie Klausner of DIFFICULT PEOPLE - When it comes to DIVERSITY, just walk the walk!

Julie Klausner is the creator, writer, producer, and star of HULU's one of the first original comedy shows, DIFFICULT PEOPLE. Her series about brilliant, acerbic, self-defeating best buds on the fringes of stardom is tailor-made for the YouTube era, when artists and entertainers act as their own agents, publicists and managers and watch their colleagues’ successes and failures unfold in real time, with envy or glee, depending.

She set a path for original comedy shows on digital platforms. The show is in its third seasons and it keeps getting funnier and better. And most of the credit goes to the wonderful and talented Julie Klausner. Julie was at the Split Screens Festival 2017, being held at IFC Center in NYC. Here are some of her wonderful insights:

Julie Kalusner (DIFFICULT PEOPLE) on "self indulgence" as writer/actor, and DIVERSITY

Julie Klausner (DIFFICULT PEOPLE) - How did it all came along, and the writing process for the show | Split Screens Festival 2017

DIFFICULT PEOPLE is it improvised or scripted?

Julie Klausner - DIFFICULT PEOPLE, talks about if show is mostly improvised or scripted? at Split Screens Festival 2017

What works in comedy on TV?

Julie Klausner - DIFFICULT PEOPLE - What works in comedy on TV | Split Screens Festival 2017

Julie Klausner talks about the writing process for DIFFICULT PEOPLE

Julie Klausner (DIFFICULT PEOPLE) - How did it all came along, and the writing process for the show | Split Screens Festival 2017

Characters & character-rules on DIFFICULT PEOPLE

Julie Klausner - Characters & character-rules on DIFFICULT PEOPLE | Split Screens Festival 2017

About DIFFICULT PEOPLE

Julie (Klausner) and Billy (Billy Eichner) keep hatching schemes like a couple of Lucy Ricardos, even though their quest is motivated less by a burning urge to express themselves than a lust for fame and comfort. They pop others’ delusions and preserve their own, but even at their pettiest, there are moments when they speak the truth, and some of their most penetrating insights have to do with the show you’re watching and the medium that spawned it. One of Difficult People’s fiercest convictions is that a sitcom’s first obligation is to be funny and engaging, a surprisingly contrarian point of view now that every form of scripted entertainment is striving to subvert rather than embrace proven formulas. “When did comedies become 30-minute dramas?” Billy asks, with an aghast tone that suggests Difficult People is not interested in becoming one.

SPLIT SCREEN FESTIVAL at IFC
(Friday, June 2 - Thursday, June 8, 2017)

Split Screens is festival is a new, annual event celebrating the art of television.

Curated by one of television’s biggest fans, author and critic Matt Zoller Seitz, the festival’s inaugural edition takes place June 2-8, with exclusive screenings and vibrant panel conversations featuring the biggest and boldest names in scripted content.

Stars, producers, directors and showrunners appear in person for in-depth discussions with audiences. Festival guests include Hank Azaria, Sarah Violet Bliss, Lilly Burns, Asia Kate Dillon, John Fawcett, Nelson George, Stephen Adly Guirgis, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Anthony Hemingway, Aisha Hinds, Lodge Kerrigan, Julie Klausner, Brian Koppelman, Rami Malek, Tatiana Maslany, Michelle MacLaren, Graeme Manson, Michael McKean, Amanda Peet, George Pelecanos, Charles Rogers, Amy Seimetz and others.

For the festival lineup, tickets and additional information, visit
splitscreensfestival.com
http://www.ifccenter.com/series/split-screens-festival/

Reality TV get's more soul, with WE tv's HUSTLE & SOUL

Last week’s snowstorm in NYC may have temporarily derailed the premiere screening and party for WE tv’s new culinary docu-series “Hustle & Soul,” but Lawrence Page, owner and head chef of Brooklyn-based soul food restaurant The Pink Tea Cup, has overcome much bigger obstacles in his lifetime. While chatting with Extra correspondent A.J. Calloway during last night’s rescheduled premiere event at The Cutting Room, Page revealed that he was homeless for nearly three years while trying to revive the former West Village landmark.

The self-taught chef was joined by cast, friends and family to celebrate the new series. While guests enjoyed a DJ set from Questlove, they were invited to sample signature items from The Pink Tea Cup’s menu including chef Lawrence’s famed chicken & waffles and macaroni & cheese, as well as the restaurant’s highly popular cocktail, Savannah Iced Tea.

“Hustle & Soul” airs on Thursdays at 10/9c on WE tv.

Chef Lawrence from HUSTLE & SOUL, on WEtv, from the premiere party at CUTTING ROOM, in NYC.