While doing press in January for the third season of “Playing House,” co-creators, writers, stars and real-life best friends Jessica St. Clair and Lennon Parham hinted that they shared a major bonding experience that they had written into the show. But they decided to keep mum about it until early May, when St. Clair revealed in a post on the StandUp2Cancer website that she had underwent treatment for breast cancer, with her best friend by her side every step of the way.
Read More: Summer TV Preview: 20 New and Returning Comedies Worth Watching
The duo had worried that introducing such a serious storyline into the show wouldn’t feel organic or that it would overpower the comedy, but that fear was unfounded. “Playing House” is funnier, more in tune with its beating heart of comedy than ever, because of how the battle with cancer brought the two friends closer together.
Making the series after that was an exercise in gratitude, and the show exudes positivity, hope and joy through every line and scene. If anything, “Playing House” balances out its humor and multiple storylines so well that it’s actually easy to forget that the cancer plot is coming until it happens. And then bam — right there amidst the laughter — a feeling of being blindsided and stunned. And then come the tears.
This is what sets “Playing House” and a few other powerful comedies apart from the pack — their ability to bring genuine pathos and character growth into a genre that usually favors cautious inertia. The series is fearless: It’s unafraid to change, to evolve, to grow up.
When the show began, Maggie (Parham) left her cheating husband just before she’s about to have their baby. Her best friend Emma (St. Clair) leaves behind her job overseas to move in with Maggie to help raise the baby together. But this season, it’s Maggie who’s supportive of Emma through the hard times. In between single motherhood and cancer, the friends are consistently there for each other through all the changes: reentering the world of dating (with a hot new British doctor played by Ben Willbond), turning 40, having a healthy relationship with exes, career changes, and raising children. Aging isn’t a cause for mourning or denial, but is celebrated and yes, mocked mercilessly.
Read More: ‘Playing House’: Jessica St. Clair Reveals Real-Life Breast Cancer Battle Featured in Third Season
Early on in Season 3, when Emma is considering sleeping with an ex she knew in high school, the following exchange takes place:
Real talk: do penises age? Asking for a friend.
Check out this first look at Season 3! We're dying a little with excitement. pic.twitter.com/TfxtuxfNo9
— Playing House (@PlayingHouseUSA) June 22, 2017
What’s beautiful about their relationship is that Maggie doesn’t even hesitate to answer in the most earnest and detailed manner possible. Oh yes, “Playing House” is crass, inappropriate, silly, but most of all vital. This season might be about embracing all the ups and downs of age 40, but it doesn’t act its age. Emma and Maggie’s lust for life and sharing is infectious, so much so that a new character introduced in the first episode gets visibly verklempt after hearing about the extent of the women’s friendship. Nobody is immune to the power of their triumphant and gleeful bond.
As strong as their friendship is though, it is not exclusive. Characters on the show get swept up in their wake, only to be embraced as extended family. And while some of the scenes featuring these characters without the benefit of the Bff presence or chemistry falter a bit, that too is part of the growing and learning process. This season we see more of exes Mark (Keegan-Michael Key), Bruce (Brad Morris), Zach (Zach Woods) and even Tina, aka “Bird Bones” (Lindsay Sloane), among a slew of others who are game to ditch their dignity for laughs. And in a way, we the audience are invited into that circle of friends as well.
St. Clair and Parham deciding to incorporate their partnered cancer battle into the show isn’t just brave or smart; it’s generous. And that’s true of how the show has operated from the beginning. Sure, their friendship is a pleasure to watch and even aspirational in its strength, but sharing it in all of its imperfect glory — warts, tumors and all — is the ultimate in honest communication, trust and building a community. We’ve been invited into the house to play, and it’s exactly where we want to be.
Grade: B+
Watch this exclusive sneak peek of the bloopers from Episode 2 below:
“Playing House” premieres with back-to-back episodes on Friday, June 23 at 11 p.m. and the entire season will be available on VOD on Saturday, June 24.
Stay on top of the latest TV news! Sign up for our TV email newsletter here.
Related stories'Better Call Saul' Review: Rough Times for Jimmy Are Bad News For Everyone Else'Playing House': Jessica St. Clair Reveals Real-Life Breast Cancer Battle Featured in Third Season'Psych: The Movie' Is Real, as the 'Psych' Cast Reunites for a New Case This Christmas...
Read More: Summer TV Preview: 20 New and Returning Comedies Worth Watching
The duo had worried that introducing such a serious storyline into the show wouldn’t feel organic or that it would overpower the comedy, but that fear was unfounded. “Playing House” is funnier, more in tune with its beating heart of comedy than ever, because of how the battle with cancer brought the two friends closer together.
Making the series after that was an exercise in gratitude, and the show exudes positivity, hope and joy through every line and scene. If anything, “Playing House” balances out its humor and multiple storylines so well that it’s actually easy to forget that the cancer plot is coming until it happens. And then bam — right there amidst the laughter — a feeling of being blindsided and stunned. And then come the tears.
This is what sets “Playing House” and a few other powerful comedies apart from the pack — their ability to bring genuine pathos and character growth into a genre that usually favors cautious inertia. The series is fearless: It’s unafraid to change, to evolve, to grow up.
When the show began, Maggie (Parham) left her cheating husband just before she’s about to have their baby. Her best friend Emma (St. Clair) leaves behind her job overseas to move in with Maggie to help raise the baby together. But this season, it’s Maggie who’s supportive of Emma through the hard times. In between single motherhood and cancer, the friends are consistently there for each other through all the changes: reentering the world of dating (with a hot new British doctor played by Ben Willbond), turning 40, having a healthy relationship with exes, career changes, and raising children. Aging isn’t a cause for mourning or denial, but is celebrated and yes, mocked mercilessly.
Read More: ‘Playing House’: Jessica St. Clair Reveals Real-Life Breast Cancer Battle Featured in Third Season
Early on in Season 3, when Emma is considering sleeping with an ex she knew in high school, the following exchange takes place:
Real talk: do penises age? Asking for a friend.
Check out this first look at Season 3! We're dying a little with excitement. pic.twitter.com/TfxtuxfNo9
— Playing House (@PlayingHouseUSA) June 22, 2017
What’s beautiful about their relationship is that Maggie doesn’t even hesitate to answer in the most earnest and detailed manner possible. Oh yes, “Playing House” is crass, inappropriate, silly, but most of all vital. This season might be about embracing all the ups and downs of age 40, but it doesn’t act its age. Emma and Maggie’s lust for life and sharing is infectious, so much so that a new character introduced in the first episode gets visibly verklempt after hearing about the extent of the women’s friendship. Nobody is immune to the power of their triumphant and gleeful bond.
As strong as their friendship is though, it is not exclusive. Characters on the show get swept up in their wake, only to be embraced as extended family. And while some of the scenes featuring these characters without the benefit of the Bff presence or chemistry falter a bit, that too is part of the growing and learning process. This season we see more of exes Mark (Keegan-Michael Key), Bruce (Brad Morris), Zach (Zach Woods) and even Tina, aka “Bird Bones” (Lindsay Sloane), among a slew of others who are game to ditch their dignity for laughs. And in a way, we the audience are invited into that circle of friends as well.
St. Clair and Parham deciding to incorporate their partnered cancer battle into the show isn’t just brave or smart; it’s generous. And that’s true of how the show has operated from the beginning. Sure, their friendship is a pleasure to watch and even aspirational in its strength, but sharing it in all of its imperfect glory — warts, tumors and all — is the ultimate in honest communication, trust and building a community. We’ve been invited into the house to play, and it’s exactly where we want to be.
Grade: B+
Watch this exclusive sneak peek of the bloopers from Episode 2 below:
“Playing House” premieres with back-to-back episodes on Friday, June 23 at 11 p.m. and the entire season will be available on VOD on Saturday, June 24.
Stay on top of the latest TV news! Sign up for our TV email newsletter here.
Related stories'Better Call Saul' Review: Rough Times for Jimmy Are Bad News For Everyone Else'Playing House': Jessica St. Clair Reveals Real-Life Breast Cancer Battle Featured in Third Season'Psych: The Movie' Is Real, as the 'Psych' Cast Reunites for a New Case This Christmas...
- 6/23/2017
- by Hanh Nguyen
- Indiewire
2014’s been a strong year for new comedies: Benched, Playing House, Selfie and Enlisted all established themselves as must-watch shows early on, though only Benched appears it will remain on the air until its season finale (and Playing House was finally renewed last week by USA!). However, all of these well-received comedies pale in comparison to one particular show: You’re the Worst, which debuted alongside Married this summer as part of FX’s new foray into rom-com – and quickly became one of the best comedies on television, new or old. Starring Chris Greerre and Aya Cash as Jimmy and Gretchen, You’re the Worst is a show that eschews traditional cliches and tropes at every angle. The stars sleep together in the first five minutes, first of all – and from there, the show steps back and watches two messy characters try to make sense of their damaged emotions, pushing...
- 12/22/2014
- by Randy Dankievitch
- TVovermind.com
When all was said and done, Michelle Fairley deems it an “absolute pleasure” to have been a part of Fox’s 24: Live Another Day revival — up to and including the most recent and rollicking hour, in which Terrorist Mom Margot Al-Harazi died at the hand of the estimable Jack Bauer.
Fairley spoke with TVLine about stepping in as a last-minute recast, “blowing up” Potus and playing dead. Plus: TV’s erstwhile Catelyn Stark shares her take on Game of Thrones‘ season-ending surprise of omission.
Related | 24 Boss: Time Jump Is Coming — Plus, Might Kate Replace Jack?
Tvline | Judy Davis abruptly...
Fairley spoke with TVLine about stepping in as a last-minute recast, “blowing up” Potus and playing dead. Plus: TV’s erstwhile Catelyn Stark shares her take on Game of Thrones‘ season-ending surprise of omission.
Related | 24 Boss: Time Jump Is Coming — Plus, Might Kate Replace Jack?
Tvline | Judy Davis abruptly...
- 6/25/2014
- TVLine.com
Two weeks into its sophomore run, USA Network’s Graceland sent several of its characters in interesting new directions, be it into the path of a beautiful woman, wrestled to the ground by cops or steering clear of a mark.
TVLine invited series creator Jeff Eastin to tease what these new wrinkles will mean for Briggs, Jakes and Charlie, respectively.
Photos Quotes of the Week From Graceland, Suits, Playing House and More
Jilted Jakes | Graceland’s resident U.S. Customs Agent (played by Brandon Jay McLaren) had covertly moved out of the titular house and made camp in a modest apartment,...
TVLine invited series creator Jeff Eastin to tease what these new wrinkles will mean for Briggs, Jakes and Charlie, respectively.
Photos Quotes of the Week From Graceland, Suits, Playing House and More
Jilted Jakes | Graceland’s resident U.S. Customs Agent (played by Brandon Jay McLaren) had covertly moved out of the titular house and made camp in a modest apartment,...
- 6/24/2014
- TVLine.com
This Monday on 24: Live Another Day (Fox, 9/8), it is time to hail the chief — and TVLine has an exclusive sneak peek at the reactions of both colleagues and kin.
Related Performer of the Week Runner-Up: 24‘s William Devane
As the previous episode faded to black (and an oddly non-silent clock), President Heller had followed through on his surrender to Margot Al-Harazi, who herself fired a drone missile at Potus as he stood in the middle of Wembley Stadium.
Photos Quotes of the Week from 24: Live Another Day and Other Shows
In the video below, the British Prime Minister...
Related Performer of the Week Runner-Up: 24‘s William Devane
As the previous episode faded to black (and an oddly non-silent clock), President Heller had followed through on his surrender to Margot Al-Harazi, who herself fired a drone missile at Potus as he stood in the middle of Wembley Stadium.
Photos Quotes of the Week from 24: Live Another Day and Other Shows
In the video below, the British Prime Minister...
- 6/23/2014
- TVLine.com
We’ve got questions, and you’ve (maybe) got answers! With another week of TV gone by, we’re lobbing queries left and right about shows including Mistresses, Awkward, The 100 and Suits!
1 | Is there any better testament to Hugh Jackman’s talent than the fact that, early on during his fourth stint as host of the Tonys, we stopped noticing that he was sporting a beard that made him look like Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof? And while watching the Les Miz performance, we couldn’t help but wonder: How has TV not given us a The Thenardiers sitcom yet?...
1 | Is there any better testament to Hugh Jackman’s talent than the fact that, early on during his fourth stint as host of the Tonys, we stopped noticing that he was sporting a beard that made him look like Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof? And while watching the Les Miz performance, we couldn’t help but wonder: How has TV not given us a The Thenardiers sitcom yet?...
- 6/13/2014
- TVLine.com
Our top moments of the week:
12. Best Timing: Everyone on Playing House knows that Mark once proposed to Emma, well except Mark's now wife Tina. So once an epic fight between Tina and Emma starts up, Maggie tries her best to squash it by saying that everyone has hooked up with Mark at one point or another, including her! Emma is horrified to find out her Bff broke the sacred girl code and...
Read More >...
12. Best Timing: Everyone on Playing House knows that Mark once proposed to Emma, well except Mark's now wife Tina. So once an epic fight between Tina and Emma starts up, Maggie tries her best to squash it by saying that everyone has hooked up with Mark at one point or another, including her! Emma is horrified to find out her Bff broke the sacred girl code and...
Read More >...
- 6/13/2014
- by Joyce Eng and Kate Stanhope
- TVGuide - Breaking News
No man could ever come between Playing House besties Emma and Maggie — unless, of course, the man was Emma or Maggie. Confused? Just keep reading. Related | Exclusive Playing House Sneak Peek: Maggie Loses Her ‘Kewl’ During a Fight With Emma TVLine’s exclusive clip from Tuesday’s episode (USA Network, 10/9c) introduces Maggie’s alter ego Bosephus, who looks like he’d […]...
- 5/26/2014
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
Happy Tuesday, Boys & Girls. No video show this week, so it's time for another installment of The Firewall & Iceberg Podcast. There's lots to cover this week, including the series premiere of "Playing House," the return of "24" and "Louie" and the finale for "Parks and Recreation." We also, of course, chatter about this Sunday's "Mad Men." It's what we do. Here's today's breakdown: "Playing House" (00:01:25 - 00:09:20) "24: Live Another Day" (00:09:25 - 00:27:10) "Louie" (00:27:15 - 00:34:05) "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" (00:34:10 - 00:41:45) "Parks and Recreation" finale (00:41:45 - 00:58:55) "Mad Men" (00:59:00 - 01:23:40) As always, you can subscribe to The Firewall & Iceberg Podcast over at the iTunes Store, where you can also rate us and comment on us. [Or you can always follow our RSS Feed or subscribe on IHeartRadio.] And as always, feel free to e-mail us questions for the podcast. ...
- 4/29/2014
- by Daniel Fienberg
- Hitfix
Lindsay Sloane has been cast in CBS‘ multi-camera pilot The Odd Couple, starring Matthew Perry and Thomas Lennon. Co-written and executive produced by Perry, the project, a take on the Neil Simon classic, revolves around two mismatched roommates — the messy Oscar Madison (Perry) and neat freak Felix Unger (Lennon). Sloane, repped by Gersh and Brillstein, will play a character designed for her and named Lindsay — the tightly wound, recently divorced sister of Katie (Georgia King). She guest starred on Perry’s ABC comedy Mr. Sunshine, recurred on USA comedy Playing House and recently reprised her role in Horrible Bosses 2 for New Line. Related: 2014 CBS Pilots...
- 3/22/2014
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Hooray, a space-based miniseries! An “intergalactic mystery”! Syfy today has announced it has given the green light to 6 hour event series Ascension, and even announced it would air starting this November, running through December. None of this “green light and then who knows when it airs” stuff. It’ll be an early holiday present for us! Thanks, Syfy!
Syfy Gives 6-hour Event Series Ascension Greenlight For Launch In 2014 Original Intergalactic Mystery From Writer/Executive Producer Philip Levens To Be Produced By Sea To Sky Studios With Blumhouse Productions
New York – March 13, 2014 – Syfy is reigniting the channel’s traditional long-form scripted programming event for 4th quarter with the greenlight of the 6-hour series Ascension, it was announced today by Syfy President Dave Howe. Ascension is an ambitious original drama created and written by Philip Levens (Smallville) who will serve as Executive Producer and Showrunner. The series will be produced in Montreal,...
Syfy Gives 6-hour Event Series Ascension Greenlight For Launch In 2014 Original Intergalactic Mystery From Writer/Executive Producer Philip Levens To Be Produced By Sea To Sky Studios With Blumhouse Productions
New York – March 13, 2014 – Syfy is reigniting the channel’s traditional long-form scripted programming event for 4th quarter with the greenlight of the 6-hour series Ascension, it was announced today by Syfy President Dave Howe. Ascension is an ambitious original drama created and written by Philip Levens (Smallville) who will serve as Executive Producer and Showrunner. The series will be produced in Montreal,...
- 3/13/2014
- by Erin Willard
- ScifiMafia
If you thought Maniac's Frank Zito was the only one who spends the majority of his time with mannequins, think again...
As we spotted on Oddity Central, artist Suzanne Heintz has spent the last 14 years of her life coming home to a mannequin husband and daughter, and the explanation for the incredibly strange lifestyle is not the chemical imbalance you might be expecting. No, Suzanne isn't crazy, she's just an artist who's expressing herself in a most unique fashion, out to confront societal pressures on women and prove that personal happiness comes from the inside, not from others.
Okay, so the whole thing is totally creepy, but hear her out, before jumping to conclusions.
Heintz says that the inspiration for the strange 'project' came from repeated questions about when she was going to get married and have kids, nagging inquiries that I'm sure every female reading this right now has been asked,...
As we spotted on Oddity Central, artist Suzanne Heintz has spent the last 14 years of her life coming home to a mannequin husband and daughter, and the explanation for the incredibly strange lifestyle is not the chemical imbalance you might be expecting. No, Suzanne isn't crazy, she's just an artist who's expressing herself in a most unique fashion, out to confront societal pressures on women and prove that personal happiness comes from the inside, not from others.
Okay, so the whole thing is totally creepy, but hear her out, before jumping to conclusions.
Heintz says that the inspiration for the strange 'project' came from repeated questions about when she was going to get married and have kids, nagging inquiries that I'm sure every female reading this right now has been asked,...
- 3/13/2014
- by John Squires
- FEARnet
The Walking Dead Episode 413
“Alone”
Written By: Curtis Gwinn
Directed By: Ernest Dickerson
Original Airdate: 9 March 2014
In This Episode…
We open with a flashback to when Glenn and Daryl found Bob wandering alone on the road. He is a shell of a man, existing simply because he doesn't know what else to do. He doesn’t know how long he has been alone, but two groups have come and died. Daryl asks him Rick’s three questions: How many walkers have you killed? (Dozens.) How many humans have you killed? (One.) Why? (Because she asked me to.) Bob has no questions for them; it doesn’t matter who they are. He is just happy to be with people.
Now, things are a bit different. It is just Bob, Sasha, and Maggie. They are caught in heavy fog, which leads to a cool sequence of the three of them, pressed back-to-back-to-back,...
“Alone”
Written By: Curtis Gwinn
Directed By: Ernest Dickerson
Original Airdate: 9 March 2014
In This Episode…
We open with a flashback to when Glenn and Daryl found Bob wandering alone on the road. He is a shell of a man, existing simply because he doesn't know what else to do. He doesn’t know how long he has been alone, but two groups have come and died. Daryl asks him Rick’s three questions: How many walkers have you killed? (Dozens.) How many humans have you killed? (One.) Why? (Because she asked me to.) Bob has no questions for them; it doesn’t matter who they are. He is just happy to be with people.
Now, things are a bit different. It is just Bob, Sasha, and Maggie. They are caught in heavy fog, which leads to a cool sequence of the three of them, pressed back-to-back-to-back,...
- 3/10/2014
- by Alyse Wax
- FEARnet
USA Network has ordered its untitled pilot from “Suits” and “Nip/Tuck” executive producer Sean Jablonski to series. Its 10-episode first season is slated to premiere this summmer. “The Glades” actor Matt Passmore, pictured above, stars in the drama as investment banker Neil Truman. Neil has discovered that his wife, Grace (Stephanie Szostak), has been cheating on him with an escort. As he finds out more information on the escort and gains possession of his cell phone, Neil discovers a new perspective on his life and why women stray. Also read: ‘Daily Show's’ Larry Wilmore to Guest on USA's ‘Playing House’ “This is a powerful.
- 3/4/2014
- by Jethro Nededog
- The Wrap
"The Walking Dead" introduced three exciting new characters -- Abraham, Rosita and Eugene -- last week, and it didn't take long for viewers to discover their motives. In episode 11 of Season 4, "Claimed," Abraham made no secret of the fact that he's a man on a very important mission.
That important mission is to get Eugene, a scientist with classified information about the zombie apocalypse, to Washington, D.C., to ... do something, and fix the outbreak. But "The Walking Dead" has never been a show that inspires hope, which makes us approach this story cautiously. Like Glenn prioritizing Maggie over saving the world, it is easier now for the viewer to ignore the big picture and focus instead on "The Walking Dead's" small window in the world post-plague.
It is interesting to realize that the subject of curing the zombie outbreak hasn't really been touched on since Season 1's venture to the Cdc.
That important mission is to get Eugene, a scientist with classified information about the zombie apocalypse, to Washington, D.C., to ... do something, and fix the outbreak. But "The Walking Dead" has never been a show that inspires hope, which makes us approach this story cautiously. Like Glenn prioritizing Maggie over saving the world, it is easier now for the viewer to ignore the big picture and focus instead on "The Walking Dead's" small window in the world post-plague.
It is interesting to realize that the subject of curing the zombie outbreak hasn't really been touched on since Season 1's venture to the Cdc.
- 2/24/2014
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
News
Hln has announced its first set of new shows as part of its new identity as the channel for the “social media generation”. It includes I Can Haz NewsToons highlighting online political satire, Keywords which sounds like an online scavenger hunt game show and #What’s Your Fomo about people’s “Fear of Missing Out”. I double checked the story to make sure it didn’t come from The Onion. It isn’t. I think. I’d better check again.
Talking to a panel, Looking writer Jc Lee commented on the criticism the show has received from gay viewers, “It’s a minority trap… When you have a piece that showcases a community, there’s this identity factor where if you’re showing a certain kind of queerness, you’re not honoring what queerness is. There’s a sense their queerness feels threatened by a show that is normalizing it.
Hln has announced its first set of new shows as part of its new identity as the channel for the “social media generation”. It includes I Can Haz NewsToons highlighting online political satire, Keywords which sounds like an online scavenger hunt game show and #What’s Your Fomo about people’s “Fear of Missing Out”. I double checked the story to make sure it didn’t come from The Onion. It isn’t. I think. I’d better check again.
Talking to a panel, Looking writer Jc Lee commented on the criticism the show has received from gay viewers, “It’s a minority trap… When you have a piece that showcases a community, there’s this identity factor where if you’re showing a certain kind of queerness, you’re not honoring what queerness is. There’s a sense their queerness feels threatened by a show that is normalizing it.
- 2/20/2014
- by Lyle Masaki
- The Backlot
“Saturday Night Live” player Bobby Moynihan will be guest starring on USA Network’s upcoming comedy, “Playing House.” Moynihan will play Danny, a self-conscious cop in the Pinebrook police force who has jitters about dancing in front of the town at an upcoming strip-tease charity event. The actor joined “SNL” in 2008 after nearly a decade with New York City improvisational group Upright Citizens Brigade, which he still performs with. Also read: USA’s ‘Playing House’ Taps ‘Malcolm in the Middle’s’ Jane Kaczmarek as Lead’s Mother His other television credits include guest spots on HBO’s “Girls” and ABC’s “Happy Endings.
- 1/31/2014
- by Jethro Nededog
- The Wrap
View Photo Gallery
We’ll admit it, January is one of our favorite times of the year because it means all our favorite shows are finally coming back! The long holiday break meant there was little to chew on aside from reruns, the repeated holiday films and those movies we (constantly) put off in our Netflix queue. This week alone, a number of shows (Downton Abbey, Justified with the always-sexy Timothy Olyphant) marked their return. And there are also tons of programs (Archer, Girls and Vikings) that will soon be filling up our DVRs again in the next few weeks.
But we’re mostly excited about the new programs joining the list of must-see TV. Gabrielle Union is finally back in our lives with Being Mary Jane, Matthew McConaughey is returning to the small screen with HBO’s True Detectives and then there’s all the Spoils of Babylon with Kristen Wiig and Tobey Maguire.
We’ll admit it, January is one of our favorite times of the year because it means all our favorite shows are finally coming back! The long holiday break meant there was little to chew on aside from reruns, the repeated holiday films and those movies we (constantly) put off in our Netflix queue. This week alone, a number of shows (Downton Abbey, Justified with the always-sexy Timothy Olyphant) marked their return. And there are also tons of programs (Archer, Girls and Vikings) that will soon be filling up our DVRs again in the next few weeks.
But we’re mostly excited about the new programs joining the list of must-see TV. Gabrielle Union is finally back in our lives with Being Mary Jane, Matthew McConaughey is returning to the small screen with HBO’s True Detectives and then there’s all the Spoils of Babylon with Kristen Wiig and Tobey Maguire.
- 1/9/2014
- by VH1
- TheFabLife - Movies
The following contains spoilers for Tuesday’s episode of Chicago Fire. If you have yet to watch, head to a different TVLine article! Everyone else, you may proceed…
Chicago Fire got a shake-up on Tuesday night when Boden was seemingly pushed out by Severide’s dad Benny, who reaped the benefits of the open position.
Meanwhile, Shay continued to go down a dangerous (and promiscuous!) path and Molly’s saw its rival bar Game Day go down in flames — literally.
Below, executive producers Dick Wolf and Matt Olmstead and star Taylor Kinney weigh in on Benny’s intentions, Shay’s...
Chicago Fire got a shake-up on Tuesday night when Boden was seemingly pushed out by Severide’s dad Benny, who reaped the benefits of the open position.
Meanwhile, Shay continued to go down a dangerous (and promiscuous!) path and Molly’s saw its rival bar Game Day go down in flames — literally.
Below, executive producers Dick Wolf and Matt Olmstead and star Taylor Kinney weigh in on Benny’s intentions, Shay’s...
- 10/23/2013
- by Vlada Gelman
- TVLine.com
Yes they’re still calling it a pilot, but at least Syfy is issuing press releases about the Dominion project in development. Hopefully now that they have the major casting out of the way, they can get going on this and we’ll be hearing that it’s great and that it’s green-lit for a series run.
Syfy Rounds Out Cast For Dominion Pilot Anthony Stewart Head Is “David Weel,” Roxanne McKee To Play “Claire Rysen,” Luke Allen-gale Is “William Weel,” And Shivani Ghai Guest Stars As “Arika” In Supernatural Series Pilot Produced By Universal Cable Productions
New York – September 24, 2013 – Syfy announces additional casting for its upcoming supernatural drama pilot, Dominion with the signings of Anthony Stewart Head, Roxanne McKee, Luke Allen-Gale and guest star Shivani Ghai. Produced by Universal Cable Productions, the pilot is set to begin shooting this month in Cape Town, South Africa.
Based on characters...
Syfy Rounds Out Cast For Dominion Pilot Anthony Stewart Head Is “David Weel,” Roxanne McKee To Play “Claire Rysen,” Luke Allen-gale Is “William Weel,” And Shivani Ghai Guest Stars As “Arika” In Supernatural Series Pilot Produced By Universal Cable Productions
New York – September 24, 2013 – Syfy announces additional casting for its upcoming supernatural drama pilot, Dominion with the signings of Anthony Stewart Head, Roxanne McKee, Luke Allen-Gale and guest star Shivani Ghai. Produced by Universal Cable Productions, the pilot is set to begin shooting this month in Cape Town, South Africa.
Based on characters...
- 9/26/2013
- by Erin Willard
- ScifiMafia
We first told you back in July about Syfy giving the green light to the pilot Dominion, based on characters in the 2010 film Legion. Back then we had little to go on besides a sketchy paragraph about it being set 25 years in the future after an epic war between an army of angels and humankind.
Now we have more, including not only the casting of three major characters (at least two of whom are likely familiar to you) but a lot more in the way of plot and character detail.
Although I’m completely enthusiastic and encouraging about this pilot, the fact that one of the actors, Christopher Egan, was also cast in the pilot Gothica as Dorian Gray proves that casting a pilot by no means guarantees its pickup to series.
You have been warned; get excited about this, but don’t fall in love just yet:
Syfy Casts Christopher Egan,...
Now we have more, including not only the casting of three major characters (at least two of whom are likely familiar to you) but a lot more in the way of plot and character detail.
Although I’m completely enthusiastic and encouraging about this pilot, the fact that one of the actors, Christopher Egan, was also cast in the pilot Gothica as Dorian Gray proves that casting a pilot by no means guarantees its pickup to series.
You have been warned; get excited about this, but don’t fall in love just yet:
Syfy Casts Christopher Egan,...
- 9/6/2013
- by Erin Willard
- ScifiMafia
After focusing on comedy with series orders for Sirens and Playing House and pilot pickups for Love Is Dead and Divide & Conquer, top-rated cable network USA is making its first major move in drama this year, greenlighting an hourlong pilot from writer-producer Sean Jablonski. Produced by Universal Cable Prods., the untitled project is described as a provocative drama that follows investment banker Neil Truman and his wife Grace who are sifting through their stagnant relationship when Neil discovers that Grace is seeing a male escort and accidentally gains possession of the escort’s phone. He gains a unique perspective on his life and what motivates women, while Grace contemplates whether her needs are being met and whether her marriage is worth saving. Jablonski is executive producing the pilot with Russ Krasnoff (Community). This marks Jablonski’s return to USA and Ucp where he served as executive producer/showrunner on the...
- 8/27/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
This could be very cool, and until we get information to the contrary, I’m going to presume it will not only be cool but will be picked up to series for multiple seasons. Hey, I can dream, so why not dream big? Plus, there is a plan to begin production in November, a very good sign. Time Travel! Plague! What’s not to love? Welcome to my future dream schedule, 12 Monkeys!
August 26, 2013
Syfy Greenlights 12 Monkeys To Pilot Atlas Entertainment, Producer Of The Original Theatrical Film, Will Produce The Series With Universal Cable Productions Production Scheduled To Begin In November
New York – August 26, 2013 – Syfy is greenlighting 12 Monkeys, a drama series based on the 1995 Universal Pictures film directed by Terry Gilliam, to pilot. The 60-minute cast-contingent pilot is being produced by Universal Cable Productions and Atlas Entertainment, producer of the original Bruce Willis-Brad Pitt theatrical.
Based on the classic hit film,...
August 26, 2013
Syfy Greenlights 12 Monkeys To Pilot Atlas Entertainment, Producer Of The Original Theatrical Film, Will Produce The Series With Universal Cable Productions Production Scheduled To Begin In November
New York – August 26, 2013 – Syfy is greenlighting 12 Monkeys, a drama series based on the 1995 Universal Pictures film directed by Terry Gilliam, to pilot. The 60-minute cast-contingent pilot is being produced by Universal Cable Productions and Atlas Entertainment, producer of the original Bruce Willis-Brad Pitt theatrical.
Based on the classic hit film,...
- 8/26/2013
- by Erin Willard
- ScifiMafia
We told you back in April that Bryan Fuller‘s pilot for Syfy, High Moon, had gone into production. Four months later they’re announcing lead casting, so I’m trying to not be concerned about the time that’s elapsed, and instead be pleased about this forward momentum.
I love Bryan Fuller‘s work with Our Kind of Shows (Pushing Daisies, Dead Like Me, Wonderfalls and more), so I’d really love to see this one go forward.
Chris Diamantopoulos And Jake Sandvig Sign On For Lead Roles In Syfy’S New Scripted Series Pilot High Moon
New York – August 13, 2013 – Syfy has inked actors Chris Diamantopoulos and Jake Sandvig for starring roles in High Moon, a 90-minute pilot, co-produced by Universal Cable Productions and Lark Productions set to commence shooting August 26 in Vancouver BC. The project is based on the novel “The Lotus Caves” by John Christopher.
High Moon is an imaginative,...
I love Bryan Fuller‘s work with Our Kind of Shows (Pushing Daisies, Dead Like Me, Wonderfalls and more), so I’d really love to see this one go forward.
Chris Diamantopoulos And Jake Sandvig Sign On For Lead Roles In Syfy’S New Scripted Series Pilot High Moon
New York – August 13, 2013 – Syfy has inked actors Chris Diamantopoulos and Jake Sandvig for starring roles in High Moon, a 90-minute pilot, co-produced by Universal Cable Productions and Lark Productions set to commence shooting August 26 in Vancouver BC. The project is based on the novel “The Lotus Caves” by John Christopher.
High Moon is an imaginative,...
- 8/14/2013
- by Erin Willard
- ScifiMafia
USA Network has hired Tracy St Pierre as VP West Coast Communications and Emily Spitale has been upped to VP Communications. Both will report to Hilary Smith, Svp Communications for the network. St Pierre was Senior Director for NBC Entertainment Publicity for the past 10 years; she will work out of La and have oversight of USA’s West Coast-based press team. Her duties will include spearheading the launch of the network’s new original comedy series Playing House among other series, and she will help lead USA’s award campaigns and manage talent relations. Spitale, who will remain in New York, will shepherd the arrival of off-net biggie Modern Family this fall as well as the launch of new original comedy Sirens, which is set to debut in first-quarter 2014. She will continue to work on network PR strategy, award campaigns, and manage talent relations.
- 7/15/2013
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
Greg Grunberg and Diane Farr will topline the USA Network comedy pilot Divide & Conquer, an original half-hour project from executive producer/writer Peter Ocko. USA greenlighted the Divide & Conquer pilot in May on the heels of the network making its first comedy series orders in 15 years with Sirens and Playing House and greenlighting another half-hour pilot, Love Is Dead. The original comedies are slated to premiere in first-quarter 2014 as eventual companions to Modern Family; among the newbies, Divide & Conquer is the only true family comedy that could go well with the massive off-network acquisition, which debuts September 24. Produced by Universal Cable Prods, Divide & Conquer gets into the heads of a big family: four children finding their way to adulthood in these complicated times and the parents whose lives they’re sucking dry to get there. Grunberg and Farr will play the parents: Evan is a daydreamer-turned-patent attorney who believes modern-day families are over-parenting their kids,...
- 7/12/2013
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
Before ABC cancelled Happy Endings, there was talk about the sitcom possibly being picked up by another outlet. USA expressed the most interest.
Immediately following the cancellation, Sony started having talks with USA but, after three weeks, the cable channel has now opted not to pick up the show.
Though USA execs loved the show, Happy Endings' low ratings played a major factor in their decision to pass. They'd have to sink a lot of cash into promoting the sitcom and decided to instead use the funds to launch their own original shows.
USA recently ordered two new sitcoms -- Sirens and Playing House. They're USA's first comedies in more than 15 years.
What do you think? Were you hoping that USA would pick up Happy Endings or had you lost interest in the series?...
Immediately following the cancellation, Sony started having talks with USA but, after three weeks, the cable channel has now opted not to pick up the show.
Though USA execs loved the show, Happy Endings' low ratings played a major factor in their decision to pass. They'd have to sink a lot of cash into promoting the sitcom and decided to instead use the funds to launch their own original shows.
USA recently ordered two new sitcoms -- Sirens and Playing House. They're USA's first comedies in more than 15 years.
What do you think? Were you hoping that USA would pick up Happy Endings or had you lost interest in the series?...
- 6/4/2013
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
It’s a sad time for Happy Endings fans. We’ve never been in a terribly great position when it comes to this highly creative/hilarious sitcom about six friends and their wacky adventures, but I don’t think we ever thought it would be so hard to keep this show on the air. Obviously, because of the consistently low ratings, Happy Endings wasn’t going to have an incredibly long life on ABC, but we were very fortunate to be given a third season, even if ABC jerked us around by airing the show on, what felt like, a different day/time every week. Happy Endings’ cancellation wasn’t too big of a shock, but it was shocking USA Network did not swoop in to save the day as we hoped.
Almost immediately after ABC dropped the axe on Happy Endings, Sony TV leapt into negotiations with USA to...
Almost immediately after ABC dropped the axe on Happy Endings, Sony TV leapt into negotiations with USA to...
- 6/3/2013
- by Brody Gibson
- Boomtron
As they say, for every cancelled broadcast series, like NBC’s Southland and ABC’s Cougar Town, that finds a second home, there are scores that don’t. Sony TV began exploring a possible future for its cult ABC comedy Happy Endings well in advance of the network’s May decision not to order a fourth season. USA, which is re-entering the half-hour comedy space in a big way this fall with off-network acquisition Modern Family, expressed interest dating back to early April. It entered talks with Sony immediately after ABC made the cancellation decision the Friday before upfronts. But three weeks later, I’ve learned that USA has opted not to proceed with the pickup. I hear the cable network’s brass loved the show creatively but its low ratings on ABC played a factor in the decision as it meant a large investment in marketing and promotion, money...
- 6/1/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
USA is heading into the half-hour comedy world in a big way this year. Its newest endeavor in that area is a family comedy series, "Divide & Conquer," from executive producer Peter Ocko ("Fairly Legal," "The Office," "Pushing Daisies").
"Divide & Conquer" is about "four children finding their way to adulthood in these complicated times, and the parents whose lives they're sucking dry to get there." The big family deals with love and support and "all the other things parents do to mess up their kids" and focuses on Ben and Charlotte -- parents who just hope their kids move out some day.
This marks the fourth new comedy greenlit by USA for 2014. The others are "Sirens" (following EMTs), "Playing House" (a female buddy comedy) and "Love Is Dead" (about a company that specializes in breaking up relationships). "Sirens" and "Playing House" already have series orders, wile "Divide & Conquer" and "Love Is...
"Divide & Conquer" is about "four children finding their way to adulthood in these complicated times, and the parents whose lives they're sucking dry to get there." The big family deals with love and support and "all the other things parents do to mess up their kids" and focuses on Ben and Charlotte -- parents who just hope their kids move out some day.
This marks the fourth new comedy greenlit by USA for 2014. The others are "Sirens" (following EMTs), "Playing House" (a female buddy comedy) and "Love Is Dead" (about a company that specializes in breaking up relationships). "Sirens" and "Playing House" already have series orders, wile "Divide & Conquer" and "Love Is...
- 5/22/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
USA Network has greenlighted Divide & Conquer, a half-hour comedy pilot written and executive produced by Peter Ocko (Fairly Legal, The Office). The pickup comes on the heels of USA last week making its first comedy series orders in 15 years with Sirens and Playing House and greenlighting half-hour pilot Love Is Dead. USA’s original comedy strategy is built around the network’s off-network acquisition of Modern Family, which launches on USA in September. USA’s first original comedies are slated to premiere in first quarter 2014 as companions to Modern Family. Among Sirens, Playing House, Love Is Dead and Divide & Conquer, Divide & Conquer is the only true family comedy that could go well with Modern Family. Produced by Universal Cable Prods, it gets into the heads of a big family: four children finding their way to adulthood in these complicated times, and the parents whose lives they’re sucking dry to get there.
- 5/22/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
New York — The USA television network is looking for laughs, and announced Thursday it will premiere its first-ever situation comedies next winter.
The two new series are set to debut around the same time USA begins showing reruns of ABC's "Modern Family." One sitcom, "Sirens," is about three emergency medical technicians from Chicago with personalities less impressive than their medical skill. Denis Leary, who starred in FX's "Rescue Me," wrote and produced the series but is not a featured actor.
"Playing House" stars Jessica St. Clair and Lennon Parham as two friends who draw closer when one of them has a baby.
The general-interest USA is one of the most-watched cable networks, mostly through strong one-hour dramas that do particularly well in the summer, when the broadcast networks focus more on reruns and reality.
USA announced that it was starting production on one new drama set in post-World War II...
The two new series are set to debut around the same time USA begins showing reruns of ABC's "Modern Family." One sitcom, "Sirens," is about three emergency medical technicians from Chicago with personalities less impressive than their medical skill. Denis Leary, who starred in FX's "Rescue Me," wrote and produced the series but is not a featured actor.
"Playing House" stars Jessica St. Clair and Lennon Parham as two friends who draw closer when one of them has a baby.
The general-interest USA is one of the most-watched cable networks, mostly through strong one-hour dramas that do particularly well in the summer, when the broadcast networks focus more on reruns and reality.
USA announced that it was starting production on one new drama set in post-World War II...
- 5/17/2013
- by AP
- Huffington Post
News
The CW’s fall schedule is interesting to say the least. Supernatural is moving to Tuesday, following The Originals. Historical soap Reign gets the prime post-Vampire Diaries slot while The Carrie Diaries gets exiled to Fridays.
Meanwhile, Warehouse 13 isn’t the only show to get the cancellation/renewal notice. Nikita will also get a final, six-episode season. And now I have “For Now” from Avenue Q stuck in my head.
The Tomorrow People, one of The CW’s many sci-fi series this fall.
That gets io9 to ask, “How did the CW become The go-to network for fantastical television?” Sure, its the child of the network that gave us Charmed and the network that debuted with Star Trek: Voyager (who eventually took turns airing Buffy and Rosewell) but it always had a mix of genres. Not only will the upcoming season feature more sci-fi and horror shows than any other network,...
The CW’s fall schedule is interesting to say the least. Supernatural is moving to Tuesday, following The Originals. Historical soap Reign gets the prime post-Vampire Diaries slot while The Carrie Diaries gets exiled to Fridays.
Meanwhile, Warehouse 13 isn’t the only show to get the cancellation/renewal notice. Nikita will also get a final, six-episode season. And now I have “For Now” from Avenue Q stuck in my head.
The Tomorrow People, one of The CW’s many sci-fi series this fall.
That gets io9 to ask, “How did the CW become The go-to network for fantastical television?” Sure, its the child of the network that gave us Charmed and the network that debuted with Star Trek: Voyager (who eventually took turns airing Buffy and Rosewell) but it always had a mix of genres. Not only will the upcoming season feature more sci-fi and horror shows than any other network,...
- 5/17/2013
- by Lyle Masaki
- The Backlot
Ready to go Under the Dome?
CBS has unveiled the first full-length trailer for its upcoming summer series, which stars Mike Vogel (Pan Am), Britt Robertson (Life Unexpected), Rachelle Lefevre (A Gifted Man), Dean Norris (Breaking Bad) and Natalie Martinez (CSI: NY), among others.
Related | Fall TV Schedule 2013 — What’s On When? And Against What?
The 13-episode drama, based on the novel by Stephen King, takes place in the New England community of Chester’s Mill. In the snap of a finger, the town is tossed into turmoil after finding itself trapped beneath a transparent barrier.
Press Play below, then...
CBS has unveiled the first full-length trailer for its upcoming summer series, which stars Mike Vogel (Pan Am), Britt Robertson (Life Unexpected), Rachelle Lefevre (A Gifted Man), Dean Norris (Breaking Bad) and Natalie Martinez (CSI: NY), among others.
Related | Fall TV Schedule 2013 — What’s On When? And Against What?
The 13-episode drama, based on the novel by Stephen King, takes place in the New England community of Chester’s Mill. In the snap of a finger, the town is tossed into turmoil after finding itself trapped beneath a transparent barrier.
Press Play below, then...
- 5/16/2013
- by Megan Masters
- TVLine.com
As the USA Network remains uncertain as to whether it will rescue Happy Endings—probably depending, as always, on whether you love it enough—the basic-cable channel has committed to a couple other comedies that aren’t Happy Endings. The first, Playing House, reunites Best Friends Forever best friends forever Lennon Parham and Jessica St. Clair to play longtime pals who are reunited after one of them gets pregnant and she convinces the other one to set aside her own life to help her, like all good friends would do. The other, Sirens, is the previously reported show from Denis ...
- 5/16/2013
- avclub.com
Today, USA Network announced that it has given series orders for its first original half-hour comedies, Sirens and Playing House. It has also picked up a new comedy pilot, Love Is Dead. USA Network says the series will debut in the first quarter of 2014, and the network looks for them to complement Modern Family, which will air on USA Network beginning Sept. 24. According to Chris McCumber, co-president of USA Network, “This is the right time to be introducing half-hour original comedies to the USA audience. With Modern Family joining our lineup in the fall, we can leverage television’s [...]
The post USA Network greenlights its first-ever original half-hour comedies appeared first on Channel Guide Magazine.
The post USA Network greenlights its first-ever original half-hour comedies appeared first on Channel Guide Magazine.
- 5/16/2013
- by Jeff Pfeiffer
- ChannelGuideMag
USA has picked up a pair original half-hour comedies to air alongside its big acquired series "Modern Family." It has not, however, made a move to revive "Happy Endings" following that show's cancellation by ABC.
Speculation has been running high for several weeks that USA would add "Happy Endings" to its roster if ABC dropped the show, but it didn't happen as part of USA's upfront announcements on Thursday (May 16). A report on Deadline says a pickup for "Happy Endings" is now "unlikely."
The two comedies USA did pick up are "Sirens," a show about an oddball group of EMTs in Chicago; and "Playing House," a female buddy comedy from Jessica St. Clair and Lennon Parham ("Best Friends Forever").
"Sirens" stars Michael Mosley ("Pan Am"), Kevin Daniels ("Modern Family"), Jessica McNamee ("The Vow") and Kevin Bigley ("Game Change"). "Rescue Me" creator-star Denis Leary and "Wedding Crashers" and "Traffic Light" writer...
Speculation has been running high for several weeks that USA would add "Happy Endings" to its roster if ABC dropped the show, but it didn't happen as part of USA's upfront announcements on Thursday (May 16). A report on Deadline says a pickup for "Happy Endings" is now "unlikely."
The two comedies USA did pick up are "Sirens," a show about an oddball group of EMTs in Chicago; and "Playing House," a female buddy comedy from Jessica St. Clair and Lennon Parham ("Best Friends Forever").
"Sirens" stars Michael Mosley ("Pan Am"), Kevin Daniels ("Modern Family"), Jessica McNamee ("The Vow") and Kevin Bigley ("Game Change"). "Rescue Me" creator-star Denis Leary and "Wedding Crashers" and "Traffic Light" writer...
- 5/16/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
USA Network unveiled its drama development slate today and said it will start production this summer on the pilot Horizon, a period genre drama from The Walking Dead producer Gale Anne Hurd. The new projects (see the full list below) from producers like Burn Notice‘s Matt Nix, Rob Thomas, Doug Liman and David Semel come on the heels of the network’s newest original series, the Jeff Eastin-created Graceland, joining the summer drama schedule with a premiere set for June 6. Horizon, from Universal Cable Prods, is set at the height of World War II. At a time when many American women took more significant roles in the workplace than ever before, a secretary at the FBI begins a secretive investigation into files that have been stamped with the codename “Horizon.” This mysterious project provides links to the death of her husband and the disappearance of a young girl,...
- 5/16/2013
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
Still no word on the fate of Happy Endings, but USA did announce today that it has ordered two original half-hour comedies. Sirens comes from Denis Leary and is based on the British show of the same name; it follows three Chicago EMTs who are silly and immature. Playing House was created by and stars Lennon Parham and Jessica St. Clair (Rip, Best Friends Forever) as childhood besties who reunite when one gets pregnant. USA has also ordered a pilot of Love Is Dead, set within a firm that breaks up romantic relationships for those too chickenshit to do the dumping on their own. All these shows sound like they would go well with Happy Endings, no?...
- 5/16/2013
- by Margaret Lyons
- Vulture
USA Network announced Thursday that it has greenlit two original half-hour comedies, including Denis Leary's "Sirens," and is developing drama projects from "The Walking Dead" producer Gale Anne Hurd, among others. It will also air a series of vignettes about the NFL culminating in a one-hour documentary about Super Bowl Xlvii. Besides "Sirens," Leary's collaboration with Bob Fisher, the network also greenlit Lennon Parham and Jessica St. Claire's "Playing House." And it ordered a pilot for "Love Is Dead." The network also said repeats of "Modern Family" will join its lineup...
- 5/16/2013
- by Tim Molloy
- The Wrap
Comedy is expected to take center stage at USA Network‘s upfront presentation this afternoon as the cable network touts to advertisers the fall launch of its big off-network acquisition, Modern Family, and unveils its newly picked up original comedy series Sirens and Playing House. The cable network has been getting extra attention from comedy fans in the past week following ABC’s decision last Friday to cancel cult series Happy Endings. Talks between USA and leading Happy Endings producer Sony TV continue. At this point, I hear a pickup appears unlikely but the network is carefully exploring the opportunity to migrate a show with some success on broadcast TV and a dedicated fan base the way ABC’s Cougar Town moved to TBS. Related: ‘Happy Endings’ Cancelled At ABC, Will USA Step In? Of its three comedy pilot/presentations it had in consideration, USA picked up two, Sirens and Playing House.
- 5/16/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
A remake of Channel 4 comedy-drama Sirens has been picked up to series by the USA network.
Denis Leary will exec produce the adaptation, which - like the UK original - follows three paramedics with complex and often disastrous personal lives.
The original Sirens - which starred Game of Thrones actor Richard Madden - ran for just one six-part series before being dropped by Channel 4.
Michael Mosley, Kevin Daniels, Jessica McNamee and Kevin Bigley star in the remake, written by Leary and Bob Fisher (Wedding Crashers).
The cable channel has also picked up sitcom Playing House to series - Jessica St Clair (Bridesmaids) and Lennon Parham (Confessions of a Shopaholic) have co-written and will star.
USA's co-president Jeff Wachtel said: "Our new series come from some of the best comedic talent in the business, and reflect USA's style – with great characters, strong execution and compelling storytelling."
Both Sirens and...
Denis Leary will exec produce the adaptation, which - like the UK original - follows three paramedics with complex and often disastrous personal lives.
The original Sirens - which starred Game of Thrones actor Richard Madden - ran for just one six-part series before being dropped by Channel 4.
Michael Mosley, Kevin Daniels, Jessica McNamee and Kevin Bigley star in the remake, written by Leary and Bob Fisher (Wedding Crashers).
The cable channel has also picked up sitcom Playing House to series - Jessica St Clair (Bridesmaids) and Lennon Parham (Confessions of a Shopaholic) have co-written and will star.
USA's co-president Jeff Wachtel said: "Our new series come from some of the best comedic talent in the business, and reflect USA's style – with great characters, strong execution and compelling storytelling."
Both Sirens and...
- 5/16/2013
- Digital Spy
USA is getting in the comedy game with "Playing House" from Jessica St. Clair and Lennon Parham, and "Sirens" from Denis Leary and Bob Fisher.
The two half-hour comedies are the first for USA. "Sirens" and "Playing House" will debut in the first quarter of 2014. USA will begin airing "Modern Family" reruns on Tuesday, September 24 at 8 p.m. Et.
"This is the right time to be introducing half hour original comedies to the USA audience. With 'Modern Family' joining our line-up in the fall, we can leverage television’s most popular comedy to serve as a powerful launch pad for new originals in this genre," Chris McCumber, co-president of USA Network, said in a statement.
“Our new series come from some of the best comedic talent in the business, and reflect USA's style -- with great characters, strong execution and compelling storytelling," Jeff Wachtel, co-president of USA Network,...
The two half-hour comedies are the first for USA. "Sirens" and "Playing House" will debut in the first quarter of 2014. USA will begin airing "Modern Family" reruns on Tuesday, September 24 at 8 p.m. Et.
"This is the right time to be introducing half hour original comedies to the USA audience. With 'Modern Family' joining our line-up in the fall, we can leverage television’s most popular comedy to serve as a powerful launch pad for new originals in this genre," Chris McCumber, co-president of USA Network, said in a statement.
“Our new series come from some of the best comedic talent in the business, and reflect USA's style -- with great characters, strong execution and compelling storytelling," Jeff Wachtel, co-president of USA Network,...
- 5/16/2013
- by Chris Harnick
- Huffington Post
USA is getting its funny back on.
The network, whose Upfront Presentation takes place in New York City this afternoon, has announced a pair of series orders, both of which will air in early 2014:
Sirens - Single-camera sitcom that follows a trio of Chicago EMTs and their unique personalities. Will star Michael Mosley, Kevin Daniels, Jessica McNamee and Kevin Bigley. Written by Denis Leary and Bob Fisher. Playing House - Jessica St. Clair and Lennon Parham star as best friend, the latter of whom is expecting a baby and the former who is returning home from a job overseas.
In announcing the move, USA’s Co-President Chris McCumber talked up the network's acquisition of Modern Family and its September 24 debut as a perfect launching pad for the new programs.
“With Modern Family joining our lineup in the fall, we can leverage television’s most popular comedy to serve as...
The network, whose Upfront Presentation takes place in New York City this afternoon, has announced a pair of series orders, both of which will air in early 2014:
Sirens - Single-camera sitcom that follows a trio of Chicago EMTs and their unique personalities. Will star Michael Mosley, Kevin Daniels, Jessica McNamee and Kevin Bigley. Written by Denis Leary and Bob Fisher. Playing House - Jessica St. Clair and Lennon Parham star as best friend, the latter of whom is expecting a baby and the former who is returning home from a job overseas.
In announcing the move, USA’s Co-President Chris McCumber talked up the network's acquisition of Modern Family and its September 24 debut as a perfect launching pad for the new programs.
“With Modern Family joining our lineup in the fall, we can leverage television’s most popular comedy to serve as...
- 5/16/2013
- by matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal)
- TVfanatic
USA network brass will greet its Madison Avenue buyers Thursday with new comedy, a daytime offering and lots more in development. In addition to revealing two comedy series --Sirens, from Denis Leary (Rescue Me) and Bob Fisher (Wedding Crashers), and Playing House, from Best Friends Forever duo Jessica St. Clair and Lennon Parham-- co-presidents Jeff Wachtel and Chris McCumber are set to announce that they'll be adapting journalist Cat Greenleaf’s Talk Stoop franchise into a series of vignettes for USA's daytime block. Also likely to get a mention during the network's Pier 36 upfront presentation is a robust drama development slate with projects from Royal Pains' Michael Rauch, Burn Notice's Matt Nix, Suits' Doug Liman and Veronica Mars' Rob Thomas. Comedy has been a priority
read more...
read more...
- 5/16/2013
- by Lacey Rose
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Three years after USA Network signaled a move into half-hour comedy with the off-network acquisition of Modern Family and three months before the ABC comedy is to launch on the cable network, USA has greenlighted its first original half-hour comedies in some 15 years: the single-camera Sirens from Denis Leary and Bob Fisher and Playing House, from Jessica St. Clair and Lennon Parham. Additionally, USA, which is holding its upfront today, has picked up single-camera half-hour comedy pilot Love Is Dead, from writer Zev Borow. USA’s other half-hour pilot, Paging Dr. Freed, is still alive. And USA is in conversations about picking up ABC comedy series Happy Endings. Sirens and Playing House will premiere in the first quarter of 2014 as companions to Modern Family, which is set to bow on USA on September 24. “With Modern Family joining our lineup in the fall, we can leverage television’s most popular comedy...
- 5/16/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
With Modern Family heading to its schedule, USA is set to add two new comedies. On the day of its upfront presentation, the NBCUniversal-owned network said Thursday that is has ordered to series Sirens, from Denis Leary (Rescue Me) and Bob Fisher (Wedding Crashers), and Playing House, from Best Friends Forever pair Jessica St. Clair and Lennon Parham. Both entries -- USA’s first batch of original comedies in more than a decade-- will premiere in the first quarter of 2014, months after Modern Family repeats debut Sept. 24 at 8 p.m. Additionally, the No. 1 cable network has added a new comedy
read more...
read more...
- 5/16/2013
- by Lacey Rose
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
After last week’s puppet episode that many (me not included) saw as something of a return to form for this once brilliant show, this week’s instalment gave us our yearly Christmas episode. In April.
So yes. It’s Christmas, and Jeff seems to have agreed to play host to the group this year, how ‘New Jeff’ of him. Annie is the first to arrive, and bearing gifts, despite the apparent ‘No gifts rule‘. There’s just enough time to see her ‘Playing House’ with Jeff, before the group and Kevin (Chang) arrives, also bearing gifts. Annie tells the group that she’s heard History Professor Malcolm McDowell (Or Cornwallis as the characters know him) has graded their paper with an ‘F’ even though the grades aren’t officially out yet, but that the Professor is on his way. Jeff decides that they should all suck up to him...
So yes. It’s Christmas, and Jeff seems to have agreed to play host to the group this year, how ‘New Jeff’ of him. Annie is the first to arrive, and bearing gifts, despite the apparent ‘No gifts rule‘. There’s just enough time to see her ‘Playing House’ with Jeff, before the group and Kevin (Chang) arrives, also bearing gifts. Annie tells the group that she’s heard History Professor Malcolm McDowell (Or Cornwallis as the characters know him) has graded their paper with an ‘F’ even though the grades aren’t officially out yet, but that the Professor is on his way. Jeff decides that they should all suck up to him...
- 4/19/2013
- by Ryan Watson
- Obsessed with Film
Maya Entertainment has picked up Jason Daly's horror film Beware for a DVD release October 18th. The story involves an ancient legend in Shady Grove, involving a boy chained to a tree and left to die. Now, he has returned for vengeance! To stare are Adam Leadbeater (Awakening), Alex Livinalli (Cowboys & Indians), Brandy Whitford (Damaged) and Cecilia Huete (Carpe Diem). The trailer for the picture below shows some terror and fans of the indie horror can check this title out in just a few months.
Maya Entertainment acquires and distributes films that are relevant to a developing Latino market in the United States. They have a vast library and their recent releases of Hunter Prey and Zombie Farm have been entertaining, while Playing House could have used a little more originality. Have a look at Maya's latest and possibly finest film to date, below.
Release Date: October 18th (DVD).
Director: Jason Daly.
Maya Entertainment acquires and distributes films that are relevant to a developing Latino market in the United States. They have a vast library and their recent releases of Hunter Prey and Zombie Farm have been entertaining, while Playing House could have used a little more originality. Have a look at Maya's latest and possibly finest film to date, below.
Release Date: October 18th (DVD).
Director: Jason Daly.
- 9/9/2011
- by noreply@blogger.com (Michael Allen)
- 28 Days Later Analysis
A second movie poster is debuting for Maya Entertainment's The Night Crew. This film is still in production, so details are few. However, this latest poster shows that The Night Crew will be a true action adventure set in the desert. The first film poster was published here: The Night Crew First Poster on 28Dla and crew announcements include the attachment of Christian Sesma (Shoot the Hero) as director (Maya). Expect to here more from this film, as several bounty hunters fight off "a horde of savage border runners," (Maya) soon!
The synopsis for The Night Crew:
"A group of hard up bounty hunters must survive the night in a desert motel against a horde of savage border runners when they realize their fugitive, a mysterious Chinese woman, is much more than she lets on" (Maya).
Director: Christian Sesma.
Cast: Tba.
Visit Maya Entertainment for more upcoming details on this...
The synopsis for The Night Crew:
"A group of hard up bounty hunters must survive the night in a desert motel against a horde of savage border runners when they realize their fugitive, a mysterious Chinese woman, is much more than she lets on" (Maya).
Director: Christian Sesma.
Cast: Tba.
Visit Maya Entertainment for more upcoming details on this...
- 7/11/2011
- by noreply@blogger.com (Michael Allen)
- 28 Days Later Analysis
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