Mark your calendar for July 17. That’s when all eight episodes of Unprisoned start streaming exclusively on Hulu.
The logline: The Alexander family is still a mess. Paige’s therapy practice is in trouble, Finn’s anxiety is through the roof, Edwin is still figuring out how to get his life together outside of prison, and their relationships are more complicated than ever. The family needs help, and it’s time to call in a professional – Other than Paige. The Alexanders turn to a “family radical healing coach,” who throws out all the rules to free them of the issues, old wounds and family secrets holding them back.
The series stars Kerry Washington as “Paige Alexander,” Delroy Lindo as “Edwin,” Marque Richardson as“Mal,” Faly Rakotohavana as “Finn,” Jordyn McIntosh as “Little Paige,” and Jee Young Han as “Esti.”
Series EPs are Tracy McMillan, Yvette Lee Bowser, and Kerry Washington,...
The logline: The Alexander family is still a mess. Paige’s therapy practice is in trouble, Finn’s anxiety is through the roof, Edwin is still figuring out how to get his life together outside of prison, and their relationships are more complicated than ever. The family needs help, and it’s time to call in a professional – Other than Paige. The Alexanders turn to a “family radical healing coach,” who throws out all the rules to free them of the issues, old wounds and family secrets holding them back.
The series stars Kerry Washington as “Paige Alexander,” Delroy Lindo as “Edwin,” Marque Richardson as“Mal,” Faly Rakotohavana as “Finn,” Jordyn McIntosh as “Little Paige,” and Jee Young Han as “Esti.”
Series EPs are Tracy McMillan, Yvette Lee Bowser, and Kerry Washington,...
- 5/9/2024
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Kerry Washington’s comedy UnPrisoned will return to Hulu this summer, with all eight episodes set to drop Wednesday, July 17, TVLine has learned.
In Season 2, “the Alexander family is still a mess, Paige’s (Washington) therapy practice is in trouble and Finn’s anxiety is through the roof,” according to the official description. “Edwin (Delroy Lindo) is still figuring out how to get his life together outside of prison, and their relationships are more complicated than ever. The family needs help, and it’s time to call in a professional — other than Paige. The Alexanders turn to a ‘family radical healing coach,...
In Season 2, “the Alexander family is still a mess, Paige’s (Washington) therapy practice is in trouble and Finn’s anxiety is through the roof,” according to the official description. “Edwin (Delroy Lindo) is still figuring out how to get his life together outside of prison, and their relationships are more complicated than ever. The family needs help, and it’s time to call in a professional — other than Paige. The Alexanders turn to a ‘family radical healing coach,...
- 5/8/2024
- by Nick Caruso
- TVLine.com
Imagine being sexually assaulted only to be told by the perpetrator that it never happened and that it was all in your imagination. Such an experience will be too much for anyone to handle and that was exactly what happened to “Scandal” actress Kerry Washington.
Already, the star of “Unprisoned” wrote in her memoir “Thicker Than Water” published in September 2023 that she experienced sexual abuse growing up.
On Saturday, April 20, the actress attended the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books Event at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles where she was asked by Erica D. Smith to share how such experience helped shape her life.
According to Kerry, that experience was one out of many instances where the truth was withheld from her. Her statement was a reference to a part of her book where she shared that she only found out that her father Earl Washington wasn...
Already, the star of “Unprisoned” wrote in her memoir “Thicker Than Water” published in September 2023 that she experienced sexual abuse growing up.
On Saturday, April 20, the actress attended the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books Event at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles where she was asked by Erica D. Smith to share how such experience helped shape her life.
According to Kerry, that experience was one out of many instances where the truth was withheld from her. Her statement was a reference to a part of her book where she shared that she only found out that her father Earl Washington wasn...
- 4/25/2024
- by Chijioke Chukwuemeka
- Celebrating The Soaps
Delroy Lindo is heading back to the big screen.
The actor, who in recent years has starred in Hulu’s Unprisoned and appeared in Netflix’s The Harder They Fall, has closed a deal to join Michael B. Jordan in the untitled supernatural horror thriller that Ryan Coogler is directing for Warner Bros.
Little is known about that project — and what is known has yet to be confirmed by either the studio or Coogler. Insiders say the feature is set in the Jim Crow-era South, and possibly involves both vampires and Southern supernatural traditions. Jordan may be playing dual roles — as twin brothers.
Lindo’s part is being kept in the coffin but one source describes it as having a musical element to it. The feature is gearing for shoot later this spring in New Orleans, and recently cast Jack O’Connell as a villain.
Coogler wrote the script and is...
The actor, who in recent years has starred in Hulu’s Unprisoned and appeared in Netflix’s The Harder They Fall, has closed a deal to join Michael B. Jordan in the untitled supernatural horror thriller that Ryan Coogler is directing for Warner Bros.
Little is known about that project — and what is known has yet to be confirmed by either the studio or Coogler. Insiders say the feature is set in the Jim Crow-era South, and possibly involves both vampires and Southern supernatural traditions. Jordan may be playing dual roles — as twin brothers.
Lindo’s part is being kept in the coffin but one source describes it as having a musical element to it. The feature is gearing for shoot later this spring in New Orleans, and recently cast Jack O’Connell as a villain.
Coogler wrote the script and is...
- 4/3/2024
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Kerry Washington and Elisabeth Moss will star in a limited series adaptation of the Araminta Hall novel “Imperfect Women” at Apple TV+, Variety has learned.
Annie Weisman will adapt the book for the screen. Weisman previously created the Apple dramedy series “Physical” starring Rose Byrne, which aired for three seasons at the streamer.
“Imperfect Women” is described as an “unconventional, psychological thriller examining a crime that shatters the lives of a decades-long friendship of three women. ‘Imperfect Women’ is a mystery complicated by perspective that explores guilt and retribution, love and betrayal, and the compromises we make that alter our lives irrevocably. As the investigation unravels, so does the truth about how even the closest relationships can change over time.”
“From the moment I received Araminta’s novel, I couldn’t put it down,” said Moss. “It was such an electrifying read; I fell in love with it immediately. I...
Annie Weisman will adapt the book for the screen. Weisman previously created the Apple dramedy series “Physical” starring Rose Byrne, which aired for three seasons at the streamer.
“Imperfect Women” is described as an “unconventional, psychological thriller examining a crime that shatters the lives of a decades-long friendship of three women. ‘Imperfect Women’ is a mystery complicated by perspective that explores guilt and retribution, love and betrayal, and the compromises we make that alter our lives irrevocably. As the investigation unravels, so does the truth about how even the closest relationships can change over time.”
“From the moment I received Araminta’s novel, I couldn’t put it down,” said Moss. “It was such an electrifying read; I fell in love with it immediately. I...
- 3/26/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Kevin Bray has signed a two-year overall deal with HBO.
Under the agreement, Bray will direct exclusively for the premium network.
Bray recently wrapped directing the pilot and executive producing FX’s Clipped starring Lawrence Fishburne and Ed O’Neill, with Color Force producing. Bray began his career directing music videos and commercials.
After helming his first two features, All About the Benjamins and Walking Tall, Bray transitioned to television by directing and executive producing the pilots of Suits and Unprisoned, as well as multiple episodes of Succession, for which he was nominated for a DGA Award.
Bray went on to direct half-hour and hour-long television, both in comedy and drama, including episodes of Insecure, blackish, The Americans, Loot, The Morning Show, Snowfall, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Rap Sh!t and The Penguin.
He also directed three episodes of The Patient, a limited series starring Steve Carell and Domhnall Gleason for FX.
Besides CAA,...
Under the agreement, Bray will direct exclusively for the premium network.
Bray recently wrapped directing the pilot and executive producing FX’s Clipped starring Lawrence Fishburne and Ed O’Neill, with Color Force producing. Bray began his career directing music videos and commercials.
After helming his first two features, All About the Benjamins and Walking Tall, Bray transitioned to television by directing and executive producing the pilots of Suits and Unprisoned, as well as multiple episodes of Succession, for which he was nominated for a DGA Award.
Bray went on to direct half-hour and hour-long television, both in comedy and drama, including episodes of Insecure, blackish, The Americans, Loot, The Morning Show, Snowfall, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Rap Sh!t and The Penguin.
He also directed three episodes of The Patient, a limited series starring Steve Carell and Domhnall Gleason for FX.
Besides CAA,...
- 3/6/2024
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Manolo Caro has entered a multi-year first look deal with Onyx Collective alongside Rafael Ley and Maria Jose Cordova of Woo Films, who produced Caro’s Netflix series “The House of Flowers.”
Along with “The House of Flowers,” which ran for three seasons from 2018 to 2020, Caro is known for creating Netflix’s 2020 limited series “Someone Has to Die” and directing films including 2016’s “Tales of an Immoral Couple” and 2018’s “Perfect Strangers.” Woo Films has been behind several of Caro’s projects as well as films the Netflix films “Noise” (2022) and “Where the Tracks End” (2023) and the Viggo Mortensen-led “Eureka” (2023).
“Manolo Caro is in a rare class of storytellers who blend heart and humor to reveal the essence of what makes us all human,” said Tara Duncan, president of Onyx Collective. “He is a proven hit maker, and we’re excited to bring his universal stories to the Hulu audience.
Along with “The House of Flowers,” which ran for three seasons from 2018 to 2020, Caro is known for creating Netflix’s 2020 limited series “Someone Has to Die” and directing films including 2016’s “Tales of an Immoral Couple” and 2018’s “Perfect Strangers.” Woo Films has been behind several of Caro’s projects as well as films the Netflix films “Noise” (2022) and “Where the Tracks End” (2023) and the Viggo Mortensen-led “Eureka” (2023).
“Manolo Caro is in a rare class of storytellers who blend heart and humor to reveal the essence of what makes us all human,” said Tara Duncan, president of Onyx Collective. “He is a proven hit maker, and we’re excited to bring his universal stories to the Hulu audience.
- 2/9/2024
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
It’s been a big start to 2024 for Colman Domingo and Ayo Edebiri who — after earning their first Oscar nomination and Emmy win, respectively — lead the pack of film and TV nominees for the 55th NAACP Image Awards.
Domingo is nominated for three awards: outstanding actor in a motion picture for “Rustin,” outstanding supporting actor for “The Color Purple” and entertainer of the year, the ceremony’s top prize.
Edebiri is nominated for outstanding supporting actress for “The Bear” and guest actress for “Abbott Elementary.” Victoria Monét received the most nominations in the music recording categories, earning six nods including outstanding new artist. The “Jaguar II” hitmaker is followed closely by Usher, who earned five nominations including entertainer of the year.
Fantasia Barrino, Halle Bailey and Keke Palmer — three multihyphenate talents who happened to share the screen with Domingo and Usher this year — round out the nominees for that award.
Domingo is nominated for three awards: outstanding actor in a motion picture for “Rustin,” outstanding supporting actor for “The Color Purple” and entertainer of the year, the ceremony’s top prize.
Edebiri is nominated for outstanding supporting actress for “The Bear” and guest actress for “Abbott Elementary.” Victoria Monét received the most nominations in the music recording categories, earning six nods including outstanding new artist. The “Jaguar II” hitmaker is followed closely by Usher, who earned five nominations including entertainer of the year.
Fantasia Barrino, Halle Bailey and Keke Palmer — three multihyphenate talents who happened to share the screen with Domingo and Usher this year — round out the nominees for that award.
- 1/25/2024
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Abbott Elementary really made the grade when nominations for the 55th NAACP Awards were announced Thursday.
ABC’s school-set sitcom nabbed seven nods, including Outstanding Comedy Series, making it the awards ceremony’s most nominated series of the year.
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Netflix’s Survival of the Thickest and Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story tied for second with five nods each.
ABC’s school-set sitcom nabbed seven nods, including Outstanding Comedy Series, making it the awards ceremony’s most nominated series of the year.
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Netflix’s Survival of the Thickest and Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story tied for second with five nods each.
- 1/25/2024
- by Kimberly Roots
- TVLine.com
Kerry Washington joined the Variety Studio presented by Audible at the Sundance Film Festival, where she is an executive producer on the documentary “Daughters.” The movie centers on four girls in Washington D.C. as they prepare for a Daddy Daughter Dance with their incarcerated fathers.
“People always ask me why I’m drawn to political work,” Washington said about boarding the documentary. “I’m not drawn to political work. It’s just I am a woman and I am a Black person. In this body, when I center stories about me or stories that star people that look like me, it’s considered political because the world wants to push us out into the margins and we all deserve to be at the center of our lives.”
“A story like this that centers people that society often ignores — incarcerated fathers and young Black woman — that’s so important to us,...
“People always ask me why I’m drawn to political work,” Washington said about boarding the documentary. “I’m not drawn to political work. It’s just I am a woman and I am a Black person. In this body, when I center stories about me or stories that star people that look like me, it’s considered political because the world wants to push us out into the margins and we all deserve to be at the center of our lives.”
“A story like this that centers people that society often ignores — incarcerated fathers and young Black woman — that’s so important to us,...
- 1/20/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
The 2024 Golden Globes nominations were announced on Monday morning (December 11), leaving several projected heavy-hitters for the upcoming Oscars off the slate. The most notable rejections were “The Color Purple,” which missed for Best Film Comedy/Musical and one of the movie’s stars, Taraji P. Henson, who was left off the ballot for Best Film Supporting Actress. The movie did manage to squeak out nominations for Fantasia Barrino in Best Film Comedy/Musical Actress and Danielle Brooks for Best Film Supporting Actress.
Other major contenders that won’t compete include Best Film Drama contenders “Saltburn” and “The Iron Claw”, the screenplays for “American Fiction” and “The Holdovers” and the latter’s director, Alexander Payne.
See Golden Globes nominations list: Nominees for 81st Annual Ceremony
On the TV side, Jennifer Aniston missed out despite “The Morning Show” earning a bid for Best TV Drama. On the flip side, Natasha Lyonne earned...
Other major contenders that won’t compete include Best Film Drama contenders “Saltburn” and “The Iron Claw”, the screenplays for “American Fiction” and “The Holdovers” and the latter’s director, Alexander Payne.
See Golden Globes nominations list: Nominees for 81st Annual Ceremony
On the TV side, Jennifer Aniston missed out despite “The Morning Show” earning a bid for Best TV Drama. On the flip side, Natasha Lyonne earned...
- 12/11/2023
- by Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
Kerry Washington emphasized the importance of leveling the playing field during her acceptance speech for the Equity in Entertainment Award on Thursday at The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment gala breakfast, presented by Lifetime.
Ariana DeBose presented the Scandal star with the award, which recognizes individuals who amplify the voices of underrepresented communities in the entertainment industry. The Oscar winner praised the Emmy winner for always being unapologetically herself and encouraging other women to do the same.
“Every component of the career that she has built, the empire that she has created, speaks to equity,” DeBose said of Washington. “How has she done that? By being herself and taking up space!”
The West Side Story star continued, “Kerry has squashed the traditional stereotype of being a Black woman in Hollywood. She has expanded our minds of what we can be — from playing the messy, complicated, dynamic Olivia Pope [in tt1837576 autoScandal...
Ariana DeBose presented the Scandal star with the award, which recognizes individuals who amplify the voices of underrepresented communities in the entertainment industry. The Oscar winner praised the Emmy winner for always being unapologetically herself and encouraging other women to do the same.
“Every component of the career that she has built, the empire that she has created, speaks to equity,” DeBose said of Washington. “How has she done that? By being herself and taking up space!”
The West Side Story star continued, “Kerry has squashed the traditional stereotype of being a Black woman in Hollywood. She has expanded our minds of what we can be — from playing the messy, complicated, dynamic Olivia Pope [in tt1837576 autoScandal...
- 12/7/2023
- by Christy Piña
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
ABC Signature head of creative affairs Tracy Underwood has been elevated to president of the Disney-owned TV studio.
Underwood, who has been at the studio since 2010, will be filling the role vacated in July by Jonnie Davis. Davis was named president of ABC Signature (then ABC Studios) in July 2019 in the wake of the 21st Century Fox-Disney merger.
Reporting to Eric Schrier, president of Disney Television Studios and global original TV strategy for Disney Entertainment, Underwood will now oversee all creative affairs, including the studio’s development of drama, comedy and limited series, as well as the current series slate.
Senior vice president of series Sydnee Rimes will continue to lead the current series team, now reporting into Underwood. Susan Lewis, senior vice president of drama development, and Danny Feldheim, senior vice president of comedy development, will continue to report to Underwood.
Underwood’s prior role will not be backfilled.
Underwood, who has been at the studio since 2010, will be filling the role vacated in July by Jonnie Davis. Davis was named president of ABC Signature (then ABC Studios) in July 2019 in the wake of the 21st Century Fox-Disney merger.
Reporting to Eric Schrier, president of Disney Television Studios and global original TV strategy for Disney Entertainment, Underwood will now oversee all creative affairs, including the studio’s development of drama, comedy and limited series, as well as the current series slate.
Senior vice president of series Sydnee Rimes will continue to lead the current series team, now reporting into Underwood. Susan Lewis, senior vice president of drama development, and Danny Feldheim, senior vice president of comedy development, will continue to report to Underwood.
Underwood’s prior role will not be backfilled.
- 12/5/2023
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
ABC Signature veteran Tracy Underwood has been elevated to President of the Disney Television Studios division. Underwood, most recently EVP of creative affairs for ABC Signature, is taking over the top post vacated by Jonnie Davis in July.
In her new position, Underwood will add oversight of current series to her current role overseeing development of drama, comedy and limited series, which will not be backfilled. Sydnee Rimes, SVP of Series and head of ABC Signature’s current series team, will now report into Underwood; Susan Lewis, SVP of Drama Development, and Danny Feldheim, SVP of Comedy Development, will continue to report into her.
Underwood’s promotion caps a lengthy search for Davis’ successor led by Eric Schrier, President of Disney Television Studios and Global Original TV Strategy for Disney Entertainment, to whom she will report. Outside candidates were considered, with Underwood emerging as the leading candidate by October.
While streamlining its content leadership,...
In her new position, Underwood will add oversight of current series to her current role overseeing development of drama, comedy and limited series, which will not be backfilled. Sydnee Rimes, SVP of Series and head of ABC Signature’s current series team, will now report into Underwood; Susan Lewis, SVP of Drama Development, and Danny Feldheim, SVP of Comedy Development, will continue to report into her.
Underwood’s promotion caps a lengthy search for Davis’ successor led by Eric Schrier, President of Disney Television Studios and Global Original TV Strategy for Disney Entertainment, to whom she will report. Outside candidates were considered, with Underwood emerging as the leading candidate by October.
While streamlining its content leadership,...
- 12/5/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
“UnPrisoned,” an Onyx Collective dramedy executive produced by and starring Kerry Washington, has been renewed for a second season at Hulu.
The series, whose writers’ room for Season 2 is already up and running, follows a messy but perfectionist relationship therapist and single mom whose life is turned right-side-up when her dad gets out of prison and moves in with her and her teenage son.
The series is created by Tracy McMillan and inspired by her life. McMillan, Washington, Delroy Lindo, Yvette Lee Bowser, Joy Gorman Wettels and Jen Braeden and Simpson Street’s Pilar Savone executive produce. In addition to Washington and Lindo, the show’s cast includes Marque Richardson, Faly Rakotohavana and Jordyn McIntosh.
The move comes as Washington has reupped her overall deal with ABC Signature, a part of Disney Television Studios. The exclusive 3-year-pact will see her continue to produce broadcast, cable and streaming projects through her Simpson Street banner,...
The series, whose writers’ room for Season 2 is already up and running, follows a messy but perfectionist relationship therapist and single mom whose life is turned right-side-up when her dad gets out of prison and moves in with her and her teenage son.
The series is created by Tracy McMillan and inspired by her life. McMillan, Washington, Delroy Lindo, Yvette Lee Bowser, Joy Gorman Wettels and Jen Braeden and Simpson Street’s Pilar Savone executive produce. In addition to Washington and Lindo, the show’s cast includes Marque Richardson, Faly Rakotohavana and Jordyn McIntosh.
The move comes as Washington has reupped her overall deal with ABC Signature, a part of Disney Television Studios. The exclusive 3-year-pact will see her continue to produce broadcast, cable and streaming projects through her Simpson Street banner,...
- 11/20/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
UnPrisoned, Hulu’s Onyx Collective dramedy starring Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo, has been renewed for Season 2, TVLine has learned.
Inspired by the life of creator Tracy McMillan and showrun by TV vet Yvette Lee Bowser (Living Single, Dear White People), UnPrisoned centers around the complicated relationship between family and marriage therapist Paige (Scandal‘s Washington) and her father Edwin (The Good Fight‘s Lindo) following his release from prison. The series premiered March 10 on Hulu with all eight episodes.
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Inspired by the life of creator Tracy McMillan and showrun by TV vet Yvette Lee Bowser (Living Single, Dear White People), UnPrisoned centers around the complicated relationship between family and marriage therapist Paige (Scandal‘s Washington) and her father Edwin (The Good Fight‘s Lindo) following his release from prison. The series premiered March 10 on Hulu with all eight episodes.
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- 11/20/2023
- by Vlada Gelman
- TVLine.com
A second season of “UnPrisoned” is coming to Hulu, Variety has confirmed.
Starring and executive produced by Kerry Washington, “UnPrisoned” follows messy but perfectionist relationship therapist and single mom, Paige Alexander (Washington) whose life is turned right-side-up when her dad gets out of prison and moves in with her and her teenage son. Delroy Lindo stars as Edwin Alexander, Paige’s father, who has recently been released from prison.
Additionally, Washington has renewed her overall deal with ABC Signature for another three years. Under the terms of the deal, she will produce broadcast, cable and streaming projects for ABC Signature through her Simpson Street banner which has been with Disney Television Studios since its 2016 launch.
More to come…...
Starring and executive produced by Kerry Washington, “UnPrisoned” follows messy but perfectionist relationship therapist and single mom, Paige Alexander (Washington) whose life is turned right-side-up when her dad gets out of prison and moves in with her and her teenage son. Delroy Lindo stars as Edwin Alexander, Paige’s father, who has recently been released from prison.
Additionally, Washington has renewed her overall deal with ABC Signature for another three years. Under the terms of the deal, she will produce broadcast, cable and streaming projects for ABC Signature through her Simpson Street banner which has been with Disney Television Studios since its 2016 launch.
More to come…...
- 11/20/2023
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Kerry Washington has renewed her overall deal with ABC Signature — and will also continue with the studio’s Hulu dramedy UnPrisoned.
The streamer has picked up a second season of UnPrisoned, which stars Washington as a single mother whose world is upended when her father (Delroy Lindo) is released from prison and moves in with her and her son. The series comes from Disney’s Onyx Collective and ABC Signature; Washington and Lindo are also executive producers.
Under the renewed deal, Washington’s Simpson Street company will continue developing and producing TV projects for ABC Signature. Simpson Street has been based at the studio since 2016 and has previously produced Hulu’s limited series Little Fires Everywhere and Reasonable Doubt, which has been renewed for a second season.
“Kerry is the gold standard for a what a multihyphenate should be — passionate, prolific and endlessly kind,” said Tracy Underwood, executive vp creative affairs at ABC Signature.
The streamer has picked up a second season of UnPrisoned, which stars Washington as a single mother whose world is upended when her father (Delroy Lindo) is released from prison and moves in with her and her son. The series comes from Disney’s Onyx Collective and ABC Signature; Washington and Lindo are also executive producers.
Under the renewed deal, Washington’s Simpson Street company will continue developing and producing TV projects for ABC Signature. Simpson Street has been based at the studio since 2016 and has previously produced Hulu’s limited series Little Fires Everywhere and Reasonable Doubt, which has been renewed for a second season.
“Kerry is the gold standard for a what a multihyphenate should be — passionate, prolific and endlessly kind,” said Tracy Underwood, executive vp creative affairs at ABC Signature.
- 11/20/2023
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: UnPrisoned, the Onyx Collective dramedy starring and executive produced by Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo, has been renewed for a second season on Hulu in the U.S., Star+ in Latin America, and Disney+ in all other territories.
Additionally, Washington has renewed her overall deal with ABC Signature, the studio behind UnPrisoned, which debuted in March as Onyx Collective’s most-viewed premiere on Hulu and as the inaugural dramedy series for the brand.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan’s life, UnPrisoned follows a messy but perfectionist relationship therapist, social media influencer and single mom, Paige Alexander (Washington), whose life is turned right-side-up when her dad, Edwin Alexander (Lindo), gets out of prison and moves in with her and her teenage son.
The series, whose Season 2 writers room is already up and running, is executive produced by McMillan, Yvette Lee Bowser and Washington alongside Pilar Savone, through their Simpson Street production company,...
Additionally, Washington has renewed her overall deal with ABC Signature, the studio behind UnPrisoned, which debuted in March as Onyx Collective’s most-viewed premiere on Hulu and as the inaugural dramedy series for the brand.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan’s life, UnPrisoned follows a messy but perfectionist relationship therapist, social media influencer and single mom, Paige Alexander (Washington), whose life is turned right-side-up when her dad, Edwin Alexander (Lindo), gets out of prison and moves in with her and her teenage son.
The series, whose Season 2 writers room is already up and running, is executive produced by McMillan, Yvette Lee Bowser and Washington alongside Pilar Savone, through their Simpson Street production company,...
- 11/20/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Kerry Washington will receive this year’s Equity in Entertainment Award at The Hollywood Reporter’s annual Women in Entertainment breakfast gala, presented by Lifetime, on Dec. 7 in Los Angeles.
Oscar winner Ariana DeBose will present Washington with the award at the gala, which will be attended by 750 industry leaders and VIPs. Washington joins Adele, who The Hollywood Reporter previously announced will receive the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award, as an honoree at this year’s gala.
The Equity in Entertainment Award recognizes individuals who amplify the voices of underrepresented communities in the entertainment industry. The award was created in 2016, and previous honorees include Issa Rae, Ryan Murphy, Amy Pascal, Nina Jacobson and Selma Blair.
“Kerry Washington is an incredible force of nature who has shown us at each phase of her career why she is one of Hollywood’s most important creative talents. Just this year alone, she produced and...
Oscar winner Ariana DeBose will present Washington with the award at the gala, which will be attended by 750 industry leaders and VIPs. Washington joins Adele, who The Hollywood Reporter previously announced will receive the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award, as an honoree at this year’s gala.
The Equity in Entertainment Award recognizes individuals who amplify the voices of underrepresented communities in the entertainment industry. The award was created in 2016, and previous honorees include Issa Rae, Ryan Murphy, Amy Pascal, Nina Jacobson and Selma Blair.
“Kerry Washington is an incredible force of nature who has shown us at each phase of her career why she is one of Hollywood’s most important creative talents. Just this year alone, she produced and...
- 11/17/2023
- by THR Staff
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ayo Edebiri, one of the breakout stars from the first season of the FX/Hulu hit “The Bear,” is switching from supporting comedy actress Emmy consideration to lead for Season 2 that streamed in June on Hulu. While Edebiri, who portrays the young sous chef Sydney Adamu on the show, earned an Emmy nomination for the show’s first season and could still win it when the trophies are handed out in January, she is even more prominent in the show in many of the second season episodes. So the change to lead makes sense.
The switch will also impact her consideration in January for both the Golden Globe and Critics Choice Awards, where Ebebiri will compete as a lead comedy actress. She was nominated in supporting for the Critics Choice TV honors this year and won an Independent Spirit Award for supporting performance in a new scripted series.
SEEHow production...
The switch will also impact her consideration in January for both the Golden Globe and Critics Choice Awards, where Ebebiri will compete as a lead comedy actress. She was nominated in supporting for the Critics Choice TV honors this year and won an Independent Spirit Award for supporting performance in a new scripted series.
SEEHow production...
- 11/16/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: Jee Young Han (Perry Mason) has been tapped for a major role in K-Pops!, the dramatic comedy marking the directorial debut of eight-time Grammy winner Anderson .Paak, in which he also stars opposite son Soul Rasheed.
Han plays the role of Yeji, the love interest of .Paak’s character, Brandon. Others in the ensemble of the pic, which we were first to report on, include Yvette Nicole Brown, Jonnie “Dumbfoundead” Park (who developed the project with .Paak), and Kevin Woo.
Hailing from Stampede Ventures, K-Pops! recently brought Live Nation Productions aboard as a strategic partner. The film centers on a washed-up musician from Los Angeles who attempts to reinvigorate his career by joining the band for a K-Pop competition show in Seoul and discovers that his long-lost son has the chance to front one of the country’s hottest new groups. He jumps at the opportunity to capitalize on...
Han plays the role of Yeji, the love interest of .Paak’s character, Brandon. Others in the ensemble of the pic, which we were first to report on, include Yvette Nicole Brown, Jonnie “Dumbfoundead” Park (who developed the project with .Paak), and Kevin Woo.
Hailing from Stampede Ventures, K-Pops! recently brought Live Nation Productions aboard as a strategic partner. The film centers on a washed-up musician from Los Angeles who attempts to reinvigorate his career by joining the band for a K-Pop competition show in Seoul and discovers that his long-lost son has the chance to front one of the country’s hottest new groups. He jumps at the opportunity to capitalize on...
- 11/7/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Tim Daly (Wings) and Veronica Ferres (Hector and the Search for Happiness) have been tapped for roles in Unholy Trinity, rounding out the ensemble for the Western helmed by Robert the Bruce‘s Richard Gray. The actors join an ensemble that also includes Pierce Brosnan, Samuel L. Jackson, Brandon Lessard, and Q’orianka Kilcher, as previously announced.
Currently shooting under an Interim Agreement, the film written by Lee Zachariah is set against the turbulent backdrop of 1870s Montana. It picks up in the moments before the execution of Isaac Broadway, as he gives his estranged son, Henry (Lessard), an impossible task: murder the man who framed him for a crime he didn’t commit. Intent on fulfilling his promise, Henry travels to the remote town of Trinity, where an unexpected turn of events traps him in town and leaves him caught between Gabriel Dove (Brosnan), the town’s upstanding new sheriff,...
Currently shooting under an Interim Agreement, the film written by Lee Zachariah is set against the turbulent backdrop of 1870s Montana. It picks up in the moments before the execution of Isaac Broadway, as he gives his estranged son, Henry (Lessard), an impossible task: murder the man who framed him for a crime he didn’t commit. Intent on fulfilling his promise, Henry travels to the remote town of Trinity, where an unexpected turn of events traps him in town and leaves him caught between Gabriel Dove (Brosnan), the town’s upstanding new sheriff,...
- 10/25/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Hulu is dropping another one of its series, canceling How I Met Your Father after two seasons.
The news comes two days after the Disney-run streamer canceled The Great. How I Met Your Father, which stars Hilary Duff, ended its second season in July and did not answer the implied question in its title.
How I Met Your Father is a spinoff of How I Met Your Mother, which ran on CBS from 2005-14. Though not a direct sequel, it’s set in the same version of New York as the original series and has featured guest appearances from Himym stars Cobie Smulders and Neil Patrick Harris, among other alumni of that show. Characters played by Christopher Lowell and Suraj Sharma also live in the apartment occupied by Ted (Josh Radnor) and Marshall (Jason Segel) in the former series.
In addition to Duff, Lowell and Sharma, the How I Met Your Father...
The news comes two days after the Disney-run streamer canceled The Great. How I Met Your Father, which stars Hilary Duff, ended its second season in July and did not answer the implied question in its title.
How I Met Your Father is a spinoff of How I Met Your Mother, which ran on CBS from 2005-14. Though not a direct sequel, it’s set in the same version of New York as the original series and has featured guest appearances from Himym stars Cobie Smulders and Neil Patrick Harris, among other alumni of that show. Characters played by Christopher Lowell and Suraj Sharma also live in the apartment occupied by Ted (Josh Radnor) and Marshall (Jason Segel) in the former series.
In addition to Duff, Lowell and Sharma, the How I Met Your Father...
- 9/1/2023
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Kerry Washington has tried to part ways with Hollywood for decades.
The Emmy-winning actress told W Magazine that she is “always quitting” acting until another great script pulls her back in.
“I have spent a lifetime trying to not be an actor,” Washington said. “I am always quitting this business, and then right when I decide that I’m done is when something extraordinary comes across my desk.”
She explained, “I was really, really done with this business right before I read the script for ‘Ray.’ I was really, really done with this business right before I read the script for ‘The Last King of Scotland.’ I was entirely done with this business before reading the script for ‘Scandal.’ This is what happens again and again.”
Washington, who currently stars in the Hulu series “UnPrisoned,” said that she “immediately” was drawn to the script for the show.
“I think the...
The Emmy-winning actress told W Magazine that she is “always quitting” acting until another great script pulls her back in.
“I have spent a lifetime trying to not be an actor,” Washington said. “I am always quitting this business, and then right when I decide that I’m done is when something extraordinary comes across my desk.”
She explained, “I was really, really done with this business right before I read the script for ‘Ray.’ I was really, really done with this business right before I read the script for ‘The Last King of Scotland.’ I was entirely done with this business before reading the script for ‘Scandal.’ This is what happens again and again.”
Washington, who currently stars in the Hulu series “UnPrisoned,” said that she “immediately” was drawn to the script for the show.
“I think the...
- 8/16/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
The African American Film Critics Association revealed on Friday the artists, actors and TV shows that will be honored at the 5th annual Aafca TV Honors.
Among the special achievement recipients this year are classic TV legend Marla Gibbs, known for sitcoms 227 and The Jeffersons, who will receive Aafca’s Legend Award. Delroy Lindo, known for his roles in Unprisoned, Da 5 Bloods, Crooklyn and Romeo Must Die, will receive the Legacy Award.
In addition, Egot winner Jennifer Hudson will receive Aafca’s We See You Award for her “versatility” and “consistent excellence” throughout her music and acting career, as well as hosting The Jennifer Hudson Show.
Also being honored at the ceremony are several TV shows, including S.W.A.T and Ted Lasso. The association said the CBS series is being honored with Aafca’s Impact Award for its work with storylines that impact the African American community. The Apple...
Among the special achievement recipients this year are classic TV legend Marla Gibbs, known for sitcoms 227 and The Jeffersons, who will receive Aafca’s Legend Award. Delroy Lindo, known for his roles in Unprisoned, Da 5 Bloods, Crooklyn and Romeo Must Die, will receive the Legacy Award.
In addition, Egot winner Jennifer Hudson will receive Aafca’s We See You Award for her “versatility” and “consistent excellence” throughout her music and acting career, as well as hosting The Jennifer Hudson Show.
Also being honored at the ceremony are several TV shows, including S.W.A.T and Ted Lasso. The association said the CBS series is being honored with Aafca’s Impact Award for its work with storylines that impact the African American community. The Apple...
- 6/23/2023
- by Xennia Hamilton
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Despite making up 18% of the U.S., Hispanic actors are underrepresented on TV, according to a new analysis released by Samba TV.
The analysis, which is based on the top 25 highest-reaching direct-to-streaming and top 25 highest-reaching linear TV premiere episodes that were released between January 1 and May 1, found that 42% of top-billed actors were Hispanic, Black, Asian, or another ethnicity such as mixed, while 58% were white. At the show level, 48 out of the top 50 programs featured a white lead, over two-thirds included a Black lead, and 56% featured mixed leads. However, less than half included Hispanic or Asian leads.
Ethnic Diversity of Leads in Top 50 TV Shows vs U.S. Census (Samba TV)
Across both linear and streaming, only 10% of lead actors were Hispanic, despite the group comprising 18% of the U.S. according to most recent census data. None of the top 50 shows featured a majority Hispanic cast, compared to multiple shows featuring majority white,...
The analysis, which is based on the top 25 highest-reaching direct-to-streaming and top 25 highest-reaching linear TV premiere episodes that were released between January 1 and May 1, found that 42% of top-billed actors were Hispanic, Black, Asian, or another ethnicity such as mixed, while 58% were white. At the show level, 48 out of the top 50 programs featured a white lead, over two-thirds included a Black lead, and 56% featured mixed leads. However, less than half included Hispanic or Asian leads.
Ethnic Diversity of Leads in Top 50 TV Shows vs U.S. Census (Samba TV)
Across both linear and streaming, only 10% of lead actors were Hispanic, despite the group comprising 18% of the U.S. according to most recent census data. None of the top 50 shows featured a majority Hispanic cast, compared to multiple shows featuring majority white,...
- 6/20/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Three months from now, the Weeknd might just have an Emmy to place alongside his four Grammys and his Oscar nomination.
That’s because he joins a dozen other music superstars — including Dolly Parton, Common, Ryan Tedder, “Weird Al” Yankovic and Meshell Ndegeocello — who have entered work in this year’s Emmy competition.
Voting began yesterday in the seven music categories. Approximately 550 members of the Academy’s music branch will cast ballots, although viewing the hundreds of entries before voting ends on June 26 is an impossible task, Academy officials privately concede.
The Weeknd, aka Abel Tesfaye, is among the 19 entries in the Music Direction category. He submitted “The Weeknd Live at Sofi Stadium,” an HBO special that aired in February. If nominated, he’s likely to be up against such past winners as Adam Blackstone and Rickey Minor (“The Oscars”).
Most of the big-name performers have entered the song category...
That’s because he joins a dozen other music superstars — including Dolly Parton, Common, Ryan Tedder, “Weird Al” Yankovic and Meshell Ndegeocello — who have entered work in this year’s Emmy competition.
Voting began yesterday in the seven music categories. Approximately 550 members of the Academy’s music branch will cast ballots, although viewing the hundreds of entries before voting ends on June 26 is an impossible task, Academy officials privately concede.
The Weeknd, aka Abel Tesfaye, is among the 19 entries in the Music Direction category. He submitted “The Weeknd Live at Sofi Stadium,” an HBO special that aired in February. If nominated, he’s likely to be up against such past winners as Adam Blackstone and Rickey Minor (“The Oscars”).
Most of the big-name performers have entered the song category...
- 6/17/2023
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
Even with the institution of gender neutral categories in the acting and supporting acting fields, everything old is new again as the Seventh Annual Black Reel Television Awards (BoltsTV) announced the list of this year’s nominees for recognition. Two names were still returning favorites to the nominations field which also included one record-breaking repeat performance and one surprising new entrant to challenge them all.
The Best Man: The Final Chapters secured its place in Black Reel Award history, with eighteen nominations, the most by any program ever in a single year. The Final Chapters, the ground-breaking mini-series that brought back all of the actors from the previous two movies, also ushered showrunner Malcolm D. Lee to three award nominations of his own for writing and directing in the series.
Perennial favorite, Donald Glover continued his recent dominance by leading the pack in personal nominations, receiving five this year. Glover...
The Best Man: The Final Chapters secured its place in Black Reel Award history, with eighteen nominations, the most by any program ever in a single year. The Final Chapters, the ground-breaking mini-series that brought back all of the actors from the previous two movies, also ushered showrunner Malcolm D. Lee to three award nominations of his own for writing and directing in the series.
Perennial favorite, Donald Glover continued his recent dominance by leading the pack in personal nominations, receiving five this year. Glover...
- 6/15/2023
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Variety’s annual TV FYC Fest was packed with big names and your favorite stars from the small screen. Christina Applegate (“Dead to Me”) made a rare appearance to accept the Legacy Award, Brooke Shields spoke passionately about the reality of co-existing in the world of social media and Kerry Washington (“UnPrisoned”) joined a collective of equally hilarious actresses including Elle Fanning (“The Great”), Janelle James (“Abbott Elementary”) and Gina Rodriguez (“Dead To Me”) to discuss forging vanity for laughs and embracing the “messy” woman.
The all-day discussion also tackled the state of television today amid a writers strike and an ever-changing landscape of streaming. We’ve rounded up the standout moments from Variety’s TV FYC Fest panels and presentations which brought out important — and at times hilarious — conversations about this season of shows.
Unscripted TV For the Soul and How Nostalgia Sells
When it comes to unscripted television,...
The all-day discussion also tackled the state of television today amid a writers strike and an ever-changing landscape of streaming. We’ve rounded up the standout moments from Variety’s TV FYC Fest panels and presentations which brought out important — and at times hilarious — conversations about this season of shows.
Unscripted TV For the Soul and How Nostalgia Sells
When it comes to unscripted television,...
- 6/8/2023
- by Sophia Scorziello
- Variety Film + TV
What does it mean to be a funny girl?
Actors Elle Fanning (“The Great”), Janelle James (“Abbott Elementary”), Gina Rodriguez (“Not Dead Yet”) and Kerry Washington (“UnPrisoned”) discuss being a woman in comedy at Variety TV FYC Fest’s Disney Women of Comedy panel, moderated by Variety’s Angelique Jackson.
Each TV character they play — whether she’s an empress of Russia, a public school principal, a family therapist or a journalist who talks to the dead — is layered and complicated. Through comedy, these actors have found the freedom to be contradictory, to not have it all together and to be a little messy.
When asked how she trusts her comedy, Rodriguez was frank: “I don’t,” she said. “I just became a mother, so trusting myself is very difficult.” Rodriguez was pregnant for most, if not all, of filming for “Not Dead Yet.” “I thought this was a For...
Actors Elle Fanning (“The Great”), Janelle James (“Abbott Elementary”), Gina Rodriguez (“Not Dead Yet”) and Kerry Washington (“UnPrisoned”) discuss being a woman in comedy at Variety TV FYC Fest’s Disney Women of Comedy panel, moderated by Variety’s Angelique Jackson.
Each TV character they play — whether she’s an empress of Russia, a public school principal, a family therapist or a journalist who talks to the dead — is layered and complicated. Through comedy, these actors have found the freedom to be contradictory, to not have it all together and to be a little messy.
When asked how she trusts her comedy, Rodriguez was frank: “I don’t,” she said. “I just became a mother, so trusting myself is very difficult.” Rodriguez was pregnant for most, if not all, of filming for “Not Dead Yet.” “I thought this was a For...
- 6/8/2023
- by Sophia Scorziello
- Variety Film + TV
Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Tony Awards ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis. The prediction pages reflect the current standings in the race and do not reflect personal preferences for any individual contender. As other formal (and informal) polls suggest, competitions are fluid and subject to change based on buzz and events. Predictions are updated every Thursday.
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
Updated: June 1, 2023
2023 Emmy Predictions:
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series Shirley MacLaine in “Only Murders in the Building”
Weekly Commentary: Stephanie Hsu picked up a deserving Oscar nomination in supporting actress for her performance in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” That goodwill may carry over into an Emmy nomination,...
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
Updated: June 1, 2023
2023 Emmy Predictions:
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series Shirley MacLaine in “Only Murders in the Building”
Weekly Commentary: Stephanie Hsu picked up a deserving Oscar nomination in supporting actress for her performance in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” That goodwill may carry over into an Emmy nomination,...
- 6/1/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Please Note: This forecast, assembled by The Hollywood Reporter’s awards columnist Scott Feinberg, reflects his best attempt to predict the behavior of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, not his personal preferences. He arrives at these standings by drawing upon consultations with voters and strategists, analysis of marketing and campaigns, results of awards that precede the Emmys and the history of the Emmys itself. There will be regular updates to reflect new developments.
*Best Drama Series*
Frontrunners
Succession (HBO/Max)
The White Lotus: Sicily (HBO/Max)
The Last of Us (HBO/Max)
Better Call Saul (AMC)
House of the Dragon (HBO/Max)
Yellowjackets (Showtime)
The Crown (Netflix)
The Mandalorian (Disney+)
Major Threats
Andor (Disney+)
The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)
1923 (Paramount+)
Yellowstone (Paramount)
The Diplomat (Netflix)
The Old Man (FX)
The Boys (Amazon)
Slow Horses (Apple TV+)
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (Amazon)
Bad Sisters (Apple...
*Best Drama Series*
Frontrunners
Succession (HBO/Max)
The White Lotus: Sicily (HBO/Max)
The Last of Us (HBO/Max)
Better Call Saul (AMC)
House of the Dragon (HBO/Max)
Yellowjackets (Showtime)
The Crown (Netflix)
The Mandalorian (Disney+)
Major Threats
Andor (Disney+)
The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)
1923 (Paramount+)
Yellowstone (Paramount)
The Diplomat (Netflix)
The Old Man (FX)
The Boys (Amazon)
Slow Horses (Apple TV+)
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (Amazon)
Bad Sisters (Apple...
- 5/25/2023
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“The story itself is just so compelling… it’s all about healing,” shares Caroline B. Marx about what drew her to the new Hulu series “UnPrisoned,” which centers on a daughter attempting to reconcile with her father after his 17-year prison sentence. The costume designer appreciated that the show is “based on reality” — it draws inspiration from the life of creator Tracy McMillan — and that it is “socially relevant.” Watch our exclusive video interview above.
Kerry Washington stars as Paige, a relationship therapist who welcomes her father Edwin (Delroy Lindo) into her home despite the effects his incarceration had on her as a child. Marx collaborated closely with the actress to pick the color palate of Paige’s fashion, which McMillan had described to her as “Minneapolis but by way of Brooklyn.” The creator conceived of Paige as a “hipster but she’s adulting now,” but Tracy herself “doesn’t wear color at all,...
Kerry Washington stars as Paige, a relationship therapist who welcomes her father Edwin (Delroy Lindo) into her home despite the effects his incarceration had on her as a child. Marx collaborated closely with the actress to pick the color palate of Paige’s fashion, which McMillan had described to her as “Minneapolis but by way of Brooklyn.” The creator conceived of Paige as a “hipster but she’s adulting now,” but Tracy herself “doesn’t wear color at all,...
- 5/13/2023
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
“I am Black woman; hear me roar!”
The hilarity of Black women on television has been sorely missed and ignored by the Television Academy over multiple decades. However, this year’s slate of outstanding lead and supporting comedy actress seem to be the two spots preventing an #EmmysSoWhite moment from occurring.
Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for the latest Emmy predictions in all categories.
Quinta Brunson is the front-runner to win her first acting Emmy for her charming turn as Janine Teagues, the optimistic 2nd-grade teacher from ABC’s “Abbott Elementary.” With a beautiful sophomore season in the books and the added benefit of Jean Smart being out of the competition for “Hacks,” she seems perfectly aligned with the Emmy cosmos to land much-deserved recognition. The possible recognition would be long overdue for Black comedians on television.
Pasadena, CA – September 13: Actress Isabel Sanford attends the 33rd Annual Primetime Emmy...
The hilarity of Black women on television has been sorely missed and ignored by the Television Academy over multiple decades. However, this year’s slate of outstanding lead and supporting comedy actress seem to be the two spots preventing an #EmmysSoWhite moment from occurring.
Read: Variety’s Awards Circuit for the latest Emmy predictions in all categories.
Quinta Brunson is the front-runner to win her first acting Emmy for her charming turn as Janine Teagues, the optimistic 2nd-grade teacher from ABC’s “Abbott Elementary.” With a beautiful sophomore season in the books and the added benefit of Jean Smart being out of the competition for “Hacks,” she seems perfectly aligned with the Emmy cosmos to land much-deserved recognition. The possible recognition would be long overdue for Black comedians on television.
Pasadena, CA – September 13: Actress Isabel Sanford attends the 33rd Annual Primetime Emmy...
- 5/5/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) has announced the lineup for this year’s Talks Series, headlined by 2023 festival ambassador Lena Waithe.
The 27th edition of the festival will be held June 14-18 in Miami Beach, followed by a virtual program June 19-25 on ABFF Play. On Thursday, June 15, the Emmy-winning writer, producer and actor will sit for an intimate one-on-one conversation, billed as “The Lena Waithe Effect,” where she’ll recount her journey in the entertainment industry.
In addition to Waithe, the series of conversations and panels also features: “That’s Our Business,” a candid conversation with Tabitha Brown and her husband Chance Brown; a panel discussion with TV One Networks’ Kirk and Tammy Franklin (“The One”) and LisaRaye McCoy (“Asking for a Friend”); a look behind-the-scenes of Bounce TV’s “Act Your Age” starring Kym Whitley and Yvette Nicole Brown; a celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary with...
The 27th edition of the festival will be held June 14-18 in Miami Beach, followed by a virtual program June 19-25 on ABFF Play. On Thursday, June 15, the Emmy-winning writer, producer and actor will sit for an intimate one-on-one conversation, billed as “The Lena Waithe Effect,” where she’ll recount her journey in the entertainment industry.
In addition to Waithe, the series of conversations and panels also features: “That’s Our Business,” a candid conversation with Tabitha Brown and her husband Chance Brown; a panel discussion with TV One Networks’ Kirk and Tammy Franklin (“The One”) and LisaRaye McCoy (“Asking for a Friend”); a look behind-the-scenes of Bounce TV’s “Act Your Age” starring Kym Whitley and Yvette Nicole Brown; a celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary with...
- 5/5/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Please Note: This forecast, assembled by The Hollywood Reporter’s awards columnist Scott Feinberg, reflects his best attempt to predict the behavior of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, not his personal preferences. He arrives at these standings by drawing upon consultations with voters and strategists, analysis of marketing and campaigns, results of awards that precede the Emmys and the history of the Emmys itself. There will be regular updates to reflect new developments.
*Best Drama Series*
Frontrunners
Succession (HBO/Max)
The White Lotus: Sicily (HBO/Max)
The Last of Us (HBO/Max)
Better Call Saul (AMC)
House of the Dragon (HBO/Max)
Yellowjackets (Showtime)
The Crown (Netflix)
The Mandalorian (Disney+)
Major Threats
Andor (Disney+)
1923 (Paramount+)
The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)
The Diplomat (Netflix)
Yellowstone (Paramount)
The Old Man (FX)
The Boys (Amazon)
Slow Horses (Apple TV+)
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (Amazon)
Bad Sisters (Apple...
*Best Drama Series*
Frontrunners
Succession (HBO/Max)
The White Lotus: Sicily (HBO/Max)
The Last of Us (HBO/Max)
Better Call Saul (AMC)
House of the Dragon (HBO/Max)
Yellowjackets (Showtime)
The Crown (Netflix)
The Mandalorian (Disney+)
Major Threats
Andor (Disney+)
1923 (Paramount+)
The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)
The Diplomat (Netflix)
Yellowstone (Paramount)
The Old Man (FX)
The Boys (Amazon)
Slow Horses (Apple TV+)
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (Amazon)
Bad Sisters (Apple...
- 5/4/2023
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
I grew up going to federal prisons. From the ages of 4 to 14, I visited my dad twice a year at correctional institutions all over the Midwest — Leavenworth, Terre Haute, Oxford and Sandstone.
People sometimes ask me what it was like visiting prison. I usually start off by saying what it wasn’t like: There wasn’t a glass partition to speak through, or a phone, or a lot of sad faces. What there was, mostly: a big, surprisingly lively room filled with women and children. Playing cards, or with Barbies, or Parcheesi with men in shiny shoes and pressed prison uniforms, eating vending machine food, joking, laughing. Because the visiting room was an experience first and foremost of family. Families spending time together. Families connecting.
I’ve never seen that on television.
In fact, most of what I’ve seen on television regarding the lives of people in prison focuses either on the arrest,...
People sometimes ask me what it was like visiting prison. I usually start off by saying what it wasn’t like: There wasn’t a glass partition to speak through, or a phone, or a lot of sad faces. What there was, mostly: a big, surprisingly lively room filled with women and children. Playing cards, or with Barbies, or Parcheesi with men in shiny shoes and pressed prison uniforms, eating vending machine food, joking, laughing. Because the visiting room was an experience first and foremost of family. Families spending time together. Families connecting.
I’ve never seen that on television.
In fact, most of what I’ve seen on television regarding the lives of people in prison focuses either on the arrest,...
- 4/27/2023
- by Tracy McMillan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
ScreenCraft, a writers’ community, is preparing for its annual Writers Summit and has set an A-list guest list.
Tony Gilroy, creator, writer, and executive producer of Disney+’s Andor, Brendan Hunt, co-creator, star and executive producer of Apple TV+’s Ted Lasso and Power creator, showrunner, writer, and producer Courtney A. Kemp are among the keynote speakers for the event.
They will be joined by Robert & Michelle King, co-creators and showrunners of The Good Fight and Evil, Cherry Chevapravatdumrong & Teresa Hsiao, co-creators, writers and producers of Lionsgate’s upcoming comedy feature Joy Ride, and Tracy McMillan, creator and executive producer of the Onyx Collective and Hulu series UnPrisoned.
The two-day virtual summit will run June 10-11 and will operate on a pay-what-you-can basis. All proceeds from this year’s summit will support non-profit organizations that include The Writers Guild Foundation and The Writers Lab. Sponsors include Final Draft and Coverfly.
Tony Gilroy, creator, writer, and executive producer of Disney+’s Andor, Brendan Hunt, co-creator, star and executive producer of Apple TV+’s Ted Lasso and Power creator, showrunner, writer, and producer Courtney A. Kemp are among the keynote speakers for the event.
They will be joined by Robert & Michelle King, co-creators and showrunners of The Good Fight and Evil, Cherry Chevapravatdumrong & Teresa Hsiao, co-creators, writers and producers of Lionsgate’s upcoming comedy feature Joy Ride, and Tracy McMillan, creator and executive producer of the Onyx Collective and Hulu series UnPrisoned.
The two-day virtual summit will run June 10-11 and will operate on a pay-what-you-can basis. All proceeds from this year’s summit will support non-profit organizations that include The Writers Guild Foundation and The Writers Lab. Sponsors include Final Draft and Coverfly.
- 4/26/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney Entertainment is once again hosting its annual Disney FYC Fest.
The event will take place at the DGA Theater from June 2-14 and will feature screenings, panels, receptions and interactive experiences.
Participating divisions include 20th Century Studios, ABC Entertainment, ABC News, Disney+, Disney Branded Television, Disney Television Studios, Freeform, FX, Hulu, Lucasfilm Ltd, Marvel Studios, National Geographic, Onyx Collective and Searchlight Television.
Screenings and panels will include The 1619 Project, Abbott Elementary, American Born Chinese, The Bear, Encanto at the Hollywood Bowl, The Handmaid’s Tale, History of the World: PartII, The Kardashians, The Mandalorian, The Old Man, Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields, A Small Light, Tiny Beautiful Things, UnPrisoned, Andor and Will Trent.
The DGA complex will be transformed into an interactive experience featuring costume displays, photo moments and special video presentations from the aforementioned programs as well as additional series including Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Anniversary Celebration,...
The event will take place at the DGA Theater from June 2-14 and will feature screenings, panels, receptions and interactive experiences.
Participating divisions include 20th Century Studios, ABC Entertainment, ABC News, Disney+, Disney Branded Television, Disney Television Studios, Freeform, FX, Hulu, Lucasfilm Ltd, Marvel Studios, National Geographic, Onyx Collective and Searchlight Television.
Screenings and panels will include The 1619 Project, Abbott Elementary, American Born Chinese, The Bear, Encanto at the Hollywood Bowl, The Handmaid’s Tale, History of the World: PartII, The Kardashians, The Mandalorian, The Old Man, Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields, A Small Light, Tiny Beautiful Things, UnPrisoned, Andor and Will Trent.
The DGA complex will be transformed into an interactive experience featuring costume displays, photo moments and special video presentations from the aforementioned programs as well as additional series including Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Anniversary Celebration,...
- 4/21/2023
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
‘UnPrisoned’ Creator Tracy McMillan Breaks Down Series Finale, Shares Storyline Ideas for a Season 2
“UnPrisoned” creator and executive producer Tracy McMillan says she’s happy with the outcome of her dramedy, and tells TheWrap that she already has storyline ideas for a second season.
“I’m really pleased with where we ended up and where we took these characters,” McMillan said. “I’m excited to see where we go next. I feel like we really told a story about a family trying to put itself back together again and we told it with a lot of heart and a lot of humor.”
The Onyx Collective-Hulu original series dropped all its eight episodes on Hulu on March 10, and it is now Onyx’s most-watched Hulu premiere to date, as well as the most-watched Hulu Original scripted series thus far this year, as far as hours watched, according to Onyx.
“UnPrisoned” — which is based on McMillan’s life — follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a relationship therapist,...
“I’m really pleased with where we ended up and where we took these characters,” McMillan said. “I’m excited to see where we go next. I feel like we really told a story about a family trying to put itself back together again and we told it with a lot of heart and a lot of humor.”
The Onyx Collective-Hulu original series dropped all its eight episodes on Hulu on March 10, and it is now Onyx’s most-watched Hulu premiere to date, as well as the most-watched Hulu Original scripted series thus far this year, as far as hours watched, according to Onyx.
“UnPrisoned” — which is based on McMillan’s life — follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a relationship therapist,...
- 4/21/2023
- by Raquel "Rocky" Harris
- The Wrap
Delroy Lindo isn’t the type to map out a five or 10-year plan for his life. “Apparently I’m not built like that,” the veteran actor says. But when it comes to his career, the idea, as he explains it, was to always “quote-unquote continue working as best as I could.”
At 70, Lindo is currently the lead in Hulu’s half-hour comedy UnPrisoned alongside Kerry Washington. He stars as Edwin, a formerly incarcerated father striving to repair his relationship with his daughter Paige, played by Washington. While he admits that he didn’t necessarily know that he’d still be acting nearly 50 years after his film debut in John Candy’s 1976 comedy Find the Lady, he didn’t exactly think that he wouldn’t be working now either.
“I’m thinking about a friend of mine — I think about him actually a lot these days,” Lindo shares. “His name is Al Rodriguez and many,...
At 70, Lindo is currently the lead in Hulu’s half-hour comedy UnPrisoned alongside Kerry Washington. He stars as Edwin, a formerly incarcerated father striving to repair his relationship with his daughter Paige, played by Washington. While he admits that he didn’t necessarily know that he’d still be acting nearly 50 years after his film debut in John Candy’s 1976 comedy Find the Lady, he didn’t exactly think that he wouldn’t be working now either.
“I’m thinking about a friend of mine — I think about him actually a lot these days,” Lindo shares. “His name is Al Rodriguez and many,...
- 4/19/2023
- by Brande Victorian
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“I think the single most important thing that I wanted to get right was to depict a justice-impacted family accurately,” shares Tracy McMillan about one of her goals in writing the new Hulu series “UnPrisoned.” The show is based in part on her life story, as her father spent much of her life in prison while she grew up in foster homes. The creator, writer, and executive producer adds, “I wanted to tell a story that showed the humanity of the person who had been in prison — the career criminal — and I wanted to show the humanity of the people around them, the people who love them.” Watch our exclusive video interview above.
“UnPrisoned” follows Kerry Washington’s Paige as she welcomes her father Edwin (Delroy Lindo) into her newly-purchased home after his 17-year prison sentence. The show chronicles Edwin’s re-entry into society and explores the impact he has on Paige’s life,...
“UnPrisoned” follows Kerry Washington’s Paige as she welcomes her father Edwin (Delroy Lindo) into her newly-purchased home after his 17-year prison sentence. The show chronicles Edwin’s re-entry into society and explores the impact he has on Paige’s life,...
- 4/18/2023
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
Deadline’s Contenders Television photo studio hosted talent on April 15 at the DGA Theater in Los Angeles. Cast and creators stopping by include Natasha Lyon and Rian Johnson of Poker Face; Betty Gilpin, Damon Lindelof and Tara Hernandez of Mrs. Davis; Dominique Fishback and Janine Nabers from Swarm; Steven Yeun and Ali Wong from Beef; Evan Peters and Niecy Nash-Betts from Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story and many others.
Day 2 continued on April 16th with cast members of buzzworthy TV shows stopping by including Adam Scott, Ken Marino and Zoë Chao from Party Down; David West Read, Chris O’Dowd, Gabrielle Dennis, Josh Segarra from The Big Door Prize, Quinta Brunson, Lisa Ann Walter, Sheryl Lee Ralph for Abbott Elementary; Brett Goldstein, Jason Segel, Christa Miller, Jessica Williams for Shrinking; Al Yankovic for Weird: The Al Yankovic Story; Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo for UnPrisoned; Rosie Perez and Bryan Cranston...
Day 2 continued on April 16th with cast members of buzzworthy TV shows stopping by including Adam Scott, Ken Marino and Zoë Chao from Party Down; David West Read, Chris O’Dowd, Gabrielle Dennis, Josh Segarra from The Big Door Prize, Quinta Brunson, Lisa Ann Walter, Sheryl Lee Ralph for Abbott Elementary; Brett Goldstein, Jason Segel, Christa Miller, Jessica Williams for Shrinking; Al Yankovic for Weird: The Al Yankovic Story; Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo for UnPrisoned; Rosie Perez and Bryan Cranston...
- 4/17/2023
- by Robert Lang
- Deadline Film + TV
In another world, UnPrisoned might have been a drama series. Instead, the story is told through a half-hour comedy about a therapist and single mom whose life is turned right-side-up when her dad gets out of prison and moves in with her and her teenage son.
The series is inspired by creator Tracy McMillan’s own life. Speaking at Deadline’s Contenders TV panel on Sunday, McMillan said she wanted to “capture the tone of my actual relationship with my dad and my son, which we’re sort of lively, upbeat people who like to laugh at ourselves.
“I really wanted to capture that there’s so much lightness in the way that we move through things. Of course, there’s all the other very intense feelings as well, but we’re not gritty people that way. So I just felt like the show should reflect real life,” she said.
The series is inspired by creator Tracy McMillan’s own life. Speaking at Deadline’s Contenders TV panel on Sunday, McMillan said she wanted to “capture the tone of my actual relationship with my dad and my son, which we’re sort of lively, upbeat people who like to laugh at ourselves.
“I really wanted to capture that there’s so much lightness in the way that we move through things. Of course, there’s all the other very intense feelings as well, but we’re not gritty people that way. So I just felt like the show should reflect real life,” she said.
- 4/17/2023
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
Please Note: This forecast, assembled by The Hollywood Reporter’s awards columnist Scott Feinberg, reflects his best attempt to predict the behavior of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, not his personal preferences. He arrives at these standings by drawing upon consultations with voters and strategists, analysis of marketing and campaigns, results of awards that precede the Emmys and the history of the Emmys itself. There will be regular updates to reflect new developments.
*Best Drama Series*
Frontrunners
Succession (HBO/Max)
The White Lotus: Sicily (HBO/Max)
The Last of Us (HBO/Max)
Better Call Saul (AMC)
House of the Dragon (HBO/Max)
Yellowjackets (Showtime)
The Crown (Netflix)
The Mandalorian (Disney+)
Major Threats
Andor (Disney+)
1923 (Paramount)
The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)
Yellowstone (Paramount)
The Old Man (FX)
The Boys (Amazon)
Slow Horses (Apple TV+)
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (Amazon)
Bad Sisters (Apple TV+)
Your Honor...
*Best Drama Series*
Frontrunners
Succession (HBO/Max)
The White Lotus: Sicily (HBO/Max)
The Last of Us (HBO/Max)
Better Call Saul (AMC)
House of the Dragon (HBO/Max)
Yellowjackets (Showtime)
The Crown (Netflix)
The Mandalorian (Disney+)
Major Threats
Andor (Disney+)
1923 (Paramount)
The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)
Yellowstone (Paramount)
The Old Man (FX)
The Boys (Amazon)
Slow Horses (Apple TV+)
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (Amazon)
Bad Sisters (Apple TV+)
Your Honor...
- 4/13/2023
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Time has a funny way of slipping in Tiny Beautiful Things, Liz Tigelaar’s adaptation of Cheryl Strayed’s collection of essays. When 49-year-old Clare (Kathryn Hahn) regresses into the bad habits of her youth, she catches a glimpse of her 22-year-old self (Sarah Pidgeon) in a rearview mirror. When her husband, Danny (Quentin Plair), extends an olive branch during a protracted rough patch, she sees him briefly not as the exhausted middle-aged man he is now but as the hopeful 20something (SteVonté Hart) he was at the start of their romance.
It’s not time travel in the DeLorean sense; Tiny Beautiful Things is rooted firmly in the real world, where temporality only moves one way as far as we know. But the switcheroos make for a vivid representation of the series’ specific brand of empathy — one that insists on appreciating its characters not just for who they are...
It’s not time travel in the DeLorean sense; Tiny Beautiful Things is rooted firmly in the real world, where temporality only moves one way as far as we know. But the switcheroos make for a vivid representation of the series’ specific brand of empathy — one that insists on appreciating its characters not just for who they are...
- 4/6/2023
- by Angie Han
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Gold Derby predictions center event for the 2023 Emmy Awards has now added the Comedy Guest Actress category. We have compiled lists of nearly 40 eligible performers in each of the four guest acting races that reflect our educated guesses on who will be submitted for consideration. More names will be added in the next few months and when the Television Academy releases this year’s ballots in June. Make your very first selections now!
From last year’s six nominees, both Jane Lynch (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”) and Harriet Walter (“Ted Lasso”) are eligible to return. Lynch, of course, won this category back in 2019 for her performance as Midge’s (Rachel Brosnahan) nemesis, standup comedian Sophie Lennon. Laurie Metcalf won last year for a two-episode arc on “Hacks,” which nabbed four of the six guest actress slots last cycle. The HBO Max series will not air new episodes in time to compete this year,...
From last year’s six nominees, both Jane Lynch (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”) and Harriet Walter (“Ted Lasso”) are eligible to return. Lynch, of course, won this category back in 2019 for her performance as Midge’s (Rachel Brosnahan) nemesis, standup comedian Sophie Lennon. Laurie Metcalf won last year for a two-episode arc on “Hacks,” which nabbed four of the six guest actress slots last cycle. The HBO Max series will not air new episodes in time to compete this year,...
- 4/5/2023
- by David Buchanan and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: Kerry Washington‘s comedy series UnPrisoned seems to be resonating with viewers in the U.S.
The series, which debuted on March 10, has now become Onyx Collective’s most-watched Hulu premiere to date. It is also the most-watched Hulu Original scripted series so far in 2023, in terms of hours watched, according to Onyx.
As is typical among the streamers, Hulu did not offer up specific viewing metrics for the series.
UnPrisoned is Onyx Collective’s inaugural comedy series. Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan’s life, the series follows a messy but perfectionist relationship therapist and single mom, Paige Alexander (Washington), whose life is turned right-side-up when her dad, Edwin Alexander (Delroy Lindo), gets out of prison and moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
The series also stars Jordyn McIntosh (Little Paige) and Marque Richardson (Mal Kennedy).
UnPrisoned is executive produced by Tracy McMillan, Yvette Lee Bowser...
The series, which debuted on March 10, has now become Onyx Collective’s most-watched Hulu premiere to date. It is also the most-watched Hulu Original scripted series so far in 2023, in terms of hours watched, according to Onyx.
As is typical among the streamers, Hulu did not offer up specific viewing metrics for the series.
UnPrisoned is Onyx Collective’s inaugural comedy series. Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan’s life, the series follows a messy but perfectionist relationship therapist and single mom, Paige Alexander (Washington), whose life is turned right-side-up when her dad, Edwin Alexander (Delroy Lindo), gets out of prison and moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
The series also stars Jordyn McIntosh (Little Paige) and Marque Richardson (Mal Kennedy).
UnPrisoned is executive produced by Tracy McMillan, Yvette Lee Bowser...
- 3/28/2023
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
Image Source: Bukunmi Grace
In our Q&a series Popsugar Crush, we get to know some of our favorite celebs' more intimate details - from their perfect date night to their best love advice. This month, we're crushing on "UnPrisoned" star Marque Richardson.
Marque Richardson almost let imposter syndrome talk him out of starring in his new hit show, "UnPrisoned." Despite finding success in Netflix's "Dear White People" as the beloved Reggie Green (a role he played on TV for four seasons and in the 2014 movie), the 37-year-old actor tells Popsugar he wasn't sure he could "take up space" next to seasoned stars like Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo, aka his "Mount Rushmore of actors," in their Hulu series.
"I was like, I want to work with people that I love, respect, appreciate, and I'm not saying yes to anything else until those ducks are aligned."
The trio star together in their true-life-inspired dramedy,...
In our Q&a series Popsugar Crush, we get to know some of our favorite celebs' more intimate details - from their perfect date night to their best love advice. This month, we're crushing on "UnPrisoned" star Marque Richardson.
Marque Richardson almost let imposter syndrome talk him out of starring in his new hit show, "UnPrisoned." Despite finding success in Netflix's "Dear White People" as the beloved Reggie Green (a role he played on TV for four seasons and in the 2014 movie), the 37-year-old actor tells Popsugar he wasn't sure he could "take up space" next to seasoned stars like Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo, aka his "Mount Rushmore of actors," in their Hulu series.
"I was like, I want to work with people that I love, respect, appreciate, and I'm not saying yes to anything else until those ducks are aligned."
The trio star together in their true-life-inspired dramedy,...
- 3/27/2023
- by Njera Perkins
- Popsugar.com
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