The current Peak IP era presents a potential pitfall for diversity in media, considering a 2020 New York Times feature that found 95 percent of the books published by the major publishing houses since 1950 were written by white authors.
That’s why nonprofit Pathos Labs, the think tank that looks to use media and entertainment for positive change, has created The IP List, an industry-crowdsourced index of books by authors from underrepresented backgrounds that are available for option. The list defines “underrepresented” as any community that hasn’t been portrayed in the media with authenticity, nuance and their own voices, and can include class, ability, geographic location, religion, ethnicity, race, sex, gender and sexual orientation.
“When 64 percent of scripted film and television content in Hollywood is based on adaptations of existing works, we really need to design pathways for content originating from diverse authors to get optioned and produced,” Pathos Labs executive...
That’s why nonprofit Pathos Labs, the think tank that looks to use media and entertainment for positive change, has created The IP List, an industry-crowdsourced index of books by authors from underrepresented backgrounds that are available for option. The list defines “underrepresented” as any community that hasn’t been portrayed in the media with authenticity, nuance and their own voices, and can include class, ability, geographic location, religion, ethnicity, race, sex, gender and sexual orientation.
“When 64 percent of scripted film and television content in Hollywood is based on adaptations of existing works, we really need to design pathways for content originating from diverse authors to get optioned and produced,” Pathos Labs executive...
- 5/14/2024
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
¡Alerta fanáticos de Batman! Max lanza el primer tráiler de la serie derivada de ‘The Batman’. © Max
Max ha publicado un nuevo teaser de “El Pingüino”. La serie de ocho episodios de DC Studios, protagonizada por Colin Farrell como Oz Cobb (alias “El Pingüino”), continúa la épica saga criminal de Batman que el cineasta Matt Reeves comenzó con el éxito de taquilla mundial de Warner Bros Pictures “The Batman”, y se centra en el personaje interpretado por Farrell en la película.
El reparto está encabezado por Colin Farrell, y compuesto por Cristin Milioti (“Palm Springs”), Rhenzy Feliz (“Encanto”), Michael Kelly (“Chronicle”), Shohreh Aghdashloo (“The Expanse”), Deirdre O’Connell (¡Olvídate de Mí”), Clancy Brown (“Cadena Perpetua”) y Michael Zegen (“La Maravillosa Sra Maisel”).
La serie cuenta con la producción ejecutiva de Matt Reeves, Dylan Clark, Colin Farrell, Lauren LeFranc, que escribe y ejerce de showrunner, Craig Zobel (“Mare of Easttown”), que dirige los tres primeros episodios,...
Max ha publicado un nuevo teaser de “El Pingüino”. La serie de ocho episodios de DC Studios, protagonizada por Colin Farrell como Oz Cobb (alias “El Pingüino”), continúa la épica saga criminal de Batman que el cineasta Matt Reeves comenzó con el éxito de taquilla mundial de Warner Bros Pictures “The Batman”, y se centra en el personaje interpretado por Farrell en la película.
El reparto está encabezado por Colin Farrell, y compuesto por Cristin Milioti (“Palm Springs”), Rhenzy Feliz (“Encanto”), Michael Kelly (“Chronicle”), Shohreh Aghdashloo (“The Expanse”), Deirdre O’Connell (¡Olvídate de Mí”), Clancy Brown (“Cadena Perpetua”) y Michael Zegen (“La Maravillosa Sra Maisel”).
La serie cuenta con la producción ejecutiva de Matt Reeves, Dylan Clark, Colin Farrell, Lauren LeFranc, que escribe y ejerce de showrunner, Craig Zobel (“Mare of Easttown”), que dirige los tres primeros episodios,...
- 3/27/2024
- by Marta Medina
- mundoCine
The Goat has cast three Bravo stars in a quest to literally find the greatest reality television star of all time.
Yes, just like it sounds, The Goat is a competition show where famous faces from reality television battle it out for the title and a cash prize.
The Real Housewives of New York City alum Jill Zarin, The Valley star Kristen Doute, and Reza Aslan from the Shahs of Sunset are all appearing on the new show.
Comedian Daniel Tosh brings together 14 reality TV stars to participate in the competition-type show.
It sounds similar to House of Villains, except these stars are fighting to be named the Goat of the reality TV world or, at the very least, this reality competition series.
Let’s take a look at everything else we know about what Reza, Jill, and Kristen signed up for.
The Goat premiere date, cast, and how to watch
Today,...
Yes, just like it sounds, The Goat is a competition show where famous faces from reality television battle it out for the title and a cash prize.
The Real Housewives of New York City alum Jill Zarin, The Valley star Kristen Doute, and Reza Aslan from the Shahs of Sunset are all appearing on the new show.
Comedian Daniel Tosh brings together 14 reality TV stars to participate in the competition-type show.
It sounds similar to House of Villains, except these stars are fighting to be named the Goat of the reality TV world or, at the very least, this reality competition series.
Let’s take a look at everything else we know about what Reza, Jill, and Kristen signed up for.
The Goat premiere date, cast, and how to watch
Today,...
- 3/26/2024
- by Rachelle Lewis
- Monsters and Critics
In their long-running quest to sow xenophobia among the American populace, some on the far right have accused migrants of every imaginable crime. Donald Trump declared them rapists and falsely claimed that the violent street gang Ms-13 was invading the country on a massive scale. GOP legislators have argued, with scant evidence, that the fentanyl crisis can be blamed on drug smugglers entering the U.S. illegally. There are bogus claims about noncitizens committing voter fraud, and the outbreak of war in the Middle East last fall even led to...
- 3/15/2024
- by Miles Klee
- Rollingstone.com
It’s not surprising that Dan Partland’s documentary about the increasing influence of Christian Nationalism begins and ends with footage from Jan. 6., 2021. Christian Nationalists were among the principal organizers of the insurrection that occurred that day, which featured a trespasser carrying a Christian flag onto the Senate floor. God & Country, which counts Rob Reiner among its producers, delivers a bracing primer on the rise of this political movement that should thoroughly scare the large majority of American adults who don’t embrace it.
And, as the film points out in exhaustive detail, Christian Nationalism is very much a political, rather than religious, movement. The movement posits that America is a Christian nation and that the founders intended it as such. It seeks to roll back feminism, Lbgtq rights and abortion, and to either introduce Christianity to public schools or substitute them with private Christian schools funded by vouchers.
And, as the film points out in exhaustive detail, Christian Nationalism is very much a political, rather than religious, movement. The movement posits that America is a Christian nation and that the founders intended it as such. It seeks to roll back feminism, Lbgtq rights and abortion, and to either introduce Christianity to public schools or substitute them with private Christian schools funded by vouchers.
- 2/15/2024
- by Frank Scheck
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Oscilloscope Laboratories has snapped up U.S. rights to God & Country: The Rise of Christian Nationalism, a new documentary produced by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Rob Reiner (A Few Good Men). Featuring prominent faith leaders who shine a light on the dangerous implications of this growing movement, it’s slated for release in early 2024.
The film directed by five-time Emmy nominee Dan Partland (Intervention) looks at the implications of Christian Nationalism and how it distorts not only our constitutional republic, but Christianity itself. Featuring numerous prominent Christian thought leaders, the question it asks is, what happens when a faith built on love, sacrifice, and forgiveness grows political tentacles, conflating power, money, and belief into hyper-nationalism?
In addition to the always politically active and socially conscious Rob Reiner, producers included Michele Reiner, Steve Okin, and Jeff Okin. Among those offering expert commentary in the doc are political commentator and author David French; VeggieTales...
The film directed by five-time Emmy nominee Dan Partland (Intervention) looks at the implications of Christian Nationalism and how it distorts not only our constitutional republic, but Christianity itself. Featuring numerous prominent Christian thought leaders, the question it asks is, what happens when a faith built on love, sacrifice, and forgiveness grows political tentacles, conflating power, money, and belief into hyper-nationalism?
In addition to the always politically active and socially conscious Rob Reiner, producers included Michele Reiner, Steve Okin, and Jeff Okin. Among those offering expert commentary in the doc are political commentator and author David French; VeggieTales...
- 9/21/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Oscilloscope Laboratories has acquired U.S. rights to Dan Partland’s “God & Country: The Rise of Christian Nationalism.” The film, which was produced by Rob Reiner, is set for release in early 2024. It features interviews with prominent faith leaders, who share their fears about this movement.
According to its official description: ‘”God & Country’ looks at the implications of Christian Nationalism and how it distorts not only our constitutional republic, but Christianity itself…[it also] asks this question: What happens when a faith built on love, sacrifice, and forgiveness grows political tentacles, conflating power, money, and belief into hyper-nationalism?”
The film features commentary from author David French; co-creator of “VeggieTales” and Holy Post podcast host Phil Vischer; pastor, author and Holy Post podcast host Skye Jethani; historian and author Kristin Kobes Du Mez; Christianity Today editor-in-chief Russell Moore; historian and author Jemar Tisby; U.S. Presidential Medal of Honor winner Sister Simone Campbell; social activist Rev.
According to its official description: ‘”God & Country’ looks at the implications of Christian Nationalism and how it distorts not only our constitutional republic, but Christianity itself…[it also] asks this question: What happens when a faith built on love, sacrifice, and forgiveness grows political tentacles, conflating power, money, and belief into hyper-nationalism?”
The film features commentary from author David French; co-creator of “VeggieTales” and Holy Post podcast host Phil Vischer; pastor, author and Holy Post podcast host Skye Jethani; historian and author Kristin Kobes Du Mez; Christianity Today editor-in-chief Russell Moore; historian and author Jemar Tisby; U.S. Presidential Medal of Honor winner Sister Simone Campbell; social activist Rev.
- 9/21/2023
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Holy god, what are you showing me?! A news update about "The Penguin?" Come on!
Yes, Colin Farrell's Oswald "Oz" Cobblepot and his great big face are getting their own HBO Max TV series from "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." writer and producer Lauren LeFranc. The show was announced shortly after Matt Reeves' "The Batman" arrived in theaters, introducing Robert Pattinson as a youthful Batman who finds himself playing a cat-and-mouse game with Paul Dano's "Se7en"-esque iteration of the Riddler. Farrell appeared in a minor antagonist role, but he certainly made his mark. He even got to mock Batman's Spanish grammar.
The DC Universe (they dropped the "Extended") has been a bit up in the air since "The Suicide Squad" director James Gunn and producer Peter Safran were made co-CEOs of DC Studios, with reports suggesting that the pair intend to wipe at least some parts of the slate clean.
Yes, Colin Farrell's Oswald "Oz" Cobblepot and his great big face are getting their own HBO Max TV series from "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." writer and producer Lauren LeFranc. The show was announced shortly after Matt Reeves' "The Batman" arrived in theaters, introducing Robert Pattinson as a youthful Batman who finds himself playing a cat-and-mouse game with Paul Dano's "Se7en"-esque iteration of the Riddler. Farrell appeared in a minor antagonist role, but he certainly made his mark. He even got to mock Batman's Spanish grammar.
The DC Universe (they dropped the "Extended") has been a bit up in the air since "The Suicide Squad" director James Gunn and producer Peter Safran were made co-CEOs of DC Studios, with reports suggesting that the pair intend to wipe at least some parts of the slate clean.
- 12/10/2022
- by Hannah Shaw-Williams
- Slash Film
CBS has canceled the Chuck Lorre-produced sitcom “United States of Al” after two seasons, Variety has confirmed.
“United States of Al” centers on the relationship between Marine combat veteran Riley (Parker Young) and his Afghan interpreter Awalmir, or “Al” (Adhir Kalyan), who finally lands a visa allowing him passage into the United States. Riley, who has separated from his wife, makes room for Al in his Ohio home, and together they struggle to adjust to their post-combat lives.
Creators David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari, who worked for Lorre on “The Big Bang Theory,” began kicking around the idea for “Al” after seeing stories on the plight of 17,000 Afghan interpreters who have been promised asylum in the United States, but are still waiting to be granted entry. Many of the stories depicted the bond that often developed between veterans and their interpreters.
In Season 1, Goetsch and Ferrari put together a team of seven writers,...
“United States of Al” centers on the relationship between Marine combat veteran Riley (Parker Young) and his Afghan interpreter Awalmir, or “Al” (Adhir Kalyan), who finally lands a visa allowing him passage into the United States. Riley, who has separated from his wife, makes room for Al in his Ohio home, and together they struggle to adjust to their post-combat lives.
Creators David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari, who worked for Lorre on “The Big Bang Theory,” began kicking around the idea for “Al” after seeing stories on the plight of 17,000 Afghan interpreters who have been promised asylum in the United States, but are still waiting to be granted entry. Many of the stories depicted the bond that often developed between veterans and their interpreters.
In Season 1, Goetsch and Ferrari put together a team of seven writers,...
- 5/12/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: The Chuck Lorre-produced sophomore CBS comedy series United States of Al will not return for a third season. I hear the network made the calls to inform the series’ auspices this evening.
For two years in a row, the Chuck Lorre-produced comedies B Positive and United States of Al have been on the bubble. Last year, both of them ultimately got renewed. This time around, as Deadline reported last month, there was talk that only one of the two might join Lorre’s Young Sheldon and Bob Hearts Abishola on the 2022-23 schedule, with B Positive having an edge. In light of United States of Al‘s cancellation, B Positive‘s renewal chances look brighter.
Also remaining on the bubble at CBS are drama Magnum Pi, which had been stuck in renewal conversations with lead studio Universal TV, freshman comedy How We Roll as well as freshman drama Good Sam,...
For two years in a row, the Chuck Lorre-produced comedies B Positive and United States of Al have been on the bubble. Last year, both of them ultimately got renewed. This time around, as Deadline reported last month, there was talk that only one of the two might join Lorre’s Young Sheldon and Bob Hearts Abishola on the 2022-23 schedule, with B Positive having an edge. In light of United States of Al‘s cancellation, B Positive‘s renewal chances look brighter.
Also remaining on the bubble at CBS are drama Magnum Pi, which had been stuck in renewal conversations with lead studio Universal TV, freshman comedy How We Roll as well as freshman drama Good Sam,...
- 5/12/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
As soon as the CBS sitcom, “United States of Al,” premiered on April 1, 2021, it got viewers and critics talking. One of the talking points was that the show has an Afghan immigrant, “Al,” as its central character, which could be an attempt by the producers to give people of color more representation on network TV.
This comedy TV show tells the story of a relationship that blossoms between an American Marine combat veteran, Riley (played by Parker Young), and an Afghan military interpreter who served in the same unit during their time in Afghanistan, Al (played by Adhir Kalyan).
This article discusses all the essential information you need to know about the “United States of Al.”
Where Can You Watch “United States of Al?”
Catch episodes of “United States of Al” on CBS every Thursday at 8:30 p.m. Et.
You can also stream the show when you rent or...
This comedy TV show tells the story of a relationship that blossoms between an American Marine combat veteran, Riley (played by Parker Young), and an Afghan military interpreter who served in the same unit during their time in Afghanistan, Al (played by Adhir Kalyan).
This article discusses all the essential information you need to know about the “United States of Al.”
Where Can You Watch “United States of Al?”
Catch episodes of “United States of Al” on CBS every Thursday at 8:30 p.m. Et.
You can also stream the show when you rent or...
- 5/3/2022
- by Buddy TV
- buddytv.com
Earlier this month, CBS chief Kelly Kahl revealed that the upcoming second-season premiere of Chuck Lorre’s comedy “United States of Al” was re-written to address current events in Afghanistan following the recent withdrawal of U.S. troops. This was an instance of life imitating art, “United States of Al” co-creator and executive producer Maria Ferrari told reporters Tuesday, as many of the show’s writers had families in Afghanistan affected by the situation whom they were trying to help evacuate.
“So we had shot one and a half episodes during the week of the fall of Kabul and quickly realized that… we had guessed wrong what was going to happen and that we were going to have to adjust our plans,” Ferrari said on a virtual panel with Warner Bros. TV female producers and writers at the Television Critics Association’s press tour Tuesday. “And, basically, on Aug. 12, when Herat fell,...
“So we had shot one and a half episodes during the week of the fall of Kabul and quickly realized that… we had guessed wrong what was going to happen and that we were going to have to adjust our plans,” Ferrari said on a virtual panel with Warner Bros. TV female producers and writers at the Television Critics Association’s press tour Tuesday. “And, basically, on Aug. 12, when Herat fell,...
- 9/21/2021
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
CBS comedy United States of Al premiered two weeks before the U.S. announced its withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Its second season, which began production in August, will address the withdrawal and subsequent fallout in its opening episode, according to CBS Entertainment President Kelly Kahl.
The series, is about the friendship between Riley, a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir (Al), the Interpreter who served with his unit in Afghanistan and has just arrived to start a new life in America.
Speaking at his opening address ahead of the network’s virtual TCA press tour, Kahl said, “Chuck Lorre and his gifted team of writers and actors, some of whom are veterans, some natives of Afghanistan, some with deep ties to the country, have been working hard to find the appropriate tone as the show moves forward. The team penned an entirely new first...
Its second season, which began production in August, will address the withdrawal and subsequent fallout in its opening episode, according to CBS Entertainment President Kelly Kahl.
The series, is about the friendship between Riley, a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir (Al), the Interpreter who served with his unit in Afghanistan and has just arrived to start a new life in America.
Speaking at his opening address ahead of the network’s virtual TCA press tour, Kahl said, “Chuck Lorre and his gifted team of writers and actors, some of whom are veterans, some natives of Afghanistan, some with deep ties to the country, have been working hard to find the appropriate tone as the show moves forward. The team penned an entirely new first...
- 9/9/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Rachel Bay Jones (Dear Evan Hansen) is set for a recurring role on CBS comedy The United States of Al, starring Adhir Kalyan and Parker Young, from Chuck Lorre, David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari.
Created and written by Goetsch and Ferrari, The United States Of Al is about the friendship between Riley (Young), a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir (Al) (Kalyan), the Interpreter who served with his unit in Afghanistan and has arrived to start a new life in America.
Kelli Goss, Dean Norris and Elizabeth Alderfer also star.
Jones will play Lois, a divorcee who catches Art’s (Norris) eye. Her character will be introduced in Thursday’s episode.
Goetsch & Ferrari, Lorre, Reza Aslan and Mahyad Tousi are executive producers for Warner Bros. Television and Chuck Lorre Productions.
Jones is best known for originating the role of Heidi Hansen in...
Created and written by Goetsch and Ferrari, The United States Of Al is about the friendship between Riley (Young), a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir (Al) (Kalyan), the Interpreter who served with his unit in Afghanistan and has arrived to start a new life in America.
Kelli Goss, Dean Norris and Elizabeth Alderfer also star.
Jones will play Lois, a divorcee who catches Art’s (Norris) eye. Her character will be introduced in Thursday’s episode.
Goetsch & Ferrari, Lorre, Reza Aslan and Mahyad Tousi are executive producers for Warner Bros. Television and Chuck Lorre Productions.
Jones is best known for originating the role of Heidi Hansen in...
- 6/1/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Chuck Lorre’s freshman comedies B Positive and The United States of Al have both been renewed for second seasons.
B Positive, the Thomas Middleditch and Annaleigh Ashford-fronted show was the first new CBS show to debut as part of the 2020/21 broadcast season and was the second new show of the season, after ABC’s Big Sky, to receive a back order.
Both shows are airing as part of CBS’ Thursday comedy slate alongside Young Sheldon and Mom, and while neither show has been a breakout hit, comedy traditionally takes longer to find an audience.
Created by former Mom co-executive producer Marco Pennette inspired by personal experience, B Positive is about a therapist and newly divorced dad (Middleditch) who is faced with finding a kidney donor when he runs into a rough-around-the-edges woman from his past (Ashford) who volunteers her own. Together they form an unlikely bond and begin...
B Positive, the Thomas Middleditch and Annaleigh Ashford-fronted show was the first new CBS show to debut as part of the 2020/21 broadcast season and was the second new show of the season, after ABC’s Big Sky, to receive a back order.
Both shows are airing as part of CBS’ Thursday comedy slate alongside Young Sheldon and Mom, and while neither show has been a breakout hit, comedy traditionally takes longer to find an audience.
Created by former Mom co-executive producer Marco Pennette inspired by personal experience, B Positive is about a therapist and newly divorced dad (Middleditch) who is faced with finding a kidney donor when he runs into a rough-around-the-edges woman from his past (Ashford) who volunteers her own. Together they form an unlikely bond and begin...
- 5/15/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
The multi-cam comedies “United States of Al” and “B Positive” have been renewed for second seasons at CBS.
Both shows hail from Chuck Lorre Productions, which has three other shows on CBS at present. That includes the Allison Janney led multi-cam “Mom,” which recently ended after eight seasons. The others are “Bob Hearts Abishola” and “Young Sheldon.” The former was renewed in February while the latter scored a three-season pickup in March.
“United States of Al” revolves around Riley (Parker Young), a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir, or Al (Adhir Kalyan), the interpreter who served with Riley’s unit in Afghanistan who has come to start a new life in America.
The series also stars Elizabeth Alderfer as Lizzie, Riley’s sister; Dean Norris as Art, Riley’s father; Kelli Goss as Vanessa, Riley’s ex-wife; and Farrah Mackenzie as Hazel, Riley and Vanessa’s daughter.
Both shows hail from Chuck Lorre Productions, which has three other shows on CBS at present. That includes the Allison Janney led multi-cam “Mom,” which recently ended after eight seasons. The others are “Bob Hearts Abishola” and “Young Sheldon.” The former was renewed in February while the latter scored a three-season pickup in March.
“United States of Al” revolves around Riley (Parker Young), a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir, or Al (Adhir Kalyan), the interpreter who served with Riley’s unit in Afghanistan who has come to start a new life in America.
The series also stars Elizabeth Alderfer as Lizzie, Riley’s sister; Dean Norris as Art, Riley’s father; Kelli Goss as Vanessa, Riley’s ex-wife; and Farrah Mackenzie as Hazel, Riley and Vanessa’s daughter.
- 5/15/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: CBS’ United States of Al has added The Big Bang Theory alum Brian Thomas Smith to its cast in a recurring role.
Created and written by David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari, United States of Al is about the friendship between Riley (Parker Young), a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir, “Al” (Adhir Kalyan), the interpreter who served with his unit in Afghanistan and has just arrived to start a new life in America. Cast members also include Kelli Goss, Dean Norris and Elizabeth Alderfer also star.
Goetsch & Ferrari, Lorre, Reza Aslan, Mahyad Tousi are executive producers for Warner Bros. Television and Chuck Lorre Productions.
Smith will appear as Freddy, the new boyfriend of Riley’s ex, Vanessa (Goss). Freddy is an aggressively friendly guy who rubs Riley the wrong way.
The actor’s credits also include Babysplitters, The Pet Squad Files, The Flip Side,...
Created and written by David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari, United States of Al is about the friendship between Riley (Parker Young), a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir, “Al” (Adhir Kalyan), the interpreter who served with his unit in Afghanistan and has just arrived to start a new life in America. Cast members also include Kelli Goss, Dean Norris and Elizabeth Alderfer also star.
Goetsch & Ferrari, Lorre, Reza Aslan, Mahyad Tousi are executive producers for Warner Bros. Television and Chuck Lorre Productions.
Smith will appear as Freddy, the new boyfriend of Riley’s ex, Vanessa (Goss). Freddy is an aggressively friendly guy who rubs Riley the wrong way.
The actor’s credits also include Babysplitters, The Pet Squad Files, The Flip Side,...
- 5/5/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Here’s a complete list of things we learn about Awalmir, or “Al,” in the first four episodes of the new show ostensibly about him: Al (Adhir Kalyan) is a friendly Afghan translator. Al loves qorma-e-sabzi (an Afghan spinach stew), his mother, sister, countless cousins, and best American friend Riley (Parker Young), a former Marine who retained Al’s services while stationed in Afghanistan. Al is extremely respectful of everyone he meets, though he can also be competitive. A devout Muslim, Al had never seen a woman’s bare legs before meeting his driving test administrator in Ohio. End of list.
“United States of Al,” premiering April 1 on CBS, is the latest sitcom from Chuck Lorre Productions that both seems to anticipate possible criticisms and walk right into the traps that would inspire them. Created by “The Big Bang Theory” alumni David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari, and executive produced by Reza Aslan and Mahyad Tousi,...
“United States of Al,” premiering April 1 on CBS, is the latest sitcom from Chuck Lorre Productions that both seems to anticipate possible criticisms and walk right into the traps that would inspire them. Created by “The Big Bang Theory” alumni David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari, and executive produced by Reza Aslan and Mahyad Tousi,...
- 3/31/2021
- by Caroline Framke
- Variety Film + TV
The producers behind CBS’ new comedy “The United States of Al” say they understand the backlash the show has received online in the weeks leading to its April 1 debut. But they also hope critics will see the makeup of their writers’ room as evidence that they took the creation of the show — and the representation to depict accurate characters — seriously.
“Trust us to have your back and trust us to do the right thing,” said executive producer Mahyad Tousi, who founded BoomGen Studios with Reza Aslan to create stories about the people of the Middle East, the Muslim community and other cultures. “Our people, Afghans, Iranians, Pakistanis, Arabs, the people from this region — Middle East, North Africa, Central South Asia region, we’ve seen our image dragged through the mud by Hollywood for decades. There’s a lot of trauma. Reza and I get it, because we have it. As storytellers and artists of color,...
“Trust us to have your back and trust us to do the right thing,” said executive producer Mahyad Tousi, who founded BoomGen Studios with Reza Aslan to create stories about the people of the Middle East, the Muslim community and other cultures. “Our people, Afghans, Iranians, Pakistanis, Arabs, the people from this region — Middle East, North Africa, Central South Asia region, we’ve seen our image dragged through the mud by Hollywood for decades. There’s a lot of trauma. Reza and I get it, because we have it. As storytellers and artists of color,...
- 3/30/2021
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Earlier this month, CBS released the first trailer for Chuck Lorre’s upcoming comedy United States of Al, which is set to debut on April 1. What should have been a delightful, fun look at the new sitcom turned into a backlash against the show.
Created by David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari, the series follows a friendship between Riley (Parker Young), a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir (“Al”) (Adhir Kalyan), the interpreter who served with his unit in Afghanistan and has just arrived to start a new life in America. Sounds harmless, right? Well, for many there are some red flags. For one, a non-Afghan actor is playing the titular role and in a time when authentic representation is paramount, it was a spark that started a substantial amount of backlash.
Since the trailer’s release, Twitter was ablaze with criticism against the...
Created by David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari, the series follows a friendship between Riley (Parker Young), a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir (“Al”) (Adhir Kalyan), the interpreter who served with his unit in Afghanistan and has just arrived to start a new life in America. Sounds harmless, right? Well, for many there are some red flags. For one, a non-Afghan actor is playing the titular role and in a time when authentic representation is paramount, it was a spark that started a substantial amount of backlash.
Since the trailer’s release, Twitter was ablaze with criticism against the...
- 3/21/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
A new CBS sitcom from uber-producer Chuck Lorre is sparking controversy online well before it even hits air.
The Big Bang Theory producer’s midseason comedy United States of Al has raised red flags for its casting of a non-Afghan actor in the titular role of Al, and for the character’s general depiction. The series (which is currently set to premiere Thursday, April 1 at 9:30/8:30c) follows the relationship between a Marine combat veteran (Suburgatory‘s Parker Young) who returns to civilian life in Ohio along with his Afghan interpreter, Awalmir (Rules of Engagement‘s Adhir Kalyan), who...
The Big Bang Theory producer’s midseason comedy United States of Al has raised red flags for its casting of a non-Afghan actor in the titular role of Al, and for the character’s general depiction. The series (which is currently set to premiere Thursday, April 1 at 9:30/8:30c) follows the relationship between a Marine combat veteran (Suburgatory‘s Parker Young) who returns to civilian life in Ohio along with his Afghan interpreter, Awalmir (Rules of Engagement‘s Adhir Kalyan), who...
- 3/21/2021
- by Nick Caruso
- TVLine.com
Chuck Lorre’s new CBS comedy United States of Al is moving to a new time slot on Thursday nights. The series, which premieres April 1, will move to 8:30 pm Et/Pt following Young Sheldon. B Positive, which was previously in the 8:30 pm slot, will shift to 9:30 pm Et/Pt slot following Mom.
With United States of Al being a new series, the network wanted the strongest possible lead-in and decided it made sense for it to follow the top-rated Young Sheldon.
B Positive, starring Thomas Middleditch and Annaleigh Ashford, received a five-episode back order in December, taking its full season to 18 episodes.
All four series in CBS’ two-hour Thursday comedy block come from comedy super-producer Lorre. It’s believed to be the first time a comedy writer-producer has controlled an entire two-hour block of half-hour programming on one network.
United States of Al stars Adhir Kalyan and...
With United States of Al being a new series, the network wanted the strongest possible lead-in and decided it made sense for it to follow the top-rated Young Sheldon.
B Positive, starring Thomas Middleditch and Annaleigh Ashford, received a five-episode back order in December, taking its full season to 18 episodes.
All four series in CBS’ two-hour Thursday comedy block come from comedy super-producer Lorre. It’s believed to be the first time a comedy writer-producer has controlled an entire two-hour block of half-hour programming on one network.
United States of Al stars Adhir Kalyan and...
- 3/10/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
CBS has debuted the trailer for Chuck Lorre’s “United States of Al,” and it’s going to be quite a culture shock for the characters.
The premise of the show sees Awalmir, a.k.a. Al (Adhir Kalyan), arriving in America to begin a new life. He is staying with marine combat veteran Riley (Parker Young) for whom he worked with as an interpreter in Afghanistan.
Hilarity (hopefully) ensues.
In the trailer, when Riley picks his kid’s godfather up from the airport, Al announces that he wants to experience all that America has to offer.
“I want to see everything: Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, and what’s the name of that place that sells peanut butter and brings it to you on a forklift,” Awalmir asks his host.
“Costco,” Riley replies.
Watch the trailer via the video above.
Dean Norris (“Breaking Bad”) also stars on “United States...
The premise of the show sees Awalmir, a.k.a. Al (Adhir Kalyan), arriving in America to begin a new life. He is staying with marine combat veteran Riley (Parker Young) for whom he worked with as an interpreter in Afghanistan.
Hilarity (hopefully) ensues.
In the trailer, when Riley picks his kid’s godfather up from the airport, Al announces that he wants to experience all that America has to offer.
“I want to see everything: Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, and what’s the name of that place that sells peanut butter and brings it to you on a forklift,” Awalmir asks his host.
“Costco,” Riley replies.
Watch the trailer via the video above.
Dean Norris (“Breaking Bad”) also stars on “United States...
- 3/5/2021
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
With the winter slate of shows upon us you might be needing an injection of humor. Well, series creator Chuck Lorre of “Two and a Half Men” fame has you covered. CBS announced that Lorre’s latest comedy, “United States of Al” will premiere on the network in April.
The series stars Adhir Kalyan and Parker Young in a comedy about the friendship between Riley (Young), a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir (“Al”) (Kalyan), the interpreter who served with his unit in Afghanistan and has just arrived to start a new life in America. Elizabeth Alderfer, Dean Norris, Kelli Goss, and Farrah Mackenzie also star.
Lorre will act as a producer alongside David Goetsch & Maria Ferrari. Reza Aslan, Mahyad Tousi and director Mark Cendrowski are executive producers for Warner Bros. Television and Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc.
Lorre’s sitcoms have been a safe bet for the network.
The series stars Adhir Kalyan and Parker Young in a comedy about the friendship between Riley (Young), a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir (“Al”) (Kalyan), the interpreter who served with his unit in Afghanistan and has just arrived to start a new life in America. Elizabeth Alderfer, Dean Norris, Kelli Goss, and Farrah Mackenzie also star.
Lorre will act as a producer alongside David Goetsch & Maria Ferrari. Reza Aslan, Mahyad Tousi and director Mark Cendrowski are executive producers for Warner Bros. Television and Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc.
Lorre’s sitcoms have been a safe bet for the network.
- 1/27/2021
- by Kristen Lopez
- Indiewire
CBS’ new comedy series United States Of Al, from Chuck Lorre, David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari, will premiere Thursday, April 1 and air in the 9:30 Pm time slot, succeeding The Unicorn after the show completes its 13-episode sophomore run.
With the addition of United States Of Al, all four series in CBS’ two-hour Thursday comedy block come from comedy super-producer Lorre, as the newcomer joins Young Sheldon, fellow freshman B Positive and Mom.
This is believed to be the first time a comedy writer-producer has controlled an entire two-hour block of half-hour programming on one network.
Lorre already set a new high-water mark at CBS when United States of Al was picked up, giving him five series on CBS, including Monday entry Bob❤ Abishola. (His previous record was four series on the network.) Lorre also has the Golden Globe-winning Netflix comedy series The Kominsky Method, bringing his tally to six on-air series.
With the addition of United States Of Al, all four series in CBS’ two-hour Thursday comedy block come from comedy super-producer Lorre, as the newcomer joins Young Sheldon, fellow freshman B Positive and Mom.
This is believed to be the first time a comedy writer-producer has controlled an entire two-hour block of half-hour programming on one network.
Lorre already set a new high-water mark at CBS when United States of Al was picked up, giving him five series on CBS, including Monday entry Bob❤ Abishola. (His previous record was four series on the network.) Lorre also has the Golden Globe-winning Netflix comedy series The Kominsky Method, bringing his tally to six on-air series.
- 1/27/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Utopia‘s Farrah Mackenzie is set as a series regular opposite Adhir Kalyan and Parker Young in United States of Al, CBS’ multi-camera comedy series from Chuck Lorre, David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari.
Created and written by Goetsch and Ferrari, United States of Al is about the friendship between Riley (Young), a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir, aka Al (Kalyan), the interpreter who served with his unit in Afghanistan and has just arrived to start a new life in America. Kelli Goss, Dean Norris and Elizabeth Alderfer also star.
2020-21 CBS Pilots & Series Orders
Goetsch & Ferrari, Lorre, Reza Aslan, Mahyad Tousi and director Mark Cendrowski (pilot only) are executive producers for Warner Bros. Television and Chuck Lorre Productions.
Mackenzie recently starred as Alice in Amazon’s straight-to-series adaptation of British drama Utopia opposite John Cusack and Rainn Wilson. She also starred...
Created and written by Goetsch and Ferrari, United States of Al is about the friendship between Riley (Young), a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir, aka Al (Kalyan), the interpreter who served with his unit in Afghanistan and has just arrived to start a new life in America. Kelli Goss, Dean Norris and Elizabeth Alderfer also star.
2020-21 CBS Pilots & Series Orders
Goetsch & Ferrari, Lorre, Reza Aslan, Mahyad Tousi and director Mark Cendrowski (pilot only) are executive producers for Warner Bros. Television and Chuck Lorre Productions.
Mackenzie recently starred as Alice in Amazon’s straight-to-series adaptation of British drama Utopia opposite John Cusack and Rainn Wilson. She also starred...
- 1/20/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
CBS is expanding its relationship with prolific producer Chuck Lorre.
The network has ordered United States of Ak to series, a new comedy from award-winning executive producer Chuck Lorre and creators/writers David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari, for the 2020-2021 broadcast season.
The series stars Adhir Kalyan and Parker Young in a comedy about the friendship between Riley (Young), a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir ("Al") (Kalyan), the interpreter who served with his unit in Afghanistan and has just arrived to start a new life in America.
Kelli Goss, Dean Norris, and Elizabeth Alderfer also star.
David Goetsch & Maria Ferrari, Chuck Lorre, Reza Aslan, Mahyad Tousi and director Mark Cendrowski (pilot only) are executive producers for Warner Bros. Television and Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc.
"Once again, Chuck, his talented writing team of Maria and David, and an amazing cast brings us a...
The network has ordered United States of Ak to series, a new comedy from award-winning executive producer Chuck Lorre and creators/writers David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari, for the 2020-2021 broadcast season.
The series stars Adhir Kalyan and Parker Young in a comedy about the friendship between Riley (Young), a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir ("Al") (Kalyan), the interpreter who served with his unit in Afghanistan and has just arrived to start a new life in America.
Kelli Goss, Dean Norris, and Elizabeth Alderfer also star.
David Goetsch & Maria Ferrari, Chuck Lorre, Reza Aslan, Mahyad Tousi and director Mark Cendrowski (pilot only) are executive producers for Warner Bros. Television and Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc.
"Once again, Chuck, his talented writing team of Maria and David, and an amazing cast brings us a...
- 11/11/2020
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
CBS has given a series order to United States Of Al, its multi-camera comedy pilot from Chuck Lorre, David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari. The intention is for the newly picked up series, starring Adhir Kalyan and Parker Young, to air during the 2020-2021 broadcast season, which is being disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.
The series pickup announcement comes on Veterans Day, fitting for a show whose co-lead character is a veteran. The order also brings Lorre’s comedy series currently on CBS to five, with United States of Al joining the most watched comedy series on broadcast, Young Sheldon; #2 comedy Mom; last season’s most watched new comedy series Bob ♥ Abishola; and this season’s newcomer B Positive. This is a new high-water mark for Lorre, whose previous record was four series on the network. Lorre also has the Golden Globe-winning Netflix comedy series The Kominsky Method, bringing his tally to six on-air series.
The series pickup announcement comes on Veterans Day, fitting for a show whose co-lead character is a veteran. The order also brings Lorre’s comedy series currently on CBS to five, with United States of Al joining the most watched comedy series on broadcast, Young Sheldon; #2 comedy Mom; last season’s most watched new comedy series Bob ♥ Abishola; and this season’s newcomer B Positive. This is a new high-water mark for Lorre, whose previous record was four series on the network. Lorre also has the Golden Globe-winning Netflix comedy series The Kominsky Method, bringing his tally to six on-air series.
- 11/11/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
CBS has given a series order to the Chuck Lorre comedy “United States of Al,” the network announced Tuesday.
Led by Adhir Kalyan and Parker Young, the series centers on the friendship between Riley (Young), a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir (Al) (Kalyan), the Interpreter who served with his unit in Afghanistan and has just arrived to start a new life in America.
It is set to premiere on the network later this season.
David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari are writers and creators on the series from Warner Bros. Television and Chuck Lorre Production, with Lorre serving as executive producer alongside Reza Aslan and Mahyad Tousi. Mark Cendrowski directed the pilot.
In addition to Kalyan and Young, Kelli Goss, Dean Norris and Elizabeth Alderfer also star.
“United States of Al” joins a growing slate of series at CBS from Lorre, which includes returning comedies “Young Sheldon,...
Led by Adhir Kalyan and Parker Young, the series centers on the friendship between Riley (Young), a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir (Al) (Kalyan), the Interpreter who served with his unit in Afghanistan and has just arrived to start a new life in America.
It is set to premiere on the network later this season.
David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari are writers and creators on the series from Warner Bros. Television and Chuck Lorre Production, with Lorre serving as executive producer alongside Reza Aslan and Mahyad Tousi. Mark Cendrowski directed the pilot.
In addition to Kalyan and Young, Kelli Goss, Dean Norris and Elizabeth Alderfer also star.
“United States of Al” joins a growing slate of series at CBS from Lorre, which includes returning comedies “Young Sheldon,...
- 11/11/2020
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
CBS is adding a mind-boggling fifth Chuck Lorre show to its schedule.
The network has issued a series order for “United States of Al,” a new comedy from Lorre and writer-creators David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari (both of whom worked with Lorre on “Big Bang Theory”). “United States of Al” is set to become the latest addition to the 2020-21 broadcast season, which has proved highly disjointed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
News of the “United States of Al” pick up comes over a year after the series was first announced as being in development. It stars Adhir Kalyan and Parker Young and centers around the friendship between Riley (Young), a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir (Al) (Kalyan), the Interpreter who served with his unit in Afghanistan and has just arrived to start a new life in America.
Kelli Goss, Dean Norris and Elizabeth Alderfer also star.
The network has issued a series order for “United States of Al,” a new comedy from Lorre and writer-creators David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari (both of whom worked with Lorre on “Big Bang Theory”). “United States of Al” is set to become the latest addition to the 2020-21 broadcast season, which has proved highly disjointed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
News of the “United States of Al” pick up comes over a year after the series was first announced as being in development. It stars Adhir Kalyan and Parker Young and centers around the friendship between Riley (Young), a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir (Al) (Kalyan), the Interpreter who served with his unit in Afghanistan and has just arrived to start a new life in America.
Kelli Goss, Dean Norris and Elizabeth Alderfer also star.
- 11/11/2020
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
New trailers, first looks, and tantalizing hints for the future were a part of Star Trek Day, the fan event commemorating the 54th anniversary of the debut of the original “Star Trek” TV series on Sept. 8, 1966. Panels covering every “Trek” TV series, from the original TV series to the recently announced new series “Strange New Worlds,” unfolded over a three-and-a-half-hour period on Tuesday, hosted by “Star Trek: The Next Generation” co-star Wil Wheaton and Mica Burton (daughter of “The Next Generation” star LeVar Burton), in between a day-long marathon of classic episodes from every “Trek” series.
Here are the highlights:
“Star Trek: Discovery”
The full trailer for Season 3 of “Star Trek: Discovery” debuted on Tuesday, along with a brand new title treatment that suggests a fresh direction for the CBS All Access series. The trailer, introduced by star Sonequa Martin-Green, launched the start of Star Trek Day, with “Discovery” co-showrunners Alex Kurtzman and Michelle Paradise,...
Here are the highlights:
“Star Trek: Discovery”
The full trailer for Season 3 of “Star Trek: Discovery” debuted on Tuesday, along with a brand new title treatment that suggests a fresh direction for the CBS All Access series. The trailer, introduced by star Sonequa Martin-Green, launched the start of Star Trek Day, with “Discovery” co-showrunners Alex Kurtzman and Michelle Paradise,...
- 9/8/2020
- by Adam B. Vary
- Variety Film + TV
It wasn’t too long ago that it was easier to name late night talk show hosts named Jimmy than it was to name any who were women or people of color. But as television has expanded to more networks and streaming platforms and talk shows have seen a political boom influenced by Jon Stewart‘s celebrated tenure on “The Daily Show,” we might see more non-white-guy nominees for Best Variety Talk Series than ever before.
The tip of the spear might actually be the host who took over for Stewart on “The Daily Show.” South African comedian Trevor Noah took the reins in 2015, but his version of the program wasn’t nominated for Best Variety Talk Series until 2018. It was nominated again in 2019, and this year our odds say it could even be a threat to win, especially after it transformed itself during the coronavirus pandemic; it was one...
The tip of the spear might actually be the host who took over for Stewart on “The Daily Show.” South African comedian Trevor Noah took the reins in 2015, but his version of the program wasn’t nominated for Best Variety Talk Series until 2018. It was nominated again in 2019, and this year our odds say it could even be a threat to win, especially after it transformed itself during the coronavirus pandemic; it was one...
- 7/10/2020
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
“Saturday Night Seder,” the star-studded virtual Passover Seder that premiered Saturday night on YouTube via www.SaturdayNightSeder.com and Buzzfeed’s Tasty YouTube, has raised more than $2,350,000 for the Cdc Foundation’s Coronavirus (Covid-19) Emergency Response Fund, it was announced today.
All funds raised came from more than 27,000 individual donors who contributed via SaturdayNightSeder.com ($1.7M), BuzzFeed’s Tasty Channel on YouTube ($500K) and the Cdc Foundation’s homepage ($160K).
More than 1 million people watched the initial stream (which was trending on Twitter), but for those who missed it (or want to re-watch it!), “Saturday Night Seder” is now available to watch in its entirety, and viewers can still make donations to the Cdc Foundation. To donate or watch, visit SaturdayNightSeder.com.
“The Covid-19 pandemic is creating so many needs where we can all come together to support and bolster our health and public health systems that protect us all,...
All funds raised came from more than 27,000 individual donors who contributed via SaturdayNightSeder.com ($1.7M), BuzzFeed’s Tasty Channel on YouTube ($500K) and the Cdc Foundation’s homepage ($160K).
More than 1 million people watched the initial stream (which was trending on Twitter), but for those who missed it (or want to re-watch it!), “Saturday Night Seder” is now available to watch in its entirety, and viewers can still make donations to the Cdc Foundation. To donate or watch, visit SaturdayNightSeder.com.
“The Covid-19 pandemic is creating so many needs where we can all come together to support and bolster our health and public health systems that protect us all,...
- 4/14/2020
- Look to the Stars
Exclusive: Kelli Goss (The Ranch) and Elizabeth Alderfer (Disjointed) are set as series regulars opposite Adhir Kalyan, Parker Young and Dean Norris in The United States Of Al, CBS’ multi-camera comedy pilot from The Big Bang Theory co-creator/executive producer Chuck Lorre, fellow Big Bang executive producers David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari, TV personality and scholar of religious studies Reza Aslan and Warner Bros. TV.
Written by Goetsch and Ferrari, The United States of Al is about the friendship between Riley (Young), a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir aka Al (Kalyan), the interpreter who served with his unit in Afghanistan and has just arrived to start a new life in America.
Goss will play Vanessa, Riley’s (Parker Young) soon-to-be ex-wife and the fiercely protective mother of their young daughter. She tries her best to co-parent with her undependable ex, despite her frustration with his hard-partying,...
Written by Goetsch and Ferrari, The United States of Al is about the friendship between Riley (Young), a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir aka Al (Kalyan), the interpreter who served with his unit in Afghanistan and has just arrived to start a new life in America.
Goss will play Vanessa, Riley’s (Parker Young) soon-to-be ex-wife and the fiercely protective mother of their young daughter. She tries her best to co-parent with her undependable ex, despite her frustration with his hard-partying,...
- 1/27/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva and Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
CBS has given a pilot order to B Positive, a multi-camera comedy from Mom co-executive producer Marco Pennette, series creator Chuck Lorre, and Warner Bros. TV, where Lorre is under a deal.
B Positive is the second pilot order at CBS for Lorre this cycle, joining multi-cam The United States Of Al, with his fellow Big Bang Theory executive producers David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari, Reza Aslan and Warner Bros. TV.
Written by Pennette, in B Positive, faced with finding a kidney donor, newly divorced dad Drew is at the end of his rope when he runs into Gina, a rough-around-the edges woman from his past who volunteers her own. Together they form an unlikely bond and begin a journey that will change both of their lives.
2020 CBS Pilots & Series Orders
Pennette and Lorre executive produce. Warner Bros. Television produces with Lorre’s studio-based Chuck Lorre Productions.
Pennette currently is...
B Positive is the second pilot order at CBS for Lorre this cycle, joining multi-cam The United States Of Al, with his fellow Big Bang Theory executive producers David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari, Reza Aslan and Warner Bros. TV.
Written by Pennette, in B Positive, faced with finding a kidney donor, newly divorced dad Drew is at the end of his rope when he runs into Gina, a rough-around-the edges woman from his past who volunteers her own. Together they form an unlikely bond and begin a journey that will change both of their lives.
2020 CBS Pilots & Series Orders
Pennette and Lorre executive produce. Warner Bros. Television produces with Lorre’s studio-based Chuck Lorre Productions.
Pennette currently is...
- 1/23/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Claws co-star Dean Norris is set as a series regular opposite Adhir Kalyan and Parker Young in The United States Of Al, CBS’ multi-camera comedy pilot from The Big Bang Theory co-creator/executive producer Chuck Lorre, fellow Big Bang executive producers David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari, TV personality and scholar of religious studies Reza Aslan and Warner Bros. TV.
Written by Goetsch and Ferrari, The United States of Al is about the friendship between Riley (Young), a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir aka Al (Kalyan), the interpreter who served with his unit in Afghanistan and has just arrived to start a new life in America.
Norris will play Art, a veteran whose son, Riley (Young), a former Marine, and daughter Lizzie (Tbd), still live with him. Art understands the close bond Riley shares with Al (Kalyan), his Afghan translator, and warmly welcomes Al into his home.
Written by Goetsch and Ferrari, The United States of Al is about the friendship between Riley (Young), a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir aka Al (Kalyan), the interpreter who served with his unit in Afghanistan and has just arrived to start a new life in America.
Norris will play Art, a veteran whose son, Riley (Young), a former Marine, and daughter Lizzie (Tbd), still live with him. Art understands the close bond Riley shares with Al (Kalyan), his Afghan translator, and warmly welcomes Al into his home.
- 1/23/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva and Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The Black List Podcast will debut on the new premium podcast subscription service Luminary in March of this year. Co-hosted by Black List founder Franklin Leonard and Kate Hagen, the podcast will feature unproduced scripts as contemporary radio plays, as well as thoughtful, in-depth conversations with filmmakers, producers, and creators of all kinds.
The Black List Podcast will join the Luminary’s current slate that includes On Second Thought: The Trevor Noah Podcast, Metaphysical Milkshake with Rainn Wilson and Reza Aslan, Vocal Point with Martina McBride, The C-Word with Lena Dunham, Under The Skin with Russell Brand, I Am Rapaport with Michael Rapaport, and Hear To Slay with Roxane Gay and Tressie McMillan Cottom.
The podcast will be executive produced by Jimmy Miller and Hans Sahni for Ninth Planet Audio, the podcast production arm of Mosaic Media.
The Black List, an annual survey of Hollywood executives’ top selections of unproduced screenplays,...
The Black List Podcast will join the Luminary’s current slate that includes On Second Thought: The Trevor Noah Podcast, Metaphysical Milkshake with Rainn Wilson and Reza Aslan, Vocal Point with Martina McBride, The C-Word with Lena Dunham, Under The Skin with Russell Brand, I Am Rapaport with Michael Rapaport, and Hear To Slay with Roxane Gay and Tressie McMillan Cottom.
The podcast will be executive produced by Jimmy Miller and Hans Sahni for Ninth Planet Audio, the podcast production arm of Mosaic Media.
The Black List, an annual survey of Hollywood executives’ top selections of unproduced screenplays,...
- 1/7/2020
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Topic Adds Maria Bamford-Fronted Mental Health Talk Show, Horror Anthology Series To Originals Slate
Newly launched streaming site Topic on Thursday unveiled premiere dates for a pair of new original series and said it has set a third, the scripted psychological horror anthology Soul City, to bow in 2020.
It also set the debut of the previously announced Rough Draft with Reza Aslan for today.
Soul City is created by directing duo Coodie and Chike (ESPN 30 for 30’s Benji), who produce with Jess Jacobs and Audrey Rosenberg of Invisible Pictures (Bull). It exposes the multicultural world of a select American city and its black population through the lens of psychological horror stories. New Orleans will be the debut city.
The eight-episode Rough Draft, a version of Aslan’s Ovation interview series, will feature sit-downs with writers including Melissa Rosenberg, Steven Canals (Pose), Ramy Youssef (Ramy) and activist-rapper Vic Mensa.
The new slate also includes What’s Your Ailment?!, an eight-episode...
It also set the debut of the previously announced Rough Draft with Reza Aslan for today.
Soul City is created by directing duo Coodie and Chike (ESPN 30 for 30’s Benji), who produce with Jess Jacobs and Audrey Rosenberg of Invisible Pictures (Bull). It exposes the multicultural world of a select American city and its black population through the lens of psychological horror stories. New Orleans will be the debut city.
The eight-episode Rough Draft, a version of Aslan’s Ovation interview series, will feature sit-downs with writers including Melissa Rosenberg, Steven Canals (Pose), Ramy Youssef (Ramy) and activist-rapper Vic Mensa.
The new slate also includes What’s Your Ailment?!, an eight-episode...
- 12/5/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Parker Young has been cast to star opposite Adhir Kalyan in Chuck Lorre’s “United States of Al” comedy pilot, which is in the works in CBS.
The show is a multi-camera comedy about the friendship between Riley (Young), a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir (Kalyan), the Interpreter who served with his unit in Afghanistan and has just arrived to start a new life in America.
Young is best known for his two-season series regular role on Bravo’s “Imposters.” He will next be seen recurring in Lena Waithe’s upcoming series “Twenties” at Bet. Young was also a series regular on Fox’s “Enlisted, as well as ABC’s “Suburgatory.” On the film side, he was a lead in the independent feature “Fourth Man Out” and the movie “Animal,” produced by Flower Films. In addition, he appeared in the Isaac Feder directed comedy “Sex Ed.
The show is a multi-camera comedy about the friendship between Riley (Young), a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir (Kalyan), the Interpreter who served with his unit in Afghanistan and has just arrived to start a new life in America.
Young is best known for his two-season series regular role on Bravo’s “Imposters.” He will next be seen recurring in Lena Waithe’s upcoming series “Twenties” at Bet. Young was also a series regular on Fox’s “Enlisted, as well as ABC’s “Suburgatory.” On the film side, he was a lead in the independent feature “Fourth Man Out” and the movie “Animal,” produced by Flower Films. In addition, he appeared in the Isaac Feder directed comedy “Sex Ed.
- 12/4/2019
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Parker Young is set as the co-lead opposite Adhir Kalyan in The United States of Al, CBS’ multi-camera comedy pilot from The Big Bang Theory co-creator/executive producer Chuck Lorre, fellow Big Bang executive producers David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari, TV personality and scholar of religious studies Reza Aslan and Warner Bros. TV.
Written by Goetsch and Ferrari, The United States of Al is about the friendship between Riley (Young), a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir aka Al (Kalyan), the interpreter who served with his unit in Afghanistan and has just arrived to start a new life in America.
Goetsch and Ferrari executive produce with Lorre, Aslan and Mahyad Tousi. Warner Bros. Television produces with Lorre’s studio-based Chuck Lorre Productions.
Like Kalyan, Young co-starred in a CBS comedy pilot this past season; Young was in Mike Royce’s The Us Project.
Written by Goetsch and Ferrari, The United States of Al is about the friendship between Riley (Young), a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir aka Al (Kalyan), the interpreter who served with his unit in Afghanistan and has just arrived to start a new life in America.
Goetsch and Ferrari executive produce with Lorre, Aslan and Mahyad Tousi. Warner Bros. Television produces with Lorre’s studio-based Chuck Lorre Productions.
Like Kalyan, Young co-starred in a CBS comedy pilot this past season; Young was in Mike Royce’s The Us Project.
- 12/4/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Chuck Lorre’s upcoming comedy pilot “United States of Al” has found its lead in “Rules of Engagement” actor Adhir Kalyan, TheWrap has learned.
CBS gave the show a pilot commitment in October. The show follows the friendship between Riley, a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir (Al), the Afghan interpreter who served with his unit and has just arrived to start a new life in America.
Kalyan, a South African actor, is known for playing Timmy Patel in “Rules of Engagement” for five seasons. He has recently appeared in Netflix’s “Arrested Development” as Raja, and Amazon’s “I Love Dick” as Geoff. His other previous television credits include the role of Otto Goodwin in Fox’s “Second Chance,” Dr. Raj Paresh on “Nip Tuck” and as Raja in The CW’s “Aliens in America,” in which he played an exchange student...
CBS gave the show a pilot commitment in October. The show follows the friendship between Riley, a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir (Al), the Afghan interpreter who served with his unit and has just arrived to start a new life in America.
Kalyan, a South African actor, is known for playing Timmy Patel in “Rules of Engagement” for five seasons. He has recently appeared in Netflix’s “Arrested Development” as Raja, and Amazon’s “I Love Dick” as Geoff. His other previous television credits include the role of Otto Goodwin in Fox’s “Second Chance,” Dr. Raj Paresh on “Nip Tuck” and as Raja in The CW’s “Aliens in America,” in which he played an exchange student...
- 12/3/2019
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
Adhir Kalyan is set to star in the CBS comedy pilot “The United States of Al,” Variety has confirmed.
The show was given a pilot production commitment in October. It is a multi-camera comedy about the friendship between Riley, a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir (Kalyan), also known as Al, the interpreter who served with his unit in Afghanistan and has just arrived to start a new life in America.
Kalyan previously starred in the CBS comedy “Rules of Engagement.” His other recent credits include “Arrested Development,” “I Love Dick,” “Nip/Tuck,” and “Aliens in America.” On the feature side, he has appeared in the “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” franchise, “Youth in Revolt,” “No Strings Attached,” and “Up in the Air.”
He is repped by UTA, Thruline Entertainment, and Jackoway Tyerman.
“The United States of Al” hails from “Big Bang Theory” executive producers David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari.
The show was given a pilot production commitment in October. It is a multi-camera comedy about the friendship between Riley, a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir (Kalyan), also known as Al, the interpreter who served with his unit in Afghanistan and has just arrived to start a new life in America.
Kalyan previously starred in the CBS comedy “Rules of Engagement.” His other recent credits include “Arrested Development,” “I Love Dick,” “Nip/Tuck,” and “Aliens in America.” On the feature side, he has appeared in the “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” franchise, “Youth in Revolt,” “No Strings Attached,” and “Up in the Air.”
He is repped by UTA, Thruline Entertainment, and Jackoway Tyerman.
“The United States of Al” hails from “Big Bang Theory” executive producers David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari.
- 12/3/2019
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Rules of Engagement alum Adhir Kalyan is set for the title role in The United States Of Al, CBS’ multi-camera comedy pilot from The Big Bang Theory co-creator/executive producer Chuck Lorre, fellow Big Bang executive producers David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari, TV personality and scholar of religious studies Reza Aslan and Warner Bros. TV.
Written by Goetsch and Ferrari, The United States of Al is about the friendship between Riley, a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir aka Al (Kalyan), the interpreter who served with his unit in Afghanistan and has just arrived to start a new life in America.
Goetsch and Ferrari executive produce with Lorre, Aslan and Mahyad Tousi. Warner Bros. Television produces with Lorre’s studio-based Chuck Lorre Productions.
South African actor Kalyan made his American television debut in another buddy/fish-out-of-water comedy set in the Midwest, the CW’s Aliens in America,...
Written by Goetsch and Ferrari, The United States of Al is about the friendship between Riley, a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir aka Al (Kalyan), the interpreter who served with his unit in Afghanistan and has just arrived to start a new life in America.
Goetsch and Ferrari executive produce with Lorre, Aslan and Mahyad Tousi. Warner Bros. Television produces with Lorre’s studio-based Chuck Lorre Productions.
South African actor Kalyan made his American television debut in another buddy/fish-out-of-water comedy set in the Midwest, the CW’s Aliens in America,...
- 12/3/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
“One Thousand and One Nights,” a vast collection of treasured Middle Eastern folklore, is being adapted for film, TV and gaming content by producer Reza Aslan and film executive Erik Feig’s new venture, Picturestart.
The internationally renowned stories — which count characters like Aladdin and his genie, Sinbad and Alibaba — will be framed as they have throughout history, as told by the Persian queen Scheherazade. Self-contained stories and tales-within-tales will be told across various media, all springing from the powerful female figure in different time periods and new dimensions, ala “Doctor Who.”
Picturestart will produce and finance, with Aslan and Mahyad Tousi of BoomGen Studios as writer-creators. Aslan is an Emmy nominee and James Joyce Award winner, whose credits include HBO’s drama “The Leftovers” and the upcoming “Dune: The Sisterhood.” He hosts the Topic streaming series “Rough Draft” as well as the podcast Metaphysical Milkshake. Ryan Lindenberg and Julia Hammer...
The internationally renowned stories — which count characters like Aladdin and his genie, Sinbad and Alibaba — will be framed as they have throughout history, as told by the Persian queen Scheherazade. Self-contained stories and tales-within-tales will be told across various media, all springing from the powerful female figure in different time periods and new dimensions, ala “Doctor Who.”
Picturestart will produce and finance, with Aslan and Mahyad Tousi of BoomGen Studios as writer-creators. Aslan is an Emmy nominee and James Joyce Award winner, whose credits include HBO’s drama “The Leftovers” and the upcoming “Dune: The Sisterhood.” He hosts the Topic streaming series “Rough Draft” as well as the podcast Metaphysical Milkshake. Ryan Lindenberg and Julia Hammer...
- 10/25/2019
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Chuck Lorre has another multi-camera sitcom in development at CBS. “The United States of Al,” which follows the friendship of a marine vet and an Afghan interpreter, has a pilot production commitment.
David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari are writing Warner Bros. Television and Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc. comedy. Reza Aslan and Mahyad Tousi will executive produce along with Lorre.
Here’s the logline:
“The United Stated of Al” is a comedy about the friendship between Riley, a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir (Al), the Afghan interpreter who served with his unit and has just arrived to start a new life in America.
Also Read: 'Imag': Chuck Lorre Hands Out 'Immigrants Make America Great' Hats to TV Critics
Lorre, whose “Big Bang Theory” went off the air this past spring after 12 seasons, already has a new CBS series that debuted this season in “Bob Hearts Abishola.
David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari are writing Warner Bros. Television and Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc. comedy. Reza Aslan and Mahyad Tousi will executive produce along with Lorre.
Here’s the logline:
“The United Stated of Al” is a comedy about the friendship between Riley, a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir (Al), the Afghan interpreter who served with his unit and has just arrived to start a new life in America.
Also Read: 'Imag': Chuck Lorre Hands Out 'Immigrants Make America Great' Hats to TV Critics
Lorre, whose “Big Bang Theory” went off the air this past spring after 12 seasons, already has a new CBS series that debuted this season in “Bob Hearts Abishola.
- 10/10/2019
- by Tony Maglio and Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Chuck Lorre is setting up yet another project at CBS.
The network has issued a pilot production commitment to “The United States of Al,” a multi-camera comedy which hails from “The Big Bang Theory” creator and his fellow “Big Bang” executive producers David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari.
The prospective series is described as a comedy about the friendship between Riley, a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir (Al), the Afghan interpreter who served with his unit and has just arrived to start a new life in America.
The series hails from Warner Bros Television and Lorre’s Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc. Religious studies scholar Reza Aslan and Mahyad Tousi are also EPs on the series.
If it goes to series, “The United States of Al” would be Lorre’s second show in quick succession to center around an immigrant to the United States.
The network has issued a pilot production commitment to “The United States of Al,” a multi-camera comedy which hails from “The Big Bang Theory” creator and his fellow “Big Bang” executive producers David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari.
The prospective series is described as a comedy about the friendship between Riley, a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir (Al), the Afghan interpreter who served with his unit and has just arrived to start a new life in America.
The series hails from Warner Bros Television and Lorre’s Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc. Religious studies scholar Reza Aslan and Mahyad Tousi are also EPs on the series.
If it goes to series, “The United States of Al” would be Lorre’s second show in quick succession to center around an immigrant to the United States.
- 10/10/2019
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: CBS, Chuck Lorre’s broadcast home for the past 16 years, has landed the next multi-camera sitcom from the comedy king. The network has given a pilot production commitment to The United States of Al, from The Big Bang Theory co-creator/executive producer Lorre, fellow Big Bang executive producers David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari, TV personality and scholar of religious studies Reza Aslan and Warner Bros. TV.
Written by Goetsch and Ferrar, The United States of Al is a comedy about the friendship between Riley, a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir (Al), the Afghan interpreter who served with his unit and has just arrived to start a new life in America.
Goetsch and Ferrari executive produce with Lorre, Aslan and Mahyad Tousi. Warner Bros. Television produces with Lorre’s studio-based Chuck Lorre Productions.
This is the second consecutive Chuck Lorre comedy for...
Written by Goetsch and Ferrar, The United States of Al is a comedy about the friendship between Riley, a Marine combat veteran struggling to readjust to civilian life in Ohio, and Awalmir (Al), the Afghan interpreter who served with his unit and has just arrived to start a new life in America.
Goetsch and Ferrari executive produce with Lorre, Aslan and Mahyad Tousi. Warner Bros. Television produces with Lorre’s studio-based Chuck Lorre Productions.
This is the second consecutive Chuck Lorre comedy for...
- 10/10/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Chuck Lorre has another comedy in the works at CBS.
The network has given a pilot-production commitment to The United States of Al, a multicamera comedy about the friendship between a Marine combat veteran and his unit's Afghan interpreter, who has newly arrived in America.
David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari, executive producers with Lorre on The Big Bang Theory, are writing the pilot. They will executive produce with Lorre, religious scholar, author and TV host Reza Aslan and Mahyad Tousi. The series comes from Chuck Lorre Productions and Warner Bros. TV, where both Lorre and Ferrari are based.
The United States of ...
The network has given a pilot-production commitment to The United States of Al, a multicamera comedy about the friendship between a Marine combat veteran and his unit's Afghan interpreter, who has newly arrived in America.
David Goetsch and Maria Ferrari, executive producers with Lorre on The Big Bang Theory, are writing the pilot. They will executive produce with Lorre, religious scholar, author and TV host Reza Aslan and Mahyad Tousi. The series comes from Chuck Lorre Productions and Warner Bros. TV, where both Lorre and Ferrari are based.
The United States of ...
- 10/10/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Reza Aslan’s series Rough Draft with Reza Aslan has landed at Topic, which will make the interview show the first original series for its upcoming streaming service. The eight-episode series will begin shooting next month and is set to debut later this fall.
The show will be a refreshed, new version of Rough Draft that bowed on Ovation in 2016, Topic said. The series featured conversations with contemporary novelists, screenwriters, journalists and songwriters about their creative process in front of an audience. The new iteration will be set at a bar in Los Angeles.
Topic Gm Ryan Chanatry said Tuesday that the series “demonstrates the type of programming Topic will offer audiences — smart, intriguing, and inviting, created especially for culturally engaged content enthusiasts.”
Rough Draft is executive produced by Topic, Reza Aslan for BoomGen Studios, Philip Alberstat for Ntology, David Andreone for Andreone Arts, Jesse Rogg for Mack Sennett Studios,...
The show will be a refreshed, new version of Rough Draft that bowed on Ovation in 2016, Topic said. The series featured conversations with contemporary novelists, screenwriters, journalists and songwriters about their creative process in front of an audience. The new iteration will be set at a bar in Los Angeles.
Topic Gm Ryan Chanatry said Tuesday that the series “demonstrates the type of programming Topic will offer audiences — smart, intriguing, and inviting, created especially for culturally engaged content enthusiasts.”
Rough Draft is executive produced by Topic, Reza Aslan for BoomGen Studios, Philip Alberstat for Ntology, David Andreone for Andreone Arts, Jesse Rogg for Mack Sennett Studios,...
- 8/6/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Author and religious scholar Reza Aslan will host an interview show that will be the first original series on Topic’s new streaming service, the company announced Tuesday.
“Rough Draft With Reza Aslan,” which will begin shooting in September and debut on the platform when it launches this fall, will feature an in-depth, long-form conversation between Aslan and a contemporary writer about their work and creative process.
Aslan previously hosted a talk show of the same name on Ovation, and this new version has essentially the same formula — two chairs, a few well-mixed cocktails and a long conversation.
Guests for the eight-episode series have yet to be announced, but the show’s previous iteration featured interviews with Norman Lear, Damon Lindelof and Jill Soloway.
Also Read: Former HBO Films Exec Maria Zuckerman Joins Topic Studios as Executive Vice President
“Writers are more than just storytellers,” Aslan said in a statement about the series.
“Rough Draft With Reza Aslan,” which will begin shooting in September and debut on the platform when it launches this fall, will feature an in-depth, long-form conversation between Aslan and a contemporary writer about their work and creative process.
Aslan previously hosted a talk show of the same name on Ovation, and this new version has essentially the same formula — two chairs, a few well-mixed cocktails and a long conversation.
Guests for the eight-episode series have yet to be announced, but the show’s previous iteration featured interviews with Norman Lear, Damon Lindelof and Jill Soloway.
Also Read: Former HBO Films Exec Maria Zuckerman Joins Topic Studios as Executive Vice President
“Writers are more than just storytellers,” Aslan said in a statement about the series.
- 8/6/2019
- by Kylie Harrington
- The Wrap
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