Both French Stewart and Mike Lane have joined the NBC single-cam comedy pilot “Like Magic” in series regular roles, Variety has learned. The project is a workplace comedy that follows an optimistic young woman (Jee Young Han) pursuing her dream to be a headlining magician in the eccentric and ego-driven world of the Magic Palace. Stewart
Television
March 6, 2019 4:45PM PT Nicholas Pinnock has been cast in the lead role of the untitled legal drama pilot at ABC from Hank Steinberg and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. Pinnock will star as Aaron, a man who had it all–thriving night-club owner, lovely wife and daughter–but he lost it all nine years ago when
Jane Seymour has joined the cast of “The Hypnotist’s Love Story” pilot at ABC, Variety has learned. In the show, after a string of failed romances, successful hypnotherapist Ellen is optimistic about her current boyfriend (Adan Canto). But then he reveals a disturbing truth: a stalker ex-girlfriend (Heather Graham) has been following him for years. Ellen
March 6, 2019 4:18PM PT Elba stars and executive produces this family comedy dressed up in trendy DJ clothes. In case you didn’t ascertain as much from his upcoming gig at Coachellea, Idris Elba would like you to know that he’s really, truly serious about this DJ thing. Not only does the actor double as
In today’s TV roundup, Amazon has dropped the trailer for its upcoming show “Good Omens,” which stars Michael Sheen and David Tennant. CASTING Ed Asner will be guest starring on an episode of “Doom Patrol,” airing later in the season. The series, which is currently streaming on the DC Universe platform, features Matt Bomer, Brendan
Kyle MacLachlan has been cast in the CBS multi-cam pilot “Carol’s Second Act,” Variety has learned. In the project, after raising her two children and retiring from teaching, Carol Chambers (Patricia Heaton) embarks on a unique second act: she’s going to become a doctor. MacLachlan will play Dr. Frost. Described as handsome, affable, and accomplished, Dr.
The next season of “Arrow” will be its last, Variety has learned. The CW’s longest-running DC Comics series, which was renewed for an eighth season back in January, will end after Season 8 airs during the 2019-2020 season. The final season will consist of 10 episodes. “This was a difficult decision to come to, but like
“After Life” tells a familiar story. A bitter man, this time hardened by the untimely death of his wife, lashes out at a world he believes isn’t worth living in until he opens himself up to the possibility of a new and different happiness. He stubbornly clings to his caustic words and attitude until he
Miss Marple, the cunning old sleuth created by Agatha Christie, is returning to television. “Big Little Lies” producer Bruna Papandrea’s Made Up Stories has announced it is partnering with Agatha Christie Ltd on a new series centered on the iconic literary figure. The project will be developed together with Endeavor Content and is inspired by
March 6, 2019 11:30AM PT “Mad About You” is back. A limited-event series revival of the ’90s comedy, starring original leads Paul Reiser and Helen Hunt, will premiere later this year on Spectrum Originals. Peter Tolan will serve as showrunner, writer and executive producer of the show, which is being produced by Sony Pictures Television
It’s a good week to be Brie Larson. In addition to starring in the Marvel film “Captain Marvel,” which premieres this Friday, Larson has also signed on to star in and executive produce a drama series that has scored a straight-to-series commitment at Apple. The untitled series is based on the real life experiences of
Mike Schur is staying put at Universal Television, with the acclaimed writer, producer, and showrunner renewing his overall deal at the studio. “There are very few people in this business who have been as instrumental to the success of both NBC and Universal Television as Mike Schur,” said George Cheeks and Paul Telegdy, Co-Chairmen, NBC
As part of its focus on France this year, the upcoming edition of MipTV will welcome a prestigious keynote roster of French executives. Named the Mip Game Changers, the keynote speakers include Delphine Ernotte Cunci, president of France Televisions; Gilles Pelisson, TF1 Group president; Maxime Saada, Canal Plus Group’s chairman and CEO; Regina Hatchondo, Arte
As the Oscars buzz officially dies down, it’s finally time to turn our heads to other shows and movies that may no longer be on the big-screen but are now available to stream from the comfort of our homes. This March, Netflix is offering viewers new seasons of binge-worthy favorites and new original series. “Queer
Imagine Entertainment has set a broad deal with author James Patterson to develop film, TV and digital projects based on his children’s books. The deal calls for Imagine’s newly launched Imagine Kids and Family division to develop five titles from Patterson’s children’s book imprint with Little, Brown & Co., dubbed Jimmy Patterson Books. Projects in
Gregg Araki has agreed to meet at the coffee shop where he does most of his writing. It’s a Starbucks in Hollywood — we won’t say which one — and frankly, it’s amazing that he can get any work done here without being recognized. “It’s not like I’m famous,” he insists. Try telling that to the
March 6, 2019 9:00AM PT “The Sinner” has officially been picked up for a third season, with Matt Bomer set to join the show starring opposite series lead Bill Pullman. The third season follows Detective Harry Ambrose (Pullman) as he begins a routine investigation of a tragic car accident on the outskirts of Dorchester, in
R. Kelly, who was charged with 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse involving four victims — three of whom were minors — earlier this month, aggressively denied any wrongdoing in an emotional interview with Gayle King on “CBS This Morning.” At times the singer — who, as detailed in the recent docuseries “Surviving R.
British comedian Griff Rhys Jones will explore Australia via its network of railways in a new travel series “Griff Off the Rails: Down Under.” Rhys Jones will travel through the country, discovering the origins of the railroads, the stories of the people who operate them and the communities that rely on them. Australian pubcaster the
SPOILER ALERT: Do not read if you have not yet watched “The Bachelor: Women Tell All” that aired Tuesday, Mar. 5. After sharing that she had been sexually assaulted in college, “The Bachelor” contestant Caelynn Miller-Keyes says she suffered from anxiety up until the episode aired and didn’t expect so much support from fans. “I was
A federal judge on Tuesday dismissed a defamation lawsuit from a former Fox News producer whose allegations contributed to Bill O’Reilly’s ouster in 2017. Rachel Witlieb Bernstein left the network in 2002, following an incident in which O’Reilly allegedly screamed at her. Bernstein received a confidential settlement, and her case was among several that were
March 5, 2019 5:36PM PT President of HBO Films’ miniseries and Cinemax programming Kary Antholis is stepping down from his position at the premium cabler. HBO Films president Len Amato will expand his position and take on Antholis’ responsibilities and title. “Kary has been a key creative force at HBO and Cinemax over the past
An interview with R. Kelly set to air on “CBS This Morning” on Friday — the singer’s first since posting bail in Chicago following an arrest on 10 counts of aggravated sexual abuse — is being described as “explosive” and “compelling” by the network. Conducted by Gayle King, Kelly (whose first name is Robert) is
March 5, 2019 4:01PM PT Siobhan Finneran and Hannah John-Kamen have signed on for “The Stranger.” They will star alongside the previously announced Richard Armitage in the Netflix adaptation of the Harlan Coben novel. “Absolutely Fabulous” star Jennifer Saunders has also been cast, in her first major drama role. Anthony Head (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”)
In today’s roundup, the “I Am Richard Pryor” documentary gets a world premiere at SXSW and NBC announces premiere dates for “America’s Got Talent” and “American Ninja Warrior.” CASTING “Girlfriends” alum Khalil Kain will join as a recurring character on the second season of “Bronx SIU” on the Urban Movie Channel, premiering on March 21. He will
March 5, 2019 1:58PM PT Shane Rahmani has been named Marvel Entertainment’s senior vice president and general manager of new media, tasked with helming and expanding the company’s digital business, new media production, social distribution and online content. “Marvel is one of entertainment’s most storied brands – a lifestyle to many – and I’m thrilled
One of the greatest games in football is months away from starting, but that isn’t keeping the players from getting warmed up. The NFL and some of the media companies that broadcast some of its most-watched matches have considered the idea of shaking up the Sunday-afternoon packages that regularly air on CBS and Fox, according
March 5, 2019 1:00PM PT Sara Rue has been cast in a series regular role in the NBC drama pilot “Prism,” Variety has learned. “Prism” is an exploration of a murder trial in which every episode is told through the perspective of a different key person involved. Each new version of the facts ratchets up the
March 5, 2019 1:00PM PT Adesuwa McCalla, the principal of literary management firm MetaMorphic Entertainment, has signed a first-look deal at Amazon. Through MetaMorphic Entertainment, McCalla will develop original series to be available exclusively on the streaming platform. “Since inception, Metamorphic Entertainment has been staunchly committed to developing fresh, inclusive talent,” said McCalla. “I can
Freeform has put out a 10-episode series order for “Motherland: Fort Salem,” a show about witches in the American military, Variety has learned. The one-hour drama, which has Will Ferrell, Adam McKay and Kevin Messick on board as EPs, was created by Eliot Laurence and is set in an alternate, present-day America where witches ended their persecution