Tag: comedy

Interview with Dean Winters and Shawnee Smith

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

TV Interview!

 

Shawnee Smith and Dean Winters of "Christmas Vs. The Walters"

Interview with Shawnee Smith and Dean Winters of “Christmas Vs. The Walters” – in theaters now by Suzanne 10/28

This movie is very funny and warm – great for the holidays! These two fine actors play the husband and wife of the Walters family. Shawnee is the main star of the film, but she has a wonderful cast surrounding her. Go see the movie because you’ll enjoy it! We had a fun chat here. I hope you like it as much as I did.

Suzanne:   So, when was the movie filmed, and how long did it take? Either of you?

Dean:   We shot the movie last November.

Shawnee:   Last year, yeah.

Dean:   Yeah. It was about a three and a half week shoot, and we shot it in Long Island and Melville. It was a real run and gun production, and we were able to capture the atmosphere of Christmas on Long Island. We just had a really, really good time shooting this film. I had been a massive fan of Shawnee’s for years and had a big crush on her. And when I met her, I melted. So, it just kind of added to the joy of making a film. She’s very easy to work with, and the film is really her film. So, we were all there to support Shawnee, and Shawnee is just, I mean, she’s just one of the really good ones, you know?

Shawnee:   Oh, what a good husband, right? I love him.

Suzanne:   I watched it yesterday, and I enjoyed it. It was it was funny, and it made me cry in one part.

Shawnee:   Right, I watched it. I watched it on my phone with my headphones late at night. The kids were all sleeping. I woke them up laughing. I was laughing out loud. I cried. I thought, you know, we’re not going to win any awards, but like, grab your family and go to the theater and have a ball. It sets a good tone for the rest of the holidays.

Suzanne:   It does. And you two seem very natural as a husband and wife. Did you do anything beforehand and sort of get to know each other better to prepare for that?

Shawnee:   We got married and pregnant.

Dean:   [laughs]

Shawnee:   Now we have three kids, because we are method actors.

Dean:   No, we actually met the day before filming, and it was just very, very natural. You know, good casting.

Suzanne:   You could tell. There’s a great cast anyway. I mean, you had so many great character actors.Paris Bravo, Gianni Ciardiello and Dean Winters of the movie "Christmas Vs. The Walters"

Shawnee:   The cast just kept filling out and filling out. I was like, “Who’s playing my doctor?” I mean, it was like, just when you thought it can’t get any better, you know, and then down to our ingenue, Paris Bravo plays our daughter, who’s amazing and a badass triple Black Belt. I mean, she’s like a future action star.

Dean:   Then, you have guys like Richard Thomas, and Bruce Dern and Chris Elliott. I mean, they really filled the room with great character actors, and it just kind of adds to the atmosphere.

Suzanne:   What was the both the best and worst, or most challenging things about making the movie?

Shawnee:   Definitely the most challenging was filming during COVID protocol. Rehearsing with masks on is just different. You can’t really rehearse like that. I mean, you do the best that you can, but all the windows and doors are open for ventilation, and it’s November. In November in New York, in Long Island; you’re freezing. God love the crew; they were masked up all the time, and we were testing every other day. Far and away that was the most challenging. Everything else was pretty easy.

Dean:   Yeah, we were one of the first movies to actually shoot during COVID. So, I think last October is when films really started to kind of dip their toe in the water again. So, it was a real[ly] new experience for everybody. So, that was the most challenging part. The fun part was just, we all just love each other very much. So, working with each other was really a no brainer, and that chemistry, you know, in real life, I think kind of parlays on screen.

Suzanne:   And [Shawnee], do you actually get stressed out at all on Christmas?

Shawnee:   Oh, listen, of course! I’m a mother. There’s so much pressure to be a family, have a meal, and then the presents, and you’re like, “We’re gonna keep it simple this year.” Somehow, Christmas Eve, just the momentum of the thing builds up, and it’s like that tension is just a fun thief, you know? Like, the fun part of Christmas Vs. the Walters is that circumstances all around just break everybody down to the point where they just let go of the reins, and then everyone exhales and starts to have fun together, you know, take the pressure off. So, I think my good technique for taking the pressure off this Christmas will be just put on your pajamas and go to the theater and watch Christmas Vs. the Walters.

Suzanne:   And Dean do you get most recognized for that Mayhem commercials or for a show you a movie that you did?

Dean:   Pretty much Mayhem sums it up. [laughs] Yeah, in New York, it’s like, you know, yesterday, I was walking down the block, and within the span of walking down the block, I got Oz, Sex and the City, Law & Order, and then Mayhem, but it’s really just Mayhem all day long.

Suzanne:   Well, you do such a good job of it. I hate your character. I hate those commercials – not that guy! But I like you, and I loved you in Law & Order: SVU.

Dean:   Oh, thank you.

Suzanne:   Anything else? We’re almost done… anything else you’d like say about the movie?

Dean:   I think that this movie has a tone for a Christmas film that I haven’t seen before. Every great Christmas film has its own tone, whether it’s Elf or Scrooge or It’s a Wonderful Life, whatever, and this movie has a different tone to it, and I think that’s what is going to hopefully make it have its own little kind of special niche. It’s really just a lovely film about showing you what’s important, which is usually right in front of your face.

Suzanne:   And Shawnee, final words?

Shawnee:   You love this family. I love this family; that’s a marriage that I want to be in, and I root for them. Last Christmas, we were all in the middle of this pandemic, and we couldn’t go to the theater, and we couldn’t be with our families, and so this year, let’s do it and have a ball. Looking forward to it.

Suzanne:   Thank you guys. I really appreciate you taking the time to talk to me.

Here’s the Video!

Interview Transcribed by Jamie of http://www.scifivision.com

MORE INFO:

Official Website   Trailer

"Christmas Vs. The Walters" posterDiane Walters, an over-burdened mother of two with a third child on the way, strives to create the perfect Christmas while her loving but dysfunctional family falls apart around her.

CAST: Shawnee Smith, Dean Winters, Caroline Aaron, Betsy Beutler, Paris Bravo, Nate Torrence, Richard Thomas, Jack McGee with Bruce Dern and Chris Elliott

DIRECTED BY: Peter A. D’Amato

WRITTEN BY: Peter A. D’Amato and Ante Novakovic

PRODUCED BY: Rob Simmons, Ante Novakovic, DJ Dodd and Jared Safier

COMPOSED BY: Rhyan D’Errico, and Jared Forman

EDITED BY: Pete Talamo

DISTRIBUTOR: Safier Entertainment

RUN TIME: 101 minutes

MPAA RATING: PG-13

Dean Winters of "Christmas Vs. The Walters"Dean Winters is an American character actor. He is known for his role as Ryan O’Reily on the HBO prison drama Oz and had roles in TV series Rescue Me, 30 Rock, Sex and the City and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, as well as portraying “Mayhem” in a series of Allstate Insurance commercials. He co-starred in one season of the CBS Network cop drama series Battle Creek and had a recurring role as the Vulture on the comedy series Brooklyn Nine-Nine.Shawnee Smith of "Christmas Vs. The Walters"

Shawnee Smith is an American actress and singer. She is known for her portrayal of Amanda Young in the Saw franchise and for starring as Linda in the CBS sitcom Becker (1998–2004). She co-starred as Jennifer Goodson, the ex-wife of Charlie Goodson on the FX sitcom Anger Management (2012–2014). In addition to acting, Smith once fronted the rock band Fydolla Ho, with which she toured globally. Later, with actress Missi Pyle, she served as half of Smith & Pyle, a country rock band.

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

Back to the Primetime Articles and Interviews Page

Cast of "Christmas Vs. The Walters"

Review of “Ghosts”

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

TV Review!

The cast of "Ghosts" on CBS

“Ghosts” on CBS Review by Suzanne 10/10/21

I really want to love this show, but it’s just not funny enough for me. This is based on a British show of the same name, which you watch on HBO Max and Daily Motion. Frankly, I find the British one a little funnier. Neither one is hilarious, though. To me, the main goal of a sitcom is to make me laugh. If I just sit here and smile, or chuckle occasionally, that’s not good enough. It’s not worth my time.

Rose McIver (“iZombie”) plays Samantha, and Utkarsh Ambudkar plays her husband, Jay. She inherits a big old house, so they decide to invest all of their money into fixing it up and making it into a bed and breakfast. Unbeknownst to Sam and Jay, the house is haunted by many ghosts from the past. When Sam hits her head, she can suddenly see and hear the ghosts. They become very annoying to her and her husband.

I do like shows about supernatural creatures, so that’s why I really wanted to like it. I like the characters, too. One ghost, Hetty, is a Victorian older woman (played by the marvelous Rebecca Wisocky). The ghost that stands out the most is Thorfin, a Viking (Devan Chandler Long). In the UK version, he was a caveman. This version of the show has a native American, Sasappis (Román Zaragoza), who seems very interesting. I want to learn more about them, and that’s the main reason I added it to my DVR.

I’m crossing my fingers that it gets funnier as it goes along.

MORE INFORMATION:

GHOSTS is a single-camera comedy about Samantha and Jay, a cheerful freelance journalist and up-and-coming chef from the city, respectively, who throw both caution and money to the wind when they decide to convert a huge rundown country estate they inherited into a bed & breakfast—only to find it’s inhabited by the many spirits of deceased residents who now call it home. The departed souls are a close-knit, eclectic group that includes a saucy Prohibition-era lounge singer (Danielle Pinnock); a pompous 1700’s Militiaman (Brandon Scott Jones); a ‘60s hippie fond of hallucinogens (Sheila Carrasco); an overly upbeat ‘80s scout troop leader (Richie Moriarty); a cod-obsessed Viking explorer from 1009 (Devon Chandler Long); a slick ‘90s finance bro (Asher Grodman); a sarcastic and witty Native from the 1500s (Román Zaragoza); and a society woman and wife of an 1800’s robber baron who is Samantha’s ancestor (Rebecca Wisocky), to name a few. If the spirits were anxious about the commotion a renovation and B&B will create in their home, it’s nothing compared to when they realize Samantha is the first live person who can see and hear them.

Premiered Thursday, Oct. 7 on the CBS Television Network and available to stream live and on demand on the CBS app and Paramount+.

ON AIR:

 Thursday (9:00-9:30 PM, ET/PT)

ORIGINATION:

 Montreal

FORMAT:

 Comedy (Filmed in HD)

STARRING:

 Rose McIver (Samantha)
Utkarsh Ambudkar (Jay)
Brandon Scott Jones (Isaac)
Richie Moriarty (Pete)
Danielle Pinnock (Alberta)
Asher Grodman (Trevor)
Román Zaragoza (Sasappis)
Sheila Carrasco (Flower)
Rebecca Wisocky (Hetty)
Devan Chandler Long (Thorfinn)

PRODUCED BY:

 CBS Studios in association with Lionsgate Television and BBC Studios’ Los Angeles production arm.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Joe Port & Joe Wiseman, Mathew Baynton, Jim Howick, Simon Farnaby, Laurence Rickard, Ben Willbond and Martha Howe-Douglas; Alison Carpenter, Debra Hayward, and Alison Owen (Monumental Television); Angie Stephenson (BBC Studios); and Trent O’Donnell (pilot only)

Website: https://www.cbs.com/shows/ghosts/

CBS PR Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBSTweet

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GhostsCBS/

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

Back to the Main Reviews Page

The opinions in these articles are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of TVMEG.COM or its other volunteers.

The cast of "Ghosts" on CBS

Interview with Gina Yashere

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

TV Interview!

Gina Yashere of "Bob Hearts Abishola" on CBS.

Interview with Gina Yashere of “Bob ❤️Abishola” on CBS by Suzanne 9/21/21

This was a fun TCA panel of various women who write TV comedies for Warner Brothers shows, “Leaning into Laughter: Exploring Timely Topics Through Humor & Heart.” I would have liked to have asked more questions, but it was only a half-hour long panel.

I chose Gina Yashere for my one question because I love her show, and she’s very funny in it as an actress as well as a writer. I was asking how much of her character, Yemi, is from her.

It was a fun panel with lots of humor. I would have loved to have asked the “Batwoman” showrunner, Caroline Dries, about the upcoming season and the crossover with the other CW shows. I was really surprised that no one else asked her that. I would also have liked to have asked Molly Smith Metzler about her upcoming show, “Maids.” On these TCA panels, I’m lucky if I get to ask more than one question the entire day.

Here is the list of panelists: Nkechi Okoro Carroll from The CW’s “All American” and the upcoming “All American: Homecoming,” Caroline Dries from The CW’s “Batwoman,” Maria Ferrari from CBS’s “United States of Al,” Molly Smith Metzler from Netflix’s upcoming “Maid,” Audrey Morrissey from NBC’s “The Voice,” and Gina Yashere from CBS’s “Bob ♥ Abishola.”

I first told Gina how much I loved her show and never miss it.  She had quite a long answer to my question.

“It’s quite a lot of me in this show. A lot of the stories – similar immigrant stories, people coming from somewhere else coming to America trying to raise their kids in America (and it doesn’t even have to be America, it can be anywhere; I was born and raised in England – a lot of Abishola’s story is based on my parents’ story. My mum and dad are from Nigeria. They came to England. They had us in England and were up against racism, misogyny, all those kinds of things that are very apparent all over the world. And it’s just the story of their love and their triumph of raising their kids in another country, away from home. And the “Bob ♥ Abishola” story is just the coming together of the two families, the two cultures meeting, the fact that people from various backgrounds, no matter where they’re from, find that commonality. And it’s a story about love and inclusion, and just people coming together. Being born outside of my parents’ country and having to assimilate into society that was not necessarily mine originally, it’s just all of those things. So there’s a lot of me in that. Plus, I’m in the show as well ’cause I wrote myself in because I wanted all the checks.
(Laughter.) But, yeah. So there’s a lot of my family and a lot of the immigrant – it doesn’t even have to be Nigeria; it can be Vietnamese; it can be Chinese; it can be Indian; it could be Pakistani, Russian – it’s a very similar story.

Maria Ferrari was asked how her show will be handling current events in Afghanistan. Her answer was amazing: “We had shot one-and-a-half episodes during the week of the fall of Kabul and quickly realized that we had guessed wrong what was going to happen and that we were going to have to adjust our plans. And basically, on August 12th when Herat fell, which is the third-biggest city in Afghanistan which was a very anti-Taliban stronghold, that was when our writers started to feel that something very big was going to change and they had pressing needs to get their own family members out of Afghanistan. And it happens that kind of the Venn diagram of Vets and Afghans and Afghan Americans that is necessary to write this show is also the one that works as a fairly-effective rescue operation. So, we had to stick a pin in everything and focus first on our people that needed help and who needed to get their families out, which was just the wildest week of my life. I have never experienced anything like that. And at the same time, we were realizing that we needed to change everything we had done, and we needed to do it quickly. And so we chose to tell that story. We chose to tell the story of what we were experiencing and hoping that some of the fear and the urgency that we were feeling in the room would come through in this story, which also happened to map very tightly onto our characters because the writers and the characters are, by design, from similar walks of life. So that is the story that we chose to tell in our premiere.” Wow!

She was asked how CBS discussed with her about the show coming back (in relation to what she said) and whether they considered bringing the show back a bit later because of it. However, she replied that everyone at CBS was quite supportive of their show, and where they decided to go with it (particularly the script). She and the others didn’t feel it would be appropriate to show a re-run at this particularly sensitive time.

Dries was asked whether she thought that there was any difference between men and women’s writing. She didn’t think there is. She stated that “The job of the writer is to mimic the showrunner, the creator’s voice. So I don’t see gender in the words frankly, so I can’t really answer that with a definitive ‘here’s how it’s different.’ Each writer brings its own thing. If they’re mimicking the voice, they’re succeeding on the show.”

The reporter asked the other writers to respond as well. Metzler agreed with Dries and said, “I think not seeing gender in the words – that really rings true to me as well. ‘Maid’ is a women’s story. It’s based on a memoir written by a woman. I’m a woman. But when I went to staff the writers room, I hired two men and two women. And I think everyone got the tone of the show. I have to say in my personal experience, the writing was uniformly excellent. And if you covered the title page, I don’t think you could tell who’s a man and who’s a woman.”

Carroll also agreed that there’s no difference: “I am a female showrunner of a football show, and a baseball show coming up, so I very much agree with the ladies. It becomes about their talent on the page. It becomes about capturing the accurate, emotional voice of the show. And then it becomes about mimicking my voice. And we have a pretty great split in both rooms in terms of gender. And you’d be surprised what comes out of who. You would be surprised that some of our best football stuff is written by women. It just works out that way. So, I think I would have to agree. I think we’ve retained 90% of our staff since Season 1 on ‘All American’ because they’re all just really good at what they do and are really good at capturing not just my voice, but also instinctively the type of stories I want to use this show to tell. And so that’s what makes them successful.”

Morrissey replied that her show, “The Voice,” doesn’t have much writing. They just have one writer, and she’s female.  With all of their people, they try to create a safe place for them to “be vulnerable and they can grow as artists – it’s gender-equal.”

Ferrari agreed that she didn’t see any differences. She likes to have all difference voices on her show – not just different genders but different ethnicities.

Gina gave another long answer: “Yeah, I think a lot of certain attitudes have kept women out of the writers’ room. It’s because they thought that we couldn’t write stories where maybe the cast were more male than female, whatever. And so, I like the fact that it doesn’t matter as long as you understand the subject you’re talking about, and you know the story you’re trying to tell, you can write for those people. We’re writing for people. And with my show, yeah, we have a nice even split, men and women. And in fact, I think we might have actually more women in the room. But we’ve got a nice split in our writers’ room. And also, in my show, more than half the cast is Nigerian, so we definitely wanted that Nigerian perspective. My parents were born in Nigeria. We’ve got another writer from Nigeria, a Nigerian American. And then, some of our actors are born and bred in Nigeria. So we wanted to get the perspective right. We wanted to make sure that it’s authentic as well, 100% authentic. We were also trying to smash stereotypes. And so you need people with those specific perspectives to be able to smash the stereotypes some people might have of Africa. If you watched the first episode of Season 3 of our show that aired last night, people are commenting and saying, “Oh, my gosh, we had no idea that Nigerian women live a certain way, that we had a certain image of that and how African people live” – little things like that. “They have really nice houses, we were surprised by that” – stuff like that. That’s why you need a good mix of people in the writers room, across gender, across sexuality, across race, to make sure that everything is covered, and covered properly.”

Dries was asked about Ryan Wilder’s story this season on “Batwoman.” She replied that now she has to fix the problems she’s made and taken responsibility for what she’s done. She added that we get to meet her mom and brother, and “we get to sort of carve out more details specifically about her personal life and all those new personal dynamics.”

Carroll was asked about crossovers between “All-American” and the new spinoff show. They do plan to have crossovers, but they have to wait and see how COVID and other factors affect their plans, but there will be familiar faces on the new show. She quickly added that they won’t be nearly as ambitious as the DC crossovers on The CW. She praised the showrunners and writers for those shows for being able to pull that off: “God bless the showrunners on the DC shows in how you pull that together because that is miraculous.”

Another press member asked her whether she would consider a third series someday, about soccer (since the first one is about football and the second one is about baseball).  Gina brought the comedy, saying, “It’s not soccer, it’s football! It’s football! It’s not soccer! It’s football!”  We all laughed at that. It was hilarious.

After correcting her, jokingly, that it’s football here in America, Carroll answered that she first needs to figure out how to fit sleep into her schedule before considering any other spinoffs.

Gina and Ferrari were asked a rather complex question about writing about the immigrants in their shows; specifically balancing writing about where they were before and where they are now.

Gina gave another lengthy answer: “For me, as a British-born Nigerian and watching American TV throughout my childhood, I didn’t like the way African people seemed to be depicted all the time. It felt like it was an image that had been just carried on way back from, I don’t know, Tarzan days, where Africans were seen a similar way.  And I was like, “That’s not what we’re like.” And then, whenever I’d watch movies, Africa was seen as like a country rather than a continent with a lot of different countries, different languages, different traditions, different religions, different everything. When I went to make this show, I wanted to make sure that you could see the differences, see the nuances of where my people come from in Nigeria and how different it is and how hard we work. When the idea of the show first came around, we were still in the middle of the Trump era, and so there was all that anti-immigrant feeling. So we wanted to just say, “Look, we’re just people. We’re just doing the same as what you guys. We love the same. We want to send our kids to school. We want to work. We want to contribute. That’s what we’re doing.” And so that’s what I wanted to do with this show, and to show us as people.  The language might be different.  The food we eat might be different.  Our clothes might be a little bit more colorful but, at the end of the day, we’re the same people.  And also, Nigerians, Africans, we’re everywhere.  The world is built on people moving to different places to find their fortune.  It’s not like we’re the only ones that are doing it.  White people have been doing it for hundreds of years – going to different places to find their fortunes.  So it’s just saying, “Look, the journey’s the same for all of us.  We’re all together in this.”  And I wanted to get that balance right between showing my culture, showing the people, but also showing how we fit in America and how we can easily mix with other people.  It’s not a problem.  We’ve been here for a long time.  Obviously, authenticity was extremely important to me because of who I’ve seen depicted in the past.  So, we made a point of making sure the language is correct, the food is correct.  When I met with Chuck to talk about the making of the show, I’d say things to him like, “If I say that this isn’t right, you’ve got to believe me.”  If I say, “We don’t do this or we would never do this,” just little things.  In American shows, kids coming in and putting their dirty shoes up on the couch and taking a bottle of milk from the fridge and drinking it straight from the bottle – that would never happen in an African family.  So even the small minutia of things, we had to get it right.  And I think it makes for a great show.  People love it.  Every immigrant family’s enjoying it because it’s their story too.  And then wanting to introduce it to America and its people – let’s be honest, CBS is not the blackest channel, but we’re introducing it to an audience of people who may never have even fraternized with people from my culture. And they’ve grown to love the characters and the people.  And so, as far as I’m concerned, that’s my job done.”

Ferrari said that the Afghani culture she works with has the same issue with the shoes. She even feels like it’s disrespectful now to walk on to their set with shoes on. She went on to say that bringing the first main character of a culture to TV puts pressure on your show “to be all things to all people, which is impossible.” They’re doing their best by showing us more of Al’s world both in his family “and also to introduce him to more Afghan-American communities in the Tristate area.”  This season, Al will find romance; there will be a new Afghan-American DJ, played by one of their writers, Fahim Anwar; and we see more of his sister. They hope to move the focus of the show a little bit to these new characters and not just Al. She finished with, “You can’t really say anything meaningful about diversity unless you are showing it in the bodies of multiple characters, because that’s what diversity means.”

Carroll was also asked whether she’ll be introducing more immigrant characters in her show, since they’ll be at a college.

She replied, “Oh, absolutely. Especially at an HBCU. It’s the diaspora, which is what’s the beauty of it. That’s why I’m so excited to be putting an HBCU back on TV because it’s been a long time since we’ve seen that. But it really is sort of all the versions of Black. In the backdoor pilot we had – because I’m Nigerian, so I was like, “I must put my people in it” – and so we had some of the other characters that were in the classroom and interacted with Keisha and everything. We had both Nigerians and Nigerian Americans portrayed and we plan to continue with that. And also in the diversity of religion. And that’s a conversation I was having with my writers in the writers room just yesterday. I want to make sure as we’re telling these stories, it’s not the Christian Black experience or it’s not the non-denominational Black experience. I want to talk about the Muslim Black experience. If we’re saying we’re in this melting pot of the Black diaspora, I want to make sure we’re really representing that. And again, to what Maria said, we can’t represent everybody all at once and so it’s something that we’re just very conscious of in the room. And as we can organically sort of expand the storylines we’re telling around our series regulars, and incorporating these other cultures and religions and everything, we’re so excited to do that because that’s why we’re doing what we do.”

Morrissey was asked about the logistics of this season on “The Voice” since the audience is still not back to full capacity. She talked about all the issues they had, and how they discussed whether to bring any audience back or not. They did decide to bring some back. She went on at length about how the performers really need an audience to sing to. It helps them out. As a singer myself, I know that’s very true. I can imagine that whether you’re in front of 100 or 1000 people, it’s helpful to have an audience. She also mentioned that they have a new coach, Ariana Grande.

At the end, Morrissey also sent out some love to the other panelists. She said, “I’m such a fan of every other woman on this panel. And so I’m really excited to be on this panel with you. So, good luck to you all. Happy to meet you here.” Carroll gave her the love right back, saying that binging “The Voice” has been her go-to during the pandemic. Morrissey replied right back with “Please. I am binging “All-American” right now with my ten-year-old son. And literally, when I open my laptop to log on, there was Taye Diggs frozen from my Netflix…”

Gina chimed in with a naughty joke: “I think we’ve all had Taye Diggs on our laptops at some time” and everyone laughed.

MORE INFO:

Assembled here is a group of incredibly talented women who are responsible for some of the studio’s most innovative and inclusive television programming. From comedy to drama, reality or superheroes, this group has it covered. Each of these amazing women has played an instrumental role in creating more diverse storylines and bringing them to television screens everywhere. And critics have responded to the importance of these stories. From the GLAAD Award-nominated “Batwoman” and its historic casting of Javicia Leslie, the first Black actress to portray Batwoman in a live-action television or film production, to “Bob ♥ Abishola,” being the first series to depict a Nigerian family in a comedy, it’s apparent, these women are groundbreaking creators. “The Voice” has been recognized by the Television Academy with a phenomenal 69 Emmy nominations and 7 wins. And the hit drama “All American” received nominations from the NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series, as well as the Black Reel Awards for its ability to tackle a vast spectrum of social issues. And we are expanding the “All American” universe with the upcoming “All American: Homecoming.” Most importantly, the stories these women have elected to tell are authentic. From the timely “United States of Al,” which addresses the current crisis in Afghanistan, to “Maid,” which tackles the issue of poverty in America and has already appeared on “Vogue,” “Time,” and “Rolling Stone’s” Best-of-Fall TV lists. These women have all proven themselves to be creative forces to be reckoned with.

Gina Yashere of "Bob Hearts Abishola" on CBS.Gina Yashere

Co-Creator and Producer, Kemi in BOB ♥ ABISHOLA

Hometown: London

Birthday: April 6

Comedian Gina Yashere was born and raised in Bethnal Green, London to Nigerian parents. Prior to becoming a comedian, she worked as an elevator engineer for Otis.

In 1996 Yashere became a finalist in the Hackney Empire New Act of the Year, a British competition devoted to discovering and promoting new stand-up comedians and variety talent. In 2000 she began creating and performing popular comedic characters on the series “The Lenny Henry Show,” and in 2006 and 2007 she co-hosted the MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards in the U.K.

Yashere broke onto the American comedy scene as one of 10 finalists on “Last Comic Standing” in 2007. She went on to be named one of the top 10 rising talents in The Hollywood Reporter. In 2008 she became the first and only British comic to perform on “Def Comedy Jam.” In 2009 she performed a stand-up comedy routine on “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien” and appeared on the BBC’s “Live at the Apollo.” Starting in 2010, she appeared regularly on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” in a sketch comedy series called “Madame Yashere: The Surly Psychic,” in which she gave fake psychic readings to unsuspecting people on the street. Also, she appeared as Flo in several episodes of the ITV drama “Married Single Other.” In 2010 her one-hour comedy special, “Skinny B*tch,” premiered on SHOWTIME. In 2015 she was featured on “Gotham Comedy Live” and in 2016 appeared on SHOWTIME’s “The Nasty Show with Artie Lange.” She produced and starred in the comedy specials “Gina Yashere: Laughing to America” and “Gina Yashere: Ticking Boxes,” and performed on season two of the Netflix comedy showcase “The Standups.” In 2017 Yashere became the British correspondent for “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah.” As an in-demand voice artist, Yashere voiced the character of Keisha in the British cult hit “Bromwell High” and was the voice of Gravelle in the movie “Early Man” from the creators of “Wallace and Gromit” and “Chicken Run.”

In addition to performing for audiences in Europe, the U.S. and Australia, Yashere is a highly sought-after comedian in Asia, selling out shows in Singapore, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Hong Kong. The U.K.’s Black Entertainment and Comedy Awards named her “Best Comedian” four years in a row, and she has performed several times at the prestigious Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal and Toronto.

Currently, Yashere is writing an autobiography scheduled for release next year.

Born in London, Yashere currently resides in Los Angeles. Her birthday is April 6. Her web site is www.ginayashere.com, and she can be followed on Instagram and Twitter @ginayashere and on Facebook @ginaisfunny.

Nkechi Okoro CarrollNKECHI OKORO CARROLL

Showrunner/Executive Producer of “All American”

Nkechi Okoro Carroll is the Executive Producer/Showrunner of the Greg Berlanti-produced drama series “All American.”

Prior to “All American,” Okoro Carroll served as Co-Executive Producer on the drama series “The Resident” and “Rosewood.” Her other television producing credits include, “Bones” and “The Finder.” Additionally, Okoro Carroll is in an exclusive, multiyear overall deal with Warner Bros Studios.

Born in New York, raised in Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire and England, Okoro Carroll earned a B.A. in Economics and French from the University of Pennsylvania and Masters in International Economics from New York University. Prior to her television writing career, Okoro Carroll worked for the Federal Reserve where her responsibilities included managing the reserve position for the U.S. Banking system and analyzing the impact of monetary policy decisions on the domestic money markets. All of which she did while still writing and producing plays in New York.

Okoro Carroll currently resides in Los Angeles.

Caroline DriesCAROLINE DRIES

Executive Producer/Showrunner of “Batwoman”

Caroline Dries is the Executive Producer/Showrunner of the Greg Berlanti-produced drama series “Batwoman.”  Dries also developed the series for The CW.

Prior to “Batwoman,” Dries served as a producer on “Melrose Place” (2009-2010) and was an executive producer on The CW’s hit series, “The Vampire Diaries.”  Her other television credits include “Smallville” and “Arrow.”  Dries began her career in television as a PA, writers assistant and script coordinator on “Smallville” before joining the series as a staff writer.

Dries was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  She attended NYU as an undergraduate, earning a BFA in Psychology.  Afterwards, Dries attended the University of Southern California’s prestigious School of Cinematic Arts where she earned her master’s degree.

Dries currently resides in Los Angeles with her wife, Danielle, and their new baby girl.

Maria FerrariMaria Ferrari

Executive Producer/Creator, UNITED STATES OF AL

March 2021

Maria Ferrari began her career as a script coordinator for the television series “Blue Collar TV” and “How I Met Your Mother,” on the Network. She went on to write multiple scripts for both shows before joining “The Bill Engvall Show” as a staff writer. Next, Ferrari joined “The Big Bang Theory,” on the Network, where she rose to executive producer and was nominated for three Emmy Awards for Outstanding Comedy Series.

Ferrari’s additional television credits include “Young Sheldon,” also on the Network.

Ferrari is a graduate of Northwestern University and resides in Los Angeles.

Molly Smith MetzlerMolly Smith Metzler (playwright) is the author of Cry it Out, Elemeno Pea, The May Queen, Carve, Close Up Space and Training Wisteria. Her regional credits include: Northlight Theatre, Actors Theatre of Louisville, South Coast Repertory, Boston Playwrights’ Theatre, The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, Chautauqua Theater Company, City Theatre, PlayMakers Repertory Company, Geva Theatre Center, Mixed Blood Theatre Company and more. In New York City: Manhattan Theatre Club (MTC). Metzler’s awards include the Lecomte du Nouy Prize from Lincoln Center, the Harold and Mimi Steinberg National Student Playwriting Award from The Kennedy Center, the Association for Theatre in Higher Education’s David Mark Cohen National Playwriting Award, the Mark Twain Prize for Comic Playwriting and a finalist nod for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize. She is a proud alumna of the Ars Nova Play Group, the Dorothy Strelsin New American Writers Group at Primary Stages and the Cherry Lane Mentor Project. In television, Metzler has written for Casual (Hulu), Orange Is the New Black (Netflix), Codes of Conduct (HBO), and is currently a writer/producer on Shameless (Showtime). She is also a screenwriter, currently adapting Ali Benjamin’s award-winning novel The Thing About Jellyfish into a film for OddLot Entertainment with Made Up Stories and Pacific Standard (Reese Witherspoon’s company). Metzler was educated at the State University of New York at Geneseo, Boston University, New York University’s Tisch School for the Arts and the Juilliard School. She lives in Los Angeles and Kingston, N.Y.

Audrey MorrisseyAudrey Morrissey is an executive producer and the creative force behind “The Voice,” NBC’s four-time Emmy Award-winning musical competition series, and “Songland,” NBC’s brand new songwriting competition series.

Morrissey’s roots are in music television. A veteran of MTV, she spent nine years at the network in their music and specials division

working on their high-profile music series and annual event specials, such as “Unplugged,” “VMAs,” and “Movie Awards.”

After several years in New York, she was sent to Los Angeles to build the West Coast production department for both MTV and VH1.

After MTV, Morrissey joined Jimmy Iovine and Doug Morris as the Head of Television for their online music venture, Farmclub.com. While at Farmclub, she executive produced 65 episodes of the weekly music series “Farmclub.com” on USA Network and met her future partner, Ivan Dudynsky, with whom she started Live Animals Productions and serves as executive producer.

Since the formation of Live Animals, Morrissey has executive produced award shows, music specials, reality series, music videos and promos. She has executive produced the Emmy Awards, “People’s Choice Awards,” “MTV Movie Awards,” “CMT Music Awards” and “Teen Choice Awards.” She also executive produced the NBC series “I Can Do That.” Morrissey has not only gained the attention of millions of viewers, but critics as well. In addition to five PGA Awards for Outstanding Producer of Competition Television, “The Voice” has earned four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Reality Competition Program in 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2017.

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

Back to the Primetime Articles and Interviews Page

TCA panel

Interview with the cast of “Harper House”

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

TV Interview!

 

THE HARPER HOUSE -- The adult animated comedy series, THE HARPER HOUSE, with voice cast, Rhea Seehorn, Jason Lee, Tatiana Maslany, Ryan Flynn, Gabourey Sidibe, Gary Anthony Williams, Nyima Funk, VyVy Nguyen and Lance Krall on the Paramount+ series THE GOOD FIGHT. Photo: CBS Studios©2021 Paramount+, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Interview with Rhea Seehorn, Jason Lee, Ryan Flynn, Gabourey Sidibe, Gary Anthony Williams, Nyima Funk, Brad Neely, and Katie Krentz of “The Harper House” on Paramount+ by Suzanne 8/31/21

The Harper House Cast

Rhea Seehorn – “Debbie Harper”

Jason Lee – “Freddie Harper”

Ryan Flynn – “Todd Harper”

Gabourey Sidibe – “Shauna Bradley”

Gary Anthony Williams – “Gbenge Bradley”

Nyima Funk – “Katrina Bradley”

Brad Neely – Creator & Showrunner

Katie Krentz – Executive Producer

I was at this panel, and I asked Gary Anthony Williams (Gbenge) a question. He’s been a favorite of mine ever since he played Clarence on “Boston Legal.”  Unfortunately, I was not sent a transcript for the interview, and we weren’t allowed to record it. If I’d known ahead of time, I would have taken notes, at least. Here is what I remember, and what I’ve been able to piece together.

Everyone on the panel was very funny and had me crying (because I was laughing so hard), especially Gary and his comedy partner, Nyima Funk (Katrina). They should have their own podcast or talk show… I know I asked him something about Arkansas, since I lived there at the time. The show takes place in River Creek, Arkansas. I don’t remember what he said, unfortunately.  Fortunately, I did get to speak to him years later, about his role on “Night Court” on NBC.

The panel officially announced the premiere date for Harper House set for September 16, 2021, and debuted its first-look trailer with key cast members and creative team in attendance

Premiere date and trailer: The show’s debut on September 16, 2021 was confirmed, and the first full trailer was shown—featuring cast members Rhea Seehorn, Jason Lee, Ryan Flynn, and Tatiana Maslany.

Cast & creative team: Brad Neely (creator/writer), along with key cast members, participated in the event—primarily to introduce the series and its tone .

Rhea Seehorn on taking “different risks” On the August 31 TCA Zoom panel, Seehorn reflected on how the animated format allowed her to stretch creatively: “There were risks you could take because this is a very different type of storytelling on this show… But there was also risks I felt that I could try out vocally.” Seehorn contrasted voice acting in The Harper House with her live-action role in Better Call Saul, discussing how the medium demands broader expressive range: “You do get to explore a lot… you need to carry out your humor, your drama, your real moments, your more outlandish moments, your subtext. Everything has to all be done vocally as opposed to subtleties that you can do on camera…” Experimenting in the studio, trusting animators.

She also highlighted the playful creative process between voice recording and animation: “Sometimes I would try things and leave it to the animators to figure out… understanding sometimes when [creator] Brad [Neely] knew how it would be animated, versus choices that hadn’t been made yet, and being a part of that process.”

Here are some other links having to do with the show and its cast:

Meet the Voice Cast

Brad Neeley’s Homecoming: Return to Streaming

Wikipedia

The 10 Smartest Characters

Paramount+ brings “peak” animation to Comic-Con@home with “The Harper House”and “Stephen Colbert Presents Tooning Out the News”

 

MORE INFO:

CBS ALL ACCESS ANNOUNCES VOICE CAST FOR ANIMATED SERIES “THE HARPER HOUSE”

Voice Cast Includes Rhea Seehorn, Jason Lee, Tatiana Maslany, Ryan Flynn, VyVy Nguyen, Roberta Colindrez, Gabourey Sidibe, Gary Anthony Williams and More

New Animated Series from Brad Neely and Katie Krentz Coming to CBS All Access in 2021

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Oct. 15, 2020 – CBS All Access, ViacomCBS’ digital subscription video on-demand and live streaming service, today announced the voice cast for its upcoming adult animated comedy THE HARPER HOUSE, created by Brad Neely. THE HARPER HOUSE will star Rhea Seehorn, Jason Lee, Tatiana Maslany and Ryan Flynn as the Harper family, with VyVy Nguyen, Lance Krall, Roberta Colindrez, Tessa Skara, John “Spud” McConnell, Chris Diamantopoulos, Joanna Hausmann, Gabourey Sidibe, Nyima Funk and Gary Anthony Williams also voicing characters in the series.

THE HARPER HOUSE follows an overconfident female head of a household, as she struggles to regain a higher status for herself and for her family of oddballs, after losing her job and moving from the rich side to the poor side of an Arkansas small town. To save money, they’ve moved into their inherited Victorian fixer-upper, the historic Harper House.

The Harpers:

Rhea Seehorn (“Better Call Saul,” “Veep”) will voice Debbie Harper, the aforementioned breadwinner of the Harper household, who takes pride in being the queen of her home.

Jason Lee (“My Name is Earl,” “Alvin and the Chipmunks”) will voice Freddie Harper, a fretful, stay-at-home, helicopter dad. A neurotic control freak, Freddie runs the home while his wife makes the money, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Tatiana Maslany (“Orphan Black,” “Perry Mason”) will voice Ollie Harper, the extroverted, free-spirited daughter. Recklessly optimistic and pretty gullible, Ollie usually has a completely different takeaway than her 11-year-old twin brother, Todd.

Newcomer Ryan Flynn (“Stupidface”) will voice Todd Harper, the smart-ass, intellectual son with a mean potty mouth. Where Ollie shines with people, Todd excels at school and generally only gets along with his family.

The Bradleys:

Gabourey Sidibe (“Precious,” “Empire”) will voice Shauna Bradley, the cunning and resourceful classmate of Ollie and Todd whose family lives across the street from the Harper House. Her confidence and savvy can even be intimidating to the adults in her life.

Nyima Funk (“Key and Peele,” “Detroiters”) will voice Katrina Bradley, the sarcastic co-owner, with her husband Gbenge, of Bradleys’ Bookshop. Constantly bewildered by her new neighbors, she grows to accept the Harpers and their unique contributions to the north side of town.

Gary Anthony Williams (“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows,” “American Dad!”) will voice Gbenge Bradley, the proud patriarch of the Bradley family, who eventually warms to the Harper family and Freddie’s increasingly desperate attempts to be his friend.

Also cast in the series are VyVy Nguyen (“Young Sheldon,” “Parenthood”) and Lance Krall (“Fameless,” “Breaking In”), who will voice mother-son duo Gwen and JimJoe Dang. Gwen owns the Vietnamese market and cafe that the Harpers frequent, while her son JimJoe attends school with the Harper children. Roberta Colindrez (“Vida,” “The Deuce”) will voice Tonya Acosta, a carefree yet supportive friend of Debbie’s, while Tessa Skara (“The Calling,” “High Maintenance”) and John “Spud” McConnell (“Hap and Leonard,” “Underground”) will voice Debbie’s perky Southern-belle sister Brenna and loving father Daddie Dan. Additionally, Chris Diamantopoulos (“Silicon Valley”) will voice, among others, Dr. Morocco, the principal at the Harper children’s school who exhibits a mysterious and odd demeanor that may lead one to believe he lives a potentially criminal private life alongside Joanna Hausmann (“Bill Nye Saves the World”), who will voice Ms. Gonzalez, a teacher at the Harper children’s school who is fresh out of grad school and eager to employ all of her new teaching methods.

Creator Brad Neely serves as executive producer alongside Katie Krentz. The series is produced by CBS Eye Animation Productions, CBS Studios’ new animation arm, in association with 219 Productions. Titmouse (“Big Mouth”), the Emmy Award-winning independent animation production company, serves as the animation studio for the series.

THE HARPER HOUSE joins CBS All Access’ growing slate of original series that currently includes THE GOOD FIGHT, THE TWILIGHT ZONE, TOONING OUT THE NEWS, NO ACTIVITY, WHY WOMEN KILL, INTERROGATION, THE THOMAS JOHN EXPERIENCE and TELL ME A STORY, as well as the upcoming limited event series THE STAND, TEXAS 6, THAT ANIMAL RESCUE SHOW, THE MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH, THAT ANIMAL RESCUE SHOW and GUILTY PARTY. CBS All Access is also the exclusive domestic home to STAR TREK: DISCOVERY, STAR TREK: PICARD, the animated series STAR TREK: LOWER DECKS, and the upcoming U.S.S Enterprise set series STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS.

About CBS All Access:

CBS All Access is ViacomCBS’ direct-to-consumer digital subscription video on-demand and live streaming service. CBS All Access gives subscribers the ability to watch more than 20,000 episodes and movies on demand – including exclusive original series, current and past seasons of hit shows from the CBS Television Network and growing libraries from brands across the ViacomCBS portfolio including BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Smithsonian and more, as well as a wealth of films from Paramount Pictures. The service is also the streaming home to unmatched sports programming, including every CBS Sports event, from golf to football to basketball and more, plus exclusive streaming rights for major sports properties, including some of the world’s biggest and most popular soccer leagues. CBS All Access also enables subscribers to stream local CBS stations live across the U.S. in addition to the ability to stream ViacomCBS Digital’s other live channels: CBSN for 24/7 news, CBS Sports HQ for sports news and analysis, and ET Live for entertainment coverage.

The service is currently available across all major device platforms including online, mobile and connected TV and OTT platforms and services. Versions of CBS All Access have launched internationally in Canada and Australia (10 All Access), with unique but similar content and pricing plans. For more details on CBS All Access, please visit https://www.cbs.com/all-access.

About CBS Studios:

CBS Studios is one of the industry’s leading suppliers of programming with more than 70 series currently in production across broadcast and cable networks, streaming services and other emerging platforms. The Studio’s expansive portfolio spans a diverse slate of commercially successful and critically acclaimed scripted programming, genre-defining franchises including the ever-growing “Star Trek” universe, award-winning late night and daytime talk shows, and an extensive library of iconic intellectual property.

Episode 1: “The Harper House”

Series Premiere. After being let go from her high-paying job, Debbie Harper (Rhea Seehorn), her husband Freddie (Jason Lee), and their twins, Todd (Ryan Flynn) and Ollie (Tatiana Maslany), move into a Victorian fixer-upper on the poorer side of town and attempt to win over their new neighbors by hosting a WrestleMonium watch party.

Written by: Brad Neely

Directed by: Scott Bern

Episode 2: “Conflicting Parenting Books”

Debbie and Freddie’s conflicting parenting styles become more apparent. Meanwhile, Todd and Ollie compete in the “Leaf-A-Thon” at their new school.

Written by: Brad Neely

Directed by: Chuck Sheetz

Episode 3: “The Perfect Gift/ Marg Truck”

Freddie, Todd and Ollie compete to find the perfect birthday gift for Debbie. Meanwhile, Debbie and her best friend, Tonya, see a brilliant, but illegal, business opportunity in a margarita food truck.

Written by: Brad Neely

Directed by: Liza Singer

Episode 4: “That Old House/ Friend Stacking”

Debbie and Freddie find the perfect friends, but are annoyed when they turn out to be friend-stackers. Todd struggles to move on from the past.

Written by: Brad Neely

Directed by: Scott Bern

Episode 5: “Baby Talk/ Coupon Kid”

With her sister Brenna’s questionable support, Debbie resorts to “baby talk” to make sales at Awning Con. Meanwhile, Shauna Bradley scams an impressionable Freddie.

Written by: Brad Neely

Directed by: Chuck Sheetz

Episode 6: “Everyone In Town Must Eat A Piece Of Barack Obama Before Midnight Or The World Ends”

When Ollie believes everyone must consume a piece of President Barack Obama in order to save the town, Debbie worries about her gullibility. Todd is determined to stop Mayor Kelly Frakes’ fracking expansion plan.

Written by: Brad Neely

Directed by: Sarah Seember HuiskenKey art for "The Harper House" on Paramount+

Episode 7: “Marshmallow Tests”

Opposite personality traits become more apparent in the Harper family when Debbie and Freddie collaborate on a business idea and when Todd and Ollie search for a new toy on the market.

Written by: Brad Neely

Directed by: Scott Bern

Episode 8: “Home Alone On The 4th Of July”

The Harpers celebrate the Fourth of July at the River Creek Fourth Fest and it’s far from a relaxing holiday; Freddie consumes a questionable funnel cake and Debbie protects the neighborhood from a robbery… or so she thinks.

Written by: Brad Neely

Directed by: Chuck Sheetz

Episode 9: “Deathbed Wish / Make the Lie Real”

A trip with Daddy Dan and Brenna commemorating her mother’s passing proves to be more enlightening than Debbie imagined. Meanwhile, Freddie ropes Tonya, Ollie and Todd into a scheme to impress Gbenge.

Written by: Brad Neely

Directed by: Sarah Seember Huisken

Gbenge Bradley, voiced by Gary Anthony Williams Katrina Bradley, voiced by Nyima Funk

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

Back to the Primetime Articles and Interviews Page

Interview with “Only Murders in the Building” stars

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

TV Interview!

Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez in "Only Murders in the Building"

Interview with actors from “Only Murders in the Building” on HULU by Suzanne 8/6/21

HULU invited me to their Summer TCA Press Tour. I really enjoyed all five panels I attended, but this one was my favorite because it was the best show of the bunch.  I really loved it — It’s funny and has an intriguing mystery drama as well as an excellent cast.

I grew up watching Steve Martin (“Father of the Bride” and “Pink Panther” movies) and Martin Short (“Schmigadoon!”) on TV and in the movies (especially on “Saturday Night Live” and “SCTV” while I was in high school). It was quite an honor to see them via Zoom and to be able to speak with them (albeit briefly). Singing sensation/actress Selena Gomez is also a huge star. Even I’ve heard of  her, and I’m not in the key demographics of her fans. They all do a wonderful job on this show.

“Only Murders In the Building” is about a murder that happens in a large New York City building where these three (and many others) live. They start trying to solve the murder and make a podcast out of it. Steve Martin plays a quiet, former TV actor, Charlie.  Martin Short plays a chatty, washed-up Broadway director, Oliver.  Selena Gomez plays a young woman, Mabel, who’s renovating her aunt’s apartment. None of them have a lot of friends, but of course they do have a lot of secrets, which makes things even more interesting.

Other members of the cast include Nathan Lane, Sting, Aaron Dominguez, and Amy Ryan.

Unfortunately, they didn’t let us record the interview, so I can’t share it with you. It’s a shame because Martin and Short were really hilarious (as you might expect). The panel included actors and executive producers Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, along with executive producers John Hoffman and Dan Fogelman. Steve Martin is also credited as co-creator and wrote one of the episodes. Dan Fogelman created “This Is Us” and writes that show as well.

In the show, Nathan Lane and Martin Short have many funny exchanges. In one of them, Oliver is trying to convince Lane’s character that he should invest in their podcast. Oliver says something about how he was young the last time he lost his money, so Lane’s character retorts, “You were 58!” and then a little bit later, Oliver says again that he was young, and Lane’s character points out, “You were pushing 60!”  Now, I laughed at that, even though I’m turning 60 later this year. So, when they let me ask my question of the panel, I told them that I forgive them for making 60 seem old… I was very pleased when they laughed at my joke. I’ve made two amazing, legendary comedians laugh, so now I can die. There’s probably nothing in my life that will top that! 😉

I also asked Gomez about acting in the show, which is her first adult TV series. I asked her to compare this one with her old Disney shows, such as “Hannah Montana” and “The Wizards of Waverly Place.” She said that she couldn’t compare them because back then, she was just so young and had no idea what she was doing. Now she just tries to soak up as much as she can from these great actors, like a sponge.

I was going to make a joke about how we had two of the “Three Amigos!” together again, but someone else mentioned that movie, so I didn’t bother.

Steve Martin revealed that he is a fan of “true crime” shows, and that’s part of how the show was created. Martin Short said that he enjoyed how different the three of them were. They had “different energies” because he generally plays it very broadly, and Steve Martin is very understated, and Selena Gomez has a very dry delivery. They were very excited to get the many stars they have, such as Sting, Amy Ryan and Nathan Lane. Martin Short also disclosed that Sting did some ad-libbing in his scenes in the elevator with Short’s character, Oliver.

On a serious note, Martin and Short complimented each other when answering the question about how they work so well together after all these years. They said that neither one is neurotic, and they’re not competitive with each other. Gomez praised their type of comedy, which is not very dark or or crass (like a lot of humor today). She also admitted that she’s not sure if she’s a very good actor, saying “I have to be honest, I don’t know if I’m a good actor. I just do my job. And I just really hope that I can live up to, you know, these incredible people.”  Steve Martin disagreed with her on that: “When Selena’s on screen, the show is suddenly elevated. It’s more mysterious, it’s more interesting. There’s an old cliché, the camera loves her. And I would say the camera likes me, and it’s fine with Marty.”

Martin and Short have been together for a long time as friends and co-workers. They have a comedy tour and were thinking of doing another movie when this project came up. They’re thrilled to be doing it again. Short called it, “A delightful surprise.”  It definitely is that for those of us watching this great show.

MORE INFO:

ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING
Premiere Date: August 31, 2021 (weekly release)
Date Announcement Teaser: HERE

Synopsis: From the minds of Steve Martin, Dan Fogelman and John Hoffman comes a comedic murder-mystery series for the ages. “Only Murders in the Building” follows three strangers (Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez) who share an obsession with true crime and suddenly find themselves wrapped up in one. When a grisly death occurs inside their exclusive Upper West Side apartment building, the trio suspects murder and employs their precise knowledge of true crime to investigate the truth. As they record a podcast of their own to document the case, the three unravel the complex secrets of the building which stretch back years. Perhaps even more explosive are the lies they tell one another. Soon, the endangered trio comes to realize a killer might be living amongst them as they race to decipher the mounting clues before it’s too late.

Cast: The series stars Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, Aaron Dominguez and Amy Ryan.

Credits: “Only Murders in the Building” hails from co-creators and writers Steve Martin and John Hoffman (“Grace & Frankie,” “Looking”). Martin and Hoffman will executive produce along with Martin Short, Selena Gomez, Jamie Babbitt, “This Is Us” creator Dan Fogelman and Jess Rosenthal.

HULU PRESENTS UPCOMING ORIGINAL SERIES ‘DOPESICK,’ ‘THE GREAT’ SEASON TWO, ‘ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING’ AND ‘NINE PERFECT STRANGERS’ AT THE 2021 TELEVISION CRITICS ASSOCIATION SUMMER PRESS TOUR

Company Greenlights Comedy Series ‘This Fool’ Created By and Starring Comedian Chris Estrada and Expands Unscripted True Crime Collection With New Documentary ‘Dead Asleep’  and Docuseries ‘Captive Audience’

Premiere Dates Revealed for ‘Dopesick,’ Second Seasons of ‘The Great’ and ‘Animaniacs,’ as well as the Fall Foodie Lineup of Unscripted Series—Including ‘Baker’s Dozen,’ ‘The Next Thing You Eat’  and a Special Holiday Edition of the Award-Winning ‘Taste The Nation,’ Debuting Thursdays 

 SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Aug. 6, 2021) — Today, during the Television Critics Association’s Summer Press Tour, Hulu presented the company’s lineup of upcoming original programming, including the highly anticipated new drama series “Dopesick,” starring Michael Keaton, Peter Sarsgaard, Michael Stuhlbarg and Rosario Dawson; the second season of acclaimed, Emmy®-nominated comedy series “The Great,” starring Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult; new comedy series “Only Murders in the Building,” starring Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez; and “Nine Perfect Strangers,” the latest limited series from executive producer David E. Kelley and starring and executive produced by Nicole Kidman and Melissa McCarthy—all of which join the company’s collection of premium original content.

The company also announced a series order for the new Hulu Original comedy series “This Fool,” inspired by the life of up-and-coming comedian Chris Estrada, in which he will also write, star and executive produce. Additionally, the highly successful Hulu Originals true-crime collection expands with two new titles announced today—documentary “Dead Asleep” from award-winning director Skye Borgman and “Captive Audience,” a docuseries which explores the evolution of true-crime storytelling through the lens of one family’s journey.

“Breaking out new and distinct voices continues to be a hallmark of Hulu Original programming, and we are incredibly excited to add Chris Estrada to our roster of multihyphenate creators and to bring ‘This Fool’ to our viewers,” said Craig Erwich, president Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment.

Adding, “Looking ahead, we could not be more proud of the lineup of event series coming to Hulu through the end of the year and beyond. Led by the debut of ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ from the brilliant David E. Kelly and a truly all-star cast, and ‘Only Murders in the Building,’ which marks a return to television for Selena Gomez and two comedic giants—Steve Martin and Martin Short—as well as the incredibly timely ‘Dopesick,’ the return of acclaimed comedy series ‘The Great,’ and a rapidly expanding slate of conversation-worthy unscripted series and documentaries, Hulu viewers will have access to many of the best shows coming to television this fall.”

With 41.6 million total subscribers across live and SVOD as of April 3, 2021, Hulu has gained remarkable momentum over the past year, with the streamer recently earning 25 Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Comedy Series, 10 Golden Globe® nominations across five titles, four SAG Award nominations, six WGA Award nominations and seven NAACP Image Award nominations.

ABOUT HULU

Hulu is the leading premium streaming service offering live and on-demand TV and movies, with and without commercials, both in and outside the home. As part of Disney’s Media and Entertainment Distribution segment, Hulu is the only service that gives viewers instant access to current shows from every major U.S. broadcast network; libraries of hit TV series and films; and acclaimed Hulu Originals like Emmy® and Golden Globe® Award-winning series The Handmaid’s Taleand The Act; Golden Globe Award-winning, Emmy Award-nominated and Peabody-winning series Ramy; and Emmy Award-nominated series Pen15 alongside hit series Little Fires Everywhere from Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington, Normal People, The Great, Hillary and Solar Opposites; Oscar® and Emmy nominated documentary film Minding the Gap, Golden Globe-Award winning and Oscar-nominated The United States Vs. Billie Holiday, and critically acclaimed Hulu Original films Palm Springs, Run and Happiest Season. The service also streams live news, entertainment and sports from 20th Television, The Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal, CBS Corporation, The CW, Turner Networks, A+E Networks and Discovery Networks – available all in one place. Upcoming Original releases include true-crime-inspired comedy Only Murders in the Building starring Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez and the book-to-screen adaptation of Nine Perfect Strangers starring Nicole Kidman and Melissa McCarthy.

Interviews with HULU stars at 2021 TCA Summer Press Tour

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

Back to the Primetime Articles and Interviews Page

Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez in "Only Murders in the Building"

Interview with Andrew Leeds and Alice Lee

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

TV Interview!

Andrew Leeds and Alice Lee of "Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist" on NBC

Interview with Andrew Leeds and Alice Lee of “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” on NBC by Suzanne 3/23/21

This was a day full of many NBC and Syfy interviews, but this was the most fun and relaxed of all of them. These two are great and funny. We had a good time. I hope you enjoy it! This is a fabulous show.  It’s so funny that Andrew used to be a computer programmer and engineer, when he’s one of the few characters on the show who’s NOT one of those! That’s hilarious.

Suzanne:   Do we get to see you singing and dancing a lot more in the rest of the season?

Andrew:   Yeah, we do. We get to see a little bit in seven. We get to see a little bit in episode eight. So, seven is coming up this weekend, then eight we have a little bit, and then in nine. This one (Alice)’s got some really sweet stuff, and in ten we both have some fun stuff.

Alice:   Yeah. We definitely sing and dance in more.

Suzanne:   Are you allowed to tell us any of the songs?

Andrew:   Well, I guess. I don’t know. I mean, I don’t think it really matters.

Alice:   Does it? I don’t know.

Andrew:   I don’t think it matters, actually – for the next episode, anyway.

Alice:   Yeah, yeah, do the next one.

Andrew:   I sing the song “Drift Away” in the next episode. Yeah, and then after that, I don’t think we can say.

Alice:   There’re some throwbacks in there.

Andrew:   Yeah. There’s some really good stuff.

Alice:   Yeah. Yeah.

Andrew:   We all get to sing some cool stuff for sure.

Suzanne:   Yeah, that’s what’s great about the show; you get all different kinds of songs, recent, old, and all of that.

Andrew:   How often – do you do you always recognize the songs, or are you like, “I don’t know that one.”

Suzanne:   I’m older than I look, so I don’t recognize all the new ones so much. I know all the old ones.

Question:   …[This] may be a hard question, but free to answer [how] you feel, but in the spirit of the events of this past week, the Asian American community, you’ve been active for a while and worked. What’s your thoughts on Asian American stories? You know, in terms of the prejudice that’s faced, because we don’t see that as much on screen I feel as much as we see…This is a reality in which eyes are opening now. So, any words on that, and how’s your experience been?

Alice:   Yeah, totally. I mean, I think it’s very complex, because, yeah, there’s obviously a lot more. I mean, obviously, Asian stories are important, that’s the bottom line. I feel like our stories need to be told, and it’s a lot better. I think things have gotten a lot better in Hollywood and stuff, but I do still feel like there’s a lot more room for growth and more room for other stories, but I think it’s important that we’re being seen, and we have visibility and the more we can, [the better]. I always think there’s room for more. So, yeah.

Question:   …[You] left computer engineering…Can you talk a little bit about that transition? I’m sure you’ve been asked a lot, but I’m always curious to hear that in person from a person like you. How is that transition and what does it mean for you to be on this show? This is a huge, huge thing for you.

Andrew:   Yeah, well, I started acting as a kid, and then, when I went to college, I don’t really know what I was thinking exactly, except that I was like, “Oh, I think programming is fun.” I think I was actually fairly good at that part of computer science; the rest of the parts were really difficult for me. I don’t think I had quite the quite the brain for it, but the programming I was good at, and I enjoyed that.

I did that, and then I actually got a job at Adobe. The guy hired me and told me that he was going to hire me, but he was certain that I would go to LA and pursue an acting career, because he could tell based on my resume from before that. He hired me, and I was like, “No, no, no, I’m gonna come work for Adobe.” Then, I did exactly what he thought I would do and did not take the job and went to LA to continue acting.

So, I don’t think it was ever really anything that I was really seriously going to pursue. I just really liked it. I still think it was a good thing in terms of training my brain to think in a certain way, or explore how to think in a certain way.

Then, doing the show has been, for me, just really wonderful and exciting, because it’s the combination of a lot of things that I’ve done that I love to do, which is, musicals and singing and dancing and acting, and getting to do that all together on camera is kind of an amazing thing, and getting to be around all these incredibly talented people in this way. It’s just been so, so fun and satisfying, and like getting to watch her do her numbers, it’s just awesome. It’s just awesome. I feel so appreciative for getting to do this.

Question:   This is such a unique genre for television. We haven’t seen this in a long time, a show that combines narrative and singing and dancing, and I’m just curious, as actors, do you find that you put more work into your character when they’re speaking or when they’re singing and dancing?

Alice:   Yeah, I feel like it’s probably different for everyone, because I –

Andrew:   She can roll out of bed and sound amazing. That’s true.

Alice:   No, that’s not true. Singing and dancing for me, yeah, that’s definitely my comfort [zone]. In those areas, I’m like, “Okay.” It’s more acting sometimes where I’m like, “What’s my character really doing and stuff?”

Andrew:   I probably should put more energy into the acting, [laughs] but I’d say I put more energy into the singing and dancing, just because it’s always a challenge. It’s always a song that’s harder for me than something that I’ve never done before, a style of music that I’ve never sung before. It’s always a style of dancing that I don’t know how to do, and it always just takes a lot more.

We get together sometimes on the weekends and rehearse if we’re doing it. Like, we’re working on a dance a dance right now. It’s like, we have to get together outside of work to figure out how to do it and help each other, basically.

So, I’d say, definitely – and also, when you’re doing the dance numbers, a lot of them are done in one take. So, if I mess up a scene, they can cut around it; we do another take. But with the dance numbers, if you don’t get it right the whole way through, you’re done. So, the pressure is a lot more, is a lot higher, I’d say, on the musical numbers.

Alice:   The dancing is like, for sure – like having Mandy Moore, it’s so cool.

Andrew:   Yeah.

Alice:   Those rehearsals are so fun, but they are challenging. We’re doing stuff that we normally wouldn’t, but it’s so fun.

Andrew:   It’s also just really fun, so maybe that’s why we all feel this way and spend a lot of time. It’s almost sad when you only get to do like three takes if it actually goes really well. They’re like, “Okay, we got it,” and you’re like, “But I just worked for weeks trying to get this great. I want to do more. I want to do more.”

Here’s the video!

Interview Transcribed by Jamie of http://www.scifivision.com

MORE INFO:

In its second season, “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” continues to explore the feelings we keep buried on the inside, the human impulse for connection and the undeniable healing power of music and dance. Following a tragedy, Zoey (Jane Levy) and the Clarke family begin to recalibrate and navigate their new normal. As she finds herself in a new dynamic at work and in her love life, Zoey’s musical powers will continue to both awkwardly complicate and inform her worldview as she attempts to rediscover joy and connect with those around her.

The series stars Jane Levy, Skylar Astin, Alex Newell, John Clarence Stewart, Andrew Leeds, Alice Lee, Michael Thomas Grant, Kapil Talwalkar and Mary Steenburgen.

Featuring inventive musical performances set to hit records from a variety of genres and time periods, “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography for Scripted Programming in its freshman season.

Austin Winsberg writes and executive produces. Kim Tannenbaum and Eric Tannenbaum, Paul Feig, David Blackman, Daniel Inkeles and Sam Laybourne also serve as executive producers. Dan Magnante, Jason Wang, Samantha McIntyre, Emily Fox and Robert Sudduth serve as co-executive producers with Michele Greco and Mandy Moore serving as producers.

“Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” is produced by Lionsgate and Universal Television (a division of Universal Studio Group) in association with the Tannenbaum Company, Feigco Entertainment, Universal Music Group’s Polygram Entertainment and Zihuatenejo Productions.

Andrew Leeds

David, “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist”

Andrew Leeds stars as David on NBC’s “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist.”

Leeds can most recently be seen opposite Reese Witherspoon in Apple’s “The Morning Show” and opposite Bill Hader in HBO’s “Barry.” Prior to that, he recurred for two seasons on Epix’s “Get Shorty” and starred in the film “Office Christmas Party.”

Other television includes a series regular role on the ABC sitcom “Cristela,” a four-season arc on “Bones” and guest starring on “Veep,” “Silicon Valley,” “Modern Family,” “Shamless” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”

As a writer, he has written pilots for various networks, including ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, USA and Showtime.

Leeds first appeared on Broadway in the musical “Teddy & Alice” and soon after appeared as Gavroche in “Les Miserables.” He next starred on Broadway in the musical “Falsettos.”

A member of the main company for the Groundlings, Leeds graduated from Stanford University with a degree in computer science. He splits his time between Los Angeles and New York.

Alice Lee

Emily, “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist”

Alice Lee stars as Emily on NBC’s “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist.”

In film, Lee was most recently seen sharing the screen with Jillian Bell in Amazon’s “Brittany Runs a Marathon,” which won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival. Other films on her resume include Netflix’s “Sierra Burgess Is a Loser, “Wish Upon,” Jack, Jules, Esther & Me” and the upcoming “Dream Years.”

On the small screen, Lee had a season-long arc on Facebook’s “Real Bros. of Simi Valley,” “Take Two” and Hulu’s “Gap Year.” She recurred on the award-winning web series “Control Alt Delete,” the YouTube Red series “Sideswiped,” Freeform’s “Switched at Birth,” MTV’s “Faking It” and Disney Channel’s “K.C. Undercover.” Guest appearances include Amazon’s anthology series “Electric Dreams” “Splitting Up Together,” “Two Broke Girls,” “Grandfathered,” “Son of Zorn” and “The Mindy Project.”

Lee, a Chicago native, attended an open call while she was a student at NYU and was immediately cast in the Tony Award-winning Broadway production of “Spring Awakening.” She then went on to be in the original company of Julie Taymor’s “Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark” and starred as Heather Duke in the cult-classic Off-Broadway musical “Heathers.”

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

Back to the Primetime Articles and Interviews Page

Andrew Leeds and Alice Lee of "Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist" on NBC

Interview with Ella Mika

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

TV Interview!

Ella Mika in "Chad" on TBS

Interview with Ella Mika of “Chad” on TBS by Suzanne 3/24/21

It was very nice to speak with young Ella. She is obviously very smart, and I think she’ll do well as her career progresses.  She was thoughtful in her answers and handled them with aplomb.

Here is the audio version of it.

Suzanne: Tell us how this part came about for you…

Ella: Getting this part was a step by step process. It was my longest audition process I’ve had so far, actually. So first, we had two rounds of auditioning and getting a callback that was more focused on the character and how well I could perform and fit into it. So, that was what the first two rounds of auditioning was made up of.

Then, with each callback, the script changed, so I had to make sure I coached every time before I went in, and I think that was really helpful with getting the role.

Then, we had a third and fourth round of auditioning to really test out my improv skills, and they made sure to send notes on what to adjust and what they really wanted from me each time I auditioned.

Then, the third and fourth round of auditioning was also down to me and one other girl, which really raised the stakes and brought lots of anticipation.

Then, finally, the last two rounds of auditioning were for a chemistry read with Nasim [Pedrad] and Saba [Homayoon], who plays my mother in “Chad,” to see how well us three work together and if we were able to communicate well and really perform our characters well together. In the end, it was the Nasim who called me and gave me the news that I got the part.

Suzanne: Wow, that is a long process.

Ella: Yeah, it was very long.

Suzanne: But at least now you have all that experience. You can handle anything now, right?

Ella: Yeah.

Suzanne: That’s great. From what I’ve heard from actors, a lot of times they change the scripts on you constantly, even after you get the role, and you have to really be on your toes all the time. That would be difficult.

Ella: Yeah.

Suzanne: So, tell us what your character is like.

Ella: So, my character is Niki. She’s really sassy, straightforward, stylish, confident, and she’s slightly bratty, and she’s a young girl as well. She’s my age range, around 13 years old. She’s constantly bickering with her brother Chad (Pedrad), and she’s also known as the popular girl at school, but she has a sweet and sentimental side to her that we get to see on the show as well. A lot of the times she doesn’t act her age, and the show usually describes her as 13 going on 21 just to kind of explain her attitude. She’s just a young girl that I think is confident in herself and never afraid to see things straight up and as they are.

Suzanne: What has been the best thing about filming the show?

Ella: …The best thing was probably the amount of freedom to improv that we had and the amount of positive energy during the process. Nasim, the directors, and the producers, they were all really great about giving us just the right amount of freedom to improv throughout the process of filming, which I think was really important for the show, since it is a comedy. I think some of the best moments and scenes were actually because of a spontaneous improv moment by one or more of the actors, which really got a raw reaction out of us and made the scene a lot funnier than we could have like imagined. The energy throughout filming was also really helpful, because we always felt like each day was better than the last, and all the cast and crew were really great at making it a positive environment to want to work in.

Suzanne: Did the pandemic affect the filming at all?

Ella: Yeah, it affected it quite a bit. That was one of the more unusual and difficult parts of it. We had to stop filming for about five months until we could resume again in August. Then, we had to test for COVID multiple times before we flew out to Oregon again to finish filming. As we arrived, we had to self quarantine for a few days and then get tested. While we were self quarantining, the wardrobe and styling team dropped off some outfits for a fitting for us to take pictures [of] and send to them, and then they came back and they took it again without contact, which was really weird for me, since before the pandemic, we used to go in person for fittings. It was just more like in person with contact with one another. While we were filming, the actors had to be tested around like three times a week, whether or not we were [actually] filming, because we were the most dangerous to others by having our masks off for the filming of the scenes. So, I think the most unusual part, for me, was not being able to interact with others close up and personal, but the entire team was really smart and careful, so we all felt safe and happy.

Suzanne: That’s good. Yeah, that’s pretty much aligned with what I’ve been hearing from other actors about when you’re on set, and they have to keep you away from each other and test you a lot.

Ella: Yeah.

Suzanne: So, the show is about a teenage boy, but he’s being played by an adult woman. Do you know why they went in that direction?

Ella: Yes. So, I think Nasim really wanted to make the show stand out and be different, and what better way to do it than to dress an adult woman as an awkward, puny, teenage boy? I also think she thought it would push the comedic aspect of the show much more if it was an adult that was playing a teen boy and she was in on the joke. Nasim was also the one that wrote the majority of the show, and I think she enjoyed playing different roles that could have led to her writing about her experiences as a Middle Eastern girl moving to America, but as an awkward teenage boy instead to really push the comedy.

Suzanne: And why do you think audiences will enjoy the show?

Ella: I’m sure audiences will enjoy the show, because it’s something new, something different, and you don’t see very many shows like this one. I think it has the perfect combination of comedy and culture, and I think audiences will also love the show for its diversity and strong implement of culture throughout it. The show is really full of people with different looks, races, and ethnicities, so I feel like people are really going to enjoy the inclusivity.

Suzanne: Have you have you done anything with a live audience, like plays and things like that before?

Ella: Yeah, I have. I’d started doing live audience plays, even when I was little and I went to daycare, we had some performances. Then, throughout growing up, I also did a few performances at different theaters. Also, when visiting Armenia, I did a few performances there too.

Suzanne: Great. So, I was wondering what the differences [are] you found between doing live stage performing, especially if you did a comedy and filming without an audience?

Ella: Yeah, I think definitely, filming with an audience, in live and in person, it’s definitely much more difficult and stressful, because you can’t really mess up, as you can’t do more takes. Then, they’re quite different filming them, because one is really in person, you do it on the spot, you do it in the moment, and then the other, you get so many scenes from different angles, you take so many takes, and you can do it out of order, and in the end, it all gets put together. So, you have your best moments on camera.

So, I think I enjoy the thrill of both. I enjoy the thrill of being in the moment for theater, but I think for films, I love that most, because I’m able to connect with others, and it’s just more fun for me to be able to put [out] my very best.

Suzanne: …Your character looks very stylish, as you mentioned earlier, in the clips I’ve seen. How is your own style similar or different from hers?

Ella: So, Niki is definitely a stylish girl, and she includes girly pieces in her wardrobe, but she also has some edgier pieces, and I think that’s something we both have in common. She’s also switching up her looks quite a bit, whether [it’s] her shoes or her hair or her style, which is another thing I like to do quite often. I just like the change. And she loves pink quite a bit. So, while playing her role, I actually started to like the color pink too, which was unexpected for me. Unlike Niki though, I usually tend to have a more minimalistic look, and I love neutrals, whereas Niki is often exploring colors and patterns and things of the sort.

Suzanne: Do you think the way she’s changing a wardrobe is her way of fitting in to the culture, like Chad is trying to fit in his way?

Ella: Yeah, and I think also because she is the popular girl, she’s often a trendsetter at her school. So, oftentimes she’ll wear something, and then her friends will. So, I think she also switches it up for that reason, to kind of show people that whatever she does is basically what starts the trend.

Suzanne: She and Chad argue quite a bit. Do you have siblings in real life, and did this help you in the role?

Ella: Yeah, I do have siblings in real life, and that helps a lot, definitely. I have a three-month-old baby brother and an eight-year-old sister who I’m constantly arguing with, and which, for once, came in handy, which I never thought would happen. So, Niki and her brother, Chad, arguing almost came as a natural instinct to me when filming. So, that was pretty easy for both me and Nasim, because I know she has a younger sister too. So, definitely I use some of the things my sister and I say to one another, like quotes, when arguing, anytime we improvised with Nasim. So, that definitely was a great help.

Suzanne: Had you seen Nasim on SNL or elsewhere before you started working with her?

Ella: Yeah, I saw her quite a lot on SNL, and she’s always been successful in putting a smile on my face. I’ve also seen some of her work in the sitcom New Girl where she’s in for a few episodes and parts. I also loved her a lot in the live remake of Aladdin, which recently came out.

Suzanne: Does she star in that? I don’t think I saw that one.

Ella:
Yeah, she played Jasmine’s maid.

Suzanne:
Oh, okay.

Ella: I really loved seeing her, because it was so weird to see her as a pretty dressed up girl, when usually on the show, I see her looking like a teenage boy.

Suzanne: Were your parents there on set with you?

Ella: My dad had to work, and my mom had to take care of my little sister, so my grandma was actually the one that traveled with me and came on set. She doesn’t know the language, so I was really the one helping her figure things out, but I don’t really mind that much, because I’m really an independent person. I’ve always been like that. So, I like figuring things out myself and learning them throughout the process, but my parents let me know that they’re always here, and if I need help figuring anything out, but I just like doing it myself.

Suzanne: Was there anyone on set though that took you under their wing or helped you, that kind of thing?

Ella: Yeah, all of the cast was usually older than me, but not by too much. During school there was Alexa Loo and Jake Ryan, who I did school with, and they both helped me a lot to feel welcomed. Their parents as well were very welcoming and let me know that if there was ever anything I needed, we could help and talk to one another. And before the pandemic, when we were filming back in January in August, we actually hung out with Alexa. Jake couldn’t attend that time, but Alexa and I went out for ice cream and just really bonded.

Suzanne: What was different about filming “Chad” than other projects you’ve worked on?

Ella: The entire cast and crew were the kindest that I’ve worked with so far. And again, the freedom to improv a good amount was really different for me than any other project I’ve worked on. I really had so much fun while filming, and unlike other projects I’ve worked on, the entire cast was able to bond so quickly, in such a short amount of time, because we all really liked one another and [unintelligible]. So, filming “Chad” was one of the most positive experiences that I’ve personally ever had, and the show overall just had three interesting storylines for each episode, which kept things really fun.

Suzanne: And you have another movie coming out starring Elijah Wood. Can you tell us about that one?

Ella: Yeah, I honestly don’t remember auditioning for the movie, so when I had gotten the news that I got the role, it was really surprising to me. Nonetheless, I was happy to have a great opportunity and got prepared to film. So, for the amount of time I filmed, our set was a house in a small neighborhood…I had my fitting and school was done there at the small neighborhood in the tiny house, and it was an interesting experience. I had to play a role that was younger than I was, but I was ready for any roles I got. So, I was really grateful for the experience, and I’m glad I had the opportunity.

Suzanne: What was the name of the movie?

Ella: It’s, I think, LA Rush.

Suzanne: Do you know if it’s done filming and when it will be out?

Ella: It was filmed a while ago. I believe it was filmed about like two or three years ago, actually. So, I was waiting to see when it would come out, because it had been quite a while, but I’m not sure when they’re planning on releasing it.

Suzanne: Okay. And you actually worked with Elijah Wood?

Ella: No, I didn’t. I worked with another girl and a small little family.

Suzanne: Well, he’s really nice. So, if you ever get to talk to him, he’s a great guy.

Ella: Yeah.

Suzanne: I’ve interviewed him a few times. He’s always super nice.

So, do you have any plans besides acting? Would you like to direct, write, or anything like that in the future?

Ella: As of now, I want to remain an actress for as long as life takes me to be, which I’m hoping is quite a while, but I’m open to directing and possibly writing in the future. I definitely think directing is something I would explore, and if not directing, then at least producing. But then, I really enjoy writing, so writing might also interest me quite a lot when I’m a bit older.

Suzanne: Let me ask this. Say if you decided you didn’t want to be in the entertainment industry anymore – you’re only 14, right? So, what do you think you would like to do if you weren’t in the entertainment industry? What other talents or desires do you have that you think you would do for say, a second job, if you had to?

Ella: I’d definitely be a CEO and have my own business. I think I’ll still do that with acting, that’s one of my goals, but maybe a business that’s into makeup or into fashion, because those really interests me.

Before I was thinking possibly a physicist, but we’ll see how that goes.

Suzanne: Yeah, that’s a little tougher.

Ella: Yeah.

Suzanne: But you must enjoy math then?

Ella: Yeah, I do.

Interview Transcribed by Jamie of http://www.scifivision.com

MORE INFO:

Ella Mika in "Chad" on TBSArmenian actress and superstar in the making Ella Mika (BIRDS OF PREY) is taking over screens nationwide next month as she stars in TBS’ “CHAD.” The sure to be hit comedy premieres on April 6th and features SNL alum, Nasim Pedrad who created, wrote, and executive produced the show. Ella stars as “Niki”, ‘Chad’s’ younger, popular sister, that often bickers with her dorky brother at school and in family settings. ‘Chad’ (Nasim Pedrad) is on a mission to become popular using every trick in the book, all while the two endure their mother’s new dating life and reconcile with cultural identity. The show is packed full of comedy, improv and those cringey middle-school moments we all love and loathe the same.

TBS “Chad” Teaser

Born in Armenia’s capital city of Yerevan, Ella’s journey to America started on April 6th 2008, just after her first birthday, and coincidentally, the same date being used for the premiere of “Chad” next month. Her parents won aposter for "Chad" on TBS Green Card and moved to Los Angeles. Her father was a prominent actor back in Armenia, so it was only a matter of time before Ella would also catch the acting bug. Signs first appeared while she was in daycare, often taking on leading roles in plays and poems with her class. After a couple years of appearing in commercials for “My Little Pony” and “Red Robin,” while simultaneously taking acting classes, Ella landed her first mainstream role as young Helena in BIRDS OF PREY, where she got to work with Margot Robbie. Fast track to “Chad,” Ella has her first series regular role, embracing improv and refining her comedic craft. Filming started and stopped as Covid hit, but the cast was able to complete the show in the Summer and it’s ready to share with audiences nationwide.

When Ella isn’t juggling schooling with acting or booking her next role, she loves to embrace the arts of all kinds. She’s trained in Latin American ballroom, loves fashion, cooking, baking, and stays connected to herself through meditation and yoga.

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

Back to the Primetime Articles and Interviews Page

Ella Mika in "Chad" on TBS

Family Guy Contact Info

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

Write to the show!

Peter writes a letter

Send an email to FOX about “Family Guy!” Make sure to click on “FOX Entertainment”

Fox Broadcasting viewer comment line – 310.369.3066

Send a letter!

Send a regular letter to your favorite actor at this address. If you want an autograph, make sure to include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Family Guy
Fox Television
10201 West Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064

FYI: Actors are very busy people. Some of them answer or send autographs, and some just don’t. It could take weeks, months, or years for them to answer, or you may get no reply at all.

Brian sends an email

Back to the Main Family Guy Page

Family Guy Characters

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

Character Descriptions

Family Guy characters

 

Peter Griffin bioPeter Griffin is the head of the Griffin family of Quahog, Rhode Island. He is a working class guy… not very mature or bright.   He often runs off on some wild chase or scheme.  He loves beer and hanging out with his friends at the local bar, The Drunken Clam.

 

 

 

Lois Griffin bioLois Griffin is married to Peter and the mom of their kids. She has a little more common sense than he does, but she’s not a very warm person (especially when it comes to her kids). She and Peter bicker a lot but love each other.

 

 

 

Meg Griffin bioMeg Griffin is the oldest child. No one seems to like her (including her family). Her family bullies or ignores her. She’s a bit odd and definitely “a nerd.” Sometimes the family jokes that she’ll be a lesbian in the future.

 

 

 

Chris Griffin bioChris Griffin is a teenaged boy. He’s not very smart and seems emotionally stunted. He’s obsessed with girls, like most teens. Sometimes he speaks as if he’s actually a lot smarter. He loves to play video games.

 

 

 

Stewie Griffin bioStewie Griffin is the baby of the family, but he’s really an evil genius. There are many jokes about him being gay (and in the closet).  Sometimes he acts like a regular child, and other times he seems very far advanced. He has most of the best jokes on the show. Brian is his best friend. They have adventures together. Stewie likes to try to kill his mom and also build time machines.

 

Brian bioBrian is the family dog, but he can speak and is fairly smart (not as smart as he thinks he is). He likes to read (or at least, pretend to read), write and sip Champagne. He dates humans as well as dogs.  He tries to keep Stewie out of trouble. Brian has a big crush on Lois but is also Peter’s best friend (and Stewie’s as well).  He and Quagmire hate each other.

 

 

Joe Swanson bioJoe Swanson is Peter’s next door neighbor. He’s in a wheelchair but is also a police officer.  He has an offbeat sense of humor and is usually cheery not matter what. He, Peter, Quagmire and Cleveland hang out at the local bar. He’s married to a woman, Bonnie, that doesn’t treat him very well.

Shop for exquisite Swiss watches https://www.swisswatch.is in Geneva’s elegant storefronts and boutiques.

 

 

Glenn Quagmire bioGlenn Quagmire is Peter’s other next door neighbor. He’s a pilot who’s obsessed with sex and bedding as many women as he can. Like Brian, he has a huge crush on Lois. He and Brian hate each other. He thinks Brian is a big phony. His favorite sayings are “all right” and “giggity giggity.”

 

 

Cleveland bioCleveland Brown lives across the street from Peter. Whenever there’s a terrible thing that happens in the neighborhood, Cleveland’s house is usually destroyed, with him in the bathtub and falling out of the house. He’s a mail carrier. His wife is Loretta, and they have two children. There was a spinoff of his family, “The Cleveland Show.”

 

Family Guy

Back to the Main Family Guy Page

Family Guy Episode List

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

List of Episodes

Family Guy

Season 1

1. 1-1 31 January 1999 “Death Has a Shadow”
2. 1-2 11 April 1999 “I Never Met the Dead Man”
3. 1-3 18 April 1999 “Chitty Chitty Death Bang”
4. 1-4 25 April 1999 “Mind Over Murder”
5. 1-5 02 May 1999 “A Hero Sits Next Door”
6. 1-6 09 May 1999 “The Son Also Draws”
7. 1-7 16 May 1999 “Brian: Portrait of a Dog”

Season 2

8. 2-1 23 September 1999 “Peter, Peter, Caviar Eater”
9. 2-2 30 September 1999 “Holy Crap”
10. 2-3 26 December 1999 “DaBoom”
11. 2-4 07 March 2000 “Brian in Love”
12. 2-5 14 March 2000 “Love Thy Trophy”
13. 2-6 21 March 2000 “Death is a Bitch”
14. 2-7 28 March 2000 “The King is Dead”
15. 2-8 28 March 2000 “I Am Peter, Hear Me Roar”
16. 2-9 04 April 2000 “If I’m Dyin’ I’m Lyin'”
17. 2-10 11 April 2000 “Running Mates”
18. 2-11 18 April 2000 “A Picture’s Worth a Thousand Bucks”
19. 2-12 25 April 2000 “Fifteen Minutes of Shame”
20. 2-13 30 May 2000 “Road to Rhode Island”
21. 2-14 06 June 2000 “Let’s Go to the Hop”
22. 2-15 13 June 2000 “Dammit Janet”
23. 2-16 27 June 2000 “There’s Something About Paulie”
24. 2-17 27 June 2000 “He’s Too Sexy for His Fat”
25. 2-18 12 July 2000 “E. Peterbus Unum”
26. 2-19 18 July 2000 “The Story on Page One”
27. 2-20 25 July 2000 “Wasted Talent”
28. 2-21 01 August 2000 “Fore, Father”

Season 3

29. 3-1 11 July 2001 “The Thin White Line”
30. 3-2 18 July 2001 “Brian Does Hollywood”
31. 3-3 25 July 2001 “Mr. Griffin Goes to Washington”
32. 3-4 01 August 2001 “One If by Clam, Two If by Sea”
33. 3-5 08 August 2001 “And the Wiener is…”
34. 3-6 15 August 2001 “Death Lives”
35. 3-7 22 August 2001 “Lethal Weapons”
36. 3-8 29 August 2001 “The Kiss Seen Around the World”
37. 3-9 05 September 2001 “Mr. Saturday Knight”
38. 3-10 19 September 2001 “Fish Out of Water”
39. 3-11 08 November 2001 “Emission Impossible”
40. 3-12 15 November 2001 “To Love and Die in Dixie”
41. 3-13 29 November 2001 “Screwed the Pooch”
42. 3-14 06 December 2001 “Peter Griffin: Husband, Father…Brother?”
43. 3-15 20 December 2001 “Ready, Willing, and Disabled”
44. 3-16 21 December 2001 “A Very Special Family Guy Freakin’ Christmas”
45. 3-17 17 January 2002 “Brian Wallows and Peter’s Swallows”
46. 3-18 24 January 2002 “From Method to Madness”
47. 3-19 31 January 2002 “Stuck Together, Torn Apart”
48. 3-20 07 February 2002 “Road to Europe”
49. 3-21 14 February 2002 “Family Guy Viewer Mail (1)”
50. 3-22 10 December 2004 “When You Wish Upon a Weinstein”

Season 4

51. 4-1 01 May 2005 “North by North Quahog”
52. 4-2 08 May 2005 “Fast Times at Buddy Cianci Jr. High”
53. 4-3 15 May 2005 “Blind Ambition”
54. 4-4 05 June 2005 “Don’t Make Me Over”
55. 4-5 12 June 2005 “The Cleveland-Loretta Quagmire”
56. 4-6 19 June 2005 “Petarded”
57. 4-7 26 June 2005 “Brian the Bachelor”
58. 4-8 10 July 2005 “8 Simple Rules for Buying My Teenage Daughter”
59. 4-9 17 July 2005 “Breaking Out is Hard to Do”
60. 4-10 24 July 2005 “Model Misbehavior”
61. 4-11 11 September 2005 “Peter’s Got Woods”
62. 4-12 18 September 2005 “The Perfect Castaway”
63. 4-13 25 September 2005 “Jungle Love”
64. 4-14 06 November 2005 “PTV”
65. 4-15 13 November 2005 “Brian Goes Back to College”
66. 4-16 20 November 2005 “The Courtship of Stewie’s Father”
67. 4-17 27 November 2005 “The Fat Guy Strangler”
68. 4-18 18 December 2005 “The Father, The Son and the Holy Fonz”
69. 4-19 08 January 2006 “Brian Sings and Swings”
70. 4-20 29 January 2006 “Patriot Games”
71. 4-21 12 March 2006 “I Take Thee, Quagmire”
72. 4-22 26 March 2006 “Sibling Rivalry”
73. 4-23 09 April 2006 “Deep Throats”
74. 4-24 23 April 2006 “Peterotica”
75. 4-25 30 April 2006 “You May Kiss the…Uh…Guy Who Receives”
76. 4-26 07 May 2006 “Petergeist”
77. 4-27 14 May 2006 “Untitled Griffin Family History”
78. 4-28 21 May 2006 “Stewie B. Goode”
79. 4-29 21 May 2006 “Bango Was His Name Oh!”
80. 4-30 21 May 2006 “Stu & Stewie’s Excellent Adventure”

Season 5

81. 5-1 10 September 2006 “Stewie Loves Lois”
82. 5-2 17 September 2006 “Mother Tucker”
83. 5-3 24 September 2006 “Hell Comes to Quahog”
84. 5-4 05 November 2006 “Saving Private Brian”
85. 5-5 12 November 2006 “Whistle While Your Wife Works”
86. 5-6 19 November 2006 “Prick Up Your Ears”
87. 5-7 26 November 2006 “Chick Cancer”
88. 5-8 17 December 2006 “Barely Legal”
89. 5-9 28 January 2007 “Road to Rupert”
90. 5-10 11 February 2007 “Peter’s Two Dads”
91. 5-11 18 February 2007 “The Tan Aquatic with Steve Zissou”
92. 5-12 04 March 2007 “Airport ’07”
93. 5-13 11 March 2007 “Bill and Peter’s Bogus Adventure”
94. 5-14 25 March 2007 “No Meals on Wheels”
95. 5-15 29 April 2007 “Boys Do Cry”
96. 5-16 06 May 2007 “No Chris Left Behind”
97. 5-17 13 May 2007 “It Takes a Village Idiot, and I Married One”
98. 5-18 20 May 2007 “Meet the Quagmires”

Season 6
99. 6-1 23 September 2007 “Blue Harvest (60 min)”
100. 6-2 30 September 2007 “Movin’ Out”
101. 6-3 07 October 2007 “Believe It or Not, Joe’s Walking on Air”
102. 6-4 04 November 2007 “Stewie Kills Lois”
103. 6-5 11 November 2007 “Lois Kills Stewie”
104. 6-6 18 November 2007 “Padre de Familia”
105. 6-7 25 November 2007 “Peter’s Daughter”
106. 6-8 13 January 2008 “McStroke”
107. 6-9 17 February 2008 “Back to the Woods”
108. 6-10 02 March 2008 “Play It Again, Brian”
109. 6-11 27 April 2008 “The Former Life of Brian”
110. 6-12 04 May 2008 “Long John Peter”

Season 7

111. 7-1 28 September 2008 “Love Blactually”
112. 7-2 05 October 2008 “I Dream of Jesus”
113. 7-3 19 October 2008 “Road to Germany”
114. 7-4 02 November 2008 “Baby Not on Board”
115. 7-5 09 November 2008 “The Man with Two Brians”
116. 7-6 16 November 2008 “Tales of a Third Grade Nothing”
117. 7-7 15 February 2009 “Ocean’s Three and a Half”
118. 7-8 08 March 2009 “Family Gay”
119. 7-9 15 March 2009 “The Juice is Loose!”
120. 7-10 22 March 2009 “FOX-y Lady”
121. 7-11 29 March 2009 “Not All Dogs Go to Heaven”
122. 7-12 19 April 2009 “420”
123. 7-13 26 April 2009 “Stew-Roids”
124. 7-14 03 May 2009 “We Love You Conrad”
125. 7-15 10 May 2009 “Three Kings”
126. 7-16 17 May 2009 “Peter’s Progress”

Season 8

127. 8-1 27 September 2009 “Road to the Multiverse”
128. 8-2 04 October 2009 “Family Goy”
129. 8-3 11 October 2009 “Spies Reminiscent of Us”
130. 8-4 08 November 2009 “Brian’s Got a Brand New Bag”
131. 8-5 08 November 2009 “Hannah Banana”
132. 8-6 15 November 2009 “Quagmire’s Baby”
133. 8-7 22 November 2009 “Jerome is the New Black”
134. 8-8 29 November 2009 “Dog Gone”
135. 8-9 13 December 2009 “Business Guy”
136. 8-10 03 January 2010 “Big Man on Hippocampus”
137. 8-11 31 January 2010 “Dial Meg for Murder”
138. 8-12 14 February 2010 “Extra Large Medium”
139. 8-13 14 March 2010 “Go, Stewie, Go!”
140. 8-14 21 March 2010 “Peter-assment”
141. 8-15 28 March 2010 “Brian Griffin’s House of Payne”
142. 8-16 11 April 2010 “April in Quahog”
143. 8-17 02 May 2010 “Brian & Stewie”
144. 8-18 09 May 2010 “Quagmire’s Dad”
145. 8-19 16 May 2010 “The Splendid Source”
146. 8-20 23 May 2010 “Something, Something, Something, Dark Side” (60 min)
147. 8-21 20 June 2010 “Partial Terms of Endearment”

Season 9

148. 9-1 26 September 2010 “And Then There Were Fewer”
149. 9-2 03 October 2010 “Excellence in Broadcasting”
150. 9-3 10 October 2010 “Welcome Back, Carter”
151. 9-4 07 November 2010 “Halloween on Spooner Street”
152. 9-5 14 November 2010 “Baby, You Knock Me Out”
153. 9-6 21 November 2010 “Brian Writes a Bestseller”
154. 9-7 12 December 2010 “Road to the North Pole”
155. 9-8 09 January 2011 “New Kidney in Town”
156. 9-9 16 January 2011 “And I’m Joyce Kinney”
157. 9-10 13 February 2011 “Friends of Peter G”
158. 9-11 20 February 2011 “German Guy”
159. 9-12 06 March 2011 “The Hand That Rocks the Wheelchair”
160. 9-13 20 March 2011 “Trading Places”
161. 9-14 10 April 2011 “Tiegs for Two”
162. 9-15 17 April 2011 “Brothers & Sisters”
163. 9-16 08 May 2011 “The Big Bang Theory”
164. 9-17 15 May 2011 “Foreign Affairs”
165. 9-18 22 May 2011 “It’s a Trap!” (60 min)

Season 10
166. 10-1 25 September 2011 “Lottery Fever”
167. 10-2 02 October 2011 “Seahorse Seashell Party”
168. 10-3 30 October 2011 “Screams of Silence: The Story of Brenda Q”
169. 10-4 06 November 2011 “Stewie Goes for a Drive”
170. 10-5 13 November 2011 “Back to the Pilot”
171. 10-6 20 November 2011 “Thanksgiving”
172. 10-7 27 November 2011 “Amish Guy”
173. 10-8 04 December 2011 “Cool Hand Peter”
174. 10-9 11 December 2011 “Grumpy Old Man”
175. 10-10 08 January 2012 “Quagmire & Meg”
176. 10-11 15 January 2012 “The Blind Side”
177. 10-12 29 January 2012 “Livin’ on a Prayer”
178. 10-13 12 February 2012 “Tom Tucker: The Man and His Dream”
179. 10-14 19 February 2012 “Be Careful What You Fish For”
180. 10-15 04 March 2012 “Burning Down the Bayit”
181. 10-16 11 March 2012 “Killer Queen”
182. 10-17 18 March 2012 “Forget-Me-Not”
183. 10-18 01 April 2012 “You Can’t Do That on Television, Peter”
184. 10-19 29 April 2012 “Mr. and Mrs. Stewie”
185. 10-20 06 May 2012 “Leggo My Meg-O”
186. 10-21 13 May 2012 “Tea Peter”
187. 10-22 20 May 2012 “Family Guy Viewer Mail (2)”
188. 10-23 20 May 2012 “Internal Affairs”

Season 11
189. 11-1 30 September 2012 “Into Fat Air”
190. 11-2 07 October 2012 “Ratings Guy”
191. 11-3 04 November 2012 “The Old Man & the Big ‘C'”
192. 11-4 11 November 2012 “Yug Ylimaf”
193. 11-5 18 November 2012 “Joe’s Revenge”
194. 11-6 25 November 2012 “Lois Comes Out of Her Shell”
195. 11-7 09 December 2012 “Friends Without Benefits”
196. 11-8 23 December 2012 “Jesus, Mary & Joseph”
197. 11-9 06 January 2013 “Space Cadet”
198. 11-10 13 January 2013 “Brian’s Play”
199. 11-11 27 January 2013 “The Giggity Wife”
200. 11-12 10 February 2013 “Valentine’s Day in Quahog”
201. 11-13 17 February 2013 “Chris Cross”
202. 11-14 10 March 2013 “Call Girl”
203. 11-15 17 March 2013 “Turban Cowboy”
204. 11-16 24 March 2013 “12 and a Half Angry Men”
205. 11-17 14 April 2013 “Bigfat”
206. 11-18 28 April 2013 “Total Recall”
207. 11-19 05 May 2013 “Save the Clam”
208. 11-20 12 May 2013 “Farmer Guy”
209. 11-21 19 May 2013 “Roads to Vegas”
210. 11-22 19 May 2013 “No Country Club for Old Men”

Season 12
211. 12-1 29 September 2013 “Finders Keepers”
212. 12-2 06 October 2013 “Vestigial Peter”
213. 12-3 03 November 2013 “Quagmire’s Quagmire”
214. 12-4 10 November 2013 “A Fistful of Meg”
215. 12-5 17 November 2013 “Boopa-dee Bappa-dee”
216. 12-6 24 November 2013 “Life of Brian”
217. 12-7 08 December 2013 “Into Harmony’s Way”
218. 12-8 15 December 2013 “Christmas Guy”
219. 12-9 05 January 2014 “Peter Problems”
220. 12-10 12 January 2014 “Grimm Job”
221. 12-11 26 January 2014 “Brian’s a Bad Father”
222. 12-12 09 March 2014 “Mom’s the Word”
223. 12-13 16 March 2014 “3 Acts of God”
224. 12-14 23 March 2014 “Fresh Heir”
225. 12-15 30 March 2014 “Secondhand Spoke”
226. 12-16 06 April 2014 “Herpe the Love Sore”
227. 12-17 13 April 2014 “The Most Interesting Man in the World”
228. 12-18 27 April 2014 “Baby Got Black”
229. 12-19 04 May 2014 “Meg Stinks!”
230. 12-20 11 May 2014 “He’s Bla-ack!”
231. 12-21 18 May 2014 “Chap Stewie”

Season 13
232. 13-1 28 September 2014 “The Simpsons Guy” (60 min)
233. 13-2 05 October 2014 “The Book of Joe”
234. 13-3 19 October 2014 “Baking Bad”
235. 13-4 09 November 2014 “Brian the Closer”
236. 13-5 16 November 2014 “Turkey Guys”
237. 13-6 07 December 2014 “The 2000-Year-Old Virgin”
238. 13-7 04 January 2015 “Stewie, Chris & Brian’s Excellent Adventure”
239. 13-8 11 January 2015 “Our Idiot Brian”
240. 13-9 25 January 2015 “This Little Piggy”
241. 13-10 08 February 2015 “Quagmire’s Mom”
242. 13-11 15 February 2015 “Encyclopedia Griffin”
243. 13-12 08 March 2015 “Stewie is Enceinte”
244. 13-13 15 March 2015 “Dr. C and the Women”
245. 13-14 12 April 2015 “#JOLO”
246. 13-15 19 April 2015 “Once Bitten”
247. 13-16 26 April 2015 “Roasted Guy”
248. 13-17 03 May 2015 “Fighting Irish”
249. 13-18 17 May 2015 “Take My Wife”

Season 14
250. 14-1 27 September 2015 “Pilling Them Softly”
251. 14-2 04 October 2015 “Papa Has a Rollin’ Son”
252. 14-3 11 October 2015 “Guy, Robot”
253. 14-4 25 October 2015 “Peternormal Activity”
254. 14-5 08 November 2015 “Peter, Chris, & Brian”
255. 14-6 15 November 2015 “Peter’s Sister”
256. 14-7 22 November 2015 “Hot Pocket-Dial”
257. 14-8 06 December 2015 “Brokeback Swanson”
258. 14-9 13 December 2015 “A Shot in the Dark”
259. 14-10 03 January 2016 “Candy, Quahog Marshmallow”
260. 14-11 10 January 2016 “The Peanut Butter Kid”
261. 14-12 17 January 2016 “Scammed Yankees”
262. 14-13 14 February 2016 “An App a Day”
263. 14-14 21 February 2016 “Underage Peter”
264. 14-15 06 March 2016 “A Lot Going on Upstairs”
265. 14-16 13 March 2016 “The Heartbreak Dog”
266. 14-17 17 April 2016 “Take a Letter”
267. 14-18 08 May 2016 “The New Adventures of Old Tom”
268. 14-19 15 May 2016 “Run, Chris, Run”
269. 14-20 22 May 2016 “Road to India”

Season 15
270. 15-1 25 September 2016 “The Boys in the Band”
271. 15-2 02 October 2016 “Bookie of the Year”
272. 15-3 16 October 2016 “American Gigg-olo”
273. 15-4 23 October 2016 “Inside Family Guy”
274. 15-5 06 November 2016 “Chris Has Got a Date, Date, Date, Date, Date”
275. 15-6 13 November 2016 “Hot Shots”
276. 15-7 20 November 2016 “High School English”
277. 15-8 04 December 2016 “Carter and Tricia”
278. 15-9 11 December 2016 “How the Griffin Stole Christmas”
279. 15-10 08 January 2017 “Passenger Fatty-Seven”
280. 15-11 15 January 2017 “Gronkowsbees”
281. 15-12 12 February 2017 “Peter’s Def Jam”
282. 15-13 19 February 2017 “The Finer Strings”
283. 15-14 05 March 2017 “The Dating Game”
284. 15-15 12 March 2017 “Cop and a Half-Wit”
285. 15-16 19 March 2017 “Saturated Fat Guy”
286. 15-17 26 March 2017 “Peter’s Lost Youth”
287. 15-18 30 April 2017 “The Peter Principal”
288. 15-19 21 May 2017 “Dearly Deported”
289. 15-20 21 May 2017 “A House Full of Peters”

Season 16
290. 16-1 01 October 2017 “Emmy-Winning Episode”
291. 16-2 08 October 2017 “Foxx in the Men House”
292. 16-3 15 October 2017 “Nanny Goats”
293. 16-4 22 October 2017 “Follow the Money”
294. 16-5 05 November 2017 “Three Directors”
295. 16-6 12 November 2017 “The D in Apartment 23”
296. 16-7 19 November 2017 “Petey IV”
297. 16-8 03 December 2017 “Crimes and Meg’s Demeanor”
298. 16-9 10 December 2017 “Don’t Be a Dickens at Christmas”
299. 16-10 07 January 2018 “Boy (Dog) Meets Girl (Dog)”
300. 16-11 14 January 2018 “Dog Bites Bear”
301. 16-12 18 March 2018 “Send in Stewie, Please”
302. 16-13 25 March 2018 “V is for Mystery”
303. 16-14 01 April 2018 “Veteran Guy”
304. 16-15 08 April 2018 “The Woof of Wall Street”
305. 16-16 22 April 2018 “‘Family Guy’ Through the Years”
306. 16-17 29 April 2018 “Switch the Flip”
307. 16-18 06 May 2018 “HTTPete”
308. 16-19 13 May 2018 “The Unkindest Cut”
309. 16-20 20 May 2018 “Are You There God? It’s Me, Peter”

Season 17
310. 17-1 30 September 2018 “Married… with Cancer”
311. 17-2 07 October 2018 “Dead Dog Walking”
312. 17-3 14 October 2018 “Pal Stewie”
313. 17-4 21 October 2018 “Big Trouble in Little Quahog”
314. 17-5 04 November 2018 “Regarding Carter”
315. 17-6 11 November 2018 “Stand By Meg”
316. 17-7 18 November 2018 “The Griffin Winter Games”
317. 17-8 02 December 2018 “Con Heiress”
318. 17-9 09 December 2018 “Pawtucket Pete”
319. 17-10 06 January 2019 “Hefty Shades of Gray”
320. 17-11 13 January 2019 “Trump Guy”
321. 17-12 10 February 2019 “Bri, Robot”
322. 17-13 17 February 2019 “Trans-Fat”
323. 17-14 03 March 2019 “Family Guy Lite”
324. 17-15 10 March 2019 “No Giggity, No Doubt”
325. 17-16 24 March 2019 “You Can’t Handle the Booth”
326. 17-17 31 March 2019 “Island Adventure”
327. 17-18 28 April 2019 “Throw It Away”
328. 17-19 05 May 2019 “Girl, Internetted”
329. 17-20 12 May 2019 “Adam West High”

Season 18
330. 18-1 29 September 2019 “Yacht Rocky”
331. 18-2 06 October 2019 “Bri-Da”
332. 18-3 13 October 2019 “Absolutely Babulous”
333. 18-4 20 October 2019 “Disney’s the Reboot”
334. 18-5 03 November 2019 “Cat Fight”
335. 18-6 10 November 2019 “Peter & Lois’ Wedding”
336. 18-7 17 November 2019 “Heart Burn”
337. 18-8 24 November 2019 “Shanksgiving”
338. 18-9 15 December 2019 “Christmas is Coming”
339. 18-10 05 January 2020 “Connie’s Celica”
340. 18-11 16 February 2020 “Short Cuts”
341. 18-12 23 February 2020 “Undergrounded”
342. 18-13 01 March 2020 “Rich Old Stewie”
343. 18-14 08 March 2020 “The Movement”
344. 18-15 15 March 2020 “Baby Stewie”
345. 18-16 19 April 2020 “Start Me Up”
346. 18-17 26 April 2020 “Coma Guy”
347. 18-18 03 May 2020 “Better Off Meg”
348. 18-19 10 May 2020 “Holly Bibble”
349. 18-20 17 May 2020 “Movin’ In” (Principal Shepherd’s Song)

Season 19
350. 19-1 27 September 2020 “Stewie’s First Word”
351. 19-2 04 October 2020 “The Talented Mr. Stewie”
352. 19-3 11 October 2020 “Boys & Squirrels”
353. 19-4 01 November 2020 “Cutawayland”
354. 19-5 08 November 2020 “La Famiglia Guy”
355. 19-6 15 November 2020 “Meg’s Wedding”
356. 19-7 22 November 2020 “Wild Wild West”
357. 19-8 06 December 2020 “Pawtucket Pat”
358. 19-9 13 December 2020 “The First No L”
359. 19-10 17 January 2021 “Fecal Matters”
360. 19-11 21 February 2021 “Boy’s Best Friend”
361. 19-12 28 February 2021 “And Then There’s Fraud”
362. 19-13 07 March 2021 “PeTerminator”
363. 19-14 14 March 2021 “The Marrying Kind”
364. 19-15 21 March 2021 “Tales of Former Sports Glory”
365. 19-16 28 March 2021 “Customer of the Week”
366. 19-17 “Who’s Brian Now?”
367. 19-18 “The Young Parent Trap”
368. 19-19 “Meg Goes to College”
369. 19-20 “Family Cat”
370. 19-21 “Must Love Dogs”
371. 19-22 “Brief Encounter”
372. 19-23 “Rock Hard”

Info from EpGuides

Other Episode Guides

Back to the Main Family Guy Page

Main Primetime News Page

Family Guy

Primetime TV Review of “Resident Alien”

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

TV Review!

"Resident Alien" on Syfy

“Resident Alien” on Syfy Review by Suzanne 2/5/21

I love this show. Syfy let me see the first 7 episodes because I recently interviewed the star of the show, Alan Tudyk. The first episode is good, but it gets better and better. There were many times I laughed out loud. The story is great, and it has many wonderful characters.

Alan Tudyk (Firefly, Doom Patrol) stars as an alien that crash-lands in the small, snowy town of Patience, Colorado. He finds this doctor in a nearby cabin and kills him, then takes his identity. His mission was to drop a small device that will kill everyone, but he ends up crashing instead. He then has to try to find his spaceship and the pieces of the device, out in the snowy wilderness.

However, the town doctor is found dead, so the alien, now posing as Harry, the doctor, takes over his office temporarily. It’s fun to watch Harry learn how to be human. We also hear his voice-over, which is very funny. There are many characters, but the writing is so good that you don’t get any confusion about who they all are. Harry makes friends with the doctor’s nurse, Asta (Sara Tomko), and her friend D’arcy (Alice Wetterlund), the town bartender. There is also a funny town sheriff, Mike (Corey Reynolds), his deputy Liv (Elizabeth Bowen), the mayor (Levi Fiehler), the mayor’s son, Max (Judah Prehn), and more. Max is the only one in town that can see the alien as he really is.

You’ll notice that the show will remind you of other scifi shows, like “Mork & Mindy,” “Starman,” “Alien Nation” and more. We’ve really never seen a scifi comedy like this one, however. Not only is it a comedy/drama/scifi show, but it’s also a mystery. For each episode, they really leave you wanting more. As the episodes progress, we see that Harry is not alone here and that there are some people who know he’s here (and are not friendly). Linda Hamilton (“The Terminator”) plays a general that’s hunting for the alien.

Asta and her family are native Americans, and it’s great that they showcase them because that’s rare on American TV. Canadian TV shows seem to show them much more often than we do on this side of the border.

If you’re a fan of scifi or comedy, you won’t want to miss this one.

MORE INFORMATION:

‘RESIDENT ALIEN’ BLOOPER REEL & DELETED SCENE REVEALED
 
—Season Finale Airs Wednesday, March 31 at 10/9c—
 
In advance of the season finale, we’re excited to share the hysterical season 1 blooper reel and deleted scene from episode 7.
 

Based on the Dark Horse comic, SYFY’s RESIDENT ALIEN follows Harry, an alien played by Alan Tudyk (“Rogue One,” “Firefly”) that crash lands on Earth and passes himself off as a small-town human doctor. Arriving with a secret mission to kill all humans, Harry starts off living a simple life… but things get a bit rocky when he’s roped into solving a local murder and realizes he needs to assimilate into his new world. As he does so, he begins to wrestle with the moral dilemma of his mission and asking the big life questions like: “Are human beings worth saving?” and “Why do they fold their pizza before eating it?”

From UCP, in association with Amblin TV and Dark Horse Entertainment, RESIDENT ALIEN was adapted to television by executive producer Chris Sheridan (“Family Guy”). Mike Richardson (“Hellboy”) and Keith Goldberg (“The Legend of Tarzan”) of Dark Horse Entertainment (“The Umbrella Academy”), and Justin Falvey (“The Americans”) and Darryl Frank (“The Americans”) of Amblin TV also executive produce. David Dobkin (“Wedding Crashers”) executive produced and directed the pilot. “Resident Alien” also stars Sara Tomko, Corey Reynolds, Alice Wetterlund and Levi Fiehler.

SYFY PICKS UP DARK HORSE COMICS’ ‘RESIDENT ALIEN’ TO SERIES

breaking news | May 30, 2019Alan Tudyk Stars in Series from UCP, with Chris Sheridan Executive Producing Alongside Dark Horse Entertainment and Amblin TV

David Dobkin Executive Produced and Directed the Pilot

NEW YORK, NY – February 28, 2019 — SYFY today announced the series pickup of RESIDENT ALIEN, a comedic drama based on the popular Dark Horse comics series by co-creators Peter Hogan and Steve Parkhouse. From Universal Content Productions (UCP), in association with Amblin TV and Dark Horse Entertainment, the series was adapted to television by executive producer Chris Sheridan (“Family Guy”). Mike Richardson (“Hellboy”) and Keith Goldberg (“The Legend of Tarzan”) of Dark Horse Entertainment (“The Umbrella Academy”), and Justin Falvey (“The Americans”) and Darryl Frank (“The Americans”) of Amblin TV will also executive produce. David Dobkin (“The Judge”) executive produced and directed the pilot.

RESIDENT ALIEN is a twisted and comedic fish-out-of-water story that follows a crash-landed alien named Harry (Alan Tudyk) who, after taking on the identity of a small-town Colorado doctor, slowly begins to wrestle with the moral dilemma of his secret mission on Earth — ultimately asking the question, “Are human beings worth saving?”

Tudyk (“Doom Patrol,” “Rogue One”) is joined by series regulars Sara Tomko (“Once Upon A Time”), Corey Reynolds (“The Closer”), Alice Wetterlund (“People of Earth”) and Levi Fiehler (“Mars”). The series will begin production in Vancouver this summer.

About SYFY
SYFY is a global, multiplatform media brand that gives science fiction fans of all kinds a universe to call home. Celebrating the genre in all its forms, SYFY super-serves passionate fans with original science fiction, fantasy, paranormal and superhero programming, live event coverage and imaginative digital and social content. The brand is powered by SYFY WIRE (www.syfy.com), the premier portal for breaking genre news, insight and commentary. SYFY is a network of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

About UCP
UCP is a premium content studio that operates with a highly curated indie sensibility, while simultaneously leveraging the power and scale of NBCUniversal. As fierce advocates for creators with an eclectic point of view, the UCP team develops pioneering original programming with partners such as Amazon (“Homecoming”), Netflix (“The Umbrella Academy”), Hulu (“The Act”) and YouTube (“Impulse”). In addition, UCP produces high-caliber content for NBCU Cable networks, including Bravo (“Dirty John”), USA (the Emmy® and Golden Globe®-winning drama “Mr. Robot,” the Golden Globe nominated “The Sinner,” “The Purge” and “Suits” ) and SYFY (“Happy!,” and “The Magicians”). UCP’s content library also features 800 hours of award-winning and critically-acclaimed content, including the Emmy Award-winning “Monk,” the Peabody and Hugo Award-winning “Battlestar Galactica” and the Emmy nominated “Psych.”

About Amblin Television:
Amblin Television, a long-time leader in quality programming, is a division of Amblin Partners, a content creation company led by Steven Spielberg. Amblin Television’s co-presidents, Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey, oversee all development, production and programming for the company. Amblin Television currently has thirteen projects in various stages of production including “Bull” and “Tommy” for CBS, “Roswell, New Mexico” for the CW, “The Haunting of Bly Manor” for Netflix – the follow-up chapter to The Haunting of Hill House, “Amazing Stories” for Apple, “Halo” for Showtime, a straight-to-series order for “Brave New World” from USA Network, “Cortes and Moctezuma” for Amazon, “Animaniacs” for Hulu, “Why We Hate” for Discovery, “Resident Alien” for SYFY, and the documentary films “Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind” for HBO and “Laurel Canyon” for Epix.

Some of Amblin Television’s previous credits include the Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning drama “The Americans” for FX, Emmy-nominated HBO movie “All The Way” starring Bryan Cranston, “Smash” for NBC, “Under the Dome” for CBS, “Falling Skies” for TNT, “The Borgias” and “The United States of Tara” for Showtime, and “Las Vegas” for NBC.

About Dark Horse Entertainment:
Dark Horse Entertainment was spun off from founder Mike Richardson’s Dark Horse Comics in 1992. The company’s first major hits—THE MASK and TIMECOP — were based on Richardson’s creations and DHE has since produced over 30 films and series, including an Emmy Award–winning documentary, MR. WARMTH: THE DON RICKLES PROJECT. Recent projects include THE LEGEND OF TARZAN with Warner Bros., the DARK MATTER television series for Syfy network and POLAR, adapted from Victor Santo’s noir graphic novel starring Mads Mikkelsen (Rogue One) at Netflix. Current projects include a reboot of Mike Mignola’s HELLBOY starring David Harbour (Stranger Things) directed by Neil Marshall (The Descent), and THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY, a Netflix original series based on the comics created by Gerard Way (My Chemical Romance) and Gabriel Ba.

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

Back to the Main Reviews Page

The opinions in these articles are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of TVMEG.COM or its other volunteers.

"Resident Alien" on Syfy

Primetime TV Review: “Everyone Is Doing Great”

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

TV Review!

"Everyone Is Doing Great" on HULU

“Everyone Is Doing Great” on HULU Review by Suzanne 1/15/21

I didn’t find this “comedy” to be funny at all, and the characters are bland and unlikable. Also, it has too many awkward scenes. I hate that type of humor. The last thing I want to see is someone being or looking awkward for a half an hour or more. That’s not funny. It’s hard to watch. You have to have funny jokes and/or situations in a comedy. Being weird or awkward is just not enough.

The series is loosely based on the lives of “One Tree Hill” co-stars Stephen Colletti (Seth) and James Lafferty (Jeremy), who also created and wrote the series as well as star in it. In the series, they’re both former actors from a hit vampire TV series called “Eternal,” but now, 5 years later, they can’t find work. We’re supposed to feel sorry for them, I guess, in their mansions with all the drugs and booze they want.

The characters just seem pathetic and whiny to me. I wouldn’t care so much about that, if it were funny, but it’s not. In one scene, Seth has sex with a pillow during an audition. Jeremy, who seems worse than Seth, has trouble having sex with his wife or even masturbating by himself. At the end of the series, he throws up after getting some bad news. Somehow I can’t see any of the actors from “True Blood,” “Vampire Diaries” or “The Originals” acting this way. Part of the problem is that they’ve made it so that Seth and Jeremy were on their shows straight out of college, so they don’t have much experience beyond “Eternal.”  It’s very rare for anyone to cast a newbie as the star of a primetime series, so this premise didn’t work for me.

The actors crowd-funded most of the episodes. They must have some really great fans. Chalk this show up to yet another unfunny HULU show.

MORE INFORMATION:

Seth and Jeremy enjoyed the success of ‘Eternal,’ a hit television vampire drama. Five years after their show has ended, they lean on each other as they awkwardly navigate the perils of life and love in a late coming-of-age.

Trailer

PRINCIPAL CAST INFORMATION:
· James Lafferty as Jeremy
· Stephen Colletti as Seth

CREW INFORMATION:
· Eshom Nelms as EP
· Ian Nelms as EP
· James Lafferty as CRTR/EP
· Johnny Derango as EP
· Michelle Lang as EP
· Ngoc Nguyen as PROD
· Rocque Trem as EP
· Stephen Colletti as CRTR/EP
· Stuart Lafferty as CO-PROD

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

Back to the Main Reviews Page

The opinions in these articles are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of TVMEG.COM or its other volunteers.

Stephen Colletti (Seth) and James Lafferty (Jeremy) in "Everyone Is Doing Great" on HULU

Primetime TV Review: “Mr. Mayor”

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

TV Review!

Mr. Mayor cast

“Mr. Mayor” on NBC Review by Suzanne 1/9/21

This show is created by Tina Fey and her writing/producing partner Robert Carlock (who also did “30 Rock,” “Good News” and “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”) and stars Ted Danson (“The Good Stuff,” “Cheers”). However, it’s not as funny as it could be. I watched the first two episodes. The second episode was funnier (where the Mayor gets stoned), so you do need to stick with it to enjoy it. It’s no “30 Rock” or “The Good Place,” though.

Danson stars as the new mayor of Los Angeles, Neil Bremer. He’s a former retired local businessman, widowed, that got into the race after the previous mayor flamed out in that last horrible year, 2020. Holly Hunter plays a sarcastic city councilwoman, Arpi Meskimen. She reminds me a bit of Tig Notaro’s character in “Star Trek: Discovery.” Mikaela Shaw plays Vella, the mayor’s chief of staff. Others in the mayor’s staff include Mike (Tommy Tomás) and a really annoying dumb guy, Jayden (Bobby Moynihan).

The joke of the show is that the mayor knows nothing about politics, and they’re all worried about what dumb things he’ll do, but really, he’s a bit more savvy than they give him credit for because he’s good with people. He’s softened a bit by his teen daughter, Orly (Kyla Kenedy).

Unless the show gets a lot funnier, I doubt it’ll be a hit. Hunter and Danson are both way too good to be in this sitcom.

MORE INFORMATION:

“Mr. Mayor” follows a retired businessman (Ted Danson) who runs for mayor of Los Angeles to prove he’s “still got it.” Once he wins, he has to figure out what he stands for, gain the respect of his biggest critic (Holly Hunter) and connect with his teenage daughter, all while trying to get anything right for America’s second weirdest city. At our store, we proudly offer the Elf Bar, which promises a smooth and flavorful vaping experience that captivates both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts alike. With the holiday season approaching, the elf bar advent calendar is the perfect way to explore a variety of delicious flavors while enjoying the convenience of vaping.
The series stars Ted Danson, Holly Hunter, Vella Lovell, Mike Cabellon, Kyla Kenedy and Bobby Moynihan.
“Mr. Mayor” is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, Little Stranger, Bevel Gears and 3 Arts Entertainment. Robert Carlock, Tina Fey, Jeff Richmond and David Miner will executive produce. Eric Gurian will serve as a co-executive producer.

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

Back to the Main Reviews Page

The opinions in these articles are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of TVMEG.COM or its other volunteers.

Mr. Mayor cast

Interview with Jason Weems

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

TV Interview!

Jason Weems

Interview with comedian Jason Weems by Suzanne 7/28/20

This interview was done via email. I watched his comedy special. He’s very funny! I hope you can check it out.

1. What age were you when you first started writing jokes or performing?

 

I was 15 or 16 when I first remember writing jokes, and I got my first taste of being on a stage (with a mic in my hand) in front of a crowd in high school. I hosted a fashion show and remember the feeling of getting big laughs from simply sharing my thoughts. It instantly grabbed me, and I fell deeply in love with comedy. It wasn’t until years later in college that I tried my first official attempt at standup. Up until that point I was the host who was surprisingly funny, but there was no pressure because there was no expectation. It’s a completely new level of pressure & expertise required when you’re announced as a comedian and people who paid money actually EXPECT for you to be funny. Let’s just say the first attempt wasn’t very fruitful, LOL.

 

2. Which comedians did you watch growing up and that influenced you?

 

I watched whoever was accessible when I first got into standup. Some of my earliest memories of standup were Comic View on BET and those HBO half-hour specials that used to come on. I was a student to it all though. The Original Kings Of Comedy had a really profound impression on me. I loved everything about that special. The ingenuity, the energy, the creativity, the jewels they dropped, it all was scripture to me. Some of my influences comedically have been Chappelle, Rock, DL Hughley, Jamie Foxx, Robin Harris, Tommy Davidson and I’ve got a ton of peers who I admire and who inspire me.

 

3. Are other people in your family funny as well?

 

Absolutely. No one that has made a website like me or anything, LOL, but definitely funny. My Father is probably my earliest comedic influence. He’s a stoic man to the majority of the world that meets him, but to his family & those closest to him, he’s a straight FOOL !!! He introduced me & my brother to an array of horribly funny movies and moments in life. You know those movies that are so terrible that they’re actually good somehow. I can still clearly remember sitting on the couch with him and my older brother when I was little watching the worst movies and just crying laughing. I’m talking straight weeping with laughter. My wife & kids are in a league of their own and ready for their own sitcom. They’re just waiting on the right money deal to come through. They make me run away laughing its so damn funny.

 

4. Doing standup, do you travel a lot? Is your wife supportive of that?

 

I did a fair amount of traveling pre-Rona, pre-Dying & pre-Fatherhood, but I try to keep it as close to home as possible nowadays. I’m not a big national name just yet (hopefully my new comedy special Unknown changes that), so I really try to make the gigs I take make sense. My family is priority one always for me, so really being selective with my calendar is important. I take my boys to school and pick them up daily. I do homework with them and never miss a thing, so I select shows that support that. Shows that I can drive to and be back home by the morning to get my boys up. The ones I get on a plane for are either career-advancing opportunities or bank account advancing opportunities. Everything else is a hard pass, LOL. Luckily, my wife who is my biggest fan has always supported me in all things comedy. She is in many ways the catalyst that finally made me take the full leap into it.

 

5. Have you gotten much feedback from fans or others since you almost died? Obviously there’s been a lot of press…

 

So much. I’ve had too many meaningful exchanges with folks to remember them all, but there has been a ton of feedback. All positive. Whether its been people commenting on my story who heard Season 3 of First Day Back Podcast where the entire ordeal is masterfully documented by Tally Abecassis, or folks who came to the filming of my latest comedy special Unknown which drops on Amazon August 4th, 2020. A lot of people have reached out sharing their own tales with death & their feelings surrounding it all. I’ve had some really great conversations and connections with folks.

 

6. Did you go to college, and if so, what did you major in?

 

Indeed I did. I attended the mighty Morgan State University here in my beautiful hometown of Baltimore, Maryland. I kind of majored in Elementary Education, but they were tripping, so I took the quick exit and graduated with a degree in Family & Consumer Sciences. Which is a fancy way of saying Home Economics aka “I Wasted 40 Grand Mom & Dad”.

 

7. How many years have you been doing standup?

 

September 27, 2006 is my standup comedy anniversary. So this fall will mark 14 years for me if the world doesn’t self destruct before then.

 

8. Who is the most famous comedian that you’ve met while doing comedy and traveling?

 

I’ve met a lot of famous comics during my years of service, LOL, but hands down it would have to be Dave Chappelle. The funniest thing, it wasn’t even in a comedy environment. It wasn’t at a club, or in Los Angeles or NYC at some late night spot. It was right here in my lovely hometown of Baltimore, Maryland at a fundraiser for his God-brother Ben Jealous who was running as the Democratic nominee for Governor here in Maryland. My wife Dionne Joyner- Weems and one of her closest friends and business partners Shelonda Stokes finagled the opportunity for me to attend and I took full advantage of it. I’m a big fan of still writing by hand, and for buying beautiful blank cards and writing real sentiments to those you love and care for. Dave Chappelle is one of those people for me, so that’s what I did. I found the greatest blank card and spilled all of my thoughts & gratitude for him into it. I wasn’t sure how I was gonna get it in his hands and how it would be received, but I wasn’t leaving that swanky ass garden party without giving one of my greatest inspirations his flowers while he is here. About 30 minutes into the soirée, my wife and I were speaking to the hosts of the event about their lovely home when I saw Chappelle and his publicist Carla Simms walk-in (lovely woman). I gave my wife the “Chappelle and his publicist Carla Simms just walked in eyes” and I broke away from telling the host that his home was lovely, LOL. By the time I made it out to the garden area, Chappelle was already swarmed by everybody and their ancestors. I played it cool, and the universe conspired. A few minutes later, it was as if the comedic forces that govern our world saw fit that we meet. We bumped into each other and got caught into a great quick conversation. We talked about standup briefly, I made him spit laugh, push me and run in the opposite direction which is one of the highest compliments in comedic black culture and I was able to personally hand him my 4 page handwritten card and express to him verbally his impact on my trajectory in life. It was powerful and a moment I’ll always hold close.

 

9. Did your doctors ever tell you why your nebulizer didn’t work well enough that night that you died?

 

That sentiment was never relayed to me exactly. They feel like the most likely culprit was a glass of wine I sipped at the venue prior to going on stage that night in Philly (May 3, 2017). My pulmonologist feels that it was the sulfites found in the wine & even possibly the type of barrel that wine was stored in (my pulmonologist is also a part-time detective). And I had unfortunately already collapsed by the time the folks who tried to assist me hooked my nebulizer up (I need a new pit crew, lol).

 

10. Do you have better control of your asthma now?

 

I feel like I do, but I did on May 3, 2017, too. I take all of my prescribed meds, exercise, eat right and pray, not much more I can do. It’s a scary reality of mine, but my reality nonetheless.

 

11. Is performing in clubs and being on the road bad for your asthma (is there a lot of smoking, for instance)?

 

It can be. Most of the venues I choose to work are pretty good about regulating that type of stuff in the areas the performers are in, but there is of course some of that to a certain degree (even if it’s from peers). The stress of traveling, sleeping in airports, and driving insanely long distances can be detrimental, which is why I avoid it as much as “financially feasible” right now, LOL.

 

12. What plans or preparations have you made since almost dying? For example, seeing a financial planner, etc.

 

Life Insurance was ramped up immediately after & my travel schedule shifted (as outlined in question 4) to accommodate my health concerns. Oh, and I stopped drinking wine IMMEDIATELY !!! #DamnThatWine

 

13. Do you have a bucket list? If so, what’s on it?

 

To not die from asthma. To see every continent. To sell my script & develop my sitcom. To see my kids grow up & their kids grow up. To put out more comedy specials. For this comedy special Jason Weems: Unknown to do something insane that no one ever expected. To secure my kid’s financial futures & their kid’s financial futures from doing what I love. To walk outside without a face mask & damn flame thrower would be nice.

 

14. Have your kids ever heard or seen daddy perform, or are they too young?

 

They have actually seen me two times now. My boys are 8 & 6 (twins). The first time they accompanied me to a show I had at The Kennedy Center while my wife was away for a work retreat. They got to see Daddy in another element as they waited with myself and a few other comics in the green room that night. They sat backstage as I closed the show, and I brought them out on stage to uproarious applause at the end of the night. The second time is when we filmed “Jason Weems: Unknown” before a Sold-Out crowd. That night was electric, and folks can get some of that electricity on August 4th when it begins streaming on Amazon.

 

15. How did you and your wife meet?

 

We met our first day of college on the steps of Holmes Hall at our beloved Morgan State University here in Baltimore. Our relationship grew into a deep friendship as we served in student government together (I was class king & she was class president), and we began dating officially our Junior year. Although everybody said they knew we were together since that first day of college on the steps of Holmes Hall. And we stillllllll together, LOL.

MORE INFO:

Jason Weems

Jason Weems, proud Baltimore native and renowned comic known for his quick wit and drive for life since he died for 5 minutes in 2017, has a brand new hour of comedy coming out at the top of August 2020, on 800 Pound Gorilla Pictures, available everywhere comedy is sold or streamed in both video and audio album format.

Jason Weems is a comedic genius, actor and writer who has been featured on NBC’S Last Comic Standing, Fox and HBO. In 2014, his online series “The Lunchtime Show” premiered on Marlon Wayans’ comedy platform WhatTheFunny.com.

Weems began performing comedy after getting hit extremely hard in JF football; he slid under the opposing team’s bench and his shoes came off. After he got that laugh, the rest is history. He’s always been able to see the humor in anything around him. It took years before he finally found his way to a mic, but he says his first attempt was even funnier than the shoes coming off.

He is a long-time favorite in the DMV who has headlined at premier comedy clubs and festivals nationally, including the exclusive “invitation-only” Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal. Film critics have also recognized Jason’s emotional range in his lead role in the comedic drama, “Wits End”.

JASON WEEMS

Unknown

Unknown

Watch the Trailer

Hour Comedy Special Drops August 4, 2020 on 800 Pound Gorilla Pictures

All PR Inquiries to Kathryn Musilek: km@sharkpartymedia.com

Jason Weems, proud Baltimore native and renowned comic known for his quick wit and drive for life since he died for 5 minutes in 2017, has a brand new hour of comedy, Unknown coming out at the top of August 2020, on 800 Pound Gorilla Pictures, available everywhere comedy is sold or streamed in both video and audio album format. 

On May 3, 2017, Jason Weems died after a stand-up performance in Philadelphia. No pulse. No heartbeat. 5-minutes. He awoke 16-hours later in the hospital labeled as “Unknown”. This life altering experience re-ignited his comedic drive to never allow his life or his talent to be overlooked again. The Guardian and Washington Post spoke to Weems early last year about the event which largely informs the upcoming hour of new material. The New Yorker covered his 6-part series on the award winning podcast, First Day Back as well, which gives listeners an in-depth description of his near-death experience. 

With vast themes including hope, resilience, life & death, Weems finds his way to levity and joy in Unknown.

Jason Weems’ love & spark for comedy goes all the back to his childhood where chronic asthma kept him sidelined from many everyday activities. He spent many days sitting on his apartment steps watching other kids play freely & observing every detail of life. During these times and countless hospitalizations, he discovered his ability to shift the energy in a room with his words and observations. It was a liberating feeling that allowed him to not feel captive to his condition. 

As years went on, he discovered that often the funniest things came from moments that started out misfortunately. Like a moment during his very brief JV high school football playing days, where he was hit so hard that he slid under the opposing team’s bench and lost his shoes (both of them). His embarrassing incident ended up being a go to story around friends, and it brought Weems to realize how much he loved finding the humor even in his most unfortunate moments. 

Years later, his response to his near-death experience was no different. In fact, before Weems even left the hospital he was writing jokes, asking his wife to note them in his cell phone so he wouldn’t forget.

Jason Weems is a comedic genius, actor and writer who has been featured on NBC’S Last Comic Standing, Fox and HBO. In 2014, his online series The Lunchtime Show premiered on Marlon Wayans’ comedy platform WhatTheFunny.com.

He is a long-time favorite in the DMV who has headlined at premier comedy clubs and festivals nationally, including the exclusive “invitation-only” Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal. Film critics have also recognized Jason’s emotional range in his lead role in the comedic drama, Wits End. 

Jason Weems Online:

Website: http://jasonweemscomedy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jasonweemscomedy

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jweemscomedy

Instagram: http://instagram.com/jasonweemscomedy

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/jasonweemscomedy

Photos by Ryan Stevenson

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

Back to the Primetime Articles and Interviews Page

TV Classics and More DVD Guide

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

Page 6 – TV Classics and More

Click on the title to get information about the DVD and to buy it from Amazon. com!

These make great gifts for your favorite TV or movie fan and helps out our site!

Ernie Kovacs DVD coverErnie Kovacs: The Centennial Edition Happy 100th Birthday, ERNIE! To celebrate the 100th birthday of television’s original genius, this collection combines the previously released volumes of groundbreaking, rule-breaking, surreal and charmingly silly comedy of Ernie Kovacs. Included are over 22 hours of decidedly offbeat entertainment from across his many television shows and specials, all of which showcase an utterly unique sensibility that has influenced such comedy institutions as Monty Python and SNL. Featuring: Episodes From His Local And National Morning Shows; Episodes From His NBC Prime-Time Show; Kovacs On Music; Five ABC TV Specials; The Color Version of His Legendary Silent Show, Eugene; His Award-Winning Commercials For Dutch Masters Cigars; Short Films, Tributes, Rarities; 18 Bonus Sketches Featuring Many Of His Most Beloved Characters; 3 Complete Episodes Of His Offbeat Game Show Take A Good Look; A Pony For Chris: His Rare TV Pilot For Medicine Man Co-Starring Buster Keaton; The Lively Arts Featuring The Only Existing Filmed Solo Interview With Ernie Kovacs; and 2011 American Cinematheque Panel

The Beverly Hillbillies: The Official Fifth Season Season five of The Beverly Hillbillies finds the sturdy Clampett The Beverly Hillbillies 5th Season DVD coverclan — Jed (Buddy Ebsen), Elly May (Donna Douglas), Jethro (Max Baer Jr.), and Granny (Irene Ryan) — still retaining their mountain-grown values and essential decency despite Jed’s millionaire status and the family’s luxurious Beverly Hills surroundings. Two of the season’s best plotlines are characteristically manifested in story arcs, spread out over several successive episodes. In the first, Jed is targeted for blackmail by a pair of slick con artists, played by Leon Ames and Gayle Hunnicutt. This is followed by a farcical escapade in which Granny forces a trained gorilla (actually a costumed stunt man, played by George Barrows) to take over the chores at the Clampett estate. Otherwise, season five follows the pattern established in season four of enlivening the traditional Beverly Hillbillies nonsense with choice guest-star appearances. Veteran comic actor Charles Ruggles makes a return appearance as Mr. Farquhar, the skirt-chasing father-in-law of Jed’s banker Milburn Drysdale (Raymond Bailey). Gloria Swanson plays herself in another episode, wherein the Clampetts, acting under the misapprehension that Swanson is broke, bankroll her “comeback” in a brand new silent movie (and no, William Holden did not write the screenplay). And in the episode “The Indians are Coming,” John Wayne makes what must have been the best-publicized “surprise” guest appearance in TV history! But perhaps the most memorable of the guest-star turns is contributed by the voluptuous Joi Lansing, cast as the wife of country singer Lester Flatt. In “Delovely and Scruggs,” Mrs. Flatt is given a Hollywood screen test, with Jed’s bumptious nephew Jethro Bodine (Max Baer Jr.) launching what he hopes will be an illustrious Hollywood career as the test’s director. The Beverly Hillbillies closed out its fifth season on CBS as America’s seventh most popular TV series, indicating that the corn pone-comedy well had not yet run dry!
Cast & Crew: Buddy Ebsen – Jed Clampett; Irene Ryan – Daisy `Granny’ Moses; Donna Douglas – Elly May Clampett; Max Baer Jr. – Jethro Bodine; Raymond Bailey – Milburn Drysdale; Nancy Kulp – Jane Hathaway; and Harriet MacGibbon – Margaret Drysdale.
Specs: Details: Format DVD; Studio Paramount; Flags Suitable for Children; Language English; Release Date 10/02/2018; Region Code 1; Aspect Ratio 1.33:1; Subtitles English; Rating TV-G; Sub Genre Comedy of Manners, Sitcom [TV]; and Themes Fish Out of Water, Rags To Riches.

Outer Limits Season 2 Blu-ray DVD coverThe Outer Limits: Season Two Newly Re-Mastered in HD! The entire first season – 17 Episodes. A four-disc set that controls over 15 hours of transmission from the 1964-1965 series. Guest stars include William Shatner, Adam West, Leonard Nimoy, Robert Duvall, Robert Culp, Eddie Albert, Patrick O’Neal, Dabney Coleman and Robert Webber.
SPECIAL FEATURES: 17 Episodes and 2 Alternates Episodes – All Newly Mastered in HD; THE UNKNOWN – the alternate cut of “The Forms of Things Unknown” intended a pilot for a show that was never broadcast – with an optional audio commentary track by Dr. Reba Wissner; PLEASE STAND BY – the alternate cut of “The Galaxy Being” was the pilot episode shown to ABC executives which later became THE OUTER LIMITS – with an optional commentary track by Film Historian Eric Grayson; AUDIO COMMENTARIES: – SOLDIER by Film Historian David J. Schow; – COOL HANDS, WARM HEART by Film Historian Craig Beam; – BEHOLD ECK! by Film Historian Reba Wissner; – EXPANDING HUMAN by Film Historian Reba Wissner; – DEMON WITH A GLASS HAND by Film Historian Craig Beam; – CRY OF SILENCE by Film Historian Gary Gerani; – CRY OF SILENCE by Film Historian Reba Wissner; – THE INVISIBLE ENEMY by Film Historian Craig Beam; – WOLF 359 by Film Historian Craig Beam; – I, ROBOT by Film Historian David J. Schow; – THE INHERITORS: PART 1 by Film Historians Gary Gerani and Steve Mitchell; – THE INHERITORS: PART 2 by Film Historians Gary Gerani and Steve Mitchell; – KEEPER OF THE PURPLE TWILIGHT by Film Historian David J. Schow; – THE DUPLICATE MAN by Film Historian Tim Lucas; – COUNTERWEIGHT by Film Historian Reba Wissner; – THE PREMONITION by Film Historian Tim Lucas; 12 TNT PROMOS with Robert Culp, Harlan Ellison, Martin Landau, Cliff Robertson, William Shatner and Leslie Stevens; DAVID J. SCHOW – Showtime Interview; THE OUTER LIMITS PHENOMENON; PENN & TELLER TNT Host Segments; CLIFF ROBERTSON – THE GALAXY BEING – Full TNT Interview; JOSEPH STEFANO – Full TNT Interview (64:07); JOANNA FRANK – ZZZZZ – Full TNT Interview; TNT Interview with Casting Director Meryl O’Loughlin; ANTHONY LAWRENCE Interview; CREATURE FEATURES with DAVID J. SCHOW; The Museum of Television & Radio’s William S. Paley Television Festival – The Outer Limits – March 10, 2000 – with guests David M. Schow, Robert H. Justman, Lou Morheim, Conrad L. Hall, Martin Landau, Joseph Stefano (73:09); PROJECT UNLIMITED – Commentary by David J. Schow; WHAT’S NEW ON ABC? – 1963 Promo with Edie Adams; 5 TV SPOTS; and THERE IS STILL NOTHING WRONG WITH YOUR TELEVISION SET – Booklet Essay by David J. Schow.

Alice: The Complete Eighth Season Alice’s eighth season starts with a bang as a distant relative of Jolene’s (Celia Alice the Complete Eighth Season DVD coverWeston) comes visiting, straight from Hazzard County! Boss Hogg (Sorrell Booke) himself arrives, with Enos (Sonny Shroyer) in tow, and faster than you can say “Beau and Luke Duke,” he’s tricked Mel (Vic Tayback) out of his beloved diner. Good thing “good ol’ gal” Alice (Linda Lavin) has a plan to get it back. Florence Henderson stops by as Sarah James, the singing-star girl of Mel’s dreams, who stuns the staff when she sweeps him off his feet. Martha Raye makes a number of return visits as Mel’s mom, Carrie, while the staff gears up for a big event – Vera (Beth Howland) gets hitched to her boy in blue, local cop Elliot (Charles Levin)! This 3-disc, 24-episode collection contains the entire eighth season, including the seventh-season-produced episodes Jolene Lets the Cat Out of the Bag and Vera’s Secret Lover, which aired in season eight.

Hey Arnold the Complete Collection DVD coverHey Arnold!: The Ultimate Collection Keeping your feelings a secret is so last decade! Now, for the first time ever, you can shout your love from the rooftop of the nearest boarding home with Hey Arnold!:The Ultimate Collection, featuring all 99 stories from the show, Hey Arnold: The Movie and Hey Arnold!: The Jungle Movie!
What are you waiting for? Move it, Football Head! Bonus Content Includes: Hey Arnold! The Pilot; Original Claymation Short: Arnold Escapes from Church; Drawing Arnold; The Jungle Movie: Table Read; and Unboxing the Original Jungle Movie Development Art.

The Time Tunnel: The Complete Series Blu-ray All region BR release for the 1st time. New 5. 1 surround soundTime Tunnel Complete Series Blu-ray DVD cover mixes provide an extraordinary new depth to the audio. A 1080 HD 1:33:1 spec. Digitally enhanced to significantly improve the picture quality & increase depth of field, making it far superior to the existing DVD. All 30 episodes to be restored to their original uncut format & broadcast order. Packed full of bonus material including the original unaired pilot, interviews with the cast, the TV movie from 1976, the unaired 2002 TV pilot and more… Will contain a brand new booklet, written in association with the world s most prominent & knowledgeable Irwin Allen devotees, The Irwin Allen News Network. Special Features: Original Unaired Pilot Episode (HD Version) 2002 Unaired TV Pilot Time Travelers TV Movie Cast Interviews Irwin Allen s Behind-The-Scenes Home Movies UK Edit (No Audio) Promotional TV & Radio Spots Visual Effects Camera Test (No Audio) Stills Galleries. Tech Info: VIDEO*: 1080P HIGH DEFINITION 16×9 1:33 / COLOUR AUDIO*: ORIGINAL MFahrenheit 11/9 DVD coverONO + NEW 5. 1 / ENGLISH *FEATURE EPISODES ONLYTech Info: VIDEO*: 1080P HIGH DEFINITION 16×9 1:33 / COLOUR AUDIO*: ORIGINAL MONO + NEW 5. 1 / ENGLISH *FEATURE EPISODES ONLY

Fahrenheit 11/9 Hailed as “Michael Moore’s most powerful film yet” (Sophia A. McClennen, Salon), Fahrenheit 11/9 is a provocative and comedic look at the times in which we live. It will explore the two most important questions of the Trump Era: How the f**k did we get here, aShakespeare Uncovered Series 3 DVD covernd how the f**k do we get out?

Shakespeare Uncovered: Series 3 Series 3 includes six films with new hosts as they weave their personal passions with history and analysis to tell the stories behind the stories of Shakespeare’s famous works.: Much Ado About Nothing (Helen Hunt); The Merchant of Venice (F. Murray Abraham); Measure for Measure (Romola Garai); Julius Caesar (Brian Cox); The Winter s Tale (Simon Russell Beale); Richard III (Antony Sher).

The Invaders Complete Series DVD coverThe Invaders: The Complete Series Architect David Vincent (Roy Thinnes) has stumbled upon a terrifying secret…aliens from a doomed planet are infiltrating the Earth! After witnessing their spaceship land, Vincent tries to warn the authorities, who believe he’s crazy or have already been compromised by the Invaders, who take on human form. As Vincent learns more about the aliens and their plans to take over the earth, he becomes their greatest threat. Now a target of the aliens, our hero, along with believer and millionaire Edgar Scoville (Ken Smith), races to stop the invasion and save the human race. From the producers of The Fugitive, Cannon and Streets of San Francisco, The Invaders, The Complete Series, features all 43 episodes of the The Jackie Gleason Show: In Color DVD coveroriginal, suspense-filled series, plus special features and commentary by the series creator.

The Jackie Gleason Show: In Color From 1966-1970, Gleason, everyone’s favorite working-class hero, entertained enthralled audiences across the country with his eponymous TV Variety Show featuring hilarious sketches, celebrity guest stars and much more. Taped in beautiful Miami Beach, The Jackie Gleason Show delivered an unforgettable gallery of characters Gleason himself created and fine-tuned, including his most indelible and legendary creation — Ralph Kramden — as he and Art Carney revived their Honeymooners roles (with Sheila MacRae and Jane Kean added as the new Alice and Trixie), all presented in glorious color for the first time.

Back to the Main Holiday Guide Page

Back to the Main Store Page

TV Comedies DVD Guide

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

Page 3 – TV Comedies

Click on the title to get information about the DVD and to buy it from Amazon. com!

These make great gifts for your favorite TV or movie fan and helps out our site!

Family Guy Season 16 DVDFamily Guy “Family Guy” Season Sixteen Comes to DVD December 4. In its 16th season, “Family Guy” continues to entertain its die-hard fans with razor-sharp humor, spot-on parodies, awesome animation and orchestra-backed original music. Guest voices this season include Sir Ian McKellen, Ryan Reynolds, Amanda Seyfried, Sofia Vergara, Julie Bowen, Ty Burrell and Danny Trejo. The season also includes the long-running series’ 300th episode and an Emmy® winning performance from Alex Borstein* for the episode “Nanny Goats.” *2018: Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance; “Family Guy”
SPECIAL FEATURES Extended episode animatic with commentary and deleted scenes
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Screen Format:Widescreen 1:78:1; Audio: English Dobly Digital 5.1, Spanish Dolby Digital 2.0 Subtitles:English SDH, Spanish, French
Total Run Time:Approx. 448 minutes U.S. Rating: TV-MA

The Orville Season 1 From Emmy®* Award-winning executive producer and creator Seth MacFarlane (“Family The Orville Season One DVD coverGuy,” Ted, “Cosmos: A SpaceTime Odyssey”), “The Orville” is a live-action, one-hour space adventure series set 400 years in the future that follows The U.S.S. Orville, a mid-level exploratory spaceship. Its crew, both human and alien, face the wonders and dangers of outer space, while also dealing with the problems of everyday life. The ensemble series stars MacFarlane as the ship’s Captain, Ed Mercer, and Adrianne Palicki (“Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” “Friday Night Lights”) as his ex-wife, who’s assigned as his First Officer. Additional cast members include Penny Johnson Jerald (“24,” “The Larry Sanders Show”), Scott Grimes (“American Dad!,” “Justified”), Peter Macon (“Shameless,” “Bosch”), Halston Sage (Neighbors, Goosebumps), J Lee (“American Dad!,” “The Cleveland Show”), Mark Jackson (“That Royal Today”) and Chad L. Coleman (“The Walking Dead,” “The Wire”).
*2002, 2016, 2017: Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance; “Family Guy” 2002: Outstanding Music and Lyrics; “Family Guy”
SPECIAL FEATURES “The Orville” at PaleyFest 2018; Inside Look; Directed By; The First Six Missions; Designing the Future; “The Orville” Takes Flight; The Science of “The Orville:” Quantum Drive; The Science of “The Orville:” Alien Life; Crafting Aliens; A Better Tomorrow
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Street Date: December 11, 2018 Screen Format: Widescreen 1.78:1 Audio: English Dolby Digital 5.1; Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French Total Run Time: Approx. 526 minutes; U.S. Rating: TV-14

The Big Bang Theory Season 11 DVD coverThe Big Bang Theory: Season 11 Leonard and Sheldon are brilliant physicists – geniuses in the laboratory but socially challenged everywhere else. Enter beautiful, street-smart neighbor Penny, who aims to teach them a thing or two about life. Despite their on-again, off-again relationship in the past, Leonard and Penny have finally gotten married. Even Sheldon has found a female companion, entering into a “relationship agreement” with neurobiologist Amy Farrah Fowler, and he recently took their relationship to the next level by proposing marriage. In their free time, Leonard and Sheldon enjoy fantasy role-playing games with their ever-expanding universe of friends, including fellow scientists Raj, Howard and Howard’s adorable microbiologist wife, Bernadette, who is adjusting to life Modern Family Season 9 DVD coverwith their new baby girl.

Modern Family: Season 9  Telling the story of three generations of the Pritchett clan, centered around Jay (Ed O’Neill) and his kids Claire (Julie Bowen) and Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson), and their respective families, Modern Family was, for all intents and purposes, an instant hit with critics and viewers (earning five Best Comedy Emmys in its first five seasons.) A single-camera sitcom without a laugh track, this mockumentary series (complete with talking head interviews with the family) blends together three types of relationships and the good times and struggles that come with them, with a heaping helping of heart, to create a genuine feel-good show with a good amount of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphis Season 12 DVD coverlaughs.

It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia: The Complete Season 12 FXX’s original comedy series IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA is back for a 12th season featuring everyone’s favorite bar owners! The Gang returns to Paddy’s Pub with Mac (Rob McElhenney), Dennis (Glenn Howerton), Charlie (Charlie Day), Dee (Kaitlin Olson) and Frank (Danny DeVito). This season, the gang goes to a waterpark, deals with a Wolf Cola PR nightmare, and actually spends a whole day tending bar!IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA was created by Rob McElhenney. He also serves as Executive Producer along with Glenn Howerton, Charlie Day, Michael Rotenberg, Nick Frenkel, Tom Lofaro, Scott Marder and David Hornsby. The show is produced by FX Productions.IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA is distributed by 20th Century Fox Television Distribution.

Community – The Complete SeriesCommunity The Complete Series DVD cover Community is a smart, exuberant comedy that was consistently ranked as one of the most inventive and original half hours on television. This ensemble comedy centers on a tight-knit group of friends who all met at what is possibly the world’s worst educational institution – Greendale Community College.
Recently disbarred lawyer Jeff Winger enrolls to get a legit degree the quickest and easiest way possible, but when he starts a fake Spanish study group solely for the purpose of hooking up with a sexy classmate, he doesn t expect to be joined by a random group of misfit fellow students. Over the course of the next 6 years, this group finds themselves involved in epic paintball battles, chicken finger conspiracies, sci-fi conventions, campus-wide pillow wars, and everything in-between. In the process, they become so much more than just a study group…they become a family.
“Community is mercilessly snarky and also surprisingly charming” – Alessandra Stanley, The New York TimesAmerican Dad Vol. 13 DVD cover
Starring: Joel McHale (The Happytime Murders), Gillian Jacobs (Netflix’s Love), Danny Pudi (Star Trek: Beyond), Alison Brie (Netflix’s GLOW), Ken Jeong (The Hangover Trilogy), Yvette Nicole Brown (ABC’s The Mayor), Jim Rash (The Way Way Back), Donald Glover (FX’s Atlanta), and Chevy Chase (SNL, Caddyshack).

American Dad! Volume 13 Celebrate the wit, wisdom and wild absurdity of your favorite all-American family with this all-new collection of American Dad! Episodes. Crammed with celebrity guest voices including Susan Sarandon, Jennifer Coolidge, Alfred Molina, Allison Janney, and Danny Trejo, this sidesplitting assortment finds Stan shooting his mouth off in the Old West, Francine transformed into a sexy super-spy, Steve spellbound by a book of witchcraft, Jeff reborn as a full human, and Roger having a very fishy affair…with Klaus!

Better Things Season 2 DVD coverBetter Things: The Complete 2nd Season BETTER THINGS centers on Sam Fox (Pamela Adlon), a single, working actor with no filter raising her three daughters, Max (Mikey Madison), Frankie (Hannah Alligood) and Duke (Olivia Edward) in Los Angeles.She’s mom, dad, referee and the cops. Sam also watches out for her mother, Phil (Celia Imrie), an English expatriate, who lives across the street. Sam is flawed and fierce with her love for her daughters, and her own mother as well, sometimes heaping the love on when Seinfeld Complete Festivusshe feels guilty. Sam’s just trying to earn a living, navigate her daughters’ lives, have fun with a friend or two and also – just maybe – squeeze in some private time once in a while. Adlon directed all 10 episodes of the second season. BETTER THINGS won a Peabody Award in 2016 for its first season.

Seinfeld Complete Series: Limited Festivus Celebration Edition w/ Party Pack It’s a Festivus Miracle! This Complete Series Limited Edition DVD set includes all 180 episodes, over 104 hours of amazing extras, plus everything you need to throw your own Festivus party! Start planning now for Festivus on December 23rd!

Back to the Main Holiday Guide Page

Back to the Main Store Page