While working to win over ad buyers during the 2024 upfronts, broadcasters and streamers alike are releasing first looks at their upcoming content.
Upfronts 2024: Complete Coverage
“House of the Dragon” Season 2 producers Tina Pehme and Kim Roberts
Set 200 years before the events of “Game of Thrones” and based on George R.R. Martin’s “Fire & Blood,” “House of the Dragon” tells the story of House Targaryen.
“Doctor Odyssey”
From Ryan Murphy, “Doctor Odyssey” stars Joshua Jackson as Max, the new on-board doctor for a luxury cruise ship, and his medical team as they navigate unique medical crises and each other miles from shore. Don Johnson and Phillipa Soo also star.
“High Potential”
Based on the popular French series “Haut Potentiel Intellectuel,” “High Potential” is a crime procedural from Drew Goddard that follows Morgan (Kaitlin Olson), a single mom whose unconventional knack for solving crimes leads to an unusual partnership with a by-the-book seasoned detective.
“Murder in a Small Town...
Upfronts 2024: Complete Coverage
“House of the Dragon” Season 2 producers Tina Pehme and Kim Roberts
Set 200 years before the events of “Game of Thrones” and based on George R.R. Martin’s “Fire & Blood,” “House of the Dragon” tells the story of House Targaryen.
“Doctor Odyssey”
From Ryan Murphy, “Doctor Odyssey” stars Joshua Jackson as Max, the new on-board doctor for a luxury cruise ship, and his medical team as they navigate unique medical crises and each other miles from shore. Don Johnson and Phillipa Soo also star.
“High Potential”
Based on the popular French series “Haut Potentiel Intellectuel,” “High Potential” is a crime procedural from Drew Goddard that follows Morgan (Kaitlin Olson), a single mom whose unconventional knack for solving crimes leads to an unusual partnership with a by-the-book seasoned detective.
“Murder in a Small Town...
- 5/14/2024
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Fox released its fall schedule earlier today, and now we’ve got our first look at the new series.
We've got your first look at the upcoming dramas, including Rescue: Hi Surf, Murder in a Small Town, and Doc.
Take a look now!
Rescue: Hi-Surf Tina Pehme Kim Roberts
John Wells and Matt Kester helm the pulse-pounding Hawaii lifeguard drama Rescue: Hi-Surf.
It follows the personal and professional lives of the heavy-water lifeguards who patrol and protect the North Shore of O’ahu—the most famous and dangerous stretch of coastline in the world.
Each episode will feature these dedicated, heroic, and adrenaline-seeking first responders saving lives in the difficult and often life-threatening conditions of Hawaii’s Seven Mile Miracle.
The trailer gives traditional first responder vibes, and it also hints as to why Fox was willing to give up 9-1-1. They have high hopes for this one.
Murder in a Small Town...
We've got your first look at the upcoming dramas, including Rescue: Hi Surf, Murder in a Small Town, and Doc.
Take a look now!
Rescue: Hi-Surf Tina Pehme Kim Roberts
John Wells and Matt Kester helm the pulse-pounding Hawaii lifeguard drama Rescue: Hi-Surf.
It follows the personal and professional lives of the heavy-water lifeguards who patrol and protect the North Shore of O’ahu—the most famous and dangerous stretch of coastline in the world.
Each episode will feature these dedicated, heroic, and adrenaline-seeking first responders saving lives in the difficult and often life-threatening conditions of Hawaii’s Seven Mile Miracle.
The trailer gives traditional first responder vibes, and it also hints as to why Fox was willing to give up 9-1-1. They have high hopes for this one.
Murder in a Small Town...
- 5/13/2024
- by Carissa Pavlica
- TVfanatic
Fox has released trailers for several of its new series for the 2024-25 broadcast season — dramas Rescue: Hi-Surf, Murder In A Small Town and Doc, and animated comedy series Universal Basic Guys. You can read about each and watch below.
Rescue: Hi-surf Tina Pehme Kim Roberts
From executive producer/director John Wells and executive producer/writer Matt Kester, pulse-pounding Hawaii lifeguard drama Rescue: Hi-Surf follows the personal and professional lives of the heavy-water lifeguards who patrol and protect the North Shore of O’ahu—the most famous and dangerous stretch of coastline in the world.
Murder In A Small Town
Based on the Edgar Award-winning book series, Murder in a Small Town follows Karl Alberg (Rossif Sutherland), who moves to a quiet coastal town to soothe a psyche that has been battered by big-city police work. But this gentle paradise has more than its share of secrets,...
Rescue: Hi-surf Tina Pehme Kim Roberts
From executive producer/director John Wells and executive producer/writer Matt Kester, pulse-pounding Hawaii lifeguard drama Rescue: Hi-Surf follows the personal and professional lives of the heavy-water lifeguards who patrol and protect the North Shore of O’ahu—the most famous and dangerous stretch of coastline in the world.
Murder In A Small Town
Based on the Edgar Award-winning book series, Murder in a Small Town follows Karl Alberg (Rossif Sutherland), who moves to a quiet coastal town to soothe a psyche that has been battered by big-city police work. But this gentle paradise has more than its share of secrets,...
- 5/13/2024
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Fox Entertainment will unveil its content slate for the 2024-2025 television season to the national advertising community today during its in-person Upfront Presentation at the Manhattan Center. The Fox Fall 2024 schedule adds new dramas, comedies, and unscripted series.
Spanning scripted, reality, and animation, the media company continues to increase program ownership from in-house business units under the Fox Entertainment Studios banner.
Returning Fox series include dramas 9-1-1: Lone Star (Season Five), Accused (Season Two), Alert: Missing Persons Unit (Season Three), and The Cleaning Lady (Season Four); comedy Animal Control (Season Three); and animated series Bob’s Burgers (Season 15), Family Guy (Season 23), The Great North (Season Five), Grimsburg (Season Two), Krapopolis (Season Two), and The Simpsons (Season 36).
The unscripted series include Crime Scene Kitchen (Season Three), The Floor (Season Two), Hell’s Kitchen (Season 23), Lego Masters (Season Five), The Masked Singer (Season 12), MasterChef (Season 15), Name That Tune (Season Five), Next Level Chef...
Spanning scripted, reality, and animation, the media company continues to increase program ownership from in-house business units under the Fox Entertainment Studios banner.
Returning Fox series include dramas 9-1-1: Lone Star (Season Five), Accused (Season Two), Alert: Missing Persons Unit (Season Three), and The Cleaning Lady (Season Four); comedy Animal Control (Season Three); and animated series Bob’s Burgers (Season 15), Family Guy (Season 23), The Great North (Season Five), Grimsburg (Season Two), Krapopolis (Season Two), and The Simpsons (Season 36).
The unscripted series include Crime Scene Kitchen (Season Three), The Floor (Season Two), Hell’s Kitchen (Season 23), Lego Masters (Season Five), The Masked Singer (Season 12), MasterChef (Season 15), Name That Tune (Season Five), Next Level Chef...
- 5/13/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
Fox is looking to make a literal splash next Super Bowl Sunday, by slotting the freshman action drama Rescue: Hi-Surf after the Big Game on Feb. 9, 2025.
As Fox has done with its recent Super Bowl lead-outs (Next Level Chef in 2023, The Masked Singer in 2020), rather than try to launch a brand-new show that night, Rescue: Hi-Surf will have already debuted this fall, airing Mondays at 9/8c after 9-1-1: Lone Star Season 5.
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As Fox has done with its recent Super Bowl lead-outs (Next Level Chef in 2023, The Masked Singer in 2020), rather than try to launch a brand-new show that night, Rescue: Hi-Surf will have already debuted this fall, airing Mondays at 9/8c after 9-1-1: Lone Star Season 5.
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- 5/13/2024
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
Shoots, da kine “Rescue Hi-Surf” is one lucky TV show, brah. Fox just gave it the cherry timeslot after Super Bowl Lix on Feb. 9, 2025. That’s a big vote of confidence for the freshman drama, which is set to premiere this fall on Monday nights at 9 p.m. Et, after “9-1-1: Lone Star.”
Although the impact of the Super Bowl lead-out has varied over the years, it proved to be a huge boon this year to CBS, which launched “Tracker” after Super Bowl Lviii on Feb. 11 and watched that drama turn into a big hit. The last time Fox aired the Super Bowl, in 2023, it ran an episode of its hit food competition series “Next Level Chef.” And in 2020, Fox aired an episode of another unscripted program, “The Masked Singer.”
Fox last ran a scripted program behind the Super Bowl in 2017, when the network launched the series premiere of “24: Legacy,...
Although the impact of the Super Bowl lead-out has varied over the years, it proved to be a huge boon this year to CBS, which launched “Tracker” after Super Bowl Lviii on Feb. 11 and watched that drama turn into a big hit. The last time Fox aired the Super Bowl, in 2023, it ran an episode of its hit food competition series “Next Level Chef.” And in 2020, Fox aired an episode of another unscripted program, “The Masked Singer.”
Fox last ran a scripted program behind the Super Bowl in 2017, when the network launched the series premiere of “24: Legacy,...
- 5/13/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Fox last month doubled down on its commitment to Rescue: Hi-Surf, picking up seven additional episodes of the lifeguard drama to bring its first season to 19 episodes. The network now is tripling down on the John Wells Productions series by giving it the biggest platform in television, a berth following the 2025 Super Bowl.
A special episode of Rescue Hi-Surf will air on Feb. 9 after Fox Sports’ presentation of Super Bowl Lix, the network announced Monday morning, ahead of its upfront presentation.
This will be the first time in eight years that Fox will give the post-Super Bowl slot to a scripted series; the last two times the network carried the big game, it went with the unscripted The Masked Singer and Next Level Chef as lead-outs.
Fox had been high on Rescue: Hi Surf — which marks ER and The West Wing alum Wells’ broadcast return — from the get-go, giving it...
A special episode of Rescue Hi-Surf will air on Feb. 9 after Fox Sports’ presentation of Super Bowl Lix, the network announced Monday morning, ahead of its upfront presentation.
This will be the first time in eight years that Fox will give the post-Super Bowl slot to a scripted series; the last two times the network carried the big game, it went with the unscripted The Masked Singer and Next Level Chef as lead-outs.
Fox had been high on Rescue: Hi Surf — which marks ER and The West Wing alum Wells’ broadcast return — from the get-go, giving it...
- 5/13/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s back to the beach for Shawn Hatosy. The actor, best known for playing Andrew “Pope” Cody on TNT’s Animal Kingdom, is joining the cast of Fox’s Rescue: Hi-Surf in a recurring role, our sister site Deadline reports.
Ordered for the 2024–2025 TV season, Rescue: Hi-Surf “is an action-packed drama that follows the personal and professional lives of the heavy-water lifeguards who patrol and protect the North Shore of O’ahu — the most famous and dangerous stretch of coastline in the world,” according to Fox. “Each episode will feature these dedicated, heroic, and adrenaline-seeking first-responders saving lives in...
Ordered for the 2024–2025 TV season, Rescue: Hi-Surf “is an action-packed drama that follows the personal and professional lives of the heavy-water lifeguards who patrol and protect the North Shore of O’ahu — the most famous and dangerous stretch of coastline in the world,” according to Fox. “Each episode will feature these dedicated, heroic, and adrenaline-seeking first-responders saving lives in...
- 5/7/2024
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
Exclusive: Shawn Hatosy (Animal Kingdom) and Ian Anthony Dale (Accused, The Resident) have joined the cast in heavily recurring roles on the network’s upcoming Rescue: Hi-Surf, the long-in-the-works lifeguard drama from John Wells and Matt Kester.
Hatosy will play Clayton Emerson, a natural politician and the father of rookie lifeguard Kainalu (Alex Aiono). Councilman Emerson is a shoe-in as the next Honolulu Mayor, a position that can work to his and Sonny’s (Robbie Magasiva) mutual advantage when it comes to getting things they want.
The role reunites Hatosy with his Animal Kingdom team of Wells and Kester. Hatosy will also direct the 12th episode of Rescue: Hi-Surf, which has been picked up for 19 episodes by Fox. It will air during the 2024-25 season.
Dale will play Sean Harimoto, a local fireman who winds up working with Em (Arielle Kebbel) on a rescue. Impressed by Em’s fearless approach towards her job,...
Hatosy will play Clayton Emerson, a natural politician and the father of rookie lifeguard Kainalu (Alex Aiono). Councilman Emerson is a shoe-in as the next Honolulu Mayor, a position that can work to his and Sonny’s (Robbie Magasiva) mutual advantage when it comes to getting things they want.
The role reunites Hatosy with his Animal Kingdom team of Wells and Kester. Hatosy will also direct the 12th episode of Rescue: Hi-Surf, which has been picked up for 19 episodes by Fox. It will air during the 2024-25 season.
Dale will play Sean Harimoto, a local fireman who winds up working with Em (Arielle Kebbel) on a rescue. Impressed by Em’s fearless approach towards her job,...
- 5/7/2024
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
High tide is going to last longer than we thought: Fox has ordered seven more episodes of its upcoming lifeguard drama Rescue: Hi-Surf, TVLine has learned. This brings the total order up to 19 episodes.
Rescue: Hi-Surf, which earned a series order at Fox last year and is set to debut during the 2024-25 TV season, “is an action-packed drama that follows the personal and professional lives of the heavy-water lifeguards who patrol and protect the North Shore of O’ahu — the most famous and dangerous stretch of coastline in the world,” the official description. “Each episode will feature these dedicated,...
Rescue: Hi-Surf, which earned a series order at Fox last year and is set to debut during the 2024-25 TV season, “is an action-packed drama that follows the personal and professional lives of the heavy-water lifeguards who patrol and protect the North Shore of O’ahu — the most famous and dangerous stretch of coastline in the world,” the official description. “Each episode will feature these dedicated,...
- 4/12/2024
- by Dave Nemetz
- TVLine.com
Exclusive: Fox is doubling down on its commitment to Rescue: Hi-Surf, picking up seven additional episodes of the Hawaii-set lifeguard drama from Warner Bros. Television, Fox Entertainment and John Wells Productions. The back order brings Rescue Hi-Surf‘s first season, which will air in 2024-25, to 19 episodes.
The network has been high on the project — which marks ER and The West Wing alum Wells’ broadcast return — from the get-go, giving it a straight-to-series order last April and envisioning it as a potential franchise.
Earlier this year, as the series, delayed by the strikes, started production on O’ahu, Fox ordered seven back-up scripts, I hear.
The first two episodes, written by series showrunner Matt Kester and directed by Wells, were delivered last week and were received very well by the network for the authenticity of its portrayal of first responders on Hawaii’s North Shore while also testing high. Based on that,...
The network has been high on the project — which marks ER and The West Wing alum Wells’ broadcast return — from the get-go, giving it a straight-to-series order last April and envisioning it as a potential franchise.
Earlier this year, as the series, delayed by the strikes, started production on O’ahu, Fox ordered seven back-up scripts, I hear.
The first two episodes, written by series showrunner Matt Kester and directed by Wells, were delivered last week and were received very well by the network for the authenticity of its portrayal of first responders on Hawaii’s North Shore while also testing high. Based on that,...
- 4/12/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Rescue: Hi-Surf has its cast. Fox has announced the actors set to star in the new lifeguard series set on the North Shore of Hawaii. The action drama, from executive producers John Wells (Shameless) and Matt Kester (Animal Kingdom), was ordered to series April 2023 but saw its premiere pushed to Fall 2024 due to production delays caused by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
Robbie Magasiva, Arielle Kebbel, Adam Demos, Kekoa Kekumano, Alex Aiono, and Zoe Cipres are set to star in the Rescue: Hi-Surf series, following the lifeguards and surfers who live in Oahu. Sea Shimooka has a recurring role.
Read More…...
Robbie Magasiva, Arielle Kebbel, Adam Demos, Kekoa Kekumano, Alex Aiono, and Zoe Cipres are set to star in the Rescue: Hi-Surf series, following the lifeguards and surfers who live in Oahu. Sea Shimooka has a recurring role.
Read More…...
- 1/20/2024
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Arielle Kebbel’s experience playing 9-1-1 daredevil Lucy Donato will definitely come in handy with her next TV gig. The actress has been tapped to star in Fox’s Hawaii-set lifeguard drama series Rescue: Hi–Surf, along with several other familiar faces.
Per Fox’s official description, the sun-kissed procedural follows the “personal and professional lives of the heavy-water lifeguards who patrol and protect the North Shore of O’ahu—the most famous and dangerous stretch of coastline in the world. Each episode will feature these dedicated, heroic, and adrenaline-seeking first-responders saving lives in the difficult and often life-threatening conditions...
Per Fox’s official description, the sun-kissed procedural follows the “personal and professional lives of the heavy-water lifeguards who patrol and protect the North Shore of O’ahu—the most famous and dangerous stretch of coastline in the world. Each episode will feature these dedicated, heroic, and adrenaline-seeking first-responders saving lives in the difficult and often life-threatening conditions...
- 1/18/2024
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
Fox has found its main cast for the upcoming drama series “Rescue: Hi Surf,” Variety has learned.
The show was originally greenlit at Fox in April 2023. The series regulars will include: Robbie Magasiva, Arielle Kebbel, Adam Demos, Kekoa Kekumano, Alex Aiono, and Zoe Cipres. In addition, Sea Shimooka will appear in a recurring role.
Full character descriptions can be found below.
The official description of the series states that it will follow “the personal and professional lives of the heavy-water lifeguards who patrol and protect the North Shore of O’ahu—the most famous and dangerous stretch of coastline in the world. Each episode will feature these dedicated, heroic, and adrenaline-seeking first-responders saving lives in the difficult and often life-threatening conditions of Hawaii’s Seven Mile Miracle.”
Matt Kester wrote the pilot and serves as executive producer and showrunner. John Wells executive produces via John Wells Productions and will direct the first two episodes.
The show was originally greenlit at Fox in April 2023. The series regulars will include: Robbie Magasiva, Arielle Kebbel, Adam Demos, Kekoa Kekumano, Alex Aiono, and Zoe Cipres. In addition, Sea Shimooka will appear in a recurring role.
Full character descriptions can be found below.
The official description of the series states that it will follow “the personal and professional lives of the heavy-water lifeguards who patrol and protect the North Shore of O’ahu—the most famous and dangerous stretch of coastline in the world. Each episode will feature these dedicated, heroic, and adrenaline-seeking first-responders saving lives in the difficult and often life-threatening conditions of Hawaii’s Seven Mile Miracle.”
Matt Kester wrote the pilot and serves as executive producer and showrunner. John Wells executive produces via John Wells Productions and will direct the first two episodes.
- 1/18/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Fox’s upcoming Hawaii lifeguard drama Rescue: Hi-Surf has assembled its main cast. Arielle Kebbel (9-1-1), Adam Demos (Sex/Life), Robbie Magasiva (Wentworth), Kekoa Kekumano (The White Lotus), Alex Aiono (Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin ) and Zoe Cipres are set as series regulars and Sea Shimooka (3 Body Problem) will recur in the series from John Wells and Matt Kester.
The action drama follows the personal and professional lives of the heavy-water lifeguards who patrol and protect the North Shore of O’ahu—the most famous and dangerous stretch of coastline in the world. Each episode will feature these dedicated, heroic, and adrenaline-seeking first-responders saving lives in the difficult and often life-threatening conditions of Hawaii’s Seven Mile Miracle.
Magasiva will play Harlan “Sonny” Jennings, a surfer, waterman, and North Shore lifeguard captain with deep ties to his community and an iron clad commitment to his...
The action drama follows the personal and professional lives of the heavy-water lifeguards who patrol and protect the North Shore of O’ahu—the most famous and dangerous stretch of coastline in the world. Each episode will feature these dedicated, heroic, and adrenaline-seeking first-responders saving lives in the difficult and often life-threatening conditions of Hawaii’s Seven Mile Miracle.
Magasiva will play Harlan “Sonny” Jennings, a surfer, waterman, and North Shore lifeguard captain with deep ties to his community and an iron clad commitment to his...
- 1/18/2024
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
The major broadcast networks are trying very hard this year to do what they do best – create franchise drama series built around the adventures of larger-than-life characters.
Kathy Bates, Kaitlin Olson, Carrie Preston and Shanola Hampton are among the female actors hoping to click as distinctive protagonists with new series in the 2023-24 season. Bates will bring to life a next-generation “Matlock,” while Preston limns a new chapter for Elsbeth Tascioni, the attorney character she has played on and off on CBS’ “The Good Wife” and Paramount+’s “The Good Fight” since 2010.
This is good news for the hundreds of international television buyers heading to Los Angeles for next week’s LA Screenings market. Another welcome development is that the largest media congloms are now on a big push to reopen their doors to third-party buyers, after a few years of holding back the biggest shows for in-house streaming services.
Kathy Bates, Kaitlin Olson, Carrie Preston and Shanola Hampton are among the female actors hoping to click as distinctive protagonists with new series in the 2023-24 season. Bates will bring to life a next-generation “Matlock,” while Preston limns a new chapter for Elsbeth Tascioni, the attorney character she has played on and off on CBS’ “The Good Wife” and Paramount+’s “The Good Fight” since 2010.
This is good news for the hundreds of international television buyers heading to Los Angeles for next week’s LA Screenings market. Another welcome development is that the largest media congloms are now on a big push to reopen their doors to third-party buyers, after a few years of holding back the biggest shows for in-house streaming services.
- 5/17/2023
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Scott Caan and Dania Ramirez in Fox’s ‘Alert’ (Photo by Shane Mahood © 2022 Fox Media LLC)
Fox’s 2023-2024 primetime lineup will include two new animated shows, two new dramas, and two new unscripted series. The new additions to Fox’s upcoming season will be joining returning dramas 9-1-1: Lone Star (season five), Accused (season two), Alert: Missing Persons Unit (season two), and The Cleaning Lady (season three).
The network’s comedy roster will include Animal Control (season two), Bob’s Burgers (season 14), Family Guy (season 22), The Great North (season four), and The Simpsons (season 35). And Fox is leaning heavily into their lineup of unscripted series which includes Farmer Wants a Wife (season two), Hell’s Kitchen (season 22), I Can See Your Voice (season three), Lego Masters (season four), The Masked Singer (season 10), Name That Tune (season three), Next Level Chef (season three) and Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test...
Fox’s 2023-2024 primetime lineup will include two new animated shows, two new dramas, and two new unscripted series. The new additions to Fox’s upcoming season will be joining returning dramas 9-1-1: Lone Star (season five), Accused (season two), Alert: Missing Persons Unit (season two), and The Cleaning Lady (season three).
The network’s comedy roster will include Animal Control (season two), Bob’s Burgers (season 14), Family Guy (season 22), The Great North (season four), and The Simpsons (season 35). And Fox is leaning heavily into their lineup of unscripted series which includes Farmer Wants a Wife (season two), Hell’s Kitchen (season 22), I Can See Your Voice (season three), Lego Masters (season four), The Masked Singer (season 10), Name That Tune (season three), Next Level Chef (season three) and Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test...
- 5/15/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Updated: The network upfronts are once again front-and-center for the television industry as major players gather in New York May 15-17 for the springtime ritual of presenting programming plans for the upcoming TV season.
Upfronts are always a hectic time, but this year it’s even more so because of the writers strike that began May 2. Writers and many actors are sitting out the upfront presentations in solidarity with the Writers Guild of America. The promise of WGA pickets surrounding all major events spurred Netflix to make a hasty decision to switch to a virtual presentation rather than an in-person event at the company’s Paris Theater.
As content chiefs outline their plans for the 2022-2023 television season, here is a running list of new drama and comedy series orders handed out by ABC, Disney, CBS, Warner Bros. Discovery, NBC, Fox, the CW and other major players in the upfront.
Upfronts are always a hectic time, but this year it’s even more so because of the writers strike that began May 2. Writers and many actors are sitting out the upfront presentations in solidarity with the Writers Guild of America. The promise of WGA pickets surrounding all major events spurred Netflix to make a hasty decision to switch to a virtual presentation rather than an in-person event at the company’s Paris Theater.
As content chiefs outline their plans for the 2022-2023 television season, here is a running list of new drama and comedy series orders handed out by ABC, Disney, CBS, Warner Bros. Discovery, NBC, Fox, the CW and other major players in the upfront.
- 5/15/2023
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
For the second year in a row, Fox is not releasing a fall schedule ahead of its upfront presentation.
Fox did the same thing in 2022, opting instead to announce their content slate for the upcoming broadcast season but holding off on announcing a formal schedule until a later date. Last year, the move came as the network was still waiting on decisions on the dramas “9-1-1” and “The Resident.” But with the latter show canceled and the former moving to ABC, this year’s move comes as the writers’ strike enters its third week.
Networks like CBS and NBC have already announced their fall lineups, but whether or not any primetime scripted shows across all the networks debut as scheduled remains to be seen as the strike drags on.
“Obviously nobody wants this strike and our thoughts go out to the writers at the moment,” said Fox Entertainment CEO Rob Wade...
Fox did the same thing in 2022, opting instead to announce their content slate for the upcoming broadcast season but holding off on announcing a formal schedule until a later date. Last year, the move came as the network was still waiting on decisions on the dramas “9-1-1” and “The Resident.” But with the latter show canceled and the former moving to ABC, this year’s move comes as the writers’ strike enters its third week.
Networks like CBS and NBC have already announced their fall lineups, but whether or not any primetime scripted shows across all the networks debut as scheduled remains to be seen as the strike drags on.
“Obviously nobody wants this strike and our thoughts go out to the writers at the moment,” said Fox Entertainment CEO Rob Wade...
- 5/15/2023
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Ryan Murphy is reteaming with one of his award-winning Pose stars for the latest edition of American Horror Story.
Michaela Jaé Rodriguez has joined Season 12 of the FX horror anthology series, our sister site Deadline reports. No character details for her role are currently available.
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Subtitled Delicate, the upcoming installment of...
Michaela Jaé Rodriguez has joined Season 12 of the FX horror anthology series, our sister site Deadline reports. No character details for her role are currently available.
More from TVLineFelicity Déjà Vu on The Diplomat? New Romance Brewing on Superman? Did Will Trent Make You Gasp? More TV Qs!TVLine Items: Barry Vet Joins Industry, It's Always Sunny Return Date and More9-1-1: Lone Star Staging Firefly Reunion With Adam Baldwin and Gina Torres
Subtitled Delicate, the upcoming installment of...
- 4/28/2023
- by Vlada Gelman
- TVLine.com
Fox Entertainment has greenlit “Rescue: Hi-Surf,” a Hawaiian lifeguard drama from “Shameless” producer John Wells and “Outsiders” writer Matt Kester. The series will be co-produced by Warner Bros. Television and is set to debut sometime in the 2023-2024 season.
According to the official synopsis from Fox, “‘Rescue: Hi Surf’ is an action-packed drama that follows the personal and professional lives of the heavy-water lifeguards who patrol and protect the North Shore of O’ahu—the most famous and dangerous stretch of coastline in the world.”
“Each episode will feature these dedicated, heroic, and adrenaline-seeking first-responders saving lives in the difficult and often life-threatening conditions of Hawaii’s Seven Mile Miracle.” Kester will write the first episode with Wells directing the first two episodes.
“I’ve lived on the North Shore of O‘ahu for most of my life, and these are our heroes, the most extraordinary extreme athletes anywhere,” said Kester.
According to the official synopsis from Fox, “‘Rescue: Hi Surf’ is an action-packed drama that follows the personal and professional lives of the heavy-water lifeguards who patrol and protect the North Shore of O’ahu—the most famous and dangerous stretch of coastline in the world.”
“Each episode will feature these dedicated, heroic, and adrenaline-seeking first-responders saving lives in the difficult and often life-threatening conditions of Hawaii’s Seven Mile Miracle.” Kester will write the first episode with Wells directing the first two episodes.
“I’ve lived on the North Shore of O‘ahu for most of my life, and these are our heroes, the most extraordinary extreme athletes anywhere,” said Kester.
- 4/28/2023
- by Charna Flam, Sophia Scorziello and McKinley Franklin
- Variety Film + TV
Fox is adding a new drama franchise focused on lifeguards to its 2023-24 schedule.
The network has announced a green light for the pulse-pounding Hawaii lifeguard drama Rescue: Hi-Surf.
The new John Wells Productions (Jwp) action franchise, to be co-produced by Warner Bros. Television and Fox Entertainment, will premiere on Fox in 2023-2024.
The new franchise comes from prolific, award-winning executive producer John Wells and executive producer/writer Matt Kester.
Rescue: Hi-Surf, is an action-packed drama that follows the personal and professional lives of the heavy-water lifeguards who patrol and protect the North Shore of O’ahu—the most famous and dangerous stretch of coastline in the world.
Each episode will feature these dedicated, heroic, and adrenaline-seeking first-responders saving lives in the difficult and often life-threatening conditions of Hawaii’s Seven Mile Miracle. Kester will write the first episode, and Wells will direct the first two episodes.
“Rescue: Hi-Surf brings...
The network has announced a green light for the pulse-pounding Hawaii lifeguard drama Rescue: Hi-Surf.
The new John Wells Productions (Jwp) action franchise, to be co-produced by Warner Bros. Television and Fox Entertainment, will premiere on Fox in 2023-2024.
The new franchise comes from prolific, award-winning executive producer John Wells and executive producer/writer Matt Kester.
Rescue: Hi-Surf, is an action-packed drama that follows the personal and professional lives of the heavy-water lifeguards who patrol and protect the North Shore of O’ahu—the most famous and dangerous stretch of coastline in the world.
Each episode will feature these dedicated, heroic, and adrenaline-seeking first-responders saving lives in the difficult and often life-threatening conditions of Hawaii’s Seven Mile Miracle. Kester will write the first episode, and Wells will direct the first two episodes.
“Rescue: Hi-Surf brings...
- 4/28/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Fox is hitting the waves on the North Shore of O’ahu.
The broadcast network has given a straight-to-series order to Rescue: Hi-Surf, a drama following a group of heavy-water lifeguards in Hawaii. The show, slated to be part of Fox’s 2023-24 lineup, comes from writer Matt Kester (Animal Kingdom) is executive produced by John Wells, who is also set to direct the first two episodes.
Warner Bros. Television, Wells’ long-time studio home, will produce the series along with Fox Entertainment.
“Rescue: Hi-Surf brings an edge-of-your-seat style to the North Shore of Hawaii, where lifeguards and surfers collide with visceral rescues, great character drama and all-around fun,” said Michael Thorn, president scripted programming at Fox Entertainment. “This new franchise is pure beachfront property for Fox, especially with the powerful auspices of John, Matt and our incredible partners at Warner Bros.”
Said Wells, “Matt and I couldn’t be happier...
The broadcast network has given a straight-to-series order to Rescue: Hi-Surf, a drama following a group of heavy-water lifeguards in Hawaii. The show, slated to be part of Fox’s 2023-24 lineup, comes from writer Matt Kester (Animal Kingdom) is executive produced by John Wells, who is also set to direct the first two episodes.
Warner Bros. Television, Wells’ long-time studio home, will produce the series along with Fox Entertainment.
“Rescue: Hi-Surf brings an edge-of-your-seat style to the North Shore of Hawaii, where lifeguards and surfers collide with visceral rescues, great character drama and all-around fun,” said Michael Thorn, president scripted programming at Fox Entertainment. “This new franchise is pure beachfront property for Fox, especially with the powerful auspices of John, Matt and our incredible partners at Warner Bros.”
Said Wells, “Matt and I couldn’t be happier...
- 4/28/2023
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Fox has given a straight-to-series order to Rescue: Hi-Surf, a Hawaii lifeguard drama from John Wells Productions in Wells’ broadcast return. The series, slated to premiere during the 2023-24 season, will be co-produced by Warner Bros. Television, where Jwp is based, and Fox Entertainment. It is envisioned as potential franchise for the network.
Matt Kester, who worked on Jwp’s TNT series Animal Kingdom, is writer, executive producer and showrunner and Wells executive producer on Rescue: Hi-Surf, an action drama that follows the personal and professional lives of the heavy-water lifeguards who patrol and protect the North Shore of O’ahu—the most famous and dangerous stretch of coastline in the world. Each episode will feature these dedicated, heroic, and adrenaline-seeking first-responders saving lives in the difficult and often life-threatening conditions of Hawaii’s Seven Mile Miracle.
The series order comes after the pilot script by Kester impressed Fox brass.
Matt Kester, who worked on Jwp’s TNT series Animal Kingdom, is writer, executive producer and showrunner and Wells executive producer on Rescue: Hi-Surf, an action drama that follows the personal and professional lives of the heavy-water lifeguards who patrol and protect the North Shore of O’ahu—the most famous and dangerous stretch of coastline in the world. Each episode will feature these dedicated, heroic, and adrenaline-seeking first-responders saving lives in the difficult and often life-threatening conditions of Hawaii’s Seven Mile Miracle.
The series order comes after the pilot script by Kester impressed Fox brass.
- 4/28/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: John Wells Productions has optioned the rights to Swedish author Tove Alsterdal’s three-book crime series The High Coast for series adaptation. A writer is not yet attached.
The first novel, We Know You Remember, was published in Sweden in 2020 and won the Best Crime Novel of the Year Award as well as The Glass Key Award, the most prestigious prize in the genre in the Nordic region. It was shortlisted for Best Book of the Year.
We Know You Remember introduces police detective Eira Sjodin as she investigates the disappearance of a girl, a hidden body, and a decades-long cover-up. The classic procedural meets Scandinavian atmosphere in this rich, character-driven mystery that heralds the American debut of a supremely skilled international writer.
John Wells and Erin Jontow executive produce for John Wells Productions. Alsterdal is co-executive producer.
The project, which is in very early stages, comes off the...
The first novel, We Know You Remember, was published in Sweden in 2020 and won the Best Crime Novel of the Year Award as well as The Glass Key Award, the most prestigious prize in the genre in the Nordic region. It was shortlisted for Best Book of the Year.
We Know You Remember introduces police detective Eira Sjodin as she investigates the disappearance of a girl, a hidden body, and a decades-long cover-up. The classic procedural meets Scandinavian atmosphere in this rich, character-driven mystery that heralds the American debut of a supremely skilled international writer.
John Wells and Erin Jontow executive produce for John Wells Productions. Alsterdal is co-executive producer.
The project, which is in very early stages, comes off the...
- 11/22/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: HBO Max has set the full cast for its lifeguard drama pilot Ke Nui Road. Robbie Magasiva, Andrew Creer, Tessa de Josselin, Kekoa Scott Kekumano, Koa Tom, Rachel Ogechi Kanu (My Best Friend’s Exorcism), Z’aree Pu’ukani Loganbill, Ethan Rich, and George Mason (The Power of the Dog) are set as series regulars in the Max Original pilot from John Wells, Animal Kingdom writer Matt Kester, and Warner Bros. Television.
Written by Kester and directed by Wells, Ke Nui Road is a contemporary drama set on the North Shore of Oahu, focusing on the relationships between an elite crew of heavy-water lifeguards and the teens and young adults they mentor and train in the junior lifeguard program. The junior guards program embodies the beauty, the danger, the struggle, and...
Written by Kester and directed by Wells, Ke Nui Road is a contemporary drama set on the North Shore of Oahu, focusing on the relationships between an elite crew of heavy-water lifeguards and the teens and young adults they mentor and train in the junior lifeguard program. The junior guards program embodies the beauty, the danger, the struggle, and...
- 11/9/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: HBO Max has ordered a pilot of Ke Nui Road, a lifeguard drama from John Wells and Animal Kingdom writer Matt Kester.
The West Wing and Shameless exec producer had set up the project in development at the streamer last year as part of his overall deal with Warner Bros. Television.
Kester, who also has worked on WGN’s Outsiders and ABC’s Forever, will write and exec produce the pilot, which will be directed and exec produced by Wells. Erin Jontow, President of Television at John Wells Productions, also will exec produce.
2020-21 HBO Max Pilots & Series Orders
Ke Nui Road is a contemporary drama set on the North Shore of Oahu, focusing on the relationships between an elite crew of heavy-water lifeguards and the teens and young adults they mentor and train in the junior lifeguard program. The junior guards program embodies the beauty, the danger, the struggle,...
The West Wing and Shameless exec producer had set up the project in development at the streamer last year as part of his overall deal with Warner Bros. Television.
Kester, who also has worked on WGN’s Outsiders and ABC’s Forever, will write and exec produce the pilot, which will be directed and exec produced by Wells. Erin Jontow, President of Television at John Wells Productions, also will exec produce.
2020-21 HBO Max Pilots & Series Orders
Ke Nui Road is a contemporary drama set on the North Shore of Oahu, focusing on the relationships between an elite crew of heavy-water lifeguards and the teens and young adults they mentor and train in the junior lifeguard program. The junior guards program embodies the beauty, the danger, the struggle,...
- 6/28/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
John Wells Productions has set up a pair of drama projects to be developed at HBO Max. John Wells and Erin Jontow will executive produce both shows, with Warner Bros. Television producing. Jwp is currently under an overall deal at the studio.
The first new project is titled “Things That Make White People Uncomfortable.” It is inspired by the book of the same name by Michael Bennett and Dave Zirin. The show would be a one-hour anthology that has one goal: to make white people uncomfortable. The theme of the first season is “the danger of white liberal thought.” Each episode will take a hard look at how white liberal thought has impacted American society and contributed to the state of race relations in America today.
Rodney Barnes will serve as writer and executive producer, with Bennet serving as consulting producer. Anthony Hemingway is attached to direct and executive produce via Anthony Hemingway Productions.
The first new project is titled “Things That Make White People Uncomfortable.” It is inspired by the book of the same name by Michael Bennett and Dave Zirin. The show would be a one-hour anthology that has one goal: to make white people uncomfortable. The theme of the first season is “the danger of white liberal thought.” Each episode will take a hard look at how white liberal thought has impacted American society and contributed to the state of race relations in America today.
Rodney Barnes will serve as writer and executive producer, with Bennet serving as consulting producer. Anthony Hemingway is attached to direct and executive produce via Anthony Hemingway Productions.
- 10/9/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
2 John Wells Dramas in the Works at HBO Max, Including ‘Things That Make White People Uncomfortable’
John Wells has lined up two more scripted TV projects at HBO Max under his overall deal with Warner Bros. Television, the streamer announced Friday. The first is a series inspired by the book “Things That Make White People Uncomfortable” from Michael Bennett and Dave Zirin. It is described as “a one-hour anthology series that has one goal: to make white people uncomfortable.” The first season will explore “the danger of white liberal thought” by taking a “hard look at how white liberal thought has impacted American society and contributed to the state of race relations in America today.” Bennett will serve as a consulting producer on the series, with writer Rodney Barnes adapting Bennett and Zirin’s book. Anthony Hemingway will direct and executive produce along with his producing partner Lyah LeFlore and Wells and Erin Jontow of John Wells Productions. Also Read: 'Green Lantern' Series at...
- 10/9/2020
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
John Wells has set up two more shows at HBO Max including a lifeguard drama from Animal Kingdom writer Matt Kester and a series inspired by the book Things That Make White People Uncomfortable.
This comes after The West Wing and Shameless exec producer’s latest HBO Max project, pilot Red Bird Lane, named Susan Sarandon among its cast.
Both shows, which are in development, come from John Wells Production via his overall deal with Warner Bros. Television.
Ke Nui Road is a contemporary drama set on the North Shore of Oahu, focusing on the relationships between an elite crew of heavy-water lifeguards and the teens and young adults they mentor and train in the junior lifeguard program. The junior guards program embodies the beauty, the danger, the struggle, and the spirit of aloha — all centered on the ocean — that is modern Hawaii.
It is written and exec produced by Kester,...
This comes after The West Wing and Shameless exec producer’s latest HBO Max project, pilot Red Bird Lane, named Susan Sarandon among its cast.
Both shows, which are in development, come from John Wells Production via his overall deal with Warner Bros. Television.
Ke Nui Road is a contemporary drama set on the North Shore of Oahu, focusing on the relationships between an elite crew of heavy-water lifeguards and the teens and young adults they mentor and train in the junior lifeguard program. The junior guards program embodies the beauty, the danger, the struggle, and the spirit of aloha — all centered on the ocean — that is modern Hawaii.
It is written and exec produced by Kester,...
- 10/9/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
John Wells is increasing his presence at HBO Max.
The mega-producer has set up two more drama projects at the WarnerMedia streamer: A Hawaii-set show called Ke Nui Road and Things That Make White People Uncomfortable, a planned anthology series based on the book by Michael Bennett and Dave Zirin. Both are in development at HBO Max and come from Warner Bros. TV, where Wells’ eponymous production company has a nine-figure overall deal.
The new projects join the Wells-produced thriller Red Bird Lane, starring Susan Sarandon, at HBO Max.
Written by Animal Kingdom veteran Matt Kester, Ke Nui Road is set on the North Shore ...
The mega-producer has set up two more drama projects at the WarnerMedia streamer: A Hawaii-set show called Ke Nui Road and Things That Make White People Uncomfortable, a planned anthology series based on the book by Michael Bennett and Dave Zirin. Both are in development at HBO Max and come from Warner Bros. TV, where Wells’ eponymous production company has a nine-figure overall deal.
The new projects join the Wells-produced thriller Red Bird Lane, starring Susan Sarandon, at HBO Max.
Written by Animal Kingdom veteran Matt Kester, Ke Nui Road is set on the North Shore ...
- 10/9/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
John Wells is increasing his presence at HBO Max.
The mega-producer has set up two more drama projects at the WarnerMedia streamer: A Hawaii-set show called Ke Nui Road and Things That Make White People Uncomfortable, a planned anthology series based on the book by Michael Bennett and Dave Zirin. Both are in development at HBO Max and come from Warner Bros. TV, where Wells’ eponymous production company has a nine-figure overall deal.
The new projects join the Wells-produced thriller Red Bird Lane, starring Susan Sarandon, at HBO Max.
Written by Animal Kingdom veteran Matt Kester, Ke Nui Road is set on the North Shore ...
The mega-producer has set up two more drama projects at the WarnerMedia streamer: A Hawaii-set show called Ke Nui Road and Things That Make White People Uncomfortable, a planned anthology series based on the book by Michael Bennett and Dave Zirin. Both are in development at HBO Max and come from Warner Bros. TV, where Wells’ eponymous production company has a nine-figure overall deal.
The new projects join the Wells-produced thriller Red Bird Lane, starring Susan Sarandon, at HBO Max.
Written by Animal Kingdom veteran Matt Kester, Ke Nui Road is set on the North Shore ...
- 10/9/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Warning: The following contains spoilers for Tuesday’s pivotal Animal Kingdom. If you want its surprises to remain surprises, read no further till you’ve watched.
Finally, in Tuesday’s climactic Animal Kingdom, we — along with Pope — learned that Smurf had indeed ordered the hit on Baz. What’s more, the plot that the Cody family’s matriarch hatched to exchange Marco for her fortune in stolen goods resulted in Lucy’s brother being killed, Pope being briefly abducted and J getting off his grandma’s s— list by shielding her during the shootout. Here, to break down for TVLine...
Finally, in Tuesday’s climactic Animal Kingdom, we — along with Pope — learned that Smurf had indeed ordered the hit on Baz. What’s more, the plot that the Cody family’s matriarch hatched to exchange Marco for her fortune in stolen goods resulted in Lucy’s brother being killed, Pope being briefly abducted and J getting off his grandma’s s— list by shielding her during the shootout. Here, to break down for TVLine...
- 8/8/2018
- TVLine.com
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