Chat w/ Jocko Sims, Dr. Reynolds from NEW AMSTERDAM on NBC

March 3, 2021 @ArtShrian

JOCKO SIMS in an exclusive chat with Art Shrian, where they talk about his return on Season 3 of NEW AMSTERDAM on NBC, filming this show about first responders during the pandemic, working with Anupam Kher, being an actor, his advice to new actors, and importance of writing. And lot more!

Also, he is also open to playing the next BLADE or the WOLVERINE!!!

Jocko Sims stars as Dr. Floyd Reynolds on the NBC drama “New Amsterdam.”

Sims is an actor, writer and producer with roles in numerous film and television projects, including “Dreamgirls,” “Jarhead” and 2014’s summer box office smash “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.”

Sims’ first series was a lead role opposite Dennis Hopper in the Starz original series “Crash.” For five seasons, he starred as Lt. Carlton Burk in the TNT network hit “The Last Ship.” Sims portrayed Robert Franklin during Showtime’s second season of “Masters of Sex” and he has guest-starred on several television series, including “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Franklin & Bash,” “Castle,” “NCIS,” “Burn Notice,” “CSI,” “Bones” and Showtime’s “I’m Dying Up Here.”

As a writer and producer, Sims is currently developing a comedy movie with producers Jamie Neese and Jason Neese (“Umbrella Academy” and “Dear White People”) and has various TV series in development as well. His hobbies include producing music and managing music artists, and he loves cooking as demonstrated on “Home and Family” and “The Steve Harvey Show.”

Originally hailing from Texas, Sims graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in theater. He currently resides in New York.

Season Premiere: March 2
Tuesdays on NBC at 10-11pm ET

ABOUT NEW AMSTERDAM

Medical director Dr. Max Goodwin is committed to solving systemic health care issues at the hospital. Add in the grieving of his wife’s death, his responsibilities as a single father and his cancer still lingering in the rear-view mirror, everyone around Max must wonder how long he can sustain this impossible load. But “How can I help?” is not just Max’s catchphrase, it’s his reason for living. As long as he’s helping others, Max is able to find hope in the most hopeless of places.

While navigating their own personal journeys – Sharpe’s career shifts, Bloom’s reuniting with her mother, Reynolds’ departure, Frome’s struggle with body image and Kapoor’s upcoming grandchild – the doctors also strive to play out Max’s “How can I help?” mantra.

“New Amsterdam” is inspired by Dr. Eric Manheimer’s memoir “Twelve Patients: Life and Death at Bellevue Hospital” and his 15 years as medical director at the hospital.

The cast includes Ryan Eggold, Janet Montgomery, Freema Agyeman and Jocko Sims, with Tyler Labine and Anupam Kher.

David Schulner and Peter Horton executive produce along with Michael Slovis, David Foster, Aaron Ginsburg and Shaun Cassidy. “New Amsterdam” is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, Pico Creek Productions and Mount Moriah.

Chat w/ Ryan Eggold, star of New Amsterdam on NBC

March 2, 2021 @ArtShrian

An EXCLUSIVE CHAT with Ryan Eggold the star of NBC TV show New Amsterdam, Season 3 returning March 2, 2021. Art Shrian talks to him about filming a show about doctors and first responders during this pandemic, and the importance of TV and film in these times.

“NEW AMSTERDAM”

Season 3, Premiering March 2, 2021 at 10 p.m. ET/PT

While navigating their own personal journeys – Sharpe’s career shifts, Bloom’s reuniting with her mother, Reynolds’ departure, Frome’s struggle with body image and Kapoor’s upcoming grandchild – the doctors also strive to play out Max’s “How can I help?” mantra.

“New Amsterdam” is inspired by Dr. Eric Manheimer’s memoir “Twelve Patients: Life and Death at Bellevue Hospital” and his 15 years as medical director at the hospital.

The cast includes Ryan Eggold, Janet Montgomery, Freema Agyeman and Jocko Sims, with Tyler Labine and Anupam Kher.

David Schulner and Peter Horton executive produce along with Michael Slovis, David Foster, Aaron Ginsburg and Shaun Cassidy. “New Amsterdam” is produced by Universal Television, Pico Creek Productions and Mount Moriah.

“The New Normal”

March 2, 2021

New Amsterdam is still reeling from the pandemic as a plane crash lands in the East River. When investigators come to interrogate the flight crew, Iggy fights against the clock to help the pilot uncover the truth. Max tracks down scarce medication after one of his own contracts COVID.

Season Three Highlights

Season 3 picks up in the midst of the team’s struggle to manage the pandemic, juggling the overwhelming demands of being at the epicenter of the crisis and their pressure-filled personal lives.
This will be a season of them coming to terms to heal and really try to figure out if there is a normal city to go back to. For them, the question is - What’s the new normal?
The show will continue to explore the social issues that bring people into the hospital – solving the many fascinating medical mysteries, which have been the hallmark of the series.
This season, Max’s signature motto “How Can I Help?” resonates even more profoundly for his staff and for his patients.

LITTLE AMERICA: Review/discussion with RAVI KAPOOR + chat with creators & Executive Producers

February 16, 2020 @ArtShrian

Inspired by the true stories featured in Epic Magazine, "Little America" goes beyond the headlines to bring to life the funny, romantic, heartfelt and surprising stories of immigrants in America. It’s a unique show almost unlike anything we have seen. It tells true stories of immigrants fictionalized in an entertaining and moving fashion. Apple TV Plus has definitely hit a gem with this, no wonder its’ already renewed for Season 2.

“Little America,” from Universal Television, is written and executive produced by Lee Eisenberg (“The Office,” Good Boys), who serves as showrunner, and executive produced by Kumail Nanjiani (The Big Sick, “Silicon Valley”), Emily V. Gordon(The Big Sick), Alan Yang (“Master of None,” “Parks and Recreation”), Sian Heder (Tallulah, “Orange Is the New Black”), Joshuah Bearman (Argo), Joshua Davis (Spare Parts) and Arthur Spector (The Shack). Heder also serves as co-showrunner alongside Eisenberg.

I had a detailed discussion about the show with Ravi Kapoor, an actor-writer-director and star of the first episode ‘The Manager’. I also had short chats with Lee, Alan and Joshuah; and also Kumail and Emily. You can listen to it all below on ArtApproved! Podcast by MyNewYorkEye.

Relationship Expert Tracy McMillan brings 'Family or Fiancé' Season-2 on OWN

January 20, 2020 @ArtShrian

OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network's hit reality series "Family or Fiancé" from Bunim/Murray Productions will return to Saturday nights with all new episodes starting January 11 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. The series hosted by relationship expert Tracy McMillan follows engaged couples who bring their disapproving families together for three days under one roof.

In this high-stakes social experiment, the couples and extended families participate in activities designed to strengthen their bond, unpack their differences, and show some very complicated relationships in a whole new light. In the end, the families' concerns might leave the couples to reconsider their unions, or revelations might cause any concerns to fall away.

Tracy McMillan returns as the voice of reason to work with the couples on ways to deal with their relationship problems and family issues head on in order to help resolve the conflicts that could undermine their future together.

Here are exclusive videos of Tracy Answering some important questions

Tracy McMillan talks about love, marriage relationships and her OWN Reality TV show 'Family or Fiance'

"Family or Fiancé" is executive produced by Gil Goldschein, Jonathan Murray, Julie Pizzi, Erica Ross, Jonathan Singer, and Erika Bryant of Bunim/Murray Productions in partnership with OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.

About OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network

OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is the first and only network named for, and inspired by, a single iconic leader. Oprah Winfrey's heart and creative instincts inform the brand and the magnetism of the channel. OWN is a leading destination for a premium scripted and unscripted programming from today's most innovative storytellers. OWN's original scripted series include popular dramas "Queen Sugar," "Greenleaf," "The Haves and the Have Nots," "If Loving You is Wrong," "Ambitions" and "David Makes Man." OWN's Saturday night unscripted programming lineup includes "Iyanla: Fix My Life," "Ready to Love," "Love & Marriage: Huntsville," "Family or Fiancé" and "Black Love." OWN connects with its audience wherever they are, inspiring conversation among a global community of like-minded viewers on social media and beyond. Launched on January 1, 2011, OWN is a joint venture between Harpo, Inc. and Discovery, Inc. The venture also includes award-winning digital platform Oprah.com. Access OWN anytime on WatchOWN.tv or across mobile devices and connected TVs.

About Bunim/Murray Productions

Bunim/Murray Productions (BMP) is the leading producer of innovative entertainment content. The Emmy Award-winning company is widely credited with creating the reality television genre with its hit series The Real World, which recently moved to Facebook after 32 seasons on MTV. BMP continued to innovate with the first reality game show, Road Rules (MTV), in 1995; the first reality sitcom, The Simple Life (E!), in 2003; and the first reality soap opera, Starting Over, in 2003. BMP's current programming includes Keeping up with the Kardashians, Total Divas and Total Bellas (E!),The Challenge (MTV), Born This Way (A&E), Kim Kardashian West: The Justice Project (Oxygen), The Real World and Ball in the Family (Facebook Watch), Endless Summer, Stranded with Sam and Colby (Snapchat), Miz and Mrs. (USA Network), Family or Fiancé (OWN), Crystal Maze (Nickelodeon) and Emily's Wonder Lab (Netflix). BMP has also produced They Call Us Monsters (PBS), Valentine Road (HBO), Pedro (MTV) and the Emmy Award-winning Autism: The Musical (HBO) for BMP Films. Based in Glendale, CA, the company was founded in 1987 by Jonathan Murray and the late Mary-Ellis Bunim, who were inducted into the Television Academy's Hall of Fame in 2012. The company joined Banijay Group in 2010.

NBC CROWNS FRANQI FRENCH AND RENE VACA WINNERS OF ITS 16th ANNUAL STANDUP NBC COMPETITION

January 18, 2020 @ArtShrian

Nationwide Search for Comedians of Diverse Backgrounds
Awards Pair with NBCUniversal Talent Holding Deals
Competition Makes History by Choosing Two Winners in Its 16th Year

NBC has crowned comedians Franqi French and Rene Vaca as the winners of its 16th annual StandUp NBC competition, the network’s annual nationwide search for comedians of diverse backgrounds. This marks the first time in the celebrated program’s 16-year history that two winners have been chosen in a single year.

French and Vaca have each been awarded a talent holding deal with NBCUniversal and a headlining spot at the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) annual convention where they will perform for talent bookers from across the country. They will also split the responsibility of headlining the regional semifinalist showcases in five cities across the country at next year’s StandUp NBC.

“Franqi and Rene were standouts in our showcase this year. They are hilarious, relatable and fearlessly share their personal stories. We couldn’t choose just one winner, so we decided to name them both,” said Grace Wu, Executive Vice President of Casting, NBC Entertainment. “We are excited for Franqi and Rene to join the rich legacy of comedic talent who have emerged from StandUp NBC.”

French and Vaca were chosen from eight finalists, including Mike Head, Pedro Gonzalez, Katie Hughes, Andre D. Thompson, Sam Morrison, and Kenice Mobley, all of whom will be considered for feature spots at NACA. They were among 650 stand-up comedians who auditioned last year through open calls in Charlotte, Chicago, Houston, Las Vegas, and New York as well as online submissions.

French, Vaca and this year’s finalists join Michelle Buteau (“The First Wives Club”), Deon Cole (“Grown-ish,”), Lil Rel Howery (“Get Out”), Hasan Minhaj (“Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj”), Phoebe Robinson (“2 Dope Queens”), Amanda Seales (“Bring the Funny”) and Dulcé Sloan (“The Daily Show”) as alumni of StandUp NBC.

A finale showcase hosted by NBC “Bring the Funny” finalist and comedian Tacarra Williams was held at the Improv in Hollywood late last year. The finalists performed their sets in front of an audience of NBCUniversal television executives, casting directors, agents, managers, and industry tastemakers.

FRANQI FRENCH

An award-winning talent, Franqi French regularly performs coast to coast with appearances at the DC Improv, Kennedy Center, Hollywood Improv and the world-famous Comedy Store. French has shared the stage with Donnell Rawlings, Fortune Feimster, Todd Glass, D.L. Hughley, and Nicole Byer, among other talented comedians. She has made guest appearances on WeTV, TVOne’s “The Roland Martin Show,” and has headlined the Bentzen Ball as well as the Black Women in Comedy Festival in Brooklyn. She is currently based in Los Angeles and is actively seeking representation.

RENE VACA

Rene Vaca was born and raised in the Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley. After his father was incarcerated, he started his own landscaping business at 15 and soon attended the University of California, Merced. Vaca has since been pursuing his dream in stand-up comedy and has shared the stage with revered industry comedians such as Willie Barcena, Bill Burr, Ken Jeong, Amir K., Jamie Kennedy, and Joey Medina. He is actively seeking representation.

ABOUT STANDUP NBC (NBC TALENT INFUSION PROGRAMS)

Now in its 16th year, StandUp NBC is the annual nationwide search for stand-up comedians of diverse backgrounds. Every year finalists are selected from open casting calls in various cities across the country as well as from online submissions. They perform at a final showcase in front of an audience of television executives, casting directors, agents, managers and industry tastemakers at a Los Angeles comedy club. The winner is given a talent holding deal with NBCUniversal and offered a spot on the nationwide tour with the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA). Previous StandUp NBC winners and alumni include Tone Bell (“Little”), Michelle Buteau (“The First Wives Club”), W. Kamau Bell (CNN’s “United Shades of America”), Deon Cole (“Grown-ish”), Lil Rel Howery (“Get Out”), Hasan Minhaj (“Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj”), Amanda Seales (“Insecure”) and Dulcé Sloan (“The Daily Show”). StandUp NBC is part of the NBC Talent Infusion Programs (NBC TIPS) that promotes and encourages people of diverse backgrounds to become the next generation of storytellers. For more information, visit NBCUniTIPS.com..

ABOUT THE NBC TALENT INFUSION PROGRAMS (NBC TIPS)

Since 2000, NBC has been dedicated to discovering and nurturing the on-screen and behind-the-camera talent of diverse and inclusive backgrounds through the NBC Talent Infusion Programs (NBC TIPS). NBC TIPS are amongst the most extensive and robust diversity and inclusion programs in the television industry. They feature more than 20 programs, including Writers on the Verge, Diverse Staff Writer Initiative, Female Forward, Alternative Directors Program, Emerging Director Program and the StandUp NBC nationwide search for stand-up comedians. Program alumni are celebrated producers, writers, directors and actors in the entertainment industry who have gone on to win Emmys, Golden Globes and SAG Awards and include Alan Yang, Mindy Kaling, Deon Cole, Lil Rel Howery, Keto Shimizu, Natasha Rothwell, Danny Pudi and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel. For more information, visit NBCUniTIPS.com.

Chat with Ian Somerhalder about V-Wars and more!

December 2, 2019 @ArtShrian

Ian Somerhalder talks about V-Wars

We had a chat with Ian Somerhalder, here are some highlights:

“This has been such a passion such a legitimate journey for me and for my team and for my producers. From the beginning I mean this is 15 months of my life and the last 11 months in house production this fine-tuning I knew we make some special.”
Ian further said, “You guys know me I did 107 episodes of VAMPIRE DAIRIES it was my life. People always say I am an actor I pretend to be someone I make-believe all day I disagree I will say as an actor I try and tell truth all day because you cannot make-believe situation but you try to find truth whenever you say.”
As a producer and lead actor, and his involvement, Ian says, “It’s not just being an actor you're producing its part of your DNA it’s like your baby.”

Watch part of the interview here and also, listen to the whole conversation below:

SYNOPSIS:

Dr. Luther Swann (Ian Somerhalder) enters a world of untold horror when a mysterious disease transforms his best friend, Michael Fayne (Adrian Holmes), into a murderous predator who feeds on other humans. As the disease spreads and more people are transformed, society fractures into opposing camps pitting normal people against the growing number of these “vampires.” Swann races against time to understand what’s happening, while Fayne rises to become the powerful underground leader of the vampires.

V Wars” Launches Globally on Netflix on December 5, 2019

About Ian Somerhalder:

Ian Somerhalder is an actor, environmentalist, and humanitarian. Next up, Somerhalder will be seen starring in V-WARS on Netflix which will be released on December 5th, 2019. He will serve as an executive producer on the series and has also directed several episodes of the premiere season. Based on the graphic novel of the same name, Somerhalder will star as Dr. Luther Swann, a scientist trying to save the world from a deadly outbreak that has fractured society. Previously, Somerhalder starred as Damon Salvatore in the CW hit television series THE VAMPIRE DIARIES, which ran for 8 seasons. In addition to acting in the show, Somerhalder also took on the role of director in both seasons 7 and 8.

Currently Somerhalder and his wife actress, Nikki Reed have a pod deal with Warner Bros TV to produce new content for the network under their production company RARE BIRDS PRODUCTIONS. Somerhalder also appeared in an episode of the groundbreaking and Emmy award-winning climate change documentary series, YEARS OF LIVING DANGEROUSLY.

From 2004 to 2010, Somerhalder starred as Boone Carlylye in ABC’s Golden Globe and Emmy award-winning drama, LOST which earned him a Teen Choice Award nomination for Choice TV Breakout Performance.

Somerhalder’s television credits include SMALLVILLE, YOUNG AMERICANS and TELL ME YOU LOVE ME. His film credits include THE RULES OF ATTRACTION, THE TOURNAMENT and HOW TO MAKE LOVE TO A WOMAN.

Somerhalder is also the Founder/President of the Ian Somerhalder Foundation (ISF) which was established in November 2010. The purpose of the Foundation is to advance science; promote the conservation of natural resources for the benefit of the entire community; provide relief to the poor, distressed, and underprivileged; and support other organizations conducting activities under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Somerhalder was born and raised in Louisiana, and he currently resides in Los Angeles.

For “V Wars” cast, trailer and first look, click here.

FAST FACTS:

SHOWRUNNERS: William Laurin & Glenn Davis
STARS: Ian Somerhalder (Dr. Luther Swann), Adrian Holmes (Michael Fayne), Jacky Lai (Kaylee Vo), Peter Outerbridge (Calix Niklos), Kyle Breitkopf (Dez), Laura Vandervoot (Mila Dubov), Kimberly-Sue Murray (Danika Dubov)
DIRECTORS: Brad Turner, TJ Scott, Kaare Andrews, Marita Grabiak, Bobby Roth, Ian Somerhalder
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: William Laurin, Glenn Davis, Brad Turner, Eric Birnberg, Thomas Walden, James Gibb, Ian Somerhalder, Lydia Antonini, Matthew McCluggage, Paul Harb, Ted Adams, Jonathan Maberry
PRODUCED BY : High Park Entertainment in association with IDW Entertainment
EPISODES: 10 episodes
GENRE: Horror/Thriller
FILMED: Toronto

Follow on:

Twitter: @iansomerhalder , #VWars
Instagram: @iansomerhalder
Ian Somerhalder Foundation

Also, don’t forget to follow mynewyorkeye for more such exclusive chat and more!

Chat w/ Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein creators/writers of Godfather Of Harlem

September 29, 2019 @ArtShrian

“Godfather of Harlem” premieres Sunday, September 29, 2019 at 10 pm ET/PT on Epix.

Godfather of Harlem is inspired by the true story of infamous crime boss Bumpy Johnson (Forest Whitaker), who in the early 1960s returned from eleven years in prison to find the neighborhood he once ruled in shambles. With the streets controlled by the Italian mob, Bumpy must take on the Genovese crime family to regain control. During the brutal battle, he forms an alliance with radical preacher Malcolm X (Nigél Thatch) – catching Malcolm’s political rise in the crosshairs of social upheaval and a mob war that threatens to tear the city apart. Godfather of Harlem is a collision of the criminal underworld and the civil rights movement during one of the most tumultuous times in American history.

Produced by ABC Signature Studios, the series is co-created and executive produced by Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein (Narcos). Forest Whitaker and Nina Yang Bongiovi, along with James Acheson and Markuann Smith, serve as executive producers. Chris Brancato serves as showrunner.

We had a conversation with Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein, videos below.

Chat w/ Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein creators/writers of Godfather Of Harlem

Social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GodfatherOfHarlem/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GodfatherHarlem

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/godfatherofharlem/?hl=en

#GodfatherOfHarlem and #EPIX

NBC Names Mike E. Winfield Winner of 15th Annual StandUp NBC Competition

January 27, 2019 @ArtShrian

Nationwide Search for Comedians of Diverse Backgrounds Awards Winfield with an NBCUniversal Talent Holding Deal
Program Marked 15 Years of Success with a Celebratory Event and Showcase Attended by Alumni Including Tone Bell, Brandon T. Jackson, Langston Kerman, and Amanda Seales

NBC has named comedian Mike E. Winfield as the winner of its 15th annual StandUp NBC competition, the network’s annual nationwide search for comedians of diverse backgrounds. Winfield has been awarded a talent holding deal with NBCUniversal and a headlining spot at the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) annual convention where he will perform for talent bookers from across the country. He will also headline the regional semi-finalist showcases for the 2019 StandUp NBC competition.

Winfield was chosen from eight finalists including Vincent Bryant, Ali Clayton, Calvin Evans, Sohrab Forouzesh, Jay Jurden, Luz Pazos and Venessa Peruda. Theywere among 1,600 stand-up comedians who auditioned last year through online submissions and open calls in Charlotte, Chicago, Houston, Las Vegas and New York. Winfield and this year’s finalists join Michelle Buteau (“Isn’t It Romantic?”), Deon Cole (“Grown-ish,”), Lil Rel Howery (“Get Out”), Hasan Minhaj (“Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj”), Phoebe Robinson (“2 Dope Queens”), and Dulcé Sloan ( “The Daily Show”) as alumni of StandUp NBC, one of the network’s tentpole talent infusion programs (NBC TIPS).

A special celebratory event honoring the program’s 15th anniversary and a finale showcase hosted by comedian and StandUp NBC alumnus Orlando Leyba (“The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon”) were held at The Improv in Hollywood last month. The finalists performed their sets in front of an audience of NBCUniversal television executives, casting directors, agents, managers and industry tastemakers. Also in attendance were program alumni including Tone Bell (“Fam”), JR De Guzman (Netflix’s “The Comedy Line-up”), Langston Kerman (“Insecure”) and Amanda Seales (“Insecure”) who marked the program’s milestone anniversary.

“Since its inception, StandUp NBC has forged a path for some of today’s most sought-after comedians. Following the program, many of our finalists have appeared in substantial roles on notable TV series and feature films as well as hosted their own stand-up specials on major networks. Their continued success speaks to their undeniable talent as well as the effectiveness of our program to help launch emerging comedic talent,” said Karen Horne, SVP, Programming Talent Development & Inclusion, NBC Entertainment and Universal Television.

“StandUp NBC continues to showcase unique talent who have a signature comedic style. This year Mike Winfield stood out to all of us because of his appealing personality and irreverent point of view.” said Grace Wu, Executive Vice President of Casting, NBC Entertainment. “He is a breakout performer whose career we have been tracking for some time and we are very excited to be working with him.”

Baltimore native, Mike E. Winfield is a stand-up comedian and actor. Mike’s most recent notable credits include the Netflix comedy special, “Brad Paisley’s Comedy Rodeo,” the upcoming feature “Pimp,” opposite Keke Palmer and “Liza On Demand” for YouTube Red. Other past TVcredits include “Acting Out,” “The Late Show with David Letterman” and “BET’s Comicview.” Now splitting his time between New York and Los Angeles, he has also headlined at top comedy clubs across the country and has a one-hour comedy special releasing this year. Winfield is represented by the Gersh Agency.

About StandUp NBC (NBC Talent Infusion Programs)

Now in its 15th year, StandUp NBC is the annual nationwide search for stand-up comedians of diverse backgrounds. Every year, finalists are selected from open casting calls in various cities across the country as well as from online submissions. They perform at a finale showcase in front of an audience of television executives, casting directors, agents, managers and industry tastemakers at a Los Angeles comedy club. The winner is given a talent holding deal with NBCUniversal and offered a spot on the nationwide tour with the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA). Previous StandUp NBC winners and alumni include Tone Bell (“Fam”), Michelle Buteau (“Isn’t It Romantic?”), W. Kamau Bell (CNN’s “United Shades of America”), Deon Cole (“Grown-ish”), Lil Rel Howery (“Get Out”), Hasan Minhaj (“Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj”), Amanda Seales (“Insecure”) and Dulcé Sloan (“The Daily Show”). StandUp NBC is part of the NBC Talent Infusion Programs (NBC TIPS) that promote and encourage people of diverse backgrounds to become the next generation of storytellers. For more information, visit NBCUniTIPS.com.

About the NBC Talent Infusion Programs (NBC TIPS)

Since 2000, NBC has been dedicated to discovering and nurturing on screen and behind-the-camera talent of diverse and inclusive backgrounds through the NBC Talent Infusion Programs (NBC TIPS). NBC TIPS are amongst the most extensive and robust diversity and inclusion programs in the television industry. They feature more than 20 programs including Writers on the Verge, the Diverse Staff Writer Initiative, Female Forward, the Alternative Directors Program, the Emerging Director Program and the StandUp NBC nationwide search for stand-up comedians. Program alumni are celebrated producers, writers, directors and actors in the entertainment industry who have gone on to win Emmys, Golden Globes and SAG Awards and include Alan Yang, Mindy Kaling, Deon Cole, Lil Rel Howery, Keto Shimizu, Natasha Rothwell, Danny Pudi and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel. For more information, visit NBCUniTIPS.com.

THE KIDS ARE BACK! “MASTERCHEF JUNIOR” RETURNS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, ON FOX

January 12, 2019 @ArtShrian

Hit culinary competition series MASTERCHEF JUNIOR returns Tuesday, Feb. 26 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

Entering its seventh season, the series gives talented kids between the ages of 8 and 13 the chance to showcase their culinary abilities and passion for food through a series of delicious challenges. Award-winning chef Gordon Ramsay and renowned pastry chef Christina Tosi will be joined by celebrated chef and restaurateur Aarón Sánchez on the judges’ panel. Season Seven will showcase a mystery box challenge focusing on the most important meal of the day – breakfast. Additionally, the young chef-testants will attend and prepare a meal for 51 circus performers, create a restaurant-quality fish dish, compete to see which team can first roll out a perfect sheet of pasta to 24 feet and power through the fan-favorite restaurant takeover challenge, until one talented kid is named America’s newest MASTERCHEF JUNIOR, taking home the MASTERCHEF JUNIOR trophy and $100,000 grand prize.

MASTERCHEF JUNIOR is produced by Endemol Shine North America and One Potato Two Potato, and is based on a format created by Franc Roddam and Endemol Shine. Robin Ashbrook, Danny Schrader, Elisabeth Murdoch, Georgie Hurford-Jones, Gordon Ramsay, Yasmin Shackleton, Patricia Llewellyn and Ben Adler serve as executive producers. “Like” MASTERCHEF JUNIOR on Facebook at facebook.com/MasterChefJuniorFOX. Follow the series on Twitter @MasterChefJrFOX and join the discussion at #MasterChefJunior. Check out photos and videos on Instagram @masterchefjunior/.

About Gordon Ramsay

Renowned for highly successful and award-winning original programming, Emmy nominated, multi-Michelin-star chef Gordon Ramsay produces TV shows on both sides of the Atlantic that are seen by audiences worldwide, including his FOX shows, “The F Word with Gordon Ramsay,” GORDON RAMSAY’S 24 HOURS TO HELL AND BACK, MASTERCHEF, MASTERCHEF JUNIOR, HELL’S KITCHEN and MASTERCHEF CELEBRITY SHOWDOWN, as well as Bravo’s “Best New Restaurant” and Food Network’s competition series “Food Court Wars.” In the U.K., he’s produced “Gordon Ramsay Behind Bars” and “Gordon Ramsay’s Great Escape” for Channel 4; food biography and nostalgia series “My Kitchen” for UKTV’s Good Food Channel; two instructional cookery series, “Ultimate Home Cooking” and “Ultimate Cookery Course,” for Channel 4; and the first two seasons of “Matilda and the Ramsay Bunch,” all under his One Potato Two Potato banner.

The next-generation multimedia production company Studio Ramsay was founded in 2016 by Ramsay and has a joint venture with All3Media to develop and produce both unscripted and scripted television shows, creating new formats and innovative programming that include a scripted arm focused on food-related themes and development of new talent on a global front. The catalog of programs that Ramsay has worked on historically with All3Media via One Potato Two Potato, together with new original content he’s currently developing, make for a unique and dynamic production and distribution partnership. Studio Ramsay’s first production, live “The F Word With Gordon Ramsay,” premiered in the U.S. on FOX, and its second FOX series, GORDON RAMSAY’S 24 HOURS TO HELL AND BACK, was one of the summer’s most-watched new series. Its first daytime cooking series, “Culinary Genius,” premiered on ITV in the U.K. and was syndicated on FOX stations in the U.S. His documentary series, “Gordon on Cocaine,” premiered on ITV to critical acclaim. “Matilda and the Ramsay Bunch,” starring Tilly Ramsay for U.K. children’s channel CBBC, is also produced by Studio Ramsay.

About Endemol Shine North America

Endemol Shine North America delivers world-class content and compelling storytelling to multiple platforms in the U.S. and across the globe. Endemol Shine North America is part of Endemol Shine Group, the global content creator, producer and distributor with a diverse portfolio of companies that are behind some of the most prominent hit television formats and series in the world.

Its Endemol Shine Latino division oversees all Spanish and Portuguese-language operations across Latin America, including newly launched studio Endemol Shine Boomdog, which produces original content for both the U.S. Hispanic and Mexican markets. Subsidiary production companies include Authentic Entertainment, Truly Original and 51 Minds Entertainment.

“MENTAL SAMURAI,” THE FIRST-EVER OBSTACLE COURSE FOR THE MIND, HOSTED AND PRODUCED BY ROB LOWE, TO PREMIERE TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, ON FOX

January 10, 2019 @ArtShrian

MENTAL SAMURAI, a thrilling new competition series that pushes every aspect of human intelligence and mental agility, debuts Tuesday, Feb. 26 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). Hosted and produced by Rob Lowe, from A. Smith & Co. Productions, Warner Horizon Unscripted & Alternative Television and Apploff Entertainment, the show is the first-ever obstacle course...for the mind.

Each episode of MENTAL SAMURAI is an epic television event, as contestants battle the boundaries of their minds to answer questions accurately with speed and precision. Not only does the course test their acumen in categories of knowledge, memory, puzzles and sequencing, but players will also have to contend with being physically transported around the set at high speeds in a specially designed capsule capable of rotating 360 degrees. In MENTAL SAMURAI, people from all walks of life will compete, and underdogs will triumph, in the game that anyone can play, and almost no one can win.

MENTAL SAMURAI is produced by A. Smith & Co. Productions, Warner Horizon Unscripted & Alternative Television and Apploff Entertainment. Arthur Smith, Toby Gorman, Jeff Apploff and Noah Bonnett serve as executive producers. Rob Lowe serves as a producer. “Like” MENTAL SAMURAI on Facebook at facebook.com/mentalsamurai. Follow the series on Twitter@mentalsamurai and join the conversation using #MentalSamurai. Check out photos and videos on Instagram @mentalsamuraiFOX/.

About A. Smith & Co. Productions

A. Smith & Co. Productions creates some of the most innovative, highly rated and high-quality programming for the domestic and international television marketplace. The company has produced more than 4,500 hours of award-winning programming, with budgets totaling well over one billion dollars across more than 50 networks and platforms. Current productions include HELL’S KITCHEN, MENTAL SAMURAI, “The Titan Games,” “American Ninja Warrior,” “American Ninja Warrior Junior,” “American Ninja Warrior: Ninja vs. Ninja,” “Unsung,” “Inside the Label,” “SciJinks,” “NFL Pro Bowl Skills Showdown,” “The Dunk King” and “Death by Magic.” Past hits include “Kitchen Nightmares,” “Ellen’s Design Challenge,” “Full Throttle Saloon,” “Wizard Wars,” “Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura,” “UFC Countdown,” “Joe Rogan Questions Everything,” “Paradise Hotel,” “I Survived a Japanese Game Show,” “The Swan,” “Trading Spaces,” “Celebrity Duets,” “Pros vs. Joes,” “American Gangster,” “The Game of Dating,” “Skating with Celebrities” and many others.

For more information, visit www.asmithco.com.

FOX OPENS DOORS TO BRAND-NEW “PARADISE HOTEL”

January 8, 2019 @ArtShrian

From the Producers of “Jersey Shore,” “The Bachelor” and “Love Island,” and

The Original Creators of “Paradise Hotel”

Reinvention of Hit Unscripted Series Casting Now

FOX opens the doors to a brand-new PARADISE HOTEL, the innovative unscripted competition series in which each guest tries to remain in paradise as long as possible. The modernized version of the international hit is executive-produced by SallyAnn Salsano (495 Productions, “Jersey Shore Family Vacation,” “Jersey Shore,” “Floribama Shore,” “The Bachelor”); Becca Walker (“Love Island,” “I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here”); and Celia Taylor (“50 Ways to Kill Your Mammy,” “A League of Your Own, with James Corden,” “An Idiot Abroad”) of Mentorn Media, the original creators of the groundbreaking “Paradise Hotel” format.

PARADISE HOTEL follows a group of singles who are given the opportunity of a lifetime – to check in to an exclusive tropical resort – and check out with big money. Immersed in a gorgeous setting, these strangers will be surrounded by sun, fun and romance – all cloaked in a wild competition. This paradise won’t last forever...it will take strategy to remain there. Each week, these singles will vote off one of their fellow residents to make room for a new guest. In a new twist, viewers can play along at home, using social media to try and influence what happens on screen, including helping to decide who stays and who goes.

“PARADISE HOTEL was a show ahead of its time, and this incredible team of producers plan to take it to the next level,” said Rob Wade, President, Alternative Entertainment and Specials, Fox Broadcasting Company. “The format allows for a delicious mix of love, drama and humor with a uniquely FOX twist. By using fresh interactive elements, it enables fans to orchestrate the show’s narrative, making it can’t-miss television for a new generation of viewers.”

“When love, power and money are the stakes, doing the right thing can sometimes take a back seat. Guessing who will do what’s right to find ‘the one,’ while others are focusing on the jackpot, makes this super exciting,” added Salsano. “This time around, viewers using their social media feedback to influence what happens on screen is a game-changer and will keep us all on edge.”

“To re-create, re-imagine and re-open the doors to PARADISE HOTEL again for a new generation is incredibly exciting,” noted Taylor. “It remains a format ahead of its time that works perfectly in our digital world.”

PARADISE HOTEL is currently casting. Contestants must be at least 21 years old and single.

For more information, eligibility and other terms and conditions, and to apply, please visit ParadiseHotelCasting.com.

Having first aired on FOX in 2003, PARADISE HOTEL then became an international hit, produced around the world in more than 18 countries.

PARADISE HOTEL is produced by Celia Taylor for Mentorn Media and SallyAnn Salsano’s 495 Productions. Salsano, Taylor and Becca Walker serve as executive producers.

About 495 Productions

SallyAnn Salsano is the Founder, CEO, Executive Producer and creative force behind the Daytime and Primetime Emmy-nominated 495 Productions team. Boasting the highest-rated shows for both MTV and CMT with “Jersey Shore Family Vacation,” “Jersey Shore” and “Party Down South,” along with the record-breaking “Martha & Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party” on VH1, 495 Productions has cemented its place in pop culture history. Some additional shows on 495 Productions’ versatile roster include “Floribama Shore” (MTV); “Bachelorette Weekend” (CMT); “The Untitled Action Bronson Show” (Viceland); “The Real” daytime talk show (syndicated); “Blue Collar Millionaires” (CNBC); “Winter Break: Hunter Mountain” (MTV); “Invitation Only” (Bravo); “Nashville Star” (NBC); “More To Love” (FOX); “Tattoo Nightmares” (Spike); “Mother/Daughter Experiment: Celebrity Edition” (Lifetime); “Snooki & JWOWW” (MTV); “Disaster Date” (MTV); “Tattoos After Dark” (Oxygen); “Repo Games” (Spike); “Wedding Wars” (VH1); “Taboo USA” (National Geographic Channel); several seasons of HGTV’s #1 rated show, “Design Star”; Oxygen's #1 rated show, “Dance Your Ass Off”; “A Shot At Love” (MTV); “Tool Academy” (VH1); and many others. In March 2014, FremantleMedia North America acquired a majority stake in 495 Productions.

About Mentorn Media

Mentorn Media is one of the U.K.’s most established and respected producers, run by Managing Director Celia Taylor. Founded in 1985, Mentorn Media has gone on to produce thousands of hours of programming for broadcasters in the U.K. and internationally. With production bases in London and Glasgow, the team produces programs with a focus on entertainment and factual, ranging from long-running current affairs stalwart “Question Time” and “The Big Questions” for the BBC, to “Robot Wars” (BBC2), “Traffic Cops” (Channel 5) and “Inside London’s Fire Brigade” (ITV), as well as the award-winning “Things Not To Say” (BBC3). Other shows have ranged from “Freshers” for ITV, “Chicken Shop” for Channel 4, “World’s Scariest…” for Channel 5 and international hit show “An Idiot Abroad” for Sky, which has been sold into more than 200 territories worldwide.

FOX and iHeartMedia Announce the Return of the iHeartRadio Music Awards Thursday, March 14, Live on FOX

December 14, 2018 @ArtShrian

FOX AND IHEARTMEDIA ANNOUNCE THE RETURN OF THE “iHEARTRADIO MUSIC AWARDS” THURSDAY, MARCH 14, LIVE ON FOX

Performance-Filled Show to Air Live from Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles

Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX) and iHeartMedia announced today that the fan-driven 2019 iHeartRadio Music Awards will air live Thursday, March 14, 2019 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live /PT tape-delayed) on FOX, from Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. The event will once again broadcast live simultaneously on iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide and on iHeartRadio, the all-in-one digital music, podcast, on demand and live streaming radio service.

Now in its sixth year, the iHeartRadio Music Awards is a star-studded event celebrating the most-played artists and songs on iHeartRadio stations and the iHeartRadio app throughout 2018, while also offering a preview of the upcoming hits of 2019. The show will feature live performances from the biggest artists in music, as well as surprise duets and collaborations, and award presentations in various categories. Since the Awards’ inception in 2013, the show has included live performances and appearances by such superstar artists as Bon Jovi, Maroon 5, Camila Cabello, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Ed Sheeran, Big Sean, Rihanna, Sam Smith, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Blake Shelton, Pharrell, Pitbull, Justin Bieber and many others.

In addition to celebrating music and artists, the iHeartRadio Music Awards celebrates the fans, millions of whom cast their votes for their favorite artists through social media. Ranking as one of the most talked-about television events in social media this past year, the 2018 iHeartRadio Music Awards garnered over 216 billion social media impressions in the U.S. alone. It also proved its strength on individual platforms, such as Twitter, where the official hashtag of the evening, #iHeartAwards2018, trended #1 on Twitter worldwide and in the U.S. in more than 30 cities.

“This is a show that is truly controlled by music fans, because it celebrates the artists and songs that they listened to all year long on our 850 broadcast radio stations and the iHeartRadio app,” said John Sykes, President of Entertainment Enterprises for iHeartMedia. “FOX has established itself as a premier television destination for music fans, which has made it a natural home for our Awards.”

“There’s no more powerful brand in the business than iHeartRadio,” said Rob Wade, President, Alternative Entertainment and Specials, Fox Broadcasting Company. “iHeartRadio is fans’ first stop to listen to their favorite artists and find the next breakout star. We’re proud to be their partner as we honor this year’s biggest music artists.”

Among the many winners of the 2018 Awards were Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” for Song of the Year, Taylor Swift for Female Artist of the Year, Ed Sheeran for Male Artist of the Year, Cardi B for Best New Artist, Maroon 5 for Best Duo/Group of the Year and U2 for Best Tour. Chance the Rapper received the most prestigious award of the evening – the 2018 iHeartRadio Innovator Award – for his groundbreaking accomplishments in the music industry and his unsurpassable contributions to social causes. In addition, L'Oréal Paris and iHeartRadio presented Camila Cabello with the first-ever Fangirls Award, which recognizes a female artist who has pushed boundaries with her music and message, while inspiring fans around the globe. And Bon Jovi received the first-ever iHeartRadio Icon Award for their global impact on pop culture, longevity and continued relevance as a touring and radio force with a loyal fan base worldwide.

More information about the 2019 iHeartRadio Music Awards, including the award categories and ticket info, will be announced at a later date.

About iHeartMedia

iHeartMedia is the number one audio company in the United States, reaching nine out of 10 Americans every month – and with its quarter of a billion monthly listeners, has a greater reach than any other media company in the U.S. The company’s leadership position in audio extends across multiple platforms including 850 live broadcast stations; streaming music, radio and on demand via its iHeartRadio digital service available across more than 250 platforms and 2,000 devices including smart speakers, digital auto dashes, tablets, wearables, smartphones, virtual assistants, TVs and gaming consoles; through its influencers; social; branded iconic live music events; and podcasts as the #1 commercial podcast publisher globally. iHeartMedia also leads the audio industry in analytics and attribution technology for its marketing partners, using data from its massive consumer base. iHeartMedia is a division of iHeartMedia, Inc. (PINK: IHRTQ). Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.

About Fox Broadcasting Company

Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX), a unit of 21st Century Fox, is home to some of the highest-rated and most acclaimed series on television, including 9-1-1, EMPIRE, THE ORVILLE, THE GIFTED, THE RESIDENT, LETHAL WEAPON, GOTHAM, STAR, THE SIMPSONS, FAMILY GUY, BOB’S BURGERS, HELL’S KITCHEN, MASTERCHEF, MASTERCHEF JUNIOR, THE FOUR: BATTLE FOR STARDOM, BEAT SHAZAM, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE and GORDON RAMSAY’S 24 HOURS TO HELL AND BACK; as well as new series THE COOL KIDS, REL, LAST MAN STANDING, THE PASSAGE, PROVEN INNOCENT and THE MASKED SINGER. FOX airs 15 hours of primetime programming a week, as well as major sports and Sunday morning news. Through the FOX NOW app, FOX viewers can watch full episodes of their favorite FOX shows on a variety of digital platforms, while enjoying enhanced interactive and social capabilities around those shows. Download the FOX NOW app at www.fox.com/foxnow. To watch primetime programming live on the web, visit www.fox.com/live. “Like” FOX on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FOXTV and follow the network on Twitter @FOXTV. For additional information about FOX, please visit www.fox.com.

About Microsoft Theater

Microsoft Theater hosts over 120 music, family, dance and comedy acts, award shows, televised productions, conventions and product launches with over 500,000 guests passing through the doors annually. The 7,100-seat theater offers guests mid-sized intimacy, with no seat further from the stage than 220 feet. Microsoft Theater offers 12,000 square feet of VIP & hospitality areas, 10 dressing rooms and state of the art technology making it is a favorite indoor venue for performers and fans alike. Since opening in October 2007 with six sold out shows featuring the Eagles and Dixie Chicks, Microsoft Theater has hosted concerts starring the most popular artists including Alan Jackson, Katy Perry, Charlie Wilson, Juan Gabriel, Aretha Franklin, Ed Sheeran, John Fogerty, Gabriel Iglesias, Kanye West, Marc Anthony, Sesame Street Live, John Legend, The Avett Brothers, Neil Young, Steely Dan, Trey Songz, Kelly Clarkson, Rush, Yanni, Nicki Minaj, Juanes, Cat Stevens, The American Idol Finale shows, Michael Jackson’s This is It, Straight Outta Compton, The Hunger Gamesand Twilight Movie Premieres and many more. Microsoft Theater is home to the American Music Awards, ESPYs, Primetime Emmy Awards, BET Awards, People’s Choice Awards, Radio Disney Music Awards, 2010, 2011 & 2015 MTV Video Music Awards, 2014 & 2015 MTV Movie Awards and the 2013 Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame. Microsoft Theater is centrally located within L.A. LIVE is a 4 million square foot / $3 billion downtown Los Angeles sports and entertainment district adjacent to STAPLES Center and the Los Angeles Convention Center featuring Microsoft Theater, a 7,100-seat live theatre, a 2,300 capacity live music venue, a 54-story, 1001-room convention “headquarters” destination (featuringThe Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles and JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE hotels and 224 luxury condominiums – The Ritz-Carlton Residences at L.A. LIVE – all in a single tower) , the GRAMMY Museum, the 14-screen Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE Stadium 14 theatre, broadcast facilities for ESPN along with entertainment, residential, restaurant and office space.

WE tv's 'Love After Lockup' ATL, NYC & LA Screenings w/ VIP's

December 7, 2018 @ArtShrian

VIP’s GATHER FOR ATLANTA, NEW YORK & LOS ANGELES SCREENINGS OF WE tv’s “LOVE AFTER LOCKUP” SEASON TWO

Watch An Extended First Look at Season Two

(left) Dan Adler, Casey Madden, Dr. Ish and Kate Farrell; (right) Casey Madden, Matt Sharp, Lauren Gellert and Dr. Ish [Photo Credit: WE tv]

WE tv, in partnership with Star and OK!, pre-screened the season two premiere episode of their hit docu-series, “Love After Lockup” for VIP’s, influencers & fans in Atlanta, Los Angeles and New York. The second season of “Love After Lockup” will follow six couples, who fell in love and got engaged while one was incarcerated. At each screening, guests were able to enjoy concessions courtesy of WE TV, Star and OK!. Following the screenings, there were cast/audience Q&A’s moderated by Casey Madden (OK! Magazine) with Kate Farrell (WE tv VP, Original Programming), Lauren Gellert (WE tv VP, EVP Development and Original Programming), Dr. Ish, Matt Sharp (Sharp Productions) and Dan Adler (Sharp Productions). Season two of the hit franchise “Love After Lockup” returns to WE TV with more fun, hardships, family drama and relationship challenges on Friday, December 7th at 9/8C.

For more information on “Love After Lockup,” visit WE TV's Official Website and check out exclusive, behind-the-scenes content. Viewers can also join the conversation by connecting via social media on WE tv's Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@WETV) using the hashtags #LOVEAFTERLOCKUP.

# # #

About “Love After Lockup” Season 2
The second season of Love After Lockup will follow 6 couples, who fell in love and got engaged while one was incarcerated. We will meet each couple just prior to the jailed partner’s release and follow them on their journey to –potentially –the marriage altar. In S2 the debate between true love v. scam will be even more pronounced, and the “firsts” will be even more abundant--first touch, first kiss, moving in together, meeting the family, etc... Between the stories we follow and the way we follow them (from visually dramatic releases to raw shocking reveals), S2 will amplify the best elements of LAL and take us down new paths of love, mystery, heartbreak, and drama. While each of our couples has their own unique stories, all of them will be going through the same journey over the season—from prison to the altar.

Angela Simmons, Romeo Miller and More 'Growing Up Hip Hop' Premiere Event in NYC 12/4, with DJ Questlove!

December 5, 2018 @ArtShrian

(L - R) “Growing up Hip Hop” cast members Jojo Simmons, Angela Simmons, Vanessa Simmons, and Romeo Miller attend the season 4 launch party on December 4, 2018 at Avenue in New York City. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for WE tv)

(L - R) Jojo Simmons, Executive Vice President of WE tv Lauren Gellert, and Romeo Miller attend the “Growing Up Hip Hop” season 4 party on December 4, 2018 at Avenue in New York City. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for WE tv)

TV personality Dr. Ish (“Marriage Boot Camp”) and Romeo Miller attend the “Growing Up Hip Hop” season 4 party on December 4, 2018 at Avenue in New York City. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for WE tv)

(L - R) Vanessa Simmons, President and General Manager of WE tv Marc Juris, and Angela Simmons attend the "Growing Up Hip Hop" season 4 party on December 4, 2018 at Avenue in New York City. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for WE tv)

DJ Questlove performs during the "Growing Up Hip Hop" season 4 party on December 4, 2018 at Avenue in New York City. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for WE tv)

Last night, December 4, 2018, WE tv celebrated the season four launch of “Growing Up Hip Hop” at Avenue in New York City. In attendance were cast members Angela Simmons, Vanessa Simmons, Jojo Simmonsand Romeo Miller, as well as Dr. Ish from We tv’s popular series “Marriage Boot Camp,” and WE tv executives including Marc Juris, President and GM, and Lauren Gellert, Executive Vice President. The packed house got a special performance by DJ Questlove. Season Four of “Growing Up Hip Hop” returns with new episodes on Thursday, January 10.

THE COOL KIDS Joins LAST MAN STANDING with Full Season Order

October 19, 2018 @ArtShrian

FOX PLACES BACK-NINE ORDER OF “THE COOL KIDS,” JOINING “LAST MAN STANDING” FOR A FULL SEASON

All-New Comedy Block Drives FOX to Rank #1 for Three Consecutive Fridays Premiere of New Comedy Starring David Alan Grier, Martin Mull, Vicki Lawrence and Leslie Jordan Marks Broadcast’s Most-Watched Friday Comedy Debut in Six Years

Return of LAST MAN STANDING, Starring Tim Allen, Ranks as Television’s Most Watched Friday Comedy Telecast in 15 Years and FOX’s Most-Watched Friday Entertainment Telecast in 18 Years

All-New Episodes of LAST MAN STANDING and THE COOL KIDS Air Tonight on FOX

FOX has picked up nine additional episodes of new comedy THE COOL KIDS, which joins LAST MAN STANDING with a full season order, it was announced today by Michael Thorn, President, Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company.

“Charlie Day has given us a show that delivers the goods – hilarious stories and impeccable timing and chemistry between its stars, David Alan Grier, Vicki Lawrence, Martin Mull and Leslie Jordan,” said Thorn. “On top of that, it has the perfect lead-in with Tim Allen and LAST MAN STANDING. THE COOL KIDS…are just that…and we’re thrilled they’re going to be on FOX for a full season.”

On September 28, driven by LAST MAN STANDING and THE COOL KIDS, FOX posted its most-watched Friday with entertainment in a decade. LAST MAN STANDING (2.7/15 Live + 7 Day, 13.4 million multi-platform viewers to-date) was the most-watched Friday regular comedy telecast on any network in 15 years, as well as FOX’s most-watched Friday entertainment telecast in nearly 18 years and most-watched comedy on any night in four and half years. Leading out of LAST MAN STANDING, THE COOL KIDS scored a 2.1/11 L7 in the key Adult 18-49 demographic, drawing 10.2 million multi-platform viewers to-date, making it broadcast’s most-watched Friday comedy debut in almost six years. LAST MAN STANDING and THE COOL KIDS were Friday’s Top Two shows and the only series to post at least a 2.0 L7 for the night. In week two, FOX again ranked as Friday’s #1 network, with LAST MAN STANDING (2.0/11 L7 and 10.0 million multi-platform viewers to-date) and THE COOL KIDS (1.5/7 L7, 7.3 million multi-platform viewers to-date) ranking as the night’s Top Two entertainment programs, followed by FOX’s HELL’S KITCHEN (#3-tie). In their telecasts on Friday, October 12, LAST MAN STANDING and THE COOL KIDS again drove FOX to rank #1 on the night for the third consecutive week.

In tonight’s all-new Halloween-themed episode of LAST MAN STANDING, “Bride of Prankenstein,” airing 8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT on FOX and featuring guest star Jay Leno, Mike (Tim Allen) and Chuck (Jonathan Adams) work late on Halloween night to set up a security system at Outdoor Man and find the perfect target to prank when Joe (Leno) arrives at the store. Meanwhile, Mandy (Molly McCook), Kyle (Christoph Sanders), Kristen (Amanda Fuller) and Ryan (Jordan Masterson) hold a séance.

In tonight’s all-new episode of THE COOL KIDS, “Sid Comes Out,” airing 8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT, Margaret (Vicki Lawrence) tries to convince Sid (Leslie Jordan) to come out to his son. Meanwhile, Hank (David Alan Grier) stubbornly refuses to admit he needs glasses, and Charlie (Martin Mull) helps him cheat on his eye test.

LAST MAN STANDING stars Tim Allen as MIKE BAXTER, a happily married father of three daughters, who tries to maintain his manliness in a home surrounded by women. Seeking refuge in the manly embrace of his job as marketing director at the Outdoor Man store, Mike revels in his vlog, which he uses as a pulpit for his many opinions. In addition to Allen, the series stars Nancy Travis as Mike’s wife, VANESSA; Amanda Fuller as their oldest daughter, KRISTIN; Molly McCook as their free-spirited second daughter, MANDY; Christoph Sanders as Mike’s charmingly naïve co-worker and Mandy’s husband, KYLE ANDERSON; Jordan Masterson as Kristin’s husband, RYAN VOGELSON; Jet Jurgenson as Kristin and Ryan’s young son, BOYD; Jonathan Adams as Mike’s neighbor and co-worker, CHUCK LARABEE; and Hector Elizondo as owner of Outdoor Man, ED ALZATE.

LAST MAN STANDING is produced by 20th Century Fox Television. The series was created by Jack Burditt. Kevin Abbott, Matt Berry, Kevin Hench, Ed Yeagher, Tim Allen, Marty Adelstein, Shawn Levy, Becky Clements, Richard Baker and Rick Messina are executive producers. Abbott serves as the series’ showrunner. “Like” LAST MAN STANDING on Facebook atOfficialLastManStanding. Follow the series on Twitter @LastManStanding and join the discussion using #LastManStanding. See photos and videos on Instagram @LastManStanding.

From executive producer Charlie Day (“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”) and starring David Alan Grier, Martin Mull, Vicki Lawrence and Leslie Jordan, THE COOL KIDS is a multi-camera comedy about a rowdy, rag-tag group of friends living in a retirement community who are willing to break every rule in order to have fun – because, at their age, what do they really have to lose?

THE COOL KIDS is produced by 20th Century Fox Television, in association with FX Productions and 3 Arts Entertainment. Charlie Day, Patrick Walsh (“Living Biblically,” “2 Broke Girls”) and Nick Frenkel (“The Mick,” “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”) are executive producers. Co-executive producer Paul Fruchbom created the series with Day. Emmy Award winner Don Scardino (“30 Rock,” “2 Broke Girls”) directed the pilot. “Like” THE COOL KIDS on Facebook atTheCoolKidsFOX. Follow the series on Twitter @TheCoolKidsFOX and join the discussion using #TheCoolKids. See photos and videos on Instagram @TheCoolKidsFox.

LAST MAN STANDING, THE COOL KIDS and HELL’S KITCHEN Drive FOX to Its Most-Watched Friday in a Decade and Highest-Rated Premiere Week Friday in Seven Years in 3-Day Viewing

October 4, 2018 @ArtShrian

“LAST MAN STANDING,” “THE COOL KIDS” AND “HELL’S KITCHEN” DRIVE FOX TO

ITS MOST-WATCHED FRIDAY IN A DECADE AND

HIGHEST-RATED PREMIERE WEEK FRIDAY IN SEVEN YEARS IN 3-DAY VIEWING

LAST MAN STANDING’s 11.5 Million Multi-Platform Viewers Mark

FOX’s Most-Watched Friday Entertainment Telecast in 18 Years

THE COOL KIDS Posts Broadcast’s Most-Watched Friday Comedy Debut

In Six Years, with 9.3 Million Multi-Platform Viewers

FOX Wins Three Consecutive Nights During Premiere Week

For First Time in Network History

The Friday, September 28th, premieres of LAST MAN STANDING and THE COOL KIDS and return of HELL’S KITCHENdelivered FOX its most-watched Friday with entertainment in a decade and highest-rated Premiere Week Friday in seven years in 3-Day delayed viewing. In winning the night, FOX won three consecutive nights during Premiere Week – Wednesday, Thursday and Friday – for the first time in its history.

Giving FOX its most-watched Friday entertainment telecast in nearly 18 years, LAST MAN STANDING grew to 11.5 million viewers in 3-Day multi-platform viewing, making it the network’s most-watched comedy on any night in seven years (excluding NFL nights) and more than double than any FOX live-action comedy telecast last season. In Live + 3 Day ratings, LAST MAN STANDING’s 2.5/14 L3 is up +56% from its Season Six season debut and marks its highest Friday rating ever.

LAST MAN STANDING out-rates every Premiere Week comedy (tied with Young Sheldon, excluding Big Bang Theory), making FOX the only network to have both a comedy (LAST MAN STANDING) and drama (9-1-1, EMPIRE) post at least a 2.5 L3 rating during Premiere Week.

The series premiere of THE COOL KIDS grew to 9.3 million viewers in 3-Day multi-platform viewing, making it broadcast’s most-watched Friday comedy debut in six years. It’s also FOX’s most-watched comedy launch in seven years since “New Girl” in 2011 and exceeds any FOX comedy telecast last season in multi-platform viewing. THE COOL KIDS delivered a 2.0/10 L3 rating among Adults 18-49. Its streaming audience of 652,000 viewers is FOX’s best comedy debut in three years.

All three of FOX’s new comedies premiered higher than any competitive freshman or rebooted comedy series in L3, with LAST MAN STANDING (2.5/14 L3) ranking #1 and THE COOL KIDS (2.0/10 L3) and REL (2.0/8 L3) tied for #2.

The Season 18 premiere of HELL’S KITCHEN registered a 1.3/7 L3 rating, up +8% vs. its premiere last season, and 4.5 million multi-platform viewers (+7%).

All-new episodes of LAST MAN STANDING (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT), THE COOL KIDS (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT) and HELL’S KITCHEN (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) air this Friday, Oct. 5 on FOX.

THE COOL KIDS is produced by 20th Century Fox Television, in association with FX Productions and 3 Arts Entertainment. Charlie Day, Patrick Walsh (“Living Biblically,” “2 Broke Girls”) and Nick Frenkel (“The Mick,” “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”) are executive producers. Emmy Award winner Don Scardino (“30 Rock,” “2 Broke Girls”) directed the pilot. “Like” THE COOL KIDS on Facebook at TheCoolKidsFOX. Follow the series on Twitter @TheCoolKidsFOX and join the discussion using #TheCoolKids. See photos and videos on Instagram @TheCoolKidsFox.

HELL’S KITCHEN is produced by ITV Entertainment in association with A. Smith & Co. Productions, Inc. Arthur Smith, Kent Weed, Gordon Ramsay, Kenny Rosen and David Eilenberg serve as executive producers. “Like” HELL’S KITCHEN on Facebook at facebook.com/hellskitchen. Follow the series on Twitter @hellskitchenfox, and follow Ramsay at@GordonRamsay.

FOX Teams Up with Kennedy Center's Turnaround Arts for #EMPIRESTARGIVESBACK Social Campaign

September 24, 2018 @ArtShrian

FOX TEAMS UP WITH KENNEDY CENTER’S TURNAROUND ARTS FOR #EMPIRESTARGIVESBACK SOCIAL CAMPAIGN

$2 Donated For Each Tweet Using Campaign Hashtag Up to $50,000

EMPIRE Season Premiere Features Original Portrait of “Cookie” and “Lucious”

By Renowned Artist Derrick Adams

“EMPIRE X Derrick Adams” Merchandise Collection Launches Online

at FOXSHOP (shop.fox.com) with all FOX Profits Benefiting Turnaround Arts

In celebration of the fall returns of hit music dramas EMPIRE and STAR, Fox Broadcasting Company and parent company 21st Century Fox have teamed up with Turnaround Arts, a national program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, for a new social campaign. As one of the marquee national education initiatives of the Kennedy Center, Turnaround Arts empowers struggling schools with innovative arts programs and arts-based learning across subject areas as a strategy to help address broader school challenges and close the opportunity gap.

Each season of EMPIRE has featured the work of prominent artists of color, including Kerry James Marshall, Kehinde Wiley, Mickalene Thomas, Dawoud Bey, Toyin Odutola and Carrie Mae Weems. This season, renowned artist Derrick Adams created a portrait of “Cookie” and “Lucious” that will be featured in the season premiere episode, airing Wednesday, Sept. 26 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. Here is a sneak peek at the art that was created:

The #EMPIRESTARGIVESBACK campaign kicks off today in New York at the EMPIRE Season Five Premiere Event, where the original Derrick Adams portrait will be on display.

FOX is also launching a collection of merchandise using the Derrick Adams-created image that fans can purchase online at shop.fox.com with all of FOX’s profits going to Turnaround Arts.

From Monday, Sept. 24, 2018 to Monday, Dec. 31, 2018, FOX and parent company 21st Century Fox will donate $2 (up to $50,000) to Turnaround Arts, for every tweet, retweet or Facebook post using the hashtags #EMPIRESTARGivesBack and #Promo. FOX is encouraging fans to share messages across social platforms, thanking and honoring a mentor or teacher who has inspired their love of the arts. Additionally, actors from both EMPIRE and STAR will celebrate the music and arts educators who have made a difference in their own lives.

On the Season Five premiere of EMPIRE, airing Wednesday, Sept. 26 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX, two years after losing Empire to Eddie Barker (guest star Forest Whitaker), Cookie (Taraji P. Henson) and Lucious (Terrence Howard) are still in the midst of picking up the pieces. The family is now completely dispersed and coping in their own ways after experiencing unimaginable tragedies. Meanwhile, in an effort to reclaim the Lyons’ position in the music industry, Cookie sets her eyes on a talented new singer and rapper, Treasure(guest star Katlynn Simone).

Following EMPIRE, STAR (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) returns for its third season, picking up three months after the Season Two finale, as Star (Jude Demorest) returns home with a secret, and Alex (Ryan Destiny) and Simone's (Brittany O’Grady) fates are finally answered. Carlotta (Queen Latifah) had been named the president of the label, but her world came crashing down after learning Cassie (Brandy Norwood) killed Jahil (Benjamin Bratt). Cassie tries to make amends, but Carlotta struggles with her grief, and Christine (guest star Patti LaBelle) is caught in the middle.

From Imagine Television in association with 20th Century Fox Television, EMPIRE was created by Academy Award nominee Lee Daniels and Emmy Award winner Danny Strong, and is executive-produced by Daniels, Strong, Academy Award- and Emmy Award-winning producer Brian Grazer, Francie Calfo, Sanaa Hamri, Dennis Hammer, Matt Pyken and Diane Ademu-John. Brett Mahoney is executive producer and showrunner for the series.

STAR is a production of 20th Century Fox Television in association with Lee Daniels Entertainment. Lee Daniels and Tom Donaghy are the creators. Lee Daniels and Pamela Oas Williams serve as executive producers. Karin Gist serves as showrunner and executive producer.

About 21st Century Fox

21st Century Fox is one of the world’s leading portfolios of cable, broadcast, film, pay TV and satellite assets spanning six continents across the globe. Reaching more than 1.8 billion subscribers in approximately 50 local languages every day, 21st Century Fox is home to a global portfolio of cable and broadcasting networks and properties, including FOX, FX, FXX, FXM, FS1, Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, FOX Sports, Fox Sports Network, National Geographic Channels, Star India, 28 local television stations in the U.S. and more than 350 international channels; film studio Twentieth Century Fox Film; television production studio Twentieth Century Fox Television; and a 50 per cent ownership interest in Endemol Shine Group. The Company also holds approximately 39.1 per cent of the issued shares of Sky, Europe’s leading entertainment company, which serves nearly 23 million households across five countries. For more information about 21st Century Fox, please visit www.21CF.com.

About the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is America’s living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, attracting millions of visitors each year to more than 2,000 performances, events and exhibits. With its artistic affiliates, the National Symphony Orchestra and Washington National Opera, the nation’s busiest performing arts center is dedicated to providing World-Class Art, Powerful Education and an outstanding Memorial Experience to the broadest possible constituency. Across all its offerings, the Kennedy Center is committed to increasing accessible, inclusive opportunities for all people to participate in and learn through the arts, including more than 400 free performances each year and a variety of Specially Priced Ticket programs for students, seniors, persons with disabilities and others.To learn more about the Kennedy Center, please visitwww.kennedy-center.org.

About Turnaround Arts

Founded under the leadership of former First Lady Michelle Obama, Turnaround Arts bolsters reform efforts at Priority and Focus-designated schools (PK-8) through the strategic use of the arts. Designed to impact every hallway, classroom, staff member and student in the school, the program fuels whole-school transformation. As part of Turnaround Arts, schools receive an array of arts education services designed to increase chances of success, engage communities and raise the visibility of their achievements. Turnaround Arts works with 81 schools in 17 states and the District of Columbia. To learn more about Turnaround Arts, please visit turnaroundarts.kennedy-center.org.

MASTERCHEF Renewed for 10th Season, to Air During 2018-2019 Season

September 19, 2018 @ArtShrian

FOX ORDERS 10TH SEASON OF TELEVISION’S NO. 1 COOKING SHOW, “MASTERCHEF,” TO AIR DURING THE 2018-2019 SEASON

Season Nine Finale of MASTERCHEF Airs Tonight @ 8/7c on FOX

Fox Broadcasting Company (FOX) has ordered a tenth season of hit cooking competition series MASTERCHEF, it was jointly announced today by FOX, Endemol Shine and Gordon Ramsay. Season 10 will air during the 2018-2019 season. In addition, multi-award-winning television producer Natalka Znak has been added as executive producer.

Now in its ninth season, MASTERCHEF is television’s No. 1 cooking show and is averaging 6.4 million multi-platform viewers.

On tonight’s two-hour season finale of MASTERCHEF, the three remaining home cooks will face their final challenge when they are each asked to prepare a three-course menu for the judges. The home cook with the best overall menu will be crowned the winner. Watch the top three compete for the prize of a quarter of a million dollars and the coveted title of MasterChef in the all-new “Finale Pt. 1/Finale Pt. 2” two-hour season finale episode of MASTERCHEF airing Wednesday, Sept. 19 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).

MASTERCHEF is looking for the next batch of talented, passionate and skilled home cooks to compete for the coveted white apron. And, for the first time ever, Gordon Ramsay’s very own culinary team will be hitting the road with the casting team! They will be his eyes and ears, checking you out, and tasting your very own culinary creations. The nationwide casting calls have begun and will continue throughout September.

MASTERCHEF open casting calls will be held as follows:

CITY DATE

New York, NY Saturday, Sept. 22

Chicago, IL Saturday, Sept. 22

Los Angeles, CA Saturday, Sept. 29

Dallas, TX Saturday, Sept. 29

For additional casting information, please visit: http://masterchefcasting.com/

MASTERCHEF is produced by Endemol Shine North America and One Potato Two Potato, and is based on a format created by Franc Roddam and Endemol Shine. Elisabeth Murdoch, Georgie Hurford-Jones, Gordon Ramsay, Danny Schrader, Patricia Llewellyn and Ben Adler serve as executive producers. “Like” MASTERCHEF on Facebook at facebook.com/Masterchef/. Follow the series on Twitter @MasterChefonFOXand join the discussion with #MasterChef. See photos and videos on Instagram @MasterchefonFOX.

ABOUT NATALKA ZNAK

Natalka Znak is a multi-award-winning television producer who has created some of TV’s biggest hits, including “Hell’s Kitchen,” the international hit format “Love Island” and “I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here,” currently in its 14th season in the U.K. She is currently the President of Znak & Co, the international production company she founded that specializes in entertainment, factual entertainment and factual formats, with offices in the U.K. and U.S. Most recently, the company produced MEGHAN MARKLE: AN AMERICAN PRINCESS, a two-hour special for FOX; and “Revolution,” an eight-episode physical gameshow for SKY UK and FOX. Prior to that, Znak was the Chief Creative Officer and CEO of Zodiak U.S. She ran the company’s Los Angeles and New York offices and worked with networks, including ABC, CBS, NBC, History, Lifetime, A&E, Own, TLC and Spike, producing shows, including “Hardcore Pawn,” the critically acclaimed “Killer Karaoke,” the award-winning “Wifeswap” and “Secret Millionaire.” Znak started her career in the U.K. in politics before becoming Controller of Factual Entertainment for ITV Studios in London.

ABOUT ENDEMOL SHINE NORTH AMERICA

Endemol Shine Group’s companies in North America are behind such hit series as “Big Brother” (CBS), “Ink Master” (Spike), “Kingdom” (AT&T Audience Network), MASTERCHEF (FOX), MASTERCHEF JUNIOR (FOX), “Swamp People” (History), “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” (Bravo), “T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle” (VH1), “Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Challenge” (CMT), “Page Six TV” (Syndicated), “Billion Dollar Buyer” (CNBC), “Fear Factor” (MTV), “Best.Cover.Ever.” (YouTube), “I’m Dying Up Here” (Showtime), “Trading Spaces” (TLC) and upcoming “Deal or No Deal” (CNBC), THE MASKED SINGER (FOX) and “Utopia” (Amazon).

ABOUT STUDIO RAMSAY

The next-generation multimedia production company Studio Ramsay was founded in 2016 by Ramsay and has a joint venture with All3Media to develop and produce both unscripted and scripted television shows, creating new formats and innovative programming that include a scripted arm focused on food-related themes and development of new talent on a global front. The catalog of programs that Ramsay has worked on historically with All3Media via One Potato Two Potato, together with new original content he’s currently developing, make for a unique and dynamic production and distribution partnership. Studio Ramsay’s first production, live “The F Word With Gordon Ramsay,” premiered last summer in the U.S. on FOX, and its second FOX series, “Gordon Ramsay’s 24 Hours to Hell and Back” was one of the summer’s most-watched new series. Its first daytime cooking series, “Culinary Genius,” premiered on ITV in the U.K. and was syndicated on FOX stations in the U.S. last summer. His documentary series, “Gordon on Cocaine,” premiered in the fall on ITV to critical acclaim. “Matilda and the Ramsay Bunch,” starring Tilly Ramsay for U.K. children’s channel CBBC, is also produced by Studio Ramsay.

Renowned for highly successful and award-winning original programming, Emmy nominated, multi-Michelin-star chef Gordon Ramsay produces TV shows on both sides of the Atlantic that are seen by audiences worldwide, including his FOX shows “The F Word,” “Gordon Ramsay’s 24 Hours to Hell and Back,” “MasterChef,” “MasterChef Junior,” “Hell’s Kitchen” and “MasterChef Celebrity Showdown,” as well as Bravo’s “Best New Restaurant” and Food Network’s competition series “Food Court Wars.” In the U.K., he’s produced “Gordon Ramsay Behind Bars” and “Gordon Ramsay’s Great Escape” for Channel 4; food biography and nostalgia series “My Kitchen” for UKTV’s Good Food Channel; two instructional cookery series, “Ultimate Home Cooking” and “Ultimate Cookery Course” for Channel 4; and the first two seasons of “Matilda and the Ramsay Bunch,” all under his One Potato Two Potato banner.

“REL” DEBUTS AS #1 SCRIPTED SERIES OF WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 3

September 15, 2018 @ArtShrian

“REL” DEBUTS AS #1 SCRIPTED SERIES OF WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 3

MULTI-CAM COMEDY GROWS TO 6.1 MILLION VIEWERS IN 3-DAY MULTI-PLATFORM, DELIVERING FOX’S MOST-WATCHED AND

HIGHEST-RATED COMEDY LAUNCH SINCE JANUARY 2017

The Sunday, September 9th premiere of FOX’s new comedy, REL, posted a 2.0/8 Live+3 Day rating, launching as the week’s #1 scripted series and the night’s #1-tie entertainment program. REL grew to 6.1 million viewers in 3-Day multi-platform, delivering the network’s most-watched and highest-rated comedy debut since “The Mick” on January 1, 2017. In addition, REL posted FOX’s strongest 3-Day Total Multi-Platform audience since the Season Four finale of EMPIRE in May.

In addition, as part of its “Early RELease,” during which the series premiere episode was made available via on-demand and social media, REL delivered nearly 500,000 views on Twitter and YouTube.

Inspired by the life of Lil Rel Howery (“Get Out,” “Insecure,” “The Carmichael Show”), REL is a multi-camera comedy starring Howery as a recently divorced husband and father who makes a fresh start on the West Side of Chicago, with the help of his best friend and unfiltered sounding board, BRITTANY (Jessica “Jess Hilarious” Moore, “Wild ’N Out”); his wayward younger brother, NAT (Jordan L. Jones, “NCIS: Los Angeles”); and his old-school DAD (Sinbad, “A Different World,” “Jingle All The Way”).

REL will make its time period premiere on Sunday, Sept. 30, at 9:30 PM ET/PT.

REL is produced by 20th Century Fox Television. Jerrod Carmichael (“The Carmichael Show”), Mike Scully (“The Carmichael Show,” THE SIMPSONS), Howery, Josh Rabinowitz (“The Carmichael Show,” “Broad City”) and Kevin Barnett (“The Carmichael Show,” “Broad City”) are executive producers. Gerry Cohen (“The Carmichael Show,” “Married with Children”) directed the pilot.

HULU AND DISCOVERY ANNOUNCE COMPREHENSIVE PARTNERSHIP FOR LIVE AND ON-DEMAND PROGRAMMING

September 12, 2018 @ArtShrian

HULU AND DISCOVERY ANNOUNCE COMPREHENSIVE PARTNERSHIP FOR

LIVE AND ON-DEMAND PROGRAMMING

-- New Agreement Brings Thousands of Episodes from Discovery Portfolio of

Popular Networks to Hulu’s Streaming Library --

-- Leading Discovery Brands Including Discovery Channel, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Motor Trend and Animal Planet to Launch on Hulu With Live TV, increasing Discovery offering on Hulu With Live TV to Eight Networks --

-- Popular Shows including Say Yes to the Dress, MythBusters, Naked and Afraid and OWN’s Top Scripted Series Make Streaming Debut on Hulu --

(NEW YORK, NY and SANTA MONICA, CA) – Discovery Inc. and Hulu today announced an expansive distribution agreement that will extend Discovery’s portfolio of high quality real life entertainment brands to Hulu’s on-demand and live TV subscription streaming services. The new partnership makes Hulu the #1 streaming home for popular unscripted series and reinforces Hulu’s commitment to offering programming the whole family can enjoy.

Today’s multi-year agreement increases Hulu’s offering of top Discovery programming to nearly 4,000 episodes of popular shows including Deadliest Catch, MythBusters, Say Yes to the Dress, Naked and Afraid, Property Brothers, Gold Rush, Street Outlaws, Chopped, Chopped Jr., Fixer Upper, House Hunters and House Hunters International, available outside of Discovery’s networks exclusively to Hulu across all of its subscription plans.

The deal will also bring five additional Discovery networks, including Discovery Channel, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Motor Trend, the rebranded Velocity network, and Animal Planet to Hulu’s live television plan, Hulu With Live TV. They join HGTV, Food Network and Travel Channel, which have been available on the service since its launch through a previous agreement with Scripps Networks Interactive, now owned by Discovery. The five additional channels will be available to stream live beginning in December.

“At Discovery, we are committed to bringing our portfolio of high-quality, safe family friendly brands and content to viewers across every screen, service and device around the world,” said Eric Phillips, President of Affiliate Distribution at Discovery. “Our new agreement with Hulu affirms the strength of our brands and their value to viewers in a marketplace with an increasing array of options.”

“As the only streaming service offering a complete television experience, Hulu continues to strike strategic, efficient deals with top brands that bring extraordinary value to all of our subscribers,” said Lisa Holme, Vice President of Content Acquisition, and Reagan Feeney, Vice President of Network Partnerships at Hulu. “Discovery’s brand is synonymous with high-quality unscripted entertainment that TV fans love, which is why we are excited to bring their entire portfolio to our platform, across all of our subscription plans.”

Concurrent with the Discovery partnership, Hulu reached a licensing agreement with OWN – which is part of the Discovery Networks family – to bring four of the network’s top-rated scripted series exclusively to Hulu. All past episodes of Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots, If Loving You is Wrong, The Paynes and Love Thy Neighbor are now available to stream for the first time, only on Hulu. They join the complete library of acclaimed OWN series Queen Sugar from Ava DuVernay and Warner Horizon.

Hulu offers TV fans their favorite TV, all in one place, on all their favorite devices. With the addition of Discovery programming, Hulu With Live TV now delivers more than 60 top live channels as well as Hulu’s entire streaming TV library – now the largest in the U.S. – across internet-connected living room and mobile devices.

About Discovery, Inc.:

Discovery, Inc. (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is a global leader in real life entertainment, serving a passionate audience of superfans around the world with content that inspires, informs and entertains. Discovery delivers over 8,000 hours of original programming each year and has category leadership across deeply loved content genres around the world. Available in 220 countries and territories and nearly 50 languages, Discovery is a platform innovator, reaching viewers on all screens, including TV Everywhere products such as the GO portfolio of apps and Discovery Kids Play; direct-to-consumer streaming services such as Eurosport Player and Motor Trend OnDemand; digital-first and social content from Group Nine Media and a strategic alliance with the PGA TOUR to create the Global Home of Golf. Discovery's portfolio of premium brands includes Discovery Channel, HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Travel Channel, Turbo/Velocity, Animal Planet, and Science Channel, as well as OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network in the U.S., Discovery Kids in Latin America, and Eurosport, the leading provider of locally relevant, premium sports and Home of the Olympic Games across Europe. For more information, please visit https://corporate.discovery.com and follow @DiscoveryIncTV across social platforms.

About Hulu

Hulu is the leading premium streaming service that offers instant access to live and on demand channels, original series and films, and a premium library of TV and movies to more than 20 million subscribers in the U.S. Since its launch in 2008, Hulu has consistently been at the forefront of entertainment and technology. Hulu is the only streaming service that offers both ad-supported and commercial-free current season shows from the largest U.S. broadcast networks; libraries of hit TV series and films; and acclaimed Hulu Originals including Emmy® and Golden Globe Award-winning series The Handmaid’s Tale, Emmy Award-nominated The Looming Tower, Future Man, Marvel’s Runaways, The Path, Castle Rock, and the Emmy nominated I Love You, America from Sarah Silverman, as well as upcoming series The First, Catch-22 and Little Fires Everywhere. In 2017, Hulu added live news, entertainment and sports from 21st Century Fox, The Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal, CBS Corporation, The CW, Turner Networks, A+E Networks and Scripps Networks Interactive to its offerings – making it the only TV service that brings together live, on-demand, originals, and library content all in one place, across living room and mobile devices.