Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on June 1st, reviewing “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” another animated adventure for the web slinger in the multi-verse. In theaters on June 2nd.
Rating: 5.0/5.0
The premise again is that there are that there are many Spider-Heroes, across multiple universes. We are back with Miles Morales (voice of Shameik Moore), who has settled into the spider role in his universe. He has a new nemesis, The Spot (Jason Schwatzman) a faceless humanoid whose spotted body can form real holes. Complications arise as The Spot gains more power, which has another universe’s Spider-Woman Gwen (Hailee Steinfeld) visiting Miles again, renewing some feelings they had as a couple. When The Spot escapes into the multiverse, Miles follows close behind, ending up in several surreal places with several different Spider-Heroes, including his multi-universe mentor Peter Parker (Jake Johnson...
Rating: 5.0/5.0
The premise again is that there are that there are many Spider-Heroes, across multiple universes. We are back with Miles Morales (voice of Shameik Moore), who has settled into the spider role in his universe. He has a new nemesis, The Spot (Jason Schwatzman) a faceless humanoid whose spotted body can form real holes. Complications arise as The Spot gains more power, which has another universe’s Spider-Woman Gwen (Hailee Steinfeld) visiting Miles again, renewing some feelings they had as a couple. When The Spot escapes into the multiverse, Miles follows close behind, ending up in several surreal places with several different Spider-Heroes, including his multi-universe mentor Peter Parker (Jake Johnson...
- 6/2/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Mama Mia! In an alternate timeline, Chris Pratt never voiced Mario in Illumination and Nintendo‘s The Super Mario Bros. Movie. How is this possible? The role could have gone to About My Father actor and comedian Sebastian Maniscalco! Speaking with Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos on Live With Kelly and Mark, Maniscalco told the duo he auditioned for the Mario role before joining the cast as Spike, Mario and Luigi’s former boss in the film. While Maniscalco didn’t get the chance to play Mario, he says his version of the character is closer to the voice used by Charles Martinet in the video game franchise.
“Everybody was like, ‘How come they didn’t cast an Italian American for the role?’ So I read for Mario, and I went in there and I did the whole, ‘It’s a’me, Mario!’ And then they said, ‘We’re gonna give you Spike.
“Everybody was like, ‘How come they didn’t cast an Italian American for the role?’ So I read for Mario, and I went in there and I did the whole, ‘It’s a’me, Mario!’ And then they said, ‘We’re gonna give you Spike.
- 5/30/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on Wbgr-fm on May 25th, reviewing “About My Father,” the first film with comedian Sebastian Maniscalco taking a lead role. In theaters on May 26th.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
The fictional story uses Maniscalco’s real name, as he is about to propose to his girlfriend Ellie (Leslie Bibb), but his widowed father Salvo (Robert De Niro) still dominates his life. Ellie asks Sebastian to spend the 4th of July with her wealthy blue blood family, with includes her Senator mother Tigger (Kim Cattrall), father Bill (David Rasche) and brothers Lucky (Anders Holm) and Doug (Brett Dier). Sebastian tries to get out of it, with the excuse that he has to spend the 4th with Salvo, but Ellie insists that he bring Dad along. So it’s the Sicilian father and son against the country club one percenters.
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Rating: 3.5/5.0
The fictional story uses Maniscalco’s real name, as he is about to propose to his girlfriend Ellie (Leslie Bibb), but his widowed father Salvo (Robert De Niro) still dominates his life. Ellie asks Sebastian to spend the 4th of July with her wealthy blue blood family, with includes her Senator mother Tigger (Kim Cattrall), father Bill (David Rasche) and brothers Lucky (Anders Holm) and Doug (Brett Dier). Sebastian tries to get out of it, with the excuse that he has to spend the 4th with Salvo, but Ellie insists that he bring Dad along. So it’s the Sicilian father and son against the country club one percenters.
Click...
- 5/27/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
On a recent quiet morning at The Summit, the ultra-exclusive gated community in Los Angeles, a crane was called to deliver olive trees to Sebastian Maniscalco’s house.
The Illinois native, known for relatable stand-up about his immigrant parents, and for his onstage physicality and boisterousness, went uncharacteristically silent watching the evergreens drop down on his stunning views of Beverly Hills. He’s used to talking about his much humbler roots.
“I like to poke fun or make light of what we see in society and make fun of my own family and my old-world immigrant upbringing. I think I do it in a way where we’re all laughing together,” he tells Variety.
Maniscalco’s father, Salvatore, emigrated from Sicily at age 15, getting a beautician’s license to support his wife and kids with cut-and-dye jobs in a suburban salon. He is the inspiration for “About My Father,” a...
The Illinois native, known for relatable stand-up about his immigrant parents, and for his onstage physicality and boisterousness, went uncharacteristically silent watching the evergreens drop down on his stunning views of Beverly Hills. He’s used to talking about his much humbler roots.
“I like to poke fun or make light of what we see in society and make fun of my own family and my old-world immigrant upbringing. I think I do it in a way where we’re all laughing together,” he tells Variety.
Maniscalco’s father, Salvatore, emigrated from Sicily at age 15, getting a beautician’s license to support his wife and kids with cut-and-dye jobs in a suburban salon. He is the inspiration for “About My Father,” a...
- 5/26/2023
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Hollywood star Robert De Niro, who plays the father to comedian-actor Sebastian Maniscalco in the film ‘About My Father’, has shared that the film’s story has a personal element from Sebastian’s experience.
Talking about the film and his reel life son, Robert De Niro told Ians: “I knew Sebastian, of course. Not well, but I have worked with him a little bit; had seen a couple of his shows, and worked on the ‘Irishman’ with him. So, we had a reading and then after that, I pretty much was like ‘let’s do it – just had to find the time and when to do it’.”
He further spoke about the script, as he shared: “I liked it, and saw that the script had a personal element from Sebastian’s experience, obviously. And, after getting to know Laura Terruso a little bit, I realised her background; she was from Brooklyn,...
Talking about the film and his reel life son, Robert De Niro told Ians: “I knew Sebastian, of course. Not well, but I have worked with him a little bit; had seen a couple of his shows, and worked on the ‘Irishman’ with him. So, we had a reading and then after that, I pretty much was like ‘let’s do it – just had to find the time and when to do it’.”
He further spoke about the script, as he shared: “I liked it, and saw that the script had a personal element from Sebastian’s experience, obviously. And, after getting to know Laura Terruso a little bit, I realised her background; she was from Brooklyn,...
- 5/25/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Plot: The film centers around Sebastian who is encouraged by his fiancée to bring his immigrant, hairdresser father, Salvo, to a weekend get-together with her super-rich and exceedingly eccentric family. The weekend develops into what can only be described as a culture clash, leaving Sebastian and Salvo to discover that the great thing about family is everything about family.
Review: The marketing around About My Father makes a big deal about Sebastian Maniscalco being considered one of the most popular comedians in America. Maniscalco’s stand-up routine pokes fun at his immigrant family, his vastly different in-laws, and his observations about how people act. With a fair amount of profanity in his routines, Maniscalco’s brand of humor remains pretty inviting to all audiences. About My Father takes a lot of jokes and stories Maniscalco has told over the years and pulls them together into a comedy loosely inspired by his own life.
Review: The marketing around About My Father makes a big deal about Sebastian Maniscalco being considered one of the most popular comedians in America. Maniscalco’s stand-up routine pokes fun at his immigrant family, his vastly different in-laws, and his observations about how people act. With a fair amount of profanity in his routines, Maniscalco’s brand of humor remains pretty inviting to all audiences. About My Father takes a lot of jokes and stories Maniscalco has told over the years and pulls them together into a comedy loosely inspired by his own life.
- 5/25/2023
- by Alex Maidy
- JoBlo.com
If Sebastian Maniscalco really is the most popular comic in the country at the moment, you’d never know why from his film debut in About My Father. So unfunny it’s embarrassing, this is an over-the-top, under-achieving generational comedy that feels like it was written in the mid- to late-1960s and has been moldering in a drawer ever since.
At 79 the oldest person in the cast, Robert de Niro has the most energy of anyone in the film and employs all the tricks he could think of to help the cause. Still, this mostly plays like a ragged hand-me-down being performed at top volume, as if the dialogue was going to be competing with a laugh track.
One plausibly might presume that this lightweight vehicle was conceived and designed by Maniscalco using elements of his own upbringing so as to surround himself with reliable talent to ease his...
At 79 the oldest person in the cast, Robert de Niro has the most energy of anyone in the film and employs all the tricks he could think of to help the cause. Still, this mostly plays like a ragged hand-me-down being performed at top volume, as if the dialogue was going to be competing with a laugh track.
One plausibly might presume that this lightweight vehicle was conceived and designed by Maniscalco using elements of his own upbringing so as to surround himself with reliable talent to ease his...
- 5/25/2023
- by Todd McCarthy
- Deadline Film + TV
Following a handful of supporting roles in “Tag,” “Green Book” and “The Irishman,” Sebastian Maniscalco makes his first bid for leading-man status with “About My Father,” a family comedy sourced from the same semi-autobiographical material that made his stand-up a commercial and cultural phenomenon. To say it’s better than all three “Meet the Parents” films may be a dubious compliment, but it’s one made more significant because it co-stars Robert De Niro — and more importantly, actually features recognizable human behavior amidst its suitably outlandish set pieces. Whether or not Maniscalco has a legitimate future as a movie star, he proves a likeable presence as a romantic lead, while director Laura Terruso skillfully delivers comedic payoffs that tap into his wheelhouse while introducing him to a wider audience.
Maniscalco plays “himself,” the successful, Chicago-based manager of a boutique hotel who falls for painter and artist Ellie Collins (Leslie Bibb...
Maniscalco plays “himself,” the successful, Chicago-based manager of a boutique hotel who falls for painter and artist Ellie Collins (Leslie Bibb...
- 5/25/2023
- by Todd Gilchrist
- Variety Film + TV
There’s no doubt that Robert De Niro is funny, but his recent taste in comedies have certainly called his sense of humor into question. It’s been over 20 years since “Analyze This” and “Meet the Parents” launched the robust comedy leg of the Oscar winner’s career, but not every subsequent project has been as successful. Following the twin head scratchers of “Dirty Grandpa” and “The War with Grandpa” (unrelated; though equally ignored), the godfather of Hollywood has finally found his comedy groove again.
And wouldn’t you know, all it took was a good, old-fashioned Italian American family farce — fittingly titled “About My Father.” Though there’s a wide swath of the public for whom De Niro can do no wrong, even giants can fall. Luckily, Sebastian Maniscalco knows the importance of family.
The marquee comedian appeared opposite De Niro in Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman,” sealing his...
And wouldn’t you know, all it took was a good, old-fashioned Italian American family farce — fittingly titled “About My Father.” Though there’s a wide swath of the public for whom De Niro can do no wrong, even giants can fall. Luckily, Sebastian Maniscalco knows the importance of family.
The marquee comedian appeared opposite De Niro in Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman,” sealing his...
- 5/25/2023
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Chicago – The adage of write what you know certainly applies to the first film in which hot stand-up comic Sebastian Maniscalco takes the lead role. “About My Father” is a fictionalized version of the relationship between Sebastian and his real life father Salvo, which Maniscalco also co-wrote. They both sat down with HollywoodChicago.com for a video interview.
“About My Father” is based on routines in Sebastian Maniscalco’s act. The fictional story uses his real name, as he is about to propose to his girlfriend Ellie (Leslie Bibb), but his widowed father Salvo (Robert De Niro in the film) still dominates his life. Ellie asks Sebastian to spend the 4th of July with her wealthy blue blood family, with includes her Senator mother Tigger (Kim Cattrall), father Bill (David Rasche) and brothers Lucky (Anders Holm) and Doug (Brett Dier). Sebastian tries to get out of it, with the excuse...
“About My Father” is based on routines in Sebastian Maniscalco’s act. The fictional story uses his real name, as he is about to propose to his girlfriend Ellie (Leslie Bibb), but his widowed father Salvo (Robert De Niro in the film) still dominates his life. Ellie asks Sebastian to spend the 4th of July with her wealthy blue blood family, with includes her Senator mother Tigger (Kim Cattrall), father Bill (David Rasche) and brothers Lucky (Anders Holm) and Doug (Brett Dier). Sebastian tries to get out of it, with the excuse...
- 5/24/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Previous | Image 1 of 9 | NextComedian and lead actor Sebastian Maniscalco of ‘About My Father.’
Chicago – The Windy City was abuzz with Red Carpet bliss as the multi-star cast and director of the new film “About My Father” walked before the Chicago premiere of the film on May 6th, 2023. Hot stand-up comic Sebastian Maniscalco is the leading man, with his father Salvo portrayed by the legendary Robert De Niro.
The film is Maniscalco’s first lead role, based on routines in his act. The fictional story uses his real name, as he is about to propose to his girlfriend Ellie (Leslie Bibb), but his widowed father Salvo (Robert De Niro) still dominates his life. Ellie asks Sebastian to spend the 4th of July with her wealthy blue blood family, with includes her Senator mother Tigger (Kim Cattrall), father Bill (David Rasche) and brothers Lucky (Anders Holm) and Doug (Brett Dier). Sebastian tries to get out of it,...
Chicago – The Windy City was abuzz with Red Carpet bliss as the multi-star cast and director of the new film “About My Father” walked before the Chicago premiere of the film on May 6th, 2023. Hot stand-up comic Sebastian Maniscalco is the leading man, with his father Salvo portrayed by the legendary Robert De Niro.
The film is Maniscalco’s first lead role, based on routines in his act. The fictional story uses his real name, as he is about to propose to his girlfriend Ellie (Leslie Bibb), but his widowed father Salvo (Robert De Niro) still dominates his life. Ellie asks Sebastian to spend the 4th of July with her wealthy blue blood family, with includes her Senator mother Tigger (Kim Cattrall), father Bill (David Rasche) and brothers Lucky (Anders Holm) and Doug (Brett Dier). Sebastian tries to get out of it,...
- 5/24/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – If you’re a “Workaholics” fan, Anders Holm needs no introduction. The actor was a co-creator of the farcical series on Comedy Central, and from there has carved a niche as a character actor. He portrays Lucky in the new comedy “About My Father,” which features Sebastian Maniscalco and Robert De Niro.
The film is hot stand-up comic Sebastian Maniscalco’s first lead role, based on routines in his act. The fictional story uses his real name, as he is about to propose to his girlfriend Ellie (Leslie Bibb), but his widowed father Salvo (Robert De Niro) still dominates his life. Ellie asks Sebastian to spend the 4th of July with her wealthy blue blood family, with includes her Senator mother Tigger (Kim Cattrall), father Bill (David Rasche) and brothers Lucky (Anders Holm) and Doug (Brett Dier). Sebastian tries to get out of it, with the excuse that he...
The film is hot stand-up comic Sebastian Maniscalco’s first lead role, based on routines in his act. The fictional story uses his real name, as he is about to propose to his girlfriend Ellie (Leslie Bibb), but his widowed father Salvo (Robert De Niro) still dominates his life. Ellie asks Sebastian to spend the 4th of July with her wealthy blue blood family, with includes her Senator mother Tigger (Kim Cattrall), father Bill (David Rasche) and brothers Lucky (Anders Holm) and Doug (Brett Dier). Sebastian tries to get out of it, with the excuse that he...
- 5/23/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Comedian-actor Sebastian Maniscalco, who is gearing up for his upcoming theatrical film ‘About My Father’, has shared that the film is an ode to his father.
‘About My Father’, which stars Robert De Niro and Sebastian Maniscalco, is a whimsical tale of a father-son duo that are nothing alike. The film shows Sebastian’s character torn between impressing his fiance’s parents and leaving his father alone on July 4. He decides his best bet is bringing the two together. However, when Italian meets American; chaos ensues.
Sebastian’s father Salvo also revealed that he learnt the craft of hairdressing from his father. Talking about his early days in the US, Salvo Maniscalco said, “I came to the US, from Sicily, when I was 15 years old. School really wasn’t for me, so I told my father, who was a barber, that I wanted to be a hairdresser. So, I’ve...
‘About My Father’, which stars Robert De Niro and Sebastian Maniscalco, is a whimsical tale of a father-son duo that are nothing alike. The film shows Sebastian’s character torn between impressing his fiance’s parents and leaving his father alone on July 4. He decides his best bet is bringing the two together. However, when Italian meets American; chaos ensues.
Sebastian’s father Salvo also revealed that he learnt the craft of hairdressing from his father. Talking about his early days in the US, Salvo Maniscalco said, “I came to the US, from Sicily, when I was 15 years old. School really wasn’t for me, so I told my father, who was a barber, that I wanted to be a hairdresser. So, I’ve...
- 5/17/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Enter the contest below for the chance to win a pair of passes to attend an advance screening of About My Father on Monday, May 22nd at 7:00pm at the Mjr Troy!
In About My Father, the hottest comic in America, Sebastian Maniscalco joins forces with legendary Italian-American and two-time Oscar® winner, Robert De Niro. The film centers around Sebastian (Maniscalco) who is encouraged by his fiancée (Leslie Bibb) to bring his immigrant, hairdresser father, Salvo (De Niro), to a weekend get-together with her super-rich and exceedingly eccentric family. The weekend develops into what can only be described as a culture clash, leaving Sebastian and Salvo to discover that the great thing about family is everything about family.
About The Film Genre: Comedy Cast: Sebastian Maniscalco, Robert De Niro, Leslie Bibb, Anders Holm, David Rasche, Brett Dier, Kim Cattrall, Deborah Tucker Director: Laura Terruso Screenplay: Austen Earl, Sebastian Maniscalco Producer: Andrew Miano,...
In About My Father, the hottest comic in America, Sebastian Maniscalco joins forces with legendary Italian-American and two-time Oscar® winner, Robert De Niro. The film centers around Sebastian (Maniscalco) who is encouraged by his fiancée (Leslie Bibb) to bring his immigrant, hairdresser father, Salvo (De Niro), to a weekend get-together with her super-rich and exceedingly eccentric family. The weekend develops into what can only be described as a culture clash, leaving Sebastian and Salvo to discover that the great thing about family is everything about family.
About The Film Genre: Comedy Cast: Sebastian Maniscalco, Robert De Niro, Leslie Bibb, Anders Holm, David Rasche, Brett Dier, Kim Cattrall, Deborah Tucker Director: Laura Terruso Screenplay: Austen Earl, Sebastian Maniscalco Producer: Andrew Miano,...
- 5/16/2023
- by Editor
- CinemaNerdz
The trailer of the Robert De Niro starrer comedy film ‘About My Father’ was unveiled recently. The film is based on the life of the popular comedian Sebastian Maniscalco and promises to be a hilarious and heartwarming tribute to different cultures and experiences as told through the eyes of Maniscalco as he stars in the film as De Niro’s son.
The trailer shows Sebastian Maniscalco taking his father to meet the family of his love interest on the occasion of the U.S. Independence Day. As the two families meet, comedy ensues with De Niro’s character pulling off antics one after the other.
The differences between the two families come to an amusing crash as the estranged father-son duo add a fun Italian twist to the all-American family.
The film, which also stars Kim Cattrall and Leslie Bibb, has been helmed by Laura Terruso and written by Austen Earl and Sebastian Maniscalco,...
The trailer shows Sebastian Maniscalco taking his father to meet the family of his love interest on the occasion of the U.S. Independence Day. As the two families meet, comedy ensues with De Niro’s character pulling off antics one after the other.
The differences between the two families come to an amusing crash as the estranged father-son duo add a fun Italian twist to the all-American family.
The film, which also stars Kim Cattrall and Leslie Bibb, has been helmed by Laura Terruso and written by Austen Earl and Sebastian Maniscalco,...
- 2/23/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
No one can embarrass you like your parents. They often mean well, but it’s difficult not to dread every word out of their mouths, especially when they’re interacting with members of your extended circle. In Lionsgate‘s About My Father trailer, stand-up comic Sebastian Maniscalco and Robert De Niro play a father and son duo who venture outside their comfort zone to interact with extended family members they barely understand.
Laura Terruso directs from a script co-written by Maniscalco and Austen Earl. The story is about Sebastian (Maniscalco) bringing his immigrant hairdresser dad Salvo (De Niro), to a weekend-long getaway to meet his fiancée’s (Leslie Bibb) wealthy and eccentric family. The two groups quickly realize they’re from opposite sides of the track, leading to hilarity, awkward exchanges, and a dead peacock.
Speaking with People, Maniscalco says the plot was inspired by his experience meeting his now-wife Lana Gomez’s family.
Laura Terruso directs from a script co-written by Maniscalco and Austen Earl. The story is about Sebastian (Maniscalco) bringing his immigrant hairdresser dad Salvo (De Niro), to a weekend-long getaway to meet his fiancée’s (Leslie Bibb) wealthy and eccentric family. The two groups quickly realize they’re from opposite sides of the track, leading to hilarity, awkward exchanges, and a dead peacock.
Speaking with People, Maniscalco says the plot was inspired by his experience meeting his now-wife Lana Gomez’s family.
- 2/22/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Lionsgate has released the official trailer and poster for the upcoming comedy About My Father starring Robert De Niro, and you can check them both out right here on CinemaNerdz (see above and below)!
The hottest comic in America, Sebastian Maniscalco joins forces with legendary Italian-American and two-time Oscar® winner, Robert De Niro, in the new comedy About My Father. The film centers around Sebastian (Maniscalco) who is encouraged by his fiancée (Leslie Bibb) to bring his immigrant, hairdresser father, Salvo (De Niro), to a weekend get-together with her super-rich and exceedingly eccentric family. The weekend develops into what can only be described as a culture clash, leaving Sebastian and Salvo to discover that the great thing about family is everything about family.
About The Film
Genre: Comedy Cast: Sebastian Maniscalco, Robert De Niro, Leslie Bibb, Anders Holm, David Rasche, Brett Dier, and Kim Cattrall Director: Laura Terruso Screenplay: Austen Earl,...
The hottest comic in America, Sebastian Maniscalco joins forces with legendary Italian-American and two-time Oscar® winner, Robert De Niro, in the new comedy About My Father. The film centers around Sebastian (Maniscalco) who is encouraged by his fiancée (Leslie Bibb) to bring his immigrant, hairdresser father, Salvo (De Niro), to a weekend get-together with her super-rich and exceedingly eccentric family. The weekend develops into what can only be described as a culture clash, leaving Sebastian and Salvo to discover that the great thing about family is everything about family.
About The Film
Genre: Comedy Cast: Sebastian Maniscalco, Robert De Niro, Leslie Bibb, Anders Holm, David Rasche, Brett Dier, and Kim Cattrall Director: Laura Terruso Screenplay: Austen Earl,...
- 2/22/2023
- by Editor
- CinemaNerdz
Last week, more than 400 TV creators and showrunners — all of them women — sent letters to top executives at Hollywood studios demanding that specific safety protocols be put in place for pregnant employees in states where abortion has been outlawed, or soon will be. Now, letters of support signed by 594 men — including J.J. Abrams, Jordan Peele, Greg Berlanti, Donald Glover, Aaron Sorkin, David E. Kelley, Taika Waititi and Ryan Murphy — have been sent to the same companies.
The text of the letter is short, simply saying the undersigned stand with their “female, trans & non-binary showrunner colleagues in demanding a response from our employers regarding the imminent crisis” at hand. It was delivered by replying-all to the first letter, and was sent to Disney, Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount, Apple, NBC Universal, Amazon, Lionsgate and AMC.
These activist correspondences have been instigated by the Supreme Court’s June 24 Dobbs decison, which overturned Roe v.
The text of the letter is short, simply saying the undersigned stand with their “female, trans & non-binary showrunner colleagues in demanding a response from our employers regarding the imminent crisis” at hand. It was delivered by replying-all to the first letter, and was sent to Disney, Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount, Apple, NBC Universal, Amazon, Lionsgate and AMC.
These activist correspondences have been instigated by the Supreme Court’s June 24 Dobbs decison, which overturned Roe v.
- 8/1/2022
- by Kate Aurthur
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Brett Dier (Jane the Virgin), Anders Holm (Workaholics) and David Rasche (Succession) are the latest additions to the cast of the recently-wrapped Lionsgate comedy About My Father, written by and starring comedian Sebastian Maniscalco.
They join an ensemble that also includes Robert De Niro, Leslie Bibb and Kim Cattrall.
The film directed by Laura Terruso (Work It) is inspired by Maniscalco’s life and his relationship with his father. It sees Sebastian tell his old-school Italian immigrant father Salvo (De Niro) that he is going to propose to his all-American girlfriend, with Salvo insisting on crashing a weekend with her tony parents. Though cultures clash and it seems that the two families have nothing in common, by the end of the weekend, they’ll be la famiglia.
As previously announced, Bibb is playing Sebastian’s onscreen fiancée, Ellie. Dier and Holm will play her brothers, Doug and Lucky Collins,...
They join an ensemble that also includes Robert De Niro, Leslie Bibb and Kim Cattrall.
The film directed by Laura Terruso (Work It) is inspired by Maniscalco’s life and his relationship with his father. It sees Sebastian tell his old-school Italian immigrant father Salvo (De Niro) that he is going to propose to his all-American girlfriend, with Salvo insisting on crashing a weekend with her tony parents. Though cultures clash and it seems that the two families have nothing in common, by the end of the weekend, they’ll be la famiglia.
As previously announced, Bibb is playing Sebastian’s onscreen fiancée, Ellie. Dier and Holm will play her brothers, Doug and Lucky Collins,...
- 11/18/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Leslie Bibb is set to star opposite Sebastian Maniscalco and Robert De Niro in Lionsgate’s comedy About My Father. The pic, as we first told you, is inspired by Maniscalco’s own life and relationship with his dad, and the stand-up comedian co-wrote the screenplay with Austen Earl, which Laura Terruso is directing.
In the film, when Maniscalco tells his old-school Italian immigrant father Salvo (De Niro) that he is going to propose to his all-American girlfriend, Salvo insists on crashing a weekend with her tony parents. Though cultures clash and it seems that the two families have nothing in common, by the end of the weekend, they’ll be la famiglia.
Bibb will play Ellie, Maniscalco’s character’s fiancée.
The pic will be produced by Depth of Field’s Chris Weitz, Paul Weitz, and Andrew Miano, alongside Judi Marmel. Depth of Field’s Dan Balgoyen will executive produce.
In the film, when Maniscalco tells his old-school Italian immigrant father Salvo (De Niro) that he is going to propose to his all-American girlfriend, Salvo insists on crashing a weekend with her tony parents. Though cultures clash and it seems that the two families have nothing in common, by the end of the weekend, they’ll be la famiglia.
Bibb will play Ellie, Maniscalco’s character’s fiancée.
The pic will be produced by Depth of Field’s Chris Weitz, Paul Weitz, and Andrew Miano, alongside Judi Marmel. Depth of Field’s Dan Balgoyen will executive produce.
- 9/20/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
ABC Siganture’s head of comedy Melanie Frankel is exiting her position, TheWrap has learned.
Frankel’s departure comes years after being named senior vice president of comedy development by then-newly installed studio president Jonnie Davis. She has been with the studio since 2015.
During her tenure the studio has signed overall deals with creators including Dan Levy, Aline Brosh McKenna, Nisha Ganatra, Jordan Reddout & Gus Hickey, Austen Earl and Yvette Lee Bowser.
Prior to assuming her current position, Frankel served as vice president of current series, overseeing series including “Stumptown,” “American Housewife” and “A Million Little Things.”
She previously worked in comedy department at the studio from 2007 to 2011, before leaving to serve as head of comedy development for USA Network. At USA, she developed series including “Playing House,” “Sirens” and “Benched.” She has also held positions at Imagine Television and Grammnet.
Read original story ABC Signature Head of Comedy Melanie...
Frankel’s departure comes years after being named senior vice president of comedy development by then-newly installed studio president Jonnie Davis. She has been with the studio since 2015.
During her tenure the studio has signed overall deals with creators including Dan Levy, Aline Brosh McKenna, Nisha Ganatra, Jordan Reddout & Gus Hickey, Austen Earl and Yvette Lee Bowser.
Prior to assuming her current position, Frankel served as vice president of current series, overseeing series including “Stumptown,” “American Housewife” and “A Million Little Things.”
She previously worked in comedy department at the studio from 2007 to 2011, before leaving to serve as head of comedy development for USA Network. At USA, she developed series including “Playing House,” “Sirens” and “Benched.” She has also held positions at Imagine Television and Grammnet.
Read original story ABC Signature Head of Comedy Melanie...
- 8/11/2021
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Melanie Frankel is leaving ABC Signature where she served as head of comedy for the past two years. According to sources, Frankel opted to depart before the end of her contract. She has not yet decided what she will do next. Meanwhile, ABC Signature, part of Disney Television Studios, is searching for a new head of comedy, with Frankel staying on as a consultant until a replacement is found.
Frankel, then VP Current at ABC Studios, was named head of comedy for the studio (later renamed ABC Signature) in September 2019 in the first major executive appointment for Jonnie Davis after he became ABC Studios president. Most of Frankel’s tenure was during the pandemic, which altered the broadcast development cycle. None of ABC Signature’s 2021 comedy pilots were picked up to series but most had been put in development and sold before Frankel took the top comedy job.
There have...
Frankel, then VP Current at ABC Studios, was named head of comedy for the studio (later renamed ABC Signature) in September 2019 in the first major executive appointment for Jonnie Davis after he became ABC Studios president. Most of Frankel’s tenure was during the pandemic, which altered the broadcast development cycle. None of ABC Signature’s 2021 comedy pilots were picked up to series but most had been put in development and sold before Frankel took the top comedy job.
There have...
- 8/11/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Melanie Frankel is exiting her role as head of comedy for ABC Signature, Variety has learned.
According to an individual with knowledge of the situation, Frankel’s departure is amicable. She first assumed the top comedy role at the studio in October 2019 (when it was still known as ABC Studios) after having been vice president of current series since 2015. The search for a new head of comedy is now underway.
Frankel and her team most recently sold the series “This Fool” and the animation presentation “Standing By” to Hulu, with the latter project hailing from “Schitt’s Creek” alum Dan Levy. Levy was signed to an overall deal at the studio during Frankel’s tenure, as were creators like Austen Earl, Yvette Lee Bowser, Aline Brosh McKenna, Nisha Ganatra, and Jordan Reddout and Gus Hickey.
Frankel also helped shepherd the Phoebe Robinson pilot “Everything’s Trash,” which was set up at Freeform.
According to an individual with knowledge of the situation, Frankel’s departure is amicable. She first assumed the top comedy role at the studio in October 2019 (when it was still known as ABC Studios) after having been vice president of current series since 2015. The search for a new head of comedy is now underway.
Frankel and her team most recently sold the series “This Fool” and the animation presentation “Standing By” to Hulu, with the latter project hailing from “Schitt’s Creek” alum Dan Levy. Levy was signed to an overall deal at the studio during Frankel’s tenure, as were creators like Austen Earl, Yvette Lee Bowser, Aline Brosh McKenna, Nisha Ganatra, and Jordan Reddout and Gus Hickey.
Frankel also helped shepherd the Phoebe Robinson pilot “Everything’s Trash,” which was set up at Freeform.
- 8/11/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Robert De Niro has joined the cast of “About My Father,” an upcoming film that’s loosely based on the life of standup comic Sebastian Maniscalco.
De Niro is set to play Maniscalco’s dad Salvo in the movie, reuniting the pair after first appearing together in Martin Scorsese’s mob drama “The Irishman.”
In “About My Father,” Sebastian tells his old-school Italian immigrant dad of his plans to propose to his all-American girlfriend, prompting Salvo to insist on crashing a weekend with her parents.
Nathan Kahane, president of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, says production on the film will begin later in 2021.
“The way Sebastian talks about his father, Salvo sounds to us like the type of guy who thinks that Robert De Niro should play him in a movie. So we thought, why not?” Kahane said in a statement. “Actually, Robert De Niro is incredibly selective about the projects he chooses,...
De Niro is set to play Maniscalco’s dad Salvo in the movie, reuniting the pair after first appearing together in Martin Scorsese’s mob drama “The Irishman.”
In “About My Father,” Sebastian tells his old-school Italian immigrant dad of his plans to propose to his all-American girlfriend, prompting Salvo to insist on crashing a weekend with her parents.
Nathan Kahane, president of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, says production on the film will begin later in 2021.
“The way Sebastian talks about his father, Salvo sounds to us like the type of guy who thinks that Robert De Niro should play him in a movie. So we thought, why not?” Kahane said in a statement. “Actually, Robert De Niro is incredibly selective about the projects he chooses,...
- 5/12/2021
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Comedy is loosely based on Maniscalco’s relationship with his father
Robert De Niro has joined Sebastian Maniscalco in “About My Father,” which will loosely be based on the stand-up comedian’s life and his relationship with his father, Nathan Kahane, president of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, announced on Wednesday.
Laura Terruso is directing from a screenplay by Maniscalco and Austen Earl. De Niro will play Salvo, Sebastian’s father. The official logline reads: “In the film, when Sebastian tells his old-school Italian immigrant father that he is going to propose to his all-American girlfriend, Salvo insists on crashing a weekend with her tony parents. Though cultures clash and it seems that the two families have nothing in common, by the end of the weekend, they’ll be la famiglia.”
De Niro and Maniscalco first appeared together in Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman.”
Depth of Field’s Chris Weitz,...
Robert De Niro has joined Sebastian Maniscalco in “About My Father,” which will loosely be based on the stand-up comedian’s life and his relationship with his father, Nathan Kahane, president of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, announced on Wednesday.
Laura Terruso is directing from a screenplay by Maniscalco and Austen Earl. De Niro will play Salvo, Sebastian’s father. The official logline reads: “In the film, when Sebastian tells his old-school Italian immigrant father that he is going to propose to his all-American girlfriend, Salvo insists on crashing a weekend with her tony parents. Though cultures clash and it seems that the two families have nothing in common, by the end of the weekend, they’ll be la famiglia.”
De Niro and Maniscalco first appeared together in Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman.”
Depth of Field’s Chris Weitz,...
- 5/12/2021
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Two-time Oscar winner Robert De Niro has signed on to star opposite standup comic Sebastian Maniscalco in About My Father, the Lionsgate comedy loosely based on Maniscalco’s life and his relationship with his father. Laura Terruso, who directed the 2020 YA comedy Work It and co-wrote the Sally Field-starrer Hello, My Name Is Doris, has been tapped to direct About My Father from a screenplay by Maniscalco and Austen Earl.
In the film, when Sebastian tells his old-school Italian immigrant father Salvo (De Niro) that he is going to propose to his all-American girlfriend, Salvo insists on crashing a weekend with her tony parents. Though cultures clash and it seems that the two families have nothing in common, by the end of the weekend, they’ll be la famiglia. The pic reunites De Niro and Maniscalco after the two first appeared together in Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman.
In the film, when Sebastian tells his old-school Italian immigrant father Salvo (De Niro) that he is going to propose to his all-American girlfriend, Salvo insists on crashing a weekend with her tony parents. Though cultures clash and it seems that the two families have nothing in common, by the end of the weekend, they’ll be la famiglia. The pic reunites De Niro and Maniscalco after the two first appeared together in Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman.
- 5/12/2021
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Robert De Niro will play the titular dad in Lionsgate comedy About My Father, the feature film vehicle for popular comic Sebastian Maniscalco.
The story, loosely based on the stand-up’s own life story, follows Sebastian as he tells his old-school Italian immigrant father that he is going to propose to his all-American girlfriend, and Salvo (De Niro) insists on crashing a weekend with her parents. A culture clash and hilarity ensues.
De Niro and Maniscalco, who wrote the screenplay for the film with Austen Earl, previously worked together on Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman.
Laura Terruso, who was behind hit Netflix YA ...
The story, loosely based on the stand-up’s own life story, follows Sebastian as he tells his old-school Italian immigrant father that he is going to propose to his all-American girlfriend, and Salvo (De Niro) insists on crashing a weekend with her parents. A culture clash and hilarity ensues.
De Niro and Maniscalco, who wrote the screenplay for the film with Austen Earl, previously worked together on Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman.
Laura Terruso, who was behind hit Netflix YA ...
- 5/12/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Robert De Niro will play the titular dad in Lionsgate comedy About My Father, the feature film vehicle for popular comic Sebastian Maniscalco.
The story, loosely based on the stand-up’s own life story, follows Sebastian as he tells his old-school Italian immigrant father that he is going to propose to his all-American girlfriend, and Salvo (De Niro) insists on crashing a weekend with her parents. A culture clash and hilarity ensues.
De Niro and Maniscalco, who wrote the screenplay for the film with Austen Earl, previously worked together on Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman.
Laura Terruso, who was behind hit Netflix YA ...
The story, loosely based on the stand-up’s own life story, follows Sebastian as he tells his old-school Italian immigrant father that he is going to propose to his all-American girlfriend, and Salvo (De Niro) insists on crashing a weekend with her parents. A culture clash and hilarity ensues.
De Niro and Maniscalco, who wrote the screenplay for the film with Austen Earl, previously worked together on Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman.
Laura Terruso, who was behind hit Netflix YA ...
- 5/12/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Fox has put in development G-Men, a multi-camera family comedy from writer Luke Cunningham (The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon), Austen Earl (Happy Together) and 20th Century Fox TV.
Written by Cunningham, G-Men follows two estranged brothers — who both claim to be government agents, even though one is a hardcore FBI agent and the other’s a part-time mailman — struggle to put their vast differences aside when they reunite to help their larger-than-life mother move on after the death of their father. They hate this new arrangement at first, but ultimately they realize that sometimes it’s the people you agree with the least who inspire you to be your best.
Cunningham and Earl executive produce. The project is a co-production between 20th Century Fox TV and Fox Entertainment.
Cunningham was a writer on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and moved to The Tonight Show with Fallon as a writer for the first three seasons.
Written by Cunningham, G-Men follows two estranged brothers — who both claim to be government agents, even though one is a hardcore FBI agent and the other’s a part-time mailman — struggle to put their vast differences aside when they reunite to help their larger-than-life mother move on after the death of their father. They hate this new arrangement at first, but ultimately they realize that sometimes it’s the people you agree with the least who inspire you to be your best.
Cunningham and Earl executive produce. The project is a co-production between 20th Century Fox TV and Fox Entertainment.
Cunningham was a writer on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and moved to The Tonight Show with Fallon as a writer for the first three seasons.
- 11/6/2019
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
“Happy Together” creator Austen Earl and writer Luke Cunningham have set up a project at Fox.
The network has given a script commitment to “G-Men,” a multi-camera comedy from the pair that hails from 20th Century Fox TV and Fox Entertainment.
“G-Men” centers around two estranged brothers who both claim to be government agents despite the fact that one works for the FBI and the other is a part-time mailman. The duo struggle to put their differences aside when they reunite to help their “larger-than-life mother” move on after their father passes away. While at first they’re not best pleased with the new arrangement, they ultimately realize that sometimes it’s the people you agree with the least who inspire you to be your best.
Cunningham will pen and exec produce the project, while Earl serves as a non-writing executive producer.
Earl is also known for his work on the Mark Feuerstein sitcom “9Jkl,...
The network has given a script commitment to “G-Men,” a multi-camera comedy from the pair that hails from 20th Century Fox TV and Fox Entertainment.
“G-Men” centers around two estranged brothers who both claim to be government agents despite the fact that one works for the FBI and the other is a part-time mailman. The duo struggle to put their differences aside when they reunite to help their “larger-than-life mother” move on after their father passes away. While at first they’re not best pleased with the new arrangement, they ultimately realize that sometimes it’s the people you agree with the least who inspire you to be your best.
Cunningham will pen and exec produce the project, while Earl serves as a non-writing executive producer.
Earl is also known for his work on the Mark Feuerstein sitcom “9Jkl,...
- 11/6/2019
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
“Happy Together” writers Austen Earl and Luke Cunningham are teaming up for “G-Men,” a new multi-cam comedy currently in development at Fox focused on two estranged brothers who are both government agents. Well, one is, the other just claims to be.
Here’s the official logline for the potential series: Two estranged brothers struggle to put their vast differences aside when they reunite to help their larger-than-life mother move on after the death of their father. And while at first they hate this new arrangement, they ultimately realize that sometimes it’s the people you agree with the least who inspire you to be your best.
“G-Men” which has a script commitment at the broadcast network, will be written by Cunningham (a former writer on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”), who will executive produce alongside Earl.
Also Read: Fox Tops Q1 Earnings Mark...
Here’s the official logline for the potential series: Two estranged brothers struggle to put their vast differences aside when they reunite to help their larger-than-life mother move on after the death of their father. And while at first they hate this new arrangement, they ultimately realize that sometimes it’s the people you agree with the least who inspire you to be your best.
“G-Men” which has a script commitment at the broadcast network, will be written by Cunningham (a former writer on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon”), who will executive produce alongside Earl.
Also Read: Fox Tops Q1 Earnings Mark...
- 11/6/2019
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
NBC is in tune with “Perfect Harmony” executive producer Jason Winer, developing another show from Winer’s 20th Century Fox TV-based Small Dog Picture Company. The Peacock network has bought the script “Forever Family,” a comedy from writers Austen Earl and Joel Church-Cooper.
Winer will serve as a non-writing executive producer on “Forever Family,” which centers on three different families that live “miles away but worlds apart” and who discover that their adopted children all share the same birth father. Earl and Church-Cooper will executive produce the project, along with Winer and Jon Radler, who heads up development at Small Dog.
“Forever Family” is part of a growing slate for Winer, who sealed a new overall deal with 20th Century Fox TV, now a part of Disney, earlier this year. Winer has been based at 20th for 13 years, and his current credits include “Perfect Harmony,” which premiered on NBC last month,...
Winer will serve as a non-writing executive producer on “Forever Family,” which centers on three different families that live “miles away but worlds apart” and who discover that their adopted children all share the same birth father. Earl and Church-Cooper will executive produce the project, along with Winer and Jon Radler, who heads up development at Small Dog.
“Forever Family” is part of a growing slate for Winer, who sealed a new overall deal with 20th Century Fox TV, now a part of Disney, earlier this year. Winer has been based at 20th for 13 years, and his current credits include “Perfect Harmony,” which premiered on NBC last month,...
- 10/3/2019
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
CBS has canceled a quartet of shows.
Three of those, “Fam,” “Happy Together,” and “Murphy Brown,” will come to and end after only one season, while “Life In Pieces” will end after its fourth season, which is currently airing.
The “Life In Pieces” news comes only five episodes into season 4. So far, it is averaging a 0.84 rating in the key 18-49 demographic and 5.75 million viewers per episode, which represents a dip on last season which averaged a 1.11 rating and just under 6.5 million total viewers.
Created by Justin Adler and starring Dianne Wiest and James Brolin, the comedy revolved around one big, happy family and their milestone moments.
Freshman comedy “Fam” starred Nina Dobrev as Clem, a woman whose idea of a perfect life with her fiance (Tone Bell) is thrown off course when her out-of-control 16-year-old half-sister (Odessa Adlon) unexpectedly comes to live with her.
Corinne Kingsbury created “Fam” and...
Three of those, “Fam,” “Happy Together,” and “Murphy Brown,” will come to and end after only one season, while “Life In Pieces” will end after its fourth season, which is currently airing.
The “Life In Pieces” news comes only five episodes into season 4. So far, it is averaging a 0.84 rating in the key 18-49 demographic and 5.75 million viewers per episode, which represents a dip on last season which averaged a 1.11 rating and just under 6.5 million total viewers.
Created by Justin Adler and starring Dianne Wiest and James Brolin, the comedy revolved around one big, happy family and their milestone moments.
Freshman comedy “Fam” starred Nina Dobrev as Clem, a woman whose idea of a perfect life with her fiance (Tone Bell) is thrown off course when her out-of-control 16-year-old half-sister (Odessa Adlon) unexpectedly comes to live with her.
Corinne Kingsbury created “Fam” and...
- 5/10/2019
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
CBS’ freshman comedy Happy Together, headlined by Damon Wayans Jr., will not be coming back for a second season. The cancellation came within an hour or so of Fox pulling the plug on Lethal Weapon, starring Wayans’ father, Damon Wayans.
The writing was pretty much on the wall when the multi-camera Happy Together did not get a back order in the fall. Odds of a fall freshman series getting a renewal after failing to secure a back order are usually slim.
Happy Together, from writers Tim McAuliffe and Austen Earl, underperformed in the ratings but had a few things going for it. It starred a sought-after comedy talent in Wayans Jr. and came from Late Late Show with James Corden producer Fulwell 73 as well as pop star Harry Styles. What’s more, because of co-lead Amber Stevens West’s pregnancy, the series rushed production on the first six episodes. In...
The writing was pretty much on the wall when the multi-camera Happy Together did not get a back order in the fall. Odds of a fall freshman series getting a renewal after failing to secure a back order are usually slim.
Happy Together, from writers Tim McAuliffe and Austen Earl, underperformed in the ratings but had a few things going for it. It starred a sought-after comedy talent in Wayans Jr. and came from Late Late Show with James Corden producer Fulwell 73 as well as pop star Harry Styles. What’s more, because of co-lead Amber Stevens West’s pregnancy, the series rushed production on the first six episodes. In...
- 5/10/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
The CBS television sitcom “Happy Together” is the creation of Austen Earl and Tim McAuliffe. The show made it’s premiere on October 1 of 2018. If you haven’t been able to keep up with every episode of the show, the lineup of stars is amazing. “Happy Together” is a hilarious comedy show that will keep you in stitches. Just in its first season it’s time that you met the cast. The premise of the show The show follows a couple in their thirties named Jake and Claire.” These two have grown tired of their life because it’s turned into a
Meet the Cast of the Show “Happy Together”...
Meet the Cast of the Show “Happy Together”...
- 1/19/2019
- by Dana Hanson-Firestone
- TVovermind.com
In their breakout TV roles, Damon Wayans Jr. (“Happy Endings”) and Amber Stevens West (“The Carmichael Show”) proved themselves to be perfect sitcom utility players. Both were tasked at times with lending grounding reality to ensemble series that only just managed to keep their balance without spiraling into mania, and both displayed their own amiable willingness to indulge and heighten their respective show’s quirk.
What a shame, then, that two such talented performers are marooned on CBS’s “Happy Together,” a show whose title says it all; unlike even most of CBS’s prime-time comedy slate, it fundamentally lacks a point-of-view or anything that help it break free from the generic—even as its stars struggle against a tide bearing them back to the bygone era where this show’s jokes seem to have originated. A running joke in “Happy Together’s” pilot revolves around our central couple’s...
What a shame, then, that two such talented performers are marooned on CBS’s “Happy Together,” a show whose title says it all; unlike even most of CBS’s prime-time comedy slate, it fundamentally lacks a point-of-view or anything that help it break free from the generic—even as its stars struggle against a tide bearing them back to the bygone era where this show’s jokes seem to have originated. A running joke in “Happy Together’s” pilot revolves around our central couple’s...
- 9/27/2018
- by Daniel D'Addario
- Variety Film + TV
Despite CBS rolling out two sitcoms that are both inspired by real-life events, the creative teams behind “The Neighborhood” and “Happy Together” insist family dynamics, rather than topical elements, will be at the core of both shows.
“We aren’t a show that’s like, ‘This week, ‘The Neighborhood’ takes on ‘this issue.’ I don’t think you ever teach anyone anything by telling them, by proselytizing, by poking and saying, ‘This is what you should think,’” “The Neighborhood” showrunner Jim Reynolds said at the Paley Fall TV Preview event Wednesday. “It’s about individuals, it’s not about black and white. … I’m a big believer in you win hearts, and then you change minds.”
“The Neighborhood” is based on Reynolds’ own experience of moving into a historically black neighborhood in Pasadena, California, and learning about local issues that were new to him. The show centers around patriarch Calvin Butler,...
“We aren’t a show that’s like, ‘This week, ‘The Neighborhood’ takes on ‘this issue.’ I don’t think you ever teach anyone anything by telling them, by proselytizing, by poking and saying, ‘This is what you should think,’” “The Neighborhood” showrunner Jim Reynolds said at the Paley Fall TV Preview event Wednesday. “It’s about individuals, it’s not about black and white. … I’m a big believer in you win hearts, and then you change minds.”
“The Neighborhood” is based on Reynolds’ own experience of moving into a historically black neighborhood in Pasadena, California, and learning about local issues that were new to him. The show centers around patriarch Calvin Butler,...
- 9/13/2018
- by Rachel Yang
- Variety Film + TV
Austen Earl is attached as an executive producer on a new multi-camera comedy in development at CBS, Variety has learned exclusively.
Hailing from Gracie Glassmeyer, the series is titled “The Crew.” In the show, when the family patriarch dies, his son has to step up and take the wheel as the driver of the father’s racing team.
Glassmeyer will write and co-executive produce, with CBS Television Studios producing. Earl is currently under an overall deal at the studio.
Earl is currently a writer and executive producer on the CBS multi-cam series “Happy Together,” in which Damon Wayans, Jr. and Amber Stevens West play a married couple whose ordinary life takes an unexpected turn when a rock star (Felix Mallard) moves in with them. Earl co-created the series with Tim McAuliffe, with “Happy Together” set to premiere on Oct. 1
Earl’s previous credits include fellow CBS shows “9Jkl,” “The Great Indoors,...
Hailing from Gracie Glassmeyer, the series is titled “The Crew.” In the show, when the family patriarch dies, his son has to step up and take the wheel as the driver of the father’s racing team.
Glassmeyer will write and co-executive produce, with CBS Television Studios producing. Earl is currently under an overall deal at the studio.
Earl is currently a writer and executive producer on the CBS multi-cam series “Happy Together,” in which Damon Wayans, Jr. and Amber Stevens West play a married couple whose ordinary life takes an unexpected turn when a rock star (Felix Mallard) moves in with them. Earl co-created the series with Tim McAuliffe, with “Happy Together” set to premiere on Oct. 1
Earl’s previous credits include fellow CBS shows “9Jkl,” “The Great Indoors,...
- 9/12/2018
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Happy Together tells the story of a famous pop star that ends up living with a suburban couple in an effort to live an ordinary life. It may be just a wacky concept for a sitcom, but for executive producer Ben Winston the story hits close to home…very close to home.
During the CBS session at TCA Sunday, Winston was joined on the stage by sitcom stars Felix Mallard, Damon Wayans Jr., and Amber Stevens West as well as executive producers Tim McAuliffe and Austen Earl. Winston shared his story about how One Direction band member Harry Styles lived in the attic of his London home. Styles was supposed to stay for two weeks but then ended up setting up shop at their abode for 18 months. Winston said that although his experience with Styles wasn’t as eventful as many may think, it would provide for a good story for a sitcom.
During the CBS session at TCA Sunday, Winston was joined on the stage by sitcom stars Felix Mallard, Damon Wayans Jr., and Amber Stevens West as well as executive producers Tim McAuliffe and Austen Earl. Winston shared his story about how One Direction band member Harry Styles lived in the attic of his London home. Styles was supposed to stay for two weeks but then ended up setting up shop at their abode for 18 months. Winston said that although his experience with Styles wasn’t as eventful as many may think, it would provide for a good story for a sitcom.
- 8/5/2018
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Craig Gerard and Matthew Zinman (Trial & Error) have signed an overall deal with CBS TV Studios. Under the pact, the duo has joined the studio’s upcoming CBS comedy series Happy Together as writers/co-executive producers. They also will develop new scripted projects for the studio.
Written/executive produced by Tim McAuliffe and Austen Earl and executive produced by Ben Winston and Harry Styles, Happy Together stars Damon Wayans Jr. and Amber Stevens West as a thirtysomething couple who, tired of their mundane life, start to reconnect with their younger, cooler selves when a young pop star who is drawn to their super-normal suburban life, moves in.
Gerard and Zinman, who are coming off a stint as co-executive producers on the current second season of the NBC/Warner Bros. TV anthology comedy series Trial & Error, have a long history with CBS. They started their writing careers on the network...
Written/executive produced by Tim McAuliffe and Austen Earl and executive produced by Ben Winston and Harry Styles, Happy Together stars Damon Wayans Jr. and Amber Stevens West as a thirtysomething couple who, tired of their mundane life, start to reconnect with their younger, cooler selves when a young pop star who is drawn to their super-normal suburban life, moves in.
Gerard and Zinman, who are coming off a stint as co-executive producers on the current second season of the NBC/Warner Bros. TV anthology comedy series Trial & Error, have a long history with CBS. They started their writing careers on the network...
- 7/17/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Former The King of Queens star Victor Williams is returning to multi-camera comedy and to CBS as a series regular opposite Damon Wayans Jr. and Amber Stevens West in the network’s new series Happy Together, from writers Tim McAuliffe and Austen Earl, The Late Late Show With James Corden executive producer Ben Winston and pop star Harry Styles.
Williams will play Gerald, Claire’s (West) father and Peter’s (Wayans) father-in-law, a former doctor who, with his wife Bonnie (also a former doctor), is fully enjoying retirement. He replaces Tim Meadows, who played the role in the pilot but was in first position to The Goldbergs spin-off, which was picked up to series by ABC.
Written by McAuliffe and Earl and directed by Phill Lewis, Happy Together revolves around Peter (Wayans) and Claire (West), a thirtysomething couple who are tired of their mundane life and start to reconnect with their younger,...
Williams will play Gerald, Claire’s (West) father and Peter’s (Wayans) father-in-law, a former doctor who, with his wife Bonnie (also a former doctor), is fully enjoying retirement. He replaces Tim Meadows, who played the role in the pilot but was in first position to The Goldbergs spin-off, which was picked up to series by ABC.
Written by McAuliffe and Earl and directed by Phill Lewis, Happy Together revolves around Peter (Wayans) and Claire (West), a thirtysomething couple who are tired of their mundane life and start to reconnect with their younger,...
- 6/22/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
CBS has released some of its trailers for its new comedies and dramas on its 2018-19 programming slate. Here are the first six.
Murphy Brown — Comedy
Produced by Warner Bros. TV. From writer/executive producer Diane English, executive producer Candice Bergen and director/executive producer Pam Fryman.
The Neighborhood — Comedy
Produced by CBS Television Studios. From writer/executive producer Jim Reynolds, executive producers Aaron Kaplan, Dana Honor, Wendi Trilling and director/executive producer James Burrows. The trailer features Josh Lawson who has since been recast with Max Greenfield.
Happy Together (fka Untitled Damon Wayans Jr. Project) — Comedy
Produced by CBS Television Studios. From writers/executive producers Tim McAuliffe and Austen Earl, executive producers Ben Winston, Harry Styles, Michael Rotenberg, Jonathan Berry and director Phill Lewis.
F.B.I. — Drama
Produced by Universal Television and CBS TV Studios. From writer/executive producer Craig Turk and executive producers Dick Wolf, Arthur W. Forney and Peter Jankowski.
Murphy Brown — Comedy
Produced by Warner Bros. TV. From writer/executive producer Diane English, executive producer Candice Bergen and director/executive producer Pam Fryman.
The Neighborhood — Comedy
Produced by CBS Television Studios. From writer/executive producer Jim Reynolds, executive producers Aaron Kaplan, Dana Honor, Wendi Trilling and director/executive producer James Burrows. The trailer features Josh Lawson who has since been recast with Max Greenfield.
Happy Together (fka Untitled Damon Wayans Jr. Project) — Comedy
Produced by CBS Television Studios. From writers/executive producers Tim McAuliffe and Austen Earl, executive producers Ben Winston, Harry Styles, Michael Rotenberg, Jonathan Berry and director Phill Lewis.
F.B.I. — Drama
Produced by Universal Television and CBS TV Studios. From writer/executive producer Craig Turk and executive producers Dick Wolf, Arthur W. Forney and Peter Jankowski.
- 5/16/2018
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
We hope you’re not tired of trailers, as at its upfront presentation at Carnegie Hall on Wednesday, CBS unveiled the first look at its upcoming series for next season.
Below, our readers can check out the official previews and descriptions for all of CBS’ new shows, including its “Murphy Brown” revival, “The Neighborhood,” (pictured) “Happy Together” and “F.B.I.”
To find out when you can watch these shows, check out the schedule here.
Also Read: CBS Exec on 'Murphy Brown' Reboot Ratings: 'I'm Not Sure We'll Get 'Roseanne' Numbers'
“Murphy Brown”
In a revival of the 1988 sitcom, Murphy Brown (Candice Bergen) returns to a world of cable news, social media, fake news and a very different political and cultural climate.
The cast includes Candice Bergen, Faith Ford, Joe Regalbuto, Grant Shaud, Jake McDorman and Nik Dodani
Original series creator Diane English will write and executive produce.
Below, our readers can check out the official previews and descriptions for all of CBS’ new shows, including its “Murphy Brown” revival, “The Neighborhood,” (pictured) “Happy Together” and “F.B.I.”
To find out when you can watch these shows, check out the schedule here.
Also Read: CBS Exec on 'Murphy Brown' Reboot Ratings: 'I'm Not Sure We'll Get 'Roseanne' Numbers'
“Murphy Brown”
In a revival of the 1988 sitcom, Murphy Brown (Candice Bergen) returns to a world of cable news, social media, fake news and a very different political and cultural climate.
The cast includes Candice Bergen, Faith Ford, Joe Regalbuto, Grant Shaud, Jake McDorman and Nik Dodani
Original series creator Diane English will write and executive produce.
- 5/16/2018
- by Tim Baysinger and Ashley Boucher
- The Wrap
CBS has released the first trailers for their upcoming fall shows following the release of their 2018-2019 fall schedule on Wednesday.
Of the trailers released today, dramas “Magnum Pi,” “FBI,” and “God Friended Me” as well as comedies “The Neighborhood,” “Happy Together,” and the revival of “Murphy Brown” will launch this fall. Dramas “The Code” and “The Red Line” and comedy “Fam” will debut at midseason.
Watch the trailers and read the official series descriptions below. All times are Et.
“The Neighborhood”–Mondays at 8 p.m.
The Neighborhood stars Cedric the Entertainer as an opinionated neighbor in a comedy about what happens when the friendliest guy in the Midwest moves his family to a neighborhood in Los Angeles where not everyone looks like him or appreciates his extreme neighborliness. When Dave Johnson (Max Greenfield) and his family arrive from Michigan, they’re unfazed that their new dream home is located...
Of the trailers released today, dramas “Magnum Pi,” “FBI,” and “God Friended Me” as well as comedies “The Neighborhood,” “Happy Together,” and the revival of “Murphy Brown” will launch this fall. Dramas “The Code” and “The Red Line” and comedy “Fam” will debut at midseason.
Watch the trailers and read the official series descriptions below. All times are Et.
“The Neighborhood”–Mondays at 8 p.m.
The Neighborhood stars Cedric the Entertainer as an opinionated neighbor in a comedy about what happens when the friendliest guy in the Midwest moves his family to a neighborhood in Los Angeles where not everyone looks like him or appreciates his extreme neighborliness. When Dave Johnson (Max Greenfield) and his family arrive from Michigan, they’re unfazed that their new dream home is located...
- 5/16/2018
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Overall and first-look deals still drive the television business.
Although some mega-producers have moved to the streaming world, including Ryan Murphy and Shonda Rhimes at Netflix, the overwhelming majority of pacts are still at the studio and linear network level. These deals help lock in show services, as well as keep the development pipeline flowing.
Here is a snapshot at most of the deals currently in place across Hollywood, as of mid-May.
A+E Studios
Appletree Pictures
Ross Fineman
Sarah Gertrude Shapiro
Thruline (Ron West/Chris Henze/Jb Roberts)
ABC Studios
Eli Attie
Alec Baldwin/Mallory Schwartz El Dorado Pictures
Kenya Barris Khalabo Ink Society
Julie Bean
Kevin Biegel
Sherry Bilsing-Graham/Ellen Kreamer
Bluegrass Fanfare
Chris Brancato Churchill Road Prods.
Jeremy Bronson
Danny Chun
Adam Ciralsky
Eliza Coupe
Liz Craft/Sarah Fain
Carlton Cuse
Paul Davies
Viola Davis/Kaylon Hunt JuVee Prods.
Tim Doyle
Dan Dworkin/Jay Beattie
Randall Einhorn...
Although some mega-producers have moved to the streaming world, including Ryan Murphy and Shonda Rhimes at Netflix, the overwhelming majority of pacts are still at the studio and linear network level. These deals help lock in show services, as well as keep the development pipeline flowing.
Here is a snapshot at most of the deals currently in place across Hollywood, as of mid-May.
A+E Studios
Appletree Pictures
Ross Fineman
Sarah Gertrude Shapiro
Thruline (Ron West/Chris Henze/Jb Roberts)
ABC Studios
Eli Attie
Alec Baldwin/Mallory Schwartz El Dorado Pictures
Kenya Barris Khalabo Ink Society
Julie Bean
Kevin Biegel
Sherry Bilsing-Graham/Ellen Kreamer
Bluegrass Fanfare
Chris Brancato Churchill Road Prods.
Jeremy Bronson
Danny Chun
Adam Ciralsky
Eliza Coupe
Liz Craft/Sarah Fain
Carlton Cuse
Paul Davies
Viola Davis/Kaylon Hunt JuVee Prods.
Tim Doyle
Dan Dworkin/Jay Beattie
Randall Einhorn...
- 5/16/2018
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
CBS unveiled its Fall 2018 TV schedule early Wednesday morning, which is packed with premieres for the Eye’s newly-ordered revivals and reboots, like “Murphy Brown” and “Magnum P.I.,” and longtime network hits, like “NCIS,” “Big Bang Theory” and “Young Sheldon.”
While the new iteration of the ’80s detective drama is landing a Monday time slot, the return of Candice Bergen’s ’90s sitcom grabbed a spot on Thursday’s primetime block behind “Mom.”
Ahead of the Jay Hernandez-led “Magnum P.I.,” are new comedies “The Neighborhood” and “Happy Together” airing between 8-9 p.m. “Magnum” will drive in at 9 p.m. and be followed by “Bull,” moving over from its old spot on the following weeknight.
Also Read: Fall TV 2018: Every Broadcast Show Canceled, Renewed and Ordered So Far (Updating)
Now taking over Tuesdays is Dick Wolf-backed “FBI” will hit on Tuesdays at 9, to get a huge...
While the new iteration of the ’80s detective drama is landing a Monday time slot, the return of Candice Bergen’s ’90s sitcom grabbed a spot on Thursday’s primetime block behind “Mom.”
Ahead of the Jay Hernandez-led “Magnum P.I.,” are new comedies “The Neighborhood” and “Happy Together” airing between 8-9 p.m. “Magnum” will drive in at 9 p.m. and be followed by “Bull,” moving over from its old spot on the following weeknight.
Also Read: Fall TV 2018: Every Broadcast Show Canceled, Renewed and Ordered So Far (Updating)
Now taking over Tuesdays is Dick Wolf-backed “FBI” will hit on Tuesdays at 9, to get a huge...
- 5/16/2018
- by Tony Maglio and Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
With Murphy Brown and Magnum P.I. as two of the six new series on the fall 2018 CBS schedule, it feels like a trip back to the 1980s at the network, which will feature five reboots next season.
“Stability where we are strong, change where we need it,” is how CBS Entertainment president Kelly Kahl described the strategy behind network’s schedule for next season. CBS’ biggest declines this season were on Monday — that’s where the biggest changes are, including shrinking the comedy block from two hours to one.
Here is CBS’ fall 2018-19 schedule, followed by scheduling information on some shows that are not on it, brief analysis, and detailed descriptions of the network’s new series.
CBS Fall 2018-19 Schedule
(New programs in Upper Case)
Monday
8-8:30 Pm — The Neighborhood (N)
8:30-9 Pm — Happy Together (N)
9-10 Pm — Magnum P.I. (N)
10-11 Pm — Bull...
“Stability where we are strong, change where we need it,” is how CBS Entertainment president Kelly Kahl described the strategy behind network’s schedule for next season. CBS’ biggest declines this season were on Monday — that’s where the biggest changes are, including shrinking the comedy block from two hours to one.
Here is CBS’ fall 2018-19 schedule, followed by scheduling information on some shows that are not on it, brief analysis, and detailed descriptions of the network’s new series.
CBS Fall 2018-19 Schedule
(New programs in Upper Case)
Monday
8-8:30 Pm — The Neighborhood (N)
8:30-9 Pm — Happy Together (N)
9-10 Pm — Magnum P.I. (N)
10-11 Pm — Bull...
- 5/16/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
CBS has given out its first series order from its pilot crop for the 2018-2019 season.
The broadcaster has ordered the multi-camera comedies “Welcome to the Neighborhood” and the untitled Damon Wayans Jr. project to series. Both projects are produced by CBS Television Studios.
“Welcome to the Neighborhood,” formerly “Here Comes the Neighborhood,” follows the nicest guy in the Midwest, who moves his family into a tough neighborhood in L.A. where not everyone appreciates his extreme neighborliness.
It stars Cedric The Entertainer, Josh Lawson, Sheaun McKinney, Tichina Arnold, Dreama Walker, Marcel Spears, Hank Greenspan.
Cedric will also executive produce along with Eric Rhone via their A Bird And A Bear Entertainment. Jim Reynolds serves as writer and executive producer. Aaron Kaplan of Kapital Entertainment, Dana Honor, and Wendi Trilling will also executive produce. James Burrows will executive produce and direct the pilot.
Cedric signed a development deal with CBS back in September.
The broadcaster has ordered the multi-camera comedies “Welcome to the Neighborhood” and the untitled Damon Wayans Jr. project to series. Both projects are produced by CBS Television Studios.
“Welcome to the Neighborhood,” formerly “Here Comes the Neighborhood,” follows the nicest guy in the Midwest, who moves his family into a tough neighborhood in L.A. where not everyone appreciates his extreme neighborliness.
It stars Cedric The Entertainer, Josh Lawson, Sheaun McKinney, Tichina Arnold, Dreama Walker, Marcel Spears, Hank Greenspan.
Cedric will also executive produce along with Eric Rhone via their A Bird And A Bear Entertainment. Jim Reynolds serves as writer and executive producer. Aaron Kaplan of Kapital Entertainment, Dana Honor, and Wendi Trilling will also executive produce. James Burrows will executive produce and direct the pilot.
Cedric signed a development deal with CBS back in September.
- 5/9/2018
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
CBS has locked down Damon Wayans Jr. and Cedric the Entertainer for the 2018-2019 TV season, granting series orders to a pair of comedy pilots starring the actors.
The “New Girl” alum’s project, a (still) untitled multi-cam series from writers Tim McAuliffe (“The Last Man on Earth”) and Austen Earl (“9JKL”) and singer Harry Styles and “The Late Late Show” exec producer Ben Winston. The sitcom focuses on a 30-something couple tired of their mundane life, who start to reconnect with their younger, cooler selves when an emerging pop star, who is drawn to their super normal suburban life, moves in.
Wayans will play Peter, a good guy with a sense of humor, who is happily married to his dream wife, Claire (Amber Stevens). He is an accountant and the business manager of young superstar musician, Cooper (Felix Mallard), who comes to live with them.
The “New Girl” alum’s project, a (still) untitled multi-cam series from writers Tim McAuliffe (“The Last Man on Earth”) and Austen Earl (“9JKL”) and singer Harry Styles and “The Late Late Show” exec producer Ben Winston. The sitcom focuses on a 30-something couple tired of their mundane life, who start to reconnect with their younger, cooler selves when an emerging pop star, who is drawn to their super normal suburban life, moves in.
Wayans will play Peter, a good guy with a sense of humor, who is happily married to his dream wife, Claire (Amber Stevens). He is an accountant and the business manager of young superstar musician, Cooper (Felix Mallard), who comes to live with them.
- 5/9/2018
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
CBS has kicked off its pilot-to-series orders with nods to two multi-camera comedies, Welcome to the Neighborhood, starring Cedric the Entertainer, and Untitled Damon Wayans Jr. project (fka Untitled Austen Earl/Tim McAuliffe), Both sitcoms come from CBS sibling CBS TV Studios. And if CBS is sticking to its playbook of picking up fall shows first, these would be the two new comedies the network would introduce next fall, possibly alongside the straight-to-series Murphy Brown revival.
The untitled Damon Wayans Jr. project is executive produced by The Late Late Show with James Corden Ep Ben Winston and is inspired by a time when he and pop star Harry Styles lived together. While the One Direction alum was not formally attached in the pilot stage, he will now serve as an executive producer on the series, which is not based on real life experiences or characters.
Welcome To the Neighborhood, produced...
The untitled Damon Wayans Jr. project is executive produced by The Late Late Show with James Corden Ep Ben Winston and is inspired by a time when he and pop star Harry Styles lived together. While the One Direction alum was not formally attached in the pilot stage, he will now serve as an executive producer on the series, which is not based on real life experiences or characters.
Welcome To the Neighborhood, produced...
- 5/9/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
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