Nowadays, we're used to all the cancellations of our favorite shows becoming public knowledge the second the decision is made. Cable networks, as well as online streaming platforms, are in constant communication with viewers through media outlets and provide at least a vague reason for the cancellation.
Back in the 80s, however, major TV networks didn't owe viewers an explanation for why certain shows were canceled. And as annoying as it must have been, sometimes the secrecy behind the curtain of a seemingly innocuous show was actually for the better.
What Happened to Square Pegs?
Created by Anne Beatts and starring today's A-lister Sarah Jessica Parker, Square Pegs was one of those sitcoms that seemed perfect for family viewing. It followed two awkward teenage girls desperately trying to find their place and fit into the hierarchy of Weemawee High School.
Praised for its realistic portrayal of high school life at the time,...
Back in the 80s, however, major TV networks didn't owe viewers an explanation for why certain shows were canceled. And as annoying as it must have been, sometimes the secrecy behind the curtain of a seemingly innocuous show was actually for the better.
What Happened to Square Pegs?
Created by Anne Beatts and starring today's A-lister Sarah Jessica Parker, Square Pegs was one of those sitcoms that seemed perfect for family viewing. It followed two awkward teenage girls desperately trying to find their place and fit into the hierarchy of Weemawee High School.
Praised for its realistic portrayal of high school life at the time,...
- 5/20/2024
- by virginia-singh@startefacts.com (Virginia Singh)
- STartefacts.com
The late night sketch comedy series "Saturday Night Live" is still going strong. The series is currently in the middle of its 49th season, and word on the street is that there's quite the celebration around the corner for the show's 50th anniversary, which will come around this fall. There have been rumblings that series creator and longtime executive producer Lorne Michaels may step down from his post at "SNL" when the 50th season is over, but there hasn't been any confirmation just yet, even though Tina Fey seems to be primed to take the gig if that happens. However, there's another big "SNL" event coming soon too, in the form of a movie about the show's premiere on October 11, 1975.
Last spring, Sony Pictures set director Jason Reitman to direct "SNL 1975," a movie that will chronicle the real-time, behind-the-scenes chaos and miraculous magic leading right up to the show's debut on NBC.
Last spring, Sony Pictures set director Jason Reitman to direct "SNL 1975," a movie that will chronicle the real-time, behind-the-scenes chaos and miraculous magic leading right up to the show's debut on NBC.
- 1/19/2024
- by Ethan Anderton
- Slash Film
Solaris Entertainment is developing a documentary about groundbreaking comedy writer Anne Beatts, her former business partner Eve Brandstein and Solaris managing partner Michael Bloom announced exclusively to TheWrap on Friday.
Beatts, who died in 2021, was the first woman to write for “Saturday Night Live” and helped pave the way for more women to enter the comedy field, Brandstein, who co-directed and produced the 2022 John Lennon documentary “The Lost Weekend: A Love Story,” said.
Also Read:
‘Someday It Won’t Seem So Weird': Why Don’t More Women Host Late-Night TV?
Brandstein and Beatts first worked together on the beloved 1982 series “Square Pegs” starring Sarah Jessica Parker. “[Anne] came from New York and the whole ‘SNL’ scene. I was a little in awe of her comedy credentials at that point,” Brandstein said. She teamed again with Beatts on “Just Say Julie,” starring “Earth Girls Are Easy” writer Julie Brown.
“There weren’t...
Beatts, who died in 2021, was the first woman to write for “Saturday Night Live” and helped pave the way for more women to enter the comedy field, Brandstein, who co-directed and produced the 2022 John Lennon documentary “The Lost Weekend: A Love Story,” said.
Also Read:
‘Someday It Won’t Seem So Weird': Why Don’t More Women Host Late-Night TV?
Brandstein and Beatts first worked together on the beloved 1982 series “Square Pegs” starring Sarah Jessica Parker. “[Anne] came from New York and the whole ‘SNL’ scene. I was a little in awe of her comedy credentials at that point,” Brandstein said. She teamed again with Beatts on “Just Say Julie,” starring “Earth Girls Are Easy” writer Julie Brown.
“There weren’t...
- 6/2/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Toronto’s favorite son turns his eye toward New York, and back to 1975 for his next project. Jason Reitman is currently producing the next “Ghostbusters” picture with director and co-writer Gil Kenan and leads Paul Rudd and Carrie Coon, but he’s got his next project lined up at Sony Pictures.
As per Deadline, the “Juno” and “Up in the Air” director will be back behind the camera for an untitled “Saturday Night Live” opening night project. Kenan will co-write the script.
Casting has not been announced, but somebody out there is (probably) going to be playing producer Lorne Michaels and first-episode cast members like Chevy Chase, Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, and Garrett Morris. Also, potentially, writers like Michael O’Donoghue, Al Franken, Anne Beatts, Alan Zweibel, and others. The first guest on “SNL” was George Carlin so maybe someone will be doing an impression of the comedian during his “Toledo Window Box” era,...
As per Deadline, the “Juno” and “Up in the Air” director will be back behind the camera for an untitled “Saturday Night Live” opening night project. Kenan will co-write the script.
Casting has not been announced, but somebody out there is (probably) going to be playing producer Lorne Michaels and first-episode cast members like Chevy Chase, Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, and Garrett Morris. Also, potentially, writers like Michael O’Donoghue, Al Franken, Anne Beatts, Alan Zweibel, and others. The first guest on “SNL” was George Carlin so maybe someone will be doing an impression of the comedian during his “Toledo Window Box” era,...
- 5/2/2023
- by Jordan Hoffman
- Gold Derby
Producers of the 73rd annual Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony honored almost all of the expected people who died this past year. Who was not featured during the emotional In Memoriam segment Sunday night on CBS? Prominent performers and character actors such as Frank Bonner, Sean Connery, Michael Constantine, Abby Dalton, James Hampton, Bruce Kirby, Norman Lloyd, Helen Reddy and Jane Withers were not part of the 49 people included.
While over 100 celebrated television people died since last year’s event in mid-September of 2020, the segment generally only makes room for less than 50. Among those featured Sunday night: TV Academy Hall of Fame members actor Ed Asner, production designer Roy Christopher, actress Cloris Leachman, writer/producer William Link and actress Cicely Tyson. Current nominee Michael K. Williams (“Lovecraft Country”) and “Saturday Night Live” veteran Norm Macdonald sadly passed away this month as well.
SEECelebrity Deaths 2021: In Memoriam Gallery
The 49 people featured...
While over 100 celebrated television people died since last year’s event in mid-September of 2020, the segment generally only makes room for less than 50. Among those featured Sunday night: TV Academy Hall of Fame members actor Ed Asner, production designer Roy Christopher, actress Cloris Leachman, writer/producer William Link and actress Cicely Tyson. Current nominee Michael K. Williams (“Lovecraft Country”) and “Saturday Night Live” veteran Norm Macdonald sadly passed away this month as well.
SEECelebrity Deaths 2021: In Memoriam Gallery
The 49 people featured...
- 9/20/2021
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Emmys 2021: In Memoriam segment will honor Michael K. Williams, Cicely Tyson, Ed Asner and who else?
Producers of this Sunday’s Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony have some difficult decisions to make about who to honor during the emotional In Memoriam segment. Cedric the Entertainer will host the 2021 Emmys for CBS at 8:00 p.m. Et; 5:00 p.m. Pt. A total of 34 presenters have been announced so far.
Our list below includes almost 100 people who made a strong contribution to television and have died since mid-September of 2020. Only about 40-45 of these people will probably be in the video segment. Certain to be featured will be TV Academy Hall of Fame members actor Ed Asner, production designer Roy Christopher, actress Cloris Leachman, writer/producer William Link and actress Cicely Tyson. Current nominee Michael K. Williams (“Lovecraft Country”) sadly passed away this month as well.
SEECelebrity Deaths 2021: In Memoriam Gallery
Ed Asner (actor)
Dana Baratta (writer/producer)
Anne Beatts (writer)
Ned Beatty (actor)
William Blinn (writer)
Frank Bonner (actor)
Perry Botkin,...
Our list below includes almost 100 people who made a strong contribution to television and have died since mid-September of 2020. Only about 40-45 of these people will probably be in the video segment. Certain to be featured will be TV Academy Hall of Fame members actor Ed Asner, production designer Roy Christopher, actress Cloris Leachman, writer/producer William Link and actress Cicely Tyson. Current nominee Michael K. Williams (“Lovecraft Country”) sadly passed away this month as well.
SEECelebrity Deaths 2021: In Memoriam Gallery
Ed Asner (actor)
Dana Baratta (writer/producer)
Anne Beatts (writer)
Ned Beatty (actor)
William Blinn (writer)
Frank Bonner (actor)
Perry Botkin,...
- 9/15/2021
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Tonight, Saturday Night Live paid photographic tribute to Anne Beatts and Dmx, both of whom died this week.
Beatts, one of the late-night sketch show’s original writers, died on Wednesday at the age of 74. Her cause of death was not disclosed.
Beginning her career in comedy writing at National Lampoon magazine, Beatts wrote for SNL for five seasons, between 1975 and 1980. In concert with her writing partner Roshie Shuster, she created such beloved characters as nerdy high schoolers Todd DILAMuca and Lisa Loopner (played by Bill Murray and Gilda Radner), Laraine Newman’s Shirley Temple-like child psychiatrist and the lustful Uncle Roy (Buck Henry), among others. Earning an Emmy and five nominations for her writing on SNL, Beatts also created the 1982 comedy series Square Pegs, and wrote on such SNL-related projects as Saturday Night Live 25.
Later in Saturday’s show SNL honored Dmx, who passed on Friday,...
Beatts, one of the late-night sketch show’s original writers, died on Wednesday at the age of 74. Her cause of death was not disclosed.
Beginning her career in comedy writing at National Lampoon magazine, Beatts wrote for SNL for five seasons, between 1975 and 1980. In concert with her writing partner Roshie Shuster, she created such beloved characters as nerdy high schoolers Todd DILAMuca and Lisa Loopner (played by Bill Murray and Gilda Radner), Laraine Newman’s Shirley Temple-like child psychiatrist and the lustful Uncle Roy (Buck Henry), among others. Earning an Emmy and five nominations for her writing on SNL, Beatts also created the 1982 comedy series Square Pegs, and wrote on such SNL-related projects as Saturday Night Live 25.
Later in Saturday’s show SNL honored Dmx, who passed on Friday,...
- 4/11/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Sarah Jessica Parker got a big career boost as a teenager from her starring role in the offbeat, much-praised sitcom “Square Pegs,” which had a one-and-done, brilliant-but-canceled run on CBS in the 1982-83 season.
Parker has paid tribute to “Square Pegs” creator and showrunner Anne Beatts, who died April 7 at the age of 74. Parker recalled her longtime friend and mentor as a unique personality who made an enormous impression on the future “Sex and the City” star, producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist.
“I assure you, there was no one like her. Not that I’d ever met,” Parker said in a statement to Variety.
On “Square Pegs” Parker played Patty Green, an awkward high school freshman at Weemawee High School who was desperate to break into the popular kids’ clique. She palled around with her equally ambitious best friend Lauren, played by Amy Linkers, and their colorful outcast friends including the...
Parker has paid tribute to “Square Pegs” creator and showrunner Anne Beatts, who died April 7 at the age of 74. Parker recalled her longtime friend and mentor as a unique personality who made an enormous impression on the future “Sex and the City” star, producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist.
“I assure you, there was no one like her. Not that I’d ever met,” Parker said in a statement to Variety.
On “Square Pegs” Parker played Patty Green, an awkward high school freshman at Weemawee High School who was desperate to break into the popular kids’ clique. She palled around with her equally ambitious best friend Lauren, played by Amy Linkers, and their colorful outcast friends including the...
- 4/9/2021
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Anne Beatts has died. A pioneer in the world of comedy writing, Beatts is probably best known for her five-year run as a writer on the early days of Saturday Night Live, where, as one of the few women on the show’s writing staff, she helped craft any number of classic characters and sketches. After leaving the series,…...
- 4/9/2021
- by William Hughes on TV Club, shared by William Hughes to The A.V. Club
- avclub.com
Update, with reactions Anne Beatts, an original Saturday Night Live writer who created some of the show’s earliest breakthrough characters, among them the nerdy high schoolers Todd DILAMuca and Lisa Loopner, died yesterday. She was 74.
Her death was announced in a tweet by SNL original cast member Laraine Newman. A cause of death has not been disclosed.
“Struggling to find adequate and appropriate descriptive words to describe her singular self,” tweeted Sarah Jessica Parker, who starred in the Beatts-created 1982 CBS sitcom Square Pegs. “I need time. Cause I’m coming up short. Gosh, she was really something. Rip Anne. Thank you. For memories very few 17/18 yr olds get to make. X, Sj”
Beatts began her career in comedy writing with a stint at National Lampoon magazine, becoming the Harvard Lampoon spin-off’s first female editor. She wrote one of the magazine’s most notorious spoofs – an ad for the...
Her death was announced in a tweet by SNL original cast member Laraine Newman. A cause of death has not been disclosed.
“Struggling to find adequate and appropriate descriptive words to describe her singular self,” tweeted Sarah Jessica Parker, who starred in the Beatts-created 1982 CBS sitcom Square Pegs. “I need time. Cause I’m coming up short. Gosh, she was really something. Rip Anne. Thank you. For memories very few 17/18 yr olds get to make. X, Sj”
Beatts began her career in comedy writing with a stint at National Lampoon magazine, becoming the Harvard Lampoon spin-off’s first female editor. She wrote one of the magazine’s most notorious spoofs – an ad for the...
- 4/8/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Anne Beatts, one of the original writers on Saturday Night Live, has died at the age of 74. Former SNL cast member Laraine Newman first tweeted news of Beatts’ death Wednesday, “Our Anne- an Og SNL writer passed away yesterday.”
Film producer and Beatts’ friend Rona Edwards confirmed the writer’s death to the Hollywood Reporter. Beatts died Wednesday at her home in Los Angeles, but no cause of death was provided.
“Anne was a pioneer – she truly paved the way for women in comedy and female comedy writers in particular...
Film producer and Beatts’ friend Rona Edwards confirmed the writer’s death to the Hollywood Reporter. Beatts died Wednesday at her home in Los Angeles, but no cause of death was provided.
“Anne was a pioneer – she truly paved the way for women in comedy and female comedy writers in particular...
- 4/8/2021
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
After news broke on Thursday that Anne Beatts died, celebrities took to social media to offer condolences and share memories of the groundbreaking writer.
Beatts, who was 74, was a pioneering figure in comedy, serving as one of the few women writers on “Saturday Night Live” at the time of its debut in 1975. With her then-writing partner Rosie Shuster, Beatts created some of “SNL’s” most memorable early sketches and characters, including Todd and Lisa Loopner, Uncle Roy, Laraine Newman’s child psychiatrist, Irwin Mainway and Fred Garvin, and male prostitute.
In 1982, Beatts created “Square Pegs,” a beloved sitcom that celebrated the humor, pain and awkwardness of adolescence. Beatts was also the first female contributing editor to National Lampoon.
Original “SNL” star Newman honored Beatts on Twitter.
Michael McKean, who was on “SNL” from 1994 to 1995, also paid tribute to Beatts, writing, “She was awesome.”
Writer Jake Fogelnest wrote, “Anne Beatts was...
Beatts, who was 74, was a pioneering figure in comedy, serving as one of the few women writers on “Saturday Night Live” at the time of its debut in 1975. With her then-writing partner Rosie Shuster, Beatts created some of “SNL’s” most memorable early sketches and characters, including Todd and Lisa Loopner, Uncle Roy, Laraine Newman’s child psychiatrist, Irwin Mainway and Fred Garvin, and male prostitute.
In 1982, Beatts created “Square Pegs,” a beloved sitcom that celebrated the humor, pain and awkwardness of adolescence. Beatts was also the first female contributing editor to National Lampoon.
Original “SNL” star Newman honored Beatts on Twitter.
Michael McKean, who was on “SNL” from 1994 to 1995, also paid tribute to Beatts, writing, “She was awesome.”
Writer Jake Fogelnest wrote, “Anne Beatts was...
- 4/8/2021
- by Ethan Shanfeld
- Variety Film + TV
Anne Beatts, one of the original writers on “Saturday Night Live” and the creator of the CBS comedy “Square Pegs,” has died at the age of 74. The news was announced by former “SNL” cast member Laraine Newman on Twitter and later confirmed by Beatts’ family.
Beatts won two Emmys for her writing on “Saturday Night Live,” working with writing partner Rosie Shuster on characters like Newman’s Child Psychiatrist, Todd and Lisa Lupner and Uncle Roy.
Her other TV credits include “A Different World,” “John Waters Presents: Movies That Will Corrupt You,” and the late-night talk show “The Stephanie Miller Show.”
She was previously the first female contributing editor at National Lampoon, in addition to writing and performing for the “National Lampoon Radio Hour.” She also penned a weekly humor column “Beatts Me!” in the Los Angeles Times from 1997-98 and has been published in numerous magazines, including Esquire, Playboy,...
Beatts won two Emmys for her writing on “Saturday Night Live,” working with writing partner Rosie Shuster on characters like Newman’s Child Psychiatrist, Todd and Lisa Lupner and Uncle Roy.
Her other TV credits include “A Different World,” “John Waters Presents: Movies That Will Corrupt You,” and the late-night talk show “The Stephanie Miller Show.”
She was previously the first female contributing editor at National Lampoon, in addition to writing and performing for the “National Lampoon Radio Hour.” She also penned a weekly humor column “Beatts Me!” in the Los Angeles Times from 1997-98 and has been published in numerous magazines, including Esquire, Playboy,...
- 4/8/2021
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Anne Beatts, a pioneering comedy writer who helped launch “Saturday Night Live” and created the 1980s cult-favorite sitcom “Square Pegs,” died Wednesday at her home in West Hollywood. She was 74.
Beatts’ death was confirmed by her longtime friend Rona Edwards.
Beatts was a revered figure in comedy circles given her long resume. She and then-writing partner Rosie Shuster were among the very few women to work on “SNL” at the time of its debut in 1975 on NBC. Beatts was also the first female contributing editor to National Lampoon.
In the early 1980s, Beatts created the CBS comedy “Square Pegs,” which was a launching pad for Sarah Jessica Parker. The series that revolved around a group of awkward high school students was embraced by critics as a breath of fresh air for TV at the time, reflecting the burgeoning youth culture of the 1980s. But the show was canceled due to...
Beatts’ death was confirmed by her longtime friend Rona Edwards.
Beatts was a revered figure in comedy circles given her long resume. She and then-writing partner Rosie Shuster were among the very few women to work on “SNL” at the time of its debut in 1975 on NBC. Beatts was also the first female contributing editor to National Lampoon.
In the early 1980s, Beatts created the CBS comedy “Square Pegs,” which was a launching pad for Sarah Jessica Parker. The series that revolved around a group of awkward high school students was embraced by critics as a breath of fresh air for TV at the time, reflecting the burgeoning youth culture of the 1980s. But the show was canceled due to...
- 4/8/2021
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Anne Beatts, the creator of CBS sitcom Square Pegs and an original writer of Saturday Night Live, has died. She was 74.
Beatts died on Wednesday, Laraine Newman, an original castmember of SNL, wrote in a tweet Thursday. “Our Anne — an Og SNL writer passed away yesterday,” Newman wrote.
“Anne was a pioneer — she truly paved the way for women in comedy and female comedy writers in particular who may not have had their shot if Anne hadn’t come before them — but overall, she was my friend — my heart is completely broken,” film producer Rona Edwards, a ...
Beatts died on Wednesday, Laraine Newman, an original castmember of SNL, wrote in a tweet Thursday. “Our Anne — an Og SNL writer passed away yesterday,” Newman wrote.
“Anne was a pioneer — she truly paved the way for women in comedy and female comedy writers in particular who may not have had their shot if Anne hadn’t come before them — but overall, she was my friend — my heart is completely broken,” film producer Rona Edwards, a ...
Anne Beatts, the creator of CBS sitcom Square Pegs and an original writer of Saturday Night Live, has died. She was 74.
Beatts died on Wednesday, Laraine Newman, an original castmember of SNL, wrote in a tweet Thursday. “Our Anne — an Og SNL writer passed away yesterday,” Newman wrote.
“Anne was a pioneer — she truly paved the way for women in comedy and female comedy writers in particular who may not have had their shot if Anne hadn’t come before them — but overall, she was my friend — my heart is completely broken,” film producer Rona Edwards, a ...
Beatts died on Wednesday, Laraine Newman, an original castmember of SNL, wrote in a tweet Thursday. “Our Anne — an Og SNL writer passed away yesterday,” Newman wrote.
“Anne was a pioneer — she truly paved the way for women in comedy and female comedy writers in particular who may not have had their shot if Anne hadn’t come before them — but overall, she was my friend — my heart is completely broken,” film producer Rona Edwards, a ...
The Nantucket Film Festival announced on Monday that writers, producers and directors Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino will be honored with Variety’s Creative Impact in Television Award at the 25th anniversary event.
Sherman-Palladino is the creator of popular television series “Gilmore Girls,” “Bunheads” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” She has received five Emmys for her work on “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and is the first person in history to win both in the comedy writing and directing categories in the same year at the Primetime Emmy Awards. She has also received the Norman Lear Achievement Award in Television from the Producers Guild of America. Palladino has worked as a producer for the same shows, winning three Emmy Awards and a Producers Guild of America for his work on “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” He has also worked on series including “Family Guy” and “Roseanne.” Sherman-Palladino and Palladino will receive the...
Sherman-Palladino is the creator of popular television series “Gilmore Girls,” “Bunheads” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” She has received five Emmys for her work on “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and is the first person in history to win both in the comedy writing and directing categories in the same year at the Primetime Emmy Awards. She has also received the Norman Lear Achievement Award in Television from the Producers Guild of America. Palladino has worked as a producer for the same shows, winning three Emmy Awards and a Producers Guild of America for his work on “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” He has also worked on series including “Family Guy” and “Roseanne.” Sherman-Palladino and Palladino will receive the...
- 3/2/2020
- by Klaritza Rico
- Variety Film + TV
Tony Sokol Jan 28, 2020
National Lampoon finds corporate sponsors for its Downfall Festival in Lemmings: 21st Century.
National Lampoon flayed the peace and love generation when a million Lemmings showed up to off themselves at a free concert. The National Lampoon franchise, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, will send a new wave over the cliff. The iconic comedy brand is rebooting their legendary Off-Broadway Show with Lemmings: 21st Century.
Lemmings was a take-off of Woodstock, promising three days of peace, love and death. John Belushi was the master of ceremonies, bassist, and suicidal cheerleader for the “Woodshuck" festival. The new original musical picks up where the original left off by spoofing the corporate festival culture which has taken over musical gatherings ever since. Lemmings: 21st Century takes on modern Millennial fests like Coachella, Burning Man, Bonnaroo, and Fyre. Their fictional music gathering is called the "Downfall Festival," and it is...
National Lampoon finds corporate sponsors for its Downfall Festival in Lemmings: 21st Century.
National Lampoon flayed the peace and love generation when a million Lemmings showed up to off themselves at a free concert. The National Lampoon franchise, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, will send a new wave over the cliff. The iconic comedy brand is rebooting their legendary Off-Broadway Show with Lemmings: 21st Century.
Lemmings was a take-off of Woodstock, promising three days of peace, love and death. John Belushi was the master of ceremonies, bassist, and suicidal cheerleader for the “Woodshuck" festival. The new original musical picks up where the original left off by spoofing the corporate festival culture which has taken over musical gatherings ever since. Lemmings: 21st Century takes on modern Millennial fests like Coachella, Burning Man, Bonnaroo, and Fyre. Their fictional music gathering is called the "Downfall Festival," and it is...
- 1/28/2020
- Den of Geek
Nantucket, Mass. — Adventure drama “The Peanut Butter Falcon” and Syria documentary “For Sama” emerged as the top winners at the 24th annual Nantucket Film Festival.
The festival, which concludes today, as ever put the emphasis on screenwriters and emerging talents. Director Paul Downs Colaizzo’s Sundance hit “Brittany Runs a Marathon” had a number of well-received screenings, as did Gavin Hood’s “Official Secrets.” Documentaries that played at the island getaway off the coast of Massachusetts included “It Started As a Joke,” “David Crosby: Remember My Name” and “We Are the Radical Monarchs.”
The festival’s annual screenwriter tributes went to female forces in the comedy realm. Leslie Dixon, the seasoned scribe behind “Mrs. Doubtfire” and the musical rendition of “Hairspray,” was recognized, as were five former and current women from the “Saturday Night Live” orbit: Jane Curtin, writer Anne Beatts, Heidi Gardner, Sudi Green and Sarah Schneider.
The...
The festival, which concludes today, as ever put the emphasis on screenwriters and emerging talents. Director Paul Downs Colaizzo’s Sundance hit “Brittany Runs a Marathon” had a number of well-received screenings, as did Gavin Hood’s “Official Secrets.” Documentaries that played at the island getaway off the coast of Massachusetts included “It Started As a Joke,” “David Crosby: Remember My Name” and “We Are the Radical Monarchs.”
The festival’s annual screenwriter tributes went to female forces in the comedy realm. Leslie Dixon, the seasoned scribe behind “Mrs. Doubtfire” and the musical rendition of “Hairspray,” was recognized, as were five former and current women from the “Saturday Night Live” orbit: Jane Curtin, writer Anne Beatts, Heidi Gardner, Sudi Green and Sarah Schneider.
The...
- 6/24/2019
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
When Jane Curtin began her run as an original member of the Not Ready for Primetime Players on the storied first five seasons of “Saturday Night Live,” it was not unheard of for women working on the show be groped in the hallways of the production offices at 30 Rock. She remembers Milton Berle, the comedy great who hosted “SNL” in April 1979, as being particularly handsy.
“It was part of being a woman in the ’70s,” Curtin tells Variety. “Women’s choices at the time for careers were secretary, nurse, teacher, wife or go into the convent.”
Curtin will gather with a mix of veteran and contemporary women associated with NBC’s late-night institution at the Nantucket Film Festival on Saturday as “SNL” is feted with the festival’s Creative Impact in Television Award.
Curtin and original staff writer Anne Beatts will join current cast member Heidi Gardner and writer Sudi Green...
“It was part of being a woman in the ’70s,” Curtin tells Variety. “Women’s choices at the time for careers were secretary, nurse, teacher, wife or go into the convent.”
Curtin will gather with a mix of veteran and contemporary women associated with NBC’s late-night institution at the Nantucket Film Festival on Saturday as “SNL” is feted with the festival’s Creative Impact in Television Award.
Curtin and original staff writer Anne Beatts will join current cast member Heidi Gardner and writer Sudi Green...
- 6/20/2019
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
The Nantucket Film Festival on Wednesday announced an all-female slate of honorees and focus for its 2019 Screenwriters Tribute.
The fest will honor Saturday Night Live writers and performers Jane Curtin, Anne Beatts, Sudi Green and Sarah Schneider with the Creative Impact in Television Award, and writer-producer Leslie Dixon will receive the Screenwriters Tribute Award, which is given to a scribe whose writing has had a distinct impact on the landscape of cinema. The honors will be handed out June 22.
Current SNL castmember Cecily Strong will present the TV award to the women from the long-running NBC sketch show, who distinguished ...
The fest will honor Saturday Night Live writers and performers Jane Curtin, Anne Beatts, Sudi Green and Sarah Schneider with the Creative Impact in Television Award, and writer-producer Leslie Dixon will receive the Screenwriters Tribute Award, which is given to a scribe whose writing has had a distinct impact on the landscape of cinema. The honors will be handed out June 22.
Current SNL castmember Cecily Strong will present the TV award to the women from the long-running NBC sketch show, who distinguished ...
The Nantucket Film Festival on Wednesday announced an all-female slate of honorees and focus for its 2019 Screenwriters Tribute.
The fest will honor Saturday Night Live writers and performers Jane Curtin, Anne Beatts, Sudi Green and Sarah Schneider with the Creative Impact in Television Award, and writer-producer Leslie Dixon will receive the Screenwriters Tribute Award, which is given to a scribe whose writing has had a distinct impact on the landscape of cinema. The honors will be handed out June 22.
Current SNL castmember Cecily Strong will present the TV award to the women from the long-running NBC sketch show, who distinguished ...
The fest will honor Saturday Night Live writers and performers Jane Curtin, Anne Beatts, Sudi Green and Sarah Schneider with the Creative Impact in Television Award, and writer-producer Leslie Dixon will receive the Screenwriters Tribute Award, which is given to a scribe whose writing has had a distinct impact on the landscape of cinema. The honors will be handed out June 22.
Current SNL castmember Cecily Strong will present the TV award to the women from the long-running NBC sketch show, who distinguished ...
With the year’s end “light at the end of the tunnel” in sight, 2018’s parade of distinguished feature documentaries marches on with another “crowd-pleaser” bringing up the rear. Cinemas have been host to truly exceptional works of non-fiction filmmaking. This week’s release joins the impressive list of the “celebrity showbiz profile” sub-genre that includes the box office hit Won’T You Be My Neighbor along with Whitney, McQueen, and Quincy. Though music doesn’t play as big a role in this subject’s life as in several of these films, she made her greatest cultural impact on television, just as Neighbor’s Fred Rogers. Oh, and her works were much more “adult” in nature, While Rogers was a daytime TV king to countless kids, she was the first real “queen of late-night TV comedy”. And while she’s been gone for nearly three decades, her influence seems to be felt now,...
- 9/21/2018
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
It’s no easy task to find a fresh way to approach a familiar face like comedian Gilda Radner, but director Lisa D’Apolito does a wonderful job ushering us through the highs and lows of the beloved icon’s life in her documentary “Love, Gilda.”
D’Apolito worked directly with Radner’s estate, and was lucky to have access to a trove of personal information. Despite the fact that this is her first feature film, she uses her archival sources with uncommon dexterity.
Home movies introduce us to a little girl who’s always mugging for the camera, a trait that continues into and after high school and college. We travel with Radner while she moves to Toronto, makes her debut in “Godspell,” and dates an equally mischievous Martin Short.
Also Read: 'House With a Clock in Its Walls' Film Review: Eli Roth Directs a Fun, Family-Friendly Halloween Frolic...
D’Apolito worked directly with Radner’s estate, and was lucky to have access to a trove of personal information. Despite the fact that this is her first feature film, she uses her archival sources with uncommon dexterity.
Home movies introduce us to a little girl who’s always mugging for the camera, a trait that continues into and after high school and college. We travel with Radner while she moves to Toronto, makes her debut in “Godspell,” and dates an equally mischievous Martin Short.
Also Read: 'House With a Clock in Its Walls' Film Review: Eli Roth Directs a Fun, Family-Friendly Halloween Frolic...
- 9/19/2018
- by Elizabeth Weitzman
- The Wrap
In this trailer for Love, Gilda, an awed Amy Poehler, Bill Hader and Melissa McCarthy hold Gilda Radner’s handwritten letters as if they’re treasures that could turn to dust with the slightest breeze. “I can’t believe this is her handwriting,” says Poehler.
Directed by Lisa D’Apolito, the documentary, which debuted at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, chronicles the beloved Saturday Night Live cast member – one of the original Not Ready For Prime Times Players – and was put together with the blessing of the Radner estate, which provided D’Apolito a collection of diaries, personal audio and videotapes documenting Radner’s childhood, her comedy career, her relationships and ultimately, her struggles with cancer. The never-before-seen-or-heard footage and journal entries form the narrative spine of the documentary, allowing Gilda to tell her own story.
In addition to Hader, McCarthy and Poehler, the friends and admirers making appearances include Anne Beatts,...
Directed by Lisa D’Apolito, the documentary, which debuted at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, chronicles the beloved Saturday Night Live cast member – one of the original Not Ready For Prime Times Players – and was put together with the blessing of the Radner estate, which provided D’Apolito a collection of diaries, personal audio and videotapes documenting Radner’s childhood, her comedy career, her relationships and ultimately, her struggles with cancer. The never-before-seen-or-heard footage and journal entries form the narrative spine of the documentary, allowing Gilda to tell her own story.
In addition to Hader, McCarthy and Poehler, the friends and admirers making appearances include Anne Beatts,...
- 7/26/2018
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi’s classic movie The Blues Brothers is getting adapted into a primetime animated comedy series! Aykroyd has teamed up with Belushi’s widow Judy Belushi and Bento Box Entertainment to bring this new series to life. Bento Box is the production company that produces Bob’s Burgers.
The series was co-created by Aykroyd, Belushi, and Saturday Night Live writer Anne Beatts. According to Deadline, the series “will chronicle the music, mayhem and comedy adventures of Jake and Elwood Blues, along with the characters within their master blues band.” The report goes on to explains that “the boys take their act on the road and back to that same old place, sweet home Chicago. Music will be a main character in the new series. Each episode will feature a score and soundtrack curated with the soul, blues and R&B classics and hits performed by the Blues Brothers,...
The series was co-created by Aykroyd, Belushi, and Saturday Night Live writer Anne Beatts. According to Deadline, the series “will chronicle the music, mayhem and comedy adventures of Jake and Elwood Blues, along with the characters within their master blues band.” The report goes on to explains that “the boys take their act on the road and back to that same old place, sweet home Chicago. Music will be a main character in the new series. Each episode will feature a score and soundtrack curated with the soul, blues and R&B classics and hits performed by the Blues Brothers,...
- 5/4/2016
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Dan Aykroyd and Judy Belushi, widow of John Belushi, are rebooting The Blues Brothers as a primetime animated series, which they'll begin to pitch to networks and TV platforms this month, Deadline reports.
Aykroyd and Belushi co-created the series with original Saturday Night Live writer Anne Beatts, while the animation is being handled by Bento Box Entertainment (Bob's Burgers). Episodes will focus on the adventures of Jake and Elwood Blues and their band, and feature a bevy of soul, blues and R&B hits performed by the Blues Brothers, along...
Aykroyd and Belushi co-created the series with original Saturday Night Live writer Anne Beatts, while the animation is being handled by Bento Box Entertainment (Bob's Burgers). Episodes will focus on the adventures of Jake and Elwood Blues and their band, and feature a bevy of soul, blues and R&B hits performed by the Blues Brothers, along...
- 5/4/2016
- Rollingstone.com
What’s old is new again…whether you want it or not. Bento Box Entertainment announced today that it’s developing the movie classic The Blues Brothers as an animated series. The company that produces such cartoons as Bob’s Burgers and The Awesomes will be creating the show alongside Dan Aykroyd, Judy Belushi (John Belushi’s widow) and writer/producer Anne Beatts. In a statement, Aykroyd said, ”The show will be the Blues Brothers living in America and utilizing all new technology to make and promote their own records, seek out and record new artists and avoid law enforcement – and all while fighting for truth, justice and a better breakfast sandwich.” Producers promise that the series will feature no shortage of music, both R&B classics as well as new performances made just for the show. This is not the first attempt at a cartoon reboot for the R&B band.
- 5/3/2016
- by David Eckstein
- Hitfix
Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi's widow Judy Belushi and "Saturday Night Live" writer Anne Beatts are all set to executive produce a primetime animated comedy series based on "The Blues Brothers".
The comedy characters, played by Aykroyd and John Belushi, originated as a musical sketch on SNL before going on to release their first full-length album as the fictional band in 1978 and then the iconic film in 1980.
The new series will follow Jake and Elwood Blues, along with the characters within their master blues band, as the boys take their act on the road and back to their native Chicago.
Each episode will feature a score and soundtrack curated with the soul, blues and R&B classics and hits performed by the Blues Brothers, as well as new performances made specifically for the show. Aspiring talent, treasured Blues legends and modern-day superstars will make guest appearances.
The project, aimed at young adults,...
The comedy characters, played by Aykroyd and John Belushi, originated as a musical sketch on SNL before going on to release their first full-length album as the fictional band in 1978 and then the iconic film in 1980.
The new series will follow Jake and Elwood Blues, along with the characters within their master blues band, as the boys take their act on the road and back to their native Chicago.
Each episode will feature a score and soundtrack curated with the soul, blues and R&B classics and hits performed by the Blues Brothers, as well as new performances made specifically for the show. Aspiring talent, treasured Blues legends and modern-day superstars will make guest appearances.
The project, aimed at young adults,...
- 5/3/2016
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi's widow Judy Belushi have teamed with Bento Box Entertainment (Bob’s Burgers) for The Blues Brothers, a primetime animated comedy series, which will be shopped to television platforms beginning this month. Co-created and executive produced by original Blues Brother Aykroyd, Judy Belushi and Emmy-winning original Saturday Night Live writer Anne Beatts, the series will chronicle the music, mayhem and comedy adventures of Jake and Elwood Blues…...
- 5/3/2016
- Deadline TV
Bento Box Entertainment will develop and produce “The Blues Brothers” as a new primetime animated comedy series with Dan Aykroyd attached as co-creator and executive producer, the company announced Tuesday Along with Aykroyd, John Belushi‘s widow, Judy, and Emmy Award-winning original “Saturday Night Live” writer Anne Beatts will serve as co-creators and executive producers on the project. The series chronicles the music, mayhem and comedy adventures of Jake and Elwood Blues, along with the characters within their master blues band. The boys take their act on the road and back to that same old place, sweet home Chicago. Also Read: Jim Belushi Joins.
- 5/3/2016
- by Joe Otterson
- The Wrap
Chicago – Before the days of 24/7 internet access to every form of entertainment that exists, there were eras of radical performance expression that changed the landscape of attitudes toward everything – think of The Beatles evolving music and also changing social culture. The roots of another evolution, especially in comedy, began with a modest humor magazine that brought together the right mix of anarchists and misfits. What they did would influence comedy for years afterward, and their story is told in “Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead: The Story of National Lampoon,” directed by Douglas Tirola.
“National Lampoon” Magazine was a national publication founded in 1970, that was spawned from the Harvard Lampoon, and brought together a team of 1960s-influenced comic radicals that changed the way humor was conveyed. No sacred cows existed on their pages, and the magazine also broke out into signature comedy records, stage performances and radio shows. This cottage industry featured...
“National Lampoon” Magazine was a national publication founded in 1970, that was spawned from the Harvard Lampoon, and brought together a team of 1960s-influenced comic radicals that changed the way humor was conveyed. No sacred cows existed on their pages, and the magazine also broke out into signature comedy records, stage performances and radio shows. This cottage industry featured...
- 10/19/2015
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Make people laugh and they won't even realize you're making them think. Over the past 50 years, women have broken through the glass ceiling time after time, shattering stereotypes and thumbing their noses at the old chestnut that "Women aren't funny." Fact: Anybody who says women aren't funny doesn't want them to be funny. We're looking back on the 50 funniest women of the past 50 years, their contributions to comedy, and their enduring legacies that inspire men and women alike. These are the 50 women who have helped (and are helping) to introduce the next class of hilarious women, which will inevitably include Amy Schumer, Lena Dunham, Mindy Kaling, Tig Notaro, Chelsea Handler, Maria Bamford, Aubrey Plaza, and Kate McKinnon. Keep in mind this list only includes women who are primarily performers in movies, television, and standup comedy. That's why you don't see legends like Nora Ephron, Anne Beatts, and Elaine May here.
- 10/17/2014
- by Louis Virtel, Donna Dickens, Chris Eggertsen
- Hitfix
Make people laugh and they won't even realize you're making them think. Over the past 50 years, women have broken through the glass ceiling time after time, shattering stereotypes and thumbing their noses at the old chestnut that "Women aren't funny." Fact: Anybody who says women aren't funny doesn't want them to be funny. We're looking back on the 50 funniest women of the past 50 years, their contributions to comedy, and their enduring legacies that inspire men and women alike. These are the 50 women who have helped (and are helping) to introduce the next class of hilarious women, which will inevitably include Amy Schumer, Lena Dunham, Mindy Kaling, Tig Notaro, Chelsea Handler, Maria Bamford, Aubrey Plaza, and Kate McKinnon. Keep in mind this list only includes women who are primarily performers in movies, television, and standup comedy. That's why you don't see legends like Nora Ephron, Anne Beatts, and Elaine May here.
- 10/17/2014
- by Donna Dickens, Chris Eggertsen, Louis Virtel,
- Hitfix
Make people laugh and they won't even realize you're making them think. Over the past 50 years, women have broken through the glass ceiling time after time, shattering stereotypes and thumbing their noses at the old chestnut that "Women aren't funny." Fact: Anybody who says women aren't funny doesn't want them to be funny. We're looking back on the 50 funniest women of the past 50 years, their contributions to comedy, and their enduring legacies that inspire men and women alike. These are the 50 women who have helped (and are helping) to introduce the next class of hilarious women, which will inevitably include Amy Schumer, Lena Dunham, Mindy Kaling, Tig Notaro, Chelsea Handler, Maria Bamford, Aubrey Plaza, and Kate McKinnon. Keep in mind this list only includes women who are primarily performers in movies, television, and standup comedy. That's why you don't see legends like Nora Ephron, Anne Beatts, and Elaine May here.
- 10/16/2014
- by Louis Virtel
- Hitfix
Make people laugh and they won't even realize you're making them think. Over the past 50 years, women have broken through the glass ceiling time after time, shattering stereotypes and thumbing their noses at the old chestnut that "Women aren't funny." Fact: Anybody who says women aren't funny doesn't want them to be funny. We're looking back on the 50 funniest women of the past 50 years, their contributions to comedy, and their enduring legacies that inspire men and women alike. These are the 50 women who have helped (and are helping) to introduce the next class of hilarious women, which will inevitably include Amy Schumer, Lena Dunham, Mindy Kaling, Tig Notaro, Chelsea Handler, Maria Bamford, Aubrey Plaza, and Kate McKinnon. Keep in mind this list only includes women who are primarily performers in movies, television, and standup comedy. That's why you don't see legends like Nora Ephron, Anne Beatts, and Elaine May here.
- 10/15/2014
- by Louis Virtel, Chris Eggertsen, Donna Dickens
- Hitfix
Make people laugh and they won't even realize you're making them think. Over the past 50 years, women have broken through the glass ceiling time after time, shattering stereotypes and thumbing their noses at the old chestnut that "Women aren't funny." Fact: Anybody who says women aren't funny doesn't want them to be funny. We're looking back on the 50 funniest women of the past 50 years, their contributions to comedy, and their enduring legacies that inspire men and women alike. These are the 50 women who have helped (and are helping) to introduce the next class of hilarious women, which will inevitably include Amy Schumer, Lena Dunham, Mindy Kaling, Tig Notaro, Chelsea Handler, Maria Bamford, Aubrey Plaza, and Kate McKinnon. Keep in mind this list only includes women who are primarily performers in movies, television, and standup comedy. That's why you don't see legends like Nora Ephron, Anne Beatts, and Elaine May here.
- 10/14/2014
- by Donna Dickens, Chris Eggertsen, Louis Virtel,
- Hitfix
Make people laugh and they won't even realize you're making them think. Over the past 50 years, women have broken through the glass ceiling time after time, shattering stereotypes and thumbing their noses at the old chestnut that "Women aren't funny." Fact: Anybody who says women aren't funny doesn't want them to be funny. We're looking back on the 50 funniest women of the past 50 years, their contributions to comedy, and their enduring legacies that inspire men and women alike. These are the 50 women who have helped (and are helping) to introduce the next class of hilarious women, which will inevitably include Amy Schumer, Lena Dunham, Mindy Kaling, Tig Notaro, Chelsea Handler, Maria Bamford, Aubrey Plaza, and Kate McKinnon. Keep in mind this list only includes women who are primarily performers in movies, television, and standup comedy. That's why you don't see legends like Nora Ephron, Anne Beatts, and Elaine May here.
- 10/13/2014
- by Donna Dickens, Chris Eggertsen, Louis Virtel,
- Hitfix
Saturday Night Live, “George Carlin/Billy Preston, Janis Ian”
Written by Lorne Michaels, Michael O’Donoghue, Anne Beatts, Tom Davis, Al Franken, Marilyn Suzanne Miller, Herb Sargent, Tom Schiller, Rosie Schuster, Alan Zweibel
Directed by Dave Wilson
Aired on October 11, 1975 on NBC
Possibly (and very arguably) the most influential television show of all time, Saturday Night Live (SNL for short) is American comedy (albeit with a bit of Canadian help) exemplified: irreverent, absurdist, made for short attention spans, and continually being both panned and lauded by critics. Whether you still lock your door in fear of Land Shark, turned the show off in 1980 and never looked back, or are in need more cowbell, you know the magic that is SNL. Like a boy band or Santa Claus, we each have our favorites and picture a certain cast as the “real” SNL. For example, there are people who swear by the...
Written by Lorne Michaels, Michael O’Donoghue, Anne Beatts, Tom Davis, Al Franken, Marilyn Suzanne Miller, Herb Sargent, Tom Schiller, Rosie Schuster, Alan Zweibel
Directed by Dave Wilson
Aired on October 11, 1975 on NBC
Possibly (and very arguably) the most influential television show of all time, Saturday Night Live (SNL for short) is American comedy (albeit with a bit of Canadian help) exemplified: irreverent, absurdist, made for short attention spans, and continually being both panned and lauded by critics. Whether you still lock your door in fear of Land Shark, turned the show off in 1980 and never looked back, or are in need more cowbell, you know the magic that is SNL. Like a boy band or Santa Claus, we each have our favorites and picture a certain cast as the “real” SNL. For example, there are people who swear by the...
- 6/29/2013
- by Diana Drumm
- SoundOnSight
80s film favourites The Blues Brothers and Romancing The Stone are destined for the small screen. According to Variety and Deadline respectively, writers have been hired to produce a script for Romancing The Stone t.v. series (more on that below) and a pilot script has already been completed for The Blues Brothers by John Belushi’s widow, Judy Belushi, former Saturday Night Live writer Anne Beatts along with Wayne Catania and Kieron Lafferty.
Star and co-creator of The Blues Brothers, Dan Aykroyd has given the project his full backing, having owned the TV rights for the characters along with Judy Belushi for many years. Beginning life as a skit on Saturday Night Live, The Blues Brothers debuted on Us TV in 1978 before spawning a full length feature film in 1980 that was directed by John Landis. Although the film was not a huge commercial success it gained a massive cult...
Star and co-creator of The Blues Brothers, Dan Aykroyd has given the project his full backing, having owned the TV rights for the characters along with Judy Belushi for many years. Beginning life as a skit on Saturday Night Live, The Blues Brothers debuted on Us TV in 1978 before spawning a full length feature film in 1980 that was directed by John Landis. Although the film was not a huge commercial success it gained a massive cult...
- 9/1/2011
- by Chris Wright
- Obsessed with Film
Though I’m a sentimental guy, there are actually very few movies that are so revered in my own mind that a remake is immediately blasphemous. So I’m not offended by the news that Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi’s wife, Judy, are plotting to adapt The Blues Brothers into a television show. The original film was a rambling wreck of a road-movie duct-taped together by the magnetic Belushi and a series of thrilling musical sequences. But any remnants of the original film’s magic were trampled upon by 1998′s Blues Brothers 2000, the head-scratching sequel that co-starred John Goodman...
- 8/31/2011
- by Jeff Labrecque
- EW.com - PopWatch
Do we need this? I don't think we need this: Dan Aykroyd is trying to bring back the Blues Brothers again, and this this time they'd get a whole TV series all to themselves! The pilot script, which is just now being shopped around to studios, was written by Judy Belushi (John's widow), former Saturday Night Live writer Anne Beatts, and two men whose top Google hits reveal that they're in a Blues Brothers tribute band. Here's what Judy Belushi said about the project: "I think these are great American characters," Judy Belushi told Variety. "We want to keep them alive. We chose to introduce them as new characters but do it in an way that they have some history, have some life behind them." Okay, valid enough. But I wonder if Beatts could chime in with something that sounds [...]...
- 8/31/2011
- Nerve
Well, since Bill Murray isn't returning his calls about "Ghostbusters 3," Dan Aykroyd is continuing to go all George Lucas in the second half of his career, and isn't content with shitting on the legacy of one just franchise. Nope, he's gonna now drag "The Blues Brothers" through the mud. If you thought the insipid "Blues Brothers 2000" was as low as Aykroyd and company could go, you're mistaken, as Variety report the two guys on a mission from God are now being pitched for a new primetime TV series. Judy Belushi, Anne Beatts ("Saturday Night Live"), Wayne Catania and…...
- 8/31/2011
- The Playlist
The Blues Brothers got their start on TV, made a big splash on the big screen and now might be dancing back to the boob tube. Variety reports a new take on the classic comedy duo [1] is being shopping around to possibly become a new television series. The show would see Jake and Elwood, famously played by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, just released from jail looking for Elwood's real father. Both parts would obviously be recast and, if the show makes it to series, it would include a new musical number each week. There's more after the jump. Variety's story [2] explains that while Universal owns the movie rights to the characters, Aykroyd and John Belushi's ex-wife Judy, hold the TV rights. They're fully in support of this series. It's being written by Belushi herself, along with former Saturday Night Live writer Anne Beatts, Wayne Catania and Kieron Lafferty.
- 8/31/2011
- by Germain Lussier
- Slash Film
Dan Aykroyd is developing a new television series based around The Blue Brothers. Originating in a 1978 episode of Saturday Night Live, comic characters Jake (John Belushi) and Elwood Blues (Aykroyd) later appeared in a hit 1980 film. Aykroyd is now working with the late Belushi's widow Judy on a new TV project, according to Variety. He will shortly pitch the potential series to studios and networks, having penned a pilot alongside SNL's Anne Beatts. Kieron Lafferty and Wayne Catania, stars of the official Blues Brothers revival, have also contributed to the script. The new series will focus on Elwood's search for his real father and while casting is yet to be determined, Aykroyd is expected to provide the voice of Jake and Elwood's (more)...
- 8/31/2011
- by By Morgan Jeffery
- Digital Spy
While taking a break from speculation surrounding the new Ghostbusters movie, Dan Aykroyd seems to have found another project to keep him busy – The Blues Brothers television series.
Variety reports that if the series is given the go ahead, the plot will revolve around Elwood’s (Aykroyd) journey to find his biological father.
While Aykroyd’s character would feature strongly in the show, the actor has expressed his desire to take a backseat on the small-screen project, and cast new actors in the lead roles.
The pilot has been written by Aykroyd himself and former Saturday Night Live scribes Anne Beatts, Wayne Catania and Kieron Lafferty.
The 1980 film - starring Aykroyd and the late John Belushi – follows the musical duo, as they try to save the Catholic home in which they were raised.
The film has since gone onto become a cult classic amongst fans, grossing over $100m worldwide.
Stay tuned for any developments…...
Variety reports that if the series is given the go ahead, the plot will revolve around Elwood’s (Aykroyd) journey to find his biological father.
While Aykroyd’s character would feature strongly in the show, the actor has expressed his desire to take a backseat on the small-screen project, and cast new actors in the lead roles.
The pilot has been written by Aykroyd himself and former Saturday Night Live scribes Anne Beatts, Wayne Catania and Kieron Lafferty.
The 1980 film - starring Aykroyd and the late John Belushi – follows the musical duo, as they try to save the Catholic home in which they were raised.
The film has since gone onto become a cult classic amongst fans, grossing over $100m worldwide.
Stay tuned for any developments…...
- 8/31/2011
- by Nathan.Reecs@lovefilm.com (Nathan Rees)
- LOVEFiLM
"The Blues Brothers" is probably the biggest thing to ever come out of "Saturday Night Live." What started as a simple musical sketch with Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi turned into a franchise featuring albums, tours, movies, books, video games and a performance at a Super Bowl halftime show. Not all of these things are good. And the idea of a new TV show might just be the nail in the coffin. Belushi's widow Judy is working with former SNL writer Anne Beatts on a new...
- 8/31/2011
- by Mike Sampson
- JoBlo.com
John Belushi's widow Judith Belushi-Pisano and "Saturday Night Live" writer Anne Beatts have teamed to pen a pilot script currently being shopped around for a TV series version of John Landis' classic 1980 film comedy "The Blues Brothers" reports Variety.
The series will follow the musical duo of Jake and Elwood Blues and takes place just after they both get out of jail. A major story thread will involve Elwood searching for his real father while each episode in the series will include one main musical number with different musicians taking on the role of The Blues Brothers band as Jake and Elwood travel the United States.
Universal owns the film rights to the property, but Dan Aykroyd and Judith Belushi-Pisano share the television rights. Aykroyd's voice will be heard in the unseen role of Jake and Elwood's parole officer. No other casting decisions have yet been made.
The series will follow the musical duo of Jake and Elwood Blues and takes place just after they both get out of jail. A major story thread will involve Elwood searching for his real father while each episode in the series will include one main musical number with different musicians taking on the role of The Blues Brothers band as Jake and Elwood travel the United States.
Universal owns the film rights to the property, but Dan Aykroyd and Judith Belushi-Pisano share the television rights. Aykroyd's voice will be heard in the unseen role of Jake and Elwood's parole officer. No other casting decisions have yet been made.
- 8/31/2011
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
The Blues Brothers are making their way to the small screen. Variety reports that a TV show is in the works based on the characters that John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd made famouse. Universal owns the film rights and Aykroyd and Judy Belushi -- John's ex-wife own the TV rights. The new pilot has been penned by Belushi and former "Saturday Night Live" writer Anne Beatts, along with Wayne Catania and Kieron Lafferty.
The story is said to follow "the pair out of jail and Elwood, who was raised in an orphanage, looking for his real dad." At this time, no other details are known about the project, with casting still undetermined. The project will be exec produced by Beatts, Belushi and Eric Gardner of Panacea Entertainment. Aykroyd is going to lend his voice to the project as Jake and Elwood's parole officer.
Here is what Judy Belushi had...
The story is said to follow "the pair out of jail and Elwood, who was raised in an orphanage, looking for his real dad." At this time, no other details are known about the project, with casting still undetermined. The project will be exec produced by Beatts, Belushi and Eric Gardner of Panacea Entertainment. Aykroyd is going to lend his voice to the project as Jake and Elwood's parole officer.
Here is what Judy Belushi had...
- 8/31/2011
- by Tiberius
- GeekTyrant
While he’s still looking to get the Ghostbusters back on the big screen, it seems Dan Aykroyd also wants to continue one of his other famous co-creations – The Blues Brothers – in some fashion, though this time on the goggle box.Variety reports that Aykroyd, along with John Belushi’s ex-wife Judy, have owned the TV rights to the characters of Jake and Elwood Blues for years, and that they’re now shopping the prospect of a Blues Brothers series around the Us networks. The package so far includes a pilot script written by Aykroyd, former Saturday Night Live scribe Anne Beatts, Wayne Catania and Kieron Lafferty.The plot will see the musically inclined pair freshly out of jail, with Elwood on the hunt for his real father. While the intention is to find new actors to play the brothers, Aykroyd will be involved as the voice of their parole officer.
- 8/31/2011
- EmpireOnline
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