Is Gus Fring really going to make an appearance in season three of Better Call Saul? The new teaser video for Better Call Saul is an ad for Fring’s fast food restaurant, Los Pollos Hermanos, and it would certainly seem we can expect to see Giancarlo Esposito show up as a season three guest star. The short TV commercial for Los Pollos Hermanos is bizarre given what we know about Gus’ real business, with Gus looking all innocent and smiling for the camera. And what’s with the “Taste the Family!” tagline? The new teaser should make Breaking Bad/Better Call Saul fans even more anxious for the season three premiere which will happen sometime this spring.
Who else might we see from the Breaking Bad world show up in season three? With Gus apparently ready to make an entrance, it’ll be interesting to see who else series creators/showrunners Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould squeeze into Better Call Saul.
The Plot (seasons 1 and 2): Before he was Saul Goodman (Bob Odenkirk), Walter White’s fashion-forward “criminal” lawyer, he was Jimmy McGill, a small-time attorney hustling to champion his underdog clients, build his practice, and somehow make a name for himself. The first season’s finale found Jimmy walking away from a lucrative job offer, vowing to Mike Ehrmantraut (Jonathan Banks) that his days of playing the game straight are over.
Season 2 of Better Call Saul follows the twists and turns of Jimmy’s journey toward becoming his Breaking Bad alter ego, along the way soaring to new heights and sinking to new lows. Jimmy grows closer to confidante Kim Wexler (Rhea Seehorn), while his relationship with afflicted brother Chuck McGill (Michael McKean) becomes increasingly complex. Mike finds himself pulled deeper into the criminal underworld. As Jimmy evolves (or regresses) towards “it’s all good man,” he’s faced with impossible choices that foreshadow his future. Backstories are further revealed, along with new characters and nods to the Breaking Bad universe.
Keisha Castle-Hughes (Photo Courtesy of Dscovery Channel)
Chris Noth (The Good Wife, Sex in the City) and Keisha Castle-Hughes (Game of Thrones) have signed on to Discovery Channel’s drama series, Manifesto. Noth and Castle-Hughes join Paul Bettany (Captain America: Civil War, Priest) and Sam Worthington (Avatar, Hacksaw Ridge, Everest) who were previously announced to star in the scripted series about the FBI’s hunt for the Unabomber.
Worthington will play Ted Kaczynski (aka the Unabomber), and Worthington is confirmed for the role of FBI Agent Jim ‘Fitz’ Fitzgerald, who was instrumental in taking Kaczynski down. Noth joins the cast as Don Ackerman, the head of the FBI’s Bay Area, and Castle-Hughes will star as an agent who partners with Fitzgerald.
Manifesto marks the first lead roles on a U.S. television series for both Paul Bettany and Sam Worthington.
The series will begin filming in Atlanta on January 30th. Greg Yaitanes (Banshee) is the showrunner, executive producer, and director. Manifesto is being produced by Lionsgate and Trigger Street Productions, with Kevin Spacey, Dana Brunetti, John Goldwyn, and Troy Searer executive producing. The real Jim Fitzgerald is involved as a consulting producer.
Noth’s credits include Law & Order, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Tyrant, Titanic: Blood and Steel, Caesar, Exiled, The Perfect Man, and The Confession. Castle-Hughes starred in Roadies, Whale Rider, Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, The Nativity Story, Hey, Hey It’s Esther Blueburger, A Heavenly Vintage, Vampire, Red Dog, and Queen Of Carthage.
The Plot:Manifesto will trace how Jim “Fitz” Fitzgerald challenged the “old school” ways with his radical new approach to intelligence gathering. Fitzgerald had training as a profiler, but it was his focus on linguistics that became vital to breaking the case. He believed that the key to unlocking the true identity of the Unabomber would be found in the language of The Manifesto, a detailed account of some of Kaczynski’s plots.
Fox has confirmed Empire will be returning for a fourth season. The network announced its award-winning dramatic series has earned another season and that Empire‘s spring premiere date has been set for Wednesday, March 22nd at 9pm ET/PT. The music-driven series is the top rated broadcast drama among 18-49 year-olds and was the #1 broadcast entertainment program among 18-34 year-olds, teens and young women, according to Fox.
Empire‘s third season has been averaging 16 million viewers, so the announcement of a renewal came as little surprise. The critically acclaimed series was created by Oscar nominee Lee Daniels and Emmy Award-winner Danny Strong. Daniels, Strong, Brian Grazer, Ilene Chaiken, Francie Calfo and Sanaa Hamri executive produce. Empire stars Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, Jussie Smollett, Bryshere “Yazz” Gray, Trai Byers, Grace Byers, Gabourey Sidibe, Ta’Rhonda Jones, Serayah, Bre-Z, Xzibit, and Morocco Omari. Guest stars over the show’s first three seasons have included Mariah Carey, Taye Diggs, Phylicia Rashad, Chris Rock, Alicia Keys, Marisa Tomei, Naomi Campbell, Ludacris, Adam Rodriguez, Rosie O’ Donnell, and Andre Royo.
The Plot:Empire is a powerful drama about a family dynasty set within the glamorous and sometimes dangerous world of hip-hop music. The show revolves around the Lyon family and their media company, Empire Entertainment. The founder, Lucious Lyon (Terrence Howard), is the king of hip-hop, but his company and reign are constantly threatened by his family, including his ex-wife, Cookie Lyon (Taraji P. Henson); his sons, Jamal (Jussie Smollett), Hakeem (Bryshere “Yazz” Gray) and Andre (Trai Byers); and a volatile and competitive music industry.
The battle continued in season three for the Soul of Empire. Each member of the Lyon family must cope with the events that were set in motion in the Season Two finale. Lucious pursues his music legacy with his streaming service, while also clashing with his half-brother, Tariq (Morocco Omari), who is leading a federal task force investigating him. Cookie aims to start over, in pursuit of her own happiness – a series of flashbacks reveal how Loretha Holloway became Cookie Lyon and how Cookie met Lucious. Meanwhile, the Lyon brothers – Andre, Jamal and Hakeem – all are determined to overcome the events of last season and move on, but the choices they face will become a battle for the soul of the Lyon family.
Fox has set the spring premiere dates for its new primetime shows Prison Break, Making History, Kicking & Screaming, and Shots Fired. Prison Break reunites the core cast of the series – Wentworth Miller, Dominic Purcell, Sarah Wayne Callies, Robert Knepper, and Amaury Nolasco – for a sequel that will explain the whereabouts of Michael Scofield. Making History is a time travel comedy, and Fox’s Kicking & Screaming is a new reality competition series from Wipeout‘s executive producer Matt Kunitz. Shots Fired is a timely dramatic event series with Sanaa Lathan and Stephan James in starring roles.
The network also revealed the spring return dates for The Last Man on Earth, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Gotham, and Lucifer.
Making History: New comedy MAKING HISTORY premieres Sunday, March 5 (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT), and follows three friends from two different centuries as they try to balance the thrill of time travel with the mundane concerns of their everyday lives. The wildly original series stars Adam Pally, Leighton Meester and Yassir Lester. MAKING HISTORY is created by Julius “Goldy” Sharpe. Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, Sharpe, Seth Cohen and Jared Hess are executive producers. Also that night, THE LAST MAN ON EARTH makes its spring return (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT).
Kicking & Screaming: Comedic competition series KICKING & SCREAMING teams 10 expert survivalists with pampered partners to face the toughest challenges of their lives. Debuting Thursday, March 9 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), and hosted by Hannah Simone, the series drops these unlikely duos into a tropical jungle in Fiji, where they must overcome dangerous animals, raging rivers, hunger and extreme weather. To win the competition, the experts will have to drag their partners, KICKING & SCREAMING, to the finish line.
Shots Fired: Examining the dangerous aftermath of two racially charged shootings in a small Southern town, event series SHOTS FIRED launches Wednesday, March 22 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), followed by the spring premiere of EMPIRE (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). The compelling series stars Sanaa Lathan, Stephan James, Academy Award-, Emmy Award- and Golden Globe-winning actress Helen Hunt, Academy Award- and Golden Globe-winning actor Richard Dreyfuss and Stephen Moyer. The series is created and executive-produced by Gina Prince-Bythewood and Reggie Rock Bythewood.
Prison Break: In the next action-packed chapter of PRISON BREAK, premiering Tuesday, April 4 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), original series stars Wentworth Miller, Dominic Purcell, Sarah Wayne Callies, Amaury Nolasco, Robert Knepper, Rockmond Dunbar and Paul Adelstein are reunited for an all-new adventure spanning the globe. When clues surface that suggest a previously thought-to-be-dead MICHAEL SCOFIELD (Miller) may be alive, his brother, LINCOLN BURROWS (Purcell), reunites with Michael’s wife, SARA (Callies), and Fox River State Penitentiary’s most notorious escapees to engineer the series’ biggest breakout ever. The series is created by Paul T. Scheuring. Scheuring, Vaun Wilmott, Michael Horowitz, Dawn Olmstead, Nelson McCormick, Marty Adelstein and Neal Moritz serve as executive producers.
FOX 2017 SPRING PREMIERE DATES
Sundays, beginning March 5
7:00-7:30 PM Animation Encores
7:30-8:00 PM BOB’S BURGERS
8:00-8:30 PM THE SIMPSONS
8:30-9:00 PM MAKING HISTORY (Series Premiere)
9:00-9:30 PM FAMILY GUY
9:30-10:00 PM THE LAST MAN ON EARTH (Spring Premiere)
Tuesday, April 4
8:00-8:30 PM NEW GIRL
8:30-9:00 PM THE MICK
9:00-10:00 PM PRISON BREAK (Season Premiere)
Tuesdays, beginning April 11
8:00-8:30 PM BROOKLYN NINE-NINE (Spring Premiere)
8:30-9:00 PM THE MICK
9:00-10:00 PM PRISON BREAK
24: LEGACY debuts with a two-night premiere event on Sunday, February 5th after SUPER BOWL LI. New police drama APB will premiere on Monday, Feb. 6th following 24: LEGACY. Season five of MASTERCHEF JUNIOR premieres Thursday, Feb. 9th. BROOKLYN NINE-NINE has its spring premiere Tuesday, April 11. GOTHAM returns Monday, April 24 and LUCIFER’s spring premiere airs Monday, May 1.
Sky Arts has released details on its new series Urban Myths including a trailer and episode descriptions. The eight episode half-hour comedy series is based on true-ish tales of celebrities including Michael Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor, Bob Dylan, Gary Grant, Alice Cooper, and Marlon Brando. Among the actors showing up in the series’ first season are Rupert Grint, Joseph Fiennes, Brian Cox, Carrie Fisher, Stockard Channing, David Threlfall, Iwan Rheon, Eddie Marsan, Noel Clarke, and Katherine Parkinson.
“We are always looking at new ways of shining a light on the wonderfully bizarre and endlessly fascinating worlds you find across the arts, and our brand-new series of Urban Myths (or true(ish) stories from arts and cultural history) does just that, exploring those tales we’ve kind of heard and hope are true. We are delighted that some of Britain’s most talented and loved writers, directors and performers have had such a lot of fun with these tales and let their imagination and creative brilliance beam out from every frame,” said Director of Sky Arts Phil Edgar-Jones.
The Plot: Each of the eight original titles has its own unique take on an urban myth; some well-known and some that will delight viewers with their surprising stories. The films include Bob Dylan and Dave (Stewart) hanging out in Crouch End; an 18-year-old Adolf Hitler attempting to get into art school; Cary Grant and Timothy Leary taking LSD; Salvador Dali summoning Alice Cooper to sit for him; Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Jackson and Marlon Brando going on a road trip; Samuel Beckett driving Andre the Giant to school; Muhammad Ali saving a suicidal man; and the Sex Pistols and the story behind the infamous expletive-filled TV interview that announced the arrival of punk rock.
Using a generous dose of artistic license, the comedies are designed to mischievously spark viewers’ imaginations and answer the question: if these events really did happen, how might they have played out?
Urban Myths Episodes:
Urban Myths: Bob Dylan
Music legend Bob Dylan decides to pay an impromptu visit to his friend and fellow musician Dave Stewart. Unfortunately Dave isn’t home but his wife Ange reveals he will be back shortly and asks Bob if he’d like to wait over a cuppa. Sure enough Dave returns, but far from being Dave Stewart, this is Dave the plumber – and massive fan of Bob Dylan. Bob sticks around to offer relationship advice. Bob Dylan is played by Eddie Marsan, Dave by Paul Ritter and Ange by Katherine Parkinson. Written and produced by Neil Webster and directed by Ben Palmer.
Urban Myths: Samuel Beckett and Andre the Giant
Long before he went on to become a famous wrestler and film star, Andre the Giant was chauffeured to school by the playwright Samuel Beckett. Samuel steps in to help Andre, who is his builder’s son, as the lad’s size means he is already too big to be able to get the school bus. Along the journey a formative lesson in love and life ensues. Samuel Beckett is played by David Threlfall. Written by Neil Forsyth and directed by Ben Palmer.
Urban Myths: Hitler the Artist
A young Adolf Hitler pursues his passion for art, as he and his best friend August, a talented musician, live in Vienna hoping to study at the revered Arts Academy. The only problem is that young Adolf is hopeless at art and is rejected, incurring a wrath that would have far-reaching consequences. Adolf is played by Iwan Rheon and Gustl by Rupert Grint. Written by Ben Edwards and directed by Dan Zeff.
Urban Myths: Cary Grant and Timothy Leary
On the set of Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest, Hollywood heartthrob Cary Grant introduces the psychologist and drugs advocate Timothy Leary to LSD, resulting in an unforgettable kaleidoscopic trip. Cary Grant is played by Ben Chaplin and Timothy Leary by Aidan Gillen. Written by Ed Dyson and Roger Drew.
Urban Myths: Elizabeth, Michael & Marlon
New York, September 2001. Long-time friends Elizabeth Taylor, Michael Jackson, and Marlon Brando flee Manhattan in a rental car, heading west towards Boston. The resulting road trip sees them reflecting on their lives, loves, careers, and egos as they go. Elizabeth Taylor is played by Stockard Channing, Michael Jackson by Joseph Fiennes and Marlon Brando by Brian Cox, with the late Carrie Fisher as a diner burger flipper. Written by Neil Forsyth and directed by Ben Palmer.
Urban Myths: Muhammad Ali
In the early 1980s, after his recent and high-profile defeat to Larry Holmes, boxing legend Muhammad Ali takes it upon himself to talk a suicidal stranger down from a ledge. Using his unique brand of wit and wisdom, he succeeds in persuading the man that life is worth living, and learns a huge amount about himself in the process. Muhammad Ali is played by Noel Clarke. Written and produced by Neil Webster and directed by Ben Palmer.
Urban Myths: The Sex Pistols
The Sex Pistols’ infamous 1976 appearance on the early evening Bill Grundy show, when they outraged a nation with their four-letter tirade, heralded the arrival of punk rock. This comedy takes a wry look at the stories surrounding the appearance, from Johnny Rotten answering viewers’ complaints to Freddie Mercury’s role in giving the Sex Pistols notoriety. Casting for this Urban Myth will be drawn from the National Youth Theatre, with the film the first product of this unique Sky Arts partnership. From Sacha Baron Cohen’s Spelthorne Community Television. Written by Simon Nye.
Urban Myths: Salvador Dali and Alice Cooper
Salvador Dali summons Alice Cooper to sit for him while he creates a hologram. A comedic exploration of the moment when these two egos – and Dali’s muse Gala – collide. Written by Roger Drew and Ed Dyson.
Alexander Skarsgård and Nicole Kidman in ‘Big Little Lies’ (Photo: Hilary Bronwyn Gayle/Courtesy of HBO)
HBO’s new limited series Big Little Lies is set to premiere on Sunday, February 19, 2017 at 9pm ET/PT, and the network’s just released details on the show’s first two episodes. Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Alexander Skarsgard, Laura Dern, Adam Scott, Zoe Kravitz, James Tupper and Jeffrey Nordling star in the dark comedy based on Liane Moriarty’s bestselling novel. Kidman and Witherspoon also serve as executive producers along with David E. Kelley, Bruna Papandrea, Per Saari, Jean-Marc Vallée, Nathan Ross, and Gregg Fienberg. The seven episode limited series was written by David E. Kelley and directed by Jean-Marc Vallée (Dallas Buyers Club).
The Plot: In the tranquil seaside town of Monterey, California, nothing is quite as it seems. Doting moms, successful husbands, adorable children, beautiful homes: What lies will be told to keep their perfect worlds from unraveling? Told through the eyes of three mothers – Madeline, Celeste and Jane – Big Little Lies paints a picture of a town fueled by rumors and divided into the haves and have-nots, exposing the conflicts, secrets and betrayals that compromise relationships between husbands and wives, parents and children, and friends and neighbors.
The Characters:
Madeline Martha Mackenzie (Reese Witherspoon) is a whirlwind of energy and good intentions, but her compulsion to set things right has unintended consequences.
Celeste Wright (Nicole Kidman) is the envy of her peers, a statuesque beauty who appears to have it all: twins, wealth and the perfect husband.
Jane (Shailene Woodley), a single mom of modest means with a mysterious past, is new not only to Monterey but to the complicated social hierarchy of Otter Bay Elementary School, where her son is a student.
Renata Klein (Laura Dern) is a powerful career woman and anti-bullying crusader at the center of schoolyard politics, on and off the playground.
Bonnie Carlson (Zoë Kravitz), married to Madeline’s ex-husband, is a spiritual yoga instructor and a sensitive soul with a strong moral compass.
Perry Wright (Alexander Skarsgård), half of the seemingly perfect Monterey couple, is a successful businessman, loving father and devoted husband to Celeste.
Ed Mackenzie (Adam Scott) is Madeline’s stable and loving second husband, who copes with feelings of being second-best and, unlike his wife, believes in playing it safe.
Nathan Carlson (James Tupper), ex-husband of Madeline, is re-married to the beautiful and younger yoga instructor, Bonnie. He faces the challenges of co-parenting a teenage daughter with his ex.
Gordon Klein (Jeffrey Nordling) is a high-powered executive who loves and supports his wife, Renata, in her professional endeavors, but doesn’t always understand her actions.
Big Little Lies February Episodes:
Episode #1: “Somebody’s Dead”
Debut: SUNDAY, FEB. 19 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT)
In the affluent beachfront community of Monterey, Cal., a suspicious death at a coastal elementary school fundraiser draws attention to the frictions among some of the mothers. Madeline (Reese Witherspoon) and Celeste (Nicole Kidman), longtime friends and confidantes, welcome newcomer Jane (Shailene Woodley) and her son, Ziggy (Iain Armitage), into their inner circle, much to the chagrin of another mother, Renata (Laura Dern). An incident with the children at school causes battle lines to be drawn.
Written by David E. Kelley; directed by Jean-Marc Vallée.
Episode #2: “Serious Mothering”
Debut: SUNDAY, FEB. 26 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)
Jane (Shailene Woodley) deflects Ziggy’s (Iain Armitage) questions about why they moved to Monterey. Madeline (Reese Witherspoon) gets news that her community-theater production might get derailed, and is outraged over a slight from Renata (Laura Dern). Celeste (Nicole Kidman) suggests to Perry (Alexander Skarsgård) that they see a counselor. Nathan (James Tupper) and Ed (Adam Scott) meet in hopes of smoothing out the tensions between their wives, and themselves.
Written by David E. Kelley; directed by Jean-Marc Vallée.
Tom Hardy as James Keziah Delaney in ‘Taboo’ (Photo by Robert Viglasky, Copyright 2016, FX Networks)
Steven Knight and Tom Hardy continue their partnership with FX’s new dramatic series Taboo premiering on January 10, 2017 at 10pm ET/PT. The series was created by Knight, Tom Hardy, and Tom’s father, Chip, with Ridley Scott serving as an executive producer. In front of the camera, Knight and Hardy have gathered an impressive ensemble cast led by Hardy that includes Oona Chaplin, Jonathan Pryce, Michael Kelly, Stephen Graham, Franka Potente, and David Hayman. The series features amazing sets, incredible costumes, and first-rate cinematography, but make no mistake, the reason to tune in is to watch Tom Hardy delve into the world of the early 1800s to play a complicated, intelligent though mentally unstable man whose motivations aren’t easy to discern.
Taboo takes place in London in 1814 as James Keziah Delaney (Hardy) returns home following the death of his father. His return from Africa is a shock to the town and to his half-sister, Zilpha (Chaplin), who assumed he was long dead. James’ resurrection also proves to be a thorn in the side of the wheelers and dealers at the East India Trading Company who wanted a plot of land in America owned by the senior Delaney and had already made arrangements with Zilpha to procure the pivotal property known as Nootka Sound.
James inherited the plot, his family’s home, and the family business, and he has no intention of turning any of his possessions over to the East India Trading Company. Neither the threats of disgrace nor death can sway James into doing business with EITC, a company that emerges as the main villain in the first three episodes of the series. James has a well-earned disturbing reputation of violence, having dealings with the dead, and other socially unacceptable behavior. He’s underestimated by his foes who know of his disreputable reputation which distracts them from realizing his uncanny ability to always be one step ahead of his adversaries until it’s too late.
FX provided screeners of Taboo season one’s first three episodes and although what is actually driving James isn’t revealed, episodes one through three lay out a groundwork of political intrigue and espionage mixed with supernatural elements and the occasional action scene. Taboo’s dark, gritty, and occasionally disturbing, and it somehow manages to work its way under your skin. The first dip into this brutal world is slow-going, but the tempo and story pick up as the episodes go on.
Hardy’s James is playing a dangerous game and by the third episode you don’t necessarily support his actions but at least are willing to become engaged in his story. Very few real details of James’ backstory emerge by the end of episode three (there are many hints at his horrific experiences), but there’s reason to believe Taboo will get increasingly more bloody and brutal as the episodes progress. James has visions of his deceased mother which we’re led to believe will help to connect the dots as to why he’s playing all sides against each other while being loyal to no particular nation.
Tom Hardy is in nearly every scene, delivering an intense, powerful performance. Hardy’s remarkably adept at diving into crazy characters, and with just a grunt or glare Hardy’s James can stop the bravest man in his tracks. When you think the camera’s lingered on Hardy’s face a beat too long, you realize the extended, silent close-ups are having their intended effect of showing James’ power to intimidate and dominate in any situation.
Episode one is a slow introduction to the world of James Delaney, an episode that requires patience as the key players are set up. By episode two, James is more fleshed out and his place in the world becomes more defined. Episode three begins to deliver the pay-off for sticking with the series as the threads of the various storylines fall more into place.
Taboo is a visually stunning series, with the stink, grime, and general uncleanliness of those outside of the upper class/royalty almost palpable. It’s definitely not your typical period drama and it’ll be interesting to find out the demographics of the viewers. Episode one didn’t immediately hook me, but by episode three I’ve become fully invested in finding out what happens to James and how he becomes this fierce, unstable, and menacing figure.
Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes in ‘The Walking Dead’ season 7 episode 9 (Photo Credit: Gene Page/AMC)
AMC’s The Walking Dead season seven part two (also known as 7B) will kick off on February 12, 2017, with Rick and his fellow Alexandrians finally deciding it’s best to team up with other communities to take on Negan. With the show’s return a month away, AMC has just provided a look into what viewers can expect from season seven’s second half with the release of the official synopsis and new photos.
Here’s the official 7B plot, courtesy of AMC:
“The first half of Season 7 saw Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and the group broken by Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan), forced to fall under his will and brutally convinced to live under his rules. The second half of the season will focus on preparing for war and gathering the supplies and numbers to take Negan down once and for all.
Rick’s group will find out yet again that the world isn’t what they thought it was. It’s much bigger than anything they’ve seen so far. While they have a singular purpose – to defeat Negan – it won’t come easy. More importantly, victory will require more than Alexandria. They need the numbers of the Kingdom and the Hilltop, but, similar to how Rick felt, Ezekiel (Khary Payton) and Gregory (Xander Berkeley) do not want bloodshed. To convince them otherwise will take more than speeches. The lengths Rick and the group will have to go to in order to find weapons, food and new fighters is nothing short of remarkable.
We’ll meet new survivors in incredible places. We’ll see Rick and the group tested in ways we’ve never seen before. We’ll see treachery from people we trust. Rick is confident as he will see his group and many others band together with the common goal of taking down Negan. But no amount of planning will prepare the group for all-out war with Negan and his army.”
Katelyn Nacon as Enid, Danai Gurira as Michonne, Tom Payne as Paul ‘Jesus’ Rovia, Chandler Riggs as Carl Grimes, Sonequa Martin-Green as Sasha Williams, Lauren Cohan as Maggie Greene, Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes, Alanna Masterson as Tara Chambler, Norman Reedus as Daryl Dixon, and Christian Serratos as Rosita Espinosa in ‘The Walking Dead’ season 7 episode 9 (Photo Credit: Gene Page/AMC)Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes, Danai Gurira as Michonne, Ross Marquand as Aaron, and Alanna Masterson as Tara Chambler in ‘The Walking Dead’ season 7 episode 9 (Photo Credit: Gene Page/AMC)Xander Berkeley as Gregory, Danai Gurira as Michonne, Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes, Chandler Riggs as Carl Grimes, Norman Reedus as Daryl Dixon, Alanna Masterson as Tara Chambler, and Lauren Cohan as Maggie Greene in ‘The Walking Dead’ season 7 episode 9 (Photo Credit: Gene Page/AMC)
Jenna Dewan Tatum (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/NBC)
Jenna Dewan Tatum is the newest member of the World of Dance team, signing on to NBC’s upcoming dance competition as the show’s host. In addition to her hosting duties, Dewan Tatum will be mentoring the competitors while providing viewers with insight into the technical elements of dance. Jenna Dewan Tatum joins the World of Dance lineup of talent that includes Jennifer Lopez, Derek Hough, and NE-YO as judges. Lopez also serves as executive producer alongside Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, Benny Medina, Kris Curry, Matilda Zoltowski, David Gonzalez, Matthew Everitt, and Al Hassas.
“World of Dance is a show by dancers for dancers,” said Lopez. “Jenna is the perfect addition to join NE-YO, Derek, and me in our World of Dance family. We are thrilled to have her.”
“Jenna’s background as a dancer, entertainer, and actress make her the perfect choice to host and work alongside our three incredibly talented judges,” said Meredith Ahr, President, Universal Television Alternative Studio, NBC Entertainment. “We can’t wait to get started and give these four superstars a chance to both articulate and demonstrate how transformational dance can be.”
Award-winning choreographers Napoleon and Tabitha D’umo (‘Nappytabs’) are reuniting with Lopez for World of Dance. The Emmy-winning couple choreographed Lopez’ Las Vegas show, “All I Have.” Dancing with the Stars‘ Alex Rudzinski is directing the 10-episode first season.
Details on NBC’s World of Dance:
In partnership with preeminent global dance brand World of Dance, the series brings the world’s elite dancers together to compete in epic battles of artistry, precision, and athleticism. Solo dancers will compete against duos and crews in an unlimited range of dance, including hip-hop, krumping, popping, locking, tap, ballet, break dancing, ballroom, stomping, and more.
Handpicked from qualifying events around the nation and thousands of online submissions, competitors are divided into three divisions: Junior (any size act, 17 years old and under), Upper (groups of 1- 4, 18 and older) and Team (groups of 5+, 18 and older). After an initial audition round, divisions face off in duels, until only one of each is left standing. A panel of experts score the acts using a precise point system developed by World of Dance, using the following criteria: Routine, Execution, Presentation, and Crowd Appeal. The epic finale sees the winners from each division duke it out for $1 million and the title “Best in the World.”
Jeff Pierre as Jeff, Dilan Gwyn as Willa, Burkely Duffield as Holden, Jonathan Whitesell as Luke, Romy Rosemont as Diane, and Michael McGrady as Tom in ‘Beyond’ (Freeform/Nino Munoz)
Freeform introduced season one of Beyond on January 2, 2017 and a little over a week later it’s renewed the series for a second season. Beyond debuted to 14 million viewers over its first week in release – 7 million on digital platforms and 7.2 million on TV – with the show earning the network’s highest ratings of any recent original series. Freeform made the entire 10 episode first season available on digital platforms, with 25% of the show’s viewers binge-watching the series in one sitting, according to the network.
”Our goal for launching Beyond was to give the audience outstanding content in the way they want to watch it,” said Freeform President Tom Ascheim, surprising the cast and crew during the show’s Television Critics Association’s panel. “The response has far exceeded our greatest expectations, both quantitatively and qualitatively, and we can’t wait to bring more Beyond to its growing fan base.”
The cast includes Burkely Duffield, Romy Rosemont, Michael McGrady, Jonathan Whitesell, Dilan Gwyn, and Jeff Pierre. Beyond was created by writer and executive producer Adam Nussdorf (Once Upon a Time in Wonderland). Tim Kring, David Eick, Steven Adelson, Dan Friedkin, Justin Levy and Brian Kavanaugh-Jones also serve as executive producers.
The Plot:Beyond is a one-hour drama about a young man who wakes up from a coma after 12 years and discovers new supernatural abilities that propel him into the middle of a dangerous conspiracy.
The next episode will air on January 16, 2017 and is titled ‘The Man in the Yellow Jacket.’ The official synopsis, courtesy of Freeform: “Holden is determined to learn more about the mysterious man who is after him and teams up with a former adversary turned unlikely ally. This pursuit leads Holden to some shocking evidence and a vital clue. The Matthews are unnerved when Jeff, the person they feel is responsible for Holden’s accident, continues to show up in their lives. Luke continues to struggle with his place in the family, now that Holden has returned. Meanwhile, Willa makes a dangerous move while trying to help another comatose patient; and Holden has an awkward encounter when he decides to ask a girl out on a date for the first time.”
