John Leguizamo’s Ghetto Klown marks the fifth time the writer/actor has teamed up with HBO for a solo special. Ghetto Klown will premiere on Saturday, March 22, 2014 at 10pm ET/PT and is adapted from his Drama Desk Award-winning stage show that explores his personal and professional life.
Fisher Stevens directs the special, which was filmed at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark late last year.
Leguizamo explains the concept behind Ghetto Klown by telling audiences that “the show is like therapy and spins a ‘cautionary tale’ that begins with childhood memories, continues through the early days of his acting career, and arrives on the sets of well-known TV series and major motion pictures, while addressing his recurring feelings of self-doubt, negativity, and depression.”
Leguizamo’s previous HBO solo specials aired in 1991, 1993, 1998, and 2002.
In addition to keeping busy with Ghetto Klown, Leguizamo recently finished up work on the feature films Cymbeline, Chef, Rio 2, and Stealing Cars.
The new series is written by Marti Noxon (Mad Men, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and will be executive produced by Noxon, Dawn Olmstead, Vicki Iovine, Meryl Poster and Adam Brooks.
“Girlfriends’ Guide To Divorce offers a fresh take on women tackling life after divorce with the help of their girlfriends,” said Andrew Wang, Vice President of Scripted Development and Production, Bravo. “For our first scripted show, we wanted something that was sophisticated, funny and honest. We’re thrilled to have the talented Marti Noxon breaking this new ground with Bravo.”
“Everybody knows this was all an elaborate scheme to get myself on Watch What Happens Live!,” added Marti Noxon. “Seriously, I can’t thank everyone enough at Bravo and Universal Cable Productions for making Girlfriends’ something special. I am confident that Lisa is going to be TV’s next girl crush; she’s certainly mine.”
The Plot of Girlfriends’ Guide To Divorce:
Based on the best-selling Girlfriends’ Guide book series by Vicki Iovine, the series follows Abby, played by Lisa Edelstein, a self-help book author who hides the fact that she’s separated from her husband, as she starts to navigate her life as a single woman in her early 40s in Los Angeles. She finds herself seeking advice from her divorced friends, instead of her married ones which leads to some unexpected and life-changing experiences.
The series also stars Janeane Garofalo as Lyla, Abby’s friend, a divorcee and legendary no-nonsense entertainment lawyer and Beau Garrett as Phoebe, a recent divorcee and former model who is still close to her ex. Paul Adelstein stars in the pilot as Abby’s husband and Carrie Fisher made a cameo as Abby’s book editor Cat.
Jemima Kirke and Lena Dunham in 'Girls' (Photo: Jessica Miglio / HBO)
Girls continues its season three with four new episodes, including the season finale, in March 2014. Created by and starring Dunham, the cast includes Allison Williams, Jemima Kirke, Zosia Mamet, Alex Karpovsky, and Adam Driver.
Girls March 2014 Episodes
Episode #29: “Flo”
Debut: SATURDAY, MARCH 2 (10:00-10:30 p.m. ET/PT)
Other HBO playdates: March 2 (midnight, 2:00 a.m.), 3 (11:30 p.m.) 4 (10:00 p.m.), 5 (9:30 p.m., midnight), 6 (8:00 p.m.) and 7 (midnight)
HBO2 playdates: March 3 (10:00 p.m.), 5 (10:00 p.m.), 8 (8:30 p.m., 11:00 p.m.) and 17 (9:00 p.m.)
While visiting her ailing grandmother (June Squibb) in the hospital, Hannah (Lena Dunham) is surprised by a strange request from her mother (Becky Ann Baker). Later, Hannah shares an uncomfortable drink with Rebecca (Sarah Steele), her overachieving med student cousin.
Written by Bruce Eric Kaplan; directed by Richard Shepard.
Episode #30: “Role-Play”
Debut: SUNDAY, MARCH 9 (10:00-10:30 p.m.)
Other HBO playdates: March 9 (midnight, 2:00 a.m.), 10 (11:30 a.m.), 11 (10:00 p.m.), 12 (9:30 p.m., midnight), 13 (8:00 p.m.) and 14 (1:00 a.m.)
HBO2 playdates: March 10 (10:00 p.m.), 12 (10:00 p.m.), 15 (8:30 p.m., 11:00 p.m.) and 17 (9:30 p.m.)
Alarmed by Adam’s (Adam Driver) indifference when she fails to come home after a night out with co-workers, Hannah worries that the spark may be gone in their relationship. Marnie (Allison Williams) begins working at Soo Jin’s (Greta Lee) art gallery, though not in the role she expected; later, Desi (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) helps her rediscover her voice. Shoshanna (Zosia Mamet) has a surprise for Jessa (Jemima Kirke).
Written by Lena Dunham & Judd Apatow; directed by Jesse Peretz.
Episode #31: “I Saw You”
Debut: SUNDAY, MARCH 16 (10:00-10:30 p.m.)
Other HBO playdates: March 16 (11:00 p.m., midnight), 17 (12:10 a.m.), 18 (10:00 p.m.), 19 (9:30 p.m., midnight), 20 (8:00 p.m.) and 21 (1:00 a.m.)
HBO2 playdates: March 17 (10:00 p.m.) 19 (10:00 p.m.) and 22 (8:30 p.m., 11:00 p.m.)
Hannah gets a glimpse of some harsh realities when she invites Elijah (Andrew Rannells) to join her in her quest to complete an unfinished assignment. Jessa searches for a job. Hannah, Shoshanna and Elijah attend Marnie’s open-mic performance.
Written by Lena Dunham & Paul Simms; directed by Jesse Peretz.
Episode #32: “Two Plane Rides” (season finale)
Debut: SUNDAY, MARCH 23 (10:00-10:30 p.m.)
Other HBO playdates: March 23 (11:00 p.m., midnight), 24 (11:55 p.m.), 25 (9:30 p.m.), 26 (9:30 p.m., midnight), 27 (8:00 p.m., 10:45 p.m.) and 28 (1:00 a.m.)
HBO2 playdates: March 24 (10:45 p.m.), 26 (10:00 p.m.) and 29 (8:30 p.m., 12:05 a.m.)
On the day of Adam’s opening night, Hannah gets news that could change the direction of her career and their relationship. Marnie chooses an inopportune moment to divulge a secret to Shoshanna, who is dealing with her own unexpected news. Jessa’s boss asks for an unusual favor.
Written by Lena Dunham; directed by Lena Dunham.
BFFs and filmmaking partners Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg will receive the CinemaCon Comedy Filmmakers of the Year Award at this year’s gathering of the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) in Vegas. CinemaCon, the largest event for motion picture professionals, will take place on March 24-27th at Caesars Palace, with the Big Screen Achievement Awards to be held on March 27th.
“As writers, producers and directors, Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg have teamed up to bring audiences around the world some of the most outrageously, insanely funny comedies in recent years. Just take this past summer’s box-office smash This Is the End. Do I need to say more?” noted Mitch Neuhauser, Managing Director of CinemaCon. “When these two team up, hilarity and box-office success ensue. CinemaCon could not be more thrilled to honor these two talented filmmakers with its 2014 Comedy Filmmakers of the Year Award.”
Next up for Rogen and Goldberg is the release of Neighbors which they produced and which has Rogen, Zac Efron, and Rose Byrne in starring roles. Universal Pictures’ Neighbors was directed by Nick Stoller (Forgetting Sarah Marshall) and opens in theaters on May 9, 2014.
Rogen and Goldberg also have The Interview heading to theaters on October 10th. Goldberg and Rogen co-wrote, co-directed and co-produced the comedy which features James Franco playing Dave Skylark, the “king of the celebrity interview and host of the hit nighttime talk show Skylark Tonight. The brain behind Dave’s empire is his producer and best friend, Aaron Rapoport (Seth Rogen). Unfulfilled, Aaron yearns to do meaningful work. He scores the chance of a lifetime when he secures an interview for Dave with Kim Jong-Un, the mysterious and ruthless dictator of a nuclear-armed North Korea.
As Dave and Aaron prepare to leave for North Korea, they are approached by the CIA and asked to assassinate Kim. They accept the mission, becoming two of the least qualified men ever to assassinate – or interview – the most dangerous man on earth.”
The first #hashtag bit with Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake was an epic conversation littered with Twitter hashtags. This revival of the bit with Fallon, Jonah Hill, and Martin Scorsese isn’t nearly as good as the original, but still worth checking out.
Showtime’s showing off a new behind-the-scenes look at their much-anticipated new series, Penny Dreadful. The new video spotlights the set design work and all the minute details that go into making this dark world come alive on the small screen.
The psychosexual thriller premieres on May 11, 2014 and stars Josh Hartnett, Timothy Dalton, Eva Green, Reeve Carney, Rory Kinnear, Billie Piper, Danny Sapani, and Harry Treadway.
The Plot:
In Penny Dreadful, some of literature’s most famously terrifying characters – including Dr. Frankenstein, Dorian Gray, and iconic figures from the novel Dracula, all brilliantly reimagined in a whole new light – have become embroiled in Victorian London.
Rollo (Clive Standen, third from left) prepares for battle with Jarl Borg (Thorbjorn Harr, far right) against his brother Ragnar who has allied with King Horik in 'Vikings'. (Photo credit: Bernard Walsh/HISTORY)
History’s popular series Vikings returns for a second season on February 27, 2014 at 10pm ET/PT, and the network’s just released two videos to help get you in the mood for the start of season two. They’ve also unveiled the official synopsis for episode one of season two.
“Brother’s War” – Thursday, February 27th at 10 p.m.
The battle begins between Ragnar (Travis Fimmel) and King Horik’s forces against Jarl Borg. Borg is joined by Rollo (Clive Standen), and this Viking clash pits brother against brother. There can only be one victor. Meanwhile, Princess Aslaug (Alyssa Sutherland) makes her way to Kattegat and brings with her a surprise that leaves Ragnar in a difficult predicament.
Another day, another new character from the world of Star Wars is introduced. Lucasfilm Animation revealed details on the no-nonsense heroine Sabine from Star Wars Rebels, debuting this fall 2014 on Disney Channel. After the premiere of the one-hour special, Star Wars Rebels the series will air on Disney XD channels.
Lucasfilm Animation’s official announcement: “Sabine is a key member of the Ghost crew in Star Wars Rebels. As seen in this special video, featuring early design concepts, animation tests, and final art, Sabine is unlike any Star Wars character – especially in her love for blowing things up and tagging her work with graffiti.
Dave Filoni, executive producer of the animated series, discloses that Sabine is a Mandalorian. She has a great understanding of weapons and combat like few others, and has turned against the Empire. “She is spunky, she’s feisty, she’s got a little bit of attitude,” says actress Tiya Sircar, who is voicing the character. Additionally, Sabine is an artist, which is reflected in her hair, personalized armor, and graffiti calling cards. After the Ghost crew hits the Empire, Sabine makes sure the Empire knows who did it. Concept artist Amy Beth Christenson says that the Star Wars Rebels animation team has created a library of graffiti tags for Sabine, and is constantly adding to it.
In the end, Sabine is a strong, no-nonsense heroine. As Sircar says, “I think she’s kind of an inspiration.”
Critically acclaimed writer/director David Michôd has been tapped to direct the first episode of Flesh and Bone, the new original series set up at Starz. Writer/director Michôd earned Sundance’s World Cinema Grand Jury Prize with his feature film directorial debut, Animal Kingdom, released in the US in 2010.
Animal Kingdom earned a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination for Jacki Weaver, multiple Australian Film Institute awards, and was included on the National Board of Review’s list of 2010’s best independent films.
Breaking Bad writer/executive producer Moira Walley-Beckett created the series, which centers around a young ballet dancer with a troubled past who joins a prestigious New York ballet company. Filming is expected to begin later this year in New York City, with Starz eyeing a 2015 premiere.
“I’m entirely enamored of the visual, visceral, artful way David tells a story,” stated creator Moira Walley-Beckett. “His style and sensibility is very much in alignment with my vision of my show.”
“David is perhaps the most exciting filmmaker we’ve seen in quite some time. He is the kind of meticulous craftsman who has the eye to bring forth a character and create such a tension with the viewer that it is palpable,” said managing Director of Starz Carmi Zlotnik. “That is why we are so very excited he will be helping to establish the tone of Flesh and Bone. Moira is writing such complex characters set against the backdrop of a world of beauty and grace, and David has a superb ability to convey this equally thrilling and poignant story.”
The cast is led by dancer Sarah Hay (Black Swan) and includes American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Irina Dvorovenko, current soloist Sascha Radetsky, Ballet Arizona company dancer Raychel Diane Weiner, and Emily Tyra. Ethan Stiefel, Royal New Zealand Ballet artistic director and world-renowned former American Ballet Theatre principal dancer, will be the Flesh and Bone choreographer.
Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey star in 'True Detective' (Photo: James Bridges/HBO)HBO’s True Detective starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson is one of the best new shows this season. It’s a riveting drama with an outstanding cast and stellar writing, and unfortunately it’s ending its season one run on March 9, 2014 after just eight episodes. If you want to know what’s in store for the final two episodes, read on:
True Detective March 2014 Episodes
Episode #7: “After You’ve Gone”
Debut: SUNDAY, MARCH 2 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT)
Other HBO playdates: March 2 (11:00 p.m., 1:00 a.m.), 3 (midnight), 4 (9:00 p.m., 11:00 p.m.), 5 (10:00 p.m.), 6 (midnight), 7 (9:00 p.m.), 8 (10:00 p.m.) and 14 (8:00 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: March 3 (9:00 p.m.), 7 (1:20 a.m.) and 9 (4:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m.)
Hart (Woody Harrelson) and Cohle (Matthew McConaughey) forge a truce to probe a murky string of disappearances that tie to the symbology of the Dora Lange murder and the Tuttle family.
Written by Nic Pizzolatto; directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga.
Episode #8: “Form and Void” (season finale)
Debut: SUNDAY, MARCH 9 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT)
Other HBO playdates: March 9 (11:00 p.m., 1:00 a.m.), 10 (midnight), 11 (9:00 p.m., 11:00 p.m.), 12 (10:00 p.m.), 13 (midnight), 14 (9:00 p.m.) and 15 (10:30 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: March 10 (9:00 p.m.), 14 (1:45 a.m.) and 16 (2:10 p.m., 8:00 p.m.)
An overlooked detail provides Hart and Cohle with an important new lead in their 17-year-old case.
Written by Nic Pizzolatto; directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga.
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