Tag: Paramount

Beyond the Gates Cast

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

Beyond The Gates Season 1 Table Read (cast and crew of the show) - photo from paramountpressexpress.com

 

QUICK GLANCE CAST LIST:

Joey Armstrong – Jon Lindstrom
Derek Baldwin – Ben Gavin
Pamela Curtis – Cady McCain
Anita Dupree – Tamara Tunie
Dani Dupree – Karla Mosley
Vernon Dupree – Clifton Davis
Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson – Daphnee Duplaix
Andre Hamilton – Sean Freeman
Bill Hamilton – Timon Durrett
Chelsea Hamilton – RhonniRose Mantilla
Jacob Hawthorne – Jibre Hordges
Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne – Arielle Prepetit
Hayley Lawson – Marquita Goings
Vanessa McBride – Lauren Buglioli
Ashley Morgan – Jen Jacob
Tomas “Tom” Navarro – Alex Alegria
Katherine “Kat” Richardson – Colby Muhammad
Martin Richardson – Brandon Claybon
Ted Richardson – Maurice Johnson
Bradley “Smitty” Smith – Mike Manning
Dana “Leslie” Thomas – Trisha Mann-Grant
Eva Thomas – Ambyr Michelle

CHARACTER PROFILES

Tamara Tunie stars as Anita Dupree in "Beyond the Gates" on CBS daytime and Paramount+.Tamara Tunie stars as Anita Dupree, matriarch of the family. A famous singer back in the day, Anita worked hard for her success, and raised two daughters with her now-retired senator husband. But underneath her glamorous and refined exterior is a fierceness she gained from her humble beginnings in Chicago.

Tamara Tunie is a seasoned daytime star appearing on “As the World Turns” for many years. Also, she originated the role of medical examiner Dr. Melinda Warner with a now landmark 23 seasons on the legendary series “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” In addition, she has held recurring roles on shows including BLUE BLOODS, THE GOOD WIFE and ELEMENTARY for the Network.Daphnee Duplaix stars as Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson in "Beyond the Gates" on CBS daytime and on Paramount+.

Daphnee Duplaix stars as Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson, daughter of Anita, and Dani’s sister, Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson is a high-achieving and competitive philanthropist and psychiatrist, and exudes warmth, empathy and compassion. Nicole’s success in life extends to her marriage to her surgeon husband. She has the perfect life 
 from the outside.

Daphnee Duplaix boasts an illustrious acting career that has spanned over two decades, most notably earning her an NAACP Award nomination for her outstanding portrayal of Rachel Gannon on “One Life to Live.”

Clifton Davis stars as Vernon Dupree in "Beyond the Gates" on CBS daytime and on Paramount+.Clifton Davis stars as Vernon Dupree, the Dupree family patriarch married to Anita and father to Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson and Dani Dupree. A venerable former senator, Vernon is gentle, humble and generous with his knowledge and experience. Retired now, Vernon was at the forefront of the civil rights movement.

Clifton Davis is a veteran actor with a 60-year career that spans television, film, Motown and nine Broadway shows. His most recent recurring roles include the series “Clipped,” “Godfather of Harlem” and MADAM SECRETARY on the Network. Recently on Broadway he played Dr. Dillamond in “Wicked” and originated the role of The Sultan in “Aladdin.” Davis is a Tony Award nominee for “Two Gentlemen of Verona,” a Theatre World Award winner for the Gershwin Review “Do It Again” and a GRAMMY nominee for writing “Never Can Say Good-bye” for The Jackson 5.Karla Mosley stars as Dani Dupree in "Beyond the Gates" on CBS daytime and on Paramount+.

Karla Mosley stars as Dani Dupree, Anita’s other daughter, and a former model turned momager who gave up her career for love. Dani was the Dupree family wild child. Free-spirited, headstrong and uninhibited, she dropped out of school to pursue a high-flying modeling career and she has always marched to the beat of her own drum.

Karla Mosley starred as Maya Avant Forrester on THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL, for which she was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. Additional credits include “Guiding Light,” “Gossip Girl,” “Hart of Dixie,” “Deadly Cheer Mom” and “Burn After Reading.”

 

THE RICHARDSONS

Maurice Johnson stars as Ted Richardson, Brandon Claybon stars as Martin Richardson, Colby Muhammad stars as Katherine “Kat” Richardson and Sean Freeman stars as Andre Hamilton in "Beyond the Gates" on CBS daytime and on Paramount+.

Maurice Johnson stars as Ted Richardson, Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson’s husband and father to Martin and Katerine “Kat”. Ted is a brilliant plastic surgeon with an ultra-exclusive private practice and women clamor to put their faces and bodies in what they call his blessed hands. Ted has created an impeccable life with his wife – whom he loves passionately – and sleeps well at night, secure that his past will never disrupt his perfect world.

Maurice Johnson’s credits include “Chicago Fire,” “Good Girls” and “To Catch a Killer.”

Brandon Claybon stars as Martin Richardson, Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson and Ted Richardson’s son and older brother of Katherine “Kat” Richardson. Martin is a congressman who lives outside “the gates” in a Washington, D.C., brownstone with his husband and two adopted children. Following his grandfather’s path into politics, he has ambition to be the first openly gay Black President.

Brandon Claybon’s credits include “Grey’s Anatomy,” Tyler Perry’s “Zatima,” and “General Hospital.”

Colby Muhammad stars as Katherine “Kat” Richardson, Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson and Ted Richardson’s miracle baby. She is the younger sister of Martin Richardson and lives in her parents’ guest house. Kat’s been indulged all her life, which has made her spoiled, entitled and dismissive of those she considers beneath her. She’s confident and secure and has never doubted herself or her privileged position in the world. She doesn’t like to share but doesn’t know that the day when she is forced to may be fast approaching.

Colby Muhammad recently starred in the first national tour of the Broadway hit play “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding.”

Sean Freeman stars as Andre Hamilton, the sophisticated nephew of Ted Richardson. Andre tragically lost his parents in a plane crash and inherited a double fortune, which allows him to live his bliss as a photographer. Nicole and Ted stepped up for Andre when his parents died, and he depends on their support and wise counsel. A playboy who is smooth on the surface, there is something elusive about Andre that occasionally makes people question his intentions.

Sean Freeman’s credits include “Finding Happy,” “Tales” and “Boxed In.”

THE HAMILTONS

Timon Durrett stars as Bill Hamilton, Arielle Prepetit stars as Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne, RhonniRose Mantilla stars as Chelsea Hamilton, and Marquita Goings stars as Hayley Lawson in "Beyond the Gates" on CBS daytime and on Paramount+.

Timon Durrett stars as Bill Hamilton, Dani Dupree’s ex-husband and father to Naomi and Chelsea. Bill is an opportunist, publicity hound and narcissist, according to his ex-wife, Dani. He is a charismatic and calculated criminal defense attorney who is well-connected, well-received and gets what he wants by any means necessary.

Timon Durrett’s credits include “Cheaper by the Dozen,” “Queen Sugar” and “Stuck with You.”

Arielle Prepetit stars as Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne, Dani Dupree and Bill Hamilton’s oldest daughter and Chelsea’s older sister. Naomi lives outside “the gates” in Washington, D.C., where she humbly serves as a civil attorney. She’s whip smart and the only one in the Dupree family who inherited her grandmother Anita Dupree’s gift for singing, which bonds them.

Arielle Prepetit’s credits include “BMF,” “Found” and “The System.”

RhonniRose Mantilla stars as Chelsea Hamilton, Dani Dupree and Bill Hamilton’s youngest daughter and Naomi’s younger sister. Chelsea is a social media influencer and has been a successful but reluctant high fashion model since she was 18. Her career expertly guided by Dani, Chelsea is charged with recreating the life her mother gave up, which doesn’t fit her own life vision. She has a lot of money, which allows her to follow her dream of designing a line of purses and building her brand. Chelsea indulges in the good things in life, like beautiful people, parties, her new condo in D.C. and the freedom to experiment.

RhonniRose Mantilla recently starred in “Harmony the Musical” on Broadway.

Marquita Goings stars as Hayley Lawson, a paralegal at Bill Hamilton’s firm. Hayley is gorgeous, intelligent, charming, witty and the new fiancĂ©e of Dani Dupree’s ex-husband, Bill Hamilton. Considered a husband-stealing tramp in Dani’s circle, Hayley is nothing if not confident. With time, patience, charm and effort, she will try to win them over – and if not, so what? Hayley has what matters: Bill.

Marquita Goings’ credits include “Woke” and Tyler Perry’s “Zatima.”

THE THOMASES

Trisha Mann-Grant stars as Dana “Leslie” Thomas and Ambyr Michelle stars as Eva Thomas in "Beyond the Gates" on CBS daytime and on Paramount+.

Trisha Mann-Grant stars as Dana “Leslie” Thomas, Eva Thomas’ mom and a long-time waitress and bartender. Dana “Leslie” is not wrapped all that tight and intense, but she’s charming and easy out in the world. The only person who sees what’s disturbing about her is her daughter, Eva, and very soon all will see what is unsettling about her, too.

Trisha Mann-Grant’s credits include “Family Business” and “A Royal Christmas Surprise.”

Ambyr Michelle stars as Eva Thomas, Dana “Leslie” Thomas’ daughter and Nicole Dupree Richardson’s new assistant, who vibrates with intensity and purpose. Eva is determined to right a grievous wrong done to her mother as soon as the opportunity presents itself.

Ambyr Michelle’s credits include “The Runarounds,” “Running Point” and “Snowfall.”

OTHERS

Jibre Hordges stars as Jacob Hawthorne, Mike Manning stars as Bradley “Smitty” Smith, Jen Jacob stars as Ashley Morgan, Ben Gavin stars as Derek Baldwin, Lauren Buglioli stars as Vanessa McBride and Alex Alegria stars as Tomas “Tom” Navarro in "Beyond the Gates" on CBS daytime and on Paramount+.

Jibre Hordges stars as Jacob Hawthorne, Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne’s husband and a robbery/homicide detective with the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia. Jacob hails from a family of law enforcement. He is proud of his wife, the family he comes from, serving the community and seeking justice for victims.

Jibre Hordges’ credits include “Grown-ish,” “9-1-1” and “The Resident.”

Mike Manning stars as Bradley “Smitty” Smith, husband to Congressman Martin Richardson and father to teenagers Tyrell and Samantha. A former political reporter turned househusband, Smitty is a fantastic dad who has guided his children with warmth and good humor. Smitty is thinking of resuming his writing career but is hesitant to tell Martin, who likes their home life the way it is.

Mike Manning’s credits include “The Bay,” “Days of Our Lives” and “This Is Us.”

Jen Jacob stars as Ashley Morgan, Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne’s best friend, who is the only child of a young single mother. Ashley was a latchkey kid who has never been afraid of rolling up her sleeves. She is a nurse at Washington D.C.’s Garland Memorial Hospital and has the perfect temperament for her profession – positive, cheerful, brisk, resourceful and independent. She can be serious but is also fun-loving with a smile that lights up a room. Jen

Jacob’s credits include “The Union” and “Law & Order: Organized Crime.”

Ben Gavin stars as Derek Baldwin, a devoted firefighter in a relationship with Ashley Morgan and best friend to Jacob Hawthorne. Derek is fearless, holds nothing back and goes into a zone when he fights fire – which is almost personal for him rather than just a professional calling. Incredibly handy, Derek can fix almost anything.

Ben Gavin’s credits include “Super 8,” “The Dark Tower,” “My Christmas Love” and “Missing at 17.” His recent roles include the films “A Place Called Home,” “Going for Two” and “Winterset.”

Lauren Buglioli stars as Vanessa McBride, a high-end real estate agency owner who specializes in luxury property and is neighbors with Dani Dupree and best friend to Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson. The mother of twins, Vanessa is in a loveless marriage with her high school sweetheart.

Lauren Buglioli’s credits include “Bad Monkey,” “Florida Man” and “A Jazzman’s Blues.”

Alex Alegria stars as Tomas “Tom” Navarro, a handsome and confident young attorney at Bill Hamilton’s law firm. Tomas has an eye for Katherine “Kat” Richardson.

Alex Alegria’s credits include CSI and “Gossip Girl.”

Cady McClain stars as Pamela Curtis, an old friend of Dani’s. They get into some trouble.

Cady McClain’s is most known for her role as Dixie Cooney on “All My Children,” as well as other soap roles:  Rosanna on “As The World Turns,” Kelly on “The Young and The Restless,” and Jennifer on “Days of Our Lives.” She won 3 daytime Emmys for her work. More Info

Jon Lindstrom stars as Joey Armstrong, a bit of an entrepreneur in a kind way. Joey comes from the other side of the tracks. He has fought his way up in many ways, but he’s never lost his charm. But Joey runs a casino, which, if you’ve ever been inside a casino, you know a casino is kind of like what a bar is to an alcoholic. So, people can get into a lot of trouble around Joey, and Joey doesn’t like trouble. He knows how to end trouble, but he doesn’t like trouble.

Jon Lindstrom has played many roles on soaps, including his current role as Kevin on “General Hospital.” He’s also a best-selling author and has appears in many movies and primetime TV shows. More info

MORE INFO AT THE WIKI

List updated 3/3/25

 

Table read with some of the cast of "Beyond the Gates" on CBS/Paramount+

All info is from CBS/Paramount.

All Our Cast Lists

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Beyond the Gates News

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

Episode #1.001 Coverage of the CBS Original Series BEYOND THE GATES will premiere Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, and air weekdays (2:00-3:00 PM, ET; 1:00-2:00 PM, PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+*. Pictured: Daphnee Duplaix as Nicole Dupree Richardson and Tamara Tunie as Anita Dupree. Photo: Quantrell Colbert/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

 

NEWS AND INFORMATION!

Scoops and Spoilers

Note: Dates mentioned may not be accurate due to pre-emptions.

From CBS

Monday, 4/14/25: Kat’s birthday celebration stirs hidden tensions, Bill and Hayley confront an unexpected turning point, and Dani struggles with heartbreak she can’t quite leave behind.

Tuesday, 4/15/25: Naomi’s unexpected legal maneuver rattles her fragile peace with Bill, Tyrell’s crisis pits Martin and Smitty’s parenting styles against each other, and Dani’s escalating struggles pull Andre further into her dangerous orbit.

Wednesday, 4/16/25: Dani hopes to rekindle her lost spark with Pamela’s help, Martin and Smitty face new hurdles protecting Tyrell, and Nicole and Ted confront lingering issues in their marriage as they prepare to celebrate a relationship milestone.

Thursday, 4/17/25: Naomi’s renewed push for a game-changing settlement stirs tension with Bill, Tyrell’s escalating bullying battle forces Martin to reconsider his parental approach, and Samantha’s modeling ambitions spark a bold plan with Kat and Chelsea.

Friday, 4/18/25: Vanessa’s bond with Joey challenges her marriage, Naomi arranges a family outing to support Anita, and Dani contemplates a grand comeback in fashion with a bold new venture at Pamela’s side.

Soap Opera Digest Info

Older News

 

From CBS

Monday, 3/31/25: Vanessa and Joey talk more than houses, Kat and Eva face off, Dani gives Chelsea her input, Bill goes behind Naomi’s back, and Andre avoids Ashley.

Tuesday, 4/1/25: Dani gets an unexpected visitor. Naomi takes control of her case. Jacob takes a stand against Detective Malone.

Wednesday, 4/2/25: Bill admits why he really came to see Dani. Ashley and Derek invite Andre over for dinner. Elsewhere, Jacob and Naomi struggle with moral dilemmas.

Thursday, 4/3/25: Randy has questions for Doug. Nicole crashes Vanessa’s business meeting. Bill and Naomi go head-to-head.

Friday, 4/4/25: Andre begins interviews for his documentary. Chelsea has a change of heart. Meanwhile, Nicole drops a bombshell on Vanessa.

Monday 3/24/25: Joey gets into business with Vanessa; Jacob causes trouble for Marcel; Chelsea considers her pivot from model to designer; and Kat and Tomas grow closer.

Tuesday 3/25/25: Dani struggles emotionally; Vernon confronts Martin; Chelsea reveals her plans; and Naomi makes a big decision.

Wednesday 3/26/25: Dani reacts to Chelsea’s confession; Bill challenges Naomi; Tomas confides in Kat; and Smitty wonders what else Martin is hiding from him.

Thursday 3/27/25: Leslie tries to help Eva; Kat hatches a scheme of her own; Martin and the family worry about Tyrell; Smitty confronts Martin; and Marcel is nice to Jacob…too nice.

Friday 3/28/25: Vanessa is suspicious of Doug and Joey; Leslie and Ted go head-to-head; Kat sets a trap for Eva; and Tyrell confides in Samantha.

From CBS

Monday, 3/17/25: Pam helps Dani clean up her mess; Hayley confronts Dani; Ashley and Derek get things back on track; and Dani and Andre lean on each other.

Tuesday, 3/18/25: Naomi gets a case that might be too close to home; Kat gets territorial; and Jacob and Marcel go on a stakeout.

Wednesday, 3/19/25: Andre finds Dani; Ted and Nicole make anniversary plans; Leslie schemes with Eva; and Ashley vents to Jan about her situation with Derek and Andre.

*Please note, Thursday (March 20) and Friday (March 21) episodes are preempted for the NCAA tournament.

Monday, 3/10/25: Dani makes a confession, Doug tries to get out of a sticky situation, Leslie comes face to face with Ted, and Naomi confronts Jacob.

Tuesday, 3/11/25: Dani crashes Nicole’s interview, Eva bonds with Ted, Tomas shows interest in Kat, and Jacob meets his new partner.

Wednesday, 3/12/25: Martin makes a deal with Smitty, Joey ropes Doug into a backroom game, Diego gets territorial over Vanessa, Derek interrupts Andre’s moment with Ashley, and Leslie questions Eva’s loyalty.

Thursday, 3/13/25: Vernon gets wind of Martin’s next move, Ted gets in Leslie’s way, Naomi pleads with Dani to be civil, and the family attends Nicole’s award ceremony.

Friday, 3/14/25: Nicole suspects Dani is up to something, Kat and Tomas heat things up, and Andre tries to hide his interest in Ashley.

Monday, 3/3/25: Chelsea goes live; Leslie reveals a secret about Eva; Ashley and Andre team up to help a patient; and Bill convinces Haley to persevere.

Tuesday, 3/4/25: Smitty questions Martin; Ashley and Andre bond; Derek feels insecure in his relationship; and the Dupree family hold a press conference.

Wednesday, 3/5/25: Doug gives in to temptation; Vanessa flirts with Diego; Jacob feels guilty; Eva meets Ted; and Kat and questions Leslie about Laura.

Thursday, 3/6/25: Chelsea has a moment with her friend’s wife; Kat is suspicious of Eva; Martin confronts Smitty; Dani confronts Hayley; and Andre stirs the pot on Derek and Ashley’s double date night.

Friday, 3/7/25: Jacob alleviates his guilt with a bold move; Joey helps Doug out; Eva solidifies her position with Ted; and Nicole and Leslie’s bitterness boils. John Lindstrom (General Hospital) makes series debut as Joey Armstrong.

Sneak Peek of the opening credits and theme 2/21/25

Tamara Tunie on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” 2/20/25

The first new soap opera of the 21st century is set in Prince George’s County 2/14/25

Spoilers 2/16/25

Cady McClain and Jon Lindstrom added to cast! 2/16/25

Five-Part Entertainment Tonight Special Beyond the Gates: Welcome to the Neighborhood to Air in Daytime Next Week 2/11/25

CBS ANNOUNCES WINTER PREMIERE DATES FOR 2024-25 PRIMETIME SEASON

Soap Opera Digest: “Beyond The Gates Is Doing ‘Something That Hasn’t Been Done Before,’ Execs Say” Jan. 2

Episode #1.001 Season 1 Episode 1
Series Premiere: The holiday season is upon us and in the spirit of scandals, backstabbing, grudges and family drama, CBS brings you the first look at the new scintillating daytime series BEYOND THE GATES.
BEYOND THE GATES will premiere Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, and air weekdays (2:00-3:00 PM, ET; 1:00-2:00 PM, PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+*.

Meet the Cast

Release

NEW DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES “BEYOND THE GATES” TO PREMIERE MONDAY, FEB. 24, 2025 ON CBS

CBS announced today that BEYOND THE GATES, the new daytime drama series and debut project from the CBS Studios/NAACP Venture, will premiere Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, and air weekdays (2:00-3:00 PM, ET; 1:00-2:00 PM, PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+*.

The series began production in Atlanta, Ga., this month and stars Tamara Tunie, Clifton Davis, Daphnee Duplaix, Karla Mosley, Alex Alegria, Lauren Buglioli, Brandon Claybon, Timon Kyle Durrett, Sean Freeman, Ben Gavin, Marquita Goings, Jibre Hordges, Jen Jacob, Maurice Johnson, Trisha Mann-Grant, Mike Manning, RhonniRose Mantilla, Ambyr Michelle, Colby Muhammad and Arielle Prepetit.

BEYOND THE GATES is set in a leafy Maryland suburb just outside of Washington, D.C., and in one the most affluent African American counties in the United States. Here you’ll find a posh gated community with winding tree-lined streets and luxurious mansions to call home. At the center of this community are the Duprees, a powerful and prestigious multi-generational family that is the very definition of Black royalty. But behind these pristine walls and lush, manicured gardens are juicy secrets and scandals waiting to be uncovered. And those who live outside these gates are watching closely. These are the places where our characters live, love, work and play. Those who have “made it” and those who haven’t are all trying to navigate life 
 and some with more grace than others.

BEYOND THE GATES is developed and produced by the CBS Studios/NAACP Venture, led by Sheila Ducksworth, in partnership with P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution. This marks the first-ever one-hour Black daytime soap and the first daytime drama to premiere since “Passions” in 1999.

Michele Val Jean is the creator, executive producer and showrunner alongside executive producers Sheila Ducksworth, Robert Guza Jr., Julie Carruthers, Leon W. Russell, Derrick Johnson, Kimberly Doebereiner and Anna Saalfeld.

*Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers will have access to stream live via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service, as well as on-demand. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will not have the option to stream live, but will have access to on-demand the day after the special airs.

BTG Scoops and Spoilers

Note: Dates mentioned may not be accurate due to pre-emptions.

By Suzanne

Beyond the Gates trailer and Promo

OLDER NEWS

Release

CBS UNVEILS FINAL CAST MEMBERS FOR “BEYOND THE GATES”

Veteran Actor Clifton Davis to Star as Dupree Family Patriarch

Additional Cast Includes Alex Alegria, Lauren Buglioli, Ben Gavin, Jibre Hordges, Jen Jacob and Mike Manning

New Daytime Series Premieres on CBS in Early 2025

CBS announces the final cast members for BEYOND THE GATES, including veteran television and stage actor Clifton Davis starring as Vernon Dupree, the Dupree family patriarch and husband of Anita Dupree (Tamara Tunie). Also joining the new daytime series are Alex Alegria, Lauren Buglioli, Ben Gavin, Jibre Hordges, Jen Jacob and Mike Manning. From the CBS Studios/NAACP Venture, BEYOND THE GATES begins production in November and will premiere on CBS in early 2025.

Clifton Davis stars as Vernon Dupree, the Dupree family patriarch married to Anita and father to Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson and Dani Dupree. A venerable former senator, Vernon is gentle, humble and generous with his knowledge and experience. Retired now, Vernon was at the forefront of the civil rights movement. Clifton Davis is a veteran actor with a 60-year career that spans television, film, Motown and nine Broadway shows. His most recent recurring roles include the series “Clipped,” “Godfather of Harlem” and MADAM SECRETARY on the Network. Recently on Broadway he played Dr. Dillamond in “Wicked” and originated the role of The Sultan in “Aladdin.” Davis is a Tony Award nominee for “Two Gentlemen of Verona,” a Theatre World Award winner for the Gershwin Review “Do It Again” and a GRAMMY nominee for writing “Never Can Say Good-bye” for The Jackson 5.

Jibre Hordges stars as Jacob Hawthorne, Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne’s husband and a robbery/homicide detective with the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia. Jacob hails from a family of law enforcement. He is proud of his wife, the family he comes from, serving the community and seeking justice for victims. Jibre Hordges’ credits include “Grown-ish,” “9-1-1” and “The Resident.”

Mike Manning stars as Bradley “Smitty” Smith, husband to Congressman Martin Richardson and father to teenagers Tyrell and Samantha. A former political reporter turned househusband, Smitty is a fantastic dad who has guided his children with warmth and good humor. Smitty is thinking of resuming his writing career but is hesitant to tell Martin, who likes their home life the way it is. Mike Manning’s credits include “The Bay,” “Days of Our Lives” and “This Is Us.”

Jen Jacob stars as Ashley Morgan, Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne’s best friend, who is the only child of a young single mother. Ashley was a latchkey kid who has never been afraid of rolling up her sleeves. She is a nurse at Washington D.C.’s Garland Memorial Hospital and has the perfect temperament for her profession – positive, cheerful, brisk, resourceful and independent. She can be serious but is also fun-loving with a smile that lights up a room. Jen Jacob’s credits include “The Union” and “Law & Order: Organized Crime.”

Ben Gavin stars as Derek Baldwin, a devoted firefighter in a relationship with Ashley Morgan and best friend to Jacob Hawthorne. Derek is fearless, holds nothing back and goes into a zone when he fights fire – which is almost personal for him rather than just a professional calling. Incredibly handy, Derek can fix almost anything. Ben Gavin’s credits include “Super 8,” “The Dark Tower,” “My Christmas Love” and “Missing at 17.” His recent roles include the films “A Place Called Home,” “Going for Two” and “Winterset.”

Lauren Buglioli stars as Vanessa McBride, a high-end real estate agency owner who specializes in luxury property and is neighbors with Dani Dupree and best friend to Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson. The mother of twins, Vanessa is in a loveless marriage with her high school sweetheart. Lauren Buglioli’s credits include “Bad Monkey,” “Florida Man” and “A Jazzman’s Blues.”

Alex Alegria stars as Tomas “Tom” Navarro, a handsome and confident young attorney at Bill Hamilton’s law firm. Tomas has an eye for Katherine “Kat” Richardson. Alex Alegria’s credits include CSI and “Gossip Girl.”

They join previously announced cast members including Tamara Tunie, Daphnee Duplaix, Karla Mosley, Brandon Claybon, Timon Kyle Durrett, Sean Freeman, Marquita Goings, Maurice Johnson, Trisha Mann-Grant, RhonniRose Mantilla, Ambyr Michelle, Colby Muhammad and Arielle Prepetit.

BEYOND THE GATES is set in a leafy Maryland suburb just outside of Washington, D.C., and in one the most affluent African American counties in the United States. Here you’ll find a posh gated community with winding tree-lined streets and luxurious mansions to call home. At the center of this community are the Duprees, a powerful and prestigious multi-generational family that is the very definition of Black royalty. But behind these pristine walls and lush, manicured gardens are juicy secrets and scandals waiting to be uncovered. And those that live outside these gates are watching closely. These are the places where our characters live, love, work and play. Those who have “made it” and those who haven’t are all trying to navigate life 
 and some with more grace than others.

BEYOND THE GATES is developed and produced by the CBS Studios/NAACP Venture, led by Sheila Ducksworth, in partnership with P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble. This marks the first-ever one-hour Black daytime soap and the first daytime drama to premiere since “Passions” in 1999.

Michele Val Jean is the creator, executive producer and showrunner alongside executive producers Sheila Ducksworth, Robert Guza Jr., Julie Carruthers, Leon W. Russell, Derrick Johnson, Kimberly Doebereiner and Anna Saalfeld.

Release

CBS REVEALS NEXT ROUND OF CAST MEMBERS FOR “BEYOND THE GATES”

Brandon Claybon, Timon Durrett, Sean Freeman, Marquita Goings, Maurice Johnson, Trisha Mann-Grant, RhonniRose Mantilla, Ambyr Michelle, Colby Muhammad and Arielle Prepetit to Star

New Daytime Series Begins Production in November and Premieres on CBS in Early 2025

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Oct. 25, 2024 – CBS reveals the next round of casting for BEYOND THE GATES, including Brandon Claybon, Timon Durrett, Sean Freeman, Marquita Goings, Maurice Johnson, Trisha Mann-Grant, RhonniRose Mantilla, Ambyr Michelle, Colby Muhammad and Arielle Prepetit. Joining previously announced stars Tamara Tunie (Anita Dupree), Daphnee Duplaix (Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson) and Karla Mosley (Dani Dupree), the new cast members round out the extended families of the Duprees and key characters who influence their worlds. BEYOND THE GATES, from the CBS Studios/NAACP Venture, begins production in November and will premiere on CBS in early 2025.

THE RICHARDSONS

Maurice Johnson stars as Ted Richardson, Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson’s husband and father to Martin and Katerine “Kat”. Ted is a brilliant plastic surgeon with an ultra-exclusive private practice and women clamor to put their faces and bodies in what they call his blessed hands. Ted has created an impeccable life with his wife – whom he loves passionately – and sleeps well at night, secure that his past will never disrupt his perfect world. Maurice Johnson’s credits include “Chicago Fire,” “Good Girls” and “To Catch a Killer.”

Brandon Claybon stars as Martin Richardson, Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson and Ted Richardson’s son and older brother of Katherine “Kat” Richardson. Martin is a congressman who lives outside “the gates” in a Washington, D.C., brownstone with his husband and two adopted children. Following his grandfather’s path into politics, he has ambition to be the first openly gay Black President. Brandon Claybon’s credits include “Grey’s Anatomy,” Tyler Perry’s “Zatima,” and “General Hospital.”

Colby Muhammad stars as Katherine “Kat” Richardson, Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson and Ted Richardson’s miracle baby. She is the younger sister of Martin Richardson and lives in her parents’ guest house. Kat’s been indulged all her life, which has made her spoiled, entitled and dismissive of those she considers beneath her. She’s confident and secure and has never doubted herself or her privileged position in the world. She doesn’t like to share but doesn’t know that the day when she is forced to may be fast approaching. Colby Muhammad recently starred in the first national tour of the Broadway hit play “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding.”

Sean Freeman stars as Andre Hamilton, the sophisticated nephew of Ted Richardson. Andre tragically lost his parents in a plane crash and inherited a double fortune, which allows him to live his bliss as a photographer. Nicole and Ted stepped up for Andre when his parents died, and he depends on their support and wise counsel. A playboy who is smooth on the surface, there is something elusive about Andre that occasionally makes people question his intentions. Sean Freeman’s credits include “Finding Happy,” “Tales” and “Boxed In.”

THE HAMILTONS

Timon Durrett stars as Bill Hamilton, Dani Dupree’s ex-husband and father to Naomi and Chelsea. Bill is an opportunist, publicity hound and narcissist, according to his ex-wife, Dani. He is a charismatic and calculated criminal defense attorney who is well-connected, well-received and gets what he wants by any means necessary. Timon Durrett’s credits include “Cheaper by the Dozen,” “Queen Sugar” and “Stuck with You.”

Arielle Prepetit stars as Naomi Hamilton Hawthorne, Dani Dupree and Bill Hamilton’s oldest daughter and Chelsea’s older sister. Naomi lives outside “the gates” in Washington, D.C., where she humbly serves as a civil attorney. She’s whip smart and the only one in the Dupree family who inherited her grandmother Anita Dupree’s gift for singing, which bonds them. Arielle Prepetit’s credits include “BMF,” “Found” and “The System.”

RhonniRose Mantilla stars as Chelsea Hamilton, Dani Dupree and Bill Hamilton’s youngest daughter and Naomi’s younger sister. Chelsea is a social media influencer and has been a successful but reluctant high fashion model since she was 18. Her career expertly guided by Dani, Chelsea is charged with recreating the life her mother gave up, which doesn’t fit her own life vision. She has a lot of money, which allows her to follow her dream of designing a line of purses and building her brand. Chelsea indulges in the good things in life, like beautiful people, parties, her new condo in D.C. and the freedom to experiment. RhonniRose Mantilla recently starred in “Harmony the Musical” on Broadway.

Marquita Goings stars as Hayley Lawson, a paralegal at Bill Hamilton’s firm. Hayley is gorgeous, intelligent, charming, witty and the new fiancĂ©e of Dani Dupree’s ex-husband, Bill Hamilton. Considered a husband-stealing tramp in Dani’s circle, Hayley is nothing if not confident. With time, patience, charm and effort, she will try to win them over – and if not, so what? Hayley has what matters: Bill. Marquita Goings’ credits include “Woke” and Tyler Perry’s “Zatima.”

THE THOMASES

Trisha Mann-Grant stars as Dana “Leslie” Thomas, Eva Thomas’ mom and a long-time waitress and bartender. Dana “Leslie” is not wrapped all that tight and intense, but she’s charming and easy out in the world. The only person who sees what’s disturbing about her is her daughter, Eva, and very soon all will see what is unsettling about her, too. Trisha Mann-Grant’s credits include “Family Business” and “A Royal Christmas Surprise.”

Ambyr Michelle stars as Eva Thomas, Dana “Leslie” Thomas’ daughter and Nicole Dupree Richardson’s new assistant, who vibrates with intensity and purpose. Eva is determined to right a grievous wrong done to her mother as soon as the opportunity presents itself. Ambyr Michelle’s credits include “The Runarounds,” “Running Point” and “Snowfall.”

BEYOND THE GATES is set in a leafy Maryland suburb just outside of Washington, D.C., and in one of the most affluent African American counties in the United States. Here you’ll find a posh gated community with winding tree-lined streets and luxurious mansions to call home. At the center of this community are the Duprees, a powerful and prestigious multi-generational family that is the very definition of Black royalty. But behind these pristine walls and lush, manicured gardens are juicy secrets and scandals waiting to be uncovered. And those that live outside these gates are watching closely. These are the places where our characters live, love, work and play. Those who have “made it” and those who haven’t are all trying to navigate life 
 and some with more grace than others.

BEYOND THE GATES is developed and produced by the CBS Studios/NAACP Venture, led by Sheila Ducksworth, in partnership with P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble. This marks the first-ever one-hour Black daytime soap and the first daytime drama to premiere since “Passions” in 1999.

Michele Val Jean is the creator, executive producer and showrunner alongside executive producers Sheila Ducksworth, Robert Guza Jr., Julie Carruthers, Leon W. Russell, Derrick Johnson, Kimberly Doebereiner and Anna Saalfeld.

Release

FIRST CAST MEMBERS AND NEW TITLE ANNOUNCED FOR THE NEW CBS DAYTIME DRAMA “BEYOND THE GATES”

Tamara Tunie, Daphnee Duplaix and Karla Mosley to Star

The Series Will Premiere on CBS in Early 2025

NEW YORK – Sept. 19, 2024 – CBS announces first cast members for BEYOND THE GATES with Tamara Tunie, Daphnee Duplaix and Karla Mosley starring as prominent members of the Dupree family. Formerly known as “The Gates,” this series from the CBS Studios / NAACP Venture is the first Black one-hour daytime drama to air on television. BEYOND THE GATES begins production later this fall in Atlanta and will premiere on CBS in early 2025.

Tamara Tunie stars as Anita Dupree, matriarch of the family. A famous singer back in the day, Anita worked hard for her success, and raised two daughters with her now-retired senator husband. But underneath her glamorous and refined exterior is a fierceness she gained from her humble beginnings in Chicago. Tamara Tunie is a seasoned daytime star appearing on “As the World Turns” for many years. Also, she originated the role of medical examiner Dr. Melinda Warner with a now landmark 23 seasons on the legendary series “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” In addition, she has held recurring roles on shows including BLUE BLOODS, THE GOOD WIFE and ELEMENTARY for the Network.

Daphnee Duplaix stars as Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson, daughter of Anita, and Dani’s sister, Dr. Nicole Dupree Richardson is a high-achieving and competitive philanthropist and psychiatrist, and exudes warmth, empathy and compassion. Nicole’s success in life extends to her marriage to her surgeon husband. She has the perfect life 
 from the outside. Daphnee Duplaix boasts an illustrious acting career that has spanned over two decades, most notably earning her an NAACP Award nomination for her outstanding portrayal of Rachel Gannon on “One Life to Live.”

Karla Mosley stars as Dani Dupree, Anita’s other daughter, and a former model turned momager who gave up her career for love. Dani was the Dupree family wild child. Free-spirited, headstrong and uninhibited, she dropped out of school to pursue a high-flying modeling career and she has always marched to the beat of her own drum. Karla Mosley starred as Maya Avant Forrester on THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL, for which she was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. Additional credits include “Guiding Light,” “Gossip Girl,” “Hart of Dixie,” “Deadly Cheer Mom” and “Burn After Reading.”

BEYOND THE GATES is set in a leafy Maryland suburb just outside of Washington D.C., and in one the most affluent African American counties in the United States. Here you’ll find a posh gated community with winding tree-lined streets and luxurious mansions to call home. At the center of this community are the Duprees, a powerful and prestigious multi-generational family that is the very definition of Black royalty. But behind these pristine walls and lush, manicured gardens are juicy secrets and scandals waiting to be uncovered. And those that live outside these gates are watching closely. These are the places where our characters live, love, work and play. Those who have “made it” and those who haven’t are all trying to navigate life 
 and some with more grace than others.

BEYOND THE GATES is developed and produced by the CBS Studios/NAACP Venture, led by Sheila Ducksworth, in partnership with P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble. This marks the first-ever one-hour Black daytime soap and the first daytime drama to premiere since “Passions” in 1999.

Michele Val Jean is the creator, executive producer and showrunner alongside executive producers Sheila Ducksworth, Robert Guza Jr., Julie Carruthers, Leon Russell, Derrick Johnson, Kimberly Doebereiner and Anna Saalfeld.

Release

CBS TO OPEN “THE GATES” IN JANUARY 2025

New Daytime Drama from CBS Studios/NAACP Venture in Partnership with Procter & Gamble Studios

LOS ANGELES – CBS today announced the series order for the new daytime drama THE GATES for broadcast on the Network in January 2025. The specific time period, launch date and other series details will be announced at later dates.

THE GATES follows the lives of a wealthy Black family in a posh, gated community. Michele Val Jean, who has written more than 2,000 episodes of daytime dramas and won multiple Daytime Emmy and WGA Awards for her work on THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL and “General Hospital,” will serve as writer and showrunner. Val Jean will also be an executive producer alongside Sheila Ducksworth, Leon Russell, Derrick Johnson and Kimberly Doebereiner.

THE GATES was developed from the joint venture between CBS Studios and the NAACP. The series will be produced by the CBS Studios/NAACP venture in partnership with P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble.

The CBS Studios production venture and development deal with the NAACP was established to help elevate a diverse range of voices as well as increase the visibility of Black artists on broadcast and streaming platforms in an ever-evolving media landscape.

Our other pages for news, scoops, and spoilers:  AMC, ATWT, AW, B&B, Days, GH, GH: Night Shift, GL, Loving/The City, OLTL, PC, Passions, Y&R, General Daytime, and Primetime News.

Back to the Main BTG Page

 

CBS Presents BEYOND THE GATES ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Interview with Doug Jones and Elias Toufexis

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

TV Interview!

 

Doug Jones and Elias Toufexis of "Star Trek: Discovery" on Paramount+

Interview with Doug Jones and Elias Toufexis of “Star Trek: Discovery” on Paramount+ by Suzanne 8/15 and 8/21/24

I’m a lifelong Trekkie, so I’m always happy to speak with anyone from the franchise. I’ve spoken with Doug (who played Saru) before, but he’s just such a nice and fun guy to chat with, that I was happy to speak with him again about the release of the show’s final season, as well as the complete series, on DVD, Blu-Rayℱ and Limited Edition Blu-Rayℱ Steelbook. We had a great chat. Then, the following week, I spoke at length with Elias, who played the last season’s villain, L’ak (along with Moll).  Both actors have been in many great scifi, fantasy and horror movies, TV shows and video games. They’re both amazing actors. Honestly, I could have spokne with them both for hours.  I hope you enjoy our video interviews!

Win a free copy of “Star Trek Discovery: The Final Season” Blu-ray (Season 5) – we have 2 to give away…
Email us with the subject line “Let’s Fly!” to enter! Ends 9/6/24.

Doug Jones

Elias Toufexis

 

"Star Trek: The Final Season" Blu-Ray Cover artMORE INFO: Trailer

Buy the Final Season DVD, Blu-Ray or Limited Edition Blu-Ray Steelbook or Complete Series DVD or Blu-Ray

STAR TREK: DISCOVERYℱ THE FINAL SEASON ARRIVES AUGUST 27
ON DVD, BLU-RAYℱ AND LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAYℱ STEELBOOK

With Nearly 2 Hours of Special Features, Including Featurettes, Audio Commentary, a Gag Reel, and More!

LOS ANGELES – June 10, 2024 – Captain Burnham and the crew of the U.S.S. Discovery return when STAR TREK: DISCOVERYℱ THE FINAL SEASON arrives with even more “incredible action sequences and truly breathtaking visuals” – Collider (Samantha Coley) August 27 on DVD, Blu-rayℱ and Limited Edition Blu-rayℱ Steelbook from Paramount Home Entertainment.

STAR TREK: DISCOVERYℱ THE FINAL SEASON cast members include Sonequa Martin-Green (Captain Michael Burnham), Doug Jones (Saru), Anthony Rapp (Paul Stamets), Mary Wiseman (Sylvia Tilly), Wilson Cruz (Dr. Hugh Culber), David Ajala (Cleveland “Book” Booker), Blu del Barrio (Adira), and Callum Keith Rennie (Rayner). The final season also features recurring guest stars Elias Toufexis (L’ak) and Eve Harlow (Moll).

These 4-disc DVD and Blu-rayℱ collections include every adventure-filled episode and nearly 2 hours of special features, including featurettes, audio commentary, a gag reel, and more!

STAR TREK: DISCOVERYℱ THE FINAL SEASON is also available on Digital August 26*

STAR TREK: DISCOVERYℱ: THE COMPLETE SERIES will also be available on August 27 on Blu-ray and DVD, featuring all 65 episodes and over 15 hours of special features including a BONUS DISC that takes you on a never-before-seen journey through all five seasons with the cast and crew.

SYNOPSIS

STAR TREK: DISCOVERYℱ follows the voyages of Starfleet on their missions to discover new worlds and new life forms. The fifth and final season will find Captain Burnham and the crew of the U.S.S. Discovery uncovering a mystery that will send them on an epic adventure across the galaxy to find an ancient power whose very existence has been deliberately hidden for centuries. But there are others on the hunt as well
 dangerous foes who are desperate to claim the prize for themselves and will stop at nothing to get it.

FINAL SEASON SPECIAL FEATURES

  • Audio Commentary (Exclusive to Home Entertainment)

  • Deleted Scene (Exclusive to Home Entertainment)

  • Being Michael Burnham (Exclusive to Home Entertainment)

  • Character Development (Exclusive to Home Entertainment)

  • Gag Reel (Exclusive to Home Entertainment)

  • Star Trek: Discoveryℱ: The Voyage of Season 5

  • A Team Effort

  • Discovery‘s Creative Force

 

The series is produced by CBS Studios in association with Secret Hideout and Roddenberry Entertainment. Alex Kurtzman, Michelle Paradise, Heather Kadin, Aaron Baiers, Olatunde Osunsanmi, Sonequa Martin-Green, Frank Siracusa, John Weber, Rod Roddenberry and Trevor Roth serve as executive producers. Alex Kurtzman and Michelle Paradise serve as co-showrunners.

*Special features available at select digital retailers with the purchase of full season

About CBS Studios:

CBS Studios is one of the world’s leading suppliers of entertainment programming with development and production for broadcast, 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, which includes genre-defining franchises such as NCIS and the ever-growing Star Trek universe, award-winning late night and daytime talk shows, as well as an extensive library of iconic intellectual property. The Studio also develops and produces local language and international content originating outside of the US for viewers around the world.

Paramount Home Entertainment (PHE) is part of Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment.  PPC is a unit of Paramount (NASDAQ: PARA, PARAA), a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide.  The PHE division oversees PPC’s home entertainment and transactional digital distribution activities worldwide. The division is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of home entertainment content on behalf of Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Television Studios, Paramount Players, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and CBS and applicable licensing and servicing of certain DreamWorks Animation titles.  PHE additionally manages global licensing of studio content and transactional distribution across worldwide digital distribution platforms including online, mobile and portable devices and emerging technologies.

Final Season Specifications:

Blu-rayℱ Specifications:

Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, French (Parisian) 5.1 Surround Dolby Digital AC3, German 5.1 Surround Dolby Digital AC3, Italian 5.1 Surround Dolby Digital AC3, Japanese 5.1 Surround Dolby Digital AC3, Spanish (Castilian) 5.1 Surround Dolby Digital AC3

Subtitles: English SDH, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French (Parisian), German, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Spanish (Castilian), Swedish

Blu-rayℱ Steelbook:

Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, French (Parisian) 5.1 Surround Dolby Digital AC3, German 5.1 Surround Dolby Digital AC3, Italian 5.1 Surround Dolby Digital AC3, Japanese 5.1 Surround Dolby Digital AC3, Spanish (Castilian) 5.1 Surround Dolby Digital AC3

Subtitles: English SDH, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French (Parisian), German, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Spanish (Castilian), Swedish

DVD Specifications:

Audio: English 5.1 Surround Dolby Digital AC3, French 5.1 Surround Dolby Digital AC3,

Subtitles:English SDH, French (Parisian)

U.S. Rating:

Not Rated

Canadian Rating:

PG – Violence, Mature Theme

Run Times:

9:36:40 (Final Season)

54:50:39 (Complete Series)

Actor Doug Jones (Saru) of "Star Trek: Discovery" on Paramount+Doug Jones

October 2020

While famous for working under prosthetics in iconic feature film roles, Doug Jones is also a versatile character actor who has performed as himself in guest star roles on shows like “Arrow,” “The Flash,” “Teen Wolf,” “Z-Nation,” “The Neighbors,” “Criminal Minds,” “C.S.I.” and NBC’s horror anthology “Fear Itself.” A veteran of over 100 commercials, Doug was Mac Tonight, the moon-headed piano player in the long-running 1990s McDonald’s campaign. He also starred as the lead villain in “Hush,” an Emmy-winning episode of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” long considered a fan favorite. Doug was also a semi-regular guest judge on the hit SyFy Net reality series “Face Off.”

In 2005 he played the title role of Pan (as well as the nightmare character known as The Pale Man) in Guillermo del Toro’s Oscar-winning Spanish language fantasy/horror feature “Pan’s Labyrinth.” But it was his sensitive and elegant performance as Abe Sapien in del Toro’s 2004 box office hit “Hellboy” that brought Doug’s unique work to a wider audience. He went on to voice that same character for the Emmy-nominated Cartoon Network animations “Hellboy: Sword of Storms” and “Hellboy: Blood and Iron.” In 2007 Doug’s title role performance in “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer” was hailed by fans and critics alike. 2008 saw Doug reprise his starring role (as well as two other characters) in “Hellboy II: The Golden Army,” once more under the direction of del Toro. He also starred in “Gainsbourg,” a stylized biopic of the famous French poet/singer/composer Serge Gainsbourg, in which he plays Gainsbourg’s dark alter ego. The film has won three Cesar Awards. Doug has also had prominent creature roles in “Crimson Peak,” “The Watch,” “The Bye Bye Man,” “Legion,” “Hocus Pocus” and many others.

Jones was a series regular on three seasons of TNT’s Spielberg-produced sci-fi series “Falling Skies” and recurred on Guillermo del Toro’s FX series “The Strain.” Upcoming, Jones will star opposite Sally Hawkins in del Toro’s “The Shape of Water.”

Follow him on Instagram!

Elias Toufexis (L'ak) of "Star Trek: Discovery" on Paramount+ Photo from Toufexis' Twitter/X accountElias Toufexis is a Canadian actor. He has played characters on television and in video games, mostly in science fiction and fantasy genres.

He has played dozens of major characters on television in shows like: Star Trek: Discovery, FBI, FBI Most Wanted, Shadowhunters, Criminal Minds, Bitten, Lost Girl, Alphas, Stargate: Atlantis and particularly memorable characters on: Supernatural and The Expanse.

He is one of the busiest Performance Capture actors in the world, with characters in video games, films, and television. Variety has called him “The Canadian Andy Serkis”

In the video-game world, he’s played leading characters in many multi-million dollar projects. The Assassin’s Creed Series, The Deus Ex Series, Gotham Knights, The Call Of Duty Series, The Fortnite Series, The Splinter Cell Series, The Far Cry Series, The Immortals Fenyx Rising series, and dozens more. He has a cult following around the world for his work in Performance Capture and Voice in Videogames.

Forbes Magazine called him a “voice-acting heavyweight”. In Animation, you can hear Elias is multiple animated series and films. Most recently in the Netflix Animated series Blood Of Zeus and in Adult Swim’s Blade Runner Black Lotus. You can also hear him as the voice of Yellow Pages, McDonald’s, Lexus Cars, Taco Bell, and many many more radio and TV voice-over commercials.

Visit his website

Doug Jones (Saru) and Elias Toufexis (L'ak) of "Star Trek: Discovery" on Paramount+ Photo from Toufexis' Instagram

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

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Interview with actors from “Star Trek: Discovery”

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

TV Interview!

 

The cast of "Star Trek: Discovery" at NY Comic-Con 2019

Interview with actors Sonequa Martin-Green, Doug Jones, David Ajala, Wilson Cruz, Mary Wiseman, and Blu del Barrio; and executive producers Alex Kurtzman and Michelle Paradise of “Star Trek: Discovery” on Paramount+ by Suzanne 3/10/24

This was so much fun! I’m a huge Trekkie (since the 60s!), so it was great to speak to these actors on this press roundtable. I’m sad that the show is ending, but it’s an exciting last season. You don’t want to miss it. FINAL SEASON STREAMING APRIL 4!

One note: One of the interviewers is edited out because she kept asking spoiler questions. I might put her back in after the season is over, if I have time.

Sonequa Martin-Green (Captain Michael Burnham)

Sonequa Martin-Green as Burnham of the CBS All Access series STAR TREK: DISCOVERY. Photo Cr: James Dimmock/CBS ©2019 CBS Interactive, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Doug Jones (Saru) and David Ajala (Cleveland “Book” Booker)

Doug Jones (Saru) and David Ajala (Cleveland “Book” Booker) of "Star Trek" Discovery on Paramount+

Wilson Cruz (Dr. Hugh Culber), Mary Wiseman (Sylvia Tilly), and Blu del Barrio (Adira)

Wilson Cruz (Dr. Hugh Culber), Mary Wiseman (Sylvia Tilly), and Blu del Barrio (Adira)

Alex Kurtzman and Michelle Paradise (co-showrunners/EPs)

Alex Kurtzman and Michelle Paradise (co-showrunners/EPs)

 

MORE INFO: Official Site  Trailer

Sonequa Martin-Green as Burnham in season 5 key art of the Paramount+ original series STAR TREK: DISCOVERY. Photo Credit: James Dimmock/Paramount+

The fifth and final season of STAR TREK: DISCOVERY finds Captain Burnham and the crew of the U.S.S. Discovery uncovering a mystery that will send them on an epic adventure across the galaxy to find an ancient power whose very existence has been deliberately hidden for centuries. But there are others on the hunt as well 
 dangerous foes who are desperate to claim the prize for themselves and will stop at nothing to get it.

STAR TREK: DISCOVERY season five stars Sonequa Martin-Green as Captain Michael Burnham, Doug Jones as Saru, Anthony Rapp as Paul Stamets, Mary Wiseman as Sylvia Tilly, Wilson Cruz as Dr. Hugh Culber, David Ajala as Cleveland “Book” Booker, Blu del Barrio as Adira, and Callum Keith Rennie as Rayner. Season five also features recurring guest stars’ Elias Toufexis as L’ak and Eve Harlow as Moll.

The series is produced by CBS Studios in association with Secret Hideout and Roddenberry Entertainment. Alex Kurtzman, Michelle Paradise, Heather Kadin, Aaron Baiers, Olatunde Osunsanmi, Frank Siracusa, John Weber, Rod Roddenberry and Trevor Roth serve as executive producers. Alex Kurtzman and Michelle Paradise serve as co-showrunners.

STAR TREK: DISCOVERY seasons one through four are currently streaming exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S., the U.K., Switzerland, South Korea, Latin America, Germany, France, Italy, Australia and Austria. Seasons two and three are also available on the Pluto TV “Star Trek” channel in Switzerland, Germany and Austria. In Canada, it airs on Bell Media’s CTV Sci-Fi Channel. STAR TREK: DISCOVERY is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

"Star Trek: Discovery" key art

AVAILABILITY:

Premieres April 2024 on Paramount+ in the U.S. and international territories.

FORMAT:

Action/Sci-Fi (Filmed in HD)

STARRING:

Sonequa Martin-Green

(Captain Michael Burnham)

Doug Jones (Saru)
Anthony Rapp (Paul Stamets)
Mary Wiseman (Sylvia Tilly)
Wilson Cruz (Dr. Hugh Culber)
David Ajala (Cleveland “Book” Booker)
Blu del Barrio

 

Callum Keith Rennie

 (Adira)

 

(Rayner)
RECURRING GUEST STARS: Elias Toufexis

 

Eve Harlow

 

Tig Notaro

 

David Cronenberg

 (L’ak)

 

(Moll)

 

(Cmdr. Jett Reno)

 

(Kovich)

PRODUCED BY:

  

CBS Studios, Secret Hideout and Roddenberry Entertainment

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS:

CO- SHOWRUNNERS:

 Alex Kurtzman, Michelle Paradise, Heather Kadin, Aaron Baiers, Olatunde Osunsanmi, Frank Siracusa, John Weber, Rod Roddenberry and Trevor Roth

 

Alex Kurtzman and Michelle Paradise

 

Sonequa Martin-Green

Sonequa Martin-Green is a versatile actress who continues to evolve her impressive body of work with ground-breaking, complex roles and memorable performances across television, film and the stage.

Martin-Green will next be seen in Warner Brothers’ “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” starring alongside LeBron James and Don Cheadle. The film is a sequel to the 1996 film “Space Jam,” the highest-grossing basketball movie of all time.

Most recently, she starred in “The Outside Story,” a Brooklyn-based indie comedy-drama led by Brian Tyree Henry. “Billions” actor Asia Kate Dillon, Sunita Mani (“Glow”), Olivia Edward (“Better Things”) and Michael Cyril Creighton (“Spotlight”) also co-starred in the film, the directorial debut of writer/director Casimir Nozkowski. She also appeared in Netflix’s 2019 holiday film, “Holiday Rush.”

Martin-Green is widely known for her turn on AMC’s critically acclaimed, award-winning series “The Walking Dead,” where she captivated audiences in the role of the fierce and loyal Sasha Williams across five seasons. Additionally, she has taken many guest and recurring roles in fan-favorite television series. Most recently, she played prankster Rhonda on FOX’s “New Girl,” anti-magic Tamara on ABC’s “Once Upon a Time”and aspiring paralegal Courtney Wells on CBS’ Emmy and Golden Globe-winning drama “The Good Wife.” She has also been featured in the CBS cop drama “NYC 22,” Lifetime’s “Army Wives” and the CW’s “Gossip Girl.”

Previously, Martin-Green received rave reviews for her starring role in Emily Abt’s Sundance hit “Toe To Toe,” in which she played Tosha Spinner, a highly driven inner-city high school teenager. She was also featured in Victoria Mahoney’s film “Yelling to the Sky”alongside Gabourey Sidibe and Zoe Kravitz.

On stage, she is best known for her critically acclaimed performances in Des McAnuff’s “Fetch Clay Make Man,” where she starred as Muhammad Ali’s first wife, Sonji Clay. She also starred in off-Broadway’s “Outside People” at New York City’s Vineyard Theatre.

Martin-Green currently resides in Los Angeles, Calif.

Doug Jones

While famous for working under prosthetics in iconic feature film roles, Doug Jones is also a versatile character actor who has performed as himself in guest star roles on shows like “Arrow,” “The Flash,” “Teen Wolf,” “Z-Nation,” “The Neighbors,” “Criminal Minds,” “C.S.I.” and NBC’s horror anthology “Fear Itself.” A veteran of over 100 commercials, Doug was Mac Tonight, the moon-headed piano player in the long-running 1990s McDonald’s campaign. He also starred as the lead villain in “Hush,” an Emmy-winning episode of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” long considered a fan favorite. Doug was also a semi-regular guest judge on the hit SyFy Net reality series “Face Off.”

In 2005 he played the title role of Pan (as well as the nightmare character known as The Pale Man) in Guillermo del Toro’s Oscar-winning Spanish language fantasy/horror feature “Pan’s Labyrinth.” But it was his sensitive and elegant performance as Abe Sapien in del Toro’s 2004 box office hit “Hellboy” that brought Doug’s unique work to a wider audience. He went on to voice that same character for the Emmy-nominated Cartoon Network animations “Hellboy: Sword of Storms” and “Hellboy: Blood and Iron.” In 2007 Doug’s title role performance in “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer” was hailed by fans and critics alike. 2008 saw Doug reprise his starring role (as well as two other characters) in “Hellboy II: The Golden Army,” once more under the direction of del Toro. He also starred in “Gainsbourg,” a stylized biopic of the famous French poet/singer/composer Serge Gainsbourg, in which he plays Gainsbourg’s dark alter ego. The film has won three Cesar Awards. Doug has also had prominent creature roles in “Crimson Peak,” “The Watch,” “The Bye Bye Man,” “Legion,” “Hocus Pocus” and many others.

Jones was a series regular on three seasons of TNT’s Spielberg-produced sci-fi series “Falling Skies” and recurred on Guillermo del Toro’s FX series “The Strain.” Upcoming, Jones will star opposite Sally Hawkins in del Toro’s “The Shape of Water.”

David Ajala

David Ajala most recently recurred on the CW’s “Supergirl” as iconic DC character Manchester Black, and starred in Syfy’s TV adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s 1980 novella Nightflyers. Past film credits include “The Fast & The Furious,” “Jupiter Ascending,” and “Starred Up”; past television credits include ABC’s “Black Box” opposite Kelly Reilly and USA’s “Falling Water.”

Ajala also appeared in the indie film “Kill Command.” Additional notable credits include “One Day,” starring Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess, “The Dark Knight,” starring Christian Bale and “Payback Season.”

Appearing in a wide range of television roles, Ajala was a rapper in the television series “Trexx and Flipside,” in addition to major guest roles in award-winning shows such as “Law & Order: UK,” “Death in Paradise,” “Silent Witness” and the wildly popular “Dr. Who.”

Ajala began his career performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company at the Courtyard Theater in Stratford-upon-Avon. He’s performed in productions of “The Witness,” “Hamlet” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” among others at The National Theatre, Royal Court Theatre and The Almeida Theatre.

Wilson Cruz

Triple threat, award-winning actor, activist, “actorvist” and humanitarian are just a few terms used to describe Wilson Cruz. He appeared on the Netflix series “Thirteen Reasons Why” and in Hulu’s breakthrough GLAAD Award-winning original animated kids’ series “The Bravest Knight.” He is also the executive producer of the critically lauded docuseries called “Visible: Out On Television” airing on Apple TV+.

In 1994 Cruz won the hearts of audiences across the world and forever changed the LBGT landscape playing the first openly gay teenager on network television in his award-winning performance as Rickie Vasquez on the hit ABC series “My So Called Life”. His seminal and critically acclaimed performance celebrated its 25th anniversary in August 2019. “My So Called Life” was honored with the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding TV Drama, and Cruz received the Emery S. Hetrick Award from the Hetrick-Martin Institute for Outstanding Contributions to LGBTQ Youth for his contribution. Cruz is also known for starring as Angel in the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning musical “Rent” in its West Coast premiere which earned him both the Ovation and Drama Logue awards before his reprisal of the role on Broadway.

Always a trailblazer, Cruz is recognized for playing one of TVÊŒs first transgender characters in an Emmy-nominated episode of “Ally McBeal” and gave a heart-rendering performance as part of a gay couple fighting for marriage equality on “GreyÊŒs Anatomy.” Other TV credits include: “Red Band Society” starring Oscar winner Octavia Spencer, “Party of Five” (ALMA Award for Outstanding Emerging Actor), “Rick and Steve,” “The Happiest Gay Couple in the World,” “Shameless,” “The West Wing,” “NoahÊŒs Arc,” “Pushing Daisies” and more. Film credits include memorable roles in “HeÊŒs Just Not That into You,” “Nixon, Party Monster,” “Johns,” “All Over Me” and “After Louie,” with Alan Cumming. During the pandemic, he created a series called “What’s Up with Wilson Cruz” as a way to stay connected to fans and participated in numerous benefits to raise money for charity.

As an “actorvist,” Cruz has received the Rand Schrader Distinguished Achievement Award from the Los Angeles LGBTQ Center, the Liberty Award from Lambda Legal, the Visibilidad Award from GLAAD, the Fusion Achievement Award from Outfest, the Latino Spirit Award for Achievement in Entertainment and Advocacy from the California Latino Legislative Caucus, the Harvey Milk Equality Award, the Lincoln Aston Public Service Award, Aston-Brooks Award and the Advocate Award from AdColor. He served as the director of entertainment industry partnerships and national spokesperson for GLAAD, currently serves on the board of GLSEN and devotes considerable time supporting other LBGTQ organizations as well. Wilson is a first generation American of Puerto Rican descent.

Mary Wiseman

After graduating from Juilliard, Mary Wiseman quickly went on to star opposite Keira Knightley in the Broadway production of “Therese Raquin.”

She was recently seen in Noah Baumbach’s “Marriage Story” opposite Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson.

Other television credits include the Netflix series “Longmire” and “The Characters” as well as Hulu’s “Difficult People.” She also appeared opposite Zach Galifianakis in the first two seasons of the FX series “Baskets.”

Other theater credits include starring in the world premiere of “Romance Novels for Dummies” at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Prior to that, she starred in the Williamstown Theatre Festival’s production of “Off the Main Road” opposite Kyra Sedgwick, in the off-Broadway, Obie Award-winning production of “An Octoroon,” in which her performance was described as “delicious” and “comically inspired” and the off-Broadway production of “The Skin of Our Teeth” at the Theatre for a New Audience in Brooklyn.

Blu del Barrio

Blu del Barrio is a non-binary actor who uses they/them pronouns. Del Barrio was in their final year of studies at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) when they auditioned for and booked the role of Adira. Blu has been acting in theater and short films since the age of 7, and they’re incredibly excited to make their television acting debut in season three of STAR TREK: DISCOVERY.

"Star Trek: Discovery" Season 5 - final season premieres April 4th on Paramount+ key art

 

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

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Primetime TV Review: Frasier

Posted on by Eva Diaz

TV Review!

“Frasier” Review on by Eva 10/13/2023

Fraiser was always one of my favorite television characters since he first appeared on Cheers. I still watch reruns of the original show and, even though I know what is going to happen, it will always make me laugh. I was happy to know that Paramount+ was bringing back the show. This time Frasier returns to Boston to guest lecture at Harvard and to visit his son Freddie (Jack Cutmore-Scott) because he didn’t go to his grandpa Martin’s funeral. Freddie dropped out of Harvard because he wanted to become a fireman. Fraiser decides to move back to Boston to get to know Freddie better and he buys the building where Freddie lives and tells his son that if he lives with him he doesn’t have to pay rent.

The show is very funny and made me laugh right away. My favorite of the new characters on this show is Fraser’s best friend and fellow professor Alan Cornwall (Nicholas Lyndhurst) who is very funny and the chemistry between him and Fraser is wonderful. The entire cast is very funny and the show is well written.

If you enjoyed the original Frasier you will enjoy this show. Paramount+ posted the first two episodes of the show on October 12, 2023 and new episodes will be posted on Thursdays.

I give this show 5 out of 5 stars.

More Information:

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

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

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Interview with Jordan Canning

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TV Interview!

 

Jordan Canning of "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" on Paramount+ Photo by Kristina Ruddick

Interview with director Jordan Canning of “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” on Paramount+ by Suzanne 7/14/23

This was a fun interview. Jordan directed the most recent episode of “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,” Charades, where Spock and Chapel are in a shuttle accident and rescued by some aliens. When they fix up Spock, they leave out his Vulcan DNA, so he’s suddenly human.  He has to deal with all of the human emotions. Making it more difficult for him is that he has an important dinner with his fiancĂ©e, T’Pring, and her judgmental family. While Pike, Amanda (Spock’s mother) and the rest of the crew try to help Spock pretend to be Vulcan and get through the dinner, Chapel frantically searches for a way to reverse what the aliens did. It’s a fun episode and really showcases the talents of Ethan Peck (Spock) and Jess Bush (Chapel). I’ve been a Trekkie as long as I can remember, so it was awesome to speak to the episode’s director.Jordan Canning - Director and Anson Mount as Capt. Pike in episode 205 “Charades” of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, streaming on Paramount+, 2023. Photo Cr: Michael Gibson/Paramount+

Suzanne: Were you a fan of the show, or of the Star Trek franchise, before you started on this?

Jordan: Yeah, I was a big “[Star Trek: The] Next Generation” fan when I was a kid, and I probably watched, “[Star Trek IV] The Voyage Home” movie two dozen times. I loved that movie so much. And then, when I got the job, season one hadn’t aired yet, but I got to watch cuts of it. I had [seen] the season of “[Star Trek] Discovery” that had Spock in it… I think it’s season two. And then I got to watch season one [of “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” before it was fully finished, and I was like, “Oh my God, this show is so good!” I loved it because it really reminded me of NextGen. It had that same playfulness to it, and the episodic alien- or planet-of-the-week vibe. And yeah, I got even more excited about the job once I’d seen it.

Suzanne: Well, that’s cool. Now, please forgive my ignorant question here because I’ve mostly interviewed actors, but… as a director, how are you chosen, for a TV episode? Is there anything similar to an audition process?

Jordan: You know, often there’s an interview. Sometimes– usually, your agent would put you up for something. I think with this one, They had reached out to my agent about it. Because of my comedy work and because this was a comedic episode, they wanted a director who was good at comedy. And so, yeah, memory serves that when I got the call from Chris, I was like, “Okay, this is an interview.” And then he was like, “Yeah, you’re great. You got the job.” And I was like, “I did. Oh, okay. Great. Love it.”

Suzanne: It takes the pressure off.

Jordan: Yeah. I called my agent. I was like, “Oh, I think I got the job.”

Suzanne: So, when you direct an episode (I know it’s not like directing a movie), are you in charge, more or less, or is it more of a collaborative process with everybody?

Jordan: Well, I will say, always in TV… you’re sort of working towards the vision of the showrunner, who has the whole show in their head and knows how all the pieces fit together. And there’s usually already a style and tone of the show that’s been set since the pilot, or since at least the first first season that you’re trying to slot yourself into. But what’s really unique about “[Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” is [in reference to what you just said]: It is more like directing a movie. This was more like doing a movie than any TV episode I’ve done before because the episodes are more standalone. They approach them kind of like standalone movies of the week in terms of the tone and the style. And they really work hard to match a director with a script that works with them in terms of the style of the director or their strengths. So I was overjoyed by how much creative freedom I had on this episode. They sort of say, “Okay, you do a big sort of tone download with Henry, the showrunner.” And he’s like, “Okay, here’s the tone meeting.” And then they’re like, “Okay, how do you want to shoot it? How do you want to block it?” There aren’t these rigid rules about, [for example] “This is the way we shoot the closeups, this is when we use handheld, we don’t use handheld at all…” Yada, yada. You can use all of the sort of creative tools in your toolbox that serve the script and serve the story. So it was a real joy to be able to work on this and shape it so much.

Suzanne: That’s great. And, did you encounter any problems or glitches, or was it all smooth sailing?

Jordan: Well, we did… Ethan and I were talking yesterday, and both of us remembered at the same time that we had a COVID shutdown in the middle of our episode… but both of us had forgotten this, but he and Jess both got COVID in the middle of us shooting it. So we had to. There were no other scenes we could shoot because they were in everything. So we had to go down for a couple of weeks. I think the episodes are around 12 days? We’d probably shot maybe seven days, and then they got covid, so we had to go down for a couple of weeks. I think they started shooting the [next] episode and then we picked it back up once they were clear again. So that was kind of the only real, you know, problem.

Suzanne: That’s a pretty major one!

Jordan: Yeah, it was… it was great timing. But, yeah, you know, it happens. It happens so much.

Suzanne: Well, they shoot them pretty far in advance though, right?

Jordan: Oh yeah. Well, it’s such a long VFX post-production process.

Suzanne: Yeah.

Jordan: We were shooting, over a year ago. I shot my episode last May and June. So it was more than a year of [post-production].

Jordan Canning and Ethan Peck filming the episode Charades of "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" on Paramount+.

Suzanne: Were you worried at all about dealing with such an iconic part of Star Trek history (Spock and the Vulcans), and how fans might react to that?

Jordan: I wanted to treat it with real respect and reverence because I knew that Spock being human for an episode is something that I think has been daydreamed about for many, many years– and decades even. So I knew that this was a very important, iconic thing that we were delivering. I wasn’t nervous about it. No, I just really wanted to be prepared. Ethan and I had so many conversations about how to do it properly and exactly how to fine tune his performance, so that it never felt untethered to the real Spock (who was there, you know, still inside this human Spock). And, you know, making sure that it never went too kind of broad. With comedy, it’s just about anchoring it in reality and not hitting the jokes over the head… playing everything like it’s real. And I think that’s why I find it so fun in this episode is: everybody gets a moment or more to show how great they are at comedy, you know? Everybody gets a fun moment…some great lines, [and] some great reactions. It’s a real showpiece, I think, for just how versatile all of these actors are. And in particular, Ethan and Jess. They really worked so hard on this episode and did such a beautiful job.

Suzanne: And it had such a great ending for the fans, too.

Jordan: And for me! I mean, that’s the end. I was like, “I love it.” I love a big smooch, you know…

Suzanne: And the nice thing about this episode, is that it took you back. If you were a fan of the original show, it took you back all the episodes where they split Kirk into two characters –one good, one bad…things like that.

Jordan: Yeah. Nice. Yeah. I mean, the canon of this is so fun to play in, and there, they take such care and consideration in writing all of these scripts.

Suzanne: Well, I really appreciate you talking to me and I enjoyed it. It was a good episode. Thank you very much.

Jordan: Thank you.

Jordan Canning, Ethan Peck and other bridge crew in the Charades episode of "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" on Paramount+MORE INFO:

ABOUT JORDAN CANNING

Jordan Canning has directed more than a dozen short films which have played at festivals all over the world, including the Tribeca Film Festival, the Toronto International Film Festival and Interfilm Berlin. Among them, COUNTDOWN won a number of awards including a Golden Sheaf for Best Director; NOT OVER EASY swept all three awards at the National Screen Institute Film Festival; and SECONDS won the 2012 TIFF RBC Emerging Filmmakers Competition and the Shaw Media Fearless Female Director Award. Jordan directed all 23 episodes of the CTV digital series SPACE RIDERS: DIVISION EARTH. The show won the 2014 Canadian Screen Award for Best Digital Series and four Canadian Comedy Awards, including Best Director.

Her first feature, WE WERE WOLVES, premiered at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival. Her second feature, SUCK IT UP, premiered at Slamdance 2017 and won Best Feature Film at the B3 Frankfurt Biennale. Her third feature, an omnibus film called ORDINARY DAYS, won Best Director at the 2018 Canadian Film Festival.

Her television credits include two seasons of the Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning SCHITT’S CREEK, as well as hour-long dramas – SAVING HOPE (CTV), PRETTY HARD CASES (CBC), BURDEN OF TRUTH (CW), FAMILY LAW (CW), ASTRID AND LILLY SAVE THE WORLD (SYFY) – and half-hour comedies – BARONESS VON SKETCH SHOW (IFC), THIS HOUR HAS 22 MINUTES (CBC), THE LAKE (Amazon) and FRAGGLE ROCK and THE BIG DOOR PRIZE for Apple TV. Most recently she directed for season 2 of STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS for CBS and Paramount+. She has won two Canadian Screen Awards and a DGC Award for directing.

Jordan is a 2010 graduate of the Director’s Lab at the Canadian Film Centre and an alumnus of TIFF Talent Lab, TIFF Pitch This!, and Women in the Director’s Chair.

Key Art for season 2 of "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" on Paramount+“Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” Episode 205: “Charades” – Available to stream Thursday, July 13

Directed by Jordan Canning

Written by Kathryn Lyn & Henry Alonso Myers

Logline: A shuttle accident leads to Spock’s Vulcan DNA being removed by aliens, making him fully human and completely unprepared to face T’Pring’s family during an important ceremonial dinner.

In season two of STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS, the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise, under the command of Captain Christopher Pike, confronts increasingly dangerous stakes, explores uncharted territories and encounters new life and civilizations. The crew will embark on personal journeys that will continue to test their resolve and redefine their destinies. Facing friends and enemies both new and familiar, their adventures will unfold in surprising ways never seen before on any “Star Trek” series.

The series stars Anson Mount as Christopher Pike, Rebecca Romijn as Una Chin-Riley, Ethan Peck as Spock, Jess Bush as Christine Chapel, Christina Chong as La’An Noonien-Singh, Celia Rose Gooding as Nyota Uhura, Melissa Navia as Erica Ortegas and Babs Olusanmokun as Joseph M’Benga. Season two also features the return of special guest star Paul Wesley as James T. Kirk and new addition Carol Kane in a recurring role as Pelia.

Season two of STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS is produced by CBS Studios, Secret Hideout and Roddenberry Entertainment. Akiva Goldsman and Henry Alonso Myers serve as co-showrunners. Alex Kurtzman, Akiva Goldsman, Jenny Lumet, Henry Alonso Myers, Aaron Baiers, Heather Kadin, Frank Siracusa, John Weber, Rod Roddenberry and Trevor Roth serve as executive producers.

Season two of STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS will stream exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.K., Australia, Latin America, Brazil, France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. It will also be available to stream on Paramount+ in South Korea, with the premiere date to be announced at a later time. In addition, season two will air on Bell Media’s CTV Sci-Fi Channel and stream on Crave in Canada and on SkyShowtime in the Nordics, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal and Central and Eastern Europe.The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

Season one is currently available to stream exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S., the U.K., Latin America, Australia, South Korea, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. It airs on Bell Media’s CTV Sci-Fi Channel and streams on Crave in Canada and on SkyShowtime in the Nordics, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal and Central and Eastern Europe. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

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Director Jordan Canning on the transporter in "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" (from her Instagram)

 

Star Trek: Prodigy Episode Guide

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

Prodigy Episodes

 

STAR TREK: PRODIGY: "Supernova Part 1" EP#119 -- Jason Mantzoukas as Jankom Pog, Ella Purnell as Gwyn, Brett Gray as Dal, Kate Mulgrew as Janeway, Rylee Alazraqui as Rok-Tahk, Angus Imrie as Zero and Dee Bradley Baker as Murf in STAR TREK: PRODIGY streaming on Paramount+ Photo: Nickelodeon/Paramount+ ©2022 VIACOM INTERNATIONAL. All Rights Reserved.

SEASON ONE

Episode 101/102 – “Lost & Found” (Thursday, October 28th) Part 1 and Part 2. Exiled on a mining colony outside Federation space, a group of lawless teens discover a derelict Starfleet ship. Dal must gather an unlikely crew for their newfound ship if they are going to escape Tars Lamora, but The Diviner and his daughter Gwyn have other plans. Written By: Kevin & Dan Hageman Directed By: Ben Hibon

Episode 103 – “Starstruck” (Thursday, November 4th) Even with the guidance of their hologram advisor Janeway, the crew of the U.S.S. Protostar is tested when their ship is on a dangerous cosmic collision course. Written By: Chad Quandt Directed By: Alan Wan

Episode 104 – “Dreamcatcher” (Thursday, November 11th) The crew has their first away mission on an undiscovered planet that manifests their deepest desires, only to realize the planet has desires of its own. Written By: Lisa Schultz Boyd Directed By: Steve Ahn, Sung Shin

Episode 105 – “Terror Firma” (Thursday, November 18th) Marooned on a deadly planet, the crew must work together with their captive Gwyn to stay alive
except the planet isn’t the only thing in pursuit. Written By: Julie Benson, Shawna Benson Directed By: Olga Ulanova

Episode 106 – “Kobayashi” (Thursday, January 6th) As Gwyn struggles to find her role aboard the U.S.S. Protostar, Dal tests his leadership skills in the newly discovered holodeck. Written By: Aaron J. Waltke Directed By: Alan Wan

Episode 107 – “First Con-tact” (Thursday, January 13th) When a mentor from Dal’s past persuades him to use their Federation cover for personal gain, they quickly discover Starfleet has protocols for a reason. Written By: Diandra Pendleton-Thompson Directed By: Steve Ahn, Sung Shin

Episode 108 – “Time Amok” (Thursday, January 20th) When the U.S.S. Protostar is fractured in time by an anomaly, Hologram Janeway must synchronize the disjointed crew and save their ship before it destructs. Written By: Nikhil S. Jayaram Directed By: Olga Ulanova, Sung Shin

Episode 109 – “A Moral Star, Part 1” (Thursday, January 27th) The crew forgo their dreams of Starfleet to return to Tars Lamora in a no-win scenario. Written By: S1 Writers Room (Kevin & Dan Hageman, Julie Benson, Shawna Benson, Lisa Schultz Boyd, Nikhil S. Jayaram, Diandra Pendleton-Thompson, Chad Quandt, Aaron J. Waltke) Directed By: Ben Hibon

Episode 110 – “A Moral Star, Part 2” (Thursday, February 3rd) When the plan goes awry, the crew must improvise. Meanwhile, Gwyn discovers a dark truth that will forever jeopardize their quest toward salvation. Written By: S1 Writers Room (Kevin & Dan Hageman, Julie Benson, Shawna Benson, Lisa Schultz Boyd, Nikhil S. Jayaram, Diandra Pendleton-Thompson, Chad Quandt, Aaron J. Waltke) Directed By: Ben Hibon

Episode 111 – “Asylum” (Thursday, October 27th) At the edge of Federation space, the crew applies for asylum at a comm relay outpost, only for their starship to reveal its shocking true purpose. Written By: Kevin & Dan Hageman Directed By: Steve In Chang Ahn & Sung Shin

Episode 112 – “Let Sleeping Borg Lie” (Thursday, November 3rd) When the crew encounters a dormant Borg Cube, Zero risks everything to save their ship. Written By: Diandra Pendleton-Thompson Directed By: Olga Ulanova & Sung Shin

Episode 113 – “All the World’s a Stage” (Thursday, November 10th) The crew answers a distress call to find a colony trapped in Starfleet’s past. Written By: Aaron J. Waltke Directed By: Andrew L. Schmidt

Episode 114 – “Crossroads” (Thursday, November 17th) When the crew attempts to secure transport to the Federation, they unwittingly cross paths with the Vice Admiral who is hunting them. Written By: Lisa Schultz Boyd Directed By: Steve In Chang Ahn & Sung Shin

Episode 115 – “Masquerade” (Thursday, November 24th) Trapped in the Neutral Zone, the crew encounters a rogue geneticist who sheds light on Dal’s past. Written By: Nikhil S. Jayaram Directed By: Sung Shin

Episode 116 – “Preludes” (Thursday, December 1) A Starfleet Admiral digs into the past of the Protostar crew. Meanwhile, the Diviner recalls his life’s mission. Written By: S1 Writers Room (Kevin & Dan Hageman, Julie Benson, Shawna Benson, Lisa Schultz Boyd, Nikhil S. Jayaram, Diandra Pendleton-Thompson, Chad Quandt, Aaron J. Waltke) Directed By: Steve In Chang Ahn & Sung Shin

Episode 117 – “Ghost in the Machine” (Thursday, December 8) When the crew gets trapped in the holodeck by a mysterious malfunction, they aren’t sure what’s programmed or what’s real. Written By: Chad Quandt Directed By: Andrew L. Schmidt

Episode 118 – “Mindwalk” (Thursday, December 15) Desperate to warn Starfleet of their dilemma, a daring experiment goes awry as Dal inadvertently swaps minds with a Starfleet Vice Admiral. Written By: Julie Benson, Shawna Benson Directed By: Sung Shin

Episode 119 – “Supernova, Part 1” (Thursday, December 22) Surrounded by the Federation armada, the crew attempts to stop their ship from destroying all of Starfleet. Written By: Erin McNamara Directed By: Andrew L. Schmidt

Episode 120 – “Supernova, Part 2” (Thursday, December 29) As the Federation hangs in the balance, the crew must make the ultimate sacrifice to save Starfleet’s future. Written By: Kevin & Dan Hageman Directed By: Ben Hibon

 

Pictured: Brett Gray as Dal of the Paramount+ series Star Trek: Prodigy . Photo Cr: Nickelodeon/Paramount+ ©2021, All Rights Reserved.

Episode Guide Descriptions from Paramount+ Press Site

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Star Trek Articles and Interviews

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All of our Star Trek Articles, Reviews and Interviews!

 

Season 3 Key Art art of the Paramount+ original series STAR TREK: PICARD. Photo Cr: Joe Pugliese/Paramount+. © 2022 CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved.

INTERVIEWS

David Ajala (Book “Star Trek: Discovery”) 2/26/25

Doug Jones (Saru) 8/15 and Elias Toufexis (L’ak) 8/21 (“Star Trek: Discovery”)

stars Sonequa Martin-Green, Doug Jones, David Ajala, Wilson Cruz, Mary Wiseman, and Blu del Barrio; and executive producers Alex Kurtzman and Michelle Paradise (Michael, Saru, Book, Hugh, Sylvia, and Adira “Star Trek: Discovery”) 3/10/24

Rekha Sharma (Commander Landry, “Star Trek: Discovery” and Avi Samara, “Star Trek: Continues.”) 2/2/24

Todd Stashwick (Captain Shaw, “Star Trek: Picard”) 4/12/23

Linda Park (ex-Hoshi, “Star Trek: Enterprise) 2/2/23

Karl Urban (Dr. McCoy, Star Trek movies) 6/1/22

Brannon Braga (writer/producer of many Star Trek shows) 5/16/22

“Star Trek: Prodigy” TCA Panel 8/31/21

Tim Russ (Tuvok, “Star Trek: Voyager”) 6/30/20

David Gerrold (writer, “Trouble with Tribbles” and more) 6/21/20

Denise Crosby (Tasha Yar/Sela, “Star Trek: The Next Generation”) 7/11/19

Former “Enterprise” Executive Producer Manny Coto 4/24/14

Jeri Ryan (Seven of Nine, “Star Trek: Voyager”) 1/10/14

J.J. Abrams (director of the last two Star Trek movies) 11/7/13

Zachary Quinto (Spock, the last two Star Trek movies) 11/15/12

LeVar Burton (Jordi LaForge, “Star Trek: The Next Generation”)  6/28/12

Leonard Nimoy (Spock, original “Star Trek”)  5/10/12

Robert Picardo (Doctor, “Star Trek: Voyager”) 9/21/11

Kate Mulgrew (Captain Janeway, “Star Trek: Voyager”) 8/25/11

Jeri Ryan (Seven of Nine, “Star Trek: Voyager”) 7/28/11

Scott Bakula (Captain Archer, “Star Trek: Enterprise”)  11/2/10

Leonard Nimoy (Spock, original “Star Trek”) 10/9/09

David A. Goodman of “Family Guy” 3/24/09 – all about the Next Generation cast appearance; Goodman was also involved with “Enterprise”.

 

REVIEWS AND OTHER INFO

Review of Picard

Review of Star Trek: Discovery

CBS/Paramount Vs. Star Trek Fans 3/7/18

Review of Star Trek: Voyager – The Complete Series

Review of Star Trek: Enterprise: The Complete Series [Blu-ray]

Review of Star Trek: The Animated Series [Blu-ray]

Review of Star Trek: Enterprise Season One

Review of “Star Trek: The Next Generation – The Sixth Season” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation – Chain of Command” Blu-ray

Review of Star Trek: The Original Series – Origins

Review of “Star Trek: Insurrection” Special Collector’s Edition

Review of Star Trek: Enterprise – Complete Fourth Season [Blu-ray]

Review of Star Trek: The Original Series – The Complete Series

"Star Trek" cast

 

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More Interviews and Reviews

Interview with Todd Stashwick

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TV Interview!

 

Todd Stashwick of "Star Trek: Picard" on Paramount+

Interview with Todd Stashwick of “Star Trek: Picard” on Paramount+ by Suzanne 4/12/23Todd Stashwick of the Paramount+ original series STAR TREK: PICARD. Photo Cr: James Dimmock/Paramount+. © 2022 CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved.

This was so much fun. I’ve been watching “Star Trek” since I was a little girl in the 60’s, and I love all of the shows and movies, so I’m always happy to interview anyone from the franchise. I worked hard to get this interview, and I was not disappointed. I’ve spoken to many “Star Trek” actors in the past, but it’s always a thrill. I was trying really hard not to geek out! I’m very sad that this is the last season of this great show. I hope you enjoy the series and my interview. Todd is very nice – and a fellow geek – so he made it easy.

 

MORE INFO:

Season 3 Key Art art of the Paramount+ original series STAR TREK: PICARD. Photo Cr: Joe Pugliese/Paramount+. © 2022 CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved.STAR TREK: PICARD features Patrick Stewart reprising his iconic role as Jean-Luc Picard, which he played for seven seasons on “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” and follows this iconic character into the next chapter of his life. LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Jonathan Frakes, Gates McFadden, Marina Sirtis, Brent Spiner, Jeri Ryan and Michelle Hurd star alongside Patrick Stewart in the third and final season of the hit Paramount+ original series.

In the epic, thrilling conclusion of STAR TREK: PICARD, a desperate message from a long-lost friend draws Starfleet legend Admiral Jean-Luc Picard into the most daring mission of his life, forcing him to recruit allies spanning generations old and new. This final adventure sets him on a collision course with the legacy of his past and explosive, new revelations that will alter the fate of the Federation forever.

The series is produced by CBS Studios in association with Secret Hideout and Roddenberry Entertainment. For season three, Alex Kurtzman, Akiva Goldsman, Terry Matalas, Patrick Stewart, Heather Kadin, Aaron Baiers, Rod Roddenberry, Trevor Roth, Doug Aarniokoski and Dylan Massin serve as executive producers. Terry Matalas serves as showrunner for season three.

Seasons one and two of STAR TREK: PICARD are currently streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S.

STAR TREK: PICARD streams exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S. and is distributed concurrently by Paramount Global Content Distribution on Amazon Prime Video in more than 200 countries and territories and in Canada, it airs on Bell Media’s CTV Sci-Fi Channel and streams on Crave.

Todd Stashwick as Captain Liam Shaw in "Disengage" Episode 302, Star Trek: Picard on Paramount+. Photo Credit: Trae Patton/Paramount+. ©2021 Viacom, International Inc. All Rights Reserved.
FORMAT: Drama/Sci-Fi (Filmed in HD)
STARRING: Patrick Stewart (Jean-Luc Picard)
Jeri Ryan (Seven of Nine)
Michelle Hurd (Raffi Musiker)
Ed Speleers (Jack Crusher)
Todd Stashwick (Liam Shaw)
Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut (Sidney La Forge)
Amanda Plummer (Vadic)
Mica Burton (Alandra La Forge)
SPECIAL GUEST STARS: Jonathan Frakes (William Riker)
Gates McFadden (Beverly Crusher)
Michael Dorn (Worf)
Marina Sirtis (Deanna Troi)
LeVar Burton (Geordi La Forge)
Brent Spiner (Lore)
PRODUCED BY: CBS Studios in association with Secret Hideout and Roddenberry Entertainment
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Alex Kurtzman, Akiva Goldsman, Terry Matalas, Patrick Stewart, Heather Kadin, Aaron Baiers, Rod Roddenberry, Trevor Roth, Doug Aarniokoski and Dylan Massin

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Todd Stashwick with Jonathan Frakes, Patrick Stewart and Michael Dorn

 

Interview with actors from “School Spirits”

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

TV Interview!

Cast members of "School Spirits" on Paramount+

Interview with actors from “School Spirits” on Paramount+ by Suzanne 2/28/23

I did this interview to help out my friend Jamie from SciFiVision who couldn’t do it.  It was great to talk to these four young people. They’re very passionate about their roles on this new teen ghost/murder mystery series. It was enjoyable to hear them talk about their show. Don’t miss these interviews or “School Spirits!!

Kristian Flores & Kiara Pichardo of "School Spirits on Paramount+Kristian Flores (Simon) & Kiara Pichardo (Nicole)

and

Rainbow Wedell (Claire) & Spencer MacPherson (Xavier) Rainbow Wedell & Spencer MacPherson of "School Spirits on Paramount+

 

 

 

See the videos here!

MORE INFO:

NEW ORIGINAL YOUNG ADULT SERIES “SCHOOL SPIRITS” PREMIERES THURSDAY, MARCH 9, EXCLUSIVELY ON PARAMOUNT+

A First Look Teaser Trailer Was Also Revealed Today During Paramount+’s Television Critics Association Presentation

Series Is Produced by Awesomeness Live-Action Studios

Click Here to Watch New Teaser Trailer

SCHOOL SPIRITS Pictured, L-R: Xavier Baxter (Spencer McPherson), Maddie Nears (Peyton List), Rhonda (Sarah Yarkin), Claire Zolinski (Rainbow Wedell), Wally Clark (Milo Manheim), Charley (Nick Pugliese), Simon Elroy (Kristian Flores) and Nicole Herrera (Kiara Pichardo) in SCHOOL SPIRITS on PARAMOUNT+ Photo: Nickelodeon©2022 Paramount Global, INC. All Rights Reserved.Jan. 9, 2023 – Paramount+ today announced its new young adult drama series, SCHOOL SPIRITS, will premiere with two episodes on Thursday, March 9, exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S. and Canada. The series will premiere the following day in Australia and the U.K. Premiere dates for other Paramount+ international markets will be announced at a later date. Following the premiere, new episodes of the eight-episode-long season will be available to stream weekly on Thursdays for subscribers in the U.S. and Canada and on Fridays for subscribers in Australia and the U.K.

The announcement was made during the series’ panel at Paramount+’s Television Critics Association presentation, where a first look teaser trailer was also revealed. The SCHOOL SPIRITS panel featured series star Peyton List, along with cast members Nick Pugliese and Milo Manheim; showrunner and executive producer Oliver Goldstick; and creators, executive producers and writers Nate and Megan Trinrud.

Produced by Awesomeness Live-Action Studios, the YA series SCHOOL SPIRITS is centered around Maddie (Peyton List), a teen girl stuck in the afterlife investigating her mysterious disappearance. Maddie goes on a crime-solving journey as she adjusts to high school in the afterlife, but the closer she gets to uncovering the truth, the more secrets and lies she discovers.

SCHOOL SPIRITS stars Peyton List (“Cobra Kai,” “Bunk’d”) as Maddie Nears, and is based on the upcoming graphic novel by Nate & Megan Trinrud and Maria Nguyen. Additional cast members include Kristian Flores (“Reboot,” “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent”) as Simon Elroy, Spencer MacPherson (“Reign,” “Degrassi: Next Class”) as Xavier Baxter, Kiara Pichardo (“The Society,” “Mother/Android”) as Nicole Herrera, Sarah Yarkin (“Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” “Happy Death Day 2U”) as Rhonda, Nick Pugliese (“13 Reasons Why,” “Dramarama”) as Charley, Rainbow Wedell (“The Wilds,” “The Bureau of Magical Things”) as Claire Zolinski and Milo Manheim (“Zombies 3,” “Prom Pact”) as Wally Clark. Josh Zuckerman (THE OFFER, “Oppenheimer”) and Maria Dizzia (“13 Reasons Why,” “Orange Is the New Black”) have recurring guest star roles as Mr. Martin and Sandra Nears, respectively.

Oliver Goldstick (“Pretty Little Liars,” “Bridgerton”) serves as showrunner and executive producer of SCHOOL SPIRITS, along with creators Nate and Megan Trinrud, who wrote the pilot. Max Winkler (“Cruel Summer,” “Jungleland”) directed the first two episodes and also executive produced.

SCHOOL SPIRITS joins Paramount+’s growing lineup of YA content, including the hit iCARLY revival, the original films THE IN BETWEEN and HONOR SOCIETY and the upcoming TEEN WOLF: THE MOVIE.

#SchoolSpirits

@paramountplus

About Paramount+

Paramount+, a direct-to-consumer digital subscription video on-demand and live streaming service, combines live sports, breaking news and a mountain of entertainment. The premium streaming service features an expansive library of original series, hit shows and popular movies across every genre from world-renowned brands and production studios, including BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and the Smithsonian Channel. 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. Paramount+ also enables subscribers to stream local CBS stations live across the U.S. in addition to the ability to stream CBS News Network for 24/7 news and CBS Sports HQ for sports news and analysis.

For more information about Paramount+, please visit www.paramountplus.com and follow @ParamountPlus on social platforms.

About Awesomeness

Founded in 2012, Awesomeness is a media company focused on serving the global Gen Z audience through its digital publishing, film and television studio divisions. Awesomeness has become the destination for youth culture, cultivating a loyal audience with award-winning programming on the world’s biggest streaming services including Netflix (smash-hit film series “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” EmmyÂź winner “Trinkets”) and Hulu (Emmy winner “Zac & Mia”, Emmy nominee “Pen15”), along with the company’s immensely popular short- form programs on YouTube (“Next Influencer,” “Twin My Heart,” “Noah Beck Tries Things,” “My Dream Quinceañera”), that garner hundreds of millions of views. As a leading media brand, Awesomeness’ worldwide distribution footprint spans owned, social and premium SVOD platforms. Awesomeness is part of Paramount’s (Nasdaq: PARA, PARAA) global portfolio of multimedia entertainment brands and headquartered in Los Angeles, with additional offices in New York.

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SCHOOL SPIRITS: “Seance Anything” (L-R): Sarah Yarkin as Rhonda, Milo Mannheim as Wally, Peyton List as Maddie and Nick Pugliese as Charley in season 1, episode 7 of the Paramount+ series SCHOOL SPIRITS. Photo Credit: Ed Araquel/Paramount + © 2023 AwesomenessTV Holdings, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Awesomeness, ATV, School Spirits and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of AwesomenessTV. Paramount+ is a trademark of Paramount Pictures. Created for Television By Nate & Megan Trinrud.

Interview with actors from “Criminal Minds: Evolution”

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

TV Interview!

Erica Messer, Joe Mantegna (David Rossi), Kirsten Vangsness (Penelope Garcia), Paget Brewster (Emily Prentiss), A.J. Cook (Jennifer Jareau), Aisha Tyler (Dr. Tara Lewis) and Zach Gilford (Elias Voit) of "Criminal Minds: Evolution" on Paramount+

Interview with Erica Messer, Joe Mantegna, Kirsten Vangsness, Paget Brewster, A.J. Cook, Aisha Tyler and Zach Gilford of “Criminal Minds: Evolution” on Paramount+ by Suzanne 9/21/22

Two months ago, I was on a virtual TCA panel for “Criminal Minds: Evolution” on Paramount+ with all the stars of the show.  The talent in attendance were Erica Messer (Showrunner, Executive Producer & Writer) and stars Joe Mantegna (David Rossi), Kirsten Vangsness (Penelope Garcia), Paget Brewster (Emily Prentiss), A.J. Cook (Jennifer Jareau), Aisha Tyler (Dr. Tara Lewis) and newcomer Zach Gilford (Elias Voit).

The showrunner introduced the panel, thanking us and telling us that the show premieres 11/24 with its first two episodes on Thanksgiving and then new episodes will drop weekly. There are ten episodes in total for the first season, which “explore what our heroes have been up to since February of 2020, which is the last time you saw them, or, as we call it, ‘the before times.'” The team has gotten closer in these tough times. They find that “there’s been a prolific killer on the loose since 2005” (played by Zach Gilford) who became a legend during the pandemic. He concluded, “We’re lucky to have Zach Gilford bring this one-of-a-kind unsub to life and have so many familiar BAU agents back on the show.”

Adam Rodriguez is also in the cast, but he couldn’t make it to the panel because he was directing.

I asked a question regarding what I’ve seen fans post about on social media, “I’ve read that a lot of the fans were really unhappy with the original finale, and I was wondering if that was taken into consideration at all when you restarted the show.” I didn’t ask any particular person to answer, so Messer started and then the actors chimed in. Her opinion was that fans didn’t want the show to end, so she thinks that was the main reason they were unhappy about the finale. She did add that “you can’t please everyone,” but they try to write the characters as honestly as possible and stay true to them, and that’s all they can really do. Tyler said that she thinks some fans are always unhappy about any finale, but she mostly heard from fans about how much they loved the characters (or as she put it, “this family.”). She feels that most of the fans were just mourning the loss of the characters after 15 years, but she heard mostly good feedback. Mantegna then said, “The only ones that should be upset are the ones that were dumb enough to cancel it in the first place.” Everyone laughed nervously after that. Messer said, with a chuckle, “Joe calls it as he sees it.” Then there was more laughter.

Cook admired the way the finale was written because it left things open – that they were still out there fighting crime, which left everyone with hope for the future, and that the show would return. She agrees that it’s hard to please all the fans at once.

The actors talked about how happy they were to be back doing the show. It was a “joyous” occasion when they first met up on Zoom. Messer revealed that they would have just one unsub for the whole season (Gilford’s character). She also told us that the idea of Gilford’s unsub came to her during the pandemic. She started wondering what serial killers would be up to during the pandemic.

The cast was asked whether any of the disturbing stories of the show have given them nightmares. Vangsness confided that they all bothered her, and Tyler said that her husband was worried that he would get nightmares from the show. Mantegna added that this version of the show is going to be much more disturbing. The show’s stories don’t bother him because he knows it’s not real. What bothers him is that the real-life law enforcement have to deal with these type of crimes.

Gilford shared with us that he does get very disturbed by what’s done on the show. His wife asked, “What’s wrong with you?” and he replied, “I was just doing this to people all day. Leave me alone.” Everyone laughed, and then he said, “it gets dark.” Vangsness joked “it gets hard on serial killers” and he repeated that in a joking, self-pitying way, so there was more laughter.

Tyler agreed with Mantegna, saying that she thinks fans find the show satisfying because the criminals are caught in the end by these “intelligent, hard-working, devoted professionals are out there working very hard every day to make the world safer for the rest of us.” She also echoed what he said about the real-life people who do the job.

Cook disclosed that the show delves more into the characters’ personal lives and how they’re affected by the horrible things they have to deal with.

Messer was asked about whether the show will be a lot darker, now that it’s on streaming instead of broadcast TV. She didn’t want to make it too dark because teenagers watch it, but it will have some curse words that they couldn’t say before. She feels that this is normal language that people would use in real life. She teased Mantegna, saying he speaks that way all the time. He agreed with a smile that it wasn’t much of a stretch for him.

They were asked about directing episodes of the show. Mantegna told us that he, Cook, Tyler and Rodriguez have directed some of the episodes (as they had in the past on the original show). He praised Gilford, whom he worked with a lot while directing, “he’s been a great, incredible addition to our show.” Mantegna also mentioned that it takes them 8 days to shoot each episode.

Gilford grew up in Chicago, so he shares that he was a bit star-struck working with Mantegna, whom he considers a legend. He shared a cute story that us non-actors may not appreciate as much. He said, “we’re shooting the scene, and he goes, ‘Okay, and then you’re going to walk over here, and then we’ll cut, and I’ll yell, Cut.’ And I was like, ‘Did you just like line-read your directing?’ He’s like, ‘I’m an actor. I can’t help myself.’ I could not stop laughing, because it was — I’ve never seen a director do that before.” The other actors all laughed, so they must have found it funny, too.

Tyler then complimented Mantegna on his directing and loves it when actors direct because they’re easier for them to work with. Paget added in her two cents, thanking them all for directing because she never wanted to do it.

Messer shared that David Rossi is the character most in crisis when the show begins, and she talked about what a great job Mantegna did with the story. She said that how his character is feeling causes “a ripple effect” that goes through everyone else.

She also told us that two characters from the previous season won’t be returning: Matt Simmons (Daniel Henney) and Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler). However, they are still mentioned – “gone but not forgotten.” That was very disappointing to hear because Reid is my favorite character. Their desks are still there, with things on them. She never said whether they would explain why the characters aren’t back. I guess we’ll have to wait and see!

MORE INFO: Trailer

Criminal Minds: Evolution key art

In CRIMINAL MINDS: EVOLUTION, the FBI’s elite team of criminal profilers come up against their greatest threat yet, an UnSub who has used the pandemic to build a network of other serial killers. As the world opens back up and the network goes operational, the team must hunt them down, one murder at a time. Original cast members continuing their roles include Joe Mantegna, A.J. Cook, Kirsten Vangsness, Aisha Tyler, Adam Rodriguez and Paget Brewster. Zach Gilford joins the dynamic cast as a recurring guest star in a season-long arc.
PREMIERES: November 24, Exclusively on Paramount+
GENRE / FORMAT: Drama, Crime
STARRING: Joe Mantegna
A.J. Cook
Kirsten Vangsness
Aisha Tyler
Adam Rodriguez
Paget Brewster
Zach Gilford
PRODUCED BY:  ABC Signature and CBS Studios
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Erica Messer, Breen Frazier, Chris Barbour, Glenn Kershaw, Mark Gordon

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Criminal Minds: Evolution cast

Interview with the cast of “Tulsa King”

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

TV Interview!

 

Cast of "Tulsa King" on Paramount+; photos from paramountpressexpress.com

Interview with Showrunner Terry Winter, Executive Producer David C. Glasser, and Executive Producer/actor Sylvester Stallone, and actors Andrea Savage, Martin Starr, Jay Will and Garrett Hedlund of “Tulsa King” on Paramount+ by Suzanne 9/21/22

I really enjoyed this virtual panel. It was for the Television Critics Association, and I was so lucky to be chosen as the first to ask a question, which is always great (sometimes I’m lucky if I get even one question on these big panels). I loved being able to talk to Sylvester Stallone, who stars in this show. I admit that it would have felt weird to call him either “Sylvester” or “Sly,” so I addressed him as “Mr. Stallone.”  The other reporters must have liked that idea, because from then on, they called him that as well.

TULSA KING: A New Original Series with an Unconventional Twist

Virtual Panel Discussion Unveils Exciting Details about the Highly Anticipated Paramount+ Show

TULSA KING, September 21, 2022 – The Paramount+ original series TULSA KING is set to captivate audiences with its unique blend of genres and compelling storytelling. During a virtual panel discussion via Zoom, the show’s executive producer, showrunner, and writer, Terence Winter, along with executive producer David Glasser, executive producer and Academy Award nominee Sylvester Stallone, and the talented cast members Andrea Savage, Martin Starr, Jay Will, and Garrett Hedlund, shared insights and anecdotes about the upcoming series.

The panel began with Kate Mann, a member of the Paramount+ publicity team, expressing gratitude to Andrea Savage for joining despite her battle with COVID-19. After a lighthearted exchange about the different degrees of COVID, the discussion delved into the world of TULSA KING.

Terence Winter provided an overview of the show’s premise, introducing Dwight “The General” Manfredi, a seasoned New York mob capo. Released from prison after 25 years, Dwight expects compensation for his loyalty and sacrifices. However, he is unexpectedly sent to Tulsa, a place that feels worlds apart from his familiar surroundings. Tasked with rectifying past mistakes, rebuilding his life, and forming an unconventional crew, Dwight faces an existential journey in an unfamiliar setting.

The panelists engaged in a lively Q&A session, offering valuable insights into their experiences and the show’s unique elements. Sylvester Stallone, who plays Dwight “The General” Manfredi, spoke about his involvement in the show and the immediate connection he felt with the project when approached by Taylor Sheridan, the show’s creator. Stallone praised the fast-paced nature of television production and highlighted the endurance and dedication of the crew.

Stallone answered my question about how he became involved in the show: “It’s kind of interesting because I met {creator Taylor Sheridan] a while back, actually riding horses in California.   And he was just working on ‘Sicario’ at the time, and I wanted him to write the screenplay for ‘Rambo’ because I was getting lazy. Anyway, we moved on in life.  And then he became very, very successful with… ‘Yellowstone.’  And one day, he just had this idea, called me up, pitched it to me in like three seconds.  I went, “I’m in.” It was very fast.”

When asked about the appeal of playing a gangster and being a storyteller in that world, Stallone emphasized his long-standing fascination with the genre and his desire to portray a different type of gangster character. He described Dwight as an educated individual who appreciates the classics and possesses a unique set of traits not typically associated with gangster portrayals.

The cast members also shared their thoughts on the show and their respective characters. Andrea Savage expressed her excitement about working in a new world and highlighted the multi-dimensional nature of Dwight’s character. Martin Starr discussed his departure from his usual roles and the intriguing dynamics his character experiences when encountering Dwight. Jay Will expressed his appreciation for the relatability of his character’s journey of self-discovery, while Garrett Hedlund highlighted the unique bond between his character and Stallone’s character.

Throughout the discussion, Terence Winter emphasized the departure from traditional gangster narratives and the infusion of different genres. He described the show as a blend of the western and gangster genres, bringing together two tried-and-true themes to create an entirely new and captivating experience for viewers.

David Glasser, another executive producer, discussed the choice of Tulsa as the setting for the series. He explained that Tulsa provided the perfect backdrop for Dwight’s journey, as it contrasts significantly with his New York origins. Glasser praised the location’s wide-open spaces and distinct atmosphere, which helped immerse the audience in a new and unfamiliar world.

As the panel came to a close, the cast members expressed their hopes for the series. Garrett Hedlund and Jay Will emphasized the uniqueness and relatability of the show, while Martin Starr highlighted the dark comedy infused throughout the series. Andrea Savage praised the vulnerability and humor brought by Stallone’s portrayal of Dwight, while Stallone himself hoped that audiences would perceive the show as a departure from traditional mob narratives and find resonance in the characters’ stories.

The virtual panel left audiences eagerly anticipating the premiere of TULSA KING on November 13th, exclusively on Paramount+. With its unconventional blend of genres, captivating storytelling, and a stellar cast, the series promises to be an enthralling addition to the television landscape.

MORE INFO:

Key art for "Tulsa King," streaming on Paramount+PARAMOUNT+ DEBUTS TEASER TRAILER FOR NEW ORIGINAL SERIES “TULSA KING” STARRING ACADEMY AWARD¼ NOMINEE SYLVESTER STALLONE

PARAMOUNT+ DEBUTS TEASER TRAILER FOR NEW ORIGINAL SERIES “TULSA KING” STARRING ACADEMY AWARD¼ NOMINEE SYLVESTER STALLONE

Creator and Academy Award Nominee Taylor Sheridan Serves as Executive Producer Alongside Academy Award Nominee and Emmy AwardÂź Winner Terence Winter

“Tulsa King” Premieres Nov. 13 on Paramount+; Paramount Network to Air Episodes 1 and 2 on Nov. 20 Following an All-New Episode of “Yellowstone”

Produced by MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios

Click HERE for Teaser Trailer

Paramount+ today released the teaser trailer for the upcoming original series TULSA KING, starring Academy Award¼ nominee Sylvester Stallone. Creator and Academy Award nominee Taylor Sheridan serves as executive producer alongside Academy Award nominee and Emmy Award¼ winner Terence Winter (“The Sopranos,” “The Wolf of Wall Street”), who also serves as showrunner and writer. Produced by MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios, TULSA KING will premiere with two episodes on Sunday, Nov. 13 on Paramount+.

TULSA KING follows New York mafia capo Dwight “The General” Manfredi (Stallone) just after he is released from prison after 25 years and unceremoniously exiled by his boss to set up shop in Tulsa, Okla. Realizing that his mob family may not have his best interests in mind, Dwight slowly builds a crew from a group of unlikely characters, to help him establish a new criminal empire in a place that to him might as well be another planet.

The series also stars Andrea Savage (“I’m Sorry”), Max Casella (“The Tender Bar”), Martin Starr (“Silicon Valley”), Domenick Lombardozzi (“The Irishman”), Vincent Piazza (“Boardwalk Empire”), Jay Will (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”), A.C. Peterson (“Superman & Lois”) with Garrett Hedlund (“The United States vs. Billie Holiday”) and Dana Delany (“Body of Proof”).

Paramount Network will host a linear airing of TULSA KING’s first two episodes on Sunday, Nov. 20, immediately following a new episode of YELLOWSTONE. All remaining episodes will be available to stream weekly on Sundays, exclusively on Paramount+. TULSA KING will also premiere on Paramount+ in Canada on Nov.13, followed by a premiere in Australia and the U.K. on Monday, Nov. 14. The series will air later this year on Paramount+ in Latin America and in additional territories upon the launch of the service.

The series is executive produced by Taylor Sheridan, Terence Winter, Sylvester Stallone, David C. Glasser, Ron Burkle, Bob Yari, David Hutkin, Allen Coulter and Braden Aftergood.

TULSA KING is the latest addition to Sheridan’s growing slate on Paramount+, which includes 1883, MAYOR OF KINGSTOWN and the upcoming series 1923, BASS REEVES, LIONESS and LAND MAN.

About Paramount+

Paramount+, a direct-to-consumer digital subscription video on-demand and live streaming service, combines live sports, breaking news and a mountain of entertainment. The premium streaming service features an expansive library of original series, hit shows and popular movies across every genre from world-renowned brands and production studios, including BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and the Smithsonian Channel. 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. Paramount+ also enables subscribers to stream local CBS stations live across the U.S. in addition to the ability to stream CBS News Network for 24/7 news and CBS Sports HQ for sports news and analysis.

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Cast of "Tulsa King" at the show's premiere; photos from paramountpressexpress.com

 

Interview with the cast of “Monster High: The Movie”

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

TV Interview!

June 25: "Monster High" cast members Case Walker, Miia Harris, Ceci Balagot and Nayah Damasen attend 2022 VidCon at the Anaheim Convention Center on June 25, 2022 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)

Interview with actors Miia Harris, Ceci Balagot, Nayah Damasen, and Case Walker and EP’s Todd Holland, Adam Bonnett and Phil Breman on Paramount+/Nickelodeon by Suzanne 9/21/22

This TCA panel was for a new Halloween special movie based on the popular animated series and children’s dolls, “Monster High.” It airs Thursday, 10/7.  It was fun seeing how excited everyone was.

PARAMOUNT+
2022 TCA PRESS TOUR
MONSTER HIGH
Todd Holland, Executive Producer & Director
Adam Bonnett, Executive Producer
Phil Breman, Executive Producer
Miia Harris
Ceci Balagot
Nayah Damasen
Case Walker
Virtual via Zoom
September 21 2022
© 2022 Paramount+ All rights reserved.

First we had an introduction from Todd Holland, and he played us a musical clip from the show.

I had researched the cast, and the only one that I knew very well at all was Nayah, who was on “Grey’s Anatomy.” I asked her how working this fantasy setting was different from working in her past projects, which were mostly set in the real world.

She agreed that this movie was the most extensive fantasy experience that she’s had. She maintained, “it’s not every day you are painted pink and waking up at 3:00 in the morning,” but she enjoyed it. Getting to play a monster is very different from real life. However, these monsters do “go through very real human experiences.” Of course that’s true because otherwise it wouldn’t be very relatable for viewers. She went on to say that her character, Draculaura, is “trying to find her place
in the monster world.” Similar to the other characters she’s played, they’re young kids growing up and trying to figure out who they are. She compared Draculaura to her character, Kimmie Park, in Grey’s. They both love to sing but are prevented from doing that, so they have “that same predicament.”

There were many other reporters there asking questions. The first one asked the cast what it was that they made them want to do the movie. Miia grew up loving “Monster High,” and she would “pretend to be Clawdeen Wolf and howl at the moon very
proudly in public.” She remembers that the show had a big impact on her, and it was great to identify with such a “cool character,” especially being “a person of color.” She’s glad to have the opportunity to do that for other children and to create “that safe space for kids everywhere.”

Ceci admitted that she was a “really weird kid” and liked spooky and creepy things. She also grew up “singing
and dancing.” The movie gave her an opportunity to sing, dance and be spooky on screen, so she loves it.

Nayah is another one who grew up watching old musicals, and being in a movie musical is her dream job. She’s also happy to be part of the MH franchise “with fashionable dolls and a really cool cartoon,” which she loved as a little girl.

Case is another one who loves live-action musicals, and it was a dream for him to do this.

Another reporter spoke touchingly about her daughter, who’s autistic and loves these characters. She had some questions from her little girl that she asked. She asked what the cast and producers there think about “old friends of the series” and how they’re “reacting to the new characters.” I think everyone here assumed that by “friends” she meant “fans” because that’s how they answered it.

Todd explained that they love the fans and value them. They made the movie because of how popular the series is. However, he knows that some people have complained about changes, but he believes that inclusion is important. He explained that Mattel decided that it was time to “change the body types and broaden some of the character histories to include more people.” He hopes that original fans will see how beautiful that message is and will enjoy the new dolls they come out with. The message is the same as it’s always been: “”All monsters welcome,” or as he said, “Be unique, be a monster, be yourself, and you
are invited.” EP Phil added in his own opinion that they love how passionate the fans are. He said, “We like to consider them our alumni.” He confided that he has to pre-teen daughters who are part of that group. He explained that “The
core tenants of the brand are still there from the inclusion and diversity and community, but most of all a sense of friendship.” He ended by saying, “We are excited about introducing this new world to a whole new group of kids.”

Miia was asked to discuss her musical background and whether she was surprised that she was able to get the chance to do a musical on TV. Miia told us that she grew up “in the musical theater world” and has been training her singing and dancing talents since she was 8. Once she hit high school, developed a “deep passion for songwriting,” which led to her singing publicly for money in her hometown. Professionally, she’s mostly done acting, but she’s always wanted to include music as well, so to do both things she loves is “a dream come true.” She said that she’s “a very happy monster.”

The same reporter asked if Todd or Adam wanted to add about the fun of creating the new music. Adam told us that the music mixes “many different genres,” with all of them having something creepy in them, thanks to Todd’s guidance. They tried to give all of their songs “their own really unique MONSTER HIGH personality.” He praised the cast members for being so talented in acting, singing and dancing. Also, they had to do all of their casting over Zoom. The cast blew them away with their auditions in spite of the limitations.

Todd spoke about how crazy it was to do try to get the songs and have them performed in such a short amount of time, which he had never done before. Musicals are new to him. He has 12-year-old daughters who are triplets, so they helped him choose the songs to use. Some of the songs they didn’t choose for the final cut were used in the background of the movie. He also mentioned that Nayah performs “with her Nickelodeon band Good News Girls.”

Phil chimed in again to praise the production, the music and the performers.

Next, the cast were asked which was most difficult: Singing, dancing or something else?

Miia piped up to say that she loves dancing, but having to do them in very tall monster boots, with little “peripheral vision” (because of the monster contact lenses) was challenging.

Todd concurred, saying that whenever Miia stumbled, she would say, “I’m okay!” and they were always asking, “Are you all right?”

Adam pointed out that they had to always hide her human ears under the wig (since she has costume wolf ears), but she was always concerned about her eyes popping out during the musical numbers. He said that the actors had a lot of those type of things to worry about while also singing and dancing.

Case gave his point-of-view that “keeping it all together at the end of the day” could be tough because of the long days, but he said that when it all came together through all the hard work, it was worth it. He also added that being all together in it “was the best part.”

Ceci said that what was tough for her was dancing with a big wig. She’s used to ballet dancing, where your hair is usually slicked back. She noted that all of their “amazing dancers” had to do the same thing, but with really big shoes. She thinks it looks “effortless” on screen, so she’s excited for everyone to see it. She thinks the filmed version looks more “relaxed” that how “stressed and diligent” they were during filming.

The next press person asked about how tough it was to take an animated show and make it a live-action musical and whether anyone had any criticism about it.

Todd admitted that it’s difficult to take a cartoon character or doll and translate that into a regular teen. They had to adapt and change things that didn’t work. There were a lot of conversations between them and Nickelodeon and Mattel to try to find the right look of the characters. That was difficult, and then how to make the live action people look realistic, like making “Frankie” blue and look real, not like “Halloween makeup.” He praised their “brilliant department heads in hair, makeup, and costumes that worked very hard” to make it all work.

Adam and Phil complimented Todd for his vision in wanting the “monster world” to be fun but also more believable. They didn’t want it to look like a cartoon. They hired “a brilliant production designer named Fred Andrews, who was just so smart and brought a level of sophistication to creating this world in Vancouver.” He had to create this scary school that doesn’t really exist, from scratch.

Phil noted that the main point of the show is friendship and being your “authentic self.” He credits the actors for bringing these characters to life in that way.

The actors were asked if they were big fans of Halloween and how they celebrate it.

Ceci reiterated that she loves anything “spooky and scary.” She and her brother have a “Halloween movie marathon” of scary or fun-scary movies for a month. She mentioned “Heathers,” “Hocus Pocus” and the Peanuts Halloween special. She hopes that others that love watching these movies will add “Monster High” to their list.

Nayah told us that she loves the scary mazes at places like Universal and Knott’s Berry Farm (in Southern California). She plans to go to the maze that has “OG monsters like Dracula and Frankenstein.” She joked that she plans to go there and take a picture with Dracula, her father (in the movie). She loves to dress up in costume as well. During the filming of the movie, Halloween occurred, so they all dressed up like scary characters from “The Wizard of Oz.”

Miia said that going to work on this movie was like “Halloween every single day,” which to her was “really cool.” She loves Halloween and dressing up. She plans to dress up this year “as the plant in ‘LĂ©on: The Professional.'”

Case also said that he loves Halloween and dressing up, but he’s looking forward to next year when there are people dressing up as the characters from “Monster High: The Movie.”

MONSTER HIGH: THE MOVIE premieres Thursday, October 6th, on Paramount+ and that same evening at 7 p.m. ET/PT on Nickelodeon.

MORE INFO: Trailer

MATTEL, NICKELODEON AND PARAMOUNT+ DEBUT TRAILER FOR MONSTER HIGH: THE MOVIE, LIVE-ACTION MUSICAL PREMIERING THURSDAY, OCT. 6

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. and HOLLYWOOD, Calif., June 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT), Nickelodeon and Paramount+ today revealed the premiere date and trailer for Monster High: The Movie, a live-action movie musical based on the iconic Monster High franchise about the children of famous monsters and creatures. Monster High: The Movie premieres Thursday, Oct. 6, at 7 p.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon and streams that same day on Paramount+. The movie will encore on Nickelodeon on Friday, Oct.7, and Saturday, Oct. 8, at 7 p.m. (ET/PT). Internationally, the movie will premiere on Nickelodeon and Paramount+, beginning Oct. 6.

Monster High: The Movie
Monster High: The Movie

Monster High: The Movie follows Clawdeen Wolf (Miia Harris, Just Beyond), who was born half human and half werewolf, after she arrives at her new school, Monster High. She quickly makes friends with her classmates Frankie Stein (Ceci Balagot, Dispatches from Elsewhere) and Draculaura (Nayah Damasen, Grey’s Anatomy), and for the first time in her life, Clawdeen feels like she has finally found a place where she fits in and can truly be herself, despite keeping her human half a secret. When a devious plan to destroy Monster High threatens to reveal her real identity, Clawdeen must learn to embrace her true monster heart and find a way to save the day alongside her new friends.

Monster High: The Movie also stars: Case Walker (The Other Two) as Deuce Gorgon; Kyle Selig (Mean Girls on Broadway) as Mr. Komos; Marci T. House (Day of the Dead) as Headmistress Bloodgood; Scotch Ellis Loring (Firehouse Dog) as Clawdeen’s dad, Apollo; Steve Valentine (Mom) as Draculaura’s dad, Dracula; Jy Prishkulnik (Just Beyond) as Cleo de Nile; Lina Lecompte (Death Pursuit) as Lagoona; Justin Derickson (When the Streetlights Go On) as Heath Burns; Lilah Fitzgerald (Honey Girls) as Ghoulia; and Nasiv Sall (Descendants 2) as Abbey Bominable. Additional fan-favorite characters from the Monster High universe will also be seen throughout the movie.

In addition to Monster High: The Movie, an animated series based off the beloved Mattel franchise is slated to premiere later this year on Nickelodeon. Both projects join other Mattel Television content in production, including series and specials based on Barbie, Masters of the Universe, Thomas & Friends, Polly Pocket, Pictionary and Fireman Sam, to name a few. Mattel first introduced Monster High in 2010, and it quickly became one of the most successful and beloved kids’ properties of all time. The franchise seeks to foster a more accepting world where everyone is proud to be their authentic self, which is more relevant than ever. Today, Monster High is back with a reimagined set of fangtastic characters, inspired by the original ghouls, for a new generation that embraces what makes them unique and rallies people everywhere to express themselves.

Monster High: The Movie is directed and executive produced by Todd Holland (The Real O’Neals, Malcolm in the Middle, Firehouse Dog). The story is by Jenny Jaffe (Big Hero 6: The Series, Rugrats), Greg Erb, and Jason Oremland (Princess and the Frog, Playmobil: The Movie), and the teleplay is by Jaffe and Billy & Matt Eddy (Zapped, Teen Beach Movie). Adam Bonnett (Descendants franchise, Masters of the Universe: Revelation) serves as executive producer. Frederic Soulie, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Mattel Television and Phil Breman, Vice President of Live Action Development, oversee the movie for Mattel and serve as executive producers. Production on Monster High: The Movie for Nickelodeon is overseen by Zack Olin and Shauna Phelan, Co-Heads of Nickelodeon & Awesomeness Live-Action, along with executives Lee Rosenthal, Linda Halder and Jules Kovisars.

About Mattel
Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain, and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including BarbieÂź, Hot WheelsÂź, Fisher-PriceÂź, American GirlÂź, Thomas & FriendsÂź, UNOÂź, Masters of the UniverseÂź, Monster HighÂź and MEGAÂź, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming, music, and live events. We operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us online at mattel.com.

About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, now in its 43rd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location-based experiences, publishing and feature films. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon is a part of Paramount’s (Nasdaq: PARA, PARAA) global portfolio of multimedia entertainment brands.

About Paramount+
Paramount+, a direct-to-consumer digital subscription video on-demand and live streaming service, combines live sports, breaking news and a mountain of entertainment. The premium streaming service features an expansive library of original series, hit shows and popular movies across every genre from world-renowned brands and production studios, including BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and the Smithsonian Channel. 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. Paramount+ also enables subscribers to stream local CBS stations live across the U.S. in addition to the ability to stream CBS News Streaming Network for 24/7 news, CBS Sports HQ for sports news and analysis and ET Live for entertainment coverage.

For more information about Paramount+, please visit www.paramountplus.com and follow @ParamountPlus on social platforms.

PARAMOUNT+ PEAK SCREAMING RETURNS WITH MORE THAN DOUBLE THE SCARES

The Horror and Thriller Film Collection Includes the Highly Anticipated Premiere of “Significant Other” and Popular Horror Franchises Such as “A Quiet Place,” “Scream,” “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” “Paranormal Activity” and “The Descent”

Family Fright Night Favorites Include the Debut of “Monster High the Movie,” Plus Halloween Episodes from “Big Nate,” “SpongeBob SquarePants,” “PAW Patrol” and More

Click Here to Stream the Screams Now

NEW YORK – Sept. 22, 2022 – The Paramount+ Peak Screaming collection returns to the service today with an expanded screaming and streaming collection just in time for Halloween. The collection features more than double the programming from last year, including highly anticipated new originals, fan-favorite horror movies and iconic Halloween episodes from beloved series. This year’s seasonal collection will include the debut of MONSTER HIGH THE MOVIE (Thursday, Oct. 6), a brand-new live-action musical from Nickelodeon; the exclusive premiere of new thriller movies such as SIGNIFICANT OTHER (Friday, Oct. 7); the release of an all-new special Halloween episode of GHOSTS (Thursday, Oct. 27) and more. The Halloween-themed content on Paramount+ can be found here.

The thematic library, which includes entertainment for everyone in the household, is thoughtfully curated into subgenres to enhance discovery. Carousels within the Peak Screaming collection include:

  • Big Screen’s Big Screams: Blockbuster hits such as A QUIET PLACE, THE RING, THE DESCENT, WORLD WAR Z and 10 CLOVERFIELD LANE.

  • Buried Gems: Chilling thrillers such as THE BABYSITTER, as well as horror films like SPELL and SAINT MAUD.

  • Slash Hits: Spine-chilling films such as ORPHAN: FIRST KILL, SCREAM, CANDYMAN and THE TOWN THAT DREADED SUNDOWN.

  • Suspenseful Series: Edge of your seat shows such as EVIL, PAROT, THE TWILIGHT ZONE and CRIMINAL MINDS.

  • Family Fright Night: Family favorites such as SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH, THE ADDAMS FAMILY and ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE DARK.

  • Nickelodeon Monster Fest!: Beloved Halloween episodes from popular Nickelodeon series such as BIG NATE, SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS, PAW PATROL and BLUE’S CLUES.

  • Spooktacular CBS: Iconic Halloween episodes from some of the most popular CBS series, including BEVERLY HILLS, 90210, BLUE BLOODS, CHEERS, FRASIER and GHOSTS, which returns for its second season on Thursday, Sept. 29. The frightfully funny series will also debut a special Halloween episode, “Halloween 2: The Ghosts of Hetty’s Past,” on Thursday, Oct. 27.

  • Chilling Classics: Timeless films such as NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, PROPHECY, DEMENTIA 13 and ATTACK OF THE GIANT LEECHES.

  • Teen Wolf: The Beginning: The complete original series of TEEN WOLF, including popular episodes such as “Wolf Moon,” “Second Chance at First Line,” “Lunatic” and “Code Breaker.”

In October, the movie collection will grow again to include even more genre-defining hits and cult classics such as THE GRUDGE, I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER, SHUTTER ISLAND, JENNIFER’S BODY, ANNIHILATION and INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS, among others.

Paramount+ with SHOWTIME¼ bundle subscribers can stream the SHOWTIME Bloody Good collection of series and movies, including the Showtime Original Series premiere of LET THE RIGHT ONE IN on Friday, Oct. 7, plus other killer series like DEXTER¼: NEW BLOOD and Emmy-nominated YELLOWJACKETS. Fright fans can also watch the latest installment of the legendary franchise SCREAM (2022), horror hits from A24 like X, MIDSOMMAR and HEREDITARY, and other perennial Halloween favorites including THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS and ROSEMARY’S BABY. The bundle is currently offered at a special introductory pricing of $7.99 per month for the Essential Plan and $12.99 per month for the Premium Plan through Oct. 2.

The Peak Screaming collection is available to stream now. To view the Peak Screaming trailer, click here.

For more information about Paramount+, please visit www.paramountplus.com and follow @ParamountPlus on social platforms.

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"Monster High: The Movie" on Paramount+ and Nickelodeon Oct. 6

Interview with Mark Gagliardi

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

TV Interview!

 

Mark Gagliardi of "Blood and Treasure" on Paramount+

Interview with Mark Gagliardi of “Blood and Treasure” on Paramount+ by Suzanne 8/26/22

This was such a fun interview! Mark is hilarious. I really enjoyed speaking with him. I really love his character on “Blood & Treasure.”  I hope you enjoy our video! Don’t forget to watch “Blood & Treasure” on Paramount+. This Sunday, 10/2, is the season finale.

 

MORE INFO:

Mark Gagliardi as Father Chuck in "Blood and Treasure" on Paramount+ SundaysActor and comedian Mark Gagliardi is one of the main stars of the Paramount+ series BLOOD & TREASURE (plays ‘Father Chuck’) – new episodes of the 2nd Season drop on Sundays!

Additionally, Mark co-hosts the podcast “We Got This” with fellow comedian Hal Lublin – each week, Mark and Hal sit down to settle all the small debates that are a big deal to YOU – once and for all. No subject is too small for Mark and Hal to tackle! Even though you may think it’s an impossible puzzle to solve, don’t worry… We Got This.

He is also known for the critically acclaimed Emmy-winning series DRUNK HISTORY and THE THRILLING ADVENTURE HOUR.

Social Media:

IMDB bio: Originally from Tennessee and trained at DePaul in Chicago, Mark Gagliardi is best known for the viral hit ‘Drunk History’ and his work on stage in ‘The Thrilling Adventure Hour’, a monthly live hit show and podcast at Largo in Los Angeles. He is a veteran of The Second City and National Lampoon, improvises regularly with the record-breaking group Freedom Snatch, and works at Disneyland and Universal Studios as an actor and improvisation coach.

 

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Mark Gagliardi of "Blood and Treasure" on Paramount+

Review of “Skymed”

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

TV Review!

"SkyMed" Key Art

“Skymed” on Paramount+ Review by Suzanne 7/20/22

This show reminds me a little bit of “Chicago Med” or “Chicago Fire,” with a bit of “ER” thrown in. What makes it unusual is that it takes place in northern Canada, in the wilderness. It’s a Canadian show, but we’re seeing it down here on streaming. Most of the actors are newbies, and Canadian, but you’ll probably recognize veteran actor Aaron Ashmore, who plays Weezer, the senior person on the team.

Every ensemble show like this starts from a new person’s point of view, so we, the audience, can learn who is who and what is what. In this show, it’s nurse Hayley, played by Natasha Calis. She has left the big city to get away to the wilderness, but we don’t know why. She’s not the only one, either.

There’s quite a bit of action and adventure in the show to keep your attention. It remains to be seen whether it ever rises above the level of your average broadcast network TV show.

MORE INFORMATION:

Interview with Natasha Calis, Morgan Holmstrom, Kheon Clarke and Thomas Elms of “SkyMed” on Paramount+  7/6/22

Trailer

MEDICAL DRAMA “SKYMED” LAUNCHES SUNDAY, JULY 10, EXCLUSIVELY ON PARAMOUNT+ IN THE U.S.

All Nine Episodes of “SkyMed” Will Debut at Launch

The Series Is Produced by Piazza Entertainment

in Association with CBC and CBS Studios

June 16, 2022 – Paramount+ today announced all nine episodes of the new medical drama series SKYMED will be available to stream exclusively on the service in the U.S., beginning Sunday, July 10.

SKYMED follows the triumphs, heartbreaks and tribulations of budding nurses and pilots flying air ambulances in remote Northern Canada. Weaving together intense character journeys with high-stakes medical rescues, a diverse cast of young medical responders must rely on each other for survival at 20,000 feet in the air.

The series stars Natasha Calis (“Nurses”) as Hayley, Ace “Aason” Nadjiwon (“Batwoman”) as Bodie, Morgan Holmstrom (“Siberia”) as Crystal, Praneet Akilla (NANCY DREW) as Chopper, Thomas Elms (“The Order”) as Nowak, Mercedes Morris (“Between”) as Lexi, Kheon Clarke (RIVERDALE) as Tristan, and Braeden Clarke (“Outlander”) as Jeremy.

SKYMED is produced by Piazza Entertainment in association withCBC and CBS Studios. The series is created by Julie Puckrin, who also serves as executive producer along with Vanessa Piazza, Ron Murphy and Gillian Hormel. The series will be distributed internationally by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

About Paramount+

Paramount+, a direct-to-consumer digital subscription video on-demand and live streaming service, combines live sports, breaking news and a mountain of entertainment. The premium streaming service features an expansive library of original series, hit shows and popular movies across every genre from world-renowned brands and production studios, including BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and the Smithsonian Channel. 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. Paramount+ also enables subscribers to stream local CBS stations live across the U.S. in addition to the ability to stream CBS News Streaming Network for 24/7 news, CBS Sports HQ for sports news and analysis and ET Live for entertainment coverage.

For more information about Paramount+, please visit www.paramountplus.com and follow @ParamountPlus on social platforms.

About CBS Studios

CBS Studios is one of the world’s leading suppliers of entertainment programming, with more than 60 series currently in production for 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, which includes genre-defining franchises such as “NCIS,” “CSI” and the ever-growing “Star Trek” universe, award-winning late night and daytime talk shows, as well as an extensive library of iconic intellectual property. The Studio also develops and produces local language and international content originating outside of the U.S. with series in the U.K., Europe, the Middle East and Australia.

About Piazza Entertainment

Piazza Entertainment Ltd, was founded in 2016 by Executive Producer Vanessa Piazza (“Lost Girl,” “Dark Matter,” “Nurses,” “XIII,” “The Other Half”). Piazza Entertainment is a film and television production company established to create premium television programming for the domestic and international markets. Piazza previously was partnered under a multi-year first look deal with international distributor and studio Entertainment One. That first look arrangement concluded at the end of 2019. In 2020, Edith Myers (former CEO of Pinewood Studios, former COO of the Scott Group of Companies) joined as CFO. Currently Piazza Entertainment has several projects in development.

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

"Leave It All on The Ice" Episode #109 - Aaron Ashmore as Wheezer, Natasha Calls as Hayley, and Praneet Akilla as Chopper

Interview with Natasha Calis, Morgan Holmstrom, Kheon Clarke and Thomas Elms

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

TV Interview!

Stars of "SkyMed" on Paramount+

Interview with Natasha Calis, Morgan Holmstrom, Kheon Clarke and Thomas Elms of “SkyMed” on Paramount+ by Suzanne 7/6/22

This new action show debuts Sunday, July 10 on Paramount+. If you like shows like Chicago Fire or Chicago Med, you’ll probably enjoy this. It has a lot more action than other medical shows, such as “Grey’s Anatomy,” and it’s less of a soap opera. However, it does have some steamy moments.  It reminds me more of the show “ER,” which always had a lot going on, or the 70’s show “Emergency!”. This show is set up in the Canadian north (i.e. the wilderness) and is based on a real group of heroes up there who rescue people in the boonies and help them out medically.  The main name you might recognize in the series is Aaron Ashmore, who plays “Weezer,” the elder advisor to the younger people on the show. He starred in “Killjoys,” “Locke & Key,” “Smallville” and “Warehouse 13.” Three of the “Killjoys” writers also write on this show.  You might also recognize Aaron because his twin brother, Shawn, currently stars in “The Rookie.” Unfortunately, Aaron was not on this press call, but I enjoyed speaking with the four young actors. Natasha reminds me a little bit of Anne Dudek (“Corporate” among many other shows). I hope you enjoy the interview and the series! If you’re in Canada, it’s available on CBC.

 

MORE INFO:

Trailer

"SkyMed" Key Art

MEDICAL DRAMA “SKYMED” LAUNCHES SUNDAY, JULY 10, EXCLUSIVELY ON PARAMOUNT+ IN THE U.S.

All Nine Episodes of “SkyMed” Will Debut at Launch

The Series Is Produced by Piazza Entertainment

in Association with CBC and CBS Studios

June 16, 2022 – Paramount+ today announced all nine episodes of the new medical drama series SKYMED will be available to stream exclusively on the service in the U.S., beginning Sunday, July 10.

SKYMED follows the triumphs, heartbreaks and tribulations of budding nurses and pilots flying air ambulances in remote Northern Canada. Weaving together intense character journeys with high-stakes medical rescues, a diverse cast of young medical responders must rely on each other for survival at 20,000 feet in the air.

The series stars Natasha Calis (“Nurses”) as Hayley, Ace “Aason” Nadjiwon (“Batwoman”) as Bodie, Morgan Holmstrom (“Siberia”) as Crystal, Praneet Akilla (NANCY DREW) as Chopper, Thomas Elms (“The Order”) as Nowak, Mercedes Morris (“Between”) as Lexi, Kheon Clarke (RIVERDALE) as Tristan, and Braeden Clarke (“Outlander”) as Jeremy.

SKYMED is produced by Piazza Entertainment in association withCBC and CBS Studios. The series is created by Julie Puckrin, who also serves as executive producer along with Vanessa Piazza, Ron Murphy and Gillian Hormel. The series will be distributed internationally by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

About Paramount+

Paramount+, a direct-to-consumer digital subscription video on-demand and live streaming service, combines live sports, breaking news and a mountain of entertainment. The premium streaming service features an expansive library of original series, hit shows and popular movies across every genre from world-renowned brands and production studios, including BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and the Smithsonian Channel. 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. Paramount+ also enables subscribers to stream local CBS stations live across the U.S. in addition to the ability to stream CBS News Streaming Network for 24/7 news, CBS Sports HQ for sports news and analysis and ET Live for entertainment coverage.

For more information about Paramount+, please visit www.paramountplus.com and follow @ParamountPlus on social platforms.

About CBS Studios

CBS Studios is one of the world’s leading suppliers of entertainment programming, with more than 60 series currently in production for 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, which includes genre-defining franchises such as “NCIS,” “CSI” and the ever-growing “Star Trek” universe, award-winning late night and daytime talk shows, as well as an extensive library of iconic intellectual property. The Studio also develops and produces local language and international content originating outside of the U.S. with series in the U.K., Europe, the Middle East and Australia.

About Piazza Entertainment

Piazza Entertainment Ltd, was founded in 2016 by Executive Producer Vanessa Piazza (“Lost Girl,” “Dark Matter,” “Nurses,” “XIII,” “The Other Half”). Piazza Entertainment is a film and television production company established to create premium television programming for the domestic and international markets. Piazza previously was partnered under a multi-year first look deal with international distributor and studio Entertainment One. That first look arrangement concluded at the end of 2019. In 2020, Edith Myers (former CEO of Pinewood Studios, former COO of the Scott Group of Companies) joined as CFO. Currently Piazza Entertainment has several projects in development.

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

Back to the Primetime Articles and Interviews Page

"Leave It All on The Ice" Episode #109 - Aaron Ashmore as Wheezer, Natasha Calls as Hayley, and Praneet Akilla as Chopper

Interview with the cast of “Wolf Pack”

Posted on by TvMegasite Admin

TV Interview!

 

Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jeff Davis, Rodrigo Santoro, Bella Shepard, Chloe Rose Robertson, Armani Jackson, and Tyler Lawrence Gray, stars of "Wolf Pack" on Paramount+. Photos from https://www.paramountpressexpress.com of the premiere night.

Interview with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jeff Davis, Rodrigo Santoro, Bella Shepard, Chloe Rose Robertson, Armani Jackson, and Tyler Lawrence Gray of “Wolf Pack” on Paramount+ by Suzanne 9/21/22

Sarah Michelle Gellar stars as Kristin Ramsy in "Wolf Pack" on Paramount+. Photos from https://www.paramountpressexpress.comI really enjoyed this TCA panel because I’m such a huge fan of Sarah Michelle Gellar from her work on both “All My Children” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Also, I really loved showrunner Jeff Davis’ other werewolf show, “Teen Wolf.”  The young cast seems very nice as well. I hope this will be a great show and a huge hit!

WOLF PACK Takes the TCA Panel by Storm

Virtual via Zoom, September 21, 2022 – The highly anticipated TCA panel for the new original series, WOLF PACK, took place yesterday, introducing an exciting lineup of talented cast members and producers. Led by showrunner and executive producer Jeff Davis, the panel included executive producer and renowned actress Sarah Michelle Gellar, along with Rodrigo Santoro, Armani Jackson, Bella Shepard, Chloe Rose Robertson, and Tyler Lawrence Gray.

The virtual event, hosted by Brian Bahr from the Paramount+ Communications Team, kicked off with introductions and a warm welcome to the panelists. Each member shared their excitement for the upcoming series and their roles within it.Rodrigo Santoro as Garrett Briggs and Lanny Joon as Officer Jason Jang in "Wolf Pack" on Paramount+. Photos from https://www.paramountpressexpress.com of the premiere night.

Jeff Davis expressed his enthusiasm for the show, acknowledging that he didn’t expect to work on another series about teenage werewolves so soon. However, he expressed his excitement about the captivating story and the talented cast involved. Davis revealed that WOLF PACK offers a unique tone, setting itself apart from his previous work on “Teen Wolf.” To provide a glimpse into the series, two exclusive clips were showcased during the panel.

The first clip featured Armani Jackson as Everett, portraying a pivotal hospital scene following a harrowing encounter with an animal. The intense sequence offered a glimpse into the horror elements that define the show. Davis emphasized that WOLF PACK would offer a fresh and distinct take on the werewolf genre, promising an engaging viewing experience.

The second clip showcased Sarah Michelle Gellar’s return to the horror genre, much to the delight of fans. Davis expressed his eagernest about Gellar’s involvement, highlighting her significant contribution to the show’s chilling atmosphere. The clip also featured the other main cast members, including Rodrigo Santoro, who impressed the audience with his entrance.

After the clips, the floor opened for questions. One question directed to the younger actors revolved around the impact of Gellar’s previous work, particularly her iconic role in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” Tyler Lawrence Gray and Armani Jackson confirmed their familiarity with the show, expressing excitement about working with Gellar.

The panel continued with discussions about character development and the overall premise of the series. The cast members provided insights into their roles and how their characters cope with the transformations they experience throughout the show. Each actor shared their enthusiasm for the complex and relatable journeys their characters undertake.

When asked about her return to the horror genre, Sarah Michelle Gellar explained her initial hesitation and how the unique aspects of WOLF PACK enticed her to accept the role. Gellar praised the script’s ability to address important topics like anxiety, depression, and the impact of technology on youth. She also highlighted the show’s exploration of environmental issues, particularly the backdrop of wildfires, drawing from her personal experience during the Los Angeles fires.

Jeff Davis discussed the adaptation process, acknowledging the inspiration from Edo van Belkom’s books but emphasizing the show’s departure from them. He expressed a desire to create a new universe with a distinct tone, unique mythology, and edgier storytelling. Davis emphasized his enthusiasm for exploring adult themes and showcasing diverse and inclusive characters.

Chloe Robertson as Luna Briggs; Tyler Gray as Harlan Briggs; Armani Jackson as Everett Lang; and Bella Shepard as Blake Navarro in "Wolf Pack," Episode 108, Trophic Cascade. Streaming on Paramount+.The panel concluded on a lighthearted note, with the cast members and producers sharing playful banter. Sarah Michelle Gellar jokingly expressed her initial reluctance to undergo extensive makeup and prosthetics, while Jeff Davis and the rest of the panelists playfully discussed the inclusion of actors named Tyler in werewolf shows.

The TCA panel for WOLF PACK showcased a promising and dynamic series that merges horror, complex character arcs, and thought-provoking themes. With an exceptional cast and experienced producers at the helm, the show aims to captivate audiences and push the boundaries of the werewolf genre. Fans eagerly await the premiere of WOLF PACK to witness the thrilling and transformative journey that lies ahead.

MORE INFO:

"Wolf Pack" key art

PARAMOUNT+ ORIGINAL SERIES “WOLF PACK” TO PREMIERE THURSDAY, JAN. 26; ADDITIONAL CAST ANNOUNCED

Official Teaser Trailer Revealed Today During New York Comic Con

Series Produced by MTV Entertainment Studios

Official Teaser Trailer HERE

Oct. 7, 2022 – Paramount+ today announced that the original series WOLF PACK will premiere Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, exclusively on the service in the U.S. and Canada. The series, written and produced by Jeff Davis, will premiere the following day on Friday, Jan. 27, 2023 on Paramount+ in the U.K., Australia, and Latin America. Premiere dates for other Paramount+ international markets will be announced at a later date.

Paramount+ also revealed the series’ official teaser trailer during today’s joint TEEN WOLF: THE MOVIE and WOLF PACK panel at New York Comic Con. The WOLF PACK panel featured a conversation between writer and executive producer Jeff Davis, executive producer and cast member Sarah Michelle Gellar and cast members Rodrigo Santoro, Armani Jackson, Bella Shepard, Chloe Rose Robertson and Tyler Lawrence Gray. The panel was moderated by Rotten Tomatoes editor Jacqueline Coley.

Additionally, the streamer announced that Bailey Stender (“iCarly”), Chase Liefeld (“Chang Can Dunk”), Hollie Bahar (“Westworld”), Lanny Joon (“Baby Driver”), Rio Mangini (“Everything Sucks”), Stella Smith (“Stargirl”), Zack Nelson (“Loot”) and James Martinez (“Love, Victor”) will join in recurring roles. Additional casting includes Amy Pietz (“Caroline in the City”), Bria Brimmer (“Doom Patrol”), John L. Adams (“The Dead Zone”) and Sean Philip Glasgow (“Diary of a Future President”).

Based on the book series by Edo Van Belkom, WOLF PACK follows a teenage boy and girl whose lives are changed forever when a California wildfire awakens a terrifying supernatural creature and drives it to attack a highway traffic jam beneath the burning hills. Wounded in the chaos, the boy and girl are inexplicably drawn to each other and to two other teenagers who were adopted sixteen years earlier by a park ranger after another mysterious wildfire. As the full moon rises, all four teens come together to unravel the secret that connects them – the bite and blood of a werewolf.

Written and executive produced by Jeff Davis, the series is a part of his multi-year deal with MTV Entertainment Studios. Davis is also writing and producing the upcoming Paramount+ original film TEEN WOLF: THE MOVIE. In addition to Davis, Joe Genier, Mike Elliott and Karen Gorodetzky serve as executive producers for Capital Arts. Jason Ensler, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Christian Taylor serve as executive producers.

About Paramount+

Paramount+ combines live sports, breaking news and a mountain of entertainment. The premium streaming service features an expansive library of original series, hit shows and popular movies across every genre from world-renowned brands and production studios, including BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and the Smithsonian Channel. 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. Paramount+ also enables subscribers to stream local CBS stations live across the U.S. in addition to the ability to stream other live channels: CBSN for 24/7 news, CBS Sports HQ for sports news and analysis and ET Live for entertainment coverage.

For more information about Paramount+ and TEEN WOLF: THE MOVIE, please visit www.paramountplus.com and follow @ParamountPlus on all social platforms and Teen Wolf’s Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

About Paramount Media Networks & MTVEntertainment Studios

Paramount Media Networks & MTV Entertainment Studios is one of the preeminent media entities in the world that connects with global audiences through its nine iconic brands – MTV, Comedy Central, VH1, CMT, Pop, Logo, Smithsonian, Paramount Network and TV Land – as well as MTV Entertainment Studios which produces acclaimed series and movies and the award-winning, Oscar-nominated MTV Documentary Films.

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"Wolf Pack" cast pose; Photos from https://www.paramountpressexpress.com of the premiere night.

 

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

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