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[02/23/24 - 11:27 PM]
Development Update: Week of February 19-23
By The Futon Critic Staff (TFC) |
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LOS ANGELES (thefutoncritic.com) -- The latest development news, culled from recent wire reports:
Looking to keep track of all the various projects in development? Click here to visit our signature "Devwatch" section. There visitors can view our listings by network, genre, studio and even development stage (ordered to pilot, cast-contingent, script, etc.). It's updated every day!
9-1-1 (ABC) - Rick Cosnett will recur on the new season as "charismatic cruise director Julian Enes." (Deadline.com, 2/23)
ANIMAL CONTROL (FOX) - Thomas Lennon, Chelsea Frei and Larry Joe Campbell are the latest bound for the new season. Lennon will play Patrick Shaw, "Frank's older brother. Patrick is an occasionally competent police officer who loves giving people a hard time, especially his brother." Frei plays Isabelle, "an intriguing free spirit who Frank's partner Shred (Michael Rowland) meets out in the field." And Campbell plays Carl, "a seemingly innocuous coworker at Animal Control who competes with Frank in the election for union representative." (Deadline.com, 2/23)
BLADE RUNNER 2099 (Amazon) - Jonathan van Tulleken has signed on to direct and executive produce the first two episodes of the upcoming series. He replaces Jeremy Podeswa, who had to bow out due to scheduling conflicts. (Deadline.com, 2/19)
BLOOD FREE (Disney+, New!) - Ju Jihoon and Han Hyojoo will star in a new Korean-language series at the streamer which "follows a former bodyguard haunted by the failures of his past. He finds himself recruited to protect the CEO of a controversial lab-grown meat company who is also a survivor of the fateful attack that changed his life." (Variety.com, 2/19)
BLUE MOUNTAIN STATE (Spike TV) - Alan Ritchson, Darin Brooks and Chris Romano are looking to reprise their roles in a proposed sequel series to the 2010-11 comedy from Chris Romano and Eric Falconer. Lionsgate Television is producing the project, which has yet to make the network rounds. (Deadline.com, 2/23)
BRAVEST KNIGHT, THE (Hulu) - Jane Lynch and Alan Cumming will lend their voices to the series' second season as Lug Lug, a vegetarian ogre, and the pompous schemer Sheriff Reginald, respectively. (Variety.com, 2/20)
BUTTERFLY (Amazon) - Piper Perabo has joined the cast of the Daniel Dae Kim-led drama series as Juno, described as a "a brilliant, formidable, Machiavellian woman. Once upon a time, she was an idealistic lawyer, but she has since come to the conclusion that she needs power and money to get anything done in this world. Now the CEO of an intelligence company, she is willing to do whatever needs to be done to protect her organization. She's also a mother with a complicated relationship with her adult son, who works for her company. She's not unfeeling, but she sees her softer emotions as vulnerabilities, and will often tamp them down when they conflict with her goals." (Variety.com, 2/21)
CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM (HBO) - Hymnson Chan will guest on the show's fifth and sixth episodes as a character who works in a Chinese restaurant. (Deadline.com, 2/22)
DONUT, THE (FOX, New!) - FOX Entertainment is developing a single-camera comedy from Catherine Reitman and Philip Sternberg in which "three siblings with nothing in common besides their larger-than-life father and a desperation to forge their own destinies find themselves back together, running his beloved empire in the "high stakes" world of low-rent donut shops." The project is a co-production with the CBC. Amie Karp of Wolf + Rabbit will also executive produce. (Deadline.com, 2/23)
FOUNDATION (Apple TV+) - Troy Kotsur has been tapped for a role on the show's third season as Preem Palver, "the leader of a planet of psychics." Filming on the series will resume next month with showrunner David S. Goyer not directing further episodes as previously planned. (Deadline.com, 2/22)
GANGNAM B-SIDE (Disney+, New!) - The streamer has ordered a new Korean-language series which "follows a pariah detective pulled back into the game after his daughter's friend becomes the latest women to go missing in Seoul's fashionable Gangnam area. The detective will delve into a world of vice, drugs and corruption to uncover something that threatens to topple some of the city's wealthiest elite." (Variety.com, 2/19)
GHOSTS (CBS) - Lamorne Morris will guest on the show's seventh episode this season as Saul, "a poltergeist that spends eternity tethered to a living human. And while stopping by the B&B, Saul hits it off with Prohibition-era singer Alberta (played by Danielle Pinnock)." (TVLine.com, 2/22)
GOOD DOCTOR, THE (ABC) - Peter Jacobson will drop by the series as Sal Zacharia, "who is brought into the emergency room at San Jose St. Bonaventure Hospital when he's hit by a car. An avid sports fan and gambling addict, he's willing to take a few more chances with his medical care than the team is comfortable with." (TVLine.com, 2/22)
GROTESQUERIE (FX, New!) - Ryan Murphy announced a new horror drama on social media which is expected to start production soon for a fall premiere on FX. Niecy Nash-Betts, Courtney B. Vance and Lesley Manville are attached to star in the project, full details of which have yet to be released. (Deadline.com, 2/23)
HACKS (Max) - Megan Stalter's Kayla Schaeffer and Paul W. Downs's Jimmy Lusaque Jr. will both return as regulars for the series' third season. (Variety.com, 2/21)
HARRY POTTER LIVE-ACTION SERIES (Max) - The proposed TV take on the franchise is now targeting a 2026 debut. (THR.com, 2/23)
KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS, A: THE HEDGE KNIGHT (HBO) - The latest "Game of Thrones" spin-off is currently in pre-production and will premiere in late 2025. (Deadline.com, 2/23)
LAST OF US, THE (HBO) - Co-creator Craig Mazin has re-upped his overall deal with the network and sibling streamer Max for an additional four years. (Deadline.com, 2/21)
MEET THE KUMARS (FOX, New!) - "The Kumars at No. 42" alums Sanjeev Bhaskar, Meera Syal and Vincent Ebrahim will reprise their roles as Sanjeev, Ummi and Ashwin for a proposed sequel series at FOX Entertainment that has a presentation order: "The Kumars are a typical middle-class British Indian family who have bulldozed their backyard to build a state-of-the-art TV studio where they host their very own talk show. In the new iteration, the Kumars have America in sight for their backyard talk show." Also cast is Shaheen Khan, "who plays Rani, Sanjeev's new stepmom." Filming is expected to take place next month in the U.K. Hat Trick Productions' Jimmy Mulville is executive producing alongside Sarah Fraser, Bhaskar and Syal. (Deadline.com, 2/23)
MORPHLE AND THE MAGIC PETS (A.K.A. MORPHLE) (Disney+) - Moonbug Entertainment's latest CGI-animated series will bow March 20 on the streaming service, billed as an "evolution" from the original "Morphle" YouTube series: "Morphle and the Magic Pets follows Mila and her stepbrother, Jordie, as they leap into a world of adventure with the help of Morphle, Mila's magical and loyal pet who has the power to morph into whatever she imagines. The trio use their skills and smarts to keep magic pets out of mischief, solve problems and find 'magic matches' for each newcomer." The new series, which is comprised of 52 seven-minute episodes and 50 three-minute shorts, was co-developed by Mark Palmer and consulting producer Jill Sanford. Nick Confalone serves as story editor. Arthur van Merwijk is the creator of "My Magic Pet Morphle." (Deadline.com, 2/19)
NAKED BY THE WINDOW (Amazon, New!) - America Ferrera is attached to star and executive produce a series adaptation of the book by Robert Katz which "tells the true story of the groundbreaking Cuban artist Ana Mendieta, her formidable impact on the New York art scene, and the controversial trial of her sculptor husband, Carl Andre, for her sudden and tragic death." Charise Castro Smith is spearheading the project for Amazon MGM Studios and Plan B. (Deadline.com, 2/23)
ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING (Hulu) - Eva Longoria is the latest addition to the new season in a yet-to-be-revealed role. (Deadline.com, 2/22)
SUITS L.A. (NBC) - Josh McDermitt will star opposite Stephen Amell in the drama pilot as Rick Dodsen, "described as being energetic, powerful, focused and self-absorbed." (Deadline.com, 2/22)
TYRANT, THE (Disney+, New!) - The streamer has commissioned a new Korean-language series which "follows a U.S. government agent as he tries to recover a deadly virus stolen from the South Korean government. With everything at stake, global intelligence agencies battle against nefarious parties to prevent the virus spreading." (Variety.com, 2/19)
UNMASKED (Disney+, New!) - Kim Hyesoo is set to topline a new Korean-language series at the streamer which "follows a group of investigative journalists who are fighting for their careers after broadcasting a controversial story. With time running out, the team are given an impossible task if they want to save their jobs - solve a twenty-year-old cold case involving a famous actor who disappeared without a trace." (Variety.com, 2/19)
UNTITLED MINDY KALING COMEDY SERIES (Netflix) - Fabrizio Guido, Toby Sandeman, Chet Hanks, Keyla Monterroso Mejia and Roberto Sanchez have all landed roles on the Kate Hudson-led comedy series. Guido plays Jackie Moreno, "a popcorn vendor at the stadium where the Waves play"; with Sandeman as Marcus Winfield, "a generational talent, Marcus is still considered one of the best players in the league"; Hanks as Travis Bugg, "the Waves' point guard who moonlights as an unsuccessful rapper"; Mejia as Ana Moreno, "Jackie's cousin who is also a personal injury attorney"; and Sanchez as Stephen Ramirez, "the intimidating head of the board who's been with the Waves through generations of Gordons." (Deadline.com, 2/21)
UNTITLED STERLING K. BROWN PROJECT (Hulu) - Nicole Brydon Bloom, Gerald McRaney, Krys Marshall, Charlie Evans and Jon Beavers have all landed roles on the upcoming drama. Bloom will play Jane, "a young secret service agent who considers Brown's character a mentor/father-figure"; with McRaney as Kane, "the father of President (James Marsden), a captain of industry and kingmaker"; Marshall as Agent Robinson, "a lead secret service agent and professional rival of Sterling K. Brown's character"; Evans will portray Jeremy, the President's son, a thinker and dreamer who does not think much of his father's political career and motivations"; and Beavers as Billy, "a fellow secret service agent on the President's detail and one of Sterling K. Brown character's best friends." (Deadline.com, 2/23)
VIRGIN RIVER PREQUEL SERIES (Netflix, New!) - The streamer is developing a spin-off series from Patrick Sean Smith which will explore Sarah and Everett's origin story: "Before Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack's (Martin Henderson) sweeping Virgin River romance, Mel's late mother Sarah too fell in love with a man from the picturesque Northern California town, Everett, who was revealed in the recent Virgin River Christmas special as Mel's biological father." Casting is underway for actors to play the characters as guest stars in the upcoming sixth season with an option to become regulars on the prequel series. John Allen Nelson plays Everett in present day with Sarah yet to be shown. (Deadline.com, 2/22)
WINGS OF FIRE (Amazon, New!) - Amazon MGM Studios is developing an animated series based on the books of the same name by Tui T. Sutherland: "Five young dragons have been raised in secret, destined by prophecy to end a terrible war. But when one of their own is threatened, they decide to escape and find their own fate - saving themselves and the rest of their world along the way." Netflix had previously ordered a 10-episode take but ultimately rescinded its order. None of said auspices, which included Ava DuVernay, are still attached. Marc Resteghini of Jack Tar Productions is executive producing. (Variety.com, 2/22)
YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS (Apple TV+) - Olivia Munn has been cast opposite Jon Hamm in the upcoming drama in a yet-to-be-revealed role. (Deadline.com, 2/22)
ZONE, THE: SURVIVAL MISSION (Hulu) - The variety-survival show will return for a third season later this year. (Variety.com, 2/19)
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[04/15/25 - 12:01 PM]
Netflix Top 10 Week of April 7: "Adolescence" Continues Ascent, Now at No. 3 on Most Popular TV List
Documentary series were popular this week with "Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing" (9.8 million views) debuting at No. 1 on the English TV list and "Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer" (3.8 million views) at No. 6.
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[04/15/25 - 11:29 AM]
"American Idol" Packs a Punch With Sunday and Monday Wins
On linear, Sunday's "Hollywood Week: Showstopper" was the top entertainment program of the night in Total Viewers (5.92 million) and the top program of the night among Adults 18-49 (0.57 rating) on broadcast and cable.
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[04/15/25 - 10:33 AM]
FOX Sports Films Announces "Culture of Winning: Polynesian Football Pride" Premiering April 20 on FOX
Executive produced by and featuring Tua Tagovailoa, the film takes a deep dive into the pillars of Polynesian culture and explores why these cornerstones drive unrivaled success on the field and create positive impact in their communities.
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[04/15/25 - 10:30 AM]
"America's Most Wanted: Missing Persons" Premieres Monday, April 28 & Special "America's Most Wanted: John Walsh's Dirty Dozen" Premieres Wednesday, May 14 on FOX
As previously announced, "America's Most Wanted" returns with an all-new season Monday, April 21 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX and next day on Hulu.
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[04/15/25 - 10:01 AM]
Video: "Untold: Shooting Guards" - Official Trailer - Netflix
What really went down between Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton? This exposé unpacks how a gambling dispute led to guns drawn in an NBA locker room.
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[04/15/25 - 10:00 AM]
Season Three of "And Just Like That..." Debuts May 29
The 12-episode season will debut new episodes weekly on Thursdays, concluding with the season finale on August 14.
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[04/15/25 - 10:00 AM]
Date Announcement: Hulu Original "Atsuko Okatsuka: Father"
"Atsuko Okatsuka: Father" will premiere on Friday, June 13 on Hulu, and is the eighth Original special in Hulu's new stand-up comedy slate, Hularious.
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[04/15/25 - 09:31 AM]
Video: "#1 Happy Family USA" - Final Trailer - Prime Video
The series follows the maniacally upbeat Husseins - the most patriotic, most peaceful, and most definitely-not-suspicious Muslim family in post-9/11 "Amreeka."
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[04/15/25 - 09:13 AM]
"Kevin Costner's The West" to Premiere on The History Channel with Back-to-Back Episodes Beginning Memorial Day at 9PM ET/PT
The eight-episode documentary series will provide a fresh look at the sweeping and complex history of the American West through a wide range of conflicts - all driven by the desperate struggle to control the land itself.
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[04/15/25 - 09:11 AM]
Upcoming MGM+ Comedy Series "American Classic" Casts Academy Award Nominee Laura Linney
Linney will play Kristen Forrest Bean, who grew up acting in the Millersburg Festival Theater founded and run by the Bean family.
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[04/15/25 - 08:34 AM]
Chicago Cubs vs Los Angeles Dodgers on ESPN's "Sunday Night Baseball" Is Most-Watched MLB Game of Season Across All Platforms
The broadcast peaked at 9:30 p.m. ET with 2,445,000 viewers.
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[04/15/25 - 08:24 AM]
ESPN Earns Its Best Nielsen Q1 Viewership Since 2017, Further Cementing a Stellar Start to 2025
In addition, ESPN's average-minute-audience was up 22% overall and 15% in the Persons 18-49 demo from Nielsen Q1 in 2024.
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[04/15/25 - 08:01 AM]
Video: "Snakes and Ladders" - Official Trailer - Netflix
From the creator of "The House of Flowers," Manolo Caro and Cecilia Suárez return with "Snakes and Ladders" - a dark and provocative comedy that explores the cost of power and status.
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[04/15/25 - 08:00 AM]
Another Shocking Season of "Mama June: Family Crisis" Returns Friday, May 30, at 8PM ET/PT on We TV
This season, June fights for custody of Kaitlyn after Anna's tragic passing.
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[04/15/25 - 07:01 AM]
Video: "The Four Seasons" - Official Trailer - Netflix
The decades-long friendship between three married couples is tested when one divorces, complicating their tradition of quarterly weekend getaways.
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