Contrary to what you may have heard, being a TV writer isn’t solely about the interminable daily ritual of placing, receiving and consuming each afternoon’s rigorously debated lunch order. No—there are also fantasy football teams to be managed and Nerf basketballs to be bounced from one end of the workspace to the other. That, plus the tricky business of using one’s imagination to dream up the characters, storylines and dialogue that so many millions of people around the world build their lives around, e.g. a highly demanding creative act that often requires just as much strategic distraction as it does pure artistic inspiration. And all this is even before we even get to strikes, AI and a post-Peak TV landscape where the number of shows are actually contracting for the first time this century.
So yeah—it’s a hard industry to build a career in.
So yeah—it’s a hard industry to build a career in.
- 1/24/2024
- by Matt Warren
- Film Independent News & More
You may have heard that the 75th edition of the Emmy Awards is finally happening on Monday, capping a nearly four-month delay resulting from the twin WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. I think “Gunsmoke” and “The Andy Griffith Show” were still all the rage when this process began, JFK was President and a loaf of bread was a quarter. Alas, I exaggerate (though just a bit). But for this and no doubt other reasons, the TV Academy is clearly in a nostalgic mood, slating mini-reunions and tributes to and/or visual recreations of a dozen shows to mark the occasion.
The idea, according to the Emmy producers, is to honor television throughout the decades of its existence, from the 1950s (“I Love Lucy”), to the 1960s (“The Carol Burnett Show”), the 1970s (“All in the Family”), the 1980s (“Cheers”) and the 1990s (“Ally McBeal” and “Martin”) through the early 2000s.
SEE...
The idea, according to the Emmy producers, is to honor television throughout the decades of its existence, from the 1950s (“I Love Lucy”), to the 1960s (“The Carol Burnett Show”), the 1970s (“All in the Family”), the 1980s (“Cheers”) and the 1990s (“Ally McBeal” and “Martin”) through the early 2000s.
SEE...
- 1/13/2024
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
[This story contains major spoilers from season five, parts one and two, of Virgin River.]
Virgin River showrunner Patrick Sean Smith wanted the newly released holiday episodes of the Netflix series to feel lighter, given the weight of season five.
Following the part one release of 10 intense and emotional episodes (on Sept. 7) — which saw a wildfire hit Virgin River, an illegal drug business showdown, a sexual assault court trial and a difficult miscarriage — Smith knew he wanted the two holiday episodes that are now streaming to have a “feeling of family and warmth.”
Still, the beloved small town couldn’t escape at least some drama this holiday season, including Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) tracking down her biological father, who also lives in Virgin River. And of course, there’s no Virgin River seasonal event — this time, the Christmas tree decorating contest — without some challenges.
But as Smith looks ahead to the already renewed next season, he admits that his “intention was never to have...
Virgin River showrunner Patrick Sean Smith wanted the newly released holiday episodes of the Netflix series to feel lighter, given the weight of season five.
Following the part one release of 10 intense and emotional episodes (on Sept. 7) — which saw a wildfire hit Virgin River, an illegal drug business showdown, a sexual assault court trial and a difficult miscarriage — Smith knew he wanted the two holiday episodes that are now streaming to have a “feeling of family and warmth.”
Still, the beloved small town couldn’t escape at least some drama this holiday season, including Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) tracking down her biological father, who also lives in Virgin River. And of course, there’s no Virgin River seasonal event — this time, the Christmas tree decorating contest — without some challenges.
But as Smith looks ahead to the already renewed next season, he admits that his “intention was never to have...
- 12/5/2023
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
J.R. was waiting in line with maybe 200 fellow fans to spend a moment getting the autograph of – and perhaps taking a selfie with – Christina Ricci, the actress who made her debut in the “Addams Family” movies in the 1990s who is now an Emmy-nominated star on the Showtime series “Yellowjackets” as well as a regular on Netflix’s “Wednesday.” The setting on Saturday was the Hollywood Autograph Show at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel, a three-times-a-year movie and memorabilia event where fans can come to lay eyes on some old-time celebrity favorites, get their name in ink, pose for a selfie and maybe pick up a book or vintage photograph.
Eighty or so celebrities staked out tables to sign their name and pix for a fee. J.R. was one of those who got hooked on attending these shows a few years back and now never misses one.
Eighty or so celebrities staked out tables to sign their name and pix for a fee. J.R. was one of those who got hooked on attending these shows a few years back and now never misses one.
- 10/10/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
Netflix’s trailer for Virgin River season five part one shows Mel choosing to take care of herself instead of work. It also shows a fire raging, relationships being put to the test, and a coming together of Virgin River’s citizens are in store over the upcoming first half of season five.
Season five stars Alexandra Breckenridge, Martin Henderson, Tim Matheson, Annette O’Toole, Colin Lawrence, and Benjamin Hollingsworth. Zibby Allen, Sarah Dugdale, Marco Grazzini, Mark Ghanimé, Kai Bradbury, and Kandyse McClure also star.
Additional cast includes Lauren Hammersley, Teryl Rothery, Nicola Cavendish, Gwynyth Walsh, and Christina Jastrzembska. Plus, Stacey Farber, Jenny Cooper, Lucia Walters, Steve Bacic, Libby Osler, and Keith MacKechnie appear in season five. And Barbara Pollard, Trevor Lerner, Ellie Harvie, Darcy Laurie, Sandy Robson, Lexa Doig, Chase Petriw, Emma Oliver, Michelle Addison, Miranda Edwards, and Gabrielle Jacinto are also a part of the huge ensemble.
Season five directors include Monika Mitchell,...
Season five stars Alexandra Breckenridge, Martin Henderson, Tim Matheson, Annette O’Toole, Colin Lawrence, and Benjamin Hollingsworth. Zibby Allen, Sarah Dugdale, Marco Grazzini, Mark Ghanimé, Kai Bradbury, and Kandyse McClure also star.
Additional cast includes Lauren Hammersley, Teryl Rothery, Nicola Cavendish, Gwynyth Walsh, and Christina Jastrzembska. Plus, Stacey Farber, Jenny Cooper, Lucia Walters, Steve Bacic, Libby Osler, and Keith MacKechnie appear in season five. And Barbara Pollard, Trevor Lerner, Ellie Harvie, Darcy Laurie, Sandy Robson, Lexa Doig, Chase Petriw, Emma Oliver, Michelle Addison, Miranda Edwards, and Gabrielle Jacinto are also a part of the huge ensemble.
Season five directors include Monika Mitchell,...
- 8/9/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
The one, the only Lucille Ball. Groundbreaking, fearless, timeless, supremely talented… and magical. We salute her today in honor of her birthday, Aug. 6 1911, with a bevy of facts you probably didn’t know about the beloved “I Love Lucy” star. From real-life antics on the set of her iconic sitcom (that grape stomping scene turned into a wrestling match) to superstitions (keep away all pictures of birds!) to a long-kept secret (Lucy had no eyebrows — really!), we go through it all. So sit back and celebrate the icon known as Lucille Ball with this deep-dive into her life.
Photo credit: YouTube
• The grape stomping scene turned into a real wrestling match
“I got into the vat with one, and she had been told that we would have a fight,” Lucy said on “The Dick Cavett Show.” She continued, “I slipped and, in slipping, I hit her accidentally and she took offense,...
Photo credit: YouTube
• The grape stomping scene turned into a real wrestling match
“I got into the vat with one, and she had been told that we would have a fight,” Lucy said on “The Dick Cavett Show.” She continued, “I slipped and, in slipping, I hit her accidentally and she took offense,...
- 8/6/2023
- by Rosemary Rossi
- The Wrap
Spoiler Alert: This article contains details of the upcoming Season 5 of Netflix’s Virgin River.
Virgin River’s upcoming fifth season will debut on Netflix Sept. 7 with a 10-episode run. The last two hours of Season 5’s 12-episode order will drop Nov. 30 as holiday episodes.
This is a first for the popular romantic drama, starring Alexandra Breckenridge and Martin Henderson, whose previous seasons, consisting of 10 episodes (S1-3) and 12 episodes (S3), were all released in a single drop.
The official logline for Season 5 teases key upcoming developments, also illustrated by some of the first-look images released, including Brie taking the stand as she bravely takes her rapist to trial, a massive wildfire coming dangerously close to Virgin River, and Doc and Hope back in their elements after their respective health scares, with Doc at the medical practice and Hope making a public speech.
The photos also confirm that Dr. Cameron...
Virgin River’s upcoming fifth season will debut on Netflix Sept. 7 with a 10-episode run. The last two hours of Season 5’s 12-episode order will drop Nov. 30 as holiday episodes.
This is a first for the popular romantic drama, starring Alexandra Breckenridge and Martin Henderson, whose previous seasons, consisting of 10 episodes (S1-3) and 12 episodes (S3), were all released in a single drop.
The official logline for Season 5 teases key upcoming developments, also illustrated by some of the first-look images released, including Brie taking the stand as she bravely takes her rapist to trial, a massive wildfire coming dangerously close to Virgin River, and Doc and Hope back in their elements after their respective health scares, with Doc at the medical practice and Hope making a public speech.
The photos also confirm that Dr. Cameron...
- 7/25/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix’s romantic drama, Virgin River, has a promising future ahead with season six already confirmed before the beginning of the fifth season.
The show follows Alexandra Breckenridge’s character, Melinda “Mel” Monroe, as she leaves behind her old life to begin a new one in the small town of Virgin River. Other residents of the Northern California town also play a large part in giving the show the relatability that Netflix viewers can feel through them. It is based on Robyn Carr’s novel series of the same name.
>Watch Alexandra & Martin’s uINTERVIEW Now!
“I think there’s so many shows now that are about sci-fi or thriller or crime. There’s a lot of darker, edgier and very sophisticated television which is amazing, but here’s a show that in a way is quite simple, is quite old-fashioned,” Martin Henderson, who plays Jack Sheridan, who is Mel’s love interest,...
The show follows Alexandra Breckenridge’s character, Melinda “Mel” Monroe, as she leaves behind her old life to begin a new one in the small town of Virgin River. Other residents of the Northern California town also play a large part in giving the show the relatability that Netflix viewers can feel through them. It is based on Robyn Carr’s novel series of the same name.
>Watch Alexandra & Martin’s uINTERVIEW Now!
“I think there’s so many shows now that are about sci-fi or thriller or crime. There’s a lot of darker, edgier and very sophisticated television which is amazing, but here’s a show that in a way is quite simple, is quite old-fashioned,” Martin Henderson, who plays Jack Sheridan, who is Mel’s love interest,...
- 5/20/2023
- by Rose Anne Cox-Peralta
- Uinterview
Keith Thibodeaux, then billed as Richard Keith, landed the role of Little Ricky in I Love Lucy at the ripe old age of five. A drumming prodigy, Thibodeaux beat out 200 or more child actors to become the fictional son of Lucy and Ricky Ricardo. He went on to appear in over 20 episodes of the iconic series and several of its spinoffs. Believe it or not, it wasn’t his first brush with fame. Thibodeaux was already a veteran employee when I Love Lucy came around. In fact, he was making $500 per week by the age of three.
Keith Thibodeaux landed his first gig with ‘The Horace Heidt Show’
Thibodeaux was just three years old when he auditioned for The Horace Heidt Show as a drummer, the acclaimed musician told the Television Academy in an interview. Thibodeaux explained that he was initially turned down, with Heidt telling his father that the...
Keith Thibodeaux landed his first gig with ‘The Horace Heidt Show’
Thibodeaux was just three years old when he auditioned for The Horace Heidt Show as a drummer, the acclaimed musician told the Television Academy in an interview. Thibodeaux explained that he was initially turned down, with Heidt telling his father that the...
- 4/12/2023
- by Andrea Francese
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Television crossovers craft a universe wherein fictional worlds converge. Characters roam to unfamiliar territories, sometimes far away from the fold of their shows. Some crossovers transcend genres or networks, and others stay within more familiar neighborhoods. Crossovers existed for centuries in literature and decades in comic books before entering the world of television.
Beyond technical crossovers, miniature universes are formed simply by one show spinning off from another. Norman Lear's "All in the Family" led to "The Jeffersons" and "Maude," which led to "Good Times," with several more shows tied together in that extended television family. "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" birthed the main characters of three spin-offs -- "Rhoda," "Phyllis," and "Lou Grant" -- and is linked to all the other shows produced or distributed by Mtm Enterprises. Without "Perfect Strangers" on ABC's Tgif, we wouldn't have its spin-off, "Family Matters," a show linked to "Full House," "Step by Step,...
Beyond technical crossovers, miniature universes are formed simply by one show spinning off from another. Norman Lear's "All in the Family" led to "The Jeffersons" and "Maude," which led to "Good Times," with several more shows tied together in that extended television family. "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" birthed the main characters of three spin-offs -- "Rhoda," "Phyllis," and "Lou Grant" -- and is linked to all the other shows produced or distributed by Mtm Enterprises. Without "Perfect Strangers" on ABC's Tgif, we wouldn't have its spin-off, "Family Matters," a show linked to "Full House," "Step by Step,...
- 2/1/2023
- by Allison McClain Merrill
- Slash Film
Chrissy Metz has booked her first post-This Is Us TV role.
According to Deadline, Metz will topline Help Me Rhonda, a new series based on James Patterson's and Candice Fox's hit novel 2 Sisters Detective Agency.
The project has a script plus penalty commitment at NBCUniversal.
2 Sisters Detective Agency comes from Life Sentence creators Erin Cardillo and Richard Keith, in association with James Patterson Entertainment, Nina Tassler and Denise Di Novi’s PatMa Productions, Cathy Konrad’s Tree Line Film, and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.
The project enters on Rhonda Bird (Metz), a brash public defender, and Barbra Ann “Baby” Bird, the privileged teenage sister she never knew she had, who reluctantly take over their late father’s private detective agency.
While helping their father’s former clients, they uncover the truth about who their father really was.
A decision has not been made...
According to Deadline, Metz will topline Help Me Rhonda, a new series based on James Patterson's and Candice Fox's hit novel 2 Sisters Detective Agency.
The project has a script plus penalty commitment at NBCUniversal.
2 Sisters Detective Agency comes from Life Sentence creators Erin Cardillo and Richard Keith, in association with James Patterson Entertainment, Nina Tassler and Denise Di Novi’s PatMa Productions, Cathy Konrad’s Tree Line Film, and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.
The project enters on Rhonda Bird (Metz), a brash public defender, and Barbra Ann “Baby” Bird, the privileged teenage sister she never knew she had, who reluctantly take over their late father’s private detective agency.
While helping their father’s former clients, they uncover the truth about who their father really was.
A decision has not been made...
- 11/11/2022
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
This Is Us alum Chrissy Metz has landed her next series, and once again, it’s a drama revolving around siblings. According to Deadline, Metz will lead and executive produce Help Me Rhonda, which has a script plus penalty commitment at NBCUniversal. Based on James Patterson and Candice Fox’s best-selling novel 2 Sisters Detective Agency the series centers on Rhonda Bird (Metz), a brash public defender, and Barbra Ann “Baby” Bird, the privileged teenage sister she never knew she had. The drama follows the two sisters are they reluctantly take over their late father’s private detective agency. As they help their father’s former clients, Rhonda and Barbra soon begin to uncover the truth about who their father really was. Life Sentence creators Erin Cardillo and Richard Keith are behind the series, in association with James Patterson Entertainment, Nina Tassler and Denise Di Novi’s PatMa Productions, Cathy Konrad’s Tree Line Film,...
- 11/11/2022
- TV Insider
The future of Chrissy Metz‘s TV career is no longer a mystery.
The actress, who wrapped her six-season run as This Is Us‘ Kate Pearson in May, will next star in Help Me Rhonda, a small-screen adaptation of James Patterson’s 2 Sisters Detective Agency novel, Deadline reports. The show has been given a script plus penalty commitment by NBCUniversal.
More from TVLineTVLine Items: Mitchell Bites Into Vamp Role, Hulu Casts Mike Tyson and MoreTVLine Items: Mythic Quest Bonus Ep, Superstore Vet's ABC Pilot and MorePerformer of the Week: Glenda Jackson
Metz will play “brash public defender” Rhonda Bird, who...
The actress, who wrapped her six-season run as This Is Us‘ Kate Pearson in May, will next star in Help Me Rhonda, a small-screen adaptation of James Patterson’s 2 Sisters Detective Agency novel, Deadline reports. The show has been given a script plus penalty commitment by NBCUniversal.
More from TVLineTVLine Items: Mitchell Bites Into Vamp Role, Hulu Casts Mike Tyson and MoreTVLine Items: Mythic Quest Bonus Ep, Superstore Vet's ABC Pilot and MorePerformer of the Week: Glenda Jackson
Metz will play “brash public defender” Rhonda Bird, who...
- 11/10/2022
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
Join our newsletter to get more stories like this I Love Lucy was an iconic show filled with comedy ahead of its time. The show has been shown all over the world and ran from 1951 until 1957 when it came to an end. Even though it is an older show, it has been enjoyed for many, many years and by many generations of fans. Little Ricky (Richard Keith) was definitely one of the most talked about actors on the show. The young boy was someone who garnered laughs from viewers and fit in well with the other cast members. […]
The post What happened to Little Ricky from I Love Lucy? appeared first on Monsters and Critics.
The post What happened to Little Ricky from I Love Lucy? appeared first on Monsters and Critics.
- 12/14/2018
- by Tiffany Bailey
- Monsters and Critics
The Tiffany Network knows you need a good laugh. CBS is celebrating the holidays by airing the I Love Lucy Christmas Special. The hourlong special will feature colorized versions of the I Love Lucy TV show's "The Christmas Episode" and "Lucy Gets in Pictures" episode as a seamless hour.Lucille Balll, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, and William Frawley star with Keith Thibodeaux, and Lou Krugman. Learn more, from this CBS press release. The I Love Lucy Christmas Special airs on CBS, Friday, Dec. 2, 2016 at 8:00pm. Read More…...
- 11/12/2016
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
I love Lucy. You love Lucy. Everyone loves Lucy. And if you don't, go hang out with the Grinch, please.
CBS, original home of the 1951-1957 series, has a clever bit of Lucy programming for the holidays, "I Love Lucy Christmas Special," on Friday, Dec. 20.
Lucy fits the holiday special mold of family-suitable, and Santa hats are involved. The special features two episodes, both from 1956: "The Christmas Episode" and one of the all-time favorites, "Lucy's Italian Movie."
The episodes are colorized, which could incite purists to revolt. Take heart, though.
The colorization is excellent. Even Lucille Ball's hair, a shade of orange rarely found in nature, is right.
Though it's initially jarring to see their apartment colorized, the colors suit the times, shades of gray and slate walls. Lucy's flannel shirt, what she would have worn at home, is a blue plaid, and Little Ricky's feety pajamas are mint-colored.
CBS, original home of the 1951-1957 series, has a clever bit of Lucy programming for the holidays, "I Love Lucy Christmas Special," on Friday, Dec. 20.
Lucy fits the holiday special mold of family-suitable, and Santa hats are involved. The special features two episodes, both from 1956: "The Christmas Episode" and one of the all-time favorites, "Lucy's Italian Movie."
The episodes are colorized, which could incite purists to revolt. Take heart, though.
The colorization is excellent. Even Lucille Ball's hair, a shade of orange rarely found in nature, is right.
Though it's initially jarring to see their apartment colorized, the colors suit the times, shades of gray and slate walls. Lucy's flannel shirt, what she would have worn at home, is a blue plaid, and Little Ricky's feety pajamas are mint-colored.
- 12/20/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
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