Prime Video Releases First Look at Donald Glover, Maya Erskine Series ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ (TV News Roundup)
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Prime Video series “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” has unveiled first look images.
The series is a reimagining of the 2005 film starring Brad Pit and Angelina Jolie as Mr. Smith and Mrs. Smith, respectively. In this iteration, Donald Glover (“The Martian”) stars as John Smith, while Maya Erskine (“PEN15”) stars as Jane Smith.
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This new version features John and Jane both landing jobs working for an international spy agency where they must pose as spouses Mr. Smith and Mrs. Smith. As they navigate a new mission each week, they find themselves falling in love with one another, complicating — and compromising — their “strictly business” relationship. Notably, this version features an intentional sham marriage between two strangers, as compared to the 2005 original, in which Mr. Smith and Mrs. Smith were married without being aware of each other’s identity as an assassin.
Glover serves as co-creator and executive producer, along with Francesca Sloane (“Fargo”).
All eight episodes of “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” premiere on Prime Video Feb. 2, 2024.
See first look images below.
In other TV roundup news:
FIRST LOOKS
Apple TV+ has shared first look images for its new Christian Dior and Coco Chanel drama series, “The New Look.”
Created by Todd A. Kessler (“Bloodline”), the ten-episode series stars Ben Mendelsohn as Christian Dior and Juliette Binoche as Coco Chanel and is inspired by true events in fashion history.
The series description reads: “Set against the World War II Nazi occupation of Paris, ‘The New Look’ focuses on the pivotal moment in the twentieth century when the French city led the world back to life through its fashion icon Christian Dior. As Dior rises to prominence with his groundbreaking, iconic imprint of beauty and influence, Chanel’s reign as the world’s most famous fashion designer is put into jeopardy.”
Apple Studios and DB-AK Productions co-produce the series, which is executive produced, directed and written by Kessler. Also executive producers are Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Mark Baker.
“The New Look” debuts Feb. 14, 2024 on Apple TV+.
See first look images below.
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Apple TV+ documentary series “The Dynasty: New England Patriots” has released a trailer.
“The Dynasty: New England Patriots” follows the rise of the New England Patriots. The series description reads: “’The Dynasty: New England Patriots’ brings together former quarterback Tom Brady, coach Bill Belichick and owner Robert Kraft as they give the definitive story of the team’s remarkable reign. The docuseries explores the franchise’s 20-year journey, from the unique chemistry that fueled six Super Bowl wins to the internal strife that sparked a turf war. From the owner’s suite to the locker room, the series reveals an insider’s look at the road to—and cost of—greatness.”
Directed by Matthew Hamachek (“Tiger”), the series is executive produced by Hamachek, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Sara Bernstein, Justin Wilkes, and Jeff Benedict. Miranda Johnson-Smith, Meredith Kaulfers and Jonna McLaughlin serve as co-executive producers.
“The Dynasty: New England Patriots” will premiere on Apple TV+ Feb. 16.
Watch the teaser below.
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AMC Networks has released a teaser trailer for the upcoming action drama “Parish,” debuting on AMC and AMC+ in 2024. Giancarlo Esposito, no stranger to AMC viewers thanks to “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul,” stars and executive produces.
The series’ synopsis reads, “Esposito stars as Gracian ‘Gray’ Parish, a family man and proud owner of a luxury car service in New Orleans. After his son is violently murdered and his business collapses, an encounter with an old friend from his days as a wheelman resurfaces old habits, sending Gray on a high-stakes collision course with a violent criminal syndicate.”
The series was shot on location in New Orleans. The rest of the ensemble cast includes Zachary Momoh, Paula Malcolmson, Skeet Ulrich, Bonnie Mbuili, Ivan Mbakop, Arica Himmel and Dax Rey. Bradley Whitford stars in a recurring role as Anton and Amanda Brugel guest stars as Sister Anne.
“Parish” is adapted from the UK series “The Driver,” created by Danny Brocklehurst and Jim Poyser. AMC Studios produces alongside A+E Studios and Thruline Entertainment. Brocklehurst is co-creator and executive producer. Eduardo Canto and Ryan Maldonado are showrunners and executive producers; other executive producers include Poyser, Jolyon Symonds and David Morrissey for Scribbler Films, Josh Kesselman, Danny Sherman, Barry Jossen, Tana Jamieson, Theo Travers and Red Production’s Nicola Shindler.
Watch the teaser below.
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The sequel to 2020’s “Belgravia,” “Belgravia: The Next Chapter,” has released a trailer.
Brought to audiences by the team behind “Downton Abbey” and “The Gilded Age,” this historical drama continues following the residents of the affluent London district of the same name. Set in 1871, thirty years after the events of the original series, “Belgravia: The Next Chapter” centers on third Lord Trenchard, Frederick Trenchard (Benjamin Wainwright), and his new love interest, newcomer Clara Dunn (Harriet Slater). In his courtship of her, Frederick must reckon with the trauma of his childhood.
“We all have secrets,” Clara says ominously in the trailer.
The series is produced by Carnival Films, part of Universal International Studios, and MGM Studios. Julian Fellowes (“Downton Abbey”) executive produces with Gareth Neame, Nigel Marchant, Joanna Strevens and Helen Edmunson. Edmunson is showrunner. John Alexander, Paul Wilmshurst, Marisol Adler and Roger Goldby direct. “Belgravia” producer Colin Wratten returns to the sequel as producer.
“I’m so proud of everything this dedicated team accomplished with the original Belgravia series. I cannot wait for the world to return to Belgravia for this new iteration, expertly crafted by Helen Edmundson,” said Julian Fellowes, executive producer of the series. “Old and new fans alike will be swept off their feet with an emotionally engaging story, memorable characters, and brilliant production and costume design.”
“Belgravia: The Next Chapter” premieres Jan. 14, 2024 on MGM+.
Watch the trailer below.
PODCASTS
Bravo has launched the new podcast “Bravo’s Hot Mic,” hosted by “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” executive producer Alex Baskin.
The podcast is a deep dive into iconic Bravo programming moments. According to the series description, Baskin, who has previously produced “Vanderpump Rules,” “The Real Housewives of Orange County” and “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills for the network, will dissect those moments with Bravo talent and producers, analyzing them beyond social media discourse.
“Bravo’s Hot Mic” kicks off its first episode with Kyle Richards from “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” Richards discusses the depiction of her marriage on the show, in addition to other topics. Episode 2’s guest star is Tamra Judge from “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” who will talk about how “housewife” status has redefined itself since her first season.
Episode one of “Bravo’s Hot Mic” is available now, with new episodes released bi-weekly, at a $3.99 monthly subscription fee. Subscriptions can be ordered at BravoTV.com/Podcast.
SPECIALS
“The 46th Annual Kennedy Center Honors” will air Dec. 27 on CBS, and also be available to stream on Paramount+.
The special honors artists including comedian Billy Crystal, soprano Renée Fleming, Bee Gees member and singer-songwriter Barry Gibb, television host and singer Dionne Warwick, and actor, rapper and singer Queen Latifah. The event will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip hop. Singer-songwriter Gloria Estefan, a former 2017 Kennedy Center honoree, will host.
Done+Dusted produces with ROK Productions’s Elizabeth Kelly. Kelly and David Jammy serve as executive producers. Alex Rudzinski is directing the special, which will be taped on Dec. 3 at the Kennedy Center Opera House stage in Washington, D.C.
“The Kennedy Center Honors recognizes and celebrates individuals whose unique contributions have shaped the way we see ourselves, each other and our world. Recipients have each had an impact on the rich tapestry of American life and culture through the performing arts,” reads the event’s description. “Whether in music, dance, theater, opera, motion pictures or television, each Kennedy Center Honoree has a unique place in the national consciousness and their influence has inspired audiences from all walks of life.”
PARTNERSHIPS
K-pop entertainment company SM Entertainment and UK production company Moon&Back Media are creating and debuting a UK boy band in a new series.
As per the press release, the untitled series will “follow a fledgling boy band as they depart London in early 2024 on the adventure of a lifetime.” A groundbreaking partnership between the UK and South Korea, the show will be shot over the course of six months, with pre-production already underway in both locations.
SM Entertainment is known for being one of the leading companies in K-pop, creating groups such as Girls’ Generation, EXO, Red Velvet and aespa. Moon&Back was founded by producer Nigel Hall, who played a role in creating One Direction through his work on “The X Factor;” former Getty Images CEO Dawn Airey; and talent manager Russ Lindsay, known for his work with Simon Cowell. The show’s executive team will comprise of music industry executive Ben Karter (Taylor Swift), producer and showrunner James McKinlay (“The X Factor”) and executive producer David Hall (“The Greatest Dancer”).
“This collaboration signifies our first footprint in Europe,” said Joseph Chang, CEO of SM & Kakao Entertainment America. “We are thrilled to partner with power players who were critical in the creation and success of One Direction, and together we are aiming to find that next global sensation.”
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Fashion brand Claire’s has partnered up with Sony Pictures Television — Kids to launch a new unnamed series for young audiences.
The series builds upon Claire’s existing production arm, CMedia, which produces original content relating to the brand, including video series “Dear Claire.” As per the press release, the collaboration with Sony is intended to “give a meaningful and self-expressive platform to the voices, interests and perspectives of Gen Zalpha.”
“In our ongoing dialogue with Gen Zalpha, they have told us they would love to see more content from us, and I am thrilled that we can partner with Sony Pictures Television to create this series to deepen our engagement and express the power of our brand in unique, new ways,” said Kristin Patrick, EVP and chief marketing officer of Claire’s. “We will partner to not only produce highly original programming and IP, but also amplify the brand’s global resonance and expand our consumer interaction through content that is socially immersive and shoppable entertainment.”
EVENTS
Larry Wilmore will host Hollywood, Health and Society’s 2023 Sentinel Awards on Wednesday, Dec. 6, to be held at the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills.
Per the event’s description, “These awards honor some of the past year’s best TV entertainment that responsibly inform audiences on topics including systemic racism, A.I., the climate crisis, diplomacy, reproductive health, mental health, economic disparities, and more.”
The program Hollywood, Health and Society is a part of the USC Annenberg Normal Lear Center; the Sentinel Awards have been presented for more than 20 years. The final 11 honorees will be revealed at the upcoming event.
“Hollywood, Health and Society’s Sentinel Awards couldn’t be back at a more timely moment as we embark on celebrating the writers and thought leaders who have tackled stories with an incredible responsibility,” said Wilmore. “I look forward to hosting and turning the spotlight on these narratives that capture human truths, especially ones that we have a hard time talking about.”
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Round Room Live and Sesame Workshop have announced the new live show “Sesame Street Live! Say Hello,” which will tour the U.S. and Canada.
Stops along the way include Boston, New York City, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Vancouver.
Per the show’s description, “Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to your neighborhood to say hello. In ‘Sesame Street Live! Say Hello,’ you can sing and dance with your favorite furry friends while enjoying fun surprises along the way.”
Tickets for “Sesame Street Live!” are available beginning Nov. 17.
EXECUTIVE NEWS
Anthem Sports and Entertainment has named Deborah Cuffaro senior vice president, advertising sales. Cuffaro will helm the advertising department as well as oversee local, national and digital sales for the company’s U.S. linear channels.
Cuffaro previously worked for 17 years at Ovation TV, where she served as both vice president, advertising sales and senior vice president, performance media. She contributed to Ovation’s 350% increase in revenue streams.
Cuffaro reports directly to Anthony Cicione, president of entertainment at Anthem.
“Deborah Cuffaro has a proven track record of creating and implementing successful strategies that have always resulted in growth and increased revenue,” said Cicione. “She’s a skilled leader who lives by the motto ‘Never be outworked’. We are excited to have Deborah, Edward and Martin all onboard. All three of them will be vital additions to Anthem’s advertising efforts.”
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Longtime Netflix executive Eric Pallotta is moving to sleep wellness company Hatch as chief marketing officer.
Previously, Pallotta spent ten years at Netflix, serving as the company’s first social media hire charged with growing and developing the Netflix brand across digital channels. Later, he was promoted to Vice President of Social Media and Brand, becoming the youngest member of Netflix’s executive staff. In his new position, he oversaw a 100-person team publishing 500 pieces of content daily to Netflix’s over 250 million followers.
At Hatch, Pallotta aims to broaden Hatch’s core demographic from parents to all audiences. He will report to CEO Ann Crady Weiss.
“Eric is an accomplished, innovative marketing leader who knows how to connect with audiences, unlock culture to build brands and take them to the next level,” Weiss said. “We are honored to have him jump in bed with us as we expand on our content offering and help people make space for rest in their life.”
PROGRAMMING
Bloomberg Media has announced that its morning program “Bloomberg Surveillance” is expanding to encompass a new radio show hosted by longtime Bloomberg anchor Tom Keene. Annmarie Hordern has been appointed an anchor of the television edition.
Keene, the original creator of “Bloomberg Surveillance,” will helm the radio program co-hosted by Paul Sweeney. The program is slated to air daily from 7 am – 10 am ET; it will be accessible on radio, as a YouTube live stream and as a podcast.
The show will continue to hone in on economics, finance, investment and international relations, featuring interviews and conversations. Lisa Mateo and Michael Barr of Bloomberg Radio will contribute daily.
Keene will also develop special projects for video and audio, which includes a new weekly program slated to debut on BTV next year.
The television version of “Bloomberg Surveillance” will continue to be led by Jonathan Ferro alongside Lisa Abramowicz; Annmarie Hordern, current co-anchor of “Bloomberg Balance of Power” will join them.
Kailey Leinz will co-host “Balance of Power” alongside Joe Mathieu.
“The US morning is such an important moment for us on our platforms,” said David Merritt, head of Bloomberg Media Editorial. “We aim to provide the best news and analysis for our business-focused audience across video and audio at this pivotal time of day and these changes set us up to continue to grow our influence and reach.”
AWARDS
The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has revealed the 2023 Gold and Silver Circle inductees, who will be celebrated at the second annual Children’s and Family Emmy Awards on Sunday, Dec. 17 for making significant contributions to children’s television.
Inductees include individuals considered to have set standards for achievement, mentoring, leadership and professional accolades in the industry for 50 or 25 years, respectively.
The Gold Circle inductees include producer/executive producer Peter Engel (“Saved By the Bell,” “One World”); actor/producer/public relations director/props/manager/talent booker David Newell (“Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” “My Tale of Two Cities”); and producer/creator Fred Seibert (“Adventure Time,” “The Fairly Oddparents”).
The Silver Circle inductees include senior vice president, content, education and inclusion at Disney Branded Television, Vicki Ariyasu; chief creative officer and executive producer Ellen Doherty (“Cyberchase,” “Odd Squad”); strategist/analyst/author/speaker David Kleeman; executive producer Carol-Lynn Parente (“Sesame Street”); casting/voice director Andrea Romano (“Batman Beyond,” “Pinky and the Brain”); creator/executive producer/writer Tom Ruegger (“Animaniacs,” “Tiny Toon Adventures”); and head of children’s programming, Apple TV+ Tara Sorenson.
“This year’s Gold & Silver honorees are recognized for their outstanding and ongoing contributions to family entertainment,” said Adam Sharp, NATAS president and CEO. “Their excellence as storytellers has entertained and informed viewers for generations. We look forward to celebrating each of them.”
LAUNCHES
Verance has introduced a watermarking system ahead of the 2024 election in order to digitally authenticate and track trustworthy news sources for video.
In advance of January’s primary elections, Verance is currently in talks with television and digital news operations, in addition to consumer electronics brands, to create partnerships for its trusted news source watermarking system. The system will let viewers ascertain the authenticity and accuracy of information given to them. Viewers will know if the media was tampered with or altered during distribution, and they will be able to access relevant fact checking resources.
CEO of Verance Nil Shah said, “It is important to enlarge the body of authenticated news content to reduce the influence of content that could be fake, especially in a hotly contested election year. Without universally trusted authenticity tools in this new era, the internet’s societal benefit as a means of accessing knowledge will precipitously decline. This presents a serious problem not only for large technology platforms such as Facebook and YouTube but also traditional news media that increasingly rely on the internet for sourcing and verification.”
Verance will also offer the system to other sectors including political campaigns and corporate and government organizations.
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